Strength

Dear all, So sorry for late up date, but have been very very busy at work, cause I am going to Turkey for a conference and holiday in 12 days from now... :) so had a lot to finish and had no energy to type, AND still editting sared trees.. arrgggh. Still long chappie to make up for it.

Inumimi (all others who didnt get the meaning): 'shipping' is a slang term means putting characters in relationships (sexual), literally a shortform of relation'SHIP'. :) Sorry.
Tasha : Sesshy will learn, and if he doesnt himself many will come to teach him.. see below.
Mulle : Seriously I love Yuusha, hehehehe, he has a great deal to d with Sesshy's errrr... education.
maegerakawaii : Yuusha and Sesshy are very alike – so there is a natural errr... tension between them. Lol Im gonna have fun with it.
Madame de Coeur: Thanks so much. I love and need the support. :)

Okay okay, lets get on with this.

Read, review and enjoy!!

Chapter 16 : It happened on the way.

The rather large group of Youkai, ningen and Hanyou; only missing Ryoku and Kouga; reached Kaede’s village after 16 days of travelling. They travelled on 3 dragon borne carriages. Sesshoumaru had set a punishing pace, leaving almost no time for discussion and socializing. They had been travelling for almost a month, with the only serious stop at Kaede's village. Kagome, Miroku and Kaede had left the group at the village. Inuyasha had invited Kaede to come to the West, but the old woman was too set in her ways, and as much as she loved the Hanyou, she would die in the village she had spent her life in. Sango had been overjoyed to see Inuyasha alive and well, and was unsurprised at his chilly acceptance of her. What did surprise her was how her children and every other child the Hanyou met seemed to now gravitate to him. He was not motherly or soft, instead what drew the children was the fierce sense of safety they felt in the Hanyou's presence as well as a childlike ability to play that Inuyasha had developed since he had his own pups.

The day before they reached the village Inuyasha had a private talk with both Shippo and Kilala. The NekoDemon would not leave Sango of course, but it did indicate that if Sango passed on she may head West. Shippo had been shaking when Inuyasha had taken him aside. The kit was nervous and very scared. Inuyasha had to force the kit to meet his eyes, “Shippo are you happy with the humans?”

Shippo hesitated and then answered honestly, “Yes, sort of. They take care of me, and they have kids now so it is fun. But.. but.. I don't feel safe, I don't feel strong, they are human and sometimes they don't understand. I can't fight Inuyasha-san, I think I fight worse now then when Naraku was alive. I thought it was Kagome that made us a family...b..b..but.. I was wrong Inuyasha-san it was not Kagome that made my family, it was you. It was always you, it was you who kept me safe, and made me stronger.” Shippo said as he looked as his feet miserably.

Inuyasha did not answer for a long second, then he released a deep breathe. “Shippo, a Demon's life is not about safety, we die all the time. Sometimes faster then humans. Now tell me true, if I was to die in say 2 or 3 years and you knew it, would you want to come with me or stay with the humans?” Shippo wanted to protest -even the idea of Inuyasha dying- it turned his stomach, but the serious solemn look on the Hanyou's face arrested the protest. Shippo looked at Inuyasha with fearful eyes, something was not all right here. He did not understand, but the Kitsune considered the question carefully.

“If.. if I knew I would never be able to see you again, I'd want to spend every minute of what time we had left with you. I.. I.. missed you Inuyasha-san, so much. Please.. please let me go with you, please.” Shippo whimpered.
“The humans you travel with will not be coming with us. I will remove the scent connections you have with them. And you will bear my scent the same as Shoiri and Hana do. But this time make no mistake Shippo, this makes you an adoptive kit of my family, that means I have absolute say over your training and development. You will train and you will be stronger, and you will obey not only me, but all those I deem to have authority over you, especially Sesshoumaru, Hana and Ryuko-sensei. We will not be easy on you kit.” Inuyasha said warningly.
Shippo's green eyes swum with tears as he looked up, he was being given a second chance, he knew it was more then he deserved for turning his back on Inuyasha all those years ago, but he still grabbed the chance with both paws. He dropped to his knees in submission. “Please.. please.. take me with you.” Shippo whispered his tears dropping to the earth between his small paws.

A clawed hand reached down and stroked the red hair, fingers gripped the back of Shippo's neck and he was lifted from the ground. Instinctively he went limp in Inuyasha's grip. By the scruff of his neck, Inuyasha lifted the kit to just below his chin, Shippo immediately licked along Inuyasha's jaw line, whining continuously, a proper act of submission among Canines. Appeased, Inuyasha lifted the kit and sniffed him. Shippo smelled of humans, processed food and strange chemicals, Inuyasha snorted in displeasure at the unnatural scents from the Miko’s world. Inuyasha brought the kit to his chest, and holding the kit close, extended his own scent. The first time he had done this it had been over many months, he had been so subtle the Kitsune had never even noticed. This time, he did it immediately and deliberately, His Youki first stripping the scent of others from the kit, Inuyasha smiled grimly, when Shippo whimpered but did not resist. Shippo felt extraordinarily exposed, he could feel Inuyasha removing the scent ties he had with the old group from him. A part of him wanted to cry out at the loss, but most of him said – finally – it was time for him to grow up. Still limp and submissive, Shippo felt then Inuyasha's scent rise and cover him, his own Youki did not resist at all, instead it shuddered in recognition, welcoming the once familiar scent, almost basking in the domination. Shippo was trembling... home.. home... this was home, he was finally home.

Finally he was able to do, what he had not dared do a few days ago, Shippo lunged for Inuyasha, his small hands going tight around the Hanyou's neck as tears watered down. “Ojii-sama, Ojii-sama” (uncle) the kit chanted happily. Inuyasha held the kit close, clawed hands stroked him gently. Inuyasha nuzzled at the shock of red hair. “You are my kit, now Shippo, part of my family. Go, to Shiori, she will recognize the scent and Hana will make arrangements for you.” He placed the kit of the floor and nudged him off. Inuyasha did not explain what the arrangements were, neither would Hana, on Inuyasha's instructions. Shippo did not ask, he did not feel a need to, he felt safe, utterly and completely. With a huge watery smile, Shippo ran off to his new future.

**

Kagome had not been consulted and she had not been happy, with the decision. Kaede had broken the news to her and the miko had not been given a chance to even say a word to the Hanyou. Her farewell from Shippo at the village was as touching as it was final. Inuyasha totally ignored her, with Shippo breaking ties with her, Kagome knew that she had overstayed her welcome in the Feudal area. After the group left for the West, she used the well for one last time, and sealed it behind her. She would always regret what she had lost, and the bitter taste of her own failings, helped her to finally grow up.

**

Rin who was a permanent member of Kaede’s village had been ecstatic to see them, and had been enchanted by Sesshoumaru-sama's pups. Shiori, Mee-chan and Rin got along almost immediately, Kishi just grinned and followed not really caring as long as there was fun or food. Yuusha of course had been less then impressed with the human who smelled like 'That Youkai' and ignored all her attempts to make friends, staying close to his Papa. Shippo made rounds wishing the village goodbye.

Sesshoumaru sat at the edge of the village, as silent and as still as a statue as he watched over his new family. He did not bother talking to the humans in the village, only Kaede had come to him to say good bye. Sesshoumaru having learned something about how to keep his Hanyou happy, had immediately informed the old Miko that he would be sending a messenger to her every week, to give and get news of the family. She was told that if she or Rin felt like visiting all she had to do was be ready, and the messenger would escort them to the Western Kingdom, for a visit. Kaede was shocked by the generosity of the offer, she knew that she would take it up when she could.

All in all the group spent a almost a whole day in the village, only leaving because Inuyasha did not want to spend the night there. Instead they had gone to Ginshenboku to camp under the huge canopy. Around the campfire Inuyasha began telling stories of the Great tree, his three pups settled comfortably on his lap, Shiori and Shippo on either side leaned close. Inuyasha spoke in a low growly voice and had the children fascinated until sleep caught up with them and they were lulled to rest. Sesshoumaru, Jaken and Hana sat on the other side of the fire, the Demon Lord slight further back from the human and imp. Sesshoumaru had initially been on the far side, until Inuyasha began telling of the time he was pinned to the tree, the DaiYoukai found he was as fascinated as the children, and had moved to his current location to listen to the low but strangely compelling voice. Inuyasha was magic with the children... Inuyasha was magic.. pure and simple. A strange satisfaction settled around Sesshoumaru, soon, soon, he would have them in his home, and Inuyasha would be his again. soon.

Later that night, Inuyasha tucked the children into their sleeping bags. The boys each had their own, while Mee-chan shared with Shiori. Once sure they were sleeping, Inuyasha took to the branches of the great tree. Finding his 'spot' the Hanyou curled comfortably into the great branches; this was one of the few places he thought of as 'home'. Listening to the familiar song of the night he relaxed, and for that night at least cradled by the branches of the Great Tree, he knew no pain, just the strong comforting presence of the Tree of time.

The next morning the 3 Dragon carriages, far more comfortable without the extra humans, had taken off for the last leg of the journey. Though the trip could have been done in two days, Inuyasha was surprised when Sesshoumaru took the scenic route, making the last leg of their journey a slow and easy one, of two weeks. The DaiYoukai was no fool, once they got back to the Western Palace, there would be many distractions, now without the humans around, he finally had time to bond with his family. Sesshoumaru was also well aware that both the blasted Wolf and Ryuko intended to join them in the Western Palace. The only reason he had managed to avoid travelling with them was because the wolf had to clear some details with his pack and his mother's monstrosity of a palace was a great deal slower then the carriages. So this small period was a gift he was not going to overlook.

One thing that irritated Sesshoumaru about this journey was that he had no alone time with the Hanyou, the children's presence made sure of that. Still Sesshoumaru was able to use the time to his advantage, he took every opportunity to touch the Hanyou, his hand would trail on Inuyasha's shoulders as he walked past, or stroke the cotton soft hair. It was covert, almost (but not quite) accidental. At first the Hanyou flinched involuntarily, at each contact, but to Sesshoumaru's secret satisfaction as the journey progressed his little brother seemed to accept those seemingly innocent touches as a given and stopped reacting negatively to the touch. Inuyasha still rarely addressed Sesshoumaru directly, unless it had to do with the children. Everything being said though, in spite of his physical frustration Sesshoumaru was pleased that the journey without irritating humans (Hana non withstanding) was for the most part fruitful, peaceful and enjoyable.

Mee-chan and Kishi both had warmed up to Sesshoumaru, and with Inuyasha's urging the two had on the 2nd night of their travel, finally got enough courage to sit next to their other father. Sesshoumaru had been immobilized for a few seconds, then mimicking his younger brother he had reached out and gently combed his deadly claws through his pups hair. It took 4 more nights before the two had plopped themselves on his lap, and were demanding stories from him. Sesshoumaru's pleasure had known no limits, his face braking out into a rare smile, which softened his features and had the whole camp staring at him in awe. Jaken had of course fainted again – but that was such a normal occurrence, even Hana no longer commented on it.

Yuusha surprisingly enough had made no effort to influence his siblings acceptance of their other father. On the night when the two had plunked into Sesshoumaru lap, the oldest pup was comfortably curled in his Papa's lap. He initially showed no expression as he watched his siblings and his other father. Finally, Sesshoumaru looked up from the two pups on his lap to smile at his too calm oldest pup. Yuusha first blinked slowly and then his lips curled into a rather satisfied smile. The DaiYoukai was surprised; he expected that Yuusha would be against him bonding with the other two. The pup had not said a single word to his other father since they left Awa, being ignored was new to the DaiYoukai, so why was the pup smiling now that Sesshoumaru had made progress with the other. Sesshoumaru felt a surge of hopeful satisfaction that he was finally getting through to Yuusha.
Inuyasha was talking to Hana and not paying attention to the silent exchange,

Yuusha smiled suddenly seemed less like satisfaction and more like a smug “I win’ smile. The feeling of success dissipated and Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed, suspiciously on his son. The pup saw the look, and understood. Never breaking eye contact with Sesshoumaru, Yuusha squirmed as if suddenly uncomfortable. Immediately Inuyasha's claws came to pet his son's hair, and he absently adjusted his position to ensure Yuusha was more comfortably settled on his lap. Yuusha stretched out taking all the space on his Papa's lap, as he growled softly in contentment.

Sesshoumaru bit back a responding growl of irritation, as understanding dawned. Dammit of course the Pup was happy, he now had his Papa all to himself for longer periods of time. The smile on the pup's face became an irritatingly smug smirk. Father and son were both ridiculously possessive, and both in different ways considered the Hanyou “Theirs”. Sesshoumaru was suddenly caught between laughter and a need to swear loudly, who would have ever predicted that his main rival for his mate would be a tiny mirror image of himself. A rival he could not fight and kill, a rival who in many ways had advantages that he did not have. A rival whom Sesshoumaru wanted to impress and claim as his own as well. Sesshoumaru was well aware that the gods were having a good laugh at his expense.

Still, at least he had made progress with his other two pups.

The second week of the slow travel, did not improve the relationship between Sesshoumaru and Yuusha much, but it did have a few other interesting highlights.

Shippo initially new to everything had been well-behaved, too well behaved. Getting more used to everyone the Kit had begun asserting himself with the other children. Shippo was the oldest after all. Shiori was her normal calm self, and was more then willing to defer to the Kitsune. The other children too focused on their other father did not really seem to care or notice Shippo's rather subtle maneuvers (he was a fox demon after all.) Inuyasha always aware of his pups, was the only one who noticed the Kitsune slowly but surely getting a better place to sleep, having a better share of dinner and taking a more leadership role in the games. Inuyasha, knowing children, decided to let things happen on their own, as it was probably inevitable.

Shippo was happily leading the pups in playing a new game while they had camped out by a stream. The Kitsune was rather surprised that Inuyasha’s pups were happy to follow his suggestions, Yuusha made Shippo a little nervous, but Inuyasha’s oldest son, rarely bothered making up games, he was happy to go along with his younger siblings suggestions for activities and generally just do better then them at it. Mee-chan tended to lead more in the games, and Shippo and her soon got on like a house on fire. The little female more then willing to accommodate her new ‘cousin’ in suggesting activities. The children were playing with origami boats (paper magicked by Shippo) in the stream, when a nasty ‘god ‘ coughed somewhere upstream, and a huge wave of water came rushing though the stream, turning the placid environment into a sudden death trap.

The wall of water raced towards the children, Shippo saw the danger and shouted to get help. He felt a hand grab the back of his top and he was thrown up into the air. Before he could get his bearings he was caught by Kishi who had landed on the branch a split second before Shippo flew pass. Even as Shippo caught his breathe both Mee-chan and Shiori came flying past, Kishi caught Shiori who was slightly bigger, and Shippo just gathered his wits enough to catch hold of Mee-Chan, who gracefully flipped on to the branch beside him. Then the children all turned to the sight below, Yuusha the one sending the other children flying, ran a split second ahead of the waters, they were shouting in fear, when the still silent pup, transformed into a Big White Dog, made a huge leap for the branch. The dog looked like it was going to land on them when Yuusha transformed back, and was still moving in mid air, looking to sail right past them. Kishi leapt up and intercepted his brother, but now both of them looked like they were going to fall into the churning waters below. Shippo transformed into a lariat and swung out to catch the two pups, Mee-chan and Shiori both catching hold of Shippo’s other end.
The two pups ended up swinging upside down from the branch about 2 feet above the churning water, Shippo stretched between then. The girls were holding on tight. The was a moment of relief, and then both pups pulled themselves slowly back onto the branch. The five pups were out of breathe and panting, lay on the branch rather pleased with their success. Kishi suddenly looked up and around “Ahhhh... our boats all go bye bye!” he said with a teary face. The pups looked at each other and the water and they all began to laugh.

Shippo learnt a good lesson that day, he could try to maneuverer to be the leader of the pups, but when it came down to it, the pups would always defer to YuushaMaten. The reason for it being, that while Shippo’s first instinct was to call for help, Yuusha acted, and Yuusha had know who to save first to ensure everyone survived. Shippo was thinking deeply and looked at the mini-Sesshoumaru, he was not surprised to see the pup looking at him, that uncanny intelligence in the golden eyes. Yuusha smiled a half smile at the Kitsune. Shippo knew that he had a close call, he had been leader because Yuusha who felt he had better things to do, had allowed him to be leader, just as he allowed his siblings to lead in other activities. Ultimately though the mini Sesshoumaru was too much like his other father, if Shippo had let it go to his head, he would have ended up challenging Yuusha, and Shippo realised that older or not, he would have been given a rather painful lesson on who was the pups real leader. Tentatively Shippo stretched out a hand to Yuusha, golden eyes considered the hand, then the Kitsune, Yuusha with a rather gracious nod grasped Shippo’s forearm. The other pups all grinned, the pecking order of the pups had been established, without bloodshed.

The DaiYoukai and Hanyou watched the drama from their cloaked position, on Sesshoumaru’s cloud some 10 feet above the pup’s head. Sesshoumaru was still irritated when Inuyasha had stopped him from saving the pups. He was impressed by how the pups had managed to save themselves but did not see the need for them to do so, when both parents had been there before Shippo had finished his call for help. Inuyasha smiled in satisfaction and indicated for them to go out of hearing range. As soon as they were back on the ground Sesshoumaru turned to his brother, “What was that about Hanyou? Why did you get in my way.”

Inuyasha let out an exasperated breathe, “The pups, needed to learn where they stood with each other, the pups were never in danger – but they did not need to know that. They could and did get out of it themselves and they managed to determine their hierarchy for themselves. Shippo is a new element, and they needed activities together to establish his place- or resentment among the children would have increased and they would have ended up fighting each other. Make no mistake Sesshoumaru, you are not to get in my way of dealing with the pups, until you learn more about them.” Inuyasha finished with a snap.

Sesshoumaru stared at Inuyasha, the fire had come back into his brother’s eyes at the last challenge, Sesshoumaru reached out to touch Inuyasha’s face, the Hanyou almost leaned back, but then arrested the movement and stood tense before Sesshoumaru. The fire in his eyes giving way to a resigned acceptance. Instead of cupping Inuyasha’s cheek as he planned, Sesshoumaru gently ran his claws through the silvery forelocks. The fire was only for the pups it seemed, not for himself. Sesshoumaru took a few strands of silver hair between his fingers, and brought them to his lips for a long sniff and a kiss, Inuyasha stared at him with incredulous eyes. “In matters of ours pups, Hanyou, this Sesshoumaru will indeed give way to you, and soon you will learn that giving way to Sesshoumaru in other ways is not such a terrible thing.” Sesshoumaru let his desire burn in his eyes for a second, before gracefully turning and walking to the pups, to get them down from the rather high tree they were now sitting in.

Inuyasha gulped, his throat strangely dry, he then shook his head to clear it and jumped to the branches, bounding towards the pups.

A few days later, just before they reached the Western Lands another incident of note occurred.

“Hey Youkai, pass me the salt.” Yuusha said to the DaiYoukai in a haughty manner as they sat around the camp fire. Sesshoumaru’s eyes narrowed at the rather rude pup, and Hana’s jaw dropped open in shock.

Yuusha got a hard clonk on the back of his head from an irate Inuyasha, who glared at his rude first born.

“Oooowwww!: Yusha said grabbing his head. “Sorry, sorry Papa!” The pup sighed and looked at Sesshoumaru in irritation, “Hey Youkai, pass me the salt PLEASE!” he repeated. Sesshoumaru’s jaw clenched. Mee-chan looked with big eyes at her brother and said quickly, “Yuu-chan you have to be polite.”

“What I was polite!” Yuusha replied in a insulted tone, “I said please at everything!”

“Ya, but Yuu-chan you have to say father or Sesshoumaru-sama, you cant just call our other father that. Its not respectful.” Mee-chan said firmly.

“Why every not? The Youkai obviously thinks it is alright to call others by their race, he calls Papa “Hanyou’ all the time. So Mee-chan are you saying that your darling other father is being disrespectful of our Papa? Has the Youkai been insulting our Papa right in front of us?” Yuusha finished his eyes narrowed challengingly not at Mee-chan but at the DaiYoukai staring at him.

Mee-chan unable to say anything to that turned watery eyes at her other father. Inuyasha sighed and placed a palm on Yuusha’s shoulder, he knew what his son was doing, and he loved the boy dearly for it. Still he would not allow such rudeness from his children.

“Yuusha, I am Sesshoumaru’s younger brother, he has a right to call me as he wishes. You are his son and much younger, it is not proper..”

“It is most proper!” Sesshoumaru suddenly cut in. The DaiYoukai stood and gave a sharp nod towards Yuusha, “My son has a point Inuyasha, the fault is mine for falling into bad habits and not being an example of proper behavior. Be assured it will not occur again, and know this YuushaMaten, while I may allow this incident to pass, if it is repeated there will be consequences. And if improper behavior has to be corrected, Inuyasha will have to stand and watch me administer punishment.” Sesshoumaru sort of apologized and warned at the same time.

Father and son, stared at each other. Yuusha was honestly shocked that Sesshoumaru had even acknowledge his fault. It was not much but a small seed of respect was planted. They still glared icily at each other, but it was somehow not as chilly as before.

Inuyasha shrugged, knew that the behavior on both sides would not be repeated, both the tall and small versions had made their arrogant points.

---tbc—

So whatcha think? I love Yuusha so of all the kids he is whom I am focusing on, next chappies will be more Sesshy and Inu I promise... (err... fingers crossed – that darn muse may corrupt me.)