Chapter Ten:
-Another co-write with Avenging Neko, she's the bestest ever... Worship her ... I command thee?-
After many hours of mind blowing sex, in which the fox had no trouble convincing the dog to use lube when it was provided with his mouth, the demon lord was dozing off a good fuck and the fox, a sexual specie by nature, wanted to explore the gardens while the tired dog rested. Youko could always see the garden from the balcony but never had the chance to get to said garden over the past week due to the barrier.
Sneaking a sly look over his shoulder at the nearly comatose dog, he licked his lips and chuckled softly to himself before rummaging in the wardrobe for a plain kimono to wear, as his was... out of commission. He made himself a mental note to get naked before teasing the dog in any way, less he wanted every piece of clothing he could wear in ribbons.
Once dressed, the fox headed to the outside by the only means he knew of. He scaled over the balcony, glad he wasn't 'so pregnant' he couldn't climb the vine that was still there. After getting to the ground Youko took in a deep breath, smiling. He turned, looking around him before he picked a direction and moved forward. Enjoying the feel of the grass below his feet. He's really missed this...
The garden was much better up close he would add also. The specks of colors he'd seen from the balcony ended being a rather wide range of different flowers and Youko let fingers gently touch the petals as if he were gently caressing a lovers skin. Yes he's really missed his plants.. He vaguely wondered if he could get Sesshoumaru to allow him to put some in the room...
Hands left the flowers as he wanted to explore the garden more, slowly moving through the garden, taking in the different plants, letting his hand gently trace over the leaves and flowers he passed. Stepping gently as he went, silvery auds were relaxed atop his head as he came to a rose bush and he smiled. His favorite flower... The Kitsune slowly stepped over noticing more of the roses and pretty much grinned, leaning in he sniffed one of the flowers, smiling at the smell. He really missed the roses the most. The rose was one of his signature plants. He'd been sad when he lost his seeds during all that. He vaguely wondered if it was worth asking Sesshoumaru for some.
Finding a sakura in the garden, he was a bit impressed, sakura trees took forever to grow and could be quite temperamental if they didn't wish to grow in that location... Walking over to it he settled at it's base, sighing as he leaned his back against it, relaxing there. He felt at east in the garden.
Rin wandered into the gardens after her lessons were done, humming cheerily to herself. Lord Sesshoumaru was home! She was very excited, and decided to pick a handful of flowers for her lord to make his office smell nice. Beaming at the thought, the little girl skipped through the flowers, searching for the perfect one.
Youko was relaxing, but one of his silvery auds twitched at the sound of someone approaching. He let his eyes open as he slowly sat up, looking towards the direction he heard the sound.. Soon enough he spotted her.. That was the human kit he saw ... a week ago now wasn't it? He gave a faint smile, but didn't say anything, not wanting to upset her. They were never really introduced.
Rin froze for a moment as she considered the youkai before her warily. Then she smiled and scampered over on bare feet, "Ohayou!" She chirped, standing before the fox with her checkered kimono slightly askew, side ponytail bobbing, "Rin's name is Rin, what's yours Mr. Fox?"
Youko blinked, but smiled softly at the human kit. She spoke just like Sesshoumaru when referring to herself. It was adorable and he couldn't help but think of the canine lord... But golden eyes watched the human kit as he came out of his thoughts, "My name is Youko Kurama little one," he stated gently, smiling softly. "What are you doing out here little Rin?" he asked curiously. It wasn't really his business, but pfft, kitsune remember? Nosy little buggers they were...
Rin beamed, "Rin is looking for flowers for Sesshoumaru-sama. Does Youko-sama like flowers?"
Youko smiled warmly, already liking the human kit, "That's great, I'm sure he'll like them," he couldn't help the mental chuckle picturing the dog lord reluctantly taking them just to set them somewhere to make the child happy. It was adorable really... But her question his silver auds twitched and he smiled softly, "Very much so... Do you know if there are any seeds around here?" He knew he didn't have the power to revert a plant back to a seed, it was harder to do, but it was easy to make a seed grow.
Rin tapped her chin in thought, seriously considering the question, "Rin thinks... that Jaken-sama would know. Only he hits Rin for asking too many questions, Jaken-sama is a very busy youkai." She explained solemnly, "But Lord Sesshoumaru encourages Rin's questions and learning!" She bounced excitedly, "Youko-sama could help Rin pick flowers for Sesshoumaru-sama, and there might be some seeds there?" She sounded a bit unsure, but her chocolate eyes sparkled with such unadulterated joy it was hard to say no to her.
Youko's auds folded back momentarily and a faint growl escaped him, "Remind me to squash that toad when I see him next" He almost snarled, but soon gave a nod, and moved, standing, he felt a bit uneasy in his stomach for a moment, but letting his eyes close, the feeling passed. With a gentle smile, he offered Rin a hand, "Wish to lead the way little Rin?"
Rin laughed, "Sesshoumaru-sama uses Jaken-sama as a stepping stone a lot," she informed the fox with a mischievous twinkle of her eye before she lead the pretty demon, who looked quite a bit like her beloved Sesshoumaru-sama towards the roses.
Youko chuckled a bit, walking with the human kit, "mmhm, can't say I blame him." He spoke calmly, smiling gently as he watched the young one, and practically purred seeing where she was leading him... "Do you like roses little Rin?" He asked gently.
"Oh yes! Rin loves roses! Sesshoumaru-sama said they remind him of blood." She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not, but anything coming from her Lord must be good, right?
Youko blinked, reminded Sesshoumaru of blood huh? "They also look like rubies" he commented gently, once at the bush, his fingers gently brushed over one of the flowers in bloom, smiling warmly, "So little Rin, do you know which ones you want to take to Sess-sama?" he asked, shortening Sesshoumaru's long assed name and adding 'sama' for Rin's sake. Okay so Youko was a bit lazy... His excuse? Well right now he'd use 'I'm pregnant back off' as his excuse...
Looking at the bush with serious eyes, she spotted one in the very back, "That one, Youko-sama!" Reaching for it, she yipped and jerked back as the thorn caught her palm. Frowning, she looked up at the tall youkai with pleading eyes, "Can Youko-sama reach the flower for Rin?"
Youko's auds dropped back and knelt beside Rin, "Are you all right?" he asked softly first, but gave a nod at her question, "you're not bleeding are you?" he asked, a bit worried over the human kit. If confronted he'd blame it on instincts to protect young ones, from being pregnant himself. But in truth? He's always had a soft spot for kits, fox or not.
Rin inspected her skin carefully for any signs of blood, and shook her head, "Rin is fine, Youko-sama." She beamed up at the fox with her gap toothed smile, eyes sparkling.
Youko smiled, relief washing through him, "I'm glad, Little Rin," he said, but then moved, looking at the flower she wanted, moving his hand, the bush actually parted around his hand as he reached in, encouraging the stem to break as he gently pulled and then moved his hand out as the bush returned to its original state. "Here you go little Rin, be careful of the thorns"
"Now that Sesshoumaru-sama has his flower, it's time for Rin to find Youko-sama his flower!" Rin exclaimed eagerly, carefully tucking the rose into her kimono sash so that the thorns would not dig into her fragile human skin and the petals would not be crushed by getting dropped.
Youko smiled softly but blinked in surprise, "My flower huh?" he asked curiously. He smiled warmly, "Which flower might that be little Rin?" he asked warmly.
Rin hummed as she turned in a circle before grabbing Youko's hand, "Over here, Youko-sama!" She was leading him towards a pretty blue flower she didn't know the name of yet.
Youko blinked but smiled as his hand was taken, following after the human kit. He didn't mind being pulled along. Youko smiled at the groups of flowers he was being led to, "do you know the name of this flower little Rin?" he asked curiously.
"No, Youko-sama. Do you?" Her eyes were wide with excitement as she looked up (and up, and up) at the tall youkai.
Youko smiled warmly, giving a nod as he knelt to be more at her level as he noticed her looking so far up at him. "Yes, they are called Blue Hydrangea." He informed her, smiling warmly to the human kit.
Rin beamed at him, the gap between her teeth only adding to her charm as she reached out and plucked a small handful of the flowers. Looking shyly up at the kitsune, she hid behind the fistful of blue, "Does Youko-sama like braids?"
Youko tilted his head curiously as he watched her, "Braids?" He asked curiously, he vaguely recalled the word, but couldn't recall what they were, it's been so long since he's heard the word mentioned. Most Demons kept the hair down, or simply pulled up. He tilted his head to a side slightly, "I know I've heard the word, but can't recall what they are exactly, but, why do you ask Little Rin?" he asked gently, still smiling softly all the while.
Rin bounced excitedly, "Would Youko-sama like some braids? Rin can add the flowers to them!"
Youko blinked, well the little kit sure seemed excited at the prospect.. But he smiled, "All right, would you rather me sit?" He queried, having a though, "Just don't braid my tail, okay?" he stated gently, He didn't want his tail messed with. He liked his tail...
Rin squeaked, the muffled version of a squeal in deference to the superior hearing of her youkai companion, and scampered behind him to set the flowers down gently and carefully run her fingers through his hair before picking out a section and separating it into threes. Before she came to live with Sesshoumaru-sama, when her parents were still alive, Rin would always do her mother's hair and add the flowers she'd picked into the hairstyle to make it even prettier. She hummed as she worked, careful not to pull too hard on the pretty silver hair.
Youko eased back a tad, and relaxed letting the human kit add the braids to his hair. He let his eyes close as he relaxed. Rin had a calming presence. She was a sweet child... Much more enjoyable of a presence than that damn toad... Which he still needed to squash the next time he saw him, and grill him about being cruel to the girl. Hitting her for asking questions! The nerve of that stupid demon! Youko sighed though, letting the stupid toad drift from his thoughts as he glanced around the garden, smiling softly, "How many types of flowers do you know here Rin?" he asked curiously, wondering how well she's been taught about the plants around her.
"Only about a d-" her tiny face screwed up, "a d-du... dozen! Jaken-sama doesn't like flowers, and the others don't talk to Rin much." She sounded a bit sad.
Youko gave a gentle smile, "I could help you learn if you'd like little Rin," he said smiling as he stayed still, since he didn't think she was done with his hair yet, and he was in no rush to move, his stomach was feeling a bit weird. He didn't realize it was because due to the romp, and then coming out here due to the barrier being down he missed lunch.
Rin continued her braiding until her handful of pretty blue flowers were gone and Youko-samas hair looked and smelled a lot prettier. She giggled as the wind picked up, pulling the braids together and knocking a few fragile petals from the plucked flowers. It was at that moment that she heard a quiet shuffle of cloth, and she turned to observe her precious Sesshoumaru-sama. Running at him, she squealed excitedly, "Sesshoumaru-sama! Look what Youko-sama helped me pick for you!" Reaching into her sash she proudly brandished the blood red rose for her lord's inspection.
Youko had moved a hand to inspect one of these braids, it was nicely done, and he didn't mind it. Not as 'nice' as his hair falling freely, but Rin enjoyed herself, so it was just a small price to pay. Hearing her call the dog lord's name, Youko turned looking over, and he smiled softly, watching as she offered Sesshoumaru the rose.
Sesshoumaru's lips twitched in the barest of smiles as he took the rose from his ward and inspected it. With a nod, he tucked the flower into the hem of his haori near his chest so that the little girl would be happy. Golden eyes met gold as he observed the breeder, and took note of his new hairstyle. "Come, it is time for lunch, Rin," again the barest of hesitations lasting only a second, "Youko."
Rin beamed up at the dog demon, hero worship clear on her young face, "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama!"
Youko smiled softly. It was adorable how the human kit was so attached to Sesshoumaru... Moving to stand, Youko had to close his eyes to stave off a wave of dizziness. The fox opened his eyes once the bulk of it passed and smiled, "Oh... Sesshoumaru, at some point, I have a bone to pick with you about a toad," he stated softly, for the dog demon's ears more than little Rins. Saying it softly, to hopefully give him the hint he'd talk about it once they weren't in Rins presence, as he honestly didn't think he'd hold his temper well. The toad bothered him on so many levels.
Gaze narrowing in on the fox, keen ears catching the words, he dipped his chin in a subtle nod, "Rin, go and wash your hands, we will be eating in the garden." He informed the child with a gentle sternness. The girl practically saluted as she ran off to obey, eager to get a chance to eat with her precious Sesshoumaru-sama and Youko-sama.
Walking slowly, to give the girl time to return, the inu made his way closer to the castle where a small clearing was paved with simple stones and a table, with four chairs, sat, temporarily empty.
Youko watched the human kit take off to get her hands washed, and, despite feeling a bit light headed still, he spoke gently, so in case she came back, she'd hopefully not over hear anything before they noticed she was there... "You need to punish that damn toad of yours... Rin commented to me that he tends to hit her for just asking questions." The fox tried not to sound angry, but he was seething inside to be quite honest. To hurt a kit for being curious was beyond forgivable. But he doubted Sesshoumaru would appreciate him disemboweling his 'stress relief outlet'. "If she ever comments to me he's done it again, I will kill the toad," he stated bluntly, watching Sesshoumaru with a serious gaze. He wasn't joking. he would kill that toad.
Sliding a glance over towards the fox, his brows arched minutely before he nodded, "It is why Jaken is no longer her caretaker. This Sesshoumaru has noticed the toad's violent tendencies towards Rin." There was a hint of a growl in his words that vanished as soon as it appeared.
The inu lord stood at the head of the table and looked to the left just as a flurry of servants hurried into the garden to set the table. They were carrying quite a lot of food.
Youko gave a faint nod, "good" he spoke, glad to learn that bit of information. Jumping a tad and taking a step back to keep from falling over as the staff seemed to just appear out of no where startled the fox. He hadn't heard them coming. Either he was that distracted with the topic, or he wasn't sure what. All he knew was his head was swimming again and he had to close his eyes again to push the sick feeling back. He remained on his feet thankfully, and didn't budge from the spot he now stood, since for one Sesshoumaru was still standing, and secondly, little Rin wasn't even back yet.
Casting a somewhat concerned glance at the fox, Sesshoumaru shifted his weight subtly to allow the breeder to lean against him without being obvious as the servants tidied up and the soft humming signaled Rins approach.
Youko didn't need to open his eyes to know who shifted ever so slightly to give him some support, and Youko was too sick feeling to pull away, and even leaned against Sesshoumaru a bit more. Eventually he let his eyes open a bit, hearing Rins humming. At least he heard her coming. He took a breath, but then moved to stand more on his own, giving Sesshoumaru a faint smile of thanks before it faded. He wasn't feeling too good. He wasn't entirely sure why. But he was pushing past it the best he could. Looking over to where he heard Rin coming from, he forced another smile onto his face as he waited for the little kit.
With another glance at his breeder, he almost frowned, but with Rins arrival he sat gracefully, allowing the other two to take their seats. When the fox sat as well, he nodded to the servant standing by to pour their tea, and the look in his eyes told Youko that he was expected to drink every drop. It was mint, meant to sooth his stomach, as pregnant youkai were often plagued by such if not nourished properly throughout the day.
Youko noticed the look and chuckled a bit, but smiled softly, soon lifting the cup to sip at it. Hey, he wasn't going to argue. He knew mint would help his stomach. He watched little Rin, smiling warmly, "So, Little Rin..." he glanced to Sesshoumaru making sure he didn't upset him, then looked back to Rin, "Have you ever heard of the Columbine flower?" he asked curiously, wondering if there were some in Sesshoumaru's garden, if not he'd have to get his hands on some.
Rin screwed up her face cutely as she held her chopsticks delicately between her fingers, "Rin doesn't think so, Youko-sama. What do they look like?" She carefully picked up a piece of fish and placed it in her mouth, humming with appreciation for the taste.
Youko smiled softly watching the little kit. She was adorable, he wasn't surprised Sesshoumaru took her under his wing... Or paw... Whatever you wanted to call it. "well little Rin, they can come in different colors..." He thought a moment, "It's a flower that has two layers. The outer layer has longer, slightly pointed petals, then the inner layer has five, rounded petals. Then the inside is a bright yellow with small ..." He struggled for the words to describe the flowers center, "I guess tendrils would be the best word." he mused out loud. Youko sipped at the tea, he felt a bit hungry, but until his stomach stopped flip flopping he wasn't feeling too willing to eat anything yet.
Rins eyes widened in awe, "Those sound pretty, Youko-sama! Sesshoumaru-sama, can we grow some of those?" Her eyes were pleading and full of innocent hope as she observed her lord, who only had a cup of tea in front of him.
Sesshoumaru eyed the girl, and then the fox, "This Sesshoumaru is unsure where to procure the flowers, Rin." He admitted, finding no shame in his lack of knowledge over such a mundane thing as pretty weeds.
That's when a soft chuckle escaped the fox, hoping the sound covered how tired he felt as he smiled softly. A hand absently rested against the table unconsciously holding his body up right. "If I didn't know where to get them, I wouldn't know of the flower would I?" He asked a bit playfully. He might have not been feeling good and rather tired, but he was still a fox. "They grow..." He thought for a moment, "well, naturally in the eastern region, but I know of some in the western lands." he hummed, thinking on it. Youko had dens in all the regions, for when he needed to lay low in any of them, and he always had his different plants with him and tended to grow them wherever he felt they deserved to be. Thinking, if he could just get to his den, he would easily have any seeds he would need or even desired. He kept supplies in all his dens, due to if he ever needed to restock his hair. In the current moment he really did need to... He'd have to ask Sesshoumaru about it sometime, he didn't want to get Rin excited over the possibility of many different plants in case the dog lord said no.
"Hn, we shall see, Rin. Eat your food." It was a little unclear to whom he was speaking unless one noted the way he glanced at the fox from the corner of his eye a swiftly hidden flash of concern showing for the pregnant kitsune. It was not wise to skip meals when bearing youkai offspring, for it would begin to feed off its mother when in need of energy if not provided enough food.
Youko noticed the glance and gave the faintest of shrugs as he sipped at the tea again... But after a moment he finally settled on eating a little bit, so the dog lord could relax. He didn't mean to worry him, he just wasn't feeling so well. He was sure it'd pass in time. after eating a bit he struggled to get his stomach to settle down, and settled with sipping on the tea to give himself some time to try and get it to calm. Seriously what was the kit doing? Practicing summer salts, or what?
Sesshoumaru's moko-moko-sama moved subtly under the table until the end slithered into Youko's lap and pressed against the fox's stomach, sending a gentle pulse of youki to the pup to calm it. Sesshoumaru was aware of what the boa, a semi aware portion of his power in physical form, was doing, but his instincts growled at him not to interfere, so he sipped his tea and kept a careful eye on the kitsune.
Youko had sputtered, jumping a bit and looked at the fuzzy thing on his lap. Just... Wha'? He blinked a few times and looked at Sesshoumaru questioningly, "This... Is alive?" he found himself asking, not sure if he should move or not. He hadn't realized it was a living thing... But now that he thought back he vaguely remembered it moving once, he had thought Sesshoumaru moved it with his youki or something, but this, he hadn't felt Sesshoumaru's energy at all, and here it was on his lap... Startled him... But Sesshoumaru apparently carried the thing, it wasn't dangerous...right?
"Moko-Moko-sama is very friendly!" Rin chirped once her clever little mind figured out what the problem with her Youko-sama was, "and warm." She grinned up at Sesshoumaru, "Sesshoumaru-sama is so powerful, that Jaken-sama says Sesshoumaru-sama needs Moko-Moko-sama to shrink so much to look human!"
Youko blinked a few times trying to absorb this information, and slowly started to relax again, "Well, would've been nice to have a warning," he muttered softly. But in the end, he wasn't that mad... To be honest since the... Fuzzy thing joined him his stomach seemed to settle. Not sure how or why, but he wasn't going to argue. He vaguely wondered if he was suppose to pet it. He never heard of a moko-moko, whether that was just the furry things name, or it's specie he had no clue.
With a soft sigh, he forced himself to relax the rest of the way, managing to recompose himself rather quickly, He gave Rin a soft smile, "Any other surprises I should know about little Rin?" he asked innocently, but yet seriously. He really wasn't up to any more scares or startlements like that. Wasn't healthy for him or the kit. Letting a hand gently rest on the furry thing as his other slowly picked up his tea once again, giving it a slow sip.
Rins eyes sparkled mischievously as she glanced at her Sesshoumaru-sama before turning a too wide smile to the fox, "Nothing important, Youko-sama!" She chirped, picking up another piece of fish. After all, Ah-Un were very nice, Sesshoumaru-sama would surely introduce them to Youko-sama, and she didn't want to spoil the surprise.
The corner of Sesshoumaru's lips twitched, but he hid it behind the raised cup of tea. He knew very well what Rin was 'overlooking', and thought it amusing.
Youko couldn't help the suspicion he was being 'played' and there was in fact something else. But he gave a faint shrug and managed to get himself to eat a bit more of his food... It wasn't long before he called it quits, just not feeling hungry any longer. He glanced to a side, pondering a moment... "I must say today's been pretty pleasant... Not once have I heard that toad's loud shrill." He glanced over to Sesshoumaru, curious, "Have you put him to work or something?" he asked curiously.
Sesshoumaru did smirk just the faintest bit, smug, "He has not yet returned from his flying lesson." He responded with a carefully bland tone. Rin giggled.
Youko chuckled, unable to stop the purr, "Is he still not back from that? What a shame... No matter," he spoke softly, a bit sarcastically. Smiling gently he leaned back into his chair a bit, not wanting to state aloud he wanted a nap. Being pregnant sure made him tired a lot more these days. But he ignored it. He vaguely wondered if Rin knew he was expecting, and if not, if and when she'd be told about it. Youko couldn't imagine Sesshoumaru telling many, if any, he was expecting, he vaguely wondered if he even bothered to tell Jaken. When he started to show any he'd had clothes so he didn't think the toad would have just noticed. He was too stupid to see anything beyond that stupid beak of his with his stupid buggy eyes... He hated that toad so much...
"Jaken-sama has many flying lessons. Rin has told Jaken-sama he is not a bird, but he only yelled and ran off." She sounded a little sad, before she giggled, "Jaken-sama must have been late for his next flying lesson."
Youko chuckled softly, still purring lightly. "Ah, but it's a toad's dream to fly I s'pose" He murmured, amused by the topic. He purred for a bit longer, but it stopped, his aud twitching and he turned his head, looking over his shoulder. He frowned, "Do you smell that?" he asked Sesshoumaru gently. He wasn't sure what it was to be quite honest, but he knew he hadn't smelled it a moment ago.
The ground trembled beneath their feet just as the inu youkai stood, and when the dirt exploded outward he reacted in an instant; snatching Rin up into his moko-moko while grabbing Youko by the waist and pulling them both to the safety of the castle walls, while a noxious poison poured from the hole split in the earth and a loud hiss filled the air. A glaring, sulfurous yellow eye peered from the rising mist of toxins, before another appeared, and then a third. Three massive heads undulated in the air as each spread a hood and bared their saber fangs.
Youko had moved, starting to stand as well, and gasped as things seemed to just explode and he was pulled away. The fox gasped, and turned looking over to where they'd been, a low growl escaped him. His golden eyes instinctively glanced to the side, and he moved, taking hold of Rin, knowing it'd be easier for Sesshoumaru if he didn't have to worry about her... He gave Sesshoumaru a look as he held her close.
Sesshoumaru growled low in his throat, the sound menacing and filling the air around him as his youki began to swirl, "Take Rin, and run." He snarled, jaw elongating to form a muzzle as his markings darkened and his eyes turned crimson. With a howl he transformed to his true size, great paws caging his pack in while his massive jaws lunged for the snake, knowing from experience that no mere sword could pierce the armored hide.
Youko didn't like the thought of leaving Sesshoumaru alone to fight, but knew the little kit needed taken to safety. Practically cradling her against his chest, the fox turned, heading inside the castle, knowing the way from the scent trail Rin had left when she had gone back in to wash her hands... He glanced to her as he moved, "Where do you normally go?" he asked gently, meaning during a situation like this. He'd get her safe, then come back to help Sesshoumaru.
"Rin has a special room, Sesshoumaru-sama told Rin to go there if the castle is attacked." She pointed solemnly to the left, leading the fox towards the hidden room protected by the inu lord's barrier.
Sesshoumaru snarled as he pinned one head between his jaws, the natural acid in his saliva doing little more than irritating it as his paws sliced through the thick scales like butter. Before he could sever the head completely, one of the others struck and threatened to tear off his right foreleg. Youki poured from the wound like acid, burning the snake's mouth as Sesshoumaru turned and grabbed it by the neck, shaking it until it let go and was again attacked, from behind, and his next growl was mixed with a howl of surprise as he turned, blood smearing his pristine fur. Equal amounts of blood smeared the hydra's scales, and the garden was wilting before his crimson eyes as the poisonous haze spread.
Such creatures were usually not so large. He wondered if it had gotten its teeth into a shard of the cursed jewel, and growled with disgust at the mere thought.
Youko gave Rin a nod, following her directions, and when he reached the room he felt the barrier at, he knelt setting her down gently, "Hurry now," he stated gently, waiting for her to enter the room. "I'm going to help Sesshoumaru, wait here." He told her firmly before he turned bolting back down the hall. The fox had a strong sense that he needed to help his mate... Granted they hadn't properly mated but at the moment that wasn't a big concern for him. Taking the route out that he took into the place to get Rin into that room, he didn't pause in his step once outside. He slid to a stop, frowning as he noticed Sesshoumaru's bite wounds... Looking around, there had to be something he could do to help, he knew snakes had thick skin, and even if he had a sword... The roses! The thought hit him fast and he moved quickly to the side, grabbing a rose as soon as he reached the first bush, then slid to a halt and turned, It made his body ache as he poured his power, but the rose transformed, and the fox was moving quickly. Moving back towards the two.
Sesshoumaru snarled as he spotted his breeder approaching with a weapon, glaring heatedly at the disobedient bitch. Sesshoumaru was ever an ingrate after all. With a furious roar he struck two heads at once, digging poisonous talons into their thick scales and dragging downwards as he attempted to fend off the middle head. The two struck simultaneously and even he could not hold back the yelp of surprise.
Youko moved swiftly, pretty much a silver blur as he leapt, using the whip with a deadly accuracy as it tightened around the head that had started to lunge for the dog demon. Hitting the ground he pulled hard, struggling to keep his footing on the bloody ground. The youki strengthened thorns dug into the demon's neck rather than breaking. To keep it from being damaged from the poisons seeping from the demons body Youko had to keep forcing youki into it which was draining him quickly with the suppressors on his wrists. He stepped back giving a sharp pull as the rose's vine snapped through the flesh and through the strong spine, taking the head clean off.
With the loss of the central head, the flanking two faltered for the split second needed for Sesshoumaru to tear through first one, and then the other before he slumped back on his haunches, barely keeping upright as he licked the oozing wounds covering his great, once white, form. The body began to decompose swiftly and turn to ash, all save the middle head that was beginning to twitch. He growled, signaling the fox to inspect it for a shard, knowing that even in this form, animal youkai had a base understanding of each other.
Youko have a faint nod, panting a bit, but stopped pouring his youki into the whip so it reverted back to a rose with the supply cut off. He stepped over to it slowly, checking the body, spotting a glint, Youko slowly stepped closer, finding the glint coming from the left eye of the head, he slowly and carefully stepped over to it so as to not slip in the massive amount of blood, kneeling to lift it, he frowned standing with it between his fingers... This is what that little Miko had been collecting... The fox slowly turned, not sure what he was suppose to do with it and frowned seeing Sesshoumaru's state. He moved slowly walking over to the dog lord.
Sesshoumaru growled again, lip curling, as he glared at the black gem in the fox's hold. The message was clear; drop it.
Youko gave a faint nod, letting the shard drop onto one of the plates, before he stepped over, auds dropping back as a he watched Sesshoumaru, hoping he would be all right. He didn't like seeing those injuries on him.
Sesshoumaru leaned heavily against his castle walls, smearing them with his blood as he used the acidic nature of his saliva to cauterize the wounds. He wouldn't dare transform back until the bleeding stopped, or he would die within seconds of blood loss. Scooping the fox up with one paw, he pressed the breeder close to him for protection, the bestial side of him needing to know his pup was safe, and continued to clean his wounds.
Youko was a bit surprised he was pulled close, but he didn't try to move from where he was brought. He stayed quiet, watching Sesshoumaru. His body felt like dropping but he had to make sure his mate was okay. He wouldn't allow himself to rest until he knew Sesshoumaru's wounds were all right...
Seconds passed like hours, minutes passed like days, but finally the last wound was cauterized and no more blood leaked from his battered form. He sat there, panting for a moment, careful not to drip acid on his breeder, when his youki began to contract in on itself to take on the more wieldy humanoid shape all powerful demons preferred.
Youko had forced himself to stay alert, to not give outward signs of his discomfort. He had only struggled with the bracers... Sesshoumaru was nearly chewed apart! He didn't budge while he took care of his wounds, and waited patiently while he gathered himself afterwards... "Sesshoumaru..." he stated softly looking up at him... He gave a weak smile, glad he was all right, but then it was lights out for the fox as he started to drop.
Sesshoumaru's moves were sluggish, but he caught his fainted breeder and held him protectively to his chest as he placed a calming hand on the bulge of his pup. This would take days to clean, and the garden would need replanting. Groaning inwardly, he dragged himself up to his rooms and collapsed in his bed with his mate.
-End Chapter ten-