EPLOG

The joining of the Lord and Lady of the West was the most attended affair in all of Japan. The palace was barely able to hold all who attended. Respectful humans dreaming of "gate crashing" camped a distance away just to listen to the revelry and even they were rewarded with servants arriving with ample food and drink for their efforts.

It was well into the early morning hours before Rin and Sesshomaru finally found each other. After hours of socializing with various lords, they finally met at the great staircase.

Rin was tired, but holding up very well. As for Sesshomaru, he had had just about enough of wry jokes and playful banter from the good natured visiting lords. Rin hurried to Sesshomaru's outstretched arms relieved to see him. The tai youkai sighed as his mate melted into his embrace.

"We should have eloped!" Rin said giggling softly as she nuzzled her cheek into Sesshomaru's chest.

"Indeed." Responded Sesshomaru smiling softly.

"I could tell them all to leave now if you wish."

Rin looked up smiling. "And spoil all their fun?"

Sesshomaru tipped his head until his brow touched Rin's.

"They are spoiling our fun beloved."

Before Rin could respond, The pair could hear the sounds of feet rapidly approaching. It was Hontu and Jaken. Sesshomaru unwillingly released Rin as the pair approached. Both demons smiled broadly and waved frantically as they came closer.

Hontu spoke first.

"We have been looking everywhere for you two! I'm so glad to find you together!"

"Yes!," chimed Jaken, "We have a surprise for you both! Well, actually the surprise is not ours per se, it comes from Ah-Un ."

Sesshomaru sighed quietly as the couple turned to face the pair. "Exactly what kind of surprise do you refer to then?" Sesshomaru said exhaling.

Jaken cackled his merriest laugh. "Now that would be telling!"

Rin could sense Sesshomaru's muscles tensing. He was beginning to loose his patience.

"Master Jaken, this has been a long evening for us. Can you at least make your intentions a bit clearer?"

"Indeed we can Lady Rin!" Hontu offered. "Please follow us."

Rin's light touch to Sesshomaru's kimono sleeve stopped the growl that was about to emerge. Silently, they followed the two demons before them.

Both Jaken and Hontu snickered to themselves as they brought the couple to a small clearing near the palace gates.

There stood Ah-Un garbed in a white linen "saddle" with flowers that had been carefully braided into his reigns. Rin clapped her hands and laughed heartily.

"Ah-Un is adorable Master Jaken! Is this our surprise?"

Jaken 'huffed' a bit. "Hardly my Lady! Ah-Un is taking you to your surprise!" Once again, both demons chuckled and folded their arms with satisfaction.

Sesshomaru gave a low warning growl. "Jaken, explain yourself while I am still in a mood to listen to you!"

Jaken could tell that he was about to exhaust his lord's patience. "Please my Lord," he blurted out, "This is Ah-Un's gift to you both. Please! Just mount him and see!"

Sesshomaru gave a quiet sigh before shaking his head. "We will go, but only because you have made Lady Rin smile. But be warned Jaken, it is late and neither I, nor my lady are of a humor for games.

Both Jaken and Hontu got on their knees and begun shaking their heads emphatically. "Oh no my lord! This is no game!"

By now Rin had already mounted Ah-Un. "Come my lord, let us see what all of the fuss is about!" she said with some kindness. Sesshomaru turned his attention to his mate. "As you wish, my Lady."

Sesshomaru gracefully mounted behind Rin, as she gently pat Ah-Un's shoulder. "Show us your gift my friend!"

Ah-Un grunted approvingly, and set off.

Seeing as this was supposed to be Ah-Un's 'gift', Sesshomaru and Rin gave the dragon no direction of flight. It didn't take much time for the two to see their destination. Even in the darkness of the late evening, the beauty of the area was still apparent.

Just ahead of them stood a magnificent tent nestled within a patch of trees sitting next to a small river. Across this river sat a huge field of wildflowers offering up a light floral fragrance.

Ah-Un landed by the rivers edge. Rin and Sesshomaru dismounted quietly enjoying both the quiet and the fragrances that the flowers were giving off. Ah-Un knowledgably nudged the pair gently toward the tent before them.

Rin giggled softly before turning to the dragon. "Thank you so much dear one." she hugged at one of Ah-Un's necks as the dragon nuzzled in turn.

Sesshomaru granted a ghost of a smile to Ah-Un's other head bent in his direction. "Thank you Ah-Un." he said evenly. The dragon gave a satisfied grunt and nodded before leaving the pair in one bounding leap.

For a moment, Rin and Sesshomaru simply held each other . It was the first time that evening that the only things that could be heard, were the light wind in the trees, and their own heartbeats. The silence was beautiful.

Sesshomaru slowly began to wind his hands down to squeeze at Rin's firm bottom. Rin responded by raking her fingers along Sesshomaru's hips. Both purred softly as they continued 'stroking' one another.

It was Sesshomaru who finally took notice to the tent in front of them. Two torches lit the entranceway. Beyond the torches, no other light was immediately seen.

Sesshomaru then released his hold of Rin, and took her by the hand. "I believe that further investigation is in order here." he said almost playfully, as he went to pull at a flap at the tent's entrance.

Neither were prepared for the sight that met them.

Carefully placed oil lamps shone brightly before a beautiful sleep area in the center of the tent. Lush blue silk fabric and gold pillows covered a "raised" square platform on which sat a futon that itself was sitting upon tatami mats.

Along the periphery of the tent, a table filled with various culinary delicacies was clearly visible. And off to a corner, there even stood two kimono racks with fresh changes of clothing for both of them.

Sesshomaru smiled. "I forget sometimes that Ah-Un is capable of rational thought. We must find a way to thank him for this kindness when we return to the palace."

Rin laughed slightly and placed a finger to her cheek as if in thought. " Speaking of the palace, Do you suppose that we will even be missed?"

Sesshomaru gave a slight 'keh'. "They may know come morning light. But for now, I am content with the silence, the stars and you beloved." Rin smiled as Sesshomaru brought her once again into his embrace.

"Are you hungry?" Rin inquired.

Sesshomaru smiled. "Indeed I am."

"Well then, let us see what has been prepared."

Rin made to leave Sesshomaru's embrace and head to the table. But, a firm grip to her waist halted any action made immediately.

Sesshomaru looked at his mate with hooded eyes.

"Not once did I mention that I was hungry for food my mate!"

Rin looked up returning Sesshomaru's hungry look.

Smiling, she turned back into his arms.

"Well then, what else would you like to eat?" she inquired with a purr. She began to once again caress Sesshomaru's hips.

They both smiled at each other as they simultaneously pulled at the obi holding the other's clothing together.

Each leisurely undressed the other until nothing more remained other than their thin sleeping yukata. Rin paused her actions, and stood back. Sesshomaru cocked his head to the side.

"Is something displeasing you Beloved?" he asked.

Rin only smiled.

When she turned her gaze to his, Sesshomaru noticed that her eyes had changed color and her scent of arousal had become much more pronounced.

"No beloved, it just occurred to me exactly how much I'd love to tear that garment away from your body!" Sesshomaru gave a toothy grin that showed his fangs.

"Do you mean like this?" Sesshomaru then stepped forward and took one clawed finger and delicately sliced through the very last sash that held Rin's yukata together. Another claw went to her shoulder, and with one quick jerk, tore clean through the hem that held the sleeve together. The garment then fell away from her body leaving the untouched sleeve dangling at Rin's elbow. A quick flick of her wrist sent the remaining fabric to the floor.

Rin was now gloriously naked, but Sesshomaru made no move to go to her. She smiled seductively at her mate. "No. Not quite like that beloved" she purred.

Rin then stepped to Sesshomaru and snaked her arms around his neck. "I was thinking more like this!"

Suddenly Rin's clawed hands, sliced from the neck through both sleeves of Sesshomaru's yukata, sending his garment pooling to the floor in a bundled heap at his feet. Now they were both naked.

Rin gave an almost predatory smile as she returned her arms to Sesshomaru's neck smiling up at him.

"Now what would you like to do Beloved?" she asked sweetly.

Sesshomaru's fought to stop a growl as he hungrily began to rock himself at the apex of Rin's legs. Rin in turn, began grinding her heat against his attentive length. She purred as she suddenly jumped up to Sesshomaru's chest, and locked her legs just around his waist.

"I'm sure that I will think of something." Sesshomaru said huskily as he bent to lick at her neck. Sesshomaru's breathing became staggered as he supported Rin's weight with slightly trembling hands firmly gripping her bottom.

A small flair of his youkai lifted them up and set the pair gently on the bed before them. Sesshomaru smiled down on the girl that lay underneath him as a clawed hand went to trace the mark left on her neck so long ago.

"Mine." he whispered reverently. Rin looked up into the amber eyes that belonged to her one true love. She smiled as she found the mark that she left so long ago. "Forever." she whispered back lovingly.

"Forever and ever." Sesshomaru vowed to himself as he solidified his pact to Rin with a searing kiss.

Months turned into years, and years turned into centuries.

The Lord and Lady of the Western Lands had become the ruling force to be reckoned with throughout most of Japan. Under their rule, demon and human lived in peace for many years. But humanity, was slowly gaining the upper hand.

Though their life span was much shorter than the average youkai, humans still produced young much faster. And soon, a new generation of humans began to surface.

This new generation held little or no respect for the "old" ways.

And the youkai lords of the north south and east would soon fall beneath the tide of change.

Only the West would remain strong. But even that strength would have a time limit.

Unknown to all, it was Midori who was the ultimate demise of each youkai lord and their houses.

Because all knew her and who she was, she would enter a house under the presumption of being Lord Sesshoamru's own personal liaison.

For a long time, everyone wished to have an alliance with the West. It was viewed as highly favorable when "The Great Mother" came to visit.

Unfortunately for the lords, once Midori was comfortably situated, she would insight disharmony in each house, ultimately pitting youkai against human in her attempt to gain ruler ship.

In most cases, she would start a war when no problems even existed. She herself would plant the misinformation that would pit sides against each other.

When fighting would come to a standstill (and, it always did), she would pose as a human, go to the human troops, and pretend to find a "weak area" in a defensive line.

The affected house would fall in a matter of months.

While the fighting was never unknown to Sesshomaru, If none called for his assistance, he gave none. It had been a well established fact that both he and Lady Rin were excellent mediators. While neither ever backed down from fight, if a peaceful resolution could be found to a problem, it was more often than not, the way that was chosen.

Sesshoamru had no idea that it was his own mother who was personally stopping any correspondence from reaching him.

Unfortunately, Midori miscalculated.

She had always assumed that youkai strength was more than a match for anything that any mere human could afford. She would be proven miserably wrong time and again. The "newer" generation of humans proved themselves to be far more resilient and more difficult to kill or tame for that matter.

Once the lord of any given house had come to understand Midori's true intentions, she would be unceremoniously sent off. And, because no one dared to question Midori from the beginning, no one dared to tell Sesshomaru of their own fool heartedness.

Midori's own people were almost totally obliterated by her own hand.

Those youkai that did survive the various wars, disguised themselves as human and lived out the remainder of their days in secrecy.

As each house fell, Sesshomaru became more concerned for the safety of his people and his family.

Taking his cue from The Oracle, Sesshomaru had his main palace relocated to one of the great mountains right under the very noses of the humans that lived only a scant few hundred miles below him.

While he held no fear of the humans that would literally surround him, Sesshomaru felt that it was better to keep a possible enemy in 'plain sight'. Built in total secrecy, the new stronghold was an architectural marvel. To the untrained eye, there was only a mountain with its various trails and rest stops for travelers. Only the keenest eye would be able to discern where the mountain stopped and the palace began.

Because of the many priests and priestesses that started coming along from the new world, no ward of illusion had been placed on the structure. So anyone could come within striking distance - if they could find the palace to begin with. An elaborate maze of trails were purposely made that would direct anyone that didn't know, away from the appropriate roads in.

On rare occasion, a human traveler who'd lost his way would stop to camp mere feet away from the palace entrance itself.

Sesshomaru would send another "traveler" to that individual, to "show" him the right way back down the mountain.

Many stories would be written about the traveler that would suddenly "disappear" once a lost traveler had found the clear way home.

Over the years, Sesshomaru had grown in stature. Many who remembered the Dog General said that he was the very image of his father. He had modified his armor only slightly to mirror his father's 'look', and he even adopted his father's infamous 'top knot.'

Rin had aged as well.

Because of the demon template that her body held, her only true sign of aging was a change in the color of her hair. It had slowly turned the light gray that comes with human age. It was not quite the lustrous 'silver' of her youkai mate, but it came very close. It remained long, and regal, and was just as soft and as flowing as when it was raven.

Rin flesh held not so much as one wrinkle, she merely grew slightly taller. Her smile also remained as vibrant as in her youth.

To Sesshomaru, neither her hair color, nor her height mattered. She was still his Rin. His one true love.

And while their passion for each other never even slightly ceased, Rin's human ability to bear children eventually did. But not before she bore her mate many strong and beautiful pups.

Rin had blessed Sesshomaru with eight children. Four boys and four girls. A record number by both human and youkai standards! Of the eight, four were tai youkai and four, were human.

They each carried both their mother's beauty and wisdom, as well as the determination and strength of their father. But all unwittingly received a gift from their grandfather as well - Each held a hunger for knowledge and had a sense of adventure.

So, when the first son decided he wanted to see the new world, he was sent off with his parent's blessings.

The other siblings would follow suit and venture off to other parts of the world to seek their fortune. Each left knowing that they had the love and support of their parents.

With the fall of each youkai lord of the three remaining houses, it seemed as if the need for procreating the youkai race in Japan became less of an issue. There had to be other youkai in other lands. And if not, the children thought that if mother and father could get along, so can we all!

Eventually, only the youngest son remained in Japan.

Because he was also human, he thought it best to marry and live among the humans in one of the villages near the palace. Sesshomaru saw the wisdom in this. Should there be even a hint of discord, his son would be there to either quell any uprising or notify his father of a pending problem.

While both Rin and Sesshoamru would have loved to have lavished this son with a grand ceremony of joining, the son opted for a small wedding and married the daughter of a local farmer. In time, the boy's ideas for agriculture would become the foundation for farming as we know it today.

To attend the wedding, Sesshomaru and Rin had to disguise themselves. But neither parent objected. These humans had never seen their lord. Nor did this family have any idea of the honor that was being bestowed upon it. It was decided that discretion would be the better part of valor.

Their son was happy, and that was all that truly mattered. Sesshomaru would quietly see that his son and his new family would prosper and grow strong.

Meanwhile, at the palace, Toru served Sesshomaru as his captain of the guard until he became too old to do so. The old demon was given a small estate deep in the forest where he and his mate lived out the rest of their days in peace.

Once Toru had stepped down, the torch of responsibility for Sesshomaru's troops then fell to Hontu.

Hontu and Hitome had three pups of their own, and all still served at the palace. Hontu never forgot Sesshomaru's promise of death should he ever speak of the past, so he figured that the past was best left in the past. His silence granted him a long and prosperous life.

Jaken lived to a ripe old age. He had seen all eight of his lord's pups grow to maturity and was dearly loved by the whole family. Of all Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Rin's subjects, he alone would be allowed to serve The House of the West for all eternity (we shall see how in a moment).

And what finally became of Midori and her further efforts?

Simply put, Lady Midori …..the former Lady of The Western Lands….

… went mad.

Midori would spend the remaining years of her sanity first in trying to get the human lords of the surrounding lands to revolt against her son. Each attempt would prove more futile than the last. These lords held no qualm with Sesshomaru. Every human village and town within the scope of his palace prospered and flourished. There was no need for an unnecessary war.

She would finally amass a large army of castoffs and misfits to invade what she thought to be Sesshomaru's strong hold.

Offering promises of gold and rich silks to the victors, the group went to storm Sesshomaru's palace. Midori had no idea that Sesshomaru and his court had gone to the mountains.

The force would be met with all the resistance that an empty building could give.

Because Sesshomaru's former palace was well built and still richly decorated, the men from Midori's "troops'" simply chose to settle there. The structure was sound. And because it seemed to belong to no one, no fighting was really necessary. There was plenty of room for all. For a time, a modest village would spring up around the structure.

Many years later, during famine and human wars, the structure would be abandoned once again only to be claimed later by monks and turned into a monastery. Sesshomaru would find the irony highly entertaining.

Sesshomaru held no interest in fighting his mother. He knew her cause was a lost one. She just had to see for herself. In truth, he just pitied her.

And, as the years passed, Midori would resort to what she once considered the unthinkable. She would pose as a "fallen princess" and mate with human lords in hopes of producing a strong hanyou heir.

Unfortunately for Midori, the fates would still have the last laugh. It would turn out that between them, Inu Taisho would hold the stronger youkai blood.

While Midori was most definitely youkai, HER blood was not strong enough alone. The pups she bore would have no markings of youkai what so ever.

Midori's children would be unquestionably beautiful, but they also would appear human. There was nothing immediately "hanyou" about them.

She would accept the "shame "of her actions and raise her brood to be both crafty and cold hearted. But her plans would backfire once again as the children grew older and found different goals than those of their mother.

Over the years, Sesshomaru's half brother Inuyasha would more than prove that he was a son of The Dog General.

He and his priestess mate of a sister-in-law had shown themselves more than capable of defending both their home and the family honor. Many battles were either cut short or avoided altogether because of the two.

It was often thought that Kagome been blessed by Kami by association. In other words, she married into a good youkai family. Because while she did indeed grow old, she remained vibrant and spirited to the very end.

Inuyasha decided long ago that when his mate died, he would follow her in death. But it was Inuyasha's oldest son that gave them both a much better idea.

The trio would go to the demon blacksmith Totosai.

Poor Totosai was pushing senility himself, but always seemed to remember the sons of the great dog general. With Both Rin and Sesshomaru there to bear witness, the old demon was asked to bind the souls of Inuyasha and Kagome to Tetsaiga's blade.

In essence, they would "live" for as long as the blade remained in tact. Totosai agreed to the binding. Before Inuyasha and Kagome let their essence go into the blade, Inuyasha left only one command for his son.

"Protect and defend. And remember, that when you strike at an enemy, you are never alone."

Inuyasha and his mate then drank of a potion made to separate spirit from flesh. Two white spheres of light left their bodies to join and become one before finally spearing into the weapon.

Tetsaiga momentarily glowed brightly before the light died down returning the sword to normal. Sesshomaru, Rin, and Inuyasha's older children took the couple's remains and buried them together in one of the flower gardens on the palace grounds.

The animosity between the siblings had dissipated long ago, and Sesshomaru felt that it was only right and fitting for the remains of his only brother to be set to rest on family soil.

None from Inuyasha's clan objected.

Tetsaiga would be used for many more years by all of Inuyasha's sons before finally being secretly buried by his youngest son in a cave in an uncharted forest in Japan that remains rarely traveled to this day.

Once everyone had finished thanking each other and saying their goodbyes, Sesshomaru and Rin retired to Rin's favorite place in the new palace. The great staircase.

Because so many pivotal moments in their lives happened at the great staircase, Sesshomaru had it moved stone by stone to the new palace. The stairs no longer led to the forest, but instead they would now lead to a modest garden that was brought in specifically for Rin's enjoyment.

This mountain that Sesshomaru chose seemed unique. Although they were a considerable distance above ground, plants and vegetation seemed to flourish none the less. The area sat on a slope that allowed any dweller in the palace to have a clear view of the human villages below. At night, it was especially beautiful as the lights from the various businesses and homes seemed to twinkle below them.

Rin always enjoyed watching the display of lights.

While she never ceased to be amused by the display before her, she also never held enough of a curiosity to have ever asked her lord to allow her to venture to the villages that slowly became a city beneath them. Sesshomaru was always secretly glad of this. While he held no fear of his mate's safety, he still was glad not to have had an occurrence that may have tempted the fates or the humans below.

Rin took her normal place at the head of the stairs and smiled at the scene below her. Sesshomau's strong arms were never far away. He stood behind his mate, and pulled her close to him. Rin sighed softly and smiled.

Tonight's "gazing" seemed somehow different. Rin seemed solemn and in deep thought.

Sensing something to be amiss, Sesshomaru pulled Rin closer and gave a comforting growl before speaking.

"Is there something troubling you Beloved?" he inquired softly as he nuzzled his nose in her sliver hair." Rin chuckled softly. "I am not troubled my mate, I am only… thinking."

Sesshomaru brought his head around to Rin's neck and gently nuzzled at her cheek.

"About what?

Rin turned her gaze skyward. "About us… our people and our pups. Humanity is growing. We will soon out numbered. I do not worry for our pups, we've raised them well. They will prosper no matter where they are. I also know our people will never die out as a whole, but I am still concerned for their welfare none the less."

Sesshomaru was always secretly pleased that for all of her many centuries with youkai, Rin had never made her own humanity an issue for argument or complaint. Indeed Sesshomaru's entire court had long forgotten her human heritage. They all had considered her youkai. No, let me correct that. They considered her Tai youkai. No less than their lord himself.

Sesshomaru bent to kiss his mate's cheek. "We will adapt, and we will be fine. I can face any change that may come with you by my side."

Rin bent her head back to rest upon Sesshomaru's chest. "And I can face anything as long as I am by your side beloved." Sesshomaru gently turned Rin to face him. "Then it is agreed. We face the future - Together." Rin looked up smiling brightly.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Sesshomaru was about to kiss his mate when a large orb of light suddenly began to take form before them. Sesshomaru would have taken a defensive stand had he not recognized this orb.

It was The Oracle.

Sesshomaru released Rin's waist, but took hold her hand instead as the orb slowly took on the familiar form of the beautiful woman

with the golden hair, white gown, and her scales of balance. Rin's eyes went wide.

"I remember you! We'd met briefly in my garden." Still blindfolded, The Oracle smiled and regarded Rin. "We did indeed my lady. But then, I simply wished to meet you alone. Now I am blessed to see you both together."

Rin gave a puzzled look. "Excuse me my lady, but how are you able to see at all with that blindfold across your eyes?"

Now The Oracle practically beamed. "Ah yes, my blindfold. Let me be rid of it so that I may see you both with my own eyes!"

With her free hand The Oracle reached behind her head and untied the knot to the fabric that held her eyes closed for so long. She quickly pulled the fabric away and slowly opened her eyes.

For the first time in centuries, she looked at the world unencumbered.

Sesshomaru's own eyes went visibly wide once he faced the stumblingly blue eyes of the woman before him. The Oracle tilted her head acknowledging his surprise. "Your father spoke to The Creator on my behalf. Apparently even that sin could be forgiven."

Sesshomaru gave a warm smile. "I'm glad for you."

"You are beautiful my lady." Rin said reverently.

"No less than you Lady Rin." smiled The Oracle in turn.

"I have come to tell you of the future." Sesshomaru tensed slightly. "My mate and I will face that future together Oracle. Is there something specific that we must know?"

The Oracle smiled. "Yes and no Lord Sesshomaru. Yes, you and Lady Rin will be together in the future. But your future will not be spent here… on earth.

Both Rin and Sesshomaru's eyes went wide with concern. Seeing their discomfort, The Oracle sighed slightly and smiled.

"Allow me to explain."

The Oracle then stepped back and released her scales. On their own, they once again hovered in mid air before the trio.

The Oracle drew in a breath before speaking.

"At this moment in time, the scales are almost at balance. In life, there will always be a slight give and take. For the most part, the scales will tilt only slightly, as they do now. But certain actions that your mother has done will threaten the established balance.

In her misguided attempt to have her kingdom, your mother has set dark forces into motion."

Both Sesshomaru and Rin's brows wrinkled with concern.

"Your mother has mated with humans in order to make her "perfect weapon" to pit against you. Unfortunately for her, both your love for your mate and the strength of your house are the stuff of legend to both human and youkai.

She stands no chance of success.

Her children will not attack you - they can't. However they will try to attack humanity itself. Because of her sick and twisted teachings, her children and their prodigy will eventually become a bane on human and youkai existence." Sesshoamru squared his shoulders. "How can we prevent this travesty Oracle?" "Yes," Rin echoed, "How?"

The Oracle smiled broadly. " You will not, but your childrenand their prodigy shall. You both have in essence birthed, the champions to future humans and youkai alike." Your pups will breed thinkers and inventors. Men and women of peace, science and love."

Both Rin and Sesshomaru could not help but beam with pride when they heard of what their children stood to become. The Oracle paused only for a moment before continuing.

"One of your line will pluck the very lightning from the sky. Another, will then harness that light to serve all. Yet another of your line, will carry so much of your wisdom and kindness Lady Rin, that she will be called "mother" by all on every continent. She will teach love and kindness to her fellows. And when she speaks, great men of power will fall silent."

"Great Oracle, how is all of this possible?" Rin inquired with almost disbelieving shock. The Oracle laughed a bit and stepped to her scales.

"You have allowed your pups to grow and explore. You have ultimately given them the world. As a result, there will be no place on this earth where your bloodline cannot be found.

The influence of The House of The West will be everywhere." The Oracle paused briefly as her facial expression became grave.

Unfortunately, Midori's seed will also bring forth fruit of a most foul kind. Those from her offshoot will be thinkers and creators as well. But their intentions will not be as noble.

All will eventually seek to subjugate humanity. While some will remain on the various shores on which they've settled, more than one will try to take their killing spree abroad. People will be enslaved just for the sake of slavery. There will be much pain and even more blood. One of her line will even go so far for the "purity" of his race that he will all but eradicate the lives of another."

Sesshomaru could not help but feel sorry for the events to come, but he still stood proud at the revelation of the greatness of his line, and confident of a positive outcome. Only one question still begged to be asked.

"How can we help our children?"

The Oracle took hold of her scales. "You must watch over them and lend them your strength." The Oracle then grabbed at her scales, and threw them high into the air. As they flew upward, they began to take on a different much larger shape. Slowly, a great chariot of fire would begin to form and gently glide to the ground to stand before the pair.

"This is how." said The Oracle calmly.

The chariot that stood now before them was nothing short of magnificent! It radiated a pure white light and was drawn by two white horses that stood side by side. White flames glowed brightly from their manes and the wheels of the chariot also seemed as if on fire.

The ride that stood before them was clearly not of this world. Both Tai youkai and human seemed to understand that they now stood on sacred ground. The Oracle smiled broadly. "This ride is meant for you both." Both Sesshomaru and Rin continued to looked up dumbstruck, not bothering to hide their shock as The Oracle continued.

"This chariot has been used only once before. Out of all of humanity, there once lived only one human that was immediately worthy of Heaven. I believe his name was Elijah.

Now both Sesshomaru and Rin went visibly wide eyed.

The Oracle chuckled slightly in amusement. "No dear ones, you are not headed for heaven…. At least not yet. There is still much for you to do here first. You both are intended to become stars in the heavens. Placed there by God's own hand."

Rin took a small step to The Oracle. "Good lady, please forgive my ignorance, but I do not understand. How is all of this to be made possible and what purpose would we serve?"

The Oracle went to further close the distance between herself and the two beings before her. "With God, all things are possible Lady Rin. Both you and your mate have proven more than worthy of this honor. You both already have an affinity to the sky, you will simply now become a part of it.

Your children already look to the sky because you taught them to.

Now when they look to the sky during times of trouble and joy, they will be able to "see" you both and draw both strength and wisdom from you."

Sesshomaru released Rin's hand and placed it protectively around her waist.

"The how and the why of it does not matter to me Lady. I only need to know that our actions will benefit this house, our children, and both youkai and human kind. That is enough for me." he said evenly. Rin then went to wrap her arm around Sesshomaru's waist. "My mate speaks for us both." she said difinitivly.

The Oracle smiled with pride. "I expected nothing less from either of you."

As if on cue, loveable old Jaken happened to come to his lord and Lady to inform them of the safe departure of Inuyasha's people from the palace grounds. The little kappa blustered along with his usual flair totally un noticing of the events at hand until he was all but tripping over his lord's feet to bow in greeting.

The Oracle laughed heartily. "Master Jaken, your timing could not be better!" Jaken rose from his momentarily disheveled state with wide eyes. He had yet to focus in on The Oracle's presence.

"How faithful a servant to your Lord and Lady are you?" The Oracle asked almost off handedly. Jaken was too annoyed at what he felt was an insult to even notice all that was around him. He bristled slightly annoyance.

"Why the idea! Who are you woman? And how is it that you dare to ask the most faithful of my master's servants so foolish a question?" he all but blurted out. It took a warning growl from Sesshomaru to get Jaken to finally focus in on his surroundings.

The little kappa squeaked in surprise then hurried to hide behind both his lord and lady as he peeked through their robes to the being in front of him. "Who is this woman my lord and what does she want of me?" He nervously asked finally.

Both Sesshomaru and Rin sighed in unison. Sesshoamru turned to face his servant. "Jaken, do you trust me?" Jaken fell to his knees. "With my life my lord!" he said without hesitation.

Rin then smiled and also turned to face Jaken.

"Do you trust me as well my friend?" Jaken turned his head to the Lady of the house. "In all things I trust you Milady." he said with confidence.

The Oracle then smiled warmly at the toad demon.

"The House of The West is on need of your help Master Jaken. Your lord and lady will be needed elsewhere. You must stay here and attend to this house and its inhabitants."

Jaken slowly came out from his hiding place behind his lord and lady's robes.

"I already attend to this house Lady. I will do so until the end of my days Kami willing. What is so diferent about this time?"

Both Sesshomaru and Rin placed a hand on the shoulder of the little toad demon.

"This time, we will not be returning Jaken." Sesshomaru said quietly.

Jaken immediately spun to face the pair. His face was a mixture of shock and great sorrow. He fell to the feet of his master and mistress crying openly. " Nooo! Why must you go? Where must you go? How will I do this without you both?"

The Oracle nelt down to be at Jaken's eye level. Jaken barely noticed.

"They must go to be a guide to their children and their future. Rest assured, they will never be any farther from you than your gaze to the sky on a starlit night, and you will never truly be alone." At these few words, Jaken rose and tried to compose himself as The Oracle continued.

"Eventually, this palace will harbor only one inhabitant. It will be your task to prepare the other inhabitants of the palace for the exodus that they will have to make to avoid madness themselves."

Jaken looked up into the eyes of the being before him totally confused. "One inhabitant? An exodus?" The Oracle stood.

"You Master Jaken, must be the eaternal watchman to the former Lady of the West." Jaken stood with his mouth hanging open.

"Midori is insane. She is no great danger - yet. But she soon will be. She will be fine for a short time once she has found this fortress, but slowly, her insane dream will consume her. It will be up to you to assist everyone here in finding a safe place to reside."

The Oracle's voice became dark.

"It will also be your task to keep Midori contained within these walls. She will eventually become an abomination against both God and nature.

Should you ever become lax in your duty, you would unleash a devastating force upon the world. But I am not without the power to give this task to another should you refuse it."

Jaken Stood for a long while in thought Using the Staff of Two Heads as a cane, he stepped forward. He took a deep breath, then spoke.

"I have followed my Lord for more centuries than I can count. He has granted me a good life with its share of fame, power and riches. But it was Lady Rin that taught us both how to love. I will dare to say that without her, none of what either myself or my Lord has achieved would have been remotely possible."

At these words, Sesshomaru pulled slightly at Rin's waist in silent agreement as Jaken continued.

"You wish to know if I will help my Lord and Lady?" Jaken squared his shoulders.

" I most certainly will. I have been blessed in my lifetime to know that these two are capable of nothing but honor, justice, truth and love.

If I am able even in the slightest to emulate the mearest fraction of what I see that comes naturally to these two, I will be happy!"

The Oracle then smiled and extended her hand to the little demon. "Then approach me Lord Jaken. Keeper of The House of The West!"

Jaken stepped slowly and with some caution. But with each step he took, he began to physically change. Jaken had always been a short being, but with each step he took, he gained some height and muscle mass. When he finally stood directly in front of The Oracle, he had grown an extra foot. It also seemed as if he were graced with strength and youth as well.

As Jaken took in his changes he noticed that his clothing had changed as well. Instead of his normal "servant's" attire, he was now clad in a kimono very similar to the one that his lord wore regularly. The only distinction between the two was its color. Instead of a hakam and haori of red and white like Sesshomaru, Jaken wore blue and white. He held no other weapons beyond his staff.

The "not so little" kappa got down on his knees before The Oracle. "Thank you Lady" he said just above a whisper. He then rose and bowed to his lord and lady. "I will do my very best." he said with tears in his eyes. Rin smiled warmly as her eyes glassed over with tears. "We know you will."

The Oracle then looked over Jaken's shoulder to Sesshoamru and Rin. "It is time for you both to go." She said evenly.

Wordlessly, Sesshomaru mounted the chariot before helping Rin to his side. He gave a wisp of a smile as he pulled her close.

"Are you ready Beloved?" Wih tears in her eyes, Rin looked back to Jaken and the palace that she and her mate called home for more than a century. "As long as I am with you, I will always be ready." She said.

The Oracle then took a single step back as the chariot began to levitate. "You both will become the eyes of OoInu - the great dog constilation. You will kep your children stong and you people vigilant. Now go, and let your light shine before all."

Sesshoamru took the reigns as they rose through the heavens. And while neither knew what lay ahead, they both held each other close as they sped to their future in the heavens

In a matter of days, Midori would find the palace, Jaken would quietly help the remaining inhabitants make their lives elsewhere, and he alone would guard against Midori's ever leaving that mountain.

Time would pass and a sprawling city would eventually grow at the base of this mountain. The human inhabitants below would suffer an occasional earthquake and display of smoke from this mountain top. No human would ever know that these movements and displays of smoke were nothing more than Jaken once again stopping Midori from making her escape. Only the keenest of ears could hear her screams of anguish and frustration.

And what is the name of this mountain you ask? It had gone through many name changes since the Lord and Lady of the West ascended into the heavens. The most recent name, the one that has managed to stay for quite some time now is - Fuji.

THE END

XANADU AFTERTHOUGHT

You have to believe we are magic

Nothing can stand in our way

You have to believe we are magic

Don't let your energy stray

And if all your hope's survive

Destiny will arrive

And bring all your dreams alive

For you

(Now tell the truth and shame the Devil! When you FIRST saw the title of the story, THIS is where your mind REALLY went!)

(Go ahead, say "yes", I won't hear you!)