Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha

Well, school is pretty much over for me now, and I have the entire summer to write. I'm so excited!

By the way, I have not been a bum these last couple of weeks, I swear! If you check out the previous story, you'll come to find that I have been editing the beginning. I believe I'm up to chapter 9. I introduced Nasuku a little differently, and if anything, everyone should check that out. It's pretty awesome! I'm also working on chapter 1 of this story and filling it out a little more. I'll let you know when it's up!

And on with the story! Enjoy!

Choking, Yugi pulled desperately at the vine, needing to draw a breath. He dragged his claws across it, but any damage he caused the vine instantly disappeared as it regenerated itself at the command of its master. As if punishing him for his attempts, the vine tightened, making him gag and turn red. The cries he tried to let out did not sound like anything more than muffled gasps as he desperately tried to shout for help.

Yugi twisted and, hoping to get the attention of his guards, began beating his hands on the sides of the tent and floor, but the guards did not respond, thinking it was just Gshiro thrashing as he had been only moments before. As Yugi's fingers closed around the ligature again, he rolled onto his back, pulling frantically and thrashing on the floor. In his struggle, he kicked over a nearby trunk, knocking all of the head medic's medicines and instruments onto the floor. A bowl of bloodied water from earlier spilled and soaked through Yugi's pants leg. None of the medic's bottles broke, and the action only resulted in several muted thumps against the floor as the glass flasks fell and rolled throughout the tent and medical instruments fell harmlessly to the ground.

Against his will, Yugi's actions slowed and the edges of his vision began to darken. His strength started to leave him, and he could scarcely pull at the vine any longer. Suddenly remembering that he wore his dagger, one hand left his throat to search his belt for the blade, but as he ran his fingers across his sash, he found it smooth. Somewhere in his thrashing, he'd lost it. A dark curse sounded in his head as both hands returned to his throat. He couldn't hold out much longer.

Suddenly, someone leaned over him, and he focused long enough to recognize Gshiro's furious eyes burning into his own. The sound of a blade sliding from its scabbard rung through the tent, and Yugi's blood ran cold when his blade came into view gripped tightly in his brother's hand. He panicked, finding new strength as he pushed himself backwards across the floor, desperate to get away.

He tried to call out again, and his throat burned from the effort of vibrating against its restraint, but he continued to try, focusing on the adrenaline hammering through his system. Suddenly, the vine pulsed and tightened around his throat, trying to break his windpipe. Yugi's eyes began to water profusely and he could no longer see as he clawed desperately at his neck, cutting his own throat and continuing to scramble away from Gshiro. The lion followed, knife gripped in his fist, poised to plunge into the northern lord's chest.

Finally sensing their lord's panicked energy and hearing the continuous commotion, the guards realized something was not right and burst into the tent, swords drawn. At the sight of them, Gshiro launched himself forward, pinning the northern lord to the floor of the tent with his body. Both guards stopped, unsure of how to proceed without further endangering their lord.

Yugi abandoned the vine and grabbed Gshiro by the shoulders, holding him away as he fought to get closer. The smaller man continued to thrash, trying to evade Yugi's grasp. In the end, Gshiro's weight and strength were too much. His arms gave out, and Gshiro came chest-to-chest with his brother, shifting forward to pin his upper arms to the floor with his knees. Yugi continued to struggle, clawing at all that he could reach, but Gshiro took the punishment of his claws as he righted his grip on the dagger.

The guards, realizing that their lord was completely exposed now, shouted at the lion, running forward when Gshiro brought the knife to Yugi's throat. Gshiro leaned forward, coming nose-to-nose with Yugi. The northern lord glared at the gentle look in the other demon's eyes, hating him, but then, something crossed his features, and his struggling stopped. For a moment, the brothers locked eyes, both staring into the same dark color that had been their father's.

With one quick pull upward, the vines fell free and the young lion rolled off of his brother as he dodged a guard's sword swing. The dagger fell to the floor beside Yugi as he dropped it to move away.

The guards pursued him, trying to put distance between their lord and his attacker. Gshiro weakly threw himself across the tent and landed hard on his side with a cry, curling up and clutching at his wounds as the men approached. He was too weak to do anything but roll on his back and watch. A coughing fit took him and his eyes watered, blurring his vision as he awaited the sting of a sword.

Both guards towered over him, and Gshiro closed his eyes tightly, turning his face away. One of the guards pressed the edge of his blade against the former spy's neck, and he attempted to pull his head back, but the sword followed, finding a better angle against his throat. The soldier shifted his grip on the hilt and prepared to pull it upward and slice Gshiro's throat, but a harsh shout from the other side of the tent stopped him.

Yugi pushed unsteadily to his feet, hand covering his throat to stop the trickle of blood from his own claws and the knife's nick. He was still too weak to stand and fell to a knee, coughing as he caught himself with one arm. A guard turned to assist him, but Yugi waved him off with his other hand, gasping. After swallowing hard and drawing in many deep breaths, Yugi raised his head, wheezing out, "Leave him. Do not harm him." He began to cough violently, bringing his other hand to his mouth as he leaned back into a crouch.

The soldier with his sword to Gshiro throat looked over his shoulder at his lord, startled. "But Lord Yugi, he-!"

"Saved my life!" Yugi cut in, his voice raspy. He leaned back into a sitting position then fell back against the side of the tent weakly. His head lolled on his shoulder, rolling backwards as his eyes focused on the top of the tent. The movement made the sore muscles of his neck throb, and he absently rubbed his already bruising throat as he spoke. "I was being strangled. I'm not sure by what, but I could not free myself. Whatever it was wanted me dead, and without Gshiro, it would have succeeded." He paused for a moment, his eyes becoming unfocused for a moment. "I had just closed my eyes to rest for a moment…" He trailed off, his attention shifting to Gshiro as he organized his thoughts. The young man still looked afraid, eyes tightly shut, muscles tense. "Gshiro, what was that?"

Gshiro's eyes opened slowly and focused on Yugi's then moved up to look at the guard towering over him. The man glared down at him for a moment, still not trusting him, but after a tense moment, stepped back, removing his sword and sheathing it swiftly. Gshiro struggled to push himself into a sitting position as he quickly replied, "It was my brother Mugen. He probably intended to kill me, but when he found you here, he couldn't let the opportunity pass him by."

Yugi's eyes flashed as his mind completely cleared, one word repeating in it.

Brother.

"My lord," Gshiro sputtered, "Please, you must send a search party into the woods to find him! He won't stop until he kills both of us. I thought his injuries would debilitate him, but it seems he's still strong enough to use his powers."

At the statement, Yugi tilted his head downward. The dark green cuts of vine lay beside him, and he weakly took one in his hand to test its weight. Something that felt so flimsy and weak in his palm had almost killed him. It was only a simple vine, something he had seen often in the North, but not once had he ever gazed up at one and thought that it could kill. "Our brother is an elemental from the North?" Yugi finally asked, his voice soft, eyes distant in thought.

Gshiro paused for a moment too long, examining the demon lord's face. "You know about us?" He breathed.

Yugi smiled weakly as he leaned his head back against the side of the tent and let the vine slip from his fingers, his eyes falling closed. "Yes, I know we are brothers. I was the one who tended to your wounds. I found your crest."

Before Gshiro could speak again, the tent flap was thrown aside and Reeka moved into the tent followed closely by Mushi. Yugi turned his head to watch her frantically look about the tent as she tried to figure out what was going on. She was fully dressed as the captain Rook, although she lacked her sword indicating she had been awake but resting. Mushi did not wear his uniform but some more comfortable clothing for resting, and his hair was loose about his shoulders, a little bit of a mess. He'd already gone to bed, but after sensing his lord's energy and hearing the commotion, he'd risen to investigate.

When Reeka spotted Yugi on the floor, she quickly moved to him, kneeling to remove his hand around his throat and examine the marks there. As her concerned eyes met his, he pulled his hand from her grip. "It's nothing." He told her quickly, his voice short. He drew away to stand unsteadily, swaying slightly as the room spun. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the solid ground beneath his feet. Reeka stood beside him, placing a steadying hand on his arm. When the world finally stilled, Yugi looked down at her over his shoulder, examining her worried expression. They stared at each other for a moment, remembering their awkward encounter earlier in the evening. Suddenly, Yugi turned away, unable to look at her.

"Yugi?" She whispered, but he moved away from her touch, eyes finding those of his guards as Mushi approached him, waiting for an explanation. Reeka drew back, pulling her hand to her chest and watching.

"Do as he said." The northern lord commanded quickly, motioning to Gshiro with his hand. "Find the demon who did this and bring him here."—his dark eyes fell on the lion demon—"Gshiro, a quick description please."

Gshiro, now leaning against the wall of the tent, exhausted from his movements so early in his recovery, nodded weakly as he spoke, "His name is Mugen, and he has short cut dark hair and nearly clear, green eyes, but do not be fooled—they hold more evil within them than a person should ever see. He looks younger than his age, and he is shorter in height than I am even though he is my elder by nearly four years. If he wears his mask, it will be white, but if not, you'll recognize him as the western soldier Erakee."

The name hung in the air for a moment as no one spoke, stunned to silence.

"Erakee?" Mushi whispered softly, his voice rough in disbelief. "The kid?"

I opened my mouth to agree, but stopped when I sensed a familiar energy approaching. The hair rose on the back of my neck in momentary panic. The rest of the tent froze, sensing him as well.

The tent flap was roughly pushed aside, and I turned to see Nasuku duck inside wearing his complete general uniform, armor included. Once the flap fell closed behind him, he straightened, hand falling to rest on his hilt. His dark hair was pulled up into a tight tail on the top of his head, and the black ties securing it there hung down with his hair over his shoulder. His handsome face was hard, jaw tight and unwilling to yield for one of the smiles he used to so freely give.

His eyes moved to me, looking at me through the corners of his eyes coolly, but he did not turn to me. "Is there something the matter, Captain?" His voice was as cold as steel.

My heart broke, but I did not let it show. I bowed my head at him gently, bangs covering my eyes. "No, sir, I was just surprised to see you dressed for battle." I replied softly. Hesitantly, I lifted my face to look at him, fearing what he would say next.

He turned fully to face me, arms out by his sides to emphasize his state of dress as his eyes bore into mine. "Once upon a time," he told me, voice rough with an underlying anger, "I wore my full uniform at all times. I was never questioned or betrayed in those days. I've grown soft it seems." I flinched under his gaze, turning my face away as tears burned my eyes. I knew the comment was directed at me. Just as I had feared all those years ago, I'd become his weakness. Somewhere in my heart though, I knew he didn't mean it, and that was all that kept me from losing my cool façade.

Nasuku turned his attention away from me with a swift turn of his body, his focus moving to the others in the tent. "What has happened?" He demanded when he noticed the marks on Yugi's throat. The demon lord lifted his chin, showing the marks with pride to the general. Nasuku's hands suddenly fisted at his sides, irritated by Yugi's show of confidence. There was a movement, and his eyes darted to Gshiro. He visibly tensed. "What are you doing here, Karcen?" When Nasuku began to stalk towards the former spy, the northern soldiers in the tent stepped aside, exposing the injured demon.

Gshiro eyes widened, and he pushed unsteadily to his feet. "General Nasuku, please-!"

Nasuku stopped instantly at his voice, his hair swaying behind him as his eyes flashing in realization. They narrowed dangerously. "Gshiro." He spat as he took another long stride forward to stand chest to chest with the man. Gshiro began to quiver, whether from fear or exhaustion, I could not tell, but I stepped forward, ready to say something. Higher officer or not, this was not an appropriate way for him to treat Gshiro. Yugi caught my arm and shook his head at me when he realized my intent. "Not so easy to stand up to me when I'm not injured or restrained, hm?" I heard Nasuku cold voice say.

"General," Yugi finally said, voice hard as he stepped forward to lay a hand on Nasuku's shoulder, "Calm yourself and step away. This man is not yours to intimidate."

Nasuku turned to him, jerking his shoulder from the lord's grip and looking at him with narrowed eyes. "As you wish, Lord Yugi." He taunted, giving him a sloppy, half bow before moving past him. Yugi chose to ignore the gestures and kept his eyes forward as Nasuku strode by.

My mate came to stop beside me, and I looked up at his face, examining his features as he turned to focus on the interaction between Yugi and Gshiro. Sliding my fingers beneath my coat and uniform, I pressed my mark and attempted to pass my energy into it. Perhaps in this distracted state, I could finally get through to him, but this was not the case and the bond was just as tightly shut off as it had been before.

With a sigh, I let my hand fall to my side and turned my attention away from Nasuku, but even without looking at him, I was overwhelmingly aware of him. His energy warmed my skin and his scent made my heart swell, and I had to step away as my heart began to break again. I wanted to remain where I was and pretend all was right again, but I knew it would hurt when reality returned again, so I left his side to help Yugi put Gshiro back in bed. When I laid my hands on Gshiro's waist to keep him steady while Yugi supported him with an arm over his shoulders, I felt Nasuku's eyes burn into my back. Confused, I looked at him, but his eyes quickly moved away, focusing on the floor of the tent as his arms crossed over his powerful chest.

For a moment, his face lost it hardness and softened to reveal the man I loved, but then he frowned at a thought and the mask came over his face again. He looked up at me and his gaze was cold once more. I diverted my eyes with a heavy sigh as I helped lower Gshiro onto his sleeping roll.

"Rest now, Gshiro." Pulling up the blankets, Yugi covered Gshiro up to his neck. The former spy nodded then visibly relaxed, his eyes falling closed. Only then did his shaking stop, and I realized that he'd shaken because of his overexertion, not fear of Nasuku. Standing had put a strain on his body that it had not been prepared for. I felt a new respect for the man grow in my heart as I watched him fall into a deep sleep. Despite Nasuku's threatening glare, Gshiro had stood his ground.

Mushi, standing to the side of the tent as everything occurred and seemingly lost in his own thoughts, finally stepped forward as Yugi straightened. "Your orders, sire?" I stood as well, turning to look at Mushi as he addressed his lord.

Catching the scent of my sister on him, I almost smiled. Whatever the issue had been previously seemed to have worked itself out between them. I made a mental note to visit my sister soon to make sure everything was alright. Maybe she would open up to me then and tell me what had happened in the time she had been missing.

Yugi's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned my face to examine him. Despite the bruising and cuts on his throat, he held his head high, exposing the marks for all to see. He would not let himself be affected by the attack.

"Send out a search party to look for Erakee." He told Mushi, eyes landing on the soldiers still standing within the tent. The soldiers both gave quick bows and were off, Mushi right behind them to relay the orders to the rest of his men. When the tent flap fell closed again, Nasuku, Yugi, and I all stood within, nearly alone since Gshiro had already drifted back to sleep. The atmosphere of the tent instantly became hostile.

Nasuku and Yugi faced each other, eyes locked and furies building. Each shifted his weight on his feet and steadied his breathing, watching the other carefully. Nasuku's jaw tightened, something I'd learned over the years meant he was restraining himself, and I felt panic begin to take me. I needed to relieve the tension of the situation.

Realizing that I stood beside Yugi, the side opposing Nasuku's in his eyes, I took a quick step towards my mate, finding a kind of middle ground between the two. When I moved, neither seem to notice, and the two men continued to glower at each other, their energies beginning to rise and clash around me. The hair on my arms stood up with the energy, and I felt it burn my skin as it continued to build.

Thoughtlessly, I side-stepped, intercepting their gazes to stop them. Nasuku's glare intended for Yugi fell on my face, and I flinched at the anger and hatred in the darkness of his eyes. Startled, his eyes flashed with worry when he realized I'd received the look, but then they flicked over my shoulder and came to meet mine again, a new fury burning within them.

With a snort, Nasuku suddenly turned and left the tent, coat and hair flaring out behind him. Without thinking, I ran after him.

"Nasuku!" I cried as I threw the tent flap aside and stumbled into the snow. He came to a sudden stop, tense, but did not turn, waiting for what I would say or do. I moved forward with swift strides, intending to talk some sense into him, but when I found myself so surrounded in his scent, my anger vanished and my heart swelled. My strong gate faltered, and I found myself slowly walking towards my mate. When I reached him, his head was turned slightly, watching me over his shoulder through the corners of his guarded yet soft eyes.

Reaching up a hand, I lovingly ran my fingers through the hair of his ponytail as I had done all my life. His eyes closed gently, and he swallowed as he straightened his neck and shifted on his feet. My fingers slid out of his soft hair and sensuously ghosted over the skin on the back of his neck. He shifted again under my touch, but when my fingers touched the cold metal of his armor with a soft metallic click, he tensed and I snapped out of my daze. The moment was broken and we were once again back in reality. Not quite as confident now, I stepped forward to stand before my mate.

"Nasuku," I breathed, looking up at him. His eyes found mine, emotionless but not cold. Boldly, I leaned into the armor of his chest, my arms going around his waist. It almost felt as though he relaxed in my embrace, and his arms twitched at his side as he resisted the urge to either embrace me or push me away. My grip on him tightened as I rested my cheek on his breastplate. "Please, Nasuku, speak with me. I've done nothing."

Strong fingers suddenly wrapped around my upper arms and held me away. I looked up into his face, and the tears flowed. His face was hard again. This wasn't my Nasuku. "Captain, these affections are inappropriate," He said coolly. "Perhaps Lord Yugi would bring you better satisfaction." With a swift step backward, Nasuku released my shoulders and a hand settled his sword again. He frowned at me. "My patience is wearing thin with your disrespect lately, Captain. You are not permitted to address me so informally. The next time you do so, you will be punished. Is that understood?"

Angrily, I brushed away the tears on my cheeks and bowed to him, jaw tight. As he went to move around me, my eyes focused on his boots. "Nasuku, I have not betrayed you." I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

The toe of his boot scraped in the snow as his gate was disturbed by my words. He stopped his retreat and leaned over me, his lips by my ear, but I did not revel in his breath's warmth. I ignored the delightful shiver that ran down spine and focused on the cold that seeped through my coat. "I do not believe you. I know what I sensed," he growled. His lips brushed the shell of my ear as he spoke, and I was powerless to stop the shudder that ran through me. My heart ached. He was so close yet so far away.

I remained bent over, a visual form of submission, but I did not back down with my words. Anger seeped into me. I had not felt such anger towards my mate since I was a rebellious teenager and he was my equally stubborn teacher. "What you sensed is not the truth." I replied, my voice rough in my throat. "You misunderstood."

I heard his teeth grind as he clenched his jaw. He shifted on his feet and he leaned away from me. I saw his boots turn as though was he was looking back at the medic's tent. His voice drifted down to me, barely above a whisper, "Yugi has grown to be quite the lord, hasn't he, Reeka? He is loved by your family and his subjects. In rank and age, you are matched, and he has become very strong these last years. I'm only half surprised that he has become your choice now." I heard hurt finally begin seep into his voice and almost straightened, wanting to comfort him, but his strong fingers settled on the back of my neck, keeping me bent. After a moment, they became gentle, barely brushing against the skin there.

That simple gesture gave me hope. He still cared for me, despite the anger and hatred he showed. I'd hurt him so terribly.

"I chose you thirteen years ago, Nasuku," I stated slowly, moving my eyes upward to catch the slightest glimpse of his face, "and I have never regretted that decision."

Nasuku remained silent for a moment, debating, and I prayed he would me, but when his fingers tensed around my neck, I knew he had not. He released me and stepped back. I turned my head to watch the battling emotions move across his face. When he noticed my gaze, he turned quickly and stalked away, calling over his shoulder, "If you have not already done so, my mark is weak enough for him to override. Do enjoy yourselves."

I straightened slowly, watching as he moved away in the blue haze of the rise sun, shoulders tensed, fist clenched, and gait strong. This was the man I loved. "It will always be your mark." I whispered after him. "Test it."

Either he did not hear me, or he chose to ignore me—my mark remained cold.

The search parties did not find Mugen.

The remnants of his vine, abandoned and half-buried in the snow, led to a large rock in the middle of a grouping of trees. Over the rock lay his rebel uniform coat and, placed carefully on the crest, rested a single, mocking rose.

The area itself seemed completely untouched, and not even a single footprint marked the snow around the rock. He'd left no clues. There was no way anyone could predict his next move from what remained in the clearing; he'd made sure of that.

Hazari had led the group that discovered the rose, and upon seeing it, he'd became so overcome by such rage, he'd torn into the woods with his sword drawn, shouting for the elemental to show himself. The soldiers with him had to run him down and restrain him to make sure he didn't injure himself. When they brought him to my tent, arms tied behind his back, cursing loudly at the men and demanding to be released, I moved to him quickly, running my hands over his face to sooth him.

At first, he jerked from my touch, eyes furious as he continued to struggle and curse, but after another minute, he looked up at me with broken eyes and suddenly slumped to his knees. The soldiers didn't know what to do other than lower him to the ground by his arms gently and stand over him. They cared for their human captain, I could tell by their faces, and they hated seeing him so disturbed. With a reassuring smile, I dismissed the soldiers before kneeling behind my son and gently untying his wrists. When they were freed, he pulled them into his lap, staring at them blankly.

I stood slowly, afraid to move too quickly, and knelt before him, my hand gently cupping his cheek gently, and his eyes moved to mine. "Hazari, what is it?" I whispered, rubbing my thumb over his cheek.

His face was suddenly overcome by a look of complete anguish, and without a moment's hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him against my chest, holding him as though he was still a child.

In the circle of my arms, he finally broke and explained everything to me. He told me about Tarra, and how her feelings had developed for him as she grew. He told me his fears of accepting her love, and he told me about the night I had found Tarra in his rooms.

"She is terrified of him, Reeka." He whispered, nose against my neck. "I swore I would protect her from him, but how am I supposed to do that now? Mugen is on the loose, and he could be on his way to the western palace as we speak. What if he does attack the western palace? Besides the few guards we left behind, there is no one there to keep her safe." He paused and pulled away, eyes furious. "If he ever lays a hand on her again, I swear, I'll-!"

I shushed him as I pulled him back against me with an arm around his shoulders, turning him so his upper back rested against my chest and the rest of his body laid over my crossed legs. "Calm yourself, Hazari." I whispered to him, gently pulling loose the tie of his hair and running my fingers through it. My claws moved carefully across his scalp, and his eyes fell closed as he relaxed against me. "My father is there," I whispered to him in a soft voice. "He will keep her safe."

Hazari nodded gently. "I still wish I could be there. I know she would feel safer if I were there." His voice trailed off as he enjoyed my fingers. I'd done this when he was a boy, and I knew the action was bringing back memories of his childhood. For the longest time, he'd only known me for my voice and touch just as he was experiencing now.

For a short while, we remained silent as he enjoyed my movements and I thought over what he'd said. Tarra cared for him so deeply, and he'd just begun to return those feelings, ignoring his fears and letting her make advances. I knew my son still felt that it was wrong in some way because of her age, but one day he would realize that age means nothing to demons, and as a human, he had no time to lose.

I looked down at my son's relaxed face against my shoulder, and realized then that I was hardly surprised Tarra had developed such deep feelings for him. He'd become a handsome man with soft features and contrastingly sharp eyes. He was good man: kind and caring, warm, intelligent. He would keep her safe and be good to her.

Coming to a decision, I smiled softly and leaned over so that my mouth was by his ear, my hand stopping in his hair. "Then go," I whispered very softly.

I had to lean back quickly as he sat up, almost catching my chin with his head, and turned to look at me, his hair spilling over his shoulders in gentle waves. "What? But, Reeka, the army-!"

Tenderly, I cupped his face in my palms and smiled at him. "Hazari, this war is over. We are traveling to the northern palace to rest and restock, and then the western army is heading home. It makes no difference if you get there several weeks before we do."

My son was torn—I could see it on his face. "But Reeka, would it be right for me to leave?" He asked, his voice soft. "I'm an officer."

"And I am a higher officer." I responded with a grin. My voice became very sweet as I leaned closer to him. "I give you permission to go, Hazari. Your love needs you. Go to her."

Hazari instantly pushed to his feet, looking down at me carefully. I met his eyes, my gaze confident. Quickly, he thought it through, and realizing that he wanted to go to her more than he anything, he began righting his clothing and then pulled his hair back up into its small tail at the nape of his neck. "I'll leave now then." Hazari said, excitement entering his voice as he scooped up his sword by the entrance where the soldiers had placed it and secured it to his hip. Smiling warmly, he turned to look at me again, hand resting limply on the wrapped hilt of his sword. "Thank you, Reeka." He said softly, voice low with the passion of his words. "Thank you for everything."

For a moment, I could not speak. His tone was so sincere, my heart swelled in my chest and my throat closed with emotion. I pushed to my feet carefully and approached him, searching his face once again, memorizing every detail of emotion I found there. He watched me with attentive eyes and remained still, letting me advance without question. I stopped just before him, searching his eyes carefully.

This was the same blind, human boy I had found over thirteen years before. He was a grown man now, but I could still see the child he had once been hiding beneath his features. That same smile still graced his lips and lightened his eyes when he was pleased, and his face still softened when he thought of those he loved.

"Hazari," I whispered gently as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, having to move to my toes to do so, "I am so honored to have you as a son."

He tensed in my embrace, caught off guard by my words, but he relaxed a moment later and his arms wrapped around my waist, holding me tightly against him. I had never addressed him formally as my son, and I knew it meant the world to him. When I'd learned he considered me his mother, it had meant everything to me.

When I drew back, we looked at each other silently, content in the silence, then Hazari stepped back from me, smiling sweetly. "I will see you soon, Mother." When the word left his mouth, his eyes lit with joy I had never seen before. It was probably the first time he had addressed someone as his mother, and the pleasure it brought him was breathtaking.

I returned his smile, bringing up a hand to squeeze his shoulder. "Be safe, Hazari." Pulling to make him bend over, I pressed a kiss to his forehead softly, brushing the loose hairs back from his face as he leaned back. He nodded his head in a bob with a sweet expression and then left the tent.

Within the next half-hour, he had set out, and not long after that, I was called to the general's tent.

Yes, it is shorter than usual, but the next scene is incredibly long, and if I wrote the next scene, I would have to write the scene after that as well to keep the flow of the story correct.

I worked very hard on this chapter, hours more than usual, and I hope it shows.

Please review. I need some inspiration.