I did it, I did it! I really did it! The Great Lady would be so proud of me!
Those thoughts repeated themselves over in the head of a youkai flying through the skies, a bundle thrown over his shoulder.
With this power that man gifted me with, I will leave this at that man's house and he will be destroyed when Sesshomaru comes looking for what is his!
Presently, Edo came into his sight, followed soon after by the walled mansion set back on a hill. He could sense a great many ayakashi, youkai and demons within it's sprawling grounds.
He giggled to himself, and headed towards the house, his plan almost complete.
In a field a short ways away from the mansion, Yohime was making a flower crown. Idly, as she threaded the stems together, she wondered how many children Rin and Kohaku had. She smiled as she remembered teaching this to the girl so many years ago.
"Yohome-sama?"
Feeling the icy aura of a Yuki-Onna, she glanced over her shoudler.
"Setsura, how many times have I asked you to call me simply 'Yohime'?"
The Yuki-Onna scoffed, crossing her arms.
"Whether I like it or not, you are the wife of Nurarihyon-sama, so I will address you by your title."
She sighed, slumping down slightly. But then a fantastic idea entered her mind and she brightened.
"Setsura, would you freeze these flower for me?"
Rolling her eyes and mumbling about how she never gave her permission to call her by her first name, she nonetheless did as asked.
She was surprised when Yohime settled it on her head.
"All hail to Setsura, Queen of the North!"
Leaning back, she admired her work, but before she could say as much, a hostile aura dripping with a corrosive darkness pierced her heart. Clutching her hand to her chest, she sunk to her knees gasping for breath.
"Yohime-sama!"
She choked, pulling her senses as inward as possible.
Not since Naraku have I felt one such as this! Hagoromo Gitsune's reeked of malice, blood and such, but this! This is of someone not in their sane mind!
"Yohime-sama!"
"I'm fine! Just give me a minute to adjust."
She relaxed slightly at the coldness that followed Setsura's hands as she checked her for injuries. Taking in deep breaths, she slipping into a state of semi-meditation. She pulled memories of a similar aura she fought long ago, and her reiki fortified itself. She opened her eyes, settling on the panicked face of the Yuki-Onna.
"Calm down, I'm fine. I just had to remind my reiki of something. Let's head back to the house!"
Nurarihyon swore under his breath. Today was the day he was going to spend with Yohime, as he had taken care of his business in the morning. It was the late afternoon and this upstart youkai had appeared out of nowhere, brazenly charging into his home. After running about in his house for a good hour, he had left the grounds and took off dripping blood.
He was currently chasing him towards the ocean, marveling at his ability to run that fast while wounded.
The youkai swerved left almost tripping at the speed which he did, Nurarihyon following closely behind. Gyuki, Hitotsume, Karasu-Tengu and most of his Hyakki Yokou were chasing after him. The only reason they hadn't caught him yet, was Nurarihyon wanted a quiet place to slaughter him for intruding on his home life.
Another turn to the right and he'll be boxed in. Nowhere to run.
As the though finished in his mind, said youkai indeed turned right, running into the others of his Hyakki Yokou. He quickly tried to change directions.
"Whoa, where do you think you're going?" Nurarihyon asked smoothly, "After all the trouble I've gone to prepare a proper welcome into my town."
The youkai turned to face him, giving him a good look at his features.
Grey skin, hollowed out cheeks, sunken eyes that shone with madness. A dark aura was swirling around his legs, offering an explanation as to the spend he had used.
"Tch, you make me feel bad."
He threw back his head, maniacal laughter ringing in the salty air.
"You'll never make it! Oh! The joy! Those who killed the Great Fox for the sake of a woman! You'll never make it!"
Nurarihyon's eyes narrowed dangerously, and he hefted Nenekirimaru, but before he could strike the youkai spoke once more.
"For robbing her of her dearest desire, I will rob you of the one you obtained! For the Lord of the Western Lands spares no one, be it man, woman or child if they take what is his!"
Those around him stiffen and their Fear was made visible in anger.
Nura swung his sword, separating his head from his body, before running off.
"Gyuki! Make sure that scum doesn't have anything left to be remembered by!"
He was out of sight as the last word left his lips, his Hyakki Yokou trailing in his wake.
"Hime-sama!"
"Yohime-sama!"
"Yohime!"
The constant calling of her name associated with 'sama' was getting on her nerves.
"Be quiet for a second, will you?! And for goodness' sake, drop the 'sama'!"
At her shout, everyone fell silent. Nodding firmly, she addressed Hihi who was the only upper ayakashi she could sense in the mansion.
"What happened?"
"A youkai came from the sky, carrying something. He ran around the house and then he left," he explained shortly.
Her brow furrowed.
"Was he carrying the bundle when he left, as well?"
To that question, several demons piped up, saying the youkai left empty handed.
"Tch. That means he left something behind. I'll try to find it, just give me a second."
Folding her legs, she sat on the floor in the lotus position. She clapped her hand together sending out a pulse.
Those gathered stilled, but one whispered to another.
"What is she doing?"
"Idiot! If someone left something behind, it's going to be under a seal so we don't sense it! She can find it if she concentrates!"
They fell silent at Yuki-Onna's glare.
Yohime's eyes popped open and she lurched to her feet, tripping over the hem of her hakamas. Luckily, Hihi caught her.
Dashing down a hallway, a 'thank you' was almost lost in her hurry. Throwing back door after door, she came to one of Nura's room, ayakashi crowding at her back, Setsura and Hihi at her shoulders.
There, in the middle of the room was a heavy cloth, wrapped around something. Taking a step forward, she cautiously approached the object. Before she could take advance farther, the sound of ripping and the movement had Setsura and Hihi shoving her behind them, taking a defensive stance.
As it was still late afternoon, there was sunlight streaming into the room making it clear to see.
And Yohime clearly saw the black puppy ears that emerged from the head of the cloth.
"Stand down."
Both ayakashi turned to look at her.
"Yo-"
"I said, stand down."
Not waiting for them to move aside, she nimbly stepped past them staring at the child who was cutting themselves out of their confinement.
Long, thick, black hair swung around revealing pale skin, expressive gold eyes followed by a small clawed hand.
Yohime could not believe what stood before her eyes.
A/N DUH DUH DUUNN Go me! I'm awesome and I know it, booya! Welcome to the wonderful world of Cliffhangers! Mwahaha!
Thank you reading!
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