Strength

Sorry for the long wait, but this is a LLOOONNG Chappie. Love all my reviewers, you really help. Thank you!


Edited by Me!

Chapter 10 : An awkward Dinner and Showing off the kids

Inuyasha ended up spending the rest of the day playing with and cuddling his children. They did not seem to want to talk about their other Father and Inuyasha decided not to force the issue. He did take Hana and Shiori aside and explained the situation to them, Shiori was happy that they would get to meet the other father, Hana having seen what Inuyasha went through was not very happy to have him in the house. But as they were the host and she would always treat guests with respect. She went to see to the arrangements for dinner.

Inuyasha wore a purple outfit his children had gifted him with on the last New Years. It was bright and loud, he would not have chosen it, now days preferring more bland colors that helped him blend in, Inuyasha did look good in it. The kids were all identically dressed in green, and were in the play room waiting to be called. Inuyasha sensed the approaching Youki and walked out, looking impassively at his brother.

"Inuyasha" a voice whispered his name. Inuyasha who had been focused on Sesshoumaru, jerked his eyes away, to stare in surprise at the last person he expected to be traveling with Sesshoumaru. "Kaede?" he choked out. To his shock, the old woman leaning heavily on a cane, took doddering steps towards him. "Inuyasha" the old woman said again, and the Hanyou just managed to catch her before her legs gave out and she collapsed into his arms. Inuyasha swung her into his arms, the old woman who had seemed so ageless and powerful, had aged tremendously. She was thinner, and the strength that had always surrounded her was missing. Inuyasha looked up and glared at the rest of the group walking at least five steps behind Lord Sesshoumaru, what the hell had they done to her.

"Hey you old hag, what the hell have you been doing to yourself? If you have been on some kind of stupid diet, I am going to get Hana to force feed you!" Inuyasha said gruffly, he cuddled her much the same way he cuddled Me-chan.

Kaede lifted her head in surprise, "Inuyasha, no one has addressed me in such a casual manner in so long. Who could even imagine that one would have missed it,... this one has missed you greatly Inuyasha. It was most unbecoming of you, child, to disappear from one's sight for so long, it hurt one's heart to not see you for so long." Kaede whispered as she stroked the strong jaw. Inuyasha did not respond, he could not regret what he had done. He put her down gently, and Kaede looking into his eyes understood, he may have missed her but he had moved on. Her puppy had matured, he was all grown up. That somehow made her feel much better and Kaede hugged him tight. She released him and Hana came to help the old woman as Inuyasha looked at the rest of their guest.

Sesshoumaru stood there, impassive as usual, with an ugly green thing passed out behind him. Of Rin and Sango there was no sign. Miroku and Kagome stood there with shock on their faces, and Shippo was holding on to Kilala in kitten form almost hiding behind the humans. Inuyasha turned to Sesshoumaru, "You travel with strange company." He said inquiringly.

"This Sesshoumaru only traveled with the old Miko, the rest followed." He said flatly, when he heard of the rumors of Shiro Inu's in the area and of the Fest, Sesshoumaru as promised had informed Kaede. The old woman had seemed older then the last time they met, and there was the scent of old age about her. She had insisted on accompanying him and because of her age he had agreed, and the rest had tagged along to look after the old woman. Rin and Sango were back at the village looking after its spiritual needs as well as Sango and Miroku's five children.

Inuyasha shrugged, he finally turned his attention to the group. Before he could say anything, there was a flash of orange and green, and suddenly the fox-kit was before him on his knees. "Inuyasha! Inuyasha! I'm sorry, I'm sooo sorry." Shippo babbled his head touching the floor, over and over again. The Kitsune had not until he had set his eyes on the Hanyou, admitted to how much he had missed Inuyasha. Shippo had not appreciated what Inuyasha had done for him, what the Hanyou had been for him until Inuyasha had gone. Only than did Shippo feel the loss of Inuyasha's protection, only than had Shippo felt what it was like to truly be an orphan. He was no longer scent protected, as a result the last seven years had been full of fear and uncertainty. It was only then that Shippo understood what Inuyasha had meant when he said that Shippo had become too much like a human. Shippo now days spent a lot of his time with Kilala, but due to training at human levels only, Shippo's growth had been badly stunted.

Shippo's human like reaction, his rejection of Inuyasha as his true Alpha had hurt the Hanyou greatly, but that was a long time ago. Somehow it saddened Inuyasha to see that the Kitsune had hardly grown at all. Inuyasha searched his feelings as the Kitsune knelt before him, Shippo was a kit, Inuyasha understood now that he should have taken a stronger hand with Shippo instead of letting the humans spoil him. There was nothing to forgive, not in Shippo's case. Still Inuyasha would not repeat his mistakes. "What is my name, kit?" Inuyasha asked in a stern voice.

"eer.. e.. Inuyasha." Shippo replied looking up in surprise.

Inuyasha looked at him coolly, "Is that how you address your elders, kit?"

Shippo's jaw dropped in realization, he recovered quickly. "No, Inuyasha-san, I'm sorry." Shippo muttered humbly, bowing low once again.

"Because you are a kit, badly brought up by humans, I forgive you. You are welcome as a guest in my house, Kitsune, but you are a Youkai, and I will not tolerate human behavior from you. Understood?"

Relief washed through the little Kitsune, he shuddered from it. He wanted to hug Inuyasha, be he knew that he could not, not until he was invited to. He had to earn what had once been given so freely, Inuyasha's trust and care.

Still he beamed, and he heard Kilala purr in satisfaction, it was the first step. "Thank you Inuyasha-san. Thank you." Shippo said as he stood and took a step to the side.

Kilala bounded into Inuyasha's arms, and received a hug. Inuyasha absently placed the Neko demon on his shoulder, and finally looked at the humans. Neither could meet his eyes, they were both unsure and embarrassed. Inuyasha found that he really did not care, nor was he looking to make things easier for them, by waiting for them to say something. " Well, the food is going to get cold if we all stand here. You are all guests come on in if you wish." He said indifferently as he turned and walked into his home.

He gestured for Sesshoumaru and Kaede to proceed him into the house, following immediately, leaving the humans to do as they wished. It was a snub, and doggy ears, picked up the slight outraged female gasp behind him. He did note that it didn't stop them from following. A large hall had been set for the meal, and once inside Inuyasha turned to his guests. "You all may have questions and things to say, you WILL save them for another time. Ryoku-Sensei has asked to be present at the conversation, as she cannot make it tonight, we will wait. The point of this dinner is to have a civil meal, that will give my children a chance to see their other father again. Tomorrow is the fest, and we have a great many things to do, so this meal will be short and sweet." he looked straight at the humans. "Any who behave inappropriately will be asked to leave immediately. And any who say anything that causes my pups discomfort, will regret it." Inuyasha growled.

"Pups, Inuyasha!" Miroku finally found his voice, the monk wanted to apologize desperately. But he had found himself choking earlier and had lost the opportunity. But if Inuyasha was happy and mated, he could relax a little, "That is wonderful, when did you and Hana marry? Sango and I have children too, she would have come but the children could not travel.'

"Foolish human! Inuyasha did not mate the human, the pups are his and .. mine." Sesshoumaru said flatly, he was not willing to let anyone make a claim even in ignorance to his pups. He stared piercingly at the human woman, she had Inuyasha's protection scent around her, but nothing else. A strange relief washed through him, this was HIS family. He was reclaiming it, and NOTHING would be allowed to stand in his way.

Kagome went white. "Yyy..yours .. but that means! Oh my God! You can't...' Her voice got steadily louder. Kaede immediately hit her on the back of her head.

"You will hold your tongue child. If you cannot manage that you will leave. I will not allow you to spoil my meeting Inuyasha's children. We will save our questions for a later date, as Inuyasha requested." Kaede said sternly. Kagome looked at the old woman, and nodded slowly.

Once everyone was quiet, Inuyasha nodded at a guard, who called the children in. The guests gasped when three pure Shiro Youkai children walked in. Even if their lineage had not been explained there would have been no mistaking the parentage of the three. A small miniature Sesshoumaru led the walk in, his disdain for his guests clear, he did not even look at Sesshoumaru, instead he bowed to his Papa. Who bowed back solemnly. Then to everyone's surprise, he scented the air and looked at Kaede. His small face formal, he nodded his head respectfully to her as well, "You who bear my Papa's protection is welcome, if you face any problems please do not hesitate to come to me. As Papa's right hand, I too will see to your care and safety." So saying Yuusha stood properly beside his Papa, his stoic front cracked just a little, as he could not hide the sparkle in his eyes, when his Papa beamed in pride at him.

Me-chan walked in, her eyes glued on Sesshoumaru, she spared everyone a shy glance, smiled sweetly as she quickly went to hide behind her Papa. Sesshoumaru felt warmth fill him, as the tiny face, kept peeping out from behind Inuyasha to stare at him. He knew this one, she was the light that had always tried to come to him.

Kishi walked in with Shiori behind him, he was fiddling with his clothes so when he eventually looked up, the crowd surprised him. He stared at Sesshoumaru, and pointed excitedly, "Papa! Not-Yuusha is here again." the pup said in a voice full of wonder. Then he looked suspiciously at he DaiYoukai, "Are you sure you are not a Yuusha from the future? Shiori-chan was telling a story 'bout that." He beamed as the tension in the hall reduced, and smiles broke out as the small version of Inuyasha grinned wide at them.

Sesshoumaru knelt gracefully, to look his youngest son in the eye. "I am your other-father, Pup. Just like you resemble Inuyasha, your oldest brother resembles me." Sesshoumaru felt a cool glare at his words, and two pairs of golden eyes met. Yuusha glared at the DaiYoukai who met his son's eyes with cool knowledge.

"So what do we call Not-Yuusha-sama, Papa?" Kishi said running up to his Papa and tugging at his robes.

Inuyasha was tempted to say 'Not-Yuusha-sama' was fine, but thought better it, it was not as if he was on such good terms with Sesshoumaru that he could take that risk. "If you fell comfortable you can call him Father, if you do not address him as Sesshoumaru-sama."

"Okay! Can we eat now Papa, my tummy is makin' noises" Kishi said. With that dinner began. As much as some wanted to approach and cuddle the children, the pups stayed close to their Papa, and spent most of the dinner looking at Sesshoumaru, or in Yuusha's case looking at everything except Sesshoumaru. Kilala helped by jumping into random people's arms and drawing attention to herself. Kishi the only one who seemed oblivious of the tension, was more then happy to fill in awkward gaps, with random statements. Kaede attempted to assist by taking about the general state of the rest of the country. On the whole it was a very, very formal meal. Everyone was walking on egg-shells, and playing nice.

Jaken who had awakened from his faint, to find himself alone outside, had grumbling made his way into the house. At the sight of a miniaturized Sesshoumaru standing next to Inuyasha, the bamboozled Kappa promptly fainted once again. The unconscious green form sprawled at the doorway was ignored by everyone.

Between Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, not another personal word was spoken. Other then what was required of a good host, Inuyasha did not say anything at all. His demeanor was so closed that no one had a clue to what he was thinking. Unused to seeing the Hanyou so controlled, the visitors kept casting him confused looks. He was different from when they remembered, so different. Sesshoumaru could hardly take his eyes off the Hanyou, only tearing his eyes away from Inuyasha to look at his children.

No one lingered at the meal, and everyone was glad when Kishi began yawning loudly, and the awkward meal was over. The children were being led away by Shiori and Hana, when suddenly Me-chan turned and walked a few steps closer to the DaiYoukai. "Are you going to go away again, Sesshou-Father-sama?" The little girl asked awkwardly not wanting to insult.

That was the second time one of his children had addressed him directly that day, and Sesshoumaru knelt again before answering. "No, this Sesshoumaru is not going away, daughter."

The girl smiled brightly at him. "Please come for our show tomorrow, please!" She whispered shyly, and beamed when Sesshoumaru assured her that he would. Then biting her lower lip, she reached out shyly and stroked the hand that rested on his knee gently, then turned and ran to her rooms. Sesshoumaru's eyes closed, as his palm gently cupped the area his daughter had touched. Inside him something roared, they were HIS! His children, His daughter, His sons,... and his...! Sesshoumaru's eyes snapped open, focusing on the Hanyou.

It was probably a good thing that Inuyasha, distracted with sending his children off, missed the burning possessive look in the Daiyoukai's eyes. The look was quickly pushed back by Sesshoumaru's ice mask. Inuyasha formally invited the group to witness the demonstrations at 10:00 am the next morning, and firmly stated that the next day was to be dedicated to the Fest. Inuyasha wanted Sesshoumaru to know the children a little bit before having to explain anything.

The human group, with Shippo and Kilala had spent a restless night talking and trying to take in everything. Sesshoumaru had disappeared and Jaken had spent the night either unconscious or crying. Sesshoumaru had not bothered trying to sleep, instead he had spent the night wandering the town, learning about his family. He talked to numerous people and had a fairly good idea of the Inuyasha current lifestyle and respect the townsDemons had for the Hanyou. Sesshoumaru spent much of the night contemplating.

Excitement filled the air as the day of the fest was bright and clear.

At 9:30am everyone began gathering at the platforms for demonstrations. That was when the scope of the crowd was seen. The humans found they had a box prepared for them, Lord Sesshoumaru was in a separate box beside them, with the Mayor of the city, playing host. There were extra seats in their box, and they hoped it meant that Inuyasha would be sitting with them. They were surprised by a familiar voice "What! You lot were invited to this do as well? Good to see you Lady Kaede."

Kouga and two of his attendants slipped into the empty seats. The ex-Inu group were still not allowed un-escorted by wolves in Kouga's territory. It had taken a bit of time, but the animosity that Kouga had for the humans had reduced. They were not exactly friends but a cordial relationship existed between the two groups. To say that Kouga was stunned to hear that the person who issued the invitation was Inuyasha was an understatement. He looked across and nodded coldly at the DaiYoukai who looked coldly back at him. The two maintained a neutral formality between them.

Sesshoumaru's day was a little spoiled when Lady Ryoku rather then Inuyasha came to sit opposite the Mayor. Still they managed a polite greeting.

Then drums began to beat out a steady rhythm, the demonstration was about to start.

The size of the demonstration area was equal to that of a football field. First a series of acrobatics was performed by female elemental demons. Then the excitement mounted as what was truly the act that the audience waited for began. The drums took on a loud rhythmic beat, as the audience parted from three directions. Three unarmed figures, all similarly dressed in FireRat robes walked out. Gasps of shock were heard all around at the sight. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed, no wonder Inuyasha no longer wore the protective robe. The three bowed at each other, and began a series of intricate Katas, their movements smooth and graceful taking them towards center stage.

The sun shone bright on the three figures, as in perfect synchronization they executed Ariel cartwheels, a scissor kick, followed by a switch blade. Ending with a butterfly twist that had the three facing each other in the middle of the field. The crowd went wild, cheering the talent pups. In Unison, the pups looked up, and the crowd fell silent. As had been choreographed by Ryuko, - against all Inuyasha's protests - Inuyasha seemed to almost float down into the middle of the huge arena. Silver hair streaming behind, the sunlight a creating a glowing halo around him, he landed gracefully and effortlessly in between the children.

He wore a black fighting robe with red boarders, that contrasted nicely with his pure white hair and skin. The cut of his suit was simple, without intricate patterns. The cloth was of good quality, but was far from the FireRat cloth or the silks worn by the other Shiro Inu's present. Inuyasha had refused to wear the 'fit for royalty' outfit Ryoku had presented him, he choose instead to look like what he was a proud warrior to be reckoned with. The intention was to let his children shine, not draw attention to himself. In that, he underestimated himself, for none could look away from the proud and powerful figure he made, beside his children.

Inuyasha gave a short bow, and the cheering of the crowd shook the stands. When the cheering finally stopped, the children bowed formally to their father. Inuyasha drew a sword. Though it was not a fang, it was of good quality, sharp and battle ready. He reversed it and presented it to Kishi.

Kishi knelt and received the sword. Immediately he stood, nodded once. Turned and jumped. The sword was bigger then the pup, but the confidence with which the pup executed a complex set of sword maneuvers with was amazing. Sword in hand, Kishi was in total control. The swish and hiss of the sword cleaving the air was the only sounds in the field. The astounding demonstration lasted a good five minutes. Kishi ended the maneuvers with a graceful over head swing. The crowd cheered. And Kishi with a huge toothy grin waved at everyone, and then sat at the sidelines.

The attention went back to Inuyasha and the other two children who had been statue like through Kishi's demonstration. Megumishan suddenly knelt and lifted her hands. Inuyasha snapped two deadly looking Tennsen (Steel Fans) open, the tips of the fans were razor sharp, and gleamed in the sun. Closing them he formally placed the two fans into her small hands.

Mee-chan bowed, and jumped clear over her father. In the air she snapped the fans. Open, that were bigger then her, and using their momentum she spun in the air, before landing easily on her feet. The crowd had to hold on as their clothing was blown by the force she generated. She too went through as series of battle movements, losing her normal shy demeanor, as she impressed the audience, with a finely coordinated and deadly show. She made both her fathers swell with pride. She finished snapping her fans shut, and curtsying gracefully, looked shyly at Sesshoumaru. She smiled at the look of open pride in her other father' face and sat opposite Kishi on the sidelines.

Finally it was Yuusha's turn. Everyone's eyes went to the father and son. Gasps were heard from the two boxes and even Ryoku was surprised. Inuyasha drew the Tessaiga, the Fang came to life in his hands. He focused on it, and the huge fang pulsed, and then went to its normal innate form. Yuusha knelt and raised his hands, Inuyasha placed the Tessaiga into the 6-year-olds hands. And Sesshoumaru had to stop himself from jumping to his feet like the humans were doing.

Yuusha bowed and stood before his father. Inuyasha rested his hands on Yuusha's shoulders and the boy grasped the hilt with both hands. Father and son concentrated. First nothing happened, then the crowd felt it, the sword pulsed and transformed. Not into the form that they usually saw the Hanyou wielding, but into a smaller version of it. Tessaiga was now about a foot bigger then the boy. The boy's dance was controlled, deadly and graceful. It was a mini-Sesshoumaru wielding the Tessaiga with a competence and skill that was terrifying. In his final maneuver, Yuusha suddenly turned and seemed to glare at Inuyasha. His Papa's eyebrows rose, and Yuusha spun aiming at his his father he brought he Tessaiga around, "WIND SCAR", Yuusha yelled, as the sword released it deadly energy, straight at Inuyasha.

Audience members jumped to their feet in shock. "NOOO! YAASHA" Screams were heard from the audience. Ryoku and Sesshoumaru both tensed, Kouga and the humans leapt to their feet.

The dust cleared. Inuyasha stood there, not even his clothes were out of place. One hand up, he was holding the sword that Ryuko had seen him carry sheathed but had never seen used. The sword was held diagonal across his body, glowed with a silver blue light. Out of its sheath, the Sword was long, easily six feet in length. The blade was as blue as a crystal lake, with silver strands running in ornate patterns along its length. This was Inuyasha's own sword, made from his fang and strands of hair from the Water Goddess. The Water Goddess had had the sword made for him, from a fang that had come loose after he gave birth. She had presented it to him on the first birthing anniversary of his children. The transformed sword pulsed with power.

The other two children stood, and the final part of the demonstration began. The three children joined forces and attacked Inuyasha. This was not a choreographed dance, but a real battle. The three used all their skills to take down their Papa, Inuyasha of course did not attack, but he did not make it easy on his children either. If they gave stupid openings, they received a painful bruise, from the flat of Inuyasha's sword.

Sesshoumaru watched the fight in amazement. That his brother had spent many hours training with his children were unmistakable. Only the most skilled of his solders would have a chance against the three. They all also realized something else about the children, Yuusha was very like Sesshoumaru in battle, except he was a team player, able to monitor the movements of the other two in fight, and cover for their weaknesses as well as take advantage of their strengths in the way that Sesshoumaru had never done. But what was most surprising were the other two. Kishi who looked and normally acted so much like Inuyasha was actually very much like Sesshoumaru in battle. Sword in had, he was totally different, cool, calculating and focused on the enemy. Responding to the others only when Yuusha barked an order or someone (meaning Me-chan) was obviously in trouble.

Me-chan didn't surprise the audience, she shocked them. Once her adrenaline rose, she was nothing like Sesshoumaru in battle. She was totally like Inuyasha of old. She jumped in, without planning, without thinking of consequences and she swung hard. She was a female Inuyasha, a totally reckless, yet strangely graceful brawler. She had a tendency to leave herself wide open, when executing a big attack, and if not for her brothers timely interventions would have ended up with the most bruises.

After an impressive amount of time, the combatants without any signal that the audience could recognize suddenly leapt back, and bowed. First at each other, then at the audience. The crowd went absolutely wild. The children sheathed their weapons and ran to their Papa for hugs. Inuyasha picked up both his younger ones, while Yuusha stood leaning against him. A huge smile, usually only reserved for family, painted the child's face.

Inuyasha's eyes went to Sesshoumaru. The DaiYoukai seemed impassive, but Inuyasha was not fooled, he could see the pride in the DaiYoukai's eyes, as well as the small smile that tugged at his lips. Inuyasha's plan was working, Sesshoumaru was impressed with his beautiful full Youkai children. They was nothing about them that could bring shame, they were pups that Sesshoumaru could claim without fear of tainting his name. His children were amazing and Inuyasha would soon secure their future.

-tbc-

Ooo long chappie. Kindda wanted a chance to show the battle part of things – without a battle - as this is not a fighting fic. Well how was it? PLEASE review and comment. Next, we reveal Inuyasha's plan to help the kids fit in to Sesshoumaru's kingdom and the reactions to it.
to it.