Well, I know there are no excuses. College, more moving, and a job that decided I was their favorite person to work. Whatever, all that is in the past. Here is the next chapter.

Last Time...

"Look," she started, "you're scaring her with the lurking in shadows act, and you obviously seem to know her, so why not step into the light where we can see you?" she offered kindly.

Silence filled the room, and after every second that passed Casandra grew more and more tense. Finally, after what felt like half an eternity, the youkai stepped out into the light. Casandra's eyes widened and her breath hitched.

"Sesshomaru." She breathed.

He stood just as she remembered. Tall, calm and lethal, clad in silk and armor. However, it was his eyes that shocked her the most. Calm mask in place, his eyes betrayed his thoughts; they were cold and hardened, and out for blood. Her blood.

Casandra sat, shaded by the large tree she was leaning on.

"Bokusenou," She called.

"Yes?" The old youkai answered.

"Am I so different?"

"'Different'?" He parroted.

"Yea. Sesshomaru gets to go on 'the hunt'. Yet To-san has forbade me." The girl stood and looked up at the tree and pouted. "It's not fair."

"Young one, Sesshomaru-sama is to be Lord one day. It is important for him to learn and get a feel for the territory." He explained gently.

"Well, I should know the territory, too!" Casandra wailed.

"The Great Lord is merely thinking of what is best for you." Bokusenou soothed.

Raven hair swaying in the wind, she frowned and folded her arms. She inhaled deeply before she turned and left with a "humph!"

Night had fallen and Casandra had made up her mind, whether 'The Great Lord' wanted her to stay or not, she was going to see exactly what To-san thought Sesshomaru could do that she couldn't.

Sneaking out of her room was the easy part. Keeping far enough downwind that no one would notice her was the tricky part. There weren't many things she could beat Sesshomaru at, but sneaking had been her forte since her mother had taught her. The long raven hair helped hide her in the dark to such an extent that, if one were to rely only on eyesight, even an owl couldn't spot her within 5 feet.

A mischievous smile curved Casandra's lips as she shadowed the taiyoukai's company. Two hours and even the Inu no Taisho had not noticed her. Of course she was so far away that she could barely hear them speaking.

Suddenly a commotion was raised and the company scattered, dashing in multiple directions, and one was coming straight towards her.

Casandra dove behind the nearest tree. Holding her breath she waited to be found. A helpless bleat caught her ears. Turning to peer around the tree trunk. Lavender eyes widened at the sight.

"Sesshomaru," she breathed.

He was crouched, pinning a small fawn to the ground, as glowing claws slowly poisoned it.

When the fawn ceased its struggle and went limp Sesshomaru lifted it onto his shoulder and carried it triumphantly back to the others.

Stepping back inside the castle walls was a welcome relief. With a shuddering breath Casandra raced to her room and flung herself onto her futon.

XxXx

The sun rose without Casandra getting even a wink of sleep. Every time she closed her eyes she saw the cold amber glare that had killed the fawn. She buried her face in her pillow and sighed.

From the corner of her eye she saw a shadow. "Still asleep, little flower?" a smooth feminine voice asked softly. "The sun is already in the sky."

"Good morning, Haha-ue-sama," Casandra replied sleepily. She looked up to see the silver haired matriarch of the west. Her perfect posture ruined only by the curve of her neck, as she stared emotionlessly at the young girl.

"Your father has returned with quite the feast." She cooed.

"Feast?" Casandra stood and blinked owlishly at her mother.

"Yes." The Lady of the West turned on her heel and glided to the door. "Come, it is time to eat."

The large dining table was covered in food, from exotic fruits and vegetables to mouthwatering slices of meats. The Lord was sat at one end of the table, Sesshomaru to his right, his captain to his left. At the moment Toga was conversing with said captain about the 'excellent catch' they had acquired.

Her mother gracefully sat at the other end of the table. The only open seat for Casandra to sit was next to Sesshomaru, which she hesitantly took.

"Good morning." The small smile on Sesshomaru's face was just as it was before.

"Good morning." She responded sheepishly.

Toga laughed throatily and breakfast began. Eating with everyone acting as they did everyday, Casandra wondered if what happened last night was a dream. As the servants dished out the food, Casandra glanced around. Everyone was talking and laughing. She found herself laughing as well.

Sesshomaru passed her particularly tasty morsels every once in a while, which she would gladly eat and pass a piece to him in return.

After breakfast they all went for a stroll through the gardens.

"Are you happy, Casandra?" Toga inquired.

"Yes, To-san. Breakfast was delicious." The young girl chirped.

"Glad to hear it, flower." Her mother smiled.

Casandra tilted her head in confusion, and looked to Sesshomaru in askance.

"Happy Birthday." The young prince answered.

"Huh?" Casandra squawked. That's right, it was her birthday.

"You are 10 years old today," Toga replied, bending to pat her head. "So we had to get something special for you."

"It was rather good." Nami turned to Toga. "What was it?"

The Inu no Taisho beamed proudly, "Sesshomaru found a small group of deer separated from the herd. In fact, one had given birth not but a month ago."

Casandra's blood went cold and her eyes widened. The tender meat she had shared with Sesshomaru at breakfast had been the fawn the prince had killed. They had killed an infant and its mother for her birthday.

Bet you didn't see that coming. I totally don't remember the original story line… It was one of the many things lost in the move. So I am now kind of making it up as I go. What do you think? Yes? No? See ya next chapter!

Review please. :)