Chapter #2

Disclaimer: Don't own it...never did, all the pain and agony I give to Rumiko Takahashi's characters are for the sole purpose of my own entertainment! Mwahahahaha...ah,ha...*Cough* (-.-)

"I have never been so insulted in my life!"

The Inu no Tashio sat at the low table that served as his desk, a noncommittal look on his face as he gazed at the Neko Youkai. The redheaded Noble stood by his equally flame topped daughter. Both of their faces were as crimson as their hair, and both a little more than just lightly singed. The Neko's clothes were torn and a bit dissolved in several places. They even sported a few bloody nicks.

Obviously the two of them were used to being the center of high class circles and thought themselves more than worthy of overstepping his son's boundaries. It was also apparent that Sesshomaru was more than willing to unleash his energy whip on the high maintenance pair.

So here he was, listening to their incredulous speech, what a great way to spend the day.

"-And I will have you know that as the Northern Lord of China's first advisor that me and my daughter don't have to put up with your arrogant son and his overly imperious ways! We demand to be immediately compensated through the proper form of-" To this, the Western Lord just gazed at the two, golden eyes like fire, the western lord was not amused. He new his son was a bit...haughty, but he wasn't going to tolerate such audacity!

Cutting the aristocrat off in harsh tones he bit back. "Clearly, I have given you more credit than you are due. You would do best to retreat to your own territory without delay. The west will no longer have any affiliation with you or your daughter." So very far from entertainment the regal dog was, that he couldn't restrain a strangled growl from rocketing through the room.

The Neko Youkai didn't move, they were proud, oh so very proud, and refused to depart from their current positions infront of his desk. How did I ever come to think that this feline could be a possible mate for my son? Personally, I'm surprised that Sesshomaru didn't eviscerate them, the truculent pup.

But there were more important things to think than his son's sadistic tendencies. The couple before him wore his patience thin, there was only so much insolence he could handle.

Another growl ripped across the room, this one feral, and far less patient than the Inu no Tashio's. Heads whipped to the doorway of the room to see the sole heir to the Western Palace. It was too much for the cats to take, in truth the only reason they were rooted so firmly was out of fear. Now Sesshomaru stood in the doorway, drawing his sword from it's sheath slow and cruel as metal scraped along it's sheath.

The felines bolted from the room in a flurry of scarlet, intent on getting as far away from the Western Palace and it's two lords as quickly as their Youkai enhanced speed could cope. They knew the young Taiyoukai wouldn't hesitate to spill their blood.

The younger canine sheathed his sword, and glided over to his father. Even though his son's face was frozen apathetically, the Inu no Tashio new that he was fighting to chain his rage. Sesshomaru was practically impossible to read, only those intimately related to him could discern emotions from him. The Inu no Tashio was one of these people, the other was the Western Lady. But even with the insight he had Touga still couldn't grasp an ounce of his son's thoughts.

Pushing these things aside Touga brought his attention to the physical form of his silver haired son, who was impatiently waiting to be acknowledged. "Father." He simply said, but the single word was laced with malice. Sometimes he would wonder how his son managed to become so deleterious.

The great dog demon inclined his head to Sesshomaru, indicating his son was to speak.

He said nothing for a long time, and the Inu no Tashio believed he would never speak. Just as he was about to castigate the teen, he filled the from in monotone voice. "I have no interest in wenches. You know this."

He spoke no further, it wasn't necessary. Touga had been bothering Sesshomaru for the past fifty years, presenting women to Sesshomaru directly as well as subtly. He was fed up with his father's persistence in finding him a companion. He needed no one, and he certainly didn't want any female latching on his arm! He couldn't comprehend why mates were so sought after. Physical attraction he could understand, but that only lasts for a single night. After that one night he would send them away, no longer interested. Their faces all blurred and lost in the myriad of faces and scents. In his opinion, all females do is oppress you and debilitate you. They were nothing desirable in the least, not at all.

Inu no Tashio gave a sigh of defeat and spoke. "Your really not going to even consider finding someone to ca-" Amber lids narrowed dispassionately, clearly on the edge. "No. This Sesshomaru will take no one."

It was Touga's turn to speak. "Fine. I will postpone in finding you a mate. But only on one condition." His son raised a fine eyebrow, but did not speak. The Western Lord continued. "I will cease on the condition that you allow me to arrange a group of...comrades." He finished.

The younger lord turned directly to his father a snarl resounded through the room. " This. Sesshomaru. Needs. No. One." It was becoming evident to the Inu no Tashio that his son wasn't going to budge. At least, not willingly.

The Lord of the West stared across the desk, his expression morphing from weariness into a hardened gaze that left room for no argument. "Sesshomaru, you will either accept a mate, or a total of four comrades. Make your choice." Now, Touga new very well that his son wouldn't appreciate being forced to do either of the options. But the sad truth, at least for Sesshomaru, was that the Inu no Tashio was far stronger than his son. When it came down to it, there wasn't much Sesshomaru could do at the moment, he hadn't surpassed his father's power.

silver tinted bangs brushed an azure cresent, eyes fluttering closed he attempting to recollect his temper. He wouldn't hesitate to lash out at others, but he had to be wary of his father. He was no fool, and nobody had ever come out of a battle with his father alive.

Still, he would keep his airs about him. With a tilt to the head, so slight that one would have to really be looking to see, Sesshomaru gave his consent.

He would take his chances with the Comrades.

But it wasn't as if the companions would be a permanent thing, he would be rid of them soon enough. Ha, maybe he would kill them all himself in rebellion. Yes, that would be satisfying. He could even do it slowly over time, so that his father wouldn't realize the culprit.

Yes, these comrades were of no concern, they could easily be removed.

A/N: So, how was it? I'm thinking Inu no Tashio might be a bit OOC...Eh, I'll fix him. Anyways, I'd like to know what you guys think, flames are accepted. Any comment positive or negative will help me keep everyone IC.

Anyways! I'll post the next chapter really soon!