The Long Night


[timeline: immediately after Otherworld 2]





	After defeating the Cat Clan and protecting the Western Lands of the Dog Lord, Sesshomaru, Shido returned to his own lands, the Southern Lands of Demon World. The dark clouds that forever covered the lands - magically created by Bakura, the demon mage of Otherworld - seemed to be a reflection of his heart. At the hands of the devious Naraku, his mate and mother of his children had been murdered, and his life partner Tyrrl enslaved. His children had been kidnapped. His son, his sweet little boy, had escaped but not unscathed, and his daughter was still captive. The Blood Demon Lord had lost almost everything. Shido went to his son's room and the little boy ran to embrace his father. Shilo looked like his mother, golden hair and large blue eyes and every time Shido saw him, a little pain would run through his heart. He missed Liho so much! Shilo also had painful memories, kidnapped and offered as a sexual toy for a cruel emperor, the little boy, only seven years old, had been forced to kill the man. He often had nightmares, crying out in his sleep. Shido would cradle his son in his arms until he fell asleep, wishing that he could erase the memories that tormented him.

		A few days later, a portal opened and to the surprise and great joy of all the Blood Demons, Kurama popped out with Lido, his daughter. Shido held her tightly, never wanting to let her go. He had not dared to hope that she would be returned to him, and now this miracle was happening.

	Kurama told him about the death of Naraku at the hand of Vash, who sacrificed his own life. Kurama soon left; he wanted to stay close to the Princess - she had lost her mate with the death of Vash, and Bakura and InuYasha were badly wounded in the battle with Naraku and Jodah. Now Shido was alone, with only his children for company. And the nights were very long indeed!

	Six years passed, Lord Shido throwing himself into the rule of his lands, not letting himself feel the loneliness. His daughter had taken the place of his mate at all the functions, but that would not last much longer. Female Blood Demons were very rare and Lido was being pressured to choose a mate. A parade of young demons kept her company constantly, each hoping to be her lifemate and be able to produce children to continue their bloodline. Lido was being very careful - she had fallen in love with Ralf only to find out that he was under the control of Naraku and his love had been a lie. She had broken her heart and nearly lost her life. While Lido was deciding on her life mate, Shido was interviewing young male demons for the enviable position as Shilo's partner. Because of the scarcity of females, all males had another as his sexual partner. The dichotomy of their hierarchy was that only a male of a lower rank could enter another male - something that often impacted the lower ranked soldiers, but would not impact Shilo at all since only Shido was higher ranked. So Shido had his pick of a number of young males. It seemed like every Blood Demon around the age of 13 was lining up to be chosen. Shido began to think that no male of that age had chosen a partner until Shilo had his partner. One day Shilo would become Lord of the Blood Demons and his partner would be the second highest ranked male in the land. For two straight weeks Shido had been interviewing but now he was close to giving up. No one had met with his approval. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he knew that when the right one appeared, he would know it. He was getting tired and frustrated, but fortunately there was only one more to interview today.

		A young Blood Demon entered the room, and behind him was his younger brother. They both were pale, like all Blood Demons - spending no time in the sun - with coal black hair and ruby-colored eyes. Very handsome! Breal, the oldest, introduced his younger brother, Chaal. Their father was Zoreal, one of the fortress guards and very high in rank. Breal was also a guard, and had lost his partner during Naraku's escape. "So he is not partnered," came the unbidden thought. But why not think of him? It had been six long years since Shido had known the affection of a mate or a partner and he was very lonely. He wondered if Breal felt the loneliness. Putting aside those thoughts, he asked about Chaal.

	"Chaal is thirteen and a half. He wants to follow our footsteps and become a guard." Shido nodded and then took the boy's face in his hands, bringing it up so that he could look into his eyes. They were clear and showed no malice or deviousness in them. Shido nodded to Breal and the older boy began to undress his younger brother. When he was nude, Shido examined him carefully - looking first at his back - always looking for that scar, Naraku's scar! - but Chaal was unblemished. He took the boy's penis gently, examining it carefully, and then lifted his balls. The boy was well formed - not too large and not too small. Perfect! Shido nodded to Breal again and Breal sat down, pulling the boy into his lap. Very gently and very quickly he brought Chaal to a full erection. Chaal moaned and buried his head in his brother's shoulder. Shido moved closed to examine his stiff penis. Yes, he was still a good size. You didn't want to have him too large or he would hurt Shilo, while too small would give no pleasure. "I think that Chaal would do nicely. Let's initiate them four nights from now. That will give you time to instruct your brother." Shido told Breal. Breal smiled widely, revealing white fangs, and nodded his approval. Then he bowed and both boys left the room. Breal would first relieve and then dress his brother in the antechamber. Shido sat there lost in thought. He was very attracted to Breal and this was the first time that he had felt anything for anyone else. Was it fate that Breal was unpartnered also? Perhaps. Right now, Shilo was the important one and he went to tell his son about his choice. Turning 13 was a huge event in a Blood Demon's life. Not only would he receive his life partner, but also his digestive system was changing - switching from feeding on mother's milk to blood. Shilo had already started drinking blood, following his father's example of taking it from the wrist of his feeder. The boy alternated between milk and blood now, but in a month or two, he would require nothing but blood to sustain his life. Shilo was in his room, studying the great books of the history of their clan, when Shido entered. The boy looked up and smiled. He had grown to 5'4" and would probably reach the same 5'10" height as his father. His blond hair was now long, tied loosely down his back. Shido went to his son and kissed his forehead. More than anyone in the world, he loved his son and when the boy had been kidnapped, he was terrified that he would never see him again. "I have chosen your partner," he told the boy. Shilo looked at his father, curiosity and nervousness written on his face. "He is named Chaal and the son of Zoreal, one of our guards. Very good looking with black hair and ruby eyes. The initiation will be in four nights." As customary the parents, or in his case his father, chose his partner and he would not even meet his life partner until the initiation. Shilo thanked his father and turned back to his books. What else could he say? It was not his choice, besides he trusted his father to look out for him.

		When Shido returned to his rooms, his daughter was waiting for him. Lido looked like him, almost a carbon copy, except she had her mother's blue eyes. He hugged his daughter a loving hello. "I have decided on a mate, Father. I would like to take Findal to my bed. He is one of the scholars and I like him very much. I don't love him, but I can learn to love him. He is very mannered and gentle and that's what I want. Could you meet with him?"

	"Of course! I only want your happiness!" Shido replied. "And I found a partner for Shilo. A boy named Chaal." "Wonderful!" Lido exclaimed, hugging her father. "And what about you? Even if you don't take a mate, at least take a partner. I know you are lonely." "Actually, I may have found one. Chaal's older brother, Breal, is unpartnered. Another victim of Naraku! I haven't talked to him about partnering, but I was attracted to him when I met him." "Oh! I would be so happy if you had found someone! Talk to him as soon as possible!" "I will talk to him after Shilo and Chaal are partnered. Let's get that out of the way first. Now, when does Findal want to see me?"

	Findal was a great choice - like Lido had said, the young Blood Demon was very polite and soft-spoken - almost the opposite of Ralf. Shido gave his daughter his blessing and she took Findal to her bed that very night.

		When Lido had first bedded Ralf, their union was filled with passion, but it was a lie. Ralf was controlled by Naraku and had only mated with her to revenge himself on her father. And then she had been kidnapped, along with her brother, and during the kidnapping Ralf's partner, Vos, had killed her mother. After that, Ralf took her but there was no love or passion, just brutal need. It had taken Lido a long time to get over what Ralf had done to her. Findal's gentleness was just the healing balm she needed. After their first mating, they lay together, cuddling closely. Lido felt contentment and peace for the first time in six years.

	Three nights later, Shido went to his son to begin the initiation. It wasn't a ceremony, just a simple union, but both boys were virgin and the older males of the family always helped ease the way. There was never to be fear, only gentle love between partners. For the last four days, Breal had taught his brother what to do when he took Shilo for the first time. Since Chaal was lesser in rank, he would be the penetrator. If Shilo had been lower in rank, he would have been instructed instead. Tonight, before entering Shilo's room, Breal undressed Chaal, and then brought him to a partial erection and oiled his penis well. Everything that could be was done to insure that there was never any pain at a first partnering. At the same time, Shilo was undressed by his father and laid down on his bed. "I'm very nervous. You won't leave me, will you?" Shilo asked. "I will be right here. There is nothing to worry about. Chaal will be very gentle with you; Breal has shown him what to do. Now, let me oil you." With gentle fingers, Shido oiled his son's anus, preparing him for his first penetration. Then he went to the door and let Chaal and Breal into the room. Shilo looked at his partner for the first time. His father was right; Chaal was very handsome and his young body was very nice to look at. His drifted downward to his well-formed penis, already partially erect. Very soon it would be embedded inside of his body. Shilo gave a little shiver of nervousness and anticipation. Shido sat at the head of the bed, to give his son support and guidance. He bent down to kiss Shilo's forehead and the boy smiled up at his father. Breal guided Chaal to the bed and the boy crouched down between Shilo's legs. Breal gently brought Shilo's knees up and to the side, opening him, and then sat next to his brother. Chaal started with Shilo's penis, just as his brother had taught him, holding it while he licked around the tip. Shilo gave a small whimper and closed his eyes. As Chaal progressed, licking more and more of his penis, Shilo began to move his hips to the rhythm of his new partner's tongue. He gripped his father's hand and gave off little sounds of arousal. Everything was going perfectly; Chaal was performing wonderfully, not too fast and not too slow, and Shilo was arousing well. His penis was already stiff and swollen and little drops of crystal were coming from the tip. Chaal licked them up and teased the little hole for more of the liquid honey. Breal touched his brother's shoulder and motioned for him to start on the balls. Chaal took one into his mouth, sucking the small globe inside, and then moved to the other. Shilo gave a deep moan and began to move his hips faster. Shido lifted up his son and Breal placed a pillow under his rear, giving Chaal easier access. Chaal continued his way downward and licked at the puckered mouth that had been revealed, dipping his tongue inside. Shilo was moaning constantly now, as Chaal's wonderful tongue swirled around inside of him. Chaal replaced his tongue with an oiled finger and moved his mouth back to Shilo's swollen penis. Slowly, he add a second finger and Shilo gave a sobbing cry, but not of pain, rather of raw passion. Chaal scissored his fingers as Breal had shown him, opening his partner, preparing him for the taking. He wondered if he should add a third finger and decided that it would help open him. When the third finger was added, Shilo pushed downward, and Chaal could feel the strong muscles sucking at his fingers. "He's ready." Shido said quietly.

		Chaal changed to a kneeling position, careful to keep his fingers tight inside. With his brother's help, he lined up and then spread his fingers as wide as he could. He pulled them out and pressed his own hungry penis inside, pushing past the ring of muscle. It contracted against his penis and he almost climaxed right then and there. Breal grabbed the base of his brother's penis to prevent his premature release and after a few moments, Chaal regained control over his body, and then slowly pushed himself all the way inside.

	He thrust in and out, going faster and harder until he reached his climax and discharged his release into his partner. A couple of thrusts more and he was emptied, slipping free of Shilo's tight passage. But Shilo still needy and it was Chaal's job to relieve that need. He took Shilo's turgid penis into his mouth, this time all the way to the root, sucking as he enveloped it, while his hands gently massaged the boy's balls. Shilo began to thrust hard and then jerked, spilling the first climax of his life into his partner's mouth. The boys were now life partners and their taking would vary little. Chaal would always give and Shilo would always receive; their station in life reflected in their sexual position. Chaal moved to Shilo's side and the boys cuddled together, tired yet contented. Shido drew the covers over them and bent to kiss his son's forehead, and then together with Breal, left them alone to get to know one another in the non-carnal sense. Shido led Breal to his main room and took out a bottle of fine wine. It was rare when a Blood Demon drank other than blood, but a successful partnering was definitely such an occasion. A life partner was more important than a mate, especially since it was rare the male Blood Demon that had the opportunity to mate with one of the few females. Shilo would eventually mate because he was the Lord's son and heir, but Chaal would more than likely never be chosen. "To an excellent partnering!" Shido toasted. And the two men drank, and then their eyes locked together. Shido decided the time was right to take a chance. "You lost your partner to Naraku?" "Yes, Vos killed him, but I understand that he was under Naraku's control." Breal replied. "Yes, as was my partner of many years, Tyrrl. I miss him greatly." Shido's face grew pensive as he thought about his partner of more than a century, "But I think the time has come to move ahead. If you feel the same, I would like to offer myself as your partner." The young demon looked surprised and then quickly recovered and bowed to his Lord. "I would be honored." "No, Breal." Shido said, pulling the demon up, "Not just because I am your lord, but because you wish to partner with me. It is your choice and I will hold nothing against you if you refuse me." "I was attracted to you the moment I met you, my Lord. And I would be honored to be your partner." Shido smiled and moved closer, taking the glass from Breal's hands and setting both glasses down on the table. Then he took the demon's face in his hands and kissed him. Breal kissed him back and then reached down his hand, gently tracing the outline of Shido's penis through his trousers. Shido hitched in his breath - it had been such a long time!! - and led Breal to his bedroom.
		Shido undressed slowly, provocatively, and Breal smiled at the beautiful Demon Lord, wondering if Shido realized how beautiful he was. He also began to undress, and soon revealed a penis that was no longer limp. Just watching Shido undress had been enough to start his arousal. He reached out to Shido and embraced him, kissing him deeply. Shido gave a little shiver of anticipation. Breal ran his hands down the pale body before him, and then lifted him bodily and carried him to the bed.
	He caressed every inch of the beautiful demon, from the top of his head to the tips of his small feet. Everything about the demon lord was delicate, his skin was like smooth satin, as pale as milk. His long hair was ribbons of lavender silk and his golden eyes were topazes gleaming in the dimly lit room. Shido was so beautiful!
		Breal continued caressing the wonderful body in his hands, ending his exploration by kissing the small of Shido's back while his gentle fingers fondled a stiffening penis. When the demon lord gave up his pre-ejaculate, Breal covered his fingers with it and then put two slick digits deep inside of Shido's anal passage.
	Shido moaned loudly as Breal's strong fingers penetrated him -- it had been so long! -- and he pushed against his hand, trying to bring more of him inside. Breal stroked him, finding his prostate again and again, and the demon lord began to thrash, aching for his new partner's expert touch.

		Breal moved to kneel behind him, and then lifted Shido a little, setting him onto his swollen length, impaling him deeply. Shido cried out as he felt the hard member invading him and clutched at Breal, trying to bring him inside even deeper. Breal reached around and took hold of Shido's penis, stroking in time to his own body as he moved in and out of his partner. Both men were so close to their climax that there was no way to stop and take Shido in his mouth as was the custom. Breal would have to make it up to him later that night. He wrapped his fingers tighter and began to pump Shido hard, at the same time thrusting himself in deep. With rasping cries of passion, the two men came simultaneously, sending copious streams of white out of their tormented, needy penises.

	All through the night, the two men found comfort in each other's arms. They had both been alone for over six years and now their loneliness was finally ended. It was almost dawn when they finally reach satiation and fell asleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

	Shido and his family had once again found happiness. He was very happy and content with his new partner. Breal was with him every night; both men aching for the other. They had six years of emptiness to make up and they were doing their best to erase those years. Lido was content with her new mate. Findal was sweet and gentle and she loved him for it. Perhaps she would never have the passion that she had found with Ralf, but she would also never have the heartbreak. It was an equitable trade.

		Shilo was very happy with Chaal. The boys had become best of friends as well as tender lovers -- exactly what partners should be. They would grow up together, joined always in friendship and love. Even when Shilo took a mate, the relationship he had with Chaal would never change or diminish.

	Six months after taking Breal as his new partner, Shido received a very unexpected visitor. A female Blood Demon named Xara asked for an audience and Shido granted her one this very afternoon. He was very curious what a female demon would want with him. He asked Breal to find out about her and soon Breal returned with his report. Xara was mated to a captain of the guard named Bantha. She had three children and was reported to be very content with her mate. Bantha was an excellent soldier and was well liked by his men. At the appointed time, Xara was shown into Shido's office. She bowed to her lord and he offered her a chair, and then returned to his chair behind his desk. "What can I do for you, Xara?" "You lost your mate," she began. Shido nodded and Xara continued, "I would like to offer my eldest daughter as your new mate. She is 16 and considered to be a great beauty. I must tell you that she is a bit headstrong, but I'm sure a man of your experience and rank would not have a problem." Shido remained silent, lost in thought. He had not realized that any female Blood Demon was in his lands that was unmated. This was an offer than would be hard to refuse. But he wasn't sure that he wanted refuse her. As Blood Demon Lord, it was literately his duty to be mated, but that was mostly to produce children, and he already had accomplished that. Shilo was his heir and Lido would carry his bloodline. Did he want another mate? He wasn't sure. Breal gave him companionship and sexual release; he really didn't need more. "I would like to meet your daughter before I make my decision." Xara nodded and promised to bring her daughter to meet him three days hence. Then she bowed and left.

	Three days passed quickly and before he realized it, Shido was in his office waiting for Xara and her daughter to arrive. He still had not made a decision whether he wanted to mate again or not. Breal had not been any help, telling him that he would be happy with whatever decision he made. Lido told him he should mate again, promising him happiness if he did, and Shilo said that he shouldn't, not wanting to have his mother replaced in his father's heart. Shido assured his son that Liho could never be replaced and that his love for her would endure for all eternity. Xara entered, bowing, and then the most beautiful Blood Demon he had ever seen walked into the room. Her long dark hair was unbound and flowed down her shoulder in wild curls. Her sultry eyes were golden and her mouth was a red sensual pout. As soon as Shido saw her, he knew that he would accept her. "This is my daughter, Xantha." Xara said, making the introduction. Xantha bowed, "I am pleased to meet you, Lord." Her voice was a soft purr that made his heart skip a beat. Oh, yes! He wanted her! Shido moved to her and took her hand, kissing it gently. "It is my pleasure. You know what your mother proposed? And you are agreeable?" "Yes, I am agreeable, especially now that I have met you, my Lord. I would be honored to be your mate." Xantha smiled at him, looking at him through her long lashes. She knew how beautiful she was and the thought of becoming the mate of the Lord of the Blood Demons was an aphrodisiac to her. She would do anything to entice him to mate with her. Shido was well aware that his status was what she wanted, but he felt it was an equitable trade. She could have her status as First Female and he would have her body at his command and she would bear him more children. Yes, that was more than acceptable. He turned to Xara, "I accept your daughter as my mate. When is her next ripening? I would like to mate her then." Xantha was not happy with those words. So the demon lord wanted to impregnate her immediately. She did not want to become nothing more than a breeder like some females were. "My Lord. I am very young yet. I would like my body to grow up a little more before I bore your children." Shido looked at her, surprised by her words. All female Blood Demons had the duty to produce as many children as possible. With so few females, the existence of their entire race existed in their hands. "It will be in fate's hands. I will mate with you and you will not take anything to prevent a pregnancy. If it is your time to bear children, you will. If it is not, then you won't." Xantha bowed, accepting her lot, but still not liking it. But she had no choice now that Lord Shido had commanded her not take steps to prevent a pregnancy. Perhaps it would not happen so soon. She could only hope.

		Three days later, Xantha was brought to the fortress and installed in luxurious rooms of her own. She knew that Shido would spent most of his time with his male partner and that was fine with her. That night, Shido came to her and again kissed her hand. She gave a little bow and then stood there waiting for him. He went to her and put a hand under her chin, lifting her face to his. His mouth covered hers and he kissed her long and deep, until she gasped for air. He began to undress her, bending to kiss her breasts when he uncovered them, taking a perk nipple between his lips and giving it a little bite. She gave a little shiver, surprised that she liked what he was doing to her. Shido finished undressing her and stood back, looking at her beauty. He knelt in front of her and pressed his lips on the soft black curls on her mound, kissing her gently. Then he moved her backward until she reached the bed and sat her down on it, still kneeling in front of her. Deftly, his tongue probed her treasures and she gasped when he found a special little bit of flesh between her legs. He licked her, eliciting moans and sighs. Soon her hips were rotating around his mouth and she was getting very moist. He dipped his tongue inside her passage, lapping at her wetness, and she groaned deeply.

	No one had ever told her that this would be so enjoyable -- that she would begin to ache for his touch, wanting more and more of it. Suddenly, her vision blanked for a second and she arched, discharging clear liquid. She had just achieved her very first climax. Shido moved on top of her, positioning her legs around his hips, and then entered the girl, going slowly to give her body time to stretch around him. When he was fully inside, he rested a moment, allowing her to adjust to the feel of him, and then began to slowly pull out and then push back in. Shido picked up speed, driving toward his release. He thrust in as deep as possible and flooded her with his seed.

		Later that night, after a several more lovemaking sessions, Xantha curled into his arms, drifting to sleep. She now knew that she would never be in control -- even though Shido wanted her, she realized that she wanted him just as much. But that was all right -- she knew that he would always fill her life with pleasure. Without expecting it, she was falling in love with her mate.

	For Shido, life was once again full. Xantha was exciting and wonderful, and she would eventually bear him more children. Breal was his companion, friend and lover and would always hold a special place is his life. His children had found their life companions and were happy. Seven years ago Naraku had almost destroyed his entire family and now finally he had put the emptiness behind him and been given another chance at happiness.