Thank you, angelburt84 and Poet, for your reviews. I really enjoy reading them and I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the story so far.

I'm going to make an effort to post regularly, so we can get to some of the exciting parts.

If anyone has any predictions or specific parts you particularly liked, please do let me know, as I'd love to find out


"Lord Toga from the House of the Moon has returned," a herald's voice rang out, breaking the thick tension that had enveloped the room. The announcement was a welcome interruption, and it elicited a collective turn of heads as every eye in the dining hall fixed itself upon the grand entrance. A palpable wave of recognition and excitement coursed through the crowd, like ripples on the surface of a pond, as Toga, the lord of the house, made his majestic entrance.

The room erupted into a cacophony of noise, a symphony of cheers, applause, and joyful greetings that filled the hall. Family, friends, and guests for the contests all rose from their seats, their faces alight with smiles and relief at his return. It was a heartfelt welcome, a testament to the deep respect and admiration that the demons held for their leader.

Toga commanded attention with his imposing presence as he strode confidently into the hall, his dignified bearing and noble countenance unchanged by the passage of time. To my eyes, he still bore the unmistakable resemblance of the man I had known many, many years ago—a connection to a past that had shaped the present, and a symbol of continuity in a world that was constantly shifting.

As I observed the joyous reunion between Toga and his kin, I couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected encounter might alter the course of events that had brought me back to the House of the Moon. The future, it seemed, was filled with uncertainties, and the shadows of the past continued to cast their influence over the present.

As Toga's keen eyes caught sight of me from across the grand hall, a spark of recognition ignited within them, and I knew my cover was thoroughly blown. His regal demeanor, which had captured the attention and respect of everyone around, underwent a striking transformation. It shifted from the stern, imposing presence of a lord to one of genuine warmth and recognition as he began striding purposefully in my direction.

Every step he took seemed to resonate with the authority of his station, commanding the attention of all who beheld him. The room seemed to part before him, like a river making way for a grand vessel. He approached me with determination, his intent clear in every measured movement, until he stood before me, his presence almost overwhelming in its intensity.

Then, with a heartwarming and surprisingly powerful embrace, Toga enveloped me in his enormous, welcoming arms. "Lady Kagome!" he exclaimed with genuine joy, his deep voice reverberating through the hall. Conversations nearby fell silent, and all eyes turned in our direction. The use of the honorific "Lady" only heightened the intrigue surrounding my presence.

"How many centuries has it been? Far too long, my friend," Toga continued, his embrace a testament to the strength and physicality of a demon lord. It was a reminder of the power that flowed within him, something that was impossible to ignore. I returned his embrace, grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with an old friend, even if it was under such unexpected circumstances.

Inuyasha, clearly astounded by Toga's use of the word "centuries," discreetly mouthed it to Koga, the implications of our reunion dawning upon him.

"Indeed, it has been," I replied with genuine warmth, my smile reflecting the sincerity of our meeting. I patted Toga on the back, silently urging him to release me from his hearty hug.

Toga's questions flowed one after another, his curiosity and concern evident in his voice. However, his abrupt change of topic caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but chuckle softly at his persistence. The reunion between old friends had been marked by warmth and laughter, but it seemed that there were more pressing matters to address, ones that held implications for both the past and the present.

"How have you been? What have you been up to?" Toga inquired, his genuine interest shining through. His curiosity was palpable, and I could tell that he genuinely cared about my well-being. Before I could formulate a response to his inquiries, he dismissed his own questions with a casual wave of his hand. "No, no, we can talk about that later. Now, Kagome, why are you in hiding?"

I shook my head, a fond smile playing on my lips as I found myself both amused and touched by his directness. Toga had always been astute, never one to let matters slide easily. Our long history meant that he knew me better than most, and I should have expected his curiosity to be unwavering.

Indeed, the urgency of my visit had not escaped me, and I was acutely aware that change was on the horizon, moving swiftly and with purpose. The guise I had held onto for centuries, the guise of a human, was no longer advantageous in this shifting landscape. It was a realization that had weighed on me for some time, a decision that had been both inevitable and necessary. There were matters of great importance that demanded my attention, secrets that needed to be unveiled, and old alliances that required solidifying.

"As much as I would love to catch up, Toga," I began, my tone becoming more serious as I met his gaze, "there are matters that have brought me here. Matters that involve the House of the Moon."

Toga's expression grew solemn as he absorbed the weight of my words. The room had fallen silent, and it was as if time itself had paused to accommodate the gravity of our conversation. The echoes of a history long past reverberated in the air, and the secrets that had been buried for centuries were now clawing their way to the surface, demanding to be acknowledged and addressed.

With a practiced touch, I summoned the magic that had concealed my true nature for centuries. With a shimmering display of arcane energy, my human guise began to dissolve like morning mist. The transformation was swift and graceful, a testament to the control I had over my abilities.

My canine fangs elongated, their gleaming whiteness catching the ambient light, and my once-human ears tapered into elegant, pointed tips. The transformation was not merely physical; it was a reflection of my inner self, a return to my true form.

As the illusion unraveled, my aura, which had been subtly veiled, began to radiate with a newfound strength. It was a subtle shift, but one that marked me unmistakably as a demoness. The room was filled with a palpable sense of power, the essence of my true nature undeniable.

The demons in the room, many of whom had never witnessed my true form, regarded me with a mix of awe and reverence. The air seemed to crackle with energy, and the atmosphere was charged with a blend of curiosity and respect. My transformation was a declaration, not just of my identity but also of my readiness to confront the challenges and secrets that lay ahead.


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Katie