Eternally Grateful

Chapter one

Announcements and crows

Kasumi's POV

Love…true love…nothing can truly define this thing, it lives and breeds in us…clinging to our insides, we are but human hosts powerless to fight against the celestial force that possess us, I am half demon and yet…I love as purely and as innocently as those who reside in heaven. I have witnessed true love, every day it dances in the eyes of my parents…the sheer devotion, the sacred simplicity of being with someone you love, the kind of simplicity that is often taken for granted. Their love was strong…it was as impenetrable as iron forged underground, it could withstand the blistering heat and bitter cold and cut deep than any knife ever made. In my eighteen years of life I had seen my father leap into flames, icy pools and fields of blades…all to retrieve my mother.

I am the daughter of Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Rin, I am Kasumi…and this day I turned eighteen, today I was free to make a decision; one, I could join a group of demonic women, "the arrow maids" that's what they called themselves, the requirements were that I had to fight well with a bow (which I was more than capable of) and a vowel of chastity. With my skill in wind manipulation and the fact that my father was the great Lord Sesshomaru apparently made me the perfect candidate for this little fellowship. Or there was option number two…I let my parents choose a husband for me.

I glided down the white marble corridors of my home, guards in silver armour bowed as I walked past them, each of them whispering my name in respect. I came to the balcony that over looked the gardens, this time of year it had become a land of silver, everything glistened fairer than a white diamond or pearl. It was my favourite season…winter; my brother Kenta the master of water preferred the spring, my brother Katsu, the earth prince, loved Summer and finally my brother Katashi, Lord of flame, enjoyed the Autumn. None could understand my fascination with the snow….it's like a magical Ivory blanket that covers all flaws, making something truly beautiful.

It was standing upon the balcony, admiring the frost covered greenery that I again witnessed my parents strolling bellow. They were ignorant to my watch; only in private did my father show his true and warm affections for my mother, in court he appeared so cold and distant…when really she couldn't nearer to his heart. I dare say the great lord Sesshomaru even smiled…I want that I thought to myself, I want to be loved like that. You wouldn't know by looking at them…but they had endured a lot, their enemies never relented and did everything to break them apart all for various reasons, yet there they stood, so in love…so engrossed with each other. There was a possibility that if I opted for the arranged marriage that I could grow to love my chosen husband…but I wasn't sure if that was a risk I wanted to take.

"Again I find you watching them" spoke my older brother Katahi suddenly appearing at my side "have you nothing better to do?"

I sighed, Katashi was the only one of my brothers who remained, his fellow triplet brothers all travelled elsewhere, Katsu was currently travelling, he had apparently heard the earth he wielded cry to him, now his lifelong mission was to live amongst green pastures and heal the suffering earth. Kenta…was the one I missed the most, he was staying with my oldest brother Yoshi, a human Lord. I could tell Katashi missed all his brothers and had become much more protective me because of it.

I ignored his question and changed the subject "Tonight, once the ball has finished…I am to announce my decision, mother has invited many eligible bachelors….her preference is clear" I paused and checked his face, with a smirk I continued "however both and father would much prefer I remain innocent forever and join the arrow maids…right?"

He cleared his throat "It is an admirable group to join, you have the potential to one day lead them, I would think you would rather lead a life of independence than marry a Lord you do not know" he countered.

I again sighed and leaned against the stone balcony, all the men in my life were so protective and yet they gave the room to grow as strongly as them. However as I watched my parents bellow I noticed that neither of the option lain before me would give me what they have, thus I shall never have what I truly desire…so in the end, it doesn't matter what I choose. I shrugged my shoulders "I suppose I would…then again…there is the possibility that I could find love amongst these suitors".

Katashi scoffed, "that sort of thing only happens in stories…you will not fall in love with this person, the best thing that will come of it is that you will grow fond of each other and have respect".

My brother…never was the optimistic one in the family, still it would be nice if he could pretend, "thank you for your wise words brother" I said sarcastically "I now am even more excited to make my announcement tonight…I should go get ready". With that I walked away, I could feel his regretful eyes upon me, I know he only says these things because he cares, Katashi has never very good at showing his brotherly affection. Also, I understood his bitterness towards love…the woman he almost gave his heart to have recently married another. He reacted to this by distancing himself and hardening, when she told him that she had no choice he simply stated "I am not concerned with how you live your life" though inside he was breaking apart. My mother saw it and she was the only one who he showed his emotions to.


Rin's POV

I giggled and took his hand, I pulled him along, "my Lord I must leave to help our daughter get ready, and she must look her best tonight".

Sesshomaru let go of my hand and stood still for a moment, I felt the lurch in his heart, and with a gentle smile I faced him. "Please do not be saddened, she'll always be your little girl…and anyway she may choose to join the arrow maids" I tried to reassure him, it would not work…he still silently grieved for his daughter, at the end of that day he would lose her. I took his hand and continued guiding him inside. Our home was quiet now…our children were all fully grown; Sesshomaru and I now had grandchildren who we doted upon. Our family grew and extended….Yoshi was a wonderful parent, however…he preferred I did not visit, he was now twenty-seven years of age and I did not look a day past twenty…it broke my heart knowing that I would outlive my son and if long periods apart helped to ease this for him then so be it. Kasumi was our youngest…she was now a grown woman. All my sons were divided, except for Katashi…he remained to lead his father's army and await the day he humbly took Sesshomaru's place.

Upon the ice covered bench under a frostbitten tree I sat us down, "Husband….twenty-five years we have been married…twenty-five years of fighting side by side when people tried to tear us apart. You seem to feel more at ease facing foes than the fact that our children are all grown" I touched my hand upon the cold space on his chest, "I feel everything you do…not just because of the bond but because they match my own feelings. It is truly bitter sweet and something every parent must face….when they no longer need us, that's when we know we have done our duty…that is how we know we have succeeded as parents" I took his chin between thumb and index finger and lifted his face, "either old age…or parenthood has turned you soft" I teased (something I was only able to get away with) and I kissed his cheek, he of course remained stoic, but everything he felt inside was known to me. "Congratulations my Lord…we did it, we raised five strong and capable beings and unleashed them upon the world…they can face any obstacle because they learnt to from us".

He didn't say anything but simply stood and took my hand "Come…you must ensure Kasumi is ready".

I giggled and clung to his arm as we walked, yes I was right….It is so hard to watch those little creations of yours grow into something of their own, you can only lead them so far…you can only offer guidance when they truly want it. It is also a great relief, because in my heart I know they're all going to be okay, they can protect themselves and each other…but each knows that should they ever need us, we'll be here and will not hesitate to assist them with anything.

"Why are you so eager for her to choose marriage?" asked my husband curiously.

I sighed and tightened my grip around his muscular arm, "she is not a child…she is a woman and she needs new arms to hold her…ours no longer suffice" I replied, I felt him tense up.

Honestly…all men are the same, they forget that all women have fathers and they never consider the father's plight until they become ones themselves.


Her hair was truly lovely, it was long and almost reached her feet, the servants would beg her to let them comb and style it…just to get a touch of the silk like texture. Kasumi stared into the mirror, not vainly but thoughtfully, her lashes were long, thick and black…they framed those large buttery eyes; the little Jasmine flower that marked her forehead sometimes glowed when she used her elemental powers. She like a picturesque winter's night, shimmering and glimmering beneath starlight, but in the light of the sun…she was the dawn of spring, a breath of new life. It would be easy for her to find a husband, any man would want her, but she never seemed interested…she was like an ethereal ghost sometimes, wandering without purpose…but still without sorrow, she embraced her immortality, she lived without care…she did not need to cling to a moment because if she wanted she could make it last forever. I wanted her to have more purpose in life, I wanted her to find something or someone to focus on…or else I fear she would wake up one day and find herself feeling lonely.

"Shall we braid your hair tonight?" I offered.

She shook her head, "I would prefer to wear it down, perhaps half of it up though…is that alright?" she responded.

He grinned at her "of course my sweet, tonight is your night you can have your hair in any way you feel comfortable".

I continued combing through the silk strands…she was a woman now, I remember when she was so small and I had the ability to keep her warm…when she needed me to sing to her in order to sleep, and also the times we would play dolls together, making up all kinds of stories. Now she kept herself warm and to fall asleep she needed total silence and her dolls had been traded in for a bow and arrow.

"I will always need you mother…you and father" she spoke, I was surprised to hear her say this, a corner of her lips tugged upwards and she continued, "you forget…I am a friend to the wind and it carries voices to me…little messages and I am able to hear the words of those I love…I know of your earlier conversation with father and I just wanted you to know that whatever my decision tonight…I will always need you…my brothers will not admit it, but they feel the same, we love you both very much".

I filled up with motherly warmth and brought Kasumi into my arms, I had done so well…with all of them! My thoughts travelled back to my eldest son, Yoshi…even though he was three years away from thirty, he was still my little baby and even though he thought it best we did not see each other as often due to his ageing…I vow that I always be here for him…because like Kasumi said, he would always need me, even if he didn't want to admit it.

I helped Kasumi pick out a kimono, it was very imperial…beautiful nightshade blue with a golden obi tied about her tiny waist, a swirling golden pattern decorated the deep dark blue silk and looked as though it had been forged from the same fabric as the starry night. I entwined flowers of gold and deep blue jewels into her silver mane. She was like a moonlit princess and bound to steal a heart tonight without any doubts.

There came a knock at the door, when I allowed entrance my son Katashi, he was dressed in his formal armoury, the kind soldier's wore to such occasions rather than on the battlefield, he looked just like his father. "Katashi! My dear you look so handsome" I complimented. He held his head up proudly.

"Have you come to escort me down to the ball brother?" Kasumi spoke adding the final touches to her pretty face.

Katashi smirked "yes…however, there are a total of four men who will be escorting you to your ball this evening" he said cryptically. He slid the door open wider and revealed three more of my favourite me, my sons, Kenta, Katsu…and Yoshi. Kasumi jumped to her feet and ran gracefully to them "Oh my brothers!" She cheered, "What a lovely surprise! No gifts in the world could ever compare the one you have all just given me!"

"Very well, in that case I'll just keep the diamond pendent I purchased for you" Katsu teased.

She embraced each of them, "I honestly didn't think you all would be able to make it" she said soppily.

Kenta offered her his handkerchief "we would not miss the day our sister joined us in adulthood, all four of us and father arranged this in order to surprise both you and mother" he responded, he then smirked, "I also have someone I wish for you all to meet tonight".

I wonder who?

Kasumi then took Yoshi by the hands "What about Airi and the children?" she asked.

He shrugged, "they await you in the throne room where the ball is being held, all eager to see what a lovely woman you have become" he answered. "Like Kenta I also have another announcement".

This was all so wonderful and it truly brought tears to my eyes, it had been two years since I last saw Yoshi and my grandchildren, the eldest grandson was now nine, his name was Arata. My second grandchild was a pretty little girl named Aya, she was seven and finally my third was another boy…Ayumu, he was four now. It would be so wonderful to see them all again! Yoshi saw the emotion in my eyes and requested his siblings wait outside for a moment.

"Mother" he gushed, hugging me…it was so difficult for him to see me so much younger than him but I could also tell that it hurt him more not to see me at all "I have missed you, so have my children, they ask for you constantly! Forgive me; after all you have done for me in life…I avoid you for such a vain reason".

I held his face in my hands "my son…we knew this time would come, but I will always be a part of your life…no matter what".

We stood in silence for a while; I had my baby back for just a moment longer, when a knock came at the door. It was my own escort he to collect me…my husband who hid his sweetness behind a frosty exterior. "Come now…it is time we began this evening" he spoke, my lord was not a sociable person and he disliked the notions of such festivities being held under his roof, he never made small talk with those he took no interest in, however for the smile on our daughter's face he would endure this bothersome night and not utter a word of complaint.

I took his hand "you look very handsome my Lord"

"Hn" was all he said in response but I felt the leap of his heart, you really cannot hide anything from me! I giggled internally. I have lived forty-four years and I had loved my Sesshomaru for thirty-six of those and married to him for twenty-five.


My Lord and I entered the grand hall first, we were dramatically announced and entered as honoured hosts, the crowed bowed down to us as we made our way to the magnificent thrones and awaited the lady of honour, Kasumi.

Moments later she entered linking arms with Yoshi and Katashi as she did, Katsu and Kenta walked either side, all so proud to escort her in. little whispers broke and gasps, all inspired by my daughters beauty.

The ball would start when the girl who had come of age danced with all the important men in her life. Starting with the youngest she danced with Kenta, then Katsu, then Katashi , the Yoshi and then finally her father. Sesshomaru hated dancing, but once again he simply grinned and bared it for his daughter, it was a true sight to see…the great and powerful Sesshomaru was dancing! Of course he was magnificent…everything he did was perfection, but still the very notion had me and the other members of our family holding back laughter.

Kasumi's smiled so breezily and I faintly heard her speak to her father, "thank you for dancing with me father, I realise there are many women here who would die for the privilege" she said.

To which my husband replied "they do not have the advantage of being related to me", in other words there is nothing he would not endure for his family, I really have gotten so much better at reading him, he no longer confuses me, in fact I dare say I know him better than he knows himself.

After the father/daughter dance, the other guests were free to join them upon the dance floor. Sesshomaru took his place beside me on the throne and we watched the festivities. Kasumi danced with the eligible bachelors she was required to, Kenta danced with his niece Aya, letting her stand on his feet. Katsu flirted with all the pretty girls and Katashi stood in his corner watching, ignoring many admirers and keeping his youngest nephew Ayumu company. Yoshi and Airi seemed to be enjoying themselves also, twirling and dancing as I had seen them do as children.

I felt someone pull at the hem of my kimono it was my eldest grandson Arata, "grandmother…will you honour me with a dance?"

I grinned widely "of course my dear…doesn't seem like anyone else is going to ask" I shot my husband a playful look and lead my grandson into the crowed of merry makers.

Trumpets again blew and we were welcomed by the arrow maids, the kept their faces hidden under silver cloaks, their gold bows and arrows strapped to their slim backs, once they had kneeled to Sesshomaru and our family they revealed their faces, all elf like in their beauty and glowing with chastity. There were seven of them all in total, if Kasumi decided so she could be their eigth.

Their lilac haired leader spoke first, her light purple eyes gazed up at us, focusing first on Kasumi, observing her closely. "My Lord and Lady…we are the arrow maids, I am the leader…Hikari and my fellow sisters and I have come here this evening to humbly invite the Lady Kasumi to join our communion. I respectfully add that this will be the first time we have made such an offer to a half-demon".

This was it…it was time for her decision, Sesshomaru stood "her answer will be given…there are other announcements to be made tonight" he said, he then gestured to Kenta and Yoshi, he summoned Yoshi to speak first.

Placing down Ayumu he took his wife's hand and came forward, "we are happy to declare that once again Lady Airi is with child, due this summer".

Another grandchild for us to love! How wonderful! Their wonderful news was met by an applause, Airi giggled modestly.

Kenta then came forth with his hand entwined with a beauty fresh and clear like spring water, her hair sky blue and her eyes bottle green. Who is this woman? She is very lovely and I like the way she looks at my son.

"Mother, Father…this beautiful creature standing before you is called Yuna, she is ladies'-maid to the water goddess who I met in my travels, and we ask for your blessings, I intend to make this woman my wife. The water goddess herself has already given me her approval…but not even the word of a goddess means more to me than yours" he spoke.

A soft pink blush painted this girls cheek, Sesshomaru and I exchanged glances, I decided to speak this time, "young woman…I would like to hear your words, to hear you ask us for our son"

She appeared so nervous but swallowed hard, she knelt down and gracefully bowed her head "honoured mother and father to the man who gave me new breath of life, I humbly ask that you let me wed your son and join your family, there would be no greater honour and I will thank you both for the rest of my life for this happiness you have granted me".

She was so sweet and humble, we simply could not refuse, they were eagerly congratulated and wished every bit of luck on their journey together. Katashi quietly scoffed and I silently pitied him, I could not blame him for feeling bitter, he still silently grieved for the loss of the only girl he had ever loved.

Kasumi took a nervous sigh and stepped forward, it was time for her to make her decision. The bachelors stood on tip toes with fingers crossed. She stood centre of the great hall and opened her mouth to speak…we all waited with such eager anticipation. "I Lady Kasumi…daughter of the Demon Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Rin, pledge my allegiance to the arrow maids" she knelt stood before them with her hand on her heart. "I will take the same vows as you…I will join your communion and share in the same life as you".

Why do I feel sad at this? If this is what she wanted…if this is what makes her happy, then I should smile for her.

Hikari smirked proudly and produced and came forward, "you must understand…our path is one of chastity and resilience, we live our lived graceful…poised and deadly, we will never marry or bear children, if we couple with a man we will lose the powers given to us by the bow". She then produced a golden bow and arrow set, "this will be yours, not your weapon but also your companion, when we form the bond it will whisper to you its name. It is important to have good aim, if we miss our target or merely graze them, we will feel the overwhelming pain our arrow was meant to inflict on them, without the luxury of dying. We will be your family; we will be your sisters…so again, do accept".

No matter what, we…Sesshomaru and I would always be her family; she had brothers…not sisters.

Kasumi nodded "I accept" she then took the bow in her hand, we and all the guest watched in amazement as Hikari laid her hand on Kasumi's forehead, giving of a light and the two recited the vows.

"I eternally pledge my obedience and loyalty to my bow and sisters, I will live my life in clarity…I will aim straight and true. For all my long years ahead I vowel all of the above" they spoke in unison and finally, their last words "I need no man!"

I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her, she may not need a man…but her life was indeed filled with me who loved her more than their own lives.

The light purified in her and connected with the bow…


Kasumi's POV

I could feel such power pulsing through me, in my ear whispered a voice, "Striker" it whispered…that was it, that was the name of my bow…Striker, already I felt a bond between my companion and I, as I did with the wind. I rose a full-fledged arrow maid, applauded by a crowed, they covered me with a cloak that matched theirs, I was one of them now.

Through the applauding, I heard voices, "she's in there I can smell her" they said, "We enter now!"

Wind, my friend…these messages, what are you trying to tell me friend, who is coming? A dreaded feeling came over me, I turned to my father "father guard mother!" I cried to him, immediately he rose, unsheathed his swords and stood protectively in front of my mother.

Through the windows a group of demon men burst through, some carrying the heads of the guards they had slaughtered. They took out the lights with them and stood in moonlight.

Katashi growled and flames reappeared in the lanterns, his entire body became one flame. Katsu made the walls and marble crack as he tightened his fists, the earth he controlled angry with him. Kenta moved Yuna and made her stand with Airi and the children. Yoshi had to force his eldest to safety as he too joined us in guarding out mother.

From the dozen that ambushed two dark figures came forward, they were the crow demons, their wings huge and filled with black feathers; they were all sinfully beautiful, like dark angels.

The leader spoke first, he was tall…his hair deep red, contrasting with his black wings "I was so disappointed that I did not merit an invitation, I was told all eligible bachelors were welcome" he mused, my father was growing angrier….they were after my mother, they had no other reason to be here. "Forgive me for not introducing myself; I am Noboru, Lord of the crow demons…Lord of the Eastern Lands". He then gestured to his right hand man, he was tall, perhaps an inch taller than my father, he was lean with piercing mauve eyes and dark cascading hair, when his eyes connected with mine I felt a jolt and was suddenly confused, something inside me burned for him…was it hate at first sight? "This here is Sora, my little brother".

Noboru stepped one foot forward and we all tensed, my fellow sisters and I unleashed our bows, there was no way I'd lose my mother to these feathery fiends!

"If you have come for the Lady Rin" My father growled "you have wasted you time".

"That's right!" Katashi added "you will have to pry her from our cold dead hands!"

These fools, they did not understand what they had just leapt into, in this room were some of the most powerful beings to walk the earth, all with a common bond, our love for one woman who gave us life.

The crow lord began to laugh maliciously, "fear not Sesshomaru I have not come for that pretty wife of yours….no, I have come for your lovely daughter" his eyes then focused on me, "Kasumi…be mine, agree and we shall leave peacefully, no one will be harmed…or fight against me and watch many a drop of blood spill on your behalf".

Yoshi moved closer to me, "if you step another toe towards my little sister I'll pluck you clean of every last feather".

"Come now!" Noboru coaxed, "this is the perfect opportunity to form an alliance between our kingdoms, I will treat her well you have my word".

I did not believe a word of it and neither did my father, he gripped at his sword. Hikari strained at her bow "she is unable to wed anyone…she has already uttered her vowels she an arrow maid now and can wed no one!" she informed.

Noboru shrugged nonchalantly, "vowels were made to be broken" he teased, "now let's stop wasting time…come my pretty bride".

Father had enough he leapt forth and engaged in a sword fight with this Lord, the arrow maids held their bows and fought in combat. My brothers joined the fight also, all I did was stand stupidly in the midst of this fight, staring at Sora who remained still and calm…staring back at me.

I had to do something, I cast up my wind…but just as it was beginning to stir, my limbs tightened and I could no longer control it. I looked at Sora again who was radiating a blue light…he was doing this? How did he hinder my power?

Though I stood frozen, my family fought savagely as more crows poured in, Katashi set wings alight and had them leaping out the window to safety our niece Aya tried to run to her father, when a crow demon tried to attack her and Katashi leapt to her defence. Katsu crushed his enemies into the dirt swallowed them into, one of my fellow arrow maids struggled, Katsu defended her, "do I get a reward for that?" he asked her, puckering up his lips, she scowled at him and continued fighting. Kenta protected his Yuna, when she was grabbed he appeared instantly.

He glared at his opponent "tell me" he began, "were you aware the eighty-three percent of blood, even demonic blood, is made of…water?" he then had his enemy crippled, manipulating the blood in his body.

"I grow weary of this" Noboru complained as water, earth and fire began to near destroy the place and my father had him in a death lock. "Sora, it is time brother".

The whole room suddenly turned cold and grey, everyone was dropping to their knees, radiating the same blue light as Sora. What's happening…how is he doing this?

"What have you done to us?" My mother yelled from across the room.

Noboru laughed and joined his brother "Sora here can drain the energy of anyone with demonic traces of blood, ever you lady Rin, you possess some of Sesshomaru's. Your Lord suffers greater…because the more powerful you are the more there is to drain".

A hysterical burst of laughter came from one person, "that's where I come in" spoke Yoshi, "I'm completely human fool!" with that he leapt to Noboru who rolled his eyes and with quick movement produced a hidden blade….and stabbed Yoshi in the side.

Scream resonated, painful cries…hot tears streamed down my face, no! Not my brother!

"Yoshi!" Airi screamed, she and her human children moved to assist him.

"No!" he yelled back to them "Airi stay back don't come near me it's not safe!" reluctantly they obeyed.

I was like a statue, Noboru ordered Sora to collect me, which he did with ease….I screamed to my family who called back struggled to move even an inch closer. My eyes fixed on Yoshi as the blood spilled from his wound.

"I will find you!" my father called to me, "I will find you Kasumi!"

"Your sisters will not rest till you are reclaimed" Hikari promised.

My family….watching them fade away into the distance as I was taken into the air, it was the most painful thing!

Let me know what you think, next chap is coming soon :)