Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

The Bastard's Gift	By : Nightbloom Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 20057 -:- 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
- 16
- 17
- 18
A/N: Inuyasha and all its characters do not belong to me. (To those very few that commented on Tamotsu’s thought on Sesshomaru’s capabilities… I just wanted an excuse to call Sesshomaru an emotional retard. Lol.)
A/N: Apologies… I have a mostly complete outline but of course the characters took a life of their own in my head and completely derailed from what I wanted… I have Arashi wanting to push the council… Sesshomaru wanting to mate Inuyasha sooner, the baby wanting to come out sooner… and I don’t want to quite rush the ending… so I have some compromises to push things back to the way I want them too. Lol. But don’t get your hopes up just yet on some aspects. And I apologize to the AFF people as I forgot to update the story on this site.
Bastard’s Gift 17
When Sesshomaru had heard that the council was siding with the wolf, his vision went red. They would actually be foolish enough to challenge him? The council was there to help keep the peace, but it was an almost unspoken decree that none of them were to ever question Sesshomaru’s authority. Either the wolf had done some fast talking or the council was actually going to use the excuse to attempt to exert control over him.
Regardless, Sesshomaru would not stand by and let things happen against what he declared.
So he fought the wolf back, took Inuyasha-- and the brat-- and went into the air.
He was certain that his actions were confusing his brother, but he did not care. He would need to make other decisions now and he hated that the council’s decision were affecting what he originally wanted.
Inuyasha was a half breed, and even though he had sought to mate with his half-brother during his heat, he was still just a hanyou. Because of his impure status, Inuyasha had no dealings or obligations with the demon laws so who were the council to try to force Inuyasha into servitude to the wolves?
Although there was the matter of the cubs… it was true that the wolves had a right to claim the unborn cub and possible heir to Koga’s clan. But Katsutoshi? That was a reach for rights. It would be easy to dispose of Naraku’s spawn by forcing his brother to give him up, but then that would go against the promise made to the dead Koga of watching over the cubs until they were ready to fend for themselves.
And it would completely shatter Inuyasha, something that he dare not see ever again. A look of defeat was not suitable on an Inu carrying royal blood, tainted or not. He was the only one that had the right to damage Inuyasha.
His hold on his brother tightened, and he heard a muffled sound of surprise, but he dare not look down. He was positive that Inuyasha was staring at him. One thing he began to notice was that staring into Inuyasha’s eyes cause him to feel things he wasn’t sure he was ready to explore.
X
The wind felt nice as it blew through Inuyasha’s hair, cooling his heated body down.
It did not, however, help cool his red flaming cheeks.
The sudden confrontation with Arashi had honestly left him weak at the knees, knowing that in his current state he would have been unable to defend himself or Katsutoshi.
Had Sesshomaru not arrived when he did, Arashi would have been able to make off with his first born, assuming that was the Asshole’s true intention. The thought that demon nobility would actually interfere in family affairs of a hanyou and nature dwelling demons was boggling.
When Arashi stated that claim, Inuyasha could only respond in defiance while worrying about how he was going to keep his pups out of the wolf’s claws.
Sesshomaru’s arrival sent mixed feeling through him. There was a relief in that his brother could handle the wolf, irritation that he felt such relief, and concern that Sesshomaru would take advantage of the council’s decision and hand Katsu over.
To hear Sesshomaru challenge the decision left him stunned.
The fight between the two was quick.
And the declaration Sesshomaru said afterwards left him floored.
After those words, Seshomaru had turned around and glared at him for a moment.
“You are most fortunate, foolish brother.”
Inuyasha had no time to respond as his brother surged forward and picked him up with ease. When he realized that he was about to leave Katsu behind, he struggled and shouted “Not without my son!”
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and glanced back. For one brief moment, Inuyasha thought he was going to take into the air regardless. But he reached for Katsu, who reacted negatively, and then took into the air, ignoring his son’s demands to be released.
As they flew towards the castle, Inuyasha couldn’t help but stare at his brother’s face. Sesshomaru kept his cold looking face, which he contradicted with his actions and words. Why was his brother suddenly offering to take on the cubs as wards to keep them from Arashi? He supposed his brother could have decided to focus on his honor, having accepted the request of Kouga. But when did that honor come about? Because if memory served correctly, there was nothing honorable about the way Sesshomaru used to persecute him before his mating cycles began.
Inuyasha highly doubted affection had anything to do with his actions. Although with Sesshomaru’s stoic face it was difficult to tell.
Irritation and anger seemed to be the only things Sesshomaru showed, and even that only lasted a short time before regaining his composure.
Before long, the three arrived at the castle and were immediately swarmed by servants.
“Begin preparations for dinner,” Sesshomaru ordered, and the servants took that as an order to move away.
Instead of placing him on the ground, Sesshomaru actually walked him up to the chambers. Inuyasha’s feet finally touched ground as they stopped in front of his chamber’s door.
Sesshomaru then pulled forward his Mokomoko and both of them stared at the sight before them.
Katsutoshi was sound asleep, a small bit of drool running from his mouth and onto Sesshomaru’s fur.
Inuyasha bit back a laugh as he caught the look of indignation on his brother’s face as he reached and picked up Katsu.
He did grunt a bit as he took on the extra weight. His enlarged belly was making it difficult to carry his own child now.
Sesshomaru just opened the door for Inuyasha, allowing the hanyou to enter and make his way to the bed. He lay Katsutoshi down and tucked him in. With a sad and uncertain smile, Inuyasha caressed his son’s cheek and then stood up to face Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru’s cold yellow eyes were focused on him with such intensity that Inuyasha felt as if the air around him was suddenly thick.
“Sesshomaru?” he asked in a cautious tone. It wasn’t that he was afraid of his brother, at least not at the present moment. But the intensity was different from the times his brother hunted him down, but it was still just as uncomfortable.
Trying to read the emotion behind that stare was difficult.
But then Inuyasha had an idea of what was going in Sesshomaru’s head.
“You know it’s not your fault that we were in danger,” Inuyasha started slowly. Judging by the narrowing of Sesshomaru’s eyes, he was either dead wrong or close to what was bothering his older brother.
“And despite what that asshole says, you don’t have to claim the cubs as your wards. Don’t make them force you to do something that you don’t want just because you’re trying to keep your promise to Kouga. We’ll find a way around it without tying yourself to me and my pups.”
Sesshomaru’s eyes flashed red and Inuyasha was certain he was on the right track.
His brother was pissed that he was being backed into a political corner.
“Is that your subtle way of denying this one’s assistance?”
And now he was confused. Was Sesshomaru angry at the council or him?
“Uh… what?” Inuyasha asked, completely befuddled.
Sesshomaru moved up closer to him, and Inuyasha swore he could feel the heat from Sesshomaru’s body.
“You denied this one long ago when you chose to follow the wolf. Are you denying this one now when assistance has been offered?”
Inuyasha felt anger course through him. “You egotistical prick! I’m trying to tell you not to do this if you don’t want me. You made it quite clear that you were not willing to take my cubs when you referred to him as ‘that black bastard!’ So don’t be some cowed mutt with your tail between your legs, bowing down before the council to do what they want!”
Inuyasha slapped his hand over his mouth at his outburst, not at the fact that he just shouted at his brother, but that he was loud enough to wake his son.
Sesshomaru’s eyes narrowed and his hand shot out, grabbing Inuyasha by his wrist, and pulled Inuyasha forward and out of the room.
“What are you doing?!” Inuyasha hissed out, not appreciating the borderline mishandling. Any faster and he probably would have tripped.
Sesshomaru remained silent, his eyes staring forward as he marched towards his quarters.
Barging in through the doors, Sesshomaru swung Inuyasha ahead of him and pushed him towards the bed.
“Watch it!” snarled Inuyasha, no longer having to worry about waking Katsu up. Sesshomaru was acting too weird, and if he was out to scare him, he was real close to accomplishing his mission. Not that he would willingly admit it.
“Am I incapable of changing my mind?” Sesshomaru suddenly said, whirling around to face him.
“Well… no,” responded Inuyasha, confused.
Inuyasha froze as he realized that Sesshomaru was acting like he was preparing to go through with his declaration. His heart really kicked in. He wasn’t stupid. Having Sesshomaru claim him and his offspring would force the council and Arashi to back off, at least for a while, but he didn’t want his brother claiming him.
Or at least, he didn’t want him claiming him for the sole purpose of benefits.
Kouga claimed him for the supposed same reasons, but he had also stated that his intention was to convince Inuyasha to be his real mate.
His mind was not in the right place and had Inuyasha’s mind not been broken at the sight of his friends’ bodies, he probably still would have considered Kouga’s offer, and all because the wolf was honest.
Sesshomaru was pretty honest too, for someone dealing with politics on a daily basis, but not open about his thoughts.
But his inner yokai was relieved at the thought that a stronger demon was willing to claim his offspring no matter what the reason was. Pride dictated that Sesshomaru already controlled enough of his life; he did not want to truly give up his cubs as well.
But then again, he didn’t want to submit to Sesshomaru for the sake of pride, either.
His head hurt with all the reasons to allow Sesshomaru to do as he wished and why he should stop him.
Unfortunately being as large as he was put him at a physical disadvantage, which meant his normal tactics of fighting Sesshomaru to get him to listen to reason was not going to happen.
His thoughts were interrupted as Sesshomaru suddenly picked him up and placed him upon Sesshomaru’s massive bed.
Inuyasha didn’t struggle as he stared into his brother’s eyes that had gone completely demonic.
“Sesshomaru?”
“You are of Inu blood,” Sesshomaru growled. “Human blood may taint you, and you may carry an ookami offspring, but you do not belong to them and they will not have any excuse to remove you from this one. Not while you cannot defend yourself.”
Inuyasha continued to stare. For someone not known to have emotions, Inuyasha began to realize that he could see something deep in his brother’s eyes. However, even he wasn’t completely sure in how to decipher that look.
But he could take a guess.
“You are not at fault for what’s happening,” Inuyasha whispered, trying to talk his brother from going through a possibly irreversible and unwanted mistake. “You do not need to tie yourself to me if you do not wish it.”
“Do not deny family.”
Sesshomaru slid his hand up against Inuyasha’s cheek, leaving Inuyasha’s heart beat fluttering.
When Kouga used to touch him and stare at him like that, there were always clues in his face as to what he was thinking. A soft smile meant he was thinking of something fondly; eyebrows furrowed meant it was something causing pain, a distant memory; a leer meant Kouga was thinking naughty thoughts that made Inuyasha blush.
Sesshomaru… Inuyasha had no idea what was going on in his head and it continued to make him feel uncertain. It made the actions seem forced. And it actually hurt. At least with Naraku he knew lust was his motivator. Lust and the desire to see pain.
Sesshomaru’s hand suddenly swiped down, tearing through Inuyasha’s kimono, baring his swollen belly. Inuyasha couldn’t help but stare down in disbelief, heart pounding. While he trusted Sesshomaru to not hurt him while he carried, those poisonous claws had just sliced too close to his skin.
Inuyasha slightly jumped when Sesshomaru then placed his hand on top of his stomach.
Inside, he could feel his pup stop moving for a moment before it pushed against where Sesshomaru’s hand was, as if testing its strength.
Sesshomaru was at his chamber’s doors in an instant.
“We will discuss this later,” he said, before leaving the room.
Inuyasha struggled to understand why he felt disappointed.
X
Katsutoshi bit back a yelp as his fingers got smacked by the broad side of Ginta’s training sword.
Inuyasha shook his head. “Pay attention to the actions of your opponent for now. Don’t get distracted by things outside your battle area.”
“In other words, runt, don’t look for your father’s approval,” added Tamotsu with a grin, watching from the side.
Katsu let out a sharp snarl. “I am not a runt!”
Inuyasha couldn’t help but laugh as Katsu swung his sword wildly in anger. It reminded him of his youth. Tamotsu didn’t help at all with Katsu’s temperament, laughing while Ginta was blocking his every move. Hakkaku was giving him encouraging words and suggestions, but was apparently being ignored.
Inuyasha placed a hand on his belly and rubbed it.
Kouga’s traits in powerful legs were becoming more noticeable with each kick.
Despite the annoyance of inconvenience the pregnancy had, he found himself looking forward to his new pup. Who would it look like? What would it grow into?
But a small shadow of fear threatened to kill his happy mood.
How long would he survive with two young demon children once he left the safety of the castle, assuming Sesshomaru regained his senses and chose not to take his cubs in as wards? Sesshomaru had been sending scouts to keep an eye out for Naraku, but it seemed that the demon was lying low, and none of them had any luck flushing him out long enough to have an idea of where he was.
It was as if he was waiting for Inuyasha to begin his travels again, because of course fate wouldn’t be kind enough to have Naraku meet his end in an unnoticeable way. And the thought scared him.
Naraku definitely knew how to be patient, something Inuyasha knew he wasn’t completely capable of himself.
With a sigh, Inuyasha glanced around. A flicker of white from one of the castle windows caught his attention and he snapped his head in that direction. Nothing stood in the windows.
With a frown, Inuyasha focused his attention back on his son.
X
Sesshomaru had been preparing a written challenge to the council when the sounds of a mock battle reached his ears.
He set down his quill in the ink well and got up from his desk. Looking outside, he spotted what was obviously an amateur’s training session.
The little black haired spawn was recklessly swinging his sword around, and even from this distance he could see how choppy the movements were.
Sesshomaru’s mouth twisted in disgust.
Inuyasha had handled his sword better when he first got it. The phantom pain that stung his arm solidified that memory to the point that Sesshomaru had to glance down at his arm to make sure it had indeed grown back.
Looking down at the sword training, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to have witnessed a small white haired inu pup practicing in front of his pregnant hanyou.
Brother.
His pregnant hanyou brother.
Sesshomaru recoiled from the window as he mentally corrected himself.
He glanced back down at the challenge letter.
While he usually had a steady and rational stance in dealing with demon politics, these sudden changes and challenges were causing strange thought processes. Then there was the matter of the night prior.
While it was true that he had originally told his brother that he had no intentions of taking on the brats as wards, he had found himself feeling irrationally angry when Inuyasha refused to believe that he could change his mind.
Who did the hanyou think he was? His decisions were his own. The council would never force his hand. By claiming the pups, it was he who was forcing the council to either back down or dare to attempt to wage war.
But then again, it was as if the council was forcing his hand into acting out in a way the council wasn’t expecting. They may not care, but how could he force Inuyasha to give up the only bonds he had with the mate he loved and lost? They were the only thing keeping him sane.
Sesshomaru glanced back up at the painting.
What if he had been the one that successfully claimed Inuyasha that night, and what if he was the one that fell at Naraku’s hand? Would Kouga have fought hard against the Inu clan if they were trying to remove the pups from under Inuyasha’s care?
Sesshomaru knew the answer to that one and once again cursed the wolf for proving himself a better mate.
It just all came back to Katsutoshi.
That damned wolf raised Naraku’s offspring from womb to birth, and onward until the day he died in battle to protect the two.
Maybe he should try to give the damned brat a chance.
But first to seek council from those that had spent time around the brat.
X
Chie looked at her master in surprise. “The boy?” she asked. “He’s a very polite lad. Very protective of his bearer. Now if only that foolish hanyou would stick to bed rest.”
While Sesshomaru was quick to stop anyone from insulting his brother, he knew that insults were her way of trying to remain clinical and detached.
As she poured him another cup of tea, he glanced over at her shrine.
A small portrait of a young smiling male demon rested on her fireplace mantle, incense burning at its sides.
“How long has it been?
Chie glanced at the portrait and sighed.
“Fifty two years,” she responded.
Not long after Inuyasha had been trapped to that wretched tree.
While he did not remember Chie’s son that well, he recalled how stricken with grief his family’s healer was the day he passed away. Then, in a fit of rage, she killed the bear demon that had abandoned her pregnant son and the female that had “seduced” the demon away.
Of course Chie’s son would have taken the matters into his own hand, had it not been for the tragic turn of events. While a feisty demon at heart, he was rather small for his species, similar to Inuyasha’s build. He suffered complications during his last month of carrying and lost the pup. He followed soon after.
It was no wonder Chie was being driven crazy by Inuyasha’s reckless actions.
But the sons of Inu Taisho were made of sturdier stuff.
Inuyasha had cut off his arm in battle, had survived on his own since childhood, and was raising the spawn of a demon that had taken him by force and had annihilated his travelling companions, leaving him along once more.
Chie really had nothing to worry about.
But he would humor the old female and attempt to get Inuyasha to relax as he approached the last month.
“Why are you asking about the pup? Are the rumors true?”
Sesshomaru looked at her. “The council is granting audience with the wolves to challenge this one’s right to the pups. They do have reason since there is no claim other than their previous caregiver and father.”
Chie nodded.
“Different fathers in the siring sense, but both from the same bearer who is of royal Inu blood. The council is foolish to try to challenge that.”
Sesshomaru remained silent.
“Katsu already bears the mark of an Inu. It is the unborn pup that is uncertain.”
“Thank you.”
Sesshomaru stood up. Such a simple thing that had been overlooked.
While he felt he could claim the unborn pup as his ward, he would prefer to not lay claim on Katsutoshi; especially while Naraku was still alive and in hiding.
But Chie had pointed out a most obvious fact.
He would have to think of a way to propose his idea to Inuyasha.
X
Arashi gnashed his teeth as he listened to the council drone on about how they were going to present their case to the high demon council.
While he was willing to add to the discussion, he was plagued with sharp pains that came and went at random intervals. Several times he was tempted to seek a Healer, but he refused to look weak in front of his clan.
Not when he was a new alpha. If any nearby demons became aware of his state… it would be like inviting them to attack.
The pain passed and Arashi quietly sighed in relief.
In a distance, a Samiyoshi hovered in the air, relaying its sight to Naraku.
In a cave, Naraku smirked as he watched the dark wolf through a crystal orb.
The foolish wolf had no idea what he had festering inside him. And he wouldn’t know until Naraku was able to orchestrate another opportunity for the wolf and Katsutoshi to meet.
Maybe it was time for his offspring to learn the fine art of creating dolls. It would make it easier for him to sneak out for a battle.
X
Inuyasha felt his heart ache as he watched a family of fox demons leave the hall.
It seemed they were having problems and sought assistance from Sesshomaru.
Judging by their happy faces, his brother was able to help them.
He watched as the father scooped up the youngest pup, throwing him up in the air.
A gentle hand rested on his shoulder, startling him.
“Dammit, Sesshomaru! Don’t sneak up on me!” he shouted, as he clutched at his racing heart.
“This one called you twice,” Sesshomaru said, calmly.
“What do you want?” Inuyasha responded, a bit perturbed by Sesshomaru’s intense stare.
“This one wishes to speak with you. Come.”
Inuyasha was tempted to ignore him, but the severity of his tone had him follow without a word.
He began to get nervous as he was led into the sleeping quarters, and into Sesshomaru’s chambers.
Sesshomaru opened the door and ushered Inuyasha in.
“Any reason why you make me walk this entire distance? I’m about ready to pop, you know.” He winced as his pup expressed its happiness or resentment of its travel with a series of kicks.
“It’s about our earlier discussion.”
Sesshomaru had dropped his manner of speaking in third person.
“What do you mean?” Inuyasha found himself unable to look at Sesshomaru, staring at the massive bed in front of him. He quickly realized it made him even more nervous.
He shuddered when he felt a hand run through his hair.
“Do you oppose to being tied to me?”
“Oppose?” Inuyasha mentally scrambled to think of a diplomatic response. “You have been most generous and kind to me during my time here, Sesshomaru. Seven years ago you know my answer would have been the same even if you hadn’t asked for me to ‘cull’ my child.”
Sesshomaru actually winced.
“Now, you have me unsure as to why you’re asking me for permission. Would you have taken me by force if Kouga wasn’t there?”
“Of course not.”
Silence.
“Although my instincts were strong.”
“That’s what I thought.” Inuyasha turned to face him. “Is it instinct making you ask me now?”
Sesshomaru didn’t say a word as Inuyasha searched his eyes.
Sesshomaru noticed how his brother’s eyes widened.
“Something has you scared,” Inuyasha suddenly said.
Sesshomaru growled.
Inuyasha snorted. “Sesshomaru, whatever fears you have, or guilt you are experiencing, lay them to rest. Despite the past we shared, and my current state of affairs, I don’t hold a grudge against you. Don’t act on some need to do me favors. I’ll deal with the possible outcome of this political shit, as long as I know you fought a good battle.”
Inuyasha’s eyes were sharp with determination and Sesshomaru could feel his inner yokai reacting to the strong will.
“It is not necessarily guilt that motivates me,” the inu murmured, as he moved into Inuyasha’s personal space.
The hanyou stared at him wide-eyed, not moving from his location.
Sesshomaru took a gamble and closed the distance, brushing his lips against his brother’s.
“There is no need to make a decision now. But do lay with me, only to sleep, and think about it.”
X
The grass was green and the sun was shining brilliantly.
Inuyasha watched as his son chased butterflies, laughing without any worries.
He could see a group approaching him from the west.
He squinted his eyes, trying to focus on the vision before him.
A large grin crossed his face as four familiar faces grinned and waved at him, and a fifth one bounded towards him.
A two tailed cat leapt onto his lap and let out a chirping meow.
“Inuyasha!” Kagome called out.
“Long time since we last saw each other,” said Miroku.
“What are you guys doing here?”
They all looked to the East.
“He found us, and told us where to find you.”
Another figure stood to the distance, and even Katsu stopped playing to look that way.
“Who is it?”
“He’ll come in a moment. We just wanted to see how you’re doing.” Sango sat beside him as Shippo joined Kilala on Inuyasha’s lap.
“You’re so big!” Shippo giggled and placed his tiny hands on Inuyasha’s swollen belly.
“Do you think I would have been a good big brother?”
“A bad influence you mean,” Inuyasha said, fondly.
Shippo giggled again. “You’re right.” He leapt towards Kagome, who caught him in her arms.
Kagome nodded towards the figure to the east.
“Our time is short. And he does want to see you. Just know that we love you. And we want you to be happy. And we are glad that you made it out.”
Inuyasha watched as they faded away.
He could feel a strong presence behind him, but it was familiar enough to not feel any danger. Even Katsu faded away and he found himself looking into his reflection from a slow stream of water, the sky dark with a bright full moon casting a soft glow all around.
Fireflies lazily flew by, casting spots of reflections as well.
Powerful, but gentle arms wrapped around his waist, and a hard body pressed against his back.
“Kouga,” he whispered.
“My pup, my love,” said a soft voice.
Inuyasha wanted to turn so badly to see that face.
“He takes care of you, does he not?”
“I suppose he is fulfilling your request.”
“I wish to see you happy.”
“How can I be, if you’re not here with me?”
“My beautiful pup… I’m always here, waiting.”
Inuyasha turned around to look into those blue eyes he loved so much.
Kouga gave him a small smile. “My kind don’t just disappear in death right away. We wait until we’re needed and form a physical shape to be used by those in need. My ancestors saved me, and someday I may save one of my descendants. But I need you to take care of yourself, too, puppy. Do not dwell on me and the life we could have had. My time with you was worth it all. Your brother takes care of you. But I think he needs you to take care of him, too. Just open your heart and move forward.”
His lips brushed across Inuyasha’s.
Inuyasha’s eyes snapped open.
A dream.
Another dream, although extremely vivid.
He looked around and recalled that he was not in his own chamber this time around, but that of his brother’s. Glancing to his side, he noticed that Sesshomaru was still sleeping. His hair was pulled to one side, draping across the pillows and off the edge of the bed. His harsh look was softened, looking deceptively gentle.
Inuyasha couldn’t help but feel a bit plain and almost ugly next to his brother.
A strong kick to his insides distracted him as he saw how it was still dark outside.
With a sigh, Inuyasha settled back down and just stared at Sesshomaru.
Was that only a dream he had about his friends and Kouga? Or was that a message from beyond the grave?
If so, he wasn’t sure what the message really was about.
Move forward with what? Finding love again? How foolish to consider it meant with his brother, despite the strange mixed messages he was getting from Sesshomaru.
He couldn’t help but feel obsessed with the idea that Sesshomaru was asking him out of obligation.
Still… it would be nice to know that what Sesshomaru felt for him was something more than duty.
With a soft sigh, Inuyasha finally closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.
X
Katsutoshi kicked at a rock as he waited for his blood sire to arrive.
While he was glad for the opportunity, he knew that if his father was not in bed with him, or in his chambers, his uncle had succeeded in luring him to his chambers for the night. And the new moon wasn’t due for another week. So he knew it couldn’t be to leave his scent on him.
He couldn’t be too sure what his uncle’s reasons were, but he knew that in doing so, it would only be a matter of time before his father grew attached to the white haired scum.
He felt as if he was running out of time. He needed to get stronger fast so that he would be able to take care of his father so he would have no need to rely on Sesshomaru.
The strong scent of miasma filled his nose, alerting him to the fact that Naraku was there.
“Did you have any trouble tonight?” Naraku asked.
Katsutoshi shook his head. “I woke up alone. It was no problem.”
Naraku smiled and nodded. “Let me teach you about making puppets tonight. It will help when you need to get away or be seen in one place while you are somewhere else.”
Katsutoshi nodded.
Naraku turned and walked deeper into the woods, and his tiny look-a-like followed close behind.
X
The sun was on the verge of rising when Sesshomaru opened his eyes, his body tense as he tried to comprehend the warmth he was feeling at his side.
A moment later, before turning, the scent of his brother reminded him that it was by his choice that he shared a bed with someone.
He turned to look at Inuyasha and study the sleeping face.
His ears twitched occasionally, and Sesshomaru was filled with an urge to touch them or lick them.
His eyes trailed downwards to the swollen belly.
In a month’s time, he should be ready. He really shouldn’t be wandering around the grounds, far from any nearby Healer’s. He was going to have no choice but to pull rank on his brother and demand he stay put for the duration of his term, preferably in his bed.
There was also the matter of Katsutoshi.
That would be too long of a time to keep him in the castle and getting underfoot. Maybe he could convince Inuyasha to send him off on a nearby camping expedition with Ginta, Hakkaku, and Tamotsu. Make it a training exercise.
As long as an additional scout group went ahead and formed a perimeter around the group.
It might work.
X
“You want to do what?!” Inuyasha’s voice carried and echoed through the dining hall, startling the servants who were serving food to the royal family.
Katsutoshi was staring at his uncle, one side of his faced puffed out from the food in his mouth.
Sesshomaru was calmly sipping his tea, not even looking at either him or his father.
Tamotsu was off to one side, stroking his chin, eyes narrowed in contemplation.
“This Sesshomaru feels it would be beneficial for all to send Katsutoshi on a private excursion with Tamotsu and a select few personal guards.”
“Why?”
Sesshomaru placed his cup down and looked at Inuyasha. “It is customary to send a young pup away for a couple weeks for survival training.”
“He’s only seven!”
“We begin training exercises at five.”
“With all due respect, Lord Inuyasha,” interrupted Tamotsu. “Lord Sesshomaru speaks the truth. Commoners tend to send out their pups at ten, but the royal families have always started at five... assassination attempts and all.”
Ginta and Hakkaku, who stood behind Katsutoshi, glanced at each other. “Wow. That’s a bit harsher than what we do with our cubs.”
“You wolves are meant to be more of a pack. While we work well with others, we Inu’s are more solitary creatures. Training away from parents force the pups not to look for their acknowledgement. Helps make them stronger,” Tamotsu explained.
“With Naraku out there…”
“He has not been seen on our lands.” Sesshomaru resumed drinking his tea.
“Arashi…”
“Will be busy preparing for the meeting in a week.”
Inuyasha growled. “No.”
“Please?” The plaintive request caused everyone to look towards Katsutoshi.
He knew he would be taking a chance if he did what his uncle wanted. It was obvious that he was trying to spend some time alone with his father, and with his father getting ready to deliver any time now, he really didn’t want to be far from him.
But if this training added to what he knew to help him get stronger, he would be able to protect his father and take him away from Sesshomaru before any real damage was done.
He didn’t like seeing the pained expression on his father’s face, but it was necessary. So he widened his eyes and let his bottom lip tremble. “Oh, please, can I, father?”
Inuyasha closed his eyes and let his head fall forward, thumping against the table, barely missing his plate of food. His father let out a groan.
“Just promise me that he will return.”
“Lord Inuyasha, I will watch him carefully,” said Tamotsu, bowing low, a large grin on his face.
Katsu grinned at his father while his own emotion didn’t really match what he was portraying. After all, it wasn’t out of want, but need that he was doing this. Although by the looks of it, it seemed the soldier liked the idea of taking him out on his survival training.
As his father and uncle talked about preparations for the trip, Katsu thought quickly. This would be a great opportunity to spend more time training with Naraku. A doll would go with the group and record everything taught. He may even keep a spare, should he need one to keep an eye out and spy on the guards to know what rotations and routes they would be taking.
And if he really wanted to…
Yes. Despite his uncle sending him away from his father so close to both the new moon and delivery, he was willing to take advantage of the training.
X
Inuyasha couldn’t help but feel nervous. Yes, his son had been without him for a few days before, but it was unexpected. This time, he was letting his son go without him and it just didn’t sit well with him.
It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Tamotsu and the rest of his men. After all, Ginta and Hakkaku were also going, as well as Kohaku.
It’s that Katsu was not going to be surrounded by walls as well.
He let out a sigh, earning the attention of his child who was kneeling by his side, checking on his bag.
“Everything will be fine, Father. I’ll come back stronger than before and soon you won’t have to rely on Uncle Sessho.”
Inuyasha couldn’t help but chuckle. “Is that your plan?”
“Yes!”
With the big grin Katsu was giving him, he couldn’t help but relax a bit. It seemed Katsu really was looking forward to this. It would be wrong to dampen his spirits by projecting how worried he was about the whole situation.
“I’m sure you will do well. Just make sure you listen to Tomatsu and the others.”
Katsu nodded and then picked up his sack.
“Katsutoshi! Let’s go!” Kohaku called out.
Inuyasha watched as his son bounded towards the horses the group was taking.
“He will be fine,” he heard Sesshomaru say.
“He better,” Inuyasha growled. “I’ll be in my room.”
“You will spend your time in my chambers.”
“What?”
“The new moon will be upon us. Katsutoshi will not be here. Therefore, you will stay in my chambers.”
“That makes no sense! Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru!” Inuyasha growled again as he waddled after his brother who was walking away from him, and ignoring him.
X
The first night wasn’t as eventful, as half of the actions he knew from observing his father during their travels. Only this time he was made to start the fire and sharpen some sticks for fishing in a nearby pond. He would be learning how to go hunting both with and without weapons, and he knew that he would have to feign ignorance on that aspect.
What he was really looking forward to was “the game.” He would be part of a smaller team forced into hiding from the bigger team. By stalking and “killing” the other members, he would be able to grow his own army. But because his team was small to begin with, he would be learning tactical retreats.
Nothing that his father knew about according to tales he had heard.
Knowing a rough idea of when certain activities were planned, Katsu knew when he was going to be able to substitute himself for a doll and when he was not. Being that his hands were cramping a bit from whittling the wood, he decided that he wanted to be a bit lazy.
X
Inuyasha lay on his back, trying not to flinch as Sesshomaru rubbed his stomach, giving him that contemplative look. He wondered if maybe his brother wasn’t use to any pregnant demons and was secretly in awe about the life in him?
Recalling how Sesshomaru had practically fled the first time he felt the pup in him react to his touch, Inuyasha was also secretly amused by his brother’s current reactions.
He would pause each time the cub kicked, and then moved his hand around and pausing once more, as if waiting for movement. Sometimes another kick would be felt, and sometimes it was as if the cub were stretching.
But at the same time he was a bit worried. Just a few months ago, his brother had mentioned having no desire in seeing him in his human form. Now, he was being ordered to stay in his chambers during his final weeks.
What was going on in his brother’s head?
X
Sesshomaru could tell from Inuyasha’s breathing that his brother had fallen asleep.
The lack of movement from his womb indicated that the cub was resting as well.
He stared at his brother.
He had to admit that he had gotten use to his brother’s presence here. The palace hadn’t been as lively since Rin was still a small child. Now that she was older and approaching a human’s mating age, she was calmer. And thus the castle had gotten more silent, especially when she was on her extended trips into the village.
Although he was forced to admit to himself that it was his fault for suggesting she take those trips.
With Inuyasha present, it had given the servants a job to do, some unwilling but respectful, most happy and amused. Having been raised without royal upbringing, and only having the wolves as role models, his didn’t have the class boundaries the servants were use to handling.
It made them feel connected, and he supposed it was only fair that after years of being ridiculed and shunned, he be accepted by his people only because he seemed more like them.
But honor was playing a part as well.
Because of honor, he knew that he could not let his brother fall into the hands of the dark wolf and the dark hanyou. He needed to be as brave and selfless as Kouga was and care for cubs not his own. And if Inuyasha agreed to it later on, maybe produce a cub or two with him.
Sesshomaru glanced towards his door, imagining what the interior castle would be like with white haired inu children of different ages running through the hall ways.
What a disaster.
…Yet how appealing the image was as well.
With a sigh he realized it had happened, something his mother had warned him about over the years.
“Unless you’re completely as cold as a dead fish, you will reach a moment when all you want to do is sow your oats. I’m too young to be a grandmother but I’ll be damned if you provide me illegitimate pups. You better have yourself a suitable mate.”
Was Inuyasha suitable enough?
If she didn’t think so, it would give him even more reason to choose him.
Especially since by taking Inuyasha as a mate, it would make his two children her grandchildren. And he was positive it would just annoy her to no end that her first two grandchildren were not sired by Sesshomaru.
X
Red eyes stared at one another before glancing back at the camp. Tamotsu was discussing plans for the following days and Katsutoshi was left out of it as some of those plans were surprise challenges.
He didn’t mind. Real challengers were unexpected, after all.
But while they were discussing their objectives, he whipped up a doll on his own.
It looked, and smelled, like him.
As if facing a mirror, both figures reached up to touch each other’s face in disbelief. Both smirked and then turned to face away from each other; One to act as if he had been preparing to go to sleep the entire time, the other sneaking off into the woods.
X
Naraku hated to admit that he was a bit concerned that there were soldiers camping out just a scant few miles away. And judging from the smell, Katsutoshi was with them.
How reckless.
It seemed Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were letting their guard down, probably because he had been able to avoid being detected for so long.
The only problem was going to be in Katsutoshi’s ability to get away for more training.
A small snap of a twig was his only warning.
Naraku grinned at the sight of his spawn approaching.
“I see you were able to get away,” he purred.
Katsutoshi shrugged. “No. Not tonight.”
“Pardon?”
“I didn’t get away. I’m just here to let you know that my creator won’t be making it tonight. But I will tomorrow.”
With those words, Naraku watched as the figure in front of him disintegrated into ash, revealing a paper doll.
A moment of silence.
Naraku began to chuckle before release a full out laugh. His little offspring was indeed showing signs of learning fast, and if he was able to master a doll so shortly after learning about them…
He couldn’t wait until he was able to absorb his precious treasure.
TBC…
- 16
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- 18
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The Bastard's Gift