A/N:

Hi! Recently my mojo has been boosted by the new follows and favourites. Many things to all of you. I hope you enjoy.

I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter 22

The moon was shining high in the sky, blurring out tiny clouds surrounding it. Sesshoumaru followed Yuutsuki's scent, wishing to feed his addiction to her presence after facing undesirable moments with Yoko. Treading barefoot through snowy fields, he traced her relatively fast, several yards behind the mansion, swinging around her sword recklessly. Sesshoumaru was relieved to see her, as he had been expecting sounds of sobbing rather than cheering battle cries.

"I see that you are enjoying yourself."

Yuutsuki's sword pierced the ground dynamically and she placed her hands over her hips, funnily squinting her eyes to estimate his state. Sesshoumaru had no weapons, the thin material of his inner kimono was partly uncovering his naked chest, the sash was loosely tied over his hips, as if put carelessly in haste.

"Oh yes. However nothing compared to you." After the slightly indecent remark, she picked the sword again, continuing her clumsy battle with an invisible opponent, gravity.

"You are drunk." There was a tone of amusement in his voice.

"Ha! You are wrong!" She screamed louder than necessary between the lunges and pointed at a nearby wine bottle. "I am getting drunk!"

Steadily, while observing Yuutsuki's gawky movements, Sesshoumaru began to lose his formerly congregated tautness, as though that silly mortal had cast a serenity spell over him. Just as he could not stop yearning for her presence, she was equally trapped in her boundless devotion, unable to abandon her feelings towards him, even after her unduly pride had been perfidiously shattered by his selfish actions. He stood motionless, immersed in thought of his overwhelming addiction to her presence when the girl dropped her sword and predictably approached him from behind. Supporting her body against his, her arms wrapped around his stomach.

Despite the intimacy of the moment, he did not move, appreciating the display of her amiability towards him. Sesshoumaru knew how challenging it was for her to disregard her excessive pride, and to a certain extent, humiliation in order to permit her unbearable solitude to take over. She remained silent, digging her face deep in his vest stifling her true feelings, however to no avail since within the silent night, the demon's enhanced hearing could detect the few droplets that had managed to escape the girl, as they clashed and sank onto the cold ground. Sesshoumaru decided it best not to let her know he was aware of her grief and allowed her to believe she had successfully concealed her tears, possibly not realizing he had given away that secret when he placed his hand above hers. The demon recognized his greed for her company, intense lust for her body and the need to protect her, however the feeling he was undergoing since the girl's meagre arms had wrapped around his stomach was entirely a new sensation, for he had assumed her to harbour a grudge against him. Seeing Yuutsuki struggling with opposite feelings, he became sullenly uncomfortable for putting her in such stance, notwithstanding the rightfulness of his actions. It would be much easier for him to deal with her resentment and bitterness rather than unconditional loyalty. Justifying did not lie within his character, however the unexpected guilt prompted him to compensate. Acting accordingly to a whim, or more precisely, a desire, he pulled the girl's hand, locking her body within his arms in an embrace. His right hand entangled in the curly hair of hers while his left arm was resting on her back, pressing towards his body strongly.

"You have just bedded your new mate, now you are hugging another." Yuutsuki's voice shook in emotion, the intoxication had made her words unclear.

"That is cruel. You are very cruel, Sesshoumaru." The girl wished to push him away, let out her anger by insulting him and under normal circumstances that would be the course of her action. Nonetheless, at that moment, too vulnerable and floating on the mercy of her drink, she could not disregard her weakness and as his face drew closer, she merely closed her eyes, unable to stop her tears.

Mating Yoko had unquestionably broadened Sesshoumaru's prospects and among the personal gain, he had been given an opportunity to enrich the kingdom's lands.

On her cheeks, Yuutsuki felt his warm breath drawing closer, suddenly realizing how frustratingly wide was the gap between them, she could not grant him even a poor substitute for Yoko's vast influence, unexpectedly finding a hatred for the half demon within her heart. Yuutsuki could not find strength to blame Sesshoumaru for her own situation; after all, they had no commitments between each other, hence Yoko had converted to the subject of her irritation, as the girl was envious of the half demon's circumstances.

Leaning forward, Sesshoumaru kissed Yuutsuki's warm lips, glad not to encounter any signs of demur. As he paused to inhale, credulously placed in his embrace, she lifted her head, observing the cloudless, shining sky in melancholy. She reached her hand up, as if wishing to reach a star.

"It is tough to burn with a longing, yet remain idle about it. I wonder how the events would turn out if I grew fond of someone else." The sole thought raised fuming umbrage within Sesshoumaru's mind, he gripped her wrist and authoritatively brought her closer to his chest.

The fact of her belonging to someone else was aggravating, therefore her words, even if a combination of sorrow and alcohol, infuriated him.

"There are no right choices, only alternative costs." Sesshoumaru moved a step behind, releasing the surprised girl from his embrace. As usual in her drunken state, his ambiguous words were not entirely understandable, however she did remember him uttering the same expression before.

"What is the worst alternative cost?" The girl reflexively wondered why he had not stopped her from returning to the past, for she deemed it as a wrong judgement. Had he permitted her selfishness because he had known she would eventually be able to return home?

"Something irreversible. Now, return. The night is cold." Having many issues on his mind, various aspects to deliberate, Sesshoumaru turned, slowly walking back to the mansion.

"You still did not tell my why you have come to me!" Sesshoumaru mindfully unheeded her struggles, he just replied before vanishing from her eyes:

"Do as I say."

In need of solitude, Sesshoumaru ventured to his chamber unhurriedly as he still sensed Yoko inside. He pondered if she had misjudged her privileges, taking his place for their common.

As the demon lord entered the inner chamber, Yoko knelt in front of him, her head inappropriately low regarding their statuses. She was evidently waiting for him to inquiry about the situation, finally as she only got silence, she presented her issue with barely audible voice.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, are you in any way unsatisfied with me?" Yoko shook nervously at the lack of reaction, yet dared not to straighten her pose and face him. "I am not experienced in this kind of activity but even I could tell that you did not take any pleasure in…"

"There is no reason for you to remain here." Sesshoumaru interrupted her shy words bitterly, finding her distress pathetic. "Leave."

Creating no eye contact, she got up, bowed her head in respect and as demanded, left the chambers frightened of his harsh voice.

Yuutsuki spent the next four days discovering Sesshoumaru's library, constantly picking disbelieving glares that in fact she could read. The demon and Yoko had ventured south in order to fulfil his political obligations. He had left without bestowing her a glance or a word, therefore Yuutsuki was often considering returning to Kaede's village. The more time she spent within his house, the more she urged to use it up on active research to return home. The mansion's staff seemed to notice the lack of Sesshoumaru's interest, not neglecting to express their amusement thoroughly.

Yuutsuki wished for a chance to talk with him once more, she did not comprehend the purpose of remaining near him, she could either wait until the well opened or take measures in order to find a way to force it to do so.

On the fifth day, two maids prepared a fancy outfit for her in order to attend an undefined meeting.

She walked through the mansion's corridors, noticing several individuals arriving on flying demons. The girl was curious of the events occurring within the mansion, so she discretely followed an unknown demon directing himself towards the great hall where political meetings had usually taken place. The hall was crammed with extremely well dressed individuals, both humans and demons, standing in rows, clearly awaiting something to happen. Many of them were holding ornamented chests and boxes while chatting with each other.

An advisor approached her and grasped her shoulder, speaking very quietly, so among the buzz of many voices only she could hear him.

"Just in time. I will take you to your place. Behave honourably, you represent the Rens' household." The excitement triggered by her curiosity of the situation and fancy outfit perished like a soap bubble. She felt like a wanderer looking at the sun, whose view was covered by clouds. The girl said nothing, aware of her helplessness at that moment. Nearly hurting her arm, he guided, or more suitably, dragged her through the horde of individuals, finally showing her a sitting place in the first row, still quite far, nonetheless in front of the ruler's sit.

"Lord Sesshoumaru and lady Yoko." Everyone who was sitting rose up and as the rest, they bowed lowly expressing respect and obedience. Sesshoumaru walked in, Yoko stepping closely behind him. They both took their places facing the awaiting crowd. The demon lord scanned the public, unexpectedly finding Yuutsuki, her presence served as a great surprise, however he had no time to contemplate her attendance. Greeting his guests from both west and south, he curtly announced Yoko as the official lady of the both lands. Effortlessly, he repeated the lie of Hinowo's death and assured the southern representatives of his determination to increase the land's prosperity. Speaking only of compulsory phases, he expounded the policies to merge both lands as one, starting with the adjustment of systems.

"From now on, the southern lands shall have the same law regulations as the west." The southern guests could not hide their astonishment for it meant Sesshoumaru was decreasing their taxes by half, among many other benefits. His captivating speech was gratified with countless claps and cheering sounds. The attendants queued to grant the gifts to the ruling couple, as well to throw a word of compliment, cheer or gratefulness. As the only one, Yuutsuki was sitting immobile, deepened into thoughts. She wondered if Sesshoumaru had order her attendance in order to display his rejection further, punishing her for her pride and attachment. A debate between most influential southerners was to occur after the official part, to which Yuutsuki had also been invited. Seeing no value in her attendance, she abandoned the meeting silently, deciding to find a way to vent out her frustration over the vivid image of Sesshoumaru and Yoko together.

Changing her clothing, she decided to practice the wooden sword, as the usage of her actual sword had been strictly banned. While she was swinging it around, putting all might into it, she noticed a guard approaching with clear intentions to disrupt the activity.

"Your presence during the debate is required, lady Yuutsuki. I am here to escort you."

The guard directed her to a big, empty room, where she had to sit in the only vacant space of the circle formed by the debate's attendants. Her training attire brought many disapproving glares, however Yuutsuki paid no attention to it, silently listening to the political conversation led by Sesshoumaru. For the first time in many days, she had a chance to see him again, realizing that she had actually yearned for his company. To her disbelief, Yoko was not there, which only expanded the doubts of her presence during such kind of meeting. From her observations, she deduced all the attendants were southerners of high political knowledge. Among many issues, as if narrating a tale, they were declaiming reports about significant connexions within the lands, current financial state, and active partnerships with other nations. From time to time Sesshoumaru queried about additional details to make a right decision regarding the issue. Next to her, there was an old demon, who from time to time kept glaring at her with an unreadable expression, as if her presence was bothering him.

"And now, Kashi-dono." Sesshoumaru uttered in a more lively voice. "Did you research what I asked you to?" Several low voices of surprise spread around as the old man got up in order to speak. He was a famous, retired sage, who despite his great advising competence, shunned any political immersion regardless of proposed positions and rewards.

"I did, I did." Kashi lowered his head in respect and threw a short look at Yuutsuki's face. "And I certainly do understand things a little bit more."

"Go on." Sesshoumaru's expression tensed as the elder rubbed his head. "Share your results."

"It is how you anticipated, the Rens' sword is capable of absorbing and utilizing the crystal's power to briefly open the time gate, Not to bore everyone around, I shall pass the details in private." Yuutsuki's eyes lit with sudden interest, turning her glance over Sesshoumaru's face. She was positively surprised that even among all the important obligations and plans, he had been trying to aid her in finding a way to return home.

"As for your second request, I have wanted to refuse." Kashi continued lazily. "But once I got here I have possibly changed my mind." Sesshoumaru exhaled in annoyance, feeling toyed with.

"We all know that Hinowo was a bad ruler. Moreover, it is not a mystery; we all know that lord Sesshoumaru forced his way to the southern throne. However, I am positive that the change is going to be beneficial to our homeland, there is no doubt about it. If you permit, I do have some questions in mind before I make my final decision." The old man looked questioningly at the western lord as he nodded his head slowly in agreement. Sesshoumaru was unsure of the outcome, however he needed Kashi to take upon the position of the head southern advisor, as the man acknowledged for his honesty, was indifferent to temptation of power.

"Well then, lord Sesshoumaru. I know that one of your habits is to keep things discreet, always within the necessary circle of individuals. That's why there are no western advisors present, am I right?"

"Yes." Yuutsuki noticed Sesshoumaru's glance stopping over her as he spoke. His expression seemed slightly uneasy.

"Ren Yuutsuki, a human rumoured to have bewitched you, my lord, is however present. You do understand that many of us feel uncertain about her." The old demon tilted his head to a side, as if awaiting something extremely amusing.

"The reasons are mine to keep." Sesshoumaru had anticipated that query, yet he would rather not share his intentions in front of everyone. He had been taking essential steps to impose political knowledge into the human's mind, in order to grant her a position within southern government. He considered her very intelligent and capable of managing others. Whilst facing the possibility of her remaining in this world, he deemed it natural to provide her with a dignified future, as he still felt entirely responsible for her welfare, at the same time sought her presence.

Yuutsuki got up and bowed her head in respect, first to Sesshoumaru, secondary to the others. She was not aware of Sesshoumaru's reasons and while curious of them, she decided to soothe the southerners' curiosity using a believable lie.

"I kindly ask for permission to demystify this controversial matter."

"Very well, let's hear it from the source." Kashi clapped his hands, apparently very pleased with her attitude. Sesshoumaru remained quiet, wondering what on earth was that bold human thinking. Despite many doubts, he nodded affirmatively, trusting her calm eyes.

"I assume the Rens' alliance is known to everyone." Taking silence for a positive answer, she continued in a steady voice. "I have taken advantage of lord Sesshoumaru's kindness and instead of the promised marriage to a high general, I asked for a high position within his government. Knowing that south is more forgiving to humans, he decided to fulfil my plea and in the near future place me in an adequate position. If it is of any offence to you, Kashi-dono, please forgive my insolence."

Yuutsuki bowed again and returned to her previous place, humbly entangling her hands together. Sesshoumaru was wondering if by some means she was actually cognizant of his plans, or had she just made up a flagrant untruth to shove off their interest, which coincidently happened to be accurate.

"I see… Well, there is nothing harmful in it. But are there any other assets to you besides a pretty face and a demon sword?"

"Her knowledge brought from the future is outstanding. She reads and writes fluently, including the langue of the land beyond the sea. Even without the ring's power her combat skills are decent." Sesshoumaru spoke louder than necessary, feeling annoyed with the insignificant interrogation. "Do you have any other questions before your final answer?" Kashi bowed his head, as if in an apology.

"Just one more, my lord."

"Go ahead then, before I lose my patience."

"Do you have something to protect, lord Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru's body stiffened, his father had queried the same before his pitiful death due to his excessive attachment to his human wench, Izayoi. Back then, Sesshoumaru was only focused on finding worthy challenges to measure his own strength, he had not cared for land or responsibility, thus his father's question had seemed ridiculous. Sesshoumaru had been recalling the occurrence recently, realizing his response would be diverse at his current state.

"I do. I wield power in order to protect it." Kashi's eyes opened wider, as if in a slight shock. He nodded his head in appreciation, now able to make his ultimate decision.

"I once asked your father the same. Like father, like son. Your answers are identical. I will be glad to be of help." Sesshoumaru did not discern if he was to feel honoured or affronted for the association with his father. Deeming it irrelevant at that moment, he declared Kashi the main southern advisor and moved on with reports.

Once the meeting finished and most of the attendants had returned to their lands, Yuutsuki continued her training until the moon hung high in the sky. Feeling exhausted, she decided to relief her sore muscles immediately afterwards. She walked towards the hot springs, still trying to understand what had happened during the gathering. The pieces of information she had, were not enough to paint the issue's whole picture. Passing through the decorative garden, the dim light allowed her to notice Yoko standing alone on the miniature bridge, appearing deep in thought.

Suddenly, three masked fighters appeared out of nowhere, their presence completely concealed, shapes barely visible. Two of them ran straight at Yoko with their swords held high, and one of them hurled himself at Yuutsuki with clear intention to kill. The girl tumbled over the ground, swiftly avoiding the strike, which could have wounded her mortally. Using the wooden sword, she struck the attackers left leg felling him on his knee. The attacker drew out a half katana, commonly used for defence, undoubtedly to avoid another counter attack. Yuutsuki used the change to hop back a few steps and quickly estimated her surroundings, where she noticed Yoko calmly staring at her with a peaceful expression over her face. The other two offenders looked more like her guards covering her flanks. There was not a living soul, a weird fact for the lady of the house should not be left unguarded. The girl's attacker prepared another offensive, he swung his sword from above, dashing forward. Yuutsuki avoided the conflict by hurling her body back through the breaches of the wooden, bridged outer corridor of the mansion and kept rolling until she reached the other side, hiding beneath it. The man was too big to follow her, therefore he jumped over it and pierced his sword, hoping to wound his target. The blade flashed very close to her face, it even had managed to slice a wisp of her hair. Fortunately, the wooden pillar of said bridge caused the blade to stuck, giving Yuutsuki an extra second to move away to the other side of the building, where she was able to take a deep breath and call out for Sesshoumaru.

She tried to gain any fraction of a second possible, trusting the demon lord would certainly recognize the panic within her voice and answer her call. She did not look back, running as fast as possible towards the mansion's entrance, however the attacker had foreseen her direction and jumped in front of her, the shock causing her to stop short on her tracks and nearly fall. He took a wide swing, managing to lay a shallow cut over her ribs. She grasped a handful of the white, decorative garden stones and hurled it at her enemy's face, hoping to hit his eyes.

A weird light flashed in front of her, felling the man to the ground. Only after a second Yuutsuki apprehended it had been Sesshoumaru's poisonous whip. At the same time, a group of guards appeared and an advisor screaming to protect lady Yoko. The two remaining assassins disappeared into thin air, leaving the comrade's corpse behind. In a minute, a significant crowd gathered around, curious of the occurrence, among them were advisors, remaining guests and even servants. The demon dog observed the panting girl, her eyes stuck on Yoko's pale face in an aggressive glare. She seemed to be unaware of the cut on the right side of her waist.

Yuutsuki approached Sesshoumaru and placed her hand over the hilt of the Rens' sword he was wielding. She lifted up her determinate face and with voice full of emotion, she pleaded:

"Allow me to borrow your sword." Sesshoumaru said nothing, slightly nodding his head in disapproval, however he did not stop her as she took the weapon and using the ring's power, with a greatly improved speed she threw herself at Yoko, in a corner of her eyes noticing Sesshoumaru ordering the guards to interfere. The act scared Yoko greatly, she moved to the back, tripped and fell on her bottom, despite that two guards had stopped Yuutsuki several steps away, disarming her completely.

"Why are you scared now? You looked so relaxed while surrounded by the assassins. WHY are you so scared now? WHY were you spectating as I was being attacked? Why no guards were around?" Yuutsuki shouted loudly through her back as the guards dragged her in front of Sesshoumaru. She was shaking in anger, desperately needing to vent it out. As the guards forced her to kneel down, still through her back she continued to scream towards Yoko. "WHY are you trying to kill me? How cowardly are you to deem me, a mere human, as a possible danger? You are already mated to Sesshoumaru! Who gives you the right to meddle with my fate?"

"INSOLENT! I demand her death now!" Someone from the crowd screamed and several voices followed. "Yes, death by lord Sesshoumaru's hand! She wanted to assault the lady of the west!"

"Silence!" Sesshoumaru barked angrily, as it was indeed an issue to investigate, Kashi's warnings had been confirmed, he needed to handle the matter thoroughly. The crowd quietened, scared of the demon's sudden interference. He turned to the guards. "Take lady Yoko to her chambers. No one is allowed to contact her besides me. All advisors shall be individually heard by me, starting with the ones demanding the Ren's death." Three guards moved towards Yoko immediately, aiding her to get up and walked away with her. Yuutsuki was still on her knees, her shoulders strongly pressed by two demons, nevertheless her back remained proudly straight. Not even the burning pain around her ribs managed to take her furious eyes from Sesshoumaru. She feared he would once more put his personal position and political etiquette ahead of her.

"What of the human?" One of them asked loudly, the girl took a deep breath, fearing for the worst.

"Do not forget who was the victim in this occurrence!" The western lord signalled the guards to let go of Yuutsuki. "There was an attack inside of my house, a place considered extremely safe for its guests. The only thing Ren Yuutsuki deserves is an apology for my guards' incompetence!"

Yuutsuki's eyes filled with tears for a brief moment, she was grateful for his public acknowledgement of her.

"Tend the human and also find out the identity of the fallen assassin." Sesshoumaru walked away without glimpsing back, leaving Yuutsuki without any word about the matter for the next, three long days.

A/N: I can let you know that Yuu will soon leave Sesshoumaru's mansion and will never come back there again Two, three chapters more probably.