I gaped at him; my face had a total 'he said what?' expression on it. I was totally floored.

"Uh…err…" I started still gaping at Sesshoumaru. I cleared my voice and tried again. "Well…" I started slowly, trying to get myself back into the role as Lady Kaori and not Kaori the stupefied. "I do not see any problem with having you also try to become my husband… but does it bother you Lord Matsu…?" I turned to look at my friend's old friend. "You were here first and you had already announced your decision before your arrival…"

Matsu just smiled at me. "I have no problem have a competitor for your hand Lady Kaori… I think it will make it more exciting."

"Very well then…" I answered slowly as I tried to dissect what Matsu's real intent was. "Please… take a seat Lord Sesshoumaru…" I gestured to the pillows on the floor around where Matsu was sitting… I didn't expect him to sit right next to Matsu, but I hoped my face didn't show my surprise.

"Shall we continue…?" Matsu asked.

I blinked, one long slow blink, as I made myself jump back onto the thought process I had been on before Sesshoumaru interrupted us. "Yes… very well…" I sucked in a breath and began again. "As I was saying earlier I have several tests, ranging in difficulty, to help me decide if my suitor is a good asset to this village or a hindrance…" I gazed at Matsu then at Sesshoumaru, trying not to let my eyes linger on one longer then the other.

"As you can see… this village is a secret village… one that is hidden away from the view of anyone on the outside… The ruler of this village has to be able to maintain both the secrecy of the village but the friendship with outside villages… Would either of you be able to do such a thing…?" the first question was of course the easiest for any man who inspired to be a ruler, they never cared about the responsibilities, they just wanted the power.

"I have been a friend of this village for many long years, of course I could keep this village safe while still maintaining trade and friendship with outside villages and towns." Matsu answered professionally; just as I knew he would.

I turned my head to look over at Sesshoumaru; I had no idea if he could do this or not.

"I have been able to keep things a secret from the view of prying eyes while still maintain alliances with many people… It would not be difficult for me to accomplish such a feat…" Sesshoumaru answered; I tried not to let my jaw drop.

"Very good… both have you have answered my question with outstanding answers…" I sighed. "Now… would you be able to share that power with your wife…?"

Matsu took longer this time to reply. "The usual Lady of the village or town doesn't have the ability to make decisions like her Lord… but in the matter of this village, I am certain I could share my power with my wife." He smiled brightly; I smiled back much weaker.

I turned my attention to Sesshoumaru, who had been waiting patiently for Matsu to answer first. "And you Lord Sesshoumaru…? Could you perform such a feat…?"

"I could only perform such a feat if the woman I married were of equal strength… As it would be in this case with the young Lady Kaori…" He answered.

I tried hard not to blush. "Very well then…" I answered with as smooth a voice as I could manage. "I see that both are you have managed to become the first two suitors to ever answer that question with the answer I was looking for…" and truth be told… I hadn't thought that far ahead, I scolded myself.

Suddenly a light went off in my head and I hoped that Sesshoumaru would be able to answer these next questions as nicely as he's answered the others.

"In this village there are more than humans… would that be a bother to either of you…?" I questioned slowly.

"I have no problem with that." Matsu answered quickly; I had to wonder if he actually got the question.

"I do not see it fair to disregard the villagers who are not human if they are livingly peacefully with everyone." Sesshoumaru answered professionally; the breath I hadn't know I had been holding released.

"Would you feel the same if they were demons…?" I voiced smoothly.

"I have no problems with other demons unless they have a quarrel with me." Sesshoumaru answered first this time; I think he was getting fed up with Matsu.

Matsu on the other hand sat there staring at me.

"I can only assume, from your expression, that my father never took you through the village…" I answered his look.

He shook himself. "If such a man as your father could live peacefully with demons residing in his village then I see no problem with them myself…" He finally answered.

I gazed at Matsu for a long moment, he hadn't actually said yes to my question… but I disregarded it hoping the next question would through him for a loop. "And what if there were half demon children in the village…?"

Sesshoumaru was the first to answer again. "As long as they are not causing harm to the other villagers, myself or my family I do not see a problem with demons marrying the humans of the village and bearing a half demon child."

I was shocked, totally appalled, but thankfully I was getting better at keeping my feelings show on my face. I couldn't believe Sesshoumaru had just said that when he knew that I knew how much he detested half demons. Was this way of appeasing me? Or had his feelings really changed…?

"And you Lord Matsu…? How do you feel about the children…?"

Matsu swallowed, composing himself now. "If they are happy and have not caused trouble for the village I do not see an issue with the children."

Again it was not a definite yes to my question, but he was trying.

I sighed quietly, but I knew that Sesshoumaru could hear me. "One more question and then we shall retire for the evening…" Both men looked at me curiously. I was risking a lot by doing this, but there was no way I was going to keep pretending for the rest of my life. "Would you be able to marry a woman who didn't look like a normal human…?" I questioned slowly as I tried to form the words without giving too much away. "One that was not entirely human…? Would you be able to love her for who and what she is and not for the power she provides you…?"

"Yes." Sesshoumaru stated simply. "If she were truly the woman I desired, looks and physical form would not bother me. Humanity had no true value, love, trust, and honor are the ones that matter."

I wanted to cry; Sesshoumaru knew exactly what to say to me.

Matsu stared in disbelief. "Do you mean would I marry a demon…?" he tried.

I sighed. "Not a demon per say…"

When he didn't get it I closed my eyes, knowing exactly what I would have to do now. "What you are about to hear is not allowed to leave this room. If it does there shall be consequences… Do you understand…?"

They both nodded.

I closed my eyes again. "I am not human… nor am I a demon… I am not something you can ever find again… I am one of a kind…" I opened my eyes and when I did I stripped the magic I wore as a second skin, revealing the true color of my eyes and hair. I waited to see how shocked Matsu was. When I realized he wasn't completely in shock I let my Michiyuki off my shoulders to reveal my wings.

"I am the last Haibane Renmei."