A.N. Hatsu no Yoru directly translated "New of Night" and Chuuko no Yoru "Old of night" but meant to be taken as "Night of New" and "Night of Old" I don't own Inuyasha.

Kazeji's eyes wandered to the figure of his older sibling curiously as she quietly seethed. "Akimi, onee-chan, what's wrong? Why do you hate her so much? She is a nice person and she tries... You've treated her like crap for three weeks and she's still kind to you."

Falsely violet eyes snapped to his jade ones angrily. "What do you care? You're supposed to be on my side. Don't you get what she's trying to do? Replace them. We don't need more pseudo parents."

"Pseudo parents? Look I know Okaa-san hasn't exactly been-"

The bleach blonde snorted at his words, turning away. "They both failed. Now go away Kazeji."

He let out a soft sigh and walked away quickly and quietly, not wanting to draw the wrathful girl's attention once more. I swear, she is getting worse.


Kagome sighed as she received a third discreetly handed off note. I can't go and be alone with her like that again. She's vulnerable and doesn't know what she wants.

"Okaa-san? Why is Ayame summoning you anyway?" Shippou inquired as he watched her toss the summons away.

Pale pink lips pulled into a nervous smile as she tugged on her hair. "Oh, nothing to worry about."

Concern etched into the kit's features as he watched his okaa-san. "I know that we have strong ties to Ayame and the rest of the ookami, but you are treading on dangerous territory. They respect you, but we are still considered of lower standing than they are. Ignoring the Lady of the House's request is not something accepted."

"It'll be fine Shippou. Don't worry for me."

A frown creased his childish features as he let out a sigh. I hope she knows what she is doing...


Frustration, sorrow, and desperation clouded the ookami woman's senses as she fell to the floor, beating her fists against the floor. I'm so lost... Two people have struck me this way. Two people have ripped me apart with their mere presence... Kouga-kun, you made me pine and grow up faster than ever. And Kagome-chan... How do your eyes make me feel so loved, yet as soon as you look away I am cold and alone?

"Lady Ayame?"

"Yes Ginta?"

Nervousness rolled off of him in waves as he stepped in, closing the door behind him. This is absolutely ridiculous. Just talk to her. "If Kagome has become your lover, I would suggest firing her and instead making her your equal. The youkai community would accept her, but a hidden affair-"

Jade eyes glared at her subordinate. "She isn't my lover."

"Oh..." was all the ookami male could say, his eyes falling to the floor as he felt the sheer awkwardness permeate the air.

Hakaku walked in at that moment, carrying a clipboard and a few thick envelopes. "Hello. I was just checking on the-Am I interrupting something?"

"No, no. What were you saying Hakaku?" Ayame questioned, eager for the change of subject.

The curious subordinate stared at them suspiciously before shrugging it off. Lady Ayame is allowed her secrets as is Ginta. "Well, this is our year to host the two gatherings, Hatsu no Yoru and Chuuko no Yoru."

Jade eyes glared at the wall as she finally sighed and nodded. "So it is. Well I guess we have to start preparations."


Quiet murmurs rose to the ears of all who'd listen, shock seeming to ripple through the household.

"Well, why are you looking at me so strangely? We host the gatherings this year. Lots of preparations are to be made," Ayame stated calmly as she walked into the room.

Servants rushed about instantly, whispers rising from the masses...

"Lady Ayame is back!"

"She looks a tad thin..."

"We should have hosted the gatherings years ago."

"What of the children?"


Etsuko brought her hand up to knock on her favorite miko's door excitedly. "Kagome-sensei! Kagome-sensei, Okaa-san is out of her room! Please take me to see her! The servants said for me to wait but they wouldn't tell you that! Kagome-sensei!"

Small clawed hands yanked the ookami girl into the bedroom. "Ayame came down?"

A wide smile spread across her lips as the ookami girl nodded vigorously. "She is! Will you come see her too, Shippou onii-san?"

Nervous glances passed between the kitsune and his okaa-san.

"So will you two take me to see her?"

Soft affection for the eager child entered her features as she caressed her cheek. "Of course we will. Lead the way."

"Thank you, Kagome-sensei!" With that, the little girl pulled her forward by her hand, leading the way to the person her little heart cherished.

Shippou met Kagome's eyes as he trailed after them, clearly trying to make her see what he was thinking. Be careful Okaa-san. I have an odd feeling about this.


Excitement bubbled in Ayame's chest as she heard the little group approaching her. Kagome... And my Etsuko. How long has it been since I've seen my little girl? Kami-sama, how could I have forgotten her? Where are Akimi and Kazeji?

"Okaa-san!" Etsuko squealed as she latched onto her okaa-san's legs, hugging her as tightly as possible.

Claws moved through her hair carefully, noting that while it looked like hers it felt like Kouga's. "My baby has grown... When did you get so big, Etsuko?"

"Kids grow. Of course you wouldn't notice something like that, would you?"

Four pairs of eyes snapped to the source of the angry voice, finding a glowering Akimi leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed over her chest.

Jade eyes widened in shock as the ookami woman stared at the teen. "Akimi? Good gracious, what did you do to yourself? Your beautiful blue eyes... And your hair... Why would you damage your gorgeous red hair?"

Cold laughter fell from her black lipstick covered lips. "Surprised you even noticed. Not too blind to see us anymore?"

Shippou winced, the venom in her voice enough to sting even him.

"Stop being so mean Onee-san!" Etsuko shouted as she sprang to defend her recently rediscovered okaa-san.

Kagome bit her lip, feeling the tension build as Kazeji stepped from behind a corner. What will he say?

The young ookami male's features were carefully blank as he bowed formally to her. "Okaa-san, I am glad that you are well. Kagome-sensei, could you help me improve my foot work? I sparred with Hakaku this morning and he knocked my feet from under me quite easily."

Sharp pangs of hurt as well as guilt struck the red haired woman's heart. My children... The only one who even likes me is Etsuko. How much did I miss? When did I stop noticing them?

"I will assist you. Please wait in my room for me, I wish to speak with you first." Calm seemed to radiate from the miko's body as she nodded at him, not betraying a hint of her own feelings on the matters at hand.

Arrogance flashed in Akimi's accusing pools of tainted violet, her body language daring anyone to speak.

Ayame felt tears gathering in her eyes as her only son walked out of the room and her eldest daughter continued to stare at her with cool hate. Kami-sama, I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry. Please forgive me for the damage I have done.

Blue-green orbs studied the expressions of the four females before the kitsune grabbed the hand of the youngest. "Hey Etsuko, lets go play. We can go to the gardens and do whatever you want."

A look of being torn passed through the little ookami's features. "But Okaa-san... Well... Can I braid your hair and make you a flower necklace?"

He almost winced but quickly plastered a fake smile on his lips, much the same way Akimi had slathered on her lipstick. "Of course! Let's go!" Ack, how does she not vomit from feeling fake all the time? This is almost painful.

"Okay!"

Pale pink lips flashed her kit a grateful smile before she turned sapphire orbs to the remaining ookami females. "You two need to work things out for yourselves."

Twin looks of surprise and hurt flitted over their features.

"What, too much for you to deal with Kagome-sensei?" Akimi sneered with contempt. It figures... Actually want her around and she is ready to bail.

Ayame's eyes narrowed a bit at her daughter. "I deserve anything you can throw at me. I made mistakes and I want to make up for them. But do not disrespect-"

Frustration filled the miko's expression as she cleared her throat loudly. "Stop! You two need to sit down and talk to one another about these things! Scream, cry, hug, fight... Whatever works for you! But stop standing here, sniping and trying to draw me into this. I support both of you, because I want you both safe and happy. But me being here will not help either of you."

Two pairs of eyes followed her as she left before they began to stare at one another.

"Akimi I-"

"Save it. I don't need more bull today."

Jade eyes stared at her oldest daughter with regret and pain as she walked away. I'll make it up to you, Akimi. And to Kazeji and Etsuko.


Kazeji's eyes snapped up to meet the miko's as she entered the room. "Ka-"

"Silence please." She held up a hand and gestured for him to remain seated. "Kazeji, you have every right to be angry with your okaa-san. However, I refuse to be used to hurt her in that way."

"I'm not angr-"

Two fingers pressed against his lips, quieting him as she stared into his eyes with tender understanding. "You are angry with her. I can see it there in your eyes. You try to be neutral and supportive but you have feelings as well. You were trying to hurt her when you turned to me. You wanted her to feel the rejection you felt when she withdrew from all of you. So you wanted her to feel replaced."

Claws dug into his palms as his fists clenched and shook with anger. "I can't... I'm supposed to be the strong one! I'm supposed to be the one who holds everything together and makes sure that Etsuko and Akimi don't rip each other or anyone else apart... Why can't I...?"

Slender yet strong arms wrapped around the teen as he began to sob into her shoulder. "Sshh... It's alright. There is no shame in tears."

"Bu-"

Soft lips pressed against the top of his head in a motherly fashion. "You are still a child Kazeji. You are not "supposed to be" anything. You merely are. This is the time to grow and change and find out what you are or what you're "supposed to be" in the future. Don't take on burdens that aren't your own."

Slowly, the sobs lessened and finally the boy fell asleep as the woman rocked him back and forth as if he were her own son.


"Kagome?"

The miko let a soft sigh pass through her lips as she felt the ookami woman advance. "What is it, Ayame?"

Strong hands turned the smaller woman towards her so that they were eye-to-eye, her hand slipping down to her hips. "Why didn't you come to me? I summoned you many times. Kagome?"

Soft pink stained her cheeks as she felt her hand come up to caress her face. "Ayame, stop it. You don't know what you want."

"I want you! I think that's obvious enough!" Frustrated growls fell from her throat.

She broke away quickly, pushing her back with gentleness. "No. You aren't ready Ayame. You should take some time to figure things out for yourself. A lot of healing needs to happen, alright? Don't complicate things further."

Pain stung her heart as jade eyes followed the miko as she left.


"Ginta?"

"Hey Onee-chan! What's up?" the male replied with a smile as he nudged a chair out in front of his desk, silently telling her to sit.

Kagome did so gracefully, letting out a sigh as she met his gaze. "Hakaku isn't around right? I'd like to request information about something without someone asking why I want to know."

A look of understanding passed over his features. "He went to a business dinner. Go ahead."

"Well... Tell me about ookami mating traditions and more about the customs."