Hey guys, and I'm back. This is the official second chapter. Yay! -triumphant laughter is heard- Nah, just kidding. Anyways, thanks to my reviewers, you've greatly helped me thus far. Anyways, read, enjoy and review at the end, okay?

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Recap:

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes as the being forced himself to relax. 'He's been here far too long…' Not wanting to think about his impulse action, the dog took off to where he had left his ward and vassal, knowing that he would have to keep a close on Juromaru. The youkai may have no loyalty to Naraku, but nor did he have any to the Taiyoukai. 'He's going to have to wear the shackles for some time if he gives me any reason to doubt him.'

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An Unforeseen Complication

Part 2

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Sesshomaru landed once again on the ground and glanced up to see his ward smiling at him with the grin he had become familiar with. Ah Uhn didn't spare a glance as the beast kept sleeping and Jaken…well, he just kinda stood there. Not gracing any of them with any sort of response, dropped Juromaru unceremoniously with a muffled thump and took a seat against a tree beside him.

The lavender haired youkai had passed out some time between Naraku's castle and here, and Sesshomaru decided it was best to guard him so he would have a few moments when the youkai awoke to explain some 'rules' that he would be following. Sesshomaru was fair, but blunt. If this youkai attempted to hurt anything, including his ward, he would die as soon as Tokijin left its sheath.

Jaken walked up to him, risking his own safety. "My Lord, why do you bring that youkai? It is not like you to bring strays back-"

Wrong thing to say.

Sesshomaru growled heatedly before, with a single sweep of his arm, the annoying imp went flying. Honestly, the thing was more annoying than his runt of a brother and that was truly saying something.

He looked to his giggling ward. "Rin."

The little girl turned with a big grin at him. "Yes, my Lord?"

"You are not to go near this youkai until I say otherwise. Is that clear?"

"Understood, Lord Sesshomaru."

He had to give the human some credit. She was loyal beyond any doubts, never questioned him, never annoyed him, and never complained about the sometimes fast pace he would set for their group. Always sticking by his side. Sesshomaru knew Rin was an extraordinary child and knew that she had somehow managed to find her own place inside his heart, however cold it may be. All in all, she proved to him that in all species, whether they be youkai or human, there was always one that was genuinely good-natured.

Golden irises glanced back to the youkai and he questioned himself for the umpteenth time. Why was he doing this?

Just then, the fearful imp decided to come back into the clearing. "Apologies, Sesshomaru-sama. I shall never question you again." The voice went upon deaf ears.

Rin laughed in response.

The laugh broke through his thoughts and once more, he gazed at his ward. 'Perhaps she has managed to change me in someway.'

…

Juromaru closed his eyes tighter in the attempt to rid himself of the ache in his head. 'What happened?' Blue eyes slowly opened and he blinked at the sight of the dragon beside him. He shot up from his position and immediately regretted it as his wounds screamed out from the quick movement. Hunching over, he put his hand to his abdomen and closed his eyes again. The pain was immense and dulled his senses considerably.

A hand suddenly closed around his throat and he coughed deeply when he was slammed into a nearby tree, the air getting knocked out of his lungs. Reflexively, he grabbed the hand around his throat and opened his eyes only to see the familiar dog. He blinked in confusion before he was suddenly thrown across the small clearing in the forest. He landed on his side and tried to get up but his body's protests outweighed his will and he just lay there.

"Get up."

The voice was cold and commanding, Juromaru wishing the Taiyoukai had killed him. With a grunt of pain, he managed to get to a kneeling position before a clawed hand was in his hair. Clenching his teeth, he was forced to look into the golden irises of his new master.

"Juromaru, that is your name is it not?"

The hand let go of him and Juromaru fell to his knees. What a way to wake up. With the barest of movement, he nodded at the Taiyoukai's question when a growl came from above him.

Sesshomaru crossed his arms. "You will serve me, youkai. I know your intelligence is above your former master's and I am going to exploit it." His sharp gaze caught the tensing of muscles at the mention of the disgusting hanyou. 'So…I was right in my assumption.' His eyes never left the youkai as he continued. "For the time being, the shackles shall remain on you until I deem it fit to remove them and begin your service. If you, for any reason whatsoever, attempt to injure me or any others under me I shall not hesitate in ending your life. Understood?"

No response.

The Taiyoukai growled and grabbed Juromaru by the throat, effortlessly raising him a good six inches from the ground given the height difference.

"Understood?"

Blue eyes locked onto his own gaze before Juromaru managed to incline his head ever so slightly. He was dropped once more and didn't attempt to get up again. His body screamed and this youkai was stronger then him, by getting up he would be showing defiance and truthfully, that was the last thing he wanted to do right at the moment. In submission, he craned his head so his neck was visible and open for the dog to attack if he so wished.

Sesshomaru mentally gave the youkai some respect. To understand one's place meant to accept it. Juromaru was used to being underneath people, it was obvious and the Taiyoukai was almost fiercely determined to prove the difference between Naraku and himself. It unnerved the Taiyoukai but for the moment, he was fine with Juromaru thinking his fate would end up being shackled to a bed for the time being. In truth, Sesshomaru had plans for this youkai once he trained him. Juromaru would make an excellent ally to him and the West if all went according to plan.

A thought crossed his mind then as he gazed at the bridle. "Are you able to speak?"

Juromaru rose to his elbow before shaking his head, keeping his eyes downcast.

When the Taiyoukai moved, Juromaru almost ran but forced himself to stay, disregarding his instincts to flee. A claw slid up his cheek and in a swift movement, the heavy metal of the bridle fell to the ground with a muffled thump. He blinked and looked down at the item before raising his hand covering his mouth to prove it was really ground. The skin underneath his hand was raw and sore, but there. Sesshomaru was already different from Naraku and for once in as long as he could remember…Juromaru hoped for a better life.

"What is your decision, Juromaru?"

Again, blue eyes met his own through lavender bangs. Juromaru silently gave up as he held his wrists out to the Taiyoukai, who in turn, took the chain in his hand in acceptance. The agreement was settled, Juromaru would obey him.

…

Rin looked up and smiled when she heard footsteps. "Good morning, Lord Sesshomaru."

Ah Uhn glanced back at his master. Sesshomaru stepped into the clearing, holding the chain at his side and allowing Juromaru to walk behind him, an act of trust on his part. Ah cocked his head at this but made no comment and Uhn just stared straight ahead. Jaken did his best not to stare, but wound up failing miserably.

Sesshomaru growled slightly at his vassal as he led Juromaru to the dragon. "You would do well to close your mouth, Jaken. One may question your intentions."

Jaken balked. Was his Lord actually…teasing…him? It didn't seem possible, though Rin giggled not seeing the pun of the joke but hearing the humor in the Lord's voice was enough to make her smile.

The Taiyoukai attached the heavy chain he held to Ah Uhn's saddle, giving the youkai a look. "Do not attempt to flee."

Juromaru hung his head in affirmative, his arms held at his sides. He watched as the human girl climbed on the mighty dragon before Sesshomaru began the trek. The Taiyoukai would return to his castle. Naraku was dead, at last, and now he could return and give his full attention on his lands. They were in desperate need of his council.

For a moment, Sesshomaru glanced over his shoulder at the youkai. 'He is beautiful, even I shall admit that.' Belittling himself for even thinking the thought, he turned back before anyone had time to see.

Rin smiled, looking at the shackled youkai walking beside her mount. Her Lord was a kind soul deep down. He deserved someone to make him happy. The idea of trying to get this person acquainted with her Lord was intriguing and she recalled a familiar term Kagome-chan had once taught her. Matchmaker. The girl grinned at the thought. Her master would be happy if it was the last thing she ever did.

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End of Part 2

Zaleone: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REVIEWS FOR PART 1! I thought this story might be a flop, but you guys inspired me so here I am updating this thing! Yay! -does a really stupid dance-

Sesshomaru: Human, you are in need of mental help.

Zaleone: O.o; Is that supposed to be news?

Sesshomaru: Get on with it. Your other stories are in need of updates as well.

Zaleone: Oh, yeah. Right. Heh. O.O Anyways, hoped you guys enjoyed this part. Thank you so much guys! Until later! Ja ne! Review for me, okay? Thanks guys.

Many thanks to:

WANTED: As you all may or may not know, I write both heterosexual and yaoi (gay basically) fictions and I would like a beta with an open mind on most aspects that could help me and be like a friend that could get back to me within three days of my updates. I need it for this story as well as all my others. I happen to like writing and am thankful if someone is interested in this. My email address is offered in my profile and if you are interested, feel free to email me.