Okay so updates have been a bit slow and I'm real sorry for that. I've been feeling a bit uninspired lately, but I've got a brain full of ideas that I need to write up. I'm not letting this story die like all my others have I refuse.

So Disclaimer!I own NOTHING! Only Amaya Misaki.
Thirdly: Constructive reviews are welcome!
If you see any mistakes I may have overlooked please let me know so I can fix them
Arigatō mina for staying with me :) And Dōmo arigatō to all those who have commented, favorites and added my story to your story alerts. Its you guys that keep me going with this story.
~Wafflez

Amaya studied the dead youkai late that night, trying desperatly to figure out exactly what it was. She had never seen anything like it in her life. Sesshomaru was agitated after their battle and Amaya concluded that Sesshomaru hated not know as much as she did. She let out an irritated groan and ran her hand through her hair.

"I don't know what the hell this thing is!" She growled. "It smells like a demon but I'm unsure what type of demon. And it carries with it the smell of death."

"It is not of our world." Sesshomaru said from where he stood.

"What do you mean?"

"There is no being remotely close to this abomination anywhere in our world."

"How can you be so sure?" Even as the question left her mouth, she found that what Sesshomaru was saying made sense.

"You said it smells of death. Does anything in this world smell like death besides a corpse itself?" Amaya shook her head, muttering under her breath.

"Then what is it?" She growled resisting the urge to kick the dead creature at her feet.

"This Sesshomaru doesn't know. But he will find out." Amaya glanced back at their camp. She wasn't about to let Misaki sleep on the ground tonight. Even with both she and Sesshomaru awake and on high alert, she insisted that the child sleep in a tree. She could hear Misaki's fluttering heart beat as she slept and dreamed. She turned her gaze to Sesshomaru, who seemed to be listening to the hanyou child's heart beat as well.

"What about your mother?" She asked. The demon lord arched an eye brow as his eyes found hers. "She still lives, no?"

"Yes."

"And she is much older than either of us. Centuries older. Surely she must know something of this demon." Sesshomaru eyed her for a moment.

"That could be true." the two stared at each other in surprise. Sesshomaru was surprised that the girl had thought of something that was just shy of brilliant, and Amaya was surprised that Sesshomaru had agreed with her. For the first time the two were in perfect agreement about something. They would go to Sesshomaru's mother and pray that she knew something of the demon who had attacked them.

"When do we leave?"

"Now."

"Now? But Misaki..." Amaya looked back at the tree where Misaki slept. She couldn't just leave the child. If she woke up and found them gone she would surely be upset.

"We will take her with us." Amaya grinned, her eyes lighting with amusement.

"You don't like the thought of leaving her any more than I do." She said matter-of-factly.

"Hn."

"Admit it Sesshomaru. You care for her don't you?"

"I, Sesshomaru, care for no one." Amaya shook her head.

You can lie to yourself all you want Sesshomaru. But I can see the truth. Amaya turned and jumped into the tree where Misaki slept. Lifting the child into her arms she readied herself for another jump. The child stirred and opened her eyes slowly. "Don't worry Misaki. We're taking a short side trip." Amaya whispered, shifting the child to her back. Misaki just sighed and rested her head sleepily on Amaya's shoulder. Amaya dropped to the ground next to Sesshomaru. The demon lord conjured a cloud which formed beneath the two. Amaya closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling she got from flying, losing herself in thee sound of Misaki's deep breathing and fluttering heart beat and drowning in Sesshomaru's presence.

She felt a warm blush creep up her neck as she thought back to earlier that afternoon. Sesshomaru had been so gentle with her, so protective. As if he truly cared about her well being. The way he had looked at her afterword made the blush deepen and she had to take long, deep breaths to keep her heart beat at a normal rate. Sesshomaru glanced at her curiously and she lowered her head, her hair fell in a dark curtain around her, blocking her face from view. Who am I kidding? He's obviously smelled the sudden change in the air. God I'm an idiot. She silently cursed herself. She let out a long sigh. Anyway, stop flattering yourself. You heard him, he cares about no one. But I know he's lying about that. Or is he? Sighing again Amaya let her mind wander for the rest of the journey.

X X X

It was dawn when they landed. They had traveled north west, climbing higher and higher with each passing hour. It got to the point that even Amaya's highly trained eyes could no longer see the ground below them through the clouds that had formed. She found herself wondering where exactly the InuKami lived after the death of the Inu no Taisho. Clouds rolled on below Amaya as Sesshomaru landed on a mountain top. Amaya looked around blankly.

"Your mother lives...here?" She asked softly. Sesshomaru said nothing, just motioned for her to follow him through the snow. The two didn't travel long before they were bet by a group of guards. They bowed their heads to Sesshomaru but eyed Amaya.

"Lord Sesshomaru, your mother has been expecting you for some time now." One of the guards said. "She said nothing of you bringing others with you, however." He said, his russet colored eyes slid to Amaya who let out a defensive growl.

"Feisty little wench isn't she?" Another muttered. Amaya narrowed her eyes.

"You'd think they'd have more respect for a woman who is clearly their superior. Not only that, but you think the fact of whom they serve would teach them something. After all, they serve a woman do they not?" Amaya said smoothly, her voice laced with acid and power. The jewel at her throat gave off a subtle blue glow in the gray light of the dawn. Misaki let out a soft giggle from her place on Amaya's back and Sesshomaru looked at her with eyes that glowed with amusement. The two guards let out angry growls which was met by a feral snarl from Sesshomaru. A third frowned, an exasperated sigh escaped his lips.

"Forgive them my lady. Sometimes my sons forget that they are royal guards and no longer pups." Amaya smiled at the older guard. At least someone had some respect. "If you'll follow us, your mother is awaiting your arrival." The guards all turned and led the trio through the snow. They were led into a cave which spared them from the freezing winds that had picked up and had Misaki shivering violently, despite the instinctive spike in Amaya's body temperature. The girl bit down on her lip and tried to stop the shaking that had overtaken her body, but it was no use. Amaya held her close to her chest as they walked. Sesshomaru glanced at the child, his brow furrowing in displeasure. Amaya willed her body to grow warmer in an attempt to comfort Misaki.

"Give her to me." Sesshomaru ordered. His voice was softer than usual, yet still demanding, almost...fatherly. Amaya's eyes widened in surprise. This had obviously shocked the others as well, since they all stopped and turned. "You're going to use to much energy trying to warm her that way." Amaya knew that Sesshomaru would be able to produce more heat without using so much energy, and she knew that it would be better for Misaki. So, obediently, Amaya handed Misaki over. The child protested by gripping the front of Amaya's kimono. The fight didn't last long, however, and soon Misaki was cradled against Sesshomaru. She curled into his chest and closed her eyes. The group continued to walk and Amaya kept glancing at Sesshomaru, grinning to herself.

I knew he cared.

X X X

Sesshomaru glanced at Amaya. Her emerald eyes were glittering and a small grin graced her features. He wondered what it was she was grinning about but he put it from his mind as it was not important. His gaze slid to the hanyou in his arms. Her fingers were twisted into the fabric of his clothing, her small frame was still trembling, but not as badly as before. She had fallen asleep again while her body heated up, her breathing was deep and even. At least she was warm again.

The gave floor made a steep incline which told Sesshomaru that they were closing in on his mothers palace.

"To be honest, I didn't think your mother would live in a mountain." Amaya said, looking to Sesshomaru.

"Mother enjoys her privacy. She was never one to meet with delegates who came to see Father. She tended to spend her time in the library or her garden."

"Hoshiko made her sound like a lovely person, inside and out." Sesshomaru was nodding in agreement. Before he could think, words were escaping his lips.

"Were you close with your mother?" Amaya, twisting her hair into a braid, nodded.

"When your father is ruthless and cruel, your mother is the only real parent you have." Her eyes glazed over and she stared off into space, her face had been wiped clean of all emotions yet her eyes were full of pain. Sesshomaru realized with slight surprise that he didn't like it when she was upset. But before much else could be said, Amaya's eyes widened and she nearly fell over as she stared forward. "This is your mothers home?" Sesshomaru nodded and his eyes glided over the compound before him.

The compound was laid deep with in the mountain, surrounded by a barrier of swirling demonic energy. The cavern housed nearly two hundred demons that lived with in the compounds building. There were different pretty courtyards and buildings. Grass grew lush and green through out the cavern with trees, flowers and herbs. Humans mingled within the mass of demons, and most of them were seen in the fields, while others were seen chatting with demons and their mates. At the heart of the layout, nearly a dozen guards stood outside the center building. And that was only at the front.

"Seems your mother didn't share your fathers love for Western architecture." Amaya stated with a slight grin.

"Architecture, no. Furniture, yes." The older guard, Akio, chuckled. Amaya smiled and the guards led them down to the compound. A few demons and mortals bowed their heads as the group passed by, but Sesshomaru paid them no mind. The guards led them to the center building."You're mother is awaiting your arrival in her library." Sesshomaru nodded.

"Come." he said gently, leading Amaya up the steps and into the building. Amaya kept pace as he led her to the library.

"I can carry her now, if you'd like." Amaya said softly. Sesshomaru nodded and Amaya took the waking Misaki into her arms. Sesshomaru felt slightly empty with the child gone from him. It was comical though, for as soon as his body heat was gone Misaki was awake and alert. She looked around confused, her eyes growing worried. "Calm yourself child. We are in Lady Inukami's home now." Misaki squirmed in the demoness' arms, and Amaya set her down.

Sesshomaru watched them, interested by the interaction between the two. Misaki held to the bottom of Amaya's kimono, her small face was very serious. Amaya rested a hand atop the girls head, causing her ears to twitch. The child let out a soft fox like purr. Amaya smiled softly at the child and there was something deep with in her eyes that Sesshomaru had a hard time figuring out what it really was. Longing maybe? He motioned for the two to follow, and he continued their journey through the castle.

X X X

Amaya followed Sesshomaru closely until they came to a door deep within the compound. Amaya hadn't even come to a complete stop before a voice called from within.

"Come in."

Sesshomaru slid the screen open and stepped inside, Amaya glided in with Misaki attached to her side. Amaya glanced around the room. The shelves were littered with scrolls and western books and different trinkets. There was a large wooden desk with an equally large leather chair in the center of the room. It was nearly identical to the desk found in Sesshomaru's office in the Western Castle.

The woman who sat at the desk was engrossed in a yellowed scroll, her beautiful face was twisted into distaste. Sje was pale with sharp cheekbones, a narrow noses, bright amber eyes and full pale pink lips. Jagged magenta markings decorated each of her cheeks and a single magenta marking lined each of her upper lash lines. Fine silver hair fell in a silky waterfall along her back, one pale eye brow was arched as she red, the violet crescent moon in the center of her brow was brushed by her silver locks. One clawed finger tapped the desk at which she sat before she looked up. All the stress and confusion melted away as she made eye contact with Sesshomaru and her eyes took on a playful, motherly gleam.

"It took you longer to arrive then I thought it would." She said casually, her golden eyes sliding from her son to Amaya. She examined her for what seemed like far to long when in all reality the older demoness had taken in all of Amaya's details in mere seconds. "Tell me your name." She ordered.

"I am Amaya of the Rain." Amaya said quickly, bowing in respect. Sesshomaru walked away to leave Amaya to his mother. The InuKami stepped around her desk and walked toward Amaya.

"Of the rain? You carry a blade of fire, do you not? The phoenix blade I believe."

"You know of Hou-ou?"

"Many do. Warlords both mortal and demon alike thirst for the power that your sword contains." She stated, quite matter-of-factly. Amaya frowned. The InuKami turned her gaze to Misaki. "And your name?" She questioned, her voice was softer yet still as demanding.

"The child doesn't speak my lady." Amaya stated.

"Does she know not how?"

"I suspect she does. Her voice fled after the death of her family."

"She is of kitsune decent." This was not a question, just a mere observation, yet Amaya nodded anyway.

"Yes my lady. We share a foster father. "

"Hmm." The InuKami turned away from the two.

"Lady InuKami. We've come to you-"

"I know why you've come." The lady sat elegantly in her chair. "And I'm afraid I can't help you."

"What?" Amaya received a sharp glance from Sesshomaru and a nearly inaudible snarl while his mother cool stare did not falter. "What do you mean you can't help us?" The InuKami stood again.

"Aya." She called. One of the doors at the other end of the room slid open. "Please show my son and the Lady of the Rain's ward to their rooms. I wish to speak to my son's companion alone." The demon who had entered bowed and motioned for Sesshomaru and Misaki to follow. Both seemed hesitant to leave and this appeared to interest the InuKami. But they followed Aya out of the library. "You never did tell me the child's name." The bored tone in the InuKami's voice frustrated Amaya and it took ever fiber of her being not to lash out.

"Her name is Mi-Sa-Ki." She spat each sylable of Misaki's name at the InuKami to hint at her frustration. The InuKami let out a theatrical sigh.

"Lady Amaya-"

"Amaya." The demoness muttered. The InuKami nodded.

"Amaya. You must understand that I wish to help you but I cannot."

"Why?" Again the InuKami sighed, but this time it was a true sigh and her age seemed to show through her elegent and beautiful mask.

"You know of my mate, am I correct?"

"Of course. The Inu no Taisho is a very well known warlord."

"Yes. And as such he had many enemies. This made them my enemies as well. If any of those who are still living found that we knew on another, it would be disastrous for the both of us. Your power and my knowledge...is very dangerous when combined." Amaya looked at the InuKami and shook her head rapidly.

"That-"

"There are things I know. Things my husband knew that no one else could ever know. Should ever know. And one of those things has to do with the reason you are here today." Amaya sighed defeated.

"Please." She whispered brokenly. "I need to get Misaki to her Mother's clan in the mountains to the east. It's the only family she's got and I can't risk her getting killed when I'm attacked again." This caused the InuKami's eye brows to shoot up.

"'When'?" She questioned. "Do you believe you will be targeted again?" Amaya nodded. "Why is it you believe this?"

"This...demon who attacked had a familiar presence. One that was nearly identical to a presence I felt while I was staying in the Western Castle. I think they may be connected."

"Have you told my son?" Amaya shook her head. "And why not?"

"I don't want him to know. He has to many battles of his own to fight...I don't want him fighting mine too." The InuKami narrowed her eyes for a moment before letting out a long sigh.

"If that is what you wish, I will not tell him." She sat at her desk once again. "Aya!" The small demon who had escorted Sesshomaru and Misaki away appeared for the second time. "Please take Lady Amaya to her room." Amaya felt her heart drop. "I suggest you rest, as your journey has no doubt been tiering."

"You're-"

"And for the sake of the child, leave her in her room when Aya comes to fetch you and my son. I'll tell you what I know after supper." Though Amaya's heart soared and she felt truly grateful to the InuKami, she kept herself composed and bowed.

"Thank you my lady." She said. The InuKami bowed her head and Amaya was ushered from the library.

X X X

The room that Amaya was led to opened with a rather large sitting room. It was almost like a tearoom in the layout of the tatami mats. There was a low table, an assortment of the sitting cushions called zabuton, and a traditional hearth. There were several vases of flowers around the room and the colors were mostly reds and corals. Off to the side was another door that led to her sleeping quarters.

"The InuKami requests that you do not wander off. She would appreciate it if you would stay here until you are summoned."

"I understand. But first, I would like a bath." Aya nodded her head.

"One of the other servants will take you to the baths when you are ready."

"Of course." Aya left and Amaya sat heavily on one of the mats in the center of the room. Rubbing her face she let out a long sigh. This was all to much. Far to much was happening in such a short amount of time. The attacks, the strange presences and now she felt her heart speed up anytime she thought of Sesshomaru. She shook her head and took a deep breath. This is ridiculous. The thought harshly.

A small, timid knock at the door brought Amaya from her thoughts. The screen slid open and Misaki stood in the opening. She did move from her spot, her ice blue eyes were asking permission to enter.

"You can come in Misaki." The child hurried in as soon as she was told she could. "You don't like being alone do you?" Misaki shook her head. "I wouldn't like it either." Mindlessly Amaya began running her fingers through Misaki's hair, frowning as she did. "Hmm...why don't we go take a bath and I'll braid your hair for you." Misaki's face lit up and she nodded. With that Amaya stood and slid open the shoji screen door, stopping a passing servant. "Would it be possible for you to direct my ward and myself to the baths?"

"Oh. Of course my lady. If you'll follow me." Amaya motioned for Misaki and the two followed the servant. Without so much as a second thought, Amaya immediately began searching for Sesshomaru's presence. He was deeper within the compound than she and Misaki and that caused unease to bubble up inside her. She disliked being this far away from him. The servant turned her glowing cat like eyes to Amaya. "Is there something bother you, my lady?" She asked. Amaya shook her head.

"No. Everything is fine." She lied. Misaki let out a snort and Amaya shot her a sharp glance, as if to say "no one asked your opinion". The child just smiled innocently but Amaya knew she knew. But...what is there to know...? She wondered, looking to Misaki. As she watched Misaki's wise, child eyes stare straight ahead she was hit by an image of Sesshomaru. Her heart leaped into her throat and her eyes widened. Kami... she thought. I think I'm in love with Sesshomaru...

I realize that this ending came abruptly but I decided that it's time for Amaya to realize that she feels SOMETHING for Sesshomaru. That and the Chapter was so very long and it didn't seem to want to end so I've decided to split it into two separate. This means that chapter eight is already started. I can't promise a quick update, but I will update.

Hope you enjoyed it.

~Wafflez