Framed in the moonlight, the Princess sat as if waiting for someone.  Sekki came upon the sight and hesitated, not sure whether he should say anything or not. He realized she had returned from the Human World, but he couldn't think of any reason she would be sitting in the garden alone so late at night.  Then his keen ears caught the sound of soft humming -- that was the sound that had brought him to this place.

Before Sekki could move, a blur of red caught his eye and InuYasha bounded onto the scene.  Sekki backed into the shadows as he watched InuYasha bow to the Princess and handed her a red rose with a flourish. Aara accepted it with a smile and brought it up to her face, to sniff its fragrance deeply. The Dog Demon sat next to her, obviously in an affectionate mood.  He nuzzled first her neck and then her cheek where he kissed her lightly.

Sekki silently cursed to himself as he sought a way to escape the embarrassing situation.  The way to the Castle would take him right by the affectionate pair. His only choice was to return to the gate and go around to one of the side gates instead. He started to turn away when he heard something that stopped him and made him turn back.  Something in him didn't want him to leave.  The Bobcat blood in him meant to stay and watch.

InuYasha and Aara knew nothing of their observer.  The Dog Demon whimpered softly in pleasure as he nuzzled Aara's neck.  Slowly and deliberately he moved down over her collarbone and the tops of her breasts which tantalizingly peeked above her low cut dress. She continued humming contently as she began to fondle his ears, stroking them along the edge.

To Sekki's immense surprise, InuYasha unbuttoned the Princess' bodice and revealed one of her creamy white breasts. The sight made Sekki let out a tiny involuntary gasp as a strange feeling shot through his body.  Neither the Princess or InuYasha heard him for they were much too involved with each other.

InuYasha cupped Aara's breast in one hand.  He rubbed his cheeks against the soft skin and followed each stroke with a kiss and a touch of his tongue. Finally, he lowered his head to capture the dusky-rose nipple in his mouth. InuYasha settled in, contently sucking with his ears twitching in contentment.  The Princess absently stroked his ears as she enjoyed the sensation, her eyes closed.

Sekki watched the scene play out before him, transfixed.  Finally, the need to breath returned him briefly to his senses.  He worked his way silently backward until the intimate pair were out of sight. Still not free of the effect of the scene, he sped out of the back gate and around the Castle walls to the side entrance. Slowing to a walk did not reduce his urgency as he quickly crossed the gardens straight to his room. In one great leap, he sprang to his balcony.

Slipping safely through the doors, Sekki leaned against the wall and slipped slowly to the floor.  Losing himself in the shadows of his dark room, he sat there trembling violently. What was happening to him?  He didn't understand this feeling at all.  He felt hot, needy, and increasingly uncomfortable.  A tiny groan escaped his lips as he curled against his rebelling body.

Sekki had heard the act many times – even accidentally seen it on several occasions.  His mother was a Bobcat after all, and she kept his father very busy.  They were not the only ones.  Sex was commonplace in the Castle.  But tonight.... Why did seeing InuYasha with the Princess feel so different?

The cool marble floor felt so good. Sekki felt like he was burning up and ready to explode. As if they had a will of their own, his fingers found his trouser buttons and worked them open.  Instinct told him what to do as his hand reached inside and touched his flesh, his own hot flesh.  It felt good.

Sekki moaned again.  Part of him wanted to stop, to fight this instinct that was so against his nature, but he couldn't. Curled in a helpless ball, his fingers brought his flesh to life until, with a choked cry, he found relief through the first climax of his life. The aftermath left him trembling violently on the cold floor. Tears came to his eyes as he berated himself.

This was not the way of the Unicorns, Sekki sobbed.  I've dishonored myself.

Suddenly someone lifted Sekki into a lap. He knew her scent well and found comfort there. A warm wet cloth cleaned his hands.  He jumped as they moved below but he didn't have the strength to protest.

Tylee gently washed her trembling son. She had seen him cross the garden and recognized his state by his unusual scent.  She always suspected this day would come and had been keeping watch for the signs.  As much as her son embraced his Unicorn heritage, he was half Bobcat and Demon blood would not be denied.

“Not for a Unicorn!” Sekki sobbed. “We don’t do this!”

“Sexual need is a part of life, even a Unicorn's.  No species survives without it," Tylee reminded him.

“But it never effected me before -- seeing things I mean. In all the time I've spent with the Unicorns, I've never seen this happen to them. ”

"No... I can't.  I won't!  The herd would reject me if they knew!"

"Maybe in the old days, but not now.  Kiri loves you.  You are part of his family, no matter what."

Sekki burrowed his head into his mother's arms, into her breasts. They didn’t excite him,  Instead, her breasts were comforting, not sexual. He wasn't convinced but he prayed she was right.  Still, he didn't understand what came over him.

“Would you feel better if you talked about it? Exactly what did you see?”

Sekki reddened again, but admitted what he had seen.

“Ah, InuYasha does love to suckle,” Tylee said. 

He looked at her in shock.

She smiled and added, “Castle gossip.”

“Oh,” was all he said.

“Well, it appears you are attracted to a woman’s breasts.” Tylee announced.

Although Tylee was embarrassed to have to be the one to help Sekki through this, she knew Taiki would never be able to.  He was a true Unicorn and Sekki had a point.  Unicorns are not as open about sex.  It was up to her and for once, she was grateful for the frankness of the Bobcat lair.

“Mother, I really don’t feel comfortable about having this conversation with you.” Sekki moaned.

“I know, son, but I need to help you realize what you are feeling is nothing to ashamed of.”

Tylee watched Sekki shake his head, his face burning with embarrassment, but he said nothing. It was probably all she was going to get out of him for now.

“Sekki, sweetness, you need to mate. You should ask Faracy.  I know she is ready.  She loves you very much.” Tylee got to her feet and then helped her son up. She gave him a tight hug. “Remember that you can always talk to me, son. About anything.”

Sekki sighed in relief as his mother left the room. He walked over and sat on his bed.  Falling back and staring at the dark ceiling he mused, She’s right. It's time to ask Faracy to be my mate .

“Faracy?” Sekki quiet voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Sekki…”

“Don’t you want to mate with me?” Sekki asked, panic seeping into his voice.  What have I done? Mother was wrong.  It was too soon!  I should have waited ... But how could I?  Especially after what happened last night!

“But what?”

“Sekki, I would like to have a ceremony like Yume had. Of course much smaller. Do you think we could do that?”

Sekki looked at her, “I will do anything, if it makes you happy, Faracy.”

“Oh, Sekki! That means so much to me.”

“I'll ask Kiri to perform a little ceremony. I’m sure the Princess will let us use part of the gardens.”

“Of course! Anything you want!” Sekki said, catching her enthusiasm.

“Maybe I can go to the Human World to find my dress….” Faracy mused.

Sekki smiled, watching her excitement. He had never seen her look happier.  He sighed with relief.  His mother was right -- all he needed was a mate.

Next Day -- Kaede's Village

"Winry!" Lukana scolded her aunt with a smile. Now Lukana was even more pleased she chose today to visit her friends and to show off her growing daughter to the Village. "I think it's wonderful too, Faracy." She placed the squirming Jin-Kana on the floor.  She ran straight to Mariah and crawl into the seat beside her.

"Thanks." Faracy said, blushing. "I can't believe how fast Jin-Kana has grown!  Is this normal?"

"Well, we don't know what is normal for the Light Beings.  Jin's mother was a full grown woman in 2 years.  Jin grew up a normal rate for a Demon.  I grew a little slower.  It does look like she is going to have a childhood at least. Ah ... Winry, are you going back to the Human World again?  You can take Faracy around the stores."

"Oh..." Faracy said a bit disappointed. Then she brightened. "I didn't know you and Niiro had gotten that close."

"Congratulations! Are you going to have a ceremony too?" Cleao asked, as she entered the room.  She tried to entice Jin-Kana to her. The little girl hopped down and hurried to Cleao, presenting her new rag doll for examination.

"No, we don't need a big ceremony," Winry continued, "...at least not for me. The only reason we're waiting is because he wants to tell his parents and get our house built."

"Faracy," Lukana interjected, "I think Fahd said he was heading back to Human World for a few days. I could ask if he would mind being your escort if you'd like. I'm sure he'd do it. He's really not as dark and broody as he appears."

"I don't just want to go visiting. I want to shop for a wedding dress and rings."

The girls all looked at each other. "Kagome!" they said in unison.

"Kagome," Jin-Kana echoed as she smoothed her rag doll's yarn hair. The Village girls looked at the little girl in surprise.

"Jin-Kana's talking?" Cleao asked.

"For days now. Just a few words here and there, but we were talking about shopping," Lukana reminded.

"That's right," Winry said. "Kagome is the master at shopping sprees followed closely by Tekku. I went with her one day and she darn near walked my feet off!"

Aemi snickered. "Now, Winry, I heard you're no shopping slouch either."

Lukana patted her lap and Jin-Kana ran to her. Lukana helped her daughter take a seat and gave the little girl a hug as she said, "Why don't you girls go with Faracy? Take the boys with you. It would be a fun outing."

Faracy gasped. "But I can't go shopping for wedding gowns with Sekki around!"

"Why not?" Mariah asked.

"Because it's bad luck!" Cleao jumped in.

Winry gave a sly grin as she said, "You can send boys off on their own. Souta can watch over them for that long. Then you can meet up with them in the evening, but remember -- no sex without protection or you could get pregnant!"

The other girls blushed.

"Winry! You've been spending too much time in Human World." Lukana scolded.

"What? It's the truth!" Winry said. "They're going to be mated soon, so what's the big deal?"

"You are incorrigible." Lukana sighed. "Anyway, Faracy, ask Kagome. I'm sure she would be thrilled."

Keiko rounded up the girls:  Faracy, Cleao, Aemi, Mariah, and Kamara.  Arranging a central meeting place, they separated into groups.  Keiko went with Faracy to help her shop for her wedding and Cleao tagged along, surreptitiously buying a few things for her own wedding.  She hoped Athrun would take a hint from Sekki and finally set a date.  Kamara went off on her own to shop for her family.  Aemi and Mariah went together in hunt for some things for their new homes.  In the end they ended up separated too.  Aemi went off to find some new boots for Toboe and Mariah went searching for baby clothes for Al and Aline's expected twins. 

Toward the evening, near their meeting place, Mariah was at an open market checking out one extremely cute toddler's dress.  She heard a collective "Ahhh" behind her and turned.  The rest of the girls had caught up with her.

"So here's where you've been hiding, Mariah! I didn't know you were pregnant,"  Cleao said.

"It's not for me.  Aline is getting close and I thought I'd pick up some things for the twins as well as for Jin-Kana.  Jin-Kana will be able to wear this for at least a month and by the time she out grows it, Al's daughter should be ready to wear it."

"Ready to wear it?  But won't it be a bit big?" Faracy asked looking at the dress.

"Not for Demon babies.  They reach the size of human three-year-olds by their first birthday."  Kagome said.

"What??? How in the world can you keep them in clothes?" Aemi asked.

"I remember when we had our first children," Keiko said with a laugh.  "We cornered Kouga with all sorts of questions and one of them was about clothes.  Do you know what Kouga said?  'Demons let their babies run around naked for the first couple of years'!"

"Father said that?" Kamara exclaimed.

"Yes, he did." Keiko confirmed. "But Kagome overruled him -- good thing or you and your brother would probably still be running about buck naked!"

The girls burst into laughter at the thought while Kamara blushed furiously.

"Are you about done?" Cleao asked Mariah. "We're exhausted and ready to head home."

"Sure," Mariah said as she placed the dress on top of her selection. "Just give me a chance to pay for these."

Kouga had his Wolf Demons waiting at the portal when the girls poured out of the portal.  From prior shopping trips, he expected lots of parcels.  He was right.  The Wolf Demons were overflowing with packages and Kouga soon regretted not bringing a cart.  How could they buy so much in one day?

"Sekki, are you feeling alright? You're all pale except for two reddish points on your cheeks." She knelt at his side and looked closer. “You don’t look very good at all.” She put a hand to his forehead. “Sekki!... You’re sick!"

"I want you to lay down and get under the covers."

Sekki was too tired and miserable to protest; he really hadn't been feeling right for days now -- ever since that night when he saw the Princess.  He sat on the edge of the bed while Faracy took off his shoes and then slid obediently under the covers.

Faracy tucked him in and said, “You stay right here and I'll go get Kaiba and Rin. I’ll be right back.”

Sekki nodded mutely and watched her rush out the door.  I just want to sleep, he thought as he closed his eyes.

Faracy rushed down the hallway to Rin’s room. She knocked franticly but there was no answer. Sighing in frustration, she ran up the winding stairs to the South Tower.

“Rin! Kaiba!” she called.

Both of them looked up as she stumbled into the room.  She leaned against the wall, hands braced on her thighs as she struggled to regain enough breath to deliver her message.

“I <pant pant> need you to come! <pant> Sekki is sick!”

They both rose quickly from their chairs.

“We’ll be right down.” Rin said while she and Kaiba gathered some items.

In minutes they were gathered around Sekki, who had fallen into a deep sleep. Rin felt his forehead and nodded to Kaiba.  She snatched up the bowl she had brought and retreated to the bathing room.  Kaiba reached into his medicine pouch and selected a few herbs.  He put them into a mortar and started to grind them into powder.

"I could use some boiling water," he said.

Rin said, "I'll fetch it," as she handed the filled bowl and a cloth to Faracy.

“I didn’t think Unicorns could get sick…” Faracy said in a small voice. She dipped the cloth in the cool water and started wiping Sekki's face.  The boy groaned slightly but didn't awake.  Kaiba watched for his reaction and then pulled out yet another herb to add to the rest.

“Well, he is part Human and half Bobcat.” Kaiba reminded her as he ground the mixture together. “I don’t know about Unicorns, but even Demons can get sick, although it is very rare.”

"Can't you just use your power to heal him?" she asked.

"Unfortunately, no.  I can heal broken skin or bones.  I can even stop pain.  But illnesses must run their course naturally.  All I can do is provide support through herbs and environment." He opened an eyelid to look at Sekki's pupil.  Rin entered with a bowl of hot water and a stand with which to set it on.  She placed them on the nightstand and pulled a candle from her pocket.  As Kaiba emptied the the mortar contents into it, Rin lit the candle from the nearby lantern and then placed it under the bowl. 

Kaiba looked up at Faracy.  She gazed attentively at him, hoping for some words of instruction and hope.

"These herbs will create a vapor for him. They will help him breath and sleep.  Keep the cold compresses on his head. Rin and I will check on him frequently and replenish the vapor herbs."  He reached into his pouch and pulled out yet another set of herbs.  These he handed to her.  "These are for a medicinal tea.  There should be enough for four strong cups. If he awakes, give him the tea.  Make sure he drinks at least one full cup. Otherwise, just let him rest."

Faracy nodded and took the herbs.  Her forehead wrinkled with worry.

Rin gently squeezed Faracy’s shoulder. “He’ll be fine. Don’t worry. We do need someone to watch over him and let us know if his condition changes in any way.  I know you've had a busy day.  Are you up to this?”

“Yes, of course.” Faracy answered without hesitation.

“Thank you," Kaiba said.  "We’ll ask Tylee to relieve you in a couple of hours so you can get some rest. We do not want you to come down with something too.  We do not know what brought this on or how long the fever will last, but don't worry, we will make him better."

Faracy watched them leave the room.  She reached for Sekki's hand.  Even though they were doing something for him, it didn't help her concern.  Sekki was the most important person in her life.  If she lost him...  No!  She mustn't think that way.  He'll get better.  He had to get better!  They have their whole life in front of them.  She held his hand to her cheek and closed her eyes. 

"Please Sekki, be alright.  I love you so much.  I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."