The skies surrounding the Western castle grew dark and a hard rain began to fall as if the skies could feel the pain of the people below and cried for them. Sayuri had begun Rin's lessons but other than teaching the girl she sat in her room locked up in despair. She spoke to no one save her servants and Rin. She felt so heart broken and betrayed. The lord of the castle had not yet made his decision but just the fact he'd even consider it hurt Sayuri beyond words.

Maybe a small part of her had hoped she and Sesshomaru could pick up where they left off. They had shared what felt like a love so deep surely those feelings couldn't just vanish, even after so long. But obviously she had been very wrong. She had been able to avoid the stoic lord since their violent confrontation but she knew she couldn't avoid him forever.

Sometimes she forgot just how deadly and dangerous Sesshomaru could be. He was not the boy she first met beneath the sakura tree any longer. She decided the sooner she got that through her head the better. In a way, she couldn't blame Sesshomaru for his coldness and his anger. He had lost his father, his mother was barely involved in his life at all, and in his grief he blamed it on a woman who he thought caused his father's death. Unfortunately, he let it consume him instead of moving on. But maybe somewhere under that frosty and bitter exterior there was the loving and happy young man she once knew.

Sesshomaru had spent the last several days concealed behind his study door. He requested not to be bothered by any servants, for any reason. Period. The staff knew if they disobeyed his commands they would pay dearly. Even Jaken had avoided any interaction with his master seeing the foul mood he was in after speaking with Sayuri. Sesshomaru sat staring at Masa's letter blankly. Why was this bothering him so much? She was a stupid girl who meant nothing to him. 'Send her away' his mind whispered to him. On the other hand, another part of his mind filled with unforgotten memories, whispered for him to let her make her own choice. He remembered once upon a time he had never wanted to cause her any unhappiness or tears.

He looked down at the scroll holding Masa's request once more. Before he realized what he was doing he had written a letter in reply explaining Lady Sayuri had fallen terribly ill. The reply finished with a promise to let Masa know as soon as she was well again and they could continue their talks of a possible union, but until her health returned it would be unkind to vow her hand to him. Sesshomaru smirked and called Jaken to dispatch the scroll immediately to the Southern lands. Jaken was caught off guard by his lord's sudden action on the matter.

Interested in what Sesshomaru's response had been Jaken unfurled the scroll and read his master's quick and clean script. The little green toad smiled to himself. Lady Sayuri would be relieved to know the matter would not need to be resolved for a few more months. Perhaps she and Lord Sesshomaru both would return to their normal selves and stop moping about like teenagers. 'Thank Kami Milord cannot read minds or surely I would be killed for thinking such things!' He hurried on his way lest a rock fly out of no where and peg him in the head as one often did when he thought or said anything negative of his lord.

Sayuri peaked around the edge of her door making sure no one was walking down the long wooden hall. She simply wanted to make it out of the castle and take a walk with no one stopping her before more rain fell. The last thing she felt like doing was feigning politeness when all she really wanted to do was punch things repeatedly and cry. She was scared. The thought of marrying a man so much older than her and trying to be happy with someone she didn't love was so frightening. Footsteps tapping along the floor snapped her from her thoughts and she looked around nervously realizing there was no where to hide. She put her head down in an attempt to look unapproachable.

"Oh, oh my lady! I'm glad I ran into you. I have some news that might cheer you up," Jaken chirped, clearly not taking her hint.

Sayuri peered at him and quirked an eyebrow. Usually what was exciting to Jaken was not exciting to anyone else. "Well, Jaken?" she responded impatiently.

Jaken cleared his throat and raised his head apparently ready to make a big show of his announcement,"Well my lady you'll be glad to know that I am on my way to send Lord Sesshomaru's response to Lord Masa."

The woman's eyes widened slightly but she remained collected. Rin must have told Jaken the very limited information she had given for her depressed behavior. She had simply told Rin that Sesshomaru was considering a marriage proposal for her that she did not wish to accept. Rin had bowed her head in understanding and dropped the subject. Sayuri nodded for the imp to continue.

"Lord Sesshomaru has responded that you are very ill and it would not be appropriate to send a response at this time. He told Masa that the subject can be revisited in a few months when you are better." with those last words the imp smiled at her and continued on his way. Sayuri turned and watched him disappear around the corner before slowly continuing to her destination.

She wasn't completely sure what her reaction should be. Jaken expected the news to make her happy but she felt as if Sesshomaru's response was simply a stalemate for now. Nothing had truly been solved. She still may or may not become the mate of a perverted old demon. However, this did give her a few more months of freedom. Truth be told, she had been considering leaving the Western lands and searching for Inuyasha. He would be glad to see her she was sure. By leaving the estate and her heritage behind she would no longer hold a high enough social rank to be considered a worthy mate for a lord with such power.

She shook her head sadly. That would also mean leaving behind everything she has ever known just to avoid marriage. Even if Sesshomaru told Masa no, eventually another lord would seek her hand. She couldn't run forever. Before she knew it her feet had carried her into the stables. A few horses stood in their stalls asleep and Ah Un rested at the far end of the building. She made her way toward him petting both of his heads. Rin was so fond of the dragon and dragged Sayuri out here between lessons to feed him apples. She now found herself drawn to the beast as well.

Nuzzling him slightly she was startled by the thud of the stable door closing. She wheeled around seeing Juro walking towards her. She smiled and gave a small wave. She knew little of the man other than what he told her the night of the banquet. He was one of Sesshomaru's guard, specially trained to protect the castle and its inhabitants. He was a dog demon but had long brown hair with deep brown eyes. He was tall but not quite as tall as Sesshomaru.

"My lady, I am so pleased to see you. I was just coming to grab a horse and practice my riding while performing sword maneuvers." he bowed to her in a sweeping, graceful movement.

"Ah well don't let me get in your way Juro. I just came to visit with dear Ah Un for awhile. I'm afraid I have locked myself indoors too much lately. Are you sure you want to go out with the possible rain we might have? The skies are darkening again."

"You're kind to worry for me my lady but I am not concerned. I believe the weather will hold out for me. And really," he continued with the flash of his smile, "all the better for me to work on my skills in the pouring rain. Never know what situation I might get myself into," he said with a chuckle. "Why don't you come with me? I can set you up on another horse and you can watch me and correct my techniques. I know you have extensive training in hand to hand combat and I'd love your guidance."

She blushed slightly realizing he knew much more about her than she of him. It was true she had excellent skills when it came to direct combat. Toga and Sesshomaru themselves had trained her until Toga's untimely death.

"Well I probably shouldn't...but why not!" deciding she needed to get out and have some fun. Juro saddled their horses and helped her onto her steed. She placed herself with her legs hanging to the side as her kimono would not let her ride in the traditional manner. They trotted off towards one of the large fields to the east. Sayuri watched Juro in awe. He was much better than he let on. He guided the horse with his thighs as he swung his sword manipulating it to complete different sets of maneuvers. She clapped for him as he finished his last set.

"Well done Juro! You are much better than you think. I would hate to compete against you in battle."

"You flatter me, surely, Lady Sayuri. But I did put on my best show for you. Can't have you thinking I'm not good at my job," he replied with a huge grin.

She found that once again he had made her cheeks burn red. She slid off of her horse and grabbed its reins, tugging them so the horse would follow behind her. Juro did the same and closed the distance between them. They walked along together sharing their histories. Juro's father had served under Toga and he had felt it was only fitting for him to continue serving the Lord of the West as his father had also done.

"If I may ask, my lady, why have you not yet sought a mate and left the West? Surely someone as beautiful as yourself as offers from many great lords."

She turned to him slightly surprised by his brashness. "If you must know, there have been offers. All of which Lord Toga turned down. With Lord Sesshomaru gone all these years I suppose there has been on one to arrange such things. I'm not particularly interested in all these political marriages anyway. I want to marry for love."

"Only peasants can marry for love." came his reply. Sayuri nodded sadly to him.

"Yes, maybe so. Terribly unfair isn't it?" Just then a flash of lightening and a crackle of thunder sounded above them. Rain poured without warning immediately soaking them. Juro grabbed Sayuri's hand and they ran under the nearest tree. Somewhat sheltered from the rain, Juro left Sayuri for a moment to retrieve the horses. He pulled them under the tree and tied their bridles to a low branch.

"You're soaked," Juro mumbled running his fingers down a lock of his companions wet silver hair. Suddenly feeling flushed all Sayuri could do was nod in return. Before she could register what was happening he had entwined his hand in her hair behind her neck and pulled her into his arms. His lips lightly grazed hers and he paused, as if he was waiting for her signal to stop. When she remained still he pressed his lips to her harder.

As if her body was acting on its own accord her arms wrapped around his neck and she pressed her form to his. The rain continued to pour around them. For a moment, Sayuri was completely lost in nothing but pure bliss. She had not been kissed since Sesshomaru's last kiss beneath the old sakura tree so long ago.

But suddenly the horses whined and reared in fear. Tearing themselves from one another they saw a boar demon running full speed towards them. It growled and leapt at Sayuri, one of it's horns scratching down her abdomen. She looked at her stomach in horror as her kimono was ripped open and blood gushed out of the wound the boar left behind.

Juro roared in fury and grabbed his sword. He plunged at the boar but it easily dodged his attack and continued to growl and leap at him. The demon was twice the normal size for its species. Juro abruptly realized it must be a new mother protecting a nearby nest.

"Run, Lady Sayuri! It just wishes to protect its young!" But in the moment he was distracted the boar charged at him once more and stabbed him with its long tusks. His arm was hit and it went limp with pain as the bones crunched in a sickening way. Sayuri screamed helplessly. She had no weapon to defend herself or Juro.

Hearing her ear piercing scream the boar demon turned to her. It stared at her before mercilessly rushing her once more. Sayuri closed her eyes and willed her body to move but instead it stayed glued to the ground. All at once she was lifted off the earth and into the air as she felt a pair of strong arms around her back and behind her knees. She opened her eyes in surprise only to find herself staring directly into cold amber orbs.

Sesshomaru watched her for a moment but before he could focus on her he turned and let a crack of thin green acid shoot from his hand. He wrapped the rope of green around the boar and cut it in half. The large body fell with a thud and blood oozed out. Sickened, Sayuri, buried her face in his neck and let a tiny sob escape. She wanted to be strong but she felt so weak suddenly.

Juro quickly stood and watched the demon lord land onto the soft green grass, holding the young woman tightly to his chest. The rain had lightened to a soft drizzle and for a moment the two men stood and stared at each other. Sayuri pushed herself out of Sesshomaru's arms, much to his chagrin and ran to Juro.

"Juro! Juro! Oh Kami, are you alright? Your arm looks broken and mangled. Come, we must get you back to the castle and have your arm looked at!" she cried grabbing his other arm and hugging him slightly.

Sesshomaru's mouth opened slightly in annoyance. So she just ran around hugging and kissing every man she was around now? He could smell Juro all over her as soon as he had pulled her into his arms. What the hell had they been doing out here? He shot Juro a deadly look. Juro immediately picked up on it and paled.

"No, no lady you are injured as well. Allow Lord Sesshomaru to take you back and I will follow with the horses. My arm isn't so bad, my lady. I will be fine. Please go and get taken care of yourself." he looked to Sesshomaru helplessly when she insisted on staying. Sesshomaru stalked over to her and pulled her into his arms once more. He carried her for a few steps, looking down into her eyes. She looked scared and he hated it, though he wasn't sure why. A blue light enveloped them and they flew off into the distance back towards the estate.

Juro gazed after the ball of light.

"Damn, he did not look happy." He turned to grab the horses and begin his trek back to the castle.


Sayuri laid in her bed as her servant Fumiko rifled through her closet in search of a fresh kimono. Her wound was already healing and Juro's was too. Fumiko had been sent to make sure of it. Sayuri felt awful. He had gotten horribly injured trying to protect her. She thought back to their sudden kiss under the tree. 'It was so romantic' she signed deeply. Fumiko turned to her and raised her eyebrow at her in suspicion.

"My lady, what exactly happened if I may ask? Lord Sesshomaru looked extremely angry." she whispered the last part lest the lord somehow hear.

"Oh? He was? I hadn't even noticed. I can't imagine why he was mad. I think if he really was it had to do with being out in the pouring rain saving me, of all people."

Fumiko shook her head and sat down next to Sayuri. "Well did something happen with Juro? What were you two doing out there?" she asked sheepishly, not wanting to push her mistress.

Sayuri caught her tone and frowned as she sat up,"We went riding so he could practice some combat skills,"she paused briefly trying to decide how much of the story to tell. "But then it began raining and we..kissed."

Her servant's eyes went wide in surprise. "Lady Sayuri!" But then she giggled slightly and asked,"Was it terribly romantic, out there in the rain?"

"Oh yes, so very much! But unfortunately, the boar demon attacked us. Juro tried to protect us but when he turned to me for a second it charged him and crushed his arm. That's when Lord Sesshomaru showed up. How did he know where we were and that we needed help?" she interrogated her friend.

Fumiko played with her hands absently as if she didn't want to answer but finally replied,"He heard you scream. I happened to be serving him tea while he looked over scrolls in his study. I just barely caught it but he heard it immediately and was gone in a flash. At least you know you can count on him to save the day when you need him too." Fumiko looked at her sternly. She knew how upset Sayuri had been with the lord and hoped this would prove to her that he wasn't as bad as she thought.

Sayuri pouted for a moment realizing her attendant's undertone. When she really stopped and thought about it though, it was incredibly sweet that he had come to her immediately when he thought she was in danger. Distracted in her thoughts she missed the taps of shoes on the floor and was assaulted by a hug from Rin.

"Lady Sayuri, are you alright? Jaken told me you were mauled by a boar demon!" she yelled almost in a panic.

"Calm down Rin! I'm just fine. We demons have wonderful healing abilities remember?" Sayuri petted the younger girls head. "Lord Sesshomaru came and saved the day."

Rin laughed heartily,"Well he does have a habit of doing that! I can always count on him!"

Sayuri blinked back in bewilderment. What a funny thought that Sesshomaru could be counted on to save other people as if he cared for them. Sayuri gave a slight snort and asked everyone to let her rest. She didn't feel particularly tired but she still managed to end up drifting into a peaceful sleep.

When she awoke it was late into the evening. The rain had stopped some time ago and the sun was lowering itself behind the earth. She watched it set graciously from her bedroom's balcony. She stepped out and watched it finish it's decent. Suddenly, something caught her eye. She leaned down to get a closer look and saw Sesshomaru with another man. She realized it was Juro.

Watching the two it was easy to tell they were in some sort of argument. She gazed at them intently and tried to hear their words.

"My lord I mean no disrespect but Lady Sayuri wanted to come. I'm sorry for what happened but it was no one's fault."

Sesshomaru wheeled on him and said,"She is a young and unmarried woman. She shouldn't be out with a random guardsman. I smelled you all over her, Juro. Don't tell me nothing happened," he bit out venomously.

The young woman in question gasped slightly. Of course he would have smelled their scents mingled on one another. No wonder Fumiko had been asking her such odd questions.

"My lord, I.." Juro stammered out. "It was only a kiss. She is not betrothed yet. She belongs to no one. She can kiss whoever she wants!" raising his voice slightly.

"Hn, true,"came his lord's reply,"she is not betrothed. And so, until she is, she belongs to ME."

Juro blinked in shock. He had made a very critical mistake. He wasn't sure what was going on between them but Sayuri and Sesshomaru acted very strange concerning one another. Usually lord's did not consider unmated ladies to belong to them just because they were arranging the marriages. Juro nodded in understanding and dropped to his knees.

"My lord, forgive me. I endangered the good lady and did not consider things before I let my emotions take over. I will control myself from this point on." Juro pleaded, tears coming to the corners of his eyes. He knew how heartless Sesshomaru could be.

Sesshomaru looked down at him and snarled,"You live only because it would upset Sayuri for you to die." With his last words he walked away leaving the young man breathless in fear.

Sayuri whirled behind the wall of the balcony and clapped her hand over her mouth. She had almost yelled out to Sesshomaru to tell him what a jerk he was being. Her body became hot all over and sweat formed above her brow. She was furious. It was taking every ounce of her self preservation to not go after Sesshomaru immediately and tell him off. She belonged to no one. No matter what that pompous, arrogant, asshole thought and said.

At what point did he start thinking she was his? The point where he basically banished her away for helping a new mother and her child as his father wished? The point where he decided it might be worth it to sell her off to some old man for his own ambitions, or maybe it was when he had grabbed her and thrown her to the ground for disagreeing with him. There was only one way she was going to belong to him and that was if she became his mate. She smiled deviously into her mirror and began getting ready to carry out her plan.

Sesshomaru sat in his room contemplating his conversation with Juro. He should have killed him but knew if he did Sayuri would never have forgiven him. 'When did I start carrying what she thinks? It shouldn't bother me to upset her.' He also knew he shouldn't have rushed to her rescue so quickly, shouldn't have held her in his arms so close to him, and shouldn't have been angered when he noticed her sweet scent masked with Juro's masculine one. Was he perhaps jealous? 'Jealous?' Ha! Of course not.' He told himself. Convinced himself. Deciding he needed to relax he headed to the bath house.

He opened the door to the bath house. It was huge. Almost too huge as only he, Sayuri, Rin, and the very rare occasional guest used it. The walls were lined with baskets containing shampoos and soaps, some of them offensively strong since the women usually liked their scented soaps to be over powering and stick to their bodies. He pulled his thin white robe off and stepped into the hot spring that flowed through the building. Sesshomaru rubbed at the tightness in his shoulders and laid his head back letting the hot water relax his muscles.

He drifted in and out of a hazy sleep as he sat in the water feeling tranquil and calm. At almost all times he was completely alert, taking in every sight and sound, ready to spring into action. He realized in moments like these how exhausting it could be. He thought he heard the door open but was so lost in his daze he wasn't sure. Then the door slammed shut pulling him from his mind. Sitting up and looking around he saw a figure through the steam. He frowned wondering who could possibly be foolish enough to interrupt his relaxation.

Then he saw the pale white skin, long silver hair, and the curves of a woman's body. He almost stood in surprise but then picked up Sayuri's scent masked through the steam. He sat, waiting to see what she was up to. Sesshomaru attempted to keep his arousal controlled as he finally saw her full figure. She had make up on, her lips painted a soft pink and her eyes slightly darker around the edges. Her hair was left down, curling heavily in the hot and humid environment, ending at her backside. She wore a very thin, cream colored robe, which was left open showing part of her breasts. As she continued to walk towards him the steam made the robe sticky and wet. It became sheer enough to see through and he could see all of her naked curves.

Sesshomaru could feel himself harden. Thank Kami the water covered the lower half of his body completely. Sayuri stopped and looked down at him with a sultry glance.

"I'm sorry my lord. I didn't mean to interrupt your relaxation," she purred. He narrowed his eyes at her. She had come here intending to seek him out. She knew if he was going to bathe it would be around this time of evening. All she had to do was get close enough to smell his scent.

"What is this about, Sayuri?" he questioned.

"Nothing, my lord. I simply wish to bathe. Do you mind if I join you?" she batted her eye lashes at him.

Sesshomaru paused. This situation was certainly interesting. How far did the girl intend to take this little charade? He nodded to her deciding there was only one way to find out. Grabbing some soaps she took her robe off and slid into the water next to him. She washed her hair and body while Sesshomaru watched indifferently. Sayuri made sure to show as much of her naked form as possible, watching him for a reaction. When he gave none, which she expected, she moved on to phase two of her plan.

Grabbing some soap she lathered her hands and put them on Sesshomaru's shoulders. He gave her a look but decided to let her continue. He shifted so she could get behind him more. She pressed hard into his neck and back, releasing the tension he held there. She splashed water on him to rinse his back and turned to his chest. After a moment she wrapped her legs around his waist and straddled him. Sesshomaru flinched as he felt her breasts press against him, her nipples hard with arousal. He felt the warm opening between her legs as it settled on top of his manhood. He bit his tongue desperately trying to stay in control. Sayuri kissed his neck as she moved her hips slightly rubbing over him.

"Sayuri, stop." he commanded.

She ignored him.

"Stop now, damn it." he commanded again.

"Why Lord Sesshomaru? I belong to you, don't I? If that's the case than you should have me in every way, so I fully belong to you." she responded brusquely.

His eyes widened as he realized she must have overheard he and Juro in the garden. He looked into her eyes and though he saw she was turned on and wanted him, he also so anger, hurt, and bitterness. Sesshomaru felt a pang in his chest. The last thing he needed while he struggled with his own feelings was for her to that he had any at all. He had said those words in a moment of jealousy and rage. He went to push her off of him but she clung harder, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Sayuri, you're making a fool of yourself." he whispered apathetically. She looked up at his face and he saw tears welling. They tugged at his heart just as much as they did when she was twelve. He cupped her face in his hand and lowered his lips to hers. As he pressed them softly to hers he felt her jump slightly before returning his kiss passionately. But she pulled away quickly, her face burning red. She wasn't sure what she was doing. She had done this to prove a point but now it seemed he was truly responding to her. She climbed off him and turned away.

Sesshomaru stood and she stared at him in his naked glory. His body was perfectly sculpted in rippling muscles and his length was long and thick. He stepped out and held his hand out to her not bothering to cover himself. She grabbed his hand and allowed him to help her out. He picked up the robe she had worn into the bath house and placed it gently around her shoulders. She pulled it tightly around her suddenly wishing to cover her form up. He picked up his own robe and slid it on, never breaking eye contact with her.

"Go get some sleep," he said softly, stepping in front of her. She looked up to him and nodded her understanding. He didn't want her. She began to move past him but he touched her shoulder. Taken slightly aback she peered at him in confusion. Sesshomaru leaned down and kissed her once more. He pulled away and she saw he also had a look of confusion on his face. He rotated around back to the door and walked through it, not looking back. Sayuri stood there not sure what had just happened.

Walking back to her own rooms, she slid the door shut, and fell back against it, collapsing to the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest, using them to cradle her head. Before she could stop them tears were falling to the floor.