Chapter 2: A Most Unique Demon

"It's perfect, simply perfect."

This thought played itself over and over in Inutaisho's mind as he stood outside, proudly admiring his home. It was a large, beautiful mansion that was situated deep in the forest, almost hidden away from the outside world. For any human being, the isolation would have been unbearable. But this was precisely what Inutaisho craved more than anything else; privacy. But also, he craved the serenity and tranquility of the forest; the look, the feel, and the scent of it. "Ah yes, the scent," Inutaisho thought to himself and as he did, he decided to savor the magnificent scent of the forest around him. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, allowing his powerful sense of smell to take over briefly. Many different, interesting, and wonderful smells enveloped him and when he finished, he let out a deep sigh of pleasure and contentment. "Remarkable," he whispered softly. Then, his eyes narrowed a bit as he casually eyed his shoulder, a tiny smirk forming on his lips as he said out loud, "This place almost seems even more beautiful than the last time I saw it. Wouldn't you agree with me, Myoga?"

"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry, Lord Inutaisho!" cried out the little flea demon apologetically, bouncing lightly on his master's shoulder. "I should have made myself known to you earlier. But I was trying not to disturb you. Do forgive me!"

Inutaisho couldn't help but smile and shake his head at his little vassal's reaction. "It's all right, Myoga," he chuckled lightly. "You didn't disturb me. In fact, I was beginning to wonder where you'd gone."

"Well, my lord," began Myoga, trying to assume a more formal and calm demeanor, "I was merely surveying the land. You know, just to see how much has changed around here since the last time we were here."

"Ah yes," Inutaisho acknowledged, "Things must be expected to change over the course of time. I often forget that at times." As he said this, Inutaisho's face became somewhat hardened and cold. His voice took on a bitter, almost mocking tone as he said, "But I guess that should be expected of a demon, for whom time has absolutely no meaning."

"My lord…," Myoga began sympathetically and then decided that it was best not to say anything more. He could see that all too familiar look in his master's eyes; the look of anger, yet with a tinge of sadness. Myoga had also noticed the way Lord Inutaisho's voice had become dark and hoarse as he said the word "demon." "Why must Lord Inutaisho be so hard on himself?" Myoga thought to himself sadly. "When will he see that he is unique among all demons?" And it was not just his superior strength, speed, agility, or other heightened senses that separated him from other demons. But it was in his fondness and respect for human beings and human life. It was this aspect that separated Inutaisho from those other horrific, ruthless, and monstrous demons that plagued this world; most of which had nothing but contempt for human beings, or would have viewed them as simply nothing more than easy prey.

During his many demon years, there always came a time when Lord Inutaisho felt the desire to live near humans. When he did, he would choose to reside somewhere remote; where he could have the freedom to be around people or merely observe them whenever he chose to. This particular mansion was one of many that Inutaisho had resided in over the years; each one in a different land and each one, during a different time. But it had become very obvious to Myoga that this mansion was by far his master's favorite one.

Despite his fondness for humans, however, Inutaisho would never allow himself to become too closely involved with humans. Though his master would never admit it aloud, Myoga could always sense that even in his human form, Lord Inutaisho usually felt extremely disconnected from humans; almost as though he felt that he had no right to be near them or even speak to them. Or perhaps it was a subconscious fear that people might somehow see him for what he truly was and shun him. However, these concerns never seemed to deter Inutaisho from his desire to be among humans. "Even demons can get lonely once in awhile. Especially when they've been around as long as Lord Inutaisho," Myoga thought sadly.

"What are you thinking about, Myoga?" Inutaisho asked, looking over at him very inquisitively.

"Oh n-n-nothing, my lord!" Myoga answered a little too fast, realizing that he had been silent for far too long, "I wasn't thinking about anything important!"

Clearly Inutaisho was not convinced, as he continued to eye him suspiciously. "You looked very absorbed just now, as though you were thinking about something very serious." Suddenly, his eyes narrowed and his tone and demeanor became dark and menacing as he said, "You were thinking something about me. I just know you were. And you know how much I despise it when you keep secrets from me."

As Myoga began to shudder and sweat profusely, Inutaisho suddenly burst out into laughter. "You're far too easy sometimes, Myoga!" he chuckled. If there was one thing that Inutaisho enjoyed more than anything else, it was toying with his cowardly little vassal and frightening him whenever a good opportunity presented itself.

Myoga breathed a sigh of relief as he realized that Inutaisho was merely teasing him and was not going to press him any further. However, he knew his master well enough to know that Inutaisho truly meant it when he said that he despised when anyone kept secrets from him, particularly his vassal. Myoga merely laughed nervously as he responded, "You're right, my lord. I'm far too gullible and cowardly for my own good sometimes!"

Suddenly, Inutaisho's demeanor became more serious as he gazed straight ahead into the forest. He stood like that for a few moments, as though contemplating something. Eventually, he asked Myoga, "Is the village still there? You know, the one that was to the north of here?"

"Yes it is, my lord," Myoga responded, "However, it is no longer a village, since it has grown considerably since we've been here. It is now called Kasumi Town and it is certainly a favorite among travelers and merchants, who seem to pass through there quite a bit."

"Hmm," replied Inutaisho thoughtfully as stared off into the direction of the town. "Then I certainly won't draw too much attention, since they get quite their share of strangers and foreigners," he thought to himself, feeling quite pleased about this. Then, he turned his attention back to Myoga, smiling lightly as he said, "Well, what do you think, Myoga? Shall we pay a visit?" Myoga knew it was more of a statement than a question.

"Of course, Master Inutaisho," he replied, "But could I ask a small favor of you, master?"

"What is it, Myoga?" Inutaisho answered, curious as to what he would ask.

"Well, I haven't really fed in a while and I was wondering if I…perhaps…could…"

Inutaisho smiled lightly as he realized what his little vassal was requesting. "Very well, Myoga," he told him, "But please try not to get carried away like you usually do."

"Oh thank you, master!" exclaimed Myoga. With that, Myoga leaped from his master's shoulder onto his face, landing right on his left cheek. He then proceeded to feed off of his blood, greedily sucking up as much as he could. For a flea demon like Myoga, Inutaisho's demon blood was a rare treat, indeed.

It was only through sheer force of will that Inutaisho ignored the stinging, itching sensation on his face and the impulse to slap Myoga away. He then took off with lightening speed towards the north to Kasumi Town, which for a normal person on foot would have taken at least two hours to get there. But for a powerful dog demon with incredible speed and agility like Inutaisho, he would reach Kasumi very soon.

AN: Hello again, readers! I know I said that I would wait until I got 5 reviews, but I just couldn't resist! Plus, I didn't want to keep you guys in suspense for too long. Anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far and thank you so much for your nice reviews. Please continue reading and reviewing!