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Change of Heart	By : PrincessAurora Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male > InuYasha/Sessh?maru > InuYasha/Sessh?maru Views: 24279 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I don't own this. All characters from the Inuyasha, or Inuyasha: The Final Act Series, are owned by Rumiko Takahashi and VIZ. No money is made from this.

Chapter List
- 27
- 28
- 29
I WISH I was making money off of this. Sadly, I am not.
I’m just going off of my dreams of a life-sized Sesshoumaru & Inuyasha acting out my perverted little fantasies. All I get is my own twisted satisfaction.
*****
THIS IS YAOI-INSCEST! IF YOU DON’T LIKE THIS KIND OF THING, THEN DON’T READ IT. FLAMES WILL BE HAPPILY IGNORED.
*****
A/N: FIRST, I’ve been asked to put all review replies in the forums. SO, here’s the link to the thread. The good thing about this is that at least you’ll get an email when it’s updated. ;)
http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/34807-change-of-heart-sesshoumaru-inuyasha/
Second, you’re all gonna hate me. Srsly. I’m not kidding. *ducks and runs away* (Plus there’s no sex in this one either….shit, I’m in a LOT of trouble, aren’t I?)
I've used '~~' around words where characters are speaking to each other mentally.

Chapter 28 – A Happy Day, At First

The next morning as Inuyasha woke up in Sesshoumaru’s arms, he felt so happy he was almost giddy. ‘I can’t believe how much my life has changed. It feels like I’ve been with Sesshoumaru like this for centuries already,’ he thought. Then one of his hands automatically drifted down to touch where his pups were held within his body, and the boundless joy he felt was so overwhelming, tears began to fill his eyes.
“Yasha? Are you alright?” Sesshoumaru asked as he woke up, feeling his Mate’s strong emotions.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just…really, really happy,” Inuyasha replied, his voice choked with his happy tears.
Sesshoumaru moved a hand to cover Inuyasha’s as they both lay still, using their power to feel their pups’ seishin. “Aishiteru, Inuyasha,” he said quietly as he licked the tears from Inuyasha’s eyes.
“I love you too, Sesshoumaru.”

********************

“My Lord, you summoned me?” the mage asked as he entered his Lord’s chambers, the servant trailing close behind.
“Yes.” Turning to the servant again he said, “Now, tell Tokoyami what you heard,” he commanded.
The servant did as he was ordered, and they all waited for the mage to speak.
After hearing the rumors, the mage only had to think for a moment. “My Lord, I believe we can make use of this. Demon power mixed with human power of that sort, it can manifest in many ways, and I will need the specimen alive, so I may do all the testing I need to do. How will you get him? He is certain to be well-guarded at all times.
“Also, as your servant mentioned…Jaken may be punished, but there is no indication that he is a traitor, or will soon be. In fact, this particular servant is well known for his absolute worship of Lord Sesshoumaru.”
The Dragon Lord thought for a moment, and then replied, “Perhaps, we can get him to let us know when the mate is alone, or away from Sesshoumaru, unknowingly? Time is of the essence, as they are currently out of the Western Castle, and it will be nearly impossible to capture the mate once they return there.”
“Hmmm…that may be possible. Let me see what I can do. I will hurry,” the mage said as he turned to leave the room.

********************

They got out of bed, and Inuyasha promptly fell to the floor.
“Yasha! Are you alright?” Sesshoumaru called as he rushed over to help him.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I just tripped over the bedding, that’s all,” he replied, hoping Sesshoumaru wouldn’t notice the lie.
“You are certain? Pups can take much of your energy, and three who should be as powerful as ours will be will take massive amounts. Are you tired?” Sesshoumaru asked worriedly.
“Yeah, I have felt more tired lately. I guess I just didn’t think about it, or put it together with being pregnant. That’s probably all it is then,” Inuyasha stated.
“Yasha, perhaps you should sleep for longer?”
“No, Sesshou. I’m fine, trust me. I’ll rest later if I feel I need to, okay? So stop worrying!”
“You promise? If you feel any more tired than you do right now, you will come in here to rest?” Sesshoumaru pressed.
“Yeah! Now let’s get washed up and outta here. Miroku and Sango will be waiting at the morning meal for us,” Inuyasha said, wanting nothing more than to stop talking about his current weakness.
“Alright, but I will hold you to your promise,” Sesshoumaru said as he kissed his forehead, right over his Sun, and let him go so they could get dressed.

***

A short time later as they finished getting dressed for the day, there was a knock at their door. Scenting the air, both knew it was Rin, and they grinned as they both called for her to enter at the same time.
Rin skipped happily into their room. “No armor today?” she asked, seeing both her Fathers wearing only their beautiful silk kimono and hakama but no armor.
“No Shōkōjo, no armor today,” Inuyasha smiled. “Today is a day to relax,” he said with a wink at Sesshoumaru.
She kissed them both on the cheek and then plopped down on the edge of the large bed. “I wanted to say thank you for letting me come with you,” she began. “I’ve missed Shippo-chan and Kohaku-kun, but I’ve also missed my other friends that I’ve made here. It’s been so nice to be able to see them all. I just wished they lived closer to the castle. I mean, I have some friends in the village below the castle, but none are as good of friends as the ones I have here. I can’t wait to see them all today! May I go ahead to see them, or should I wait for you to escort me after the morning meal?”
It was obvious how happy she was, and Sesshoumaru replied, “Go ahead Aijō. You should eat something this morning, but you are not required to eat with us. Go and be with your friends. We will be speaking later with Miroku-san and Lady Sango, so we will need privacy today. Spend the day with your friends as you wish.”
Rin looked quickly to Inuyasha, and getting a nod of agreement, she ran for the door. “Thank you Otōsan! Thank you Tōchan!” She was out the door with nearly demonic-speed, causing her fathers to laugh quite hard.
“I do not believe I have ever seen her move that fast,” Sesshoumaru chuckled.
“Hey, Sesshou…I was thinkin’ this a little last night, and hearing what she just said, it makes me think of it again. Is there any way that one, or even a few of her friends, can be invited to live and study at the Palace? I mean, not all the parents may agree, but if even one of her friends could come to live at the castle, we could offer very good training and teachers, you know? Maybe it would make Rin happier if she had a young female friend of her own age living with us?”
Sesshoumaru was surprised at the question, but immediately liked the idea. “I had not thought of that before, Yasha, but it is a very good idea. I know she has met some young friends in the village below the castle, but she sees them so rarely. She is usually very busy with her training and studies. Having a young friend that would also live there with us, it would give her the opportunity to see them all the time if they are both learning together. Let us ask Lady Sango about that today.”
“Thanks Sesshou,” Inuyasha said as he hugged Sesshoumaru tightly to him.

********************

“Here My Lord,” the mage said as he held out two small, smooth stones to his Lord. It had only taken him an hour.
“What are these for?” the Dragon Lord asked as he turned the beautiful stones over in his palm.
“My Lord, one can be given to the kappa, while you keep the other. He can squeeze the stone, sending emotion into it, and you will feel it.
“I do not believe approaching him as a traitor would be the best course of action,” he said. He’d really thought all this through very well.
“Instead, have it given to him as a charm. Tell him that as long as the mate is not present, whenever the kappa is near Sesshoumaru, if he squeezes the stone, his wishes for his Lord will come true. In this way, you will know instantly when Sesshoumaru is away from his mate, and will know that you may be able to make your move.
“Now, all we must do is have this given to the kappa immediately,” the mage finished.

********************

They met Miroku and Sango at the morning meal.
“Where is Rin-chan?” Sango asked. “Is she alright?”
“Oh, yeah, she’s fine,” Inuyasha replied. “She came into our room a few minutes ago to ask if she could go see her friends right away. She’ll eat with them.”
“Knowing we would be speaking with you both today, we told her she could spend the day with them,” Sesshoumaru added.
Sango smiled. “Good. She has been greatly missed here. I am certain she will enjoy her day.”
With only adults at the table for the morning meal, it was a peaceful experience. “Hey. Have you guys noticed how quiet it is?” Inuyasha teased.
They all chuckled at that observation and the adults enjoyed a peaceful breakfast as they spoke of small things.
Soon, the dishes were being cleared away, and Miroku asked, “So, what was it you needed to speak with us about?”
Inuyasha looked to Sesshoumaru and nodded for him to start.
“First, I would like to formally invite you to our Mating Ceremony. We will send a messenger with the date it will be held on, and you will reside in the family-wing of the Palace for the duration of your stay. Also, any others from this Village that would like to attend are welcome to do so, and we will be certain that they are also well-quartered for their stay,” Sesshoumaru offered regally.
“Now, to what I wished to speak with you about,” he continued.
“As you both know, Rin and Kohaku have been exchanging letters for years now. Rin has missed being able to see him, and recently she spoke to me about her feelings,” Sesshoumaru began.
“Before Inuyasha was in residence at the Palace, my original thought was to have him bring Rin back here for visits, as he used to do.
“However, we have had a different idea, inspired by a question from Rin.
“Would you both be willing to allow Kohaku to live at the Tsuki no Kyūden? We would, of course, provide the best schooling possible, as well as masters for training in all of fields of study. He would be treated as a Prince; and they would be properly chaperoned at all times.
“I believe that their feelings have stayed strong and consistent these past years, and that tells me that those feelings may last into their adulthood. In addition, having Kohaku living at the Palace would make our daughter very happy.
“We will also be asking young Shippo to come to the Palace to live, and knowing how close the three of them are, it could be a good situation for them all.
“Will you think on this, and if you agree, ask Kohaku for his feelings on this matter?” Sesshoumaru finished.
Miroku and Sango had looked very surprised at first, but as Sesshoumaru spoke, they looked happier and happier. Sango spoke first.
“Sesshoumaru-sama, I can admit that I would miss my Otouto very much, but he would certainly be very happy if he could be near Rin-chan so often. I cannot be selfish in this. As long as my husband agrees, I would be pleased to allow this.”
Miroku smiled softly. Putting his arm around Sango’s shoulders, he said, “I cannot argue with my lovely wife. I agree that Kohaku would not only be very happy to be near Rin-chan, but he would also benefit greatly from the teachers you would provide for him.”
“Miroku and I will speak to him later today, and let you know what his decision is,” Sango finished.
“I believe there was something else you wanted to speak to us about?” Miroku asked.
“Yes, there is,” Sesshoumaru said. “When we gave our Daughter permission to go see her friends for the day, Inuyasha thought of this: Would the parents of her female friends here be agreeable to allowing their daughters to live at the Palace? They would be given all the same consideration as our Daughter, and treated as Princesses, just as she is. They would study and train alongside Rin, and have access to the same masters in all disciplines. We would also arrange to bring them back to visit often.”
Miroku thought about that for a moment. “I cannot speak for those parents, but Sango and I will ask them today. It would be a great opportunity for the young girls, and I will present it that way to their parents.”
“Thanks Miroku,” Inuyasha said. “I know not all may agree, but Rin would be thrilled if even one could come.”
“Certainly my friend. Was there anything else?” Miroku asked.
Receiving a nod from Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha replied, “Yeah, there is one more thing.”
Sesshoumaru took Inuyasha’s hand in his, lending him his support, and both Miroku and Sango noticed.
“Uh, this may sound kinda’ strange, but…I… I’m…pregnant,” Inuyasha said softly.
Miroku’s eyes nearly popped out of his head and Sango’s jaw dropped before she could control her reaction.
“Inuyasha, how? I mean, I know some youkai males can get pregnant, but you were never one, were you?” Sango asked.
“You’re right, I wasn’t one; but with the removal of the rosary, my Mother’s spiritual power was unleashed. The increase in my demon blood from our mating may have also made this power even stronger. Our healer believes that my spiritual power responded to my strong desire for pups of my own…pups with Sesshoumaru…and created a womb for me.
“I didn’t realize that these powers could do stuff like this, so I’m gonna be getting trained right away to be able to control them. Since I didn’t notice it being so strong, it was able to do all this without me knowing or intending for it to happen. We just found out day before yesterday that I’m pregnant, and Sesshoumaru and I were finally able to feel their life-forces yesterday for the first time.
“Before you go thinkin’ that I’ve changed enough to give birth to them, I haven’t. They’ll have to be surgically removed when it’s time. Youkai stay pregnant for four months.
“We’re gonna have three pups,” Inuyasha finished. He could tell his friends were shocked speechless; but before very long they were jumping up to hug and congratulate him as a smiling and proud Sesshoumaru looked on.
“Inuyasha! Oh, I’m so happy for you both! Wow! This is so amazing!” Sango gushed.
Miroku was only slightly more subdued. Shaking his hand and then hugging him, the smiling Monk said, “Wow, that’s fantastic! You had no idea your own spiritual power could do that? Actually, I never knew that was even possible.”
Sango could not resist teasing, “Gosh, it’s probably a good thing none of us knew this was possible.” Winking at Inuyasha, she continued, “You’d have had the Houshi pinching your ass and asking you to bear his children as we traveled before.”
Inuyasha laughed with his two human friends.
As they laughed, Sesshoumaru’s narrowed gaze landed on Miroku with the force of a hammer, and caused the Houshi to back away with his hands held out in front of him. As Inuyasha was pulled down into the Youkai Lord’s lap and held tightly to his chest, his free hand rose and the energy for his Whip began to dance along his fingertips.
“Whoa, wait! Seriously, I wouldn’t have, she’s just teasing!” Miroku yelped.
Once Inuyasha recovered from the surprise of suddenly being held by his Mate, he backed Miroku up. “He wouldn’t have Sesshou. Sango was only joking.”
Sesshoumaru allowed his Whip-energy to dissipate and released his tight hold on his Mate, but kept him in his lap, very much enjoying the way he felt there. This distracted him instantly from any anger he’d just had, and when he looked back up, he was calm again.
“There is only one other thing I would like to discuss. In fact, it would be me asking a favor of not only you, but your entire Village,” Sesshoumaru said.
Miroku and Sango exchanged glances, wondering what horror this could be; knowing it had to be bad if Sesshoumaru’s tone of voice was any kind of indicator.
“Yes Sesshoumaru-sama, what is it?” Miroku asked.
“Jaken is currently very far out of favor with us,” Sesshoumaru began, “and I am thinking of creative ways to punish him. Not only for his recent actions; but also, I have heard from other servants that he has spoken badly about Inuyasha since he became my Mate.
“For the next week or so, I would ask if we could leave him here. I would like him to be under your rule. As you will no doubt remember, he dislikes staying in human villages. My hope would be that every member of your village would have authority over him, although that would be at your discretion. The actual duration of his stay here would be entirely up to you.”
Sesshoumaru smirked then, “As Inuyasha-Tachi, I would not torture you for an extended period of time without your consent.
“He is currently under the orders of your stable-master, as the man was there when we first arrived, and I was able to tell him my wishes. I am seeking to make him as miserable as possible. Would you consent to help me with this?” Sesshoumaru finished.
Miroku and Sango smirked at hearing that Jaken was under their stable-master’s control now.
“Sesshoumaru-sama,” Miroku chuckled, “Tsuyoshi could not be more perfect for what you wish. He can be very kind, but he is very intolerant of those who have prejudices against others. He’ll work him half to death, if you gave him permission to do so; as well as make him do every one of the ‘lowest’ jobs in the stables.
“In fact,” Miroku continued, “I predict we will all be able to find ways to make his punishment creative as well as miserable. Allow me to send word to you one week from now, and I will let you know if we can keep him for longer.”
Sesshoumaru’s smirk this time was impressive. He was very happy that it seemed he and Miroku were thinking alike in this respect. “Thank you Houshi-sama. I will not forget this,” he inclined his head regally.
They all continued to speak about what they had already discussed, filling in details and answering Miroku and Sango’s questions. When they were ready to rise from the table, Sango could not restrain her curiosity any longer.
“Inuyasha…I want to ask something, but if it’s not okay for me to ask, just tell me to mind my own business, okay?”
Inuyasha cocked his head to the side in a very Inu-like fashion, “Yeah, sure Sango…you can ask me anything.”
Sango smiled, thinking how kawaii Inuyasha looked as he sat on Sesshoumaru’s lap still. “Okay…so… How did you get the kotodama rosary removed? I didn’t even notice it was gone at first; I was too distracted by your beautiful youkai-markings. But Kouga came to visit and told us that you had sent Kagome back to her time, and that she refused to remove them. So how did you get them off?”
Inuyasha looked to Sesshoumaru. At his nod of approval, he said, “It was Sesshoumaru. For us to truly mate, our youki must bond with each other. Basically, with the rosary on, my Youki was bound in chains to Kagome and could not have risen to meet Sesshoumaru’s Youki in our mating.”
“Okay, but how in the world did he remove it?” Sango asked. “I remember the pain Miroku went through after he tried to remove it for you…you know? He nearly died that last time, and that was with the other monks helping him.”
Inuyasha smiled tenderly at his Mate before he answered. “It was pretty amazing, actually. I had no idea he was going to do it, and suddenly I felt this incredible pain shoot through my body, and I looked down to see that he had both hands on it, and it was already burning him severely.
“I tried to get him to let it go. He could have died, and it scared me…badly. I don’t know how he did it, but suddenly the rosary exploded. His hands,” Inuyasha’s voice was choking with emotion as he held one of Sesshoumaru’s perfect hands and stroked the palm gently as he spoke, “they looked like I’d Wind Scarred them…but I was free. Any lesser youkai would have died trying to do what he did.”
Sango looked to Sesshoumaru, “So what did you do? I know I’m pushing, and I’m sorry if I shouldn’t ask, but we really tried so hard…both Miroku trying to do it himself, and us asking other monks and priestesses; even looking to sorcerers with spells that could be cast. How did you do it?”
Sesshoumaru smiled lovingly at Inuyasha, and the love he felt was plain to see.
“Sesshou, do you mind telling her? I… I wanted to ask you before too, but I haven’t yet. Can you tell us how you did it?” Inuyasha asked.
“Yes, I will describe it as best as I can,” Sesshoumaru acquiesced.
“You see, when youkai bind themselves together as mates, there are different ‘levels’ of binding. There are many matings that are purely for political reasons, and other reasons as well, such as friendship or to help raise offspring if a first-mate has died.
“Mating for love is actually quite rare, but it also forms the most powerful bond. If our intent had been to mate for anything other than love, anything less, that level of bonding would not have been possible. You will see better what I mean when you attend our formal Mating Ceremony.
“Back to that night…. I truly believe that if I had intended for us to be anything besides ‘co-alphas’ in this mating, if I had intended to push Inuyasha into an alpha-beta mating, that this power would not have risen to help me. I could feel something when it was happening that told me because we were equals, we should be bound as equals.
“I felt my own power rise in tandem with my love for Inuyasha, and then I felt the rising of the power that would bind us together as Mates. I knew instantly that I had a chance to free Inuyasha, and I felt that, no matter what happened to me, he must be freed.
“I believe that power is what joined with my own power as a DaiYoukai, and that was enough to break the chains holding my Mate. I was very determined, and focused all that power into my hands, much like I would for my Whip, and the rosary exploded,” Sesshoumaru finished.
Sesshoumaru was looking at Miroku and Sango. Both had incredulous looks on their faces that quickly turned into huge smiles. He then turned to Inuyasha, and was shaken to his core.
With his face turned away from his friends, Inuyasha was still in his lap, and he was speechless, with his mouth open in awe. Tears were flowing down his face unchecked, and he was looking at Sesshoumaru with such love… He felt like his heart had stopped in his chest as he stared at Inuyasha and whispered, “Itoshii.”
Suddenly, Inuyasha’s hands framed his face, and his mouth was claimed completely.
Sesshoumaru’s hands came up to hold Inuyasha’s face as well, and he brushed his tears away as they kissed. With eyes wide open, they each watched the emotions playing across the other’s face, and their kiss soon turned from gentle and loving to deep and passionate.
Sango elbowed Miroku and they left quietly; both knowing they had just witnessed something that humans never, ever got to see.

***

The rest of the morning was spent with Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha visiting the homes of a few girls whose parents had agreed to allow them to live at the Palace. They had questions, of course, and their Lords answered them all. These families could not deny that their daughters would be amazingly lucky to have this opportunity, and to refuse it would be crazy.
In the end, three of Rin’s best friends would come to live with her at the Palace: Her very best friend, Misaki; as well as her close friends Reika and Tomomi.
Sesshoumaru sent word to the Palace for three more dragons to be brought to the Slayer’s Village. Rin’s young friends would have things they wanted to bring with them, and when combined with whatever Kohaku and Shippo had as well, he knew their journey back would be much more comfortable with the extra dragons.
Rin was ecstatic when she found out. It had been so exciting to know that Shippo and Kohaku would probably be coming to live at the Castle. She had never imagined that her Fathers would go to all this trouble, just so she would have female friends she could study with and have as companions.
Rin met them as Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha exited the home of Reika’s parents. Running full speed, she jumped into Inuyasha’s arms first, as he was the first out the door.
“Oh! Tōchan! I can’t believe you and Otōsan thought to do this for me! I can’t wait…I’m so excited!” she gushed, screaming merrily as Inuyasha twirled her in circles.
Sesshoumaru watched this display with a joyful heart. When Rin turned to him, he could see she was quieting herself so she could approach him in a more respectful and subdued manner…and he realized another important thing suddenly. Rin should never have to be ‘subdued’. It was not her nature. She should always be his Wild Princess.
So, before she could fully quiet herself, he smiled and held his arms out to her.
Her eyes nearly swallowed her face in surprise. She looked to him and said only one word: “Truly?”
When he nodded ‘yes’, she squealed “Otōsan!” and launched herself into his arms for the first time. He wrapped his arms around her, just as Inuyasha had, and swung her around in circles as she cried happily and thanked him too.
He buried his face in her hair and let that hide the small tear of joy that escaped. Feeling her so happy, it was totally worth it.

*****

Jaken was alone and cleaning out the stables, learning to grumble in his mind alone, when another voice seemed to come from his mind. Within moments though, he realized he could hear it aloud.
“Ah, poor, poor Jaken. Loves his Lord, yet cannot reach him,” the voice taunted.
Jaken’s head whipped around. “Show yourself! Who are you?”
Suddenly, moving through the walls of the stall he was standing in, was a very tall male. Over seven feet tall, with skin a pearlescent dark-grey, long shining white hair, black antler-like horns, pointed ears longer than most youkai…and glowing red eyes. He was dressed as royalty, with black armor like Jaken had never seen.
Jaken fell backwards in shock and fear.
“Wha-what do you want with m-me?” the kappa stuttered.
“I only wish to help you,” the tall male said.
“H-help me?” Jaken whispered.
“Yes, help you. I have felt your pain. Here, take this,” the frightening male said as he held out his hand. Opening his fingers near Jaken’s face, the kappa saw a stone unlike any he had ever seen before. He reached out without conscious thought and took it.
“Wha- what will this do?” he asked.
“If you hold that stone very tightly, but only when you are near your precious Lord, it will begin to change the future. I know the Lord has a mate, and the mate must be nowhere near the Lord for this to work,” the tall male explained.
“Ch-change the future?”
“Yes. If you do as I say, your precious Lord’s feelings of love will transfer to you, and leave the mate you so despise. Would that not make you happy?” the creature asked.
“Y-yes, it would. Th-thank you,” Jaken whispered.
He was alone again in the stable.

*****

Near noon, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru also had time to speak to Shippo privately. Sitting down at the long table in the main hall, Shippo was wondering what they wanted to ask him, since they were being so serious about it.
“Shippo, we ain’t gonna say nothin’ bad, so stop lookin’ so nervous,” Inuyasha winked at him.
Forcing himself to relax, Shippo asked, “Okay. So, uh, what did you want to talk to me about?”
Inuyasha explained, “We wanted to ask you to come live at the Palace with us. You’ll always be my son, and Sesshoumaru considers you his son as well, so it’s your home now too. We’ve asked Miroku and Sango to allow Kohaku to come live there, and we’re only waiting for them to speak with him and to get his answer.
“You’d also be near your Kitsune trainers, and you’d be able to take lessons in other subjects as well. In fact, you’d be able to study and train alongside Rin-chan and Kohaku-kun, if he decides to come with us.
“If you need time to think about it, that’s totally okay with me. Just let us kno-?!?” Inuyasha was interrupted by Shippo launching himself into his Father’s chest.
Gripping the front of the silk kimono Inuyasha was wearing, Shippo shrieked, “Are you serious?! Really? You really mean it Tōsan?! I can come live at the Castle? Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Really?! Cool!”
Sesshoumaru gave a happy smirk and said, “So, Shippo-kun, should we take that as a ‘yes’ to our question?”
Shippo turned a huge smile to his ‘other’ father, “Oh! Yes! For sure! Thank you!”
Inuyasha set him down and said, “Okay, then just make sure you’ve got all your stuff packed…”
“I will! I’ve gotta go tell Rin-chan!” Shippo exclaimed as he hit the ground running, aiming for the door.
Calling after him, Inuyasha finished, “…We’ll leave early in the morning tomorrow!”
Sesshoumaru, with a smile on his face, shook his head. “I am beginning to wonder how much of our sanity will be left in one year, with all this excitement and energy being brought to the Palace.”
Inuyasha chuckled. “You mean, you thought we had any sanity left now?”
“Ah, you are probably right,” Sesshoumaru said as he rose and nibbled gently on Inuyasha’s lips. “Now we need only find out what Kohaku’s decision will be.”
As he finished speaking, Kohaku walked into the room.
“My Lords, may I speak with you?” Kohaku asked.
Both turned to him, and Sesshoumaru waved him to sit at the long low table. “Yes, of course. Please, sit.”
“Didja’ talk to Miroku and Sango yet?” Inuyasha asked as he and Sesshoumaru returned to their seats.
“Yes, I did,” Kohaku replied. “I guess it just sounds too good to be true. You both truly want me to live at the Palace? I… I know that you both know how I feel about Rin-chan. I also hope you already know that I would never do or even think anything that would ever dishonor her. Until we are old enough, she will be nothing more than my cherished friend. Knowing all this, you would still want me to live there?”
Sesshoumaru handled the answer. “Yes, Kohaku-kun, we would. We know you respect our Daughter, and yes, we know of your feelings. We also know of her feelings towards you. We believe this would give you an opportunity to grow up in each other’s presence. It will also allow you to have the best schooling and training.
“The one that would marry our Daughter must be strong, both in body and in mind. I would see you trained by the very best. No matter that you would be around her constantly, there is currently no expectation that you and Rin will ever be anything more than friends. That will not change until you are older, and you have declared your intentions, if that is truly what you wish to do.
“You will be treated as a Prince in our household, and you will be expected to act like one while you are there. Can you agree to this?” Sesshoumaru finished.
Kohaku’s eyes were very serious as he stood and answered Sesshoumaru. “Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama. I fully agree. I thank you for everything,” he said as he bowed very formally.
“I am glad to hear it,” Sesshoumaru replied. “We will be leaving to return to the Tsuki no Kyūden in the morning. Please have all you will take with you ready and given to the stable-master by tonight, so he can have the dragons ready to depart. Also, if you would please, tell Shippo-kun the same. He was excited, and ran out before we could be sure he knew,” Sesshoumaru smirked happily.
Kohaku was still startled to see Sesshoumaru smiling like this, but he decided he enjoyed it very much. “Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama. I will go find Shippo and tell him. I’ll also make sure Rin-chan’s friends know as well. Thank you again, both of you.” He bowed one more time before leaving the room.
As soon as he was through the doors, he broke into a cheerful run, on his way to find Rin and Shippo, and tell them the happy news.

*****

They enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.
Sesshoumaru had been engaged by most of the men in the Village, and he found his respect for them growing. Weak humans they may be, but they were proud, and worked hard to become as strong as was possible for their race.
They showed him all the proper respect, but he could tell he had become more ‘approachable’ since mating Inuyasha and being seen with him. He could honestly say that, at least for now, even with his love of solitude, this ‘approachability’ was not something he was regretting. They sought him out for his opinions on many different things and listened respectfully.
Inuyasha, on the other hand, had been surrounded by Rin and her friends almost instantly after they’d spoken to Kohaku. Within moments, a group of even younger children had joined them too, and they suddenly decided they wanted to pick berries. Clamoring for Inuyasha to come with them, he had to fight through them just to get to Sesshoumaru to let him know where he was going.
“Arrgh! I’ll go, I swear! I just need to find Lord Sesshoumaru first, okay? So get outta my way for a minute! Geez!” Inuyasha yelled as he struggled to pull his silk hakama out of their little hands.
He then had to walk around the Village for a while, trying to find his brother.
By the time he found him, he was irritated and tired.
“Hey Sesshoumaru!” he waved at him from below where the Demon Lord was standing high on the palisade wall.
Sesshoumaru leaped down immediately. “Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to let you know I’m gonna go with Rin and a bunch of the kids. They want to pick berries, and I’m not gonna let Rin go out there without one of us around, ya’ know? So that’s where I’ll be,” Inuyasha finished.
“I will come with you,” Sesshoumaru declared.
“Keh,” Inuyasha just huffed but didn’t argue. He knew why Sesshoumaru was being so protective, and while his pride chafed, he had already realized that if Sesshoumaru were the one carrying pups, he would be acting the same way.
As they walked together, hand in hand towards the main gate, the stable-master bowed low and called out, “My Lord, may I speak with you for a moment?”
They both stopped. “Yes, what is it?” Sesshoumaru asked politely.
Just as Tsuyoshi began to speak, Rin and all her friends surrounded Inuyasha. “Come Inuyasha-sama! Let’s go!” they all cried in unison.
Inuyasha just looked at Sesshoumaru with a wink. “I’ll meet’cha out there, ‘kay?”
“Yes, I will not be long,” Sesshoumaru replied, turning back to Tsuyoshi.

*

Inuyasha left with the gaggle of children jumping and skipping around him, some even climbing on him; as well as the older girls with Rin, walking calmly and trying to look ‘grown up’. They made slow progress towards the main gate, as many of the villagers he knew here emerged to tell the young Lord how happy they were for him.

*

Jaken saw Inuyasha walk away, and he squeezed his magic-stone tightly, putting all his hopes and wishes into it.

*

It only took a few moments. Tsuyoshi only wished to let Sesshoumaru know that with the three extra dragons soon to arrive, there would be more than enough of the Palace-dragons for the things that would be packed to go with them. As long as it was alright that a couple of the girls rode together, they should all be comfortable.
Sesshoumaru reassured him that that would be just fine, and turned quickly to follow Inuyasha.
Jaken could only stare longingly after his beautiful Lord, saddened that Sesshoumaru-sama had never once looked his way.

*

Inuyasha and the children had finally reached the berry patch, and were happily picking berries.
Suddenly, without warning, a dark orb of light fell into the clearing.
Just as Inuyasha was turning to meet the threat, he was thrown into the nearest tree violently and pinned to the trunk with his hands immobilized behind him, under his body. ‘Damn it! I’m so fucking slow all of a sudden!’ was his first thought. Then, ‘Shit! What the fuck is this?!’
“Ahh, what have we here? It looks like I’ve caught a tasty morsel,” the beautiful male with dark gray skin and white hair said as he pushed Inuyasha against the tree even harder. Inuyasha could feel the bones of his hands and wrists snapping. “And ho! It looks like your pregnancy has already weakened you terribly. Pity.”
Inuyasha struggled, but in his weakened state, he realized it was futile. That didn’t mean he would stop, though. He only needed to be able to reach the Tetsusaiga. Broken hands or not, he’d grab the sword.
The strange male spoke again. “I wouldn’t want you to damage yourself, so I will make you a deal. You fight me, and I kill…” He reached out with his other hand, and Inuyasha was stunned to see it transform into a massive black dragon claw. Picking up Rin since she was closest to him, and squeezing her, he continued, “…I kill her, then all the others here, as you watch, then I take you away. Or…you can remain quiet and calm, I let her go, leave them all alive, and I still take you away.” The hand holding him immobile transformed into a large claw as well, and glowing red eyes bore into his own, letting him know this creature was not kidding with his threats.
“I’ll go quietly, so let her go NOW!” Inuyasha yelled.
“No! Tōsa-...Inuyasha-sama!” Rin cried, even as she was being deprived of air by the claw holding her.
“Mmmm…were you about to call him father?” the frightening male lifted Rin higher, bringing her closer. Inuyasha could hear a rib crack as Rin was squeezed tighter.
“You let her go, fucker!” Inuyasha screamed as he renewed his struggles. ‘I know Sesshoumaru will be here any minute. I only have to stall him and keep all of us alive,’ he thought. Then, without conscious thought, he cried out in his mind,
~Sesshou! Mate! We need you!~

~tbc

*****

Japanese used in this story:
Seishin: 精神 (せいしん) Soul (Life, energy, vigor) (also. Spirit: soul (神))
Aishiteru: 愛してる (あいしてる,) “I love you.”
Shōkōjo: (小公女) Little Princess     (Ōjo: (王女) (lit. king's daughter))
Aijō: (愛嬢) (あいじょう) (one's) beloved daughter
Otouto: (弟) (おとうと, otōto) younger brother (弟さん (おとうとさん, otōtosan) is the polite form of this)
Tachi: (the “Inuyasha-Tachi”) This is basically a way to say “Inuyasha’s”, and refers to his ‘Pack’.
Misaki: female name meaning ‘beautiful blossom’ (美咲) (みさき) 美 - ‘mi’ - the beauty, beautiful; 咲 - ‘saki’ - the blossom
Tomomi: female name meaning ‘beautiful friend’ (朋美) (ともみ)   朋 – ‘tomo’ - the friend, the companion; 美 - ‘mi’ - the beauty, beautiful
Reika: female name meaning ‘lovely flower’ (麗華) (れいか) 麗 – ‘rei’ - lovely, beautiful; 華 – ‘ka’ - the flower
Itoshii: (愛しい) いとしい) dear, loved, precious; beloved
Kotodama rosary: or the Kotodama no Nenju: (言魂の念珠, language power rosary), called the Beads of Subjugation in English, is the title of the rosary/necklace that Inuyasha wears around his neck.
Tsuyoshi: male name meaning ‘strong, tough’ (剛) (つよし) 剛- strong, hard, tough
Tsuki no Kyūden: (月の宮殿) (The) Palace of the Moon = The name I have given Sesshoumaru’s castle in my story.
Tokoyami: (常闇) (とこやみ) (everlasting darkness~noun~”often dark” in Chinese)
Otōsan: (お父さん) (おとうさん) father, dad
Tōsan: (父さん) (とうさん)’ Father’ (father; dad; papa; pa; pop; daddy; dada)
Tōchan: (父ちゃん) (とうちゃん) (term of endearment) pop, dad
Kawaii: (可愛い)  (かわいい) Lovable. Adorable. Cute.
Hai: (はい) (Common word, Interjection)1: (Polite language) ‘yes’; 2: ‘OK’ (used to get attention prior to an utterance); ‘okay’. (*note: this can be used as yes OR no, it’s more of a casual acknowledgement of what someone else has said. In this case, Kohaku is using it ‘politely’, so it’s “yes”.)

*****
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Change of Heart