Thank you to one and all who reviewed, they are so very much appreciated. To answer just a couple of questions/comments from reviews . . . no, this is not going to be an mpreg. I have nothing against these stories and enjoy reading them, but the bulk of mine is set about 60 years from now. I have an idea of a demon offspring, but if it happens, scientific methods will most likely be employed (and it will be way, way, way late in the story). This particular story will focus more on developing their relationship after all the shit Sesshomaru's pulled. Also, I'm glad you are all enjoying Bakusen'Os character. I always liked him - kinda like the ancient kung-fu masters you see in those types of movies.

Disclaimers:

1. No, I own nothing Inuyasha related and make zero cash off of this.

2. From now on, when Sesshomaru refers to himself, it will be a mix of using, "I" and "this Sesshomaru". He's come a long way, but still thinks it's necessary to refer to himself in the third person at times (at least, in my story he does :-).

3. As per usual, it's just lil 'ol me proofreading this sucker, so I'm sorry about any grammatical/ spelling errors (speaking of which, I sure am glad for spell check as it keeps correcting the way I spell grammatical).

Not much else at this point except I hope you enjoy this installment and continue to come along for the ride.

"My Lord . . . wait for me . . . "

Sesshomaru ignored the useless wails of the small retainer scurrying at his feet, the Staff of Two Heads tottering in Jaken's wake. Instead, he kept walking, placing one perfect foot in front of the other, his silver hair floating behind his graceful figure. Below his booted heel, Sesshomaru could feel the soft forest floor and yet his footsteps made no sound as he moved through the woods - a silent, but deadly killer.

"My Lord . . . pant, pant . . . we've been walking for days . . . surely you can tell your most trusted servant where we are going . . . "

Sesshomaru barely heard the words, and even if he had dined a response, he wasn't entirely sure what he'd have said. Jaken was right, they had been wondering for days, and he supposed that to the small toad like creature, it appeared as if they were doing just that . . . wandering. But, in truth, Sesshomaru knew exactly where his destination laid - one of the most ancient forests in all the lands. And now, after days of travel, he was close; so very close to his quarry.

"Lord Sesshomaru," whined the pitiful toad, "couldn't we please just rest humph - Ow," Jaken cried while rubbing his beak-like nose. He'd run head long into the calf of his master's leg when Lord Sesshomaru had finally stopped. Believing his master had stopped due to his begging for rest, the imp mistakenly began blabbering his thanks. "Oh, thank you my Lord, I can't believe - Ahhhhh . . . " was all that was heard as Jaken's body went flying through the trees, an imprint of his precious Lord's booted foot etched across his cheek, a distant "Oomph" signifying an end to the toad's airborne journey.

With Jaken's incessant prattle at an end, Sesshomaru turned his full attention to the looming tree before him. Tilting his chin heavenward, his golden eyes scanned the branches until he found what he was looking for - shots of crimson peaking out from behind emerald leaves.

How long had it been since he'd laid eyes on this site? Truly, Sesshomaru wasn't sure, but knew it to have been at least two centuries, maybe more. What was also unclear was the reason why he'd chosen now to return. He'd had plenty of time to consider that question during the days and nights it took getting here, and still, the great Lord had no answer. Naively, he'd thought the reason would come to him once he was standing in this spot, staring up at the mostly hidden form of his half-breed brother.

As the small breeze continued tugging his silken, white clothes, Sesshomaru remained still as a statue, his eyes fixed upon that singular location high upon the canopy of the great demon tree, Bakusen'O.

"My Lord?" it appeared as if Jaken had finally found his way back. "My Lord, forgive me, but what are we doing here?"

Although Sesshomaru didn't answer his retainer, he did contemplate the question. What exactly was he doing here? Looking inward, the Western Lord tried contacting his inner Youkai, but found the beast quiet and somber - the same as it had been since he'd left the Hanyou hanging in that tree. Silently sighing, Sesshomaru wondered if the fire would ever return to his Youkai self. It wasn't as if his inner demon had abandoned him. No, he was still the strongest and most powerful Youkai in the Western Lands and possibly beyond. But the beast took no joy in anything. Nor did it seem resentful. In fact, the accursed thing was quiet - too quiet, something Sesshomaru had thought he'd enjoy. Something he thought would bring him peace. And, in a way, it had. But . . . but . . .

Jaken stared up at his Lord, following the DaiYoukai's line of site and seeing . . . nothing, nothing but limbs and leaves. Squinting his eyes, he tried desperately to see what his master was seeing, but it was to no avail. Gripping the Staff of Two Heads tightly within his fists, the little toad asked, "Lord Sesshomaru, what . . . what are you looking at . . . if I may be so bold as to ask . . . "

Sesshomaru's eyes remained locked on their target as his mind contemplated the fact that Jaken couldn't see Inuyasha's body tucked within Bakusen'Os branches. Completely disgusted with himself for even coming here, the DaiYoukai growled softly before turning on his heel. "Jaken, we are leaving."

::::::::::

A fine mist had settle along the forest floor, leaving the hem of Sesshomaru's pants damp. In the distance, he could hear Ah-Un and Jaken milling about, both having left his side over two days ago to forage for food. He'd been pleased his retainer had left, long having tired of his incessant questioning as to why there were here, in this forest, standing before this tree yet again. Sesshomaru had never answered a single one of Jaken's inquiries, instead he'd kept his silence while his eyes remained steadfastly glued to the scraps of red in the canopy above. How many times had he found himself standing in this very spot? The short answer, too many. And every time he came, he'd stayed for longer and longer periods of time. And still, he couldn't answer why. In all that time, he'd never spoken a word, not to Jaken, the demon tree, nor his brother. Not that Bakusen'O seemed to have much to say either.

At first, he'd been disgusted with himself for coming, his hatred of Inuyasha burning as brightly as ever, but after a time, those thoughts and feelings diminished and now not even a flicker of that heated flame remained. For the first time in countless centuries, he felt as if his Youkai and he had come to some type of agreement - all be it, an empty one. For staring up into those branches above, Sesshomaru felt just that - empty. There were no feelings of hatred, no deep seeded need for vengeance, no shame at having the Hanyou as kin . . . and for once, there was no backlash of remorse about feeling this way. It was as if, where the half-breed was concerned, his whole being had been hollowed out, waiting to be filled with something else. But he was still at a loss as to what that might be. Inside, the only emotion he seemed to have was one of yearning, for what, he hadn't a clue.

Sighing audibly, Sesshomaru finally let his eyes fall, his feet moving his body forward enough that when he stretched out a slender hand, his fingertips scrapped bark. "Bakusen'O?"

Only the wind whispering through the leaves was his answer. Letting his hand drop down at his side, Sesshomaru's head tilted down, his eyes closed. Breathing deeply, he tried scenting the air for his brother, but found not a trace of him, nor was he ever able to feel a hint of Inuyasha's Youkai. If it weren't for the fact that he could see the remnants of his brother's Firerat, Sesshomaru would have doubted the continued existence of the Hanyou.

Letting out a deep breath, Sesshomaru turned from the tree as he whispered, "Until next time, little brother." With his back turned towards Bakusen'O, the Lord of the West never saw the small grin etch its way across flaking pieces of bark.

Finally, perfect son of the Great Inu no Taisho . . . finally . . .

-A couple of centuries later . . . -

Sang-di had been Lord Sesshomaru's driver for well over a century, most likely as long as the DaiYoukai had been using that particular form of transportation. Although it seemed like a long time, for the Youkai, the years had been but a blink of his sum total. Still, he had fond memories of chauffeuring the powerful lord around the world. Leaning against the car, the old Youkai imagined that some would find his job demeaning and he supposed it wasn't particularly glamorous, but it was interesting, at least it was to him. True, Lord Sesshomaru rarely spoke more than a few orders or directions, but Sang-di figured he knew more about the ancient Lord of the West's activities than just about anyone else. Although Lord Sesshomaru's title was now Lord of all Asia, most still referred to him as the Lord of the West, which was probably confusing to some, considering most in the modern world referred to Asia as the east. But whatever the title, Lord Sesshomaru remained ever reclusive as well as elusive. Glancing up towards the sun, Sang-di thought he could count on one hand who might know more. No, make that two fingers - that irritating little imp, Jaken, and the Wolf King, Kouga.

At first, he'd wondered what the hell Jaken's purpose was, but Sang-di soon learned the diminutive toad was actually kind of needed. Jaken's odd ability to remember people, places, and status came in more than a little handy when advising Lord Sesshomaru. Not to mention the fact that Jaken somehow managed to oversee the DaiYoukai's underlings with surprising efficiency, although sometimes he wondered if Youkai and humans alike caved just to get rid of the insufferable creature.

And then, there was Kouga. Sang-di had heard rumors as to how Lord Sesshomaru and the Wolf King had become, well, maybe not friends per se, but trusted colleagues. It was well understood that it hadn't always been so, but somewhere along the line, Lord Sesshomaru had come to value the wolf's presence and by now there seemed to be some kind of unwritten law that if there was a problem and the great Lord of the West was out of town or simply could not be found, then Kouga was the Youkai in charge. As Sang-di's eyes wondered over all too familiar scenery, he imagined right now was one of those times when the Wolf King was once again unofficially in charge.

Glancing away from the road, the driver stared into the dark forest behind him, wondering for the umpteenth time what was so important within this wooded land that his Lord demanded nothing and no one interrupt him. During his century long stint as the DaiYoukai's driver, his one and only absolute order had been that he never follow Lord Sesshomaru into those woods. And, Sang-di never had. Nor had he ever questioned why. All he knew was that an icy, cold Lord walked into those woods and somehow came out calmer. Shaking his head, he couldn't say exactly how he knew this. Most likely to the casual observer, Lord Sesshomaru looked much the same whether coming or going. But Sang-di wasn't the casual observer. There was just something in the set of his Lords jaw, the line of his shoulder's within perfectly tailored white suits, the glint in his eyes. All he knew was whatever that protected copse of trees contained, calmed Lord Sesshomaru in ways nothing else ever could.

::::::::::

Once he was concealed within his woods, Lord Sesshomaru did that inexplicable inward flinch, allowing his human facade to dissipate, leaving the great Youkai Lord in all his demonic beauty. Although the process was painless, he none the less found the release freeing, relishing the way the outside air felt against his exposed Youkai skin. Even mokomoko was unfurled, now laying across a perfectly pressed white suite instead of the silks and flowing robes of old.

Placing one patented leather foot in front of the other, Sesshomaru did miss the thin boots he once wore. At least then he was able to feel the damp earth below him. Of course, he could have removed his shoes and walked barefoot through the forest, but that would be beneath one of his standing.

Following a path now well worn, with each step he took, Sesshomaru could feel the pressures of his current life fading away. Although his life had always been one of responsibility and leadership, it was not until the more recent era that he had felt the oppressive yolk of those duties. Before, he had spoken and his word had been sacrosanct. But now . . . breathing out a heavy sigh, Sesshomaru's mind traveled back to one of his latest meetings with those upper Youkai still toiling away in the modern world. Unfortunately, it had been similar to every other gathering in the last hundred or so years. Always it was their pathetic concerns mixed with simpering platitudes of false respect. This Sesshomaru had no doubts as to what most of them really felt towards him. How their bows and ingratiation's were less than genuine. At least Jaken's pandering ways were sincere, for he had no illusions that given half the chance, those Youkai would do anything and everything they could to undermine his control over the Asian Youkai world. Sneering to himself, Sesshomaru felt that twinge of irritation their weakness always brought. Those whom lacked the courage to challenge him outright would never gain his respect. Perhaps that, more than any reason, was why he missed his little brother so very much.

Now in front of the great demon tree, Lord Sesshomaru stared up into its towering branches, feeling a deeper longing than he had ever felt before. How many times had he made this trip over the centuries? How many times did he find himself in this exact position? Too many. And yet, he could not stop his feet from moving towards this exact location. He could not stop his hand from signing the paperwork making the forest holding Bakusen'Os roots a protected territory strictly under the control of none other than himself. And, in all these years, not once had the tree spoken to him. Not since that fateful day so long ago when the tree had taken matters into its own hands and speared Inuyasha's form to its own, wrapping the Hanyou in a protective barrier and preserving his little brother through the ages. At least, that's what the damnable tree had told him at the time. Never had Lord Sesshomaru been allowed more than a glimpse of the Hanyou's red robes through the dense foliage above. With the barrier constantly in place, he hadn't even felt his brother's Youkai in well over five hundred years. Closing his eyes, the DaiYoukai searched his own irritatingly silent Youkai, willing it to some kind of action, but as always, it remained silent. Although far from dead, Inuyasha's departure had quenched the fire it once held.

Opening his magenta striped eyelids, Sesshomaru's golden orbs looked up to where his brother lay before settling once again on Bakusen'Os trunk. Reaching out a pallid hand, he laid his clawed fingers upon the harsh bark, his voice quiet, but firm, "Is this the lesson I was to learn?" Sighing deeply, he added, "Did it have to be so painful to this Sesshomaru?"

Two more steps brought the DaiYoukai closer yet to the tree and now not only did his hand rest upon its surface, but his forehead as well. "The lesson is well learned, Bakusen'O." Sesshomaru didn't know what he expected, maybe for those damnable branches to finally part, delivering the Hanyou into his waiting arms. Why he thought this time would be any different, the Lord of the West didn't know. He'd said similar things to the demon tree in past visits, and never had there been the slightest hint of change.

Swallowing down his disappointment, Sesshomaru pulled away from the tree and with a faint nod, turned to leave. To anyone else, the great Lord Sesshomaru would have looked no different, but in reality, the DaiYoukai's shoulders were slightly slumped, his arms hanging limply by his sides as he said, "Until next time, little brother," then, not even realizing he'd said it out loud, he stated, "this Sesshomaru misses you greatly."

Taking the first step towards leaving the woods, Sesshomaru almost missed a voice he'd longed to hear. "And now that you realize this, what would you have me do?"

Turning quicker than the eye could see, Sesshomaru's golden eyes widened, his breathing rapid as he stared into the face on Bakusen'Os trunk. Gripping his clawed hands into tight fists, Sesshomaru willed his heart into a normal rhythm. Bakusen'O was finally speaking to him, he could not waste the opportunity. Finally, after collecting his thoughts, the DaiYoukai answered, "That depends, demon tree, what would you be willing to offer this Sesshomaru?"

A low, rumbling chuckle sounded through the small forest as a smile lit up Bakusen'Os bark. "Well answered, great Lord. I see your wisdom has only grown through these many years for it is not for one such as you to demand anything of this Bakusen'O."

Nodding slowly, Sesshomaru couldn't help the anxious flick his eyes gave into the branches holding his brother's body. It was a move not lost upon the tree. "Although you may not demand anything of me, tell me, Lord Sesshomaru, is there something you might request?"

Sesshomaru's perfectly schooled face betrayed both the excitement and fear growing in his chest. Inside, the DaiYoukai weighed his options. He could start off with something small, and perhaps that would be wisest, yet his heart was calling out for the Hanyou and he couldn't help but respond, "Perhaps, it is time to release your charge."

Bakusen'Os mouth turned into a thin line while his eyes narrowed in thought. "Do you remember what I said the day I took Inuyasha into my care?"

Bakusen'Os words tumbled through Sesshomaru's mind, just as they had since the day the old tree had spoken them, "Only when you admit your brother's worth, will I release him. And then, it shall be the great Lord Sesshomaru protecting him."

"Do you see his worth now? Are you willing to protect your brother; mind, body and soul?"

Lifting his eyes up into the canopy once again, Sesshomaru's voice was breathy and simple in reply, "Yes." Voice gaining strength, he continued, "This Sesshomaru see's the Hanyou's worth and vows to protect him from all forms of harm. He . . . I believe Inuyasha to be most precious."

Silence filled the empty air with only Bakusen'Os leaves rustling in the breeze. Mentally, Sesshomaru counted his heartbeats as time passed and still there was no answer from the demon tree. But, patience was something the DaiYoukai had in spades and he used that finely honed skill now. And, just when he thought he could take no more waiting, the tree spoke. "I have watched you. Moons came and went and the great Lord Sesshomaru would find his way back to my humble roots. In the beginning, your visits were sparse and without pattern, but as time passed, they became commonplace. And just as the moons passed, so did your anger fade. Now, it appears as if want and need have replaced your malice."

Mentally, Sesshomaru wanted to protest, for this Sesshomaru needed nor wanted nothing nor no one, but . . . that was no longer true. For what Bakusen'O said was fact, Sesshomaru had a deep desire to regain the Hanyou's presence in his life. How he longed for the fights they'd had of old. For Inuyasha's indomitable strength in the face of overwhelming odds. For that feisty Hanyou spirit to tell him that the great Lord Sesshomaru was not as high and mighty as he thought. Closing his eyes, Sesshomaru could clearly see Inuyasha's smug expression; Tessaiga swung over one shoulder while proudly proclaiming he held no fear of the DaiYoukai. Deep inside, Sesshomaru felt a stirring so dormant he almost missed the sensation. Inside, his Youkai felt as if it were waking up. The mere possibility of his brother's return had his Youkai pacing its cage, and oh, gods in heaven, did it feel good.

For his part, Bakusen'O watched the veiled expressions pass over Sesshomaru's face and felt nothing less than pleasurable success. The demon tree had picked his words carefully and with purpose had used the inflammatory ones of "need" and "want". If Sesshomaru had protested, Bakusen'O would have had no choice but to keep Inuyasha, but, much to the old tree's joy, the DaiYoukai had kept silent, his own way of agreement.

"The eldest child of the great Inu no Taisho pleases this old tree."

Catching his breath, yet not daring to hope, Sesshomaru asked, "You will release him then?"

Bakusen'O frowned. "I regret that such is not possible today. For if I do, then the Hanyou would surly die."

Everything in Sesshomaru stilled, a fierce cold stealing his breath. "Explain."

"Although I have been able to remove the poison from his blood, Inuyasha still holds the wounds you inflicted upon him that day. By the time he'd come to me, the Hanyou had already lost much blood. My branches pierced his skin only moments before his heart stopped beating of its own accord."

Sesshomaru could hear his heart thudding painfully within his own chest, guilt threatening him into inactivity. Stealing himself, his Youkai flared. "Is there no option? Surely you could not be so cruel as to have preserved Inuyasha simply to have him die upon release."

"Much thought have I placed into this question, and, although I myself am no healer, I believe a powerful one would be able to repair the Hanyou well enough to stabilize him."

Nodding his head once, Sesshomaru stared into the face of the demon tree. "This Sesshomaru will procure the necessary Youkai to perform such a task."

A slow smile spread across the tree's face as it warmly answered, "I thought as much."

With his eyes wondering back up into the canopy of the tree, Sesshomaru felt his joy at finally getting his brother back tempered by the searing disappointment that he'd have to wait to do it. God's but he'd already waited so very long. As if sensing the DaiYoukai's distress, Bakusen'O spoke, "Although Inuyasha can not be released fully, I can lower the barrier for a few moments. Would this be to your liking?"

Opening his mouth just the slightest bit, Sesshomaru felt his breath catch. "That would indeed please this Sesshomaru."

No sooner had Sesshomaru given his affirmative response than did he notice the stoic branches above him start to tremble and move. Needing no further invitation, the DaiYoukai bounded up into the tree, just as he'd seen his little brother do countless times in the past. And, unlike before, there was no longer a barrier to repel him. Landing on a firm branch a few feet from Inuyasha's quiet form, Sesshomaru watched in silent awe as the leaves parted, finally revealing that which had been protectively kept from him for all these lonely years. And, once the leaves had settled, there, laying before him, body curled protectively around an old, rusty sword, lay the beaten form of his little brother. A body ravaged by Sessshomaru's own poisonous claws.

With the dissolution of the barrier, Sesshomaru could finally feel his brother's drained and faint Youkai. Instantly, he felt his own fairly burst in response. Without thought, Sesshomaru found one of his hands gripping tightly at the material covering his chest while his body fairly panted for air. And, as his lungs filled, the scent of blood all but consumed him. Pushing the coppery tang from his senses, Sesshomaru was finally able to smell the tantalizing scent of Hanyou. Yes, he thought, the scent of the half-breed was intoxicating.

Taking a few seconds to adjust to the new feelings assaulting his ancient body, Sesshomaru finally gained enough control to lean forwards, holding out a slender hand as he reached for the blood caked hair covering his brother's face. Curling his fingers around a thick section of what should be silvery-white strands, Sesshomaru was only slightly surprised to find the hair still damp and sticky, as if the incident had happened only moments ago instead of centuries. Not allowing himself to dwell upon it overly much, the DaiYoukai moved his hand aside, taking the tainted hair with it and revealing not beautifully flawless skin, but a face which was swollen and deeply bruised - claw marks raking across one cheek as sticky, semi-dried blood leaked down the Hanyou's face.

Self-disgust and guilt rolled like acid within Sesshomaru's gut. He'd forgotten what a cruel, unforgiving monster he'd once been. Feeling his jaw tighten, Sesshomaru had to wonder if the Hanyou's spirit was as tattered as his body, for he knew that to heal one without the other would be of little value.

Sliding his cupped hand down Inuyasha's cheek, Sesshomaru vowed, "Never again will you know such pain, little brother. Never again will this Sesshomaru be the cause of anything but protection." If only that could be a promise he could keep.

Another chapter done! I hope you enjoyed it. I know there were a few time skips and gaps, but in my mind, it would take a few centuries for Sesshomaru to come anywhere close to wanting in his little brother's pants. I just can't imagine, with all the hate he seems to have, that it would be something rapid.

Thank you again for reading. Please review if you have the time, they are much appreciated.

-lunamist