The only sound that could be heard across the no man's land was the thunderous crackling of power swirling around Sesshoumaru. His verbal claim of Kagome had been a slap in the face not only to Kouga, but to Lord Haruto as well. The bear's eyes widened in shock and confusion, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of Sesshoumaru's words.
Just as the Eastern Lord stepped forward, desperate to make sense of the upheaval, another burst of energy erupted from Sesshoumaru's left side. The ensuing white light was blinding, forcing everyone to shield their eyes against the searing brilliance. The very air vibrated with raw, untamed power, causing a wave of his expanded aura to sweep through the land.
When the glow around the demon lord began to fade, his left sleeve was tattered and ruined, revealing a newly formed left arm. In the clawed hand, a blade was clenched tightly, one that was created purely out of Sesshoumaru's own power.
Kouga's blue eyes widened in disbelief and terror as he took in the sight of the regenerated arm and the formidable weapon it held. His confidence evaporated, replaced by an instinctual fear of the overwhelming power emanating from Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru briefly regarded the blade in his hand before fixing his cold, calculating gaze on Kouga. "Do you understand now, wolf?" he asked, his voice a deadly whisper that cut through the tension like a knife. "You have no claim here. Leave before I decide to demonstrate just how insignificant you truly are."
Kouga swallowed hard, his bravado utterly shattered. Without another word, he turned and fled, his heart pounding in his chest.
As the wolf's form receded into the distance, the air seemed to settle, the crackling energy dissipating but leaving behind a profound silence. Sesshoumaru's dominance was now unquestionable. He cast a final, icy glance over the remaining onlookers, ensuring his supremacy was recognized by all. In that moment, the land itself seemed to bow to the indomitable power of the demon lord.
Still reeling from the implications of Sesshoumaru's claim of a mortal woman, Lord Haruto moved forward hesitantly. "Lord Sesshoumaru," he began, his voice almost too quiet to hear, "this… human… is she truly…?"
Sesshoumaru cut him off with a sharp glance. "This is not a matter for your concern, Haruto. Focus on the task at hand, there is a war to be won." He turned to his brother and the general. "Inuyasha, Katsu, let us proceed. We have wasted enough time."
Inuyasha nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Yeah, let's go," he muttered, casting a wary glance in the direction Kouga had fled. He knew the wolf had got off unscathed, but it would be long before he would forget the threat of his half-brother's words.
As the group continued their trek back to base camp, the air still thick with tension and unanswered questions, a familiar figure appeared before Sesshoumaru. Totosai sat upon Mo-mo with an unusual air of respect towards the demon.
"Lord Sesshoumaru," Totosai began, sounding almost proud of the young lord, "you are now more powerful than your father ever was. The sword you now wield, Bakusaiga, is a testament to your strength and destiny. Its name—"
But Sesshoumaru's attention, however, was drawn elsewhere. His keen eyes noticed a demon with messy red hair and vibrant green eyes standing near his tent. The young demon and him made eye contact and without a second thought, Sesshoumaru cut off Totosai mid-sentence, thrusting Bakusaiga into the blacksmith's arms and making a beeline for the kit. He had no doubt the old fire demon would return the blade once a scabbard was made.
Totosai blinked in surprise but complied, clutching the powerful blade as the dog demon strode past. It was just like Sesshoumaru to treat such a momentous event with little importance, his focus shifting immediately to what he considered to be more pressing matters.
"Shippo," Sesshoumaru's baritone voice called out as he closed in on the kit. The soldiers in his path quickly moved aside as he passed. "What are you doing here? Has something happened?"
The fox demon looked up, a mixture of awe and nervousness on his face as he took in the demon lord's intimidating form for the first time in a decade. The newly formed left arm hanging at Sesshoumaru's side didn't go unnoticed by Shippo, nor the way the demon lord seemed even more imposing than before. As much as he wanted to ask the male about the changes, he was there on an important matter.
He watched as the young kit opened and closed his mouth a few times before slamming his eyes shut. Taking a deep, calming breath, he opened them once more and with as much confidence and bravery as he could muster, Shippo revealed the reason for his visit. "Lord Sesshoumaru! I seek your permission to formally court Rin, daughter and ward to the Western Lands!"
Whatever Sesshoumaru had been expecting, it was not that. The fox was here on a personal matter, not because his females were in danger. He let out a quiet huff of relief.
"Come," was all the demon said before opening his tent and stepping inside, fully expecting the kit to follow his orders.
Blinking in mild disbelief that he had actually done it—he had asked Sesshoumaru for the chance to court Rin—Shippo hesitated for a moment. Looking around the camp once more, he was shocked to make eye contact with a pale-looking Inuyasha before ducking behind the flap to Lord Sesshoumaru's tent.
Inside it was dimly lit, the soft glow of lanterns and candles casting shadows on the canvas walls. Sesshoumaru gestured for Shippo to sit, his expression inscrutable. The young fox demon complied, his nerves still jittery but his resolve firm.
"Explain," Sesshoumaru commanded, his tone calm but leaving no room for evasion.
Before Shippo had the chance to make his case as to why he felt himself worthy of being by Rin's side, Lord Haruto burst into the yurt, nearly ripping the makeshift door off as he barged in.
"I will not ask again! What is your relationship with this human woman in your home? How has the little whore tricked someone as powerful as you, Lord Sesshoumaru, into claiming her as his own?"
The outburst hung thick in the air as the bear demon looked at Sesshoumaru with wild eyes. It was not unexpected for such questions to be asked given his family's history, but Sesshoumaru was not his father. He would not sit idly by while others insulted his future mate. His beast was still reeling from its encounter with the wolf and was eager to spill blood. Unfortunately for the hound, someone else beat him to the punch.
Shippo was the first to react. Standing up and swirling around to face the Eastern Lord, his green eyes flashed with rage, and a burning flush crept up his neck. He bared his elongated fangs while his three tails bristled, doubling in size as his aura surged.
"My mother is not a whore!" Shippo's voice trembled with fury, each syllable growing louder and more defiant. "She is the Shikon Priestess and is more powerful than you will ever be! It's because of her that Naraku and the sacred jewel are gone, and your lands are safe! Did you think that horrible spider just magically disappeared? She sacrificed herself for everyone in this land so you can play your little war games and not have your people absorbed by Naraku!"
The kit's nostrils flared with every breath, his form growing slightly as his demonic power surged. Taking another breath, he prepared for his second wind, the anger in his eyes deepening. "Mama even bested Lord Sesshoumaru's strongest warrior in a fight! Masaru's father, General—"
He was cut off when the General himself stepped into the tent.
"Katsu," Sesshoumaru acknowledged with a low growl. "It seems Lord Haruto requires a lesson in respect."
Katsu's gaze flickered to Shippo, then back to Haruto. "Lord Haruto," he began, his voice cold, "you would do well to remember the sacrifice of the Shikon Priestess. She is the reason we are not all under Naraku's thrall. Your words are not just an insult to her but to everyone who fought and bled in that battle."
Haruto's bluster deflated slightly, but his dark eyes remained determined. "I did not mean—"
"You did," Sesshoumaru interrupted, stalking closer to the bear, his overpowering presence drawing the oxygen from the room. "And you will atone for it. Kagome is my intended, and any disrespect towards her is an offense to me. You will apologize and remember your place, or you will find yourself without an ally…. or a head."
Haruto swallowed hard, glancing around at the other males, his uncharacteristic meltdown giving way to fear. "I... apologize, Lord Sesshoumaru. And to you, fox kit. I spoke out of turn."
Sesshoumaru's red-tinged eyes remained narrowed, and though he nodded, it was clear he would not forget the bear's words so easily. "Very well. Leave us now."
Lord Haruto bowed stiffly and exited the tent with what little pride he had, wounded but his life intact. As he stepped outside, his voice could be heard by those inside, carrying through the tent's thin walls.
"How did a human priestess become the mother to a fox demon?" Haruto's voice was tinged with bewilderment as he addressed Inuyasha, who stood nearby.
Leaning against a post with his arms crossed, Inuyasha glanced up at Haruto. "Kagome took Shippo in after his father was killed," he explained, his tone gruff but respectful. "She's always had a way of seeing past what we are to who we are. She gave him a home and a family when he had none."
Inside the tent, the atmosphere remained tense, but the overheard conversation from outside eased the pressure. Shippo stood a little taller, his earlier courage now reinforced by the validation of Inuyasha's words.
As Sesshoumaru's aura receded, he turned to Shippo. "You spoke true. Your mother would be proud."
Shippo, still reeling from the confrontation with one of the carnal lords, nodded. "Thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru. I couldn't let him insult her."
It was then that Katsu approached the kit, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Lady Kagome has raised you well." There was a twinkle in the general's eyes, indicating his excitement at finally meeting the wayward kit the priestess spoke so fondly of. "I am General Katsu, or as you put it, Lord Sesshoumaru's strongest warrior your mother bested in a fight."
A blush covered Shippo's cheeks as he looked down at his feet, once again appearing as the young, adolescent demon he truly was. His tails twitching, betraying his nervousness despite his previous outburst.
Sesshoumaru, eager to get back on track and continue his conversation with the kit, turned to Katsu. "See that the bear does not run his mouth all around the camp."
Katsu nodded. "Of course, my lord," he replied before bowing and exiting the tent, with Inuyasha hot on his trail to hunt down Lord Haruto.
As the fox demon got comfortable again, Sesshoumaru set about removing his armor and tattered haori. He let his long silver hair fall from its high ponytail, cascading over his shoulders before pulling on a plain yukata leaving it open in the front. He vaguely noted the new sets of stripes draped over his shoulders. A tiny smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he thought about informing Kagome of the addition or letting her discover them for herself.
"Jaken," Sesshoumaru called out, "Bring us tea."
Jaken, who had been lurking nearby, hurried to comply. "At once, Lord Sesshoumaru," he squeaked before scurrying off.
Shippo watched the scene unfold, his nerves slowly calming. The sight of Sesshoumaru in a more relaxed state was both comforting and intimidating. In all the years he had known the powerful demon he had only ever seen him in battle attire.
Once Jaken returned with the tea, Sesshoumaru poured a cup for Shippo, then selected Kagome's lost teacup for himself. He took a moment to sip his tea before speaking, his voice calm and measured. "Does your mother know you are here?" he asked, his gaze steady on the young fox demon.
Shippo looked down at the cup of tea in his hands, the tips of his ears turning red. "No. Mama thinks I am back at the academy," he admitted.
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed slightly. If the Priestess learned that her kit had run off to a war zone, he would undoubtedly be the one to face her wrath. Suppressing the urge to let out an exasperated huff, he decided it was best to get the fox out of the south as soon as possible.
"Inuyasha will escort you back to the Western border," Sesshoumaru declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. "From there, you will continue on to the Shiro, and I will not inform your mother of your reckless detour."
Panic flashed across Shippo's face. He placed his hands firmly on the table, sitting up straight as his tails bristled with determination. "I won't leave until you agree to let me court Rin!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and resolve.
Sesshoumaru's eyes darkened, the stripes on his face becoming more pronounced. "You dare to make demands of me, kit?" he asked, his voice dangerously soft.
Shippo's eyes hardened, and a burning flush crept up his neck with every word. "I'm not leaving," he repeated, his arms shaking slightly but his gaze unwavering. "I love her, and I want to prove that I'm worthy of her."
Sesshoumaru did not resist the urge to show his irritation this time. Rubbing his forehead with clawed fingers, he let out a slow breath. Now was not the time or place to be discussing such personal matters. In his eyes, Rin was still too young and had not even come out into demon society yet. The kit was just coming of age and was still seen as too young to even consider finding a mate. Why the sudden need to do so was beyond the demon lord.
"It is not possible," Sesshoumaru said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Until Rin passes her court exams, males are not permitted to court her." He poured himself more tea, ignoring the intense glare Shippo was giving him. "And you are far too young. A fox must obtain five tails before they are seen as eligible to take a mate. Did you not learn this at your school?"
Shippo's three tails lowered slightly, the confidence in his stance wavering. He knew the rules, of course, but his feelings for Rin had driven him to speak out. "Yes, I know that," he admitted, his voice softer but still determined. "But I'm not seeking to mate with her yet. I just want to court her, to show her and everyone else that I'm serious."
The damn kit was as stubborn as his mother. They were going in circles, neither backing down. It left Sesshoumaru with three options: threaten the kit to leave or he would change his mind and inform Kagome that he was in the south, take him to the border himself and toss him as far as he could, hoping he would land near the Shiro, or bargain with him.
The first two options sounded the easiest and most appealing. But knowing the brat, he would just find his way back and pester him further.
Sesshoumaru sighed inwardly before finally conceding. "If you wish to prove yourself worthy, there are conditions. You will return to your training and excel in your studies. You will not speak to Rin about this until the appropriate time. When she has completed her exams, and if you have earned your fourth tail, we will discuss this matter again."
Shippo blinked, absorbing Sesshoumaru's words. Relief washed over his features. It wasn't a definite no! "Thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru. I promise I'll do everything I can to become worthy of Rin and the House of the Moon!"
The unconcealed optimism and determination radiating off Shippo were tangible. Sesshoumaru had to hide a grin behind his teacup. Yes, he was just like his mother.
"At first light, Inuyasha will take you north and see that you make it back to the academy. You may stay in my quarters tonight." He would not risk losing track of the kit before he left.
The mention of Inuyasha reminded Shippo of something he had been wanting to ask the demon lord. "Why is Inuyasha here? He isn't the type to fight someone else's battle, let alone with you." A sharp look from the dog demon had Shippo quickly adding, "No offense…"
Sesshoumaru considered how much information to reveal to the kit. He settled on a simple approach. "He is repenting." His tone held a warning, urging the fox not to question him further on the subject.
Taking the hint, Shippo began to drink his now cold tea. But now that he was here with Sesshoumaru, there was still one last question he needed to know the answer to.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, may I ask you one more thing?"
Letting out a sigh, the demon lord nodded and waited to see what other inquiries the kit had for him.
Shippo's face suddenly turned serious as he assessed the demon lord in front of him. "Do you love her?"
The question caught Sesshoumaru off guard, causing him to pause mid-drink. His narrow, amber eyes peered at the kit through dark lashes as he slowly set his teacup down.
Love. It was a word he had never used before, a concept he had never fully grasped. He respected her, admired her, perhaps even idolized her. But love?
He closed his eyes for a moment, conjuring the vivid memory of the last day he had walked into her homestead with the lieutenant. He remembered spotting Kagome and Rin working together in their little garden. Kagome stood and turned to him, her sun-flushed cheeks slightly rosy, her bright ocean-blue eyes sparkling as they found him. How her smile outshone the sun on even the hottest summer day, radiating warmth and light.
The memory was so clear, that he could almost feel the summer breeze rustling through the leaves, hear the soft hum of insects in the background, and smell the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Did he love the priestess?
His father's words echoed in his mind, the final haunting question that had lingered with him for years.
"Do you have someone to protect?"
Sesshoumaru's left arm twitched involuntarily as the weight of those words settled over him. His eyes snapped open, looking at the small sun etched into the side of the teacup before they locked onto the kit before him.
Later that day back in the west, Kagome stood up and stretched, her muscles aching from hours of labor. The late summer sun beat down relentlessly, the heat almost unbearable. She took off her straw hat, wiping the sweat from her forehead, and sighed. Despite the brutal weather, she couldn't help but smile as she looked around the field. Seeing Makaira and the other members of her pack working hard to gather herbs for the upcoming winter filled Kagome with a deep sense of accomplishment. It had been too long since she had felt truly useful, and she was grateful that the demoness had allowed her to tag along.
As she was about to get back to work, a strange sensation washed over her. Her holy powers stirred, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She noticed the demons in the field beginning to stand and turn south, their expressions somber. An eerie quiet settled over them, and suddenly, an invisible force rippled through the air.
The shock wave hit Kagome with the force of a gale, nearly knocking her over. She braced herself, shielding her face against the strong wind. The force disappeared as quickly as it had come, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. It seemed to stretch on for several minutes before it was broken by celebratory howls and barks. Looking around, Kagome saw everyone smiling and rejoicing.
Just then, she felt the ground beneath her feet shift. The limp herbs at her feet began to triple in size, expanding rapidly. Confused, Kagome was about to go ask Makaira what had just happened when a familiar aura brushed against her cheek.
Whipping her head back towards the south, she felt the phantom touch surrounding her. The demon's presence had reached out to her across the distance, his powerful aura wrapping around her like a protective cloak. She closed her eyes, savoring the feeling, allowing herself to be momentarily lost in the warmth and familiarity of his essence before it disappeared into the Western Lands with the rest of his energy.
"Sesshoumaru."