Chapter 12: Return

Sesshoumaru concentrated on running. On the damp soil beneath his boots, on the power he exerted into every step. The air was sharp as blades to his skin but he was used to such pains. They were small and insignificant and had to be endured if he wished to run at his full speed. Though the wind filled his ears as he bounded across the forest, he could still hear the sounds of trees and animals around him. The position of every rabbit, squirrel, insect and bird was noted and ignored. The rain was still present in the air and was thick in his lungs. The sun shone dimly through thick clouds.

He would not think of the girl. No. He would think of the problems he would face when he returned to his kingdom. Think of his people, of his vassals and soldiers. His time with the girl was over and done. He would forget her just and move on with his life.

Yet, of course, it was easier to think it than to actually do it. Sesshoumaru grit his fangs as memories of her broke through his defenses and flooded his mind. Her smell. Her bright smile and flushed cheeks. Her soft body and how she would cling to him when they made love. The darkness of her hair. The paleness of her hands.

The hurt in her eyes when he left her. The brightness of her tears. The scent of her sadness.

He winced at the last memories and a log burst into splinters under a forceful footstep. He had done nothing wrong. He was cold to everyone. There was no exception. He had treated her as he should treat a political ally. No- she was even less than that now. Any dealings Sesshoumaru would have with her lands would be made with her father. She was simply a random maid that he had had a brief encounter with.

So, why did her hollow eyes haunt him so? Why did his arms ache to reach out and hold her even as he grew closer and closer to his fortress? Damn her- he thought. What has she done to me? He never felt remorse. Never. These emotions couldn't be real.

Tired. He was simply tired. He had been away from his kingdom for too long. That was all.

Sesshoumaru made his mind go blank and focused on the tasks at hand. The small villages that surrounded his fortress were not too different from the humans. Numerous green fields were tended to, livestock was raised, and everyone worked. The only obvious variation was instead of cattle and water buffalo, youkai dotted the fields. Beats taken from the heart of the forests and domesticated. Scales, claws, and wings replaced hooves, fur, and horns. Demons replaced humans and food was spicier and more colorful. Crops were produced at a much faster rate, and also consumed thusly. He looked at them distantly, before angling and darting back into the trees. If he was seen his progress would be slowed. He did not care to become a spectacle; only to return home. The ground was a blur under his boots, miles beings crossed as easily as feet, and soon his fortress loomed above him.

He had heard that many thought his palace beautiful. He felt no such thing for the sight. His home and stronghold was carved high into the side of a mountain. It was not of his choice; it had been his father's father decision. A dangerously narrow path that snaked around the mountain was the only way to reach it. The only other way up was flight. The fortress's setting was of strategic purpose. It would take armies days and days to reach the castle, and many would die from hunger and from falls off the steep rock.

Sesshoumaru had no need of such a strategy. He would destroy the enemy before it ever reached the mountain.

He took a breath and gathered strength to the muscles in his legs. Then, he propelled himself from the ground with a mighty jump and soared into the air. He leaped nimbly from ledge to ledge, each jump as powerful as the first, until he reached the level ground of the fortress. Sesshoumaru let out his breath and felt his muscles relax. Sweat was a thin sheen on his brow and he wiped it away the edge of a sleeve. It was always a chore to reach his home. Though he was agile and stronger than most any demon in all the land, the feat still took a lot of energy.

Amber eyes took in the stone pavilion that stretched out before him. Water that ran from the mountain peak was channeled into the pavilion to create harsh ponds and small streams. Curved bridges stretched over the icy water and colorful gardens lined the castle's base. The castle was mighty, and thick crimson pillars that took many demons to raise were used to give it support and frame. Sloping roofs were covered with stone shingles that gleamed green in the sunlight, and had curved corners with deadly points. The front doors of the fortress were giant; dragons and other beasts intricately carved onto their golden surfaces.

Sesshoumaru let a hand slip to the hilt of his sword, before he crossed the land to the castle doors. His staff was always too happy to see him. It was mid- afternoon, and the heat had probably driven most indoors in hopes of escaping it. With a sigh, he pushed open the doors with a single motion, and steeled himself for what awaited him.

His most devoted vassal was the first to greet him. As always.

"Lord Sesshoumaru!! It is so good to see you back!" rung through out the building. Sesshoumaru glanced down at the small toad demon and already felt weary. His vassal's bulbous yellow eyes glowed in happiness and his small frame was nearly shaking with the emotion. "My Lord I have missed you so much!" he cried, and his green claws wrung the brown fabric of his kimono in restraint. Sesshoumaru looked away from the demon and walked away from the doors. They were still open, but someone would see to their closing. "Jaken," he said briskly ",-inform the castle of my arrival." Then, he left the vassal without another word. "Y-yes My Lord. Right away!" he heard behind him. Sesshoumaru frowned and quickly made his way to his study. The toad's devotion was more often than not- annoying. But, he did in fact have a mind for economy and such traits were not wasted in Sesshoumaru's court.

The mahogany doors of his private study were under his hands and he opened and closed them with no delay. The weariness he had felt at the entrance of the fortress suddenly over took him. The air felt so heavy on his shoulders and a pain was building at his temples. No more than ten seconds here and already I am tired- he thought bitterly. Sesshoumaru turned around and found the sight of his desk to be no relief. Rolls upon rolls of parchments were stacked on the desk, and it seemed as if it would almost collapse under their weight. Sesshoumaru looked at it briefly and decided he would deal with them all tomorrow. With swift steps he passed towering wooden structures that housed hundreds of scrolls each. He found his couch in a dark corner of the room, and collapsed heavily onto it. Its surface was moss green velvet and pillows were many.

It was his secret pleasure.

Sesshoumaru let his eyes close and his head fall back onto a thick cushion. His sword was un-strapped and laid on the floor beneath him. His boots were ripped from his feet and tabi socks and wooden geta sandals replaced them. They were so much more comfortable, and Sesshoumaru needed comfort. A striped hand slipped from his chest and trailed on the lacquered floorboards.

Finally, he could relax. He had hardly done anything that day yet it felt as it he had fought off an army. Weak. He was growing weak. He had told himself that so many times, and he had trouble finally accepting it. Hands rose up to clench his head and Sesshoumaru wanted to groan. Her. It was all because of her. She had carved herself into his life and he could not erase her, no matter how he wished to. He looked around himself so he would not have to face his thoughts of the princess. Paintings covered the walls of the room; watery brushstrokes of blue, red, and gray across yellow paper. They were priceless, and Sesshoumaru couldn't care less for them. Then, there was his desk with detailed carvings all around its edges, and the many scrolls. They were his only companions in his study. There were no decent distractions in the plain room- which was usually a pleasure.

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes in defeat. He could not escape her. So be it.. Images of the human filled his head. With them, he was lulled into a much needed nap.

The next couple of weeks for Sesshoumaru were spent restoring order in his castle. Peasants came to him with petty feuds and lords came to him with greedy demands. All was settled fairly; none stood against his will. His armies had become lazy in his absence and thus he made their practices and daily routines harder. Sword practice, bow and arrow practice, flight maneuvers (for a large portions of his military were capable of flight due to their high position), exercise, and meditation. All was preformed tirelessly. They were given no leisure. Documents were signed, skirmishes on his borders were crushed, and marriage proposals and offers were burned in braziers. Of course, Jaken hated that he did this. He was, after all, a 'highly sought after' bachelor and could bring much to their land by taking the hand of a wealthy demoness. But Sesshoumaru had no care for women.

Well, no care for all but one.

News of the human princess of the Land of Flowers had trickled into his castle the day after his return, and he could not help but turn a curious ear to the gossip he usually so detested.

They said it had been a sight to see.

'The runaway princess had returned!' The woman had stridden through the dirty streets of the village like a goddess; her face pale and emotionless and her spine straight like a soldier's. The people had welcomed her with tears of joy in their eyes, and had thrown themselves at her feet. Hands reached out to get a mere touch of her clothing or a stroke of her hair. Finally- the Land of Flowers had seen the face of their princess! Paintings had been made, poems had been written. The land was in uproar. The Royal Guard been forced to ride to the city and provide the princess safe passage to the palace, less the people rip her from her horse and keep her for themselves.

Of course Sesshoumaru acted as if it did not matter to him. She was no more interesting than a fly. A human. Lord Sesshoumaru cared not for the workings of humans. But, in the private of his study, Kagome was with him. He was glad she had made it safely to her palace- but was still nervous of how her father would deal with her. Her people had embraced her, but would her family?

Sesshoumaru stood next to one of the demon made streams of his pavilion, and sighed. The water shined like gems under the moonlight and flowed peacefully next to his boots. But, it did nothing to soothe him. Flowers turned up to the sky, their luminous petals soaking in the light of the night like sponges.

He made no sound as he crossed one of the small bridges that curved over the water. Then, he was in motion. Running across the paved ground as quick as a shadow. His hair was plaited tightly down his back and Toukijin was absent from his side. A blur in the darkness, he leaped onto an outcropping of rock that hung off the mountain side. His body stilled and Sesshoumaru opened his eyes and peered down.

The earth was miles and miles beneath him but he felt no fear. The village looked like a miniature model that was used to create war strategies. The fires that heated food and provided light were as small as fire flies. The forests that surrounded his villages were mighty still, but looked like mere shrubs from his height. He smiled as a thought occurred to him. Everything that lay about before him, as far as he could see, belonged to him. For miles and miles… There was even a wealth of land that he could not see that was his. Bright eyes looked to the skies and narrowed appreciatively at what they saw. Not a cloud could be found and the stars were bright like embers. The moon shone like a giant lantern above him; dominating his attention. It was only a crescent away from being full- and he basked in its light..

He inhaled deeply and found her scent like a thread in the tapestry of all the others smells in the wind.

So sweet and light. It was so very faint; she was very far away. But, his nose was powerful- and he clung to her scent no matter how thinly it was stretched. Be well, Kagome- he thought fleetingly. He held onto her smell for a couple moments more, a calm settling over him, before letting it go. The wind whipped around him and his bangs danced in a flurry in front of his face. Sesshoumaru sighed and looked up to the moon.

The next day would be a very challenging one. It would be the day that he presented the treaty he had made with Kagome to his court. They would not be pleased that he had acted without their knowing; not that he cared. But, he could not pass the treaty without their consent and that of the Lord of the Lands of Flowers. He would tackle his own people first.

Then, came the human Lord.

Sesshoumaru sighed in weariness. He took in one more breath of Kagome, and then returned to his room prepared himself for the coming battle.

"What?!"

Sesshoumaru glared at the demon in front of him in irritation, and slid his arms briskly into the sleeves of his kimono. It was woven of fine silver silk, and gleamed like metal in the dim light. When Sesshoumaru had awoken, he had called a companion to his quarters to inform him of the treaty. So far, he had not taken well the idea.

"I will not repeat myself, Kouga," he growled to the demon. The man gaped at him, and had to blink a couple times before the look of shock faded from his features. Kouga of the Wolf Clan. He was one of Sesshoumaru's most capable commanders. The tall man wore the armor, kimono and hakama of a soldier with his russet wolf tail wrapped around his waist. The demon absolutely refused to have it tucked into his pants; he was too proud. Long black hair was tied back at his neck and a pair of sharp blue eyes held Sesshoumaru's with no fear. "My Lord, you cannot be serious!" Kouga bit out after a short silence, and clenched his fists. "Another treaty with the humans? Why?!"

Sesshoumaru glowered at him until the other man lowered his eyes in submission. "All I do is what is best for the land," he said softly and turned away. Frustration was beginning to build in his chest and he beat it down. He hated having to explain himself. Even to Kouga- who had stood by his side for the last century. Sesshoumaru slipped on another kimono, this one of deep vermillion brocade. Gray crescent moons were embroidered onto its stiff surface; accenting the silver kimono beneath. Next came his plum sash; it was woken into his hakama and tied securely at his waist. Kouga was silent behind him- but Sesshoumaru could sense his displeasure. He was not fond of humans; no demon was. Similar reactions, if not worse ones, were to be expected from those of his court.

"My Lord, I do not understand."

Of course you do not. Sesshoumaru sighed and stood still. "Kouga, tell me of the relationship we share with our neighbors in the east," he asked coldly and waited for his reply.

"Well, they push at our borders more and more each decade. They are not happy with the present boundaries and lust for our land. They have become bold, My Lord. They wish for war."

Sesshoumaru nodded and finally turned back to his commander. The wolf met him with eyes that were bright with emotion. He had never been good as hiding his feelings. Perhaps it was the sheer brashness of the man that made him so good in battle. Sesshoumaru looked at him coolly and picked up his sword in a fluid motion. He slid it into his sash; the sound of the lacquered sheath sliding against the silk loud in the silence. Then, Sesshoumaru spoke.

"This is why I have made the treaty. War with the Eastern Lands is inevitable. We must be prepared when they strike," he said and crossed the room to stand in front the wolf demon. They were almost the same height; Sesshoumaru having only an inch over him. Gold held blue and neither man moved. "If we wish to win, we will need more resources than our present ones." For many moments they simply held each others gaze.

Kouga was the first to act. He frowned and dark brows snapped down in anger. "But why the humans my Lord?" he asked again. His fists were still clenched at his sides, and his jaw rigid. "Surely we have other neighbors who can provide us with more? Humans are so weak, and their loyalty easily swayed. I do not trust them."

The room went suddenly quiet. Sesshoumaru bared his fangs. "The decision has been made! My mind cannot be swayed in this," he growled and Kouga realized his mistake. He looked away and bowed deeply. "Forgive me My Lord, for speaking against you," he murmured softly and Sesshoumaru forced himself to reclaim his calm. Eventually, his anger passed and he let his hand fall from the hilt of his sword. "Kouga. You must trust me," he said and turned away. The court was waiting for him. He undid his braid with familiar motions and let his mane of ivory hair run loose down his back. Then, a golden cord was added around his waist and his wardrobe was complete. It was the most expensive attire he had worn in some time, but it was expected of him. He could not avoid wearing it.

Sesshoumaru made sure his mask was in place, and then brushed past his commander and made his way out of his room.

The room that the meeting was held in was one of the most spacious in the castle. Its roof was high and its floor of woven mats. A low dais with a large green cushion was occupied by Sesshoumaru, and numerous other cushions were arranged around the room. Each cushion was filled by a demon; thirty demons all with a look of pure displeasure on their faces.

The room was deadly silent.

After a couple tense moments, Jaken stood and made his announcement. "Sesshoumaru No Taisho, Lord of the Western Lands, has called forth this meeting. With all council members present- the meeting has now begun!" he said loudly, and Sesshoumaru rose to his feet. As one, the council rose and bowed to him. Then, Sesshoumaru sat and his lead was followed.

He peered out at the men before him and saw few friendly faces. Most were greedy demons that he would gladly sink his claws into if given the chance. They had been his father's advisors, though how they had come into his father's good graces he would never know. Sesshoumaru despised them and wished he could rid himself of them all. Sadly, they had attached themselves to the castle like leeches, and had gathered too much wealth and power to be thrown out like the peasants they were.

So many frowns. The council is made up of fools.

It was those fools he had to convince to agree to his treaty. It would be a great task. But, Sesshoumaru had never backed down from a challenge before….

"Council of the Western Lands," he began, his deep voice echoing through the room ",today I present you with a treaty I have made on my recent absence from the castle." Murmurs broke out among the demons and a large one with greasy skin and beady eyes spoke out. "A treaty with out our permission. That is not allowed My Lord. You can not make decisions for this country alone," he called and Sesshoumaru let his gold eyes flash. It was his only reaction. "I did what was necessary," he replied coldly, and turned to address the whole of the demons. "War with the lands to the East is upon us. We do not have enough food to outlast them. Crops grow slowly in our rocky dirt and they will use this to their advantage." Sesshoumaru felt some of the council member's fear thick in the air. It disgusted him. Such spineless creatures. Had they no faith in him?

"It was under these circumstances that I was forced to take matters into my own hands, and forge a treaty to create an ally that will supply us with food when our resources run low." Their murmurings grew louder. Another spoke out. "And, just who is it, My Lord, that you have made this treaty with?" his voice was deep, not as annoying as the last. Sesshoumaru looked to him and found him to be Ojiro; and older member of the council with graying hair and black eyes. He was an ally. His question was sound.

"I have made it with the Land of Flowers."

The room burst into chaos; ringing with shouts and yells that echoed in his ears. "A treaty with humans?! They're no better than pigs!" "They will be of no help! How could humans provide us with anything we do not already have?!" "Traitor!" "Fool!"

Sesshoumaru frowned and forced himself to remain still through the varied insults thrown his way. Why did he tolerate these demons?! I should kill them all.

"Silence! Silence all of you!" he heard shouted to his right. Eventually, the men quieted down and all eyes were on those who dared to utter such words. Jaken. Small, brave little Jaken. Sesshoumaru ignored the kindling of respect he felt of the toad demon and also turned to him. His vassal was dressed in robes of blue and indigo, his small black hat always present on his green brow.

He was staring ahead of him, determination bright in his eyes. "Can you not see what My Lord has done?! Have you not seen our grain supply? Have you seen our fields? No- I think not! We are lucky famine has not come upon us. But, it is only a matter of time. If we do not have aid- the demons of the East will take us while are bellies are empty and our minds weak! Then what? Your precious estates will no longer be yours. Your money and gold and land will all belong to them!" When his speech was finished his small chest was heaving and his claws clenched. Sesshoumaru stared curiously at the men seated around him and waited for a retort.

He did not have to wait long.

"That is not what warrants our anger Toad! We know all of what you have said. We have all thought it! An alliance with out our knowledge is not what makes us so riled. It is of who our Lord had made it with that concerns us." Greasy council member was the one to say this. His fat gullet was covered with expensive silk and brocade and his red face was bright with indignation. More yells and shouts were head; adding their agreement to the large demon.

"Yes! He made it with humans no less! Beasts who thinks themselves tall, and reach for land and power they have no right even touching! They will betray us."

Sesshoumaru glared at the man and he shrunk before him. He was about to speak, when another voice was heard.

"Not all creatures are as hungry as you, Ichiro. Why, your appetite is that of a hundred humans!" Low laughter accompanied this, and the greasy demon grew an even brighter red. Sesshoumaru's eyes found the owner of the voice and found it to be no other than Kouga. The wolf had changed out of his military garb, and sat with his palms on his knees.

So- Sesshoumaru thought with some amusement. He is back on my side.

The wolf flashed a grin in his direction and continued. "The Land of Flowers is well known for their surpluses of rice and fruit. Their prowess is even respected among demonkind. Just because they are human, doesn't mean we should ignore the facts. They can provide us with food long after our war is over."

The room grew quite as his words were finally considered.

The rest of the meeting followed a similar route. Demons would argue that the treaty was a disgrace; the Lands of the West already shared one with the mortals. Two would be too many. They would shame themselves and all that they stood for by forming another- and would appear weak to their enemies.

Sesshoumaru, and those would stood with him, (which weren't many) responded that without aid, the enemy would starve them out. It was a simple fact that was clear to even the most bitter demon. They needed more resources. The Land of Flowers was close by, goods needing not travel far distances to be claimed, and had surpluses of what they needed. They would provide the humans with little, soldiers and weapons that could be spared, and would in return receive much.

In the end the treaty was declared valid. Sesshoumaru would have accepted nothing less. He had another parchment brought in, and each member signed his name on the bottom of it. Above their signatures lay the words Sesshoumaru had written earlier on the parchment Kagome had carried with her to her father.

The next day, Sesshoumaru threw himself into the preparation of his army. Drills and practices were made more demanding. His soldiers shined with sweat until the sun set and the moon rose in the sky. New weapons were forged: swords, katanas, spears, and armor. Old ones were repaired. Food was stocked and villages were put under alert. Construction of walls of stone and brick around villages had begun, and more demon men were recruited.

Sesshoumaru did not know when war would come. It could take five years; it could take five months. Never the less- when it arrived, they would be ready.

Sesshoumaru fetched one of his finest messengers, and gave her the treaty signed by him and his entire court, and of a private letter he had written himself to the Lord of Flowers. "Deliver this to the Lord. Arrive there in no less than three days," he had said to the deer demon; her eyes deep brown and greenish antlers sprouting from beneath her auburn hair. The demon had bowed deeply- and had taken off towards the pavilion as swift as the wind.

Sesshoumaru leaned over the railing of the red bridge, peering into the ink black waters below; and studies his reflection. The water glimmered like obsidian, catching the light of the sky above. The moon shined pleasantly above him and crickets had come out to sing their nightly melodies.

He sighed and let a stone slip from him fingers to plunk into the water. The slow stream swallowed it with a throaty noise and dark ripples broke out on its surface.. A soft breeze played with his hair and drained the tension from his shoulders.

But it was not enough to quite his mind. What will become of my destiny now, is left to the girl. Sesshoumaru shook his head and wondered how things had come to that. I have, for once in my life, laid a part of my future in hands other than my own. Never had he done such a thing. He did not trust anyone. No one could accomplish more than him.. But of course, that girl had changed everything.

Sesshoumaru hoped Kagome could do it. Hoped she could convince her Lordly father to agree to the treaty he had already convinced thirty reluctant demons of. She must find the strength to accomplish what we had planned.

If only to give me the excuse of seeing her once more…

Hey guyz. Well, what to say? This was a loooooong chapter. Thankies for all the reviews!! You know we're almost at a hundred?! Its always been a goal of mine, so I'm pretty happy. Lol! Umm- I hope everyone likes this chapter and I really let my imagination out with this one. =3 I loved describing Sesshoumaru's personal life- since we so rarely see it. And, finally some more familiar faces, neh? Kouga plays just a bit of a different role in this story. X3

-Kirin