17

Slowly sitting up, she brought her knees up to her chest and set her forehead on them. Now that today finally came, she was nervous. Never before did she have to talk to anyone about a war, let alone 4 demon generals of the southern lands that commanded armies to help defeat an evil demon to the north. No doubt Sesshomaru would persuade them on his own, but she was an interesting turn of events. Never had any of these demons witnessed a goddess, let alone one on their side.

Sighing, she raised her head to see Sesshomaru sitting on the bed next to her making her jump from surprise. Damn he was quiet. "Uh, yes?" she asked looking at him like a ghost.

"Are you ill?" he asked tilting his head to the side.

"No, just nervous."

"Your stomach is making strange noises and I smell your anxiety," he said point blank as he pointed to her stomach and then her face. His nose was too perceptive for her tastes. Couldn't he at least let her act tougher without knowing otherwise? No such luck. He had too much pride to lie.

"That's called 'nervous', Sesshomaru," she said snipingly as she pouted. "It's called being human."

"But you're no longer human," he noted slightly confused. It baffled him how a goddess could be nervous about meeting with a few demons. She could just purify them and be done with it, take their armies.

"But I WAS human," she said exasperated raising her voice slightly. "Just because I'm this now doesn't mean I don't feel what I felt when I was human. I've never been this much of the center of attention, especially with a war on the line."

There was really nothing for him to say, he didn't understand nor would he for that matter. Humans were too complex for his tastes, but she was even more complicated. Being one thing and feeling like another. He cringed at the thought of being turned into a human, but he supposed it was the opposite effect for her. Having the power to make sure those around you are protected was a point of honor for him, but then being weak enough to know you couldn't do anything about it. That change would be too much for him. Being weak and gaining strength was something he saw as a good thing, but she wasn't grasping ahold of the power she could be using yet. That would change today, the meeting would make or break her.

"You should get ready. I'm sure they'll be looking for you soon," he said as he stood up and stepped out of the room. 'Get ready how?' she wondered as she looked around. None of her clothes were in there. But then she heard the door opening and covered herself quickly. It was just him bringing in her yukata, as if he knew the plight she was in. It was one of her plain ones, just a simple light blue. "The baths are down the hall and to the right if you wish." As he left again, she took in a deep breath.

For being a hard to read demon, he had a good heart. Standing up, she felt wobbly as she stretched. Her body felt the same as it did when she was human, but her senses were enhanced if she actually concentrated. It was like being in a small room with many noises and scents all at once.

'Oh, we will break you into your new role,' Tsukiyomi called out to her so she jumped.

"I forgot you were there," she admitted shaking her head as she put on her yukata.

'That's rather rude. I tried to give you privacy as you were obviously busy,' he said with a small stifled laugh. 'A goddess and a demon lord, it sounds rather familiar.'

"Familiar how?"

'Oh, just a little something from the past. Actually it involves your lover's father and the woman he first fell in love with. Well, she was much like you, a mortal who turned goddess. Actually, she would be your… great great great great great… something aunt. It was a rather long time ago needless to say.'

"Well, that's interesting," she said as she left the room hoping no one was hearing her talk to herself. But then he was being very informative.

'She was strong, brave, intelligent, and stubborn as a rock. Kind of like you, but slightly more womanly shaped,' he said with another stifled laugh. She sighed in annoyance as she sped walked down to the baths. Luckily, she was all by herself.

The baths were glorious and pristine. White marble that covered everywhere. There was a small waterfall attached to the baths to make it even more luxurious. Something she could easily wash her hair with. Soaps and the like were strewn out for her, either Sesshomaru was fast, or they just always had these items ready for bathing pleasure. Either way, she was happy.

Undressing, she made her way into the steaming bath and sighed in contentment as soon as her body submerged. This was the life, all the stress seemed so far away now. The smell in the room, lavender and jasmine perhaps.

'As I was saying,' Tsukiyomi said as he cleared his throat. 'Her deal was much like yours. Protect the family line in exchange for using my powers. It lasts until the next one is born into the family, so you'd be the next. Which is sadly why your family had some, to put it lightly, bad luck.'

"Bad luck is hardly the phrase," she said bitterly as she moved back towards the small waterfall. Letting the water cascade down her long hair, she quietly listened to his story.

'Well, when her powers were needed, she met Toga who was rather headstrong and less of a compassionate demon lord we know him as today. Actually, he was kind of an ass.' Satomi laughed at that thought. He was so highly regarded now, but even demon lords must have had their rebellious days. 'She actually beat him in a battle. Not to the death of course, but a little competition he wanted because he didn't believe her when she said she wasn't going to work with that kind of demon. That was his turning point.'

The situation reminded her much of now. Sesshomaru slowly opening up and becoming more understanding even if he didn't see it. They both protected her little sister, but he was letting her into his circle. Obviously, he kept that circle small, but she could see the respect other demons offered to him. He was well regarded, much like his father, but now he was starting to earn it without him.

'When she died, he vowed to find her again. Their love life was short lived, but he kept the last of her days happy. They weren't as intimate as you two are, but they shared a small life together for a short time before her time came. I gifted her that much at least. He brought her flowers every morning and visited her frequently as she stayed at his estate. It was touching really.'

Her heart grew heavy hearing that, but she knew just how happy she would be if something like that happened to her. Flowers every morning, visits to just see her.

"Was he there when she died?"

'Yes… he held her until her last breath.'

Tears started to form in her eyes as she thought of what she'd go through. "Was she happy?"

'I believe so. She was smiling.'

"Good. That makes it a little easier, I think."

'Glad to hear that. I'm sorry that it has to be this way. I'll do what I can, but it depends on you as well.'

"I understand."

'They found each other again, in case you were wondering. Although it took them long enough. I tried to get the oaf over to her, but it didn't work out. He was slightly busier this time around since he was the demon lord of the west. Their first meeting was rather interesting since she didn't recognize him. Sometimes the memory remains and sometimes not. Just depends on how long it takes for the soul to come back.'

"I can imagine she was more off putting," Satomi laughed at the thought. And yet Toga must have been sad. To finally come across the woman again after so long and she not even recognize him. But then wouldn't knowing they came back be enough? It was hard to say.

'She came around.'

Before she could ask more, she heard the door open. It was Maori with a rather extravagant kimono in hand that she set on a small bench next to the door.

"Lord Sesshomaru said you would be here. Would you like assistance?" she asked with a smile. Pulling back her yukata sleeves and tying them back with a long ribbon, she was already getting ready to help. Help with what, Satomi had no idea, but she seemed determined.

"I suppose I don't have a choice," she said with a laugh.

"I'll scrub your hair," Maori said as she gathered some soaps and came over to her as Satomi moved to the edge of the large bath to sit on the steps. Feeling the sensations of her hair being washed, she hadn't felt like this since she was a child. It was relaxing as her fingertips moved along her scalp and down her hair. "I forgot how much hair you have."

"Sorry, it's why I usually braid it," she said with a sigh. Couldn't bring herself to cut it yet. Perhaps soon she would for the war. Would be easier anyway.

"It's beautiful," Maori admired as she brushed through the locks with her fingers. "I can sense a change in you, too. A demon lord has been quite taken with you it seems." Satomi's face turned a bright red as her silence was a confirmation. "I knew he wouldn't be able to resist for too long. You balance his roughness with your soft demeanor. You're strong where he is not and he balances out the rest of you as well. Lady Hana knew this day would come eventually."

Maori tapped on Satomi's shoulder to signal she was done as Satomi went to rinse out the lather. Her hair smelled like the rest of the room now, with lavender and jasmine. Taking in the smell, Satomi relaxed again.

"Well, I'd be the first to say it took me by surprise. I'm still used to being human me, not this goddess thing. I didn't even think he'd take a second glance," she admitted biting her lower lip for a moment. Stepping out of the bath, she saw Maori come near with a towel. Wiping herself off, she saw her friend look at her with an annoyed look. "What?" she asked curiously.

"He is lucky you returned the favor given how his attitude can be. He should be considered the lucky one, you have your work cut out for you. He is a good demon, but he is still learning. Hana said his father was much easier to work with. But then he lived his rebellious years, I think Lord Sesshomaru is just getting over his," Maori said with a smile as Satomi smirked and nodded.

"Point taken," Satomi said as she switched the towel for the kimono. It was intricate alright. Maori stepped in and helped put on layer after layer. By the time she was done, there had to be the weight of another human on her. "This is ridiculous. I'll roast in this thing."

"You'll be fine. We can change you out of it after the meeting after all. They'll be waiting soon," Maori said as she opened the door. Leading the way to Satomi's room, she opened the door. "I'll come get you when they're ready. Shouldn't be long now."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Kaito welcomed the generals with open arms. They were his most loyal companions. Sesshomaru was with when they arrived early. Earlier was better, but the greetings were taking longer than he preferred. However, it was interesting to see how Kaito was with them. Like they were long lost friends. They bowed in respect, but then now they were laughing talking about old times.

"This is Toga's eldest son, Sesshomaru," he introduced after a few exchanges were made. "Demon Lord of the West now."

"It was an honor to serve by Lord Toga's side in the past. I hope that we can gain the same respect from here on out," said the youngest of the demon generals as he bowed. He was about Sesshomaru's age, must have been outstanding to be a general so young.

"Likewise," Sesshomaru said as he was unsure of how to proceed. Nodding his head, it seemed that was good enough.

The eldest spoke up, he seemed to be Kaito's age. "Toga was hell on wheels back in his day, you seem more refined, less trouble maybe?" he said with a laugh. The other two agreed and enjoyed a couple stories. His father was very well spoke of, so to hear of his father having a rebellious youth was rather strange. He never asked about it, but now he was slightly curious.

"Toga had us all on edge, didn't he Kaito?" Another asked with a laugh as Kaito closed his eyes and nodded with a smile.

"He was one hell of a good demon though. You didn't see many like him," Kaito said fondly as he seemed to be off in a far memory. Looking to Sesshomaru, he still seemed to be lost in that memory. "I see him in you. Your mother as well, but you take after his honor and a keeper of his word. Your mother's pride is there as well. Both very well thought of in this day when it's easy to be corrupt being a demon. You have large steps to fill, but I believe you are the right one for the duty."

Sesshomaru hadn't usually received such praise. It was expected of him to take over his father's legacy. Hence his need to be stronger than his father. Even though he knew he could fill the role, he always felt his father was one step ahead, or rather one hundred steps. Hearing this from Kaito made him full of a pride he hadn't felt in a long time, since before his father even passed.

His facial expression remained stoic as ever as the generals continued their chat as they waited for the time to pass. The door opened behind them as Maori and Hana stepped through. Both bowing deeply as the generals, Kaito, and Sesshomaru all turned to see them. The four bowed shallowly in return as Kaito and Sesshomaru stood still.

"My lords, generals, are you ready to see the goddess of the moon? Her presence brings forth great prosperity to our lands, and not just our southern lands, the others as well. I have seen that with this omen we shall receive great peace after this is done. The era of demons is slowly closing, but her being here with our cause shall usher a new purpose for our kind. This I have seen."

A new purpose. That detail made all of them wonder. Sesshomaru knew he would have a legacy going into the future, but it was hard to picture the change. While the ages seemed to move, their kind seemed to be stagnant. Perhaps that is what would change. No longer could they live to conquer, but to survive.

"A goddess supporting a demon, it's against the very nature of the world."

The eldest general made a solid point, but Sesshomaru could hardly keep his demon nature in check as anger seeped its way up. She was more loyal than any demon at his side, minus Jaken who held onto his loyalty through the decades. Her nature was a mystery to him since she was neither fully human or fully goddess. He knew that his soul was too dark to even hope to be in the light as she was, but he felt drawn to her none the less. To say that that was against the very nature of this world made him want to prove it otherwise.

Everyone remained silent as the doors opened. Satomi was there in her full garb, her hair down this time as it fell nearly to the floor. Her lips were adorned in red stain and her upper eye lids were lined in red. Her face powdered white, she did look like a goddess, completely untouchable in her light. The kimono had many layers, but the top was white with blue crescent moons that lined the sleeves, collar, and bottom. Needless to say, the room stayed silent even as her face grew red.

"I appreciate you all for being here today to welcome me," she said with a graceful bow. "I am Satomi, the goddess of the moon on behalf of Tsukiyomi." Raising, she was struck by how the generals couldn't help but stare. Kaito was smiling as a father would seeing their daughter grown up, and Sesshomaru was also awestruck and that surprised her more than the others. She hadn't known that expression on him yet and it gave her a swell of pride knowing that she could take even him off guard.

"I realize this is rather unorthodox, but the time has come to unite our causes to defeat a greater evil than even Naraku had been. I have seen what will happen if we allow him to take over our lands. This world would plunge into darkness, our children left to live in fear, and the land to suffer in famine and war. I, for one, have seen enough of famine and war to last a lifetime. I have not lived as long as a demon, but I believe this would reveal the path of a better life.

"I wish for this world to know peace. I wish for demons and humans to both see the day when we can live in the same world without this war. Jiro lives for this chaos, he fuels it. I wish to stop it. Come what may, I will find a way to end his life before mine is done. I ask for your support as I do everything in my power to rid this world of his evil."

There it was, the whole reason she was doing this. Bowing, she could see them mull over her words in their minds. Sesshomaru seemed to be full of pride as he even smirked. Kaito continued his fatherly glance. This meant revenge for his own son's death and the generals she was sure lost good followers and even sons when they sent them to investigate. Raising, she saw them nodding to each other.

"We accept, goddess," said the eldest general. "However, there is one thing we request as proof of your goddess lineage. There has been a series of strange events to the East. A spirt of a great demon that is restless. We do not know much, but it is causing problems as we are sending demons to quell the issue. This means less to bring the war front when that should happen. Very few come back alive and those who do are bloodied and die soon after arriving. The humans have sent priestesses, but none have made it out alive either when in the spirit's grasp. Rumor has it it's a wolf… or a dog."

"A dog or wolf?" she asked curiously as she gauged Sesshomaru's reaction.

"Why is this the first time I've heard of this?" Sesshomaru asked when the dog issue came up.

"We had talked to your mother on the way here, we just hadn't gotten that far to mention it yet," a general said as he bowed. "We thought since she is the goddess of the moon and both are keen to the moon that she would be able to help if she is this goddess."

"It is okay to be cautious. Where in the East?" she asked not expecting them to take her at her word, who would take it at face value? A goddess didn't just show up out of the blue, or rather she didn't think they would until she became one.

"A mountain side is where the spirit is said to dwell. Mount Tate is where I've heard. There is a village at the base that is now destroyed, and the inhabitants have fled. The demons have also left the lands," the general added hesitantly.

"I accept since we are heading to the east any way. It is on the way and I will do what I can to alleviate this problem for you," Satomi said with a small smile as she felt honored they weren't completely shutting her out from the idea of what she was. The room seemed less tense after she accepted.

"Goddess, we should be going now," Hana said quietly as Satomi nodded as she bowed to the generals.

"Please excuse us, generals, my lords," Satomi said as she turned and left. Taking a big sigh of relief as the doors shut behind her, she felt any strain she kept in want to burst through. The first step was now done. Walking in silence to her room, they helped her undress and change into her more casual yukata. Apparently, Rin was with Kagome, Inu-Yasha and Kohaku while she was dealing with demon generals. At least she didn't have to worry about her too for the moment. She would be safe with Kagome. The world wouldn't stop spinning as she sat down on her bed.

"Satomi, are you feeling okay?" Maori asked looking at her friend curiously.

"My head just feels like it's spinning. I think it was just nerves and that heavy kimono," she said dismissively with a smile.

"Perhaps, and it is the afternoon now. You'll probably feel better at night. Remember you are the moon goddess, so taking it easy in the daytime may help if you continue to feel this way."

"Thank you for your concern, I'll keep it in mind," Satomi said with a blush. She wasn't used to being worried about. Usually she did the worrying.

"Maori, dear," Hana called out. "Would you be a dear and make some tea? I believe that would help us all."

"Yes, my lady," Maori said as she bowed and took her leave.

"I wanted to talk to you alone, Satomi," Hana said cautiously. As if she didn't know how to say what she wanted to say. "I saw some of what transpired while the transformation took place. The vision was muddled, but I remember seeing one image in particular. It ended with your death and rebirth. To receive the powers of the goddess, what did you have to sacrifice?"

"I think you know," Satomi said unwilling to say what was painfully obvious.

"Satomi," Hana said in a motherly tone. Tears forming in her eyes as she knew she was right. Her life was the sacrifice. Any chance of a long life in this lifetime. "If I do not see you again, I wish to see you in the next lifetime."

"Likewise, but I don't plan on dying until my job is done," she said as she reached forward to hold Hana's hand that was shaking as she sat next to Satomi.

"He doesn't know does he?"

"Sesshomaru? No, he does not know. He doesn't need to think about that, we have a war to win first before it even matters what happens after. I wish to keep it that way." Satomi's words were firm and no room for argument. Hana simply nodded in return. "Knowing they'll be in a world without him in it is worth that sacrifice."

"Your resolve is more powerful than the steel of the strongest demon, my child," Hana said as she stood up and collected herself. "Knowing you is a great honor and I shall tell the story of your journey to the generations ahead. You will never be forgotten, my dear. That is my promise to you."

Satomi didn't know what to say, she was honored. Smiling as she resisted the urge to cry, she could hear the door open. Wiping her eyes, she saw Maori's confused look and laughed it off.

"The meeting was more stressful than I thought," she said as they drank their tea and chatted about the small things. Weather, the festival… anything but what just happened.

As much as she was prepared for what she bargained for, she was grateful for this moment. This small, fleeting moment of normalcy.