Tomorrow was the day. When the last of their forces would gather between the three households throughout Western, Eastern, and Central Japan. Everything was in place, all forces armed to the teeth and understanding where they were to all meet in order to face Naraku head one. Tonight was truly the last night of some kind of peace for anyone in the compounds, and in the Western Lands everything was silent. Nearly all of the maids had left to travel further south for protection, a few remaining behind to see to the needs of the soldiers before leaving themselves once the premises was completely vacated. Haruna had been busy as well, gathering acquaintances to help tend to their allies on the field when the time came, and being sure that those running received help along the way to their sanctuary. Miho was one of the few who wished to stay alongside the healer through the war, but Akiko asked her to undertake something much more important.

Only two days ago the household had bid farewell to Rin. The child protested, not wishing to leave any of them and claiming to be of help with the preparations within the compound. But none could chance the child being caught up in the fight. The farther away she was when they clashed the better. Then Naraku couldn't use her as a pawn against them if something went wrong. And the distance wouldn't distract them knowing she wasn't close. Akiko promised it was for the better and that they would see each other again when it was all over. Miho was to be her escort along with two gammas from the pack. Even Jaken seemed saddened by the ward's departure as she hugged every demon goodbye, and held onto Akiko and Sesshomaru the longest. And it was the first time the young woman saw the lord offer affection in the presence of others, wiping a tear from Rin's cheek and kissing her forehead in a fatherly manner. At sunrise they left the gates for Kaede's village. It was the only place they both trusted her to be safe, not wishing for them to travel so far south and out in the open for too long. They didn't want any of Naraku's spies to follow them, and did not wish to just trust anyone to care for Rin while they were gone. And if things did not go according to plan Kaede would do everything in her power to protect them.

"I know it's only for a few days at most," Akiko spoke up. "But I miss her already." Many in the pack couldn't help but agree.

Sesshomaru and Akiko were tasked with coming up with her surprise plan of attack. They studied the maps in great detail trying to pinpoint the opportune area to advance. And at what signal. There were times where they disagreed on tactics, but it never amounted to a full on verbal match for pride or superiority. They listened to each other, weighing the pros and cons throwing away many ideas, while placing others in the back of their minds that could possibly work if nothing else presented itself. Tobi offered battle strategies as to what formation the secret army should take in order to cut through their enemy when taken by surprise. What level of forces should take up the front for the first strike and where protection would be needed so they weren't surrounded or cut off from the others. All knew that once Akiko revealed herself she would be a target and would have to make sure that the whole horde wouldn't descend on them at once. And finally, they managed to come to an agreement completely pleased with themselves for devising it. None of this information was shared between the other households, not wishing to risk the bird being intercepted. And the less they knew the better so to not give anything away to Naraku, who would be watching their movements like a hawk.

The battle plans were constantly on the reincarnation's mind as she prepared her armor down in the dungeons. There was no training to be had now, not wishing to accidentally injure herself with the way her thoughts ran rampant. They could cause a distraction and a chance to slip up and hurt one self. For the battle she would be more focused, but to pass the time, the young woman allowed her demonic aura to fluctuate to practice control so not to do anything. It was growing late into the afternoon when Tatara came rushing down into the dungeons, announcing,

"Kagome is here."

Racing through the halls, Akiko threw open the door to the study without knocking as she found her cousin standing on the far side of the room with her friends. The two rushed towards each other meeting at the center of the room to wrap each other in a tight hug both pleased to see the other well. "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow," Akiko said.

"We couldn't wait," she answered. Sesshomaru stood near the door watching the interaction, annoyed that his brother was inside his walls again yet tolerating it for the time being since he knew this was important. "We found it," Kagome said. And pulling away the two held each other at arms length, Akiko confused as to what she was getting at before it dawned on her. "We found a way to control the Shikon Jewel."

Glancing over a shoulder at the dog demon, she asked, "Is there any way we could contact the other households?"

"I've already sent Lady Sanjou's bird towards the Tanukis Clan," Sesshomaru answered. "But meeting so soon with all lords and ladies in attendance will probably not be possible. We can't afford to leave the estates unguarded."

"Right... even if she's the only one that comes that is better than nothing. She can relay any information to Lord Kira and Lady Hirata. That's more then enough individuals to be involved." And looking to the group, the reincarnation asked, "Can we get you anything? Hungry?"

"I could use some food," Shippo spoke up.

"It won't be much since we have sent away the staff, but I'm sure those still around can find something. Has it been discussed where you will be staying?"

"Not in here," Inuyasha cut in. And it caused a sigh to escape between the humans.

"We can stay in the gardens with the rest of the troops," Kagome interjected before insults could be thrown. "After all, we will be among them soon. It would probably be good to get to know a few."

"Probably for the best..." Akiko muttered causing the two cousins to share a grin. "Did you run into Rin on your way here?"

"I caught her scent," the half-demon spoke up. "But they were further south than us." That was good to hear that they had made progress and that by now they would have reached the village.

"Go eat. If we hear anything from the Hawk Clan I will let you know." Nodding, the group left to find something to eat.

Once the group left, Sesshomaru waited until they were out of earshot before saying, "Control the Shikon... impossible. It must be destroyed."

"I caught that as well, but there must be a reason behind Kagome's words," Akiko said. "We can talk about it later. I'm just glad she found something that will improve our odds."

Lady Sanjou came by air instead of making her way across the lands on foot. Time was of the essence and Akiko was in awe by the golden and fiery red hawk that swooped in through the balcony of study. Sesshomaru could feel her aura approaching and had opened the doors as Akiko stood against the wall beside the entrance to balcony out of sight. The demon's body was massive in this form, much like Sesshomaru's animalistic form, surprised she even managed to fit through as it began to shrink and the noble woman was standing before them in a regal manner. "Whoa," Shippo breathed out. And the reincarnation agreed, that would be her reaction aloud as Sesshomaru closed the doors once more.

"Let's make this quick," Lady Sanjou spoke up. "There's not much time."

Kagome explained everything she had discovered at the shrine from their grandfather. How once they managed to recover the jewel from the half-demon they could whisk it away to be properly sealed. Better than when Kikyo guarded the item in her time. None would be able to sense its presence, which would make searching for it near impossible.

"That is still dangerous," Sesshomaru spoke up.

"Is there no way to destroy it for good?" Akiko asked.

A wish. A wish would destroy it forever.

"That seems too simple," Lady Sanjou said.

"It's what Grandfather told me," Kagome said. "The Shikon Jewel is something that grants wishes. If the right wish is made at the proper time the jewel will be destroyed. Forever."

"And do you know what that wish is exactly?"

"That is why this plan is not so simple as it seems. There's no record of what this wish could be. Otherwise, it would have been destroyed already. Our best chance is to seal it and we have the proper tools and incantations to perfect it. We only get one chance at a wish and if we wish wrong... we could end up back here again in a few years time."

"Could we bring it to our era?" Akiko asked. "Take it through the well?"

"It was in the beginning, remember? It was inside of me and a demon came through and brought it back here before ripping it out of me. Even if I took it back and stayed far away from the shrine I'm sure something would manage to come through."

True, that was a gamble. "We've already considered this option," Miroku said. "It's our last option if there's no time to seal the jewel during the battle. If Kagome takes it over to stay out of Naraku's possession then it can come back later when everything has died down and it can be properly sealed in this era."

"While a back up plan is always a good thing to have, that wish is what will end it once and for all," Aisu said.

"We'll figure it out," Akiko said. "We always have in the past. During all of our moments where time is of the essence something seems to click."

"We're putting a lot on chance," Lady Sanjou pointed out. "We won't get another shot like this again and if it goes wrong we will all die."

"Then we keep the enemy off of Kagome until we figure out what to do with it. They will be with me during the sneak attack. She will be well guarded." Kagome stared at her cousin with wide eyes, the reincarnation giving a smile in return. "You didn't think I would face Lord Orochi and Naraku alone, did you? I have my own force now standing behind me... even if they do not yet know I will be the one leading them. I will have the six of you by my side with the pack. We can sneak you in, Kagome. Provide the cover you need to get close to Naraku since you all know how to handle him the best out of our forces, besides the lords and ladies that have already been face to face with him. But none have purifying abilities. Anyone of us that get close to Naraku can help you take him down, but you're the only one that can gain possession of the jewel without being tainted by it."

"We will trust you," the hawk demon spoke up. "Whatever course of action you decide to take, we will put our trust in you. I will share the news with Lord Kira."

"And Lord Seiichi?" Tobi asked.

"He's heading the frontal attack to break through Naraku's lines. The less he has on his mind the better. He will not be getting close to the half-demon in order to occupy his forces."

With the meeting adjourned, Lady Sanjou bid them farewell. Opening the doors, Sesshomaru came to stand in front of Akiko to shield her from the outside as the hawk demons transformed and took off into the air out of sight.

Akiko was quick to find a servant to help gather up extra bedrolls and blankets for the group to sleep out in the gardens. The female demon even agreed to show them where they would be sleeping as she led them towards the entrance. Yet Kagome remained behind. "What is it?" Akiko asked.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. The young woman wasn't sure what she was apologizing about and looked at her cousin quizzically. "I tried to figure out what that damn wish could be. But even Grandfather didn't know... and he knows everything when it comes to this era."

"Do not beat yourself up about it. You did more than enough devising three plans should one not unfold in the way we had wished. You're more equipped that you give yourself credit for. And I stand by what I say that it will probably come to you at the last minute. It always does with our luck; you discovering your priest powers, me learning to control my demonic aura, saving our friends from dire situations. It will come to you, Kagome. You just have to believe in yourself like I believe in you." The two hugged each other tightly at that, Kagome on the verge of tears upon hearing her cousin's words of encouragement. "Everything will work out in the end. But if you have to take the jewel back to our era abandoned the battle and run as fast as you can. And don't feel guilty about it. I had to do the same myself once for everyone's survival."

"I remember... I hope it doesn't come to that." Akiko hoped so as well, the two letting go.

"When you meet the others in the garden, don't tell them about me yet. That's still a secret."

"You have my word." And the older teen left to find her friends.

"How much longer are you going to eavesdrop?" she teased. From around the corner behind her, the pack revealed themselves, coming up alongside the young woman.

"It's not eavesdropping when you are standing in our way going to the entrance," Tatara grinned.

"We didn't want to interrupt the two of you," Tobi said.

Looking at the wolves Akiko asked, "Tomorrow is the day..." she whispered.

"How are you feeling?" Aisu questioned.

"I won't deny that I'm a bit terrified."

"You're not the only one. Everyone feels the same as you, even if they don't want to admit it."

The reincarnation hummed in response before asking, "Where are you all off to?"

"Hunting," Aisu said. "We have conserved our strength, but now we need to fill our bellies for the energy we will be exerting tomorrow with our released demonic forms for an extensive period of time. Then we will be staying with the troops in the gardens."

"I trust you will be sleeping instead of guarding. You need your rest."

"That is the plan, but we are always on alert."

Of course. The pack nuzzled Akiko's side as they went, the last being Tobi, yet the beta stayed by her, which greatly confused the young woman. "You're not going?"

"Where you go, I go," he answered.

"That's not what I mean. You need to hunt for tomorrow."

"I won't leave you alone on the eve of battle."

Kneeling down to his height she ran her fingers through his fur around the cheeks. "Go," Akiko coaxed. "You need to be with the pack. I'm not going anywhere."

"Are you sure?"

Akiko smiled fondly at him. "You are so selfless, Tobi. But tonight I want you to be selfish. For once think about yourself and bond with the pack before we go to war. You all need to be one in this. And I will be fine. I think I need some time to myself too." And she kissed his nose. "Now go."

The half-demon nodded. "I will see you in the morning."

She watched him go before standing in the silent hall. It was so odd to see the estate so quiet, missing the maids that moved about through the halls. And hearing Rin's laugher echoing in them, as well. Heading shaking, Akiko went to find something to eat. Haruna was there in the dining area, along with the healers she had collected for the battle ahead, the demons discussing various herbal remedies they had been studying in recent years and the state of their lands. Junko was among them, the young woman finally able to meet the healer that told Sesshomaru where to find the remedy to save her life from Lord Orochi's henchman. She was very grateful for what the demon had done, and for the fact that the healer had managed to make antidotes for their allies should the same thing happen again. It wasn't enough to cover everyone, unfortunately. Not nearly enough of those flowers grew throughout Japan and then there was the fear of them being wiped out completely if all were plucked. And the hard decision to make was who would be lucky enough to receive the dose in time if bit. Junko would not be generous, which received no judgments from Akiko when it was pointed out. It surprised the healer greatly. Most humans were sentimental and it would overtake them to a point where the hard decisions could not be made, protesting that every life was important. But the reincarnation wasn't like most mortals Junko came to realize over their few interactions and finally understood why the Lord of the West fought so hard to save her life by seeking out her location in seclusion.

When dinner was done, the healers retreated to the far side of the estate near Haruna's quarters. Many planned on sleeping right away, others wishing to stay up a bit longer to go over their stash of medical supplies and checking the weapons they carried for self protection. This left Akiko completely alone in the halls once more. Watching the females go had her smiling knowing they were in good hands tomorrow should they be in trouble. Turning away the young woman moved in the opposite direction towards the hallway that would lead back into the dungeons. There was nothing she had to do to prepare for tomorrow. Aisu and Tobi made sure those preparations were already completed days ago. She understood their reason for wanting the reincarnation to be ready, but now she wished there was something to do to distract from what would unfold in the morning. She hoped that sleep would come to her because at the moment Akiko felt wide-awake.

Akiko was halfway to her destination when Sesshomaru entered the corridor from another hall that would take someone to the entrance of the estate. "Visiting the soldiers?"

The question caused the demon to pause and look over in her direction as the reincarnation joined his side a few steps away to look up at his face. "Yes," he answered.

"And what's morale like?"

"They are optimistic. Looking forward for a fight."

"I'm glad to hear that. I was worried they would be fearful."

"Those that will remain behind to be led by you will have any doubt in their mind erased completely once you reveal yourself. They are already trying to speculate who the fifth commander is of our army."

"You have a lot of faith in a supposed dead person," she teased.

"Because she doesn't have it in herself." The pause between them had the young woman's teasing expression fall, giving a small smile instead because the demon spoke the truth.

"I've never lead an army..." she whispered.

"At one point in time all of us were in the same position."

"You grew up with it though. You had your father to show you everything you needed to know from birth. I'm a twentieth century human that was studying history in a classroom only a few years ago that has been trying to catch up on lost time."

"You have the pack."

"That still doesn't mean I'm not nervous."

"You cannot show that tomorrow in front of everyone."