CHAPTER 12

The Lady of The West woke up the next morning completely totally and utterly hung over. After having endured Botan's rebuff, She had gone through the entire jug of sake.

"That stuff just had to be enchanted." she muttered to herself as she rose from her bed. She was still fully clothed and her night gown had entangled itself around her shoulders and mid section. She had no recollection of even leaving where she sat the night before.

For only the briefest of moments, she thought that she was at her palace. But, as her vision slowly cleared, she was vividly reminded of her present circumstances. "That's right, I'm still in this accursed tent!"

She rose slowly trying not to stagger as she recalled the hot springs not too far away from her tent. After a brief inspection of her clothing, she stripped very carefully and prepared to go bathe. "I guess that this garment will have to do today." she mumbled to herself as she ambled naked to the water.

This was to be Rin's day of rest. There was much at stake with these negotiations tomorrow and she needed to be at her best.

Rin rose early this morning, even before her maidservants. It was her intention to stroll the gardens near Sesshomaru's quarters before everyone had gotten up. Today she found herself missing her lord even more than usual so she sought his strength by just being alone near his rooms. She'd secretly done this many times before now. But today, it almost seemed like a necessity.

Rin had gotten about half way to her objective when she was suddenly startled by a second figure approaching her.

It was Hontu. He was returning from his night watch and was headed for his quarters when he spotted Rin along the walkway.

"Good morning Lady Rin!" he said almost too cheerily.

Rin hid the annoyance of her solitude now broken by smiling warmly at the warrior. "Good morning Master Hontu. How are you this fine day?"

"I am well Milady." he said smiling. Hontu then tipped his head in amusement. "But what brings you up so early? And barely clothed at that?" Rin had not taken notice. She was wearing only her sleeping yukata and just one kimono at the moment. She was dressed, just not well dressed.

Hontu removed his cloak that he wore for warmth at night and went to wrap it around the girl. While Rin did not have youkai ears, it was very easy to hear the quickened heartbeat of this demon as he slowly wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "There!" he said with an air of satisfaction. "Let me escort you back to your rooms."

Rin was caught between anger and annoyance. This demon had taken one liberty too many in too short a space of time. She knew where she was going, she needed no escort, she wanted no company. "I'd better take care of this now. If I give the wrong impression, and he thinks I care for him, when Lord Sesshomaru does return, he will kill him. Rin allowed herself the escort.

As they walked in silence, Rin could tell that Hontu wanted to speak to her. He kept eyeing her as they walked as if looking for the proper moment. She did nothing to encourage him.

All too soon (at least for Hontu), they stood at the doors that lead to her quarters. With one fluid motion, Rin spun out of Hontu's cloak, folded the garment and handed it to him.

"You may keep it if you need it Milady." he said softly. Rin gave a smile and a soft sigh. "You know that I can't." Slowly, Hontu took his cape from Rin's hand and stepped closer to her. Rin made no move to step away. Taking Rin's stance as a sign of approval, Hontu became a bit bolder. He cleared his throat and went further to tenderly take her hand.

"When Lord Sesshomaru returns, I will ask him if he will give you to me. But that is not enough." Hontu then got on one knee. "Rin will you be my life mate?".

Rin sighed quietly. She had been expecting this. But it made her response no easier. Rin pulled her hand away from his.

Hontu's head dropped in dejection until he felt that same hand cup the side of his face. Rin gently lifted it so that he could not escape her gaze. Overjoyed at the possibility that this gesture could bring, he looked into her eyes.

"Before I answer your question, please answer a few of mine."

"Ask me anything Milady." Hontu practically whimpered.

Rin smiled. "How long have you known of me?"

Hontu's face contorted into an unspoken question. "Since you entered these walls as a child. All court members know."

Rin then cocked an eyebrow. " And, how long have you known me?"

Hontu could now sense the direction of this inquiry.

"Not that long Milady." he said uncomfortably.

Rin then gave an amused smile. "Now tell me… Do you love me?.. Do you love what I may represent to you?.. Or do you love the idea of loving me?" Hontu could only stutter as he tried to escape both Rin's piercing gaze and her grip on his face.

"I thought as much." Rin said lovingly with a touch of amusement. "Please stand Hontu, I wish to show you something." The warrior clumsily got off of his knee and regarded the girl.

"What I show you now must be kept in the strictest of confidence. Do I have a vow of silence from you?" Hontu gave a shaky and uncomfortable nod. While his intention had appeared to have been defeated, Rin was still talking to him. Perhaps he could still win her with this display.

Rin carefully pulled at the side of her kimono and bared her neck to the demon.

"Please look here." she said softly.

Hontu then stepped closer, and examined Rin's neck. "You have already been marked!" he said just above a whisper.

"Yes, I have." Rin said as she went to cover herself.

Hontu snorted in disgust. "Is this your reason for not accepting me?" He gave a small chuckle. "If this is all that stands in the way of me having you, I will simply kill the upstart!"

Rin just chuckled. "Oh please don't do that!" she said still laughing softly. Hontu was not amused. In fact, he was rather determined now. He found Rin's laughter to be an encouragement.

"Would you like for me to kill him for you?" He offered happily. "If this is what is required for me to prove myself to you, you have but to give me a name. He will be dead before sundown!" Rin still smiled at the warrior before her as she returned her hand to his face. Hontu cuddled into her warm touch in spite of his efforts not to. Rin continued to smile, but her next words came with complete seriousness.

"No name will be given, because I love him." she said looking at him intensely. "But more important, I know that he loves me. What you feel however, is not love. Admiration possibly… infatuation maybe… but not love." Rin then slowly removed her hand and let it drop to her side.

Hontu hung his head in defeat. This beautiful, brave and brilliant girl had him pegged. There were no words left to say to her. Nothing more that he could or do…. or was there?

There was a moment of silence between the two before Hontu spoke again. "Milady?" he said softly as he backed away, "Please know that I will consider your words as I hope you will still consider mine. And, in time, should you be correct, please know that my life is yours no matter what may happen."

Hontu then bowed and took his leave.

Remembering the keen hearing that youkai possessed, Rin whispered "Thank you Hontu. I will remember and cherish that life always." Rin was not close enough to see the tears in Hontu's eyes when he'd heard her speak those words.

Indeed, he had decided. No matter what may happen, he would always be hers to command - even if she had been marked by Lord Sesshoamru himself.

The dip in the hot springs sobered her, while the dip in the cool pond refreshed her. The Lady of The West climbed out of the cool waters and proceeded to shake herself dry in the predictable dog like fashion.

As she focused in on her small encampment, she found it much changed since her bath. A modest canopy now stood where a once majestic sleeping tent was. Beneath it sat a lounge with a small table and chair. On the table sat both a glass and a pitcher of some unknown liquid, along with a platter of her favorite morning foods. Exactly how it was that The Oracle knew her tastes, eluded her. Clean garments had been laid out with care on the lounge.

"Would that my own servants were half this diligent." she mumbled as she sat naked in the chair to enjoy her repast.

After finishing her meal, The Lady took a moment to lounge and enjoy the steadily warming breezes as they passed. When suddenly, another swirl of smoke began to appear in front of her. The Lady let out a warning growl before speaking.

"Botan! Have you come back to beg my forgiveness?" She barked with some sarcasm as the smoke took form. The Lady was disappointed to find not Botan, but a female attendant amid the clearing mists.

A pleasant looking dark haired woman with piercing gray eyes smiled at the taiyouki. "Good morning Milady. I am Tika. I have been sent here to fix your hair and help you to dress." The woman then bowed and went strait to the lounge to arrange the clothing in correct order for wear.

The Lady quirked an eye at her attendant and laughed sarcastically. "Do you have any witty banter for me this morning?" Tika did not bother to turn her head.

"No Milady I do not. I am to assist you to dress, fix your hair, and remind you to walk west. Nothing more."

The Lady then groaned into a small growl. "Then let me let you get to your task." Tika still remained focused on the clothing in front of her. "As you wish." came the curt reply.

Nothing more was said between the two women as Tika helped The Lady prepare for the last leg of her trip.

Sesshomaru did not sleep last night. He was far too concerned about what The Oracle may have to say about Rin. His beloved Rin. It was not until daybreak that he was fully able to come to terms with his true feelings about this girl.

Yes, he did love her. But it was more than that. He needed her. She completed him. Just as the flowers needed water and sun, just night was nothing without the day. He did not only miss her, he yearned for her.

The sound of her laughter, the sparkle in her eyes when she smiled only for him. He needed to hear her beautiful voice. Thinking of Rin's voice, Sesshomaru allowed himself a small smile.

He longed to hear that voice lost in the throws of passion…to hear his name fall sweetly from her lips… calling for his touch alone… to feel her cling to him as a mate should. Without her, he may as well be dead.

This morning Sesshomaru had come to a decision. If the fates were cruel enough to let him glimpse happiness only to take it away, if he was to live the remainder of his days without her for any reason, he would kill Rin, and then join her in death.

For him, there would be no further point to living. What good was the greatest empire if you had no one to share it with.

As Sesshomaru slowly gathered his resolve for his decision, a gentle hand rested itself upon his shoulder. There was no need for either surprise or inquiry. He already knew who stood by him on his present perch.

The Oracle did not look at the taiyoukai, but instead held her gaze to the horizon before them.

"Did you not realize that the night is darkest just before dawn?" she said casually. Sesshomaru remained silent.

A warm smile graced The Oracle's face as she gave Sesshomaru a side glance.

"Do not harbor such dark thoughts young lord. Your future and the future of your house is very bright."

Sesshomaru gave a barely audible huff of disbelief. To this, The Oracle smiled.

"You must understand the past before you can proceed with your future."

Sesshomaru slowly let his gaze turn to the being that stood beside him. "What past is there for me to know? Have I not lived it already?"

The Oracle turned her gaze back to the brightening horizon.

"The past of which I speak began before you were born." There are things you need to know about that happened well before your very conception."

The Oracle's facial expression then grew very dark. " Your mother has much to account for."

Sesshomaru had closed his eyes for the briefest of moments intending to speak. But when he opened them, he was alone once again. And, once again, he'd heard her voice on the wind.

"Eat. Rest. Be at ease. All will be revealed sooner than you think."

This time, Sesshomaru decided to act on the suggestions given.

He reasoned that he would be of no use to himself or to Rin if he were exhausted.

He went back to the alcove that was first presented to him to find that it was somehow larger with a hot spring, a true bed, and another platter of food. He raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"So be it then."

The Lady of the West was in need of no mirror. She knew that she looked good! Her maidservant seemed nonplused.

The Lady struck a pose thoroughly content with the new variation of her former outfit. "You may compliment me now!" she said in a very haughty voice.

"My opinion holds no value to you Milady." Tika said in a matter of fact tone. The taiyoukai barely glanced in her direction.

"True." she said with a smirk.

Tika smiled in the face of that smirk.

"Just as your opinion holds no value to me."

The Lady's eyes flashed red as she spun about to slap the woman for her obvious insolence. But, when she was about to deliver the blow, she found herself amid another large swirl of smoke.

When all had finally cleared, she was alone. Everything had suddenly disappeared and she stood in the middle of nothing but desert.

Suddenly Tika's voice could be heard on the wind.

"To the west with you now!" she said dismissingly. The Lady let out a very frightening growl before she started walking.

Having what stood to be her only quiet moment for thoughts of Sesshomaru irreparably interrupted, Rin went in to bathe and properly dress for the day.

When neither handmaiden found their mistress in bed when they came for her, they became crazed with worry. Both women all but toppled her over as they rushed to her in a whirl of flaring hands and questions. It was Hitome that caught a whiff of Hontu's scent first.

"Milady, may I ask a question?" she said timidly. Rin giggled a bit. "You will ask regardless my friend! What is It?"

"The scent is very faint, but I must ask. Did you see Hontu this morning?" Rin gave a quick sigh. "Yes Hitome, I did. He ran into me as I was walking earlier." The two women went silent.

Rin then went to remove the kimono she was presently wearing and handed it to her. "These clothes will need to be washed. I need any trace of his scent gone. I will also be taking a bath." Rin then smiled almost to herself. "We had a talk. And, I believe that Hontu now understands the difference between "like" and "love".

Reu rolled her eyes. "As if that young pup ever stood a chance with you to begin with!" she huffed. All three women laughed heartily.

After a bath and a long rest, Sesshomaru decided to explore the mountain palace.

While he knew that he was not alone, there seemed to be no servants immediately visible.

He'd absentmindedly wandered down a hall or two before he found himself standing in front of the door that The Oracle had pointed out to him earlier.

The bedroom that she and his father had shared so long ago.

Inu Taisho's scent was just as strong now as it was when this room was first presented to him. Indeed had he not known for the fact that his father was dead, he'd have sworn that he was on the other side of this door.

Sesshomaru pushed his hearing to its limit. Perhaps he was hoping against hope to detect some kind of movement in that room. But to no avail. Nothing stirred.

Quietly, he reached for the door handle.

"Are you that curious?" Came the amused inquiry from beside him suddenly.

Sesshoamru snapped his hand back trying to hide the embarrassment of having been caught in the act. He dared not look into the Oracle's gaze for fear of showing the painfully obvious blush that he was now wearing on his face. The Oracle just chuckled.

"Trust me when I say that the room is empty of all but a memory."

The Oracle then ghosted past Sesshomaru and headed toward the main hall. Sesshomaru gave the door one final look before he followed her in silence.

Once they were in the main hall, The Oracle turned to face the taiyoukai.

"Your mother will be here very shortly. I only ask that you give her a moment to adjust to her surroundings when she comes." Sesshomaru gave a nod as he took one more glance in the direction of the bedchamber.

The Oracle smiled. "As for that room, only I can open that door. As I'd told you earlier, time moves at a different pace within those walls. You are 'outside' of that time. Hence the door will not open for you. But if you wish, when this visit comes to its conclusion, I will open it for you." Sesshomaru tried to feign no interest, But The Oracle could easily see his content expression.

The Oracle then went to one of her pools and waved her hand over it. "It is time I guided your mother here." she said with authority.

"Because you had followed my instruction, I did not leave you to walk far before bringing you here. The Oracle then gave a mischievous grin. "I let her walk for a while - a long while."

Within the pool of water Sesshomaru could see his mother trudging along. Her steps lacked their usual grace, the tidy hair style that Tika had done was now an unrecognizable mass, and… the great and proud Lady Of The West, was in a pool of her own perspiration! Had Sesshomaru been of a slightly different temperament, he'd have broken into laughter.

As it was, it was all that he could do to hide his very obvious amusement at the sight.

The Oracle then waved her hand again. Within the pool, the image of his mother suddenly became distorted and vague. Sesshomaru then remembered when he was caught up within the same winds as his mother. Indeed she would be here in moments.

The waters within the pool cleared to show The Lady at the foot of the same staircase that Sesshomaru had found himself at earlier.

The Oracle then spoke into the pool instructing her just as she had instructed him either as to walking or taking flight. The Lady chose flight and was at the entrance way in seconds.

The Oracle went to offer greetings as Sesshomaru stayed behind.

The Lady looked the beaten sight when she finally crossed the threshold. Once inside, she spotted her 'hostess' almost immediately.

"Are you the one who sent for me?" she said with a poorly masked growl.

The Oracle smiled. " I am."

Before any introduction could be given, before another word could be spoken, The Lady of the West was upon her with bared claw and fang.

"Allow me to show you my gratitude wench!" she said with a roar.

Before Sesshomaru could lift a hand in her defense, The Oracle's body was reduced to a broken and bloody heap with but a few slashes of The Lady's claws.

In an uncharacteristic display of emotion, Sesshomaru rushed over in shock to what remained of The Oracle's body and shouted. "Mother! What have you done?"

The Lady of the West smiled a toothy satisfied smile as she licked the blood off of her claws. "I've just rid you of an irritation! You will thank me later, I'm sure!"

Sesshomaru stood over the body still in shock. "Come my son," she commanded, "let us go home."

The Lady then proceeded to take her leave when light laughter from behind her left her frozen with fear.

"Ah Midori, you still deign to believe that you are in control …even here." The Oracle then leisurely strolled from out of the shadows.

The Lady of the West went pale. "I …I.. killed you! She said disbelieving. "Your blood is on my hands!" "Your body…."

The Lady spun to look at the corpse at her feet only to be shocked anew.

Instead of the beautiful female form swimming in her own blood, she looked to find the broken bodies of two moremembers of the elite guard that she had left at Sesshomaru's palace. The Lady placed her fists to her face as it contorted itself in wide eyed absolute horror.

Master Toru had taken the pair back to the second palace of the west with the full intention of carving them to bits just as Rin had done her previous enemy.

He would get within eye sight of the castle before turning around on his charges only to find the pair in a bloody heap at his feet.

When their bodies would suddenly disappear before him, he would dismiss it simply as a ward placed upon the palace for any who failed The Lady of The West. He would spit where their blood still stained the ground, and head back to Sesshomaru's palace unconcerned.

The Oracle stepped up to the corpses and with a casual wave of her hand, they were gone.

"Those two held no wish to serve Lady Rin. You've just saved Master Toru the aggravation of having to kill them. When you return home, you will find their rotting carcasses waiting for you to the right of your main gate.

These corpses will have an enchantment placed on them that will not allow anyone else but you to touch them. You will have to 'clean up your mess'." she said with a half smile.

The Lady of the West fully understood the reference as her mind flashed to that fated afternoon when Sesshomaru had brutally dispatched her other two guards.

The Oracle then strolled past The Lady to her throne.

"Oh!" she said, turning her gaze slightly in her direction as if it were an after thought, "The corpses of your hired assassins will be waiting for you as well. You will find them, rotting to the left of your main gate."

The Lady opened her mouth to speak but her words were abruptly cut off by a sudden cool breeze and The Oracle's even cooler stare.

"Rin did a rather impressive job of cutting them to bits! Those bodies await your attentions also."

The Oracle gave an almost sinister chuckle as she continued to her throne.

The Lady was left dumbfounded and speechless. It was only the heated growl of a seething Sesshomaru that snapped her back to her senses. Slowly… very slowly, she regarded her son.

Sesshomaru's eyes had hazed over to red. His fangs were in plain sight. And he held his fists so tightly, that his claws had punctured through his palms, letting his blood flow freely.

"You tried to have Rin killed when I would not be there to protect her?" he inquired barely containing his rage.

"She has been trying to kill the girl for years." came the response from The Oracle who was now seated majestically upon her throne.

"Tell him Midori. Tell the boy. He wants to know."

The Lady had been cornered. Her next words came slow and cautious. She could see that Sesshomaru was at the brink of madness. Any wrong word spoken, and he would surly kill her right there where she stood.

"I did what I felt was necessary for the survival of our clan!" she shouted. " You have not lived up to your responsibilities ever since that little human came to the western lands!"

Sesshomaru's growl then dropped an octave as he summoned his poisons to his hands.

His mother saw the pending threat and spoke again quickly.

"You are barely home to govern, and you refuse every political marriage I arrange for you! I have bent over backwards convincing other lords of your strength and virtue, but that little scrap of a girl always takes precedent! She needs to die so that you can regain your proper focus and rule your lands!" she concluded on an exhale.

Exasperated, The Lady breathed heavily.

Sesshomaru laughed a slow and deadly laugh. "My 'proper focus' did you say? He growled through still clenched teeth, "I believe that I know what this is all about. You're afraid of her aren't you mother? You are afraid of what I might do.

You are afraid that I would shame you as father did by taking a human mate. This has never been about the clan, or government, or my producing an heir. It has always been about your wounded pride!"

Sesshomaru's obvious rage suddenly segued into morbid curiosity. His stance relaxed only slightly as his growl toned down to a deadly purr.

"Or is there more to this that you do not wish for me to know?"

The initial sense of panic that The Lady had experienced had subsided somewhat. She composed herself as she allowed her youkai to flair causing her eyes to go red in turn. She then boldly faced her son.

"I have asked you more than once son… exactly what is Rin to you? What makes her more important than the house of the west?

When did she become more important than … your lands.. .your power….. or me?"

The sound of clapping could be heard from the throne. For the first time that Sesshomaru could recall, The Oracle's face held no expression at all. Her eyes however, were cold when she looked upon his mother.

"Brilliant performance Midori. As if the great lady of the west would be jealous of a mere human girl!" she said sarcastically as she continued clapping.

The Oracle then rose from her throne and slowly approached the female taiyoukai.

"I'll give credit where it is due. You do spin a lovely yarn. But the time to tell tales to your son has long passed. And, he is in need of the truth - The whole truth." The Oracle then went to circle The Lady. She walked slowly… deliberately…purposely forcing eye contact from the female taiyoukai.

"While it would be simple for me to tell this truth, he should hear it from you."

The Oracle then went back to sit to her throne and sat.

"Your son awaits your story." She said with a gesture of her hand, "Tell it."

As angry as Sesshomaru was, he had to admit, he was also curious.

What was his mother's bloodline? He never knew.. or rather he never bothered to ask.

What really was the cause of the wedge between her and his father? The true cause that would send an Inu Taiyoukai into the arms of a human female?

When did the wedge between his father and himself truly solidify? And why did she truly want Rin dead so badly?

Sesshomaru tamped down his considerable rage and folded his arms awaiting is mother's response.

The Lady of The West cast a hard look at The Oracle before glairing viciously at Sesshomaru.

"Alright." she growled. " But just remember my son, there are some truths that are not meant to be spoken."

"Speak them anyway." came the glottal response.

The Lady then cleared her throat and began.

"I am Lady Midori, first female child of Lord Zintsu and Lady Mara of the Southern Lands." One could hear the pride in Midori's voice as she spoke.

" Both of my parents were very strong and powerful youkai.

They were strong in spirit, mind and body. How I envied them! While father was not cruel, he was not overly kind either. He ruled with an iron hand."

The Lady smiled to herself. "How I longed to be just like him."

Because of the curse of my gender, I was told by my father that I would never rule any land. "Females do not rule. It simply was not done."

The best way that I could serve my house and my clan, was to be wed to a powerful taiyoukai and give him a suitable heir. Needless to say, I was crushed by this revelation. I wanted neither a mate nor a child… I wanted a kingdom!" she growled with clenched fists.

It was my mother who found me crying like a weakling over this truth one day, and it was she that gave me my single shard of hope.

"It is not necessary for you to sit on the throne to rule any land my daughter." She said to me.

"Stay close to your mate. Listen to all things…. especially all things political. Ask well placed questions, but feign both the lack of understanding and interest… then plot your strategies.

Those suggestions which cannot be whispered into your mate's ear in the bedroom, can be whispered into the ears of other males… those who seek favor in the courts."

The lady of The West then smiled with pride.

"It would soon be revealed to me that It was not my father but my mother who truly ruled the Southern lands! I spent each day that followed her talk learning from her."

The Lady took a moment to pause in her story.

Only Sesshomaru was listening attentively as he tried to put on a passive appearance.

The Oracle, on the other hand, seemed to be checking to make sure that no detail had been left out.

The Lady continued.

"Soon, the day came when I was told that I was to wed the dog general of the west." The Lady 'humped' in disgust.

"I wanted no part of it. However, this union was how Icould serve mypeople….and myself if I played it right.

Taisho was at least strong and powerful, I took some comfort with that. But for me, this was a contractual agreement meant to strengthen the ties of our household - nothing more."

The Lady gave Sesshomaru a cold side glance. "And you, my son, were merely the product of me holding up my part of that contract!"

If The Lady's words stung Sesshomaru even in the slightest, he made no indication - but he was hurt. His mother had all but called him an inconvenience to be endured.

Lady Midori of the Southern Lands then turned to face her son.

"Your father was a fool!" she said with acidic hatred. "A stupid delusional fool!" she barked. His first mistake was being smitten by my beauty. All inu youkai of my house are beautiful! We're bred for perfection.

His second mistake," she said with a purr, " was actually falling in love with me before I gave a damn about him!"

The Lady then twisted her face with an air of disgust as she began to pace the floor. "How I hated it when that weakling touchedme! When I had finally become pregnant with you, his fawning was absolutely sickening!

I made a personal vow that you would never know love or compassion. YOU would grow to be a ruthless and powerful youkai king under my tutelage. Through you, I would have my kingdom. But, until you were old enough to rule, I had to suffer through your father's company.

I left both your weaning and your over all upbringing to the servants. You were healthy and strong and my obligation to you was now at its conclusion. I left you with strict instructions.

Show no emotion. Teach no emotion.

You were to grow to become that which your name implies - The Killing Perfection…. MY killing perfection. I had even gone so far as to have those wet nurses that even deigned to so much as sing you a lullaby put to death." Sesshomaru cringed inwardly. Could his mother have been that cruel?

The Lady of The West gave her son a long hard stare. "Do you still wish to hear more of the truth?" She hissed hatefully. Sesshomaru gave a shaky nod of consent.

Far too much about his life was beginning to make sense to him. Sesshomaru was finding it all to be overwhelming. Outwardly, he was fighting to simply stand and appear unmoved by the revelations given. But inwardly, he reeled from the implications of his mother's statements.

The Lady of The West seemed to enjoy watching her son in his present state of distress. She had just taken a great gamble.

She showed her feelings - her true feelings.

She never cared for Inu Taisho and she never wanted Sesshomaru.

With any luck, Sesshomaru's will would simply crumble under her revelation leaving him a weak and willing tool for what ever she had planned for her kingdom. The Lady did not let up her attack.

"Your father was a hopeless dreamer!" she further growled. "He actually dared to question life as we knew it!"

"Why are there stars? Do the heavens hold life? What lands lay beyond the great waters? Are all humans the same? If not what are the differences? Bah! A youkai does not ask questions of this nature - EVER!

"The stars light the heavens and there is no life there beyond the birds that fly. OUR land is the ONLY land that should matter to you! And humans? … ALL humans are vermin!" she concluded with a hiss.

"Your father sought answers to questions that no one asked!"

The Lady then made her way to stand before The Oracle as if to plead her case.

"And when he received no satisfactory answer to his questions, he actually had the nerve to go and FIND them! How was I to live with that?! We had lands to rule! An empire to build! Taisho had shown no interest at all!"

For the entire time that The Lady of The West spoke, The Oracle sat with her hand to her chin as if in deep thought.

While she was not judge, jury or executioner, she was responsible for the balance between the two races. Slowly, she regarded her scales. They still hung in mid air to the side of her throne, where they had been since Sesshomaru's arrival.

But they were not at balance.. Not even near balance. While The Lady of The West did speak truth, she did not speak all of the truth.

The Oracle rose from her seat. For her, Sesshomaru's pain was all but palpable. As she approached him, He suddenly had the appearance of an abandoned child. And in truth, had he not been?

His mother made no time for him. While his father was never home to offer guidance of any kind. it's a small wonder that his loneliness did not bring him to madness!

"I wanted for you to see this later. But I believe that it is better if I shown now. Will the both of you please follow me." The Oracle then passed between both youkai, motioning them to follow.

Once again, Sesshomaru found himself at the door of The Oracle's bedchamber. While his mother had no knowledge as to the history of this room, she had scented Inu Taisho. Her eyes went wide.

The Oracle took in a deep breath, then turned to address the pair in front of her. "Had you not been so impulsive Midori, I would have explained this room to you. But it is enough for me that Sesshomaru knows.

Once I open this door, please remember - what you see is a memory held in this room only. Shadows of the pastthat I hope will enlighten both of you."

The Lady was both curious about the room, and grateful to no longer be the center of attention. Sesshomaru however, was not sure exactly how much more emotional upheaval he would be able to take.

Both looked on with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. The Oracle then pushed open the door.

"Behold."

The door slowly swung open and the lighting within became gradually brighter. As the three entered the modest chamber they would all be rendered speechless.

There… leisurely lounging on an ornate bed, while casually sipping on a cup of sake… the trio would find….

Inu Taisho.