Holey Crap! I can't believe it's been so long since I last updated! I mean, geez, two freakin' months! It's really weird b/c I've had the notes for it writen up since like a week after I posted the last chapter, but it was only in the little note book I take with me on the bus, and I had to convert my thought and the jumbled dialog into something worth reading. But man, did I ever take me sweet time about it!

Ha -sheepish grin- if it makes you feel any better, I did go away for two weeks, and had no computer access at all (which was pure hell), and am still having a troublesome time with my better half (though that title is in serious question at the moment). -sigh-

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this new chapter, it introduces a part of the main plot (finally). This story is going to be a lot longer than I origionaly thought and it's getting pretty hard for me (at the moment anyway) to figure out how I'm going to take it where I want it to go. I think that was part of the reason why it took me so long to finally put this chapter together, but I made it a little longer than usual, so hopefully it'll make up for my slow progress.

Cheers!!

Chapter 12 - My Child of Prophecy

Inuyasha sat by the pair for the following two days. He waited with patience that the others hadn't known he possessed. He remained quiet and withdrawn, and completely focused - waiting for a sign that either was waking.

It wasn't until dawn of the third day that Sesshomaru came to.

Inuyasha sensed the taiyoukai's power resurface, and perked up from his half doze.

"I know you are awake, brother." He said, trying to conceal the hostility he felt.

Sesshomaru cracked an eyelid, "Hn." He sighed and gathered his strength then pushed himself into a sitting position, careful not to disturb the child at his side. He did not like being at a physical disadvantage in the presence of his weakling half brother, but he knew there were greater things at stake here then his pride.

"What happened to my daughter?" It was not a question.

For the first time in many years Sesshomaru felt a swell of respect for how his brother was conducting himself. He seemed controlled and focused, not letting his foolish human emotions cloud his judgement. So he ignored his indigence, and complied to the lower demon.

"She was attacked."

Inuyasha's eye twitched, "I gathered that."

"It was not I who attacked her."

Inuyasha let out a calming breath, and leaned forward, resting his elbows on Tetsusaiga (which lay across his crossed legs). The gesture was more one settling in for a long (and trying) conversation then a menacing one.

"I gathered that too."

Sesshomaru regarded the hanyou with what was close to surprise. A polished brow rose slightly. He was not expecting such intelligence this early in the conversation, he had expected to argue with the whelp on that point for sometime before Inuyasha would believe him. He was again impressed by this show of self-control.

"This Sesshomaru protected her."

"Why?"

"She is an innocent. I could not, in good conscience, leave her to such a fate. Will you accept that I felt it my duty to defend that of my blood."

Inuyasha snorted, his ire rising, "No, I will not. Being of your blood never caused you to race to my rescue. Cut the bullshit."

Sesshomaru sighed. A large part of his reasoning was, in fact, the truth, but he did not expect his brother to believe that. He did care greatly for the little one, as a father and mate he had learned the true value and meaning of family. But family obligation was not his only motivation. It was time he shared with Inuyasha the knowledge he had gained regarding the demon-miko at his side.

"She lost control of her demon blood."

"She's been close to that several times before, why the sudden interest?"

"This time it awakened her miko blood."

Inuyasha as struggling with his patience, "So?"

Sesshomaru sighed again, he should have known he would have to spell it out for the half-wit.

"What happens when miko powers meet youkai?"

"Purification." Inuyasha replied without missing a beat.

"Hn." Sesshomaru waited for it to sink in.

The hanyou's mouth dropped open slightly, realization flashing across his golden orbs.

The taiyoukai nodded. "If I had not absorbed the brunt of her power she would have purified herself."

Inuyasha sat at a loss for words.

"Not something you thought of when you mated that miko of yours, was it?" He couldn't help the jab, the consequences that followed his brother's actions often caused misfortune for others, and Inuyasha's selfishness was a constant source of bitter resentment for the taiyoukai.

Inuyasha growled, coming very close to losing reign on his control, but he only sent Sesshomaru a harrowing glare.

Sesshomaru decided to get back to the topic at hand. "Tell me, did the miko have a dangerous pregnancy?"

"Her name was Kagome," Inuyasha ground out, fighting a torrent of emotions. It was bad enough to be forced to sit and converse with his bastard brother, and to be worrying over his daughter's safety, but to bring up such loving and painful memories, and have to discuss them with such a heartless bastard who'd never given a damn about his life until now…

"Was the pregnancy dangerous?" Sesshomaru repeated, sensing the hanyou's mind was wondering.

"Yes," his voice was ragged, hoarse with emotions, and the taiyoukai felt an inkling of pity.

"Did you ever consider that Kagome-sama's miko purity as trying to rid her body of the demon presence?"

Inuyasha remained silent, but averted his eyes. The young couple had in fact not thought of that. He remembered all the times that Kagome had simply collapsed, and how weak she had been. She had remained weak and strained for the full six months she had been with child. Yes it had been a dangerous time for her. Inuyasha had lived in constant fear, knowing that a death caused by childbirth was the one danger he could not protect her from.

He shuddered, and replied softly. "No, she said it was because she was so young…and because of Naraku, because of the stress his disappearance created."

The demon regarded his brother, watching his realization and remorse, his fear and sadness. He completely emphasized, as a father and a mate he knew the heavy weight of such responsibilities.

"I am sure those things did not help her situation."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, not trusting this sudden agreeable attitude.

Seeing the hanyou's distrust Sesshomaru grew weary. He was still exhausted from his ordeal, and was eager to end the conversation, but he needed Inuyasha to listen with as little bias as possible. So he continued factually, foregoing attempts at civility and charity.

"Katin is in very real danger. She possesses power from both sides of the spectrum, both 'good' and 'evil'. Such power could be her demise. She must learn to balance both. She has reasonable control of her demon nature, hai?"

Inuyasha nodded, "She has been training with Sango."

The briefest gleam of sardonic humor flashed in the taiyoukai's eyes.

"The taijiya has trained her?"

"Hai."

He snorted in both disgust and mirth. "That is an irony."

Inuyasha was quickly losing interest in the direction the conversation was taking.

"Will you get to your point? Why the hell are you bothering with this? You never took an interest in my matters before, unless you had something to gain from it."

"It is Katin that interests me."

Inuyasha bristled, "Well forget it, there's no way in hell that I'm going to let you…"

Sesshomaru's tolerance was wearing thin. "'Let me', little brother? Do you honestly believe you have a say…"

Seeing as the discussion had taken a rather violent and dangerous turn, the eavesdropping Houshi decided it was time to make his presence known.

"Why didn't you bring this to our attention sooner, Sesshomaru-sama?" Miroku asked, leaving his spot leaning against the 'door frame'. He approached and sat next to Inuyasha, who gapped, outraged.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed dangerously, "You have no place in this conversation, human."

"Forgive me, Sesshomaru-sama, but I believe I do. I have helped to raise Katin. She is like a daughter to me. Anything that concerns her safety, concerns me."

Sesshomaru was about to object, but Inuyasha interjected - though he didn't sound too pleased to be doing it - "He's right, get on with it."

The taiyoukai was NOT pleased, but replied, tight-lipped, "Fine. Katin must learn to control her Miko powers. If she does not she will end up dead…or worse."

Neither of the other males liked the sound of that. An ominous shiver caressed Inuyasha's spine. They remained thoughtfully silent.

Then Miroku spoke up, "How is it you came to know such things?"

"I am not blind. I see what is in front of me. If you " - this was directed at Inuyasha - " had bothered to think beyond your nose, you would have seen it coming."

Seeing how Inuyasha was about to react Miroku placed a calming hand on the hanyou's shoulder.

"Why have you waited 12 years to bring this to our attention?"

Hating to comply to this human, Sesshomaru grudgingly admitted, "The problem was only a theory. There was no certainty she would possess either of her powers, and less that they would endanger her. It was unnecessary to raise an alarm before I knew for sure. After watching her, I am sure."

Inuyasha had had enough of being composed. "Why the fuck do you care?!" He burst out.

Sesshomaru smirked to himself, he knew the whelp couldn't hold his resolve though to the end, the inpatient baka.

"Let me put this in terms you will understand, halfling. Why was it that the Shikon Jewel was so sought after?"

"It's power."

"And why was it considered so powerful?"

This time Miroku answered, "Because of the fight between good and evil that went on inside, the balance could be shifted, granting the holder either great good or great evil."

The taiyoukai nodded, "Hai, and within Katin the same battle exists."

A suspicious thought entered the monk's mind; "Do you wish to utilize that power?"

Sesshomaru snorted in disgust; "I have no need for it."

"Then why the fuck are you interested?"

Miroku cringed at the hanyou's choice of words, if the baka didn't reign in his temper soon the consequences could be more then they were willing to deal with.

"You would be wise to watch your tongue, little brother. I may be weakened, but I am still the Lord of the Western Lands and your better. So some respect. I came to save your daughter's life, and to enlighten you as to the severity of the situation that is developing, not to listen to your common vulgarities."

Inuyasha was quickly loosing grip on his focus.

He had every right to speak and react however he pleased. Sesshomaru may be the great Lord of the West, but Inuyasha, in his own right, was one as well. He carried out the same duties and responsibilities for Kaeda's village as any Lord would (with the exception of collecting the rents), and the villagers treated him as such. He had grown used to hearing "Inuyasha-sama" and being treated with the respect the title implied. In the last few days his authority had been tested and tried more times then he could count, and now he was sitting before his arrogant asshole of a half brother being lectured on how and what he should, or should not, be saying.

Miroku alarmed at the sudden darkening of Inuyasha's aura, placed a calming hand on his friend's shoulder. "Please, let us keep this civil, at least until we hear what he has to say…for Katin's sake, if nothing else."

The hanyou ground his teeth hard enough to crack his jaw, but nodded.

"Please, Sesshomaru-sama, continue." Miroku insisted, confident Inuyasha would hold his tongue.

The taiyoukai eyed the human and his brother. Not impressed in the slightest that the human seemed to have more reasoning capabilities then the hanyou.

"There is a prophecy. One that tells of such a battle, such a balance. The old ones believed that Midoriko and her battle was the realization of said prophecy. Then her battle moved within the Jewel and it was believed to be what was prophesized."

Miroku gave him a thoughtful look, "And now there is Katin."

"Hai. "

A thoughtful silence followed. Miroku reflected on what they had learned while Inuyasha fumed, his anger toward his brother growing by the second.

Miroku spoke again before the hanyou could voice his growing hostility.

"Could it not be said that there will always be some form of that prophecy."

Sesshomaru grunted, grudgingly agreeing, "But that is not of consequence now. It is not the time to philosophize. Katin must keep her inner balance, she must be taught, and she must train. Her power must not be utilized."

"Why." Inuyasha interrupted. The other two regarded him with shock for the brief moment before he continued, "Why the hell did you even consider this fate for my daughter? How did you know she would be connected? There has to be other hanyous out there with blood such as her's."

Sesshomaru gave a disgusted snort at that, "Miko's are not usually so quick to associate themselves with hanyou scum."

Inuyasha ground his teeth, trying desperately to not launch himself at the demon.

Miroku only shook his head in disgust at the brother's antics. Now is not the time for a petty sibling squabble! "How is it you knew to look to Katin to fulfill this prophecy?" He interrupted their glaring match.

Sesshomaru, happy to bring the conversation closer to a close, turned his glare into an impassive gaze and asked the hanyou, "In your demon form you are pure evil, are you not?"

Shocked by the question Inuyasha answered truthfully, "Hai."

"The Miko Kagome was said to have had a purity of heart to match no others'"

Miroku replied before Inuyasha reacted, hoping to save his friend some grief, "Hai, a purity that not even Naraku could taint."

"It was inevitable that your offspring would have a great power. Katin has human, youkai, and miko blood in her veins. Her human blood is the vessel - the 'Jewel', if you will - the youkai is the evil and the miko the good. She is a walking Jewel, capable of being corrupted or purified, but she doesn't have to be either. If she is trained properly she will learn to control her power, utilize it to her advantage. Once she has learned to do so she will be a most powerful being."

Sudden realization hit Miroku; "You want her as an alley."

The Taiyoukai nodded.

"Well, why seek her out like this, why not just…"

"Do not imply that this Sesshomaru would dishonor his station by exploiting a child's vulnerability. My motives for involving myself are none of your concern. Just know that I am here to assure that she does not fall into the wrong hands."

Inuyasha jumped up at that, and pointing an accusatory finger yelled, "YOU are the wrong hands!"

Sesshomaru looked past the finger in his face and said calmly, "Like it or not, Inuyasha, I have been watching over her for the past ten years, and I will continue to do so."

"There is NO way in hell I'm letting you near her!"

"I will not be the one to train her."

That threw him off a little, "Then who…?"

"There is a Miko, ten days travel from here at a training shrine, who knows of Katin's situation and how to properly prepare her for what is to come. She is awaiting her arrival."

"WHAT!!"

Miroku decided to butt in before Inuyasha completely lost it. Stepping in front of the fuming hanyou, effectively blocking the brothers from view, he asked, "How does she know what she's dealing with?"

"She was born to the same fate and raised a child of prophecy."

"How is it we have never heard of her?"

"Her powers are no more."

"How is that possible?" the monk asked, thinking there might be away to stop Katin's as well.

"She is dead."

Both Inuyasha and Miroku's jaws dropped.

"That makes no sense." The hanyou commented mildly.

"She is a mononoke."

Again there was shocked silence. Inuyasha was trying to processes what he'd been told. Miroku's interest in the supernatural and spiritual was peeked.

Sesshomaru had a headache, and rather than explain his discomfort and desire to retire in the civilized manner he had maintained thus far, he chose to let his exhaustion get the better of him. When the monk opened his mouth to ask a string of new questions, the taiyoukai simply grabbed his throat to shut him up.

"Be silent." He commanded, then seeing Inuyasha was about to defend his companion, he added, "I will tell you what I know and then you will leave me to rest. I have no desire to keep your company any longer." With that he released the sputtering houshi, and looked wearily to his brother.

"The woman is a spirit yet she keeps her human form. Her miko power is still intact, but for demonstration purposes only. She will know how to instruct Katin."

Inuyasha was silent for a moment, then said quietly, "You've put a lot of research into this."

"Hn."

"How is it you know of her?"

Sesshomaru sighed, having hoped to put an end to the questioning. But he owed his brother the knowledge, and felt entitled to give it.

"She arrived at my fortress gates 13 years ago. She said she knew of the future and my place in it. She was ill, but before she died she promised she would return as a spirit. Katin's birth marks the date of her death."

"I thought you said you hadn't been sure Katin was the one the prophecy spoke of."

"I was not. Kokoro knew no specifics, and I did not ask more then was necessary."

Inuyasha was struck by how odd it was that Sesshomaru would show the Miko Kokoro enough attention to acknowledge her presence, let alone trust and honor her dying wishes. He wondered briefly if there was not more to the story than his brother was admitting.

"Her name was - is - Kokoro?" Miroku asked, voice still hoarse.

"Hai."

"Fitting." he mumbled.

Inuyasha stood suddenly. Sesshomaru followed him with his cold eyes, knowing it was the hanyou's turn at denial and refusal.

"No."

Miroku regarded him in surprise, thinking his outburst was directed at his earlier comment. But Inuyasha was looking down upon Sesshomaru.

"You will not take Katin, Sesshomaru. She will stay here with me. She is my daughter, you have no say in her future."

"Do not be a fool." Sesshomaru admonished, "This has nothing to do with you or I. It is for her own good, it ensures her protection and the protection of the power she possesses. Surely the death of your mate has taught you that you can not be relied upon for such protection."

Miroku winced, waiting for Inuyasha's outburst. But it never came.

Inuyasha paled then ground his teeth in hurt anger, eyes flashing red for the briefest of moments. And the he was gone, leaving only a swaying door flap in his wake.

Well, there you have it folks! -

I never thought I'd say this, but trying to keep Sesshomaru in character is extremely difficult! But I tried, and he has changed a bit since the time period of the show/manga, just like Inuyasha he's grown and developed - something I'm sure his 'mate and children' have helped him with. I just couldn't help the "hanyou scum" comment, all I could hear in my head was "rebel scum!" from Star Wars, and I just had to put it in!

Kokoro means spirit/soul - or so says the web site that I get my Japanese words from

Oh, I'm still planning on doing the other fic I mentioned last chapter.

Review Responses:

Kristina Kanine - Thanks so much for the review! Inuyasha will never be 'doting' in my books, he's to rough around the edges! I'm glad I had an emotional impact on you, I actually shed a tear or two writing the first chapter too!

ArtificialRed - Hopefully I haven't lost you as a reader yet, I'd never abandon my fic, but it might be slow going every once and a while. I can't believe I made such a stupid typo, haha, I'm such a twit sometimes, thanks for the heads up!

Kasumii - It is time isn't it?! But he can't remain totally composed, that just wouldn't be him, I had lots of fun making him fight for control in this chapter - can't you just see him?! (I think I'm slightly evil -shrug-)

jim hawking jr - Well I hope this chapter was too your liking. I'm glad I brought Sesshomaru into this, hopefully it works.

ShortPoet - Well, there you have it, LOTS of Sesshomaru (I just can't bring myself to call him Sess, Sessy, or even Fluffy, he seems to demand so much more respect...). I hope I'm not writing myself into an impossible plot...do you find it hard to keep all your side plots in order? Man, but its fun writing! Thanks for saying it's getting interesting, and noticing the whole he protected her, she protected him thing. Katin's love for her family is going to be her saving grace. I hope your vacation went as well as mine, and that you'll be getting chapter 23 of RR&R out soon. By the way, loved the one shot you did, it pondered and interesting side of Inuyasha's predicament. Bravo!!

THANKS FOR READING!