They flew south toward the palace of the Kai of all demons. As they went along Inuyasha explained to the group what he and his brother had learned about Shamotokai.
"You mean the leader of all the demons is dead? What will happen? Will the elect a new leader?" Kagome was thinking in the wrong century again.
"I don't know what elect means, Kagome, but in this time, leadership is based on family and power. Since he has taken the only heir, Shamotokai can easily claim the throne. The only question is whether or not he has enough power to keep it. If he doesn't the entire demon kingdom will be plunged into war as the different lords try to gain the Kai's power for themselves."
Sesshoumaru paused for a second. "Of course that may happen any way now that the old Kai is dead. Even if we do get the heir back on the throne, the lords will likely still try to test his power. Either way this will prove to be a difficult time for us all."
The group of hunters traveled for about a day then made camp in a sheltered valley. Fall was well along now and the nights were getting cold. Katame had been told of what they were going to be doing out in the wild and figured they would be a while. She had the forethought to pack lots of warm clothing and several blankets. The humans usually slept on mats and the demons in trees. But tonight it would be cold and they set up tents to sleep in. The boys thought that this would be a great adventure and set to work gathering firewood and water for the camp.
"I wonder if we will still be camping in the winter. That would be so cool." Sugumi said as he spread out the oiled cloth that would keep them dry if it should rain.
"Cool? Don't you mean cold? I hate the snow. I hope we don't stay that long. How long can it take to hunt one demon?" Samoto was in a bad mood. He had been terribly bored during the flight. The elders were busy with their planning and when he started to play a game with Shippo, they both got yelled at and told to be quiet.
"Uncle Sesshoumaru says it could take a while. It depends on whether he hides or fights." Sugumi looked up at his cousin. "I hope he fights though. 'Cause if he hides it could take months to find him. Father says we have to end this quickly or there might be a war."
"War. What's new about that? The humans are always warring no one cares. It's just the way it is." Samoto was still very young and didn't understand.
Katame was nearby and took it upon herself to try and explain things to the boy. "Samoto. Come here a minute will you?"
The young man-demon trotted over to his mother. He was taller than her now but he was still a little boy inside. Since demon children grow so fast it was hard sometimes to remember his age. He was only seven after all.
"Samoto, You really don't understand what is happening here do you?" She looked at him. He looked like he might lie then thought better of it and shook his head, no. "Sweetie, the demons are different than the humans. When humans fight they use bows and arrows. But when demons fight they do much worse. If a war of demons erupted the whole world could be in danger.
Think of all the different demons you and the others have fought. Most of those were not the powerful demons of the high court. They were the lesser demons. The ones of the high court are like your father, very strong with great power. Imagine what would happen if a bunch of demons like that start to war over who would be leader. The devastation would be terrible.
Your father and uncle are trying to stop that from happening. We have to rescue the Kai's heir. I don't know how old the heir is. What if he is just a boy like you? Wouldn't you want to be rescued if it was you?"
"Yes momma, I'm sorry." He lowered his head. He was feeling a little shamed he didn't mean to be selfish or anything.
"Don't be my little one. You're young and I know it's hard for you to understand what the grown demons are doing." She ruffled her son's ears. "Now why don't you run and play a while. You must be ready for some fun after the long trip here. I'll finish up your chores."
Samoto smiled at his mom and ran off to find Shippo.
Shippo and the young demons still loved to play tricks on people although they had learned the hard way not to play them on the full-grown demons. This time their target was Miroku. The unsuspecting monk was down by the bank of a small stream. He was bent over getting something to drink when suddenly he heard the voices of Samoto and Inu calling to him. "Watch out behind you." Miroku turned in time to see a gigantic bolder rolling toward at a tremendous speed. It was instantly upon him. His only escape was to jump into the stream. As he did the bolder popped and Shippo floated down to rest on the shore. The boys could be heard in the grass rolling around the ground laughing hysterically.
Miroku got up from the stream he was soaked to the skin. "Shippo! He yelled you and your companions are going to pay for this. Just wait till I get my hands on you." He tried to run but his robes were too heavy with water. He would have to wring them out first. As he did he thought cheerfully of what else he would like to wring.
The boys raced back to the came and ran straight into Sesshoumaru. The great demon lord was known for his excellent hearing and he had heard all the commotion down by the stream. "So! You are back to playing your foolish tricks again are you?"
"I... ah, oh boy." Was all Shippo could muster before he found himself dangling by his tail.
"Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru called to his brother. "I believe this is yours." He explained what he had heard. "Deal with him and I shall deal with my sons."
"Samotoyame! Inumouru! Come." Sesshoumaru had no patience lately and even less tolerance for foolishness. "You didn't learn your lesson from your last trick, I see."
"Sorry father. We wont..." Inu tried but was stopped cold by his father's cold glare. He knew he was in trouble. What's worse is they could hear Shippo. He was crying. Their uncle had spanked the little fox-demon that he had adopted as his own.
Sesshoumaru noted the sound with satisfaction. "An excellent idea." He said as he reached for the eldest boy. "You will not play your foolish tricks on the adults. Do you understand?"
"Yes father." What else could he say?
Sesshoumaru spanked both boys and set them to work on extra chores.
"Thanks a lot Samoto. Next time you get a great idea keep it to yourself." Inumouru was upset. He hated getting in trouble.
"Well I didn't see anyone twist your arm into doing it." Samoto wasn't going to take all the blame. Besides he had gotten spanked too. It's not like as if he gotten away with anything. Actually the boys never got away with anything, ever. It was amazing to the adults that they would even try.
Katame heard her sons bickering. "You boys stop that. If your father hears you, you will be in even bigger trouble. Now get back to your chores. Shippo are Miroku's clothes dry yet. You better hurry or you'll have to deal with him as well as your father.
You bad little demons have to learn not to play your silly tricks on people."
"Yes momma." The boys chorused.
Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were by the fire discussing what to do. "I think we should stop at the palace of the Kai and see what other information we can get before we tackle the mountain." Inuyasha continued. "Ky-aite said that the demon had taken the form of a dragon. We need to know its strength and weaknesses."
Inuyasha was growing up, it seemed to Sesshoumaru. He was beginning to think before he acted. He thought Inuyasha would make a great leader some day.
"I agree. I didn't enter the palace when I was there last. I only spoke with the guards at the gate. We need to see what else they may know. Shamotokai may have laid claim to the throne by now. If he has our task will be greatly changed." Sesshoumaru thought for a moment. "If the heir has given his support to Shamotokai then we may be left with no choice but to accept him as Kai."
At the mountain fortress of Shamotokai the demon was pacing the floor. The Kai's heir Mesosuki, was not co-operating. He had tried every method he had at his disposal. The stubborn fool would rather die than pronounce him Kai. He knew that without the heir's support he had no hope of ruling the demon realm for he was too weak to withatand the onslaught that was sure to come. He would have to find another way.
"Sire, sire. I have news." A servant ran to his master's feet. "Sire, the half demon who has the sacred jewel shards is now in the southern realm. He travels with the lord of the western realm, Lord Sesshoumaru."
"Did you say Sesshoumaru? Wasn't he the demon that was at the Kai's palace a few weeks ago?" Shamotokai's interest was peaked. This may be the one thing he needed to control the realm. He may not need Mesosuki after all. "Bakaru, send out my servants. Get me those shards!"
(I hope you like the way this is going. I don't know if Kai means what I think it does, but it always seems to be associated with power. So I turned it into a title. If any one knows what Kai actually means I'd love to know. LadySesshoumaru41)