Haruto watched Lord Sesshoumaru march back into camp after spending three moon cycles on the front lines. When the Great General Toga was killed, the pact between their territories was nearly severed, he thanked the Gods he chose to stand by the young heir. Sesshoumaru was everything he wasn't when it came to battle and strategies.

When a messenger from Lord Raika arrived with one last ultimatum, reinstate the mating agreement between East and South, or the dragon would send his army to take what was promised, Lord Sesshoumaru was more than pleased to meet the dragon in combat in Harto's place.

Sesshoumaru's beast had continuously urged him to write to its female to show how delighted he was to be acknowledged. Needing to release some steam and quiet the hound, slaughtering an army of flying serpents sounded ideal. Once Lord Raika called a retreat, Sesshoumaru returned to camp to give his troops a reprieve and allow General Katsu to lead fresh warriors to replace them. The fighting had begun in late winter and was now the middle of summer.

"Lord Sesshoumaru! I heard the dragon turned its tail and ran. Congratulations on your victory!" Lord Haruto spread his arms wide to welcome his ally back. He wasn't surprised when the dog demon brushed past him without a word. Undeterred, the bear turned and jogged to catch up with his comrade.

"You should join me and the other generals for a night of celebratory drinking. I'm sure visiting the concubine tent will do you wonders." Haruto would not relent until the dog addressed him. He knew Sesshoumaru never participated in any revels, but he couldn't help getting under his skin and teasing him.

"One victory in battle does not win a war, Lord Haruto." Right now, all Sesshoumaru wanted to do was send a few missives and rest. He had no desire to lay with the bear demon's whores or share spirits with his worthless military officers. "General Katsu will take over for now. This One suggests you send your advisors to observe how to efficiently lead soldiers."

Waving a hand to dismiss the demon's insults, Lord Haruto admitted defeat. "If you change your mind, you know where I'll be." Making to leave, he paused to take in Sesshoumaru's broken armor and blood-stained silks. "On second thought, perhaps a bath and a trip to the forge would be best."

One last ice-cold glare from the peeved dog demon sent the bear running to follow up with his troops. Sesshoumaru shoved aside the canvas opening to his quarters and proceeded to strip down to his fundoshi. Throwing on the white yukata that was folded on his futon, he pushed out his demonic aura to summon his retainer.

Not a moment later, Jaken stumbled into the yurt, bowing at his lord's feet. "Welcome back, Lord Sesshoumaru! I knew you would be triumphant in battle! Those filthy dragons never stood a chance."

Ignoring the imp's rambling, Sesshoumaru stepped over him and sat at his cluttered desk. "Have tea and a meal brought in. Then return in the evening; summons will be prepared for Totosai and Myoga that you will deliver."

Once the toad left to see to his lord's needs, Sesshoumaru began the tedious task of sorting out scrolls and messages with one hand. He came upon a letter from his ward that had arrived during his absence, but none from the priestess. A strange feeling was bubbling up in his chest that he had never felt before. Was this... disappointment? Shaking his head at the ridiculous thought, he ignored the whimper from his beast and tore open the large envelope from Rin.

There was a sound of someone placing a tray on the table behind him, but no indication of them leaving. Shifting his head to the side, Sesshoumaru spotted a brunette bear demoness standing in his tent with a seductive smirk and an open kimono. No doubt Lord Haruto had sent one of his concubines to supply his refreshments in hopes of enticing him.

"Leave." The demon lord turned and snared at the female, baring his fangs. She quickly fled, preferring to keep her life over trying to woo the agitated dog.

Placing a barrier to keep out other unwanted advances, Sesshoumaru resettled himself to the small table, taking the letter with him. Pouring tea into the chipped teacup he had previously unearthed, he unfolded the parchment and began to read.

Dear Lord Sesshoumaru,

It's now spring, and we did something called 'Spring Cleaning.' Mama said it would give our home a fresh start for a new season. I oversaw sorting old kimonos and other clothing and found the yellow pack Mama used to travel with! There was so much treasure inside, and we got to play dress up.

Inside the bag was a 'Polaroid camera'- a box that captures moments in time! Mama taught me how to use it so I could send you tiny paintings of us. I wrote descriptions on the back of each 'photograph.' I hope you enjoy them.

Please come back to us soon, Lord Sesshoumaru. We miss you.

All my love,

Rin

Sesshoumaru felt items still in the envelope and emptied its contents onto the table. They were small square-shaped images that captured detail and likeness he had never seen before. This camera Rin spoke of must be one of the priestess's futuristic devices.

Picking up the first photo in the sack, the demon lord let out an uncharacteristic snort. It was an image of Lieutenant Masaru staring back at him with wide green eyes and a slight blush on his cheeks. The young demon was hunched over the priestess's garden in what appeared to be her pink apron. His alpha female had transformed one of his brightest soldiers into a gardener. Flipping the image over, he read Rin's description.

Masaru really likes the garden! Mama put him in charge of pulling weeds and planting new crops.

Setting the picture aside, Sesshoumaru smirked at the idea of gifting this tiny portrait to General Katsu. The following photo was of the priestess's kit. He had indeed grown and was now sporting three tails- impressive. He held a rather sizeable green hen as it flapped its wings to escape the kit's grasp. The irony of tasking the fox demon to clean a chicken coop was not lost on Sesshoumaru.

The chicken is named Midori. She is lazy and always in the way. Shippo wasn't pleased to have to clean up the coop.

The subsequent photographs were of Rin in one of the formal kimonos he brought her, one of her with the priestess, and another of the two females and the kit. He assumed these were orchestrated by the priestess just for him. Reaching down, he noticed the next picture in the pile was upside down, so he read the note on the back first.

Mama likes to read before bed. I told her I would keep this portrait, but you might want to have it. She doesn't say it, but I know she misses you too.

Turning the Polaroid over, the demon lord was greeted with an image that caused his golden eyes to widen. It was the priestess dressed in the silk haori he had sent her. The blue ribbon he commissioned using his silver locks to illustrate moon phases was tied in her ebony hair. Sapphire eyes seemed to sparkle as she read from the book in her lap, and plump pink lips were turned slightly upwards. The front of the garment was slightly open, revealing a bit of cleavage causing Sesshoumaru's mouth to dry. She was breathtaking.

Leaning the Polaroid against his teacup, Sesshoumaru proceeded to pick at his now cold meal, never taking his eye off the photo. For once, he was in agreement with his beast; she looked exquisite in his clothing.

Pushing the remnants of his dinner aside, Sesshoumaru gathered all the photographs except one of the priestess and another of Rin. As he lifted the envelope, something fell out onto his lap. Setting the paper down, he picked up what appeared to be another picture he had missed before.

Doesn't Mama look wonderful! I promised her I'd burn this portrait after we played dress up, she said it was embarrassing because her school uniform no longer fit. I thought it would remind you of when we traveled together.

Curious about what his ward was referring to, the demon lord twisted his hand around to glance at the image. The image he was greeted with had his beast roaring with excitement and clawing in its cage.

It was the priestess again, but this time wearing a very familiar outfit that was missing a scarf he now possessed. She stood in front of a full-length looking glass he had gifted her, assessing the now too small uniform on her body. In the reflection, Sesshoumaru could see the priestess's breasts had grown since her teenage years, causing the top to rise and showing off her belly button. The skirt left little to the imagination as it scarcely covered her ample rear that was angled towards him. Bringing the Polaroid closer to his face, he could just make out the dark blue cloth covering her womanhood between parted legs as she stood on tiptoes while looking in the mirror.

Blood rushed to his member, and a rumble erupted from his chest. Grabbing the two miniature portraits of the woman, Sesshoumaru stood and made his way to the futon. Reaching under a pillow, he withdrew the scarlet scarf, and her delicious scent flooded his senses. Crimson bled into gold as he laid back and once again gazed at the photos in his hand.

The temptation to let his beast conjure up lewd fantasies of the priestess was strong. Feeling his swollen cock twitch against his belly, Sesshoumaru decided he might as well indulge and pleasure himself. Closing bloodshot eyes, he imagined the priestess bending over slowly before him in her indecently short green skirt. As the blue material covering her core came into view, the demon dropped the photos he held and sought out his straining erection.

Just as he was about to make contact, a loud squawking noise could be heard outside as Jaken ran face-first into his barrier. The imp really knew how to kill the mood.