Recap: Miroku had come to the conclusion that he had lustful feelings for InuYasha. Sesshoumaru warned Miroku to keep his friendship platonic. InuYasha finally told Kagome what was going on and asked her to participate in the ceremony as his Maiden in Waiting. She then took off his beads of subjugation and told him she wanted him to be happy.

Dedication: This is for Lazy-Hime, sacredsorrow, and allieweasley.

Prophecy of Brothers

By Scarlet Willows

Chapter Seven – The Ceremonial Day

Sesshoumaru, who had known InuYasha had been watching, had only kissed the monk as a way to test if his little brother's intentions were real and to confirm suspicions. What he'd gathered was that the hanyou was attracted to Miroku, he was handsome enough for a human, but was not in love with him. And Sesshoumaru guessed that the monk was just going through a sexual identity crisis and was not truly in love with InuYasha. The monk was destined for Sango. And InuYasha belonged solely to Sesshoumaru. So the youkai did not feel threatened anymore.

The youkai had also noticed that InuYasha was becoming more docile…almost womanly, but he knew that after the hanyou's heat passed then he would returned to his usual arrogant self. So he was acting temporarily out of character, but Kagome didn't mind…it was like hanging out with her girl friends at school! It was fun for her to talk to this new sensitive InuYasha who listened to what she said and contributed to the conversation. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. The hanyou had drawn the line at letting Kagome put make-up on him; as good a friend as she was, she was still a girl, and all girls seemed to have the odd fantasy of dressing boys in drag.

It had been twenty days since InuYasha had first had the dream, the premonition that he would carry his brother's son. The palace had been buzzing with all the exciting news and activity. The maidservants were feverishly cleaning every nook and cranny and preparing guest chambers while the cooks were ordering tons upon tons of food for the Royal Feast on the Ceremonial Day. And security had been tripled to protect all the royalty that would be attending. The taiyoukai had also ordered two kimono and hakama made from spider silk by the finest tailors in his lands for InuYasha and him to wear on the Ceremonial Day.

News had spread throughout the surrounding villages about their lord's soon-to-be-consort and his fighting prowess and affinity for humans. They'd been delighted to hear that the hanyou prince, InuYasha, InuTaishou's second son, was the Lord of the West's intended mate. The hanyou's helpful and powerful reputation had preceded him and the little parishes of humans and most youkai were instantly accepting of their ruler's future consort (although some were still prejudiced against hanyou even though InuYasha was InuTaishou's son), glad that the Lord of the West would finally have an heir and no conflict would ensue over the throne and line of succession if Sesshoumaru were to die.

Elated over most everyone's approval, InuYasha had confronted Sango, Shippo, and Rin, after he'd talked with Kagome, and told them that he was to be mated with his brother. They had taken the news exceptionally well, especially because Sango was well versed in demon society and understood its workings. Rin was ecstatic with the notion of gaining another parent. InuYasha thought she was so precious.

InuYasha had already asked Kagome to be his Maiden in Waiting and Miroku, as cleric and close friend, would carry out the ceremony; it was understood that Sango would help in both aspects because she knew the procedures. Sesshoumaru found that he could tolerate the youkai hunter, ironically. She was intelligent and mild tempered, except when it came to Miroku's wandering hands. Nevertheless, the youkai thought she was probably the most levelheaded and stable person among the group and he appreciated that, especially in a female bushi. The miko, however, was too rash and irascible for his liking and he understood why the wench and InuYasha would have never worked well together romantically; they were too much alike.

InuYasha. Sesshoumaru had been so busy with arrangements that he had had little time to spend with his brother and intended spouse. They'd shared a few kisses and kindhearted words during the evenings, but that was all, then they'd return to their separate rooms. For the most part, Sango and Kagome had been the hanyou's company, preparing his robes for the Ceremonial Day and picking flowers for his hair and giving calming words and advice.

The royal guests were going to be arriving for the Ceremony that was in five days and the hanyou was becoming increasingly nervous and impatient. Also, the dreams and his heat were making him more agitated and he'd verbally snap every once in a while at the closest person nearby, but no one took real offense to it. They sympathized, but were relieved that the heat hadn't sucked away his personality. It showed them that InuYasha was still the quarrelsome InuYasha they knew and loved.

…

Ordered chaos, that was the best way to describe it. Nobles and other royal guests had been steadily trickling in and lodging at Sesshoumaru's palace. The celebration was only two days away and InuYasha's heat and nerves were shot, so Sango, assisted by the cooks, brewed some potions for InuYasha to help with the hormones and calm his emotions. The poor hanyou felt that if he didn't shag Sesshoumaru soon, he would go insane. It was like someone had ignited a fire in the pit of his belly and he knew that Sesshoumaru was the only one that could alleviate it.

"Come on, InuYasha. Sit up and drink this," cooed Kagome, patting InuYasha's head sweetly. The hanyou had been laying on his bed, curled in a fetal position, pouting stubbornly for no apparent reason.

"Please, InuYasha. It will make you feel better," urged Sango.

The moody hanyou sat up and sipped at the offered cup containing the calming tonic.

"Hey InuYasha, how exactly are you going to get pregnant…I mean, I understand the mechanics of sex, but don't you need certain…female parts?"

InuYasha's cheeks burned as red as tomatoes. That's right, he hadn't told her he was a hermaphrodite, but Sango saved him the embarrassment at that moment. "Well, all youkai and hanyou have a vagina, a uterus, ovaries, and a penis and testes. They produce both eggs and sperm. So, essentially, they can get someone pregnant and they can become pregnant. It's so they can reproduce faster so their species doesn't die out. They are what we call hermaphrodites. Some look outwardly male and others look outwardly female. It's rare that a youkai is born with only one set of reproductive organs. Understand now?"

"Yeah. That's very interesting. I've heard about hermaphrodites in my time, but it's so rare." Kagome had accepted the uncomfortable information very maturely without blushing or giggling. He was very proud of her, but he hadn't been so lucky because he'd invented a new shade of red.

The clock was ticking down two days until the Ceremony. Those two days passed with Sango and Kagome fussing over him as much as possible like mother hens. InuYasha thanked the gods that he had been given relaxing potions; otherwise he might have killed something. He appreciated their friendship and efforts, but he could only take so much before he popped.

…

He woke that morning, on the Ceremonial Day, to the birds twittering and the burgundy and russet leaves of autumn rustling with the slight breeze. He yawned and stretched and rubbed the sleep from his droopy eyes. Then the sudden realization that he would be mated to his brother today smashed into his brain like a roaring stampede of plot-bunnies and he sprung out of bed as fast as a bat out of Hell. He felt rushed, but in all actuality he had several hours before the Ceremony was to start. The day was here and he wanted to get it over with now, especially because the butterflies in his stomach were getting irritated; if they kept fluttering around like that much longer, he'd have to charge them rent!

InuYasha quickly roused Kagome and Sango, who had moved into the rooms adjacent to his. Kagome was slightly grumpy after her rude awakening, but Sango was excited and happy. It took all morning and most of the afternoon to eat breakfast and clean InuYasha's hair with scented oils and braid the silver mane into intricate loops, pinning white flowers into the plaits. They faintly powdered his face then lined his eyes with a minimal amount of black kohl and something Kagome had brought from her time that was called, "mascara"; it had been a struggle to keep the hanyou's eyes from blinking long enough to put the substance on his lashes, but the effect was dramatic. It enhanced his eyes so well that they almost glowed. In a triumphant tone and with a smug smile, Kagome pronounced, "See, I told you that you'd look good in make-up," to which the hanyou responded by sticking his tongue at her.

InuYasha was dressed in the white spider silk kimono and hakama that his brother had ordered, accessorized by a gold obi that was tied around his waist and big golden bangle-bracelets on his wrists. He was absolutely stunning and Kagome and Sango were proud, large anime-eyes twinkling with sisterly love.

…

The Ceremony was being held in the courtyard between the palace and the gardens. The courtyard was a circular area and partially enclosed by marble pillars and swaying gossamer curtains. The floor was tiled in a neutral-colored cobblestone that was both earthly yet sophisticated with convoluted patterns. Brightly tinted shoji lanterns had been hung around the courtyard, the grass rippled with the light wind and fireflies lit the forest. It was evening, just after the sun had set and the sky was dyed pink and lavender and the clouds were yellow marshmallows.

The guests from near and far, in all their foreign fashions and vibrant robes, stood in a perfect circle around the courtyard, gazing at the center where the monk performed the Ceremony and the regal Lord Sesshoumaru and his brother, InuYasha, vowed their life and fidelity to one another in the holy binding of matrimony.

Then, Miroku signaled the brothers to perform the Marking Ritual. Sesshoumaru leaned down, his lips hovering above the delicate column of his brother's neck as InuYasha mirrored his actions. He could hear the pulse just underneath the skin, smell the blood, and feel InuYasha shiver. This was his; this hanyou was his and his alone forever.

He kissed his brother's neck lightly before he bit into him, sinking his fangs into the flesh and relishing his brother's strangled exhalation that was a cross between a gasp and a whine. It didn't even hurt as the hanyou repeated Sesshoumaru's actions. He was delighted as he watched InuYasha lick the blood from his own lips. It was so euphoric and thrilling to be bonded to this hellcat, InuYasha.

There were some joyous tears in a few eyes (mainly Kagome and Sango) as the couple parted and proceeded hand-in-hand to the dining hall where the Royal Feast awaited.

…

Kagome had never seen so much food. There were mounds of chicken drumsticks and breasts, piles of beef prepared in different manners, spits of roasted boar, pheasant and quail, fish, crab, lobster, oyster, calamari, and other rare meats that had been specifically prepared for youkai. Steaming bowls of rice, diced and spiced potatoes, basins of broiled corn, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables accompanied the meats. Breads and rolls as well as plates of butter and creams sat around the tables along with the main courses. The wine, imported mead, and native sake flowed freely, relaxing bodies and loosening tongues while the servants rapidly moved around the room to refill drinks, clear away empty plates, and bring more food. Pastries and fruits, delicacies and sweets were savored after the succulent dinner.

The background music was moderate, cheerful and un-intrusive while the merry chattering, raucous laughter and well-wishing ovations filled the enormous and accommodating dining hall.

There were also tables filled with gifts brought by the visitors for the newly mated couple. New alliances had been made and some trade had been initiated. Many had profited that night.

Sesshoumaru and InuYasha, along with close friends, sat at a table on a slightly raised dais. Anyone with eyes could tell that the brothers were in love as they talked and ate and looked at each other. Several toasts were made to the Lords of the West, imparting health, happiness, and long reign. Even Kouga, the ookami prince, made a speech and added his thanks that he himself was now able to pursue a relationship with Kagome, to which she blushed and batted her eyelashes at him. InuYasha was relieved that he hadn't truly shattered the young girl's heart.

InuYasha was touched by his friends' show of support. Even little Rin, with pearls in her hair and eyes dazzling with glee, came up to her parents, Sesshoumaru and InuYasha, and handed them flowers and bestowed Eskimo-kisses.

It was getting late and Sesshoumaru, who had been cradling a sleeping Rin, left discreetly to tuck his little girl into bed. Sango had already taken care of Shippo earlier, who had valiantly sworn to stay up all night with the adults to celebrate, but had only made it a few hours before nodding off.

Now came the part of the evening, as was custom, where the Uke, the submissive partner, bid goodnight to his guests and retired to the Wedding Chamber to prepare, waiting for his Seme, the dominant partner. InuYasha, followed by Kagome and Sango, shook plenty of hands and embraced many allies before he'd arrived in front of the Wedding Chamber. Kagome and Sango each hugged him, trying to calm him with smiles of reassurance, but they did little to ease his stress. Although his fears of Sesshoumaru-leaving-him-after-he-gave-his-virginity were eased because they were now bonded for eternity, he was still nervous for other reasons. Yes, he would finally admit that he was still a virgin (not to say that he'd never touched himself), but that would have to be addressed later. He took a deep breath and opened the door.

…

Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru was being the polite host by socializing with his guests and making sure they were comfortable. The festivities would continue long into the wee hours of dawn after Sesshoumaru left to attend to his Uke. He finally left the party with cheers from all, and some lewd gestures, eager to please his waiting mate.

It was finally time and InuYasha was finally his. Sesshoumaru wandered down the corridors with the smell of his hanyou-in-heat and the promise of sex hanging in the air. He reached the Wedding Chamber and sensed his brother behind the doors.

After marking each other, InuYasha had also been surprised to finally discover that his brother did in fact possess emotions…a profound and deep well of emotions at that! He was so overjoyed to learn of and share this side of his mysterious brother.

Then, at the feast, they had gazed at each other and openly let their feelings flow into the other, expressing without words how much they truly cared. It had been transcendent.

Now, as Sesshoumaru slid the door open, he swore to make their first intimate experience together transcendent as well. He entered the room and locked the door behind him as he shirked out of his obi, kimono, and other accessories.

The room was dim, a few candles adorning table surfaces and flickering shadows across the walls, and a few vases of calla lilies were lining the sideboards. The bed was large and covered in white furs that would feel exquisite on bare skin. There was a bottle of wine, two cups, and a bowl of sweets and fruits on one small table off to the side of a sofa, in case they cared to snack and lounge. In all his survey, InuYasha was not to be found in the bedroom, but his scent was coming from the door leading to the library.

As he made his way to InuYasha, the only thought running through his head was, Now is the time to claim my mate.

Japanese terms:

Bushi – warrior

Ookami – wolf

Seme – dominant sexual partner

To be continued…

Lemon is in the next chapter.