A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Real life got the better of me for a bit there. Please read and review.

I don't own Inuyasha.

"Speaking"
'Thinking'

Chapter 4: Domination into Damnation?

His abode was something he rather liked. Although quaint and quite bare he found it to be a relaxing place. Still, it was not his home he found refuge. No, not on this night. Instead he stood among broken ruins of his fractured past. This was his home, at least, it was at one time. Now it stood as little more than shambles of a long forgotten tale. Once, a proud fortress filled with dog demons, now little more than a resting place for his kind. In his clawed hand, he took upon work, duties that should be left for the laborers he hired by day. With great care, he laid new foundation that would one day be his. One in his image. He would be sure that it carried the name of his blood, heritage, and honor. Sesshomaru may have indeed been a lord, but even so, he was not beneath greatness, and never below work.

With great pains, his people had built a refuge, a city so great, it towered over the western lands by namesake alone. It was when his father fell, killed purely by his own idiocy and worthless emotions, that the homeland also fell into anarchy. Soon after that, ruin and destruction followed. This place, it was a truth that Sesshomaru hoped would be rebuilt. The memories never forgotten, but instead, new hope reforged. By day, an employ of thousands worked with vigor to rebuild the homeland. By nightfall, Sesshomaru found himself repairing the monuments.

Statues for times long gone. His grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins, and brothers in arms stood here as a tribute. They were heroes of their time. Any demon even half worthy of breath knew who these powerful demons were. With kindness, they offered goodwill for the peoples. With power they struck down foes. With dignity, they stood among the masses loved and widely respected. Sesshomaru sighed at that, slumping down and resting at his grandfather's feat. The carving of stone was almost complete and stood taller than Sesshomaru. This demon, he was one that had no need for any human.

"Why was father so weak?" He asked himself. "Grandfather, you were such a wonderful and kind ruler. Surely, you had no need to trifle with trivial matters. Unlike father, you stood at the throne with the readiness needed. You did what needed doing, of that I remember well." A side glance gave him a view of a large rectangle. Sesshomaru had not yet touched the large stone of marble. He knew one day, some day soon, it would be cut into the likeness of his father. He almost felt the need to have it removed. If he had no honor in tradition, if he was so depraved that he could not bring himself to care, then he likely would have had the monstrosity thrown over the nearest waterfall. The pale moonlight showered the court with an elegance that could hardly be matched.

"Thinking like a fool again?" A man's voice ran out in jovial laughter. "Often I find you doing that."
"Silence." Sesshomaru jumped up, his aggregation showing on his features.
"Silence? I know not the word." From the shadows came forth a figure.
"Mocking me." Sesshomaru sighed.
"Indeed." His voice was one Sesshomaru often suffered.
"How unwise." The demon lord spoke dryly. "Show yourself."

He came forth as if his identity was a surprise. "It is I, Daichi, who feels amusement at your expense." Long and tall, he was slender, not a blockade. Intelligence came to him easily, but even if Daichi had been born a halfbreed, he wasn't a weakling in combat. He was a warrior, through and through. With midnight tresses silky and long, he was a demon of both grace and refined elegance. "Come now Sesshomaru, it has been a long time. Greet me with the honor I'd hope you would have, even despite our differences."

"You forget your place. I demand you show me some measure of respect." He stilled he warring emotions, offering his hand in greeting. He knew well enough Daichi would never gift him anything of the sort. "Why have you come here? It is clear that you do not belong among greatness." How soon Daichi forgot, how often he would return. Sesshomaru wished so greatly Daichi would leave for good. "Not of fine breeding, without proper blood, you are little more than a pest."

"Let it go already." Daichi answered aback. Removing his sword from his side, his leather satchels following, he knelt down giving respect for the monuments before him. "Surely your father loved humans, and also sired a son like me. Because of those facts, I should be welcome. You and I are not of blood, but we are brothers who saw the same battle, fought the same enemies. For that, should I not be your equal?" His face was soft and welcoming, his emotions always seen, not only felt. Although, not a beast in appearance, Sesshomaru knew the frighting power hidden deep within.

Sesshomaru's contempt was held inside of his golden gaze. It would be oh so tempting, just once, too fly freely of his restrained demeanor. This person was of half human, half demon heritage. Sesshomaru grit his teeth with a subtle, but very clear distaste. "You, Daichi, are never going to be cast away into death. Not by my hands at the very least. However, I give you no good word either. It must be earned. My name must not give you respect. You must forge a title of your own good deeds." Daichi was more or less, worthy of life. Never had he betrayed anyone, nor would he ever try. He was loyal for those he loved, and respectful of those he hated.

"A novel concept." Daichi stood, stepping away from the tall statues. "In truth, I'd rather not. No good deed I do will ever be good enough, you know this. Your father and mine, they were great dog demons, so powerful all feared of their name. It is only of mere consequence that my father was born a hanyou, I myself followed in his name. You know, our fathers wished a place for unity, it was the masses that drove us apart. More and more, we are loosing our full blooded heritage. You should know that my father wished unity for everyone. Not only those of soiled blood."

"And yet, even so, it was your father who denied Inuyasha a place among his people." Sesshomaru spat, his temper flaring around him like an icy bite in winter.
"Inuyasha had a place. It should have been at your side. He is indeed your brother." Daichi answered, pain in his emerald green eyes.
"Among our people, among my strong blood, he would have been slain. You know of that well." Sesshomaru's point was well made.
Daichi knew the laws. "Your father loved a human woman who birthed for him a son. One of greatness. You failed him. Both your father, and your younger brother."

"You speak of such things as if it makes a difference." How in the world life became such a burden confused even Sesshomaru himself. "I have all the past I need, I now only wish the future. If you take Inuyasha in among your people, that is your choice. My homeland will not be welcoming such a disgrace into these walls. Do I make myself clear?" Daichi nodded, but he did not bow away. He would not leave as willingly as Sesshomaru should like. Not without parting words.

"Sesshomaru, as a child, you often played with my kind. As an adult, you despise them. Do not think for a moment that you may show kindness towards the humans without being a hypocrite. Rin belongs with the human village, so does the boy she is often with. As for the slayer, leave her. Do not speak ill of what your father has done, not when you so willingly do the same. Become a true leader Sesshomaru. If you do not, then I will see that you fall from power. It will be done so by my own blade. Inuyasha may not be a leader, however, last I looked, he never sought the throne. You should consider yourself honored. Your father, he chose you to rule his people. Do not forget this."

With that, the hanyou ran at great speed. He was nearly as fast as Sesshomaru could be. The day was beginning, and with that Sesshomaru also bowed before taking his leave. He had only a couple fleeting hours of travel before the sun found the sky. He had to be home before then. Before the small girl in his care awoke. He would not allow her to open her eyes alone.

"Never..."

It was in the middle of his running that he slowed, and then, he stopped completely. Sango had taken the girl. He shrugged off his worry. Who needed to fear for humans? They were a race so weak, they deserved whatever became of them. He walked onward with no haste in his step, realizing that Rin was his only concern. That would always be true, no matter what others told him.

It was early morning by the time he arrived at the village. The children played. Again, Sesshomaru grew interested in the humans around him, although he never allowed that reality to enter his features. From afar, he would wait. Calculating each and every move. He was fortunate that none were intrusted with his care. On this day, the women watched mindful of the goings on. Rin was among them as well, caring for the offspring of the slayer. A boy, one known as Kohaku, stayed by Rin's side.

He contemplated the union of that boy with his Rin. The youth was powerful, so much so, that his own kind would learn of his power. He too was a slayer of demons, much like his older sister. His size gave him moments of weakness, his skill had yet to be molded into a solid foundation, however, he was a true warrior. In time, he would likely surpass his sister in both strength and skill. With the way he played with the children, Sesshomaru knew he would likely become a family man. In a few short years, it would be expected of him to wed, and have his own family and lineage. His choice would be Rin. Sesshomaru took notice of his kind and gentle nature.

A visitor was also joining his side at that time. "You may come out of hiding, I do not intend on reprimanding you." He said greeting the new arrival.

"I'm not hiding." Kagome answered while setting down a wicker basket. "I'm drying out the freshly washed linens." As if to prove her point she began hanging the bed cloth on the lines. She also hung trinkets from her era. Clothing that Sesshomaru wasn't knowledgeable about. He disregarded it, he amused himself again with keeping a watchful eye on Rin. "What are you doing anyway?" She asked. Her fear of Sesshomaru had been tempered into a fondness. She couldn't say why, but she rather liked being around him.

"Nothing of your concern." Sesshomaru wasn't exactly keen on Kagome, having seen enough of her rebellious attitude. It made perfect sense that Inuyasha would pick his woman to be as foul as he. Still, as much as her emotional outbursts annoyed him, she also had kindness, gentleness, wisdom of medicine, and the powers of forgiveness. These were traits Inuyasha did not have, his life only teaching him baser emotions and illogical reasoning. Despite the flaws the woman had, he could agree that for a human, she was capable of handling his brother, and accepted the halfbreed as a person. His choice in a mate had been wise indeed.

"You wouldn't have happened to see Inuyasha anyplace, have you?" Her mind was on finding more pins for clothing, and casual conversation found itself easily from her mouth. "I told him I needed more river water about an hour ago. I haven't seen him return yet." The sounds of clicking became a bother as wooden and metal clips attached themselves into the line, holding her clothing in place. "Then again, you know how he gets." She shrugged, unaware her babbling was aggravating the powerful demon before her. "You'd think he'd have better things to do than chase rabbits around."

"I have not seen him." Sesshomaru answered. He could, however smell Inuyasha, and knew he was in the river hunting, the smell of fresh kill in the air. He would dare not speak that, knowing the chatter bug would then inquire more of him. Instead, he looked on, watching the too and fro of the children. The men carrying back firewood and other supplies. The fish swim about, the rustling of the branches in the wind. Idle time, it was indeed a grand time. Minuets morphed into hours, and he found himself without much that needed to be done. Instead, he napped, and wasted the day away while contemplating the importance if his future.

He had no need for pups as of the moment. However, someplace deep within his mind, he wished he could understand the nature of his being. His will, his core reason for each breath, was Rin's current happiness. He felt a pull to do for her. A dire need. one of protection, but also, a slight need of salvation. It was as he, himself could not become a proper ruler until all of his goals were met. The day went by quicker than he would have assumed and much to his dismay, he had never left his post. He noticed a small girl sitting beside him. The scent had been natural, as if she purely belonged there, and so for a while he had not looked to find the cause. He was alone with her and yet, he did not seem to mind. The girl merely sat by him, unmoving, not speaking. Her eyes were also focused on something, and he did know know what should be done. He couldn't leave her, but it was clear the human had no guard. "What is it?" He asked out of confusion. This little one was being quite the problem as of late.

"Wanted to be here." She chirped while looking up at him. He shook his head passively. He didn't understand the little human girl.
"Return home." He commanded in hopes she would listen.
"I like it here, by you." She looked up at him before returning her gaze away and cuddling his leg.
"Sei, I said, return home at once." She did not answer him, and inwardly, he held back the need to swat at her for disobeying.

"Come." He commanded softly, picking her up into his arms. "Your mother shall answer for your oddities." The girl had grown a fondness for him. "You seek to annoy me, though I know not why." He felt as if he had become friendly with the humans. He was not proud of the admittance. It made him soft. Soft he was not. He was the aggressor, he was the power, the authority. He did not bend to the whims of a mere human, not this child at any rate. Happily she kicked her feet in the air, humming a playful tune. He was about to show is displeasure when another made it's presence known. "Must you use me as a perch?" He growled at the two tailed cat. A mew was all that he got for an answer. He sighed inwardly again, suppressing his mounting aggravation.

"Slayer!" He bellowed, his normally calm demeanor cracking under the loud purring in his ear.
"Yes?" She replied meekly from the river further down. She wished she could laugh at the sight, but likely, it was a bad idea.

"I believe that these are yours." He plopped the child down into the the large pile of leaves nearby, watching as she made the pile pool around her. Then he plucked the cat off of him, dropping her into the leaves as well. "See that they do not wonder off again. I wish only the company of my thoughts tonight." He had no further interest in his task and was about to take his leave. There was no reason to linger, not with such important tasks at hand.

"Wait." Her voice was hurried. Sesshomaru didn't turn around, merely waiting for her, already knowing her plea. She was alone, and tired of being so. Her body smelled of light perfume, and someplace within the back of his mind, Sesshomaru cursed himself. He was about to continue forward, but a soft hand upon his almost shocked his very core. "Please, don't go." The moment was tense as both of them felt time and space stop.

"Unhand me, Slayer." He ordered coolly. His eyes glaring a gleam so murderous, Sango could feel her body tremble. Slowly, very deliberately, she let go of his clawed hand. "Do not forget your place, Human. I have stated, I wish to be alone. Now, back away slowly, take your offspring, and return to your hut. Leave me, you are dismissed." She didn't understand him, or his reasons, but she did as she was told, leading Sei and her now transformed demonic cat back home.

"Listen to me Sei," Sango began as she tucked her daughter into bed. "Just because Rin has become close with him, you should not. Sesshomaru is a fearsome demon. You should not provoke his ire, and stay well away from him. He may have chosen to take care of us, but this doesn't mean he will always be willing." Her child nodded in response. "Sleep well Sei." She answered, backing away from the bedding she placed out every night. Barefoot, she walked outside, looking at the stars just peaking out from the clouds. In her mind, this night was almost a mirror into the depth of her soul. "Miroku..."

"Still miss the lecher do ya?" Inuyasha spat, jumping onto the ground in front of the lamenting girl. Instantly, he regretted his words.
"Inuyasha..." She admonished softly. Sango had learned sometimes, his name was all it took.
"Sorry. Nothing personal." He said, scratching one of his ears as it twitched. "We all miss him."
"I was the one that failed him." Her words were weighted heavily by her tone, her emotions nearly on her sleeve.
"You did the best you could." Inuyasha shrugged, it wasn't his place to worry. He still had Kagome.

"You'd think I'd have gotten better at slaying demons over the years." She sighed, toying with some of the pebbles that lay flat on the dirt below her feet. "Good wasn't good enough, it never is." When had things gone so wrong? She was a slayer, one of the few who took down Naraku with an iron will. Her and Miroku. Together, along with Inuyasha and the others, Sango had faced so many hardships. She closed her eyes in soft suffering. "It never is." She repeated softly.

Her plea wasn't on deaf ears. Sesshomaru listened from his post. He could hear the entire thing, he could smell her tears. This human, why did this creature cry so much? He didn't understand. The woman, she was strong. Powerful for her blood. Humans were weak. Emotions were weaker. He had enough with this awful sound protruding from this girl's lips. With a fast stride, he neared her hut, lifting her with great ease, shocking both Sango, and Inuyasha with his calm outburst. With one hand, he held her by the throat. "Do not cry. You are above such behavior, Slayer. You are adequate. You are strong. It is because of this, that I, a lord of the lands I walk upon, claim you. No more tears shall fall from your face, for you are mine."

"Hold it!" Inuyasha bellowed. "Where do you get off telling her what to do. She ain't property, ya know!"
Sesshomaru ignored his little half-brother. "You are mine." He repeated looking only at Sango.
"Damn it Sesshomaru, are you listening." Inuyasha growled. "Sango, tell him!"
"I'm-" She paused, still afraid to move. Sesshomaru could kill her in an instant. She knew it. Something told her obedience was key.

He could smell the fear within her. He didn't like the fact that it was projected at him, even if it was rightfully so. Did she not understand him? His power, his promises? He had given her freely many things, offered her his loyalty. Was that not enough? "You are mine." His persistence was nearly shocking, and yet, he dropped her onto the ground. "You will soon understand." Even as Inuyasha picked Sango off the ground gently, he didn't care. Without warning, and no sign of goodbye, he walked away from her.

"Sesshomaru!" He could hear Inuyasha calling him, but that matter wasn't something of the hanyou's concern. Instead he was left pondering. "Why?" Why was he so merciful towards these weak beings? It wasn't pity. Of that he had become sure. "Could it be regret? Remorse? Unrelenting anger of an unjust era?" All of these facts and more poured forth. Sesshomaru wished clarity in every breath. He was a being that should be well prepared. Knowing the unknown, striking first within both the tides of battle, and the winds of life. If he couldn't please one woman, how would he become a proper mate? This too puzzled him greatly.

How could he father an offspring worthy of leading his people, owning his lands. He himself could be considered unworthy rabble. His main priority something placed before him merely because of his father's own failures. Falling in love, rutting with a mortal woman, and producing not only a son, but a baby who would never be welcomed despite his strong demonic bloodline. Sesshomaru sighed. Demons were hateful creatures. Humans were never meant to love a creature more powerful, more deserving than themselves. Demons would rule the world one day, of that, Sesshomaru would place on his own life. More anarchy, more bloodshed, it was clear what he should do.

Find and take a mate, father a child, preferably a son, and with his newly created pack, unify his world, his home and his people. It was no small and easy task. It would take years. He knew that without a doubt. Any human he cared for, would never see the rise of his lands, or the power of his people. Even Inuyasha would be lucky if he survived long enough. "Father, why did you take a human woman into your heart? Why allow such meaningless emotions to overcome you? I have never understood your reasons, and now, you have forced me to suffer because of your senseless whims. If our people fall, the blame will rest upon me, the eldest son. I cannot allow that to happen."

As the night went on, he felt as if he had done no wrong. No, he had done the best of his abilities. Of this, he was assured without any shadow of a doubt. With this he left again, back into the night. There were many thing that had to be done, and without a trace of when he came, he slipped into the darkness, both unnoticed, and uncaring.

TBC~

I hope you liked this chapter. More will be posted later, but my life is starting to become a bit busy, so I don't know when the next update will be.