InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cornerstone ❯ Chapter 8: Be a Cornerstone ( Chapter 8 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Title: Cornerstone
Author: DeityOfDeath
Archive: Yes please...
Pairings: Inu Yasha/Sesshomaru,Inu Yasha / Kougamentions of Inu Yasha/Kagome and Inu Yasha/ Kikyo
Category: Drama, romance, slash, Mpreg,
rating: NC-17/R
Spoilers: Most likely.
Warnings: Yaoi, Lemon, Non-con, Mpreg, Incest, SPOILERS!
Disclaimers: I never have nor will I ever own Inu Yasha or its chars. They are property of Rumiko Takashi and major companies.

Note from Author: Thank You for reading and supporting fan fiction! Enjoy and please review!

The chapter titles are lyrics from the song "Cornerstone" by Day of Fire

Chapter 8: Be a Cornerstone

It never fails for a day to turn into a week and a week to multiply into two, I had sent out many letters and notices and made inquiries into my land and its tenants and dwellers; demon, youkai, human and otherwise.

Repairs were made to nearby villages and to the castle itself. I gave my mother the task of making my room more friendly and appeasing to Inu Yasha's tastes. It needed to be spacious and my bed needed new stuffing and a good cleaning. It has been a while since I slept in it and even while I was here I did no sleeping in it. I found myself much too busy for such luxuries. I often woke in a chair in front of my desk or on a cushion by the fireplace in my receiving room.

The warm summer months have given way to the fall as leaves changed from greens to warm colors of brown, golden yellow, orange, red and even a few shades of deep purple. The lands around my castle were ablaze in color; a perfect time to bring Inu Yasha home.

“Sesshomaru, there's a messenger from the village,” called Hagashouri as he entered my office from the hallway.

“What news does he bring,” I asked as I sorted paperwork in the hopes of clearing off my desk and ridding it of unnecessary mess.

“He says that the repairs have been made to the surrounding villages and all is ready for the winter aside from the harvest which will be bountiful for all.”

“Good, good. Thank you Hagashouri, has mother and the housemaids finish preparing the nursery?”

I heard a loud sigh, “I believe it is finished but you know how mother is perfection must be obtained when it concerns any of her children and the things that surround them.”

I knew this all too well. The women who had birthed me and my siblings picked only the best mates with the best lands and best breeding. She had power, beauty, good breeding, intelligence and enough enigmatic presence to gain them. Her first mate had been a love match her second was my father and he was stepping in to care for his brother's widow to care for her and her son and in the process I was conceived. It was friendship but not love and so when I grew old enough she gave me the choice of staying or going with her. I chose to stay. She found her final mate in the dog clan of the south and thus bore my brother. He still lives and from what my elder brother has said; they stay in contact.

It is good to have those with power and connections close at hand.

“So when will you go to get him,” asked Hagashouri as he fiddled with foreign objects among my shelves.

“If I didn't know you so well, I'd say you're excited to meet him Ototo.”

“Perhaps, or maybe I'm just curious to meet the man you would take as mate when you have turned down so many of high class and pure blood.”

I smiled and turned around to look him in the eye, “You shall meet him soon. I am late to return to him as it is so let me finish this remaining paper work and then do a final walk through of the castle and my lands and I shall be on my way to fetch him.”

He gave a slight smirk and nodded, “I shall go check on mother's progress. Tell us when you are leaving this time. It would be proper to see you off and greet you both when you return.”

With that he turned and left the room.

It was hard to concentrate after that. My nerves got the better of me but I had finished all accounts and balances and filed all paper work just as night fell. I stood and made my way to my newly renovated bedroom, as I walked the clean halls and saw not a cobweb or insect in sight and felt more prepared for Inu Yasha's arrival.

I found my quarters and opened the door and began scrutinizing everything around me. My fireplace was lit basking the room in a golden glow. It smelled of sunflowers and cinnamon with a hint of pine. My mother had placed a large vase of sunflowers on the table in my sitting room and the couches had all been replaced or cleaned to look new. New dust or mildew smell remained. I opened the door to my bed chamber and found a large bed taking up most of the large room. It was covered in red and white linens and quilts along with a white fur covering all of the bed. New pillows littered the top and a few extra set aside on a bench at the bottom of the bed.

It looked satisfactory and now to sleep in it and scent it with my scent. It all smelled new and it was time to give it a scent of comfort. I slid my usual attire off and turned to look at the small fireplace at the far wall which crackled quietly. It was warm enough to strip naked just this once so I did. I slid under the covers and rolled and slid under the covers scenting the blankets and bed with my own personal scent. When it was done to my satisfaction I closed my eyes and allowed sleep to pull me under.

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

The next morning I made the rounds as promised with my brothers and Uncle. The villages were in good shape for the winter as my brother had said and all repairs had been made to walls and houses alike. My own castle was sturdy and strong as it had always been.

Night had once again fallen before the task was finished but once back in the castle we all settled down in the dining room for dinner.

“So were you satisfied Sesshomaru,” asked my Uncle.

“Hai, Otooji. You all have taken fine care of my lands during my absence. I can leave in the morning to go and fetch my mate.”

“Good! I will have the kitchen staff prepare a feast for his arrival. What are his favorite foods?”

“It is appreciated mother but perhaps something small will be better. Inu Yasha tends to stress under social pressures. It'll probably be best if I just bring him home and take him straight to our room. Once he is settled then we can properly welcome him.”

“If you say so Sesshomaru, I don't remember any of the rumors saying he was so fragile.”

“He is more fragile than he looks. I have learned this firsthand.”

She nodded, “Let's eat. Tomorrow Sesshomaru brings home his mate.”

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

I woke early and found the breakfast table set and ready as well as most of my household wide awake eating. My maids and servants were bustling here and there. You could feel the nervous excitement in their hurried actions.

“Stop staring and eat! You'll need your energy.”

I blinked and dug into my food with my mind else where. I have no idea what I was eating only that it fulfilled its purpose in filling my belly. I stood and walked out of the room and down the hall at a grueling pace and found myself standing in the stone entrance way with my brothers gazing at me; Kouakajou with a wide grin and Hagashouri with a straight face which I could only hazard was his version of a smile.

“Ah Un is reigned to the chariot and waiting. Mother packed a fur-lined cloak for Inu Yasha and stowed it on the chariot. Here is yours, she's likely to reprimand you if you go without your own,” Hagashouri said handing me my cloak.

I took it and wrapped it around me, tying it in front tightly to avoid losing it while in the air. I walked past them getting a sound thump on the back from Kouakajou in the process.

I found Ah Un standing there excited to be reigned and ready to go. I walked over and gave both a good pat on the neck before walking behind them and stepping up on the chariot. I spaced my feet out and lifted my fu-lined hood over my head, not bothering with my free hair sliding out past the hood. I took the reins and then gave a shout, “Ah Un!”

They took off trotting into a full gallop upwards and into the sky. Pale blue autumn sky opened up and soon I found myself looking down on the castle grounds and surrounding villages. I watched familiar scenery fly by and soon the mountains came into sight. I pulled on the reins bringing Ah Un into trot as we slowly began descending into the mountain path. I watched as wolves howled and yipped bringing out their human counterparts from dens and caves among the mountain walls.

I pulled tightly on the reins forcing Ah Un to land on a narrow but sturdy rock under the rock ledge the wolf prince had been cremated on. I wrapped their reins around one of the chariot handles and reached down finding the fur-line cloak my mother had made sure to pack for Inu Yasha. I carried it in my arms as I passed onlookers and made my way to the cave entrance.

“It's nice to see you again, Sesshomaru - sama,” said an old but wizened voice.

I looked up and found Koname at the entrance wrapped in thick brown furs that one could only assume were made of bear fur of bison hide.

“And you, Koname - Sama. How does Inu Yasha fare?”

She gave a knowing smile and turned her back to me walking into the cave, “Come and see for yourself, young Sesshomaru.”

I ignored her ribbing and walked after her into the communal den area. I found others eyes locked on me as I did so and I wondered what they found so interesting. Had they not believed I would return for him? There were no bonds of mating yet but I had given my word and that was good enough for me and my peers but evidentially surprising to these wolves.

"Do not scowl so, Sesshomaru. They merely want to see the one who takes our Inu Yasha away.”

I just ignored their stares and continued through the cave halls until I found myself standing in front of Inu Yasha's den once more. I watched as Koname pushed aside the entrance flap and entered. I followed close behind and as I entered I saw Inu Yasha sitting on his stool talking with Amaya and Kourin.

“Speak of the devil, Hello Sesshomaru - sama. I see you have returned as promised. Come Kourin, let's let them speak.”

Amaya stood and exited the den, her grinning daughter behind her. I turned and saw that Koname was gone leaving us completely alone.

“You returned,” said Inu Yasha with a tone of happiness.

“You didn't doubt this Sesshomaru's words as well did you,” I asked in disbelief.

“You are mating your hated hanyou brother who is carrying one of your rival's heir it's a tad hard not to feel some awe and hillarity at the situation before us.”

“I suppose that is one way of putting it.”

I took a deep breath and walked over to kneel in front of Inu Yasha.

“I will inform you since we have not been on the best of terms before this and you know little of this Sesshomaru that I am not one to give my word lightly. My word is my honor and I hold it in high regard. If you agree then you are my mate and so to harm you is to harm me, to question you is to question me, to think ill of you is to think ill of me. Understand?”

He looked down at me looking the picture of lost youth. His nervousness showed as he wrung his hands and nervously chewed on his lip.

I took his left hand in my and unwound his fingers so that they lay straight out in front, straight as an arrow.

“Do you take this Sesshomaru as your mate Inu Yasha,” I asked holding his other hand against my chest.

A blush covered his face and neck as he leaned forward, his bangs covering his lovely golden eyes.

“If you can prove you'll care for me and my cub,” his choked voice softly loosed.

“Then that is a yes,” with that I took his left ring finger in my hand brought it to my lips placing a chaste kiss upon his knuckles.

“I hear they put rings on this finger as proof of their life bond, is this true Inu Yasha.”

He nodded and I lifted his ring finger sucking it into my mouth. He gasped and squirmed trying to free his finger.

“Ahhh….uhh..no, don't not here….ahhh..”

His pleading voice was beautiful and needy and even though I could enjoy it for hours I chose instead to bite down on that wiggling finger causing a gasp of shock and pain to leave those endearing lips.

“What the hell did you do that for you bastard! All that sweet talk just so you could bite me, what the hell is wrong with you!?”

I pulled his finger from my mouth and grinned at seeing his fiery tempers return. I then glanced down at his finger and saw a perfect ring of teeth marks around his finger. I grinned at my own childish desire brought to life and then licked a few leaking droplets of crimson blood from his finger.

“This is your ring brother. Wear it proudly. This will have to do for now. When you have birthed the cub and recovered then I shall mark you properly between the sheets but for now I am appeased.

I saw his eyes pinned to his finger and saw the thoughts passing through his eyes and then the blush of acknowledgement.

“Now that I have marked you shall we discuss what you have decided? Will you birth the cub here or return with me to your new home that is somewhat of an old one.”

He was silent and I feared he would say he was staying but he was one for surprises.

“Let's go. I packed a few things.”

I was shocked for a moment before I stood and leaned over him placing a kiss upon his lips which became deeper as my tongue invaded his mouth and his hands gripped my arms tightly. When I released his mouth his breath was ragged, his cheeks pink and his eyes glazed. I placed my hand on his stomach which had grown even more in my two weeks of absence feeling the motions and movements beneath my palm of his soon to be born cub.

“How much longer,” I asked as I stared at his moving stomach.

“I'm about seven moons along and Koname says I'll probably birth it before I hit my eighth moon. She says first cubs are either early or late but mine is active enough that she's betting on early.”

I nodded and held my hand out to him. He took it and stood somewhat clumsily. I saw the fur-lined hood laying of the floor and bent over picking it up. I unraveled it, opening it and then lifting it over Inu Yasha's head and around his shoulders. I tied it tight at the throat and grabbed a clasp, clasping it at his chest and above and below his bulging stomach. I looked him over and went over to a pile of furs he had kept in the corner and grabbed the thickest one wrapping it around him over the cloak.

“Mother hen,” he muttered playfully.

I tightened my own cloak and watched Inu Yasha's eyes fall on a small wooden box. I leaned down and lifted it into my arms, “Is this all?”

He nodded, “Yes, besides we'll be back for visits.”

With that we exited the den and made our way to the communal den where Kourin, Koname, Amaya and Kourin's mate sat with others.

Amaya stood up and made her way to us. She stopped in front of Inu Yasha and cupped his face in her hands.

“My you've grown and matured since I've known you. Take care of yourself and give us a howl as soon as your pains start. We'll be there as fast as four feet can carry us. You are always apart of our pack Inu Yasha, Kouga would have it no other way.”

She leaned in kissing him on the forehead and then on both cheeks, wiping away an errant tears that feel from his eyes.

Kourin stepped up pulling him into a hug, “I look forward to seeing my niece or nephew. Do just as mother said. I don't want to miss the birth. Take care Inu Yasha, write and visit often. AND you keep him healthy and treat Ko's cub with love.”

I took her glare and warning with a curt nod and watched as she let go of him and patted him on the cheek.

Koname was the last one to stand and make her way over to us. She looked us both over and grinned nodding.

“I see you've given him a mating mark finally.”

Inu Yasha lifted his finger cradling it against his chest blushing.

“You are always welcome among us Inu Yasha. You leave here today royalty in both our tribe and yours, heir to the Inu clan and giver of life to the heir to the wolf tribe. We have already spoke of the birth and I know you want me present, is that fine with you Sesshomaru - sama?”

“Of course, if my mate desires it then let it be so.”

She grinned and nodded, “Wise man, wise man. I shall see you in less than a full moon Inu Yasha. I doubt the cub will wait much longer. Go and be well young ones.”

With that we made our way to Ah Un and I stood to the side and motioned Inu Yasha forward. He stepped up somewhat hesitantly and turned to face me. I leaned down and placed the wooden box beside him.

“It is a long journey and cold up in the clouds, have a care and pull your hood up.”

He nodded and did so as I stood behind him and brought my arms on either side of him. I grasped one of the bars and unwrapped Ah Un's reins. I whistled calling at their names as we took off at a trot which turned into a gallop and into the sky once again.

Inu Yasha leaned back against me as the sky unfolded before us along with our future. I wrapped my free hand around him, my other guiding our chariot home.

To be continued…

“Gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change and break away.” - Break Away, Kelly Clarkson.

That lyric has always been one of my favorites. So this fic takes off and hopefully I can continue writing like this. Keep reading and I'll keep writing.

Kat