Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Arigatou, Winged Chunsa, you are my 300th reviewer!
Okay guys, I'm back and here we go! First, I have to ask that you do not consider the next two chapters OOC. The reason I started this story and took on the Sesshomaru/Kikyou characters was for evolutionary purposes. Throughout the previous chapters, I have prepared you for this moment (or rather, I tried to). After all, life is about change; we must change to progress. I hope the results are pleasing.
To all my reviewers, you guys have truly made this story what it is and I thank you profusely. To my anon's - dsavage - thanks for the calculations, I never quite looked at the numbers that way before and to Courtney - welcome!
Please read, enjoy and leave a review!
Part II
Fear and uncertainty can blind us to our goals.
Only by acknowledging and experiencing them, can we begin resolution.
Chapter 26: Convalescence
Awasumaru stood on the engawa of his rooms and leaned on the railing. The boy looked across the landscape and in the direction of his village.
Overwhelmed with feeling, he sat trying to decide his next course of action. Since returning to the Westernlands, the nagging sensations he had experienced all day had grown stronger. Something was going on at the village, but he was unsure what to do.
Since his father had already planned a visit tomorrow, Awasumaru did not want to bother him unnecessarily. The child had thought his mother in danger before, only to discover she was fine when he arrived. Based on that incident, he decided to keep his concerns to himself.
He could talk with Jaken, but the toad would insist on going with him, thus landing them both in trouble again. Awasumaru thought about Rin and decided against talking with her. He was sure the girl would go straight to his father with the information. Yoippari would only look at him with those strange eyes and then tell him it was his decision. Although, Idzuna would show more concern, she would agree with the owl; hence his current dilemma.
He could either sit and worry all night or… he could leave, check on his mother and return before he was found missing. Pushing back from the railing, Awasumaru decided that was what he would do.
Entering his room, he grabbed his yumi, returned to the engawa and jumped silently to the ground. Running across the lawn, he found Ah-un just at the entrance to the lush forest. The beast rose as the boy approached and both heads turned in his direction.
"Oi, Ah-un," Awasumaru greeted as he petted the snout of both heads. "Please… take me to the village. I want to see my mother."
The dragon leaned forward, as if he were bowing. The half demon smiled and with a final pat to its side, jumped on the Ah-un's back.
Boy and beast rose into the air and Awasumaru looked back at the castle of the Westernlands. His father would be very upset to find him gone and he did not want to consider the punishment when he returned. Leaning forward, the child whispered, "Hurry, Ah-un. We have to get back as soon as we can."
xXxXx
Sitting atop her horse, Kikyou watched Hideo. The man was on his hands and knees with his ear pressed to the ground. Everyone stayed silent as they awaited the verdict.
"Someone's coming," Juun said softly as he sat in front of Kikyou.
The miko only nodded and although she believed the boy, she awaited confirmation from Hideo. Finally, the villager stood.
"Juun-san is right, Kikyou-sama," he said. "There is only one horse." Hideo motioned the other villager to mount with the injured Shinpachi. "I shall stay behind to intercept them," he informed the miko. "The rest of you go on ahead."
"Is that wise?" Kikyou asked, as Hideo appeared unarmed. "We should stay together."
"The boy will be fine, Kikyou-sama," whispered the injured old man. "Hideo-san can take care of himself and we can probably obtain another horse."
"Of course," the miko smirked. This was their strategy; it was sound and logical. She wanted Juun safe, but she must not let her feelings cloud her judgment. Tightening her arm around her son's waist, she nudged the horse forward with the others following.
"Hideo-san is very skilled with knives, youbo-sama," Juun said quietly. "You do not have to worry."
"Really?" Kikyou raised an eyebrow. "Tell me, Juun-san, how would you know that?"
She was using that tone again, thought the boy and he decided to keep quiet. There was no way he was going to tell her that Hideo had used both he and Awasumaru for target practice.
xXxXx
Sitting alone in his study, Sesshomaru had always prided himself on controlling his own destiny. However, no one escaped the hands of fate.
Before Kikyou, if anyone had implied that he, Sesshomaru, was predestined to mate with a human woman and conceive a hanyou child with her, he would have killed them without hesitation.
Fate came in the form of two conniving cohorts; Yoippari and Totousai. The taiyoukai was convinced this had all come about with the aid of the conspiring elders.
Sesshomaru could understand Totousai keeping quiet. He and the elder had not seen eye-to-eye since the issue with his father's swords. Yoippari, as always, was a paradox. Over the centuries, the taiyoukai realized that the owl had always guided him without giving the appearance of doing so. Therefore, he was not surprised that she had withheld information. Once he dealt with Kikyou, he would make of point of confronting those two.
Turning from his place at the window, Sesshomaru stood and headed towards Awasumaru's room. With the day the child had at the council, he was surely asleep by now. As the taiyoukai opened the shoji, he felt the long dormant Shikon no Tama pulse in his side.
Stepping over the threshold, Sesshomaru stopped and remained completely still. The jewel pulsed at a steady rhythm. It did not beat with the same intensity of the night Awasumaru was born.
The taiyoukai gripped the hilt of his sword and passed through the opening. He had entered the corridor when he heard rapid footsteps approaching.
"Sesshomaru-sama!"
He lifted his head to see Rin running down the staircase. Her eyes were large and fearful as she slid to a halt in front of him.
"Yoiparri-sama…" she breathed heavily, "… said please come…it… its Kikyou-sama!"
"I am aware, Rin," Sesshomaru said calmly. "Return to Yoipaari, tell her I shall leave immediately."
The youth nodded, still out of breath, and then asked, "Shall I wake Awasumaru?"
"No," the taiyoukai informed her. "His mother will return with me; he shall see her in the morning."
Rin smiled a knowing smile at Sesshomaru's words. There was possessiveness in the way he had said that Kikyou would return with him; she relaxed for the first time since hearing that the miko was in danger.
Her lord would not let any harm befall the mother of his child and… the woman he loved. He may not admit it, thought Rin, but Sesshomaru loved Kikyou. It was so obvious.
Still wearing that smile, she bowed gracefully, turned and ascended the stairs as Sesshomaru headed outside. As the taiyoukai rose into the night sky he thought of the blissful expression on Rin's face. It seemed even young minds were more aware than his when it came to matters of the heart.
xXxXx
Hidden in the foliage, Hideo watched the lone horse and rider approach. It was one of Tomoaki's men and he was geared in full armor. Looking past the soldier, it was clear he was alone.
Drawing one of his knives, Hideo aimed for a non-vital area. He did not want to kill anyone, just incapacitate them enough to grab the horse. With a flick of his wrist, the blade whistled as it flew through the air and imbedded in the thigh of the soldier.
The rider muffled a cry as he grabbed his leg and fell from the horse. When Hideo approached, the man was struggling to his feet and trying to grab the horse's reigns.
"Sorry," Hideo smirked. "But… I have need of that horse."
The soldier fell to his knees, breathing heavily with blood pouring from the wound. He reached up to remove his headgear and his attackers eyes went wide.
"You… you're the doctor that helped us escape," Hideo gasped and leaned down to remove the blade. Immediately, the blood flowed faster and the villager tore a piece of cloth from his hakamas to bind the wound.
"Thank you," Daisuke breathed. "I thought you would be long gone by now. I saw all of you leave; why are you still here?"
"We knew we were being followed," Hideo explained as he helped Daisuke to his feet.
"I was trying to head home," the injured man said. "Tomoaki practically destroyed my village. In order to stop him, I had to agree to care for his wounded. However, he soon discovered that I was not much of a doctor."
"Quiet!" Hideo's voice was terse. After a long pause, the villager threw the young doctor's arm over his shoulder and lifted him from the ground. "Come on," he said and pulled Daisuke towards the waiting horse. "There are more soldiers coming."
The villager was not very gentle, thought Daisuke, as he was literally thrown into the saddle. Hideo jumped behind, holding him steady and urged the horse into a gallop.
"This may be painful," he said as he saw the injured man grab his leg. "We will see to your wounds once we reach my village."
This was not good, thought Hideo as they flew through the forest. Although they had obtained another horse, they had another injured and instead of one pursuer, they now had several.
xXxXx
"He's gone!" Jaken announced as he entered Yoippari's rooms. "Awasumaru's futon was empty, his yumi is gone and Ah-un is missing."
"Such a headstrong child," Yoippari muttered, still exhausted from her vision. The owl was lying on her futon, but rose slowly to her knees. Extending her hands, palms up, she beckoned Idzuna. "Come, young one," she said. "You will assist me."
Rin and Jaken watched as the kitsune moved forward, facing Yoippari and placed her hands, palms down, atop hers.
"Concentrate and center your energies. My mind's eyes will seek and your arts will project a visual," Yoippari said as they both bowed their heads.
The very air crackled around them. Jaken's eyes bulged and Rin's hair seemed to lift on its own. The tresses floated around her head and her skin felt prickly with sensation.
"What… what is this?" Rin questioned.
"Shhh!" The toad whispered. "Do not distract Idzuna."
The two turned as a vortex appeared in the sky just beyond the engawa. A whirling, circular vapor that made one dizzy just looking at it. Suddenly, a picture began to form in the center; Rin and Jaken moved closer as the image of Awasumaru appeared.
xXxXx
The house was empty. His mother and Juun were away, thought Awasumaru as he noticed the bin that held the bandages was empty. Turning, the half demon exited the house and ran to Isamu and Lady Yuuka's abode. Maybe his brother was staying with them while their mother was away.
Tapping lightly on the shoji, he gave a wide apologetic smile as Isamu slid the panel open.
"Awasu-san?" The man frowned and ushered the boy inside. "Why are you out this late?"
The boy grinned sheepishly and attempted to ignore the question. "Greetings, Isamu-sama; is Juun-san staying with you?"
"Your brother traveled with Lady Kikyou," the man said. "We expected them to return before sunset, but…"
"Where are they?!" Awasuamru snapped suddenly.
Taken aback, Isamu could only stare before bristling at the boy's tone. "Now see here…" he began, but felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder. The villager looked around to see his wife had joined them in the main room.
"There is an encampment, just north of here, Awasu-san," Lady Yuuka said softly. "Lady Kikyou went to aid the military and Junn accompanied her." Turning to her husband she asked, "Will you take him there?"
The two communicated with their eyes. If this child traveled at this hour to find his mother, then something must be wrong. Everyone knew of the strange empathy between Kikyou and her sons. Besides that, Awasumaru may be outspoken, but the boy was never rude. The child must really be worried.
"Come, Awasu-san," Isamu said. "We shall take one of the horses."
"No," the boy said with authority. "Ah-un will get us there faster."
xXxXx
Following the pulse of the jewel, Sesshomaru realized that Kikyou was not at the village. She should not be out at this hour, he thought and he experienced the first stirrings of unease. The woman, like her son, had a penchant for getting into trouble.
Sesshomaru sensed wariness, as his mate's feelings were intensified through the Shikon no Tama. It was clear that whatever troubled Kikyou, for now, she was still in control of the situation. He did not sense any fear or pain; it was only Yoippari's urgency that made him hurry.
xXxXx
Kikyou and the others turned to the sound of the fast moving horse. They watched as Hideo reigned in and stopped abruptly with a guard slumped over the neck of the mount.
"Daisuke-san!" the miko gasped. "What happened?" She looked to her fellow villager.
"I'm sorry," Hideo said. "He was wearing headgear. I did not know it was him."
"He has passed out, but I bound the wound," the villager said. "Stay on your horse!" Hideo instructed as he saw Kikyou about to dismount. "We have pursuers and not just one," he continued and toward Daisuke. "His care will have to wait until we get to the village."
Suddenly, Kikyou and Juun simultaneously stiffened in their seat. The twang of an arrow released from its bow was familiar to both of them. That sound had been a part of Kikyou since her training and Juun had associated with it as long as he had known his foster mother.
"Get down!" the miko shouted, but was too late as the rider carrying Shinpachi fell from his horse, pulling the old man with him. Looking down, Kikyou realized the man was already dead from the arrow protruding from his throat.
"Get her out of here!" Shinpachi croaked as he rose shakily to his feet and remounted the horse.
Immediately, Hideo slapped the rear of Kikyou's horse sending both she and Juun flying ahead of them.
Racing through the forest, Kikyou could barely see and had to rely on the animal's instincts. She held tight to Juun, her fear for him overwhelming. It was not her nature to run away, but she had to consider this child she called son. She had promised Natsumi to look after him and she would… no matter what.
Juun felt afraid; not for himself, but for Kikyou. He knew this Tomoaki was after her as his foster mother had rejected him. However, he had promised Awasumaru to take care of their mother in his absence. He would not let his little brother down… no matter what.
The sound of more arrows projected followed in their wake. They were aiming low, thought Kikyou. Her suspicious were confirmed as her horse neighed, reared back and careened to the ground.
Juun slipped out of her hold and hovered in air. Using hand motions the boy created a cushion of air and enveloped Kikyou to form a safe landing. He then floated down next to her.
Rising quickly to her feet, Kikyou looked around. The arrows aimed at their flanks had brought down all three horses. Shinpachi appeared trapped under his horse. Daisuke, still unconscious, lay sprawled on the ground after his fall and Hideo appeared suddenly in front of her and Juun.
The villager's knives were drawn as he focused on the area in front them. Torches burned bright as Tomoaki and his troops came through the brush. As his eyes alighted on her, Kikyou pushed Juun behind her.
"You are a very troublesome woman, Kikyou-san." The ronin commander's smile was sinister. "I hope you are worth the chaos you have created."
There were at least twenty men, the miko noticed. With only she, Hideo and Juun, there would not be much of a fight. There was only one arrow left in her holder as the others had spilled during the fall from her horse. She did not know about Hideo's skills; even with Juun's powers, they could not expect to hold out long against so many.
Stepping around Hideo, Kikyou stepped forward. "I will come with you, if you let the others go." she offered.
"No!" Juun and Hideo cried out.
"You are in no position to bargain, my dear," Tomoaki said readily, enjoying the upper hand. "But… I find it so hard to resist your request. Come…" He extended his hand to the miko. "I will allow the others to live; you just need come to me."
"He lies!" Juun said vehemently and moved to stand in front of his mother. Kikyou could feel the boy's aura rising in his anger. "She will not go with you!" he lashed out at Tomoaki.
The air pressure exuding from the boy's body forced Kikyou back. She fell into Hideo and they both watched in awe as the boy finally tapped into the raw power that Natsumi had always spoke.
Tomoaki and his troops were spellbound as the watched the boy. One could see the winds generating around his small body. The child placed his palms together and fell into a horse stance.
The forest had grown eerily quiet. No wind stirred, it was as if a vacuum had suctioned the very air around them. Suddenly, a low, rumbling sound echoed through the trees.
Juun slowly lifted his arms overhead. In one swift movement, he brought his arms down and pressed his palms forward. Without warning, a gust of wind seemed to explode from the boy's body and swept the forest in front of them.
"Ichijinnokaze!" Juun yelled as the energy exploded from his small frame.
The blasts lifted the troops, their horses and swept them back, deeper into the brush. Tomoaki fell to the ground, avoiding most of the wind. Staying low, he was only pushed a short distance away.
The force of the gale diminished as fast as it came. The blind child's hair settled about his shoulders, his dark eyes closed and he sank weakly to the ground.
Juun-san!" Kikyou cried and ran to his crumpled form. "Juun-san!" She shook the boy gently.
"Move!" Hideo shouted as he pushed them back and the miko felt something warm spurt across her face. The villager staggered and she noticed the blood flowing from a gash on his forearm.
"Demon child!"
Kikyou turned to the venom in Tomoaki's voice. The commander's eyes were hostile as they were trained on Juun's small body. He had unsheathed his sword, already stained with Hideo's blood. Raising the blade, he made to strike. It was pure instinct that had Kikyou snatch the arrow from its holder and string her bow. From her kneeled position, she quickly fired a shot.
The arrow struck Tomoaki in the shoulder. From such close range, the impact lifted him bodily in the air and tossed him on his back. Still holding tight to his sword, the commander struggled back to his feet.
"Run," Hideo said weakly. "You and the boy get out of here." The villager retrieved his knives with his uninjured hand.
Before Kikyou could protest Tomoaki's words stopped her.
"Humans collaborating with demons," he sneered as he advanced with the arrow still imbedded in his shoulder. Looking between Kikyou and the unconscious boy, he snapped, "Disgusting filth!"
His intentions were clear as he brandished his sword and moved purposely towards them. Hideo stepped in front of Kikyou and they retreated as she struggled to lift the boy into her arms. Tomoaki lifted his arm to strike, but the sound of an arrow whistled through the air and sounded as it struck the metal of his blade, knocking the weapon from his hand.
Everyone gasped as they turned to the edge of the clearing.
Awasumaru's silver hair gleamed in the moonlight as he slowly lowered his yumi. Without taking his eyes from Tomoaki, the boy's bronze orbs shivered with intensity on what he had just witnessed.
He had sensed Juun's anger and was drawn to this spot. As he ran, he wondered what had occurred that would have initiated his calm levelheaded brother into such a state? With his keen audio, the half demon had overheard Tomoaki's hatred and the smell of spilt blood had him racing ahead of Isamu.
Coming upon them, Awasumaru's anger also grew as he saw the look of vulnerability on his mother's face as she struggled to remove Juun's motionless form from danger. He could not recall ever seeing her helpless and this angered him even more.
"If it is a demon you wish to kill." Awasumaru calmly addressed Tomoaki. "Why not start with me… if you think you can," the half demon challenged.
xXxXx
"Hurry, Sesshomaru!" Yoippari's mind cried out.
Although Juun had temporarily dispersed of the troops and Awasumaru had arrived, this crazed human had a thirst for demon blood. In his current frame of mind, he was more dangerous than before.
Kikyou was a strong individual, but she was also a mother. Her feelings were too involved to function as she normally would. One child in danger was bad enough, but now there were two.
"Good," the owl heard Rin say. "Awasumaru has arrived. Everything should be all right now."
That was far from the truth, thought Yoippari.
xXxXx
Tomoaki's eyes narrowed at the silver haired boy standing across the clearing. Another demon child, he sneered. However, unlike the other child, this one appeared to be a full-fledged youkai.
The boy's strange eyes seemed to glow and they never wavered as they watched him closely. There was something primitive in that gaze and Tomoaki thought before answering the boy's challenge.
These demons possessed all kinds of powers and they were tricky. The commander realized he was still close enough to the woman if he needed a shield. No one had moved since the boy arrived. It was almost if they were suspended in time.
Kikyou was on her knees with the dark haired child clutched to her chest. The man with the knives was standing between them. The only movement was a man arriving from behind the demon child. In the distance, Tomoaki heard the footsteps of his men returning.
"Isamu-sama," Awasumaru spoke without taking his eyes from his prey. "Take my mother to safety."
Tomoaki's head jerked around and turned wide, hostile eyes on Kikyou. What was this woman, some breeder of demon spawn? In a blind rage, the commander lashed out.
With him focused on the returning soldiers, Tomoaki caught the man with the knives off guard. He rammed into him and knocked him to the ground. Another arrow struck the ronin commander in the upper arm just as he grabbed a handful of the woman's hair.
"Lady Kikyou!" Hideo and Isamu yelled.
Kikyou's head snapped back and Juun fell from her arms and onto the ground. Awasumaru's aim was accurate. The arrow had struck Tomoaki, but it was not enough to take him down.
Wrapping her hair around his fist, Tomoaki pulled her in front of him. She tried to pull away, but he only yanked her head back as he moved towards his approaching men.
"So… Lady Kikyou," Tomoaki whispered in her ear. "You are a breeder of hanyou's… of half demon scum." His grip tightened and Kikyou had to arch her back for a little relief.
Kikyou's eyes swept the clearing and saw that more than half of Tomoaki's troops had returned. The men stood on the outer edge of the perimeter with swords and arrows drawn. Juun was beginning to come around as Isamu picked him up pulled him beyond Tomoaki's reach. However, it was Awasumaru that concerned her.
Her son stood still as a statue. His head was lowered with his bangs shielding his eyes, but there was the strange aura emanating from him. This was not his usual aura, thought Kikyou. This vibrated with the intensity of a full-fledged demon.
"Kill them," Tomoaki's order snapped the miko from her musings.
A hot wave of anger went through Kikyou. Twisting her body, she grabbed the base of arrow protruding from his arm and pushed it further.
Tomoaki howled in pain, spun the woman around in front of him and delivered a stinging backhand across her face.
The ground rushed up to meet her and she slammed hard on top of it. Pushing up on her elbows, Kikyou swept her hair back from her face to see Tomoaki standing over her. They both glared at each other and the miko braced her body for the next assault. Suddenly, she felt a gush of air and saw a blur as the commander was knocked to the ground.
Kikyou was yanked roughly to her feet and turned to see Isamu pulling her away from the chaos, but he was shielding her from what was going on. Hearing a stream of curses from Tomoaki, she looked over the villager's shoulder and gasped at what she saw.
Tomoaki struck Awasumaru with the hilt of his sword, knocking him away. As the two separated, Kikyou saw the ronin commander was covered in deep scratches, several across his chest, back and face. Her son stood a short distance away, apparently unaffected by the blow and clearly prepared to attack again.
Awasumaru's hands had transformed into talons and were covered in blood. His hair was loose and flowing, his teeth were sharper with the incisors elongated and the crescent moon on the back of his seemed to glow. However, it was the facial markings, reminiscent to Sessshomaru's that appeared on his cheeks that worried Kikyou.
Her son was only a half demon. How was it possible for him to transform? What did this mean?
"Awasu…" she began.
The eyes that turned on her were savage crimson and Kikyou felt fear rip through her. Was this something he had learned while with Sesshomaru? If it was, she did not like it. This was her child, she said with resolve. Stepping forward, she surmised she had no reason to fear her own son.
"What are you waiting for?" Tomoaki yelled to his men. "Shoot them! Kill that damned demon!"
Kikyou screamed as the archers aimed for Awasumaru. Tearing herself from Isamu's hold, she ran to him. Her sudden movement startled the transformed child, who was focused on Tomoaki.
Unaware of his actions, Awasumaru raised his claws and slashed in Kikyou's direction. The miko staggered back as Juun flew between. She saw the blind child's eyes stretch and heard his muffed cry as his brother's talons tore across his back.
"No!" Kikyou screamed and caught the injured boy before he fell. Turning disbelieving eyes to Awasumaru, she began, "What have you…"
"The savages turn on each other," Tomoaki's voice interrupted her. "Kill these animals… kill them all!"
The sound of the tight strings of the yumi's pulled back to fire was the sign of the troops following orders. Kikyou held Juun tight to her chest and her free hand reached out to Awasumaru. "I'm sorry, Sesshomaru… Natsumi," her mind screamed. "I cannot protect them."
Suddenly, the ground began to vibrate causing Kikyou to fall to her knees. There was a flash of light, an explosion and then the clearing was filled with demonic energy. A blast flew overhead and the miko covered Juun's body with her own.
All was quiet and Kikyou slowly raised her eyes to look around. The trees were demolished. Some of the troops were caught in the blast, but not all. Lifeless forms littered the ground, but other voices were heard in the distances as they retreated. The only one unaffected by the blast and left standing was her son.
"Awasumaru!" The miko jumped to her feet and ran to him. She stopped cold as the boy's feral eyes met hers.
"Stay away from him!" Sesshomaru's rich voice filled the clearing.
Kikyou turned as the taiyoukai stepped calmly into the open. The Tokijin was drawn and she realized that this was the source of the explosion.
Sesshomaru stopped a short distance away, with his eyes trained on Awasumaru. "Move away," he demanded of his mate.
"What… why?" She turned to the side, keeping both father and son in her vision.
Awasumaru had become agitated as his father appeared. The boy began to snarl, growl, flex his fangs and his stance indicated an attack.
"What… what is wrong with him?" Kikyou asked.
"I will only ask once more," Sesshomaru snapped impatiently. "Move aside, woman!"
"Youbo-sama, please do as he asks." Juun's voice startled her. "You know Awasumaru is not himself."
Turning sad eyes on her transformed son, Kikyou saw that the intensity of his aura had increased even more. How was that possible?
"Awasumaru is also my son," Sesshomaru said simply.
Such a simple statement, yet it held a wealth of meaning. The taiyoukai was asking her to trust him and Kikyou understood the request. Holding Juun close, she nodded for the taiyoukai to proceed.
She watched as Sesshomaru gripped the Tokijin. The blade gleamed a blue light as he raised the sword. Awasumaru's instincts alerted him to the attack; with bared fangs and raised claws, he charged his father.
The blast from the Sesshomaru's weapon struck the boy in the chest and sent him flying back. The half demon landed heavily and slid along the ground a short distance away.
Lowering Juun gently to the ground, Kikyou ran to Awasumaru's side. Kneeling next to the boy, she noticed the markings were gone and his elongated fangs had returned to normal size. She felt Sesshomaru approach and turned to him with questioning eyes.
She was surprised when he kneeled also and faced her. His hand reached out and lifted her chin, allowing him full view of her face.
Sesshomaru's jaw clenched tight as he saw the bruise across Kikyou's cheek. Someone had hurt her; someone had dared to lay a hand on his mate. Turning to his son, he assumed Awasumaru had witnessed the attack on his mother, which had caused his transformation.
Ever so gently, his thumb caressed the discolored flesh only to feel her wince under his administrations. This reaction caused a fresh wave of anger to generate throughout his body. His gold eyes turned amber as they stared deeply into Kikyou's mahogany orbs. His nostrils flared as they picked up the scents from her body.
Turning in the direction of the others standing by, Sesshomaru's eyes glittered dangerously at Hideo and Isamu.
"No," the miko said softly and shook her head. He made to rise, but Kikyou grabbed hold of his arm. "Sesshomaru?"
The taiyoukai covered her hand with his and squeezed it gently before firmly removing it from his arm. "Awasumaru is fine for now; take him to Yoippari." He stood and turned to the forest. "She will know what to do. You will remain there until I return," he ordered.
"Sesshomaru!" Kikyou cried out as walked away. The taiyoukai never answered as he disappeared into the darkness.
xXxXx
Rin and Jaken both sighed in relief that Sesshomaru had arrived and interrupted Tomoaki's plans. However, they both knew this was not the end of things. The gleam in the taiyoukai's eyes was murderous as he left to pursue the human.
It did not bode well for Tomoaki, thought Jaken. Once Sesshomaru found him, he would spare no mercy. The mortal fool had attacked the taiyoukai's mate as well as his firstborn; a deed such as that would not go unpunished.
Yoippari must have felt the same as she removed her hands from Idzuna's and rocked back on her heels.
"That is all we need see," the owl stated and the vision in front of them began to disappear. "Rin!" She addressed the silent young girl at her side. "Please help Idzuna to her futon. Her power is drained and she requires rest. After that, would you prepare a place for Juun-san in Awasumaru's room."
"Yes, Yoippari-sama." Rin put an arm around Idzuna's waist and helped her to her feet. The kitsune leaned heavily on the young girl. Her coppery, chin-length hair swung against her cheeks as they exited the room.
"Jaken!" The demon toad stood at the owl's summons. "I require water from the healing stream," she informed him. "Would you get it for me?" At Jaken's nod, Yoippari continued. "We will need it to heal Kikyou and Juun's wounds."
"Seeing his mate battered and bruised did not set well with our master," Yoippari continued. "I fear his wrath may well turn on us if we do not remedy that. Also… it will pain Awasumaru to know that he has hurt the boy that is like a brother to him."
No one knew that better than Jaken. The half demon child had always spoken highly of young Juun. It would not matter that he was not in control when he struck the human child, the guilt would eat away at him.
With a sigh, Jaken bowed to the owl and turned to do her bidding. The demon toad had no doubt Sesshomaru would certainly deal with this hater of youkai; however, what would he do about his distraught son?
xXxXx
Ah-un appeared and landed in the clearing a few moments after Sesshomaru left. The double-headed youkai waited patiently while Kikyou attended to Juun and Hideo's arms, Shinpachi's head wound and then turned to the man with the leg injury.
The miko felt Daisuke's eyes on her as she cleansed and wrapped the wound in fresh bandages. While she worked, he had told her about his father's death and the destruction of his village under Tomoaki's command. He explained how he had offered his meager services in hopes of saving what was left of his home.
"You are in love with this… demon?" Daisuke's question was sudden and tentative.
Lifting her head, Kikyou looked him straight in the eye.
"I am." Her answer was firm, her voice unwavering. "Will you judge me as Tomoaki had?" the miko asked, as she returned to her task. "Do you condemn me as a traitor to humans?"
"Don't be foolish, Kikyou-sama," Daisuke smiled. "I had different reasons for asking."
"Your reasons…"
"No longer matter," the young man interrupted her.
"You should go now, Lady Kikyou," Isamu said. "We are left with one horse that Shinpachi-dono and Daisuke-san can share. Hideo-san and I can walk from here. We will be fine," he informed her as Kikyou started to protest. "Just take care of Awasumaru."
Kikyou turned to where her son lay unconscious against Ah-un's flank. Juun sat next to him with his arm around his little brother. She would take Awasumaru to Yoippari as Sesshomaru had instructed and Juun could benefit from the waters of the healing stream.
"Be careful," Kikyou warned. "I will return as soon as the boys are well."
They all bowed as the miko took her leave and mount the two-headed youkai. Ah-un swept the two injured boys up with his tail and placed them gently in front of their mother.
On Kikyou's command, the beast rose high in the air, turned to the west and headed towards the mountains. The villagers and Daisuke looked on in awe until they were out of sight.
"Well, that's not something you see everyday," Isamu said to the others. At their nod, he continued. "Come on, let's go home. All of you need medical attention, but with Lady Kikyou gone…"
"It's all right, Isamu-sama," said Hideo. "Daisuke-sama can take her place until she returns." The young, would be, doctor made to protest, but was interrupted by the old man.
"I would not count on that," Shinpachi chuckled as they turned down the road. "Based on the look in Awasumaru's father's eyes, I don't think she will return anytime soon. If she does, I can guarantee she won't stay."
They rode in silence as each recalled the look of pure venom radiating from the youkai's eyes as he had disappeared into the forest. This Sesshomaru was no different from his human counterparts. His reaction was no different than any man's whose family had been violated. As they continued in silence, each man was glad they were not in Tomoaki's geta's.
xXxXx
The small group of bandits sped down the main road led by Tomoaki. With their hasty retreat, Kikyou and the demon child's arrows were still embedded his arms. He planned to regroup with his unit and then seek medical care.
Tomaoki did not know what had happened back in the clearing. Suddenly there was a flash of light and then an explosion. Once again, he was lucky enough to avoid a direct hit. Only he and six other troops had survived.
"What… who is that?"
The ronin commander looked up to the soldier's query. In the road ahead, a lone figure stood.
With the moon behind him, the face was cloaked in shadow. However, noticing the silver hair that floated behind only angered Tomoaki.
Raising his hand, he signaled his men to stop. "These beast are everywhere," he spat and withdrew his sword. "At least this one's an adult. Everyone…" he shouted to his men, "…attack at once."
The ronin commander was so focused on the figure up the road, that he did not see his men hesitate. The troops had reservations about taking on another demon. Although they feared the demon, they also feared Tomoaki.
Their commander had a crazed look as he nudged his horse forward and into a full gallop. The men looked to each other and, all but two, followed behind him.
Sesshomaru stood perfectly still as the group approached. His keen sense of smell recalled the scent from Kikyou's body. The leader was the one who had injured his mate… he was the one that would pay.
Flexing his claws, the taiyoukai raised his arm and gracefully released the 'Light Whip'. With a flick of his wrist, the demonic energy stream lashed out and slashed through the men following their leader.
Tomaoki heard the cries of his men, but ignored them as he continued to charge the demon. Bearing down on the solitary figure, he raised his sword and sliced down into thin air.
The commander's eyes widened as the figure vanished. Without warning, Tomoaki felt a hand close around his throat and lift him bodily from his horse. Every bone in his body rattled as he was slammed against a tree. Pain flared throughout his body and he closed his eyes against the pain.
The hand around his throat tightened, restricting his breathing. Tomoaki was subjected to more pain as, first one shoulder, and then the other with the arrows were pressed back and impaled on the tree. Only then was he released from the chokehold.
"What is your grievance with the woman?"
Opening one eye at the question, Tomoaki peered into the stormy, gold depths of the youkai in front of him. The hair and face were similar to the demon child's and he realized this was its father.
"What's it to you?" the ronin commander sneered. He never saw the youkai unsheathe or sheath his sword, but he was sliced across his side with blood pouring from the wound.
"That is not an answer," the silver haired devil stated.
Tomoaki gritted his teeth against the pain radiating through his body. His arms were growing numb from supporting his weight and the fresh wound on his side was throbbing.
As long as he could remember, Tomoaki had hated demons. Since childhood, their raid on his village and the death of his parents had embittered him. It was that hatred that would seal his fate this night.
Lifting his head, his lips curved into a smile as they turned on Sesshomaru. "Is Lady Kikyou your woman?" he asked, but the youkai did not respond. "You have good taste in human women."
"It's too bad she was tainted with your seed," Tomoaki continued on a sinister note. "I had such plans for the beautiful Kikyou. The woman is much too bold; she needs to learn her place. You beasts are much to lenient with your women."
Sesshomaru felt pure murderous wrath consume him; however, centuries of discipline held him still. After a short pause, he moved purposely towards the human spiked to the tree.
Gold eyes turned crimson as they made direct contact with the ronin leader's. "If it is a speedy death you anticipate, you will be disappointed," Sesshomaru began. "That… shall not satisfy me."
As he spoke, the taiyoukai hands began to glow in a green light. A vapor with an acrid smell rose from his fingers and he spread them wide apart.
"You attack a solitary woman and children yet you call me a beast. Vile human," Sesshomaru hissed. "To covet another's mate… to threaten the existence of one's offspring is sacrilege."
"Death will not come quickly for you, human," he continued. "It will be slow and painful; much to my pleasure and amusement." The taiyoukai smirked menacingly and moved his talons closer to his victim's side.
Tomoaki squirmed; he felt the heat from those poisonous claws and the smell his flesh burning. With his jaws clamped tight, he struggled keep from crying out; however, the pain was too much for him.
Watching the fate of their commander, the two remaining troops at the end of the road turned their horses in the other direction. Not even the pounding of their mounts hooves could drown out Tomoaki's screams.
xXxXx
There was much activity once Kikyou and the boys landed in the Westernlands. Yoippari took charge immediately. The unconscious Awasumaru was taken to his room and put to bed. There was nothing she could do for him, but let him rest. It would take more than her skills to deal with what ailed him.
Juun was taken to the same room; Yoippari and Idzuna attended to his injury while Kikyou prepared an anesthetic and a sleeping tonic. The wound was deeper than they anticipated. Even with the healing waters, there would be a permanent scar.
The owl allowed Kikyou to stay with the children until Juun fell asleep. Rising to her feet, she stood looking down on the young mother.
"It is time to take care of you now, my dear," she said.
"I am fine, Yoippari-sama," Kikyou said tiredly. "Do not worry about me."
Even now, the woman was able to withdraw and recapture her stoicism to deal with matters at hand. Had Yoippari not witnessed what had occurred, she might well believe the woman was unaffected.
"I must insist, Lady Kikyou," the owl said firmly. "You are not invincible."
"There is no need to remind me of that, Yoippari-sama," she said solemnly.
"That is not what I meant, my lady," the owl sniffed. "You will not be any good to your sons if you do not rest. Come… I will prepare you a bath."
Kikyou was quiet as she took in the matron's words. Yoippari was right, there was no sense sitting here melancholy. Looking down on Awasumaru and Juun, everything that could be done for them was done. With a sigh, she turned to Rin sitting nearby.
"Please inform me when they awake, Rin-san."
"Yes, Kikyou-sama," the youth replied.
Following Yoippari from the room, the miko replayed the last few hours in her head. Today had been a day of revelations. Kikyou had discovered a lot about herself, her sons and Sesshomaru, but to what purpose. She was tired and for the first time, she felt her true age.
Subdued, she sat through Yoippari's administrations. The miko maintained that demeanor as the owl combed the tangles from her hair and gently applied the healing waters to the bruise on her cheek.
Kikyou sighed in relief as she felt the soreness melt away; Yoippari smiled with satisfaction at watching the discolored skin return to its pearly sheen.
"Better?" the owl asked her patient.
"Yes… much," Kikyou responded.
"Your bath is ready," Yoippari informed her. "We shall have the rest of you feeling better in no time."
Kikyou doubted that was true, but she humored her hostess by acquiescently accompanying her. However, just a few minutes submerged in the warm water had the miko changing her mind. The owl had added the healing waters to the bath to soothe her tender skin.
Sliding deeper into the tub, Kikyou closed her eyes and wiped all thoughts from her mind. A mental respite was needed before Sesshomaru returned. After all, one must keep up the façade. She did not know how much she had revealed of herself on their last encounter, but she could not face him until her mask was in firmly in place.
Hearing the shoji open and then snap shut, Kikyou smiled slightly, but kept her eyes closed. "You were right, Yoippari-sama," she began. "The bath is very relaxing. Thank you for suggesting it."
"She will be pleased to hear it," Sesshomaru's rich baritone filled the confined space.
Kikyou's body tensed, but also tingled with awareness. Slowly opening her eyes, they turned on the magnificent form of her mate filling the doorway.
xXxXx
He had arrived unannounced back at the castle. Sesshomaru had bathed, changed his bloodstained kimono and now stood facing the moon.
The taiyoukai did not want to see Kikyou or Awasumaru just yet. He was still trying to tame the unfamiliar rage inside of him. Tomoaki's death had not appeased him. Nor had he enjoyed it as much as he thought he would, but it was necessary and he would do again if he could.
To come upon his son, with his small body altered and demon blood coursing through his veins had put fear into him. Sesshomaru had learned from Inuyasha that any attempt to transform could mean death to a half demon. Awasumaru's human side was unable to withstand the primal urges of a full-fledged youkai.
At first light, he would go to Totousai's lair. He must consult with the demon forger. If anyone knew what was required to protect his son, he would know.
Sesshomaru's thoughts turned to Kikyou. His mate was subdued. The taiyoukai felt her dimmed spirit and his brows drew together in a frown.
Turning from the engawa, Sesshomaru left his room and headed down the corridor. Reaching Awasumaru's room, he entered and walked by Rin, Idzuna and Jaken. Looking down, he saw both boys were asleep.
"The young master has yet to awaken, my lord," the demon toad said. "Lady Kikyou gave young Juun an herbal concoction to dull the pain and help him sleep."
"I see," Sesshomaru said without taking his eyes from the boys. "Where is the woman?"
"Yoippari-sama is attending her," Idzuna informed him.
With one last look at his son, the taiyoukai turned and, wordlessly, left the room.
Walking steadily to Kikyou's chamber, he opened the shoji to find Yoippari preparing the miko's futon.
"My lord," the owl gasped. "I did not know that you had returned."
"Where is she?" The taiyoukai asked.
"In the bath."
Turning in that direction, Sesshomaru headed for the entrance, but Yoippari's voice halted his steps.
"She has been through quite enough today," the owl warned. "She needs to rest and…"
"I disagree," the taiyoukai interrupted in a clipped voice. "She has been pampered and coddled enough, Yoippari-san; the woman's spirit is weak."
"I disagree," the owl said pointedly and stepped forward as if to block his entrance to the bath. "You are not aware nor would you understand what she has been through this day."
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at Yoippari's protective stance. "She has been through worse," he stated.
"No matter, my lord." The elder stood her ground. "She is strong, but still a human and a mother that felt unable to protect her children," she snapped.
"So… you will allow her to waste away in there," he snarled and pointed to the closed shoji. "You may, old woman, but I will not!"
Inwardly, Yoippari smiled. The taiyoukai had finally lowered his shields. The gruff concern he showed for his mate's well-being showed he had made progress. Rin, Kikyou, Awasumaru and even the tiger youkai, Mouko, had incited the changes in the Inu lord. They were so subtle, she was sure he was not aware of them.
"No need to be insulting," Yoippari sniffed. "Do as you please." She waved her hand in dismissal and turned back to her duties. The owl maintained her offended expression until she heard the panel open and slide closed.
Looking up into the night sky, she decided to wait awhile before contacting Totousai.
xXxXx
He watched as Kikyou rose to a sitting position and drew her knees to her chest. She looked so small inside the tub and he closed the distance between them with determined strides.
"Look at me," he commanded the miko. Obediently, she lifted her head and his cold eyes roamed her face.
"You have healed," Sesshomaru stated the obvious.
"You… killed him," Kikyou stated.
"Of course." The taiiyoukai did not hesitate. He had anticipated her question regarding their attackers demise. "Did you think I would not?"
She chose not to answer. "What happened to Awasuamru?" Kikyou asked instead, as she looked up into his eyes. Leaning forward, she clasped her legs to act as a shield. "I have never seen a half demon transform. How is that possible?"
Her mahogany orbs were listless and Sesshomaru missed their normal vivacity. The miko's shoulders were slumped forward, disrupting her regal bearing. This was not his Kikyou, this was only a shell of the woman he had come to know.
"Our son became angered to see you attacked," he began to explain. "His demon blood took dominance over his body, but it put a strain on his human form." Sesshomaru showed no sign of emotion. "Had I not stopped him, he would have killed you and the others. He would have continued to slaughter anyone in his path until he was killed or until his body was destroyed internally."
The taiyoukai watched as Kikyou closed her eyes against his words. Turning her head away from him, she asked meekly. "What can we do? How can we insure this does not happen again?" Turning back to him, her eyes pleaded. "How do we protect him?"
"We?" Sesshomaru lifted an eyebrow as he looked down his nose at her. "There is nothing that you can do for the boy."
"Wh… what?" Kikyou's eyes stretched wide. She turned to him fully and her hands gripped the side of the tub. "What do you mean?"
"You need not concern yourself," the taiyoukai stated imperiously. "I will tend to my son's needs."
Sesshomaru stared down into her upturned face, awaiting a reaction. He barely managed to maintain eye contact as the woman had exposed most of her upper body. The long swanlike neck, the curve of her shoulder and her creamy breast were inviting.
Tempting as it was, Sesshomaru wanted all of her. He wanted the woman beneath that delectable body. He wanted her strength, pride, her passion as well as her ingenious, practical mind and he would not settle for less.
Shock held Kikyou still, her eyes wide and incredulous. What did he mean by, 'she could do nothing for the boy'? Awasumaru was her son too, damn it! How dare he insinuate she would have no say in his welfare? Who the hell did he think he was?
The taiyoukai smiled inwardly as he saw the storm clouds gather in her eyes. Those dark orbs glittered with renewed life and they narrowed dangerously on him. He watched, fascinated, as she rose from the steamy water and stepped out of tub. A puddle formed at her small feet as the water ran in rivulets from the dark tresses plastered to her back.
She advanced on him, like a sleek predator stalking its prey. Sesshomaru took a step back, for no other reason than to watch her approach in all her glory. His gaze took in the small waist, curvaceous hips and long sleek legs as she moved forward. Stopping directly in front of him, she returned his cold stare.
"Do not… consider alienating me from my son, Sesshomaru," Kikyou warned in a low voice. "I will not tolerate you treating me as if I do not exist."
Her voice held its usual monotone, her face was stoic, but the message was clear. "Now, tell me… what will we do about our son," she emphasized.
Sesshomaru's eyes raked her form. They started from the top of her head, down to her feet and back again. The woman refused to neither flinch nor flush under his appraisal. Meeting her eyes once again he said simply, "I do not know." With that said, he turned and exited the bath.
Kikyou had not expected that response and again he caught her by surprise. By the time his words sunk in, she found herself alone in the closed space.
Her ire rose, swift and strong. Snatching up her robe, she quickly donned it and followed behind Sesshomaru. Throwing back the panel, she walked out into the main room and encountered Yoippari entering.
"Is something wrong, dear?" the owl asked.
"Where is he?" the miko hissed.
The owl knew of whom she spoke. "Lord Sesshomaru has returned to his chambers," Yoippari informed her.
Tightening the obi at her waist, Kikyou turned into the corridor. She took two steps before stopping and turned back to the elder. "How do I get there?" she snapped. She had been to his room before, but only by way of the terrace.
"Uh… left corridor, two levels up, the first suite past the portrait of his father," Yoippari instructed.
"Thank you." Kikyou turned and left to confront Sesshomaru.
Settling on a stack of pillows, Yoippari entered a trancelike state. It was too bad she had used most of her energy today. If she could, she would have flown straight to Totousai with the news; however, she would just have to settle for simple mind communication.
xXxXx
He reveled in her raised aura. With each step that brought her closer, Sesshomaru anticipated those dark flashing eyes, bold tongue and acerbic wit. That was the Kikyou that he was used to, the woman that was his mate.
The taiyoukai stood calmly in front of the engawa, facing the moon that spilled its celestial light into the room. He wore a smirk as the panel to the shoji slid opened and Kikyou stepped through.
"What do you mean 'you do not know'?" The woman got right to the point. Approaching him, she placed a hand on his arm and pulled him around to face her.
"That is what I said," Sesshomaru sniffed and removed her hand. So incensed, she did not noticed he caressed it fleetingly before lowering it to her side.
"Then I suggest that you find out… and quickly," she snapped.
"I plan to speak with the elders tomorrow," he said calmly, undaunted by her glare. "I will inquire about a way to stop the transformation."
His father had foreseen this with Inuyasha, which is why he had created the Tessaiga. The sword protected his brother against and controlled the surge of demonic energy.
"You need not worry, Kikyou," said Sesshomaru. "Our son will be safe."
"Good," she sighed and relaxed. "I can see you have come to care for him." Kikyou looked to her mate and decided it was time he knew of Awasumaru's destiny.
"Sesshomaru…" she began. "You are not aware of how important our son is to the relations between demons and humans."
"Really," the taiyoukai responded in a bored tone.
Although he appeared uninterested, he gave Kikyou his full attention. Was the woman about to reveal the knowledge she had withheld?
"Yes… really," the miko sniffed, her manner as pococurante as her mate's. "Sometime in the near future, there will be an uprising. Demons will choose to eliminate humans by the masses and not even your council will not be able to stop them."
"That has already occurred," Sesshomaru interrupted.
"That is true, but it will happen again when our son is of age," Kikyou said pointedly. "Awasumaru is destined to head the negotiations during the insurgence. As a half demon, he will speak on behalf of his human counterparts and the other halflings."
"Our son's goal is and always will be peace; however, as we both know, war is inevitable in such times. There will be bloodshed and Awasumaru will fight for what he believes," she continued.
Sesshomaru's form was still as he listened to his mate's words. So, it was true. His and Kikyou's son, no matter the laws, was destined to become an active part of the council. Inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes as he thought of his father.
The Inu no Taisho, although a full-fledged youkai, had also been a champion to the humans. His father had not had a lot of support from his peers nor from his own son, but that had not deterred him from protecting the weaker beings.
Thinking back on Awasumaru in the council chamber today, he realized his son would have supporters. Before Sesshomaru could complete his thought, Kikyou did it for him.
"It is ironic; is it not?" the miko began. "Everything you uphold… everything that you believe in will be shattered by your own son. Awasumaru will do away with the old youkai laws and the stigmas placed on half demons."
"I am proud that I was chosen to be his mother and I will help him in any way that I can… for as long as I am able," she continued. "My only regret…" she paused, "… is that father and son will someday oppose one another."
The silence stretched between them. Sesshomaru never looked her way as he continued to stare at the full moon above. Although Kikyou had been warned against telling him, she felt he needed to know the truth.
Now that he knew, what would he do? Would his feelings change towards their son and what about her? Was it now possible for them to work together that Awasumaru could fulfill his purpose?
Deciding to allow Sesshomaru time to absorb the information, Kikyou sighed and turned to exit the room.
"Where do think you are going?" the taiyoukai's voice lashed out.
"It is clear you need time to think." The miko slid the panel open. "I bid you good-night, my lord," she stated. "If Juun-san is well enough, we shall leave tomorrow and I leave our son in your care."
He moved so fast that the sleeves of her robe flapped against her legs. Sesshomaru suddenly appeared beside her and slid the panel closed with a snap. "This conversation is not over," he hissed and Kikyou looked up in surprise.
"You will remain here," he demanded. "With me… and Awasumaru!"
Taken aback by the heated command, Kikyou could only stare into his amber colored eyes. She knew his eyes turned that color when he was angered, felt strongly or in the heat of passion.
As his eyes glittered down on her, Kikyou felt her own heat rising. His aura reached out and enveloped her, drawing her near.
"No," she whispered and took a step back from his imposing figure. "I cannot… I will not stay here. You will not order me about, Sesshomaru!" Her mahogany orbs shimmered with intensity as her anger and passion rose to match his. "I shall not stay here as your personal mekake!"
"Were you asked?" Sesshomaru's hand snaked out and pulled her body hard against his. "You will remain here, as Awasumaru's mother, as the lady of this manor… you will remain as my mate," he said with finality.
As he spoke, his hands roamed sensuously across Kikyou's shoulders and down her back. He lowered his head with his lips hovering just above hers. His voice was hoarse with need and she shivered as he stated, "You are mine, Kikyou. We will complete our mating ritual this night; I shall not wait a moment longer."
To be continued…