It was early fall, and the crisp air brought a welcome respite from the summer heat. Kagome was outside, dressed in her usual cozy robes, enjoying the cooler weather and watching the Shiro pups play. Some were in their humanoid forms while others transformed into dogs. Their joyful laughter, yips and boundless energy brought a smile to her face. Rin sat beside her, chatting excitedly about her upcoming exams.

"I'm a little nervous," Rin admitted, her hands twisting in her lap. "But I've studied hard, and I think I'm ready."

Kagome placed an arm around Rin's shoulders and pulled the girl close. "You'll do great, Rin. You're the brightest and most determined person I know." Leaning in just a bit closer she added in a whisper, "But don't tell Shippo I said that!"

Not far off, Masaru and his mother stood together, watching over Kagome and Rin. The two women were giggling and whispering amidst the bustling activity around them. Makaira brushed a stray curl from her face as she glanced over at the pack of court demonesses huddled together. They would occasionally glare over at the priestess while gossiping amongst themselves.

"News travels quickly," Makaira quietly remarked. "The Lord Sesshoumaru's claim has everyone talking. Lord Haruto's loose tongue didn't help matters."

Masaru nodded, his expression serious. "The Shiro is on edge again. The land has been thriving with the resurgence of the lord's power, but the instability brought on by the bear's words has everyone on high alert."

They turned back to Kagome and Rin as they shared another laugh, oblivious to the tense atmosphere surrounding them. The palace still bore the scars of Toga's decision to leave the West and protect his human lover, ultimately sacrificing his life to save her and their half-demon child. This tragedy remained a raw and painful memory, a specter that haunted the halls and fueled fears of history repeating itself. Many worried that this rumored claim could destroy the House of the Moon and destabilize the Western territories.

"I am grateful for your help watching over them, Mother. It made locating and eliminating the dragon's spies surprisingly easy," Masaru said. "One of them sang like a bird once captured. It seems even those in Lord Raika's employment have no love for their lord or his daughter."

His mother's eyes widened slightly. "What did they reveal?"

The lieutenant's jaw tightened and his green eyes hardened. "The Southern Lands are nearly deserted. Demons and humans alike are fleeing North or to the Southern Isles seeking asylum. It was also revealed that the dragon's daughter, Lady Dokugiri, is the true mastermind behind this war, keeping her father poisoned and hidden behind the palace walls. She's using the females and their offspring within as shields in case the East and West wished to attack. Those within the palace are starving, and conditions throughout the land aren't any better."

Makaira shook her head, unable to hide the grim expression on her face. "It's a dire situation. But with the Western Lord's newfound strength, perhaps he can finally find a way to end Lady Dokugiri's tyranny."

Just then, Kagome looked up, catching Masaru's eye. She gave him a reassuring smile, sensing mother and son's unease. He returned the smile, eyes softening as he watched the priestess braid the teen's long chestnut color hair.

As Kagome and Rin continued chatting and enjoying the weather, their laughter blending with the sounds of the Shiro pups at play, a distant howl pierced the air. The sound was haunting yet regal, and it drew the attention of everyone in the Shiro. Kagome looked up, shielding her eyes from the sun, and gasped.

High above, a large, white dog demon soared through the sky, its presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating. It bore a striking resemblance to Sesshoumaru's true demon form, but there were subtle differences. This beast's ears were longer, flowing elegantly behind her like silken banners. A large collar of fur surrounded her neck, giving her an even more majestic appearance. Under her blood-red eyes, a delicate pink marking added a touch of grace to her fierce visage.

Rin's eyes lit up with excitement as she recognized the approaching figure. "Lady Inukimi!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. Kagome, however, was confused. She had no clue who this demoness was.

Masaru and Makaira paused their conversation, their eyes also drawn skyward. Inukimi's presence was unexpected and a sign that the rumors about her son had made it to the Sky Palace. The Shiro was already on edge due to recent developments, and the arrival of Sesshoumaru's mother could either ease the tension or heighten it further.

As the girls stood, Makaira was immediately by Kagome's side, her body tense. "Kagome, come with me to my home for a while." she urged, voice low and uncharacteristically nervous. "It's best if you stay with me until the Lady Mother leaves."

Kagome frowned, trying to glean more information from the demoness. "Why should I avoid her? What's going on?" she asked, looking back to Masaru for answers.

Before Makaira could respond, a child's scream pierced the air, freezing everyone in their tracks. Heads turned towards the forest edge where a small pup burst from the treeline, racing into the open field. Panic and fear were etched across the pup's tear stained face.

"What is going on!?" Kagome demanded, her heart pounding as she looked around her. The sudden flurry of events were giving her whiplash.

The small child rushed forward and into one of the court females arms. "W-we were playing catch and then Arakan threw the ball too far and it went into the woods!" The female pup cried out between sobs. "I t-told him we shouldn't go after it b-but he said it was fine. A nure-onna caught him when he walked by the river. I-I ran away, I'm s-so sorry!" she exclaimed breathlessly.

Overhearing this Kagome's blood ran cold. The nure-onna were known to be powerful and vicious snake demons, known for her insatiable hunger for children. They typically stayed away from the populated areas, but with the Lord of the West away, one must have grown bolder, stalking the Shiro border in search of prey.

The atmosphere immediately shifted from tense to mournful. The child's mother was wailing and screaming, desperately trying to go after her pup while others held her back, their faces etched with sorrow and helplessness.

Realizing no one was doing anything to save the child, without hesitation Kagome bolted towards the forest. Her heart pounded in her chest, driven by her need to save the child. No one dared to stop her, and for a moment, Makaira stood in shock before chasing after the priestess. But Kagome was already pushing through the dense foliage, her mind focused on reaching the pup in time.

Bursting into a small clearing by the river, Kagome skidded to a halt, her breath catching in her throat. The scene before her was a nightmare brought to life. The child lay on the ground, curled up in a fetal position, his cries filled with terror. Looming over him was the nure-onna, a vile serpent demon. Its monstrous, human-like head reared back, preparing to strike. Wet, stringy black hair obscured its pale face, adding to its eerie appearance. Large, black eyes were fixated on the pup, unblinking and predatory. A long, forked tongue hung out of its unnaturally wide mouth, flicking in anticipation. The demon's enormous body was covered in black scales that shimmered ominously in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

Kagome's heart pounded as she took in the horrifying sight. Her protective instincts surged, and without a second thought, she summoned her holy powers. With a swift motion, she unleashed a blast of pure reiki at the nure-onna. The holy energy struck the creature, forcing it back with a high pitched screech of pain. Seizing the moment, Kagome dashed forward, scooping the terrified pup into her arms.

"Hang on!" she whispered urgently to the child, turning on her heel and racing back towards the Shiro. The nure-onna recovered quickly, its furious hisses echoing through the clearing. Kagome could hear it slithering after them, its massive body crashing through the underbrush.

As she neared the treeline, Kagome pushed herself harder, her legs burning with effort. The sunlight filtering through the leaves ahead was a beacon of hope. Just as she broke through the trees, she set the pup down, her eyes blazing with conviction. Spinning around, she threw up a shield of holy energy just as the nure-onna lunged at her.

The monster collided with the barrier, recoiling with another furious screech. Kagome held firm, pouring more of her reiki into the shield. The nure-onna, momentarily thrown off balance, writhed and hissed, its eyes burning with malice from having its meal taken away.

Kagome's stormy blue eyes narrowed, and she summoned her spiritual energy once more. Forming a bow and arrow of pure reiki, she drew back the glowing string, her focus razor-sharp. "Stay away from him!" she shouted, releasing the arrow.

The arrow streaked through the air and it struck the nure-onna in the forehead, the creature let out a blood-curdling scream. The holy energy coursed through its body, causing it to convulse violently. Flames erupted from the point of impact, consuming the demon in a fiery inferno.

The priestess watched as the snake's form twisted and writhed, the flames reducing it to ash in moments. The clearing fell silent, the air thick with the scent of smoke and burnt flesh. Kagome stood there, panting and sweating, her eyes scanning the surroundings to ensure the threat was truly gone.

The pup, still trembling, crawled over to Kagome and hugged her leg, his small body shaking with sobs. Kagome knelt down, wrapping her arms around him. "It's okay, you're safe now," she whispered soothingly, her fingers gently combing through his silver curls.

"Arakan!" A voice cried out. The court demonesses broke free of those holding her back and raced towards Kagome and the pup.

As the female drew near, she halted a few paces away, her sterling hair flowing behind her. Wide golden eyes locking onto Kagome's, shining with a mixture of fear and pleading, as if silently begging the priestess not to harm her child.

Kagome offered a soft smile and stepped forward. Recognizing his mother, the pup leaped from her arms into the waiting embrace of the demoness. He snuggled close to her chest as she wrapped the fur that was across her shoulders around him, encasing him in her warmth.

The demoness looked up at Kagome, her mouth opening and closing a few times as she struggled to find the words. Finally, her voice trembling and hoarse, she managed to speak. "Thank you... thank you for saving my son."

Kagome wiped the sweat from her brow, feeling the cool relief against her flushed skin. She flashed the demoness a bright smile, one that radiated warmth and kindness. "There's no need to thank me. I'm just glad he's safe," she said gently.

Just as Kagome was about to say more, a sentinel from the Sky Palace appeared beside her. His alabaster white armor gleamed in the dappled sunlight, and his cape, a striking combination of silver and red, rustled softly as he bowed respectfully.

"Princess of the House of the Moon, Protector of the Western skies, and Lady Mother to the Lord of the Western Lands, summons you to her private chambers."