Chapter 12- Birth

"An arranged marriage?" Rin asked with a dark edge to her voice, "You've battered our daughter away?"

"The Dragon Clan and my clan have wanted this union for a millennium, Rin," Sesshomaru explained.

"So after your mother was miserable in her arranged marriage, and your arranged marriage ended in a fiasco, you expect me to be happy with this news?!" Rin stood up.

She let out a frustrated grunt and walked slowly to the other side of their chambers. The weight of the baby in her belly greatly reduced her ability to walk. As the time of birth had grown near, Rin had sent for Kagome to oversee the delivery.

"You didn't even talk to me about it," she said softly towards the cherry tree outside their window.

Sesshomaru was taken aback. He had never consulted Rin on any affair of state. Though she was his wife, and now Lady of the West, he was the ruler. He certainly did not need to answer to anyone on his conduct.

"It's my duty to ensure the future of these lands," Sesshomaru stood up.

He walked to Rin's side. Looking into her eyes, he saw a mixture of hurt and betrayal in them.

"It's her duty as well," Sesshomaru looked at the swell of Rin's stomach.

"But what if she doesn't want it, Sesshomaru?" Rin asked, "What if she falls in love with someone else and your actions condemn her to a loveless marriage?"

"She will do what is expected of her."

"Just as you were supposed to marry a human and have a half-demon heir?" Rin asked sarcastically, "If anyone told you what to do, you'd beat them to the ground!"

Despite the irrational emotion Rin displayed, she made very good points.

However, what was done was done. Sesshomaru could not lose face by backpedaling on his decision now.

"Do you object to Ryuu?" Sesshomaru asked.

"No... not personally," Rin admitted, "But that doesn't mean our daughter will want to marry him."

"She won't disobey me."

Shaking her head, Rin looked at him skeptically. Part of Sesshomaru's heart clenched.

"If you think any child goes their entire life without disobeying their parents at least once," Rin said, "you don't know anything about kids. Especially human ones."

"She is not human."

"She's not a demon either," Rin pointed out, "You can't expect her to act like one."

"You do not know if she will rebel," he rebuffed.

"All I know is that you've taken that part of her future away. Do you really think that if she falls in love with someone else, she'll want to marry Ryuu? Do you think she won't fight to be with her true love?"

"I cannot go back on my word now, Rin. The Dragon Tribe would see it as a slight."

"Ryuu's not that unreasonable."

"He is not. But others are."

"Well, you'd better think of a way out before she's old enough to hate you for trading her life away."

A wave of irritation flowed through Sesshomaru. His eyes narrowed as Rin began to walk out of the room.

Turning his head to look out the window, he wondered if Rin was really right about the child. If his unborn daughter would despise him for matching her up with the lord of the Dragon Tribe. It was a good match on both sides. And it would unify the Dragon Kingdom and the Western Lands. There was no logical reason to break the engagement.

But then again, emotional humans rarely followed logic.

"How much longer are we supposed to wait for that brat to come out?" Inuyasha yawned.

"I don't know!" Kagome said in annoyance, "It could be days or weeks. And don't talk about Rin's baby like that!"

Akito listened to his parents bicker back and forth. He had learned how to tune it out years before. Closing his eyes, he folded his hands for his daily meditation. He focused on his inner calm until he felt as if his mind was as still as a stone. As he went into a trance, a sensation sent a chill up his spine.

His eyes shot open. Kagome and Inuyasha continued to talk. Akito stood up and walked out of their room. No one stopped him as he walked through the castle grounds. Some demons looked at him in disgust, but most simply ignored him. Paying them no heed, Akito followed the tug of the cold aura. His wandering took him to an isolated part of the castle. Guards stood watch over the building. The cold aura seeped through like ice.

"It gets worse and worse every day," a voice said from behind Akito.

Looking behind him, Akito saw a large panda looking at the building.

"Young Lord Akito, is it?" the panda asked.

"Just Akito," he replied, "And you would be?"

"Just a wandering panda demon," the panda said, "The name is Xue."

"Xue? Master Xue? You're supposed to be one of the wisest demons on the Mainland."

"True... if one seeks what they do not know, the one who knows is the wiser of the two. But who is wiser, the one seeking, or the one who thinks he knows everything?"

"It depends on whether the one who knows believes he knows all," Akito smiled, "In other words, no matter how much knowledge one has, they cannot afford to get arrogant."

"You speak cleverly. You remind me of Inu no Taisho."

"My grandfather? But I'm..." Akito looked at his hands.

He had short, dull nails compared to his father. Every part of him was more human than demon, except for his white hair and yellow eyes.

"Of all Inu no Taisho's heirs, you are the one who most closely reflects his wisdom. Lord Sesshomaru has only begun to emulate his father. And Lord Inuyasha has only begun to settle into a life without fighting. How ironic that the least demonic should be the most like the wise master of the west. Neither son is a match for their father in wisdom, though they both match and exceed his power."

"That's interesting and all," Akito looked back at the building, "But what about the aura coming from that building?"

"That would be the condemned Lady Kimiko's. As the hour of her execution grows near, her demonic aura grows more malignant. She is to die at sunset now that her child is delivered."

"Will she try to escape?" Akito asked.

"No doubt. And so Lord Sesshomaru will not leave things to chance. He is to swing the sword himself."

As Xue spoke, the scent of Sesshomaru grew stronger. The demon lord floated down towards them. Sesshomaru cast a glance at Xue. Then he looked directly at Akito.

"This is no place for you. Go back to your parents," Sesshomaru ordered Akito.

A pang of power made Akito's hair stand on end. He looked at the building, his eyes scanning the outside for the source.

"Something's not right," Akito said, "There's some sort of power there. And it isn't Lady Kimiko's."

Sesshomaru looked at the building, eyes honed in on the entrance. Hand resting on the hilt of his sword, he tilted his head towards the doors. Akito took the cue and lead the way in.

Kimiko sat on the floor of the ten meter pit dug into the ground. Iron bars closed the pit off, and were enforced by strong demon talismans. Four guards watched her at all times. Sesshomaru meant to keep her locked away until he swung the sword at her neck.

Inside, she seeped in her anger. They had humiliated her, broken her engagement to Sesshomaru, taken away her chance to be the Lady of the West, killed Katsuro, the man she had secretly wedded, and then they had taken her lovely daughter from her! Kimiko had not even gotten to hold the pup in her arms before she was taken away! All Kimiko had was a glance of the child's bright yellow eyes before she was snatched up.

The thought of that human wretch taking her daughter away made Kimiko's blood boil as hot as a volcano. Furious power erupted from her, attacking the demon talismans. But their magic held. Lady Inukimi had placed them herself. And someone always checked them for any weakness at least ten times a day. Sesshomaru visited once a day to look down at her in disgust.

There was no doubt in her mind that the smug demon traitor reveled in his victory. Kimiko's daughter would serve his half-breed brat. And the little girl would always be reminded of the failure of her parents to give her the title that was her right. Little Kameko was the true ruler of the Western Lands. Inu no Taisho's legacy had turned to dust. A purebred, proper demon had to take the tile to restore the pride of the tribes under western rule. Now, even the pure bloodline of her own clan had been tainted!

"Pretty pathetic, aren't you?" an arrogant male voice asked.

Kimiko looked around, claws ready to strike the intruder who dared insult her.

A man appeared before her. One with a lean build and flaming red hair with black stripes. His clothes came from a land far from Japan. He floated over her, watching her below with smug green eyes. The guards did not notice the intruder in her cell.

"What are you?" Kimiko demanded.

"Your ticket out of here," he replied.

She raised an eyebrow.

"In exchange for what?" she asked suspiciously.

"I don't know," he shrugged, "My mistress wants you to get out there and get your revenge. Go kill Sesshomaru and his family."

"What does your mistress gain from this?" she asked.

"Sesshomaru dies," he smirked with a glint in his eyes.

"It's in here!" a young boy's voice said.

Inuyasha's spawn looked down her cell. Sesshomaru fallowed Akito, looking around the cell for something.

"Looks like that kid's found me," the man sighed, "Well, you want out or not?"

As if there were any question.

"Release me," she said.

With a snap of his fingers, the man undid the demon magic that sealed her cage shut. Kimiko's shadow tendrils immediately went for Sesshomaru. The demon lord drew his sword and struck back at her. With a twist of her tendril, Kimiko took a hold of Akito's neck. Her tendril squeezed around the mongrel's flesh. Sesshomaru stopped cold.

Kimiko almost gasped with astonishment. Sesshomaru actually cared about the boy's safety? The human and her half-breed were one thing, but the offshoot of his mongrel brother? Sesshomaru had truly, irreversibly gone soft.

It was pathetic.

"My daughter for the boy," Kimiko said.

"No," Sesshomaru replied coldly.

So much for that theory.

The boy struggled. He brought his hand to her tendril. With a grunt, Akito shot a burst of pure holy power through her tendril. The shot burned her shadow magic away and traveled into her body.

"AHHH!" she screamed in pain, "You little brat!"

Akito fell to the ground at the edge of the cage. Sesshomaru rushed forward. He pressed his blade to her neck.

She had to escape. Even if it meant leaving Kameko behind.

With a final growl at Sesshomaru, Kimiko transformed into a ball of light. Then she shot out of the cell, out of the dungeon, and into the sky.

Sesshomaru sheathed his sword as Kimiko escaped. He made his way back to his family quarters. Osumo and Hikari shared chambers below Rin's. Kameko rested on a mat in her pure demonic dog form. Noboro sat at his cousin's side, watching her sleep. The little demon was barely larger than a human infant, being only a few days old.

"Kimiko has escaped," Sesshomaru said to Osumo and Hikari.

Hikari shot a worried look at Kameko. Osumo's face remained expressionless.

"The girl is not to leave this castle," Sesshomaru said, "Or to be unattended."

Both of them nodded.

Closing the door behind him, Sesshomaru wondered if Rin's act of mercy would end up costing more than they planned.

"Well, I thought you'd give birth by now," Inukimi looked at Rin.

"I wish she would just get out already," Rin said, "I think her claws have come in."

"You'll live," Inukimi said unsympathetically.

Rin laid her head on the table surface, despite how rude it was to lean on the table while her mother-in-law was visiting. At the moment, Rin did not care about niceties.

"I must say, this sword Sesshomaru had Totosai make is quite splendid," Inukimi said, "Yuguresaiga, the Twilight Fang... An interesting design."

Inukimi took the sword into her hold.

"I thought it would repel anyone but the child," Inukimi said in surprise.

"No. It's been enchanted to repel anyone who isn't a blood relative of Sesshomaru or me," Rin said.

"Little Demon!" Inukimi called.

"Yes, my lady?" Jaken came in.

"Here," Inukimi held out the sword.

Jaken reached out to the blade without thinking. The sword sparked and repelled him away with a red shot of lightning.

"Awww," Jaken fell over in pain.

"Mother, that was unnecessarily cruel," Rin said.

"I just wanted to see it for myself," Inukimi put the sword back on its stand.

Looking at the array of weapons against the wall, Inukimi looked at Rin's sword and spear, along with the demon slayer armor. A dagger caught Inukimi's attention. She withdrew the fine silver blade from its leather sheath and examined it. It shined in the light of the afternoon sun, the etching of a western dragon staring at Rin.

"A fine engagement token from Ryuu," Inukimi said fondly.

Rin grunted and looked away from her mother-in-law and the dagger.

"I understand that you disapprove of the match," Inukimi said, putting the dagger back.

"Didn't you try to convince Sesshomaru that he shouldn't enter an arranged marriage?"

"Yes... but that son of mine rarely listens to me," Inukmi said, "You do know that this alliance has been coveted by my family for over a thousand years? My father wanted one of his descendants to tie our clan to the dragon clan. Sesshomaru and Ryuu are simply fulfilling the wishes of their clans."

"And my daughter's being used as a diplomatic tool. A barging chip. Like a piece of cloth at market."

"Sesshomaru would never give his own child to just anyone. He thinks very highly of Ryuu."

"I thought you of all people would understand my point of view."

"Rin," Inukimi said sternly, "I understand it better than anyone. I certainly did not want to give my son to Kimiko. And I don't want my granddaughter's marriage to be anything like mine was. But I am a demon. And I am a member of the dog demon tribe. As well as the former Lady of the West. I understand the sacrifices that title demands much more than you. I am more than qualified to advise you on this."

"Of course, Mother," Rin gave up.

"You daughter is more than just your daughter. She does not belong to you alone. She belongs to the Western Lands. Just as you belong to Sesshomaru. And while Sesshomaru does belong to you, he belongs to the Western Lands first. That is the price of being a ruler. For the sake of the demons under our protection, some sacrifices have to be made. My husband unified these lands to end the petty fighting between demon tribes. In order to get my father's support, he had to marry me."

"And you were miserable."

"But it was my duty. And like Inu no Taisho, I wanted to see the fighting between demons tribes stop. We shared a common goal. And we passed that on to Sesshomaru. Although, Inu no Taisho's opinion of what peace required changed dramatically over the years..."

"I don't think he would want his granddaughter to enter a marriage she didn't want."

"Look at me," Inukimi demanded.

Rin sat up and met Inukimi's impatient gaze.

"Your marriage has weakened the bloodline of my clan," Inukimi said, "And the line of succession now has human blood mixed in it. There are those who say my son is no longer fit to rule the West. And many would die before they followed your daughter. If you were to step out of these chambers, over a hundred demons would kill you and the unborn heir before you could take a breath."

Rin shifted uncomfortably as Inukimi continued.

"This arranged marriage with Ryuu provides a guarantee that a pure-blooded demon will be in a position of power in the future. Ryuu and Sesshomaru had to unite their interests. Ryuu has shown weakness by supporting Sesshomaru's marriage to you. There are those that doubt his ability to rule the Dragon Kingdom. They must stand united or both lands may fall into civil war. If this marriage does not go through, Both Ryuu and Sesshomaru will lose standing. Then there will be revolt. And now that Kimiko has escaped, she can rally those who will help her put Kameko into power. Then they will overthrow Ryuu."

Rin's mouth fell slightly open. The inside of her heart crushed. Tears threatened to spill out of her eyes. She had no idea how far Sesshomaru would have to go to protect their future. She had known that demons would object to her marriage. But not that another kingdom would be dragged in.

"So... she really has no choice?" Rin asked pathetically.

"She has a choice, Rin," Inukimi said, "We just have to do everything possible to help her make the right one."

"This isn't what I wanted," Rin sniffed.

She had no idea how entwined her life would be to the future of that handsome demon that day. When she had left the food out for him. She had only thought to help him. She had no idea that he would have to fight so hard and make so many sacrifices for her.

"Sesshomaru has become much stronger because of you," Inukimi said, "And Inu no Taisho's dream has never been closer to reality."

"His dream?"

"Peace between humans and demons," Inukimi stood up.

But... is it worth the price? Rin asked herself.

Rubbing her stomach, Rin wondered if she should have just kept away from Sesshomaru altogether.

Sesshomaru laid in the empty bed, unable to fall asleep. Rin had chosen to sleep by herself for the last six nights. The sudden distance between them after several months of sleeping in the same bed irritated him. Since she had become pregnant, he had not left the castle, nor had he slept without her.

Getting up, he walked out to the courtyard. His heart yearned for the trees and the open spaces of the wilds. After so many months in the castle, he was sick of the court, the demons, the noise, and the stifling air that came with them. But until the child was safely delivered... no even after that, he was confined to the castle. With Kimiko on the loose, Sesshomaru could not trust her or her spies not to take advantage of any absence. Rin would need time to recover, and the child would be vulnerable to attack for years.

Sesshomaru wished that the Land of the West was not his responsibility. He would give the entire thing to Osumo and Hikari. Let them deal with Kimiko and her desire for power. Let Kameko have the entire thing. Just so long as he could have Rin and his child.

If it were not for the sense of honor and duty he had, Sesshomaru would give it all up. The arranged marriage had driven a wedge between Rin and him. And there was a possibility that his own child would come to detest him for it. The last thing he wanted was to see the eyes of Rin's child filled with hatred for him.

As he looked up at the moon, he smelled someone familiar approaching him.

"Sesshomaru?" Rin's voice asked.

He looked back at Rin. She wore a thin Yukata under an elaborate outer kimono to protect her from the cold. Autumn leaves fell from the trees around them as the seasons turned towards the cold of winter. He could smell the first frost in the air.

"I'm sorry," Rin said quickly.

She took him by complete surprise.

"Why?" he asked.

"Mother explained everything to me. She told me why this arranged marriage is important to the Dragon Kingdom and the Western Lands. I... didn't think about the needs of the West when I got mad at you. I should have known you had good reasons for arranging the marriage."

She was conceding.

Yet this victory felt hollow.

"Rin, I would have refused Ryuu if I had consulted you," Sesshomaru said.

"You would?" Rin asked in amazement.

"I am unused to sharing decisions," Sesshomaru said, "I have ruled by myself for two hundred years. I am not accustomed to anyone objecting so openly. But you are her mother. And my wife. There are many things I must learn."

"Well... I think both of us are going to have to learn to be... more like equals."

"Hmm," he grunted.

"You know, Inuyasha and Kagome fight all the time. They tell each other what to do like little kids. But they... respect each other. And that's something I want between us. And I want to raise our daughter just as well as they've raised Akito."

"So, I am to emulate my brother," Sesshomaru said, "The world has truly gone mad."

Rin stepped closer to him. Sesshomaru curled his arm around her middle. They watched the moon together for a long time.

As they headed back, Rin gave a gasp. She put her hand on her stomach. Then grunted. Her scent changed drastically.

"Baby," she gasped.

Sesshomaru scooped her up in his arms and carried her to her chambers. Hikari entered on cue and sent a servant to fetch Kagome.

Grabbing a concoction of Rin's, he helped her choke down the pain killing potion.

"Where is Kagome?" Rin asked, her breathing heavy and labored.

"She will be here shortly," Sesshomaru said calmly.

"I thought after helping deliver so many babies, I'd be calm," Rin said, "I'm scared out of my wits."

Rin reached for Sesshomaru's hand. Her fingers squeezed hard as Kagome came into her chambers with a basket of cloth. Hikari carried in a pot of water and started a fire.

"It's not going to be pretty," Kagome said to Sesshomaru.

"I will remain," he replied, kneeling next to Rin.

"On the battlefield, I stay out of your way," Kagome said, "In my domain, you stay right there and do what I say. If you interfere once, I'll have Inuyasha drag you out."

"It will not be necessary," Sesshomaru replied, "And I will overlook your tone this once, for Rin's sake."

"Okay Rin," Kagome said, looking between her legs, "We'll be right here with you. Let's do this."

Hours passed. Rin's grip never slackened. For a moment, Sesshomaru believed he was in danger of losing another arm for all her squeezing and pulling.

"One more push, Rin," Kagome encouraged, "The baby's almost out!"

Rin screamed once more, making Sesshomaru's ears ring. Kagome pulled out a small, squirming babe covered in birth fluids. As the miko handed the child off to Hikari, Sesshomaru stared in wonder at the bright golden eyes and the pointed ears.

Kagome attended Rin. Hikari placed the infant in the tub of water and started to cleanse her of the blood. Rin finally let go of Sesshomaru's hand.

"Go look at the baby," Rin said, "I can't move."

Flexing his fingers, Sesshomaru watched Hikari dry the baby.

"She's not even crying," Hikari said.

"Well, as long as she can breathe," Kagome replied, "Okay Rin, rest up. Eat as soon as you can. If you need anything-"

"I'll call," Rin promised, "I just want to see my daughter."

Once the girl was wrapped in a blanket, Hikari offered her to Sesshomaru. Carefully, he cradled the small creature in his hands. So tiny... He held her in Rin's sight. And the smile on Rin's face defied description.

"Don't you want to hold her?" Kagome asked.

"I'm so exhausted, I might drop her," Rin laid back, "She's so beautiful."

Glancing down at his daughter, he stared at her round cheeks and small nose. The golden eyes stared at him curiously and calmly. As a servant threw out the water of the tub with a slosh, those tiny ears perked.

"She is already aware of her surroundings," Sesshomaru observed.

With a clawed hand, he felt her skin. Soft and warm, just like Rin's. Not quite as tender. The scent was most remarkable. Her blood smelled more potent then Inuyasha's... more like a demon's. The warm, fierce blood of a yokai... no, a daiyokai.

She will be more powerful than the whelp, he realized.

And her blood would be a far larger threat. Without proper training and a proper weapon, her blood would consume her human heart.

That will not occur, Sesshomaru thought, I will teach her to control her emotions. I will give her the knowledge she needs to survive.

"So do you have a name?" Kagome asked.

Rin looked up at Sesshomaru.

"Tsukichikara," he said.

"Moon power," Kagome said, "Sounds like something out of Sailor Moon."

"Huh?" Rin asked.

"Never mind," Kagome put her hands up, "It's a great name. I think we'll leave you three alone."

Kagome and Hikari left. In the bed, Sesshomaru heard Rin begin to snore.

"You have kept her awake for many days, Tsukichikara," Sesshomaru said to his daughter.

The infant made no comment. Instead, she closed her eyes and started to drift to sleep. Gently, Sesshomaru placed her on the bed next to Rin and watched over his family through the night.

"Ow," Rin winced as she breast fed Tsukichikara, "Why did she have to be born with fangs?"

Sesshomaru made no comment.

"Can I come in?" Kagome asked.

"Sure thing," Rin replied.

The priestess stepped inside, bringing Sesshomaru's nephew with her.

"She's so tiny," Akito said in wonder.

"You were once that small too," Rin laughed.

Tsukichikara finished feeding. Rin covered her breast and handed Tsukichikara to Kagome.

"Makes me want another one," Kagome said longingly.

"No!" Akito protested.

Tsukichikara whimpered.

"Lower your volume," Sesshomaru ordered, "Her ears are still sensitive."

"Sorry," Akito replied.

"Would you like to hold her?" Rin asked.

Akito looked at his aunt in pure befuddlement. Then Kagome showed him how to hold the girl. The two cousins stared at one another, each not knowing how to react to the other.

Sesshomaru's ears picked up the grunting of his brother.

"Father's outside," Akito said.

Kagome stepped into the hall. She dragged the half-demon inside. Inuyasha looked at the group in consternation. When he saw the little one his son was holding, his expression softened remarkably. With rapt interest, Sesshomaru watched Inuyasha display pure vulnerability towards the other half-demon.

"She's got the ears," Inuyasha said quietly, taking hold of the child.

Inuyasha lightly tapped Tsukichikara's ears. She let out a small coo.

"Hey, what did you do?" Rin asked, "How did you get her to make that noise?"

"My mom used to do that," Inuyasha said, "You don't pull the ears like some people do," he gave Kagome a dirty look, "You just tap them."

Rin looked at Sesshomaru. Before he could stop her, she tapped the point of his ear. The soft touch sent a tickling sensation through his lobe. If he were any less of a demon, he would have turned red.

"Doesn't work on him," Rin sighed.

Yes it did.

Inuyasha gave him a quirk smirk before going back to gushing over Tsukichikara.

"You never looked like that when you held Akito," Kagome said.

"Akito ain't a girl," Inuyasha turned red.

"I'm not a half-demon," Aktio said, looking at his father.

"Hey, you're my son," Inuyasha said firmly, "And you'll always be the number one kid in my eyes."

Tsukichikara started to squirm in her uncle's hold. Sesshomaru moved over and took the child from Inuyasha. After they left, Sesshomaru looked at the sleeping girl. With a light tap, he touched her ear. In her sleep, she cooed.

"I saw that," Rin smiled.

Kagome found Inuyasha sitting on the grass outside of the castle, looking at the moon overhead.

"Akito's asleep," she said.

"Hmm," Inuyasha grunted.

Kagome took a seat next to him.

"That's the first time you've seen her," Kagome said.

"It's the first time I've ever seen someone exactly like me," Inuyasha said, "Not just another half-demon. The same kind."

"You're not alone anymore," Kagome said, resting her head on his arm.

"Yeah..." Inuyasha said absently.

"What is is?" Kagome asked.

"Sesshomaru doesn't know how to raise a half-demon," Inuyasha said, "She's not like him. She'll never be like him. And if he's stupid, he'll either expect too much from her or not enough. Rin's gonna be just as clueless."

"I don't know about that," Kagome said, "They've got you. They've been around you for so long that-"

"Sesshomaru tried to kill me when I was a kid. After my mother died, he made sure I wasn't accepted anywhere. And now he's got that little life in his hands. I just... hope she doesn't end up like me."

"There's no way," Kagome said, "Sesshomaru's changed. And besides, she's got all of us."

"Her blood is stronger," Inuyasha said, "Sesshomaru exceeded the old man. It's gonna be harder to control."

"But she has you, and me, and Rin, and her father."

"Yeah, she's got her father. I'm kind of jealous," he smiled.

"Well... we just have to wait and see," Kagome said.

"I'm not gonna wait around," Inuyasha said, looking at the castle

"She's certainly more regal than Inuyasha," Jaken said, "Such sharp eyes. I guarantee she'll be the most powerful half-demon in the world! And I'll teach her all about her heritage!"

The imp heaped on more praise than Sesshomaru expected.

"Yo," Inuyasha said, coming into the room, "How's the princess?"

"A little fidgety," Rin said, "I think all the new people are a bit too exciting."

"Yeah, all those smells," Inuyasha said, "Hey, Sesshomaru, why don't we have a talk? You've been cooped up in here for two days. Tsuki's not gonna get any more used to your scent."

Something suspicious was going on.

Making no comment, Sesshomaru followed Inuyasha into the forest outside of the city. Autumn leaves fell around them, coating the ground in tones of orange, red, gold, and brown.

"What do you want?" Sesshomaru asked.

Inuyasha placed his hand on Tessaiga's hilt. Sesshomaru reflexively reached for Bakusaiga's hilt.

"How are you gonna do it?" Inuyasha asked, "How are you gonna raise a half-demon?"

"That is not your concern."

"Like hell, it isn't!" Inuyasha turned to face his brother.

Narrowing his eyes, Sesshomaru looked into the serious eyes of his half brother. Something deep drove that gaze. Sesshomaru grabbed the scabbard of his sword. Slipping it out of his sash, he placed Bakusaiga on the ground next to him. Taken aback, Inuyasha let his hand drop from his sword. Then he did the same thing with Tessaiga.

Both brothers sat next to their swords. Both blades were in easy reach. The first to grab his blade would break the truce.

"Tsukichikara will be raised as heir of the Western Lands," Sesshomaru stated, "In the unlikely event of my death, she will inherit our father's lands and title."

"What if she doesn't want it?" Inuyasha asked.

Sesshomaru blinked at the half-demon. First Rin had said that Tsukichikara could disobey him over the arranged marriage. Now Inuyasha suggested that she would abandon the title altogether.

"Why would she refuse my wishes?" Sesshomaru asked curiously.

"You're more clueless than I thought," Inuyasha sighed, "She's got a mind of her own. The world out there ain't exactly open minded. Hell, I've been here a few days and I can't stand it. All the whispers and stares..."

"She is my heir. Any child of this Sesshomaru can command armies."

"Doesn't mean she'll want to," he huffed, "That self-superior attitude really gets under my skin."

Sesshomaru's eye twitched.

"I mean it," Inuyasha said, "Even you treat her better than me, if you become overbearing, she'll hate you."

His stomach dropped. Hate... Tsukichikara would hate him? Rin's child...

"That will not happen," he almost growled.

"Then watch yourself," Inuyasha said, "There are some other things. She's half-human. Meaning... she's not as strong emotionally. Humans need nurturing to be happy in later life. Just... don't push her too hard until she's ready. When she's young, her heart is gonna be fragile... And some scars will never heal."

"Rin will know better than I," Sesshomaru admitted, "I am no fool, Brother."

"Just listen to me. You gotta take care of her! Don't just go off for months at a time and leave everything to Rin! If you're gonna be her father, you gotta live up to that!"

Seeing that this conversation would drag on if he tried to argue, Sesshomaru chose to let Inuyasha ramble.

"You know about my time of the month," Inuyasha said, "She'll probably have one to. Not the best time to be on the road or alone. She'll be afraid. Going from half-demon to human is... like turning into a bug. It sucks. You just don't feel safe, even if other humans manage it. Just make her feel safe."

"There's also this thing about her blood," Inuyasha continued, "You've seen my transformation. Well, she wouldn't even know it was happening. I've got Tessaiga-"

"I have seen to her weapon," Sesshomaru said.

"Good," Inuyasha nodded, "And... if you screw up... I'll kill you."

Looking at his brother, Sesshomaru knew that Inuyasha could not be more serious.

Sesshomaru studied a scroll before him. In the next room, Rin put their daughter to sleep. His wife came into the study, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"She's fast asleep," Rin whispered.

Taking her hint, Sesshomaru turned his attention to Rin. Pressing his lips to her neck, his hand loosened the knot of her obi. Hastily, her fingers undid the tie to his sash. With amusement, Sesshomaru watched her practically tear off his armor and clothing.

In the next room, his ears picked up a sharp intake of breath. Small weeping began. Sesshomaru grabbed Rin's hand and shook his head.

On cue, the baby began to cry for attention.

"Tsuki," Rin sighed.

"I do not believe our daughter wishes for a sibling," he remarked as Rin retreated back into the other room.

Sitting up, Sesshomaru began to straighten out his clothing.

"Don't move," Rin demanded.

He froze.

Within moments, Tsukichikara was snoring. Rin came back, pushing Sesshomaru onto the floor. She crushed her lips onto his, taking him off guard.

"Quite aggressive," he noted as she undid the tie of his kimono.

Rin replied by licking the muscles on his chest.

Tonight would be interesting indeed.

Inukimi smiled, tapping Tsukichikara's ears. The baby let out a giggle at the tickle.

Rin sat at the table, laying her head on the surface for support.

"Caring for your child has sapped all your energy, hmm?" Inukimi asked.

"Nope," Rin grinned.

"Then why are you exhausted?"

"Lady Rin has been entertaining our lord," Hikari said slyly.

"Gossiping isn't nice," Rin replied.

"Come to think of it, Lord Sesshomaru is still asleep," Hikari said.

"That boy would sleep through a stampede," Inukimi said, "When he bothers to sleep."

"I wish Tsuki had inherited that," Rin said.

Inukimi placed the infant on the ground. She began to crawl around, sniffing the floor. She made her way to Rin, settling on her mother's lap.

Sesshomaru glanced at the setting sun. Behind him, Rin played with Tsukichikara. With a doll in her hands, Rin walked to one side of the room. Tsukichikara stood on her legs, her steps a bit wobbly. The infant ran to Rin, grabbing the doll.

The sun disappeared. Tsukichikara's hair turned black, her eyes brown. Her canine features, ears, fangs, and claws, vanished. Looking up, Sesshomaru saw the full moon.

Turning around, he kept his ears perked for any intruders.

Especially Kimiko.

Author's Note: Hey everyone. Happy Holidays! I will be continuing this story with new chapters that go into Rin, Sesshomaru's, and Tsukichikara's lives. Focus will shift to Tsuki as the story progresses. Hope you all enjoy.