Salvation

Disclaimer~ Don’t own original Inuyasha characters, do own others.

It was the first time Inuyasha remembered his dream. He had been walking on a river in a beautiful forest of cherry blossom trees. His feet had remained completely dry as he followed the path the river cut for him through the beautiful woods. He had felt complete and utter bliss, happiness beyond anything he had felt since his son was born. Everything had seemed so perfect, almost too perfect. But it was when he had reached the bend in the river that he had known he was truly dreaming.
There, in a clearing beside the bank, stood his brother, wearing a pure white silk kimono as he gazed into the water. Inuyasha had automatically walked towards the beautiful creature, wondering how it was that his normally cold, brutal sibling now looked so at one with his surroundings. Sesshomaru looked up from the current as the hanyou approached. It was then that he realized he was looking into the face of a much younger Sesshomaru, hundreds of years younger in fact. He looked to be in his late teenage years, like the last time Inuyasha had seen him before…
Sesshomaru watched him approach, extending a hand out to him as he neared.
“I’m sorry for all that I’ve done to you, little brother.” There was sincerity in his voice, along with a deep look of regret and apology. Inuyasha extended his own hand and slid it into the slightly larger one. It was then that he realized that it was a child’s hand he wielded. He looked into the water under himself to see a small pup looking back at him, one hardly old enough to understand his role in life. He turned his small face to look back up with wonder at his gorgeous brother. Rosy pink petals drifted around them with the wind as they stood, hand in hand, on the bank of the river. Sesshomaru’s eyes were the softest Inuyasha had ever seen them.
“You deserve better, Inuyasha,” he murmured. He pulled the bewildered youngster against him. “Don’t ever let anyone belittle you like I have. You are the most important thing in my life. I need you as much as you need me right now. I need to make amends with you, I must. If you leave, little brother, you may take away that chance forever. So stay with me, please.” The confused child stared up at the young lord, his ears twitching as he tried to understand.
“I’m not goin’ anywhere, big brother.” he said in his high pitched voice. “I’ma stay right here with you!” He gave him a big grin, which only grew as he received a soft smile in return and a kiss on the forehead. His small heart felt fit to burst with love at the small attentions he was getting.
“Thank you, Inuyasha.”

He felt himself suddenly wake up, everything vividly clear and fresh in his mind. His golden eyes opened slowly and met the site of his sleeping brother beside him. He blinked sleepily and smiled as he leaned over to kiss him. A shock went through him as the lips came forward to meet his. They kissed gently, almost lovingly, as their bodies pressed together. Sesshomaru wrapped his strong arms around his waist securely as their tongues met and twined together slowly. He broke away to nuzzle his cheek and neck, inhaling deeply as he did so.
“So, I see you’re awake.” he said sleepily. Inuyasha nodded as he buried his face in his silver locks.
“Yeah. By the looks of it, I’d say I slept pretty damn good too.” He immediately regretted those words as a sharp prang of pain hit his lower stomach. He was pretty sure it wasn’t from hunger either. Inuyasha quickly masked the look of discomfort as his lover pulled away to look at his face.
“Hm. Well then that makes two of us.” The hanyou forced out a smile and tucked his head under his brother’s chin. “You seem content enough, though I can tell you’re in pain. So don’t bother hiding it, mutt.” Inuyasha mentally slapped himself, realizing his brother could probably smell his pain. He decided to play it cool and shrug it off, not wanting to seem weak this early in the morning.
“It’ll pass. It’s no big deal, I’ve had worse mornings.” he muttered tiredly. He felt the arms tighten around his body and the soft kiss be placed on his head. His heart warmed at the affection and amount of protection his brother was showing towards him.
“Regardless, I’m sure food in your stomach will make you forget all your ills.” Sesshomaru replied. Inuyasha smiled and kissed the spot on his chest where his head resided.
“It will, but I think I’d rather be with you right now.” He shivered slightly as he felt those powerful claws roam over his back and sides slowly. He whimpered softly as he arched into the touch. His wet tongue snaked out and licked his cheek lovingly. Sesshomaru captured it with his teeth and pulled it into his mouth, sucking slowly and sensually. Inuyasha slipped his weak arms around his neck as the inuyoukai rolled onto his small frame. He gasped in pain as pressure was put onto his abdomen. Hot flames of agony shot up his body and he dug his claws deep into his shoulders.
“Ah! Sesh!” he hissed out. The pressure was immediately taken off and the pain slowly subsided. He unclenched his body and opened eyes, letting out a deep breath as he lifted his flattened ears.
“Your wounds must be deeply infected for me to cause that much pain with so little force.” he said with a touch of concern. His golden eyes expressed that same coldness he was so used to. Maybe it was the infection screwing with his head, but Inuyasha could swear he saw softer features on that beautiful face. That was impossible though, Sesshomaru didn’t know how to be soft.
“I’ll make sure you see the healers today.” With that, he kissed his lips softly and sat up to get dressed. Inuyasha launched himself up to kiss him passionately. Sesshomaru didn’t rebuke him, but cooled the heat of the kiss down by not adding fuel to it. He held the sick hanyou close to his hard body, offering comfort and strength. Inuyasha took a deep breath, inhaling his scent before slowly letting it out. He climbed out from under him and off the futon. He quickly decided that was a bad idea as pain shot up both his stomach and his backside.
“Ah! Fuck,” he growled out. A chuckle reached his ears as he groaned.
“Took you that long to realize it? That disease must have reached your head already.” Inuyasha froze to look at him in shock. Had he, Sesshomaru, just made a joke? What the fuck was the world coming to? Said demon got off the bed and approached him. Inuyasha waited and watched as the lord went to his immense wardrobe and pulled out a set of silk kimonos. The red one was obviously for him, the black one with silver sakura flowers was for Sesshomaru.
“This will do until your haori is repaired.” he said casually as he tossed it to him. It flowed through his hands like water as he grasped it to put it on. Once he finished dressing, he turned to gaze at him. He was just tying the sash when Inuyasha walked over to slip his weak arms around him. Sesshomaru placed his own around his back and kissed each puppy dog ear.
“You may explore the castle and do as you wish as long as you leave me in peace.” he said into the furry appendage. “I have much work to do and I don’t want you around getting in my way like you always do. Is that clear, mutt?” Inuyasha sighed and growled contentedly.
“Yeah, don’t bug the pissy prince. I got it.” he grumbled back without really caring. He gasped when he felt teeth sink lightly into his sensitive ear.
“Watch yourself, half-breed.” he growled as he licked it tenderly. “I still don’t tolerate insubordination well.” Inuyasha shivered as he licked and breathed into it. “Keep yourself occupied. Go play with that wolf demon of my son’s, or spar with any of my children. I assure you, they are all more than capable of holding their own ground.” Inuyasha was concentrating more on the arousing sensation he was feeling than he was what was being said to him. He pressed closer to him and reached up to comb his fingers through his silky hair as he closed his golden eyes.
“Sure Sesh, whatever you say.” he said breathlessly. Hot lips soon covered his and a wet tongue invaded his mouth. The aroused hanyou pulled his head harder down, pressing their lips together almost painfully hard. However, before he could heat up the session, the cold lord pulled away. He opened his eyes slightly to meet identical golden ones looking into his.
“I mean it, don’t bother me today.” He let go of Inuyasha and left without another word. He stood in the middle of the large room for a long while before sighing heavily and exiting.
‘I should’ve known he’d pull that shit…I guess I’ll go see that damn wolf.’ he thought sourly.


Kouga gasped as his back was slammed into a tree, making a clear indent in the bark. He stumbled forward and struggled for breath as he dropped his sword to the ground. He pressed his hand to his chest as his watery eyes traveled up to his attacker. Shikon lowered his own sword and waited patiently for him to recover.
“Kouga, you’re distracted. You would never leave yourself wide open to attack like that normally.” he stated as the wolf demon caught his wind and straightened slowly. His blue eyes burned into the curious grey ones watching him.
“I’m fine dammit.” he coughed out. “Just…keep fighting.” He reached down to retrieve his sword, but never made it to the blade. He was brutally slammed to the ground and pinned to where he couldn’t get up. He grunted and looked up to see his handsome lover above him with his arms trapped over his head. He frowned up at him but remained still.
“Ok, so I’m a little rusty,” he growled out in annoyance. “But, other than that, I’m fine.” Shikon lowered his head and kissed his sweaty temple. Kouga relaxed and sighed in defeat as he received the gentle nuzzles and kisses.
“More than a little, pet.” he murmured against the side of his head. “You’re distracted. What’s keeping your mind from me?” The wolf demon turned his head to press cheeks with him lovingly. Shikon released his hands and sat back on his stomach to look down at him. Kouga ran his claws up and down the lord’s chest and abdomen as he watched him.
“It’s that damn half-breed,” he admitted reluctantly. Shikon watched him attentively as he stroked the pitch black hair. “Something’s wrong with him, I can tell.” Kouga’s sapphire eyes met his. “I guess I don’t want to admit it, but…” He took a deep breath. “…I’m worried about the son-of-a-bitch.” The young lord bent down with a smile and touched lips with him before sitting up again.
“I understand. You don’t want to admit you care about him, but you do.” The wolf’s eyes widened and he immediately began shaking his head.
“No!” he stammered out. “I don’t care about him! At least, not like I do you.” Shikon chuckled in amusement.
“Well of course you don’t. I’d know the moment you two met if you did. I meant that you see him as a friend, but you don’t want to give in to that fact.” he explained patiently. Kouga rolled his eyes and looked off to the side, signaling he had hit the nail on the head. Shikon captured his lips in an even softer kiss, allowing his eyes to close slowly as he reached down to cup his cheek. Kouga closed his eyes as well and kissed back with a tenderness he only ever showed to his lover.
Shikon just as slowly broke away, still holding his cheek. His smile and warm gaze melted the wolf prince’s heart.
“Why don’t you spend some time with him, love?” he offered. “It seems like you’re the closest thing to a friend he has, save his son. I know if I were him, I would appreciate a friend. He has no one to confide in or ask about this place.” He brushed a stray lock of hair out of the wolf’s handsome face. “I would encourage that you spend time with him, as well as find out what it is that’s wrong with him. I see no problem with it.”
“You think?” Kouga asked genuinely. The inuyoukai smiled warmly again and nodded. Kouga sat up to connect their mouths once again. Shikon held him and kissed back immediately, loving the taste of him. They broke the kiss slowly, savoring every moment of it.
“Now I remember why I love you.” Kouga murmured with a grin. Shikon laughed softly.
“Well, I hope so. It should be the same reason you said yes to being my mate.”
“Don’t get cocky with me,” Kouga snapped playfully. “It’s not like you’re special or anything like that.” Shikon laughed louder and kissed the wolf, smiling against his lips. In a flash, Kouga wrapped his arms around his back and waist and jumped to his feet in one swift motion. The younger demon simply held on to his neck while he was carried over to one of the many benches in the training yard and placed in his lover’s lap as he sat down.
Kouga combed his claws through his future mate’s silky hair and watched as his eyes fluttered shut. Shikon was completely content with playing the less dominant role, they often switched. He cuddled closer to the wolf prince’s chest and rested his head against his arm. His eyes softened as he watched Shikon’s arms settle against his own chest. The cool breeze lifted his hair and danced with it, the cherry blossoms throwing their petals to join in.
“Hm, so what does your pack think of the union?” the inuyoukai asked quietly, his eyes still closed.
“They don’t really have a say in it, but they’re happy that at least I’m mating with the first son of the most powerful demon in the lands.” he admitted. Shikon opened his eyes and frowned slightly, lifting his head up and looking as if he had not heard him correctly.
“So, they only care that our union will protect them? They don’t care about who I really am to you, or that you’re happy?” he asked. Kouga looked at his feet as he went to respond.
“Feh, those mangy flea bags don’t give a shit about anyone but themselves.” Inuyasha’s voice intercepted before he could even open his mouth. Both their heads turned towards the speaker and stared as a pale, weak looking hanyou approached them. Shikon sat up fully to get a better look at him. Inuyasha’s kimono hung off him in an almost alarming manner as he walked towards the pair. Kouga stared and Shikon stood.
“Evening Inuyasha.” he said pleasantly. “What brings you to the training yard?”
“My asshole brother said I could wander around as long as I stayed away from him. So I figured I’d find my asshole friend and pick on him instead.” His honey eyes, still vibrant with life, shifted to the wolf’s shocked blue ones. “But it looks like he’s busy anyways, so I’m just passing through.” Shikon shifted his gaze down to his lover.
“Nonsense. I’ve been neglecting my duties long enough.” He looked back to the sick hanyou and gave a smile. “You two need time to catch up, and I’ve kept him to myself too long for one day.” The lord turned his gaze back to Kouga and he bent to kiss him farewell. Kouga inhaled deeply, remembering his scent and basking in it. Shikon chuckled softly and kissed his temple.
“I love you,” he whispered. “Please, be kind to him. Keep his mind off his illness, and my Father.” Kouga nodded and he drew back, facing Inuyasha once again.
“I have matters of state to attend to, I hope you and Kouga enjoy your day.” He gave the wolf demon a final heartfelt look before departing towards his study. Kouga looked back at the hanyou and stood. In the blink of an eye, his own sword that he had left by the tree was tossed at him. He barely caught it in time to stop it from cutting him.
“Dammit dog breath!” he shouted. “What the Hell?!” Inuyasha smirked at him.
“Damn, you’ve gotten rusty.” Ok, that was the second time he’d been told that. If he heard it one more time he was going to slice someone apart.
“I’m not rusty,” he growled out as he sheathed the blade. “I just forgot I left the damn thing over there.” As if suddenly realizing who he was facing, his sapphire eyes snapped to the spot on Inuyasha’s hip where Tetsaiga…should have been? He looked back up to him. “Where’s your stupid sword?”
Inuyasha’s smirk left his gaunt face and he looked at the spot on his hip.
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Sesshomaru’s got it locked up somewhere.” He shrugged it off, as if not wanting to talk about it. Kouga approached and patted his shoulder.
“You’re no good with that damn thing anyways,” he joked. “All you do is wave it around to scare people. Besides, you don’t need it here. This place is a fortress.” Inuyasha glanced around but didn’t take any interest in the impressive walls. Kouga gave his shoulder a quick squeeze before letting go.
“Just doesn’t feel right, ya know?” he asked. “I feel exposed without it.” He gripped his forearm across his chest as if he was standing naked before the wolf demon. Kouga pulled him into a gruff embrace, rocking him from side to side in comfort. He let go after a moment and clapped his shoulder once again.
“Forget about it dog breath,” he said. “Come on, I’ll show you some things even a moron like you can do in this labyrinth.”