Inuyasha awakened the next morning to a weight across his waist and warm, moist breath against his neck. Turning to face the person behind him, he smiled at the relaxed expression on the face of his lover. He leaned over and placed a kissed on his brother's nose. Sesshomaru stirred slightly and fell back into his slumber. Inuyasha smiled and raised one hand to stroke the soft demon markings on his brother's face. Every since he was a child, the lavender stripes had always fascinated him. However, it was the dark blue moon in the center of his forehead that truly held his fascination. It hurt his heart to see the scar slashing across his forehead severing the moon in half. It was the only blemish to his smooth skin. The arm would grow back with time, but he feared the scar breaking the moon would not. Who knows maybe in time the broken moon would heal as well. His fingers moved up to trace the outline of the broken crescent moon. Sesshomaru released a rumbling growl deep in his throat and pulled his bedmate closer burying his nose against his neck. Inuyasha moved his fingers down to stroke the demon stripes on his cheek again, and his brother's arm tightened around him. Suddenly his eyes fluttered opened. Smiling, he lovingly stroked Inuyasha's soft cheek. "Good morning, beloved."
"Good morning," said Inuyasha snuggling closer to the other, wrapping his arms around his waist.
"How are you feeling?" asked Sesshomaru nipping his mate along the length of his neck.
"Like I've just awakened in heaven." Inuyasha placed a chaste kissed on his mate's lips. Sesshomaru moaned into the kiss. He thrust his tongue into Inuyasha's mouth savoring the sweetness of his lover.
Pushing his brother onto his back, Sesshomaru leaned over his mate, and proceeded in kissing the breath from him. He broke the kiss moving down to Inuyasha neck, and then over to the mating mark. He began to lick the mark and sent waves of chills up Inuyasha's spine. The hanyou moaned as he exposed his neck more so his brother would have better access to his neck. He cried out, and shivered as spine tingle pleasure surged through his body as Sesshomaru sucked the mark.
"Did you like that," Sesshomaru asked smirking. Not sure if he could trust his voice, Inuyasha just nodded his head. He continued to nip and suck on the mark making the younger demon squirm beneath him. His mouth moved down to latch onto one of his nipples.
Inuyasha began to stroke the strips on his brother's thighs causing the elder demon to groan, as he pulled painfully hard on the aroused nipple. He arched against Sesshomaru, pressing and rubbing his hardening arousal against his brother's length. Sesshomaru moved up to claim Inuyasha's lips once again. He growled into the kiss as his tongue pushed against those pink soft lips demanding entrance. Inuyasha's mouth opened as his brother's tongue delved into the warm moist cavern. Their tongues fought for dominance as Inuyasha's hand roamed possessively over his brother's sleek, masculine body. Inuyasha shuttered as he felt his brother's hand move to his entrance stroking the pink puckered opening. Inuyasha pushed his rear back wanting those wicked long digits inside him. He whimpered as Sesshomaru refused to penetrate him. "Sesshy . . .please . . . I need . . ." Inuyasha could feel the heat building inside him, hampering his ability to speak. His brother's lips scorched his lips making the hanyou pant in want and need. He moved his hand to Sesshomaru's thick arousal and began stroking it.
The elder demon hissed as he thrust one finger inside Inuyasha tight body. The half demon bit down on his brother's lip tasting blood. His back arched as his mate added another finger. Inuyasha buried his face into the crook of his brother's neck as he continued to stroke the pulsing, thick, flesh in his hand that was now sticky and slick from the precum. Inuyasha's hand tightened painfully around Sesshomaru's arousal when the older demon added a third finger into the tight opening. Sesshomaru groaned as he removed his fingers. He quickly positioned himself between Inuyasha's thighs, and with one quick forceful thrust penetrated the core of the hanyou.
Inuyasha howled as his brother slammed himself deep inside the lithe body beneath him. Sesshomaru buried his nose against his lover's neck and groaned as the wall of Inuyasha's insides clamped tight around the intruding flesh. Both demons took several deep calming breaths. Sweat trickled down their faces and bodies. Inuyasha squirmed and began to thrust himself onto his brother arousal.
The young demon lord smiled and began to move gently into his brother. The only sound came from their moans and panting. Inuyasha felt heat pooled in the pit of his stomach as he thrust upward meeting his brother's thrusts. Wanting his brother to go deeper, he placed his legs on his mate's shoulders. Sesshomaru growled as he was driven deeper into his brother's tight, warm body. Inuyasha nearly cried out, but bit his bottom lip as his brother struck his prostate repeatedly. Grasping Inuyasha's stiff cock, he stroked it in time with his thrusts. Inuyasha opened his eyes and saw the world through a fog of red as his eyes bled red with lust, and his fangs grew long. "Sess . . . I'm . . . gonna. . ."
Sesshomaru thrusts became faster and deeper as sweat dripped from his face. Inuyasha felt every muscle in his body lock tight. And suddenly, his vision exploded in a white light as he howled releasing his seeds to stripe his stomach and chest. And at that moment he sunk his fangs into his mate's neck. Sesshaomaru growled as he continued to thrust fiercely into his mate until he at last spurted his seeds into his younger brother. After the spasms finally ceased, Inuyasha removed his fangs, and began to lap the mark until it stopped bleeding. Then he removed his legs from his brother's shoulders, and closed his eyes gulping down several breath of air. Sesshomaru collapsed exhaustedly beside his lover pulling him close, and leaned over pressing his lips against his mate's kiss swollen lips.
Inuyasha snuggled close to his brother and was about to drift off to sleep when an ear piercing squeal went through the palace. Inuyasha sighed. "Guess this means its time to get up," he sighed and kissed his brother once more. Then the scream of a male voice rung out.
Inuyasha ears perked up as the screams from both the male and female sounded familiar. "Something's wrong," said Inuyasha frowned. He leaped up putting on his yukuta and rushed out into the hallway.
xxxxx
Inuyasha rushed out into the hall to find Zaine trying to pull a very irate Ashanta off Miroku. Her hands were clutched around his neck. "What the hell is going on out here?" yelled Inuyasha as everyone turned to him.
"This piece of shit here," roared Ashanta shaking him like a rag doll. "Just grabbed my ass!"
"He did, did he?" said Sethos glaring at the human.
"It was an accident," said Miroku raising his hands up in innocence.
"You're such a pervert," scowled Sango whacking the monk across the top of his head.
Ashanta smirked at the human. "You do know what this means?"
"What?" asked Sango.
"What he did is an insult to her honor and to her mate," said Zaine smiling, turning to wink at them. "Since you insulted Sethos' mate he will have to fight you to regain it back."
"WHAT!" the monk shrieked in terror as he gazed at the powerful cat standing before him smirking in satisfaction. Those flaring lavender eyes promised much pain to the human. Miroku gulped in fear and tried to smooth things over. "Look, I'm truly sorry. It was an accident. I truly meant you no disrespect."
"I warned you about those wayward hands of yours, Miroku," said Sango. "Now, you will just have to deal with the consequences."
"Sango!" said Miroku looking at the woman startled.
"And to think, we were just reunited yesterday," said inuyasha shaking his head sadly.
"Inuyasha!" the monk looked to his friend pleadingly.
"It was fun knowing you," said Shippo.
"S-Shippo!"
"Now human," said Sethos drawing the monks terrified eyes upon him. He raised one hand ejecting his sharp claws. "It is time to die."
Miroku cringed raising his arms up to protect himself from the blow, but it never came. He did, however hear laughter. Lowering his arms, he stared in shock as everyone was laughing, including Sethos.
"Miroku, you idiot," said Inuyasha. "Nobody is going to kill you."
"But I thought . . ."
"Don't be stupid," said Ashanta as she stopped laughing. "I would have killed you myself if I was truly offended. Your intended mate told me about those wandering hands of yours and how they just 'attach' themselves to the rear of pretty women. So, she and I came up with this plan to teach you a lesson."
"I'm not his intended anything," screeched Sango flustered and blushing furiously.
"Really," said Zaine frowning. "Then why do you get angry at him when he does stuff like that?"
Sango could say nothing. "I . . . I . . .Excuse me." She ran away from the staring group.
"Humans are so strange," said Ashanta.
"I guess we should all go get some breakfast," said Inutaisho smiling not missing the fresh mating marks on his sons, not to mention the fact that they came out of the room together.
xxxxx
After breakfast and after everyone had dressed, Sesshomaru went to check on his army and to plan things for the assault on the castle. As always, Jaken was right behind him. The men had set up a tent for their lord and his commanders to talk strategy.
"How are the troops doing this morning?" asked Sesshomaru.
"With the return of Lord Inutaisho and Prince Inuyasha, everyone has hope that we will be victorious," said Yoko.
"The same here," said Sango. "Everyone is ready when you are, my lord."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Inuyasha, Zaine and Sethos walking over to them. "What brings you, brother?"
"You hurried out so quickly," said Inuyasha. "We came to hear about the attack."
"Well, it will be a while," said Sesshomaru.
"A while, why?" asked Zaine.
"I'm waiting for Totosai. We will most certainly be needing the power of the Tetsusaiga."
"Wasn't he the one who forged father's swords?" asked Inuyasha.
"Yes, he is the only one that can mend the shattered tetsusaiga."
"Brother, what is a t-tetsaiga?" asked Zaine hoping he said the name right.
"Tetsusaiga, it is a powerful sword created from the fang of my father," said Inuyasha.
Zaine frowned. "Could you make anything from such a tiny fang?"
"Ignorant feline," scolded Jaken. "You know nothing about our lord."
"Maybe so, but if you keep yapping that beak, I really will have frog legs for dinner," said Zaine flashing his fangs. Jaken squawked and hid behind Sesshomaru's leg.
"Silly." Inuyasha smiled at his lion brother. "My father has three forms. One is his human-like form, second is that of a huge white dog and the other, well, let's just say he is about the size of Mt. Kilimanjaro."
"You're joking," said Sethos. Inuyasha shook his head smiling at the two cats. "That's incredible."
"I've never known my father to get that big," said Zaine scratching his head. "Well, at least, we have never seen him get that big. Father tends to not tell us about his demon form."
"Why is that?" asked Yoko.
"Don't know. He just doesn't."
"Well, if he is as old as Lord Inutaisho," said Sango. "He just might have a third more powerful form."
Inuyasha turned when he heard someone calling Ashanta's name. He saw the lion demoness stalking towards them nearly tripping over her own feet. He smiled as she stomped up to them scowling at her dog brother with Rin close behind her. Her long, thick black hair hung down her back. The colored beads that decorated each braid clacked together like wind chimes. She was dressed in three silk kimonos. The top kimono which was tied by a golden obi was a dark blue kimono with a gold crescent moon stitched on both shoulders. The second layer was red with black cherry blossoms scattered through the material, and the last layer was just a simple white kimono.
"Wow, sis," said Zaine smiling at her.
"What the hell is this," snapped Ashanta. "After my bath the servants comes in putting me in layer upon layer of bathrobes."
Inuyasha snickered. "These are not bathrobes, sister. They are kimonos, and everyone wears them."
"I tried to tell her this," said Rin looking exasperatedly, "but she would not listen."
"Why aren't they in them?" She pointed to Rin and Sango.
"They're tomboys. So, they don't count," said Miroku.
"Jerk!" Sango whacked him across the head.
"Well, I care not what they are called. I do not intend upon sitting around all day in these bathrobes," Ashanta growled through clenched teeth. "I can barely walk in these things, and why in the hell do I have to wear three?"
"It is a formal wear," shrieked Jaken coming out from behind Sesshomaru's leg looking offended at the demoness' insult of the beautiful kimonos she wore. "Only those of royal blood wear such finely crafted kimonos."
Ashanta narrowed her eyes at the little toad. "You're a little suck up, aren't you."
Jaken became flustered as he crossed his arms and turned away.
"I think you look absolutely lovely in it," said Sethos kissing her on the cheek.
Ashanta's cheeks were red from her mate's comment. Then she growled when she heard Zaine and Inuyasha snickering. "At least now we know what to do to get you to shut up," said Zaine laughing.
"Oh, go jump off a cliff," said Ashanta.
"Don't worry, you will get your clothes back," said Inuyasha. "I just had the servants wash them for you."
"Anyway, what are you talking about?" She walked up to the table staring down at the maps.
"We were talking about waiting for the tetsusaiga to be fixed before we attacked," said Sango.
"What's a tet . . .whatever?"
"It's called tetsusaiga," said Jaken. "It is the sword that was created from the fang of Lord Sesshomaru's father. The sword that can slay one hundred demons in a single stroke.
"You love hear yourself talk, don't you," said Ashanta smirking. "Besides, I don't like being lied to, toad."
"I do not lie." The toad demon scowled offended at her.
"Uh huh, so were is this legendary sword?"
"It was shattered in the dragon's teeth," said Shippo.
"I'm sorry but it just sounds like a nice little fairy tale to me," said the demoness.
"How dare you insult our lord," said Jaken angrily.
"I didn't insult anyone. I just said that a weapon that could kill a hundred demons sounds too farfetched."
"You insolent, whelp." Jaken was about to start ranting, but Inuyasha interrupted.
"Excuse me guys, we have other more important things to worry about than the sword," said Inuyasha.
"Look," said Sango pointing. "What is that?"
Everyone turned to see something racing towards them. As it got closer, they all calmed to see that it was Totosai.
"What is that?" asked Ashanta.
"That's the sword smith that forged the sword, Totosai," said Inuyasha.
The old sword smith brought his three eyed oxen to a halt in front of the small group. He dismounted and bowed to Sesshomaru. "Welcome back, Lord Sesshomaru," said the old man.
"It's good to be back," said Sesshomaru. "It took you long enough to get here."
"Well, I've been busy, but when I heard that your father was rescued from the dragon. I leaped on the back of Ushi, and got here as fast as I could. I knew you would be wanting tetsusaiga fixed," said Totosai looking at the strangers. "So, who are you friends?"
"This is Rin." He pointed to the human female. "She was my translator and bodyguard while I was traveling abroad. They are Ashanta, Zaine and Sethos. They are the ones that helped to rescue father."
"Oh, well I'm very glad to meet you three. Any enemy of Ryuukotsusei is a friend of mine." He turned to face Inuyasha. "You look familiar, young one. Have we met before?"
"I should say so, old man," said Inuyasha.
"Totosai, this is Inuyasha," said Sesshomaru.
The old man's large round eyes bulged out even more as he stared at the young prince. "You're alive. Oh happy days." He slapped the teen on the shoulders happily. "We were all so sad when we thought you were dead."
"I know," said Inuyasha smiling.
"It was Inuyasha and his friends that rescued Lord Inutaisho," Miroku said.
The old sword smith laughed in approval. "I always knew you would be a brave little runt. So, where is your father?"
"He's with mother," said Sesshomaru.
"I'll go say my hellos to them, and then I shall set about mending the tetsusaiga," said Totosai.
"How long will it take?" asked Rin.
"No more than three days."
"Very well, Jaken show Master Totosai to my parents," said Sesshomaru.
"As you wish, my lord," said the toad.
Once they were far enough away Ashanta turned to her brother. "You mean, that old decrepit goat forged that sword everyone keeps going on about?"
"Yep," said Inuyasha smiling. "The sword, tenseiga, which my brother has was also made from my father's fang."
"Ten-si-ega," said Zaine.
"Yes, the sword he used when all those soldiers were killed by the Thunder Brothers," said Shippo.
"Wow, that is impressive," said Sethos.
"Now, let's get back to our battle plans," said Sesshomaru.
xxxxx
Later that day Inuyasha was reunited with Shirow. The older demon was happy to see the young pup still alive. Inuyasha was happy to hear that Shakir had survive that terrible storm also. He had liked her. She was nice to him from their first meeting. What surprised the hanyou was that Shirow had taken the human girl as his mate. He didn't think the other demon liked humans too much, but Inuyasha guessed even a thick head like Shirow can change his mind. He was ecstatic when Shirow told them that Shakir had given birth to twin sons. Inuyasha also asked about Usagi. He was told by Master Rei that the elderly rabbit demon was back home with his family. That made the young dog demon very happy. He remembered how the old rabbit was filled with sadness at being separated from his family.
About two hours later, Totosai left with the shattered pieces of tetsusaiga. Since Inuyasha was younger and stronger, the old sword smith decided to take a fang from Inuyasha instead of his father to mend the sword. The old man told them he would be back in three days.
Three days. Three long, tension filled days. Ashanta wasn't so sure about this rag tag army Sesshomaru had gathered to fight the dragons and his allies. She sat on the cliff overlooking the encampment and sighed. She took a quick sniff of the air and smiled. "And what could the happy couple be doing this far out, as if I didn't know."
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru walked up to join her. "Well, we saw you sitting up here, and decided to join you." He crouched down beside her. "What are you doing up here, anyways?"
"I was just looking at the encampment and wondering," said Ashanta. She reached up opening his mouth, seeing part of his fang poking out of his gums. "I see your fang is growing back in."
"Totosai did say it would grow back in half a day." Inuyasha took a seat beside her. "Stop trying to change the subject. What were you thinking about?"
"Well, take a look down there and tell me what you see."
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru looked down at the camp. "Well, I see everyone either talking or sharpening their weapons." He turned to stare at his sister frowning. "I don't understand. What am I suppose to be looking at?"
Ashanta rolled her, and turned back to stare at the encampment. "I'm pretty sure your brother knows what I'm talking about."
Inuyasha turned to stare at the emotionless face of his brother. "Sess?"
The elder demon sighed and closed his eyes. "What she means otouto is that the camp is divided into three groups."
Inuyasha turned back to the encampment frowning, and his eyes widened in shock. Why didn't he see this before? What Ashanta and Sesshomaru said was true. The camp was separated into three groups. The demons were on one side, the humans on the other side and all the holy people were settled at the top of the strange pyramid.
"Humans don't trust demons. Demons don't like humans. And the monks want to purify the demons and/or seal them away," said Ashanta. "It's not going to work if they don't trust each other."
"We here in Japan have been this way for centuries," said Sesshomaru. "There is nothing that can change the opinions of either side."
"Then you better be prepared to have your father, mother and your mate imprisoned by the dragon, and if there is one thing I know about fire dragons is that they are very destructive and quite fierce. I am assuming that this Ryuukotsusei is a fire dragon. His nature puts him as a fire dragon."
"What do you propose?" asked Inuyasha.
"I don't know. I understand that this behavior is centuries in the making and nothing anyone could say or do could change it. But still, I would have thought that this shared threat of the dragon would have at least had them talking to one another as equal."
A derogatory snort was heard from the demon lord. "Why would any demon find humans their equals?"
"Well, why not," said Ashanta. "From what I've seen so far, Ryuukotsusei considers all other demons nothing but dirt beneath his feet. I'm not even going to say what the dragon thinks of your father. Anyway, until they can stand side by side without being disgusted with the other's presence, this little rebellion will die before it gets started." Ashanta sighed. "We have until the sword smith returns with your sword to try and think of a way to temporarily solve this problem."
"Feh, why not ask for the moon while you're at," scoffed Inuyasha.
xxxxx
Naraku made his way downstairs to the dungeon. Opening one of the cell doors, the demon Kageroumaru had destroyed the cell in a fit of rage. The muzzled demon glared up at the spider demon through dark fathomless eyes. The silent demon crawled over to his master, and Naraku stroke the silver hair demon. "You are lost without your brother. Do not fear. I shall give you your chance to avenge your brother's death. You want the woman." It was more of a statement instead of a question.
The silent demon said nothing except flex his claws rattling the chains. Naraku smiled. Placing a finger under Kageroumaru's chin lifting his face to look at him. "I will give you your chance but first, you must do something for me. I need the girl alive." Kageroumaru stiffened as his dark eyes burned with rage. "I know you want her to pay for what she did to your brother. I know the emptiness that sets in your belly like a lead weight without him. You will have your chance, but I need her alive. Will you do that for me, Kageroumaru?" He used his other hand to stroke the long silver hair. His crimson eyes stared deep into the other's eyes. "Will you bring her back to me alive?"
The demon hesitated a second flexing his claws and nodded reluctantly. Then he began rubbing his cheek against Naraku's leg like a cat. Yes, he would bring the girl to his master alive, but he would make her suffer a little or a lot first.
xxxxx
Inuyasha, Sesshomaru and Ashanta was heading back to the mansion when Inuyasha looked at her and smiled. "Well, I see you are getting the hang of walking in a kimono."
"Yeah, well, it isn't easy," said Ashanta smiling taking small measured steps. "I still don't see how any woman can walk in this." Inuyasha burst out laughing.
Ashanta rolled her eyes shaking her head. Suddenly she stopped when a familiar scent caught her attention. "Hold up."
"What's wrong?" asked Sesshomaru.
"Don't you smell it?" She looked around extending her claws. "It's the scent of that demon I fought and that Naraku character."
"I'm so glad you remember us," said a voice behind them. They turned to see Naraku along with Kagura, and Kageroumaru .
"So, you're the wretch that buried me beneath the earth," spat Kagura glaring at Inuyasha. "Hard to believe a filthy half breed did that to me."
Inuyasha smirked. "Yeah. I'll be happy to show you again if you like."
Kagura growled and snapped open her fan.
"Now now, let's not get upset," said Naraku looking at the young dog demon. "So, you are the missing prince. I should have known it when I first saw you in Kanna's mirror. Only the dog royalty has the long silver hair and gold eyes. Since you are a hanyou, the dog ears should have told me who you were."
"So, you know me, but who the hell are you?" said Inuyasha. "I remember seeing you in the castle."
"I am Naraku."
"You're the bastard that put that hole in Miroku's hands, destroyed Sango's village and killed Kikyou!"
"Of course, it was so easy to do. Especially killing the priestess. Human females are pathetic creatures going all soft and dreamy eyed over a pretty faced man. It was how I was able to destroy her. She was such a fool. To think, those demon slayers made my task of taking the jewel so easy by giving it to that stupid wench," smirked Naraku. "It took me a while, but I was able to get that fool to fall in love with me, and offer the jewel to me. I made her think I loved her, and would use the shikon jewel to make myself human so we could be together. Imagine her surprise when I wished to be a full blooded demon. After I made my wish. I celebrated my new demon status by killing the bitch."
"You BASTARD!" Inuyasha lunged at the smiling Naraku. Kagura turned her attention to the demon lord and attacked with her dance of blades. That left Ashanta and the crouching Kageroumaru.
He circled Ashanta like a lion preparing to pounce. And she did not like it. The demon was planning something, and it could only mean trouble for her. Deciding that there was no use in waiting, she attacked, but the constricting kimono was slowing her attack speed. Kageroumaru dodged the attack and appeared behind her. He raked his claws down her back. Ashanta screamed falling to one knee. She glanced over her shoulder to see the silent, emotionless demon behind her. Spinning around, she lashed out with her claws, catching him across the right cheek, and quickly leaped out of the way. But the constricting fabric had caused her to stumble and, in a blink of an eye, Kageroumaru was standing in front of her. He buried his claws into her stomach. Blood spurted from the wound as he removed his claws. Ashanta staggered backwards as blood gushed from her mouth. She would have fallen to the ground if Kageroumaru hadn't caught her in his arms.
Seeing Kageroumaru with the limp body of the lion demoness in his arms, he called to Kagura. The wind demoness sent another attack at Sesshomaru. The dog lord shattered the attack with Tokijin and ran to his mate's side. He helped Inuyasha to stand. Inuyasha glared at the demons.
"Ashanta!" yelled Inuyasha glaring murderously at Kageroumaru as he stood beside Naraku and Kagura with an unconscious Ashanta across his shoulder. Blood fell to the ground like rain from the deep gashes in her back. "You let her go bastards!"
"Don't worry Prince Inuyasha, I shall return your little friend," said Naraku smiling. "Maybe. That is, if Kageroumaru doesn't kill her first." Suddenly a foul black miasma surrounded them lifting them into the sky.
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru covered their noses gaging, and leaped away from the foul miasma. Once the black mist dissipated, they saw the demons floating away on a large white feather.
"NO! ASHANTA! ASHANTA!" The young prince yelled falling to his knees. All he could do was watch as they disappeared.