Concealed in the shadows, it watched the Mage War, taking no sides for it hated -- and envied – all life. The entity was disappointed when the war ended so soon. It produced too little suffering and very few deaths.

Otherworld and Suzaku made it sick. They were lands of sunshine and good magic. More than anything, it wanted to see these lands covered with the darkness of death and pain. The spell it had cast on Otherworld was child's play. The entity could have spread it over all of Suzaku and Demon World, but that would not serve its purpose. It wanted the suffering and pain that war brings.

So now, with its spell cast, it needed a catalyst for a war to start. The entity went to Neko, the Cat Demoness leader, and entered her mind as she slept. It told her of the helplessness of Otherworld and the riches that could be had by attacking now.

"That was more than a dream. It was a prophecy!" she said to herself.

Neko immediately sent out her Cats to spy on the Wolves. They reported that all the male wolves in Otherworld were sleeping. Other scouts reported that the Dragons at the White Tower fell from the sky and were also helplessly asleep.

"So it was true!" she exclaimed out loud. Excited, she hurried to Mukuro with her news.  To her surprise, the ruler of the Eastern Lands of Demon World refused to listen to the Cat.

"If you want to wage war, go ahead, but keep my name out of it!" she told the cat.

"Then you will not share in our spoils either!" Neko announced angrily. Then she stomped out of the room.

The woman watch the enraged Cat Leader leave. In truth, Mukuro was in no position to do anything else. Maybe if she had a mage, the Eastern Land's ruler might have taken the chance, but since Shinjou had thrown his lot in with Otherworld and Jodah was once again dead, her tentative hold on the newly acquired Northern Lands was taking all the resources she had. Now, in the middle of all her other headaches came Neko with this wild dream of hers. There was little chance of it succeeding, but Mukuro knew if the Cat Leader managed to rally enough of the Demon clans to this new cause, her very throne could be threatened.  Neko had long eyed the rule of Demon World's Eastern Lands. Now, if she succeeded and Otherworld fell, Mukuro knew Neko would not hesitate to use her new found power to hit Demon World next.  Mukuro had to face the fact that she could very well lose both of her lands to that miserable Cat.

"But doesn't that mean we can't send our males into Otherworld?" Taka asked.

"That's true but, the Cat clan's females greatly outnumber our males, and I know that your clans are the same." Neko replied. "Besides, who does Otherworld have to send? A few she-Wolves? We’ve already defeated the Demon Wolves and taken over most of their lands in Demon World, and that fight was against their males! Their females won’t stand a chance against us!"

"Suzaku will send their assistance." Ga-Hane added.

"So what? They will be of little help! The Bobcat males can’t enter Otherworld and neither can Kyo, or any of the Queen's males without falling under the sleeping spell. I told you that even the Great Dragons fell from the sky when they flew into Otherworld. All they’ll have to send are a handful of female Bobcats who usually spend their days lying on their backs for their males' use. They have no fighting prowess. My she-Cats are strong and powerful. I know you, Ga-Hane, have many female Moths that can fight -- the same with your Hawks, Taka. After Otherworld has fallen, we can add the strength of our males to conquer anything we desire!"

Convinced, Ga-Hane and Taka agreed to the alliance. Over the next couple of days the Cats amassed their forces, joined by the Hawks and the Moths. Even the Bear Demons decided to join them, but they had few females.  Even so, their strength made up for their lack in numbers and Neko welcomed them with enthusiasm. The new army decided that they would be used mainly to protect their forces from an attack by the Foxes of the Western Lands, if any dared to cross over the Northern Lands.

Neko learned that Sesshomaru and Shinjou had also been felled by the sleeping spell so the Western Lands were vulnerable too. It was one land she would consider attacking once the bordering lands are conquered.  She rubbed her hands together in glee. Soon all three worlds would be theirs! Mukuro would be overthrown and the three allied clans will divide the worlds between them.

Kenshin left Ayala in charge of the Village while he took most of his soldiers and his fellow human protectors to the Western Mountains. There was little they could do against the Demons if they decided to attack, but it was the best he could do at the moment.  Miroku and Sango were also coming along and so was his old fighting buddy Sanosuke which would hopefully help tip the off-balanced scales a little more in their favor. Miroku had his powerful air void which could very well be the key to their survival. Sango, his wife, was an experienced demon fighter, although without Kirara's assistance, she may not be as affective as in the past. Kenshin had to make a choice and he decided that the Nekomata Demon Cat was needed more as a protector of the Village.

All the arrangements had been made and everyone chosen to face the battle were prepared to leave.  The time had come for Kenshin to do the last and hardest thing that he had left to do; say goodbye to Kaoru and his son.

Countless times back in the Human World he had to leave for battle, but here, in Otherworld, they had grown accustom to peace.  It had been a long time since he was forced to say good-bye.

"I know.  I'll be waiting for you as always," she said, fighting back her tears and losing the battle. "I love you, Kenshin."

"I love you too, more than life itself." Then he kissed her and departed.

The first thing Kenshin did, after stepping from the portal, was to have all the sleeping wolves sent to the protection of the Castle. If they remained in the Western Mountains, they risked being slaughtered in their sleep. He then instructed the men to start setting up camp.

During the bustling activity, Sango did her best to keep as far away as possible from the she-Wolves and all other Demons without looking obvious. She had a secret that she was trying to keep from everyone and a single touch would give her away if they cared to betray her. She knew that if anyone found out they would not let her fight. She would be sent straight home to wait like Kaoru for she was pregnant. Kaede had confirmed it only yesterday and Sango had to beg her to keep it secret.  She was a fighter and not one to stand by while her husband and her friends went into battle.  Still, she hated not being able to tell everyone.  What should have been joyous news instead created only more anxiety. Now, Sango was not only fighting for Otherworld, but also for her baby’s future.

The female Bobcats arrived shortly after Kenshin's forces.  They confirmed that Tekken's Bobcats would help in any way they could, but the males couldn't cross into Otherworld and would be unable to cross into the Northern Lands because they were under Mukuro's rule. As previously arranged, Teriyu took his male patrols to the White Tower area to protect the lands between Suzaku and Demon World -- lands that were usually protected by the Great Dragons. The female Bobcats were instructed to patrol the Western Mountains. Tylee took charge of them. Even though she was not trained to lead, the young Bobcat had spent a lot of time in the company of her brother on his patrols.  She was the best that they had.

Suzuki opened a portal directly from Suzaku to the Blue Tower, bypassing Otherworld. He went to see Kai and tell him about his father.  He also went to ask for Kelte's help by patrolling as close as he could to the Western Mountains and the Northern Lands. 

Kyo flew to the White Tower to help guard that area, being very careful to stay within Suzaku's borders. Both Raine and Souten remained in the Palace, but they stood prepared to travel to the Blue Tower or the White Tower if they were needed.

Once the borders were as secure as possible, Kenshin considered their position.  In his opinion, only one problem remained. What Otherworld needed was strong and knowledgeable mage. Suzuki wasn't that powerful, but Kenshin knew he had gone to Jae's yellow house from the Blue Tower, and had joined Jaal in an effort to break the spell. The only mage he could think of was Sesshomaru's sister.  News of her surprise appearance during the battle in the Western Lands had spread throughout Otherworld.  He was not sure if her existence was suppose to be public knowledge but there had to be a way to convince her to help, especially since her own brother had inadvertently fallen into the spell's trap.

Portaling to the Castle, Kenshin, made his report to the Princess, and expressed his frustration in the lack of a more powerful mage. He hoped that the Princess would think of Akina herself. Once his report was completed, the man returned to the portal, pondering on how he could possibly ascertain the status of the opposing army. He was intercepted by Kaiba who was carrying two leather satchels with long straps.

"You're heading back to the White Tower, aren't you, Kenshin?" Kaiba inquired.

"Yes, and then on to the Western Mountain camp.  What can I do for you?"

Kaiba handed one of the cases to him. "I need you to take this to Jaal and Suzuki.  It contains books that might help them find a counter spell.  I dug them out of Bakura's library."

Kenshin put the strap over his head and then, curious, flipped open the cover, drew out one of the books and opened it.  He was taught well enough to read a couple of languages but what was written in this book, he couldn't make out a word.  He closed the book and returned it to the satchel and carefully tying down the lid.

Kaiba held the other satchel out to him.  "And I thought you could use these."

Kenshin took the satchel and opened it. Inside where a pair of high-powered binoculars.  "What's this?" he asked.

"They're called binoculars. They came from the Human World. They allow you to see things from far away."

Kenshin put them to his eyes looking toward the far wall at the end of the Castle's hallway and about jumped back as a small fly on that wall suddenly appeared humongous through the lenses.

"I thought maybe you could convince Kyo or Jae to give you a ride so you can check to see if anybody is gearing up for an attack.  With these you can fly high enough to avoid being spotted." The healing Mage said.

"Kaiba, you're a genius!  How did you know I was trying to think of a way to do just that?" Kenshin said, patting the man on the back.

The Mage smiled, "Good luck to you and your troops," he said and then he left to return to his duties.

Kenshin put the second satchel's strap over his head and then stepped into the White Tower's portal.

The Princess watched Kenshin leave and considered her options. Not everyone was yet aware of Sesshomaru’s mother.  Word of his mage sister Akina was spreading, but Aara was also aware of Akina’s reluctance to participate in world events.  Still, this was an emergency and it did involve her brother. Aara was just about to summon Isabo when she turned and saw both women entering the room.

“Pardon our intrusion, Princess,” Isabo said, “but we wish to offer our assistance.”

“This is good timing!  I was just about to call for you, Isabo” Aara admitted, then she looked at Akina, “Akina, Jaal and Suzuki could use your assistance at the White Tower. They are researching this spell to see if there is a way to reverse it. We may also need your mage skills if the battle lines start to waver.”

Akina nodded, “I’ll be prepared. Mother told me that this spell feels very ancient to her. I’ll return home first to fetch InuHaru’s books. They're very old and they might help us.” She hugged her mother, turned, waved her hand and then stepped through the portal that appeared and then disappeared after her.

“What can I do?” Isabo asked.

Aara looked at the pregnant woman. “You can take care of that daughter you are carrying.”

Isabo scowled at her. “Unicorns are not as delicate as humans. It will be a while yet before my pregnancy becomes a hindrance.”

Aara evaluated Isabo’s words. After all that she has been through, Aara thought, she still wanted to help. The Princess was still surprised that Isabo had not joined the rest of the Unicorn herd, but as Taiki said, she was not quite like their kind. They were willing to welcome her but she graciously declined. What could she do? Aara thought.

“Very well, you can take care of your son and Shinjou,” Aara said, “but no heavy lifting! There are plenty of servants around to do that.”

Isabo nodded and turned to leave, figuring that was about all she would be allowed to do.  She knew she could do more but she was just going to have to wait for the opportunity to present itself. Suddenly a picture of Shinjou came to her mind. She felt the need for more information. Isabo stopped and turned back.

“About Shinjou, Tylee said he was part of Mage War and that he changed sides to help us?”

“Yes, he did.” Aara said.

“The other two mages, they broke out of the Spirit World?”

“Yes, with Shinjou’s help. He gave them all new bodies.”

“Them all? Then Shinjou was in Spirit World too?”

“Yes, he was. It was sad too for he's nothing like the other spirits imprisoned there. He has a kind and gentle soul. It must have been torture for him there.” Aara said, “Why the sudden interest? Do you want someone else to care for him?”

“No… not that. It’s just that I once knew a Shinjou. He died shortly after I met him. The resemblance between them is uncanny,” she said.

“Then I know you’ll take good care of our Shinjou,” Aara said.

Isabo nodded. What Isabo didn’t say was that she and the Shinjou she knew were almost mated. With this new information, there was a chance that he could be the same man.  She knew she shouldn't get her hopes up but she couldn't help it.  She would know for sure once she got a closer look at the man.

As Isabo turned to leave, she encountered a beautiful red haired woman.

"Vara!" Aara said.  "Isabo, stay a minute,  I want you to meet my daughter, Vara, Queen of Suzaku.  Vara, this is Isabo, Sesshomaru's mother."

"Sesshomaru's mother?  I'm very glad to meet you." Vara faced Isabo, and made an observation.  "You don't look like a Dog Demon."

"Actually, I'm not a Dog Demon.  I'm a Unicorn. You're Kyo's Vara, aren't you?"  Isabo said back with a smile.

"Do you know Kyo?"

"Ah, yes. We go a ways back," Isabo said.

"How are you feeling, Vara?" Aara interjected.

"Much better.  The morning sickness has started to lessen, thanks to Kaiba, but I'm worried about my son.  I heard that the spell affects any demon or half demon.  What if my baby's affected?"

"Oh, Vara, I'm sorry.  I hadn't even thought about that."  Aara said, distressed.

"May I?" Isabo said indicating that she wanted to place her hand on Vara's stomach.

Vara nodded her consent.  Isabo gently place her hand over Vara's baby and closed her eyes.  A second later she opened them and removed her hand.

"Your son is very young and has no cognitive thought yet so the spell cannot affect him; you still have time to escape," Isabo said.

"Then I must leave now.  Mother, can you talk to Kaiba for me?  He's still trying to keep me here."

"I'll tell him." Aara gave her daughter a farewell hug.  "He'll visit you later by using the portal.  Now go and save your son from this evil. And tell those demons of yours I have spies everywhere and I can come through that portal anytime I want to," giving her daughter a wink.

Vara smiled and nodded.  Then she turned to Isabo, thanked her and then ran out of the room.

"Thank you, Isabo." Aara said, watching her daughter depart.

"She thinks her son is part demon?" Isabo asked.

"What do you mean? You could tell differently?"

Isabo nodded.

"Does that mean her baby would not be affected by the spell?" Aara asked.

"Yes."

"Then why didn't you tell her?"

A man's voice responded, one she once knew well, "Because I asked her not to."

"If neither Kyo nor Tekken are the baby's father then who is?" Aara asked.

"I am." Tasuki said. "But Vara will not remember our coupling.  In her mind only Kyo and Tekken would have had the opportunity." Tasuki admitted.

"But why not let her remember?  Don't you want your child to know you?" Aara asked.

"My son will know me only as the Red Phoenix.  It is not my destiny to raise a child.  He was created to become a guardian for the five worlds.  Kyo and Tekken each must act as his father.  They will help Vara raise him and teach him what he needs to know. That is why I will not let her remember the truth.  It will be better that they claim my son as theirs rather than reject him because he is not theirs."

"Then he is to take Arista's place?" Aara asked.

"Not exactly but in a way, yes," Tasuki said. "On his sixteenth birthday, the truth will make itself known.  Until then I must ask you to keep what you know a secret.  I need a selected few to know the truth so they can help explain away some peculiarities my son will have."

"Can I at least tell Vash?" Aara asked.

"Yes, but no one else." Tasuki stipulated.

Isabo smiled. "I know Kyo personally.  He will make a fine father. Don't worry, Red Phoenix,  I'll keep your secret.  Now... If you'll excuse me, I believe I have some sleeping men to attend to."  On that note, Isabo left the room.

"I must also take my leave.  Aara, I know this is quite a burden to lay on you  If you do not think you are up to the task, I can erase the knowledge I have just given you."

Aara shook her head "I'm sure we're up to the task, after all, he is our grandson and we want what is best for him."

"Thank you," Tasuki said as he vanished.

Aara watched him disappear. What a turn of events.  It was quite overwhelming.  She took a seat in the chair.  Even Isabo was a surprise.  Her departing words had brought back to mind their earlier conversation.  She hadn’t miss Isabo’s silent burst of emotion back when she spoke of Shinjou’s return from Spirit World. Aara didn’t know if the two men were the same but she was sure of one thing, Isabo had been in love with the Shinjou she had lost. Were the wheels of fate reuniting this pair? Aara hoped so. Isabo has been through so much pain. Shinjou too. What a shame the mage was sleeping.

That's how Kaede found her.  "Girl!  What are ye doing?"

"Watching over Tekku and Kiba." Kamara replied.

"Then ye need to be put to work!  I will have someone bring ye herbs and small bags so that ye can make potions."

Kamara smiled with relief.  Finally she will be able to contribute! 

"I'll be glad to help!" she said with enthusiasm.

While Kamara was finding out she was not wolf enough, Ayala was finding her new purpose in live. She was finding out just how much wolf she truly was.  With Kagome watching over Kouga and Kome and her daughter, Kayla helping care for Kara, Ayala was free to take out the wolf patrol.  She found that she loved it!

Miroku groaned.  War would soon be upon them once again and most of their strength and power was sound asleep.