Hello everyone. Well I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the faithful byakugan-master93, I tried to give an idea into why the Regent was the way he was, and I'm glad that it made sense to you. I can't help but feel a little bad about the short chapters, though, since it means that I'm cutting out more and more details. Moving on this chapter will show what the Regent decides to do and will continue moving the story line along. I really would like at least one review for this chapter, but I'm not demanding anything. Just want to see how you all think the story is going.

CHAPTER LV

THE NEW PRINCE

Healo's POV

The Northern Lord continued to stare at Triellen's descendant with his dark sapphire eyes. All that words could do had been done now there was nothing to do but wait for Valen to decide the fate of the Empire. The others in the room did not seem to be feeling the same sort of calm that the demon lord did, but they seemed to also be waiting for the decision. The Regent, in contrast, was smiling gently as his ice blue eyes seemed to pierce into the minds of his guests. The silence stretched on for a few more seconds before Valen responded solemnly, "For nearly three hundred years the Empire has been without its sovereign and the people have lacked a true protector."

The Regent continued with a nod towards the Northern Lord, "Three centuries of lords vying for power and prestige with the only truly notable exception being yourself. Even if there had been no signs and no prophecy it would have been impossible to not recognize such greatness." Healo was surprised by this response and responded quietly, "You deceive yourself; can you possibly forget my wars of aggression against the Eastern Lands and," here he glanced at his brother, "my shameless attack against Lord Sesshomaru." The demon lord felt a sense of confusion coming off of his younger brother which he understood. Healo had attempted to apologize to the Western Lord many times, but perhaps this one, given more publically, actually convinced Sesshomaru of his sincerity.

Valen listened in respectful silence to this rebuttal but then responded firmly, "My lord, in the eyes of most people, you have more than paid for your crimes. The people sympathize with you and if they only knew who you truly were they would love you all the more. In the long run I know that you will be a good and just ruler, but Naraku is well known for his lies and malice. I have understood for some time that neither the hanyou nor Lord Bianen could be trusted and I do not desire to be betrayed at some later date." Healo examined the Regent carefully noting the stubbornness in his stance and words. The Northern Lord responded respectfully, "Be that as it may, I will not become Emperor unless Naraku is dealt with."

After a moment of silence Kirin suggested excitedly, "That is understandable my lord, but would you consider accepting the title of Prince. This would cause an unimaginable sensation with the people and would give more rationale to the war that is inevitably upon us." Healo grew more uncertain when Magus continued the argument, "Brother this war will be impossible to win without something to inspire the people. The sudden reemergence of the imperial line is the perfect solution besides this is what you were born for; you cannot continue to hide without causing more harm than good."

The Northern Lord's eyes fell at this declaration, Magus had always been known for his sound advice, but what answer should he give them? To many other people he was an admirable figure who had only made a few mistakes in his youth, but Healo knew his heart too well. Besides their was still the issue of the cursed sword; Yamikura was notorious for destroying the hopes of the various Emperors. Would accepting his title cause the sword to unleash its wrath upon the people? Plus this war would certainly have a high cost among the soldiers even if it were a success, but if Naraku won and saw the people as a threat he would not hesitate to make the land run red with innocent blood.

Healo raised his head as he studied the various expressions of hope or curiosity on the faces of his allies. It was then at last that the last barrier of doubt was pierced when he realized just how many people were praying and pleading for someone to appear who could put an end to the chaos. If the Northern Lord continued to try to lie to himself and to the rest of the world the only result would be more death and destruction. His blue eyes brightened at this conviction but his voice was soft when he answered solemnly, "I was born the son of a prince, it is only fit that I inherit my father's place." Silence greeted this pronouncement as the others watched the demon lord for any sign of uncertainty.

The imperial Regent was the first to speak when he said firmly, "Kirin summon the main military commanders, officials, and all of the diplomats you can find. Tell them that I will be calling an emergency session of Council." The young demon bowed, but asked quietly, "What explanation would you have me give them?" Valen blinked once then answered, "The truth; that an heir to Prince Malus has lived among us for years hiding his identity to protect the people, but that he now has heard the cry of the people. The Prince is ready to do what is necessary to help rescue his people from their enemies." Without another word the advisor rushed out of the room on his errand.

Valen's eyes became thoughtful as he said firmly, "Powerful enemies, the first thing that must be done is to find a way to stall for time. We can't have Naraku and Bianen pouring troops into our territories because that is the first thing that they will do once they learn that you have revealed yourself." Healo sighed and replied, "I suppose you have a few ideas." The regent nodded and said, "For one thing I will ask the Southern wolves to continue resisting Bianen's attempts to invade their territory. However, to delay Naraku you should send a trustworthy messenger to the Northern wolves asking them to rebel and tie up his army by guerilla tactics so that he does not cross the Drianen."

The demon continued with a small smile, "Also I would suggest that you again turn to Lord Kouga and the Eastern wolves for aid. The wolf should remember the friendship that existed between you and his father and agree to keep Naraku from crossing the flat plains near his territory." Magus added firmly, "If you wish, my prince, I will deliver the message to the Northern wolves since I will be returning to Ionin to begin getting the army in order." The Northern Lord answered smoothly, "Of course that only makes sense; that way I can make my way straight to the Eastern wolves."

Healo paused for a moment then added gently to Sesshomaru, "It would be best once we leave if you also make your way back to Ionin to help organize the troops." The Western Lord's response was calm, "Yes, and I will take my mate-to-be back with me." The young prince felt a rush of irritation at his brothers words, but was determined to say nothing. However, this decision was challenged when Valen asked carefully, "You have finally taken a mate?" The Western Lord's voice was cold as he said, "Not yet, but it is only a matter of time."

The Northern Lord stiffened at the arrogance of his brother's statement and he responded, "I believe that that is still in doubt, brother, especially since I am also courting Kagome." Immediately the atmosphere of the room tensed, but since Valen did not understand what was happening he asked in shock, "You both are after the same demoness?" Healo responded coldly, "Kagome is not a demoness, but the kind, beautiful, and powerful miko that I love." The imperial Regent said in disbelief, "But she is a human and you are going to be Emperor one day. It is fine for a lord to take a human as a mate under certain circumstances, and I can understand that you were raised by Lord Inutaisho who harbored an obvious tenderness towards humans."

The demon lord's tone was even harsher and his eyes were a cold blue as he said, "Lord Regent Kagome may be human but there is nothing weak or inadequate about her. She would be the perfect mate for not just a lord, but for an emperor, and I refuse to relinquish my claim from her as long as she is willing." Valen did not appear to be comforted by these words and he pressed firmly, "My lord I personally do not object to the idea of a human becoming Empress especially since she would inherit our life expectancy. However, there are many demons and humans who would not only object but even pose a threat to your reign if you did this."

Healo turned away, but his voice was still strong as he said, "So be it, we will never be able to please everyone whether we are peasant or king. There will always be those who will not be satisfied with the decisions we make, but we have to be able to live with ourselves and the choices we make." No one made a verbal response to this statement, but the young prince could sense the various emotions that played upon the others. It was a good sign for him that the Regent seemed to genuinely trust him, but despite the truth in his words Healo knew that he couldn't allow himself to be motivated purely by political considerations. That had been one of the weaknesses of the earlier emperors and it had only led to tragedy.

However, after a few more moments Valen said respectfully, "Well we can discuss this more later, but for now I think that you should prepare yourself for the Council. Most of the demons who will be there should be support you but I would be prepared for some dissent if I were you." Healo smiled lightly at this and replied calmly, "I see, so I should be ready to answer accusations about my past and whether or not I am the true heir?" The Regent nodded gravely and said, "That is very likely to be the main avenue that their attacks will take. Besides Bianen's representative will be there and you will need to give him a stern lesson."

The Northern Lord nodded and replied kindly, "Not only that but I will need to give a reassuring address for the people. They must be told that I have come not only to save them from Naraku, but to restore the splendor of the Empire." Sesshomaru broke in coldly, "You realize that few high ranking officials will support that part of your…platform. The people are more attached to their lords then to the idea of an emperor." Healo glared at his brother before responding firmly, "Yes they were more attached to their lords and it led to chaos and civil war. I am sure that the people are finally ready to see a real change come across the land." The Western Lord did not reply, but Healo knew that he had understood his meaning. Sesshomaru may not have agreed with him, but he knew that a far bigger obstacle would be faced once the Council was finally called…

Well there's yet another chapter up though this one is actually on time. So what do you all think, was the chapter ok? I hope that you all enjoyed it, and that you let me know how well I did. Next chapter will be when Healo officially accepts his title and the group begins to move towards the final chapters. The drums of war will begin to sound very soon. I hope to have another chapter up by Friday and if it isn't up by then it will be up on Monday. Hope to hear from all of you and I apologize again for the shortness of this chapter.