Disclaimer: We can all agree I have no claim to the dog-eared mutt. I doubt anyone will come after me…knock at door well isn't that bad timing! Review or no new chapter, seriously I should be doing chemistry . But I do live for procrastination. One reason why this chapter is late…haha- whoopsies?

Demanding Request

"You there! What do you think you're doing?"

Kagome plucked her head from between the boards blocking her view to look halfway across the pond. The voice was obviously feminine, but rough in a warrior-like manner. There about ten or so feet from her sitting position was a young woman with long raven hair that was, at the moment, pulled up into a very high ponytail at the crown of her head. Serious dark russet eyes regarded her with suspicion. The form of the female was muscular, but thinly so with a feminine sleekness. The woman was lithe and lanky, but appeared, to Kagome's somewhat well trained eyes, to be strong and swift.

But more so what worried her was the fact that the woman snuck up on her without her knowledge. Naturally her senses were dulled in this form of humanity, but the vicious warrior spirit within her was yowling at her own ignorance. Kagome's head was aching from the continually changing range of towering yells to cursing utterances. Yes- it was obvious Kaekei wasn't pleased at this new comer's achieved stealth, but Kagome wasn't about to let the cat out of the bag.

With a jubilant smile, the raven haired beauty rose from her prone position upon the hinoki planks to face the intruder of her and Rin's peaceful world. The miko placed her hands palm flat against the inwardly bowed railing. Her blazing fire yukata had dancing torrents of corn-yellow flowers in winding wisps across the soft cotton fabric. Kagome didn't bother to straighten the wrinkles showing the girl in front of her the defiance that could clearly be seen burning like electric blue lightning in her cobalt depths.

Sango's POV

This girl was different from the normal hime or person of such nobility Sango often came across. These individuals would rather live a life of humiliation and shame than place themselves in a position so un-lady like. Especially after once being caught with slumped posture, the girl has not the decency to blush in embarrassment? She doesn't even straighten out the wrinkles in her yukata!

But more so than that, Sango noticed the tiny hairs on the back of her neck raise in anticipation or rather caution. This fact alone would set the strange female aside since this signified a strong internal sense of awareness of the surrounding atmosphere. Though it was most likely passed off as paranoia, most females wouldn't have had any reaction at all compared to the taijiya's skills.

Even some of the best trained soldiers fall victim to her stealth and tracking techniques that were often described as odd. Of course, naturally Sango would have to call them unique or original because they are completely different than the normal tricks taught to soldiers, etc. Only the greatest and most highly trusted of the Mountain Taijiya Clan were qualified to even have knowledge of such high quality expertise.

Other things that were noted by the clever and ever observant taijiya were her eyes. The twin pair of orbs were a glowing cerulean that burned with a powerful force that was carefully hidden to the naked eye, but the taijiya was well-read in the art of soul searching and it was as clear as day. Hidden deep beneath was a mass of darkness that could only hold unimaginable secrets just waiting to be unleashed. Yes- indefinitely this was the one Sango was to train.

All

The overbearing silence was broken was Rin's joyous laughter at the clopping leaps of a bull frog as it languidly hopped from a sturdy toadstool near the edge of the pond, to a floating lily pad. But to the creature's dismay, it was a tad too heavy for the poor flower surface and plunged into the nether deep beneath. The jumpy thing than scrambled to the surface to float there bobbing up and down with the movement of the water from its previous frantic movements like a buoy. Kagome smiled holding in her chuckles, she could almost hallucinate the soft jingling of the bell attached to the top of the marker. There were these cone-shaped floatation devices where she lived. Her village was right on the edge of the never-ending cobalt ocean that stretched towards the sun.

The villagers would often go too far out and many horrifying drowning occurrences. So, those who owned small boats or made rafts of bamboo sticks tied together with strong burlap vines would sail out to wear only the tallest man in the village, Enma (yah-mah), could stand and place these markers. They were made of a wide bamboo reed cut at the bottom and widened into the shape of a cone. Then a small hole was poked near the top and a small bell was tied with a durable string or cloth. This way when the children and others went to swim, they would know when they could hear the tingling bell over the crashing waves that they were too far out and were to head back in a ways.

Kagome turned her once again meandering, pathetically short attention span to her unexpected visitor and greeted her kindly. She knew that she female was a high ranking official of the Western army by way of the insignia that crested her right shoulder, the one that happened to more so facing her since the girl turned to watch Rin from the same space of distance.

"Konban'wa, my name is Raiven. To whom do I owe the pleasure of addressing?"

Kagome had to be careful. She almost let it slip her real, given name, again. Her loose memory just could not hold on to all these simple things without a constant reminder. Most called her lady or young one and even in some rare cases human. In very few circumstances did she ever have to think to reveal her fake, alternate persona. However, one look at Sango's blank features and a mocking small smile crossed her peach lips hidden behind her normal cheer.

Sango blinked.

--Well…that was unexpected--

Sango was truthfully anticipating a course or gruff response. Even a squeaky voice that often accompanied these high class broads that were so high pitched even Sango had to suppress a wince. She always wondered how the demons put up with it, seeing as how their senses were much more acute even though hers were higher than the normal human.

But such manners from a small defiant source were certainly unordinary, but not unwelcome. The girl to be known as Raiven, per her exact words, was holding her angered boldness well. Sango smirked.

--This shall be interesting. Perhaps I should start a bet with Miroku on how long she lasts? But then again…how long exactly has she been here already?--

Sango had recently arrived back from her village, a secret one hidden deep in the mists of the high mountains. She was always allowed to return during certain lapses in youkai riots. Indeed, that was her job to wander the Western lands following rumors and tips from Inutaisho's advisor, the perverted monk Miroku. Since the demon lord only had the time to extract the truly important and higher demon classes that were threats to his empire, Sango was enlisted with eradication to any and all lesser youkai daring to even plot against their regional lord.

Kagome noticed Sango's small change in expression and realized the smirk as a challenge. She then returned it, but it held more of a mischievous tinge to it.

"You are to come with me…Raiven."

Now it was Kagome's turn to falter with confusion. This warrior didn't label her with the title of her status and honor as a guest of the Inuyoukai clan. It seems she was fortunate enough to find someone like herself. This was passed between the two females unspoken. Kagome however, bowed in return, giving the elder female her due respect, and chose to overlook the other's obvious disregard. Kagome always gave the proper respect, even to those whom she loathes. She poised herself to be polite and act the level or her status. Kagome may be naïve and is no doubt spirited with a fiery defiance, but she is not arrogant or ignorant of the world around her.

"Gomen ne, but I cannot leave my charge unaccompanied."

"As it lies, young Rin may attend as well. The young prince commands your presence."

Kagome could hear the obvious annoyance in her voice, but why would Sesshoumaru be searching for her? Wondering the reason for her summon because it seemed as though he'd been avoiding her. Well, Sesshoumaru would never purposely avoid a human, especially a female, for that would put a depression in his immaculate reputation with cowardess. No- that demon ignored with dull disdain because humans weren't worth his time.

--I wonder…would his face break when if he finds out?--

Kagome cleared her throat, clearing her eyes as the twin portals had fazed during her thoughts.

"Habakarinagara oneesan, but you never told me your name."

Sango 'humphed,' but shot out her hand in an awkward gesture. This only made Kagome look down at it before tilting her head to the side moving her eyes from Sango's face to her outstretched hand. During the elapsed time of the turn of her thoughts, she had unconsciously moved from the center of the rickety bridge to the faintly sloping shore. The grass, that was kept short by the ever-attentive gardeners of the palace gardens, was longer here.

The olive and forest-colored fronds stretched, curved, and bent their lengths towards their only source of energy. The sizes varied with some being as thin as a single thread of silk used to create her yukata or as thick as her thumb. The lengths ranged from just below her angles, with her yori boots on, up to the center of Kagome's calves. The sandals were weaved and a half inch from the ground and Kagome wore them because of the slight snow still on the warming earth.

The white substance was slowing trickling in small rivets creating moving ripples in the pond. This small movement caused the algae-eating carp poking their small noses above the surface to dive snuggle between the weeds growing beneath the bridge for safety. That is before they would re-surface to steal and draw in some of their life-giving sustenance floating on the top of the pool. The koi provided a nice distraction and Kagome could only wish her life could be as simple as that of the carp.

"Hirusaki, Sango."

Sango's terse reply and strong handshake made Kagome frown. Why was she so unfriendly?

"He is impatient; you'd better follow…now."

--Uh…what?--

Kagome laughed, a deep melodic sound tinkling passed her lips. Sango turned on her heel swiftly with a military twinge. Her face was twisted in an exasperated concern, her brows were knitted together.

--What did I do to deserve this?—

"Sesshoumaru- impatient?"

Sango then shook her head, realizing why she was laughing. It would be humorous to anyone to see that ice pick pace back and forth seething with frustration.

--Hah- that'll be the day.--

"Now."

The command wasn't lost on Kagome. She turned searching for Rin so that she may attend to the young warrior's words. But was at a loss at where she was. No longer was hopping along the edge of the pond or squatting down new the cattails peering into the water. But then she practically jumped out of her skin, when she felt a soft tap on her thigh.

"Rai-sama?"

"Eh..hai Rin-chan. We're going to visit someone."

"Okay!"

The three then walked back towards the covered walkway where the underneath laid the shoji screens back into the palace.

In the Eastern Wing

Her sculpted eyebrows knitted and a frown marked her lips in confusion. Her head tilted to the side as she studied the unfamiliar walls of the wing she hadn't been in before. The stone walls were chipped grey and obviously much older, and less kept. The tapestries were beautiful, but the designs weaved in threads like a spider's web of silk depicted ancient personas and the time of old. A good many were in fact dusty with lack of care and the further the trio traversed into this unknown territory, the dirtier they became. Some were even almost unintelligible.

They had reentered the busy atmosphere of the scrambling servants practically disappearing within the crowded main hall. Her eyes had lost her guide, when she felt Rin's hand tighten around her own. The small child than jerked on said palm to get her full attention and when she had it, Kagome felt herself being pulled in a direct direction. The two had to squirm their way through the moving groups and when finally breaching the exit, Kagome stumbled after having tripped once again on something or other.

Sango stood there leaning against the wall and it was obvious she was used to this. Her smirk was one tell-tale sign of amusement at Kagome's expense, but also Kagome's wide eyes and bewildered stare must have set her off. For she then chuckled and acted quite out of character, or at least that Kagome was aware of having just met her, when she waggled her finger indicating that the two were to follow her.

Sango passed under the hanging banner where the word 'eastern' was written in kanji. The miko paused before entering. The warrior had crossed under a hanging tapestry into a hall that Kagome had never known was there. She had always thought that the eastern wing was located upstairs or at least that was the part she was always in. It would only make sense that a lower level could exist, but she'd never seen any soul enter it, so she just assumed.

--That's what I get for my assumptions…once again led astray, as Kaede would say--

Upon entrancing beneath the hanging cover, Kagome had to cover her mouth from the old and slightly musty air that infiltrated her nose. The winding halls were layered with tapestries. Some of these had another pictorial portrayed below hidden from the passing eye unless one were to take the time to pull aside the top depiction to behold the second lying beneath. They were all magnificent and no doubt took years perhaps an entire human lifespan to create the intricate details. From the actual artwork down to the trimming or border, Kagome was once again in awe.

She followed Sango close enough to keep her in her sights, which was technically necessary because the halls kept twisting in on themselves and the tapestries that hung like paint made it hard to tell when there was a corner or straight away. There continual presence made it appear that a turn would keep straight and Kagome had been fooled into almost running into the wall on one particularly sharp turn when her mind had happened to wander. Go figure.

It seemed like the trio had reached the end, the final hallway.

--Thank God--

On her way down to where Sango was waiting patiently, Kagome's heart skipped a beat and she halted her steps. Her head swiveled to her right. The miko openly gaped at the inscription scribed upon one specific painting; in fact it was the only artwork that wasn't of the threaded nature. There it sat, not even mounted to the wall, just leaning precariously on a ledge as if someone were moving it and just left it in its place between the neighboring wall hangings.

Sei deka akon ti seis cou

Turo dieche eysa sythen ti cou

Cou ala se kaimi lazulies

Dan si ala teisa jisuai

The letters were swirled in cursive and shimmered in a gold thread at the very bottom. The lettering was very small and if the color wasn't caught in the light causing a glint just as she walked passed it, Kagome would never had noticed it. In fact, she had to knee to decipher it. Or well, try to decipher, for there was no mental translation this time. The words were whispered from her lips and understanding flooded her mind.

--Sounds…almost like a prophecy...but whose?--

Kagome noticed a small head suddenly blocking her view, a small ponytail bobbing just under her nose. It tickled and Kagome sneezed, after turning her head of course. The dust combined with Rin's soft, feather light hair was just too much.

"Shitari! What were you looking at Rai-sama?"

"Arigatou, Rin. I just noticed the extravagant trimming on this painting. It's exquisite, don't you think?"

"Hai! It's pretty, but…it's ah…dusty…ah- ah…"

Kagome couldn't understand how one so young could remember to call Kagome by her second name. She could barely keep track of whom she told and who she didn't. It gave her quite a headache too.

Rin's speech was halted by a sneeze that, if possible, was adorable. Kagome stood with a small smile returning Rin's previous saying of 'bless you' in the child's sniffling direction. Apparently Kagome wasn't the only one affected, but with all these draperies, who couldn't be?

But then again, her guide, the girl leading from the front of their small train, wasn't. Her back was abnormally straight, her shoulders back. A hand, her right, was resting casually on the hilt of the katana on her belt. Sango, as she labeled herself, was in what Kagome would call the 'soldier stance.' Sango stood with her legs slightly more than shoulder width apart with her left hand bent behind her back resting in the small of her back. Her palm was closed in a gentle, relaxed fist. Her right was still placed on the hilt of her sword.

The three had reached the door at the very end of the hall and to the left. A large, yet another tapestry, was at the end of the hall right after the door. But this one was much larger than those they passed recently and portrayed a human woman.

It was similar to the one Kagome had seen in the cottage upon first awakening in the western abode. Except in this portrait, she seemed much older. Perhaps around her late forties, but her beautiful shining eyes were still alight with love that several shades of brown attempting to catch that alluring emotion. And it was expertly accomplished, in Kagome's unprofessional opinion.

Once again the unknown female was in a kneeling position, but this time her feet were tucked to the side most likely because it was easier on the joints in her ankles. Her kimono was a jade green with black silhouettes of koi and other such fish swimming in swarms across the forest fabric. There were several layers, the one right underneath being a pale baby blue and the next, strangely a salmon color. But these colors were repeated on the outer most layer of ten where along the hem and tail of the sleeves was designs in those very hues. Sakura blossoms danced in the peachy pink tint and orchid-like blooms in the powder crystal tinge.

Her slippers were the most pristine creamy white satin where a highlight was caught on the rounded toe. Her sash was also an off white dye and she was perched upon a raised dais. Kagome recognized the black flooring as that in the Western Taiyoukai's board room or greeting hallway.

Her blue eyes lifted to the woman's face. It was somewhat blurred to the obvious age of the threads. Why was this one more aged than the picturing in the cottage where sunlight could obviously escape the blinds to beach the tapestry? Long, raven hair was swept back and pulled into intricate loops and twists. The design halted at the start of her neck leaving the rest to tumble down in flowing heaps to spill onto the floor. No doubt it would reach her ankles.

--Okay…I definitely pay too much attention to the unimportant things, but when my life's in danger I'm as oblivious as a child. Well…the story of my life…--

Kagome sighed and turned to see Sango's expecting face. Kagome bowed her head, but gave a shake of approval. When the woman was leading Rin and Kagome through the maze of turns, she didn't seem to be in a hurry despite her earlier words that they were in such a state of distress.

Sango watched the so called noble woman cautiously. She knew that the girl was supposedly an unwilling slave to the new southern lord, but Sango didn't trust her. And why would she? The girl used to belong to their enemy, Sango had good reason. But after hearing she was to teach the girl self-defense, she was left flabbergasted. That was until she saw the girl trip over the lifting heel of one of the servants while exiting the swarm in the main hall. The girl had no grace, no balance and Sango had a lot of work to do…well now anyways.

Sango opened the door after seeing that the girl was attentive and ready. Sango hadn't rushed down here, after all if the ass wanted the miko's presence her should seek her out. If he hadn't forced that 'I'm your prince and you have to listen to me' crap, she wouldn't have bothered and just blown her off. No one would have blamed her.

The warrior was intrigued though that a youkai house would contain an untrained miko. The girl Raiven was untrained and Sango knew she was a miko by her warm, blindingly white aura, but that wasn't what was puzzling. Her instincts were almost that of a youkai like when Sango had used stealth to observe her from afar, the hairs on her neck rose. It was quite uncommon. Perhaps she was trained and was just hiding it? Or maybe she knew not of her miko descent and was simply trained in other areas? It was possible…

Sango stepped aside after opening the heavy cherry door allowing the girl to enter first, as was per custom. Raiven seemed to watching her strangely and Sango realized that she hadn't expected any manners from her because of the lack of respect she'd shown before. Seriously it wasn't that had to grasp. Sango had manners, but her respect was earned. But still the miko passed by her with only one passing glance.

Kagome wasn't expecting the manners, but accepted them and entered before the warrior. She was the lady, or was acting it anyways in this house as a guest. Her ears were suddenly cracked by a gruff shout from inside the room as soon as she stepped in. She truly wasn't anticipating it, so naturally it caught her off guard.

"What the hell took you so long!"

The look on her face was classic. Kagome had just walked in when the younger prince, Inuyasha she believed his name was, screamed in her face. And so she stood there shocked and confused. Hadn't it been Sesshoumaru that had summoned her? Well, apparently not. After wiping the spittle from her face that Inuyasha so graciously bestowed upon her, she stepped passed her further into the room.

The furnishings were lovely, if not antique in their appeal. It was truly breathtaking and as one with a fascination for the days of old, Kagome couldn't help running her fingers over the satin fabric of an upholstered chair. It was a deep red with yellow Chinese dragons running over and tearing up the other designs of birds flying over as if trying to escape the ever-persistent devils.

Kagome could feel Inuyasha's eyes watching her behind her back and they were practically glaring holes in her head.

"Not used to be ignored, Inuyasha-san?"

Inuyasha started, the girl had noticed? Well, it would have been nearly impossible not to even as a human.

"You can't speak to me like that wench! Besides, I wanted to talk to you…alone."

"I am not a wench." Kagome gritted out between her teeth all the while sarcastic thoughts flew through her mind.

--Joy…………………--

Sango narrowed her eyes and tilted her head as a scowl twisted her lips in a distasteful manner. One because she was being rudely dismissed by this selfish pup and by the way he was treating one of the very few 'himes' she approved off. This Raiven person, if that was her true name, didn't back down and act with a meekness that was almost sickening. Sometimes when guarding the guests, Sango was disgusted and highly disappointed in her race. Always backing down, no one, but that girl and herself, would step up to deny a youkai.

Sango was currently leaning on the door frame with that portal still being left open for any passing to hear, not that any would come into this forbidden wing for any reason anyways. After all, it was against Inuyasha's wishes and you didn't want him to get mad. He did so, so easily and he was so irrational that he'd take off your head before even the colder elder son. Inuyasha…was known for his temper to say the least.

A small sound of annoyance slipped passed Sango's thinned lips as she pushed off the door and slammed the door loudly behind her. The sound reverberated through the room and Inuyasha had to cover his already flattened ears with his hands.

"Stupid…damn…."

Those were the only words Kagome could pick up while in this form. Sometimes she wondered why she didn't just transform and borrow what would have been Kaekei's form while she was alive. Her hearing, smell, and taste would increase ten fold…but then again Kaekei's form was quite suspicious. The girl stuck out like a sore thumb and it was only her careful, graceful movements that left her unnoticed unless she wanted her presence known.

--Well, I could use Yukila's transformation spell as well I suppose...--

But if she was Yukila, not only would every being within a hundred mile radius that had a sense of smell at all would seek her out to mate, but she wouldn't be able to refuse them. That was the woman's major flaw. She was compassion embodied in flesh, but she was kind and accepting. Yukila couldn't hurt or injure anyone, whether they are enemy or friend. And every youkai, lesser and upper, would seek her because pheromones, the scent that would indicate a female being in heat and also aroused, are released from her body…constantly. Yukila and Kaekei were such a rare being that as a survival instinct, their body, when it was still whole even though their soul was split, would remain in heat so as to make finding a mate easier.

The male would come to them, what could be easier? Yukila was there to accept the dominance of that chosen male and Kaekei was supposed to slaughter all those who weren't worthy. Now, by way of the council's ruling, the male must defeat the female in combat in order to earn the right to mate. Or it could end in a tie, either way. If the male was defeated he was to lose his life and die with the shame of failure.

Kaekei was definitely the better of the two because no one would mess with her and the risk of death. Kaekei's stubborn spirit and strong will would give her the strength possible to erect a barrier around her, so that no 'dolts' would attempt to take her and waste her time. Yes, the woman liked to fight, obsessed really with blood, but if the opponent is weak there isn't a point. It would only be a waste of strength and talent. To be killed by the legend hand of the Haitei (hi-ah-tay) would give that person an honorable death, at least if she used her dominant hand.

"Hey bitch, are you listening?"

"Nani?"

Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest making Kagome notice that he was wearing that red outfit again. Didn't he every change his clothes? Or was she just lucky enough to see him on the days he wears that ratty thing? Really…did he even wash it? It was covered in mud in some places like on the elbows and knees. There were also small rips and tears here and there. Some where small enough to be caused by finicky underbrush, but others were obviously caused by claws and other such deadly weapons. Inuyasha certainly wasn't good at dodging judging by the sheer number of them perusing his clothing.

"It's about Kikyo."

Okay, now Kagome was interested.

"Is she okay? What happened?"

Inuyasha leaned back, but didn't move his feet. The girl had approached him and put her hand on his crossed forearm, his hands tucked in his wide sleeves. He wasn't used to this or that look of worry in her bright blue eyes.

"Inuyasha?"

The lack of suffix snapped him back into play and he shoved her away gruffly, but not enough to knock her down.

"I don't know ningen."

"Hey! You have to be so rude! I was just worried and you weren't exactly clear..."

Kagome huffed turning her back from the hanyou, her hands clenched at her sides, but at his next sentence all anger slipped adeptly from her frame.

"She's gone."

"What? What do you mean gone! People don't just disappear."

"Don't you think I know that?"

"How long?"

"A week, I've been searching for her all over the place, but I can't get anything. I though you might know something."

"Why would I know where she is?"

"Kaede said that mikos have a resonance they can use to find each other, but she's too old of a hag to be able to use it correctly."

"Are you asking me to use the mikos' connection?"

"Yes."

"No."

"What! WHY NOT?"

"Because it's dangerous Inuyasha. I don't think you fully understand what it is you're asking of me."

"Dangerous? What the hell do you mean dangerous? You just project yourself out there and call her! How's that so hard!"

"Inuyasha…you don't have to shout. I am right here."

Kagome's tone was condescending and uncaring, somewhat like Sesshoumaru's. Too much like that ice prince if you had to ask him. He watched her confusedly as she wandered the room, running her hands over the fabric of his mother's chair.

"Hey, quit that."

He snapped and he hadn't meant to, but he wouldn't, couldn't, take it back now. It would make him appear foolish. The girl had turned to him surprised. Who wouldn't be? He rarely ever used this level, serious tone. It was one worthy of a Western Prince, which is precisely why he didn't use it. Inuyasha only used this timbre when it was important and he at times when he was willing to use his status as a prince to get his way. Instead of his usual method which was force guided by the saying 'act first, think later," that was his mother's favorite chair. He wouldn't have her pawing over it. If she was so close to Sesshoumaru that ass might let her take it if she asked him.

No doubt the girl was there for a reason other than his brother's bed warmer. He had never seen the demon take interest in a female, other than to rut when he was in heat. But even then he made sure that the demoness wasn't. He obviously didn't want pups out of such an, ironically, unemotional and physical bond. The bitches just wanted to be able to say that they fucked the western heir, but none would be able to gloat that they were carrying his pup. It wasn't Sesshoumaru's way. His mate would be worthy of him in all aspects.

--And no one can equal that pompous bastard…and his ego.--

Inuyasha's foul mood melted and he chuckled, which was a rare event indeed. He wasn't the most cheerful hanyou in the world, but he wasn't his brother either. Inuyasha always made certain they were different. Inuyasha wanted a mate; he wasn't destined to be alone. He wouldn't be able to take that.

--Kikyo…--

Kagome titled her head to the side as she sat down on one of the floor cushions against the wall. She leaned back and once again propriety lessons left her busy mind as she rested her head back against the surface behind her. She exhaled through pursed lips. Could she use resonance to locate Kikyo?

--I could…it depends on the distance. No, they'd find me for sure.--

"Gomen ne Inuyasha, but I can't."

Kagome's heart twisted at the downtrodden features of the half demon. He was never so expressive, and she felt responsible. No completely mind you, but it couldn't be helped. Where was Kikyo? Was she captured…or did she leave of her own accord? It was possible.

--I never did trust her…--

Where would she go? Even as a miko, a powerful and very adept one as her, it was still dangerous to venture out into the tangling wilderness unaccompanied. After all, Kagome knew. She'd done it and it could testify to the stupidity of that action.

Inuyasha stared at her. His golden eyes watched carefully the conflicting emotions crossing her animated face. It was so easy to read, yet he still couldn't get a grip onto her thoughts. The hanyou could easily see the emotions, but not the reason for their occurrence. The drive behind them was lost to him.

"Fine."

The miko's head snapped up, but Inuyasha averted his gaze. Kagome narrowed her own regretful eyes. She truly did wish to help him…but…would the consequences be so dire? They would be indefinitely. The question was would she be willing to risk herself as well as the others around her, should the council find her location? She would have to leave.

--But then there's Naraku. He was my original target. I'll have to deal with him on my own, as was my plan in the beginning. If he was destroyed by the Western troops, his death wouldn't be on my conscience like the others…but…I will do this.--

Kagome stood to leave. She bowed to the half demon that was currently trapped within his own head. And he didn't even notice her exit until the door's much quieter click. But this one seemed to echo in his head even louder than Sango's slam. For it was this closure that shut off all possibilities of finding his dearest. She would have to make herself known to him or he would never find her.

--I'll have no one else.--

It was his resolve, but would it be his end?

The Main Entrance Hall

The large doors opened their gates to accept their long awaited visitor. These gates only ever opened for his demanding presence. When there were guests, they entered through the two side doors, the ones alongside this mammoth, into the main hall. The ominous black double set of entry had no handles or knockers on the outside. It was always assumed that the West never accepted guests, especially unexpected ones. Even the doors on either side, though much smaller, had neither handle nor knocker as well. The doors had to opened from the inside and it took one dull demon servant to open the small doors while four to open the middle.

The sun tore at the eyes of even all present in the hallway, even those who with much weaker senses. All orbs squinted as they apparently tried to see whom had ripped open the door so hastily it was practically ripped off its hinges. The person was obviously demon, but with the full afternoon sun behind him…it was much like a solar eclipse.

The voice of the unknown male blared down and resounded through all of the halls. The sheer volume made the walls shake and dust from between the frames in the ceiling that had been unreachable by the servants now fell down clearly visible in the light that penetrated passed the towering form. The identity was obvious to all who were thronged in the main hall and all bowed as he entered and swept pass with his mate on his left arm. Inutaisho was home.

"Tadaima."

The servants greeted him as he went as they were prostrated on their knees with their heads on the marble flooring. However Inutaisho wasn't a cruel or angered lord like most were. Some were vicious and looked down heavily upon those beneath him. But Inutaisho knew that every servant would readily give their head if it meant his safety. All inside his castle was deadly loyal and he kept it that way. The taiyoukai greeted all, but only after they offered first. Those that didn't would receive what was to be known as the 'challenge' look.

This look was a mix of ire, anticipation, bloodlust, and disappointment. He didn't want to slaughter his servants and slaves. Inutaisho was for the most part frugal with punishment, but he couldn't be described by any means as kind. No taiyoukai had room in their personality to be soft. It was a constant battle of dominance in your land as well as those surrounding you. One sign of weakness and then those with any brain at all would attack. However there were those that attacked at any time, weakness or not.

Many attacks and assassinations had been planned when Inutaisho took his second mate, the human Izayoi. But he was proud to say that none had succeeded, that is to say that all were averted. A few of the attempts were close. It was in the dark time that the youkai lord found out exactly how loyal those in his house were. Especially when he was in a bloodlust battle where he almost completely lost himself to his darker urges, a large swarm of his servants enveloped his opponent. This wouldn't have been too out the ordinary if they hadn't been human.

Only the humans would be foolish enough to go between their lord and a threat because they knew nothing, or most, of youkai society and its ceremonies, etc. The battle was an engagement challenge. It was basically a bet between the two opposing forces and life was the trophy. Both youkai were on the verge of their releasing their beasts, but since Inutaisho was far superior, and known for his control of this creature inside him, was still resisting the magnetic pull. It was when the other lost himself that the group surrounding him and pounced.

Their bodies were ripped from his person as he transformed in the spacious throne room. His body filled up to the room showing his extensively hard scales and slithering tongue. The cobra had managed to shreds the servants into pieces of parts that once formed ten or so bodies. Blood splattered Inutaisho's somewhat torn clothes. Most would think he would be pushed even farther over the edge, but no, it was the exact opposite.

Inutaisho's eyes had been vanquished of that hazily alluring red that signified his change. The sacrifice of those few had cleared his mind, while casting his opponent into the hollow depths of bloodlust. This was an area where only instincts ruled and common sense was thrown aside. This was why it was so dangerous to allow the beast to the forefront. Any could die…even your own mate. Bonds in that stage meant nothing only that should it feel sexual lust it would have a host to rape.

It was then that his stone gold gaze passed over the crowd surrounding the two fighters ensuring that neither would try to leave before death. Many of the demons had bloodied eyes with clenched fists keeping their rage and instincts in check. The humans held enraged and disbelieving looks on their faces. Only one was crying.

Izayoi's worried and glistening eyes held his. They were pleading for him to be okay, to not leave her. That night was the greatest conquest of his life. Not only did he defeat the youkai lord of the east, but he discovered the greatest ally he could hope for…those living and serving in his own home. Inutaisho had ever since treated his servants and even his more civil slaves as employees. He treated them like people, and demons, etc

Blah!

Ok- I combined chapters! That's why there are like four missing.

I'm going back to my original limit of 5000 words per chapter, so expect one chapter a week.

I just can't stand all these little tidbits of chapters…can you say annoying?

So this was originally chapters 11-14 put into one. I apologize for any confusion.

Habakarinagara oneesan- pardon me miss...

Shitari: Bless you

Nani: what?

Tadaima: I'm home

Words of the script on the tapestry:

See life as it sees you

Take death when given to you

You are his angel eternally

And he is your protector