Author's Note: Alright, this was…fun to say the least. Hope you enjoy this story and expect something new sometime soon. It could be either a sequel to Paragon of Animals or Rin's backstory. Your choice. Read, review and lemme know what you want. Thanks so much.

Epilogue: A New Age's Dawn

Ryuhoji and Tama stood on the rooftops watching as the Inutaisho awaited the carriage. The whole palace stood at attention, washed and adorned for the arrival of the new Queen of the Western Lands. Banners of deep blue danced along side wedding red: some proclaiming the Inutaisho and his greatness while others hailed the new bride. They thought they could see O-Takeko appear in her best robes. O-Takeko stood beside Inutaisho, straightening his robes and smiling up at him. She was no doubt teasing him about something in a vain attempt to put his mind at ease.

Tama sneered. "What commotion."

"Where is your heart, comrade? The Inutaisho brings home a bride, surely we can celebrate this."

"He brings another to claim Senshomi's title, and you would have me celebrate this?"

Ryuhoji shifted. "Senshomi forfeited our fealty when she sold us to the Scorpions so long ago."

"She was acting in desperation."

"She was acting in selfishness. Even Lord Sesshoumaru accepted that."

"And Inutaisho murdered his Queen to gain the Lands." Tama hissed, waving his hands. "These are all old sins, do we need to recount them again?"

"No." Ryuhoji whispered, watching as Totosai appeared carrying a long wooden box. "But they should be remembered…and even forgiven."

"I do not forgive."

"You do not matter." The Wild Pack demon smiled as the Inutaisho bowed to Totosai. "The Dog General does. He has forgiven himself. That is all that matters."

"Why?"

"Because it is the act of a King." Ryuhoji leaned forward, watching as the Dog General pushed open the box and lifted the object from the red lining. It was a katana, appearing old and useless despite the brightly polished exterior. The hilt was wrapped and rewrapped, and the bronze of the hand guard glimmered. It appeared as a pauper's sword compared to So'unga that now rested strapped to the Inutaisho's back, or to Tenseiga that gleamed from his hip. It looked like a throwaway sword.

"What's this?" Tama hissed, watching Inutaisho wield the blade. "Another useless blade to match Tenseiga?"

"The Heavenly Fang is not useless. It is a blade of healing, of life."

"Any warrior who fears death is not worthy of life."

"And what makes you think it is his life the Dog General seeks to protect? He had it made after Senshomi's death because he couldn't save her. He doesn't want to lose someone he loves again."

"Bah," Tama hissed because he could think of no other counter.

Ryuhoji looked over and was tempted to smile. "Tajomaru told me this sword is known as Tessaiga. It is a weapon of war. He said Totosai claims a hundred demons can be slain with one swipe."

"Tessaiga, eh?" Tama laughed, arching a brow. "Well, Sesshoumaru should be glad to hear that." The Fox frowned, looking around. "Where is Sesshoumaru anyways? Usually he's sulking in the shadows somewhere…"

"He's with Tajomaru." Ryuhoji returned darkly. He looked pained, suddenly. "Another meeting with Ryukossei."

"The Hunger attempting to usurp his father on his wedding day." Tama tilted his head, and nodded. "Somehow, that seems fitting."

"You would say that."

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"It is not too late to turn around, you know." Takemaru muttered to the carriage as he walked beside it into the palace. He had his hand on the weapon on his belt as he walked, and a scowl on his face that marred his handsome face. When he spoke, his lips hardly moved, and his tone was only half in jest. "You, me, a horse and straight into the sunset."

The laughter that came in reply from behind the curtain sprinkled down like rain, and warmed his whole being. He became aware of a thin pale hand on the curtain, near his cheek. Leaning closer, the fingers sought out and found his cheek. "My Lord Husband would not appreciate that, dear Takemaru."

"No, but I would feel better."

"You can leave from here if you feel uncomfortable," the woman replied. "I will not think ill of you, my precious."

"It is my duty to protect you, milady." He retorted angrily. "I cannot leave you."

The curtain peeled back then, revealing the Lady Izayoi's perfect smiling face. From behind the velvet of her black hair, small warm eyes peered deep into him as they always had. Takemaru let his eyes linger on her lips longer then the rest, before pulling away guiltily and forbidding his mind to dream. Izayoi smiled at him again, her warm fingers still against his cheek. "Good," Izayoi whispered. "I wouldn't be complete without my noble Takemaru."

"Takemaru."

He turned suddenly; falling off balance as suddenly there was a huge massive figure before. The Dog Youkai was bone white, and delicately framed. He wore thick, gleaming armor that covered his barrel chest and blinded Takemaru. A long snake like band of white hair came from the top of his head, and whipped around his shoulder. He bore markings on his chin, and on those claws he called hands.

"I am." He stumbled, like a child before a Master.

The Youkai peered down at him. Takemaru met his eyes, and was surprised when the demon looked away first. A Lord never would have done such an action. He turned, scanning the horizon, and then back to another demon that stood at his side. This demon was carrying the remains of a box that seemed to have housed a sword until a short time ago.

"I am the Inu no Taisho." He introduced himself. Takemaru arched a brow. This was another thing a Lord would never have done.

"My Lord Husband!" Izayoi chirped happily, throwing back the curtains and tumbling from the carriage in a mad dash to her beloved. She cared nothing for the spectators, who witness her, in all her nobility and fineness, run into the Dog General's arms. She threw her thin arms upwards, in a soft attempt to wrap them around his neck.

Inutaisho laughed as he squatted to pick her up. He placed a tender kiss upon her cheek, letting his claws dance across her jaw. "Was your journey well?" He asked. "Are you tired?"

"My only complaint is the time it took for me to hear your voice again, husband." Izayoi gushed. Takemaru looked away. Izayoi smiled again, and tiptoed to reach his chest. "Oh my dear one. My Lord Husband."

She plotted down on her feet again, robes shifting and shuttering as she hopped. Her hair jumped around her face, coming lose from their bindings and making Inutaisho smile. She scanned the crowd assembled hungrily now, searching for someone. "Now, where is he, my Lord? My son. Where is my Sesshoumaru?"

"I am called."

Takemaru spun on his heels at the sound of the voice. He stared into the dark, honeyed eyes of another Dog Youkai. This one wore his armor as easily as he wore the fine silken robes underneath. He took the space before him as delicately as rain, or storms did, and held Takemaru's attention just as fiercely. This demon wore his hair lose and let if flicker across his face like the breeze.

There was another demon grinning by Sesshoumaru's side. He wore the thick leather armor of a commoner, and seemed unmoved by Takemaru and Izayoi's presence. He merely stretched and smiled. "I am Tajomaru of the Wild Packs." And this, he made a sweeping motion to the white-clad demon with a thin hungry gaze. "And this is Lord Sesshoumaru, of the Western Lands."

Izayoi pulled away from Inutaisho and crossed to Sesshoumaru daintily. She looked over him with that sweet smile brightening her face. She reached out one small hand to brush aside a lock of Sesshoumaru's hair that had fallen over his eyes. The Dog Lord stepped back slightly. Takemaru saw him go to his sword and then resist, forcing himself to still his hand. He was getting a dark feeling.

If Izayoi saw this action, she made no acknowledgement. She pulled back, drawing her hands across her robes and lifting them slightly as she did something Takemaru had never seen her do to anyone: from her own father to visiting dignitaries. She squatted as low as she could and bowed.

"I am the Lady Izayoi, your humble servant, my Lord Sesshoumaru." She demurred.

It was like she hadn't spoken at all, Sesshoumaru glanced towards Takemaru as if he were some flea that was bothering him, before setting his eyes on the demon holding the sword case, and then finally on the third sword the Inutaisho wore. He ignored that as well, and deadpanned. "Nori refused to heed your command to return to the palace. He makes camp on our Southern boarder, with a suitable army."

"Does he still speak of war?" Inutaisho asked, hand resting over one of the swords.

Izayoi was frowning. "War, my husband? What's this talk of war on my honeymoon?"

Inutaisho made a motion with his hand towards her. "Quiet, my darling." He continued to watch Sesshoumaru, and Takemaru could see suspicion in his eyes. This wasn't a happy family. "What does he say of Izayoi?"

"He will bow to no mortal Queen."

"Will you?"

Sesshoumaru inclined his head, watching his father. "He is talking war."

"I will not allow another civil war in my domain."

"Nor will I. I'm glad we agree."

"Sesshoumaru…"

"You have duties to attend here, Chichi-ue." Sesshoumaru cut him off. "Give my leave to attend to this…disturbance."

"Take your lieutenants and go, with my blessing."

"No you will not." Izayoi frowned and stood again, she gave Inutaisho a dark look. "You will not send my son to war so easily, husband! I won't allow it."

Inutaisho was watching her, and now smiled at her. He took her into his arms again, brushing her cheek again. "You worry too much. Sesshoumaru is more then able," he paused, searching for the words. Takemaru could see pain across the demon's face. "He's a greater fighter then I." He leans in, "and when he fights for a cause, he does not fail. And today, my love." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "He fights in your name."

Takemaru thought he saw Sesshoumaru flinch then, as if struck. His beautiful face remained unscathed, no frown graced his features, nor did he eyes darken or narrow, but Takemaru could see ire rising in the prince's eyes. Tajomaru was laughing. The demon bowed then, and reached forward, touching Sesshoumaru's shoulder and pulling him backwards. Tajomaru stumbled into a bow. "Till again we meet, Madam Queen, Lord Inutaisho."

Sesshoumaru glanced to the roof of the building then, before walking away. Izayoi yelped as two other demons bounded to the ground beside Sesshoumaru. One looked like Tajomaru but younger. He paused and bowed deeply to Izayoi before being tackled by his comrade, a Fox demon who went to Sesshoumaru's side and began teasing him.

Izayoi watched them go with a frown. She shuddered a little and side stepped Inutaisho, giving him a dark glare. "I have given you my last kiss, husband. Until my son returns safe to me."

"You give your heart too easily." The Dog General warned, darkly but he seemed pleased. "Besides, Sesshoumaru would have none of the family you wish to build here."

"He'll have to get use to me somehow." Izayoi said, a smile teasing again her bright face. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes. "He's going to be a big brother."