"Inuyasha is going to be really mad, you know."

"Quiet, Shippo."

"I mean, leaving him there like that? You know Inuyasha would want to save Yuki all by himself. The whole, charging-in-with-his-sword routine, blowing stuff up, cursing at people—"

Miroku sighed.

"He's going to be so pissed at you. Kagome wouldn't have even let us leave if you hadn't scared her! Telling her that Yuki was in danger. She cried! Inuyasha is going to beat you for sure!"

"Would you be quiet?" Miroku stopped on the path, turning to glare at the kitsune following him. "I am well aware of the consequences of my words. But the fact remains that Yuki-chan is in terrible danger. And Inuyasha is not the only one capable of defending his loved ones. I don't want anything to happen to the child, either."

"Yeah, but Inuyasha has Tetsusaiga—"

"Inuyasha may be ill for another day. Would you prefer to wait in the village?" Miroku wore his most serious expression. "I would prefer your assistance, but if you are too afraid—"

"I'm not afraid!" Shippo's chest puffed out, and he stood taller. "I've been training a lot! I'm not a weak little kid anymore! I'm a lot stronger than I used to be."

"Then would you cease undermining me? It's annoying."

"Sorry!" Shippo apologized as the monk turned around to follow the path. "It's true, though."

"What?"

"Nothing!" Shippo exhaled quietly as Miroku decided to let the matter go, although the human shot him an annoyed look. The kitsune easily kept up with his friend's pace as they continued to follow some inuyoukai's trail. Shippo's training and Miroku's experience were allowing them to follow the faded tracks of flying inuyoukai, who had apparently traveled far to abduct Yuki. It helped that the forests were strangely quiet and void of random youkai.

"You think the dogs scared them away, Miroku?" Shippo caught Miroku glancing towards the woods again. It was strange, to be in the middle of nowhere and find no youkai.

"I have been in this part of the country before. There have always been strays here." Miroku's forehead creased. "I can only imagine that there is something unusual occuring."

"Why would anyone take Yuki anyway? Who's dumb enough to mess with Sesshomaru?" Shippo looked up. "That's one scary dude. And that's when he's in a good mood!"

"I have several theories." Miroku frowned. "None of them bode well."

"Why didn't you tell Kagome and the others, then? What do you really think?"

"Because Kagome-sama is frightened enough." Miroku paused, examining the ground. He stooped, running his palm across the dirt. "If she considered that Yuki-chan might die…"

"Yeah." Shippo looked down. "Kagome loves people with her whole heart. I hope he's ok."

"Here. Shippo?" Miroku held something in his palm. "Do you know what this is?" The young, red-haired kitsune scurried closer to examine the thing in Miroku's palm.

"That's one of my old toys! I-I mean weapons!" Shippo's mood brightened considerably. "I gave that to Kagome a long time ago when Yuki was a lot smaller. He was playing with it yesterday!"

"Then we are on the right track." Miroku smiled. He allowed Shippo to reclaim the small toy and started forward again with renewed vigor, determined. The kitsune sprinted forward, sniffing at the ground every so often.

"Eh, Miroku?" Shippo continued to move forward, sniffing. "There's a lot of weird scents here. Not youkai, but…it's really weird. I can smell other things, like dead animals and perfume or something. And—"

Shippo disappeared.

"Shippo?" Miroku's eyes widened. He immediately moved forward, concerned. "Shippo! Shippo, where—"

"I'm ok!" Shippo's head and shoulders reappeared, surrounding by an odd refractionation of light. "I think there's a barrier here. I'm not hurt!" Miroku allowed his shakujou to extend forward. The metal head disappeared without a trace.

"A barrier." Miroku murmured. He stepped forward after Shippo, feeling the magic wash over him. A barrier to conceal, but not to protect. Someone was attempting to hide something inside of it, but not prevent visitors. Unless the barrier was designed to warn its owner of disturbances.

"I wish Kagome were here." Shippo sighed, crossing his arms. "She could get rid of that thing in a second."

"Have you no faith in me?" Miroku proceeded forward, wary. "How long have we known each other, Shippo?"

"Kagome makes me feel better! And she cuddles me," Shippo muttered quietly. "And she's super crazy scary when she's mad. And right now she's pretty mad that someone stole Yuki."

"I would also bet on Kagome-sama's victory, but she cannot be here. She cannot leave a newborn child or Inuyasha in his state."

"Yeah, I know. Hey, what do—hrmph!" Shippo's eyes went wide as Miroku's hand came down over his mouth. The monk cradled him, putting his own back against a tree. Shippo struggled until he heard the voices himself.

"—idiot woman! She always eyes that foolish gardener." A male voice grunted. "If she thinks I'll step aside and allow her to shame me…me! How dare she!" Shippo looked up to Miroku for answers, but the monk shook his head. The male voice continued to berate the woman until it had faded away into nothingness.

"Miroku?" Shippo whispered.

"I noticed him approaching. Be grateful he did not notice us." Miroku glanced around the tree once more. "Do you see that, Shippo? Gardens." In the distance, the shrubbery was well-groomed and spaced, with stones placed in-between. Several other shadows were moving around.

"How are we supposed to find Yuki? You're pretty strong, but that's a castle full of who-knows-what." Shippo looked up. "And he's probably somewhere hard to get to."

"Houshi-sama!" A tiny, squeaking voice called. Both males turned to see a bouncing, shiny figure approaching across the grass. "How fortunate it is to see you! Where is Master Inuyasha?"

"Myouga?" They gawked.

"What are you doing here?" Miroku kneeled, allowing the old flea to rest in his palm. "Inuyasha has been looking for you."

"I decided to stay with the little one, Sesshomaru's son. Is Inuyasha here?" Myouga folded all of his arms. "He must be rescued. The clans are on the brink of war, because of this. The good news is that most of the inuyoukai that were here have already fled! They are afraid of Sesshomaru-sama."

"Yuki-chan is inside?" Miroku asked.

"Indeed. His mother's servant is watching over him. He hasn't been harmed." The monk visibly relaxed…for a moment. His features almost instantly twisted into a mask of confusion and disbelief.

"His mother's servant?"

"…well, yes. This is the Lady's castle!" Myouga blinked. "True, it is not as large as the clan's official castle, but it is quite extravagant. Tsuyoshi-sama hired men to build a hot springs, for the family's personal use! And Lady Akiye has—"

"His mother kidnapped him? Not her husband?" Miroku frowned.

"It appears to be so."

"Why? I thought she gave him up!" Shippo's eyes widened. "Why would she want him back now?"

"I have stayed close to him. His mother's servant is currently playing with him in one of the inner courtyards." Myouga frowned. "As far as I can discern, Lady Akiye has no intentions of reconciling with him. She has spent her time on the other side of the castle."

"So should we storm the castle? Take Yuki back?" The kitsune's tail twitched.

"Their noses are very sharp. The guards would detect a human in no time." Myouga shrugged in apology. "I do not know if they would move the young one before you could defeat them."

"What if I got to him?" Shippo straightened. "I could probably reach him."

"Could you protect him, until the monk reached you?" Myouga pondered, touching his chin. "Where is Master Inuyasha?"

"He is still at the village. He hasn't recovered yet, but the women are tending to him."

"It is important that we recover the boy before they do anything. If Sesshomaru comes to reclaim his son himself, it would start a war." Myouga winced. "If Tsuyoshi-sama is killed, it will mean war."

"Shippo, can you reach him undetected?"

"I've been working on my transformations! Should I use the bird, or a dog?" Shippo grinned. "I could bring him back here no problem! Just watch!"

"Is the inner courtyard open to the sky, Myouga?"

"Yes, it is." Myouga nodded.

"No problem, then! I can get to Yuki in no time." Shippo stepped back, beginning to transform. Soon enough, the boy's body had expanded into a greyish-white mass with wings.

"Are you ready, young monk? They're not going to like you."

"It won't be the first time."

"Wheee!" Yuki squealed happily as he chased after the small green things. The frogs hopped as quickly as they could towards their pond, doing their best to avoid capture. The young boy had been gathering their brethren into a basket, alongside the taller female assisting him.

"Hurry! They're getting away, Yuki-chan!" Mayu pointed as a small white frog disappeared beneath a stone. Yuki scurried forward as Mayu lifted the stone for him, reaching for the baby frog. It was slippery and slid out of his fingers, croaking. He giggled, concentrating on reaching the frog and its family members before they could reach the water. Several of them managed to disappear under the surface, but Yuki managed to grab two more before they dove under.

"Good job!" Mayu held the basket out for him to deposit his new catches. He grinned, putting his hands on the rim of the basket to look inside. His cheeks were bright and he was slightly out-of-breath from excitement. As the frogs continued to make noise, Yuki's smile grew. "Aren't they fun to chase?"

Yuki nodded.

"Would you like to keep them for a while or send them home?" Mayu kneeled.

"…food!" Yuki pointed to the tray on the platform. Mayu giggled, standing again. She set the basket beside the pond, gently tipping it onto its side. The frogs slowly began to return to the water on their own as Mayu went to prepare him a snack. She returned quickly, sitting beside him.

"Are you always so hungry?" Mayu was amused as she watched him. He didn't answer; he only smacked his lips, gazing back at her innocently. She laughed quietly, touching his head softly. He let her ruffle his hair gently, leaning forward to kiss him. "I have never met a child who was so hungry. Or so playful. Do you have many playmates?"

"Huh?"

"Do you have many friends to play with?" Mayu rephrased her question.

"Rin!" Yuki exclaimed happily.

"Rin? Who is Rin?"

"My Rin." Yuki sat taller.

"…all right," Mayu's lip twitched. "Anyone else?"

"Kitty!" Yuki mimicked patting Kilala's fur down. "Big kitty. Purr-purr."

"You have a cat?" Mayu blinked in disbelief. "How strange. Most inuyoukai despise cats."

"Big kitty hunts!" Yuki giggled. "Like my father."

'Is he teaching you how to hunt already?" Mayu glanced worriedly at his immature claws.

"No." Yuki pouted.

"What a relief! You are much too young to be hunting, yet." Mayu extended her own hands, showing him her finely sharpened claws. "See? Your claws are still developing, Yuki-chan. You have not even begun to lose your blunt teeth yet."

"Want hunt now." Yuki stuck out his lip. "Like Yasha."

"Don't worry. You will." Mayu patted his shoulder. "You are going to—what is that smell?" The demoness turned, sniffing the air. She rose, walking hesitantly to the other side of the courtyard. A pile of grass was smoking on a stone. Mayu frowned, tilting her head. "What in the—?" The pile of grass suddenly disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Mayu screamed as she was suddenly wrapped inside green thick vines. She tumbled sideways, struggling.

"Huh?" Yuki rolled to his feet.

"Yuki!" Shippo somersaulted in front of him, shocking the little inuyoukai. "Come on, Yuki! I'm going to get you out of here. We have to hurry, ok?"

"But—"

"The lady's fine—we have to go!" Shippo tugged on his arm. "Kagome is waiting!"

"Gome?" Yuki blinked.

"Yes!" Shippo jumped as the doors to the courtyard flew open. Soldiers were sprinting towards them. "Hold onto me, Yuki! Don't let go, ok?"

"Huh?" Yuki squeaked in surprise as Shippo transformed, grasping onto his shoulders with newly appeared talons. "No! Bad ugly bird!"

"It's me, Yuki!" Shippo beat his wings more quickly. The boy was struggling, which only made it harder for him to concentrate on his tranformation…alongside the angry inuyoukai yelling at him.

"Ugly bird!"

"Stop him!" A female voice cried.

Something large and heavy struck Shippo's wing, sending him into a downward spiral. He crashed into the ground, clutching onto his shoulder. He blinked, looking around to find Yuki. One of the larger warriors had him, instantly releasing him to the female servant Shippo had tricked. She glared at him with daggers in her eyes.

"A kitsune brat!" A large hand grasped Shippo's arm, hoisting him into the air. "Who sent you?"

"Ow! That really hurts!" Shippo winced as pain radiated down his torso. "I think my arm's broken, stupid!"

"You dared to trespass on inuyoukai land, little kitsune. More than your arm will be broken!" The man shook him, making Shippo yell.

"Enough!" The female servant rolled her eyes. "He's just a child, you idiot!"

"Who else is here, eh? Answer me!" The large male continued to glare viciously. "Is Sesshomaru so cowardly that he sent a little kitsune to collect his son?"

"Shippo!" Yuki squirmed in the lady's arms. "Mine!"

"You know him?" The lady frowned. "Kitsune—are you Sesshomaru's ally?"

"Let. Go!" Shippo tried to bite his captor. His arm hurt so badly he wanted to cry, but he couldn't do that in front of these people. Unfortunately, he couldn't stop from whining.

"He is." They turned, immediately taking the knee. A tall, elegantly dressed inuyoukai in purple swept forward slowly, eyeing him. Two more soldiers followed behind her, dropping Miroku onto the platform. Someone had bound him in rope; his face was bruised.

"A human?" The lady holding Yuki blinked.

"A holy man. He incapacitated several of my servants." The beautiful female allowed her eyes to close briefly, sighing. She was still for several moments, creating tension in the air. The aristocrat was already turning away. "Mayu?"

"Coming, milady." The lady shifted Yuki higher onto her hip.

"What will you do when Sesshomaru comes for his son?" Miroku's voice was hard. The noblewoman stopped. "Why abandon him, just to reclaim him?"

"You assume much, little man." The female's hair shifted. She was already retreating. The Lady's guards were dragging Miroku elsewhere, along with his kitsune ally. Miroku could only assume that they were being taken nowhere good.

"What do we do now?" Shippo squirmed beside Miroku. His arms had been bound to his side. His right arm was useless anyway, and it was bound quite painfully against his ribs. Miroku frowned at the wall, ignoring him. "Eh, Miroku! Quit ignoring—"

Something bit his cheek, making him stop.

"Enough, Shippo! The monk is thinking!" Myouga scolded.

The inu-guards had dragged them and thrown them into what could only be described as a cellar. It was a decently sized room with cold stone walls and a packed-earth floor. They had been tossed down the cellar steps and then shut inside, with no light to see by. Myouga and Shippo could still see, but Miroku's human eyes had trouble with their dark surroundings. It did not assist him in trying to formulate an escape plan.

There was a scream from outside, muffled by their location. There was another large crash, and the scrape of metal on metal. Shippo winced as something shook the ceiling violently.

"Inuyasha?" Miroku called. "Inuyasha, we're down here!" The wooden hinge-door fell against the stone stairs, falling with a crash to the side. The wooden hinges had been melted apart and oozed down its length. Light shone down upon them, nearly blinding them alll.

"Inuyasha! You—"

"It isn't Inuyasha, you fools!" Jaken's voice snorted. The grating kappa descended as quickly as he could manage, standing over them. "What were you idiots thinking? You are lucky my lord arrived so quickly! Humans among inuyoukai—feh! They might have eaten you!"

"Jaken?" Shippo squirmed.

"Sesshomaru is here?" Miroku was still as Jaken cut him free. He rubbed his arms, hoping to regain the feeling in them.

"Did you think he would not know that his son was missing?" Jaken shook his head as he freed Shippo's arms. "My lord has been busy, but he would never allow his son to be taken! What were you thinking? He is furious."

Miroku winced.

"Hurry, you slow creatures!" Jaken did his best to ascend the stone stairs quickly with his short legs. Miroku was already darting ahead of him, with Shippo and Myouga. "Hey, wait!"

"Catch up, Jaken!" Shippo teased.

The formerely beautiful castle had been wrecked. Someone—meaning Sesshomaru—had torn through walls, dislodged shelves, ripped up the landscape, and left the inuyoukai guard either unconscious or dead. Most groaned in serious pain as Miroku sprinted past, aiming for the large, dark aura coming from Inuyasha's brother. Jaken had been correct—Sesshomaru was enraged.

"Wow. I'm glad he's not angry at us!" Shippo curled further into Miroku's chest.

Miroku moved further past the once beautiful gardens, where Yuki had been playing with the servant. It was now home to several unconscoious soldiers. Miroku continued past them down several winding corridors to what he might have considered the nobles' bedchambers, except that most had been utterly demolished.

"Where is he?" Sesshomaru's voice was deadly cold.

The tall, white figure of Yuki's father stood out amongst the rubble. The Lady of the castle who had spoken to them earlier sat carelessly in a plush chair, toying with a token-game on a stone table. She was studiously ignoring the angry taiyoukai, to Miroku's amazement.

"Hm?" The female tapped her finger against her cheek as she studied her game.

Shippo's eyes widened.

"Oh, the child." The dark-haired beauty rolled her eyes carelessly. "Silly me."

"Do not test my patience." Sesshomaru's hand gripped his sword firmly. "Surrender the boy or die."

"Is Tsuyoshi dead?" Akiye's eyes lifted for the first time, steady.

Sesshomaru impaled his sword into the ground, freeing his hand to surround the noblewoman's throat. He lifted the female easily, choking her. Her slender hands lifted, trying to ease his grip.

"Sessho—"

"I have no intention of doing your bidding. Slay him yourself." The Daiyoukai's aura darkened with anger.

"—coward!" Akiye's eyes flashed with anger, and she dug her nails into his wrist. "He challenged you, and he still lives?"

"His claim was unfounded. You will be punished." Sesshomaru squeezed, making her gasp for air. "You would have started a war, to be rid of your husband. These are the actions of a selfish, spoiled child."

"Bastard! You won't find him!" Akiye's nails went for his face. Sesshomaru easily tossed her onto the floor, hard. The force of her crash destroyed the stone gametable, making her wince. "I give you the opportunity for power, and you refuse? The rumors are true, then. Your mother rules while you hide amongst humans!"

"Monk." Sesshomaru did not turn, but Miroku instantly knew he would pay for intruding on his business.

"Ah, yes?"

"Bind this fool." Sesshomaru retrieved his sword, replacing it in its sheath. Miroku set Shippo down carefully, dusting off his robes. He removed a sutra from inside his robes, turning it between his fingers. The female inuyoukai narrowed her eyes at him dangerously.

"Boy, she was mad!" Shippo giggled. They were following after Sesshomaru, away from what remained of the castle. Jaken had found Miroku's shakujou and returned it to him, and was now leading a patient Ah and Un. Shippo sat on the two-headed dragon's back, holding his arm.

"How did you know we were there?" Miroku caught up to the long-legged Daiyoukai.

No answer.

"Do you know where Yuki is? Where they might have sent him?" Miroku could not even earn a glance from him. "Did I hear correctly? She wanted you to kill her husband?"

"Be silent."

Miroku intelligently decided to fall back. The conversation between the two inuyoukai continued to play through his mind. He was positive that the demoness was Yuki's mother, given the colored markings on her face, and that she had pitted her husband against Sesshomaru. The woman was a scheming, deceitful thing, who would kidnap her own son to kill her husband. She had easily abandoned him, and did not care enough about him to relinquish him into Sesshomaru's care out of spite. As beautiful as she was, she was a poisonous thing.

Pity welled up in his chest for both Sesshomaru and his son.

Sango would never do something like this. Kagome-sama would never do something like this. Any mother worth her salt would not abandon her child and then hold him hostage for a murder. What cruelty exists in that woman's heart? At least I understand why Sesshomaru does not speak of her to Yuki-chan. She does not deserve to know either of them.

"Um…Sesshomaru-sama? Where are we going?" Shippo squeaked. "Do you know where they moved Yuki-chan to?"

"Shut up, fool! Do not ask Sesshomaru-sama anything! Of course he knows where he is going! Have you learned nothing? In all the years since you have known Sesshomaru-sama has he ever answered your imbecilic questions? My lord has such patience that—ow! Yeow!"

"That must've really hurt," Shippo whispered. Jaken lay twitching in the dust, recovering from Sesshomaru's fist.

"Kagome-chan, I am sure they're fine." Sango watched her friend pace back and forth, cursing under her breath. The miko had taken on several of her husband's traits over the years, and foul language was one of them. Sango only sighed, rocking the infant in her arms silently. Kaede was still tending to Inuyasha, who was recovering slowly from the hyper-noxious gas. "What a beautiful baby you are! And such a cute nose!"

"What if they don't find him? What if they get hurt? I shouldn't have let them go!" Kagome buried her face into her hands. "This is all my fault! I should have known Yuki would follow Inuyasha!"

"Relax, young one. The monk is capable." Totosai was not concerned as he continued to eat. What he was eating was uncertain, as no one had cooked anything in hours. "It shouldn't be an issue."

"But what if they…" Kagome was in tears again. "Oh, Sango-chan!"

The young miko needed a distraction. Sango played with the baby's feather-soft ears for a moment, making her cry. The infant kicked her foot against Sango's arm, squirming. "Kagome-chan, the baby needs you!"

"You're playing with her ears, Sango." Kagome crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. "She hates that. So quit doing it, ok?"

"Does Inuyasha hate it too?" Sango frowned. Maybe it was a universal thing.

Kagome blushed, looking away.

"Oh!" Oh! Sango blushed too, focusing on the baby.

"Women," Totosai mumbled. "Eh! Who is that?"

"Sango-san!" A female voice called. The women looked up, and Kagome gasped. A pretty dark-haired inuyoukai in green stood on the village's main road, looking uncomfortable. Yuki was asleep on her shoulder, drooling.

"Mayu-san!" Sango rose quickly, mouth opening in shock. "What—I mean—"

"This is Sesshomaru-sama's human village, right?" Mayu glanced nervously at the nearby residents. "Why would he live here?" Kagome was almost in tears. Mayu blinked at the bawling human miko in front of her.

"This is Kagome-chan." Sango cleared her throat. "Kagome, this is Mayu-san. She…she is—"

"I am servant to milady, Akiye-sama, Lady of the Second House." Mayu bowed her head. "I wanted to return Yuki-chan to Sesshomaru-sama, but he is not here."

"Kagome-chan has been Yuki's caretaker for—" Sango buried her fist against her mouth. Kagome ignored the wild-eyed inuyoukai's puzzlement as she attempted to extract the sleeping boy from her arms.

"I've been so scared!" Kagome finally won, hugging the drowsy toddler. "Oh, Yuki! I'm so glad to see you! Thank you so much!" Kagome hugged the inuyoukai around the neck with one arm, startling her. Sango giggled at the bewildered expression on her face. "Where was he? How did you…?"

"Much has happened." Mayu patted Yuki's back. The boy was asleep against Kagome's shoulder, drooling on her kimono. "I expect Yuki-chan to sleep for a while. He has been playing all day."

"He has?" Kagome readjusted him on her hip.

"What has happened? Did you see my husband?" Sango asked.

"I…am unsure." Mayu frowned. "May I speak with you, Sango-san?"

"Of course." Sango nodded, patting Kagome's stirring daughter. "Come inside, and we will—"

"I would prefer to speak with you in private, if I may." Mayu shifted, glancing at the staring villagers.

"Oh…alright then." Sango bit her lip. "Just allow me to put Kagome-chan's baby inside."

Mayu nodded, folding her hands together.

After tucking Kagome's adorable baby into her bed, Sango led their visitor towards the river, away from the bustle of the river, but within the limits of the village. She placed herself on the softest section of the grass, smoothing out her skirt. Mayu swiftly sat beside her, studying her hands.

"Thank you for bringing Yuki home to us. It is a great relief to see him unharmed." Sango licked her dry lips. "How did you manage to get here by yourself?"

"Everyone knows of Sesshomaru's human village. Youkai across the region discuss it." Mayu shrugged. She lifted her eyes, smirking. "They are always plotting of ways to abuse his humans, and then abandon their plans as soon as they remember how well it is guarded."

"That is a relief." Sango blinked.

"It is always funny to watch reality cross over their eyes." Mayu giggled, eyes sparkling. "Not only has Sesshomaru silently given you humans his protection, but so has the Tetsusaiga's wielder. Do they truly associate?"

"You mean Inuyasha? Sometimes." Sango felt her lips tilt upwards. "Most of the time they do their best to ignore each other."

"How amusing!" Mayu's attitude brightened as she clasped her hands together.

"Inuyasha is Kagome's husband. They have been helping Sesshomaru watch Yuki for time now." Sango was not sure how to process 'amusing'. It made her feel defensive. "They have been raising Yuki. Kagome-chan is a wonderful influence on him. He is as sweet a child as I have ever met, and playful."

Mayu's cheeks flushed pink.

"Yuki-chan has a good family here. He is safe." Sango closed her eyes, exhaling. "Sesshomaru brought him to Kagome-chan for help. I don't think he knew anyone else who he trusted."

"She seems quite attached to him."

"Kagome-chan worries over him like a mother. I think it is quite kind of her, to worry over her nephew's child as her own."

"Yes, it is." Mayu nodded her head, looking towards the river.

"I don't understand why any mother would give up their child. Especially for a loveless marriage." Sango clenched her jaw from saying anymore.

"My Lady had no choice. He—"

"Yes, I know. He was in danger." Sango could not stop her irritated tones. "Your Lady could have removed herself from danger, for her child. Any decent mother would have."

"It is also doubtful that Yuki-chan would have grown up free, in such a household. He would have been known only for his birth, and not as himself. Surely you understand? You have seen for yourself how he was treated at the gathering."

"You mean as a possession?"

"By your own words, Sesshomaru-sama has given Yuki-chan a better family than he would have known inside the clans." Mayu's voice was calm and reasonable.

"Well—"

"Did Yuki-chan enjoy the toys I sent along? Some of them are quite rare." Mayu smiled warmly. The demoness' youth showed quite plainly. "I was very careful in choosing them. Did he like the teething blocks? If he is growing claws it will not—"

"I thought his mother sent them." Sango frowned.

"Akiye-sama instructed me to present Yuki-chan with little things to play with." Mayu tilted her head. "I delivered them, but she is the one who chose the gifts. Is something wrong?"

"Never mind." Sango shook her head.

"—did he?" Mayu touched Sango's sleeves. "I hope so! He is too strong for human toys. You would not understand."

"He loves the little samurai carving. He has been chewing on it for days." Sango smiled at the memory. "We can hardly recognize it now."

"He has been chewing on wood?"

"Is that significant?" Sango was not knowledgeable enough about baby inuyoukai to know. She could imagine that Yuki's teeth would fall out on their own, but she was unsure.

"It means his fangs will be arriving soon." Mayu studied her lap. "He is almost two winters' old now. I suspect it will happen this season or the next."

"His teeth will just…fall out?" Sango asked for clarification.

"Eventually. It is not painful, though. The teeth will loosen for days beforehand, to make room for his adult fangs. It is a natural event." Mayu shrugged. "It is one of the most significant events in an inuyoukai's life."

"You seem sad." Sango could not see Mayu's eyes for hair, but she knew body posture.

"I am sad that Yuki-chan will not know milady. She will not see him experience his first hunt. It is very sad." Mayu licked her lips carefully. "And Tsuyoshi-sama does not appreciate the child he has."

"That…is very sad." Miroku would never take one of their children for granted. She touched her abdomen fondly, to soothe her sudden heartburn. "But Yuki-chan does have a good family, here. He is very well loved."

"Thank you for speaking to me!" Mayu stood, smoothing out her skirts. "Kiss Yuki-chan goodbye for me, will you? And give Sesshomaru-sama my regards. He has done very well with Yuki-chan."

"W-well of course I will, but I thought you wanted to talk—"

"I have already taken too much time. Milady will be wondering where I have gone." Mayu waved, beaming warmly. "Take care, Sango-san."

"Take…care." Sango frowned. The friendly inuyoukai was already leaving. It made sense that Mayu might have kidnapped her own charge, to return him to his real family. "You aren't going to be in trouble, are you?"

Mayu was gone.

Sango rose slowly, confused. She began to stroll towards Kaede's village again, glancing back towards the forest. She found herself worried for the inuyoukai. What if she got into trouble, for delivering Yuki-chan back into their care? The servant seemed to be of the fair-dealing sort. So far, the woman had dealt honestly with them. She had even gone so far as to bring Yuki-chan home from danger, something which was probably against her lord's direct commands. But she couldn't shake the…queerness of their conversation.

"Kagome-chan, how is he?" Sango entered the hut, kneeling by her friend. The miko sat with Sesshomaru's son in her lap, where he continued to slumber peacefully, cuddled against her abdomen. His face was perfectly angelic, and his breathing was even.

"He seems unharmed." Kagome stroked his hair, smiling through her tears. "It's a miracle, Sango-chan. I just hope that no one was mean to him."

"Why would that creature return him, if her mistress stole him?" Kaede had listened to Sango's recount of their tale. "I also find it very strange."

"I don't think anyone is telling us the entire truth." Sango frowned. "Or we are only hearing fragments of the stories."

"Sesshomaru would know the truth, would he not?" Kaede eyed their still-sleeping hanyou. "Would he be more willing to speak to Inuyasha, do ye believe?" Kagome giggled madly, alongside Sango. The two women soon began to laugh wildly, at the idea of Sesshomaru "opening up" to his little brother.

"It was only an idea," Kaede sighed.

"Did Sesshomaru every say anything about Yuki? At all?" Sango turned to Kagome, wiping tears of laughter away.

"When he kidnapped me, Jaken told me that they had been watching Yuki for about two weeks. In that time, Sesshomaru never said a word to either of them about where he'd come from." Kagome let her head rest against the wall. "And he hasn't said a word since, either. Even when people ask him, he doesn't answer."

"Maybe he does not want anyone to know." Kaede poured herself a cup of tea. "Have you considered that Sesshomaru-sama is trying to protect his own feelings?"

"Sesshomaru doesn't…" Kagome exhaled roughly. "Kaede-sama, Sesshomaru isn't sensitive about stuff like that! Before he had a son, I had never spent more than an hour with him! And that was usually because he was trying to kill Inuyasha!"

"Is he kind to Rin-chan?"

"Well—"

"Does he bring her presents? Does he come to check on her well-being?"

"Kaede-sama, I—"

"Does Sesshomaru love his son?" Kaede fixed her with a stern gaze. "Kagome-chan…"

"I think so." Kagome could not deny that even Sesshomaru cared for his own offspring. "Then again, he also bruisedd my neck to force me to—"

"Are you aware that Sesshomaru-sama saved my life, once?" Kaede blinked. Both Kagome and Sango stared. "Hmm. I was walking through the forest some time ago to gather herbs, and a yokai fellow accosted me. Sesshomaru-sama slew him without a word, and disappeared again. We have never spoken."

"He was…you can't be serious!" Kagome rolled her eyes.

"Kaede-sama?" Rin's voice chirped. The little girl pushed aside the reed door, gasping. "Little brother! My little brother is back!"

"Rin, would you come here?" Kaede smiled. The little girl happily obliged, running forward to pat her "little brother". Her smile was breathtaking as she examined him for injury.

"Oh, little brother!" Rin pressed kisses along his sleeping face. "May I hold him, Kagome? Please?"

"Hrmfersh." Yuki murmured, yawning.

"Rin-chan, is Sesshomaru-sama kind?" The elder miko prompted.

"Huh? Oh, yes! My Sesshomaru-sama is very kind! He has a very good heart!" Rin praised. She did not seem to notice the disparaging looks on the faces of the mothers'. "He has helped lots of people. He just doesn't talk about it."

"What?"

"Sesshomaru-sama has killed mean bandits, and youkai who tried to kill Kohaku, and evil people who tried to hurt Rin." The girl managed to pull Yuki out of Kagome's weakening arms, to lean against her own chest. "And he is very nice to Yuki-chan. And he brings Rin presents! They are very nice presents. And he protects Kohaku and gives him advice! And he even likes Kilala."

"Kilala?" They repeated.

"She always purrs around him. It is very cute!" Rin giggled.

"Sesshomaru. Is. Not. Nice." Kagome pushed her hair away from her face.

"Kilala thinks so! She always lets him pet her!" Rin could not understand their bewildered expressions. "What?"

"Sesshomaru pets Kilala?" Sango gaped.

"He does! If Sesshomaru-sama is sitting down with Yuki-chan, Kilala will greet him, and he pats her head! It's true!" Rin pouted. "She always meows to him."

Kagome began to laugh at the idea of Sesshomaru petting a cat.

"Rin…is right. Kilala always meows to him." Sango scratched her shoulder nervously. "I have even seen her wrap around his legs a time or two."

"So…'secretly'…Sesshomaru is a kind-hearted person who rescues kitty cats from trees?"

"You are married. To Inuyasha." Kaede none-too-gently reminded her. "Did anyone believe he was kind either?"

"Yeah, but Sesshomaru—"

"—is a sentient being, with feelings. Even if he does not show you everything, he has feelings." Kaede clicked her tongue. "He has his own problems and his own conflicts. And a family, whether or not he will admit it."

"Hello Yuki-chan!" Rin beamed warmly as Yuki's eyes opened. The boy's mouth opened and he grinned, hugging Rin around the neck. "I was so worried about you! I missed you!"

"My Rin!" Yuki giggled as she continued to kiss his face.

"I am so happy that you are home, Yuki-chan!" Rin hugged him in return. "Don't ever disappear again! Sesshomaru-sama would be very unhappy with Rin if you did."

Yuki nodded solemnly, and Rin smiled widely.

"Do you see what I mean, Sango-chan?" Kagome gestured. "She's a better mother than I am!"

"Kagome-chan—"

"And you should never go into the forest by yourself!" Rin tapped Yuki's nose. The boy nodded again, watching her extended finger move. As it came towards his nose again, he playfully tried to bite it.

"Rin is very sweet, Kagome. And she is much closer to his age than you are."

"So why does he listen to her so well? I'm the adult! I'm the one who takes care of him!"

"Yuki looks up to Rin. It is nothing personal, Kagome." Sango giggled, patting her disbeliving friend's arm. They both watched as Rin continued to talk to Yuki about what he had missed, and about the belching badger yokai eating the village out of house and home outside.

"What do you mean, 'they' brought him back?" Inuyasha glared. His hair was still wildly disheveled from his long slumber, but he was conscious now, and extremely irate.

"His mother's servant returned him." Sango whispered. She glanced towards where Yuki played with Rin in the corner, oblivious.

"And you let Miroku just…go?" Inuyasha growled, swearing under his breath. "Into the middle of a bunch of murderous bastards? They tried to kill—"

"Inuyasha!" Kagome slapped his arm, gesturing. "Shut up!"

"Well, they did! They'll probably try to kill Miroku and Shippo too!" Inuyasha's fist made the floor rattle. Kagome hurried to steady her cup of tea.

"Inuyasha?" Rin's voice chirped. They all cursed inwardly at the worried expression on her face. The playing toddler might not be listening, but she was.

"And I've been lying here, useless!" Inuyasha swore. "Why would you let them leave?"

"Well, Miroku-sama was worried. He wants to protect Yuki as much as we do! Sango is pregnant, and I can't leave the baby, so it only made sense—"

"And Kagome-chan was very frightened! What would you have done, with her sitting here crying?" Sango frowned at Inuyasha's twitching ears. "My husband could not stay here while Kagome-chan cried and a child was in danger."

Inuyasha's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

"Yasha, play!" Yuki toddled over, almost falling into Inuyasha's lap. "Play now!"

"No time, kid. I have to rescue two idiots." Inuyasha ruffled the kid's hair. "Keh, what would you lot do without me? I'm down for a day and—"

Kaede's home shuddered violently as something hit it.

"Inuyasha!" Sesshomaru's voice echoed in their ears.

"Father home!" Yuki cheered, scrambling for the door. Inuyasha's arms stopped him, hugging the boy to his chest. "Leggo!"

"—shit!" Inuyasha winced. The Asshole was pissed. Sesshomaru rarely raised his voice or allowed his voice to carry any kind of emotional inflection at all. He'd probably figured out what had happened. Which only meant one thing.

"You're not going to fight him inside the village, are you?" Kagome asked nervously.

"Sesshomaru-sama is maaad," Rin covered her face. The others in the room felt the same dread, as if they had been caught doing something wrong. Sesshomaru was not one to yell.

"Hello?" Miroku ducked inside, looking grim. "Inuyasha—your brother is waiting for you outside. He is not feeling patient."

"Miroku-sama! How did you—" Kagome gaped.

"Later!" Miroku held up his palm. "Inuyasha, I am serious. And bring Yuki-chan with you."

"Father!" Yuki squirmed, whining. "Yasha, leggo! Want Father!"

"We're going," Inuyasha exhaled. He made sure that Tetsusaiga was secured at his waist before he released the toddler, who immediately ran for his father. "We'll talk about this later, monk."

"I count on it." Miroku smiled briefly.

"Father!" Yuki pulled on the ends of Sesshomaru's sleeves happily. He laughed, leaning against the youkai's silk-covered shins. Sesshomaru's eyes were narrow slits of anger when Inuyasha exited, crossing his arms.

"Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin exited, clapping her hands together. She immediately fell silent.

"You allowed him to be taken." Sesshomaru ignored the boy attempting to climb his legs. Inuyasha's ears flattened; every instinct he had told him to run, before his brother's hand began to glow green.

"Some bastard pulled a dirty trick, with powder. And nothing happened." Inuyasha glared back. "The kid's fine, ain't he?"

"The human monk should not have interfered."

"Story!" Yuki cheered.

"Where's Shippo?" Inuyasha couldn't smell the kitsune inside the village. "Why the hell were you the one to bring them back anyway? What happened?" Sesshomaru's hands were firm but careful as he removed Yuki from clinging onto his legs. Inuyasha's muscles tensed. As Yuki pouted, Sesshomaru touched the boy's head. "Eh, Sesshomaru! I'm talking to you! What happened—"

Sesshomaru punched him. Inuyasha's face felt the burn as he crashed into the side of Kaede's hut.

"Father!" Yuki stomped his foot. The boy was ignored as Sesshomaru moved again, barely missing Inuyasha's stomach. The hanyou flipped, landing behind him.

"What is your problem? The kid—" Inuyasha moved again as Sesshomaru's fist glanced off of his shoulder, making it sore. He cussed loudly as he was forced to hightail it for the edge of the village, before Sesshomaru could destroy anyone's home.

"I told you they would fight!" Rin sighed as Yuki sat down sadly. "Sesshomaru-sama and Inuyasha-san always fight! They don't get along well, considering they're brothers."

"It's how they settle arguments." Miroku ducked outside, chuckling. "Those two don't know how to do anything else."

"Story?" Yuki pulled on the ends of Miroku's robes.

"That is an excellent suggestion." The monk wore a serious expression as he kneeled, patting Yuki's shoulder. "Why don't we go inside and I will tell you how I met Inuyasha."

"Can I hear it too?" Rin came closer.

"Of course!" Miroku took Rin's hand. "It is quite a tale. You see, the first time we met, I had…borrowed Kagome-sama and her metal cart. And we know how protective Inuyasha is of Kagome-sama."

"Nothing is allowed to hurt Kagome!" Rin nodded.

"Quite right. And if anything upsets Kagome-sama?"

"Inuyasha gets very loud!" Rin giggled. Yuki nodded enthusiastically, agreeing. "And he says those words Kagome doesn't like. And then Kagome gets upset at him!"

"Indeed. The only thing he dislikes more is for anyone to flirt with Kagome-sama, and—"

"You? You flirted with Kagome?" Rin gaped.

"He flirted with everyone." Sango leaned against the doorway.

"But he loves you! Why would he flirt with Kagome?" Rin's innocence shone through her eyes. Miroku was forced to choke on his laughter as Sango promised threats. "I don't understand adults, do you Yuki?"

"…no!" Yuki hugged her around the waist.

"I think Sesshomaru-sama was happy to see you, little brother." Rin pushed his cheeks together, kissing his face. "He was probably very worried about you."

"I am sure he was, Rin." Sango smiled. "I believe Sesshomaru-sama secretly has a good heart—what do you think? Maybe fighting with Inuyasha is the only way he can express his relief."

Miroku rolled his eyes at Yuki, who giggled.

"You met his mother?" Kagome stopped cleaning Inuyasha's cuts to face the monk. "What did she look like? Did she say anything?"

"She was exceedingly rude to Sesshomaru. I believe she purposely pitted him against her husband." Miroku shrugged at Kagome's expression. "She asked him whether he had killed her husband yet. He refused."

"Keh—figures." Inuyasha laid on his stomach, forced to allow his wife to assist him. He rested his chin on his arms, sulking.

"And she locked you in a cellar?" Sango asked.

"She is a beauty, though." Miroku's lips spread thoughtfully as he regarded his tea. "She has interesting facial markings. I wonder what the significance is. Inuyasha, does your brother have markings anywhere besides his face and wrists?"

"Who cares?" Inuyasha snorted. "Stop being a lecher, monk."

"I was only curious." Miroku's laughter was not abated by Sango's swats. "Sango, my love! You know—"

"Oh, shut up!"

"She doesn't sound very nice." Kagome chewed on her lip. "Poor Yuki-chan. Did Sesshomaru say anything when he came back for him and Rin?"

"Nope." Shippo laid on his back, bored. "And Jaken wouldn't shut up about it the entire time. Sesshomaru leaves him places all the time."

"He wants to spend time with them. I am sure he was concerned." Kaede exhaled tiredly from her corner. "He might have left Rin-chan somewhere long ago, but he kept her."

"Not this again." Inuyasha reached up to scratch his neck. "What is it with you?"

"Watch, Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin continued to spin in circles, giggling.

He lowered his gaze to where Yuki was sniffing at him, probably to ascertain that he had indeed sustained no damage while he was gone. "Pup," he ordered shortly. The boy raised his face, smiling when he realized that he was talking to him once more. "You went off on your own?" The boy knew better than to lie, if he were to even think of it.

Yuki nodded, confirming the monk's words.

"You are forbidden to leave your caretakers. You know this." Yuki nodded solemnly, reaching for his nearest hand. Growling playfully the boy launched himself at his sleeve, biting his fangs down into the fabric lightly. Endearing, but not enough to mitigate his anger.

Obviously the child did not understand what a serious transgression it had been to run into the forest unattended. Something would have to be done. His son could not be allowed to wander away from Inuyasha's human village.

The pup giggled and twisted in his lap a little more.

"You will never—" The boy rolled onto the ground. The human girl screamed with laughter as he growled, chasing after her.

Sesshomaru frowned.