~ The Extent of a Demons Heart ~

Amongst the pristine landscape that surrounded the black stone walls of a large castle in the Western Plains of Feudal Japan, a pure white dog - a youkai to be exact - can be seen running through a field of golden coloured flowers. This dog demon was racing at top speed on all fours, testing out its speed, agility and endurance. One would think it was running in some race, when in fact this was part of a training procedure he went through every morning for his father swore it would make him one of the most powerful and unbeatable youkai's in all the lands.

The dog demon leapt high into the air, a gust of wind from the first summer catching his fur and ruffling it as he soared through the pale blue sky. He landed with great ease and silence back into the field. His skills had gotten a lot better over the years. This day however was in fact a very important day for this particular demon. Today was his 84th birthday, but in mortal human terms he would be at the prime age of 12.

Though still a young pup, this pure white dog was born of rich royal blood earning him the right to inherit the Western Plains when his own father saw it fit he wouldn't be able to protect it anymore. This of course was still a long way off.

The young pup sat at the edge of the flower field; his own golden coloured eyes roaming the trees lining the western boundary where it joined with the Fukai Mori. His father and his now late mother had always forewarned him that the Deep Forest was out of bounds to a pup of his age. Only those with strong minds and hearts could enter such a dense and dangerous forest.

~~~ A small flashback ~~~

During one summer the pup's curiosity had gotten the better of him as he wondered into the deep forest. His eagerness to explore, forgetting to remember the dangers of being in such a forest alone had brought trouble to the innocent pup. Luckily the pup's father, an Inu Tai-Youkai, knew him in and out like no other. He had been as curious when he was his son's age and broke his own fathers rules, so why wouldn't his own son do the same? Of course these rules were for his own safety, but a silent pup like his held a lot of curiousness within him even if it couldn't be seen.

The Tai-Youkai rushed to his son's aid…and just in time as well. He witnessed a large crow demon clawing at his son, streams of crimson blood drenching his fur immediately. His son had lost consciousness, the effect of loosing that much blood was a little too much for the youngster. If he had been awake he would have seen the anger aura of his powerful father bloom to a phenomenal rate. This crow demon had forgotten to sense any luring enemies, thus being the now pissed off father of the pup it was harming. Not even the bones remained of that crow demon.

The Tai-Youkai took his son home, getting the help of his new wife - a mortal woman - to mix some herbs together to try and stop his son's facial skin from scaring. With her best interests at heart, they were both too late. His son now bore 8 scars, 2 each lining his cheeks and another 2 lining his front paws. The crescent moon that was present in the middle of his forehead was a sign of royalty and a being of pure blood, a breed of Inu Tai-Youkai that was slowly becoming extinct. The father of the pup thought his son would have subconsciously regenerated his flesh, but the poison that flowed within his veins was far more powerful then that of his healing powers and thus the crimson scars remained. This now had the father wondering as to whether his son was unconsciously punishing himself for being disobedient to his father and mothers wishes to remain in the territory grounds of his homelands.

~~~ End flashback ~~~

The demon pup raised its head higher in the air and sniffed lightly. He caught a god-awful smell that he knew was coming his way. He hoped to any greater gods above that his father had finally made a decision about what to do on this very day so he wouldn't have to be around this creature anymore.

Today I have become a young adult. Perhaps now I'll…

"Sesshomaru-sama?"

A growl left the pup's throat as his thoughts were interrupted. He flicked his head over his shoulder to notice that it was who he thought it would be and yes he did bring that stench along with him. A green toad like demon waddled up to his side, a staff with two heads - a man and a woman's - clasped in both of his hands.

"Sesshomaru-sama, your father wishes to speak with you in his private quarters immediately. He requested that I, Jaken come to col-" The toad turned its head to face the demon beside him but squawked and jumped up when he noticed that his master whom he was supposedly talking to was in fact not beside him and was already halfway back to the castle.

"Ah Sesshomaru-sama! Wait for this Jaken!" The toad demon yelled and scurried helplessly after the young lord.

* * *

~ Inside the Castle Grounds ~

Pure white fluttered through a sea of black, red, white and brown, none of the demons noticing the white energy ball that zipped between them. This was a new power the young demon lord had learned all on his own. His own father had been quite surprised to notice this, as only the women dog demons of royal blood could do such a thing as teleport. How odd it seemed for his son to be able to possess such a power like his mother, but then it did seem right that his son had been left a trait of his mother so he could always remember her. Not to mention it also had an added bonus of escaping his servants, his family and even the castle grounds in the blink of an eye.

The young lord decided to take a short cut, making his way through a large private garden. This garden had never been occupied much, but these days his "new" mother seemed to like visiting it often and that's when the pup halted as he saw the maiden walking silently through the lush grounds with flowers streaming down her loosely braided hair. She wore a pearly white kimono made of complete silk, one the same colouring he had seen his mother in for the last time…quite a long time ago…42 years to be exact.

"Maru-kun! Maru-kun come play with me!" Golden eyes locked onto another pair of golden ones and he growled low in his throat, so no demon guards close by could hear it as he knew whom those large innocent eyes belonged to. A small boy about 6 years old and dressed in blood red clothing was waving his chubby arms trying to grab his attention.

This boy was in fact an odd creature to look upon. Neither was he born of pure demon blood or pure human blood. He was in fact of a mixed breed…a forbidden breed. This creature was known as a hanyou – half-human, half demon…and a pain in the ass one at that! Sesshomaru was known for escaping the castle grounds and to venture off on his own for many hours a day, but somehow whenever he returned, he returned with an energetic hanyou following his every move. He'd gained an extra shadow without even asking for one.

Sesshomaru did not answer to the boy's request and instead continued on his way knowing his father was waiting for him to arrive.

"Maru-kun…?" He heard the small boy voice softly; full of hurt that he had been ignored by the older demon.

"Sesshomaru cannot play with you today Inuyasha. Your father has something very important to discuss with him, so please don't be sad little one."

Sesshomaru glanced behind him watching the human woman bend down to wrap the hanyou into her warm embrace. Again he growled lightly in his throat. When was the last time he had been held like that? Sesshomaru felt completely irritated towards the hanyou whelp as a small amount of jealousy began to rise within him.

The youngster had the traits of both humans and demons. It was thanks to his father and the fact he had saved this human woman and decided to mate with her right after his own pure demon mother had died. What Sesshomaru loathed the most about the infuriating ball of energy was the fact that Inuyasha was permanently in human form. Though the hanyou did not have a "dog form" like their father, or himself, or his own late mother and any other full dog demons across the western plains, it still meant he could freely talk whenever he pleased. Sesshomaru on the other hand did not have that luxury. The only way Sesshomaru could communicate was through his mind and only to certain pure breeds of demons.

There had always been stories about demons finding rare humans that could actually communicate with them as well, but this of course was only in legends told going back through time. Demons could understand everything being spoken around them, but this never meant they were able to communicate back. Only those with pure souls and powerful mental capacities were ones he could communicate freely to and be assured that he'd receive replies back. Sesshomaru resented the fact that his "stupid" half-brother was actually one of these "pure souls" creatures.

Day in and day out, hour after hour the whelp would not leave him alone. The young demon lord had been so close to killing the innocent and unsuspecting child, but the boy had been rescued everytime by his mother and whisked away to go whom knows where. It was strange that she came in everytime before Sesshomaru could harm him in any way. It was as though this maiden could "feel" his unease around the hanyou boy. Like Sesshomaru cared anyway, he was just glad to have some peace. Of course luck of having peace and quiet was never on his side as his main servant known as Jaken - who had been given to him on his 50th birthday - always interrupted it. Well, it wasn't all that bad really; at least he had someone to step on whenever he got angered by the hanyou, which of course happened to be every day!

~ Inside the Private Quarters ~

"You may enter Sesshomaru." A deep voice resounded and so the young pup entered the large doors and sat on his hind legs before his father who was staring out into the garden, watching his human mate and their newest offspring run around together. Sesshomaru contemplated his father in his human form. If it weren't for his top senses of knowing demon blood flowed within his veins one would have thought he was a normal human man. His hair was silver-white and pulled back into a low thin ponytail resting at the nap of his neck. His build was medium, not overly threatening…unless you wanted to really piss him off and he spoke in a quiet manner. His demon form was of course another story. He was known as a Great Dog Demon, but Sesshomaru had noticed he was never in that form around his human mate and their hanyou offspring. Sesshomaru tilted his head slightly, his father finally moving from the windows to turn and face him.

"I believe it is your 84th birthday this day." It wasn't a question that Sesshomaru needed to answer as he remained silent and instead observed his father move towards him and bend down so he was resting upon his knees in front of him.

Though Sesshomaru was in fact nearly a century old, his build as a dog demon wasn't exactly expanding at an excessive rate. Many previous demons had thought the young lord was in fact half the age he was now. This was for the simple fact that his father in his dog form was twice the size he was at 84. What the fools didn't know was that Sesshomaru had already surpassed the powers his father possessed at this age and was in fact ready to learn and experience more…much more.

"You have come a long way from that day in the forest all those years ago Sesshomaru. I believe today is the day for you to venture out on your own. Of course I would insist that you take Jaken with you bu-" Sesshomaru instantly growled at his stupid servants name but quieten down when he saw the look in his fathers eyes.

"But, I know you would kill him as soon as you left the Western Plains. Though Jaken is a pain at times Sesshomaru, he does have some good qualities going for him." If a dog demon could create a disbelieving look then that is the one that would have been seen on the young lord's face.

"Now do you know why I'm letting you leave on this day Sesshomaru?"

Because it is time for me to find the creature that will help me possess more power then I could ever imagine?

"Not just for power Sesshomaru, but for a companion, a mate as well."

A…mate? Aren't I still too young for that?

"Well that is slightly true for your destined mate is still probably a child herself. As years pass, she will tempt you Sesshomaru, even if she does not realise it. A human woman is always tempting to-"

A human? I am destined to have a human as my mate? Why is this so?

Sesshomaru had interrupted his father, something he never did.

"Lets just say that it is in the blood of us unique dog demons to find a mate worthy of us. It will be a human as you'll feel it within your heart Sesshomaru, just like I felt it with Inuyasha's mother." At those words the aura and temperature in the quarters changed dramatically. Instantly the father, the Lord of the Western Plains knew why.

"That is no disrespect to your mother Sesshomaru, such is life, but I cannot go on mourning her death for the rest of my centuries upon this land. Your mother was pure heart and soul of a dog demon, maybe too pure for the likes of me, but I was honoured at being able to love her and still love her as well. I will always love her for she graced me with a son and for all my remaining years I will always see her in you." The inu tai-youkai paused for a moment to head back over to the window and then resumed speaking to his son who was still growling low in his throat at him.

"I will allow you to go on this adventure. You have much to experience and of course you must find her as well. Though you may detest them…and they you, in the end it will not matter. Destiny is destiny and you cannot run away from it. You and your mate will always entwine together. Sesshomaru, have I ever told you about the myth concerning a way to make your human form known?" Silence filled the large quarters as Sesshomaru had stopped growling at hearing his question.

"I have gained knowledge that Kouga, the Prince of the Brown Wolf Tribe and a few of his lackeys are actually able to merge into their human forms nowadays. The elders of the White Wolf Tribe have sent word to me that Princess Ayame will be mated with Kouga very soon."

This small piece of information made Sesshomaru growl. That damned wolf was ahead of him now? Now he truly was hell bent on needing to merge into his human form. How dare that arrogant and wimpy wolf get ahead of him in their race for becoming the strongest!

"Enough Sesshomaru…" Those two stern words silenced the room once more. Father turned to son and stared down at him once more.

"One day, I'm not sure when, but you'll be running faster then you have ever run before. There's something within you, telling you that this day seems different from others and then you'll notice it…a change in the air. You'll come across a group of humans, but within that group lurks someone of rare quality…a girl to be exact. She will be your companion Sesshomaru, but only if she understands you. This will only happen if you command her to do something. It has never been stated what that something is, but if she understands you then it is your duty as my demon son to be her protector. You must protect this rare being for 10 full years, never once letting harm come to it. If you succeed then the bond between the two of you will grow. After those ten years are up, I want you to come back to the Western Plains for I wish to see just how my son has aged…and who your rare beauty is. If I am satisfied then you will leave again to travel for another 6 years until she has become a young woman. Then I wish for you to return permanently home with her. When you are home you'll be able to merge into your human form. Remember Sesshomaru, having a human form is a great blessing and cannot be forced. It will come to you in a sudden rush and most unsuspectingly. All that is asked of you is to protect the one meant for you from harm…even if it costs you your life. Do you understand?"

Yes, I understand…

"So when will you be leaving?"

Right away…why?

"Will you not say farewell to your brother?" Again absolute quiet filled the room as Sesshomaru pondered on this very question.

Do you not think its best I leave without goodbyes? You of all people should know how much he LOVES being my shadow.

"Be safe Sesshomaru." With a nod from the pure white dog to his father he was gone in a flash.

~ Back in the Private Garden ~

Sesshomaru sat behind a large tree, listening to the wails Inuyasha was making. He had caught a fish from the pond, but it had escaped his grasp and so now he was crying. In an instant his human mother was beside him calming him down, telling him it was not nice to catch fish and squeeze them as he had been doing.

Hopefully in ten years you won't be as painful as you are now Inuyasha.

As Sesshomaru walked off, heading towards the side gates of the castle walls he immediately stopped when he felt a familiar being enter his mind freely, not even caring she never asked for consent to do so…she always never asked for consent, just like his father…and Inuyasha at that!

Good luck on your travels Sesshomaru, I'll greet you when you come back home in ten years.

Sesshomaru never returned a reply to Inuyasha's mother and instead kept walking. God he hated how she was so damn delicate and sweet all the time. She wasn't suppose to care about him the way she did, he wasn't her son and yet at times he felt like he was. That's what angered him the most about himself these days. He was beginning to care for Inuyasha's mother as though it was his responsibility to protect her and Inuyasha when his father was out checking his boarders.

~ On the borders of the Western Plains ~

Once more Sesshomaru found himself at the boundary of the Western Plains. This time however he had been granted permission from his father to head into the Fukai Mori. As soon as Sesshomaru took that first step into the Deep Forest he felt small chills run down his spine. The climate changed to exceptionally chilly. It was dark and dreary and yet he never felt any fear towards the unknown that lurked in every corner. Instead all he could feel was excitement. Excitement for he was now being treated like an adult, he was now ready to find this supposed "human girl" that would help him transform. He cared for nothing but his human form, he wanted to see what he looked like, what it felt to be different and what he would sound like if he spoke as well. This human girl that he was supposed to protect would soon know her place and that was to be behind him and to follow him! There was no way he was going to risk his life to protect and babysit some "rare" human!

He sniffed the air catching the scent of a young animal all on its own. Sesshomaru turned in its direction for he knew that trying to find meat as young and succulent as this animal seemed to be was extremely uncommon. He never knew when his next meal would be and instead of stewing on the matter of whether to hunt now or later…he chose now.

~ Hours pass ~

The dog demon lay under the shade of a large tree, licking its paw absently. His suspicion had been correct in the fact that the animal was very tasty indeed. After such a hearty meal like this, one could not help but close their eyes for a small afternoon nap. Of course the dog demon did exactly that, but all senses were trained to seek out any foe that would try and harm him. This time he was ready.

~ Many months pass by ~

As Sesshomaru ran through the Fukai Mori, a chilly breeze swept over his white fur. Instantly the demon halted in his tracks and tilted his head to the cloudy sky.

There was…something in the air this day…something different. Instantly Sesshomaru was hit by the memory of what his father spoke of and in a flash he was moving in and out of trees heading in the direction of where the scent was coming from.

The scent was very odd, something he couldn't quite place just yet. It felt warm and spicy…and there seemed to be a lot speeding towards his direction faster then what he could take in at the moment. His heart pounded within him, his four paws carrying him faster through the Deep Forest as the stench of blood grew stronger…and now Sesshomaru finally knew why,

It was human blood.

Sesshomaru followed the river towards the retching smell of humans. This wasn't the normal smell either, not of a small amount of blood, but it smelt like a slaughter had taken place.

In a matter of minutes Sesshomaru halted on a fallen tree, eyes roaming the area, as his instincts were correct. It wasn't the normal stench of human blood at all. What lay around him was a complete blood bath. Humans were littered all over the forest floor, limbs and heads torn from bodies, their crimson blood staining the greenery of the lush forest. The bodies were of men, women and children that had been attacked in surprise for they had no weapons. What good were mortal weapons against a pack of wolves anyway? Yes the scent of wolves was still distinctive in the air…Kouga's pack of wolves to be more precise.

Sesshomaru growled low in his throat as he jumped down from the fallen trunk to move around all the corpses to check for any survivors. Not even he who wasn't fond of humans at all would stoop so low as to slaughter each and every one of them. There had to be about 30 bodies, of what Sesshomaru could make of them that littered the ground. His paws were becoming a nice dark crimson colour as he stepped through the blood and guts of humans. It must have occurred either yesterday or the day before that.

The Fukai Mori was eerily quiet, but wait…what was that noise?

Sesshomaru halted from sniffing another human as he heard the small echo of a beat…a heartbeat! One of the humans was alive! He lifted his head as far as it would go, trying to block out the stench of human blood and listened intently for the slow beat of a weak heart. He followed it until he came upon a deceased young woman. Her kimono was drenched in blood, only a small spot on her right shoulder wasn't covered in the stuff. Sesshomaru grabbed her clothing and pulled her away from the area he had sensed the heartbeat was in. As he moved back over he noticed a small burrow hidden amongst the lush grass.

Inside was a wailing baby.

This displeased Sesshomaru greatly as his fathers voice had been roaming around in his mind, telling him he would find a "rare human girl" that would help him discover his human form and what did he find? A child with a red face for it had been crying for a long time obviously. Sesshomaru pulled it out of the burrow a green blanket covering its small form trying to keep it warm in hopes someone would find the child and rescue it as well.

As curious golden eyes stared down at the baby, its wailing only grew in sound, probably alerting numerous demons towards its position as though wishing to die with its family, but Sesshomaru would have no more.

Shut up!

In mere seconds the forest was dead quiet. The baby had stopped crying! Surprised golden eyes now stared into open large innocent brown ones. This baby had understood his command! This was it! He had found the rare human his father had been talking about many months ago! Now that he found her…it was a female after all…he wasn't quite sure what to do with it now. He was a dog demon; she was a human baby. How in seven hells was this going to work when she was this young!

Sesshomaru looked around and then smelt the air once more. A human village wasn't too far away from here, well not far for his demon legs anyway. Somehow he had picked up the baby, still wrapped in the blanket, with his mouth and slowly but surely headed in the direction of the village. He had smelt the sick aura around the baby and knew it needed help…human help at that.

As Sesshomaru made his way towards the village other thoughts began to invade his mind. One day he would be even faster and stronger then what he was now. One day he would be able to use his hidden human form and be able to roam for hours on two legs instead of four. He'd be able to talk as much as he pleased just like his stupid hanyou brother as well. Also one day he'd be able to return home…and one day this human was supposed to be worthy of him…worthy to become his mate. Not in a million years would Sesshomaru allow this human to be his life-long mate…

…right?

~ TBC ~