Hey everyone. As always, thanks to all of you whom reviewed! Looks like many of you are looking forwards to Shippo's arrival while some are a little leery (young Shippo isn't everyone's favorite). Hopefully you all like my version of his grown up self. He does come to play a rather pivotal role in the story down the line.

So, normally I update on Sundays, but I won't be able to tomorrow so I'm posting this early. I did wind up cutting it up, it's still a relatively long chapter, but smaller than originally planned.

Disclaimers are as before . . . oh, and an added one for perverse thoughts on one InuDaiYoukai's part :-)

Hope you enjoy and as always, thanks for your continued support and interest in my story . . . on with Chapter 15

With the night of the new moon passed, Inuyasha found his concentration exceedingly improved as he practiced his kanji and reading with Kadira that morning. In fact, both miko and Hanyou were pleasantly surprised by Inuyasha's ability with the written word. Kadira found herself wondering at the tales she'd been told by her grandmother and mother regaling their fallen Hanyou's strength, but not his intelligence. Obviously, this had been a grave oversight on her ancestor's behalf.

When the noon hour came, Kadira was only mildly surprised her student was called away to dine with her Lord. When the Hanyou became flustered and invited her to join, the elderly miko had only smiled and declined, saying that she could use a rest and would have a light meal in her rooms. Before leaving for his lunch date, Inuyasha had asked if they would be continuing after they'd both eaten, to which Kadira happily agreed that if that was what the Hanyou wanted, then she would oblige.

For Inuyasha, the day passed well. Once again, he enjoyed a peaceful and somehow interesting meal with his brother. The prickly DaiYoukai seemed not to mind his foul language or when Inuyasha called him out on something. In fact, he thought Sesshomaru might actually be enjoying his little outbursts and wondered if anyone else dared speak to his sadistic brother in such a way. Well, if not, then he would more than willingly fill that particular void.

Given the decreased animosity going around, Inuyasha wasn't particularly surprised when Jaken came later that day to inform him Sesshomaru wanted to see him, what did surprise the Hanyou was that instead of the kitchen, his older brother wanted to see him in his private study. But whatever his anxiety, the thought of seeing inside one of Sesshomaru's private rooms more than intrigued him and soon enough he was pattering away after the still oddly polite kappa.

::::::::::

Shippo's seven tails were swishing back and forth wildly and that was saying nothing about the constant pacing he was doing. All around the fox Youkai, books and papers laid scattered upon the floor, along with the shattered remains of more than a few light bulbs. Thankfully, Lord Sesshomaru's private study boasted a wall of windows and enough light that artificial electricity wasn't entirely needed. Unfortunately . . . well, Shippo was currently pacing Lord Sesshomaru's trashed study with one very pissed DaiYoukai brooding behind his desk.

With flickering green eyes, Shippo shot the great Lord of the West a hesitant glance before turning and walking the same track of floor he'd just covered. Despite Sesshomaru's obvious annoyance, he couldn't contain his excitement – up until a few short moments ago, the fox Youkai had believed his adoptive father had died several hundred years prior, but now . . . now everything was different. Lifting his nose to the air, Shippo took in another deep breath, relishing the sweet scents of InuHanyou radiating off both Sesshomaru and to a lesser extent, Kouga.

"It ain't gonna change, no matter how many times ya sniff," Kouga snickered, "the mutt's stench ain't goin' anywhere."

Tail's still twitching, Shippo gave a pout, "Shut it! I just can't believe he's really still alive." Narrowing his eyes, the fox Youkai accused, "How long have you known?"

"Shippo," Sesshomaru's cold voice fell into the room, instantly sending his eyes to the floor. "The Wolf King did as ordered." With a subtle shift of his golden eyes, Sesshomaru looked at the chaos that had once been his immaculate study, until finally leveling his gaze at Shippo once again. "There were many reason's to keep Inuyasha's reappearance silent, some of them in regards to your anticipated reaction."

Letting his own eyes travel around the mess he'd made, Shippo felt his cheeks color in embarrassment. It had been a long time since he'd lost control of his Youkai skills and caused this much of a disaster, but when he'd smelled Inuyasha's scent and then been told the Hanyou was still alive and living within this very building . . . well, he'd lost it. Thrilled beyond measure, the fox's Youkai had surged and caused . . . this. Bowing his head once again, Shippo's tail's dropped. "I'll make sure to clean it all up, Lord Sesshomaru."

"Indeed, this Sesshomaru expects everything to be as it once was."

Feeling his heart rate increase, Shippo's palms began sweating. Sesshomaru had always scared the piss out of him. Truly, he didn't know how Kouga could stand being around the powerful DaiYoukai. Shippo well remembered the insults as well as the beatings Inuyasha received at the hands of the Lord of the West, and the Hanyou was Sesshomaru's kin. Shaking his head at the memory, he never could understand why the DaiYoukai was always so cruel towards his brother. Hanyou or no, Inuyasha was one tough Youkai. After the Thunder Brother's killed his parents, it was Inuyasha who allowed him his revenge, and it was Inuyasha who'd taken him in and protected the little fox kit when most other's would have left him to fend for himself in the wilds. After all, wasn't that exactly what Sesshomaru had done to Inuyasha – left him on his own when he was but a pup.

Shaking off the bad memories, Shippo once again began fidgeting, his anticipation near explosive levels. Bouncing on his toes, the fox Youkai momentarily forgot about his fear of the InuDaiYoukai before him and asked, "How long until he gets here?"

A narrowed gaze from Sesshomaru and a hearty chuckle from Kouga were all the answer's Shippo received. Itching for something to focus on besides his own anxiety, he turned on Kouga, getting ready to lay into a tirade when all of a sudden, Shippo's whole being stilled. Eyes as wide as any child's, his mood turned on a dime; his soul soaking in the rich taste of the approaching Hanyou's Youkai. "Oh my god's, he's really here." Watching Kouga's smirk fade into a genuine smile, Shippo turned, his entire being focused upon the door behind them, perking when the click of the handle sounded in the room . . .

"The little toady said ya needed me . . . what in the seven hell's happened in here?" Stopping, Inuyasha stared, eyes wide as he took in the disaster that was his brother's study. Between the papers littering the floor and the broken glass, the room appeared like nothing he'd expected. Eyes still consumed by the unexpected mess around him, at first Inuyasha failed to see the fox Youkai before him. Later, he would reflect upon how careless he was getting to have failed to detect another's scent and Youkai beyond his brother's domineering one.

Not recognizing the Youkai before him, Inuyasha's cheeks colored with embarrassment as he scratched the back of his head with a clawed finger. "Uh, sorry, didn't know ya had company."

Moving from behind his desk, Sesshomaru ignored Inuyasha's previous comments regarding the state of his study and said, "Do not concern yourself, our guest is here for you."

"Me?" No more had the question passed his lips than the fox before him looked up, his bright green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Squinting his own amber orbs, Inuyasha got the niggling feeling the Youkai before him was familiar, there was just something about his smell . . . and then it hit him, "Shippo?"

"Inuyasha!" With that one cry, Shippo's adult form puffed out of existence and a small, one tailed, fox kit took his place. "Inuyasha!" Screaming the name once more, Shippo launched his smaller body at the Hanyou before him, wrapping his diminutive arms around Inuyasha's neck as he openly wept. "I t-thought you were d-dead."

Rooted to the spot in shock, Inuyasha looked to Sesshomaru, only to be rewarded with that irritatingly stoic mask the DaiYoukai consistently wore. With no help obviously forthcoming, he turned his attention towards Kouga, only to get a smirk and shoulder shrug, the Wolf King obviously enjoying Inuyasha's embarrassment at having Shippo clinging to him in such a dramatic fashion.

Clearing his throat, Inuyasha began patting the fox kits back. "Err, it's good to see ya too, kid."

Finally pulling back, Shippo's large green eyes narrowed, his small fist slamming down onto the Hanyou's shoulder. "Where in the hell have you been? You left me alone to believe you were dead, how could you do that!"

Reaching around the back of the fox kit, Inuyasha grabbed ahold of Shippo's shirt and pulled him off, allowing his little legs to flutter back and forth in frustration before dropping the fox kit on the floor, a disgruntled "Omph," echoing throughout the room. Moving his eyes from Shippo's pouting form over to his brother, Inuyasha thought about how to answer the kit's question. Sure, he had discussed what happened with Kouga, but somehow telling Shippo just how much hell Sesshomaru had put him through seemed wrong. Shaking his head, Inuyasha didn't want to analyze exactly why he wanted to keep his past where it was – in the past.

Attention back on Shippo's tiny form, Inuyasha was at a loss as to how to answer. By all rights, the fox Youkai should be pissed, and hurt. Although Shippo had been living and studying with an adoptive fox Youkai family for a few decades before Sesshomaru had started hunting him, Inuyasha had still stopped in and visited every few seasons to check up on the little kit. His having gone missing must have been devastating to someone who'd already suffered so much loss in their young life.

Squatting down, Inuyasha sat back on his heels while running a rough hand through the red tuft of fur sitting atop Shippo's head. "Listen, it's a long story but I didn't really have much of a choice in the matter. I'd of never left ya hangin' if there'd been another option."

Looking up at the one being Shippo trusted above everyone but his own mate and kits, the fox kit's pouting eyes narrowed as he finally took in the appearance of his adoptive father. Crouched as he was, it was still evident that Inuyasha's flesh was meager by the hollowed cheeks and thin hands. Even in his human form, the Hanyou had never appeared so frail.

With this in mind, Shippo's small legs pattered forwards, his mouth set in a deep frown while his claw tipped fingers traced the outline of a sunken cheek. "Inuyasha?" Shippo questioned before sucking in his bottom lip and chewing vigorously.

"Yeah, what is it squirt?"

"Are you okay? I mean, you don't have to tell me what happened, but . . . are you getting better now? Are you safe?"

Blinking, Inuyasha's gaze automatically lifted to that of his brother's, a brother whose own features seemed carved of granite. Swallowing the lump in his throat, all the Hanyou could do was nod and answer, "Safe as I've ever been, I guess. Don't you worry, I'll be right as rain in no time. You know nothin' can keep me down for long."

Had he truly been the age he appeared, Shippo might have taken Inuyasha's word as it was and felt the reassurances youth brought, but he was not so young and had had over five hundred years to grow up enough to understand that what the Hanyou said both was, and was not, the truth, at least, not the whole truth. "Inuyasha – "

Standing abruptly, Inuyasha interrupted whatever the little fox kit was about to say. "Come on now, I wanna see what ya look like all grown up like you were when I first walked in."

Still not completely satisfied, Shippo none the less smiled and with a small puff of something akin to smoke, was once again standing, tall and proud with all seven of his tails swishing madly behind him.

Amber eyes wide, Inuyasha stared up at the small kit he'd known. Although not as tall as Sesshomaru, Shippo now stood somewhere between the DaiYoukai and Wolf King. Tall, lean, and lithe, Shippo was the epitome of a fox Youkai. Clever and swift, he looked as if he were ready to spring into mischief at a moments notice, and, most likely that observation wasn't so very far off. "Whew," Inuyasha whistled, "can't believe a little squirt like you grew up to be so damn tall."

Smiling proudly, Shippo turned to the side, giving the Hanyou full view of the numerous tails he was sporting.

"Holy shit, Shippo!" Eyes narrowing in, Inuyasha began counting, only to be thwarted time and time again by the constantly moving fluff. "Damn it! Hold still so I can count." Doing better than told, Shippo spread his tails out like a peacock's fan, each and every one full and lustrous in its own right.

"Seven, by all the god's, you've got seven of 'em. Last I saw ya, you'd just started growin' your second tail." Finally pulling his eyes away from the impressive sight, Inuyasha felt a swell of pride. As their power and abilities grew, so did the number of a fox Youkai's tails. At most, one could expect to add a new tail once a century and given Shippo's age, he'd managed to do just that, something few fox Youkai ever did. To have as many tails as centuries he'd been alive . . . well, that was just damn impressive. Grinning madly, Inuyasha couldn't have been more proud if he'd birthed the fox himself. "Congratulations, brat. You must of worked really hard."

Coming up behind the fox Youkai, Kouga slapped Shippo on the back, earning a small growl for his efforts. "He's done nothin' but study and train." Smirking, Kouga added, "Got so respectful the little shit had his pick of mates."

Blushing, Shippo slapped Kouga's hand away. "You are always such a damn pervert."

Stepping back, Kouga looked entirely too innocent. "What are you talkin' about? I was just lettin' the mutt know how many Youkai came beggin' at your door. It's somethin' to be proud of."

"Only for a pervert like you! You know damn well I only wanted one female – "

Saddling up to Inuyasha's side, Kouga swung an arm over the Hanyou's shoulders. "Oh, and what a female she is, such a foxy little piece of ass – "

In front of them, it looked as if Shippo's face was ready to explode, and Inuyasha prepared himself for the rant the wolf had earned, but instead of the fox Youkai's high pitched voice, an icy cold one said but a single word, "Kouga."

At that singular sound, both Hanyou and wolf shivered, although each for entirely different reasons, but the DaiYoukai's next choice of words did more than silence the room. "There is no reason for you to be touching that which is mine."

As one, three pairs of eyes turned their full attention towards the mighty Lord of the West. Hearing the threat loud and clear, Kouga slowly removed his arm while taking a cautious step backwards while Inuyasha glared, caught between being completely pissed and feeling oddly comforted by Sesshomaru's choice of words. But it was Shippo who was the most surprised. Having been so incredibly happy having Inuyasha back in the world of the living, he'd missed a few crucial pieces of sensory information. Now, hearing Lord Sesshomaru's possessive words, Shippo began looking at the situation in a totally new light.

Head tilted up, the fox Youkai's small nose twitched, sifting through the powerful scents littering the small room. Overriding everything was Sesshomaru's heady flavor. Below that, came Kouga's musky scent along with the odd mix of InuYoukai and human that made up Inuyasha's unique Hanyou smell. Taking another deep breath in through his nose, Shippo sifted through everything, noting that Inuyasha's Hanyou scent was overlaid with something else, something . . . eyes going wide, he stared, mouth slightly agape while his fangs peaked through. Shocked, the fox Youkai stared ahead, catching the deep blue gaze of Kouga and instantly translating that he'd figured out what was going on, what Sesshomaru had claimed.

Standing just slightly behind Inuyasha, Kouga caught Shippo's stunned look and shook his head vigorously. The Wolf King had thought the fox Youkai would not have been able to discern the difference in the mutt's scent considering Sesshomaru was standing in the same room, but he'd been woefully wrong and the last thing any of them needed was Shippo spouting off his shock that the most powerful Youkai in the world had claimed a Hanyou as his intended mate.

Confused, Shippo's dancing tails stuttered to a complete stop, drooping low as he contemplated what his nose was telling him. Unsure what to say, the fox Youkai was saved by Inuyasha's eruption of, "What in all the seven hells makes you think I belong to you, asswipe?"

Taking a cue from Kouga, Shippo deftly took a few steps away, placing both Inu's within eyeshot.

"What makes you believe you do not, Hanyou?"

Mouth gaping, Inuyasha's eyes remained wide in shock. He'd been expecting his asshole brother to say something about them being related, or maybe that because the Hanyou was living in his home that he claimed ownership. Mind still searching for some form of answer, Inuyasha remained motionless as Sesshomaru moved from behind his desk, reaching an elegant hand up and gently closing his mouth. "Do not for a moment believe otherwise, little brother. Perhaps this Sesshomaru was foolish in the past, but no longer. From the moment Bakusen'O released you into my care, you became mine."

Feeling a growl bubble up from deep within his chest, Inuyasha's shock faded into fury. "I am not a possession to be owned!"

Keeping his fingers pressing against Inuyasha's chin, Sesshomaru's thumb moved along the Hanyou's jaw, rubbing small circles against his skin. "I have never claimed you were anything of the kind."

"Bullshit! I ain't no pet or piece of jewelry. Maybe you think just because I'm a Hanyou - "

"You're anger is unjustified, Inuyasha. Would it ease your mind if I were to tell you that you own me as well?"

Stunned into silence once again, Inuyasha's anger faded into sincere confusion. "Have you lost your gods for saken mind? What in the hell gives you the idea that I own you? You're fuckin' Lord Perfect of every gods damned thing. You don't gotta bow down to nobody."

Smirking, Sesshomaru allowed the Hanyou's words free reign within his mind, enjoying the perversions his Youkai allowed. Never before had he imagined himself on his knees in front of anyone, but this . . . this was different. Kneeling before his Hanyou, Inuyasha bare to the eye with his cock full and thick, standing proud before his eyes as its seed wept down its engorged length. And behind that delicious piece of meat, hanging low and full, two perfectly shaped balls covered in the softest white fur imaginable . . . eyes glowing brightly while his body lay thick with lust, Sesshomaru felt his tongue as it glided across his parched lips. Before him, innocent as ever, Inuyasha remained, never once attempting to remove the DaiYoukai's hand from his skin as his wide eyes continued staring up into Sesshomaru's own dilated pupils.

Inuyasha did not like the look on Sesshomaru's face. Well, that wasn't exactly true, the Hanyou's brain might have been shouting danger, but his body sure as hell wasn't. In fact, for whatever reason, the look on the DaiYoukai's face was sending enticing shivers all down his entire body, his heart pounding not from fear, but from an odd sense of excitement. More confused than ever, the Hanyou did what he always did when faced with something he didn't understand or trust, he got angry. "What the fuck's goin' on in that sadistic head of yours?"

Smiling even wider, Sesshomaru's fangs shown bright and white, gleaming wickedly in the sunlight filtering in through the wall of windows. "Perhaps one day we will discuss it. For now, simply be at peace knowing that you are the only being this Sesshomaru would ever go down upon his knees for."

While Inuyasha's face scrunched up in confusion, Kouga grunted out an, "Oh, for fucks sake," while Shippo merely took in a hissing gulp of air. Looking back at his friends, Inuyasha really didn't get why Shippo's face had turned the color of a tomato, nor why Kouga had his head in his hands. "I don't get it, what – "

"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru's voice slithered down the Hanyou's spine as the DaiYoukai's powerful fingers glided across his skin as his brother pulled away. "Do not concern yourself with such matters any further – "

"Like hell! You just can't talk shit about ownin' each other and just – "

"I was under the impression you wished to be able to leave our home, that you believe you are strong enough to defend yourself. Was I wrong in this assumption?"

Head swimming, Inuyasha struggled to keep up with the shifting conversation. Hadn't they just been talking about . . . scratching the back of his head, he felt a headache coming on. "What in the hell are you talkin' about now?"

Internally pleased at how easily he'd been able to distract Inuyasha from their previous conversation, Sesshomaru's placid face remained as stoic as always, betraying none of his earlier lust. "I believe you were just regaling me with the news that you had gained much of your previous strength and no longer required a babysitter."

"Yeah, so what? I still don't see what that's got to do with anything."

"Did you not wonder what the fox Youkai is doing here?"

"Huh? You mean Shippo?" Throwing a glance over his shoulder, Inuyasha stared at the smiling fox and suddenly, things started coming together. With excitement lighting up his eyes, he looked back up to his brother. "Are you talkin' about what I think you are?"

"As great as my power is, little brother, reading minds is not among my abilities, hence, you shall have to inform me what you are speaking of."

Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha huffed, "Even when you admit to somethin' you can't do, you still manage to sound like an arrogant jackass." Hooking a thumb over his shoulder, he asked, "Is he here to make me look human?"

Before Sesshomaru had a chance to respond, Shippo came bounding over. "Ooh, ooh, is that why you called, Lord Sesshomaru? I thought it was just so I could see Inuyasha again, but this is even better!" Turning the Hanyou around, Shippo's eager green eyes fairly glowed. "Don't worry, Inuyasha, I can do something like this blindfolded." Staring Inuyasha up and down, the fox Youkai looked contemplative. "What do you think? You want blond hair like Lord Sesshomaru, or maybe something darker? How about the eyes? Human's have all different colors – "

"Shippo."

Heart skipping a beat, Shippo turned his attention towards Sesshomaru. "Perhaps something simpler would be in order."

"Simpler?"

Eyes fixed upon the gorgeous Hanyou before him, Sesshomaru began speaking, knowing Shippo would understand exactly where he was going. "The Hanyou should have long hair, shining as a raven's wing in the sunlight." Reaching for Inuyasha's chin once more, the DaiYoukai's voice grew warm. "His skin should have a pale, golden glow while his eyes shine of amethyst, that is how Inuyasha's human form should look."

Swallowing, Inuyasha felt his heart rate speeding once again. He'd thought Sesshomaru would find his human self disgusting, but the way the DaiYoukai had just been speaking . . . and not only his words, but the tone of his voice and the gentleness in his eyes made it seem like the Great Lord of the West found his human change anything but monstrous. "Sessh – "

"Does this give you enough information to work from, Fox?"

Green eyes gentle, Shippo nodded. "I think I know exactly the right look for him, Lord Sesshomaru."

"Good, then I shall leave you to it." Allowing his eyes another sweep of his destroyed office, Sesshomaru's golden gaze turned cold once more. "When you have finished with the Hanyou, I expect my study to receive your undivided attention."

"Uh . . . that won't be a problem. It'll be just like new by the time you get back."

"This Sesshomaru expects nothing less." With the matter of Inuyasha's appearance as well as his study's situation in hand, the Lord of the West gave his full attention back to his future mate. "Inuyasha, I must leave and am not sure when I shall return."

Still blushing, Inuyasha gave a half-hearted, "-Keh, like it matters to me," before turning his back on his elder brother, something he never would have considered doing a few short days ago.

"I would be wounded if it were not for the lie scenting the air, little brother."

Head hanging low, Inuyasha refused to answer as he continued staring at his clawed toes.

Feeling uncharacteristically generous, Sesshomaru allowed Inuyasha his embarrassed retreat as he turned his gaze to the wolf in the room. "Lord Kouga, you and I have business to attend."

Sighing dramatically, Kouga's tail drooped. "Damn, and I was really lookin' forward to seein' the mutt as a human."

Expression as stoic as ever, Sesshomaru silently congratulated himself on guessing correctly that while the fox Inuyasha had once known as a kit would know the Hanyou's secret, the disgusting wolf did not. True, prior to his hunting the Hanyou down, Inuyasha had become friendly with the wolf tribe, Kouga in particular, but his little brother had wisely kept his night of weakness secret. Friends could become enemies as season's changed and the fewer to know of such a debilitating time the better. Whether he'd been forced into it or not, none could argue the Hanyou's unbelievable survival instincts.

Forcing his attention back to the Wolf King, Sesshomaru felt like sighing himself. The Lord of the West would much rather spend his day with his attractive mate to be, not in the company of the wolf and certainly not in the presence of Lord Tullic. "Be that as it may, there is still an important matter we must deal with."

Frowning for the both of them, Kouga absently scratched at the back of his head. "Yeah, I hear what you're sayin', but it don't mean I have to like it." Before Sesshomaru could respond, Kouga turned his attention towards Inuyasha, the wolf's own mind smirking at the fact that the Hanyou still had his back turned on the sadistic Lord of all Asia. Whether the puppy knew it or not, his Youkai had already accepted the fact that Sesshomaru meant no further physical harm. In fact, friends or not, neither Kouga nor Shippo were anything to sneeze at and simply knowing Inuyasha had turned his back on them as well indicated that not only did the Hanyou trust Sesshomaru not to hurt him, but to protect him as well. Snickering, Kouga was all smiles as he approached the pouting Hanyou. "Hey, mutt-face, guess I'll have to see your ugly human mug later."

Arms folded across his chest, Inuyasha merely turned his head, a sneer upon his lips. "I can't be any more butt ugly than the way you always look, dog-breath."

"Why you – "

"Lord Kouga, if you are finished goading my little brother, then we shall leave he and the fox to their task."

"Fine." Huffing once more, Kouga pointed a claw tipped finger in Inuyasha's direction. "I'll be gone for a bit, but don't you dare go outta this joint without me – "

"I can go wherever I damn well want! I ain't never needed your protection – "

"Oh, for the love of . . . there you go again with that shit. Listen, mutt, all I'm sayin' is that I wanna go with ya when you see how the world has changed. Besides, there's somethin' in particular I wanna show ya."

Now intrigued more than annoyed, Inuyasha stated, "You know I came to the future with Kagome, I can't believe it'd be that much different."

"The time you visited was what . . . " looking up, Kouga scratched at his jaw before looking over towards Shippo and asking, "just how old was Kagome when she died?"

Eyes downcast, Shippo shuffled his feet before answering, "She was eighty-seven."

"And how old was she when you knew her?"

Feeling a deep sadness within his heart, Inuyasha's voice was unusually soft as he answered, "Not sure, maybe fifteen or sixteen human years."

"Okay then, that would make about seventy years difference – "

"Exactly, it's only been seventy years. Not much changes in that amount of time," Inuyasha answered, the tone of his voice still melancholy. But Kouga only shook his head. "Naw, you don't know these new humans. They're a lazy lot, always makin' new devices to decrease the actual amount of physical labor they gotta do. Now a-days, they just sit on their ass and let all their fancy computers do the work for 'em. Ain't that right, Shippo?"

"Well, they do seem to put a lot of effort into making things that'll do the jobs they don't want."

"Or are too stupid to do on their own," Kouga huffed.

"Well, if that ain't hypocritical, I sure as shit don't know what is," Inuyasha answered. "Besides, Kagome was from around this era, and she wasn't dumb."

"I wasn't accusin' Kagome of bein' dumb . . . "

By now, all talk within the room was mere background noise to the Lord of the West. Focusing in on Inuyasha, the DaiYoukai didn't like the sadness his intended mate was currently wallowing in, and all of it had started with talk of that insufferable miko. Even in death, that human woman still managed to somehow hold onto Inuyasha's heart. Still, either because of the reason, or despite it, Sesshomaru would not allow the Hanyou to continuing feeling distressed. "Wolf, whether you are allowed out of this home with Inuyasha or not has yet to be decided. I would suggest you concentrate on our upcoming meeting."

Feeling a genuine sense of smugness, Sesshomaru delighted in Inuyasha's sudden change from melancholy to fury. "What makes you think you've got any say in who I do or don't leave this buildin' with, jackass."

Allowing his eyes a short respite, Sesshomaru's magenta lids closed over his golden orbs as he soaked in his intended's ire. "Little brother, I thought we had settled the reasoning earlier or have you already forgotten what this Sesshomaru said a few short minutes ago?"

Mouth gaping, Inuyasha stuttered, "W-what? You can't be t-talkin about that o-ownership shit!"

"As much as it would please this Sesshomaru to stand here and debate with you, Inuyasha, I am afraid the wolf and I must be leaving." Ignoring his blustering brother, Sesshomaru walked towards Shippo. "Hold out your hand."

Complying quickly, the fox Youkai held out a slightly trembling paw, only to feel the firm weight of something cool land in his palm.

"I believe you need something to spell, do you not?"

Pulling his hand back into his chest, Shippo nodded, "Yeah, since Inuyasha's a Hanyou and not a full Youkai."

"Then this should do." Giving a quick glance in the Hanyou's direction once more, Sesshomaru schooled himself as he prepared to go. "I leave him in your hands. Do not disappoint me."

Swallowing hard, Shippo nodded. "I think I know just what you want, Lord Sesshomaru."

"Good. Now, come, Wolf."

Not waiting around for a reply, Sesshomaru strode through the doorway, never once looking back to see if Kouga was following. He didn't have to.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Kouga moaned. "I'll catch you guys later." Tail trailing limply behind him, the Wolf King followed hot on the heels of the powerful DaiYoukai.

Shaking his head at how quickly Kouga complied with Sesshomaru's wishes, Inuyasha could only ask, "Is everybody this whipped by him?"

Not realizing he'd spoken aloud, the Hanyou jumped slightly when Shippo answered, "A lots changed since you've been gone, one thing that hasn't is that your brother is still creepy dangerous. Most of the time, I just try and stay outta his way, but Kouga really doesn't have much of a choice since Lord Sesshomaru made him his right hand." Looking off towards the bank of windows, Shippo looked a little wistful, "Actually, I'm kinda surprised the old wolf is still alive considering how rude he normally is to our great leader. Kinda reminds me of the way you used to talk to him."

Thinking back on an earlier conversation he'd had, Inuyasha was reminded that Kouga had said something similar and credited the fact that his mangy hide hadn't been fried yet to how Sesshomaru felt about his Hanyou brother. At the time, Inuyasha had scoffed at the idea, but if Sesshomaru was to be believed (and mind you, that was a big IF), he'd actually missed him while he'd been gone. Maybe the DaiYoukai put up with all Kouga's bullshit because the wolf reminded him a little bit of his little brother . . . the brother he'd hunted almost to the point of extinction. Shuddering at the sudden reminder of his own past, Inuyasha still couldn't wrap his head around everything.

Clearing his throat, Inuyasha chose to ignore the pain twisting his chest. "So, uh . . . I guess you're here to make me look human . . . you know, on an optional kinda basis."

Grinning once again, Shippo nodded his head vigorously. "Yeah, and then once that's done, you can leave here whenever you want."

Once again, that stab of uncertainty hit the Hanyou in the gut. "Sure, we'll go with that theory for now." Seeing the look of confusion on Shippo's face, Inuyasha pushed his doubts aside. "So, how does this thing work?"

Easily distracted, Shippo jumped into action. "Oh, it's super easy." Pulling up his fisted hand, he opened his fingers to reveal a thick silver band, a beautifully simple stone of the clearest amethyst at its center. "Lord Sesshomaru even gave me this to work the spell on. It's good, silver always works best and the stone in the center will help concentrate the energy."

Amber eyes wide, Inuyasha stared down at the sparkling ring sitting within the thick paw of his friend. True, he'd seen much more ornate pieces of jewelry in his time, but for some reason, the simplicity of the object before him was beautiful, making all those images of the past seem both flashy and gaudy. Neither of which would have fit Inuyasha's personality nearly as well.

"Is that for me?" Inuyasha asked as a claw tapped the edge of the ring.

A quick nod of Shippo's head was his answer. "By the time I'm done with it, the illusion bound within the ring will only work for you. In other words, spelled or not, if anybody other than you puts this on, it will simply be a lovely piece of jewelry, nothing more."

Fascinated more by the prospect of receiving what equated to another gift, Inuyasha merely stared at the sparkling object, half afraid to touch it again. But Shippo's ignorance pushed the fox Youkai into action as he placed the ring between his thumb and forefinger, presenting it like the gift it was to Inuyasha.

Backing away from the jewel, Inuyasha held up a defensive hand. "Maybe we should ask the bastard again if he really meant this for me before ya do anything to it."

Quirking his head to the side, Shippo's tails lazily shifted behind him. "Who else would it be for if not you?"

"I don't know," Inuyasha answered while shaking his head, "and it ain't none of my business, but somethin' that nice can't be meant for me."

Blinking, Shippo wondered at how naïve his adoptive father was. Any Youkai worth his nose could smell the claim the Lord of all Asia had placed on the Hanyou, making Inuyasha more valuable than any bauble. Hell, once the official mating had occurred, only Lord Sesshomaru himself would hold more power than the innocuous looking InuHanyou standing before him. But, Inuyasha didn't know any of that. With a sure smile, Shippo merely shrugged his shoulders. "Trust me, it's definitely meant for you."

With a heavy sigh, Inuyasha scratched the back of his head. "Well, if you say so, but just so ya know, if Sesshomaru gets all pissy about this, I'm not gonna back ya up. You'll be all on your own."

Never one to underestimate the shear sadistic pleasure Lord Sesshomaru got out of punishment, Shippo was well aware the cost of failure. If there was one rule he tried to live by, it was to definitely not piss off the InuDaiYoukai. And so, with a large smile on his face, Shippo got to work on the ring, knowing that was exactly what the Lord of all Asia expected of him.

Watching the once fox kit walking towards a chair in the corner, Inuyasha couldn't help but follow. "So, you're that sure, huh?"

"One hundred percent."

"Okay, but it's your funeral."

"Not today. Now, just be quiet for a few minutes while I concentrate."

Inuyasha managed to hold his tongue for all of three minutes. "What exactly are you doin'?"

Slitting a single green eye, Shippo stopped what he was doing and looked up at Inuyasha. "I thought I told you to be quiet."

"-Keh, you know I was never good at sittin' still. Besides, I'm curious."

"One would think you were a cat Hanyou instead of a dog one," Shippo answered with a smirk.

"No need for insults, brat," Inuyasha huffed while bopping the fox Youkai on the head, earning an indignant, "Hey!" for his efforts. "Seriously, what is that you're doin' to the ring?"

Seeing that Inuyasha was truly interested and not just trying to be irritating, Shippo held the silver band up to the light, tilting it so the Hanyou could easily see the belly of the ring. "See these lines?"

Easily noting the etching on the underside of the ring, Inuyasha nodded. "I see it, but how are you doin' it and why?"

"Fox magic," Shippo beamed. "I've learned a whole bunch of spells and castings since we last saw each other." With the reminder of how long the fox had thought Inuyasha was dead, Shippo's grin faded. Living for centuries untold, it was easy for Youkai to get bogged down in memory and he was no different, if anything, he was even more sensitive than most to the pull of the past.

"Shippo?"

Shaking away the pain in his heart, Shippo stared up into Inuyasha's questioning face while taking a deep breath, pulling the Hanyou's unique scent deep into his very soul. Sure, Inuyasha's natural flavor was now colored with Sesshomaru's, but the heart of it was still blessedly the same. Reassured that the Hanyou was indeed back, Shippo's smile returned. "Sorry, just got distracted for a moment. Anyway . . . one of the things I learned was how to spell objects and bind them to a specific owner. In your case, I'm using one of my claws to etch the spell into the silver on the ring. Between the actual lines and the spoken incantation, I can make this object into a vehicle for your concealment spell."

"Pretty slick, kid," Inuyasha answered, the pride evident in his voice. "But how does it recognize me and how does it know what to make me look like?"

"Oh, that's easy. While I speak the spell, I'll have a mental image of what I want you to look like. As far as the ring only recognizing you . . . that'll take a bit of your blood and Youkai."

Shrugging, Inuyasha seemed unfazed. "Well, I guess I've bled for lesser causes."

Thinking back to all the times the Hanyou had returned from battle broken and bloody, Shippo swallowed hard. As a kit, he'd always taken for granted the protection of someone who owed the little fox Youkai nothing. At the end of the day, Inuyasha had no good reason to do what he'd done and Shippo was more than aware he'd been a burden more often than not, not to mention all the grief he'd given the Hanyou while Kagome'd been around. Briefly lowering his eyes, Shippo hated to think of all the times Inuyasha had been sat because of something trivial he'd done. Clearing his throat, he finally answered, "Yeah, well, it's really not a lot of blood, just a drop or two."

"Whatever, not like I really care that much. So, you think you remember what I look like as a human well enough to copy it now?"

"That's not something I'd easily forget. You know, Lord Sesshomaru's actually being pretty clever about your human disguise."

Nodding, Inuyasha had to agree. In his heart, he would like to think his elder brother simply found his human form attractive, why he wanted to believe that, Inuyasha didn't really understand but the desire to feel this way was too strong for him to ignore. But the truth of the matter was most likely something much more practical. If the Hanyou's human disguise was the same as how he looked when he actually was human, there would be less chance for anyone finding out about his secret. In the end, on the moonless night, Inuyasha would be able to hide in plain sight with none the wiser that he was well and truly human, at least, that would work from a distance. And, if Sesshomaru was around him most likely the powerful DaiYoukai's scent would mask that of his human self. Maybe. Inuyasha supposed they'd have to work the kinks out of that, if Sesshomaru was willing anyways.

"Well, the prick's always been a clever bastard. Guess that's nothin' new."

Grinning from ear to ear, Shippo just shook his head. "Not even Kouga would be crazy enough to call the Lord of all Asia a prick." Thinking better of it, he added, "At least not to his face . . . or within earshot."

Flopping down in a nearby chair, Inuyasha scoffed, "No wonder the jackass thinks he's still so high and mighty. It's about damn time somebody told him what was what."

"Inuyasha, Lord Sesshomaru is high and mighty, not to mention as strong as they come. You've either gotta be the bravest or most stupid Youkai I've ever met to taunt him like you do."

Not able to look Shippo in the eyes, Inuyasha found his own amber orbs wandering towards the windows as shame flared within his soul. In his mind, he knew it wasn't bravery that compelled him to rail against his brother; wasn't stupidity for that matter either. What it was was a need for survival, and not just of the body, but of the soul. If he hadn't fought so tenaciously, Inuyasha would have succumbed to his sadistic older brother's taunts long ago. If he'd actually listened and believed the vitriol Sesshomaru had been spouting all those years ago, most likely he'd never have had the will to stand, much less protect himself. No, challenging Sesshomaru hadn't been brave, or stupid . . . it had been survival. Maybe the question he should be asking himself wasn't if he was capable of forgiving Sesshomaru, but if he actually should.

Shaking his head of his confusing thoughts, Inuyasha decided changing the subject would be better than spouting off what he'd just been thinking. His tortuous relationship with his half sibling wasn't Shippo's problem, no use dragging the fox into something like that. "So, uh, how long will it take ya to finish?"

"Depends."

"On what?"

"If you shut up long enough for me to concentrate."

"-Keh, fine. I'll just sit here and be bored outta my mind."

Head already bent back over the ring, Shippo answered, "I don't care, as long as you leave me alone for a couple of hours."

With a huff, Inuyasha sank deeper into his chair. He supposed he could go and see what Kadira was up to, or maybe just hang out in the rooftop garden while Shippo finished, but in truth, he'd kinda missed the little fox brat and it felt damn good just being this close to his old friend. Not that he'd ever admit to something like that.

Intent on keeping his mouth shut, Inuyasha's eyes began wandering around the disaster that was Sesshomaru's office. From what he'd gathered, Shippo had been so excited hearing about his miraculous return from the grave, that the fox had lost control of his magic and basically blown shit up. All around the room, papers and books lay scattered upon the floor, and along with those papers were small slivers of glass from several busted light bulbs. Chances were pretty fair that Sesshomaru had been lucky Shippo hadn't blown the glass out of the windows.

Already tired of sitting, Inuyasha stood and began wandering around the room earning a raised eyebrow from Shippo. "I ain't talkin' to ya, so don't give me that look."

"Just don't mess anything up, okay."

Gaze incredulous, Inuyasha asked, "How could I make this any worse?"

"It may seem like a mess to you, but since it was my magic that created it, it's a pretty simple thing for me to just reverse what I did."

Hmm, now that was interesting. "So, ya mean if I move somethin' it will be harder for you to put it back exactly as it was?"

At this, Shippo only nodded.

"Fine, I'll be careful not to make your mess any messier than it already is. That don't mean I can't look around some."

Seeing that Shippo's eyes were now focused back on his task, Inuyasha began wandering the room again, trying to avoid stepping on anything besides the marbled floor. Even if Shippo hadn't said a word, he'd of probably still been pretty careful. He'd had worse cuts on his feet than what the glass would make, but the Hanyou didn't want to think about the hell he'd catch for bleeding all over Sesshomaru's personal office. Little did Inuyasha know that Sesshomaru would have been more angry over the fact that he'd bled, not that it had been shed upon something as trivial as the floor.

Although there were several papers and books littering the floor, there were still plenty on the shelves as well. And, looking around the room, there were plenty of shelves to be had. Spanning floor to ceiling on every solid surface wall, books and bound journals of every kind could be seen. To Inuyasha, there seemed to be no rhyme nor reason behind their placement, but he had little doubt regarding the exact nature of each and every one's particular location. After all, this was Sesshomaru, and the Lord of the West was nothing short of meticulous.

Letting a clawed finger dance along the edges of several books, Inuyasha stopped on one that looked more interesting than the rest, or, at least it was more colorful and didn't look like it'd fall to pieces as soon as it was pulled from the shelf. Making sure to note its exact place amongst its peers, he slowly removed the bound leather, appreciating the smooth texture of the books' jacket as he sat back down in his chair. With a glance in Shippo's direction confirming the fox's continued attention to the ring, Inuyasha began leafing through the pages in his hands. Although he couldn't read all the kanji, Inuyasha felt like he got the general gist of the story and was soon passing the minutes away in silent contemplation.

Minutes passed into hours before the Hanyou finally hear a proud, "That's it!" Rapidly standing from his perched position, Shippo beamed. "All I need is a drop of your blood and a touch of your Youkai to activate it."

Feeling as if he were just getting to the good part in the story, Inuyasha reluctantly set the book down while silently reminding himself to ask Sesshomaru later if he could borrow it. Standing, he stretched his arms above his head while cracking his shoulders. "You sure this thing is gonna work?"

Not even trying to hide the look of offense coloring his face, Shippo scowled. "Of course it's gonna work. I'm not as weak – "

"Relax, kid. I was just messin' with ya. I'm sure it'll work just like you want."

"Damn straight it will," Shippo replied, his voice happy once again. Had anyone else called him a kid, the fox Youkai would have worked up one of his most painful spells and set the Youkai straight, but being called that by Inuyasha didn't upset him, in fact, it left a warm glow in the middle of his chest.

"So, just a drop? Anywhere in particular ya want it?" Inuyasha asked as he neared the ring.

"It needs to soak into the carvings I've made on the inside of the silver. I want you to release your Youkai at the same time and while you're doing that, I'll say the incantation."

"Sounds easy enough." Amber eyes wide, Inyasha stared down at the beautiful object within Shippo's outstretched paw. "Say when, brat."

"Anytime you're ready."

Nodding once, Inuyasha raised his right hand, pricking his left forefinger. With a little pressure, a bead of blood began pooling. As soon as there seemed to be enough, the Hanyou reached forward, coating the whole of the ring in crimson as he allowed some of his Youkai to pour forth. At the same time, he heard Shippo muttering something he didn't understand. As far as the Hanyou was concerned, Shippo wasn't even speaking a particular language – just some type of gibberish. But just as he was starting to wonder what the hell Shippo was going on about, the blood he'd coated the band with began seeping into the carved markings the fox had made, as if it were soaking up and in all the Hanyou's blood while pulling at his Youkai. With a final unearthly glow, the ring shown a glistening silver, the amethyst stone in its center shimmering like tainted water.

As silence stretched across the room, Inuyasha realized Shippo had stopped mumbling and was now holding the ring out to him. "Aren't you going to try it?"

Without a word, Inuyasha reached out, holding the precious metal within his hand. Where the silver touched his skin, a small tingling could be felt, but it was far from unpleasant. "Is there a particular finger it goes on?"

Swallowing, Shippo briefly thought the question over. Rings on particular fingers really didn't mean much in Youkai society, but knowing Lord Sesshomaru's intentions as well as what a ring signified in human society . . . "How about the finger next to the little one on your left hand."

Touching the ring to the tip of this finger, Inuyasha asked, "You mean this one?"

"Yeah, try that."

Sliding the metal down his finger, Inuyasha watched as the thing loosely rolled, its circumference too large. "I don't think it's gonna fit . . . " no more had the words left his mouth than the ring settled into the correct position and began shrinking, finally stopping at the perfect fit. "Well, I'll be damned."

"Most likely, we all are, but not because of this," Shippo smirked, his tails swishing madly behind his body. "But don't worry, if you wanna take it off, you can, but it'll only conform to you. If someone else puts it on, the size won't change. In every way, the power behind this ring is meant for you and only you."

"Neat," Inuyasha answered, his voice low and oddly awed. To anyone else, they would have thought the Hanyou enamored with the magic behind the object now gracefully adorning his hand, but to Inuyasha, the real magic of the ring was the simple fact that Sesshomaru had chosen something so beautiful for him. With this on his mind, Inuyasha mumbled, "He could of just gotten somethin' cheaper. I mean, this had to have been expensive."

Frown pulling down the corners of his mouth, Shippo moved closer to his adoptive father. Knowing all the things Sesshomaru had purchased over his long life, along with the fact that the DaiYoukai more than likely had more money than most countries, he highly doubted the cost of the ring was any kind of hardship. However, what disturbed him was that Inuyasha obviously didn't think himself worthy of something as simple as a beautiful piece of jewelry. "I think it pleased him to give you something like this, Inuyasha."

"-Keh, the words 'pleased' and Sesshomaru don't belong in the same sentence, brat."

Shrugging, all Shippo could do was answer, "Before today, I would of agreed with you."

Looking up, Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I think you'll find out soon enough, but in the mean time, let's try it out and see how it works."

Shaking his head at the cryptic response, Inuyasha thought about questioning the fox further, but in reality, he was dying to look human so he could get out for awhile. It was nicer than the Hanyou could ever admit, let alone say, that he was beginning to see his bastard brother's home as his own, but confinement, even in the most beautiful of cells, was still confinement. "Okay, what do I do?"

"Nothing much, just think that you wanna look human and that should be it."

"Seriously? That's all I gotta do?"

"That's it."

Staring down at his hand, Inuyasha couldn't believe he was actually getting ready to wish he looked human, but if that's what it took . . . taking in a deep breath and closing his eyes, he did exactly what Shippo said, then frowned when he felt nothing. "I'm doin' what you said, but nothin's happenin'."

Far from upset, Shippo's green eyes were wide with wonder before a huge grin split his face. "Maybe you better take a look in a mirror before coming to conclusions."

Inuyasha had always suspicioned Sesshomaru was one vain son of a bitch, but he'd combed this room pretty thoroughly while Shippo was working on his ring and never once came across any kind of mirror. Just getting ready to head to his room where he knew there was one in the bathroom, Inuyasha felt Shippo grab his arm and soon he was unceremoniously yanked in the opposite direction. "Hey – "

"There's some glass covering the bookshelves over here . . . damn it!"

Staring at the glassless case before him, Inuyasha's eyes traveled to the floor and all the broken shards scattered across its surface. "Guess not anymore, huh Shippo." Unable to help himself, the Hanyou began laughing at the fox's distress. "Just couldn't control it when ya found out I wasn't as dead as you'd thought. Nice to know you care so much." Had it not been for the mocking tone of his voice, the moment might have been tender.

"Oh, shut up. Normally I've got great control!" But Shippo's words did little to quell the laughing fit the Hanyou now found himself in. Dropping Inuyasha's arm, the fox Youkai gave a huff before closing his eyes, mumbled words once again tumbling from his lips as the room began filling with energy.

Laughter dying on his lips, Inuyasha stared in wonder as the room began restoring itself. Papers, books, glass, everything and everything out of place was returned within a matter of seconds, all but the book he himself had removed. Whistling, the Hanyou smiled proudly, "Damn, brat. Why didn't you do that sooner?"

Rubbing his forehead, Shippo felt a dull ache begin forming. Between the unintentional outburst earlier combined with the incantation on Inuyasha's ring as well as fixing everything he'd fucked up earlier . . . the fox felt drained.

Eyes settling back on his friend, Inuyasha's face became creased in worry. "Hey kid, you all right?"

"I'm fine," Shippo answered while brushing off the Hanyou's concern, "now, turn around and look in the glass."

Never liking being fussed over, Inuyasha respected Shippo's wishes even though he knew the fox was far from fine. With a huff, the Hanyou turned, his mouth dropping open into an "O" as he looked at his reflection. Although not as good as an actual mirror, the repaired glass door reflected enough of his current image to see that Inuyasha did indeed look human. "Holly fuckin' hell." Staring down at his hands, what he saw was blunted nails, but when he made a fist, it was sharp claws pressing against his skin.

"Pretty neat, huh?"

"Yeah. It's weird though." Turning his body around, Inuyasha was stunned to see that the reflection in the mirror not only looked as he did as a human, but somehow, even his supposed height had changed.

Pleased at the obviously awed Hanyou before him, Shippo took the opportunity to sit down for a bit. "Now, with your particular ring, I added something a little extra; something I've been working on for awhile but you're the first I've actually incorporated it into. Unless you're a powerful, pure-blooded Youkai, you can't completely conceal your scent and Youkai. But, if we wanna hide the fact that you really and truly turn human once a month, we also need to be able to control those things, otherwise, on the night of the new moon, your lack of Youkai scent will be a dead give away.

"So what? You tellin' me that I not only look human like this, but smell like it too?"

"Yup, although it's not your exact human scent, so I'll have to tweak it but we'll need to wait until the next new moon to get it right. And not only that, but not even the most powerful of us can feel your Youkai." Shippo answered, a proud look on his face. "This is almost as good as what Lord Sesshomaru can do, only with him, he's able to change his human appearance at will."

Blinking, Inuyasha soaked that little piece of information in. "That's . . . convenient."

"To say the least. It's come in handy on more than one occasion."

"Bet I could still tell it's him," Inuyasha scoffed. "No matter what he looks like, he still comes off as an arrogant jackass."

Laughing, Shippo found he had to agree. "Yeah, there's just something about him."

Staring into reflected amethyst eyes, Inuyasha mumbled, "Yeah, somethin'."

Okay, that's it for chapter 15. FYI, the shit's gonna hit the proverbial fan in the next chapter (Inuyasha can only stay naive for so long).

Thanks to all whom continue to read and especially to those of you whom take the time to review. I never get tired of getting/reading them. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Until next time . . . lunamist.