Hi again!

I apologize about all storyline loopholes and inconsistencies in the previous

chapters.

Oh yeaah, I received feedback from someone saying that it's confusing when I suddenly switch characters so I have decided to put a border whenever I do do. I hope it'll neaten up stuff.

Disclaimer: I own nothing…!!. sobs, I own… nothing.

Oh, the woes of age.

I staggered towards the quadrangle under the sweltering heat of the mid-day sun which made its mark on the azure blue sky. In the distance, vast mirages appeared on the open ground and I sought solace within the gathering crowds of fellow Shitatsupa. The whole wretched horde of Shitatsupa also seemed to feel the intense heat and they swaggered in randomly littered groups of two to three; as if attempting to escape the scorching sun's rays by clustering and hiding in each other's shadows. I scowl and attempt to find refuge under a scraggly and dying Sakura bough. I glanced at the motley assembly of rookies and quietly amused myself at their "attempts" to keep cool. Many of them refused to use their Shugenja skills in fear of tiring themselves unnecessarily. We, the Shitatsupa were informed to assemble an hour before Ageru and apparently, the standards of many more Shitatsupa would be challenged today. My headache seemed to be kicking up speed and it was as if an Oni war was being raged within my head and the combatants were ramming around my insides. My stomach also felt the stress. I raised a finger to my temple and rubbed it, closing my eyes painfully, I focused on my Center: The innermost part of my physical, mental as well as spiritual being. My sensei has taught me to focus my strength on the center and allow it to build towards the outside. Thus, you develop a strong center and battle stance, leaving you unbreakable. This, for me was a relatively effortless task as compared to other Shitatsupa; some of which visibly showed the mental strain of focusing on their centers. I snigger. How stupid, sending a message to your enemy that you will beat him when you have trouble even focusing. My headache made my focal point waver. After a moment of attempting to center myself, which was futile, I gave up. Opening my eyes, however, I was greeted by the unwaveringly rude, intrusive and bold eyes of Maroon nature staring into my eyes.

"Bakka!"

I shrieked and booted the intruder of my personal space with the ball of my right foot. My foot met the firm and textured muscles which ironically lined the stomach of a notoriously lazy and dynamic playboy, ex-Shitatsupa. He however caught my ankle and held my foot- fine, I admit, leg- in midair. If I had not been busy focusing myself as well as the added effect of my headache, I would have been able to avoid the grasp- or should I say grope. The rogue had the audacity to plant a lingering kiss on my shin and I swore at him. I was to tired to kick his face which radiated narcissism but I only refrained because if I did , I would badly effect the economy of many whore houses in the Osaku precinct. He, being a male was also equipped with a larger mass of brawn then I. Unfortunately; he had also been given the gift of sharp wit which miraculously could be compared to me. He, unlike I used the gift to seduce women into the nooks of his futon. Thus, after the years, the space in his mind rotted away and left a chasm of nothingness. He became a shallow and pretentious being. If I could not overcome him physically, I would slaughter him mercilessly with my other sword-sharp tongue and wit. His mouth stretched into a lengthy grin-scowl. He had tied his long and wispy black hair into a top knot and his fringe came down in a sharp contrast to his pale face, the color of the moon. One of his sharp canines revealed itself on the tip of his mouth and his eyes were strikingly maroon in color. He was an Inu-dai-youkai. However, he lacked the intricate facial markings like Sesshomaru, probably because he was not even half of my old master's age. I gave Yazu a foul scowl and shook my leg at his physical touch. Since when had he been so bold? Many of the females in the village fall prey to his "charms" but I saw none of it within his eyes. The eyes, though striking in color held no significant amount of depth and to me; he was just a shell, or puppet with no soul, or no strings.

"Yazu, how have you come to possess such assets?" I offered the bait. Yazu looked at me with a certain curiosity. Had he failed to catch the hint of sarcasm which lightly frosted my words?

"Are you impressed by them, if you feel the need to get to know them closer, I will-" No, he hadn't. He slid his arm higher and when it reached my knee, I seized the opportunity to use my defiled shin to knock his chin, hard enough to force him to retain his wandering arm. Shin and Chin go leg-in-face, I sniggered at the lame joke I probably created to boost my flailing ego.

"They were probably acquired with the many nights of exercise offered by the whores in Osaku, no?" I snarled. I felt that I did not wish to waste time with the wretch so I cut to the point.

He caught the gist. His mask of cool and testosterone-driven expressions died away into a wretched snarl of malice.

"If you have not already figured out, Rin-SAMA"- he placed an emphasis on the Sama-

"I intend to use Ageru to acquire you." His coy hand once again wandered up my legs. This time, I could reach for my Naginata and with lightning reaction; I unsheathed it and placed its tip on the bobbing protrusion on his throat. He ceased the actions and froze for a second.

"I can slice you here, Yazu and give the economy of the whore houses in Osaku major problems- where in Japan will they find such a patronizing customer?" I used my free hand to silently stroke the frozen expression on his face; silently mocking him, daring him to come closer to me and get slaughtered by my Naginata. I sniggered inwardly at the irony of the situation I had just created. Although he had pinned me to the bough of the tree in an awkward position for both of us, I was in control. I wondered what his next movement would be. He pulled a long and chilling smile onto his face.

"Rin, since I know how you are, I will go straight to the point." His eyes lingered on my legs with a long look of lust and desire. I edged my Naginata higher and brought him back to reality.

"If you refuse to become mine, I will call your name during Ageru. Oh, I will call your name and revel in your cold and icy expression. I want you tonight Rin. Allow me to." He drawled. I was taken aback by his prissy and blunt show of "affection".

"Just as how you have lusted for the rest of the sluts in this village; you will never have that desire fulfilled, Yazu. Thus, I imply that you annihilate all thoughts of being with me in your mind." I retorted.

"Not that you have a mind in that filthy body of yours which you so freely share with everyone." I silently added for only the ears of the kami to hear. However, the holy message meant for Kami had leaked to earth and into the sensitive ears of the Inu-Dai-Youkai, Yazu. I watched in his shadow as his rage fumed. His facial expression changed so drastically that I could not describe it. There was an untamed feral element in his eyes and for a moment, I thought his face had elongated and he was growing a sharper set of canines. The Youki and the area also seemed to have increase. However, it was only second and Yazu started to pant. Probably in rage of what the sentence had meant.

"Yazu? Are you angry at being told of what you actually do? What I said is merely a hint of what your reputation depicts." I whispered into his ear and I could sense the emotional conflict raging beneath his skin. His scent was of musk and I recoiled in disgust.

He slapped me. Hard, across the face and my neck ached from the impact of my head twisting. I reacted by kicking hard into his abdomen and sent him reeling backwards, away from me. I refused to raise a hand to inspect the throbbing right cheek which his filthy hands had defiled to hide any signs of weakness of pain.

"I will have you Rin! It's either that, OR, you will be whipped, bare-back by Yuragu!" he stuttered with a maniacal grin riding high onto his cheek bone. He staggered away.

"I would rather be flogged by kami then to have a night in your Futon! Ishigiro, Yazu." I mused silently and kneaded the swelling cheek and half-smiled and winced at the pain.

"Sorry Yazu, I have another lover, Pain. Although my love Pain patronizes every living being, he visits me and loves me most of all people. Unlike you, he has a favorite whom he frequently returns to. Unlike you, I reciprocate Pain's love." I muttered, walking away from the knobby Sakura bough and fixing my hair into a tight tress.

"Unlike you, Pain has affected me Physically, Mentally and Spiritually."

The sun's heat was not as bad and my headache seemed to be dying off. I smile under the warmth which came from Pain's embrace. In think, my only true friend is Pain himself.

Sesshomaru's POV

Silently, I hustled through the long and winding corridors of my citadel, in desperate need to locate my Taisho, Tatsuyama Kanto. I had received news from reconnaissance in the southern lands that a new breed of impending danger threatens my lands towards the south. Apparently, the Daimyos of the Lion Clan which inhabited the Southern lands had hired a team of assassins in an attempt to infiltrate my lands through the south. My citadel was inevitably targeted. I needed to discuss matters of defence with the Taisho. After my father's death two-hundred and fifty-nine years ago, the title had been given to me. However, on my respectably futile journey of attempting to find a greater strength and attempting to eliminate the half-brother which had inherited the great sword Tetsusaiga, I blatantly refused the offer. Thus, for the next few centuries, the western lands grew vulnerable to outsiders with no Taisho to lead them. Henceforth, I became the errant Prince of the western lands who was shunning his duty towards his homeland. Now, as I find myself older and wiser, I silently regret rejecting the offer. I realised how foolish I had been in my youth: Disregarding the work in which my father had done to make my lands prosper and showing no loyalty to the blood which courses through me. My ancestors had spent millenniums building this ancient empire and now, I, Sesshomaru disregard the works and effort put into creating this work of art for the life of a selfish vagabond, desperate to gain a greater power which he could never have. I was denying myself a home, riches, and a title on a conquest for greater power. Now, two-hundred and fifty-nine years after I left the title and after I left my home on a journey to change myself, I returned home to a superficial and soulless kingdom.

I had been observing the western lands from the outside, during my journeys and I was amazed, at first at how the western lands seemed to cope without a Taisho. How foolish I was. The remaining court had managed to weave an intricate fabrication of deceit and propaganda which had been spread to the gullible heimin into thinking that the western lands had flourished and had an army of ten-thousand Youkai, ready to battle and to conquer. Now that I am older, I am able to locate the loopholes in the conspiracy I had so willingly accepted when I was younger. After I, the Errant Prince returned home after my long Journey, I had expected a court well-ruled with judgement. How wrong I was. It was as if I peeled open the skin of a peach which had a flawless exterior only to find its insides infested with worms and disease. No wonder the peach had not been touched neither were there other peaches near its surroundings. The foul interior was rotten to an extent that it created a poison which prevented other peaches from growing near it. Somehow, the western land's polluted court had spread poison and prevented outsiders from attacking us. That was the only thing I credited my old court for: spreading propaganda to prevent attacks. They also enable me to understand how useless, weak and gullible human Taisho and Daimyos from neighbouring lands were.

I immediately eliminated the poison in my court and this caused a minor uproar within the lower branches of the hierarchy. How could a traitor return after him being missing during the western land's 'Darkest Days' and eliminating all the factors that had caused it to be a war-free area. Yes, the heimin were fed and there was no war. But, the court was a bunch of useless slobs who were skilled at nothing but weaving fabrication. I returned and silenced all who opposed me with the justification of paying my last tributes to my dead Chichi-ue.

Just before my return, a new Taisho had been appointed, only for the purpose of filling my position in court. The clever court-officials heard rumours of my impending return after Naraku's demise and found a sudden need to appoint a Taisho to prevent my homecoming. I returned, of course with little fear of what political upheaval I could cause if I annihilated more than half of all my corrupt court officials. I kept those who were weak and feeble in nature. They would be the safest to keep around in court. A few well-placed threats and rumours would keep them in their position. The Taisho who had replaced me, Tatsuyama Kanto had a keen mind. Although I daresay he will not beat me in the mind games I play. We were, however, on par at swordsmanship and our skills in the court were levelled. I allowed him to live if he kept obedient and under the promise that he would never instigate a coup. Thus, I always had to be one step ahead of him if he wanted to keep his head attached to his body and my dignity strapped firmly to my soul. The Taisho, however, had a reputation for useless banter as well as an unsurpassable ego. I understand him for I have an equally high ego. However for him, his arrogance is not backed up with adequate intelligence. Thus, I feel that I must do something one of these days.

Many of the heimin were happy for my return. They are a gullible but hardworking lot. Since the mass of them had an impact on court ruling, I was to be placed on an unnamed rank above Taisho Tatsuyama Kanto: the first political exception in the history of the western land courts. Tatsuyama-San and I were on respectable terms and our relationship was clearly for business only. Jaken was placed as the court scribe since he was the only one I could grudgingly trust out of all to rely on. Ever since he was appointed for such a role, Jaken has kept to his duty and thankfully, out of my sight and hearing range.

I scowled as I caught a glimpse of the burning sun riding high into the sky. It was nearing the end of mid-day and the sky had grown a crimson colour, much like the colour of the flamboyant colours which marked the "humble" kimonos of court maidens who escorted foreign ambassadors and certain court officials.

By the time I had located my Taisho, the Sun was hiding beyond the cloudy mountain range towards the west.

"Taisho Tatsuyama-San!" I demanded with a level of evitable annoyance and impatience. The Taisho had been practicing his Iaijitsu in the southern courtyard of the citadel which was a small courtyard which was placed out of the way for private training meant for high officials. I had caught Taisho Tatsuyama in an intricate sword battle move and I realized that my sudden barking command disrupted the stillness which had been radiated from the Taisho's katana. It was sharp and precise, but contained no Youki: a useless human katana, to me.

-

Sesshomaru's tone gave a clear implication of his purpose of confronting the Taisho.

"Hai, Shogun Sesshomaru-Sama." Taisho Tatsuyama replied with the grace which only faired slightly better then what the protocol demanded. He returned his Katana to its Saya and performed a shallow bow. The Taisho arched an eyebrow and the corners of his mouth widened in a near snigger, of course, he did not snigger.

Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow at the Taisho giving him the title Shogun, nevertheless, he kept quiet.

There was a moment of mutual silence between the two Youkai and Sesshomaru observed a crisp and red leave drift through the breeze to land not-so-silently on he ground. His sensitive Youkai ears picked up the soft and suggestive rustling. Sesshomaru lead his thought-weary mind back to important issues. The Taisho seemed to have been listening to the softness in the breeze to appreciate the dying breaths of summer as well. The two Youkai stood in appreciation for a while, until humanity and its burdens dragged the weary trekkers of the long journey of life back onto the long and winding road.

"Tatsuyama-San," Sesshomaru continued, this time softer but with an increased tension of pressure.

Tatsuyama turned to look at his superior without as much as a predictable expression on his face. Tatsuyama knew the tactics of the court well enough to manipulate the fact that Sesshomaru hated being compared to humans.

"You would have heard of the threat of assassins which rise from the south." Sesshomaru cut straight to the point a skipped all formal introductions. The afternoon was wearing on and neither Youkai had the intention of staying late with their thin nerves. Tatsuyama flinched at the abruptness and bluntness of Sesshomaru's implementation.

"Hai, Shogun Sesshomaru-Sama," Sesshomaru's lips twitched and he licked the tip of his right fang.

"The security of the castle has been wound up a notch. So has the security on the lands towards the south." Tatsuyama breathed quickly, sensing Sesshomaru's irritable mood. Sesshomaru flicked a finger through his long white trails of hair and considered the Taisho's words. Sesshomaru had an unpredictable temperament, as Tatsuyama had been warned by the courtiers. Nevertheless, Tatsuyama, being a man never to believe rumours decided to test Sesshomaru out himself to see him worthy of his respect. There was another long and painful moment of silence. Tatsuyama was agitated and fidgety with the long wait. Sesshomaru's demanding and intriguing presence was enough to unnerve the Taisho to a certain extent. After all, this was the first time he had been confronted by Sesshomaru, alone. The Taisho waited in ordered silence and cringed when Sesshomaru's intense gaze lingered on his own eyes. It was as if Sesshomaru was manipulating time to intimidate and bewilder. Something like minutes past and the Taisho was well aware that Sesshomaru was observing him and clearly not pondering about the information he had just received. The Taisho shifted uneasily on his feat and stood awkwardly. No amount of training from courtiers could prepare one for such intense pressure, only time and experience could groom a Youkai into such a self-assured, independent and honourable position.

Tatsuyama gave an uneasy cough. Sesshomaru quirked his head, a minute glint resounded from the depths of his eyes and slowly, he eased the conversation into a safer and calmer stream.

"Taisho-San, the western lands needs more than just defence do you think? We must attempt to remove the source of discomfort." Sesshomaru eased the weary and agitated Taisho into an uncomfortable agreement. Slowly, but surely, Sesshomaru won the battle of the wits between him and Taisho Tatsuyama. Sesshomaru was indifferent; he had seen this scene beyond count.

"H-Hai, Sesshomaru-sama. However, my Lord, we lack resources and unit training to carry out surveys on the offending team, my Lord. We lack skilled swordsmen in Ninjitsu-Bushi"

Sesshomaru noted the use of "my Lord" in Tatsuyama's speech. Tatsuyama was a mountain of rice, large in appearance, yet when exposed to rain and the elements: rots away to form the insignificant soil which everyone tramples upon. Tatsuyama, however, had not completely lost his esteem and was not willing to be tamed by another elaborately dressed Youkai. Apparently, Tatsuyama had never seen Sesshomaru's Tenseiga or Tokijin

"Quieten, Taisho." Sesshomaru muttered stoically, although, arguably annoyed to an extent. He was in no mood to challenge and flatten an equal in-ego-today; if he had to, he would do it quickly and brutally. Their meeting had taken so long that the Sun was dimmed and the flaming afternoon sky would soon dissolve into a starless night as predicted by the court Philosophers whom Sesshomaru paid no regard to.

"Kisama Yarou, if what your reputation proclaims, you are apt in wit and strong in the blade. Taisho, why do you not follow me? Of course I have known that MY lands lack the skills to train those to act as infiltration. Come one, Kisama, play my mind game with me! Play! Play!" Sesshomaru urged. He was annoyed and angry as he viewed the Taisho's impossible ego come crashing down from the heavens in great flames, tumbling down back to earth and remaining in a heap of rubble. He suddenly felt like humiliating the fool for establishing such high standards, standards that exceeded Sesshomaru. Tatsuyama detected a wild and feral element in Sesshomaru and he was startled, with the hint of fear. He was smart enough to understand that his Lord was manipulating him, but how? His mental compatibility could not allow him to comprehend.

"What would you like me to… do?" Tatsuyama stuttered. Sesshomaru seemed as if he was nearly about to sigh.

"I will do the work in surveying the lands. What training have I been doing all these years away form my citadel, you fool?"

Tatsuyama had no idea as to how to reply. Of course, it was a rhetorical question! Tatsuyama had reverted his expression into a composed one and it reflected Sesshomaru's icy glare. At least he could still keep up his game of relating Sesshomaru to the Shogun.

"Shog-" Tatsuyama was abruptly cut off by Sesshomaru's lazy flick of the hand. The light whip created a graceful arc above the two Youkai for a moment and reached around the back of Tatsuyama. A short snap sounded and half of the top-not which collected Tatsuyama's thick locks of hair fell from its place. Tatsuyama gawked in horror as Sesshomaru had merely confiscated the last aspects of a Youkai Taisho's esteem and honour. Sesshomaru turned his back to the Taisho and lazily sauntered away.

If he had to, he would do it quickly and brutally.

"Tatsuyama-San, you KNOW how much I dislike being associated with the Shogun: The damage done to my pride is worth more then that top-knot on your hair." Sesshomaru yawned and allowed a smirk to grace his face. He had crushed Tatsuyama in his game, crushed Tatsuyama's esteem and had conquered another unclaimed territory in the court. That was his other purpose to pay the Taisho a visit.

Tatsuyama fell to his knees; unable to comprehend what social humiliation he had just undergone. Sesshomaru peered back at the wretchedness radiated from Tatsuyama's form. A quick shimmer from the shadows meant that Tatsuyama had been shedding silent tears; shedding the last of his pride. Sesshomaru paused.

"Don't cry Taisho, you will leave the last fragments of your ego in the dust." Sesshomaru warned.

"You have already taken away everything my Lord…" Tatsuyama quivered. Sesshomaru felt an overwhelming level of disgust for Tatsuyama and was incredulous at how his Taisho could so easily be demoralised. Sesshomaru was forced to cut his lower-rank's top-knot to remind Tatsuyama of his place.

"Fear not Taisho, I prefer my pawns humble." Sesshomaru diplomatically stated and left before he could hear the Taisho's reply.

Yes, I admit to be arrogant. No one denies that. Arrogance does not destroy one as long as he has wisdom to support it. Only a fool is arrogant and ignorant. I merely did the Taisho a favour in aiding him to recognise his mistake. I tested him and I think he understood my meaning: Tatsuyama would realise himself a mere pawn, as all Taisho are. Tatsuyama would also recognise that arrogance was only reserved for those in control. Servants or pawns had no say in such a game.

"…I prefer my pawns humble"

"…I could not agree more… My Lord!"

"Ano…are…ano…. Sesshomaru-sama?"

The stuttering toad Youkai had been trailing me half the afternoon. Of course, I never failed to miss his high-pitched and scratchy voice quality stuttering and muttering expressions to catch my attention. I just wanted to see how long the idiot would follow me before he gave up. That would allow me to judge how grave a matter was. It was always like this between Jaken and me; I, of course have gotten used to it first.

"Se-Sessh- Sessshoooomaruuu…-Saamaa!!" Jaken finally howled my name in anguish and collapsed into a heap of shuddering bones and skin. I stopped. I had already wasted half of my time trying to ward off the stench which trailed me.

"Jaken." I muttered the name, not even putting in effort to move the pelt residing on my right shoulder to reward my pursuer with a glance. This was how much I did not want to be bothered. Let this be a warning to all my court members, I mused. Jaken sat up and shuffled to my side. My ears picked up a hustled sigh and I smirked. I moved my right foot forward slowly and menacingly, threatening to move away from the tired Jaken.

"Chotto Matte Kudasai, My Lord." Jaken blabbered and his look of exhaustion which he pathetically lobbed to me drove me to remain still. I quirked an eyebrow and tilted my chin: my age old expression to urge someone to continue.

"My Lord…" Jaken fumbled with his words and I was frustrated. I nudged him with my Jikai-Tabi. Yes, I was being unfair to the Youkai who had been so diligently trailing me. However, it was his fault for failing to understand how I prefer direct people.

"My Lord, please consider what I am about to say," Jaken muttered a sentence which caught my attention.

"You may continue-"I hesitantly allowed him to speak. Jaken turned his head to the corridor where I sensed an assembly of Youkai.

"My Lord, the court urges you to consider the issue of an heir…" Jaken mumbled and cowered, probably expecting me to hit him. I of course had known that this matter would catch up with me one day. I will never fully escape from my duties. I knew the basic rationale for an heir but I was curious as to the court's ulterior motive to get me a mate.

"Jaken, for what reason must I address such a matter at the present moment? The state of this country does not declare that I have to wed. I see no foul in producing an heir about two centuries to the future…"

"Well, my Lord, after your return, neighbouring Shoguns and Daimyos have understood the fallacies and lies relayed to them during you absence. We must thank the heavens for keeping your father's land safe in your absence! After your return, our reconnaissance has reported that many clans are toying with the idea of testing the defence of the western lands to see if we are really of what the rumours depict us. In my opinion my Lord, they are attacking us for insulting their intelligence because they readily believed the old court's excuses… How the old court managed to do that, I don't know!"

I did not listen to Jaken's account of his opinion on why the neighbouring Lords wanted to attack my Lands. I kicked Jaken so as to shut him up as well as to remind him that the western lands are now mine, not my fathers. When Jaken told me about the issue of the Shogun and Daimyo threat, I did not have to think hard to understand the courts opinion about me. They think that I am like a weak Shogun who is skilled in talk but weak in the sword. Thus, they fear that if I die in a siege (Which is extremely unlikely because if I die by a human sword, I will individually curse myself to the lowest punishment of being reborn repeatedly into miserable lives) there would be no heir and the western lands would once again be plunged into a dark era. A fault which lies within the blood of my ancestors as well as me and my descendants is that we have a level of arrogance which was cursed never to be humbled. The arrogance would eventually kill us. The western lands have always supported it without relying on outsiders and I do not wish to bother with studying the ways of how this land has been successfully ruled. I am content with the job of merely eliminating the scum which make my land foul, amending rules and orders as well as putting neighbouring Shoguns and Daimyos in their place. I do not even require fame and acknowledgement. I, unlike my ancestors enjoy all success which is made by me only. I am satisfied by only the primary prize of what I have accomplished and I have no need for the other rewards which come after accomplishing my goal.

"Jaken, the court will understand how I am not easily killed by humans. They will understand. I will make them beseech for my forgiveness when they realize that I have understood their impure rationale for me to produce an heir. I will re-enforce my primary reasons for not having an heir: the time does not call for one, I will not die so easily AND the threat of the Shoguns and Daimyos would be crushed centuries before my demise." I put extra effort into increasing my volume and dripping a concoction of sarcasm and indifference onto my words. I walked off after sensing the mass of Youkai behind the corner shrink back. My point has found a way into their thick skulls.

I smirk as my ears picked up traces of the heated conversation between Jaken and the court officials.

"He's just a coward. Kami has made us such that no one is afraid of nothing. He's afraid of what many of us long for."

"Pah, the brave Sesshomaru, afraid of Children?"

"Bakka… he's weary of a loving a person. For what reason, I cannot understand. Don't you worry Jaken-San; the court will find a reason that will convince the Lord. It is tradition that a Lord produces an heir within a Century of his reign-"

"- Sesshomaru has been given the title for more than a century but he left the spot vacant anyway."

"That is why! We are unable to decide if he has broken the tradition or if he is still within the century grace period of the reign. And, since nobody has ever broken the rule, there is no written consequence…"

I snigger. I have heard this discussion countless times amongst worried courtiers as I pace through the hallways. This issue has always been radiating from the walls of the citadel anyway. I have heard of the tradition since I had been given tutoring on court etiquette in my youth.

Traditions, what are they apart from mere rules to keep the western lands alive? If I have found a way to continue sustaining the western lands without having to follow the tradition, I see no sense in following the rule.

Am I a coward to love somebody? If my disposition allowed me to, I wish I could start yowling in laughter and point a finger at the court official. You don't understand me court official, no one does. Pah, now I sound like and angst-ridden adolescence. I do not fear to love. I fear what I loose in love. It is a weakness that destroys; perhaps, the only thing that can dampen arrogance, perhaps. I do not wish to ponder upon such an issue because honestly, there are other more important things to tend to such as the assassins.

How fitting, all these thoughts coming from a creature born of a marriage to save the western lands. I truly salute my dead father for finding the courage to mate with a stranger and then consort with a vile human Izayoi. Haha-ue came from lands towards the North and their marriage was to end a century long feud as well as to seek aid in the war against the panther tribes. Of course, I was born in the midst the whole affair. Frankly, I have nothing to say about my origins nor do I have any feelings towards the whole rationale for my birth. Your life is yours, if you insist on blaming your miserable existence on others, so be it. For me, my life started with no commitments. I do as I like with no attachments involved. It is a plain and simple logic; logic, which involves little thinking. I have chosen to live only for myself since I only receive one choice. Living in my logic means, you will have no time to love. Only enough time to improve. This is the rat-race which we call life.

Assassins, I shall flush you out of my territory and crush every bone in your body until I hear you scream. I would love to hear you scream.

Rin's POV

The afternoon waned; long and hot just like a dying candle combusting the remainder of oxygen. The sun was in a distant but uncomfortable location on the horizon: right in front of the performance circle where the Shitatsupa trained. The few Shitatsupa who still had the will to fight sparred amongst each other. The rest ambled in circles muttering excuses and predicting their fates. Rin was one of the lost few. Even the ex-Shitatsupa watched the wretchedness of the scene with little words of encouragement. Today's afternoon sun was blazing hotter than before and it had an effect on the Shitatsupa. Murmurs of how Yuragu would have to strain himself to flog the entire batch of rookie trainers were scattered in subtlety. Ishigiro sat amongst his peers in a clustered mass, a scowl riding high on his face as he eyed Rin.

Rin made no attempt to practice and she stood silently in a corner of the rink. She swore she heard Musashi's hollers rise above the heat and into her ears. It pained her intensely. The heat, it burned! Needles….

Unknowingly, Rin buckled over and collapsed to her knees. She clutched her elbow and her ebony hair trailed down her back and over her shoulders, moistened with sweat. White spittle collected at the corners of Rin's mouth and she spat it out disdainfully. Rin gasped and wheezed as if she was being smothered by thick layers of silk. Her hands flailed in all directions and tore at her face, desperate to get the heat which was radiated from the ground off her face. She tore! Sweat droplets poured from the roots of her hair and she struggled to keep her face free. Tears collected at the corner of her eyes for an unknown reason and she did not attempt to wipe them off.

The heat…

The Shitatsupa around her paid minimal or no attention, limiting them to cold and harsh stares. A rule of Ageru: every assassin for himself.

The last thing Rin did was to stand up, only to save her falling pride. She remained there until the beginning of Ageru.

Bwahahah people! I have just decided to be mean and postpone Ageru yet again to the next chapter XD (Runs in fear of readers).

I'm sorry guys but I'm not in the best of moods for writing this whole week so I just decided to release this chapter first. Review and tell me what you think ok?

Aah, I realized that I haven't been writing the disclaimer (gomenasai!), Although I don't know what its for… haiz

BTW, this is a happy message to Inuyasha and Kagome lovers. The next chapter will be an Inuyasha/Kagome special (besides the beginning about Ageru) so you guys can look forward to that. I promise D.

Hey, have you clever readers out there ever heard of the downfall of the China aristocracy? Hehe, the western lands will be an example D

Jaa!