The sun had just begun its ascent into the morning sky, and lord Sesshoumaru was there, standing on the balcony of his room, to view it. Rays of golden light shot out across the countryside, bringing new life and energy to the lands over which he ruled. Unfortunately that particular swelling of light didn't reflect upon the lord's current mood.
Wars like the one currently being waged by the lords of the south & east against the lord of the north were bad for everyone. But as of now, lord Sesshoumaru had managed to keep his area relatively safe and secure through his policy of neutrality. But just a few days ago, that element of neutrality was compromised. A portion, however small in size, of that war had spread into his lands, and now the peace in his lands which he had worked so hard to maintain was on the brink of destruction because of the actions of the a few incompetent demons.
A group of over a dozen demons had snuck onto his lands from the east, intending to sneak around the north's defenses. But midway through their march, his agents reported that they were met by an unknown assailant who promptly killed them all. Now lord Sesshoumaru has a problem. Not because the lord of the east would be upset, because her men's lives were forfeit the moment she presumed to send them onto his lands, nor because of the lord of the south, since Sesshoumaru cared for him almost as much as he did humans. No, he had a problem because this event could, and most likely would, strain relations with the lord of the north, as well as the fact that there was some mysterious demon out there right now doing his job for him, and well. In his world, that was as clear a challenge to his power as any, and Sesshoumaru never backed down from a challenge. If this demon wanted his title, he would have to fight for it, and this Sesshoumaru never lost a fight.
But even so, lord Sesshoumaru was going to need to make a decision quickly if he hoped to avoid unnecessary bloodshed because of this event. Before the great demon lord could make any type of decision though, he would have to know exactly what happened. Then he would make the offending parties woe the day they ever stepped foot onto the lands of lord Sesshoumaru. Maybe somewhere buried underneath the endless piles of garbage he was bound to get in the reports he requested, there would be some clue as to what happened that night or who the mysterious element was.
For that reason, he decided that it was about time he looked over those reports. Without turning back, the demon lord called out to his main advisor, "Jaken!"
The small toad was at his master's side in a flash. His exuberance at being desired by his master showed clear as the sun as he asked, "What can I do for you, Lord Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru didn't turn his head, but instead moved only his eyes downward to look upon the minute toad demon that served him. The under-sized demon bowed in respect as the demon lord's gaze fell upon him. His peers, if that word could be used to describe anyone, constantly nagged him, inquiring as to why he allowed such a powerless demon as Jaken to stand in his presence, let alone serve as his chief advisor. But to him Jaken had something that few of his 'peers' could ever understand. All they knew was power, but to the great demon lord of the west, there was something that Sesshoumaru wanted more than just brute strength. To him, the most important thing for his chief advisor to be was loyal.
Sesshoumaru could easily find thousands of powerful demons, but not one even half as loyal as his current advisor. Jaken took the word loyal to all new heights. Since his appointment as the chief advisor to this Sesshoumaru, Jaken's entire life has revolved around the service of the great demon lord. The very chance, it seemed, to be able to do his lord's biddings was almost ecstasy to the diminutive toad demon, and if nothing else, that was the reason why the lord of the west kept him around.
Sesshoumaru continued to look down at his advisor for another moment before he spoke asking of his advisor, "What new information do you have on the 'incident' in the north-east region?"
"Nothing much, my lord," Jaken replied sadly, "and I'm not so sure that you don't already know this already."
"Humor me," said Sesshoumaru stoically, "What have you found?"
The toad demon cleared his throat, then pulled a map out of his robes and laid it out onto a nearby table before continuing, "My lord, from what I have found out about the group, they weren't what I would have sent if I wanted to sneak through another's territory, knowing it wasn't allowed."
"You think that this group was some sort of diversion?" asked the demon lord.
"Yes my lord, and though it seemed not to work as well as they would have liked…" Jaken was cut off by Sesshoumaru voice.
The great demon lord of the west had walked over to the table on which Jaken had placed the map, and was staring at his chief advisor. "What do you mean by it didn't work as well as they would have liked?"
"Well the other two groups we found, my lord," Jaken replied, but by the look on his lord's face he could tell that he didn't know, so he explained, "Yesterday another two groups of demons, both larger than the one that we were just discussing were found a ways north of this group. Both were in the upwards of fifty demons and both were in the same position as this group, sliced up with blood everywhere."
"Why was I not informed of this earlier?" asked Sesshoumaru.
"I was informed that you already knew, my lord!" exclaimed the frightened toad demon as he cowered in fear of his lord, begging for forgiveness.
Sesshoumaru paid little attention to his pleas. Turning back to the map he asked, "Was anything found in the other two areas?"
"Yes my lord," replied Jaken as he reached back into his and removed a small blade, "Two of these were recovered, one from each site. I have this one, but the other I gave to one of your agents to discern its origins."
Sesshoumaru took the dagger from Jaken's hand and began to look it over. The dagger looked ordinary enough to the lord of the west, and he almost tossed it aside, when something on the hilt caught his attention. On one side, a green insignia was burned into the hilt and on the other a name. The closest thing to a smile crossed Sesshoumaru's lips.
"This is going to make things very interesting," the great demon lord said.
"What's wrong my lord?" Jaken asked confused.
Again Sesshoumaru did not answer the diminutive toad demon. Instead he responded with a question of his own. What little bit of happiness that was on the lord's face vanished to be replaced by the usual stoic expression he wore when he asked, "How is it that all of these demons managed to get onto my lands without my knowledge?"
"I-I am not sure my lord," Jaken replied, "Our scouts out in that area never reported anything."
Sesshoumaru wasn't too happy with Jaken's reply. "Send a few of our agents out there to find out if they are still alive, and if they are send them to me."
"Yes, my lord. I will get on it right away," Jaken said before refolding the map and placing both it and the dagger back inside of his robes. After that he bowed and turned to leave the room.
"Wait Jaken, that is not all," lord Sesshoumaru replied, stopping Jaken in his tracks.
"How else may I help you, my lord," Jaken asked.
"Have you found out anything more about our mysterious attacker?"
"No, my lord. There were no witnesses present, that we know of."
"You believe different?" asked Sesshoumaru.
"The first scene we looked at was disturbed when we arrived. Also, I know you're not going to like this but we have reason to believe that your brother was there."
Sesshoumaru grimaced. "Look into it. I want to know who this mysterious assailant is. And if that filthy desecration of my bloodline happens to be involved, I want to know why and how."
"Lord Sesshoumaru, lord Sesshoumaru! We have visitors!" Rin exclaimed as she ran into the room.
"Filthy humans!" Jaken practically spat at the young girl, "Lord Sesshoumaru would never lower himself to…"
"Jaken!" came a stern exclamation from the lord of the west.
"Yes my lord," Jaken inquired.
"Find out who it is."
"As you wish, my lord," Jaken said before turning to rush out the door.
Jaken hurriedly retired from the room. He began walking toward the front entrance so as to find out just who would dare to disturb his lord at a time like this. He reached the door after a substantial trek through the mansion, and opening the door, he prepared to tell off whatever impudent person that dared encroach upon his master's property uninvited. But looking outside the mansion, Jaken found no one.
"Are you looking for us?" a soft, feminine voice spoke to Jaken from behind.
Jaken spun around quickly to find himself face to face with an armed group of half a dozen strange looking wolf demons prepared for battle inside of his lord's home. Garbed in dark furs and having dark skin themselves, these demons looked more like assassins than bodyguards, which unnerved the small demon quite a bit. But they were all males. The voice he heard was distinctly feminine. Then a movement caught his eye and he found the target of his search. His jaw dropped almost to the floor, when he saw her. Standing at just over 5' tall, the beautiful young female had long light brown hair, smooth ivory skin, and a pair of the most vibrantly enchanting violet eyes that he had ever seen.
For the briefest of moments Jaken stood there, mesmerized by the beauty of the young demoness who stood before him before he regained his touch with reality enough to ask, "Who are you and what is your business with lord Sesshoumaru?"
The woman spoke up, "My name is Keiko, and I am here representing my father, lord Kenshiro, demon lord of the north."
Jaken's face paled instantly and his eyes bugged out at hearing her introduce herself. His master frequently spoke of her, and on many occasions left Jaken to care for Rin as he went to see her. Jaken knew because on one such occasion he had followed his master.
The memory of that event stuck in his mind because lord Sesshoumaru never actually spoke with her, or even came in contact with her. He simply watched her for a time, from far away before turning back toward the western lands over which he held domain. Jaken was sure in some way his lord had feelings for this female, similar in a way to his feelings for Rin, but much different at the same time. But Jaken was quite intelligent, and mentioning such suspicions as that to his master would be like teasing a hungry tiger.
Jaken once again snapped out of his thoughts. He had delayed his lord for too long. So once back in the real world he turned heel and scurried off back up into the mansion to find his master and inform him of their visitors. Three long hallways and two flights of stairs later, Jaken finally found himself back in the company of his lord. Rin wasn't in the room, so he assumed that the unpredictable little girl had run off to go play. He merely shrugged her out of his mind and continued to approach his master, who had once again returned to stand out on the balcony.
"Lord Sesshoumaru," Jaken said upon reaching his master's side, "Your guests are none other than Lady Keiko, daughter of lord Kenshiro, lord of the northern lands, and six of her guards. They await you downstairs, my lord. What would you have me do?"
"Bring them into the main guest room," replied Sesshoumaru, "I will be down shortly."
"Yes my lord," Jaken replied before rushing out of the room to do his lord's bidding.
Sesshoumaru continued to stand by the window, staring out at the far reaching expanse of grass and trees that went on as far as the eye could see outside of his window. His thoughts though, were not on the landscape, but the beautiful young woman waiting for him downstairs.
After all these years you've finally come. But why? What is the purpose of you coming here today? Are you here to tell me what I want to hear, or are you hear to tell me what I don't? I know it can't be because of this. We are just now finding out about this, and I am sure Kenshiro would never risk relations with me, he's the most honorable of us. So why are you here Keiko? Logic tells me I don't want to know, but then again I've long since given up trying to decipher your brother's motives, and we all know you're the most thoughtful of the pair. So I'll hear what you have to say, and we'll go from there.
Ten minutes passed as Keiko sat patiently in the guest quarters awaiting the appearance of lord Sesshoumaru. The little toad demon, Jaken she believed his name was, had told them that his master would be with them right away. But time was ticking and the demon lord had yet to show his face. Waiting for people was never a pleasant thing to do, but Keiko didn't seem to mind much, though her companions were far from sharing her feelings. It seemed that just about all of her guards were irritated, and unhappy demons made for turbulent situations. It also didn't help the situation any that Jaken chose that moment to stroll into the room.
He had a scroll in his hand and was too busy reading it to notice where he was going. He nearly walked into Keiko but for one of her guards who acted quickly and stepped protectively in between the oblivious toad demon and the demoness he was charged to protect before the collision could occur. Well, the collision between the lady and the toad at least. A collision did occur, just not involving Keiko. Instead the collision was between the miniature toad demon and Keiko's guard, resulting in Jaken falling backwards onto the ground.
Jaken looked up into the eyes of the beast as it spoke saying, "Where is your master, toad?"
Jaken pulled himself off the ground and after straightening his clothes, looked up into the eyes of the offending demon to reply, "Lord Sesshoumaru will not be rushed for the likes of you! Maybe for her, but you are not worthy to stand in the presence of my lord's excrement!"
The wolf demon was obviously offended as he snarled menacingly before reaching down to snatch the diminutive toad demon off of the ground. But before his hands made contact with Jaken's body, the calm, melodic voice of Lady Keiko resonated throughout the room.
"It would be wise of you to show some restraint," began the tiny young demoness, "We are in the territory of another demon lord now, so my father's influence will not help us here and lord Sesshoumaru is not known for his compassion. Besides, it's just impolite to come into someone's home and manhandle their help."
"You are correct as always, my lady," Sesshoumaru replied as he entered the room, "I would have thought it in very bad taste were he to lay a hand on my chief advisor."
Keiko immediately rose from her seat to curtsey before the lord of the west. She kept her eyes cast downward as she spoke, "Lord Kenshiro of the north sends his regards, and thanks you for meeting with his daughter. He hopes you will not take offense at him sending me and that your health is well."
"I thank your father for his concern, and take no offense at him sending you to represent him," Sesshoumaru then moved, quick as lightning to stand right in front of the small woman, taking her hand into his as he continued, "Why don't the two of us retreat to my private chambers to discuss whatever business you have more privately."
Keiko nodded, not once looking at Sesshoumaru in the eyes, before she turned to look at her guards. They all had bewildered expressions on their faces, for in all the time they had been in her service; they had never seen her act so, submissive. The sudden change of attitude was perplexing at best. Keiko seemed not to notice.
"The lord and I are going to go speak in private," she said softly, "We will return shortly."
One of the guards stepped forward and said, "But my lady, how are we to protect you?"
"No harm will come to me here. I can assure you of that," she said before following the demon lord out of the room and to his private chambers.
They took their time walking to his chambers because it happened to be located on the other side of the mansion. But eventually they arrived, and Keiko had to admit that the room was different from anything she had ever seen before. The room was void of a single window, so remained in a state of perpetual night, getting its only light when the doors were closed from the synthetic starlight that encompassed the entirety of the ceiling. Keiko really didn't have the chance to look around much more after that because the demon lord turned around to usher her in, effectively blocking her view.
Turning back toward the small demoness, the first thing Sesshoumaru noticed was her Kimono. It's brilliant violet decorations shimmered beauteously in the dim light of his room. The object of his affections for so many years, the young demoness now being in his presence threw him off balance, for but a moment. Then he regained his composure and ushered her into a lavish chair in the center of the room, before he too took a seat in the chair next to her. The two chairs were angled toward each other so he still had a good view of her.
Looking over at the young demoness, lord Sesshoumaru gently touched her chin with his left hand, raising it so for the first time their eyes locked. She flinched slightly at his touch but didn't pull away once the contact was made. His amber eyes pierced through her violet ones that looked back at him and he saw something in them that reminded him somewhat of the fearful looks many of his adversaries held before they died.
"Do I scare you, my lady?" Sesshoumaru asked of his guest.
Her eyes went suddenly wide with surprise at hearing him ask his question. Her nervousness wasn't something she was trying to convey in her eyes, but the pressure of meetings such as this and this demon's presence, was obviously shown in her eyes no matter how hard she tried to hide it. Then the shock wore off, and almost immediately she shook her head no. Then a slight blush formed in her cheeks. She tried to look away, but the combined efforts of his hand on her chin and his engaging eyes kept her in place.
"Then tell me," the demon lord of the west said in a soothing tone, "Why is it that you seem averse to so much as looking at me."
"I-" she began to speak but couldn't for the words to express her feelings. There was a silence for a moment before she once again spoke saying, "I apologize, my lord. It is just that with the war, and the sudden plethora of suitors coming to our home, I…"
"Suitors?" Sesshoumaru did not like where this was going.
"Yes my lord. Before I left, there were hundreds in my father's home pledging to help my father in exchange for me. It got so bad that even a young lord from the south tried to barter for me. Normally my father would have killed him, but with all of his energy going into the war, he didn't have the energy to deal with the young demon. So, he just sent him away," Keiko explained sadly.
Sesshoumaru couldn't help but feel a small twinge of jealousy as she spoke, but that was quickly squashed, or possibly just hidden very well, when he replied, "Why not leave them to your brother then?"
Keiko suddenly became very morose. A frown formed on her lips and her eyes were close to tears as she replied, "He's gone."
"When did that happen?" Sesshoumaru asked, curiosity overpowering his tact.
"A few years ago. Back when the north and south were fighting last time," she replied.
A few years ago? Is she kidding? That war happened before Inuyasha was pinned to the Goshinboku! Sesshoumaru merely sighed and shook his head before asking, "What happened to him?"
"H-He killed himself," she said as a tear rolled onto her cheek, "after one of my father's ex-generals killed his mate and child."
"I assume by ex, you mean as soon as your brother found out, the demon was killed," said Sesshoumaru getting a nod from the saddened girl. But he continued to inquire about her brother nonetheless. "Alright, so then your brother slit his own throat?"
Keiko shook her head 'no' as she moved about uncomfortably in her seat. Then she opened her mouth to say, "He followed them."
"To hell?" asked an astonished Sesshoumaru. Keiko nodded. Even her squirming is getting to me. Sesshoumaru thought for a moment before continuing by asking, "So then there's still a chance that he is still alive."
Keiko again shook her head 'no'. This time her reply was more controlled. "My brother's sword was recovered a few weeks later. We weren't going to get a better sign than that. He never even went to sleep without his sword."
Another small pause in the conversation hovered in the air for a moment before Sesshoumaru replied by saying in his usual tone, "My condolences. Maybe it would be better to move on to business now."
Keiko nodded, wiping the tears from her cheek, then said, "Well let's get the formalities out of the way to begin. There are rumors spreading that you are secretly allowing demons from the east and south to enter your forests, to attack us by way of the border we share."
"That of course is untrue," proclaimed lord Sesshoumaru.
"Would you allow some of our men in to make inquiries of their own?"
"You also know that I cannot do that," replied Sesshoumaru. But there is something that I would like to do.
Keiko nodded. "I wouldn't expect you to. Now then, have you reconsidered our offer of an alliance."
"I still have no cause to enter my lands into a war that has nothing to do with me."
"You soon will, I can guarantee you that," replied Keiko knowingly, "Also this isn't straight from my father's mouth, but I can assure you that if it is in his power to give, he would gladly give you just about anything for aide in this fight against the demons of the east and south. All you have to do is tell us what it is that you want."
What I want, is you. Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment before saying, "You said there were hundreds of suitors at your home before you left. Have you picked one?"
"No my lord. Regardless of my feelings for them I cannot bind myself to any of those that came, for the tide of this war, and the fate of the northern lands, could change drastically based on who I bring into this conflict. I must find a suitable mate to help us defeat those who would do harm to our people."
"You would alter your life to fit the needs of the man who got your territory into this war in the first place?" Sesshoumaru asked confusedly.
"My father did not start this war my lord," she said slightly upset, "but even if he had, I would give my life for those that I love."
Sesshoumaru thought about what she said for a moment, then thought about the egregious offense that had been perpetrated against him by the rulers of the east. He knew what was to happen. One offense was forgivable, and maybe two in time. But to send three different groups meant that the rulers thought him a joke. So it was time that he taught them otherwise.
Sesshoumaru stood up abruptly and reached out his left hand for Keiko. She readily took his hand, rising to her feet as well, though she was confused as to what was going on. Sesshoumaru seemed to sense her confusion as he led her further into the room away from the furnishing on which they had just been seated.
A few seconds passed before the demon lord made and abrupt stop and, turning to his petite guest said, "You know you're right. I think it is time that I reconsider your offer," before his mouth descended upon hers, enveloping the two in a fervent kiss.
To say that she was shocked would have been the understatement of the year. For about five seconds, she just stood there unsure of what was going on and what she was supposed to do, while the great demon lord continued his explorations of the inside of her mouth. Her breathe quickened, and her heart skipped a beat. In her mind she knew that this was wrong, unacceptable by her standards, but for some reason it just felt so good. And soon reason gave way to passion, leading the petite young demoness to join in exploring her partner's mouth.
Sesshoumaru's hands worked their way down her back, caressing her skin through the folds of her outfit with every step, incurring no resistance as they continued their decent. Eventually the demon lord broke the kiss and began working on her neck, licking, sucking, biting, and doing anything else in his power to pleasure the young woman.
When her mouth was once again freed, a small sense of self returned to the demoness. She once again realized what she was doing, and where this could lead. Opening her mouth she attempted to speak to the passionate demon lord and convince him to stop before things went too far.
"M-My Lord!" her voice went up a few pitches, as his hands grabbed onto her by her butt and lifted her off of the ground as she came in contact for the first time with his growing member. Another moan was elicited from her mouth and she tried to continue. "T-This c-c-can't, Aaah!" she said as she found herself falling, then landing on the soft, cushion of his bed.
Quickly closing the gap between the two yet again, Sesshoumaru began to kiss the young demoness with renewed vigor. His delicate touches once again worked their way down her body, as they searched for the clasps to her kimono. Sesshoumaru ground his hardened member into her, rubbing up against the glistening treasure that he so desperately sought to uncover. Finally, he found the clasps. With the speed and grace of one who had done this a thousand times, he had them unhooked, and her kimono opened. She still wore robes underneath that, but they too fell to his exploring hands in a matter of seconds, as the great demon lord worked his way down, to his prize.
In mere seconds, the great demon lord had unbound the clothes that covered her luscious physique and though s small cloth still covered his ultimate goal, Sesshoumaru was happy. Breaking their kiss again, the great demon lord planted a string of kisses down her body, sending tendrils of pleasure down the aggravated young demoness' spine. She didn't protest this time. Her mind was way too far gone, wrapped up in the pleasures of the demon lord's attentions. She wanted this now as bad as he did, she couldn't care less about the consequences.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. A loud knock rapped on the door to the room. Sesshoumaru and Keiko ignored the noise. Continuing his decent, his mouth came in contact with one soft, supple orb, as his right hand massaged the other. He had her moaning in pleasure when the sound of the door creaking open and a voice killed the moment.
"My lord," Jaken replied shakily, "Y-your brother wishes an audience with you!"
Sesshoumaru turned to look at his servant with malice and a world of pain promised in his eyes, only to see his advisor pass out on his floor. It was then he noticed the bruise on Jaken's head. Inwardly he cursed. But it wasn't until Keiko pulled out from under him that he became really upset. He watched as she jumped off of the bed and away from him, closing the folds of her clothing of her body once more.
Footsteps approached the door, and the first thing he saw was a head of silver hair flowing into the room. Keiko saw it as well, and turning away, she scampered off into the bathroom and slammed the door behind her. The silver haired demon in the doorway smirked at seeing the woman run off into the bathroom. He, entered Sesshoumaru's private chambers followed by five others. Sesshoumaru was expending all of his energy at the moment to stay calm.
Then his brother spoke. "Are we interrupting something?" Sesshoumaru's hands started shaking at that point as he tried hard to control himself, a clear sign to anyone with half a brain to shut up and possibly run, but not Inuyasha. Inuyasha was having too much fun at his brother's situation, and just had to throw in one more jab for good measure. "Wow, and here I was sure that my older brother liked guys!"
That did it. With a loud growl, the demon lord turned once more to look at the closed door that seemed to be mocking him. All of his anger was evident as he yelled out one word that carried for quite a distance.
"FUCK!"
Kiyana Va SalaWhat can I say? When it comes to covering my ass, I am exceedingly well trained. And unless I can somehow write those more mature scenes well enough to place on this site without people complaining, I'll probably start posting there as well. I'll see how it turns out. Lastly, about the beta reader, you are right. I do need to find one and as of right now, I'm on the hunt for one. If you can think of anyone interested, send them my way. I could use any help I can get.
Inuyashasgirl4eva333 I am extremely happy you enjoyed my story so far. I'm sorry it took so long to review. I could never keep to a deadline. Hopefully you like the story more as the chapters go on.
Tai-for-youThanks for the support. I'll try to get things moving quicker, and hopefully more interesting. We shall see.
RickyElRey Isn't it so nice to be loved! You do have a point about the people being ooc. A question though, did you think the Inuyasha scene was too detailed because of the length of the chapter or just too detailed, period? Miroku will start being himself more often as the story continues, and everything else will fall into its proper place as things progress.
Before I go to start work on chapter four, I must beseech you all. Please review. Regardless of what you think of the chapter. I'm interested to see a different perspective on my writing, and please don't spare my feelings. I'm not going to break down and cry if you say you hated something about the story. The only way I can correct a problem is if I know what it is. So thank you all for reading, and I hope you return for chapter four!