~000000000~

The world was terribly mysterious.

Chapter Four

Two bodies writhed beneath orange silk sheets. Husky moans, and the slide of flesh against flesh filled the quiet room. The woman's moan grew fervent, as the male's form's thrusts grew harder and faster. A spill of wavy strawberry blond hair tumbled out from beneath the covers, followed by a slender arm that reached back to dig into fabric. Then finally, both forms stiffened in climax before sinking into post coital bliss. The masculine figure on top withdrew the covers to reveal dark indigo eyes. His black hair had long been undone, so that fell to the nape of his neck and clinging to his sweat. He grinned down at the woman beneath him, a definite youkai but unlike any he'd ever come across. Her strawberry blond hair fanned out beneath her, striking teal eyes staring up at him beneath long blond lashes. She was the embodiment of everything sinful on a woman, curves, breasts, legs, and a golden glow to her skin that seemed to brighten at the height of her release.

The monk slid out slowly, relishing the rapture that took over for a second until he was lying beside her. He was glad to take a brief vacation from his quest, just to see the woman who had him coming back time and time again. But, he had to keep conscious of time. The curse in his right hand would end him if he didn't take care of the cause soon. The woman rolled onto her side to prop on her elbow, as if sensing his inner thoughts. She rested her golden hand over his chest, full succulent lips wearing a small pout. Despite her playfully sensual antics, she was rather perceptive to whatever ailed the traveling monk. This was how their relationship went, if it was considered one, to spend a few days with the succubus before departing for however long.

His right hand that had remained bounded by a dark blue cloth and shadow beads came into view to rest over hers.

"You know you can't do this alone." She murmured. "Naraku is powerful, with many at his side. My girls talk about him from time to time, and there is never anything but fear in their voices whenever he's mentioned." Naraku was not an uncommon name among the youkai community. His reputation preceded him, instilling fear or compliance from other youkai.

"Mia," he said and turned his head to simply look at her and marvel. "I want to enjoy this moment."

Mia smiled, almost sadly. For the Mistress of a brothel house and a succubus, she was ironically smitten over a monk. "But, I could see what you're thinking about, Miroku." She chided softly to the monk, "and you need friends, good ones."

"I need you," he replied, and she blushed. He smirked, glad that he was the only one to bring out that side of her.

"I have to stay here." Mia ran a very successful brothel house in the main city, the women were both youkai and human. The fees were high, but the service extraordinary. There were strict rules to ensure the safety of the women from overzealous clients, and she was an extremely deadly force to reckon with. She upheld her reputation as the respected Mistress of the House of Paradise, or Rakuen no Le.

A soft knock on the door disturbed their moment together. Mia sighed, knowing that work must come first, not matter her wish to lie in the monk's arms. They shared a look, until she slipped out of bed. He got a perfect view of her ample behind. A slight turn revealed the swell of her breast and a pert rosy nipple that he had the pleasure of indulging in the throes of passion. He grinned as she pointed him a look for his stare, but made a show of putting on her orange kimono that fell slightly off her perfect shoulders. She drew her hair back, so that they tumbled in soft curls past her back. A cream colored obi was fastened around her waist and tied in the front as a tease, since she did not offer services as the Mistress. Only he was the exception.

At least he liked to believe he was.

"You may stay a little longer," Mia said with a smirk over her shoulder, "but if you have to leave, I understand." Her smirk then turned into a sad smile. A succubus who could inflict instant lust and love in others, dealt worst in kind. A creature of lust and love, now caught under, but couldn't fight against those wicked impulses if she tried. Miroku slid off the bed to give her a delicious view. For a monk, he made sure he had little leisure time. His body was hard and lined with muscles. He was beautifully defined, and her breath hitched softly before she turned away. His arms slid around her from behind and he kissed along the side of her neck. She almost gave in when another knock sounded and a hesitant voice of one of her girls called out, "Lady Aino, there is someone here who wishes to speak with you on... important matters. He won't say until he sees you. I took him to your office."

"All right, all right, Sachiko and thank you." Mia drawled lazily. Her voice took on the seductive contralto with a slight purr in her words. She reached back and gently wrapped her hand around his rigid member. She turned her head to brush her lips against his with a soft stroke that made his body quiver against her. She then released him, "I'm sorry, Miroku. I have to go."

"By all means," he said and slapped her behind when she made her way out. She glimpsed him one last time as he turned to give a lovely view of his firm posterior while finding his robes. Then she closed the door to walk down the ornately decorated walls and lush crimson carpet. The Rakuen no Le resembled a miniature palace, where crimson and gold were the main colors to play at royalty and prestige. But the lobby was everything that a brothel house should be, and the front allowed the passers by the privilege of choosing their lovers for the night. Mia walked down the stairs with a sashay, Sachiko - a petite brunette with a nervous stutter - ahead of her in a mouse like pace. Mia smiled, fond of the young woman she had taken in. Sachiko was not one of her girls who serviced clients; she kept the books, and very well at that.

Her office was down a private hallway by the main desk. Sachiko slid open the tatami door to reveal a surprising guest for the succubus. "Leave now, Sachiko." Mia said abruptly and the skittish girl left in an instant. The succubus warily eyed the male sitting and drinking tea, as calm as the wind but as disruptive as the storm. She slid the door shut behind her, and walked around to the other side of her desk, lavished with a few materials - tally marks of her popular girls and the numbers Sachiko recorded for her. She brushed them aside, along with the well used candles.

Sitting before her was none other than Sesshoumaru, the demon lord of the west.

Mia warily eyed him.

"This Sesshoumaru was just as surprised that his Tensaiga led him to you, Lady Aino." The way he said her title was nearly mocking to the succubus. She hadn't seen him for nearly fifty years and he still spoke in that ridiculous third person. She kept her comment to herself about that as she sat back and smiled lazily. A succubus was a succubus was a succubus...

"Oh, how the sound of your voice are like needles piercing my skull - Lord Sesshoumaru." She began sweetly before ended her sentence flatly when she referred to his title and name. The demon lord faintly smirked, the barest whisper of a curl on the edge of his lips. He still looked like perfection - long white hair, sharp golden eyes that could pierce crimson and those lovely stripes that once captivated her. When they were younger, she used to be infatuated with the demon lord. Only once was she granted the privilege of seeing him without his armor and clothes, but it had only been one time. Both were 'royalty' among demon kind, but they weren't meant to be. Even she could feel the connection that never was between them.A connection that she only possessed with Miroku.

"There is something important this Sesshoumaru wishes to speak of."

I figured that much, she wanted to say but she held her tongue. She waited, loosely crossing her arms beneath her ample bosom. For someone who was slim, she was very well endowed in the breasts department as well as her bottom. Sesshoumaru had had the honors once, but knowing him, he wouldn't even think back to their younger years. He was always so concerned with matters regarding himself and the future. She wondered where his tiny demon servant was.

"Do you know of a white tiger that resides within a mountain? It guards a tree in which a woman is imprisoned. This Sesshoumaru does not recognize the lands, nor the mountain. Nor does he recognize the woman."

Mia tensed. Her crossed arms tighten against her body, unconsciously pushing out her breasts that he obviously wouldn't notice. She didn't care anyway.

His golden eyes narrowed, and it was his turn to wait. But his patience was very, very thin when it came to important matters.

"I know of a white tiger," she said, "with blue eyes."

"That is the one."

She wanted to avert her gaze, but she didn't. Teal orbs remained locked with his golden hues in a contest of wills. "Why are you interested in a big cat?" She suddenly asked, also taking deep precaution. She knew exactly of whom he was speaking. She just couldn't believe that she would hear it now. Her heart ached for a different matter. It related not to love or lust, but to a deep loyalty that didn't dissipate to this day. Oh, Tora...

"Because this Sesshoumaru has dreamed about this "big cat."' He replied smoothly. "Do you know of such a place? His tensaiga has led him to you."

"I am not going to leave my girls on your whim. You do not boss me around, demon lord of the west." She snapped.

"But you do owe this one a favor." Sesshoumaru said with a smug smile. The ire faded from Mia's features and she grimaced. He had saved her life, and she finally averted her gaze over that memory. She had been engaged to a battle demon who had turned abusive. Sesshoumaru had seen to it that said demon wouldn't exist anymore. Despite their history, they were good friends - if friendship could even describe what they had. He had helped her, so when that time came, she would help him when he was in need. She hated him, but just like him she was honor bound to keep her word. So few demons possessed that noble quality. As soon as you turned your back, they were quick to stab. But not Sesshoumaru. He may had less than good intentions and a questionable personality at times, but he followed a strict code of honor.

She bit the inside of her cheek. He already knew what she was going to say. And his smile widened when she said it.

"I will have to make some arrangements." She said through gritted teeth.

~000000000~

"What is it, Kanna?" Naraku whispered. He disliked being disturbed during his 'resting' period. He was most vulnerable without his body parts and that was a weakness that he didn't want exposed.

His white-haired incarnation simply held her mirror up to him. Crimson eyes flashed at the sight of a silvery haired girl, with twin buns and streamers, traveling within the company of a foreigner and an androgynous woman.

No, a deep dark voice whispered within his head.

The voice of only one being who would show that much rage at the sight of Cosmos.

And then he laughed.

The sound of madness.

~000000000~

Usagi shivered and hugged herself. It was actually warm, but she couldn't fight off the chills that suddenly took over her. Vashe flashed a concerned look Usagi's way and the girl smiled reassuringly that all was well. They had decided to walk alongside the horse and their cart, since it was such a beautiful day. She didn't know how long she should keep withholding information. Pluto told her to trust them, and she did on the most part. She just didn't feel ready to be as open to them as they'd been to her.

Like parents, they showed extreme patience and care. She couldn't help but smile at their display of affection. Vashe was resting her head on Enna's shoulder, their arms linked together as they walked ahead of the silver-haired girl. They were talking, and every now and then, Enna would chuckle or Vashe giggle. It was an endearing sight, one that also brought about memories involving Mamoru and herself. Usagi's smile faded then. They had said goodbye and went their separate ways. He had left to pursue his medical career in America, while she stayed in Japan.

It was bittersweet how she missed him. Just his tender caresses and his warm embrace. The rest had become a distant memory, replaced by the dreams she had of the white haired man with soft pointed ears atop his head.

Usagi stopped walking, bringing the couple and the horse to a pause. Enna curiously looked over her shoulder, following Vashe's identical turn of her head.

"Hey, Usagi. Are you all right?" Enna asked.

She wanted to tell them right then and there, but Usagi decided against it. For now, she smiled and shook her head. She wanted to spend a little more time and adjust to the changes. Her life had completely flipped at the news of Tora and a missing past. "I'm totally fine, thanks for asking." They resumed their easy pace, enjoying as much of the day. "Where are we going anyway?"

"We are going to Kyoto for the firefly festival." Enna replied warmly.

Usagi beamed, "really? That sounds fun."

"Indeed, rabbit." Vashe said, "it will also bring us some more revenue. You'll get to see Enna's amazing performance."

"Aw, honey, I'm not that good."

Usagi skipped ahead so that she could and walk backward, facing them. For some reason, this felt like a familiar gesture. She suddenly had an image of the moon kingdom. She saw herself in a white gown, walking the same way in front of a couple that resembled Enna and Vashe. They were laughing at her childlike antics, and Usagi had to blink to remember where she was and what she was doing so that she didn't trip. "I'd love to see you perform, Enna." Usagi said after a quick recovery.

Enna chuckled, "you will once we get to Kyoto."

"Perhaps when we find a resting place, you can give Usagi a preview of Kyoto's performance." Vashe said with a smile meant to melt hearts.

Enna made a show of sighing in exasperation, but she kept her smile. "Yeah, yeah. When we get to rest."

Usagi beamed at that, but her foot caught on a stray rock. Vashe moved in a blur to catch Usagi. The instant the blond was in the cait's arms, their eyes locked and a vision danced between them. They'd touched before, but for some reason, this embrace was different. It sparked something like a memory that drifted between their connection. Usagi was looking up into Vashe's eyes and she was back in the moon kingdom. Princess Serenity had slipped and Vashe had caught her in the nick of time.

"Darling, you must watch where you're going!"

Serenity grinned sheepishly, "sorry, Vashe! It's these blasted heels."

"I would've caught you, but you know how fast my kitten is."

Their little group came to another halt on the road. Usagi blinked when she felt herself being helped up to stand. Vashe held her at arm's length. The distant look receded from her cranberry eyes. "I have lived a long life, but I haven't felt a pull like this. Not since..."

"What is it, love?" Enna asked.

Vashe acted as if she didn't hear Enna. She drew Usagi closer, eyes intense as she searched her face. "You look familiar, rabbit. It's like I should know you, but we've only met yesterday." The cait looked like a woman possessed and a spike of fear trickled up her spine as Vashe's pupils dilated.

"Vashe," Enna's tone was firm. "You're scaring her."

Finally, the cait released Usagi. "My apologies." The wild look was gone, "I think I need to rest." Without looking at either of them, Vashe went into the cart. Awkwardly, Usagi stood in silence beside Enna.

Enna was concerned about her lover all right, but they still had enough daylight to cover more ground. "Come, Usagi. You can sit with me on the seat." She helped Usagi up before taking the reigns and following suit. She called out to the horse softly and they began moving once again. The quiet wasn't as tense as earlier, but Usagi slowly relaxed. The vision had startled her just as much and she wondered if Vashe was going to bring up...

"Did you know what she was about to say?" Usagi asked, even though she had an inkling. She wasn't a fool to miss the allusions.

Enna sighed. "We only know you for a short span of time, Usagi, but there is something about you that makes you seem so familiar to us." Enna said. She looked to the dirt road ahead of them. The scenery was beauty, the grass a bright alluring green. Soft winds danced between leaves and the flora waved as they passed. "Vashe is an old fae. She has lived many lives until we found each other. She's unique. Even though she still feels the pull to the faerie mounds, our connection keeps her here with me." She smiled fondly after sharing that bit. Usagi couldn't help but smile as well. "I've known her for nearly my entire life, but I have yet to see her display that kind of behavior. Just who are you, Usagi? I have a gift in seeing things. But there is something about you eludes even the best sight this world has to offer."

The lulling calm of Enna's voice washed over her, providing ease for the young blond. But, she was nervous at the question. Usagi had lived different lives as well, and at eighteen, she felt like she'd and dealt with so much. And she did. Being a girl from the future and transported to the Sengoku period didn't even faze her. Neither did meeting a fae and a gifted woman. Usagi had already suspect Enna being more. It had to do with her uniquely covered eyes. She just wasn't sure what. While Vashe freely spoke about herself, Enna had yet to divulge any information regarding her special traits.

It was odd how a day spent with the couple felt like years.

Usagi looked away from Enna to the road ahead of them. She felt so guilty withholding information and altering the truth. She was a girl who left home to find the truth. Pluto had divulged enough information, but seeing is also believing. She wanted to see and meet her sister. She wanted to know these women more and that flashback to the moon kingdom truly opened her eyes. Enna and Vashe had been a part of her past as well.

She wondered if they knew about their past lives on the moon. Were they aware that they'd already met before, which explained the familiarity? That instant ease of being in one another's presence, and their quickness to share their life stories with someone who was practically a stranger...

"My name is Usagi Tsukino." Usagi said softly, "I didn't leave home to look for work. I actually left to find my sister."

As soon as she said those words, she felt a pulse of power in her body and her eyes rolled upward.

The last thing she saw was an image of her older sister, trapped within a tree. Then she heard her voice.

I know you're here. Hurry, find me. There is a dangerous presence in this world. We must stop it together!

And Usagi blacked out.