Hey everyone, sorry this is a little late tonight - it's been a stressful weekend. I won't bore you all with the details, but lets just say one of its many highlights is that my hot-water heater seems to have decided it was an opportune time to say adios to the world of the living. This mornings shower was both chilly and quick.

Since I'm hurrying to get this out tonight, I'll keep the A/N brief.

Disclaimer's are as always, but in addition, the Inu "lovin'" is gonna go up another notch in this one. If this isn't your thing or your offended, please skip this part or read something else.

Now, on with chapter 24 . . .

Shippo stood, tails fluffed and fanned out behind him, almost all his fur standing on end in his frustration. "Jichichi, I've been waiting three days and each day you give me another reason why I can't speak with Master Isan. I'm not waiting another day, hour, or minute."

Rolling her eyes, Lady Jichichi did not seem impressed. "I am only doing as told, Shippo."

Narrowing his green eyes, Shippo had more than had enough. Staring down the wide double doors in front of him, the fox Youkai stated, "Jichichi, if you don't open those doors, there aren't going to be any doors left in a few seconds."

Eyes wide, Jichichi stuttered, "Y-you wouldn't! T-those d-doors are sacred to our c-clan!"
"Don't you get it? If I don't talk to Master Isan, there won't be a clan left so the damn doors aren't gonna matter."

Sucking in a deep breath, Jichichi was only now beginning to realize the severity of the situation. "W-what do you mean by that?"

"Just what I said. Now, I've already revealed too much to you, so are you gonna let me pass or do I need to blow up the doors?"

Eyes darting between the doors leading to Master Isan's chambers and the agitated fox Youkai before her, Jichichi finally nodded. "Just give me a minute."

"Ji –"

"I'm not trying to put you off . . . it's just, Master isn't well. I need to give him some warning. Please Shippo."

Dropping his tails slightly, Shippo nodded. "You've got five minutes."

"Okay." Scurrying off, Jichichi pressed her palm to the door, releasing a small amount of Youkai. With a soft, click, the door cracked and she slipped inside, only to reappear a few precious moments later. "Isan will see you now."

"About damn time," Shippo huffed before stalking forwards, entering the sacred chambers as Jichichi walked out. Inside, the fox stood still, allowing his pupils time to dilate enough to see through the darkened room. For as long as he could remember, Master Isan had been the leader of the fox Youkai of Asia. Once, this room had been filled with light and sometimes laughter, but that was before Kaplow's betrayal. Since the loss of his kit, Isan had withdrawn from the world and this room had darkened with his melancholy.

With his vision now restored, Shippo focused in on the singular source of light within the small den-like room, a low burning fire. Before the fireplace laid a plush fur, and kneeling within the center, was an old fox Youkai, his nine tails fanned out upon the floor behind him. Even in his deteriorating condition, Isan was a sight to behold.

Standing his ground, Shippo bowed low, even though Isan couldn't see it, he would still show his respect for the fox who'd taken him in all those centuries ago. "Master Isan, forgive me for disturbing you."

"Indeed, young Shippo. You may come closer so we might discuss what is so urgent that you would disturb my peace."

Feet softly padding across the room, Shippo came to stand before the fox. "You may sit if you wish." Nodding his thanks, Shippo did just that. Now, kneeling before his master, he could see the toll these last few decades had taken. For powerful Youkai, death only came upon the swift feet of a stronger opponent, but there were cases where that opponent did not come from without, but within. Suffering the loss of a mate was normally the catalyst for such an occasion, but in Isan's case, it was the loss of his kit. And, worse than most, Isan had lost Kaplow in every way imaginable, for not only was his kit deceased, but it was forbidden amongst the fox to even speak his name.

"Master Isan, I mean no disrespect, but time is of value and I must speak directly."

"Shippo, you may feel free to discuss what you wish."

Touching his forehead to the floor, Shippo looked very much like a pandering Jaken. Rising slightly, he still kept his green eyes lowered as he started, "Lord Sesshomaru has informed me he has evidence that a fox Youkai is currently using Delusions."

Sucking in a hissing breath, Isan's tired gray eyes narrowed. "He has proof of this?"

"You've known the Lord of all Asia longer than I, do you doubt differently?"

"No," Isan grunted, "I have no love for Sesshomaru. He is a cold and calculating InuDaiYoukai with little to no mercy, but he is fair. He is not one to make false accusations, especially of this nature." Eyelids closing, Isan's mind drifted to a time when he'd heard similar accusations regarding his own kit. "Tell me, what is Lord Sesshomaru's mind regarding this?"

Shifting uneasily, Shippo's clawed fists clenched. "He is willing to allow this to be an internal matter within the fox clan, however, if we can not solve it, he has threatened to use ultimate force."

Although Isan's skin was nowhere near the healthy color of Shippo's, it paled even further. "He means to eradicate us?"

"If we can not find the one involved, yes."

"God's above . . . "

"The one responsible threatens all Youkai safety. They have not only used their powers of Delusion on Youkai, but humans as well. Lord Sesshomaru will protect the Youkai race, even if it means extinction of our own."

Claws brittle with both age and sickness, Isan placed his forehead in his hand. "I see now why you were so persistent."

"I have already wasted too much time, Master."

"Understood, but there are precious few of us left who would have such capabilities. It would take a fox of at least eight tails to weave such a complex deception."

"I know, that is why this doesn't make sense. There have been very few fox Youkai to reach that level within the whole of our history, and of those, there are only three currently alive." Shippo wasn't sure, but he thought he saw something like guilt pass through Isan's eyes, a nervousness he couldn't place.

"I assume you are speaking of Lord Somuta, Lady Elzbeth, and myself."

Nodding once, Shippo answered, "Lord Somuta is in eastern China and has been for over seventy six years. Lady Elzbeth hasn't left Europe in well over two centuries. And you – "

"Although my tail's still hold the number required, I am no where near strong enough. Most likely I could still perform a Delusion, but there is little chance I could sustain it longer than a few seconds."

"You see my problem. Is there any fox I am unaware of whose reached eight tails?"

Shaking his head, Isan answered, "No, none that I am aware of. In fact, you are most likely the closest to gaining an eighth tail of any of the foxes within my territory."

Clenching his fists in frustration, Shippo wanted to scream. "Then what is going on? Only a top level fox Youkai would be capable of doing this and yet none of them are responsible."

Gray eyes shifted to the side, Isan stared into the fire before him, a heavy weight pulling at his heart. "Shippo, do you truly believe Lord Sesshomaru will do as he says?"

Sighing, Shippo's shoulders sagged. "Yes, although I do not believe he would gain any joy from it. For him it is a matter of duty."

"So be it."

"Master?"

Taking in a deep breath, Isan pulled his slumped shoulders back, his steely gray eyes boring into the green ones before him. "Shippo, I have a feeling that soon, the fate of our clan shall rest in your hands. Orphaned at such a young age, I would not have thought it possible for you to come so far, but indeed, you have outshone every well-bred fox Youkai within these lands. Know that I am more proud of you than a biologic parent could be."

Blinking once, Shippo felt dread enter his heart. Isan was speaking like a condemned Youkai. "Master Isan – "

"You will be silent and let me speak. Too long have I kept this secret, and it, more than the loss of my kit, is the reason for my obvious deterioration. Today, I release myself of such a burden. I release the truth of the wrong I did all those years ago." Padded palms lain gently upon his thighs, Isan looked oddly calm as he stated, "Kaplow is alive."

In that instant, Shippo felt his blood run cold. "What are you saying? How can that be? You killed him."

"No, I did not. You forget the purpose of your visit, young one. Have we not already established that I am one of the few fox Youkai capable of performing Delusions?"

"You . . . you mean, you tricked us? All of us?"

"Do not look so surprised, we are fox Youkai, it is what we excel at."

"But . . . but, Kaplow, he was a traitor . . . he was responsible for the deaths of many Youkai . . . he – "

"He was my kit. First and foremost, Kaplow was my offspring. How could I kill someone so preciously dear to me? Of course what he did was wrong. Kaplow shamed me and our clan, but when the moment came, I could not kill him."

"But you promised! I was there. Lord Sesshomaru offered to end Kaplow's life, but you declined. You said that as his sire, it was your responsibility – that you'd take care of him."

"And, I did take care of him."

"Like hell!" Shippo screamed, anger and frustration leaking off his Youkai in waves.

"I was not so blinded not to see what Kaplow had become. I could not kill him, so I did the next best thing, I Bound him."

"Bound him?" Shippo asked in horror. In his mind, Binding was a fate far worse than death. Binding left the Youkai in a state of immobility. Unable to move or speak, they were however able to age and think. It was not sleep, but paralysis of the body. Trapped within your own mind, even stable Youkai emerged psychotic from Bindings.

Nodding to himself, a slow smile spread across Isan's face. "In the fourth peak of the Delvari Mountain's in the north, deep within the southern facing exposure, I Bound him. Of course, I visited and spoke with Kaplow as often as I thought it safe, I could not leave my kit all alone."

And that's when the true ugliness of the situation hit Shippo, not only had Isan's physical health deteriorated since the loss of his kit, but so had his mental well-being. It wasn't that Isan was crazy. At least to Shippo's knowledge, overall he had been a good leader for his clan. But Kaplow's betrayal had been too much. Far too much. "Master Isan, how long has it been since you've visited the mountain?"

Shaking his head, Isan's eyes became distant. "Sadly, my health has not allowed me to do so for well over two decades."

"And the Binding?"

"The last I was there, Kaplow was still safely Bound, however . . . as my health has deteriorated, so has my power. It . . . it is possible that the spell I weaved could no longer be sustained from my Youkai."

Lowering his head into his hands, it took everything in Shippo to control his own Youkai as it railed against the foolish actions of the fox before him. As leader of their clan, Isan's main mission should have been their protection and continued survival, but by his very own actions, he had placed them all at risk. "Master Isan – "

"There is no need for explanation, Shippo. I realize my life, what is left of it, is now forfeit. I knew this the day I disobeyed Lord Sesshomaru's command and Bound my kit." Gray eyes wide and searching, Isan stared up pleadingly. "There is a chance it is not him, you realize that, don't you?"

Nodding once, Shippo wasn't sure if he wished it was Kaplow or not. On the one hand, he'd have his answer, on the other . . . time would have only increased Kaplow's abilities and mental instability. "I will go to the mountain and see for myself."

"You must do what you must."

Hesitantly, Shippo's clawed hand reached forwards, gently grasping the all too thin one of his master. "I must go now. I do not know if we shall see each other again, Master."

"Be safe in your journey's, young one."

Bowing low one last time, Shippo gave a heartfelt goodbye. "For everything you have done for me, thank you."

The crackling of the dying fire was Shippo's only response as he stood and made his way towards the door, never once looking at the anxious eyes of Jichichi as he passed her on his way out. Once clear of the rock faced building Isan called home, Shippo pulled the phone from his pocket, his voice heavy as he spoke into it, "Call Lord Sesshomaru."

There were but two rings before the Lord of all Asia answered, "You have news?"

Swallowing hard, Shippo pressed his eyelids together tightly before answering, "I-I may."

"Explain."

"I-it seems Master Isan did not do as he claimed when ordered to kill his kit, Kaplow." Waiting, Shippo could hear the steady breath on the other end of the line, but no words were spoken. "Instead . . . instead, he Bound him."

After a small pause, Sesshomaru's cold voice asked, "And, is he still Bound?"

"I don't know. Master Isan told me where he Bound him. I wanted to call and tell you first, but I'm on my way to see. Master Isan's health is poor, there's a chance Kaplow was able to overcome the Binding since the spell castor has become so weak."

"Understood. Shippo, there is no need for you to call Isan master any longer. He has lost such a title."

"My Lord – "

"Regardless of Kaplow's current condition, I can no longer allow Isan to maintain control of the Asian fox Youkai. If there is anything you wish to say to your previous teacher, I suggest you do so now as there will be no opportunity later."

Head hung low, Shippo knew he'd signed his Master's death warrant the moment Lord Sesshomaru had answered the phone. But this was a matter of all Youkai's safety. It wasn't that Shippo was without a heart, as a matter of fact, for a full-blooded Youkai, he was amazingly kind hearted, it was just that even he knew Isan had been more than foolish. Kaplow was dangerous. Powerful, deceitful, intelligent, clever, psychotic – all these words could be used to describe Kaplow and when placed together, those words made for a formidable opponent. Sighing loudly, Shippo's voice sounded distant even to himself as he finally answered, "I have said all I need to say."

"How long will it take you to get to Kaplow's location?"

"At least two days, maybe three. If he's gone, I don't know how we're going to find him. Binding's don't stop aging, in the last hundred or so years – "

"This Sesshomaru is aware what a Binding entails as well as its consequences. You will report your findings as soon as possible."

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." Pressing the end button on the phone, Shippo looked to the north, his heart feeling like lead within his chest. He'd studied hard and worked even harder to become powerful, but he'd done it so that he could be like Inuyasha – a protector. He'd never wanted to have to be a burden to anyone again, but being a protector wasn't everything he'd thought it would be. Protection wasn't as cut and dry as he wished. It was a series of choices, most of which he'd rather not make.

Well, the decision had been made, and there was no turning back now. Weaving a spell of concealment around him, Shippo transformed and took to the air, soaring above the clouds on his way north. He should be to the mountains by nightfall, but he imagined it would take much longer to locate the entrance to Kaplow's prison.

::::::::::

Battling the crimson leaking into his eyes, Sesshomaru's face was tight with his concealed rage. Isan had been a sentimental fool. And now his foolishness not only threatened his own clan, but the rest of the Youkai world. Moreover, it was taking precious time away from what he'd much rather be doing - wooing Inuyasha. Just the thought of his mate to be brought forth the shimmering gold of his iris' in stunning array.

Just this morning, he'd left the Hanyou lying in their bed, his silvery-white hair fanned out across Sesshomaru's blood red sheets. After their night spent with Bakusen'O, Inuyasha had spent less and less time in the room that had been created specifically for him. Instead, they both slept in Sesshomaru's larger bed, his little brother draped across his chest as the night passed them by. Of course, the DaiYoukai required far less sleep than the Hanyou, but he would stay with his little brother, arms tightly wound around his smaller frame. Never before had the Lord of the West so looked forwards to the coming darkness.

There were other things to look forwards to at night besides sleep. Each and every time, Sesshomaru would bring his brother to completion, his creamy cum scenting the air of their bedroom. And each and every time, the Hanyou protested less and was now to the point where he enjoyed Sesshomaru's touches from the very beginning. And oh, how beautiful Inuyasha looked as he writhed upon those crimson, satin sheets; muscles straining, mouth panting, furry ears twitching madly upon his snowy-white head. Sesshomaru could hardly believe something as wondrous as his little brother was allowed to draw breath upon this filth riddled planet. For all his life, the Lord of the West had been called perfect, but seeing Inuyasha, he began to wonder if those whom had thought him so knew the definition of the word.

Cock swelling with desire, Sesshomaru shifted his position in his chair, angling for something a bit more comfortable. No doubt, by now, if he approached Inuyasha about completing the mating, his little brother would agree, but the Hanyou deserved more time. More time to be properly courted and understand what brought him pleasure so that when the moment came for Sesshomaru to drive his cock home, there would be nothing but immeasurable bliss and desire on the part of his mate. No fear, no hesitation, only utter submission.

Thinking of his Hanyou, Sesshomaru realized his immediate anger at Isan had cooled into a steady flame. Isan would pay for his deceit with his life, but the Lord of all Asia's fury had dissipated enough that his death would be swift instead of the hours of torture he'd have once made the fox Youkai endure. Eyes narrowing at the thought of Isan's betrayal, along with the knowledge that the old fox would have had to of used a Delusion on him for such a thing to be concealed, Sesshomaru's anger flared anew. Perhaps at least a small amount of torture would still be in order.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Sesshomaru's face smoothed into something close to pleasant when he noted it was getting close to four in the afternoon. Inuyasha had gone with Kadira today to begin looking into this schooling thing the Hanyou wanted to do. Although he would have been just as happy to have his Hanyou tied to their bed, he not only understood, but admired his little brother's desire to better himself. Not that Sesshomaru thought Inuyasha needed to improve, but if the Hanyou desired it, then he would not interfere. Also, there was an unmitigated joy that would alight in his brother's eyes when he spoke of getting a formal education.

Soon, his little brother would be back home where he belonged, but until that time, Sesshomaru had work to do regarding the fox Youkai clan. Given that Isan would soon be dead, their clan would need a new leader. Isan had been in charge of the fox clan for well over six hundred years and though his health had been failing since Kaplow's supposed death, it would still be a blow to the fox clan to loose their leader. Changes of this type could easily form the seeds of discontent. Although the DaiYoukai would like to simply place someone of his choosing in charge, he would grant Isan the chance to name his successor. Isan may be a traitor, but he had also been instrumental in Youkai integration into human society. He was a well-loved leader and it would smooth the transition to have a Youkai of Isan's choosing take his place. Besides, Sesshomaru was fairly certain whom Isan would choose and conveniently, that choice was in alignment with his own.

In that vein of thinking, Sesshomaru began writing the official documentation relieving Isan of his command while at the same time, naming Shippo as his replacement.

The ink had barely had time to dry when Sesshomaru felt his whole body ease – Inuyasha was home. Moving his paperwork to a more discrete location, the Lord of the West's golden eyes looked up when he heard the knock on his door, quickly followed by the Hanyou's form practically bouncing into the room, a more hesitant Kadira not far behind.

"It is customary to wait to be invited into a room before opening a door, little brother," Sesshomaru chided with a smirk.

Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha plopped down in a chair on the other side of the DaiYoukai's desk. "Yeah, well at least I knocked."

Golden eyes alight with pleasure, Sesshomaru watched as Inuyasha bounced within the chair. Rarely if ever had he seen his little brother this excited. "Am I to assume your excursion was fruitful?"

"Huh?" Letting the words sink in, Inuyasha smiled brightly. "Oh yeah, it was. Me and Kadira went to this place where they have tutors and shit. You know, a buildin' meant for learnin'. They said that I can get tutorin' and then take some tests to get the equivalent of what humans call a High School Diploma. It'll take some time, but after that, I can do that university thing."

Looking from the Hanyou, Sesshomaru's gaze fell on the pleased face of Kadira. "Miko, I assume this institution is credible."

Ignoring Inuyasha's grunt of annoyance, Kadira answered, "Aye, it is the best facility of its kind, my Lord."

"Good, I expect nothing less."

"God's, you're even a stuck up jackass about education."

Heaven help him, the Hanyou was pouting. Damn but he wanted the boy. Wanted him in every way possible. "Lady Kadira, thank you for assisting my little brother today. No doubt such activities have tired you."

Clearly seeing the writing on the wall, Kadira's lips curved up into a faint smile while pink dusted her wrinkled cheeks. "Aye, my Lord, a rest would do me good. If you'll excuse me, I'll retire to my room."

Oblivious as always, Inuyasha said a brief, "Thanks for goin' today ya old wench," as Kadira walked out of the room. Eyes still on the doorway, Inuyasha's ears flattened into his hair when he heard his brother's cold voice order, "Inuyasha, come here."

Turning slowly, Inuyasha's amber eyes narrowed. "What the hell for?"

"If I answer, because I told you to?"

"-Keh, then I'd tell ya to go fuck yourself."

Raising a single eyebrow, Sesshomaru smirked. "An interesting notion, but not as appealing as other ideas." Leaning back into his chair, he gave Inuyasha lust filled eyes. "And if instead, I answered that I have missed your presence and wish to have you close?"

Feeling the blood rush to his face, Inuyasha's amber eyes looked anywhere but Sesshomaru's direction. "Then I'd probably do what you asked. Probably."

"Well, I suppose I shall have to take my chances. Little brother, you have been gone from this Sesshomaru's presence for most of the day. It would please me to have your body closer than it is now."

"You know, as much of a frigid bastard as you always seemed to be, you sure are surprisingly tactile now," Inuyasha grumbled, all the while standing from his seat, easily moving around the circumference of the Lord of the West's desk.

Once he'd gotten within reach, Sesshomaru's corded arms stretched forwards, easily snatching Inuyasha about the waist and setting him upon the desk in front of him.

"Hey, I ain't – "

"Little brother," Sesshomaru began speaking as his hand found the button of Inuyasha's pants. "I believe I would like to drink from the source today."

"Drink from the source?" Feeling Sesshomaru's clawed fingers working against the fabric of his pants, Inuyasha's face colored a bright red as he understood. "R-really, S-Sesshomaru . . . you don't have to do that . . . "

Feeling Inuyasha's hands now wrapped around his wrists, Sesshomaru's gaze shifted up. "And why would I not wish to do so?"

Eyes flitting over towards the door, Inuyasha blushed even deeper. "What if somebody comes in?"

"I fail to see your point."

Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha muttered, "Of course you do. The point is, I don't wanna be seen doin' somethin' dirty on your desk."

"Dirty? What could ever be dirty about this Sesshomaru savoring your cock and seed?"

Lowering his head, bangs covering his eyes, Inuyasha's hands loosened, allowing Sesshomaru to easily pull away and continue with his previous activities. With the zipper undone, the DaiYoukai's claws pulled down the fabric of his intended mates boxer's, gently lifting his half hard prize into the air. Golden eyes fixed upon the beautiful cock before him, Sesshomaru scooted closer while at the same time, his hands grabbed the Hanyou's ass, lifting up Inuyasha's rump so he could slide the fabric down and away. With his desired area now free of any hindrances, the DaiYoukai nuzzled his nose into the soft fur lying at the base of his brother's dick and balls.

"Sessh – " Inuyasha called, somewhere between a whine and groan.

"Spread your legs so this Sesshomaru can suckle at his leisure."

Sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha placed his heels on the arms of Sesshomaru's chair, while tentatively spreading his legs wider, earning a lust-filled, "Perfect," from his brother's mouth.

And, looking at the vision before him, Sesshomaru could think of no better word. Between the intoxicating InuHanyou scent radiating from his little brother's most private of areas mixed with the eye candy of those wondrous male attributes left the DaiYoukai salivating. Not so very long ago, in this very room, he'd had a similar vision, but it had paled in comparison to the real thing.

Licking his lips in anticipation, Sesshomaru's tongue darted out, laving the tip of Inuyasha's prick, loving the short gasps of breath his actions received. Smoldering golden eyes lidded with lust, Sesshomaru looked up, locking eyes with his brother as he engulfed the whole of Inuyasha's cock deep into his mouth and down his throat.

"Oh, f-fuck." Head thrown back, Inuyasha's hips bucked up hard, driving his dick into the back of his brother's throat. Without thought, he latched onto Sesshomaru's silver strands of hair, gripping them tightly within clenched fists and forcing the DaiYoukai to take more and more of him into his seemingly never-ending throat. Heavy balls slapping against his brother's chin, Inuyasha was lost. "Sessh . . . oh, fuck . . . "

Loving the painful abuse, Sesshomaru did little to hinder his brother's desires. Pleased at his brother's obvious abandon, he let Inuyasha fuck his mouth and throat at will, eagerly awaiting his reward.

Humping, grabbing, feeling overwhelming sensations like lightning through his cock, Inuyasha continued his assault, his hips thrusting that much faster as the end came racing towards him. With one last strangled cry, he slammed deep into Sesshomaru's throat, pumping out a veritable geyser of cum.

Suckling the softening cock, Sesshomaru's tongue leisurely lapped up the remaining milk he'd earned. Only when every last inch of his Hanyou was cleaned did he pull away, only to stare in awe at the beauty that was a post orgasmic Inuyasha. Puppy ears lax, face flushed and pupils blown wide, Inuyasha was perhaps the most tempting creature ever placed upon the earth.

Pulling the Hanyou into his lap, Sesshomaru cradled Inuyasha's spent body within his arms, all the while ignoring his own lustful needs. Rubbing the base of an ear, his voice was soft but without question as Sesshomaru confessed, "Thank the gods father saved you."

Ears perking back up, Inuyasha stared up at his brother, his own eyes wide and searching. "But . . . but father died doing that. I – "

"Long did I blame you for his loss, but father's sacrifice allowed you life and in so doing gave me life as well. Truly, Inuyasha, you were his finest gift to both me and the world."

Gulping loudly, Inuyasha was at a loss for words. It was one thing for Sesshomaru to have changed his opinion about his Hanyou status, but to say that their father's sacrifice was worth his life . . . lifting his body up, Inuyasha wrapped his hands around his brother's shoulders, pulling the powerful DaiYoukai into his chest, clinging to the fabric of Sesshomaru's clothes as he tried to convey just how much that admission meant to him. Finally, after he'd let it soak in, Inuyasha simply shook his head. "Everyday you make it more and more impossible to live without you."

Letting his hands wander down to the naked skin of Inuyasha's hips and ass, Sesshomaru's mouth drifted up into a satisfied smile. "That is fortunate for this Sesshomaru as you are already an essential component to this life."

Feeling normally lethal claws gently kneading into his tender flesh, Inuyasha squirmed in his brother's lap. "If you keep doin' that, we're never gonna leave this room."

"And where is the problem in that?"

"The problem is that I haven't eaten in hours and pretty damn soon my stomach's gonna start bitchin' about that fact." Pulling away, Inuyasha stared into his brother's eyes as his own narrowed. "If I remember correctly, it wasn't so long ago that you were promisin' me I'd never lack for food again."

"Ah, I see. I would never wish to deny you sustenance." With that said, Sesshomaru removed his hands and allowed a blushing Hanyou to shimmy off his lap. Soon enough, Inuyasha replaced his clothes, but as he'd been picking up his pants, there'd been a stack of papers nearby that must have drifted off his brother's desk as he'd been servicing the Hanyou. Face freshly flushed red with the memory of what they'd just done, Inuyasha picked up the papers, only for his eyes to land upon Shippo's name splashed across something that looked pretty damn official and . . . "Holly shit! You're gonna name Shippo Lord of the Asian fox Youkai?"

Glancing at the papers within his little brother's hands, Sesshomaru's face became a blank mask. "It is not yet official."

Inuyasha had become so accustomed to seeing some level of emotion within his brother's face that to see him revert back to the expressionless creature before him set the Hanyou's hairs on end. Scratching the base of an ear, Inuyasha stared down at the papers in his hands. Truly, he hadn't meant to be snooping, it was just that they were on the floor and he was trying to help tidy up, and . . . "Sorry, I didn't mean to see somethin' I shouldn't."

Hating the regret and coldness now coloring Inuyasha's voice and stance, Sesshomaru relaxed his own posture, dropping the mask he wore so well. "Forgive me, I did not mean to imply such. It is a matter of some delicacy and I doubt Shippo himself is aware of his impending change of status."

"Oh, I see," Inuyasha nodded as he placed the papers back on Sesshomaru's desk. "Did the current one die or somethin'?"

Taking a brief moment to collect his thoughts, Sesshomaru answered, "He is not dead as of yet, but I shall rectify that situation shortly."

With a single blink of his eyes, Inuyasha stared at his brother. Sesshomaru hadn't even flinched when saying it. "Can I ask why?"

"Lord Isan lied to this Sesshomaru and in doing so has placed all of Youkai society at risk. Now I must rectify the situation his actions have led to."

"Oh. Does Shippo know? Does this have somethin' to do with what you talked to him about a few days ago?"

"Shippo is aware of the gravity of Isan's actions as well as their consequences. Currently, your previous ward is investigating the extent of Isan's mistake."

Nodding his head, Inuyasha understood, at least, he thought he did. Never in a million years would he want his brother's job. Why other Youkai were after it, he hadn't a clue. "So, how long has this Isan been the leader of the fox's?"

"Well over six centuries."

"Shit," Inuyasha whispered. "That's a long ass time." Claws absent mindedly tapping along the top of Sesshomaru's desk, the Hanyou had a sudden thought. A thought that sent a spike of fear through his gut. "Uh, so this Isan . . . he must be pretty tough by now. I mean, he musta been pretty strong before bein' named the lord of the fox's and that was over six hundred years ago."

Allowing the barest of smiles to curve his lips upwards, Sesshomaru's eyes softened. "Inuyasha, are you concerned for this Sesshomaru's well-being?"

Head snapping up, Inuyasha scowled. "What? No! I . . . well, I was just thinkin' that maybe you could use some back-up or somethin' if you gotta go take care of somethin' like that. You know I can kick some serious ass when the occasion calls. There ain't nothin' me and Tessaiga can't handle." The, except for you, was diplomatically left off the end of that statement.

Reaching a hand forwards, Sesshomaru took Inuyasha's smaller fingers within his own. "Little brother, rest assured there is nothing this Sesshomaru can not handle."

"I know, but – "

"If it would ease your mind, Isan was once very powerful, but has become frail with both age and mental anguish. He posses no threat to this Sesshomaru."

Inuyasha tried pulling his hand away, but Sesshomaru would not let go. "-Keh, as if I was really worried about ya. I was just lookin' to stretch my legs a bit. Haven't really had a good throw-down since wrestlin' with the wolf on the rooftop the other day."

Sitting up straight in his chair, Sesshomaru's voice was cold. "Lord Kouga attacked you?"

Ears lying flat at the threat in his brother's voice, Inuyasha shook his head. "Don't go gettin' all pissy. The fight was mutual and did us both a whole shitload of good. Besides, tusslin' with the wolf is a favorite pastime of mine so don't throw a bitch fit every time we draw a little blood."

Pushing down his raging Youkai, Sesshomaru finally conceded. "When these events occur, I fully expect there to be much more wolf blood spilt than InuHanyou."

With a smirk, Inuyasha nodded. "No doubt about it. That flea bag may have a few hundred years on me, but I can still kick Kouga's ass any day of the fuckin' week."

Finally standing from his chair, Sesshomaru pulled Inuyasha's body into his own, his lips crushing against his little brother's in a possessive kiss. After tasting his full, Sesshomaru pulled back, his thumb caressing Inuyasha's cheek. "Of this, I have no doubt, little brother. Now, shall we fill your belly before it begins protesting its emptiness?"

Still slightly dazed from the amazing lip lock he'd just experienced, Inuyasha could only nod dumbly. "Uh, yeah. That sounds good."

Without another word, Sesshomaru placed a hand at the base of Inuyasha's back (a spot he was finding increasingly agreeable) and guided his young Hanyou towards the kitchen. After all, his little brother was right, he had promised to always keep Inuyasha well fed and Sesshomaru had no intentions of every breaking another promise to his intended mate.

:::::::::

Neither his pure Youkai status, nor his thick fox fur could keep the cold from seeping through Shippo's skin and settling deep within his bones. As he'd thought, it had taken about a day to reach the Delvari Mountain's, the fourth peak easily visible even through the darkening night. He'd taken shelter in a rock outcropping and waited for sunrise to look for the cave Isan had hidden Kaplow within. Of course, with that much magic, it should have been obvious, but to Shippo's dismay, the magic residue was covered. Not only was it concealed, but the quality of concealment sent a note of fear down his back. Given his frailty, along with the fact that Master Isan hadn't been to the mountains in so many years, any previous concealment spells should have faded enough to be practically useless. The simple fact that Shippo could detect nothing was in and of itself, distressing. Pushing his abilities to the limit, he cast a spell upon his own eyes to see through such concealments, but even so, it took him two days to find what he was looking for. Not good. Definitely not good.

Walking through what appeared to be nothing more than more snow and rock, Shippo found himself in a narrow cavern. Lighting his old and true fox fire, he began making his way across the precarious rock, moving further and further down and into the mountain. Along the way, there were several places where the path split, but Shippo kept following the faint, residual traces of magic like a dimly lit trail. After what felt like a small lifetime, the narrow cavern ended and opened into a larger chamber, and there, seemingly hanging from the wall, was Kaplow.

Breathing in a shaky sigh of relief, Shippo stared at the unmoving form before him. Fiery red fur flared around Kaplow's head like an inferno while his eight tails limply hung, their tips barely dusting the floor. Sitting his quivering body upon a nearby rock, Shippo placed his head in his hands, only to quickly look back up as something struck him. Nose quivering too and fro, he scented the air and found it thick with Isan's scent. Too thick if his old master was to be believed in that he hadn't been here in well over two decades.

Standing, his fox senses were on high alert while green eyes scanned the area. But all Shippo saw was a powerful fox Bound to the wall. Shifting from foot to foot, his eyes narrowed in thought. He was uneasy and his instincts were screaming that something here wasn't right. Even in this frozen wilderness, Isan's scent shouldn't be this strong, not after so many years and he had no reason to believe his master would have lied about not having been here in so long. Moving closer to Kaplow's deadly silent body, Shippo sniffed and could still not find anything wrong.

Mind zipping as if he'd just stolen one of Kagome's sucker's, Shippo kept coming back to the same conclusion – he'd have to perform a spell, a very powerful and draining spell, a spell that could break through a Delusion.

Sitting back down upon his rock, Shippo took out his cell phone, making sure it still had enough power and that he could get a signal out. What he was about to do would require days of recovery and was more than a little risky given he was up here all alone. Still, it had to be done and time was of the essence. Determined, Shippo dialed in Sesshomaru's personal line and soon enough heard, "You have found something?"

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru. I found the cave Kaplow's Bound in and he appears to be hanging on the wall opposite me."

"And yet, there is something wrong," Sesshomaru answered after a short pause.

"I . . . I don't know. I can't say for sure, but something feels off, and there's the matter of Isan's scent . . . it's too strong. It shouldn't be this heavy if he truly hasn't been here in so long."

"I sense you believe Isan is telling the truth about this fact."

"Yes. He's not strong enough to make the trip and besides that, I don't really see what he'd have to gain by lying about that right now."

"Agreed. Do you have a plan?"

Taking a deep breath, Shippo nodded, only to realize Sesshomaru wouldn't be able to see something like that. "Yeah, but it's not gonna be easy."

"Explain."

"Well, we're under the assumption that if Kaplow has escaped, he's able to perform Delusions, so . . . what if I'm looking at one right now?"

"You believe he has been able to cast a Delusion spell that he is still Bound to the rock wall?"

"It's possible and I think we can both agree that this little trip would be a big waste of time not to know for sure."

"I am assuming you have the capability to see beyond a Delusion of this magnitude?"

"I think so. I've only done it once, and it hurt like hell and drained my powers for over a week. Of course, that was before my seventh tail had fully grown in, but it's still gonna knock my ass flat."

"Understood."

"I don't know if I'll be able to call you after I'm done, so I'm just gonna leave the line open if that's okay."

"Will you require me to send someone for you after?"

Looking back up at the wall before him, Shippo frowned. "It'd be nice, but I could barely find the entrance and that took two days. I'm just gonna have to wait it out here until I get enough energy to make the trip back."

"This Sesshomaru understands. You may proceed when you are ready." After a small pause, Sesshomaru added, "Inuyasha would be distressed if something permanent were to befall you."

Pulling the phone away from his ear, Shippo stared at the small plastic box before answering, "Um . . . okay, I'll be careful . . . thanks."

Hearing no further answer, Shippo laid the phone down beside him as he scooted over to sit fully upon the cave floor. Crossing his legs and settling his hands and arms down into his lap, his seven tails flared out beside and around his body, the fur on each and every one standing at attention as he drew his Youkai energy in tight, concentrating it into a small, focal ball poised for release. Once he'd drained all his reserves, Shippo began chanting the spell words, focusing his gathered power into a singular mission – destroy any and all Delusions within his small area. Wind whipping, tails pulsing, power pounding, Shippo spoke the last word, opening his fire filled green eyes and exploding the energy he'd summoned in one explosive burst. Instantly, green fire swept through the room, scorching all it touched with cleansing magic. Finally, that fire met the prone figure of Kaplow as it hung limply from the adjacent wall, and as green flames licked at Kaplow's edges, the form slowly began disappearing until nothing was left but the same, rocky gray walls that covered the cave's surface.

Green eyes now dull with exhaustion and full of fear, Shippo felt his stomach roil and had just enough energy left to vomit before his body crumpled to the side. Damn, but it sucked to be right sometimes. With the phone thankfully inches away from his mouth Shippo took a moment to calm his roiling stomach before stuttering, "H-he's g-gone. Kap . . . Kaplow . . . n-not here." What seemed like a thousand miles away, Shippo heard Sesshomaru's icy voice as he answered, "Understood," before the line shut off. Task accomplished, Shippo closed his eyes and let oblivion take him. He'd done all he could do – for now. If he was lucky, in a few days he'd awaken with enough restored energy to begin making his way back to Tokyo.

Uh-oh . . . what do you guys think about Kaplow? Not looking very good, is it. But lets give credit to Shippo for figuring it out. Way to go runt!

Next chapter you'll get some more Sesshomaru/Inuyasha lovin'. I think the next chappie is a bit shorter, but there really aren't that many left (for better or worse).

As always, thank you all for continuing to read this story. For those of you who celebrate it, I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween. Until next week . . . lunamist.