The Sacred Trees

Dear reviewers, feel soo bad for keeping you waiting. Heheheh!!

My_perversities : Thanks so much.. lol for the trees its an asexual call, for the Youkai its pure ambrosia

Kmoatan : lol thanks, I am rather proud of that cliffiee, planned it for yonks!!! Even Sess cant fight 12 other DaiYoukai and win.

RajaniSheikah: Thanks, yes I am evil for the Cliffie!! Here is the update

As always enjoy, read and review!
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Chapter 10 : THE SHOGUN

The Youkai were tearing at the barrier, the second a section of it fell it fell, he would release his WindScar and create a window to escape. Inuyasha was totally focused on the scene in front of him. He pushed all concerns away and focused on the upcoming challenge.

The barrier fell!!

The WindScar was not released!!

If there was space in his thoughts for anything except acute despair Inuyasha’s would have cursed Fate all over again. The barrier fell, and a tribute to his current agility and strength the first to push the other Youkai aside and step through the tear; was the one being that Inuyasha would not use the WindScar against.

It was Shippo. The Kitsune lunged towards Inuyahsa teeth and claws bared in a frenzy of hunger.

When he saw his Kitsune break the barrier first, it was not a hesitation on Inuyasha’s part. It was a choice. It may have been 500 years to the others, but it was only 4 to the Hanyou. And the figure he saw was not the 5-foot-plus eyes bleeding General of the Canines, but rather his 1-foot-nothing pack-mate son, whom he would give his life to protect. The power of Inuyasha’s WindScar as it was now would have killed Shippo outright, instantly Inuyasha chose Shippo’s life over his own.

The hands holding the Tessaiga dropped, he would see his fate, he stood braced. He felt Sesshoumaru’s energy just behind him, a split second before his brother’s claws pierced his waist. Without the firerat robe, the claws dug deep. But he ignored the physical pain of his brother’s attack. His brother had always wanted his blood, he was used to his brother’s hatred.

He was focused on a pair of red green eyes, that until a second ago, he would have sworn would never have turned against him. This pain was beyond the pain of healing, beyond anything. The trees promised help would come, but Inuyahsa doubted he could survive this with his sanity intact.

His brother’s claws tore at his waist, and Shippo’s claws hit is collar bone as they sank deep as well. His own pack had abandoned him in his infancy, now as an adult, his own pack was going to kill him. Inuyasha refused to scream , refused to howl, but he could not hold back a soft mewl, rising from the same instinctual place that had him howling endlessly as a child. There was no expectation in the sound, just pure instinct, unable to contain it an almost soundless plea to his pack escaped his soul.

Sesshoumaru had entered the barrier the same instant that Shippo did, the Shogun landed behind the motionless Hanyou. The Hanyou seemed to pay him no attention. Fury and lust overcame The Shogun. How dare his little brother, ignore him. The Shogun grabbed his brother’s waist from behind, his frenzy riding him so high, he never even noticed that his claws sank deep into the slim frame. He didn’t notice the scent of his brother’s blood, and paid no heed to the lesser Youkai coming at his brother. He was going to sink his teeth in the neck of his brother, claim his as his pounding blood demanded, he wanted its blood to assuage his lust. Nothing- no one would get in the way of his satisfaction.

His teeth elongated, and he prepared to sink them deep in the pulse of the tender neck before him. His blood pounding, hunger clawing at him, nothing mattered except the frenzy, the need that drove him. Madness roared through him.

And then a tiny sound, not even a whisper of a sound, with all the power of a Miko’s scared arrow; pierced through the fog of frenzy and veils of lust that consumed the Shogun. The sound found its mark deep in the Shogun, breaking barriers, purifying the fury and releasing the in him the one force that lust had no hope to challenge. The change was instantaneous, Sesshoumaru snapped back in control.

Inuyasha was thrown back as Sesshounmaru pushed him to the ground and grabbed the Kitsune by the neck, before Shippo’s teeth touched his father. Like a tidal wave - controlled demonic energy rose in the Shogun. He looked at the advancing Youkai, who had hesitated at the sudden change in the flow of power in the room.
Releasing the growling Shippo, he raised his hand and simply ordered! “CANINES KNEEL!”

The order cut though the lust of his warriors like nothing else could. Those who were his, froze, their lust fading before the will of their Lord. As one, the Generals and Lieutenants dropped to their knees. Sanity returning.

Shippo shook off the lust, and was on his knees before he was fully conscious. He blinked and stared in dawning horror at his blood soaked claws, his father’s blood thick in his nose. The next order had him shoving aside his personal feeling as when the Shogun spoke in this tone, he had to be obeyed.
“Guard!” The Shogun ordered. The pack were immediately on their feet, standing between the Hanyou and the other Youkai.

Sesshoumaru focused on the council, “You are DaiYoukai!” he said “Calm yourselves NOW!” The Shogun ordered, his energy whipping at the others in the room. The dominating force of the Shogun, dissipated the remnants of frenzy in the other DaiYoukai, who immediately reacted and focused on the Shogun’s challenge to their dominance, rather then their lust.

Some of the guards and assistants with lower levels of control, continued the advance, only to be summarily stopped by the Canines. Koga taking command, he ordered the advancing Yokai put out of commission temporarily rather then killing them. Not all the guards had advanced, and though out numbered 3 to one, the Generals and the Lieutenants made quick work of them.

The DaiYoukai slowly returned to themselves. Heads pounded as the high wore off and the council members sanity returned, the events of the past few minutes running through their heads. There were different levels of comprehension of what had occurred among the DaiYoukai, one thing was clear to all of them the Hanyou was valuable! Sesshoumaru well aware that the council were much more dangerous now then they had been in their frenzy, stood with his pack, ready for anything.

Inuyasha had waiting for his world to be devoured when he had been forcefully pushed back, he rolled and landed on his side on the floor. He gaped in disbelief. Sesshoumaru who had been attacking him, was now saving him. His brother was fucking Bi-polar, not that he didn’t appreciate that trait under the circumstances. No longer under immediate threat, Inuyasha felt his strength ebb, the familiar swirling world pool of pain began to swell and pull him under. His body suddenly convulsed, he heaved blood, and curled on the floor in a semi conscious state, trying to remain aware.

The Canines, faced off against the Council and their remaining guards. If the DaiYoukai attacked together, even the Canines would not be able to overcome them. The all smelt the new blood, but none turned to look at the Hanyou. The situation was too tense, any distraction could be exploited, as long as he was living and not under attack they HAD to ignore the figure on the floor behind the line of Canines.

“That was interesting.” Lord Kotetsu Hisana muttered. “This is the first time I have been so enticed by heat, and not been the enticer.” The Tiger Demon tossed her orange black hair, to shake off the feeling. She did NOT like it, much preferring being the seductress rather then the seduced.

“I am mated and I was affected.” Lord Kusajishi said, he was the first to break from the fighting stance, and glance at the huddled Hanyou on the floor. The shock of white hair, and blood the only things really visible.

“This Hanyou is a figure of importance to the Youkai, we must consider what to do with him. As the oldest council member, it may be best he be placed in my care until we decide.”

“Old... weak you mean.” Lord Tatsukiionoue sneered, “ The Hanyou would be in danger with you.”

“The Hanyou needs healing, he should be placed in my care, he can heal at the sanctuaries.” Lord Akaishimaru cut in quickly.

“May be we should just draw lots for him.” Lord Kira Iemura snapped out. “We all want him, shall we draw cards or have a contest?”

“There is no contest, no discussion. The Hanyou is INUYASHA my younger brother. The Hanyou is MINE.” Sesshoumaru said with a finality that was chilling. “I will be happy to meet in battle any who would seek to over rule this Sesshoumaru’s claim.”

It was no surprise that the silence that met that statement was deafening.

“No one wishes to play with you in that manner, Shogun. However there is the matter of law that even you are not exempt from.” Lady Shiba said drawing a razor sharp glare from the Shogun. Unperturbed she glided right up to him.

“He may be your pack” Lady Shiba said, “But he is Hanyou, and the laws are clear. While you may have averted a disaster, it was YOUR pack that has drawn the Hanyou’s blood. The law states that when they are following the summons of the council, as this Hanyou was, regardless of the state of the Youkai, they will be held accountable for drawing the blood of Hanyou, Youkai or a human who have not broken the peace. Does it not?”

“Yes” Sesshoumaru ground out not liking where this was going.

“Your pack, you, are responsible for drawing his blood. Other packs here are willing to accept him, so by our laws your claim on him requires his validation. The victim has the right to choose to belong to another pack.” The lady said. “I am not linked to any lands, the welfare of Hanyou’s have always my concern. He is more then welcome to join my Hanyou settlements.” The lady’s voice was clear and her offer heartfelt, and was a challenge that intimidation and force could not overcome. “As long as he is protected and this situation examined, the law states that the Hanyou have a right to choose. He must be allowed to accept or reject your claim. Know that if your claim is rejected to atone for what almost occurred, I would like to accept him as my child.” The Demoness said with a calm determination.

Sesshoumaru growled low, damn it! This was the one thing that he had wanted to avoid. Inuyasha was contrary enough to reject his protection, and put himself in more danger. “The Hanyou is in no state to choose now.” Sesshoumaru stated.

“We are DaiYoukai, Shogun, do not underestimate our abilities.” Lady Shiba said. Ignoring the lower level Youkai, she walked forward towards the Hanyou, and a tiny reluctant gesture from the Shogun had the Canines giving her wide breath.

Sesshoumaru’s mind raced, he had not expected a challenge of this sort. As he turned to walk to his brother a small smile twisted his lips. They assumed Inuyasha was aware of his rights, if Sesshoumaru played this right, he would get his brother’s agreement without Inuyahsa even realising what was going on. Sesshoumaru bit back a possessive growl when the Lady lifted the Hanyou, he stopped himself from snatching his brother away when he noticed her hands were glowing a soft red gold. The Phoenix Demons were powerful spiritual healers, and Lady Shiba was sharing her energy with Inuyasha.

As soon as she touched the Hanyou, The Lady understood that his soul needed to heal, and she felt heart sick when she knew there was nothing anyone could do to reduce or ease that kind of pain. She also felt the young one’s struggle to stay conscious and push back the pain for a while. This she could assist with. Her energy collecting in her palms she pressed them to her chest, tears rolled down her cheeks at the echo of what the Hanyou had experienced whispered at her. The claw marks faded and closed, Inuyasha felt an inflow of strength. He wove it quickly into his being, and forced the pain back, delaying it. His eyes opened, slowly.

His head crocked to one side as he saw a rather beautiful older female Youkai leaning over him, she seemed to be in distress. Golden eyes still confused and very tired, focused on the sad Lady. “Hey, hey don’t cry.” Inuyasha said his voice was raw and dry. “What ever.. problem.. I .. I .. can help.. just need a minute.. pretty lady, please don’t cry.” Inuyahsa smiled.

Lady Shiba, drew her breath in shock, the Hanyou was amazing, beyond beautiful, she was going to say further, when Inuyasha was pulled away from her. The Shogun’s face was impassive only his eyes burned with anger at Lady Shiba. The lady was glad that she was around to see the normally aloof Shogun disturbed.
Moko moko was wrapped around Inuyasha’s waist holding him upright. The Hanyou blinked owlishly at his big brother.

“Inuyasha you are the son you Inu-no-Taisho and Izayoi, Yes?” Sesshoumaru asked.

“Whaat .. you know..” Inuyasha began in tired confusion, his large eyes blinking.

“Little brother, you are tired. You can rest and eat after you answer these questions, just say yes or no. Just say yes, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru said softly locking eyes with his little brother. He could not use his energy or the others could contest the decision, so instead he used his brother’s state and naivety. “You are their son, yes?”

“Yes” Inuyasha responded tiredly.

“I, Sesshoumaru is the older son, and the heir of Inu-no-Taisho? Yes?”

“Yes.” Inuyahsa said, “I need to rest now.”

“Just answer quickly and you can rest. Just answer, yes. Do you acknowledge that I am the sole leader, the Lord of the Inus?”

“Yes, Sesshoumaru wait.. why are you..” Inuyasha’s head felt heavy, the borrowed energy was running out fast, still he wanted to ask about the purpose of the ridiculous questions. Sesshoumaru immediately interrupted him.

“Inuyasha we drew your blood unjustly just now, there is no excuse for it, however our drawing blood does not make you any less of an Inu, you are still an Inu, yes?” Sesshoumaru asked the critical question quickly.

Inuyasha was wondering if his brother had hit his head. “Yes, of course I’m a Inu” he snapped in, he was tired and getting irritated. “I have the blasted ears don’t I? Sheesh! Errr.. Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha’s irritation faded as he say a dangerously satisfied look on his brother’s face.

“He acknowledges he is Inu” Sesshumaru said turning to the Council, and avoiding Lady Shida’s critical eyes, “He acknowledges I am Lord of the Inus. It is clear, he does not refute my claim. My brother’s strength fades, and he needs care. When he is well, we will meet again! For now this is over! Canines return to the mansion, Full security detail is to be implemented!” Sesshoumaru said more for the benefit of the council rather then his pack. Inuyasha in a deep sleep, was now wrapped fully in Moko Moko, the Shogun took to the air, slipping through the branches of the Ancient one, precious cargo in his arms.

Lady Shida’s eyes followed the retreating Lord, she looked at Koga who was trying to suppress a grin, “Hmm was that a choice or a series of unrelated questions? The speed of your Lord’s tongue is only surpassed by the speed of his blade.” The Lady said with amusement. She was not dissatisfied, the Hanyou would need protection, and the Shogun was he strongest among them. Koga nodded.

“Shippo,” Koga said softly to his comrade who without Sesshoumaru’s presence was getting seriously depressed. “Kitsune General!” Koga snapped. Shippo snapped to attention. “You have orders, I will secure this area, you are to return to the mansion and initiate security protocols at once. Check every thing personally, Inuyasha’s safety is in your hands.” The wolf ordered. Shippo slipped into military mode again, he ordered his team to move out, and they efficiently left the premise. Koga watched grimly, he recognised that the Kitsune needed some form of distraction until Inuyasha had recovered enough to comfort him. The Kitsune may feel what he did was unpardonable, but the wolf was well aware that his past rival would not even fault his ‘kit’ for his attack.

Koga noticed one of the assistants reaching for the diamond shaped metal that Inuyasha had pulled from the tree, he quickly intercepted that. Not touching it, he used loose leather to scoop up the metal piece and secure it in his pouch. He then turned to talk to the assistant, but the Youkai had vanished. Koga was looking around for him, when he was called by some of the Lords to answer questions, sighing he went to fulfil his duties, the vanishing assistant forgotten.

**--**

Some hours later..!!

“Why has there been a spike in power in Japan” a slightly disembodied voice floated out of the communicator.

“Master, an ancient tree has been awakened, the Furui-hitoya has been removed and destroyed. We were unable to stop it.” A chilling force emitted from the communicator, the speaker quickly continued, “Master, forgive us, there was no warning of this, we had no time to prepare!”

“How was this done? Have you secured the one responsible for this?” The voice said sharply.

“It.. it.. was a Hanyou Master. It awakened the magic, we are unsure how it was done, but all of us were driven into a frenzy by the event, the Hanyou would have been a tasty morsel. The Thrice-damned Shogun snapped out of it too fast he stopped us. Master, the Hanyou his scent, it was delicious.” The tone of the speaker’s voice more then the words conveyed the impact of the Hanyou on the speaker.

“Hmmm... why was it not identified earlier then? Why is it not destroyed on in my possession.” The voice asked dangerously.

“Master, the Hanyou is Inuyasha, he is the Hanyou that we identified as the Shogun’s weakness. It seems the rumours were true, he did not die in the Feudal era, instead he was sent though time to this period, so he was untraceable till now.” The speaker’s voice was appeasing and fawning, “Master, there is no need for concern, he seems weak after the event, there is no way a Hanyou no older then a pup can be a threat to our plans.”

“Fool!! Your incompetence, does not excuse colossal ignorance.” The voice was dripping anger, “The Hanyou destroyed Naraku while he was a pup, to even find the Furui-hitoya on the tree denotes pure power, the Hanyou does not NEED to be strong after the healing if your Shogun guards him does he? Did you at least take care to cover out tracks?”

“Err, yes, yes, yes Master. The Shogun himself melted the Furui-hitoya after the Hanyou pulled it from the tree.” The speaker having a good dose of self preservation blurted out quickly.

“Huh!!! Know if I have to come to Japan, your hide will be my new cloak. I will not have 400 years of planning come apart because of pathetic Youkai on a meaningless Island.” The voice was so cold, the speaker shivered. The connection was broken, and the speaker for the first time in over 400 years feared the success of their plans.
The Hanyou had to be taken care of!


--- TBC—

Yippeee Next Chappie finally get Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru alone. Alone except for the Canines, poor Shippo..... :)
Review please!! And anything you want clarified, please ask, if you want to see anything in particular do tell.