The Bow that Breaks

I don't own Inuyasha

Chapter 15

Satomi looped her arm into Taisho's as they made their way West. She sighed lightly at Taisho's lift of brow as he kept his attention on Sesshoumaru as the child ran ahead.

"Something is different about you."

"The war is over. Sesshoumaru gets to have you back home. That's what's different."

"No, that's not it."

"…?"

"You've changed a great deal and so has he. The two of you seem easier around each other, happier."

Satomi shook her head, somewhat disappointed as she spoke again.

"It took true danger for me to realize just how important I was to Sesshoumaru. I regret that I was being selfish before and all he wanted was my attention, to show him that I wanted to be there for him, that I could and would protect him. I thought that he hated me but he was angry with me for not being enough when you weren't there. It makes sense now but it didn't before."

"It did baffle me how two beings so alike could be so opposed."

"You think Sesshoumaru is like me?"

"He's stubborn and he is not afraid for the fight. Instead he hungers it as do you."

"I have no place in battle Taisho."

"Your happiness lives in this moment but it will die the moment you step foot in the West if I ask you to be only a mother."

"I will serve my place in the West and I will do so faithfully."

"I have no doubt of that. Even so, I have no intention of taking away from you what you enjoy. Sesshoumaru can learn from you as well."

She stopped with Taisho as he pulled the sword from his sash that she'd used during the fight.

"I remember seeing you protecting yourself and Sesshoumaru with this sword as I arrived. I wished in that moment it had the capability to shield the two of you. Instead you were our son's shield. You should learn how to properly wield it. I never want the sword to be turned against you. So I had it forged for you and only you to have the ability to use it as a weapon. I want to leave it in your possession for now."

Taisho placed the sword in her hands.

"When the time comes, I'll have it reforged with part of Tetsusaiga and Sesshoumaru will be it's heir."

"What of Tetsusaiga itself?"

Taisho smirked

"I have a feeling the pup won't need it. His power will most likely surpass it and he'll seek something greater. But if he continues with that stubborn streak of his he'll most certainly need Tenseiga."

Satomi took the sword in her hands feeling the balance of it.

"Thank you. He'll always be safe."

"I have no doubt."

Taisho turned his attention back to his son who was currently making a face at the butterfly that decided to take up temporary residence on his nose before flying away. He even decided to wave at it.

"Bye, butterfly."

"I'm pleased to hear him speaking more."

Satomi laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"He's been talking to us for quite some time. We just weren't listening."

"How so?"

Taisho seemed shocked at the realization that Sesshoumaru wasn't behind, in fact, quite a bit ahead of his age at being able to use form voice and use it well but he did need more confidence to use the words in human form so that they could hear him.

"Clever child."

"Clever indeed. And his flying skills aren't all that bad either."

…

Sesshoumaru ran toward the gate, a few of the soldiers taken off guard and bowing quickly as they hustled to step aside noticing their lord and lady at a bit of a distance. Sesshoumaru scanned the courtyard quickly as a few of the servants smiled and gave a nod of the head as one of them pointed toward the gardens.

As he entered the gardens they were quiet, void of any of the servants. His hopes beginning to fade as he sat among the flowers. Satomi frowned, finally catching up to her son and seeing his station. She knew exactly who Sesshoumaru was looking for although Taisho seemed thrown off by the excitement.

"Well, if you two aren't a sight for these old eyes…"

"Kari!" Sesshoumaru turned to see Kaori as she embraced him.

"My lady it is good to see you alive and well."

Satomi nodded as she returned the words to the faithful servant.

"Did you heed your mother all of this time?"

"I think…" Sesshoumaru nodded but then shook his head before nodding again and looking back at his mother to confirm the answer.

"Well, we have come a long way. So overall it's a yes."

"It would seem so. The north wing where you and my lord reside was not damaged and we have rebuilt much in your absence. Please excuse me as I get things ready.

…

Satomi focused on the glow of the moonlight before her eyes landed on the small ball pushed to the corner. The last time she'd been in this room, Sesshoumaru had been playing with the ball before the soldier came to alert them of the danger inside the castle. She'd fled with Sesshoumaru on her back and him counting on her every step of the way to keep him safe. She didn't think twice about putting herself in the middle of three bear demons when they threatened her pup. Even a war didn't stop her from sacrificing herself. Satomi couldn't help notice the change in Sesshoumaru when he recognized the pain inflicted by the enemy as the same that his claws caused. But she learned something about herself too. So much of Sesshoumaru's behavior was the result of her lack of interest in being close, treating him like he wasn't hers when she constantly left him to the servants. It was a display of weakness leading Sesshoumaru to believe that she wasn't worthy. She hated to admit it but Taisho had been right to push her to keep Sesshoumaru close. Initially she'd thought it would be a failure when Sesshoumaru continued to lash out at her but neither one of them knew how to trust each other or react to the change and maybe the bear demons had done them a favor by forcing them into a journey that put them in their rightful roles. For that, she was grateful and she was beginning to think that being a mother wasn't such a bad thing. Closing her eyes, she relaxed closing the space to her mate. Even in his sleep Taisho radiated safety. It would be the first time she could finally sleep soundly.

"Mama…"

Almost. Satomi pretended to be asleep hoping Taisho would wake up. She felt her mate shift with a grumble that sounded more like he was being stepped on.

"Sesshou…"

Taisho quieted again before continuing to rest like a comfortable rock. Satomi cracked her eyes noticing Sesshoumaru staring at her from halfway over his father.

"What is it?"

"I sleep here?"

"Why didn't you ask your father?"

"He's sleeping. Please?" Sesshoumaru reached both hands out to her.

Satomi didn't hesitate to take him to her. Instead of claws, his new weapon seemed to lie in how he used his eyes.

"Just for tonight."

"kay."

As Sesshoumaru rested against her she felt the familiarity return from the last few weeks, the comfort of knowing her child was safe. Satomi kissed the crescent on his forehead realizing that she should cherish the moments of her son's youth. He would only be a child for so long and who knew what the future would hold.

End

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. I'm always thinking of more plots for Sesshoumaru and Co so there will most likely be more stories in the future. Peace, Love, and Happiness!