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

Last time…

Shin and Ton led a group of tricksters to the human castle, where upon the tricksters used their skills to scare Izayoi's parents in retribution.

Elsewhere Kagome received her disguise, so Inuyasha would not recognize her in the future. Following this the group returns to the village. Where they soon realize unexpected guests were at the manor.

Inu no Taisho learning of what Izayoi had been keeping from him sends Gen to retrieve her relatives from the castle. That evening at a meeting Izayoi's Uncle disowns his brother and sister-in-law; while Inu no Taisho curses them.

Chapter Ten: Plans are made

The room was absolutely silent as Izayoi crossed to sit next to Inu no Taisho. Inuyasha squirmed, not used to such awkward silences, as well as the smell of blood coming from the two humans with fresh wounds on their heads. His squirming abated as his mother released her hold on him, and he was allowed to drop to his feet.

Sesshomaru made a low rumbling sound in his throat which called his little brother to his side. Inuyasha responded with a similar, yet higher pitched sound, then moved to sit between Inu no Taisho and Sesshomaru.

During this all the humans besides Izayoi and Kagome watched the interactions between the brothers closely. Finally a slight puff of air escaping from someone broke their gaze. Inu no Taisho growled before speaking, "Izayoi, your relatives are here, do you wish to speak with them in private?"

Izayoi turned to the lord, "You may remain my lord, but perhaps Sesshomaru and Koji could entertain Inuyasha out in the yard."

Inu no Taisho nodded, "Of course."

Lord Hirako turned to his youngest son, "Please keep a close eye on your cousin's son Koji."

Koji stood and bowed, but once standing straight had a scowl on his face, "Of course father, I will watch him well. As we're both being sent away so the grownups can talk?"

Lord Hirako sighed, "Koji please don't argue with this request, you were much too young to have any part in this affair."

Koji frowned, "I've heard much of it since our arrival."

Lord Hirako glared, "I ask you to watch your cousin's child because of her request, if she does not want you present for this then I'm obliged to agree. Now, take the child to the yard. Take your bow; no doubt he's never seen such things as archery."

Inu no Taisho turned to Kagome, "Lady Kagome, you're also an accomplished archer are you not."

Kagome smiled, "It would be a pleasure to prove the better archer."

Inu no Taisho nodded while Sesshomaru was thankful he'd given the girl a fast lesson in how to address his father in this type of event. Though there really was no preparing for a meeting between yokai and human lords. There was also the fact she was imitating a yokai, thus she needed to act the part.

Sesshomaru stood and addressed his father, "We'll be in the yard if needed."

Inu no Taisho nodded.

After the small group had departed Izayoi lowered her head, "Good day uncle, I hope Gen wasn't overly hostile while escorting you here. I unintentionally angered him, as the alpha of my guard hiding my past from him was paramount to not trusting him."

Lord Hirako frowned, "Do you trust him?"

Izayoi nodded, "I have had no reason not to. He brought both Inuyasha and I safely to this village and has dedicated himself to our well being. He and his pack have accepted us both as though we were both members of their yokai tribe. I even know many of his darker secrets; it is the fact that those I shared with him in turn were from much further back than my meeting Inu no Taisho that causes a strain in his trust of me."

Lord Hirako's wife frowned, "I can't imagine a yokai has many secrets, they are little more than beasts really."

Inu no Taisho glared, "I will pretend I didn't hear that."

Izayoi placed a hand on the yokai lord's own to calm him. She turned back to her aunt, "In some ways they are more civilized than we, they live by their own code of honor."

Inari huffed, "Some code of honor, he took you without consent of your family, and what's more you're just his mistress. I bet you still sleep with that other one's mother don't you." Inari finished glaring at the yokai.

Inu no Taisho snarled, "I haven't touched that bitch since she birth Sesshomaru. Izayoi may not be my lawful mate; she is more than just a mistress to me. If I had a choice I would make her my mate, but that isn't an option. Besides, I did not summon you here to defend my actions of more than six years ago. I brought you here so Izayoi could make her peace with you."

Hibachi frowned, "You make it out like she'll not survive much longer."

Inu no Taisho lowered his eyes to the floor, "I do not know the exact date of Izayoi's death, but I know the signs. She won't live much more than four years from now."

Lord Hirako looked surprised, "How can you know that?" He turned to Izayoi, "Are you aware of this?"

Izayoi responded first, "I've known since Inuyasha was very young. I wouldn't even be alive now if it weren't for Inu no Taisho."

Inu no Taisho sighed, "I have a unique insight into the future. I was warned to keep a watchful eye as Inuyasha's mother would not live long past his tenth winter. If I didn't keep watch the humans may chase him off, that is the reason for the guards. They know their purpose."

Lord Hirako bowed his head, "To take your son to you after his mother succumbs to her illness."

Inu no Taisho nodded, "If I'm not here when it occurs."

Lord Hirako turned to see his brother glaring at Izayoi. He then turned back to the girl, "You'll move back to the castle."

Izayoi frowned, "What?"

Lord Hirako nodded, "You'll move back to my castle. You and Inuyasha will be much more comfortable there. Your guards can stay there to, I'm sure we can figure something out."

Izayoi looked surprised, "Uncle…I can't live there. If someone from the capital came and saw Inuyasha…you'd lose face with the ruling family. I won't let my choices doom my family, I'm fine here, and no one outside the family even knows I live."

Lord Hirako looked sternly at the girl, "If it wasn't for your blasted parents you'd be living at the palace now. I don't care what Inu no Taisho would have done, you would have remained there with your child." He turned to the Inuyokai, "When I banished my brother and his wife I also gave sanctuary to their children. That means Izayoi as well."

Inu no Taisho scowled, "It is Izayoi's choice where she lives." Noticing the human's stubbornness on the issue he continued, "Though I purpose a trial period. This coming autumn Inuyasha will be coming to reside with me until spring. I purpose Izayoi spend that time at your castle. When I return Inuyasha to her in the spring she will tell me if she wishes to continue the trial period or not. If she does I will leave Inuyasha in your care until midsummer when I will once again spend a week with both he and Izayoi. At that time she will give her final say. If she chooses to remain in your castle I will reduce her guard to only those absolutely necessary and they'll remain at your castle. If she chooses to leave she will return here and things will remain as they have been."

Chiyo frowned, "What do you mean reduced to only those absolutely necessary?"

Inu no Taisho turned to the woman; "Gen is required as he is an alpha and can command the rest. Rain is required as she has been treating Izayoi's illness, and prevented Inuyasha from noticing it. As a result of those two Korra and her son Turk are required as due to certain circumstances they rely on Gen's protection just as much as Izayoi and Inuyasha."

Inari frowned, "So the others are just superfluous?"

Inu no Taisho frowned then nodded, "Yes they are, but when you're watching over a young child who is much too fast for his human mother to chase all the time, the more eyes you have the better." He turned to Hirako, "In addition I would also be sending patrols around your castle to ensure their safety."

Lord Hirako glared, "You doubt my ability to protect them?"

Inu no Taisho shook his head, "From human threats I have no doubt you'll do an adequate job, but from yokai threats you'd stand no chance."

Inari huffed, "Yokai threats? Why would yokai threaten my sister?"

Inu no Taisho sighed, "Few would care about your sister. Killing her would affect me yes, but they would be targeting my son. I would be saddened by Izayoi's death, but I wouldn't feel it the same way. If Inuyasha were to be captured my innate yokai instincts would drive me to find him and insure his safety, regardless of any outward dangers to myself. I would literally fight until I died to ensure my son's safety. Against human foes this would be little challenge, but throw ten thousand yokai before me and one might get a lucky shot. Similarly if he would be killed I would be driven to hunt down his killer with mindless abandon. Ignoring every wound until his killer is broken and dead at my feet or I died."

Lord Hirako nodded, "I think I understand, in fact you placing your son in my care would show great trust." He stood and bowed to the yokai, "The hour is late…if we could be shown to our rooms. I would like to speak again in the morning."

Inu no Taisho nodded, "I'll have Korra show you to your rooms."

Hibachi cringed, "She's the one with the kid right?"

Inu no Taisho nodded, "Yes."

Hibachi turned to Lord Hirako, "Be careful what you say my lord…she takes our presence here as a personal offense."

Lord Hirako sighed, "Here I thought you could win anyone over Hibachi."

Hibachi scratched the back of his head, "I've yet to try the charm on her my lord. I might be able to charm a miser out of his last gold piece, but an overprotective female yokai is a whole other story."

Inu no Taisho chuckled, "That's a lesson some have to learn the hard way."

The Yard…

Inuyasha sat on the porch with his brother as Ton set up two archery targets. Standing across from the targets Koji and Kagome stood. Kagome was readying her bow while Koji was sizing her up. He obviously didn't think much of the female yokai archer. Kagome ignored his gaze as she looked up, "Ton, can you move the target back another ten feet."

The yokai rushed forward and moved her target back.

Koji huffed, "Like you can hit that, I've never seen a woman shoot a bow properly."

Kagome glared, "You've never seen a miko then?"

Koji blinked, "A shrine maiden? Of course I have, but I've never seen them carrying a bow."

Sesshomaru spoke up from the porch, "Miko in larger settlements don't normally have need to carry bows and arrows. There is normally a priest at those locations and they handle any yokai. Besides, in most cases any self respecting yokai wouldn't find themselves anywhere near a human settlement."

Kagome smiled, "Of course my lord. Do you have a request?"

Sesshomaru looked at her coolly, "Do not lose to the human whelp."

Kagome nodded then without looking at the target notched an arrow and pulled back on the string. Glancing with her peripheral vision she let loose. The arrow imbedded itself in the dark circle at the center of the target.

Koji swallowed hard, from where he was standing it looked as though she had fired without even looking at the target. Sesshomaru had to fight to hide his smirk. On their way out to the yard he'd told her she needed to keep up her act as a yokai. Thusly she needed to act prideful, and be able to accomplish what would be impossible for a normal human.

She was happy that her years of practice had paid off. Considering she'd had nothing to do the past six years beside dictating and reviewing the scroll, and prepare for her inevitable fading away. She was scared of that one simple truth, it wasn't like dying. Once she was gone all physical reminders of the old timeline would be gone. All that would remain were the memories within Sesshomaru, Koga, Shippo, and Kirara. She hadn't told Sesshomaru, but she feared she'd fade earlier than expected, as she was the reincarnation of Kikyo she wondered if it would be her past life's birth that would signal her final departure from existence.

Koji had fired his first shot after asking Ton to move his target to match Kagome's. He also hit the mark, showing he was a rather skilled human.

After both had emptied their quivers Kagome was the victor by one. Koji's final shot went wild and nearly hit Ton. Kagome had worried she'd accidently fire a sacred arrow unintentionally, but had kept her miko powers in check.

After finishing they turned to find they had a little larger audience than when they started. Along with Sesshomaru, Inu no Taisho sat with a napping Inuyasha while Koji's cousin Inari stood leaning against a support.

Inari smirked at his little cousin, "You were beaten by a yokai. Not just a yokai, but a female yokai. Man, wait till your brothers hear this."

Koji huffed, "It's not my fault, that stupid arrow had a bent feather, it just went wide."

Inari chuckled, "Whatever it takes to help you sleep at night."

Inu no Taisho shook his head, "Were you not going to retire for the evening?"

Inari nodded, "We're going. Don't want to intrude on any important yokai meetings."

Inu no Taisho snarled at the smirk on the human's face. Inari approached the yokai lord and picked up his nephew, "I'll take him to his room. No doubt one of the yokai around here will point me in the right direction."

Koji glared at his cousin, "Stop being a smart aleck, you'll get yourself killed. Besides you know his rooms just down this hall and around the corner. We heard them chasing him enough times last night, never knew a kid could have that much energy."

Sesshomaru glared at the two humans, "My brother doesn't like bedtime. It's best to let him fall asleep elsewhere and then move him to bed."

Inari nodded, "Got it, good to know."

Once the two humans were gone, with an Inuyokai shadowing them discreetly, Inu no Taisho turned to Kagome, "So what did you think?"

Kagome frowned, "He seems nice enough, but like most of them their pretty snobbish."

Inu no Taisho chuckled, "So they're not much different than the nobles at the palace?"

Kagome smiled, "Not quite that bad, but close." She turned to Sesshomaru, "What happened to Lady Izayoi's family in our old timeline?"

Sesshomaru blinked as he tried recalling the memory of these people. He gulped, "I killed them…all of them."

Inu no Taisho frowned, "Do you know why?"

Sesshomaru nodded, "After Izayoi's death…I went to speak to her uncle about Inuyasha. I didn't want to care for him, so I was hoping to push him off on them. Lord Hirako was willing, but his wife…that wasn't his wife then."

Kagome looked confused, "What?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his gaze, "The Lord Hirako I spoke to…it wasn't her uncle it was her father. He must have taken over sometime in the next four years."

Kagome looked sadly at Sesshomaru, "So why'd you kill them?"

Sesshomaru looked at his claws, "Izayoi's father tried to trick me. He said he'd take in Inuyasha if I dealt with some rebels for him. The rebels where the son's of his brother, they were trying to reclaim their father's castle and lands. I slew them all. During that time the one known as Hibachi had been killed by Izayoi's father during the takeover and Chiyo was given to another samurai similarly to how Izayoi was given to Takemaru. Her husband and she took Inuyasha for a couple years, but when they had a child of their own his court advisors chased Inuyasha off. I retaliated and slew them both and the unborn child."

Kagome hugged herself, "What about that Inari guy?"

Sesshomaru shook his head, "When I returned to Izayoi's father to report the rebels had been taken care of. Inari attacked me for killing his cousins. I removed his head in a single movement. Lord Hirako called his guards; I killed them and the lord. His wife took her own life thinking I was going to kill her as well."

Inu no Taisho sighed, "A sad state of affairs, but not unexpected." He turned to the door, "Gen, I want you to keep your guard up at all times."

Gen stepped into view, "It always is."

Kagome was surprised, "I didn't sense you there."

Gen chuckled, "You wouldn't have. Spending the last six years here my yoki has soaked into every board and every fastener of this building. In a way it is a part of me. I can detect intruders as well as locate each resident in a matter of seconds." He placed a hand on the frame, "Due to that your miko powers don't separate me from the building, if I stood out in the yard that would be a completely different matter."

Kagome nodded then turned to Inu no Taisho, "Do you think they'll threaten Inuyasha?"

Inu no Taisho frowned, "I've backed Izayoi's parents into a corner. There's an old rule about hunting. The most dangerous prey is that which has been wounded or cornered. To their minds I wounded them when I took Izayoi; I've now cornered them with my curse."

Sesshomaru smirked, "They may be dangerous, but they're little more than rabbits compared to the greater threats out there."

Kagome yawned signaling the three yokai that she needed to rest.

Next Morning…

Inuyasha woke and leapt from his bed quickly. Making his way to his door he opened it to find more scents in the house than he was used to. His father and mother were in their room; his brother was in the room across the hall. Quietly walking across the hall he tapped on the door.

Sesshomaru's voice answered, "Enter."

Inuyasha slid the door open and walked into the room. Sesshomaru's room had an exterior door that led into the rear yard of the manor. He was currently sitting in the open doorway watching the sun rise over the wall. Closing the door behind him Inuyasha made his way to his brother and climbed into his lap.

Sesshomaru smiled at the pup, "Those scents making you anxious?"

Inuyasha nodded, "Some of them don't smell very nice."

Sesshomaru sneered, "They do have certain repulsiveness to them, don't they."

Inuyasha turned to look out on the yard, "You're leaving aren't you?"

Sesshomaru sighed, "Father or I have to remain at the palace, and we've explained that to you before. Father wishes to spend uninterrupted time with you and your mother. Unfortunately there've been a series of interruptions. Now I'll return and allow him to complete what time he has left without further interruption."

Noticing this didn't seem to appease the pup Sesshomaru scratched between his brother's ears, "Father's told you your coming to the palace this autumn hasn't he?"

Inuyasha nodded, "He and Grandfather told me the first night they were here…why didn't Grandfather stay?"

Sesshomaru smirked, "He's not as fond of humans, besides you'll see plenty of him during your stay at the palace."

Inuyasha yawned as the scratching of his scalp lulled him back to sleep, "Is mama coming to?"

Sesshomaru shook his head, "No, I believe she'll be visiting somewhere else then. So you'll need to be a good pup for father and me."

There was no response from the pup whose eyes had closed and light breathing signaled he was asleep.

Sesshomaru turned to the door to find his father leaning against the frame, "Now if only there was a way to get a rendering of this, otherwise no one would believe it."

Sesshomaru glared at his father, "You're just jealous he came to find me."

Inu no Taisho snickered, "Actually I'm thankful he found you instead of me. Otherwise I'd be forced to explain things I'm hoping not to for at least a decade."

Sesshomaru's glare narrowed, "I didn't need to have that image in my head."

Inu no Taisho smirked, "Considering you're holding the product of a similar image in your lap this instant."

Sesshomaru refused to answer his father, instead turning to look out into the yard. It was no longer empty as Gen's pack was off in the furthest corner going through morning training exercises. Sesshomaru turned to his father, "Gen wasn't happy to see his comrades last evening."

Inu no Taisho sighed, "He never is. They fight worse than pups; I'll need to find another enemy to direct them at. That usually buys a couple years of peaceful cooperation."

Sesshomaru picked up his brother and handed him to their father, "I should depart. I didn't leave anyone in charge while I was gone."

Inu no Taisho chuckled, "You really need to trust someone to handle thing while you're away."

Sesshomaru huffed as he turned to leave, "I'll leave Kagome here until your return. I think she was getting bored with staying in the palace all the time.

Inu no Taisho nodded then watched his son depart.

After the younger yokai had departed he turned and left the room walking back down the hall. Entering Izayoi's room he found her sitting next to her window, "You're awake."

Izayoi smiled, "Yes my lord, I saw Lord Sesshomaru depart."

Inu no Taisho indicated his younger son in his arms; "Inuyasha had gone to him this morning." He sat on the bench next to Izayoi and laid the still sleeping pup in the small gap between them.

Izayoi reached out and brushed a few strands of hair from Inuyasha's face, "Will he be safe at the palace?"

Inu no Taisho nodded, "My…my mate will attend to him while he's there. He'll also have Shin and Ton, they'll come with him."

Izayoi smiled, "I'm nervous about returning to that place."

Inu no Taisho bowed his head; "You don't have to go if you don't want to."

Her smile faded slightly, "When I'm gone…will they have any contact with Inuyasha?"

Inu no Taisho shook his head, "Doubtful…I doubt they will desire contact of any kind. If they request I can leave a way for them to contact me to request a visit, but my instincts tell me that won't be an issue."

They continued to talk until Rain entered to inform them breakfast was nearly prepared. Inuyasha was woken and quickly sent off to get ready, and to give his parents a moment to prepare themselves for the day.

Half an hour later found everyone residing in the manor in the dining room. The divider wall had been opened allowing a high table and a low table. The high table was where Inu no Taisho, Izayoi, Lord Hirako and his wife sat. Also at the high table sat Inuyasha, Gen, Rain, Inari, and Hirako's oldest son Asuma.

The low table consisted of the other yokai along with the other members of Izayoi's family. Her parents were uncomfortably seated at the end closest to the door, a pair of human soldiers ready to escort them from the manor and then the land at their lord's command.

Izayoi's uncle smiled at the apparently young yokai girl who set a plate of food before him. He'd noticed how she'd placed one before Inu no Taisho first, then her father. It was obvious that she was following a specific order when handing out the food. He followed the two male yokai's examples of not saying anything to the girl, but nudged his wife when he heard Izayoi thank the girl.

His wife merely glared at him as she followed her niece's example, she wasn't unperceptive to such things.

After everyone had been served, even Izayoi's parents who glared at their plates like they were poisoned, Inu no Taisho began eating, quickly followed by the other yokai. The humans took this as a signal to begin eating.

Halfway through the meal Lord Hirako turned to Inu no Taisho, "If you don't mind, I would like to speak about my niece's visit this autumn."

Inu no Taisho nodded, "If you wish, but you should speak to Izayoi about such things. Though, I will say you will need some preparation before Inuyasha joins her in the spring."

Lord Hirako nodded, "Of course." He leaned forward slightly as Izayoi was seated between Inu no Taisho and the warrior named Gen. She was currently speaking to the warriors mate, said warrior having already finished eating and now leaning back on his haunches to allow them to speak without themselves having to lean either way.

Rain noticed the human scrutinizing them so indicated him to Izayoi. She turned and smiled faintly to him, "Yes uncle?"

The old man smiled, "Izayoi, I wished to speak about your coming visit. Just to get the particulars in regards to your retinue and what will be required."

Izayoi dipped her head, "Only Gen and Rain will be accompanying me. I made that decision after our conversation last night. My Lord knows of how the others will be commanded. As for what will be required, nothing extravagant, Gen will be remaining outside the town mostly. Rain will remain with me at the castle, but she'll care for herself."

Hirako nodded, "Very good, though when your son joins us?"

Izayoi's smile became almost unnoticeable, "Let us not get ahead of ourselves uncle."

Hirako smiled, "Of course Izayoi." Izayoi went back to her conversation with the yokai, but Hirako noticed a look from Inu no Taisho that said they'd talk later.

At the Low Table Kagome sat between Korra and Koji, she understood her purpose and had discreetly created a barrier to stop the yoki from reaching the humans. Even with her powers and years of experience with yoki she felt the oppressive weight of the combined yoki. Sesshomaru had explained it the night before as being a subconscious action by the younger yokai present, their apparent dislike of these humans.

Korra whispered quietly so the miko barely heard her, "Relax miko, we're trying our best to control it."

Kagome smiled at the girl, hoping her disguise didn't make it look like a sneer, "I understand Korra, just hoping we can finish this meal quickly."

Korra nodded, "I noticed Lord Sesshomaru left you here. Is there a reason why?"

Kagome nodded, "I was bored at the palace. I've been stuck there for six years now."

Korra smiled wistfully, "It's been more than six since I've seen home."

Kagome looked surprised, "More than six?"

Korra nodded, "When father was called to lead his phalanx against the dragons, mother decided to accompany him and my brother. We didn't know then that Lord Sesshomaru was also being summoned then, Ton didn't tell us till the day of departure. I was forced to accompany them as my entire pack was leaving the palace. Father wouldn't leave me there by myself. I got to join in the fighting at first…" She glanced at the pup sitting next to her, "…until I was deemed unfit to fight."

Kagome remembered what some of her friends at the palace had said, about how often pups where born. Kagome frowned, "Where's your mate?"

Korra fidgeted, "He's…gone."

Kagome bowed her head, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pried."

Korra shook her head, "It's not what you think. He didn't die fighting dragons, my father and brothers killed him."

Kagome looked surprised, "What?"

Korra sighed, "Turk's father wasn't my mate, I have no mate, and because of that male I probably never will."

Shin who was sitting across from Kagome lifted his head hearing their slowly rising voices, "That is hardly a conversation for this moment sister. You and Lord Sesshomaru's aid can speak of these matters in private later. No doubt mother can help explain."

Korra bowed her head at her brother, "Of course Shin."

Kagome watch the male lower his head again, she quickly realized he was listening to all the conversations around the room. At the high table Inari and Asuma seemed in a tense battle of words, but were keeping it low enough only the yokai could possibly listen in. The low table had its own series of tense verbal debates. Koji and his brother Iruka were not quite as quiet while discussing how the younger had been beaten by a female yokai the night before. Also Chiyo was in an argument with her mother, who wanted Chiyo and Hibachi to accompany them to the capital.

Finally after everyone was obviously finished eating Inu no Taisho stood, Inuyasha was sitting next to Rain at the end quickly followed his father. Everyone else merely turned to the yokai lord as he strode from the room, his son having to nearly jog to keep up.

After they were both gone Izayoi stood and bowed, "I hope everyone enjoyed the meal, you may leave at your leisure." She then left, Tenten standing from her place at the low table following in stride.

Gen stood after they'd departed and with a low growl signaled his brothers who both stood, and the three departed. Rain seemed to glare at the empty space where her mate had stood a moment earlier. Standing she spoke, "Shin, why don't you show Lord Hirako's sons and nephews to the training grounds. No doubt they'd wish to work off their meals."

Shin stood, "As you request mother."

The younger human males recognizing the yokai's suggestion was in fact an order followed the one called Shin from the room.

After they were gone Rain turned to Korra, "Perhaps Ton and Sesshomaru's aid will assist you in cleaning up."

Once again this suggestion was an obvious order and the disguised miko and Ton jumped up to help gather up the dishes. Chiyo also began helping, never one to shy away from what needed to be done. Even as her mother scoffed at her, muttering that she was acting like a servant.

Turk had remained seated, but a low howl from somewhere else in the manor drew his attention and he bolted from the room.

Rain then bowed to Lord Hirako and his wife, "If you need anything just call me or my daughter's name and we'll come." She then headed for the door.

Once she was gone Lord Hirako waited for Chiyo and the group of yokai to depart with a load of dishes for the door he believed led to the kitchens. Once they were gone he stood, "Brother, you time here is over. Leave my lands, and never return. If I so much as hear your name again, I will have no option than to kill you."

His brother stood, "I apologize, brother…" He bowed his head and laid an envelope on the table, "…if she ever can forgive us. Please give that to her."

Hirako nodded, "I will brother." He turned to his brother's wife who merely glared at him, "Have you no parting words my lady?"

She continued to glare as she stood, "You are banishing the wrong people. When my relatives in the capital hear of this?"

Hirako smirked, "You didn't know? I sent a message to the capital last night; it should arrive in about a week, much earlier than you'll be able to I'm sure. It is quite detailed, about how you tortured and maimed Izayoi, and then left her abandoned to a psychopath. I also happily added how she was rescued by kind yokai who saved and protected her. That we just learned of her survival, and the existence of her hanyo child. I'm sure the Shogun will greet you warmly when he hears of the horrors you put your dear sweet daughter through."

Hirako's own wife smirked at her husband's plan. She then turned to her in-laws, "Yes, and the curse you're now under will help so much."

A motion of the lord's hand and the two soldiers came forward to escort the banished pair from his sight.

Kitchen…

Chiyo placed the stack of bowls she carried on the counter then looked around, "Are there no servants?"

Korra and Ton both looked at her curiously. Kagome answered, "There were no servants assigned to this place, so it's up to those who live here to take care of such tasks."

Chiyo nodded her understanding, "Of course your race must not use such methods. How do you wash dishes?"

Korra looking skeptical at the human pointed to a wash basin, "The same way humans do."

Chiyo smiled, "So this must be what roughing it is."

The two yokai looked at the miko both questioning what the other human was talking about.

Kagome sighed and spoke to the pair, "Lady Chiyo has no doubt never done a chore in her life. I've heard human nobility doesn't approve of such things."

Ton frowned, "But it was Lady Izayoi who taught Korra and me how to wash dishes."

Chiyo nodded, "Oh, my sister was great friends with the servants back home. She spent hours in the kitchens and other servant areas just watching. Mother would get so mad when she would catch her. I remember one time she scrubbed her skin raw after seeing her helping the gardeners."

Kagome moved quickly to block the two yokai, whose eyes had gone nearly completely red. They halted at the sight of miko energy in Kagome's hand; this went unnoticed by Chiyo who was busy examining a rag used for wiping dishes.

Sighing at how easy she'd halted the two yokai she pointed to the wash basin, "Lady Chiyo and I will go get the rest of the dishes, you two start scrubbing."

They both growled low, but accepted the order and moved to the basin.

Izayoi's sitting room…

Tenten watched as the human woman huffed and sat on a pile of cushions. Izayoi stared out the window spotting the three shapes flying over the wall, "Looks like Gen's gone on patrol."

The yokai nodded, "It's probably for the best."

Izayoi turned to her, "He apologized for losing his temper yesterday, but I don't feel he needed to."

Tenten frowned, "He was in his right to be angry, but it past. We are not creatures to hold grudges; you've learned this by now."

Izayoi arrayed her kimono properly, "My uncle has sent my parents away hasn't he?"

Tenten tilted her head listening to the sounds of the manor, "Yes, not long after we left the dining hall. I also hear them being escorted from the property."

Izayoi smiled, "Thank you Tenten…will you be staying here while Inuyasha and I are away?"

Tenten shook her head, "I'll go to the palace with Shin and Ton. Inuyasha will need some familiarity, and Lord Sesshomaru's mother won't be the most comforting individual present."

Izayoi frowned at the mention of Inu no Taisho's mate, "She'll use this time to try and enforce her claim on my son."

Tenten nodded, "I won't be able to stop that my lady, though I'll try to the best of my abilities."

Izayoi looked back toward the window, "When I'm gone…will you have much to do with Inuyasha?"

Tenten looked sadly at the human, "No, once our duty here is past…we will have little interaction with the young master. We may see him in passing, or during meetings. In general he will be watched after by Inu no Taisho's pack."

Izayoi smiled, "Then I thank you for the service you've performed. Even though, it's outside your normal duties."

Tenten sat, "It has been…interesting…serving a human. You were not what I was expecting, even though I resented Gen volunteering us for this duty at first. It has been unusually pleasant, even if we're far from our home."

A knock at the door signaled a visitor. Izayoi turned to Tenten, who with a sniff frowned, "It is the one you call aunt."

Izayoi turned to the door, "Enter."

The older human entered to find her niece sitting having a conversation with one of the female yokai. She smiled at her, "Izayoi, we haven't had much time to talk."

Izayoi returned the smile, "No we haven't. I heard father and mother have departed."

Her aunt took a seat across from her and Tenten; she'd been warned the night before by Inari to not get between one of the yokai and Izayoi, "Yes, they have gone. Your uncle is most upset, but knew it was his only option." She lowered her voice, "In all honesty this was for the best. We've needed an excuse to remove your parents for some time, and break their hold over your siblings. They have become most vocal against your uncle, even suggesting he was unfit for his duties."

Izayoi looked surprised, "Unfit?"

Her aunt waved the question off, "Your uncle is in fine condition Izayoi. He's as healthy as an ox. Your parents never got over losing their status following Takemaru's uprising."

Izayoi frowned, "If it was legal why does everyone call it an uprising?"

Her aunt smiled, "After Takemaru's death your uncle laid claim to the lands controlled by Takemaru, but the Shogun stated that your father could no longer hold power as a lord since he'd committed dishonorable acts. My husband disagreed with the Shogun, and revealed the truth Takemaru had lied about." She smoothed out her kimono, "The Shogun was most outraged. He'd thought you a good match for one of his sons. It was one of the reasons he agreed to Takemaru's revenge."

Izayoi was surprised, "He thought that? Why'd his son never come forward as a suitor?"

Her aunt sighed, "The boy was too shy, besides your father believed Takemaru's forces would bolster his own to overthrow your uncle and claim this region for his own. We believe he had plans to overthrow the current government, and install himself as shogun."

Tenten frowned, "Impressive ambition."

The older woman was surprised, "You understand our government?"

Tenten sneered, "I'm from the noble caste of my tribe I don the appearance of a warrior because I mated into a warrior pack. So yes I understand a thing or two about your government."

Izayoi smiled at Tenten's haughty display.

Inu no Taisho sat leaning against a tree in the yard. From his location he could see the younger human men training, Shin watching from a perch in another tree. Before him Inuyasha and Turk were playing with a ball.

Beyond the sound of human sparing and the children playing the yard was quiet. This was a type of peace that Inu no Taisho longed for, though as a warrior he thrived for battle.

In the last six years he'd had little time to contemplate these past few years. Between battling endless hordes of dragons and other yokai, ensuring the safety of Izayoi and Inuyasha, and preparing for the coming future. He hadn't found a moment of peace to just meditate. Though without Sesshomaru's assistance he'd no doubt be dead, scratch that he knew he'd be dead.

A sudden yelp drew his attention to the two pups. Inuyasha sat on the ground rubbing his nose. It didn't take a genius to realize he'd caught the ball with his face. Inu no Taisho frowned slightly, he'd promised Sesshomaru to not hold what happened in a time no longer in existence against him. That wasn't an easy promise to keep.

Sesshomaru, either one, is still far too young to realize the damage he'd done. Without a pack Inuyasha had nowhere to turn as a pup, even now he had a hard time believing the ten year old pup survived to adolescence. If what Sesshomaru says is right, the boy didn't even acquire the Tessaiga until he was around two hundred years old.

Movement next to him drew his attention. Kagome walked over and sat next to him, "A penny for your thoughts sir?"

Inu no Taisho frowned, "That a saying from where you're from?"

Kagome nodded, "It's foreign even there. A penny is currency in another land."

Inu no Taisho chuckled, "Well, I don't think I'll charge you for my thoughts. I was just contemplating my son."

Kagome's brow furrowed, "Which one?"

Inu no Taisho rubbed his chin, "Both actually…from an outsiders perspective we appear quite solitary, but in truth we are highly social by yokai standards. From what I've learned both my son's were quite solitary after my…untimely demise. Sesshomaru could protect himself long before now, but Inuyasha was only a pup when Izayoi died…nothing could change that. I can't see how Inuyasha survived as long as he did."

Kagome bowed her head, Sesshomaru had told her what became of Inuyasha after her departure, "It wasn't easy…Inuyasha never liked talking about it. I knew his mom died when he was young, but never how young. Sometimes…mostly on his human nights and he was exhausted enough to pass out…he'd call out to his mother, and oddly enough to you."

Inu no Taisho grimaced, "What made it odd to call out to me?"

Kagome looked nervously at the ground, "He didn't have the highest opinion of you."

Inu no Taisho nodded, "Understandable, in his opinion I'd abandoned both his mother and him. With the deaths of my lieutenants there would have been none powerful enough to disobey Sesshomaru's commands in regards to Inuyasha."

Kagome frowned, "What about his grandfather?"

Inu no Taisho shook his head, "The old man wouldn't have interfered. When Inuyasha comes to the palace, he'll no doubt hog as much time with the pup as possible. How else do you think Sesshomaru became the spoiled brat he is? My father would have no problem excepting a half breed, especially one fathered by me, but he wouldn't disobey the ruling lord. Besides I doubt Sesshomaru or my mate ever mentioned Inuyasha to him, I didn't until my return after sealing Ryukotsusei."

Kagome turned to where the two pups were continuing to play, "He hasn't heard a word we said?"

Inu no Taisho shook his head, "No, he's focused on playing with Turk. Every time we've said his name his ears have turned to us, but since I didn't give a command he immediately turned back to playing."

Kagome looked surprised, "You mean he's not been eavesdropping?"

Inu no Taisho frowned, "Pups may have curiosities that rival most feline yokai, but he'll ignore things especially those he doesn't understand. Now, if he was about twenty years older it'd be a whole other matter."

Kagome looked surprised, "How long will it take for him to…grow up?"

Inu no Taisho shrugged, "There's no definite timeline, some yokai age faster than others, but it'll probably be a hundred and twenty years before he's close to resembling how you remember him."

Kagome was surprised, "How long…will he be that small?"

Inu no Taisho looked thoughtful, "His human blood will speed up the aging process slightly, but he'll still be this small for a few more years."

Silence reigned as they watched the pups continue playing.

Western Palace

Three Inuyokai sat around a table, the room was the private quarters of the eldest of the three, "Are you sure?"

The youngest bowed his head, "Yes master, the servants have been notified. We know approximately when he'll be here, but not the exact date of his arrival."

The third yokai glared, "I can't believe he's actually bringing that thing here."

The eldest reached over and smacked the back of his cohort's head, "Silence that tongue of yours. If your feelings became known we'd all be in trouble."

Rubbing his head the yokai snarled, "He's just a hanyo bastard; we might as well do him a favor and put him out of his misery."

The youngest looked nervous at the two sitting before him, "Sirs…it will be nearly impossible to act against the pup. He'll no doubt be well guarded, as well as near constant presence of one of his blood relatives."

The eldest glared at the others, "Leave this to me. I'll ensure his first night here will be his last."

Outside the room…

Koga froze as he heard chuckling from the door he'd past. Their muttered words had been muffled, but the loud thwack sound had drawn his attention. Focusing on the room he'd heard everything, turning tail he hurriedly walked down the hall, sure he'd overheard something Lord Sesshomaru would want to know.

End Chapter Ten

A/N: Next chapter Inuyasha goes to the palace, and Izayoi returns to her uncle's castle. Sorry for the horribly long wait, I've been in the process of job hunting and handling some non fan fiction related matters. Also as I use this to refine my writing skills I've got to focus on my non fan fiction works if I ever want to get them published. This is also a reason why I mostly do fics with original characters as I'm practicing developing characters and not just using the ones made by the original authors.