Guess what? What you have been waiting for has finally arrived! The sequel to To Wish Upon A Star, Catch A Falling Star, is here! Hooray!

Okay, ppl are like WTF happened to Dilynn?! Let me ask you this, what would you do if someone purposely hurt your kid? I know I'd be pissed as all the hells. She is a kind woman, just p.o.'ed at Sess. Plus there's a little thing in the female body that happens every now and then that can affect the way we act. You'll find out what I mean in Ch 6.

All in all, this story will have 45 chapters, a prologue and an epilogue. So it is going to be very long. Plus there'll be a sequel. You'll find out why in Ch 6. Oh, and there's a poll up on my page to determine the name of the sequel. Please go poll!

Disclaimer: I own didley squat. Except Dilynn, Kari, Casey, David, Krael, Jennifer, Michael and a few other surprises along the way. ;D

Catch A Falling Star

Chapter 1

Miasma

A village came into sight and Jennifer sighed with relief. "Finally, I can get out from under his oppressive aura. Dang man, what do you do all day? Sit and mope over something? Pathetic."

The single word sparked a memory within the older dogs' minds. Dilynn laughed outrageously at the scene playing out in her mind while Sesshomaru grimaced before letting a small smirk spread onto his face. That day didn't end too badly after all. How he longed for it to be like the old days, Dilynn the untried teenager who was willing to give her love freely and held no prejudices against him or his kind. If history really did repeat itself as his former love said, then all he had to do was wait. And he had become pretty good at that over the past sixteen years.

They entered the sparsely populated edge of the village. Their small entourage was met with stares that were mixtures of shock and respect. The white dog heard his name in the whispers of the commoners. He looked around, shocked to find what the village was made of. It's inhabitants weren't just human, or hanyou, or youkai. They were a mixture. Human, hanyou and youkai all lived together in peace. Horses and dogs lived and worked side-by-side in peace. There were also other types of youkai. Lizards basked in the warm sunshine while cats perched on the roofs of their homes, lazily napping away the afternoon. Birds flitted around the common, muttering nonsensically as if worried about something.

The wide array of beasts all snapped to attention when their Lady and their prince and princess walked by. Humans, youkai and hanyou alike all bowed in respect to their sovereigns. Whispered "My Ladies, My Lord," were heard as they passed. A small group of children, consisting of two human girls, one young bitch, a colt and two lizards were playing a game of tag. They raced around in circles, laughing and shouting. The colt, perhaps a little too caught up in the game, raced away from his companions, accidentally plowing into Dilynn. A collective gasp was heard from the citizens as the young boy fell on his bottom, staring up at his Lady with fear in his eyes.

"I-I-I'm truly sorry, My Lady!" he whinnied in terror.

Dilynn, a soft smile on her face, reached down and helped the young boy to his feet. Kneeling to dust off his clothes, she spoke gently. "It's quite alright, son. You were having a fine time with your friends and did not notice where you were running. Next time pay a little more attention to your surroundings. Otherwise, something might sneak up on you."

At that exact moment, Jennifer snuck up behind the boy and gently goosed his sides with a loud "Boo!" in his ears.

The poor colt jumped several feet into the air, much to everyone's amusement. He landed, a sheepish look on his inflamed face as those around him roared in laughter. Dilynn smiled big before standing and gently pushing him back to play with his friends. The boy gave a low bow and the red bitch inclined her head slightly. He rushed back to his friends who teased and tormented him for the remainder of their game.

The small group continued its walking into the inner ring of the town where they were met with a band of soldiers. The men shifted were they stood, obviously uncomfortable in their thick leather clothing and heavy metal armor. The chain male worn between the two didn't help matters either. All the weight and metal reflected the heat of the sun and seemed to bake the poor soldiers were they stood.

"My Lady," the commander said, giving a low bow that was followed by all those. "My Lord sent us to help you retrieve the prisoner."

"Very well then, commander," Dilynn nodded. "Jennifer, you are dismissed. Clean yourself and your wound and reappear in court within twenty minutes. Both you and your brother will be expected to give an account of the events to your father." The children nodded and Dilynn sighed imperceptibly in relief. I can't believe he didn't asses their auras or comment on them, she thought in relief.

The soldiers surrounded the small party as Dilynn lead the way into the village proper. In the center of the square sat a large, ostentatious building. Its peaked roof was gilded with gold while the roof itself was painted black. The walls of the building were red brick, lined with white mortar. A huge oak door was placed in the center of the south wall with two large windows on either side.

A true mark of the wealth of the small town was the notable glass that sat inside each window. The panes were simply decorated, framed in white. Above the large door was a round stained glass window. The image depicted was a white dove descending on a man with who was waist deep in a stream. A ray of light from the heavens made the brown haired man seem to glow.

Dilynn, followed by Sesshomaru, her son and the soldiers, entered the hall. Inside it was stuffy and hot. The air was completely still and people sat in long wooden benches fanning themselves with anything they could find. Sweat soaked men sat at the front of the room and simpering ladies sat at the back. The women used traditional paper fans to try and cool themselves while the men used their hands.

Everyone stood as Dilynn and Michael entered the room. The proceedings at the head of the room hushed and came to a standstill as the Lady and young Lord swept down the aisle. Sesshomaru was caught in the middle of all the stares. He wanted nothing more than to lash out at those who recognized him and end their furious whispering. Instead he had to satisfy himself with an ominous cracking of his knuckles and releasing some poison from the tips of his claws. Some shut their mouths instantly while others only heightened the frequency of their words.

A loud banging of the gavel brought him out of his fury. A man, no, youkai, sat atop a high dais, a table infront of him and two others on either side of him.

"Lady Dilynn," the youkai called out, his green eyes sparkling and landing on his mate's face. "What have you brought before the courts this day?"

"Lord David," Dilynn spoke the customary reply. "This youkai was caught trespassing on our sacred lands. He attacked and injured the young Lady Jennifer. He attacked me as well, but was unable to injure me. I ask that he be judged before the high judge of these fair lands." She bowed respectfully to the men in the dais.

"Very well, Lady Dilynn," one of the youkai spoke up. "We will judge this youkai and see to it that his punishment is fair and adequate. Who are your witnesses?"

"Lord Chronos," the red bitch bowed, "my daughter, Lady Jennifer, is in with the healer at this moment, having her wounds tended to. She was the first on the scene. My son, Lord Michael, was the second to arrive and saw the grievous injury which was inflicted upon the young Lady. My son called to me after he saw what this youkai had done to Jennifer. I was made aware of the injury and sought to drive this trespasser off the lands. However, I did not succeed and was forced to bring him to trial instead. I ask now that the punishment be swift so that he may leave these lands."

The lords on the dais turned to look at Sesshomaru. The Daiyoukai stood there, proud and tall, not letting a single emotion show on his face. No one would be allowed to see the internal conflict raging within him. Not a single being would be privy to the hurt he had felt when his lost love had denied him and refused to use his name. Never again, he thought wearily. However, his shoulders did not sag and his body spoke of nothing but strength and power. His eyes were cold and hard, reflecting the anger he felt at this injustice.

"I wish to speak for myself," he said. All eyes turned to him. Furious whispering started again, spreading like wildfire throughout the room. No one demanded to speak for themselves! If one was lucky then an advocate was assigned to you, but only if you had enough money to pay. People looked to each other with wide eyes, expecting the worst to happen right before them.

The three judges turned to look at each other, consulting silently for a moment. David turned his eyes back to Sesshomaru and nodded. "You may speak."

Everyone grew quiet at this announcement from the High Judge.

"This Sesshomaru admits that he injured the young bitch Jennifer. However, it was not This One's original intent to injure the female. I was hunting a herd of deer when she leaped from the trees, demanding that I leave. I do not take orders from pups. I demanded in return who she was to speak to me in such a way. The young bitch explained her lineage. Upon hearing the name of Lady Dilynn, I asked to be shown to her. I was denied and she attacked me." He stopped here, turning back to look at the entrance to the hall. The silver's scent floated in on the small bit of air that flowed in the room.

"Lady Jennifer," Lord Chronos intoned. "Do you agree to the statement set forth by this youkai?"

The silver female bowed her head. "Hai, My Lord, I agree. I was rash in my decision. I attacked him without cause because I determined him to a threat to my mother's lands. It appears that I was wrong."

"Young Lady," David called out over the roar of the crowd at her statement. "Is it true that you were injured by this youkai?"

"Hai, Fa--My Lord, it is." She nodded slowly, pulling down the shoulder of her kimono to reveal the bandage around her arm. "His fangs tore a gash in my arm and Lady Dilynn stopped the bleeding when she appeared."

The room roared with an outrage at the injury of their young Lady. Some of the men called for the beheading of the "blood-thirsty brute" who had dared to hurt the girl. The women wailed in tears, demanding...another punishment...for the youkai.

Sesshomaru inwardly shuddered at this request. If he had been any less of a youkai he would have promptly crossed his legs and covered himself with his hands. Women around here are brutal, he thought.

"Quiet!" Lord David furiously banged his gavel on the metal plate. Finally, the room did as commanded. Sesshomaru looked up at the High Judge, determined to meet his fate head on. Gold and green clashed as his sentence was pronounced. "For your crimes against this village, Sesshomaru of the West, you are found guilty in the respect of trespassing, guilty in the respect of attacking Lady Dilynn, guilty of endangering the village." He stopped for a breath and to let the information sink in. "However, this court finds you not guilty in the instance of attacking the Lady Jennifer by means of self-defense."

"Lord David!" Dilynn called, outraged. "I seek to appeal your last judgement. This dog was easily able to leave this area when given the chance, yet he remained and provoked my daughter into attacking him!"

"Silence!" David hissed. Dilynn flinched but did not back down. "I know he was offered the opportunity and that he did not take it. However, he was not the one who initiated the attack. Therefore I find him not guilty by reason of self-defense. Now, no appeals may be made." He turned back to Sesshomaru once more. "As for your punishment, this court finds it fitting that you are to guard the young heirs to this village. If they are hurt, your life is forfeit. For the next six months, you are to guard the young Lady Jennifer and Lord Michael. Guards, see to it that he is given a room close to the young Lord and Lady. Be sure that he is not deprived of anything needed. Now, Sesshomaru of the West, your sentence has been pronounced and it is to begin immediately." The lord banged the gavel heavily three times, dismissing the court for the day.

Sesshomaru sighed imperceptibly. Guarding the children? Really, was that the best he could come up with? He glanced at the children again, assessing their auras more closely this time. He scoffed internally. How on earth did I let Dilynn fool me into thinking they were strong enough to take me out? Oh well, it doesn't matter now. He straightened his shoulders and looked at Dilynn who had turned to glare at him.

The young mother was furious. How dare David go so easy on him! She growled lowly, clenching and unclenching her fists as a means to vent her anger. She turned to find Sesshomaru looking at her children, assessing their auras. Her glare became venomous and hard when he turned back to look at her. The red bitch stomped up to him, getting right up in his face to tell him what she thought.

"You lucky, bastard," she hissed. "Don't think you've gotten off easy. I will be watching your every move. If you make one, just one, false move around my children, I will personally see your manhood chopped off!"

Sesshomaru quirked one eyebrow at her. "And if I had any fear of your threats at all, woman, then I would have tucked tail a long time ago," he stated blandly.

Dilynn flushed red and spluttered angrily. She jumped when her mate placed one hand on her shoulder, turning her around to face him. Sesshomaru's heart nearly broke at the soft look she gave him. He felt it lurch in his chest when she reached up and pulled him down into a sensuous kiss.

"Ugh!" "Gross!" Jennifer and Michael gagged simultaneously. "Come on!" "Get a room!"

David laughed lightly and pulled back, his eyes smoldering with the pent up desire he felt for his beautiful mate. His arm slipped down to wrap possessively around her waist, pulling her close to his side when he turned to speak to his children. "Come," he told them. "We are expected in the meeting hall."

Both rulers turned around walking out the back door of the court room, followed closely by the two children and their newest body guard.

The meeting hall, as it turned out, was a part of the main castle. The large building was situated on the farther side of the center of town. It was ringed by a high outer wall. At each corner of the wall was a spire, a tall, skinny tower that had a small room at the top of it, a perfect lookout spot. The inner courtyard was beautiful, resplendent with wildflowers of all kinds. Even, Sesshomaru noticed, bluebonnets. So, it appears as if someone is a little homesick, he thought, cataloguing that information away for later.

The grounds were perfectly landscaped, and the reason was clear. Gardeners were all over the place, planting here, weeding there, watering this bush, trimming that hedge. A flagstone path lead the way from the entry gate to the large oak door facing the courtyard. Tall, skinny glass windows were situated along the wall. Every thirty feet or so on the second story were grand balconies. Their french doors were open and the curtains fluttered in the late afternoon breeze, giving the whole building a soft, welcoming look.

David lead the way into the castle, followed closely by his mate, Jennifer, Michael and Sesshomaru. Once on the second floor, the small group entered a long room in the center of the castle, the meeting hall. A large wooden table stretched nearly from end to end in the narrow room. A bench ran along each side and two chairs sat at the head and foot of the table. Maps were stretched out on the table, held down by knives and weights. More maps were rolled up and placed on racks that lined the walls. The room was lit with a large, ornate chandelier. Its many golden branches held candles that flickered with an unseen breeze.

The blond youkai and the red bitch stepped to the head of the table, taking their seats in the two chairs provided. Jennifer and Michael sat together on the right hand side of their parents. Sesshomaru stood behind them along the wall. He made sure they were within his sights at all times, and nothing could block out his hearing of this conversation.

"My Lords!" David called, gaining the rest of the room's attention. "We are gathered here today because of a threat to our great land." The white dog quirked his eyebrow at this. It would do to pay attention to what he has to say, he thought. "A strange, dark miasma has been noticed around the edges of the village as of late. It has a tendency to destroy anything thing it touches. If it does not destroy, it corrupts. Some of our villagers have come back from it deranged and crazed. There have been several...impromptu attacks on the castle by such villagers. There have even been whispers of rogue youkai banning together and gathering weapons for an attack. As of right now, there is no evidence of such an occurrence. However, we will not take any threats lightly. We must be prepared for any eventuality."

Murmurs of agreement ran through the room. Heads nodded as they listened to the words their Lord spoke. There was truth in what he said, someone called. Another voice rang out, speaking of a beloved mate that had come back corrupted with darkness. Sadness was thick within the being; it hung on the air as the story was told.

Naraku, Sesshomaru thought with disgust. There was only one being who would be heartless enough to attack a hidden village. But, what was his aim? His purpose? What was the point of attacking this small place? The white dog wished he knew. For now, though, he listened as David began to speak again.

"We know of the ultimate culprit's identity, though. His name is Naraku. What we don't know is why he is attacking or where his base is located. We have spies scouring the lands, looking for any hint as to his whereabouts..."

Dilynn's attention began to wonder slightly as her mate continued speaking. She had heard all this before. Not only with David, but with Sesshomaru as well. The thought of him alerted her to his presence that remained in the room.

Why did he come seeking me? she thought despondently. I am happy here. I have a mate who loves me, children that I adore. My people care for me and I them. I don't want to leave.

Don't you? her inner youkai poked at her. David may love you, but do you love him? Are you really happy with this life when Sesshomaru could give you so much more?

Yes! Dilynn cried fiercely. I love this life. I--David and I...we...

You what?

Oh shut up! The red bitch sniffed imperiously, wiping away the feeling of tears in her eyes. She dared not look at Sesshomaru because she knew he was looking at her. There was no way she would let him know of her confused feelings.

An hour passed before the meeting was dismissed. It had been decided that an extra shift of guards would be added to the current rotation. Whenever a villager decided to leave the village for any reason, a small number of guards would be assigned to them. The rogue youkai that were known to attack only attacked when it was one or two villagers, not when it was a decent group of people.

Dilynn and her family, as well as Sesshomaru, wondered down the halls of the castle. Jennifer stopped in her room to gather her bathing supplies as Dilynn requested that hers be brought down to her private springs. The maid nodded and rushed off to do as bid.

"Sesshomaru," Michael called. "You are dismissed from guarding me for now. I will be with my father for the rest of the afternoon. You are still required to guard my sister, though."

The white dog nodded stiffly and Michael understood that would be all he would get from him. The young Lord understood the other youkai's ways and didn't feel the need to push for conversation. He, himself, was rather laconic at times. The two men turned, leaving Sesshomaru and the women to their baths.

The small group left took their time walking to the bath wing of the castle. The afternoon was bright and cheery and the halls were made the same by the open windows and floating curtains. A few minutes later, they reached the baths. One on side of the hall was the hot springs, for the use in the winter. The other side held the cooler springs for use in the spring, summer and fall.

Dilynn and Jennifer chose the cooler springs, walking inside with Sesshomaru on their heels. Dilynn reached the edge of the spring, slipping her shoe off and dipping a toe in the cool waters. "Aah," she sighed delightedly. "That feels good." The red bitch began to undress when she noticed Sesshomaru was still in the room.

"You can leave now," she ground out, embarrassed that she had forgotten about him. The young mother pulled her clothes tighter about her shoulders.

Sesshomaru raised one eyebrow. "You are not the one I am to guard, My Lady. It is your daughter. However, I have no qualms remaining here while you bathe. You have nothing I haven't seen before."

Jennifer giggled and blushed at this. So, he and Mother did know each other before. Naughty, naughty Mother!

"Why you!" Dilynn spluttered, dropping her kimono and allowing it to reveal some cleavage. "I'll have you know that those moments were not enjoyable in the least!" She gesticulated wildly as she spoke.

"Oh really? I seem to remember you screaming my name and calling to me. How about when you begged for more? There were times when all I had to do was look at you and you would become aroused. If you did not enjoy those moments then you are one hell of an actor and my hat is off to you," he said as he gave her a mocking bow.

Jennifer couldn't help it, she lost all control over her laughter, doubling over from the force of her amusement. She held her sides as she laughed, tears pouring from her eyes. The silver rocked back onto her heels, practically rolling in her laughter.

Sesshomaru smirked at Dilynn. "It seems that someone does not believe you, my dear." The red bitch continued to splutter helplessly with impotent rage. "And it seems that you need to cool off."

He advanced on her, walking her back to the edge of the pool. A brief look of fear crossed her face as she felt her heels on the edge of the pool. Sesshomaru could sense the apprehension rolling off her in waves as he lifted his hand. He leaned in towards her ear, whispering a soft promise. "It won't be long until you are soaked." Dilynn shuddered at the double entendre of his words. She squealed loudly when his pointer finger pushed her back into the waters.

The white dog stepped back, pleased with his handiwork. He turned to the young Lady who he was supposed to be guarding. "Sesshomaru-sama," she chirped lightly, instantly endearing the Taiyoukai to her, "you do not have to remain in the room. My mother and I will be fine while we bathe. Please remain outside the door." She giggled again, covering her mouth with her hand.

The Western Taiyoukai nodded towards the young woman. "As you wish, My Lady."

"Please," Jennifer chided, "please call me Jennifer. I only make people call me 'Lady' if they insist."

"As you wish, Jennifer," Sesshomaru agreed, inclining his head once more. He turned on his heel, stepping outside the shoji door. A small smile made its way onto his face when he heard Dilynn's outrage as she exited the pool. The next six months promised to be very interesting.

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A/N: Ya for my muse!! She loves me now. Here you go. Chapter 2!!