CHAPTER 2
The sky was a sick pink, the clouds heavy with rain. The air was full of static, and oppressive. A perfect climate, considering today was the day Diaozuan was leaving. His father had sent the dragon carriage, and it would be there in just in a few hours.
Diaozuan was packing. He didn't enjoy it one bit. He was used to going to war and packing for a few days. But what were you supposed to bring for something like this? Perhaps it'd be more productive to just pack like he always did, and assume most everything else would be taken care of once he got there.
Sesshomaru was in a meeting, like usual. Inuyasha even had a little time to himself, since Ame and the rest of the litter had finally started a few lessons. Reading, writing, the like. About the only thing that was sex-specific in regards to Ame's education was a little less swordfighting than the boys. She'd need her tongue more than she'd need her sword, if Sesshomaru's reign went the way he planned.
As Inuyasha wandered the halls, contemplating jumping the wall and going for a run, he saw Diaozuan. He was not surprised to see the fox packing- he'd more or less gotten a head's up from Sesshomaru soon after he'd shaken off the fever.
Inuyasha knocked on the door frame with a few knuckles, "Oi." And the fox turned, tilting his head a bit.
"Yes?"
Inuyasha sort of cleared his throat. How exactly, was he supposed to say goodbye? What the hell was his relationship with the fox, anyway? Without him, Inuyasha might very well be in a human village with Inukezi. Watching as others raised his precious Ame and Katsu, and being able to do nothing about it.
They'd raised their children together, side by side. And he hoped that when Diaozuan returned, they would continue to do so.
He owed the fox a great debt. The fox tilted his head a bit further, waving his hand as if to say '…and?'
Inuyasha blurted, " Well, I just wanted to say good luck with everything. You know. And that you get there safe." And then stood internally screaming. That's it, you dumbass? He's leaving for a year, and that's all your oatmeal brain could come up with?
The fox's seven black tails flicked on the floor, and a look of amusement crossed his face as he continued to pack. " Shall I give you another try at that goodbye now? Or, would you prefer to come back later?" He hummed, his voice low and deep and full of laughter, though of course he was too noble to actually start chuckling. It left slight goosebumps on Inuyasha's arms, and he huffed.
"No! That's it! Take it and be grateful!" He growled, crossing his arms and tucking them in under the fire-rat robe, tossing his hair a bit.
The fox closed the distance between them quietly, almost starting the hanyou. It wasn't nice that such a large man could move so silently. It was just like Sesshmaru. Inuyasha startled just a bit, recovered quickly, and gave a little growl when he felt something on his face.
A hand.
Diaozuan's hand.
His tails were arched all around the hanyou, delicately, thick black tendrils. Not touching him, sort of… cupping the air around him.
Yellow eyes widened. What the hell was happening? He went to move his head, but-
Lips. Oh, fuck, Diaozuan was kissing him.
Soft enough for him to jerk back, if he wanted to. But-
But-
Hmm.
His eyes were lidding, and- and he was kissing back. Just a little. Top lip, then bottom. Just a tad. No harm done.
His heart was racing.
Would Sesshomaru be mad? He didn't think so, considering how many times Diaozuan had thrown the idea of a threesome around. Inuyasha was always the first one to throw the idea in the trash, not Sesshomaru.
The kiss ended and Inuyasha stood in shock. Half-wanting to run him through with his blade. Half-wanting to lean back in for more.
Welp. He should've probably concentrated a bit more on these feelings, too.
Trapped in the infinite caverns of glittering purple and pink jewels that made up Diaozuan's eyes.
And all of the sudden, he understood exactly why Sesshomaru hadn't been able to push the fox out of his life, as he'd done with so many others.
"I think that's a much better goodbye, don't you?" The fox whispered, one side of his lips a tad higher than the other. A smirk. He was smirking. Inuyasha's face went red and his mouth opened,but for once, he seemed speechless.
And that was how Diaozuan left him, going to check in with Wumei and the kits back at the nursery.
Leaving a very confused hanyou in a glittering hallway of polished floors and carved ceilings.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Shippou sighed.
Something was wrong.
His time in this little group was ending.
He was inside his usual hut with Miroku and Sango. Inuyasha's girlfriend was there as well. The fire in the center of the hut was flickering softly, and created strange little shadows that crawled in comforting waves along the walls.
Shippou felt along his tail. The soft brownish red fur. His hands then moved to his feet. The way they were furred and jointed the same way a fox's hind legs would be. Human knees on top, but digitigrade on the bottom. Cool little pink pads. Tiny claws. Closing his eyes, he remembered his parents, and their soft nuzzles and licks.
He recognized the changes in his body. His eye color was changing, he'd seen it himself in his own reflection. Form the soft blue that nearly all Yokai mammals were born with to a grey. And soon, a mature yellow, just like Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. The pupils were beginning to slit slightly, as well.
It wouldn't be long, now.
He would have to leave them.
His eyes filled with tears as he looked at his human companions. His family, or so he'd thought. But it was becoming more and more obvious that he didn't belong here.
The taller he became, the more leery the other villagers were of him. They didn't like his tail, or his ears, or the fact that he was just so much stronger than the other children of his age.
Miroku's daughters were growing up too. It seemed like every day they were getting taller and … well.
He didn't want to be here to see them all grow old, and pass away.
Kaede even, was on her last legs. He didn't want to see it. He didn't want to see her go into the ground and then get joined my Miroku and Sango and everyone he loved. At least if he left, then… then he could pretend that they were all still alive somewhere.
He wiped the tears from his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. Maybe… maybe he needed to go, now. It was spring after all. He could hunt all summer, build some kind of shelter. He could do it !
And if all else failed, he could go find Inuyasha.
Shippou clambered to his feet. It was a surprisingly warm night. He grabbed an extra blanket, and slipped quietly out of the reed-woven door.
Following the moonlight, which to him, was as bright as the sun.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
It was time.
After a brief discussion, Sesshomaru and Diaozuan decided it'd be best to keep Toshi at the Foo-Dog Palace. He understood why Diaozuan's father wanted him at the Fox Palace, but it was simply too dangerous. If something disastrous occurred and the foxes were wiped out, if Toshi stayed at least there would still be an heir to the Fox Tribe lands and fortunes.
Insurance, so to speak.
Finally, the two-headed dragon carriage pulled up on front of Sesshomaru's quarters. Four dragons, to be exact. Two a slightly blueish-green shade, and the other two soft earthy browns that reminded him of his own dragon.
Sesshomaru lived inside the inner court, but in a rather humble abode. He'd grown fond of it during his stay at the Palace, preferred it to the overly-extravagant quarters in the palace. It was about two stories tall: the roof was black, and the lines of the roof were triangular, the edges tilted slightly upwards. At the base were strong, thick pillars, the same red as the Palace walls. Ah-Un called out from the stables, and a few of the dragon's called back in interest, one of them sounding particularly flirtatious. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. Perhaps it was time he found his dragon a mate as well.
It wasn't long before Diazuan emerged with the kits, one per arm. All the other babies were gathered to wish him off… Inukezi, Ame, Katsu, and Toshi. The Foo-Dog pups were barely holding it together, but Toshi was visibly distraught, hugging his tail to his chest and biting his lip. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru stood among them, patting heads and petting tails here and there in comfort.
Diaozuan went to Sesshomaru first, pressing a longer kiss than usual to the Daiyokai's lips and earning a warning growl from Sesshomaru. The Lord of the West then bent to say goodbye to his sweet fox kits- a little albino, and a one black as night, with opalescent markings.
The fox murmured, "Goodbye my beloved. I will take good care of Aki and Daiki ."
He assured, and probably said a few more things as well in private, for Inuyasha could see Sesshomaru's pale ears flush a bright red and his eyes become narrow and slightly watery. Diaozuan then turned to Inuyasha and the hanyou waved him off nervously, " Yeah yeah, yeah, just go already. Ugh. I hate long goodbyes." Inuyasha snarled, and Diaozuan smiled a little. He then picked up Toshi.
"Shh, shh. It's okay. You be strong for me, okay? I'll be back before you know it." He said , but the little kit just clung tighter. Of the three, he was the most kind, most gentle… and, most vulnerable. Soon Inuyasha had to gently peel him off, and the kit tucked himself to the hanyou's chest instead. He sighed, and Diao pressed a kiss to Toshi's hair, tucking it behind the shell of his ear.
Katsu suddenly interrupted, " We-we don't want you to go, Diaozuan! Stay!" and the others quickly swarmed the fox. " I cant, little ones. I just can't." He murmured. He said a quiet, secret goodbye to each one, leaving them with a tender hug or affectionate head rub. Sometimes both.
Toshi was heavy in his arms as the carriage pulled away, and he could feel the hot wetness of tears. But he said nothing. He and Sesshomaru shared a pained glance when the carriage turned the corner, and brought the children back inside, closing the cloth-screen door behind them.
The panels letting in lonely squares of light.
They let the children rest for a while before sending them off. Sesshomaru, pairing off with Ame and Katsu. Inuyasha pairing off with Toshi and Inukezi. When the tutors asked why the parents were there, both made simple excuses. It was better off that the exact date of Diaozuan's departure was vague, though of course some had probably seen him go.
It was a tough day, for all of them.
When it was finally time for bed, the pups couldn't sleep. After about three or four tries, Inuyasha became haggard and frustrated, while Sesshomaru's patience was worn dangerously thin.
The crescent moon throbbed on the back of his neck, and across Sesshomaru's pale forehead.
Hey.
Inuyasha sent tentatively, unsure how to tread with Sesshomaru. After all this time, he sometimes felt farther from the Daiyokai than ever.
They're not going to bed.
I know. I have an idea. How about we-?
Inuyasha sent a picture of what he was thinking. There was a pause on Sesshomaru's end. And then a quiet, I suppose it's worth trying.
The two Foo- Dog's carried their young into the living quarters. Yanking out all the blankets and pillows and stacking them in the middle, forming a kind of nest. A mess of patterns and colors, none matching. Both were too tired to care. The pups crawled around, sleepy but curious as to this new sleeping arrangement. Ame tugged at Sesshomaru's shoulder, her golden eyes wide and rimmed with tired purple.
"Sesshy, how come we're in here?" He scooped her into his lap, leaning back against the low table and stretching his legs a bit. His sword clanking a bit at his side. It was one of the few times he wasn't wearing his armor, and Ame seemed to enjoy that.
"We're all going to sleep together tonight. Now, who would like to hear a story?"
"Me." Said Katsu, his tiny face scrunched with seriousness. Ame and Toshi chirped an agreement as well, and Inuyasha arranged them just so, making sure each had a pillow and blanket. The moonlight made stripes across their faces, bringing out the glowing quality of the stripes on their faces.
Sesshomaru lifted his arm, rolling his kimono sleeve up to the shoulder. High up on his arm, just below the bicep was a tiny line. Almost as if he'd been injured there before.
Inuyasha blinked in surprise, giving Sesshomaru a look.
" Did you know, my arm used to end right here? All I had was this part. A little stump." Sesshomaru said quietly, and Ame and the litter gasped in surprise. A few crawled closer to touch the scar, while a few more hung back.
"I wasn't so kind, when I was in my younger years-"
"Understatement of the year." Inuyasha huffed, and Sesshomaru shot him a glare before continuing.
"Before all of you. I wanted my father's sword desperately, and I was willing to do anything to get it. Even harm someone who… perhaps, did not deserve it." Sesshomaru began.
And through the night, he told the litter the whole story. Inuyasha was surprised that Sesshomaru kept it so accurate, only taking out a few especially gory scenes as not to frighten them too much.
His eyes were a level, fetid yellow, framed by a froth of white lashes.
Hour by hour, the litter dropped off to sleep to the sound of Sesshomaru's soothing, low voice. It was like a river… over rocks, the occasional splash of a fish or gurgle of a tide… But overall, smooth and low. And when he was around them, there was a softness to his voice that Inuyasha rarely detected when he was at his meetings. Or heck, about half the time Sesshomaru talked to Inuyasha, or anyone else. No, those notes of warmth and calm were reserved for his children only.
Inuyasha's ears went up when Sesshomaru suddenly stopped. He blinked wearily and looked around, his own eyes full of the soft confusion that came from exhaustion. Then, he noticed it too. None of the litter was awake anymore.
Katsu was sprawled out on his tummy like he usually slept, quiet as a mouse. Ame was leaned against Sesshomaru, her swath of beautiful silver hair flowing over his arm like a glittering cloth. Toshi was tucked in the curve of Inuyasha's legs, his black tail twitching occasionally. And Inukezi was asleep under the table, a single pillow shoved between him and the cool floor.
Sesshomaru gave a subtle expression... A slight purse of the lips and raising of the brows, like he was a little impressed that Inuyasha's plan had actually worked.
Why did you tell them the truth? You could've embellished it.
Inuyasha said through their connection, and Sesshomaru was faintly amused, answering at a whisper, "I thought you preferred not to converse with me through our bond, Inuyasha." The hanyou had previously told him off for it, after all.
"I-"Inuyasha began, his hair poofing up in anger, sitting up just a bit and starting to snarl. But a few whimpers and whines from the pups forced him to calm down, unless of course he wanted to wake them up all over again.
I was just surprised, all right. That you didn't make it look like we always got along, or something.
Sesshomaru blinked slowly, and sighed, shifting just a little in the pale moonlight.
Its important they understand how I used to be, because many Yokai are still that way, and worse. Would you lie about how the humans treated you, as a hanyou, to make them feel better?
Inuyasha flinched, a bit. Remembering the cruelty of the humans, rocks thrown, evil names. And of course, the cruelty of Sesshomaru and the other demons like him, glaring down at him from their high horses.
No. I guess it'd just weird remembering that because thing's are so different now.
Golden pools turned to meet his own, narrow and glittering in the moonlight. It was completely unfair, how he seemed so put together even when at the point of total exhaustion. Hell, even the damn circles under his eyes seemed only accent those haunting eyes.
I would venture to say it is progress, is it not?
Inuyasha waved a sleepy hand, trying to imitate Sesshomaru's voice jokingly, If you were the way you were back then, I don't think you'd consider it progress. You'd be all, 'Oh, revolting, I can't believe I'm treating a hanyou with decency, I'd better just put his head on a stake outside the Eastern Gate instead'
Sesshomaru raised a slim brow, but there was a hint of amusement on his own face.
Your impressions of me are most flattering.
Inuyasha dropped the act after a few silent chuckles and said, I'm just- I'm agreeing with you. Its… progress. This is the first time I've ever felt safe this long.
He admitted, and Sesshomaru looked over at him in surprise. But Inuyasha's eyes were already closed.
All right, I'm out.
The hanyou muttered before letting his head drop. Going into a deep and heavy sleep. Sesshomaru was wound too far to sleep. Instead, he dozed and watched the glittering stars until they were tucked behind the tender golden light that signaled the sunrise.
A faint knock on the door was heard.
Sesshomaru was up in a flash, Ame still cradled in one of his arms. Somehow, he managed to keep her almost totally still despite the quick and violent change in position.
Tiao-Wen startled a bit when the Lord appeared so quickly. His brown tail, with a white stripe down the middle, fluffed slightly. Beside him was a runner servant- clearly having just run from the Palace to Sesshomaru's home, as he was still a little out of breath.
"My Lord-"
Sesshomaru bared his teeth and indicated the guard's voice, pointing to Ame, who stirred faintly and gave a soft whine at the noise.
Tiao-Wen, If you wake her, I'll have to kill you.
Sesshomaru mouthed, and the guard nodded. He continued in the smallest of whispers, "The Rat Demon of the East wants to speak with you this morning. She asked to move her appointment to seven o clock."
Sesshomaru glanced at the sun in dismay. Not long to get ready and presentable, not long at all.
"Eight. I'll meet her in the purple room at eight. Keep her occupied with breakfast in the meantime. And see if you can get that Tiger Demon Tribe representative in there with her." They were gossipy, and would probably keep each other in good company until he arrived. Especially if they were well fed and catered to. Sesshomaru didn't much like entertaining her- she was self-centered, and her appointments often ran overtime. But she was one of the four main Zodiac that ruled their lands, and so he had to give her the time and respect her position earned. The breakdown of the four main rulers was thus- the Rat of the East, the Tiger of the North, the Dragon of the South, and of course Sesshomaru, the Lord of the West. Within each of these territories were the other, lesser Yokai zodiac houses, such as boar and sheep.
It was also the reason he'd had to endure Ryuu's presence.
Tiao-Wen gave the palace servant a nod, who quickly ran back to the main palace. Sesshomaru turned and handed Ame off to Inuyasha, propping her up against his arm and side. Managing not to wake either of them. Their lessons weren't until the afternoon today, and Sesshomaru was sure that Tiao-Wen would keep them on schedule until he returned. He snuck into the bathroom to wash his face and comb his hair, yanking it into a ponytail and shoving a few glittering ebony hairpins through his silver locks. They each had a long, golden chain that ended in glittering pink pearls. The Rat of the East loved pomp, and though Sesshomaru disliked it, it was best for him to show off for her at least a little.
As he passed Inuyasha, his expression softened a bit. Inuyasha slept like he always did- leaning against something, and with a hand on his sword. Yet this time he seemed much more peaceful. It was a cute scene, him there with the children spread around him.
The Lord of the West leaned into Tiao-Wen, muttering in the guard's ear, "Be sure to wake Wumei early to assist Inuyasha. He is going to need additional support until I return."
And then, Sesshomaru was off.
Luckily, he had just enough time to slip into a different set of robes before making his final entrance. These were dark and rich- black, with patterns of cranes along the sleeves, gold-embroidered. The Rat of the East and her companion, a stand- in for the Tiger, both stood and dipped their chins in a slight bow when Sesshomaru entered. He returned the gesture and then sat at the cushion opposite them, letting blood tea be poured for himself before saying softly,
"Now, what did you want to discuss, Kokoro?" letting his gaze settle on her. She was a bit past her prime, but her wits were unfortunately as sharp as ever. Two soft, grey ears stretched from her head, pulling forward or back depending on her attention. She was quite layered- Sesshomaru could see probably six or seven different layers of purples and violets in her ensemble. He was grateful that he no longer had his female form- the dressing ordeal had been most annoying.
"Two subjects, actually-" She said cheerfully. Her eyes were bright, and had that strange black coloring that all rats had.
"First, that I do hope you'll start taking proposals of marriage for Katsu and Ame, and I do hope to be one of the top contenders, seeing as we have quite the abundance of wealth in our family. And second, I was hoping to get your opinion on some human warlords who are causing trouble in our region."
Sesshomaru blinked. Marriage. Right. That was a tradition among many of them, to marry for political gain. He'd hope to avoid that subject for a little while longer, but apparently not. Good lord, the oldest was barely five, and they were already slavering to get him married off.
"Kokoro, I will take your proposals. But do understand that there will be no agreement between either party until my pups have given consent of their own free will and volition." Sesshomaru said firmly. Like him, he had no doubt that proposals would be filling up more parchment than trees when the pups came of a marrying age. But unlike Inukimi, he was not going to make that decision for them.
Kokoro looked amused, and surprised. " Oh? Hm. Well, I suppose that's one way to do it. I don't know if I'd trust your pup's judgment as equal to your own, my Lord. But, when that time does come, be sure to remember that I was one of the first to bring it up. I'll give the details to your servants later."
"Mm." Sesshomaru thought of Inuyasha. It was for the best he hadn't attended this particular meeting… he could well imagine the hanyou's reaction. You WHAT? MARRIAGE? You stay the hell away from my pups you disgusting old hag! You can take your proposals and shove em!
The thought made his eyes crinkle slightly with amusement.
"Oh, and those warlords!" She remembered, making a rather dramatic guesture with one hand. " Always fighting ! The daimyo know no peace. My poor ox and rabbit Yokai villages are getting invaded nearly every moon! I'm about ready to wipe those human villages to the ground myself." She gritted her first a bit. " But you know, that's the thing about those damn humans. There's so many of them… I thought perhaps, I'd discuss with you the best way to get rid of them. After all, you keep none in the Palace, only the hanyou's, and you never seem to have trouble with the warlords."
Her companion, a female tiger, curled her striped tail around one leg nervously and said nothing. Clearly a little overwhelmed being so close to the Lord of the West. Sesshomaru found it rather amusing, since she was nearly as tall as he was.
He then paused. It was much easier to keep control of who came in and out when there were only four gates to keep track of. Outside the palace, he pretty much let the humans do as they pleased. Her lands weren't like that, though. Yokai and human mingled and came and went.
" Have you tried meeting with any of them?" Sesshomaru asked, curiously.
Kokoro seemed flabbergasted. " Wha-meet? With a human? I could never lower myself to that. They're filthy, weak creatures. They probably wouldn't even give me an audience, just shoot me full of arrows the moment I appeared on the front doorstep."
Sesshomaru mused, " They are. But some have been receptive to me when I've sent them letters. It gives me a way to deal with them in the way they understand, without being overwhelmed by my presence. Occasionally it succeeds, and you could hardly be faulted for the attempt before levelling their populations." She could do it, too. Though her army was not as massive as others, she had a network of rat yokai that spread far and wide, allowing her to draw in support as needed.
"They are also very receptive to wealth." He added, as her eyes seemed to dart to the table, clearly thinking it over, her lips pursed and her hand holding the joint of one of her arms. "You can take care of them without ever needing to appear. It would save you a great effort, and many yokai lives."
Sesshomaru sipped his tea, and waited for her answer. Giving a small nod, she seemed to cheer up just a little. "Well. As long as the others don't know- you won't tell, will you? That awful Inukimi was always telling everyone about our meetings, it was so embarrassing-"
His eyes were calm little lakes of honey as he assured her, " Not a word."
Ugh, finally got to updating this. Sorry for the long wait!
Guest- uhh, here you go a two years later I guess xD
Smiles- Don't worry, he won't be gone all that long. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha just need a little alone time is all.
WolfsVine-Aww, thank you ! I hope its just as good, we'll see xD Sorry for the long wait. I basically had a huge writer's block over how to get over the incest thing, but I think I got something figured out.
Reyshia- Thanks ! I hope you enjoyed this one, too.
Kari-Thanks ! I think its kinda fun to plan out the demon world and how it integrates with the feudal era. And I wanted Sesshomaru and the other demons to have their own system, rather than just be wandering demons like Naraku xD
Sherryfanfic-Well, uh, now you know the answer to that question, lol. I've been debating that a bit myself, but I'm not going to tell you because spoilers and all of that. And as for Diao's brother… umm, lets just say that there is an important tie in there. I also had to change the pups around a bit because I was starting to get a bit confused( and also, I wanted to leave room for some, ahem, growth). So its just two pretty fox pups now, off with their daddy to the Fox Palace. As for the humangirl, she's not being manipulated by anyone… yet, lol. And Ryuu has quite a few feelings about the pair. He hates them, but is also attracted to their power and influence. One of those Gollum sort of things.
Kinkycrazy-Awe, thanks. You all make me blush.
Mz. Kimi- Well, uh… better late than never? Eheh…