Akiko felt uncomfortably stiff. Enough so that it grabbed her attention and attempted to move to alleviate it. Not much though, upon vaguely remembering the last time she tried it was incredibly painful. Yet as the seconds passed there were no repercussions for her movement. The heat had completely disappeared and the young woman was relieved to know that. This time she shifted a little more sensing the soft cushion underneath her and the heavy blanket resting on top. This confused the reincarnation because she couldn't remember lying down. With difficulty, Akiko cracked open her eyes. Both eyelids felt so heavy, slight a bit blurry at first as things slowly came into focus. Lazily glancing around the young woman took in the familiar sight of the room she used when visiting Sesshomaru's estate. With a heavy breath she groaned, struggling to sit up. There was a heavy ache in her chest as well that was almost worse than what came from the limbs, as if she had run a marathon. But the most prominent ache came from the arm that was wrapped from wrist to elbow.

Staring down at it from her position, shoulders slightly hunched from the lingering exhaustion, she was a bit confused as to what happened. But the longer she thought about it, the more the memories came back. How the meeting with Lord Orochi went sour and how his household had attacked her party in the main hall. And one of the snakes had managed to bite her at one point. The last thing she remembered was making the journey back to the Western Lands, tugging down an area of the bandage and revealing the two healing puncture wounds. It was still a bit discolored, but that was because of the bruising as it disappeared further behind the wrapping. Pulling it back into place the door opened on the far side of the room and Lady Sanjou walked inside. What on earth was the hawk demon doing here, she wondered in surprise, the demon looking to the reincarnation and slightly smiling at the sight of her conscious. Akiko had never seen such a genuine, friendly emotion from the lady before. She was always so cool, and calculating, never wearing her emotions on her sleeve, much like Sesshomaru. So it made her wonder just how bad things had been.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Lady Sanjou spoke. Walking to one side of the bed she offered water to Akiko, who gladly drank it to calm her parched throat. "It was touch and go there for a while. You certainly surprised Lord Sesshomaru's healer, Haruna. She had her doubts you would manage to hold out for so long, being a mortal."

"What happened?" Akiko croaked out. Grimacing at the sound of her voice she drank more to cool the irritation.

"You were bitten by one of Lord Orochi's henchmen. From what I was told you lost consciousness upon returning and Lord Sesshomaru rushed you back. The poison inside of you was the same one my mate succumb to." That was alarming, the reincarnation thought. The fact that she had nearly shared the same fate. "You're very fortunate. Everyone worked hard to find the rare ingredient needed to save your life. You have well-rounded allies that can be trusted. Something that's becoming increasingly hard to find."

"Was anyone hurt after the fight?" Akiko wondered.

"You were their only target. No one else was harmed. Your companion, Tobi, is a very loyal individual. He stayed by your side during the entire ordeal and refused to leave or rest, and is one of the reasons you are alive. While the pack was out searching, he made sure to keep your fever under control."

Akiko smiled. "I don't know what I would do without him... since I became blind he's always been by my side. Even before I knew about my destiny here, he has protected me." But the Beta wasn't in the room. "I hope you managed to convince him to finally get some rest."

"He is out hunting with the pack as they patrol the perimeter. Naraku has been a bit active as of late testing our strength with his horde. I believe he is trying to see if Lord Orochi managed to complete his mission. It is known that the final ingredient made it into our possession, but what that bastard does not realize is that you managed to survive. With Lord Seiichi's aid, among Lord Sesshomaru's forces Naraku is being held back."

Confusion crossed Akiko's features, brows pinching. "Lord Seiichi?"

The hawk demon nodded. "I sent for him and Lord Kira the moment I knew what had transpired. As I have told you before, my eyes are everywhere across these lands. With you hanging by a thread and the Lord of the West out there searching with the wolves and unable to protect his household in case of another attack, those in the alliance came together to honor our agreement."

"I'm glad that I have such reliable allies."

There was a moment of silence before the demon continued, "They know." Once more, the young woman was confused. "About your condition." She wasn't expecting that answer and began to grow a bit worried. Especially after all that work she had put in trying to keep it a secret.

"How?"

"Lord Sesshomaru informed them a few days after you were healed. I told him the two of you should discuss it before making such a hasty decision, but you know how he is. It slipped out when Lord Kira prodded him enough for information on your progress."

Akiko gave a crooked grin at that. "It wasn't my idea to keep it from everyone so he can do as he likes. Though I worry if the lords would be insulted I wasn't outright with them."

The hawk demon cocked a brow at that. "If you were against the idea, why did you go with it?"

"Aisu agreed with him. Two to one, I was overruled."

"And you ran with it?"

"Of course. It's called listening to your advisors."

How intriguing, the hawk demon mused. "They are not angry. If I remember correctly, Lord Kira actually laughed and called you, 'Brilliant', for keeping the secret so well hidden. I do not think you need to worry about them turning their back on you for something so minor. Otherwise they would have returned to their estates by now."

The reincarnation wasn't exactly sure how hiding the important fact that she had her sight again was minor, but wasn't willing to discuss it further. A wave of exhaustion washed over her for a brief moment swaying slightly where she sat. A groan escaped, rubbing an eye to try and remain awake. "It feels like I slept forever, but why do I feel so tired?"

"It's natural. The poison took a toll on your body as it tried to fight it off. It will be a few days till you will be back to normal, but I suggest you do not rush it." Nodding, the young woman reached up to stretch her back, hearing the bones pop in a lovely manner that helped ease some of the stiffness in that area. "I need to inform the others that you are finally awake. I would suggest not leaving this room, unless you wish to be bombarded by the lords. You're not the most presentable in a kosode. And you're probably looking forward to a bath."

The young woman had to admit she felt a bit grimy, even if the maids and Haruna had tried to wash the sweat from her skin when having a fever. But it wasn't a proper wash; sniffing at the article of clothing she wore. At least she didn't smell absolutely horrible, though another day or two could begin to smell ripe.

Lady Sanjou left the room without further delay allowing the young woman to take in the space. There were medical herbs, bowls, and towels lying on a table on the left side of the bed. Reaching over she drank more of the water before setting it aside and shifting towards the edge of the mattress. Setting both feet against the floor the surface was cool to the touch, toes flexing in response. With a deep breath, Akiko mentally prepared herself before pushing off and standing. Or at least tried to as her butt fell back down onto the soft surface. With a slight grimace, the young woman cursed to herself at the fact that her muscles were sorer than originally thought. It was just like when she had first started her training with Tobi months ago. Another deep breath escaped her lips and tried again, this time only wobbling a bit and managing to keep her balance. That was at least one obstacle down, shuffling slowly towards the open balcony doors. The light breeze outside was heavenly, inhaling the clean air and listening to the birds in the distance. Three loud caws sounded on the roof of the household, only to be followed by the howls of wolves. It started at one end of the surrounding forest and began to circle, giving away where the pack had been split up and placed along the boarders for protection. It made her smile, as the sounds grew closer to show they were returning with haste. But the wolves weren't the only ones. The trees began shifting on the right hand side of the forest, having come from the back end of the household. Whatever it was, was massive, based on how the trunks were bending around their movements until it broke through the tree line. The familiar, large white dog came bounding out, red filled eyes drifting up towards the balcony and landed on the reincarnation. However, instead of using the front door to enter his household, the lord had another, uncommon method. Akiko watched as his body shrunk to his human-looking form, not missing a step as the demon pushed off from the ground and was lunging high through the air. It caused the young woman to stumble back slightly at the action, afraid she was in his way as he cleared the edge of the balcony. But she didn't get far when Sesshomaru landed inches in front of her, extending the arm out and pulling the young woman into him by the back of her neck and shoulder. The action left Akiko miles behind with wide eyes as the demon buried his face into the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply.

She shifted a bit uncomfortably at that fact that she hadn't bathed yet, and probably didn't smell that great. Especially to a demon with heightened senses. Yet the movement caused his grip to tighten instead, not allowing Akiko to do it again. Instead, she stood as still as possible, not understanding where this came from, but didn't dare voice it. The young woman could feel the demonic aura rolling off of him, listening as his breathing began to slow as the seconds ticked by. Akiko completely forgot that the pack was returning based on their close proximity.

Ever so slowly, Sesshomaru began to pull away, but not far as his now golden eyes stared into her pale blue ones with an intensity that felt as though her breath had been snatched away. Everything seemed to disappear around them as the demon took in the young woman's form, smelling that the poison was completely gone from her system. He was a bit surprised though that the mortal was up so soon after regaining consciousness. The second Lady Sanjou's scout relayed to those in the field that Akiko had woken up all other thoughts completely disappeared as the dog demon rushed back. In the days after returning with the unconscious reincarnation, none of his thoughts had been straight or put together. It was the first time in a long while he felt himself slipping and giving more into his demonic side to take over. Becoming more feral and animalistic in nature should anyone cross his path with a report. And the hordes that dared to try facing his rule and army were torn to pieces without remorse. Even if they tried to run away none got far. And it was all because of a certain reincarnation. Even being this close to her now that she was awake was dangerous. Because he was trying to control himself without much success, the demon still too close to the surface wising to remain in control.

A low rumble began to resonate in his chest, something Akiko wasn't sure if it was a good or bad sign. But she didn't feel threatened... at least not yet. Even if the lord attacked her for no reason, the young woman was certain she wouldn't be able to hold him off in her current state. So to not threaten or startle him, the young woman refused to move. Even when Sesshomaru began leaning forward, closing the already minimal gap. His warm breath washed over her face, foreheads pressing together as their eyes became hooded. Sesshomaru, took in the mortal's features with great detail, while Akiko stared at his lips, unable to meet his gaze. There was a hesitation in their movement, the young woman wishing to pull away due to the fact that the demon was acting so forward, concluding he couldn't be in his right state of mind. But the other half of her–

The lord's head had tilted down just enough allowing their lips to lightly brush. Akiko took in a sharp breath at the contact, eyes opening a bit wider. And it was that reaction that pushed Sesshomaru over the edge and leaned further in till there was no space left between them. Without thinking, the young woman's arms reached up to stable herself against the demon, one hand tangling in his hair behind the neck, the other clutching his armor. She didn't try pulling away, which any sane person probably would since he was one of the most powerful demons in the land, instead focusing on the feeling running through her body. When the two parted for air it wasn't for long as the kiss became more intense and hasty, the low rumbling returning to the lord's chest. Finally, the two managed to stay parted. Akiko was breathing harder, and dare she say it, even Sesshomaru looked a bit taken back. Looking each other in the eye, the reincarnation noticed the red tingeing the corners of his pupils. His demon wanted out, this being the first time she saw him struggling with keeping it under control as her cheeks heated slightly under his gaze. Was she the reason for this? The young woman wasn't sure if she should be flattered or concerned. And that was when a hundred other questions seemed to come to mind. Why on earth had he done that? Why had she allowed it? What was he thinking? What prompted him to do this?

Eyes narrowing, the lord's gaze darted into the room looking behind her for a brief moment before pulling away. Stepping further outside on the balcony Akiko watched in silence as the dog demon leapt over the edge without a word leaving her alone and blinking wondering if all of that had happened in the first place or it had been a dream. But why the hell would she dream about that?

The door behind Akiko opened abruptly, turning as the pack came rushing inside excitedly. First their attention went to the bed, but upon realizing their leader wasn't present they searched the room. Not for long though as Tatara gave a yip and they were rushing in her direction. Thankfully none tackled the still healing reincarnation as the wolves circled the young woman in their smaller forms, sniffing at her person and nuzzling into her sides, arms, legs, and hands. Laughing at their antics, she tried petting every one of them, noticing Aisu and Tobi entering the room last with relief. Once the pack members were pleased to know that Akiko was well, they allowed the Beta and Alpha to come forward. The young woman dropped to her knees, wrapping both arms tightly around her companion's neck and burying her face into his fur. His head rested on her shoulder in a returned hug, releasing a deep breath.

"I am glad you are well," he spoke lowly.

"Not without your help," Akiko answered. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, remembering what Lady Sanjou had told her and how diligently the half-demon had watched over her. "God, what would I have done without you?"

"Stayed out of trouble probably, most of the time at least," a Gamma chuckled. And the others followed suit helping to lighten the atmosphere in the room. The Beta rolled his eyes as Akiko pulled away, wiping at the tears that threatened to spill.

"Should you be up this soon?" Tobi questioned.

"I don't care," she answered. "Everything aches from sitting so long... and I want a bath."

"The maids were rushing around to get one in order for you," Aisu relayed. "Are you still feverish?"

That caused the young woman's brows to pinch in confusion. "I don't believe so, why do you ask?"

"Your cheeks looked flush." Immediately, the memory of Sesshomaru pulling them close enough together to kiss came to mind and the young woman had to force herself to not blush further and come up with a quick excuse.

"Oh, I was standing on the balcony for a bit. The sun was probably too hot." The answer seemed to appease her since the alpha didn't ask another question. Sighing internally in relief the door opened again, only this time Rin came rushing in with a wide grin on her face.

"Akiko!" she shouted. Wrapping her arms tightly around the reincarnation's shoulders it nearly threw off her balance if two Gammas hadn't been pressing against her backside in the first place. "I was so worried! Lady Sanjou wouldn't let me in to see you, and then Lord Sesshomaru ordered me to remain away when he returned days ago."

Akiko was thankful the child hadn't witnessed the state she had been it. The whole situation could have greatly frightened her and since she had no memory of the event she was just working on speculation. Especially if it warranted all the allies to come together on such short notice. "I'm sorry I worried you, Rin," she apologized.

"I'm not the only one that was unhappy. So was Lord Sesshomaru... and maybe even Master Jaken was a bit worried." Tobi huffed in response, even rolling his eyes a bit. But the young woman couldn't find it in herself to nudge her companion at his actions, thinking on Rin's words. Granted, she'd be surprised if Jaken actually cared for her wellbeing. She was just a nuisance to him because of the situations she got into would most likely drag Sesshomaru into the mess as well. And in turn the toad on most occasions had to accompany him. But Sesshomaru...

Was that why was acting like that earlier? The close proximity? The nuzzling? The staring? The kiss? Head shaking it wasn't the time to think about it with the others around. She didn't want to be asked when there were more questions than answers at the moment. But the young woman was a bit surprised they hadn't commented on the fact that the lord's scent was probably on her. Maybe it was because they were inside his estate and expected it to be present. Akiko was just pleased they were all relaxing. The wolves laid out on the floor comfortably, conversing amongst themselves as she listened quietly. Lying back against Tobi's side, Aisu had her head on the reincarnation's lap allowing the mortal to stroke her head. Rin, meanwhile, was sitting on Hatsui's back and playing with his ears.

A maid came by an hour later, a bit speechless from the sight having not expected all of the wolves to be present when their heads turned at her entrance. "Your bath is ready."