Once again, thank you all so much for the reviews! As always, I enjoy hearing your thoughts and lots of you seem excited that Kouga is coming back into the story. I'm glad to hear that as I enjoyed writing his character here. The beginning of this chapter gives a little more background on current Youkai society. I tried to keep it to a minimum as I think sometimes that kind of thing can become tedious, at least when it's left up to my brain to write.

Disclaimers: Same as before, Inuyasha is asleep again so Kouga takes up the "foul language slack" :-)

Short A/N this time, so lets move on to chapter 8 . . .

Pacing the large study, Lord Kouga found his tired blue eyes scanning over the same territory. How many times had he been made to wait in this very room? Running a frustrated hand through his silky, dark brown hair, the wolf Youkai thought the number to be far too high, and yet he continued doing it. Sucking in a deep breath, Kouga let all the air from his lungs go in one large exhale, letting his body flop down into an oversized chair as the oxygen left his lungs with an audible, "Damn it mutt." Arms splayed out on top of the chair's armrests, long legs set wide in front of him, Kouga scrunched his form down into the cushion cradling his ass. Inside his head, his mind was wondering down familiar territory. Territory he'd thought he'd put to rest over a century ago. But ever since the Wolf King had thought he'd caught the familiar scent of one InuHanyou mutt, his mind had been mired in the past.

Recent days had found Kouga lost in thought, and on more than one occasion, Ayame had had to physically slap him to rouse the distracted Youkai from his musings. But at the end of the day, his long past relationship with the half-breed whom dared think himself the equal of any purebred Youkai, was the reason why he was sitting here for the umpteenth time, waiting for the perfect Lord of the West to grace him with his presence. Although he wasn't exactly sure why, Kouga had long ago figured out that the only reason Lord Sesshomaru tolerated his continued verbal lack of respect, along with his penchant for foul language, was deeply rooted in whatever relationship the DaiYoukai had had with his little brother, Inuyasha. Oh, Kouga was well aware that Lord Sesshomaru had been nothing but cruel to Inuyasha, but the past few centuries had given the Wolf King reason's to think the great DaiYoukai's attitude towards his brother had changed. Which was odd considering Inuyasha had been dead for well over four hundred years. Or, was it five hundred? Truthfully, Kouga had no idea, nor did he know how the Hanyou had met his end. All he really knew was that he hadn't seen nor heard any mention of the half-breed in centuries, and with the way society was now, all Youkai (mixed blood or no) were both known and catalogued. It was an essential move that had been made about one hundred and fifty years ago.

You see, Youkai populations had indeed begun dwindling and soon it was clear which species was on the fast track for world domination. Sure, Youkai were stronger, longer lived, and more vicious in their nature, but what they also were was poor breeders, although not for lack of trying. For whatever reason's, the gods had seen fit to decrease the fertility of Youkai and increase that of humans. Hence, humans had sheer numbers on their side, something Youkai could never compete with. And so, the most powerful Youkai put their differences aside and began formulating a plan. By that time, almost all of the lesser Youkai had been destroyed, making their task of integration into human society much easier as the more powerful Youkai had the ability to mask who they were and for those not possessing that ability, the tricky fox Youkai had provided the means for concealment.

For all of Inuyasha's abilities, Kouga seriously doubted the half-breed would be able to mask his own Youkai by himself. In short, there was nowhere for Inuyasha to hide. Besides, hiding from the world had never been what the Hanyou was about. Once, Kouga had stupidly asked Lord Sesshomaru if he knew what had happened to Inuyasha. Truthfully, he hadn't expected an answer and had been surprised when Sesshomaru had quietly answered, "The Hanyou is at peace." Well, if that didn't sound like a declaration of eternal slumber, Kouga didn't know what was.

Sliding down deeper into the comfort of his chair, Kouga allowed himself that brief sense of loss when he thought of his mutt-face friend and rival. Oh, how he'd loved taunting the Hanyou. Of course he'd never have admitted it at the time, but he'd relished the fact that the two of them were so equal in both abilities and power. Fighting with Inuyasha was always a thrill, he was one of the few Youkai who could give as good as he got, both physically and verbally. Even after all these years, Kouga felt the weight of his sadness at the loss of such a creature. "Half-breed or not, you were one tough son of a bitch," Kouga muttered, then laughed when he thought of just how ludicrous those words actually were. After all, if Inuyasha had literally been a son of a bitch, then he wouldn't be a half-breed at all.

Shaking his head of the image of obscenely ridiculous puppydog ears sitting atop a head of silvery white, Kouga launched himself from the chair he'd found so comfortable and stalked towards one of the many windows the room held. Staring out onto the city below, the Wolf King reprimanded himself for getting so lost in the past. What he needed to do was focus on the here and now. Kouga only wished the here and now weren't filled with bickering Youkai fighting over every last scrap of territory they could get their claws into.

Scowling, Kouga threw up his hands. "Sesshomaru, where the fuck are you - " In an instant, Kouga felt the wind leave his chest, his nostrils flaring as the Lord of the West walked through the door, not bothering to mask the heavy scent of InuHanyou clinging to his clothes.

"Inu-yasha . . . " Kouga breathed before recklessly launching himself at the DaiYoukai.

::::::::::

Walking with purpose, Sesshomaru made his way through the halls of his penthouse wearing not but the bathrobe he'd donned the night before. True, even if he'd changed and not covered Inuyasha's scent with his own, the smell of his little brother would have been easy enough for the Wolf King to detect, but the perverse side of the great Lord of the West found pleasure in overwhelming Kouga's senses. Given how coated he was in the sweet scent of InuHanyou, the Wolf King would have no doubts as to what the DaiYoukai was hiding.

With a haughty air bordering on pure arrogance, Sesshomaru swung the doors of his study wide, allowing the cloying scent of his brother easy access to the wolf Youkai within. The suddenly ashen face of Lord Kouga didn't disappoint, nor did the wolf's instinctual attack - an attack easily dodged by someone of the DaiYoukai's abilities.

With Kouga's neck firmly grasped within one outstretched clawed hand, Sesshomaru had the rare pleasure of releasing a small amount of his poison, just enough to make the air sizzle with it's intent. Narrowing his magenta stripped eyelids, he kept his gaze cold. "Take hold of yourself, Wolf."

But all Kouga could do was smell the Hanyou, and not only that, he could clearly make out the near hysterical fear clinging to the mutt's scent. "Bastard," Kouga seethed through his constricted wind pipe. "What have you done with him?"

Squeezing his hand just a little more, Sesshomaru let the pressure speak his threat. "The Hanyou is mine. I shall do with him as I will."

Ignoring the smell of poison along with the increasing pressure around his neck, Kouga spat, "You sick fuck! Half-breed or not, he's your brother." Pulling his legs up, Kouga kicked out at the immovable force that was Lord Sesshomaru. "Where have you been keepin' him all these years? What? You been beatin' the shit out of 'im for the past few centuries? God's I can't believe I've been workin' for you all this time - "

"Silence!" Sesshomaru roared. In his mind, he knew this was where the conversation needed to go, but Kouga's words regarding the intentions he had towards his little brother painfully constricted the DaiYoukai's chest. Still, he needed to know just how loyal the wolf was to the Hanyou. "And if I say yes, what would you do?"

With a low and painful growl, Kouga's sharp claws continued rending the flesh from Sesshomaru's arms, trying with all his might to break the DaiYoukai's grip. All the while, crimson drops of pure InuYoukai blood fell unheeded to the floor below. "I'll fuckin' kill you, asshole! That's what I'll do, you demented excuse for an older brother. I'll - "

"Enough."

With a sudden jolt, Kouga found his ass firmly planted on the floor, his blue eyes staring both confusedly and wildly up at the calm Youkai above him. "What the hell?"

Face fixed in an apathetic mask, Sesshomaru looked disinterestedly upon the startled wolf Youkai. "Your assumptions are unfounded, Wolf King. This Sesshomaru has not been tormenting his younger brother all these years."

Scrambling to his feet, Kouga's first instinct was to immediately attack again. Had he been a few centuries younger, likely that thought would have won out. But the wolf was older now, and hopefully a little wiser. "Then explain what the hell is going on, because right now you reek of terrified InuHanyou."

"If you have calmed sufficiently, then I shall try and convey the situation."

Feeling his limbs still shaking, all Kouga could do was nod his head. "This is about as calm as I'm gettin' so you better spill it."

Not able to resist, Sesshomaru cocked his head to the side and taunted, "Or you'll do what, exactly?"

Letting loose yet another growl, Kouga sneered, "You tryin' to pick a fight?"

"Not in the way you think, Wolf."

By now, Kouga was just about at his breaking point. "Gods damn it, you arrogant, stuck up DaiYoukai jackass - "

"Ah, Inuyasha would be pleased with your assessment, I am certain of it."

Snapping his mouth shut with an audible click, Kouga could only stand; eyes wide and disbelieving. For a moment, just a brief space in time, he'd actually seen the smallest of smiles flit across Lord Sesshomaru's face. And, not only that, Kouga was certain he heard more than a hint of amusement in the DaiYoukai's voice. Slapping a hand to his forehead, the Wolf King could only mutter, "Dear gods, the world must be ending."

Ignoring the comment, Sesshomaru inclined his head towards the chair Kouga had recently found so comfortable. "Do you wish to speak about my little brother, or not?"

A quick glance in the direction Lord Sesshomaru was pointing and Kouga shook his head. "Damn straight I wanna hear about the mutt, but I don't think I can sit down. Not right now."

"It is your choice."

"Fine. Now, tell me where the fuck Inuyasha is and why you reek of his scent."

Narrowing his golden eyes, Sesshomaru thought about reprimanding the wolf. No one ordered the Lord of the West to do anything. But he'd seen what he wanted to earlier and found the thought of aggravating the Wolf King any further tiresome. "Inuyasha has recently come into my care."

"Yeah? Well where in the hell has he been until now?"

"That, Wolf, is something you need not know."

"Sesshomaru - " Kouga's growl was cut off.

"What is important is that the current condition of the Hanyou is poor. His injuries will take time to heal and until then, my brother is quite weak."

Frowning, Kouga thought back to all the times he'd seen the mutt injured. In the end, all he could do was shake his head. "The mutt heals fast, he shouldn't be down for too long."

"Normally, you would be correct, but I am afraid that his last injuries were near fatal."

"Oh? And just where did he get these injuries?" Both the look on his face and tone of his voice indicating that the Wolf King already suspected the source of said damage.

Figuring it was more of a rhetorical question anyway, Sesshomaru chose to once again ignore Kouga's comments. "Although he is healing, Inuyasha's Youkai is near exhaustion as is his body. Given his current condition, the Hanyou can not be left alone nor would he be able to properly defend himself."

Kouga felt the acid in his stomach churn. For someone of the Hanyou's strength to be so weakened . . . well, he knew exactly how pissed that would make him. "Fuck, the mutt must be about ready to crawl outta his own skin by now."

"Indeed. That is a fair assessment of the situation."

Watching the DaiYoukai carefully, Kouga noticed an ever so slight shift of Lord Sesshomaru's eyes. Something he only saw when the Lord of the West was concealing information. Unfortunately, he knew enough about Sesshomaru to know that getting that information was damn near to impossible. Drawing in a deep breath, the Wolf King crossed his arms over his chest, his blue eyes carefully devoid of anything close to judgment as he stated, "Look, I know you aren't a real big group sharer and all, and if you don't wanna tell me the whole story then there's really not a damn thing I can do about it. But somehow I get the feelin' there aren't too many souls aware that the mutt is even still in the land of the livin'. And, if you're tellin' me, then I gotta think there's a reason. So, for the sake of whatever you want me to do, Lord Sesshomaru, you need to be a little more forthcomin' with the information."

Kouga didn't let the automatic narrowing of Sesshomaru's eyes detour him, instead he remained steadfastly benign in his entire demeanor. Thankfully, his hard won patience paid off, at least, a little when Sesshomaru answered, "My brother remembers nothing of the past five hundred years. He questions my intentions."

Now the Wolf King did snort his disbelief. "Yeah, I'll bet that's puttin' it mildly." Running a hand through his dark brown hair, Kouga moved forwards, finally taking that previously offered seat. Although he hadn't had much experience with the Lord of the West when Inuyasha had been alive, what he had seen hadn't inspired much beyond a healthy respect for the complete and total ass beating the DaiYoukai could easily put Kouga through. And, for a couple of centuries after the Hanyou's disappearance, he'd seen precious little of the perfect InuYoukai, only rumors and tales which led Kouga to believe that staying out of Sesshomaru's path was probably his healthiest option in life. But most of that had changed when the council of elders had first convened to discuss the ever growing problem of "humanity", and over the years he'd been working for the DaiYoukai, the wolf Youkai had come to respect Sesshomaru as both a leader and Youkai of great integrity. Perhaps honesty came easy due to the Lord of the West's near unparalleled power. Sesshomaru had no reason for trickery. In short, the DaiYoukai always had the goods to back up the threats, and Sesshomaru always carried through on his threats.

But now, looking up from his own slumped posture, Kouga found his eyes trained on someone different, someone who was both more and less than the leader of All the Asian Lands. Despite the confident air Lord Sesshomaru portrayed, the DaiYoukai was still a living creature and all sentient creations made mistakes, including the seemingly perfect Lord of the West. And, Kouga had a pretty good feeling that Sesshomaru had finally figured out one of his greatest all time fuck-up's; how he'd treated his little brother. Now, for all the unmitigated power the being before him possessed, Lord Sesshomaru found himself unable to convince a single InuHanyou that he no longer meant the half-breed harm.

Leaning back in his chair, Kouga let the silence around the room hover, all the while his blue eyes taking in the silent figure before him. Sitting ramrod straight, silvery hair cascading around his ethereal body to gently land on the floor, Lord Sesshomaru sat like a picturesque god. Positioned as he was, the part in Sesshomaru's robe dropped off to the side, revealing perfect alabaster skin slashed with magenta. Not for the first time did Kouga feel his heart beat just a little bit faster while in the presence of the Lord of the West. How Sesshomaru had remained unmated all these centuries, Kouga wasn't really sure. Then again, the Wolf King doubted there were any Youkai worthy of such a role.

Finally shaking his head, Kouga pulled himself from his thoughts. "Let me guess, mutt-face thinks you wanna kill him and take that damned sword."

Sesshomaru felt his eyebrow twitch. "You will refrain from calling my brother such names as well as speaking so disrespectfully regarding my father's fang."

Waving a hand in the air, Kouga dismissed the reprimand. "Okay, whatever. Now, was I about right in my take on the situation?"

"It seems Inuyasha can barely tolerate my presence, let alone this Sesshomaru's touch. Despite my every effort to avoid distressing him further, that is all I seem to be able to accomplish."

"No wonder the mu - " Kouga heard the low growl, and amended, "-Inuyasha stinks of fear."

"I find my little brother's unease distressing."

"Huh, took ya long enough." At Sesshomaru's empty face, Kouga could only sigh, knowing that was about as much admission of the DaiYoukai's piss poor treatment of his own kin he was ever going to get. "Okay, so you don't want Inuyasha practically pissin' himself every time you're in the same room. What do ya want me to do about it?"

Shifting slightly in his own chair, Sesshomaru completely ignored the increasingly large gap his actions left in his robe, revealing more muscular thigh than the Wolf King was entirely comfortable with. "I am not unaware of your previous relationship with Inuyasha. Although my understanding is that it was an antagonistic one, you do not hold his Hanyou status in a negative light."

Nodding his head, Kouga could only respond, "Yeah, I kind of got over that the first time the mu - Inuyasha held his own against me."

"If my sources are correct, the Hanyou not only held his own, but saved your pathetic Youkai life."

Narrowing his eyes, Kouga's blue orbs glinted in the light. "All a matter of opinion." Sure, the Wolf King might respect the mutt, and if he were honest, Kouga even liked the Hanyou, but he'd be damned if he'd ever admit he owed Inuyasha anything. Kouga might not have been as powerful as Sesshomaru, but his pride was just about as potent.

"Perhaps you are correct. Whatever the circumstances, they are between you and my brother. However, what you have just demonstrated is a rather unique sense of loyalty to Inuyasha. You would even court death from this Sesshomaru to protect him."

Feeling his cheeks heat up, Kouga couldn't help but think back to his earlier rash actions. At the time, he'd been overwhelmed by the smell of the Hanyou's fear clinging to every fiber of the DaiYoukai's being. And, without a second thought, he'd stupidly attacked. Still, the Youkai's pride would not be forsaken. "Who says I was courtin' death?"

"Foolish wolf, you dared attack this Sesshomaru. What other outcome did you expect but death."

Overconfident, Kouga crossed his arms, a look of defiance on his face. "Pretty sure of yourself, cocky bastard. I'll have you know that I had no intention of losin' to a stuck-up jackass like you."

Truly, had it been almost any other Youkai in all the world saying those words to him, they'd have found their heads cleanly disconnected from their necks before they could contemplate the stupidity of such a statement. But this was Kouga, King of the Wolf tribe and more importantly, the Youkai who Sesshomaru had personally kept close if only to remind him of the tenacity of his own, Inuyasha. Interestingly, both Kouga and Inuyasha used arrogant boasting as a crutch when they felt insecure or threatened. Kouga's ridiculous rant was simply a cover for his own ill thought out actions, actions that could easily have resulted in an end to the wolf Youkai's long life.

Consequently, instead of a deadly energy whip zinging through the air, Lord Sesshomaru raised but a single brow, his voice unusually devoid of its typical cold malice as he responded, "Another matter of opinion, Lord Kouga, King of the Wolf Youkai Clan."

"Sure, why not." Shrugging his shoulders, Kouga had just come about as close to admitting defeat as he ever would.

"Good. Now, if that is settled, the fact remains that you hold a certain regard for Inuyasha's life which has rarely been shared by another."

"Yeah, okay. So I don't wanna see him hurt. God's know that Hanyou went through enough bullshit in his life. It's like kickin' a wounded puppy." With a wry grin on his face, Kouga amended, "Doesn't mean I plan on bein' all lovey dovey either, so if that's what you're expectin' then you can forget it right now."

Inside, Sesshomaru's smirk had turned into a full blown smile. This was exactly what he needed for Inuyasha. Someone who would treat the Hanyou no different and at the same time, take precautions with the half-breed's physical well being. "I expect nothing more. You may regale each other with your atrocious vocabularies to your hearts content. But know this, Inuyasha is more precious to me than any other. His protection and safety are to be your highest priority. Further injury due to incompetence will have only one outcome."

Sucking in a breath, Kouga felt the weight of the Lord of the West's words wash over and through him. Somewhere, in these long years, Sesshomaru had finally come to realize the importance of his younger brother. But even still, the amount of possessiveness the wolf Youkai heard in the DaiYoukai's voice just now was more than a brotherly affection. In fact, the low growl lacing the words sounded more akin to the kind of devotion a Youkai held for their mate. Confused, Kouga pushed the thought from his mind and concentrated on the deeper meaning behind Sesshomaru's words. No matter how much the Lord of the West had allowed him to get away with in the past, Kouga had little doubt that if Inuyasha became further injured under his watch, that there would be little more than a crimson stain left of his body.

In the end, Kouga figured it really didn't matter what he thought of the situation, nor how concerned he was about screwing up and losing his life, leaving Ayame mateless and his pups without a father. What did matter was that Sesshomaru wasn't really asking if he was up to the task, what the DaiYoukai was doing was demanding his assistance. But Kouga didn't give it much more thought. He'd no more abandon the mutt now than he would have when they were fighting Naraku. It was a matter of both pride and honor. "Well, now that we've got that all hashed out, where's the wounded prince calling home these days?"

Allowing the briefest of smiles, Sesshomaru thought he liked that term, the wounded prince. After all, if Sesshomaru was king, then it would only make sense for the Hanyou's role to be that of slightly lesser nobility. Although, perhaps the term princess would be a more fitting title for his little brother's future role . . . only time would tell. "The prince is currently resting in his room. Last evenings . . . " here Sesshomaru stopped, as if searching for the right word, only to settle on, "altercation, exhausted the Hanyou."

"His room? And where exactly would Inuyasha's room be?"

"Where it has always been, directly beside my own," came Sesshomaru's flawless response.

"Yeah, of course it is, possessive bastard," Kouga mumbled, knowing full well the DaiYoukai could hear ever word, which was handily ignored. "Anyway, when do I get to harass the mutt?"

Parting his mouth, ever so slightly, Sesshomaru began uttering the words of reprimand at having such a derogatory word used to describe his brother once again, but the smirk lighting up Kouga's face indicated that the term, "mutt" was more an endearment than slanderous accusation. Most likely Inuyasha had just as interesting a nickname for the Wolf King. With that settled in his mind, the DaiYoukai gracefully rose from his seat, the robe he wore falling perfectly around his austere form as he uttered a single command, "Come."

And, without a word, Kouga did. The wolf Youkai standing with his own form of grace and following the ever swaying, gleaming perfection that was Lord Sesshomaru's silver hair. As quiet as mice, both Youkai walked through endless gleaming white corridors of marble, Kouga's blue eyes eagerly drinking in parts of the Lord of all the Asian Lands personal residence. It was an area Kouga was certain few Youkai had ever been allowed entrance. As the two wound their way down a final hallway, the Wolf King noted both the scent and feel of two powerful Youkai whose identities were soon discovered to be large boar Youkai guarding a single door. Vaguely, the overbearing beasts looked familiar, but he had little time to dwell upon it before he heard Sesshomaru order, "Lord Kouga is now allowed admittance to the private residential wing. You will assist him in whatever ways he deems necessary until advised otherwise."

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru," echoed throughout the hall in perfect unison causing Kouga to smirk and whisper a not so quiet, "whipped," before following the Lord of the West through the massive bedroom door.

::::::::::

Unable to move, Kouga found his body stock still as the scent he'd only recently rediscovered assaulted his sensitive canine nose. All around, the room felt heavy with Inuyasha's distinct Hanyou flavor, but speeding his heart even faster was the fear wrapping around that scent. Near gasping and with his lips pulled back, Kouga found it difficult not to be affected by the level of distress he was detecting. "Fuckin' hell, he's terrified."

Turning at the whispered words, Sesshomaru was only mildly surprised to find the wolf Youkai standing but a few yards in front of the door, his expression one of deep concern. Burying his own frown, all Sesshomaru could do was nod. "I doubt the Hanyou would admit to such a weakness, but the scent is obvious."

Looking back up, Sesshomaru found himself staring into accusing blue eyes. "I've fought with muttface countless times, most of them in pretty horrific conditions, and not once did he smell like this." Shaking his head, Kouga couldn't even imagine what Inuyasha had been through to make him feel so threatened. "I'm not even gonna ask what you did to him, not like you'd tell me if I did." Narrowing his eyes, Kouga took a few steps forward, his muscles taught against the gray fabric of his suit. "I never wanna smell him like this again, you got it. I don't care what's happened in the past, but you sure as hell better have left all your bullshit there because I won't just stand by and let you pound on the puppy again."

Sesshomaru stared, his golden eyes emotionless in the dimly lit room. "If this Sesshomaru ever intentionally injures his little brother again, then I shall willingly submit to whatever punishment you see fit."

Sucking in a deep breath, Kouga's blue orbs widened. In essence, the Lord of all the Asian Lands had just placed his life in the Wolf King's hands. "Do you understand what you've implied? The kind of power you've just given me?"

"There is no misunderstanding on this Sesshomaru's part."

Reaching back, Kouga viciously scratched the back of his neck. "Fuck, Sesshomaru. If this ever got out - "

"I see no need for this kind of information to ever become public."

"God's be damned, you sure as hell are placing a helluva lot of trust in me."

Turning his head to the side, Sesshomaru let his gaze linger on the diminished form of his brother, lying still as stone beneath mounds of cotton blankets. "As stated earlier, Inuyasha's well being is the only matter of importance."

Stuffing clawed hands in pockets, Kouga nodded once before moving forward, his thigh touching the side of the bed while his upper body bent forward, giving his blue eyes better access to the bruised face of the InuHanyou. Removing one of his hands from his pocket, Kouga began reaching forward, intent upon moving the blankets over Inuyasha's sleeping form in order to better assess the mutt's condition. But his body stilled as a low, warning growl erupted from behind him.

"Simmer down, I was just wanted to see what the rest of him looked like."

"The Hanyou's face is a fair representation, I see no need for what you are about to do."

Hiding a shiver at the power lacing the DaiYoukai's voice, Kouga masked his discomfort with a casual shrug. "Guess I can wait. Not like he'll be able to hide much later when he's awake and moving around."

"I'd be careful of such words, Lord Kouga." Swirling around, Kouga gave a wolfish grin as Kadira's aged body shuffled out of a nearby room. "Hey ya old miko wench, I see you're still hangin' around this jackass." Hooking his thumb, Kouga made an obnoxious gesture towards the simmering DaiYoukai behind him, paying absolutely zero attention to the narrowed golden eyes boring into the back of his head.

"Feh," Kadira scolded, "you're one to talk."

"Hey, I resent - "

"I'm sure you do, but that doesn't make it any less true." Then, giving a pointed look to the Hanyou laying in bed, Kadira added, "And keep your voice down, Inuyasha needs his rest."

Well and properly reprimanded, Kouga stood, head slightly bowed as the old miko eased by him, completely unaffected by the two powerful Youkai surrounding her. Without a glance in Sesshomaru's direction, Kadira's arthritic hands brushed a lock of silvery-white hair away from Inuyasha's face before smoothing down the blankets clustered around the Hanyou's face. Not once, in all of Kadira's ministrations did the Lord of the West utter a sound of complaint.

Pouting for all he was worth, Kouga pointed an accusing finger in Kadira's direction. Keeping his voice low, the Wolf King still managed to convey his irritation. "Hey, what gives? Why ain't ya gettin' on her case for touchin' the mutt?"

"Lady Kadira has permission to tend to Inuyasha's needs," was all the answer Kouga got, causing him to huff, crossing his arms across his chest while mumbling, "Whatever."

Satisfied with the Hanyou's position and blankets, Kadira turned towards the DaiYoukai. "Forgive me for not being here when you came in, but being the old woman that I am, I find my needs a little more urgent than they once were."

"God's be damned, woman," Kouga hissed before Sesshomaru could answer. "I don't even wanna think about you sittin' on the can. Fuck, now I've got that image stuck in my head."

Faster than a woman of her age should be able, Kadira's arm shot out, her hand coming into swift contact with Kouga's chest as she simultaneously let loose a faint amount of purifying energy. It wasn't enough to do permanent damage, but it did sting as evidenced by Kouga's response. "Damn it to hell! What the fuck - "

"Silence!" Sesshomaru hissed. "I will not have your childish tantrums disrupt Inuyasha's rest." Unfortunately, it was a little too late as evidenced by a heartbreaking whimper from the bed. "No . . . don't . . . " Three pairs of eyes stared down, lips turned into deep frowns as they watched Inuyasha's body curl in on itself, his limbs quaking under layers of sheets and blankets. "Sessh . . . don't . . . " Again a painfully soft whimper echoed through the room as the diminished body of a small InuHanyou shook with both physical and mental anguish, all the while, his amber eyes remained closed behind tightly shuttered lids.

Hearing that second cry of pain, Sesshomaru could stand idly by no more and without thought, gave his being over to his Youkai, allowing his power to radiate the comfort and protection he'd recently learned to project. With a soothing hand, the DaiYoukai carded through silvery-white strands of hair while gently rubbing the base of the softest puppydog ears in existence. Soon enough, Inuyasha's body began relaxing, his tight lips easing back into peaceful slumber.

Fixed as he was on watching his little brother's reactions, Sesshomaru missed Kouga's stumbling body as he ungracefully sat upon the edge of the large bed. Lips parted and nearly panting, the Wolf King's blue eyes were wide and full of wonder as he stared up into the DaiYoukai's face. "Shit, I've never been on the receivin' end of somethin' like that. I don't even think my sire felt that good. You make me wanna curl up at your feet and wag my tail."

Sneering, Sesshomaru thought such an idea more than distasteful. "This Sesshomaru cares not for your reaction, Wolf. I meant only to sooth Inuyasha's body and mind."

"Yeah, well in the future maybe you should try aimin' that thing a little more precisely." Shaking his head, Kouga tried dispelling the awkwardly safe and secure feeling rolling through his very soul. "Damn, you should seriously consider using that when you gotta negotiate with all those jackass Youkai on the council. Just an ounce of that and you'd have them agreein' to whatever you want."

"This Sesshomaru would never stoop to anything so low and degrading."

"Maybe not, but it sure would make things a helluva lot easier." With Sesshomaru's aura back to normal, Kouga felt almost sick to his stomach knowing what effect the DaiYoukai had on him only moments ago. Inwardly, the Wolf King felt weak for succumbing so easily. Sure, what Sesshomaru had just done was very similar to what Kouga himself had the ability to do for Ayame, his pups and his clan. But normally, an alpha could only affect those closely tied to himself, those for whom they were directly responsible. Never before had Kouga thought of himself as under the protection of the Lord of the West. And, to tell the truth, he found it a little insulting that his Youkai obviously thought differently. "On second thought, I agree whole heartedly with you. Don't ever fuckin' do that again around me."

Still stroking the Hanyou's ear, Sesshomaru didn't even bother turning around as he answered, "I have no intention of doing so unless Inuyasha is in need."

But all Kouga could do was shake his head. "I understand why you just did it now, but I don't think the mutt would be very happy knowin' you could manipulate him so easily. I'd be careful playin' the strong alpha card."

"Be assured, Wolf, that I only do this for his own protection, not for manipulative purposes."

"Okay, just remember I'm not the one you're gonna have to convince," Kouga answered, all the while staring at the place where Sesshomaru's slender fingers stroked the Hanyou's furry ear.

"Although it pains this old woman to agree with Lord Kouga, I find his reasoning unusually sound."

"Jeez, thanks Kadira," Kouga muttered, sarcasm thick within his voice.

"This Sesshomaru is well aware of the consequences of his actions." Staring down into Inuyasha's once again peaceful face, the DaiYoukai couldn't regret what he'd just done, but he did take both Kouga's and Kadira's words to heart. Inuyasha was strong willed and valued his freedom. It would do little to improve their relationship if the Hanyou thought he was being forced into submission. Inwardly sighing, Sesshomaru wondered once again how he was going to walk through the minefield that had become his brother's emotions. No doubt, there were bound to be both large and small explosions in the future.

Finally removing his hand, Sesshomaru stood, only now seeming to realize Kouga was sitting on the edge of his little brother's bed. Only the briefest of narrowed eyes flitted across the DaiYoukai's face as he tamped down the jealous anger threatening to surface. If he were to go through with his plans of allowing the wolf Youkai to accompany Inuyasha, then he'd have to get used to the cur being so close to the Hanyou. Placid, bored facade firmly affixed to his face once again, Sesshomaru stared dispassionately upon the Wolf King. "The Hanyou shall be asleep for several more hours. This Sesshomaru will keep watch. I desire your presence to remain close by for when he awakens again. Will this be a problem with your current duties to either your mate or your clan?"

Tilting his head to the side, Kouga appeared to be thinking before he finally shook his head and answered, "Nah, Ayame can watch over the clan and she's more than a little used to me having to be gone for days on end. I don't think she'll care overly much."

"Good."

Cutting in, Kadira asked, "If you'll not be needing me for now, these old bones could do with some rest."

Turning slightly, Sesshomaru nodded his head. "I shall call on you later when your services are needed.

With a final gentle pat to the Hanyou's sleeping form, Kadira turned, her eyes sharp on the wolf Youkai. "Despite your crude self, I am pleased to know that you'll be attending to Inuyasha in the future."

Cocking out a hip, Kouga appeared smug. "Was that a compliment, wench?"

"As close to one as you'll ever get from me," Kadira said with a laughing smile.

"Feh, get outta here, you old bat. Go lay down before your decrepit self falls down."

"Ahh, such kind and chivalric words, Wolf King. You warm this miko's heart." And with a final affectionate squeeze to Kouga's arm, Kadira made her way from the room, leaving the two Youkai to figure things out on their own.

Kadira had no more closed the door of Inuyasha's room than Kouga deftly stated, "Of course, you do realize that now I'll be too busy to oversee those squabbling cat Youkai." After all, Kouga saw no reason why he shouldn't profit somehow this situation. And, if getting out of the middle of that damn cat fight was his reward for keeping the mutt company, the wolf Youkai would be more than happy to pass on that annoying responsibility.

"Nonsense. I see no reason to do such as you shall be spending more time in the city this shall allow you to work more closely with those squabbling cat Youkai than before."

"You can't be serious - "

"This Sesshomaru has never been anything but."

"Fuckin' hell," Kouga grumbled, a clawed hand raking viciously through his dark brown locks. "You really are a spawn of hell."

Had it not been for his concern regarding his younger brother, Sesshomaru would have shown the wolf Youkai just how right he was, but the DaiYoukai feared letting that part of his being loose lest Inuyasha's sleeping form be disturbed. "Wolf, your presence in this room is no longer required nor desired. You will make yourself available to this Sesshomaru as I will contact you when Inuyasha awakens and I've had an opportunity to inform him of your impending presence."

Seething, Kouga was just about ready to tell the iceprick DaiYoukai where he could shove his commands, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught the image of a deep purple bruise against far too pallid skin and Kouga knew he couldn't leave Inuyasha's care solely in the hands of the powerful Lord in front of him. Consequently, it was with a huff and not a deep growl that he conceded. "Fine, I'll leave. But just so you know, I'm not doin' this for you. If it weren't for muttface lyin' there lookin' all pathetic, then I'd have kicked your sorry Youkai ass a long time ago."

"Your point has been heard and given the regard it is worthy," Sesshomaru answered, his eyes dull with his own apathy.

"God's but you're infuriating." Sending a cold and useless glance Sesshomaru's way, Kouga finally let out a deep breath, relaxing his body with great effort.

"If you have nothing else of use to say - "

Ignoring the DaiYoukai's obvious wish for him to leave, Kouga's eyebrows furrowed in thought. "I'm not the only one who doesn't mean the mutt any harm. I think we both know there's somebody else who'd love to see him. Another Youkai who'd never intentionally harm a silvery-white strand of hair on his head."

Sesshomaru didn't need to ask Kouga whom he meant, the DaiYoukai was already well aware. "Shippo shall be informed of Inuyasha's state as soon as the Hanyou is stronger. I do not think the fox Youkai would handle seeing his father figure, the one whom protected him as a kit, in such a weakened state."

Nodding, Kouga couldn't help but agree. Although they hadn't traveled together for several years when Inuyasha disappeared, he knew well how devastated Shippo had been when no one could find the Hanyou. The poor kit had mourned the loss of yet another parent. "Hate to admit it, but you're probably right there. Shippo's more than idolized Inuyasha. It's hard to see someone you once saw as indestructible so weakened and vulnerable."

"Although strong for a Hanyou, Inuyasha is anything but indestructible." Those words felt like acid on Sesshomaru's tongue. Truth was, none of them was beyond death, even one such as himself. But to someone of the DaiYoukai's power, his little InuHanyou brother was easily damaged. Too easily damaged.

"Yeah, but he sure is a tough little fucker. Never seen anybody with that strong of a will before." Sighing, Kouga stood from the bed. "Well, anyways, Shippo's gonna go ballistic when he finally finds out. As strong as he's gotten, who knows what kind of magical mishap that fox will unleash in his joy." Coming out of his own internal musings, Kouga looked up to find Sesshomaru's eyes once again trained on Inuyasha's sleeping form. And there, lying deep within golden orbs was a depth of feeling and possession the Wolf King had never before seen in the Lord of the West. Truth be told, Kouga had never thought the stoic DaiYoukai capable of anything more than a mild tolerance for anything or anyone. Damn, but it was hard to look away. Still, Kouga managed to pull his eyes off the fascinating sight in front of him. Poor puppy, Kouga thought, whether you like it or not, you've just gained the unmitigated attention of probably the most powerful creature roaming this earth. Feeling a shiver run down his spine, Kouga began making his way towards the door, throwing a quick, "Call me when he wakes up," over his shoulder as he reached for the doorknob. Had he been looking behind him, he would have seen the sleek figure of the Lord of the West as he sat, back straight and eyes focused, on the edge of Inuyasha's bed, a deceptively slender hand settling once again at the base of a furry ear; small circular motions soothing not one soul, but two.

Ahh . . . and there is chapter 8. I hope you all enjoyed it and as always, reviews are most welcome. I am getting closer and closer to writing the endgame of this story and your encouragement is appreciated. If Kouga is your thing, I think you'll like the next chapter as he and Inuyasha will finally get to have a good old fashioned heart to heart (or, as our Wolf King would say, "He and the mutt are gonna shoot the shit").

Until the next chapter . . . lunamist