Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Unexpected Circumstance	By : Neptunesdemon Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 13382 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all its characters are not owned by me. I do not make any profit of of this, it is purely for entertainment.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Title: Unexpected Circumstance
Author: Neptunesdemon
Archive: Fanfiction net; Mpreg mailing list
Category: Mpreg, romance, drama
Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru
Rating: M
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Yoai, OOC, incest, non-con, lemon, OC
Author's Note: Gah! This took a while, but it was really hard to write. This is a result of major writer's block. I realize I have corrections to make in previous chapters, especially about me writing that Kouga's from the east when he's from the south. Why did no one correct me? Anyway, that'll come in due time. For now, enjoy this chapter.
xoxoxoxox
Inuyasha groaned as he rolled his shoulders and tried to pop the kinks out of his neck. Tetsusaiga was hanging in the grip of his left hand, as his right tried to massage the kinks away as well. This had been the tenth, no wait, eleventh demon he had to fight, and it was the seventh he had to actually kill.
It had been this way since they had started traveling for the Western Lands.
Inuyasha had gotten up the day after Sesshomaru had learned what was going on back at the palace, and revealed the plans to his friends. They had listened carefully and had slowly thought it over, and before Inuyasha could work up the nerve to say his goodbyes, Kagome had chirped that she couldn't wait to see the palace up close.
Miroku had started on about how there must be some beautiful women in the court. Sango, being a demon slayer always willing to learn more, was excited to find out how the royal dwelling of a youkai was run.
It would seem that he had gained company, and secretly Inuyasha was grateful, even though he loudly refused their company. He objected until his face was red, and finally it was when Kagome took her usual stance and gave him her stubborn resistance, that he folded. Usually he would carry on, but he really did want them to come along.
He had informed his mate, who he could tell was relieved to be leaving the ningen village after residing there for quite some time. Rin had been happy and Shippo excited as young people usually were when encountered with something new.
After a day of packing, Inuyasha spending most of the time settled in the familiar tree and taking in the surrounding forest, they were finally off. Kaede sent them off with some medications and a soothing syrup for Kazue's growing teeth. Inuyasha had waited until the others were far ahead of him, having sent them off without him, before he was giving the old woman a hug.
Kaede had only gently laughed, her hand stroking the hanyou's silver locks in a motherly way, before sending him off.
Then they had traveled West, Sesshomaru carrying a gurgling Kazue in a carrier tied to his back and hand-made by the sympathetic mothers of the village. He had accepted in secret, after refusing it in their faces, and now he used it so that he could have his arms free as he traveled.
They had only made it a few miles from the village before the first two demons appeared, huge hulking boars that made Sesshomaru sneer in disgust. Inuyasha growled in warning and the others went on alert.
"So, we see you've been bred after all." One of them laughed, before hawking and spitting at the inukai's feet. "To think our brothers fell to a pathetic bitch like you."
"It was this pathetic bitch that struck your brothers down and came out in victory." Sesshomaru reminded them. "You boars are all bulk and no brains, and a smell to match your gargantuan size. To think your leader thought himself worthy of this Sesshomaru."
"Huh!" The second one grunted, his hand holding a spiked-club in its grasp. "You still don't know your place. We'll show you and then toy with your little pack before killing them."
The two had barely taken a step before the boar with the club fell to his knees clutching his throat, blood seeping through his grasping fingers. Then he was falling forward, eyes rolling to the back of his head as his blood spilled over the ground.
The other looked up in shock, his eyes meeting the glowing red of the hanyou he hadn't even paid attention to before. The inu-hanyou had his sword held up and pointed at him, covered in the blood of his comrade.
"Hey, ugly, he's mine! You watch your fucking tongue before I rip it out!"
"Why, you! I'll kill you, too, damned half breed!"
He had lunged and was met with Tetsusaiga buried in his expansive gut, ripping him in two. With the stupid creatures dead, Inuyasha merely cleaned Tetsusaiga off before returning it to its sheath. His eyes met Sesshomaru's and the older inu gave the slightest of nods before Inuyasha was stepping forward.
Kazue was handed off to the closest pair of arms and then the two were gone in a flash. Kagome could only blink down at the boy in her arms, before she was looking off to where the two had run off.
"Are we going to have to expect this every time Inuyasha kills a challenger?" She questioned with a sigh, Kazue trying to reach for her hair.
Miroku chuckled, but was soon leading them forward, knowing they would be found by the two mates when they were done.
"Two newly mated demons, especially when power is involved, will always react in such a manner." Sango informed the miko, walking beside her and playing with Kazue as he cooed and fussed. "Just wait until we reach the palace. If Inuyasha comes out the victor of those challengers, we'd have to clear the room before the children see anything inappropriate."
The two brothers had returned, Inuyasha grinning like a maniac and Sesshomaru somewhat disheveled, but still his calm and cool self. Kazue was collected with a cold glare to the miko, Kagome only sighing with a shake of her head, before they were heading off again.
They traveled for close to a week, meeting more demons along the way. Some fought to their deaths, others easily backed off when they found Sesshomaru was already mated, and one young dragon prince by the name of Seiichiro had managed to fight and still keep his life. Inuyasha had let him off easy with a warning, and Kagome had given him some food to travel back with, after Sango had treated his wounds.
The young dragon-demon had gawked in confusion at first before bowing low and giving his thanks. After a few rounds of games with the children, he was heading off with a promise that he would inform his clan and people of the invincible and kind-hearted new Daiyoukai.
Inuyasha had only given his usual scoff, before he was easily leading them off again, Sesshomaru calmly regarding his brother's hidden pride. Then they had come across the lizard demon that was now a bleeding, motionless heap on the ground. He had been defeated before he could even open his mouth to challenge Inuyasha verbally.
"Let's get going." Inuyasha announced, cleaning of his sword and re-sheathing it. "I don't want to wait for another asshole coming across us to just get his ass kicked."
The group had agreed and gone on without any objection. The palace was less than a day's ride off, and that meant Inuyasha was soon to come face to face with the council members.
The rest of the journey went smoothly, and sooner than Sesshomaru would have liked, they were standing in the distance with his father's palace looming up ahead.
"So, this is where you live?" Inuyasha asked, his arms crossed and his eyes taking in the grand structure that would become his new permanent residence. "I like the forest better."
Sesshomaru merely ignored him, before his eyes were focusing on the sight of a lone demon riding out to meet them. The wind carried the scent to him, and he would have growled had he not had the skill to compose himself. He had never liked this particular demon, a council member only placed there due to his father's favor, who was a member himself.
"Something's telling me I'm not gonna like the guy coming for us." Inuyasha grumbled out, and Sesshomaru nodded.
"I warn you, otouto. He holds no favor for me, and I can honestly say he would never court me, but I can assure you that he is your first challenge."
Inuyasha only scoffed, his hand resting on Tetsusaiga, before looking over the glade at the approaching figure.
"Bring it on."
xoxoxoxox
In all his years having served on the council to the Western Lord, Ishimaru had never thought he would live to see the day when the proud and bold Inu no Taisho was lowered to nothing more than a breeding bitch. The news had filled him with bitter amusement and when he was alone in his private chambers, he had allowed himself to laugh.
He had never liked the previous Inu no Taisho. Lord Touga was too compassionate a leader to gain his affection, and he had despised Sesshomaru. The young inu had always rubbed him the wrong way and his nonchalant arrogance had always been an insult in Ishimaru's eyes.
But now, Ishimaru felt fate was on his side. He had been given his chance to rid the Western Lands of inukai rule, now that the recent Daiyoukai could no longer hold his desired title. He had no intention of mating with the inu, he would never lay with dogs, but he would instead wait for the opportune moment to strike. Someone was bound to gain the title of Lord soon, probably one of the old bastards of the court, and he'd easily over come them.
As his mount trotted closer to the small pack that had accompanied the inu-youkai, Ishimaru let himself smile. More humans to add to Sesshomaru's already rising disrespect? He was truly his father's son. Only Touga had the compassion and love for ningen, it made sense his child would turn out the same. It was shameful, and an added burden to the new truth of his being a child-bearing male.
The dragon he was mounted on came to a halt in front of the stoic demon, and Ishimaru's smile was more mocking than condescending as he bowed in greeting to his lord.
"Lord Sesshomaru, it is good to have you back within our lands." He began, deep-red eyes looking back at amber. "Though I have heard troubling news and do not wish to think it true without beholding it with my own eyes."
The gurgling of a baby had him looking to the carrier on the Daiyoukai's back, and he didn't think to hide his malicious smile.
"Then it is true." He began, nodding at the child. He watched Sesshomaru stiffen at the gesture. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen."
"Hey, jackass!"
The outburst had him turning to who had dared to insult him and he nearly fell off of his dragon as the speaker stepped forward. This was impossible. He had known that Lord Touga's second son had survived, but he did not expect him to be here, did not expect him to be in good graces with his older brother.
"The hanyou!" He blurted out, shock written all over his face. "You've allied yourself to your father's shameful offspring! Have you any other shameful acts that you wish to reveal? Dare I ask if this monk is the sire of your bastard child!"
"You son of a bitch!" Inuyasha burst out, Tetsusaiga drawn. "Who the fuck do you think you are talking to my mate that way!"
Anger filled Ishimaru as he glared down at the older inukai, who silently watched him, his face still impassive. The look of disgust, anger and pure hatred that Ishimaru threw his way seemed not to affect him, and the badger demon snarled before growling in rage.
"You dare to show your face back in these lands, mated to nothing more than a despicable half-breed!" His voice was a booming yell, his hands gripping the reigns of his riding beast tightly. "Was it not shameful enough to have become impregnated against your will, that you did not rid yourself of the child and that you had sullied your father's already tarnished name, making a mockery of the kingdom of the West! You insolent little bitch!"
"You're gonna pay for that asshole!" Inuyasha was screaming before bounding forward.
Ishimaru easily leaped off of the two-headed beast to meet him, the two racing for each other claws and teeth bared.
"ISHIMARU!"
The badger stumbled to a stop at the commanding voice, knowing he could not disobey the one who had willed him to stop. Inuyasha still charged forward, his eyes bleeding red and wanting nothing more than to ruthlessly murder the demon in front of him.
"Inuyasha."
His mate's voice had him halting in his tracks, and he looked back to Sesshomaru in confusion, receiving the slightest shake of his head. He'd listen for now, but one more thing out of line from this bastard and Inuyasha would have his head.
They all turned to find a group of older demons, one not too far past his prime and the rest in comfortable old age coming forward. Ahead of them was a withered old badger demon, his weight supported by a gnarled wooden cane and his gray hair neatly held back in one. The tail trailed over his hunched shoulder and his face handsome even with the wrinkles of old age.
He walked with four other demons, the lot of them a mismatched group. Inuyasha steadily watched as they approached, with his eyes raking over each one. He glanced over the smirking fox, whose silver eyes smiled back at him before he turned to whisper something to the scowling youkai beside him. That one was a lizard demon, his greenish-yellow eyes glaring at Inuyasha and his pack behind him.
Whatever he had been told made his scowl twist further, and he literally hissed in the hanyou's direction, before glaring back at Sesshomaru. The other two weren't as old as the badger, who was now murmuring to the seething Ishimaru, whose red eyes flicked back and forth between the two brothers.
One was a bear, comfortably gray in fur and though in his animal form, he stood straight up like the rest of them. Calm eyes looked over the new set of strangers behind the demon he knew as his lord, before he blinked and slowly turned his gaze onto the small child nestled in its carrier. With a snuffle, he was settling to all fours before lowering to the ground, content to wait until the younger demons had been settled.
The last was an old toad, who grumbled to himself as he glared back at the hanyou as well. Occasionally, he glanced at the silver-haired youkai who stood waiting for things to go calm again, and then he was staring at the group of humans that had followed after Lord Sesshomaru, but his gaze settled back to the hanyou. He made a rude noise in the dog-eared hanyou's direction, before he was shuffling closer to the bear, who only gave a yawn as the toad-demon took to standing beside him.
Inuyasha snorted in the toad's direction, before he was directing his still red-flecked eyes to the youngest member of what had to be this blasted council. Ishimaru was at the moment having a heated, and yet near inaudible, debate with the older badger.
The elder won, and then rust-colored eyes, dulled with age, were looking to Inuyasha. The Daiyoukai bared his teeth unwillingly, standing straighter and free hand curled into a fist as the old youkai did so. The badger merely blinked, before he nodded in what Inuyasha took as respect and was then whispering to Ishimaru again.
"It would seem that finally you have graced us with your return home, My Lord." The older badger began, his voice soft and holding a touch of warmth. "After such a long absence, I am sure you have much to tell us. However, I would prefer to do such within the privacy of the palace walls."
Sesshomaru nodded, and Inuyasha steadily re-sheathed his sword when his brother gave him a look that suggested he do so. His eyes never stopped looking at the new demons in front of him, and he especially couldn't hold back from promising murder to the bastard who had dared to insult his mate.
"I welcome you back home, young Inuyasha." The old demon then said, his eyes smiling to him and then to Kagome and the rest. "I welcome you all. If you'll be so kind as to follow us, we'll have you all settled in private chambers in no time."
As the demons who came to meet them started off, Ishimaru sending Inuyasha one last murderous glare, Sesshomaru turned to face his brother, beckoning him closer with a mere tilt of his head.
"Taijiya, miko."
The two females perked up at the call of their titles, blinking in shock to each other before looking back to Sesshomaru.
"You will follow behind the council and you will be on your guard." He told them, his amber eyes steadily watching his advisers lead the way. "Inuyasha will travel with me. I must speak to my brother privately. Monk, you will do well to keep an eye on Rin and Shippo. If any harm should befall them, I will be sure you will pay with your life."
And there was the old Sesshomaru they knew and didn't quite love. At least he was back to normal, which was hard to say if they were pleased or not. Miroku and the rest nodded to show their understanding of his command and then Sesshomaru was taking hold of Inuyasha, the two lifting towards the sky on the soft cloud that the youkai had not used in quite some time.
Inuyasha was still grumbling and gritting his teeth as they soared above and beyond those traveling the ground on foot. Sesshomaru knew he was angry, as he himself was ready to tear Ishimaru apart, but it would have to wait.
The palace was soon beneath them and he lowered them into his own personal garden, startling the few kappa that were busy tending to it. He merely waved them back to their work, and with worried glances to one another, they did as was expected.
Inuyasha would have taken in the scenery, had he not been seething and bubbling with anger. He was growling, unable to stop himself, and pacing back and forth.
"This way."
His brother's voice was easy enough to follow, and Inuyasha stormed into the open doorway, unaware of the two servants kneeling beside it. They easily slid it closed, rising to give a bow before hurrying off, Sesshomaru nodding to them.
"Ishimaru." Sesshomaru had tried to begin.
"WHAT!" The word was a boom of a yell, enough to startle the pup, who instantly started crying.
Sesshomaru threw him a glare, before he was tending to his son, Inuyasha slinking closer with a regretful look on his face. Inuyasha leaned forward to nuzzle the crying pup as Sesshomaru tried to hush him, before he was nuzzling his mate in apology as well. He couldn't help his anger though, that damned badger would rue the day he insulted his family.
"His name is Ishimaru." Sesshomaru began again, unconsciously returning the affection. "He is the son of the old badger who had interrupted your fight. He has wanted the throne as far back as I can remember. Tale has been told that at one time the badgers ruled over the Western Territories, and he wishes to restore it to the way things presumably were."
Inuyasha stopped to listen, his hand still petting the now quieted pup's head, Kazue happily chewing on a curled first as red-gold eyes glanced around in infantile curiosity.
"Oh, yeah?" Was all the hanyou managed, turning to look about the room they had entered.
It was grandly decorated, everything red, white, and gold. The furniture seemed to rarely be used and the artistic decor was most likely under-appreciated. His eyes took note of the doors that lay open, revealing a far grander bedroom and large low-rise bed. It held posts at all four corners, silk of red billowing in the gentle breeze that seemed to be flowing through the suite. The bed seemed to be rarely used as well, but that would change soon enough.
Before he could even start any sort of erotic daydreams, he saw the cradle not too far off from the bed, and he physically slumped in disappointment. Even here there would be no privacy, at least not until Kazue was old enough for his own room.
"So, this Ishimaru, is he my only enemy?" He questioned, turning back to find his nephew happily suckling at Sesshomaru's breast. His older brother had seated himself at the small high-raised table, which was already set with tea. He blinked as he realized that he hadn't noticed it before. Then again, he wasn't sure that it had been there. Sesshomaru's servants had to be fast, if they were getting in and out without him noticing.
"You should consider them all your enemies." Sesshomaru carefully told him, Inuyasha not missing the slight frowning of his brow for a short moment. Kazue must have nipped him, as the boy's teeth were steadily growing out. Hopefully the boy would wean soon, as he could see the previous Daiyoukai was getting irritated with the occasional nips his pup kept giving him.
"Okay, so they're all against me." Inuyasha huffed, taking the other open seat, and leaning an elbow on the table so that he could prop his head in his upturned palm. "Anything else you think I should know before I have to prove myself to those sons of bitches?"
He felt the glare and turned to his mate with a look of apology, knowing how he felt about swearing around his son.
"My Lord, finally you are here!"
Inuyasha groaned at the voice and then looked to the little kappa that came waddling into the room, before groveling at Sesshomaru's feet. Tear-filled ears glanced up at the obviously annoyed youkai, who was now righting himself to a decent state, with Kazue done feeding.
"I've been so worried that you would not return!"
"Jaken, stop groveling." Sesshomaru demanded of him in his monotone voice, as he beckoned Inuyasha closer with a mere flick of his wrist.
Inuyasha frowned at that, but figured he'd let it slide, just this once. He stood from his chair and stepped forward, only to have Kazue handed over to him, so that Sesshomaru could focus on the green toad in front of him.
"What the heck do you want me to do?"
"Follow your instincts." Was all Sesshomaru said, before he was focused on Jaken again. "Tell me, Jaken. What have you heard while I was away?"
Inuyasha sighed, and looked to the baby in his arms, the boy smiling up at him and reaching out for his hair. Inuyasha easily slipped it behind his shoulders with a toss of his head, before he was gently rocking the pup and hoping sleep was next on the infant demon's agenda.
His ears easily twitched as they listened out for whatever it was the imp was reporting back to his master, catching wind of Ishimaru openly voicing his dislike of Sesshomaru and how it was time for a new Daiyoukai. Well, there went that. Though he wasn't exactly Daiyoukai, Sesshomaru still had more power than that pontifical ass would ever hope of grasping.
"A considerable amount of suitors have appeared to court you as well. Many were easily turned away, but one, though he left before you returned upon hearing you were traveling closer. He vowed to meet you, a young dragon prince, by the name of Seiichiro." Jaken rambled on, Inuyasha looking up at the dragon's name.
Sesshomaru merely nodded and Inuyasha snorted, Jaken looking between them a bit confused.
"Among those suitors was none other than Shirogitsune." Jaken said with all haughtiness. "He even overlooked the preparation of your rooms. The cradle he ordered made by the best carpenter the Western Lands could offer. I would think he would be the best choice for you to take as you are now in search of a mate."
"That's where you're wrong, ugly." Inuyasha burst out before Sesshomaru had any chance of saying a word. "He's already got a mate and you're staring dead at him."
Jaken's mouth fell open, the little imp not willing to believe the words coming from the hanyou's lips. When he finally went to speak, he was sputtering, turning to face his master with watering eyes.
"Surely this can not be true, Lord Sesshomaru." The kappa whimpered out, Sesshomaru wanting to roll his eyes at the idiotic display. "Have you truly taken Inuyasha as your mate?"
"Lord Inuyasha to you, ya friggen toad!"
The kappa scowled in his direction, glaring his yellow eyes up at the taller half-breed, who was wearing a smug smile.
"I will not believe it, I do not see his mating mark upon you!"
Inuyasha easily held on to Kazue in one arm, while the other shifted his hakama enough so that the blue-colored crescent moon resting on his hip was out in the open.
"That's impossible!" Jaken was shrieking out, turning back to Sesshomaru, who seemed distracted by the sight of his mate baring his skin and mating mark. "Lord Sesshomaru, it must be a cruel dream! Truly you haven't mated your pathetic brother, he who you swore to kill with your own hands and restore your father's good name!"
"Yes, I have." The inu merely said, watching Jaken drop to the ground in an overly dramatic way. "Now get up, we have work to do. You will send formal letters declining any offers to those wishing to mate me. To the dragons, you will send a letter of alliance and a gift of the Daiyoukai's choosing. I will refuse Shirogitsune in person, and your lord, Inuyasha, will meet with the council soon. Get the preparations done as soon as you are able. Do not fail me, Jaken."
"Yes, my prince." Jaken whimpered, shuffling off with a sniffle and leaving the two alone.
It as then Inuyasha turned to look at his brother, who was still sitting at the table, obviously going over what little Jaken had revealed to him in his mind. Kazue was still gurgling and cooing as Inuyasha gently bounced him, the hanyou walking closer to his mate.
"So, which one is Shirogitsune?" He asked, causing his brother to blink up at him as if the hanyou hadn't been in the room until then.
"His courtship was to be expected." Sesshomaru began, not answering the question. "He was an admirable addition to father's council. His interest has gone as far back as I can care to remember. Unfortunately, I am not keen on foxes."
"The kitsune? He's probably older than father had to have been. And where does he get off trying to get you as a mate! You're mine you know!"
"Inuyasha stop referring to me as if I were an object." The voice was stern and even, but Inuyasha heard the bite behind it.
"Feh! Well, what do we do now?" Inuyasha asked, looking down as Kazue gave a yawn. He was falling asleep. That was good; it was a very good thing. "Wanna test out your bed?"
"Had I known you would be an insatiable imbecile I would have refused you as my mate." Sesshomaru said with a roll of his eyes. "The others have most likely reached the palace by now, and are soon to be settled. Once Rin has made sure her things have been secured in her chamber, she will find her way here. She usually does. Therefore, we do not have time."
"Alright, but after dinner the doors are locked and no children allowed." Inuyasha grumbled, Sesshomaru pretending as if he hadn't heard him. "Sesshomaru!"
"Agreed."
It was that moment Inuyasha's ears twitched and he sighed at the unmistakable sound of children running down a large, echoing hallway. He left the sitting room to head for the bedroom where he could settle the now slumbering Kazue into his new cradle, Sesshomaru readying to greet the two children about to rush in.
And rush in they did, Rin clinging to Sesshomaru's legs in a large hug and Shippo scrambling up to his shoulder where he sat quite comfortably, both giggling happily.
"Oh, Rin is so glad to be home!" The young girl said smiling up at her chichiue, who was at the moment steadying Shippo on his shoulder. "Are you happy too, Chichiue?"
"Yes, Rin, I am happy to be home."
The girl nodded before hugging tighter, threatening to topple the youkai had he not been so sturdy. Shippo finally shifted and made his way down, his green eyes looking to where Inuyasha came sauntering out of the bedroom, his face obviously miffed.
"Otousan!" Rin shouted, rushing over to Inuyasha to hug him as well. "Why did you and Chichiue leave? Houshi-san said you needed alone time. Do you not like Rin?"
All he could do was sigh, before ruffling the girl's hair and looking down into large, brown eyes.
"No, Rin, I like ya." He admitted, the girl beaming up at him. "It's just that I like Chichiue very, very much, in a different way."
"Like how mommies and daddies love each other! Do you love Chichiue like that?"
Inuyasha was at a loss for words at the question and he opened his mouth only to have his voice stall and his mind go blank. His eyes looked up at his brother, who seemed just as flustered as he was even though he hadn't been asked the question, though he was better at hiding it.
"Now, now, young Rin, what trouble could you possibly be stirring in here?"
The small family was interrupted by the new voice, a smooth and deeper timbre that sounded as seductive as it was dangerous. Inuyasha looked up and recognized the fox that had been openly smiling at him earlier. Not to mention, he was the same youkai that had been after Sesshomaru since the youkai had hit maturity.
"What the hell do you want? Can't you see this is private?"
"My apologies, Inuyasha." The demon said with a bow, his silver hair falling forward as he did so. When he straightened he was smiling, his silver eyes quickly glancing to the silent one of the two brothers. "Or should I be so bold as to assume you are now Lord Inuyasha?"
"Hello, Shiro-san!" Rin cheerily greeted him, her sunny smile easily directed to him. "Did you come to visit Chichiue and Otousan, too?"
"Indeed I did, though that was after I could find you no where in your room." He said, cautiously walking closer and kneeling in front of her. "I think I missed seeing your smile about the palace. I have a gift for you."
Rin didn't do much to hide her excitement as she was presented with the small hairpin, carved of smooth jade, its color a deep green and in the shape of a bird.
"Rin likes this very much, Shiro-san!" She squealed excitedly.
"Rin."
The reprimanding tone came from Sesshomaru and she quickly settled down, bowing formally in thanks.
"Thank you, very much. I humbly accept your gift." She then turned to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. "May I go put this away?"
Both of her parents gave a nod, and she was then rushing forward to take Shippo's hand so that she could lead him away.
"Come on, Shippo! Rin has much to show you!"
As the two disappeared down the hall, both brothers returned their attention to the standing kitsune.
"I had wished it to be worn at our bonding ceremony." He said to Sesshomaru, Inuyasha beginning to growl. He easily turned his attention to the hanyou, holding his hands up in submission. "Though, I see I have come too late, my lord. You have truly found a most valuable mate."
His gaze was back to Sesshomaru again, the inukai merely gazing with his usual emotionless stare.
"I had planned to court you upon your return." Shirogitsune revealed, his smile broadening. "It would seem I shall be the first to congratulate you on your newly born pup and to wish you and your mate a long and prosperous rule. Pity, Daiyoukai would have fitted so well with me, but it would seem it was not to be. Lord Inuyasha, let me be the first to humbly accept you as our ruler and to give you my loyalty and service. May you rule well and strong, my lord."
"Yeah, well what's the catch?" Inuyasha asked, his eyes warily glaring back at the older demon. "You gonna fight me or something?"
"My lord, please!" The fox said with a snort of his own. "I would be an idiot to think myself capable of fighting against the demon, half-breed or not, that had dared to take on the grand Sesshomaru as a submissive mate. I know how to pick my battles, son. I will gladly step down than risk humiliation and dishonor at my defeat. Though I do admit, I am quite certain that I am not the only one that had planned on wooing the newly impregnated and unmated Daiyoukai. Though mine was an actual interest in the youkai beneath the title, others are just seeking their chance at taking his place as Lord of the West. I will quite enjoy watching it play out. I'm interested to see how you fair, young Inuyasha."
His eyes looked to Sesshomaru again, obviously eying the first born of Lord Touga, causing Inuyasha to growl and step in front of his mate in order to block off the view.
"I'll be honest, my lord." Shirogitsune began, his eyes focusing on the hanyou in front of him. "Though I may not be yearning for your ultimate demise, I will gladly accept it should it come to pass. For you see, it would give me the chance to have Sesshomaru as my own."
"Get. Out." The two clipped words were followed by a deep growl, the silver-haired kitsune only smiling before bowing deeply.
"As you wish." And then he was retreating, turning his back only when he had crossed the threshold.
When he was gone, Inuyasha finally stopped growling, but he turned back to face Sesshomaru, planning on reminding the youkai on just who his mate was. It would seem Sesshomaru had the same idea, as his lips crashed against his brother's, his hands grabbing Inuyasha by the sides of his head as he pressed the front of his body fully against his mate.
Inuyasha easily fell into stride, his hands grabbing the older youkai possessively by the hips, grinding his rapidly hardening member against the equally hardened one in front of him. It was the farthest they were able to get, as the sound of someone clearing their throat caught their attention.
Inuyasha only sighed in exasperation as he reluctantly broke the kiss, but refused to release his mate. He merely looked over his shoulder, none too surprised to find yet another demon at their door. This time it was the old badger, who smiled at them no more maliciously then a grandfather would.
"Pardon my intrusion."
Sesshomaru took the liberty of detaching them, since Inuyasha seemed intent on not budging at all. When he was free of Inuyasha's grasp, he fully faced his elder, his eyes regarding the old man with little more feeling than he did anyone else.
"Mujina, what brings you to my chambers personally?"
The old badger chuckled before he was shuffling closer, his cane rapping gently against the smoothly polished floor.
"It would seem the members of the council, myself included, wish to hold a gathering before evening meal." He began, looking up to both Sesshomaru and the newly returned hanyou. "It would seem that they would like matters to finally be brought before them in a proper way, not through the gossip of the servants and word of mouth by messenger. If you are not wearied from your travels I would like to assume that you agree."
Sesshomaru looked to Inuyasha, knowing the hanyou was ready to refuse, but oddly enough he merely nodded at the full-blooded youkai, before turning back to Mujina.
"We'll be there." Inuyasha announced, the old demon nodding at his words. "Just give us a short while so that I can check on my friends."
"As you wish, my lord." Then Mujina was bowing and shuffling back the way he came.
Alone again, Inuyasha looked to Sesshomaru who didn't seem the least bit worried that they were to confront the council so soon. Then again, he'd been confronting them for as long as he had been Daiyoukai. It was Inuyasha who was the inexperienced one, and he was the one who needed to do the worrying.
"So, anything I should be expecting?" He asked his mate, who only gave a subtle shrug before his arms were crossing.
"Anything and everything." He answered, finally looking Inuyasha in the eye. "They will deny your rule, they will insult you, me, your friends. The eldest will scorn your youth, and Ishimaru, you already know how he feels. This is your battle, I can not partake in it. You will have to prove yourself to them on the political battlefield."
Inuyasha groaned, a hand wiping at his face before running through his bangs, his free hand resting on Tetsusaiga's hilt searching for the comfort of its familiar grip. This was going to be one hell of a fight. He wasn't much of a talker, he would rather solve all his problems with his fists. He was a bit pugnacious, he couldn't help it.
He realized Sesshomaru had drawn closer to him, and he turned to his brother, letting his right arm drag him closer and wrap around his waist. He couldn't help but nuzzle his mating mark, his free hand pulling the fabric covering it away to reveal it.
"Any advice before I step out towards my doom?" Inuyasha questioned, his nose not missing the hint of arousal rising up from Sesshomaru's skin. Unfortunately, that would have to wait until the old cronies, and one overgrown brat, was dealt with.
"Yes." Sesshomaru answered him, his head tilting to give Inuyasha free access to the moon-shaped scar. "With Ishimaru, you will only speak to him when it is necessary. Any slur to fall from his mouth can and will be dealt with in a proper fashion. With his father, Mujina, you will bear his humble act and be wary of his hidden sting. I do not trust him and I am usually never wrong with who I choose to trust. Shirogitsune-"
Inuyasha's growling cut him off, and a hint of a smile took Sesshomaru's face at that. Inuyasha's obvious jealousy and distaste for the fox demon was quite flattering.
"What about him?" Inuyasha asked, lifting his head to look back at his brother's face.
"It would be stupid to say he wasn't a threat, but I can assure you he is true to his word." Sesshomaru explained. "While you are Daiyoukai he is your loyal follower and yet, should the council rise against you he would not choose sides, but wait and see the outcome. The others are Kuma, an old bear with an outstanding amount of patience and his close friend is Dokutake, his complete opposite. The lizard demon that had shown an outright dislike for you is Tokage, he is vicious and quite impulsive. I have no doubt he will underestimate you, just as I am sure you will have him be your example as to why you hold the title of Daiyoukai."
"This is turning you on, isn't it?" Inuyasha asked with a grin, and Sesshomaru merely sighed.
"Be quiet, Inuyasha." The older of the two brother's said, slipping out of his mate's hold and heading to the large wardrobe in the room holding the bed. "Now that you are Daiyoukai, you will have to play the part."
The doors he gently swung open, revealing a large amount of formal kimonos, one of the few his usual kimono that Inuyasha swore he had destroyed not too long ago. It was waiting neatly to be worn, every separate part and even the long fluffy thing that he had only now realized had been missing for quite some time.
"You have more than one of those?" Inuyasha questioned, walking into the room and joining his brother. His fingers carefully felt the soft fur, and Sesshomaru merely made a sound that the hanyou couldn't decipher.
"If you are referring to mokomoko-sama, then it can not be destroyed, not entirely. It is a part of me that will only disappear completely if and when I do."
"Ain't that sweet?" Inuyasha teased, gaining the boa-like piece to be snatched away from him.
"We've wasted enough time, Inuyasha. I have more robes and you will wear one as well. Mine will have to suffice until you are fitted for your own."
"Do I have to?" The hanyou whined.
The glare Sesshomaru threw his way was all the answer he needed, and he sighed before he was giving in reluctantly.
"Do you have anything in red?" He asked, gesturing to his fire-rat robes. "I'm kind of keen on that color. Besides, it suits me."
A single nod was all Sesshomaru gave him, before he was calmly shuffling through the wardrobe and drawing out a deep-red kimono, its embroidery in white.
"I think this will suffice." He said, holding it out for his brother. "Now quickly, I only have a short time to have you looking like the Daiyoukai you'll have to prove you are."
Inuyasha sighed and couldn't help but slump in defeat. He wasn't going to like one moment of this at all.
xoxoxoxox
Kagome couldn't help but stare in awe at the room that she had been led to. It was far too grand and elegant for her to believe that this was where she'd be staying during her time at the Western Palace. She couldn't help the excited giggle as she ran for the bed, flinging herself onto it and sighing as she sank into the soft mattress.
She could hear Miroku's voice not too far away, and she stood from the bed to leave her room, opening the sliding door to find herself looking into a room that connected to her bedroom, and from the looks of it Miroku's and Sango's as well.
The monk was busy flirting with a female servant, the shy demoness only blushing and giggling, and Sango was too busy ignoring Miroku and looking about the suite with the same awe as Kagome.
"Sango!"
The demon-slayer looked up to find Kagome rushing toward her, and the two shared a girlish squeal as they met, Sango composing herself as quickly as she had lost it.
"Isn't this great?" Kagome asked, her brown eyes taking in every detail that it could.
"It's beautiful here." The slayer admitted, turning to pick up a hand-painted cup of the sake set the servant had brought in before Miroku got his hands on her. "Everything's so exquisite and so dainty. I feel almost inferior just being here. Definitely Sesshomaru's home, though I think Inuyasha will feel just as out of place as I am."
She rested the cup down and was walking to another door. She opened it and couldn't stop her gasp as she came upon the rock garden and koi pond, her hands falling limp from the door in her amazement.
"Kami." Her voice was barely a whisper, her breath taken away by the sheer beauty of what lay in front of her. "It's so beautiful, Kagome."
Kagome came at that and couldn't help but gasp herself. She had seen many nice places in her life, but this one seemed to take the cake.
"Nothing but the best for a Daiyoukai, huh?" She said with a smile, walking outside to crouch in front of the koi pond.
She gave a small laugh as she watched the fish gracefully swim back and forth, her hand dipping in to stir the cool water and startling the fish.
"I could stay here forever if I had the chance." She said, standing again and dusting off her skirt, before looking to Sango. "Inuyasha sure is lucky."
The unmistakable sound a skin striking skin had the two women looking back into the suite, not in the least surprised to see Miroku staggering out with a bright red cheek. When would the monk learn that lechery never paid off?
"Forgive me, Miss Sango." He said as he stopped beside them. "I believe that another has stolen my heart."
"I think that means she hits harder than you." Kagome said, her voice riddled with confusion and Sango merely laughed.
"Oh, so is that what you're into?"
Miroku frowned and was ready to come to his own defense when the sound of the suite's main doors slamming open drew their attention.
"Where the hell are they?" Came Inuyasha's voice from the main room, and the three sighed in unison at the volume the hanyou chose to use. "I thought you said they'd be here!"
"Out here, Inuyasha!" Kagome called out to him.
Sango only shook her head at the sound of Inuyasha stomping in their direction, and Miroku was temporarily distracted from the pain in his cheek.
The three friends weren't prepared for what they saw as Inuyasha stormed out into the garden, three pair of eyes opening wide in disbelief and their jaws dropping as well.
The red kimono and hakama set that he was dressed in sat well on his frame, if just a bit big, the white trimming subtle and adding nice detail to the ensemble. For once, he was wearing shoes, a feat they didn't think possible and the white obi wrapped about his waist held picture's of lotus flowers in red.
His hair was pulled up into a neat ponytail, the red tie matching with his robes. It was a drastic change from the loose hairstyle he usually took and seemed as if it had actually been brushed. He wasn't the same hanyou that had left them earlier on, he looked completely different.
Sesshomaru was with him, his usual kimono and hakama, complete with mokomoko-sama. For once he did not have Kazue in his arms, instead the young demon was held in what was assumed his new nursemaid's arms. It was a young fox demon, who easily attracted Miroku's eye, distracting him from his friend's change in wardrobe.
"Hold it!" Kagome stopped him before he could wander closer to her. "Stop being such a pervert and keep your hands off the nursemaid!"
Miroku only sighed, but was satisfied with smiling at the demon fox, who was obediently keeping her attention on the gurgling baby in her arms.
"Wow, Inuyasha, you look amazing." Sango said, her smile unable to be held back.
"Like a true Daiyoukai." Kagome praised, her grip never slackening on Miroku's robes.
"As he should look." Sesshomaru said, his eyes looking over the three that his mate called friends.
"Feh!" Came Inuyasha's scoff, as his hand grabbed at the formal robes draped on his frame. "Don't get used to it. This is only for when I have to look the part. There's no way I'll be wearing this frock more than I have to."
He looked up at Kagome and the others, who were smiling back at him, their obvious pride beaming through and he cleared his throat, turning his head to hopefully hide his blush.
"Look, are you guys alright?" He asked, deciding it best to get to his original reason for coming here. "You weren't hurt or anything were you?"
Kagome shook her head at the question.
"Nope. In fact, we were treated quite well actually." She told him with a shrug. "A few dirty looks, but we made it here in one piece and were treated kindly."
Sesshomaru nodded, satisfied with the news and glad to know that the council hadn't done anything stupid. Even if he wasn't Daiyoukai, he would have torn them to pieces had anything happened to his brother's humans. Through his mate, they were his responsibility as well, much to his disappointment. However, he would stomach it and eventually he would come to tolerate the band of humans much more.
"You are welcome to move about the palace at your leisure." He offered them, ready to head on to the meeting. "When Inuyasha and I are done with the council meeting, you shall be collected and given proper attire for the evening meal. Your attendance is mandatory and your absence will be taken as an insult, one that is worthy of high punishment."
"What are they slaves?" Inuyasha snapped after a snort. "They'll be there, alright? You don't have to be so uptight." His eyes then looked to his friends, who were smart not to laugh at the older youkai's chastising. "Look, guys, I'll see you later. I have some business to handle and some old bastards to set in order."
"Until dinner, then." Miroku said, having figured out the fox demon would not stop ignoring him.
Inuyasha nodded himself, before he was looking to his brother, who he could tell wasn't eager to deal with this as he was.
"Shall we?"
Sesshomaru nodded and then he was turning and walking back in to the room, the nursemaid following after him. Inuyasha only sighed, waving once to his friends and exiting the way he had come.
"They make an odd but cute family." Sango said with a smile, Kagome agreeing with a nod and a giggle and finally letting Miroku go.
"So, shall we set out and explore the palace grounds?" Miroku suggested, offering each of his arms to the two young women.
They both latched on with a nod, Sango much more carefully than Kagome, and then they were off.
xoxoxoxox
The tea room that would hold the meeting was filled with tension as the elders and Ishimaru sat awaiting the arrival of the inukai and hanyou. Ishimaru was busy grinding his teeth in anger, much like Tokage, his claws slowly carving grooves into the wooden table they sat around.
His father sat beside him, calmly discussing something or other with the old bear, and Shirogitsune was nonchalantly sipping tea on his other side. The ancient toad-demon was grumbling under his breath next to his friend, Kuma.
At the head of the table lay a cushion ready for the Daiyoukai and an empty seat to his right. In one of the corners of the room was a chair that would seat the newly born pup's nursemaid and a bassinet to rest him in.
They had all been waiting for a better part of an hour, and slowly the more impatient ones were becoming even more impatient. What on earth would be taking Sesshomaru and the hanyou so long?
Ishimaru was the first to snap, his hand slamming down with a loud slap on the top of the table. It drew the attention of the others, their eyes watching as the youngest of them all stood in anger, his eyes glaring to the empty place that would seat the supposed Daiyoukai.
"Honestly, am I the only one who's outraged by this obvious display of disrespect!" He started, voice raised in anger. "The first insult was to find that Lord Sesshomaru had dared to return with a bastard son, a child that should have been killed the moment it was discovered to be growing within his womb. And to add even more to the insult, he has appeared before us with none other than his unacknowledged half-breed of a brother, scourge of the inu-line, Inuyasha. They are mated, or so it can easily be assumed, and that in itself is the most disdainful discovery of them all.
"Is Sesshomaru mad! To think that we would so easily accept the rule of a hanyou! The faults of the inu clan are obviously imprinted in the blood. They are a dying breed and they are weakening. I think it time they step down or be forced from their throne. Or are there any here who see differently? Let him speak now."
He looked about the room, his eyes narrowing on Shirogitsune, who was merely smiling at him in obvious amusement. The fox said nothing though, merely folded his hands and waited for the badger demon to continue.
"So, I have no objections whatsoever." Ishimaru observed, looking about at the rest of the council members. "Then I can safely say that we all have a common goal and that we should act accordingly and quickly. Do they truly expect us to bow to them after such treason?"
"Yeah. And while you're down there why don't you kiss my ass?"
Ishimaru spun, and the others looked to the entrance way, and found the royal family had entered the room. Inuyasha's amber eyes were glaring directly at the badger demon, who was glaring back at him with equal fervor, the table behind him a mixture of anger and silent observation.
Sesshomaru's cold gaze slowly looked over the members of the council, before he was signaling the nursemaid to her proper place with a nod of his head. The demoness complied with a bow of her head, and easily slipped by the older demons to the chair that awaited her. Then Sesshomaru was focusing his gaze on Ishimaru, who he could tell was ready to return to the fight he and Inuyasha had been denied. However, now was not the time.
"Inuyasha." He grabbed his mate's attention, Inuyasha risking looking away from the badger to look to his older brother. "You and I shall take our proper places and the meeting will commence."
Inuyasha merely nodded, heading for the empty places around the table that were assigned for them. As they passed Ishimaru, the growl that erupted from the hanyou was hard to miss and Sesshomaru would have smiled had he not been keeping his usual demeanor.
The eyes that watched them were hard to miss as they took their seats, and the sounds of objection drew a dangerous glare from the former Daiyoukai, which lessened the majority of them. Once they were comfortably seated, Inuyasha looked up and let his eyes scan over the mix of scowling and impassive faces.
"Lord Inuyasha-" Mujina had began, but he was interrupted by a hiss from the lizard demon seated across from.
"I will not quickly call him such without proof that he has taken Lord Sesshomaru as a mate!" He snapped, his green-yellow eyes glaring back at Inuyasha. "How do we know this isn't some ridiculous ploy to distract us and spare the Inu clan from losing rule of the Western Lands? I would not put it past the late Lord Touga's first son to devise such a devious plan."
He stood then, the old bear groaning with a roll of his eyes and Mujina sighing in frustration. Ishimaru held a smirk and stared defiantly back at Inuyasha, who was merely sitting at the table impatiently tapping his fingers on the top of it.
"You shall both bare the mark before us!" Tokage demanded, the toad demon nodding in agreement and Shirogitsune unable to hold back his chuckle.
"Tokage, you are even more of a fool than I thought."
"Don't speak to me as if I wasn't your elder, Shirogitsune!" The lizard-demon spat, before looking about at his comrades. "Is it not our right to gain proof of their supposed mating?"
"I agree." Came Ishimaru's support. "If they are mates, then they should hold the other's mark. Let them show their mating marks in proof and we will humbly accept their mating."
Inuyasha snorted, before he stood from his seat, his eyes glaring back at the badger demon as he loosened the ties on his hakama. Then his hands were shifting the fabric and revealing the scarred mark, not missing the tightening of Sesshomaru's jaw as the amount of eyes ogled the hanyou's exposed hip.
"This means nothing!" Tokage was spitting out, glaring to Sesshomaru and pointing a gnarled green finger at the older inukai. "Reveal your mark, Lord Sesshomaru! If you are truly mates then you'll show your own!"
"Tokage, you incorrigible idiot." Sesshomaru blandly stated as he began untying his obi so that the fabric of his robes were loose enough to slip off of his shoulder. It revealed his maroon-colored, crescent-shaped mark and a little too much of his toned chest for Inuyasha's taste. "Here, now you have your proof."
"Forgive me, Prince Sesshomaru but I can't quite get a good look from here." Shirogitsune said as he stood and started forward. "Perhaps, if I came a bit closer."
"Alright, that's enough!" Inuyasha interrupted, rushing forward and pulling his brother's kimono back over his shoulder and haphazardly tying the obi in place. "You've got as good enough a look as you needed. He's my mate and we've proved that it's official."
"Then it is to say that Lord Inuyasha is now our ruler." Kuma spoke for the first time, his voice a deep and rumbling sound. "The title of Daiyoukai has been reserved for the inu clan and Lord Touga's line reigns true. Let us accept our new lord and pray he be blessed with a lengthy rule."
"I'm afraid I must agree with Lord Kuma." Mujina softly agreed, his hand stroking the ponytail hanging over his shoulder as he contemplated the events that had happened. "It has been proven, with indisputable evidence of their marks, that Lord Inuyasha and Prince Sesshomaru have truly mated. Let us congratulate them and accept a new rule."
Shirogitsune nodded in a agreement, the toad demon snorted but nodded with him, as well as Kuma. Inuyasha's eyes never left Ishimaru's, whose obvious detest for the decision was written all over his face, and only fixed his hakama, ready to take his seat again and get on with this blasted meeting.
The sound of a sword being drawn had him tensing, and since he had never let his eyes off of the younger badger demon, he knew that it wasn't him. He risked looking to the old lizard demon, who was snarling in his direction, and of course, had his weapon brandished in an obvious challenge.
"I refuse to accept this!" He hissed loudly, his reptilian eyes bleeding red. "The title of Daiyoukai is rightfully any of ours. I won't stand to watch it handed off so easily to a bastard hanyou! I'll remove this insolent little pest and then claim Sesshomaru for my own!"
"Now, Tokage, be reasonable!" Mujina tried to calm him down, the older demon obvious distressed by the way things were going.
"Being reasonable would mean killing off even Sesshomaru for the shame he's brought to the Western Lands, him and his bastard offspring!" Tokage was yelling, before spitting in the older inu's direction. "Be grateful I'll spare your life and let you live your days as a concubine for the royal court!"
"Hey ugly!"
Tokage let his eyes look back to Inuyasha, and his eyes could only widen in shock as he found the hanyou running across the low table toward him, before his sword was swinging down. The room fell silent as the other occupants watched on in shock and disbelief, Sesshomaru's eyes the only proof that he was glad for what had happened.
"Impossible." The lizard demon gurgled out, a thin red line tracing down the middle of his face. "The Tetsusaiga?"
It was the last words he uttered before his body was splitting in two, blood spraying over the newest lord and sadly staining the expensive garments he had been dressed in. As the two halves of Tokage's body dropped to the floor with a wet smacking sound, red eyes glared down at the mess before he was glancing around the room.
"That's a warning for the rest of you." His voice was low and threatening, followed by a growl to the toad demon who was frowning a bit too hard for his liking. "Threaten or insult my family again, and I won't spare your life!"
His eyes then snapped to Ishimaru, who was the only one baring his teeth and practically growling up at the Daiyoukai. Inuyasha merely chuckled before raising his blood covered sword and pointing it in the badger demon's direction.
"Your next."
With a cry of frustration and anger, Ishimaru was ready to leap forward at the challenge, but his father's pleading and desperate voice held him in his place.
"Ishimaru, enough!" The old demon was exclaiming, before he was bowing to his newest lord. "My lord, please spare my son and forgive his faults. He is merely upset at having lost his chance at gaining a throne, as I'm sure the others are feeling the same as well. He knows not how to restrain himself. I implore you, turn your cheek just this once."
"Father-"
"Will you be quiet!" His father bellowed out, Ishimaru shrinking under his elder's gaze and slowly sinking back into his seat.
Then Mujina was looking back at Inuyasha, standing atop the table and looking down disdainfully at the younger badger demon, who was avoiding any eye contact in order to obey his father's command.
"Please, my lord." Came Mujina's voice again, and the hanyou slowly let red eyes drift to the white-haired badger begging for his mercy. "I would be ever so grateful and forever in your debt."
"He's got one more chance." Inuyasha said, his sword now pointing at Mujina. "Just one, and his ass is mine. You got that?"
Tetsusaiga was then wiped clean, using the sleeve of Sesshomaru's good robes, before it was sheathed. Then Inuyasha was trotting back to his place ignoring, as he passed by his mate, the obvious smell of arousal that was now wafting in the air. It would have to wait.
"Gentleman." Shirogitsune took the floor, standing so that he could gain their full attention. "I believe we should attend to far more important matters."
His silver eyes then traveled to Mujina, who only nodded before lowering to his floor cushion again. The toad demon only snorted and Kuma nodded himself, before the old bear was looking to Inuyasha.
"It has come to pass, Lord Inuyasha, that the snake demons of the Southern clan have come to the West." Kuma began to explain, Inuyasha giving the bear his undivided attention. "They were swift and armed, and we thought surely that they were to wage war, but now our spies inform us otherwise."
"It would seem that the war party has been disbanded and returned to the South." Dokutake spoke up for the first time, his webbed hand reaching up to stroke his graying beard. "We've been informed that a peace treaty has been offered and who should be bringing it but none other than Princess Sakuya herself."
"Who's she?" Inuyasha asked, trying his best not to look as bored as he was now feeling since the excitement of the evening had passed.
"She is the daughter of Lord Kuroda, and the niece of the ruling lord of the Southern snake clans, Lord Tsuwamono." Kuma informed him, answering his question. "And none other than the betrothed to Prince Yoshimaru, the same hebi-youkai that you had slain not too long ago."
"So, she's coming to thank me?" Inuyasha asked, not exactly sure what he should think about all this.
"We do not know her true objective." Sesshomaru put in, looking to his mate. "I have not known a snake demon who did not seek revenge upon their mate's death by another's hands. It would be best to turn her away and refuse her before she presents herself at court."
"Even you, Lord Sesshomaru, must know the consequences that would bring upon us." Mujina cut in, his eyes focused in thought on a random spot of the table. "The West is strong but we still struggle for stability. We could not manage a war that decision would surely bring. After the attack of Ryuukotsusei all those years ago, our population has dwindled. Surely, we couldn't last long under attack by the South. The best choice would be to welcome this peace treaty."
"A snake bearing gifts?" Sesshomaru questioned, his eyes sending a cold glare to Mujina. "In the few hundred years that I have lived, I have never known a snake to be trusted."
"And yet Mujina is right." Kuma interrupted, before things could escalate in to an argument. "We would surely perish if we were to fight a war we were not prepared for. Luckily, Princess Sakuya's proposal has given us some time. We should take this chance to call upon our allies."
"The few that we have." Dokutake said with his usual snort. "We long lost our chance of gaining the wolves after they perished under Naraku's and his witch's hands. And you, Shirogitsune, have been outcast by your own brethren and further isolated yourself when you pledged your loyalty to Lord Touga. We may still have the frog and toad demons of the lesser lands of the West, but I can assure you we have lost the lizards in the South once they've heard of Tokage's death and that was where we could have used the advantage. Who else could we gain in such little time, Kuma?"
"We still have the badgers of this land." Mujina began, but was interrupted by a glowering Ishimaru.
"And are we not part of the population that had been reduced to so few by none other than Lord Touga's leadership! Should we offer our services again in hopes that we reach the threatened status of near extinction like the inu clan!"
"I've had enough of this Ishimaru!" Mujina belted out, his fist slamming down on the table top. "What other choice do we have should war befall us? We are citizens of the West and therefore we are expected to come to arms when called upon. This is where our loyalty lies! With Prince Sesshomaru and Lord Inuyasha!"
"A faulty rule that deserves to perish under foreign resistance if such resistance in their own land is too weak to stand against them."
The growling that came form the head of the table was hard to ignore, especially with the rise of aura that charged the already tense air. Ishimaru didn't back down, and he let his gaze meet with Inuyasha's, whose eyes had yet to change back to the golden-amber hue that they usually were.
"Inuyasha."
Sesshomaru's call distracted him for the moment, and he looked to his mate whose impassive face was for once threatening to crack in public.
"In lieu of the circumstances, I think you should make your decision." The inu prince suggested, the older demons nodding in agreement. "I advise that you choose wisely and carefully, with the best interest of your lands and the people that reside here in thought."
Inuyasha groaned, but nodded all the same, before his hands crossed and his eyebrows drew into a frown of deep thought. The silence that took the room lasted for quite a while, the rest of the council staring expectantly at the newest Daiyoukai.
Sesshomaru was the only one who didn't stare at Inuyasha, and instead he set his gaze on the table top, his own thoughts running through his head. Whatever decision Inuyasha came to, he would have to accept, even if it did not agree with his own. Mujina had been right, but he knew the snake clan should not be trusted. Though trouble would find them on both ends, no matter what they chose; it could not be avoided.
"Dokutake, was it?" Came Inuyasha's voice at last, the toad demon nodding in confirmation. "I'm guessing your the ambassador for the lesser lands, huh? You go personally and get their attention, fill them in on what's going on. Mujina, you'd better get your clan in line and have them prepared for the chance that I'll call upon their assistance. I won't hesitate to take care of any one who falls out of line personally."
That was directed to Ishimaru, who only growled low enough that it couldn't be heard.
"Foxy."
"I'll assume you're referring to me?" Shirogitsune questioned, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.
"How much of an outcast are you with your old clan?"
"Why, death would be sentenced should I step foot in their lands."
"That bad, huh?" Inuyasha grumbled, before he was rubbing his chin in hopes of thinking of something. "Well, how about you reach out to the dragon clan in the East? Go directly to the prince if you can, you can hand him the letter Jaken's drawing up in person."
"As you wish, my lord."
"I don't want to, but I know a few stray wolves that can probably find some more stragglers, and I can try my best to convince them." Inuyasha said forcing down a sneer. "We'll need every helping hand we can get. If this Princess Sakuya has something up her sleeve, we're gonna make sure that we're ready for them. I'm not one to take anything lying down. . . whatever that means."
Sesshomaru wasn't the only one to groan, while Shirogitsune only chuckled at the hanyou.
"Now, I believe we've gotten things straightened out." Inuyasha said, pushing up from his seated position. "Now, I'm gonna go change into something not covered in blood. And if someone could please get rid of Tokage's body before dinner, I'd appreciate it. Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru gracefully stood from his seated position, and nodded in parting to the rest of the council, before he was at his mate's side. The nursemaid easily fell in to step as they began to leave the room, and then the two brothers were outside of the doors that closed behind them.
"Kaori."
"Yes, my prince?" The young demon said with a bow of her head, awaiting her next order.
"Take Kazue to the nursery." Sesshomaru told her, ignoring the confused look that Inuyasha threw his way. "Make sure no harm befalls him."
"Yes, my prince."
She turned to leave with the gurgling inu pup, leaving the two mates alone. Sesshomaru carefully watched as she left before he was turning to look at his mate, who stood waiting for an explanation without words.
He got his explanation as Sesshomaru stepped forward, pressing his lips against Inuyasha's in a heated kiss. He pulled away to look back at Inuyasha, who could only smile at having figured out why his mate had sent his son off with the nursemaid.
"You think we have time?" He asked, his arms wrapping around Sesshomaru's waist. "I mean dinner is in less than an hour."
"That's more than enough time, don't you think?" Sesshomaru asked him, his hand slipping in past Inuyasha's hakama to tenderly stroke his mating mark. "Besides, we can be late, just this once."
Inuyasha didn't need to think it over and Sesshomaru didn't know how to react as he was lifted and flung over his brother's shoulder before Inuyasha was sprinting down the hall. They were unaware that they weren't alone, and missed the three people that they passed just coming out of one of the drawing rooms.
Miroku sighed and Kagome blinked in disbelief, Sango at a loss for words and unsure of what she had just seen.
"Was that-"
Her question was stopped by Miroku holding up his hand and shaking his head to dissuade her from finishing the question.
"We didn't see anything." He calmly said, Kagome unable to stop the giggle from escaping past her lips. "Though with those two rushing off, I'm sure that we can say the meeting is over and dinner will be served soon. I suggest we all go and get dressed. We've been warned not to miss it."
"Yeah, you're right, Miroku." Kagome said, still giggling. "Though do you think they'll make it? They seemed pretty eager to make it back to their rooms."
"Well, Kagome, one can only wait and see."
"Well if that's the case, then I suppose we can tell the servants to send something for them." Sango said with a sigh, following after Miroku and Kagome who had began walking off. "I doubt they'll be coming out of there for the rest of the night."
T.B.C.
- 17
- 18
- 19
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