Turned out, it was Yuki. The snake however, balked at the last minute- instead, offering only that Inuyasha's yokai didn't want to take the potion. Not mentioning why. The snake didn't mean to lie- but the look on the lord's face when he'd started getting close to the truth made his heart sink in his stomach.
Besides, the hanyou was still a hanyou. Carrying a yokai or even Daiyokai to term was going to be tough for Inuyasha- it was entirely possible that she might miscarry.
So the snake would monitor Inuyasha himself. And only if it looked like a successful pregnancy would he report it to his lord.
Sesshomaru was not convinced. He could sense Yuki wasn't telling him the whole truth and he didn't understand why. But for the moment he let it go- he trusted Yuki to have good reason for his evasiveness. Perhaps Inuyasha's yokai wanted to become pregnant.
Or perhaps…
She already is?
After all, the yokai sense these things well before we do-
No. He shoved the thought away. He didn't want to think about Inuyasha's reaction if she became with pup. Especially his pup- hell, she'd carry pretty much anyone else's pup better than his.
The Daiyokai did not want to be hated by her, not when they'd just begun healing. Nor did he want her to resent any pup that occupied her belly.
Sesshomaru knew what it was like to be unloved by your own mother; the one who had given you life in the first place. It had ground down his 'personality' to almost nothing. It had rendered him near-silent and emotionless for a large portion of his existence. Stunted and unable to grow as father had. But, with Diaozuan and Inuyasha, they'd… given him back his life.
And he did not wish that on any yokai. That's why he'd had her take the tea- so he didn't have to worry about it.
But now that he knew her yokai was refusing it, worry settled in his belly.
And yet.
As much as he hated to admit it, there was a tiny part of him that was curious. Excited even at the possibility of a pup, especially from the hanyou. Would it be a fourth human? Or would it be a true yokai?
He remembered how he'd felt carrying Katsu and Toshi. And most of all, he remembered how carrying the pup and kit had somehow solidified his bond with both of them. How their movements had reminded Sesshomaru of their fathers.
Katsu had been like Inuyasha from the start- his movements in her had always been sudden and spontaneous and strong. He'd sometimes kicked her so hard it nearly took her breath away.
And Toshi had been so like Diaozuan- his movements slow and graceful. Gentle. Yet every bit as powerful as Katsu.
Carrying their children had bonded Sesshomaru to both the fox and the hanyou in a way that he didn't even fully understand.
Sesshomaru shook his head to clear his mind of those thoughts.
Surely her yokai is wrong. Or simply wishing to become impregnated. I will just have to keep an eye on Inuyasha from now on.
Inuyasha's yokai had her bathing in lavender most nights to keep the scent secret from her mate. And it seemed to be working so far- every time Sesshomaru tried to pinpoint the scent the stink of lavender covered it so completely it left him sneezing.
But even she couldn't hide the other symptoms that came with carrying a pup.
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Sesshomaru ended up buckling, and agreed to let Inuyasha attend one of the meetings for a few minutes.
After about a half-hour's worth of a lecture on etiquette, Sesshomaru felt that she was as ready as she would be.
And of course, he gave himself a small pep talk as well. She was his mate, but no one needed to know that just yet. He needed to keep a lid on himself as much as her.
Inuyasha looked around the room in wonder. This time they were in the purple room – it was smaller and more intimate, as he was only meeting with four other representatives today. On the walls crawled purple dragons, silver cranes, and brilliantly drawn nature scenes. Inuyasha was in awe. The furniture was a deep cherry color, and the fabric of every piece matched the tones and patterns on the walls.
She felt as if she could spend all day simply admiring the walls. Who had done this magnificent art? She wanted to run her claws along the glimmering water, trace a wing of a bird so real she was sure it'd squalk and flutter away.
And then, her heart was struck with pain. For when the dragons came surely they would destroy this if they entered the Palace walls. That could not happen.
And then of course, she saw those attending. Each one decked out in layer upon layer of fancy clothes. The women with glittering jewelry in their hair and along their wrists.
And as always, she felt inadequate.
Sesshomaru had instructed her to put her hair up for the meeting; had even helped her comb it into a perfect high ponytail. Yet now, she felt as if she didn't even deserve his mark. Not in front of all these yokai.
He seemed to sense this and stayed shoulder-to-shoulder with her. She could feel the warmth of his arm.
You are my mate, Inuyasha. You have nothing to fear from them.
She almost shuddered as mixed emotions flooded her. Sesshomaru's mate. It sounded so completely foreign.
Will I ever feel worthy of any of this?
" This is my marked one, Lady Inuyasha. After Lord Gaku's interruption, I assume at least a few of you will be happy to confirm her existence. Inuyasha will be observing for a few minutes, as she was curious about the content of these meetings."
She nodded, and looked around. The yokai were quite surprised to see her- she was much smaller in this female form. Not only that, but quite striking. A beauty that rivaled Inukimi or perhaps, exceeded her.
Rich caramel skin. Clear, perfect yellow eyes. Those jagged, wild blue markings that advertised her sire.
"Um. Hello, everyone." She murmured, her gaze low and her ears set back tensely. Maybe this wasn't the best idea.
To Inuyasha's surprise, she was greeted warmly. Hands were shaken, and warm words exchanged. The males were immediately won over by her soft little voice, and the women were just relieved to see she still existed. And all yokai in the room were enchanted with her strangely feral beauty.
"Oh, it is so wonderful to finally see you again, Lady Inuyasha-"
"Lady Inuyasha, we are quite blessed to be in your presence. Tell me, are you well? Is life in the Palace treating you fairly?"
And of course, all were fascinated by the dog ears- for none had ever met a hanyou so perfectly formed. Most were deformed either physically or mentally- but the potency of Inu No Taisho's blood had kept Inuyasha safe from these side effects.
And on the back of her neck, Sesshomaru's pretty blue crest glinted. A gentle reminder not to fuck with her.
After introductions and side chatter were made, they sat. Inuyasha was on the lefthand side of Sesshomaru. Next to Inuyasha was a representative of the rat tribe. And to Sesshomaru's right, Emiko the tiger yokai. Her master was a little nervous to be in Sesshomaru's presence. And Sesshomaru much preferred the softer and more reasonable tones of Emiko so it seemed to work well for both of them.
"Emiko. You're the representative of the Tiger tribe this morning. What strategies do you suggest in regards of the food shortages among your lower-ranked zodiac tribes, and the North and Northeast in general?"
She tucked a black striped strand of hair behind her ear. Along her cheeks, stripes of black and orange went up into her hairline and glimmered there. "Well, I think-"
As she spoke, Inuyasha decided to take notes. She needed to do something, otherwise she'd start pacing or tapping like crazy. Her penmanship wasn't great but she'd be able to read it when this was over, and that was what mattered.
As she got out the brush and started to dip, her elbow bumped Sesshomaru's. Inuyasha blinked in surprise. The Daiyokai was writing down one or two things as well… with his left hand.
You're left-handed?
She asked, surprised. How the hell had she never noticed that before? Well, to be fair, she'd only really taken note of his strikes after his arm had been lobbed off. He'd definitely been right-handed after that.
It had never occurred to her that he'd originally been left-handed.
Sesshomaru paused as well and nodded.
Yes. Of course, now I'm a tad more ambidextrous.
I honestly never knew. Wow. Are you like, artsy? Isn't that how left handed people are? I mean, and obviously the devil's spawn, but I kinda knew that already.
She felt humor on Sesshomaru's end as he re-wetted his brush.
I never considered myself particularly artistically talented. He lifted the brush, indicating the wallpapers with a flick.
As an example, this room is mine, as are several other wallpapers within the Palace. Mother thought it was imperative I be trained in all arts, including fine painting.
Inuyasha almost gaped. Was he joking? She could spend forever in this room staring at the walls and never get bored. And this was coming from someone who needed to be moving always.
She paused then, and tensed. The rat tribe representative was ogling her and leaning uncomfortably close. She leaned back a bit, ears pinning and lip beginning to rise. Sesshomaru swallowed the urge to rip out the rat yokai's throat. Instead, he leaned between Inuyasha and the back of her chair, his face uncomfortably close to the rat yokai as he said dangerously, " Can I help you, Nobunaka?" his eyes narrowed.
The rat yokai squeaked, and scooted his chair back, shaking his head vigorously. " N-No my lord! I apologize!" He'd been so caught up in Inuyasha's beauty he'd near forgotten about the mark on her neck. Sure, Sesshomaru claimed it was only a familial bond… but his actions were in a rather grey area. He quickly scrambled and started taking notes.
Sesshomaru eased slowly back into his seat after he was sure the rat's eyes were firmly on his notes. Inuyasha huffed and settled herself. A weird feeling twisted in her stomach, having him defend her like that. Anger- for she could defend herself. But there was something else as well.
I feel…Grateful.
Inuyasha paused before saying inside Sesshomaru's head;
Thanks. You know I could've taken him though.
Sesshomaru paused and she sensed a smile in the corner of his lips.
Of course. But I'd prefer you not rip apart this room with your Wind Scar. Not to mention the rest of my guests.
You and your guests. God, I can't wait to get set loose on the battlefield in a few weeks. I am going to kick so much ass, even you'll be impressed.
You'll be like 'Oh Inuyasha, I wish I had a hundred hanyou's just like you!'.
She made sure to make Sesshomaru's voice extra girly. This time, a small smile did grace those perfect pink lips. Sesshomaru was quick to hide it behind his brush, pretending to bring it there in thought.
I sound nothing like that.
Inuyasha's ears folded contentedly and she watched the conversation flit from one yokai to another. Nothing how though they seemed comfortable occasionally interrupting each other, no one, ever interrupted the Lord of the West.
And for some reason that sent a tiny spark of pride in her chest.
They respect him so much. And for good reason.
Sure, half of it was probably fear but- a twinge of nausea made her ears flick uncertainly. She swallowed it down, raising a brow. Weird. Had she eaten something off? She'd had the same breakfast as she usually did…
And though he'd initially meant to send her off after five or ten minutes, Inuyasha managed to keep her cool throughout the whole meeting. Then again… perhaps having her here made it much harder to insult her. Either way, no one made even the slightest insult towards her and Sesshomaru was relieved. She also contributed a few insights to the conversation, having seen many human famines before.
A month passed.
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Toshi hadn't slept for the last two days.
He'd been staying in Sesshomaru's room, in his 'mother's arms, but eyes wide all through the night.
"Kittling. I'm going to give you some sleeping tea. But first, tell me what is keeping you awake." Sesshomaru murmured. He didn't like giving the kit any potions, but at this point he didn't have much choice. It was around three in the morning. And if the kit didn't get some sleep soon, he'd be incoherent during the battle.
Which wouldn't matter if things went well.
But it would matter if they did not go well.
The light was the palest shades of grey and blue. Barely glinting over the horizon. Toshi was a mess- dark circles under his eyes. Diaozuan's eyes- so beautiful, framed in those dark lashes.
He looked so like his father. His tail had grown too- about two feet long now, and quite fluffy. He wore a simple hakama pants and shirts like his brothers and sisters, and his hair was beginning to flop down into his eyes.
"I keep seeing the -the battle, Maru. Over and over, all different ways." He finally admitted, hiccupping miserably. His tiny hands balling in the collar of Sesshomaru's kimono. Sesshomaru rested his hand on the boy's back, rubbing circles to do his best to comfort him and sighing. Well.
The kit got quiet, then for a moment. " Something's wrong with me, isn't there. I don't wanna see this stuff. I don't wanna be like this."
It is time, isn't it.
"There is nothing wrong with you, Toshi- you are sight-blessed. You can see what happens in the future in your dreams. Good, and bad. Its not a very common gift." Sesshomaru murmured, smoothing Toshi's hair from his forehead and pressing a light kiss to the crescent mark that rested on his forehead. Sesshomaru's mark. He remembered how shocked he'd been the day Toshi had been born – to see his own mark on the little fox kit. But it suited him well.
"S-sight blessed?" He murmured, looking up in surprise before snuggling back down into Sesshomaru's arms. Thinking it over.
"Mm hmm. You have a gift. You have already helped me greatly. My voice is powerful enough to call for aid should we require it. You may have saved us all, little kittling." He murmured, meeting his son's scared gaze with affection.
"I know this must be frightening. But remember that you can use it to help our family. With time, you may even learn to control what you want to concentrate on and block out what you do not wish to see." Sesshomaru had been researching sight-blessed yokai when he had time, and found that as they matured, they were usually able to hone in on certain events or timeframes at will.
He seemed to consider this, and said very softly, "There's – one message that keeps repeating in my head, Sesshomaru. The silver dragon will come by midnight of the third day. I just keep hearing that over and over. I guess it must be a message for you."
"Of the third day." Sesshomaru pondered. Well. He wouldn't be surprised at all if the fight went on for three days or more. But why on earth would Ryuu delay his appearance?
Unless… he was busy on a different battlefront.
Golden eyes narrowed. So that was it. He'd hit the fox tribe first.
I must warn Diaozuan.
"Sess?" Purple eyes glanced upwards, then down. "How come I'm so sensitive? I worry all the time. I wanna be more like Katsu but I'm …weak."
Sesshomaru looked down at the kit in surprise, and then said firmly, " Kittling. You are not weak for having emotions like fear and worry for others."
Toshi looked up in surprise at the sternness of Sesshomaru's voice. His little eyes wide. Sesshomaru smoothed back some hair from his forehead and said quietly, " When I was a bit younger, I saw those emotions as nothing but weakness too. But overtime… I began to doubt myself, especially after meeting Rin."
He remembered her there. Lying in a pool of her own blood, mauled to death by wolves. And he remembered seeing the life coming back into those honey brown eyes as they looked up at him. Full of the trust and innocence that only children have.
" Originally, I was only interested in gaining power, and using that power to fight the most powerful demons on this earth. But as I got older, I began wondering- what exactly do I gain, if I do become the most powerful Daiyokai in existence?"
Sesshomaru sighed and ran a hand through his hair. " Of course the conclusion was one I was aware of... But ashamed by. For should I attain them, I would have naught but empty titles. The prize was my own ego. You see kit- these emotions are where growth occurs. When you fight or feel pain for someone else, you're being empathetic, merciful. True strength comes from the pain of connecting with others."
He pressed a kiss to the jet-black hair and then looked into those jeweled purple eyes.
" It is not weakness. It is potential for greatness. But do not to let it consume you. Okay?"
Toshi hiccuped, tears forming in his little eyes. He didn't know what to say- only that there were a lot of very strong emotions in very small body and that they were bubbling over. The fox scooted up in the sheets and wrapped his arms around Sesshomaru's neck, burying his face under the curtain of Sesshomaru's thick silver hair. And he could feel his little body trembling all over.
"Okay. Daddy-"
Sesshomaru wrapped him with both his arms, and tucked him close to his body.
"All will be well. I love you very much, Toshi." He murmured, rubbing those tiny shoulder blades and feeling the way Toshi's little hands were gripping along the material of his outfit.
My beautiful, sweet kit. How amazing it is that someone like this came from someone like me.
Sesshomaru thought quietly.
"I love you too daddy." He felt the kit whisper, those tiny arms hugging his neck. Sesshomaru was grateful that none of the kits seemed to have inherited his cruel, dis-associative nature. Then again… it was entirely possible that had just been a defense brought to the surface by his mothers' training and influence.
For though he took on that persona for work, the person he was around Inuyasha and Diaozuan seemed different.
Toshi drank the tea, and Sesshomaru tucked him into bed. It was easy enough- the sheets and blankets were easy to tuck under his little body until Toshi was like a little burrito. Perhaps he was getting a bit old for it now, but since he'd asked, Sesshomaru didn't mind it.
The Daiyokai sat quietly next to the fox kit. And just as he was drifting off to sleep he murmured,
" Maru?"
"Hm?" Sesshomaru's eyes were slightly glazed, a more honey golden than usual.
" We're gonna be together forever, aren't we?"
In the low light, the Daiyokai's shoulders tensed ever so slightly. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the part of that black hair, then nuzzled along the side of the kit's face. A low affectionate rumble-growl in the back of his throat.
"Forever is a long time kittling. Time has a way of changing things."
Toshi was confused- nevertheless, he nuzzled his father back. A combination of exhaustion and the sleeping tea taking hold of him and dipping him into unconsciousness before he had a chance to ask Sesshomaru what he meant.
The Daiyokai was so lost in his thoughts that when he shut the door to Toshi's room, he was actually startled to find Inuyasha walking down the hallway to greet him.
She was as radiant as ever- the jagged blue markings on her cheeks nearly black thanks to the low light, and her eyes a beautiful sunny golden. Warm and fiery.
" Is he finally asleep? I was… worried." She asked, her voice low as not to wake him up. Sesshomaru nodded, but his thoughts were far away. He looked a little pale, almost… shaken.
He reached out to her, hesitated in midair.
Then let his claw gently trace the mark on her left cheek. The blood of Inu No Taisho would not be enough. Inuyasha was still brought into the world via the body of a human woman. It was who she was, ingrained in her every last cell. Sesshomaru's mark had probably bought her a few more years but not enough.
Not enough.
I will have to bury you someday, Inuyasha. Just as my children will bury me.
There was a tremor in Sesshomaru's touch that Inuyasha had never felt before. She tried to reach out- he was blocking her, his barrier keeping her safe from his thoughts.
He'd always known that to be true. But the reminder of Inuyasha's mortality struck his heart with the accuracy and pain of any sword. His eyes searched Inuyasha's, and looked for an answer. Why was it that he was the one to bear this burden? Would the memories that they made be enough, when he had to leave flowers by her name?
Would he be able to enjoy the time they spent together, with the shadow of death above her?
But then… he already knew the answer to that as well.
The answer was-
The time we spend together is precious precisely because it is finite.
"Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha whispered, genuinely concerned. Sesshomaru looked frightened and hurt in a way that Inuyasha was totally confused by.
"Know that I love you. Though I may not declare it every moment." The Daiyokai whispered in such a small voice that Inuyasha's ears strained to hear it. She went to reach for him but he gently pulled away. He desperately wanted to grab her up, hold her, cry- but this was not the time, and this was not in his nature.
He left her there in the darkening hallways. Her ears back and her face utterly confused as the door to his rooms gently shut with a wooden hiss.
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The night before the fight, Sesshomaru gathered everyone in the throne room. It was one of the few places in the Palace that would fit all of the fighters. Apparently, it was traditional to eat a special meal together before the fight; and, to receive some words of encouragement from their Lord.
It was a little overwhelming, seeing so many crescent marks plastered everywhere.
The sign of Sesshomaru's house was carved into the iron and leather plates of the shoulders, as well as the sashimono- a tiny flag meant to clarify friend from enemy in the heat of battle. The types of armor varied depending on the individual. Most yokai had lighter, leather- bound armor and minimal metal in order to move freely. However, Sesshomaru's personal guard as well as the army were fully decked out. Strips of leather and iron-scaled armor hung glittering from the waist down, while chest plates shone brightly- freshly polished.
And everywhere was the electric blue crest of his house.
As always, Inuyasha felt underdressed. She'd grudgingly accepted a manju no wa; a piece of armor one wore underneath the set of outer armor. Just in case someone's knife or sword somehow managed to get around or under her fire rat robes. Under duress she'd also accepted a guruwa; a pretty collar that protected the neck from jawline to collarbone. It was beautifully crafted; stripes of iron scales that were overlaid with gold and tiger's eye.
She stood beside Sesshomaru who had just risen from his throne. It seemed more beautiful and terrible than ever: a huge black-and-gold thing, glistening from top to bottom with fresh oils.
Sesshomaru tapped the glass he was holding gently with a few claws to quiet down the room.
He was a little more decked out than usual as well- he too, had the crescent moon on his breast plate, and Inuyasha could see iron armor scales glittering on his wrists and near his collar.
The company of mismatched yokai, army men, and the occasional farmer rose as well. All plastered with the crest that also adorned the Daiyokai's forehead.
"Good evening. I am known to be a man of few words, and I think some of you are inebriated enough to appreciate this speech being rather short."
There was a round of applause as well as a few scattered laughs.
" Simply put- I am indebted to every soul in this room for your assistance with the dragon tribe forces. If all goes well, all the zodiac tribes will know better than to ever meet the likes of us in battle again. Especially the dragon tribe. Or rather, what will be left of it." He murmured, and his eyes were molten gold.
This was met by a few cheers around the room.
"I will see all of you on the other side. A toast- to death and victory." He raised his glass, and all the men in the crowd raised theirs in return.
All across the room the sentiment was repeated, " To death and victory!" before glasses were downed. Then, a plethora of servants set out a traditional pre-fight meal; full of meats and proteins to keep the yokai going during the battle.
Inuyasha received a plate as well. Hers was especially colorful: fitting for a marked one belonging to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru's plate was interesting as well: fish and meats of all kinds. Some with the scales still on. They were in patterns and colors that Inuyasha had never seen before: but then again, perhaps yokai fish had different patterns than the ones she was used to. And of course the hanyou couldn't help but start to tuck in immediately.
Sesshomaru looked over in amusement as Inuyasha paused, seeming to realize she probably should have waited for some signal before chowing down.
She swallowed as subtly as she could, "Uh-" and Sesshomaru's expression held muted amusement.
"You never needed my permission before. Go ahead." He murmured before cutting into his own meal, looking curiously at some of the seafood. He wondered how they'd managed that, considering they were so far from the ocean.
Well into the meal, while most of the other yokai were distracted, Sesshomaru got an idea. He waited for the perfect opportunity. And when he saw it he seized it immediately.
As Inuyasha finished up her second plate she felt an affectionate swipe of tongue on the fur of her ear. She froze for a moment, then turned very slowly towards him. Her face as red as the meat piled high on Sesshomaru's plate.
The Daiyokai was the picture of innocence. Cutting his meat and then taking a small polite bite before looking over at the hanyou with a curiosity that was almost sincere.
That was, until he smirked wickedly.
You!
Inuyasha kicked Sesshomaru under the table- or at least tried. They were sitting far too close together. He caught her leg deftly with his own, and used it to yank their thighs flush. This caused the hanyou to go an even better shade of red.
You said we were supposed to keep all this under wraps! Ass!
And you are the one who escalated it. Sesshomaru said calmly. To any onlooking yokai, Sesshomaru appeared perfectly normal, while Inuyasha seemed totally flustered about something.
I have told you near a hundred, no , a thousand times not to touch my-
Sesshomaru interrupted her with a simple, I do hope you know that your overreaction only encourages me.
Se sat there seething, knowing he was right. But getting a hold of her own reactions was not one of her strong points nor had it ever been.
I hate you. She said petulantly, her tone very childish. He glanced over at her with affection and very slowly, unwrapped his leg from hers. Her ears slowly lifting in surprise at being set free.
Keep telling yourself that Inuyasha.
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Inuyasha sat on top of the walls of the Foo-Dog Palace, her red fire rat robes ruffling slightly in the wind.
The armies had started closing in- they'd seen them yesterday, a sea of torches far off near the mountains. And every hour, the sea of yokai, horses, and torches grew closer. She could hear their voices, the twang of the string of a bow. Farther back , she could see the rectangular outline of the siege towers. By midnight they would be at the barrier. The barrier- the golden dome of protection, shimmered about thirty feet from the Palace walls.
The barrier was resistant to arrows, swords, and any yokai with the ability to teleport. Diaozuan's miasma was familiar to the yokai who ran the Palace, so he was allowed in and out without interference, as was Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and a few other select yokai. However the barrier was not indestructible: enough pressure from direct, repeated attacks could cause it to crack. That was where Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and all the other's came in.
Their main objective was to keep the barrier going. As long as they did that and wore the armies down, the pups and everyone else in the Palace would be safe.
Inuyasha glanced down. Sesshomaru's armies were gathered just behind the glittering Eastern Pheonix Gate. Once the word was given, the gate would drop, and the two armies would meet just beyond the barrier.
The Foo-Dogs had been pleasantly surprised by how many yokai had shown up to fight by their side. The Rat Demon of the East had sent a sizeable chunk to help out, as did the Tiger Demon of the North- perhaps to try and make up for his earlier transgressions.
Even Koga had shown up with a scrappy pack of about three hundred fighters- some in their human forms and some in their yokai forms. Inuyasha had been sure to stay well away from the damn wolf-his mere existence infuriated her beyond measure.
And more than that… he seemed charmed by her appearance as a female and couldn't stop teasing her.
Sesshomaru had called Diaozuan, but the fox Palace was being surrounded as well. Apparently the dragon planned on attacking both at exactly the same time to make sure to keep Sesshomaru and Diaozuan apart.
For now, the Foo-Dog and the fox had decided that they both needed to defend their own homes. But it was also understood that if anything went wrong, Diaozuan needed to teleport himself and the kits back to the Foo-Dog Palace immediately.
And yet.
Fear had struck her as sharp as an arrow over a completely different problem. Oh, she was afraid for the pups yes- for herself, for Sesshomaru. But at least this was something she could actively fight.
Her blood-cycle was about a week late. Three drops of blood- that was all there had been, and not any since.
If this is what I think it is, maybe I shouldn't be fighting.
But how could she possibly just sit back and watch? She'd die of embarrassment. This was her family. She wanted to be right there in the blood and gore beside Sesshomaru. Driving back these damn yokai until everyone knew never to attack this damn place ever again.
A few guards were walking the length of the wall as well. There were so many out there it made Inuyasha a little sick to her stomach. To know how many out there wanted their family dead. She wasn't afraid exactly… it was more like an intense anxiety. Once she was down there swinging Tetsaiga she knew her mind would sharpen and shed these dumb thoughts.
"Oi! Girl-pup! How's it goin'?"
Inuyasha snarled viciously at the scent of wolf.
Koga dropped down beside her. His long black tail wagging slightly, and his caramel skin shining in the low evening light. But…there was something different about his body language. He wasn't looking for a fight with her. Heck- he was giving her some room for once.
Her brow raised slightly. What was up with that?
Koga smirked, "Oho, not very friendly. What's wrong little pup? Ya scared of a little ol' army?"
"I ain't. Scared. You're the one who'll probably go running off after about five minutes of fighting, asshole." She spat. Her hair and fur rising slightly with agitation.
Koga waved a hand, " Nah. Sesshomaru'll be down there with us. I gotta make a good impression and all of that. Besides, my wolves will help with their horses." He stretched out beside her, earning another low growl from the hanyou and a short snort from the wolf.
"Awe, easy, pup. We're on the same side this time. Lighten up. Have you eaten? Sesshomaru wanted to make sure you had." He pulled out something wrapped in wax cloth and offered it to the hanyou.
Inuyasha grumbled something noncommittal and crossed her arms over her legs. "What are you, his messenger boy? Don't you got somewhere to be?"
"Not until they reach that barrier. Besides, I don't mind runnin' stuff for Sesshomaru's mate- I was on my way anyway. He's the alpha around here; best to stay on his good side, you know?" Koga said, so lightly that for a moment Inuyasha didn't catch the words as she took the little wax-cloth wrapped food. Sniffing curiously to see what was inside.
"Wait. What did you call me."
His tail gave a few twitches. "Oh. Sorry. Got a nose better than most in my pack. Get's me into trouble sometimes. Like, now, for instance." Koga added, dodging a swipe from the hanyou.
"Don't tell anyone about this, Koga. I mean it! I'll skin you alive!" She hissed. He caught her claws and clicked his tongue, "Damn, girl! Save it for those guys, not me. I ain't saying a word. Hell, I'm one of the guys who kept quiet about Sesshomaru's little dragon problem, you know?"
This caught her attention. She snatched her claws back to her sides, and he smoothed a stray hair back into his ponytail. "Eh?"
Koga waved a hand. "He came to visit my tribe a while ago to help me out. When he was sitting there I smelled a tinge of dragon in his blood. He ain't the son of Inu No Taisho. But then again… Seems like canines are the only ones with sniffers well enough to tell. Or maybe other yokai know but just don't give a damn." He then looked back out at the mass of torches. The light was fading now: their faces were fading into a seething mass of people.
"I think that might work in our favor though. They say only dragons can kill other dragons, so guess we'll see."
He popped back up to his feet, only to lean over at the waist, sniffing at her hair.
She got him this time- a mark of four of her claws on his left cheek. " Ah, damn girl. Faster than you look. " And she just growled in return. She felt more hostile towards him than normal, though she didn't know why. Perhaps because this female form was still just a tad weaker.
"Lavender, huh? What'cha hiding, hm?"
"Just shut up already." Truth is… I've just been following my yokai's orders. But now…
Both of them glanced out at the army once more. Inuyasha felt a cold rock in her stomach.
I will protect my babies. And I'll prove to everyone that a hanyou can fight as hard as any yokai.
"Have you ever been in a fight like this before?"
She murmured, glancing at the wolf yokai and watching the cuts on his cheek heal slowly. He suddenly seemed to age right before her eyes: bags appeared under his eyes, and his gaze a hard steel blue she'd never seen before.
"Oh yea. Everyone's always trying to kill off my tribe. That's why we're nomadic- hard to pin down. Can't kill off someone who has hiding places just about everywhere."
She paused. It was the first time she'd really considered Koga and his life. He'd kept his tribe safe all this time.
"And… how do you deal with this?"
He looked over at her. Scratched an ear, thinking of proper wording. His ponytail gave a glint of red from the setting sun as he finally muttered, "Ain't about dealing with it pup. Only way outta it is all the way through. Day by day. Till either they're dead or you are."
Her ears went down just a bit and she nodded, her own expression getting hard as well.
"Sorry. If you wanted an inspirational speech you shoulda gotten one from Sesshomaru."
She shook her head after a moment, and her eyes glinted like stones. " No, this is what I needed to hear." She took a few halfhearted bites of the bread, but it tasted like sand in her mouth. She just wanted to be down there already.
Her mind as clear and sharp as the sword in her hand as she dragged it through one body after another.
The clarity that came with fighting was something that she and perhaps, every yokai shared. Inuyasha folded the food back up and tucked it safely away deep in the red robes. It'd be good to keep food on her during the battle: she had absolutely no idea how long she'd be down there.
She and Inuyasha both paused, sniffed.
Ears giving a flick.
Sesshomaru landed as quietly as a cat between them, noting the smell of human food on Inuyasha's form. He gave Koga the slightest of nod of approval. The wind picked up his hair and lifted it from his shoulders in a glittering wave of moonlight. The wolf smirked, tail giving a low wag of appreciation at getting acknowledgement from the alpha.
Inuyasha watched the exchange with nervous fascination. The dog and the wolf… they scarcely needed words. Words were unnecessary, a waste of breath. Now that Koga knew his role the moment he entered Sesshomaru's territory the two were comfortable in each other's company.
Sesshomaru's eyes flicked down to the wolf-tribe masses, gathered at the very front gate. Then, back up at Koga. Eyebrows lifting just a little.
Ah. Want some alone time with your new mate eh?
Koga thought, gave a chuckle and gave little salute; two fingers off his left temple.
"Bye bye puppy. See if you can keep up with my body count, yeah?" before running down the side of the red wall and bouncing off. His pack greeting him with happy barks and the occasional low howl.
"How come he's the first one outta the gate? It doesn't make much sense." Inuyasha murmured, looking at the order of who was going first. Koga's forces, then the tigers. And finally, Sesshomaru's and the rat tribe forces bringing up the end.
"It will. Trust me." Sesshomaru assured. His nose wrinkling with anger and disgust at the enormous crowd below them. He had to admit, he did not expect forces of this size. They were already releasing clouds of toxic miasma; the blanket of grass and wildflowers that grew beyond the walls were wilting.
" Cant you just… you know. Yell at them to all go home?" Inuyasha joked as she got to her feet. And though her voice was confident the nervousness was obvious in the way her ears trembled, half-laid back in her hair.
"My voice cannot reach so many, of differing mental strength. I am, unfortunately, not omnipotent." Sesshomaru said mildly, his hand playing with the handle of Bakusaiga as his eyes swept over the crowd. He looked again at her, and his expression softened.
Never had Inuyasha faced something like this. Not even in the battle with Naraku- for powerful as he was, he was still one hanyou.
"Courage, Inuyasha. Courage for our family." He whispered, and she felt the warmness of his hand on the back of her neck. The smooth curve of his claws. It was a blessing: so warm, so comforting.
It smashed all her fear and indecisiveness with a single deadly embrace.
Sesshomaru.
She felt a tense sigh she didn't even know she was holding in leave her. When she was with him, she always had an innate feeling of him all around her… surrounded by something impossibly powerful and titanic. Ancient and terrible.
"Hold still a moment."
She blinked in surprise when she heard cloth tearing, then felt something being tied over her mouth and nose. A strip off Sesshomaru's sleeve to help protect her nose from the miasma.
"Don't you need one too?"
Sesshomaru snorted, shaking his head. Not yet. He paused and after a moment added,
Stay close to my side, Inuyasha. His words were a low cool river in her mind. We must protect each other.
The fact he'd worded it as them protecting each other, rather than him protecting her, was something she appreciated. It was quite the concession on his part to even imply he'd need protecting.
Even if deep down she knew it was a lie.
He didn't need her protection. That'd be a cold day in Hell.
Got it.
She unsheathed Tetsaiga and the fang glimmered terribly in the low light. A curve meant to rend flesh- in its former life, and in this one.
"Let's fuck these bastards up." She whispered. And her voice was as hard as the metal in her hand. Below, a dragon yokai on horseback lifted a hand in a closed fist. The forces came to a halt about ten feet from the barrier; horses neighing and pawing the ground. These were miasma-bred; resistant to the terrible fumes they were filling the valley with. Their hides were many strange shades of red and purple.
On every breastplate was branded the red claws of Ryuu, the Dragon Lord.
Sesshomaru touched bases briefly with Diaozuan. He was facing a similar army, at exactly the same time.
The only difference being that Ryuu was within Diaozuan's sight. For now, they had decided to play Ryuu's game- Diaozuan was to stay in the fox kingdom, and Sesshomaru was to stay at the Palace. Only if things started going sour would Diaozuan return to the Foo-Dog Palace.
Good luck, my beautiful one.
And you, Diaozuan. Do not dare to fail me. You, Inuyasha- you both must live. Sesshomaru whispered to his mate. So far away and facing the same sight. Yet he could feel the fox's presence burning right by his side.
Suddenly Inuyasha felt a strong wind. She looked up in surprise to see Sesshomaru's Foo-Dog form. Her entire body in the shadow of his left leg. Eyes great red pools, and inside each- those second pools of bright blue. He was so large that his paws had to be placed almost one in front of the other to fit atop the walkway of the Palace walls.
The wind rustled his silvery-white fur. The imprint of an invisible hand caressing his mane.
For a moment, there was a strange silence.
Then Sesshomaru's jaw opened. Upper and lower canines connected by strings of deadly shimmery saliva, and god, so many teeth. Pink tongue coiling like an angered snake.
And the sound that came from him was one Inuyasha would never forget.
It started as a low, proper howl: one that broke out the gooseflesh along Inuyasha's arms and the back of her neck. But it quickly grew in intensity and loudness until it seemed to shake the entire world.
Inuyasha felt it in the soles of her feet, her ribcage. Her heart began to painfully pound- panicked as a bird in a cage, driven simply by the pitch and intensity of the noise to know that the big, bad thing was coming and that she should be frightened, terribly so-
And ended in a terrible gristle-filled scream that left Inuyasha panting and in a cold sweat. When she looked down she could see the whites in nearly every soldier's eyes. A few had even stopped dead in their tracks, faces numb with horror. Many were straining at the reins as their horses stomped and reared in terror. A few riders were thrown into the dirt.
And then, the Golden Phoenix gate opened, its chains rattling lowly as it dropped the bridge over the moat.
Koga's forces came out, almost all of them in their wolf forms. They were running in that energy-conserving lope that all canines had. Most were brown or grey but Koga was obvious with his jet-black pelt. Their paws ripped long shavings in the wood with their claws. And all of the sudden Inuyasha understood why- about a half-second before it happened.
Sesshomaru transformed back, and started down the wall. Inuyasha quickly followed and together -
They leapt down right in front of the wolves.
And struck the first blow as one.
"Bakusaiga!"
"Wind Scar!"
The battle- known later as War of Pandemonium, began.
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EatEmUp: Yeah, sorry about that xd But don't worry, I have it all figured out and I think you'll like it. Well, at least I hope you do. That's' the best any author can hope for lol
No Fan of Kikyo- Of course Sesshomaru is big into her ! She's his mate now, though she may not be quite used to that yet haha~ And no, I'm trying to make sure that Sesshomaru isn't too OP. That just makes him boring and that's not what I'm going for. Anyways, hope that you liked the new chapter !