As sunrise came to the Western Lands, Sesshomaru was the first one to wake. Lying in the darkness of the room the windows were sealed tightly shut, the edges gave way to first hits of sunlight trying to break through. But the lack of lighting didn't hinder the demon in any way taking in the few details in the room and the young woman lying next to him. Her back was to him and pressing against his bare chest as the softness of her tussled hair brushed against the exposed areas as well. The steady breathing of the reincarnation gave way that she was still sleeping, tightening his grip around her hip under the sheets. The lord had no intentions of waking Akiko just yet. Inhaling her scent with closed eyes he was brought back to last night's activities finally feeling completely satisfied. He had no regrets of asking her to stay the night with him and honestly wished they had more time to lie in bed together and repeat everything all over again. She was completely tempting as his hooded eyes stared at the exposed area of her neck. It wasn't marked. Not yet anyway. Sesshomaru wanted to do nothing more than claim the young woman last night, but knew doing so would leave her completely lethargic trying to recover from the bite. They couldn't risk the impending war as the hours ticked down. The demon in him hummed lowly thinking that the day couldn't come soon enough.

Yet first they had to survive the onslaught of Naraku's horde. Though they would both be arriving on the battlegrounds at different times the lord knew that he would be aware of Akiko's movements at all times. In the past, Sesshomaru would have been the first to engage the half-demon without remorse or a care if someone tried to help. In all honesty their 'aid' would be ignored and he had no problems pushing the nuisance out of his way. The demon wanted Naraku's head, but Kagome and his half-brother would be fully focused on him to try and gain the jewel, something he did not care about. He finally had something protect and they would be focusing on the efforts of destroying the horde that allied with their enemy. She would be a very sought out target once finally out in the open. Especially since Lord Orochi would make it his personal mission to destroy the young woman for she had escaped the first assassination attempt. He growled lowly at the memory. Another deathly blow would not meet its mark in his presence.

Elsewhere in the household, he could hear the remaining maids moving about for the final preparations of the army. They would feed them all and then clean up before heading south for cover. Which meant that those in the gardens would be stirring soon as well, if they hadn't already. Sighing to himself Sesshomaru's head bent down to land a kiss on Akiko's bare shoulder. The sensation caused her to shift with a tired groan causing his lips to turn up in a small smirk.

"Five more minutes," she mumbled.

"We need to get ready," was his answer.

Eyes cracking open a yawn escaped her as she shifted under the covers. Pulling back the demon laid his head on the pillow to watch the mortal come to her senses. Rolling over to face him, Akiko blinked the sleep from her eyes and leaned forward to give him a small kiss on the lips. But the demon wasn't having it, pulling her head closer for the kiss to linger.

"Don't get too eager," she spoke lowly. "We have places to be."

Controlling himself, Sesshomaru allowed the young woman to pull back to lie on the pillow as they stared each other in the eye. "How do you feel?" he asked.

"I will admit that I feel sore, but I've heard that's to be expected."

"Did you enjoy it?" As the lord had earlier warned mating with a demon was different than experiencing something with a human. Demons were not as tame and though he had not marked her the lord had attempted to reign in his natural instinct, but knew a few times he may have slipped up and been too rough.

Akiko cocked a brow in his direction. "I figured my reactions were enough of a giveaway to show that I did." The comment had the animalistic side of him become more aware of her presence as the lord contained himself from initiating anything further this morning. "But thank you for asking."

The two lapsed into a calm silence neither unnerved by the other staring and enjoying the atmosphere. But there was something on the young woman's mind as she lay there. She could lose her sight today and wished to take in every inch of him. The way his sharp jawline led up to his pointed ears that disappeared between beautiful white strands of hair that were laced with some silver undertones once close enough. The smooth bridge of his nose, and the colorful demonic markings that covered the cheeks and forehead. And then there were his eyes. Two pools of amber that for the most time stared back with no emotion yet could show everything at a moment's notice given the situation. He was so handsome it was almost impossible and Akiko had a bit of a hard time believing that he was hers. Cupping his upturned cheek in hand the demon's face turned into the gesture as his lips tenderly kissed the palm. She didn't want to go.

"I'm ready," she finally spoke.

Pulling themselves from the bed they got dressed silently. Akiko recovered her kimono from the ground where it had been tossed away, Sesshomaru dressing in a new one from his wardrobe and not caring about the one that lay on the ground still. The young woman smiled fondly as the demon pulled the last of the kimono up over his muscular shoulders and tucked it into place. Walking up behind him the reincarnation wrapped both arms around his middle, cheek pressing against the spine. She could hear his steady heartbeat.

"Promise me you'll be careful," she whispered.

"I always come back," he answered.

"This time the situation is different." The lord turned in her grip to wrap his arm around Akiko tightly and buried his face in her hair. One more time, he had said to himself. He needed to be completely engulfed by her scent before leaving. To remain calm about what was to transpire. She didn't doubt his skills, he knew that. She was just worried and rightfully so. They had both grown dear to each other's heart and couldn't imagine what it could be like without the other if something went wrong. This play for power to draw out Naraku could swing either way.

Sesshomaru kissed her one last time, savoring the moment as their mouths moved against each other. It was far from sensual, pouring all of their emotions into the gesture before the demon was the first to pull away. "I will see you at the end of this," he declared.

With a nod, Akiko barely managed to pry herself away, wishing to remain in his grasp instead. But she had to go meet the pack before they came looking. The lord didn't move till her footsteps were completely gone from the hall.

The reincarnation made her way towards the baths under the estate. She wished to feel refreshed before the battle as a maid came in with her desired dress that would go under the armor. It had been cleaned the day before as Akiko left the water in her towel. The sika deer demon had the young woman sitting on a rock as she helped trying to dry the strands of hair by squeezing out the extra water and rubbing it between another towel. It was still damp making it easy for the female to start braiding it tightly down the back. Once at the end, the maid began twisting the interwoven hair into a low bun and pinned it into place. There wasn't a strand out of place and without the length there was no need to worry about it getting caught on something or snatched up by the enemy. One would have to dare to get close to the reincarnation to try that tactic and she would not allow that to happen.

"Done," the maid said.

"Thank you," Akiko answered. Dropping the towel without caring that her bareback faced the demon the young woman began to wrap her chest for support before tugging on the article of clothing. Smoothing out any wrinkles Akiko looked to the female and asked, "How to I look?"

"Fine, milady. You will look more menacing once the armor is on. Would you like some assistance?"

"That would be greatly appreciated."

Making their way towards the dungeons the pack had not yet arrived as they walked into an open cell and saw the armor hanging on a rack provided by the dog demon. It too had been cleaned to be sure it was in a presentable manner removing the breastplate first.

As the sika deer began strapping everything into place along with the shoulder, elbow, and hand guards, she brought forward her black footwear and offered balance as Akiko stepped into them. "Is the army active?" Akiko asked.

"They should be finishing heir morning meal," the demon answered. "Many are eager to get going. Especially the lord's half-brother."

"He would be," Akiko smirked.

Finally done, the maid stood up and took a step back. "Everything appears to be in order."

"Thank you for all of your help... you must think terribly of me, I have never heard your name before."

"It's Otoha."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. When do you leave?"

"Within the hour. If you will be all right by yourself I must see to final preparations of the household."

"Don't let me keep you any further."

With a bow the sika demon left the dungeons. Turning towards a mirror in the room the young woman admired her appearance, but knew what was missing. Demonic aura leaking out her features began to change as frost collected along the skin. And then there was the headdress that began to mold over the forehead and came to a point between the brows. Now she looked ready for battle, as there was movement in the staircase.

Tobi came trotting in, catching sight of the young woman and approving of her appearance. "You are more ready then some troops outside," he commented.

"I have to be if I'm to meet my brigade soon." Tobi went to answer when his brows suddenly pinched in confusion. "What is it?"

"You smell different..." he muttered. Eyes observing her, she knew what was coming. It wasn't that she was trying to hide it with taking a bath. Everyone would find out eventually once the time came. And it was no surprise that the beta would put two and two together first. "You weren't in the dungeons last night."

"No, I wasn't."

His expression was hard to read, as the half-demon seemed to collect his thoughts regarding the matter. "Is this what you want?"

"Yes it is... It didn't just happen overnight, if you were wondering. We both made this decision." Again, he was quiet and a part of her began to worry. The pack did not have a good view of his ancestors. Though they had been working together in the last few years to fight a common enemy there was still some tension at times and Akiko began to wonder now is this was something the pack could grow to accept. "Are you going to judge me?"

Tobi sighed, head shaking. "I would never do that to you. And I should have known it was only a matter of time. I may not like him personally, but fate always seemed to draw the two of you together. He has protected you all this time along side us. And don't think I didn't catch the way he would look at you sometimes... or would try to get rid of me."

Akiko laughed at that, bending down to her friend's height and hugging him tightly around the neck. "Thank you... I love you so much, Tobi."

"The feeling is mutual, kid. But if he does harm you in any way I will not hold back my urges to bite him." She laughed at that. "Now let's put an end to all of this." Pulling away, the two left the dungeon behind them.

Akiko caught sight of a few maids as they ran about keeping a hand in the half-demon's fur for some comfort. And he in turn stuck close to her side during their walk. Turning the corner to the entrance they were not alone. Aisu sat there waiting and seemed to be talking with the other two individuals before they arrived. Sesshomaru was present as Jaken stood beside the lord with his staff in hand. The demon and reincarnation stared each other in the eye in silent understanding of formalities. Everything from only an hour ago was left behind as the task at hand came to the forefront. No distractions. No emotion. This was the last time they would see each other until the war was over, if it went either way, and there was no time for sentiment either. Akiko was only pleased that she was able to see him before he departed.

"I will see you at the end," the young woman declared. With a nod the demon turned left through the open doors. "Be careful Jaken." The imp was a bit startled by the well wishes and stumbled over his words before settling with a quick bow when realizing his master was leaving him behind. Running out the door Akiko grinned at the sight before looking to Aisu. "Is everything in order?"

The wolf nodded. "Once Sesshomaru leaves with his half of the army you will be presented to the others." The two waited to hear the forces leave beyond the door as Akiko had the Ice Blade materialize at her side. She went over what she would say to the soldiers when greeting them countless times and worried that it wouldn't sound right to instill confidence in the sneak attack.

"It's time," Tobi's voice broke through her thoughts. With a deep breath, the young woman nodded and finally walked outside for the first time in months beyond the walls of the Western Estate.