A/N: Thanks to my beta Azzie for going over this and to anyone who read/reviewed/favorited/followed/etc.!
Chapter One: Coming Out of Hiding:
The day came, and the dog-demon family gathered in Chicago to appear on the news there, announcing the demons' existence on world news before going to a nearby city in the suburbs to meet their fiancés, which all lived in the same area, and most of whom attended the same high school.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and snarled at the newslady trying to show him how to use the microphone, and she backed away nervously.
"Stop that." Inutaisho scolded, and Sesshomaru shut up, but his eyes held nothing but hatred towards his father for this second—or was it third?—betrayal.
Sunlight streamed through the windows for a brief instant before it disappeared, the dark, ominous clouds winning the battle. Soon after, raindrops pelted the glass, the sudden downpour causing people to look outside in concern. An air of tension hung thickly over the mortal nations, making everyone tense and jumpy, as if they subconsciously knew that their world was about to change for good.
"Listen up!" No one listened. "Come on class, time for announcements!" The four troublemakers ignored him, and they held all but three or four of their classmates' attentions. The others were diligently working or talking quietly in pairs, completely oblivious to the world.
Sighing, the unfortunate study hall teacher turned on the proxima and set up the newscast.
"Ooh, we're watching TV!" Jenise, the girl causing most of the trouble, giggled. They finally sat down and got a bit quieter.
"Every culture has its legends of terrible creatures called demons." the news reporter began, obviously nervous, which was unusual for a news reporter. "These demons—the Japanese yokai—approached the UN and other influential, peace-motivated governments, asking for peace and the ability to live amongst us as one people. They have even gone so far as to arrange marriages. Starting today, those countries whose governments have agreed will accept the demons who wish to live there as citizens of equal rights. We ask you to treat them with courtesy and respect, and help them in any way necessary. They mean you no harm, and merely want to live their lives without hiding. There is a jail system for demons that refuse to comply." A number flashed across the screen as the view switched to a family, most of whom had inhuman characteristics.
"This is the Inu Clan of yokai, a pack of royal dog demons led by the Great Dog General, Inutaisho." The news reporter stumbled slightly on all the foreign words, but made it through her part with some dignity left, which said a lot for her courage as she stood to hand the lead demon the microphone.
"I am Inutaisho." he said in a deep, soothing voice. "I have worked with my people for many decades on this project and am proud to say I believe it will work. Many of my own kin have accepted humans as their mates. My youngest son Inuyasha has been married to a human woman for five hundred years now. She now shares some of our youki and our longevity. Their children have also taken anonymous humans for their own lovers, whom they shall meet today.
"We ask that you do not approach us to seek our power, but merely let us live alongside you. Precautions have been taken for your safety. There has been a market set up for those who wish to have yokai serve as their bodyguards. We are willing to fight to defend you in the national army as well. We have lived amongst you since the Feudal Era of Japan, over five hundred years ago, in increasing secrecy. Our race is almost to the point of extinction. Once again, all we ask is that you allow us to openly declare ourselves, while remaining as your friends and neighbors. To all my fellow yokai out there, do not be ashamed any longer. Step forward and be proud. We, yokai and humans, are equals now."
"To an extent." someone in the classroom muttered. The teacher opened his mouth, then closed it with a shrug. They were right. Humans did not have youki, but they did have nuclear weapons, which demons didn't have.
One of the girls in the back by the window studied the screen carefully as Inutaisho continued. "One of the easiest ways to tell a demon apart from a human is by their ears and eyes. Our ears, as you may have already noticed, are pointed. Our eyes have slitted pupils, and vary in color. My eldest son here, Sesshomaru, and myself carry marks of nobility." He indicated his wrists and the marks on his cheeks. His son glared at the camera emotionlessly. No, that wasn't right. He was beyond emotions. He was well past furious. The girl, Melody, shuddered.
"I pity whoever gets stuck with him." her friend murmured beside her, and Melody nodded emphatically, causing them both to laugh.
"Same here!" They giggled for another moment as the news droned on until the bell. They stood, continuing the conversation.
"Still, what a thing to drop on us the last day before break!" Erin exclaimed. Melody nodded.
"I know, right? It's awful." she agreed quickly. Grabbing their things, they raced for the cafeteria, Melody stopping to meet her boyfriend by her locker.
"Neither of you is engaged to a demon now right?" Erin teased.
"Not that I know of!" Melody practically sang, kissing her boyfriend quickly before switching out her Physics books for her English binder. "Let's go!" She raced after Erin down the hall, dragging the unfortunate boy behind her.
Sesshomaru sighed heavily, watching Rin and Jaken argue over A-un. They stood in front of the news building, watching the crowds scurry nervously by. The news may have been meant to reassure them, but most people were terrified. Or just simply didn't know what to make of this strange creature that glared at them furiously.
"You're not helping our friendly image, you know." Inutaisho scolded gently from nearby. Sesshomaru just grunted in reply, not even gracing his father with a glance in his direction. They caught a ride out to Aurora, and having to deal with traffic extended the trip by almost an hour. By the time they got to their destination, the school was about to let out. They split up so that everyone could meet their respective fiancés as soon as possible. Inutaisho went with Sesshomaru to ensure that he behaved.
The house was in a quiet, well-tended neighborhood. Not fabulously rich, but not dirt-poor either. Averagely middle-class. Sesshomaru wasn't impressed, either from modesty or wealth. Time to get this over with.