The moon hung high in the sky, and forever lingered in the gleaming eyes of Shizuka. A powerful and gentle being who's heart was covered in the scars of battle. Through shallow breathes, the Celestial Maiden brought her hands to her chest. Her entire being trembling in the night;though she may try Shizuka could not hide the turmoil within her. All who knew her would see it. The absolute sorrow that weighed upon a woman who brought pure happiness to all in her domain. Now that joy was non-existent. As only one thing mattered to Shizuka at this moment. And since becoming one with her devoted mate Sesshomaru; family. Her children. And a single one came to mind. As her youngest pup as Sesshomaru would say was the current important issue.
Youngest of the Sesshomaru Dynasty; Princess Shion. One who was brought into this world with a heavy burden that no soul should carry. A curse. Forced upon the little Princess by her own aunt. Shinimi. A fallen Celestial Maiden whom was so depraved to place a portion of her own soul within a child. Tainting Shion's soul before the child could even open her eyes. It was a tragic sight to behold for both Shizuka and Sesshomaru. Both aware of the efforts that would be needed to protect their child. And they would do so. They always would. For their blood. For their dynasty. All who sided with the two were indeed part of their family. Even if they did not know it. And this would not change.
Releasing a heavy sigh, Shizuka turned to the slumbering Shion. Who's adorable dog ears rest upon her silver covered head. The small princess smiling in her sleep, enjoying the comforts of her parents bed. All the while by the sleeping child was none other than her father. Sesshomaru. The handsome silver haired Daiyokai gently ran his fingers through his daughters hair. Earning a sign of comfort from the sweet child. Shizuka couldn't help but to smile at the interaction; crossing the room to her loved ones. Her eyes downcast to her youngest child; Shizuka soon found herself sobbing into her hand. Unable to fathom what was to come this night. The mother could not help but to reveal her true emotions. Her tears bringing Sesshomaru to her. Sweeping his mate into a much needed embrace. Though he was silent. His calm presence was enough to aid in settling Shizuka's troubled heart.
Nuzzling her fave into the layers of his yukata; Shizuka clung onto her lover. Her tears slowly leaving her as Sesshomaru whispered to his mate. "I swear to you this will be the end. We will end Naraku and stop this curse." Through her tears Shizuka tilted her head to meet the golden orbs of Sesshomaru. His eyes hardened by both battle and lose. Yet swimming with resolve and love for his family. Shizuka knew this. She knew her mate. Though he was silent at times, Sesshomaru was a passionate being. And when he swore something to Shizuka. He meant it. He would never lie to her. Ever. "We need everyone's help. We can't do this alone." Shizuka began now turning so that her back was to Sesshomaru. Allowing him to hold his beloved by her waist as she spoke. Her normal demeanor returning to her as well as she spoke. "All who have helped us. And Kagome-she is capable of more than she realizes. And I can show her."
" What can that priestess do that you cannot?" Sesshomaru questioned as he did not particularly like the thought of working with his hanyou brother again. But for his family. For Shizuka. He would. " She's the reincarnation of Kikyo, in the last battle I only blessed her with a small bit of my divine aura. She nearly ended Naraku with a single arrow. Our powers combined to my limits I can-" " Limits?" Sesshomaru interrupted his eyes now upon his mate once more. As far as Sesshomaru could tell the only limit his mate held was a moonless night. Only then was she powerless. What else was she referring to? Biting her bottom lip Shizuka hesitated to speak though she knew she could not hide it for long. He deserved to know. No. He had to know.
" If i-if I pour all of my divine aura into one final strike I will-" Shizuka began, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. Fear settling into her being at the nervous gaze of Sesshomaru. Closing her eyes Shizuka blurted out the rest of her statement. The information alone causing Sesshomaru's eyes to widen in disbelief. Releasing his love as he slowly stepped away from her trembling form. Shaking his head in disbelief. "No." Sesshomaru whispered into the air. His eyes never leaving the gorgeous and distraught Shizuka who silently took Shion into her arms. Refusing to look her mate in the eye before whispering. "It's true. And I would gladly do it for our family." Shizuka breathed as Sesshomaru turned away from his wife. His mind filled with countless thoughts of another solution. And yet no matter how many scenarios he ran through. He found nothing. But there had to be something. Something to avoid all this. Such a bittersweet ending. No. There had to be something. Someone.
"I don't accept this. I won't." Sesshomaru declared as Shizuka wiped a single tear from her eye. Holding it towards the moon which shone it's luminous light upon the tear. It was with this that the tear then hardened. Becoming a single translucent jewel which gave off the gentle glow of the moon bestowed upon it. Silently Shizuka turned to the doorway where her son Souma now stood with his twin sister Hisuri by his side. The twins embracing. Both swearing to be strong and protect those around them. Smiling towards one another Souma was soon brought into his mother's arms. Her tears continuing as she allowed Shion to leave her arms. Now being held by her brother whom swore to keep Shion safe. And Shizuka knew he meant it. Kissing the top of Souma's forehead, the Prince smiled once more before a pale white light surrounded himself and the sleeping Shion.
Their bodies slowly fading before Shizuka as that very same light soared through the air and rested within the safety of the jeweled tear. Shizuka released a deep sigh. Her tears continuing to silently fall as Shizuka clutched the jewel to her chest. "Please-you must my love. It's the only way." Shizuka beckoned Sesshomaru who released a growl of irritation. No. She was wrong. His beautiful and powerful mate was wrong. Sesshomaru could stop all of this. He would end Naraku. He would not allow Shizuka to do what she had planned. He could not.