I Do Not Own InuYasha


Ichariba Chode

行逢りば兄弟

"Though we meet but once, even by chance, we are friends for life"


IV: 10


Year 839...

Tsuzuki Castle...

Tokushima walked onto the premise of Tsuzuki Castle's immediate territory; he was impressed by the sight as always. His pup mewled in her sling, which had him softening as he continued walking through the castle grounds. There was a flurry of activity as they moved about, the guard readying for war, and he scented the trepidation in the air, along with the excitement. They weren't the Shiba Inu InuYōkai packs or the Akita InuYōkai or any of the other inuyōkai Clans or Packs around, the Shikoku InuYōkai Pack was composed of some of the best hunters, and most aloof, quiet personalities, and they were warriors when provoked, unafraid of any challenge.

The banners were out, the red and white with the blue-violet crescent moons on them, and he looked at his pup again. He would have to admit he would prefer it if there wasn't a war, but someone had stolen their next alpha and an innocent pup, so war was more than welcomed in his mind.

He was surprised to see the other Generals and Advisors had also brought their pups. Honkawa intercepted him before he could make his way to Kimi-sama's gardens.

"Tokushima," Honkawa smiled broadly as he steered him away from his goal.

"Honkawa-sama," he replied tightly. Honkawa was Shikoku-sama's only littermate and had been actively pushing his grandson Kochi to be heir of the Shikoku InuYōkai Pack instead of Kimi-sama's son, Sesshōmaru.

"What are your chances of finding the pup?" Honkawa asked softly as they walked the hall.

"Until I find him, I don't know," he stated delicately. Personally, Tokushima was not a fan of Honkawa, having tremendous respect for Kimi-sama. He had once fought for the right to be Kimi-sama's mate, though she was a far more dangerous and powerful bitch than anyone could ever give her credit for at first glance. He remembered how she had run circles around him, and how she could nip at his heels and fearlessly held him down by the throat. Kimi-sama was someone to be respected, and he had found that the solemn, quiet pup she and her mate had sired was more like his mother than father. Which was a hope for the future in Tokushima's mind, someone like Kimi wouldn't get them drawn into needless conflicts, whereas Tōga was all about conquering and expanding territory, which Tokushima found no interests for.

"But what if you don't?" Honkawa asked softly, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

"Honkawa-sama, I will hunt down and find Sesshōmaru-sama, if only because he is an innocent pup who should not be involved in the games of deceit and war," Tokushima warned lowly.

"But you don't have to find him alive," Honkawa countered softly. "Permit nature to take it's course, and let a real, purebred Shikoku Inuyōkai take the role as alpha, Kochi is already showing promise and unlike Sesshōmaru didn't kill a maid in anger. Think, you could promise your precious Iya to someone who wouldn't ever harm her," Honkawa offered.

"Iya is not a bartering chip, and Sesshōmaru-sama, is a very powerful pup with many gifts," Tokushima stated. "Now I will leave, and we will never speak of this again or I will speak to Kimi-sama and Tōga-sama about your treasonous thoughts with their pup's life in the balance."

Making his way to the gardens he saw Kimi sitting, a little listlessly though her icy façade was in place. Kimi looked up when he walked towards her.

"Kimi-sama," he bowed formally in submission while keeping Iya secure in her sling against him.

"Sit, Tokushima," she gestured. "And is that Iya?"

"Hai," he smiled at his daughter as he presented her to the alpha.

"I was so sorry to hear about her mother," Kimi said as she reached out and touched the pup carefully. Her dangerous red claws made him uneasy on principle of knowing how dangerous they were, but Kimi-sama was his alpha.

"How is Tōga-sama?"

"Recovering, he should be fine in a couple of days, he's lucky he did not lose his arm," Kimi replied withdrawing from his pup as she leaned back in her seat.

"Who took Sesshōmaru-sama?" he asked softly. His friend looked at him, her icy honey eyes were clear as day, not a tear here. But then he expected nothing less than perfect control from Kimi-sama, she had perfected her indifferent façade.

"Tōga said it was Jimmu's people," she murmured.

"I will find him Kimi-sama, I promise," he assured her.

"I know, which is why I summoned you to find him, you're the best tracker I've ever encountered," she admitted.

"To be fair that was a few years for us," he pointed out. The hunt to beat Kimi had been an exhillerating and it had been exhausting, she was a worthy opponent, and he hadn't been strong enough to win, and he wasn't surprise anymore when he looked at who had won against her.

"It was fun," she chuckled listlessly.

"I'll find him, Kimi-sama," he assured her.

"Arigato," she whispered.

"Of course, just look after Iya for me," he said as he started undoing the sling and handed his pup to her. Kimi softened a little holding the pup and sighed. Tokushima smiled a bit, he had barely survived losing his mate, he couldn't comprehend losing his pup or not knowing where she was when she was all he had left. He hoped that Tōga-sama could help Kimi-sama survive this, because there was a chance the worse could happen. Sesshōmaru was a young pup after all, and the yōkai that had snatched him were not merciful to pups.

"Of course," Kimi-sama promised. "You know, she looks like her mother, just a little, I think it's the eyes," Kimi chuckled.

"She'll have her mother's coloring," he smiled. Iya looked up at them both with brilliant, sky blue eyes.

"The eyes are a rare trait," Kimi said.

"Hai," he agreed. "I'm going to go find your pup, I'll get a scent sample," he said as he stood.

"The attendants will show you his room."


Zhēnzhū Gǎng Palace, Spirit World, China...

Rin walked carefully; her hair was pulled up enough to keep it out of her eyes as she walked with Sesshōmaru to his lessons. Sesshōmaru was a very solemn and quiet pup, but she loved feeling his curiosity humming at the back of her mind. He was so adorably indifferent to everything and to feel that curiosity humming beneath the surface had her chuckling, this was how she and Jaken ended up walking off of cliffs, not that Jaken knew that. Poor Jaken had thought their lord was just terrible with directions instead of guessing Sesshōmaru was insanely curious about everything, and when he was hunting a scent, he was hyper focused and unwavering in his pursuit of the object of his obsession. It appeared this was a core trait of her lord.

"I am here to tutor the young prince," a voice announced, and Rin looked at Chang'e standing beside a very colorful spirit.

"Sesshōmaru-sama is most thrilled for the lessons," Rin replied and looked at the pup who glared defiantly at her

"Imperial Prince Jūn Ān, this way," the tutor instructed, Rin nodded at him to go.

"Can Rin come?" he asked.

"No, your… I mean, Rin, will be with I today," Chang'e informed them.

"We will spar this afternoon," Rin promised him as she released his hand. Sesshōmaru nodded before walking to the tutor. "And my lord, don't kill the tutor if he annoys you," she said.

"Fine," he grumbled as he stalked after the tutor, Rin was pretty sure that the tutor wouldn't survive the day if she hadn't pleaded for Sesshōmaru to exercise some control. Rin waited for Sesshōmaru to be gone before turning her attention to Chang'e. The immortal was assessing her carefully. Now Rin noted that Chang'e was very beautiful, her features delicate, refined, her eyes were dark and assessing, and her black hair was twisted up in an elegant, elaborate way.

"I do not believe that you and I got to the right introduction," Chang'e informed her. "I am Imperial Empress Chang'e," she said.

"Hai, I know," Rin replied.

"You speak our language well," Chang'e observed.

"My lord's mother tutored me in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese," Rin stated.

"Your lord's mother?"

"Hai," she nodded. "What is it you want?"

"Why are you here? Our agents said nothing of a human female with Jūn Ān," Chang'e stated.

"I have been asking myself that a lot lately, but I can hazard a few guesses that this was by your design and your son's," Rin informed her as she felt the pearl pulsing between her breasts.

"You know my son!?" Chang'e perked up and Rin softened. She could guess that Tōga had done a great job of burning all the bridges to his family. Tōga seemed a lot like InuYasha and Sesshōmaru in this sense.

"Hai, I know him," Rin replied.

"How is he?"

"Well enough as far as I know," she admitted.

"That's good," Chang'e admitted with a small smile. "But it still does not explain why you are here," she said.

"I'm here because this is when my lord needs me, and I'm probably here to learn," Rin answered.

"Learn what?"

"I believe this is yours," she admitted as she pulled the kuroshinju from the green robes she wore today. "My lord's father thinks it's your work," Rin admitted. Now Chang'e walked towards her, before carefully palming the pearl.

"This collects souls," Chang'e said.

"Hai, I'm aware," Rin said. "I need to know how it works, and what makes it work," Rin explained.

"How did you get this?"

"Does that matter?"

"Shì, it does," Chang'e said firmly.

"It got it when I went to save my lord, my lord's father had entrusted it to his retainer, it was left to me to save my lord," she explained.

"Your lord?"

"Hai, how does this work?" Rin asked.

Chang'e assessed the pearl then her, and frowned. "I'll make a deal with you, child," the kami said with a smile.

"And what is that?"

"You wish to collect souls, you will prove your dedication and servitude to your lord, in return I will teach you about the pearl," Chang'e said.

"And how am I to do that?" Rin asked.

"Only one of absolute dedication and determination can collect the living fragments of a soul," Chang'e stated.

"Living fragments of a soul?" Rin asked.

"Shì, a soul, particular a kami or spirit's soul, is subject to two forms, a yin and yang balance, because we are immortal and not amongst the living but not amongst the dead, the soul has two states, you seek to collect a balance of souls which will only be difficult because they only reveal themselves at moments of purest intent," Chang'e said.

"I'm aware," Rin said.

"Good, if you are intent on doing this then know that you will need to be absolutely certain, mortal, are you willing to face death and defy life in the quest for these fractions of a soul, are you willing to lose your own soul to save this lord of yours?"

"I've already faced death, and my soul is his to have when and if he should ever desire it. I am here for one purpose and one purpose only, I am here to save my lord, no matter the cost," Rin stated.

"Unusual dedication for a human to possess," Chang'e said. "I will set about creating the task which you can prove yourself to me. And mortal, you should be aware that escape is futile, the winter will ice over the harbor and build a barrier between worlds, do not get ideas of stealing my grandson to the East again."

"If my lord should wish to return home then I will be taking him, but for the moment I admit we need to be here," Rin said.

"You will go to your lessons in the meantime," Chang'e said and signaled for a maid to appear. Rin was startled to find herself looking at her other attendant from her time, Jiu bowed politely as she appeared.

"Jiu?" Rin gasped.


Year 1581...

Tsuzuki Castle...

Kagome was startled when she and Sango were walked into a magnificent wing of Tsuzuki Castle, the rooms were decorated simply and beautiful. If she was honest, Kagome would admit she had expected to be sent to the servant's quarters or something, not an entire wing for her, Sango, and the children.

"This is the private quarters of the Shikoku InuYōkai Pack," Kimi said. "These were Tōga's concubine's quarters, and his private gardens."

"Tōga's concubines?" Sango asked.

"Hai, they have since relinquished these quarters, most have stayed as attendants of mine, a few died, and a few went home," Kimi stated. "As Sesshōmaru has no concubines or wives or courtesans and has no intention of gathering them, these quarters are for InuYasha's pack and use."

"This is InuYasha's!?" Kagome gaped at the small compound she saw, multiple buildings and a beautiful garden, Sango was too stunned to speak as her kids darted around.

"Hai, it seems appropriate, I will have attendants come to aid you and the pups," Kimi said.

A maid appeared then and spoke softly to Kimi.

Kagome was stunned at the beauty here, there was something surreal about this place.

"This was Tōga's?" Sango gaped as Kimi walked with the maid.

"I didn't even know that he had a place like this!?" Kagome gaped as she looked around.

"I'm starting to feel like I know nothing about yōkai," Sango admitted. Kagome bounced Katsurō, Nobuyuki was still in Kimi's arms. Sango's daughters laughed, before they managed to have Akira and Ken chasing them through the garden. Glowing butterflies fluttered about, which Kanon and Kaori tried to catch.

"I know the feeling," Kagome admitted.

"Look at this place," Sango whispered in awe.

"I didn't know Tōga had concubines, I thought he only loved Izayoi," Kagome said as she slowly took a seat on the engawa and watched Sango's kids.

"Tōga had a fondness for female company and possessed a small harem of concubines," Kimi said appearing. "I apologize to cut this short but I was informed that my attentions are needed elsewhere. Obaa-sama will return!" Kimi smiled at the pup before handing Kagome her son back. "The maids, Hibiki and Chihiro will be attending to you, if you should require anything just ask, they are both former concubines of these quarters and know them well."

Kagome blinked at the sight of two inuyōkai females who smiled kindly.

"Such cute ears!" Hibiki giggled.

"I could see all the adoableness for a hanyō," Chihiro chuckled.

"Um… Arigato?" Kagome said uncertainly.

"You mothers must be exhausted, you can leave the pups with us, why don't you take hot baths and rest, we'll see to it that the quarters are arranged and the pups are cared for," Hibiki said.

"That's very kind of you," Sango muttered uncertainly. Kagome was too stunned to fight the gentle herding she was given as she relinquished her sons and was taken to a bathhouse.


Kimi walked into her gardens where she was greeted by a sight of a young female inu daiyōkai. Her black hair was pulled up in a simple manner, and her orange marks were displayed proudly as her sky blue eyes looked at a bird fluttering about.

"Iya," Kimi smiled and the young female turned to bow slightly.

"Kimi-sama," she said softly.

"I was not expecting you to be here," Kimi admitted.

"Hai," Iya stood then and looked back to the bird before looking back to Kimi. "My father, he's dying."

"I'm sorry to hear that, is there anything you need?" Kimi asked softly.

"Father fears I will not be able to keep our territory and has sent me to speak of a mating arrangement between myself and Sesshōmaru-sama," she explained.

"I see," Kimi sighed with a resign she could not name.

"I'm aware of my lord's… pet," Iya said carefully. "But I am also aware of the arrangement with the Eastern Yōrō Tribe's heiress. I do not expect anything, Kimi-sama, but I must look at my options."

"Hai, I understand," Kimi gestured for the female to walk with her. "But you should know that my son's human is not a pet, Rin-sama is his True Mate."

"So the rumors were true," Iya mused softly. "I have no issues with a human holding his heart," Iya murmured. "He deserves happiness of a True Mate."

"I am glad you feel that way," Kimi said. "As to this arrangement you would need to speak to my son, I can no longer speak on his behalf."

"I understand," Iya replied. "You should be aware that Kochi-sama is vying for power, using Sesshōmaru-sama's affections for Rin-sama as a sign of weakness."

"Let him try, Kochi is too much like his grandfather to be a true threat to Sesshōmaru's rule," Kimi stated.

"Mmm, but that was before Kochi made a match with Matagi," Iya said. "He beat Ehime-ken-sama's daughter in a mating hunt, they are bound and sealed together, which has unsettled my father greatly."

"I see," Kimi sighed. "I had heard the rumors, but as some mating hunts take years…"

"Hai, I'm told he used a dirty trick to win, and my father fears Kochi coming to ask me to a hunt, because," Iya started.

"I understand, I will arrange for you to speak to Sesshōmaru when he returns immediately," Kimi said. "In the meantime, inform your father you are in servitude to my house, and that we will be keeping you for an indeterminate amount of time. All desires for your hand will have to be addressed to me for the time being, and if your father is pressed for more answers than that, tell them that you are being considered to be Sesshōmaru's bitch. I'm certain some of the other pack leaders will be sending their daughters here for such security and safety is Kochi is instigating these mating hunts."

"Arigato, Kimi-sama," Iya bowed.

"Hai, I will arrange for the necessary quarters and tutors," Kimi said.

"If I may, where has Sesshōmaru-sama gone to?" Iya asked.

"West, he's gone west," Kimi answered.