Salvation

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

“My Lord, are you well?” Sesshomaru snapped out of his thoughts to look up at his granddaughter, Sakura. She had a concerned look on her that always seemed to melt his stony heart.
“Ah, yes Sakura. I am. What brings you here?” he asked. His golden eyes turned back to the deeds he was attending to. He heard her silk kimono rustle and knew she was approaching. She knelt in front of him and bowed low.
“I am sorry to have disturbed you, my Lord, but I was just concerned.” she admitted in her musical voice. He now looked up, his attention fully on her. The inuyoukai lord was very protective of his children and granddaughter, so any concern of hers was one of his.
“I see. What about?” he inquired. She lifted her beautiful form up and sat gracefully back on her feet. It was no wonder Rainen had to put up with so many suitors asking for her hand, the girl truly was the most beautiful demon he had ever seen. She was everything a demon could ever want. Sakura was beautiful, strong, cunning, witty, obedient, caring, and extremely intelligent. She gazed at her grandfather admiringly as she placed her hands on her knees.
“You seem to be very distracted lately, sir.” she said quietly. “I was wondering if it had anything to do with our uncle…or his illness.” Sesshomaru watched her for a moment before replying. She met his gaze without any fear, a quality he loved about his only grandchild. He knew right then and there he couldn’t lie to her.
“Yes, Sakura, it does.” She didn’t look surprised in the least. The female inuyoukai nodded and waited for him to continue. “Inuyasha’s illness is like none that I have ever encountered.” Sakura nodded in understanding. The inuyoukai glanced down at the stack of papers, collecting his thoughts before continuing. “The fact that our healers cannot fully cure this concerns me. I will not allow the hanyou to die by the hand of another demon, only my own. Our father’s blood will not be proven weak because of him.” The last part was nearly a growl, but Sakura did not show any sign of intimidation.
“Forgive me for saying this, my Lord, but that is not the only reason, is it?” she prompted. Sesshomaru’s golden eyes snapped up to meet his granddaughter’s. She was looking at him with concern and compassion, there was none of the usual judgment that he could expect from his sons. He frowned slightly, a sign that he was not going to answer. She looked down at the pile of scrolls and bowed respectfully.
“I apologize, my Lord.” she said quietly. Her silver tresses pooled on the ground, creating a shimmering shawl around her delicate face. Sesshomaru reached out and smoothed a few back over her shoulder, admiring how it felt just like his own. She straightened back up and gazed at him again when he retracted his arm. “I will not inquire again, it is not my place.”
“It is alright, Sakura. I forgive you.” The powerful demon looked down at the scroll before him and signed it. He then grabbed another and began reading. The younger youkai stood silently and bowed again before retreating to the door.
“Sakura.” She turned at the entrance.
“Yes, my Lord?” There was a long pause as the demon continued to read.
“Make sure he sees the healers within the hour.” She repressed the smile tugging at her lips and nodded her head.
“I will.” She turned and left without another word.


“Kaichi!” The blue eyed boy snapped his head to his lover. Roko was watching him, worry etched on his handsome face.
“Huh?” he asked. The pair was in one of the palace’s many courtyards, walking around and enjoying the beautiful day the Gods had seen fit to give them. He and Roko had been sparring for nearly an hour before they decided to stop and take a break.
“You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, have you?” he asked accusingly. Kaichi blushed and looked at the stone floor.
“Sorry Roko. I guess I haven’t.” he looked up apologetically. “What was the question again?” Said prince sighed and, with great patience, asked again.
“I was asking what you thought of the palace. If you liked it here or not.” Kaichi looked at the lavish surroundings the courtyard offered. He stopped beside a koi pond and gazed at the enormous elegant fish swimming in its depths.
“I guess I do.” he replied uncertainly. He barely recognized himself in the pools reflection. His normally unruly hair was combed so painstakingly that he could almost count the strands of hair that lay on his shoulders and front. He wore a kimono that rivaled all of the ones he had seen Lords in other villages wearing, not to mention his own thread bare haori. Even his scent smelled different. The essence of the forest was all but gone and was instead replaced with fragrant water. Roko’s reflection appeared beside his and he suddenly realized how alike they looked. One could have taken them to be brothers if they had the same eye color. He turned to face his lover.
“To be completely honest, I don’t feel right.” Kaichi admitted reluctantly, but he knew he had to be truthful. Roko watched him as he began explaining. “You see, I’ve lived in the woods all my life, Roko. The only time I ever lived under a real roof was when father was healing after a fight that had gone bad, and even then it was pretty much a dump. The forest is where I’m most comfortable. I don’t even recognize who that person is.” He pointed to the surface of the water. “That’s not me. That’s a prince. I’m not saying life here isn’t good, ‘cause it is, but I…I guess what I’m trying to say is I miss the life I used to live.” Roko stared at him a long moment before gazing down at the water. His golden eyes were filled with sorrow as he looked at the two reflections.
“I see,” he stated quietly. Kaichi’s heart fell at the hollow voice. He knew the prince was upset and it killed him to see that. He reached out and clasped the other’s claw in his own.
“Please, don’t be sad Roko.” he pleaded. “I don’t want to see you upset.”
“No, it’s alright.” he replied. “You’ve answered my question, as I asked. It’s just…” He paused to look at him. “I had no idea you were so unhappy here.” Kaichi shook his head vigorously.
“But I’m not!” he said hurriedly. “I’m happy, because you’re with me. It’s just that I miss my home. That’s all.” Roko pulled him close, stroking his hair tenderly.
“I understand, love.” he replied softly in his ear. “And I’m sorry I’ve kept you from it. I should have taken your needs into consideration above my wants.” Kaichi’s heart warmed at that and he pressed closer to him.
“But…I have a dilemma.” the prince said hesitantly. Kaichi looked up at him curiously. The inuyoukai looked apprehensively at him.
“What is it? Maybe I can help.” he offered. Roko leaned his head down to give him a soft kiss before whispering in his ear.
“How can the Prince of the Western Lands have a mate who lives in the wild?”


“So how the Hell did you wind up with one of my brothers’ sons? Why not Sakura?” Inuyasha asked curiously. Kouga glanced at him before looking back ahead down the hall they were walking.
“Heh, not like it’s any of your business, mutt face, but…Sesshomaru saved me and my pack from the birds of paradise.” he admitted. Inuyasha’s jaw all but hit the floor as he froze in the middle of the hallway. Kouga’s head snapped around to glare at him.
“Uh… he? Sesshomaru? My brother?! He saved someone other than himself?” Inuyasha was shell shocked. Kouga scoffed and looked away.
“Yeah, he did.” the wolf demon retorted. He began walking again and heard the hanyou’s footsteps soon after. He continued without pause.
“About eight years ago, those fucking harpies found the cave we were living in and attacked. There were about a thousand of them, give or take. Half my pack was slaughtered…the other half, me included, was losing badly. I blacked out after a bird knocked me into a rock. The next thing I knew I was in a tent…”

~~~~~Eight years ago, post battle~~~~~~~~~~

“Uh…huh?” Kouga slowly opened his eyes. He recognized when a cold, wet cloth was laid on his pounding forehead. The wolf demon saw the blurry underside of a tent top above him. A movement to his right drew his attention and he turned his head to look. He quickly regretted doing so when a bolt of pain shot through his head as the spot where he was struck pressed against the ground. He gasped in pain and squeezed his eyes shut. A calloused hand was placed against his temple and moved his head back to where it had been.
“I would advise against moving.” The voice was smooth and deep, powerful to say the least. He opened his eyes once again and searched until they found the source of it. His vision cleared to reveal an armored demon kneeling beside him with a basin of bloody water and an equally bloody cloth. The youkai had silver hair pulled into a high ponytail that reached to his lower back. A single light blue line graced each cheek to complement his beautiful grey eyes. Kouga stared up at him, wondering who this youkai was.
“Who…who are you? Where’s my pack?” he stammered out in confusion. The youkai, who was clearly a dog demon, lifted the cloth out of the basin to wring it out and clean a wound on Kouga’s stomach. He hissed and grabbed the offending claw.
“I suggest you let go,” the demon warned. “I need to clean this before it gets an infection. It won’t heal properly.” He gently removed the wolf’s hand and placed it on his chest. Kouga growled menacingly.
“I asked you a question! Just who the Hell are you and where’s the rest of my pack?!” he yelled. The demon merely glanced at him as he bent to clean the wound.
“My name is Shikon, I am the son of Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands. Your pack is in the care of the other healers. There are thirty-two left.” Kouga stared at him once again, now seeing all the similarities between the demon and his father. They were almost identical except for the demon’s eyes, markings, and clothing. He wore a light blue kimono with grey sleeves beneath the armor. A darker blue sash added to the majesty of the demon’s attire.
“Thirty-two?” he whispered. “That’s all? Oh God…” That was nowhere near the beginning number of his pack. The demon, Shikon, glanced down at him. His grey eyes seemed to hold a certain pity in their depths. Kouga closed his eyes against the staggering number of dead members. Faces began to flash in front of his eyes, faces he would never see looking back again. Not being able to handle it yet, he opened them again to look at the inuyoukai. He was carefully bandaging the wounds on his sides and stomach, taking pains not to hurt the demon.
“Why…why are you helping me?” It was then that he heard others moving out side the tent. In fact, it sounded like an army was outside. Kouga realized it was nighttime and it was just the two of them in this immense tent. Shikon looked at him after replacing the cloth in the basin.
“You were an ally in trouble, I would not pass up an opportunity to help those who would help us.” he explained quietly. He fixed his piercing eyes on the wounded wolf. “What is your name?”
“Kouga.” he replied.
“Do you think you can hold down any food or water, Kouga?”
He was taken aback by the question and answered in a startled manner.
“Uh, yeah. I think so.”
“Good, it’ll make the headache you no doubt have go away.” He reached over and brought a bowl of milky liquid to Kouga’s lips. Kouga looked at it suspiciously.
“I would not heal you just to hurt you again, Kouga.” he said patiently. “Drink.” Kouga sat up on an elbow and took the bowl with his free hand. It was sweet and went down his throat with a warming sensation. He set the empty bowl aside and lay back on the futon, watching his caretaker.
“You killed the birds of paradise?”
“Yes, we did. My men and I were on our way back from a battle and we heard the commotion on the other side of the mountain, that’s how we found your pack.” he explained. Shikon reached up and brushed some hair out of Kouga’s eyes, resting his hand on his forehead. The wolf demon frowned at him suspiciously again. Shikon paid him no mind as he drew it back.
“You have a very slight fever.” he told him. “My men and I will camp here for a few days, so you’re in luck.” He smiled, and it must have been the most beautiful sight Kouga had ever seen. He nearly gasped but managed to hold it in, he even offered an awkward smile back.
“Yeah, I guess I am.”


“And that was the start of it.” Kouga finished. “He and his men stayed for about a week, and we had a party on the last day to celebrate our survival and gratitude.” Inuyasha nodded, having remained respectfully quiet throughout the story.
“That was the night that…our relationship began.” he said thoughtfully.

Kouga looked around in remorse as the remnants of his pack prepared for the festival to be held in Shikon’s honor. He even bothered to find a nicer outfit than normal for the occasion…the one he had placed away for the day he would have his ceremony to be mated. But that day would never come, his entire pack was destroyed save for a few stragglers that had hidden during the fighting. The wardrobe was made of black and silver fox furs, very rare and hard to come by. He had taken great pains to comb his hair and wash himself, and he now looked like the true prince of a pack.
‘But there’s no pack to lead anymore…the rest of them will probably leave to find a larger pack that can offer protection.’ he thought solemnly. He sighed heavily as he turned to help prepare the feast.
A few hours later, there was a roaring bonfire, food enough to feed the hungry army, and the few female pack members he had left were entertaining groups of soldiers by the food and fire, dancing to the music. Kouga glanced by the fire but his blue eyes immediately shot back once he saw what was by the fire.
“Oh…my…God….” he whispered. Shikon was leaning against a tree with a cup in his hand, the other was across his waist resting on his hip. His hair was combed and tied to perfection behind his beautiful face. He wore a black kimono with silver cranes and sakura blossoms dancing around his sculpted body. He wore no armor, but did carry a sword on his hip. The fire light caught his grey eyes and seemed to dance within them. Suddenly, those same eyes were upon him, shining with the intensity of a thousand fires. For some reason, Kouga couldn’t look away. It was like he was trapped within the depths, unable to pull himself out.
Shikon’s sudden smile beckoned him over, and he was all too eager to oblige. His feet seemed to carry him over on air. He didn’t even mind that he was being attracted to another man, that thought never even crossed the gap to his brain. He approached and stopped when he was right in front of him. Shikon didn’t say a word, neither did Kouga. The younger demon reached out and brushed some of Kouga’s now silky hair aside, a gesture Kouga had come to enjoy from their time together during the last week. He let his hand slide from his cheek down to his shoulder and arm until it eventually reached his hand. He dropped the cup from his other hand, spilling sake onto the ground. The wolf demon never took his eyes off him as he was pulled closer to the fire side and began dancing with the young lord.
The pair drew a couple of stares as they turned around and around the bonfire, but none paid attention too long. Both were too wrapped up in each other to notice anyways. Before Kouga knew what was happening, his back was pressed against a large rock and he realized they were farther away from the fire than when they had started dancing.
“Uh? What?” he stammered out. Shikon’s claws held his shoulders against the face of the rock as he leaned close. Kouga knew the demon was sober, for he could not smell a trace of sake on his breath, especially when they were sharing the same breathing space.
“You look very beautiful tonight, Kouga.” He seemed to purr out his name. The wolf demon’s breathing quickened, as did his pulse. The inuyoukai’s scent surrounded him, making it the only thing he could smell.
“Th…Thank you.” he whispered out. “You don’t look bad yourself. In fact, you’re down right sexy.” Shikon leaned in and connected their mouths. Kouga felt his whole world explode with the simple contact. He closed his eyes and placed his hands on the other demon’s waist, pulling their bodies together. They seemed to fit perfectly together, like they were made for each other. Shikon’s tongue licked his lips and fangs, requesting entrance. Kouga parted both and let his own slide into the demon’s hot mouth. His taste sent Kouga reeling with arousal, his knees giving out. Luckily there was that rock to keep him up, and Shikon’s hands. Shikon ripped their mouths apart to trail hot, electrifying kisses down his neck. The wolf demon snaked a hand into his soft hair and gasped as his neck was lightly bit.
“Kouga, may I ask something of you?” he whispered into the pointed ear. All he could muster was a nod and something similar to ‘uh-huh’. Shikon licked at the edge of his ear and nibbled tenderly. “Over the past week I have found myself undeniably attracted to you, but I can’t explain why. I have never had this feeling about anyone, without the aid of sake that is.” He chuckled into the ear. Kouga shivered as he listened, wondering where this was all leading to. “I don’t know if you have the same feeling of attraction, but I would like to know.” The wolf youkai swallowed hard and tried to focus on anything so he could answer without his sexual wants getting in the way.
“Um…” he swallowed again. “Uh, yes. I’ve had the same feeling. Did that answer…your question?” He rocked his hips forward, rolling them against Shikon’s. The youkai gasped and pressed the wolf demon harder against the rock. He bit just under his ear, eliciting a moan from the black haired youkai.
“I never asked a question.” he growled. Kouga thought back and kicked himself for not realizing that.
“Ok, then hurry up and ask.” he returned. Shikon kissed the shell of his ear and pressed, if possible, closer to him.
“May I court you?” The question blew all of Kouga’s arousal out of him. He pressed the youkai away from him slightly so as to look at his face. Shikon went without a fight, looking straight into his eyes. Kouga knitted his eyebrows together as he gazed back.
“You, want to court me?” he asked disbelievingly. Shikon nodded, signaling he was completely serious. “But, I must be nearly five times your age. Hell, I’m not even a female inuyoukai! Why would you want to court me?” Shikon gave him a smile, turning him into a puddle of goo.
“As I said, I can’t explain the attraction, and I can’t deny its existence.” he offered. “And, to be truthful, I don’t want to. I don’t care that you’re a male youkai, I don’t care that you’re not an inuyoukai. None of that matters to me, except your answer.” Kouga stared at him for what seemed like an eternity before pressing their mouths together in a warm kiss.
“I would be honored if you courted me.”


“That’s pretty much the story between us.” Kouga wrapped up. Inuyasha looked away as they passed a window revealing beautiful mountains in the distance. He sighed gently as the sun sank down lower in the sky.
“Kouga, you’re lucky ya no that?” The wolf demon stopped and cocked his head.
“Hm, I guess so. But hey, you ain’t got is so bad neither mutt face.” The hanyou looked at him sadly, waiting for an explanation. “You’ve got a kid who loves ya, a brother who cares a little, and you’re still alive. Isn’t that something?” Inuyasha sighed and looked back out the window.
“My son has been living on his own for nearly all his life, and now he might even have a mate in his future, my brother only wants to keep me alive so he can kill me himself, and if he doesn’t get to then my sickness will. You’re right flea bag, this is a great life.” he bit back sarcastically. Kouga winced inwardly at seeing the plunder he had made. He laid a hand on the half-breed’s shoulder but said nothing. There was nothing to be said.