The hybrid demoness knew how much pride could blind the intelligent mind. It clouded out constructive thinking, overwhelming every other emotion one could feel only to lead to rash decisions or actions that were completely idiotic. It was like ignorance to danger but lunging forward anyway even if it surely meant death. Thus, it was a burden to allow pride to have such a major part of which one was because it truly led to a downfall either way. Souls suffered for it or traveled to the next life by a simple choice. Pride was evil in its own twisted way, shadowed. Hoshiko had to admit this because she herself had a great amount of pride. It had gotten her in more trouble than she often bargained for, thus leading to her reasoning about the dangers of tough pride. She had watched friends fall to their knees due to it, some passing away in her arms. She knew pride was dangerous.

She wondered if some learned the dangers the way she did; she doubted it. After all, who wanted to admit their pride had gotten them into a troublesome situation? No one did. It was like to stab their own flesh and wonder why they were bleeding. To admit one had a fault was disgraceful to them. That was pride. She shook her head at the mere thought of pride. It had taken a huge lesson to prove the dangers of pride. . .

The Inu No Taisho frowned at the sight before him, displeased.

The daughter of his heart scowled at him but he easily ignored that by the fact his gaze was more interested in the bloody body. Her dripping red claws made it obvious she had slaughtered the demon not moments before. Oh, why couldn't she learn the dangers of pride? The demon had insulted her, it was true enough, but nevertheless was it necessary to kill him in response? Her pride had been quite overbearing as of late, getting worse by the day. He didn't know why this had started but enough was enough. It had to end; it was a horrible habit to get.

"Hoshiko," he said in a sigh, finally looking at her.

"He insulted me," she huffed, folding her arms in a rebellious manner.

"Yet you found it necessary to slaughter him?"

The young demoness glanced over at the body of her fallen foe, looking not in the least sorry. He knew she had a great hatred for being insulted. She despised the cruel names and the endless taunting. She was mocked every time they crossed paths with an unknown demon. It wasn't often they had company. It was a never-ending fight for her.

"He deserved it," she snarled. "He called me a worthless half-breed scum! He even mocked my appearance!"

"Hai, he did," the Inu No Taisho sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "But yet you must slaughter all who do that now?"

"I'm protecting myself, Father! Do you not understand that?"

"You are not protecting yourself, little one. You are acting in pride."

She stiffened in response. The great demon lord watched her eyes narrow on his face with an angry expression destroying her beautiful face. Such an expression did not suit her.

"I am not," she bit out.

"Indeed you are. You get angry over foolish names and boast over your power now."

"No!"

"Hai, you are."

"No I am not!"

"You are."

"FATHER! I AM NOT!"

"You are."

"You bastard!"

"Hoshiko!"

"SHUT UP, DOG!"

There was a momentary silence. The Inu No Taisho frowned deeply but with a low sigh, he turned away from the young demoness. She was definitely being ruled by pride now. She refused to admit she was being prideful, which was a definite sign no less compared to no tolerance to the cruel nicknames and the boasting over her power. She often was quiet about her power. She showed no reaction to the cruel nicknames until later, when he performed the damage control needed to make her feel better. What had happened to the soft hearted little one he knew? Behind him, he didn't notice the angry expression on Hoshi's face falter, her snarl fading away. Her eyes were dull. Father was right, she was acting by pride. She wasn't being ignorant of the nicknames as she used to be and she did boast over her power to her foes now. She suddenly despised herself. What had happened? She let her ego grow far too large for her liking. She bowed her head, overwhelmed. Father was right, as he always was.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You are right, Father."

Inu No Taisho turned around at once at the voice crack. The young demoness suddenly looked vulnerable. Within seconds the daughter of his heart was in his embrace, her head tucked under his chin and her tears soaking his armor. He rubbed her back soothingly.

"Oh my little one," he whispered soothingly, nuzzling the top of her soft hair. "You are young and have much to learn. Do not allow pride to overburden you, it will destroy you within time. Be wise with pride."

"How can I stop," she whimpered quietly.

He tilted her head up with a slim finger, gazing into her large and tearful sky blue eyes. He gently smiled at her.

"By being you," he answered kindly. "One day, pride will be the last thing influencing the sweet little demoness you are."

Hoshi had to smile past her tears. Her Father always knew what to say; he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead making her feel loved and understood inside.

"Minoru!"

The hybrid demoness flinched at the sudden shout, nearly dropping the carving knife and cutting herself. She traced the blade with a talon for a moment, silent before growing lowly in her throat glancing behind her at the troublesome situation. This had to end one way or another but neither of the two were backing off nor surrendering. It was slowly growing to higher annoying levels. Minoru, the stubborn and prideful demon he was, was trying to return to his duty but he was meeting resistance with a certain phoenix demoness. Sakura was refusing to let him go. She didn't think he was well enough to return to his duties, despite the lady giving him the 'okay.'

"Listen to me," Sakura shouted her hair actually on fire (something Hoshi had never seen before) and eyes dark with anger.

"I am, Sakura! I've been listening this whole time, I'm not deaf!

"No you are not! If you were, you'd heed my words!"

"What, do you expect me to obey you and do what you say," Minoru hissed now, loudly.

Hoshi wasn't sure if she wanted to hit Sakura over the head or not. Her retainer was acting foolishly like a young pup not even thinking about the reality of the situation. The demoness had to grow up in her own way; she was nosy, commanding, and spoke without thinking. It was the manners of a young pup and she was completely careless about the reality of the Eagle demon's current obligation. Minoru was commanded by the Northern and Western lord to patrol the grounds and had to return to his duty. It was a responsibility that Minoru had, an obligation to fulfill. She wasn't happy with it herself but she knew the importance of it. She'd dealt with similar situations. When someone gives an order it must be followed; she learned this lesson the hardest way possible by watching her Father fight a battle that would lead to his death. Her pride had led to a rash decision and disobeying his direct orders. It had ended with death. She bit her tongue hard and swallowed down the emotions. It wasn't her fault but it still had been her choice. She glanced at Jaken who was sitting beside her and she immediately noted the frustration expression on his face, the corners of his eyes twitching. It was obvious he was trying to ignore the two fighting demons by staring into the flames of the fire and thinking of other things. She wished she could do the same.

"That is not what I want, Minoru! I only wish the best for you!"

"I am well enough! I am needed to patrol the lines, Sakura! You must understand every warrior is of importance!"

"I know it is, but your health is very important! What if you die due to the fact you are weak!"

"Weak! I am not weak, Sakura. I am fine! The lady has declared me well enough!"

"I do not care! You should rest!"

"Will the pups silence themselves or not," her inner demon suddenly spoke up, irritated. "It is like two dogs fighting over a scrap of meat that would never sate their hunger."

"No. At least the meat will give them something to feast on though."

"You know what I mean, milady."

"I do understand, but it is their fight and not our own."

"Can you not knock one of them out? It will silence their foolish bickering."

"That is reasonable but how about we not resort to violence," Hoshi thought with reluctant amusement.

"Violence is a reasonable answer."

"I suppose it is but not right now."

"It has kept us alive until this point," her inner demon reasoned lightly. "We would have long been dead without it. So why not?"

"I agree with that but it shouldn't be used on the pups."

"Minoru is correct in his standing. Sakura is acting unreasonable and foolish; she has much to learn in the ways of war."

"She is young, only at least 2 centuries old. You cannot blame her for her innocence with war."

"She expects Minoru to obey her, the younger! Minoru is above her in age and by blood. She should be silenced."

"She cares for him; she only wants what is best for Minoru."

"She should respect his wishes then," her inner demon snapped dryly. "He wishes to fulfill his duty, a very honorable reason. He needs to obey his orders. Will you not speak out on Minoru's behalf, milady?"

"I do not need to. Minoru will be the one who walks away victorious; I can already sense the faltering in Sakura. He needs no support. He has enough back up for himself."

"I do not doubt that, as stubborn and prideful as he is…"

"Indeed. It will end soon, but Sakura will be unbearable."

Hoshiko mentally sighed. Oh, the phoenix demoness would definitely be unbearable with her mood she would be left in after Minoru left in success. She knew if it came to it, she would be on Minoru's side. He needed to fulfill his obligation. Her inner demon seemed to grow thoughtful for a moment.

"We must accept Sakura's failure and deal with it when it comes to it," Hoshi said slowly.

"Father would have none of this foolishness."

"I know he wouldn't. I rarely won when it came to disagreements."

"He was wise."

"He was too big headed for his own good," Hoshi said amusingly earning her inner demon's laughter. "He would either talk me out of it, find a reasonable solution where'd we both would win, or go along with me despite my protests."

"He would," the demon whispered quietly in memory before a jolt of excitement surprised Hoshi. It wasn't her own. "Oh, Milady!"

"What?"

The companion of her mind swiftly but gently pushed an idea into her awareness. Her muscles locked up in surprise. Hoshi had to blink in amazement before considering it carefully. It was a very reasonable solution to the bickering behind her but in a way foolish. It was an odd idea, no less. But thinking about it more came with more good than the sense of bad, as selfish as it was. It would finally get her out of this apartment and she could finally assist the way she desired. She could see new sights. She could explore and get the cramps out of her legs. Not only that, it would ease Sakura's concern and give Minoru the sense of companionship. She could spend time with a good friend. Why hadn't she thought of this earlier? Her inner demon seemed to smile inside, as though puffing out her chest in pride for her logical thinking. Hoshi almost laughed at the smugness radiating from her demon. No one noticed her get up and leave the room.

The hybrid demoness entered her quarters and went to grab what she needed but she paused halfway. This would not go well if she went like this. She glanced down at the kimono she wore, a beautiful shade of blue-gray with a sky blue obi. This wouldn't do if she wanted to accomplish her goal. This outfit would not be appropriate for what she was hoping to do. She needed to look serious. She needed to look powerful. Threatening. Hoshi bit her lip for a moment in thought. How would she accomplish that? She looked quite innocent and kind just by face alone. She thought about it for a moment longer before with a sigh, dropping to her knees to reach under her bed to snatch up her bag. She hadn't worn this particular outfit for a long time; it had been from Inu No Taisho's time, a gift to her from the great demon lord. It had definitely made her look a challenge, a threat to be dealt with. She slipped her hand inside to grab the pieces of what she needed. She touched the ice cold metal. How long had she not worn this? Since Father died; she'd packed this away in the chest he'd given her only to have it back recently. She honestly wished she had kept it. With a deep breath she slowly stretched it out with shaking hands. It had been made to fold for light baggage. This had to be done and it was time anyway. Her eyes locked with her own in the mirror she had been provided with. Oh hai, she was ready. She pulled out the rest of the outfit.

"You are acting by pride!"

"No, it is responsibility! Our numbers are low enough as it is! One warrior down may cost another his life!"

"Life and death are nature!"

"So you want me to lie here when I am well enough when that could cost an ally his life!"

"SILENCE!"

Minoru and Sakura jumped in surprise at the sudden angry and loud voice behind them and whipped around only to stare. It was Lady Hoshiko. Her expression was hard with sparkling sky blue eyes that held them bound with anger and power. The diamond hair ornament Sakura knew Sesshomaru had given her was clipped to the side of her high ponytail. But that wasn't why they stared so. This was not the Lady they had ever seen. She wore a white kimono with blue swirls along the sleeves, neckline, and the bottom that swept the floors. Turquoise dots decorated the lonely line swirls. But what was utterly shocking was she wore armor. The armor itself was similar to the Western Lord's except both sides had the spike half circle above her shoulder and three spikes prodded from the metal chest plate. Two strands of blue fell from the sides with sparkling diamonds dangling with the ties. A purple sash with white endings was tied around her waist. The two swords that were Taiyo were hung at her hips while a while spear she had called Nagereboshi was tied to her back. She folded her arms giving them a firm look. She had never looked more threatening and deadly before; a warrior. Like the opposite of the gentle demoness she originally acted like.

"You two are acting foolishly, like young pups," Hoshi announced, glaring at them.

"My lady," Sakura managed to whimper out, gesturing to Minoru. "He is unfit to fight!"

"Do you disagree with my judgment? I have decided he is well enough to fight and you should know better, Sakura, to disagree with me. I have far better knowledge than you."

Sakura seemed to wilt under her ladies gaze.

"Are you sure he is fit to go? He is limping!"

"I have fought when I was limping and when I was bleeding out of numerous wounds," Hoshi huffed. "He is capable of doing the same."

"He-!"

"Is ready to battle," Hoshi finished for Sakura, overriding her instead. "He is well enough to return to his duties, Sakura, by my judgment and orders. Leave him be. He is completely right in his standing."

"Milady," Sakura whispered in submission, tears filling her eyes. What could she do to override the ladies orders? Nothing.

"Arigato, milady," Minoru murmured while giving Sakura a concerned but firm glance.

"You are welcome, Minoru. But I am not finished."

"Then please do," he asked in question, curiosity in his eyes.

"Sakura cares deeply for you and doesn't want you to get hurt any more than you are. She has a good intention."

"I know. . ."

"I don't want her to be upset by your departure with her unsure if you are okay. So, in order for her to feel better, I have a bargain for you. You can either stay here with me and Sakura for another day," Hoshi said ignoring the alarm in his eyes. "Or you can return to your duties but you must take me along with you."

Minrou's eyes bulged out of his head. Either stay here or take the lady with him? He could not think in his surprise. That was a definitely a hard bargain, he couldn't decide what he wanted. He thought about the laws of his people and winced. That would not go down well. He wanted nothing more than to get back to his obligation but he couldn't endure another day in this apartment! He could barely see the surprise and joy on Sakura's face beside him. She was staring at her lady, who gave her a half wink when she caught her gaze. She had never felt so much respect for her lady in this moment. She was doing this to make her feel better if he went out on his patrol and perhaps for a reason all her own. She felt better already. Minoru on the other hand was unsure what to do. Oh, what to do? One glance at the lady and he knew she was dead serious. He eyed her for a moment and caught the pleading in her eyes. Suddenly, he understood. She couldn't stand another day in this apartment either. She wanted to get out, be free, and serve the Lords. He immediately understood and with a sigh, unsure what to do.

"This is what the bargain is," he mused out loud.

"Indeed. You can rest for another day or take me with you."

"It will not be easy," he stressed. "There will be issues."

"I didn't expect it to be."

Minoru saw he had no choice. He winced inside; this would not go down well. He might as well try.

"As you wish," he sighed gently. "You may accompany me Lady Hoshiko."

Hoshiko merely inclined her head in response before giving her retainer a firm gaze.

"Do not allow anyone into our apartment without permission from me or Lord Sesshomaru."

"Of course, Milady."

"Jaken," her lady continued as she glanced over at the imp gaining his attention. "Will you prepare supper for tonight?"

Jaken immediately nodded, looking delighted. The hybrid demoness smiled faintly before turning to the Eagle demon, earning a faint smile from him as he slid open the door. The two entered the hall and with a slight wave from Sakura, they were off with the door being slid shut behind them. Hoshi glanced at the walls. They seemed darker today than normal. She followed the Eagle demon quietly before he finally turned to look at her when they were far enough away from the apartment.

"Was this necessary," he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Indeed. We are equally concerned for your leg and I want to make sure you are alright," Hoshi answered honestly. "Not only that, but I cannot stand another day in that apartment."

Minoru had to laugh in response to that.

"Is it that bad?"

"I cannot stand to be cooped up like that. I do not like to do the same things over and over again."

"Do you not repeat a routine at home?"

"No," Hoshi said with a smile. "I do the same chores as I do anywhere but I cannot stand doing them daily. I have the opportunity to spend time with friends at home and go on a daily run about the forest. I play with little Rin and take care of her, she makes my life worthwhile."

"You miss her don't you," Minoru asked gently, hearing the sad note of her voice.

"I do," Hoshi whispered quietly. "I do not know what I could do without my little sunshine."

"She means that much to you?"

"She is everything to me. She is my little pup, my sunshine. She has given me a purpose, Minoru. She gave me this life when she helped me recover from an attack that surely would have killed me had I not gotten any aid. She saved me in more ways than one."

The Eagle demon was impressed. One little human girl had not only altered the life of Hoshiko but the life of the Western Lord. She had to be something. He had seen her and watched her but he had never understood the connection the two demons had with her. It was obvious his lady loved the human child. A child that would not live as long as any of them. He gave a metal sigh. It would utterly kill both Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Hoshiko when the child passed into the next life. She'd leave them behind. But they lived in the present, the now, and he had to admire them for that. But one day, they'd have to accept the fate of the child's passing. He perked up when he saw the entrance to the courtyard. Finally! He heard Hoshi pick up the pace beside him and they all but rushed out of the dark palace. He was finally outside and free.

Hoshi had to stare at the sight before her. The grounds surely looked like a battle ground. Weapons were propped up against surfaces. Warriors patrolled the high walls surrounding the palace while others talked on the ground or were bent over tables going over whatever lay on their surface. Some demons turned at the arrival of the two and the eyes narrowed at the lady. Hoshi had to wonder at the sudden glares she was getting. Minoru gave them a nasty glare before guiding her away from them. She almost laughed at the Eagle demon's sudden protectiveness. Why did everyone treat her like glass, seriously? She was guided over toward a armor clad demon who obviously had power above the rest. His armor was finer than the rest and when his eyes met theirs at their approach; his eyes were firm and serious; powerful. His expression was unreadable.

"Minoru," the demon drawled. "I am pleased to see you on your feet again."

"I am pleased to be back on duty Captian Waku."

"Waku," her inner demon thought in amusement.

"Shush."

"Indeed it is. We need any warrior we can take. We need every set of hands."

"Of course. That is why I am here."

"Good lad. I am pleased to know you are responsible with your duties, hmm."

"Indeed," Minoru mumbled, looking displeased.

Hoshi was unsure about this demon. He seemed pretty unpleasant. This was the demon that Minoru had saved?

"Although I must arigato you for taking the hit for me," Captain Waku growled.

"It was my duty."

Captain Waku nodded in a grim way before he seemed to notice Hoshi. His eyes narrowed.

"Now, why has she accompanied you? Do you need a guardian, Minoru?"

"No," Minoru said, tense. "She has accompanied me today for a reason."

"Oh? What would that be, lad?"

"She will be joining me on my patrol."

Captian Waku froze, suddenly glaring at Minoru with venom in his eyes.

"Excuse me," Wake hissed.

"You do owe me for saving your life," Minoru reminded, equally tense. "Besides, did you not say we need every warrior we can get?"

"She is female," another voice spoke up, as a demon joined them.

"This is not your discussion Ronin," Minoru growled, glaring at the new member of their group. Hoshi remembered the name; Ronin, the second captain.

"It is his discussion," Waku said, firm. "He is my second in command. He has a right to speak."

"Of course he does," Minoru mumbled. Hoshi had the idea the Eagle demon was not fond of either of these two, but she was getting the impression she knew why.

"She would not be useful," Ronin continued as he eyed Hoshi up like a thing to buy. "Females are weak by nature. She'd be a burden."

"We do not need any more unnecessary priorities; she'd have no way to assist us."

"Pardon me," Hoshi murmured with an unusually calm voice catching their attention. "I beg to ask, why do you think such a thing?"

Minoru had to gaze at his lady. She was acting quite calm to his surprise but he could see the tension in her shoulders. They had been talking quite rudely of her as if she hadn't been right there but here she was, acting politely and kindly. He had to give it a hand to her.

"Your kind is not tolerated in battle," Ronin huffed smugly. "You are weak by nature and have the tendency to act foolishly. Besides, the only purpose a demoness has is to bear the next generation of demons for another powerful reign."

"I beg to differ," Hoshi spoke strongly, lifting her chin.

"You are female, of course you'd 'beg to differ'," Waku said, smiling unkindly. They were catching the attention of nearby warriors; Hoshi only saw now they were all male.

"You treat me like property."

"Are you not? You will belong to a demon one day and he will own you," Ronin laughed. "You will have no right to speak out in such a way."

"That is true, but I will not allow myself to be mated unless my mate understands my need for freedom and independence."

"You are female; you have no things such as that."

"That is what your culture says," Hoshi answered darkly. "Mine says different. You treat your demonesses poorly from what I see from you."

"How dare you," Waku hissed, glaring in fury as Ronin stiffened up beside him. "Who do you think you are?"

"A demoness who will provide the next powerful generation of demon," Hoshi answered smugly. "I am a demoness who defends all she believes in. I am a demoness who was born to fight and knows the way of fang, claw, and blade. I am a demoness who will let no one stand in my way. I am a demoness who will do anything to protect the ones I love and care for. And I'm female."

"You speak out of turn!"

"Do I? It is you who speaks so out of turn my dear Captain," Hoshi purred with a sickly sweet tone of voice. "You underestimate the power of the past generations of demoness. We endure things you do not. We are forced to dress fancily to show beauty for all to see. We have to smile and remain silence when we desire so badly to speak our minds. We are forced to obey the male population of our race and given rare acknowledgement toward our work in a home. We have no rights to our younglings unless our mate provides it and no right to own land and do our own will. We sometimes go through the pain of losing our mates and forced to try to fend for ourselves. We endure the season of heat and our bodies hurt from the female time. We lose blood during this time for many days. We are the ones who carry the young during the time of their development and are forced to endure sickness and swollen feet. We go through the pain of giving birth to the next generation, laying there for hours in pain trying to give the life inside us out to the world. You are ungrateful brats, Captain Waku and Ronin. You do not give credit to the generations of demonesses who gave birth to your ancestors that led to your existence today and the struggles they went through themselves to do so! It was a demoness who brought you into this world and you have no right to treat them in such a way! We are powerful in our own way."

There was a completely dead silence. The long, stunned silence of shock and awe at the words that had tumbled from her lips. All that was heard was the wind and the tumbling of leaves on the ground. Even the breathing around them had stopped. All eyes were on Hoshiko, the strong little demoness who had just stood up for her gender. She was a demoness, and she was proud to be one. Her head was held high and her body in a stance of power. Her eyes sparkled with faith and courage in her belief. Her hair whipped around her in a fury, giving her the fierce beauty she was seeking to have. Her lips were in a firm line of defiance, challenging the demons to outwit her. Minoru was utterly stunned to the point he was sure he wanted to laugh. His Lady was beyond anything he had ever seen; she was the toughest demoness had ever met. She had the temper and wisdom to outwit the older two captains. Her tongue was like an invisible sword. She had them in her grasp. They were hers for the taking.

"So," Hoshi asked Minoru gently. "Should we get to our patrol?"

Minoru nodded numbly before gesturing for the Lady to join him. As they walked away, they saw the smiles on the faces of the warriors as they looked down or away from the two stunned captains. Hoshi had to smile in response. She had won. But what she didn't see was the Western and Northern Lord on the wall above them, staring down at the scene with emotionless faces.

"Now I see why she is your best warrior beyond fang, claw, and sword," Lord Takahiro of the North whispered in awe. "She has a tongue as sharp as a sword and the guts to prove it."

Lord Sesshomaru could only nod.

Well, Hoshiko is certainly a tough cookie in this chapter! Even enough to impress both of the Lords… I swear Sakura was acting quite immature in this one Don't worry, I'll get you all some fluff with Sesshomaru and Hoshiko soon *wink wink* LOL I hope you all enjoyed this and please review. It really inspires me to write quicker ;)