11

Sesshomaru flew in front of the two ladies who rode on Ah-Un. Yesterday evening made him wonder just what was happening to him. Was it the power of a deity or just his own swaying emotions? Was he truly just like this father and so weak of heart to allow this to happen? Yet he did not feel weak, just he opposite in fact. There was a sort of resilience he felt inward of himself. He couldn't say he loved her, but he also couldn't say he hated her by any means. Trusting of her intentions with Rin was what he had but now he could tell there was more. The need to protect her as she was under his care now. He would cross the consequences when they would come. His simple wish was to make sure she was safe, the emotion different than it was with protecting Rin. Similar and yet so different. Emotions were hardly his strong suit and he wasn't about to waste time figuring it out, it was what it was now.

Over the horizon, he could see the southern land's domain. Kaito's domain was peaceful along the ocean as where he could keep an eye on threats from the seas. The barrier just made it look like an eerie forest with fog before the ocean, the humans called it cursed and ominous. No one would dare approach and humans were put into a maze if they dared tried without an escort in. As they made their way through the fog, what was revealed was an extensive town and castle surrounding it. The light-colored buildings with the texture of what looked like coral with a center that protruded with a large tower that could see everything. They were heading straight for it as he heard the ladies gasp with awe. The demons here sought peace from the humans and Kaito's protection. Sesshomaru's own father used to talk about the southern lands and how he wished there could be something to that end in the west. However, here was much more peaceful and the demons meant the peace they sought. Perhaps one day, but that was not the problem at hand now. Now, they had a war with the North to fight and Satomi was the bargaining chip for Kaito's cooperation… he had to put his trust fully with her now.

As they landed onto the tower, the overlook was beyond measure. The human lands to the oceans could be seen so clearly and pristinely. Fields of rice and human castles dulled in comparison and the ocean was so blue and shined beautifully as the sun started to set over it. The orange was starting to show now and soon the purples and reds would make their way into the horizon. As Sesshomaru glanced at Satomi, he could see her looking at the water with a gleam in her eyes he found himself compelled to look moments longer than he should. She was very much human with a goddess affect, she was truly one of a kind. As she turned, he led them to a door as Rin looked at the view with wonder. When he opened the door, he was met with two guards that bowed.

"This way, Lord Sesshomaru. Lord Kaito is waiting for you in the gathering hall," a young man said with tanned skin and ears pointed like Sesshomaru's. His hair was kept short and a very dark brown, Satomi guessed it was originally a black but faded with the sun's extremities. One of the women from the castle she was sent to long ago had a similar skin color and hair much the same. The stories of the south and its prosperity even among humans made Satomi always long for the visit. Now, she was finally here. The fact she was with Rin made the visit all the more meaningful. Hopefully it would be a successful venture. Since Sesshomaru asked for her help, she wanted to do all she could for him since he was doing all he could for Rin. He wasn't her father, but Rin had a guardian who could protect her in these warring times. If they had been in another age, maybe things could have been different. Or perhaps they would never have met at all. The thought made her feel a sense of longing and loss. As much as he put himself at a distance, he wasn't evil or even bad for that matter. He just… had a way of pushing things away so that he could do his own journey. With power came battles and it was obvious to her now he just wanted to protect who he could.

She could hear Ah-Un fly away before they shut the door and lead them further inside the manor. This place was huge, grand and yet it didn't seem lavish or in ill taste. It had the air of peace and welcome within the light walls with patterns of swirled light blue within the walls. The windows were wide open to welcome the air and light. Unlike Sesshomaru's castle that was much more secluded. When she met Kaito before he was very friendly and even gave her the small blue orb necklace that she wore tucked in the neckline of her yukata. She found it very soothing from time to time when she would play with it looking to the moon. This castle made her feel at ease with its openness and warmth, much like his personality that day they met.

Leading them through to what seemed to be the middle of the castle, the guard slid open the double doors and Kaito was in the center in a casual black and white hakama and haori. He was overlooking the ocean from yet another large, open window with his hand clasped behind his back. The image reminded her of her grandfather years ago when he would just be looking to the distance at peace before realizing she was there. As if the universe was telling him its secrets and he forgot as his attentions turned. The flecks of grey in his black hair was more apparent in the setting sun in front of them as the strands glistened.

"I do believe that is my dear Satomi and the distinguished Lord Sesshomaru visiting me. I thought I felt the presence of a fellow demon and a lovely deity, and even the most endearing human girl, Rin. How wonderful to have you at my home," he said as he turned with a smile that the wrinkles by his eyes showed more prominently. The three of them were left with Kaito as the guard left with the door open. Rin looked to the window and moved around Satomi to get a better look.

"It is an honor, Lord Kaito," Sesshomaru said as Satomi bowed deeply beside him and Rin followed suit after looking at Satomi doing so. Being on the same level, Sesshomaru felt no need. Kaito nodded his head and his attention went to Satomi as she rose up along with Rin. Her aura had changed considerably since the day he arrived at the Dog Demon's manor. Kaito approached them and held his hand to her cheek without touching it. Just strands of her hair glazed across his palm.

"You are extraordinary, young lady," he said as he could feel her power from across the room let alone from standing mere feet from her. His hand felt warm, probably from her divine powers, and he lowered it after noticing Sesshomaru glaring just ever so slightly. Just enough to where he wondered where the dog demon's affections were with the girl. "Just standing here I can feel the change in you. You have started to fully awaken then?"

"I suppose slowly. Things are still new to me, but I hope to do what I can," she said with a sincere smile. The gods seemed to be on their side, which was strange as a demon to think about. Somehow, he knew they could only be laughing and there would be a catch. Being a demon, he knew that odds were never in their favor, but this girl could very well tip the scale with that troublesome mess to the north. "We hope to find some insight here before we go back to the West," she added trying to pry some information from him as to what exactly he had planned.

"Insight? I suppose so. Which is also why I brought you here for my own insights. A deity on our side is surely a blessing, which is strange for a demon. Demons are used to using our own strengths or lesser use the strengths of others. Sesshomaru is strong enough with myself and Koga to at least start to end the battle, but your presence could help considerably with the final blow. I wish to know if your presence is a gift or a curse to the cause. If it is right to involve you or should we rethink the plans brought to attention. That is what I wish to know." He looked to her with conflicted eyes as he saw her confused face finally enlightened to his meaning.

Sesshomaru thought it would be something like this. A deity to not appear before them for centuries and then magically appear before a battle like this is a strange coincidence. Curiosity wasn't uncommon, but the timing was. Almost too good to be true was the general consensus it seemed. Satomi looked down heartened, but she saw his point as well. Was her presence truly for the best of the demons or another cause? At least if nothing else she would be able to protect Rin and anyone else. If that was her one purpose, she supposed that wouldn't be so bad. Although, she was actually looking forward to defeating one evil demon since the last one got away from her.

Rin was oblivious as she overlooked the vast city. It looked nothing like the rest of the country, and yet so simple. Coral like buildings that seem connected one street at a time, some larger than others but all the general size of a hut it seemed. White and almost blinding in the sun, and yet so peaceful and clean unlike most everywhere else. Perhaps if they could just a little while to explore… but from the atmosphere it didn't seem all too likely she thought as she happened to glance back and noticed Satomi's downtrodden look.

"However, you have been sent to us for a reason, and I wish to see what that entails none the less. You'll recognize the seeress I'm sure, my Hana of course, Maori as well. Your powers have changed and that means a change in the future. Any change has a ripple effect, as I am told, however the general path is followed so long as nothing drastic happens. Your powers awakening to this level is drastic in terms of a new outcome. Hana should be here by the time the moon is high in the sky. I trust you will still be awake by then my Deity of the Moon," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

The quick glare from Sesshomaru did not elude him, rather entertain him. He was Toga's son that was for sure, although with far less humor. From what he was told the young son also had a bit of a temper. Toga was an honorable demon who took pride in protecting the weak, and perhaps this made him fall in love with the human princess. Toga's first woman was a dog demon to be feared and yet she too had an honor to her clan and was far from cruel. Sesshomaru's quest for power may have started from trying to beat his father, however, he noticed a different motive now. The changes were subtle, but they were there. To protect the ones he cared about, Toga was a crafty demon and to think he could even make his son learn new things two centuries after his passing. Truly a mind he would have loved to talk to more.

"We shall be back," Sesshomaru said as he looked to Kaito less sternly. He could quite grasp why he was so possessive over this woman. He was never one to overthink things, but just a simple twinkle in an old man's eye had his blood boil. The old man knew it too.

"Please see the city sights while you are here. We have a festival going on now to honor those we care about, both in the now and those who have passed on. It takes place over several days, but you should take a look around." That brightened Satomi's face and Rin's as they both looked to each other and then to Sesshomaru.

"Oh please, my lord!" Rin looked to him with the best begging eyes she could muster as she quickly made her way to Satomi who was now smiling between them both. "I would love to attend a festival, I haven't seen a large one ever and I hear they're so fun."

"It would be a nice break, and it would be a great experience for us both. I haven't been to one in many years," Satomi said smiling almost apologetically to Sesshomaru. He sighed as he turned around as both girls pouted.

"Well, since we have nothing else to do until night fall…," he started and before he could even finish both of his female companions cheered as they hugged each other.

"I will show you to your rooms where you can relax if you so wish," Kaito said with a smile as he walked passed Sesshomaru and lead the trio down the white hall way quite a distance until he opened a room. "My ladies, you shall have this room." Across the hall he opened another door. "My lord you may have this room. I figured you'd want a close eye on those two and you can see the city and festival from the window there." The overly large window overlooked everything and especially the festivities below. Sesshomaru nodded as he saw the girls admire their room. Humans were so strange to marvel over such trivial things, but he supposed the would never understand that.

"I shall see you all in the same room as earlier when the moon is high in the sky. The way to the festival is just down the hall and out of the doors," Kaito said as the girls laughed laying on the enormous bed with so many pillows it was like being on a cloud compared to the forest floor. They acknowledged but only briefly before they noticed a more serious aura in the room. Sesshomaru was standing in the door way with his arms crossed.

"Oh, no, I think we were too loud," Rin said before they both smiled sheepishly. Satomi went to their large window and sat in the wide frame. Rin sat across from her as both were able to fit comfortably. "Sesshomaru, will you go with us?" she continued as her face blushed slightly. Satomi looked away and out towards the quieter part of the city, but his response surprised her.

"I would wish to see the city as well. I have not been here in particular for some time. I must see that it is safe, and I will not take chances as I know what we are dealing with." Satomi looked back to him and she noticed his expression changed. A split second of surprised before he turned away. "If you wish to enjoy the festival, we should not waste time."

When Satomi turned around, he felt the wind knocked out of him. Her hair was its normal brown and she was like most humans, but the angle and the light on her face surprised him. As if she was a goddess, so bright and… beautiful. A word he never thought he would think of to describe a female of any sort. He could hear them chatter behind him as they followed him out to the city.

Watching them as the weaved in front of him as their excitement grew, he couldn't help but feel very out of place. This place was swarming with demons and yet none paid any attention to them. Humans lingered in the bunch and half demons galore, but he was truly taken by surprise as Rin and Satomi filled themselves up on festival foods and played games as he watched silently. Satomi surprised him most of all, she was like a mother figure to Rin… and he knew Rin saw him as a father figure. Rin was so easy to care for as she didn't ask for much. However, he had to admit he was lacking in experience of raising children. It was strange to see a woman in action and taking over. His own mother was far from a brilliant example to go off of. Satomi made it look so nurturing and easy as she told Rin of customs and the best things to get and what to avoid.

What Sesshomaru didn't expect even more was the scent of a particular half demon and his miko. Looking up, he saw Inu-Yasha and Kagome weave through the crowd as they saw Rin and Satomi. The women hugged and gushed about new happenings. Inu-Yasha moved off to the side to see Sesshomaru. He could guess why he was there, but he had a feeling he'd find out soon. Following Inu-Yasha out of the crowd, he couldn't sense anything abnormal.

"Well, so you are here," Inu-Yasha said as he crossed his arms in his sleeves. "Kagome was invited here for the festival and seeing you're here then there must be something else happening too. Her powers have changed, Satomi's. I didn't know it was her until I smelled you and Rin."

"She had progressed. Kaito, the southern demon lord, invited us here. Turns out that Satomi is a deity and our father knew one would appear one day. He gave Kaito a necklace to unlock her powers and here we are, seeing just how much we need her in the battle ahead with the northern demons. They attacked us and are relentless. She killed one, the others are alive as far as I know." Sesshomaru's version of the events was short but sweet and Inu-Yasha preferred it that way as the women smiled and laughed over something in the distance.

"Another battle, huh? Go figure, just another thing this place needs," Inu-Yasha said shaking his head. Kagome would be pulled into the war, he knew it. Her powers would be far too powerful to just leave aside. The humans would need her but putting her in danger just felt wrong. He would always be there to protect her though, that much he knew for certain.

"Hopefully this one will not be as long. Depends on tonight and what the seeress says. Kaito will not make a move without the seeress making her prediction. Superstitious old demon if you ask me, but we need his support. Koga will be behind us, he doesn't want an invader any more than we do. Kaito would have more time but he knows if the East and West fall, he would be next. Even if the vision is not in our favor, I will end this fight either way."

"Always doing things alone. We may not see eye to eye, but we share the same father. I will protect my home too."

Sesshomaru said nothing as the women approached them. "You two done yet?" Kagome asked impatiently. "I want to go to a proper festival with my husband and these two lovely ladies need an escort!" Inu-Yasha sighed "Yeah yeah woman, I hear ya." As they bickered, Satomi giggled as they walked back into the crowd. Sesshomaru didn't move for a moment but decided it would be best to follow. As much as he hated to admit it, Inu-Yasha would be a good help to the cause.

By the time it was fully night, they had ventured the length of the village festivities up and down. Sensing no danger, Sesshomaru left the group to be out of the crowds. He was never much for them and that didn't change much. Satomi could feel his presence nearby though and she excused herself as Rin settled in with Kagome and Inu-Yasha. No harm would come to her there.

The night sky twinkled with stars, but the moon was still shallow in the sky. It was beautiful, and the lights of the torches around the city were dimming them. Walking in the direction of his aura, she watched the stars get brighter until she could see the swirls around them. It reminded her of the night she awoke from her stone slumber.

"Crowds are a little much for me too," she said sitting at the base of the tree he was up a few branches on. "Rin is with Kagome and Inu-Yasha, so she will be fine." He didn't say anything and she looked up at the night sky as she leaned back. "Thank you for letting us come here today. I know we didn't have anything else to do, but she needed this. To be a normal human girl with not a fear in the world."

"She lives with no fear," Sesshomaru said simply. Satomi smiled at his truth. "Oh, I don't know about that, but she's very good at conquering her fear which is more than what most humans can say. I think she gets that from being with you. With a demon lord to protect you, what would you have to fear? Thank you for being so good to her. It means more to me than you'll ever know."

"She's the one who has been good to me. She didn't fear me even when we first met, her courage stems from you. Even if she doesn't remember, many of her strengths are also with you," he said as he silently came down from the tree, floating it seemed, to the ground. "You are a truly strange human, perhaps that is why you are the deity you are. Humans didn't deserve your strength, and so you are what you are."

Satomi's eyes watered up as Sesshomaru sat next to her on the ground, he didn't glance at her as he looked up to the sky. She didn't need him to either. They both cared for Rin to the bottom of their hearts, and that was the one connection she could be content with. This demon was as cold as they came with a heart so warm, he didn't even notice though.

Suddenly there was a low boom followed by an explosion of lights. Sesshomaru tensed and Satomi reached out to him. As a reflex, he pinned her down by her wrist and hovered above her. Both surprised by what happened, they just stared at each other. Sesshomaru's eyes widened along with Satomi's as her cheeks grew redder, illuminated by the fireworks each time they went off. His grip released and he moved away from above her. His silver hair that fell around her felt familiar somehow, as if this wasn't the first time. But her heart beat like it was the first time. Her mind was racing as she slowly sat up. "Um… sorry. I guess I thought you were going to attack something for a moment, so I reached out. I didn't mean to surprise you," she said playing with a section of her hair, a nervous tick of hers.

He didn't speak, he felt ashamed he overreacted to do such a thing. He didn't hurt her, but he very well could have. However, her under him unleashed a new problem. It was only a few seconds, but the idea of her body under his and face flushed with his hair around her ignited a thought process he didn't think of before. "We should go," he said standing up as he waited for her to follow.

"Just until the show ends?" she asked as she also stood up. Watching the sky light up was truly amazing and she wanted to cherish it fully. Looking ahead, she saw Kagome and Rin running up the hill. Inu-Yasha walking behind as Sesshomaru stopped to honor her wish. This woman would be the end of him, but he didn't seem to mind the challenge either.

"Found you," Rin said as they caught up. "We had to ask Inu-Yasha to sniff you out."

"Sorry, guess we just aren't good at crowds," Satomi said with a laugh as they made their way down the hill as the fireworks stopped. "We should head back though. Kaito will be expecting us soon." Kagome and Satomi had talked about what was going on here, but Kagome was invited for the festival activities later, not the ceremony as Satomi believed at first. Apparently, there was a mass of people here for healing as well since this is what started the festival to begin with. Demons and humans coming together to heal and with those gatherings usually come a demon or two wanting to ruin the spirits. Kagome's power would be enough to hold back any smaller demons on her own and even more powerful than that, Inu-Yasha would be able to help with the rest.

"See you later," Kagome called out as it came time to part ways. Looking to Inu-Yasha, she hummed a happy tune. "She's really changed, so has Rin too. Actually so has Sesshomaru. Your brother actually seems unbothered by her now. Or at least not in that way. He was looking at her pretty intently."

"Probably because he's suspicious. The guy is incapable of love."

"Oh, he had puppy eyes for her. I'd recognize a dog demon's puppy eyes anywhere. I have experience."

"Don't read into it. There's no way," he said blushing as she smiled at him with a wink.

"Oh, there's a way…"

They continued on like that until Inu-Yasha turned and pulled her into a kiss. She froze for a moment as she relaxed against him until he pulled away. "The one way to shut you up…" he said as she just shook her head and smiled.

Sesshomaru lead the way into the palace as there was instructions on Satomi and Rin's door. 'Satomi-Bathe and dress before arriving. They will take care of you after you are done. Sesshomaru, please meet me and we shall talk specifics. The young human girl is free to come so you can be guaranteed her safety.'

Hard to refuse. As they did as the note told, Sesshomaru led Rin and Satomi stayed and bathed. The walk today was certainly new. She was used to walking but not with so much going on all around her. The crowds and activity were bountiful to say the least. Satomi sighed as she tried not to think too hard on what was to come.

Hearing a knock on the door as she tried herself off from her bath and dressed into the plain white kimono, she saw a young lady enter with three boxes. Boxes that memory told her carried the formal kimono layers. As she put them on, there was no talking. Just the sound of silk slipping against its own material. As they finished, she was barefooted, and they walked down the hall. The cool floor a relief against the pads of her feet, she tried to concentrate on that aspect as the door opened and she saw Sesshomaru and Kaito straight ahead.