An Unusual Ailment

Chapter X

After Inuyasha's pack left, Sesshomaru wanted to talk to his twin, privately. He has questions yet to be answered. He would get those answers. He planned to have this time to ask.

He looked at his second-in-command, "Hikaru?" Hikaru looked at his Lord waiting for any orders to be said, "This Sesshomaru commands you to take Jaken and Rin with you to the palace."

Hikaru bowed while Jaken squawked out questions to his Lord, which went ignored. "Jaken, if any harm comes to Rin, you will die."

Rin hugged Inuhime and said, "Rin is happy that you are alive, Lady Inuki."

Inuhime smiled and reciprocated, "This Inuki is happy to be alive. Behave for Lord Hikaru and our Lady Mother."

"Rin will behave for them. Rin won't disappoint her Lord and Lady." Then, Rin ran to hug Sesshomaru's leg, and she was rewarded by the pat on the head. "Rin will miss her Lord Sesshomaru. Hurry home, milord."

As Sesshomaru pat Rin's head, he softly commanded her, "Go get on Ah-Un, so you may leave."

Rin obeyed and got on Ah-Un, "Let's go Ah-Un!" Ah-Un walked to Hikaru. "Better get on, Master Jaken or you will be left behind," she yelled as they began to walk away.

Jaken squawked as he ran towards them, "Wa- Wait for me!"

Sesshomaru and Inuhime watched them walked away.

There was silence for several moments before someone spoke and it was Inuhime.

"I know you have questions that you wanted to ask me, but before I answer any questions, I need to say something, first."

Before Sesshomaru could do or say anything, Inuhime humbled herself before her twin brother by kneeling before him and bowed to the ground with her forehead resting upon her hands.

Sesshomaru's eyes widen in shock. "Sister? What…"

Inuhime interrupted, "I committed a sin against my twin and mother, my pack, and the Kami, themselves. I would confess my sin and give my reasons and explanations, but I can't because there are no words to say other than to apologize for it, and it shouldn't EVER had been made in the first place."

Sesshomaru was confused. "I don't understand, Inuki. What sin did you commit?"

"The sin of deception. I lied to you and mother that day. I wished that I could give you a reason or an explanation of why, but I believe that it will be better if I show you, instead."

Sesshomaru was perplexed and it showed on his normally stoic face. He bent over and placed a hand on his twin's head. "Rise, Sister." Inuhime raised herself. She was still sitting on her knees and looking up at her twin brother. "Tell me, how are you going to show me? Does mother know of this?"

"Yes, she does. I would had done the same to her as I will be doing to you. However, I was too weak to show her. She told me that she didn't need to be shown anything and that she forgave me for this sin that I committed against her. As for showing you, I have recovered. I will show you my memories of before, at the time of the sin being committed, and the aftermath. It will be as though you were observing the events being played, like an outsider looking in. I will be there beside you to answer questions or need anything to be clarified. However, the spell I will use will help with that because you will feel, see, and hear what my past-self felt, saw, and heard and I will feel, see, and hear what your past-self felt, saw, and heard."

"Hn."

"We need to go to a secluded place, like a cave. So, we wouldn't be disturbed or attacked."

Inuhime stood and began walking to that very place with her twin following.

They walked to a wall of a cliff that happened to have a cave. They flared their aura to scare any animals or low-level youkai that may be inside. None came out. They walked inside. The cave wasn't deep, but perfect for shelter; temporary or not. Inuhime cast a barrier at the entrance. On the outside, it seemed as though there had never been a cave there.

"Now sit as though you are meditating." She copied Sesshomaru, their knees were touching. She grabbed hold of his hands. "Brother, close your eyes and go into a meditative state. I will recite the spell as I go under."

Sesshomaru did as he was told as he could hear his twin reciting the spell as it were a mantra.

"See as I see; feel as I feel; hear as I hear,

See as you see; feel as you feel; hear as you hear,

Of a memory of the time before division and hatred…"

He vaguely felt a touch of his forehead, where his mind's eye resided. Inuhime touched her own mind's eye before she went under the influence of the spell for it to come to its completion.

(AN: the following scenes are in italics, however, the observing (i.e., present) Sesshomaru and Inuhime will be in regular font.)

204 years ago….

In the heart of the Western Lands, lies a palace, where the Inu no Taisho resides. He or whomever bears the title lives there. Lord Touga inherited the title from his father. Touga mated with the Princess of the West, Inukimi, who inherited the title of Lady of the West, from her father when he was killed in battle a century before. Together they produced two heirs, Inuhime and Sesshomaru. The twins are teenagers, 300 years old. During this time, a human lord became a lord to rule over the humans that resided in the Western Land, while Lord Touga and Lady Inukimi ruled them all, youkai and humans. In other words, the human lord answers to the Cardinal Lord, Touga.

This was a time when the division and hatred between the youkai and humans hadn't yet happened in the West whereas in the other lands, the hatred and division of youkai and humans ran ramped.

On this day, there was a celebration. This day marks the 300-year anniversary of the twins' birth. This day was also when a human hime1start her court debut along her peers, human and youkai alike. This day also coincided with the Festival of Prosperity and Fortune, to celebrate the prosperity and fortune of the Western Lands and to give homage to the Seven Lucky Kami: Benzaiten2, Bishamon3, Daikoku4, Ebisu5, Fukurokuju6, Hotei7, and Jurojin8, and another deity, who's also associated with the Seven Lucky Kami, Kichijoten9.

Sesshomaru and Inuhime opened their eyes and looked around. They noticed that they were in the family room at their father's palace.

Just before either of them could speak, their mother and father walked in discussing the guests, the festivities, then concern for their pups.

"Touga, I am worried about Inuki. She seems… off."

Touga quirked an eyebrow, "Off? Like how?"

"Whenever one of us talks to her, she has this faraway look."

"Well, perhaps, she's having one of her visions. You know she looks that way whenever she's having a vision."

"I know, but…"

He put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Inuki is fine. If she's troubled by something, she'll tell us. Now let's get our pups and celebrate their 300 years of life."

The twins watched as their parents walked out of the room. Inuhime sighed, "I was troubled and confused."

Sesshomaru glanced at his twin, "I remembered that you seemed…on edge. I remembered asking you, but you kept on insisting that you were fine. Thus, I thought it best to drop it. What were you on edge about?"

Inuhime sighed, "I kept on having visions about a human hime and her Lord Father. Her father became ambitious before his daughter's court debut. Those very ambitions were the cause of conflict in our court."

"Inuki, this is a memory, yes?" Inuhime nodded. "How is it that…"

Inuhime finished the question, "…that we could see and hear our parents talking?" Sesshomaru nodded, "Simple. I was hiding behind the couch there." Inuhime pointed to the couch, which Sesshomaru watched as the past Inuhime quietly stand up from behind the couch and walked to the door and then went out of the room going the opposite direction that her parents took.

"Why were you hiding?"

"I didn't wish to be found until I ran into Hikaru. He talked me into finding you."

"Hn."

The twins watched as the memory scene changed from the family room to the ballroom, where all the nobles from the human and youkai courts are gathered. They spotted their parents and their younger selves talking amongst each other.

Until, someone announced the late arrival of a human hime and her father.

A steward announced, "The Human Lord of the Western Lands, Ichiro and his daughter, Princess Izayoi!"

There were some surprised gasps from the youkai court as they walked into the ballroom with their heads held high and nodded respectfully to their nobility.

The human nobility was proud about the ruling lord and his family because it was said that the gods had blessed their family line with beauty. They were beautiful. The men were tall and handsome, able-bodied, intelligent, and strong. The women were dainty, yet strong. Their beauty said to rival most youkai women with their long, silky, shining hair and soft, smooth skin.

When they stopped in front of the Cardinal Lord and Lady of the West, they respectfully bowed to them until Lord Touga laughed.

"Lord Ichiro, how many times did I say that you need not bow down to us. We are after all of equal status."

"I dare not see us as equals since you are youkai. We, humans, must humble ourselves to the strong."

Touga frowned as he looked into the wine goblet, "Yes, we, youkai, are strong, but we aren't invincible. We are not like the Kami to be worshipped. We…"

Touga was interrupted by another Cardinal Lord, Kirinmaru10 of the East, who was accompanied by his elder sister, Zero, "Surely, you jest, my friend. Humans should kowtow to us like gods. After all, we live longer than them, have extraordinary abilities,' he said that by looking at Inuhime, 'our bodies heal quicker and whatnot while they do not."

"Be as it may, Kirinmaru, I, personally, prefer the humans defer to us equally."

"I prefer humans kowtow to us like we are gods like your human lords do here in the West, but that's neither here nor there. We aren't here to discuss our differing opinions on humans. We are here to celebrate your heirs, Sesshomaru and Inuhime."

While Inuhime and Sesshomaru were observing their younger-selves and the interaction between their father and Kirinmaru. Sesshomaru noticed that Inuhime subtly flinched. Inuhime remembered that all too well.

"I'd never liked him or his sister, Zero. To think that Father and Kirinmaru got along and be rivals was ridiculous. One can practically taste the bloodlust between them."

"Yes, I sensed it, too. We were pups when they destroyed a fragment of the Grim Comet. They agreed to not to fight until the Grim Comet is completely destroyed."

"Grim Comet will arrive soon. Not to mention, Zero's lust for our father is nauseating. How could mother stand the sight of her, I could never know."

"Mother is only being diplomatically polite."

They were silent for a moment, "Sesshomaru, we may have to deal with them some time in the future."

"Hn."

The young Inuhime added, "Let's not forget to pay homage to the Kami for it's their loving grace that we are here existing, humans and youkai alike."

Inukimi smiled, "Yes, let's pay homage to the Kami and ask them for blessings upon our lands."

Zero smiled politely, "Yes. I believe I should pay them my respects as well. What about you, Lord Brother?"

Kirinmaru hummed and agreed.

The scene changed once again. This time, Sesshomaru and Inuhime were in her bedchambers.

They were witnessing the younger Inuhime sleeping. She wasn't sleeping peacefully. No, she was having a vision that had come to pass.

Sesshomaru saw in his mind's eye of what the vision was, which made his eyes widen in shock. He then looked at his sister and then returned, focusing on what he was witnessing.

Inside the human lord's palace, the lord of said palace held up a pink gem, that's being held between his forefinger and thumb.

He said to the jewel, "I found it ironic that Lord Touga sees us as equals where as I, Lord Ichiro, knew my place among the human-youkai hierarchy." He smirked. "However, I understand his reasonings, we have a united front. We trust one another to do right with our lands. Through our mutual trust and respect, we made the West prosperous through both of our human and youkai communities. That's why he sees us as equals. However, to make the Western Lands more prosperous and united, we need to have a personal tie other than just trade agreements and such… Besides, IF my lord truly sees us as equals as he says, then he won't have any problem marrying my beautiful daughter, Izayoi, yes?" He sighed. "What will happened if such an event were to come to pass?" He paused as if he was waiting for an answer from the gem, which he did. "Yes, it will cause discontent among our courts. Never had been a human and youkai married for political reasons and youkai rarely if ever fell in love. Yes, I had heard that some youkai would take a human as a concubine, but not as a wife. The question is: Should I suggest it to Lord Touga?" He paused. "Yes, your right, he wouldn't agree to it, since he's already mated." He paused again. "Well, some youkai is monogamous, but…' he paused again. "Are you sure?" He paused for the last time. "Yes, it will unite us in the end. Alright, for the West's sake, I'll make the wish. I wish that Lord Touga will fall in love with my daughter, Izayoi."

After the wish was made, the young Inuhime woke up screaming, "No!"

Inuhime and Sesshomaru watched on as her younger self panting from what she just seen and watched as the coming scenes played out as if it were a movie.

Her younger self was whispering to herself saying that she must warn her father. She was uncertain what she saw had just come to pass or it would happen soon. She couldn't wait for the coming morning to warn her father.

She got out of bed and immediately ran to her father's study, where she sensed him being. She burst into the study and found her father with Lord Ichiro.

She said, "Please don't!"

"Lord Touga,…" Ichiro was interrupted by her father, who looked at his daughter in half disappointment, half concerned.

"Inuhime, you know better than to burst in here like that. Remember your manners! Your mother will be disappointed when she finds out that her daughter is acting rather unruly."

Inuhime faltered her steps and bowed her head in shame.

"Forgive me, father, but I need to warn you of something. Can we speak in private?"

Touga looked at her for a moment then said, "Inuhime, dear, I am in the middle of something very important."

She looked at Lord Ichiro and said, "Does this have something to do with marrying his daughter, Princess Izayoi?" The surprised expression on Ichiro's face said it all, so she continued, "Don't agree because it will cause discontent amongst our courts!"

Touga sighed, "I know, but it's a great idea. It will show all the lands how united we are. People will see how prosperous we are and will want to emulate it."

"But father…"

Touga held up a hand to silence her. "I know what you will say. Yes, we, Inuyoukai, are monogamous, but only within our species."

Inuhime shook her head, "No, it doesn't matter if the other woman is youkai or human. Our instincts will not allow it, father, you know this better than I. Please reconsider!"

Touga frowned at her and looked at his human counterpart, "Lord Ichiro, I will give your proposal some thought." Before anyone spoke, he continued, "Now, we are all tired from tonight's festivities. Let's retire for the night."

Touga left the study while leaving Inuhime and Lord Ichiro alone together.

Ichiro tilted his head in curiosity, "Color me curious, but how did you know about my proposal to your father?"

Inuhime couldn't very well tell him about her visions or that she knew about the jewel. So…

"It's logical that one would want to unite by marriage between two parties for the betterment of one's domain."

"Yet, you are against it. I understand your plight, my lady, but your father's court or mine will not have a say in it. We do what we must to secure and protect ourselves from threats. That does include your father's East counterpart. Yes, I heard the stories about them keeping peace until the Grim Comet gets destroyed. No, I won't be alive to see it, but my descendants will. They will help his Lordship with anything, but for it to happen this marriage must happen. Do you understand? I control the humans, which includes the priests and monks, from attacking our youkai counterparts. They need my financial support in order to keep their monasteries and shrines maintained and their people fed. Your father will keep his subjects at bay. If you are worried about Her Ladyship's feelings, don't, because she will accept your father's decision. She will understand it's for the betterment of our lands."

Inuhime wanted to retort saying that she knows it isn't just for political reasons as he made it to sound; it was for more personal reasons, but she couldn't.

Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow when Inuhime said, "I hate to admit it, but he won that verbal spar."

"Hn, I am surprised that you didn't try to dissuade him."

"Even if I did try, he wouldn't change his mind. He had always cared about the Western Lands and that of its people. He wanted a personal tie to the youkai court. What better way to do that with a marriage between the human and youkai courts? He wouldn't want his daughter to become a concubine in a youkai court, because he knows that his daughter wouldn't be treated the same way as if she was as his wife."

"He doesn't understand our in…"

Inuhime interrupted, "He did understand, Sesshomaru, thus the reason he wished upon that jewel for father to fall in love with Izayoi. Otherwise, Father would accept his proposal to marry Izayoi as his concubine, then father wouldn't felt obliged to procreate with her. The proposal isn't a strange one. Both our courts use marriage treaties for the betterment of one's domain. In fact, it happens in other lands when a human lord proposes to a youkai lord for peace, trade agreements, and/or etc., but the human hime becomes his concubine; not wife and she would be regarded as such in a youkai court. Of course, it does depend on the youkai species. Some would be treated the same as the wife/mate. Some other species would treat them lowly. She wouldn't have the same respect and admiration as the wife/mate would have. The only way for a human to have respect and admiration, she would have to win the court's heart and/or have power of her own or both and be his mate. It's hard for a human to win or melt a youkai's heart, which is rarely done. That human lord knew it, too."

The scene changed into the next memory…

Touga was in his study and the past Inuhime knocked. She was worried and nervous. With good reason, too.

Touga softly commanded, "Enter."

"You summoned me, father?"

"Yes, Inuki, please sit," he said as he motioned to sit down in front of him. Once she did as told, "I've been thinking about what Lord Ichiro had proposed." Inuhime felt dread in the pit of her stomach. She nodded because she knew whatever her father had decided, she couldn't change his mind, even her mother wouldn't be able to. "I'd put a lot of thought into this proposal. It has merit, however, to keep our court from making too much of a fuss the human hime would have to be my true mate."

The present Inuhime mentally paused the memory, which made Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow, "This is where everything started to change. Just look at him. I mean, really look at him."

Sesshomaru did as told and noticed that his father had a softer look in his eyes and a small smile. It isn't really noticeable unless you know where to look. The man… male was in love.

"Hn, tell me, Inuki, when did that human lord make that wish?"

"I don't know. It could be right before the night of our 300th birthday or that very night." She paused for a moment, "Which could explain their late arrival."

"Hn," Inuhime resumed the memory.

"Father, what are you saying?! You and mother are mated!"

"Inuki, your mother and I aren't fully mated."

"What do you mean?"

He sighed tiredly, "We'd never tie our souls together. We both came to an agreement that if we ever find our true mate. We will renounce our mating."

"But if Princess Izayoi is your true mate, then what?"

"Then I will renounce your mother and I's mating and mate my true mate."

"Why can't you accept her as your concubine like everyone else?"

"Her father won't accept that."

She stood up and slammed her hands on her father's desk, "Who cares on what that human says?!"

Sesshomaru was surprised that Inuhime used that tone when she said 'human.' It was a tone that resonates with disgust.

An angry Touga stood up and commanded with a deadly calm tone, "Sit down."

Inuhime, knowing when to back down, sat down. "Father, please, don't accept this proposal."

"I must for the sake of the West."

"Then make her a concubine, when you accept."

"I can't."

"You can't or you won't!"

"Watch your tone with me, young lady." He paused. "I didn't call you here to discuss this proposal, Inuhime. As I said, to keep the court from making too much of a fuss about me mating with a human, she must be my true mate. To be certain, I will need you to cast that spell that every male youkai asked of you, since you came into your unique powers."

"I will need your blood for that spell," she said as she grabbed a vial from the sleeve of her kimono. He nodded as he used the tip of his claw to cut in the middle of his palm and then closed his hand into a fist. Inuhime waited for a few drops of precious blood to drop into the vial. She corked it when she felt that she had enough blood.

"How long?"

"As long as it takes. Can't rush this kind of magic spell."

Touga nodded, "Let me know of the results."

Inuhime nodded as she stood up and left. Secretly hoping that Izayoi isn't his true mate.

The next scene takes place two weeks after the spell has been cast and the results were what Inuhime was hoping for, which was that Izayoi isn't her father's true mate.

Inuhime thought as she made her way towards her father's study, "The results are what I am hoping for, but why do I feel dread increasing hundredfold?"

Once Inuhime reached her father's study's door, she knocked and Touga said, "Enter."

When Inuhime walked inside and noticed her father was sitting at his desk with his digits intertwined on top of his desk. She knew that he wanted the results to be favorable, however,…

"The results aren't favorable, father."

Touga frowned, "Inuhime, how do I know that you aren't just saying that? You don't support this."

Inuhime quirked an eyebrow, "Has that Human hime clouded your senses, father?"

He frowned at the tone that she used to talk to him, but chosen not to address it, "No."

"Then you know that I am not lying, father. The human hime isn't your true mate. She doesn't need to be your mate to be respected, father. Our marital laws state that all those lower than a mate shall be treated fairly." Touga looked shocked, but she continued before he could speak, "You aren't the first lord that could take a consort(s) and/or concubine(s) after taken a mate, father. Hell, other youkai lords have taken multiple consorts and concubines. I know that we are inuyoukai and are monogamous, but despite that, according to our own history an inuyoukai lord has had more than one consort."

Inuhime hoped that her father would make her a consort instead of a mate because in youkai society, the hierarchy of a harem is as follows: mate, consort, concubine. Concubine being the lowest in the harem's rank. Usually, humans would be rank as a concubine. According to her findings, she read throughout her family's history or the Silver Inuyoukai's history in general, only a couple of humans, the demi-goddess included, had the title of mate and only a handful of humans were given the title of consort instead of concubine. Reasons varied but this is the only solution that she found that the court could be happy with regardless of Izayoi's species. She will be second only to her mother and she will be respected; not only that but a consort could produce heirs. Concubines, in youkai society, are just servants, who a reigning lord could bed and don't have any obligation to procreate with.

Touga was silent for a moment. Yes, he could have Izayoi as a consort instead of being a mate. It would be easier but having her as a consort doesn't sit well with him. He felt with his heart that Izayoi should be his true mate, but according to his daughter, she wasn't. He knew Inuhime wasn't lying through her scent.

He looked at his daughter, who was sitting across from him now, and frowned, "Consort? Izayoi's more than that to me. She isn't a means to an end. So, she will be my mate, regardless of what you, your brother, your mother, or the court will say, do, or think."

"What about mother? You can't just push her aside…"

Touga interrupted, "Who says that I am pushing her aside? She'll be my consort once we rescind our mating."

"You think mother will accept this? Mother is prideful. She will fight you on this. The court will side with her."

"True, however, not unless you tell your mother and the court that Izayoi's my true mate. They will have no choice but to accept it."

Inuhime's eyes widened when she heard that. She heard that wrong, right? "You want me…' she paused… 'to lie?"

"Yes. You will announce it in front of your brother, mother, the court, and the kami."

"I refuse, father! This isn't right!"

Touga growled, "You will do as I say!" Inuhime stood up and started to leave as her father grabbed her arm, "Where do you think you are going?! Sit!"

She moved her arm from her father's grip, "No, I'm leaving."

Just as Inuhime placed her hand on the door, Touga yelled, "If you don't do as I say, I will exile you out of the pack!" Inuhime froze. "You will be without my protection! Without it, the court will see fit to rid of the abomination that they believed you to be! Your mother and brother won't be able to protect you because I'll forbid it. My word is law; whatever I say, goes!" There was a moment of silence. "I will call your mother, brother, and the court; both human and youkai to the shrine of Okuninushi-no-Mikoto11in end of the week to announce my mating to Princess Izayoi and the ceremony will happen the next day. Hopefully, you will be there to announce and perform the coming ceremony. You are dismissed."

With that Inuhime left.

The present Sesshomaru was shocked what he just heard. He had never thought that his father would stoop so low to threaten his flesh and blood to obey or else be ostracized. It was more than a threat. It was a promise. He heard it from his father's voice. A question came into his mind; however, he decided not to voice it because this spell would answer it sooner or later as the next scene appeared.

Inuhime was angry and hurt at the promise of ostracism by her own father if she did not obey. However, by the end of the week, Inuhime appeared as stoic as her twin brother, but she knew that she could only hold it for so long. Her only hope was that her brother or mother could call her out on her lie.

When she arrived at the shrine of Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, she noticed that not only the youkai court was there, but also the human court, as her father promised. She ignored them as she walked to the altar to burn incense and pray to him and ask for forgiveness for the sin she was about to commit.

A gentle breeze blew through the shrine and Inuhime heard the said kami told her that she's not a fault of the sin and would be forgiven, which brought tears in her eyes, which was waiting to fall, but she held them back, and all the Kami said they will give her father and Princess Izayoi their blessing for their pending marriage12.

Touga and all the youkai and human court were waiting for Inuhime to speak as she stood from her kneeling position. Usually, the priest or priestess would face them, however, she couldn't or wouldn't face them. She doesn't want to see her mother's face when she lies.

Inuhime said, "The Kami said that they give their blessings to Touga, the Lord of the West, and Izayoi, the human hime of the West, for their forthcoming nuptials. This Inuhime performed a true mate spell at the request of Lord Touga to see if the Hime Izayoi is his true mate…" she paused to swallow because this part is the lie that she dreaded to tell and hope and pray to be called out on, which the observing Sesshomaru could feel and hear his twin's feelings and thoughts. "The spell revealed that…' she paused again. She had to force herself to speak. "Hime Izayoi is Lord Touga's true mate."

The members of both courts gasped in shock and whispered among themselves about the revelation.

Her mother, Inukimi, asked, "Is this true, Inuki?" It was more a confirmation as if she's in denial.

Inuhime clenched her jaw, and she was once again forced herself to answer, "Yes."

The observing Inuhime was surprised how the young Sesshomaru composed himself. Outwardly, he seemed calm, but inwardly, he was angry and confused why his twin wouldn't face them. She sensed that he sensed confusion from her younger self.

She glanced at her present brother, who had a confused expression on his face. She knew why. Like her twin, she didn't voice it because the spell would reveal the answer in due time.

Sesshomaru asked Inuhime, "How did mother felt about this?"

"You should ask her about it."

"I will, but I want to hear it from you first."

She sighed, "She was sad and knew at this moment what it meant. She wouldn't make a fuss about it as you'll know as you'll watch."

Inukimi whispered so low that only her family could hear, "I see." She said with a sad smile as she looked at her mate, "Congratulations, Touga on finding your true mate. This Inukimi knows you long enough to know that you will want her as your mate." Inukimi knew what this meant to her status among the courts, she proposed, "Lord Touga, this Inukimi proposes that Lady Izayoi be known as your second mate." Before Touga or anyone from either courts spoke, she continued, "This Inukimi knows it's unheard of a youkai lord having a second mate, however, it isn't in the realm of impossibility. After all, there's a first to everything and considering that this one's the mother of our first-born heirs. I am willing to share my status as mate to Lady Izayoi."

The court members whispered in awe at Lady Inukimi's understanding and consideration of the human hime and they agreed. It was a win-win situation for both courts and the ladies in question.

Touga said with absolute certainty, "No, this Touga will only have one mate and that's his true mate. Lady Inukimi will be my consort and Lady Izayoi will become my mate."

One of the members of the youkai court yelled, "Lord Touga, you can't just demote the Lady of the West from mate to consort!"

"This Touga's word is law. Feel free to challenge me if that's what you wish, however, be warned: You will fail and die at my feet."

None challenged nor say another word.

Touga said, "I, Touga, the InuTaisho and the Lord of the West, verbally rescind my mating to you, Inukimi, the Lady of the West, and make you, my consort."

Inuhime could feel anger, confusion, and hurt coming from her mother. She was angry that she was demoted and hurt because he rescinded their mating. She was confused because her daughter wouldn't look at her.

She knew the marital laws as well as he did. Why did he demote her status from mate to consort? She was not some unruly and defiant mate. Yes, she knew that he would want to rescind their mating, because he found his true mate. However, her proposal was flawless, as far as Inukimi was concerned. True, a youkai lord having a second mate was unheard of, but it wasn't in the realm of impossibility as she had stated. She had thought about this before their mating ceremony. She prepared herself to share her mate with whomever would be his true mate and vice versa. All for naught as it seems. Now, however, she will be second to his human soon-to-be mate, regardless of her being the mother of their heirs.

Inukimi thought, "I see." She said, "I, Inukimi, the Lady of the West, hereby, rescind her mating to Touga, the InuTaisho and Lord of the West." She paused. "This Inukimi will reside in my sky palace from now to death do I part as the consort of the Lord of the West, Touga." She paused, "Furthermore, if either my pups wished to see this one, they will know where to go." She bowed in respect and left. She will not stay for her lord's mating ceremony.

Sesshomaru took all this information, and only one question that entered his mind was, why didn't Inuhime faced him and his mother? This action could be interpreted in only two or three ways: One: a rejection of sorts; Two: hiding one's true face; or Three: a deception to someone. It could be all three. He respectfully bowed and quietly left.

Touga said to the court, "Our mating ceremony will be held tomorrow."

All members of the courts bowed respectfully to their rulers and left. Then Lady Izayoi and her Lord Father, Ichiro, bowed respectfully and left as well.

It was just Inuhime and Touga left at the shrine. Before Touga could say anything, Inuhime spoke, "After the ceremony, tomorrow, this Inuhime, will leave, because if this one stays she'll be tempted to kill you."

With that she left Touga before he could speak to her.

The present Sesshomaru was surprised at the tone of voice that younger Inuhime used. He knew she meant it, too. It was the same tone of promise when she said it.

Sesshomaru asked as if he wanted a confirmation, "You wanted to kill father?"

"Yes, I was so angry and hurt that he would say such a thing to me. I was angry because he made me lie in front of you, mother, the court, and the Kami. I was hurt that he would say something like that to me and mean it. I heard that promised tone of his threat."

"Hn."

"You are angry and confused."

"Hn, I was angry at what father did to mother. He didn't give mother's proposal any thought. At the time, I was confused why you didn't face us. My thoughts of this action could be interpreted in only two or three ways: One: a rejection of sorts; Two: hiding one's true face; or Three: a deception to someone. I interpret it as rejection. I felt rejected by you. You were okay with father's decision."

"How about now?"

"Since I could feel your emotions and heard your thoughts, I understand that they are all three. One: A rejection of sorts was the rejection of the idea of Izayoi was father's decision to mate her as his true mate. Two: You were ashamed by the lie that you weren't willing to face mother and me. You were sad and angry about it all. Three: The deception of Izayoi being father's true mate; you didn't want to lie to our faces." He paused. "You were sad because no one called out your lie. You were also confused about why we didn't since we could sense a lie via scent."

The next scene was after the mating ceremony and during the celebration.

The present twins watched their younger selves watch the newly soon-to-be mated couple. The young Sesshomaru hated it. Not because his stepmother was human, but he hated that his father dishonored his mother by demoting her as a consort. Yes, he knew and understood the importance of having one's true mate, but true mate or not, his mother shouldn't have been demoted from mate to consort. He commended his mother for offering to share her mated status to the human hime.

He looked at his twin. He was also angry at her and hurt by her not wanting to face them. Why did it hurt so much? He had no clue. Only that it felt like a rejection of sorts. Why didn't she face them at the announcement? That question will always be on his mind, among other things, as time will pass.

The young Sesshomaru wasn't the only one who felt hatred. Inuhime was more hateful. In that moment, she hated her father. She hated the human lord, Ichiro. She hated the fact that he made that wish. She hated that her father hadn't taken Izayoi as a consort or her mother's proposal. She hated that she lied to her twin, her mother, the courts, and the Kami. She hated the Kami's understanding. She hated that Izayoi wasn't her father's true mate. She hated that no one called her out of her lie.

She wanted to kill not just her father, but the man responsible, Ichiro. She felt a burning hatred for them. So much so that she thought about how to kill them. The human would be simple. Her father not so much. She went as far as planning each step. She was a miko-youkai. She could definitely killed them at any moment. Her knowing spells and curses from her previous past lives would help accomplish such. After all, in another life, she had accomplished it. The motives were there, which were: threaten and/or attempted to ostracize; made her lie to her peers, those that she loves and cares about, and in front of the Kami, which was against her beliefs, in the name of getting what he (her father) wanted. The other simply making that unnecessary wish because knowing her father would had taking that route in the name of peace between youkai and humans.

The ultimate question was: why she didn't put any or all plans into action?

The answer is simple. The Kami. The Kami had warned her not to take any action against them for their ignorance and arrogance.

The present Sesshomaru looked at his twin in shock. His twin, Inuhime, wasn't and isn't known to have hatred. He felt her hatred. It was burning. He could feel that she hated them with a passion and the killing intent was certainly there and was waiting. He didn't understand why she didn't act. He knew for certain that he would had. He was really curious how would she kill their father, because killing their father was no easy feat.

He asked, "How would you kill father? Why didn't you?"

Inuhime glanced at her twin and said as she continued to watch the memory played out, "That knowledge is precious, Sesshomaru, but just know that, unless the kami desires it to be their will, I won't use it against you."

"You would kill your twin? For the Kami?" She answered him with a look, and he knew that she would and is willing if the Kami desired it.

She smirked, "Don't worry, brother dearest. You aren't on their hit list." She looked at his facial expression and his stoic expression melts to relief and she couldn't help, but to continue with a softer facial expression, "However, if you ever were, for whatever reason. I'll give you a warning and their reasons. The Kami isn't heartless, Sesshomaru. They could be if they wanted to, but they will give you chances to repent and do better." She was silent for a moment, "To answer your other question: The Kami forbid it and when I asked why, they said in quote, 'You will understand when the time comes.' I had a hard time holding back a sarcastic retort when they said that. It was frustrating."

"Did they forbid you from killing the human lord as well?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You'll find out, soon."

The next memory scene happened a few months after the mating ceremony of Touga and Izayoi.

The present Sesshomaru and Inuhime looked around and she knew where they were, however, Sesshomaru looked around confused.

"Where are we? This Sesshomaru doesn't recognized this place."

"That's because you haven't been here before. We are in my home. I found it after I left the ceremony and stayed here ever since."

"What memory will I be seeing?"

"The answer to the question why you and anyone couldn't detect my lie?"

The scene before them showed that Touga was fighting a created creature until Inuhime made the creature disappeared with a snap of her fingers.

"How the hell did you find me, Father?"

"Is that the way you greet your father?"

"Tch, you lost that when you threatened me. Answer my question."

"You would treat your alpha this way?!"

"You haven't been my alpha since your mating ceremony with your precious Izayoi. Now answer my question or leave."

Touga calmed himself, "I won't answer until you answer this question, first." He paused. "The night of my mating, I felt a bond broke, was that you that broken the bond?"

"Yes, it was me."

"Why?"

Inuhime laughed bitterly, "Why? Are you serious?! You threatened to exile me if I didn't lie to the courts, mother, brother, and the Kami that you and Izayoi are true mates. You manipulated me to get your way. To prevent you to do that again I severed our bond. I couldn't risk it. Not again. Now, answer my question."

Touga sighed, "Bokuseno. He was the only one, who knew of your whereabouts. Of course, he wouldn't tell me until I promise that no harm will come to you no matter what you may or may not had done."

Inuhime inwardly smiled, "I am guessing that you need something that only I can do. So, tell me what it is and leave."

Touga sighed, "Yes, I commissioned these fangs in order to protect Izayoi and our unborn pup." He unsheathed one of the fangs. "This one is Tessaiga. This is the one that I want you to put some sort of spell on it to keep those who have mal intentions towards humankind from using the fang."

Inuhime looked at the fang, "The fang is too big. How… never mind, that's not important. What did Totosai say about the fang?"

"He said that the power of the fang is too powerful to put a concealment spell on it. I will need to find you to perform the spells of concealment and protection on it. You think you could perform such spells?"

"Tch, of course." She took Tessaiga from him. "I need to research for the perfect spells. Once I found them, I will have Tessaiga deliver to you."

With that, Touga turned around, but not before saying, "I know that you hate me for what happened, but I do want you to be in my unborn pup's life. I hope that in time that you will forgive me and don't hold any grudges against the pup because of me."

"Tch, as if I blame an innocent."

Touga didn't even began to walk yet when Inuhime said, "Wait." To that he looked at her, "Why is it that no one called me out of my lie that day?"

Touga blinked and said, "Before you entered the shrine, I burned a magical incense that could distort the sense of smell."

"Hn."

With that Touga left her to her devices.

Afterwards, Inuhime and Sesshomaru awaken from the spell, They were silent for a moment until Inuhime broke the silence, "As you know, the spells were successful. I had Totosai deliver the fang to him. Just in time for Father's fight against Ryūkotsusei. What I don't understand was why father didn't used the Tessaiga when fighting that ryu-youkai?" Sesshomaru looked at her with a quirked eyebrow, "What? I watched what goes on around the West and all the lands, Sesshomaru. I am not ignorant. I guess I learned that from our mother. Anyways, father would had won his battle if he used the sword."

"Hn. Father was prideful. He believed he could have won without using his fang."

"Tch, those fangs were given to father by the Kami. How else do you think that a fang could have such power?"

"Hn."

"Well, let's go. Mother awaits us."

"Hn."

They left the cave to Sesshomaru's palace.

1 Hime means princess.

2 Benzaiten: (aka Benten; goddess of eloquence) is a Buddhist goddess of water, music, arts, wisdom, wealth, and fortune. She was usually depicted with a lute or biwa sitting on a white dragon.

3 Bishamonten: (aka Bishamon or Tamonten) is a Buddhist god of war, of warriors; a punisher of evildoers; a guardian of the places where the Buddha preaches. He's depicted wearing warring garb and armor holding a spear in one hand and holding a small pagoda in the other.

4 Daikokuten: (aka Daikoku) is a syncretic (both Shinto and Buddhist) Japanese god of wealth, fortune, the household, agriculture, fertility, sexuality, and war. He's depicted of holding a mallet and carrying a sack.

5 Ebisu: (aka Webisu, Hiruko, Kotoshiro-nuchi-no-kami) is a Japanese god of fishermen and luck. He's also associated with water, fisheries, business, and wealth. He's depicted wearing a tall hat (the Kazaori Eboshi) holding a rod and a large red sea bream or sea bass. Jellyfish are also associated with the god.

6 Fukurokuju (Japanese: fuku-happiness; roku-wealth; ju-longevity) is a Japanese assimilation of the 3 Chinese Star Gods, Fu (fortune), Lu (prosperity), and Shou (longevity), embodied in one deity; is a Japanese god of happiness, wealth, longevity, fortune, and wisdom. He is said to be an incarnation of the Southern Polestar. He's often confused with Jurojin, who's also a member of the 7 Lucky Gods. He's sometimes replaced by Kichijoten. He's depicted as bald with long whiskers and an elongated forehead.. The sacred book tied to his staff either contains the lifespan of every person on earth or a magical scripture. He is accompanied by a crane and a turtle, which are symbols of longevity. He is also sometimes accompanied by a black deer (ancient legends say a deer turns black if it is over 2000 years old). He is the only member of the Seven Lucky Gods credited with the ability to resurrect the dead.

7 Hotei: (aka the Laughing Buddha) is a Buddhist god of contentment and abundance.

8 Jurojin: (aka Gama) is a Taoist god of longevity. He's often confused with the Japanese God, Fukurokuju. He's sometimes replaced by Kichijoten. He's depicted as an old man of slight stature, and by tradition, less than 3 shaku (approximately 90 centimetres (35 in)), with a long white beard and often a very tall, bald head; walks with a staff and a fan. He has a scroll tied to his staff, on which is written the lifespan of all living things. The scroll is sometimes identified as a Buddhist sutra. The deer, a symbol of longevity, usually (but not always) accompanies him as a messenger, as do other long-lived animals such as the crane and the tortoise.

9 Kichijoten (aka Kisshoten- Auspicious Heavens) is a Japanese goddess adapted into the Buddhist religion as the goddess of fortune, happiness, fertility, beauty, and merit. She's depicted holding the Nyoihoju (wishing) gem in her hand. Kisshoten and the Nyoihoju gem are both represented by the symbol of the Kagome, which is a star -shaped emblem related to the Kagome lattice design (Hexagonal and Octagonal lattices). The Kagome mon can be depicted as, either, a six-pointed star (a hexagram) and as an eight-pointed star (an octagram).

10 Kirinmaru, a friendly and respectful rival of Touga; later Sesshomaru and Inuyasha in the Yashahime series.(I debated to bring him and/or his sister into the story. I probably do some honorable mentions that are canon to the Inuyasha/Yashahime series. That's about it. Remember this is a Sesshomaru and Kagome story.

11 Okuninushi-no-Mikoto is the god of love and good marriage.

12 To the Kami, a marriage and a mating are the same because you promised to be with one's partner till death. Youkai mating could be like a human marriage, which they could rescind the mating as a human could divorce his wife. The Kami of marriage will give them his blessing for a divorce or mating annulment if there was a good reason for it, like infidelity.