Hello readers. I'm very glad to finally be done with this semester. I am free until January 9th! I was very pleased with the responses for the last chapter and if you did review but it didn't show up because of the technical problems thanks anyway and try to review for this chapter. Ok so I want to thank Dominik Journot for a wonderful review. I tried to make sure that Sesshomaru's past helped to explain his personality and I think that it worked pretty well. Thanks again for the scene idea and you're right about the two brothers. There will be more instances where they show that in later chapters. Next was chica blanca. Thanks for complimenting the scene and I'll explain what's going on with Healo and those twins. Healo's, Sesshomaru's, and Inuyasha's great-great-great, you get the picture, grandfather was the Great Cheiftain. His first mate was Lilith who is a figure from Middle Eastern mythology where she is usually a succubus or seductress. This is part of the reason why she has all of these descendants. The other reason is what Reanna was refereeing to that as time goes on Lilith's children became stronger as she became stronger. Lastly was a review from Kaihaku No Iroke. Well I can't exactly tell you who she will pick now can I? Don't worry all will be revealed in time. So this chapter is FINALLY going to show them arriving in the Imperial Lands. Beginning will be very quick and will get more detailed later in the chapter. Remember to review!

CHAPTER LIII

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Healo's POV

(Generalized)

The sun shone brightly when they finally arrived on the Northern bank of the Sirion. The Northern Lord's eyes shone as he studied the progress of the clear flowing water. This was not the first time that he regretted their need for haste; he would have loved to stay in the Southern Lands a little longer. However, as long as his son was in danger Healo could never allow himself to dawdle. The demon lord turned and caught up to his companions who were already beginning to wind down the ancient highway that lead to the once bright center of the empire; Maleon.

The next several days passed by quickly and were filled with laughter, violence (especially towards a certain monk), and cold stares. The tension between Healo and the Western Lord was only becoming more obvious as time went on. The Northern Lord knew that Sesshomaru had realized that there would be a better time to tell Kagome about Avia, but this left the demon lord in a difficult position. If he told Kagome the truth about his dead mate then Sesshomaru would see it as an attack upon his character, and the demon lord knew better then to do that. However, eventually the Western Lord was bound to admit the truth to Kagome and when that happened the Northern Lord would lose some of her respect.

The miko herself pretended not to notice the growing chill between the two brothers but it was apparent to everyone that she realized that it existed. The young woman was very careful about how close she stood to either of them, but she still managed to keep a positive attitude about it. Sure she would growl in irritation every once in a while, which usually ended badly for a certain hanyou, but all in all she seemed to be handling the situation pretty well. So far there had been only a few outbursts and these were short in duration and generally didn't leave them physically, but verbally, scarred.

After a few days the group began to encounter fellow travelers who were coming and going from the Imperial capital. Most of them realized that these were important people and a few of them recognized the two lords among the group. Sesshomaru would always ignore the people, but Healo would attempt to take a moment to calm their suspicions; especially when a small group of soldiers appeared and asked them to explain themselves. After the Northern Lord had cleared up the situation the troops offered to escort them but the icy glare of the Western Lord had been enough to send them scurrying away. Finally the banners of Maleon came within sight…

Healo's POV

(Detailed)

The Northern Lord grinned as they finally reached the top of the last obstacle between them and their destination. Healo could almost hear the awe of those standing behind and beside him; he easily understood their reaction. Maleon was a sprawling city that had begun as a simple village with a small circular wall. However after it became the capital more circles had been added to the original town. The constant growth had finally come to an end with the death of the last emperor, Healo's grandfather, Leonius. Maleon was originally set at the eastern edge of the Ellios Mountains so as the city had grown the Emperors Palace was placed higher up in the mountains.

The outer wall was tall and the whole city was built of a pale white stone, the same was used to build Brilith, which gave the area an even older look. The traditional silver, four pointed star with a gold center was flying on many different banners that were strung on the wall every hundred or so feet. As he stepped through the gate the Northern Lord felt as if he was entering a different world and in a sense he was. Maleon was infused with a dazzling majestic air that helped to instill this feeling into those that visitied. However, it was a very different place to its residents.

The elder generation trudged through the streets of their once glorious metropolis but the joy and hope they once held was extinguished long ago. On the other hand, while some of the younger generation were influenced by the gloom of their elders, many continued to hold to the prophecy of Triellen. They continued to believe that a new prince would appear, and that the line could be restored despite the hardships that they were suffering through. Healo could easily identify citizens who held these differing views and he could sympathize with both. After all, the older generation had seen the virtual collapse of the Empire and many of them had become convinced that the Imperial system was weak and that to have an Emperor entailed endless rebellion and civil war.

The Northern Lord understood that there was some merit to this argument, but it was only true because of the general weakness of the past emperors. However, the demon lord knew that it would still be some time till he could reveal his true identity and claim his birthright. Healo shook away these thoughts as the group finally began the steep climb towards the palace where the regent would be waiting anxiously for them. By the time they finally reached their destination most of the group, but especially the humans, were very glad to finally be there.

As they approached the gates Healo was amused to see the shocked expression on the faces of the Imperial guards. Their eyes widened as they glanced at the snowflakes and crescent moon on the foreheads of three of the brothers. After a few moments the guards seemed to recover and called to their fellows to open the gates. The small group left their guards behind and made their way quickly through the silent courtyard. When they finally entered the palace itself the Northern Lord was glad to see a familiar face waiting for them.

The demon's name was Kirin, and in most things looked similar to Healo who was a distant relative of his. The one noticeable difference was the dog demon's green eyes, the trait came from his father who was a wolf demon. Kirin's mother had been the second child of the emperor Leonius, Healo's grandfather, but she had taken a Northern Wolf demon as her mate and so was ostracized by her family. The demon was known for his stubborn personality, gruffness, but also his surprisingly intelligent mind. It was this more than anything else that allowed Kirin to rise to a position of power, he was the regent's most trusted advisor, despite his family history.

Kirin smiled slightly at the sight of his kinsman, he was one of the very few who knew about the Northern Lord's true father, and said loudly, "It's about time. The regent has been expecting you for a long time." The demon lord smiled when he saw the confused expression on Kagome's face so he thought slowly, 'He is my cousin.' The miko smiled in understanding and followed her friend who asked Kirin seriously, "Has Bianen made any more raids, and has there been any news of Naraku?" The demon sighed deeply and answered, "The Eastern Lord has grown more aggressive and has begun to mass troops on all of his borders, except the northern one."

Everyone tensed at these words; they all understood that it could mean only one thing. The Northern Lord pressed slightly, "And Naraku?" Kirin's eyes flashed angrily as he responded, "His spies have been seen everywhere smelling out our lands and spreading rumors to demoralize the people." Healo's eyes widened in realization as he asked, "What kind of rumors?" The demon glanced at his cousin's companions then seemed to decide that they were trustworthy so he said, "That you and Lord Sesshomaru fled rather than face him in battle. Worse, Naraku claims that he has discovered the identity of an heir to Prince Malus and that he has kidnapped the heirs son. The hanyou claims that if anyone resists his demands he will slay the heir and his son and so finally end the line."

Healo felt hot rage bubble up inside him and he wasn't surprised to feel anger radiating off of his companions. However, his voice was cold as he said, "Kirin he has Sulam." The demon's emerald eyes saddened as he responded slowly, "That is what I thought; so what do you plan to do?" The Northern Lord paused then said calmly, "Naraku is bluffing; he can't afford to kill my son, not if he wants to get his hands on me. Besides I have something that Naraku cannot possibly stand against." He carefully drew Yamikura from its sheath as Kirin looked on in amazement.

The demon said shakily, "That is the cursed blade; at last you are ready then. You can finally take your place as Emperor." The Northern Lord felt the rising excitement in the air but crushed in with a single word, "No." Kirin's eyes widened and he said quietly, "But you must; surely you can see that this is your chance. The empire's in decline, from within a rebellion led by Bianen, from without the menace of Naraku. All debate and indiscipline between the lands would cease if you would lift up your sword and promise to lead them into a new age. Do you have any idea how much support you would find?"

Healo responded carefully, "Exactly imagine the kind of temptation that would be for me. To be loved simply because I appear at the right time; imagine what would happen if that sense of power were to corrupt me. No, I must wait, at least until after Naraku has been dealt with and I can set the cursed sword aside. If I should stake my claim with the sword at hand I fear that it would corrupt me and take me down a road I've already been on and luckily escaped." Kirin seemed to accept his answer, but obviously didn't completely understand it, but the demon lord knew that this was best. The time was not yet right for his assension. But one day…

Sorry about being a so late guys, but Christmas shopping took forever. I'm free from school until the 10th of January though I may be busy for the next few days due to spending time with my family and other distractions. Namely Guitar Hero III but also work and other joys. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and I'm sorry about the abstract beginning, but I didn't want to go through every day of travel which would have each absorbed their own chapters. Hope you all have a merry Christmas. Please let me know how I did on this chapter. Hope to hear from all of you. Next chapter will show the meeting with the regent, and Healo taking a big step towards his future. Again I apologize for being so late. Please review!