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Chapter 12

The world around Oshun swirled as she drifted back into another memory, one that tugged at the edges of her consciousness. When she opened her eyes, she found herself standing in the middle of his study. The lamps had dimmed. The shadows of the night bounced along the walls. A definitive answer settled in the absence of the Inu's presence. The dark wooden panels that were once warm felt like they were closing in on her in his absence. The surface was polished to a rich sheen that caught the soft glow of the faint oil lamp burning to its end. The scent that blended with the faint aroma of ink and parchment lacked the touch of first snow and pine. A scent she shockingly began to associate with the great Inu. Oshun looked around herself at the overall cleanliness of the room. Gone were his pipe, weapons, and oil pots. The scrolls and books that were there a few minutes prior had all but gone away. The dai where his sword lay, now sat barren of the steel.

Oshun stepped forward feeling a knot grow in her stomach. She had just left a tranquil moment shared with the Inu only to be here without him or Rin. At this, Oshun's head shot towards the heavy doors. Fear crept up her spine and a cold grip had her by the bones. Something nasty and anxious took root in her nervous system. It clawed at her old scars. Dragged at insecurities and despair. Logic began to evaporate as she heard to calls of men beyond the threshold.

Rushing forward, she ran towards the ornate shoji doors. Her body fazed through the walls to see men in armor and servants rush around frantically. Her feet beat against the floors in search of the Inu. Her magic stretched about the palace until she felt him a distance away. Once outside, the remaining light in the sky greeted her along with what looked to be a people preparing for battle. In the middle of the rush, stood Sesshomaru and Rin. Relief filled her to see the dog standing in a grand yet somber courtyard. The night sky felt heavy and cloaked them all in its protective embrace. The air was cool and still, filled with the tension of an impending departure.

Oshun stood at a distance and watched the scene play out in front of her. In the center of the courtyard stood Sesshomaru, clad in his battle armor, the polished plates gleaming faintly in the dim lamp light. His long silver hair flowed down his back, untouched by the winds that whispered through the trees. His face was a mask of calm determination, but Oshun could sense the storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface. This was no ordinary day—it was the day he would leave for war.

But was it the war she had seen?

Did this have to do with his current state?

And then for what purpose?

Nearby, young Rin stood with wide, anxious eyes. She was still just a child, perhaps no more than ten years old, and the sight of Sesshomaru in his war attire filled her with both awe and fear. Her small hands clutched the hem of her kimono, and her lip trembled as she tried to muster the courage to speak. Her face held back the torrent of emotions that anyone could see bursting to overflow from her eyes. Oshun knew Rin had this unbelievable belief in Sesshomaru. She had witnessed it in the way the girl carried on and spoke about him. So to see her like this…it was shocking. But also, Rin was still a child.

Sesshomaru turned toward Rin, his golden eyes softening slightly as they met her gaze. He approached her with slow, deliberate steps, each one heavy with the weight of what he had to say. His men packed and rushed about. Their voices were low as they planned and gathered their resources. Some demons rushed to and from the quiet villages in the distance. Horses, dragons, and other animals sounded off their displeasure of what was to come. The cries of children and women in the background echoed. Their snarls and wails of species she couldn't name resonated with the spirit of grief that she recognized in their tone. These men were strong, but they were not invincible. Especially to the unknown.

"Rin," Sesshomaru began, his voice low and steady as it had always been. Nothing betrayed his power or disposition in this matter. "I must leave for battle. It is not a place for you this time. These…foreigners are different. You will stay here in the Shiro with Mother, where it is safe."

Rin's eyes welled up with tears, and she took a hesitant step forward. "But, Lord Sesshomaru, I -I…want to go with you! I don't want to be left behind!"

Sesshomaru gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch as light as a breeze. "This is not a journey for you, Rin. You will stay. Our pack will be here soon to assist. And you still have duties of your own to tend to." He stood back up to his full height and looked about the courtyard. His eyes saw things that Oshun couldn't see.

The tears spilled over, and Rin's voice broke as she pleaded, "But... it's different this time." Rin's small voice rang out. "These people…are different. Rin heard the guards talk about the men with ghostly faces. What their weapons did to Master Takanaka of the Aichi Samurai. They don't want to fight. They want to take everything! They have no honor!"

Oshun watched, her heart aching for both. Her chest constricted painfully in her chest. Sesshomaru's expression remained composed. How he was able to stand there like a steel mountain unmoved was beyond her. She would have emotionally broken down and taken the little girl into the safety of their home. Her arms wanted to reach for the young girl and speak reason to the Inu to stay and find another way. For them to even go someplace else. Away from what was to come.

Oshun wrapped her arms around herself. The clouds in the sky began to darken. A rumble echoed her despair. It was cowardly to run, yes. However, when you have lost so much, you will do anything to protect the tethers of what remains. She did not know the exact history of Japan but her guess was that indeed they were speaking of European expansionism. Possibly the first real attempt at colonization of the East. When she was able to get home, she would read and research diligently. If had anything in resemblance to the painful history of her island and people, then she knew her heart was in for chaos and pain.

"Do you doubt this one?" Sesshomaru asked simply with a narrowed gaze.

Rin shook her head violently and reached for his hand on her head. "No. But Kagome said that in her history-"

"This one cares not of what is written, Rin. Neither should you." He cut her off harshly. "We are the crafters of our present. Do not lay down before you have even fought."

"But…I don't want to lose you!" She mumbled quietly.

It was quiet for a moment. Her brutal honesty mingled with the truth of the matter. These men and their weapons were different. Everything was uncertain. Seconds went by before he spoke again. "I will return," Sesshomaru said, his voice firm with resolve. "I promise you, Rin, I will come back. But you must stay here and be strong. You have a place in this world, and I need you to be a pillar of this Shiro while I'm away. You are to resume your sword lessons with Commander Zuko. I have contracted the Taija to further advance your other combat skills. You will have no time to dwell on anything else."

Rin sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. She looked up at him, her face filled with a mixture of fear and trust. "I'll wait for you, Lord Sesshomaru. I'll be strong, just like you taught me."

Sesshomaru nodded, his hand moving to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her face. "Hm," he hummed quietly, pride evident in his tone. Oshun watched as the scene unfolded. His men rushed over and exchanged words. Rin's attendant came and retrieved the young girl. Another group of people had arrived. An odd bunch for folks of various powers. She sensed holy and demonic…magic and brute strength. Two were particularly loud but had soon settled. Information was exchanged with very few words spoken by Sesshomaru. A solemn aura settled amongst them before they all departed. Oshun followed at a distance as Sesshomaru turned and walked back to another building.

Sesshomaru stood in the quiet solitude of his private chambers, the air around him still and heavy with the weight of impending conflict. His armor seemingly moved with him as he bent to take it off. The heaviness of it all clamored and fell in his open hand as he lifted it off of his body. He would don it again at first light and then it would become like skin to him. The artifacts for battle and the scent of victory would be all that he knew come the morrow. He went through the motions. A practiced ease to quiet the mind in discipline and routine. The stillness of the room was broken only by the faint flicker of a single lantern casting soft, dancing shadows across the walls. The night outside was deep, with only the whispers of wind rustling through the trees. His golden eyes, sharp and discerning, surveyed his room of artifacts, though his thoughts were elsewhere, focused on the final preparations for the approaching war.

For as long as he could remember, Sesshomaru had led his forces with an iron will, commanding respect and fear in equal measure. His demeanor had always been one of cold detachment, his gaze fixed on victory and power, his mind unclouded by the concerns of lesser beings. But tonight, something in the air, perhaps the weight of the impending battle, made him pause. His golden eyes, usually filled with indifference, softened as they swept over the ranks of his soldiers.

These were not mere pawns, nor faceless warriors to be thrown into the jaws of death for the sake of conquest. There was nothing here to gain and that is what infuriated him further. These foreigners came with their explosive iron weapons, gunpowder, and in equal measure their audacity and inflated egos. Threatening him after he declared them to be as useless as lint. Sprouting foolishness of partnerships, trades, and enterprise. It was all a ruse. They were nothing but manic vultures. They should have died at sea where their fate was decided yet, they seemed to find a fool in a shogun who envied their disgraceful arsons with a lazy disposition for betterment and enlightenment. A perfect wine for ruin. But he would not let that sweep upon the West. Upon his father's and ancestor's territory. Where their ancient power steeped into the richness of the bamboo and drenched the dark soil beneath his feet.

His fist clenched slightly at the thought of the waste that was to come to his men. Each one of these demons had served him with unwavering loyalty, fighting by his side through countless battles, enduring hardships and bloodshed without question. Many had been present during the days of his father's reign and some that sat on counsel remember his grandfather. But they were so much more than that. They were more than his army—they were an extension of his power, his will made manifest in the world. And for that, he owed them more than mere commands; he owed them his respect, and his complete attention in this upcoming war.

A subtle shift in the atmosphere caught his attention. It was almost imperceptible—a ripple in the fabric of the night, like the faintest disturbance on the surface of a calm lake. Sesshomaru's senses, honed over centuries, were immediately on alert. The presence was not one of his retainers, nor was it a typical intruder. This presence was different—foreign, yet familiar.

He closed his eyes, extending his awareness beyond the physical confines of the room, searching for the source of the disturbance. The faint scent of hibiscus and honey, so out of place in his fortress, drifted toward him on a nonexistent breeze. It was a scent he had encountered before, tied to a presence that had intruded upon his memories—a presence that he had reluctantly allowed to linger. And dare he say…invite.

Oshun.

Sesshomaru's eyes opened, narrowing slightly as he focused on the feeling of her presence within his Shiro. She was not physically present, yet her essence permeated the space as if she were straddling the line between realms, neither fully here nor fully gone. He could sense her, not just as an intruder, but as a distinct entity with her own energy; a mix of mysticism and otherworldly power that resonated in a way unlike any other.

She was near, somewhere within the confines of his fortress, yet elusive, like a shadow at the edge of his vision. Her presence was subtle, respectful even as if she was careful not to overstep her bounds or enter into his most personal space. But the fact that she was here at all, within the sanctity of his home, was enough to stir the faintest embers of irritation and curiosity within him.

Why was she here now?

Did she know something?

Was this the moment she had come to warn him about?

Was the outcome of this not in his favor?

Sesshomaru's hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword, his fingers brushing the cool, familiar surface of the scabbard. He did not draw it—there was no immediate threat—but the action was a reminder of his dominance, his readiness to defend what was his. He did not tolerate intrusions lightly, and Oshun had tested his patience before. Times were different now. There were bigger threats on the horizon.

Yet, as he continued to sense her presence, he recognized that this was not an act of aggression. She was observing, perhaps seeking something within the depths of his Shiro, but she did not seem to mean harm. Still, Sesshomaru was not one to leave such things to chance. He sensed her outside of his building, waiting. He had the sense to go outside but he needed a few moments to himself. His mind needed to be sharp. Not ruminating on the presence of a specter. Yet, his curiosity pulled until he relinquished.

Without moving, without a word, Sesshomaru extended his demonic aura, a silent and invisible command, yet one that carried the weight of his Alpha authority and the precision of his will. His energy usually contained and fiercely guarded, unfurled like a vast, silent wave, reaching out into the corridors of his Shiro where Oshun lingered. Her presence seemed to hesitate outside of Rin's quarters. No doubt, she was aware of his ward's fears and went to tend to her.

The aura he projected was not forceful, but it was undeniable—a gentle, yet firm invitation that could not be ignored. It was a beckoning, as subtle as the rustling of leaves in a quiet forest, yet as commanding as the call of the night itself. Sesshomaru's aura wrapped around Oshun's presence, guiding her with a deft touch, as if drawing her through the shadowed halls and into the heart of his domain.

Oshun would feel the change immediately, the slight shift in the air, the gentle pull that guided her steps with a sense of inevitability. It was not a summons that demanded obedience, but rather a call that stirred a deep curiosity within her own spirit, urging her to follow the path laid out by Sesshomaru's will. Orchestrated by his power and possibly destiny that brought her here. A destiny he would shape no matter what was written on paper in the past, present, or future.

In his room, Sesshomaru waited, his posture relaxed yet exuding a quiet power. He did not doubt that she would come; the invitation was clear, though unspoken. The walls of the room seemed to close in slightly, the shadows deepening as if to conceal the meeting from prying eyes. This was a private audience, one meant only for them—a moment of discretion wrapped in the secrecy of the night.

As Oshun approached, drawn by the invisible thread of Sesshomaru's aura, he turned his gaze toward the doorway. His eyes, gleaming like molten gold, reflected the flickering lantern light, revealing nothing of his thoughts, yet expressing a silent acknowledgment of her arrival.

The door slid open with a whisper, and there she stood. Oshun. Standing before him in her white skirt and top hanging slightly off her slender shoulders. Her flesh still carried that otherworldly quality that had first caught his attention. The scent of hibiscus and honey intensified, mingling with the incense, as she stepped into the room, her gaze meeting Sesshomaru's with a mix of respect and curiosity. A knowing in her gaze having had saw things he would deny.

Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly, a subtle gesture that acknowledged her presence without relinquishing any of his dominance. "You hesitate around your inquiries now, why?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, resonating with a calm authority that filled the room.

Oshun nodded, her expression calm but attentive, as if sensing the significance of the moment. Her mind was still processing so much information as it was. Something significant was about to happen. The anxiety she felt before seemed to bubble in her chest. An uncomfortable pressure settled on her shoulders like a burden to be carried. Yet, it wasn't hers. It was his. A cross that had formed. But what was it? What did it mean? She felt the energy in the room shift slightly, a current of curiosity and something more elusive—an unspoken understanding that this was no ordinary encounter.

They were beyond that now.

Sesshomaru gestured toward a cushion opposite him, his movements graceful and deliberate. "Sit," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for refusal, yet not unkind. The invitation was clear, both in his words and in the aura that still gently enveloped her.

Oshun took a few steps towards the cushion. Her eyes swept over the room. Sesshomaru's private chambers were a sanctuary of refined elegance, a space that mirrored the demon lord's own sense of control and grace. The room was expansive, with high ceilings that gave it an airy, open feel, yet the atmosphere was one of quiet, almost meditative, solitude. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, woven with subtle patterns in shades of silver and deep indigo, depicting scenes of Inus, great celestial bodies, and distant landscapes that seemed to belong to another world altogether.

The floor was polished stone, cool and smooth underfoot, reflecting the soft glow of the ambient light that filtered through the room. Large, translucent shoji screens lined one side of the chamber, allowing a gentle, natural light to seep in from the outside. The screens could be easily moved to reveal a private veranda overlooking a serene garden, where a small, tranquil pond sat surrounded by carefully tended flora.

In the center of the room stood a low table made of dark wood, its surface unmarred and perfectly smooth. Upon it rested a single, meticulously arranged flower in a porcelain vase, the only splash of vivid color in the otherwise muted tones of the chamber. The simplicity of the arrangement spoke to Sesshomaru's preference for order and precision, every detail carefully considered.

Against one wall was a large futon draped in luxurious silks, the bedding in shades of dark black and silver, exuding both comfort and a sense of regality. A few pillows, embroidered with delicate patterns of the moonlit sky were placed at the head of the futon, inviting rest but also serving as a reminder of the demon lord's affinity for the night sky.

At the far end of the room, a small alcove held a collection of scrolls and ancient texts, neatly arranged on wooden shelves. These were records of history, philosophy, and strategy and other subjects that Sesshomaru studied with the same meticulous care he applied to the written materials in his study. A single, elegant ink brush and a set of inks were placed on a small writing desk beside the shelves, ready for use.

The room was devoid of unnecessary decoration, reflecting Sesshomaru's disdain for excess. Everything within it had a purpose, a meaning, and nothing more. It was a space where he could retreat from the world, where the noise of outside concerns fell away, leaving only the quiet contemplation of a mind ever in control.

Despite its minimalism, the chamber was undeniably personal, a reflection of Sesshomaru's inner world, one of discipline, solitude, and an underlying connection to both the celestial and the earthly. It was a place where power met serenity, where even the air seemed to hum with the restrained energy of its occupant.

As she settled onto the cushion, Sesshomaru regarded her with a steady gaze, his eyes piercing yet not hostile. He watched her expression drank in the details of his space. Her face portrayed her thoughts and feelings so openly. Of wonder, curiosity, and acceptance. The silence between them was thick with unspoken questions, a tension that held within it the potential for revelation. Sesshomaru was not one to indulge in idle curiosities, but Oshun had proven herself different. Maybe worthy, perhaps, of this momentary breach in his solitude.

Why else would she appear right before a battle?

Oshun looked at Sesshomaru thoughtfully as if seeing him for the first time. Sesshomaru retained the same air of elegance and quiet power that he exhibited during the day, though there was a subtle shift toward a more relaxed, introspective presence. His usual armor and regal robes were replaced with garments that, while simpler, still spoke to his status and refined taste.

He wore a yukata of the finest silk that Oshun had ever seen. Granted wearing such clothes would leave her body sweaty and yearning for a reprieve on her tropical island. The fabric was a deep, midnight blue that seemed to absorb the light, giving it a rich, almost velvety appearance. The yukata was adorned with a subtle pattern of silver crescent moons and clouds that shimmered faintly as he moved, a nod to his affinity with the celestial. The garment was tailored to perfection, fitting him with a casual grace that belied the strength and precision of the demon lord beneath.

The sleeves of the yukata were wide and flowed with his movements, the fabric whispering as it brushed against itself. The collar was modest, but slightly open, revealing the pale, flawless skin of his throat and collarbone. A simple sash, also in silver, was tied around his waist, securing the yukata in place with an elegance that seemed effortless, yet precise.

His long, silver hair was unbound, cascading freely down his back and over his shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight. His hair seemed even more striking, a symbol of his otherworldly existence and power. The strands glimmered in the soft light, adding to the ethereal quality that surrounded him. Oshun watched as he turned to her with such intensity, she felt the need to hide herself. His golden eyes, sharp and piercing during the day, softened slightly in the dim light of the evening, though they lost none of their intensity. In this quieter hour, they seemed to hold a depth of thought and emotion that was barely visible to others, a glimpse into the complexities of a mind that rarely rested.

Even in his nighttime apparel, Sesshomaru exuded an aura of quiet authority, a being who, despite the relaxation of the hour, remained ever vigilant, ever poised. There was a calm about him, a stillness that hinted at both the immense power he wielded and the disciplined control with which he kept it in check. The aura that had guided her slowly receded, leaving her in a space that felt both intimate and distant. Sesshomaru finally turned to face her, his gaze sharp and assessing, as if weighing the very essence of her being.

"I-" Oshun spoke before swallowing and turning to face him. Her countenance was different. He remembered their encounters as few as they were. Oshun swallowed and looked to him again. Oshun took a deep breath, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of desperation as she began to speak. "Lord Sesshomaru, I think –" She paused, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of determination and trepidation. She would speak the truth. She needed to. Not just for the sake of her father or Sesshomaru. But the life of that little girl. "I have learned…that we are not just here in this moment of your past by mere chance. The truth is, you came to me in a future where you are gravely ill, unconscious, and in need of healing. My father, who possesses the knowledge to heal you, is himself too ill to offer aid."

Sesshomaru's gaze remained fixed on her, unchanging, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor, an acknowledgment of the gravity of her words. The truth resounded between them leaving no corner left in the dark.

Oshun continued, her voice growing softer, more vulnerable. "I am here to help you, but I find myself at a loss. The healing you seek is rooted deeply in your past, and from what I have seen, it seems to revolve around loss. The pain that I bear too."

She glanced away for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Rin… She also…I am assuming… appears to be central to your healing, though I do not fully understand why. I have not figured out how to move myself through your memories. I seem to just be placed where the important moments take place. And what's happening to you and your people affected me and mine many years ago. And my people…some of us are still lost in the diaspora because of it."

Oshun turned back to Sesshomaru, her eyes pleading. His silence was deafening as she looked at him. The nerve she gathered to be transparent was evaporating like rain in the sun. She had nothing after this. Not even righteous anger. "I want to help you! My knowledge of your past is limited, and the threads connecting your illness to your past are still too tangled for me to discern fully. But I will try my best to protect that little girl." She whispered as she thought about her pains and losses.

There was a moment of silence as Oshun finished speaking, the weight of her words hanging in the air. She remained seated before Sesshomaru, her posture both respectful and earnest, her expression one of quiet hope and resolve. A far cry from their first encounters where she was bold, loud, audacious, and aggressive. The soft light of the room bathed her in a gentle glow, a stark contrast to the intensity of the revelation she had shared.

Sesshomaru's reaction to Oshun's revelation remained largely impassive, his face a mask of calm. However, his golden eyes betrayed a flicker of something, perhaps surprise, or contemplation as the weight of her words sank in. His gaze lingered on her, his usually steely expression softened by an undercurrent of contemplation. His eyes, sharp and perceptive, took in the sincerity of her plea and the depth of her concern. He remained silent for a moment, weighing the implications of her words.

"This Sesshomaru came to you willingly?" He asked with a stoic expression.

Oshun shifted in her seat. "Yes…well you sought out my father who is known for healing the most dire situations given Jah's will of course." She explained as she looked at his nonplussed expression. "You did! And well then you got assigned to me. And I'm trying to help you." She scooted back some and held her hand up. "And no more attacking me either! I swear I won't antagonize you no matter how much of a pain you are."

"You know this enemy I face. He stated ignoring her commentary. "If you wish to assist this one then tell me of their weaknesses."

Oshun sat up and tilted her head in thought. She could only go by the oral history of her ancestors but she will give him everything in hopes that it helped. "I do not know their weaknesses but I can tell you of their methods. They will invade and create false systems…offer fake promises of power to conquer your enemies. And slowly you will feed their war machine by offering up your own people until there is no one but you to take." She muttered.

Both sat in the soft glow of the room speaking of what was to come. As Sesshomaru and Oshun continued their whispered conversation, the atmosphere in the chamber grew increasingly intimate, the boundaries between them feeling both physically and emotionally porous. The night deepened around them, the shadows lengthening and the light from the lantern casting a soft, golden hue on their faces. Oshun did her best to spill everything that she knew from her own history with the Europeans to the Inu Lord. Sesshomaru and Oshun sat in the embrace of time, their proximity allowing for a closeness that was both unusual and necessary. The demon lord's usual formidable presence was tempered in the quiet of the night, his posture relaxed but attentive. His golden eyes, often sharp and distant, were now assuaged by the dim light, reflecting a depth of contemplation and analysis.

The truths of her people's painful past gave birth to reciprocity. Sesshomaru, seated with a reserved yet attentive demeanor, was absorbed in Oshun's recounting of her people's plight and her own personal struggles. Her story was one of profound loss and resilience, and it touched something deep within him; a flicker of empathy that he rarely allowed himself to experience. The way she spoke of the atrocities committed against her people, and the compassion she held for both him and Rin, stirred an unfamiliar sensation in his chest.

Sesshomaru's golden eyes darkened, a storm gathering behind them as he listened in bouts of silence. The more she revealed, the more angered he became. His usual stoic facade showed cracks, allowing glimpses of the raw fury that was brewing beneath the surface. The histories of her people taken from her homeland and scattered across the earth into the unknown enraged the Inu. Pack and governance were not something taken lightly among demons let alone the Inus. To hear of such lengths the enemy would go through for dominance and greed was detesting. While he had his moments of greed and ego, he would not dare to let the enemy or some other individual take or capitalize on what was his and his alone. A dark hate simmered in his chest and consumed him the more she shared. The stripping of language, of histories, and the separation of pups from their parents…of people from their land…it all sounded like a personal Inu hell.

His inner beast, the primal force that he kept tightly leashed, stirred restlessly within him. It growled in response to Oshun's pain, resonating with a fierce protectiveness that surprised even Sesshomaru. The roar in his mind threatened to break from behind his lips. Hell would freeze if he ever allowed such a feat to come to his pack. But also to hear of what her people had endured and the knowledge she shared to help him avoid such a fate…the rage that simmered in Sesshomaru's heart threatened to boil over.

His hand, which had touched Oshun so gently before, now curled into a fist, the claws digging into his palm as he fought to maintain his composure. But the rage was a living thing, clawing at his restraint, demanding release. His aura, usually cool and controlled, began to pulse with a dangerous energy, the room suddenly charged with his barely contained wrath.

Sesshomaru's eyes, now glowing with an intense, predatory light, locked onto Oshun's. The depth of his empathy for her something he rarely allowed himself to feel, combined with the primal fury of his beast, created a powerful and terrifying mix of emotions. As Alpha to his pack and his lands…he would not allow any of it to come to past. For a moment, he could barely think, his mind consumed with the need to exact retribution for the wrongs done to her and her people.

"S-sesshomaru?"

He looked to the specter seated across from him as she stared at him with wide eyes. Her reflection stared back at her in the mixture of dark rubies. Before she knew it, Sesshomaru reached out and grabbed her. A gasp left her lips seeing that he was able to touch her.

As his fingers gripped her arm, a jolt of surprise coursed through him. He had expected his touch to pass through her as it might with a ghost or an ethereal being, but instead, he felt the warmth and solidness of her skin beneath his fingertips. The sensation was electrifying, a vivid confirmation of her tangible presence despite her mystical aura. The moment had passed as a growl escaped him.

Her scent enraptured him. Honey, hibiscus, sunlight, and water. Like fresh rivers caught his focus as he pulled her close to him. The sound of her heart beating pulsed between them. The rush of blood through her veins, shouting for him to see her as the full-blooded woman she was. Her hair was coiled in rich brown locs and curled of its own will as her energy poured like water. The skin bare to him from the way the soft light fabric of her skirt and top, called to him. The richness and smoothness of her skin were slightly muted by the magic that draped her like an iridescent salve. Large violet eyes stared up at him in confusion yet unwavering in depth. Here she was, a woman sent to his past from his present. The heat of her skin was undeniable. Her hands gripped his silk hirori tightly between her clutched fists. Something unexpected flickered to life within him, a heated, electric energy that crackled in the air between them. It wasn't just the anger that roiled through his veins; it was something deeper, more primal. The intensity of his emotions collided in a confusing maelstrom of fury, protectiveness, and something even more unexpected…desire.

When Sesshomaru had reached out and felt the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips, it had been a revelation, a confirmation that she was real, tangible, and not merely a spirit. That realization now hit him with renewed force, igniting a different kind of fire within him. The tangible nature of her presence, coupled with the raw, vulnerable honesty she had shared, her fiery nature, and the desire to see him succeed into victory…the abundant care she shared for his ward, it stirred something within him that he hadn't anticipated. And then there was her power. Undefined and vastly different she could jump timelines and oceans.

As the heated energy between them intensified, Sesshomaru felt his body respond to the closeness of hers in a way that both shocked and intrigued him. His aura spiked again but this time it demanded her. The guiding calmness he displayed earlier now gives way to earnestness. His fury, once all-consuming, began to intertwine with a growing desire that was as powerful as it was unexpected. The beast within him, already awakened by the promise of retribution, now snarled with a different kind of hunger. A need that went beyond mere vengeance.

His golden eyes, still glowing with the remnants of his anger, flicked over her face, tracing the lines of her delicate features, the fullness of her lips, and the soft curve of her neck. His breath caught in his throat, the intensity of his emotions making his heart pound in an almost painful way. The air between them seemed to hum with a charged energy as if the very atmosphere was reacting to the heat passing between them.

Sesshomaru's gaze locked onto hers, and in that moment, the room seemed to shrink, the distance between them narrowing to a mere breath. The anger that had fueled him moments before was now mingling with a potent desire, creating a heady mix that clouded his usually clear mind. He could feel the heat radiating from her body, the subtle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, and it was all he could do to keep from reaching out again, from letting his fingers trace the contours of her skin, to confirm once more that she was real.

Oshun, for her part, seemed to sense the shift in him. Her eyes, deep and knowing, met his with a quiet understanding. She too could feel the charged energy that now pulsed between them. There was no fear in her gaze, only a steady resolve and perhaps a hint of something more, something that mirrored the desire he felt. "It's in the past now." She managed to say. Her eyes darted between his eyes and his mouth. The shift of his aura pressing against her left her dizzy. His strength was such a far cry from the demon that lay in the hut on the mountain. Her body hummed and her magic searched his for synergy. "Learn from the mistakes of others and your own past Sesshomaru. Do not deny yourself the truth. That is the best advice I can give you."

His eyes closed as she bent her head to rest against his lightly. His grip slackened as he nudged her to look back up at him. Sesshomaru's voice, when he finally spoke, was rougher than before, laced with the barely restrained emotion that threatened to overtake him. "You are more real to me than I could have imagined," he murmured, his words a confession as much as they were an observation. "This one will heed your words. And you do what you must to heal us both."

The heat of his body mingled with hers in the confined space. His space. His aura, once cold and distant, was now a blazing fire, fueled by the storm of emotions that raged within him. The beast within him growled with approval, urging him to act, to close the distance, to claim what was before him. Rather she be from this realm or not.

But even amid his desire, Sesshomaru maintained a sliver of control. He would not be ruled by impulse, no matter how strong or how driven it may arise. Instead, he allowed the energy to flow between them, a bridge of heat and connection that spoke of more than just anger or lust. It was something deeper, a connection, but that he felt nonetheless. His hand, still tingling with the memory of her touch, hovered just above her skin, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her, but not quite making contact. His breath was shallow, the intensity of the moment making it difficult to think clearly.

"This Sesshomaru promises to take heed your counsel. But know I do not bend to the will of written destinies or the will of others." He declared, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that sent vibrations through Oshun. Ripples across her skin and into her lower belly. "But know that this fury I feel is not only for those who wronged you. It is for what you have awakened in me."

Oshun's eyes widened slightly at his words, and for a brief moment, the tension between them crackled, raw and unfiltered. She was no meek girl shy girl. She had passed that milestone ages ago. But this heat that he pressed against her had her wanting more. The boundaries between fury, retribution, and desire had blurred, leaving only the heated energy that now pulsed through the air, binding them together in a way that was as thrilling as it was terrifying.

At that moment, Sesshomaru understood that his connection with Oshun went far beyond the ordeal to protect her father, or to save him, or any other revelation that had brought them together. It was deeper, more complex, and undeniably real. And as he sat there, mere inches from her, he knew that whatever path they were on, he would not leave it in the hands of chance.

He leaned back and released her from his grip. With a quickness, he stood and moved to his desk where he began to arrange things. "Through my victory, you will have a reprieve." He vowed, his voice a lethal promise. His claws gripped the sides of his desk as he withdrew his control and calmed himself. The scent of her flooded the room with that of cinnamon. A flag of her own desire for him. "I will ensure they pay for what they have done. And know that in the past or the future, you will have refuge here in my lands."

Oshun looked up, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and understanding. Her bones were tensed yet the spell she was under released her. She relaxed against the cushions before making the conscious effort to stand and leave. To put space between them as her mind caught up to whatever was happening. The contact seemed to have a profound impact on both of them. His words had her looking to him as he pulled the shoji door to his pond open. The night symphony had rushed forward in her eardrums now that her life wasn't consumed with the Inu for that moment and the rush of heat she felt in her core. The breeze blew into the room and released the energy and frustration from them both. He sat on his cushion by the door and relaxed a moment against the frame. She made to leave before his words caught her.

"Stay. You are safe. Rest if you like." His voice called to her. His aura wrapped tightly against him as he sat in silence. "You will find peace here."

Oshun stood up slowly. Her courage gathered seeing the demon prepare himself for the battles to come. Taking a slow, deliberate step closer to him, Oshun's expression softened, her gaze filled with understanding and compassion. She reached out, her hand brushing against his, her touch warm and reassuring. The contact, though simple, was charged with meaning—a silent offer of solace in the midst of the chaos that swirled around them. Her locs bounced and her bangles chimed. She stood next to him and offered her hand. "Let's lay in comfort and peace together then."

The offer was simple, yet profound. An invitation to share in something more than just physical closeness. It was an offering of solace, mutual understanding, and quiet companionship. In a world where both of them were so often alone, she was offering him a rare chance to let down his guard, if only for a night.

The night had deepened, the weight of their shared emotions settling over the room like a heavy blanket. The flickering lantern cast soft, wavering shadows across the chamber as the tension between Sesshomaru and Oshun simmered in the air, a mix of unspoken words, random emotions, tensions from war, and unresolved feelings. They both knew that what lay ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, and the intensity of the moment demanded something more—a deeper connection, a sense of comfort before the inevitable storm.

Oshun, still acutely aware of the powerful energy that had passed between them, looked at Sesshomaru with a mixture of resolve and tenderness. She could sense the turmoil within him; the collision of rage and desire, the protective instincts of his inner beast, and the weight of the promise he had made to her. It was a storm of emotions that echoed her own, and in that moment, she knew what needed to be done. Her hand lingered on his, and she felt the faint tremor in his muscles. She could see the flicker of conflict in his golden eyes, the hesitation of a warrior who had seldom allowed himself the luxury of vulnerability.

Sesshomaru's gaze remained fixed on hers, the intensity in his eyes softening as he absorbed her words. The idea of sharing such intimacy with another was foreign to him, especially when it came to something as tender as seeking comfort before battle. Yet, there was something undeniably compelling in the way Oshun spoke; in the way she looked at him, with no expectation other than to offer him a brief respite from the weight he carried.

He remained silent for a moment, considering her offer. The beast within him, which had roared with fury and desire, now quieted, its instincts shifting from the urge to fight to the need for closeness. The intensity of the emotions between them, the connection that had been growing since the moment they first met, now reached a peak that could no longer be ignored.

Finally, Sesshomaru nodded, a barely perceptible motion that spoke volumes. He allowed the tension in his body to ease, his hand relaxing under her touch as he accepted her offer. There was no need for words; the understanding between them had already been forged in the fires of their shared experiences.

Oshun offered him a small, gentle smile, and without another word, she guided him to the futon that lay spread on the floor. The furs, blankets, and delicate silks layering the futon felt as luxurious as they looked. Oshun felt the strength of Sesshomaru's hold grip her tightly around her middle. Her body curved into his own. Her magic washed over him protectively and prayers to Jah in the moonlight commenced. Prayers for his protection. Prayers for wisdom's guidance. And the highest of praises for this moment where her heart could be softened for a moment. Sesshomaru lay at her side, listening intensely and felt the ebb and flow of her magic against his skin sending healing vibrations. The room was quiet, the only sound the faint rustle of fabric as they settled beside one another. The closeness was new, and unfamiliar, but there was a comfort in it a sense of belonging that neither had anticipated.

As they lay together, the warmth of their bodies mingling in the quiet of the night, Sesshomaru felt a peace that he had not known in a long time. The world outside was still fraught with danger, but here, in this moment, there was only the quiet, shared space between them. The scent of Oshun's hair, the steady rhythm of her breathing, and the subtle pressure of her presence beside him were grounding, pulling him away from the storm of his thoughts and into the calm of the present.

Oshun's hand, resting lightly against his chest, was a gentle reminder of the connection they now shared. "Like you have offered me your home as a refuge, come to the Emerald Isle for refuge and healing too. This I offer you." She whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness. "You will always find peace with me."

Sesshomaru closed his eyes, the tension slowly draining from his body as he allowed himself to accept the comfort she offered. For once, he allowed himself to be simply present, to share in the warmth and solace of another before the trials of the coming day. Maybe that's why he came to her father. Maybe he remembered her offer. And it wasn't her father he sought for healing. But maybe he remembered to seek her out for refuge in his moment of need. Sesshomaru closed his eyes and thought of this until sleep claimed him.

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