Disclaimer: Inuyasha is Copyright of Takahashi Rumiko

Nothing Without The Other

Chapter 27

Lord Shunsuke was the first to arrive.

It was just after sunrise when Sesshoumaru greeted the Northern Lord's party. He was neither surprised, nor pleased to see them so early. Meetings would not be held until tomorrow so the remaining Lords would trickle in slowly throughout the day. Lord Shunsuke, however, obviously wanted to catch him alone so they would have time to privately discuss other matters. It only increased his suspicions of the youkai lord.

And, he realized grimly as he went to the study located in the guest quarters, he had to berate himself for forgetting that the Northern Lands were home to a tanuki majority. While tanuki were generally known for being mischievous, those whom had gathered together to form the Northern Lands had done so because they had tired of that life. They had become, instead, much more devious and dangerous in their quest for power.

If he remembered correctly, Chichi-ue had told him that they were the least liked by everyone in the court.

"Lord Sesshoumaru," Shunsuke greeted him as he stepped into the room with a friendly smile on his face. "It is a pleasure to see you again."

"Again?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Hai, of course. You were just a pup at the time so I am not surprised you do not remember me."

Sesshoumaru nodded his understanding and gestured to let Shunsuke's mate and daughter be let into the room as well. He bowed slightly to Lady Cheiko. She was nearly as tall as her mate and had the same raccoon-like two-toned face of a light brown and white. Her eyes were lit with a naturally mischievous glint that made him wonder what role she played in this charade to convince him to take her daughter as his mate.

And in thinking of their daughter, he turned to Yoko. Again he bowed slightly, but this time with a strange feeling. For some reason, he recognized the seductive curl of her lips and the not so subtle hint of attraction that touched her eyes. He knew almost instantly that they had met before, but under what circumstances he could not recall.

"Haha-ue and I have looked forward to meeting you, Lord Sesshoumaru," Yoko said, practically purring his name. "Your lands are simply beautiful."

"I trust you did not run in to any nuisances while traveling through my territories?" He asked, gesturing for them to sit.

"None at all, my Lord. We felt safe as soon as we stepped foot on your lands," Lady Cheiko told him with a bright smile.

"I am here, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken said as he entered the room, quickly taking a seat next to Sesshoumaru in preparation to take notes on the informal meeting.

"Would you like some refreshments?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Sake, if you please," Shunsuke suggested as he moved closer to the table and nodded to his daughter to do the same. "Shall we begin business then?"

"I received your papers some time ago," Sesshoumaru told him. "You are still interested in renewing our alliances, correct?"

"I do not feel such a formal contract will be necessary, Lord Sesshoumaru," he paused for a moment, glancing over at Yoko to make sure she was taking adequate notes. "In light of new circumstances, I would hate for you to be involved in a matter that may require more of your attention than you are capable of giving."

Sesshoumaru glanced at Yoko for the briefest of moments before returning his gaze to her father. "And what would those circumstances be?"

"There has been a clan of rogue youkai growing in power between our territories. From what we have perceived, most are offspring of youkai removed from both our lands. Thus far they have operated legitimately and we have held several meetings with them, but we do not trust them completely."

"Interesting," Sesshoumaru said.

"We are sure they have ulterior motives. My vassals and I believe they lie with Yoko. There have been rumors that the current leader wishes to take her as his mate."

"Interesting."

Shunsuke paused as the sake was brought in. Lady Cheiko poured a cup for all of them. "We believe they are interested in my lands and not just my daughter."

Sesshoumaru would have laughed at the irony, but he decided it would be inappropriate in the situation and unlike him. "Should you approve of the union, however, you could incorporate more land into your territory. What is the problem?"

"There is also rumor that they have interest in your lands as well," Shunsuke said rather seriously, hoping to get a better reaction out of the stoic youkai lord.

"As are half the youkai in this world. The decision is yours to make. Do no trouble yourself on how I may or may not be affected."

"Wise words, Lord Sesshoumaru," Lady Cheiko complemented. "But we must always consider our neighbors."

"If you must," Sesshoumaru replied simply.

Yoko placed her writing utensil down, realizing they were losing ground. "Should our lands be joined through a union with these rogue youkai, I worry that they will abuse their new power and use Chichi-ue's army to attack Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Yoko, do not trouble yourself. Continue taking notes," he gestured to her before looking back at Sesshoumaru. "Such a wise girl, always so involved and knowledgeable of the inner workings of our system. There are other youkai much more worthy of her hand."

Sesshoumaru ignored the invitation to speak of the other union Shunsuke wished to make. "Given this new information, I would agree that an alliance between our lands as well as our armies be renewed at a later date until we are sure where these youkai stand. We need not give these youkai any reason to retaliate against us both."

Shunsuke took a final drink of his sake. "Then it is agreed."

Sesshoumaru rose to his feet. "We will have another meeting to finalize the termination of our current contract. If you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."

"Of course, Lord Sesshoumaru," Shunsuke rose as well, followed by his mate and daughter.

Yoko quickly floated over to Sesshoumaru. "Pardon me, Lord Sesshoumaru. I was wondering if you might be free to give me a tour of your lovely estate. At a later time, of course."

Sesshoumaru noted that she was standing entirely too close to him, but said nothing. "I shall see. Until then, there will be entertainment at the hall. A servant will be happy to escort you."

"Arigatou, Lord Sesshoumaru," Yoko said, not bothering to hide her disappointment.

Unaffected, he bowed slightly and walked away, Jaken following closely behind him. He waited until he was halfway across the veranda between his quarters and guest quarters before he spoke.

"Jaken, I want someone to compile as much information on this new clan Lord Shunsuke spoke of."

"Hai, mi'Lord. Anything else?"

"Inform Hideki to increase security. Chichi-ue had a sly way of keeping an eye on these tanuki, see that it is done so again."

"Right away, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru let himself into his study and sat behind the table, contemplating all he had just learned. Something, he knew, was amiss and he was running out of time to figure out just what.

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"Itai!"

Rin dug her claws into Sesshoumaru's shoulders, hoping to give him a hint of the pain he was inflicting on her at that moment. But just as quickly as it had came, the pain suddenly vanished, only to be replaced with a cool sensation that felt as though the wind was tickling her neck. When he finally released her, she rubbed the place where he had marked her yet again.

"What did you do?" She asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

Sesshoumaru lifted her chin, inspecting the new mark he placed just below her ear. "This mark will be much visible and impossible to duplicate."

"Keh, I think I know my mate, mark or no mark," Inuyasha complained.

Kagome took a mirror and examined the pale red water-drop looking mark left on her neck. "Why is this one different? The other just looks like you drew a line between the places where your fangs pierced my flesh."

Inuyasha looked at the mark again. "I mixed my blood with yours. The first mark must be done to..uh...uh..." He stammered, not sure what to say without revealing his intimate moments with his mate. "Reflect that a connection has been made. The line symbolizes a connection between our bodies and souls."

Rin took the mirror and fingered the mark lightly. "Why didn't you do that one where people can see it?"

"It isn't meant to be seen, and even if it was, it is easy to duplicate," Sesshoumaru told her.

"This one won't be because we've mixed our bloods," Inuyasha finished.

"I still don't understand why you did it," Kagome told him. "Even if one of those tanuki youkai transformed into us, both of you would know right away."

"We would, you would not," Sesshoumaru explained.

"Wakatta," Rin said. "Kagome-chan and I will be able to recognize each other."

"What about the boys?" Kagome asked.

"You and Rin are never to leave their sight or let them leave your sight. Sesshoumaru is just being cautious, Kagome. Don't worry," Inuyasha added.

"And I am sure that I will be able to recognize at least their scents," Rin reassured her. "If you two are done torturing us, we would like to finish getting ready."

"Keh, fine."

Inuyasha followed Sesshoumaru to his study where both brothers changed their attire. Both wore a similar haori tucked into their white hakama. Inuyasha, however, had sleeves and a black obi that faded into green at the ends. Sesshoumaru's obi faded from black to yellow and his sleeves matched as well. They completed their attire by placing their swords at their hips. Then they waited for their mates to finish.

Rin joined them first, dressed to match Sesshoumaru in color. Her kimono was white but bled into yellow at the end of her long skirt and sleeves. The yellow sash was tied into a simple bow at her back. Kimiko had pinned her half hair up with combs in a wispy design that made her feel regal. Kagome joined her finally, looking much like her twin expect that her colors matched Inuyasha's and Fumiko had made her hair look fuller and wavier as it danced over her back. Kagome quickly put on a pair of dangling pearl earrings before helping Rin to do the same.

Sesshoumaru studied Rin for a moment before nodding in approval and gestured for everyone to follow him to the hall. Kagome and Inuyasha gathered their children before falling in step behind him. Rin beat down a final wave of panic and nervousness as Sesshoumaru told them to wait before disappearing into the room.

Sesshoumaru waited until the voices quieted and all eyes rested upon him. "Before we begin, I would like to make a few introductions. As some of you may know, my father took another mate several years after my mother's untimely death and a child was born of the union on the night of my father's death. Though many did not expect the hanyou child to survive, he is alive and well. So today I announce to you my father's second and last heir, Lord Inuyasha."

Inuyasha looked back at Kagome before entering the room. He half expected to be greeted by shouts of anger or whispers of distaste, but instead he was met with silence. They stared at him, clearly in shock, and then looked to Sesshoumaru for an explanation.

Sesshoumaru only continued. "And his mate, Lady Kagome, their sons Kazuo and Ito, and their daughter Rei."

Kagome took a final breath as the doors were opened for her. She stepped across the threshold, carrying Rei in her arms and leaving Kazuo and Ito to walk proudly at her side. They were dressed in black, with small, green obis tied casually around their waists. Thinking this was all a game, they escorted their mother to their father with such proper behavior that Kagome wondered if they were really her children.

"And finally," Sesshoumaru spoke up again, inwardly amused when all eyes flew to him. "My mate, and Lady of the Western Lands, Rin."

Rin glided into the room, much like Sesshoumaru would have. She swept her eyes over the room as she went to her mate's side. All her fears and worries seemed to melt away when she placed her hand in Sesshoumaru's. She realized suddenly that this was her life and her place was at Sesshoumaru's side, no matter who did or did not approve. She would live her life without any fear or care of what others thought, she would see that everyone respected her relationship, whether they accepted it or not.

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/ Wakatta: I understand / Hai:Yes / Iie: No / Nani:What / Itai:Ouch / Tanuki:Raccoon dog /

Reviews for Chapter 23 & up:

Anna's Pastime: I'm glad you liked it! We'll be seeing a lot more of Inuyasha & Kagome later, the kiddies too!

Chapter 23 was neat, hehe. Sesshoumaru is so silly, Rin too. I'm trying to be more dedicated to my writing these days, so I don't mind so much. And with all the response this story is getting, how can I NOT enjoy writing it? I really, truly aim to please and I just get more pleasure knowing I am doing so.

Verona: Actually, I did almost kill myself trying to do two chapters. For some reason I was really tired. I guess it was just from finals and packing up my apartment, but every time I tried to edit my chapters, I got really sleepy. So I've just been sleeping and catching up on sleep, thats kind of why it took me a little longer to update. But now I'm feeling great and the rest of the chapters should come along very soon!
Sorry about the typos! I just switched over from my pc to my mac, and the new program I use doesn't do as much as an extensive spellcheck as the one on my mac. I'm trying to be much more thorough w/my readings to make up for it! Thanks for looking out for that and also for the recommendations.

Nightdancer200: I'm glad you like Sesshoumaru's character, keeping him as Sesshoumaru-like as possible was very important to me! Sorry I've kept you waiting.

DPM: You never cease to flatter me with your reviews! I always get such pleasure reading them! I am worried about topping this story, but I am still exploring ideas! I'll never give up! I do want to be a writer, but I haven't quite figured out exactly what field I want to go to. I'm considering television writing, screen writing (movies), and novels. I'm so torn! I'm hoping though that these last 2 years of college will help me determine what I feel most comfortable doing. Thank you for your encouragement! I really appreciate it.

Angels Heart 1622: Don't feel bad about reminding me of my finals. When I first read your review I was grateful to you for wishing me good luck. Its just when I read it afterwards to add comments to my chapter before I updated, it just reminded me of all the finals I had finished. Hehe, thanks though!

Bus Buddie: Ahh, Eiji. Hehe, we'll see him again very soon.

some1 alone: I've been trying to incorporate a lot more Japanese because I just like to stay true to the original context of the characters background as much as possible. I have lots of respect for the Japanese culture and all their great shows that have come to America. So adding a few Japanese words every now and then is just a shout out to them, I guess. I hope I didn't confuse you too much!

bluediamond-hime: Ding ding ding! You've just won a prize for such a great guess!

Nova: Ding ding ding! You've just won a prize for such a great guess! I promise that after these chapters there will be less of a desire for smacking Sess & Rin, hehe.

Starrilight-Hotaru: Sesshoumaru is always unpredictable, and I'm sure he's capable of anything!

HoshiNoKoe: I hope you managed to get some sleep after reading all the chapters!

Perfect Impression: Well I wanted to start updating everyday last week, but man I was just so tired! College kicks my ass sometimes, especially this last quarter! Hopefully though I can do daily updates from now on. It is really imperative that I finish uploading this story by the end of this month.

agent-doo: Well I'm glad you didn't consider it a cliffhanger, especially since I kept everyone waiting longer than I intended.

Yume-Chan: This story is a sequel to "Hurtful Words: Past & Present," another story that I've written. It explains how Sesshoumaru got his arm back and why he had to change Rin. Thanks for making an exception for me.

Everyone else: Draechaeli; SweetyPieRin; Devon Masterson-Bond; Tab-cat; LonelyInDarkness; BunnWw; Kichou; deadlyabyss12; caitlin; Daedreamer; goddess123452003 --Thank you all for reviewing! I really appreciate it!

Hopefully I can update continuously everyday. This new version of FF takes forever to update changes, so if I didn't get to your review, I apologize. I try to wait to the very last moment before adding comments to this, so we'll see! Anyway, hope you enjoy!

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