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
- 25
- 26
- 27
Title: Unexpected Circumstance
Author: Neptunesdemon
Archive: Fanfiction net; Mpreg mailing list
Category: Mpreg, romance, drama
Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, incest, non-con, lemon, OC, mpreg, evilness
Author's Note: Enter here the usual self doubt and self loathing, as well as the groveling for your forgiveness. Or, you can just skip ahead and head to what you actually came here for. Enjoy!
xoxoxoxox
Shirogitsune brought his temporary troops to a halt with a raised hand, as he dropped to a stop, crouching in a well-hidden tree branch. The ten soldiers stopped in various branches in the same tree, awaiting the next command. Silver eyes watched over the large army that was settling down for the night, camped not too far in the distance. It wasn't far enough for him to observe bigger detail, and only moving a few yards closer would allow his eyes to make out the smallest details on the soldiers' faces. He sniffed the air, and was glad to see that he was indeed downwind. He couldn't risk being caught, not when it was just him and a handful of soldiers against an entire army.
With only a few signals of the hand, he ordered two men each to circle the camp at different intervals, before heading closer by himself. Silently, he went from treetop to crawling along the ground, using the cover of bushes and careful to stay out of the moonlight. His silver locks and the white fur of his tail was bound to catch the light and the last thing he needed was to be seen.
Quickly, he crept closer until he was a few yards away, and he stopped downwind to make sure the enemy soldiers ahead of him wouldn't catch his scent. Hidden in underbrush and shadows, his silver eyes dulled to a matte gray, a skill that was quite useful when he was tracking. The smallest amount of light was reflected off of his usual eye color, and dulling it helped him avoid being caught.
His ears twitched at the distant sounds of voices, ignoring what was said as it was merely normal conversation between soldiers. He could see the general's tent pitched in the center and further beyond that there were more tents as well as fire-pits. Counting them all, he knew that their trackers and spies hadn't miscounted by much. They had quoted a thousand but he counted exactly eight hundred youkai. Still far more than their own troops.
He realized that he would have to try and convince the East to lend them more than one hundred demons. He was sure the young prince was giving from his own troops gifted to him by his father, and if they wanted anything more, they would have to go straight to the Eastern Daiyoukai.
His mind was made up soon enough and then he was creeping away, jumping up into the tree tops and being joined by a young badger demon. The soldier nodded in respect, his ears listening for his elder's command even as his eyes continued to watch the army in front of them.
"Send your quickest man to the East. Inform the prince his troops are needed and then do you best to convince Lord Tobikuma to aid us as well."
The badger nodded and was then whistling a signal that was low enough to be missed by any lizard demons that were in listening range. Lizard youkai weren't too well equipped when it came to sounds, though they did have a knack for scents. It was good that the wind was working with them rather than against them.
A tall, red-furred kitsune inaudibly landed on an adjacent branch in a crouch, head bowed and waiting. The message was repeated and with a nod of acceptance and understanding he was off, a red streak of energy cutting across the night-darkened land.
"The rest of you stay here." Shirogitsune was ordering next, standing straight up and flexing his muscles. They slowly popped and twisted as he began changing into his animal form, tail splitting into eight different appendages as he went on all fours. "I must make a trip to the past. If I do not return by the new moon, assume I am dead and inform Lord Inuyasha of my passing. Hold them off if they start to move."
"Nine to eight hundred?" The soldier asked, finally looking to where his superior now stood in fox form, tails fanned and razor teeth gleaming in the moonlight. "I hardly believe that to be a fair advantage."
"You are elite soldiers, are you not? You will have to make due."
Then he was gone, a shadow of white billowing low along the ground like a fog. The badger left behind only sighed, before he was heading off for his comrades to give them the news. They'd have to move quickly if they wanted to stall the army, something was telling him that they would be moving on once the night was done.
xoxoxoxox
The halls were unusually quiet as he walked through them. He would have thought that there would have been more activity, especially with the news of a council member's death in the open. It hadn't been officially announced, but the servants had gotten wind and that had the rumor spreading like wildfire. But there was nothing, nothing but silence and the emptiness to accompany him to the Daiyoukai's study.
In the distance, the ominous doors stood closed, heavy wood engraved and lined in gold. A battlefield of a past war, Lord Touga's own grandfather skillfully carved out in his large demon form, muzzle pulled back in a snarl and teeth gleaming in the light provided by the lit lamps hanging in the hallway.
He didn't trust it. Everything felt wrong. It was too calm for him to believe that this was nothing to be worried over. His father had just been found dead, one of the most respectable and one of the oldest members on the council after Kuma. There should be much more activity than this. In his hesitation, he caught the sound of someone approaching and he looked up to find a servant passing by. The little kappa gave him a sad and sorry look, before he was shuffling off to go on with whatever duty he was given. He was proof that the castle knew, so why was there no urgency, no rush to take care of the deed of preparing a funeral?
"Good. I've been waiting for you."
The voice behind him made him start, his head whipping to look behind his shoulder to find the young inu-hanyou standing there and staring back at him with steady eyes. Inuyasha's face for once did not reveal what he was feeling or thinking, and his eyes only reflected his annoyance at having to wait. His hand were tucked away in his sleeves and his stance was straight and held authority the half-breed did not deserve.
Ishimaru forced himself to turn and face the younger half-demon, holding back his sneer as he bowed his head in respect he most definitely didn't hold for him. Inuyasha only snorted, before he was brushing past, both demons growling at the minimum contact of their sleeves touching without intending to. Inuyasha pulled the heavy doors open with ease, before he was looking back to Ishimaru and motioning that he enter.
"Get in." He ordered, his tone of voice even, but holding an edge to it that had Ishimaru tensing. "You and I have to have a little talk."
With another nod, Ishimaru was doing as he was bid, trying not to look too stiff as he walked past Inuyasha into the room beyond the doors. He tried not to show his distaste as the scent of inu filled his nose. He never did like how dogs smelled, far too close to wolves for his taste and a bit metallic. It was more irritating than it was stomach curling, so it was easy to ignore.
"Sit down." The young Daiyoukai was demanding as he finally closed the doors and then walked past Ishimaru again to seat himself at the low desk.
Ishimaru sat at the desk across from him, red eyes staring at the polished wood top rather than at Inuyasha himself. He knew if he looked up he'd end up staring the Daiyoukai straight in the eye. He knew how inu worked, the last thing he needed was to challenge the hanyou too early, not with Naraku continuing to weave his intricate plot in the background.
"There's something I need to tell you." Inuyasha began, his voice dropping a bit to a serious tone. Ishimaru finally looked up at him, doing his best not to lock gazes. "I'm not sure if word has gotten through to you yet. I know the servants have a hard time keeping quiet."
"My lord?" He questioned, prompting for further detail.
Inuyasha cleared his throat, before he was pulling a service laid out with a sake set closer to him, and pouring some wine for the badger. Slowly, he slid the full cup closer to Ishimaru, who accepted it with a nod. They sat in silence, Inuyasha waiting until the badger had taken a sip from his cup before he was clearing his throat again.
"You should have some more." Inuyasha insisted, Ishimaru looking up form his cup, brows raised in question.
"No, thank you." He refused with a shake of his head. "I rather we get to why I've been called here."
"Trust me." Inuyasha said, reaching out with the bottle. "You're gonna need it."
Reluctantly, Ishimaru held out the small cup and watched as the Daiyoukai poured him another serving. He nodded his thanks before he was pulling it back but not drinking it. Inuyasha realized that the demon would not drink more until he was given the news. Resting the bottle down, he took in a deep breath before he was tilting his head the slightest in a show of remorse.
"I'm not sure how to tell you this." He began, Ishimaru waiting for the worst. "But, your father was found dead today. I'm sorry."
Ishimaru had to stop for a moment, his head working to think of how he should react to this. It was obvious to see that Inuyasha thought he didn't know and the hanyou didn't seem to be accusing him of the deed of murder. His hesitation to respond worked in his favor, as it seemed Inuyasha interpreted it as shock. Slowly, he downed the sake in one gulp, not refusing as Inuyasha reached forward to pour him some more.
"How did it happen?" He was questioning, his eyes finally meeting Inuyasha's and trying to read what was going through the inu-hanyou's mind. But the amber eyes were steady and steeled, they revealed nothing to him.
"Murder." Inuyasha informed him, his voice still even.
"Have you any thought as to who's responsible?"
"I was hoping that you could answer that for me."
Ishimaru's jaw tightened as the Daiyoukai's eyes narrowed, and he had the briefest moment of suspicion that he was caught. However, Inuyasha was soon standing and walking away, hands tucked away in his large sleeves. He was dressed in the red garb that he had first come to the palace in, obviously having settled for being comfortable rather than formal.
There was a moment of silence where Ishimaru stared down at his empty cup and Inuyasha paced the room behind him. As the moment passed, Inuyasha stopped beside an open window, and finally spoke up again, but didn't turn to face Ishimaru.
"You knew your father better than anyone." Inuyasha pointed out, the red-eyed demon looking back at him. "Which means you probably know his enemies."
Finally, the Daiyoukai was turning to face him, and Ishimaru took the moment to study the hanyou's face. What was he up to? Why was he being so civil? He had been sure that he had been caught. The half-breed couldn't be so stupid as to not have been suspicious of him.
"Care to share?" Inuyasha asked him, and Ishimaru would have felt the slightest bit of release if he was dumb enough to believe he was off of the hook.
"The list of youkai that could have easily slain my father is not extensive." Ishimaru told him, resting the cup down on the table top. "However, neither was it short. It could be anyone, really. There were many who envied my father's position as Lord Taisho's most trusted adviser. There has even been some unrest within our own clan."
"I'm guessing you're not the only one that didn't see eye to eye on how things were run by him." Inuyasha said nonchalantly, as if there was no accusation in his words.
Ishimaru knew it was there, but he wasn't about to call the young lord on it. He merely narrowed his gaze on the hanyou.
"Of course." Was all he said and let it stay at that.
Inuyasha scoffed, but stepped forward until he was standing in front of Ishimaru, looking down at the badger with sharp, red-streaked eyes.
"I'm not going to say that I trust you but until this is figured out, I think it's best we put of differences aside." He offered, Ishimaru standing to face him. "We both want to know what happened to your old man, and I think we'll get nowhere if our little feud gets in the way. So, temporarily, we call a truce. Agreed?"
Ishimaru fought the urge to snarl as Inuyasha held his hand out, and with much effort, he reached out and grabbed the Daiyoukai's forearm in a lock of agreement, head bowing to show respect.
"As you wish, Lord Inuyasha."
Inuyasha nodded and then they released their grip on each other, the hanyou tilting his head towards the door.
"He's being taken care of in his room. You let me know when you're ready to bury him."
Ishimaru only nodded again and then with a bow he turned to leave the throne room. He could feel Inuyasha's eyes following him out the door and even when it was closed, he could tell the hanyou was wary of him. Something was wrong here, and he needed to find out what, but first he needed to commence with his filial duties and see to his father's remains.
xoxoxoxox
Sesshomaru was pulled from his sleep by the sound of Kazue's gurgling and Shippo's soft voice. He could tell he hadn't been asleep for too long, but it was enough to make him feel even the least bit refreshed. He ignored the bout of nausea that gripped him as he sat up, and looked to his right where Kazue was sitting up right, small hands reaching out for Shippo's top as it spun on the bed.
"Chichiue, look!" Shippo called for his attention excitedly, small tail flickering back and forth in excitement. "He really likes it!"
The inukai only nodded, before he was reaching out to stroke a hand over Kazue's locks, the pup too enticed by the toy in front of him to be distracted. Knowing he had some time before he would be roused for dinner, Sesshomaru laid on his side, facing his two children and watched them as they played. His mind was still thinking about Rin, and now the little girl could probably be in some sort of danger. He tried his best to think that she was alright, but if Naraku had her, then there was no way that she was unscathed.
Kazue's loud shriek of infantile joy was distracting him from the dark thoughts, and he couldn't help but smile at the boy, now playing with the top in small hands. He was growing fast, as any demon newborn would. By next year his growth would slow to nearly the equivalent of a human, and fours years after that, he'd age normally. It was survival instinct that made the body grow so quickly, but even with his sire being a hanyou, Kazue was mostly youkai and would adapt more quickly to that background.
It wasn't like Inuyasha, who had been brought up by his human half and still held on to those ways. Of course, he was beginning to learn youkai ways, and would even grow accustomed to them. But for now, Sesshomaru was fine with how things were.
"I smell perfume." Came Shippo's discovery and Sesshomaru recognized the scent.
With a soft sigh, nearly inaudible, he sat up and looked to the door leading out into the main room of his quarters. He should have known that she would find her way back here.
"Hahaue." He greeted, standing to slip on an outer robe over the bathing yukata he had yet to change out of.
"Have you grown accustomed to peasant ways, Sesshomaru?" Hiromi asked not bothering to wait to be invited in. "Why aren't you properly dressed and being attended to? Where is the nursemaid? The children should be with her."
"Hahaue, why are you here?" Sesshomaru asked, not ready to deal with her lectures on how things ought to be run. He had done well enough without for a large portion of his life, he was sure he could handle a few more centuries without her.
Hiromi only huffed before she was walking over to his wardrobe and pulling the doors open, shifting through the royal kimonos and formal attire.
"I came to visit my son and perhaps walk with him to the dining hall." She announced, pulling out a kimono but frowning at it in distaste. "I didn't think you'd be lounging in your bed when you should be making yourself presentable. Did you plan on attending dinner in a thin bathing robe? I doubt your mate would approve."
"Don't you mean that you won't approve?"
"Of course that's what I mean!" Hiromi huffed again, making a pleased sound as she finally found one to her liking. "This one."
Sesshomaru watched her pull free a black and gold trimmed kimono, and a matching set of black hakama. The obi was gold-colored silk, hidden forms of snarling inukai sewn in with gold thread for a subtle touch. It was one he had worn only once, and that was after it had been given to him by his father.
"Hahaue, why are you doing this?" He questioned her, stepping forward and toward his wardrobe.
He reached inside and begin looking for his usual kimono, but his mother rudely closed the door on him, before thrusting out the one that she had chosen.
"This will accentuate your eyes, and draw attention to how smooth and pale your skin is. It will highlight the shine of your hair, and fit to your form in a complimentary manner. Your mate will be unable to resist you and spectators will be drawn to admire you."
His mother's words had him pausing in silent shock, his eyes looking her over in disbelief. What had happened to the self-absorbed, selfish inukai he had known growing up? Was there something in the water that was turning things upside down?
"I wanted to help you and spend some time with you." Hiromi finally said in answer to his question. "And besides, black is slimming."
That had the prince's jaw grinding in irritation as his mother smiled back innocently at him.
"I'm not showing yet." He growled out, and Hiromi only snorted.
"Why of course not, dear, but you know it wasn't that long since you had your first." She said as carefree as if discussing the weather. "It shows."
"It does not!" Sesshomaru snapped, before having to catch himself. He did not overreact or show that something as petty as that made him lose his cool.
"Fine, if that's what you wish to think." Hiromi said holding it out for him. "However, it will still suit you quite nicely. Please, wear it just this once and I'll only intervene again for your mating ceremony."
Sesshomaru grabbed the clothing from her hands and was ready to growl in irritation when the last few words had him stopping in his tracks. Mating ceremony? His mating ceremony? He could only stare back at her with a blank look, not quite sure he had heard what she said. The two stood staring back at each other for a long while, before Hiromi grew inpatient and rolled her eyes.
"For heavens sake, Sesshomaru, yes I said mating ceremony." She announced in confirmation, and Sesshomaru's face took on the slightest of frowns. "'Will you please get dressed?"
For once, he actually listened to his mother and disappeared behind the screen set up so that he could change. Hiromi sighed before she was turning back to the bed, stopping short as green and red-gold eyes stared back at her. She was never comfortable around children. Hell, she had barely spent any time with her own pup. She supposed it was something she would have to get used to.
"Hello." She said, forcing on a smile. "What adorable little. . . things."
Her stare centered on the fox kit, adopted as she had learned, who only blinked up at her.
"And what is your name?" She asked as she moved forward.
Shippo leaned away as she stepped closer, tentatively sniffing her scent. She did smell a little like his Chichiue, if only a bit sweeter and far older, not to mention she wore a lot of perfume. It was making his nose itch a bit. Beside him Kazue sneezed, the baby demon once again preoccupied with the top.
"Come now boy, it is rude to not answer a question." He was scolded, Hiromi frowning down at him.
"Shippo." He meekly answered, before he was perking up and studying the inu demoness closer. "Are you my new grandma?"
Hiromi couldn't help the horrified yelp that escaped her, before she was collecting herself and forcing another smile on her face.
"Now, now, Shippo-chan." She began, reaching out to pat the boy on the head. Shippo had to wince a bit as the pat was heavier than it should have been. "Grandma is so unfitting. Aneue is far more suiting, don't you think?"
"But your old!" Shippo objected, pulling another horrified yelp from the demoness.
The chuckle from behind the screen wasn't missed and Hiromi had to stop her eye from twitching as she looked down at the scowling little kit.
"No, not old." She corrected, stifling her urge to strangle the little brat. "Just rather mature for my age."
"Or rather, you're just mature." Sesshomaru commented, stepping out from behind the screen fully dressed, and adjusting his obi. "You will have to admit that you're getting older, Hahaue, no matter how much you hide behind make-up and surround yourself with young guards."
"Perhaps, I was wrong." The female inu began, looking her son over as he drew closer. "You still look fat. It must not be that slimming after all."
"You miserable old wench." Sesshomaru calmly answered, his mother nearly shrieking at the insult.
"I am not old!"
She took a deep breath before letting it out slowly, gathering her wits and looking her son over a second time. Well, he did look good. He had both his parents genes to thank for that, though most of his good looks were thanks to her.
Stepping forward, she reached out to smooth out the front of his kimono, and then stepped back to admire her choice. He really did look stunning dressed in it.
"Your father named you well." She began, reaching up to smooth out the cloth over his shoulders. "He would be proud to know how you've turned out. I have no doubt he would have been happy. Especially with your. . . ability."
She let her hands reach up and rake trough his silver strands, before she was smoothing the locks and then cupping her son's face in her hands to study it. Sesshomaru was far too confused and unsure of what had brought this on to do much but let the demoness carry on.
"Oh, how he went on for hours of all the grandchildren he was sure you would give him." She said with a roll of her eyes, Sesshomaru sure it was to hide how misty they were becoming. "He was sure you and your chosen mate, female he assumed as your status as a carrying male wasn't known then, would grant him a family he'd always dreamed of. Boys, girls, he wanted you to have so many of them. I suppose he had to want them from you since I refused to give him any more."
She finally pulled away and looked back to the bed, where Shippo sat watching them quietly and Kazue was now chewing on the top. She looked back to her son, who was watching her warily, before motioning to the pup on the bed.
"May I?" She asked permission, knowing how overprotective inukai parents could be.
She was given a solemn nod of consent, in which she answered with a nod of her own, before she was moving to the bed again and stopping beside it. Red-gold eyes looked up at her as she stood beside the bed, Kazue blinking up in curiosity at the new face in front of him. As Hiromi looked down at him, she offered the boy a smile and after a few short moments the pup returned it. She had to laugh softly as the baby began babbling at her, the top waved in excitement.
Slowly, she reached her arms out and Kazue went silent then, smile fading as he looked up at the female demon. It was a long moment of waiting before the pup was reaching up, and Hiromi was gently lifting him, the top forgotten on the bed.
"My, what a big boy." Hiromi softly said, Kazue now held in her arms. "Such a handsome little boy. You are no doubt inukai."
Sesshomaru observed quietly, eyes not believing that the same woman who had barely spent any time with him was now holding his son in her arms. And she was cooing. She was actually cooing to a child. Had he the time to be childish, he'd feel insanely jealous right now, but he had long gotten over it. There was no need to dwell on a past he had tried his best to forget.
"And look at those pretty eyes." Hiromi continued, now slowly walking back and forth and bouncing Kazue in her arms. "Where did you get those pretty eyes? And that smile, I know that smile anywhere."
Sesshomaru watched Kazue smile, knowing it himself. It was his father's smile. Odd that his son came out looking nothing like himself, and thankfully as little as his sire, save his black hair and birthmark. The red and gold dusted eyes were a mixture of both his parents, but Sesshomaru easily over looked that, because Kazue had been born with the hereditary mark of the crescent moon. It was proof that he was inukai, and that was enough to please him.
"Oh, I nearly forgot." Hiromi suddenly exclaimed, walking to her son and handing the pup over to him.
Sesshomaru watched her leave the bedroom and then return with a small wooden box in her hands. She directed her son to a cushioned chair and urged him to sit down, in which he did, looking to his mother in silent demand of an explanation.
"I couldn't wait." She began, holding the box out for him. "Think of it as an early gift, in celebration of your mating. It's a gift from your father."
"Chichiue?" He asked, not sure why his voice was so breathless at the discovery. "How-"
"He always meant for you to have it, but he left me to be the judge for when I would give it to you." She explained, taking one of her son's hands and resting the box in his palm. "And I think now is as good a time as any."
With one last look to his mother, Sesshomaru was gently easing Kazue to the floor, intercepted by Hiromi who took to holding her grandson again. Sesshomaru let his eyes look down to the box, before he was carefully opening it, breath nearly catching at the large pendant he was greeted with.
"This. . ." His voice faded, and Hiromi took to explaining it for him.
"It is the Meidou-seki."
Sesshomaru let his fingers reach for the pendant, feeling the thrum of magic as he took it in his hand and held it up to the light.
"And why would I have use of this?" He questioned her, Hiromi only shrugging.
"I was not told, but everything your father has ever gifted you has turned out to be of use." She told him, gently freeing her hair from Kazue's grip. "Cherish it, as I have."
"Hahaue-"
He was cut off by the sound of a grumbling stomach and the two adults turned to look at Shippo, who was now blushing in embarrassment.
"My, the children must be starving!" Hiromi exclaimed, turning to look at Shippo. "Go on now and put on clean clothes. I dread the thought of you showing up in those wretched rags."
"Hey, they're not rags! They're clothes my Okaasan made me!" Shippo shouted, quite offended.
"Yes, well, let's see if we can't find you something cleaner."
Before Shippo could huff and throw a fit, Sesshomaru was soothing the young kit.
"Those will be washed and returned to you as soon as the servants are able." He said, Shippo looking up at him and reluctantly agreeing. "Come, shall we pick out something that the miko will like?"
Shippo was eagerly nodding at that, jumping up to land gracefully on Sesshomaru's shoulder as the inu prince stood from his seat, hands placing the pendent around his neck. Then he was looking to his mother, who seemed to be becoming quite impatient with Kazue constantly pulling at her hair and jewelery.
"Come, we shall find clothes for both Shippo and Kazue." Sesshomaru said reaching out and taking his son from his mother, the older inu giving a sigh of relief. "Then we shall head for the dining hall. I have a feeling this is a dinner I wouldn't want to sit out on."
xoxoxoxox
Kagome had to stop and pant in effort. She had been trying to get to Inuyasha for nearly an hour now, but it would seem the hanyou eluded her each time she got closer to him. There was something he needed to know, and it was very important that she found him and as soon as she was able.
The pain that was wracking through her body, it was all coming clear to her. She could read the intent around her know. Evil. It was pure evil, and it was coming from the castle's guests. She should have known that the snake princess wasn't to be trusted. It was definitely from her party that she had brought with her, but Kagome couldn't mistake her gut feeling.
Kohaku. He was a part of all this.
She and Sango had been too happy and too eager to believe that he was back again. She shouldn't have been so stupid. The jewel shard was still there and that was the first warning sign that she ignored. Then it started resonating with the shards that she owned. And then those had turned a deep purple that they had never been before. She didn't know that the shards could do that. She had purified them, again and again, but each time they grew tainted all over again. That's when she knew, something wasn't right.
Leaning against the wall, she slumped down to the floor to let her body rest just a bit. She had no idea why this was all taking a toll on her. She'd never felt this way around tainted jewels before and neither had bad intent made her this sick or weak. This had to be something horrible that was building just beneath the surface.
Well, if that was the case, she'd have to suck it up and get on with it. Inuyasha needed to know, and he needed to know now.
With much effort she pushed herself up from the ground, ready to move on after a much needed deep breath. She only had time to turn and notice that the hallway was now empty, the few servants that walked back and forth now missing. She was all alone. Well, her and save one other person.
Kagome frowned at the sight of Princess Sakuya standing a few yards away, her face a blank mask as she looked back at the human priestess.
"Kagome, I presume." She started politely, her voice soft and even-tempered.
Kagome could only frown further, but nodded all the same, trying her best to hide her trembling from the hebi-youkai ahead of her.
"Princess Sakuya." She greeted in return.
Sakuya blinked, her head tilting to the side as her tongue slowly peeked out to test the air with a soft hiss. Then she was looking to Kagome in concern, her feet slowly moving her forward toward the human girl.
"My dear, you seem unwell." She pointed out, looking Kagome over. "Shall I call a healer?"
"I'm fine." Kagome insisted, forcing herself not to take a step back. But by this time the feeling of unease was overwhelming and she knew that she was in danger. Her fingers twitched as she wanted to reach for her bow and arrows strung on her back. It was at the last minute that she had decided to bring them along.
"Are you sick?" Sakuya continued, moving closer still, her face finally morphing with a knowing smile. "Or are you afraid?"
Kagome didn't wait for her to come any closer, and she lifted her hands to grab her weapons, arrow notched and ready to be released in a matter of seconds. The only thing she hated was that her hand wasn't very steady, so the arrow tip shook as if she were actually afraid. It would be a lie to say that she wasn't, but it was the pain radiating through her that had her muscles quivering with the strain to keep steady.
"How very stupid of you." Sakuya taunted, and Kagome grit her teeth. "I would think you would have enough sense to know when you're being distracted."
Kagome could only gasp in pain, her breath stolen away as fangs embedded into the side of her neck from behind. The burning sensation of venom seeping into her bloodstream had her collapsing in a matter of seconds, sprawled out uselessly on the ground.
Two images of the princess came into view, and Kagome cold only whimper as her vision started to fade. The princess that had been in front of her began to shift and turn into a coiled snake, which languidly slithered towards its master.
The real Sakuya only humphed, licking blood from her lips and smiling down at the fading priestess, whose eyes were going blank and body was stilling. She kicked the purifying weapons away, before she was gracefully kneeling beside the human girl, petting back the thick black locks in mock affection.
"Don't be afraid. You're only going to sleep." She informed her, knowing that the girl could still hear her for now. "I couldn't have you be in the way, my sweet. I know how protective you are of your dear friend, but I would rather you didn't interfere."
Standing she snapped her fingers and two hebi guards game around a corner, one lifting Kagome up and the other wrapping the weapons up with a silken sheet as a buffer. He still held it uncomfortably as he awaited his princess' command.
"Take her to my chambers, and dress her in one of my kimonos." Sakuya ordered, her familiar shedding its skin behind her. When it was done she carefully picked it up and draped it over the unconscious miko's form, the two guards staring in wonder as soon she resembled the princess herself. "Place her in my bed and then inform the Daiyoukai and his mate that I am unwell. I'm sure he'll want proof and she will stand in my place. No one is to know of this, is that understood?"
They both nodded in understanding and she waved the two away, watching them disappear down the hall. At the feeling of something sliding up her back, she turned her head the slightest to find her familiar with its eyes centered on the hall ahead of them. With a grateful pat to its flared heard, she sent it on its way and headed off in the opposite direction. She had more important things to deal with.
As the hall went empty, two bulging eyes peeked around a corner to make sure the way was safe. With a sigh, Jaken was crumpling in relief at the princess' retreat. He hadn't meant to walk in on that particular scene. The miko was in danger, and that would mean that so was his master, Sesshomaru.
"I must inform Sesshomaru-sama at once!" He exclaimed, before he was spinning to head off.
He stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of a rather large snake rising up to strike, head flared and fangs bared as it gave a horrible hiss. All he could release was a strangled sound of surprise, frozen to the spot as he stared back in horror. It would seem he wasn't going anywhere.
xoxoxoxox
Kouga plopped down with a sigh as he allowed himself to finally stop and rest. They had been traveling non-stop since he had first caught up with his pack. Now they were only a few hours ride from the Western Palace, but he figured that his people needed a good night's rest. They had deserved it, having walked for so long, old and young alike.
The yip of pups had him looking up and he smiled at the set of wolf pups that one of the many familiars had given birth to this past spring. It brought his attention to the male watching over them, a baby on his hip and his mate by his side, the female wolf busy setting up the pup's bed for the night.
It made him think of his own pups, who were younger than the one ahead of him since they were conceived so late in the mating season. He missed them, especially his mate, and as thought of them, he had the urge to howl his feelings to the waning moon. There were some animal instincts he couldn't ignore. The howl was ready to lift from his throat, but he stopped short as he looked up at the moon.
"Shit." He muttered, standing from his place as if it would help him get a closer look.
The crescent shape stared back at him, triggering his memory and reminding him of the urgency to head back. The moon would be new by tomorrow night. That left Inuyasha vulnerable. How could he have forgotten about the hanyou's human night, damn it! His friend was in danger, hell, his mate was in danger.
He suddenly wanted to sprint off as fast as his shards could take him, but he was torn between leaving his pack behind again, or leaving his mate alone until he had arrived. He was sure that he could get there before dusk tomorrow, but there was no predicting what could happen between now and then.
He couldn't just abandon his pack again, leaving them to travel alone, but then, his pups and Ginta were by themselves as well.
"Lord Kouga, look, I brought you some supper."
He looked down at the eager pup that held up a healthy serving of rare meat to him, and he smiled down at the kid, ruffling his hair as he took the bowl from him.
"Thanks, kid. Run back to your mom now."
The child's face promptly fell and Kouga winced at the pathetic looking pout the boy took on.
"My mom died when those birds attacked our clan." He mumbled, tail falling limp behind him. "Everyone in the pack is taking care of me, though. And now with you here, the pack is safe again. You wont disappear again, will you?"
Kouga sighed, and looked up at the night sky frowning momentarily at whatever deity was looking down on him. He could take a blatant hint. His hand rested on the boy's head again in reassurance.
"I'll be here." He said, the boy become somewhat happy again. "Why don't you head off to bed? We've got a long day a head of us."
"Yes, sir!" The boy chirped happily, before he was running off in a random direction.
Kouga could only shake his head and smile, before looking down at the meat that had been brought to him. As hungry as he was, he didn't have the urge to eat it. He carried it with him though, as he left the pack and headed for where Inuyasha's own elite guards sat around their own fire. They had been more than welcome to join them, but had politely declined and opted to making their own camp, stating it would be rude to intrude.
With his arrival they stood and saluted him, and he motioned them to be at ease, which they did in sync.
"I need a volunteer." He started right away. "Someone who's willing to travel tonight."
The soldiers looked amongst themselves for a moment before a bear-youkai was stepping forward. Kouga nodded and offered him the bowl of meat, the older male looking down at it with a quirked brow.
"Eat up, you'll need the strength." Was all the wolf offered. "I need you and one of my men to head back to the Western palace ahead of us, but you'll be taking along some cargo. When you're done, you can find Toshigawa."
The bear nodded in agreement, and Kouga dismissed them before he was heading back to his pack. Bypassing his sleeping roll, he headed for the covered wagon that held one of his most hated enemies inside and guarding it was a wolf he knew well.
"My lord Kouga." The older wolf greeted, bowing in respect. "Shouldn't you be resting?"
Kouga merely shrugged as he drew closer, reaching past the taller demon to push aside the curtain and peer inside. Kagura sat glaring back at him, hair disheveled and clothes a mess. Beside her was an uneaten bowl of rice, and obviously as a gag a pair of chopsticks sat beside it.
"How has she been?" He asked, letting the curtain fall again.
"Irritating, demanding, and pushy." Toshigawa said with a snort. "It makes me glad I never mated if this is what I'll expect."
Kouga could only laugh before his hand was clapping down on the demon's shoulder. Toshigawa had been a close friend of his father's. It felt good to have him here with him.
"Well, my friend, I can assure you that not all women are like her. Just a large majority of them."
Toshigawa only chuckled before he was looking to Kouga with a serious air about him. It was time to get down to business.
"You've come to me for something." He started and Kouga nodded.
"I need you to take her ahead of me." He said, Toshigawa's face taking a frown.
"Do you think that wise?" He questioned, and Kouga only snorted.
"No." He answered honestly. "I'd rather travel with the entire pack, but I can see they need the rest. I'd take her myself, but I can't leave them alone. Not again."
Toshigawa nodded, and then looked to his leader, who was frowning himself. The decision was still a tough one to make, he could see, but his Alpha was doing what was right.
"When the last of the pack is sleeping, I'll slip away with her and travel as fast as I'm able. Am I to be accompanied?"
"One of Inuyasha's men will go with you." Kouga told him, his hand tightening on his shoulder. "Take her straight to him. Answer to no one but him or his mate."
"And yours?" Toshigawa asked, Kouga fumbling for a moment. "Shall I inform him of your status?"
Kouga only smiled, and shook his head.
"He'll know soon enough." Was all he offered, before clapping the older man on the back. "Take care, my friend. Travel safely."
"And with speed." He promised, watching Kouga take his animal form and head off on his own.
It only took a few minutes before he heard the low howling, his own throat tensing with the urge to answer it. He resisted though, knowing that it wasn't meant for him and had faith enough that it would reach its intended recipient even though the distance was far.
"Toshigawa-san."
He looked at the appearance of a bear youkai, and he nodded in greeting before he was standing at guard again, the newcomer at his side. The silence commenced after that, the only thing breaking it the howling in the distance. That was soon broken too, however, by a quite angry voice from inside of the cart.
"Someone had better get in here and feed me now!" Came Kagura's voice, Toshigawa sighing and the youkai beside him groaning in annoyance. "You can't leave me starving! Unless you untie me then I need someone to help me use these chopsticks. By the way, I don't find this funny!"
With a chuckle, Toshigawa looked to his new found comrade in arms and nodded his head toward the wagon.
"I'll deal with the banshee, you stay here."
With a deep breath, he steeled himself for the earful he was going to hear. If he was quick enough, the woman would be too busy chewing to get much yelling in. Though he had a feeling the gods wouldn't be so kind tonight. He was happy to be taking her off his hands soon enough. Then the Western lands could deal with her and he wished them the best of luck.
xoxoxoxox
Hakkaku couldn't mistake the sound that came floating in with the wind, his head picking up as his ears honed in on the sound. The few pack members that had traveled here with Kouga perked up as well, Akane and Yumi smiling with each other before returning to the two pups in baskets in front of them. Akane's father merely grumbled and shook his head, carving knife whittling away and busy shaping a new toy for the small pups.
Their birthing father was there as well, laying on the blanket and enjoying the still of the night. Not to mention the peace of not having to constantly watch over the children, though they were in his direct line of sight. His body shot straight up into a sitting position, his eyes staring up over the garden walls as if he'd be able to see past them into the distance. Slowly he stood, before he was jumping up until he was perched on the wall, his ears listening again. He could have been mistaken.
His heart thrummed as he heard it again, unable to hold back the smile as Kouga's message came sailing in on the evening wind.
I miss you. I love you. I'm coming back for you.
It was nice to know, not that he didn't know that before, but the reassurance was touching. Down below, Hakkaku watched him transform and could only smile as Ginta belted out his own reply, tail waving happily. It almost made him long for a mate of his own watching his two friends with their joy.
"Hakkaku-kun." The soft voice came from behind him.
He looked back to Yumi, who smiled gently back at him and offered him a seat beside her.
"Would you like to help?"
She was referring to what her and her mother were busy doing, which was weaving new baskets for the pups to lay in. They were quickly growing out of their old ones and Akane had offered herself for the task.
Not sure on why Yumi would ask him, he then caught sight of the slight blush as she patted the ground beside her for a second time, and he couldn't help the blush himself. Well, he supposed he couldn't decline. It would be rude. With one last look to Ginta, who was still singing a response to his mate, Hakkaku started forward. He did need something to do until it was time to head in for supper and he would never turn down the offer to help a lady in need.
xoxoxoxox
Sango swore to herself for what seemed like the hundredth time. She had lost track of Kohaku, and without Kirara, she had no way to track him by scent. So, she had done the best she could and merely looked about the palace grounds for him, but she had turned up empty handed. She hadn't even managed to find Kagome for that matter, and only the gods knew where Miroku had disappeared to. He was probably off trying to manipulate his way into some poor, unsuspecting demoness' bed.
She could have gone and told Inuyasha, but she was too embarrassed and ashamed to face him now. Besides, she was sure that he was busy dealing with far more important matters than her missing younger brother.
She made it back to the suite that she shared with the others, giving a weary sigh as she opened the door and stepped inside. As she slid it shut, she was caught by surprise at the masculine voice behind her.
"Ah, there you are." Luckily it was just Miroku. "I grew worried when I didn't find you here. What happened to Kirara? And where's Kohaku?"
Sango turned to face him, trying her best to hide her distress, finding worried violet-colored eyes locked in on her.
"I came to see if everyone was ready for dinner and everyone was gone." Miroku began, moving closer with a look of concern etched onto his face. "Is everything alright?"
Sango couldn't hold out under Miroku's stare for too long, and she slowly shook her head, before moving to sit on the nearest available seat. The monk sat beside her, his hand lifting to rest comfortingly on her shoulder as he frowned at her dampened mood. As wary as she still was about her lecherous friend, the touch was actually meant to comfort her, but the effort seemed to be going to waste. She couldn't help but worry and feel horrible, though she was grateful for his attempt.
"I can't find Kohaku." She softly began, shaking her head in loss. "I was too eager to think things through, and now he's gone. Because of me, Naraku has a way inside. I've been so stupid."
"He's the one who hurt Kirara?" Miroku asked her.
Sango could only nod, head bowing to hide her face in shame. She felt Miroku take hold of her face and lift it so that he was looking her in the eye.
"It's not your fault." Miroku soothed her, his voice gentle and non-accusing. "You're not to blame. He knew Kohaku was your weakness and he used it against you."
"But I was stupid to fall for it." She said pulling away to stand up, her arms wrapping about herself. "I should have known better."
"So, what would you do now?" Miroku asked her, not knowing how else to console her. "The damage has been done, but what more could you possibly do to correct this?"
"I have to tell Inuyasha." She confessed, knowing it was the only thing she could do. "And we have to find Kagome. I'm not sure, but there's a chance that Kohaku could have hurt her. She's gone missing."
Miroku frowned at this news and stood from his seat, one hand clasping his chin in thought as he sauntered closer to Sango.
"Well, we'll bring this up with Inuyasha as well." He told her, Sango nodding in agreement. "I suppose we should head out and let him know before dinner starts."
Sango was nodding again, allowing Miroku to lead her with a hand on her lower back. She'd give him leeway just this once, since he had been very understanding. With one last look to a resting Kirara, the two were off in search of their dog-eared friend, unaware of the eyes watching them from the garden.
Naraku chuckled to himself as he looked down to where Kohaku sat quietly on the ground, blank eyes staring off into nothing as the hanyou pet him like a cat.
"You've stirred up quite a bit of trouble since I've given you some free time." He murmured to him, looking back to the now empty suite. "You've done well. I'll be sure to reward you later on. But first, why don't you go see where our pretty little priestess has gone off to."
With a nod Kohaku was standing and then he was off, leaving his master behind and disappearing into the shadows. Naraku retreated as well, wanting to touch base with Ishimaru and learn how his meeting with the newest Daiyoukai had turned out.
xoxoxoxox
Minako jumped awake for what had to be the third time since she started her one-sided game of mahjong. It was about time she give up as she was bored out of her mind and knew that it was nearing dinner. She was famished and she wanted to be there to make sure that Sesshomaru was eating. No good would come out of him starving himself and the pup.
She could only sigh and shake her head, even though her lips quirked with the smallest of smiles. Pregnant again. And she thought humans bred frequently. Inukai were just as bad. None the less, she was happy for the young lad, but she was worried. With it being so stressful a time, and the pregnancy still very early, only a few days gestation at best, she was dreading the chance of miscarriage. The growing inukai was still too weak and the slightest thing could trigger a harmful effect.
She would much have preferred Inuyasha to know, but Sesshomaru had insisted, and not wanting him to do anything stupid, she had agreed. Now she was second-guessing that decision and wondering if it were the right choice. If Inuyasha knew, he would probably make sure that Sesshomaru was well taken cared of and never out of his sight. Then again, she was sure it was the smothering that the older inu was trying to avoid. Though, who could blame Inuyasha for his actions if he knew. It would be his first-born after all and she didn't have to ask to know that he had been trying to impregnate his mate for quiet a while.
She could smell the scent of mating in the very suite she now sat in. Not to mention that Sesshomaru's scent was nearly completely hidden by Inuyasha's. The young were never too keen on giving it a rest, always ready and willing and seemingly never satisfied. She remembered being that way once. She only shook her head as she took to standing, her gnarled hand reaching for her cane. A walk will do her good and work the stiffness out of her old bones.
The sound of the door opening had her looking up, and she was surprised to find Inuyasha walking in, the hanyou greeting her with a nod.
"Well, well, what brings you here at this hour?" She asked, waving him closer and reaching her hand out for him.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes but did as she bid anyway, supporting her as she stood from the chair she had been sitting on. Minako thanked him but pushed him away once she was set, her brown eyes looking to him for an explanation for his trip to the nursery.
"Sesshomaru chase you off again?" She asked him, and Inuyasha snorted.
"More like he ran away." He told her, hands tucking away. "When I got back to our room he was gone, and I figured he'd be here with you."
"No, he's not here."
"Well obviously!" Inuyasha snapped, just irritated in general.
He side-stepped the cane aimed for his ribs, and glared back at the old monkey who was now wearing a sour expression on her face.
"No need to be rude, boy." She told him with a huff. "I'm sure he and the children are on their way to the dining hall. Come, I'll be your company."
"Fine." He gave in dejectedly, moving closer so that the midwife could take hold of his arm.
Slowly, they walked until they were out in the hall, Inuyasha choosing a pace that would be easier on the older youkai. They walked in silence for quite a while, until Inuyasha cleared his throat to break it. Minako looked to him with an inquisitive look and a raised brow, knowing he meant to speak to her on something.
"Hey, obaachan." He started, Minako shocked at the actual use of respect. "I've been having this weird feeling. Like, something in my gut is trying to tell me something, something to do with Sesshomaru."
She only made a sound to show that she was listening and that he should carry on.
"Maybe it's just me being an idiot, but, I don't know I can't help it." Then he was pausing for a insubstantial amount of time, before he was looking at the saru with such a puppy-like expression that she had to resist actually petting him. "He'd tell me right? If he were, you know. . ."
And that's when guilt settled in her heart and weighed heavy in her stomach. The way those puppy ears drooped in lost hope on the hanyou's head and those eyes begged her for an answer was enough to make her want to give in, but she couldn't possibly break Sesshomaru's trust in her could she?
"Maybe he doesn't want to have pups with me after all."
Oh damn it all! Stopping, she sighed, looking up at Inuyasha who gave her a confused look at their sudden halt.
"My boy, there's something you should know." It was all she got up to as someone calling Inuyasha's name interrupted her.
"Inuyasha!"
The two turned to find Sango and Miroku rushing to catch up with them, and Minako was torn between being happy or upset that they had stopped her.
"What's up?" Inuyasha asked, taking in their frantic state and obviously desperate need to find him. "What's wrong?"
Sango stepped forward first, looking a little sheepish and almost hesitant. He waited, albeit impatiently, for her to say something. She eventually did, with a nudge from Miroku.
"I have something to tell you." She began, biting her lip and looking back to Miroku. The monk only nodded, hands wrapped idly around his staff, and she turned back to face him with a deep breath. "It's Kohaku. He's gone missing."
"What?" Inuyasha growled out, his anger flaring. "What do you mean he's gone missing?"
Sango was at a loss for words when Miroku decided to step in.
"It would seem that he was still under Naraku's control. He could be anywhere on the palace grounds and that means he has the means of letting Naraku in as well." Miroku told him, watching his friends face grow darker. "We might be able to track him through his shards, but we can't find Kagome, either."
"Kagome's missing too?" The hanyou growled out, Miroku merely nodding. "What the hell is going on around here? Where the hell could she be?"
"Looking for me?"
At the sound of her voice, all eyes turned to find Kagome behind them, her face holding an innocent smile as she waved them a hello. Sango stared in disbelief and Miroku frowned at her sudden appearance. Inuyasha's face only scowled in annoyance while Minako raised a brow in contemplation. All four said nothing as the miko stepped forward with a bubbling giggle at their odd behavior.
Looking between them, she offered them the sweetest smile that they'd ever seen her wear before her hands were resting on her hips in their usual fashion and then asking, "So, who's hungry?"
T.B.C.
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