Chapter Fourteen

Bokusenou; Hōnoki Youkai

It had taken them almost a full two weeks to make their way to the forest of Musashi, and Seihomaru was pleased that it had gone smoothly. They had not stumbled across any obsticles, and even though it had been a slow trip, it had filled everyone with excitement and wonder as they took in the many different landscapes the mainland had to offer. It seemed as though the trip itself revitalized his clan and he was satisfied. His own grief at the loss of his pack had eased some, and even Taizo seemed a bit more relaxed.

Seihomaru stared at the large forest sitting just below the ridge he stood on, his eyes taking in the massive gnarled branches blocking anyone's path into or out of the thicket. It looked so dark and dreary, that any light source of any kind almost had no chance of penetrating the dense woods. The branches were twisted in such a way, it almost appeared as though the trees were hugging each other. Shaking his head, he sighed. "There has to be some way to enter." To his immediate left sat a large roaring waterfall which intrigued him, and a bit more to the left and somewhat behind sat a rather massive forest. It was a peaceful area, and he smiled.

Nii nodded beside him, his eyes scanning the field before the woods began. They were empty, and so satisfied that no danger was present, he once again looked at the forest in front of them. "Toutousai did mention that they would be difficult to enter. The trees are protective of Bokusenou."

Seihomaru nodded, and began his careful decent to the field below. As soon as they got close to the forest, whispers became apparent and he stopped.

"He is the one we are waiting for."

"We can only allow him to enter."

"We must inform him that he has arrived."

Seihomaru and Nii glanced at one another hesitantly. The others behind them were rigid, listening intently, and waiting for their lord to proceed.

"He already knows he is here."

"We must make way."

"Only he is allowed to enter here."

Just as those whispers left the air, several branches parted before Seihomaru and he frowned. Taking a wary step forward, with Nii, he jumped back startled when the branches crashed in front of Nii preventing him from following. Seihomaru growled low, and shook his head. "You prevent them from coming? Why?"

The branches released from the ground and moved back into place, still with a small spot for Seihomaru to enter.

Nii narrowed his eyes. "He will not go alone." He snarled.

"Then he does not enter here."

"But he must, he is waiting."

"Only he is allowed to enter."

"No other can step foot within."

Nii shook his head vigorously. "With it being unknown territory and not knowing what lurks in your woods, he does not go alone!"

'Our woods are perfectly safe."

"No dangers are here."

"We keep it safe."

"You say that." Seihomaru growled. "I go with one, or do not go at all."

'Is this not your whole purpose of your trip here?' Taizo whispered to him.

'Oh you live. I was wondering where you had gone off to.'

'If you needed something, you only had to call.'

Seihomaru rolled his eyes. The whispers in the trees became distant, more towards the middle of the forest. Then the sounds grew to such an intensity that Seihomaru winced and covered his ears. The trees sounded angry, or frustrated.

"We will allow you and only one other."

"Beware, do not enter here with fear."

"Fear in your hearts will kill you."

"Any damage to us will kill you."

"Any and all things can kill you."

Nii curled his lip angrily.

Seihomaru snorted and he glanced at Nii. "Remain here with the others." He pulled the tiny dragon from beneath his hair and handed him to the shadow guard, who took it and held it uncertainty. Immediately the little creature squeaked and began howling almost as though in agony. "Easy, I will return. But I cannot take you with me." He gave the tiny dragon a quick pet on the head, and it seemed to pout in response.

He glanced behind him and scrutinized his group. Who did he trust enough to bring with him? The young lord did hold trust in Nii however he needed the shadow guard to keep the clan calm while he went into the woods. Nii's ability to remain calm even during a serious situation was well known, even to him. The silver haired guard seemed to look at all things in a relaxed manner, unless he was provoked, or confronted. Yet even after showing a small bit of anger, the shadow guard would once again be as calm as a clear pool.

Seihomaru's eyes fell on Saza, who Taizo was urging him to take with them. He wasn't certain as to why the youki felt he was a good pick, so he agreed. "Saza, you are coming with me."

'As Nii said, he has little to no fear. Everyone else is afraid of something.' Taizo rolled his eyes and poked at Seihomaru.

'Stop poking me in the ribs.' Seihomaru growled to the youki. Taizo jabbed him again just for good measure and he bit his lip.

Saza raised a brow, but nodded and proceeded forward. Before they could enter the woods, one of the female youkai following Akina moved forward. Her hair was a faded color of blue, almost white, and tied up into a bun. Her yellow eyes were worried and Seihomaru furrowed his brow curiously. Inspecting the small youkai female, her one cheek held a soft orange mark, while her other cheek had an almost iridescent one.

She moved to Saza's side and softly whispered to him, so quietly even Seihomaru couldn't make out the words. Inside his head however, Taizo was informing him of his own suspicions.

After only a moment of pause, Saza moved away and followed Seihomaru into the dark woods, both of them slipping through the opening easily. Immediately the path closed behind them and Saza narrowed his eyes. Seihomaru shook his head.

"Your mate?" Seihomaru questioned.

Saza smirked. "No." Yet the guard blushed slightly.

"Ah." Seihomaru grinned. "Intended then."

Saza quickly changed the subject. "Shall we?"

Seihomaru chuckled but nodded, and moved along the path that was opening before them, leading towards the middle of the vast forest. A few times, they had to duck under a low hanging branch, and he cursed. "If you are so worried for injury to your woods, open a path large enough for us to manoeuvre through without worrying about breaking something." He snapped, yet they were both ignored.

Saza kept his eyes on everything, the ability to see in the limited light, allowing his sight to adjust. However it was so dark within the woods, the most he could make out where various shapes of shadows. No sounds penetrated the thick brush, signalling no signs of wildlife. "No sounds." He whispered softly to Seihomaru as they brushed past another tight spot.

"I noticed that." He nodded.

"Why did you choose me to go along with you?" Saza questioned quietly.

"You are my new captain of the guard. Besides, he encouraged it." Seihomaru tapped his forehead with a smirk.

Saza raised his brows in surprise. "Why does he trust me so much?"

"Were you not aware?" Seihomaru almost stopped walking. "Kazuki's youki resides in me now."

Saza blinked and gasped surprised.

Seihomaru nodded slowly. "I keep forgetting that the only ones who do know are Nii, Akina and Traylaymaru."

Saza swallowed, knowing just from rumours about Kazuki's ancient youki. There were always tales in the barracks about just how powerful Kazuki could be if he had ever wanted to go that far. Many of the other guards had seen him in the fights during their former lords rule, and had made great stories about their captain. Shaking his head, Saza felt more pride now in being able to prove himself to the young lord. He also felt honoured to be held in such high regard with Kazuki's youki that was now housed within Seihomaru.

Seihomaru smiled. "Let's keep going. I would rather not have to remain in this forest longer than needed."

Saza agreed. "Me either." They passed under a low hanging branch.

"So what's her name?"

"Who, my lord?"

"The pretty white haired youkai you were talking to."

Saza blushed again. "Isaki." He mumbled.

Seihomaru smirked. Before he was able to say anything more, a voice boomed at them. "You have been seeking me out for some time now, Seihomaru."

The young inu stopped walking and glanced all around him. Saza shook his head, his eyes glancing around them searching for the owner of the voice.

"Keep walking forward."

Saza narrowed his eyes, his golden gaze peering into the path forward. Shadows lurked everywhere, and the branches moved slower now, almost as though hesitant themselves. Seihomaru glanced at Saza, but moved forward warily.

"You have nothing to fear in these woods, Seihomaru." The voice boomed again.

Steeling his nerves, he proceeded forward, and gasped when the last few branches moved, exposing a bright area, filled with sunlight, and an extremely large tree in the middle. Furrowing his brow, he stepped forward, but almost swallowed his tongue when a face emerged from the trunk of that great tree.

"Welcome to my forest, Seihomaru."

Nodding, he looked up to the face which stood a good two feet above his height. Saza stood back, and remained silent, a silent wonder upon his face as he took in the great magnolia tree. Seihomaru inspected the large trunk which was enormous, spanning several feet in both directions. The large branches were lush with leaves, both gold in color and bright green.

"You are Bokusenou?" Seihomaru whispered.

The face on the magnolia tree smiled. "I am indeed. I know why you have come. You seek answers to many questions, and yet you know the answer to some already."

Seihomaru raised his brow curiously. "Oh?"

"The questions you ask may not have the answers you seek. Nor will you be satisfied. Quite possibly the opposite." Bokusenou continued.

"But you know what I come to ask?" Seihomaru frowned.

Bokusenou smiled. "I do. Ryukotsusei has flown to the North, and there he flies around searching. He has tormented many who reside there."

"Why did he kill his brood?" Seihomaru had almost forgotten about the large dragon demon.

"Someone baited him, you know the someone. For they are dead. Their wish was for your demise, which those plans did not pan out."

"Turari?" Seihomaru sucked in his breath sharply.

"He had many elaborate plans, most of which were stopped by your personal guard. Turari set up the humans and you to take the fall for the death of Ryukotsusei's young, however he did not anticipate him killing his mate. Nor did he take into account that Ryukotsusei would return to the mainland."

Seihomaru thought back to the day and remembered that Turari had been there. "He was there. I remember he was above me on the ledge."

"He knew your coming of age day was fast approaching, and if he had someone else kill you, he could come up with any excuse." Bokusenou informed. "He wanted to get rid of the bloodline to erase any risk of the situation arising again."

Seihomaru closed his eyes, never realizing just how close to death he had been prior to them arriving on the mainland.

"What Turari didn't account for was Kazuki." Bokusenou gave a soft smile. "He also was not aware that when your father murdered your brothers the curse had erased itself from that bloodline."

Seihomaru frowned. "I don't understand. I am the youngest of that bloodline. The last remaining heir."

"So you were led to believe." Bokusenou muttered. "However, your mother and the twins, Seizou and Seiya, had to hide who you were, yet many things came into play."

"What are you saying? That my mother hid my identity with the twins?"

"Your mother is your mother, your father was not your blood father." Bokusenou informed.

Seihomaru felt his knees grow weak, and he shuddered on impulse.

"With the advice from the twins, your identity was hidden from your father, however he found out and that was the cause of his rampage." Bokusenou continued.

"How?" Seihomaru whispered, horror apparent on his face. His whole life had been a lie. Nothing of what he had been told, about who he was, who his parents were, who his siblings were, was true. "How did he find out? He murdered hundreds of our clan, including his own children. Had it not been for Kazuki, I also would have been killed. It had only been due to my mother commanding him to take me and hide, that I survived at all."

"Indeed. The twins informed your mother of the events happening and she had been fast enough to have you taken from the house." Bokusenou stated. "The twins had informed your father, shortly after, resulting in the massacre of your clansmen."

"How do you know all this?" Seihomaru shook his head, his heart beating rapidly.

"I know a great many things." Bokusenou smiled gently. The information he needed the youth to know would be overwhelming, but it was something that had to be said. It was time. "The twins played an evil game with your clan, believing the events they saw was what had to happen."

"If the father I was led to believe was not in fact my father, who was?" Seihomaru wracked his brain for any explanation as to why everything had happened, and it was all starting to make sense now. Why his father went on a killing spree, why his family no longer existed.

"You father was led to believe that your mother had been unfaithful for countless years, and thus his truth told him that none of his children were in fact his. That was why he had them all killed." Bokusenou continued. "Your mother was led to believe that the only way for the curse to be broken was for her to birth a child not of your fathers bloodline."

Seihomaru's knees gave out and he sat heavily on the ground. "Who led them to believe these lies?"

"You know the answer to that already."

Seihomaru narrowed his eyes. "The twins."

"Indeed."

Seihomaru tried to silence Taizo who was angrily muttering in his head, and he finally snarled. "Enough! Tell me the rest." Seihomaru glanced up from his kneeling position on the forest floor.

"The spirit in you is restless, and so he should be. What you will learn next will test both your strengths." Bokusenou sighed softly. "Your real father was seduced by your mother, who was under the assumption that it was the only way for the curse to be removed."

"Who!" Seihomaru snarled.

"Kazuki."

Seihomaru's heart stopped, then slowly began to beat heavily in his chest. "What?" he breathed.

"He was not aware of what would lead up to his escapades with a lady of the court, and thus he was unaware at the time that the lady he spent time with was your mother. The twins made sure of that. Kazuki was oblivious to who she was and what resulted in it."

"But he would have recognized my scent being that of a descendant." Seihomaru protested.

"Under normal circumstances, yes. But the twins were able to hide your scent, and your mothers scent from him. They twisted his reality, and he was unaware of who it really was he was with." Bokusenou continued. "The twins urged your mother to have Kazuki employed by the house as your protector, and even went so far as to have him sign a blood oath."

"All the while, Kazuki never knew that my mother was the one who he had relations with?" Seihomaru gulped, trying to reign Taizo in who was now furious, so livid that he wanted release. He had no idea how long he could hold Taizo in for, but he needed those answers. 'Please Taizo, stop." He begged.

'I swear if I see those two again, their blood will fall.' Taizo seethed.

"As I said, the twins played a dangerous game with your clan. Manipulated many into doing their will."

"So Kazuki had no idea that I was his son? I have no claim to the clan." Seihomaru lowered his head,

"You do, your mother was lady of the house, so with her blood flowing through you, you have more claim to the clan than anyone. Kazuki had no idea he had fathered any pups unfortunately." Bokusenou gently informed the youth who was struggling to keep up with all the information.

"My youki is raging inside me." Seihomaru whispered.

"As expected."

"What else do I need to know?"

'Ask him if that lady is the same lady I urged him to pursue while I was still awake.' Taizo pressed.

Bokusenou smiled. "It is. Not long after your father employed him, the twins urged Kazuki to let his powers sleep, telling him that war was over and those powers would not be needed. They knew if his youki was aware of what was happening, he would have seen through their ploy."

'Again the twins.' Taizo snarled.

"There are many trials ahead for you, Seihomaru, but you are strong. Trust in those in your company now, they follow you because they believe in you." Bokusenou muttered. "The day grows late, I must tend to my duties and ensure that no dangers are around. Many of my trees are being cut down by humans and youkai. I am afraid that this is why they are so uneasy with anyone entering my woods."

Seihomaru sighed and placed his face in his hands, his heart still beating heavily in his chest. The thick lump in his throat caused him to choke.

"Your spirit will need to speak with you, so you should rest when you have a chance." Bokusenou smiled. "Be at ease, you are both meant to be with one another. An inherited youki that was foreseen hundreds of years ago."

Seihomaru lifted his gaze and nodded. "Thank you."

"Come see me again, there will be many meetings we will attend with one another. The territory you seek, can be found close by. The field outside my forest lies empty, but full of everything you need to establish a residence. All I ask is that you do not use my trees for building."

Saza sat on the balls of his feet, stunned and shocked, as he listened to the conversation between the great magnolia tree and Seihomaru. Inside he was furious at what the twins had done, and yet they always maintained a sense of innocence as though they had nothing to do with anything transpiring around them. "One question." He grumbled.

Bokusenou's eyes moved to his.

"Did the twins also manipulate Turari?"

"They were the ones who showed him what your former lord had done. He had blocked it in his mind, up until they showed him what had happened." Bokusenou nodded.

Saza nodded, his suspicions answered.

"They are a difficult foe, and they will foresee anything you plan to do. Be mindful of your thoughts, and do not think to take them on easily." Bokusenou warned. "If you do plan on taking them on, be aware that it will result in far more deaths than you are prepared to accept. Nothing could stop it."

Seihomaru nodded, and shakily got to his feet. "Understood." He turned to face Saza as soon as Bokusenou's face vanished back into the trunk of the tree.

Saza stood and walked over to him. "Are you alright?"

Seihomaru ground his teeth together, but nodded. "I am uncertain how I should feel. Betrayed is one word, it infuriates me. Knowing that the curse has nothing to do with me, I am relieved." He shook his head.

Saza sighed. "I can feel your youki. The energy is intense."

Seihomaru grunted. "He doesn't want me to keep it in. He is so livid, he is making it difficult to contain him."

Saza smirked. "Wait until you go into battle, you think it is difficult now, it will be more savage when you need to fight."

Seihomaru sighed. 'Taizo, relax.'

Taizo snarled at him, then stopped. 'Sorry, Seiho.' He whispered when he realized what he was doing. 'I was trying to figure out why your pools felt so familiar, now I know the answer.'

'Oh?'

'Because of your relation to Kazuki.' Taizo whispered.

Seihomaru winced. 'I feel cheated.'

'The magnitude of their interference is appalling.' Taizo growled.

Seihomaru silently agreed. He wanted revenge for his people, but he wasn't ready to lose members of his clan to obtain it. Thinking it over, he realized that despite everything that had happened, revenge was what Turari had been after as well. Shaking his head, he gave a huge sigh.

Saza glanced over at him. "Everything alright, my lord?"

"You no longer have to refer to me as such, Saza." Seihomaru grumbled. "I may be bound to that title, but I have not accomplished anything to deserve such recognition. For now, I am an equal."

Saza was about to protest, but Seihomaru held his hand up. "So what happens now?" Saza changed the subject quickly.

"I begin my relocation of the house to the mainland." Seihomaru mumbled absently. Lifting his head, he glanced at the guard. "What do you wish to see happen?"

Saza raised his brow. "Me?"

Seihomaru smiled and nodded. "I want to know what everyone would like to see. It isn't just my life we are talking about, but the happiness of everyone else."

Saza grunted. "My personal goal is to ensure everyone is safe and secure. If that means moving the house here, I have no objections. If we can establish a life here, one that is as full of success, I will be the first in line. For me, I want to find a mate, and have pups of my own one day." He blushed and shrugged.

"I think you have already found someone worthy of being a mate, have you not?" Seihomaru smirked, and then grinned when the blush on Saza's face grew.

Saza ducked under a low hanging branch, his ears picking up voices close by. "We are almost out of the forest." He quickly changed the subject.

Seihomaru chuckled. "I will let you off the hook for now."

Saza closed one eye and glanced at the youth. "You're rather impish, aren't you?"

Seihomaru grinned wider. "You have no idea. Back to our conversation with Bokusenou, for now I want to keep this a secret. It would do no good to have our pack go off on a frenzy due to the events leading up to this point. I will inform them when I feel it is right."

Saza nodded. "Including your heritage?"

Seihomaru nodded slowly. "For now. I really have to think up someway to do it carefully." Just as he finished his sentence, they exited the forest.

As soon as they emerged, several of their members looked in their direction. Immediately Nii walked over. "How'd it go?" He asked, handing a very distraught baby dragon back to Seihomaru. It whined, and circled in his palm, and the young lord rolled his eyes.

"Good and bad news." Seihomaru muttered, and watched as Saza slipped away quietly. "There was no threat of danger." The dragon climbed up his arm and perched on his shoulder, one head licking his cheek and the other grabbing a chunk of his hair and nibbling on it. "Good grief." He grumbled, moving his cheek away from the offending tongue.

"Bokusenou as great as they say?" Nii asked, falling into step beside Seihomaru.

"And then some. He knows things he shouldn't possibly know." Seihomaru sighed. His eyes scanned the field the magnolia youkai informed him was empty. To the far end there was a large waterfall, and a large wall of stone. The field was wide, and filled with sunshine and luscious grass. "This could work." He muttered.

Nii glanced at him. "What could?"

"Bokusenou said this area was not claimed by anyone and has granted us permission to set up here, if we desired."

Nii's eyes drifted over the large area, taking in the wild life, trees, shade from the mountain, and rocks, and the water source. "Is this not his territory?"

Seihomaru shook his head. "His spans from the edge of the forest to the other side. Bokusenou's only request was for us not to use his forest for materials."

Nii nodded, and smiled. "Will you allow me look around with a few others, make sure that we have access to water, and food before you make a final decision?"

Seihomaru nodded. "Then when you return, I need to send someone back to the island and inform the remaining clan members that the house is moving."

Nii nodded in agreement. "I will set it up."

"Thank you."

Nii moved away and left Seihomaru standing there, staring at the waterfall in the distance. He was intrigued and curious about it. His first encounter with the falls had been a dangerous one, and had frightened him. Not only had he been fresh off the boat, his first encounter with the humans had been at that time. To him they had not seemed to be malicious, but more protective over their women and children who had been at the falls.

'You have a lot of faith in them.' Taizo interjected.

Seihomaru chuckled. 'Eavesdropping on my thoughts again?'

'Bit hard not to when your thoughts flood the pools.' Taizo poked him in the ribs.

Seihomaru snarled at the jab. 'Do they appear as images, or just words?' He asked genuinely curious.

'Depends on my mood. If I want to see what you see, I force the image. If I have experienced the situation before, I tend to listen.' Taizo whispered. 'I tend to like to experience the world my new host sees through his eyes.'

'Ah.'

'You are refreshing. Naive, but it is refreshing to see things the way you do, with no hesitation or fear.'

'Bokusenou said we needed to speak.' Seihomaru commented.

'Indeed. When you next need rest. No rush as we have already formed a bond. Due to the circumstances, the situation has changed some, you being my former hosts direct descendant. There are a few things we need to implement and do because I am your intended youki.' Taizo said softly.

Seihomaru gulped. 'Anything I need to be concerned about?'

Taizo laughed. 'You make it sound as though you are in trouble. We are one and the same, Seiho. All you need to stress about is how far we take this bond.'

'How far can the bond go?'

'Further than I have explored with any of my previous hosts.' Taizo commented.

'Didn't you form an emotional bond with Kazuki? I thought that was one of the strongest bonds you could form.' Seihomaru kept staring at the waterfall in the distance. He could hear the faint hum as it hit the water at its base.

'It is a stronger bond, yet not the strongest. If it were, you would never become as great as Bokusenou or Ryukotsusei.' Taizo smiled.

'So basically you can just keep growing?' Seihomaru closed his eyes, just allowing his hearing to pick up the sounds around them. It felt so peaceful, satisfying and surreal.

Taizo could feel the rumble through Seihomaru's body and he actually found the sound calming. After all the news that had riled up his nerves and anger, it was actually easing the stress within him.

Seihomaru opened his eyes and he caught sight of Nii moving through the field with a few of his shadow guards, and they were exploring the area thoroughly. They moved around the edge of the ridge, and out of sight. Behind him, he could hear Akina instructing the other ladies about various herbs and plants to look for. Curiously, Seihomaru turned around searching for Traylaymaru, and he saw him sitting in the shade quietly. His eyes were closed as though he were sleeping. Raising a brow, Seihomaru bent down and picked up a small stone. Tossing it in his hand, he chucked it at the dark-haired youkai and it hit the rock above Traylaymaru's head. It bounced off and landed on top of the youkai's hair. One eye opened and focused on him with a look that gave a challenge to try it again.

Seihomaru chuckled and nodded. "Just making sure you live."

"I was asleep." Came the reply.

"Was, but now you are awake." Seihomaru grinned.

Traylaymaru narrowed his eyes as Seihomaru walked over to him. He seated himself beside his old friend and leaned against the rock. The dark-haired youkai sat forward and stretched, letting loose a large yawn. "How'd it go?"

Seihomaru glanced at him. "It was an interesting meet. Got both good and bad news."

"Oh?" Traylaymaru looked at him with a frown. "What was the bad news?"

"Something I do not wish to voice just yet. It also leads to the good news." Seihomaru sighed. "I am uncertain how to go about informing everyone of the news as this will impact everyone. More so you."

"Me?" Traylaymaru raised a brow, and cleared his throat.

"Part of the good news is the curse that was with the bloodline, it is no longer an issue." Seihomaru began.

"Because of my brother? He stole your youki, which contained the curse, correct?" Traylaymaru mumbled, feeling that anger bubble up inside him again.

"In part, yes." Seihomaru pulled his knees up to his chest. "That youki was not my intended youki." He wrapped his arms around his knees and placed his chin on them. "Besides that, I was informed that Ryukotsusei is currently in the north, for what purpose that was not disclosed to me."

Traylaymaru nodded. "You are not telling me something."

Seihomaru glanced at him. "Oh?"

"Seihomaru, how long have I known you?" The dark-haired youkai narrowed his eyes at the young lord.

"Since I was a pup." Seihomaru smirked, now resting his cheek on his knee, so he could look at Traylaymaru.

"So it goes without saying that I know you well enough to know when you are hiding something from me."

Seihomaru snorted. "Indeed. Yet what you need to know right now is what I have already disclosed. Anything further, that will have to wait." He shook his head when Traylaymaru made to protest. "Enough, I cannot say anything right now. I am still reeling from the news myself, and have not yet wrapped my brain around it. The best course of action right now is to let everyone know that the curse from that bloodline is no longer an issue. I do not need anyone going off on their own seeking revenge or being headstrong and thinking they can take on this enemy alone."

Traylaymaru sighed. Before he could say anything more, he turned his head as Nii approached. The young shadow guard had a smile on his face. "You smiling is never a good sign."

Nii stopped and blinked at Traylaymaru curiously.

"I've heard stories from your brother. What were his words exactly?" Traylaymaru paused and placed a finger to his chin. "Oh yes, that you were a mischievous prankster."

Nii opened his mouth in mock surprise. "I would never."

Seihomaru snickered. "You would."

Nii moaned. "I am being ganged up on."

"Indeed. Like your little prank against Hana?" Seihomaru grinned.

Traylaymaru gasped and glanced at Nii. "That was you?"

He held his hands up in protest. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Chuckling in amusement, Seihomaru shook his head. "Your secret is safe with me, at least for now. I may need a favour in the future, however."

Nii groaned. "I am never going to live this down, am I?"

Both Traylaymaru and Seihomaru shook their heads. "So what news?"

Nii raised his brows and nodded. "Looks to be a good area to set up in. It has water, food, an area to harvest rice. Large forest to the east, which should have game to hunt."

Seihomaru nodded. "And the water source?"

Nii smiled. "There are a few."

"Show me." Seihomaru got to his feet and stretched. The little dragon did not want to be left behind and quickly moved under his hair.

Nii chuckled. "Guess he really hates being apart from you." He indicated the dragon who had nestled under his hair comfortably, little claws digging into the skin on his neck.

"Apparently." Seihomaru rolled his eyes again, and began following Nii in the direction of the waterfall. "I want to see that." He pointed to the roaring falls at the end of the field.

Nii grinned. He lead the way through the field, and glanced over his shoulder as he felt a presence behind. "Coming along?" He stopped and waited as Saza joined them.

Seihomaru raised his brow curiously. "Here I would have thought you to stay behind and get acquainted with-"

"My lord!" Saza interrupted in protest.

Nii blinked. "What did I miss?" Curiosity getting the better of him.

Saza narrowed his eyes. "Nothing."

Seihomaru burst into laughter. "Really, Nii? You didn't notice?" He shook his head, rather amused at how quickly Saza was embarrassed.

Nii sighed and continued through the field. It didn't take them long to reach the large pool that was fed by the massive rumbling falls. Seihomaru approached it and knelt beside the water, staring into the clear dark blue liquid, astounded. The mist from the waterfall sprayed them with a fine cooling dew, and he sighed in contentment. "I approve." He grinned, getting back to his feet.

Nii smiled. "There is a stream to our left that is fed by the falls, filled with fish, and further in the forest there is a nice pool to fish at. On the rise-" He pointed to the left and up slightly on the mountain face, he indicated another spot. "-there is a hot spring, which seems to be heated by the volcano." He waved them into the forest. "We do need to be careful however. There is a human village not too far from here."

Seihomaru raised his brow. "Humans?"

"It doesn't appear to be a large group. Maybe a dozen or so." Nii commented, leading through the thick forest, heading towards the stream that they could hear trickling nearby. He pointed further into the forest where a thin tendril of smoke rose above the treeline. "Their small encampment is there."

Seihomaru nodded and frowned. "They are close."

Nii nodded. "They don't appear to be anything to worry about. I didn't see any weapons. A few men, some women and pups."

Saza snorted. "Human's do not refer to their young as pups."

Nii chuckled. "Right." He had forgotten that little fact. "Children then. They frequent the hot springs it seems. But if memory serves me right, they do not venture out at night. So if we did want to use the hot springs, we could do so at night."

Seihomaru nodded. "Best if we stay out of their way for now. Until we know more about them."

Nii nodded. "Agreed. Their scent was near here, so let's keep alert just in case."

"If we do stumble across them, I do not want any confrontations." Seihomaru instructed both guards.

"And if they become hostile towards us?" Saza raised a brow.

"We will play it out as it happens, if it happens." Seihomaru muttered then gave an impulsive shudder as the small dragon moved and scratched his neck. "Stay still." He ordered the little creature.

Nii chuckled and shook his head. "If I didn't know about the dragon, I would swear you were crazy."

"Funny." Seihomaru interjected the memory of that immense fear still on the forefront of his mind. They silently moved through the forest until they came across the stream Nii mentioned. Nodding after taking a look at it, he was rather impressed. It wasn't a huge body of water, rather a small one running down the rocks. It appeared deep enough for trout to swim in and hop over larger rocks in the way.

Nii motioned them to their left, leading down the stream and across softer earth, indicating the area to be wet and well furtilized. The stream seemed to swell at certain points during the seasons, which was the main cause of the earth being as slushy as it was. Seihomaru released a curse as his foot sunk into the dark mud that seemed to suck his boot into it with a wet slurping sound. Saza raised a brow as the young lord now struggled to tug at his boot, trying to release it from the muds firm hold.

Nii chuckled as he watched. Finally the mud released and Seihomaru almost tumbled over backwards as his boot remained in the mud, and his foot was released. Quickly correcting himself, his barefoot landed in the wet goop, and he groaned. Saza released a bark of laughter. Quickly moving forward, Saza and Nii worked to get the boot out of the mud, as Seihomaru stood there with narrowed eyes and a glare as they chuckled softly.

With a slow grin, he bent over and gathered a hunk of wet dirt in his hands, and he threw it at them. Satisfied, it landed on their backs with a wet plop. They both froze and looked over their shoulders as Seihomaru stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, and a small grin on his face.

"Yes?" He challenged. They both shook their heads and glanced at one another before finally pulling his boot out of the mud and held it up for him. Nodding, he took it and placed it back onto his foot which was now caked in the black substance. Wrinkling his nose, he placed the old leather boot back on and sighed as every step he now took ended with a slurp.

Nii snorted behind his hand a few times, trying to hold his laughter in, but Saza couldn't contain it. Finally both guards released peels of laughter, and Seihomaru narrowed his eyes again. "Do not make me throw you into the muck."

Nii snorted again and dodged the swipe Seihomaru swung at him. "You can rinse off your foot at the hot springs, which is just over the next rise."

Seihomaru smirked. "Indeed." It wouldn't help, he knew, due to the mud now caked on the inside of the boot. Glancing down at the chewed, mud caked footwear, he rolled his eyes. Not only did the dragons decide they were good chew toys, now the thick muck covered them. "They are already destroyed. I need to get a new pair."

"Well you did want to send someone to the island to gather the rest of our clan. They can gather up as many supplies as needed." Nii stated.

"Good point. I have a couple pairs in my chambers there." Seihomaru commented, glancing at Nii. "There are also a few other things I would like collected also."

"We can make a list of items. Unless you want to go back yourself?"

Seihomaru shook his head. "There is no need. However I also want a few of Kazuki's things brought back." He took a deep breath for steeling his nerves. "Bokusenou informed me of something that directly involved him."

Saza gave a small encouraging smile. "And you also."

Nii frowned. "Oh?"

"I found out that the curse doesn't reside within me, one due to it being taken by Turari, but the other because Monogachi was not my father."

Nii stopped startled. "What?" He wasn't sure he heard correctly.

Seihomaru sighed. "You heard correctly. As shocking as it is for you, it was just as much for myself."

Nii nodded. "Who was your father then, if Monogachi wasn't?"

"Kazuki."

Nii almost tripped over a tree root and he stumbled. "Kazuki?!"

Seihomaru nodded. "There is far more at play here, but for now, only you and Saza are aware of this."

Saza snarled. "Wait until you find out what exactly was at play and by whom."

Nii shook his head. "I trust I will not like the information."

Both Saza and Seihomaru shook their heads. "For now, that is all I can say. I will let you know more when I deem it time."

Nii nodded in understanding. "If Kazuki was your father, who was your mother?"

"Orika." Seihomaru glanced at the startled shadow guard.

"So your mother somehow managed to go behind Monogachi's back and have another pup? How in the world did she manage that without getting herself killed?" Nii breathed.

"Carefully. Kazuki had no idea I was his son. It was hidden from everyone." Seihomaru grumbled, still feeling cheated about not knowing his father the way a son should.

Nii whistled low. "I trust more knowledge will present itself when you go into more detail?"

Seihomaru nodded a bit sadly.

Nii placed his hand on the young lords shoulder. "Whether you wish to believe me or not, Kazuki was proud of you. He had such high hopes of what you could become."

"Thank you." Seihomaru knew the shadow guard was only trying to make him feel better.

'You know that he thought of you as his own son, do you not?' Taizo commented, overhearing the conversation. 'It was the one thing that made me accept his plea to save your life, abandoning his.'

Seihomaru frowned. 'He was still alive?'

'He was dying, and he knew it. The minute you took your last breath, the blood oath took hold. He was broken.' Taizo said softly.

'Could he have survived?' Seihomaru asked, swallowing the lump that formed in his throat.

Taizo sighed. 'No.'

'Even if the blood oath was not applied?' The guilt filled the young lord.

'There was no chance for survival, Seiho. Too much damage was inflicted by Turari for him to heal. Even with assistance from a healer, there was no chance. The portal to the underworld had already opened.'

Seihomaru lowered his eyes and shook his head. Saza and Nii glanced at him curiously. "My lord?"

"Saza, I told you to stop referring to me as such." Seihomaru rolled his eyes.

Nii smirked. "Remember what I told you, you are still our lord and commander. We follow you because we believe in you and your ambitions."

Saza nodded. "It is also out of habit and respect. Your mother was a well respected lady of the house who looked after many affairs while your fa-Monogachi reigned." He corrected himself. "Your real father also had the respect of everyone on the island. I am referring to Kazuki."

Seihomaru nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. Did you know him well?"

Saza glanced at him. "Better than you? No. He was with you all the time."

"He guarded me, but I didn't really know him on a personal level."

'Yes you did. He let you in to his world far more than anyone else.' Taizo grumbled.

Seihomaru snapped his mouth shut. How he wished he could have another day with his guard, even a few moments. Sadness welled up inside him and he sucked in a large breath. A faint smell reached his nose and he lifted his head, frowning. "What is that?" He asked sniffing.

'Humans!' Taizo hissed.

"Humans." Nii stated.

Seihomaru rolled his eyes at the echo. Just as Nii voiced the warning, they rounded the corner and came face to face with two males and a young female human. With only two feet separating them, both parties froze and stared at one another for several minutes before the realization of the moment finally took hold.