The Dog demon tribe of the west
It is said that demons are immortal. Their lives, compared to that of the life of a human, is centuries longer.
Demons blink, and humans die. That was the way of the world. No one questioned it. No one fought against fate.
These immortal beings were worshipped and revered as god's once, not so long ago. So why now are they at the mercy of humans?
When did the human population outnumber that of the demons?
Only a select few wise and nobel demon families remained scattered amongst the many continents of the world.
Our story reflects the move and change of the great western dog tribes. And what prompted such a significant change to happen.
War in Japan 100 years in the past
Dark skies were filled with ash clouds—the only light source of the burning land and palace alike.
Nobles and commoners, it matters not, not when the flames devoured and burned your flesh—the screams of the poor and rich all sound the same.
The loud howling of a wounded pack member echoed through the vast lands of Japan. What victory could be claimed when the one you loved was lost.
Was her life worth this triumph? Could it even still be called a victory? Not to him. Not to the one who mourned the death of his wife and unborn child.
His knees were planted into the soiled ground, stained with blood and scorched flesh.
His mighty hands not long ago used to slaughter 100 demons in a single swing now trembled in pain.
He clung to the cold, lifeless body of his mate. His tears burning his skin.
Her once pristine and colorful kimono now filthy and tarnished. The colors were dark reds and browns instead of bright oranges, purples, and greens—the scent once of cherry blossom, now the stench of death and secretion.
His tears fell to her cold cheek as he was not ready to let go. Something in him believed that if he just held on a little longer, she could be revived. She could come back to him.
They would come back...
His right hand rested under her neck while his left fisted into her blood-stained kimono and open belly. His unborn child could be seen laying within her mother breathless and unmoving.
Howls of pain called forth his pack. They couldn't begin to understand his pain. Each mourning the loss of their betas mate.
His screams of pain came to slowing silence upon the comforting hand of his only child.
He reached over with his blood-soaked hand and grabbed the comforting gesture offered. He agreed with his son's silent words of it being time to let go.
Ember eyes watched in disgust as his mother and unborn sister's body faded from existence.
A demon, whose life was ended by Sesshomarus's poisonous claws, had cut his mother's belly open with a blade laced with acid.
Sesshomaru cursed the fact that had they been cut down, had he taken the life of the miserable vermin sooner...than at least a chance could have existed.
This? This can not be undone. The poison ate at her skin and dissolved her bone. Her demonic aura had vanished long ago.
The tribe's most treasured possession, Tensiega.
A sword that can save 100 lives with one swing. Such a great power to wield as Alpha of the western dog tribe. To choose who lives and who dies.
However, Tensiega could only heal what still exists. The body of his mother and unborn sister was slowly filling the skies as they made their descent into heaven.
How ironic.
Sesshomaru thought for a moment. If the tales of old demons before him were true, then his mother and sister were simply going back home as the heavenly creatures they once were.
Tōga stood. His pack was not able to look him in the eye.
"Forgive me, my son. I was not able to protect them. I failed as husband and father." Tōga spoke, broken and angered.
"Hm, unnecessary apologies are pointless. What we could have done is no longer of importance." Sesshomaru spoke stoic and unphased.
"My grandpup speaks truth. We mustn't dwell on history that can not be changed. It is time to gather our fallen that can still be saved." Rōken spoke with authority and pain.
He loved Inukimi, his fallen daughter-in-law. She was everything his son and grandson needed her to be. He mostly loved her for giving him such an exquisite heir.
His grandpup Sesshomaru was proving to be just as his name suggested. Killing perfection. His heart swelled in pride by the accomplishments of his young grandpup.
Rōken gave the order. Those that could carried the fallen members of their pack that could be revived. The others made sure to provide proper respect to those they'd never see again.
Tōga followed his pack back to their stronghold. His son never far from his side.
Taking to the skies, hundreds of dog demons flew, carrying the lifeless bodies they knew Tensiega could heal.
Each member laid their fallen brothers and sisters down for the ritual of the heavenly sword.
Once Sesshomaru landed, he made sure to take place by his father's side. Knowing the ritual to revive their fallen pack would hit his father hard this time around.
Tōga being second in command was given the duty of securing the clan's victory. He was their general, a warrior with no match. Feared and undefeated by all who knew him.
This enemy, this enemy, was one he never expected. He could not, nor did not see this battle taking place.
The eastern dog tribe, Inukimis clan, had thrown a celebration to congratulate the couple and their growing family. Along with Tōgas more recent victories in securing more lands.
It all seemed so innocent at first until the eastern dog tribe turned on them. The rapid swing at his mate's gut set Tōga into an all-out rage. He began slaughtering all within his path.
The eastern tribe had deliberately made sure that Sesshomaru and Tōga were not to arrive together. Thinking they could focus all their forces on defeating the one great dog demon feared across the land.
How wrong they were.
Rōken, Tōga, Atsukau, and Inukimi arrived in one group. Sesshomaru, Hidarite, and Migite were to patrol a path the eastern tribe expressed concern over.
It took Sesshomaru no time to evade the pathetic ambush that dared try and claim the life of killing perfection. Upon realizing it was set up, Hidarite expressed his concern for the elders and Alpha of the pack.
Even with great haste, they were too late...
Rōken was handed the sacred weapon by a young pup around the same age as his grandson Sesshomaru.
Rōkens only acknowledgment to the kneeling pup was a nod of his head—the pup then ran off to take his place by his mother.
Rōken knew the hurt of his son, the defeated stench of death that clung to their once elegant robes were a sign of humiliation. He cared not to offer words of any sort to his pack.
For his own family was suffering far more than any realized just yet. He knew it would only be a matter of time.
Rōken beckoned the mighty blade to bend to his whim, revive those that had fallen and grow their pack once more.
Tensiega pulsed. Three more pulses and the adversaries to the afterlife appeared. Rōken took in the sight of the small minions of death.
With one mighty swing, he vanquished them all. Slowly the drumming of the fallens hearts was heard. The sharp intakes of breath like a soft gust of wind as they all awoke slowly.
Rōken turned his back to the clan; he sheathed the pack's most guarded treasure handing it back to the young pup.
And just that easy, it was locked away until needed again.
The pack went on to help the fallen. Sesshomaru's two most trusted allies asked without words if they were needed.
Sesshomaru spoke in silence, letting them know they can go and help the others. He had other matters to attend to. The importance of his father and the broken image he bore now.
He watched his father go out to the training pit. A space they were both all too familiar with. Sesshomaru allowed his father a moment of privacy as he went to wash the filth and vermin from his person.
Sesshomaru slowly began the process of undoing his armor when smaller, more feminine hands replaced his own.
Claws just as sharp and deadly as Sesshomarus glided across stained armor smoothly. Her presence is calming and comforting.
"I heard; I should've been there. I could have-" On'Na was silenced by Sesshomaru.
"Do you imply that I, my father, and our Alpha are incapable of protecting this pack? Of securing victories? Are you so arrogant On'Na?" Sesshomaru ended his taunt with a slight grin.
"Killing perfection! I would never! I simply-" Again, she was silenced.
"Your assistance there nor here is needed. You were given orders of your own, were you not?" Sesshomaru allowed her to continue assisting him in undressing.
"Yes." Was all On'Na answered as she slowly removed his chest plate.
"A challenging mission you accepted. One I would never brave alone." Sesshomaru spoke as she untied his silks.
"You insult me..." On'Na dropped her head in shame as she retrieved a cloth to assist in washing.
She could hear the waters shifting as Sesshomaru entered the scolding water to clean himself.
"My words hold no insult. I loathe pups. They are wild, noisy, and filthy. I'd rather go to war for a thousand years than to sit and look after our pack's entire litter." Sesshomaru said, looking away at nothing as the waters soothed aching muscle.
On'Na smiled. She wrung the excess water from the cloth and kneeled to wash Sesshomarus shoulders.
"And what of the years after a thousand spent at war?" On'Na asked softly.
"Perhaps I'd consider watching one pup?" Sesshomaru looked over his shoulder.
On'Na smiled and flicked water at Sesshomaru's face. Sesshomaru allowed the slightest curve of his lips, and mimicking her actions made On'Na giggle lightly.
"Our lady will be missed," On'Na spoke after a short moment of silence shared between the two.
Sesshomaru stared at the dark corner of the wall. He hadn't wanted to speak about his mother. He knew questions eventually would arise that he himself could not answer.
"I am confused, though? How is-" Sesshomaru grabbed On'Nas hand, pulling it to his view.
His actions silenced the young demoness as she waited to see what her higher-up demanded of her.
"On'Na?" Sesshomaru finally spoke.
"Hai?" On'Na blushed lightly.
"Will you truly mate one day? Do you trust one living creature never to die?" Sesshomaru asked as he held her hand, examining the lines within her palm.
On'Na held in her shock and forced the gasp that threatened to leave her lips back down.
"Perhaps. If they could best me in a duel, then I may be inclined to consider it." On'Na continued her chore of washing Sesshomaru from behind.
With her hand in his, and her other draped over his shoulder, she felt the closest she knew she'd ever be.
"Foolish. I'd never give any that privilege. Allowing their weakness to become my undoing. Ridiculous." Sesshomaru tossed her hand to the side.
On'Na let out a breath of disappointment. She held her hand for a second before beginning to wash Sesshomaru's hair gently.
"Perhaps our beta shares your views," On'Na spoke well, aware of the consequences.
Sesshomaru turned his body, waters swaying and splashing to wooden floors to face her, aggressively grabbing her wrist; he glared eyes of anger towards her.
On'Na did not back down from the low growl Sesshomaru gave her. She stared him straight in the eye and stood firm. Her silence more intimidating than any words.
Sesshomaru released her arm, slowly sitting back with a solid jab to his pride.
"A council will eventually be held." Sesshomaru said, staring at the ripples in the water beneath him, slowly calming.
"And this worries you? You are killing perfection. One of our most trusted and feared members. No one would dare vote against you." On'Na spoke softly.
She moved to continue washing his body.
"I care not for the opinions of others." Sesshomaru stared off at the small flickering flames that kept him and On'Na out of darkness.
"Than the upcoming council shouldn't plague you so," On'Na said, finishing with her duty.
She slowly poured a bucket of warm water over Sesshomarus's head so he could rinse himself.
When Sesshomaru stood, he was handed a yukata robe immediately and thanked her.
She stood close to his wet form and helped to adjust the sticking fabric from his body. Her fingers curling and moving on his chest as she tried to help him dress.
Sesshomaru said nothing to her, their moment of silence more than comforting for both
Just as Sesshomaru made his way to leave, On'Na stopped him with her words.
"I'd follow you no matter the verdict. No matter these changes. You are and will always be my choice. If a thousand years I must wait, so be it." On'Na said to his back as he refused to acknowledge her.
Sesshomaru continued on his way. Upon his exit of the bathhouse, his sensitive hearing picked up the sounds of clashing metal.
Sesshomaru followed the clashing sound that grew louder. He knew who'd he find at the end of the path he walked.
Relieving the stone pillar from his father's relentless strikes, Sesshomaru began a routine training with his lord father for an hour.
"Depriving yourself of rest will not bring mother back. Nor will it make you stronger." Sesshomaru spoke as he and his father clashed swords.
"Who says I'm avoiding rest?!" Tōga spoke through a harsh grunt and giant swing of his sword. "As I recall, this training is for YOU! NOT I!" Tōga struck Sesshomarus blade the Tōkijin, with his mighty blade, Tessaiga.
"If there were any truth to your words, then you would not be disarmed so easily." Sesshomaru gave one harsh swing with his Tokijin knocking Tessaiga from his father's hand. "My father, my general. Would never be so easily outmatched." Sesshomaru sheathed his sword.
He could see the needless want his father had to keep fighting to bring them back. To go to war with the world to have them returned. Sesshomaru, however, had no such delusions.
They were gone, and that was that. His mother and sister were not the only ones who were lost in battle. The weak die, and the strong live. It is as simple as that.
"You think I need my weapon to defeat you?!" Tōga lunged at Sesshomaru madly.
It was an easy attack to dodge. Sesshomaru barely moved from the way tripping his father. "Pathetic." Sesshomaru said under his breath as Tōga fell face-first into hard earth.
He walked away from the shameful sight before him. In truth, Sesshomaru could not see his father in such a way. He still idolized him. His father was known as one of the most outstanding demons of all time.
It is Sesshomarus's destiny to become greater; this, however, this was nothing of greatness. This was pathetic and sad.
Sesshomaru would not watch it any longer. His form slowly fading from Tōgas sight.
Tōga remained bent in dirt, fisting the ground. The pain and sting of tears threatening to fall once again burning at his eyes.
How could this have happened!? How could they not have known?! Known! Atsukau! He should've known! His blade!
Tōga knew his father had council with him prior to their departure!
His eyes burned red with anger! He was all but ready to charge when brought out of his feral state by the calling of his name.
"Tōga! You will cease this insolent behavior. I will have word with you now!" Rōken spoke angrily.
Tōga calmed his raging form and began his walk to his father, his Alpha.
"You did not mate the lady Inukimi. You lied to the pack." Rōken growled lowly.
Tōga and Rōken made way to his private chambers, where they can speak without interruption.
"Atsukau, did you not seek his blades council before our departure?" Tōga refused to answer until they were safe away from prying ears.
"You dare accuse an elder!? Your betrayal is being questioned! Not his! You can blame none for your foolishness!" Rōken growled angrily.
Tōga slid open his father's chamber doors forcefully and stormed in. He kept his back turned unanswering.
Rōken closed his doors using only his demonic energy. His mokomoko slithered around his body, removing his armors and extra layers of silk.
Rōken, once in his sleeping yukata only, took a seat on a stack of furs on his tatami floor. His eyes told Tōga to seat himself as well.
Tōga sat, crossing his legs. He huffed a few times trying to calm his angry heart.
"My actions are not that of treason. Atsukau, on the other hand-" Tōga was silenced by Rōkens palm slamming to the ground.
"ENOUGH! I will not sit here and allow you to make fool of me! Your actions are that of selfishness! My grandpup, my heir! He stands to be thrown from this pack due to illegitimacy! And you dare speak of your actions not being of treacherous nature! Why!? She was the perfect mate Tōga!?" Rōken yelled angrily, growling.
Tōga lowered his head in shame. He couldn't admit this truth, and now he could not escape it.
Worse his only child could be exiled from the pack for his wrongdoing.
"She was unsure." Tōgas heart tightened. How could he blame the dead? How can he be so cowardly?
"You dare insult the dead by lying! Have you no self-respect!? NO PRIDE!" Rōken growled again.
"My words are not entirely false. Lie, it was not only she who was unsure. I to, had doubts. It was arranged, and we knew not how long we'd tolerate the other." Tōga spoke with more truth.
"Inukimi would have voiced her concerns with me," Rōken spoke in angered tones quietly.
"Lie. She would never complain about such trivial matters. Inukimi had many responsibilities to the pack. She'd never have refused or complained on her duty." Tōga spoke more broken.
His heart ached as he recalled their mating night. The words and promises shared. He loved her truly; she was kind to some degree, and her beauty completely unmatched.
She was strong, vigilant, and wise. She was loved by all in the western pack dearly. He simply could not bind his soul to a woman he loved out of obligation.
When Inukimi agreed and remained by his side for the next hundred years, he thought it would change. He believed that the birth of his second child would change his decision.
It was too late, however. Now she was gone. Along with any chances he had at finding true love. Tōga knew his heart would remain closed for all eternity.
"A council will be held first thing in the morning. I expect you to behave as my beta! Or so help me, Tōga, I will gut you in front of our entire pack!" Rōken waved his son away.
Tōga was about to question his Alpha on the matter of the actual traitor when he was silenced before even speaking.
"I will not hear anymore of your wild accusations. Is this understood?" Rōken said as he stood to get in his bed.
Tōga said nothing as he tucked his legs beneath him. He bowed to his alpha respectfully and then quickly shot up on his feet.
He walked out of the room with a clenched fist. Upon hearing the loud snap of the shoji door behind him, his footsteps came to a halt.
Where would he go? How could sleep ever find him? He was distraught and in pain.
Tōga took to the skies. He looked back at his lifelong home before disappearing into the night.
Forgive me, my son.
Council meeting that next morning
"Your father still hasn't shown up? How terribly humiliating." Migite said boredly, staring at his claws.
"Migite!" Hidarite threatened the uninterested demon to be more respectful.
"What? It's only the truth. He lies to the pack then hides like a coward? Some mighty general he turned out to be." Migite yawned and stretched out. "Hey! Maybe now lpha will further you in rank! You'll be a much better general! If you aren't voted into exile, that is?" Migite said, scratching the side of his head confusedly.
"Manners escape you along with common sense. Of course, killing perfection will not be voted into exile. You know you have my vote always, brother." Hidarite offered the slight bow of his head.
Sesshomaru acknowledged neither of his most trusted friends. He kept calm and stoic as always.
Once Sesshomaru was called forward, Hidarite and Migite squeezed his shoulders assuringly and silently, taking their place in the crowd of dog demons waiting for judgment to be passed.
Sesshomaru stood tall and proud. He would not allow the whispers and silent judgment being passed to cloud what he knew to be true.
Wrinkled fingers dug into a stone throne. Muffled coughs were coming out uncontrollably as he swallowed anger too quickly.
Once the great demon was again able to compose himself, he stared down at his pup.
Yes, his. His young pup that he'd claim and forever claim. Pride made his heart swell. He did not doubt that the pack he's been undefeated Alpha of for the past 100,000 years would take his side in keeping his magnificent grandson.
His thoughts were interrupted as his oldest ally spoke.
"We shall begin this council now. Our Beta has made a decision not to justify himself. He, however, being of legitimate birth and chosen beta by our Alpha, is not on trial here. We try today a pup that has no birthrite. At the time of his coming, he was granted waiver in the assumption of true blood. Light has now been shed in such a situation. Sesshomaru! You can not prove that you are a son of Tōga, grandpup of our Alpha Rōken no akuma. All your claims and titles currently reside with the eastern tribe. You shall be held accountable for their treachery. You are now a prisoner of the western dog tribe." The old dog demon spoke loudly.
Rōken could not disagree. His heart ached at the sight of his grandpup cuffed by his brothers of war.
Migite and Hidarite angrily snatched the cuffs from the two guards that approached their friend. They decided it be best if they were the ones to carry out such a humiliating task.
Sesshomaru held out his wrist respectfully. Hidarite struggled. Migite clasped the cuff quickly. His breath was heavy and uneasy. Hidarite soon followed swiftly behind.
They both gave Sesshomaru a look of apology. They took their leave quietly, standing by On'Na who's claws dug into the wall as she watched and listened to the outrageous accusations they made against Sesshomaru.
"Tōga, our beta, and general to our army, lives while his supposed mate remains one with the afterlife. Your markings and talents bear more likeliness to that of the late Inukimi than to that of our beta. Your clan attempted an execution against our Alpha. You now shall suffer the same consequence." Atsukau spoke loudly for all to hear.
He jested for the guards to hold Sesshomaru down by force and spear point.
On'Na panicked. Her heart raced, and before she could rush out to Sesshomaru's side, Hidarite and Migite held her back by her arms.
"Do not insult him," Hidarite said quietly.
"Honestly, darling, what good would it do now? He hasn't been tried yet. Let's see what happens." Migite said boredly.
On'Na pulled her arms free, crossing them. She only nodded and continued to watch.
Sesshomaru complied with all that was asked of him. He kneeled into the dusty ground and rose his chin so a spearhead can decapitate him at a moment's notice.
Still stoic stone, Sesshomaru awaited his opportunity to speak.
"My Alpha Rōken. I vote that he be exterminated immediately." Atsukau spoke smugly.
Three other elders agreed, leaving only Rōken to object.
"There is no one in command to vote against such actions...I am, of course, outvoted. Only should there be an objection by the pack should your life remain your own Sesshomaru..." Rōken held back his emotion to the best of his ability.
Staring at his pup, only 100 years of this world, with the threat of having his life taken before he's even lived it. Rōken desperately sought his pack to speak up without words.
His heart beating rapidly in fear that all were too afraid to speak against the elders as they should be.
"I object, my Alpha! You can not take his life on such pathetic lies!" On'Na jumped and landed beside Sesshomaru.
She kneeled to the ground her respect for her Alpha and continued to speak.
"Sesshomaru has always done right by the pack! He was on our side when the elders were attacked! If not for he, you'd all be dead!" On'Na shouted out.
Rōken felt relief instantly. He was able to rest back into his throne, knowing now the argument can be made to save his young pup.
"You have no place to speak. You speak falsely for all you know. Were you there on the battlefield On'Na?" Atsukau stated, silencing any hope Rōken had to save his grandpup.
"No, she was not," Hidarite spoke, landing in front of his friend.
"But we were. And we were attacked by the East and saved by the ever-loyal killing perfection. He spared no mercy on the eastern vermin, I shall add. It was most beautiful, watching so much crimson fly all around." Migite said with a smug smile.
Rōken could swear he near death with his unstable heartbeats. His nerves shot from the stress of this cursed morning; he breathed out, finally relaxing.
"There are now four who object to the exile. Sesshomaru, you may now state your case. You will be heard, and proper judgment will be made." Rōken motioned for the guards to allow Sesshomaru to stand.
Sesshomaru focused his mind on his senses. He took in the smells, the sounds, and the feeling of the earth beneath his boots.
He opened his eyes and silently acknowledged his three friends.
"I have no need to defend myself. You may presume as you wish. I, Sesshomaru, can not prove anything you ask of me. Any who are brave enough to take me on are welcomed to the challenge." Sesshomaru said plainly.
On'Na silently cursed him. For once, in his stubborn existence, he could have shown desire to live.
Rōken could feel the contractions starting in his heart yet again. Why did his grandpup, have to be so prideful? Then again, he wouldn't be the pup he was so proud of if he wasn't.
"My Alpha, the traitor challenges our pack and gives no testament of his own. He should be exiled immediately." Atsukau spoke, with his audience agreeing.
Just before Rōken could acknowledge his council's concerns and speak his own ruling, a thunderous type voice called from the skies.
"You have no place to speak about traitors! If it is my bloodline, you aim to end, then so be it!" Tōga flew down quickly, snatching up Sesshomaru by his neck.
Sesshomaru's face bore the expression of shock as he was presented to the claws of Atsukau.
"I warn you now, if you leave one of us breathing for a moment after your strike, your life will end," Tōga growled out.
Sesshomaru became angered as to how easily his father used and embarrassed him.
Atsukau was silent with fear and hesitation. He wanted ever so badly to end the bloodline he held so much envy for.
His mind kept going to the thought that angered him. What if? What if his strike isn't life-ending? What if he dodged?
He now also had to find a way out of Rōken believing such a horrible accusation.
"You speak of matters that hold no truth. I have no intention to extinguish the blood of my Alpha. You, however, you lied to the pack of this pup's origin. For all, we know he set the clan up to be attacked!" Atsukau raised his hand to take Sesshomaru's life.
"ENOUGH!" Rōken rose, and all trembled.
All but Sesshomaru. His form bent over like some sort of bitch. Rōken could no longer bear it.
"Tōga! You are my heir, my beta, and my greatest disappointment. I understand that you are objecting to the exile of the pup we raised as Sesshomaru, killing perfection and trusted assassin to the western dog tribe. I do not believe that Inukimi took any other to her bed. If she had, however, I'd applaud the demon who provided such outstanding seed to produce such a mighty warrior." Rōken rested his hand on the back of Sesshomarus's head.
"Rise, young pup." Rōken could feel relief touch his old worried heart upon seeing his grandpup by his side and alright.
"From this day forward, you will no longer be known as the possible bastard of our beta. You are now my pup, heir, and responsibility. I claim you as my blood and flesh." Rōken licked Sesshomaru with his long canine tongue from his neck to his head.
Sesshomaru submitted to his Alpha bearing his neck to him.
"My Alpha, there is still the matter of our beta betraying his pack," Atsukau spoke lowly.
"I care not for his betrayals. Sesshomaru. As you are now mine, you will train and study to my every whim. I currently train three of our soldiers. You are aware of who I speak?" Rōken asked his grandpup.
"Yes." Sesshomaru said plainly.
He had no quarrel with what his grandfather had done. It had actually brightened Sesshomarus mood.
He had always been much closer to his grandfather than to that of his father.
"Good. You will duel them now. All three. This shall be your awaited coming of age ceremony! BEGIN!" Rōken commanded loudly, bringing relief to the friends of his grandpup.
Sesshomaru bowed to his grandfather and jumped back down to the arena below, landing gracefully; he had his back turned uninterested.
The three soldiers approached with their egos high in the air. "This is a duel to the death." One smiled. "It'll be quick and painless young one." The other flexed his claws. "All this commotion to save his life? Just to have us take it away? What a pity?" The last drew their sword.
Sesshomaru kept his back turned and his eyes closed. He again focused on the scents and sounds around him. Something didn't feel right.
There was something out of place, something that's changed since the beginning of this council. What it could have been, he was unsure. He had full awareness of everything happening miles away until his father offered him up like a bitch.
Sesshomaru breathed out through his nose. He would have to do some investigating.
Three blades were lunged at his head which he effortlessly dodged by dropping to the ground. He used his poisonous claws to gut out the first soldier who attacked him.
Pulling his hand free, he began dodging each strike the other two gave. Sesshomaru's mind playing back on the lessons of his father when he was young.
(Flashback starts)
Young small and barely to his father's knee, Sesshomaru wailed and cried.
"Crying will not make your training go by quicker, my pup." Tōga smiled warmly.
"I don't want to be tied up! I can't fight like this! You'll win!" Sesshomaru cried.
"It is not about winning Sesshomaru. It is about surviving and learning the land around you. Use your feet to scope out foes that can trip you; use your whole body to keep you from a meaningless death. Now dodge." Tōga striked at Sesshomaru.
His cries never let up as his father constantly knocked him down.
(Flashback ending)
Sesshomaru dipped, dodged, and slid around with ease as he refamiliarized himself with his surrounding.
The first slip-up of one of these soldiers would be their undoing. Sesshomaru took advantage of an opening to one cleaving his head clean off his shoulders.
Sesshomaru didn't care to draw out the torture of his victims. He didn't care for needless battle or death. If they were of an inconvenience to him, he'd remove them. Simple.
Sesshomaru stopped immediately! A sword about to split his face. He caught it with two clawed fingers and began melting away the metal.
He then used his poisonous whip to end the last of the soldier's life.
He turned to his grandfather, face filled with concern.
"Alpha. During my trial, I continued my duty in surveillance. Tensiega. It's been removed from our stronghold. I believe whoever took it set up the ambush with the intent of taking mothers life. I couldn't make sense at the time why such a mighty weapon wouldn't be used against you at first strike. Instead, they cleaved open a pregnant, weaponless woman. I assumed it to be their fear or lack of skill. Now I know this was all set up for I to be tried and Tensiega to be taken." Sesshomaru spoke easily.
The pack all gasped in fear, and the two guards of Tensiega ran to check on the treasure.
Rōken, along with the rest of the elders, flashed immediately in orbs of light to see for themselves if Sesshomarus words were valid.
To no surprise to Sesshomaru, Tensiega indeed had gone missing. The guards having no explanation as to how.
"Alpha! There is no way he could have known without being the one who planned this all to happen!" One elder accused.
"Sesshomaru is my grandpup. I gave him the surveillance duty because I taught him how to keep watch over the pack and our stronghold. I do not doubt him. What you said was true, Sesshomaru. Whoever did this knew of my love for you. They used my worry and fear that I'd have to take your life to their advantage. I loss track of what's happened in this stronghold since late in the night." Rōken admitted.
"There was nothing amiss all evening. Only around the time that On'Na spoke upon my behalf did everything change. I, however, lost track myself when father appeared." Sesshomaru spoke all truth. His head lowering in shame.
"Forgive me, grandfather. I have failed you today." Sesshomaru kneeled in disappointment.
"You are capable of no such thing. Had you not been able to complete your duties, I would have never known, and the snake would get away with it. At least now we know to begin tracking. I am proud of you, my pup." Rōken placed his hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder, bringing him to stand.
Sesshomaru only nodded his thanks and understanding.
Tōga glared at Atsukau. He'd find a way to prove his treachery.
The pack elders all grouped to scent anything out of place.
Sesshomaru took his leave with Tōga to begin patrolling.
"You are not focused on the task at hand." Sesshomaru said, turning down a secret tunnel.
Tōga raised his brow in question.
"It was a member of our pack. It's why no scent is out of place. However, the strong stench of death covers their own. Meaning the thief was revived with Tensiega then stole it while it still bared Tensiegas scent." Sesshomaru pointed down a small crawl space. There were marks of hands scraping and knees sliding.
"Than tracking would be pointless. We must wait for their next move." Tōga stood and stared off into the darkness.
A/N: Hope you guys like this! I'm really excited for it! Please leave me a review!! Let me know about any misspelled words or grammar issues. I am working really hard not to have any lol