InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Inutaisho Legacy ❯ Prelude to an Attack ( Chapter 16 )

A couple of strange things have happened since the last update. My account at FF.net was callously deleted without warning. So adult fanfiction will get my Inuyasha fanfictions. All of those kind people on that site, I hope they make it to the Dark side of the Fanfiction Guilds. My stories are waiting.

I wanted to post by this weekend as I have a small trip to conduct. More money out of this inu's pocket, and more of a headache I hope not. Last `business' trip I took, I was so stressed out, I couldn't move my neck. I need a personal masseuse. (will take a free massage if anyone would be glad to give one. I am the Backrub Whore of Yash Fandom)

 

Kudos to InuSkye for her fleshing out plot points I elaborate details on. If it weren't for her, this fic would have died a long time ago.

Ashley gets full kudos for Yash's monologue in the opening scene. That came from her brain and she was kind enough to let me use it. May her zest for living ever appeal to me.

 

Honored place for Reviewers at Adult FF.net:

 

Havkgrl, thanks for posting! Hope to see you here more often ^_^

 

Sal, well some filler, but some pointer to having a plot hopefully. Wait did that make any sense? No! :P Hope you enjoy it. Our favorite bastard is back.

Inusyke, even for disappearing on me for half the week. She supplied the plot, I deliver it.

 

Krystalyzd, my Inutaro artist! I'm glad you're finding me on the AFF site. FF was not fair at all, so they don't' get my Yashigoodness.

 

Simonkal of Inuy, same for one of my favorites from the `other site'! I'm glad you can find me here on the dark site.

 

Inugrrl who deserves two rounds of applause for her long as hell reviews that make me lol to my heart's desire! Spread the crazy inu love some more, you know you want to.

 

And my favorite Syko! I get excited whenever I see your name.

 

 

Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own Inuyasha, nor is making any money off of this. Does claim to be inu however.

 

“The Inutaisho Legacy” chapter sixteen

Prelude to an Attack

 

It was easy to mistake a place as being safe when another held so many open and not so open dangers. There were no visible youkai that prowled around Tokyo with their looks unguarded. No intrigues from a foreign demon court and certainly no open danger to children, quarter inu or not.

Kagome had been walking to the corner store in her pajamas and a coat for years. The neighborhood was a safe one in this district of the major city after all.

 

So it was a shock when a strange man walked into the Higurashi family room.

 

The homey room was dimly lit and comfortable. Kagome leaned back in the corner of the couch, cradling Inutaro. He had just nodded off to sleep after his formula and a try at a jar of squash baby food. Her son hadn't liked that new adventure, and most of it had wound up in his hair and across his face. Inutaro HAD enjoyed the effort his mother put into cleaning him off though.

Kagome smoothed a finger through her son's damp hair and massaged his ears. Inutaro twitched them in his sleep and sighed, snuggling closer to his mother's heart. His cheek pressed against the curve of her breast and Kagome smiled. Her heart throbbed in time to her son's breathy snores. One of his hands pressed against her breast as he stretched his feet out.

 

Kagome remembered thinking that she should get up to put him in his crib upstairs, but she had wanted to watch him a moment longer.

And then the man was standing there in the doorway. He was filthy and smelled of cheap beer, his boots tracking mud on the clean mats, Kagome noticed with an absurd moment of horror. She'd have to clean it up later. Then her brain registered that she did not know this person who dared walk into her home.

 

“What are you doing in here?” she said lowly, foolishly quieting for the sake of the baby. Inutaro slept on.

The man lurched forward, scratching at unwashed hair. His eyes were blood-shot and he mumbled his response. Kagome knew then he was drunk.

 

“Was laid off today. You got any money? I need it. Give me all of your money,” he muttered. His eyes darted around, and not seeing anyone, chose not to leave.

Kagome shifted Inutaro to her shoulder and frowned.

 

“We don't have anything. Leave my house before my husband comes home.” Oohh, way to go, Kagome, threaten him with an empty house! Souta was sleeping over at a friend's house, Jii-chan was in the feudal past with Kaede, and Mom was visiting a friend. Why oh why did Inuyasha have to leap down the Well so suddenly earlier? Kagome was well and truly alone, and her statement had merit.

 

The man snorted and scratched the side of his jaw. “So whut? Gimme the money, I got kids too.”

Inutaro opened his mouth against the fabric of Kagome's nightgown and yawned widely.

 

“Just leave,” Kagome tried a calmer approach. She kissed Inutaro's hair, his sweet baby scent anchoring her appealing serenity. “No one will hurt you, if you just turn around and…”

 

“I said NO, bitch!” The man grabbed Kagome's arm with one shaky hand. The instant he made contact, Inutaro woke and wailed and Kagome's heart stopped.

 

Five hundred years in the past, Inuyasha jerked his head around. He flung blood from Tetsusaiga's edge with one practiced movement and resheathed the fang.

“What is it, Inuyasha?” Sesshomaru asked. His claws glistened with gore and entrails, but you would never noticed it from the pristine appearance of his white garments. The inu lord's hair bannered down almost to his feet like a silvery cloak of stars.

 

“Hrrrrrm,” Inuyasha muttered and darted off, faster than Sesshomaru had ever seen him go. “I'll be back later,” were all the hissing words the Lord of the Western Lands was able to snatch from the wind.

 

Sesshomaru washed his claws off in a running stream and sprang off over the treetops. The mangled body of Lord Mitaka clawed beseechingly for his Lord's favor. Sesshomaru let him lie where he was for the worms to eat.

 

Kagome screamed as she was flung to her feet, Inutaro crying. The man winced and shook Kagome harshly. Her teeth rattled together.

“Shut up! Just shut up! And shut that kid up!” the man shouted, one who had professed to have children also, and pulled something from his tool belt. Kagome's heart seized as the utility knife was snapped out.

 

She dimly heard the Well House doors slam open off the hinges and two full seconds later, a red and white blur wrenched through the kitchen and into the family room. The man's eyes bulged out comically as he was lifted off the ground by one clawed hand. His filthy boots scraped at the floor. Kagome jerked away, and cradled Inutaro close. He hung over Kagome's shoulder and wailed, a high-pitched siren.

 

Inuyasha growled, his eyes turning red as he held the would-be burglar easily with five claws. “What are you doing to my MATE? Get out!”

Powerful words spoken in rage. The man gagged and breathed in blessed relief as Inuyasha let his throat go with one look at his wife.

Then Inuyasha slammed him into the ground.

 

Inutaro continued wailing and Kagome cradled the back of his head, trying to turn him from seeing.

“Inuyasha! I'm okay! Inuyasha!”

 

The red from Inuyasha's eyes clouded over back to his normal golden hue. He favored his wife with one long look and slammed the drunk's head into the floor one last time. The tatami mats cracked and the figure left a dent as he laid there, one leg twitching.

 

Kagome feared he was dead until she heard his groans of pain. Inuyasha rose to his full height, his being radiating impressive security.

She breathed a silent sigh of relief and turned her face into Inuyasha's shoulder.

 

Inuyasha's hands held Kagome, and Inutaro. He kissed the top of her head and listened to her sniff with barely suppressed fear. His hands tightened, securing his family in his strong arms.

 

“Are you alright?” he asked gruffly and now worry tinged the golden irises of his eyes. Kagome nodded, trying to smile. Inutaro hiccupped.

“Yes! You came just in time. We left the door unlocked like always. The shrine's always been safe!”

 

Inuyasha rocked Kagome softly, murmuring a sweet response. Then he sighed. “Well he was human, that's why it was safe for him. Kaede knows how to set a youkai ward, but you can't stop when humans listen to their dark sides.”

 

Kagome sniffed. “You're half human, Inuyasha, don't say `humans' like that.”

 

Inuyasha smiled and held her close. “I'm sorry. What do we do with him? Give him to your elders?”

 

“I'll call them.” The police, that was. “He's not…. going to get up, is he?”

 

“Fat chance of THAT, Kagome. I held a lot back, but he's really out of it.”

 

Inuyasha tore off the man's plaid jacket off his back and strip tied him up on the floor. Kagome balanced Inutaro on her hip and picked up the phone. Inuyasha sat on the man's bony legs and regarded his family.

Happiness comes and happiness goes but true love comes only once. Many are lucky and many are not. Some want more than what they see in front of them….

`And as I continue, life in this story becomes intense and it seems that love grows as slowly as it ever has before. We are one with one another, but when apart are two whole different people with their own strengths.'

There was a secret within his heart and soul that Kagome had seen, and she had grasped his heart and showed him things Inuyasha would have thought impossible for a hanyou like him. Every time he saw her face, he glowed brightly and the feeling of being alone was erased with her smile and his son's babbles.

Now all this time his heart yearned for someone than his past life. And he was reciprocated and cradled, safe in love given freely. Inuyasha was whole and not a half of anything. Kagome made him whole and he would fight always to keep her at his side….

 

“The police are coming! Inuyasha, what are you staring at?” Kagome asked, curiously. Inuyasha smiled.

“I'm looking at you.”

 

Kagome smiled. “Well that's good and all but…. could you get off that poor man? You've given him enough aches!”

 

The man opened one eye, his beard rasping against the ruined mats. He struggled against the bonds his jacket made and gave it up for a futile effort. “I `pologize….”

 

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!”

 

* * * *

 

Kaede knelt opposite the thirteen-year old girl and watched her concentrate on her wards. The young girl had had her first moon's blood and had been hand picked by the old priestess when she had asked the village elders for girls with aptitude for the spiritual training. The title of village priestess came with iron discipline and a life of solitude. No marriage, no children, just the protection of the village and Inuyasha's Forest.

Tamori had been chosen along with four others for consideration. Kaede had thought hard on all of them, but chose her first instinct. Tamori's eyes held a certain determination that Kaede was sure would indicate an inclination toward discipline. She was succeeding at learning spells and sutras under old Kaede's tutelage, and would slowly come into her own niche.

 

Kaede was certain. She restrung her bow's string as she carefully instructed her young ward. Tamori's hard eyes settled down on the characters she carefully stroked with just the right amount of ink. She waved the brush with one deft movement down the paper. The character seemed to form itself on the parchment.

 

“I've written the characters, Kaede-san. What do I do next?” she asked. Kaede smiled softly. Tamori was very young, but she was ready for each task Kaede set before her to learn. The village would be in good hands when Kaede's days on this realm of existence was over.

 

“Why, you infuse the character with the will for its intended use.”

 

Tamori's eyebrow raised. “I'm certain I'll understand once I try it.”

 

Kaede helped her learn how to separate the energies to thrust into the character, and watched Tamori furrow her brow. `Protection' was sent into the character and the slip of paper stiffened the girl's hand. She looked pleased but confused.

 

“What do I do with it now?” she asked, not wanting to let the ward go to waste. Kaede laughed.

“Find a place that needs protecting.”

 

Tamori's eyes lit up eagerly. “Can I put it on my mama and papa's hut?” she asked. Kaede nodded.

“Go infuse them for protection. We'll continue once you return,” she suggested. Tamori stood, and bowed, rushing off in her red and white aide's robes. Kaede checked the fletching on a few arrows idly and listened to the casual sounds of bugs and creatures in the nearby forest. The villagers, her erstwhile children, conversed and sang as they farmed, chopped wood and went about other chores. All sounds were pleasing to the old woman's ears and she sighed, content that her arrows were perfect as always.

 

“Youkai! Youkai! Demon, begone! Why won't you depart this realm??”

Kaede laughed and opened her eyes, turning on her knees. Ryosuke who was not used to any open youkai in his own world, went positively nuts over the smallest examples, whether it be insect demon or flying squirrel demon. He had to understand that his strength was not in exorcism. Especially when each creature, small or big and no threat to this area, could fight back.

Ryosuke was currently running away from an irate badger youkai at full speed, the wide priest's hakama flapping with his frenetic movements. The badger chattered somewhat intelligently at him and stalked off, its tail held high in the air.

 

Ryosuke plopped down across his companion and smiled sheepishly.

Kaede smoothed her robes. “Ryosuke-san, that badger and I have been friends for years. Not every youkai we see is bad. Your own grandson-in-law is a prime example.”

 

Ryosuke winced and rubbed his neck. “My apologies, Kaede! I am unused to so many distractions before me. I shouldn't overstep my boundaries, should I?”

Kaede smiled and put her hand over his. Ryosuke's somewhat thick neck reddened carefully and he stammered under his breath.

 

“I could say the same of your world, my dear! I find mine own home to be far less distracting.”

 

“It's quieter, for one thing,” Ryosuke commented, sniffing at the clean air. Kaede patted his hands, twisting veins visible beneath the cracked flesh. They were beautiful hands to the great-grandfather and he held them between his own gnarled fingers.

 

“It is! Oh, my darling is returning,” Kaede commented. Tamori dashed up with all the sure speed of her youth and bowed formally before the priest and priestess. Ryosuke cleared his throat and went for the stern approach.

“You were ready for your next lesson?” he asked gruffly. Tamori almost jumped, and bowed low at the waist once more.

 

“I was, honorable houshi-sama. My lady priestess, Kaede-san, where shall we go next?” Tamori asked, her voice low and carefully pitched. Ryosuke felt a twinge of pride. His own Kagome was as dedicated, and he knew his Kaede had made a good decision with this young woman!

 

Kaede grunted and gestured to the arrows. “We will be starting archery. How strong are you, my dear?”

Both elderly watched the young girl, her slim arms uncorded with muscle, try to pull the heavy string.

 

“Practice pulling the string. When you can pull it completely back to your ear, then we will fit an arrow for targeting.”

Tamori bit her lower lip and pulled hard on the string. She practiced for hours until her arms felt like lead. Kaede was satisfied with her dedication.

 

* * * *

 

Shippou washed and rewashed his futon in the village stream. Hida had come down even harder, stressed out beyond the Seventh Hell now that his eldest daughter's wedding was so close at hand. So Shippou was hard pressed to clean, reclean, and scrub even cleaner his hut and property. Kyoko wasn't helping with her sneaking over, and making the futon (ahem) used and spotted with fluid.

 

Shippou tried his hardest to hold back his passions but his fiancée was a wily woman, and wriggled her way into his arms and into his hakama. Although those stolen moments late at night stretched muscles in the worst way, they were moments to be looked forward to, because the rest of the family was not brought into their bed. The night was for Kyoko and Shippou alone, and the day was for chaos, for wedding chores and preparations, loud lectures from Hida, quiet suggestions from Kyoko's mother, for visits from Sango and Miroku's family, and tracking down younger sisters who shirked their roles in preparations.

 

Akane and Satsuki stole moments from the day to spend time with their chosen hunters, and Daisuke and Shun were all the more blessed for their companionship. Miroku sidled up to his employees and slyly asked what kind of work they had gotten into since he had sent them here.

 

Shippou slung the wet futon over his shoulder, dampening half his fox fur vest and haori. He hefted it back to the clothesline tied up to the edge of his hut and to a tree, and slung the heavy bedding over the rope. Shippou grunted, and tilted his head back at the sky, stretching his aching back.

 

Sango carried Nozomi in one slim arm, Souta clutching her hakama leg with both arms and feet. His mother easily carried him along in her easy stride. Shippou watched him work his lower lip in easy grins as he was lifted and carried with each step.

 

“How goes it?” Shippou asked in greeting. Sango leaned down to sit on a bare tree stump in the kitsune's property. Souta unwound his arms and legs and bounded forward to hug Shippou's knees. The fox smiled and rubbed the top of the boy's dark head.

 

“Just wanted to see how you were doing. Hida-san seems to be riding you hard,” Sango commented. She looked a very fierce mother in her hunter's haori and hakama, her katana slung through the ties at her waist. Her hair was pulled back in a low tail giving her a softer look to belie the exterminator's harsh edge.

Nozomi wriggled in her mother's arms and grinned toothlessly at Shippou. Shippou leaned down to pick up the boy hunter and scratched his round ears idly. Souta panted like a puppy.

 

“Oh, he's just concerned for his daughter. Kyoko just wants us to be married so she can be with me all the time. When we're married, we won't tire of each other will we?” Shippou asked with worry. He couldn't imagine not wanting her near him at all times, but sometimes she just tired him out the past few nights.

Sango laughed. “You may after a time! I remember the first argument Miroku and I had after our marriage. I thought he didn't want to be near me every again. But you know Miroku, he can't be too long without me. We apologized at sunset.”

 

Shippou listened nervously, a bead of sweat dripping from his temple. “She has a fierce temper sometimes. She just hasn't directed it at me, yet.”

“You'll be fine, Shippou. Just know what you love about her and work on every angle if something goes wrong.”

 

Shippou kissed Souta's head and tossed him in the air half a foot. “I don't know, Sango, but I'll remember what you said!”

 

“Mama!” Souta shouted, laughing breathlessly. Sango rocked Nozomi, who looked around for her brother's calls.

 

“Oh, you can handle it, poppet, you're my little hunter.”

 

* * * *

 

“I still don't see why you're first, and I'm second,” the bull youkai complained. Takaharu grinned at him, his teeth perfectly immaculate and sharp. The bull started to wonder how long the mountain inu took to polish off such an impertinent smile. It made him want to claw the look from his face.

 

“It merely is a matter of perspective, Yurishiro-san. Aren't we all equals? Don't we all want the same things?” Takaharu suggested. The aforementioned bull, Yurishiro, noticed how his chin goatee pulled at the angles of his face, making his jaw appear to plummet to the ground. The silvery sheen to the triangle of a beard made him dizzy. Did he polish that as well as his smile?

 

“So we're just going to straight out attack? His Lordship is a formidable warrior, and a worse enemy to be had. We'll be marked and hunted for slaughter. Worse, his half brother is stronger than you would think. They both wield their father's fangs and have reconciled. Surely even you, oh fearless leader, can see the fault of your plan when it is Sesshomaru and Inuyasha to be faced.” Yurishiro spoke his comrade's fears and concerns plainly, not even bothering to sugar his words as the inu lordling always did.

 

Takaharu almost seemed to leer with a doggish grin on his face as he took in his second's words. Yurishiro was sure he seemed to enjoy these word games!

“I sincerely hope so, Yurishiro-san. We're all in this to the end, but I don't think you have to worry as you seem to be.”

Yurishiro took that as a barb meant to mock his bravery. His nostrils flared as he grit his teeth.

 

“This blade will see us through.” Takaharu patted the hilt of the mean-looking sheathe tucked through his sash. “The Lord of the Western Lands is not the only one to have a strong blade forged that thirsts for blood….”

 

* * * *

 

The days were tight with anxiety. Inuyasha had returned once more to the Inu palace with his family, the three of them having traveled at dawn to take full advantage of the most sunlight they could. Sesshomaru's armed guards had been ordered to watch for his half brother at all times, and had escorted them the last mile to the gates.

Kagome wasn't sure if half of these youkai wielding naginata and yari were inclined to give a fig about their well-being, partial youkai and human alike. But they seemed to be loyal to Sesshomaru, and it seemed the fear of going against direct orders kept them well protected for the time being.

 

When Kagome stepped through the gates holding Inutaro, she breathed a sigh of relief as Sesshomaru and Rin greeted them in the courtyard. The figures of pale and dark, yin and yang in their difference yet intimate all at once, were a welcome sight. Kagome knew they were safe once Sesshomaru spoke his first greeting.

 

Still the days passed shortly, with grave unease passed between the family members. Kagome was sorry she could not help Rin further, as their biggest fear was the preservation of the immediate family.

 

Other lords of Sesshomaru's regime, powerful or low in status, cropped small rebellions that were ridiculously easy to snuff out. Inuyasha was at his half brother's side, wielding Tetsusaiga readily with sure conviction. Sesshomaru was pleased Inuyasha helped him battle the lordlings large and small. He wasn't sure if his half brother knew it or not, but merely being by his side wielding Father's Fang told the entire island of Inuyasha's pledge of allegiance to the Western Lands.

 

Lord Mitaka had been the first, and foolishly acted alone for romantic reasons of chivalry and fair play. He had been formidable so the two brothers had attacked as one unit. Sesshomaru smugly thought that there went that generous notion of his old Lord's, who had died with an expression of shock across his face.

 

And now was the business of the northern mountain inu getting lofty ideas about his position. It would serve to remind this lordling Takaharu, that this Sesshomaru of the Western Lands ruled the Inu Place of the West, not Takaharu. Sesshomaru flexed his claws at his side, imagining ripping out that slender throat. How nice an image that would make. It certainly looked nice in his head. If this Sesshomaru wasn't wrong, he would almost think that Takaharu had something to do with the attempts to kidnap his heir.

 

And while Rin could not conceive yet, Inutaro WAS his heir in every way. He had even been brought to the Inu shrine deep in the mountain palace and had been received well by the ancestors. Sesshomaru would just have to foster him full-time at his palace to teach him all he would need to know. Crawling under the table to wrestle with this Sesshomaru's leg was not a regal way to act.

 

Sesshomaru and Inuyasha paced the palace together, searching for any signs of weakness in the Lord's domain. They were certain the attacks originated from an inside source, and worked together on the staff, the guards, and the dignitaries. Some were questioned, others merely weren't so lucky. Lordlings were maimed or destroyed depending on the extent of their treason. Inuyasha could only reflect he was doing this for the safety of his family.

 

They paced side by side, similar in looks but vastly differently clothed. Sesshomaru wore the trappings and kimono of a youkai lord, his feet encased in boots. Tenseiga's hilt thrust from his sash, crossed with Tokujin's. Inuyasha wore the red fire rat's robe and hakama similar in appearance to shrine practitioners. Had one not known the origin of creature that made his garment, they would have thought him a priestess' whelp. He even went barefoot. Tetsusaiga was his only regal prop, a partner to Tenseiga. It held all the royal look he needed.

“Sesshomaru-sama! Inuyasha-sama!” a familiar voice squawked.

 

Both brothers stopped as one. They turned to regard Jaken, running up and plainly out of breath. He panted at their feet.

“What is it, Jaken?” Sesshomaru murmured. Inuyasha could only think how good the `sama' suffix sounded linked to his name. Jaken leaned against the Staff of Heads, wheezing.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama! One of your guards has seen a troop of youkai hiding in the woods. He had been hunting and snuck up almost on them. That Takaharu…” Jaken made the name sound a curse. “…was seen with them!”

 

Sesshomaru and Inuyasha looked to each other. “Why am I not surprised?” Inuyasha muttered. Sesshomaru growled.

 

“What shall we do, Sesshomaru-sama??” Jaken begged. Sesshomaru barked commands to round up the guards and soldiers. Inuyasha asked leave to prepare himself. His bare feet strode over the wooden planks and soon he was at the hall with the scrolls of his father. He stopped before the Lord's portrait, reposed and ready for battle. Inuyasha tapped one bare heel on the floor and sighed. He studied his father's strength, and saw warmth in his golden eyes. A weakness for his family. Inuyasha could only thank him that he did have that weakness that got him murdered at a youkai's young age. It ensured his own survival.

Inuyasha tapped the hilt of Tetsusaiga

 

“Father… you gave your life to protect Mother and me. I will do the same for Kagome and for Inutaro but Father please…. Please watch over me. Watch over me so they do not have to be alone as I was.”

 

* * * *

 

When Inuyasha joined his brother and armed forces at the front of the palace, Rin and Kagome were waiting as well. The thirty some odd youkai massed outside the palace gates didn't look to be that much of a threat, but it was all about intent of purpose. They meant to attack the Lord of the Western Lands and such treason would not be tolerated.

 

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru peered down over the top of the gates. Takaharu appeared to be addressing his troops. Sesshomaru sighed as he noticed a few faces.

“Yurishiro. I should have known.” He made a mental note to make his death a painful one.

 

“I don't trust half of who you have to deal with already, Sesshomaru,” Inuyasha offered. Sesshomaru did not deign to answer.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru!” Takaharu waved one long arm up at the gates. Inuyasha frowned and rested his hand on Tetsusaiga's hilt.

“He's talking to you, Sesshomaru.”

 

“I know that, brother.” If looks could kill, Takaharu would be a smoldering ember on the ground. Fire seemed to crackle from Sesshomaru's usually frozen gaze.

 

“Sesshomaru! My lord, would you spare a moment?” Takaharu oozed with insubordination.

 

“This Sesshomaru can parley easily from where he stands,” Sesshomaru shot back.

 

“You're wondering why we're here, no doubt.”

 

“The thought did cross this Sesshomaru's mind.”

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. The mountain inu's next words got his attention right quick however.

 

“We require the humans. The woman seen with your half-brother. Your half-brother, the disgrace of the Inutaisho's rule. Their child, the abomination allowed to inherit. The whore you yourself took to wife. Hand them all over and you can rule your house into the dirt.”

 

Inuyasha seethed with a mounting fire and almost went over the gates in a blind rage. Sesshomaru's hand latched onto his shoulder. His own eyes blazed with an unholy light, cracking the icy exterior.

“Don't. He wants you to act foolishly,” he murmured. Inuyasha growled with displeasure.

“He insults your own mate!” Rin didn't deserve that, not by a long shot. Far be it what was said about his Kagome. Inuyasha would force him to retract that comment at leisure.

 

“And we will handle words spoken without thought in due time,” Sesshomaru growled.

“This Sesshomaru asks if you act under any of the Lord's authority, or merely your own,” Sesshomaru asked over the side.

 

“Does this Takaharu require the aide of that foolish Mitaka or any of the others?” Takaharu etched a mocking bow.

 

“That fool has made his last idiotic statement,” Sesshomaru promised his brother. Over the gate he gave his parting sentiment.

 

“Then answer to the Lord of the Western Lands. We will deal with your comrades in due time,” Sesshomaru promised. Takaharu waved, unworried.

 

“He called our families whores!” Inuyasha raged. Sesshomaru grabbed his arm and jerked him away from the gates. Only Rin had been called a whore, truly, but Inuyasha was in a foul mood from the exchange.

 

“Calm down, brother, you are also image to the Western Lands,” Sesshomaru growled. He pushed Inuyasha's shoulder gently and they walked to their mates.

 

Kagome held Inutaro in her arms, her eyes wide with worry. “Inuyasha, what was that? Who's attacking this time?”

 

Rin looked up into her lord's eyes and the two shared a quiet exchange.

 

Inuyasha smiled sadly and rubbed the top of his son's head. “Don't worry, Kagome. I will protect you and Inutaro. No harm will come to you both.”

 

Rin stood on her tiptoes, her ear near Sesshomaru's lips. He bent down to reach her. The words softly spoken for her ear alone caused tears to form and course down her cheeks in silent streams. She closed her eyes, the wet moisture leaking around her eyelids. Sesshomaru turned his wide back to his guards and held her in his arm.

 

Kagome looked nervously to Sesshomaru. Rin was crying. What was happening, what did this mean? She would…. nothing would happen to Inuyasha, would it?

“Inuyasha, tell me what is going on,” she asked fearfully. She clutched his sleeve imploringly. Inuyasha touched her chin and kissed her shortly. Passion was put into that small pressing of lips and Kagome's eyes glazed shut. Inutaro squealed and patted a fist against Inuyasha's chest.

 

“Peh!” he panted, eyes inquisitive to the serious exchange between his parents. Inuyasha watched him sadly, his plea to his father fresh in his mind. He tickled his pup's ears and kissed him.

 

“We'll sort these morons out. Wait for me, wife,” Inuyasha said softly. Kagome nodded, her eyes livid with fear. When he stepped from her side, she felt cold.

 

Rin watched her Lord rally his soldiers with sharp commands and cool gazes. `This Sesshomaru will protect you,' he had said. She did not doubt her Lord's prowess at battle, or his ability to govern his dignitaries. She only feared those who did not love him would do harm if allied together.

And that seemed to be what was happening outside the palace gates.

 

Inuyasha stood at Sesshomaru's side.

 

“Open the gates,” Sesshomaru ordered. Their hearts slowed with anticipation as the heavy wooden doors lurched open.

~~~~~~~~~

 

End for now

The drunk's last line was taken directly from a Dead Wood episode. Also the response to that remark was borrowed with loving care. I do not own the hilarity of that drunken exchange, Dead Wood does.

Tamori was a name used solely because of Legend of the Five Rings. Tamori is a family name for shugenjas or magic users in the Dragon Clan.

Like it? Hate it? Battle coming soon!

 

Most sincerely yours, penpaninu 2/06/06