AN: A gift fic written for the wonderful Ixaix's birthday.
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Butterfly Blessings
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On a late summer evening, Kagome and her mate, Sesshomaru, sat upon soft furs in their garden. Rin and Shippo entertained themselves playing games with the palace children. On a nearby bench, cane in withered hand, Sesshomaru's great-great-great-granddam sat, wizened eyes reveling in the chaos.
Bees buzzed about the late-season blooms and kaleidoscopes of butterflies flitted in between them.
Upon the furs Kagome lounged, gaze skyward, pointing out shapes of various creatures. Sesshomaru relaxed beside her with his legs crossed. Their firstborn, Kastuki, perched upon one leg. Old enough now to hold herself up, she leaned over her father's sturdy arm. Determined little hands reached for the flying insects that were much too quick for her.
"If you're not careful, himago, that One will catch a stinger," Granddam's shaky yet resonate voice called above the children's joyous cries.
Sesshomaru stared back at his relative resisting the urge to sass the elder. "My daughter cannot reach them."
"He'd stop them from touching her if that weren't the case, hii-obaasan," Kagome said as she sat up. Long fingers brushed white downy hair from her daughter's cobalt eyes. "Sesshomaru is our great protector. Isn't he Katsuki?"
Before Granddam had a chance to retort, a beautiful butterfly drifted down in lazy circles between the adults. Iridescent scales of its wings reflected rays of sunlight. Trails of yoki flowed behind the insect like kite tails.
Concern crossed over Kagome's face. Reiki flared, prepared to protect, but she felt the weight of her mate's free hand on her thigh. Golden eyes glowed with reassurance.
"We are safe, mate."
Granddam waved a skeletal hand at the insect as it traveled between them. "The creature is a messenger from our ancestors."
Kagome held her breath as the being flew close and hovered before her. It changed its path and crisscrossed over Sesshomaru, then made a single circle above Katsuki's head.
The butterfly dove, landing gently on the infant's nose. As if understanding the importance of such a moment Katsuki stilled, eyes wide. Antennae brushed the crescent moon adorning her brow. Bright blue wings with black patterns and silver accents shaped like crescent moons fluttered open. The wingspan covered the entirety of Katsuki's face. She scrunched her eyes closed, smiling wide as the wingtips tickled her skin. Too much raw excitement bubbled up in the hanyo pup, and after only moments with the beautiful creature, Katsuki squealed her delight. She shook her fists and waved her arms as best she could in her father's secure grip.
"If only I had a camera," Kagome lamented to her mate.
"Hn," Sesshomaru nodded, committing the moment to memory as best he could.
The butterfly stayed a moment longer through Katsuki's laughter. Then, with a small, comforting wave of yoki, the butterfly disappeared.
"Your young one's been blessed by our ancestors, himago," Granddam spoke with purpose. "She'll follow in your footsteps."
"Not all of them, I hope," Sesshomaru said ruefully.
"No, not all of them," Kagome agreed.
The sun began to sink over the hillside, drenching the gardens in pink and orange light.
"Come, hii-obaasan," Sesshomaru spoke as Kagome began gathering the furs and calling for their elder children. "It is time for us to turn in."
Holding his daughter in one arm and guiding Granddam with the other Sesshomaru lead the way down the garden path. Kagome followed behind with a cheerfully exhausted Rin and Shippo.
Together, as a family, they crossed the threshold into the palace.
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AN: According to the internet Katsuki means "Summer Moon", hii-obaasan means "great grandmother", and himago means "great grandchild"
Idk why, but I adore the idea of Sesshomaru having extended family: cousins, uncles, and a great elder who is multiple millennia old and loves Kagome and their kids the most.