Chapter 28: Family Ties

Hello all! First and foremost, I'm so very sorry about the small Hiatus. I graduated College and started a new job so I didn't really have time for writing. But now that I have a little more time on my hands, I'm back in action and have great help from a Friend of mine! The chapters should be coming faster now though so I won't leave you guys high and dry. As always if you have anything you'd like to see or any suggestions, my messages are always open! Without further adu, I present to you Chapter 28! This will be a two part chapter.

Aki [The Past]

Aki blinked once, twice, even three time for good measure. Over the years, she'd learned that humans weren't as bad as people made them out to be. But she never expected them to be allies of demons, only enemies.

"I can ensure that you and your child will be safe." said Tonabe, "These are such dangerous times and no place to raise a newborn. May I see the child?"

Aki was skeptical as she handed over the sleeping babe. The young girl handled the child quite tenderly. She closed her eyes and began an incantation. Once she finished, a medallion manifested and landed in her free palm.

"She should wear this at all times." she said softly, "It will suppress her demonic powers and keep them in check."

Aki looked worried. "But that..!"

Tonabe nodded. "She will gain humanity but once this talisman is removed, her demonic power will return and overflow."

'If only her demonic markings could be bestowed…'

The young priestess was quiet. It was a sad thing that happened, but the house of the moon entrusted her to keep them safe. With one more exchange of advice and good wishes, Tonabe began another Incantation. The Bone Eater's well began to glow with a blue light.

"I'm opening the passage." she said, "Once you have jumped inside, I will seal it so that none may follow. Another priestess will be there to aid you and seal it from that end as well."

With a nod, the wolf demoness clutched her child to her chest and lept to her future.

Kimara [Dream/Flashback]

The door to his private hot spring was cracked and there was a towel on the bed, her invitation. A furious blush heated her cheeks but she took the invite. She then undressed and secured the towel to her person. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped inside, much to the amusement of Sesshomaru.

"You've come." He said, "I didn't think you would."

Kimara pressed herself against the wall, still shy after all this time. Sesshomaru chuckled as he stood and held his hand out to her. His chiseled body glistened as the water dripped from him, creating an even grander sight. Swallowing nervously, Kimara took a step forward and took his hand. He guided her into the deeper part of the spring and brought her to sit in his lap.

"Does something trouble you?" he questioned, taking the ribbon out of her hair.

The young woman didn't change her gaze as she stared down into the steamy water. "Though you are now my intended, I can't mate with you even though it is mating season." He explained, "There is a special ritual that we must complete in order for you to become my mate."

'Well at least he's true to his word.' "Would I be considered as a consort?"

Sesshomaru frowned. Why would she even ask such a thing, much less think it? Why would he reduce a treasure like her to waste away as a consort for illegitimate heirs?

"No." he said sternly, "Consorts are of no use to me as your talents are much more valuable."

[End Dream/Flashback]

"Sesshomaru…."

Rin watched as Mizuki watched over Kimara with a pained look on her face. Why did she look at her the way she did? Had last night been a beautiful dream or a terrifying nightmare? She didn't know exactly what or how to think.

"I'm so sorry." she whispered.

She could sense the fluctuation in her aura as it crackled around her. Her condition had only gotten worse ever since that night in the Northern Forest. Somehow, she must've been masking the excruciating pain but how? Mizuki then looked to see the Crescent moon that she now bore, the culprit. When Sesshomaru bestowed it upon her, some of his demonic power was shared with her. At first, it numbed her to the pain and made it seem as though it had been extinguished but even she could sense that youki was continuing to build within her body.

"Will she be okay?"

Mizuki turned to Rin. She was unsure of what to tell the girl. Sugar Coating things wasn't exactly her forte but at the same time, it wasn't her place. So she mustered up a bright smile.

"With some rest, Kimara will be fine." she lied, "I'm sure she'll be herself in no time."

Rin nodded. "And then we can return home?"

"Yes and I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru will be awaiting your return."

Aki & Kasai

Aki groggily opened her eyes, having been treated to Kasai's most welcoming torture in order to get her to talk. The person in question paced before her, flipping something between his fingers. It was metallic by the sound of it and oddly it made her curious.

"The pretty little wolf has finally awoken."

He hooked a finger under her chin and held said item just in view so that she could lay her eyes upon it. If she ever felt as though her heart stopped, she certainly felt that now. The artifact in her hands was none other than the medallion that was given to her by the priestess and her most trusted friend. Kasai relished in the woman's defeated gaze. It would seem to have to do with the medallion in his grasp.

"Give it to me." She growled.

Kasai smiled devilishly as he swung it like a pendulum in front of her, taunting her. He sniffed the relic as it donned a familiar scent. It was slightly sweet, a smell of jasmine and a hint of honey though faint.

"This scent…." He said, "Who does it belong to? Why is this so important?"

Aki turned away from him, refusing to tell him anything. Once he'd put two and two together, Kasai grabbed her by the neck and squeezed tightly. The scent of burning flesh filled the room as his hands began to burn her neck. She was surprised that he was so quick to figure it out.

"Its her isn't it?" he growled, "The Western Lord's pet."

His words struck a chord within her and he took the change in her eyes as his answer. Having acquired the information he needed, Kasai crushed the medallion and dropped the remnants in front of her before leaving. Crestfallen, Aki slumped against the wall in defeat. Now she was more powerless than ever to stop him locked in this place. She picked up the metal fragments and cradled them in her hands.

"I won't let him have you."

Her aura spiked with a ferociousness that even she did not anticipate. Her mind went blank as she gave in to her anger, her body beginning to change as she broke free from her shackles. Her power destroyed the room she was in, giving her full range of motion. Nikushimi was knocked to the floor in the chaos as she was heading down to the dungeon to dispose of their guest. She was met with the large glistening canines of an angry wolf demon in its true form. The demoness was forced backward as it roared and swiped at her before escaping.

' I will end him!'

Present Day[Higurasha Shrine]

Tonabe breathed a sigh of relief as she made it to the top of the Shrine steps. She'd just returned from Grocery shopping and judging from the quiet atmosphere, Grandpa and Souta hadn't come home yet. She had to admit it was a little lonely when she was here by herself but it was always a reward to welcome them back. She walked up to the Sacred Tree and stared at its Grand appearance. She reached her hand out to touch it and a sudden sharp pain shot through her, making her drop the bags she carried and clutch her chest.

"This pain…" she said through gritted teeth.

The back of her right hand began to shine brightly with the Kanji for 'Protect'. She stared at it for a while before realizing what had just occurred. The Protective talisman she'd created all those years ago had been destroyed and rather viciously at that. Her heart began to pound with worry at that sudden revelation. How could she have failed a task she'd been upholding for so many years? Of course, the barrier had to weaken at some point and she could not have predicted such an event. She could only pray that Aki was able to reach her in time.

"Its in your hands now."

Western Castle [Shouran & Yura]

Shouran paced in front of the fire place. Mating Season was sure to reach them soon as it had already affected the Northern area. Since that territory was quite large, it would take a day or two. Tomorrow, the rising coup would be dealt with and the master minds behind it would be punished. He vowed to work with Yura on this issue so that Sesshomaru could return with no issues to be had. According to Yura, it would seem that this rebellion started once his subjects had realized his situation. The young woman in question rocked her nephew, staring into the flames.

"You seem to have a certain touch with Children."

Turning around, Yura's eyes widened as she looked at Shouran. For some reason, she saw her master in him. He had the same height and stature so they seemed very similar except for their eyes.

"Is something wrong?" he questioned as she continued to stare at him.

Yura blinked and laughed it off. " Oh, you just remind me of Master is all."

Shouran nodded, understanding that his similar appearance to his late brother threw her off a bit. Toga had been well loved by his subjects and in turn he treated them with kindness and respect. He had always been the one to have interest in his human subjects as they were the most gentle yet benevolent of creatures. And that was how he had come to fall in love with Princess Izaiyoi who had showed him great kindness even though he was Youkai and she was not.

He chuckled. "I agree that My brother and I had some similarities."

Yura smiled but it soon turned into a frown. "Do you think things will go back to normal for Sesshomaru?"

"I believe they will." He said softly, "Once Sesshomaru finds someone who is strong enough to rule at his side his subjects will begin to respect him again. I hate that its come to this, but it was bound to happen due to his stubbornness."

Suddenly, the sound of a howl sliced into the silence. It was not too strange to hear such things during this time as demons sought out suitable mates. Yura turned away from the fire, only to find her lord to have left the room. He'd left without so much as a sound that he'd gone undetected.

Shouran left the room abruptly and went outside to the courtyard, the blizzard still raging. The Anguish-filled howl of a wolf demon continued to ring throughout the area. It seemed to be so close yet so far and yet he was drawn to it. His humanoid form was no more as his true form of a pure silver Inuyoukai took its place. His fur almost melded with that of the snow save for his piercing emerald gems.

'This scent.' He thought.

He ran as fast as his legs would carry him through the frozen tundra, caring not of the Branches that dared to claw at him. Nor of the lesser demons that he'd trampled in doing so. Nothing mattered other than locating the source of the howl. Soon enough, he came to a clearing where he happened upon a Wolf demon's pure form. It's fur was as black as night with tufts of fur at her heels that were stained red. The demon stared into the sky in longing and regret, its violet orbs dark with despair as it then hung its head. Shouran stared in awe and allure at this creature as he was sure that his eyes were playing tricks on him. Once the demoness noticed him there, she became guarded and began to circle him as low growls escaped her. Once she caught on that he had no intention of harming her, she flattened her ears against her head and lowered her muzzle in submission.

He approached calmly though tension crackled like thunder between them. She'd submitted to him, recognizing his status but had she truly recognized him? Once he'd gotten close enough, this demon then pounced on him, her paw against his neck as she snarled viciously at him.

'Why do you disturb me?'

Her eyes were feral, hard and steely. 'Your howl was of anguish, was it not?'

'I'm only passing through.' He said, causing her to flinch.

Her ears twitched at the way he spoke. He spoke so oddly and so casually that it threw her off guard. His voice echoed in her head and she soon realized who she'd pinned down as she backed down quickly and drew back.

'Shouran.'

She leaned down to nuzzle him ever so affectionately, apologizing profusely for raising a hand against him. He returned the gesture ten-fold as his yearning got the better of him. It had been a long fifty years and all he'd remember seeing was her cloaked form as she'd left . In the midst of their reunion, they'd returned to Humanoid form and looked at each other.

"I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

The snow around them didn't seem to bother them as long as they had each other. Aki's eyes brimmed with tears and her heart swelled with indescribable joy. She embraced him so tightly that he was sure she would never let go again and he was quite okay with that. To be apart for a little over fifty years had been excruciating for the both of them but at last, they were reunited. The Blizzard began to get more violent as its winds increased and the temperature began to drop even further, urging them to flee . Without a second thought, the Inuyoukai whisked her away and into the Wintry Storm.

Rin

The young girl looked both ways, making sure the coast was clear and that no guards would see her. Mizuki had instructed a guard to keep watch over the room In which Kimara was resting in. She claimed it was for her own safety but she didn't understand the threat that she posed. She might've just been Naïve or showed a bit of Favoritism but could anyone blame her? This woman had brought more light to her life than any other and she was very intent on seeing her. Once the guard left his post, Rin slipped into the room and closed the door quietly behind her. Once inside, she did not hesitate in making her way over to the bed. Kimara was covered in sweat and still having difficulty breathing due to her high fever. According to what she'd heard from the healer, the fever was persistent and was showing no signs of breaking soon but he didn't know how much longer she would hold out. Rin reached out and grabbed her hand, her skin clammy to the touch.

"Please wake up."

Her voice was soft, yet pleading. She did not want to lose her to whatever plagued her and she refused to have Sesshomaru revert to his former self. He'd finally begun to learn compassion as Lady Tsukiko stated when they'd met. For him to return to the heartless shell of himself would be disastrous and to his credit, very embarrassing for the Western lands. She did not want him to lose his lands and she did not want to lose her home. The young child knelt at the bed and prayed, squeezing Kimara's hand a bit tighter. Then an odd sound, like an actively beating heart, began to resonate within the room, a pulsing sound. Rin looked around but saw no culprit of the odd sound. The woman before her began to stir from her comatose- like slumber and struggle to open her eyes. Through half-lidded eyes and hazy vision, she could make out a figure at the bedside but couldn't get her sight to focus. The pulsing sound began to increase in volume and Kimara winced, her head aching terribly. She sat up quickly as the pain got worse, covering her ears and burying her head in her knees.

"Make it stop." She cried, "Please make it stop!"

Rin was startled when she jerked her hand away from her. Why was she so suddenly distressed? It seemed as though her pain was getting worse and it seemed to trigger something. An intense light began to shine right at her left shoulder and she moved one hand to cover the pulsating Courting mark. The skin was so hot to the touch that she was sure it would burn her flesh. The more she thrashed around, the light only intensified until it filled the room and blinded Rin.

Northern Villa [Sesshomaru's Chambers]

The scent of Sex and lust hung in the air even as the frigid blizzard raged outside. Sesshomaru found himself to be in control this morning as he awoke from his his disdain, he was not alone as Setsuna laid across his chest. He sat up and moved to sit at the edge of the bed, holding his head as his mind was in a fog. The lust of mating season still raged within him like a rabid animal but he was somehow able to keep it caged for the moment.

His mind was foggy as to the events that transpired When he moved to get up, he found that he was somewhat paralyzed. The sleeping woman stirred from her sleep, a cheshire smirk on her face as she looked at him.

"Ah, my delectable lord." she said, "You've awoken."

Her glass-like laugh filled the room once she noticed what he was doing. "I injected my venom as you slept my lord."

His golden orbs glared daggers at her. How could this have happened? Something peeked from under the covers and Sesshomaru recognized it as a snakes tail, no doubt Setsuna's. In addition to the neurotoxin, she constricted him with her tail.

"This was bound to happen my lord." she said, "Thanks to your vulnerability, I've secured what I covet most: your precious seed."

Sesshomaru tried to struggle but it was useless as his body was numb from her venom. He then felt as his shoulder began to burn, a bright light emanating from his shoulder. The light blinded and distracted Setsuna and he was somehow able to regain control of his body. The earlier numb sensation had subsided for the moment and so he used this distraction as his means of escape. He bound Setsuna's hands behind her back with one of his own and pinned her face down on the bed. With her concentration broken, she reverted to her normal form. Sesshomaru's eyes glew red as he lowered his fangs to her neck and bit down hard, secreting his own poison. She cried out in pain but was instantly knocked out by the pungency of his toxin. It would leave her immobilized and unconscious for three days time so that she was no longer a threat.

He hurriedly threw on his haori and lept from the window. He knew what the burning at his shoulder meant as well as Bakusaiga's constant rattling. His intended was in some type of distress or danger. It was a new sensation to him as he was still learning about Courting and the mark that came with it. Thankfully, this moment had lifted the lustful haze from his mind and he was able to think clearly. The moments before now were forgotten memories and he found himself in no need of recalling them. His eyes bled red as he transformed into his true form and surged forward with the need to protect into the storm.

Sky Palace

Tsukiko frowned as she looked into her meido stone necklace. She often used it to keep up with the goings on beneath the sky, especially during times such as these. As a demoness with a much higher control over her desires, Mating season did not affect her as it did others. She, for one, did not wait until such an inopportune time to satiate her lust. Unlike her son had who been held slave to his desires and had gotten taken advantage of by that slut of the Orochi Clan. Granted, had it been anyone else, she would not be as livid. It was the fact that he'd been so encased in his lust that he allowed her near his person. All she could do was heave a sigh but that was the least of her stubborn son's troubles.

"I can't step in this time." She said softly, "Its all up to you."

Tsukiko did not like having her hands tied when it came to political matters concerning her child but he had to figure this out for himself. Spring would be here in a few short months and he had to emerge from Mating Season with something to present to the Court. At this point, some would probably settle for any woman that would bed him but she would not have it. The Western lands needed a legacy, someone to rule after they were long gone. And there would be an answer in the next half a day. Would she be rejoicing or seeping with devastation?

And that's the end of Chapter 28! I know it wasn't much, but I hope you all enjoyed it nonetheless. Chapter 29 is already in the works and I must warn you now, there will be some Limes and Lemon Scenes ahead so be prepared. Once again, I apologize for the Hiatus but I'm back and ready to continue this Journey with you all!

EmikoSakura27