Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.

Chapter Seven: What Survival Means

Sesshomaru waited outside his father's chamber as the palace healers worked endlessly to save the great daiyokai's life. The younger daiyokai watched as his mother consoled Izayoi, who's self imposed guilt could practically be tasted by the yokai. Nearby his uncle leaned against the wall, a healer had removed the five arrows that he'd been shot with during the battle. His aunt and cousin sat talking about the battle, the wolf sitting not far away. Sesshomaru knew he'd need to speak with the wolf about his behavior around Moko.

Sesshomaru returned his attention to the door as it slid open and several healers exited. The palaces chief healer, a coyote yokai bowed to Sesshomaru's family, "My lords and ladies, I am happy to report the Lord of the West lives. He is very weak at this moment, but will soon recover." The coyote noticed Inuyasha squirming in his mother's arms, "Of course, the young lord. Lady Izayoi, I'll need to give the child a thorough examination. So we can be assured he has suffered no ill effects from the violence that surrounded he birth."

Izayoi cautiously handed the infant to the coyote. Who looked the child over and carefully with on claw drew out a single drop of blood then tasted it. After a moment the coyote nodded his head, "Everything seems to be in order…and I detect no defects." The coyote handed the infant back to his mother, and then looked Izayoi over, "Since you were wearing the robe of the fire rat, I'm sure you are in perfect health, but if you feel ill at all please summon myself or one of my subordinates."

Izayoi bowed her head to the yokai, who in turn turned his attention to the scarred daiyokai. The coyote glanced at the bandage around the Inuyokai's chest, "I have no doubt you've healed yourself my lord, though your personal history does throw a shadow of doubt on that assessment."

The scarred yokai snorted, "I'll heal in due time. Your concern is noted, but I'd prefer to know the exact state of my brother."

The coyote bowed, "Of course my lord." He moved so he could see all the Inuyokai in the hall, "My lord suffered some form of massive injury earlier yesterday. No doubt during his battle with the dragon Ryukotsusei. There are the obvious signs of my lord's brother's field medic treatments. I'm sure that without those treatments our lord would have succumbed to his wounds long before reaching the palace." The coyote turned his attention to Izayoi and the child, "Our lord also has numerous smaller wounds, which seemed to be caused by human weaponry."

Sesshomaru grunted, "How could this one's father be wounded by such weaklings?"

The coyote growled low, "Because some cowardly human shot him in the back. The arrow wedged itself between two vertebrae in his back, and slowed his reactions greatly."

Izayoi whispered, "Takemaru…"

Sesshomaru growled than turned to Izayoi, "Did that human harm you."

Izayoi bowed her head, "He did try to kill me lord, but your father saved me. He is no doubt dead now, so it should not matter anymore."

Inu no Taisho's mate nodded then stroked her clawed hand through the girl's hair, "True Izayoi, though now you need to rest. I will watch Inuyasha while you sleep."

As the two women left Inu no Taisho's brother ripped the bandages from his chest, "Sesshomaru, take your cousin and the wolf back to those ruins. Track down any remaining men from Takemaru's forces and drag them back here. If they resist you may kill them."

As he turned he noticed the eleven humans that had survived the assault on the manor, "You men are fee to return to your lord."

The lead guard bowed, "Actually my lord we are not. We must remain to protect Lady Izayoi, those are orders."

The scarred yokai grinned, "Loyalty is a very admirable trait." He turned to his sister, "Find these men some bunks in the barracks."

She nodded than led the humans away. Sesshomaru waited till they were gone than spoke, "What are you going to be doing uncle?"

Taking on a more regal stance the scarred yokai narrowed his eyes at his nephew, "I'm going to keep the vassals from tearing each other apart. With your father out of commission, they will be vying for dominance. Many of them know they are stronger than you, but as long as I make my presence known they will not challenge you."

Sesshomaru turned to leave, "That is also why you wish me to hunt these humans."

The scarred yokai chuckled, "You are quite right nephew."

Sesshomaru and his companions were gone for only a week. When they'd reached the ruins they'd noted the trapped spirit of Takemaru. Sesshomaru warned the younger two to ignore it and carry on with their mission. They discovered their targets in a valley near a small village. The samurai had been assaulting the village when two wrathful yokai and one angry hanyo tore through their ranks.

Only one of the soldiers had survived the confrontation. Sesshomaru had interrogated the human, and after assuring that all the enemies from the manor had been accounted for tossed the man aside, and left him for the villagers to deal with.

Sesshomaru's uncle had also had a productive week as he'd handled several fights among the vassals. Several vassals took advantage of the absence of their lord, and the weakened state of several tribes after the battle with Ryukotsusei. They were quickly corrected and returned to their places, usually with a large dose of violence.

As the sun set at the end of the first week of Inuyasha's life, his elder brother had opted to give the mother some time to rest, and took him from her room. Sesshomaru didn't really know where his feet were leading him as he frowned at the bundle in his arm, his free arm constantly ready in case of someone foolish enough to wish harm on the child. The infant slept calmly, though there was evidence that the child was in some form of discomfort.

As they passed one of the large windows Sesshomaru looked out on the moonless night. Feeling the child wiggle he looked down, and immediately noted the difference. Where only moments before the infant had silver hair and dog like ears, the ears were gone and his hair had turned black. Sesshomaru knew what had happened, and quickly concealing the infant under his mokomoko he dashed down the hall.

Now he knew where he was heading. The one room he knew no one would dare enter without permission. Sesshomaru entered and slid the door shut behind him. Turning immediately he saw the form of his father lying prone on the bed. He carefully stepped toward the bed. From this distance he could feel his father's power growing by the second. It would only be days till the great yokai would awaken.

Sesshomaru set the sleeping infant down on the bed in the space between his father's arm and torso. The younger daiyokai then moved about the room flaring his power, signaling to all that the area was off limits. He'd just about finished when his superior hearing picked up the sound of someone sniffling. He stepped to the armoire and opened the door. There was a surprised shout as he pulled a teenage human girl out. Holding her up by the collar of her shirt he snarled in outrage at the human.

After a moment she glared at him, "That's enough Sesshomaru, put me down."

Sesshomaru frowned, "Moko?"

She made the closest imitation of a growl, "Who else would call you by your name without using the title?"

Sesshomaru carefully set his cousin down still staring in confusion, "This is your human time?"

She nodded than approached the bundle, "Why do you have Inuyasha?"

Sesshomaru instinctively growled protectively as she pushed back the blanket to get a better view of the baby. He swallowed the growl as she jumped back with a gasp.

She frowned at him, "Apparently tonight is his human time as well."

Sesshomaru nodded then turned to her quizzically, "Why were you hiding here?"

She sat on the edge of the bed, "I don't really know…I guess it's just habit. When mom and I traveled around I usually hid under her mokomoko, or she'd take her true form and I'd hide under her. Her aura usually kept most aggressors away. When we came back here I usually stayed in my room, but sometimes if a lot of other daiyokai were around here I'd hide in your parent's armoire, or under our uncle's bed. He doesn't know I know, but do you know why our uncle never sleeps."

Sesshomaru scoffed, "Our uncle keeps most of his past a secret. This Sesshomaru only knows that which I know you know as well."

She glared at her cousin, "Sesshomaru, I really don't understand where you picked up your speaking habits, but you're very confusing."

Sesshomaru glared back, but didn't respond.

They remained quiet for the remainder of the night. Near morning Sesshomaru noticed his cousin begin to fidget. She then turned to him, "Um…you might want to pick up Inuyasha, and keep an eye on his transformation. Otherwise he might bite or scratch himself."

Sesshomaru picked his brother up just as the sun rose, and watched as his ears moved back up to their normal position. Using his own claws he kept the infant from biting or clawing himself. Sesshomaru turned to his cousin to notice she too had returned to her normal hanyo form.

They were both about to leave when they felt a sudden rise in Inu no Taisho's power. Both were frozen in their steps as they turned to see a visible aura around the yokai lord. Moko swallowed hard and turned to Sesshomaru, "I've never felt his power like this."

Sesshomaru looked down at Inuyasha who had woken and was just staring at him, "You feel father's power don't you little brother."

Of course there was no response from the infant, but Moko hid herself behind her cousin, "Why is uncle's power flaring so much?"

Sesshomaru lowered his head, "Because we moved away from him. His power is instinctively reacting to our presence. Especially Inuyasha's, since he is but a pup."

Moko frowned, "Sesshomaru, compared to your father, we're still pups."

Sesshomaru turned to her, "Exactly."

Moments later the coyote healer entered. He took a look at the three pups then moved over to Inu no Taisho. He examined the lord than moved back to the pups, "Considering he won't allow you three to leave, I'd suggest you get comfortable, I'll notify the rest of your family, and send a servant with food."

An hour later they were joined by the adult yokai and Izayoi. Izayoi retrieved her son, and was about to leave the room when the scarred yokai caught her attention, "It might be better if you both stay here. If that outburst this morning is any hint my brother will be awaking soon."

Izayoi bowed her head, "Um…my lord, I need to feed Inuyasha, and take care of his other needs."

The scarred yokai indicated a dressing screen in the corner of the room, "That will suffice for your needs, if you need any specific items a servant can bring them."

Izayoi bowed then moved behind the screen. While she was there the scarred yokai tensed as two familiar scents approached. He stood and walked to the door, "Sesshomaru, no one enters unless I allow them to understand."

Sesshomaru stood as he too recognized the approaching yokai.

The scarred one exited the room to find the leader of the thunder tribe and the leader of the southern wolf tribe walking towards him. As they spotted the daiyokai standing before them they stopped and bowed.

Snarling the scarred one flexed his claws, "What is your reason for entering the private chambers?"

The thunder tribe leader stood erect and spoke, "My lord, I and my fellow merely come to insure our lord's recovery is coming along."

The wolf then continued, "We've also heard word that our lord has had a hanyo son recently…we've come to verify those rumors."

Maintaining his rigid stance the scarred yokai growled as he spoke, "What action would you take if such claims were true?"

This time the wolf answered first, "If it is true, then certain precautions must be made for the child's safety. Not all will be as understanding or tolerant of such a child."

The thunder tribe leader smirked, "I for one know that these rumors are true, and in the memory of my fallen tribe member who died for this child, I cannot allow any harm to befall the child."

The wolf glared at the thunder yokai, "How did you know of the child?"

Thunder shrugged, "A hanyo member of my tribe was the stepbrother to the child's mother. As I said before, he died in an attempt to protect the mother and unborn child. It was for that reasons alone that I refused to allow him to be revived. He died to accomplish such a noble act; I couldn't deny him the honor he gained from his actions."

The scarred yokai nodded, "You may enter, but any hostility and I will end you both before you even twitch a muscle."

The three yokai entered and the two vassals bowed. The thunder yokai stepped toward the bed, and knelt, "My lord, my tribe failed you, we allowed a measly human to best us."

The wolf looked around the room then his good eye landed on a human girl holding a bundle. The wolf approached carefully, mindful of the more powerful yokai poised to strike. Sniffing frowning he turned to look at Moko, "Apparently you Inuhanyo don't very in appearance much do you."

Moko snorted, "At least he smells better than you."

The wolf yokai chuckled, "True, but I can still walk through a human village without drawing attention to myself."

Moko's ears went back and the wolf immediately backed up, and placed his hands up in a placating manner. The thunder yokai chuckled, "Well, at least she can easily warn you when you've gone too far."

The wolf leader sent a sharp look to the thunder leader. Then Sesshomaru growled, "This Sesshomaru believes his uncle warned you two about hostility."

Both yokai bowed submissively to the heir of the Western Lands. After several minutes of silence several servants entered with food for the occupants. They ate in silence then after everyone had finished and the servants cleared away the dishes the wolf spoke to Izayoi, "My own cub is not much older than this pup. Once our lord has recovered, and they've grown up a bit, we could arrange for them to meet. It would be good for both of them to have a friend their own ages."

The thunder yokai coughed to draw attention to him, "Well, my own sons aren't much older, and I feel they would be of better influence on the boy than your runt of an offspring."

As the two yokai began to snarl at one another Izayoi spoke up, "It will be my lord's decision on which yokai of his age he associates with. There is no reason for you two to fight over this."

The other occupants of the room were quite surprised that the young human had enough courage to speak such to two daiyokai. Both of them allowed the momentary shock to melt away to humored expressions.

It was several hours later, and after the departure of the wolf and thunder yokai, that Inu no Taisho finale stirred. The great yokai flared his power though this time it was more controlled and signaled the yokai and hanyo in the room to his waking. He sat up suddenly which shocked Izayoi, but the other occupants were unfazed.

He looked around then noticed his brother, "I take it I owe you for my miraculous survival."

His brother sneered, "How about we just call it even…"

Inu no Taisho snorted, "Yeah, like I'd be stupid enough to liken the two situation enough to call it even." He then turned to see his mate and mistress. He bowed to them, "My ladies…how are my sons."

His mate giggled, "Well, we don't have to worry about memory loss. Sesshomaru is old enough to report his status to you himself. I'll allow Lady Izayoi to report on her own son."

The yokai lord turned his gaze on Izayoi, who still held Inuyasha. She bowed toward the lord, "It is pleasing to see you well again my lord. I apologize for causing you such trouble…"

Inu no Taisho raised a hand to silence her, and then motioned her to come closer. She stepped up to the bed, then with some coaxing sat on the edge next to Inu no Taisho. He placed his hand gently on her face, and held her gaze, "You have nothing to apologize for. It was not your fault that that samurai was obsessed by you, obsession is a fatal flaw, that even we yokai are not free of. If Inuyasha had not called out when he did, I may not have arrived in time to save either of you." He looked down at the small infant in the human's arms, "In fact I should be thanking you for giving me a healthy son."

Sesshomaru stepped forward, "Father…This Sesshomaru knows Inuyasha's time of weakness…This Sesshomaru will take responsibility for his protection at that time."

Inu no Taisho frowned at his son, "I will not place that responsibility on your shoulders alone, but until it comes again you will keep it to yourself, so that no one else outside our family knows of it."

Moko and her mother shared a silent conversation which went unnoticed by the others.

Months later Izayoi was walked across the plaza when one of her human guards approached her. He was the man who preferred wielding duel swords. He stopped at a respectful distance, "My lady…I have a request."

Izayoi smiled at the man, "You may speak."

The man bowed his head, "I have spoken with the yokai who is your son's uncle…he praised my skills with the blade and suggested I take my skills to the yokai exterminator's village. Apparently they lost many brave warriors when that dragon attacked nearly a year ago."

Izayoi looked thoughtful, "You are requesting permission to leave my service to become an exterminator."

The man nodded, "There are many exterminators who serve as guards here. I don't think I can properly protect you or your son with my current skills. Once I've trained I will request to be assigned here, then I will take up my duties as your protector."

Izayoi smiled, "You have my permission to undertake this training…though, what about your subordinates?"

The man knelt, "They will do their best to guard you my lady, but truthfully we are not your strongest protectors. They have agreed to accept Kage as their commander until my return. Also you have several Inuyokai who act as guards as well. Lord Inuyasha will be well protected my lady."

Izayoi nodded, "Train hard my friend, and do not bring shame to either my stepfather's court or the court of the Lord of the West."

The man bowed again then departed to prepare for his journey. Izayoi was alone for only a moment as Sesshomaru appeared carrying Inuyasha, "Lady Izayoi?"

Izayoi turned and smiled at Sesshomaru, "Lord, how may I be of service?"

Sesshomaru held Inuyasha out to her, "This Sesshomaru's brother needs feeding."

Izayoi nodded than took the child from the daiyokai and walked back toward the palace.

As Izayoi left the plaza Sesshomaru sniffed the air. He snarled and turned as three wolves appeared before him. They all knelt before the daiyokai the leader spoke, "Lord Sesshomaru, we've been sent from the southern tribe…"

Sesshomaru growled, "Take your missive to this one's father." The wolves nodded than rushed toward the palace. Sesshomaru stood in the plaza for several minutes then entered the palace.

Far from the palace in a cave deep in the forest a group of yokai gathered around a fire. The most powerful yokai in the group glared at his comrades. After a few minutes of glare he spoke, "It's bad enough that that bleeding heart Inu no Taisho has placed laws against our very nature. He protects humans as though they actually deserve to live…and now he even has produced an abomination."

One of the lesser members of the group a lizard yokai hissed, "He even protects the abomination's mother…"

The leader growled, "He's a weak, we could easily strike and dispose of him and that abomination."

Another member of the group a rat yokai shook his head, "That would not be prudent…his supporters are many, and they have reinforced the palaces guard. The thunder tribe is practically living there since Ryukotsusei attacked them. Also, my informants tell me the wolves have tightened their positions to be closer to the palace."

A fourth member a kappa yokai shook, "My contacts have revealed that his lordship has recovered from his wounds, and Lord Sesshomaru is not usually far from the brat. We'll need to plan better and wait till they get complacent."

The leader smiled evilly, "We can wait we have all the time in the world."

End Chapter Seven

A/N: Ok, first the question then some info. There are four named characters from the canon story mentioned in this chapter, and only one is mentioned in that last section. Can you guess who they are? They will be revealed by name in the next chapter.

Ok next chapter will be another little time jump. So I figured I'd give some pre jump ages.

Characters in order of age: Any yokai not listed are comparable in age to those they interact with most. Most vassals are close to Inu no Taisho's age or that of his siblings. Most guards are of equivalent age to Sesshomaru or Kage. Some yokai are older than Inu no Taisho.

Inu no Taisho (approximately 800 years, it'll be explained more in future chapters.)

His Brother (approximately 790 years, again it'll be explained later.)

His Sister (approximately 700 years, you guessed it.)

Sesshomaru's Mom (around 500 years)

Sesshomaru (200 years)

Kage (150)

Moko (150, same age Inuyasha was when he was sealed to the tree, physically similar, just female.)

Duel Swordsman (23, didn't see that coming did you.)

Takemaru (19)

Izayoi (between 15 and 16, yeah she's young, but in regards to the time period it would actually be quite normal)

Inuyasha (12 hours old at beginning of chapter, about 10 months at end of chapter)