Thank you to all that reviewed. Sorry to have left it like that last time (he, he . . . not really :-). We'll see what you all think about this one. We finally get Sesshomaru's "response" to the whole situation and I think it's a response that surprises even him. This chapter is going up earlier than usual because once again, I have to go somewhere tonight. Somehow my days off aren't nearly as relaxing as I wish they were.

Chapter 7 . . .

Catching the scent of the hanyou, Sesshomaru single mindedly headed in the direction of his half-breed brother. Mind seething with rage, the InuDaiYoukai had no thought beyond finding the hanyou and the abomination he carried within him.

But when he came upon his destination, the scene was not what he had expected. Inuyasha had been captured, a large tentacle beast squeezing the life from his younger brother and his unborn pup while Inuyasha's pack uselessly fought against the youkai attempting to extinguish the life that belonged to Sesshomaru.

In that moment, Sesshomaru's rage found a new target. How dare another try and take what was his, what rightfully belonged to Sesshomaru. Without further thought, the Lord of the West unsheathed Bakusaiga, easily slicing the monstrosity that was threatening the hanyou's life.

With the immediate threat gone, Sesshomaru looked down at Inuyasha's pallid features. The half-breed's heart still beat within his chest and he could smell no blood, but the arms and hands that had been protecting the hanyou's abdomen were already painted a garish blue/purple hue with the crushing and bruising those appendages had taken. Barely conscious, Inuyasha's stressed amber eyes stared at him through half-lidded lashes, a quiet, "Sessh-Sesshomaru?" whispering through his lips.

Easily shifting to the side, Sesshomaru dodged an angered tentacle as it took a swipe at him. Distracted from the hanyou, the Lord of the West turned his attention to the obscenity below. Irritated that he needed to deal with this youkai first, Sesshomaru floated down to the ground, depositing the hanyou at Miroku's feet. With a quickly ordered, "You will stay with the half-breed," Sesshomaru dashed forward, his actions precise and efficient.

Setting his staff down, Miroku looked down on his friend, worried for the state Inuyasha appeared to be in. Barely conscious, the hanyou seemed to just now be grasping the fact that Sesshomaru was here. "M-Miro-ku, I – "

"Quiet, my friend. Rest now."

Panting heavily, Inuyasha wanted to argue but found it impossible. The strain of protecting his unborn pup from the crushing strength of that tentacle had taken nearly the last of his energy. Eyes unfocused but refusing to close, Inuyasha watched the blur that was Sesshomaru as it moved through a forest of writhing appendages.

Only vaguely aware of Sango's presence, Miroku kept his eyes on Sesshomaru as he felt the slayer crouch beside him, a whispered, "How is he?" echoing from her worried lips.

Hand absently stoking across a soft puppydog ear, Miroku only shook his head. "I am uncertain, but I don't believe it is good."

Catching her bottom lip within her teeth, Sango's brown eyes looked down on the barely conscious hanyou before returning to Sesshomaru. Quickly, she ran through the possible scenario of hauling Inuyasha upon Kirara's back and taking off, but that was a fools dream. From what she could see, Sesshomaru had already found the heart of the beast and would make short work of it. In the end, there wouldn't be enough time to escape.

Gripping his staff tightly, Miroku watched, his heart thrumming in awe at what a truly efficient killer Sesshomaru was. In no time at all, the InuDaiYoukai had found the tentacle youkai's main body and thrust Bakusaiga deep into the ground, releasing the mighty sword's power into the subterranean dwelling the beast called home. Was it any wonder they'd not been able to locate their attacker's main body?

Within moments of Bakusaiga's release, the tentacles around them seized with the creatures death throws, their powerfully grotesque forms falling like thunder to the ground. Dead to the world, the tentacle youkai was now little more than food for the surrounding wildlife.

"I-is it d-dead?"

Eyes glancing down, Miroku's hand caught in Inuyasha's thick hair. "It is no more, my friend. Sesshomaru has killed it."

Squeezing his eyes shut, Inuyasha gritted his teeth while willing his body into some kind of action. If the attacking youkai was dead, then Sesshomaru would soon be turning his attention to them. "Help . . . help me u-up."

"Inuyasha, I – "

"G-god's damn-it, m-monk. I need to b-be standin' when . . . when the b-bastard gets here."

Understanding, Miroku looked to Sango, each of them taking an arm and helping their friend stand. And although it might have been on shaky legs, Inuyasha did stand, his head held as high as possible as they watched Sesshomaru move closer, the powerful Lord of the West's eyes still bloody crimson.

Re-sheathing Bakusaiga, Sesshomaru's feet strode whisper soft across the forest floor, his youkai-fueled eyes zeroing in on his half-breed brother. Stopping an arms breath away, Sesshomaru's calculating eyes fell upon the hanyou's abdomen, easily noting that within a fraction of a second, Inuyasha's arms came up to encircle and block that area from his view.

Eyes narrowing, Sesshomaru raised his gaze to meet the fearful yet still obstinate orbs of his younger brother. Voice hollow and devoid of emotion, the Lord of the West ordered, "Hanyou, you will come with me."

As one and without prompting, both Miroku and Sango moved to stand in front of their friend. Swiftly changing forms to her larger size, Kirara did the same. Staff held in front of all of them, Miroku raised his eyes in foolish defiance. "Inuyasha is not yours to command, Lord of the West."

Raw rage ripped through Sesshomaru, lengthening his fangs and deepening the color of his stripes as the sizzle of poison rent the air. Without word or warning, Sesshomaru raised an arm, the ionized prickle of his forming energy whip lighting up the surrounding air.

Shielded behind his human friends, Inuyasha's eyes widened as his brain screamed in pain. This . . . this was what he'd been afraid of. Sango and Miroku were too damn stupid and noble for their own good and were about to get their bodies cut in half as a reward. Decision quickly made, with everything he had, Inuyasha slammed his fingers into twin pressure points on each of his human friends, instantly sending their bodies crumpling to the ground.

Rounding on the hanyou, Kirara's eyes were large with disbelief, a confused growl echoing from deep within her chest as she stared down on Sango's unmoving body.

Quickly reaching out to the firecat, Inuyasha's clawed fingers dug deeply into Kirara's fur as he pointedly stared into her eyes. "They'll be fine in a minute. You . . . you need to stay and guard them."

In response, Kirara gave a frustrated mew of discontent. Ignoring the plea, Inuyasha briefly closed his eyes before turning them on his brother. Eyes still as defiant as ever, the hanyou stated, "They ain't gonna get in the way, so leave them the fuck alone."

Having little interest in the human's the half-breed associated with, Sesshomaru ignored the prone figures now laying upon the forest floor and ordered a clipped, "Come."

Head briefly going down, Inuyasha steeled his resolve as he forced his exhausted body to move forward, one shaking foot in front of the other as he crossed the distance to his bastard older brother. Wavering, Inuyasha threw a hand out to steady himself, only for those claw tipped fingers to come into contact with Sesshomaru's fur.

No more had he touched Sesshomaru than Inuyasha felt his brother's arm encircle his body, both Inu's being carried high into the sky and away from his human friends. Glancing down, the hanyou's sad amber eyes caught sight of Miroku's already twitching arm. Soon both the slayer and monk would recover from what he'd done. Although it wasn't what he'd wanted, Inuyasha couldn't regret his actions. Miroku and Sango would live to get over their anger. As they rose higher into the sky, for a brief moment, Inuyasha thought he saw the sparkle of tears on Sango's cheek and wondered that anyone other than Kagome would cry for him. To the hanyou's mind, it was a waste of fluid.

Soon enough, Inuyasha could no longer see those who'd fought so tirelessly to keep both he and his unborn pup safe. Too weakened to fight Sesshomaru's hold, all Inuyasha could do was remain where he was.

What felt like hours, was most likely only a few minutes before Inuyasha felt hard earth once more below his clawed toes. Released from Sesshomaru's clutches, the hanyou staggered before bracing himself against the trunk of a nearby tree. No more had Inuyasha steadied his swaying body than he felt the sharp pain of his brother's claws slice through the tender flesh of his cheek. Really, it had been only a glancing blow with a small amount of blood drawn. Puzzled, Inuyasha looked up only to find Sesshomaru's lips pulled back, his fangs glinting in the sunlight as his eyes once more faded to crimson.

Sesshomaru had needed to know, to confirm what he thought and to do so he needed to scent the hanyou's blood. And now that he'd released his brother's life-giving fluid, the InuDaiYoukai could only stand in shocked silence. Only after several minutes had passed did Sesshomaru whisper, "This should not be possible."

Realization dawned like a frigid lake across Inuyasha's heart. If there had been any doubt before as to whether or not his asshole of a brother knew that he was carrying, then there wasn't now. Still, the words Sesshomaru had used shot a knife deep into the hanyou's gut. The bastard was always underestimating him and it appeared as if even now, Sesshomaru refused to believe he was youkai enough for something like this.

Leaning heavily back upon the tree, Inuyasha's lips curled back with his own disgust. "Funny, you seem to say that a lot around me."

Not amused, Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "You are carrying this Sesshomaru's offspring."

"Yeah? No shit, asshole."

Growling low, Sesshomaru tried not to let Inuyasha's obvious insolence get the better of him. Whenever the half-breed was cornered, his default position was always blustering obscenity. Inuyasha's taunts were nothing new and if anything only proved how truly frightened he was.

Calming his youkai, Sesshomaru reverted back to his typical emotionless mask. He needed time to think. When he'd first thought of this as a possibility, he'd been infuriated, his pride filled with disgust that he might sire something as tainted as a hanyou pup. And the thought of his own half-breed brother being the bearer of such an abomination had seemed to only drive the blade of embarrassment deeper.

But then he'd come upon Inuyasha, trapped and being crushed within the flesh of another youkai and in that moment, he'd felt the deep seeded desire – no, the need, to protect. Protect at all costs.

Cold golden eyes blinking once, Sesshomaru stared at the clearly failing body of his younger brother – a half-breed male whom should not be able to carry and yet was ripe with his seed. A hanyou that was barely more than a pup himself that had been brutalized and bred. A being whose arms and hands were rapidly turning a deeper shade of purple splashed with hints of green as his battered flesh bloomed with fresh bruises obtained by protecting the fragile life attempting to grown within such a worn out body.

As much as he hated to admit it, Inuyasha was correct. Annoying as it was, the hanyou was constantly surprising him by being capable of more than Sesshomaru thought. Inuyasha was truly the son of the late Inu no Taisho. And with that sobering thought came another; the hanyou was currently carrying a piece of their late father. Within Inuyasha's belly grew another generation of Inu, something Sesshomaru had thought impossible.

No, he wasn't pleased the pup would most likely be hanyou, but as tainted as Inuyasha was with human blood, his younger brother had proved to be capable and had survived on his own into adulthood. Although it was doubtful the pup would be as strong as Sesshomaru, it would at least be three-quarter youkai instead of Inuyasha's half. The hanyou's continued survival had proven his father's Inu blood to be strong and it would be doubly so in the pup he now carried.

Having little idea how much time had passed since he'd brought Inuyasha to this clearing; Sesshomaru had no comprehension as to what that time had done to both the hanyou's physical and mental state. Looking now, it was clear to see that Inuyasha was doing worse than he'd previously ascertained. In fact, it appeared as if the hanyou remained standing by sheer will alone.

Moving forward, Sesshomaru came to a sudden and abrupt halt when Inuyasha's head lifted, his normally defiant amber eyes dulled and void of their usual fire. Remaining where he was, the Lord of the West waited for some type of prompting as to what to do.

Glazed eyes staring at his powerful older brother, Inuyasha knew this was the end. There was no way Sesshomaru would allow the pup growing within him to live and if there was one thing the hanyou had figured out since learning of the life he carried, it was that there was no way he would survive its loss – at least, not emotionally. Sure, his body would physically heal. Hell, he'd probably feel a lot better with this thing out of him, but not being able to defend his own pup . . . that would kill him in every other way.

Body shaking and screaming for rest, Inuyasha refused to do as it begged and instead stood – he stood so that when the final blow came, he would die on his feet and not kneeling at his brother's booted heel. Hands gripping the bark behind him, Inuyasha forcefully pushed his drained body to stand taller, his amber eyes refusing to flinch as they stared their death in the face. Only when he could push his body no higher did he finally speak. "Earlier, in the village, you said you owed me, that I could ask whatever the hell I wanted of ya. Does that shit still stand?"

Having no idea where this was going, Sesshomaru still bristled at the perceived slight to his honor. "This Sesshomaru gave you his word."

Eyes briefly closing, Inuyasha gave a sad but determined smile. "Then I know what I want." Silvery-white eyelashes fluttering open, the hanyou's amber orbs were cold with determination. "I'd ask you to let us both live, to just move the fuck on and forget about us, but I know, no matter what you've said, you'll never agree to that." Taking a deep breath, Inuyasha grit his teeth before continuing, "I know you don't want it, that you're gonna kill it. Just . . . when you do, you take us both. You kill this pup; you kill me along with it. That's what I want."

For the briefest of moments, Sesshomaru's face actually looked as surprised as he felt, but the emotion was quickly masked as he answered,"This Sesshomaru can not do as you ask."

Letting out a choked sob, Inuyasha felt cold anger curl deep within his stomach. "Y-you lyin' piece of s-shit! You'll make me live, knowin' I couldn't do a damn thing to stop you! Just to fuckin' spite me. You worthless, spineless, dishonorable – " Able to go no further, Inuyasha felt his body begin sliding down the trunk of the tree, the anger seeping out of him and leaving nothing but exhausted emptiness. Ass finally sitting on the ground, the hanyou wrapped his hands around his abdomen, his head bent as Sesshomaru moved closer, the InuDaiYoukai's body now looming over him and casting Inuyasha's form in shadow.

Seeing the huddled mass that was his younger brother and now the bearer of his seed, Sesshomaru remained standing, his voice its typical frigid tenor as he finally answered, "As is typical, you are wrong, hanyou. I've no desire to slay the pup you carry. You will live to birth the life within you and should it prove adequate, this Sesshomaru shall claim it as heir."

Head snapping up, Inuyasha's eyes were wide. "You . . . you mean . . . "

Turning from the hanyou, Sesshomaru's sharp gaze took in the surrounding land, his youkai thrown wide and open to warn off any threat that might be nearby. "You require rest. This Sesshomaru will keep watch."

Now looking at Sesshomaru's back, Inuyasha watched the gentle motion of mokomoko's fur as the breeze picked softly at the ends of the fur. Mesmerizing as it was, the hanyou finally let his eyes close, his brain and body shutting down and giving over to their overwhelming need for sleep. Curled up on the forest floor, Inuyasha barely had time to digest his brother's words before succumbing to the bliss of unconsciousness.

::::::::::

Soaring high above the treetops, Kirara flew, two worried humans upon her back. Eyes scanning the forest below, Sango searched for any sign of Inuyasha or Sesshomaru. At her back, the slayer knew Miroku had his senses wide open as he searched for the faintest hint of their friend. They'd been at it for hours and still couldn't find the first sign of either Inu.

Frustrated, Sango's hands gripped the fur of Kirara's neck. "Damn-it, he could have taken Inuyasha anywhere."

Exhausted, Miroku could only sigh in agreement. "I can't feel either one of their energies. With Sesshomaru's abilities, he could have whisked Inuyasha far away." Silently the monk cursed his friend once more for what he'd done. Although he understood Inuyasha's desire to keep them safe, Miroku was still more frustrated than angry at the lengths Inuyasha had gone to in order to keep he and Sango out of harms way. Despite their friend's wishes, as soon as he and Sango had recovered, they'd begun their search for their missing hanyou.

Unknown to Miroku, Sango's thoughts were traveling down similar roads and although she was anxious to find their friend, she could feel Kirara shiver below her and knew the firecat was tired and needed a break. It wouldn't do Inuyasha any good if they all fell to their deaths because Kirara was too stubborn to admit when she required rest.

Twisting her head back, Sango informed Miroku that they needed to stop for a while and although the monk was disappointed to hear it, he understood well. "We passed a stream a little ways back with some clearings around it."

Needing to hear nothing further, Sango directed Kirara toward the clearing where they could fish and refresh their water supplies while resting. Ignoring the fear pushing at all of them, the group landed and did what their worn bodies required.

::::::::::

Alert, golden eyes constantly scanning the area, Sesshomaru had barely moved since first turning his back on the hanyou. Behind him, he could hear the soft breaths Inuyasha made as he moved air in and out of his weary body. With the passage of the hours upon hours the hanyou was asleep, Sesshomaru had focused his senses on the form of his little brother. It had taken time, but eventually, he'd been able to discern the pulsing life growing within Inuyasha's womb. The pup was young and freshly formed, but its youkai energy was impressive and only grew more so as the hanyou was given time to rest and recuperate. Indeed, though the pup was most likely hanyou, it was strong and worthy of a chance.

Standing as he was, Sesshomaru watched the sun fade only to rise again, its form tracing across the sky and beginning to sink once more below the edge of the silhouetted trees. Only when the sky had begun turning a burnished orange did he hear the hanyou's heart rate begin to increase with the beginnings of wakefulness.

Puppydog ears twitching against the grass tickling their fur, Inuyasha slowly began waking from his much needed slumber. Body partly restored, his senses began coming back on board, the sounds of the surrounding forest soothing. With the comfort of nature, Inuyasha slowly filtered through the scents and energies assaulting his body and within a fraction of a second, the previous peace he'd found shattered.

Sesshomaru. That one word sent a thread of fear so visceral and deep through Inuyasha's senses that he thought he might choke on it. Mind racing, the hanyou tried piecing together the latest events until finally the picture became whole. And with that picture, came words. Sesshomaru's words: You will live to birth the life within you and should it prove adequate, this Sesshomaru shall claim it as heir.

Opening his eyelids until there was a sliver of amber peaking through, Inuyasha stared up at his brother's unmoving body, mokomoko resting easily against the InuDaiYoukai's back. Keeping his body still and breaths even, Inuyasha jerked when Sesshomaru coldly said, "You require food. Remain here and this Sesshomaru will return."

Blinking once, Inuyasha was dismayed to know that within that blink, Sesshomaru had completely disappeared. Grunting out a "-Keh," the hanyou began pushing his still sore body up until he was sitting and leaning against the base of the tree trunk. With that mission accomplished, Inuyasha's hand ran gently over his abdomen, relief flooding his body when he realized he could still feel the pulse of his pup humming within his belly.

Head tilted down, Inuyasha's silvery-white strands of hair fell around his shoulders as he stared down at the spot where the life grew within him. Whisper soft, the hanyou spoke to his unborn pup. "Guess the bastard wants to see what you're like before he makes a decision." Hand tightening down, Inuyasha squeezed his eyes shut. "Listen up, you take whatever ya need, do ya hear me? I don't care what it is ya do to me; you just get as strong as you can. Don't give that jackass a reason to change his mind."

Inuyasha didn't know if his pup could understand him or not, chances were pretty good that it was the latter. Regardless, he made a vow to do whatever he could to make the pup he carried the strongest it could be. Even if it took every last ounce of his energy, every breath left within his body, he would make sure that Sesshomaru wanted it. Now that he knew there was actually a chance the bastard would claim it as his own - would help protect and keep it alive, Inuyasha would be damned if he'd see that chance wasted.

Head snapping up, the smell of fresh blood assaulted Inuyasha's nose, instantly making his mouth water. With a freshly killed deer dangling in front of him, the hanyou barely noticed the fact that Sesshomaru was the one holding it.

Looking down on the hanyou, Sesshomaru saw the quick as lightening flash of red that sparked through Inuyasha's eyes when they'd settled upon the kill he'd brought back. But just as quick as it had come, the color disappeared. Intrigued but not completely interested, Sesshomaru questioned, "Do you require it cooked?"

Shaking his head no, Inuyasha felt his body move before consciously thinking about the actual action. Suddenly ravenously hungry, he fell upon the fresh meat like a beast; claws ripping and fangs tearing at the muscle with a need he'd almost never felt before. Had Inuyasha been with his human friends, he'd of been embarrassed for his actions, but as it was just another youkai as witness, Inuyasha gave in to his baser instincts and savagely attacked the food his body so desperately needed.

Backing away from the scene, Sesshomaru did indeed think little of the actions he was subjected to. Inuyasha was carrying and required more food to fuel the growing youkai he nurtured. Add on the fact that the hanyou's energy had been so depleted by the previous battle made Inuyasha's current actions understandable. Staring at the blood dripping from the hanyou's claws and fangs, Sesshomaru found his own youkai rising with something akin to lust. Far from finding the scene repulsive, the Lord of the West reveled in the carrier of his pup's appetite.

Inuyasha wasn't really sure how long he dined on the deer meat, all he really knew was that he ate until his body was sated and that when that happened, there was precious little left of his meal. Finally full, the hanyou sat back, his tongue licking along blood stained lips and lapping at equally crimson painted claws. Catching a glimpse of his loose strands of hair, Inuyasha frowned when he saw he'd managed to get blood there too. Even so, he couldn't help but feel anything but sated bliss. Leaning back, all Inuyasha could think to say was a whispered, "Damn."

Assessing the present situation for what it was, Sesshomaru stated more than asked, "You are done then."

Nodding, Inuyasha felt the buzz of his latest meal fade with the realization that he was alone with Sesshomaru and the tsunami of shit that brought with it. Rested and fed, the hanyou was better able to think about his current situation and the fact that he had no clue what to do now. Never one to mince words, Inuyasha stared up at Sesshomaru and asked, "So, what the fuck happens now?"

Turning, Sesshomaru ordered a brief, "Follow me," before striding through a thicket of brush.

Mouth clamping shut, Inuyasha felt his teeth grind with anger. The damn prick is orderin' me around. Asshole. Despite those thoughts, the hanyou stood and began doing as told. Soon enough he found Sesshomaru standing idly beside a shallow stream. Keeping a fair distance, Inuyasha stopped and scratched behind an ear. "Now what?"

Barely turning his head, Sesshomaru pointedly looked at Inuyasha's blood stained locks of hair.

Following his brother's gaze, Inuyasha huffed out a quiet, "Oh," before rolling up the cloth of his pants and wading into the cold waters. Bending over, the hanyou drank his fill of the fresh water while at the same time allowing the tainted ends of his hair to dangle within the flow, the current easily washing away the evidence of his latest engorgement.

Cleaned and rehydrated, Inuyasha turned and made his way back onto dry land, still keeping what he considered a comfortable distance from his powerful as fuck older brother. Ringing out his hair and shaking his head, the hanyou unrolled his pants before standing to full height, his hand reflexively going to Tessaiga's hilt as he stared down Sesshomaru. Looking up at that stoic face, Inuyasha got a flash of what happened that night and fought down the shiver of panic it brought up. Pushing the memory far away, Inuyasha forced his mind to the here and now. What happened was because Sesshomaru had been infected with fury youkai blood and the hanyou knew damn well his jackass of a brother would never even think of touching him like that when sane.

Forcing his body to calm, Inuyasha shifted the weight from the balls of his feet to his heels while taking in a deep and cleansing breath. "Okay, you kept watch while I slept, fed me a shitload of deer meat and made sure I had fresh water to drink and clean with. I think we've covered all the basic needs of my body so I gotta ask again, now what?"

Silently contemplating the hanyou, Sesshomaru privately admitted it was a fair question – one he'd been considering while Inuyasha slept. Unemotional as ever, Sesshomaru's blank golden eyes stared down on the half-breed. "Whether you are strong enough to survive carrying this Sesshomaru's pup is unknown. Since it is my desire to see if that is possible, I shall protect you both from outside harm."

Ears momentarily flattening, they soon perked in irritated outrage. Basically what Sesshomaru was implying was that if the pup died, the fault was going to be solely placed at Inuyasha's feet. The Lord of the West would make sure he had all that was needed to survive, but still seemed doubtful regarding Inuyasha's own abilities.

Arm quickly wrapping around his abdomen, Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. "Don't you worry, asshole. I'll make sure this pup lives, no matter what the fuck it takes."

Turning, Sesshomaru quietly stated, "We shall see."

"Jackass."

Ignoring the insult, Sesshomaru thought that if anyone could survive carrying his offspring, ironically, Inuyasha was probably the most able to meet that challenge. The half-breed was too damn stubborn to let either one of them die and now that Sesshomaru was there to help keep him safe, the likelihood of there soon being another InuYoukai within the world was high.

Irritated as he was with the damn ice-prick of the West, Inuyasha wasn't too proud to ask for help, at least, not when the life of his pup depended on it. And if Sesshomaru was gonna act like he actually gave a damn and try and keep them all alive, then he needed to know about that fucker who'd been sending youkai after him.

Still staring at the pristine back of his brother, Inuyasha tucked his hands deep within the sleeves of his firerat before taking a deep breath. "Listen, if you're really serious about this shit, then there's somethin' you gotta know."

Sesshomaru gave no indication that he was listening except the slight turn of his head.

Taking that for what it was, Inuyasha lowered his head until his bangs covered his eyes. "I don't know why or who this fucker is, but for some reason, there's some weird youkai bastard that's been sendin' groups of weaker youkai to attack my pack and me the last few days."

Over his shoulder, Sesshomaru felt mokomoko twitch. "You have seen this youkai?"

Pulling one hand free of his firerat, Inuyasha scratched behind a twitching ear. "Sorta. I mean, right before that damned tentacle thing attacked the coward finally showed up." Huffing with irritation, Inuyasha shook his head. "It was hard to make him out. Just looked like a bunch of grayish black colored air, maybe a little denser than air, but you could still see the trees behind him. Sango didn't have a fuckin' clue what kind of youkai it was but I know the bastard's been followin' us almost since we left the village."

"Chaos." Growling low, Sesshomaru's golden eyes swam in crimson.

"Chaos? Are you sayin' that's its name or what it's doin'?"

Finally turning, Sesshomaru fought back the poison rushing into his claws. "Chaos is a youkai named thus for the havoc it revels in. Chaos thrives on discord and requires strife for its continued survival."

Head tilted to the side, Inuyasha thought over that and couldn't see how this youkai was much different than most of the ones he'd fought in the past. Many youkai desired power at all cost and thought nothing of the disasters left in their wake for pursuit of such power. "Don't see how that's much different than Naraku."

"Foolish hanyou, Naraku was an ant compared to the power Chaos wields."

Ears immediately slicked back; Inuyasha didn't much care for the fact that Sesshomaru constantly thought he was an idiot, especially when it wasn't his fault he didn't know what the fuck Chaos was. "How in the hell should I know somethin' like that?"

Turning, Sesshomaru wasn't about to tell his half-breed brother that until a few short hours ago, he'd known nothing of such a youkai. Nor was he about to admit that he still knew next to nothing regarding Chaos.

Frustrated with Sesshomaru's continued dickishness, Inuyasha turned his own back on his brother with a muttered, "Whatever." Senses scanning the surrounding forest, Inuyasha knew he didn't have a clue where the asshole had dropped them or how to get back to his friends. Knowing now that Sesshomaru wasn't going to slay his hanyou ass, Inuyasha thought it was probably safe enough to try and locate the only creatures that he truly trusted. "If there ain't nothin' else, then just tell me which direction to head so I can meet back up with my pack."

Sesshomaru snarled, his body forcefully turning to face Inuyasha's back. "You wish to return to those humans?"

Tilting his head so he could look at Sesshomaru, Inuyasha huffed. "Of course I'd rather be with them than your stuck-up ass."

Growling low, neither Sesshomaru or his inner youkai liked the idea of the one carrying their seed running off to another, even if that other was a small group of lowly humans. "You desire to return to those whom can not protect you."

With his anger quickly outweighing his common sense, Inuyasha spat, "I don't need nobody's protection you jackass! And even if I did, I sure as hell'd rather have one of them at my back than you."

Within the blink of an eye, Inuyasha felt his back slam into a nearby tree, Sesshomaru's burning red eyes glaring into his own as the InuDaiYoukai lifted him off the forest floor. Immediately pissed, the hanyou screamed, "Get your fuckin' hands off me!"

Lips pulled back in a snarl, Sesshomaru felt all his anger rush to the fore. Those humans had been close to the hanyou. They'd known of Inuyasha's situation before him. Those pathetic humans were held in higher esteem than him. With those thoughts, a new emotion that Sesshomaru hardly recognized joined his anger – jealousy. "Does this Sesshomaru need to kill those within your pack for you to understand how little value they hold?"

Eyes going wide with shock and horror, Inuyasha began struggling anew. "Gods damned fucker! Don't you dare threaten them. You leave them alone or I swear to the gods I'll castrate your sorry ass."

In the sane part of his mind, Sesshomaru realized why Inuyasha had not told him he was carrying and in some ways the InuDaiYoukai would even concede that it had been a wise decision on the hanyou's end. Still, the idea that Inuyasha had lied to him when he'd been in the village, that the half-breed had known he was carrying and remained silent . . . that was unacceptable. Leaning in closer, Sesshomaru applied more pressure to the hanyou's neck. "You confided in useless humans, you asked for aid from those weaker than you to help defend the Lord of the West's heir."

Hands clawing at Sesshomaru's wrist, Inuyasha's feet came up, his clawed toes kicking at Sesshomaru's chest but only scraping uselessly against the Lord of the West's armor. Mouth opening to retort, Inuyasha found he couldn't get anything past his compressed trachea.

It was the desperate gulping for air that finally registered with Sesshomaru enough for him to regain a measure of sanity. Releasing his hand, the InuDaiYoukai watched Inuyasha crumble to the forest floor, the hanyou gasping for breath, a dark purple band already blooming against his tanned neck.

Sputtering, Inuyasha took in the life giving air and rubbed his damaged throat. Eyes narrowed, he looked up to his jackass of a brother and scowled. "If that's your idea of protectin' me and this pup, then you can fuck off right now."

Stepping back, Sesshomaru's face became its normally frigid mask as his mind attempted to figure out why he had reacted so violently. At a loss, all the Lord of the West could think of was that it was because the hanyou had not been honest with him. "In the future, you will inform this Sesshomaru of what is going on. You will not lie regarding anything having to do with our pup."

Using the tree for support, Inuyasha stood, his hand still futilely rubbing against his damaged skin. "What the fuck are you goin' on about now? I've never lied to you about this."

Magenta eyelids slipping dangerously low, Sesshomaru stared at the hanyou. "You did not inform this Sesshomaru of your condition when we last met in the human village."

Mind traveling back, Inuyasha's eyes went wide when he finally figured out what on earth the jackass was talking about. "That's because I didn't fuckin' know then." Huffing loudly, Inuyasha adjusted his firerat before glaring at his brother. "But if I had, I sure as shit wouldn't have said anything so I guess, in your own damn way, your right." With a shake of his head, Inuyasha gave Sesshomaru an appraising look. "You know, for bein' so damn frigid, you sure as hell have a lot of emotional outbursts."

Face little more than an icy mask, Sesshomaru only continued staring.

Inuyasha didn't know what to do. He had so little experience dealing with Sesshomaru and most of that was violent. In the end, Inuyasha didn't have a fucking clue how to even begin but he could at least figure out a couple of things. One of which was that he didn't want Sesshomaru touching him – either violently or otherwise. Every time he felt Sesshomaru's flesh against his own, the hanyou's mind swirled in a haze of painful memory.

Sliding away from the tree but keeping Sesshomaru within visual range, Inuyasha gripped Tessaiga's hilt, the move meant more for comfort than protection. With a deep intake of air, the hanyou turned determined amber eyes upon his brother. "Listen bastard, if you really plan on stickin' around, we need to get some shit straight."

Inuyasha took Sesshomaru's continued silence as an okay to go on. "First off, I didn't know why I was feelin' like shit until Kaede told me about the pup. I was just planin' on leavin' the village without none the fuckin' wiser but Miroku and Sango weren't havin' it. I didn't want 'em to come but they wouldn't leave and just kept followin' me around." What Inuyasha would never admit was how happy that decision had made him. "I don't really give a damn if you believe me or not, but it's the truth."

Although silent, Sesshomaru listened and thought the hanyou was most likely speaking true. Never having been bred before, it was highly likely Inuyasha had no idea what was going on within his body. What he also understood was that the strain of the pup was most likely a large part of why Inuyasha had looked to be in such poor condition when he'd last seen him. The combination of the trauma the hanyou had endured when he'd forcefully rutted him combined with the drain on Inuyasha's youkai from Sesshomaru's growing seed was difficult for his little brother's half-breed body.

Unsure whether or not Sesshomaru was truly listening or not, Inuyasha decided to just go with it and get the rest of what he needed to say out. "You may think those humans are useless, but you and I both know that ain't true otherwise you never would have left that little human pet of yours in Kaede's village."

Sesshomaru hardly acknowledged the hanyou's comment as an insult. In a way, Rin was like a pet to him. He certainly felt responsible for her in that way.

Pleased that at least Sesshomaru wasn't going all feral on him, Inuyasha soldiered on. "If we're . . . I mean, if you're really stayin', then let's make a pact right now that you don't touch me and I don't touch you. Unless it's life or death . . . just . . . just stay away." Head bowed so that his bangs were covering his eyes, Inuyasha clenched his teeth. "I don't think that's askin' much and probably makes you just as happy as it does me."

For some reason, the thought of not being allowed to touch the hanyou bothered Sesshomaru. He had always thought of Inuyasha as belonging to him and now that the half-breed carried his pup, Sesshomaru thought this doubly true. And while he'd never considered touching Inuyasha in anyway but to cause damage, the Lord of the West had to concede that currently his thoughts on the matter were conflicting.

Ignoring the continued silence, Inuyasha raised his head. "Now, if I know my pack, they're probably runnin' themselves ragged tryin' to find me and they sure as shit ain't gonna give up until they do. So at the very least, I wanna know where the fuck we are so I can let 'em know you didn't kill my hanyou ass."

Standing as he was, Sesshomaru decided the hanyou was finally done speaking. "This Sesshomaru will concede that it would be prudent to locate the humans. Should they prove useful, they may be allowed to stay and guard you during the time you are carrying."

Surprised, Inuyasha's ears perked up at Sesshomaru's one hundred and eighty degree turn on that matter. "Just a minute ago your were pissed about me goin' to them? What the fuck changed so damn quick?"

"It is clear that in your current state, you are less capable of defending yourself and therefore this Sesshomaru's pup. To a degree, the slayer, monk and firecat proved useful in our battle with Naraku. They have also proven loyal to you and will therefore make adequate guards."

Bristling, Inuyasha didn't like the idea of his friends being expected to guard him. He wasn't weak enough that he needed shit like that. "Damn-it, Sesshomaru, I don't need – "

"As for your desire not to have this Sesshomaru's flesh upon yours, that can not be conceded to."

A fear like Inuyasha had seldom felt speared its way down his spine as whatever blood he had within his face faded to an unhealthy pallid white. "W-what?"

"Do you wish me to lie to you?"

Taking an unintentional step back, Inuyasha fought to keep the tremor from his limbs. "You can't stand me and you say you don't wanna hurt this pup so why the fuck would you say that?"

Cold as always, Sesshomaru simply stated, "You are mine."

Unfortunately, that statement did little to calm Inuyasha. "Bullshit. If it weren't for this pup, you'd just as leave see a sword through my chest as in my hand."

Keeping his distance, Sesshomaru thought over those words and realized they were no longer true. Still, the InuDaiYoukai felt no need to share such thoughts. "The reasons are irrelevant. With our father's death, your became mine to do with as I will."

"Like hell," Inuyasha hissed.

Realizing where the heart of Inuyasha's fear dwelled, Sesshomaru answered, "Forcefully rutting you is beneath this Sesshomaru, consequently, you need not concern yourself with such activity."

"Such activity?" The bastard said it as if they were out playin' tag. "I don't want your frigid ass hands anywhere near me or any other part of you for that matter."

Ignoring the hanyou's words, Sesshomaru turned and began walking into the forest. "If you wish to return to your friends, then I suggest you follow this Sesshomaru."

Flesh cold and clammy, Inuyasha's wide amber eyes watched his brother disappear into the surrounding foliage and for several moments, the hanyou seriously thought over his choices. He didn't want to follow Sesshomaru, but he had no fucking idea where he was and desperately wanted to get back to Miroku and Sango. Plus, with Chaos still roaming around and out for his ass for some reason or another, there was no way he'd be able to protect both he and his pup if that damn, sadistic youkai decided to attack again.

Realizing he had little choice, Inuyasha pushed his body forward, following a fair distance behind Sesshomaru as they began making their way through the forest.

So, that's Sesshomaru's position and he's stickin' to it. Some of you might be wondering about the whole, "Sesshomaru owe's Inuyasha thing". Well, he does, but I believe Sesshomaru is so arrogant that he believe's it is up to him to decided if what Inuyasha desires is worthy of the debt owed. In other words, at the end of the day, it really doesn't matter what Inuyasha wants/thinks because if Sesshomaru doesn't agree, then he simply disregards it. I also think Inuyasha realizes this.

I hope you all liked that chapter. I'll try and put the next one up sometime later this week. We'll get back with Inuyasha's pack soon so don't worry about him being alone with Sesshomaru for too long.

Oh, one last thing . . . had a reviewer that made me laugh with their review. They commented on how "economical" Sesshomaru was with his conservation of energy, limited thoughts and actions. I smiled big time. I'd never really thought of it that way, but thought Sesshomaru might just be the hybrid car of the youkai world. Then again, my Prius is not nearly so badass as the mighty Lord of the West (maybe I could trick out my Prius like one of the cars in James Bond, then it might be a bit more like Sesshomaru :-)

Until next chapter . . . lunamist