The Concealed Form of the Inu Daiyoukai

Chapter 14: Paying Mom a Visit Part I

A/N: Hi all, sorry about the long wait! Enjoy this installment!!!

It was a brief exhilarating trip from the land that possessed plants, animals and all other living creatures to the skies that provides the nourishment in the forms of the sun and rain drops. Two factors which are essential to the lives, growth and prosperity of the creatures on earth.

The pack landed at the top of the staircase that was connected to what looked like the castle’s courtyard. Inuyasha and Kouga dismounted Ah-Un and stared in awe at the massive Japanese style castle of the clouds that lay before their unbelieving eyes.

To the right and left of the two canines there were two large expertly carved white marble statues of two Inu daiyoukai in their true youkai form. Both replicas were setting on their hind legs with their front paws placed on the ground before them. Their broad muscular powerful chests were puffed out as if each thorax was ready to burst with confidence and pride. Both statues held their heads high with dignity and an air of authority. Although both statues seemed to represent two creatures that possessed a great amount of power, the sculpture to the left was smaller, more delicate, had one magenta colored wavy strip on each cheek and a crest moon on its forehead. The larger emblem to the right had one light blue strip on each cheek which possessed a zigzag pattern, a stronger physique and no crest moon on its forehead. In the middle of the courtyard and directly behind the first two statues, there was another Inu daiyoukai statue that seemed to be a combination of the first two statues they observed. It seemed elegant like the statue to the left yet strong like the statue to the right. The daiyoukai in the middle was larger than the icon to the left but smaller than the icon to the right. It possessed two magenta colored stripes on each cheek. Each of said strips curved upward slightly at each tip. This statue had the same posture as the other models and possessed the same air of confidence, authority and power as the other two statues setting in front of it.

After a few moments silent observation Inuyasha said:

“Wow, it’s like a family portrait or something.”

Kouga looked puzzled as he looked at Inuyasha and said:

“Family Portrait? What the hell is that?”

“It’s a word Kagome uses, it like a fancy painting of a family. That statue I’m guessing represents my ‘old man’. That one over there is Sesshoumaru’s mother and the one in the middle has to be Sesshoumaru.” Inuyasha said as he pointed his right clawed index finger to each individual sculpture as he described them to the wolf.

“No, shit. You’re smarter than you look mutt.” Kouga said as he smirked.

“Fuck you ya wimpy wolf!” Inuyasha snapped in his gruff tone.

Overhearing the two fowl month male’s conversation, Sesshoumaru made her displeasure known as looked at them out of the corner of a narrow eye and said:

“Both of you will show respect for them as well as for the great and terrible Inu no Tashio, is that clear.” She stated in that low tone on hers that meant business, a tone that was meant to be a statement of fact, not a suggestion, request or question. As the daiyoukai spoke she gestured her golden eyes towards the child in her right arm and the woman in front of them who would be their hostess for the evening.

While the two male canines were busy taking in the scenery and talking/bickering, Sesshoumaru had reverted back to her humanoid form, caught her giggling pup Rin in midair before landing in the court yard below. Sesshoumaru was still monumentally pissed about the dirty little conversation the two males had in front of Rin earlier and was doing her best to control her temper simply because she wishes to be civil while in her mother’s home. But alas, the two males were pushing their luck. Just because she wished to be civil while in her mothers abode did not mean that she would remain on her “best behavior” if they kept up their foolishness.

“Yeah, whatever.” Inuyasha said in that gruff tone of his, knowing full well that he was intending on doing whatever the hell he saw fit. Especially since he has already actually done some of the things Sesshoumaru told him to do.

Sesshoumaru looked at him as if she knew what he was thinking and gave him a glower that said “try me if you dare...” She definitely did NOT like the “old man” comment he made earlier nor did she like the rebellious look in his golden orbs. Than she glared at Kouga to receive his answer only to hear him say.

“Oh, sure thing ‘Sweetness’.” Was the wolf’s reply, a reply accompanied by that trademark smile of his.

“That’s a cute name Ma-um Lord Sesshoumaru” Rin said with a huge smile of her own as she thought:

“He already has a pet name for her, just like Mama and Papa use to have for each other…I knew they really liked each other!” She squealed in her mind. The disagreements and the pet name made them look like a married couple to the twelve year old girl. She was already imagining their future together…

“Hehehe, this outta be good.” Inuyasha said as he smirked and distanced himself from the wolf that was probably going to get beaten into a bloody pulp in a few seconds. Well he figured as long as she didn’t kill him, his broken bones would heal in a few days.

The daiyoukai eyes narrowed as she felt her control begun to slip. Granted she always had a temper that rivaled and at times surpassed Inuyasha’s but for the most part she was able to control it. However lately, she was having a harder time accomplishing that feat. She did not know if it was because of the physical changes and all the bad memories/flashbacks that came along with said changes or if it was just her female hormones making her more moody. Whatever it was she found it most irritating. Setting Rin on her feet Sesshoumaru was about to show the wolf just how ‘sweet’ she could be when provoked when she heard her mother’s soft, calm and indifferent voice sound out:


“Follow me.” Sesshoumaru’s mother ordered as she headed towards her thorn which sat on a pedestal right outside the castle’s staircase that led to the double door entrance. Granted her mother’s voice was not quite as forceful as her own, but Sesshoumaru knew her mothers commands when she heard them. Being someone who loved to give orders and not take them, she was never too please when orders were directed towards her or towards members of her pack when it was not her giving the commands. Even if the person or youkai giving the orders was her mother.

The head mistress of the fortress thought the wolf was endearing in his own way. In her mind he was merely trying to woo her daughter and that pup of hers seemed to intentionally attempt to ruin everything with her cold fury and indifferent view of intimacy. It was bad enough the way she glared at her younger sibling for addressing her deceased mate in such a common matter. A matter she herself did not appreciate, but would not react with such ire towards the younger pup as her daughter has. However, the look she was giving the wolf cub after his “Sweetness” comment spoke volumes to the elder daiyoukai. That mean glower showed the head mistress what she already knew; she saw her pup’s aversion to yet another potential mate advances. Even when her child was a male, she never saw nor heard of her pup taking an interest in anyone, male or female.

When Sesshoumaru was younger some of her pup’s pursuers would ask the head mistress and the Inu no Tashio permission to court their pup. They did not approve because they did not wish for their pup to intentionally or accidentally be exposed for what Sesshoumaru really was. Her pup was not fully trained at the time to handle such incidences. However, when her pup grew up, Sesshoumaru was more than capable of handling accidental exposures, eradicating any potential threats that would reveal her secret purposely or any other situation that may come up. So her pup should have at least started to experiment with different lovers, even if she decided not to mate them however, it was extremely difficult for the mother to keep track of the daughter after she ventured out on her own. Years, decades, scores and even a century went by at one time before her daughter would come to visit her. And when Sesshoumaru did visit, the pup only had business to discuss. The last time her pup visited to inquire about the Tensaiga, he (at the time) had a huge battle scare, namely a missing left arm or foreleg, depending on his form. She was a bit surprised at first, but not overly concerned. She knew that with the potential power her pup had the arm would eventually regenerate itself. Nevertheless, her nomad pup should visit her mother more often. After all the pup was so much fun to tease. So the headmistress would like to rectify her daughter tendency to stay away for so long.

It struck the elder daiyoukai odd that her adult pup seemed to push all potential mates away because she knew that even when her pup’s personality was at its coldest, Sesshoumaru should have desired someone to warm her (or in the past his) bed once in a while. Especially since Sesshoumaru had been denied for so long. Besides, the elder daiyoukai was cold, but desired intimacy from her mate and her lovers. Although Sesshoumaru inherited her mothers calm, cold and nonchalant tendencies, like her mother and her father she is an Inu. And Inu’s thrived in packs just like their wolf counterparts. Sesshoumaru’s mother saw that tons of creatures of difference species male and female continued to take an interest in him as a male. However, her pup did not return said interest. The head mistress was sure the same would happen now that she was in her female form. She guessed that perhaps changing her pup and making her live the façade of a male for all these years was the main reason her pup did not seem interested in anyone. Switching genders may have confused the pup and/or decreased Sesshoumaru’s desire for anyone. Nevertheless, she also knew that if she and the great Inu no Tashio had not did so; her “Warrior Queen” could have been killed along time ago. She did not know the truth as to why her only pup seemed so averse to the idea of having an intimate relationship with anyone. Sesshoumaru never told her mother what happened to her that moonless night the ground was covered with Snow and Blood and the air smelled of death. The faithful night her father left this world forever and her brother came into it. The same night a certain lowlife dragon was silenced for centuries to come.

Making a mental note to talk to her pup about the wolf, his advances and her lack of visits later, she took a seat in the large and creatively decorated golden throne with red lining.

The elder daiyoukai noticed that the human child, her adopted grand pup who by all rights should have been a snack for her and Sesshoumaru had bowed respectively to her before leading Ah-Un to one of the fountains to drink with a lovely smile on her face. The elder daiyoukai barely nodded her head towards the human pup, acknowledging her existence, yet her little gesture caused the human pup happiness, strange child. She also noticed that Sesshoumaru had finally taken her eyes off the wolf cub and approached the throne. Inuyasha and Kouga were no longer smirking as they walked by Sesshoumaru side towards the head mistress. Inuyasha on Sesshoumaru’s right side and Kouga on her left side. After the elder daiyoukai nodded her head towards the human pup in response to her bow, Kouga bowed showing respect as a royal price should show a queen. She nodded her head to him also in return. However, she noticed that Inuyasha did not bow, only grunted and nodded his head towards her. She did not hold him in contempt for his insolence. She understood why he did not bow to her. Even though her pup managed to talk Inuyasha into visiting her home, it did not mean that the younger pup would trust her one iota. So it would make sense that he did not bow his head nor take his golden orbs off her for a second. She inwardly acknowledged the younger pup’s wits as she sat in her comfortable cushioned throne.

After Ah-Un finished quenching their thirst, Rin lead the two headed beast to a large garden to the far right of the castle and left Ah-Un to munch on some grass. She was temped to go foraging through the garden and see what type of floral beauties she would find when she heard Sesshoumaru call out her name. She immediately obeyed and rushed to stand by her side waiting to hear her adopted parent voice again. A voice many creatures human or otherwise found cold and intimidating, but when it was directed towards her, all she heard in said voice was the soft, soothing tones it possessed.

Knowing the adults were about to speak she kept quiet and listened in on their conversation…

After a few moments of silence, the elder daiyoukai began their conversation by gazing into her daughters golden eyes with her own amber orbs and said:

“Since your disguise is no longer effective, I presume you know of your predicament, which is why you have come to me.” She stated in an all knowing tone as she crossed her left leg over her right and placed both of her delicate small clawed hands on top of her left knee.

Sesshoumaru remained silent as her mother continued:

“This one also sees that your “little youkai” and the human boy are not present. Has the human boy died? And what of the “little youkai”? Has he turned his back on you because he knows of your secret or did he run away, fearing the wrath of the elders?” She said with a smirk almost as an after thought noticing that Jaken was missing.

‘Speaking in the first person and saying that cold blooded shit with a smile! Yup that’s Sesshoumaru mother alright.’ Inuyasha thought as he saw the similarities in their personality and silently observed their conversation.

Meanwhile Kouga was thinking:

‘Shit, I see were Sesshoumaru gets her looks from! If that’s what Sesshoumaru will look like when she gets older than one lucky wolf!’ Kouga thought as if he and Sesshoumaru were already mates. His intended was mom was certainly beautiful, but none would replace powerful ‘his woman.’

Simultaneously Rin was thinking:

‘Luckily Kohaku is alive and doing well… Jaken wouldn’t leave Milord like that…I wonder how Jaken is doing, I hope he’s okay. But he should be alright if he listens to Lord Sesshoumaru.’ She thought as her mind jumped from Kohaku’s prosperity to Jaken’s unquestionable loyalty to his safety to her reassurance that the toad would be safe if he followed Sesshoumaru’s orders. Which he most likely did. Even though he treated her poorly at times she still loved the little green critter.

Deep down the head mistress always dreaded that the day would come. Dreaded the day that her child secret would be exposed. Not only is her pup’s life in danger, but their entire kingdom is in peril. Yet a part of her was content that the day has come, that her pup can truly live as herself and perhaps produce more grandpups and expand their Inu heritage. If she ever stops pushing all potential mates away that is. Granted if the wolf sired the pups, they would not be pure breeds, but at least they will be all canine. Of course that’s if the powerful elders are defeated. However, although the head mistress was concerned, she was not overly so. Sesshoumaru is the daughter of the great Inu no Tashio after all. The younger daiyoukai has her father’s strength, dogged ways and formidable temper and her mother’s cold calculating streak and deadly acidic claws. Now that her pup actually has something to protect, Sesshoumaru’s temper is one of her strengths; especially if it is triggered due to the fact that a pack member is in danger. As long as the elders live, every last one of the beings connected to Sesshoumaru in one way or the other are in deep shit. The younger daiyoukai would not stop until every last elder is vanquished and her pack is safe. Therefore the head mistress figured that if anyone had a chance of defeating the elders it was her pup Sesshoumaru, her Warrior Queen.

The elder daiyoukai did not let any of her thoughts or emotions be displayed as she held the guise of indifference upon her countenance and awaited her daughter’s answer.

Sesshoumaru looked at her with that certain bored expression of hers that usually meant she has taken offense to something or someone. This time she was offended by the fact that her mother seemed to indicate that she was in need of assistance. What even annoyed her more was the fact that her mother was right. Although she has recently learned that even she needs help from time to time, she still has a hell of a time asking for it. However, it would prove less perilous for Rin if she were to remain in the palace of the clouds with the elder daiyoukai instead of following the rest of the pack into battle. Not that Sesshoumaru was incapable of protecting the pup, but she always thought it was best to keep the child as far away from any conflict as possible. Particularly conflicts that involved powerful youkai. There was a few times in the past when Rin was in the middle of her fights but remained unscathed. However, she did remember the one time Rin was to close to the battle field; the time when she lost her right there on the very palace grounds they stood on to a hound of hell. Therefore she figured that if it could be avoided it would be best to continue her practice of keeping Rin, the girl that seemed to have a habit of getting into trouble out of trouble. Especially since the pup is one of the primary targets of the elder bastards. So knowing this, Sesshoumaru attempted to swallow her pride and inquire her mother for aid.

Another statement her mother made that Sesshoumaru found most irritating was that Jaken would betray her. Granted Jaken had some hang ups…okay a lot of them, the little green toad was loyal to a fault. What pissed her off even further was that her mother seemed to indicate that Sesshoumaru had failed to guard the boy long enough so that he may be saved! Kohaku was probably slaying some problematic lower youkai as they spoke thanks to her interference! Sesshoumaru was one of the main reasons why the human boy still breathes fresh air into his lungs, she did not fail dammit! So in her own demanding voice she retorted:

“This Sesshoumaru will leave Rin in your care until the elders are dealt with. In regards to the two missing parties, Kohaku is alive and well. As for Jaken, he is merely doing as he was told, he has taken cover.” Sesshoumaru said remaining her mom once again of her loyal servant name. At the same time she took up for the toad by letting her mother know that he has went into hiding because Sesshoumaru told him to do so.

“Ah, so the ‘little youkai’ is in hiding and the boy still lives. Neither bare your mark, I’m a correct?” The head mistress asked with that same look of indifference plastered across her face. Also neglecting to mention the toad’s name again. She figured that if they did possess the mark, both of them would have accompanied Sesshoumaru to her home because all of them would become primary targets for the elders to stalk.

“Correct.” Sesshoumaru stated simply, not bothering to remain his mother again about the toad’s name for now. The younger daiyoukai so hated to repeat herself.

Sesshoumaru’s mom glanced at the two male canines before turning back to her daughter and said:

“They do not bare your mark either. Yet I presume they will accompany you in battle. It makes your mother happy to see that you will have help Sesshoumaru.” The head mistress stated and Sesshoumaru merely scowled at her. Her mother just had to rub it in didn’t she?!

“I’ll take that as a yes.” The elder daiyoukai said with a smirk on her beautiful face as she looked at her pup’s expression.

“…” Again Sesshoumaru said nothing with her lips, but plenty with her usually emotionless face.

The narrowed eyes said she would love to wipe that smirk off her face, walk away and never have to ask for or demand and aid from her. However, for Rin’s sake she held her peace and took her mother’s taunting.

After she finished asking about the ‘little youkai’ and Sesshoumaru allies, the head mistress tilted her nose towards the human pup that stood by her daughter’s side. Said human pup looked at them both attentively with innocent chocolate orbs. The elder daiyoukai sniffed the air lightly before looking back at Sesshoumaru and spoke:

“You believe your mother’s home will serve as ample protection for the pup. What of the humans that care for her? Surely the elder’s minions will be able to detect her scent within their village yet you have not brought them with you…” Than after a moment of thought she smirked again and continued:

“…Ah, so, you left the humans to their fate I see.” The head mistress concluded stoically as if using the humans to care for Rin and leaving them to fend for themselves against the trouble Sesshoumaru may have inadvertently brought down upon them was no big deal.

Sesshoumaru suppressed the urge to growl as she balled up her fists, causing her knuckles to crack. It was already difficult enough for the daiyoukai to ask for assistance. Why did “mother dearest” have to make it even more complicated by insulting her dignity and honor?! Than Sesshoumaru begun to ponder:

‘Why would she indicate that this Sesshoumaru would commit such a dishonorable act?! Unless this is another one of her test…father did charge her with the duty to teach this Sesshoumaru about compassion after all…Perhaps she wishes to see if that lesson has stuck in this Sesshoumaru’s mind.’ As she thought she crushed her angry growl completely, released her fists and was about to answer when she heard Inuyasha speak for the first time in several moments as he balled his fists up by his sides, much like she had done and snapped:

“Keh, ya don’t sound too broken up about it! But I ain’t surprised, why would you, a great and powerful Inu youkai queen of ice care about humans anyway?! It doesn’t matter that they help take care of a little human pup that means a lot to your pup, does it?!” He said with frown on his face.

Those ‘humans’ she did not seemed to give a flying fuck about are members of his pack, his family! Now that his mate is carrying his heir he had even more to lose if the elders located them. The very idea of leaving his pack to their deaths made his blood boil like hot magma! Even though he knew Sesshoumaru placed a concealment shield around the village, the mere suggestion of leaving them to die and the nonchalant attitude Sesshoumaru’s mother had really pissed him off! He thought to himself:

‘That bitch is even colder than I first thought!’

Ignoring his sister’s scowl and the elbow from the wolf that was obvious trying to get him to shut the hell up he continued:

“And what about your pup Sesshoumaru huh? Shouldn’t ya give her a little bit more credit, she not a total bastard or evil bitch anymore ya know. In fact she…”

“Inuyasha enough.” Sesshoumaru said in a low tone through clenched teeth as she glared at him from the corner of her right eye.

She did not know how to react to her brother actually verbally defending her. Granted she knows he has stood up for her in the past against opponents such as Magatsuhi and Shishinki to name a few. Of course as stated before, she loathes the thought of needing help, getting help and asking for it; which is why there were many episodes were she showed Inuyasha her appreciation or lack there of by delivering a hard right cross to his face. She also loathe the feelings her little brothers actions evoke within her. A part of her may have been touched by the gesture back than and even more so now. The daiyoukai refused to admit that a part of her might appreciate his efforts even though a large part of her detested the mere though of anyone defending her whether she needed it or not!

“Enough my ass-“ Inuyasha snapped at Sesshoumaru and turned to give the head mistress another piece of his mind when he was interrupted by a certain raven haired wolf prince…

Seeing the tension that was building up in the atmosphere and not liking what the elder daiyoukai indicated one bit, Kouga spoke up cutting off Inuyasha’s biting remarks:

“Excuse me your highness, I hate to agree with mutt face about anything, but he does have a point. I haven’t had the pleasure of knowing Sesshoumaru personally for long, but what I do know is that she is honorable and takes responsibility for her actions. She would not just leave the humans to their fate.” He said with a diplomatic serious tone that was rare for the wolf. His ‘Sweetness’ wanted to leave her pup here. Pissing the elder daiyoukai off was not something the wolf wished to do. Not because he was afraid of her, but because she may throw the human pup out on her ass and that is not something ‘his woman’ wanted. He also was able to vouch for her because of his earlier nearly deadly encounter with her. She attacked him viciously even though he had not done anything to intentionally provoke her. However, after realizing what she had done she stayed by his side, healed his wounds and gave him a taste of heaven with her touches, nips and licks after putting him through a painful hell. So he decided to play the part of the nice little wolf for ‘his woman’s’ sake.”

“Kouga…” The way she practically hissed his name spoke volumes of how much she did NOT want his input either!

Meanwhile the head mistress sat at her throne with a stoic expression on her face as she took it all in. But before Kouga could respond to Sesshoumaru, cute little Rin chirped:

“Please don’t fight because of me.” All of the adults turned their attention towards the younger girl. She took a deep breath, looked into the head mistress cold eyes and continued:

“Please everyone, forgive Rin for speaking out of turn, but the humans who took me in are good people. Lord Sesshoumaru are friends with them now and Milord would not abandon someone she cares about. I know because she didn’t abandon Rin when she could have. No matter how many times she leaves, Lord Sesshoumaru always comes back. And, please forgive Lord Inuyasha, he did not mean what he said, he’s only worried about his family…um I mean pack-”

As Rin spoke Sesshoumaru had to suppress a sigh. Honestly, Rin had to blurt out her opinion and tell everyone present that she actually cares about anyone. To make matters worst the little pup had the gall to say that she actually had friends. As if the daiyoukai would indulge in such ridiculous relationships. She had not the time nor wished to have such bonds. Friendship required trust and the daiyoukai trust few if any besides herself. Participating in such foolish bonds did nothing, but allows enemies the opportunity to stab her in the back, twist the dagger and rip out her beating heart. Furthermore, Sesshoumaru most certainly did not care about the humans in Inuyasha pack. She is merely honored bond to protect them for only two reasons: one, they are occupants in her lands and two they took care of her pup. Although there were a few lessons they taught Rin that Sesshoumaru found displeasing, overall they did an adequate job of protecting the human pup. As for Rin, well she refused to confirm or deny any feelings for the pup. As far as she was concerned her actions spoke loud enough.

Quickly at a certain point in the pup’s speech, Sesshoumaru stopped telling herself that those two words ‘care’ and ‘friend’ should not even be mentioned in the same sentence as her name; unless it involved negative adverbs such as ‘no’ or ‘not’. That certain point of the speech was when Inuyasha spoke:

“-The hell I didn’t mean every word…Ahhh Shit!!!” Inuyasha had begun to voice his disagreement with the Rin’s deduction, but was interrupted when a certain large yet delicate looking clawed hand used its fingers to pitch and twist the shit out of his left sensitive ear.

Rin being distracted by Inuyasha’s loud protest, looked up at the two siblings, slapped both of her tiny hands over her mouth and repress the urge to giggle, although barely.

Kouga merely shook his head at the Inu hanyou saying the word “Baka” referring to Inuyasha. Inuyasha being in too much distress ignored the wolf comment and focused on freeing his ear by trying to pry Sesshoumaru’s hand lose from the sensitive appendence. He failed… miserably.

Inwardly calming herself after seeing Rin full of mirth, Sesshoumaru merely nodded for the girl to continue although the younger daiyoukai still did like it. Why did mostly everyone within the conversation felt the need to defend her like she was some helpless infant pup? Tch, ridiculous.

Rin than turned her attention completely to Sesshoumaru and said:

“Lord Sesshoumaru, Rin would like to continue to travel with you if I may. I have been trained by Lady Kaede and Lady Kagome, I can be of use.” Rin said trying not to indicate that Sesshoumaru may need more help; especially from a human pup.

Rin was not surprised when she heard Sesshoumaru say simply:

“No. You will stay here as long as the palace is safe.”

Being the upbeat person that she is, Rin smiled and said:

“Yes, Ma-Lord Sesshoumaru.” The little peace maker bowed indicating that she was finished, hoping that they would not continue to bicker, especially because of her. She would follow Sesshoumaru to the ends of the earth and beyond if the younger daiyoukai permitted it. She never liked the idea of leaving her adopted mother’s side for one instant and figured she could be of assistance with her acquired archery and healing skills. However she also wished not to cause any more conflict. Hence, one reason why she did not wail the way she has done in the past to follow Sesshoumaru, but instead merely made her feelings known. The other reason is that the pup had matured a great deal in the last five years.

Four sets of beautiful eyes turned back to look at the head mistress. She looked at them all with a stoic expressionless face. One pair of large golden eyes were expressive showing anger and concern, the other easily readable blue cerulean eyes that usually held a look of laughter and confidence displayed seriousness and worry. Another pair of large chocolate eyes held a look of innocence, love, trust and a slight hint of uneasiness. The last set of smaller more worldly golden eyes showed little emotion. But the elder daiyoukai knew her pup well and she was able to see irritation and a hint of concern within them. The head mistress knew the irritation stemmed from her daughter having to ask for any assistance and her three companions coming to her defense. Her pup’s concern however, went beyond herself. Her concern just like Kouga’s Inuyasha’s and Rin’s concern was for the safety of her entire pack and her lands.

Rin did not know much about the elders, but she was a miko in training and her training increased her sixth sense. It made her have the same feeling about the elders as the rest of them did whether they care to admit it or not…an extremely bad feeling. She like the rest of them knew that battling the elders would not be a walk in the park.

The elder daiyoukai looked thoughtfully at her pup for a few moments admiring how much her pup’s personality had changed. Many of Sesshoumaru’s ways were resurfacing. Said traits were barely noticeable, but they were there. Traits the younger daiyoukai possessed before she lost her father. The head mistress saw the concern in her pup’s eyes as she gazed into them. Good, that was what she wanted to see. Inu no Tashio did an excellent job of ingraining his lessons into their pup, even if he had to put Sesshoumaru though hell more than once to do it.


The elder daiyoukai was surprised when Sesshoumaru brought Rin back from Hell with the mark of the Inu upon the human. Her pup’s marking showed how much the human meant to Sesshoumaru which is one of the reasons why the head mistress woke the human up from her permanent slumber after they escaped hell. The mark placed on the human pup normally could only be done by a female Inu. The mark of a mother on its pup. However, this marking was particularly shocking to the head mistress because at the time Sesshoumaru bestowed the marking upon the human, Sesshoumaru was a male. Sesshoumaru’s maternal instincts overrode the younger daiyoukai concealment chameleon stone, causing the elder daiyoukai pup to mark the human pup she almost lost as her own; despite her physical sex at the time.

Sesshoumaru eyes grew narrower the longer she awaited her mother’s answer. She looked as if she dared her to say no. It was hard enough as it was to demand help and especially ask for it. She was not in the mood to hear her mother’s rejection or anymore snide remarks. And knowing her mother, she had plenty.

Smirking at her daughter’s challenging look the elder daiyoukai said:

“Now don’t give me that look Sesshoumaru, you will have your way this time. The pup can stay under my care until you return. However, I guarantee nothing. Remember what this one told you. Remember what will happen if the pup dies...” She said as she got up as gracefully as her daughter and begin to walk towards the castle entrance with the elegance of a true Queen.

The younger daiyoukai understood her mother’s words. Sesshoumaru already knew that it would be extremely difficult for the elders to locate the palace. But whoever said that ‘extremely difficult meant the same thing as impossible? If this were to happen, not only would her mother’s life be forfeit, but the same fate would fall upon her pup. A pup that can no longer be saved by Tessaiga. Nor will her mother willing used the mediou stone she carries around her neck to save the girl. At least according to what her mother told her five years earlier. Sesshoumaru judgment tells her that although there is no hundred percent guarantee, the pup would be safer in the fortress among the clouds.

They continued to watch the elder daiyoukai slowly, but gracefully make her way to the castle entrance when she called out to Inuyasha:

“By the way little hanyou, this one happens to hold a great concern for the human population below, including that little village you seemed to be so fond of.”

“Yeah, why is that?” Said hanyou questioned with an unbelieving tone.

“My dear boy, if all of the humans were wiped out, how else would this one ease her hunger pains.” Than she looked over her shoulder at Inuyasha, licked her lips as if she tasted something absolutely divine and continued:

“There’s nothing more delectable than raw human flesh.” Than she heard an almost silent growl from her daughter. A growl that reprimanded the head mistress for her behavior.

The elder daiyoukai only chuckled as she disappeared in the entrance.

Inuyasha’s eyes were wide with shock and he was left speechless for a moment. Not only because of her words, but from sheer panic for Rin!

The human pup remembered in the past when Sesshoumaru’s mother asked the younger daiyoukai if he (at the time) intended on eating her and Kohaku five years ago. Sesshoumaru scoffed in anger and disgust just at the thought of it. However, Rin did not know how about Sesshoumaru mother’s diet. Hell, she didn’t know everything about Sesshoumaru’s diet either. But she did know that Sesshoumaru would not harm her.

The usually fearless child felt a surge of uneasiness spike through her been. She understood that Sesshoumaru believed that she would be safe at the palace, but with everything that was going on, the human pup nerves were already raddled. So Rin shivered because of elder daiyoukai words and stepped closer to Sesshoumaru, holding on to her right arm. The younger daiyoukai stroked Rin’s hair lightly with her free hand and dared anyone to say anything about the semi affection action. Her silent gesture reassured the human that she would be fine and that her mother would not harm her a hair on the human pup head. Rin understood Sesshoumaru well and calmed down plenty after a few minutes. Meanwhile Sesshoumaru was conflicted. A large part of her was irritated that her mother had upset Rin. She was not upset with Rin though. She knew the child had unquestionable faith in her, but seeing the younger daiyoukai as feral as she was a few days ago, hearing that the elders were after all of their heads and hearing the head mistress speak of eating humans would make anyone, especially a small human child tremble. In fact she was proud of her for not wanting to leave the place immediately. Instead she went right to her side for protection. However, a smaller part of Sesshoumaru found it amusing to see her brother’s reaction to her mother’s words. Her mother would not devour the humans of Inuyasha’s village. Even if she tried, Sesshoumaru would not allow her to do so. After all she was honor bond to protect them, even from her mother. Obviously her foolish sibling did not understand this. Being centuries older than Rin, he should have known better.

“Baka…” Sesshoumaru thought:

Inuyasha’s face held a look of shock for a several moments giving the mistress time to enter her home and let her words sink in. Seeing that the elder daiyoukai was gone, his face morphed into a picture of disgust than anger as he stepped away from chuckling Kouga, remembering that he used to eat humans as well.

Turning to his right to Kouga who was still standing by him from earlier when the wolf elbowed him he snapped:

“Get the fuck away from me and stay the fuck away from Rin, Kouga!” He snapped as his fist were balled up at his side again and he blocked Rin from the wolf’s view with his body. Sesshoumaru noticed he turned his back to her. So the pup did trust her to an extent after all. She decided to dismiss that thought for later…

The bitch that started the whole mess of a subject that addressed the eating and digestion of humans was gone from his sight. So he took his frustrations out on the grinning idiot in front of him. Inuyasha didn’t have to worry about the kid when she was with Sesshoumaru. He knew his elder sibling would not do anything to hurt the pup. He also knew that Sesshoumaru would not let anyone else hurt the human pup either. Sesshoumaru’s mother was another story however. Hell, he also knew that it was irrational to push Kouga away since he stopped eating humans, but he just couldn’t help himself.

Kouga chuckle slowly turned into a scowl as he saw the serious express on Inuyasha’s face than he said:

“What!? What’s your fucking problem!? Nobody in my pack eats humans anymore you dumbass mutt!” Than as an after though Kouga said:

“Although I can’t say shit for her.” He said nodding his head in the direction of the head mistress.

Than he heard Sesshoumaru’s low growl indicating that their language was not appreciated. She didn’t say anything to them at first, wanting to see if they would stop their fowl mouth curses on their own this time. Which of course didn’t happen. Seconds later both of them received bruises on them courtesy of Sesshoumaru after Rin released the younger daiyoukai arm. Inuyasha had two abused ears now and poor Kouga’s tail was as sore as hell! She pounced on some of the most sensitive areas on their bodies. Although she caused his tail great pain, Kouga was content by the fact that his “Sweetness” actually touched him in an area that was close to his lower region. However, that happiness the wolf felt was momentarily forgotten when Sesshoumaru yanked on his tail again at a certain angle hard…fracturing it, causing him to let out a silent yelp. Honestly, she was not trying to arouse the little pervert, but that’s what she smelled when she grabbed him. So she twisted his tail and Inuyasha’s ear harder. Not only did she punish them for their conversation now, but she was reminded to give them pain from their earlier more perverted talk.

It took him several moments of gasping to hold back the scream that wanted to erupt from Kouga’s throat after the initial silent yelp. Finally catching his breath he thought:

‘Well at least she didn’t break any bones yet, she went easy on me. Yup, she definitely wants me….’ His face was contorted into a combination of a smile and distress from agony.

The youngest Inu would have laughed at the wolf’s suffering if not for his own pain. That crazy bitch yanked on his ear hard causing him to practically sit down on the ground in pain. After a few more moments Sesshoumaru released both of them causing them to sigh in relief.

Inuyasha merely growled after his yelping had stopped, calling Kouga a ‘whipped hentai wolf’ as said wolf apologized to Sesshoumaru for his fowl words. Kouga scowled, glared with his cerulean blue orbs Inuyasha, balled his right fist up and punched the palm of his left hand, silently threatening Inuyasha. Inuyasha cracked his knuckles on his right hand to return the threat as Kouga turned to look at the open entrance, than he smiled at Inuyasha and said:

“Well, I guess we should head on in. Are you coming mutt or are you afraid that she’ll take a chuck out of you, you know being half human and all.” He chuckled and begin to head inside.

Inuyasha bristled and shouted with an indignant tone:

“I ain’t scare of nothing, I was just thinking about the kid Asshole! Ouch! Cut that shit out Sesshoumaru! Ouch dammit! Ah!” Inuyasha yelped after his quicker than the eye sibling got her claws on his right ear again twisting it every time a curse fell from his lips. She released it a few moments later thinking about how dense Inuyasha could be sometimes.

Inuyasha thoughts ran through his mind as he massaged his abused ear and gave Sesshoumaru a nasty look, who only gave him an even dirtier glare in return:

‘I don’t know what’s worst! Getting the life strangled out of me like Sesshoumaru used to do or getting my ears nearly ripped off! Which for some reason she has taken a liking to doing! Damn you Sesshoumaru, that hurts!’

Than his train of thought was interrupted when he heard Kouga deep gruff voice:

“What are you waiting for…scary cat!” Kouga said at the entrance as he took off running within the castle laughing his ass off.

Inuyasha growled and went to give chase when a large clawed hand grabbed his right shoulder and halted him in his tracks.

He turned around to merely see Sesshoumaru give him a look that said ‘no, not in the palace’. She would not have them destroying her mother’s fortress merely because of their childish bickering. Inuyasha forcefully shrugged the hand of his shoulder turned to face her and said:

“I hope you know what you are doing leaving the pup with someone who eats humans. Leaving her with Kouga is one thing; I know the bastard doesn’t eat humans anymore, but what about you’re Mother? Was all that she said true?” He questioned as his body tensed and waited for an answer.

Rin shoulders were shaking with laughter at the male canine antics until Inuyasha brought up the subject of humans being eaten by youkai. At this point Rin looked up at Sesshoumaru and awaited her Lord’s answer.

Sesshoumaru gave Inuyasha an indifferent expression and retorted:

“Inu’s do not eat their own.” She stated simply. Inuyasha ears were plastered to his head in confusion as he said:

“But Rin ain’t an Inu or a youkai she’s a human.” Sesshoumaru arched an elegant eyebrow at Inuyasha as if to say ‘you baka’ and said in a flat tone:

“The mark hanyou.” Surprisingly, Inuyasha did not get too offended by the ‘hanyou’ comment. Maybe because it was not said with such venom as it was before, merely slight annoyance. Than Inuyasha’s brain clicked and he said:

“Oh yeah. You marked her so that makes her apart of the pack, it’s like she is an Inu…Hey! Stop looking at me like I’m stupid or something. It’s not like I was raised by youkai, how the hell was I suppose to know!” Inuyasha said totally switching from a tone of realization to a tone of irritation when he noticed the ‘are you stupid look’ Sesshoumaru was giving him.

Sesshoumaru gave him that bored look again and said:

“It is simple even for you Inuyasha. Since you do not know, learn.” She left it as simple as that.

The boy knows that he has had the flea, his retainer, Myouga at his disposal for his entire life; surely he could have asked the flea about youkai culture. Even if he was an orphan for a long quite a long time, did he not believe that the knowledge he acquired about youkai tradition, not just the knowledge about their quest for power, could be used to his advantage? Did the flea not believe this as well? Or perhaps Myouga tried to teach Inuyasha, but the pup merely chose not to listen. Sesshoumaru would not be surprised if it was the latter.

Being the older sibling Sesshoumaru knew that she was supposed to teach him about such things in their father’s absence, but they didn’t exactly have a great relationship. Since that was the case, the flea could and should have done the job. That’s if her stubborn sibling bothered to listen that is. Now however, Inuyasha could even ask her about youkai way of life since they are on somewhat civil terms. Of course as hinted at earlier, he could not ask her in the past seeing that she would basically fuck him up on sight. Hell, even back in the day when they were trying to rip each other throats out, she taught him a few lessons that enhanced his fighting skills. But as far as him and Sesshoumaru sitting down and having a peaceful conversation about the youkai ways not to mention anything else, well that was certainly NOT going to happen. However, he could ask now. Sesshoumaru even thought about sitting him down one day and teaching him a thing or two about youkai traditions.

Inuyasha growled at Sesshoumaru’s sarcastic remark. He was about to retort with the same tone and say something along the lines of ‘well if ya had taught me, maybe I would know a hell of a lot more by now’, something that Sesshoumaru was ready for him to say when Rin chirped:

“Thank you for your concern Lor-um Inuyasha, but Rin will be okay.” She said hugging him around his waist the top part of her head only reaching the part just below the diaphragm of his chest. His body felt a lot like Sesshoumaru’s when she hugged the daiyoukai; hard and strong yet soft and warm. The feeling made her feel protected and loved even though neither one of them will probably never say it.

“Keh. Whatever pup.” Inuyasha said as he ruffled her hair noting that Sesshoumaru did not say that her mother did not eat humans. She merely stated that Inu’s did not eat their kin adopted by mark or related by blood. Which made him wonder since Sesshoumaru was the head mistress daughter, did she eat humans? Has she ever eaten humans in the past and like Kouga, decided to go on a non human diet? When she said that she did not eat ‘human food’ did she mean the actual food humans eat or the humans themselves? Inuyasha inhaled to ask, but before he exhaled the words he saw her indifferent expression as she scoffed:

“Tch, do not ask questions that you do not want answered, little brother.” She said seriously before turning to the human pup and saying:

“Come Rin.” Than she continued:

“Inuyasha bring her supplies.” She stated as she walked past Inuyasha who frowned, but did as he was told.

The younger daiyoukai was not psychic as far as Inuyasha knew. However, he hated the fact that for the most part she seemed able to read him like an open scroll. What worst, she seemed better at it now that she is a female.

Usually doing what he was told was extremely rare, but lately he has actually been a little more cooperative with Sesshoumaru. He told himself that he would have to change that…soon. But since it was for Rin’s sake he went to grab her supplies off of a resting Ah-Un as he pondered Sesshoumaru’s cryptic words.

Sesshoumaru gracefully walked up the stairs toward the entrance with a petite smiling Rin trailing beside her. The child wondered what Inuyasha’s question was, but she had a feeling that her Lord was ‘playing’ with Inuyasha because she saw the little rare smile that graced her beautiful face. However, Inuyasha failed to see that smile. If he had, he would have draw Tessaiga and ready himself for battle. In his eyes he would have mistaken that smile to mean extreme pain or death, not a mischievous sense of humor.

Inuyasha did not like the way she answered and yet did not answer his question. After a few moments of standing by the two headed dragon, Inuyasha’s brain clicked and he started to think that maybe Sesshoumaru had the same taste buds as her mother. Maybe he should grab Rin take Ah-Un and get the fuck out of dodge! After all he never saw Ah-Un eat any meat, maybe it was a vegetarian. He didn’t know for sure, but he was willing to take the chance. But than the more he thought about it the wheels in his head started to turn and he pondered:

‘Naw, Sesshoumaru can’t stand the smell or as she likes to put it ‘stench’ of humans. Plus humans eat ‘human food’; she wouldn’t want to eat anything that has consumed ‘human food’. There is no way in hell she want a human as a meal. Especially the pup, it took me a while, but I see that she cares about her…Grrrrrrrrrrrrr that bitch was just fucking with me….I think…’ He thought as he scowled and picked up Rin supplies from Ah-Un side bag which was attached to its saddle. The two headed beast left head merely gave him a curious look while the right head growled low, upset that its sleep was disturbed. Inuyasha merely grunted grab the bags and headed towards the steps that led to the castle main doors.

As he walked up the steps he thought about some of the good qualities that Sesshoumaru has. Though in his opinion, she still was crazy and mean as hell. But being crazy and mean as hell was a step up from being a malevolent ruthless evil murderer who destroyed those innocent of any major crime and those guilty of said crimes without mercy. Therefore overall he thought her personality had improved.

Sesshoumaru noted the sound of Inuyasha’s rapid heartbeat, smell of confusion and grumblings that sounded something like ‘what the fuck is she talking about and why didn’t she out right answer me?!’ as Inuyasha went to retrieve Rin’s belongings. She was in a somewhat better mood since her mother agreed to let Rin stay. So she felt like evoking her sadistic sense of humor at her brother’s expense. Unlike the past she did not smile at his misfortunes nor did she take joy in the fact that she would destroy him. In fact, she found the thought of destroying him displeasing. He had earned her respect as a warrior after all. Killing him would be a waste. She told herself that’s the only reason why she no longer wished to see him dead. She was willing to let everyone believe that was the only reason. Yeah right, like she would tell him or anyone else otherwise. Even if she did care, which she most certainly did not! Now she taunted him to see the over emotional pup reactions.

‘Let the pup wander about this one’s palate…’ Sesshoumaru chuckled inwardly as Rin smiled because of the smile on the younger daiyoukai face.

After all the guests entered the large gathering room of the fortress Sesshoumaru said:

“We will stay here for tonight. Were leaving come sunrise.”

Rin took her bag from Inuyasha and thanked him for his generosity. He just dismissed her thanks saying that it was ‘no problem’ Rin bowed and went to follow Sesshoumaru.

Inuyasha did not like the idea of staying overnight, but keep his feelings to himself. Looking around he noticed that the head mistress had disappeared. He also noticed several beautiful tapestries of all sorts that decorated the cherry wood walls and a huge white fur rug that covered a large portion of the floor. There were plenty of large white pillows sitting on top of the rug, for guess he assumed. He could not tell the origin of the rug, but he would not be surprised if it was the fur from a Inu daiyoukai in true form. It did have the scent of a Inu after all. He decided to ask Sesshoumaru about it later. She did tell him to learn did she not?

He looked up to see Kouga disappearing behind one of the corners of one of the walls that lead to a hall way. His tail hung limply as if it was still to painful for him to move it. Shaking his head at the wolf, Inuyasha ran to catch up to the group. His instincts told him that this was going to be a long night. Little did he know, everyone else in their little group felt the same way. They had no idea how right they were…

A/N: Happy belated Holidays! Reviews are adored and appreciated