Chapter 44

Shura awoke slowly to a soft purring in her right ear. Then, as her senses slowly registered, she felt the wolf-dragon's warm body resting gently against her side.

"Ukuri?" Shura heard herself question weakly. A chuffle sounded and seconds later Shura felt a comforting nudge on the cheek. Forcing open her eyes the she-dog tilted her head in the direction of the movement. Sure enough a friendly pair of teal irises returned her stare. Smiling fondly the she dog tried to offer the wolf-dragon a scratch under the chin. But her effort was cut short. A sudden searing pain blazed down Shura's side making her see stars. Wincing hard, Shura forced her weight onto her elbows and looked over herself with alarm. Her kimono, what was left of it at least, had been cut away from the hips up leaving her chest and left shoulder clothed only in clean, white bandages. Strong herbal salves oozed from the wrappings and they carried a scent that burned like acid.

Tilting up her head the she-dog exhaled with disgust. Then, trying to ignore the medicine's kick to her sinuses, she peered warily around her. She was in a small bedroom lit only by a single candle. To her left she could see a sturdy, wood nightstand cluttered with fresh dressings and other healing paraphernalia. But that was all. There was no sign of anyone else. Shura perked her ears and listened intently. Meshed in with the typical echoes of palace depths and scurrying servants the she-dog's keen ears picked up something else— the dulled echo of battle.

"Charisma and Phoenix," Shura concluded when her rivals' familiar war cries sounded through the noise. "So the second match has started already. That doesn't give me much time." The dismal thought ran through Shura's head as she tried to move her aching limbs. Slowly, precisely she raised her right wrist and coiled her fingers. Again there was pain but it was not the sharp, driving kind of before. This time the hurt was wearing like embers smoldering under her skin. The she-dog frowned, disheartened. Although the immediate pain of her injuries could be dulled with herbs, no amount of medicine would be able to return her stamina or resilience. In her weakened state one sharp blow in the ring could cripple…or even worse.

The echo of footsteps sounded suddenly nearby breaking Shura's concentration. Beside her, Shura felt Ukuri's coils tighten defensively. Someone was coming. Growling in warning Shura reached for the closest sheet and concealed her vulnerable underside just as the outlines of two approaching figures shone in the doorframe.

"So you're awake." Shura recognized her father's voice even before he stepped inside. "It's about time." Moments later the dog lord's familiar striped countenance shone in the candlelight by her bedside.

A rumble of disapproval sounded from Ukuri, but despite her companion's wary guard, Shura just smiled weakly up at her father. The dog lord's mask of confidence could fool many demons, but not her.

"I'm glad to see you too Pappa," the she dog answered.

"Hey Shura, how are you feeling?" Next it was her Uncle's voice that chimed in. Even in the dim light Shura recognized the half-demon's silhouette lingering just behind her father.

"I've been better," she admitted. Through the shadows Shura saw Inuyasha's face harden into a bitter scowl.

"That damn dragon," the half demon swore under his breath. "He had a lot of nerve attacking you like that!"

The she-dog sighed softly. The truth was, as much as Shura wanted to despise Solar for what he had done, in the end she just didn't have it in her. After all, the young dragon's act against her wasn't done out of spite or prejudice but of his desire to protect the one he loved. It was a motive Shura not only understood but also profoundly respected. From her family though Shura would expect no compassion, least of all for the man who so badly jeopardized her future.

"I'm sure he had his reasons," she eventually replied. As she predicted both her Father and Uncle's eyebrows arched in shock.

"You're being awfully forgiving," her father observed. The remark sounded more like a scolding and Shura couldn't help but flatten her ears in shame.

"I know." She muttered, stroking Ukuri.

Just then, movement sounded from the hall catching all four demons' attention. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha immediately went on guard turning simultaneously towards the disturbance. On the bed Ukuri arched his back and growled. Shura meanwhile leaned forward and scanned the surroundings curiously. Outside her doorway a handsome looking dragon gentlemen was waiting patiently for an invitation inside.

"Pardon me for interrupting Milady, but if I may have a word with you." The stranger spoke politely all the while shifting forward so that his body was just barely visible inside the door. It was then that Shura caught a glimpse of the gentleman's iridescent silks and golden curls.

"You're Razor, Solar's older brother," Shura observed, suddenly remembering the man's identity.

"That's correct," replied the dragon.

"What the hell do you want?" Inuyasha snapped defensively. But the half demon's intimidation tactic didn't faze the confident Sun dragon. Not even acknowledging Inuyasha's threat Razor continued to address Shura.

"Forgive my intrusion but I've come to make amends for my idiot brother."

The she-dog raised her eyebrows quizzically. Considering the Sun matriarch's rather obvious dislike of her the elder prince's suggestion was extremely bold. Still, after his younger sibling's inexcusable behavior in the Arena, there was no doubt Razor's offer was genuine and his intensions noble. It was, after all, a matter of honor.

Unfortunately for Shura her Father wasn't so easily persuaded. Razor's request barely made it into the open before a flash of silver from Tokigin's blade stopped him cold.

"Mind yourself dragon," the dog lord's warning was stern and dangerous. "You and your family have caused my daughter enough grief."

"Wait," Shura interrupted before he could go on. "Let's see what he has to say." Beside her Shura felt her father rumble disapprovingly before slowly relaxing his sword arm. Taking the cue Razor stepped forward. Then, being careful to keep his body language submissive, he approached Shura's bedside. With a dip of the head he acknowledged the she-dog's watching relatives, then like a true gentlemen, he lowered himself so that he could speak with Shura at eye level.

"Milady, as you know my clan specializes in manipulating light," he began softly. "What many don't know is that this power extends to inner light as well." Shura perked up, intrigued.

"By inner light… you mean life-force?" The dragon nodded.

"The concept is fairly simple. By strengthening one's inner light you in turn strengthen their body's natural rhythms including the ability to recover from injuries." Shura leaned forward, her eyes locking on the dragon's face. Razor's offer was exactly what she needed. But even as desperate as her situation was, Shura was hardly a fool. If there was one thing the years of healing had taught her it was that the body and all its processes worked through delicate balances. Disrupting any one of them, even for an instant, could have dangerous even lethal consequences.

"No disrespect Milord, but your offer sounds to good to be true." Shura voiced her suspicion bluntly. But the dragon was not offended.

"Unfortunately, there are heavy risks involved." Razor affirmed with a solemn shake of the head. "The technique is extremely invasive. Not everyone is strong enough to handle the strain." The dragon hesitated. "It could break you."

Shura shuddered heavily at the dragon's words. Having her mind ripped intact from her living flesh. Feeling every agony as her body slowly wasted over decades. It was perhaps the most horrible means of suffering imaginable. Then again, marching blindly into a royal dragon battle at barely half strength was hardly a choice either. It seemed no matter what her final decision she still risked facing a long and torturous end.

Glancing up Shura looked past the Sun dragon into the eyes of her kin. Both brothers were standing silently their faces pensive and unwavering. Shura could see it in their stares. The stubborn spark that drove her family forward through dark times. To them the risks she faced didn't matter— not because they weren't important –but because of the simple fact that they wouldn't let her die.

A charge of confidence ran through Shura. Again she shifted her stare so that her eyes locked with Razor's.

"Do it," she ordered. The dragon nodded in understanding.

"Very well." Razor stood slowly. Then with great care he reached down and placed both clawed hands on Shura's cheeks. The she dog flinched slightly at the unfamiliar touch. "Close you're eyes," the dragon instructed. Shura obeyed glancing one last time at her kin before letting her eyelids sink heavily. There was slight warmth on her cheeks. Then not moments later Shura felt the hum of Razor's energy as it seeped into her core. It was an unnatural sensation and it made the she-dog shudder hard with resistance.

"Try and relax." Again she heard Razor's voice but this time his words fluttered in her mind. Shura exhaled slowly, suddenly realizing she had been holding her breath. Then, even though it went against every protective instinct, Shura suppressed her body's defiance and allowed Razor's energy to flow deeper. The strange warmth on her cheeks soon permeated through her body leaving a warm tingle from her head to the tips of her toes. But it didn't end there. Shura gasped in alarm when the dragon's energy forced it's way beyond the typical bounders of muscle and bone to consume her unconscious rhythms. Her heartbeat, her breathing, soon they were all bound at the mercy of Razor's overpowering glow.

Having completely surrendered her body there was only one fragment of the she dog that remained intact and free of his control. The realization reached Shura just as she felt the gentle push from the dragon's aura across her mind. He was tapping against her mental barriers. Not hard, but with enough firmness to let her know what he was after.

Shura resisted at first, unnerved by the idea of Razor poking around in her psyche. But her hesitation was short lived. Awkward or not, Shura reminded herself, any amount of trespassing would be worth it if it helped her rescue Matyeo from a certain pair of power-happy clan heiresses.

Slowly, painstakingly, Shura lowered her protective mental barriers one layer at a time. The process was excruciating. Despite Razor's best efforts to keep his approach as gentle as possible there was no escaping the pain. Across her vulnerable mind Razor's warm energy felt more like scolding oil. And the deeper he invaded the more intense the agony became….

A fog of sleep washed over Shura suddenly. It was a suffocating haze, not at all comforting as the normal sleep rhythms. And as her mind started to cloud Shura knew the order was Razor's doing.

"Sleep," a gentle but insistent command reaffirmed her suspicions. "It will be over soon." His manner wasn't threatening. On the contrary, the dragon's actions seemed to be an elaborate effort to help suppress her pain. Still, despite Razor's good intentions, Shura struggled against his command. Leaving herself vulnerable was one thing, but surrendering herself entirely…. the thought alone terrified her. And with very good reason. Should Razor accidentally dig to deep, her dormant psyche could easily be forced from her body, leaving her unguarded soul permanently fused with his.

Another wave of sleep flooded over Shura, this one much stronger then the last. It enfolded the she-dog's mind, pulling her into an endless void of darkness before she could even argue. Then her mind blanked.

For the briefest of moments the she-dog found herself standing on a gray marble platform surrounded on all sides by a seemingly unending darkness. Before her on the platform was a solid, ebony colored box. The structure was fortified. The only entrance was a heavy, solid door that resembled iron. An unmovable lock kept the door sealed tight, as did layers of thick, silver chains. It was an eerie presence, but somehow vaguely familiar. Shura took a step forward. For some reason, despite the dark setting, an innate curiosity drew her closer to the object. Then, suddenly, the chains across the box started to corrode and melt. Shura took another step closer then another. Beyond the oozing lumps of metal she could see the iron door straining in protest. Then it too started to dissolve. The deep, gray lock cracked and fizzled, warping into an indiscernible shape. And it only grew worse the closer she came. Somehow, even with the seemingly unbreakable locks, her presence in that place melted through the barriers like acid. But Shura couldn't stop moving. As much as she wanted to, an unseen force kept her walking forward.

A metallic groan sounded from the door. It's lock useless, the heavy object swung ajar revealing a gap just wide enough for Shura to see into. It was dark inside the box, somehow it seemed, even more then the blackness around her. Then through the shroud a set of dark blue eyes opened and glared. Shura froze in her tracks, caught in the haunting gaze. The she-dog watched, almost hypnotized as four pale, clawed fingers coiled round the great metal door and gave an insistent push. Again the door groaned, its hinges gritting in protest. But gradually it shifted allowing the gap to widen. From the box Shura saw the outline of a slender arm emerge to join the fingers, then the edge of a black, feathered wing.

"Who are you?" Shura wondered. Around her, the she dog heard her thought echo aloud as if she had spoken. But she would not get a reply. No sooner had the thought ended a shriek filled the air and suddenly Shura found those piercing blue eyes inches from hers. Strong hands clasped round her neck. The stranger's touch burned like fire.

"Who am I?" The strange demon's features hardened into a savage snarl. Her words reverberated around Shura in painful waves. All the while her grip tightened with every word she managed to hiss from between glittering fangs. "You should know better then anyone!"

Shura struggled wildly. She dug savagely into her opponent's hands and forearms, anything to keep the demon from overpowering her. But it was no good. The stranger was relentless. She bore down on Shura like a rabid beast, her strength matched only by her rage.

Then, without warning, a flare of dragon energy ignited the air. The surge pried Shura violently from the stranger's grip and pulled her airborne, away from the marble platform and her dark attacker.

The energy's pull intensified and suddenly Shura once again found herself struggling to stay awake. Below her, the she-dog caught a fleeting glimpse of the demon. She was screaming angrily and trying to follow. But something seemed to be holding her back, like an invisible wall that blocked her path.

"A barrier," the thought flickered around Shura like a buzzing fly. "But how? What is this place?" The she-dog wondered. She didn't expect an answer, but as her mind passed once more into sleep Shura thought she recognized the comforting hum of her own mental shields as they slid back into place.

"Milady," a familiar voice sounded close by making Shura stir. "Milady, are you still with us?" Shura blinked. Her eyesight was slow to focus but eventually Razor's concerned expression emerged before her. The dragon was still holding her face in a polite attempt, Shura soon realized, to keep her sluggish head from sagging.

"Welcome back," Shura's ears perked when she heard her father mutter quietly. Straightening up the she-dog glanced past the dragon to her patiently watching family. Both demons were still standing tensely nearby, however, seeing her come around eased both their expressions dramatically. Beside her father Shura next saw Inuyasha's face twitch with curiosity.

"Well, did it work?" the half-demon blurted anxiously. It was the question on everyone's minds.

Still dazed and unsure how to respond the she-dogreached up to try and massage away the beginnings of a migraine from her left temple. It was then that Shura froze on the spot.

"What is it?" Inuyasha questioned, concerned. But Shura ignored him. Instead the she-dog eyes had fixated on her raised limb. She flexed each finger delicately, waiting to feel the inevitable burn of fatigue through her joints. But the pain never surfaced. Beneath her skin there was only the seamless ripple of muscle and the rejuvenated pulse of her demonic aura.

Shura shifted again this time to stand. She slid effortlessly from the bed, not even feeling the slightest shudder as her paws met the cold floor. Then Shura stretched. Across her chest and shoulder the she-dog felt the snug bandages give slightly with the movement and expose faint traces of her skin. Shura glanced down and her eyes immediately popped with amazement. Not only had she been completely healed, there was no sign of injury anywhere! Not from Solar or Naraku's incarnate… not even the scar from Tetsusaiga upon her face remained!

Utterly speechless Shura stood frozen in place for several minutes. Not far away Shura could see Sesshomaru and Inuyasha observing her closely. Judging from their expressions both demons were as impressed with her progress as she was.

Eventually the euphoria of the moment slowly returned too manageable levels. It was then that Shura remembered her manners.

"Milord, I don't know how to thank you," the she-dog began. But Razor waved off her gratitude with a casual shake of the head.

"Do not mistake my generosity Milady, I was simply correcting a wrong. That is all." The dragon reminded as he rose elegantly. Then he turned toward the door. "Now that I have done so there is only one final matter that must be settled…" The dragon's eyes narrowed. Then Shura saw the Sun dragon ready a power orb and aim it for the doorframe.

"What are you doing?" Shura yelped. But her exclamation was ignored. An orb of light energy flew from Razor's ready fingers. The brilliant flash that followed left all three dog demons seeing stars. Squinting through a haze of dancing colors Sesshomaru and Inuyasha just barely managed to follow the orb as is sped harmlessly past them to reach its intended target… a new figure no one even realized was there.

A thud sounded followed immediately by a groan of pain. Then the light faded. As the dog demons' vision readjusted all three looked to the ground. Sprawled face up on the gray stone was Razor's younger brother!

Horrified, Shura watched as the young dragon timidly righted himself into a sit. He was unharmed, save for a few minor scratches. But even still the young dragon couldn't seem to stop himself from shaking.

"Why brother?" Solar whimpered in shock. But to everyone's surprise Razor ignored his sibling's distress. In that moment the polite gentlemen of before vanished behind a wall of anger and family shame. Without even batting an eye the elder prince stormed over to his brother and yanked him up roughly by his hair. "Interfering with royal affairs is a serious offense. One that cannot go without punishment…" Razor growled. His tone made Solar's eyes grew wide with fear.

"W..what are you going to do?" Razor paused as if pondering the question. Then with a swift jerk he shoved his sibling forward so that he landed face first on the floor inches from Shura's feet.

"If it were up to me you'd be in chains for your recklessness. But seeing as how Lady Shura has suffered the most from your act, I think it's only fitting that she be the one to decide your fate. " Razor looked up, this time addressing Shura. "It's your decision Milady. Do with him as you will."

Moving only her eyes Shura glanced down to the dragon at her feet. Solar had coiled himself into a submissive bow. The scent of fear hung heavily about him. It was pathetic really.

"Stand up," Shura instructed after a long pause and roll of her eyes. "I promise I'm not going to hurt you." Out of the corner of her eye Shura saw Razor's face shroud over with disapproval.

"Milady…" the elder dragon tried to protest. But Shura silenced him with a sharp glare. Solar, meanwhile, glanced up at the she-dog timidly.

"You mean…you're letting me go?"

"I'm giving you an opportunity, same as Nightshade. How you use it is up to you." Shura replied simply. At her feet the dragon's face shifted from fear to disbelief to gracious happiness.

"I understand." Solar finally replied calmly as he could. Then, rising to his feet, Solar next turned to his sibling.

"Brother, I'm sorry. I never meant to shame our family. But I couldn't just sit by any longer. I…I love her." Hearing his own words Solar blushed and lowered his face bashfully. Razor meanwhile arched his eyebrows with surprise but said nothing. For a long time the elder dragon stayed motionless not even flinching to bat an eyelid. His stone complexion made both Solar and Shura fidget uncomfortably. Despite the elder dragon's calm exterior it was obvious his mind was racing—no doubt trying to mentally reevaluate how things stood now that some key details about his brother's little secret had been brought to light.

"I see." When Razor finally spoke again his manner wasn't at all what anyone expected. Far from being indifferent or angry his tone was actually surprisingly light. Then the elder dragon's features lifted and smirk of happiness shone through his princely mask. "Well then little brother it seems we have much to talk about."

Shura smiled fondly when she saw Solar's posture sag with relief. Although Razor had come off a bit hard-nosed in the beginning it was clear now just how strong their bonds of loyalty and brotherhood were tied. With his help Shura had no doubt Solar would muster up the courage to tell not only his clan of his feelings, but Nightshade's as well.

"Thank you brother," Solar smiled at his sibling warmly before turning back to Shura. "And thank you Milady for sparing me and my beloved."

"Don't mention it," Shura tried to shrug off the dragon's gratitude. But her effort was ignored. By granting Solar such a large reprieve she had inadvertently created a pact with him, which meant the dragon was, literally, honor bound to repay her kindness.

"No! There must be something more I can do in return…" Solar went on insistently. But Shura could only shrug. As far as personal vendettas went there was only one she was anxious to settle… and it wasn't with Solar.

Ignoring Shura's growing restlessness the young dragon turned and started to pace towards the door. Then an idea struck him.

"Of course!" The dragon cooed with delight. When he turned back around his eyes were bright and eager.

Shura watched with growing curiosity as Solar picked up a small cutting knife from the medicinal supplies on the bedside table. Keeping his body language submissive Solar approached her cautiously making sure to keep the blade well within her line of sight. Then the dragon dipped to one knee. With his left arm he held out the knife until the blade's shadow rested just shy of Shura's feet. Then to Shura's surprise Solar curled his right palm around the knife's edge.

"Lady Shura, for the life you have so generously given me, I feel it is only fitting that the same be offered in return. " As he spoke Solar squeezed the blade until blood seeped from between his clenched fingers. Dark drops spilled to the floor each one pattering loudly against the stone like rain. But Solar didn't seem to notice. His eyes were focused only on Shura.

"I swear to you… just as my blood now falls, from this moment forward my life is yours to command, and it shall remain thus until the day it ends." Shura took a step back in shock. She expected Solar would be thankful… but a blood oath of loyalty! That was another matter entirely. By signing himself to her in blood Solar was effectively becoming her servant—a duty that left him obligated by dragon culture to obey and defend her even at the cost of his own life. It was a gesture Shura neither expected nor was entirely prepared to accept.

"I don't mean to sound ungrateful but you should think about what you're saying." Shura tried to interject gently. "I'm not exactly well liked among some of your comrades. Are you really willing to risk the favor of your own kind just to become my vassal?" The she-dog voiced her concerns honestly but Solar had already made up his mind.

"For you, Milady, I would consider it an honor," the dragon declared with a graceful dip of the head before going on. "And rest assured after I depart I am going see to it personally that Nightshade and her father hear of your kindness. Considering the compassion you showed to his only daughter on the battlefield, I have no doubt that the Shadow clan will pledge their loyalty as well."

Shura sighed lightly and forced a small smile. She knew when to give in. Like so many of the other men she knew, Solar was a stubborn creature. Once his mind was set on a plan there was no amount of reason or logic that could possibly change it.

"Very well then. If you're sure this is what you really want." Shura finally agreed. Solar nodded with satisfaction.

"I've never been more sure," the dragon confirmed with a confident nod before turning towards the door. Taking the cue Razor offered a final nod to the Western dogs before journeying to his sibling's side. Shura watched silently as they left, her keen ears picking up every fading detail.

"That was a bold move." She heard Razor comment just as they reached the door. But the young dragon cast off his sibling's false indifference with a piercing glare.

"If you care about our future, brother, I suggest you do the same." Solar muttered under his breath sternly. "Lady Shura is exactly the kind of Queen we need." Razor chuffed.

"Maybe so. Still, I think I'll let the combat trials be the final judge."

It was the last thing Shura heard before a new noise caught her attention. A series of shrill cries were echoing down the hallway. And they were growing louder. Seconds later Shura saw both Sun brothers freeze in their tracks.

"What is it?" Shura questioned. Another scream sounded sending a chill down the she-dog's spine. She knew the voice.

"Charisma…"