CHAPTER 9 - Revised 11/12/18

A small group walked through the village surrounding the palace for the North. They entered a small inn that they had been occupying since the death of their lord. One of the women of the group sauntered into the room and dropped her bag on the floor by the door. She sat on the bed and released her long black hair from the braid. The other two youkai followed closing the door behind them.

"Sōten, do you think lord Inuyasha will help lady Yuuna?" The female youkai asked. She was inuyoukai like her master. Once, she had served her as a warrior but now that the Tengu have poisoned their land with their cruelty towards Inuyoukai, she had been banished from the palace.

Sōten sighed. "I met Inuyasha and his pack long ago. They always saved those in need. This is the last thing I can think of."

"What if Lady Yuuna find out?" The other inuyoukai walked forward wrapping his arms around the female inuyoukai. Tao and Yuki were mated and also loyal to lady Yuuna.

"No. I hope not. We should stay here and wait. There's nothing we can do for now." Sōten kicked off her shoes and laid back on the bed. The couple left to get something to eat while she mulled over the the thought a particular fox youkai and sighed.

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Shippo entered Sesshomaru's palace smiling at the servants as they bowed. Small feet patted against the wood floor chasing after him. "So rude Shippo-sama! You can't just waltz into Sesshomaru-sama's home like this!"

He chuckled as the toad ran past him to where he assumed Sesshomaru would be. As the toad quickly announced Shippo's arrival, he pushed passed him into Sesshomaru's study. Sesshomaru sat behind his desk reading an old book.

"To what do I owe for this intrusion, kit?" Sesshomaru asked. His dull gaze not leaving the book in his hand. Shippo waited for the toad to exit and close the sliding door before he went to sit before the lord. "What is so dire that you need to see me before tomorrow?"

"On my way back to the slayer village, Kagome had appeared and was attacked by two oni. They were Nobaru's siblings." Shippo waited for the lord to say something but he didn't. He simply flipped the page of his book. He must have already received this information. "Nobaru said that his mage had seen the future. Kagome has grown in power. She can heal like a demon. But this mage said that she would be the mother of the new generation."

Sesshomaru's brow furrowed. "How would the miko create something like that?" Shippo wasn't foolish enough to answer this question knowing the demon lord asked rhetorically.

"Kagome's time does not have youkai. Or so we think. It's possible she has the power to hide youkai." Sesshomaru sat there in thought before he closed the book and reached for an old scroll with a gold casing. Handing it to the kit. Shippo oopened it and I saw a woman in a elaborate kimono with long black hair and ancient text.

"That is Lady Ayatsume. According to the text, many years ago, we had gods who brought balance and peace. But they had vanished and to this day, we have disease, war, and death. She was the first Kami of her generation." He said motioning toward the woman in the scroll. "Amenominakanushi was the first kami. Ayatsume was his reincarnation. They are known as the 'god who came into being alone.' Before Ayatsume, all the gods had been extinct. Being the creator, she awakened the new gods and brought balance and peace for awhile until her human mate was killed by demons. For years it has been said we have been cursed with hard times."

"But…" Shippo frowned. "She was born from a different time...gods are from heaven."

"Don't be foolish. Gods are born just like you and I. Except they must die for their power to be passed their their reincarnation."

"Then that means Kagome is not Kikyo's reincarnation but Ayatsume's?" Shippo looked questioningly at the demon lord.

Sesshomaru sat in thought. "Miko's do not heal like demons. Gods do."

Shippo nodded putting the information aside for now. "Nobaru is going to remake his ties with the slayer village then visit Inuyasha."

"As he should after what his siblings did. Foolish oni's...I pity the lord for having such siblings. Even Inuyasha wouldn't pull such a stunt." Shippo smirked at the jab at his brother. "If Kagome is a god, much will change. We must first meet with the new lord of the north…"

Shippo noticed Sesshomaru scowl at the mention of the lord. "Who is this lord?"

"Hiroshi. A Tengu. He mated Yuuna, daughter of the Northern taiyoukai. God damn fool. Tengu hate inuyoukai."

"Then why would he marry his only heir to a tengu?"

"The north taiyoukai wanted the tengu's strength. Since the west, east, and south could easily over power them."

Shippo nodded sadly. "I hear the lord is bringing his mate."

Sesshomaru whipped his gaze to the kitsune. "He's bringing her?"

He nodded dumbly shocked at the odd behavior. "Yeah. I hear she's beautiful. Lucky bird right?" The lord growled as he stood.

"You can stay here for the night. We will leave for Inuyasha's in the morning." With that the lord left the kitsune. Shippo barely had time to bow to the lord before he stormed out.

Sesshomaru headed toward his quarters. As he entered his room and caught the scent of a kitsune. He sauntered into his bedroom and there on his bed, the maid from before laid naked and waiting.

She blushed. "My lord, I hope I'm not being too bold…"

He began to remove his kimono and could taste her arousal in the air. As she waited, she parted her legs and began to pleasure herself. It wasn't long before he was upon her in between her legs and biting her neck. "Ah!" She moaned. He entered her quickly thrusting his length in her small cavern.

His hot breath was on her neck and she pulled him closer to her. She smiled to herself being her lord's favorite.

"Yuuna.." He moaned against her skin. She froze. 'Who is Yuuna? Is that who he thought of while they were together?' She growled and tried to push him away.

Sesshomaru snarled sinking his fangs against her neck to keep her in place as he fucked her. He grabbed her arms and held them above her head.

Once he was finished, he released her from his grasp. The girl stood immediately and hurried out of the room.

WWWWWWWWWWW

Shippo leaned over the table pouring a cup of tea for Joichiro. The older kitsune sighed as he took the cup and sipped. "Sesshomaru-sama needs to find a mate. I worry for his well being."

Shippo had poured for himself as he nodded. "He seemed odd today."

"He craves a woman that has a mate." Joichiro said as he looked out into the night overlooking the stone garden.

"Yuuna?" Joichiro turned his gaze to the kit and nodded sadly.

"Her foolish father wanted her to have a strong mate. When Sesshomaru's mother forbade their union, The north taiyoukai had no choice but to mate her to a Tengu. But…" He scowled at his cup. "I saw their union. I told the Inutaisho but it was too late. His mother had turned them away and the poor girl was promised to the Tengu." He growled and downed the green tea. "Damn."

"Sesshomaru normally takes what he wants and kills for it. Why not for Yuuna?" Shippo turned his cup in thought. "He would have killed Inuyasha for Tetsusaiga if he could hold it."

Joichiro shook his head and pushed his cup toward the kit in a silent request. The kit understood and refilled the elder's cup. "The Sesshomaru you and Inuyasha know is not Yuuna's Sesshomaru. He was much kinder when it came to her, he would kill anyone for her but Inuyoukai mate for life. If she is mated, she is loyal to her mate. Killing the Tengu, would force her hand to kill Sesshomaru. This act would emotionally kill both of them."

WWWWWWWWWW

"Miroku…" Sango sighed against his neck. She wraps her small slender fingers around his hard biceps as he thrusted inside her. His sweat dripped from his brow to his neck. Tempted, she gently gilded her tongue up his neck catching the liquid up to his jaw causing a violent shuddered from the man above her.

"Damn." He couldn't hold back any longer.

Warm liquid filled her unraveling her as well. She moaned. Before he collapsed on top of her, he turned them over putting her on top. She laid against him and kissed his lips. He pulled her bottom lip with his teeth licking the appendage.

She kissed him back before laying her head against his chest.

"Okaa-San! We're back!" Ume called from the entrance.

Sango felt the low chuckle rumble in her husband's chest.

"Your children are back Okaa-San." He teased. She scowled and headed to the baths.

"Oto-San!" The youngest called as best as he could.

"Good job Kazuki!" Sayuri praise echoed through the halls.

Sango turned to her husband and smiled. "Your heir calls."

Miroku rolled his eyes and put on his yukata just as Ume burst through the doors. "Oto-San! We are back!" She bounced toward him making him smile. She held some flowers she found in her tight grasp.

"Who are those for?" He asked the small girl.

She looked at her small flowers bruised from her tight fist. "Hmm. Uh. For Oto-San!" The girl smiled brightly reaching them toward her father. Miroku lowered to the girl and let her put them in his hair. Kazuki walked in and watched curiously holding his 'flower'. He moved over and copied his sister.

"Kazuki! That's a weed." Ume laughed. Miroku smirked at his son.

Kazuki focused on the small baby dandelion. He scowled and touched the plant in Miroku's hair and it bloomed.

Miroku felt to cool feel of his son's pure power and his smile softened. The small boy smiled at his father. "Flower."

Miroku patted his son's head. Sayuri walked in gently carrying a beautiful bouquet of violet wildflowers.

She laughed at her father's hair. "Oto-San.."

Miroku picked up Ume and Kazuki. "Those flowers for Okaa-San?"

Sayuri beamed at her father. "Yes! Okaa-san's favorites!"

Miroku kissed Ume's temple. "Then let's find something to put those in for okaa-San."

"Hai!" The children cried as they went to the kitchen.

WWWWWWWWW

Sango was helping Sayuri arrange the flowers in the vase while Miroku played with Ume and Kazuki.

"My lord!" A young Tajiya walked in and bowed. "Lord Nobaru is here with his mate and escorts."

Miroku stood and looked toward Sango. "The oni lord...we will meet him in the main hall. Escort him and his wife there. His escorts must wait outside."

The taijiya stepped out to follow his lord's orders. Sango turned to Miroku. "What about the children?"

Miroku looked at Sayuri and Ume. "Take Kazuki to your room. Okaa-San will get you when we are done."

Sayuri gracefully stood and pulled Kazuki and Ume to follow. Once in their room, Sayuri closed the door. "Kazuki. Seal the door."

Kazuki touched the doorframe. The cool blue power seeped from his hand. Kanji circled the entry way. He did not need paper ofuda like their father. Once the kanji disappeared, he joined his sisters to play.

WWWWWWWWWWW

Nobaru and his mate entered the large room. Sango and Miroku sat at the opposite side of the room with some of their best taijiya. The oni lord bowed. "Miroku-Sama. It is good to see you again. I brought my mate Aiza and my heir Shoutamaru." The small boy stood respectively beside his father. His small oni horns peeking from his blond hair.

Miroku bowed and motioned for the couple to sit. Sango did not bow her head and continued to glare at their guests as they sat on the cushions on the opposite side. "I apologize. We are still shocked from the sudden attack from your siblings? Shippo had informed us that they intended to kill our friend."

Nobaru bowed. "I have no intention to take revenge for them. They deserved death for what they did. I wish to renew our treaty."

Sango scoffed. "A paper treaty doesn't seem good enough after what has happened." Miroku glanced at his wife and patted her hand.

Nobaru nodded. "You are right. I know your people are in dire need of manpower to finish your village's construction, as much as I would like to lend you my people, I do not trust them after what has happened. I myself have acknowledged that I need to do some weeding. I have something more substantial than manpower…" He looked to his son who glanced at him. "I will offer my son to be used as you wish. He is strong, and will be very helpful. He is my heir and has a great inheritance. A good potential mate for one of your daughters. I offer him as my treaty."

Sango glanced at the boy he sat not fighting his father's order. She looked toward the mother as well, she smiled proudly at her son that she would leave behind. "How could you leave your heir to us? Are you not fearful of his safety?"

Aiza smiled. "Of course not. Kouga's speaks highly of you and Miroku. He said that Miroku is such a great father from what he had seen." She petted her son's soft hair. "I'm sure you will care for him as much as we do."

Nobaru cleared his throat and stared at Miroku. "We will not be without gain as well. I want my son to be kind to humans and to learn from them. He's very kind, honorable, and loyal. Please help raise my son to be a good lord." Nobaru bowed again. "I can not show how sorry I am for what has happened."

Miroku looked toward the boy who followed suit and bowed as well. "I will agree to the treaty." The boy looked up and met his stare. "But…" Miroku turned to the oni lord and smiled. "You must visit your son often."

Nobaru and his beamed at the monk. "Of course!"

WWWWWWWW

After the small meeting, The oni lord and his family joined Miroku and Sango for tea in a more private scenery.

Sango poured Aiza some tea as they gossiped.

Nobaru leaned over to Miroku. "I wish to have my son learn your traditions here in the village. I think it would be very good for him to learn to be respectful of different cultures."

Miroku nodded. "We have training for the young. I will start him with my daughters and have my brother-in-law make a weapon for him. When he comes of age, you will present this special weapon to your heir."

Nobaru smiled in thought. "These weapons are specially made by Totosai?"

Miroku nodded. "Kohaku is learning from Totosai, from what I hear, he's very good. Each weapon is specially made for each child according to their fighting style and weight."

Nobaru chuckled. "I like it!"

Shoutamaru gently sipped the tea and put it down. Sango smiled. "Your son is very handsome."

Aiza beamed. "I hope he finds a good mate. He's such a good boy."

Little feet patted into the room. Ume had slid open the door and noticed the small oni sitting at the katsu. She smiled and sat next to him. "I'm Ume!"

The boy blushed at the petite girl. Her long dark hair and big brown eyes looking up at him. "Shoutamaru."

The adults watched the two interact. Ume gazed at his horns. Reaching up she touched one and he jerked back blushing. "Hey.." She laughed. "You have horns."

"Course I do!" He scowled. "I'm an oni."

"Can I touch them?"

"No." He growled.

"Why?"

"Cause." He blushed as the girl leaned closer. He jumped up and moved away from her and Ume chased after him laughing.

Nobaru laughed.

Sango chided. "Ume!"

Aiza patted the tajiya's hand. "It's alright. Let them be. It's important especially for youkai children to bond with potential mates."

Miroku looked over at his daughter grabbing the boy by his kimono trying to reach his horns, standing up, he was much taller than her. "Mate?"

Nobaru looked at the monk knowingly. "Humans and youkai are very different when it comes to their children. We let them play, fight, discover, and get hurt because that is how they learn. It's also how they bond with a potential mate. It's spending time with them, learning with them, fighting with them. Maybe Ume isn't his destined mate, but who is to say she isn't and would you block your child from potentially having a good mate who will care for her as much or even more than you ever will?" He patted the monks shoulder. "I promise it will be hard to watch your child fall in love, who ever the boy maybe, but it is worth the trouble. We as parents, won't be around forever."

Miroku let the oni's words sink in as he watch Ume with Shoutamaru. The boy gave and lowered his head to the girl who happily took the invitation to touch his horns.

Shoutamaru flushed at the gentle touches on his horns. He gazed at the girl in front of him who blushed at his gaze before turning her attention back to the points on his head. His eyes softened and smiled. He might enjoy his stay here with her.