Dominiance

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters from the manga/anime. Thank you.


Auko came back sometime after dinner. She went straight to Sesshomaru’s study, where she knew he was waiting. After walking in without knocking she made herself comfortable on the couch.

“Before you say anything,” she started, “I’ve decided that if you intend to ask me to be you’re guide, I’ll accept. Only if you don’t ask any questions.”

Sesshomaru turned to look at her from his chair. He sat there looking at her showing no emotion what-so-ever. It didn’t seem to bother her too much though.

“Alright, but may I ask one?”

Auko considered the request. “Fine, but only one.”

Sesshomaru folded his hands as if praying, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair. “Why?” was all the demon said.

Auko cocked an eyebrow, “Why what?”

“Why the sudden change? You said early that you wouldn’t do it.”

“I thought it over and decided that an opportunity like this might not come again. I said no early because I was pissed off at you.”

Lord Sesshomaru thought this over for a second and decided not to be insulted.

“Alright then. It’s settled. You will act as a guide and I won’t ask any questions. Although…” He gave a threatening glare. “I’m still a bit wary as to what you’re intentions are since you won’t tell me. So if I feel that you are acting suspicious and you don’t give a reason as to why, I will assume you ARE a spy and will take the necessary action.”

“Well then, I guess I have nothing to worry about because I’m not a spy.”

“You may leave now. We will discuss the rest of this tomorrow.”

Auko left and headed for the bedroom she had been given when she first arrived here. No way was she going to sleep in the same bed as him after what happened today.

******

The next day brought with it a change in atmospheres. It seemed to Sesshomaru that Auko was finally showing her true colors; or at least more of her personality. Maybe it was a bit of both.

After a somewhat awkward and quiet breakfast, the two “allies” stood next to each other overlooking the displayed map. Neither had spoken as of yet, mostly because both we’re studying the map. The woman had been right when he said it was hard to read. Symbols were spread throughout the large scaled picture, obviously only meaning something to her. Only the apparent and look-alikes made sense to him.

“Here.” Auko pointed to a spot on the map. “This is the best path to take.”

The demon followed her finger as it traced a path to the center of the map. It seemed to run along a river or stream.

The demon said nothing, waiting for her to explain.

“This is the direction you would be coming from. By following a source of water, I can help in neutralizing the scent of your army. And,” Auko pointed to a small picture of a waterfall, “they have no idea about this.”

“What about it?”

“In reality, this is a huge waterfall. And behind it is a large cavern that goes underground and leads almost all the way to the castle grounds. But…”

“But what?”

“It’s been several years since I’ve been there, so we’d have to consider a number of factors.”

Sesshomaru again stayed silent

“Then I take it you already know what the risks are?”

He nodded. Of course there were going to be risks, regardless of the path. Who knew how long ago it was when she went on that journey. For all they knew, the burakkuinu (black dogs) could have rescouted and found that cave. Maybe the path Auko wanted to take wasn’t even there anymore or was blocked off somehow. But at this point in the game, there options were slim.

“Sesshomaru.” The Inuyoukai turned his attention back to the map. “If for some reason they find us before we can reach the cavern or they know it’s there, here’s a back-up route.”

From the looks of it, the area seemed to be a field. “If you can break through the forest, there’s a large plain. It’s the main road. You can make a mad dash either back to safety or to the castle, but the area is heavily guarded.”

“I already knew that.”

“Oh yeah. Of course you would. Stupid me.”

“There’s no need to put yourself down.”

Auko glanced at him wondering if he seriously did miss the hint of sarcasm in her voice. The corner of his mouth twitched and she knew he hadn’t.

“Anyways, that’s my idea. Do you have any questions?”

“What do these mean?” Sesshomaru motioned towards one of the small, black feas ths that were scattered about the treetops.

The woman blinked a couple of times, starring at the symbol.

“Don’t you remember?” the demon lord asked, annoyance tinting his voice.

Auko grabbed her little b boo book and sifted through the pages. “Just give me a second. It’s been a long time since I’ve looked at this thing.” Quickly she scanned the material trying to find the place where she wrote all her notes. They were near the front.

“Oh yeah,” she said aloud, slamming the book shut and placing on the table. “Wherever there’s a feather, there’s a hawk or bird demon working as a watcher. These are also watchers.” She pointed to two more symbols, one a paw the other a tail fin. “The hawks watch the air and tree tops, the rodents watch the land and the fish watch the waters. You can telltheythey’re a watcher if they have a black diamond on their forehead or body. They’re everywhere, so the only way to get around them is to kill them upon or before being spotted.”

“They could have moved locations.”

“I know, but they give off a distinct smell. I could smell them once I got close enough, even the fish.”

“And what smell might that be.”

“Death. I’m sure with you’ll be able to find them with your senses.”

If the scent wasn’t that strong, he’d still be able to smell them miles away. Auko had been the only one to fool his senses. Somehow she was able to blend it into her surroundings making it harder for him to smell her out. Of course he got better at it once they bedded with each other.

They continued to plan for the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Auko pointed out several other good routes, even though they had already decided on the first one. Back up plans were a must, so those were thought out as well.

Sesshomaru was content by the time the two had finished their plan of attack. He called on his generals yet again for a conference. If everything went as planned, they’d be leaving within three days and be at their enemy’s hold two days after that. Auko and he would take his army and attack from the West while his generals and their armies were going to attack from the North and South. Copies of the map were going to be made by Auko with detailed instructions.

Now it was just a matter of time…