Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

The Bastard's Gift	By : Nightbloom Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 20048 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: Canon characters and the show of Inuyasha do not belong to me. No money is being made with this piece of fiction.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
A/N: Inuyasha does not belong to me. Fan piece created solely for the amusement
of myself and others.

Bastard's Gift 16

Jaken knew he was being spiteful as he spewed out disrespectful things about
his Lord's half brother. After all, years of saying such things were habitual
now, and at least he kept from saying such things in the presence of nobles
and most of the servants. He even admonished any servant that dare say such
things about young master Inuyasha.

But he couldn't help but feel angry at how Inuyasha remained so distant from
Lord Sesshomaru considering that the older demon had every right to refuse
Kouga's request and cast out the young lord, children and all, into the cold,
cruel world.

Sure, his master didn't exactly show off his mild admiration of his brother,
but Jaken knew of the painting above Sesshomaru's study. It was one of the
very few rooms that Inuyasha was not allowed to enter, and with good reason.
Inuyasha would undoubtedly ask questions that would make his master uncomfortable
and therefore angry.

Jaken's thoughts stopped as a chill went down his back. Whirling around,
he felt his little heart stop at the sight before him.

The dark haired brat was up on the window sill very clearly attempting to
climb down.

He couldn't help but screech in terror as he thought of all the possible
outcomes if the demon brat lost his grip and none of them ended well for
either one of them. Inuyasha or Sesshomaru would kill him!

"You reckless brat!" he shouted as he started to make his way to the window.
A creaking sound caused him to pause, and looking up, he saw the large book
case against the wall teeter for a second, and then began to fall.

From the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Katsutoshi grin before dropping
out of sight as bottles of ink and scrolls began to fall around him as the
whole case came down.

X

Sesshomaru was walking past the study where Jaken held his tutoring when
he heard a loud noise come from behind the doors. Pausing in his step, he
debated on whether or not to investigate as he wasn't sure if he would be
willing to deal with whatever it was that he heard.

Swallowing back a sigh, Sesshomaru pushed against the door and blinked as
he tried to understand what he was seeing.

Broken bottled were strewed everywhere, as books and scrolls created a large
pile underneath a shelf that was tipped over, resting against the study's
desk.

Dripping sounds were heard as ink continued to pool on the floor.

The books began to move and a shaky arm emerged, followed by a small green
body.

Jaken.

Sesshomaru remained silent, waiting to be noticed.

The imp looked confused as he practically swam out from underneath the mess.
Looking up, he froze when he realized his master was looking at him.

"Lord Sesshomaru!"

"Clean this up."

Sesshomaru turned and walked out.

X

Katsutoshi chuckled to himself as he dropped the last couple feet to the
ground. Meeting Naraku on the mountain side certainly had its advantages
as stairs were no longer the only option of getting up and down the castle
walls.

He wondered if the book case had collapsed on top of Jaken and caused major
damage. And if he survived. But there was a desk nearby that looked sturdy
enough to capture the book case. Chances were the imp survived to annoy him
another day.

He clapped his hands to get rid of the dirt and turned around to step away
from the wall.

A sharp knock to the side of his head made him see stars as his arms flew
up over his head to protect it from any further attacks.

"Ow!" he whined, looking up, cheeks red with embarrassment as he felt tears
build up in his eyes.

"What do you think you are doing?!"

His father stood above him, sword in one hand, his other hand rolled up into
a fist. His father's eyes were blazing with fury and Katsutoshi couldn't
think for a second what it was that had his father so riled up. Did he somehow
know that he had used his tentacles to weaken the bottom plank of the book
case so that it would tip over?

That couldn't be it. The sword meant his father had been training down in
the yards so it was impossible to see what he did from where he stood.

Behind his father, he could see more proof of that as the guard Tamotsu was
sheathing his sword, and Ginta and Hakkaku were even further behind, jaws
hanging open.

"What did I do?" Katsu whined, having only once been on the receiving end
of his father's wrath. He couldn't help but feel shocked and upset that he
had raised his father's ire.

"What did you do?!?! You were climbing down the walls like some insect! You
could have fallen!"

Katsu internally sighed. So his father was only worried about him getting
hurt. He wasn't really angry then. Although the bump that was growing on
his head would argue otherwise.

"I'm sorry," he said, turning his watery eyes up towards his father. "I was
training myself. I want to learn to fight, too! Not just read books."

"How does climbing down stone walls train you to fight?" Inuyasha snarled.
"And weren't you suppose to be studying with Jaken?!"

Katsu swallowed his pride and continued acting like a small newborn pup,
similar to the wolf cubs he had seen when they were in the caves. "I told
you. He doesn't like me," he said in a small voice. "And then he got boring
repeating the same stuff everywhere. So when he wasn't looking, I tried climbing
to make my arms strong so that I can carry a sword."

"What?"

Tamotsu chuckled. "It seems he's growing up to be as restless as his fathers."

Inuyasha growled back at his guard. "Don't encourage him. He'll take any
similarities of me or Kouga as compliments."

The guard stepped forward. "Little lord, simply seek us out instead for your
training when Jaken frees you from his studies. I'm sure Ginta and Hakkaku
would love to help you get use to swinging a sword."

The two wolves grinned and nodded. "Kouga would have loved that."

Katsu grinned, the pain on his head ebbing away. So he had escaped true
punishment for doing something his father thought was reckless and ended
up earning an opportunity to train with a sword. While Naraku was teaching
him to be quick with his tentacles, which was suited for both close and midrange
combat, he wanted to wield a weapon as well, just like his father.

"Can I?"

His father did not look happy at all.

"You're too young."

"Nonsense," muttered Tamotsu, scoffing at such a weak reason and earning
another glare from Inuyasha. "My parents started training me when I was half
his size."

"It will give us more time to watch over him, Master Inuyasha," added Hakkaku,
winking over at Katsu.

Katsutoshi could see that his father was relenting as his shoulders dropped.
"Okay. I suppose so. But wooden swords only at this point, you hear?"

Katsu whooped in elation as he jumped up and down.

"And no more scaling walls!"

"Yes, father!" Katsu smiled at his father while he mentally crossed his fingers
behind his back. No more scaling where I can be caught.

X

Jaken shot out of the room as he realized that after having been told to
clean up the mess in the study, he had completely forgotten about Inuyasha's
offspring escaping through the window. Was he unharmed? Surely he would have
heard panic by now if something had happened. After all, there was no body
underneath the window.

Looking down the hall on both sides, he saw that the servants were cleaning
the floors and furniture and were doing it with their usual speed.

He cleared his throat. "One of the cases collapsed in my study," he said,
as the servants turned to look at him. "Someone get a carpenter and get all
available servants to come into the room. I already managed to retrieve the
undamaged items from underneath the case."

Without another word, and ignoring the grumbling that ensued, Jaken walked
nonchalantly down the hall. Once he turned the corner and was out of sight,
he ran down the closest set of stairs and ended up crashing into a pair of
legs.

Jaken flew back, squawking in surprise. Looking up, he saw Kohaku giving
him an amused grin. "Where are you off to?" he asked.

"Inuyasha's son escaped me again and I have no idea where he is!" Jaken replied,
since the statement was pretty much true.

"He's out near the barracks, training with the soldiers."

Jaken mentally sighed with relief. The he growled. "Foolish brat."

"Ease up on him, Jaken. After all, he's roughly the same age as when you
first ran into Rin. Surely you haven't forgotten how fleeting a child's attention
span is already."

"But he's a demon and the son of a lord. And a former ward of another lord.
He lacks the discipline he should have!"

"Well, I don't know about that. I've seen him. He can be pretty focused when
the right thing interests him."

Jaken pouted.

"I think you just have to find something that gets his attention and go with
it. Why don't you let him choose what he wants to learn? Just once."

"I'll think about it," Jaken sniffed, assuming that the brat would probably
want to study children's stories.

X

Inuyasha sighed as he suddenly felt tired, which was getting more and more
frequent as his belly grew. He was a bit more than halfway through his pregnancy
now and he was no longer able to run about as fast as he used to, nor leap
high into trees, which pleased Chie to no end.

Her harsh words seemed to have simmered down as Inuyasha found himself growing
more immobile as each week passed.

He was having a harder time chasing after Katsutoshi, so he supposed the
sword training would be an effective way of keeping an eye on his wayward
son.

In the four and a half months that he'd been here, Katsu and he had yet to
travel to the lower levels of Sesshomaru's kingdom, much less to the villages
that lay just outside the fortress walls.

Word had arrived that a merchants' festival was occurring and he really wanted
to go, now that his son expressed interest in learning how to use a sword.

And so while Katsutoshi was picking out a bamboo sword to train with, through
Tamotsu's guidance, Inuyasha made his way back to the castle.

"Poppa's tired," he said to his son, when those red questioning eyes looked
back at him. "Go ahead and practice with Ginta and Hakkaku."

Once inside, he sniffed the air to track his brother. And asking one of the
servants helped narrow down the search as well.

It seemed his brother had retired to his private chambers.

Inuyasha took a deep breath when he found himself standing before them. He
hesitated for a second, and then decided to just go for it. He banged on
the door.

"Sesshomaru! Can you open up, please?" he shouted through the door.

He kept knocking loudly against the door until it opened up, revealing a
very disgruntled looking inu yokai standing on the other side.

Inuyasha refrained from grinning, but he had to admit that he had come to
enjoy seeing his brother lose his cool around him. The first couple months
had been rather tedious and at the same time unnerving, not knowing where
his brother stood with him.

But as he got to become familiar with the layout of the castle, and the servants,
he felt that old desire to test his brother's patience return.

He wasn't insane enough to provoke a sword fight with his brother, but that
didn't mean he wanted to tease his brother to the point of making him loose
that stiff face he always had.

"Why are you at my chamber's doors when I have not asked for you?" Sesshomaru
growled.

"My son needs a few swords to train."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, waiting for Inuyasha to continue.

"And I'm not about to forge a sword with my fangs for him yet until he is
properly trained."

Sesshomaru's other eyebrow raised up to be matching in height.

"I wish to go to the merchants' festival taking place in the village just
outside the fortress walls."

Both eyebrows dropped and almost met in the center.

"No."

"It's the best place to go!"

"We have sword forgers here."

"They all went to the festival!"

"Wait for them to return."

"Their best wares are for sale there. I don't want to wait. I need a training
sword quickly."

"You will be open for attacks."

"I'm not exactly asking to go alone! Tamotsu and the others will come with
me. Besides, no one has heard from Arashi's clan or Naraku in a couple months!
It will only be a two day trip and we'll be back here."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes even further.

"Grant me this favor and I'll do whatever you want. Within reason, of course."
Inuyasha mentally kicked himself. Being pregnant was making him way too willing
to barter services quickly.

"You will not abandon your guards."

"That's what you want?" Inuyasha was surprised. That was a reasonable request.

But then his brother took on a slightly sly look that made him feel wary.

"That is the condition for any travels out of the castle without my presence.
My request will come later assuming everything goes smoothly and you do not
find yourself in any sort of trouble."

Inuyasha gave a quick nod and a small smile, even though inside he was a
bit nervous at the look on his brother's face.

He turned and walked away, glancing back. Sesshomaru stood at his door, his
piercing gaze not wavering at all.

Inuyasha turned away, cursing himself as he felt his cheeks heat up. That
look was familiar. Kouga use to have it all the time when he was deep in
thought while staring at him. Of course when he snapped out of it, Inuyasha
usually found himself pinned against the furs. Angry with himself that he
was running away like a low breed dog with his tail between his legs, Inuyasha
continued to hurry away from his brother's line of sight.

X

When Sesshomaru first heard Inuyasha's request, he was determined to completely
disregard it, deny his younger brother, shut the door and be done with him
that day. However, something kept him from shutting the door and he listened
to his brother's request.

Seeing his swollen brother stand before him with wide eyes, and taking the
time to ask a favor for his child, filled Sesshomaru with strange thoughts.
What if it was his own pup growing inside Inuyasha? What if the child running
around his castle had silver hair instead? And hearing the promise to do
a favor in return, sent a strange thrill through Sesshomaru's body.

On the nights of the scenting, he was the one going through most of the motions.
And he had to admit it was interesting to hear the soft whimpers and moans
come from Inuyasha's lips. But how would it look to have Inuyasha move over
him, with his hair draping down like a curtain.

He did have a right to request a union with his brother. But then again,
with not one but two pups not his own, Sesshomaru wasn't sure if he stomach
the potential gossip and rumors that would commence once other nobles heard.
It was different if he had sent him off with someone else, as taking in the
two pups would be part of the price and agreement of such a union. But for
Sesshomaru to take them? What benefit would he get from them?

Of course there was also the fact that Inuyasha would be unlikely to follow
through with any of thoses requests.

So in the meantime, he informed Inuyasha that he would ask of his request
at a later date. He had business to attend otherwise he himself would have
accompanied Inuyasha to the country side. As it stood, he was going to have
to trust his guard to keep an eye on his brother. He had not heard a word
from the wolves all this time, and despite the warning of staying off his
lands, it was only easy to enforce that within the fortress. Beyond the gates
it would only be by chance if all the people of his domain was aware enough
to report suspicious activity.

A festival such as the Merchants' one that Inuyasha wanted to attend was
going to give access to many visitors.

At least Tamotsu was well aware of Arashi and his clan.

X

Katsutoshi mentally leapt with joy as the large gates before him opened.
To be able to leave the fortress with his father was amazing! Sure they had
company, but he didn't mind. Jaken and Kohaku were outside the carriage,
managing the demon horses.

Tamotsu and several of his men were riding alongside them.

Of course he could have dealt without was with having to wear such decorative
clothing. He missed the clothes that his father had made. The satin and silk
felt nice but he felt like he had to be careful not to get it dirty.

His father looked beautiful in the regal garments, like a true prince. He
even had to wear a small crown at the base of his pony tail that he usually
wore when he was travelling outside the castle.

Katsu climbed up onto his father's lap and kissed his cheeks. "I'm so happy,
Poppa!" he said, as he looked into his father's eyes.

Inuyasha gave him a large smile.

There was one more thing that Katsutoshi didn't like more than the ridiculous
outfits he wore. Katsu wasn't too thrilled that the servants also used face
paint on his father when he was heading out of the castle or meeting delegates.
Not the white stuff like when he had to do the public ceremony, but the paint
used to match the moon and eyelids that Sesshomaru had.

It was a way to mark his father as belonging to the older Inu and Katsutoshi
didn't like it one bit.

It made the three of them look like family and he really didn't want to be
connected to Sesshomaru in any way, except for maybe being taught how to
fight with a sword. Of course he would rather attempt to learn by himself
than even thinking of asking his uncle to show him.

By the time they arrived at the village, it was already evening. Word had
arrived by air to the inn they were going to stay at so several rooms were
already prepared for them. Katsu had to admit that at least Sesshomaru's
people knew how to treat royal visitors. One entire wing was devoted entirely
to them, and while the guards were sharing four to a room, Inuyasha and
Katsutoshi were sharing four rooms that had the rice paper walls removed
to make one large room.

Servants poured in with plates of food for them to chose, and Katsutoshi
felt more at ease with this setting than the banquet table at the castle.
It has been such a long time since it was just his father and him sitting
alone enjoying food and quiet.

The guards were only standing outside their room's entrances, and none made
the offer to come in. Not even Hakkaku and Ginta or the human Kohaku, which
Katsu wouldn't really have minded, but it would have forced his father to
keep up a conversation with someone other than him.

Jaken kept popping in to make sure empty plates were removed, but his appearances
were quick. His father was kind enough to thank Jaken each time. Katsutoshi
only kept from stretching out his leg at opportune moments to send the kappa
from flying. It would have been nice though. But it probably would end with
another knock to the head from his father.

At least he now had time to talk to his father about what had been going
on in the castle.

"Are you happy with Uncle Sesshomaru?" Katsu asked suddenly, surprising his
father.

"What do you mean?" Inuyasha asked.

"Well, we haven't been bothered by the wolves. And you don't seem to be as
scared as when we were coming to see Uncle Sessho. Are you happy here with
him?"

Inuyasha sighed.

"He's the only family I have, Katsu, other than you. Right now, it's not
about being happy, but about getting along."

"But you look happy when training."

"Of course I look happy, Katsu. There will be a short time in which I won't
be able to move like that, so at least while I can, I'll train. I'll keep
working my arms and after your baby sibling is born, well, we'll see from
there."

"What if Sesshomaru decides he wants to keep my baby brother or sister as
a ward and you as a mate?"

Inuyasha took in a deep breath. "What makes you ask that?"

Katsu stared at his rice. "Some of the demons say things."

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. "Like what?"

"Things like they're just happy for Uncle Sesshomaru. And that you would
make an excellent mate. And that they felt sorry that Sesshomaru would have
to wait a long while before you could provide pups."

Katsu watched as his father turned red.

He hadn't been lying. In the few months since their arrival, he had heard
such comments and it made him angry. He definitely did not want his father
becoming mate to Sesshomaru. It should only be him and his father. At least
until the new pup was born. Then it should only be the three of them.

Uncle Sesshomaru was never in his plans.

"I can't say that will or will not happen," his father admitted. "I don't
think your uncle sees me as a potential mate. But he may try to partner me
up with someone in the future, or at least offer choices. It is tradition.
But don't worry, Katsu. We'll be gone before that happens."

Katsu let out a small sigh of relief.

If he really took the time to think about it, it was unfair to keep his father
from finding a new mate. And to be honest, he would prefer his uncle over
some stranger. But if things were to go his way, then his father would never
need a mate. Or maybe when he was old enough, he could be a potential mate.

Shortly afterwards, the servants came in to remove all the plates and Inuyasha
and Katsutoshi settled down for the night. Katsu feel asleep with one hand
on his father's stomach, feeling the pup inside move around before it also
settled down.

X

The streets were filled with people that were laughing, talking, and having
a good time. Vendors were shouting out about deals on their wares and those
who noticed nobility among them bowed or curtsied but refrained from taking
up too much time of their young lord and his son.

Hakkaku and Ginta walked beside them, their new armor shining under the sun
with fabric badges showing their honorary rank in Sesshomaru's army.

Tamotsu stood ahead of them with two more flanking from behind.

Despite their laid back posture, all guards were vigilant of their surroundings.
None of them wanted to be the one to report to Sesshomaru that Inuyasha was
injured due to their carelessness.

Katsu did his best to keep a smile on his face even though he felt annoyed
with how these demons and humans flocked to them to say hello.

They soon spotted a stall that had some swords on display. Inuyasha grinned
and walked towards them. "Hello?" he called out.

"Welcome to my humble shop, young Lord," an elder demon said as he stepped
out from inside.

"Thank you," Inuyasha responded. "I'm curious to see your wares."

"But my swords would not match any in your current possession."

"But I know that Totosai trained you for a while and the sword I seek is
not for me, but for my son." With those words, Inuyasha placed a hand on
Katsu's head and pushed him forward.

"Ah, so this little one wants to learn the art of sword fighting. Well, let's
get some measurements."

"Measurements? I don't need more clothes, do I?" Katsu asked.

Inuyasha and the demon laughed. "My boy, a sword is an extension of your
own body. If not the proper length and weight, you might not be able to wield
it properly. You being a growing boy, you won't have the proper length for
long, but at least you'll have a sword you'll grow into and make due with
until another one is prepared." The demon looked at Inuyasha. "Has he practiced
with anything?"

"Just a bamboo sword."

"Those are incredibly lightweight compared to a sword of metal or demon bone.
Well, let's get those measurements."

And so Katsu endured as the demon measured out his arms and hands with different
strings. With a thoughtful "hum," the blacksmith went towards one of his
wooden sword stands and pulled up a couple of wooden swords, holding them
out before settling with one. He came back over to Katsu and knelt down in
front of the dark child.

"I have a practice sword just your size," he said. "This will allow you to
get use to holding a sword as well as practicing a form. It has some metal
inside so it is heavier than a bamboo sword."

Katsu held it out, wondering how much heavier a real sword was going to feel.

The demon looked up to Inuyasha. "So you wish for a sharp blade or a dull
one?"

Inuyasha grinned. "Dull for now. That'll be dangerous enough for the little
guy."

"I won't cut myself!"

"It's not you I'm worried about. It'll be your trainers."

Inuyasha and the demon blacksmith both laughed as Katsu pouted.

"I shall have this order ready in three days."

"So soon?" asked Inuyasha, looking surprised.

"Well, my lord's orders always take precedence over all others."

Inuyasha frowned. "I really don't like being given special treatment. If
you have other orders, you can complete them first."

"Nonsense. Do you have any idea how thrilled my clients will be to find out
who delayed their orders? And by word of mouth, the news will spread as to
who entered my shop causing various others interested in weapons to come
check out my wares. Even more so when they find out that you chose me to
forge your son's sword. You have done me a great service. Allow me to return
the favor by expediting your order."

Katsu grinned with glee, both at the thought of having his sword to train
with in a scant few days, and how pretty his father looked when he blushed
all embarrassed.

"Very well," Inuyasha responded, giving the weapon maker a quick nod. "We
look forward to what you produce."

The two exited the shop, rejoining their guards.

Almost immediately Katsu noticed some demons rushing into the shop.

It seemed the demon sword maker was right.

X

Naraku glided through the woods surrounding the town that he knew Inuyasha
and his spawn were currently visiting. He suppressed his powers to avoid
detection, and just relished in the knowledge that Inuyasha was so close
and continued to be unaware of the danger he was in.

His attention was grabbed by the sound of a pack of animals running through,
startling small birds and animals, causing them to flee.

He jumped up into the nearest tree and watched as he noticed that it was
a pack of wolf demons.

They slowed down and stopped a few yards from where he hid.

With narrow eyes, he watched as a dark skinned wolf demon sauntered up into
the center of the group.

"My faithful followers," said the wolf demon Arashi. "Today we challenge
the claim that white mutt has on our bearer and the future offspring of Kouga,
as well as Kouga's ward. While he may have threatened us a couple months
back, be assured that he will not follow through with his threat while we
have the backing of a few neighboring kingdoms. One way or another, we will
gain back one of our runaway kin. Now let's go."

Naraku narrowed his eyes. From what he had seen and heard, this sly wolf
spoke lies. He knew that he wanted nothing more than to take Inuyasha as
his bitch and kill off both the dark haired brat and the unborn pup in the
hanyou. His insect spies had been following the wolf since he caught wind
of his interest in Inuyasha.

But Naraku had prior claim. He would not let this wolf spoil his plans.

X

Inuyasha's ears perked upwards as the distant sound of howls echoed the air.

The humans only noticed that something was amiss because the demons all slowed
down and stopped what they were doing before turning to look in the same
direction.

The festive sounds became quiet and an unsettling feeling ran through the
village's population.

X

Sesshomaru was looking over some documents when he came across a sealed scroll.

Narrowing his eyes, he popped the seal open.

He quickly scanned the contents of the scroll as he unrolled it, and his
eyebrows furrowed in annoyance and anger.

After all this time, it seemed as if Arashi and his wolves were making their
move, and through political underhanded means.

While it seemed as if they backed down on seeking Inuyasha, they were laying
claims on Katsutoshi and the unborn pup.

Though Kouga had written a request for Sesshomaru to guard his cubs until
Inuyasha could protect them himself, a direct challenge of ownership for
the pups could have noble councilmen supporting the wolves. Unless they were
still smart enough to fear him and not go against his word.

And while the thought of Naraku's offspring being gone from his kingdom was
appealing, he knew his brother would be devastated, and even more so if he
was to be forced to give up Kouga's pup.

For some reason, that angered Sesshomaru even more.

He loathed the dejected look Inuyasha had that day he looked upon the corpses
of his human friends. And he hated the sense of failure that struck him to
the core, knowing that he wasn't able to do anything to erase that look.

He couldn't help but equate the sight of the dark haired brat with the failure
of procuring Inuyasha as a mate and providing adequate protection.

Not to mention, Kouga and Inuyasha spent seven years together.

That wolf demon was a better being in raising that spawn as his own.

Was his affection of Inuyasha truly that powerful enough to override the
most basic instinct of eradicating an offspring not his? Oh yes, Sesshomaru
could suppress it himself, but back then, he didn't want to.

Comparatively, he was a better choice as a mate to Kouga, as he had more
wealth, power, and status. He was more evolved, living in a heavily fortified
establishment built by the hands of many as opposed to a dirt filled cave
that the more primitive demons flourished in.

But Inuyasha chose to live in dirty cave with the wolf rather than with him.

Thinking about that kept annoying him. And so did the thought of wondering
what it would take for his brother to also look upon him with the same looks
he gave his child and the growing belly he would caress.

His head snapped up as he caught the sound of wolf howls in the distance.

So the pack was finally making their move.

With a growl, Sesshomaru stood up and moved towards the window.

He leapt out, transforming into a ball of light and shooting across the sky.

X

Katsu stood behind his father as Inuyasha growled, hand at his Tetsusaiga.
Humans were hidden in their homes while demons were scattered throughout
the town, watching, and waiting. Several wolves had formed a half circle
in front of him and his father.

A familiar dark wolf demon moved forward, a vicious grin across his face.

"Arashi," Inuyasha hissed. Katsu glanced back and could see their guards
weaving through the crowd of bystanders, fast approaching.

Tamotsu, Ginta, and Hakkaku arrived first, flanking his father's sides, weapons
drawn.

"Inuyasha," Arashi crooned, earning a growl from the guards and him. "I'm
sorry. I meant to say, Young Lord Inuyasha."

"What are you doing here? Lord Sesshomaru told you what would happen if he
caught you on his lands," growled Hakkaku.

Arashi gave him a sharp glare. "I see Kouga's little wolves have settled
in well. I thought the backbone they were growing was temprorary. But they
really should remember their place"

"We know our place. It's to be by Inuyasha's side," Ginta snarled.

Katsu noticed that the nervousness that use to fill Ginta's voice was gone,
replaced by a strong, steady, and determined voice. No fear marred that
declaration.

Arashi continued to grin, but Katsutoshi could see the anger flashing in
the wolf's eyes.

"And Inuyasha belongs with us."

"Over our dead bodies!"

Tamotsu stepped forward. "Lord Sesshomaru has the right to Inuyasha as Daiyokai
and eldest blood kin."

Arashi pulled back with a bitter chuckle. "My apologies. My clan has currently
conceded with that notion. However, the pup that grows in his belly and the
cub standing at his side belong to the wolves, and Sesshomaru has no right
to them. The black haired brat comes with us!"

Swords were drawn from both sides as demon wolves and inus growled and the
remaining bystanders scattered. Tamotsu pushed Inuyasha back, hand on Inuyasha's
sword hand.

"Young Lord, leave this to us. Use your sword only as needed. Head back to
the inn. Word has been sent to the remaining guards to await your arrival
and to send a messenger bird to Lord Sesshomaru. Now, go!"

Knowing his father, the thought of letting someone else fight his battle
would not sit well with Inuyasha. But their eyes met and Katsu knew his father
would do anything to keep him safe. However, his father wouldn't know that
it wasn't that necessary anymore.

Grabbing his son's hand, Inuyasha turned towards the inn and began to run.
At the same time, the wolves lunged and the inu soldiers countered the attack.

"Dad! Let me fight!" Katsu pleaded, fighting the urge to pull back. He didn't
want to accidently pull his father down.

Sounds of clashing metal could be heard echoing down the streets, as well
as the sounds of snarls and yelps.

Inuyasha continued to pull him away.

X

Tamotsu didn't give a damn what the rules really were about who owned the
pups or what. But he knew his lord. Sesshomaru was not one to express himself
from the way he had been raised, but he knew from experience that fondness
was what Sesshomaru felt for his brother.

Although, to be more exact, fondness was the emotion Sesshomaru didn't understand
that he was feeling for his brother, and Rin, and even the little green kappa
Jaken.

How else to explain the willingness to keep his brother at the castle with
a written plea as an excuse? And even if he cared nothing for the son of
Inuyasha, he obviously understood that losing Katsutoshi would damage Inuyasha
beyond repair.

Tamotsu couldn't understand why Lord Sesshomaru just didn't claim the pups
as wards. No one would question it like in the past. People would understand
it was to keep his brother's family together.

Until Lord Sesshomaru acted upon that, Tamotsu would fight to keep Inuyasha's
son safe with him. And so here he was, grappling with a wolf, a supposed
alpha who technically should be treated with the same respect as his lord.

"Those cubs aren't going anywhere, you primitive beast!" Tamotsu snarled.

Someone suddenly wrapped an arm around his neck, pulling him off the dark
wolf. He was spun around and saw a set of claws aimed for his throat.

The Inu soldier dropped himself to the ground and kicked out, knocking his
attacker back. Scrambling up, he followed up with his sword brandished. It
was only after he injured the demon did he realize Arashi was gone.

X

Katsu could see the relief in his father's face as they spotted the inn ahead.

"Almost there, Katsu," his father said.

Inuyasha stopped short as a dark blur landed in front of him.

"My darling Inuyasha," Arashi purred, a sinister grin on his face. "It's
best you just give up the pups. The socialites of the demon society do agree
that my clan has the rights to those brats. Of course, if you choose to come
with us and be my mate, you would be able to keep them."

"Mate? You're looking for a bitch, and I can never bring myself that low
and submit to you. And these pups will never be yours."

"You can't do anything about it."

"But this one can."

Arashi leapt back as a wave of killer intent lashed out at him, and a graceful
figure landed before him.

Sesshomaru stood proud and tall, sword drawn.

Arashi sneered, recalling the last encounter that started off like this and
got into a defensive stance. "What can you do? As leader to Kouga's former
clan, I have all rights to those cubs."

Katsu growled as he held onto his father's pant leg. Why did Sesshomaru have
to show up? His father had good bodyguards. They would have been enough.

"I have the support of the surrounding kingdoms. The unclaimed pups belong
to us. We have no right to Inuyasha, so you, being his older brother, may
continue the right to offer him sanctuary. Unless he chooses to follow the
cubs."

Katsu watched as his uncle glanced back at them. His eyes narrowed. His uncle
would love to get rid of him.

X

Sesshomaru felt his blood heat up with rage as Arashi spoke of his rights.

Reading the decree was bad enough, but hearing it spoken in Arashi's arrogant
voice was worse.

"Until this Sesshomaru has spoken with the council, the cubs will not be
handed over to you. After all, they hold the blood of a dying clan through
Inuyasha."

The wolf in front of him actually had the audacity to snarl and shift into
a fighting stance.

"Inuyasha."

"What?"

"Move back."

Sesshomaru ignored the growl that came from his brother as he too prepared
for what was sure to be a quick battle.

The wolf made the first move as Sesshomaru parried. As much as he wanted
to carry out his threat of killing the flea ridden wolf, with the support
he was receiving from nearby kingdoms, it would be detrimental to the treaties
he also held with the clans.

The best he could do would be to gain some time by humiliating the wolf and
send him retreating.

Which meant this fight needed to be quick.

Arashi lunged at him once more and Sesshomaru sheathed his sword, ducked,
and using one hand, pushed Arashi's arm to one side and with the other, used
the palm of his hand to strike against the wolf's armor.

Sesshomaru moved back into his more regal pose, claws sizzling as Arashi
was sent flying into a nearby stall.

Gouge marks were burning into the wolf's armor.

Katsutoshi couldn't help but feel a bit impressed at how toxic Sesshomaru's
claws were. He had seen the strike. His uncle had only grazed his claws against
the side.

Arashi limped out of the broken remains of the stall. His eyes were blazing
and he was growling and snarling.

"If you think this Sesshomaru will allow any who carry the Inu blood to mingle
with some primitive cave dweller who does not even come close to standing
up to Kouga's honor and nobility, you are sadly mistaken. Set up a council,
animal. Let them try to order this one into surrendering this one's future
wards."

X

Naraku opened his eyes as he felt the shock and revulsion of Katsu at
Sesshomaru's words.

Anger coursed through his veins as well as disbelief.

So the Daiyokai felt it necessary to state an intent to claim the cubs. And
it was all thanks to that wretched wolf who thought he had what it took to
replace Kouga.

The dark skinned demon would need to be taken care of one way or another.

A smile flashed across his face. There was something he could do that would
further build a bond between him and his offspring. He would just need to
set it up.

X

Arashi crashed through the brush, well ahead of his followers. The white
Inu lord was going to pay for the public humiliation he had to endure.

He didn't care if the Elders bowed down to the final choice of the council,
he would rage war against Sesshomaru.

How he wanted to continue with the attack right then and there, however,
the rest of his group had been subdued by the guards. Nearby demons who admired
the pompous ass were also beginning to surround them.

He had no choice but to leave.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp stinging sensation on the back of
his neck.

"Shit!" he cursed as he slapped his hand over the spot that stung.

Checking his hand, he didn't see any blood, nor did he see any insects, regular
or demonic, flying around.

Shaking his head, he continued forward, staying ahead of his pack, failing
to see the figure with red eyes and a malicious grin watching him from the
tree tops.

X

Tamotsu couldn't help but grin as he watched his lord fly off into the air,
brother and kid with him.

Ginta and Hakkaku looked at him suspiciously. "What are you grinning at?"
they asked, trying to wipe dirt from their faces.

"You didn't catch the end of their argument before that dark wolf took off,
did you?"

The two wolves shook their heads.

"Lord Sesshomaru pretty much stated that he would take the cubs as wards
if only to keep Inuyasha away from him."

The wolves grimaced. "Somehow I don't think that's anything to laugh at.
Inuyasha won't be too happy about that. And Sesshomaru cares nothing for
the cubs. That's easy to see."

Tamotsu shook his head. "Lord Sesshomaru cares very much for Inuyasha. And
that will be enough for him to follow through with his proclamation."

Seeing the doubt on the wolves' faces, he couldn't help but laugh. "I spent
a lot of time with Lord Sesshomaru. Trust me with this."

After all, his lord was a rather emotional retard when it came to understanding
and acting out on feelings. He would rather claim that it was instinct.

The best example would be his time spent with Rin. He never said an affectionate
word towards the human girl. Yet he leapt to her aid when she needed it most.
And now, when he could have easily slaughtered Inuyasha's son and forced
him to abort, he did not.

Sesshomaru was beginning to treat Inuyasha and his sons in the same manner.
The thought was nice.

X

Katsutoshi was not happy at all. He couldn't believe his uncle actually stated
that he would take him in as a ward. He was so sure that Sesshomaru would
never take him in, allowing him and his father to leave when he was strong
enough. He was going to be forcing his father to go back on his word.

The quick fight with Arashi was impressive, but that small admiration he
felt quickly went away when Lord Sesshomaru dared to lift his father like
some weak female.

And his father was not thrilled judging by his face when he was lifted up.
It was bright red, so he had to be mad. At least, Katsu could only hope that
his father was mad.

Not to mention he had been ready to take off, leaving Katsutoshi behind with
Ginta, Hakkaku, and Tamotsu. But then he suddenly reached for him with that
stupid Mokomoko and then took off into the air!

So there he was, riding on top of the white fluff, glaring at the back of
his uncle. Someday he would be tall and strong enough to do the same so that
his uncle would never be needed again.

Katsu resisted the urge to bite into the fur, uncertain just how attached
it was to his uncle. Instead, the thought of rubbing his face and blowing
snot onto it appealed to him, up until he began to rub his face in the fur.

It was very soft and silky. And it felt nice.

Katsu mentally growled. It was comfortable enough to fall asleep on. But
if he blew his nose into it, he would have no place to rest his head. And
he really felt tired now that all the excitement was done.

With an unhappy sigh, Katsutoshi refrained from blowing anything onto the
fur and settled for taking a quick nap.

To be Continued�
- 15
- 16
- 17
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The Bastard's Gift