The Consequences of Chaos

by lunamist

Contaminated and near feral, Sesshomaru does the unthinkable to Inuyasha and the consequences are more than any could have imagined. Knowing what he carries within his body and convinced of his elder brother's reaction to it, Inuyasha is willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to save both his pup and human friends. But who will save the InuHanyou? Sesh/Inu. m-preg.

11. Chapter 11

Hello again everyone. Many of you are feeling bad for poor Inuyasha - I know, I do too and unfortunately he'll have to bear the brunt of things a bit longer. But that's what our hanyou seems to do well. He shouldn't have to, but fate does indeed seem to be a fickle bitch.

Had some well thought out reviews with people asking good questions, many of which come up and will be answered in following chapters so I don't want to get too much into it here and spoil things. I love the questions you guys ask and as I've said before, many times you all come up with ideas I'd wish I'd thought of to incorporate.

Not much else this time around. Hope you enjoy the mid-week update.

Chapter 11 . . .

It wasn't until the second evening after the new moon that Sesshomaru deemed the hanyou recovered enough to bother regaling Inuyasha's pack about what he had learned from both Bakusen'O and the miko, Kaede.

While Sango's finger's distractedly ran through Kirara's fur, Miroku's eye's fixed upon the rings of his staff, his mind struggling to process all that he'd just learned.

Tessaiga firmly grasped within his still weakened fingers; Inuyasha felt his teeth grate before an eerie laugh escaped his lips. "So, that's it?"

Senses open and alert, Sesshomaru took in the fluttery fast rate of the hanyou's heart and could only narrow his eyes at his younger brother's odd reaction. Hearing the monk whisper a quiet, "Inuyasha?" only added to the InuDaiYoukai's unease.

Head shaking, Inuyasha stared at Miroku, his lips quirked up into a mocking grin as he asked, "What?"

"I – " looking to Sango, Miroku saw the same worried eyes reflected back at him. "I am afraid I do not see the humor in this situation, my friend."

Inuyasha only let loose another disturbing chuckle. "Oh, I don't think it's funny, at least, not in the way I do when Sango slaps your lecherous face." Expression sobering, the hanyou pulled a tired hand over his face. "Don't you guys see just how fucked up this whole thing is? How the universe just seems out to screw us over no matter what we do? Shit . . . I mean, I've crossed time, been pinned to a tree for fifty plus years, fought and destroyed Naraku, helped shatter and put back together the damn Shikon Jewel, lost both Kikyo and Kagome, not to mention my mother . . . " eyes narrowing down, Inuyasha turned his gaze on his stoic, ice-cold bastard of a brother before continuing, "and all the damn while, this asshole has been tryin' to send my soul into the everafter simply for bein' born. And now . . . now, here I sit, carryin' that same asshole's pup, doin' my damnest to keep the thing alive as some other fucked up creature that's more akin to a god than youkai is tryin' yet again to kill us." Looking back to Miroku, Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders. "Sometimes, ya just gotta laugh at things."

Miroku didn't think now was the exact time to be laughing and what he'd heard his friend doing before didn't really strike him as the humorous, relief seeking release Inuyasha was speaking of.

Staring at the worried looks on Miroku and Sango's faces, Inuyasha rolled his eyes while heaving a big sigh. "Oh for fuck's sake, I ain't dead or crazy yet, so stop lookin' like I'm gonna turn into a blabberin' mass of weak-ass hanyou."

"Inuyasha, I – "

"Forget it monk." Attention back on Sesshomaru, Inuyasha wasn't surprised his brother had remained silent throughout his tirade. The Lord of the West wasn't really known for interjecting his opinion or thoughts often, unless, of course, it was to state for the fiftieth time what a mistake of creation Inuyasha had been. "So, as I said earlier, that's it? This Chaos fucker is some type of almost god-like creature that can't be killed, but only . . . what? Put back to bed? And to do that, we need to somehow get Mother Earth directly involved. But accordin' to Kaede, the only way to do that is to make a sacrifice of life at one of her alters? That about sum it up?"

Sesshomaru thought the hanyou's description to be unnecessarily colorful, but in essence found the half-breed's understanding to be correct and in answer gave a simple nod of his head.

"-Keh, that sounds about like how shit always goes."

Miroku thought he had to agree with his friend, for indeed, it did always seem to go about that way.

Having remained silent and contemplative, Sango finally asked, "For a long time, we thought it impossible to truly kill Naraku, could this not be a similar case? Perhaps the way to truly destroy Chaos simply has not been found yet."

But Miroku only shook his head. "I'm afraid, my dear, that this situation is quite different. If I am understanding all that Lord Sesshomaru has discovered correctly, even if there were a way to destroy Chaos, doing so would only harm the Earth irrevocably."

Having grown up a slayer, Sango had been taught to destroy her enemy when possible and at all costs. "I don't understand."

Loosening his grip upon his staff, Miroku leaned back on his hands while looking up toward the roof of their small shelter. "Chaos isn't a youkai, nor is he a god. But what Chaos is, is necessary. Natural disasters are viewed as tragedies by humans, but these violent acts of nature are necessary for the continuation and health of the Earth. Without such events, the world would become static and fester in its own disease and filth. To destroy Chaos completely would be to destroy the very Earth we live upon." Head shaking, Miroku suddenly felt very tired. "As with everything within this world, there is a balance that must be maintained in order to offer the best chance of survival and growth to all. Chaos is no different. When he is allowed to grow in power and reign unchecked, death and destruction shall make the Earth less than she should be. And yet, no Chaos would be just as detrimental. A balance of destruction and rebirth is what is healthiest for our world. And without Chaos, there can be neither."

Sesshomaru wasn't fond of the monk, but found his explanation adequate. "The monk is correct. Destruction of Chaos is not an option."

"That's unfortunate," Sango whispered, causing Inuyasha to snicker at the massive understatement.

"Indeed," Miroku answered, his fingers rubbing thoughtfully along his chin. "The alternative is also, unfortunate." Looking up to Sesshomaru, Miroku asked, "Our choices appear to be rather slim."

Ignoring the obvious statement, Sesshomaru returned the monk's gaze and questioned, "Supposedly, you are considered a holy figure within the human world. Do you have any other knowledge of how Mother Earth might be contacted directly beyond the knowledge that the miko has offered?"

Miroku wasn't exactly sure if he'd been insulted or not, but figured where the Lord of the West was concerned, most likely he had been. Still, he'd been called worse than supposedly holy. "I am afraid not. The order of monks that I was raised with revered Mother Earth, but did not worship her. We were all taught a healthy respect for her ways." Head lowered, Miroku thought back to some of his lessons and sighed. "As we all know, Mother Earth can be both loving and nurturing while at the same time violent and destructive." Head raised, the monk looked even more contemplative. "Although, in light of recent knowledge, perhaps it is not Mother Earth herself that initiates the violence."

"Yeah? Well, it sure as hell don't sound like she stops it much either. The bitch sounds down right sadistic to me."

"Inuyasha!" Miroku looked stunned. "It isn't wise to refer to Mother Earth in such ways."

"Pfft," Inuyasha raised a clawed hand and waved it dismissively. "I wasn't insultin' her, monk. Just pointin' out that she sounds like every other livin' creature I've ever met. Every single one, down to the lowest of the low or the highest of the high are about the same when you get right down to it. Mother Earth ain't no better or worse. She's just some other form of livin'. More powerful than most, but at the end of the day, just filled up with what the rest of us are."

Blinking slowly, Sango heard Kirara meow in agreement and found her own thoughts going that general direction until a smile finally graced her lips. Inuyasha rarely put things poetically and this time was no different, but what he did do was state things bluntly, often getting to the bleeding heart of the matter. Often, what the hanyou said were things few truly wanted to hear, for he had no compunction to sugar coat his thoughts. Perhaps it was because their friend straddled the fine line between human and youkai. Perhaps it was simply because of the harsh life Inuyasha had led. Whatever the reason, the hanyou had a unique and often pointed view of the world.

Watching and listening to the happenings around him, Sesshomaru's expected disappointment regarding the monk's knowledge was quickly pushed aside by Inuyasha's perspective on not only this situation, but also the world at large. Sesshomaru himself had come to similar conclusions long ago. Many spoke to the violent nature of youkai, but to his mind, human's faired little better in that department. The only true difference the Lord of the West could see was the scale of violence. Youkai were naturally stronger and longer-lived and could thus destroy large swaths of land and life in a relatively short amount of time. To Sesshomaru's mind, humans were less efficient at killing, but far more creative about it.

Ignorant once more to everyone's thoughts, Inuyasha's mind had switched back to the actual issue of contacting Mother Earth, or, at least the only way Kaede knew of. Looking back to Miroku, Inuyasha's eyes narrowed in thought. "Do ya think any of the other monks would know another way to contact her? Maybe somethin' they don't generally teach?"

"It is possible. The monks whom raised me were only a small sect and knowing the numerous written papers that were housed within our group alone . . . I can only assume other orders have similar collections. It is quite possible such knowledge is contained somewhere within them."

"Just how many different groups of ya are there?"

Looking up to the roof again, Miroku hummed softly. "Oh, I don't know . . . dozens at least."

"Damn," Inuyasha grumbled. "We ain't got time to go to every damn one."

Catching on to Inuyasha's meaning, Miroku shook his head. "Visiting all wouldn't be necessary, or, at least, I don't think it would. There are a few larger groups that have contact with smaller ones. It is conceivable that one of these might be helpful." Frowning, Miroku's shoulders slumped. "Then again, it could be a large waste of time. I've no idea if there is even anything to find."

Sesshomaru listened and thought the idea had merit, especially because it would remove the monk for an extended period of time from Inuyasha's presence. "You will travel to these places and look for information on ways in which Mother Earth might be contacted."

Mouth snapping shut; Inuyasha turned his furious glare upon his brother. He'd been thinking along similar lines, but was pissed that Sesshomaru thought it was okay to order his friend's to do something, especially when it could be dangerous. "Now listen just a god's be damned minute! Miroku don't – "

"I don't mind going," Miroku interrupted. "Though, I am uncertain how far I can travel on foot."

Before Inuyasha could interject, Sango answered, "Kirara could carry you." Reaching down and petting the firecat again, Sango's eyes took on a saddened quality. "I haven't been away from her for that length of time in quite a while, but if she's willing, I think it would be worth it."

In answer, Kirara simply jumped from Sango's lap to Miroku's, a loud purr echoing through their small space.

Sesshomaru wasn't entirely fond of the idea of losing the firecat as protection for Inuyasha, but he could see the necessity of the action. "The monk and firecat will attempt to retrieve information while the slayer stays here to help protect the hanyou."

"Yeah? And just what the fuck are you gonna be doin' while Miroku's out riskin' his neck?" Inuyasha knew this made sense, he just hated the fact that going would put his friend at more risk than if he remained with them. Knowing that, once again, he couldn't protect someone precious to him tore at something deep within Inuyasha's soul. He hated this whole damn situation and yet he could think of nothing to change it.

Golden eyes seemingly devoid of all emotion, Sesshomaru stared down at the half-breed, his eyes taking in everything about his little brother – from the slightly flushed skin, the barely visible thickening of Inuyasha's abdomen, to the twitching puppydog ears. Every emotion. Every frustration. Every beat of the half-breed's heart, Sesshomaru absorbed it all. Instinct was a damnable thing and currently every instinct Sesshomaru had was telling him to get up and . . . and do what? Freshly irritated, Sesshomaru stood, turning from the haphazard group that was his little brother's pack. With a parting, "This Sesshomaru has nowhere else to be but here," the Lord of the West went back out into the shimmering sun, valiantly ignoring Inuyasha's cursed response.

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Hands stuffed inside the wide sleeves of his firerat, Inuyasha's head remained bowed, his bangs easily covering his eyes and hiding his expression from his human friends. "You know you don't gotta do this, right?"

Lifting another bag of supplies, Miroku hoisted the heavy weight over the back of a fully transformed Kirara, the firecat barely shifting below the added girth. Giving the cat a pat, Miroku turned from his awaiting ride, the metal rings of his staff chiming softly with his movements. "You assume that I do not wish to go, Inuyasha. Did you ever stop to think that I might enjoy meeting and visiting with others of my own faith?"

"-Keh," Inuyasha scoffed, his toes digging into the dirt. "I ain't never heard you spout that kind of shit before."

Shrugging, Miroku moved forward ever so slightly, careful to keep a fair amount of distance between he and his friend lest Sesshomaru get too aggravated. "While that may be true, have you ever known me to turn down a comfortable bed and large spread of food? Rest assured, my friend, that is what awaits me when I reach my various destinations."

Sighing, Inuyasha could only shake his head. "Still, we don't know where Chaos is or if – "

"There are always uncertainties in life, Inuyasha." Looking to Sango, Miroku gave a sad smile. "All of us standing here understand that far too well."

Inhaling deeply, Inuyasha finally raised his head, his eyes also traveling to Sango. Of course he understood that and easily recognized that they had all had far too much grief in their individual lives, let alone when those lives were grouped together. And perhaps it was because of all they'd lost that Inuyasha offered, "Sango, if you wanna go with them, I'll understand." Thumbing a finger in Sesshomaru's direction, Inuyasha added, "I can deal with the jackass on my own."

Giving a warm smile, Sango wasn't sure she completely understood how much courage Inuyasha's words had taken, but thought she had a fair idea. "While I appreciate the offer, some time away from Miroku might be refreshing."

"Sango! Your words wound me, I – "

Leaning forward, Sango placed a brief kiss upon Miroku's cheek, the same one that normally grew rosy with the slap of her hand. There were precious few times within his life that Inuyasha had ever seen the monk speechless, but it appeared as if this was one of them. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Miroku managed to mumble an awed, "S-Sango?"

Pulling back, Sango's face appeared equally red. "Don't get any ideas, lecher." Despite the harsh nature of the words, Sango's tone was soft and full of affection. "I just wanted to remind you that you have already made a commitment to me." Eyes narrowing, all the kindness seeped from Sango's voice. "If I hear one word that you've propositioned another woman – "

"There is little need for concern, my dear. Where I am going there are only men, and – "

"Is that the point you took from that?" Sango interrupted, her face now blazing red for a whole different reason.

"I – " looking to Inuyasha for help, the grin the hanyou was sporting quickly led Miroku to believe no help would be coming from that particular direction. Heaving a deep sigh, the monk let his shoulder's droop. "There are days when I believe Buddha has abandoned me."

"Yeah?" Inuyasha laughed, "Well, let's just hope he hasn't abandoned the rest of your order and we can actually get somethin' useful out of this little journey."

"From your lips to Buddha's ears, my friend." Shooting a smile in Inuyasha's direction, Miroku shifted closer to Sango, his once cursed hand moving to cup her rear, the smile on his face turning into an appreciative grin. "How can you think I would ever truly consider propositioning another when I have this," Miroku gave a squeeze, "to return to?"

The resounding, Smack! That echoed through the countryside was far from unexpected. Far from disappointed, Miroku rubbed his reddened flesh and murmered, "A sweet memory for my travels," before mounting the back of Kirara.

Grumbling incoherent statements about idiotic monks, Sango walked to Kirara's head, her hand lovingly rubbing along the firecat's jaw. Bending low so that only Kirara could here her, the slayer whispered, "I know he's troublesome, but please try and take care of Miroku."

In answer, Kirara mewed loudly, the sound more of a rumble than purr given her current form. Leaning down, Sango placed a kiss between the firecat's ears. "Take care of yourself as well. I couldn't bear to loose either one of you."

Pushing her head forward, Kirara essentially head-butted Sango, rubbing her scent upon the slayer.

Head shaking at Miroku's continued stupidity, even in these last moments, Inuyasha walked forward, placing his hand on Kirara's side and unknowingly luxuriating as her soft fur brushed against his fingers. "All jokin' aside, if that fucker even shows his weird ass shape around you, you high tail it back here. You got that monk?"

Shifting his supplies around to give himself more room, Miroku finally looked down into Inuyasha's worried amber eyes. "I will heed your words, but I do not think it is I that Chaos is interested in."

Inuyasha would have liked to feel relieved but he couldn't. "Yeah, but that asshole knows you mean somethin' to me and . . . just don't go gettin' hurt on my account, 'kay."

Miroku was well aware how difficult it was for his friend to express his emotions, especially when Inuyasha was trying to tell someone just how important they were to him. "I will endeavor to do my best to remain hail and hearty, might I suggest you do the same."

"-Keh, you don't got nothin' to worry about where I am concerned."

But Miroku only sadly smiled. "My friend, where you are concerned, I am seldom anything but worried."

Stepping back, Inuyasha bent his head again, his hand reluctantly leaving the soothing warmth and softness of Kirara's fur. "Waste of fuckin' energy there, monk."

"Indeed, I've little doubt you think so."

Having been standing a distance away, Sesshomaru was not at all pleased to see the almost tender interactions occurring between the hanyou and monk. Moving in closer, Sesshomaru placed his body almost directly behind Inuyasha, his movements sinister in their ease. "Monk, are you not yet ready to leave?"

Cringing, Inuyasha quickly moved forward, putting greater distance between he and his sadistic brother. "Fuckin' hell, Sesshomaru!"

Now a near expert in ignoring his little brother's outbursts, Sesshomaru remained where he was, his golden eyes little more than glinting pieces of ice as he stared at the monk.

Suppressing the shiver those deadly eyes sent rolling down his spine, Miroku's hands tensed within Kirara's fur, causing the firecat to mew in protest. Offering a quick apology, Miroku pulled his gaze away from the Lord of the West. "Well, I suppose I am ready. With any luck, I'll be back in no time with useful information."

"Luck?" Inuyasha grumbled, "Since when have we had any of that?"

Smiling brightly, Miroku ruffled Kirara's fur. "Well then, we should be about due for some, wouldn't you agree?"

Giving her own smile in response, Sango nodded. Miroku's eternal sense of optimism was one of his more admirable traits. "Travel swift and safe. Listen to Kirara and allow her to rest when she needs it."

Miroku was well aware just how hard it was for Sango to part with Kirara. "I will do my best to bring her back safely to you."

Eyes widening slightly, Sango felt her heart thump loudly within her chest, Miroku's words echoing the ones she'd so recently whispered into Kirara's ear. Uttering a soft, "You better," Sango shuffled back, giving Kirara a little more room and moving to stand next to Inuyasha.

Satisfied everything was in order, Miroku gave Inuyasha a quick glance and smile before turning his gaze to linger upon Sango, their eyes meeting for the briefest of moments, yet conveying a small novel of shared thoughts. Avoiding the Lord of the West all together, Miroku leaned over Kirara's back and said, "Well, I guess the sooner we get started, the sooner we get back."

With a mewl of agreement, Kirara's fiery feet kicked off the ground, her form quickly rising into the air and carrying a waving monk with her.

Standing as they were, both Inuyasha and Sango remained rooted to their spot, both watching the sky until not even a hint of Kirara's fire could be seen. Even still, neither took their eyes from that last speck, not even when Sango asked, "What do you think his chances of finding anything are?"

Shoulder's shrugging; Inuyasha stuffed his hands back into the sleeves of his firerat. "No idea. But, if there is somethin', Miroku will find it."

Having no where else to go, Sesshomaru had also remained, his ears easily taking in the slayer's and hanyou's conversation. "You put far too much faith in that human, little brother."

"-Keh," Inuyasha huffed before finally lowering his gaze from the sky, his amber eyes narrowing as he stared at his stoic brother. "And why the fuck not? That human is a damn sight more trustworthy than your pathetic ass."

Growling low, Sesshomaru's emotionless façade slipped long enough to show fang. "You would compare this Sesshomaru to that lowly human male?"

Ignoring the threat, Inuyasha turned, his body suddenly tired and in need of a refreshing bath. Striding off toward a nearby stream, the hanyou didn't even turn his head as he answered, "There ain't nothin' to compare, asshole."

Rooted to her spot, Sango stayed silent, her body still so as not to provoke the irate InuDaiYoukai any further. In her heart, the slayer was relieved Miroku was far away and out of Sesshomaru's immediate field of vision. To her, Sesshomaru's jealousy was far to plain to see, but she seriously doubted Inuyasha saw his brother's actions in the same light. In fact, Sango rather thought Inuyasha far too naïve when it came to Sesshomaru's true desires. Then again, would it really make it any better if Inuyasha did understand? Head shaking, Sango carefully watched as Sesshomaru pulled his stoic, apathetic mask around him like a shield, the InuDaiYoukai gracefully turning and meandering off to gods only knew where. Blowing out a deep breath, the slayer thought she knew the answer to that question and also knew that if Inuyasha did fully understand, then her friend would be doing anything and everything to get away from his brother and the safety he offered.

Blowing out a deep breath, Sango wondered how on earth she was going to make it through the coming months but decided the first step might be gathering more provisions and perhaps looking for something softer than leaves to add to her bedding. If she was going to have to put up with a jealous InuDaiYoukai, she might as well make sure her sleeping arrangements were as comfortable as possible.

::::::::::

Removing his firerat and some of his underclothes, Inuyasha waded into the stream, the cold water more refreshing than uncomfortable. Bending over, the hanyou cupped some of the blissful coolness, splashing his face and running the fluid over his bare arms. Standing upright, the hanyou raised his head, in that brief moment where he believed he was alone, Inuyasha allowed his true exhaustion to shine through his eyes. If it were simply a weariness of his body, the hanyou could deal with it, what he was having trouble with was the constant assault upon his emotions. With his hormones already all over the place, Inuyasha was having an increasingly difficult time pushing both the usual and new pain of his life down into the carefully constructed box he locked most of his useless emotions into.

Blowing out a deep breath, the hanyou whispered a hushed, "fuckin' pathetic," before taking a few steps back and plopping his ass down upon the hard earth. With a grunt, Inuyasha shifted his weight while staring down at the offending hardness he'd sat upon. "Damn, I am gettin' soft," the hanyou muttered, but in his heart, the fact that he'd even noticed the solidness of the earth below him was disturbing. Frowning, Inuyasha couldn't help but feel betrayed by his own body, a body he counted on to help protect not only him, but also those he foolishly cared for.

Arms now dry, Inuyasha pulled his sleeves down before putting his hands behind him and leaning back, allowing the sun's rays to warm his skin. Moving a little more, the hanyou put the majority of his weight to one hand while lifting the other, placing its palm upon the ever so slight swelling of his abdomen. Head bent, Inuyasha's voice was hushed as he accused, "You sure are causin' a lot of fuss," but the words held no hint of malice. Opening his mouth to further speak to his pup, Inuyasha felt his muscles tense as the scent of his brother wafted into his nose.

Growling low, Inuyasha didn't even bother turning his head as he spoke. "You're a creepy fucker, ya know that?"

Hardly insulted, Sesshomaru moved from the location he'd been shamelessly spying on his little brother from. Ignoring the comment, Sesshomaru couldn't quite quell the anger simmering just below his carefully constructed apathetic façade. "You should not be here alone."

"-Keh," Inuyasha scoffed. "That's funny comin' from you, asshole." Finally turning his head, Inuyasha didn't bother getting up, but did make sure to push his pants back down over his ankles, covering as much skin as possible. "Somehow me bein' all alone never bothered you before."

Moving a little closer, Sesshomaru deftly ignored the automatic tightening in Inuyasha's muscles his proximity created. "Your current circumstances can hardly be compared to those occasions."

Lips pulled back, Inuyasha barely suppressed the snarl of rage threatening to be released. "You have no fuckin' clue what my circumstances were growin' up so don't stand there and act like you know enough to claim otherwise."

Sesshomaru raised a single eyebrow. "While that may be the case, I believe it safe to assume this is the first time you have ever been successfully bred."

Jerking as if he'd been physically slapped, Inuyasha felt the blood drain from his face. There were so many things wrong with that statement that he hardly knew where to start. Sesshomaru had spoken of rutting him with a casual ease that had no place anywhere near a conversation regarding what had happened that night. And, not only that, but he spoke of Inuyasha as if he were little more than an animal.

Fine tremors assaulting his body, Inuyasha stood, the claws of his fingers digging deeply into the palms of his hands. "Bred?" Taking a single step forward, the hanyou's lips pulled back with painful disgust. "First off, we've already had this discussion once and I've made it crystal fuckin' clear that we are never speakin' of that night again. And second, it ain't none of your damn business if I've ever fucked or been fucked before. For that matter, after this pup is born, it ain't no business of yours if I do that shit with – " sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha's eyes went wide, his face pale as Sesshomaru's infuriated youkai lashed against his skin.

Listening as his little brother spoke, Sesshomaru felt his youkai roar with rage as Inuyasha spoke of rutting with another in the past or potentially future. Having little desire to reign in his inner beast, the InuDaiYoukai did little to abate the action. Caring nothing for the fact that his actions were terrifying to the hanyou, Sesshomaru stepped forward, mokomoko lashing back and forth behind him, his words little more than chips of ice falling upon the earth. "Make no mistake, Inuyasha, no other shall ever rut you nor shall you ever do so to another. Everything you are belongs to the Lord of the West."

Sucking in heaving gulps of air, Inuyasha felt anger flood his body, pushing his terror to the fringes of his mind. "Fuck you! You've treated me like trash all you're fuckin' life! You've never wanted a god's be damned thing with me before besides Tessaiga. I don't belong to you any more than Father's Fang!"

Sesshomaru felt his youkai screaming inside his body, desperate for even more release. Breathing deep, the InuDaiYoukai was about to unleash hell when he suddenly paused. That last breath of air brought Inuyasha's scent deep into his being and with it, the abject terror radiating through his pregnant little brother. Blinking once, Sesshomaru's youkai wavered, the smell of the one carrying their seed, the scent of that same hanyou's fear and unhappiness, was both disturbing and shocking in equal parts.

Magenta lids closing, control began filtering back into Sesshomaru as his youkai eased down. Sanity now restored, the Lord of the West took a moment to actually catalogue Inuyasha's health and was not pleased with the hanyou's pounding heart or ragged breaths. When he'd come across Inuyasha bathing, his little brother had been relaxed – his body at ease and in a much healthier state for their growing pup. But now . . . eyes opening, Sesshomaru was further irritated to see the abject distrust brewing within Inuyasha's eyes.

Deciding that discussing the situation further was of little value at this point, Sesshomaru turned, mokomoko once more a peaceful waterfall of fur at his back. Walking away, Sesshomaru's voice was no less frigid than it had been before as he said, "We will discuss this further when you are not so frightened."

Frightened? Oh hell no is he getting away with that shit. Inuyasha thought his head might explode with the level of anger he felt churning his gut. Lips pulled back in a snarl, the hanyou took a step forward, ready to rip Sesshomaru a new one when he felt his abdomen cramp, his snarl of anger turning into a grimace of pain. Sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha blew that same breath out, forcing the tension from his body, the pain seeping away with each exhale.

Pain gone, Inuyasha finally looked up, only to see that Sesshomaru was long gone. Still shaken by their previous conversation, Inuyasha took a few shaky steps back before finding his body leaning against a tree. Using the tree for support, Inuyasha eased down its trunk, finally settling at the base of its roots, his eyes shut tight against the memories that had been stirred by Sesshomaru's careless words. Looking down at his belly, the hanyou's opinions regarding the life he carried had not changed, but his view upon what remained of his own life was warped and twisted.

Head shaking, Inuyasha brought his legs up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them and resting his chin upon his knees. In his mind, the hanyou forced himself to think on his brother's earlier actions and words and still couldn't understand them. Sesshomaru had never given a flying fuck about him before, well, except to try and kill him or steal Tessaiga. The only thing that even vaguely made sense to the hanyou was that Sesshomaru was acting weird and possessive because of the pup he was carrying. Hopefully, once he was no longer carrying, his bastard of a brother would go back to his previous state of constant, I don't give a shit.

Pulling his head back and tucking his forehead against his knees, Inuyasha stared down at his abdomen and could only hope and pray that he was right about that. If Sesshomaru wanted to be a part of their pup's life, that was one thing, but if the asshole was planning on controlling Inuyasha, then he'd be in for a painful lesson.

Well, looks like Sesshomaru is still an emotional idiot, but then again, that's kind of ingrained pretty deeply in him and will most likely take some time to sort out. Also looks like Miroku is off on a mission and will be gone for a bit while he tries to discover something more useful regarding Mother Earth and how to contact her. Oh, and poor Sango, left all alone with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. That slayer deserves some kind of compensation for that alone :-)

Next update should be next Tuesday. Until then, I hope you all have a safe and happy week.

lunamist