Disclaimer: The characters of Inu-yasha belong to Rumiko Takahashi. Other characters featured in my fanfictions are owned by me.

Chapter Two: What lies beneath

The underground rock gardens were lit by cleverly hidden torches, their diffused light imitating the moon's, just as the carefully arranged stones suggested islands in a gray sea. Lady Hoshiko and her maidservant Usagi sat beside the pebble sea but meditation was far from their minds. Lady Hoshiko reached over and squeezed Usagi's hands with tears shining in her cerulean eyes and sobbed: "Oh, Usagi, I thought I would never see you again! I have missed you so much—and my family…" she looked away suddenly, leaving the sentence unfinished. .

"My Lady," Usagi told her gently, "you mustn't think of such things. Aren't you happy here with Lord Kurobikari?"
Lady Hoshiko turned to smile at her and nod. "Of course I am. Every moment I am with My Lord is a joy, but only My Lord. "But he seems to have another mate, one that he seems to love more than me. I can see it in his eyes whenever he looks at me. Though he ignores me as often as he can." Usagi smiled. "Lord Kurobikari hasn't lost his love for you, My Lady". Usagi began. "Your son is his firstborn heir".

"Do you think he just pretended to love me, just for an heir?" Lady Hoshiko sobbed. "Don't think such a cruel thing about him, My lady, he is only awaiting the arrival of his second son. Usagi sighed. Usagi quickly shooshed her with a worried look over her shoulder toward the entrance to the garden. "That's Enough, My Lady. Let us speak of other things." Usagi smiled. They looked out over the rock garden for a long while after that, content just to be in each other's company again, then Usagi asked: "Are you really happy here, My Lady?" "Yes, but not with the threat of Lord Sesshomaru around. Lord Sesshoumaru hates me.

I can see it in his eyes whenever he looks at me. Lord Sesshoumaru truly is a cruel demon, and I fear the only thing that would keep him from harming my son is daring to approach him with the fear of his father's punishment. I was there on the night he was born and it saddens me that his heart has turned black. His mother was a cruel woman even for a demon. I know he seeks to kill my son to earn his father's throne.

Usagi bowed her head. "I understand, My Lady".

Meanwhile, Lord Kurobikari kept watch over the infant hanyou that was playing in the woods. He ignored the local humans crossing over the wooden bridge. Lord Kuroikari was a massive dog demon reaching 7 feet in height. He smiled fondly at the fluffy hanyou playing contently with his guard's son. He was often seen in the company of a human-looking demon Lord with a spear that fired lightning at his enemies, roasting them to a crisp.
Lord Ryuuko perched was in a tree in his humanlike form, golden eyes watching the approach of his Lord's son.