First: Disclaimer I OWN NOTHING! Sadly. Nothing but Amaya and the servants. But I do not own InuYasha.
Second: So this is where my creativity comes into play. I apologize if you don't like the way I've described the Western Castle. Everyone is different right?
Thirdly: Sorry about my random use of Japanese terms. I'm still new to using Japanese. Watashi o yurushite kudasai(Please forgive me)
Fourthly: Constructive reviews are welcome

Amaya awoke slowly, her mind slow to realize that she was no longer sitting beside the stream. Instead, she was lying comfortably in someone's home. Her wound was properly dressed and she found that she was wearing a clean nagajuban, and a fresh kimono was folded neatly beside her head. Pushing herself up she looked around, blinded slightly by the sunlight that poured in from the window. Curious as to her whereabouts, Amaya rose to her feet to get a good look out the window. Though the view was beautiful, Amaya felt unaffected.

Below her rested the ocean, the foaming waves crashed onto the sandy beach before receding back only to attack the shore again. Turning her head she could see that she was actually looking over a tall stone wall, which separated her from the rest of the world. Her eyes swept across the rest of the scene, taking in the beauty of everything. Everything had it's place and it's own unique beauty. However, it was the soft pink cherry blossoms that her eyes were attracted to. As she stared into the garden, her ears perked when she heard footsteps approaching. Before the visitor had time to announce their presence Amaya called out,

"Enter." The door to the room she was opened slowly, and Amaya realized it was not the screen that was found in almost all large homes through out Japan, but instead a heavy wooden door. A woman stood there, her violet colored eyes were half closed, as if she were tired or bored. Her hair was the color of storm clouds, not gray but not completely black either. She wasn't much taller than Amaya, nor did she look much older, as Amaya's age had been mistaken by mortals many times in the past. Especially by those who couldn't fathom that she was a demon who had lived for nearly one hundred and fifty years, for they only saw her physical age, which appeared to be no older than seventeen. And just like her, this woman was a demon, who could have been much older than Amaya was. However, she didn't look it. The woman bowed respectfully, which Amaya returned with a dip of her head.

"How are your wounds this morning Lady Amaya?" She asked, stepping inside and turning to close the door. Her voice was soft and warm, unlike her eyes.

"They're fine. Thank you." Amaya answered, watching the woman closely and feeling very confused. The woman lifted the kimono from the ground, offering to help Amaya dress in order to spare her wounded shoulder. Amaya accepted the offer and allowed herself to be dressed by this stranger. "Tell me…how is it you know my name?" She asked as the woman finished tying her obi.

"Lord Sesshomaru told me." She answered. Amaya stiffened and turned slowly, looking the woman in the eye.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked twice as confused as she had been. "Where-Where am I?"

The woman let out a soft sigh and smoothed out the fabric of the clothing Amaya wore. "You are a guest in the Western Castle. Lord Sesshomaru has ordered me to take care of you until you are well enough." She answered. Amaya just stared at the woman, dumbfounded. Why would Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western land, one of the coldest and most heartless demons she had ever encountered care weather or not she was properly taken care of? Why? As if reading the questions in Amaya's eyes the woman let out a small laugh. "You intrigue him, though he'll never say that out loud."

"If he doesn't speak those words out loud then how do you know I intrigue him?" She asked.

"I have been with Lord Sesshomaru for many, many years. I served his mother before she left after her mates death. I was very young then, she gave me my name."

"And what is your name?"

"Lady Inu-kami called me Hoshiko, as my hair was 'as silver as the stars' at the time. Over the years, however, it has darkened. Unlike most, who's hair lightens with age. " She laughed softly again. "I suspect that it will be black by the time it is time for me to leave this world. Either that or it will have fallen out." Amaya arched an eye brow at the woman's rambling. Hoshiko smiled gently. "Forgive my rambling. I may look young in the face but my heart and spirit are old." She cast her eyes to the window. "Come, I'm sure you've had your fill of this room." She walked to the door and opened it, motioning for Amaya to follow her out. Finding that she did indeed want to stretch her aching limbs she followed the servant of Sesshomaru through the palace. She was surprised to see that the palace in which they were staying was in fact influenced by those from far away lands, things she had only heard of but never really seen. It had it's own touch as well, things had been changed over time to fit the needs-and wants- of the occupant.

"This castle…it's not like any I've ever seen." Amaya stated as Hoshiko led her through the hallways, their stone walls lined with tapestries from far off lands.

"The Inu no Taisho traveled to many different countries, to gain the alliances of demon lords all over the known world." She stated. "Of course, that was in his prime, long before he was mated to Lady Inu-kami. I suppose he found a liking in the castles of western countries, particularly those of England and France." Amaya was lead down a winding stone staircase that was lit by torches that were stuck into the wall. "He returned and had this castle built. Not long after he met his Lady and they were mated. Lord Sesshomaru grew up in this castle, living here for many years until his father died and then he left. Not to long after his mother left as well. Still young, but old enough to take care of myself, I tended to the castle and all that came with it, warding off other demons who intended on taking this place as their own.

"It was nearly seventy-five years before Lord Sesshomaru returned, having returned to tend to his duties as Lord of the Western Lands. By then most, if not all, of his fathers connections in other countries had been slain and Lord Sesshomaru had to begin building his own empire." She explained. Amaya eyed the walls around her thoughtfully. "Everything in this castle is based on that found mostly in England. From the rooms in which people stay, to the grand library in the eastern hall."

"What do you mean the rooms?" Amaya asked, noting that room had seemed rather normal to her. Hoshiko led her through more winding hallways.

"Lord Sesshomaru requested that you be placed in a traditional Japanese setting. How ever, if you venture into some of the other rooms you'll find that most of them have English styled beds, and not the futons that we sleep on. Though my lord is curious about other countries and the way they function, he does not hold the same fascination that his father held." Amaya's brow furrowed as something dawned on her. As they had been walking, not once did she feel the presence of said Lord anywhere near.

"Where is Lord Sesshomaru?"

"He had matters to attend to. A rebellion in one of his armies I believe. He has requested that you stay here until he returns" The servant girl seemed to be talking more to herself than to Amaya at that point, and young female thought she heard a hint of worry in the servant's voice. Yet, she found it best not to stick her nose in places it didn't belong. Instead she asked,

"Where exactly are you taking me?" He voice was light and truly curious and she felt even a tad bit excited. For now, the worries of who she would have to fight next to protect herself melted away, the shadows of passed battles were illuminated and for the time being she was free. Hoshiko pushed open another heavy wooden door. Amaya was met by a gust of fresh wind, carrying with it the scent of the ocean mingling with that of the cherry blossoms. She inhaled deeply and stepped outside, followed by Hoshiko who closed the door behind them.

"I sense no mortals near by." She stated, turning to look Hoshiko in the eyes. The servant girl shook her head back and forth several times.

"After Lord Inu no Taisho passed away and Inu-kami left demon attacks in this area were plentiful. People fled their villages and took up residence else where. Even after Lord Sesshomaru returned and the demon attacks ceased the people still didn't return, for the current Lord of the Western Lands frightened them to much." Amaya shrugged her shoulders. The absence of human scent was actually quite pleasant, the world around her was not tarnished by the sound of them calling out to each other. It was true that she didn't hate humans, she just found their intelligence dwindling and sometimes, their scent nauseating. Though she had slain many mortals she had also saved her fair share from rouge demons. Where Sesshomaru had his alliances with demons she knew quite a few mortals who would be happy to help her to repay their debt. Like the young Ayaka, not only a tailor who made her many a kimono when she needed them but also a friend and companion. Hoshiko bowed to Amaya.

"If you'll excuse me my lady. I have some of my own matters to attend to concerning the staff. If you need anything don't be afraid to ask." Amaya nodded her head and Hoshiko left her in the garden by herself. She looked around and sighed contently. She was sure to enjoy her stay, she would make sure of it.

"Would you like some tea Lady Amaya?" Asked one of the servants, a young fox demon who Amaya had taken a liking too. She looked up from book she was reading and nodded her head smiling happily.

"I would love some. Thank you Gorou." She said, marking her place in the book she had found in the library. She had stayed in the palace for nearly a week, and during that week she had grown close to several staff members, including Hoshiko, who had recommended the book to her. Amaya looked down at it and stroked the worn cover. It was a book of English poetry that had been translated into Japanese and brought to the palace by the Inu no Taisho himself for his mate.

She sat in an alcove in one of the many hallways in the palace beside a large window. She had fashioned a seat out a set of pillows found in one of the empty rooms. Dropping them in the corner she sat down comfortably curled up like a child. Where most would find the position in which she sat inappropriate for a lady of her status, the staff of the palace didn't mind it one bit. When Gorou returned, Amaya was once again engrossed in the flowing words of the English writers.

"You're tea is ready, if you would like it in your room." He said lightly. Amaya rose to her feet, setting the book on the sill of the window, before following the servant to her room. When she entered her room Gorou presented her with her tea, which she accepted gratefully.

"Join me?" She asked, looking up at her new friend, who shook his head sadly.

"Afraid I can't my lady. We have received word that Lord Sesshomaru will be returning today and there is preparations to be made." Amaya let out a sigh and sipped her tea quietly.

"Is that so?" She mumbled, looking out the window, knowing that as soon as Sesshomaru returned and found that she was well enough she would surly have to leave. Though she should have been happy to be on her own again she felt her chest tighten when she thought of leaving all of her newly acquired friends behind. Tightening her jaw she locked those feelings away.

"Aye' it is. He should be here soon." Amaya frowned and finished her tea. Gorou took the tray in which the tea had been placed and bowed slightly before leaving. She heaved herself to her feet and looked out the window. The sun was low in the sky and she could feel an electricity in the air, as the presence of Sesshomaru grew nearer. Without much thought she latched her sword to her hip and tied her hair back with a ribbon she had tied around the hilt. Tying her hair high she left her room and made her way through the castle, stopping to straighten up her reading place. A passing servant took the book and pillows and returned them to their rightful place.

"You look as if you're going to battle." Hoshiko commented when Amaya found her waiting at the front gate to welcome the return of her lord. Amaya huffed, her face a cold, emotionless mask.

"I might as well be." She mumbled, her ears were granted with a soft laugh from her friend. "Sesshomaru and I aren't exactly fans of each other." She said, watching the horizon. Hoshiko looked at her with soft eyes, softer now then they must have been for decades.

"I beg to differ. If my lord had wished you dead you would not be here now." Amaya said nothing to that, as it still puzzled her as to why exactly Sesshomaru had saved her, why he cared. More importantly, what was the catch. She saw him then, emerging from the forest and as he grew closer she could feet the demon blood pulsing through Hou-ou, as if the sword was threatened by the demon lords presence. Setting a gentle hand on the sheath she felt the energy-and therefore sword- calm. "Welcome back my lord." Hoshiko said, bowing deeply as Sesshomaru approached them. He said nothing in response and the servant turned to follow him, Amaya following suite. The woman was speaking quietly to the demon lord, her hands clasped in front of her as she walked in step with him. Amaya watched from behind, surprised at the calm that seemed to radiate off the demon lords body.

She ended her journey with the two when Hoshiko glanced at her before entering a room at the end of the long main hall. Amaya took that as a sign that the servant had information for her lord that could not fall upon other ears, even those of Amaya. She took her leave gracefully, retiring to the garden where she sat and watched the sun set, streaking the sky with pinks and oranges while topped with a blue that darkened to a violet and soon a white speckled black. She inhaled deeply taking in the sweet cool air which calmed her nerves. The garden was flooded with light when the door opened, she turned to see Hoshiko. She looked slightly pleased and slightly distressed.

"Lord Sesshomaru wishes to see you." She said softly, knowing very well that Amaya had heard her. She stood from her seat at the base of the cherry tree and nodded, following Hoshiko through the palace, passing many worried faces and with her growing distress Hou-ou grew more restless at her side. Knowing that leaving the sword with one of the servants was a bad idea she had no choice but try to calm herself to keep the sword from attacking on its own accord. Sadly, it was harder than she thought it would be as she struggled to untangle the knot that had formed in her stomach. And then all at once everything seemed to die, and she felt cold and hard inside, unflinching to whatever Sesshomaru had to say to her. By the time Hoshiko knocked on the door Amaya knew Sesshomaru was behind, all her emotions had fled her and disappeared. She would deal with this as any warrior, cold as disciplined ice. Hoshiko opened the door and Amaya walked in, the door closing behind her.

The room was bare of paintings and tapestries, unlike the hallways and other rooms through out the palace. There was a bookshelf that was full of books, all in an orderly fashion with no book out of place. Sesshomaru was sitting at a large wooden desk in a high back chair, reading over a scroll, his face blank. Reports from his armies Amaya assumed. Coming to the conclusion that he wasn't going to speak she took the liberty of announcing herself.

"You wished to see me?" She asked ice edging its way into her voice. He looked up from the paper before him his face as cold as her voice.

"We have business to discuss." He said, leaning back in the chair. And for a moment, Amaya could see the resemblance between him and his father. She could picture the Inu no Taisho sitting as his son was, reading through the reports given to him by the generals of his armies. It was amazing, as she had never once seen the Inu no Taisho in her life. Heard of him, yes, but never seen him. It proves that his demonic essence is still strong in this room, even after all this time. She thought.

"What kind of business?" She asked, knowing there was a catch to him requesting she stay until he returned.

"You are as much a demon as I am, are you not Amaya?"

"If you are speaking in blood terms, then yes, I am a full blooded youkai." She stated. Sesshomaru said nothing for a long minute, but she could see, and sense, his dark amusement beginning to surface.

"Then you know as well as I that you owe me a life's debt." Amaya's jaw dropped at this, causing the corners of his mouth to turn up into a smirk.

"What? For what?" She demanded, clutching her fists. Sesshomaru leaned forward slightly and looked Amaya directly in the eyes, that dark amusement causing them to glow in a way.

"Had you been left by that mountain stream you would have bled to death, not only from the wound inflicted by the demon slayers, but also by the wound inflicted by your previous battle, which you neglected to notice had reopened." He said matter-of-factly, in that cold emotionless voice of his. "Had I not brought you here you would have entered the netherworld by now." Amaya clenched her teeth in rage. But in the end she found no way out of this. From the time she was young, her mother had always told her

"Should another save you from an untimely fate you owe them a life's debt. A debt that they will decide when it is fully paid and when you are released from their hold. As a youkai this is your obligation to your breed and your blood."

Damn my breed. Damn my blood! And damn being a full blooded youkai! She seethed, turning her

burning silver eyes to Sesshomaru's amused amber ones.

"What is it you wish of me…My Lord?" She asked, spitting the last words like they were acid on her tongue. I knew there was a catch…

As you can tell, Amaya isn't to thrilled about this "life debt" crap Sesshomaru is pulling. :).

Worry not. I will update soon.

~Wafflez