What had he done? He was being greedy. Demanding to see her when she was already take by another human. He tempted and tested the god's wrath. While she continued to walk back to castle, he had a strange feeling inside of him. That man, he didn't trust him with her. He may have only met this mortal, and learned her name, but he felt like he had known her for a long time, and he was concerned for her safety. He couldn't help it. He looked over the horizon and she was gone already. He sighed. That man was capable of uncontrollable rage, at any point. He had seen it. It may have not terrified Izayoi now, but in the future if she wasn't careful, he could kill her and that thought made him nervous. Strange how one simple mortal woman could make him forget about everything… even Madoko. He forgot that she was human and that he was a demon. He forgot that their two worlds collided, and everything around him blurred. What was good, and what was not intertwined. She was a gentle woman and he, he was a powerful demon. Capable of, well, destruction, thanks to the demons that were power hungry. Gave the rest of the demons a bad rep. Still he would rather prove that wrong then be deemed as a wicked creature.

XxXxXxX

"Cho? Did Takemaru say why he summoned me?"

"No milady, but I have seen that his face be flustered with anger and rage. I pray that you will not fall to harm." Cho said and stopped and bowed.

"Me too Cho." Izayoi stopped and looked at the castle in front of her and took a deep breath.

"Milady, I'll be in momentarily, should you need anything."

"Of course Cho." Izayoi looked behind her to see the sky beginning to lighten and her shadow grow longer. But Inutaishou wasn't there. She would meet him even if it killed her. Something about him made her want more. She cleared her head quickly and quietly climbed the stairs to the back end of the palace. She looked at Cho who looked back at her with moonstone like eyes. Cho knew. She knew the anger that Takemaru would release upon her, and she was scared for her safety. Izayoi looked back again. The sun was sinking, much like the light of her life.

XxXxXxX

The castle was eerily quiet. The candles placed along the walls of the castle were flickering, in the dying light. Izayoi neared the wall for support and her shadow by her side. She crept along the walls and would occasionally look behind her. Wait, why was she creeping around her own home? Why should she be scarred?

"Takemaru?" Izayoi called and listened to the echo of her voice surround her, yet she got nothing. Where was he? Cho had said that she was sent to fetch her. Did he grow weary of waiting for her? She stopped and leaned her back against the thin wall. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine the night meeting with Inutaishou. Did he not know that she was married? She wasn't angry with him just surprised that he wanted a second meeting. Humans were afraid of demons, love was never meant to be.

In spite of that, then what was this she was hearing of humans falling in love with demons of all kinds and baring children that were both of demon and human heritage? Was that possible? It must be. Yet, what else was she hearing around the castle grounds? That these half demon children were being shunned and the mothers of these children killed of baring such abominations? She mentally said a prayer for those innocent lives lost. The poor children, punished for something they couldn't control. No, it wasn't love, but a mere friendship. Yes; it was more of a friendship. Yet, she was confused. Yes, he was nice and looked at her with much affection and care. But would these feelings blossom into love? No it had to, for her sake, remain a friendship. A sudden creak in the floorboards snapped Izayoi from her thoughts and she quickly stood up. He had found her, whether intentional or not, Izayoi wasn't sure, but he found her.

"Izayoi, come here." His voice was demanding and she swallowed and looked down the hall. His voice was like ice sliding down her back. She felt herself twisting the bottom of her kimono sleeve and forced herself to stop. The sleeve would get wrinkled, a habit she had never over come as a child, it was her indication that something bad was going to happen or that she was nervous.

"W-where are you?" she called weakly.

"Where do you think, bitch?" he muttered loudly enough for her to hear. Must he degrade her with those names? Why was her courage failing her now? She stood up to him the night when she first met Inutaishou, but maybe that was because she was blinded by fear that had turned to rage? Her mind set on only yelling and screaming at Takemaru? Why must it fail her now, she wanted to stand up to him, to show him that she was strong too. She knew that she deserved respect, and with Inutaishou she found it.

"Hurry up! Now!" Takemaru bitter, venomous voice frightened her and made her shiver.

She quietly began to walk down the floor that was like marble under her feet. The light ironically dimmed as she neared the room that was supposed to her haven, a room that was supposed to be filled of love and instead was filled with fear and resentment. A room that was dominated by power, Takemaru's power and she was merely his pawn, a wench that he used to get his way, be it through her, or something else. She saw his shadow through the walls before she even opened the door. Even if it was only an outline, he did not looked pleased. His arms were crossed and his head was turned to the side. He was impatient for her. What would he do to her? Izayoi looked at her feet and watched them, stop in front of the door, she bit her lip and moved her white hand to the handle, gently she slid it open and was met by angry jade eyes. Her breath was cut short as Takemaru fastened a tight grip on her arm and yanked her inside their room. Old and forgotten memories of her first night in the castle flooded her head and she quickly tried to suppress them. They frightened her. She was scared. She was dangerously close to him now, and she could smell the sake, that foul stench upon his breath. His grip on her was tight; she tried not to cry out.

"Where the hell did you get to?" he asked ruggedly.

"I'm surprised you noticed that I was gone." Izayoi muttered.

"Yes I did. Who was that you went off with huh?" Izayoi stared at him. How did he know that she left with Inutaishou? She grew nervous, she needed a lie. A fast one, one that would be undetectable and buy her more time. What, what? C'mon Izayoi, think! Takemaru was growing more impatient. He was almost livid. She widened her eyes and felt his hand come down upon her. His golden ring was the only flash of colour she caught and it rested upon her cheek. Izayoi felt the flesh under her eye part and the warm crimson furry run down her face. He raised his hand again to strike her face.

"He walked me to my garden!" Izayoi cried and shut her eyes. "We did nothing more! He left!" A lie. Would he buy it though? Please, please!

"I should have done that." He replied simply. Izayoi looked up. He was already by the door. She felt rage burn in her.

"Maybe you should have. But you seemed a little busy with you new whore, so I figured that if I-…" He was in front of her again so fast she never had time to blink. And when she did she was on the ground with a dulling pain on her cheek above her eye that was slowly magnifying.

"If you ever talk about Hazuki like that again, I will personally see to it that your life is hell Izayoi." When she stood up her head was swimming. His hit was hard, and all she now heard was Takemaru down the hall.

"Be down for dinner before the sunsets!" he called to her. However he failed to add another threat. Sun…sets…sunset! Oh no! Izayoi stumbled to her mirror. Her eye was a mess. A trail of blood that ran down the side of her face and it dripped on to the floor. She winced as she put her finger to the wound and tried to get it to stop. It hurt. The fires of Hell it burned at her touch. No amount of powder she would put on her face would hit the fast forming bruises. What would Inutaishou say when he saw this? What would she say? What lie would her lips form?

Hopefully it would be one that would convince him and set his mind at ease. Even if she had only met him, Izayoi could tell that Inutaishou did not like Takemaru. Was it the way he was treating her? Did he even care to know? She was not sure. But she liked him. His personality and his eyes. They were so alluring. Or were those all part of his 'demonic' powers. There was so much about him that she didn't understand and wanted to know.

She had so many questions to ask him. But she could not see him like this. She waited for her vision to clear and slowly made her way to her mirror. Her shaky hands grasped the powder in her hands and began to rub it on the fresh cut. The powder turned red at the touch of the blood's fingers. However, Izayoi kept laying it on and by the time she was done, she looked as white as the blank orchid. She smiled a bit. You could still see it. She sighed. But it wasn't eye grabbing… that was ok.

She continued to repaint her lips the full red and reapply the silver shadow. Slowly the motion of her hand pulled at the silver pins in her hair. Her hair fell down her back like a waterfall of night sky. She sighed and ran her fingers through her locks. Izayoi picked up the comb of jade on her table and gradually ran it through her hair, carefully pulling it through the knots that her hair had succumbed to. She heard the door slide open and Izayoi narrowed her eyes. She was about to lash out at Takemaru for retuning, but she paused and listened. The footsteps were light and not heavy across the floor. Not of a man's stature, but of a woman's.

Izayoi turned. Cho stood in the door. She was bowed and then rose.

"Milady, my lord, your husband Takemaru, is requesting your presence for dinner. He is requesting that you be down soon."

"I will be down now." Izayoi tried not to snap back. She quickly inspected the work on her face. It was sloppy, but it would have to do. She ran her fingers over the crisp white obi and smoothed out the wrinkles. She was ready. For what horrors would come running blindly down her path.

XxXxXxX

The halls were empty, as if anyone who heard her coming down the path turned and went the other way. As she neared the dinning hall she paused. Her finger hesitated on the wooden panel. He must have seen her because moments later, they were slid back, Fast, and with anger. He stared her down. She felt nervous and on edge. Yet he yanked her by her arm and pulled her inside. Sitting on the right side of Setsuna, was Hazuki. She was gowned in the deep amethyst of purple she had been looking at that afternoon. And Izayoi had to admit it played well with her features. She felt herself become jealous, over what? She could almost feel the air stand cold around her and she stared deeply into Takemaru's eyes until he blinked. She had one that round, he didn't. However he yanked her on inside and placed her on his right side. She couldn't believe it; she was on his left and not his right. Her face flushed red with anger. However they didn't notice. They were too busy flirting. She quietly picked at her dinner when it was served. She must have stared and picked to long, because before long the rice went cold and she fiddled with the chopstick in her hands.

"Well?" a deep voice asked and she looked up.

"Hn? What did you say?"

"Hazuki asked you a question now answer her." Takemaru ordered her, her face burned with anger and embarrassment.
Izayoi looked at the stone cold rice in the simple black bowl and scowled. She collected her senses and tried to look cheerful. Who knew what she would be thinking.

"I brought it from my home in the South. But it came apparently from a small town in the West."

"Oh really? That sounds very nice." Hazuki smiled and began to eat her rice again. Izayoi couldn't stand it. She stood up.

"I am not feeling well, I will be in my room." Izayoi bowed at Takemaru and slid the door open. If you could slam a door like that then she did. She didn't know she could walk so fast down the hall, she felt as if she was gliding. And once she reached her room she found herself pacing. She should have been the one on the right, not that stupid, little conniving… She stopped herself. This wasn't Hazuki's fault, no, she couldn't blame her, and she was just being herself. Takemaru was the one who had lost interest in her, now it was to be debated if she should rekindle what they had lost or if she should just let him go and move on with her life. What to do, what to do? She sat down on their bed. So much to consider, she was the Lady of the North, was she ready to give that up?

All of this was so confusing…and she didn't know what to do. She let her feet dangle from the bed, and it wasn't like she had anyone to talk to, she wasn't allowed to make friends and besides, no one would be her friend, she was stuck in this palace, her best friend, Sara was back in the South and she had been happy for Izayoi. Of course she had been sad that they had to part ways but they promised to keep in touch, but she hadn't replied to Izayoi's last letter. Which sort of broke her heart, Sara was her connection to the South, Takemaru would never tell her what's going on and now that Sara was ignoring her, she had no way to tell. She missed her family so very much, come to think of it, they hadn't replied to her last letter either…

What was going on? Did they just want to sever all ties to her? She may be only twenty years old but she knew that she still needed her family. She watched herself dangle her feet below the floor as the shadows circled. Izayoi glanced out the window. The sun had set and she hoped she wasn't late. She to up and went over to her mirror again. Everything seemed ok, so she left it alone, though the mark was there. She began to twist the bottom of her kimono sleeve. She was nervous, but she did make a promise. And it needed to be kept. She glanced down the halls on both ends and sure that Takemaru wasn't there, she slowly began to walk down the halls. As she took each breath she wondered if it was all really worth it, what she getting herself into and whose wrath she was awaking.

XxXxXxX

She was late. At least he thought she was. He hadn't paid attention and besides he had made a quick run back to the West. To report that Hyoga was successfully sealed away for what he hoped would be forever. But did anything ever really hold forever? Continental bastards. Well the people seemed happy; they doubted his ability too. He rolled his eyes, of course he could and what better way to prove them wrong then bringing his only son into battle with him. Even if it weren't the best of ideas, after all if they both had died who would rule the Western lands? If Madoko was still alive, she would firmly protest it, though Sesshoumaru would end up coming anyway. Funny as that thought wasn't even in his mind. Only thought, destroy them. And besides, himself and Sesshoumaru ended fighting side-by-side; training had really helped.

He looked over at the walls surrounding the palace and village inside. He couldn't hear a thing. His attention was quickly averted as the sound of doors opening. Strange as he didn't hear the footsteps behind them. Maybe he wasn't concentrating enough, he stopped and listened, they were frail like a woman's. He looked up. His Lady in White was slowly coming up the hill to the edge of the forest where he had first left her. However she kept looking back and then stopped and turned around completely. She averted her gaze back to him and continued up the hill. It was windy and he couldn't see her face because her ebony hair was down and was blowing rapidly, he thought he could smell rain forming but it was faint. She stopped in front of him and tried to get her hair out of her face. With a couple of attempts she managed to get it under control and push it behind her ears. A small smile was upon her ruby lips, yet she seemed paler then normal, yet he couldn't see anything wrong.

"Inutaishou sama, it is good to see you again." She bowed out of respect.

"Izayoi, please, I hate it when people call me that, if you continue, I will call you by your title as well." He knew that he wasn't going to break this habit of hers.

"Oh please, I am not considered a Lady any more." She whispered and she lowered her head.

"What?"

"I didn't say anything." She lied, the way she was twisting her kimono sleeve, he could tell.

"I heard you. My hearing is better then that of a normal human."

"Might we change the subject please?" she asked while staring at the ground. Clearly she didn't like talking about events that were in her personal life. When he looked down at her, she was sitting on the grass that moved under the wind's mighty breath, so he joined her.

"I have so many questions to ask." She said with a bit of awe in her voice. He looked at her, why did she have questions?

"Really? Like what?" Inutaishou was curious. What did a human want to know about a demon? They weren't all that interesting, well at least not to him. Save for the ones that had nice interesting abilities when he was fighting them…didn't mind much, added only more fun.

"Well, you told me that you were a demon right?"

"Yes…"

"Well what sets you apart for humans? I mean, besides the obvious differences?"

"Interesting question." Izayoi watched as his eyes clouded over in a pensive look.

"Well, each demon was a true form, this form is borrowed. It allows me to appear somewhat normal, it's more human. I guess-…"

"True form?" She interrupted and looked him in the eyes… This human is very curious.

"Yes, all demons have their true form and then a borrowed one." He explained.

"Oh, do you ever use you true form?" When she realized what she asked she widened her eyes. Great I did it again when she noticed his look.

He raised an eyebrow. "You ask a lot of questions." He watched as her face reddened and her eyes become wide.

"Oh, I'm sorry. If I'm being too nosy, you can tell me to stop."

"Not at all. In response to you question, yes all the time, when I need to protect my boarders from intruders or when I need to help allies."
"Really?" Izayoi watched him and nod. True form…I wonder what it could be… then it struck her, was he the creature that she had run into when she was hiding from those men? And even further back, was he the creature that she saw that one night? Was it even possible? She decided not to ask, it wasn't her place. "What other features sets you apart from humans?"

"Let's see, physical attributes like you said: my eyes are gold and my hair colour is sliver, I have markings that resemble what you humans call 'tattoos' on my face, I have fangs and claws and, well not to brag, but I'm at least 1o times if not more, stronger then an average human.

"But there are other things too, I heal faster then an average human, I can hear and see better then any human and I out live humans as well."

"Out live? You mean you're immortal?" Izayoi pondered that thought. Immortal?

"No not immortal, I simply live longer then humans. Let's just say my age isn't what most humans will ever reach." He guessed that she would ask how old he really was, and he began to wonder himself.

"May I ask-…" she began

"How old I really am?" She nodded. "I'm actually trying to remember my self…"

Her eyes widened again at his last statement. "You mean you can't remember?"

"Well I wouldn't say that, I stopped counting after about the 3ooth year. Ah ok got it, I think I'm about 5oo or so, maybe a few more. I don't remember."
"5oo years or more?" she couldn't help but let her mouth drop.

"Shocked? Most demons are older then I am, I'm still fairly young. Let's see though, hn, I guess that would make me around…28 to 3o in human years. If I did that correctly."

"Ok, that makes a bit more sense to me." She smiled warmly.

"How old are you?" he asked blandly, and yet there was a mischievous grin.

"I am only 2o, much, much younger then you." Her smile never waned.

"Sure in reality, but in your human years, I'm not that much older then you."

"Yes, but still, that would be strange."

"I guess so. So tell me about yourself." He asked and lay back down on the grass and moved his hands behind his head. Izayoi stared at bit, this man, demon, hardly acted like a lord should. He was carefree and easy going and she admired his personality. She wondered how he was able to do that, run the West and still be so relaxed. When Takemaru did it, it was stressful and he was usually in a bad mood for weeks. When she felt wind in her face she was drawn out of her thoughts. When she focused gold eyes were staring at her. Inutaishou had his hand in front of her with a confused look.

"I'm sorry?"

"I said tell me about yourself." He repeated and fell back on the grass with his hands behind his head once more.

"Oh. Um…let's see." Izayoi placed a finger at the bottom of her lips and started to think. "I don't know where to start honestly. I'm pretty boring."

"Come on, there's something interesting about everyone. So tell me what it is about you."

"Well," she gave a nervous laugh. "I am skilled with the blade. My father thought it was important for all his children to learn even his daughters." What ever she had said, it seemed to interest Inutaishou because he was sitting up and looking at her intently.

"Really?" he watched as she nodded, strange, a woman skilled with the blade? "Where did you say you were from again?"

"I am from the South."

"From a noble family?" he asked, he tried to remember his trips to the South…

"Yes."

"Hn, I have allies there and I visit there often, it is strange that I have not seen you. Where do you live?"

"Well more East in the South. Near a forest called Kuro Forest. Have you heard of it?"

"Heard of it, been to it, no."

"Oh. Well yes that's where I'm from. I've only been in the North for about two years."

"Yes as I recall. Tell me, do you like it here?"

"I…I…m…not sure."

"Why not?"

"I guess I am not enjoying myself as I should be." She spoke truthfully it fell silent. Both of them thought.

"You don't really-…"

"I don't mean to be rude, but I really dislike talking about my personal life with Takemaru."

"Takemaru? Is that what you said?"

"Yes. Why?"

"I have gone to battle against him. He captures lesser demons and uses them at tools to help him win the petty battles." He growled lowly and Izayoi raised her hand to cover her mouth.

"Oh I…I didn't know. I'm sorry."

"It isn't your fault. I just can't believe I have been so stupid. I have him in my grasp and yet I can't destroy him. That's why I recognized him that last time." He shook his head. Izayoi still couldn't believe that even though he was upset; he was still in that position. Lounging on his back.

"You never told me he was your husband." He said.

"I don't like people knowing about me." She responded, and while she said it, her gaze was on her home.

"Why not?"

"Because, I just don't…I really can't explain it. But I would like to apologize for all he's done. That isn't right. No one deserves that."

"Really? I'm glad you think that. It's strange, how different we are, and yet we have humans falling for demons and vise versa."

"Really?" Izayoi watched him nod. "Will you tell me about yourself?"

"Not much to tell. I rule the Western land and my son and I fight to protect them. Other then that, not much else."

"Son? You never told me you have a son. Oh gods, I'm sorry, I didn't know. I truly am so sorry." She began to stand. Now he felt stupid, casual talk to allowed him to release some information that he hoped he wouldn't have to. But now the truth had to be told or else he could lose her. He saw her face burn with embarrassment. She was almost on her feet and he sat up.

"Hang on Izayoi." She stopped. "My, uh, wife? Is that what you humans call them?" she nodded. "Ok my wife died a long time ago."

"Oh, oh I'm sorry." She started to relax a bit and he saw as the heat subsided from her cheeks

"Sorry about that, I didn't mean to say that." He looked at her. There she was twisting her kimono.

"I'm sure I might have found out eventually. It's ok don't worry about it."

"Well I guess that we're on the subject, you don't have-…" he watched her face reddened again.

"No, no, no. I guess maybe that's why they hate me."

"'They?'"

"Yes, as you may have seen I am not well liked by the village people."

"Well I'm sure they don't hate you." He tried to comfort her, something he wasn't good at doing.

"No, I know they do. You can see it"

"Well-…" he sat up. He was coming. He didn't want Izayoi to be caught in the middle of this argument.

"You have to go." He got up and pulled her up as well.

"What? Why?" she looked sadden by that comment.

"Someone is coming and I would prefer if you weren't here to witness what might be said."

"Very well." She nodded her head and turned to leave.

"Wait! I'm sorry Izayoi." She smiled a bit and he watched her go down the hill. Her hair wisped and blew around her. When she was safely in side the safety of the village walls he turned around to wait. Strange as he would come looking for him now.

"Why are you still here?"

"Nothing to concern yourself with Sesshoumaru." Inutaishou replied and he watched as Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.

"You are needed back at the West." He turned to leave and yet looked back. Inutaishou looked at him and closed his eyes.

"Very well." He eyed the village walls again. He could feel Sesshoumaru's eyes bearing into his back, however he couldn't exactly tell what his next words meant

"I'm warning you, she is trouble and will be your demise Father."

Um R&R please