Hello, I'm alive! Finally got a chance to update, so hopefully you enjoy this new chapter. I made it longer to make up for the wait.

In case you forgot what's happening, here's a short summary of what happened until this chapter:

Inuyasha and Kagome with their newly born son Kitaro almost got killed by the villagers and are now under Sesshomaru's protection in his mother's castle.

Sango, Miroku and their children together with Shippo are under Koga's protection and they all believe Inuyasha and Kagome have been killed by the villagers.

There's a war between humans and demons about to start because some demons from the South got revenge over a village of demon slayers.

Chapter 12

Demons meet

"The third demon meeting is about to proceed, please take your places." A small grey rat demon announced in a high pitchy tone, earning everyone gathered irritated glare. Yet, that was his role, so the little demon gulped and continued trying to keep his voice steady. "Representing the East, Lord Masao and Lady Chika together with Lord Takoda and his son, young prince Tai from the South East and Lord Jiro of the North East. Representing the North, Lord Koga together with Lord Yuuma and Lord Asa from the North West. Representing the West, Lord Sesshomaru together with Lady Mio from Central. No demons representing the South territory."

"As if we need that troublesome butts who started this mess." Jiro muttered annoyed.

"That troublesome butts only wanted to get revenge, not start a war, but the slayers were bored and arrogant and wanted a slaying war!" Mio said sharply.

"No need to start a war between us, we already have our hands full with one." Sesshomaru commented irritated.

The ten demons forming the council were gathered around a big table, on a so-called 'neutral territory' that was always picked in a different location. This time, it was somewhere in the north-centre, where the forest stopped, and the mountain began. They were all gathered in an abandoned castle that had been prepared and thoroughly cleaned for their arrival and temporary meeting. They sat in the biggest room found, all gathered around a table. Small servants that came from each demon house attended to their needs according to their role, so Ryo would do the formalities, Jaken was taking notes and providing any necessary stationery like pen and papers, others would pour them drinks or bring food, some would make sure the pillows the demons were sitting were comfortable enough or even adjust the lighting.

"I request immediate permission to speak!" Koga interrupted.

"No need to request permission, that's why we have those little servants. RYO! Make use of that voice and ask on behalf of Lord Koga permission to speak." Chika shouted at the little rat demon who spoke initially.

"Lady Chika, you know those youngsters have this habit of speaking directly instead of using their title and power. I have the same problem with my son Tai." Lord Takedo said.

"Just because some of you have over 300 years more than us, 'the youngsters', doesn't mean we're disrespectful or we don't acknowledge our power. We just like doing things directly and more straightforwardly than bothering with having someone speak for us." Tai replied eyeing Koga who nodded.

Lord Takedo and his son, Tai, were bear demons and were at least one head taller than everyone at the table. Takedo looked massive and imposing and had short brown hair with piercing black eyes. His son resembled him a lot, but you could tell he was younger and slightly smaller than his father, but still very powerful. He also had hazel eyes just as his mother who also was a bear demon. Tai was about 50 years or more younger than Koga and the only other demon in that council that was 'his age'.

"Lord Koga of the North request immediate permission to talk."

Suddenly, all the muttering or glaring stopped and everyone gathered around the table turned towards Koga, eyeing him with interest. Koga tried to ignore the involuntary feeling of dread that he felt upon seeing so many powerful (and even more powerful than him) demons looking at him expectantly. He usually didn't do much talking, others would, so this was his first time talking. He focused on the feeling of being part of this strong alliance and spoke with confidence:

"As we all know, the slayers are waiting for a reason to start the war with us and we've been preparing for them. The moment has come, the war has begun the minute I've more or less taken accidentally the head slayer's daughter as prisoner and I am sure they'll start to…"

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

"YOU ACCIDENTALLY HOW?!"

"YOUNGSTERS WILL BE YOUNGSTERS!?""

The room erupted in roars and all the composed demon nobility started to shout viciously. All the demonic power started to roam around the room, knocking on each other's and sparkling like electricity in the air. The poor little servant demons started to tremble and fear and hide in the shadows of the room waiting for the rage to subdue. They felt continuous shocks of demonic energy hitting them. Then the lights also went down and in the now dark room, loud growls and sparkling eyes were eyeing one another with anger.

"SILENCEEEEE!" Jiro shouted and his demonic power threw everyone off balance, sending their pillows from under them flying and the servants in the walls with a loud thud.

Jiro was a half elephant, half gorilla demon who came from two lines of very old and respected full demon families. Though he didn't look like, he was probably the oldest of all demons from the council. His appearance was of a 50-60 year old person. He had a long braided black hair and grey eyes. He hated humans and ate them now and then when they would wander too much into his territory or when he wanted to entertain himself and went human hunting.

"LIGHTS, MAKE LIGHTS!" He continued shouting.

The whole demon rage probably took less than 5 minutes, but it felt like an eternity for Koga who tried to stay strong and maintain his power up against the other demonic energies.

After Jiro ordered the lights, in less than a minute, the light was back up, all the lords, ladies and general back on their pillows and servants back to their duties as nothing actually happened. Koga exchanged a quick look with Tai who seemed as impressed as him by the quick change in the demeanour of the other demons.

"GOOD." Jiro nodded from his head and the other demons nodded in return. Then he lowered his voice to a normal tone and addressed Koga. "Now, Lord Koga, you were just sharing with us a very important information that I am sure everyone in the room would like to hear further details upon."

"Yes, thank you, Lord Jiro. As some of you might know, on my territory lives the infamous demon slayer village which has determined my pack and I to increase our guard and ally with Lord Yuuma and Lord Asa from the North West for extra protection for both our territories. But demon slayers patrol, yet not very far because they are aware we share the same territory and they're too careful to risk an unwanted attack. However, two went too far this time and we managed to capture them. One of them was the daughter of the village head."

"Why did they wander so far? Were they preparing a surprise attack? Is your pack OK?" Lady Mio asked mildly concerned, but more curious.

"Do you remember when we shared the human goods and I took under my protection the monk and slayer together with their family? The slayer has a brother and the brother works with the village head's daughter."

"That whole long connection gives me a headache. I bet the brother is also in love with the girl and that's why the fools wondered too far or something like that…needed some alone time from all the annoying other slayers." Mio commented earning some disgusting ew noises from other members of the council.

"Something like that…"

"Did you bring the girl?" Jiro asked.

"No. She's in my den. Last time she was still unconscious."

"I think we should eat her to make sure the slayers understand we don't fool around and if they want war, we'll give them PLENTY of war!" Lord Masao said annoyed.

"I think that would be foolish my dear and would just make the war worse. It's better keeping her as bait and prisoner." Lady Chika replied.

"We can always torture her and send her piece by piece to make the message loud and clear, but otherwise I agree with Lady Chika." Mio said.

"I think we should keep them in one piece for now and as leverage as much as possible. If the idiot wishes for war more than his daughter's life, we're killing her for nothing." Koga commented.

"Yeah, then she's good for nothing. I bet the slayer only wants a reason to start the war and his stupid daughter just provided him one. You may as well feed her to your wolves, Koga." Tai told him.

"No, no, don't make any harsh moves, let's keep her alive for now!" Takedo said.

"Let's just leave the prisoner in Koga's care and see how things evolve for now before voting a certain fate for this human's life. Koga, keep her alive, but we won't blame you if you take a bit or two or let your wolves play a bit with her. As long as she still breathes, she can lose a limb or two. Moving on to the next discussion. Anyone?" Jiro concluded.

"Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Masao want to discuss the ongoing surprise attacks from the slayers and their obvious intention of taking our human resources away." Ryo informed.

Sesshomaru eyed Masao and he started talking.

"Ever since the distribution of the human resources, the slayers have started to attack our humans. As we know from the last meeting, Lord Takedo lost his humans in the surprise attack and Lord Yuuma got his humans stolen. We mean a priest and priestess were killed and a priest and famous strategist of the land were stolen by the slayers. My human resources almost got stollen as well, but we managed to kill the slayers and safely take the priestess who is now working alongside my other priest, Haru. He is actually outside and working alongside Lady Mio's priest in creating a barrier to keep our whereabouts hidden from any praying eyes. Never mind that all this demonic energy would definitely be noticed and none of us want that. He has proven himself loyal so far and is under the supervision of Lord Asa's army. Sesshomaru's resources also got attacked…"

"This Sesshomaru has been misled in believing the slayers were attacking, so I've been away from them during the night. Upon my return, they seemed to have been killed…"

"SEEMED?! WAIT THEY'RE ALIVE?!" Koga shouted impatiently forgetting manners.

Everyone eyed Koga angrily. Takedo muttered another 'youngsters and manners' while Sesshomaru ignored him and continued.

"…but the priestess managed to defend herself and her family, so I took them away in my home where they will prove their use."

"I told you you should have just kidnapped them from the very beginning instead of leaving them there. Koga, you've done something similar, but from what you said, your human assets are now with you, right?" Lady Chika said, but upon seeing Koga's stunned face, she added: "Oh, where yours also attacked? Is your mate hurt?"

"Do you feel someone trying to get in?" Jiro joined in seeing Koga's distress.

"No, no, I, well, I excuse myself, just remembered something disturbing during the extraction of my own human resources. Nothing to worry now."

That seemed to please everyone and they moved into discussing about their current resources made by their priests and priestesses. Koga, however, was at war with his feelings. Where Kagome and Inuyasha alive? Did he hear well? He couldn't believe it. Was Sesshomaru bluffing? He needed to find out, but the meeting was still going and he was finding it harder and harder to focus. He did say Kagome saved them, but didn't she give birth? Something wasn't adding up and Koga knew from Miroku and Sango that Inuyasha was also vulnerable that night. Something wasn't adding up! However, Koga had to remind himself that he wasn't here just for himself, but for his pack too, so he made an effort to put his feelings for his friends aside, once again, and tapped into his cold demon attitude.

About an hour later…

"…and Lord Koga with Lord Yuuma will go with something like a piece of clothing from the head's daughter to the slayers and see if they are aware we have his daughter and depending on their reactions, we'll learn to what extent she is important to this war. Then, we'll know her degree of usefulness."

"She could always be used as a human asset because she knows well our enemy. Of course, she might not turn on her kind, but then we'll just have to kill her." Lady Chika added.

"Yes, that's true, but you know how distrustful humans can be." Jiro added and continued the meeting's conclusions. "Next meeting in two days, so we can discuss war battle strategies. Until then, Sesshomaru, please make sure all resources are available and we have a full list of everything we have.

Sesshomaru eyed Jaken who was writing madly everything down.

"The war is starting. Let us know if your resources behave and you have full permission to kill them if they're not acting accordingly. However, do consider that then you'll need a replacement and all the powerful human assets have already been given. Anything new, bring it up to the next meeting. Until then, stay hidden, vigilant and protect your packs and mates. Farewell!"

"Farewell!" Everyone chorused.

As soon as the chorus ended, Koga was next to Sesshomaru in an instant.

"Are Inuyasha and Kagome alive?"

"This Sesshomaru's assets and allies are this Sesshomaru's concern."

"You said Kagome saved them. But…" Koga lowered his voice. "She just gave birth, she was to weak and Inuyasha was on his human night. Leave your pride aside and tell me the truth. They got killed because you weren't there, right?"

In one swift motion, Koga found himself dangling with Sesshomaru's hand strangling his throat, his poisonous claws incredibly close to piercing his skin. Some of the still remaining demons eyed them with interest and suddenly decided to delay their leave for and watch the free entertainment.

"THIS SESSHOMARU WILL MAKE HIMSELF CLEAR ONCE, WOLF PRINCE AND I EXPECT YOU WILL FULLY USE YOUR BRAIN TO UNDERSTAND IT. This Sesshomaru has not lost his assets because THIS SESSHOMARU hasn't made any mistakes and his assets are powerful enough to take care of themselves. They are ALL breathing and under my protection, so their wellbeing and their whereabouts or anything else even remotely related to them is NONE of your concern. Did I make myself clear?"

Koga felt his skin being slowly pierced and started nodding, trying to catch his breath.

"Good. Your brain still works. Then MIND YOUR OWN FAMILY, PACK and assets. Farewell!" Sesshomaru said and threw him violently on the nearest wall making them room shake.

"Jaken, we're leaving. Farewell." Sesshomaru said addressing the remaining demons and then left.

Koga got up unsteadily from the lack of air and looked at the demons watching him. There was only Takedo, Tai, Lady Chika and Lord Masao. Lord Yuuma and Lord Asa signalled Koga they'll wait for him outside and left.

Koga was relieved to notice that he didn't get poisoned. Tai approached him and gave him a friendly punch in the shoulder.

"You sure know with whom to pick a fight. Koga, man, that's Sesshomaru, he's almost as powerful as Jiro and the most merciless of us all!"

"Don't forget he hates to answer questions that concern his family and he kills anyone who dares to question his morals." Lady Chika replied.

"Family? You asked him about his family?"

"Tai, keep up with those meetings, son, you're embarrassing me. Lord Sesshomaru's assets are his brother and his brother's mate, the half-demon and the priestess."

"Yes, yes, of course I know the famous duo who helped kill Naraku. And Koga here had their friends and Lord Masao and Lady Chika had their friend, the old priestess. I'm not stupid father, give me more credit. I just didn't make the connection instantly."

"Thank you for the recommendations everyone. I'm aware of Sesshomaru, I just acted carelessly."

"Indeed you did! Humour us and share with us why you're so interested in Sesshomaru's assets? Did your human assets agree to help in return of telling them about their friends?" Lady Chika asked intrigued.

"Ah, my dear, leave the boy breath and the gossip aside. Sesshomaru's right. We should mind our own business and only care about our packs. Though, Koga, don't let those humans push you around. They have kids, right? Threaten you'll eat one of them, see how fast that will make them behave."

"To be honest, I'm kind of friends with Sesshomaru's brother and the priestess and I was myself interested in their wellbeing."

"How cute, you're friends with a half-breed and a priestess. Did she make a spell on you? Demons and humans, no, no, demons and priestesses, that sure sounds out of a fairy tale I would love to hear more some other time." Lady Chika said eyeing Koga with interest.

"No, she was…"

"Mind your secrets boy, don't let the elders take everything out of you. But yeah, do check yourself, that priestess might be controlling you. I understand somehow how she ended up with a half-demon, but from that to controlling a full demon. Maybe we should warn Sesshomaru…" Takedo commented.

"Father, let him be. There's nothing wrong when demons like humans, some are quite attractive. Koga, you sure picked a unique one, she might purify you, I don't think it's a good idea continuing this friendship…"

"Shut up, son! We're at war with humans and you encourage human demon friendships?! These youngsters, oh, let's go, you're giving me a headache. Lord Koga, don't mind him and please, check yourself. And if you feel confident enough to face Sesshomaru again, do bring up this problem with the priestess to the next meeting. She might use this 'friendship control power' on Sesshomaru too."

"Your son is so fun, Takedo, I should invite both of them to our house, don't you think, dear?"

"Some other century, dear, we already have our hands full with the war and our own kids. Koga, mind your pack and keep your feelings in check. Humans make friends. Demons make alliances and build loyal relationships with them. You should only care about your pack and mate. I bet she wouldn't be pleased hearing you talking about a human priestess." Lord Masao said harshly.

"Hear, hear!" Takedo agreed.

Koga watched everyone leave. He knew they were right, but he valued his friendship with Kagome and Inuyasha. Knowing they were safe, however, was enough for him for now. And it should be for Miroku, Sango and Shippo too. He had other priorities for now and he should start focusing on them more. His pack, his mate, his business.

Thank you to everyone who took time to comment! Greatly appreciated it and deeply sorry for such a late reply! This year's just been challenging and at times really hard, so thanks for your uplifting comments.

Shoesarecool Aww, thank you. They're cute, aren't they?!

itzatakahashi I do want to include some of these stories! They weren't in this chapter, but I plan to include some in future chapters :)

Guest Awww, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

Cstorm86 Yeah, Akira can't wait to tell everyone about her cute grumpy puppy and have someone chattier around. We'll see more of her and her stories in future chapters.

Saraharista36 Aww, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm back, sorry for the delay!

I'm Iseul Hi! Glad you updated and you're loving it. Hope this chapter didn't disappoint either.