Author's Note: This chapter (and maybe the next) is mostly going to be centered around Inutaisho, and the forging of Tetsusaiga and Tensuseiga. Hopefully I'll get the facts right about them. Any suggestions are always welcome, please read n review! Thanks!

Disclaimer: If I told you I owned Inuyasha, I'd be a liar.

Inutaisho had been traveling for almost two weeks when he finally reached the home of Hokutouki, the brother of his wife. Or rather, his recently ex-wife. He wasn't sure how to broach that information to his now ex-brother in law. He was soon to find out that Kagetsu had sent word ahead of him.

"Lord Inutaisho, of the western lands?" asked the servant when he arrived. He nodded his answer. "Come right this way, Lord Hokutouki is expecting you." she smiled.

Inutaisho waited in the tea room for Hokutouki to appear. He did not have to wait long. He was at least glad to see that he was greeted warmly here. The young lady demon soon brought his tea, and the lord of the manor followed just after.

"Good day, Lord Inutaisho, I hope you have found my home inviting." Hokutouki said as he arrived. "My sister sent word to me a few days ago that you were on your way to see me about a sword you wish to have forged. She said you wished to have it imbued with powers of the underworld, and asked that I help you in your quest if it was in my power." "I am happy to say that indeed I do believe it to be in my power." he told him.

Inutaisho was relieved. Hokutouki was much more accessible than his sister at any rate. He did not wish to think ill of her, but he had to admit that her demeanor usually was not this accommodating.

"I am sincerely grateful for your help, Lord Hokutouki." Inutaisho said. "I believe what I wish to accomplish will be of great benefit to both our clans." "If the sword I visualize can be forged, there will be no foe great enough to cause our downfall." he explained.

"Please do not think I wish to become a tyrant through its use, I can assure you that is not the case." "After the devastation our armies suffered recently, I only wish to be able to protect my domains and ensure that it will not happen again." he assured the older demon.

Hokutouki smiled and nodded. "You need not explain yourself to me, Lord Inutaisho." "Your reputation precedes you as an honorable warrior, not a power hungry tyrant." "If you will follow me to the jewel forging rooms, I will explain to you what needs to be done." he said as he set down his tea.

Inutaisho rose and followed him to the rooms he had spoken of. There were two guards at the doors who immediately stood aside for the two lords. Once inside, Hokutouki led Inutaisho to a chest in the corner of the room. Once opened, Inutaisho saw that there were many jewels of different sizes and colors inside.

"I have made these jewels with different abilities over many years." Hokutouki told him. He picked up two jewels, a small red one and a larger black one. First, he handed Inutaisho the red jewel. " I want you to take this one to a swordsmith by the name of Toutousai." "I will tell you where to find him later." "It has the ability to bring back dead souls by destroying the emissaries of the afterlife." "Toutousai will know what to do with it."

He then handed the larger black jewel to Inutaisho. "This is for you to keep." he instructed. "If you or your successor is unable to master the sword made with the red jewel, this one will lead to a path that will allow for its maturity." "However, it will not be an easy task, and the one who goes on this path must not have fear or sorrow." "Do not undertake it lightly." he explained gravely.

"Thank you, I will set about this with the utmost care." he assured Hokutouki. "I cannot express the gratitude I feel for your help in this matter."

"No thanks are needed." Hokutouki told him. "It has been many centuries since someone of your strength has tried to create a lasting peace for our clans, I truly hope it can be fulfilled." "You can look for Toutousai just to the north of here in the volcanic caverns." "However, I warn you, he is an excellent swordsmith but he can be an eccentric old man." "He may have left his home due to some strange and unfounded fear." "If that is the case, it may take you a while to find him." Hokutouki said.

Inutaisho smiled. He felt better than he had in a great while. "Thank you again for all your help, Lord Hokutouki." he said bowing low. "You are indeed a man of great honor and wisdom." "May evil never befall your house."

"Your words are too great for me, I assure you." Hokutouki said. "And please, do not be distressed over my sister's decision." "She is very introverted and can be quite difficult."" I must admit even I find her hard to understand." "You needn't worry about any uncomfortable feelings, even from her, she still speaks of you with high regard." Hokutouki told him with a knowing expression.

Thanks were exchanged again, and Inutaisho left the home of his gracious host. He set out just as the sun was sinking low on the western horizon. As he watched it, he thought of his home in the western lands. He vowed to restore it once again to its former glory, and he would use the sword he had envisioned to do it. His mind made up, he set out for the mountains just to the north that held the volcanic caverns and the swordsmith that would create his masterpiece.