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
- 23
- 24
- 25
Title: Unexpected Circumstance
Author: Neptunesdemon
Archive: Fanfiction net; Mpreg mailing list
Category: Mpreg, romance, drama
Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru
Rating: R
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, incest, non-con, lemon, OC, mpreg, evilness
Author's Note: Yes, I know. You don't have to say it. I think I did bad this chapter. I don't know if I should even be posting it. Then again, my solemn mood could be trickling down into my fanfiction. I hate little sisters sometimes. Okay, enough of my brooding. Go read and hopefully enjoy.
xoxoxoxox
Kaori walked the halls in a panic, her pace quick as she made her way in and out of rooms, looking for her lord's adoptive daughter. It had been her fault for losing her. She should have gone after her right away, instead of detouring to drop off the other children. No, it couldn't be helped. Having Kazue and Shippo with her would have hindered her further. Besides, this wasn't the first time Rin had run of, it was just the first time that she hadn't been able to find the girl in her usual spots.
She had checked every garden, the main tea room which had Rin's favorite paintings, her rooms, the bath house and the main square just inside of the palace gates. She had even checked the kitchen, where Rin usually ended up pestering the head cook for her favorite dishes. Though when she had asked if the human girl had run through there, the cook only shook his head and said he hadn't seen her. Thanking him anyway, she had went on a frantic search, apologizing when she interrupted any one in a room that was occupied.
"Rin!" She was calling out as she slid open the doors to the main ballroom, but was greeted by the dimly lit room. She wasn't here either.
Closing the door, she sighed in frustration and regret, thinking it best to go and tell her prince of the circumstances. It was sure to get her on his bad side and punishment was probably inevitable, but she had no other choice now. Rin was definitely lost and she feared the worst, especially with their enemies being held company within the palace walls.
Her feet carried her down the familiar and well known path leading to Sesshomaru's quarters, and when she arrived, she knocked and awaited entrance. It was silent, which meant he was either in the garden or his bedroom. She entered then and first headed to the bedroom, surprised to find the Shoji screens open and finding Sesshomaru peacefully resting. It was odd that the prince left the screen doors open when he was inside and even odder still that he was sleeping in the middle of the day.
She hated to have to disturb him, but she wanted to let him know right away. The longer she waited was the more chance Rin could get into trouble. Quietly, she crept forward and knelt beside the large bed, her green eyes watching her resting master. She had always admired him, even as they were growing up together and her mother had been watching over them. She had watched him grow into a reputable demon and had adored him further. She was proud to serve him and even though she knew him as her master, she would have liked to have him as a friend. At least, she believed that they shared a trust that could easily give way to friendship.
Her eyes studied him further, and she frowned as she realized the soft glow of his skin, the usually pale skin seeming softer and much smoother. Checking that he was sleeping, she leaned forward to take a tentative sniff and her eyes widened at the recognizable, though faint, scent. The prince was with child! And so soon?
Her gasp was soft, but it was enough to disturb him, and she moved back again as he began to stir. Slowly. amber eyes parted to find Kaori beside the bed, head bowed in respect. What on earth was she doing here?
"Kaori?"
"Forgive me for disturbing you, Sesshomaru-ouji." She began, lifting her head to look at him as he sat up in his bed. "I could not spare more time in informing you."
"Informing me of what?" He asked her, feeling his stomach roil with the urge to bring up his light breakfast.
"Rin-chan has run off and hidden herself somewhere in the palace." She said, nearly flinching in preparation of his anger. "I can not find her."
She bowed her head again, not wanting to watch his face freeze into his icy mask and watching those eyes glare down at her in disappointment. It was bad enough that she had been so careless as to lose the young girl.
"How did she manage to get the chance?" He was asking her, his voice even and calm.
"Young Shippo had been having nightmares again, and Rin-chan had suggested coming to see you." She explained, not chancing in lifting her head. "I had offered them onigiri and tea, and we were on our way to the dining hall when we came across the hebi princess."
She felt Sesshomaru tense even though she wasn't looking at him, his scents sudden spike in worry and anger was enough to let her know that he wasn't pleased.
"Rin had boldly shown her dislike of the princess and before I could stop her, she had run off very upset. I brought Shippo and Kazue to Lady Minako, and then I went after her, but it has been well over an hour and I can not find her."
Sesshomaru was standing then, and she stood to follow him, grabbing up his yukata before he could reach for it and offering it to him. He slipped his arms through and let her tie off the sash, before he was leading the way with the kitsune on his heels, head still bowed a bit in shame. He realized this as he turned to face her again.
"Though I am quite disconcerted with what has happened, I do not put blame on your actions." He told her, Kaori looking up in shock at the words. "Rin is known for being quite impulsive and her tantrums are rare but they do not come as a surprise. We will find her when she wishes to be found, for now you and I will continue to look for her."
"Sesshomaru-sama, I think it best that you do not exert yourself in your condition."
Sesshomaru was stiffening at that, not quite sure if she knew of his pregnancy. And then he realized that he had never gotten that poultice, so his scent was most definitely giving him away.
"You will tell no one of my condition." He ordered suddenly, and Kaori was taken aback. "Not even Inuyasha. Is that understood?"
She wasn't sure why it was to be secret, but she would not disobey her master and further disappoint him. So she bowed obediently to show that she would do as he commanded of her.
"Hai, Sesshomaru-sama."
Satisfied with her answer, Sesshomaru relaxed a bit and figured it was best that he get to Minako and have her hurry that poultice along.
"I must see Minako first." He announced turning to leave. "You continue looking for Rin, and have a servant help you if you find you can not do the task alone."
"As you wish, my prince." Kaori said and then was gone, leaving through her trick of melding into her surroundings than through the door with the inukai.
Sesshomaru was trying his best not to speed down the halls, so as not to draw any attention to himself, but he couldn't help but want to rush and find the old saru. Kaori had always been keen and easy to catch on, but he knew that it was also his scent that was giving him away. For the moment, he was happy that not too many servants were about, most far too busy with helping to prepare tonight's banquet.
His feet automatically took him to the nursery, sure that was where Minako would be, as it was the best place to keep the children during this time. As he reached he slid the doors open, and was relieved to see Kazue freely crawling about. Minako was seated nearby, keeping a watchful eye, even as she attended to brushing out Shippo's hair. The kit didn't seem too happy with that, but his mood brightened as Sesshomaru entered the room.
"Chichiue!" He was calling out, but he couldn't move, thanks to the whack of the brush as a warning that he had better keep still.
The little fox pouted, but did as was expected, though he had wanted to go and give his Chichiue a hug. Minako humphed in satisfaction, her old hands returning to their task as she looked up to the inu prince, who made his way toward her.
"You look troubled, my prince." She began, running the brush through Shippo's wild locks. She had to wonder if anyone had ever tried to tame the boy's hair, naturally thick or not. "Is there something the matter?"
"The poultice?"
Minako glanced up at him with a lost face for a moment, before it clicked and she nodded. Finishing her task, Shippo's hair returned to its usual style but far neater than before, she shooed the young kit off, who was happy to be finally let free. He rushed forward to hug onto Sesshomaru, who allowed him to and rested a hand atop the auburn locks.
"Chichiue, I like your new smell." Shippo said, looking up at his father. "Why do you have to hide it? And why won't you tell Otousan about the new baby?"
Sesshomaru had forgotten that Shippo had been in the room when Minako had announced his pregnancy to him. Things just weren't going to be easy for him.
"Kit, there are too many that will wish to harm my pup should they know of it, and if your Otousan was to know, he would surely want to boast. He is, I'm afraid, quite a loud mouthed idiot. I will tell him in due time."
"Oh." Shippo said, not quite understanding, but understanding the part about Inuyasha being an idiot. "Okay. Should I keep the secret, too?"
"Hai, you should."
"Then I promise not to let anyone know!" The fox announced, earning himself a soft smile from his Chichiue.
"Run along, you!" Minako was soon shooing him, walking closer to the two and mindful of not tripping over Kazue as he crawled past. "Go and mind your baby brother."
"Hai, obaachan."
Sesshomaru watched Shippo sulk off towards Kazue, who had manged to find one of his toys and was now happily chewing on it.
"Here you are." Minako drew his attention to her again. She held out a small jar for him and he accepted it with a small nod of thanks. "You'll apply it and let it sit for about an hour, and afterward you'll be able to wash it off. It will last you the entire day, so I suggest you start your mornings with it. Come here?"
Sesshomaru stepped closer, and let the woman begin her prodding and poking, stiffening only once when a particular prod to his abdomen felt a bit sensitive. Minako moved on though and when she was done, she looked up to him with a smile.
"You're developing well enough." She told him, heading for her cane that stood against a wall next to the chair she had been seated in. "Your womb is forming and it's very faint, but the pup's aura is beginning to develop."
"You can feel it?" Sesshomaru asked her, and Minako nodded, before sitting down.
"Why, that's part of my talent, my prince. I am quite good at reading youki, no matter how small it may be. That and I had once been a healer and wanted to venture off into something new. So, here I am, a midwife with a forte in male pregnancy. Now, you have that poultice set and I'll have the servants draw you a bath in an hour. The children can stay with me."
"Of course."
"Oh and might I ask what has happened to young Rin?"
Sesshomaru merely sighed, before he was turning to head for the single bedroom attached to the nursery.
"I fear she has gone on one of her rare tantrums and has gone into hiding." He answered her. "Kaori has yet to find her."
"Well, I'm sure she'll turn up when she's ready.
xoxoxoxox
Inuyasha opened the door to the tea room and was met by Kuma and Dokutake in what had to be a heated debate, though the older bear's voice seemed as solemn and calm as if they weren't discussing war. Shirogitsune was looking over a map, which a young soldier was pointing out various points on, the silver fox nodding every so often. The only two that were missing were Mujina and Ishimaru, but Inuyasha could care less about the latter of the two not making an appearance.
As he entered, the soldiers in the room bowed, while the council members nodded their respectful greetings. Inuyasha nodded to them in return, before he was heading to his place at the head of the table, Kouga behind him. As he sat, he offered Kouga Ishimaru's usual place, which the wolf easily accepted, settling in and trying his best to ignore the stares. He kept his eyes firmly planted on Inuyasha, the inu-hanyou looking over the present faces.
"Now, I hear that we're going to war." He began after a moment of silence.
"My lord, if I may be so bold to interrupt, but I do not think we are able to begin." Dokutake spoke up, his head nodding to Mujina's empty place. "Mujina has yet to appear and neither has his son."
"Well, where is he?" Inuyasha was asking, a scowl taking his face.
"He had gone in search of his son after news had come of the Lizard Clan's attack." Kuma provided, his face holding a look of deep contemplation. "He should have returned by now, unless he is predisposed with some other matter."
"Well, we'll just have to fill him in later." Inuyasha said, dismissing the matter, before he was looking to the soldier next to Shirogitsune. "Now, what can you tell me?"
The young soldier seemed to struggle with finding is voice for a bit, his body visibly trembling with nerves as he was stared at by the newest Daiyoukai. He had had no reason to fear the hanyou before, in fact, he had been one of many to laugh at the news of Inuyasha's taking the throne. However, he had heard of Tokage's ultimate demise, and now he knew that the supposed weakling was a force to be reckoned with.
"Um, uh, I uh." He stuttered, watching Inuyasha's glower grow darker the longer he took. "The, uh, lizards of the Southern Lands are less then two days ride from the palace. The mass of their army is large, probably close to a thousand."
"That many, huh? And how many soldiers do we have to counter them?" Inuyasha was asking, his claws rapping against the table top in agitation.
"Three hundred, within the palace grounds, my lord." The soldier squeaked out, Shirogitsune chuckling at his behavior.
"That is a mixture of bear-youkai, badgers, and youkai from the lesser lands." Kuma informed him. "As you can see, we are at a disadvantage."
Inuyasha sighed, before he was crossing his arms and glaring at the table top as he tried his best to think things over. He had no idea what he could do to rectify all that was happening. Their army wasn't large enough to best the oncoming attack. Even if he reached out to his newly attained companion in the East, that was still only one hundred demons. And he had no idea what Kouga's familiars would be able to scrounge up. There had to be something that he could do.
"For the moment, we'll just have to make due." He concluded, looking back up at the council members and Kouga, his only ally so far. "We'll focus on our defense for the time being rather than our offense, though I don't want it mistaken that we're going to be sitting ducks."
He looked to Shirogitsune, who seemed engrossed with whatever the young soldier had been pointing out to him, calling for his attention.
"Foxy."
Shirogitsune frowned at the nick name but looked up all the same.
"Yes, my lord?"
"You still want my trust?" Inuyasha asked him, the kitsune only frowning further.
"What would you have me do?"
Inuyasha stood then, his eyes looking to the young soldier again, who stiffened as he was put under scrutiny.
"You, how many youkai do we have ready for battle and out of those, who do you know to be the most skilled?"
"I uh. . . " The young youkai stuttered, all eyes suddenly on him. "We have all our troops readied for an attack, but I would say we only have no more than twenty well skilled soldiers."
"Good, head back to your commander and inform him that I want those twenty ready to head out by nightfall." Inuyasha ordered. "Go now."
"Hai, Inuyasha-sama!"
Then the lad was gone, rushing out of the room and leaving the curious members behind. With him gone the other members turned back to the Daiyoukai, waiting to see if he would further explain his actions.
"Shirogitsune."
It was the first time that Inuyasha had actually used his name, and the kitsune took it as a sign that his lord was being far more serious than he was used to. So, pushing past his shock, he nodded to show that he had the hanyou's attention.
"You get down to the barracks and out of those twenty good men, I want you to pick ten of the best." Inuyasha said, his frown still marring his face and his arms crossed over his chest. "Do so as soon as you can, and when dusk hits, you and those ten men will travel out back to dragon territory. Make sure you aren't seen, because you'll be making a quick stop."
"I suppose I'll be scouting the army heading for us?"" Shirogitsune asked, and the Daiyoukai only grunted. "As you wish, Lord Inuyasha."
Then Inuyasha was looking at his rival, and close friend, who raised an eyebrow at the look the hanyou gave him.
"You take the remaining ten and find the rest of your clan." Inuyasha told him, Kouga nodding to the order. "I want them back here as soon as you can manage."
"No problem. Give me until this evening, I think Ginta should know."
The snort that Inuyasha gave had Kouga frowning, but the smirk had him growling a bit as he saw before the hanyou could say anything that he was going to be teased.
"You're so whipped." The inu said, and Kouga slammed his fist onto the table top with a sound of objection.
"I am not whipped!" Kouga argued, though he knew it was far from the truth. "I respect my mate enough to let him know whats going on! That and I'd like to return to what you interrupted before dragging me off here! And besides, you're just as whipped as I am!"
The table of elders could only sigh and shake their head as an argument ensued, Shirogitsune the only one of them interested in the duo's banter.
"For your information, flea bag, I ain't whipped!" Inuyasha was shouting before he was stopped.
"Inuyasha-sama!"
The room was soon looking to where a servant came bursting in, his chest heaving as he seemed to have run here from some distance away in the palace. His gold-green eyes were wide and panicked, and his skin seem pale and covered in a thin sheet of sweat.
Inuyasha took in the young servant and knew something was up. As the young demon stumbled in, he stood from his place, his left hand settling around the hilt of Tetsusaiga in a reflexive habit.
"What is it?"
"It's Mujina!" The fox demon panted out, his voice strained. "He's been found dead!"
The silence that filled the room from that statement was only broken by Inuyasha's muttered curse, before the Daiyoukai was gritting his teeth and looking about at the council members.
"Kouga, I hate to say it, but it looks like your goodbyes will have to be short."
Kouga sighed, but nodded anyway and was standing from the table and leaving the room with respective nods to the rest of the room. Then Inuyasha was looking to Shirogitsune, who was standing as well. The silver kitsune had his eyes closed in concentration, his hands tightening his sword hanging from his belt.
"Give me until tomorrow night, my lord." He said, silver eyes opening to look at the Daiyoukai, his face for once holding a look that was all business. "Until then, I leave things in your hands."
Inuyasha only grunted a reply that sounded like a confirmation of some sort, and the older youkai accepted it. With a bow he was gone, leaving behind the other members and a few guards. They all looked expectantly at the new Daiyoukai, awaiting his next order.
"We continue as normal. Mujina's death won't be announced just yet." His eyes were then looking to the servant who had come with the message. "Who knows of this so far?"
"Just everyone in this room, myself and the servant girl who found him dead in his room. She chose to stay and wait for me to take you to his body."
"Good, you head back and tell her to keep her mouth shut, and you do the same." He heard Dokutake snort, and he looked to the toad-demon. "That goes for everyone one else here. Until I know how and why he died, no one says a damned word. Got it?"
The rounds of agreement had the Daiyoukai nodding with satisfaction before he was releasing the servant boy to give his comrade the message. Then he was ready to dismiss the remaining members of the council, but Kuma's voice had him looking to the old bear.
"Do you suspect that Mujina was murdered, my lord?" The old demon asked, and Inuyasha's frown deepened as he looked away in thought.
"Mujina was old, but he was no where near ready to die on his own." He muttered aloud, looking back to the oldest member out of the council men. "Someone wanted Mujina out of the picture, and I'm gonna find out why."
xoxoxoxox
Rin sat huddled under the floorboards of a rarely used drawing room, her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms wrapped about them. Her chin rested atop them, a frown fitting her face and a pout on her lips. She hadn't understood why Kaori-san wanted her to be nice to the snake princess, she was only human and even she could tell that the princess was bad.
She looked about her hiding place, something she had found by accident when her punishment for misbehaving had been to clean this room on her own. She had been stomping in a tantrum, of course after her chichiue had already left so as not to be punished again, and had fallen through.
Luckily, she hadn't hurt herself and when she managed to climb out, she realized that she could use this place. So, she told no one about it, and whenever she wanted the freedom to have her tantrums, she would escape here. It was also fun to hear conversations that people thought were secret, being that they figured no one really used the place.
No one was here now however, and she was grateful for it. She wanted to be alone so that she could pout and brood in peace. She'd head back to find her chichiue soon enough, and she was sure that she would be in a lot of trouble. She had heard Kaori come searching not too long ago, and the panic in her voice told the young human that she would head to tell the inu prince that she was missing. Besides, she was starting to become hungry as she never did get that dango.
Her hands reached up above her to start moving the floorboards aside, but the sound of the shoji screens sliding open had her fixing them back in place. She huddled quietly, her mouth snapping shut so she didn't accidentally make a sound, and her ears were open to listen. She felt a shiver run down her spine, and she had the oddest urge to just run away. That was out of the question, as it meant giving up her hiding spot.
She held her breath as the footsteps stopped directly above her, and she looked up, trying to look up through the small cracks in the floorboards. She almost gasped as she saw a flash of black hair, and she had to stop and wonder just who it was.
The second set of footsteps told her that it was more than one youkai, and she instinctively ducked away, brown eyes looking up at the floorboards above her. She had no idea what was going on, but something was telling her it was best she started to find another way out. Which she already knew of. If she kept moving towards the left wall, she would find herself by the loose panel that led underneath the roka. That exited out by a garden that she could find her way from.
She started to do just that, but her movement was paused by a voice she recognized.
"I hope you have more to this plan of yours than it seems." It was Ishimaru, the older badger's son. She didn't like him much either, he was always glaring at her chichiue and was even rude to Otousan. "I'd hate to discover that you've dragged me into a situation with no definite intent."
The smooth, rumbling laughter that trickled down to her had her trembling and she gasped as the demon stepped close enough that she could see him through a larger than usual gap in the floor boards. The straight black hair and green eyes, even the glittering scales. He was hebi, just like that nasty princess and just like her, he was bad. She could tell by just looking at him.
"No need to worry, my friend." The youkai assured the other, his face fitted with a sly smile. "Murdering your father would not have been done in vain. You now hold the title of clan leader, and you will get the rest of your clan to rise up against the newest Daiyoukai."
"Do not speak so freely of my father's death." Ishimaru warned, the snake merely nodding in agreement. "To think I've sullied my hands for the likes of you. When this is over, you turn from these lands and never look back. You'll have your bitch and your whelp, and I'll give you Inuyasha's head if it so pleases you, but you never return."
"Oh, is there a threat lingering beyond those words?"
"A promise that you'll regret ever showing your face here again." Ishimaru warned and the hebi only chuckled.
"You didn't want to kill daddy, did you?"
"You leave my father out of this!"
The boom in the badger's voice had Rin jumping, and she clamped her hands over her mouth to stifle her yelp. She was already tearing with the news that Mujina-otooji was dead. He hadn't been a bad man, and like Kuma-otooji and Shirogitsune-san, he had been fond of her. And now he was dead, killed by his own son. She couldn't understand why.
"Enough of this!" The snake snapped, his face now contorted with a snarl. "You agreed to take part in this, you will have no regrets. By the new moon I will have what's mine and Inuyasha will have no way of stopping me! You will over take his loyal subjects, all who seem to be rising in number. He'll make a move soon against the princess, I know it, and I want that stopped!"
"The lizard-clan of the South are already marching closer, I can easily aid them, but it will be difficult. My father was loyal to the inu-clan, bitter but loyal, and he had many faithful followers amongst our kind."
"Then dispose of them and lead those who will follow you." Kanaye advised him. "My servant will strike when I order her to, and we'll easily overthrow Inuyasha."
"And you need the new moon for that?" Ishimaru asked, his confusion evident.
Kanaye laughed again, his hands reaching up to carefully throw his hair over his shoulder.
"Surely, you know of a hanyou's human night?"
Ishimaru's silence and his unamused glare was answer enough.
"You see, on the new moon the Lord of the West will become human. He will be vulnerable and powerless." Kanaye announced, his form shifting and eyes changing.
Rin watched, her eyes widening as she was soon looking up at the last person she wanted to be in the presence of. He couldn't be here. Her family was in danger.
"It is on that night that I'll kill him!"
Rin shook her head in disbelief, her hands still clamped over her mouth and tears streaming down her face. She had to get out of here and tell someone, let them know what was going on. She wouldn't let them hurt her chichiue or her otousan.
She froze as red eyes were soon looking down, directly into hers and Naraku smiled.
"You can keep a secret, can't you?"
She was screaming as tentacles burst through the floorboards, writhing and reaching out for her. She escaped by mere inches, crawling away and towards the exit she knew wasn't too far off. She heard Ishimaru cursing and looking behind her, those same tentacles were on her tail, and the badger was jumping down, crouching and looking for her in the dark space.
"Where are you, you little bitch!" He bellowed out, using the tentacles as a guide to her.
Rin moved faster, stopping in front of the loose panels and pounding her fists against it in a panic. She burst free just as Ishimaru drew close enough to reach for her, but she was already pushing through and out from under the roka, her little feet running out into the thick plant life of the garden.
She didn't look back, knowing that she was probably being followed. She had to run and get help, she had to find her chichiue.
She was crying out as she was suddenly grabbed from behind, a hand clamping over her mouth as she tried to scream. She knew it had to be no other than Ishimaru, being a demon he was fast enough to catch up with her.
"I will not have you ruin this for me, ningen brat!" The badger growled out, before he was crying out as she bit down on his hand.
He released her because of it, and Rin took the chance to try and run, but she didn't get far. She tried to scream again as she was grabbed, but it was cut short as a heavy hand ripped across her face, her lip bursting at the force and her body flying to the ground.
Her eyes looked up at Ishimaru in disbelief, the panting badger demon glaring down at her with his rust colored eyes now blood red and his fangs bared and glistening.
"Very good, Ishimaru."
From the shadows of the surrounding plants, Naraku seemed to melt out of them, his red eyes looking to the full-blooded demon with pride. As he came closer, his hand took to petting Ishimaru's head as if he was a dog that had pleased its master.
"You've done well."
Rin was trying her best to shrink away as those red eyes turned on her next, Naraku smiling down at her in a promise of things she didn't yet understand but knew to be afraid of.
"How very naughty of you, little girl." Naraku said, moving closer and crouching down beside her. "Do you know what happens to naughty children like you?"
Rin couldn't find her voice and all she could do was whimper and hyperventilate, her body trembling and her mind pleading for someone to come and save her.
"They get punished, of course." Naraku answered for her, reaching out to wipe away a tear.
Her eyes widened further as tentacles slowly slithered up into the air, writhing and dancing above her as Naraku continued to pet her cheek. She didn't like his hand touching her, it was cold and clammy, but she was too scared to move.
"Now be a good girl." Naraku crooned, slowly standing, but his eyes never looking away from her. "And don't scream."
Against his request, she began to scream anyway, but it was cut short as the tentacles shot forward and her world went black.
xoxoxoxox
Sesshomaru gasped as he was jumping awake, having fallen asleep in the bath. He couldn't help it, the water was warm and relaxing, and soothed his worries away for the time being. It was short lived however, as he had been visited by another nightmare during his nap. It had been of Rin, and he had watched as she was dragged off into darkness by writhing masses, her hand reaching out for him. But, no matter how much he stretched his hand for her, he couldn't reach her.
He shivered despite the warm water, and couldn't help the sinking feeling in his stomach which he knew wasn't nausea. Something was wrong. He had to find Rin immediately, if only to ease his now troubled mind. He stood from the water and reached for the towel that had been left for him, drying off as much as he could before stepping out. The rest of him was dried off and then he was flinging on the bathing yukata and side-stepping the oil left for his skin. He'd do that later, when he wasn't so agitated and nervous.
He exited the bathing room and was then walking down the hallway to his own room. It was empty, save a change of his formal kimono and hakama set up on a day bed. He ignored it and closed the door, once in his life not concerned that he wasn't properly dressed. He didn't care, he was on a mission.
The next twenty minutes consisted of him searching every room he came across and questioning every servant or noble that crossed his path. He gained nothing however, and it only doubled his efforts. His travels found him crossing paths with Kaori, who seemed relieved to meet up with him, though it didn't last as she took in the sight of her prince.
"Sesshomaru-sama, what is it?" She questioned as she came to stop in front of him. "Why aren't you dressed?"
"Where is Rin?" He asked her, Kaori's face falling into a look of shame.
"I still am unable to find her."
She was shocked as he brushed past her, his steps hurried and she followed obediently without having to be told. He led them to the young girl's bedroom, where he looked about the empty room, before stepping in further. Kaori could only stare in amazement as he knelt beside the bed, looking under it before he was heading over to the closet. That he slid open and pushed the kimonos that were hanging aside, finding nothing but her slippers and shoes beyond them.
Then he was storming over to the large chest at the foot of bed, the one that usually housed her toys, and he flung it open with a force that made the kitsune female jump. She had never seen her prince like this, and she had to wonder what had happened for him to react in such a manner.
"Where is she?" Came the calm voice, only a bit tight with tension. "Where could she have gone?"
"Sesshomaru-sama."
She was ignored as he began removing the toys from the chest, his eyes focused on his task until it was empty, and the chest was flung aside in frustration. It wasn't too often that the previous Daiyoukai would let his emotions show this way, in fact, this was a first for Kaori. Rin's disappearance must be much more upsetting than he made it seem at first.
"Rin." He was calling out, Kaori jumping as the bed was overturned and basically destroyed. "Rin, where are you?"
Kaori could only watch him return to the closet, the silk clothing torn from where they rested as he searched the closet again.
"Now is not the time for games, Rin." He scolded, his voice losing its calm and solemn tone, becoming tight and almost carrying a tremble. "Rin, where are you?"
With the closet proven to be empty, he slammed it shut and stormed over to the garden doors and flung them open.
"Rin!"
The answer back was the occasional bird calls, and Kaori didn't know what to do when the inukai turned to storm back over to her.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" She called out as he bypassed her.
She was ignored and he went storming down the hall, servants being sure to keep out of his way.
"Rin!"
"Sesshomaru-sama!"
Kaori ran after him, matching his pace as she caught up and trying her best to calm him down.
"I'm sure she's fine." She tried to assure him, though she wasn't sure if it was working. "She is just having a tantrum as you said, she will turn up when she is ready to."
"No! I want her now!" He was growling out, opening a random door and scanning the room full of nobility sharing tea.
They only stared up in wonder and fright as hardened amber eyes glared over them. They all sighed in relief as he left after a few long moments, and Kaori bowed an apology before closing the door again.
By the time she was ready to follow after him, Sesshomaru was rounding a corner and she had to run and catch up.
"Sesshomaru-sama, please calm down!" She called out to him.
She was further ignored, and all she could do was follow after him. She would have tried stopping him physically if she didn't think that she would probably lose her hand for touching him during this point in time.
She saw him disappear into a room, and she sighed before following him. She skidded to a halt as she almost collided into his back, the demon having come to a stop just inside of the door. She found it odd and was about to question him, when the familiar scent of his human ward teased her sense of smell. Cautiously, she was peeking around him, her eyes widening at the destruction to the floor of the room, an obvious sign that something horrible had happened here.
Rin's scent was accompanied by two others, one she recognized as none other than Ishimaru's and the other, it made her stomach curl. She had never sensed this demon before, but just his trace that he had left behind made her wish to never come face to face with him again.
"No." She heard Sesshomaru say, the demon taking a tentative step forward as he looked about the room. She couldn't see his face from behind him, but she had the feeling that it was showing an array of emotions she had never seen before. "He couldn't be here. He can't have her."
Before she could stop him, he was rushing over to the broken floor boards and jumping down into the crawlspace underneath, frantically searching and making more of a mess than there already was. His claws tore apart the wood and the bits and pieces were flung about carelessly. The nursemaid had to duck and cover from a few stray pieces as she made her way over to him.
"Rin!" He was calling out, no longer breaking apart the floor, but still looking about the debris for the girl the was obviously not there. "Rin!"
"Sesshomaru-sama, please calm down!" Kaori pleaded, jumping down and taking the risk by putting her hands on his shoulders. She nearly wilted under the deadly glare he narrowed on her, but she steeled herself and returned it. The shock of that had the prince's glare softening a bit. "This isn't the way to behave, it won't help us find her. Whoever was here must have taken her, and we have to keep a level head if we want to get her back."
"Why her?" The inukai was growling out, pulling free of Kaori to stand straight up. "I'm the one he wants."
"Sesshomaru-sama?" The rest of her question was easily translated even though she didn't ask it.
"The one who pupped me." Was all he offered her, jumping back up to what was left of the room's floor. "He obviously came here looking to try and take me and-"
His word stopped abruptly and Kaori had to wonder what could have possibly make him stop so suddenly. She took his example and climbed up so that she was behind him, and she couldn't help but feel her stomach sink at the look of dread that was so openly exposed on her prince's face.
"Prince Sesshomaru, what is it?" She asked, suddenly wanting to know what she could do to have him as himself again.
"Kazue."
That was all he said before he was speeding off. Kaori could only call after him, but he didn't stop. He wouldn't stop until he got where he was rushing to. The closer he got was the stronger the stifling scent of Naraku seemed to become and it pushed him to run faster.
When he rounded the corner of the hall that held the nursery, he couldn't help but panic at his son's crying. In a quick sprint, he was in front of the door and flinging it open, his heart pounding and stomach dropping at not knowing what to expect.
Amber eyes gazed upon the sight of Kazue fussing in Minako's arms, the old woman trying to the rock the boy quiet. The saru looked up at him as he entered, she was disgruntled and obviously annoyed.
"He's been crying for quite a while, you know." She informed him, before she was stopping and taking in his state.
The mussed hair, quickly thrown on robe and obviously distressed expression was something to worry over.
"What on earth is going on here? You look like hell." Kazue's crying had quieted some, but now the pup was yipping with its "mother's" scent so close and he wanted his attention. "You might as well come and calm him. He's been crying since he woke, I suspect it's teething pains."
It was all the invitation he needed, and he rushed in before nearly snatching his son away from her, pulling by close to him and nuzzling the black locks on his head. Minako watched on just the slightest bit miffed, but undoubtedly confused. She had never seen the prince this shaken, save for when Naraku had last attacked him when Kazue had been born.
The inu was now licking his son affectionately in a canine form of comfort, before he was hugging the pup closer to him, Kazue having calmed to hiccups and the occasional whine. Something had happened, and she wanted to know what.
"Okay, boy, out with it." She gently ordered, her face holding a deep frown. "What's troubling you?"
Sesshomaru looked up from nuzzling Kazue's cheek to look up at the midwife, his own cheek pressed against the soft downy top of his pup's head.
"Inuyasha." He told her, confusing the old woman further. "I have to let him know."
"Glad you came to your senses on that matter." She said, misinterpreting his words. "He is the father after all."
"No." Sesshomaru calmly corrected her, though his voice was still a bit agitated. "He has to know that Naraku was here. And he has Rin."
xoxoxoxox
Inuyasha couldn't help the scowl that settled on his brow as he stared down at Mujina's dead form. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, tight enough that his claws were threatening to pierce his skin, but he was too distracted to pay much attention to that.
Upon entering Mujina's room, it had seemed as if the old demon had died peacefully in his sleep, but Inuyasha knew that wasn't the case. He could smell the blood and a sickening after scent that nagged at his brain to pay attention. So, he had stepped forward and as respectfully as he could with eyes watching him, tore open the badgers sleeping kimono.
The young servant girl had gasped and clutched onto the servant that had led him back here, and Inuyasha had merely put on the scowl and clenched his jaw tight in fury. The large hole in the demon's chest, stuffed with cloth to slow the bleeding from seeping through the clothes, was proof enough that his guess had been right. This was no natural death, someone had made the first move, and Inuyasha had an idea of who.
"Dress him in new clothing and have the body taken away. No one knows that he was murdered, do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord." The young demon lad said, still trying to comfort the demoness. "Should I inform Ishimaru-san of his father's passing?"
Inuyasha stopped, having forgotten about that pain in the ass. It would be right for the young badger to know, being that Mujina was his father. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen much of him since their last encounter in the hallway. It made him just a bit curious as to what he'd been up to.
"No, I'll tell him personally." He answered, the young servant nodded. "You two just get to work and when you're done here, you can return to your normal duties."
"Hai, Inuyasha-sama." They both piped at the same time, and then Inuyasha was leaving them to do as he'd bid.
As he left the room, he had the urge to go straight to wherever Ishimaru's quarters were located. But then he was suddenly thinking of his mate, and though he was being ignored, he felt the need to see him. So, without much worry that he'd probably be turned away, he started off on the well known path that would take him to his shared quarters. He had only rounded the first corner, when he recognized a panicked Jaken rushing towards him.
'Great.' He thought, shoulders sagging. 'What now?'
"Inuyasha-sama!" Jaken panted out as he came to a halt in front of the inu-hanyou. "Prince Sesshomaru requests your immediate attention!"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes suspiciously, knowing that Jaken found even the most menial of Sesshomaru's demands to be of the utmost importance.
"Why?" He asked, and the little green toad huffed impatiently.
"Rin has gone missing!" He provided, Inuyasha tensing at the words as if waiting for the worst to come. "He suspects Naraku!"
"Damn it!" Inuyasha was swearing before rushing off and then calling back to Jaken. "Where is he!"
Jaken tried his best to keep up on his shorts legs as Inuyasha raced through the halls blindly for the moment, as he had no idea where Sesshomaru was.
"The nursery with Minako-san, my lord!"
And then Inuyasha was gone, sprinting off at full speed and startling a few servants walking about the halls. Jaken could only whine and complain as he followed after him at a far slower pace, even though he was running as fast as he could.
The two didn't seem to notice the reptilian eyes that watched them race away, hidden beneath a small table holding an expensive decorative vase. The snake soon slithered away, and at the end of its journey, it slowly writhed up the arm outstretched to it, hissing gently in a waiting ear.
Sakuya's face dropped its solemn mask and wrinkled into one of rage, her hand slamming down on the table top she sat at, the tea set rattling with the force.
"That egotistical imbecile!" She hissed, pushing herself up and beginning to pace in anger. "He'll ruin everything! I should have never trusted him to help me!"
She placed the snake back on the ground and nodded her head out towards the gardens.
"Find where he is!" She demanded, the snake merely hissing and slithering off. "I demand to know what he could be possibly thinking!"
When she was left alone, she tried her best to calm herself, knowing a servant would be showing up soon to remove the tea service. She didn't need them thinking she was unhappy and report it to the Daiyoukai or his mate. She would still use the guise that she was a guest who was content with her hosts' gratitude, even if Naraku was trying his best to destroy her meticulous planning.
It was a good thing she had never intended to truly share her victory with the wretched spider, because after this betrayal, he was as good as dead.
xoxoxoxox
Kouga eagerly ran as fast as his shards cold take him, knowing he was leaving his temporary troops a bit behind him. He was on a mission though. He needed to find his pack mates as fast as he could and bring them back to the Western Palace. The faster he did that was the faster he returned to Ginta,
His mate hadn't been happy, but he did understand the importance of what needed to be done. So, sending Hakkaku off with the twins, the two had had a private goodbye. It had left Kouga giddy and ready to go, but the motivation was furthered by Ginta's hint of a private welcome back.
So, here he was running the trail he had taken here, knowing he had left tracks purposely for his pack to follow. The howl in the distance had him pausing momentarily, and he lifted his nose to the air to see if he could catch a scent.
He did, and he recognized it as his own brethren, and even from here he could tell it was quite a few of them.
"Lord Kouga!"
He looked back to see the ten soldiers reaching up with him, none looking the slightest bit winded, though a couple seem disgruntled to having been left in his dust.
"More than a mile south." Was all he said, before he was changing and charging off.
He'd reach them faster in his wolf form, and of course, with the jewel shards to help as well. His mind was determined as he ran through the forest and over rocky terrain. It took him close to half an hour, but soon enough he could hear more howls and the scent was stronger now. Releasing a howl of his own, Kouga charged forward and was soon greeted with the sight of familiars and transformed youkai.
As they met, Kouga was surrounded by eager pack mates, all barking and happily licking at his face. They romped and played for a few minutes, Kouga putting a few of the more rambunctious youths in their place, before he was calming everyone down. They waited patiently, a few growling at the youkai that drew near, and Kouga easing their discomfort and suspicion with a few growls of his own to warn them not to attack. As the mixture of badgers, foxes, bears, and a single toad demon finally reached them, Kouga finally changed back into his youkai form.
"Come on." He said with beckoning tilt of his head. "The rest of the pack's not too far."
He led them, and the few of his wolves that came to greet him, back in the direction he scented the others. They reached after a short walk to a clearing where camp had been set up, and the moment he was noticed, he was bombarded by a second wave of happy wolves and youkai.
Kouga basked in it for a moment, happy to see his pack again and not having expected so many to survive. There had to be more than fifty wolves, but less than a hundred. It didn't worry him much, because there were almost twenty new pups, which meant his clan would do quite well at rebuilding. It would be slow, but it was enough to know that they had survived.
"Prince Kouga, we thought you were dead." An old youkai said, her voice showing her relief.
"That's Lord Kouga now." He told them, the level of excitement rising.
"Ne, does that mean you got a mate?" A young pup asked, his gray eyes blinking up expectantly at is lord.
"Uh huh, sure does!" He laughed, his ego swelling a bit at the round of disappointed 'aws' by a few of the females and a couple males. "I came to take you to Lord Inuyasha. He's in need of our assistance."
There was a hum of murmurs that rose out of the surrounding youkai at the news, the elders of the group huddling together in a tight discussion. Kouga knew that they would always carefully talk over his decisions and then give his opinion and advice. As the leader, he had main priority to what the pack did, but the elders were always welcome to give their approval or dissuade him if they were against it.
"My Lord Kouga, we are sure you will not steer us wrong." An old ookami began as they group finally fell quiet, her small frame supported by a gnarled cane. "We shall continue our journey West and be welcome by the inu clan. However, I do believe we should dispose of a threat before we move forward."
"Huh?"
His confusion did not last long as he was led to an isolated tent with two young youkai standing guard. They stood aside to let him in, and Kouga looked back to his pack only once, before he was pulling back the flap and stepping in. He came to halt inside, blue eyes wide in disbelief as he stared down at a rope-tied captive under the sharp glare of one of the few older males left. As his shock subsided, his eyes narrowed and his teeth were bared, a low growl rumbling in his chest.
"Kagura." It was an acidic hiss, and his fists clenched as he looked down at her.
The sorceress only glared back, her hair disheveled and a few wounds and bruises marring her face and body, while her kimono was ripped and dirtied. Kouga had half a mind to rip her head off, but he steadied himself letting his anger brew the longer he stared at her.
"How did you manage to capture her?" He was questioning the wolf standing guard.
"The other night she attacked us during our travels." He informed his Alpha, noting how Kouga growled louder at the words, eyes flashing red. "However, we were able to overpower her by a fluke. Her own wind blew up the dust loosened by our travel and when she was blinded, we took our chance. There were no casualties and only minimum injury. The newly born pups, their mothers and male carriers, were safe. We didn't know what to do with her but tie her up and stand guard over her. The decision on how we should of dispose of her was left to you."
Kouga looked back to Kagura, who hadn't let up on her own glare, and even seemed the least bit impatient. Slowly, he walked forward until he was directly in front of her, cerulean eyes locking with red.
"If you're going to kill me, just get it over with." Kagura suddenly snapped, Kouga's jaw clenching.
"I'll be all to eager to." Kouga announced, his hand closing about the hilt of his sword.
"Yes, I know. However, then you wouldn't be able to know what I can offer in return for my life." She then said.
Kouga only snorted, before he was pulling his sword free, testing its weight and spinning it once before resting it against the juncture where her neck met her shoulder.
"There's no talking your way out of this." He told her, his eyes still narrowed with hers. "You'll pay for what you did to me and my clan."
"Oh? And what if I told you I knew what Naraku was up to and how your little hanyou friend was in danger?"
It made him pause momentarily, but he steeled himself and only growled.
"As if I'd believe the woman who nearly murdered my entire clan! You could be lying to me and this could all be a trick!"
"I need no tricks to destroy you or your pathetic pack, ookami!" She bit back, Kouga's face scowling further at the insult. "I let myself be captured because I knew you could take me to Inuyasha"
"I won't help you get to him." Kouga insisted, and Kagura gave a growl of frustration.
"You imbecile! I'm trying to help you, or would you rather have what's left of your disgraceful little pack strewn about the countryside!"
"As if I would give you the chance!" Kouga snapped, his sword pressing closer to her skin so that it cut into the pale flesh.
Kagura's mood changed then, and she straightened herself with a cocky smirk, bearing her throat to the Alpha who had a death wish against her.
"Fine then, foolish whelp, kill me." She commanded him, watching him become the least bit unsettled. "Finish me and rid yourself of the one woman who nearly destroyed your pack."
Without hesitation, he raised his sword and was swinging down to take her head, but the next words to come out of her mouth had him stopping just a hair's breath away from making the kill.
"Your mate and pups!"
He looked to her, watching her smile grow as the blade stopped short of ending her life.
"You wouldn't dare-" He was interrupted by her soft chuckle.
"Please, would I threaten them with my life in your hands?" Kagura asked him. "I know they're in danger at the Western Palace and I'm sure you won't allow them to be. Now, I can help you, but you must take me to Inuyasha."
"You wouldn't call that a threat?"
"Oh no, my lord." She said, her eyes looking up at his glowering face. "I would say that was a warning. If I die, so does your precious little pups and your newly attained mate all because you didn't heed my word. I know what that snake princess has planned and I offer my services to you and Inuyasha, but only if I keep my life!"
Kouga was torn. He was sure that she couldn't be trusted. This woman had hurt him once before and he was sure that she would do it again with no remorse. However, now he had more than just his pack to worry about. His pups and Ginta were coming into the picture and he couldn't risk them either. There was so much that could go wrong if he made the wrong choice.
"I could never trust someone who serves Naraku." He told her, his eyes glaring back at her. "I can manage without you."
His sword raised, but once again it was stopped as Kagura announced something that made his blood run cold.
"He's there." She calmly revealed, the blade stopping against her already bleeding skin this time. "And here you are wasting your time attempting to kill me, when you could be at your mate's side, protecting your children."
"You set this up!" He accused, his anger exploding.
"Yes!" She yelled back, her eyes burning with anger as well. "But only so that I can get my own revenge! You take me to Inuyasha and I will give you my aid in defeating Naraku! He's already succeeded farther than you've expected, because he's in the castle walls! How long is it before he's close enough to strike? Don't prove to me how stupid you are, ookami! Take me to Inuyasha!"
With an angry cry, Kouga was lifting his sword and swinging it down. The dull thud of an impact was heard before Kagura crumpled to the ground, her body limp in front of the Alpha's feet. The guard that was still in the room watched with wide eyes as Kouga sheathed his sword, his eyes glowing red and his breathing heavy.
"My lord?"
"Make sure she's tied where she can't escape and you search her for any weapons she may have hidden." Kouga ordered, his back turning away from the wind sorceress. "When she wakes up, knock her out again. I'll start gathering the pack, we're leaving tonight and heading for the Western Palace. If she's lying to me, she'd dead, but I can't risk my family."
The wolf only bowed to his Alpha's command and then Kouga was heading outside, not the least bit surprised to find the pack waiting expectantly for him to tell what had happened.
"The witch comes with us." He rose his hand to fend off any objections. "Gather all you can and leave behind anything that will slow us down. We leave tonight. Move out!"
As the pack went on to carry out his order, he turned to the ten soldiers that Inuyasha had sent him out with. They stood at attention, awaiting whatever order they were going to give him.
"Out of all of you, who's the fastest?" He asked them, tightening his sword by his side.
A young kitsune stepped forward, Kouga realizing for the first time that it was a female. He nodded to her as she bowed, the fox youkai awaiting his command.
"Go ahead of us and warn your Daiyoukai that troubles on his way." He told her, the female nodding. "Don't stop until you reach there and head straight for him. Tell him I said Naraku's breached his walls. Ask him to keep a close eye on Ginta and my pups, since I'll be delayed traveling with my entire pack. Give me me a full day at most."
"Yes, sir!" She was spouting and then she was off, transforming into a large-sized demon fox and sporting seven tails. Kouga blinked in amazement as she sped off, faster than he was when he didn't use the jewel shards. When she had disappeared over the darkened horizon, he looked back to the nine that were left and bid them to take watch at different radii.
When they were gone, he was promptly went to assisting his people, but not before his eyes looked up at the waning moon. That could only spell trouble and it meant he had to move quickly. His friends and family were depending on him.
T.B.C.
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