When I used Bing, Yahoo, and Google to see if I could find anymore Hiei Sesshomaru fan fictions I got a fun surprise. If you search for "Hiei Sesshomaru Yaoi" one of the first things that came up was In Need of a Title or my Profile (on Google). I was excited. I jumped up from the computer and had to go tell my husband right away. At the same time I was sad. I cannot seem to find another writer for this pairing. Mind you I am only looking for English so there may be another person out there but I can't seem to find anything. Oh well, I guess I get to keep writing this and see if another story may come out of me for this pairing. Oh….so many ideas are already bouncing in my head. I really must finish this chapter at least before I can start writing another one.

O.O will be the break markers from now on.

I do not own Inu or YYH. I wish I did but I do not. If I ever got the chance we would be looking at cross over specials. Oh the fun that could happen with that.

Chapter 7

Sesshomaru and Hiei walked through the gates of their home. It was much like it had been over five hundred years ago, just a few modern improvements. The guards did not give them any problem when they walked through the gates and soon they were greeted by a group of court members wishing to get on their lords good sides. There were lords that even Sesshomaru did not know, but again there were many that had walked these halls before the inu was even born. Hiei had not been exposed to the court much during his stay with Sesshomaru as they had only been mated for a short time before coming to the present. Each of the minor lords whispered among themselves as each came to greet the long absent Lords of the West.

Over an hour later Sesshomaru had Hiei in his lap once again in their bed room that Rin had preserved for them. It did not smell like it was over five hundred years unused. It was the very room they had been in just a few weeks before in their timeline. Time travel really is hard to keep straight in your head. (1)

The smaller demon did not know if he liked Sesshomaru using his larger size to treat him like a woman but he could not say he disliked being in Sesshomaru's arms. He loved being surrounded by Sesshomaru's aura, scent, and the feel of his skin on his own. After the midday meal, lunch, after lunch they would be talking with the generals of the west. Rin had told them there would be a slight change in the lineup, as she put it, but everything was done in a way that hopefully they would not disagree with.

Four of the generals that were standing around the table were faces that had been there since the last time Sesshomaru stood here facing this room. Hiei and he were not mated long enough for Hiei to have joined him yet. Hiei had spent time in such war rooms being the heir to one fifth of the Makai, and during the war that almost destroyed the world so this was the first time he attended such a meeting during a peacefully time.

Sesshomaru eyed the new faces carefully. Rin had kept the tradition of having the generals be paired off in partners. Of course this had been the way the West had done it for a long as his family was the ruling clan. Of course Chanas and Sisuri were still seated to his right but now Magie and Gelato were now sitting on the left on Hiei's side of the table. This meant they were now just below the first pair of generals. He was glad to see such loyalty in the pair. (2)

The four new generals introduced themselves. The first to step up was Anoran, a neko demon with a playful expression. The man was tall and slender, standing at least as tall as Sesshomaru but his muscles were even learner, built for speed and agility. He was fierce in a fight, and it was clear by the strong and boney way he held his hands. He fought with his claws unlike many that now held a weapon. But sometimes the extra weight just held a guy down.

Anoran's partner was Madalina, a shadow demon. Her face was covered by a large hood and the cloak covering the rest of her body did not allow for much information on her body type or even her hair color. Like many of her kind she did not show herself to anyone other than her mate. They liked to be hidden in the shadows, always a mystery. Rumors said they were some of the most beauty creatures in all of the worlds.

Generals seven and eight were Darktan and Hrolf. Darktan was a rodent, a rat. He was not much to look at and his beady little black eyes made everyone, even his partner Hrolf, uneasy. He did everything underhanded that was possible to gain his position and those that mattered knew it. Darktan was born a farmer and had always wanted to have more.

Hrolf, a wolf that came from the Northern Mountains, was bulky and strong. He was honorable and completely in love with his mate that stayed at home with his pups. Those little brats were more than just handful but they respected his mate Kithara. One look from her and they were acting like cute little puppies. Hrolf's high tail was the same color as the furs he wore, a dark leathery brown. His muscles are not only the size of the mountains he came from but just as deadly. He carried a large broad sword that was almost as tall as he was. His skill to wield it was more than just rumor and legend.

After they each introduced themselves to the renamed lords, Hiei and Sesshomaru were briefed about how each corner of their lands were doing. It was a long meeting of how the military was set up here in this time and how they also had to guard the border between the worlds. Hiei knew almost everything about all of this so most of it was for Sesshomaru's benefit.

After hours of getting to know his new generals Sesshomaru dismissed them and talked Hiei into having and early dinner in the castle's gardens. It was simple and completely private unlike the whole ordeal that would be happening in a couple hours with all the lords and ladies having dinner in the main banquet hall. Rin had been the one to invite the whole court to the estate tonight. She was going to host a party to welcome them back on top of the exchange of crowns that way the people of his lands would see that he is their true leader.

The over the top event would begin at dusk and frankly he would rather avoid it all. Sesshomaru and Hiei would leave their private dinner and go to get dressed in their respected colors. Sesshomaru would be wearing his white and maroon flower pattern where his mate will be wearing a black overcoat with an inlaid dragon, with an ice blue undershirt to represent his mother. They would be announced and brought in, crowned and the feast would begin. Rin was sure to have a feast to remember.

O.O

Rin finished the last bit of paperwork and was busting her ass to get everything in order so she could play the proper host tonight. She had a meeting with King Yama, leader of the Spirit World, next week and still barely knew how to get there. Poor Bufan barely knew she came to bed, but after this, she would be completely caught up. The funny thing was she had work to do during her dreams as well. Every time she dozed off she found herself talking with her younger self. She remembered talking to a friend that no one else could hear or see at that age, but it was when she found herself talking to and guiding Hiei that caused her to pause. She knew that Hiei had talked to her friend but she never knew that she was her own friend. Was that why he was so certain that everything would be okay? There was so much she wanted to talk to her father about.

A heavy sigh escaped the new queen's painted lips. There was a knock on the door to her study and there stood Bufan dressed in the shades of blue of his, their house, she on the other hand would wear the blue with the maroon floral of the West. She was still their heir, even though she was also Queen of the Makai and the Lady of the East.

Bufan knocked on the door frame as he leaned on it. The dragon lord smiled to his mate. She was already dressed and her hair was curled and up on her head. She was clearly not the young girl that he first met in the Western Cathedral. She was a beautiful, strong, wonderful woman and leader. He loved her with all of his being, she was his other half and did not like the idea of her working herself like this, but the dragon respected her. They knew what could and would happen if they won the tournament, and she was taking up the responsibility.

"Is it time to go?" Rin asked her mate with a smile on her painted lips. Bufan returned the smile thinking about all the things he rather being doing other than heading to the Western Lands. Nodding his head he held out his hand.

O.O

Sesshomaru watched Hiei as he set in the window seat that the lighter youkai had left instruction for it to be installed. It was a gift to the shorter male and Hiei seemed to enjoy it. Smirking to his mate, Sesshomaru walked over and laid a hand on Hiei's shoulder. "It is almost time, are you ready?"

"Are you worried about me, inu?" Hiei replied turning his eyes up to his mate.

"No," Sesshomaru replied looking out the window over his mate's head. "A servant will be sent up here soon to tell us to get down to the party."

As though she was waiting for a cue, the young girl knocked on the door announcing her presence to the two waiting lords. Yuki worked in the castle to pay off her debt to Lady Rin; the woman had saved her from a pack of slave traders and brought her to the Western Cathedral. Yuki was human, one of the few that moved to the Makai when the barriers went up. Her family was once part of a village of humans but through raids by demons and slave traders she was the last of her blood. She was grateful to Lady Rin for giving her a place to stay and that was why she willing to help around the castle when she was needed.

"Come in," Sesshomaru called to the young scent he smelt from the doorway. The door slid aside and knelling before them was the young human girl. Sesshomaru was sure she was brought into his home by his daughter. "Speak freely."

"My lords, Lady Rin is awaiting you down in the ball room. Would you like an escort?" Yuki asked rising her head, just her eyes to get a look at the lords. They looked regal and just like Lady Rin had described them to her.

"What is your name?" Sesshomaru asked the young girl.

"Yuki, my lord," was the reply. Sesshomaru nodded his head. Rin had mentioned the young girl during their stay at the tournament. The girl had become like a sister to Rin and was a very good help around the West when she and Bufan had to spend extended time in the East.

"Yuki, you are to escort us to the ballroom. Stay close to us, many demons do not like having humans nearby. Tonight, you are to act like our personal servant. Fetch drinks and keep an eye on the guest around us. Rin's trust in you seems justified."

Yuki nodded and stood up keeping her head down. The lords followed her down the twist of hallways and finally they reached the ballroom. "We have arrived." The young woman stepped aside as she pulled the doors open. Sesshomaru and Hiei walked into the grand hall followed by Yuki. She stayed one step behind them, like a proper servant would. Sesshomaru could tell that the girl was a bit uneasy around all the demons in the room but her aura lit up when Rin and Bufan approached them all.

The lords and lady started to talk about political matters and Rin was going on about how the party would go on. They would announce the exchange of crowns and then they would bring out the food. After the feast there would be dancing and celebrating, Bufan dropped a heavy hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder. Yuki was not paying attention to her lords and lady anymore but the other demons trying to catch their better's attentions. Yuki shook her head internally; they were weak and wanted to attach themselves to those of power.

Guards were wondering around the place insuring the peace. The four generals were also present. Hrolf, with his family, was off to the side enjoying their time together. Darktan was being sneaky over by the door, where he had been assigned to check everyone that came into the party for invitations and weapons. It was a grunt job, perfect for the grunt that was assigned it. Yuki did not like the demon, the way he looked at her, or the way his lips curled when he spoke to her. Every time someone put him in his place she took it as a silent victory.

The demons were waiting with drinks in hand for someone to address them. "Lords and Ladies, guest of the House of the West, welcome tonight to our celebration of the return of true Lords of the West. Let me present to your Lord Sesshomaru and his mate Lord Hiei."

Rin's hand pointed to her fathers, beckoning them to join her in the spot light. Sighing, Yuki's lords joined her lady, she followed them to the last point that she could. Yuki's eyes paid attention the crowd as the crowd paid attention to the lords and lady on the platform. Almost everyone was acting as they were expected, almost everyone but two. Darktan was leaned up against the wall by the door his eyes closed not even doing his job of guarding, what a lazy rat. The other was a guest; he was playing with something in his pocket. There was no drink in his hand and he was not focused on the lords as the others were. Yuki focused on him, studying him, but trying not to draw attention to the situation just yet.

The guest pulled out a back object she had no name for. He carefully aimed it at Sesshomaru and Yuki, with no demon speed or strength, jumped into action. She pushed her lord out of the way just as the shot rang through the ball. Sesshomaru looked up at the young girl that had just saved his life. He could not figure out how she was able to push him down or what was happening but there was panic. The room was rank with panic. Getting up he saw Hrolf tackling down the would-be-assassin. "Hrolf, have him taken to the dungeon. Take care of our guest; make sure that they are safe."

Hiei looked down at the girl that he owed his mate's life to. She was holding her shoulder and there was blood. She had been hurt. Rin was by her side trying to evaluate the damage. She called for a healer and Yuki was starting to shake. She was going into shock. Hiei moved out of the Healer's way. His eyes flashed a dangerous light as he headed to the dungeon after the man that almost took his life away.

Sesshomaru almost didn't see that his mate was leaving too occupied with making sure that his guest were calming down. Wine and sake was served and many were having to hold their glasses with both hands. Their lord was almost killed before their eyes. The healer was taking Yuki out of the room to the infirmary where they could do whatever it took to help the girl.

Hiei ran down the halls to where the door to the dungeon was held. The prisoner was being thrown into the cell as he approached. His fury was rolling over him, as he walked to the cell door. Without a word he walked to the young youkai that almost killed his mate and threw a fist into the creature's face. The scum on the floor now was mixing with the demon's blood, as it ran from his nose.

"I am sorry, I am so sorry. He told me that he was going to give me and my family riches if I killed the Inu Lord," the demon said crying. Hiei's forehead wrap was glowing from the Jagen searching the boy's mind. He was telling the truth. The prisoner was from a poor village on the outskirts of the Western Lands. A demon came to him with an offer. If he killed Sesshomaru then the demon would see to the growth and wealth of this man's family.

Hiei backed away from the young demon. "Keep him locked up. Give him only water and bread, once a day, and make sure that no one other than myself and my mate come down here. No one is to see him."

The guards nodded and Hiei left before he killed the prisoner. Sesshomaru met him in the hall, "He was hired."

Sesshomaru nodded, "Did you see by whom?" Hiei shook his head in answer. There was no memory in the boy's head of the face of the man. It was a man that came to him, but that was all he knew. "Whoever it was, they are here to make sure that the job gets done."

"Let's say the boy was acting alone. That the problem has been taken care of and that we wish for everyone to enjoy their selves. We will sneak away from everything and work on this." At this time Magie stepped out of the shadows.

The woman looked up her lords, or so they believed from the way her hood tilted up. "I have gathered the other generals, all but Darktan. I can't find the rat."

Sesshomaru looked down at Hiei, who was gone in the blink of an eye. Darktan was not that hard to find with the Jagen working for him. Darktan was found outside in the garden yelling at a guard about security. The guard knelt down, dropping to his knees before Hiei. Darktan spun around and on seeing just who was walking up to him, after a moment's hesitation he also dropped to his knees. "The generals are being summoned to the war room. Don't be late."

Hiei turned to leave when he got a loose thought from the rat demon. Hiei's eyes narrowed but he walked away heading back to his mate, as though nothing happened.

End Chapter

1. Doctor Who…damn that man for being an almost bigger addiction than anime. And as of late I have been watching him more than anime. He (the eleventh doctor) actually says something like this to Centurion Rory in the episode The Big Bang. He's right you know. It can be a real headache to keep up.

2. Yes I did have these two generals in this fic line up before. See like chapter six or seven of In Need of a Title and you will see descriptions and such.

Okay so this would have been out over a week ago but then one that day I opened my cherished laptop to find out that its screen is fried, well half of it is anyway. I was able to get my files all saved to the many flash drives we have around the shack we live in but now I have no way to write. And it sucks because I am only like two or three chapters out on this fic and I have a great idea for my next one. If you like this pairing than you should follow my updates. I am outlining in a notebook. The ones that you have to take pen to paper…it's so primitive. Yes I cried over my laptop. Thank god income tax time is upon us, I may just get a new one altogether. The more likely answer is getting mine fixed for me and getting one for the husband.

To show my determination, I am at the library trying to get this posted for those of you that read it. I don't know if anyone even reads these silly little, or in the case of this chapter's, not so little, author notes but if you do you must be as bored as I am.

Thank you all and I hope you survived the holidays in one piece, some of us did not.