Midnight Interlude...
"Fuujin no mai!" a small voice exclaimed. A little girl with gleaming icy blue hair and silver eyes glared at the wooden targets as though it was their fault that her attacks were ineffective. A small pout formed on her face as she crossed her arms. A small chuckle sounded from behind her as she turned to look at a demure looking woman. She had beautiful ebony black hair flowing about her face and delightful ruby eyes glittering with amusement The woman stood up and walked towards her. Taking a fan from her kimono's sleeve she opened it and whispered softly, "Fuujin no mai."
In an instant the wooden blocks were sliced into perfect pieces. The little girl beamed with pride as she looked up at her mother and said, "When can I learn to do this properly mother?" The lady chuckled and said, "Soon enough sweetheart. You are too young for this." The girl glared at her mother and said, "I am not too young! I have almost five!"
"You know she is right Kagura, my love. She is after all daddy's big girl." A regal looking demon with the same icy blue hair and silver eyes as his daughter walked elegantly towards them and bent to place a soft kiss on his mate's lips saying, "And how are you this evening my lovely one?" receiving a nod from his mate, he ruffled his daughter's hair slightly and said, "Your mother is training you hard isn't she Kumiko?" Smiling gently he turned back to his mate and said, "Onii-sama wants to speak with us Kagura. And you little one are due your beauty sleep." The girl nodded and left running on her little feet to her chambers.
Kagura turned to her mate and raised an eyebrow, "What is this about Yukio?" the second lord of the eastern lands shrugged having no answer to her question. Kagura followed him through the elaborate hallways, paintings of predecessors adorned the walls proudly. Smiling slightly to herself at the palace which she called home for the past six years she walked alongside her husband.
After Inuyasha had defeated Naraku, she had her first taste of freedom. She would be forever grateful to that man even if he had disappeared into thin air after that particular fight. She never did get a chance to thank him. Shaking her head to dispel past memories she wondered what made her remember Inuyasha now. Yukio opened the door and let Kagura go in first.
Sitting in front of a small pool of dark mysterious water was the lord of the east, Ronin. She knew that pool, it was somewhat like Kanna's mirror. She bowed to the Lord of the East with a small friendly smile on her lips she asked, "You wanted me for something Ronin-sama?" The smile was returned with a small smirk and then the Lord's expression slipped back into his normal bland expression.
He was a renowned personality in the youkai world. He was fierce in battle and gentle otherwise even though he may not show it. The responsibility of the eastern lands was left on his shoulders at a young age yet he had all the qualities needed to be a youkai lord. He power was second to none, not even Sesshoumaru.
However, he was known to be very possessive. If he desired something, he would go to the ends of earth to have it. And for now he had his eyes set on a particular hanyou.
Ronin observed as his younger brother and his mate sat down. He gestured elegantly towards the pool full of water and said, "I believe you recognize this person Kagura." subtle waves formed on the water surface and an image began to form. Flowing silver hair was bound into a single loose braid. The man was sitting under the moonlight making his pale skin stand out even more, glimmering golden eyes were focused on the sword in hand.
In slow graceful movements the man wiped the blade with a fine silken cloth with a look of meditative concentration on his face. Soft white sleeping robes adorned his body. The image was of Inuyasha in all his regal beauty.
Kagura gasped at the sight of the brat she remembered from eight years ago. The man in front of her was no scruffy half breed. He truly looked like a demon lord, the son of Inu-no-taishou. She looked at Ronin and asked, "That's Inuyasha! How did you manage to find him?"
Ronin smirked and said, "Find him? Not difficult at all considering he is the demon lord of the most powerful youkai village that resides near our borders." He was amused at the shock coloring her features, but amusement quickly turned into curiosity when he saw a fond smile on the woman's lips. "I don't know why I am surprised. He was powerful after all." Ronin nodded in agreement and said, "You know Kagura, this Inuyasha is very popular amongst the Lord. Ever since he has taken over the demon village. He power is unprecedented and his beauty.." he gestured at the image, "As you can very well see. We all want Inuyasha."
Kagura blinked and tilted her head to the side, "Want Inuyasha? Why?" suddenly her eyes widened. "You are not planning to harm him are you?" Ronin shook his head and said, "Believe me Kagura I have no intention of that." he looked back that the image of Inuyasha and said, "He is a very intriguing person Kagura. I would like him by my side."
His younger brother smirked and said, "Aniki, I thought you did not enjoy the prospect of mating." the elder frowned at his comment and said, "I had no need or desire to mate as you already picked a powerful woman for your mate Yukio." He looked back the the image in the water that was now staring silently at the star studded sky and said, "However, my mind seems to change when I gaze upon this face."
Kagura passed a worried look to her husband and said, "But Ronin, as far as I know Inuyasha was in love with his companion Kagome. The incarnate of the priestess Kikyou." Yukio's face twisted into a scowl of distaste as he said, "No Kagura, Inuyasha-sama is not in love with that ningen. He is a very proud and dignified noble. Although he has a soft spot for humans he would not lower himself to ally himself with one, despite his past history." At Kagura's questioning gaze Yukio sighed and said, "He has changed a lot since you have seen him my love."
Ronin nodded in agreement. He stood up and picked a scroll him his desk, opening it he said, "According to what I have been informed, Inuyasha has a son named Kiyoshi, approximately eight years old. He himself gave birth to the boy."
Yukio whistled, impressed, "That says a lot about his power. Not to mention with an eight year old Inu-youkai as his son he might be nearly invincible in battle if any lord chose to attack." Ronin nodded in agreement and smirked at Kagura's bewildered expression, "You lost me here. Last I checked Inuyasha was a male. Although Naraku did say once something about Inuyasha being a very useful mate, I am sure he never meant it along these line." Her mate smiled at her and said, "Don't be so sure my love. Naraku, even though he was a bastard, was a very knowledgeable man. Kiyoshi is the living proof of Inuyasha-sama's ability to carry children."
Kagura nodded and asked, "Then what is so special about Kiyoshi that will make him so useful in battle? Moreover, why would anyone attack a demon village? Even Naraku was not foolish enough to try an attack the village." Yukio nodded and said, "True. However, Inuyasha-sama being a hanyou was considered weak and many did not think that the demons of the village would willing follow a hanyou. But surprisingly, their loyalty towards Inuyasha-sama is rock solid. People would give an arm and leg to prevent him from harm."
Ronin agreed saying, "Yes, the loyalty he inspires puts our solder ranks to shame. Many fools tried and were killed, personally by Inuyasha." Smiling a little he continued, "From what I am informed, Kiyoshi fights very well. Not on par with his father, but well enough."
"He is too young to fight on field. Inuyasha would not allow his own son in battle." Kagura said. No matter how much Inuyasha had changed, his protectiveness would not change.
Ronin nodded, "You are right for that matter. Inuyasha is fiercely protective of his son. But he does not underestimate him. Inu-youkai are not called the elite youkai for nothing. They are born to reign supreme. Above all other youkai. Many Lords were jealous and were happy when they found out the Inu-no-taishou has only two sons and one was a hanyou. Now it seems the line would continue."
Yukio smirked and said almost proudly, "We are close relative to the Inu-youkai clan, their bloodline is similar to ours." but his brother interrupted saying, "But we are not even close to their abilities. The reason I say that Kiyoshi is useful in battle is because the Inu-youkai's body functions on an entirely different level. They are able to transform in their true forms, which very few can. Moreover, they are made to survive. Unlike us most Inu-youkai pups will grow extremely fast for first twenty years and then their growth process nearly stops. They live longer and never age."
Yukio took charge then and Kagura smile at the excitement both men were displaying while telling her this. Although this was much more information Naraku ever had.
"Inuyasha-sama has been training his son. So much so that his son can hold his own against demons up to the level of wolves." Yukio said. Kagura was stunned. Inuyasha had changed so much. She just ached to go and pay him a visit, to get rid of old ill feelings.
The young Lord ran his fingers through his hair, and unconsciously growled when the image shifted to reveal Sesshoumaru. "And that brother of his does not deserve to have Inuyasha is his mate." Schooling his expression he turned to Kagura and said, "You see Kagura. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha have a son together, that means they share a blood bond. I am seeking to break that bond."
It took a few minutes for her to take the full information in. 'Sesshoumaru mated Inuyasha? Kiyoshi is their son! Is Sesshoumaru even capable to caring for a family?' She turned to look at her mate and then back at the Lord and said, "Sesshoumaru despises Inuyasha. Why would he mate him? And why do you want you break the bond?"
Yukio looked at his brother seriously. Ronin was very powerful even though he was barely 300 years old. He was almost at par with Sesshoumaru, the strongest of all Lords. It was understandable if he respected Inuyasha. After all the other lord was a hanyou and very young to possess such an important position.
However, wanting to break a blood bond between mates was something else all together. His brother would never interfere in such matters. Unless he found a way to break the bond.
He looked at Ronin and asked, "Is it even possible for you to mate Inuyasha after breaking that blood bond?" Ronin smiled at him and nodded, "Yes, it is. Inuyasha was alone, he raised the boy alone. Sesshoumaru had all but forgotten that night when they mated. The bond for now is very weak, at the point of breaking. And now he is back, possibly realizes that his son would be a good heir. The kid is strong and wields Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga." Kagura frowned, "If that boy wields the fang than what does Inuyasha use?"
Yukio smirked and said, "I can answer that for you. Inuyasha gave his flashy sword to Kiyoshi because that boy practically cried on his father's feet. Now Shinken. The divine sword made from his own fang, leaves Tetsusaiga for the dead you know." Kagura looked at her mate in utter disbelief, "You mean to say, a sword that is more powerful that Tetsusaiga!"
"Yes, but Inuyasha cannot fully control its power yet. The sword is yet to show full of its abilities. That though does not stop Inuyasha from being a formidable opponent." Ronin said softly.
There was a moment of silence when Ronin finally spoke of his intention, "Kagura, I want you and Kumiko to go and visit Inuyasha. I have a feeling you might want to. When you return I want to know how is his relationship with Sesshoumaru." At the point Yukio frowned, "She was their enemy, I do not want her or my child to get hurt aniki. Is it wise to send her?"
Ronin smiled and said, "Inuyasha will not harm the child nor will he harm Kagura. It seems that he knows Kagura was not really an enemy. The only trouble she is likely to face will come from either Sesshoumaru or from his human companions that have forced themselves up on him once again. Which no doubt Inuyasha will neutralize. Moreover, Kiyoshi will be a very good influence on Kumiko."
Kagura looked at her mate and said, "I actually don't mind. Kumiko will positively love Inuyasha and his cute ears. And I do have to thank him. I would really like to meet him Yukio." her mate sighed and nodded.
Ronin smirked, 'You will soon be mine Inuyasha.'
Inuyasha opened his eyes, they were alert and sharp. Not the eyes of a person who had just woken up from a very deep sleep. A knowing smile lit his lips as he thought, 'The air is different tonight.'
He stood up and walked out of his room. With silent footsteps he walked along the corridors but stopped in front of his son's room. Cautiously sliding open the shoji door he peeked at the sleeping boy. White hairs were sprawled across the pillow and soft breathing sounds emitted from the small figure buried in rich silk sheets. A smile tugged at his lips and he slid the door shut and walked with silent footsteps to the courtyard.
Night time was the best time for him. It was so quite and peaceful, no one was awake to bother him. Even though he loved his son, the boy could be a handful. It was not only that, but the latest invasion of guests in his house was giving him headaches. The familiar pain he felt during the first years of his separation from Sesshoumaru was coming back to him with full force. Sighing he sat down and looked up at the sky, 'I have to meditate and them some training up until dawn. May be I'll be lucky enough to catch some sleep before Kiyoshi wakes up for his training.'
He nodded to himself before closing his eyes and concentrating on his breathing. The sharp pains that had assaulted his body and were being ignored came into his focus now. His fist clenched and released as spasm passed through him and he growled unconsciously. 'I would not be able to relax enough to meditate in this condition. Guess its just training then.' Standing he walked into the dojo and picked up his sword smiling slightly at the familiar sight of its gleaming blade.
Letting his eyes roam all over the dojo he smirked and started. His braid moved heavily on his back as he practiced with his sword. His movements swift and gentle as he silently moved his sword in a deadly arc. Nothing was heard except the soft sounds of the the sword cutting through the air. He closed his eyes and let himself dissolve into the rhythm. Peace surrounded him even though he was practicing a deadly dance of violence.
It lost his sense of awareness, it was as though he was hypnotized by the the gentle sounds of his sword slicing nothingness. His bodies movements became instinctive.
A gust of wind brought him back to his senses. He had barely opened his eyes when he was slammed against the wall. Inuyasha let out a startled gasp and winced when his head connected harshly against the wall. He first opened one eye and the other and let out another gasp when he saw ferocious crimson eyes boring into his very soul.
"Sesshoumaru!" The older demon did not even acknowledge Inuyasha's yell. He growled softly at his mate baring his fangs. Blood started to drip down his temple and Inuyasha squirmed to get away from Sesshoumaru's grasp. His mate's growl intensified in warning as he increased the pressure on Inuyasha's wrist, holding him still. Inuyasha's slightly panicked gaze landed on him and he soothed, "Sesshoumaru... I not going anywhere, release me. Onegai koishii..."
The demon still did not move, Inuyasha's pleas did not seem to move him a bit. Suddenly realization dawned on Inuyasha. 'The demon senses the breaking of our bond and wants to reinforce it. What should I do? This is not good.'
"Sesshoumaru, release me..." he soon came to realize that this is not going to work. He closed his eyes to think, to focus anywhere but those eyes. It was a mistake.
He let out a loud yelp as Sesshoumaru's elongated fangs dug deep into the fading mark on the junction of his neck and shoulder. He arched his back and cried out when they sunk deeper and drew blood. It hurt, it hurt too damn much and Sesshoumaru was not withdrawing his fangs. Inuyasha whimpered slightly and closed his eyes tight. He had to find a way to calm Sesshoumaru.
The demon released one of his wrist to grasp the back of his head and tilted his head to the side, making the fangs sink deeper, commanding him into submission. Inuyasha's quickly ran his claws through Sesshoumaru's hair and soothed, "Release me Sesshy, you are causing me pain." He cooed soft in his ear and brushed his lips against the broadened lines on his mate's cheek. He continued to soothe the demon for how long he did not know. Embracing him when both his hands were released he whispered, "Shhh... I am not going anywhere, release me."
Sesshoumaru's grip on Inuyasha tightened as he growled, nevertheless, he stopped. Lifted his face from Inuyasha's neck he growled and looked into Inuyasha's eyes. Inuyasha flinched when he saw red there. It was not over yet, Sesshoumaru was still not in control of his demonic nature. Reluctantly he raised his hands and caressed Sesshoumaru's cheek. His mate purred as his crimson eyes became half lidded. Inuyasha still did not have reason to relax, he was treading on eggshells here and he knew it.
"My mate, my love.. the bond will not break. Please, there is no threat, all we need is time." Inuyasha pleaded softly. There was no other way for him to stop Sesshoumaru then to make him realize that he was still his. Those half lidded eyes were graced with a dangerous glint. Inuyasha shuddered as he comprehended the whole situation. The demon in Sesshoumaru would not relent just by words. He needed proof, something concrete to know that his mate would not be taken away from him.
Lovingly, Inuyasha traced Sesshoumaru's features. Although his face did not show it, his mind was clouded with uncertainty. His hands were shaking when his fingers traced Sesshoumaru's lips. He knew he should not be afraid of his own mate, but he knew that Sesshoumaru in the grasp of his demon nature was more possessive and aggressive than normal. The painfully throbbing wound on his neck was the proof of that.
Inuyasha licked his suddenly dry lips and wondered, 'Why now? Why is Sesshoumaru loosing control now? When I am weak and vulnerable to him.'
He looked back into his mate's eyes and close his own. Leaning forward he placed his lips on Sesshoumaru. The response was instantaneous, he was soon crushed in Sesshoumaru embrace with the older demon kissing him passionately. He melted into his arms easily, and did not see the triumph that flashed through the crimson gaze before it slowly started turning golden.
The lines on Sesshoumaru cheeks started to thin and slowly Sesshoumaru started to realize just what he was doing. Closing his eyes he relaxed his hold and the kiss went from demanding and passionate to soft and lingering.
Cradling his Inuyasha's head the demon lord gently bit on Inuyasha's lower lip asking Inuyasha to comply. The hanyou's eyes fluttered as he moaned and parted his lips for Sesshoumaru. The demon lord smirked, 'I have you now koishii.'