Sesshomaru, Lord of the West stood motionless on the sandy shoreline of his home. Inhaling deeply, he relished the familiar scent of the ocean meeting the ancient land of Nippon. He turned to watch his brother and son exit the boat and stand with Kenta, waiting for his signal. He gave it and they were off on warm sun dappled paths through familiar forest.
The taiyoukai walked silently, mulling over his last actions on the continent. He and Inuyasha had returned to the mountain cloister of monks to retrieve his swords, and upon their arrival, they had been greeted as old friends. He had thanked their leader as was proper and the ningen bowed to him in a show of supplication he did not desire. Strangely, he did not want fear and deference from these men. They spoke of the stories and tales they would pass on to the next generation of monks lauding his greatness. They asked him if there was anything they could do for him. He almost said no. Before speaking he looked over at his brother as though contemplating something.
"I do have one thing your order could do for me." his rich baritone rumbled across the courtyard. "In four centuries' time, a woman will arrive at your gates asking for training in your fighting ways."
An almost imperceptible murmur washed over the listening monks.
"I know it is not your tradition to accept females into your fold, but this woman is part of my pack. You will welcome her and train her, do not coddle her nor say anything of my person or this missive. She is to remain ignorant of it. This is what I ask of you."
There was a short pause before the head monk spoke. "Honored Lord, how will we know this woman?"
Golden eyes regarded him for a moment. "She will be of Nippon. Her eyes will reflect the color of forest moss and her heart is pure as mountain snows."
A small crease found its way to Inuyasha's brow. What was Sesshomaru doing? Everything Kagome had ever told him about time was that you could never change things without damaging what already existed. It had boggled his mind, but he recognized that his brother was meddling. He opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by a hard glare from the taiyoukai.
"She will journey up the mountain and wait days at your door. Will you do this?" His question hung in the warm air.
"Yes Honored Lord. It would be our greatest privilege."
Sesshomaru inclined his silver head ever so slightly before turning and departing the company of the ningen. If there was anything he had perfected, it was a grand exit. He tried not to doubt himself. He knew the dangers of interfering with time, but he really only encouraged something that had already happened.
Returning to the present, Sesshomaru came to an abrupt halt on their homeward path. Something was not right. He inhaled slowly, deliberately. The others stopped as well and tested the air, muscles tense ready for anything. The part of the forest in which they stood was just outside the village that stood at the gate of the Western Manor; Sesshomaru realized suddenly what was wrong.
There were no ningen anywhere near. Kagome had worked long and hard to create a haven for youkai and ningen alike, where they could live in peace together. It was her shining joy, after the children of course. Something was clearly amiss, not a trace of ningen scent lingered in a place where many had lived and worked. Alarm bells went off in Sesshomaru's head.
"Lord Sesshomaru!"
He spun to face the source of the voice and was astonished to see Satoshi and Takeshi crouched in the brush, eyes hollowed, hunted.
"Kami be praised!" Satoshi's voice was full of such aching relief it brought them all up short.
"What's happened?" Inuyasha snapped.
Satoshi opened his mouth to reply only to be cut off by Takeshi. The neko general laid a hand on the blond kit's shoulder.
"It is not safe , we must remove ourselves to another area." he bowed his head. "Please milord, follow us."
Sesshomaru acquiesced, his rangers were the best and if they said it was not safe here he would trust their judgment. They ghosted through thick brush, moving steadily north until they reached a canyon shrouded in mist. Takeshi warbled out a call and waited. An answer was heard and Amaya emerged from the mist like a wraith. She bowed deeply to Sesshomaru and led them through the fog into a bustling camp.
Tents and lean-tos filled the sheltered enclave to the brim. Ningen and youkai alike ducked in and out of tents moving with purpose and direction. The taiyoukai's golden eyes took in all these things methodically. After a moment. he realized there were key figure missing from this scene. Without turning his eyes from the camp he asked "Where is my mate?"
Silence met his query and he swung round, anger burning in his eyes. "Where is she?" he hissed.
It was Satoshi who stepped forward. "Milord please come to the cavern."
Sesshomaru looked murderous.
"This is not a conversation for common ears, milord."
The silver Inu nodded and followed the kit to a large cave. Once inside he stood impassively in the center of the room and waited. Inuyasha, Haruko and Kenta remained at the edge of the firelight, mute but ready. Takeshi entered next, followed closely by Amaya and Jaken. Thankfully the little toad controlled his adoration and excitement at his Lords return, most likely sensing the killing intent radiating off his master in waves.
"You will tell me why you are all hiding here. You will tell me what has happened that the Western Manor was lost after a mere matter of months. And you will tell me what has become of my mate!" His eyes tinged slightly pink at this last statement and he fixed his stare on Takeshi, who bowed and began to speak.
Sesshomaru listed with disbelief as the neko ranger told of Suzaku's arrival shortly after their departure. He related the trauma of receiving news of their deaths on the continent. He told of the council and Kagome's battle to keep control of the west. He spoke of the loyalty of the Panther Tribe and the support of Kouga, the ookami prince. Sesshomaru listened as Kagome lost her battle of sovereignty and was relegated to little more than a prisoner in her own home. It was at this point Satoshi had to take up the narrative, as Takeshi had been among those servants and soldiers cast out of the manor and run to ground in the surrounding forest.
Satoshi told Sesshomaru of his change with Shippo in becoming Lady Kagomes' bodyguards. He relayed the despicable changes and extravagances of the Phoenix Lord. Sesshomaru trembled with rage as he listened to the machinations of the filthy bird.
How dare he use Kagome's child as a hostage to make her behave!
He let out a low rumbling growl. Satoshi continued his tale and told of Suzaku's 'offer' to her, it was all Sesshomaru could do to remain standing still for the rest of it. His very essence called out for vengeance, blood and fear would certainly accompany the fire birds' painful death upon his claws.
The blond kit finished with Kagome's desire to set assassination in motion and Shippo's last ditch effort to protect her and the child. All three Inu's breathed a sigh of relief to hear of Kagome, Kikyo and Akira's escape to parts unknown. Satoshi shook as he related Shippo's arrest and his own subsequent banishment from the manor. Rumors had filtered to them through the network that the kit was still being held in the recesses of the dungeon.
A hush slowly settled over the youkai gathered in the cavern. They all looked toward Sesshomaru instinctively for guidance and direction. Their Lord had returned, all would be well now. And who was he to deny them this?
"We must find the Lady Kagome, Lady Kikyo and Akira." He looked at each of them in turn. "Shippo is the only one who knows of their whereabouts, thus we shall take the manor from Suzaku. He has ventured too far for mercy."
Feral grins and grim set faces met his declaration.
"No one touches the bird. He is mine." Sesshomaru's voice deepened and gained a harsh quality, betraying just how close he was to shifting. Without any further discussion, Sesshomaru strode from the cave. "Takeshi, lead me to the village, we have some birds to hunt!"
Takeshi let out a fierce growl of approval and darted off through the thick underbrush of the forest.
"I don't see what we're guarding against."
"The rebels baka!"
"They're long gone, the dog is dead and his filthy bitch is cast out along with that mixed blood brat. Good riddance I say. It broke the rebellion. You don't seriously think there's anyone left to fight do you?" The hawk turned to look at his partner just in time to see him fall.
His eyes widened as he saw a figure in white flick blood off his claws and take a step toward him.
"Halt! In the name of Suzaku, Lord of the South and Regent of the West I demand you identify yourself!" He stood with his spear at the ready, arms stiff and shaking.
"I am – little sparrow – the rightful Lord of this land."
The words barely had time to register, before his throat was torn out. The sentry fell to his knees, he heard the rush of air in and out of his throat, full of bubbling sounds. He knew what that sound meant, he'd done it enough times with his own talons to know. He couldn't cry out a warning, he couldn't speak. He stared up Sesshomaru and knew true fear as he watched his life drain out, torn from him by the Inu's rage.
Sesshomaru tossed the blood from his fingers a second time and looked once at the treeline summoning everyone with a glance. Silent as spirits, they swept through the village slaughtering any sentry or bird wearing the crest of the phoenix. Finally they arrived at the low garden wall near the koi pond, and made a stealthy entry.
Sesshomaru stood elegantly for a short moment before beginning his assault. His rangers, brother and son fanned out, cutting down any challengers with silent claws. The taiyoukai moved toward the inner courtyard testing the wind for a very specific scent. Upon stepping inside his home, he was taken aback at the gaudy reds and yellows that draped his walls and decorated the once pristine decor of the manor. He paused for a moment allowing his outrage to swirl within him, his beast was clamoring for release, murderous howls echoing within the taiyoukai.
A wafting breeze brought him what he was looking for.
Suzaku. The bird was near and nervous; good. Sesshomaru moved silently through the halls toward the banquet hall where a concentration of avian scent was gathering. He didn't need to check on his force, he knew they were all with him and ready for the battle to come. Sesshomaru stood silently composing himself in front of the beautifully carved doorway to his central hall.
Suzaku had caught wind of their entry and assembled his protective forces within. It wouldn't matter. Slender strong fingers reached out and pushed the doors open.
Seated within was Suzaku, surrounded by his concubines and guards. He looked at ease, but the Inu's sharp nose told him otherwise. Glancing around, Sesshomaru picked up a glint of trepidation in the eyes of the phoenix's guards. He signaled to his generals to hold position.
"Why, Sesshomaru-sama! How wonderful to see you are not hurt!" Suzaku spoke loudly and with false brightness. "Come and sit my friend, I trust your journey home has been difficult. You must share your tale with me!"
Sesshomaru remained still and regarded the fire bird with a flat stare. "Where is Kagome?"
It was a simple question, one asked without inflection but every youkai in the room sensed the fury behind it and stilled. Sesshomaru took one step and then another, he moved slowly around the room between the table and the guards at the wall.
"Where is my son?"
"Well that's an odd story Sesshomaru, your mate felt it was not safe with you gone despite my every attempt to console her. She took her leave of the manor almost a moon ago."
Sesshomaru had to hand it to the brazen bird. To tell such a lie in the face of his own death was quite a feat. "Why do you tend this manor? My mate is more than capable." He stepped behind Suzaku, and the phoenix held a calm demeanor admirably.
"Oh the council was called to debate the regency of your holdings until your son could rule. You know how these things work."
"I do. Who called the council?" His question struck the heart of the matter, the youkai council was not assembled without cause nor without a high lord or lady calling for it.
"I did." The statement was bald and unapologetic. "Your mate, strong as she may be is not youkai. It is not fitting that she should hold your power until your child is able to take it." Disdain dripped from the bird's words.
"And that, is where you are wrong Suzaku." he growled. "Kagome is the perfect one to hold balance in my absence. Strange though, how quick and solicitous your were in this matter." He let the statement hang in the air. "We met some very interesting youkai on the continent, relatives of yours I believe. Perhaps an extension of your tribe."
Silence reigned in the hall.
"I don't recall relatives on the continent. What type of youkai are they."
"Ambushers."
A tension that suddenly pervaded the room heavy enough to give the impression of the very air thickening.
"I don't understand Sesshomaru, whatever could you be implying?"
"I imply nothing, Teme. Stand and meet your death." Instant and aborted movement accompanied the taiyoukai's challenge. Each guard reached for their weapons only to be stopped by lightning fast moves, in a short second, Sesshomaru's entourage secured any threat in the room aside from Suzaku.
The concubines had become still and frightened. Suzaku waved them away but Sesshomaru spoke before they could move.
"Stay where you are, I will assume that any movement is a challenge to my authority and react accordingly."
Suzaku stood slowly and turned to face the silver Inu lord. "Come now Sesshomaru, surely you're overreacting. Come and sit we can talk this out like..."
He never had the chance to finish his sentence. Sesshomaru tore his chest open and savagely kicked his jerking body to the floor. It happened so fast the avian guards couldn't even twitch.
"Leave my lands immediately and your lives will be spared."
None questioned his sincerity as they turned tail and made a hasty retreat. Sesshomaru stared down at the mangled form of the former taiyoukai of the South with cold eyes. The room was still for an infinite moment stretching on for what seemed an eternity. Sesshomaru turned and regarded his loyal retainers with hooded eyes.
"Clear out the castle, if they fight you they die." He held up a hand to stop Satoshi. "Come." he said "We go to the dungeons."
The blond kit's eyes lit up and he sped away in his Lord's wake to find Shippo.
Sesshomaru's eyes adjusted to the gloom in the lower reaches on the manor. His father had brought him down in his youth often enough to view interrogations. Though, since his mate had come into the manor, he used the dungeon sparingly and only when necessity called for it. He could smell Shippo immediately. The halls reeked of the kits' fear and blood. He sensed Satoshi stiffen and heard the small growl that escaped him as he too caught Shippo's scent.
As they approached the cell, both canines covered their sensitive noses and peered through the bars. Shippo's still form hung in chains. His bindings cut into his arms and legs as they suspended him above the floor. Had their hearing not been acute enough to catch the faint lub dub of his heart, they would have thought him dead. Satoshi made a pained noise in the back of his throat and tore the door from its hinges.
Sesshomaru watched, outwardly stoic as the blond kitsune released Shippo's bonds and tenderly caught his weight as he sagged to the floor.
"Come, we shall find Tatsuki." Sesshomaru's voice rang with command, and snapped Satoshi from the turbulent whirl of emotions that buffeted him.
Looking up, he saw his lord turn and move silently back toward the winding stair that led to the surface. He followed without question, sparing a glance at Shippo's battered face every few steps. His heart clenched within his chest into a tight throbbing ball as he sent a fervent prayer to the Kami to save this brave and foolish kit.
Ahead of him, Sesshomaru smouldered. The rage within him fed his clamoring beast and he fought to control himself. He could not sense Kagome anywhere. She had been gone long enough for her scent to dissipate from the manor almost entirely. A yawning hole opened within him, an unheard howl of anguish battled for release. He refused it. He must set things right and he knew his mate to be nothing if not resourceful and fiercely protective of her children. If both she and Akira were gone, he had to accept for the time being that they were as safe as she could make them. Shippo obviously hadn't given her away or she would be here, a slave to the filthy bird's manipulations.
He emerged from the stairwell and was greeted by his eldest son and brother. They stood quietly, both sets of eyes widening as Satoshi came into view and they realized what his burden was.
"I will go and fetch Tatsuki."
Inuyasha was gone before anything else could be said and Haruko moved to help Satoshi support Shippo's pale form. They moved down the hall to the room shared by the kitsunes and laid Shippo down gently.
Satoshi stood by the bed staring down, his fists opening and closing impotently in frustration. Haruko shared a short glance with his father and began carefully slicing away the tattered remains of Shippo's leather armor.
The more of the young ranger's skin was exposed, the more anger rose in the room. Slashes and puncture wounds criss-crossed his torso, many of them beginning to turn and the sickly sweet smell of infection filled the room. The silent tension in the room had thickened and none of them spoke. The sound of footsteps approached quickly and the door flew open revealing Tatsuki and Inuyasha, and the ookami healer wasted no time rushing to the bedside.
"Hounds of hell, what are you all standing around for?" she exclaimed. "You! Clean rags." she barked pointing at Haruko who scurried off at once. "You! Hot water and don't drag your feet!"
Inuyasha started and moved off after a glare from the old she-wolf. She turned her eyes on Satoshi and tempered her tone a bit. "Lad, I'll need you to get my herbs from the stores next to the kitchen. You know the chest I keep?" Her expression had softened slightly and Satoshi seemed to shake himself from his stupor, he nodded grateful to have a task to complete and moved from the room.
Once he had taken his leave she looked at Sesshomaru and allowed the worry to enter her eyes. "Milord, his chances are slim."
Golden eyes absorbed this revelation without surprise. He hesitated a moment, and then asked the question that he knew he must as Lord of this manor.
"Will he survive long enough to speak?" His voice was without inflection and Tatsuki answered him in kind.
"He may, but it all depends on whether I can slow the infection enough for him to wake. I will do my best, milord."
The silver Inu nodded slowly. "I know that you will Tatsuki. He is the only one who knows the fate of Kagome, Kikyo and Akira."
Her brows came together over wide eyes and she exhaled in a rush before bowing slightly. Haruko returned then and stood ready at her side in case he was needed.
"Shoo child, you're father needs your help more than I."
Haruko met his father's eyes and followed him from the room silently. As they left, they met Inuyasha carrying his pot of hot water.
"Deliver that and then come with me brother." Sesshomaru said. "We have much to do."
When Satoshi returned from the storeroom, the Inu had left and the golden haired kitsune swallowed his fears staying to help Tatsuki with anything she might need.
After a few terse instructions to Inuyasha and Haruko to aid the transfer of all those in the makeshift camp back to his lands, Sesshomaru made his way to his chambers. Upon opening his doors the rage he had been keeping such a tight rein on slipped. Gaudy silks and ties covered every available inch of his sanctuary, bringing the image of the recently deceased taiyoukai of the South to sharp relief in his minds' eye.
With a snarl, he sliced through the offending drapery with acid tipped claws, but he found little satisfaction in the grisly demise of the garish décor. He threw open the shoji screens and swept out onto his balcony overlooking the gardens.
His mouth turned down sharply of it's own accord as his eyes roamed over his now empty gardens. Her voice didn't float over the fragrance of plum blossoms, he caught no glimpse of raven hair disappearing around the trunk of the Sakura trees. He had returned to an empty world, devoid of her light, and this realization dwarfed his awe from the time he first saw her for her beauty. The feeling of finally living paled in comparison to the ache of existing in a world devoid of color and joy. He steeled himself. He would find her. No matter if she lived or existed in the realm of the dead, he would find her.
He shut his eyes against the pain and fear. No other being in this world could elicit such emotion in him and he simultaneously loved and hated it. The weakness inherent in love was loathsome, but without it he would not be a strong as he was now.
It was a paradox that didn't bear contemplation right now. 'Mate.' His mental call went unanswered. It shook him to his core and made him feel again like a vulnerable pup at the mercy of the world.
'I will find you.'
Kagome's joints ached. The prolonged stay in the dampness was taking it's toll on them all. Kikyo was quiet and did not complain, but Kagome had seen her discomfort. Her child had grown and was beginning to show. Kagome knew well the pains of pregnancy and shuddered to think what it would have been like cooped up inside a cave.
Akira had been as patient as a boy his age could be expected to be. Each day that passed without Shippo's return made the dread and anger in Kagome's heart entwine more tightly. This morning dawned with no change in the barrier, and their food stores were running a bit low. They wore the warm, comfortable attire supplied for them by Shippo to protect them against the the cool moisture of the atmosphere. He had prepared everything thoroughly and their clothing aided their reclusive necessity, dark browns, greens and black allowed them to blend into the shadows.
Kagome paced the track before the cave's barrier sealed entrance. It was a wall designed to allow them passage but no others. She had experimented with it to get her bearings a few days after Shippo's departure. They were several Ri from the Manor and she itched to return. To this end she had been experimenting over the past weeks withholding a barrier around herself that made no ripple in the youki of a youkai. She had enlisted Kikyo's help and after overcoming objections, her sister in law had agreed and kept telling her when she could be detected and when she disappeared from her youkai senses.
"Kagome."
She turned and stopped her pacing at the sound of Kikyo's voice.
"I know you will leave us." She held her hand up to stop Kagome's intended interruption. "I will watch over Akira as best I can sister. Please promise me you will be careful and come back to your son."
The gravity of her tone and understanding in her eyes pierced Kagome to the core. Not only was Kikyo offering protection for her son, but she had called her sister. Looking at the former priestess with new eyes, Kagome nodded and swallowed hard.
"I promise, sister." she replied softly.
Kikyo held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "I have not been able to detect you for three days." Here eyes were clear and fierce. "Make the bastard suffer." The quiet ferocity in her words made Kagome's heart swell.
She grasped Kikyo's shoulders and smiled grimly. "You have my word."
"Okaa-san?" Akira's voice came tenatatively from the depths of the cave.
She turned to him with soft eyes."Hai?"
"You're leaving aren't you?" He regarded her with a solemness to adult for his age, and her heart wrenched.
She opened her arms and waited till he wrapped his own about her middle before enveloping him in her embrace. "Yes sweetheart I am, but I am coming back. I'm just going to check on Shippo oji-san." She smiled down at him. "I'm worried about him and I want to find out what's going on."
His small face twisted around to look at her. "But isn't it dangerous?" A small tremor worked it's way in his words.
She almost broke.
"Yes it is baby, but your okaa-san has faced things more dangerous than Suzaku-baka." she reassured him.
He did not smile at her joke but he looked a bit less afraid.
"It's my duty Akira, I must safeguard the west while your father is away. How can I do that if I stay here in this cave?"
"I want to come."
She blinked down at this and shared a bemused look with Kikyo over his pale head. His face was the picture of determination and he drew apart from her and stood tall, chin up and chest out. He was the picture of his father at his most arrogant and Kagome smothered a laugh.
"No dear heart, I need you to stay here and guard your aunt and your new cousin. She will need your help, yes?"
He cast a suspicious look at Kikyo and then back at his mother. "You just don't want me to be in the way." he said sounding hurt.
She crouched down so she was at eye level with him. "Akira what were you taught about strategy? How do you use resources?"
He hesitated a moment, recalling his lessons. "You apply each resource where they are best suited, in this you will attain victory." He quoted his instructor word for word.
Kagome smiled at him. "You are the best resource I have for protecting Kikyo. If someone were to attack she can't use her youki because of the baby. You wouldn't want to leave her defenseless would you?"
Akira shook his head vigorously.
"This is your duty." she told him. "Can I count on you to fulfill it while I am taking care of mine?"
He looked at her with shining eyes. "Hai Okaa-san."
She smiled and nodded to him. "That is what I expect to her from the son of Sesshomaru, and heir to the west." With these words she turned and exited the cave anger in her mind and murder in her heart.
A/N I don't know why I always end up torturing Shippo. I don't hate him or anything but he makes such a nice victim. Don't lurk...review!
Note fro the beta: I've had this for over a month! Forgot I had it. . -waits to be bombarded by sharp flying objects of doom- ~Shadow~