Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

A Heat to Overcome	By : Sparrowhawk Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male > InuYasha/Sessh?maru > InuYasha/Sessh?maru Views: 31291 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the associated characters, nor do I make any profit from this fanfic. All other characters not associated with the original manga or anime, however, are mine.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Well, it's certainly been a while. Sorry it's taken so long, I was a bit stuck on a later chapter. Not sure it turned out the way I wanted, but it's done at any rate. This chapter that I'm posting, though, is actually one of my favorites. Hope ya'll like it, too!! But, before we get to that, reviews!

Vyperbites: Hehe, I always love a sweet Kouga. I really wanted to show that side of him, and I must say, that part turned out better than I expected. Sesshomaru will help Inuyasha, but it's definitely going to take more effort than the demon lord thinks. Thanks for the review (: (:

Madamdragon: Whew, that's a relief, cause I really didn't know how to fix it if it wasn't clear enough, lol. Congrats on your graduation, and good luck! Look forward to hearing from you again!

ardentes: Why, hmm? There is a reason, a few actually, but I noticed Sesshomaru tends not to elaborate on his plans when he decides to do something, so I didn't have him give an explanation as to why they're going back to his Lord Father's castle. Don't worry, it'll all be revealed in this chapter. Hope you enjoy the update!!

MegearaErotica: Lol, thanks so much for the compliment. I try really hard to get everything precise because I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my writing. It bothers me when I go back through and find mistakes, so I put a lot of effort in to getting it right in the first place. It's time consuming, but I think it's worthwhile. I'm so glad you're enjoying my story! Just hope I don't disappoint (:

Ain718: Ooooh, thanks!! So happy you're enjoying it.

hanyoulover: Thanks so much, it's such an encouragement to hear. Sesshomaru will be saving Inuyasha soon, just not quite yet. There are still some things that need to happen. I don't think I'll be able to stave off their reunion for much longer, though, lol, cause I also really love stories about their relationships, and this story is definitely that. Really makes me want to just jump ahead to that part. But ... I must resist to save the plot. Glad to hear you're enjoying it and I hope you continue to do so!

Midnightsscream: Yes, I'm missing writing about Sessh and Inuyasha, too ): But, you're right, for the plot I have in mind it does need to happen. Their reunion should be coming soon, though. Next few chapters probably. Thanks for reading!!

Warning: mild profanity (wow, that's a change, lol), sexual references and connotations, introduction of new characters (: (:

All right!! Special thanks to all those who have read and/or reviewed this story, so happy to have so many readers! Now, on to the next chapter. Enjoy (: (:

Chapter Six

Rumors of War

"Wow," Miroku murmured, whistling in appreciation for the beautiful palace nestled at the other end of the valley. "I heard the western palace was impressive, but I never imagined it was so ... breathtaking."

"Indeed," Sesshomaru replied stoically, inwardly pleased by the monk's praise of his Lord Father's and his home. "It was commissioned soon after Lord Inu no Taisho's first mate was found to have conceived an heir."

"What is it made of? I've never seen stone like that," Miroku confessed.

Though he'd seen plenty of beautiful places during his wanderings, the western palace surpassed them all. Towering spires of pale pink gleamed in the noonday sun, the shimmering of heat waves against the stone making it appear to be flowing upward like a magnificent colored waterfall into the sky. It was elegant, having curves rather than sharp and abrupt corners, yet at the same time it was also undeniably formidable. Even from here Miroku could see, like a venus fly trap, how the structure's splendor disguised its true nature as a fortress of war.

"Rose marble," Sesshomaru answered as he began to drift down toward the main gate of the outer wall, "brought down from the farthest reaches of the north at my Lord Father's request."

Ah-Un followed without bidding. "Marble isn't a very strong material, is it?"

"Naturally the stone is reinforced. A renowned youkai shaman placed numerous spells of strength upon the stone. She lives within the palace walls as a healer and renews the enchantments when necessary. I believe you will find her knowledge of both youkai and human sorcery fascinating. Her mate, Sasaki, we will consult with about Inuyasha's ... situation. He's more of a battle mage than she. He may also be able to conjure something to pinpoint my little brother's whereabouts."

"We can only pray," Miroku responded solemnly, unwilling to get his hopes up so easily.

"Lord Sesshomaru, welcome back," the guards greeted when he floated to the ground a short distance from where they stood at attention.

The dragon youkai landed with near silent grace, and Miroku, Rin, and Jaken dismounted as Sesshomaru moved to speak to the senior of his soldiers. "Any news?"

"Rumors of war in the east, but nothing substantial," the kuma youkai reported promptly. "Also ... the parasitic youkai my Lord carries was seen entering your chambers a few days ago. The generals gathered to discuss what to do in the event that my Lord was somehow captured. As it appears you are unharmed, though, I will pass the message that all preparations be halted."

"That won't be necessary."

"My Lord?" the bear asked in evident confusion.

"My baby brother has been taken by Michio and his band of slave traders. You will pass the message that my generals are to gather within the council room and await further instructions. Call Sasaki to the same place."

"As you command, my Lord," the soldier replied, clapping his armored first over his heart. He disappeared through the gateway and into the gate house. Moments later a small youkai child around Shippo's age ran out carrying a scroll with the appropriate message. The soldier returned and bowed. "It is done."

"Konnichiwa, Outa-san!" Rin greeted the kuma with a little bow.

"Ah, if it isn't Rin-chan!" the youkai called Outa exclaimed. "What mischief have you been up to, kiddo? I haven't seen you for a while."

"Sesshomaru-sama took Jaken and I to see Bokseno!"

"Ooh, what an honor that must have been."

Rin nodded, suddenly serious. "He let me climb in his branches and play and he told me stories and rocked me to sleep at night. He's a very nice old tree. He even showed me where I could pick some berries to bring back for you, Outa-san, since they're your favorite."

The kuma youkai took the berries she offered him with a smile and a nod. "Arigatou-gozaimasu, Rin-chan. I'm glad you remembered. Lord Sesshomaru," the soldier addressed his superior with a courteous inclination of his head, "if it would please you, I will watch Lady Rin while my Lord meets with the generals. My little Hoshina has missed her terribly since she's been gone."

"Very well. I leave her in your care then, Guardsman Outa. Care for her well."

"Nishio-san," Rin called, politely addressing the second guard. "I also brought back some fragrant bark for you. Please accept it."

With a glance at Lord Sesshomaru, the bat youkai nodded, shuffling his wings a bit in embarrassment as he took the package of sweet smelling bark. Humph, he thought, not daring to voice it aloud. Little brat, trying to get in my good graces when she's nothing but a filthy ningen. Although ... his thoughts stuttered a little as he took a whiff of the bark and closed his eyes in ecstasy ... can't fault her taste in scents. It is ... very appealing. He nodded grudging thanks to the ningen child, for which he was given a foolishly happy grin. Huffing again, this time aloud--earning a chilling stare from his Lord--Nichio returned to his post.

"Come, Miroku. Jaken, you will remain. Until otherwise commanded, your main priority is to look after Rin, understand?"

"Y-Yes, milord," the toad squeaked, risking a sullen glance at the happy-go-lucky ningen child. No one would ever hear him say anything against his Lord and Master, Sesshomaru, but looking after Rin was his least favorite duty.

"Shippo."

"Yes?" Shippo responded to the authoritative voice timidly.

"You may choose which you'd rather do--come with Miroku and I to the council with my generals, or else remain here and play with Rin and Hoshina. As a ward of Inuyasha I leave the decision to you."

The fox kit blushed minutely. Sesshomaru was treating him like an adult. No one did that. Inuyasha tried sometimes, but usually Kagome would interfere and, Shippo recalled with shame, he never appreciated it. Like a brat, he would laugh and taunt his foster father when Kagome got mad at him. "I-I'll go!" Shippo decided, jumping down from the demon lord's shoulder. He had to rescue Inuyasha. No matter what it took, he felt he had to prove to his foster father as well as Lord Sesshomaru that he wasn't a kid anymore.

Seeing the kit's determination, Sesshomaru smirked a little. The spoiled brat he'd seen with Inuyasha's group so many times before was no more. No doubt Inuyasha would be surprised when he returned ... if he returned.

Viciously, he dispelled that thought. With his back to everyone except the fox youkai, Sesshomaru clutched at the cloth over his heart. The painful ache made his breath stutter for a moment, and he uncharacteristically panted, not so loud that those behind him could hear, but enough that the kitsune gazed at him with anxious eyes.

That was not going to happen. He wouldn't allow it. Regardless of what it cost, he would bring Inuyasha back to his side. He had yet to understand these feelings plaguing him, and the only way to do that was to confront the object of those emotions.

"If that is your decision, then follow quickly. I have no intentions of wasting time, for that will only extend Inuyasha's suffering. First, however, the three of us require a change in attire."

"Why?"

Miroku flinched when the normal cold, emotionless gaze of the daiyoukai rested on him briefly before he started away at a sedate pace toward the palace doors. Confused, the hoshi and fox kit hurried to catch up with him. Once out of earshot of the guardsmen, Sesshomaru responded, "As I explained last night, I cannot afford to have any weaknesses, even in appearance. If the generals were to gain knowledge of the effect my half breed brother's disappearance has had on my they may let it slip to others. It will be unintentional, for the most part, as the generals are all handpicked by me and most have my absolute trust, but the effects of such would be far more devastating to my standing in the eyes of the other rulers than you could possibly imagine."

"Understood," Miroku replied solemnly. Obviously the daiyoukai had a lot more to deal with than he'd have ever thought. Being the Western Lord, he had mistakenly thought it was an easy life for a daiyoukai of Sesshomaru's caliber, and perhaps before Inuyasha became involved, it was. Now, however, it was a different story. Like a school of flesh eating piranha, if the other Demon Lords sensed any weakness, they would move in for the kill. It could very well lead to an all out war.

They soon entered the palace where they were greeted by a myriad of servants clad in matching uniforms of pristine white trimmed with gold the color of Sesshomaru's eyes with a symbol Miroku assumed was the shiro inu clan seal over the left side of their chests. The monk was taken aback by the clamor of the servants competing to receive their Lord's attention. Eyebrows drawn down in thought, he observed how the lower class demons swarmed around Sesshomaru, though none dared to come with three paces of the inu youkai. Most, if not all, looked to him with no little admiration, and even, he noted, adoration. Was this the same icy bastard that constantly battled Inuyasha? His demeanor hadn't changed, but just seeing the servants' reactions to his homecoming was enough to see he was well respected and even loved by those under him.

"Tamae," Sesshomar finally spoke, silencing the other voices as he addressed the healer. "This Sesshomaru requires your presence in the council chambers where your mate awaits our arrival. Before then, however, you will accompany me to my chambers."

"The Lord is injured?"

A tense hush fell over those listening at her soft spoken words.

"No. I merely have need of a second opinion concerning a personal matter."

Breaths released in a near simultaneous puff of air, relief quickly dispersing the uncomfortable atmosphere that had developed in those few moments between Tamae's question and Sesshomaru's answer.

"The ningen monk ...?" Tamae asked.

Sesshomaru inclined his head. "Monk Miroku is an essential part of it." The woman nodded. "Taree," he called, addressing another woman who stood unobtrusively to the side, a demoness who appeared to be the healer's relative. "Prepare appropriate attire for our guests."

"As you command, my Lord," she responded with a bow that could only be described as bouncy.

Miroku stared as the woman's figure blurred before his eyes, like water streaked across a painting that didn't yet have time to dry. The servants hastily made a path through which she floated, carried by an unseen current of air. He'd heard of wind youkai, but he'd never seen one before.

Motioning with one hand for Miroku, Shippo, and Tamae to follow, Sesshomaru strode through the swarm of servants from the entryway and into a corridor to their immediate left. Tamae floated along beside them, sections of her body washing in and out as if the particles of her essence were carried away by the wind and then returned.

"You have never encountered a wind demon before, Monk Miroku?" Tamae inquired, smiling slightly as the monk cleared his throat and looked away after realizing she had noticed his gawking. "That is not surprising. My particular species of youkai are, in general, very private creatures. I would suppose even your demon slayer does not know much about us."

Miroku laughed. "You'd be amazed what demon slayers know. Sango--" Eyes wide, he broke off. "What the ...? You can read minds?"

The wind demoness pressed her lips together, humor sparkling in her amethyst eyes. "Yes, that is a talent I am fortunate enough to possess. I apologize if I've offended you. It is not always a conscious action on my part; I did not purposefully trespass in your mind. Surface thoughts, if not blocked properly, tend to come to me whether I wish them to or not."

"That sounds like it can be awfully inconvenient at times."

"At times," Tamae agreed with a short nod. "It is most helpful when healing, though. Thoughts are not always put into words, and often, feelings come strongest. With this ability I am able to pinpoint areas of hurt more quickly, even when the owner is more or less unaware of it."

"Impressive. So ... you're Sasaki's mate?"

"Correct."

Shippo leapt up onto Miroku's shoulder so he could be a part of the conversation. "So ... can all wind demons read minds?"

"No. There was a time when it was a more prominent ability, but our blood has since weakened and our numbers have always been few. There has been too much interbreeding among other species of youkai and even among humans. My sister mate, Taree, Sasaki, and I are the last full blooded wind demons, and of the three of us I am the only one with the ability to read minds."

"Sister mate?" Shippo asked.

Tamae clasped her hands in front of her, stopping when Sesshomaru did in front of a pair of double doors. "Taree and I are both mates to Sasaki. Unlike in canine and certain other species of youkai, wind demon males are encouraged to seek out more than one female to mate with. When Taree confided to me that she was also in love with Sasaki, we became bonded, therefore, Sasaki had no choice but to mate us both. Although," she mused with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, "I do not believe he finds the situation in the least distasteful. And no, Miroku, from what I have gathered of your slayer, I do not think she would appreciate it if you took a second wife."

Miroku ducked his head sheepishly when Shippo gave him a disbelieving look. "It was just a thought. I would never cheat on Sango. Really!"

"Uh huh," Shippo responded, rolling his eyes.

At a gesture from Sesshomaru, the guards stationed there opened the doors and bowed them inside. Miroku again whistled in awe. The room was massive. And, he noticed, it wasn't the only room. Thought these were undoubtedly Sesshomaru's personal chambers, there was no bed in sight. He concluded that room must be behind one of the closed doors. The room they were currently standing in looked to be merely a fancy sitting room. The room was decorated in warm sylvan colors, far removed from anything Miroku would have expected from Sesshomaru's cold personality. He was coming to realize his initial expectations of Inuyasha's elder sibling were, if not exactly wrong, not right either.

Once the doors were securely shut and the guards told not to disturb them for anything except an emergency, Sesshomaru retreated into one of the rooms, reappearing after a couple minutes dressed in his usual outfit with that fluffy white thing over his shoulder. Miroku now knew it was a parasitic youkai. Probably a symbiotic species; he couldn't imagine the demon lord permitting any other, lesser demon to feed off his youki. Why he allowed it to stay with him at all was a mystery.

"Now, Lord Sesshomaru," Tamae began sternly, startling Miroku with her abrupt change in tone since their conversation in the corridor. "What is it you need me to look at?"

"You can't read his mind?" Miroku wondered.

The gentle healer gave him a slightly exasperated look. "No, I cannot. The young lord has always possessed formidable control over his thoughts. It is near impossible to read his mind. I would have to push my ability to its limit to even touch his surface thoughts. Nor would I risk trying such a dangerous stunt. A mind, to the unprepared, can become a death trap."

Seating himself regally in one of the armchairs situated near the hearth, Sesshomaru motioned for them all to take seats around him. "Tamae, as dangerous as I admit it is to trespass in this Sesshomaru's mind, I have brought you here to ask just that. The slave trader, Michio, placed within my mind a parasite youkai. With the use of my poison I was able to free myself from its influence; however, I require your skills to make absolutely certain the thing is, in fact, dead."

"I would not refuse such a request from you, my Lord. If it is to help your brother, Inuyasha, I will gladly give aid in whatever way I can." That mischievous twinkle was back as she noticed the monk's accusatory look. "I was not reading the Lord's thoughts, but your own as well as the kit's. Your loyalty to him should be commended." With a strangely blank expression, she returned her attention to Sesshomaru. "Do you intend to bring him home, to his rightful place?"

"You have lectured me quite enough on the subject of my half breed brother, Tamae," Sesshomaru said quietly, though his gaze was hard, brooking no argument. "I have never understood the connection you and your mate have with him. Neither I, nor Inuyasha I daresay, have the time for explanations, however, so if you would set aside your anger for the time being I would like to proceed."

With pursed lips, Tamae bowed her head. "Of course, my Lord." With silent permission from the demon lord, the wind youkai placed her palms on his head, one on each of his temples, and closed her eyes.

A gentle breeze tousled Miroku's hair and made Shippo giggle as it danced around his head and tickled his cheeks. A soothing blue aura shimmered around the demoness' hands where she touched Sesshomaru. Miroku could feel her youki at work, weaving demonic and natural energy together. He could almost see the threads as she worked them into the demon lord's head. Then, as a drop of sweat slid down her fair skin, she jerked her hands back. The threads he had observed before were wrapped tightly around something, something that wriggled and thrashed wildly between her hands. Grimacing, Tamae pulled her aura taut around the foul creature, instantly killing it.

"It wasn't dead then," Sesshomaru murmured with as close to a sigh as Miroku had heard from the demon lord.

"No, Sire," Tamae responded. "It would appear it was in hibernation in order to recover from your poison. Another few weeks and it would have become active again."

"Tamae."

"Yes, Sire?"

"I was lenient with you this time, but remember, should you attempt to trespass where you are not welcome again you will not be forgiven a second time."

"Yes, Sire. I apologize."

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

The corners of the woman's lips curled up slightly, "I did."

She knew without her master's cooperation she wouldn't have been able to get anywhere near the information she sought. In fact, it wasn't beyond the daiyoukai to turn her ability back on her and shut down her mind, putting her into a temporary coma. She had learned that the hard way when he was a teenager and he instinctually fought back, nearly killing her before Sasaki came to her rescue. Though she had taken the precaution of removing the parasitic youkai from his brain, she had no doubt he would have been able to kill it on his own now that he knew it was there.

"Taree is here, my Lord," she informed Sesshomaru, moving to the door to let her sister in.

Miroku had to shield his face, catching Shippo before he was blown off his chair when the doors opened and the other demoness entered in a flurry of wind. "Forgive me, my Lord," she said with a bright smile, the wind dying when she stopped moving. "It took longer than I thought it would to find them clothing appropriate for their stations as your guests. I also took the liberty of bringing servants to prepare the guest rooms a few doors down the hall."

"Thank you, Taree." He eyed Miroku and Shippo contemplatively before looking back at the wind demoness. "Assist them in changing. Tamae and I have matters to discuss."

Grinning radiantly at the monk and kitsune, Taree took them both by the arms and guided them into Sesshomaru's personal library/study to change in privacy, laughing when Miroku protested to stripping to his fundoshi in front of such a "delicate lady."

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru and the healer retreated into another, smaller tea room where he sat cross legged on a cushion and motioned for Tamae to kneel across from him on another cushion.

"This matter you mentioned," Tamae began knowingly, "it is about Lord Inuyasha?"

"It is. I will discuss the details of his kidnapping when we meet with the generals. What I wish to speak to you about is his likely physical and mental condition. Those he was taken by are known for their ... brutality, for lack of a better term, when the one they have taken is in heat."

"You're implying he would have been raped."

Sesshomaru nodded. "Multiple times. I will be giving him fully into your care. Whatever other duties you may have, you will set them aside. He will be your number one priority. Do whatever needs to be done to fix him."

"Fix?" Tamae repeated with a raised eyebrow. "Being raped is not something you can just fix, my Lord. He will need therapy, extensive therapy and time to recover, to come to grips with what happened to him. I beg your pardon, Highness, for I may be overstepping my bounds by saying so, but ... you will need to be understanding of what he's been through. Kind, even. You cannot keep acting like he doesn't matter to you, no matter what the court may say about it."

Sesshomaru's expression didn't change, but the temperature dropped a few degrees. "You know that is not something I can do, Tamae."

"Isn't it?" she challenged, her amethyst eyes as frosty as his own. "Aren't you Sesshomaru, Lord of the West, son of the great Inu no Taisho? I didn't think there was anything Your Lordship would deem impossible."

"It is not impossible," Sesshomaru refuted, ignoring her baiting tone. "It is merely unwise and impractical. You know this to be true. Asking this Sesshomaru to bare emotions in front of court members and servants is like asking Sasaki to choose between you and your sister. Not impossible, but highly undesirable."

Tamae shook her head at his analogy. What he said was true, though. He wasn't one to express his emotions, even as a child. The only one whom he would open himself to was his father. "Then, if that is not an option, my Lord, you will have to find a way for yourself to let him know that he will be taken care of. As his alpha and the only remaining member of his family, it is your obligation to make him feel safe. I don't care how you do it as long as it's done."

Sesshomaru frowned, but nodded. "If that is the only method to help him heal then I will find a way. It will take no small amount of pondering, though. Inuyasha is not one to accept such things readily. He will be suspicious of me, in particular, now that my memories have returned and I am fully in control of my youki."

"That, my Lord, is something you and Lord Inuyasha will have to overcome together, as I know you are well aware."

A polite knock came on the door followed by Taree's cheerful voice. "The monk and kitsune are ready, my Lord."

"Very well." He stood, followed by Tamae, and went back out where Miroku and Shippo waited. Looking them over with a critical eye, he nodded once in approval to which Taree beamed. "You may leave now," he said, dismissing her with a glance. She bobbed up and down and then swept out of the room in what was practically a tornado of over excited wind. "Tamae," he called. "Please remind your sister that, although enthusiasm for a job well done is acceptable, putting my sitting room into a state of disorder is not."

"I will remind her again, my Lord. She is quite forgetful at times."

"I haven't been dressed this formally in a while," Miroku commented, smoothing the front of the kimono made of, no doubt, damned expensive cloth. He appreciated the smooth texture of it, how comfortably it fit him. Maybe he'd be allowed to keep it. His monk's robes were all well and good for traveling, but this kimono was heavenly.

Shippo pouted. "Why do I have to dress up? It makes my tail feel funny."

Sesshomaru reached down and put his hand on the kit's head, much like he did with Rin when she sought reassurance. "You will be there as a representative of Inuyasha. As his ward, it would make him look bad if you were to arrive any less appropriately dressed. You don't want to shame Inuyasha, do you?"

Wide eyed, the fox youkai shook his head.

"Good. Tamae?"

She nodded confirmation to his silent question. "The generals have gathered as you commanded. They only await your arrival."

"And Sasaki?"

"He will be there shortly."

"Excellent."

Tamae shivered as the demon lord smiled. She had never seen such an expression cross his face, and hoped she'd never see it again. The smile was not kind, nor even amused. It was predatory--predatory and unforgiving, promising endless agony to whoever dared stand between himself and his little brother. The hunt was on.

*** ***

Sasaki entered the council chambers deliberately after the arrival of all the generals and before Sesshomaru and his dear mate, Tamae. He sat unobtrusively to the side, listening as the generals chatted. An almost unnoticeable breeze floated through the room, bringing the conversations to his ears. Where Tamae had the ability to read minds, he had the ability to listen to several conversations at once and never lose track of what was being said, filing it away in different sections of his brain to peruse at his leisure.

The door across the room opened, hitting the wall behind it with a loud bang as Lord Sesshomaru strode in followed by Tamae, an adolescent fox youkai, and a ningen male.

Sasaki smiled slightly at their appearances. The Lord of the West was dressed in his usual attire minus the armor he wore while traveling his lands. Tamae also wore her usual attire as the royal healer--a beautiful kimono of pale lilac with a pattern of pink cherry blossoms extending from the hem of her right side, around the back across her left hip, and then up across her chest and down her right arm, while the pattern on her left sleeve extended only up to her elbow. Her obi consisted of two colors, pink the same as the cherry blossoms underneath and white over the top. The ningen male was dressed in clothes appropriate for a noble of a small village. His kimono was black with deep violet swirls around the hem and sleeves. His obi was the same violet as the designs with edges trimmed in gold. His hair was pulled back from his face by a gold tie, the ends of which were left to hang down his spine to his shoulder blades. The fox kit, on the other hand, was clothed as one might clothe a prince--a bright red hitoe and hakama with gold patterns similar to those gracing Lord Sesshomaru's attire across his left shoulder and on the hems of his sleeves. An obi of royal white and gold was secured in a fashionably complicated knot around his waist. The kit's reddish hair was done up in a bun with a white tie around it, complimented by the gold pins inserted into his hair from which hung two moderately sized tear drops rubies.

The generals jumped up at the sudden noise and quickly bowed toward their Lord. Sesshomaru didn't acknowledge them in any way, striding around to the head of the table, motioning for a couple servants to draw up chairs for the kit on his left side and the ningen male on his right. Tamae came to sit in her usual seat on Sasaki's left at the other end of the round table. The servants placed platters of fruit in the center of the table and chilled glasses of wine and water to each individual's right and then left the room as silently as they had entered, closing the doors securely behind them.

Once the servants left, Sesshomaru gestured for the generals to take their seats. Sasaki saw the discreet glance made in his direction and slowly nodded his head once so his Lord knew he understood. Smiling, he turned his attention to Tamae. He took her hand in his and, raising it to his lips, kissed it gently. The corners of her lips curled softly upward in return as she entwined their fingers and rested them on her thigh. Unless called upon by Sesshomaru, both knew they were expected to observe and listen and report back anything they heard--or in Tamae's case, felt--from the mouths and minds of the youkai gathered in the room.

"Before we begin, this Sesshomaru would like to hear your opinions concerning the rumored war in the east," Sesshomaru stated, his superior gaze sweeping across the four youkai he had chosen as generals of his army. All of them shot curious glances at the monk and kitsune on either side of him, but didn't dare interrupt. He would get to them in his own time. "Roka?"

The green haired turtle youkai stood, bowing toward Sesshomaru before speaking. The way he spoke was slow and ponderous; each word carried the weight of a great amount of thought. Though one might mistakenly believe he was unintelligent due to his pattern of speech, Sasaki knew better, as did Sesshomaru. Roka had the highest intelligence of the four generals, able to outmaneuver armies with far superior numbers with minimal casualties to their own forces. So far as Sasaki knew, the only one to beat him in games of strategy--shogi, go, and chess--was Lord Sesshomaru.

"The army of the east is small, but powerful, created from the strongest youkai of their land. However, according to the few scuffles my intelligence network has reported, it is an internal dispute, and unlikely to escalate to include ours or other lands."

Sesshomaru nodded and gestured for him to resume his seat, which Roka did with another unhurried bow. Then he turned to the general seated next to the turtle youkai--this one a tiger youkai with orange-ish red hair streaked through with black, three sapphire blue stripes on each of his cheeks, and stunning yellow eyes that gleamed with a fierceness that their particular cat clan were well known for. "Bishamon, what is your opinion?" Sesshomaru inquired.

Bishamon stood, clapping an armor clad fist to his heart. "Sirrre," he rumbled, his deep voice a deceptively placid purr. "I think it would be to our benefit to aid the rebels in their uprrrrising. Their king, as you know, is a tyrrrant of a man. He oppresses and enslaves any and all of the smaller clans that darrre to defy his laws and willfully promotes the plundering of rrrriches from the West as well as the lands to the north. They chip away at our borders with bandits and merrrcenarrrries claiming they are lawless men when they arrre, in fact, sent by their king. Though we have always rrrepelled them, their attempts to gain the land your father fought to preserve are becoming increasingly bolderrrr. They know no honorrr, no shame, and will stoop to any means to take what they desirrre."

"This Sesshomaru take that into consideration. You may be seated, Bishamon."

"Yes, Sirrrrre. But ... I just wanted to add that, although no official call for aid has been rrrreceived, I was approached by one of their leaders a few weeks ago. Therrre is a promise of trade between ourselves and the east if we should see fit to aid them in overthrowing their rrruler."

"What trade? The West is self sufficient. My Lord Father took great pains to bring in the necessary plants and animals to make it so. What can they offer us that would be of such great benefit to risk the lives of my soldiers?"

"Healing herrrbs that we cannot acquire anywhere else, antidotes to every known poison in the world and many that arrre as yet unknown, precious amulets and demon weapons that would significantly strengthen the power of our forrrrces."

"And what do they ask as trade?"

"Livestock, most for purposes of rrraising for slaughter, though they have also asked to trade for horses for their arrrrmy."

"Hn," Sesshomaru grunted, gesturing for Bishamon to take his seat. Whatever thoughts he had on the matter, he kept to himself. "Saniiro?"

"I have no opinion concerning the rumors, Lord Sesshomaru," the elderly raven youkai responded. "If war comes, it comes. You well know we are prepared for battle at any time. Though I would suggest if you deign to participate on the side of the rebels that you inform me beforehand so I can gather the necessary supplies to do battle in that godforsaken land."

"Your suggestion has been noted." He then turned to the last general, a youkai of small stature who looked more like a woman than a man with colorful feathers decorating his long emerald green hair and enchanting, warm brown eyes that had broken the heart of more than one youkai intent on wooing him into their bed. Blue tattoos framed his eyes, fanning outward toward his temples and branching up onto his forehead and down across his porcelain cheeks. His upper half was left bare and dotted with patterns of precious jewels that extended down from his neck, along his chest and back, around his navel, and farther down, leaving the rest of the pattern to the imagination of those who followed their path. The patterns changed day by day according to the youkai's mood. Today it was a mix of bright orange garnets, pale blue beryls, white opals, and a spattering of black diamonds.

It was rumored Suzu was a foreigner who had come to Nihon seeking refuge from his own country for flirting with the king. Sasaki knew, however, that that wasn't true. Rather than having come for refuge, it was more accurate to say he wasn't allowed to leave. He had been among a group of assassins sent to end the young Sesshomaru's life just after Lord Inu no Taisho's death. When Sesshomaru caught them and was about to slaughter them in repayment for injuring his person, the colorful bird youkai had begged for the lives of his comrades, offering his own in their place. Sesshomaru had agreed, recognizing the skill of the young leader as well as that of his group. In exchange for their lives, he demanded their leader work under him, obeying his every command while his group would be put to use within his network of spies and assassins. After a time, Suzu proved his loyalty and worth and was promoted to his current position. He was now one of Lord Sesshomaru's most trusted men.

"Suzu? Your opinion?"

"While the war is yet nothing but rumors," Suzu said, his velvet voice immediately sending desire coiling through more than one man in the room--generals and guards alike. Tamae gripped Sasaki's hand in sympathy, feeling the arousal in her mate. The man's voice just had that effect on other youkai. Only Sesshomaru seemed unfazed. "While the war is yet nothing but rumors," Suzu repeated, long lashes lowering as a knowing smile graced his full lips, "it has, in fact, been an ongoing tug-of-war between the rebels and the king for the past thirty-two years. It is only now coming to our attention because the king can no longer contain it. His power is waning. Enter the war on the side of the rebels. Agree to the trade, but demand in repayment for the West's assistance a healer of your choice with knowledge of their herbs and antidotes as well as full access to the oasis in which the herbs grow."

"How long have you known of this, Suzu?" Sesshomaru demanded.

Suzu inclined his head to the demon lord deferentially. "Twenty-seven years, Lord."

"Why, pray tell, haven't you mentioned it before?"

"You did not ask, Lord, and it was not an immediate concern."

"It is an immediate concern now," Sesshomaru responded icily, eyes narrowed.

Suzu only smiled wider and leaned forward, placing his elbow on the table and lifting a bunch of grapes to his mouth. Sexually frustrated groans ushered from several throats as he took a grape between his teeth and slowly bit into it, the juice leaking down his chin. Then, with a slim, pale finger, he gathered it up, a pink tongue darting out between his lips to sensually run over and around the digit.

"We will discuss this later," the daiyoukai warned, silently commanding Suzu to cease his inappropriate behavior. The bird youkai shrugged his shoulders unconcernedly, reclining in his seat as he continued to eat his grapes but in a less ... disruptive manner. "This Sesshomaru will inform each of you when a decision has been reached. Are there any questions before we move on?"

"Sirrrre," Bishamon purred. "There have been rrrumors circulating among the staff that you have been injurrrred."

"That is not a question, Bishamon, but this Sesshomaru will answer nonetheless. No injury was sustained; however, that brings me to our next order of business. The young Lord Inuyasha has been captured and must be retrieved."

"Your hanyou brother?" Saniiro inquired, his beady black eyes gleaming with ill-concealed abhorrence. "Why should we be bothered with such a thing, my Lord? Let them have him. He is of no value to us. With his half human blood he is unable to produce pureblood heirs in any case. Let them kill him and be done with it."

"You forget, San-chan," Suzu murmured, smirking when the raven glared over at him for the nickname, "our Lord has claimed the life of that same hanyou as his from the moment he was conceived. If another was to kill him it would sully our Lord's honor. That is why we must retrieve him at all costs." Suzu gave Sesshomaru a cheeky look, knowing full well the inu youkai had different reasons that he couldn't say. "After all, that was the reason he forbade us from hunting him down, isn't that so?"

"Indeed," Sesshomaru muttered, lifting his wine glass and taking a generous sip. "It is also my Lord Father's honor on the line. Regardless of his human blood, he is a son of the great Inu no Taisho. To be reduced to nothing more than a slave would tarnish his memory and the honor of this entire household, and that is something this Sesshomaru will not allow. Therefore, you each are to send out your best trackers to hunt down Michio and bring Inuyasha back."

"How do you prrropose we go about doing this, Sirrre?" Bishamon asked, running his tongue excitedly over his fangs in anticipation for the battle that was sure to come. After all, no one messed with what belonged to the territorial and possessive Lord of the West and got away with it. "Ourrr trackers can only do so much without yourrrr little brother's or one of the slaverrrs' scents."

"I believe that is where I come in," Sasaki interjected, speaking for the first time at a nod from Sesshomaru. "Though our Lord undoubtedly has an item of clothing worn by Lord Inuyasha, I don't believe Michio would be so foolish as to leave any kind of scent trail to follow. From what I've heard of the kuro inu and his slavers, they are very cunning and extremely difficult to catch. Even the elite mercenaries and head hunters sent after them have not succeeded in catching them nor have they located their hideout. If they were able to be tracked I am certain our Lord would have hunted them down by now."

There were murmurs of agreement from each of the generals. They all knew how frightening the daiyoukai could be when something he perceived as belonging to him was stolen.

"Sasaki, you will work with Monk Miroku. Find some way to track Inuyasha. It doesn't matter what you have to do or how much you need to spend. Money isn't an issue. Understood?"

"Hai." Sasaki gazed speculatively at the ningen to Lord Sesshomaru's right. So he was a monk. He must have some connection to Inuyasha for the daiyoukai to trust him enough to rely on him to give aid in finding his brother. Couldn't be a lover, Sesshomaru would never allow that. A friend, perhaps? Whatever the ningen was to Lord Inuyasha, though, he did have enough power to be of use. It was, for the most part, untrained, however, and would take much effort on Sasaki's part to help the monk control it if they were to work together.

"My Lord," Saniiro called carefully, not knowing what the demon lord's reaction would be to what he had to say. "What are we to do with the half breed when he is found?"

"You will bring him here, to me."

"Wouldn't it be wiser to just kill him?"

Sasaki's eyes widened at his Lord's reaction. It wouldn't be visible to anyone else--except, perhaps, Tamae and Suzu--as they didn't know the Lord as well as he did and his face had gone from cold to completely emotionless, but he knew Sesshomaru was furious. He glanced over at his mate only to see a small smile twitching at the corners of her lovely lips. When the meeting was finished he'd have to pull her aside to ask her exactly what had happened between the two Lords to bring out this reaction in their young master.

"If this Sesshomaru desired his death he would have been dead centuries ago," Sesshomaru responded blankly, though his youki raged inside him, yearning to rip the insolent man apart. He contained it with no little amount of effort, though the strain it was putting on him didn't show on his face or in his voice. "The strength he has shown is promising." He frowned slightly at the unexpected praise flowing from his traitorous mouth. It was true, though. He had no cause to deny it--his baby brother was the only one who had been able to inflict serious wounds to his person after he had reached adulthood--and it may actually work in his favor. "His life has always belonged to this Sesshomaru, and he will learn to serve his alpha as a proper submissive should."

Saniiro grimaced, but at a look from the demon lord, managed to conceal the sneer before it betrayed him further. "You plan to make ... him your mate?"

"No. However, this Sesshomaru does plan to bring him into the palace as a secondary ruler and you, Saniiro, will address him accordingly. I will not have disloyalty in this house. My word is law. If you still have issue with this Sesshomaru's decision, then you may resign from your post at any time. There are many others who would gladly take your place."

"That ... will not be necessary, my Lord. I will obey."

Sesshomaru gazed silently into the raven youkai's eyes. Saniiro tried to hold his ground, but the dominance of the western lord's youki was too great. Admitting defeat, he turned his eyes downward. Sesshomaru gave an approving nod and then turned to the kit on his left. "This young kitsune is Lord Inuyasha's ward, Lord Shippo. As such, he will be given the same position and respect as Lady Rin. Tamae, you will assign a servant to serve Lord Shippo exclusively. Suzu," he said.

"I will assign bodyguards to him," Suzu replied, flashing a devilish smile at his master as he ran his fingers back through his long hair, brown eyes smoldering lustfully. "The services they perform for me have proven their loyalty and ... worth." He ran his tongue across his upper lip, knowingly pushing Lord Sesshomaru's patience to the limit to see if he could gain a more noticeable reaction from him besides the slight narrowing of his eyes.

Bishamon growled, palming his rapidly growing erection. "Damn it, Suzu, would you stop doing that?! You know I'm going into heat!"

"Oh?" Suzu inquired teasingly, humorous, yet still sexy eyes sliding to the other general and giving him a slow once over. "Is that an invitation?"

The tiger youkai opened his mouth to answer, but Sesshomaru cut him off. "That will have to wait for another time. Suzu, see to your assignment, and while you're finding bodyguards suitable for Lord Inuyasha's ward, see that you also find guards for my brother. Bishamon, scout out the youkai that approached you concerning the war, but do not make contact. Report his movements back to me should anything of a suspicious nature arise. Saniiro, you will head the hunt for my brother and the slavers. Should you capture Michio, you are to bring him to me alive. Roka, you will assist Saniiro. Is that understood?"

"My Lord," Tamae interjected, raising her voice slightly to be heard above the din of the generals voicing their understanding. "There is a matter you have left unattended. What of the one who employed Michio and his band? The attack made on your person was initiated by him, was it not?"

"That is a matter this Sesshomaru will deal with personally, Tamae."

Sasaki squeezed his mate's hand to hush her protest. It would be futile, not to mention downright foolish to oppose their Lord when his mind was set. He was just as stubborn as his father and carried himself with stricter honor and pride than anyone else. There wasn't a chance in heaven or hell he wouldn't avenge the affront to his inu pride and the underestimating of his power.

"The ones who dare believe they could attempt to enslave this Sesshomaru and get away with it will not soon forget the consequences of coveting that which does not belong to them. They will tremble and beg for mercy at my feet, but I will not grant it." The air within the council room suddenly became thicker, making it difficult for the lower level youkai to breath as his youki swirled furiously throughout the room, coloring the whites of his eyes crimson. "I will teach them the true meaning of suffering."

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Definition of Terms

Konnichiwa - hello, good afternoon

Obi - a traditional cloth type belt that is tied around the waist

A/N: Haha, I love Suzu! He's the first character I've done who's so open and sexually playful even with strangers. Well, hope ya'll enjoyed. I'd love to hear what everyone thinks of the new characters and the chapter in general. Thanks! Ja ne! (See ya!)
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A Heat to Overcome