Special treat here. This chapter is twice as long as usual. I just couldn't
seem to stop writing. Enjoy.
Chapter 52- The Inu Clans
Hedo led his Pack through the foothills of his territory, towards the Sacred Mountain. His Mate, Moromi, walked at his side, silent as she watched for danger. Nine others walked with him. They were quiet, ever watching for danger like his Mate. They were some of his most powerful warriors.
When Sesshomaru had called a council at the meeting place of Old, Hedo who did not usually attend such conferences, could not help but be guided by his curiosity to attend. His suspicions had proven positive, and Sesshomaru was indeed up to something.
"What is it you want of us?" asked Ishigaki, Leader of the Mountain Inuyoukai.
"There is a War coming," Sesshomaru began to explain. "Between Mortals and Immortals. My younger half-brother," collected gasps could be heard throughout the crowd that had assembled, "has been thrown into the middle of it." Sesshomaru could see the shocked faces on many of the Inuyoukai but decided to continue. "His pups are at risk. I am here to ask if any of you might stand by his side in this war." Sesshomaru finished, looking up and meeting the eyes of many of the Pack Leaders.
"Forgive me," began Ishigaki, "But I was under the impression that you bear no affection to young Lord Inuyasha."
Sesshomaru sighed inwardly before continuing. "It is true that in the past I have regarded my young brother with hostility. I have even tried to kill him and his companions on three separate occasions-"
"They why do you wish for us to help him?" interrupted Hedo.
"I have come to understand my brother," Sesshomaru replied. "And why father left him Tetsusaiga."
More gasps could be heard. "Your father left the hanyou the Tetsusaiga?" Yae, Leader of the Woodland Inuyoukai, asked.
"Yes. And Inuyasha has mastered it. He has defeated me in battle and kept his Pack alive despite the constant attacks by Naraku."
A low growl could be heard echoing off the stones on which they stood. Naraku was an enemy to all.
"So you wish us to help him?" Ishigaki asked for confirmation.
Sesshomaru did not reply immediately, much to everyone's surprise. The Demon Lord of the Western Lands had kept his face emotionless, much like he use to before Inuyasha performed the cursed spell. Sesshomaru had to pause and regain the pieces of his mask that had begun to disperse. When he was sure he could answer, Sesshomaru looked towards Ishigaki.
"I wish for you to decide whether or not to help one of your own. If Inuyasha and his Pack lose this battle, his pups will lose their souls to a very despicable Kami. I will be fighting by his side. This is not just his War. Think what will happen once Inuyasha is defeated. Do you really believe that the Kami will stop at just Inuyasha? This affects everyone, not just him."
"Are you saying the Kami will come for us?" asked Yae.
"I am saying that this Kami comes for more than any of us are aware."
"And where did you get this information, Sesshomaru-sama?" asked the eldest of the Inuyoukai, Haebari.
Sesshomaru covered up his surprise from hearing the elder youkai speak and quickly and turned to the said youkai. "From an Ancient called Chiyo."
Haebari looked astonished, his eyebrows twitching just slightly before the old youkai regained what little composure he had lost. "And how did you come across such an Ancient?"
Sesshomaru studied Haebari closely before replying. "She has offered Inuyasha help to defeat the Kami Shuri."
Haebari nodded, his face pensive, before he fell silent and Sesshomaru turned to answer the next question.
"Who is this Ancient?" asked Ishigaki.
"A very old and powerful youkai. You do not need to know anymore to make your decision."
"How many warriors do you need, Lord Sesshomaru?" came a new voice. Sesshomaru turned to regard Kyoda. Kyoda was one of the numerous daughters of Haebari and mate to the Leader of the River Inuyoukai. She was one of the only females allowed to attend the Clan Meetings.
"As many as can be spared."
Sesshomaru studied the faces of the Inuyoukai around him before speaking again. "I have said all you need to hear. If you decided to fight come to me at the Sacred Mountain that lies at my northern border."
With that the Demon Lord of the Western Lands departed from the area, heading north. Hedo watched until the silhouette figure disappeared in the darkness before looking towards the fire that lightly outlined the faces of his companions. Haebari had risen and stood before the Clans. It was a rare sight indeed to see Haebari address the council, and when one did one took Haebari's words to heart.
"I believe everyone should fight the forthcoming War," he simply stated and waited for the questions to come.
Ishigaki was the first to speak. "Is it because of this 'Ancient youkai' we've all heard so much about?"
Haebari smiled before replying. "Chiyo-sama is the oldest living youkai in existence. Not only that, but she is Inuyoukai." Haebari did not mention she was hanyou. "She is the daughter of the first of our race."
"That's impossible," protested Yae.
"It is impossible if one is truly alive," said Haebari. "You heard Lord Sesshomaru speak of the Kami taking the souls of Lord Inuyasha's pups. What that Kami plans to do to those pups was done to her when she was a pup herself."
"So you believe we should fight this War simply because this Ancient is helping the hanyou?" asked Yae.
Haebari shook his head sadly. "I believe we should fight this War because one of our own is threatened. Despite the facts that many of you hate Lord Inuyasha's human blood, you cannot deny that he is the late Lord Inutashio's son. He is one of our own, as is his pups."
Haebari bowed slighting and took his seat. No one spoke as they stood to leave. Hedo was the last to depart, glancing at the dying embers of the fire before disappearing into the darkness.
Moromi watched her Mate closely as they approached the Sacred Mountain. He was deep in thought and his face showed an expression so rarely seen. "Mate, do not think too hard. You might sprain something," she said teasingly, breaking Hedo's train of thought.
Hedo glared at Moromi before huffing and sticking his nose into the air. "I suppose you would know, Mate."
Hedo barely noticed the others following him were falling behind so as to give him and his Mate privacy as they argued, even if a few laughs surfaced.
"If that is the case it is only because you are rubbing off on me," Moromi replied, smiling sweetly.
Hedo growled and jumped to pounce on her, but Moromi easily evaded him and sprinted up ahead, laughing as she went.
He moved to attempt another skirmish when she smiled and put her hand up to halt him. "Too late, Hedo my Mate. We have arrived at our destination."
^_^
Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Kouga and Miroku were all in the library. The original topic of discussion had been the uses of weapons but the subject had evolved to the best type of sake, Miroku's doing, no doubt.
"I still prefer it warm," repeated Miroku. "I do not have to pause in drinking it so much as I would a chilled drink."
"I take the opportunity of chilled sake when I come across it," argued Kouga. "Warm sake is much too common."
"I prefer the whiskey the Dutch traders bring," said Sesshomaru. "It takes a great deal to intoxicate a youkai and sake is not strong enough unless taken in large amounts."
"I've never heard of this whiskey," replied Kouga.
"It doesn't come here anymore," sighed Sesshomaru. "The humans have stopped trading with other countries."
Inuyasha opened his mouth to add to the conversation when Kagome and Sango walked into the room, followed closely by Machiko.
"I leave you for five minutes," Kagome began, placing her hands on her hips, "And you start discussing sake."
Sango smiled when Miroku gave a helpless shrug. "How much of the conversation did you catch?" Miroku asked Kagome helplessly.
"Everything after you preferring sake warm."
"Good," replied Inuyasha, relieved.
Kagome opened her mouth to ask him what he meant by that comment but Machiko spoke before her.
"A youkai by the name of Hedo is at the spirit shield and awaits you Lord Sesshomaru," she said.
Sesshomaru nodded and stood, coming to his feet in a fluid movement. "Inuyasha, you and your Mate may wish to accompany me to meet our allies," the Inuyoukai said, walking towards the door.
Inuyasha nodded and took Kagome's hand before following after Sesshomaru.
Kagome counted eleven Inuyoukai when they approached the spirit shield. Only one of them was female.
"Hedo-San," greeted Sesshomaru, nodding towards the Inuyoukai. "I am honored that you have decided to fight with us."
"I have to say you were most convincing Lord Sesshomaru," Hedo replied before looking towards the two Inuhanyous that stood beside Sesshomaru. "You are Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yes. And you are Hedo?"
Hedo smiled and imitated the hanyou's nod. "This is my Mate Moromi."
Inuyasha nodded towards the female Inuyoukai before introducing his own Mate. "This is Kagome."
Hedo was surprised for a moment to discover that Inuyasha's Mate was also an Inuhanyou. "An Inuhanyou?"
Kagome nodded before proceeding to explain. "I was born human. My youkai blood is a result of The Sharing of Blood and mating Inuyasha."
Hedo nodded and tried to contain his curiosity. "Fascinating."
Moromi shook her head at her Mate's behavior before speaking. "Excuse him. He's been acting strangely all morning."
Hedo snorted and muttered in a low voice, "You're one to talk about strange."
"I understand, Moromi-San," Kagome replied. "I deal with that from my Mate on a constant basis."
Inuyasha snorted before saying "Bitch."
Kagome eyed him and said sweetly "We've already discussed that fact Inuyasha and you know how that ended."
Moromi laughed at the couple good naturally. Maybe all male mates were supposed to act childish.
Kagome turned away from Inuyasha and back to Moromi. "Where are my manners? Please come in. The spirit shield shouldn't stop you if Sesshomaru invited you. I'm sure you don't want to stand around here all day."
"No," agreed Moromi. "And I am sure it is not good for a pregnant woman to stand around all day entertaining her guests."
Kagome smiled at Moromi's kind tone before waving them into the mountain and leading them towards the library. Kouga and Miroku had stopped talking about sake and Sango was leading the conversation on weaponry. Neither the ookami youkai nor the monk looked to be having much fun.
Hedo and Moromi were surprised to find two humans and an ookami youkai in a series conversation but from the scents they were picking up, it made perfect sense. "This is Kouga-kun, Miroku-sama and Sango-chan," Kagome introduced them. "Guys, this is Hedo-San and Moromi-San."
"I know of you, Kouga-San," said Hedo, regarding the ookami. "Your territory is in the mountains. You are far from home."
Kouga surmised Hedo before shrugging. "My Pack is safer here until the present danger has passed."
Hedo looked surprised at Kouga's reply and indeed he was. He expected the ookami to react harshly as most did when they encountered another race.
Kagome took a seat next to Sango and motioned for everyone to sit down. There were enough chairs to sit everyone, including Hedo's nine warriors.
Machiko entered before another conversation could begin followed by Shippou, Rin and Aiko.
Hedo, Moromi and the other new Inuyoukai watched in amazement as the kitsune leaped to Inuyasha's lap and leaned over to Kagome. The eyes widened even larger when Sesshomaru allowed Rin to sit in his lap. They did not take much notice of Aiko.
Machiko stood standing and placed the tray she had been carrying in the middle of the table and distributed plates.
When she was finished she stood back and spoke to everyone. "After lunch Aiko-chan can show you to your rooms. Chiyo-sama has asked that everyone to attend dinner with her in her cavern tonight." Machiko addressed Hedo and Moromi specifically. "Someone will be sent to your rooms to lead you to the cavern. Enjoy your stay with us."
Machiko departed and Miroku began another conversation about sake, asking Hedo for his opinions.
The conversation ended when Sango, Kagome and Moromi glared the males into silence. Miroku pouted like a child and folded his arms over his chest. "I'm never allowed to have any fun."
Chapter 52- The Inu Clans
Hedo led his Pack through the foothills of his territory, towards the Sacred Mountain. His Mate, Moromi, walked at his side, silent as she watched for danger. Nine others walked with him. They were quiet, ever watching for danger like his Mate. They were some of his most powerful warriors.
When Sesshomaru had called a council at the meeting place of Old, Hedo who did not usually attend such conferences, could not help but be guided by his curiosity to attend. His suspicions had proven positive, and Sesshomaru was indeed up to something.
"What is it you want of us?" asked Ishigaki, Leader of the Mountain Inuyoukai.
"There is a War coming," Sesshomaru began to explain. "Between Mortals and Immortals. My younger half-brother," collected gasps could be heard throughout the crowd that had assembled, "has been thrown into the middle of it." Sesshomaru could see the shocked faces on many of the Inuyoukai but decided to continue. "His pups are at risk. I am here to ask if any of you might stand by his side in this war." Sesshomaru finished, looking up and meeting the eyes of many of the Pack Leaders.
"Forgive me," began Ishigaki, "But I was under the impression that you bear no affection to young Lord Inuyasha."
Sesshomaru sighed inwardly before continuing. "It is true that in the past I have regarded my young brother with hostility. I have even tried to kill him and his companions on three separate occasions-"
"They why do you wish for us to help him?" interrupted Hedo.
"I have come to understand my brother," Sesshomaru replied. "And why father left him Tetsusaiga."
More gasps could be heard. "Your father left the hanyou the Tetsusaiga?" Yae, Leader of the Woodland Inuyoukai, asked.
"Yes. And Inuyasha has mastered it. He has defeated me in battle and kept his Pack alive despite the constant attacks by Naraku."
A low growl could be heard echoing off the stones on which they stood. Naraku was an enemy to all.
"So you wish us to help him?" Ishigaki asked for confirmation.
Sesshomaru did not reply immediately, much to everyone's surprise. The Demon Lord of the Western Lands had kept his face emotionless, much like he use to before Inuyasha performed the cursed spell. Sesshomaru had to pause and regain the pieces of his mask that had begun to disperse. When he was sure he could answer, Sesshomaru looked towards Ishigaki.
"I wish for you to decide whether or not to help one of your own. If Inuyasha and his Pack lose this battle, his pups will lose their souls to a very despicable Kami. I will be fighting by his side. This is not just his War. Think what will happen once Inuyasha is defeated. Do you really believe that the Kami will stop at just Inuyasha? This affects everyone, not just him."
"Are you saying the Kami will come for us?" asked Yae.
"I am saying that this Kami comes for more than any of us are aware."
"And where did you get this information, Sesshomaru-sama?" asked the eldest of the Inuyoukai, Haebari.
Sesshomaru covered up his surprise from hearing the elder youkai speak and quickly and turned to the said youkai. "From an Ancient called Chiyo."
Haebari looked astonished, his eyebrows twitching just slightly before the old youkai regained what little composure he had lost. "And how did you come across such an Ancient?"
Sesshomaru studied Haebari closely before replying. "She has offered Inuyasha help to defeat the Kami Shuri."
Haebari nodded, his face pensive, before he fell silent and Sesshomaru turned to answer the next question.
"Who is this Ancient?" asked Ishigaki.
"A very old and powerful youkai. You do not need to know anymore to make your decision."
"How many warriors do you need, Lord Sesshomaru?" came a new voice. Sesshomaru turned to regard Kyoda. Kyoda was one of the numerous daughters of Haebari and mate to the Leader of the River Inuyoukai. She was one of the only females allowed to attend the Clan Meetings.
"As many as can be spared."
Sesshomaru studied the faces of the Inuyoukai around him before speaking again. "I have said all you need to hear. If you decided to fight come to me at the Sacred Mountain that lies at my northern border."
With that the Demon Lord of the Western Lands departed from the area, heading north. Hedo watched until the silhouette figure disappeared in the darkness before looking towards the fire that lightly outlined the faces of his companions. Haebari had risen and stood before the Clans. It was a rare sight indeed to see Haebari address the council, and when one did one took Haebari's words to heart.
"I believe everyone should fight the forthcoming War," he simply stated and waited for the questions to come.
Ishigaki was the first to speak. "Is it because of this 'Ancient youkai' we've all heard so much about?"
Haebari smiled before replying. "Chiyo-sama is the oldest living youkai in existence. Not only that, but she is Inuyoukai." Haebari did not mention she was hanyou. "She is the daughter of the first of our race."
"That's impossible," protested Yae.
"It is impossible if one is truly alive," said Haebari. "You heard Lord Sesshomaru speak of the Kami taking the souls of Lord Inuyasha's pups. What that Kami plans to do to those pups was done to her when she was a pup herself."
"So you believe we should fight this War simply because this Ancient is helping the hanyou?" asked Yae.
Haebari shook his head sadly. "I believe we should fight this War because one of our own is threatened. Despite the facts that many of you hate Lord Inuyasha's human blood, you cannot deny that he is the late Lord Inutashio's son. He is one of our own, as is his pups."
Haebari bowed slighting and took his seat. No one spoke as they stood to leave. Hedo was the last to depart, glancing at the dying embers of the fire before disappearing into the darkness.
Moromi watched her Mate closely as they approached the Sacred Mountain. He was deep in thought and his face showed an expression so rarely seen. "Mate, do not think too hard. You might sprain something," she said teasingly, breaking Hedo's train of thought.
Hedo glared at Moromi before huffing and sticking his nose into the air. "I suppose you would know, Mate."
Hedo barely noticed the others following him were falling behind so as to give him and his Mate privacy as they argued, even if a few laughs surfaced.
"If that is the case it is only because you are rubbing off on me," Moromi replied, smiling sweetly.
Hedo growled and jumped to pounce on her, but Moromi easily evaded him and sprinted up ahead, laughing as she went.
He moved to attempt another skirmish when she smiled and put her hand up to halt him. "Too late, Hedo my Mate. We have arrived at our destination."
^_^
Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Kouga and Miroku were all in the library. The original topic of discussion had been the uses of weapons but the subject had evolved to the best type of sake, Miroku's doing, no doubt.
"I still prefer it warm," repeated Miroku. "I do not have to pause in drinking it so much as I would a chilled drink."
"I take the opportunity of chilled sake when I come across it," argued Kouga. "Warm sake is much too common."
"I prefer the whiskey the Dutch traders bring," said Sesshomaru. "It takes a great deal to intoxicate a youkai and sake is not strong enough unless taken in large amounts."
"I've never heard of this whiskey," replied Kouga.
"It doesn't come here anymore," sighed Sesshomaru. "The humans have stopped trading with other countries."
Inuyasha opened his mouth to add to the conversation when Kagome and Sango walked into the room, followed closely by Machiko.
"I leave you for five minutes," Kagome began, placing her hands on her hips, "And you start discussing sake."
Sango smiled when Miroku gave a helpless shrug. "How much of the conversation did you catch?" Miroku asked Kagome helplessly.
"Everything after you preferring sake warm."
"Good," replied Inuyasha, relieved.
Kagome opened her mouth to ask him what he meant by that comment but Machiko spoke before her.
"A youkai by the name of Hedo is at the spirit shield and awaits you Lord Sesshomaru," she said.
Sesshomaru nodded and stood, coming to his feet in a fluid movement. "Inuyasha, you and your Mate may wish to accompany me to meet our allies," the Inuyoukai said, walking towards the door.
Inuyasha nodded and took Kagome's hand before following after Sesshomaru.
Kagome counted eleven Inuyoukai when they approached the spirit shield. Only one of them was female.
"Hedo-San," greeted Sesshomaru, nodding towards the Inuyoukai. "I am honored that you have decided to fight with us."
"I have to say you were most convincing Lord Sesshomaru," Hedo replied before looking towards the two Inuhanyous that stood beside Sesshomaru. "You are Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yes. And you are Hedo?"
Hedo smiled and imitated the hanyou's nod. "This is my Mate Moromi."
Inuyasha nodded towards the female Inuyoukai before introducing his own Mate. "This is Kagome."
Hedo was surprised for a moment to discover that Inuyasha's Mate was also an Inuhanyou. "An Inuhanyou?"
Kagome nodded before proceeding to explain. "I was born human. My youkai blood is a result of The Sharing of Blood and mating Inuyasha."
Hedo nodded and tried to contain his curiosity. "Fascinating."
Moromi shook her head at her Mate's behavior before speaking. "Excuse him. He's been acting strangely all morning."
Hedo snorted and muttered in a low voice, "You're one to talk about strange."
"I understand, Moromi-San," Kagome replied. "I deal with that from my Mate on a constant basis."
Inuyasha snorted before saying "Bitch."
Kagome eyed him and said sweetly "We've already discussed that fact Inuyasha and you know how that ended."
Moromi laughed at the couple good naturally. Maybe all male mates were supposed to act childish.
Kagome turned away from Inuyasha and back to Moromi. "Where are my manners? Please come in. The spirit shield shouldn't stop you if Sesshomaru invited you. I'm sure you don't want to stand around here all day."
"No," agreed Moromi. "And I am sure it is not good for a pregnant woman to stand around all day entertaining her guests."
Kagome smiled at Moromi's kind tone before waving them into the mountain and leading them towards the library. Kouga and Miroku had stopped talking about sake and Sango was leading the conversation on weaponry. Neither the ookami youkai nor the monk looked to be having much fun.
Hedo and Moromi were surprised to find two humans and an ookami youkai in a series conversation but from the scents they were picking up, it made perfect sense. "This is Kouga-kun, Miroku-sama and Sango-chan," Kagome introduced them. "Guys, this is Hedo-San and Moromi-San."
"I know of you, Kouga-San," said Hedo, regarding the ookami. "Your territory is in the mountains. You are far from home."
Kouga surmised Hedo before shrugging. "My Pack is safer here until the present danger has passed."
Hedo looked surprised at Kouga's reply and indeed he was. He expected the ookami to react harshly as most did when they encountered another race.
Kagome took a seat next to Sango and motioned for everyone to sit down. There were enough chairs to sit everyone, including Hedo's nine warriors.
Machiko entered before another conversation could begin followed by Shippou, Rin and Aiko.
Hedo, Moromi and the other new Inuyoukai watched in amazement as the kitsune leaped to Inuyasha's lap and leaned over to Kagome. The eyes widened even larger when Sesshomaru allowed Rin to sit in his lap. They did not take much notice of Aiko.
Machiko stood standing and placed the tray she had been carrying in the middle of the table and distributed plates.
When she was finished she stood back and spoke to everyone. "After lunch Aiko-chan can show you to your rooms. Chiyo-sama has asked that everyone to attend dinner with her in her cavern tonight." Machiko addressed Hedo and Moromi specifically. "Someone will be sent to your rooms to lead you to the cavern. Enjoy your stay with us."
Machiko departed and Miroku began another conversation about sake, asking Hedo for his opinions.
The conversation ended when Sango, Kagome and Moromi glared the males into silence. Miroku pouted like a child and folded his arms over his chest. "I'm never allowed to have any fun."