A/N: Yes, my apologies, it's been a while. I left a brief note on my profile explaining my absence. Suffice it to say, real life never goes away.

Writing a conversation involving Sesshoumaru is never easy, lol, and this one may still be getting some tweaks. But, for better or worse, here we go.

Very short Irish lesson: séanchaí (shan-e-khee) = a story teller, a keeper of ancient lore; leanbh (leh-nev) = child; damnú (dam-noo) = damned.

Disclaimer: The characters of the anime InuYasha are the property of Takahashi Rumiko/Shogakukan and Yomiuri TV Sunrise 2000. I do lay claim, however, to Aine and Lon. And, Kakusamaru.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Before The Sun Sets

Kakuasamaru was feeling very ill-used.

Unlike Kanna, Naraku had been less inclined to assume that Sesshoumaru had not 'lost interest'. Their master had exuded an aura of cold fury when he had been informed that the hostage's body had expired. Even though Kakusamaru himself had done nothing to cause that particular outcome (other than stealing the girl's soul in the first place), he had borne the brunt of Naraku's displeasure.

Once his heart had recovered from the trauma it had received from he who held it, a gasping and grovelling shadow-user had been ordered to determine whether or not the dog demon was still in the valley. Now, standing at the entrance of the cave that led to Naraku's lair, the incarnation stared sulkily at the bright, blue sky above. After trailing InuYasha, he had thought himself done with enduring the repulsive daylight. But, no, there was yet more reconnoitring to be done. He noted with not a little trepidation that, at this time of day, shadows were even smaller.

It was not fair.

Then, a low buzz behind him announced the arrival of two saimyosho. The hell-wasps merely hovered nearby, but their meaning was crystal clear. Not allowing Naraku's messengers to see his eyes roll, he turned to bow low to them; then, he slipped out of the cave, wasting no time in reaching the shelter of the nearby trees.

Kakusamaru set out toward the mansion. After all, it was the most obvious location to draw their powerful adversary's interest.. This required taking the circuitous route around the lake – a course that was no hardship at night, but glacially slow (from his perspective) on a bright, cloudless day.

Moving stealthily through the most shaded and sheltered parts of the forest, he resigned himself to his task.

When Kakusamaru neared the ruins, he soon realised that he had made the right assumption. His instincts were screaming at him as he approached the familiar, powerful jaki.

He had found his quarry.

The incarnation quickly reasoned that there was absolutely no point in entering the mansion grounds. Surely, he thought, Naraku will be satisfied to know Sesshoumaru awaits the pleasure of the 'lady of the mansion'.

Settling in the branch of a tree, he elected to wait and watch. It would only be prudent to make sure that the dog demon planned to remain at the ruins, though he truly doubted he would leave.

He was wrong.

Suddenly, there was the surge of a demonic aura. Kakusamaru almost yelped when Sesshoumaru suddenly soared out of the ruins, rising rapidly into the air above. The shadow-user instantly flattened himself against the dark, shaded trunk of the tree while swearing inwardly at his now precarious position.

Frozen in place, he watched as the powerful taiyokai hovered over the tainted lake waters. Then, Sesshoumaru swiftly moved off, following the line of the lakeshore – until Kakusamaru saw him turn inland.

Toward the shrine.

Naraku's newest minion growled in frustration. He knew he would have to follow, but he really, really did not want to do so.

Kakusamaru feared Naraku, and would never dream of ignoring his orders.

He was, however, far more frightened of being discovered by Sesshoumaru.

Once again, the travelling companions were seated in the shade of the maple growing beside Takeo's well. Lon had joined them as soon as InuYasha and Kagome had returned, intensely curious to learn just what the pair had found at the waterfall. A few minutes later, Aine appeared in the doorway of the headman's home and headed their way, carrying (to Kagome's profound delight) some more onigiri. As the Dé Danann healer passed the bowl to the famished teenager, she explained that they had no fear of any interruptions for now, as Izumi had elected to stay inside where she would be within earshot should either Taro or Takeo needed anything.

In fact, Aine had just finished offering some surreptitious healing magic to soothe the farm wife herself, who had looked more than a little shattered when she had re-entered the house. Through gentle questions, the healer had learnt that, although Izumi had always respected the warnings about the danger at the lake, hearing Taro's description of his encounter with the vicious spirit had horrified the kindhearted woman.

'Too much has happened, I suppose,' she had said shakily to Aine. 'Takeo told me what was found at the shrine, and why the young people were going to the falls... I'm so glad the boys didn't hear, they'd have nightmares...! Gratefully allowing Aine to see to the feeding of the returning explorers, Izumi had settled down to some blessedly monotonous mending.

As Aine sat on the grass beside Lon, she shot a worried glance toward the woods which lay between the village and the lake. There. He's on the move again, she thought. She had been distantly sensing Sesshoumaru's yoki rising since she and Lon had returned from the midwife's house. Obviously, she mused, her anamchara was reconnoitring the upper valley and its environs. To her relief, thus far there had been no intense surges of Power.

But, that will not be the case tonight.

Sesshoumaru had made very clear his intention to confront the lake's spectre. Perhaps, mo chú deas bán...Aine thought, as she gave an obviously excited Kagome her attention, what we learn here might add to your strategy...

Then, the Dé Danann healer and the púca listened intently as stories were exchanged.

'Sounds like the lass at the waterfall is the old one's "child of the moon", right enough,' observed Lon, once again running his hand over his face as he thought fast and hard about what he had just heard. The púca was not sure what was more unsettling – the idea that a ghost had been Taro's rescuer, or that he himself had been approached by the same shade. 'Rather explains his fascination with you, laddie' he added, with a nod to InuYasha.

The half-demon grunted in response. He wasn't looking forward to further scrutiny by the old man, even if he wasn't 'bonkers' anymore.

Miroku nodded. 'It makes sense, now. Though, I must confess, I've never heard of this black dog yokai clan, either. Sango?'

The pretty demon slayer shook her head. 'No, but if they were slaughtered over two centuries ago...'

Kagome sighed. 'It was so important to Yugao, that someone know about them. I... I think I should tell Takeo that part of the story, too.' The girl was surprised to learn that even Sango had not heard of the black dog demon clan, and was about to mention her Grandpa's old stories when she caught herself. She had never mentioned her family to the Dé Dananns as yet. Talking about them now, she realised, might lead to awkward questions from Aine or Lon about just where here home was.

Now might not be the right time to explain a well that was a gateway to modern Tokyo…

Meanwhile, Aine was watching Kagome with approval. An old head on young shoulders, so she is, she thought.

The teenager had already declared her intent to let Takeo know the full story of Lord Ryunosuke and Yugao; the healer wholeheartedly agreed that the shade's clan history should also be shared. As a Dé Danann, Aine well understood the importance of clan and ancestry, and she had felt an immediate sympathy for the lonely spirit at the waterfall. She was about to compliment the girl on her decision, when a worried-looking Shippo suddenly spoke up.

'So... the ghost vanished after she finished the story?' the little fox demon asked. ' D'you – do you think she's gone for good?'

Miroku looked thoughtful. 'Perhaps, Shippo,' he mused. 'By telling her story she may have fulfilled her purpose. Maybe the poor soul has found her way to the afterlife.'

Kagome exchanged a sceptical look with InuYasha, then shook her head. 'I don't know...' she said. 'Yugao stayed here all this time because she wouldn't leave the daimyo. I can't believe she's gone.'

'Poor creature,' murmured Aine softly. But then, wondered the healer, had there ever been a ghost story that was joyful?

At that point, Londubh stood and rolled his shoulders. 'Right then – time for me to be running that errand for you, lass,' he said, looking down at Aine and giving her a cheeky wink, The healer, however, knew the gesture was meant to be reassuring and smiled in return.

InuYasha frowned. 'Errand?' he asked. What the hell is he up to, now? wondered the hanyo. It can't be another 'wild ride'?

The older Dé Danann shrugged, then crossed his arms. 'I'm off to have a word with your big brother,' he replied in his most blasé tone, although he felt anything but. He really didn't want to be parted from Aine while she was, he knew, not at the peak of her power. But, his lass was right – her anamchara would indeed be interested in what they had learnt this day. Though, Lon thought to himself, with all this talk of ghosts and murders, I'll be playing the part of séanchaí rather than messenger.

'Sure, and I'll be back directly,' he continued, 'once I've relayed to himself what's been discovered about his spectral enemy.' The púca's blue eyes glinted with humour, though he kept his expression dead-pan serious. 'After all, I can't imagine he's the sort to hold me back with idle gossip...'

InuYasha blinked. 'Sesshoumaru...?' Despite his past experiences with the foreigners, the half-demon still found himself stunned at the idea that anyone would talk so matter-of-factly about approaching the volatile dog demon. The healer? Well, that he could now grudgingly accept, even if he didn't understand it at all. The bard, Eadoin? In hindsight, the guy had a way with words and could probably have persuaded Kagome's fat, old cat to go swimming...

But, this guy?

Lon grinned, enjoying the gob-smacked look he was receiving from the young half-demon. 'Aye, laddie? Surely you'd not object to me sharing these tales with your brother?'

InuYasha gave his head a shake; then, assuming an air of indifference, he leant back against the maple tree and shrugged. Sesshoumaru had already made it clear to the foreigners that he planned to confront the spirit this very night. As much as he loathed the inu yokai, InuYasha realised that he didn't begrudge him being forewarned about the history of Taka. 'Huh!' he snorted. 'Makes no difference to me what Sesshoumaru choses to do. I'd just advise you not to piss him off.'

Lon grinned and nodded. 'Understood,' he replied, leaving the half-demon with the irritating feeling of having been indulged.

Shippo shot his fellow shape-shifter a worried look. 'What do we say if someone wonders where you went?' he asked. Quite rightly, the little fox demon had realised that the humans, who were already on edge from the day's revelations, might begin to wonder at the foreigner disappearing into the forest again.

'Ah, now,' said Lon. 'Just tell Missus Izumi I'm after lookin' for that poor stray I saw this morning.' He sighed dramatically and assumed a worried look. 'Sure, but I hate the thought of the poor crature wandering around lost. Plus, the poultry must be protected...'

Shippo's eyes became as wide as saucers and his face turned beet-red as he struggled not to laugh while his companions shot puzzled looks at both him and Lon. The healer merely rolled her eyes.

Then, bending down behind Aine, Lon rested his hands on her shoulders and leant forward to kiss the top of her head. 'Be at ease,' he said in their own tongue. 'I'll find him. Just be sure to stay put and rest, my girl. You've the grey one for an excuse.

Giving him a fondly exasperated look, Aine reached up to give her old friend's fingers a gentle pat. 'Safe journey,'she replied. 'Take care, mo bhodach.'

As Lon loped down the lane and turned toward the lane that led away from the village, an obviously nonplussed InuYasha asked Shippo, 'What stray?'

The kitsune collapsed in a fit of laughter.

Once out of sight of the village, the púca swiftly shifted to the form of his namesake and was soon soaring just above the tree tops. Aine had told him from which direction she had sensed the dog demon's life force, so he already had a starting point for his search. Within moments, he spotted a road leading deeper into the valley and knew that this must be the route to the village shrine and the lake beyond. Soon, it became apparent that his own path ran in the same direction.

Before long, the waters of the lake became visible beyond the treetops. The Londubh immediately noted their abnormal colour. Filing that piece of information at the back of his mind for later perusal, he instead focussed on the woodlands below. Soon, a small, wooden building came into sight; at the same time, he could sense the signature of Power that belonged to Sesshoumaru, and he realised it was coming from inside the shrine.

Making sure he was up-wind from his quarry, Lon called forth a glamour and landed on the branch of a nearby, ancient pine. Although, as a small bird, he was well able to blend into the background of the forest, after hearing of Kakusamaru's abilities the púca's survival instincts were demanding he take every precaution. Doubting that the dog demon would be inside the little building for very long, he settled down to wait for Sesshoumaru to notice him.

Sesshoumaru stood inside the entrance of the shrine. He frowned as he picked up the scents of InuYasha and his companions within the small building; obviously, several hours had passed since they had been there.

The taiyokai quickly realised that even a lesser yokai would not be repelled by such an insignificant structure.

'Shrine', indeed, he thought.

It was not truly 'holy ground'. Certainly, it was of no consequence to a demon of his stature. Stepping further into the single, low-ceilinged room, the dog demon immediately focussed his attention upon the lone altar. His eyes narrowed when he scented the bone of a yokai within the plain, wooden construct. Of more interest, though, was the remnant of a demonic aura emanating from it.

The bone had belonged to a species of demon he had encountered in the distant past.

Hnh. The power is... negligible. Interesting.

Withdrawing the Tenseiga from its sheath, Sesshoumaru held the blade over the altar. The sword pulsed once, then remained quiescent, leading the dog demon to conclude that there was no malevolent, un-dead essence clinging to the bone. He frowned as he considered that the Tenseiga had, however, sensed... something.

Curious.

Sesshoumaru knew that a demon's bone was an unusual relic to find within such a building, so he did not entirely dismiss its presence as insignificant.

He also knew that the yokai which had spawned the bone had not been the one called Taka. The humans who worshipped at the shrine would hardly show reverence to the creature that had deprived them of the lake and its past sustenance. Plus, he knew by its scent that this bone well predated Taka's reign in age.

He frowned as he then picked up a familiar, human scent.

So, he thought, the healer's travelling companion was approaching. Turning, he returned to the doorway of the shrine and scanned the surrounding trees.

It soon became apparent to the dog demon that the shape-shifter was employing stealth. He was also well aware that this attempt at concealment was not directed towards him. However annoying the older Dé Danann was, Sesshoumaru had to acknowledge, however grudgingly, that the one called Londubh was not stupid. No, it was obvious to the dog demon that the lady's kitsune-like companion was taking into account the nature of Naraku's pawn. His scent proclaimed him to be only metres away, but there was no sign of him.

'Master of glamours'. Hnh. Indeed.

It was then that he noticed the Dé Danann signature of power coming from the lower branches of a nearby pine tree. His glance shifted in that direction.

Very good, your lordship, thought Lon, noting the subtle change in the dog demon's posture. Not many are sharp enough to spot a glamoured púca. Sesshoumaru, however, had met the Dé Danann's expectations.

The hidden blackbird spoke, allowing his voice to bypass the glamour as no more than the faintest on murmurs. 'I bow to your judgement, your lordship. Do we speak here or elsewhere?'

Sesshoumaru looked past the shape-shifter's location, his expression utterly impassive. Inside, however, he once more seethed at the necessity of employing subterfuge. His senses and instincts told him that they were quite alone, yet he could give Naraku no advantage if Rin was to be recovered.

The dog demon well understood strategy. And patience.

Walking away from the shrine and the pine tree, Sesshoumaru stood in the clearing and looked toward the mountains, away from the lake and the village. A white mist swirled around his feet and he rose into the air and high above the trees; then, he was swiftly soaring toward a line of distant, exposed cliffs.

Right, so... elsewhere it is, thought Lon.

Rolling his eyes in a very human fashion, the small bird took two deep breaths and concentrated; then he took to the air with his glamour wrapped firmly about him.

Maintaining such a concealment while flying was not something any púca enjoyed doing. Unlike glamours cast while on land, what Lon did now was a tricky, and taxing, process. Thankfully, he knew he would be able to drop the camouflage once he was past the tallest of the trees. Then, he would be nothing more than another bird aloft in the sky.

Not fair!

The shrine had just come into sight. Kakusamaru had been about to secrete himself within the same thicket he had used while spying on the hanyo and his pet humans earlier that day... only to realise he had arrived just in time to see the powerful taiyokai again take to the air and disappear beyond the forest canopy.

Only fear of discovery checked him from growling aloud in frustration.

Kakusamaru's progress from the mansion to the shrine had been a shorter journey, but just as frustratingly slow. More so, in fact, as he had found himself freezing at every sound as he approached the dog demon's jaki. Now, he had finally reached his goal, only to be left with the sight of his quarry speeding away toward the mountains. The only way he would catch up would be if he himself took to the air.

That was not happening.

Like his creator, Kakusamaru actually had the ability to fly. Thus far, however, he had not employed it since swimming through the night's darkness was a far, far faster mode of travel. Flying was, as far as he was concerned, a superfluous skill. Indeed, he could not imagine when he would ever have need of it.

Springing up into the taller of two pine trees, the incarnation climbed to its top and anxiously scanned the sky. To his relief, his sharp eyes spotted Sesshoumaru alighting on a distant escarpment.

This was a relief. Although he could barely see the dog demon, he could still distantly sense his jaki. Why his quarry had decided to perch so high, he did not know. What was important was that he seemed content to stay there.

Settling himself under the shelter of the pine's uppermost branches, Kakusamaru leant back against the trunk and sighed.

How tedious.

Raising his hand, he regarded the small mirror in his palm. He canted his head and watched as a small spark glowed within.

'Naraku still has not given any directions as to your fate,' he said. Kakusamaru smirked. 'Not that you care,' he added.

He knew that his small passenger could not hear him. It was what made her the perfect audience. At least, he reflected, she was not a burden to carry; her small essence was barely perceptible.

Unlike his previous passenger.

A moue of disgust appeared on his elegant features. Kakusamaru had not liked the feel of the demon worm he had left in exchange for the small human's soul. The parasite had tried to merge with his own demonic aura and he had been thoroughly glad to be quit of it.

I wonder, he suddenly mused, if Lady Taka has finally recalled her loathsome servant?

Once again observing the mirror, the shadow-user suddenly frowned. With a thought, he commanded it to release his other 'passenger', and Byakuya's origami bird smoothly rose from the glassy surface to sit on his palm.

'Will you be as spectacular as your creator claims?' he murmured softly as he studied the little, paper construct. 'We shall see...'

For the second time that day, Sesshoumaru found himself standing on an open escarpment with a Dé Danann. The small, black bird had arrived perhaps ten minutes later, having circled around and arriving from the opposite direction (to the dog demon's silent approval), and thus evading any sharp-eyed scrutiny from below.

Londubh flowed into his true form and quickly took in the mood of the powerful being that was his Aine's anamchara. He found he was getting better at reading the fine nuances of Sesshoumaru's expressions and posture – and, he had drawn the conclusion that before him was a very angry and frustrated dog demon.

Of course, thought the púca, as he forced his own survival instincts into submission. 'You, boyo, are all warrior and you're mad as hell dealing with a schemer that does little more than hide behind pawns. If this Lord Sesshoumaru was anything like the Dé Danann fighting men of Lon's acquaintance, then he far preferred to meet his enemy head on.

He gave the dog demon a short bow of greeting. 'I've news for you, your lordship,' he said.

Sesshoumaru nodded. 'Begin.'

Sesshoumaru listened intently as the foreign male spoke. And, as the dog demon took in tales of a sealed soul, a madman's memories and a sororal murder, he realised with grim satisfaction that more pieces of the puzzle created by Naraku were falling into place.

The taiyokai was also taking the measure of the one who was delivering this information. He found himself irritatingly perplexed by this kitsune-like being who was the healer's travelling companion. Originally, he had been given the impression of a flippant fool but Sesshoumaru had soon decided that that had been no more than a ruse.

Foolish? Again, far from it. Powerful? Definitely not, compared to what the taiyokai had sensed in the past from the lady and her former companion, the bard. But...

A survivor.

That much about the púca had become obvious to the dog demon. He had long since realised that this was an ancient being. Thus, it was only logical to conclude that he was possessed of passable survival instincts.

The foreigner was also, it would seem, extremely adept at relaying information. Soon, Sesshoumaru was connecting the three tales into a logical pattern.

Hnh. Two seals. And... two hanyos. Interesting.

Continuing to keep a cautious eye on the powerful inu yokai, Lon quickly realised that Sesshoumaru was putting two and two together and discovering four.

The dog demon had remained utterly silent throughout the narrative. However, Sesshoumaru's eyes had narrowed suddenly when Lon came to the conclusion of Taro's story.

'The madman purports to have escaped an inu yokai?' asked the taiyokai.

Lon nodded, having fully expected this detail to merit his audience's interest. 'Aye, so he said, your lordship. The one part that doesn't add up – providing' the tale told by the ghost at the waterfall is to be trusted...' He shrugged and spread his hands. ''Tis a puzzle, to be sure. I can only tell you, I watched the grey one closely as he spoke. Aine healed him, remember – there'd be no madness left in him. Whatever Old Taro met that night, he truly remembers it as a great, black dog.'

'And, how are you so certain?'

'Let's just say, your lordship, that all members of my clan know a lie when they hear one.' Lon smirked inwardly as he made this claim, appreciating the irony of it coming from one adept at prevarication.

He continued. 'Your brother and his friends, now… they've apparently never heard of these black dogs. I'm curious – have you?'

'Yes.'

To Lon's annoyance, the dog demon did not elaborate further. Instead, Sesshoumaru simply turned and walked to the edge of the cliff, his cold gaze fixed upon the lake in the distance. The odd, turquoise waters – shimmering in the late afternoon sunlight – again caught the Dé Danann's eye.

Keeping a judicious distance from the taiyokai and the cliff's edge, Lon studied the lake. 'That water,' he suddenly murmured. 'The colour's familiar. It looks like...'

Sesshoumaru glanced back over his shoulder, taking in a change in the foreigner's tone of voice. He deigned to comment.

'It is salt'

Outwardly, the púca gave little away; however, the dog demon noticed a definite stiffening in the shape-shifter's posture. Whatever the reason, Sesshoumaru knew that his observation had been unwelcome news to the one called Londubh.

Salt water. The Lake of Tears.

The lake's name was literal as well as metaphorical, it would seem, came the púca's frantic thought. He realised that, if he had had to search closer to the lake to find Sesshoumaru, if he had flown over the tainted waters...

As a bird, Lon would not have noticed the odour of salt in the water, not until he was directly upon it.

The púca determinedly willed away the panic he felt rising within him as the druids' ancient geis made its presence felt, very much akin to what he had experienced when first at sea, as he had watched the shores of Éire fade into the horizon. Now, he recognised the colour, so out of place for a mountain lake. Hadn't he seen a softer version of it while journeying to the Japans? Those aquamarine bays and inlets, emptying into the southern sea…

Forcing a casual expression to his face, Londubh spoke again. 'Any more questions, your lordship?'

A cold, golden stare met the Dé Danann's frank, blue gaze. Sesshoumaru definitely had questions, but none that he believed the healer's companion would be able to answer.

'I have heard enough,' came the dog demon's reply, as he again looked toward the lake.

Lon nodded. 'Fair enough. Very well, then I'll take my leave of you. I don't like leaving Aine on her own while she's weakened.'

He began to turn away, preparing to shift once more into the form of a bird, when Sesshoumaru suddenly spoke again.

'Explain.'

The shape-shifter's comment had left the taiyokai feeling unexpectedly... annoyed. Sesshoumaru prided himself on his observational skills. He had seen Lady Aine when she was weakened after overextending her magic. She had not seemed so when she had left the birch ridge that morning. Therefore, he had concluded that her companion's previous concerns had been unfounded. Yet, here he was, again implying that the healer had been compromised by the magic she had used on Rin.

The male Dé Danann paused and, turning about, gave the dog demon a considering look that did nothing to improve the latter's current mood.

Meanwhile, realising what Sesshoumaru was actually asking, Lon felt his own mood improving. There speaks the anamchara. Finally. About time you brought it up, boyo, he thought.

'You're askin' after Aine,' he simply said,

The stern dog demon nodded. 'You persist in this notion that she has been weakened. Yet, she did not appear so.' Sesshoumaru had also heard Lady Aine reassuring her companion (repeatedly) at the time that she felt fine. In the dog demon's experience, the healer was nothing if not straightforward. His frown deepened. 'You doubt her self-assessment?'.

Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on the púca's face; he shrugged and said, 'Aye... aye, I can see how you'd think so. No, your lordship, I trust Aine's judgment. Ach, as a descendant of DianCecht, my lass holds a formidable level of Power. She's fine, so, but... she's not at her peak, and won't be for some time yet.' His expression becoming more pensive, Lon ran his fingers through his thick thatch of black hair and continued. 'That spell... it's what our people call 'wild' magic. You felt it, Lord Sesshoumaru. The Spell of Stasis is nothing like standard healing magic. Bodies and souls embrace healing, but they resist stasis. I doubt you were affected, but as the magic's source, it's impossible that Aine wasn't, even though the poor, wee leanbh had little to fight with.'

Lon sighed and shook his head resignedly. 'She didn't do it lightly, my lass. She was never reckless, but she's devoted to her calling and when it comes to children... well, she'd do all she could to save a child.'

At this, Sesshoumaru nodded imperceptibly. He had not forgotten the sight of the lady straining to hold a wall of warding against the hell-beast, while Rin stood behind her, her small hands clutching the healer's skirts.

The dog demon's eyes narrowed. 'So, shape-shifter...you are an authority on such magic?' he suddenly asked.

Again, the púca shrugged. He had heard the scepticim in the powerful demon's voice, and inwardly, he had bridled at it. However, his oh-so-acute survival instincts again came to the fore and he kept his tone neutral. 'I've been around a long time, your lordship. I've seen a few things. And,' he added softly, 'I know Aine.'

Sesshoumaru realised he was beginning to understand the motivations of this odd foreigner. 'Hnh. You... protect,' he said.

Lon nodded. 'Aye, Lord Sesshoumaru. I'll do all I may to help your wee Rin, but Aine is first and foremost my priority. She's as precious to me as if she were my own child.'

His meeting with the dog demon at an end, the Londubh stepped back and, with a polite nod to the other male, spread his arms wide as he prepared to change shape. Sesshoumaru's yokai eyes saw the golden glow of a Dé Danann aura of power briefly flare; then, the shorter man's form rapidly flowed and shrunk and the taiyokai once more found himself looking down at a small black bird.

The bird canted his head to the side and a bright, blue eye met the demon's gaze. 'Good hunting, your lordship,' said Lon. 'I wish you every success this night.' The expression in that eye suddenly became glacial as its owner added, 'Make the damnú bastards pay.'

Then, the bird took to the air and was soon a speck above the forest canopy below, winging his way back toward the human settlement.

Sesshoumaru remained on the escarpment. From this vantage point, he had an excellent view of the lake and its environs, and its solitude suited his current mood. He had much to consider before the sun set.

When night fell, it would indeed be time to hunt.

A soft breeze had begun to blow across the dead lake. As it passed through the courtyard of the ruined mansion, whirls of dust and dead leaves drifted into the main hall, removing the faint tracks left earlier by the dog demon's passage.

A feminine laugh echoed about the derelict hall. Then, a misty form appeared in the centre of the room and hovered there, its eyes – its red eyes – glowing faintly. Long, curling black hair swirled about the ephemeral being like an inky shroud.

The mistress of the mansion was waiting for the night.

The night was her realm. The night brought her freedom; the night brought her power.

Sinking down until she appeared to recline on the worn and weather-stained floor boards, the spirit reached out her hand to caress the earthen jar which only she could see and touch. She could feel the power within it waiting for the sun to set, waiting for the chance to embrace her once more.

She smiled in anticipation. In mere hours, there would be more power than ever, and there would be true freedom. Hers for the taking.

This had been promised.

A/N: Next: the sun sets...