The Perfect Storm

by TheReddQueen

Lord Sesshomaru had reached the pinnacle of his reign as the Lord of the Western Lands since the death of Naraku. But not even his lands are completely safe once an African Queen is brought to his throne room along with her premonitions declaring he seeks the help of his half-brother and the miko to save everything he values.

15. Chapter 15: Up in the Air

Chapter 15 has been brought to you by…

Thank you Reviewers of Chapter 14

flyintothesky –Here you go doll!

Loves2Spooge – Umm maybe…I don't know. You know Egyptians got turned on by a lot of things back in the day. Yes, love. Ororo is boss and I want to keep her in that mindset. Thanks for the beautiful reviews.

EbonySapphire – Right! So much more work!

Rodidor – Yes I would like for Ororo to kill somebody too! I'm sure it will be epic!

7 – Awe thank you for the review! Hopefully this update keeps my awesomeness high on the scale.

calhounariel97 – I know! Damn you cliffys! But they are the loves of my life right now.

LadyRenkasumi-sama – (Part1) And that review you gave me is kick ass! I honestly get nervous writing Sess because I want to keep him in character as much as possible! I cringe when I read fanfics that just completely take away everything about him that makes him….him. So your review just warms me up inside and gives me the fuzzys! (Part 2) And no it doesn't count if you review multiple times. Lol but I will still read it and answer you like so.

Lilura Maeva – LOL! At first when I read your comment I was like is this bitch spamming me! This is what you put, ". /_9jvZAZBAf0w/RqCR5-HfAlI/AAAAAAAAAGA/oFI2Id2jWVk/s320/Cheshire%" Then I realized it's a picture! And I googled it and saw the face and died! :D And you will see in this chapter a lot of the things you brought up will be addressed as far as scandalous attire. MUAHAHAHA!

GreenEggsN'Ham – Awe! Damn this site for getting in the way of your creative flow! Bastards I tell ya! I don't know about Rin pushing people together…but then again she might…but what do I know? I just write this shit as I go along.

Thank you to those that began to Follow this story this week.

Truthfulpen

Angel-Rias

Ccsta

bloodrose26

Thank you to those that added this to their Favs this week.

Truthfulpen

Angel-Rias

NoticeMeSempaii01

Chapter 15: Up in the Air

Ororo sat brushing Rin's hair back from her face feeling her heated cheeks while she slept on the furs and blankets in the room. A fire crackled in the hearth near the wall providing a comforting warmth to the room. Rin had caught a small fever and Ororo knew a cold was setting in. Ororo recommended citrus of some kind to cut her illness like the lemons they used in her country. A knocked sounded at a few doors down. Curiously, Ororo stood and went to the door to see a servant set down a bundle of clothes. Ororo looked to the demoness watching the skittish woman hurry away fearful of her fate around the now infamous foreign queen. Ororo walked down the hall and took the pile walking quickly back inside the den. She looked down at Sesshomaru's hirori with many thoughts plaguing her mind. Her bag was in his study, and she dare not venture there quite yet until she had gotten to the bottom of her own heart and mind. At first, she wanted to know why she was targeted but now that she had time to think on it, she found she didn't care. She didn't care what people here thought of her as long as they knew their place. And right now, it was out of her way. This needed to be communicated to the General because if he tried such actions again, he would not be so fortunate to live.

Ororo unfolded the pile to see beautiful silks neatly folded. Ororo had worn a kimono several times and knew how to properly put one on without too much trouble. She dressed slowly being mindful of the silk layers and the design of the dress. She moved stiffly under the gold and white layers with the emerald, green shell placed on top. The lilacs embroidered in white stood out against the dark green fabric. She looked at the obi and left it on the seat. She didn't want anything else constricting her movement. She braided her long white hair and pulled it to the side of her face to hang down her shoulder. She needed to get to her bag and to find her weapons that were abandoned outside.

Ororo kissed Rin's head promising her to return and leaving instruction to the little emerald beetle that Rin had taken on as her own ward. She quickly left the room to deal with the consequences of her actions by first going in search of the General to hear what he had to say. Her body felt strange under so much weight of the material that was a proper Japanese woman's kimono. Her feet felt heavier as she walked barefoot refusing to put on the wooden shoes that the women wore finding them useless and uncomfortable. She walked along the halls asking for directions to the infirmary watching frustratingly as a few servants backed away from her afraid for their lives. Her patience was already thin when luckily, she ran into Jaken who quite happily took her to the desired destination. His exuberance was odd considering the events until he went into a rant about his Lord's activities that morning.

Ororo wanted to kick the imp for blabbering what should be private matters. Anyone could hear including their enemy who still lurked the halls. Upon thinking of the traitor, she concentrated on her little beetle that embedded itself under the enemy's skin. She muttered a few words encouraging her little beetle to cause its host pain. A painful scream echoed in the halls from a female and the sound of something shattering was heard.

"Clumsy fools!" Jaken yelled marching ahead towards the destination with a mirthful queen sashaying behind him.

The journey was further than she originally thought. She knew they were getting closer. She passed more men in uniforms and battle gear walking about. Many of them limping and moving out of their way while others hissed violently or bared fangs. She looked forward finding that mosquitos were more life threatening then these pathetic fools. They entered a very large building clearly meant to see to all types of demons of various shapes and sizes. Her eyes roamed over the many faces seeing men on beds and sitting on benches receiving attention from two doctors that seemed quite stressed. Everyone was talking until one by one they realized they had company. Upon her arrival the lively room became quiet as everyone stared at her with mixed expressions. Bodies became tensed and some reached for their weapons not sure of what was to come. The doctors paused before they continued helping one solider after the next. She looked at them all in the eyes standing firm in her truth but unapologetic of her actions. A few mumbled noting her state of dress and the social status it indicated. She imagined she must look quite the sight now dressed in such a fancy manner and being led by Jaken. She began to see realization don on their faces and some gained fearful looks as to what this could mean. This troubled them to know that their Lord would be angry if this attack had caused a war between countries. One in which they knew nothing about. And by the movements and power the Empress displayed they could only imagine what her warriors would be like in combat. They looked to their unconscious leader confused as to what their purpose was at the moment. Had she come to finish the job?

As far as she saw things, everyone did what they were commanded to do and there wasn't any fault in this. There was only misunderstanding. However, she was angry and her pride suffered a bit of a blow that day that she wasn't too pleased about. Her eyes glanced around until she found the body of the General still unconscious on the bed with a doctor trying desperately to see what plagued him. Ororo strolled over to the young General watching the men stand up concerned for her actions. She stood over him and muttered something before blue electricity burst from her slender fingers to his body. The doctor moved to grab her wrist but was shocked and quickly moved away. Everyone ran over but stepped away feeling the rise of her power and the warning in her energy. They watched the blue light vanish and his brown eyes open.

General Kenji sat up with a start breathing heavily and feeling his chest rise strong again then before when it felt as if it was a struggle just to inhale. He tiredly lay on his back looking to see the woman responsible standing over him with an eye of indifference. She bent over him and poked him in the chest warningly. "I don't know what caused you to come after me. But if you ever raise a hand at me again, I will paralyze you and have you watch as I pull your intestines out and cast them to the birds. Then I will throw your body into the woods." She stood up straight and turned to leave him.

"Why!" He croaked out clutching his throat and rubbing it soothingly. His body felt like a thousand needles pierced his flesh.

Ororo paused in her steps slowly turning to face the General and his men. She looked at him questioningly wanting him to elaborate. Kenji forced his tired body to sit up so he could face her properly. Rage and embarrassment filled him at her audacity as well as the awaiting punishment he will face from Lord Sesshomaru. He saw the hesitation in his Lord's reaction to her earlier. That moment replayed in his mind and he knew he had done something that would possibly cause him the loss of his head. But even without those threats, the way she moved during their battle was unlike anything he had ever seen. She fought using only her strength and not once did she use any reiki or demonic powers to sway her fight. Her sword was built in such a way that when meet with another, the enemy could get caught in the curve allowing her to control the weapon and use its twin to slice wherever she aimed. His men did not use their demonic energy out of protection of the people and the property. They used their weapons and claws but immediately she moved with precision cutting them in places to cease their attacks; disabling them. His eyes trailed around the room noting the wounds of his fellow soldiers and the untrusting gazes directed towards her person. She beat several of his best men using foreign swords that could have easily sliced them all in half. But she didn't. She could have killed them all but she held back purposely aiming for places on their bodies to leave them immobile and unable to fight. He clutched his side feeling his wounds and broken rib healing. "You held back! Why!"

Ororo paused having the answer already on her tongue. She walked back into the room and sat down on the edge of his bed looking at the faces around her making sure they heard her as much as he did. The youkai doctors stood on standby in case they needed to ask for her to leave or go get their Lord for assistance. She watched them continue administering help and healing the wounded right before her eyes of their injuries. "For the same reasons you did." She spoke loudly. "You all could have transformed into your real selves or used your demonic skills, but you didn't. You focused instead on trying to get me away so that I wouldn't cause harm to the castle and to your people. Lady Rin is very dear to me and had I been truly in the mind to kill you I would have levied everything and this would have included harming her. She would have died and for this reason I held back. Also, my energy needed to be saved for a much bigger fight that would have no doubt pushed me to extreme measures." She spoke referring to Lord Sesshomaru. "The fact that you were in the state of mind to try to push me away from harming people inside was enough for me to value your lives." Her blue eyes then turned to the general suddenly sending chills throughout the room. "Now I have a question. Just answer me this…am I your enemy? Why attack me?"

The men around them looked at their General unsure of how to answer this. His call would dictate no doubt the next move. Kenji moved showing no signs of pain clearly as stubborn as his Lord. His battered bandaged body was now sitting stiffly upwards. He sighed running his claws through his black and white hair brushing it back in short waves down his neck. "No, you are not our enemy." He muttered. "I heard the screams and smelt the deceit. We are from other dog clans and share similar traits. I smelt the warning. When I arrived to the wing where Rin was, all I saw was you. And I attacked. And for this I apologize." He bowed lowly. "And I am aware that someone is still lurking in this castle." He growled out frustrated with himself for his hasty actions and wrong call.

Ororo nodded and stood having receivd her answers. But also this was not the time or the place to have their conversation continue. His answer was good enough and she would allow him to redeem or prove his…honor later. She began to realize that there were more and more differences between the two countries then she originally thought. She was on the verge of believing that honor had no place in Egyptian life for she would much rather have a man's loyalty then his honor. Having loyalty made things much simpler especially regarding judgement. If man broke his loyalty, he was a dead man. Whereas honor confused her as it had various meanings within itself. She looked at the General with a stoic expression. "Do not fret on this traitor in your home. The perpetrator has been found and is suffering from a slow torture." She said walking towards the exit again. She stopped at the door and turned to look at them all. "I applaud you for your spirit in battle. None of you ran away from a fate you knew would be certain." She said before exiting leaving everyone quiet in awe of her calm behavior.

Ororo walked down the hallway as many moved out of her way. She couldn't think properly with so many thoughts raging inside of her. She wanted to question the General's abilities to serve his Lord. But she knew to do so in other men would be devastating to his pride. Men despite their allegiance valued their pride and questioning them would only cause problems. However, it burned in her brain. He was an excellent fighter but too stiff much like the others. They fought as if there were rules as to a proper fight using certain techniques. She used everything in her arsenal from her legs to her knees and her own body being flexible to avoid their attacks. He moved in such a way that wasn't exactly as intricate and powerful as the Inu King. Her feet wondered as she was led by the spirit of Bast to the gardens.

Ororo's eyes took in the lush blooms and greenery from the previous night. How envious she was of this land that swelled with hills of fresh produce and fragrant blossoms. Sesshomaru had many gardens all over. None as intricate as hi private ones but this one that was near the courtyard was beautiful and unique in its own right. Ponds and natural streams entwined in the garden as life naturally continued. In this place she felt as if nature was setting the record straight that everyone had a place in her world. And what you make of yourself here would be then judged by the gods of the heavens. Her bare feet touched the soil enjoying the coolness of the earth against her skin. She bent down seeing a group of hydrangeas blowing in the gentle breeze. Her fingers rubbed the tiny little petals delicately before she stiffened feeling a presence behind her.

"Beautiful blooms."

"Yes" She responded moving to stand and turn around. Slowly she looked ahead to see a rather short old demon with long white hair and a long white goatee that reached his stomach. He wore blue robes that dwarfed him making him appear nearly ancient and magical. She had seen him before in the courts writing and recording the various activities. "I don't believe we have met."

"Ah yes, our Lord chooses to take on many tasks without my insight these days. So very much like his child-like-self trying to avoid my many teachings including introductions it seems. Forgive me great Empress. My name is Adviser Itoku. I'm the eldest royal advisor to the Western Lands." He bowed lowly as she in turn nodded her head. "Pleasure to meet you, Adviser Itoku. My name is Ororo." She watched as he smiled grandfatherly seemingly entranced by the gardens as she was. She could feel his presence prodding her. His aura was nonthreatening and simply curious as if he wanted to be addressed. "But I believe you are here for more than to offer an introduction."

Itoku placed his hands behind his back and continued to hold his smile. "Yes. I sensed your discomfort and 'monkey mind' all the way across the pond. I came to talk to you myself to see what all the fuss is about."

"You worry too that I may harm those you care about?" she stated bluntly. "That I'm your enemy."

Itoku shook his head still keeping his aura gentle and soothing. His hands were tucked in his robe as he continued on smiling as if they were merely talking of sweet things. "I've lived long enough to know when a fight can be avoided and the faces my enemies tend to have. And I know you are definitely not one of them to this palace." He confirmed sitting down on a nearby bench across from her. "No, I am here to help you address your thoughts for you are a loud thinker." He stated.

Ororo smiled having been told that many times back home by her own father when she was young. She looked back at the flowers contemplating his kind gesture finding his prodding couldn't hurt. "Your General seems…unprepared for his task. There is an enemy in the castle that wishes you all harm that I haven't addressed just yet. This castle has so many potential aspects of dangers that it is exhausting to think about them all. And I'm unsure of how to address your King now that the dust has settled from a major misunderstanding."

Itoku nodded. "That is quite a lot. You worry about all the topics surrounding our Lord. I imagine in your palace you must be on alert all the time. Your response speaks of experiences of betrayal of ones even in your own home." He stated as she looked to him with confirmation in her eyes.

"I admit my country's history is very grand but also very dark. The throne has suffered many acts of betrayal from those in our own homes from those trusted the most. But I allowed that history to reach here and for this I'm…lost. Also, General Kenji is fierce but lacks…experience. I have a suspicion but…"

"Ah!" He said stroking his goatee. Which is?" He asked. His features frowned focusing on her words.

"I imagine General Kenji is of great relation to the king?" She spoke with her voice rising in question.

"You gathered this?"

She shook her head. "King Sesshomaru has a biting temper when provoked. I have not known him to spare a life when he has been crossed as I have stepped in saving one that surely would have met her end." She said speaking of the miko from before. "This General acted of his own will…with convictions of protecting this home. Your Lord is angry and this I know. Yet the General still lives resting in the hospital in shame."

"Very perceptive of you." Itoku drawled out with a smile blooming onto his wrinkly face again. "This is true. General Kenji is a descendent of Sesshomaru's previous General who was also his sensei. The General and his majesty shared fatherly roles during Sesshomaru's growth. This is just my opinion of course but, I believe Sesshomaru feels he is honoring his late Sensei by giving his son a chance. Also, he is well aware of the young General wishing to prove himself so desperately to our Lord." He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. "But I'm afraid his actions may have cost us greatly."

Ororo looked away. "That has yet to be determined." She simply stated.

"Hmmm well…I believe this is a great time to plant new seeds. Sounds like you have all your answers. You just need some reassurance." Itoku stated grabbing her hands and patting them gently. "You mean well. But maybe it is you that needs to let go of the old way and try anew. Just because you made some judgements in the past, does not mean you need to be married to them." He offered. "Set yourself free and try something new. Release your mind and work through what you feel is right for right now."

Ororo thought on this. "But a lot of trouble has been caused. I-I don't know."

Itoku tilted his head and shook it side to side. "And between you and myself, neither does he." Itoku offered with a playful smile, motioning his head to where his Lord worked. "But you both want the same thing. Start there."

Ororo smiled having some level of comfort with his wisdom. This was all new to everyone. And she could very well just be more trusting with the process. She need not stay muddled in the chains of her mind. She bowed her head to the elder. "Thanks Adviser Itoku. If only I could have you as my own."

"Ah-You are truly radiant your grace. Had I been younger the honor would have been mine." He humbly bowed lowly quite shockingly for an old demon his age. Itoku stood and turned to walk away.

Ororo smirked catching on to the elderly man's ways. She grabbed his hand and rubbed it affectionately. "Either Lord Sesshomaru has quite the diplomat or you're an old fool."

Itoku smiled turning towards the path that would lead further into the gardens. "Does it really matter?"

She laughed lightly putting her finger to her lips and rubbing gently in thought. "I suppose it doesn't. Would you care to continue our stroll and discuss other things?"

"Who am I to turn down the offer of an Empress?" He stated offering his arm for her to hold. "Of course, I am old my dear so we must walk slow." Itoku stated moving in a comfortable speed for them both.

Ororo laughed at his bright smile. "What better way than to enjoy this beautiful garden and truly learn a few things?"

The halls were silent now as people seemed to know to just stay clear of her in the halls in general. Sesshomaru's anger and ire could be felt like tremors shaking the land throughout the day. Whispers and murmurs filled the halls and she stopped to look at a few she had caught to stare at them in the face with a sneer. Some were servants, others were lesser lords and ladies here for a proposition to the Lord. Regardless of status, this caused many of them to bow and look away in shame while the rest hurried away afraid of her wrath. Eventually, she made it back to her quarters where she saw her bag and weapons were stacked neatly by the door awaiting her arrival.

Ororo bent down to look inside of her bag and pulled out a few jars of things to help with various ailments. A servant came by and she was able to request hot water and a broth to be made for Rin when she awoke. Ororo felt her head and cheeks noting her fever had grown. No doubt the child was very sick. She made sure to spend most of the day nursing Rin. Ororo was a little perturbed that Rin didn't have a female companion in the house that watched over the little woman. Ororo made sure to bathe Rin and feed her while focusing on forcing Rin's body to cough up her cold. No one came by except for an angry Jaken who claimed it smelt of sickness and sour lemons. This earned him a zap to his behind in which he scurried away vowing never to return to the area; much to her glee.

Night had fallen and Ororo sighed heavily after being locked away with Rin that afternoon. Sesshomaru came by once after hearing Jaken's report on the scent. Ororo managed to not think about their intimate exchange during their heated fight until now. The heat of his body still lay against her own and his lips upon hers burnt into her memory. No man was ever so brazen with her; taking such liberties. Yet a pale demon from the opposite side of the world managed to do what many men had tried and maybe secretly wished. For she was akin to a God in her home. The honor was bestowed never sought. She had lovers and a few concubines but none that stayed. None had pursued her outright or did anything like what Sesshomaru had done.

Reacting to bodily pleasures was natural in her culture versus in this land. She desired very much to feel what he had to offer again but a nagging thought in her mind parleyed against it. Ororo did not know Sesshomaru to be sexually aggressive as he found her state of dress constantly at the forefront of his ire. This suggested that he was conservative. She also had yet to come across any harem of any sort like most kings possessed. Was this a heat of the moment? Where did his affection or lust settle? How could she not confuse the two? She deeply believed it was just his way to capture her attention. But then when it came to war, she had seen men do the strangest of things if it meant getting ahead. She wasn't exactly sure on how to go forward addressing it but she would. At least she would spin it around on him to test his weakness. It was the oldest trick in the Egyptian queen handbook and had proven its usefulness time and time again. The body was a beautiful weapon and usually the last weapon to be blocked from an attack. Ororo grinned at the knowledge of this.

Rin's head rested comfortably in her cotton filled lap. Gone was the stuffy kimono and in its place was a sheer gold dress with jewels encrusted in the neckline. Ororo had left her hair to hang down her back and her brown skin bare of ornaments. Occasionally, she would check in on her friend that buried itself now in the traitor's arm bringing about illness. She would need to tell Sesshomaru about this when they had a chance to speak properly. Her hands rubbed Rin's soft baby hairs while blowing soft gentle cool air along Rin's fiery skin. Rin's mouth was open slightly as she took shallow breaths accompanied with a few coughs ever so often. The beetle she had claimed as her own sat dormant next to Rin among the furs. Night had fallen and soon there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Yes." Ororo called out.

"Lord Sesshomaru wishes to speak with you in his study." Spoke a servant before whomever it was quickly shuffled away.

Ororo looked down at Rin making sure the little girl was secure and comfortable before leaving her side. She looked at her bag in contemplation before grabbing it and digging out her royal emblems. With well-practiced diligence, she put on her gold cuffs, earrings, and her small, beaded hair peace that covered the top of her head before proceeding out of the room. She touched the sliding shoji door for protection and walked forward to his study where his energy had seemingly calmed. Her heart beat fast against her chest at seeing the demon again for it sure wouldn't be too pleasant of a conversation. She had enough time to dwell and talk out the matter. She reached terms with herself that she can stand by. She knew she would not back down to him if he tried to pacify the attack against her. She was royalty and she would let everyone know exactly who they were dealing with.

Sesshomaru wrote at his desk quickly addressing a letter regarding his findings from Bokusenō. His mind was plagued all day about the occurrences of the early morning, and he found not a moments rest. The fear in his castle was pungent and he could hear the fearful discussions regarding the royal guest that dwelled in his den now. Ororo was truly foreign in every aspect of the word to him. How she viewed subjects, responded to different situations, spoke loudly about her thoughts and wishes was very different from the way women were raised here as well as the Japanese culture. He tried all day to focus on his work but thoughts of the woman would sneak up on him infuriating himself at his lack of self-control. Her work was everywhere as he saw her roughly written notes and organization of certain things. She even began separating all things that seemed involved with their current struggles from letters, maps, and scrolls she had found. Then when everything finally got quiet his mind would go there.

As a demon Inu male he very well knew the feelings of lust and the desire to rut surge inside of him. He was far from the age of a pup and had bedded many demonesses during his rutting seasons. Ororo's raw power hung dangerously close to him in the air around his body. He had her pinned outside on the green grass with the heavens above him thundering at his audacity. She was bear with just the thin material separating them with the rain beating angrily on his back. It was primal. It was awakening his senses and slowly instinct had begun to take over. Even now, he longed to touch her soft skin and bury his nose in her snow-white voluminous hair that surrounded her. Her scent was deep in his nose and his body felt warm from the feeling of having the goddess being captured in his clawed grasp.

Her honey scent wafted in his nose, and he blinked out of his reverie. He looked down to see the same letter he had been trying to write for quite some time still empty with a drop of ink from his pen on it. He looked up at the ceiling trying to compose himself knowing that the conversation to be had would require his full attention. His sensitive nose smelt her nearing the door and he flexed his aura allowing her entry. He watched as she strolled in the room in her own clothing style instead of the green kimono he had purchased for her earlier. His eyes gazed upon her as she looked seductively regal standing before in a gold dress with her many jewels shimmering under the candlelight. She walked in purposefully and stood before him near his table. Her aura was strong like a cat stalking its prey. The tension in the room was thick and heavy resting upon the two ruling royals. Nothing was shared between the two for a moment as they each took the other in.

"How does Rin fair?" He asked breaking the silence.

Ororo looked to him making no move to sit. "She is fighting through it well. I believe it is a seasonal cold. This will pass and Rin will be fine." She informed him. At the mention of the little girl, Ororo felt protective. She made sure no one or nothing could get to Rin and hurt her. Information poured in her mind, and she quickly spoke to the Inu Lord with the desire to make sure at least Rin would not suffer from any fallout that would happen between them or anyone else. "One of my beetles has found the traitor." She said staring into his deep citrine eyes. "Now what would you like to do about this?" She asked as he stared into her own not backing down from her ways. Never had he seen a woman stare a man down the way that she did. Her blue eyes were focused and large showing what she wanted to reveal. "My beetle has embedded itself into the flesh of Rin's attacker and will remain in the body until I call it out. I believe it to be a woman…a servant of yours. The woman is ill by now suffering from the effects of having my lovely beetle expel a toxin. This person cannot escape and cannot leave this property without dying immediately. She will not escape, and she cannot stop my plague upon her body. Do you wish to deal with her now or reserve it for a later day?"

Sesshomaru was silent sitting in his chair thinking of her quick offerings. "Let the beetle stay for now. Where can we find the mark?"

"You will see. It cannot be mistaken for anything else. You will see the beetle's body under the skin and it will move. She has tried several times to remove it but it simply moves away from her. And if such a thing so rarely done as to succeed in digging it out, another will bury itself inside of her as well. She is being watched very carefully under my eyes."

He nodded before standing and walking over to his sword case. Sesshomaru never ran from any opponent, and he wouldn't start now. Ororo watched the stiffness in his back as he looked upon his deadly weapons. "I have called you to share something as well. But first I must know where our kingdoms stand." He turned to face her bracing himself for any declarations of war.

Sesshomaru had to put distance between them to get her honey scent out of his nose and corrupting his thoughts. He was still trying to sort through the entire ordeal himself finding it easier if she chose their fate and he dealt with it as violently as he had to. The actions of everyone that morning had consequences that couldn't be looked over. His General went on the offense attacking another royal ruling body which could have ended in disaster if it hadn't already. He had learned of the occurrence and got full details from his soldiers and his staff. She could rage war as he knew she probably was on the edge of doing so. He had never fought against a ruling body across seas and so her technology, techniques, and skills would be a new foe in of itself on the battlefield. War could easily break out with the woman, and he didn't desire to be on such terms with her. But, by law she had the right to demand retribution. He was furious to have finally straightened out one aspect of his kingdom to find another unraveling as he was away. One that left him out of control of the situation as whatever she demanded might have to be honored or dire consequences would issue in which he knew from having spent time with her that she was very aggressive especially when it came to revenge.

It angered him greatly to know that everything was truly as Ororo had said it was. His palms ached with the familiar desire to slaughter again. He had found using this method of getting rid of the betrayers of his kingdom to work effectively. Already villages and even the citizens in his capital were doing everything to avoid his wrath. His advisors and scribes were working nonstop to document every happening in his Kingdom and recording every detail to avoid his suspicion. This needed to be done if he was to war with anyone including the exotic enigma standing before him looking now unperturbed by him. How she managed to protect Rin, fight his army, confront his General, and find the hidden traitor in the same breath excited him as much as it disturbed him. She was truly powerful and what she could have done today had it not been for Rin being there would have been devastating and he was sure they would be fighting even now.

Ororo had much time to think of her actions and of his. With her head held high she strolled to stand before him standing dangerously close in his face. Their bodies were nearly touching under the shadows and the light of the room. She stood fearless before him knowing very well that she held the power, and this made him uncomfortable. Her nose was only an inch from his as she stood tall and unafraid. Her hand reached up to grasp the sword behind him and she pulled watching it slide out to reflect her gaze. He did not flinch as she moved the deadly weapon out of its sheath. He listened to it sing before growing quiet as she to slid it back in its sheath again. "I need to answer your question with another question. But first, it is custom that the other party presents me a gift."

He glared at her cutting his eyes into her own as she still held onto the hilt of Bakusaiga. It's power crackled around her hands but she didn't move it. "In my culture it is respectable to give something of great value to the other party after a wrong has been done. I would ask for Rin but I know that will break her heart to leave you. So, I will leave you to decide this great valuable gift." She stated stepping away from him and letting go of his sword. "To entrust me to keep watch over something you value speaks highly about our bond and our friendship. Of course, the object must also be of some worth to me as well."

Sesshomaru was silent giving away nothing for her to build off of or take. She could question rule and demand anything, yet she left such a means in his hands. What would he give her? He watched her saunter away towards his desk. "Do not worry great King. Your honor which you so highly speak of is intact. Of course, as long as you give me something." She stated smirking at him before going back to reading the things on his desk. He watched her pull up her dress so that she could sit comfortably on the edge to look around at his work.

"What if its information I give?" He stated walking up to her and grabbing her wrist to stop her from roaming his desk. When his hands touched her skin he immediately regretted it feeling the heat radiating from her flesh burning him in a sense. Her scent was strong and she moved in a way that countered any ill will she may have developed. She turned in his hold and stood up so that her chest was facing him and they were nearly touching again. She looked into his molten amber eyes.

"No it must be tangible." Ororo whispered leaning into him with just a breath between them. Then slowly her other hand came up to brush his fingers that held her wrist tenderly. Slowly he found himself releasing her from his grip. He watched her walk over to a cushion and delicately set herself down. Everything about her confused him now. He had just witnessed her earlier looking at him as if she wanted to grab the sun and bring it down heavily upon him during their little strife outside. Then she held great remorse for doubting his actions only to be turned into this siren that threw everything he had come to learn about her out of the window. Her gold and jeweled dress shimmered under the candlelight as it hugged her body revealing every curve and dip along the way. How could someone look as regal and elegant as a queen yet shared the sultry behavior of king's favorite concubine?

"You once accused me of betrayal." He whispered backing away from her. "Now, you have suddenly changed this mindset."

"I am the tempest. I change naturally like the wind." She stated firmly. "Besides you are not my enemy I am sure without a doubt now and will stand alongside you to fight our common enemy. However, the credit to this is not of my own. You need to thank your advisor Itoku. A brilliant man he is and you should keep him close. Now tell me of these things you have learned about our enemy." She stated pointing to the letter he was trying to write earlier revealing her skills of snooping.

Sesshomaru thought of Itoku knowing the old demon had something to gain from this. He had served this house for the longest and was quite the most ruthless teacher of mathematics, history, and philosophies. Of course, it would be through Itoku that she was calm and seemingly appeased. He went to his desk and sat down behind it again. "I have learned that our problems may lie with a few monks wishing to eradicate my kind. I have been told that my father has faced these foes in the past but I'm not sure when and where." He growled.

Ororo nodded. "Monks. Of course, someone with spiritual or magical prowess would be able to conjure the possessive creatures. So they must be the ones possessing demons to attack human villages. This of course would make more humans even the most docile ones angry and rally together to fight the demons. But even mikos and monks like that crazed one from before can be tainted from hatred because of this. They are willing to go so far as to taint their own for the sake of ridding demons from the land." She shook her head at this finding to be oxymoron that someone would risk hurting their own to save them. "Finally, we have a heading. What I find very interesting however is that both sides now want to commit genocide of the other. This sounds planned to me as if someone is pulling the strings behind this feud. But this is speculation. Now I have thought much on these kings that threaten you with war. Do you fear them? Do you believe their armies could stand against your own?" She asked trying hard to hide the snicker that wanted to come out.

"I fear no one and will fall to no one." He stated firmly with a deadly gleam in his eyes. "And Lord Tanako of the Southern Lands is the one pushing for war. The other Lords are weaklings shaking like cowards."

She shrugged. "Well, if you do not fear anyone, then rest easy." She stated as if things were as simple. "If this Lord Tanako person still confronts you despite your wishes to not engage in his theatrics, then deal with him immediately. Do not drag out wars as this cost resources and time. Most importantly it will cost my time, and this could possibly get in the way of finding these monks. And how I see it, he has already threatened war against you. You have the right to call him out to battle and slaughter him where he stands. Then take his kingdom and divide it amongst the rest of you. Better yet give it to your brother. He is a prince is he not?" She asked tilting her head. "He shares royal blood with you. He can rule it and you can gain more power."

Sesshomaru looked at her seeing how quickly she processed the information and cut right to the solution. She spoke of battles and wars as if they were simply child's play and would vanish so easily. The land would break out into civil war if the troublesome Lord were to perish without an heir. Putting someone of his alliance on the throne would require a lot of work and battles to be fought. Then there was how the others would respond to this as well as how the idiot hanyou would as well. "Inuyasha would not take it."

She smiled. "But you have thought about it and considered it."

His eyes cut warning her not to dig further. She held up her hands feeling quite proud that her power of perception and gathering had paid off. He did little to give away what he felt but his actions spoke volumes. Despite Inuyaha's feelings, his brother showed a level of care despite the harsh delivery. Yes, maybe the young demon could rule. It would be good she imagined for the people. To see a half demon and a human hold a throne would definitely shake things up and send a powerful message. "Anyway, I agree with your actions. You find the men and confirm their traitorous ways. And when you have found them, I will come to help you deal with it. But for now, I shall stay here."

This shocked him. "You would not partake in this journey?"

She held her head high despite the sensitive topic. "I trust you to find these monks. My concern now is with Rin. I do not like the idea of leaving her alone here. I trust you however I do not trust everyone in this palace except for a few people. Besides, after what I have witnessed today, I would not leave her life in the care of your men." Ororo clarified further now addressing what had happened in the same speech. "I wasn't fighting at my full potential today. No one here is worthy enough to care for her unless I train them." She stated firmly. "Besides, I will not leave her alone and sick. My absence has already upset her enough."

"My General-"

"Your General should have 300 lashes on his back for this morning's attack. If we were in Cairo, I would have strung up my General and whipped him myself in front of the courts and the injured party." She spoke cutting her voice. Her chest rose until she closed her eyes getting herself in order. Her eyes softened and her voice fell to much more soothing tone. "However, I have spoken to him today and my heart swells with forgiveness just this once for him. He is a good warrior. Has the potential to be a great leader. I see he has earned the trust of his men. Possibly because he's so stubborn and indeed strong. But he just needs more training from your hands directly."

Sesshomaru was quiet at this. He made no denial of her claim knowing she was right. Had it been anyone else in his General's position he would have been dead a long time ago. Ororo stood feeling their conversation had reached an end and Sesshomaru stood up as well. "Find these men and alert me. I will handle their fate along with anyone else who tries to get in our way. And this Tanako person…I will leave him to you for now." She spoke with finality. And then it was silent. The elephant in the room had swelled.

"And the question you wished to ask?" He looked to her sharply. "Your question for my question? Where do you stand?"

"Ah…" She paused before turning with a sly smile on her lips. "Why do you have such a problem with my state of dress?"

Sesshomaru was taken aback expecting something more political in nature. He grew curious thinking on her question finding it small and rather foolish. "It is indecent."

"Yes, I am aware of how your people view women's bodies and nudity. In your culture being covered up not only protects against the elements but also you see it as a sign of protection of virtue. In my culture it is natural to be in such a way. It is far too hot to wear such heavy materials. But anyway, that was not my question. Why do YOU in particular have such disapproval for my dress?" She stressed walking up to him. Her scent was in his nose again and this time it was stronger. Her hands stayed by her side choosing to just stand against him breathing deeply while looking into his eyes knowing confidently that this affected him. He didn't speak but simply stared at her feeling her body now press against his. "You should take my sense of dress as a compliment, Lord Sesshomaru. I trust you even more so now to dress as I truly am without fear of consequences dictated by your culture. And aren't you a dog demon? I thought dogs were very open about these behaviors and enjoyed the natural state of things."

"You know nothing of Inus." He asked growling as his hands fisted at his side. Ororo reached for his hands still keeping eye contact with him as she rested his palms on her hips.

She looked up to him holding his arms. "You are right Lord Sesshomaru. However, lately I've been increasingly tempted to learn." At her words, his claws dug in the fabric at her waist. She felt the pads of his fingers move and the sharp points of his nails grip her body. She looked at his lips desiring so much to taste again but knew it was best to keep the small power she had without him be fully aware that she had it. She now knew without a doubt that his actions before were based on lustful desires. Desires he was fighting so honorably to keep at bay. She had heard of it many times for attraction to spawn on the battlefield. The heart is going, and blood is pumping. Excitement is there feeding your adrenaline. It is primal and within everyone. It was nothing to hide from or be ashamed of and usually brought about additional solutions and pleasures instead of strife. Despite the Inu King's own personal beliefs regarding sensibilities and societal norms, he could not deny his instincts. She was now even more intrigued as to the limits that he would reach before he responded again like before. Yes, the Queens before her would be very proud of her indeed.

Sesshomaru's mind had seemingly left his body leaving him nothing but his demon instincts now to run on. The fresh sweet smell of honey wafted into his nose enticing him to indulge in the sweet treat before him. Her question was now lost somewhere in the space of his head as his pride refused to answer her question finding it obtuse. To have her boldly pressed against him speaking about Inu traditions that she clearly knew nothing about. For If she did fully understand Inu customs, he knew she would cease her behavior at once. For had he been just any Inu, she would have been rutted outside on the ground in the middle of the chaos and blood that soiled the earth. Her body bare before everyone taking what he had to give. She would fight him and he would only see this as encouragement. Her eyes were darker clearly having been affected as much as he was. Her scent was thicker and teased his senses. He could feel her hands move upwards to his cheeks rubbing his markings sensually before moving languidly slow to his hands.

"There is no need to answer my question for I already have an answer." She stated slowly peeling his fingers from her waist. She took careful steps back, being sure to keep his gaze a minute longer. With the grace of Isis, she turned her body to go to the door. She stopped at the exit gripping the wood with her fingers. She looked back over her shoulder and spoke. "Sleep well, Lord Sesshomaru. I'll be waiting for my valuable gift and an answer to your question." And with that she left him leaving everything up in the air to be taken however by the Inu Lord who stood frustrated and on the verge of slaughtering the masses behind her.

Review, Fav, and Follow