InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ A Warning Unheeded ( Chapter 78 )

Chapter Seventy Eight:

The King

Kagome couldn't help but smile at the pair. Little as she liked the thought of her pup training, she couldn't help but think he was so cute. Her little man was hell bound to imitate his father down to the last detail. His adorable face was composed, golden eyes shining, his silver hair tied back with a throng, just like daddy.

Sesshomaru was going through his warm ups, and at the moment was shirtless, his muscles contracting deliciously as he executed perfect one arm push ups on their front lawn.

Normally content to watch and cheer on his sire, Rikimaru had discarded his own blue shirt and copied the exercise.

Though his posture was a little less perfect and he often had to use both hands, he was determined to keep up with Sesshomaru. His father was greatly pleased to have the company through his work out.

Her mate was oozing with male pride.

Though he was silent, his golden eyes were alive and gleaming as he met his son's determined stare across from him. Silent encouragement all Rikimaru needed to keep going.

Kagome watched quietly, her heart warming.

Her little boy was growing up so fast. Seeing as her men where hard at work, Kagome decided to do a little work her self. She hadn't had a vision in so long, and hadn't had the will or desire to maintain her own skills.

Though after the hurting she put on Shiro, she knew her power hadn't whittled away from lack of use.

Couldn't hurt to make sure though.

Taking up a shady spot below a tree, she crossed her legs, brought her hands together, finger tips touching and began to meditate.

Energy flowed through her, concentrating in the tips of her fingers.

Kagome worked to maintain it there, compressing it into a bright pink sphere. Her hair floated about her face and her body levitated, suspended above the ground.

Later that day, the small family gathered in the den to have lunch. The two parents ate and listened as Rikimaru boasted about his work out session with Sesshomaru. Kagome watched with a smile, nodding and expressing surprise and pride when warranted.

She giggled at his antics, and smiled at his display of his little muscles.

The night came, quiet and uneventful.

By morning, there was a group of unwanted soldiers at their door.

Sesshomaru stood quietly, taking in the group of men that had dared to enter his realm without permission and deference to his greatness.

His patience dwindled dramatically at the nonsense they spouted.

On and on the captain bumbled about King Randolph and his demands and coming back for questioning.

Silver brows rose in amused annoyance at the ridiculous commands.

Knowing his mate would be crossed with him should he ruin another outfit with blood and guts, he decided to give the fools a much needed warning.

“If you wish to keep you head,” he began when the soldier quieted, “then return to your king and inform him that trespassing upon my domain will result in death,”

The soldiers mouths hung open at the proclamation.

“King Randolph-”

The soldier bit off the tirade at the narrowed golden eyes. Those cold depths held horrors unspoken, he was sure of it.

Loathe as he was to return to the king with bad tidings, he'd rather return a failure than return a cold, mutilated body. He looked back at his men, noting the similar expressions on their faces.

They had no wish to die either.

“W-we will return,” the commander blustered, “King Randolph will-”

A small frown had him lapsing into silence.

“Have I not made myself clear?” the stoic male questioned, “Do you require further assistance to remove yourself from my presence?”

The officer took a fearful step back, glancing behind him to see the tail end of his men disappearing in the surrounding brush. With a shriek of terror he bounded after his men.

Sesshomaru watched the group disappear.

While the confrontation and ensuing retreat had amused him, the fact that this King Randolph had sent the simpletons to him in the first place irritated him. He'd stayed out of the intrigue of this region but if the king insisted on encroaching on his territory then the king would find himself without a head.

He had no patience for the fat slob and would tolerate no insult to his greatness.

No challenge to his strength.

He turned, silver locks whipping as he moved and headed back to his mate and pup standing curiously in the doorway.

“What did they want father?” Rikimaru asked curiously.

Sesshomaru laid a hand on his silver head as he passed by, taking up the sword he had been sharpening in the den.

“To irritate me,” he answered, moving the stone against his blade.

Rikimaru took a seat at his father's booted feet, swing his little clawed feet together and apart.

“Are you going to take their heads?” he questioned.

Sesshomaru smirked in response, the quirk of his lips cruel. Rikimaru grinned back, delighted at the exciting prospect of a confrontation he might be able to witness.

Kagome sighed, hands on hips.

“He is definitely your son,” she observed, seeing both amber eyes twinkling.

“Who other than this Sesshomaru could produce such perfection,”

Rikimaru grinned, gushing with pride at father's declaration.

Kagome raised a brow at the arrogance.

“While I agree he is the epitome of perfection, I would like to note I had a large hand in the production that little paragon,” Kagome teased haughtily, nose in air.

Sesshomaru chuckled, and Rikimaru fell onto his back in a fit of giggles.

Kagome laughed and headed into the kitchen to whip up dinner. She sighed contently. As she prepared their meal, she couldn't help but think back to the events that had led her here.

Who would have thought she'd go from fierce leader to happy mother in such a short time.

To be honest, it all seemed like a lifetime ago.

The Northern lands, the trial, losing her lands, the Evil Six, the loss of her children, all of it. It was at times like these that she couldn't help but look back in amazement at the paths that had led her here. She missed those time, nostalgia churning in her gut.

She missed Sango and Miroku, Shusui and InuYasha.

Even Rykotsu, long before his past and present had been revealed.

She ached for those days of happiness and laughter, those carefree days surrounded by friends and loved ones.

She wouldn't trade her life now to go back, wouldn't do anything different.

She was happy and content, her pup thriving, her love for her mate deepening as the days wore on.

She smiled, glancing in on her family.

Time flies when you're having fun.

Dinner was filling, the chit chat light and playful. Afterward, when their pup was fast asleep, Kagome and Sesshomaru retired to their own room. Feeling happy and bubbly she surprised her stoic mate with a joyful kiss.

Warm golden eyes looked down at her with amusement.

A gentle clawed hand brushed back a stray curl.

“And the reason behind this display of affection,” he questioned softly.

Her heart warmed.

“I love you,” she stated, lips curled in a smile.

Soft lips touched her own. Kagome pulled back and grabbed his clawed hand. They tumbled to bed and cuddled for the rest of the night.

“Alright lazy pup, up and at `em,” Kagome said, tickling her son's clawed feet, “Geez,”

She shook her head at his sprawled body, wondering if he got that little character flaw from his wayward uncle. She wasn't much of a wild sleeper, and Sesshomaru definitely wasn't one to slumber haphazardly.

One amber eye opened sleepily.

Definitely a trait of his uncle.

“Moooooom,” he groaned, closing his eye in an attempt to return to sleep.

Kagome folded her arms and pretended disinterest as she stated, “Alright then, sleep all morning, I guess your father will go hunting alone,”

Rikimaru tumbled from bed, hair in disarray. Gleaming gold eyes looked up at her, wide and hopeful.

“You mean it?” he exclaimed excitedly.

Kagome nodded, grinning at his enthusiasm. She'd damn near chewed Sesshomaru's ear off about Rikimaru's safety during this excursion and had threatened death if he came back with so much as a scratch.

Her intuitive mate had seen through to her genuine distress and had vowed their pup would return as he left.

Happy, excited and unscathed.

“I mean it, now, before you fly off the handle,” she cautioned, “you have to promise me a few things,”

“Of course mama,”

“Promise me you'll listen to your father at all times and do exactly as he says,”

Rikimaru raised a brow at that, looking so much like Sesshomaru, she had to hold back a giggle.

“Mama, father would skin me alive if I disobeyed,”

Kagome couldn't help but laugh.

That he would.

“Okay, maybe that was a bit redundant,” she conceded, “promise you won't wander off and get hurt,”

He nodded seriously.

“I won't mama, promise,”

“If anything goes wrong you stick close to your father,”

He nodded.

“And don't try to tackle anything too big for you,”

“Okay mom,”

“And don't-”

“You worry needlessly,” Sesshomaru informed her from the doorway.

Kagome turned to her mate, nibbling her lower lip in worry.

“I know but...”

Their eyes met, and they shared a silent understanding only two parents that had lost children could. Rikimaru glanced between the two, sensing the sadness that passed between his parents.

His little clawed hand grasped her own.

“I won't get hurt mama,” he assured his melancholy parent, “I promise,”

She turned and smiled at him, her brown eyes watery. She ruffled his hair gently, placing a kiss on the smooth crescent moon on his forehead, much to his embarrassment.

Normally, he'd squirm at the display in front of father.

But sensing the hurt and pain his mother was in, he could do no less than allow her to seek comfort.

She pulled back.

Her spine stiffened.

“Alright you two, bring back something good!” she chirped with a grin.

Rikimaru puffed out his chest.

“We'll bring back a feast!” he declared.

Kagome giggled and chucked his chin.

They group filed out and Kagome watched the two from the doorway as they headed into the forest. She waved until they disappeared before collapsing against the door frame, shaken.

She took a breath.

He'd be fine. Sesshomaru would die before he let their pup come to harm.

She trusted him.

Determined, Kagome straightened and turned back to their home. There was much to do. With Rikimaru out of the way, she could work without being discovered. Kagome rolled up the sleeves of her dress and pinned up her hair.

“Let's do this!” she enthused.

The duo returned late that afternoon, carrying a large beast with horns. Kagome was relieved to see her child had indeed return the way he left.

Happy, excited and unscathed.

Rikimaru was over the moon with wonderment and happiness. Sesshomaru followed the rambunctious pup at a sedate pace, carrying their kill. Kagome moved over to the silent male, kissed his lips in gratitude for bringing Rikimaru home safe, then turned back to her disgruntled child that bulked at being ignored.

She listened with a gentle smile as he went over every detail of their hunting trip, his golden eyes wide, arms stretched as he described the battle between his father and the beast.

Sesshomaru hung the creature from a tree and skinned the beast, taking care to preserve the fur as much as possible for later use.

He gutted the creature and prepared the meat for grilling.

Kagome and Rikimaru pitched in to help, setting up the grill as Sesshomaru worked. They placed large rocks in a circle, filling the inside with thick wood. Outside the rock circle, they erected a metal structure that would hold the meat on a rack suspended over the fire.

They lit the fire, placed the meat on the rack to cook and headed for the river to wash up.

Cool spring water splashed as their pup climbed his father.

He squealed in delight when his smirking father plucked him from his shoulders and tossed him into the water again.

Kagome laughed as stray droplets wet her dress.

Removing her shoes, she placed her feet in the refreshing water, watching the duo's antics.

She sighed.

Sesshomaru was a surprisingly good father. Had taken to his children from the moment he had knowledge of their conception. Rikimaru adore the male beyond reason, and Sesshomaru doted on the miniature version of himself.

She supposed she had to thank InuTaisho for that.

His blunders had taught Sesshomaru the value of having a father figure, of being there for your child. Though she would rather have spared him that past pain, she was thankful for how it had shaped him today.

When the scent of cooked meat made it's way to their sensitive noses, the group gathered their things, and headed back home.

It was another several minutes before the meat was warm to the bone, though it was thoroughly under cooked, blood still dripping from the carcass. Perfect for the family of demons. Rikimaru licked his lips in anticipation as his father cut him a healthy bit of bloody meat.

He knew enough to wait for his parents before taking a seat under a shady tree and digging in.

They ate nearly silently, enjoying the nice breeze rustling the grass and trees.

Once they finished, Kagome gathered their plates and took them inside.

“Rikimaru, could you come in here a moment,” mother called a second later.

Curious, the little pup stood and walked into the house. He looked around in surprise at the decorated home. Ribbons of blue and silver hung from the ceiling, a banner with the words: Happy Birthday hung in the archway of the den.

Boxes, small and large wrapped in shiny paper sat on the fur rug in front of the fireplace.

His father popped a small container next to him.

An explosion of ribbons and sparkly blue balls erupting over his head. A stray ribbon landed softly in his hair.

Mother held a chocolate cake topped with candles out to his stunned face.

“Surprise! Happy birthday sweetheart!” she exclaimed with a giggle.

His mouth opened in delighted surprise as his mother sang happy birthday to him while his stoic father watched with twinkling amber eyes.

“Make a wish and blow out the candles,” mother encouraged.

Rikimaru closed his eyes and blew out the candle. His mother sat the cake on the dinner table. With her back turned to gather plates, a knife and eating utensils, Rikimaru reached out a finger to sample the frosting.

The flavor was divine, the chocolate melting on his tongue.

To his surprise, father sampled the delicious bounty himself, scooping up more of the frosting than Rikimaru had. They shared a conspiratorial glance as mother turned back to the duo.

Her brow raised at the two large gashes in the otherwise pristine cake.

Rikimaru, following his father, composed his face with a bored, `I did it and you know I did but I'll deny it anyway' look. Kagome laughed and set the table.

If that's how they wanted to play it, so be it.

Kagome cut Rikimaru a decent size piece, cut herself a demure helping, and a large portion for Sesshomaru.

Surprisingly, Sesshomaru had a sweet tooth even worse than his son's.

Rikimaru blazed through his helping, amber eyes wide and locked on the gleaming gifts in the den. Half way through, unable to stand the suspense, he looked over at his father.

“Can I open my presents now father?”

With a wave of his clawed hand as his answer, Rikimaru nearly overturned his chair in his haste.

His parents gathered their plates to watch their pup tear through the paper.

New toys, new books, stationary, and clothes littered the den. Last was a long rectangular box leaning against the fire place. Sesshomaru smirked as Rikimaru tore through the box, his expression shifting to shock.

It took a moment before he seem to be able to form words.

“Don't you like your gift?” mother teased.

Rikimaru held the bokken up, stunned amber eyes shifting to his father.

“Father, does this mean-”

“Your training begins at dawn,” Sesshomaru informed his pup.

His parents watched in hilarity as Rikimaru promptly lost his shit over the announcement.

Kagome watched as her mate and son went through a series of moves, Sesshomaru holding his glinting sword, and Rikimaru gripping his wooden one. The pair moved almost in perfect sync, their movements sure and fluid.

It had only been four days, but her little boy was a natural.

He'd quickly caught on to the poses and techniques his father taught him, adding his own little flare and style to the motion.

While she was still nervous about things, Kagome was determine to tamp down on her over protective tendencies. It wasn't fair to her son and it was fair to Sesshomaru. Her little boy was growing up and as much as she wished it was otherwise, she couldn't protect him from the world every single moment of his life.

It was an impossible endeavor.

And as Rikimaru grew up, she knew it was a situation he would not allow.

That pup was brimming with curiosity for the outside world, eager to shed his sheltered life.

Kagome sighed, placing a hand to her head.

As proud as she was of her son, she was terrified of letting go.

Sesshomaru stood, muscles rippling under the sun. She'd have stopped and admire his tanned flesh had it not been for his crackling aura. Kagome sat up from her leaning position against the door frame, eyes narrowing.

Knowing the routine, Rikimaru hurried back to his mother as his father glared off into the distance.

Soldiers, several dozens, fully armored, trampled over the surround brush. Swords drawn and pointed at him, they stopped and the commander from the previous visit stepped through the men.

“King Randolph has sent us to collect you and your family on the charge of aiding and abetting a criminal, and high treason in your involvement with the resistance! You are to turn over you weapons and surrender peacefully as is commanded by King Randolph!”

Sesshomaru looked over the crowd of military personal, a bored expression on his face.

The commander took a step back at the gleaming golden eyes staring back at him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you sure you're doing the right thing Shiro?” Hakudoshi asked, staring at his brother over the table.

The three had met up for lunch and were discussing current happenings as well as the events that had taken place while Haku had been otherwise occupied. He had been interested until his brothers had admitted their guilt in tormenting an innocent child in order to secure aide for his rescue.

While he was eternally grateful, it turned his stomach to think of the lengths his kin had gone to in their efforts to save him.

He certainly didn't believe he could have gone through with such a plan.

Even now, Shiro was repaying the family with more trouble. His rumor spreading and whispers had had the desired affect. Early that morning, word had reached the trio of the king's men moving in on the mysterious silver haired demon that had slaughtered his men and freed a prisoner with known ties to the opposition.

That fat bastard had finally had enough of Sesshomaru's refusals and had sent a large group to collect the male and his family.

While Hakudoshi knew the male was strong, he didn't see how he could slip through such a force unscathed. Let Shiro tell it, the male would not only wreck the task force, but take out the king for them if goaded enough.

It seemed like wistful thinking to him.

“I'm positive, you haven't felt that demon's power Haku, it's unreal,” Shiro boasted, “I'm pretty certain he may be the offspring of Lord InuTaisho,”

“Lord InuTaisho,” Haku repeated a bit stunned.

Jikininki nodded.

“He definitely favors the great demon, and I've never encountered another demon other than Lord Toramaru that had those markings upon their face,” Jikininki stated, “He has to be related to the two in some way. When we left, Lord InuTaisho had been planning his mating to Lady Kaori. He's the right age to be the product of that union,”

“Well I'll be damned,” Haku mumbled, bringing his mug up to his lips for a sip, “Still, I'd feel bad if anything happened to them because of us,”

Hakudoshi stared down into his cup.

“They're not part of the resistance, what right do we have to pull them into our war?”

“Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty,” Shiro said, “I don't like it any better than you but we don't have much choice here. Our numbers are dwindling after that assassination attempt. Randolph is determined to have all our heads mounted on pikes before the year's end. Now's the time to strike,”

Hakudoshi frowned.

“Shusui would have our heads if she knew,”

Shiro shrugged.

“Well she ain't here to kick our asses so count yourself lucky,”

Haku looked up at his brothers.

“You ever want to go back and visit her? I mean it's been several hundred years. Father is bound to be long gone if not dead by now,”

Jikininki sighed.

“I cannot help but wonder how she is. I'd like to go back when we finish here,”

Shiro conceded, “Yeah, me too. We left pretty abruptly and haven't been in contact since. After she's done murdering us, she may even be happy to see us too,”

The three smiled, thinking about the old days of rousing their sister's temper. Shiro rubbed his jaw in remembrance.

“She had a mean right hook,” he laughed.

“And a left hook to match,” Hakudoshi joined in with a grin.

“As much as she hated violence, she didn't seem to mind dishing it out to us,” Jikininki put in.

The three laughed and reminisced about their youth, the atmosphere shades lighter than before. The food disappeared and the wine dried up, and by the time the brothers were ready to leave, high noon had made it's presence known. The day was unusually warm and uncomfortable as the trio headed for town.

Whatever had happened between the guards and Sesshomaru might have concluded by now and they found themselves eager to see what fate awaited them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you all enjoyed and thanks for all the support! Please review and I'll see you guys later with another chapter soon!

Laters!

~Sessakag