Hello everyone. So, mid-week update time. This one's going up a bit earlier because I oddly have today off. Had a reviewer ask if Inu no Taisho and his brother had a more than brotherly relationship in this fic. Not here, not within the realm of impossibility, but I like thinking that Izayoi was kind of it for Tsuyoshi and the same for Shayou and Inu no Taisho. Good thought though and interesting to consider.

I'm glad most of you liked the last chapter and are anxious to see what happens next. This chapter is a bit shorter, but we learn something new and important about our potential bad guys. We'll learn even more in the chapter Sunday night.

Chapter 21 . . .

For the briefest of moments, Inuyasha could only stare, his amber orbs large and amazed at what he now held in his hand. Always before, when he'd pulled the sword out, it had been little more than a thin, rusted blade. But now . . . now the sword was anything but thin or rusted. Gleaming through the chaos that was once a simply elegant set of rooms, the sword shone with a fierceness that both awed and taxed the young InuHanyou.

Whispering an amazed, "Holy shit," Inuyasha felt the muscles in his arms strain at the weight they now held. But there was little time to ogle the magnificent sword as the creature moved to attack again, its tail angling down, and its aim spot on. Without thought, a grunt tore through Inuyasha as he pulled the sword from the ground, the arch of the blade slicing through the air until it made contact with the hard shell of the monstrosity attacking him, the powerful weapon easily slicing through the protective plates and to the meat below.

Following the arch of the weapon, Inuyasha moved out of the way as the poisonous tail landed on what remained of the flooring with a wet thud. Above him, the creature shrieked, the noise piercing through the room and sending a jolt of white-hot pain through the hanyou's brain. Having no other objective than to stop that painful noise, Inuyasha's arms lashed out, the sword in his hands shearing through the creature's neck, its head tumbling to the floor and oddly winding up on top of the remnants of its tail, the leaking poison sizzling along the flesh of one of its sightless eyes.

Shaky and exhausted, the sword within Inuyasha's hand lay mostly upon the floor. Panting, Inuyasha's grip tightened as he moved forward. After a battle it was always important to verify that your enemy was dead, or at the very least, incapacitated. With that thought in mind, the hanyou moved closer. Using the last of his strength, Inuyasha poked at the beast with the edge of the sword, pleased when nothing happened.

Relieved, Inuyasha shuffled backwards until he hit one of the remaining, intact walls. Letting out a shaky sigh, he was just beginning to allow the tension to leave his muscles when he felt a powerful youkai aura speeding in his direction. Body clenched for more battle, it was only at the last moment that he realized the youkai presence he was feeling was that of his mate, Sesshomaru.

No more had that thought registered than Sesshomaru was standing before him, eyes a bloody crimson and lips pulled back in a feral snarl. To any other, the sight would have been the stuff of nightmares, but for Inuyasha, Sesshomaru's presence and state did just the opposite. Relaxed and feeling that rare emotion of safety, Inuyasha was barely aware of the instant the sword within his hand transformed back into its more quiescent form.

Leaning heavily on the wall behind him. Inuyasha gave a lazy, amused smile. "Hey, nice of ya to show up." Looking past Sesshomaru's foreboding body, the hanyou nudged his head in the direction of the now expired creature. "I had a bit of trouble earlier, but – " sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha winced when Sesshomaru pulled him in, pressing the whole of their bodies together.

"Hey!" anything else he might have wanted to say vanished from Inuyasha's lips as he was held tight. This close, the hanyou could easily feel the nearly imperceptible tremors that seemed to be assaulting his mate's body. Nuzzling in, Inuyasha was suddenly aware that Sesshomaru's trembling wasn't just from anger but distress. Head shifted to the side, the hanyou allowed his mate to bury his nose in his neck, the mate mark on his flesh flaring with Sesshomaru's touch.

Voice much calmer now, Inuyasha uttered the same word he had earlier, his tone completely changing the word's meaning as he whispered, "Hey. I ain't even bleedin'. Nothin' to get worked up about."

In response, a rumbling growl emitted from deep within Sesshomaru's throat. Holding Inuyasha close, the Prince of the West was soothed when he realized his mate was correct, not a drop of precious InuHanyou blood had been spilt. However, the scent of poison was rank through the air and what was disturbing was that it was not the odor of his noxious brew but that of something far more foul tainting the area.

In those few precious moments it took for Sesshomaru to get his youkai under control, Inu no Taisho had come upon them, the Lord of the West quickly taking in the scene and shuddering at what had become of the rooms his brother had once called home. All around little remained of the sanctuary Tsuyoshi had created. Fortunately, what did remain was his brother's most valuable contribution to the world, his son, Inuyasha.

Confident the hanyou was not harmed too severely, Inu no Taisho concentrated on the remains of the creature responsible for the mess they now found themselves in. Beside him, the InuDaiYoukai could feel Miroku's presence, the monk's chiming staff the only sound within the small space. Without looking in his servant's direction, the Lord of the West ordered, "Get Norim."

"Yes, my Lord," Miroku answered before disappearing back into the palace.

Keeping his distance, Inu no Taisho allowed his son to do what he needed in order to placate his barely contained youkai. Inu no Taisho knew what it was to have a mate threatened and how his own youkai had howled and he and Shayou did not even share a True Bond like Sesshomaru did with Inuyasha. How his son must be feeling was something the Lord of the West could only vaguely contemplate. What he did know was that it was in everyone's best interest to allow Sesshomaru to regain control in his own time. To interfere now would only create an alternative target for his powerful son to strike out against.

Positioned as he was, Inuyasha could just barely see the Lord of the West standing far off to the side, Inu no Taisho's posture and demeanor appearing carefully controlled. Still tightly held, the hanyou knew Sesshomaru had calmed some, but the tension was still there, like an ember waiting for fuel. Having no idea what to do, Inuyasha stood for a few moments longer, but the death grip Sesshomaru had on him was doing nothing for his bruised and battered flesh and more than anything, the hanyou was starting to get antsy not being able to move.

Squirming, Inuyasha was dismayed to find that he couldn't budge Sesshomaru's strong hold. Blowing out a deep breath, he'd finally had enough. "Oy, bastard. I already told ya I ain't hurt too badly so get the fuck off and give me a little room to breathe."

For a moment, Inuyasha thought he might have done the wrong thing as he felt Sesshomaru's grip tighten, not loosen, but just as quickly, the InuYoukai's arms relaxed enough for Inuyasha to push away, his amber eyes staring up into Sesshomaru's crimson tainted orbs. Huffing, the hanyou placed both his hands on his mate's chest and pushed even further away. "Honestly, with the way you're actin' you'd of thought that it was my head layin' on the floor instead of that fucker's." At the last, Inuyasha inclined his head toward the oozing monstrosity littering what was left of the wooden slatted floor.

Lips pulled into a thin line; Sesshomaru's icy mask was firmly back in place as his eyes shimmered golden once more. "Do not jest about something such as that, Inuyasha. Not with this Sesshomaru."

Now completely released, Inuyasha reached up to scratch behind an ear only to find that hand still holding onto the rusty sword that had most likely saved his life. "Yeah, well . . . it ain't my head lyin' there so I need you to calm down and help me figure out what the fuck that thing is and why it was chasin' me."

Giving only a slight nod of his head, Sesshomaru finally turned from his mate, but even so, he kept mokomoko draped around Inuyasha's back, the bulk of the fur settling on cupping their mate's ass. Eyes narrowed, the InuYoukai had to battle down his angered youkai all over again. The creature lying dead upon the floor was truly detestable. And more than that, it appeared to be a youkai like none he had ever encountered before.

"Father, do you know what this . . . thing is?"

Content that Sesshomaru had settled enough, Inu no Taisho moved forward, the gleaming white hair pulled up atop his head shifting from side to side as he answered, "No. I have ordered Miroku to bring Norim here." Frowning, the Lord of the West bent down beside the beast's head. "I have never before seen its like."

Pushing further into the room, Inuyasha took a few steps closer, silently comforted when mokomoko moved with him. "-Keh, I thought it would make me feel better if you didn't know what it was too, but that ain't exactly the case." Mouth pulled down into a frown, Inuyasha closed his eyes in thought before letting out a deep breath. "The way it looks ain't even the weirdest part about it though."

"What do you mean?"

Glancing up at his mate, Inuyasha shrugged. "It didn't have a scent. I mean, you can smell the poison and all, but there's nothin' else. I've never run across anything that didn't smell like somethin'."

Pulling back, Inu not Taisho looked down on the remnants of the creature with fresh worry. Drawing in a deep breath, the Lord of the West sifted through the stench of the poison, separating out the scents of his son and nephew, only to stiffen at the realization that Inuyasha was right. Beyond the smell of poison, there was nothing. Standing, Inu no Taisho kept his eyes on the dead youkai as he questioned, "Sesshomaru?"

Knowing what his father was asking, Sesshomaru answered, "I scent nothing beyond the poison."

"Damn," Inu no Taisho muttered right before a hushed gasp filled the room. Finally turning, the Lord of the West saw Norim and Miroku standing at what was once the entry to his brother's rooms. It was the healer whom had made the noise. Nodding once to Miroku, Inu no Taisho pointed to the beaten youkai while ordering, "I want you both to examine this abomination."

"Me?" Miroku questioned. "I do not mean to disagree, but I am hardly trained in the same arts as Norim. I fear I would be more of a hindrance."

"True," Inu no Taisho grunted, "but you were raised by holy monks and were trained in those arts. I fear we are in need of such knowledge at this time."

Taking a moment to take that in, Miroku's lips parted, his mouth slightly agape as he asked, "You do not mean – "

"That is exactly what I mean. Now, get to work."

Swallowing hard, Miroku nodded before hurrying forward, he and Norim quickly fully concentrated on the task before them.

Amber eyes drifting back and forth, Inuyasha felt his confusion rise and unconsciously gripped the hilt of his sword tighter. "What the fuck are you guys talkin' about?" In that moment, Inuyasha could have cared less that he was addressing the Lord of all the Western Lands so callously.

Far from offended by the tone of his nephew turned son-in-law, Inu no Taisho finally looked to Inuyasha, his eyes automatically falling to the sword gripped within the hanyou's hand. What Inuyasha so nonchalantly held, no other could. None had been able to grip Tessaiga's hilt without suffering the sword's rejection since Tsuyoshi's death. It was a sight that simultaneously healed and gutted the Lord of the West. Pushing those feelings aside, Inu no Taisho simply answered, "As soon as I am certain, all relevant knowledge shall be revealed."

Inuyasha wasn't exactly happy with the answer, but thought there was probably little he could do about it. And so, giving a quiet huff, the hanyou settled back into the soft, cradling comfort of mokomoko.

Sensing there was little to do now but wait, Sesshomaru turned his full attention back toward his mate. Leaning down, the InuYoukai whispered into a large, twitching ear, "Inuyasha, are there any injuries this Sesshomaru should be aware of that are more than they appear to be?"

Hearing those words would once have sent instant irritation racing through Inuyasha's body, but knowing what he now did regarding his mate's true feelings and concerns, the hanyou simply fidgeted while giving the question proper scrutiny. Taking a moment to inventory his body, Inuyasha was pleased when he could honestly answer, "Nah, mostly just bruises and sore muscles. The fucker did come close to fryin' my arm with that poison shit. I'm afraid this kimono is probably done for."

Sesshomaru felt something ease deep within his soul at the thoughtful answer as well as the fact that Inuyasha did indeed seem to be as well as he'd originally surmised. "Kimono's are easily replaced. Certain InuHanyou's are not."

Despite his fatigue, Inuyasha blushed before smacking Sesshomaru in the arm, a move he almost instantly regretted when the blow reverberated up his own. With an embarrassed, "-Keh," Inuyasha pointedly looked at what Miroku and Norim were up to and desperately tried to ignore his preening mate. But the more he looked, the more confused he got. "What are they doin'?" Then, thinking better of his question he rephrased it, "I mean, I get what Norim is doin' but what the fuck is the monk up to?"

Following Inuyasha's gaze, Sesshomaru's own narrowed. When he'd heard his father ask Miroku to look at the corpse, he'd had an inkling as to what his sire was concerned about. And, while Norim was clearly looking for physical clues as to what type of youkai they were dealing with, Miroku was simply standing there, the staff he constantly carried outstretched and hovering over the remains. Eyes closed, the monk's mouth moved as he silently chanted words and phrases that meant little to nothing to the youkai within the room. And yet, there was reason and intent to each and every one of Miroku's actions. With continued gentle sweeps of his staff, the monk continued his own type of exam in silent contemplation.

Unsure how to exactly answer his hanyou's question, Sesshomaru finally settled on, "The monk has his own unique set of skills."

Thinking back on what he knew of Miroku made Inuyasha snort. "I'll say."

Concentrated as he was, Miroku heard none of the banter currently going on at his expense. What he was more interested in was the faint aura he felt coming from somewhere deep within the heart of the disturbing creature laying upon the floor. Chanting sacred words and phrases, the monk concentrated his energy into his staff, using the old wood and metal as a type of divining rod. And as he made each pass over the remains, his chants strengthened the power and focus within his staff, the faint aura growing stronger and more persistent as each second passed.

Like a moth to a flame, the thing buried deep within the remains that seemed to be calling to Miroku's chanted power began to pulse ever hotter. Closing in, Miroku's staff circled and then hovered, the metal rings hanging at the end purposefully dangling and pointing to a singular spot near the location where the creature's tail had been severed. Eyes opening wide, Miroku gasped, "There," before looking to Norim and pointing.

Elbow deep in already rotting youkai tissue, Norim's head shot up at Miroku's statement, his eyes immediately following and zeroing in on where the monk was pointing. Extracting himself from his current location, the healer began sifting through the muck of body parts, separating flesh while looking for what Miroku had found. Within seconds Norim pulled back, his eyes wide and face pallid. "Is that – "

"It is," Miroku answered. "I wouldn't advise touching it either." Pulling up his robes, the monk shuffled through the dead youkai until he could reach his goal. Hands tight upon his staff, Miroku tilted the end down, its metal rings innocently chiming through the air as it descended. With a few deft movements, Miroku successfully maneuvered the end of his staff under the object and began lifting. When finally free of the tissue, the monk tossed the object onto the floor.

Curious, Inuyasha inched closer to whatever had Norim and Miroku so worked up, but all he could see was bloody tissue. "I don't get it. Why's everybody so damn upset?"

Having moved along with his hanyou, Sesshomaru let out a hissing breath when he spotted the unmistakable kanji written on the seemingly innocent piece of paper. Ignoring his mate, the InuYoukai looked to his father. "It is as you thought."

Deeply frowning, Inu no Taisho nodded his head. "Unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"What's as you thought?" Inuyasha was quickly going from curious to pissed off. Somebody needed to start answering questions and pronto.

"Miroku, perhaps you would be the best one to explain the situation."

Eyes flashing toward the Lord of the West, Miroku gave a shallow nod before taking a deep breath and turning his attention to the hanyou. "I will answer your questions, but first I must ask one of our healer." Not waiting for an answer, the monk's eyes drifted in Norim's direction. "Am I correct in assuming that the youkai our young InuHanyou managed to slay is not of a natural origin."

"That is correct. It is an amalgamation of at least four different youkai species."

"What?" Inuyasha's amber eyes were suddenly large and round. He knew he didn't recognize what it was that had been attacking him, but still . . . "That doesn't make any sense."

Head shaking, Miroku looked more solemn than Inuyasha thought he'd ever seen him. "In this case, I'm afraid it isn't." Straightening his shoulders, Miroku gripped his staff tightly. Eyes briefly drifting toward Sesshomaru, the monk felt his breath catch. As stoic and difficult to read as the Prince of the West usually was made the times when he allowed emotions to show through all the more frightening and currently Sesshomaru looked beyond pissed.

Miroku was one of the few youkai within the West that had a working understanding of the deep betrayal that had occurred between Sesshomaru and a spider youkai named Naraku. When the Prince of the West had discovered the full breadth of that betrayal, huge swaths of land had been leveled in Sesshomaru's fury and when it was over, there was barely enough of Naraku's body left to identify and burn. Given Miroku's poor understanding of time, he could only guess at just how long the InuYoukai had been gone from the palace after that. And, when Sesshomaru had returned, it was an even colder and more removed version than the original.

Looking down at the offensive paper lying on the ground, Miroku felt his jaw clench in disgust and anger. Sesshomaru was just beginning to become the youkai lord that Miroku knew he could be and Inuyasha was the lynch pin, the driving force of change. To think that those damn spider youkai were still this treacherous, still trying to destroy the Heir of the West, made Miroku yearn to let loose his Wind Tunnel on the lot of them.

Lost as he was in his memories and anger, Miroku had all but forgotten about the still confused and agitated hanyou before him, but Inuyasha was not one to be ignored for long and the monk soon found annoyed amber eyes staring up at him from much closer than they'd once been.

Frustrated, Inuyasha got right up in Miroku's face. "You gonna spill what ya know or am I gonna have to beat it outta ya?"

Despite everything that was happening, Miroku felt the corners of his mouth lilt up at the edges, a genuine smile stealing across his face. "I see no need for further violence." Looking down to the sword still clutched within the hanyou's hand, Miroku added, "Especially when you are still so armed."

Attention back on the sword, Inuyasha felt a possessive wave rush through him at the thought of letting it go. That sword had most likely saved his life and besides, the damn thing seemed to talk to him. There was no way he was letting it go now. "Get used to it, 'cause I ain't about to put it down. Now, are you gonna get on with it or not?"

"Indeed, when put in such a way, it hardly seems possible to keep my silence."

"-Keh, you got a silver tongue when you want, monk."

Far from being offended, Miroku's smile grew larger before remembering why they were all there. Sighing, the monk shifted his weight to the backs of his heels before looking down on the kanji laden paper still lying on the floor. "In short, what attacked you was not something nature created, but the work of a powerful youkai sorcerer."

"Huh? A youkai sorcerer? I've never heard of such a thing."

"For that, Inuyasha, you should be grateful," Norim answered before turning his head away. Wrapping his arms around his torso, Norim greatly wanted Masaru's presence and knew that as soon as he was given leave, he would search out his mate.

Inuyasha didn't like the obvious unease the healer was feeling, nor did he like Norim's continued pallor. Without thought, the hanyou took a few steps back, his body coming into contact with Sesshomaru's, mokomoko instantly wrapping tightly around his frame and pulling him in close. "So, is anybody gonna explain to me what we're dealin' with here or not?"

"Go on, Miroku."

Hearing the command from his Lord, Miroku closed his eyes before continuing. "Youkai sorcerer's are rare and we all thank the gods for that. Sorcery is a practice that is seldom used for anything good. Although many humans view youkai in general as abominations, there is nothing unnatural about us. We are born to this world and shall return to it when we die. What happens in the afterlife is a question best posed to those whom have already ventured into those deep lands. Being born of the natural world, we must follow its laws. True, youkai power often manipulates the laws of nature, but a youkai's true power is in harnessing and manipulating nature's fury into a useful weapon."

Thinking back to his own skills and abilities, Inuyasha thought what the monk said made sense. He'd never really thought about it in those terms, but now that he did, he thought it actually explained a lot. "Okay, so how is a youkai sorcerer different?"

"How they differ is not always easy to explain and the line is sometimes razor thin." Looking back at the decaying bits and pieces of youkai behind him, Miroku's mouth formed a pursed line. "But in this case, I believe that line is easily seen." Pointing down to the paper upon the floor, Miroku explained, "That paper is enchanted with a spell which was cast by a youkai sorcerer. The monstrosity that attacked you was a beast created at the cost of at least four youkai lives with, what I assume to be, the singular purpose of killing you."

"I might not have Miroku's talents with the spiritual, but I do know anatomy and the monk is correct," Norim interjected. Walking back to the failing pieces of flesh, Norim pointed to different sections as he continued. "The creature has the head of a banshee youkai, the body plating of a chrysalis youkai, the legs and speed of a centipede youkai and the pinchers, tail and poison of a scorpion youkai. Given Inuyasha's heightened hearing, the screech of the banshee would have caused severe, distracting mental pain. As sharp as Inuyasha's claws are, they would have been no match for the plated armor and the legs were obviously aimed at keeping up with our quick hanyou. I believe it is fairly obvious the use for the scorpion parts." Head shaking, Norim was becoming increasingly impressed that Inuyasha had managed to survive at all. "We are fortunate that you survived."

At those words, a low growl erupted from Sesshomaru's chest. "We all know who is responsible for this." Soon the room began swimming with his infuriated youkai.

Muscles stiffening, Inu no Taisho looked hard at his son and then to the worried look in Inuyasha's eyes. "Sesshomaru, your mate is strong and capable. Inuyasha is not so easily defeated. As with everything in life, you have chosen wisely and today's events only prove how powerful you are."

Unable to look away from his mate, Inuyasha wondered what in the hell had gotten into Sesshomaru. He was fine and the injuries he'd obtained were hardly worth complaining about. Sesshomaru knew that and yet he was still losing control. "Hey, Sesshomaru. You need to calm down before you scare everybody away. You're father's right. I ain't so damn easy to kill and now the fucker that did this knows what happens when they come after me."

Blinking the red from his eyes, Sesshomaru stared down at his young mate, breathing in the cleansing scent of his hanyou. "Forgive me, Inuyasha. This Sesshomaru will not loose control again."

"-Keh, good." Taking his mate at his word, Inuyasha dared to ask, "So, you said you knew who did this so who the fuck do I need to go and kill?"

His mate's fire relieved some of Sesshomaru's stress and relaxed his youkai. "You will not be killing anyone."

"That ain't fair! They came after – "

"You would deny this Sesshomaru the joy of slaughtering those who have threatened his mate?"

Put like that, Inuyasha simply huffed his annoyance. "You really wanna be the one to eliminate 'em?"

"It would be my pleasure."

Those few short words sent a shiver of fear racing down Inuyasha's spine. True, the hanyou never backed away from a fight and would kill when needed, but the way Sesshomaru had just said it, Inuyasha got the distinct impression his mate would find incredible joy in the act. Then again, if the role was reversed and some idiot had attacked Sesshomaru, Inuyasha probably would have felt pretty psyched to put their ass down.

With that thought in mind, the hanyou shrugged his shoulders and answered a simple, "Sure, whatever makes ya happy."

In answer, Inuyasha felt Sesshomaru nuzzle his neck, the InuYoukai rumbling his pleasure into the hanyou's flesh.

Although Inu no Taisho agreed with his son as to whom was most likely behind the attack, he also had the clarity of mind to understand that heavy-handed slaughter was not the way to proceed. Doing so could instigate a costly war. They all needed to be absolutely sure as to whom the true culprit was before taking action. Watching as Sesshomaru nuzzled into Inuyasha's neck, the Lord of the West smiled at the genuine affection and embarrassed joy his nephew took in those actions.

Nephew

The word hung before Inu no Taisho's mind just as Tessaiga now hung from Tsuyoshi's son's hand. There was so much more that needed to be spoken of this day, but more than anything, he wanted out of his brother's destroyed rooms and that was just what they were all going to do. "Norim, go to Masaru and fill him in on what has happened here. Neither of you are to speak of this with anyone else. Tell Masaru I want a full report as to what happened at the Northern barracks. I shall be in my office for the foreseeable future. If I am not there, he is to seek me out and inform me no matter where I might be. Is that understood?"

"It shall be as you wish."

"Good, you may leave."

Norim didn't need any further prompting and quickly left the scene.

Looking back to the remains, the Lord of the West turned his attention to Miroku. "The remnants of the creature must be utterly destroyed so that it has no hope of resurrection. I am confident that you can see to this."

Sighing, Miroku nodded. "May I request Lady Sango's assistance in the matter?"

With a shake of his head, Inu no Taisho wondered if this was more of Miroku's infamous laziness or if the monk really found the work that distasteful. "If Lady Sango is willing to aid you, then it makes little difference to me. You may speak of today's occurrence with her, but to no one else."

Nodding once, Miroku didn't ask if that included Kirara or not. Long ago they had all discovered that the fire cat was but an extension of Sango and as such was seldom treated as an individual entity, especially when speaking of matters regarding security. With a world-weary sigh, Miroku scratched behind an ear before allowing his shoulders to slump. "Why did it have to be so damn big and heavy?"

A general silence was Miroku's answer as all the Inu's within the room gave the monk's complaint the attention it was due. With matters settled, the Lord of the West turned to his heirs. "There is much that still needs to be discussed but I, for one, would like to do so away from this stench."

Eyes distant and sad, Inuyasha looked around the rooms that he'd once felt so at peace within and found a new ache settling within his chest. Although he'd spent little actual time there, it had quickly become a place of refuge and now lay all but destroyed. And even though he knew that he wasn't technically to blame, the hanyou was well aware that if he hadn't run in that direction, the place that had welcomed him would have still been present and whole. In some odd way, he felt as if he'd committed some great betrayal.

Gaze landing fixedly upon where the wall had been that had once cradled the sword he still clung to, Inuyasha barely heard Sesshomaru say, "Come, it is time to go."

Fingers clenching down upon the hilt of the rusty sword, Inuyasha wasn't really sure what he was supposed to do with the weapon that had saved his life. Technically, the blade wasn't his, but he couldn't get his mind and youkai to fully understand that simple fact. There was simply no way he could leave the sword behind, even if it didn't technically belong to him. The answering pulse racing up his arm from that very same sword made the hanyou believe that the blade agreed.

Seeing the hesitation within his mate, Sesshomaru followed Inuyasha's gaze, his own moving from the spot Tessaiga had called home for so many decades to the piercing golden orbs of his father. Without a word spoken, Inu no Taisho understood his son-in-law's dilemma. Turning his back on his son and nephew, the Lord of the West began walking away, a stern, "You may bring the sword," stated as he began making his way out of the wing of the palace his brother had once called home.

Head snapping around, all Inuyasha saw was the swish of Inu no Taisho's long, silvery-white hair as the InuDaiYoukai walked away. Mouth slightly open, the hanyou turned to look at his mate, only to see that Sesshomaru was quickly following in his father's footsteps. Uttering a quiet, "-Keh," Inuyasha gripped his sword tighter, a barely there smile flitting across his lips at the thought of actually being able to hang on to the blade a little longer.

Hmmmm . . . a little food for thought in that one. Naraku was brought up again and now we have something called "Youkai sorcerers". Next chapter will finally have Inuyasha learn a few things about where he really comes from as well as a bit more about WTF went on with Naraku. Remember, nothing of the "romantic" variety between Naraku and Sesshomaru - so no worries there.

Next update should be on Sunday. Not sure what time. I have to work this weekend so it will be either earlier or later than normal (most likely). I'll try and go for earlier if I can.

As always, thanks for reading :-)

lunamist