Good evening everyone. As always, thanks to all of you who reviewed! I appreciate them very much. I'm glad so many of you are interested in Chaos as the villain of this story and that many of you seem to like the concept of the fact that he can't be completely destroyed. We get a bit more information in this chapter about possible "options". Sesshomaru will also get to see first hand what his pup is doing to Inuyasha on the night of the new moon. Poor Inuyasha :-(
Still having trouble getting chapters to up-load to the site but I keep hacking away at it. I've also gotten some reviews stating that people are having difficulty reviewing and sometimes they aren't going through. Not sure what's up with that, but I appreciate the fact that you guys keep trying.
Chapter 10 . . .
"Rin! That is not an activity that is conducive to becoming a lady!" Jaken squealed, his large bulbous eyes made even rounder by the shock of seeing the girl climbing up into a tree, her kimono open and exposing all the child had to any looking up. Of course, it never occurred to the little imp that he was the only one doing just that.
Rin only giggled while swinging to the next branch. "But Master Jaken, Lady Kaede said she was almost out of airy moss."
"Then that decrepit old woman can find a way to get it herself!" Whining, Jaken pulled at his hat. "What would Lord Sesshomaru say if he saw you up so high and acting so un-ladylike?"
As if the kappa's words held power, Sesshomaru materialized out of the blue sky, leisurely floating in front of his wayward ward.
Seeing Lord Sesshomaru instantly appear, Rin squealed, completely releasing her grip upon the branch she was tottering on. Reaching out her tiny hands, the small child fell forward, ever confident that her lord would catch her, which, he did. "Lord Sesshomaru! I've missed you."
Easily holding the girl within his arms, Sesshomaru floated to the forest floor, his dangerous golden eyes narrowed on Jaken. Booted feet gently landing upon the earth, Sesshomaru eased the child from his arms as he addressed his retainer. "Jaken, what is the meaning of this?"
Slamming his beak into the earth, Jaken begged forgiveness. "M-my Lord, the c-child is so willful, she – "
"She is a human child," Sesshomaru answered while stepping on Jaken's head. "Is this Sesshomaru to believe that you can not see to the safety of a single human girl?"
Face pushed deep into the dirt, Jaken's response came out as little more than a garbled mess of incoherent blabbering. Ignoring whatever the imp might be trying to say, Sesshomaru simply began walking toward the village, a simple command of, "Come, Rin," easing from his lips.
The quick and automatic response of, "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru," was almost as comforting as the sound of the insignificant human's footsteps.
Barely listening to Rin's incessant jabbering about this and that, Sesshomaru quietly walked into the village that Inuyasha referred to as home. Not surprisingly, Lady Kaede was already standing on the small porch leading to her hut; the miko's face a mask of unreadable emotion.
"Lord Sesshomaru, as always, it is good to see you."
Sesshomaru appreciated the respect Kaede showed him, but knowing the old miko had known of the hanyou's status and said nothing, or more to the point, was able to hide this information from him, made both his respect and mistrust escalate.
Without acknowledging Kaede's greeting and without looking down, Sesshomaru petted Rin's head, careful that his claws did not touch that delicate skin. "Rin, go and play now."
Never once letting the disappointment she felt into her voice, Rin happily chirped, "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru," before scampering off to find Jaken and Ah-Un.
Staring down the miko before him, Sesshomaru found time to be limited and spoke plainly. "This Sesshomaru is now aware of the hanyou's condition."
Kaede felt the palms of her hands go cold and clammy with sweat, her heart thudding wildly within her chest. "Exactly what condition is it that you speak of, my lord?"
Pulling his lips back, Sesshomaru's fangs shown white and deadly. "Your allegiance to the half-breed is admirable and the only thing that stays this Sesshomaru's claws." Calming, Sesshomaru had little time to waste on banter. "Inuyasha carry's my seed within his body."
Skin pale, Kaede reached for the edge of the door to her hut, her eyes sad and afraid. Fighting the quaking of her limbs, Kaede pushed down the pain of her anxiety. Although she'd known Inuyasha was carrying she had not known Sesshomaru was the sire. Suddenly Inuyasha's response that day made so much more sense. Fighting down her rising nausea, Kaede asked, "And now that you know, does Inuyasha still carry your pup?"
"Both the hanyou and the life within him are untouched by this Sesshomaru's hand. The pup shows enough promise that I will allow it to be born into this world."
Clutching her hand over her heart, Kaede closed her eyes and took in several deep and calming breaths. "That . . . that is good to hear, my lord."
"This Sesshomaru has little time to waste with words. I have come to inform you that neither the hanyou, slayer, monk or firecat will be returning soon. The humans and firecat have been designated as guards while the half-breed is carrying."
Kaede eagerly nodded, pleased that Inuyasha had at least Sango, Miroku, and Kirara as companions. Even still, she wondered now that Sesshomaru knew about the pregnancy and did not wish to kill either the pup or Inuyasha outright, why did they need to stay away from the village. With little more thought, Keade asked just that.
"They are unable to return for it appears as if there is a new threat to the hanyou." Unsure how to refer to Chaos now that Sesshomaru knew he wasn't a true youkai or god, the Lord of the West finally settled on, "A being by the name of Chaos is targeting both Inuyasha and myself. Should he return to the village, it would endanger all those here. Were it only for that reason, I would have no qualms of returning him to the village, but it is most likely Chaos would be able to track him here."
For Kaede, the name, Chaos, meant little beyond her understanding of the word itself. "So, ye are telling me that where they are now is safer? That this, Chaos, can not locate them where they currently reside?"
"It is not certain, but it is the slayer's belief as well as my own that he is in a safer location."
Pulling herself together, Kaede straightened her slumped shoulders. "And Rin? Will ye be wanting to take her and thee's retainer with ye?"
"Rin, Jaken and Ah-Un will stay here until specified otherwise."
"We will do our best to protect them, my lord," Kaede answered with a bow.
"This Sesshomaru expects nothing less."
Kaede smiled. "Is there anything else ye wish of us?"
The Lord of the West had not really expected Kaede to know the name, Chaos, but he did wish to know if she had any thoughts on how he might directly contact Mother Earth. "By human standards, you are a miko of some standing, is this correct?"
The smile slipped from Kaede's lips as she answered, "I believe so, although ye would need to ask them for their opinions directly."
"Their opinions are irrelevant. This Sesshomaru needs to know how to contact Mother Earth directly."
Blinking once, Kaede's brown eye widened for a moment before her brow furrowed down in confusion. "Mother Earth? Ye wish to contact her directly?"
"It is not a wish, but a necessity."
Waiting for a few moments, Kaede quickly realized no further information was forthcoming and set her mind not to the whys, but the how of the situation. "To my knowledge, none have done so for several centuries."
"Having not done so does not indicate it to be impossible, only that none have desired it."
"Nay," Kaede shook her head. "It is not that none have desired to, but the reported price required is far too great a sacrifice. Far greater than the reward."
"This Sesshomaru cares not what the price might be."
Kaede felt her gnarled fingers squeeze together as much as was physically possible for one of her age. "Very well, if that is what ye desire. I know not if what is written is true, but it is said that to truly bring forth the Mother, one must make a sacrifice – the greatest sacrifice one can give."
Life. Sesshomaru was not surprised by the answer for it seemed like everything powerful in life demanded blood and death as currency. "Is there a specific location where this sacrifice must be made?"
"I do not know, but would suspect any of the shrines dedicated to the Mother would do. Such shrines are typically located upon land that is already sacred in some way or another to Mother Earth. But . . . such a sacrifice, it must be made from the one whom desires her presence. It must be ye's sacrifice, not another."
Sesshomaru's golden eyes sharpened. The meaning was clear, if he desired to bring forth Mother Earth, then it would need to be his own blood painting the dirt from whence she would be called forth. It was his life that would need to be extinguished. The very thought was . . . unacceptable.
With a shake of her head, Kaede knew without words that Sesshomaru understood her meaning. "That is why none have sought to rouse the Mother. We pray and give offerings of respect with the hope that she might hear some of it, at least distantly, and be pleased enough to ensure another good harvest while holding her more violent tendencies at bay. I do not know if she hears us or not, but it is all most are willing to give."
Sesshomaru had the information he required, or at least all the information the miko was aware of. Perhaps there was another way to awaken the Mother to full consciousness to the fact that one of her lovers was loosed upon the earth. As much as the notion irritated him, Sesshomaru would speak with the monk and see if he was aware of any other methods. If not, then he would have to seek out others whom might have further information.
Feeling the sun's rays upon his back, Sesshomaru was reminded that it was already mid-day and tonight there would be no moon. He had told the hanyou that he would return by his night of weakness and Sesshomaru did not intend to go back on his word. Having no further reason to stay, the Lord of the West gave the priestess before him a poignant look. Truly, this human was a worthier adversary than he'd originally credited her for. "You will continue to care for Rin."
Finally Kaede felt a smile ease its way past her lips. "Of that, ye need never ask, my lord. Rin is a pleasure to have by my side." Seeing that Sesshomaru was about ready to leave, the miko asked, "Will ye not be saying goodbye to the child?"
"There is no need."
Had they been discussing any other child, Kaede would have disagreed, at least silently. Still, it would be good for Rin to see Sesshomaru once more, especially considering they had no idea when he might return. "Do ye have time to inform Jaken of his role?"
"Jaken knows his duties."
"Aye, but hearing it from ye's lips would carry far more weight with him than it would coming from mine."
Sesshomaru was irritated but could also see the wisdom in such a request. "This Sesshomaru will speak with him."
That small smile returned to Kaede's lips. "I believe Rin is with him now, so perhaps ye will have time to wish her well also."
An odd sense of satisfaction swept through Sesshomaru's chest. This insignificant human had just maneuvered him to her own desires and done so with a grace and ease few true youkai ever managed and yet, instead of anger, he felt appreciation. The miko was indeed a worthy adversary.
Finally turning from the miko, Sesshomaru began making his way to where he knew Rin and his retainer to be, his feet stopping as he heard Kaede state, "May the gods and goddesses bless the pup growing within Inuyasha."
Having nothing to add, the Lord of the West merely began his pace once more. He did not relish the moments to come, but was pleased that at least Rin would be there. Her presence would compensate for the irritating kappa. It would take little time to inform Jaken of his duties and most likely even less to say a brief goodbye to the child. Most likely he wouldn't even have to orb to get back to Inuyasha before the last rays of evening faded from the sky.
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Over the last few days, they'd managed to make a makeshift hut that could offer shelter from the elements. It had only taken a few hours of scouting to find a deep groove cut into one of the rocky outcroppings. The four of them had only needed to build two sides and a roof to give some measure of shelter. And it was in this shelter that Inuyasha now sat, his amber eyes trained upon the setting sun.
To most, the vision meeting his eyes would have seemed beautiful, for tonight the sky was alight with shades of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant violets. But Inuyasha did not see beauty, he only saw awaiting pain and grit his teeth against the anxiety filling his belly.
Outside the small enclosure Miroku and Sango sat, Kirara small and kitten-like within the slayer's arms. Small fire blazing brightly, the trio watched over the cooking meat they'd skewered and set to roast earlier. Glancing down, Sango released Kirara to check their waterskins for what seemed like the twentieth time.
"Sango, no matter how many times you check, the water shall still be there."
Blushing, Sango fidgeted with one of the leather ties. "I know, but it's important. Last time his fever got so high . . . I just don't want to be without supplies. It's . . . it's the only thing we can do for him."
Grabbing one of the nearby skewers, Miroku smiled. "I know, but we have prepared as much as possible. Now all we can do is be there and ease Inuyasha's pain in any way we can." Earning a small smile in return, the monk looked to the cooking meat and declared it done.
Food in hand, they ventured into the shelter, Miroku holding out a piece of juicy goodness. "I don't think I've seen meat quite this tender for some time, my friend, you should try a bite."
Inuyasha didn't even look at the monk, but kept his eyes steady on the setting sun. "I ain't hungry."
Miroku frowned. "It is unlikely you will be able to eat anything overnight, so – "
"No shit." Back leaning against the cave wall, Inuyasha gripped Tessaiga tighter. "-Keh, as if I don't know that, stupid monk."
Having been snapped at more times than Miroku ever truly cared to count; the monk only sat back and took a large bite of rabbit. "Forgive me, I had only thought to offer you sustenance."
Ears flicking, Inuyasha berated himself for getting angry again. "Yeah, I know, but chances are that if I eat that, then I'll be pukin' it up pretty damn soon and this night is gonna be shitty enough on you guys without dealin' with that too."
Suddenly the tender meat within his mouth didn't seem so appetizing. Eyes flicking to Sango's downcast ones, Miroku cleared his throat. "Although we appreciate the thought, I believe I speak for all involved that you need not concern yourself with our welfare on this night."
"Whatever," Inuyasha grumbled, his fingers loosening then tightening down once more on his sword. "I'm just glad the jackass ain't back yet."
Kirara mewed in agreement before taking a chunk out of her share of dinner.
Swallowing another piece of meat, Miroku looked to Sango once more, both sharing volumes within a single glance. Both humans knew just how much Inuyasha didn't want his brother here tonight, when he would be so vulnerable and ill. And yet, if Sesshomaru truly meant what he'd said, that he would protect the hanyou and pup, then it was only natural that the Lord of the West would desire to be here on the night the carrier of his child would be the most defenseless.
Sango was just opening her mouth to give some type of support when she saw Inuyasha stiffen, not long after Miroku doing the same. Looking to her fiancé, the slayer whispered, "Miroku, what – "
"Fuckin' bastard," Inuyasha hissed. "Damn asshole just couldn't do one fuckin' thing for me and stay the hell away."
Not long after that lovely tirade, Sesshomaru's body moved in front of the opening to their shelter, the InuDaiYoukai's body blocking Inuyasha's view of the sun's decent.
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If relief was an emotion Sesshomaru felt, then he would have been experiencing that right now. What should have taken mere moments, and a single statement, was dragged out painfully long by a near hysterical Jaken. The little fool had lamented and whined about being left behind for an indeterminate amount of time, so much so that Sesshomaru had finally needed to knock the little toad unconscious in order to focus his attention and goodbyes upon Rin. Had he not needed the kappa's assistance in protecting his ward, the Lord of the West would have put an end to the useless thing's life once and for all.
But as it was, he'd had to orb most of the way back to be here in time for the moonless night. It hadn't taken him long to scent Inuyasha as well as the humans and even less time to locate the small shelter they'd built. Although crude, most likely it would serve until something more substantial could be erected. Then again, part of the simplicity of the structure was that it blended well with its surroundings. Not too large, it was easily overlooked as nothing more than part of the normal architecture of the landscape.
And now, with the last of the evening's rays to his back, Sesshomaru stared down at the obviously irritated form of his younger brother and wondered just what his hurry had been. Inuyasha looked well enough, certainly healthy enough to curse his name from here to Hades and back.
After his ordeal with Jaken, Sesshomaru's patience was down to less than nothing and Inuyasha's complaints were doing little else but infuriate him. Golden eyes shining with a light all there own, Sesshomaru scowled down on the half-breed at his feet and ordered a crisp and what he hoped would be, final, "Silence."
Hearing that command did little to inspire Inuyasha to do any such thing. Already on edge about what was to come, the hanyou quickly turned his anxiety into anger toward his brother. "I don't gotta do shit, asshole! If I wanna yell and scream at your sorry, sadistic, holier than thou ass then – " sucking in a deep breath, anything else Inuyasha was about to say was cut off by the shot of agonizing pain radiating out from his abdomen. Going up on his knees, the hanyou hunched over, both arms gripping his belly as he gritted his teeth against the unending pain.
Moving quickly, Sango jumped to her feet, easing Inuyasha onto his side as Miroku took one of their waterskins, wetting a strip of cloth to start bathing and cooling their friend.
Standing there, Sesshomaru watched as his little brother suddenly stopped his tirade, his amber eyes pinched tight with anguish. Visually apathetic eyes staring on, the Lord of the West watched as both the slayer and monk leapt into action, both humans' auras radiating nothing but concern and compassion as they eased Inuyasha down on the ground.
Lip twitching back, Sesshomaru barely suppressed a growl as he watched the monk smooth a section of already damp hair away from the half-breed's forehead. Standing as he was, Sesshomaru was amazed to see Inuyasha's transformation start, only to be stopped – the whole scene repeating itself with what appeared to be an unending cycle. One moment the hanyou's claws were digging into the earth only to be replaced in the next instant with uselessly blunt human nails etched in blood.
Finally, when it seemed as if this would be the pattern for the foreseeable future, Inuyasha seemed to stabilize somewhat in his hanyou form, his weakened body shaking while his fangs pierced deep gouges into his bottom lip. Moving forward slightly, Sesshomaru was beginning to think Rin had greatly exaggerated the half-breed's true condition during the last night of the new moon. True, the initial change had seemed painful, but his pup seemed to have stopped the transformation and now that Inuyasha was stable, there should be little more in the way of discomfort.
Feeling the excruciating pain ease, Inuyasha turned his wary amber eyes at his brother, hating how Sesshomaru stood there – judging his weakness. He didn't need his purest jackass of an older sibling there, not now, not fucking ever. Teeth gritted, Inuyasha pushed his body up, leaning heavily on a shaky arm while his lips pulled back into a deep snarl. "Like the show?" Panting with the effort it was taking to move, the hanyou refused to remain lying down while he spoke to Sesshomaru. "Just had to get back in time to see just how damn pathetic the half-breed is, didn't you?"
Inwardly Sesshomaru felt his youkai recoil at the words, completely at a loss as to what the hanyou was speaking about. "Even now, your words indicate just how foolish you are, little brother."
"Foolish?" Grunting, Inuyasha tried standing up, but immediately fell back down as a fresh wave of agony erupted from his abdomen. Had it not been for his human friends, the hanyou had little doubt he'd of landed very painfully back upon the dirt floor. As it was, Inuyasha barely registered that he was practically lying on Sango's lap while the darkened night tried to claim his human form once more, the pup growing within him fighting back just as fiercely to preserve its own life.
Mouth open in a silent scream, Inuyasha's momentarily blackened hair turned shimmering white once more before he finally found enough breath to whisper a harsh, "Fuck."
Golden eyes widening ever so slightly, Sesshomaru was confused. He'd thought the matter finished, but evidently, he'd been wrong. Speaking to no one in particular, the Lord of the West questioned, "This shall repeat throughout the night?"
Rewetting the cloth in his hand, Miroku nodded. "If it's anything like last month, then yes."
Vaguely hearing the question, Inuyasha gave a hateful smirk. "Ain't you lucky? Now you'll have a shit-ton of memories of the half-breed rollin' around in pain. God's must love your sadistic a-ass." Teeth clenching at the end, Inuyasha felt the transformation begin again quickly followed by the all too familiar burst of pain. In the background, he could almost make out Sango's soothing words – words that meant nothing and yet everything at the same time. After gods knew how long, the pain finally subsided enough for him to think clearly and realize that Sesshomaru was still standing there, his face an impassive and unreadable mask. Head tilted, Inuyasha struggled for breath, finally managing enough for a simple, "L-lea-ave."
Sesshomaru had never taken commands well and did not appreciate the half-breed attempting to do so now.
Glancing back at Sesshomaru, Miroku could see that Inuyasha's simple desire would not be heeded, at least, not with the way his friend had made his request. "Lord Sesshomaru, there is little that you can aid with here and your presence seems to be upsetting Inuyasha further. Perhaps it would be best if you were to guard our position from outside?"
Instantly Sesshomaru's eyes swam in crimson. To think the monk was telling him to leave when the one carrying his offspring was in such poor condition? But the monk wasn't completely wrong. Inuyasha's eyes were filled with two very different forms of pain and the Lord of the West got the distinct feeling that the physical one was easier to accept and deal with than the emotional minefield that seemed to be the half-breed's soul.
Pushing the raging beast within him down, Sesshomaru turned from the makeshift structure, a clipped, "This Sesshomaru shall be near," echoing from his lips as he strode out into the night.
Miroku and Sango only had time to share a quick look of both relief and understanding before the next wave of attempted transformation and pain wracked through Inuyasha's body.
Still as the stone he stood beside, only Sesshomaru's silvery strands of hair moved in the minimal night air. It was well into the latter half of the night when he heard the first scream echo from Inuyasha's throat. Hearing that piercing noise almost sent him flying into that small room and yet somehow, he had stayed his instincts. As much as he hated to admit it, the monk was correct. No matter how powerful he was, there was nothing Sesshomaru could do to aid the half-breed. Indeed, his mere visual presence seemed to do just the opposite. And so, the Lord of the West did the only thing he could do – keep watch. Senses thrown wide into the blackened night, Sesshomaru watched and waited for sun to kiss the sky again. Never in his life did he desire to see the sun as much as he did that night.
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It was perhaps half an hour after the sun had crested the horizon that the monk finally exited the small hut. Not bothering to turn from where he was standing, Sesshomaru waited for the tired human to come to him. Unfortunately, he not only heard the disgusting human, but also smelled him. A night spent in a cramped, sweaty domicile had done little to improve upon the monk's naturally offensive odor.
Relatively ignorant of his own stench, Miroku came up to stand beside the Lord of the West, careful to keep what he considered a respectful distance. Hands raised above his head, Miroku stretched the kinks from his back before reaching around to scratch his ass. Despite the fact that he was so close to Sesshomaru, the monk couldn't help but groan in pleasure at the feel of stretching his limbs once more. "Ah . . . that feels much better."
"I care little for your welfare or comfort. How is the hanyou?"
Letting loose a yawn, Miroku nodded his head. "Inuyasha is sleeping. Since the sun is up, the worst should be over, but if it is anything like last time, he'll be fairly out of it for the next three days or so." Shrugging his shoulders, the monk turned to look into the rising sun. "I think Sango and I had hoped this time would be better. It stands to reason that as the pup gets stronger, it should be able to stop the transformation completely. But . . . at least for now, that does not appear to be the case."
Sesshomaru thought the reasoning sound and could only silently agree that he also hoped the next new moon would not be as traumatic. "You and the slayer will stay with Inuyasha until he is able to care for himself."
Miroku wasn't stupid enough to think the Lord of the West had been asking him a question and took it for the order it was. "We would never leave him while he is in such a state, Lord Sesshomaru. Surely you understand this by now."
Once more, Sesshomaru felt no need to answer and remained looking toward the continually rising sun, his thoughts as scattered as it's rays. What he had witnessed last night was . . . unacceptable. Inuyasha should never appear so defeated and weakened. And then there had been the screaming – the desperate cries for an aid that none could provide. When he'd forcefully rutted the half-breed, Sesshomaru had foolishly thought Inuyasha's silence had been the most haunting aspect of that night. But now, after hearing those desperately agonized cries, the Lord of the West thought differently. That sound . . . those wails of need . . . they tore at the very nature of his soul. As cold hearted as he was, Sesshomaru was InuYoukai. It had been so long since he'd heard the call of help from any other Inu – half-breed or no, Inuyasha's pleas had sliced through him just as surely as any pure InuYoukai ever could. And he, the all-powerful Lord of the West, had been able to do absolutely nothing.
Eyes glancing up at Sesshomaru's ever-stoic expression, Miroku correctly assumed that he would get nothing else from the InuDaiYoukai. "Well, I just wanted to let you know that both Inuyasha and your pup seem to have survived another night. If you'll excuse me, I'm in need of relief so that I might go back and offer Sango the same courtesy."
"You may do as you wish."
Head shaking, Miroku walked away from Sesshomaru in search of a little privacy to relieve his bladder. He had to go bad enough that he might just be able to let it loose that close to danger, but he didn't think it worth the risk. Finishing quickly, the monk made his way back into the little hut, his lips turning down into a deeper frown when he saw how pale Inuyasha appeared.
Fingers still stroking through Inuyasha's completely dampened locks of hair, Sango turned tired brown eyes up at her fiancé. "You spoke to Lord Sesshomaru?"
Flopping down, Miroku grunted. "For all the good it did me." Head shaking, the monk reached for what was left of the water and took a heavy drink. "He's ordered us to stay with Inuyasha until he's up and about."
"Ordered us?" Sango both looked and sounded offended. "As if we'd abandon him now."
"I am coming to believe that the concept of friendship is simply beyond Lord Sesshomaru's understanding. I had thought, with the way he treats Rin, that he would have at least a basic feel for it, but perhaps it is truly only loyalty that keeps him attached to her."
Within her lap, Sango felt Inuyasha stir, a barely heard groan slipping through his abused throat. "I'd hoped this time would be better. To think, he has to go through this every month while he's carrying . . . it's just so damn unfair."
Scratching the back of his head, Miroku nodded before asking, "Speaking of the future, do we even know how long his pregnancy will last? It is my understanding that it is typically dependent on what type of youkai are involved, but since Inuyasha is half human . . . I am uncertain."
"I can't say for sure, but given that the pup should be three-quarter youkai and only one-quarter human, I would assume the pregnancy would not be as long as that of a typical human one. If I remember correctly, InuYoukai normally take about five months, but for a human it is nine." Shoulders shrugging, Sango finally added, "Best guess is about seven or so but as I said, it is simply a guess. I doubt anyone truly knows for sure."
Miroku felt the blood fade from his skin, at least five more months. Five more nights like this, perhaps even more. "We can only continue to hope that as the pup gains in strength, it will lessen the pain of these nights." Smiling gently as he stared down on Inuyasha's exhausted form, Miroku spoke softly, "Either way, he will continue to bear them. Inuyasha will weather the pain and weakness because that is what he must do."
"Then we will bear it with him, because that is what we must do," Sango agreed, her brown eyes more tender than Miroku had ever seen before. Not that he'd needed the reminder, but in that moment, the monk understood why he'd fallen for this beautiful woman – why there could be no other mother of his children. Leaning forward, Miroku's hand slid down Sango's back, finally cupping her ass before squeezing.
Sesshomaru never even flinched when he heard the loud echo of Sango's hand as she struck it across Miroku's cheek. The Lord of the West did, however, scowl ever so slightly when he heard the slayer yell, "Lecher!"
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Eyelids parted just enough to allow the barest hints of sunlight through, Inuyasha laid upon the earthen floor of the small shelter they'd built, his body aching and beyond exhausted. He didn't know whether it was better or worse knowing what he was in for on the moonless night. The first time it had happened, he'd been anxious not knowing for sure what was happening, let alone why. Now he knew what the reason was.
Hand slipping down over his abdomen, Inuyasha's eyes closed once more as he contemplated the life he carried. Was survival this ingrained in every living thing or did it have something to do with the fact that it was his pup that made the thing so damn tenacious? The hanyou didn't know but despite the agonizing pain it caused, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that his pup fought so hard for life.
Exhausted body pulling him down, Inuyasha barely heard Sango's voice whisper, "Inuyasha?" before falling back into the arms of slumber.
Peaking over the mess of tangled hair haphazardly falling around Inuyasha's body, Sango thought for a moment that she'd seen movement from their friend, but when she inquired to see if Inuyasha was awake, she'd received nothing but the gentle rise and fall of his chest as an answer.
Sango had just sat back down when Miroku came back through the opening, his hands carrying their refilled water skins. Setting the heavy weight aside, the monk rolled his shoulders, "It fascinates me that something so elusive weighs as much as it does."
Beside her, Sango caught the barest huff from Kirara and smiled down at the firecat. Miroku had many positive points, but physical labor wasn't one of them. Ignoring her fiancé's complaints, the slayer asked, "Is Lord Sesshomaru still close?"
Leaning his staff against one of the stony walls, Miroku only nodded. "He is. I thought of trying to strike up a conversation, but didn't know what exactly to speak of."
Swallowing a cool drink of water, Sango looked to the opening in their shelter and frowned. "Well, I for one would like to know what he learned regarding Chaos, but beyond that, a more pressing need will be fresh meat. When Inuyasha is awake enough, a recent kill will go a long way to restoring his energy."
"Would you like for me to ask him?" Secretly, Miroku hoped not. The Lord of the West wasn't overly tolerant of humans and seemed to be less so in regards to him.
Though he attempted to hide it, Sango could easily pick up on the slight anxiety tainting Miroku's voice and simply stood, stretching her arms and back before Kirara jumped up to sit upon her shoulder. "I could do with a bit of fresh air." With a wink and smile, Sango walked out into the sunny afternoon.
Quickly scanning the immediate vicinity, Sango found the Lord of the West, in much the same position as he had been all night and seemingly throughout the day. Within no time, Sango found herself standing next to the InuDaiYoukai, Sesshomaru never once turning to acknowledge her presence. Deciding she would need to take the initiative, the slayer was about to open her mouth when Sesshomaru's cold voice questioned, "Is the hanyou in need of something?"
Mouth snapping shut, it took a few moments for Sango to regain her composure before answering, "Not yet, but he will soon be waking enough to require food. We have fruit and roots stored, but given his appetites of late, I would imagine fresh meat would do him more good than vegetation."
"You desire this Sesshomaru to hunt."
"If . . . if it wouldn't be too much trouble."
Sesshomaru thought the answer odd, but didn't address it. "When the hanyou wakes enough, I shall procure the necessary food."
Sango didn't know if she should thank the Lord of the West or not. In the end, she decided he'd probably see it as an insult instead of gratitude. Since he'd decided to protect his unborn pup, Sesshomaru would see providing its carrier with sustenance as nothing short of duty. To thank him for something like that would not be wise.
Having little knowledge or care as to what was going through the slayer's mind; Sesshomaru remained where he was, his eyes scanning the horizon. But as the moments passed, it became increasingly clear that the human woman wasn't leaving. "There is more you require?"
Removing Kirara from her shoulder, Sango set the firecat in her arms and began stroking her fur. "I was only wondering as to your journey. Were you able to find out anything more about Chaos?"
Having no desire to go through what he'd learned more than once, Sesshomaru answered, "What I have discovered will be discussed when the hanyou is recovered enough to listen."
"Oh, well, I suppose that makes sense." Sango heard Kirara purr as she continued stroking, the feel of the firecat's fur calming her nerves. "And the village? Was it safe to speak with Lady Kaede and Rin?"
"The human village you speak of is the same as it was when you left. The miko is aware of the situation and Jaken was informed that he is to stay with Rin until informed otherwise."
Sango didn't know exactly why, but that knowledge eased the tightness in her chest. "I am – "
"Sango."
Turning, Sango looked over to see Miroku peaking out of the shelter.
Seeing that he had his fiancé's attention, Miroku added, "I think he's awake enough to eat."
Turning, Sango was going to ask if Sesshomaru could go hunting now, but when she looked, the InuDaiYoukai was already gone. Shaking her head, the slayer thought it had been foolish of her to assume she would need to say anything further. No doubt Lord Sesshomaru had heard Miroku and left immediately. Soon enough there would be fresh meat for their friend.
::::::::::
Arms shaking, Inuyasha devoured the rabbit within his claws. Barely able to sit up, the hanyou was leaning against the cool surface of rock within their shelter, his fangs covered in blood as he took yet another bite out of the small mammal within his grasp.
Staring down on the hanyou, Sesshomaru thought his choice of prey had been good. He'd wondered if he should take down a larger animal, but thought Inuyasha still too weak to eat it properly. And now, looking at how much effort it was taking the half-breed to simply hold the small rabbit to his mouth, Sesshomaru decided his thoughts on the matter had been correct. Should Inuyasha require more meat, he would retrieve as many rabbits as needed to fill the hanyou's belly.
Finally done, Inuyasha laid what little remained of the carcass by his side, his tired eyes blinking with surprise when Sesshomaru wordlessly removed it from the shelter, returning within seconds to ask, "Do you require more?"
Licking his bloodied lips, Inuyasha thought over the question before shaking his head every so slightly. "Not right now."
Seeing he was done, Sango held a water skin to Inuyasha's lips, her hands never leaving the body of the container as the hanyou drank. Sango doubted Inuyasha was fully aware of just how much of the weight she held, but said nothing. Knowing he couldn't even hold a full water skin would only serve to harm her friend's pride.
Swallowing down the cool fluid, Inuyasha closed his eyes momentarily before grunting out a quiet, "Thanks."
In response, Sango only smiled before returning the water skin to the floor.
Head tilted back, Inuyasha's eyes closed again. The food had tasted wonderful and made him feel a bit steadier, but he still felt disgustingly weak. Lips pulled back in distaste for himself, Inuyasha muttered an irritated, "Fuck."
Foolishly (it now seemed) Sesshomaru had hoped that Rin's words regarding the length of recovery the hanyou would face was somehow exaggerated. But seeing Inuyasha now, so weakened that he had to rely on a human female to quench his thirst . . . was disorienting. Never before had he seen his half-breed brother this debilitated. Inuyasha might be inferior to himself, but his little brother had always had an admirable tenacity. The irritating half-breed could be raining blood upon the countryside and still spouting vile obscenities regarding how he was going to painfully destroy his attacker.
But in this case, the thing attacking the hanyou was their pup – a being that Inuyasha had sworn to protect, not destroy. The cause of his current harm was not an enemy in the traditional sense of the word and so could not be defeated in the same ways.
Watching Inuyasha's eyelids flutter closed, the Lord of the West's golden eyes honed in on his sibling's pink tongue as it darted out to lap at a missed droplet of blood. Sitting as he was, in such an enclosed space, Sesshomaru was assaulted with images of the half-breed licking something else, the scent of Inuyasha's pregnancy only fueling the Lord of the West's desires.
Annoyed with himself, Sesshomaru stared at the stone wall behind Inuyasha in a futile effort at distraction. But looking at that cold surface only made him more irritated. Irritated that the half-breed would rather lean against it than Sesshomaru. The hanyou carried his unborn pup and should seek him out for comfort and yet Inuyasha wanted nothing to do with him – less than that even.
Now more angered than annoyed, A barely audible growl slipped through Sesshomaru's lips, Inuyasha's puppydog ears instantly swiveling in his elder brother's direction while curious amber eyes peaked out from behind tired lids. "What the fuck's your problem?"
Anger now pointed toward himself, Sesshomaru felt like little more than a freshly weaned pup, allowing his emotions to slip through his carefully lain mask of indifference. Pulling that well trained apathy back around him, Sesshomaru ignored the question and simply rose to leave.
Seeing that the bastard was about to go, Inuyasha's eyes opened wider, but his voice still felt thick and scratchy as he tried to call out, "H-hey! Where . . . where do you think y-your goin'?"
"This Sesshomaru has seen to what needs you will allow and now finds the stench of humanity contained within this small dwelling . . . distasteful."
"Ass," Inuyasha grumbled.
Sharing a look, neither Sango nor Miroku missed the words Sesshomaru had used, what needs you will allow. Neither one of them was as naïve as their friend and had seen the look within the Lord of the West's eyes. Sesshomaru wanted so much more from Inuyasha and both Sango and Miroku wondered just how much longer it would be before he claimed it.
Ignorant to the silent thoughts currently humming through his human friends' minds, Inuyasha pushed his body further up so that he could see his brother more clearly. "I . . . I wanna know what . . . what you found out."
Stopping, Sesshomaru actually turned to look at Inuyasha, easily noting the paled skin and pained expression he now wore. If such a simple act as trying to sit up further tired him to this extent, then he was not ready to hear what the Lord of the West had to say. "What this Sesshomaru learned can wait."
"Damn-it, Sessh – "
"You have already taxed your body enough for now. Rest so that you may understand all that I have discovered."
Mouth opening slightly, Inuyasha thought about arguing, but wound up grunting a, "-Keh," before scooting to lay back down. Sesshomaru doubted the hanyou's head had barely landed upon the earth before sleep claimed him again. Satisfied that the half-breed was actually doing as needed, Sesshomaru left the small shelter, his mind consumed with pointless visions of Inuyasha safely wrapped within mokomoko.
A little fluffy "thoughts" to go along with Inuyasha's grueling pain. I like the idea of Inuyasha wrapped up in mokomoko as well, that's probably why I put him there so often :-)
Hope you liked this one and that it answered some of your questions regarding the length of Inuyasha's pregnancy. This story gets the (hopeful) mid-week update this time so hopefully a new chapter up either thursday or friday. Until then, I hope you all have a good and safe week. (just realized there are a lot of "hopes" in that little paragraph).
lunamist