Akiko opened her eyes when something licked her cheek. Hand raising lazily it brushed over familiar fur only for her eyes to snap open and exclaim, "Tobi!" He yipped in greeting, nuzzling her lovingly for a few moments before nudging the young woman to get up. "What's the hurry?" The animal proceeded to push her off the bed. "All right, all right I'm up!"

Where was she exactly? This could not be Naraku's lair otherwise Tobi would not be here. And she wouldn't be taken care of in such a way. The young woman remembered drowning and the thought was terrifying to relive. She thought she was going to die, feeling the wrists and noticing the shackles were missing. A nose nuzzled Akiko's hip, and she reached over to stroke the fur in reassurance. "You've changed as well..." He had doubled in size, shoulder now nearly leveled with her own, and his body temperature had cooled. It was then the hand hit something. Fabric. Holding the item the young woman realized it was a kimono. She then felt the clothing she was currently wearing noticing that the beautiful outfit she had been in was removed, a white slip kimono that reached the knees in place instead.

"We're with Sesshomaru again, aren't we?" Tobi sneezed in agreement causing her to sigh and begin to change. Facing the demon was the last thing she wished to do after their last encounter. Knowing him, he would not be pleased with how she had ran out in front of his guests. And then a thought occurred to her... he had to have been the one to rescue her from Naraku. But when had Sesshomaru arrived? Why did he save her?

"Maybe because he wanted to punish me," she grumbled under her breath. It was then Akiko allowed Tobi to lead her from the room and down the stairs. Somehow the animal knew where he was going. She was grateful. Maybe they'd find the front door and leave before-

"Going somewhere?" asked a monotone voice.

The young woman sighed. Slipping away unnoticed was just too much to ask for. "Just going out to stretch my legs," Akiko answered.

The demon came to stand beside her and surprisingly, Tobi wasn't growling. "In other words try and run away again."

There was no use denying that statement. "I had an eventful stay. I want to go home to see my cousin, and family."

"That is not permitted. You should be thankful I allowed that wolf to let that mutt of yours stay."

Her brows furrowed, turning towards the sound of his voice more. "Aisu was here?"

"Yes... and we came to an agreement. You will stay here and learn how to control your powers."

"Why can I not learn in the village?" Akiko asked.

The demon was silent for a moment. "How much do you know of being a reincarnation of the Queen of the North?"

"The basics..."

That was dangerous in itself. She was ignorant to what was out there lying in wait besides Naraku. She nearly died because she was unprepared. "You will train here until you learn how to control your newfound powers, whether you like it or not," he stated. "There is an agreement. If you wish to see your family again I suggest you learn quickly." The demon began to move away.

"Why are you letting me off so easily?" Akiko called after him.

He didn't answer, and the young woman didn't know what that meant.

Aisu was not allowed to stay on the main property, residing in the surrounding forest with the rest of her pack. Though every day she would approach the household and wait for Tobi to guide the young woman outside so they could train. It was slow progress, but every little bit helped with learning how to control her new powers. Aisu also began introducing Akiko to the basics of sword combat. Though it was difficult without being able to see and having an instructor who wasn't human in order to correct her more accurately when it came to positioning and stances. If the young woman had a sparing partner she could have benefited from that as well. Still, they worked with that they had.

Akiko had also realized since the night of the full moon there had been subtle changes to her features. The cheekbones had become more defined, cheeks less round and more angular. And the tips of the ears had come to a slight point. Though not to where it stood out like it would on a demon. "The changes will be more noticeable when you're in battle," Aisu stated. "Your appearance will alter further to match your strength."

"But I'm not a demon."

"No. We are rare human beings where we could function in either world should we see fit. Altering between demon and human at our own control."

"Why?"

"Why does a newborn possess the powers of a priestess when no one in their lineage had them in the first place? Where does a demon come from? Why are half-demon able to exist when the two species are not meant to mate?" There was no clear answer to any of those questions. "It's a course nature seems to take without warning and without any regard to our own wishes. You did not choose to be my reincarnation. Nor did Kagome choose to be Kikyo's. It just happened. So explaining the logic as to why we exist is hard to do so."

She was so wise; Akiko knew immediately why Aisu used to rule the north. And the human hoped one day to be able to follow in her footsteps.

One evening the young woman was lounging in her room after a long day of training, Tobi nestled against her side on the bed, eyes closed in relaxation. He took up nearly the whole mattress. However, the comfortable silence was broken when there was a knock at the door. "Come in." Hearing a set of footsteps and the click of nails against the floor Akiko realized it was Sesshomaru and Aisu. "Is something wrong?"

"No," the wolf answered. "But we have been talking."

"That's rare," she smirked lightly, earning a chuckle from the wolf.

"Yes. It has been brought to my attention that Lord Sesshomaru will be hosting another gathering to make up for the one that was postpone due to Naraku's involvement."

"Among other things," he grumbled.

The young woman could already tell where this conversation was heading and was hoping she was wrong. "We have come to another agreement that you will attend the event. This time without any interruptions."

"If it's the same to you, I'd rather not," the human answered.

The wolf anticipated this response. "Why not?"

"Crowded events aren't really my thing."

"You were never at one to begin with," Sesshomaru stated.

True, but in her world it was not ideal. With so many people talking in one concentrated area it could be rather difficult to hear and get a bearing on her surroundings. But that wasn't something the lord would wish to hear or sympathize with in order to try and get out of this situation. "I highly doubt a human would be accepted amongst demons." And another thought struck her. "Why would you even want me there in the first place? I embarrassed you the last time..."

He said nothing to that. "You have accepted your powers," Aisu said, "which means you will assume your place as Queen. When that happens has yet to be determined. But no matter how long it takes you need to begin to make a name for yourself."

To create alliances with other demons. That's what Aisu was getting at. She had to build her domain like Sesshomaru had as a demon lord in the west.

"There is another deal to this agreement," the wolf cut in. "If you attend Lord Sesshomaru will assist you in your training. He will teach you how to properly fight like a ruler should so you know how to defend yourself and the land."

Why would the demon offer his assistance? They weren't exactly friends... if anything he should be against her rise to power. Nothing made sense in this deal and most likely this could be for his own personal gain. Either way to acquire a proper sparing partner... it was an opportunity that could not be passed up. And Akiko finally agreed. She could only hope the lord kept his word.

"Naraku cannot come into power." That's what it was. The one thing they all agreed on. Meaning for the time they would bear an alliance between the two of them.

Sesshomaru left without another word, but the wolf surprisingly stayed. "Why did you agree that I was to stay here? You know all I want is to go home."

"I followed Sesshomaru after your friends were able to push back Naraku. To be sure you were safe. Surprisingly you were no longer in danger and I allowed him to carry you back to the Western Lands. And then I found your cousin as they were returning to Kaede. They were not fond of the idea of you being with him, but after discussing the recent events we realized that Naraku would come after you again. His sudden interest in you makes us nervous, especially after the fact that you only recently entered this world and already he knows who you are. They have enough to worry about having possession of the jewel shards. You are here to ensure your safety."

The young woman cocked a brow. "So you're saying Inuyasha is useless?"

"In a manner of speaking... yes." It nearly made her laugh. "He can hold his own, but is quick to act and does not think things through before reacting. That alone could leave you wide open. Who has been coming to your rescue?"

"Inuyasha, Kagome-"

"And ..."

"And Sesshomaru," she added.

"And who was the one to obtain you on multiple occasions? Even saving your life."

"... Sesshomaru..."

"Yes. He's the one who took you from Kagome and broke Naraku's prison releasing you and forced the water from your lungs. So we know he can protect you."

"But why does he come to my rescue when he has clearly shown his dislike for me...?"

Why indeed? That was something the wolf had yet to discover. "I am not sure. You have to find out that answer for yourself."

"I'll never get a straight answer from him."

Maybe not now, but as time would move on there was no telling what would happen. "You just might."