AN: Okay I decided to get the ball rolling pretty quickly and so I posted TWO parts on the same day! That is a HUGE accomplishment for me, becasue usually I'm not more then a part ahead of my readers! Anywho, someone, I won't name names claimed that my charater Lin was bieng a little too nice in this part, but have no fear that will change... oh yes it will change! (As much as I love Sesshy, there has to be a little bashing or it wouldn't be amusing)

Lord Sesshomaru landed in a clearing among several barren cherry trees. They wouldn't have blossoms for a few more months. His grip loosened on me and I slipped from under his arm. We had traveled a long way I knew that much. The sun was beginning to set casting heavy shadows on the ground. I looked at Lord Sesshomaru. He should have been panting and wheezing, after all he was carrying me and jumping from tree to tree. I was sure now that he wasn't human, so I that ruled out the option of these events as reality. Back to the point, looking at him I was curious. In the whole time I was clinging to his chest, his heart never sped up nor did his breathing.

"Come woman." His shrewd gaze resting on me interrupted my thoughts. He made the same gesture as two days before, beckoning me to him.

Once again the inner me felt vulnerable and unsure, but then my defense mechanism kicked in.

"Ask, again." I demanded.

"Come woman." He repeated.

"I will not."

"It is not like I have a curiosity but why do you see it fit to defy me? When I could kill you on the spot." I chose to ignore the last comment.

"I will not be ordered around like a dog! I am a human woman I have a brain, capable heart and heck while I'm up on my soap box, I've even got a soul!" I stomped my foot on the ground. He looked at me for a minute. I then realized I must have confused him using my American terms, while speaking Japanese so I didn't go into further detail.

"So be it then. I invite you to follow me." He growled before turning away and starting to walk again. I was ready to jump for joy. Whoever this Sesshomaru was I was wearing him down and making him fit me. I must be coming up in the world… at least that was my hope.

I followed him through the trees and up a beaten path that ended onto a grassy space in front of a large pagoda style palace. It wasn't fit to call a castle. It didn't have turrets and I wasn't a fairy tale princess so palace would have to do. I gazed at it with wide eyes. I felt like letting out a whistle and I muttered.

"Well he's got enough yen to be a Lord."

The palace seemed so beautiful and well maintained yet there was not a person in sight. The whole place seemed lonely and dare I say it? Why the heck not, it seemed dead.

"Here you will be spending all of you're time. You may call it home if you so desire." Lord Sesshomaru said as he climbed up the few stairs to a porch. I followed him reluctantly. He slid back the first panel, once again with his right hand and stepped trough. I followed him. My eyes were blinded by darkness for a minute and then when they focused I saw we were in a small room with one lamp in the corner to light it. I was ready bend over and take off my shoes, but when I noticed that Lord Sesshomaru didn't and I wasn't wearing any it was a useless gesture. We both stepped out of the other end the room and I found myself in another courtyard. More cherry trees filled it and the grass was a lush green even in the fading light.

"It certainly is expansive." I stated as I walked the perimeter of the courtyard. Surrounding it were porches on all sides with sliding panels for doors, but from inside I could see nor hear anything.

"This is the East End. It is yours. Do what you wish with it." Sesshomaru stated before turning and disappearing with a leap.

"Thanks a fat lot fluff boy!" I groaned smugly and collapsed on the grass. I sat there pulling out the blades of grass one by one until it was so dark I could barely see. Getting up I walked onto one of the porches and grabbed a panel.

"Behind door number one…" I pulled the panel back and was surprised to see a huge room. Crimson silk draped the walls and a large what looked like a feather futon was laid out in the middle of the room. One corner held several trunks in it. I didn't touch those however. I walked to the other end and sliding back the wall of panels and was surprised to see a stunning view of a lake and grassy lawn. From what I guessed this room faced due east, so I could watch all the sunrises I wanted to. I closed the panels again and located a pit in one end of the room that was for a fire, which was blazing merrily in the pit. I looked about for wood and flint, in case it ran out but I could find nothing, so I sat there in the dark.

"LADY! LADY!" I heard the voice of Rin call out from the darkness beyond the circle of light.

"Yes!" I answered back. I waited and then heard small footsteps coming my way. Soon a lantern and the little girl bobbed into the room.

"There you are! It is time for supper! We will eat with Lord Sesshomaru tonight!" She seemed overjoyed about this as if it were a treat. I rolled my eyes. Oh, lucky me.

"Alright Rin. Lead the way." I sighed. Rin grabbed my hand and pulled me back through the courtyard and down another hallway that opened up into a well-lit room, with a large dark polished table sitting in the middle. Cushions were scattered around it. It was a Japanese style table, and was set for four people. All of the bowls and plates were filled with the exception of one setting that remained empty.

"You sit here my Lady." Rin gestured to a cushion in front of one of the settings. I knelt down in front of it and Rin ran off but returned shortly, followed by Jaken and none other the fluff lord himself. I stood up immediately. I would stand to show him respect until he was seated but there was no way I would bow to him.

"Sit." He ordered as he knelt down at the table. I did the same, my eyes never leaving the polished surface. This was going to be a long meal. I noted that he had taken the seat with no food in the dishes. Things just kept getting more and more bizarre. Rin sat beside me. Jaken sat at the far end on Lord Sesshomaru's side.

"May we eat Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked politely. Lord Sesshomaru's face I could have sworn softened at her question as did his tone of voice which lost some of it's icy edge.

"Go on Rin."

"Yummy!" Rin clapped her hands together and then picked up her chopsticks and began on the rice in front of her. I sat there in silence, I wasn't sure exactly what to do to be honest. As many smart comments, as I so desperately wanted to throw Lord Sesshomaru's way none would escape my lips. I once again felt his gaze on me and struggled not to look up at him. When he spoke however I couldn't help it any longer.

"Woman. Is something not to you're tastes?" He asked, sounding half-offended and half-disappointed. I looked up and met his amber eyes.

"No… Lord Sesshomaru." I spat out the last part reluctantly.

"Hmm, then eat. It has not been tampered with."

"I'm not hungry."

"Well then Jaken will take it away."

"NO!" I grasped the bowl of rice in front of me tightly. Lord Sesshomaru looked surprised at my sudden outburst. I let go of the bowl and then went to smoothing the fabric of his kimono top over my thighs, unnecessarily.

"What I meant was that it would be rude to refuse what is offered to me."

"Hmm." Lord Sesshomaru gave what I could have sworn was a nod and then said.

"That however does not change that you are not hungry. Personally I do not enjoy any of the dishes in front of you."

"Oh," I wanted to add, 'And that matters because…?' But kept it to myself.

"You should not eat it if you will not enjoy it."

"I agree." I nodded.

"Then this will conclude my presence here. Woman you are dismissed as well." He stated standing and walked out briskly.

"Lady will you be eating that?" Rin asked poking the meat of some kind with her chopsticks. I pushed the food at her.

"No you go ahead. I think I need to sleep." I got up and walked to the East End in the moonlight and back into what I called the Red Room now. The only thing that was on my mind was sleep. My stomach growled uncomfortably. I ignored it. I would rather go hungry then choke down food in front of that fur ball. I tossed his kimono off of me thankful to be rid of the garment. The entire thing smelled like him. As much as I hated to admit it there was something comforting about the smell of the fabric. It had that wild smell, a mixture of the trees combined with leather and what I could have sworn to be metal. Despite this I left it piled in a heap in a corner and curled underneath the sheet on the futon and closed my eyes trying to imagine myself back to what was supposed to be reality. I wanted to be back with Gram and Gramps helping to cook and tend the garden. I wanted to continue earning my keep at their home or if this turned out not to be some weird dream I wanted to repay them for their kindness. I pressed my face into the pillow trying to sleep and eventually when I could no longer focus I drifted off and let the night take me away…

"Set it there Rin and be on you're way." Lord Sesshomaru whispered softly as he entered the room containing the red silks and the sleeping form of Lin. It was just before dawn and Rin set the tray of food down where Lord Sesshomaru gestured and then scampered back off to bed.

Lord Sesshomaru opened the rice panels on the east wall and positioned himself at the foot of the Lin's bed, making sure the tray was covered with a cloth, he blocked it from her view, and he sat. Now all he could do once again was wait…

I felt sunshine warm and comforting on my back. It felt wonderful so instead of opening my eyes I lay there as still as I could with the rays caressing my skin. I had come to terms sometime in the night that however illogical it seemed I was alive and kicking and this wasn't a dream. I wasn't going to wake up in the little hut out in the corner of Gram and Gramps' garden. Where ever in Japan that I was in I was staying and now I just had to figure out a way to avoid and or escape my captor.

Deciding I had lazed about long enough I rolled onto my back and opened my eyes to the blaring sunlight. I had expected the softer light as if drifted through the rice paper. Maybe I forgot to close the panels last night in my attempt to go to bed. I kept my eyes closed and with the sheet wrapped tightly around me I sat up and gave a yawn…

Lord Sesshomaru watched as Lin stirred and then rolled over onto her back. He had as strong urge to say something to her, but held his tongue. He waited until she sat up and gave a yawn that was slightly unattractive. She most certainly was not looking up to his standards. Her hair being tousled, and slightly slouched over…

I felt as I sat there with my eyes still closed someone's gaze on me at first I thought it might be that girl Rin, I wouldn't mind that. I was hoping it wasn't Jaken, I was a little nervous around him, and I was praying to god that it most certainly Lord Sessh-o-what's-his-face.

"Morning Rin…"

"It's nice to see that you have acknowledged someone's presence." The deep voice noted. My eyes shot open and I was shown the owner of the voice.

Lord Sesshomaru sat at the foot of my bed on the floor, with his fur surrounding him and his long hair behind his shoulders. He was dressed in the same kimono as the other day; I wonder how many he had of the same pattern. His armor, sash and swords were at his waist and his right hand was resting in his lap. I noticed that his hand had two stripes on it to match his face. He made quite the stunning picture. I wanted to shout, "What do you think you're doing in here!" but once again being the smart mouth that I am I retorted.

"Well if it isn't the Lord Fluff Boy himself! What has inspired you to grace me with your most icy presence this morning."

"Explanation."

"There's nothing for me to explain to you! You're sitting there staring at me! I think that you…"

"No, I will be doing the talking this morning."

"Oh and who died and made you supreme speaker!" I countered.

"I don't think you are getting my message."

"That maybe, but you could have like knocked or something instead of scaring me!"

"I have sacred you?" His voice while icy also hinted surprise.

"Well yeah! I mean just sitting there waiting for me to wake up! I think it's only a little creepy don't you?"

"If you wish me to leave then I will. We can do this the easy way or the more difficult way. Both I am afraid you have experienced have you not?" His hand reached out to brush the small scab on my neck. I batted the hand away.

"Yeah, you can leave!" I crossed my arms and pulled the sheet tighter around me. Lord Sesshomaru nodded and rose to his feet in one swift motion, I could see something in his hand that was now hidden behind his back.

"What have you got there?" I inquired. Lord Sesshomaru kept walking away but then he stopped at the rice panel going out on the west side of the room.

"Curiosity is not good for mortals. You should learn that now."

"So you came to tell me that? Come on! There is some other reason why you're here and I have a feeling it has to do with what is in your hand."

"And if that is so?"

"Then you're going to tell me or I'll… I'll… quit eating!" That was the best I could come up with on a second's notice. I what could I do to help sway him to favor me anyhow?

"Hmm. That is up to you however I am not fond of these fruits." Lord Sesshomaru approached me again and set what he was carrying on the floor. Lifting the cloth off of whatever it was which revealed itself to be a tray of food. Lord Sesshomaru picked up what looked like a pear off the tray laden with food. My stomach let out an involuntary growl.

"I see that your stomach does not approve of your fasting." Lord Sesshomaru looked at the fruit in disgust but then took a bite out of it. I heard the crisp sound as it tore when he bit down and I could almost taste it. I hadn't eaten anything at all for now three days and it didn't matter. I scrambled at him and diving onto him grabbed the pear from his hand and began to devour it, while I was sprawled on top of him.

Lord Sesshomaru made no motion to move he just waited until I had nibbled the pear down to nothing but a core before sitting up. I slid off of him and onto the floor.

"I think that was rude."

"So I was hungry." I stated setting it down and grabbing another one off the tray. Lord Sesshomaru looked at me for a minute then spit out the bite of pear he had taken.

"Mortal food is certainly disgusting."

"Then don't eat it, and start talking. You're trying to negotiate with me and I want to know why I'm getting my butt kissed."

"You're language is disgraceful, you sound like my brother, woman."

"Then talk so I can shut up!" I ordered moving onto the omelets on the tray.

"I am here to explain some things to you. I wanted to leave you with the least amount of answers but unfortunately I see that it will not be possible with a mortal of your… mindset."

"So was that a compliment?" I interrupted. He chose not to answer.

"First I suppose I should acquaint you to this place. You are in the lands of West Japan where my father controlled and then lost after his death. I had reclaimed much of it. This is to be your new home since I am taking you in as my… companion."

"Define companion?" I said and gestured at him with the pear in my hand.

"You will serve as the lady…" He seemed to choke on the word lady before continuing.

"As the lady to this region and to me. You will be under my supervision and hopefully you will accept the terms of this arrangement. However, this is by no means a showing of my affection for you or for any mortal for that matter."

"So I'm what to you then? A concubine? A whore?"

"No. I have no use for you in such a petty manner you will be as close to my equal as possible. You are here only because I wish to further my power." Lord Sesshomaru explained. I thought for a second as I chewed on my last piece of omelet and started on the final pear before I spoke again.

"Power?"

"Yes, power. That is your only reason for survival while you are here with me."

"So I just sit around on my butt all day so you can gain some sort of 'power'? I hate to break it to ya buddy but I think you got served."

"Served?"

"Yeah, a joke, a prank, a hoax."

"It was the will of my father, I did not get… 'served'." Lord Sesshomaru let the word out unwillingly.

"Okay then, tell me what kind of power it is." I retorted. He was starting to get on my nerves.

"Demonic power." Was his icy reply. I fell back on the futon in laughter

"You're not serious! I mean I've heard freaks before but demonic power! My god that's rich!" I laughed until I was sure he was starting to get ticked off. I then sobered up fast. Sitting back up I took another bite of the pear and looked at him intently. While I chewed I asked,

"So uh what exactly are you?"

"I am the dog demon Lord Sesshomaru."

"WHA!" I sputtered as I spat out the bits of pear in my mouth. The tiny pieces hit him in the face. He didn't flinch or motion to wipe them away.

"You're kidding right?" I stammered as I got to my feet in front of him. I only had the sheet wrapped tightly around me. I hadn't bothered to find anything to wear. I moved to the balcony overlooking the lake, trying to decide whether what he said was true or whether it was just a load of crap. Finally I turned to look at him.

"You're not tugging my chain are you?'

"No."

"Then prove it. If you are what you say you…" Before I could form the next syllable he was standing right in front of me so close that I could have exhaled and touched him. His finger, which was underneath my chin brought my face upward. I could feel his nail or rather claw pressed into my skin.

"Proof enough?" I wanted to shake my head no and shout that he was a phony and it was a cheap parlor trick, but somehow I knew he was genuine.

"Uh huh. Yeah you got me. Could you um leave now?"

"I will so long as you not question or command me any further. I am the Lord here, you but a mere mortal."

"Whatever. I just need to go back to sleep."

"I see." Lord Sesshomaru picked up the empty tray and made his way to the door. I stopped him by calling out.

"Um thank you for the food I was really hungry. I really should have…"

"It should teach you not to skip meals unless you intend on visiting with me more. I will seek you out an hour before dinner. Make yourself available."

"I'll try." I assured him. Lord Sesshomaru left with a leap off the porch and I fell onto the futon dropping the pear on the floor to be left completely forgotten…

"DAMN THAT MORTAL!" Sesshomaru exclaimed, letting his icy level headedness vanish and he tossed the Tensaiga off his sash onto the floor, as he began to transform. Jaken shivered and backed up a few paces from him.

"She is the worst example of that race I have ever encountered." Sesshomaru snarled. He was in the west end of the palace and far off from that Lin woman as he could be for the moment.

"MY LORD!" Jaken shouted and Sesshomaru settled back down his eyes returning to the normal amber color.

"Her nerve amazes me Jaken! She sits there clad only in the bed linens I have provided her and insults me!"

"My Lord you must be…"

"Silence! She will need to be dealt with and on top of the insults she pins me to the floor and eats out of my hand! Then spits the food I feed her at me!" Sesshomaru wiped the pear bits off with a sharp gesture. Jaken spoke up again.

"My Lord you gave her quite a shock I'm sure it was only a manner of surprise."

"No she is arrogant and brash. I ought to kill her where she sleeps!"

"My Lord! You mustn't do that! You sought her out for a reason and we will have to take her to your father's grave to determine if she is the right one."

"It is almost too much trouble. All I have to do is go back there and…"

"NO MY LORD I WILL NOT SEE IT DONE!" Jaken protested.

"You do not mean that Lord Sesshomaru, do you?" Sesshomaru and Jaken whipped around to see Rin peeking her head through the door. Jaken passed out on the floor before he could say anything, but Sesshomaru looked at Rin.

"Rin. You should not eavesdrop it will make me angry." Rin gave a small bow.

"No I should not Lord Sesshomaru, but will you kill the Lady?"

"For the time being no Rin, but do not get attached to her."

"She is very nice and pretty too."

"Just the same Rin. Now go and play." Sesshomaru ordered her his icy aristocratic state having returned.

This woman was going to be a handful most certainly. What on earth had his father been thinking? How could he do something so low as to grant the will of Sesshomaru to find a woman, knowing how heartless he was? However that may have been the objective. Well Sesshomaru knew one thing for certain, he would not fall in love with this mortal even if it killed him…

Falling in love might kill someone,

But typing a reveiw won't even make you go ACHOO!