Serpents and Dog Demons

Okay FINALLY have updated my poor sorely ignored Serpents and Dog Demons. Thank you all for following this obscure story. I wanted to post earlier, but I actually had to reread most of it to make sure I didn't screw up. I think I got the chapter to go the way I wanted it to. In a way writing this is more challenging cause its not angst... sigh fun though. Long chapter as promised.

Please Read Review and ENJOY

Chapter 19 : Gifts of the Witch King

For all his confidence the previous night, Inuyasha's stomach felt as if a solid lump of clay had lodged itself inside it. His confidence had lasted until he had reached camp, until he had lay in bed, then it all faded. Inuyasha was afraid BanMidou would not follow through; would decide that a vagabond of a Hanyou was worth much less than a proper home. How could he complete with a place in a wolf pack, all he owed – all he had ever really owned was the fire rat robe. Inuyasha in spite of everything was afraid that what he wanted, what he needed the most would just walk away and he would be left settling for the meager scrapes one such as he could accept.

He knew the others were courting him only because he was Sesshoumaru's son, if not for that they would not have given him the time of day. Only BanMidou had been beside him before the secret of his parentage was discovered. Only BanMidou had wanted him for himself.

And, now if the dark Hanyou rejected him, Inuyasha's heart ached.

He would accept it, he would walk tall, and he would do his best to make the best of his life. But, his heart, his heart would never recover. Inuyasha had fallen asleep on that depressing note, and the dawn did not make him feel any better.

As the Sun rose, a bright ball of light landed gracefully in the middle of the camp. Inuyasha and gang (with BanMidou conspicuously absent) rose to greet the DaiYoukai. Jaws dropped in the camp as the light faded, and a two armed Sesshoumaru emerged. The DaiYoukai had a new sword that glowed with a faint green luminescence, a rather satisfied smile on Sesshoumaru's face.

The Daiyoukai addressed his son "Magatsuhi is no more. I created Tokijin from a fang that could damage my Father's sword. I had wanted to destroy Tessaiga as it seemed to me, that by giving you the sword, father was from his grave stealing you from me once again. The sword hungered for your blood, and yet I allowed it to exist.

"Fighting Magatsuhi with Tokijin, made me realize how repulsive the sword was. I could feel its lust to destroy my son even as it bit into my enemy. I could not allow such a monstrosity to exist. When I realized that, I attacked Magatsuhi with a blow I knew would destroy Tokijin, but the sword attempted to destroy me as well. It created a backlash that stunned me for a moment, allowing Magatsuhi to almost engulf me.

"Hmn, as if 'almost' is ever good enough. Even engulfed, I reach inside my self and cast asid\ the weak resentment I had of my Father's actions in stealing you from me. I accepted my responsibility in the matter, and from inside me, new powers emerged, and my arm regenerated. From within my being I drew out Bakunsaiga, my own fang. It is a fang that keeps cutting, and Magatsuhi could not regenerate fast enough. The demon from the Shikon Gem is no more." Sesshoumaru finished in a matter-a-fact manner.

He looked at his son, "I am proud of what you accomplished when you took my arm, you surpassed me, long before I managed to surpass my father. You will never know how proud I was of you when you defeated me in battle, that first time. But, I also know, my big hearted son, the act caused you pain and guilt. That is why I made sure I hurt you in our next battle. My punching you through the stomach, helped you balance the unnecessary guilt you carried. And now that my arm has regenerated, there shall be no place in your heart for guilt, young one. You will carry the pride of your achievement and leave aside the childish guilt as you step into maturity." Sesshoumaru ordered his voice pompous, but there was a small smile on his face as he looked at his son.

Flabbergasted by the explanation, Inuyasha allowed it to sink in, and then he bowed to his father. His emotions for a moment were too overwhelming for him to say anything. His relief was great, and yes he was proud of his achievements. Inuyasha straightened, he drew himself to his full height and stood tall, no regrets, not anymore. He would never look back with guilt. He gazed at his father with a clear halcyon gaze, pride etched in his face.

Sesshoumaru reached out and laid a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. He squeezed gently, and Inuyasha nodded. It was enough. The two separated and went to sit around the campfire for breakfast.

Very quickly the camp area filled. The Phoenix Demon and his entourage where the first to arrive. The Demon met Sesshoumaru as an honoured subordinate, and under the DaiYoukai's cold stare, ducked his head and bowed. His possible father-in-law was intimidating.

The Amazonian elephant and the fawn Inu Youkai arrived almost simultaneously. Even Sesshoumaru found that the female Alpha to be impressive, he gave her a courtly bow, and she curtsied gracefully in response. The fawn Inu knelt before Sesshoumaru, he was after all a true subordinate of the DaiYoukai. Sesshoumaru nodded in acknowledgement.

Hmn, it seemed that the group had done an excellent job in weeding out the riff raff, as candidates they were acceptable – barely. Sharp golden eyes fell on Kouga who was just returning from patrol. An arrogant brow raised. "Is that one of your suitors?" Sesshoumaru bit out.

"Keh! As if! That sneaky bastard is here for other reasons. If you want to get rid of him, under some obscure Inuyoukai law, please by all means go ahead." Inuyasha said with a scowl at the wolf. The look the Hanyou sent the Ookami was venomous and filled with aggression.

Kouga actually took a step back, in surprise. He wondered what he had done to deserve the look, and then light dawned. "Puppy ears have been active haven't they, mutt face?" Kouga sniped, damn if the mutt had over heard the fat would truly be in the fire.

"I will fucking rip that forked tongue of yours right out of your mouth. You bastard. I won't fucking lose to you!" Inuyasha growled his anger at last night rising.

"Inuyasha! You will control yourself." Sesshoumaru growled in displeasure, the young one's behaviour was not becoming on such a special day.

Inuyasha shook his head, and deliberately turned his back on Kouga, those courting the Hanyou quickly filled the space, casting suspicious glances at the Ookami. Kouga ignored them, considering the ramifications. Damn, if Inuyasha had found out, if he had said something... Kouga noticed Sesshoumaru glaring at him, demanding an explanation.

"Bah! If Inuyasha actually got his act together, and entered the race in anyway, I have already lost Lord Sesshoumaru, so don't worry about it. I'm just here as an observer, and whether mutt face believes it or not, as his friend." Kouga stated flatly.

Sesshoumaru's face went back to its normal impassive self, he gracefully turned away and took a place at the fire to watch the courting of his son.

Everyone took their seats as the attendants of the three Alpha saw to serving breakfast. Of the Dark Hanyou there was no sign, and Sesshoumaru was annoyed that BanMidou seemed to have deserted his post. By the minute, Inuyasha got more and more depressed. He smiled and put on a normal front, but inside he felt dark and alone.

Delicious aromas of various delicacies wafted through the air, the accompanying music made breakfast an experience in itself.

Heads swirled around, music?

From out behind the trees, a lone figure dressed in a four tailed black shirt, stepped out. The violin was tucked under his chin, and skilled fingers drew the bow, making music that soothed the soul.

For the second time that morning, jaws unhinged around the fire place. Music filled the glade and the power of the music was mesmerizing, stalling all movements and filling the listeners with awe.

Ban's blue eyes gleamed in the cool morning light. Crystalline scales glimmered around him, and Ban drew on his Youki to enhance the music further. His cheeks flushed a pearly pink, as he walked with stately steps towards the fire place.

Azure eyes, saw nothing except the silver haired Hanyou. Ban played the violin, and he played only for a pair of much beloved Puppy ears that had swivelled at full attention towards him. Ban played with his heart, reaching out with everything that was inside him to the one who had without even trying, stolen the battered heart of the Jagan user, and snuck his way into the lonely soul. Ban played with his soul, and everything else vanished into insignificance as two lonely souls; abused and abandoned in childhood, hunted and scorned in their youth; always protectors and never protected, finally met in adulthood.

Though time, space, and dimensions, against innumerable odds, they had finally met, and in meeting formed new possibilities and new futures, for both.

Finally Ban played with that which he could not yet put to words, Ban played with love, and the music spoke for him, reaching out to the Hanyou, and wrapping him in the wealth of deep emotions.

This was Ban's courting gift, and tears filled Inuyasha's eyes as he stared at the Jagan wielder, and gave him self to the music. Allowing, the music and the message behind the music, fill his very soul.

As the music of the violin faded, the spell was broken and the attendants began to move again. They bowed respectfully at the musician and went about their tasks.

Ban tore his gaze from Inuyasha's and turned to Sesshoumaru, he nodded his head "Lord Str..err.. Sesshoumaru, I am here to inform you that I am going to be courting your son, Inuyasha. The music is my first courting gift to him."

Sesshoumaru growled a little, he was not exactly unhappy that BanMidou had decided to court his son, in fact, quite the opposite. But it would not do to be too welcoming, the dark Hanyou was rather irritating, and Sesshoumaru was not going to allow the man to get away with anything.

"Hmh! Your music was good, but its a partly offering beside the others, it is hardly a match in terms of value. This Sesshoumaru believes that you are a broke vagabond from a different world, how can you possibly match the family, position and wealth that these other honourable suitors can offer?" Sesshoumaru asked without inflection, BanMidou would have to prove himself, against the odds.

Inuyasha scrambled to his feet, "Hey, I don't care.."

"Silence, Inuyasha!" Sesshoumaru snapped, "You will allow your potential Alpha to prove his worth!"

Inuyasha wanted to bark that BanMidou did not have to prove his worth in material terms, but as soon as he was about to say that, Inuyasha realised that he would be insulting BanMidou in front of the other Alpha's if he questioned Ban's capability further. He would have to trust that Ban knew what he was doing. Puppy ears flattened, unable to hide their concern.

Ban grinned, at what he knew to be astounding self control on the part of the Inu Hanyou. Ban was well aware that he was not the best when it came to finances, but he somehow always found a way with a little help from those he met and assisted along the way. He was a little late this morning as he had needed to prepare.

He still required a little more time. "Remember your words Lord Sesshoumaru, I will answer them just before noon, I will prove myself just before it is time for Inuyasha to select his mate from one of us." Ban said with a vague nod at the others. Sesshoumaru only stared in response, he finally nodded, and the food was served.

After that the morning went very fast. A party like atmosphere filled the glade, and though three suitors would be rejected, in terms of trade and relationship building, all were satisfied with the outcome. Everyone chatted and mingled, Ban purposefully kept away from Inuyasha, aware that he could only approach after his courting gift had been given in full.

Kagome and the others crowded around Ban, mainly to ask him how he managed to play so beautifully, without practicing. Ban looked at them for a moment as if they were out of their minds. He informed that that he did practice. Skill was only one percent talent, and the rest hard work. Every time Ban left the troop for more than two hours he practiced for a while. Ever since he had come to Inuyasha's world Ban had been playing the violin again, just not in front of others.

The morning quickly slipped by amidst laugher and joy, finally the sun was reaching its zenith, and it was soon it was time for the final display from the suitors.

Each of the three suitors came forth and stated why they were the most suitable. Offering Inuyasha family, land, power and prestige, if he would accept their suits. Inuyasha was gobsmacked and more than a little overwhelmed at what they put before him. Each offer was tempting in its own way.

Finally it was Ban's turn.

Ban stood slightly away from the others and nodded at the DaiYoukai, picking up from their earlier conversation. "Judging a warlock by outward appearance is usually a fatal mistake. The only reason I was ever broke, was because life was more challenging and fun that way. I am the Witch King, Bearer of Asclepius and the wielder of the Evil eye. All these will be used to ensure the safety of my mate. And if that is not enough..." Ban whistled sharply, the horizon suddenly darkened, as three silhouettes rose to block the sun, and then swooped down towards the Jagan wielder. Instead of the normal Asian Dragons, Ban as the wielder of Asclepius had summoned three magnificent European Dragons to him. A red, a silver and a massive golden dragon, landed almost daintily behind Ban.

The gold dragon, leaned its massive head forward and nuzzled against Ban, who gently touched the plates on the head.

"I have no lands, I have no palace, but I am a King. If need be I have an army, it is my army by heritage and by blood. All that have serpentine or Draconian blood answer to the call of my blood. In this world and in the last, the Army of the Witch King is mine to command." Ban stated formally, power emanated from him, the Dragons raised their heads and roared as Ban lifted a hand.

"And, as a tangible gift for Inuyasha to keep..." Ban said softly, he raised a hand to the Dragon, and the Golden Dragon gently placed what it had hidden in its massive paws into Ban's hands. The size of a human fist, a luminescent pearl, pure white with a silver and gold sheen to it. The pearl itself was worth a fortune. Ban looked at it almost disparagingly "Meh, this has only value if one was to sell it, to humans. Let's change that."

Ban held the pearl and began to chant, instead of Youki, human magic rose in waves from the dark Hanyou. The Dragons formed a triangle around Ban, and they too seemed to chant. Magic, strange and foreign to Japan hummed in the air, static electricity crackled around them as the force built up. In a move that shocked everyone, as the magic peaked, the Gold Dragon with sharp claws swiped at Ban.

Inuyasha and Kouga both jerked forward, but the magic pushed them back.

Ban nodded at them, with a slight smile, his lips were sliced through, rich crimson painted his mouth. Ban lifted the fist sized pearl, and magic vibrating all around, he brought the pearl to his lips, kissing it.

Ban's blood seeped into the pearl, and they watched as the heart of the pearl began to pulse with a pink rose light. The pearl shone bright, the Dragons roared again. The Gold Dragon leaned forward and delicately licked the blood from Ban's chin. A gift from the Witch King to the Dragons for their work, then the Dragons roared, and took to the air once again.

When the glade became silent once again, Ban offered the pearl to Inuyasha. "This is my second gift to you, Inuyasha, son of Sesshoumaru. This pearl is imbued with the power to neutralize venoms. While it is not effective against plant poisons, any poison that is a derivative of venom from animals and demons of the earth be it reptiles, insects and even marine creatures, can be neutralized by the pearl. Place the pearl on the lips of the one afflicted and the pearl will draw the venom out of them." Ban said he carefully placed the pearl into Inuyasha's cupped hands. The Inu Hanyou took the pearl almost reverently.

Then he cast a cheeky look at Ban, "So an indirect kiss from you neutralizes venoms, what does a direct kiss do?"

Ban's pale face flushed with pink. Nope, no way in hell was he answering that one. But...

Ban grinned, "Maybe you would like to find out?" He asked Inuyasha, and it was the Hanyou's turn to blush crimson, heat would soon be on Inuyasha, and his body was beginning to flush with overactive hormones.

The Jagan user, went up to Inuyasha, and Western style knelt on one knee before the startled Hanyou. He reached out and took Inuyasha's hand in his. "Inuyasha my last gift, is battered broken and completely wrung out. Even to me it has been totally useless, but if you can find some value in it I offer it to you, totally and without reservation. My last gift to you is me. I need you in my life Inuyasha, more than I have ever needed anything, I need you. If you will have me I am yours, body, heart and soul – all of it, is yours." Ban's whispered words were clear and true, his voice was raw as he braced himself for rejection.

He need not have bothered, there was no other possible outcome. There had never been since the moment BanMidou had offered his first gift of music to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha did not hesitate, his claws ran though the rich black hair, he leaned forward and devoured Ban's lips. The Witch King was his, and Inuyasha was not going to give him any chance to escape.

Not breaking contact with Inuyasha's lips, Ban quickly stood, and drew Inuyasha flush against him. They deepened the kiss and the world faded around them.

Sesshoumaru's grin was tight and satisfied, the dark Hanyou was more than the had hoped. Interesting.

Sesshoumaru turned to the forgotten suitors, whom were looking resigned at the two kissing men. The three were invited to stay for the ceremony which would take place in three days times. After Inuyasha heat peaked.

It spoke well for future relations as all three agreed to attend, and quietly left the grove.

When Ban and Inuyasha finally pulled apart, they were both more than a little bit embarrassed to realize that they had not even noticed the withdrawal of the other suitors. Inuyasha pressed his head into Ban's neck and nuzzled. By the Gods, he was getting hot.

Ban held Inuyasha firmly in his arms and looked at Sesshoumaru who was smirking at him.

"Well BanMidou, you are Inuyasha's chosen Alpha, and you have to guard his innocence over the next two nights. Keep in mind, I can and WILL negate your mating if Inuyasha's body is penetrated by you in any way. Ease Inuyasha's heat however you can, comfort him, care for him, BUT do not mate with him, do not spill your seed inside him. Prove yourself to be an honorable Alpha and guard his purity. The cave has been prepared for the two of you, none will enter of leave till noon the day after tomorrow. If Inuyasha remains pure you will mate at dusk the following day, and then consummate the marriage."

Sesshoumaru's grin was evil as he noted the way is son was nuzzling at his chosen Alpha.

"Do enjoy yourself BanMidou, over the next two nights we will definitely be errr.. thinking of you." Kouga barked out with a tiny laugh, he really was going to enjoy this.

Ban held the over heated Hanyou in his arms, his body was rock hard and ready. The reality of the situation suddenly sank in, and the Jagan user paled.

-tbc-

Muahahahahahahahaahah... can we all say blue-balls. Review please! I hope the story has been worth the wait.

Arrrghhh Inuyasha's new powers next!what what!

What can Ban do with a kiss? Revive someone who has died. ref Toshiki from Divine Design.. I think Inuyasha will hate that guy. heheheeh