Authors note:

First, I would like to apologize that it has taken me so long to update. I was participating in NaNoWrMo (national novel writing month) this year and didn't have much time for my fanfiction. I'll try my best to speed things up.

Also, for those of you who have seen the 3rd Inuyasha movie (I highly recommend it if you haven't) you might notice some familiar references in this chapter. Please note that my references follow a similar but NOT identical timeline to this movie's prolog, the primary difference being ages of certain characters.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for bearing with me.

HyperFerret

Chapter 37

Despite his issues with personal boundaries, Falcon turned out to be rather thoughtful in his own way. Instead of continuing on with his round of greetings and formalities with her staggering awkwardly in toe the dragon took it upon himself to familiarize Shura with the dragon clans and their respected ambassadors. It was a lesson the she-dog had been hoping for.

Casually the pair of demons walked the room side by side, Falcon making narrations when appropriate.

"Over there is the Wind ruler Lord Cyclone and his nine daughters," Falcon pointed out first, directing Shura's attention to the large gathering of tall, pale skinned dragons dressed in various shades of blue. "Gale, Jet, Breeze, Wisk, Whim, Blithe, Stormer, Whisper, and of course his eldest Zaphyra. Be weary of the younger ones for they can be a bit…uh…how should I say this politely…"

"Air headed?" Shura piped up with a smirk that made Falcon's face brighten.

"Yes! Yes that's it," he returned with a laugh. "Oh and see there…" This time Falcon pointed to a majestic looking couple ornamented with shells and pearls atop their matching teal attire. "That is Lord Turrent and his bond Rain. They are the new leaders of the Water realm, and word is they'll be having heirs shortly." Next Falcon gestured towards an older matriarch draped in layers of pale yellow and silky iridescent fabrics. Beside her were two blond-haired gentlemen with a similar color scheme. Both males were grown, but the elder of the pair had a well-groomed beard and a warrior's confidence. "She is Lady Aurora, ruler of the Sun realm. And beside her are her two heirs, Razor and Solar," the dragon informed before directing his attention beyond them to a pair of identical twins decorated in surprisingly contrasting black and white outfits. "And they are Lunos and Cosmose, the twin sons of Lord Eclipse, ruler of the Moon realm. Then of course there is Kayolin of the Earthern realm and his grandkits, Fern and Ivy, whom you've already met."

Shura swept her eyes around the room as the continued on, feeling distinctly more comfortable now that she could, at least to some degree, identify the royal dragons and their clan specialties. Even still, if her observations was right there were still two clans unaccounted for.

"What about them?" Shura asked, her stare gradually settling on a trio of dragons dressed in black and yellow. Two out of the three were males, appearing about the same age with ragged, scowling faces. In fact, had it not been for a prominent battle scar across one's right eye, it would be nearly impossible to tell the pair of gentlemen apart. The third among them was a young girl who looked about mid teens. Although she wasn't nearly as frayed as her companions, her expression was just as sour.

"That," Falcon noted pointing to the less battered gentlemen, "is the Sky realm leader Lord Skybolt. The scarred one is his brother, Lord Skystrike, and the girl is his daughter, Lady Charisma."

"Ah," Shura nodded, and then a bit curiously asked, "Aren't they one of your clan's biggest competitors?" The question seemed to make Falcon uncomfortable for he fidgeted a little in place.

"Yes, well. At these events I try to leave the past where it belongs," was his answer. Scratching behind his head, Falcon averted his eyes to a different corner of the room. Unbeknownst to Shura, something in the distance caught his eye.

"I don't believe it," Falcon finally exclaimed, catching the she-demon's interest.

"What?"

"Even the Shadow tribe has come." Curious, Shura beckoned for Falcon to show her and after several minutes of combing the shadows with her eyes Shura eventually spotted the pair of raven-haired dragons.

The older of the duo, a gaunt looking male with short, slicked hair, and black robes was observing the crowds silently and without much interest. Beside him stood an equally frail looking young woman clad in layers of purple, black and silver. She was not so much focused on the scenery, but instead seemed to be returning Shura's stare with her cool gray eyes. Shivering with discomfort Shura looked to Falcon who, not surprisingly, appeared oblivious to the shadow dragon's numbing gaze. "That is Lord Shale and his daughter Lady Nightshade," he informed in a casual tone that made Shura ease slightly.

Taking a few steps away the she-demon averted her gaze from the shadow dragon and looked round the crowded room once more. For all the dragons Falcon named there had to be dozens of wondering subordinates unaccounted for. Naturally, they weren't nearly as distinguishable, nor as well dressed as their royal counterparts. Nevertheless Shura was still impressed that so many would be invited, let alone show up.

"It's quite a turn out considering there are only eight clans," the she-demon observed for the sake of conversation. "Though I'm sure you've probably gotten used to it by now, since the gathering happens every year." Shura paused, suddenly aware that Falcon was eyeing her strangely. "Did I say something wrong?"

"For someone of Inutaishou's tribe you sure do know a lot about our culture." Falcon noted, the interest in his voice growing. Shura smiled and scratched behind her head modestly.

"Well, I… Lets just say I've had a long history with your kind," she answered as casually as she could manage. But it was to late. Her rapport with dragons had inadvertently ignited a spark of hope in Falcon, and unlike before, his affections this time around seemed far more genuine then playful.

"Really. So I take it you're quite fond of us then…" the dragon inquired in a velvety smooth voice that made Shura suddenly nervous.

"I…uh….I suppose…" Shura managed to stutter.

"Hey Inuyasha?" The half demon looked up when he heard Miroku speak up. "Where'd your brother disappear to?"

"Who cares," he promptly returned, oblivious that Sesshomaru had even strayed from their company. Miroku shrugged at the half-demon's indifference and let his eyes wonder to where Sango and Kagome were standing a few yards away. Both girls were chatting with Kayolin, narrating details of their journey and how the group of them had met and become friends.

Towards the end of the conversation Kagome spotted Shura wondering through the crowds the young fire-dragon still at her side.

"Looks like Shura and Falcon are getting along pretty well," she noted a bit playfully. Out of reflex Kayolin, Sango, Inuyasha and Miroku all turned to look as well. Just as Kagome observed, both Shura and the dragon seemed to be acting casually enough. At leas they were, until Falcon pushed his luck a little to far with his Miroku imitation.

"Pervert!" sounded a yell from Shura followed by a sharp and painful sounding SMACK that made all five of them wince in unison.

"Woopse, spoke to soon," Kagome corrected, a nervous grin tugging at her face. Kayolin offered an amused chuckle to that one, and Sango having had far to many similar situations with a certain womanizing monk made it a point to put in prudently.

"Humph, served him right." This of course made Miroku shy away uneasily and look to Inuyasha for some smidgen of moral support. But the half demon remained as indifferent and cranky as before.

"Is something the matter Inuyasha?" Kagome asked suddenly concerned. Inuyasha just crossed his arms. He seemed reluctant to answer but eventually Kagome managed to pry it out of him.

"I don't get it!" the half demon finally admitted voicing his frustrated confusion, "How is Sesshomaru's able to speak dragon…and why is he so familiar with everything that's going on?"

"You mean you don't know?" It was Kayolin. The dragon was eyeing Inuyasha now, his expression curious and yet wise in the same instant. When Inuyasha just shook his head the dragon's expression became even more thoughtful. "Come with me," he instructed.

"Oh Lord Matyeo! There you are!" The dragon flinched when the voice of a familiar, fire dragoness reached his ears. For an instant he almost ran, he wanted to. But his reflexes weren't fast enough. The dragon king had to brace himself when the fire-realm heiress practically threw herself into his arms. Matyeo grunted heavily.

"You seem to be in better spirits Lady Phoenix," he observed. The redhead leaned up so their noses were almost touching.

"But of course," the female replied innocently. Then with a wanting stare she twirled one of her claws in delicate circles across Matyeo's exposed collarbone. "How about you and I take a…private tour of your estate? Hmmm?" As she spoke the dragoness made it a point to push herself in as close as possible so that their scales brushed against one another, a feeling that made a distinctly uncomfortable Matyeo noticeably more so. It was obvious from her body language that Phoenix had more in mind then just a tour.

"Uh…" he started to respond, but monents later a second young female slammed into his other side. This one, the Sky realm's young heiress Charisma, hugged Matyeo's arm tightly and stared up at him with an impish expression that was beyond her age.

"Now Phoenix, don't be rude…I've already asked him first…right dearest?" the sky dragon cooed. Matyeo ground his fangs nervously. Although it wasn't the first time, and wouldn't be the last, that the realms heiresses tried to win him over, that didn't make their advances any easier to deal with. A thought occurred to him suddenly.

"Why don't I just give you both a tour at the same time, to save us a trip?" Matyeo offered. As expected both females faces fell with disappointment, but neither one could argue the point further without due embarrassment.

As Matyeo started to leave the room with both females still in toe he spied Shura's familiar face among the crowds. She was leering fiercely but turned up her nose with forced indifference the instant his eyes fell on her.

Not sure what else to do Inuyasha and his three friends obeyed and followed Kayolin as he lead them from the main hall into the labyrinth that was Matyeo's castle. After passing through many winding corridors the group eventually came to a flight of stairs that seemed to stretch downward forever. At the bottom was another narrow corridor lit by torches along the walls. Despite the warm glow of the flames that bathed over the polished stone, walls, the surroundings were eerie, almost claustrophobic, and it made the group of friends fidget restlessly.

Grabbing a torch Kayolin continued to lead the way through the palace's lower catacombs until they reached a pair of large, heavy looking wooden doors inscribed with Matyeo's dragon-eye insigna. Resting across the doors, barring them shut was an enormous curved fang.

Stepping forward Kayolin touched the fang lightly. Then with surprising ease he lifted it from the hook-like suspenders that kept it in place.

"Don't be fooled," the dragon made it a point to warn as he pushed open the doors and allowed the others to pass through. "If any one of us had even the slightest harmful intention, that lock would be impossible to lift. My King's ancestors made sure of it." The group of friends acknowledged Kayolin's words as the dragon himself slipped through the doors and let them shut heavily behind him.

The room they had stepped into was enormous, at least twice the size of the entry hall they had come from upstairs. Elaborate tapestries and ancient looking weapons of all shapes and sizes were hung decoratively from the walls. Life-size statures carved from ivory and precious metals spanned across the open floor, some stretching almost to the ceiling.

A decent sized shrine carved carefully from wood rested at the far end of the room: an obvious monument to the most recently departed monarch.

Glancing around in wonder at some of the various tapestries the group observed that much of the décor was arranged so that it told a kind of sequenced story—an illustrated history of Matyeo's family.

Impressive as it was however, the collection of dragon keepsakes did little to answer Inuyasha's growing list of questions regarding his brother, a fact that clearly annoyed him.

"So what exactly was the point of all this?" questioned the half demon as he looked once more to Kayolin for an explanation. The dragon merely smiled and pointed in the direction of the shrine.

"Look over in that direction and you'll see," he instructed. Sighing heavily Inuyasha obeyed and walked in the direction Kayolin had pointed, passing by statues as he went. After several frustrating minutes Inuyasha was on the verge of storming out in a huff when suddenly a huge memorial caught his eye. Unlike every other statue, which featured a dragon, this one was of a dog. The huge, ivory carved, beast looked a lot like Sesshomaru when he was fully transformed except its ruff was different, stretching over both shoulders instead of just one. The dog was depicted rearing up on his hind legs in a lunge, fangs bared in an open mouthed snarl. Opposing the dog was an equally large cat demon with pointed horns atop his head and on either side of his face. The cat was clad in armor and was shown swinging a massive paw at the dog demon charging him.

Inuyasha stared at this stature for a long while trying to make sense of why something like it would be resting among dragon memorabilia. Then suddenly it hit him.

"Is that…" Inuyasha began, but the rest of the words wouldn't come.

"Your father." Kayolin finished for him. "Yes." The dragon was standing behind Inuyasha now, as were the rest of his friends. Slowly the half demon turned. His expression was uncertain, half torn between surprise and sadness. Kayolin went on. "He and Matyeo's father, King Drakeion, were war allies against the panther tribe many many years ago…long before your parents had even met. The two Lords had such similar personalities and interests, that they remained friends even after the battle was over." As he spoke the dragon gestured to a tapestry suspended on a wall to the left of the statue. It was a large piece showing two regal looking demons in human form standing side by side, each with a young child in toe.

The gentlemen standing to the right had long, pale gray hair tied in a high ponytail. Short, unkempt bangs fell across his forehead, though they were parted in the center revealing a purple crescent moon. A single, ragged red stripe accented each cheek, providing a contrast to his pale skin and haunting yellow eyes. This gentleman was dressed in elegant white, purple, and red silks, which were further topped with gray armor, itself featuring ribbed, spiked, shoulder guards that stretched from collarbone to forearm. Behind these guards were twin white-fur boas that streamed elegantly to past the man's feet. Standing calmly to the right of the gray-haired demon was a small child with snow-white hair, twin stripes on either cheek and a matching crescent moon on the center of his forehead. Though the boy only looked around eight or so, Inuyasha had no trouble recognizing him… as his older brother.

"So that's what father looked like," Inuyasha thought silently to himself as he studied over the gray-haired monarch. A throb of sadness welled momentarily within the half demon when he realized that this portrait was the only way he'd ever see his old man. But Inuyasha quickly suppressed it. Forcing his eyes from the image of his father the half demon looked to the remaining subjects.

The second demon gentleman standing just beside his father had long, steely-blue hair that fell neatly to his lower back. His bangs were parted in the center as well but they were longer, steaming elegantly to his shoulders. Finned, dragon-esque, ears poked out from behind his flowing bangs, and atop his head was a golden leaf crown identical to the one Matyeo had been seen wearing. The royal dragon's outfit was similar to Matyeo's as well, though his was navy blue with silver embroidery, and his dragon-scale body armor was a deep green color. This demon also had a child, though it was only a baby. The bundled infant was resting comfortably in the blue-haired demon's arms, his tiny green striped face just barely visible.

Looking at the image it did not surprise Inuyasha that the blue-haired dragon was in fact Matyeo's father. By all rights Matyeo had become his near spitting image. But equating the tiny bundle with the raining dragon King… that was almost laughable. Shifting his eyes from the portrait Inuyasha next turned his attention to the tapestry hanging directly beside it.

This one also featured Matyeo and his father, though it was obviously crafted years later because Matyeo appeared as a young toddler. Drakeion was posing in the center this time, his son sitting proudly atop his left shoulder. Sesshomaru was there also, appearing around age eleven. He was standing by the dragon king's side accepting a friendly pat on the head. His tiny hands were clinging to a sword. It was the Tenseiga.

Sadness suddenly filled Inuyasha's heart when he realized the reason his father hadn't been placed in the second image. Seeming to sense his distress, Kayolin placed a comforting hand on the half-demon's shoulder.

"It was such a shame, when your father died. You were still only a babe when it happened Inuyasha, and so I'm sure you don't remember. But many a dragon mourned for him." The dragon let out a sad sigh and let his eyes trail to the tapestry. "The loss was especially hard for Sesshomaru. Poor lad was still only a juvenile whelp when it happened. It was lucky for him that King Drakeion offered to train him as an apprentice, otherwise I don't know how he would have endured it." Kayolin's voice went quiet and a note of lingering despair faded along with it. Everyone else, however seemed utterly fascinated with the idea.

"So Sesshomaru grew up with dragons. That explains why he seems so at home," observed Miroku astutely. Kagome tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"Well I had no idea," she admitted. "Did you know about this Inuyasha?" The half demon grunted and turned up his nose repugnantly. It was a gesture his three friends recognized as Inuyasha's signature way of saying, "he had no idea" without actually admitting it. Kayolin nodded and when he spoke again his voice had turned pensive.

"Sesshomaru is a mysterious one that is for sure," the dragon observed his voice turning suddenly sad. "Even I have difficulty predicting his actions sometimes." Inuyasha scowled bitterly at the dragon's words but kept his eyes on the tapestry.

"Yeah, no kidding," he grumbled with a snort. It was a comment he meant to keep to himself but as usual the words came before he could stop them. The remark seemed to offend Kayolin because the dragon released Inuyasha's shoulder and his face grew unusually serious.

"Take it from me Inuyasha, I know more of the unfortunate details then anyone here, and regardless of what you think, your brother isn't heartless…." Rage filled the half demon. Stepping away swiftly he turned and scowled at the earth dragon.

"How can you even say that?" he demanded bitterly. "How can you take his side after everything he's done…" Kayolin didn't even flinch at Inuyasha's temper and when he spoke again his voice was still as serious and calm as ever.

"I know it seems hard to believe," he went on, "but Sesshomaru has always had a unique means of coping with regret. Take his daughter for instance. Not long after the incident with her, with which I'm sure you are familiar, your brother looked after young Matyeo after his father was brutally slain. In his own way, I believe Sesshomaru was seeking atonement for what he had done to his own child by sheltering and training the boy in her absence." The dragon went on. "Then of course there is little Rin. What better way to help gain back a daughter's trust, then to protect and nurture a mortal just as they did for her." Inuyasha coiled both hands into fists and his eyes narrowed coldly. All the while images of his battles with Sesshomaru flashed before his eyes.

"Well forgive me for not sharing your sympathy, but Sesshomaru didn't exactly regret all the times he tried to kill me."

"That is unfortunate," Kayolin agreed honestly, "But I can't say it surprises me considering…." The dragon trailed off, making Inuyasha glare harder.

"Considering what?" he demanded, fuming. Kayolin fidgeted and after a long pause he finally went on.

"Your father sacrificed himself to save you and your mother," the dragon's voice went soft again. "Sesshomaru felt betrayed, and at that frail age he immediately placed the blame on your shoulders Inuyasha." Kayolin paused and let his eyes trail to the tapestry once more. "Time has helped ease that burden, still…" Kayolin's voice suddenly filled with a parental pity. "I'm sure it haunts him every time he sees your face, knowing you were so important, so favored in your father's eyes, that he'd give his own life to protect yours." Inuyasha's fists relaxed slightly, but his scowl remained. As enlightening as Kayolin's observations were they still couldn't erase so many cruel and violent encounters with his elder sibling.

"And I suppose he told you all of this?" Inuyasha's remark bit with a sarcastic edge that finally made Kayolin raise his voice in anger.

"I guarded that boy from the day he arrived in this palace to the day he finished his training and left. I think I would know better then you!" he growled.

Just then the quiet sound of footsteps elsewhere in the room caught everyone's attention. Moments later Sesshomaru emerged from the dragon shrine and started to walk towards the exit. He paused momentarily to eye Kayolin, and out of reflex Inuyasha and the others braced themselves. There was no doubt that Sesshomaru had overheard their conversation in full detail, and that in mind, would loose his temper any second.

After a long pause though the dog lord just let out a small snort and turned his face away, indifferently. Then he continued on towards the door as if nothing fazed him.

Everyone watched silently as Sesshomaru opened the heavy door with a casual push. As he started to leave, however, another familiar presence greeted him at the door. His daughter. Stepping aside, Sesshomaru held the door for her as she approached. Then once she was inside the room he disappeared from view, letting the heavy door creek closed behind him.

Shura, meanwhile, had started to approach the group though she didn't seem to notice them. The she-demon's thoughts were obviously preoccupied and she was glancing over her shoulder in the direction her father had gone with a worried expression. It was only after Kagome offered a friendly "Hi Shura," that the demoness finally pricked her ears forward with interest.

"Oh, hello there," she remarked quietly in return. "What brings you here?"

"Just giving a tour milady," Kayolin answered before anyone else could. "But please, don't let us disturb you." Shura smiled meekly and nodded. Then, after offering a friendly glance to Inuyasha she sauntered past in the direction of the late king's shrine.

The group watched curiously as Shura paused in front of the large statue of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father. She stood there for several minutes, head dipped in respect. Then, with a swift move of the claw she cut a small lock of hair from her long pony-tail and laid it in front of one of the great dog's giant, ivory, paws. Shura departed after that and without saying a word disappeared into the dragon shrine to pay her respects.

Inuyasha watched her leave a bit bewildered. Slowly he let his eyes trail to the statue of his father again. He could see Shura's silver braid, a silent totem of her loyalty and respect, streaming elegantly across the dark mold. But there was something else. Something Inuyasha hadn't noticed before, a second, snow-white lock of hair. It was resting alongside Shura's and it carried a scent Inuyasha recognized immediately as his brothers.