InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Heart Healed Over ❯ Diplomatic Issues ( Chapter 41 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: FullMetalArm 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.10.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 193 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.10.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.7K | Visits: 193 | Status: Completed
41 now begins and it follows Sesshomaru for a bit.
41
Sesshomaru sat in his chambers pouring over many maps and documents that had been sent to him by Koura. Apparently most of them described the location of those who would dare attack his family, but the main problem lay in deciphering all of the jumbled notes that her scouts had so poorly created. His own men, as incompetent as many of them were in reconnaissance, knew how to at least keep their cool and give somewhat accurate notes. But Koura, seemed to think that just finding and saying a few words on the subject and handing you a map was acceptable intelligence.
Setting down one of the piles, Sesshomaru took a moment to gaze at a framed photograph. He didn’t like pictures, but Seiya and Rin insisted that he keep one in his study for “mental reasons.” It took him a few days to figure out wha they meant by “mental reasons,” when he soon discovered that he felt a bit better by looking at them smiling at him. Well, Rin beamed through the glass, as Seiya kept a small smirk on his face as he hugged their daughter from behind under a tree at Gerald’s home.
It had been taken the morning after the wedding and when he woke, Sesshomaru found Seiya sipping a cup of water as he read from a book and jotted a few things down as the radio played a song. Rolling over painfully, Sesshomaru said, “If I am to get reincarnated after my death, I hope to marry a woman so they’ll feel as I do right now.”
Choking on his water, Seiya looked at his mate with a smug smirk and said, “Oh come on, it’s not that bad. We only went at it for . . . ” the human stopped his remark and glanced at the clock before saying, “okay never mind you can complain. I guess five hours is a bit much.” Setting his book and glass aside, Seiya put his mate’s head in his lap and asked, “How are you feeling?” As he asked, the human brushed his hand through the demon’s hair as the demon replied.
“I can barely move thanks to you. And this child is acting up so this Sesshomaru feels that it is best to remain in bed for the day.” Automatically the demon knew that his mate agreed, since out of nowhere, Sesshomaru suddenly felt a massive amount of cold on his hind end. Jumping a bit, the demon growled at his mate as he hissed, “If you think that is funny you are sadly mistaken human.” He couldn’t stay mad though as Seiya plastered an innocent looking smile to his face causing the demon to take the ice pack and throw it on the floor as his only means of retaliation.
Kicking his mate out of the bed, Sesshomaru turned over and went back to sleep as he felt a sudden drop in his energy. At the time of the wedding he was a little more than five months along and his body had been storing whatever food he ate as extra means of energy to ensure his and the child’s health. Yet, the child named Khiluial was sucking up the energy faster than he could put it in his body on most days. Add in the nights previous events and Sesshomaru was, as most humans would put it, running on empty.
Deciding it best to get a few extra hours of sleep, Sesshomaru turned onto his side away from the sun and slept soundly until his ears caught the sound of people saying good bye. Getting from the bed, he opened the door to find that all of Seiya’s family was leaving the house save for Gerald, Jessy, and Sara. His mate’s voice drifted up the stairs and the demon heard his name mentioned and knew that his mate was explaining why he wasn’t downstairs. It was most likely a lie about him not feeling well, but Sesshomaru was glad he was rid of them. He may tolerate humans but for the most part that side of Seiya’s family rubbed him the wrong way.
When the voices died down, Sesshomaru heard Seiya tell the others that he would be taking the demon some food. Making his way back to the bed, Sesshomaru’s nose soon caught the strong scent of that woman Debby’s food. She was an excellent cook he had to admit, and save for what he could tell, her foul language, Sesshomaru liked her. Nestling back into the bed, Sesshomaru pulled out a book of his own and waited for his mate to bring him some food.
Of course Sesshomaru had to fall asleep in the ten minutes that it took Seiya to fix the food and soon the demon heard the soft sound of his mate singing a song in a rather crude fashion. The demon actually liked the song and he could sing parts of it in English, but how to translate it into his native tongue was rather hard to do. Sitting up, Sesshomaru noticed his favorite breakfast placed before him as he asked, “Must you destroy such an intelligent piece of modern music with your harsh tones?”
Looking from his spot at the window, Seiya smiled and sang, “To watch you, to guide you, through the darkest of your days.” When he finished the human smiled even more as he said, “Well it’s true what that song says, I will follow you through Hell if need be so be glad for that.” As the human stared back out the window, Sesshomaru ate his muffin in silence while staring at his mate curiously. Seiya seemed to be a bit more feisty and energetic than usual, but the demon just thought it as a sign to the impending birth of their child.
Now back in the past, Sesshomaru was stuck reading documents and taking care of his people while his family and servants left him alone. Of course there was one small problem that came barging through the door as Kiba shouted, “Boss said that he’d summon you ya mangy wolf! Now leave him alone or you’ll cause more unnecessary stress to his already weary body.”
Grunting in appreciation, Sesshomaru looked up from his table and said cooly, “Kiba leave us be. It’s obvious that the wolf has very few manners to match his patience so I shall put aside my work to have our audience since he seems so eager to talk.” As he set aside a quill, Sesshomaru noticed that Kiba wasn’t’ moving from his spot. It angered Sesshomaru slightly to see the defiance on the sprite’s face, but he let it slide by getting up and throwing the pup out and shutting the door before clutching his stomach in a twinge of pain.
Glaring at the wolf, Sesshomaru pointed at a small floor pillow, silently commanding him to take a seat and be quiet. Kouga took the offered seat and watched carefully as Sesshomaru limped his way back to his own pile of pillows. The wolf couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for the demon lord. He’d been with Ayame through the birth of their pups and felt similar emotions toward her for having to deal with the burden of child bearing. But with Sesshomaru, Kouga’s feelings of pity were much stronger.
Pity might have been too strong of a word, but the once graceful demon was now having trouble making the short walk from a desk to a door and back. Taking the ladle from a small bucket of chilled water, Kouga poured some into a cup and set it down just as Sesshomaru took a seat. Drinking it gratefully, Sesshomaru set the cup down and said, ‘”There is no need to shout, yell, or cause a commotion. I know why you are here and have become impatient with this Sesshomaru. I knew that once I made my decision you would wonder why I did not choose you or that fool brother of mine and that you would be the one to confront me. Am I correct?”
Shifting in his seat, Kouga took a sip of water for himself and said, “Damn right you’re correct. Why the hell did, you go and have that panther come and watch over your land? I’m a wolf demon and therefore the closest thing to a relative you have next to that bastard Inuyasha, so why not me? A month you were gone and that cat could have taken this whole area over. So I’m going to ask your dog brain one more time why you chose her over me?”
Imprinting his seal onto a piece of parchment, Sesshomaru folded the document and put it into an envelope before pouring a bit more water. Sipping it slowly, the Inu no Taisho looked at his guest and said, “For that exact reason.” Keeping a cold glare, Kouga waited in silence wondering what the demon was talking about. Grunting at the sheer stupidity of the wolf, Sesshomaru set down his quill and said, “You are impatient, emotional, hot headed, and are unaware of what your opponent is thinking.”
Watching the wolf’s face grow colder, Sesshomaru continued by saying, “Koura on the other hand, is older than I am and has seen more battles than you can comprehend. She knows what must be done to keep an alliance and not only that she honors any deals she has made. I made a pact with her to come to my aid in exchange for allowing her tribe to stay in parts of my territory, just as I have done for you. However, I know that she will keep the peace should anybody cause problems. But knowing you’re reactions to even the tiniest of insults leads this Sesshomaru to doubt your abilities to govern my land.”
Snarling, Kouga got shot to his feet and said, “I may be brash, but I avenged my clan and have helped the other sects flourish. My mate and I have formed alliances as well and kept our land’s safe. And I will be loyal to our alliance. You and Kagome have helped us in our endeavors, but next time consult me when you decide to leave and need a replacement.” Kouga bowed and headed toward the door and said, “By the way, tell Seiya that Ayame that I said good bye.” Opening the door, Kouga stopped and bowed before heading out of sight.
Curious, Sesshomaru got to his feet to check when two familiar scents hit his nose. The first was Kiba, rushing in at full speed and skidding to a halt before panting out, “Boss, Lord Orochi of the Demon Council is here to discuss something important with you.” Turning around, Kiba saw the snake demon’s human form step in the door as he said, “Oops, I guess I’m too late.”
Making the familiar clunking noise with his cane, Orochi patted the pup’s head and said, “No worries, my dear boy. Lord Sesshomaru, how is your . . . condition these days?” The old snake knew about Sesshomaru, he knew before any of the other demon lords as Isayu and Koura had contacted him to help supply extra protection without Sesshomaru’s knowledge. The wonderful thing about being a snake was the fact that even someone with such powerful senses of smell and hearing as Sesshomaru wouldn’t be able to detect his sentries.
Stepping forward, Sesshomaru helped the old demon sit before taking a seat himself and asking, “To what do I owe this honor Lord Orochi? You haven’t visited since I was a pup.” As the lord sat, Sesshomaru remembered one of the few visits that Orochi had done when the Inu was pup Pouring some water Sesshomaru stared at the old demon and said, “I seem to recall the last time you visited, I had just gotten beaten by my father in a sparring match.”
Sipping the water, Orochi smiled and said, “Yes, I remember that. You had a black eye for about four or five days. Your father wasn’t one to hold back in sparring. He’d sever an opponent’s arm if he could. But since you were his sone, a black eye was the same thing.” Setting his glass down the snake’s face became severely stern as he said, “As much as I love remembering in your father, you have many problems ahead. So many that I’ve called a council meeting in a month for you and your mate to attend.” Crushing the cup in his hand, Sesshomaru looked down to find it bleeding from the clay that was used to make it as he glared at the demon in front of him.
Pulling the shards out slowly, Sesshomaru watched as the wounds closed with a small bit of blood as he spoke. “Why must my mate attend? He is a human and is not meant for such things. Besides his presence may cause the other members to attack. Or is this a trap?” Saying this coldly, Sesshomaru watched as Orochi’s gaze fell to the floor.
Tossing the final piece to the ground, Sesshomaru stood and said, “What is it that you are planning Orochi?” The snake said nothing, which caused even more anger to flow into Sesshomaru’s already taxed body. His energy grew to unparalleled levels, but the strain of it forced the angered dog to stay stationary as he said, “Answer me snake. I know you were my father’s friend and have been good to me, but you’d better answer or I will wage a war.”
Slowly lifting his head, Orochi said with a low hiss, “It is for you and your mate’s protection boy.” The snake’s head shot up revealing his transformed eyes. Sesshomaru showed now fear, but he did emit a slight scent for his child. Orochi could taste it on the air as he said, “The other lords are willing to attempt killing you and the boy on the spot. But if your mate makes an appearance it shows that he is not afraid of what they will do. Your mate needs to prove his strength by sitting in on the council. You know this to be true and have seen it, so do not think that because of your mate being human allows him any immunity from our ways.”
Flicking his wrist, Sesshomaru shot his poison whip past Orochi’s head and sent a rat sticking to the wall. Stepping past the demon, Sesshomaru picked up the vermin and noticed that it was too large, even for the rats in his territory. Turning it on it’s stomach, Sesshomaru noticed the markings of another clan leader and disintegrated the beast with his poison. As he watched the bones and organs melt away, Sesshomaru said, “Seems some of the leaders already know about your visit. I suggest you return to the safety of your territory.”
Climbing to his feet, the old snake exited the palace silently as Sesshomaru took a seat at his table. He had one month before taking his mate to the council and he was worried. Seiya was raised in a world different from his and had no idea how to handle the proceedings of a demonic council. Sitting back he heard the door slide open as Shiba stepped in holding a cup and said, “Sir, it’s time for your physical with Mistress Isayu.”
Growling loudly, the dog lord said, “Can I not get one moment of peace today?” Noticing the sprite’s nervousness, Sesshomaru waved her in saying, “Put the tea on the table and let her into my chambers.” Stepping forward, Shiba set the steaming mug onto the table and told the horse demoness to enter before disappearing with a pop.
Draining his cup in one loud gulp, Sesshomaru watched the old horse step in saying, “I see the child is developing rather well.” Setting her bag down the old horse waited as the demon removed his armor and laid down next to her. He’d gotten used to the procedure and had done it weekly with Seiya gone to ensure the health of their child. Of course, he had been scolded on his mate’s return for allowing such an extended period of separation to occur, but the horse had forgotten about it and once the lord was settled she began prodding the demon’s flesh.
She first checked his bone and muscle structure to which she exclaimed, “Amazing that you should actually gain more muscle and power during your pregnancy. Most demons lose them but your body has become more powerful. I take it you have been going beyond the recommended times of exercise?” When the demon gave only a scowl as a response, Isayu went back to her work this time checking his joints.
When she began to rub and bend certain joints she could see twinges of pains pass over the lord’s face. She knew why he felt reacted in such a manner. Hell it wasn’t that hard to figure out since he’d put on nearly an extra forty pounds. Some was from muscle, the rest was from the child, and add in some water retention and even the strongest man would feel some pain. Looking over at him with his knee in her hand, the horse demoness said, “I want you to take it easy or else you will be on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy. Your body is strong, but your joints need rest. I will allow you to go to the council, but do not do anything to illicit a battle.”
Grunting a response, Sesshomaru felt a sharp slap to his head as the old horse said, “Do you understand young man? You may be a millennia old but you are still young compared to me and you should listen to what I have to say.” After his scolding, Sesshomaru audibly said that he agreed and so Isayu finally placed her hands over his stomach and concentrated.
The exams had gradually become easier since the initial one. Sesshomaru and Seiya’s energies recognized those who were safe to let around the child and those who weren’t. Focusing her thoughts, Isayu saw that the child was developing and a bit big for a child, but other than that nothing seemed to be wrong. Opening her eyes, she caught Sesshomaru’s glance and asked, “What is the child’s name?”
Looking into the demoness’ glowing eyes, Sesshomaru saw his daughter in a cloud of purple and blue auras. He took that to mean that, Isayu was keeping the more graphic things from him as his daughter grew inside his body. Keeping their gaze locked, Sesshomaru said, “Khiluial, is the name of our child. Seiya chose it from a language that appears in some books he reads. It seems to fit our daughter and is one of at least thirty names he has he had written down for us to choose from.”
Shocked at Sesshomaru’s reply, Isayu asked calmly, “It is rather odd that you would allow him to choose the name of the child. He is the human and you the demon, which makes you the more dominant of the pairing.” She removed her hands and rubbed what appeared to be a disinfecting solution on them before asking, “Why do you allow him such independence? He is to follow you and yet you’ve allowed him to be the more dominant. It’s not by much, but yet you are taking on the more female role in this relationship and it worries me.”
When she lifted her head, Isayu was surprised to find Sesshomaru’s blade pointed at her throat. She showed or emitted no fear and stared cooly as the dog said, “What dominance I allow Seiya to have over me is something that he has earned through sacrifice and love. He’s lost the use of his leg, has had his body mangled, his pride stolen from him. But,” the lord stopped and sheathed his blade as he looked at the horse and said, “HE has protected Rin and myself. He’s taught us about the future and how to survive. He treats Kiba and Shiba like his own pups and shows Jaken care and respect even though the toad is cruel to him. So, don’t worry about what happens to me and the child, so long as Seiya and myself live she’ll be fine. And should we die, my brother’s family will care for them in the same manner as either one of us.”
Gathering her things, the old horse left Sesshomaru to deal with his papers. He did not like threatening his father’s friends and to do it twice in a day caused the demon lord to feel particularly dizzy. After setting aside his nearly finished work, Sesshomaru spread out on the spare futon and fell into a light dream. He imagined the sound of metal colliding, glass breaking, and he didn’t know why. Perhaps it had to do with the battles that may ensue, or it was something completely random, the only thing he was sure of was that he felt Seiya’s arms cradling him as he whispered softly, wiping the sweat from the demons head.
Shifting his head, Sesshomaru stared dazedly up at the ceiling as Seiya asked, “Bad dream?” Nodding a bit, the tired demon felt the coldness of water against his lips and drank slowly. The feeling of the liquid flowing through his body sent a satisfying chill throughout his whole being, and when it was done he muttered his thanks as Seiya’s hands brushed his hair. But while he brushed, Seiya looked down at his mate and said, “Kiba told me about Orochi and Isayu’s visits. What happened during them that caused you to get so angry?”
Closing his eyes, Sesshomaru rubbed his abdomen as he said, “Orochi spoke of a council that will be held soon and your audience his required.” When Seiya stopped his petting, Sesshomaru said softly, “I do not want you to go, but if you don’t we are in much more danger than if you do. At least if you go, we can show them that we aren’t afraid of their threats and they’ll be less hesitant to do anything. Besides, I think my brother should learn a bit about the political arena.”
Laughing at the thought of Inuyasha in a diplomatic situation, Seiya continued his stroking as he asked, “What was the problem with Isayu?” After he asked that, Sesshomaru stopped his mate’s stroking for a moment. When the demon squeezed his hand, Seiya knew something had bugged him, since this was his sign of saying “Don’t ask.” So instead he squeezed back and asked, “Is Khilu doing all right?” Trailing his mate’s hand down his body, Sesshomaru placed it on his stomach before giving a slightly annoyed grunt as he felt a strong kick against his innards.
Letting his hand rest, Seiya stroked the skin and said, “Only a couple of more months and we’ll both be dealing with something that you and I never would have thought to experience. Which reminds me.” Grabbing his bag, Seiya pulled something out and placed it on Sesshomaru’s stomach. The demon stared at it and noticed the item was a doll in the form of a baby. When he asked what, it was for, Seiya said, “Well it’s to teach you, not me, about certain child rearing techniques. Diaper changing you already have down, along with the feeding thing which I’m never going to watch. But then there is CPR and other things.”
Sesshomaru set the baby down and said, “I’ll deal with this later, for now I want to know what you did while I was stuck here dealing with impolite guests?” As the question was asked, they heard Rin stomp on by their some what open door and glare in at Seiya before heading off to her room. The demon lord didn’t even have to ask what happened. All he said was, “I take it you said she couldn’t, wasn’t allowed to go and do something?”
Sighing Seiya, stretched his legs around his mate’s body as he said, “She wanted to go on a date with Shippou without you knowing. But when I told her, you’d know without my telling you, she got a little testy.” Sesshomaru began to get up when Seiya pulled him back down saying, “She’s a teenage human girl, it’s best to leave her alone right now.” Sesshomaru didn’t like Rin getting away with acting like a brat. She had a tendency to do it when she was younger, but now that she was older she needed to realize the dangers of what she wanted.
Settling back down, Sesshomaru sipped another cup of water and separated himself from Seiya as the human said mockingly, “Go ahead and get castrated. I’m not the one who can get pregnant.” Sesshomaru heard nothing of his mate’s mockery as he made his way to the room and heard the low beat of some drums. Seiya had somehow managed to bring a small portable stereo through the well and judging by the noises, it was able to function in this time.
Sliding open the door, Sesshomaru heard the drum beat as Rin wrote something down in a book. Judging by the items scattered before her, it was part of her studies and she was trying to show that she didn’t care he was there. So, in typical parent fashion, Sesshomaru took the book from her and shut off the stereo as he said, “If you think you can attempt to hide a night alone with that fox from me, you are very much mistaken Rin.”
Glaring at the demon, Rin said, “Why is it such a big deal Father? All I want to do is go to a movie with him in the future, or even attend a festival back here, so why can’t I?” The girl could see the cold gaze peer into her soul. Sesshomaru had always had a softened gaze when he spoke to, or even looked at the girl. This time though her disobedience earned her the glare he saved for some of his enemies.
Stepping forward, Sesshomaru seemed to grow in size as he said, “I’m your Father, that’s why it’s a such a big deal. You are nearing sixteen Rin, and in this time you should be married, but if I allow you to go on that ‘date,’ more than likely you and the fox will court and soon after that mate. We’ve already discussed the problems and that boy still has to prove himself to me beyond what happened at the lake. I have no parents, and my brother barely qualifies as his father so he could care less if the fox mates with you. But, since you consider Seiya and I are your parent’s, we’ll decide when it’s appropriate.”
Rin was fuming by this time and stormed out of her room loudly and nearly knocked some of the servants off their feet. Sesshomaru was a bit surprised at Rin’s anger since well he’d never seen it before. When she was far off and screaming in the distance, Jaken stepped into the door and said, “My lord, your mate has requested that you head back to your chambers. It seems that he’s found something that requires your immediate attention.”
Leaving the room, Sesshomaru headed into the chambers to find Seiya staring over a piece of paper with a somewhat distraught look upon his face. Approaching his mate, Sesshomaru saw that the writing was a summons for him and his mate at th council in three weeks. Snatching the note, Sesshomaru noticed that it wasn’t the tidy scrawl of Orochi, but a harsher style of writing normally found in the wolf tribe.
He scanned the letter and saw that it was no demon in Kouga’s tribe as they all shared a similar smell of the mountain territory they lived in. This one was more forest like, and Sesshomaru knew that it was probably spies as the note read at one part, “you and your child shall be in danger should you not follow these demands.” Burning the note in his hand, Sesshomaru saw that Seiya was looking up at him with his eyes saying, “I’m going so don’t even bother trying to stop me.”
Settling down, Sesshomaru removed his armor and top before settling back against the pillows. Seiya did the same as he whispered, “I’m hoping my being there stops the threats on us and Khilu. Why is it such a big deal about our child being a half breed but when it comes to Inuyasha none of them did anything? It’s pathetic, he’s a demon lord in his own right and if they want purity. Why not just kill all . . . what the hell am I talking about?”
Seiya sat up and began pounding his fists against his head as he said, “What is wrong with me. I can’t believe I even suggested that.” Sesshomaru sat up and began to comfort his mate, but Seiya pushed him back and said, “Don’t Sessh, just don’t touch me right now. I can’t believe I suggested killing off a whole group of people.” Sesshomaru put his head on Seiya’s shoulder and kissed his neck as Seiya sobbed slightly.
Putting his mate’s head on his shoulder, Sesshomaru just held the human close as he finished his sob. Sesshomaru could see the dilemma at what his mate had just said, since Seiya himself was half of one race and half of another and had been hated for it along with being born into money and whom he loved. Sesshomaru was somewhat hated as he was half dog, half poison demon, but he had at least found a home amongst one group. Inuyasha had been hated his whole life, and now Seiya had just suggested that a group of pure bloods kill all half breeds including their child.
Kissing the soft blonde hair of his mate, Sesshomaru laid them back as he said, “Don’t worry about what you said it was pointless. You were mocking the council and the bastards who despise those like what our daughter will be. I can’t say I’m completely fond of half breeds but as I am going to birth one I will love her as I love Rin. As my child, not as a half breed of human and demonic blood. At least with her human parentage she will be able to have some empathy toward others, unlike most of my kind.”
Seiya said nothing for the rest of the night, in fact neither of them slept for the next couple of days. There was no explanation, they just didn’t sleep and it took it’s toll on Seiya as he had snapped at Rin for making a sarcastic remark, and Sesshomaru was no better as he’d been even more cruel to Jaken than he had been in awhile.
So 2 weeks passed with very little sleep, but some sleep was better than no sleep as Seiya and Sesshomaru landed outside the small house that was now Kagome’s and Inuyasha’s. Knocking on the door, the pair heard Inuyasha stumble toward the door and say, “You bastards better have an excellent reason for disturbing me.” Since, Kagome was gone, Inuyasha was staying in their house to make sure nothing happened while his mate worked. It strained their relationship a bit, but Kagome was working days and came back every night. Today she was off and by the looks of Inuyasha, they’d had a long night.
Keeping his eyes locked with his brother’s, Sesshomaru said, “We are to be at Orochi’s in four days time, and I ask that you escort us as a bodyguard.” Inuyasha could only stare at the pure blood in disbelief. He muttered things about his brother finally being too weak, or actually needing his help when he’d shunned him his whole life and now that he wanted help, he came begging. Aggravated by the arrogance his brother had, Sesshomaru unsheathed his blade and said, “They are threatening my mate, and our child. And if you care for your niece I suggest that you escort us for their sake not mine.”
The fact that his brother was threatening him was signal enough to tell Inuyasha that he was needed. And in typical Inuyasha fashion, he headed to his and Kagome’s room and said a few words to her before stepping out into the sunlight saying, “You take the skies, I take the ground and don’t hesitate to ask for help.” The half breed gave a small smirk as he said this and when they were finally on Ah-Un, they sped off in the direction of Orochi’s home where they would either stop the threats, or make an already volatile situation turn into nuclear explosion.
41
Sesshomaru sat in his chambers pouring over many maps and documents that had been sent to him by Koura. Apparently most of them described the location of those who would dare attack his family, but the main problem lay in deciphering all of the jumbled notes that her scouts had so poorly created. His own men, as incompetent as many of them were in reconnaissance, knew how to at least keep their cool and give somewhat accurate notes. But Koura, seemed to think that just finding and saying a few words on the subject and handing you a map was acceptable intelligence.
Setting down one of the piles, Sesshomaru took a moment to gaze at a framed photograph. He didn’t like pictures, but Seiya and Rin insisted that he keep one in his study for “mental reasons.” It took him a few days to figure out wha they meant by “mental reasons,” when he soon discovered that he felt a bit better by looking at them smiling at him. Well, Rin beamed through the glass, as Seiya kept a small smirk on his face as he hugged their daughter from behind under a tree at Gerald’s home.
It had been taken the morning after the wedding and when he woke, Sesshomaru found Seiya sipping a cup of water as he read from a book and jotted a few things down as the radio played a song. Rolling over painfully, Sesshomaru said, “If I am to get reincarnated after my death, I hope to marry a woman so they’ll feel as I do right now.”
Choking on his water, Seiya looked at his mate with a smug smirk and said, “Oh come on, it’s not that bad. We only went at it for . . . ” the human stopped his remark and glanced at the clock before saying, “okay never mind you can complain. I guess five hours is a bit much.” Setting his book and glass aside, Seiya put his mate’s head in his lap and asked, “How are you feeling?” As he asked, the human brushed his hand through the demon’s hair as the demon replied.
“I can barely move thanks to you. And this child is acting up so this Sesshomaru feels that it is best to remain in bed for the day.” Automatically the demon knew that his mate agreed, since out of nowhere, Sesshomaru suddenly felt a massive amount of cold on his hind end. Jumping a bit, the demon growled at his mate as he hissed, “If you think that is funny you are sadly mistaken human.” He couldn’t stay mad though as Seiya plastered an innocent looking smile to his face causing the demon to take the ice pack and throw it on the floor as his only means of retaliation.
Kicking his mate out of the bed, Sesshomaru turned over and went back to sleep as he felt a sudden drop in his energy. At the time of the wedding he was a little more than five months along and his body had been storing whatever food he ate as extra means of energy to ensure his and the child’s health. Yet, the child named Khiluial was sucking up the energy faster than he could put it in his body on most days. Add in the nights previous events and Sesshomaru was, as most humans would put it, running on empty.
Deciding it best to get a few extra hours of sleep, Sesshomaru turned onto his side away from the sun and slept soundly until his ears caught the sound of people saying good bye. Getting from the bed, he opened the door to find that all of Seiya’s family was leaving the house save for Gerald, Jessy, and Sara. His mate’s voice drifted up the stairs and the demon heard his name mentioned and knew that his mate was explaining why he wasn’t downstairs. It was most likely a lie about him not feeling well, but Sesshomaru was glad he was rid of them. He may tolerate humans but for the most part that side of Seiya’s family rubbed him the wrong way.
When the voices died down, Sesshomaru heard Seiya tell the others that he would be taking the demon some food. Making his way back to the bed, Sesshomaru’s nose soon caught the strong scent of that woman Debby’s food. She was an excellent cook he had to admit, and save for what he could tell, her foul language, Sesshomaru liked her. Nestling back into the bed, Sesshomaru pulled out a book of his own and waited for his mate to bring him some food.
Of course Sesshomaru had to fall asleep in the ten minutes that it took Seiya to fix the food and soon the demon heard the soft sound of his mate singing a song in a rather crude fashion. The demon actually liked the song and he could sing parts of it in English, but how to translate it into his native tongue was rather hard to do. Sitting up, Sesshomaru noticed his favorite breakfast placed before him as he asked, “Must you destroy such an intelligent piece of modern music with your harsh tones?”
Looking from his spot at the window, Seiya smiled and sang, “To watch you, to guide you, through the darkest of your days.” When he finished the human smiled even more as he said, “Well it’s true what that song says, I will follow you through Hell if need be so be glad for that.” As the human stared back out the window, Sesshomaru ate his muffin in silence while staring at his mate curiously. Seiya seemed to be a bit more feisty and energetic than usual, but the demon just thought it as a sign to the impending birth of their child.
Now back in the past, Sesshomaru was stuck reading documents and taking care of his people while his family and servants left him alone. Of course there was one small problem that came barging through the door as Kiba shouted, “Boss said that he’d summon you ya mangy wolf! Now leave him alone or you’ll cause more unnecessary stress to his already weary body.”
Grunting in appreciation, Sesshomaru looked up from his table and said cooly, “Kiba leave us be. It’s obvious that the wolf has very few manners to match his patience so I shall put aside my work to have our audience since he seems so eager to talk.” As he set aside a quill, Sesshomaru noticed that Kiba wasn’t’ moving from his spot. It angered Sesshomaru slightly to see the defiance on the sprite’s face, but he let it slide by getting up and throwing the pup out and shutting the door before clutching his stomach in a twinge of pain.
Glaring at the wolf, Sesshomaru pointed at a small floor pillow, silently commanding him to take a seat and be quiet. Kouga took the offered seat and watched carefully as Sesshomaru limped his way back to his own pile of pillows. The wolf couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for the demon lord. He’d been with Ayame through the birth of their pups and felt similar emotions toward her for having to deal with the burden of child bearing. But with Sesshomaru, Kouga’s feelings of pity were much stronger.
Pity might have been too strong of a word, but the once graceful demon was now having trouble making the short walk from a desk to a door and back. Taking the ladle from a small bucket of chilled water, Kouga poured some into a cup and set it down just as Sesshomaru took a seat. Drinking it gratefully, Sesshomaru set the cup down and said, ‘”There is no need to shout, yell, or cause a commotion. I know why you are here and have become impatient with this Sesshomaru. I knew that once I made my decision you would wonder why I did not choose you or that fool brother of mine and that you would be the one to confront me. Am I correct?”
Shifting in his seat, Kouga took a sip of water for himself and said, “Damn right you’re correct. Why the hell did, you go and have that panther come and watch over your land? I’m a wolf demon and therefore the closest thing to a relative you have next to that bastard Inuyasha, so why not me? A month you were gone and that cat could have taken this whole area over. So I’m going to ask your dog brain one more time why you chose her over me?”
Imprinting his seal onto a piece of parchment, Sesshomaru folded the document and put it into an envelope before pouring a bit more water. Sipping it slowly, the Inu no Taisho looked at his guest and said, “For that exact reason.” Keeping a cold glare, Kouga waited in silence wondering what the demon was talking about. Grunting at the sheer stupidity of the wolf, Sesshomaru set down his quill and said, “You are impatient, emotional, hot headed, and are unaware of what your opponent is thinking.”
Watching the wolf’s face grow colder, Sesshomaru continued by saying, “Koura on the other hand, is older than I am and has seen more battles than you can comprehend. She knows what must be done to keep an alliance and not only that she honors any deals she has made. I made a pact with her to come to my aid in exchange for allowing her tribe to stay in parts of my territory, just as I have done for you. However, I know that she will keep the peace should anybody cause problems. But knowing you’re reactions to even the tiniest of insults leads this Sesshomaru to doubt your abilities to govern my land.”
Snarling, Kouga got shot to his feet and said, “I may be brash, but I avenged my clan and have helped the other sects flourish. My mate and I have formed alliances as well and kept our land’s safe. And I will be loyal to our alliance. You and Kagome have helped us in our endeavors, but next time consult me when you decide to leave and need a replacement.” Kouga bowed and headed toward the door and said, “By the way, tell Seiya that Ayame that I said good bye.” Opening the door, Kouga stopped and bowed before heading out of sight.
Curious, Sesshomaru got to his feet to check when two familiar scents hit his nose. The first was Kiba, rushing in at full speed and skidding to a halt before panting out, “Boss, Lord Orochi of the Demon Council is here to discuss something important with you.” Turning around, Kiba saw the snake demon’s human form step in the door as he said, “Oops, I guess I’m too late.”
Making the familiar clunking noise with his cane, Orochi patted the pup’s head and said, “No worries, my dear boy. Lord Sesshomaru, how is your . . . condition these days?” The old snake knew about Sesshomaru, he knew before any of the other demon lords as Isayu and Koura had contacted him to help supply extra protection without Sesshomaru’s knowledge. The wonderful thing about being a snake was the fact that even someone with such powerful senses of smell and hearing as Sesshomaru wouldn’t be able to detect his sentries.
Stepping forward, Sesshomaru helped the old demon sit before taking a seat himself and asking, “To what do I owe this honor Lord Orochi? You haven’t visited since I was a pup.” As the lord sat, Sesshomaru remembered one of the few visits that Orochi had done when the Inu was pup Pouring some water Sesshomaru stared at the old demon and said, “I seem to recall the last time you visited, I had just gotten beaten by my father in a sparring match.”
Sipping the water, Orochi smiled and said, “Yes, I remember that. You had a black eye for about four or five days. Your father wasn’t one to hold back in sparring. He’d sever an opponent’s arm if he could. But since you were his sone, a black eye was the same thing.” Setting his glass down the snake’s face became severely stern as he said, “As much as I love remembering in your father, you have many problems ahead. So many that I’ve called a council meeting in a month for you and your mate to attend.” Crushing the cup in his hand, Sesshomaru looked down to find it bleeding from the clay that was used to make it as he glared at the demon in front of him.
Pulling the shards out slowly, Sesshomaru watched as the wounds closed with a small bit of blood as he spoke. “Why must my mate attend? He is a human and is not meant for such things. Besides his presence may cause the other members to attack. Or is this a trap?” Saying this coldly, Sesshomaru watched as Orochi’s gaze fell to the floor.
Tossing the final piece to the ground, Sesshomaru stood and said, “What is it that you are planning Orochi?” The snake said nothing, which caused even more anger to flow into Sesshomaru’s already taxed body. His energy grew to unparalleled levels, but the strain of it forced the angered dog to stay stationary as he said, “Answer me snake. I know you were my father’s friend and have been good to me, but you’d better answer or I will wage a war.”
Slowly lifting his head, Orochi said with a low hiss, “It is for you and your mate’s protection boy.” The snake’s head shot up revealing his transformed eyes. Sesshomaru showed now fear, but he did emit a slight scent for his child. Orochi could taste it on the air as he said, “The other lords are willing to attempt killing you and the boy on the spot. But if your mate makes an appearance it shows that he is not afraid of what they will do. Your mate needs to prove his strength by sitting in on the council. You know this to be true and have seen it, so do not think that because of your mate being human allows him any immunity from our ways.”
Flicking his wrist, Sesshomaru shot his poison whip past Orochi’s head and sent a rat sticking to the wall. Stepping past the demon, Sesshomaru picked up the vermin and noticed that it was too large, even for the rats in his territory. Turning it on it’s stomach, Sesshomaru noticed the markings of another clan leader and disintegrated the beast with his poison. As he watched the bones and organs melt away, Sesshomaru said, “Seems some of the leaders already know about your visit. I suggest you return to the safety of your territory.”
Climbing to his feet, the old snake exited the palace silently as Sesshomaru took a seat at his table. He had one month before taking his mate to the council and he was worried. Seiya was raised in a world different from his and had no idea how to handle the proceedings of a demonic council. Sitting back he heard the door slide open as Shiba stepped in holding a cup and said, “Sir, it’s time for your physical with Mistress Isayu.”
Growling loudly, the dog lord said, “Can I not get one moment of peace today?” Noticing the sprite’s nervousness, Sesshomaru waved her in saying, “Put the tea on the table and let her into my chambers.” Stepping forward, Shiba set the steaming mug onto the table and told the horse demoness to enter before disappearing with a pop.
Draining his cup in one loud gulp, Sesshomaru watched the old horse step in saying, “I see the child is developing rather well.” Setting her bag down the old horse waited as the demon removed his armor and laid down next to her. He’d gotten used to the procedure and had done it weekly with Seiya gone to ensure the health of their child. Of course, he had been scolded on his mate’s return for allowing such an extended period of separation to occur, but the horse had forgotten about it and once the lord was settled she began prodding the demon’s flesh.
She first checked his bone and muscle structure to which she exclaimed, “Amazing that you should actually gain more muscle and power during your pregnancy. Most demons lose them but your body has become more powerful. I take it you have been going beyond the recommended times of exercise?” When the demon gave only a scowl as a response, Isayu went back to her work this time checking his joints.
When she began to rub and bend certain joints she could see twinges of pains pass over the lord’s face. She knew why he felt reacted in such a manner. Hell it wasn’t that hard to figure out since he’d put on nearly an extra forty pounds. Some was from muscle, the rest was from the child, and add in some water retention and even the strongest man would feel some pain. Looking over at him with his knee in her hand, the horse demoness said, “I want you to take it easy or else you will be on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy. Your body is strong, but your joints need rest. I will allow you to go to the council, but do not do anything to illicit a battle.”
Grunting a response, Sesshomaru felt a sharp slap to his head as the old horse said, “Do you understand young man? You may be a millennia old but you are still young compared to me and you should listen to what I have to say.” After his scolding, Sesshomaru audibly said that he agreed and so Isayu finally placed her hands over his stomach and concentrated.
The exams had gradually become easier since the initial one. Sesshomaru and Seiya’s energies recognized those who were safe to let around the child and those who weren’t. Focusing her thoughts, Isayu saw that the child was developing and a bit big for a child, but other than that nothing seemed to be wrong. Opening her eyes, she caught Sesshomaru’s glance and asked, “What is the child’s name?”
Looking into the demoness’ glowing eyes, Sesshomaru saw his daughter in a cloud of purple and blue auras. He took that to mean that, Isayu was keeping the more graphic things from him as his daughter grew inside his body. Keeping their gaze locked, Sesshomaru said, “Khiluial, is the name of our child. Seiya chose it from a language that appears in some books he reads. It seems to fit our daughter and is one of at least thirty names he has he had written down for us to choose from.”
Shocked at Sesshomaru’s reply, Isayu asked calmly, “It is rather odd that you would allow him to choose the name of the child. He is the human and you the demon, which makes you the more dominant of the pairing.” She removed her hands and rubbed what appeared to be a disinfecting solution on them before asking, “Why do you allow him such independence? He is to follow you and yet you’ve allowed him to be the more dominant. It’s not by much, but yet you are taking on the more female role in this relationship and it worries me.”
When she lifted her head, Isayu was surprised to find Sesshomaru’s blade pointed at her throat. She showed or emitted no fear and stared cooly as the dog said, “What dominance I allow Seiya to have over me is something that he has earned through sacrifice and love. He’s lost the use of his leg, has had his body mangled, his pride stolen from him. But,” the lord stopped and sheathed his blade as he looked at the horse and said, “HE has protected Rin and myself. He’s taught us about the future and how to survive. He treats Kiba and Shiba like his own pups and shows Jaken care and respect even though the toad is cruel to him. So, don’t worry about what happens to me and the child, so long as Seiya and myself live she’ll be fine. And should we die, my brother’s family will care for them in the same manner as either one of us.”
Gathering her things, the old horse left Sesshomaru to deal with his papers. He did not like threatening his father’s friends and to do it twice in a day caused the demon lord to feel particularly dizzy. After setting aside his nearly finished work, Sesshomaru spread out on the spare futon and fell into a light dream. He imagined the sound of metal colliding, glass breaking, and he didn’t know why. Perhaps it had to do with the battles that may ensue, or it was something completely random, the only thing he was sure of was that he felt Seiya’s arms cradling him as he whispered softly, wiping the sweat from the demons head.
Shifting his head, Sesshomaru stared dazedly up at the ceiling as Seiya asked, “Bad dream?” Nodding a bit, the tired demon felt the coldness of water against his lips and drank slowly. The feeling of the liquid flowing through his body sent a satisfying chill throughout his whole being, and when it was done he muttered his thanks as Seiya’s hands brushed his hair. But while he brushed, Seiya looked down at his mate and said, “Kiba told me about Orochi and Isayu’s visits. What happened during them that caused you to get so angry?”
Closing his eyes, Sesshomaru rubbed his abdomen as he said, “Orochi spoke of a council that will be held soon and your audience his required.” When Seiya stopped his petting, Sesshomaru said softly, “I do not want you to go, but if you don’t we are in much more danger than if you do. At least if you go, we can show them that we aren’t afraid of their threats and they’ll be less hesitant to do anything. Besides, I think my brother should learn a bit about the political arena.”
Laughing at the thought of Inuyasha in a diplomatic situation, Seiya continued his stroking as he asked, “What was the problem with Isayu?” After he asked that, Sesshomaru stopped his mate’s stroking for a moment. When the demon squeezed his hand, Seiya knew something had bugged him, since this was his sign of saying “Don’t ask.” So instead he squeezed back and asked, “Is Khilu doing all right?” Trailing his mate’s hand down his body, Sesshomaru placed it on his stomach before giving a slightly annoyed grunt as he felt a strong kick against his innards.
Letting his hand rest, Seiya stroked the skin and said, “Only a couple of more months and we’ll both be dealing with something that you and I never would have thought to experience. Which reminds me.” Grabbing his bag, Seiya pulled something out and placed it on Sesshomaru’s stomach. The demon stared at it and noticed the item was a doll in the form of a baby. When he asked what, it was for, Seiya said, “Well it’s to teach you, not me, about certain child rearing techniques. Diaper changing you already have down, along with the feeding thing which I’m never going to watch. But then there is CPR and other things.”
Sesshomaru set the baby down and said, “I’ll deal with this later, for now I want to know what you did while I was stuck here dealing with impolite guests?” As the question was asked, they heard Rin stomp on by their some what open door and glare in at Seiya before heading off to her room. The demon lord didn’t even have to ask what happened. All he said was, “I take it you said she couldn’t, wasn’t allowed to go and do something?”
Sighing Seiya, stretched his legs around his mate’s body as he said, “She wanted to go on a date with Shippou without you knowing. But when I told her, you’d know without my telling you, she got a little testy.” Sesshomaru began to get up when Seiya pulled him back down saying, “She’s a teenage human girl, it’s best to leave her alone right now.” Sesshomaru didn’t like Rin getting away with acting like a brat. She had a tendency to do it when she was younger, but now that she was older she needed to realize the dangers of what she wanted.
Settling back down, Sesshomaru sipped another cup of water and separated himself from Seiya as the human said mockingly, “Go ahead and get castrated. I’m not the one who can get pregnant.” Sesshomaru heard nothing of his mate’s mockery as he made his way to the room and heard the low beat of some drums. Seiya had somehow managed to bring a small portable stereo through the well and judging by the noises, it was able to function in this time.
Sliding open the door, Sesshomaru heard the drum beat as Rin wrote something down in a book. Judging by the items scattered before her, it was part of her studies and she was trying to show that she didn’t care he was there. So, in typical parent fashion, Sesshomaru took the book from her and shut off the stereo as he said, “If you think you can attempt to hide a night alone with that fox from me, you are very much mistaken Rin.”
Glaring at the demon, Rin said, “Why is it such a big deal Father? All I want to do is go to a movie with him in the future, or even attend a festival back here, so why can’t I?” The girl could see the cold gaze peer into her soul. Sesshomaru had always had a softened gaze when he spoke to, or even looked at the girl. This time though her disobedience earned her the glare he saved for some of his enemies.
Stepping forward, Sesshomaru seemed to grow in size as he said, “I’m your Father, that’s why it’s a such a big deal. You are nearing sixteen Rin, and in this time you should be married, but if I allow you to go on that ‘date,’ more than likely you and the fox will court and soon after that mate. We’ve already discussed the problems and that boy still has to prove himself to me beyond what happened at the lake. I have no parents, and my brother barely qualifies as his father so he could care less if the fox mates with you. But, since you consider Seiya and I are your parent’s, we’ll decide when it’s appropriate.”
Rin was fuming by this time and stormed out of her room loudly and nearly knocked some of the servants off their feet. Sesshomaru was a bit surprised at Rin’s anger since well he’d never seen it before. When she was far off and screaming in the distance, Jaken stepped into the door and said, “My lord, your mate has requested that you head back to your chambers. It seems that he’s found something that requires your immediate attention.”
Leaving the room, Sesshomaru headed into the chambers to find Seiya staring over a piece of paper with a somewhat distraught look upon his face. Approaching his mate, Sesshomaru saw that the writing was a summons for him and his mate at th council in three weeks. Snatching the note, Sesshomaru noticed that it wasn’t the tidy scrawl of Orochi, but a harsher style of writing normally found in the wolf tribe.
He scanned the letter and saw that it was no demon in Kouga’s tribe as they all shared a similar smell of the mountain territory they lived in. This one was more forest like, and Sesshomaru knew that it was probably spies as the note read at one part, “you and your child shall be in danger should you not follow these demands.” Burning the note in his hand, Sesshomaru saw that Seiya was looking up at him with his eyes saying, “I’m going so don’t even bother trying to stop me.”
Settling down, Sesshomaru removed his armor and top before settling back against the pillows. Seiya did the same as he whispered, “I’m hoping my being there stops the threats on us and Khilu. Why is it such a big deal about our child being a half breed but when it comes to Inuyasha none of them did anything? It’s pathetic, he’s a demon lord in his own right and if they want purity. Why not just kill all . . . what the hell am I talking about?”
Seiya sat up and began pounding his fists against his head as he said, “What is wrong with me. I can’t believe I even suggested that.” Sesshomaru sat up and began to comfort his mate, but Seiya pushed him back and said, “Don’t Sessh, just don’t touch me right now. I can’t believe I suggested killing off a whole group of people.” Sesshomaru put his head on Seiya’s shoulder and kissed his neck as Seiya sobbed slightly.
Putting his mate’s head on his shoulder, Sesshomaru just held the human close as he finished his sob. Sesshomaru could see the dilemma at what his mate had just said, since Seiya himself was half of one race and half of another and had been hated for it along with being born into money and whom he loved. Sesshomaru was somewhat hated as he was half dog, half poison demon, but he had at least found a home amongst one group. Inuyasha had been hated his whole life, and now Seiya had just suggested that a group of pure bloods kill all half breeds including their child.
Kissing the soft blonde hair of his mate, Sesshomaru laid them back as he said, “Don’t worry about what you said it was pointless. You were mocking the council and the bastards who despise those like what our daughter will be. I can’t say I’m completely fond of half breeds but as I am going to birth one I will love her as I love Rin. As my child, not as a half breed of human and demonic blood. At least with her human parentage she will be able to have some empathy toward others, unlike most of my kind.”
Seiya said nothing for the rest of the night, in fact neither of them slept for the next couple of days. There was no explanation, they just didn’t sleep and it took it’s toll on Seiya as he had snapped at Rin for making a sarcastic remark, and Sesshomaru was no better as he’d been even more cruel to Jaken than he had been in awhile.
So 2 weeks passed with very little sleep, but some sleep was better than no sleep as Seiya and Sesshomaru landed outside the small house that was now Kagome’s and Inuyasha’s. Knocking on the door, the pair heard Inuyasha stumble toward the door and say, “You bastards better have an excellent reason for disturbing me.” Since, Kagome was gone, Inuyasha was staying in their house to make sure nothing happened while his mate worked. It strained their relationship a bit, but Kagome was working days and came back every night. Today she was off and by the looks of Inuyasha, they’d had a long night.
Keeping his eyes locked with his brother’s, Sesshomaru said, “We are to be at Orochi’s in four days time, and I ask that you escort us as a bodyguard.” Inuyasha could only stare at the pure blood in disbelief. He muttered things about his brother finally being too weak, or actually needing his help when he’d shunned him his whole life and now that he wanted help, he came begging. Aggravated by the arrogance his brother had, Sesshomaru unsheathed his blade and said, “They are threatening my mate, and our child. And if you care for your niece I suggest that you escort us for their sake not mine.”
The fact that his brother was threatening him was signal enough to tell Inuyasha that he was needed. And in typical Inuyasha fashion, he headed to his and Kagome’s room and said a few words to her before stepping out into the sunlight saying, “You take the skies, I take the ground and don’t hesitate to ask for help.” The half breed gave a small smirk as he said this and when they were finally on Ah-Un, they sped off in the direction of Orochi’s home where they would either stop the threats, or make an already volatile situation turn into nuclear explosion.