Shard 18 Gift

Above the battle, the Inu no Taishou watched as the youkai and ningen loyal to him gifted him with their skills, training, and blood.  The field changed from the tender green of the beginning of spring to crimson with the blood of his and Ryukotsusei’s men.

His thoughts then focused not on the battle before him, but she had taught him that not all gifts could be purchased with gold.  No, she had taught him that the most precious gifts were purchased with blood.  The gift of her innocence, paid for with blood and a smile.  The gift of children; a girl who never drew her first breath, and a son who was as quick to anger as to laughter, both purchased with blood and a smile.   

“Watch over them Myoga,” he ordered, heading to face the dragon.  Now was the time for him to give her the gift of his protection and he would pay the way she had taught him with blood and a smile.

Far to the West, tears fell from violet eyes as Izayoi held close her infant son and accepted the gift.