Unexpected Circumstance

Title: Unexpected Circumstance

Author: Neptunesdemon

Archive: Fanfiction net; Mpreg Archive

Category: Mpreg, romance, drama

Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru

Rating: M

Spoilers: None

Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, incest, non-con, OC

Author's Note: Okay, this may be the last lemon we see between our smoking hot inu brothers and I hope you enjoy it. Drama and seriousness will follow after this and I have to get my head in angsty mode. So, I've started listening to sad/depressing theme music from Naruto. XD Okay, read on. I'll catch you at the author's note at the end.

xoxoxoxox

Sesshomaru couldn't help but feel relatively satiated as he gracefully stretched where he lay. His eyes traveled to the snoring hanyou that lay beside him, Inuyasha's hair once again out of its most recent style and fanned out over his back as he lay on his stomach. One arm was wrapped around the pillow his head rested on, the other was currently secured around Sesshomaru's thigh. Sometime during the night, thanks to Inuyasha's sporadic sleeping pattern, he had ended up closer to the foot of the bed, and then snuggled up close to his mate. The hanyou was just as bad as the children were when it came to sleeping, luckily enough unlike Rin, he didn't wet the bed.

The sky was still dark outside of the windows, but the birds had already started calling out, a sign that sunrise would follow shortly after. That meant they had spent the evening and night in bed, which in turn meant that they had missed dinner. Sesshomaru had never missed dinner before, except of course when he wasn't within the palace walls, but he made it a point to attend dinner and breakfast. Inuyasha was a bad influence on him. He had been ready to head to the dining room after they had thoroughly satisfied their urge to rut, but the hanyou had convinced him to stay. Seduced was more the word, with talented hands and a mouth that worked wonders over his flesh and a much experienced tongue. He shivered and couldn't help the gasp at the memories, looking down to hope his spike in arousal didn't wake Inuyasha. He was hungry and he wanted to at least make it to breakfast.

That and Kazue had spent the night in the nursery with his nursemaid, and he wanted to have his son back in his line of sight. Once the sexual mood had slipped away, his motherly instincts went into overdrive and he'd barely slept with thoughts of his son running through his mind. He hadn't been given a chance to leave though as Inuyasha hadn't let him go, even after he had fallen asleep. He was sure Kazue was fine, he had personally chosen the nursemaid from the strongest females that populated the royal court. Kaori's mother had been his nursemaid, and the family had been loyal to the inu-clan as far back as he could remember. She knew to keep him safe and how to feed him now that he had started eating solid foods. The ache in his chest reminded him that Kazue was still breastfeeding as well, and he thought it best that he get up and find his way to the nursery.

He had barely started moving when the grip on his leg tightened and he looked down to Inuyasha, whose amber eyes slowly opened to look up at him.

"Where do you think you're going?" Inuyasha asked him, his voice hoarse from sleep.

"The nursery." Was the short answer, before he was sitting up and trying to pull his leg free of his mate's hold. "Kazue needs to be checked on and he must be fed."

"Nope." Inuyasha mumbled, moving his head so that it was resting on the smooth, toned thigh. "I'm not done with you, yet. He's probably still asleep anyway. Stay until the sun comes up, at least."

"Inuyasha." It was all he was willing to say, voice stern and will unmoving as he glared down at his younger sibling.

He was ignored, as Inuyasha only settled comfortably with his leg as his new pillow, arms clinging tighter. The inukai only sighed in annoyance, not willing to get too upset after a wonderful, relaxing night. He wasn't in the mood for Inuyasha's childish antics, however, and he refused to do as the hanyou bid.

"Inuyasha, release me." Came the demand, voice even and its usual monotone.

Inuyasha only began snoring, which irked the previous Daiyoukai to no end. He knew Inuyasha wasn't asleep, the damned half-breed was trying his patience.

"Inuyasha, release me." He repeated for good measure, a bit of his aggravation melded into the words.

The snoring only got louder and he grit his teeth, right hand clenching in frustration as his eyes glared down at his brother.

"If you do not release this Sesshomaru-"

He was cut short by a snort and Inuyasha turned to look up at him with a roll of his eyes.

"Gods, not the whole 'this Sesshomaru thing', again." He grumbled out, the older youkai merely glowering down at him. "I thought you'd forgotten all about that."

"Inuyasha!" His patience was dwindling fast.

"Sesshomaru." Was all the hanyou said in response, followed by a huge yawn. "So, we know each other's names, now go back to sleep."

His mouth opened to retaliate with an insult, but he was caught off guard by the pair of lips that were soon covering his, not to mention the tongue that was expertly stroking against his own. His anger was overridden by his shock, not knowing Inuyasha could react so quickly, and then that feeling slowly melted away as the kiss deepened.

It hadn't taken him long to find himself laying back again, Inuyasha settled above him and between his spread legs. He could only mentally sigh in shame at his behavior. He had once been a proud Daiyoukai, and here he was now a writhing and needy breeding mate who was all too eager to give himself over to another male.

There's no need to feel shame. The need will pass soon, just enjoy it while it lasts.

His youki had a point, but it'll take him a while to get use to it. He was moaning as Inuyasha began grinding his hips down into his, the sound muffled by the kiss, his body arching up into his lover's. He'd have to learn how to not fall so easily into his mate's hands. He couldn't let Inuyasha have this advantage over him, it was embarrassing and somewhat damaging to his pride.

"Now this is how we should start off every morning." Inuyasha drawled out, as they finally pulled apart from the kiss, Sesshomaru silently panting as he looked up at his mate and brother.

"If we did things your way we'd never leave the bedroom." Sesshomaru responded, the hanyou grinning down at him.

"True, but where's the harm in that?"

"The harm, otouto, is that we'd never get anything done, and I refuse to just stay here and wait for you to impregnate me."

"Feh! You're no fun!"

Inuyasha could only give a surprised shout as he was dislodged from his position atop the older youkai, scrambling to grip onto something as he was pushed hard enough to begin toppling over the edge. All he managed to hold on to was the pillow he'd been using while asleep, and he went tumbling over the edge, landing head first and pillow last.

"Damn it!" He was swearing, scrambling up in time to see his mate throwing on a robe and heading out into the main room. "What the fuck, Sesshomaru! That hurt!"

He was given no explanation and he growled as he snatched up his hakama from last night, fumbling into them as he followed after his mate. Sesshomaru ignored him as he headed for the doors that exited out into the gardens, nodding to the servants that slid them open for him with a morning greeting, and stepping outside. The sun had barely began to rise, so the lanterns that were hanging along the pathways were still lit.

Inuyasha stormed after his brother, pants recklessly thrown on and held up by one hand rather than tied.

"Sesshomaru!"

"Ohayo, Inuyasha-sama!" Came the dual greetings, and it startled him momentarily as he looked down at the two servant girls.

"Uh, ohayo." He answered back with a nod, and then he was storming out after his mate again, tying his hakama in the process. He was going to have to get used to this whole being waited on and respected thing. Though he'd have to worry about that later.

"Sesshomaru, get back here, you bastard!"

Sesshomaru was on a set course through his vast gardens to the nursery, which had been set up as one of the connecting rooms to his own. Rin and Jaken's had their own separate pathways, and soon enough Shippo would gain a room as well. He could hear Inuyasha cursing and shouting for him behind him, and he tried his best to ignore it. He also tried to ignore the excitement building in his chest as he realized that Inuyasha was gaining on him, his youki purring in delight at the aspect that they were being hunted. Yes, he was trying to ignore it, but it wasn't really working all that well.

This was a new discovery for him, this sudden desire to be his mate's prey, to play a primal game of hunter and hunted. His steps quickened and he turned off of his original course, not missing Inuyasha's swear.

"Damn it, would you wait up!"

Inuyasha growled as he quickened his pace, turning the corner that Sesshomaru had taken and rushing after him now that he was in his line of sight again. He had barely made it any closer when his older brother was disappearing among the garden's various plant life again, and he grit his teeth at the frustration. Where the hell was he going any way? And why did he keep twisting and turning and cutting off at random moments?

"Sesshomaru!"

The older youkai heard as well as sensed when Inuyasha found him again, and his body started trembling in excitement, his breathing beginning to quicken and his youki pushing him to keep teasing the obviously angry hanyou behind him.

Inuyasha couldn't help the glower on his face as he stormed over to his brother, who seemed to finally be slowing down. Good, he was starting to get annoyed with all this, not to mention he was owed an explanation for why he had been so rudely shoved off of their bed.

"Sesshomaru." He said now a few feet away, his hand reaching out to grab for his mate. "What the hell is going on with you?"

He stumbled a bit as red-flecked eyes peered over a shoulder at him, the heat in the gaze causing him to swallow a bit nervously. Sesshomaru was then chuckling and his mouth went dry as his cock swelled at the obvious aura of seduction.

And then Sesshomaru was gone, silver hair trailing after him as he sprinted off without warning.

Chase, mate! Hunt!

He shot off before he could think about it, eyes open and ears twitching to listen out for the sound of his brother's footsteps. The problem was that Sesshomaru was quiet on his feet, and other than the occasional shuffling of bushes, Inuyasha couldn't pin point him with sound. Nostrils flared and adrenaline rushed through him as Sesshomaru's scent of arousal drifted in his direction.

He hit a hard right, growl escaping his throat as he sprinted into the trees, leaping back and forth from the branches as his eyes raked the ground. From up here he could tell that the garden wasn't too big, way bigger than most, but not big enough that he wouldn't be able to track down his mate.

The flash of silver hair caught his attention and his muscles coiled before he was springing forward and a bit to his left. He landed in a crouch with a smile, his gleaming eyes staring up at a panting Sesshomaru, who had come to an abrupt stop. His muscles coiled again, ready to spring as he realized that he'd finally caught up with his mate.

Now!

He was leaping forward, claws ready and went soaring past where his brother had recently been standing.

"Damn it!" He was swearing as he landed hard enough that he had to roll and catch his bearings.

Red eyes looked about his surroundings and realized that Sesshomaru had long moved on. How the hell had he moved so fast at the last minute? He was crouching low and crawling about as his nose sniffed the ground, head swimming as he caught the heady aroma of his mate and he nearly swooned. He couldn't help the whine as his groin ached further, and he was shooting off into the trees again.

His nose led the way, and soon enough, he was zeroing in on his mate diving in and out of the foliage. The sun had risen by now and there weren't too many shadows to hide in, but Sesshomaru was successfully taking cover in the few that there were. He figured his best bet was to bring his brother out into the open.

He was leaping again, this time landing on the outer edge of the garden and dashing off at a dead run. His heart raced and nerves thrummed as he caught scent of Sesshomaru alongside him. Good. That was exactly as he wanted. He took on extra speed to make sure he got in front of the older demon, before he was sharply turning left and bursting through the bushes.

Sesshomaru barely stumbled as he was forced to turn away and run off in another direction, but Inuyasha was diving back into the surrounding bushes and out of sight. The full-blooded inukai's ears perked up to listen for him and easily enough he heard him, the excited pants loud in his honed sense of hearing.

He had to worry though when it suddenly stopped and he wanted to stop as well, thinking he was no longer being chased, but he halted as Inuyasha came from his left this time. Sharp-nailed claws grabbed for him and missed his skin by an inch, his robe wasn't that lucky and a large portion of it was torn away leaving enough of his body revealed that he might has well had gone naked.

The last craps of silk were left behind and Sesshomaru let his youki leak free at will. He heard a growl that melted into a yearning howl, and then Inuyasha was jumping out of hiding again. This time he caught onto the youkai's right arm, but Sesshomaru was barking in objection at that.

Inuyasha yelped at the punch to his jaw, his hand releasing his mate who took the opportunity to dash off again. He shook his head to clear it and then was sniffing the air again, pointed ears slowly receding as fangs elongated.

"Sesshomaru!"

The chase was short and he found his brother again, this time grabbing him from behind and tackling him to the ground. His mate, however, wasn't giving in so easily. The tumble the two went through was a mixture of brutal and yet softened blows. The fight lasted a few minutes before Inuyasha was grunting as he was pinned to the ground, teeth snapping closed dangerously close to his neck where his artery was pumping blood hard enough for it to show through his skin.

"Can you truly call yourself Daiyoukai, mate, being so easily overcome?"

Inuyasha only growled, trying to move his arms, but getting them shoved back down to the ground and held on either side of his head.

"You will regret this."

"You will admit defeat."

There was a long moment where Inuyasha fell silent, defiant eyes glowering up at his brother and a deep growl rumbling through his chest. He could never give in to his breeding mate, that showed weakness and vulnerability, no matter how huge of a turn on it was to be overcome by said mate. He would refuse to give in to the ridiculous request.

He was whining as a tongue traced the column of his throat, the slender and toned body sinfully wiggling on top of him until the supple ass was pressing against his straining and clothed erection. Of course, it was hard not to give in at the aspect of release.

"Mate, I will submit." He gave in, hips already lifting to get the message across physically.

Sesshomaru could only smile at that, his grip slackening so that he could release the demon beneath him. It was a decision to regret, as he was tossed to the ground and sprawled out with a very upset demon glaring down at him.

"You said that you would submit!!"

"At another time, perhaps." Inuyasha chuckled, enjoying his mate's rising anger. "For now I take what's mine."

The breath was forced from his lungs as he was promptly kneed in the stomach and then tossed aside, hard enough that he went crashing into a tree, the majestic plant cracking and falling. He looked up in time to see Sesshomaru smirk at him before he was gone again.

He didn't wait, and pushing past the brief pain, he gave chase one last time. This time he made sure to keep his brother between him and the garden walls. Any form of plan went out of the window and all he could think to to do was chase. Chase and catch, and then take.

Red eyes caught the creamy, smooth tone of Sesshomaru's naked skin through the foliage and he barely restrained himself as he rushed after him with a burst of energy that was no doubt from a mixture of adrenaline and testosterone.

This time when he grabbed his mate, Sesshomaru was shoved into the stone garden wall so that his front was pressed against it, Inuyasha's fangs buried into his shoulder a few inches shy of his mating mark. The burst of pain from teeth breaking skin had the same effect, and Sesshomaru let out a cry of desire as he arched back into the body behind him, reveling in the powerful ki that washed over him, nearly stifling him.

Words weren't needed anymore, and so the two said nothing as Inuyasha ground his hips forward once, his mate pushing back against him in welcome invitation. His teeth pulled free, the wound slowly healing as he passed his tongue over it and then he was turning Sesshomaru to face him.

One hand buried into now mussed silver locks, the other quickly untied his hakama, so that they dropped around his ankles. Sesshomaru couldn't stop the violent shudder that wracked his body as Inuyasha's mouth pressed against his; passion, rage, and pure lust thrust into him with the forceful and dominating tongue.

His moans were muffled from it, and his body wanted more of that power to take him. He nearly gasped as he was suddenly lifted, back pressed against the wall and legs spread wide before led to wrap around his mate's waist.

He pulled away from the searing kiss, lips slightly swollen and his eyes opening to stare back into blood-red. He groaned as he was met with the carnal desire that he hadn't witnessed from his mate since he'd been in heat.

His muscles tensed as Inuyasha's hands grabbed him around his waist, their eyes never breaking the locked gaze they had on each other, and he gasped as his weight was easily shifted. It was followed by a whimper as the familiar feel of his mate's length brushing against his opening, his arms wrapping about the broad, muscled shoulders. Inuyasha leaned forward as if to kiss him, that hypnotizing stare still locked with his, but only hovered so that their lips barely brushed against each other.

Impatience was winning over with Sesshomaru and he rolled his hips, trying to push down on the shaft only pressing against him. The high-pitched whine, more canine than anything else, had Inuyasha chuckling, the demon pulling back as his mate leaned forward to try and kiss him.

"Submit."

It was the only word he spoke and it was all he had to say. Sesshomaru's neck and mating mark was bared for him without objection and his fangs were burying in the familiar flesh as his manhood pierced the tight opening of his mate's sheath.

The loud groan of blissful fulfillment that escaped that arched throat echoed in the walled garden, and startled the few birds that occupied it. They fluttered out of the tree tops and over the high walls, leaving the two their privacy.

Inuyasha didn't pause once his cock was buried, but immediately began drawing out and pushing in again. His pace started off steady and smooth, Sesshomaru moaning with every thrust his brother gave, while his nails were tearing new scars into the tan-colored back. The Daiyoukai didn't seem to mind, but rather seemed to be inspired by the spark of pain, his pace quickening until he was thrusting hard into his mate's body.

As Sesshomaru's sounds grew louder and much more frequent, he reluctantly pulled his teeth free so that he could look up at his mate's face. Their eyes locked again, and Inuyasha was groaning himself as Sesshomaru demanded more through a look alone and encouraging screams. This passionate, and quite loud, side of his brother was a discovery he was all too happy to make and he would take the time to appreciate it while he had the chance.

One by one, his arms moved so that Sesshomaru's legs were draping over his forearms, his palms pressed against the cool stone. The new position enabled him to push deeper and the choked sound of shock Sesshomaru gave off as he pushed in had him grinning. He had found it.

Sesshomaru's senses went into overload, claws embedding into his brother's shoulder as his prostate was brutally attacked. His body arched back, head flung back and his cries changed to near sobbing moans. It was too much and it wasn't enough all at once. The rough surface of the rock was rubbing his back raw as Inuyasha ravaged him completely, but he didn't care. All he could feel was the hard, hot flesh of his brother's manhood pummeling into him, all he could smell was their mingled arousal and sweat, and all he could hear was their coupling and his screams. The world seemed to narrow into the small area that they'd given themselves, their mating auras spreading out about them.

Their bodies thrummed as they moved, the two pushing the other closer and closer, until finally the invisible bubble that had built up around them seemed to finally burst; and so did Sesshomaru. His howl was closely followed by Inuyasha's, the Daiyoukai unable to resist the clenching walls that milked his seed out from him, filling his mate that was shuddering in his arms.

The howls quieted into whimpers, which were stifled by the kiss they pulled each other into, Sesshomaru's hands releasing the abused flesh of his brother's shoulders to cup either side of his mate's face. Inuyasha didn't want to stop and he kept thrusting as his cock emptied itself into his brother's body. That is until he found he couldn't move at all. He pulled back in shock, eyes looking between them as his demon form melted away.

He was stuck.

"Um. . . Sesshomaru?"

"Otouto." Sesshomaru was himself again as well it would seem and Inuyasha lifted worried amber eyes to reflected amber. "You should not be worried."

"What the hell do you mean? I'm stuck!"

"You've merely knotted within me." Came Sesshomaru's calm explanation, though it held a hint of annoyance. "It will pass in due time. Surely, this has happened before?"

Inuyasha couldn't think of any times that it had. Besides, he wouldn't have been close to freaking out if this had occurred at another time before this. It hadn't however, and he really didn't know what to expect or do.

"So, what does it mean?"

"Nothing." His mate told him, leaning forward to nuzzle at Inuyasha's neck. "It's just a natural reaction to rutting, especially one as powerful and intimate as this has been."

The hanyou had the vaguest hint that Sesshomaru hadn't told him the whole truth, but it was more likely that he was being paranoid. So, Inuyasha could only grunt, since he had other things to worry

about, like trying his best to stay up on legs threatening to buckle beneath him.

"An inukai trait I'm guessing." He murmured, nuzzling his brother in return when the older youkai pulled back.

"Hn."

Inuyasha took the sound as one of confirmation, and easily occupied himself with drawing Sesshomaru into a slow and sensual kiss. He received no objection and his wish was granted. As their mouths meshed and tongues danced, slowly his knot receded until he was able to finally slip free, Sesshomaru grunting in discomfort. Their kissing didn't stop and probably wouldn't have if it wasn't for the sound of a throat clearing.

Inuyasha fumbled to turn and look behind his shoulder, the angle awkward but his peripheral catching the outline of a very familiar monk.

"Miroku? What the fuck!"

xoxoxoxox

Miroku sighed at the hanyou's outburst. He had come out into the gardens earlier to meditate not too long before the sun had started to rise, and had found this comfy little hideaway where he wouldn't be disturbed.

He had gotten comfortable and had settled into the the first few minutes of deep meditation when he was jolted from it by the sound of a howl. His first instincts were to jump up and prepare to defend himself, but that slowly faded as he remembered he was inside of the Western Palace's walls. There was nothing here that could harm him. Well, he was sure there was that angry demon he had had the misfortune of meeting last night at supper, but he was certain the badger demon wouldn't dare attempt to invoke the Daiyoukai, nor his mate's, wrath.

So, his shakujou was lowered, but not released, as he sat down again to try and meditate. He wasn't able to get more than a few more minutes, the sound of growling and barking catching his attention and breaking his concentration. He began to ponder if Sesshomaru kept familiars on the castle grounds, but highly doubted it. That and he didn't think the animals would be kept in the garden if the inukai did indeed have familiars.

He kept alert, though he tried to at least get some light meditation in, but he couldn't even do that. He was scared stiff as two demons came crashing through the surrounding bushes, violet eyes glued to the sight of a half naked, full-demon Inuyasha pressing a fully naked and youki infused mate against the garden walls.

He had opened his mouth to apologize for having seen anything, but he realized that his presence hadn't been noticed and the smarter half of his brain thought it was best to keep quiet. Hanyou Inuyasha was violent and impulsive, it was no wish of his to discover what a youki-enhanced Inuyasha was like.

His eyes widened further as he was soon staring at Inuyasha's naked backside, and his jaw clenched as he tried focusing his concentration on looking away. He was stuck to the sight however, and he wished he could look away. This moment was so private, so unbelievably unrealistic and yet, here it was. And he had a front row seat. He should have settled for the drawing room at the end of the hall.

The hairs on the back of his neck rose as the energy in the air grew dense and accumulated the further those two went on, and it was only when his dear friend had finally lifted his brother for penetration did he break his stupor and look away.

He dared not move and be noticed, and he could only wrench his eyes shut while the two coupled. To the monk it had been the most loudest, most brutal and most violent sounding thing he'd ever have the misfortune to eavesdrop in. However, he found himself panicking as his ears found the very loud sounds that Sesshomaru was giving off sending tremors down his spine and a heat down his core to settle in his lap.

'Please, don't let Inuyasha notice.' Was all he could think to pray as they seemed to go on forever. And just as he thought he couldn't take it anymore and that they were never going to stop, Sesshomaru was howling out a sound that made the monk want to simply melt and wish to feel the same joyful bliss.

Good lord, what was happening to him? He knew he was quite the perverted young man, but to be aroused by his own friend and his mate's coupling. . . he didn't know quite how to feel about that.

He let the two continue to have their privacy, as much as they were capable of having with him in the vicinity, before he was turning to look up at them. His face was flaring as he watched the two kiss like two newlywed lovers. Which in a sense, they were, so he let it slide. When his face felt cool enough for him to think that he was no longer flushed, he cleared his throat to gain their attention, hoping that he'd walk away from this alive.

A chill ran down his spine as with lips still connected to Inuyasha's, Sesshomaru's eyes opened to lock instantly on him over the hanyou's shoulder, turning ice-cold the moment he spotted him. He gulped but forced a pleasant smile on his face, luckily enough it was as Inuyasha turned to barely peer back at him.

"Miroku? What the fuck!"

The monk barely had time to open his mouth and explain before the hanyou was on him, and he was lifted off of the ground by his robe and pulled closer to a very pissed-off expression.

"Ohayo, Inuyasha-sama. Enjoying your morning, are you?"

The growl prepared him to brace himself for the endless screaming and cussing that was about to come his way, but all three were distracted by the sight of a nearby tree. It's bark began to distort and twist, protruding out and forming the shape of a woman, before the details were smoothly settling in place. Soon enough, Kazue's nursemaid was bowing before her master and her Daiyoukai respectfully, her head bowed as she delivered her message.

"Sesshomaru-sama, I humbly request you visit the nursery." She spoke with a soft voice, but the tone urgent. "Kazue-ouji is in need of feeding. He has already refused any rice and fruit, and will eat no more meat."

"Very well, I will come."

With a deep bow, her doppleganger returned to the tree, its rightful form retained, and she was gone.

"Inuyasha."

The hanyou was looking back at his naked mate, who didn't seem the least bit phased by it, much to Inuyasha's chagrin.

"I am in need of clothing.

"Well, what do you expect me to do, pull it out of my ass?" Inuyasha grumbled, his arms having yet to lower the hanging monk. Miroku kept still through out this and made sure to keep his mouth shut. There was a chance the two forgot about him.

"My robe was carelessly destroyed, I demand a replacement. . . now."

Inuyasha opened his mouth to retort to his brother's demanding tone, when he caught the slight shift of Sesshomaru's eyes. He was lost for a moment as to what the demon could be signaling at, but as the monk squirmed in his grip, it dawned on him.

Miroku didn't know what to think as he was faced with a grinning Inuyasha, but his stomach dropped in dread. Something was telling him he wouldn't enjoy what was coming next.

xoxoxoxox

The young nursemaid looked up from where she sat in a chair beside the bassinet as prince Sesshomaru walked in, Kazue in her arms, and the little pup fussing and crying endlessly. With guilt settling over him, Sesshomaru could barely retain himself from rushing forward and scooping up his son in his arms, quietly whispering apologies to him.

He felt his servant's eyes on him and looked to find her wanting to question but dutifully keeping her place. Then he was raking his eyes over his attire, which was a roughly made loincloth of purple and black fabric, courtesy of one monk too curious for his own good.

'Mark me.' He was saying to himself, as he was offered the chair to sit in. 'That monk will not have the time to regret having witnessed such a private moment.'

Kazue was settled in his arms once he was seated, and before he could even coax the pup, the child was latched on and suckling hungrily. Sesshomaru was relieved himself, as the ache was being relieved as his son fed. He had originally been heading here, but his libido had gotten the best of him and had sidetracked him.

"Is there anything that I can get for you, my prince?" Kaori asked him, eyes slyly gesturing to his makeshift clothing.

He nodded, knowing she didn't need him to actually ask for it. The kitsune nodded in return and then was bowing before she was turning and leaving the room. That left Sesshomaru alone with the happily feeding baby, who he took to watching with a silent pride and adoration. These feelings were new to him, and he'd been allowing himself to experience them more and more since Kazue's birth. Of course, it was always in private, where no one else would observe it but his own child.

He hissed a bit as growing fangs nipped him, and he frowned down at the baby who blinked up at him innocently.

"Biting hurts your chichiue." He gently explained, knowing his son was intelligent enough to understand him.

His shocked cry was due to the sharp bite that followed. The smile that Kazue gifted him also informed him that his son was quite mischievous. He would blame that on breeding, as he had to have something from that damned spider besides that horrid birthmark.

Not wanting to risk another bite, he was detaching the baby from his chest so that he could burp him. It was obviously the wrong move, as Kazue started bawling, far too upset that his feeding had been interrupted. The former Daiyoukai only groaned and fixed the puppy so that it could suckle on his other breast, and not the slightest bit surprised when teeth closed down over his already sensitive nipple.

Another week or two and he wouldn't have to suffer further. Kazue would be old enough to start feeding himself from his own hands.

"My prince, Sesshomaru!"

At the call of his name and new title, Sesshomaru looked up to find none other than Jaken come shuffling in, little arms filled with various scrolls and sealed letters. As he came to stop before his master, he struggled to bow without spilling his burden of papers onto the floor, which he barely managed to do.

"What is it, Jaken?" He asked his retainer, not exactly thrilled with the fact that his quiet was interrupted.

"I have an urgent letter from your lady mother!" He announced quite excitedly, impervious to the slight tensing of Sesshomaru's jaw and the small shift in his demeanor. "Surely this is news to celebrate! Your mother's sudden break from her isolation must mean well!"

"It amazes me, Jaken, how the level of your stupidity continues to rise." Sesshomaru snapped, in a very Sesshomaru-like fashion. It was all cold tones and no emotion, with a bit of bite to make the kappa nervous. "Any sign that she is restless and stirring is not to be taken lightly."

"But, surely you are glad to see her?" The kappa wasn't willing to believe that his prince was truly unsatisfied with the news.

"Of course not." Came the straightforward answer, Sesshomaru shifting Kazue into a position better-suited for burping him.

"But, you have not seen each other for over three hundred years!"

"Three hundred and forty seven years to be exact." He pointed out without an expression other than anger. "I would have hoped it could have lasted a bit longer."

"Prince Sesshomaru!" Jaken's outburst was one of horror and shock. To think his master could speak of his own mother with such distaste. He wanted to object but Sesshomaru was soon standing, Kazue burped and willing to be settled in the bassinet meant for him.

With the child resting inside of it, Sesshomaru turned and easily held his hand out before demanding it be placed in his palm.

"Hand it to me."

Jaken fumbled, the amount of papers in his arms falling to the floor, where he crouched pushing through the various letters and scrolls for the one that had been the reason behind his search for the prince. He found it, an envelope of red and gold, sealed with red wax and stamped with the shape of a lotus flower.

Sesshomaru snatched it away, fingers easily breaking the seal and pulling free the parchment, so that he could read over the daintily written words.

'My dearest Sesshomaru,

The wind has brought news of your discouraging circumstances. Hahaue is not pleased. Your palace will prepare to welcome me, I will come in the next two moon cycles. I will judge this hanyou that has dared to claim my flesh and blood myself. On another note, you will not be exempt from my scolding. I want my old rooms, nothing less will do.

Sincerely,

Hahaue'

The letter was simply released from his fingers, envelope and parchment sailing to the floor forgotten. Jaken scrambled to retrieve, but was stopped by his master's voice that was giving him orders.

"Jaken, send word to the servants that they will prepare mother's quarters."

Jaken brightened and bowed in understanding, his bulging eyes glittering happily as he looked up at his prince.

"Truly a happy moment as this is one to celebrate!"

He toppled over with a grunt of pain as Sesshomaru landed a hard cuff to the top of his head, the little toad sprawled out on the floor as the room seemed to spin.

"Shut up, Jaken."

He felt as much as heard when Kaori entered the room, and didn't hesitate to take the garments she had brought for him from her. He declined her help to put them on and easily let her carry on her duties as nursemaid.

While Kazue was held in the female demon's arms, he left to the small bedroom that Kaori slept in when charged with Kazue for the night. There he changed quickly, before exiting again and heading straight for the door. He paused momentarily, to look back at a sniffling Jaken who was gathering up his bundle of scrolls again.

"Is that all, Jaken?"

The little kappa looked up at Sesshomaru's question, before he was shuffling through the parchment again, pulling free a small scroll sealed off with simple twine. His short arms held it out for the prince, who easily walked back and took it from him. One sharp claw cut the string and then the scroll was uncurled, golden eyes reading over the coded message.

"Jaken?"

"It would seem that Princess Sakuya has been spotted less than a day's ride from the palace gates." The green kappa repeated what the youkai had just been reading. "Her party is small, but we are keeping a wary eye on her. It seems that she is accompanied by an unknown snake demon, the spy has yet to research his connections to her. We think it is merely an escort or even one of her newest additions to her mates."

Sesshomaru let it all soak in, before he was rolling up the scroll again and handing it back to the kappa.

"Send for Inuyasha." He simply said as he turned to leave again, beckoning that Kaori follow. "I wish to inform him of this myself. You may tell Kuma, as he is the only member of the council that has not left to travel to our allies, the old and possibly the new. Ishimaru has hopefully left with his father."

"He refused to leave the castle in hands of a hanyou." Jaken informed him, holding back a snarl at the mentioning of the badger.

"Then word will reach him through my leisure and no other." He ordered, but was stopping at the door. "Jaken."

"Yes, my prince."

"Has Inuyasha sent word to the wolves, yet?" He asked, his voice low.

The little toad blushed, knowing the two had been far too busy for the Daiyoukai to haven gotten anything but rutting done.

"My, prince, you know the answer to that."

"Do not use that tone with me, Jaken." His master warned, and the little toad was soon groveling at his feet with rambling apologies.

Sesshomaru only sighed, kicking the green menace away and waiting for him to stop his blubbering.

"I will write a letter myself and you will make sure that it is taken with Inuyasha's in secret." He was saying as Jaken finally came to himself, the green kappa confused by the words. "In fact, you will deliver it yourself, as you're the only one I can trust. No other hands must touch this letter but yours, my own and that who it's intended for. I will have it ready to be sent out by noon."

"But, my prince!" The toad-demon called out, stopping Sesshomaru's hasty retreat. "Who will this letter be for?"

The uneasy expression that quickly passed over the usually serene face had the toad worried, and Sesshomaru hesitated just a bit too long with delivering the answer to his inquiry. Said inukai could only internally fret, thinking of not too long ago and feeling his stomach twist in uncertainty and his mind spinning with unbelievable possibilities. He forced his demeanor back into place, ice-cold eyes staring back at Jaken who stiffened at the familiar gaze.

"That will be revealed once you are sent on your way. First, you find my brother and mate, and tell him that I must meet with him immediately."

And then he was gone, leaving Jaken baffled even further. Not willing to wrack his tiny brain too much, he only sighed before gathering up his mass of papers again and heading off to do as he was bid.

xoxoxoxox

"We'll stop here for now."

The small party of snakes that were moving toward the Western Palace all looked to their princess, who sat comfortably in her sheltered chair, carried by four capable male demons. The men that were there looked back and forth between themselves, before they were bowing to the princess' whim.

Her carrier was gently rested to the ground and there she stayed, guarded by one hebi as the others went off to help pitch the tents. Sakuya sat smiling behind her fan, her eyes looking past the fluttering silk to the palace looming in the distance. She was so close that she could taste it.

A forked tongue slowly ran over her lips, reptilian eyes flashing red for a moment before she was distracted by the sound of someone chuckling beside her. She turned to her escort, a bit amazed by the fact that the unmistakable aura was hidden so well.

"So eager, princess?" The snake beside her questioned, the timber of his voice smooth and persuading. It was a huge difference from the usual voice, and one that would never have been suspected to belong to the half-breed it belonged to.

Naraku's new face was one to be admired, a handsome, almost effeminate face, that could rival the princess' beauty. In fact, she was a bit scornful to think that it might even surpass her own. However, she allowed it, as she could not refuse the hanyou's request to accompany her personally. She had advised him that he need only send a puppet or even his servant woman in his place, but he had refused. He claimed to want to be there personally to watch as Inuyasha fell and to claim Sesshomaru as soon as the inukai had been freed from the mating bond upon his bonded's demise.

"I am all too eager to slate my lust for revenge, Kanaye."

It was his name for the moment, as they were both sure Naraku was too much of a dead give away. Sakuya snapped her fan closed for the moment, her hand reaching out the side opening and beckoning the closest soldier forward.

A young hebi-male, probably having only experienced his first rutting need this very same year, came to bow low before her, obediently awaiting her order.

"Bring me tea and sake." She requested with a wave of her hand, the other hand reaching up to stroke the long jet-black locks of Kanaye's hair. "My escort and I wish to enjoy ourselves. We shall take it in the privacy of my tent. Do not delay."

"Hai, Sakuya-hime!" And then the soldier was gone.

Naraku simply chuckled as Sakuya's hand pulled away from him, climbing out of the cushioned seat and rounding about to the other side of it, where Sakuya's hand was waiting for him. Knowing that the entire camp was watching, he gently took it before bending to place a kiss to it, and then he was helping her out.

The ruse the two were pulling amongst Sakuya's clan was that he was a courting male, one that Sakuya was showing interest in by allowing him to be her escort into inukai territory, rather than one of her seven, already trusted mates. It was going along beautifully, as already rumor was spreading about the camp ground that Sakuya would chose this newly arrived Kanaye as her ruling mate.

Lord Tsuwamono had been found dead in his chambers, his cause of death a mystery to all. All but the princess, of course. Sakuya had entered her uncle's chambers as a mourning niece struck with deep sorrow by the loss of her betrothed and father, searching for comfort from the last of her kin. He had easily welcomed her and would not live to regret the decision.

She had struck fast and he had died from none other than her own poison. She had forbid investigation when he was found the next day, pulling the wool over their eyes with the act of her being far too overcome with grief with a third loss to want to know why it had happened. Her request was given into, and she had spent the following days "grieving" in seclusion. Secretly, she had been communicating with Naraku and when the plan had been formulated, she had emerged with the news that they would be pulling back the war band and extending an offer of peace.

She had been met with objection, but that had been dealt with accordingly and with example. Her eyes glittered as a stake was driven into the ground not too far off from where she was, topped off with the head of one of the few that had tried to defy her.

In truth, with her uncle and his heir dead, she was now ruling queen, but she refused that the news be known to other lands. She would keep the illusion that Lord Tsuwamono was alive. If her shift in power was noticed, then suspicion would rise and her plan would be all for naught. Let the rest of the lands believe her to be limited to the power of a princess.

"Shall we, Sakuya-hime?"

She was nodding to Kanaye's request, her hands gently grasping onto his offered arm and then he led her to her erected tent. Two guards were set outside, but were dismissed and told to keep watch from a five-yard radius. She didn't want them listening in on what her and Naraku would discuss in private.

The two guards bowed in submission, their only thought that the privacy was wanted so the two could be intimate and that was reason enough to follow orders. With them gone, the princess and her latest male interest retired inside, away from the prying eyes of the other men.

Inside, the drinks she had requested were set out on a small table, floor cushions set on either side and waiting to be seated in. They did just that, Naraku pouring the princess her tea before helping himself to the sake. His now green eyes, more feline than reptilian looked across to his most recent accomplice, willing to further discuss their next step.

"Our destination looms ahead of us, my dear." He began, watching as she daintily sipped at her tea, sipping his sake as well. "How do you plan to overcome the Inu no Taisho?"

"In due time, my sweet Kanaye, I will have revealed all in due time."

She rested her cup down and took to straightening her appearance, smoothing out her clothes and making sure her elaborate hairstyle was in order, before her eyes were locking with Naraku's.

"I still humbly request that I have the pleasure of keeping the breeding bitch as my own to do as I please."

"I refuse." The words were said with a snarl, which was corrected as fast as it had appeared. "Sesshomaru, and his child, are both mine to do with as I see fit. Inuyasha I have allowed you the pleasure of taking his life yourself, but his mate is mine and will become rightfully mine soon enough."

"Of course." She merely uttered, but it was obvious she was displeased with the answer. "I will never understand the appeal of laying with something that can host fleas, but who am I to question your particular tastes. I would then request the right to his pack, I haven't toyed with humans in so long and I hear he has adopted a young kitsune."

He watched her shudder in delight as he nodded in answer to her request, Sakuya opening her fan to hide her crazed smile.

"It's been years since I've had the flesh of a fox. And one so young and delectable, I'll enjoy it so much more."

Naraku could care less what happened to Inuyasha and his band of meddlers, all he wanted were their jewel shards, the bitch that was rightfully his, as well as his son.

Kazue.

It was a name that he hadn't expected, but then again, had Sesshomaru not thought of him as such, the child would not have made it to full term. The first and last time he had set eyes on the boy, he had noticed the dark patch of hair settled over the boy's head. His eyes weren't open then, being part inukai he was too young for them to have been, but now he was old enough. He wondered what color they were.

He chuckled quietly as he thought of them being the same color as his own, thinking of the tortured turmoil that the former Daiyoukai must go through to have to look at a son that looked much like his sire. Little did he know, there was no problem at all, save for the birthmark that the spider-hanyou had no idea was there.

He could feel the small connection with his son and knew that it could be made stronger. He would need contact with the child, but he would not have it until quite some time. His mind was going over the possibilities that opened up for him once he was able to complete a bond with his offspring, lost in the future he would make sure definitely came to pass. The Western Lands was as good as his and all the demons ripe for him to absorb would be no hassle at all. With a capable breeding bitch at his disposal, it would be no struggle at all and when Sesshomaru had reached his limit and could bear him no more young, he would absorb the inukai as well.

"Hime!"

The call from outside of her tent had them both looking to the twin flaps that could be tied closed from either side. The shadow was of one of the commanding officers, who was waiting obediently outside of the tent for Sakuya to respond.

"What is it?" Sakuya called out, bidding Naraku to pour her more tea with a motion of her hand.

He did so without objection, knowing that he would let her think she was in control. He had plans to be rid of the princess, or rather queen, as well. He'd let her bear the brunt of any resistance they came across first and when they had succeeded, he'd easily overcome her and take her into himself as well. By the time this was over and done, he'd be far more powerful then he'd ever dreamed of being and in possession of the fully-formed jewel as well.

"Sentries from the palace are approaching the camp." He announced from outside. "We await your instructions."

"Let them come, and welcome them happily." She told him with a smile, though he could not see it. "We shall hear what they have been sent for and then respond accordingly. Let me remind you that this is a mission of peace and they are not to be harmed."

"As you wish, princess!"

Then he was gone, leaving them alone once again. Naraku met Sakuya's smile as she turned it towards him, accepting her hand when she held it out for him.

"Come Kanaye." She said as they stood, her body pressed against his as they made their way out of the tent. "Our plan now begins."

'Good.' Was all Naraku could think as they stepped out into the early noon sun. 'I was beginning to get quite bored.'

xoxoxoxox

Inuyasha paced back and forth in a drawing room that he and Sesshomaru now occupied. Kagome and Sango were present as well, the two sitting quietly and watching him wear a hole into the floor, or at least he seemed to be trying his best to.

The older of the two brother's was watching over the children. Rin and Shippo were sitting on a rug with Kazue between them, the baby sitting up on his own now, although it was a bit wobbly. Sesshomaru's hand caught and steadied him every so often when the baby threatened to tip over. The pup was cooing and giggling as the two children doted over him, small hands waving frantically in excitement and fingers grabbing for anything that it could.

Miroku was the only one missing from the equation, but it was easily explained. After suffering through a much deserved pummeling from a pissed off Inuyasha, a bruised and teetering Miroku had wobbled his way into the rooms he shared with the two women. Discouraging their questions on his state of dress and condition, as he was decked only in a fundoshi and was sporting various bruises, he pointed the finger of blame to Inuyasha before barely making it to his bedroom where he promptly fell into unconsciousness. Sango had checked him over to make sure he was alright, which he was no more hurt than if he had been in a fight with any other human rather than a hanyou, and Kagome had went on a rampage to give Inuyasha a piece of her mind.

The two friend's bickering had been interrupted by Jaken, who delivered the message that his brother wished for his company and when finding out it was urgent, he sent Kagome to fetch Sango. He had met Sesshomaru in the drawing room, where his mate hadn't hesitated on informing him that Princess Sakuya was approaching the palace gates and he swore under his breath at the news.

She had come faster than expected, and they had only just sent out word for allies. His letter that he planned to be delivered to Kouga was quickly scribbled out and handed to Jaken for immediate delivery. He noticed the envelope that Sesshomaru had given the kappa as well, before assigning the kappa to the task himself. With a promise to be as swift as possible on the back of the fastest dragon steed in the stables, Jaken left and after his departure the miko and taijiya had come. They had with them Rin and Shippo, who were quite happy to see their parents and little brother.

The children were left to play and the adults took to having a discussion. It had yet to occur, since the most that was done was watching Inuyasha pace, after sending an order out that two sentries be sent to meet the princess' traveling party.

It would seem that they were waiting for the two demon's return, and Inuyasha was on edge. He suspected that this was more than it seemed, just as Sesshomaru did, but he wasn't sure on how he could prove this.

However, that wasn't what had him on edge, per say. His mind had been thinking about Naraku. The spider-hanyou had yet to show his face since the day Kazue was born, and Inuyasha couldn't help but shake the feeling that he was close by. There was a chance that he was overreacting, but he had learned to never ignore his gut feeling; it was a trait that had kept him alive this long.

His pacing quickened as his jaw clenched, his hackles rising at just the notion of Naraku being able to come here, being able to try and hurt his pack and family. He hadn't had much before this and it had taken him so long to get it, but even if it was new and he was still unsure if it was real, he refused to have it all taken away from him.

"Inuyasha, calm down. You're beginning to make an impression in the floor." It was Sango's gentle voice that had him stopping in his tracks, his eyes blinking to where his friends sat quietly observing him.

He had nearly forgotten that they were there, and he sighed as he realized she was right. His worrying wasn't doing anything useful anyway. His eyes then looked to where his mate sat silently, his hand gently supporting his pup that was sitting up and reaching for the toys Shippo and Rin were dangling above him.

Sesshomaru wasn't vulnerable by any standard, and the one time he had been it was understandable. The inu-youkai could protect himself with no problem, but Inuyasha still felt it his responsibility to make sure that he didn't have to resort to his own strength. He was his Alpha mate now, and it was his job to do the protecting, even with Sesshomaru's expected objections.

And his nephew, although not truly his, was his pup now. He was depending on him, too. Not to mention his adopted son and daughter, Shippo and Rin. His friends Sango and Kagome, even the lecherous bastard of a monk, Miroku. They were all depending on him. And they weren't the only ones.

His feet carried him to the open veranda, that was facing the view of the nearby village, home to the demons and few humans that were all his subjects; all under his rule. He was Daiyoukai, and they were his to protect as well. And now, here on his lands, was this princess who claimed to want peace, and much like Sesshomaru, he suspected a darker motive.

"Inuyasha, why don't you sit down?" Kagome suggested, her worried brown eyes looking over her friend. "You'll feel better once you're relaxed. Why don't you have some tea?"

"Nah, I'm alright." Inuyasha declined, his eyes still watching over the little bit of the habituated town that he could. There were more villages and larger towns further out, which meant more lives entrusted to his care. The weight of responsibility that settled over him with the title of Daiyoukai came suddenly and it fell hard. Maybe he wasn't cut out for this after all?

"Otouto." At Sesshomaru's call, he turned to look at his mate, who merely gestured to the empty cushion beside him. "Join me."

With a deep breath and long sigh, he gave in and made his way over to where his brother was seated. Kagome drew closer as well, holding out a steaming cup of tea for him, which he reluctantly took with a nod of appreciation. He had never really liked tea, but at the moment it seemed to be just what he needed.

As he drank the tea, his nerves calmed somewhat and his agitation lifted by the barest of minimums. He was still wound up, but he was able to relax just a tad bit more than before. Hopefully, Jaken could find Kouga before the day was through. He hated the wolf and he wanted nothing more than to bash his face in, but he still was the only demon that Inuyasha knew personally. Kouga was the only one he was willing to easily trust. Devious, mange-ridden bastard he was, a damned good rival, but he was all Inuyasha could count on until he got word from those the West was allied to and the few that they were hoping to accept them. He'd hate the decision later on to ask the ookami for help, knowing that the wolf would lord it over him for years to come.

"I'm hungry." He announced suddenly, anything to get his mind distracted. "Who's up for lunch? My treat."

Kagome and Sango could only frown, not exactly knowing what the hanyou meant by that. Shippo looked up thoughtfully at his otousan as the hanyou stood and Rin kept herself occupied with Kazue, now chewing on one of the toys they had been teasing him with.

"Anything you in the mood for?" Inuyasha asked his mate while stretching out his limbs.

"Surprise me." Was all Sesshomaru said, before his eyes locked with his mates. "But be sure to impress me."

Inuyasha's grin was unavoidable and he merely huffed in confidence, before grabbing up Tetsusaiga.

"Okay, then. Something big I see."

"Wait, you're going to catch our lunch?" Kagome asked, her face holding a mixture of a disgusted and confused expression.

"What? I've done it before and you didn't complain." He retorted with a shrug.

"Yeah, but that was when we didn't have a kitchen that we could easily use! You can't just hunt because you want to!" She objected, glaring up at the hanyou.

"Miko, he is part youkai, hunting is natural to him." Was all Sesshomaru said, before he was lifting Kazue into his arms.

"Ya see? Now be quiet before I catch you a skunk or something."

He managed not to laugh at Kagome's horrified expression and was then looking to Shippo who was now giggling in amusement.

"Come on, shrimp." He beckoned before turning to head out to the veranda. "You've gotta learn sometime."

Shippo looked to Sesshomaru to see if it was alright, the youkai merely nodding his consent, before eagerly running after Inuyasha.

"May Rin go, too?" The young girl asked, watching Inuyasha and Shippo leave together.

"Um, I think it's best you stay with us, Rin." Sango said, watching the girl begin to pout.

"Aw, but it looks like fun."

"Well, if your chichiue allows it, I can play with you until they get back." Sango offered with smile and a cautious look to Sesshomaru.

Rin was begging in an instant, jumping up and down and pleading with the inukai to let her go play with the taijiya. Although he would rather have her stay with him, he knew the girl needed some interaction with other humans and not to mention women in general. Though the taijiya was a warrior, he would admit that when she was not fighting she fit the mold of a proper young lady. The miko was another story, but he didn't think she would make too much of an impression on the young Rin.

"Very well." He allowed her, expecting the hug that she sprang on him with.

"Oh, thank you, Chichiue! Rin is so happy!"

Then she was grabbing Sango by the hand and all but pulling the woman out of the room.

"Come on, Sango-chan, Rin wants to play outside with Kirara! Kagome-chan, you come, too!"

With a smile Kagome stood to follow after the two, nodding in respect to the youkai they were leaving behind. Sesshomaru merely showed he acknowledged it with a nod of his own, before turning his focus to the pup in his arms.

"Shall I fetch the young Kazue a snack, my prince?"

He had nearly forgotten that Kaori had been there this entire time, having been quiet in the corner of a room, and looked up to the red-haired demon who stood waiting for his command.

"No, you are dismissed until further notice."

"Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama." She said with a bow, and then she was gone, melting into the wood of the floor.

Her abilities made her a good candidate to work as a spy, but she had refused, much like her mother had. She would rather be the respected nanny to the royal children that would be born, and was content to be only that. Her clan had suffered from an invasion of the silver fox clan, and rather than live under their rule, they had escaped to the West. Kaori's family managed to find work in the palace and had been in servitude to the inu clan for generations. Sesshomaru for one was grateful for them, though he never did once show his appreciation. He supposed allowing them to stay had been enough proof as they needed.

Kazue's loud squeal of childish delight had him looking down to the pup that was occupied with the teething toy that had once been his centuries ago. He couldn't hold back his smile as he lifted his son in the air, the pup laughing as he was raised above his birthing father's head, hands waving aimlessly as his feet kicked happily.

"At least you can be happy despite the circumstances." He calmly said, lowering the pup so that he could nuzzle a soft cheek. "The innocence of youth is something I'd gladly welcome, again."

He took Kazue's cooing as the boy agreeing with him.

"Sesshomaru-sama."

He looked to the door at the call and found the two sentries now standing there, before the two lowered to the floor in a bow. As one straightened, a bear demon in his prime and broad as much as he was tall, he made sure to keep his head bowed as he began to speak.

"We've returned with a message from the princess!"

"And that message would be?" He asked, waiting patiently though he rather the sentry get on with it.

The second one straightened, a young badger with bright blue eyes and a boyish face.

"She's requesting lodging within the palace walls tonight!" His voice was nervous, most likely having never been in audience with the inukai before.

Damn. She was pushing and they had no allies to cover them yet. He had no worry that Jaken would succeed in finding Kouga, but he could not be sure how fast that they would receive a response, or if it would even be a positive one at all. Those allies that they did have and were not in the Western Lands would need at least a day to come through. He would need to stall for time.

"Tell the princess that I shall honor her request in three days time." He answered, thinking it was a sufficient amount of time to gain an upper hand. "I wish first to prepare a proper welcome and commendable lodgings for her and her company."

The two bowed low again, before standing and turning to leave. Sesshomaru decided it was best to leave as well, not to mention that he could smell that Kazue needed changing and figured a bath was in order.

"Come, Kazue, we have much to prepare for."

xoxoxoxox

Kouga's muzzle lifted into the air to scent it, blue eyes looking over the horizon and not missing the gleaming blot in the sky that seemed to be heading in his direction. He worried over it just a moment, before he was distracted by the wolves that surrounded his animal form. He stood out much bigger than the animals he kept as his familiars, his fur a silvery-gray and black.

He snapped in warning at a younger male, who had been planning on reaching for the kill he had just dragged back to their temporary residence, the wolf slinking off with a whine.

"Ah, back so soon, my prince?"

Kouga looked up to one of the newest additions to their small pack, an older female demon that had been wandering the lands with what was left of her family. Her husband had perished under Naraku's attack while her son had run off on his own and had found his demise by a pride of nekokai. All that was left was her aging father in law and her youngest daughter, the girl having suffered horrible injuries during the attack their clan had gone through.

Kouga easily transformed back to his humanoid form and grinned at her with pride, lifting the large bull over his shoulder with ease, chest puffed out in masculine arrogance.

"Of course, hunting is my specialty." He boasted, the woman smiling back at him.

"And such a catch." The woman said with motherly praise. "We'll eat for quite a while with that. Leave it here, Yumi and I will strip and quarter it. I'm certain you wish check in on your mate."

His mate. It made his chest swell to hear it and his grin grew wider as he thought of Ginta. He had never thought it possible that he would find himself mated to his long-time friend. He had been afraid that he would grow to regret it, but the few weeks after they had mated had only made him much more thankful that he had done so. Ginta had turned out to be better than he had ever hoped for.

"Thanks, Akane." He told her, carrying the dead carcass closer to the fire pit and resting it down with a grunt of effort.

She watched him run off to the cave that they slept in at night, and could only smile at him, before turning to where her daughter sat listening to her grandfather telling her some tall tale.

"Yumi, come and help your mother prepare our meal." She beckoned, the girl turning to look at her with one blue eye and one a cloudy white. She had lost sight in it after it was injured, and when she stood and made her way over, the limp wasn't hard to miss either. She had barely made it out alive, and Akane was just grateful that at least one of her children had survived.

As the girl drew near, she couldn't help but pull her into an affectionate hug, licking over the girl's face in a motherly way.

"Come, look at the catch that Lord Kouga caught today."

xoxoxoxox

Kouga's ears didn't miss the small yips as he entered the cave, and he could hear Minako gently talking to Ginta and instructing him in a careful and experienced manner.

His grin broadened as he finally caught sight of his mate and the two new born pups, his daughter in his mate's hand and Minako gently cradling his son. Ginta looked up as he chuckled, and the sliver-haired ookami beamed at the sight of his mate.

"Kouga, you're back." His voice was a mixture of happiness and relief. "Now you can help with the pups."

The Alpha wolf easily walked closer, plopping down on the furs with his mate and the midwife, who held out his son for him to take. He did just that, still as nervous about holding him as he had been when the boy had first been born. At least he had grown some since then. The twins had been born early, which was normal with twins the monkey had explained to them, and they had been so small that Kouga believed that he'd crush them without trying. Now they were bigger, having Ginta's milk to nourish them and both parents to look over them.

"Truly his father's son." Minako said with a gentle laugh, her hand petting the baby's black locks.

Once again he felt pride swelling in his chest and he bowed his head to nuzzle his son's cheek, the pup whimpering and fussing.

"I think he's getting hungry." He warned, looking up to Ginta who had just finished changing their baby girl.

"Okay, we'll switch." Ginta said with a huff, picking his daughter up and holding her out for Kouga.

Minako offered her arms to take the boy and when he was settled with her, Kouga took his young daughter from her breeding father.

"Daddy's got you." He cooed at her gently, as she began to fuss a bit, gently bouncing her. She had the same black hair as her brother, both inheriting it from Kouga of course, but where her brother lacked a tail, she had a fluffy appendage at the base of her spine.

"I warn you, Ginta. You let him do as he pleases, and he'll spoil her rotten." Minako warned as she let Ginta take his son from her arms.

"Don't worry." Ginta said, beginning to feed the male pup. "I won't allow him to."

"Hey, I'm Alpha and I say I can spoil her as much as I want to." Kouga announced with a frown. "She's gonna be daddy's little girl whether you want her to be or not."

Ginta only rolled his eyes and Minako chuckled, before she was looking up with a serious face at the sound of the wolves howling outside. Kouga and Ginta were drawn by the noise as well, and they looked to the cave entrance, trying their best to see outside past the slight bend in the path to it.

In another moment, they heard the wolves barking and a voice that seemed familiar. Soon enough Hakkaku came running in, his face holding an expression that revealed that he wasn't sure on what to do.

"Kouga-sama!" He began with a bow, before he was moving closer to his leader. "A message from the West."

Kouga's frown deepened, and he gently handed his daughter over to the saru, who easily took the now sleeping pup into her arms.

"From the West?" He doubled checked, only thinking of two people that could have possibly sent that message.

Hakkaku was nodding in confirmation.

"From Lord Inuyasha."

Okay, now things were getting weird. Lord Inuyasha? Inuyasha, the hanyou?

"Are you sure?" He was asking. The mutt couldn't have actually managed to mate with Sesshomaru. He had never thought the hanyou would go through with it, he was as stubborn as they come.

"Jaken brought it personally and asks that he hand it to you himself." Hakkaku rushed out, the green little kappa appearing as if it was his cue to reveal himself.

The three wolves, and one monkey-demon, turned to look at the retainer, who came forward and bowed once he was in front of Kouga. The wolf demon stood and looked down at the servant, who easily held up an envelope in his hand, the wax pressed with the seal of the West.

"Lord Kouga, I bring you an urgent letter from my Lord Inuyasha and Prince Sesshomaru."

Kouga took it, still a bit unsure, and he opened it so that he could read it. It was the hanyou's handwriting alright, all scribbles and rushed, no sense of form at all. A smile took his lips as he read over the words again, so unmistakably Inuyasha that he couldn't refuse.

"So, the mutt needs my help does he?" He laughed, looking down at the kappa who took to glaring up at him. "There's no way I'm gonna let him live this down. I'll do it. Go back and tell dog-breath that I'll be there in no more than a week's time and the rest of the wolves my familiars are able to find will follow."

Jaken nodded and stood his eyes then looking to the Lady Minako, who sat silently observing the whole ordeal.

"Lady Minako, I would like to have a word in private."

She blinked at that, before she nodded and gently rested the royal princess down in a fur-lined basket. With her cane to help her, she stood before dusting off her clothes and gently whacking a laughing and gloating Kouga.

"Start to prepare your family and pack for travel. I'll be double-checking later to make sure you did enough to give your pups a comfortable journey."

Kouga's laughter came to a choking stop as he turned back to Minako, who had started to shuffle closer to Jaken.

"The pups can't come, they're too young to make the journey. It's not safe!" He objected.

"And you expect me to just sit here and wait for you with two newborn wolves!" Ginta sounded pissed, and Kouga carefully looked to his mate, cringing at the glower that was directed at him. "I'm coming with you and there is nothing you can do to convince me otherwise!"

"You'll be safer here, I'll be back in no time!" Kouga tried to argue, but the growl rising out of Ginta was one not to ignore. He was the Alpha and was in charge, but with hormones wading and having sampled Ginta's mood swings first-hand, it was best to give in each time. "Fine, okay, we'll take the whole damn pack."

The sweet face was quickly replacing the angered one, and Kouga had to wonder if he had just been duped. Probably.

"Hakkaku, will you like to help me gather the pups' things?" Ginta was asking his friend, who was more than happy to help. "Kouga, be a dear and give us a hand."

Knowing there was no way he could refuse, he sighed and let himself be ordered about by his mate. At least he was in charge of the rest of the pack, if not of his own Beta.

Minako could only laugh warmly, before she was stepping outside and making sure the kappa was following her. When they were far enough away from prying ears, she turned to face him and was shocked to have a letter thrust out to her.

She said nothing as she took it and removed the folded parchment so that she could red the brief message written on its surface. The only reaction she had was to blink as she read over the letter, and then she was closing it and tucking it away into her robes.

"Thank you, Jaken." She said breaking the silence. "You may tell your master that I have received his letter. Now, I must help young Ginta tend to his young and ready them for travel. If you'll excuse me, I wish you a swift journey home."

Jaken bowed his thanks before he was heading for his dragon and climbing aboard it, ignoring the curious wolves that circled the creature. Then he was off and heading back West to return to his lord and master's side.

Minako sighed as she watched him disappear, before she was heading back to the cave with a wave and smile directed to the new wolf demons that had joined Kouga's make-shift pack not too long ago. Her hand lowered to rest over the inside pocket where she had hidden away Sesshomaru's letter. It was good to know that young Kazue was coming along nicely and to hear that the two brothers had finally mated. Though she had to wonder why the older inu was extending an invitation of residence within the Western Palace. It was something to ponder later on and discuss with him once she had reached the West. It would seem that she would be accompanying the wolf pack on their journey as well.

T.B.C.