Take Another Breath

It was roughly eight months since Hikari and Sesshoumaru had conceived their child. Since most taiyoukai pregnancies only lasted seven months, this meant Hikari was very.. very unhappy.

Which Sesshoumaru was coming to understand all too easily.

"..Sesshy..."

Stirring from his thoughts, Sesshoumaru rolled over, looking at Hikari where she lay next to him. He'd thought his mate was asleep, but apparently that wasn't the case. In fact, the petite kitsune was staring at him, looking extremely displeased.

"Hai, Hikari?"

Smiling sweetly, Hikari tilted her head ever so slightly, wiggling around to try and get more comfortable. It seemed she was always in a state of discomfort lately.. she was so vastly pregnant, not even the nest in which she was currently laying was comfortable anymore. Sesshoumaru winced as she spoke, her frighteningly perky tone severely contrasting her words.

"..If you ever lay a hand on me again in anything even resembling a sexual manner.. I'm going to kill you. I am a whole freaking month past term! I feel like a whale! And.. and.. you don't want me anymore!" With extreme difficulty, Hikari rolled away from Sesshoumaru as she wailed, tears streaming down her face. For a moment, all Sesshoumaru could do was stare in completely bewildered silence. Then he sighed.

..Hormones.

Reaching over, he placed his hand on her hip, pulling her back to him and cuddling her close. His face buried itself in the crook of her neck, lips caressing the mating mark that she still bore as his deep voice resonated in her pointed ear. "Hikari.. koishii.. of course I still want you. Were it not for the healer saying it might not be safe to engage in such activities, you would have no cause to say such a thing.. I assure you..."

Her tears dried up almost immediately, a low moan of appreciation passing her lips. Sesshoumaru knew exactly what to say.. and do, for that matter.. to make her feel better. Just as she made to turn and grace him with a kiss, pain ripped through her abdomen, stealing her breath and making her whimper in agony. Alarmed, he effortlessly lifted the pained kitsune, who was curling around her swollen belly as though to protect it as she gasped for breath.

"Hikari? What is wrong, my mate?"

A low keening cry echoed in her throat as she looked up at Sesshoumaru, her eyes wide with fear.

"..Get the healer."

--

The sun was high in the sky, and still no word had come from the healer. Everyone in the household of Sesshoumaru and Hikari was on edge, waiting to hear if their lady would be okay. A lot of women didn't live through childbirth, tayoukai included. And Sesshoumaru was well aware of this fact. Which is exactly why he was pacing back and forth in the hallway outside the room where his mate lay, possibly dying, and he didn't know one way or the other! Growling in frustration, he stopped and stared at the door, clenching and unclenching his hands. He desperately searched along the bond linking him to Hikari, only to bite back a fresh wave of panic at finding she had blocked him from feeling her.

"..Otousan..." Sesshoumaru blinked, drawn from his thoughts by the sound of a small voice at his side, and the feel of small hands taking his. Turning golden eyes down, he saw Rin on his left and Shippou on his right, their faces somber. "..Is okaasan going to be okay?"

"Of course she is." Forcing himself to sound calm and not let the children see the panic that was threatening to overwhelm him, Sesshoumaru knelt down, letting two small sets of arms curl around his neck. He took the comfort they offered, and gave his own in return, strong arms enfolding their small bodies. At that moment, the door slid open enough to let the healer's head pop out, her expression serious.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, the Lady Hikari requests your presence."

Sesshoumaru nodded and released Rin and Shippou, sending them to go sit with Jiro, who was settled on the floor across from the door, leaning against the opposite wall. Giving the young guard a look that said he was to watch the children, Sesshoumaru disappeared into the room.

Hikari lay on a pallet, propped up by pillows, and looking thoroughly exhausted. Her hair was held back in a ribbon, though her bangs were plastered to her face by a sheen of sweat. Smiling tiredly, she reached a hand out to Sesshoumaru, the other laying on her swollen belly and the thin layer of cloth draped across her small body. Sesshoumaru practically rushed to her side, sitting on the floor and taking her hand in both of his, lacing frantic kisses across the backs of her fingers. "Hikari.. are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Sesshy.. just tired.. wanted you in here, for comfort." Without needing to tell him what exactly she wanted, Sesshoumaru knew; he slid off his haori and boots, then settled between her and the pillows, his hands coming to rest on her belly as he provided further support. She turned her head, pressing a kiss to his lips, then laid her head back against his shoulder. "Thank you, Sesshy. This will all be over soon."

Sesshoumaru didn't question Hikari's words. Whether it was the Seer in her, or a mother's instinct, he knew she wouldn't say that if it weren't true. So he simply nodded, kissing the top of her head, and looked to the healer as the old youkai knelt down and inspected her. Patting a bare leg, the old youkai female chuckled, and smiled brightly. "Well, it seems the time has come, Lady Hikari. Get ready to bring this babe into the world."

Curling her hands around Sesshoumaru's, Hikari bit down nervously on her lower lip, and nodded. "I'm ready."

--

Jiro, Rin, and Shippou all jumped to their feet as they heard a loud scream of pain, followed by a kind of silence they'd never heard before. They breathed a collective sigh of relief when the lusty wail of a newborn echoed into the hallway. Anxiously watching the door, the trio rushed forward as Sesshoumaru emerged, grinning almost maniacally.

"A son. I have a son!"

Those were the only words he said, before turning and rushing back into the room, to his mate and newborn son. The healer was cleaning up the infant, and Hikari was simply laying back against the pillows, eyes closed and breathing shallow. Sesshoumaru kneeled next to her, brushing strands of wet hair back from her forehead. Slowly, her sea-colored eyes opened, a tired smile creasing her lips. "Sesshy.. is he okay?"

"He is fine, koishii." Sesshoumaru helped Hikari to sit up a bit more, propping her up carefully against the pillows, his hands tenderly stroking her cheeks. "Are you well?"

"Yes.. exhausted, but I'm okay." Nodding slightly, she looked to the healer as the old youkai draped a light blanket across the kitsune. Sesshoumaru watched in awe when the healer then placed a tiny bundle in Hikari's arms, leaning forward to hesitantly peer down at the child. Gleaming sea-colored eyes stared back up at him from a pale, chubby face framed by whisps of silver hair. Two deep crimson stripes graced the child's cheekbones, and the same dark blue crescent that Sesshoumaru bore, the crest of the House of the Moon, was situated just above his eyebrows. Fascinated by the child, it took Sesshoumaru a moment to realize Hikari had spoken. "Takaji."

"..Takaji?" Arching a brow, Sesshoumaru looked from their son up to his mate's turquoise eyes, his own golden ones questioning.

"For his name, Sesshy." Hikari giggled tiredly, momentarily glancing up from her study of her son's face, fingertips of one hand absently brushing across one tiny pointed ear. She smiled brightly as the infant smiled, gurgling delightedly and reaching one small hand towards Sesshoumaru.

"Takaji..." Returning his gaze to the child, Sesshoumaru pondered for a moment, then extended his hand, watching thoughtfully as his son curled his tiny fingers around Sesshoumaru's large one. He felt something he never thought he would.. pride, that he had helped to create this magnificent little creature. "It is fitting."

"Glad you think so." Hikari had to blink rapidly to keep from crying as she watched the interaction between father and son. Lowering her head, she pressed a soft kiss to her son's forehead, gently nuzzling his soft skin. As she began gently shifting the child around, pulling down the blanket that covered her frame, she paused and looked up at Sesshoumaru with a vaguely amused expression. "I do believe there's an entire keep anxiously awaiting news of your progeny."

Sesshoumaru smirked, lightly kissing Hikari's forehead before he stood, pulling on his haori, and left the room. Jiro, Rin, and Shippou looked up as soon as the door slid open, the two children rushing over as Jiro stood and crossed to the taiyoukai a bit more slowly. Rin and Shippou clung to Sesshoumaru's legs, looking up at him wide eyed as the young kit inquired breathlessly. "Okaasan and otokun are okay, right, otousan?"

"Yes, Shippou.. your mother and Takaji are quite well." Gazing fondly down at his two adopted children, Sesshoumaru gently patted them on the head, before he looked up at Jiro. "You will be sure to inform the rest of the keep."

"Hai, Lord Sesshoumaru." Jiro bowed, then turned and ran off, looking nearly as pleased as Sesshoumaru.

"Otousan?" Rin tugged gently on Sesshoumaru's sleeve, drawing his golden-eyed gaze down to her features. "When can we see okaasan and otokun?"

"When the healer says they are ready. Okaasan needs to rest.. it was hard work, bringing your little brother into the world. Run along now.. I will come and get you when the healer says you can see them." Both children nodded vehemently, then rushed off quietly. Sesshoumaru watched them go with a small smile, before he turned and made his way to his study.

Several hours passed in silence before there was a knock to the door, drawing his attention. "Yes?"

"Lord Sesshoumaru." Jaken slid open the door and bowed, fiddling anxiously with his hat as he straightened. "The healer says Lady Hikari is able to see the children now."

"Good. Where are they?" Sesshoumaru pulled open a drawer of his small desk, snagging something out of it and tucking it into his sleeve before he stood and moved out of his study, Jaken following close behind.

"They are in their rooms, my Lord." Jaken looked up at his lord, astounded by the small smile that graced his lips.

"Very well. You are dismissed." Not even waiting to see if Jaken would do as commanded - he always did - Sesshoumaru opened the door to Rin's room, to find her and Shippou both sitting on the floor, looking into a small wooden box. "Rin. Shippou."

Both children whipped around to look at Sesshoumaru, snapping the lid shut on the box. Their eyes were bright, and as Shippou snatched up the box, the two ran over to Sesshoumaru, bouncing with glee while Rin questioned the inu taiyoukai. "Can we see okaasan and otokun now?"

Chuckling slightly, Sesshoumaru lightly patted the two on the head. "Yes. But you must be quiet.. your otokun may still be asleep."

"We'll be quiet, otousan. Promise." Shippou piped up softly, Rin nodding eagerly in agreement. Sesshoumaru didn't speak, but simply turned and quickly proceeded to the room that had become the nursery, the children on either side of him. As they came to the door, Sesshoumaru quietly slid it open just enough to poke his head in and peer around.

Hikari sat in a small rocking chair, cleaned up and cradling Takaji, fixated on the infant, but she looked up when she heard the door open, and smiled at the sight of Sesshoumaru. Not to mention the two faces that peeked in further down, eyes gleaming excitedly. "No need to just stand there.. Takaji is awake."

Rin and Shippou shared a glance, then looked up at Sesshoumaru, who opened the door a bit further. The children rushed in, and Sesshoumaru closed the door before he followed, watching the two youngsters as they stood in front of Hikari, rising up on their toes to look at Takaji curiously. Takaji stared back with wide eyes, blinking owlishly, before he giggled and reached towards the older children. Shippou and Rin each took one of his hands, looking up at Hikari, who just smiled as Rin spoke. "Does this mean Taka likes us, okaasan?"

"I'd say so." Hikari nodded, reaching a hand to gently ruffle the hair of each child.

"Rin and I have a present for Taka, okaasan. And one for you, too." Shippou lifted the small wooden box he'd been holding and placed it on Hikari's lap. The children watched anxiously as Hikari opened the box, and gazed upon the contents; a set of ornamental jade chopsticks, with small gemstone flowers dangling from the ends, and eight matching decorative combs in a variety of sizes.

"Oh, they're beautiful! Thank you both." Closing the box, Hikari then handed it to Sesshoumaru, who tucked it into the front of his haori to put in their room later. The kitsune then looked at the children, arching a brow as she smiled. "You said you had a present for Takaji, too?"

"Ahh.. yes. Rin left it in her room. I'll go get it!" Rin turned and dashed off, leaving the others to laugh. However she soon returned, and Hikari was hard pressed not to cry when she saw what Rin was carrying. A good-sized doll, made of soft material and stuffed to make it cuddly, that looked much like Sesshoumaru's animal form, save not as.. formidable.

"Rin, did you and Shippou make this yourselves?" As the children nodded, Hikari felt a single tear trickle down her cheek. "That's very sweet.. and it's so lovely! Thank you so much."

Leaning to kiss the children on the forehead, Hikari grasped the doll and settled back in the chair. Takaji chose that moment to yawn, rubbing at his eyes with small fists. Sesshoumaru tenderly stroked his son's hair, his voice soft when he spoke. "Your otokun needs to sleep now, children. You can see him and your okaasan tomorrow."

"Okay, otousan." Hikari carefully lowered Takaji to the childrens' level, allowing them to lightly kiss his little cheeks. They then crept out of the nursery, quietly closing the door behind them.

"Sesshy..." Sesshoumaru looked down at his mate, his golden eyes meeting her turquoise ones. She slowly stood from the chair, turning to face him. "..You haven't even held your son."

"I.. am unfamiliar with the practice." He peered almost warily at the blanket-wrapped Takaji, edging backwards as Hikari moved closer.

"No time like the present. Hold out your arms." He kept moving away. She looked up at him, eyes narrowing as she growled. "Sesshoumaru..."

His shoulders slumped. She only called him Sesshoumaru when she was displeased. Sighing, he held out his arms, eyeing her as she repositioned them slightly, then placed Takaji in his arms. Sesshoumaru relaxed as his instincts seemed to kick in, his arms naturally drawing the child closer and cradling him protectively. He could only watch with a touch of awe as Takaji yawned and snuggled closer to his father's enveloping warmth, promptly falling asleep.

"See.. it's not so bad, now is it?" Hikari was undeniably touched by the scene before her. Soon enough, they had Takaji settled down for a nap, and proceeded into their room through the door that connected it to the nursery. Hikari staggered slightly, overcome by exhaustion from the excitement of the day, only to find herself swept up in Sesshoumaru's arms. Laying her head on his shoulder with a yawn, the petite kitsune didn't even fight as Sesshoumaru carefully removed her clothing, and placed her in their nest. She watched him through thick lashes as he disrobed and joined her, pulling her close and nuzzling her cheek, making her sigh with a small smile. "We did good, didn't we?"

"We did. Although you did all of the work." His lips quirked into the faintest of smiles, before he kissed her softly. "You need to rest, koishii."

"Mmm.. stay with me?" Nestling against him, her head tucked beneath his chin as she yawned.

"Always." His hands lightly stroked her hair, before he remembered the item he'd tucked into the sleeve of his haori. Shifting around, he reached for the discarded article of clothing, retrieving the gift. As he rolled back to look at Hikari, he found her gazing at him curiously. "I nearly forgot. A gift for you."

"Is it custom to give gifts to the mother after she gives birth?" The kitsune arched a brow, smiling as she looked up into her mate's eyes.

"It is. And the child. Within two weeks, the entirety of the youkai court will be arriving to bestow both you and Takaji with gifts." Sesshoumaru couldn't help a chuckle at the vaguely surprised yet dismayed look on Hikari's face. Taking advantage of the moment, he lifted her right hand and slipped his gift over the delicate appendage, to lay around her wrist, its intended resting place; a small, finely-carved bracelet of jade, that bore a number of kanji and symbols.

"Oh, Sesshy! It's beautiful..." Her eyes welled with tears as she ran her fingertips across the thin band, observing the symbols and kanji. Sesshoumaru's crest, the kanji for House of the Moon, Lady of the Western Lands, kitsune, inu.. his name, love, her name, family, and eternally bound. Sniffling slightly and blinking away tears, her arms came around his neck as she kissed him, savoring the feel of his lips against hers. "Ai shiteru, Sesshoumaru."

"Ai shiteru."

Two weeks passed quickly, and just as Sesshoumaru said, the entire youkai court came to the House of the West to give gifts to Hikari and Takaji. Sesshoumaru was undeniably proud of his son, and his mate, as anyone could see. Sitting within the dining hall, on a raised platform at one end, Hikari held Takaji and watched as the youkai came to lay gifts at her feet, starting with the taiyoukai families of each land, and then their vassals on down to the lowest lords and ladies of the court. Sesshoumaru stood behind his mate, his hands on her shoulders as he watched the progression. Soon enough, all the youkai had paid their respects, and the servants had carried the gifts away to be gone over later. Sesshoumaru moved forward and extended his hand to Hikari, helping her to stand, before her melodic voice rang out across the hall.

"Lord Sesshoumaru and I thank you all for coming, and are proud to present to you, our son.. Takaji."

The youngster was perched happily in his mother's arms, gazing around the large gathering with intelligent eyes. Several of the female youkai whispered amongst themselves, commenting that if the lad turned out half as handsome as his father, he could have his pick of women. As Takaji yawned and nestled into his mother, Hikari smiled, and placed a kiss to his forehead, before turning to hand him to a servant. With Sesshoumaru's assistance, she stepped down from the platform, and carefully smoothed her hands across the sapphire silk of her kimono, adjusting the white obi around her waist. Almost absently, she mourned the loss of her girlish figure, but knew that motherhood suited her.. it was something she'd longed for all her life.

"You glow with pride, koishii.. as well you should." Hikari glanced over her shoulder at that soft murmur from Sesshoumaru, a twinkle in her sea-colored eyes as they met his. Those golden hues gleamed with joy, though his facade was expressionless as always.

"Our son will be the talk of the court for decades to come, if not longer. I'm quite pleased." Laughing quietly, Hikari looped her arm through Sesshoumaru's, allowing her mate to lead her into the press of youkai. All was well for nearly an hour as they mingled, talking with their visitors and accepting praise for their offspring.

However, a shriek of fear ensnared the attention of the taiyoukai couple, who simultaneously shifted their attention to the source of the noise. Surprise became anger as they saw Rin, caught in the grip of Naota, and appearing utterly terrified as the Lord of the South tangled his fingers in her long hair. The dragon taiyoukai sneered as he tugged the girl's hair, drawing her up onto her toes, and hissed maliciously. "What have we here, Lord Sesshoumaru? You still allow this human whelp to freely traverse your keep?"

"..You will release my ward, or this Sesshoumaru will relieve you of your head." Eyes blood red with rage, Sesshoumaru let go of Hikari and rapidly crossed to Naota and his ward, his mate close behind. Rin gazed at Sesshoumaru and Hikari with tear-filled eyes, which only further angered Sesshoumaru; poison bubbled in the claws of his right hand, casting a sickly green glow.

"..Hn." His red eyes moved from Sesshoumaru to Rin, before he untangled his clawed fingers from the girl's hair and shoved her forward. Rin landed at Hikari's feet with a cry, and was promptly gathered into the kitsune's arms, clinging tightly to Hikari and hiding her face against the woman's neck. "So you treat the child as your own? Foolishness."

"You have worn out your welcome." Sesshoumaru growled at the Lord of the South, moving back to stand next to Hikari and Rin. "Leave, or we will have you removed."

Silence reigned as Naota hissed at the couple, then turned and stalked out of the keep. The remaining youkai looked at Sesshoumaru and Hikari curiously, before they left the room, moving into the hallway. Hikari knelt down and carefully set Rin on her feet, wiping away the girl's tears as she spoke in a low, soothing coo. "Rin, it's okay, he's gone. He's not going to hurt you again."

"Rin..." Rin and Hikari both looked up at Sesshoumaru, and the child winced at seeing the anger in her father figure's gaze. "You were told to stay in your room today. You knew there would be many youkai here. Why did you disobey me?"

"G-gomen nasai, otousan, but Rin had to tell you!" Rin bit her lip, curling her small hands into fists. She was obviously distressed.

"What did you need to tell us, Rin?" Hikari's concerned tone drew Rin's eyes back to the kitsune, and also caused a fresh bout of tears.

"Rin can't find Shippou anywhere! We were coloring, and we got thirsty, so Rin went to go ask Jaken if he would get a servant to bring us drinks, b-but when Rin went back into her room, Shippou was gone!" Her shoulders heaved as she sobbed, falling into Hikari's arms and crying against the female's shoulder. "Rin looked all over, and even in Shippou's room, but he just wasn't there!"

Hikari looked up at Sesshoumaru, her eyes wide with alarm. Sesshoumaru cursed softly, raking a hand back through his hair as he gazed down at his mate. "Hikari, take Rin back to her room. I will persuade our guests to leave, and we will look for him."

"Thank you, Sesshy." Standing with Rin in her arms, Hikari hurried down the hall and towards Rin's room. Sesshoumaru watched them go, then returned to the room full of youkai.

Hikari was amazed when Sesshoumaru opened the door to Rin's room less than half an hour later, and looked up from where she sat on the edge of Rin's bed. The girl had cried herself to sleep, exhausted by the stress caused by Shippou's disappearance and being accosted by Naota. Standing quickly, she rushed over to her mate, joining him in the hallway as she closed the door behind her. "Are they gone?"

"Once I explained the situation, they quickly departed, with many wishes that we find him quickly." Sesshoumaru nodded, reaching up to cup Hikari's cheek. "We will find him."

"I think I know what might be going on." At Sesshoumaru's arched brow, she shook her head, smiling faintly. "I can't explain. Just.. trust me on this, okay?"

Rather than voice a response, Sesshoumaru simply nodded, though he did give her a rather puzzled glance as she pulled back and moved past him, rushing down the stairs. After a moment, he followed, watching her curiously as she proceeded through the keep, towards.. the kitchens. Just as she moved to enter the area, he dashed forward and gently grabbed her arm. "Hikari, where are you going?"

"Sesshy, trust me, I know what I'm doing." Reaching up to pat his cheek, she pried her arm from his grasp, and lifted her kimono away from the floor with dainty fingers as she swept into the kitchens. Sesshoumaru wrinkled his nose, then went after her with a sigh, trying to ignore the bewildered looks of the kitchen staff. Though he had to admit, he was just as confused as they were, as Hikari sailed through the kitchens and into the cellars. Darkness enveloped the duo, until a little ball of bright silver flame blossomed above Hikari's small hand, lighting the path down the stairs and into the pitch black rooms beneath the kitchens.

They walked in silence for a few minutes that seemed like an eternity to Sesshoumaru, heading ever downwards, until he heard a soft sound from Hikari. Curling her hand into a fist, she then flicked her hand as her fingers opened, casting a number of smaller flames around the upper perimeter of the room she rushed into, casting a soft glow across the stacks of crates and barrels that lay scattered through the area. What made him blink was the sight of.. something in the far corner, partially hidden behind a large crate. It was to this that Hikari rushed, kneeling down to peer closely at the.. thing. Sesshoumaru came up behind her, grimacing slightly. "What is that?"

"Normal kitsune don't develop at the same rate as taiyoukai kitsune. They maintain the illusion of being younger, and smaller, than they really are, until they.. come of age, so to speak. Then, they enter a sort of.. hibernation period, for lack of a better term." Hikari extended a hand, lightly touching the mass of white fibers, which quivered beneath her fingertips. "This is a cocoon."

"And Shippou is in there?" Hikari nodded, and Sesshoumaru frowned, turning his gaze from the.. cocoon.. to Hikari as his mate stood, moving over to him with a sigh. "How long will he be like this?"

"I'm not really sure." She shrugged as she leaned into him, hiding her face against the firmness of his chest. His arms came around her, hands lightly rubbing her back. "It could be days, weeks, or months. We won't know until he comes out of it."

Sesshoumaru kissed the top of her head, then carefully lifted her into his arms. The flames she'd scattered throughout the room gathered back into one mass of fire, which returned to her person, lighting the way back out of the cellars. As soon as they emerged into the light of the kitchens, the foxfire faded away, and Hikari laid her head on his shoulder with a yawn. By the time they reached their rooms, she was nearly asleep. He laid her gently in their nest, watching with a faint smile as she nestled into the pillows and blankets, uttering a soft whimper. Just as he turned to leave, his sensitive ears picked up a low cry from the next room. Before he could even move towards his son's room, Hikari was up and rushing into the nursery.

Knowing that his mate was more than capable of tending to Takaji by herself, Sesshoumaru proceeded into the hallway, only to lose his balance ever so slightly as a small form slammed into his legs. The muffled squawk told him it was Jaken even before he looked down to see the toad righting himself, putting his hat back on his head. "Jaken.. for once, you have good timing. Come with me."

Jaken blinked in confusion, but wasn't given much time to contemplate his lord's words as Sesshoumaru rapidly walked to his study. Standing at the door, looking out on the gardens, Sesshoumaru barely waited for Jaken to enter the room before he was rattling off orders. All Jaken could do was stare, then sigh as his lord finished. "Hai, Lord Sesshoumaru.. it will be as you say."

When Hikari woke the next morning, she was alone. For a brief moment, panic curled its icy fingers around her heart, as she was reminded of the morning after their mating. It was then that she saw the door that separated their room from the nursery was open. Rising from the nest, she draped herself in an indigo yukata, and padded over to the door, sliding it open just enough to lean against the doorframe as her arms crossed, eyes surveying the scene before her. Sesshoumaru, wearing nothing but his hakama, was standing with his back to her, cradling their son in his arms, his voice a low, soothing rumble. "..And the Inu no Taishou died a noble death in battle, even though it was defending the lives of his mortal woman and his hanyou son as they fled."

"Telling the history of your family to our son, Sesshy?" Hikari had to bite back a laugh as Sesshoumaru whipped around to face her, his eyes wide. "Goodness, did I actually surprise the great Sesshoumaru, first son of the Inu no Taishou?"

"..I thought you would sleep a bit longer.. Takaji woke up, and I decided to see to him so you could sleep." Sesshoumaru arched a brow as Takaji uttered a gurgling laugh, lightly smacking at his father's bare chest with a tiny hand.

"Aww, that's real sweet of you, Sesshy. But I bet little mister here is hungry, so I'll take things from here." Smiling brightly, Hikari crossed to her mate and son, taking the infant from him as she laughed softly, nuzzling Takaji's soft cheek.

"Very well. I will inform Rin of Shippou's condition so she will not worry." Pressing a kiss to his mate's forehead, Sesshoumaru tenderly stroked his son's soft hair, before he moved back into their bedroom, only to stop at the sound of Hikari speaking.

"Sesshoumaru." When he glanced over his shoulder at her, she met his eyes, and her own were a dark sea blue, a sure sign that what she had to say was quite serious. "Please tell Rin that I need to speak with her after she eats breakfast."

He didn't say anything, but nodded his understanding of her request, before he exited the room.

Rin was pleased to learn that Shippou was well, though she was immensely curious about this transformation of his. Sesshoumaru could tell her no more than he already had, simply saying that her questions would have to wait for Hikari. As soon as the child bathed and retreated to the gardens to eat breakfast as she usually did, Sesshoumaru retired to his study to catch up on some of the paperwork that had piled up on his desk. Immersed in the stacks of reports, hours passed, and he was surprised when Hikari and Rin entered the room, to find that it was late afternoon. He arched a brow at the excited expression on Rin's face, and the vaguely amused one on his mate's. "..To what do I owe the unexpected delight of your company?"

"Otousan, okaasan said it's time to make Rin a youkai now!" The young girl nodded vehemently, a beaming grin pervading her features. The twin of that slender silver brow shot skyward at the child's proclamation, before his golden gaze shot to Hikari, who nodded.

"..Is this safe, my mate?" Sesshoumaru's voice was soft, touched with a slight concern as he gazed at his mate, his eyes plainly worried.

"It needs to be done, Sesshy.. you know that. After what happened with Naota yesterday.. it's best for Rin. It's safer for her.. and that's what matters." Gently laying her clawed hand atop the girl's head, her fingers threaded through those dark locks, turning a smile on Rin as the girl looked up at her. "Run along now, Rin. I'll come get you when all is ready."

"Arigatou, okaasan!" Tightly hugging the kitsune's leg, Rin then turned and bolted out of Sesshoumaru's study and back to her own room.

The moment the door closed behind her, Sesshoumaru was on his feet, crossing the admittedly small amount of space between himself and Hikari. His arms curled around her waist, lowering his head to nuzzle the crook of her neck as he took a deep breath, inhaling her sweet scent. "Hikari.. I am more concerned about you... Are you sure you have enough strength to do this?"

Sighing, Hikari nestled into the strength of his frame, her small hands lightly gripping the front of his haori. "I do. I have to. I can't live with knowing people will hurt Rin just because of what she is."

A slight frown claimed Sesshoumaru's lips, though he nodded in understanding, before softly kissing the small mating mark on Hikari's neck. Her shiver delighted him, and he uttered a low growl, his hands stroking her back. He longed for the time her body was recovered from giving birth, so he could indulge in her sweetness once more. "This Sesshoumaru will aid you however he can."

"Thank you, Sesshy." She smiled as she pulled back, rising up on her toes to kiss him, then withdrew from his arms and swept out of the room. All Sesshoumaru could do was watch her go, his stomach knotted with worry for his beloved mate.