Tender Love

Disclaimer-I do not own any of the characters from Inuyasha



Chapter 20

The day of the Introduction Ceremony and the Adoption Announcement arrived Inuyasha's nerves were on edge, but her eyes were shining and full of anticipation. The great western palace and gardens were immaculate. The servants rushed about humming and singing, grins spread across their faces-grins that no sharp words would or could take away. But not a sharp word had been spoken and with the feel of a celebration in the air none would.

Even Mina, usually stern and demanding of the lower servants, was in a high and carefree mood. There had not been a celebration in the palace since before the last lady, Sesshomaru's mother, had passed away. The thought of finally having a celebration after so many years of silence in the palace sent chills up her spine.

Inuyasha was busy instructing the servants with some last minute details when one of the servants told her that Lord Sesshomaru wanted to speak with her in their room. Frowning, she gave the last of the servants their instructions and went upstairs. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a very provocative sight. Lying on the bed with a thin sheet covering only his manhood was her mate. Inuyasha quickly closed the door behind her as her face turned a bright shade of red.

"Sess, what are you doing?" she asked nervously and her heart began to thump against her chest. She could feel her breasts swell with anticipation of her mate sucking on them.

"Well," he said seductively, stretching his arms over his head and the sheet slid lower revealing the soft white hair around his cock. Inuyasha chewed on her lower lip as she just knew he was doing this on purpose knowing the flimsy sheet would slide down revealing himself to her. But to her disappointment, the sheet clung to his groin keeping his arousal hidden from her sight.

"Well," Sesshomaru started again as he could see the lust clouding her eyes, "you have been so busy with the celebration yesterday that we didn't even get to see each other. And when it was time for bed, you were so exhausted that you fell asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow. So, I thought we could play a little." He ran one hand down his strong, muscular thigh.

"Now? But the celebration . . ."

"Doesn't start until tonight," injected her sexy mate. "We have hours before it start. I’m sure Mina will have everything ready. Now, come to me my sweet." Sesshomaru smirked in delight as he watched the drool trickle down the corner of her mouth.

Inuyasha could not help herself. Her eyes would not turn away from the tent in the sheet. She raised her hand and wiped the drool from her mouth. She watched lustfully as he raised one clawed hand and removed the sheet revealing his hard throbbing arousal. Inuyasha felt all her blood rush to her stomach as she looked hungrily at the source that had given her so much pleasure.

Then she had a thought. She wondered . . . Inuyasha thought back to a few weeks ago when Miroku and Sango had come to stay for a few days after she had given birth. She had gone in search of the humans and found them out in the far eastern section of the garden. She hid when she saw the two were busy removing their clothing. Inuyasha knew she should have left but when Sango knelt between Miroku's legs the half demoness found she could not turn away. She watched as Sango slid her tongue up and down the length of Miroku's cock. The human female sucked and nipped up his cock and swirled her tongue around the head before swallowing the whole length. Inuyasha cheeks had turned dark red as she watched the monk throw his head back and moan loudly. He then began to thrust his hips upward driving his cock farther into her mouth. She rested an arm across his hips and continued to please him. Inuyasha's knees nearly collapsed beneath her as the monk groan and spilt his seeds into her mouth. To Inuyasha's amazement, Sango swallowed it.

The sound of her mate calling her name, brought Inuyasha out of her daydream as she looked into his frowning face. She began to wonder if Sesshomaru would enjoy something like that. Granted she has never done anything like that before but if her friends enjoyed it she doesn't see why not her and Sesshomaru. The only thing was the swallowing of his seeds. Would that be a problem? How did it taste? Would she become sick after swallowing his seeds? Dammit, she should have asked Sango about it. Inuyasha took a deep breath and decided. She would do it for her mate. He had given her so much pleasure. The least she could do was give him a little pleasure in return.

Sesshomaru watched his mate as her mind seemed to drift off into another place. He did not like that. Her mind should be only on him when they are alone. "Inuyasha," he called gently. Then she turned her gaze to him. He arched a brow as the look of lust, love, hunger and something else . . . determination, filled her beautiful golden orbs. She slowly made her way over to the side of the bed and undid the sash to her yukata. She used it to tie her hair back into a ponytail. When she opened her robe, Sesshomaru felt himself become painfully harder than he already was. Letting the thin material slither from her arms to pool at her feet on the floor, he gazed at her beautifully sculpted body. Her smooth skin glowed from the sunlight that came in through the opened balcony doors to bathe her in its light. And all he wanted was to make love to his mate.

He cocked both brows in surprise as she got between his legs and gently wrapped her fingers around his hard arousal. He hissed in pleasure as she slowly moved her hand up and down his throbbing length. Her hand was so soft. It was like his erection was wrapped in silk. When her tongue touched the head of his cock, he felt his body tighten and would have spilled his seeds from that gentle touch alone. But he held himself back as her tongue slid slowly up and down his aching erection. He was panting already as she dipped her tongue into the tiny slit in the head of his cock. He groaned and moaned, clawing at the sheet on the bed. He wanted to thrust his hips upward but he forced his body to remain in control. Her soft lips kissed and nipped a scorching trail up and down his cock. Suddenly his back arched as tight as a bow as he felt her mouth close over half of his throbbing length. As she bobbed her head up and down and sucked on the head, she found she could take in more and more of him if she relaxed her throat muscle and take it slow and easy. He could no longer take the teasing. Sesshomaru arched his back off the bed and spewed his seeds into her mouth.

Inuyasha was surprised to say the least as she felt his warm seeds fill her mouth. It was more than she could handle as some of his seeds trickled down the corners of her mouth. She sat back upon her knees and looked down into his sweat dampened face as he lay exhausted on the bed panting.

Slowly Sesshomaru began to come around and through half lidded eyes he could see his surprised mate staring at him with her mouth still filled with his seeds. He smiled lovingly at her. "You do not have to swallow it," he said still breathing a little heavy. "I know you are not use to something like this. So, you can spit it out. I will not be angry.”

Inuyasha thought about it for a while and then swallowed in one big gulp. Sesshomaru watched in wonder as she raised one delicate finger to mop up the seeds that trickled down the corner of her mouth and popped that finger into her mouth. "Hmm," she said, as she removed her finger. She began to tap her finger against her lips and seemed to be thinking about something. "Could use a pinch of sugar."

Sesshomaru stared at her in shock. "Why you little vixen," he said in mock anger and pulled her down to kiss her soft lips. He moaned when he tasted himself in her mouth. Pulling his lips away, he caressed one swollen breast. "And where did you learn that skill from, my pet?" He sucked the pink nub until it was hard.

"I-I had . . . come-come upon . . . Sango and Miroku," she said panting and writhing beneath his lips and hand. "They were out in the garden . . . I-I didn't mean . . . to spy but . . . but I couldn't help myself. I watched Sango as she pleasured her husband." Inuyasha said in one long breath before her speech became nothing but pleasing moans.

"I see." He trailed gentle kisses over her trembling stomach and then stopped to delve his tongue into her navel.

"You’re not . . . disgusted by what . . . I did?" she asked as a shiver went up her spine.

"Not at all. In fact, it makes me happy to see you wanting to give me as much pleasure as I have given you." He nipped her on the stomach and went back to kiss her passionately on the lips. Placing the head of his erection against her opening, he gently pushed forward.

Inuyasha moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck holding him close. Intense pleasure surged through her body as Sesshomaru began to move in and out of her. He groaned in delight as sweat covered their bodies. Soon, he began to thrust faster and harder. Inuyasha howled as he struck a bundle of sensitive nerves inside her making her arch her back off the bed. Heat pooled into the pit of her stomach as he angled his hips upward and plunged deep within her as he continued to strike that spot which made her see stars. She screamed as her orgasm washed over her.

As her inside clamped down around his throbbing erection Sesshomaru groaned as he spewed his seeds into his beautiful mate. He leaned over her to stare into her blushing face. "Beautiful." Was all he said before he collapsed beside her. He pulled her close to him kissing her cheek and they closed their eyes to settle down for a short nap.

xxxxx

The moment had arrived. Everything was ready for both celebrations. After feeding her sons, Inuyasha went to the hot spring and took a long bath before getting dressed. Looking at herself in the mirror, she smiled. Thick black lashes covered golden eyes and her succulent lips were painted a lite pink coral that begged to be kissed. She was wearing a thin silver kimono and over that she wore a white embroidered kimono with a white dog baying at the moon on the back. Her long snow white hair hung down her back in thick waves. She did not know how to put her hair and decided to let Sesshomaru decide for her. Taking another look at herself, she walked out of the room and headed to the study, to find Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru and his father were leaving his study, when Inuyasha descended the staircase. At first he thought his eyes were playing a trick on him or that the light from the candle sconces along the stairway was casting an image that could not possibly be real. His breath held for a full minute before his brain registered what he truly was seeing before him. This was his mate, his beloved, not an image conjured up from his imagination.

Inuyasha could not conceal the intake of breath at the sight of her mate. He was truly a vision to behold. Dressed in white hakama and haori with a white and yellow obi tied around his trim waist. Over his left shoulder was the white fluff, mokomoko-sama and in his hand he held a lotus blossom.

"I did not know how to wear my hair. So, I wanted you to tell me if I should wear it up or down?"

"Down, of course." He raised the lotus and pinned it in her hair in front of her left ear. "You look absolutely breathtaking," said Sesshomaru reaching out for her hand, his amber orbs never leaving her face.

"I was thinking the same thing," said Inuyasha giggling. "I never imagined you could look so beautiful."

Sesshomaru laughed softly. "I’m afraid those are not quite the words for a woman to put on a man, my sweet, but coming from you I am honored. I am afraid, though, that you are indeed the image of an angel tonight and that every demon here will be fighting for your attentions."

"I myself had in mind the same thought about you as I will have to stand guard to make sure no woman tries taking what is rightfully mine."

Sesshomaru smiled. "Never fear, my beloved. No other woman could penetrate this cloud of magic with which you have covered my mind. But right now, my pet, I have in mind one last taste of those delicious lips of yours, before our guests start arriving.”

Inuyasha's body molded against her mate's, her lips rose up to offer freely that which he desired. It still amazed Inuyasha that her body and lips could so willingly overcome her mind, even after all the time she had been mated to this demon lord. It seemed as though each time he looked at her, with desire in his eyes, her body would yearn to have him close, and when his lips sought hers, her own would respond with a fierce, possessive will of their own, trying to devour and pull out his very soul, so that she herself would have it in her own keeping.

Sesshomaru released her lips and almost as though knowing her thoughts, murmured softly, "my love, you have made me the happiest man on earth by being mine, and I cannot help but feel sorry for the rest of the men roaming the earth for they will never know what good fortune I have found in you."

Inuyasha's eyes misted over at these sweet words, but before she had time to reply, Inutaisho cleared his throat pulling them out of their tender moment.

"Excuse me, you two," he said smiling as they turned to face him. Sesshomaru looking quite put out by the interruption and Inuyasha looking very embarrassed as her cheeks turned a nice shade of pink. "I believe the guests are arriving.”

xxxxx

Carriage after carriage arrived at the front gates. The large palace was packed with people, and the sound of laugher and friendly talk filled the huge ceremony hall. Once, everyone had arrived the ceremony began. There was a large dais at the front of the hall. Above it was an image of a large dog carved into the wall. As the gong was struck twice, Sesshomaru walked out of the door on the left with Inuyasha three steps behind him carrying their twin sons. Sesshomaru stepped forward to the edge of the dais and bowed before the assembly. Then he and Inuyasha knelt on the large colorful cushions. She placed Keitaro and Keitano on a blanket. At two months, the pups were now sitting up and crawling. Keitaro crawled over to his father and began to climb up into his lap. While Keitano sat quietly staring at the many different demons.

Inutaisho walked out to stand before the guests. He bowed to everyone and offered a prayer up for the health of his grandchildren. Then he went into a lengthy detail of the western dog demon’s heritage. Starting with his great great-grandfather, Saburo and ending with the recent lord of the west, Sesshomaru. And of course, the old dog harped on and on about himself and his accomplishment as the ruler of the western lands. During the long-winded speech, Sesshomaru leaned over to his mate and whispered, "That old dog always did like to hear himself talk." Inuyasha covered her mouth with her hand hiding her giggle. After what seemed to be an hour or so of him talking, it finally came to an end. Inutaisho bowed once more and stepped to the side.

Sesshomaru stood up gracefully with his eldest son still in his arms. He took a few steps forward and turned to the image of the dog carved above their heads. He bowed to the image and then turned to face the audience and bowed. "I, Sesshomaru Aoki, lord of the west welcome you all here for this joyous occasion. I am grateful to all who are here to join in our happiness. And now, before the image of the demon who began our clan, Saburo and to all who stand here in witness of this Introduction Ceremony. I introduce to you my eldest and the next lord of the west, Prince Keitaro Aoki.” He held the infant under his tiny arms and held him up for all to see.

Everyone bowed before the infant heir of the western lands. Then he reached Keitaro to his mother and he took the other from Inuyasha’s arms. “Also, before the image of our clan leader, Saburo, I present to all here my second son, Prince Keitano Aoki.” He held his second son in the same manner as his eldest. Then Sesshomaru turned and took his place back on the cushion beside his mate. “To all lords and ladies, princes and princesses, warriors and healers, I, lord of the west thank you for coming and all gifts for the heirs are appreciated."

Everyone made a line and one at a time they placed their gifts before Sesshomaru and Inuyasha and wished them all great happiness and health in the years to come.

After the last guest placed his gift, Sesshomaru rose. "One last thing. I would like it to be known that from henceforth the orphan known as Shippo Takaku will be known as Shippo Aoki as I and my mate claim him as our own. He shall be granted the same courtesies and previlges as his adopted brothers."

The little kitsune walked out of the room to the right of them and stood next to Sesshomaru. He bowed to the assembly. "I, Shippo Aoki, pledge to protect the future lord of the west and his sibling to the best of my ability. As their older brother it is my job to make sure no one harms them and to make sure they are never lonely."

"As you should," said Sesshomaru stroking the kitsune's red hair.

After that, everyone was led to the banquet hall. The chamber was lined with tables as everyone took their places. Mina and the other servants quickly served dinner. Every kind of meat for which one could wish was set before the guests with bowls of steamed rice and vegetables and fruits. There were several desserts which made one's stomach growl just to look upon them.

The large chamber was crowded to its fullest with demons from all over Japan. The only humans, Miroku and Sango, seemed to get along well with the royal demons of Japan. A couple of the warrior demons took a great liking to the strong willed demon slayer. One even commented that he hoped to find himself a mate that was strong as she herself. Sesshomaru had invited Inuyasha's grandfather but the bastard refused to come not that he or Inuyasha cared if he came. He was only invited as a formality. Other than that, Sesshomaru wouldn't have even bothered with the lord of the east. Everyone sat and watched as the demons dancers danced better than any of the human geishas.

To Inuyasha everything was going along perfectly. She had stood watch over her mate making sure no bitch tried to draw him away. Although after the display at the dragon's mating ceremony, no demoness was fool enough to approach the lord of the west. Her spirits were soaring, yet already she could not wait for the end to come so she could be alone with her mate.

Her eyes had fallen upon Sya, who was dressed in a peach-colored kimono and had her hair up in a bun. She actually looked pretty in the kimono. And the smile on her face was truly a vibrant and honest expression of joy. It nearly knocked Inuyasha for a loop as Sya wrapped her arms around a tall demon dressed in black hakama and haori. His long lavender colored hair was in a topknot. She thought Sya looked happier than she had ever seen her since knowing her. A fleeting look of unhappiness crossed Inuyasha's face as she thought that if only things had been different, she and Sya could have been friends. But then the distressed look left her. 'Why am I so sad? Hadn’t I tried to be friends with the girl?’ It was not her fault that Sya refused her friendship. Perhaps if she could attend more affairs and made more friends she would change. But tonight she did not in any way look like the old Sya.

The evening wore on gayly. Everyone was having a marvelous time and no mishaps had as yet occurred, for which Inuyasha was very thankful. She had, for the last weeks, thought of nothing but something going wrong on this evening, but her fears had not as yet proven true.

Inuyasha was making her way along the back of the crowd trying to find her mate when she decided to watch the dancers for a while. When out of the corner of her eyes she realized that she was standing beside a man with long lavender hair dressed in a black hakama and haori. ‘Oh, this is the person Sya was with earlier.’ He smiled and bowed to her. She smiled also and returned his bow. There was something not quite right with him. His smile was so familiar. She was trying to figure out if he was at her mating ceremony or at the dragon's ceremony.

Suddenly the stranger slipped his arm around her waist and held her much too close for her liking and when she felt his one hand lightly caress her hip. She tried to pull away but he would not release her.

Becoming agitated, she snarled, "I suggest you release me or you will end up regretting your inappropriate action."

Instead of releasing her, he still held her close. Inuyasha gritted her teeth as she fought to keep her temper in check. Just as she was about to sink her claws into his wrists, she looked up into his face as his lips drew back into a sly crooked smile.

"Ah, the little one has a temper to match her beauty. Do not be so reluctant."

Inuyasha's eyes bore more intently upon his face. 'Where had I heard that voice before?' She felt shivers of cold fear seep into every portion of her body. "My lord?" she finally got out, wishing to hear his voice again and perhaps to find out his identity. Then another part of her warned her to run, to escape from this demon who could put such fear into her by merely saying those few words.

Before she could hear his voice again the music and dancing came to a stop. He graced her with that sly crooked smile once again, and he left her side losing himself in the mass of couples throughout the room. Inuyasha stood frozen. Her hands trembling and her mind racing in a whirlwind, as she tried to sort out the reason for the sudden and overpowering fear which had overtaken her.

Those words he had spoken; that was it. Little one. Who had said those same words before? Who had looked down at her with those same piercing eyes before? ‘Who could that man be?’ she racked her brain.

"I must get out of here and find a place where I can collect my wits," she mumbled aloud to herself.

On wobbly legs, she made her way out of the chamber and started up the stairs to seek out the privacy of her bedchamber.

"Where are you off to, beloved?" Sesshomaru asked softly as he came out of his study, where he had been leisurely talking with a group of demons.

"I-I thought to go up and check in on the boys, Sess," she murmured, clutching her trembling hands together in order to steady them.

"Is anything wrong, Inuyasha? Do you not feel well?" he questioned her with concern, having taken in her shaky composure.

"I am fine, Sess. I do feel a small headache, but it will be well after I reach our chambers and rest for a few minutes." She smiled, not wishing him to know the real reason for her distress. It could well be that with all the excitement of the ceremony her mind had been carried away and she was unduly worried over nothing. That must be it, she reasoned with herself. Everyone here tonight was a guest and she or at least Sesshomaru knew them all.

"Would you like me to come up with you for a time?" Sesshomaru asked, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Nah, we mustn't both leave our guests. I will be fine. I shall see to Keitaro and Keitano and then lie down for a few minutes to clear my head. I will not be gone long." She lightly placed a kiss upon his lips. "Do not look so concerned. I shall be gone such a short time you will hardly notice."

"Any time I am not with you I notice, but I shall do as you request and entertain our guest until your return."

"Thank you, Sesshomaru." She sighed, again starting up the stairs.

Sesshomaru stood watching his mate's retreating back, a worried frown creased his face. Perhaps the party was proving too much for her. If she was not downstairs again shortly, he would go to their chambers and see if he could be of any assistance to her. What were mere guests where his mate was concerned?

xxxxx


As Inuyasha made her way into the nursery, Shippo was trailing in behind her. "I was just about to come and get you," said Shippo smiling. "They have been whimpering for a long time now.”

"Thank you, Shippo," Inuyasha said smiling as she lifted her eldest into her arms and sat down in the rocker. She giggled as she stroked his silver curls. "I do swear he grows more like his father every day."

Shippo was at the other cradle playing with Keitano dangling a piece of red string over him. The pup laughed and grabbed for the colorful string.

Inuyasha pulled down one side of her kimono exposing her breast and placed the pup against the nipple. She smiled as the infant sucked greedily at his mother's tit. She had calmed some, now that she was in the nursery holding one of her children. ‘Whatever could have come over me?' she scolded herself. She could almost look back and laugh at herself for acting like such a frightened fool.

The babe had quieted and lay nursing at her breast and now Inuyasha actually felt embarrassment over the way she had reacted to one of her guests, who had probably only had a bit too much to drink and had thought to make her one of his conquests. It was only a short time later that Keitaro with his belly full fell peacefully to sleep. She had put the pup in his cradle and went to get Keitano when she heard the door opening. Thinking it to be either her mate or her father coming to see the pups, she didn’t bother seeing who it was. Instead, she saw the strange look in Shippo's eyes as the little kitsune frowned at the person. She turned to see a dark shadowy figure leaning with its back against the door. This was most definitely not her mate.

"What is the meaning of this?” she gasped as she clutched Keitano tightly to her bosom, realizing that the intruder was the man in black. She grabbed Shippo holding him close as she stood in front of Keitaro’s cradle. “How dare you come into this room? You are not allowed in this part of the palace. I demand that you leave at once.”

"No, whatever else, make no mistake that I would consciously leave you, my fair lady. For I promised one day that I would have you, and now I have come to make good on that promise." The man before her spoke, but the whole while those piercing eyes seared her breasts.

Suddenly a familiar scent wafted toward her nose and Inuyasha froze in horror. She knew who her tormentor was. He was none other than the one who had tormented her dreams upon occasion. As he stepped out of the shadows, Inuyasha stared in horror as she fell to her knees stricken with fear. How could this have happened? The one man in all the world whom she feared the most, Naraku, the despised pirate, who killed and destroyed without showing mercy to his victims. "You-you . . . what do you want here?" she said as fear radiated off of her. "If Sesshomaru catches you here, he will tear you to pieces."

"Do not fear on my account, my little one, he shall not find us here." His gaze still greedily feasted upon her.

"Get out of my home!" she shouted seeing where his eyes were resting and started pulling her kimono up to cover her from his lecherous gaze.

Shippo stood protectively over his mother.

"No Shippo, run get Sesshomaru," she said hurriedly.

"But mother . . ."

"Go!"

Shippo ran toward the other door that connected the master bedroom to the nursery. Just as he opened the door, Sya grabbed him by the arm and dragged him back into the nursery. "You're not going anywhere, you little brat," she snarled as she tossed the kit to the floor at Inuyasha's side.

Inuyasha looked up at Sya in shock. "Sya, what are you doing? We need help." As Inuyasha said these words she realized with a start that the other girl was no longer dressed in the peach-colored kimono, but had changed into a dark pair of hakama and haori, and a dark cloak was draped upon her shoulders.

"Of course I know what I am doing, you stupid little bitch. I told you that one day I would get my revenge for the way I have been treated by you and now it is going to be your turn. We shall see how you feel having to beg and to plead."

Inuyasha could not believe the hatred and fury that shone in Sya's eyes; could the girl have gone crazy or mad?

"Cease your bickering," Naraku lashed out. "We have not the time now for your fighting." He directed his words in Sya's direction. "Now, my flower, get yourself up and ready, for you are coming with me."

"You are insane to think that I will willingly go with you," Inuyasha shouted looking at the pair in front of her and clutching Keitano and Shippo close to her breasts.

"Insane? No, my lady, I am far from that and I assure you I do intend to take you with me," Naraku grated, stepping to her and reaching to take hold of the sleeping infant in the cradle. He stopped when he heard a vicious snarl come from the left. He turned to Inuyasha was on the verge of transforming.

She leaped to her feet and shoved Naraku away from her pup while holding the other close to her chest. "If you lay one filthy finger on him," she said in an inhuman voice. "I will rip your fucking throat out.”

He stared into her angry face. Her furious eyes were shooting poison daggers of rage at him. For a moment he was reminded of an angry lioness protecting her young and he knew that to take the child would not be an easy task. "I have no doubt that you would try." Naraku smirked. "Very well, we shall bring the one you have in your arms along with the kit. But I warn you now, if you so much as try to call out for help. I shall not hesitate to kill him." Suddenly several writhing tentacles burst from his back. "You already know how deadly they are. So remember, no tricks or I just may kill both the runt and the pest." He glared down at Shippo.

Inuyasha had no doubt that he would do so and though she could not bear the thought of being separated from either of her pups. She knew she could not endanger their lives. "No, I shall leave Keitano with his brother and Shippo," she said at last. She was about to lay him in his cradle when Naraku grabbed her by the arm.

"I said bring the runt. He may come in handy. Sesshomaru will think more cautiously about following us and I think the pair of you should bring a much higher ransom."

Sya looked in horror. "You cannot mean to take that squalling monster or the kitsune brat with us? They will only hinder us, dear one."

"I said he shall come along, and his big brother also. Now let us hear no more about it. I am ready to be gone. We have already spent too much time with this ceaseless prattle."

Sya did not argue further. Though she thought taking the children a mistake, she held her tongue not wishing for Naraku to unleash his anger on her.

The group made their way quietly down the back servants' stairs and into the dark night where a carriage awaited them.

Inuyasha held her son in her arms and Shippo walked beside her on wobbly legs, his large green eyes were circles of fright. Sya was in the lead and Naraku brought up the rear of the small group.

Just as they were in reach of the carriage, a voice brought them to a halt. "What are you doing out here? You are not suppose to have a carriage in the back.” It was Jaken. He gasped startled when he saw Inuyasha. “Oh, Lady Inuyasha, is that you? Why are you sneaking around out here?" The little green imp squinted his eyes in the dark to see what was going on. As he advanced closer, his eyes widened in horror at the sight of the pirate.

Suddenly one of Naraku's tentacles shot out striking the small demon in his shoulder. Jaken screamed in pain as the tentacle rip through his shoulder and lifted him into the air and slammed him to the ground knocking him unconscious.

"Get into the carriage," Naraku snarled as he glared at the heap lying on the ground. Naraku shoved Inuyasha into the carriage and lifted Shippo and tossed him inside, followed by Sya and Naraku. “Let’s go.”

The Thunder Brothers, Hiten and Maten, were atop the carriage, their capes billowed behind them as they shouted and cursed, whipping the team of horses to a reckless speed in order to arrive at their destination in a short time.

Inside the carriage, little Keitano awoke with a whimper, not being used to the lurching of the carriage.

"Shut that damn brat up, before I do it for you!" Naraku sneered, watching through the window to the rear of the carriage to see if anyone followed them.

Inuyasha, frightened that this insane demon would do harm to her child, tried to comfort him but he would not be silence. Shippo took out the red string he was playing with and dangled it before the child. Immediately the pup began to reach for the string laughing and cooing.

The ride wore on through the night, ever at a fast pace, with occasional sounds of cursing and shouting from the brothers above.

Sya sat within quietly beside her lover. At last her dreaming would be at an end and she would have the man she loved at her side and be the mistress of her own future.

Naraku's mind wanderings were far from what Sya would have expected, as he sat in the darkness of the carriage, intently watching Inuyasha's beauty.

His mind was already made up about the child she held clasped in her arms. He would let her keep him for a time and then would let the great Lord Sesshomaru Aoki have the brat back for a tidy sum of money. After he got Inuyasha back to his own home there would not be any chance for her to escape or for her spouse to rescue her. 'Aye,’ he thought, 'my plans would indeed work out better with the babe with us. I could use the child as a threat to Inuyasha and then when we reached my home I will send the fox kit along with the child back to Sesshomaru, thereby keeping the lovely Inuyasha at my side and also gaining a tidy sum to boot.’

Never once did his thoughts touch on Sya. She was beyond his thoughts now that Inuyasha was before him.

Inuyasha could barely believe what had been happening to her for the past few hours. Never once did she doubt that Sesshomaru would soon be following them and save her and their children, but she knew she would have to keep Keitano quiet until that time because Naraku left no doubt as to his means of silencing her child. To do this deed, she knew for a certainty, he would kill her in a heart beat, for there would never be any other way for him to get to her children.

More upsetting to her than any other of the events of this evening was the revelation of Sya's betrayal of the people who had taken her in and cared for her. Granted, she knew Sya was a spiteful, hateful creature but Inuyasha never thought the other girl would do something so stupid. Surely even someone as spoiled and conceited as Sya could see that the pirate was only using her. But Inuyasha could see the devotion in the other girl’s eyes for the pirate. There was no doubt in Inuyasha’s mind that the girl was indeed in love with the pirate but that she was a part of this cruel fate of abduction rankled sourly with Inuyasha. She wanted to cry but she would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her so weak. She held Keitano in her arms as he drifted off to sleep and then pulled Shippo close to her as the little kit leaned against her side falling asleep also. 'Poor thing. It's way pass his bed time and he was trying so hard to stay awake and protect us.' She stroked his soft cheek. 'Shhh, little prince, go to sleep. Your father will be here soon and we will all be returning home.' Her thoughts were said more to convince herself than anything.