Alls Fair in Love and War

Chapter 20

"Stay the hell back!" Inuyasha scooted as far as the bed would allow until his and Koga's backs were literally against the wall.

The advancing demon lord only shook his head at the quivering children. "You two are such cowards." He informed, casually taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "One would think the sons of Kazo and Taisho would show more courage."

Koga and Inuyasha growled at the insult.

"Well at least I see that you have some pride."

"What the hell do you want?" Inuyasha's voice held a steel of bravery but his body betrayed him shaking like a leaf. "If…if you're going to rape us than at least let Koga go."

"Say what? Shut up stupid." Koga grunted shoving Inuyasha behind his back. "If you want anyone than take me. I can take it better than the mutt can."

"Oh whatever." Inuyasha pushed his way toward the front. "I'm the hotter of the two so if he wants anybody it'll be me."

"No way. Just back down. Let him take me so that you can get away."

"Idiot he'll be bored with somebody as ugly as you."

A roar of laughter cut through their arguing since they completely forgot all about the dragon demon. Ryuukotsesui had an enjoyable laugh for a few minutes before returning his attention back to the boys in bed. "I've never heard of anyone insisting on being molested. Are you two so depraved of sexual attention that you wish to be forced?"

His amusement did little to ease their comfort. It only made the guy seem more frightful. Instincts told the both of them to keep their distance for as long as necessary.

Ryuu rolled his green eyes and snapped his fingers. Suddenly the entire room lit up with countless candles and lanterns lining along the walls. With the room brightened up they could fully take in the details of the chambers. Dark jade green and royal gold fibers streamed down draperies, the bedding sheets, wall carpets, which went perfectly with the brown wooden dressers and night stands.

Inuyasha frowned curiously wondering what this guy was playing at. If he wanted to rape them, then what the hell was he waiting for? He doubted if the guy got a kick out of making his victims wait until it was time for the moment of truth.

"I see your fear has lessened a bit young hanyou."

Inuyasha returned his gaze back at the dragon. "Where are my brothers? What have you done with them?"

"I can assure you your miserable siblings are fine."

Koga blinked. "You mean you didn't kill them? But we saw—"

"I know very well what you saw." Ryuu cut off smoothly. "But I did not kill your brothers. Wound them yes but kill? How cruel do you think I am?" He chuckled, mocking sadness.

Both sighed a released of relief they didn't know was stored in their chests after hearing that Yoko and Sesshomaru were alright. "So if you didn't intend to kill them than why hurt them so badly?" Koga wanted to know.

"How else would I have been able to take you two without them trying to stop me?"

Good point. "So what do you want with us?"

Ryuu wanted a few moments before reply with an odd answer that left but young canines confused. "I wanted to have a few visitors in my home. It does get terribly lonely here." This said with a charmed smile.

Inuyasha looked at Koga than back at the dragon lord. "Sooo you attacked us, admitted our god father's true status to piss us off and," He looked down at his body. "Stripe us naked just to have house guests?"

"I striped you of your clothing to prevent any blood being stained on my clean sheets. As you should've noticed your wounds have been properly healed and your bodies are cleansed."

Doing another inspection of their own bodies, they could tell that he indeed did clean them of their injuries and has yet to harm them when he had the perfect opportunity to do so. Especially while they were unconscious he could've done anything. But he didn't. Why?

"What do you want with me and the mutt?" Koga quizzed.

"The mutt?"

He rolled his eyes. "Me and Inuyasha. What do you want with us?"

"Hmm well," Ryuu began as he stood up from the bed locking his hands behind his back. "I just wanted a couple of visitors preferably some bright well spirited young lads who could bring some light to this dark and damp place."

Inuyasha wasn't buying it. "Cut the crap dragon. You've done way too much just to get a couple of visitors for your castle. So cough up what you're really up too."

"Yea," Koga agreed. "You caused another fucking war, killed a ton of my people, fought with my old man, attacked our brothers leaving them both a bloody mess—fuck that! There's no way in hell you're not up to no good."

Ryuu released another whole hearted laugh walking around to sit on the other side of the bed. "Come now children. You make me seem so heartless." He shrugged one shoulder. "I wouldn't call the invasion a war per say. More like a sneak attack. Besides if you would've done the math you would've calculated that none of your subjects were killed."

"Horse shit! Children were snatched from their mothers and eaten alive. Most of the Youko males were murdered and vixens were raped violently!"

Inuyasha tilted his head when Ryuu actually looked surprised.

"I-I didn't know their victims of this invasion."

"Bullshit! Stop lying! You were the one who ordered the sneak on my lands and you were the one who ordered your soldiers to murder them mercilessly."

The dragon abruptly stood from the bed. "I ordered those fools to injure on sight not to murder and go on a killing spree. I don't kill. It's far from my style of tact."

The anger on his words almost seemed genuine but Koga wasn't buying it. "So you're saying that you didn't know your own soldiers killed all of those people? Oh yea sure feed that crock of shit to some other moron." Koga sat back on the bed folding his arms. "Listen if you're going to kill me than go ahead and do it. I ain't got shit to live for anyway. Hell I'm not even a Youko prince. I'm just some worthless wolf demon with no real family." He choked shuddering. "So-so go ahead and get it over with."

Inuyasha reached out to touch the wolf but he was denied with a rough shrug. "Don't touch me." Growled the saddened cub.

Ryuu retook his seat. "Listen Koga, I had no idea that my soldiers killed those demons. If I had I would've punished them for disloyalty to the House of Onyx. Killing? Ha, far beneath me I can assure you." He tilted the boy's head up by the chin looking in his teary blue eyes. "I swear to you I had no idea."

Koga sniffled holding the dragon's unusual warm gaze.

"Do you think you can tell me who the soldiers were that did the crimes? I could see to it that they're slaughtered just as painfully as your people were."

Koga wanted to believe the demon but something held him back. He just couldn't bring himself to believe the guy's words. He's been far to mean.

"I wanna know something." Inuyasha started. "What do you have against my brothers and Fathers? What have they ever done to make you hate them so much?"

The warmth in his eyes turned a chill mint green. "Your fathers betrayed me." He released Koga's chin turning to Inuyasha. "Your brothers or well enough Kurama is the result of that betrayal. Sesshomaru only cemented the deal with his birth."

"I don't understand."

"Your fathers and I were friends once."

"Oh Inari," Koga threw his hands up. "Geez can you even breathe without lying? Our fathers would never been friends with the likes of you!"

Ryuu sighed slowly losing his patience. "Koga I don't expect you or Inuyasha to believe me. All I'm able to give is my word of honor which I can tell you I am a man of."

"If what you say is true then why go through all of this just to have guests?" Inuyasha asked.

Seeing that the hanyou might give him a chance, the demon lord answered honestly as he could. "My reasoning is irrelevant."

"That's because you don't have one!" Koga stated matter of fact.

"Hold on Koga! Damn give the guy a chance to answer."

Before he could start talking the large door at the entry of the bedroom creaked open. "My lord?"

Hearing the timid voice Ryuu replied kindly to the visitor. "I shall be there in a moment. You go ahead without me."

"Yes sir." The door closed just as quietly as it had opened.

Inuyasha and Koga brushed away the interruption waiting for the dragon lord's explanation.

But they didn't receive it. "That's enough for now. It's late. We'll finish this conversation tomorrow."

"Whoa what? No way. We can talk now."

"I appreciate your wanting to know about my excuses Inuyasha, but unfortunately I have more pressing matters to attend too. You two must rest until then. I'll have clothing ready for you as well as a warm bathe. You two are to be at our morning meal by the time the sun hits the mountains. Afterwards we can finish discussing this matter in the gardens." Ryuu gently pulled the boys down by their ankles positioning them to lie down. "Until than get some rest." He smiled brushing their hair from their faces and was granted that they hadn't shivered from his touch.

"I bid you both a goodnight." He kissed both their foreheads and rose from the bed heading out the door. Before he left he turned back smiling at them. "Rest assured young ones. I'm not going to harm you." With that said, he left without another word.

Inuyasha sat staring at the door for the longest wondering if he should trust the guy. He didn't seem so bad considering how evil their brothers and fathers have preached to them most of their lives. A lot of things he said did make sense. If he had really wanted to hurt them why hadn't he done so? The guy is as strong as Taisho and Kazo so fighting him would've been a point unless they were suicidal.

"I don't get it. What's his game?" Koga questioned feeling confused.

"I don't know. I'm wondering the same thing."

Koga flopped back on the soft pillows. "I don't trust him. I still think he's up to something."

"Yea but," Inuyasha lied down next to him looking up at the paintings on the ceiling. "If he really wanted to hurt us than why hadn't he did it already right?"

"Wrong. This is Ryuukotsesui we're talking about. The guy our families hate. The same guy who viciously attack my kingdom, our brothers and my father. He's up to no good I tell ya."

Inuyasha sighed. "I know. But still think about it. Not to down Sesshomaru and Kurama's powers but the guy is mega strong. He could've easily taken them out without any problems. So why didn't he?"

Koga shrugged. "Keh, I don't know. He probably gets off on that kind of stuff."

Mentally considering all the things the dragon told them he seemed to be telling the truth but it was hard to believe him based on all of the evidence of his past crimes. Perhaps he didn't know about the mass murders taking place during the invasion. Or he could be playing them for fools and trying to win their trust for his own malicious intentions. So many questions and yet no answers for any.

"Whatever the case, we're not going to get anywhere asking questions with no answers. "Koga sat up pulling back the crisp sheets. "Come on." He urged toward his god brother. "Let's get some sleep."

Inuyasha nodded crawling under the covers. Koga joined him spooning up behind his back. The hanyou sighed cuddling into the warm embrace. "Do you think they're worried about us?"

Koga rubbed his nose into the plush white hair. "I know they are. But at least we know that they're all alive. That's the best news I've heard since this stupid war started."

"Hmm you're right."

The two fell into a relaxed silence listening to the sounds outside the unfamiliar territory and the quiet creaks and cracks in the room.

"Yo."

"Yea?"

Inuyasha frowned. "I know we're naked and all but…" He turned around in the hug. "Do you have to be so happy to see me?"

"Oh right sorry." Koga eased his mild hard on back from the hanyou's body. "It's all the closeness and what not." He grumbled blushing.

Blinking at the obliviously dull reason, Inuyasha snickered in the dark. "Tsk, as if. You want me and you know it."

"Oh please. I don't do dogs."

"You did Sesshomaru." Came the duh, remark.

"Sesshomaru did me stupid. Or did you forget that while Kurama was ramming his dick up your ass?"

"Shove it would ya?"

"Yea I think he did that too."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "You're so dumb." He yawned tucking his head under the wolf's chin. "Let's just get some sleep ok?"

"Yea sure." Koga wrapped his arms around him.

Another quiet moment passed before Koga asked a question he's been curious about since the cave. "Hey?"

"Yea?"

"Have you thought about what Kurama said?"

He hesitated before answering shyly. "Yea sort of."

"And?"

"And what?"

Koga pushed his head away to look in his dark covered face. "Would you want to mate with me?"

Now Inuyasha had a full blush on his face. "Do you really think this the time to talk about this considering the…un-state of dress we're in?"

"Sure why not?" Koga's voice became slightly hush as his hands skimmed down Inuyasha's back. "Let's just see what it's like. Maybe…" He gently crawled over Inuyasha's body settling between his legs. "Just a little kiss?"

Inuyasha's breathes came in a quickened pace. "Uh Koga…I don't think—ummp."

Koga captured Inuyasha's lips midsentence. The kiss was a bit awkward at first until they both fell into a cozy rhythm. Koga dominated the kissing moving his head to the side for a better angle to suckle the bottom of Inuyasha's lips. The move caused a throaty moan to erupt giving Koga a chance to deepen the caress with his tongue. Inuyasha's claws lifted to comb inside of long inky black massaging the wolf's scalp. Their tongues twirled and tangled the same way their brothers had shown them earlier before.

Koga broke the kiss easing away to lick on the corner of Inuyasha's mouth before moving to the side. "Hn, I take it that you do want to mate with me than?"

Inuyasha licked his swollen lips breathing heavily. "It's something to think about." He teased wiping his brow.

"Yea whatever. Your body says it's already made that decision." He taunted looking under the sheets. "By the way you don't look so bad down below."

Inuyasha's blush became a flushed blood red as he tugged the covers under his neck and gave the wolf his back. "Go to sleep you creepy pervert."

Koga went back to spooning behind the shy hanyou kissing his neck. "Good night mutt."

Inuyasha reluctantly relaxed into the hug hiding a pleased smile. "Good night."

---

Healers and medics rushed and scrambled around the castle madly trying their best to heal the injured demons who came arrived an hour ago. Kazo's damage being the worst of the three was transported to a medical aura chamber where the more intense treatments could be handled. Sesshomaru's wounds were more of a slashes and skin erosions than Yoko's but his burns were critically severe.

Taisho was taken to the mild wounds chambers to treat the few cuts and slight bruising. After declining any further care, Taisho asked a few of his menders to check on the status of his family and to inform him of any type of changes to their health.

Funny that he asked to check on his family. True to find out that they were technically his family but it felt great to know that it was a reality. He was still a fine state of mind that Kurama was his son. His son. The boy had grown right before his eyes from a tiny clumsy pup to the young adult he is now. Kazo had done a wondrous job in raising the lad. He was well mannered, a strong warrior, loyal to a tee, and extremely protective of his family. He remembers when Sesshomaru first learned how to walk Kurama was there teasing the pup with his tail trying to coax him to take the first step. The innocent stumbled a bit but the ploy worked luring Sesshomaru to take five full steps before he fell on the ground.

He didn't want to toot his own horn but he'd done an excellent job in helping the boy become what he is now. Wow he felt so much pride swelling in his chest at the thought of being part of the reason why Kurama was the man he is today. Yes he'd done a fine job.

While reminiscing about the good ole days, his thoughts were interrupted by one of the healers he asked to check his family. "Your highness?"

"Yes?" He answered.

She walked in bowing her head. "Your son has awaken sir."

"Which one?"

The servant blinked at the odd question. "Uh Sesshomaru sir."

"Very well." When he stood she immediately hurried over to help him into one of his thin robes. "That will be all."

Being dismissed she returned to her station.

Taisho walked down the corridor and made a right toward where Sesshomaru had been taken earlier. Five minutes later he knocked on the door and waited for permission to open it.

"Enter." Said a deep rasped voice from behind it.

Taisho opened the door and smiled at the interesting sight. "Well I thought I'd never see the day."

"I'm glad you find amusement in my current state Father." Sesshomaru's supposed current state being that he was bandaged around his chest area and his left arm. His body was nude minus the sheets covering his more private sections of his body. "Surely you could find reason to be more sympathetic."

"I could." Taisho took a seat scooting it closer to the bed. "But you do not wish for sympathy do you?"

"Of course not."

"Very well." His smile fell. "How are you feeling?"

Sesshomaru lifted a hand to rub along his sore ribs. "Tender but nothing that can't be cured with rest. How are God father and Yoko?"

"I haven't checked on them yet. When they told me you had awakened I came to see you first."

"I see." Sesshomaru sedated himself to the pillow placed at his back. "Well as you can see, I am fine. Shouldn't you have to go and check on your…other son?" He questioned with a hard glint in his eyes.

The proud demon lord never thought there'd be a day when he couldn't face the disappointed expression in his own son's eyes.

"Hn, how amusing." Said the cold smiling demon prince. "You forever preached to Inuyasha and I about the rights and wrongs of our lives and yet you are your own hypocrite." He spat venomously. "So tell me Father, when did the disgraceful coupling between you and Kazo take place? It couldn't have been long considering his age. Surely you did while engaged to my mother?" The accused question asked while looking at him angrily.

When the father hesitated to answer that was all the answer he needed. "Rutting with God father while engaged to mother. Disgusting and dishonorable to a tee. Not to mention the result of that coupling so happens to be my very own best ally and god brother."

Taisho sighed helplessly. "Sesshomaru I never meant to hurt your mother."

"Save your lies father. I'm far too old for some simply lecture about the grounds of romance. Your excuses will mean nothing to me."

"Sesshomaru try to understand." He reached out to touch his son's arm but he snatched it away.

"Reframe from touching me." He growled with a flash of red. "Don't you ever lay a finger on my person again."

Recoiling his hand back Taisho shook his head. This wasn't the reaction he was expecting his son to have. "Kazo and I were a couple before your mother and I became engaged. We were in an arranged mating. I never wanted it to happen."

At the evil amber glare Taisho quickly rephrased his statement. "But I did learn to love your mother. And I don't regret her ever giving birth to you. My first born son."

"You are incorrect Father. Your first born is in another room healing as we speak." The banes of his hair lowered over his eyes to hide the hurt he would never show to anyone. "Perhaps it's best you left me. I have nothing more to say to you."

"Sesshomaru I—"

"Enough InuTaisho!" Sesshomaru turned wild golden eyes at his father shocking him by disrespectfully calling him by his first name. "I blame you and Kazo for denying me the bond we should've gained. You dare to makes excuses for your unfaithfulness? If what you say is true than you should've ended the affair with that fox and just settled down with my mother instead of continuing to sleep with him like some type of cheap whore!"

Sesshomaru took a deep breath to calm his frantic spirit threatening to burst out of him and tear his father apart. Never had he ever been so emotional in his entire life. Not once, not even in battle had he shown such emotions. It was so much to take in. He felt betrayed.

"My son this something I found out just like you—"

"It matters not. I have nothing more to hear or say to you." Sesshomaru turned his head away to show his dismissal of the matter.

Normally Taisho would've disciplined the boy for such disrespect but now was not the time. He should've have expected it to be all roses when Sesshomaru found out. But a part of him wanted it be that they all came together as a family. It seemed that there was a lot of work to do with this.

---

Kazo had the last of his arm wrapped tightly to cease any further bleeding. "How long before I am up again?" He asked the mender.

The healer retrieved a bowl of green formula rubbing on his chest. "Your wounds were grave your majesty. You won't be fully recovered for at least two days. We also have to monitor the injury around your neck to make sure it heals properly. The bite wound was deep and we're unsure if he shivered anything vital."

Kazo sighed. "Fine just be quick with about it."

"Yes sire."

He knew he was being impatience, but he was itchy to get out of there and to get his two youngest children. Kazo knew Ryuu wouldn't kill the boys but that didn't mean he wouldn't hurt them. The cunning old dragon was probably do Inari knows what to them. And here he was helpless to do a thing about it.

Suddenly a loud commotion bellowed outside his door. His ears perked up at the sounds of medics and healers yelling and pleading.

"Please your highness your wounds are not yet healed."

"You must rest to gain your strength back young prince."

Kazo sighed already knowing who it was storming to his room. He pulled the thin sheets up to conceal his lower half and dismissed the healer in his room. The entire top part of his body was wrapped from neck to waist in bandages. Inside he wasn't ready for the reaction of his sons. But as he came closer the distributing heat from his son's anger was enough to scorch two of the servants unfortunate to be in his path.

The door shot open with a red eyed Youko with a set of margent stripes gracing his cheeks. Sensing the danger many Inu soldiers approached the prince with weapons drawn but found themselves thrown to the side by wild vines.

Kurama stepped inside the room with burns still visible on the top half of chest and arms. He shut the door sealing it shut with his demonic plants. "No interruptions" He growled quietly.

Kazo nodded not fazed in the least by his son's anger. He watched Kurama take a deep breathing releasing it from deep in his burn littered chest. When he detached from his malicious intents the redness in his eyes flashed back to gold and his stripes faded away. The young fox grabbed a chair from the wall and pulled it to the side of the bed of his Father, taking a seat. "I want answers Father and I want the truth. I swear if I think you're lying to me even once, I won't hesitate to kill you."

Still unfazed of his son's threat, Kazo stared him directly in the eyes. "The truth is a hard tale Kurama. Are you sure you wish to hear it all?"

"Try me."

Kazo sighed getting comfortable in his bed. "Alright. But I warn you now that what I'm about to tell you is a bit hard for the ears—"

At the feral growl Kazo knew his stalling was only enraging his son further. It was now or never so no more delaying. With a heavy heart he regarded his only son with a heavy heart as he was forced to relive the horrid events of his past once again. "About a few centuries ago…"

TBC: Lots of emotional baggage here mates. Lots of stress and emotional issues. I wonder what the dragon is up too? Is he really being sincere or is he luring them into a false sense of security? Then there's the issue of Yoko and Sesshomaru dealing with the discovery of the secrets. Stay tuned. ^_^