Hoshiko gazed upward with curiosity at the looming mountains above her. They were dark compared to what she had seen before almost void of life; the almost black dirt below her bare feet was hard and lifeless. No greenery flourished in any direction that she could see. She shuddered lightly. It always unnerved her to not be nearby nature because it had been the one thing that comforted her when she was uneasy, hid her from her enemies, and gave her life. Now, that comfort was gone. No wonder she hadn't been here to this part of Japan, if she even had been here before. Inu No Taisho had several times crossed lifeless plains with her like this but she doubted she had visited this exact one. She hadn't really cared for these lands and hadn't remembered where they were in the first place. She was completely ready to step onto soft grass and take a deep breath of the heavy scents of trees and life. She sighed heavily in response.

"Milady, are you well?"

She glanced to her side to see Sakura walking by her side looking fairly concerned for her. The phoenix demoness's fiery hair fell around her shoulders which was certainly a bright contrast to the dark scenery around them. Hoshi wondered if she hadn't been maintaining a careful expression like usual. Obviously not. She made herself smile to reassure her attendant; she wouldn't want to cause unnecessary worry. She could sense the same from the companions who walked ahead with Sesshomaru in the lead, who had also noticed her uneasy and worried expression but also her trailing behind them. She hadn't noticed it until now. She had been walking at An-Un's side for most of the trip so far but dropped back.

"Hai," she answered kindly. "I just am uneasy about this lifeless place. I feel more at ease in a place where there is nature. I am not away from it often."

"I can see the unease on your face. Can I do anything for you?"

"I don't mean to worry you, Sakura. I'm alright, truly. I am simply just eager to return to the place I am most at home with."

"I understand, milady."

"Perhaps you do. No offense friend, but you cannot know how it truly is for me. To feel the strength I do when I feel the power of the life around me and to draw my own power, strength, and courage from that is what fills me. To be away from that slackens my power quite a bit."

"Being away from nature weakens you?"

"In some sense, hai. I draw energy from the elements around me."

"Draw energy," Sakura asked, curious. "Like you take energy from things?"

"Indeed. My elements are wind, earth, water, ice, and poison," Hoshiko began to explain. "When I feel weak, I can draw energy from those elements around me. It makes me stronger in battle. Not only that, but I can use many attacks with those elements so being out here limit's what I can actually do in battle now."

"Wow," Sakura breathed. "That is incredible to know, milady. To think, you can draw power from the natural elements around us."

"I suppose you can think of it as such. But even this separation cannot render me completely weak."

"Of course not, Lady Hoshiko. I believe you are still a challenging foe in battle and can break the weak willed around you. Nature makes you stronger, but I know your heart is stronger than that and will not let you die without a hard fight," Sakura praised happily.

Hoshiko eyed her servant with a raised eyebrow.

"Hai, I don't think I would have lived this long if I was weak willed and physically unable to endure," Hoshi said softly.

"I never doubted your strength or power. The aura around you says enough about that even though you are separated from the things that can increase your power."

"My aura," Hoshiko asked with a displeased frown before understanding filled her eyes. "I never even realized I had lowered some of my barriers restraining my aura. I must have done so earlier during my uneasiness. I prefer to hide it."

"Why do you do so? It is very powerful and intense to feel pressing against my own. I can already tell you are more powerful than you ever let on, aren't you? Besides, it is no displeasure to feel it, Hoshiko, for your aura is powerful hai but it is very calming and warm. Its nature is odd to me."

The demoness seemed unsure how to react, but finally settled for a weak smile. Sakura just grinned in response before tapping her finger on her chin, looking thoughtful.

"It even almost compares to Lord Sesshomaru's!"

"Does it," Hoshi said lightly but with nervousness.

"Indeed. That has to say a lot about you."

Hoshi just rolled her eyes but had to laugh softly. She hoped this wasn't going to offend the great lord walking ahead of them. Sakura had to smile softly before something occurred to her as she gazed at the lifeless ground under her feet. She kicked a pebble in response.

"Milady, I am most curious to know but why do you feel uneasy when you have wind and poison still at your full command?"

"My strongest elements are Earth and Water so perhaps that is why I am uneasy in this dead place. I can only use wind and poison now truly but still, I can fight. Though, I think these feelings are unnecessary considering where we are. I doubt many are out here," Hoshi said, amused at the subject change a bit.

"Indeed," Sakura laughed softly.

"Besides," Hoshiko added slowly but sadly. "Who would want to live in a place like this when they could be surrounded by the greatest glory of all?"

Sakura eyed her mistress with an unreadable expression.

"The greatest glory?"

"Indeed. My sense of greatest glory is nature herself. The fact she always will live again and no fire or weather can destroy her for she will always return as beautiful as before. The highest tree to the softest grass is a treasure. I just wish we could always awe over the beauty of this world."

"You treat nature as though it is a person," Sakura teased lightly.

"It is alive," Hoshi returned simply. "It grows and dies. No more than us demons and humans, we all have our spans of life but our impact always remain. Besides, nature is the only thing that has remained permanent in my entire life and the place I have always lived. To the lowest flower to the highest tree, it has always been there. I just wish we could always treasure the glory of this world for without it, we could neither eat nor breathe. Don't you agree?"

Sakura gaped at Hoshiko. She spoke though she was thousands of years old not only hundreds!

"You are wise," Sakura said softly.

"Not wise, just aware."

"No. You are very wise Hoshi because your words always have a meaning and weight. Not only that, just like you said, you are aware of things no one else really pays attention to. You are extremely intelligent, milady."

Hoshiko flushed in the cheeks with embarrassment.

"I don't really think that," the demoness responded shyly. "But all the same, Arigato."

Sakura inclined her head in welcome and Hoshi turned away, thinking she was done with conversation. The demoness didn't mind much; her thoughts had carried her elsewhere. She stared at her mistress's back whom she had pledged to serve and protect under her Lord's command. The green haired beauty was unlike anyone she had ever known in her entire life. The fact that she hadn't boasted over her power or knowledge said a lot about her character to Sakura; she wasn't overly proud or smug. What she had seen proved her different from the other regal and refined demonesses she had tended to in the past. Hoshi was kind, compassionate, and selfless. She had unlimited loyalty and love that she spread to those who gained her trust. She was polite and respectful but at the same time had a wildness about her that interested Sakura greatly. She was spirited but good. Not only did all of these facts about her nature show her pure soul, it was the things she did. She helped everyone whenever she could, made sacrifices for those she loved, and did so many selfless things it was shocking. At the same time though it shocked Sakura how this demoness could be such a fierce some warrior that could cut down her enemies without hesitation. She had spilled blood when most demonesses hadn't even held a weapon, much less killed someone like she had. She was agile, smart, and strong in battle, holding herself with her chin held high and meeting her foes in battle with a strong stance. Who knew how many battles she had engaged in? Yet, that warrior was this gentle demoness before her. It amazed her in a way. She knew Hoshi must sense her gaze boring into the back of her head but yet, made no comment or acknowledgement toward it. One question burned in the back of her head; why would anyone want to hurt her or even kill her? Just because of the blood burning in her veins was the answer. No one had given her a chance to show who she truly was and prove herself worthy of her life. She sighed heavily; that caught her lady's attention. Hoshi glanced at her out of the corner of her eye in curiosity.

"Why do you gaze at me so," Hoshi asked gently. "And why do you sigh?"

"I'm sorry if I am making you uncomfortable, Lady Hoshiko," Sakura hurriedly rambled instead. "I don't wish to unease you."

"Not at all. But what aids you; is it a thought?"

Sakura sighed.

"You are different," Sakura murmured.

"Pardon," Hoshiko asked in bafflement, turning her head farther to gaze at her servant.

"You are not like the others I have ever known before, milady," Sakura rushed to explain. "You are unlike any other and I could never compare you with another demoness I know because no one can even come to mind. You are kind, compassionate, and selfless while the ones I have known have been proud, refined, and solemn. You have a powerful aura but you don't boast about it like the others and it is warm and calming to feel. You are a fierce warrior but at the same time, a polite and respectful lady. You have never been afraid to show who you are and I admire that. You are one of the purest souls I have ever known. It horrifies and confuses me to why they would want to kill you just because of your bloodline. It disgusts me even. To kill you simply by blood to erase a shame that was never there is terrible and unjust, to kill a soul like you is the worst thing they could have ever done truly."

The hybrid demoness was stunned. Her sky blue eyes stared into the pink ones filled with truth with shock and awe. To hear those words was like a silk running over her skin in a tender caress and lightened the dark shadows still lurking in her soul. To hear those things though was in a way hard; she'd killed many and destroyed countless lives. She looked away after a moment in thought.

"I see," Hoshi finally said in an undertone.

"You sound surprised?"

"Because I am in some regard because I think different. If I was truly pure, I wouldn't have destroyed countless lives and spilt blood onto my hands. I'm not as good as you think I am."

"I don't consider the lives of those you have destroyed because they tried to kill you," Sakura declared strongly. "They tried to kill someone innocent of any crime and one of the greatest demons I have ever known. I have grown fond of you, Hoshiko. You are as good as I say you are because I have seen the selfless acts you have committed and the sacrifices you have made for those you love. You have helped others, I have seen it. You are truly good."

"I destroyed the lives of Inu No Taisho and my parents Kasumi and Daiki," Hoshiko muttered. "I've led them to their deaths."

"They died for a good soul, then. They loved you dearly and wished the best for you and gave their lives to you could be happy. Don't you think instead of thinking yourself a heartless monster who led them to their deaths you should honor the sacrifice they made and live the life they wanted you to have?"

Hoshiko inhaled sharply in response and before Sakura knew it, she had angry sky blue eyes boring into her own not an inch away. She faltered in fear.

"If I didn't honor, love, and respect them, Sakura, do you think I'd still be alive," Hoshi hissed.

"No."

"Then I have honored it, haven't I?"

Sakura winced. That was a mistake to say.

"I'm sorry," she whispered in regret to the angry lady. "I just wanted you to understand that you are no monster to me but the greatest of souls in my eyes. I wanted you to know that I wish you to be truly happy without pain. I never meant to hurt your feelings milady and I apologize greatly for the insult to you."

Hoshi immediately deflated upon seeing the crushed look in those pink eyes.

"Lady Hoshiko, you truly aren't a bad person at all though," Sakura declared, continuing on. "You are truly good with the best intentions for others. You have a sweet heart, a pure soul. I never want you to think otherwise because you are special. You may have led others to their deaths and killed but yet, here you are with a strong will and heart."

The demoness didn't seem to know what to say but her eyes dropped in an unreadable emotion. That was good, right? For a moment they just stood there in silence before her lady stepped back with a deep breath as if to calm her nerves. Sakura wondered what was on her mind.

"Do you know what Inu No Taisho would say to me if he were here listening to me ramble about how I am the reason for his death," Hoshi asked softly.

"No, I don't," Sakura answered, confused.

"He would have said something close to what you said. Told me off and tell me it wasn't my fault at all. Once, he told me that my parents had died for the greatest thing they could have ever died for and now, so did he."

"He was right," Sakura replied softly. "They did. And it wasn't your fault he died Hoshiko. He cared deeply for you as I am told, loved you even, and was always willing to make that sacrifice. So don't even blame yourself for what you didn't do."

Hoshi faintly smiled at her.

"Arigato, Sakura."

"You just need to hear the truth," Sakura replied simply. "You deserve it."

Hoshiko rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.

"I'm sorry I got in your face like that. I overreacted; I'm still sensitive with my parent's deaths."

"I understand, milady."

"I hope I didn't scare you," Hoshiko laughed weakly.

"Actually you did," Sakura winced. "I thought you'd kill me for a moment there just judging by your eyes."

"You really thought I'd kill you, after all the good things you just said about me?"

"Good point."

"Is there something wrong?"

Both Sakura and Hoshiko whirled around to look at Minoru, who was looking concerned. Hoshi hadn't realized they'd stopped walking after the group after glancing over his shoulder to see the distant forms of the others. Woops. She wondered briefly why Sesshomaru hadn't come himself but after a thought, probably hadn't due to the fact he didn't wish to show a soft side nor did he probably care in the less. Sakura flushed.

"Hai, we're fine. We just were talking about something," Sakura hurried out.

"Very intently I might add," Minoru added pointedly. "Enough to make you stop walking and yell at each other."

"We were yelling," Hoshi growled flatly. "Right."

"No, but your Hoshi's angry aura were enough to guess you two were arguing or something."

'Oops,' Hoshi thought with a wince.

"I just said something that offended the lady," Sakura whispered shamefully. "We worked it out though."

"You okay," he asked both of them worriedly, glancing between them.

"I'm okay. I'm just ashamed at myself for hurting Lady Hoshiko's feelings."

"It is truly alright, Sakura. I'm alright," Hoshi sighed heavily. "It's over and done. Let's move on and get back to greenery, I'm done with this wasteland."

Her two companions laughed cheerily. It appeared her dislike of this land truly was deep. Hoshi started out with her two bird demon friends following and a companionable silence fell over the group as they hurried to the others. But the silence wasn't long. She heard low voices begin behind her and shamefully, she began to listen in. She was curious.

"What did you say to her," Minoru mumbled.

"I just said that she should honor her parent's memory because they died for her, but she wasn't happy with that statement. I had told her she was a good person but she didn't believe me. So that just slipped out," Sakura whispered.

"She is a good person, she just needs time to heal," Minoru replied quietly. "Losing her parents was rough I bet so that probably really did hurt."

"I didn't mean to hurt the lady's feelings."

"I know. I know. But are you okay? You looked quite panicked and scared when she was in your face."

"I'm alright, I deserved that though. She had every right to be mad at me because I did push her boundaries without regard for her sensitivity or feelings. I'm surprised she didn't actually yell at me though."

"I'm not. I'm just glad you're okay."

Hoshiko glanced over her shoulder to see Minoru give Sakura a light squeeze on the shoulder in comfort. She didn't miss the faint blushes on their faces by their closeness. She quickly looked away with a big smirk on her face. It appeared Sakura did return Minoru's feelings but this dimly reminded her of how stubborn Inu No Taisho and Izayoi had been about it, too. She remembered her promise to Minoru to talk to Sakura about it so she would. . . shortly. Sesshomaru stood waiting with his usual unreadable expression.

"You are well," he inquired neutrally.

"Hai, I am," she answered softly.

He just gave a simple nod before turning on his heel, walking on. She almost smiled; she thought it was somewhat amusing when he acted like he didn't care but he did have a big pride and reputation he'd like to keep. She followed and sniffed the air, hoping she'd catch a whiff of any green scent. Nothing. She wanted to growl with frustration; she refused to stay here tonight! They'd been walking for 3 days and Sesshomaru had agreed they could rest tonight but here, this barren wasteland? She had to know.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she asked. "Do you know how long until we return to the woods or such?"

The demon lord turned his head lightly.

"I do not smell greenery," he returned flatly.

Hoshiko growled lowly this time. She was not happy.

"Minoru," Sesshomaru called.

"Hai, milord?"

She glanced back to see the eagle demon standing still by the red haired beauty, but she didn't miss him dropping his arm from rubbing her back in comfort. The light blushes still dusted their cheeks. She wondered if they had yet to glance at each other.

"Go ahead and scout for what the lady wants," Sesshomaru growled out.

Hoshiko melted inside, just melted. He was sending Minoru to go find the closest nature so she could be in comfort and ease! But not only that, he could have gone himself but he was sending his servant instead. He was staying nearby her. She felt her heard thump harder in her chest at this realization. Her fondness for him in that moment deepened.

"Hai, milord. I shall return as quickly as possible."

With that, Minoru ran to the left away from them before a surge of youki surrounded him in a swirl of gray. Hoshiko watched in fascination as a huge golden brown eagle soared into the sky with huge flares of those powerful wings letting out a 'caw' before he disappeared over the clouds. She felt an emotion radiate from the phoenix demoness behind her and turned around again. She looked sad as she watched the shadow of Minoru disappear. She didn't want him to go, Hoshiko realized. Sesshomaru started forward without a word and the others obediently followed him but Hoshiko began to drop back little by little until she walked at her retainer's side. To Sakura's surprise, her lady grabbed her arm and pulled her back far enough for the lord not to hear. Sesshomaru peered over his shoulder, obviously sensing them retreating again, but did nothing like usual. He just walked on. Hoshi immediately turned to her companion with a wicked grin.

"So," she asked lightly. "What's with you and Minoru?"

Sakura blushed prettily.

"We're best friends, milady."

"I don't think so, judging from what I've seen so far. All I see are long glances after each other and not so innocent touches."

"I don't get what you're talking about," Sakura answered with a shy tone as her blush deepened.

"Don't play stupid," Hoshi laughed softly. "I know you like him."

"Do not!"

"Oh yes you do. Then explain to me, why did you gaze so longingly after him as he left? I don't think it was out of friendship."

Sakura looked away, blushing, but completely rendered speechless.

"Well," Hoshi probed gently.

"Okay okay," she answered, flustered. "I like Minoru, a lot. More than a friend."

Hoshi smiled cheekily at her friend.

"That is good, Sakura."

"No, it's not! It'll ruin our friendship and I'll lose my best friend," she all but cried.

"I don't think so. Have you ever even considered the fact he may like you the same way you like him?"

Sakura stared for a moment.

"No, he couldn't," she muttered. "I'm just his closest companion if anything."

"Sakura, I bet he likes you. I've seen you two and the two of you are acting the same with each other. Why don't you ask him about it?"

"What!"

"You heard me; talk to him. He needs to know your feelings if you ever want to take a step farther with him."

"I don't think so, Lady Hoshiko. We are too different in species! He's an eagle demon and I'm a phoenix demon, it wouldn't work!"

Hoshi stopped dead but grabbed her arm, pulling her also to a stop. Sakura trembled at the dark look in her lady's eyes.

"You know fully well me and Lord Sesshomaru are courting," she said, darkly. "We don't let our species get in the way of our feelings for each other. If you don't recall, he is a dog demon. I am a dragon and sea serpent hybrid demoness."

Sakura looked away, ashamed for the second time that day.

"Not only that, it didn't stop my own parents from loving each other. Kasumi, a dragon demoness, fell in love with a sea serpent demon, Daiki. It was forbidden but still they did so. The same for Inuyasha's parents; Inu No Taisho was a dog demon who fell in love with a human woman, Izayoi. That was too forbidden and deemed wrong but yet they still they made it work. Will you destroy what you can have with Minoru?"

"I'm scared," Sakura whispered.

"I was too, but I and Sesshomaru still did it, didn't we? We are together now."

"I know, milady, but what will others think?"

"Damn what others think," Hoshiko snapped. "It doesn't matter if you love them and they love you in return. Love is the closest thing this world has got to magic and really, it's worth it all."

"Love is the closest thing in this world to magic," Sakura repeated dully but with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Hai, it is. It brought me this far in life. My love for Inu No Taisho and Izayoi kept me strong until I met Rin. My love for my parents kept me alive until I met Inu No Taisho. My love for my family makes me happy, strong, and full with life. Don't get me wrong, but you should try. No matter what others say, because it's your love."

Sakura was silent for a time until she whispered her response.

"How do you know truly that Minoru likes me?"

"Because I see it in his eyes every time he looks at you. I can tell just by his concern for you and how he makes sure you are cared for. I think that has to say enough about his feelings toward you."

"Really," Sakura asked, doubtfully.

"Truly," Hoshiko promised.

Sakura looked away for a moment, pondering.

"You are right. Your right, Hoshi. I need to talk to him," she finally said.

"Hai, you do. If you don't, I will."

"You wouldn't!"

"Oh trust me; I would if you wouldn't do it yourself. I don't need you two dancing around each other when everyone else can see you two have feelings for each other."

Sakura gaped at her lady and felt herself blush heavily.

"Now that we got this solved, we better catch up to Sesshomaru," Hoshi purred joyfully, tugging the demoness into a jog to catch up to Sesshomaru. Sakura consented, annoyed but amused.

"Fine, I'll talk to him myself," she growled.

"Very good!"

Sakura was silent for a moment, looking at her with shy but thankful eyes.

"Arigato, Lady Hoshiko," she said to her.

Hoshi smiled.

"Trust me, it will be all worth it in the end."

Sakura grinned happily but she felt nervous. What would Minoru say? What would happen to their friendship if he rejected her? She sighed heavily as they slowed to a walk. This was going to be hard. Hoshi gave her a shoulder a comforting squeeze and that oddly reminded her of when Minoru had done that. She flushed but the green haired beauty wasn't paying attention to her. She was gazing at the darkening sky. Sesshomaru continued to walk on like nothing happened and Sakura wondered, how did they do it? Hoshiko and Sesshomaru? She looked up at her lady with wonder. Would they end up together, permanently? As mates? That thought seemed to feel right in her book. They'd make a darling pair and would complete the other. But still, with no consideration for each other's species baffled her to no end. Hoshi glanced at her when she felt her gaze. She decided to comment on it.

"You know," she asked softly. "It still shocks me you and Sesshomaru can court without regard for each other's demon species."

"We don't care," Hoshi answered simply and softly. "It's the feelings that matter. My parents, Inuyasha parents, and countless others felt the same."

"Most of those children conceived from those relationships were shunned or killed."

"I know," Hoshi replied softly, eyes saddened. "I know very well what you mean."

"He returns," Sesshomaru said, dully.

Everyone looked up to see the large eagle returning. Hoshiko felt excitement spike in the demonesses scent beside her before shyness and nervous clouded her like a veil too but she tried not to smile. It was obvious she cared deeply for Minoru, like Minoru did for her when he had admitted it to her some time ago. It was up to them now or she'd take care of it, she thought with a grin. The large eagle swooped in but at the last second, the youki surrounded him again leaving him in his humanoid form once again. He walked to his lord and bowed at the waist.

"We are not far from the closest woods," he confirmed. "It is only a few hours walk from here if we hurry our pace."

Sesshomaru inclined his head in response, or in his way of 'thank you,' before walking past his servant. Minoru approached the demonesses with a faint smile.

"How long is the walk," Hoshi immediately asked.

"If we hurry, we can reach it before sundown."

Hoshi squealed with delight and almost forced the group to speed up, much to the amusement of Sesshomaru. Though she was eager to get back to the place she was at ease at it still pleased her to walk by her new friends sides and talk aimlessly about various subjects. He listened to it quietly as they moved on. So many conversations passed finally it lulled into a peaceful silence where they all tried to enjoy the scenery and company of the beings around them. Jaken never complained out loud about the speed, but he did grumble under his breath. He had tiny legs! This was harder for him to keep going at this pace unlike the much taller beings he was accompanying. All the same, he would go anywhere his Lord Sesshomaru would go! The group hurried on to the Northern Lands.

Soon enough, just as the sun hit the horizon, Minoru's words proved to be true. The lush greenery began to show up and Hoshiko all but trembled in delight. She was home! Finally, they entered the big trees and immediately her friends could tell the difference in her whole mood. She almost was skipping with joy. Sesshomaru was pleased she had come when he felt her eager energy behind him. He glanced back to gaze at her for a second to ensure she was truly happy here and to his satisfaction, she was. He decided this place was satisfactory to make camp. There were enough trees around them, grass beneath their feet, and sweet nature aromas around them.

"Make camp," he ordered. "I will return."

With that, he was gone. Hoshiko rolled her eyes at that but nevertheless found a suitable place to rest for the night. It was a perfect clearing surrounded by large trees and bushes, ensuring privacy if anyone intruded on their company if they ever did. She glanced at the white flowers on the bushes. That was one she had never seen before, oddly enough. Soon, Jaken had a fire going and they had hunted down (or rather, Minoru did) a wild pig. The meat was roasted over the fire and eaten quickly to sate the demons hunger. It was almost heavenly to sink their teeth into the tender meat.

"That was great," Jaken sighed happily after eaten his fill. "A fine catch, Minoru."

"Arigato," the eagle demon returned with a grin.

Sakura rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm, earning an 'ow' in the process. Hoshi rolled her eyes. Apparently their flirting was more violent. Her eyes went toward the darkening sky and examined each star with interest, ignoring the others around her for a moment. The night sky never would stop to fascinate her with all the dark velvet night and the twinkling lights so high above. She sighed happily, content. Her eyes stared at the pale lights in the sky but a sound caught her attention. Her eyes rolled to look at a soft snore but it was only Jaken, crashed out between An-Un's paws. She just rolled her eyes at that. The toad demon acted like he was fine but truly, he was exhausted. Sometimes she thought his dedication for Lord Sesshomaru was scary, considering how 'close' he considered they were. She heard a giggle and looked over to the side, to see Minoru pointing out stars to a giggling but happy Sakura.

'I think,' she thought. 'It would be best if I left.'

Neither of them noticed her leaving the clearing. They were so intent on the stars and on each other, which she found adorable. Hoshiko looked around at the trees. What was she going to do now? She'd left them to it. She decided to continue gazing at the stars and with a few running leaps, ran up a tree to sit in the high branches. The stars were so beautiful now! They twinkled in variety of color and she smiled, overjoyed. The glow they gave off was so beautiful, especially with the silver crescent moon in the sky. She watched a shooting star streak across the sky in a blaze of blue.

'The night sky is always so beautiful,' she thought toward her inner demon.

'Hai, it is,' her inner demon thought back, not very interested.

'You act like this is boring.'

'Not at all.'

'Do you remember the time when Father and us were sitting in a tree together watching the full moon and the stars in the sky?'

'Hai, I do. That was one of the fondest memories we have about the night sky. I remember him telling us about the shapes in the sky and it ended up we tried to find other things in the stars.'

'Indeed. I do wish he were still here with us though. I miss him dearly. I wonder if he'd approve of me and his son, together as we are.'

'I think we would be fully supported, considering we both are his children. He wanted us to be happy.'

'I doubt me and Sesshomaru ending up together as we are wasn't what he ever had in mind.'

'Perhaps. Maybe he did.'

'I never understood his reasons for some things but I'll leave it to that. I trust him and always know he never meant to do harm.'

'Indeed.'

I was his daughter in the past. What if we become his daughter-in-law?"

"Odd, but I think-"

To Hoshiko's surprise, a rock hit the branch besides her startling her. Her inner demon was more amused than anything. A rock? Where on earth had that come from? She glanced down from her perch to see none other than Lord Sesshomaru, gazing up at her with a very neutral expression but his golden eyes burned with an inner fire. She smiled joyfully. He was back! She jumped down from her branch to land before him with a smile. He extended his hand to her and she took it, letting him pull her back up from her crouch. They twined their fingers together.

"Maru," she greeted with a soft tone.

"Flower."

He gently untwined their fingers for a moment so she could wrap her arm around his and when she did, he gently pulled her to his side. She smiled warmly in response. Their fingers twined together again and she couldn't help but think how perfectly their hands fit each other. She felt him lean down and he gently nuzzled her hair making her giggle and return his nuzzle with a few of her own. They gazed at each other for a moment, content. He gestured his head to the side and she knew what he meant; she nodded happily. Sesshomaru turned pulling her gently with him and together they walked into the woods, Hoshiko resting her head on his shoulder, content. It was just her and her Lord Sesshomaru; she'd have it no other way.

Whew, this was a long chapter! Looks like Hoshiko is playing matchmaker now! I thought this ending scene would be a bit cute so I hope you guys thought the same! I hope you guys enjoyed this and please review, motivates me to update quicker! :D