By the way before i get reviews saying it's confusing:

italics = flashback

Chapter 24

"Mmm..." Amber eyes flickered down as his sister began to awaken. This was the type of morning he preferred; a clear sky whilst being alone with his sister – similar to many mornings when they were younger. Of course it had nothing to do with the fact that that she was curled against his chest, using him like a pillow. He was certain that they hadn't been like this when he finally fell to slumber yet when he had awoken this morning this was the position he found himself in.

As Sesshomaru watched Tsuki's eyelids flutter, he couldn't help but to remember back to their childhood and also the one that ultimately separated them; Inuyasha. If the hanyou hadn't been born, Tsuki would never have left to protect the young child nor would their father have died, meaning that he, Sesshomaru, would never have become Lord of the Western Lands. All in all, Inuyasha seemed to the root and cause of many of his problems.

As he reflected upon their childhood, he couldn't help but remember the occasion on which their parents had taken them to see the Seer Shruski. It was a point in time where he had become thoroughly vexed at something in front of his sister – the old hag had spoken nothing but riddles, which he couldn't interpret but Tsuki understood them with no difficulty. Yes... he could still recall it clearly as if it had occurred only yesterday, although it had been some centuries ago...

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"Lady Shruski? We have come seeking your assistance." His father called out to the door.

"Who is it?" He could see Tsuki's eyes flash in laughter before dying down so she did not disrespect the old hag inside the dwelling.

"Inu no Tashio, Lord of the West, Katsuma, my mate, and our two children, Sesshomaru and Tsukim-"

"The moon child? Tsukimegami?" Even he had to hold in his laughter as their father was cut off.

"Hai, i am she." His sister sounded quite calm – anyone would think this was a peaceful stroll they were on instead of something that could dictate the rest of their lives.

"Then my lords and ladies please enter my humble abode." The door was opened and Sesshomaru couldn't prevent his nose scrunching in disgust. Tsuki shot him a questioning glance to which he answered by placing a sleeved arm over his nose before dropping it back down. She nodded in understanding and let him go in first, not pushing him to go fast but allowing him to go in slowly so he could adjust to the smell.

"So what is it i can do for you?" The old woman sat towards the back of the room and gestured for them to sit also. He was going to sit beside his father but something made him sit next to Tsuki – some strange feeling...

"It is not for us that we sought you out but for our children." Katsuma then proceeded to tell the seer what she could about the two of them, both nodding occasionally.

"So you wish to know about their mates, hmm? I shall try to find a suitable answer for your request. But I shall warn you – it may take many centuries for them to meet." With that the old woman stood and, looking for a moment, took various jars off different shelves. When they were amassed on the small table near to her seating place, she took a jar and poured its liquid contents into a deep hollow in the ground. The rest of the jars contained powders which were added as required, causing some sort of smoke to arise when she swirled them all together. As the first tendril of smoke appeared, he felt a stabbing pain in his hand. Looking down, he saw Tsuki's hand had entwined with his, the claws accidentally digging in. A quick glance to her body told why – she was tense, from what he was unsure, perhaps fear of the answer?

"Ah." The woman's voice brought him back to attention.

"What is it?" His mother had a hand on his father's arm, possibly in an attempt to calm the youkai down.

"Your children do indeed have mates. Both have been born by now and are your children's other halves." The woman stared some more at the smoke before nodding and turning back to them. "Sesshomaru's mate will be a strong demoness indeed – renown for her prowess and beauty." He felt a small twinge, of what he could not say – joy, sorrow? – but he heard the low growl from his sister next to him. Was that a tinge of green envy in her eyes?

"What of Tsuki?"

"Her mate is the reason she still remains undefeated in battle – he is the only one strong and capable enough to defeat her. However she will be his completion – her compassion will match his ruthlessness, her smile for his scowl." Tsuki's hand slid out of his as their mother gasped. Both female Inuyoukai had a look of surprise on their faces; however Tsuki seemed to recover faster.

"I would never allow my daughter to go to one such as he – one who sounds like that must be terrible." Their father looked ready to kill.

"I already know who he is then but as to whether or not he can defeat me, remains to be seen." Tsuki's voice was soft and he felt sorrow place its wings around his body – she already knew who her mate was and she appeared troubled.

But there was something that confused him – the stab of jealousy towards the youkai that Tsuki believed to be her possible mate. Why he was unsure, but he would find out.

He noticed the look on the seer's face and was confused by her small, knowing smile.

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"Sesshomaru...Are you day-dreaming or have you finally perfected the art of sleeping with your eyes open?" The voice of his elder sister brought him out of his musings.

"If you're awake, we can proceed."

"Ah... the ever patient Sesshomaru straight to the point as usual." She gave a shake of her head whilst she crossed her arms. "Seriously – why do you hate the man?" Sesshomaru gave no response but instead stood and slowly walked towards where Rin was currently working on a flower chain. Their scents were like a calming balm to him – thinking of that damn seer always made him worried. Had she been defeated in battle? If so, who by?

Tsuki watched his retreating back before sighing – some things never changed. A slight nudge on her shoulder made her aware of the two horses stood beside her, and the young child running towards her holding a bunch of flowers in her hands.

'Why wait for Sesshomaru? Why not Inuyasha?' Tsuki shook her head before giving a bright smile to the girl as she handed her the flowers.