They say the weak crumble under the pressures of life, and the strong stand tall protecting as many as they can. But with so few out there that are superior it is only logical that many of the feeble will disappear, become nothing more than a memory and a fear. Who is it that decides who is strong and who is weak? Where do the ties of power lie? It is nothing more than a quest, a desire, a patronage to the glorious tomorrow.
Then again, the truly exceptional are those out there to protect themselves and the ones they love from anything and anyone. Those are our heroes, our self sacrificing champions. However, the fact remains that not all will aspire to these heights; who can be the hero? And who will fall into despair?

The sky held an orange glow, one that peeked through the dark grey of the clouds and reached around to the ground below. The wind blew in the atmosphere with fury, causing the clouds to drift through quickly, leaving the grass to sway with the orange hue almost as if it were ablaze. And it was in these conditions that the two youkai traveled; heading for the castle far north, past the ends of the rolling plains that glided at their sides. For even these lush pastures recognized the rank of its travelers, bending along with the gusts that howled over their shoulders. The wail of the wind however was the only sound that echoed through out the valley; the travelers would not grant any sound from their lips, other than the vague murmur of their breaths. Neither was accustom to words or meaningless chatter; for any conversation within their presence held a significance that rendered the other spell bound. But regardless; as any other talent theirs was one that could be switched off. And it was the smaller of the two that held the proof of this suggestion; for at this moment his mind was not pondering the dealings of battles, or other timely distractions. He was thinking about of something else holding such simplicity, and at the same time the world's conundrum. A female; and not just any woman, for this one in particular was not even considered a woman as of yet. She was still a child in the world of demons, though because he had never taken a step without her he considered her very much on his level.
Though the times of childhood squandering were far below him, he still yearned to see his play mate; and only in a few short hours he would be granted this request. Her memory haunted him, and he found it difficult to simply function without the interruption that she gave. For it was she who taught him the joy in the over looked pleasures in life, and the humor involved in mischief; though he could not forget the more unimportant of matters.

"Maru! You kicked me!" came the child like voice of Cal. The little youkai boy wriggled within the darkened area uncomfortably as he searched for a position of ease.
"Cal, move over," he grunted as he pushed the shadowed figure to his left. "And don't call me that," he quickly scolded. With the other occupant thrown off balance the boy sat calmly waiting for his comrade to sit up as well.
"Your so mean, why do I even play with you?" the girl grumbled as she met her companions eyes through the dark. They were not easy to miss after all, being they were a golden shade that glimmered no matter the lighting.
"Because you think I am the best," sneered the male demon. The next sound that echoed through the small space was the laugh of the girl; for she did not believe this statement at all. Then again who would? "Shut up Cal, you know you sound stupid when do that," the young Sesshomaru lashed out.
"I.. Can't.." she continued to giggle, now going on for the pure sport of it. Through the darkened area of their secret location, Sesshomaru glared at his companion with complete disgust; while on the inside he just wanted to laugh with her. "Ok, I'm sorry," she gasped, finally taking control. "Now what was it you wanted to ask me in the hide out?" she continued with a small smile.
"What's kissing?" the small male youkai asked, though not completely serious. Cal thought about this a moment; and after careful deliberation said with a soft confidence,
"When the mother and father touch their lips together," she said, her head giving a small tilt.
"Well that's stupid, what's so great about that?" was small boy's response, which he added with to by sticking out his tongue to show his disgust.
"It's fun," she said with a small shrug of her shoulders.
"How do you know?" he responded in a startled voice. Again the young female demon shrugged her shoulders. "Wanna try?" the boy ventured, trying with much difficulty to seem casual to the idea.
"Ok," was all the little girl said as she turned to face her friend. They look at one another in an awkward stance for a moment, and than simultaneously move toward one another only to stop after a few seconds. Sesshomaru moved a bit closer while Cal watched him, and then she moved a bit further; and in a quick tap they let their lips touch and pull away quickly. "That wasn't as gross as I thought it would be," Cal said sitting back in her original spot. Sesshomaru's small face contorted to a frown,
"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked angrily. Cal gave a giggle as she smiled,
"I don't think we did it right, it wasn't all that much fun," she said shaking her head side to side. Sesshomaru seemed slightly disappointed, and was afraid it was he would did it wrong because he had enjoyed himself.
"Let me try again," he said a bit frustrated. Cal saw the determination in his eyes, and voice; and nodded her head as she turned to him once more. This time, the small youkai boy moved towards her completely, catching her off guard; where he left his lips to sit against hers for nearly three times longer than before. When he pulled back he watched her face closely, and at seeing her eyes fluttering open slowly he gave a smirk as he took her hand, "Let's go play tag now!"

He had never felt so accomplished in all his life, a small victory the now of age youkai used as a basis to measure all his undertakings. But that was years ago, years before.. Well an event that Sesshomaru would rather not speak of for it only made his blood boil. What would she be like now? And would he even still find an interest in her; he was almost positive he would find her annoying now. After all, she was still a child and he was now an adult.
"Sesshomaru, my son your going to run into that tree," echoed the voice of his father. But he did not hear the words, he was still too caught up in his thoughts. And for his negligence he was rewarded with a meeting of the bark of the only tree within miles of the prairie. Upon collision his nose brushed against the coarse covering of the wood, leaving a small scratch mark, which at that moment he did notice. He was far too ashamed because he knew that his father had seen, and quickly rose to his feet brushing himself off; and trying to look fierce. His father gave off a chuckle as he helped straighten Sesshomaru's garments, and rety his armor. "Your still new to this, don't get too worked up over it," he added in a loving tone. "Because I have done far worse," he said hitting his son on the back. The younger youkai tried his best to take this embarrassment with dignity; and he was simply happy that Calpurnia hadn't seen.
Once they started walking again, his mind once more found refuge in his memories of the past; leaving him distracted once more.

"I am pleased that you could make it again Lord InuTaisho, Lady Michelia you are looking in good health as well. And your boy, well if he isn't a good half hand taller," Lord Fado beamed as he stared down at Sesshomaru, which he returned with a half recognizing yawn. But he was snapped out of his bored behavior with a single wave of a hand, and he waved back with a hidden enthusiasm to the little silver eyed girl before himself. "Kestrel, Calpurnia, greet our guests," the Northern Lord continued on. Kestrel was the first to get to him, who gave him a small bow and retook the position next to her father. But when Calpurnia got to him she gave the same bow, but with a grin that scrunched her nose. He returned the little bob, but to his surprise when he rose, Cal threw her arms around his shoulders and gave him squeeze; something she did at every meeting for years to come. And seeing this as an suitable time, when his companion pulled back he pulled out a small bag and handed it to her. She looked at it confused before she met his eyes.
"It's a present for you," the young Sesshomaru said. And as he did, behind him his mother took the Great Dog Lord's arm and rested her head upon his shoulder while she smiled.
"Really for me?" Cal smiled as she opened the little bag, where she pulled out a small bracelet made with small carved stones upon a band. "Thank you," she smiled even bigger. Her reaction gave Sesshomaru a little burst of excitement, and he held his head high as she slipped it over her small hand admiring it. Michelia met Touga's eyes once more, and beamed with complete satisfaction; and he returned her proud expression with his own fatherly boast.
Excitedly Cal turns to her father,
"May Maru and I go play now?" Sesshomaru's proud expression melts, as his parents chuckle softy at his nickname; while tries his best to avoid their eyes.
"Go ahead," he said watching his fellow Lord's expression, a bit of bitterness behind it.

It seemed to him that his mother had a very big roll in the meetings with the Northern Lord; because even though he was young at the time he knew his father did not like the Lord. In fact the first meeting was for nothing more than to discuss the bandits rampaging their borders.
Sesshomaru let a low growl escape his throat as he thought back to those times.

"I am the Lord, and you are my woman, you are not allowed to second guess me!" his father roared from the floor below the one Sesshomaru was currently on; they seemed to fight a lot recently.
"You'll wake Sesshomaru, please tone it down," his mother hushed loudly in return.
"These are my damn Lands, I can talk as loud as I want!" Sesshomaru pulled his covers up a bit higher as he covered his nose, and restlessly he rolled.
"I'm not saying you have to ally yourself with Fado, I just want you to bring your son back". The small youkai boy flinched as he heard something crash below his room, probably a table.
"I know he likes that little girl, but I refuse to go back there! That demon is sick, and he doesn't treat his own pups with any respect; you know how hard he was trying to push his eldest off on us". He was beginning to feel almost guilty for having so much fun with Cal, because now his father was yelling.
"Please Touga, do this for your son. I have never seen him act like that before, that is how a pup should act". Again Sesshomaru was left to wince as his mother said how he
should act, he didn't know there was something wrong with him.
"Damn it oona, it will be better if he doesn't become fond of her. If our son wants her you know we have to bargain with that filth to get her!"
"If it comes to that we will deal with it then, we have to look out for his best interests and I want him to see her again; even if I have to take him there myself". Another loud crash sounded, in response Sesshomaru placed his hands over his ears in an attempt to stop the noise.

His father eventually caved in, and brought him back not once; but five times now. Which was truly a shock to him, considering it was just after the third time they went that his mother.. Was no longer around to ensure the trip. But when the spring rolled around his father told him to get ready to go; not sure whether he was simply honoring the demoness's wish or if he was doing it for him. But either way, he got ready because it was Calpurina that told him what he never heard at home; and it was her to whom he had put his faith. But now, he was the experienced one, she should look up to him. What would become of this friendship now?