So that we can choose each other
InuTashio paced just outside the palace entrance, but inside the walls. His sons were getting closer and he had to decide.
He paired them the way did for many reasons, but Kagome had been in the forefront of his mind when he chose not to put her with Sesshomaru. Sure, the power mix would have been very good and interesting, but her heart was worth more to him than her power. Kagome was a special girl and he was very fond of her. She loved deeply and had great compassion, which was the total opposite of his eldest son.
Sesshomaru would crush her, break her, hurt her and she didn't deserve it.
She would love him, and he would not love her back.
He would not care about their child and he would not keep her. In fact, he feared he would want her power destroyed.
He knew about Inuyasha and Kikyo and was hoping to save his youngest son from more hardship, but alas the boy was a lot like him and he could not fault him. InuTashio loved his human wife.
But if he didn't take Kikyo's advice and do this, then his eldest son could banish them, kill them, take their power. They would have to wait another two years and try again with another pair of mikos. The thought to try again did cross his mind, but he knew Sesshomaru would not go for that.
He had been planning these unions for a long time; since the twins were born, in fact. He had loved the family, the protectors of the Shikon. Their family line was the best.
"What will you do?" His demon wife approached, no doubt feeling her son gaining ground.
The wind blew. For once he was unsure, but the thought of Sesshomaru trying to kill Kagome for her power ruled. He wondered though, would she choose death over a broken heart? She had always been fond of Sesshomaru, calling him brother, but InuTashio knew her eyes, could see her heart even if she didn't know it.
"Separate the mikos and prepare them for mating."
She did not question him, only bowed and turned away.
All he could do now is pray the Kamis would have mercy and guide Sesshomaru the best he could without seeming like he was.
His stood tall, chin high as his sons came into view. With one blink they were walking inside the gates. Regal and powerful, he was proud really.
They knelt, "Father." They both said.
"Rise my sons, you have done well."
They rose.
"Ask." He noticed Inuyasha's intense gaze. "Did Kikyo and Kagome conceive?"
Sesshomaru's eyes were hard on his father, he could feel it. "No."
A look of relief washed over Inuyasha. Sesshomaru didn't seem to care, but he knew his son's pride was somewhat hurt.
"Kikyo may be barren," InuTashio spoke.
"But I thought we checked for that?" Inuyasha spoke.
"It is not 100 percent, son." InuTashio placed a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. "But you are welcome to try my son."
Inuyasha's eyes got wide.
"Is that not for me to say, father?" Sesshomaru cut in. "They were both barren, were they not?"
InuTashio glided his eyes to Sesshomaru. "Actually, we have decided to have another mating, only this time you will switch mikos."
"But, Kagome -" Inuyasha started,
InuTashio raised his hand. "What say you son?"
Sesshomaru thought about it. It would be fun to break her will, plus there was the whole having to wait another two years if he declined. Then he would have to deal with the sisters on top of that, it was annoying to say the least.
"Hn, I will claim the younger mikos womb."
"Then go, they are waiting."
InuTashio watched as his sons walked past him. He should have just let them choose each other from the beginning, it would have saved a lot of time, pain and suffering, of that he was sure.