The Summoning, The Gifts

As I stood by the window, looking at Kurama-san go off in the distance, I felt Lord Sesshomaru come up behind me. "Forgive me, M'Lord." I said in a soft voice as I gently felt his arms go around me. He gently kissed my temple and said beside my ear gruffly.

"It pains me and angers me to see you behave the way you did, M'Lady. You are my mate and the Lady of the Western Lands. You are not a mere lowly peasant woman to grovel at anyone's feet. Have pride of your status and of who you are. Let nothing stop you from doing your duty, even if it is your undoing." I turned to look at Lord Sesshomaru.

Admiration filled my icy green eyes as I replied, "I never knew M'Lord has such charisma."

Lord Sesshomaru smiled and kissed my forehead before saying, "There are many things you still are not aware of about me, M'Lady. But time will reveal how much you will know about me in time to come."

I smiled and replied, "We shall see when the time comes, but for now, M'Lord, I have to prepare for the summoning. May I request that M'Lord be present for this?" Lord Sesshomaru nodded. I went back to the study and prepared all the items necessary for the summoning. I pulled out an old faded pink Kimono from one of my trunks, a pale purple Yutaka, and an old Feudal Lord's amour. I then pulled out a small Kai and a red ribbon from the trunk. I passed all these items to my servants and together we proceeded towards the West Wing Pagoda.

As we were walking towards the pagoda, I turned to Miko, my servant girl and said, "Go and inform the Emperor and Empress of the Summoning. They will understand." Miko nodded and turned off to the other direction.

"My parents know about this?" Lord Sesshomaru asked with a raised brow and I nodded in reply.

"Your parents know a great many things, before our time M'Lord. They will understand the reasoning behind the summoning." When we arrived nearer to the West Wing Pagoda, I turned to Ryukio and ordered, " Do away with some of the girls, I need only four girls at hand, and I need them have already been cleansed." Ryukio nodded and then wave her hand, to which four of the other servant girls walked away, leaving her and two other servant girls.

When we arrived at the West Wing Pagoda, Miko was waiting for us.

"All is prepared, Princess ReiJin."

I nodded and said to my servant girls, "Set the candles and serve the tea."

All of the servant girls bowed and two of them went to serve out the tea, while Miko and Ryukio laid down the pink Kimono, the pale purple Yutaka and the old Feudal Lord's Armour behind three of the seats. Miko then brought the basin of water to a table facing the lake, which has a clear view of the moon and placed it on the table. Beside it she place the set of ivory needles, the small Kai and the red ribbon next to it. Ryukio then placed the three white candles on the place setting where the clothes were set.

I bowed to Lord Sesshomaru and said gently, "I need M'Lord to assist me with the summoning, for you too, must be allowed to be part of this." Lord Sesshomaru nodded and allowed me to guide him towards the table. I threaded three ivory needles with red thread and then handed them over to Miko, Ryukio and another servant girl.

"Go and stand next to the candles, do not light them till I tell you to. When I call out your name, light the candle and thread the needle through the center of the candle." All of them nodded and went to their place. I then turned towards the remaining servant girl and said, "Keiko, have you prepared to obi sash?" Keiko nodded and produced the red linen obi sash which has inscriptions written on it. Keiko then placed the obi sash around the basin of water. I looked up at the night sky and saw that the moon was about to reach the highest point and its reflection clear in the water of the basin.

I pulled Lord Sesshomaru next to me and tied the red ribbon around one of his wrist. I then handed the untied end of the ribbon to him and said, "You are to tie the ribbon around my wrist as well M'Lord. You have to trust me that I will not cause harm to you and you must not fear what you are about to see." Lord Sesshomaru smiled and raised his free hand to stroke my cheek.

"I trust you, M'Lady. I place my life in yours." He said to me in a gentle whisper. I nodded and placed my wrist out for him to tie the red ribbon around it. I turn to look at all four servant girls, all of them watching me intently as I nodded for them to begin.

"Spirits of the night stars, I call upon thee. Bring forth the magic and splendor of your might." I started to chant and Keiko tied the first knot around the basin of water. "I beseech thee to call out the names of the fallen warriors that have served your cause, As I am your Mistress, one who commands." Keiko then tied the second knot on the obi sash. I then picked up the Kai and turned to Lord Sesshomaru.

My green eyes searched his and I said in a soft voice as I held his tied palm open, "Forgive me, M'Lord." I then cut a slit in the palm of Lord Sesshomaru's hand and allowed the blood to drip into the basin of water. Lord Sesshomaru looked at me calmly and showed no emotion.

"I call upon Asuraka Ichigo, Warrior King of the night sky. As the Eastern wind blows forth with strength, may he guide me along this journey." I closed my eyes as Keiko tied the third knot on the obi sash.

"Riin." I called out to the servant girl who lighted up the candle and threaded the ivory needle through the center of the candle. The old Feudal Lord's Armour started to rise from the floor and started to fill up like there was a being in it. There was a faint shape of a being in it as it started to become visible. The being had a long white beard and white hair tied up in a royal head knot. His eyes were closed, as his facial features became clearer. His face was old and wrinkled and when he has totally made physical, he sat down on the table.

" Spirits of the night wind, I call upon thee. Bring forth the grace and power of your strength." I continued as Keiko then tied the forth knot. "I beseech thee to call out the names of thy protectors who have served you for eternity. As I am your Mistress, one who listens." Keiko tied the fifth knot. I then cut a slit on the palm of my hand and let the blood drip into the basin of water. "I call upon Lady Hoshi, Lady of the Eastern Winds. As the moon is high upon the night sky and all the being bow down with pride." I closed my eyes as Keiko tied the sixth knot.

"Ryukio." I called, to which she proceeded to light the candle and thread the ivory needle through her candle. The faded purple Yutaka start to rise up from the floor and start to take shape. The being had long dark blue hair that was tied in a married woman's knot and was graced with sparkling stars. Her skin pale and fair as she sat down at the table with her eyes closed as well.

I then turned to Lord Sesshomaru and said gently, "Place your hand in mine, M'Lord." Lord Sesshomaru then placed the hand with the open wound over mine, which was the same as his. I felt his warm fingers go around my hand and I look at him with tender green eyes and smiled. I then turned back to Keiko and nodded to her to continue.

"Spirits of the night, I call upon thee. Bring forth the serenity and comfort of your being." Keiko then tied the seventh knot. "I beseech thee to call out the names of the spirits that guide the seasons and the passing of the moon. As I am your Mistress, one who feels." With Lord Sesshomaru's hand in mine, I immerse both our hands in the basin of water. "I call upon Lady Meiji, Mistress of the Night, and Spirit Guardian of the Night and Wind. As the union have been completed and thy will have been sealed." Keiko then tied the eighth knot and I finally said the last servant girl's name.

"Miko." Miko lit her candle and threaded her ivory needle through the candle. The pale pink Kimono filled out to a slender being, which has long black hair and pale skin. The being looks similar to me and she sat down on the table. Once she sat down on the table, Keiko immediately tied a ninth knot and nodded to me. I pulled out both our hands that have been immersed in the water and Keiko handed me a white towel. I wiped both my hands and Lord Sesshomaru's hand and bandaged his wound.

As I was about to bandage my own, he pulled my hand in his and said in a tender voice, "Allow me, M'Lady." I smiled and nodded as he proceeded to bandage my wound.

With both our wrist still tied to each other, I led Lord Sesshomaru towards the table and said, "Bow before them, M'Lord." Lord Sesshomaru nodded and both of us bowed to the three spirits on the table. Then suddenly one by one, they opened their eyes. Lord Asuraka Ichigo opened his eyes and they shone silver, like the stars. Lady Hoshi opened her eyes and they shone icy blue like the icy winds, and finally my mother opened her eyes, the eyes green like mine.

"Good evening to you, Grand Father, Grand Mother and Mother. I seek forgiveness for summoning you on such short notice." I said gently.

Lord Ichigo turned his head to look at me and said out loud, "ReiJin! Is that you, my dearest grandchild?"

I raised my head slightly and smiled as I replied, "The one and the same, Grandfather."

He then turned to look at Lady Hoshi, "Hoshi, can you believe it! It's our grand daughter."

Lady Hoshi shook her head and said in an irritated tone, "Of course I know who it is, you old fool. I am not old and blind." I smiled and then turned to my mother.

"Mother…" I whispered.

She smiled as her green eyes glimmered, "My precious Rei, my, how have you grown? Has your father's health been well?"

I nodded as I said, "Yes Mother, Father have been well." Then they all turned to look at Lord Sesshomaru who has lifted his head to look at the three beings.

"Is that Ichiro and Kita's son?" My mother asked me with a smile.

I nodded and smiled as I said, "Grand Father, Grand Mother, This is Lord Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands and my mate."

Grand Father eyed him and asked my mother sternly, "Is he a Yoktai?"

My mother smiled and nodded, "Yes father, and he's one of the most influential and most powerful." Then my grand mother was about to say something when my mother stopped her saying, "And yes, he is of royal breeding, Mother." My mother then turned to me and said, "Introduce us to your husband, ReiJin."

I bowed and turned to Lord Sesshomaru, "M'Lord, this is my Grand father, Lord Asuraka Ichigo, Warrior King of the night Sky."

Lord Sesshomaru bowed and said in respectful tone, "Good evening, Lord Ichigo."

My Grand Father grinned and said to Lord Sesshomaru, "Good Evening to you too, my son, Call me Grand Father." I smiled gently and then turned to my Grand Mother.

"This is my Grand Mother, Lady Hoshi, Lady of the East Winds."

Lord Sesshomaru bowed again and said, "Good Evening Lady Hoshi." My Grandmother then snapped with a smile,

"That's Grand Mother to you, boy."

I grinned and shook my head. I then turned to my mother and smiled at her as she smiled back to me warmly, "M'Lord, this is my mother, Lady Meji, Mistress of the Night."

Lord Sesshomaru bowed and said, "Good Eve, Mother. I can see where ReiJin gotten her grace and beauty from."

My mother laughed and replied, "I can see that you have gotten all your traits from your father, Sesshomaru. Come, sit down."

Both Lord Sesshomaru and I bowed and we sat down at the table. I nodded to my servant girls to serve the food. "I have called upon all three of you because of a serious matter." I began to say as I sat down, Lord Sesshomaru beside me.

My Grand Father took a sip of his tea and said, "I know, my dear grandchild. We have seen him move through the night and we have seen what has happened."

"Yes, My dear. He has taken one of your friends hostage now, has he?" My Grand Mother said as she served my Grand Father some food.

I nodded and said in a soft voice, "Yes Grand mother. He has done so."

My mother then sighed and said, "ReiJin, the task at hand is hard and tedious. From what we see and what we can tell, it's not going to be easy."

My Grand Mother then suddenly raised her hand and all of us turned to look at her. She then eyed me carefully and then raised her hand towards my face. She then tipped my chin and looked into my green eyes. "MeiJi, I think there is something ReiJin has not told us about yet." My Grand Mother said with a sly smile. I flushed and looked away.

"What is it, Old Woman? What is ReiJin hiding from us?" My Grand Father said, grumpily.

He then turned to me and said, "Come on, child. Tell us already. You cannot hide things from your Grand Mother and I." I looked at Lord Sesshomaru, my green eyes imploring his to tell them.

Lord Sesshomaru cleared his throat and said in a calm cool voice, "My wife is expecting our first borne."

My Grand Mother smiled and then exclaimed, "I knew it! She had the same look in her eyes, just like when you were expecting her, Meiji."

My mother smiled and then proceeded to hug me warmly and said, "I'm so happy for you, my dear child. Does your father know of this news?"

I nodded and replied in a soft and yet sad voice, "Yes, father has been informed, but even though there is joy with the news of my expectancy, there is sadness and fear that surrounds this birth."

My mother stroked my hair and nodded, "I understand, my dear child." Grand Father's brow joined together as he was deep in thought.

He then said in a gruff voice, "There is a way to stop him, but it will require you summoning the Death Lord and a sacrifice."

Lord Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed and repeated, "Sacrifice? What kind of sacrifice?"

Grand Father looked at Grand Mother and my mother and he then turned to look at Lord Sesshomaru and I, before taking a deep breath and saying, "The Death Lord requires a virgin sacrifice of either an untouched young woman or a young child." He then looked at me with his silver eyes and said, "You know how the ritual goes, my dear ReiJin and you know the price to pay for such." I looked at my Grand Father sadly and then I looked at my stomach as I placed a hand over it. I then turned to Lord Sesshomaru; my green eyes searched his for a moment.

His gold eyes then open in shock and looked at my Grand Father, Grand Mother and my mother, as he exclaimed, "I shall not allow it. This child means a lot not only to the royal family, but also to ReiJin and me. There has got to be another way around this."

My Grand Mother smiled as she said with an excited voice, "Your will to protect my granddaughter is strong as your trust and love for her. I'm impressed that in such a short time, you and my grand daughter have bonded well. I'm sure we find away around this, won't we, Old Man?" My Grand Mother suddenly turned to my Grand Father.

"Why are you looking at, Old Woman? That is the best I can do."

My Grand Mother narrowed her eyes at my Grand Father as the wind suddenly blew.

Grand father frowned and replied, "Alright! I'll think of another way. Don't get so worked up about it. I want to save my great grand-child as much as you do." My Grand Father than grumbled as he pulled out four items from his inner tunic. He then turned towards my Grand mother and Mother and nodded to them. All three of them then placed their hands over the items and mumbled some incantations. The items glowed white for a moment and died down. My Grand Father then opened his palm and then handed the items to me.

"This is the Moon Items. People pure of heart and brave as thunder and wind can only use them. With honor they must have, in order for the items to work." My Grand Father said as he placed the items on the table. One is a bow and arrow, made of willow wood and laced with red ribbon. Another item is a staff made from ivory and black onyx. The third item was a sword with intricate markings on the blade and on the handle, and the last item was white crystal ball.

I looked at the items and I looked at my mother who then said, "Remember the poem I use to tell you when you were a child, my precious ReiJin? When the moon is high, the pure of heart will rise. Standing for the night, they fight side by side."

"As the wind blows strong through the bellows of the storm, for lightning strikes those who bring harm. With my arrow of light and my staff of power, I shall strike down my enemies for my downfall they desire. Cut down with my blade, of strength and might, sealed in the moonstone, by my blood I placed." I continue to recite after my mother. She smiled and her green eyes glimmered in the moonlight as she nodded.

" You know it well, My dear child. So you know the ritual that has to be done. But he must be sealed by the blood of you and your one true love." She then turned to look at Lord Sesshomaru and then back at me. My mother then turned to look at her parents and said, "It's time, My royal mother and father." Both of them nodded and then turned to Lord Sesshomaru.

My Grand Father looked at Lord Sesshomaru; his silver eyes glowed icily as he asked, "What are the codes you live by, my son?"

Lord Sesshomaru looked at My Grand Father; his golden eyes cold and icy, "Control and Purity, as the code of the Samurai and Lord has been passed down." My Grand Father nodded and then turned to my Grand Mother.

Her blue eyes glowed and then she asked icily, "What are the beliefs you have?"

Lord Sesshomaru looked at me and I nodded back. He then turned to look at my Grand Mother and then replied coldly, " I believe in Truth and Sacrifice, to protect my lands and my people." My Grand Mother then smiled and turned to my mother. My Mother's green eyes glimmered like mine as her smile faint on her face.

"Do you believe in love?" She asked.

Lord Sesshomaru placed his bandaged hand in mine and looked deeply into my eyes. His golden eyes looked at mine tenderly and glowed with love that has passed through both of us. "I willingly accept my responsibilities and give my trust to my mate, as I have placed my life in her hands to honor, protect and entrust her with my heart." I smiled as I flushed and lowered my head in shyness. Lord Sesshomaru then tipped my chin up and kissed me gently on my forehead.

My mother smiled and turned to her parents saying, "He is the one."

Both of them nodded back and said together, "He has past the test."

My Mother then looked at Lord Sesshomaru and me and said, "I give you my blessing as your Grand Mother and Father does as well. Your father and I have made the right decision to betrothed you with Ichiro and Kita's son."

Grand father grinned and said, "And it seems that we are going to be Great Grand Parents soon. I am happy for you, my dearest grand daughter. Your father has taught you well."

My Grand Mother then nodded as she smiled, "We are glad that we approved of your father when he wanted to wed your mother. We made the right choice, Old Man." She said as she turned to my Grand Father. I bowed and replied in a soft voice,

"Thank you Grand Father, Grand Mother. I will do both of your proud. I will show you my son once he is born and when he has passed a cycle of the moon." Three of them suddenly looked at me with wide opened eyes.

"A son?" My Mother exclaimed.

"You already know, ReiJin?" Grand Father then exclaimed. I

nodded and replied as I placed a hand over my womb, "I already know that I was to have a son, Grand father. But I have not told anyone, other than those present here." I turned to Lord Sesshomaru and said gently, "Forgive me M'Lord for not informing you, but I have my reasons for not doing so." Lord Sesshomaru smiled and stroked my cheek.

"You have done nothing wrong, my fragile one. For I am your mate, whom have bonded with you and is able to sense your emotions. I know what goes through your mind and your heart."

Grand Mother then started to laugh and then replied back to Grand Father and my mother, "You're right MeiJi. He's just like his father and a through breed Yoktai of royal breeding."

They all laughed and then my mother gave me a grim face as she said, "Take the items and perform the exorcism on the Masked Fiend. After which, throw the moonstone, in the cave behind The Mountain of Flames, so that he may be sealed for eternity. For if you fail, my daughter, he will haunt you for eternity, till death and after death."

I nodded as I replied, "I understand, mother."

My mother then turned to look at Grand Mother and Grand Father. "It's time for us to depart, Mother, Father. This is as far as we can do." My mother said to them gently. Both of them nodded and then turned to look at me.

"You have made me proud, ReiJin, My Precious Grand daughter. You are the legacy of the Spirit Guardian, and Spirit of the night. I give you my blessings and all my love as your Grand father." My Grand Father said as he handed me a pendent in the shape of a cherry blossom. It was made from ivory and onyx.

"Your spirit is strong as the love between you and your mate is. It shall be passed down to your first borne. For the first bone of the power YokTai and Spirit Guardian shall uphold and stand up for the night. I give you my hopes and aspiration to you, my darling ReiJin, as your Grand Mother." My Grand Mother said as she handed Lord Sesshomaru a pendant in the shape of a swallow's wing, which was also made of ivory and onyx.

My Mother smiled and held both our hand and said, "My dearest, precious and fragile ReiJin, from the day that you were born, I knew that deep in my heart you shall prove me proud, for you have everything I have, the powers, the purity and the grace of the wind. The Union forged through love, friendship and trust between the both of you goes beyond the bindings that bind you to each other. I give you all my blessings, and all my wishes to the both of you and to my grandson, that you will have the divine protection from all the beings and spirits of the night. May they all serve you and serve our family well." When my mother let goes of her hand, there were two glows of light that surrounded both our wrist and when the glow died down, the red ribbon disappeared. I bowed as I said gently.

"Good Bye Grand Father, Grand Mother and Mother. I shall miss all of you."

My Grand Father and Grand Mother laughed as Grand Father replied, "We are never far away, child. When you look up into the night sky, on the night of the full moon…"

"When you feel the winds blow around and the peace and comfort the nights bring you…" My Grand Mother said. "Smile, and be comforted as we are always watching you, ReiJin, My precious gem."

I nodded and smiled as I placed my hand in Lord Sesshomaru's hand. He held it tight and smiled at me. I then turned to Keiko and nodded as I started to chant, "As night passes, the wind dies down. Return to where you have come. Spirits of the great, Spirits of the calm, return on the night swift's wings, till the calling you shall come." As I chant, Keiko slowly covered the basin of water with the red silk scarf. Slowly and one by one, the candles start to dim and the clothing started to fall to the floor.

"Good bye, my dearest." My Grand Father said, as his voice became a whisper.

"Good bye, my little princess." My Grand Mother said as she started to disappear.

"Good bye, my precious little gem. We shall meet again." My Mother said and disappeared as well. Lord Sesshomaru and I sat there for a moment as the silence of the night engulfed us. I then turned to pick up the four items and placed them inside my outer coat.

"Miko, please clear up." I said and Miko bowed. I then turn to Lord Sesshomaru and said in a gentle voice. "I tire M'Lord." Lord Sesshomaru nodded and then escorted me back to our chambers.

When Lord Sesshomaru and I arrived back at our chambers, Emperor Ichiro and Empress Kita was waiting for us.

"Good Evening Father and Mother." Lord Sesshomaru said as we entered the chambers, "What are the both of you doing out so late in the evening?"

Emperor Ichiro then said as he nodded to the maid nearby, "We were waiting for the both of you and for the news that the summoning bring." The maid nearby brought out four bowls of sweet soup with a red bean moochi on the middle of it. "Come sit and tell us about it while we have our desert." Lord Sesshomaru and I nodded as we sat down.

"Have you met ReiJin's mother, my son?" Empress Kita asked.

Lord Sesshomaru nodded as he replied, "Yes I have mother, and I have met her grand parents too."

Emperor Ichiro took a sip of his sweet soup and then replied, "Her Grand Parents are very powerful and are an interesting couple. They may seem to be fighting with each other all the time, but the strength and their wisdom goes far beyond what we are able to."

Lord Sesshomaru nodded as he cut up the red bean moochi for me. "Yes father. I have seen that." He then passed the bowl to me and nodded. I smiled and nodded in thanks. Empress Kita smiled and nudged her husband.

"He's as affectionate as you are when you want to be, Ichiro." She whispered as she looked at Lord Sesshomaru. Lord Sesshomaru cleared his throat uncomfortably as he raised a brow as his golden eyes looked at his mother unflinchingly. I blushed and started to eat my desert.

"I've heard that Youko Kurama, you and my sons are going toward Mount Hoshi for a gathering." Emperor Ichiro said and I nodded in reply. Emperor Ichiro took a sip of his desert and continued, "I'll get my guards to escort you to Mount Hoshi and we will keep guard of the area and villages around Mount Hoshi."

Lord Sesshomaru then asked, " I don't think there is a need to, Father. Such a rouse would attract a lot of attention and might raise the alert of the Masked Fiend, wouldn't you agree?"

Empress Kita then looked at her husband and replied, "Our son has a point there, my dear lord. Perhaps allow them to go by stealth in the night." She then turned to me and said, "Do you have to be present at the gathering, my dear? I do not wholly agree with you being present at the gathering. The journey to Mount Hoshi is a long and hard one. I'm afraid that you might get hurt along the way."

"You do not have to worry about it, Mother. I am accompanying her on this. I promise you that I'll do my best so that she will not get hurt." Lord Sesshomaru answered.

"But what if…" Empress Kita begins to say and Lord Sesshomaru quickly quipped, "You do not have to worry about your grand son, Mother. ReiJin has not reach the stage of confinement and she is still able to do the things that she has been doing. She knows that she has to be careful. You know that she is unable to run from this, Mother. Why make it so hard on everyone?" Empress Kita stared at Lord Sesshomaru, her mouth gaping.

Emperor Ichiro grinned and patted his wife's hand, "Kita, don't get angry now. You know that Sesshomaru has always known what is best in dealing with situations like this, dear. I mean, he has faced life and death since he was seventeen and I don't think it is wise of us to question his plans."

Empress Kita then turned to her husband and said, "But… But… He never talked to me that way before, Ichiro."

Emperor Ichiro laughed and then replied in a tender voice, "Sesshomaru is no longer a child, my dearest. Our son is a grown man, a Lord, a husband and now a father. Soon, Inuyasha will wed a mate too."

Empress Kita looked at Emperor Ichiro and nodded, "I guess you are right, my love. We are getting pass the time where we can join in the fight." She then turned to Lord Sesshomaru and said, "Forgive me, my son. I am just worried about…"

"Everything, Mother." Lord Sesshomaru said with a gentle smile, "Forgive me, Mother for speaking to you as I did, but I have my own worries to think about and I don't want to add on to yours."

"I understand, my son." Emperor Ichiro replied and then turned to his wife. "It's getting late, my dear. We should let ReiJin rest now. She should be tired from the summoning. Come now." Empress Kita sighed and nodded, "I guess we should. We shall talk about this tomorrow morn at morning meal."

Lord Sesshomaru and I bowed and replied, " Good Night Mother, Father." With that, Emperor and Empress were escorted by their maids out of the room.

I then turned to look at Lord Sesshomaru and commented, "M'Lord was rather defensive over this issue. I wish for M'Lord not to worry too much over this. It will be decided when we meet at Mount Hoshi." Lord Sesshomaru smiled and reached a hand out to stroke my cheek.

"I apologise about that, M'Lady, but mother was getting a bit overly concern and it is at times like these, her judgment isn't at her best. However it is understandable for her worries."

I nodded and then replied in a gentle voice, "Shall we retire, M'Lord? It's getting late and we have a long day to prepare for tomorrow." Lord Sesshomaru nodded and we got ready for the night. As we lay down to rest, Lord Sesshomaru's arms went around me, one of his clawed hands laid resting on my stomach. I smiled and then closed my eyes as I felt sleep creeping over me. While I slept, I had an image form in my head. I saw my unborn child standing in an open field, his hand grasping onto mine. He pulled me down to his eye level.

His green eyes determined and calm as he said in a firm and confident voice. "Do not fear for the future, Mother. For you are the strength and courage that binds Father and I together as one. As you are protecting me, I will protect you. Your gift to me is not only the will to live, but the will to protect as well." I looked at my son as I raised a hand to trace his features. He carried the same air of dignity and calmness of his father, but beneath it, I sense the presence of a great power, even greater than Lord Sesshomaru does and my own.

I smiled gently and replied, "My dear child, you will be the pride and glory of the Western and Eastern lands, you will inherited the Land of the Moons and of the Stars. For you shall command and lead, not by mere words, but with spirit, heart and actions." I placed my hand over his head, "For you have knowledge before your time," I then place my hand over his eyes, "For you see beyond." And finally I placed my hand over his heart, "For you can feel more than anyone should. You shall carry the weight of honor and purity and not complain about it."

My son then smirked, just as his father would and replied, with a tone that his father would have used, "As you have, my dear mother and just as father have as well." I smile and nodded. Then there was suddenly a glare of a bright light and I woke up with a jolt. Lord Sesshomaru awoke and looked at me, his eyes tender and filled with sleep.

"What's wrong, my fragile one? Did you have a bad dream?"

I looked at Lord Sesshomaru and then shook my head. I smiled and replied, "No, M'Lord. I just have a premonitions for the future."

Lord Sesshomaru then searched my calm green eyes and then asked, "Our son has talked to you as well?"

My eyes opened wide as I asked, "Did M'Lord have the same dream?"

Lord Sesshomaru nodded and replied, "He said that we do not have to fear. However, it does not mean that we should let our guard down, my love." I nodded as I started to lie down again. Lord Sesshomaru kissed my forehead and mumbled as he closed his eyes to sleep, "Our son looks like me, but he has your eyes, my fragile one. He has pure clear green eyes that see beyond the present." With that, Lord Sesshomaru fell asleep with his arms wrapped tightly around me, protecting me and comforting me to sleep.

I smiled gently as I replied in a whisper, "He does not only look like you, my dearest husband. He has all the traits that you possess." With that I fell asleep in Lord Sesshomaru's embrace.