Chronicles of the West

A new chappie, get the plot rolling on. Also thanks to SilentDeath for clueing me in on what an awesome song 'Blood, Milk, and Sky is'. If you haven't read her fiction by that name, I recommend it. Still no own, so no sue.

Chapter Thirty Three

Satoru had known the moment his cousins arrived in the port. Toga's youkai swept through the air to him like wildfire. He glanced over at his long desk littered with scrolls and parchments and elegantly bound tomes. It would be nice to have some company, besides students and colleagues.

"Hidi" he called out and a serving girl entered the chambers quietly, "See to the guest chambers, we will soon have company". She bowed and went to see his will done. He pinched the bridge of his nose as though his eyes pained him. The academy needed something new. Daishi, his best speaker on alchemy was leaving to return to Japan.

He needed a new professor and had no idea where to get one. Even Daishi only spoke of the subject, she was not a user of it. He sighed and went back to his desk and began penning messages to be taken to the far ends of the known world in search of someone appropriate.

While he was at it, he inked a message to his mother and father. Explaining as always that the running of his school and residence took his time and while he missed them, he'd be unable to return home for a visit. His mother would be upset and that in turn would upset his father but there was nothing he could do.

He tucked his long silver hair over his shoulder and continued writing.

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Sesshoumaru waited, propped against the heavy headboard of his bed. His eyes were fixed on the bathing chamber door. Behind it lay his wife and the contents of the box. He'd seen a gleam on whatever lay inside, almost like liquid. She'd not allowed him explore further, but he knew well enough that the box meant hours of pleasure and fun for them both.

It seemed his wife was enjoying making him wait and he growled loudly knowing she could hear him. "Patience" she sang out from behind the door. Sesshoumaru barked sharply at her cheerful command.

Ayeka wasn't all that sure what his reaction would be this latest adventure. She'd not worn anything like this before. She ran a hand over the smooth pvc of the corset. She'd chosen white for the obvious reason that he preferred that color. She had paired it with a short red skirt and tall heels.

She tied a sheer, voluminous wrap of red around her waist and hips to form a large bow and nodded. She was going to strip for her husband and then let him have some fun with her. She strapped a tool belt on and headed out. She wondered what he'd think of the g-string she was wearing that sported a shining flower at the top of her bottom and the gleaming string of jewels that slid between her thighs.

Se slid the door back and stepped into the room, her eyes lowered as she moved daintily towards the bed. Sesshoumaru watched her every movement, she looked like a……he wasn't sure what.. But he was certain he didn't it seen outside this room.

She offered him some sake and he accepted, sipping quietly as she moved back to the center of the floor, music was beginning and she turned it up. "I am going to dance for you, and if you are a good boy then I will give you some gifts" she told him. He arched a brow at her. He always loved his wife's games.

Ayeka listened as 'Blood, Milk, and Sky' began to thrum through the room, dancing evocatively for him. She moved slowly around the room, never nearing the bed. Sesshoumaru watched in fascination as she danced for him, her hands gliding over the shining material of her top.

When she turned her back to him and bent at the waist, he watched with narrowing eyes as the skirt rode higher. Something winked in the light and he slowly moved to sit at the foot of the bed. Ayeka caught his actions and with a small smirk she dropped something into his lap.

Staring down, Sesshoumaru saw the glint of metal and the fluff of fur. He held up the furry handcuffs and glanced back at his wife. Oh yes, this night was going to be most gratifying. He smirked in response.

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The compound came into view late that afternoon, much to the relief of the travelers. Toga blinked, "Looks like he's added to it" he commented. Kurama nodded, "Yes, it's a well known school. There are several hundred students here at all times" he replied.

Aislin was breathless at the sight of the castle perched on the hilltop, it's whitewashed walls extending far around it. She knew that Toga was a lord, a prince in the demon world but she'd been unprepared for this. This was his family and she was nervous. Toga chuckled, "Here he comes".

Satoru's sphere of light zipped around them to coalesce into his humanoid form. He was tall and looked a great deal like Toga and Ryu. His hair long and silvery, his eyes golden. His face however bore no marks and his head carried the elvish ears of Toga.

His gaze was not cold or distant as he stared at them all, it was open and inquiring. "So, you've made it back to the eastern world" he stated to his cousin. Toga grunted. Satoru sighed, "And your conversation is as dazzling as ever". His eyes roved over the group, pausing on Victor before moving on.

He nodded to those he knew. "There have been rumors Toga" he said without preamble, "That you have a human ward". Aislin shifted a little closer to Toga. Golden eyes snapped to her, before a warm fanged smile spread across his features. "That would be you, I assume?" he asked gently.

Toga growled softly to soothe her, "This is my ward, Aislin, and my companions Silvana and Victor" he replied, "This is my cousin Lord Satoru". Satoru chuckled, "Please not the formality. Satoru, please". They nodded to him. Ippiku fluttered out to peer at him, "Ah, here I thought you'd wise up and stop following him" he said to the imp. Ippiku grinned, "How are things Satoru?"

The inu smiled, "Taxing as usual. But we can continue this conversation as we go" he announced, "There are many things I wish to know". They spoke of home and family as they walked along, the inu's eyes drifting back to Victor. That human smelled like…..alchemic materials.

They arrived within the walls of the compound. It was like a small city. There were the school structures and the housing for his students, and then there was his personal residence and gardens. There was also a small merchant area where students could find and replace those things needed for study.

"This place is incredible" Victor blurted out, earning a smile from the handsome demon. "I am happy to hear you think so" Satoru replied softly. Students bustled around him, and bowed as they passed, human, demon and hanyou. Whispers of his immense power and knowledge trailed after him. He seemed unaffected by the awe his presence inspired in the youngsters.

Satoru allowed his guests to look around them. He had not missed the scent of Ryu lingering around the fox demoness or the heavy scent of Toga that clung to his ward like a second skin. With a small grin he grunted, 'ward my ass'. There were questions asked of him and he answered easily. People came from all parts of the world to study here or just to see that wonder of his academy.

Security of course was tight and all applicants carefully screened. Many wanted to learn, but few had the gifts of patience to see the course through. "What is taught here?" Victor asked, finding his eyes drawn again and again to their handsome and enigmatic host.

Satoru gestured to various areas as he spoke, "Philosophy, history, medicine, herbal remedies, spiritual powers, demonology….alchemy" this last was said a low tone and he cast a knowing glance at Victor. The human was quite beautiful to look at.

"Spiritual powers?" Victor pressed, "That can be taught?". Satoru smiled, "Not really but the basics can be instilled and of course there are those born to power. We teach them to wield it properly, correctly". Victor nodded his understanding, but rather than gain answers, he'd only gained more questions.

A short time later, Satoru's servants lined the steps bidding his guests a silent welcome. "Your rooms have been prepared. I was uncertain of the number, so I had a wing prepared. I hope that will suffice?" he asked. Toga nodded.

Satoru turned back to his staff, "Hidi". A small woman stepped forward. He turned to the others, "This is the head of my staff. She will appoint maids to you to see that you are comfortable for the duration of your stay". The woman nodded and bowed to them before stepping back with the others.

Satoru then turned his eyes on Toga, "How long will you be staying?" he asked, "Not that I don't appreciate the company". Toga grunted, "A few weeks, no more than that. I must return to the north". Satoru nodded, "Feel free to wander around and do what you like… Ryu.. Do not go near the female quarters this time. I damn near had a riot on my hands last time".

Silvana arched a brow at a frowning and pinkening hanyou. He felt relieved when Kurama was added to that list. However the fox was quick to respond, "I didn't go to them" he insisted, "how many times must I tell you? They came to me". His comment drew chuckles. Satoru patted his back, "For your comfort then I should post guard beneath your windows and at your doors". The fox's ears drooped slightly, much to Satoru's amusement.

"I am glad you have come Toga" he said then, "There are some troubling events I must speak to you about".