Epilogue:
(Ouch! It seems that I've left something undone. Ouch! Ouch! Stop ok already, stop throwing rocks I'll write more. As I said I seemed to have left poor Sango in the tender care of her master, Sesshoumaru. He did promise to release her after a year so let's see how the story writes it's self on this one. Ouch! Enough with the rocks, I'm writing I'm writing.)
It had been several months since the new Kai had taken his rightful place on the throne. Inuyasha had been installed as the new lord of the southern mountain realm. He was unused to the responsibilities involved. The now full demonhad beenused to traveling around the countryside doing pretty much as he pleased. But now that the business with the jewel was finished he found he was a bit bored.
"This is driving me nuts. How does Sesshoumaru deal with this?" Inuyasha was pacing like a cages tiger. "I have to get out. What do you say we go for a nice long trip? I could take you to see Katame if you like."
Kagome had been trying to deal with her caged husband for a while and was glad of the suggestion. "Sounds good to me when do you want to leave?" she asked knowing full well he would say now and leave the fortress within seconds.
"Now." He said and turned to leave.
'Now how did I know that he'd do that?' Kagome thought to herself as she ran after her husband to try and explain that they would have to pack for the trip.
About a week later…
"Sire! Sire! Your brother Inuyasha is approaching the gate." The toad-like servant ran and bowed to his master.
Sesshoumaru's golden eyes gazed coldly at the fool. "What are you doing here then? Go and let my brother in."
Katame was working in the garden with Sango. The two women were enjoying the sun. It was early summer and the weather was warm and inviting. She had seen the servant run from the gate and now she was watching him run back. "I wonder what's going on? We must be getting visitors." Then she brightened up a bit the only ones that come to visit were her friends Inuyasha and Kagome. "Let's go see who it is."
Katame and Sango ran toward the gate just as it was being opened. Katame squealed with delight. "I'm so glad to see you!" She hugged Kagome. "It's been almost half a year since you were last here. How are you? Did you bring Sugumi?
Kagome was ecstatic to see her friend again. "I'm fine and yes Sugumi will be here soon. He had some things he wanted to do before he came here. He'll probably be hear tomorrow at the latest."
Inuyasha came up to the women and complained. "How come I'm always the last to get a hug?"
Katame grabbed her friend tightly around the waist and gave him a fierce hug. "I've missed you too, how come you didn't come visit sooner?" She pulled away from him and looked him over. He looked so different than before. He had the same markings on his face that Sesshoumaru had. The stripes and crescent moon gave him a more serious look. He had also matured a little she thought. Now that he had responsibilities of an official royal house. "You look good. How are you finding your new role?"
Inuyasha smiled "It's boring as all hell but I'll live." He looked over at Sango. "Some times I wish I was out hunting again. How have they been treating you? I hope you've been behaving yourself." He said as he put his hand on her shoulder. "I take it he's inside." Sango nodded.
Katame spoke to her guests. "Come on inside and I'll get you something to eat. You must be starving after the long trip." She then laughed a bit. "I should get Sesshoumaru to tell you where you can get your own dragon. I will make the traveling so much easier." The group of friends entered the palace chatting of all the things that had transpired in the passed six months.
That night while everyone slept. Something was moving outside the palace walls.
Forosai the leader of the demon hunters had followed his quarry across the lands that ran from the forests below the southern mountains all the way to this strange palace in the west. He was certain it was a demon stronghold. The demon had with him a female that he was sure was his slave or some such thing. She was bold for a servant but he had seen the demon discipline the girl for arguing with him. Forosai wasn't about to allow that to continue. He would rescue the girl and any other humans that were inside the palace walls.
"Wotu, Shamoa quietly now, scale the wall and open the gate." Forosai whispered his orders.
The men launched their grappling hooks silently and they caught on the top of the wall. The two began to climb. The only sounds that could be heard were the quiet scraping of the rope on the side of the wall.
Inside the palace Sesshoumaru stirred. He thought he heard something. He was rarely wrong about such things. It had been a long time since there had been any trouble at the palace but that meant nothing. He was lord of the western realm and that meant he was expected to defend his right to rule from all comers. Noiselessly he flew from the palace straight up.
"Hfff… Humans what do they want I wonder? Don't they know who lives here?" He hovered above the men out of sight 'they must not be from here. Their costume is strange to me.' The great lord thought as he watched as they launched their ropes and began their climb. Suddenly a bolt of light energy erupted from the lord's hand and cut the ropes sending the men crashing to the ground.
"Who are you and what are you doing here? Speak!" Sesshoumaru was not in the best of tempers and this was not something he was inclined to forgive.
Forosai looked up to see a demon that looked remarkably like the one he had followed here. But it was obviously not the same one. This one was taller and his voice was strangely quiet despite the angry tone it carried.
The men who had fallen cowered on the ground. The others that were traveling with Forosai ran for the woods away from the palace. Sesshoumaru saw them run and swooped down on them and carried them back to stand with their leader.
"I asked you a question. If you wish to live you will answer now." Sesshoumaru was in no mood.
Suddenly, he was joined by Inuyasha. "What's going on Sesshoumaru? Who are these men?"
"You! Release the woman you stole." Forosai pointed at Inuyasha and demanded. It looked like he might try to fight him.
"Woman I stole? What woman?"
"Don't play dumb, demon the woman you dragged with you from the south. The one you are keeping as a slave."
Sesshoumaru started to laugh. "Kagome. He thinks you keep Kagome as a slave." He turned to the man. "What makes you think she is his slave?"
The man seemed puzzled. "I saw him beat her and carry her a portion of the way after she argued with him. We tried to help her but could get close enough. He was traveling too fast. It's not right for you to keep her. Let her go."
"Kagome is no slave you fool. She's my mate and has been for years. As for beating her is concerned that is none of your business. Besides if you were watching you would have noticed that I didn't hit her very hard. It's what her people call a spanking and it's what my people do to bad children who misbehave."
"So you followed my brother and his wife here to rescue her? What exactly were you going to do once you got inside? You couldn't possibly defeat us."
Forosai hung his head.
Inuyasha help me with these." Sesshoumaru grabbed the hapless man and another of his companions and flew them over the wall. Inuyasha followed with the rest. They tied the men to some posts on the porch. Then went inside to decide what to do with them.
"I can't believe they think I treat Kagome like a slave. I know we argue but that should speak more to wife than slave. Do you think I'm mistreating her?"
"I may be the wrong one to ask Inuyasha. I haven't beaten Katame since before that incident with Naraku. But I haven't been the best of husbands I'm sure. It matters not. Now that we have these men what do we do? I would have killed them for daring to challenge me but I find their reasons amusing."
"Oh great I'm glad you find this funny. They think Kagome is a slave."
"Leave it for tonight Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru called to the servant he had gotten from Shamotokai. "Hutu I want you to guard those men outside. If they try anything kill them. Understood? Be sure to tell them I said that perhaps it will serve as an incentive for them to behave."
In the morning Inuyasha told the women what had happened the night before.
Sango got a strange look on her face. She had been serving breakfast and had overheard the conversation. She took a chance and asked a question of her friend Inuyasha. It was a terriblechance she took. Lord Sesshoumaru ran a very strict household and servants were forbidden to involve themselves in the business of their masters. "Lord Inuyasha, do you mind if I ask what their leader's name was again?"
"Sango you don't have to call me that. I'm your friend not your master. His name is Forosai. Why do you ask?"
Sango shot a nervous look in the direction of her master. He seemed to be alright with this conversation. So she continued. "I think I may know him. He is from a demon hunting village like mine. He lives to the south of here just below where you have your territory."
"Excuse me sire but may I see these men?" Sango asked her master. She was unsure what she wanted to say to them but she wanted to see them. Their villages although they were far apart still had close relations. Often they would marry from each other's villages. And sometimes exchange the weapons that they would make. If this was the same man she would be happy to see him. Her father was the village leader and Forosai was the son of his village leader. They would have been betrothed had it not been for Naraku destroying her village.
Sesshoumaru nodded his approval and Sango left to see the men. They were just finishing the meal Katame had sent out to them. Forosai looked up from his bowl and dropped his chopsticks.
"Sango. Sango is that you? What are you doing here at a demon strong hold?" Forosai was full of questions. He had heard of the devastation of her village and had assumed she had perished. Then anger rose in his voice. "Did this demon destroy your village? Did he bring you here as a captive?" He started to struggle.
"No! Forosai please don't do that. The master has given orders to kill you if you try anything. Stay still please and I'll explain." Sango went on to describe how Naraku had destroyed the village. Their hunt for him as well as the jewel and how Sesshoumaru destroyed Naraku.
"So why do you call him, master?" Forosai wasn't going to let that go.
"I did something very foolish. I challenged him and although he gave me a chance to save myself I… I would have rather died than apologize to him. He didn't kill me instead he made me serve him for one year. That time will be up soon, well a couple of months. But it's not so bad. He isn't unreasonable with me."
Forosai grit his teeth. It was unacceptable in his eyes for a demon to own a demon slayer as a slave. "Haven't you tried to escape?"
"That would be stupid, Forosai. Not only would I be caught instantly and disciplined, but, then he would reset my year and I'd have to begin again. I promised myself that I would serve him for one year and not one day longer. I won't risk it. He gave me his word and I believe him. He wont break it."
"How could you trust the word of a demon?" He couldn't believe his ears.
"How could I not? When the Kai of the demons was captured he didn't even try to take the throne, he had enough power to enforce his own rule. Instead he went out of his way to rescue him. And when the shakon jewel was healed he could have easily taken it. But he instead helped to bring it to it's rightful place. He is a very noble and honorable person. Even though he is a demon. Once he gives his word he keeps it. And so do I. I gave him my word I would behave and I intend to." Sango got up to leave.
"Wait Sango. I'm sorry I didn't mean to question your integrity. Forgive me. I was upset I never thought I'd see you again and when I do you are enslaved to the very thing you were raised to fight. It's a bit much to take in all at once."
Sango nodded. "I'll see what the master is planning to do with you. I'll help if I can. But if I stick my neck out for you, you have to promise to leave here and never come back. Will you do that?"
Forosai agreed and Sango went off to find her master.
"No Sango!" Sesshoumaru was adamant. He was not going to allow a bunch of demon slayers to leave just like that.
"But sire they are honorable men. I know their leader. We were to have been betrothed until my village was destroyed. He wouldn't lie, Lord Sesshoumaru. Couldn't you …"
Sesshoumaru glared at the girl. "You've managed to go more than six months do you risk my wrath now?"
Sango dropped to the floor and assumed the formal apology position. "No! Please lord, I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect, please forgive me." She was almost in tears. Had she really done it? Had she annoyed him after all this time? Would he reset her year?
"Get up girl your year is safe. So hewas to be your mate." Sesshoumaru looked at the girl. Everyone had been well rewarded for their work in saving the Kai but since Sango was a slave she was not rewarded at all. I was time he fixed this. He left her with a word. "Stay here."
Out side a servant was untying Forosai. "The master has commanded I bring you to him, come."
Sesshoumaru was seated in his customary spot at the head of the table to his side was another demon and two human women. Forosai was brought in before him and made to kneel before the imposing lord. He surveyed the faces before him and wasn't sure if he would ever leave there alive.
Sesshoumaru spoke his tone soft yet carried a great menace to it. "Tell me what do you know of my servant Sango?"
The man was taken back. "I… I don't understand. What do you want to know?" He was a little nervous. Demons had great hearing. Had he heard him suggest she run away? Then his heart sank. Had this demon hurt her because of his foolish words?
"I want to know how it is you know my servant. Speak!"
"Y… Yes sire. She grew up in a village like mine only it is to the north west of here. My village and hers were in the same trade. So we often would work together. My father and her father were both leaders of their villages and it was always thought that I would marry Sango. But when her village was destroyed I thought she was dead. I was surprised to find her here." He didn't tell the demon how he felt about it.
"So now that you have found her what do you intend?"
"Sire?"
"You heard me. What do you intend?"
Forosai hesitated not sure what was going on. Did they want him to proclaim his undying love or did they expect him to demand her freedom. He didn't want the girl to get hurt. He bowed his head and didn't answer.
"He wants to know if you still want to marry the girl you fool. How hard can that be? Just answer yes or no." Inuyasha was getting a little impatient.
"I… Is that what you mean? Yes I do want to marry her. But will you let her go? She won't leave you. She told me she gave her word and her year is not up yet."
"She has earned her freedom." He called to a servant. "Bring Sango here. Tell her nothing of this."
"Yes sire." The little imp ran to find the slayer.
A moment or two later Sango appeared. "You wished to see me, sire?"
"Sit. I have overlooked something too long. I will now remedy that." Sesshoumaru's face was an impassive mask. Sango couldn't tell if she was in trouble or not.
She started to plead. "Sire did I do something wro…"
Sesshoumaru stopped her with a wave of his hand. "Silence girl and listen to me. You were most useful when I took you and the others to rescue the Kai. All were rewarded. All that is but you. As a slave you were not entitled to any reward. I intend to change that, Sango." Sesshoumaru stood and went toward a servant who held a small box in his hands. He took the box and handed it to the girl. "Sango you were to serve me one year. I would keep you to it and you would have agreed to it. But I have decided to release you early. Within the box are the treasures that the Kai had given me for your service to him. Take it. I am giving you to Forosai as a wife. If that is, you wish to leave."
Sango looked at the box and then at the demon who had been her master for months. "Your letting me go?"
"You would rather stay?" The lord asked.
"No!" She said that a little harder than she meant. "I mean… ah."
Sesshoumaru waved her to silence. "Do you want to marry this man or would you prefer someone else?"
She looked at Forosai. "I don't know if he wants me."
"I would be honored if you would be my wife."
"Yes sire I would like to leave." Sango was excited. She would be free finally and more than that her childhood love would finally be hers.
The next morning Sango, Forosai and all his men left the palace of the lord of the western realm. She had been gifted with silks and several household goods. Katame didn't want her to go to her new home without some necessities of life as she put it.
"Sesshoumaru, thanks." Inuyasha said to his brother as then returned inside the gates.
"For what?" For not killing her, and for letting her go early. I know you didn't have to and it was nice of you to do it."
Sesshoumaru just walked on. He didn't know what to do with that. Perhaps he was getting soft after all.
(That's it I quit no more… Ahhh My finger fell off. LadySesshoumaru41)
Ps look for another story that is different. It's a 'what if' story. Sesshoumaru is still my favorite character so he will star, of course. I hope you enjoy it. It will be a short story though only 5 chappies.
PPS thank you to everyone who reviewed for me. I really needed the incouragement to continue in this adventure. I almost stopped a couple of times. Your imput was invaluable to me. Lots of love.