10

"Maori, are you sure you have to go?" Satomi asked as Maori tidied up around the room. She had mentioned on how Hana needed her presence since a rather demanding event took their concentration. Hana had not revealed what though.

"Hana wants me back. It's hard to deny the woman what she asked since she is my master. I promise to visit you again, it will not be the last," Maori said as she bowed and looked behind Satomi where Sesshomaru stood and bowed deeper. "My lord, Hana requests my presence back by her side."

He nodded. "She had informed me. We leave soon as well." With that he turned and left. Obviously, he was all business as usual and Satomi sighed. She blushed at the sight of him and she knew not why. Last night she felt warm, more warm than usual, and it was weird how the warm feeling came back seeing him again.

"Chilling as ever," Maori said with a smirk as Satomi giggled with her. "It was an honor to make your acquaintance and I know you are growing stronger, especially since the last battle. You hardly need someone to keep an eye over you, even from a demon stand point. I wish you luck and tell Rin good bye for me."

"Thank you for everything," Satomi said as Maori waved her hand and with a swift gust of wind, she disappeared. It was strange, but she knew they would see each other. The friend was a nice commodity to have when Sesshomaru was missing or off on a study rampage. However, the room suddenly felt very empty and the feeling that she wanted to leave began to grow. This place had been a dream, but they needed to find out just what they had going for them in the South if they were going to fight, let alone win this battle. Then the thought hit her, just how big was the western army… and the eastern? The East seemed less organized yet and the West had such a strong attachment to the dog demons that had been in the rule of this region for centuries.

Finding her way downstairs, she thought about the war strategy and it riddled her brain. Perhaps a more brutal attack for surprise, organized military for order after and then the battle by sea to seal the deal? That would make sense, but either the sea or the militia-based attack could be switched more easily. However, if she knew Sesshomaru, he would be the first to attack. He had too much honor to see others go before him.

Her feet continued to move towards the courtyard where they waited for her. When the servants opened the door for her, she was hit with a familiar scent, his scent. Or perhaps it was just his aura, but it was as if her mind went blank for a moment and looking up his eyes widened slightly only to see him turn to Rin. Jaken was beside him distressed about how he was being left behind, however, it looked like Sesshomaru was not having any of it. Given the attack here recently, he needed someone here he could trust.

"Lord Sesshomaru, Satomi is here now, can we go?" Rin was practically giddy with all the excitement to go on another adventure. Obviously, the girl had missed this. Looking between Sesshomaru and Satomi, she could feel some sort of connection, although brief. The thought had crossed her mind if Satomi and Sesshomaru could be together and the thought made her so happy. They were both so beautiful and while Sesshomaru seemed cold he was so kind to her, and while Satomi was so kind she was also very strong because Sesshomaru wouldn't want a weak woman. That settled it, this trip she would make it her mission to help this along. Since both were stubborn maybe they would listen to her… maybe.

"Yes, we should go. Ah Un, you are with us," he said as the two headed beast came and Rin climbed up. Satomi snapped back and climbed on behind Rin holding onto the reigns. A cloud formed below Sesshomaru as they all took off to the sky. As the world became smaller behind them, Satomi couldn't help but still be awed at this new world that had enveloped her. Meeting her little sister again, meeting a demon lord and aiding his cause, meeting Kagome, Inu-Yasha and everyone. Although it had been a couple of months, she was grateful to be where she was now. A deity though, that was a fact she had a hard time believing. A low born girl who had nothing to give the world, turning into a warrior bent on revenge, to the deity she was slowly becoming. The power was almost all there, she could feel it swelling within her. Just as if there was a thin wall inbetween with no force to break it.

Sesshomaru went to the side of the two ladies in his company and glanced to them. "We should arrive tomorrow. We will stop when the sun starts to set," he said before moving away once more. His silver hair moved so elegantly behind him. He was truly a beautiful person. Satomi guessed it proved effective when people thought he was some rich young man with no skill with that sword. Even if he didn't realize it himself. Staring at him, she caught herself and moved her glance to the clear blue sky in front of her.

"Yes, my lord," Rin said with enthusiasm before turning towards Satomi. She talked about the times and adventures from before when they always traveled and then also at Kaede's village. Satomi was happy that Rin's life was so full of adventure and life. Most never experience what they're given because of fear. She was able to live without fear because of Sesshomaru. For that, Satomi would eternally be grateful. He gave her what she would have never been able to, a life worthy of the special person she is.

"You don't talk much about your life, Satomi. Could you tell me tonight during dinner?" Satomi was speechless and a little shocked. Well, she talked of her life, but not about… Rin. I'm sure the girl was curious about before the time Naraku enslaved her in stone.

"Of course," she said without noticing Sesshomaru's quick glance back with the question and answer. It would be interesting how Satomi would play this out, but he also could not afford a distraction. Her loyalty had to remain unwavering if he was to fully trust her. His affection for her would have to remain buried until the silly emotion went away. Surely it was only because of her forwardness and proximity. Nothing more.

Her beauty and nature weren't a problem, she was a deity and that could prove difficult and he didn't wish to have the problem in his life. After this war and Rin's safety was secure then she could be on her way… but would she ever with Rin at his side. Would he have to let Rin go? The thought made him insecure now. Humans were attached naturally, and demons were far from it. His half brother had the human emotions, but he was also half demon… but he wouldn't ask for his help. It was not a severe matter, at least not one as such that he would ask for his help.

As he listened to the two carry on about idle human talk, he tried to think of the best way to do this war without an army. Surely, he could go in and take out the ranks one by one, but then there was always a chance that they'd know what he would want to do and attack at once. While he knew his strength, he didn't know if he was just barely above a lesser if all of them would be over powering. His pride didn't want to believe so, but he had more than himself to think on. As his mother, who as cold blooded as she could be at times, reminded him of that much. If he wasn't there to protect Rin then who would? Well, her sister now. However, he didn't wish to leave her just yet. For a human, she was compelling. Pure yet not blinding. Accepting would be the word, and he had not met much of it. And yet, he could see where she received that trait from.

As they descended the sun started to turn red in the distance, it was a beautiful sunset with the clouds purple and sky full of oranges and reds. A stream was nearby as Rin announced with enthusiasm she would get the fish. Sesshomaru let her wander, keeping an eye on her as he saw Satomi do the same as she gathered wood for the fire. Much as he was doing. Looking to each other from across the way, he could see her cheeks redden. Did she remember last night? He almost hoped she didn't. Almost.

The thudding in her chest was almost overwhelming, he was looking right at her and yet while this happened from time to time she never felt so compelled to… well, she didn't know what. She looked back to the ground and went about her mission. Sticks. They needed sticks. Sticks to heat the food, sticks to skewer the food. Yes, sticks. Her thought process almost made her go dizzy before she put them in a pile he had already started.

"I think we have enough," he said looking at her with his head tilted. She almost jumped away despite them being a fair distance apart. He had never seen her like this and yet he had to wonder if she really didn't remember. Never being in this kind of situation, he didn't know what to say to know the answer for sure. "Are you sick? You look feverish."

"Sick? No. Just probably winded from the flight. I don't do much… beast riding into the full day and then camp. More of a walker myself. I should check on Rin," she said before tripping on her own two feet and finding herself in midair. Or rather, his arm in the way between her and the ground as he stood her up properly.

"Perhaps more slowly," he said with his ever-cool emotion plastered on his face as heat washed over her cheeks even worse as she nodded and went towards the stream. 'Perhaps more slowly…' he thought to himself and shook his head. Occasionally, he wondered what his father would have said, and then he remembered his mother's words. 'You lack his charm…' Who needed charm when they could rule over the land? By the looks of things, his little brother did not receive much in that department either. And yet, he only recently realized that charm was used for more than women. Intentions could be brought out and the politics easier for ruling such a land. A lack of skill that would go wasted he feared, and yet he couldn't help but watch as she actually did try to go more slowly to the river. Perhaps he wasn't without some hope.

How embarrassing! She thought over and over in her head. He was so close and yet a million miles away. A demon like that would never love a girl like her. She was a means to an end, and while it saddened her slightly, she found a source of peace with the idea as well. He would not advance, and he would not flee so long as the mutual goal remained the same. Until the threat was settled she would remain to protect what she held most dear. Seeing Rin in the stream, she had already caught three suitable fish.

"You're doing good. A couple more perhaps, fish whisperer?" They both giggled as Rin nodded looking to concentrate even more as Satomi grabbed the fish already caught by their mouths. However, she was distracted as she looked the to camp where Sesshomaru started the small fire and back to Satomi. Now was as good a chance as any.

"Do you love Lord Sesshomaru? You look at him differently than most," Rin said never really one to mince words. "I guess I just think you two suit each other is all." She could tell Satomi was uncomfortable with the question although she knew not why. They looked at each other passingly when the other thought they weren't looking, to her it would be simple 'yes', but adults were weird. Let alone demons and deities she supposed. How would a holy entity and demon get along? Would one burn the other? An image of Sesshomaru being purified as Kagome had done to many demons made her face go slightly pale. Maybe it wasn't a good idea, but Satomi wouldn't… would she?

"Love would be a strong word. We have a mutual interest," Satomi said as her mind was put back together after blowing apart into a thousand pieces. Not the topic she was hoping to cover. "He needs me to protect you, and… I want to see you safe. I don't know much about my powers but if they keep one person safe then its worth the mystery, I think. As for the way I look at him, he's… well… attractive. But demons are made that way. They lure in prey and then attack, normally. But I can see he's different." Rin was about to object until that point.

"Until now, I would have distrusted demons like him. However, I can tell he isn't evil. He looks out for himself, but he also does for you. A demon who cares for a human isn't evil even if he is one." Rin sat on the bank of the stream and Satomi kneeled behind her putting down the fish, finger brushing her hair as she took out her side pony tail. "You are… family to me, Rin. I want to see that you're kept safe. Sesshomaru can't do that on his own right now. However… I…" She felt herself choking on words as tears welled up. She wanted to say the words. She had failed Rin before so how could she do this now? It would be her life's goal to see this girl protected to live the long life she deserved. Even if it meant giving up her own.

"You're family to me too. It's okay," Rin said she felt a familiar feeling. "Can you sing? I feel like this is familiar somehow and it feels nice."

"Of course," Satomi obliged as her tears dropped silently to the ground, her voice unshaking as she sang a lullaby.

"One day you will realize

The stars you are chasing shine bight deep inside you,

But will you ever let it shine from within

And cast all of your fears aside

You'll see the light but until that day comes

My Dearly Beloved

Be strong I shall be there

Always here beside you…"

Rin couldn't help but hum along and realized that she heard this before. Not a mother but someone else. The memory was there but it was much like what it was now, not facing the memory but happily sitting as someone brushed her hair and sang peaceful songs. It felt so… normal. Then it suddenly stopped.

"Rin, run to Sesshomaru," Satomi said calmly yet urgently looking ahead. She sensed one of the water siblings there. They were just beyond her sight and no doubt Sesshomaru would know too. They weren't so far away, yet… as she looked to Sesshomaru she realized they were in a barrier. How blind of her. Touching Rin's forehead as she faced her, she put a protection that would allow her through. "Go, I will take care of them."

Nodding with understanding, Rin ran to Sesshomaru as Satomi looked beyond the stream and walked forward. Rin would be protected, but Sesshomaru would not have an easy time getting in. Perhaps for the better to keep Rin out of harms way… unless… Rin wasn't the target. Her eyes opened wide as she felt a blast of wind and Hayate at her side with a sword that floated to her neck.

"My dear, you are trouble," he said as his hand wrapped around both of her wrists. In a swirl of water around them, suddenly they were elsewhere. She couldn't sense Rin but they were above the ocean with no land in sight. "Now we can talk."

"Talk then."

"My master proposes a bargain. You back down while we fight it out with the demon lords. After all, you must admit it is rather unfair, isn't it? Ironic for a demon to say, but what place do you have in this," he said curiously. She didn't feel hostility besides that sword on her jugular.

"You attacked the human girl. Wouldn't you use a weapon or shield if you saw it as he did?"

"Oh, so you admit you're nothing more than a weapon. That simplifies things. Demons like him don't feel love. An imitation perhaps, a duty of honor, I suppose, but never full love. Demons use and throw away anything they deem worthy or unworthy. My master wants to use you for far more than a body guard. He wants to rule with you, Deity of the Moon."

The words took her off guard. Any side that had her would have a higher chance of winning, but it wasn't a guarantee. For her to rule by a master just didn't sound right to her. "Tell your master I'd rather die on the battle field," she said calmly as she tried to find her deity powers, why weren't they coming out? Did she have so little control? She could see the moon in her mind, so far away in the distance above water with a being turned away from her with her silhouette shining in the moon's glow.

"Then I have no choice but to kill you now… but I have to do it in a way that will make him amused." Suddenly, another quick wave of water and she was in front of Rin and Sesshomaru on the other side of the stream. The barrier was in front of her as Rin tried to go forward, Sesshomaru made her step behind him. Their lips moved, but she couldn't hear them at all. Rin started to cry as her mouth looked to be screaming. Forced to the ground, she tried to struggle but the floating sword dug into her skin and made her hiss in pain.

"They can't hear you and you can't hear them. I am truly sorry as you seem to be unaware of your power. Honestly, it's like killing a baby. So easy and yet so… tempting." He moved his sword away and brought his mouth to the blood on her neck. She was paralyzed… the sword? His hand moved away as she became limp as he held her up for display. Her eyes widened in horror. Looking to Sesshomaru, her world started to go under as his hand tilted her head back further, so he could get to the blood and licked just below the collar of her yukata. "You are delicious," he said as he let her fall to the ground in a helpless heap.

Looking to Sesshomaru with a smug look, he took away the soundless feature of the barrier. She could hear Sesshomaru threatening before her eyes glazed over, as if the very soul had left. "What did you do to her?" he yelled in uncharacteristic anger as he snarled at Hayate. His sword was in hand as Rin cried seeing Satomi on the ground. She looked to be dead.

"My sword has unique abilities. One of them is to paralyze. Her struggle was her own end, although she'd have to die soon anyway. Her blood though, drives me crazy. It's so sad that she hasn't bedded a man. Perhaps you would like to watch before she dies. Knowing she had one swing at it," Hayate taunted as Sesshomaru snarled, his eyes turning red.

"Oh, scary, but what can you do, Dog?" he said kneeling before her, his hand going to her breast as he kept his eyes locked on Sesshomaru. Her body remained unresponsive on the ground as he touched the barrier and was burned for it. Hayate grinned as he put his hand under her yukata and kneeded her breast. "Warm and soft, like a woman should be. Wonder if all of her is like that?" he asked as the dog demon put his sword against the barrier. If this sword couldn't break it, then it was useless to him.

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"Cold… why is it cold?" Satomi asked as she looked around the darkness in her mind. Turning in all directions, she finally saw the silhouette in front of the moon. She seemed to be standing on water and ripples formed all around as Satomi ran towards the being and reached out. "Please help me?"

"Help yourself," she heard as suddenly she was thrown into a memory at the castle where Naraku attacked. She was young then and a woman was always cruel to her. An older woman with a lovely kimono, she could always remember that voice taunting her. "No one will help you, stupid girl. The ones that matter aren't in your station. Know your place, you wench. Or go roll over and die."

Thrown back into her mind, she was surrounded by darkness again. She hadn't thought about that woman for many years. Beaten… threatened… even publicly embarrassed. Satomi hated that woman. And yet when she saw her body laying in a pool of her own blood, she felt pity. Pity for her ugly soul. And yet there was satisfaction. That satisfaction is what drove her revenge for Naraku, although she didn't want the woman to die… she wanted to do it herself.

No! That isn't me! She tried to call out but there was no voice. Just silence and darkness.

The silhouette disappeared again, and Satomi just wanted to die. Suffering was too much. No more of it. Her family murdered, unable to seek her revenge and find them in time. Her sister was here and yet couldn't be further from her. And the one person she wanted would never want her. Why did she think there could be hope? Every day she said she had hope and yet where was it now when she needed it most? Nowhere. She was so powerless that a stupid demon snuck up on her and was killing her when she was told she was a deity. Useless. Useless as a human, useless as a deity, useless as a protector.

Light.

There was a small glow in front of her as her tears nearly blinded her. Reaching towards it, it was warm.

"I did say we would talk again, Satomi." The silhouette was the golden-haired woman with blue eyes once more. She was beautiful, but her features were familiar, her own?

"You are…"

"You. The power you need to be the true you."

"I can't… I don't deserve the power. I couldn't do what I needed to do and now, I'll only fail again."

"No, you will succeed. The world will become dark without you. Without you, he will remain in the darkness."

"He?"

"The lord you serve is what will tip the scale in either direction. I have tried to guide him, but he distrusts me without your soul and methods behind it. You are the only answer. I wanted to guide you into your powers, but we are losing time and this fight. Jirou grows too strong to let you be babied any longer, and Hayate is about to make you dinner for his amorous appetite. Forgive me."

The heat from the glow felt like a burning as she screamed helplessly watching the figure before her fade away. The power that went into her was painful, every joint and limb was in agony as the light from the world washed into her eyes. The hand had left her breast and she could feel her body able to move again. Sesshomaru's sword was just about to burst through the barrier before she extended her hand to break it. It shattered with a thought and Hayate stepped back looking to them as Satomi noticed her yukata was looser than she remembered. Her eyes burned with rage as they flashed blue then back to brown.

"You'll regret those words," she said as Sesshomaru went in front of her.

"Protect Rin," was all he said before charging after Hayate as they fought in the sky above. The sword of Hayate floated and danced of its own accord as Hayate made a spear come out of thin air in a splash of water.

Satomi went to Rin as she could feel the battle charge above her. Sesshomaru was flawless and yet this unsettling thought went to her mind. The sword could appear and disappear on command… this would be hard fought.

"I thought you died!" Rin said as she dried her tears and hugged Satomi.

"Almost, but they'll have to work harder than that to kill me," she said hugging Rin back. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment before drawing back to look at Rin. "I need to help him. Hayate is strong and his sword can appear at will. You're safe with that barrier I put around you. Can you hide?"

"Come back safe," Rin said as she nodded. Running to the wood just out of sight, she saw as Satomi disappeared only to reappear behind Sesshomaru.

"I told you to protect Rin," he said snarling, as he looked back before Hayate struck again.

"I am, but who's going to watch your back?" she said diverting Hayate's sword. Not willing to argue with that, he could feel her power there. Did she finally receive it? There was no doubt her aura was different. Beyond anything he ever sensed before. Circling around and around, there was no clear cut to banish Hayate to the underworld, and Satomi was busy with the sword the whole time behind him.

"I have an idea," she said to Sesshomaru once they reached a small lull as Hayate went high above them, the sword going with him. "I don't know why, but I think it'll work." They were both breathing heavier although Sesshomaru tried to hide it. Every cut Hayate received, it would just heal back with a quick water rush. There bodies weren't as fast to heal.

"Saving your lover, demon?" Hayate taunted as he put his one hand above him as a blue power orb formed and grew. "I'll put both of you out of your misery."

Sesshomaru pointed his sword at Hayate and Satomi went to his side. Reaching her hand out, he could feel her giving back some of the power he gave her from before through their touch. It burned slightly, but it was such a force all at once. A red orb formed at the end of his sword and grew the more energy she put into it he contributed his own energy as both spheres of power launched at each other with a force neither had ever seen. Satomi closed her eyes and she could feel the energies fighting for dominance. As she laced her fingers through Sesshomaru's to touch the sword, she could feel the battle and put her own powers into it. A white light flashed through and broke through both orbs and stabbed Hayate in the heart.

"You are… his, deity. Jirou will come for you," he said into her mind before his body slowly dissipated. Returning to the ground, Sesshomaru looked for Rin as she bounded out. Looking her over briefly, he sensed she was well and looked to Satomi. She saved him, as much as he would never admit it. Her power… she was drained once more on his behalf. He had to be stronger. He didn't need someone, he needed to protect. That was his duty. The duty his father gave him.

"Can you stand?" he asked seeing her stature waver as he saw her step forward.

"I just need rest. Food and rest," she said smiling to Rin as Rin ran to get the food as if nothing had happened. "You seem better off," she said with a small smile to him as he looked away.

"Just more accustomed. I assure you, you will not have to exert that much energy in the future," he said before walking back to the small fire that was slowly going out now. He could feel her following, and he wondered how much energy she actually used. To be standing after using so much, she was a force to be reckoned with. To kill a strong demon like that in a single blast. If power was what he sought, power was what he found.

He watched her closely as she leaned against a large log for support as she rested and ate. Before when she used her powers, she was willing to ask for them to be recharged and yet she seemed to believe rest would. The powers weren't coming back so fast and he was wondering if perhaps the memories weren't there for her. After, he went on patrol, he could feel that they were now asleep and went back. The perimeter was safe and still her powers weren't quick to charge.

Standing above her, he kneeled and wiped a hair from her face that was on her lips. "What have you done to me?" he asked as he looked at the details of her face. The small freckles that were almost invisible, the way her lips parted in her sleep and were full, a woman's lips to be touched and kissed. Hayate angered him when he touched her and yet all he wanted was her safe. Away from her he could make excuses but here and now, he just wanted her to sleep peacefully. He was his father's son he thought simply as he put his hand under her head and gently brought her up to not wake her.

His lips touched hers gently as he gave her energy. She wasn't his to have, but he would do all he could to protect her. His silver hair draped around her, as if sharing his desire to protect her. Lifting his lips off of hers, she moaned quietly in her sleep and her mouth twitched as he gently put her down. Disappearing, he could feel her awaken.

Her lips felt warm again, she woke up from a strange dream. A dream that her and Sesshomaru were… kissing. Blushing as she touched her lips, she felt so euphoric and her heart was beating so fast. There were dreams but this felt so real. As if it was here and now. Shaking that off, she knew she would have to sleep even more to be ready for tomorrow. Feeling her powers back, she thought it was because of the good sleep and even dream, and she slowly went back to bed knowing that she could rest easy with Sesshomaru to protect them. Just a feeling she had. Soon they would be in the Southern Land and their futures laid out. She could feel it.