Sorry this chapter took so long. Honestly I just struggled to find the time to write it. I got really busy, and writing is one of my side hobbies so when I have a full plate of life stuff to deal with it gets hard.

I never forgot about this story though and I have full intentions of finishing it. I only plan to write about another 3 chapters or so. I can't promise that they won't be delayed, but know that I will be writing them.

Thanks and please feel free to comment or critique if you want :)

"Miyu i'm fine really," Soten complained as Miyu hugged her tightly around the neck. "Seriously, you're making it worse."

The small girl clinging to her couldn't hear Soten's complaints over her own sobbing. She had been apologizing all morning and Soten was having trouble convincing her that she was going to be fine. She had spent a few days recovering until she finally agreed to let Shippo usher in their comrades to see that she was still alive. He helped her sit up so she would be able to see everyone clearly, but as soon as Miyu saw her she broke down.

"Miyu, Soten can't recover if you reopen her wounds," Rin came to Soten's defense and pulled their crying friend aside.

"I'm…sorry...Soten," Miyu croaked between breaths and wiped her eyes.

"You have already said that a dozen times and I told you it's fine."

"Miyu stop the tears now. You can't be all torn up for your party," Kohaku could see the irritation creeping onto Soten's face and once again tried to calm Miyu.

"There's a party?" Soten questioned and it was Shippo who answered as he strolled back into the room from fetching more water per Soten's request.

"Her father-in-law wants to introduce her to a bunch of the lords and ladies of the demon high born. I think he has taken a liking to his new daughter," Shippo teased and Miyu reddened.

"It's not THAT serious he just wants to finalize things," she sniffled and swiped away her tears.

"So you have been getting along with this Taka then?" Soten raised a brow intrigued. She and Shippo had talked about what she had missed after she got hurt and she managed to get the full story on Taka.

"He is...kind," Miyu flushed a little deeper. "I don't really know too much about him and he doesn't talk much when we are alone, but I think he means well."

"As long as you say so, I guess I won't have to kill him then," Soten boasted and Shippo clunked her head with the water ladle.

"Like you are in any condition to do anything to anybody," he teased.

"Shut it fox, I told you I'm fine - OUCH!" she screeched as Shippo poked her gently on the side.

"Yep you're totally fine," he smirked at her pout as she accepted her defeat. "Don't worry, I will take care of you," he replaced thumping her on the head with a pat, ruffling her loose hair and forcing it up wildly in every direction.

As Soten fumed a light tap on the door silenced their bickering.

"Lady Miyu?" A maid peeped her head inside and looked to Miyu to follow.

Miyu nodded and turned to Soten swiftly clasping her injured hand lightly "Will you be able to come down for the party...at least for a little bit?" Miyu asked meekly still holding back her tears.

"I'll try," Soten nodded.

Miyu smiled and squeezed one last hug around Soten's neck before she was escorted from the room and Soten exhaled deeply to relax herself. Rin paused then clapped her hands together.

"Right, then you two need to leave," Rin stood herding Shippo and Kohaku to the door.

"What? Why?" Kohaku protested feeling Rin's hand press him further into the hall.

"Because if she really DOES want to come down for the party she will need to get dressed and you guys aren't staying here for that," she pushed them over the threshold and smiled at them. "See you guys down stairs," she shut the door swiftly and left the two men standing in the hall baffled.

"What was that about?" Shippo looked to Kohaku who shook his head.

"Rin...Rin is weird sometimes," Kohaku sighed.

"Aren't all girls?"

"Are you including Soten in that?" Kohaku nudged Shippo suggestively.

"Yeah. She's probably the weirdest one."

"You've been spending a lot of time with her lately," Kohaku chuckled as he dodged the maids running through the hall balancing baskets of fruit on their heads as they sped past to various rooms.

"I have," Shippo smiled.

"It's been GOOD times then?"

Shippo only laughed.

"You know we always talk about my love life but you never spill anything about yours," Kohaku pouted hoping to get more words from his elusive friend.

"What makes you think that there is anything love related with my laughter?"

Kohaku frowned and rolled his eyes making Shippo hold back another laugh.

"I told her how I feel."

"You did?" Kohaku seemed shocked, but the light pink flushing Shippo's face told him it was true. "So you DO like her?"

"I thought that was obvious, or were you serious when you said you couldn't tell how I felt?"

"No I could tell. You just never admitted it so I am just making sure." Kohaku paused to look out the window at the castle coming to life in preparations for party guests, and he spotted Miyu walking beside her future husband and his father. She still looked somewhat out of place among the large bird demons patrolling around her, but she seemed content.

"I guess it will all be over soon," Shippo followed his gaze and watched the group glide by the windows of the lower levels.

"Yeah...so then what happens after this?" Kohaku sighed.

"She gets married I think…"

"Not with her." Kohaku shook his head. "Did it work out okay for you?"

"Yeah. Everything's fine, but it's all...new. There is still a lot to...learn" Shippo scratched his head nervously and Kohaku grinned. "You're going to tease me about this aren't you?"

"Oh yeah. All the time."

"I thought so," Shippo chuckled and wandered further down the hall as another maid rushed past.

The halls began to fill with a mix of aromas. Fruits and mountain flowers were weaved into the walls and fence posts lining the balconies. The floors were freshly shined and all the spare rooms were dusted and prepared for guests. It wouldn't take long for people to start arriving and Soten and Rin could hear the constant footsteps pacing outside of the door.

Rin had helped Soten into a loose fitting kimono that hung comfortable around her torso so it wouldn't upset her wounds. The silky blue fabric gilded easily over Soten's bandages and she felt relieved that she was finally wearing regular clothes and not bunched naked under a blanket anymore. As Rin tightened the sash around Soten's waist she stepped back and admired her work in cobbling together decent clothing from the oversized garment.

"Wow you don't look half bad," Rin joked and Soten feigned offence.

"Are you saying that I don't look good all the time?"

"Only because you have me to help you out," Rin stuck out her tongue and proceeded to fiddle with Soten's hair, picking out the knots that formed from her neglectful upkeep while she was hurt. She pulled the tangles apart and raked through the strands with her fingers before smoothing them with a metal comb. "Soten can I ask you something?"

"That depends, what's the question?"

"You're still going to be around after this right?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"It just feels like everything is changing and I was kind of getting used to everyone being together."

"Yeah, I guess you guys are alright, sometimes." Soten joked and earning a giggle from Rin. "Well if you leave it to Shippo to explain, things aren't really changing they are just creating more experiences, and even though this is fun, we all have to get back to our lives. I have a dragon I need to look out for and a valley to protect. Besides I am sure you are ready to spend some more time being in love with Kohaku."

Rin clasped her hands to her face to cover the red in her cheeks. "Why would you say that?"

"Really Rin?" Soten raised a brow. "You two have been into each other since this whole trip started."

Rin chewed her lip, but didn't deny Soten's comment. "He's the main one I worry about. Sometimes I feel like he overthinks too much."

"Well he might be rubbing off on you because you are WAY overthinking right now. Of course I am not just gonna disappear and never speak to you again are you crazy girl?" Soten thumped Rin's head with her knuckle. "Can we go downstairs now?"

Rin took a note from Miyu and hugged Soten around the neck before they slipped through the door and made their way to the grand hall. The tall ceiling was lit up with a massive gold plated chandelier and balconies spotted the upper walls. The floors were lined with tables of breads, meats and fruits with seating placed around in groups. The room was empty except for a few maids and servants, but Soten felt relieved that they could get there early so she wouldn't have to limp her way in with a bunch of high born demon's watching.

"Fancy," Soten spoke under her breath as she sat herself on a plush teal cushion and helped herself to the tea that a serving girl placed in front of her.

"Tell me about it," Rin echoed her awe staring at the elaborate decor.

Before either of them notices the area filled up with demons. Most of them had a regal look. None of them bothered to pay them any attention besides the occasional questioning stare, so they were left to watch the crowd uninterrupted.

"Well look who can still manage to bring herself to function like a living being," Soten's attention was pulled away as Shippo and Kohaku weaved their way out of the crowd and scotched themselves to their table.

"Ha ha, Shippo" Soten sneered.

"Glad to see you on your feet Soten," Kohaku smirked.

"Yeah, enough with the fluffy words."

The boys sat themselves down and joined the people watching. There was no doubt that some noble demons had turned up, Soten even spotted a few prominent demons she remembered her brother entertaining when she was young. She didn't expect that any of them remembered her and in truth most were just flings that Hiten occupied himself with when he was bored. Timed passed quietly for a while, but eventually Lord Fukuro emerged with his son and Miyu following behind.

They were all dressed in silky ornate kimonos garnished in gold and white patterns. Miyu's face was painted with a clean cover of makeup, making her cheeks rosey and her lips red. Her groom to be, had his hair pulled into a tight bun and it made his crystal blue eyes look even brighter as they popped off his pale complexion. They seated themselves on a set of plush cushions lined up in the far end of the room

"Wow they don't look half bad together huh?" Soten whispered to Shippo.

"Well we worked hard enough to get her here in one piece, I would hope they at least look like a couple."

"You think she'll be okay?"

"Of course, she has your word that you'll protect her right?" Shippo smiled and she lightly jabbed him in the ribs.

"What are you two whispering about?" Kohaku raised a brow and winked at them.

"That sir, is none of your business," Shippo stuck out his tongue,.

Kohaku's rebuttal was cut short by Fukuro rising from his chair.

"Honored guests," He began to speak in a shaky strained toned without the voice to project, yet everyone the room quieted and turned their eyes to him. "Today you are all here to join me in welcoming my future daughter in law. She has traveled far to join herself to my family and her father has trusted us with her health in his good faith." He paused and extended a hand to Miyu. She took it timidity and stood. "I know not everyone here agrees with the current direction many in the demon society have taken."

His statement seemed to draw the air from the room as many of the noble demons visibly scowled. "But, we all live long enough to understand that the world changes and we have two choices when it does, we adapt or we die. Today I am choosing to adapt and accept and I am hoping by your attendance her today you are open to doing the same." Taka stood as well and held Miyu's hand.

"Thank you all for joining us in celebration," Taka's voice carried a much more authoritative weight, but he made a point to keep his tone light and not overshadow his father. "Please enjoy and have fun."

At his comment the room erupted into cheers. Soten looked around somewhat stunned that the demons from such high standing would respond so warmly, but in looking closer she could tell it was not all genuine. After his address the party continued as it was. Various of the nobles moved their way to the Northern lord and gave congratulations to the couple and most of the room continued to mingle.

"We should go see Miyu too. I bet she has got to be freaking out over there," Kohaku smiled and Rin nodded in agreement.

"Are you guys coming too?" she looked to Shippo and Soten and he glanced at the pouting thunder demon and shook his head.

"In a bit," Shippo answered for both of them and Kohaku gave him a teasing grin.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do Shippo," he chuckled and winked as he dissapeared into the crowd with Rin.

"Stupid," Soten scoffed under her breath as the sea of people closed around their friends.

"Why so negative?"

"Not my fault everyone here will smile like it's no big deal and then talk crap behind your back. That's how demons in high society have always been."

"And it bothers you?"

"If you are trying to get me to say that I only care because I am worried about Miyu then you can stop, because you're right. I don't trust these people. I've been around some of them before and they will back stab you in a second when they feel like their pride has been threatened."

"It's a good thing Miyu has such a fearsome protector then," Shippo laughed and Soten huffed. "Can I get the fearsome protector to not be so fearsome for just a while though?" He asked standing from the table and extending a hand to her.

"What?"

"Come dance."

"But I'm still hurt," her face flushed and she turned her eyes away nervously.

"I'm not challenging you to battle. I'll be gentle I promise."

"I don't know how," she looked at her shoes and felt his hand grip her fingers.

"I'll teach you."

She didn't argue and let herself be guided onto the floor. She couldn't move very well, but Shippo didn't make a comment about how stiff she was. He even ignored how she stepped on is feet a few dozen times. Neither one of them said anything, but she was kind of happy that he didn't. For a moment she was no longer surrounded by strangers and she almost felt like she could relax. She rested her head on his shoulder and felt him hug a little tighter.

"Well look at this, someone has gotten a whole lot closer since the last time I saw them," The mystery voice invaded Soten's peace and she hesitated to turn around.

"Kiyara?" Shippo huffed and she winked.

"That's my name."

"What are you doing here," he groaned. "I thought I got rid of you."

"I was invited thank you."

"You weren't a noble demon last time I checked."

"Neither are you," she pouted. "If you must know though I am here as a plus one."

"Who's?"

"Mine," a strong voice rang from behind them and Shippo visibly tensed.

Soten saw herself looking at a rather large man. He was bulky, but it almost seemed like fluff. He had an aged face defined with wrinkles that bunched the thickest near the corners of his slanted green eyes. But the most prominent feature about him was the nine tails that swayed at his back.

"Master," Shippo cringed the word out and slowly turned to the old kitsune.

"Shippo. It's been a while, you left so unexpectedly I think you forgot to tell me you were leaving."

Shippo smiled awkwardly and the older fox shifted his eyes to Soten. "Please excuse me miss, but might I borrow Shippo for a while?"

Soten nodded and watched as the two foxes strolled away exchanging soft whispers.

"Is he in trouble?" she asked Kiyara who swished her tail around and used her fingers to brush the fur.

"I can't really tell. Master didn't seem to be angry, but it is hard to know for sure." Soten twisted her lip at the response. "Don't worry little lightning bug, he will be fine. Though I can't promise he won't get a scolding. But tell me how are things going. You look like you two are doing well." She nudged Soten with her elbow and wiggled her eyebrows.

"Yeah…" Soten rubbed the back of her neck nervously.

"I knew you two would get your dirty, dirty freak, freak on."

"Nothing like that happened," Soten turned red and Kiyara laughed.

"But you wanted it to," she teased and Soten swat her arm.

Kiyara continued to pick at her and Soten found it easier to scan the room. She watched Miyu politely greet guests. It wasn't until she met eyes with Taka that she realized he was staring at her. He leaned and whispered something to Miyu and she nodded before he stood and started to make his way toward them.

"You must be Soten," he spoke up as he approached.

"You must be Taka."

"We didn't really get the chance to meet when you first arrived."

"I suppose I should be thanking you for that. Helping me I mean."

"Anything to help a friend of Miyu's."

"Glad to see you're so supportive of her," Soten's words were nice enough, but it was clear she was still trying to get a feel for Taka's intentions.

"You are the groom right?" Kiyara spoke up sensing the tension in the thunder demon's tone.

"I am. Thank you for coming to celebrate-" He hesitated.

"I'm Kiyara," she gave him her name and he bowed.

"Well Kiyara, it is a pleasure, but would you mind if I talk with your friend for a moment?"

Kiyara glanced at Soten and got a nod of approval.

"I suppose, but don't keep her too long," she strolled away and Soten waited until she was clear of ear shot before turning back to Taka.

"So I am here for a least a week or so and now you need to talk?"

"I didn't want to disturb you and your friends after your ordeal, but I am not speaking to you of my own accord." Soten raised a brow and he motioned for her to follow him. "Please if you would, I think we should speak where it is a bit quieter."

Soten hesitated and glanced around the room. Rin and Kohaku were nowhere in sight and Shippo had not returned. She hadn't decided if she trusted Taka or not, but she couldn't bring herself to think he would try something stupid with so many guests. If noble demons liked one thing, it was their image and it would ruin his reputation to cause trouble at his own party.

She reluctantly followed and they walked slowly out onto the balcony, where the music and chatter turned to a muffle and the night air chilled her face. She leaned her back against the railing and watched as Taka rested his elbows next to where she rested and stared out over the mountain. Now that he was closer Soten could see the slick black feathers that expanded along his wings wrapped tightly around his shoulders like a cloak. She remembered then that he was a bird demon and could fly, making her choice of standing so close to the railing a bad idea if he did mean her harm.

Taka seemed to notice her tense and laughed. "Don't worry it's nothing bad. At least I don't think," he began standing upright to look at Soten. "Like I said, I was not the one who would like your attention tonight. I am only the messenger." He paused. "My father would like to talk to you."

"We have already spoken," Soten was a little surprised that the old bird hadn't mentioned to his son that they talked.

"Yes well, he wishes to talk to you again, in a more formal setting. I believe he mentioned something about having a proposition for you."

"Proposition? Like a job?"

"Possibly, I can't say for sure he didn't share all the details. He simply asked that I tell you to report to the upper hall once he has completed greeting all the guests."

"I thought you were supposed to be his successor. Don't you have a say in any of these secrets?"

"Though I am to take his place, he says he wants me to focus on my marriage for the time being." Soten scoffed and Taka smiled. "I don't know much about you, but Miyu seems to be fascinated with you, and I must commend your bravery. I should thank you also, you have gone above and beyond for my family."

"I did what I was paid to do, I protected her." Soten smirked and cut her eyes at him. "It doesn't stop here though. You talk all these sweet words, but if you mistreat her, I'll come back and kill you."

"I don't doubt that for a minute," he agreed and took a few steps back toward the door. "Remember, the upper hall," he reminded her as he vanished back inside leaving her to her thoughts.

She couldn't wrap her mind around what a demon lord would want to request of her. Her initial thought told her that it was a trap, but strangely enough she found the Northern Demon lord to be quite honest. She didn't think that he wanted revenge for Yuri, but there was no other reason she could see him wanting to meet with her.

Soten eventually wandered back inside to the noisy hall. She still couldn't spot any of her party. She didn't expect to see Shippo since he wandered away with his master, Rin and Kohaku disappeared earlier in the night and even Kiyara was nowhere in sight. If she was going to go to this meeting she was going to do it alone. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind, did the Northern Demon Lord rise from his spot next to his son and excuse himself.

Soten took that as her invitation and slowly made her way through the crowds of people and up the winding steps that went to the upper floors of the palace. Shippo wasn't lying when he mentioned the halls being like a maze. Even after finding her way upstairs she still found herself turned around and peeking inside random rooms only to find that she was traveling in circles.

She finally stumbled across a large carved wooden door, with images of birds etched into the rim.

"This looks like as good a door as any," she grumbled to herself and pushed inside without giving herself time to be nervous.

The doors creaked as she swung them open and Soten couldn't help but feel like she was the loudest thing in the castle. The room beyond was dim, but she could see the large figure of the lord sitting across from the door. He was flanked by several other figures all staring back at her with unreadable expressions. She let her eyes drift across them and could make out the old fox who talked to Shippo earlier, though Shippo himself was nowhere in sight. A few other faces she spotted in the ball room looked back at her, but her gaze rested on the northern lord who dipped his head in her direction in a subtle bow.

She stepped into the room and let the heavy doors fall close behind her. No one spoke and there was no other sound in the room other than her footsteps that sounded like stones against the wooden floor. Her injured body made her movements clumsy and she suddenly became aware of how ungraceful she looked.

"Soten," the demon lord began, "thank you for coming."

"Well, it seemed rude to turn down an invitation from the host."

"Haha," he chuckled and leaned back in his seat. "I apologize for the suddenness and informal nature of my invitation. I didn't really have confirmation that everyone that I needed to attend this meeting would come to my get together tonight."

"I see," she timidly waved to the figures in the room.

"This must be unnerving for you, so I will get to the point. I have heard much about you from my future daughter in law and she tells me that you fought fiercely to protect her. Not to mention we all know the outcome of your encounter with my daughter."

Soten tensed at the mention of Yuri.

"I also hear that you come from Raimei, that is an unaffiliated territory right?"

"...Yes," Soten hesitated, suspicious of the questions of her home.

"And you have lived there alone for some time?"

This time Soten didn't answer. She only narrowed her eyes.

"Look, I don't know what you're driving at, but Raimei has nothing to do with anything i've done and if you target it, you'll have to answer to me."

"Is that a threat?" One of the other figures in the room spoke up.

"Such a disrespectful welp, isn't she?" another echoed their disapproval.

"Now friends, it is all understandable for her to be defensive, given the current circumstances." Lord Fukuro spoke up and quieted the whispers. "There is no need to worry, no one here has intentions of pursuing your home. I would however like to bring up another matter, which is why I needed these other fine demon lords to join our conversation. Soten have you ever considered the future of your lands?"

"Future?"

"What I am proposing is if you would be interested in Raimei becoming a part of the demon alliances?"

"ARE YOU INSANE!?" one of the demon lords couldn't hold back his disbelief. "She is an unruly brute with no decent training."

"One who reigns over the Raimei region. A very advantageous position," Fukuro's voice rose. "She has protected it until now and she has proven with her current ventures that she can handle diplomatic endeavors, though I will say a bit...rougher...than most."

"If we need Raimei for any future task we can take it," the demon sneered again.

"Be careful, you're gonna have to fight her for it," another demon snickered and Soten growled.

"That shouldn't be too hard," the trouble maker cracked his knuckles.

"There will be none of that under my roof," Fukuro snapped. "To be clear to everyone present, this IS a strategic meeting. Reimei could be beneficial to maintaining civility in the territories, because of its location. There is also something about you Soten that I like. Your rawness makes you fearless and being bold is the first trait you need to deal with demons like this lot here. I want to extend this offer to you, because I can see the world changing and I would like this change to go as smoothly as possible and that requires more than just strength. I like to think that I see that in you."

"This whole thing is a farce," the trouble making demon spoke up again.

"Well it is a good thing you don't have to agree. To induct Raimei on a trial basis in allegiance, we only need three of us to agree."

"Good luck with that old man, these assholes seem to be intimidated by a little girl," Soten mocked staring directly at the mouthy demon.

"You wench-"

"I will second my support," the angry demon's insult was cut short by the old fox master speaking up.

"The kitsune have always been valued input, thank you Shun," Fukuro bowed his head.

"You all really have lost it. First you want to parade yourself around with humans and now you ask me to lower myself to equal standing with this child," the objector spoke again. "None of you really want that, do you?"

At his question there was a minor chorus of approval.

"Certain demons have more pull than others, but lately I have been questioning whether it might be time for a change in management," he stood and strolled to stand in front of Soten. Like the northern lord he had a larger shape and loomed over Soten by at least a foot. "You think you can stand with me girl, you think you can ever be my equal?"

She stared into his yellowed eyes and could tell he was looking for her to flinch. He wanted her to buckle, but she kept her gaze unmoving. After a few moments she saw his brow twitch and without having a chance to react he smacked the back of his hand against her cheek.

She immediately lost her balance from the force. Falling over and cringing from her wounds stretching. She leaned herself up on her hands and spit a glob of blood onto the floor.

"ENOUGH!" She heard Fukuro yelled as she managed to wobble herself back to her feet.

"What's wrong Fukuro? You don't like to see you little pets face reality, or are you trying to replace the daughter you lost with her killer because she is a better puppet?" The man sneered.

His remarks were quieted when he heard Soten laughing.

"You are so fucked with your backwards ass way of thinking. What's wrong with you?" She echoed his question back at him. "You really think if you keep talking big that somehow you will be untouchable?" She laughed again. "We hit harder, run faster and live longer and they are STILL going to out survive us all because of oblivious dicks like you who let your ego make you think you are invincible. Keep thinking that because if one of the demons in this room doesn't kill you first, the humans you hate so much certainly will."

At her comment the man slapped her again, but this time she managed to stay upright. She knew she couldn't dodge the next blow he was preparing for so she braced herself.

A sound of a crack split the air and Soten strained her red puffy eye to see the demon's clawed hand stopped just above her face. Around his wrist a yellow whip of light burned into his skin and Soten looked back to see a man in a clean silk Kimono and tumbling white hair frowning as he controlled the whip from his fingertips. He made and slight twitch of his hand and the demon's contained wrist was separated from his arm leaving a steaming stump.

The demon screeched and hissed at the scorched flesh. The room again erupted in hushed murmurs. The white haired man allowed his blank gaze to rest on the flailing demon.

"You're voice is annoying me. Be quiet," he spoke the words through a deep monotone voice and a tiny green imp leapt up beside him.

"You heard my lord, get this fool out of here," he yelled and many of the other demons grabbed their injured comrade and hustled from the room.

The white haired man watched them leave and slowly began to make his way out as well. He glided across the floor with ease and Soten tried to keep her eyes ahead as he moved her direction. She realized how close to the exit she was and she wanted to move out of the way, but her feet wouldn't obey her. She felt her heart racing as his footsteps stopped beside her. She braved peering at him from the corner of her eye and she froze when she saw he was looking at her.

"Hmm," was the only noise he made before he slid from the room.

She let out an audible breath of air she was holding and Fukuro laughed so intensely his stomach jiggled. He and the old kitsune, Shun, were the last ones remaining in the room with Soten.

"What was that?" she asked watching the last strand of white hair disappear behind the shutting door.

"I think that was you gaining support from the demon lord Sesshomaru," Fukuro swept away a tear from his cheek.

"THAT was Sesshomaru?" Soten seemed to be in disbelief. "I imagined he would be…less pretty."

"Really? well I think it would be best if you keep that to yourself. He is not known for being very forgiving." The Northern lord walked up to her with the old kitsune in tow.

"Are you alright?" Shun reached for her reddened swollen cheek.

"I'll live. He is not the first asshole to hit me in the face and he won't be the last."

"Well with Sesshomaru's support, my offer stands valid if you want to accept it," Fukuro smiled.

"I don't understand. Why would he support me? Why do you?"

"I can't answer for him. He honestly surprised me. But as I said, this is all strategy on my part. Reimei is positioned in a cross roads of human and demon territory, and as you mentioned if we do not learn to adapt with them, then we will meet our end at their hands. I simply wish to protect what we have for as long as I can, but I will need help to do that."

"If I say no?"

"Then you walk away as you came, though I cannot guarantee assistance if there is ever any retaliation," Fukuro responded plainly.

"If I say yes?"

"You will get all the support you need to fortify Raimei, and you will be called upon to assist with making decisions that pertain to demon activity in the region," the old fox spoke up.

"You don't have to give an answer now if you are uncomfortable, but I really do hope you will consider," Fukuro walked slowly from the room after bowing her direction.

"He is right. You are...interesting," Shun pat her shoulder and followed Fukuro.

Soten found herself alone for the first time in a while and she still couldn't process what just happened. She did understand very clearly that her face hurt, and her wounds burned and all she really wanted to do was climb back into her blankets and sleep for another week. That's what she wanted, but she knew what she needed to do. She needed to have an answer and for once she didn't think she could come up with an answer on her own.

Again sorry for taking so long. I don't plan for there to be much more in this story and I do plan to write it so this has not been abandoned.

Thanks for the read :)