Authors note:

In response to some of my reviews (which I thank you for!) I thought I would clarify a few things.

First, Sesshomaru did not give Shura his boa, he gave her a different boa made of his fur. That in mind I would also like to note that after watching "showdown Inuyasha vs. Sesshomaru" about fifty billion times I strongly believe that Sesshomaru's "boa" is neither a boa nor his tail. If you look at pictures of Sesshomaru transformed his boa actually corresponds to a ruff of fur that stretches only over his right shoulder. For the sake of my writing, however, I'm leaving it as a boa. (I just wouldn't be a true Sesshy fan if I didn't at least acknowledge that I knew better :P )

Second, I am fully aware that in the third movie Sesshomaru was shown as a teenager when his father died. I thought I mentioned this in an earlier note, but I'll bring it up again. In my story I have shifted the timeline a little because I intend to go into more detail once I finish this story and start on the prequel.

Finally, dog-demon-emiko asked if I had any pictures of Matyeo. The answer is yes! There should be a link to my webpage on this site under my username. On it is an art section with some character drawings from my fanfics. They're not the best (probably because I can't color on the computer to save my life!) but you get the general idea.

Whew…now that I'm done ranting…. Here is the next chapter. Sorry for having to split the battle in half.

Chapter 40

The same demonic energy that had driven Shura from the brink of collapse now shot through Matyeo's body as the dragon tapped into his core for strength. Arching his back Matyeo let his wings unfurl and spread to their fullest. Sickle shaped claws emerged from Matyeo's fingers and Emerald green scales spread over the dragon's outstretched forearms and hands. A deep-blue feathered crest flared up from his hair and continued underneath his clothing along his spine until they culminated at the tip of his lashing, emerald colored tail. A scaly, dragon snout also poked out in place of his human nose and jaws, though it was smaller then what it would have been, had he transformed fully.

Curling back his lips Matyeo flashed his fangs and forked tongue in Shura's direction, daring her to charge. The gesture sent Shura into a rage. Pointing her nose to the ceiling the she-dog sent a bone-chilling howl echoing off the walls. Then, she lunged with fangs bared. Matyeo's back arched and he snarled fiercely in return. With a rush of power the dragon leapt forward to meet Shura's charge mid air. The loud smack of bodies colliding filled the hall. In the air Matyeo's hands slammed into Shura's shoulders with such force it caused the pair of them to flip forward twice before crashing to a halt on the stone surface. Shura took the brunt of the impact, landing on her back and skidding roughly against the polished rocks. Her mind blanked for a moment, the impact ringing through the back of her skull. Then the she-demon's eyes opened and her vision cleared once more.

Matyeo's massive frame was hunched over her, his palms still pining her shoulders. The dragon's knees and calves were pressed firmly against Shura's hips as the rest of his weight straddled her. But Shura didn't notice the posture. Her focus was only on the dragon's face. Their stares were only inches apart, their demon snouts pressed lightly together at the tips. Shura could feel the dragon's every breath dance across her whiskers, as she was sure he could also feel hers. But there was something else. A near undetectable scent exuded from the dragon's scales. It was not so much a smell, but a communication, "strong, healthy, male seeking female." The message decrypted automatically in Shura's mind and for some reason it made her heart begin to pound within her chest.

A strange and unexplainable feeling began to creep through her body. It was like nothing she'd ever felt—a longing so intense it burned in her like a molten fire in her veins—and the deeper Shura stared into the dragon's eyes the more intense the desire became.

All the while the alluring signal of Matyeo's scent grew stronger. His eyes, wide and transfixed, continued to stare down at her with growing interest. Then his lips curled slightly, revealing a sly, fanged, grimace. It was a cue Shura had never seen before, but nonetheless instinctively recognized. Like the silent chemical message to her brain, the dragon's body language registered just as clearly but with ten times the intensity. "Want you, now."

Shura swallowed hard. She could almost sense the dragon's desire. It flowed over her in a warm haze, like his demonic aura was teasing against hers. The feel of it made the fire in her blood burn even harder. Suddenly, for that single instant, there wasn't the slightest hint of doubt in her mind. Shura tilted her head seductively to the side, exposing her vulnerable neck to the dragon's fangs. It was a submissive body signal, and one she knew Matyeo would easily decode. "Take me."

A low growl rumbled from the dragon's chest making Shura's heart throb even harder. The she-demon felt Matyeo's grip on her shoulders tighten suddenly. His hooked claws dug fiercely into her skin leaving bloody cuts. But Shura didn't care. She couldn't sense anything beyond her primal wishes, couldn't focus past Matyeo's eager eyes as she silently cued her invitation….

"Looks like we have a victor!" a loud, booming voice made both demons pull apart with alarm. A swift leap backwards landed Matyeo at the end of the room, his tail swishing nervously. Shura meanwhile lurched up from her pin with a snarl. She was furious for being interrupted but even more startled by the reminder that there was an audience and they were still watching her. Angrily Shura tried to stand but a wave of dizziness forced her to stagger clumsily to one knee. The distraction had disrupted more then just her train of thought. Her entire energy cycle was out of kilter and the strain on her body was horrible. Lowering her head Shura tried hard to refocus. Gradually, as her breathing steadied, her rampant power levels evened out and her demonic features quickly followed suit. Unfortunately, along with the return of her humanish appearance also came the she-demon's composed sense of mind, and with it the realization of what her and Matyeo's racing pheromones had almost brought about.

A sickening sense of dread flooded over Shura as the thought repeated over and over in her mind. Shame, humiliation, guilt… pure disbelief at her own lecherous feelings, they all swept over her in nauseating waves. Of all the times and places! How could she have possibly been so stupid! So careless! So hormonal! The she-demon covered her face with her sleeve. She didn't want to see her father's face, nor Inuyasha's…nor anyone's until she could regain control of her racing emotions. Her wish was not to be.

"Wow what a great battle!" she heard Falcon exclaim from close behind her. His complement was followed immediately by a relieved remark from Kayolin.

"Aye, Sesshomaru's trained them both well." Out of reflex Shura turned towards the speaking dragons, her face still covered from the eyes down. Neither beast appeared suspicious of her, in fact, after a quick glance around the room it seemed that none one there was. Even if they were being polite she would have gotten looks. But there was nothing like that. Had the dragons really not noticed? Perhaps her and Matyeo's communications were subtler then she realized?

Shura shot a glance over her shoulder to Matyeo. His human guise had returned as well, but his face was flushed and his breathing still unsteady. His expression seemed controlled enough until their gazes met and Matyeo turned from her. Obviously his senses had returned as well, and he was just as ashamed as she.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to get some air." Shura muttered timidly as she gathered her sword and edged towards the exit. The request barely had time to leave Shura's lips before she was sprinting out the door.

As she departed many of the dragon's looked around puzzled.

"Well that was odd," remarked Kayolin as he turned his attention to Sesshomaru. "What made her so agitated?" The question was posed at the dog lord, but it never reached him. Sesshomaru had left his side and was almost halfway to the door by the time the final syllable faded.

Shura tried to make it beyond the palace but she just barley reached the front foyer before her emotions won over her already exhausted body. Sinking to a halt Shura found herself at one of the many decorative fountains dappling the entryways. This one was larger then most, a centerpiece, it seemed, carved of fine marble. Shura sat herself on the circular outer rim that overlooked the gently babbling collecting pool at the bottom. Drifting gently across the water were dozens of delicate, pastel colored flowers. The she demon had to push several of the blossoms aside as she reached cupped hands for the clear liquid and brought it to her face with an angry force.

Again and again Shura splashed herself with the icy water trying to purge herself of Matyeo's scent and the heated memories it evoked. Eventually the waters chill did its work. Pulling away from the basin Shura shook her head violently then dragged a sleeve across her eyes. She felt a few warm drops mix with the stray beads of water that clung to her cheeks. There was no fooling herself anymore.

Hugging her knees to her chest Shura watched her reflection gradually reform across the water's shifting surface. A profoundly lost pair of golden eyes looked back at her pitifully. True she may have been enlightened to her own feelings, but there were still so many things left unanswered. Squinting her eyes shut Shura trailed one of her claws across her reflection breaking up the image. Did Matyeo return her feelings? Where did that leave their future? What would her family say?

Shura opened her eyes again and stared into the water hoping against hope that the answers would appear for her. Amidst the floating, pink, peach, and white blossoms a second pair of golden eyes rippled across the surface making Shura turn with alarm. She knew who it was, even before his face came into focus. Nevertheless she couldn't help but shrink away.

"Don't sneak up on me like that!" the she demon scolded her father sharply. Sesshomaru must have sensed her distress because he backed down and looked genuinely sorry.

"You left awfully abruptly," the dog lord noted with a parents concern. "Is everything alright?" Shura forced a smile.

"Yeah, everything's fine." she lied half hoping her father would turn away. But it was no use. Sesshomaru saw through her lies then just as easily as he did when she was a spoiled toddler. Sighing heavily Shura turned her back to Sesshomaru and continued to stare blankly into the fountain. Deep down she wanted to tell her father— to bury her face in his boa and confess everything just like her three-year-old self had so many years ago—and on some level he did deserve to know more then anyone. Still, an ingrained phobia kept her emotions sealed tight. Sesshomaru's rigid training may have driven out her fear of facing him in combat, but in matters of romance, he was an overprotective, short-tempered, parent and she his only little girl.

Shura felt herself tense when a sturdy hand clapped down on her shoulder. In the water Shura could see her father standing beside her. His expression, as usual, was composed and calm. However there was surprising warmth in his eyes. When the dog lord spoke that same comforting sincerity radiated in his tone.

"Matyeo is fine young man. I think you've done well in choosing him." Shura saw her reflection blush heavily even before she felt the heat on her cheeks and ears. Wide eyed she turned swiftly to her father.

"Wh..what…" the words sputtered from her jaws almost incoherently.

"That is what you want isn't it?" Sesshomaru reaffirmed calmly, turning his eyes to her. "To have Matyeo as your mate?" Shura's mouth went dry and she blushed even harder.

"I…ne…never said that…" she finally managed to respond timidly. It was a weak defense. So weak, in fact, that Sesshomaru dismissed it with a duly noted, "Not out loud."

Shura looked away again. She couldn't argue.

"And If I do?" she questioned shyly after a long pause. In the fountain she saw her father's features soften.

"Then I think Matyeo deserves to know," he replied. His comforting voice flooded over Shura's ears like warm honey. But there was something else, a happiness she hadn't expected. Tears pushed at Shura's eyes making them sting. But she ignored them. Turning she stared up into Sesshomaru's face. Those same puppy eyes that got her everything as a child gazed up at him longingly yet again. But this time the wish wasn't treats, toys or attention, only a father's blessing.

"Really? You mean it?" she asked him. Sesshomaru lifted his hand from her shoulder just long enough to brush away the warm tears from her cheeks.

"Shura, you are old enough snow to make your own choices. But if you're asking if I approve… then yes." The tears were flowing faster now. It was all Shura could do to keep from bawling shamelessly as all her pent up worries melted into a warm haze of relief and happiness. Rising, Shura buried her tear-stained cheeks into the warm comfort of Sesshomaru's boa. The soft fur still had the same scent she remembered—strong, wise and wanting only for her happiness.

"Thanks Pappa." Shura mumbled. Shura heard her father let out a contented sigh. Then came the familiar touch to her left ear as he returned her embrace.

Matyeo looked boorishly round the table at the diplomats gathered before him. The meeting had gone on nearly an hour and the progress he had hoped for had been lost to the usual bickering within the first ten minutes. He had tried to step in at first, he always did, but forcing compromise among creatures like Firestorm, Aurora, Shale and Skybolt was like trying to fight the tide. Throw in the impartial Moon twins who swapped sides depending on the issue and it didn't take long for things to escalate to a migraine inducing level.

Matyeo was fighting such a migraine when Firestorm rose for the umpteenth time. He half hoped it would be some closing remarks and not an open invitation for debate. But his wish was not to be.

"Before we discuss anything else I feel there is one final matter that needs to be settled," the fire dragon announced gruffly. His amber eyes settled on Matyeo. "I speak of course of our young king's reluctance to take a queen."

"Oh crap…" Matyeo groaned unenthusiastically. It took all the restraint he had not to let his head fall sluggishly to the table. Of all the topics Firestorm could have brought up he just had to pick that one! Matyeo's closer allies seemed just as displeased with the topic, for the dragon King saw many of them roll their eyes.

"Must we really bring this up again Firestorm?" asked the Wind ruler, Cyclone. His too was massaging a migraine from his forehead and his voice was tired.

"And why not?" Demanded Firestorm, ignoring Cyclone's fatigue. "It's been close to a decade and still our King has neither a bond to aid his rule nor successors to carry his power."

"Its not our place to decide such things." Kayolin finally put in bluntly. He was clearly annoyed with the topic as well, a fact that sent the fire dragon into yet another temper.

"The hell it isn't!" he snapped fiercely. Firestorm pointed an accusing claw in Matyeo's direction. "As of now our King seems more concerned with those human pets he keeps then the fate of our clans." Kayolin curled his lip slightly.

"What are you saying?" he replied sternly. The question sounded more like a threat. But Firestorm ignored it.

"Our King may have the blood of a ruler, but not the heart!" he growled. Glaring harshly the fire dragon turned to Matyeo. "You Milord, are little more then a cowering child, and if you won't start taking initiative to rule as a grown dragon should, then I will act in your place weather you agree to it or not!"

Now it was Matyeo who glared. The challenge was bold, to bold. But he didn't get the chance to counter it.

"Sinister beast!" Skybolt bellowed, "I'd sooner dig my own grave than see the day you preside over me!"

"Traitors!" Next it was Torrent of the Water clan who spoke. "I should kill you both for saying such things!" he yelled, getting to his feet. Cyclone rose beside him.

"Are the pair of you so stubborn that you'd lead us back to war?"

A pulse of dread resonated through Matyeo's body. No one had to reiterate which war Cyclone had referenced, for there was only one he could have meant. The epic war that almost destroyed the dragon race thousands of years ago, the first and last struggle for ultimate power. It was in the aftermath of that war that his first royal ancestor of Matyeo's lineage was born and from him the clans' elemental power divided. To have another war like that…it would be the end of them all, maybe even dragon kind.

Matyeo knew this well. The very thought of repeating that awful history terrified him. But even more frightening for the young king was seeing it all beginning to unfold right before his eyes. Anxiously he looked around the table of ambassadors. He was clawing at them with his eyes, desperately trying to find some speck of fear, some tiny bit of remorse or worry that another war was looming precariously in their future. But he found none. The clan rulers were numb to everything except their own petty grudges.

"Go ahead, let them fight," the Sun dragon matriarch was insisting snobbishly to Cyclone, "With any luck they'll destroy each other and save my sons the trouble."

"Yes, that would be fortunate for you wouldn't it lady Aurora." One of the Moon brothers cut in. "What better way to claim a territory then to steal it while no one is looking." That set the lady into a temper.

"How dare you accuse me of…" she started to snap, only to find herself cut off by a bemused touch on the shoulder. It was Shale, the shadow ruler.

"And I suppose she should follow your example then?" he defended with an arrogant smirk. Now both Moon brothers were scowling.

"Excuse me!" argued the elder. The noise in the room was terrible. Matyeo pinned his ears back and crushed the finned membranes under his palms. He wanted to blot out the arguments. He tried. But it was no good. The anger and hostility, the awful sound in the room, it was suffocating him!

"SCILENCE! All of you!" Matyeo screamed, slamming both fists on the table. He didn't care about being emotional or that he was taking out his anger on some who called themselves his friends. He was just so furious, furious with the clans, furious with himself, but most of all, furious with the burden that had been put before him. Matyeo parted his fangs slightly. His words escaped in a cold hiss.

"It would seem that I did indeed make a grave mistake. By overestimating your capacity for a trusting and diplomatic co-existence I thought it possible that I might work to make the region a safe and peaceful one. But obviously my faith in you as respectable individuals was foolish and misguided." Matyeo closed his eyes tightly. It was the only way he could mask the pain that was beginning to well in them. "I will make no further ventures from this palace and bind myself to whichever female can endure the combat trials if that is what it takes. But know this. I will not let there be another war! And anyone who dares to challenge that ruling will not leave this room alive! Do I make myself clear!"

The ambassadors nodded their heads methodically. It was what they wanted. Still, none of them even dared to crack a smile.

"Good." Matyeo snorted at the reaction. Then he turned, too disgusted to look at any of them anymore. "Now get out!" He ordered. The shuffling of bodies sounded behind him and gradually the diplomats' footsteps faded into silence. All that is, except one. Kayolin was still standing there at his side. Matyeo could sense his concern without even looking.

"You realize what you've just done? Lord Firestorm and Lord Skybolt will surely have their daughters compete for you." His ally's concerned observation grated across Matyeo's ears like sandpaper. The old dragon's worry was useless. And frankly it pissed him off to hear it now, after he had yielded to a future the earth dragon and his comrades had forced upon him.

"I said leave." Matyeo snarled. He didn't even flinch when his words came out so hateful, nor did he bat an eye when Kayolin backed away and whispered with hurt in his voice.

"As you wish my King.

Something was wrong. Both she and her father could feel it the moment they stepped back inside. The air was alive with tension. Clan members, servants, guards, nearly everyone was exchanging nervous glances and whispered remarks. Looking around Shura gradually picked out the diplomats with her eyes. They were in the process of dispersing to rejoin their kin; meaning of course that Matyeo's meeting with them had ended some time ago. Feeling suddenly uneasy Shura searched the room for Matyeo. If the atmosphere was any indication, things had not gone well for him. Among the faces Shura found Kayolin's. At first glance the Earth dragon seemed extremely distressed, but his features lightened once he saw them. Silently, Sesshomaru gestured him over with his eyes. Then before Shura could even comment her father nudged her sharply. Shura picked up on the cue and tried hard not to blush as she spoke.

"Um Kayolin…have you seen where Matyeo went off to?" The earth dragon smiled warmly and for an instant his expression reverted back to its normal cheeriness.

"He's on his way down. You might be able to catch him if you hurry." The dragon informed politely. Shura bowed thankfully then quickly departed. Kayolin had news. That much she knew. But she wanted to find Matyeo. Whatever it was she would hear it from him. And after that… Shura felt her heart start to pound again. After that she would confess everything. Passing through the room Shura swiftly rounded a corner. Whomp! A warm, solid mass sent her stumbling backwards with surprise.

"Sorry dear," a calm, fatherly voice apologized. Shura felt a sturdy hand catch her wrist and steady her back before she fell ungracefully onto her tail. Looking up dizzily Shura saw the Wind dragon patriarch Cyclone come into focus. "You alright?"

"Yes, fine Sir." She mumbled, retesting her balance. Behind the Wind ruler eight of his nine daughters were chattering incessantly.

"Well I certainly can't believe it can you?" One of the younger teens was saying.

"No. Our king is the last one I'd expect to agree to that old custom." Remarked a second girl.

"I agree." Added a third, her nose turned upward. "Picking a mate based on her willingness to fight. It's so primitive."

"And dangerous." Another girl chimed in.

Shura's ears flattened and her heart leapt to her throat. Was she hearing things?

"What do you mean?" she stammered. Shura tensed when ten sets of eyes fell to her.

"Haven't you heard?" A middle child questioned. Shura shook her head, the tension inside her growing. Zaphyra stepped forward. Her expression was stern but also quite sad.

"Matyeo just announced that he will marry the clan heiress can win the combat trials." Shura's insides sank. For a single, horrifying instant it felt as though the world had been ripped out from under her.

"What!" she barley managed to exclaim. The dragons looked to one another, suddenly aware, it seemed of why she was so upset.

Yanking her arm away Shura shoved past the sisters and took off running. Already she could feel the panic rising in her chest, the icy fear of loosing her love before she even realized it. But most of all she felt rage.

Shura swore through her clenched fangs as she honed in on Matyeo's scent. Whatever the explanation was she would tear through it to get the truth.