Disclaimer:I do not own Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, Jakan or any of the original characters from the Anime/Manga series. They are the property of Rumiko Takahashi, the lucky woman and I can only aspire to her genius.

This story is for entertainment purposes only and will not be used for profit or financial gain in any way.

Summary: Another short chapter here. I wanted to update with a second one, but it is so super long that you guys will just have to wait. Once again, this may seem like filler, but a few interesting revelations are made here that might be of interest to you, and will be important in the future. There are also a few more hints of my version of past events, and what happened to put our two loving brothers so at odds. So pay attention, there might be a test later on!

Once again I will include a short glossary at the end of the chapter, and up here I will include a pronunciation guide for some of the trickier names. Also, I have no idea if real Japanese people would have acted in this manner after being insulted, but these are Youkai and the world of this story is mine, so that's what I decided.

Pronunciation Guide:

Inu No Taishou (Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father) /ee-noo/ /noh/ /tie-shoh/ ("oh" indicates the short "o" sound) ("tie" is just like a neck tie)

Urue No Yukinshuro (The perverted Bear Lord) /oo-roo-ay/ /noh/ /yew-keen-shoo-roo/ ("ay" indicates the long "a" sound) (yew is pronounced like "you")

Midoriko (The powerful Miko that created the Shikon Jewel) /mih-doh-reekoh/ ("ih" indicates the short "i" sound)

(an underlined syllable means that there is a strong emphasis on that syllable when speaking the word.)

(putting the last two syllables together indicates that those two syllables are run together when speaking the word)

Inu No Kuroshirou (Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's uncle) /ee-noo/ /noh/ /koo-roh-shee-roh/

Kuroshiura (Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's grandmother) /koo-roh-shee-oo-raw/ ("aw" is pronounced ahhhh, like a sigh)

Issaishotera Inuroka (Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's grandfather) /ee-say-show-teh-raw/ /ee-new-row-caw/ ("ow" is pronounced the way we say "Oh", as in "Oh no!" ) ("eh" indicates the short "e" sound)

Issokuryoka (The Alpha Male Two-Tail) /ee-soh-koor-yow-kaw/

Issokurinku (The Alpha Female Two-Tail) /ee-soh-koo-reen-koo/

Chapter Ten: A Gift Offered

The two brothers did not appear for the rest of the day, but no one expected them to. The family of Inu No Taishou had been delivered an intolerable insult and it was time for them to pull together and make their plans for dealing with this dishonour. Kirara warned the rest of them that they needed to maintain a presence at the celebration, because they should not appear to be concerned about the Lords' well-being.

The Lords were also not expected to appear at the evening meal, because they were making it clear how their hospitality had been violated. Their prominent absence at the feast would remind all the guests that their hosts had been insulted and who exactly was responsible for that insult. It was a very subdued meal with a lot of covert glares directed towards Urue No Yukinshuro and his party, and though they tried to act cocky and non-concerned, their very obvious ostracizing was clear. They finished their meal quickly and headed to their rooms early, much to everyone's relief.

Kagome stayed close to Kikyo, her friends stayed close to her, and Kikyo stayed close to Kirara, who was constantly framed by Issokuryoka and Issokurinku and Koga and Ayame. The Wolf leaders were taking a chance by making their loyalty to the odd family so clear, but it was much appreciated by all those involved, and they did make a very formidable front. It seemed to have the right effect. Kagome caught many whispered comments as the group moved calmly and gracefully through the throng of their guests, and most of the comments seemed to be positive.

"The Great Dog General would be very proud of his eldest today."

"Of his younger too. The Hanyo comports himself with surprising dignity and nobility. The Daiyoukai blood shows true."

"The Sons of Inu No Taishou proved their worthiness today. They do their bloodline honour."

"I never would have suspected a Hanyo of such strength."

"Ahhh, but he is a Daiyoukai Prince. The Great Dog General's blood runs true."

"We shall see the true measure of their honour tomorrow. I believe this is the first time that the two brothers fight together."

"Well, willingly, that is."

"It is a shame that Urue No Yukinshuro had to do disgrace to his family today. Inu No Taishou would be ashamed to see one of his peers betray him so."

"It is up to his sons to uphold his Honour."

"Gee" Kagome spoke nervously to Sango and Miroku. "No pressure tomorrow, is there?"

"We have seen Inuyasha and Lord Sesshomaru take on challenges together in the past." Miroku spoke calmly. "Even when they are working at odds with each-other, they still manage to conquer."

"Miroku's right." Sango agreed. "Imagine what they will be able to do if they actually work together."

"Very funny, you guys." Kagome replied, glaring.

Kirara smiled calmly. "They will be amazing." She said confidently. "They already become closer and more united. After all their years of division and conflict, they already mend the chasm between them."

"I do not believe that they were ever truly apart in soul." Kikyo spoke softly. "Deep in their hearts, the Sons of the Dog General always knew that they were brothers. Their first years together were too close for them to truly forget."

"How do you know what their early years were like, Onee-sama?" Kagome asked, interested.

The Miko Youkai smiled. "This reborn spirit is one that has been attached to this family for many years before her former body perished. She assisted the Princess Izayoi with the care of the young Inuyasha and worked in the kitchens when the Lord Sesshomaru was a youngling. She died protecting Izayoi and Inuyasha from assassins, before the Lord InuTaishou was able to intercept the rest of the attackers. She was sent through Midoriko by Inu No Taishou himself to be reborn into this body as repayment for her honourable sacrifice."

Kagome stared at her soul-sister in amazement, tears standing in her eyes. The others were equally stunned. "What was her name?" Kagome finally asked.

Kikyo's smile was radiant and satisfied. "Hotaro. She was Koshiku's daughter."

oooooooooooooooooo00000000000000000ooooooooooooooooooo

Once the guests had gossiped enough to satisfy themselves, they slowly retired to their rooms leaving the family group together. It was then that Kirara turned to Kagome, Miroku and Sango. "You recall that you all had formal fittings in preperation for the Wedding Ceremony?" She asked. They nodded, remembering easily and Kirara smiled again. "Well, to tell you the truth; your outfits for the ceremony were not the only things those measurements were used for. We meant to keep the time of gifting for after this entire affair, but considering the latest developments, I think it wiser to present you with them tonight. Will you follow me?"

Confused, but very intrigued, the group did as the Neko Princess bade, and with Kikyo bringing up the rear, they travelled quickly through the mostly silent castle. They soon arrived at an area that they did not recognize. Kirara spoke a brief word that they could not hear and slid aside the shojii to an inner room without access to the outside. Two armor stands and one sword stand waited in this room, dimly illuminated by lanterns.

Kirara took Kagome's hand first and guided her over to the very first stand. "My Lord Sesshomaru is aware that you prefer to wear uninhibited clothing, as is evident by your modern apparel when you travel."

Kagome felt her self blushing a bit in embarrassment. Kirara did not seem to notice.

"But Sesshomaru-Sama is concerned over your lack of protection. This armor and Hakui are light and unencumbered. They can be worn alone or beneath an outer garment. They are also more traditional of the local fashion and will thus avoid undue attention, if such concerns you. They are made to your measurements and thus should be quite comfortable. Please accept these humble garments as a gift from us."

Speechless, Kagome moved closer. The garments were anything but humble. They included a silk Hakui, which fell to slightly below where her school uniform skirt usually hit. It was a soft ivory color with green and red patterns of plum-blossom and maple-leaves around the hem, sleeves and shoulders. It even incorporated a crest-like detail of a tree-cricket in among the decorations as well.

The armor consisted of a silver and green-trimmed, set of white, protective tabi and kote (leg and arm pieces), and a light chest-plate of woven steel, leather and silk in silver and green. This was finished with a beautiful belt/hakama fashioned in the same style as Sango's, when she wore her demon-slaying armor. It was patterned in green and red. The final few pieces were cool linen under-layers to wick moisture away from the skin and shield it from the heavier armor.

"They're beautiful!" She whispered, finding her words at last. "I-I can't believe you would do this for me! Thank you! Thank you!" And tears shining in her eyes, she impulsively hugged the Neko Princess, which made her smile.

"Sesshomaru will be pleased to know that you liked them." She said.

Then she waited, looking pointedly at Miroku until he offered his arm, and she guided him over to the next arming stand.

"We know you can take care of yourself, Miroku, but the battle becomes harder and more dangerous, and we would also want you to have additional protection when we embark on our final campaign. This armored vest is made to be worn beneath the Houshi drape. It is not metal, but woven silk and leather, so it should not interfere with either your movement or your divine aura. It includes a pair of kote. The one on your left hand is designed to strengthen the flesh around your wind-tunnel. We hope that it will slow down the curse's growth. Please accept this humble gift, Miroku, with our love and appreciation."

Miroku also had tears in his eyes as he reverently examined the robe-length vest of finely and tightly woven leather and stiffened silk. It was purple and black and the kote were black trimmed in a rich amethyst purple.

"It is beautiful." He spoke softly. "I cannot imagine what I did to earn such a fine gift. I am moved beyond words, Lady Kirara." Everyone held their breaths, nervously expecting the monk to reach out and pat the Princess' rear, but the "cursed" hand never moved from its reverent exploration of the fine new armor. When the examination was done, it fell harmlessly back to his side as he bowed graciously. "I am deeply grateful to you and your generous Lord."

"You deserve it, Miroku; whether you realize it or not." The Princess replied.

Now she gently took Sango's hand and led her over to the weapon stand. There was a beautiful set of swords there: A Katana and a Wakasashi in matching sheaths; black decorated in pink and gold.

"We know that you already carry a sword, Sango." Kirara spoke softly. But in recognition of your potential and our friendship, we would like to replace it with this set. They are called Terasai and Kousai and are made from both folded steel and Youkai bones. Though they could not hope to be the equal of Hiraikotsu, they are of higher quality than the blade you carry now, and much more worthy of a warrior of your caliber. Please accept, Sango. We really wanted to do this."

Sango reacted much as she had when Kirara had revealed her former shape as the Two-Tail Kitten Kilala. She was utterly still for a moment, and then her eyes rapidly teared up and she threw herself into the surprised princess' arms.

"They're beautiful!" She wept. "They're so beautiful! It's the most incredible gift I have received in a long time. I don't believe that I'm truly worthy, but I accept them; I accept them, Kirara. Thank you so much; both of you."

The princess embraced the Tajiya tenderly. "You are worthy, Dearest. Some day you will understand that."

Now Kikyo spoke. "You are considered Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's family. He has presented you as this, and despite the fact that this "family" is made up of mostly Humans, no one is questioning it. They have no reason to challenge him, but to challenge his honour and his choice. But in return for this acknowledgement, you are to act in this capacity. You are expected to be at the battle tomorrow, and prepared to defend him and Inuyasha if the Lord Urue No Yukinshuro decides to use deceit to win his battle against him. You should wear protection and carry weapons beneath your formal garments. I will be in the stands ready to assist, should the need arise."

"I will be standing by your side as well." Kirara now spoke. "As Lord Sesshomaru's mate, I am expected to stand with his family. And Koga and Ayame have agreed to keep Shippo and Rin with them in the stands, and protect them from harm."

"Do you really believe that Urue No Yukinshuro would stoop to dishonourable tactics to win the day, Lady Kikyo?" Miroku asked seriously.

The Miko Youkai nodded her head once, her expression cool and bitter. "He violated Lord Sesshomaru's hospitality, and humiliated Inuyasha publicly in the heart of his brother's castle. Hotaro's spirit remembers, he was always a rival of Lord Taishou's as well. He, and that despicable brother of his."

"Lord Yukinshuro has a brother?" Kagome asked nervously.

But Kikyo shook her head. "No." She spoke. "Lord Taishou." Her voice became strained and angry. "The Black Dog, they called him. Inu No Kuroshirou. He was much younger than Inu No Taishou, born about a century before their father departed, leaving Inu Taishou in charge of his lands. Their mother was a Kuro Inu, the last Princess of the South. Kuroshiura was beautiful and kind, but her second son tore his way out of her so brutally that she eventually died from the injuries. Lord Issaishoutera Inuroka never quite recovered from her loss, and perhaps that caused him to be slightly colder towards his second son. Perhaps that was why he turned out the way he did."

"How was that?" Kagome asked again. "What did he do?" They noticed that Kirara was pale and strained as well.

"Something unforgivable." Kikyo replied, her expression almost as cold and forbidding as it had been before her rebirth. "But I will not say any more. It is not my place. I imagine you will learn of it eventually, but I will bide my time, and hold my tongue."

Intrigued, but also feeling a strange sense of foreboding, the small family group followed the Miko and the Princess back through the corridors of the palace in silence.

So another teaser there. What exactly did Inu No Kuroshirou do, and how does Kirara know about it? Well, you'll just have to keep reading to find out.

Thank you once again to my wonderful, faithful reviewers NightStar28 and KazunaPikachu, and also to Murasahki-chan. I am flattered that my story has caught the interest of someone who is such a Sesshomaru/Inuyasha brotherly relationship enthusiast. I hope I continue to please. Anyway, you guys are just awesome. Thank you so much.

Glossary: Not much here this time.

Wakasashi: A sword similar in shape and quality to the Katana, but of a shorter length suitable for fast parries and thrusts. It is also lighter weight and can be easily wielded in one hand. A Katana and Wakasashi are the most common parts of a warriors "Daisho," which I will define for you in a future chapter.

Kuro: Black (in color)

Hotaro: Firefly AKA Lightening bug

Kote: Protective coverings for the arms ( I think)

Tabi: Japanese socks, which have the big toe separated from the rest of the foot to allow for the standard flip-flop like footwear. But I think this can also refer to protective coverings on the legs.

"Hiraikotsu": The name of Sango's huge demon-slaying boomerang.

Onee-sama: A polite term for an older sister

Thank you to all my readers. I am really enjoying posting this fic. I hope you enjoy reading it just as much. See you next chapter! DoS