Don't Own Inuyasha or Assassin's Creed! Please Enjoy and Review!

Chapter 25: The Assassin and Rin's Mortality

Three days had passed since Yuzumi had rested in the House of the Moon. Yuzumi would help Sesshoumaru time to time with his affairs and they end up in the same bed each night. They could stand sleeping in separate rooms. Since she was his intended it was fine and not indecent for them to do though they never tried anything unless you count making out for an hour trying anything.

Yuzumi sat in the garden against a sakura tree next to a koi pond. Her headphones where on as she listened to 'Perfect Picture' by Escape the Fate.

This song reminded her of her mother and each time she heard it she wanted to cry. "Why do cry, mama?" Rin asked.

"Oh..." Yuzumi said as she quickly wiped her tears away. "I was just... thinking of my mother. I didn't realize I was crying. Is there something you need sweetheart?"

"Sesshoumaru wants to see you. He wouldn't tell me why though," Rin said.

"Can you take me to him? I still get lost," Yuzumi said as she blush a bit embarrassed by the fact.

"I use to too," Rin said, "but you get use to it and everything will be easier to find."

"I hope so," Yuzumi smiled.

"Mama when you and daddy mate where will we live?" Rin asked curiously.

"Honestly I haven't thought of it," Yuzumi said. "Once my two oldest are of age I plan to step down and let one of them take over. I want the first girl I have to rule the southern lands and my first boy to rule the Western like Sesshoumaru is, but we haven't talked about it. Perhaps I will do so soon. I think it would be better to keep our land separate unless we plan to take over all of Japan. Which we could, but it could lead to war and I don't want war. Perhaps I'll asked gramps first."

Rin lead Yuzumi down the halls toward Sesshoumaru's study. Yuzumi took it upon herself to memorize the way from the garden to his office. So next time she wouldn't need help getting there. At the door Yuzumi paused before knocking.

"Enter," Sesshoumaru voice called.

She opened the door and smiled at him before saying, "Sesshoumaru, you wanted to speak to me? Has something happened?"

Sesshoumaru gave her a serious look. Obvious something was the matter and he was calculating how to say what was the matter. "Rin, go play with Taro." Yuzumi said.

"Okay!" Rin cheered bolting out the room.

Once Rin was gone Yuzumi shut the door and locked it. She turned silently toward Sesshoumaru and neared him before she took his shoulders she rubbed her thumbs and finger against them, "You're tense, my love. What troubles you?" she asked as she continued to work on his shoulders loosening the muscles. "Whatever it is we can get through it."

"I've received complains about our mating." Sesshoumaru told her. "They threaten us will war. If our lands combine."

"Then tell them this is a political marriage to strengthen our treaty. I will rule the Southern Lands until one of our children come of age and I'll step down." She told him. "After which I will only be the Lady of the West until you step down."

He looked up at her, "That might work." he said. "Why not have you're sister rule the place?"

"Ruling frightens her," Yuzumi admitted. "It's one of the few things that scares her, but Kagewaki could do it. He is a prince after all and trained to rule the lands. Though... the demons of my land will not be happy with a human Lord of the South."

"True," he agreed.

"I think it would be best my way. Souh and Akuma can run the small things and I'll handle major things. Souh practically ruled for two hundred years without me. What's another another two hundred years to a demon?" Yuzumi asked.

Sesshoumaru nodded, "But war could still came."

"If it does... the ones who bring war upon us will pay for it ten fold. Also I can summon armies of undead to my side and you can bring back the soldiers and innocence that fall. They will lose far more than we ever will. Kouga is Prince of the East and we could ally ourselves with him. So we'll only have to deal with the Northern Lord." Yuzumi told him.

Sesshoumaru nodded, "The Northern Lord's son is a very greedy snake youkai. He had an eye for you at the Courting Ball. His father is an old friend of my father, but if his son takes over we will have war."

"Then has the Northern Lord appoint someone else as his successor? Or does he not know of his son's greed?" Yuzumi asked.

"He has noticed and he's looking for a worthy successor should he parish. He has to do so in secret and should his son find out it's likely he'll kill his own father before he can choose an successor. In that case he sent the Sesshoumaru his will. He wishes for one of my offspring to take over his lands should he die before picking a successor. I'll have to manage his lands until my offspring are of age," Sesshoumaru explained, "but it's likely the people will not follow my rule if that were to happen and they would follow his son and not myself."

Yuzumi nodded understandingly, "You put a lot of thought into this, Sess."

"I have," Sesshoumaru said and sighed tiredly, "At least I have good news as well."

"Oh, what would that be?" Yuzumi inquired

"I have the answer to Rin's aging problem," he stated.

Yuzumi's eyes widen before a smile spread across her face. "Really that great! What the answer?!"

"A dark miko named Yuri," he answered. "We leave to meet her tomorrow."

Ryoko and her companions climbed you the thousand steps of enlightenment. "Why must we walk when we can fly!" Ryoko growled tiredly. "Damn that old hentai monk!"

"Well he did say flying would make it impossible to enter the Mangan Temple to meet Monk Shinsen. There might be a barrier that would prevent us from entering." Tsukiyomi said.

"Fine, but if I find out this was for nothing I'm killing that old hentai monk!" Ryoko growled.

Several hours later they made it to the top of the steps. "I think my legs are going to fall off!" Kagome whined.

"I don't usually agree with women, but mine to!" Suzaku agreed in his bird form.

"Shit..." Ryoko growled irritated and tired with her legs cramping, "damn steps. Whats the point of having a thousand freaking steps?!"

"They are symbiotic of your commitment to enlightenment," Miroku panted.

"Then how the hell did you make it up here then, lech?!" Inuyasha demanded.

"What's that suppose to mean?!" Miroku shot back.

"Um Mister 'resist all temptation' doesn't resist much! Do ya, fake monk?!" Inuyasha argued.

"I won't deny being a lecher, but how dare you call me a fake!"

Ryoko growled as she stood before whaling on them, "Boys," she said dusting her hands of them.

"Why do demons come here?" a seventeen year old boy asked in monk clothing.

"Huh? Oh, right." Ryoko said turning toward him. "My name Ryoko. I'm one of the Double Dragons. My companions and I are here to see monk Shinsen. Tell him that this is about the matter of Buddha's Staff and of Entei."

"Oh course please wait here. I'll return soon." The young monk said.

"We've waited a full hour!" Inuyasha yelled. "How long does this bastard expect us to wait?"

"Shut up, Inuyasha. This is our one of are last quest to fill. Next is Kouga's than yours. So cool it!" Ryoko informed him. "We should completely everything in under two months. Which means we go to Totosai first. The old geezer better not make us wait up for my sister's group for an entire month or I'll go mad! I'd have to sit you and Kouga to hell just to entertain myself!"

"Ryoko don't do something like that," Kouga said in an almost begging voice. "It makes you seem cruel."

"I am cruel to people who annoy me or cross me," Ryoko said as she gave both boys a cold stare, "but I'm gentle to those I care for. Do you every see me yell at Kagewaki, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, Kirara, or Inuyasha's adoptive parents? No I haven't nor will I. Inuyasha I'm hard on you because you'll be my jackass of a brother-in-law one soon, but Kouga you just annoy the hell out of me along with the perv monk. Have I explained enough to you two or should I speak more simply so you may understand?"

"No we got it," Inuyasha said sulking.

"Mutt face it correct for once," Kouga said.

"Down boy," Ryoko order.

"Wha- ow!"Kouga tried to say before his face smashed into the ground.

"Don't call Inu-bro a mutt-face ever again or I will sit you until your face is permanently pancaked." Ryoko growled, "An insult like mutt-face doesn't suit him for Inuyasha looks better than you do mangy damn wolf. I hope the woman you marry sits you all the time. I'd enjoy her putting you in you're place cocky bastard."

Then an old man walked out of the temple. He radiated with powerful holy powers. His brown eyes were nearly black and full of many years of experience and wisdom, "Forgive the lateness child. I am Monk Shinsen. You are the twin of Lady Yuzumi of Southern lands, correct?"

"Yes, I am," Ryoko replied as she gave a bow, "I'm Princess Ryoko. This is my intended Prince Kagewaki and my companions Inuyasha, Miko Kagome, Miko Tsukiyomi, Hoshiyomi, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara."

"An honor, Monk Shinsen." Kagewaki said as he bowed.

"The honor is my own. I never thought I'd see the day of the Double Dragon's appearance. Please come and dine will me. We have much to discuss." the monk told her.

"After you," Ryoko said.

After settling down at the monk's table they began to eat dinner with the the monks. "Young lasses and lads the Staff of Buddha is what holds Entei in placed. To receive the staff Entei will be freed." Shinsen informed them.

"I know," Ryoko told him. "He'll look for Rengokuki. Someone will be there to take care of them both. Entei will have a new master and that person will use him to end Naraku the prophesied evil." Ryoko explained. "I don't know which of my sister's companions will ride Entei, but the horse will chose one of them."

"How do you know all of this?" Shinsen asked.

"It's what must be done according the prophet Akiko, who's been reincarnated into a priestess." Ryoko explained.

Shinsen nodded, "Then let us do so."

After dinner they followed Shinsen out of the temple and followed him to a mountain face. "This cave houses Entei. They say who he chooses as his rider is the one destined to rule the world. This horse can travel a thousand leagues in one day and nothing moves faster." Shinsen told them. "You call hell to take this world by releasing this horse."

"But we have no choice. The evil of this world must be purged." Ryoko said determined.

"Then have your monk remove the staff."

"Miroku, do you're thing." Ryoko ordered.

"Right," Miroku said as he stepped forward for the pure gold staff. It pulsed with power as he approached. His hand reached out grip and pulled on the staff. Just is touch alone was enough to cause a blast that blow him and the staff away.

"Miroku!" Sango called before catching him causing both of them to crash to the ground.

Ryoko watched as they fell back but then she turned toward the cave there stood a white horse with fire like mane and tail. It made a nay as it stared at Ryoko with it's Kirara like eyes. Ryoko stared back as it narrowed it's eye before taking off into the sky and soon disappeared.

Yuzumi and Sesshoumaru traveled alone through the skies to met the dark miko. It not only gave them time along together, it kept the others from knowing their plans for Rin. Neither where sure what they would find once they met her, but it could be dangerous and they didn't want to involve the others while running this 'errand' as their other companions thought they where on.

Yuri's hut was deep in a forest near a village. "Who is she exactly?"

"I believe the word for what she is... is necromancer." Sesshoumaru replied. "If anyone knows how to lengthen Rin's life it's her."

"I see," Yuzumi nodded. "Hopefully she's willing to help us."

"If she wishes to continue living she will assist us," Sesshoumaru stated determined.

"A little sadistic today, Sess?" Yuzumi asked raising an eyebrow at him.

Sesshoumaru looked at her and gave a dark smirk that sent a shiver down her spine. It was the only answer she received, but it was enough to tell her all she needed to know. Sesshoumaru only true became frightening to her when something or someone he cared for was in danger. She loved it about him to be honest. She wondered if Sesshoumaru ever even knew that about himself.

Yuzumi smiled as she flew closer to him and she kissed his lips, "Good," was all she said on the matter.

They set down not soon after, "Hello," a human said. She had her brown hair was in high pink tails and looked to be twelve and was the cutest girl besides Rin that Yuzumi had ever seen. Her large blue eyes gazed up at them sweetly as she asked, "Can I help you?"

"I'm Yuzumi this is my intended Sesshoumaru. Are you Yuri?" Yuzumi inquired.

"I am, Yuri, but please call me Doll. Yuri doesn't fit me at all." She replied.

"Well it's nice to met you Doll. We came here for you're help. My adoptive daughter is human and I wish to know if there is a way to give her the aging ability of a youkai."

"There is a potion that could do that, but the batch I could make would make ten doses for you to choose what to do with. It will work on half demons too, but to do this I must have something in return." She told them.

"What is it you require in return?" Yuzumi asked.

"A demon's life to be precise the demon sealed in the village near my home. His name is Rengokuki. His horse Entei has been released and will seek him out in the village. I'm scared of Rengokuki and once he is dead I will gladly help. Do what you wise with Entei." She said.

"Done," Yuzumi said.

"Also please, Yuzumi... you yourself must be the one to kill him. If anyone else kills him I believe his horse will go wild and kill everything until it is dead." Doll warned.

"It will be done and Rengokuki will never frighten you or harm another again." Yuzumi said. "Sess shall we?"

He nodded, "Let's go."

Sesshoumaru walked side by side with Yuzumi. She was smiling and he knew the wheels where turning in her head. "What are you thinking?" he asked.

"What to do with the other nine doses..." She answered, "I want to give one to Taro of course. Then maybe the others to my human friends and one to Inuyasha. I wouldn't need to give one to Kagewaki because his years would increase to my sister's once they are mated."

"Hn," Sesshoumaru replied as he gave a curt nod. "What of the last two doses?"

"I'll save those until there needed. Who knows maybe my sister or one of our allies adopt another human or hanyou kid." Yuzumi replied. "Perhaps we save Kohaku and he would need the potion as well. I might ask her on that as well after this is done."

They arrived in the village soon after. Yuzumi pulled up her hood of her assassin's outfit made of self repair spider silk. It was light, breathable, and soft against her flesh. Yuzumi became accustom to wearing the black version while Ryoko wore the white version. She didn't know how that came to be, but it just did. Though it didn't matter much clothes were clothes after all.

Yuzumi headed toward the village headman and asked of any sealed youkai in the area by the name of Rengokuki. She was directed east of the village that held a small cave. They waited there for Entei the Youkai Horse to arrive. Many stories surrounded this one horse. They said that this horse was a swift stead that was burned alive in a barn. The other story was that the one to ride this horse was the one meant to rule the world. Yuzumi wandered if any of it was true or if it was all hogwash.

It didn't take long for Entei to arrive. The horse must have been Ah-Uh's size. It was strong or at least it's aura said as much. Yuzumi found herself admiring the horse. She found him stunning and fast. Soon the horse landed next to the seals and it's demonic power burned them. Yuzumi watched as Rengokuki climbed out of his resting place. "Entei how nice of you to see you're old master. Buddha's Staff must have been released did it."

Entei nodded as a response.

He laughed, "Good! How about we raise hell like we use to?" he asked.

"I think not," Yuzumi said as she appeared out of the shadows. Her hood was low and hid her face except for her mouth that held a smirk. "I'm going to kill you before then. You death will be by no other hand. Entei... he is a weak demon why have him as your master?"

Entei looked as her intensely before stepping back for them to fight. It understood what she meant. Entei only wanted a strong leader to follow and that was the end of it.

"You? A woman take me Rengokuki out?" he demanded.

"Woman are deadlier than a sword. Why do you think there is a saying like 'Hell have no fury like a woman's scorn'?" she asked. "Now enough talk fool and fight me if you dare. Otherwise I'm just going to kill you know." she said as she drew Sounga.

"Finally! Some action!" Sounga cheered making Yuzumi give a curt chuckle.

"Shall we then Sounga?" Yuzumi asked as her smirk widened.

"Yes, Aijin," he told her.

"Good," She replied as Rengokuki charged her with his pike.

"Wench I'll kill you!" he yelled as Yuzumi blocked.

"Blood... give me you're blood Rengokuki," Sounga said tauntingly.

Yuzumi saw the nervous sweat come off him and giggled, "And you will have it, Sounga. That I guarantee."

Rengokuki growled as Yuzumi cut him. "I'm going to cut you to little pieces. Sounga hasn't tasted blood it a long time, but when you are near death I'll rip out your heart with my claws."

"Bitch!" Rengokuki yelled as he striked at her. She dodged by mere inches as she cut into his leg.

"If you're wondering why I'm torturing you... well how about you ask all the humans you've eaten." She told him.

"You care so much for humans do you?" he asked. "You are pathetic to care for such weak creatures!"

"Ha! Humans my be weak in body, but there spirit is stronger than most demons. You are a fool not to see that!" Yuzumi yelled as she cut off two of his fingers then stabbed into his foot. He fell back in pain. "Fool you don't have the strength nor skill to face me."

"You're the fool," he said as he blasted her with his energy ball.

Sesshoumaru leaped forward worried and pissed off. Then he heard laughter. Yuzumi was laughing. "It that all you got? Do you know what I am? A little move like that only ticks on a dragon's flesh, but you damaged my outfit and you cut me." she said darkly as the smoke cleared. Her horns where out along with her tail and wings, "Let me show you the might of dragon fire and end you life in the same moment!"

She took a deep breath before releasing purple fire at Rengokuki and he screamed as she melted his skin and bones. Her outfit was repaired by the time she was done burning him and so was the cut on her shoulder, "Idiot," she said as she sheathed Sounga and her horns, wings and tail disappeared.

Entei looked at her for a moment before nodding to itself. It slowly approached her and bowed. Yuzumi smiled as she reached out and petted him and when she did it's fur changed to black with a purple flame tail and mane much like Yuzumi's dragon fire. The was a slight burning sensation on Yuzumi's palm and when she looked she found Entei's name in Japanese tattooed in purple on her hand near her thumb.

'Mistress,' a female voice said in her mind, 'I am Entei and I will only ever follow you.'

"It's nice to met you Entei. I'm Yuzumi Lady of the Southern Lands. I'm happy to have you." Yuzumi smiled as she scratched Entei behind her ear. "Follow me. We are heading to Doll's hut for the potion she promised."

"Yuzumi," Sesshoumaru said and was immediately embraced by her. She kissed him deeply letting his tongue explore the deeps of her mouth. She moaned against his actions. Sesshoumaru felt his beast raddled against it's cage wanting out to claim it's mate.

She all to soon pulled away, "Worried about me, koi?" she asked as she grinned. "I have dragon skin, mate, don't forget that and don't forget you're the only male that can best me. Being worried over such a weak male hurting me how cute. I love that about you." She said smiling at his slight irritation over being called cute.

"This Sesshoumaru is not cute," he said firmly.

Yuzumi giggled as she walked toward Doll's hut, "Keep telling yourself that, mate." she cooed with Entei not far behind her.

Back at Doll's the small child bolted out of her hut and hugged Yuzumi, "Thank you, Yuzu!" she said happily.

"You're welcome, Doll," she replied smiling. "Doll where are you're parents? Do you live here by yourself?"

"Uh-huh... my grandma died fighting Rengokuki with Monk Shinsen. My parents died sealing Rengokuki back out after he broke out of his seal four years ago." She said.

"Hmm... how about after the potions I asked for are made you can come traveling with me. I'm sure my children would love another playmate." Yuzumi offered. "After the evil Naraku is killed you can live with me and my intended Sesshoumaru."

"R-really?" she asked.

"Yes really," Yuzumi smiled into her innocent eyes.

"Thank you!" Doll cheered as she hugged Yuzumi even tighter. "I'll finish making the potion now. All I need is blood of a powerful youkai to complete it."

"Take mine," Yuzumi offered.

"Okay, I only need ten drops. One in each bottle." She said taking Yuzumi's hand dragging her inside. Yuzumi used her clawed thumb to prick her pointer finger and gave one drop to each bottle. "There it's all done. Just make sure that the person who takes the potion it's pregnant. It would be bad for the baby. It won't effect the growth of children. They will age to their twenty first year before their aging stops. Also it will increase the healing abilities to that of demons and it won't cause any pain. It'll knock them unconscious for several moment will the potion works it's magic."

Yuzumi nodded as she placed the bottles into a cushioned box to protect the bottles from being broken, "Thank you, Doll. Pack your things sweetheart so we can leave together." she told Doll.

"Okay I only need thirty minutes I don't have much." Doll said as she grabbed a large sack from a counter and filled it with magical items and clothes. It look less time then Doll said they left in twenty minutes instead of thirty. Yuzumi placed Doll on her horse while she carried Doll's things and Sesshoumaru carried the potions. The only reason Sesshoumaru even had the potion was because it was the safes place for them on earth.

It was the next morning they arrived at the castle they were greeted by the servants and Doll had fallen asleep on Entei. Yuzumi smiled at her as she picked her up off the horse. "Have Entei bathed and bush. Also have apples and horse feed sent to her stables. She will be treated with the highest of respect." Yuzumi ordered as she follow Sesshoumaru into the castle. A servant hand suggested that Doll's room should be placed next to Rin's and Yuzumi agreed. It was nice having another pup around and maybe this one will make sure the other's don't cause to much trouble from now on. Well unless they where playing tricks on Sesshoumaru's mother. They already dosed her with cold water bucket traps three times. She wondered if her birthed child would tease their evil grandmother the same way.

Doll was placed it bed before Yuzumi woke Rin and Taro for breakfast. After the children readied for breakfast she lead them to the dinning room. Sesshoumaru was lacking in patience this morning for his beast was trying to take over to mate Yuzumi, so he left Yuzumi with the responsibility of telling the child the news while he went to his dojo to let off some of the steam. "Children," Yuzumi began, "I have something to inform you of."

"What is it mama?" Rin asked.

"Yesterday we left to get a potion to extend your life spans to ours. We wish for you both to live long lives and we don't want to watch you both grow old. No mother want to see that so we received them without your knowledge, but it's you're choice rather or not to take this potion. We will grow at the same pace you are now and you're healing abilities will increase to our level." Yuzumi told them.

"You mean we get to stay with you forever?" Rin asked.

"Forever and ever," Yuzumi said.

"I'll do it!" Taro declared.

"Me too," Rin said excitedly.

"Very well," Yuzumi said as she opened the box and handed them each one bottle before closing the box once more. "Drink this when you are ready."

Taro popped the top immediately and drunk it down like he was a man dying of thirst. "Yuck!" He said sticking out his tongue in disgust. Rin drunk her soon after and both child passed out in there chairs. Yuzumi waited there silently and before long they opened there eyes. Making Yuzumi smiled, "The smell of decay is no longer on you." she informed them. "It has work. One last thing pups. You have a new playmate named Doll. I want both of you to treat her kindly when she wakes."

Doll woke not long after and the children hit it off. Yuzumi watched at they played. Her heart swelled with happiness as she watched them. Kikyo and Doll began to speak together a lot and Kikyo seemed to have a motherly affection toward her. After Kikyo was revived she wonder if she'd take Doll as her daughter. They looked good together and it was a sight sweet enough to bring a tear to the eye, but Yuzumi could do was wait and see.