Alls Fair in Love and War

Chapter 21

The last of the story finished on an exhausted whisper as Kazo wiped away the one tear that would shed every time he thought of his lost son.

"I see…" Kurama shifted in his seat squeezing the pressure between his eyes. "I never knew…You've been through so much Father. How? How did you manage to be so strong and carefree as you are now?"

Kazo smiled grabbing his son's hand. "You made it easier my son. I admit living on since your brother's death was a difficult task for me. But whenever I woke up to see your little face staring at me, I knew I had to be there for you. I knew I had to be the strong father figure to help raise you into the demon you are today."

A shuddered sigh released from within the young Youko's chest. Kurama returned the squeeze of his father's hand scooting closer to the bed. "Father, why did you wait so long to tell me all of this? About your affair with my…my Father…your rape…my dead brother…and how my grandfather tried to kill us? How could you keep it bottled up inside for so many years?"

This was the hardest question Kazo feared answering. "I was afraid of losing your confidence in me."

"I don't understand."

Kazo pulled his hand from the grip to stroke his claws on Yoko's pale face. "I couldn't bear to see the look of disappointment in your eyes when you learned your father was nothing more than an Omega. How could I tell my son that I was the one who gave birth to him and his twin? I adored the look you gave me whenever you saw me coming as a kit. And I still…I still see it." He choked finally noticing that the expression didn't change even after learning of his true status. "You still see me the same?"

Kurama nodded cupping the hand on his face. "You gave me life father. You raised me on your own and taught me all I know. You never made me want for anything. How could I look at you otherwise?" He removed the hand on his cheek placing a sweet kiss on his palm. "If anything I respect you even more now that I know the truth. I'm so proud you're my father."

Feeling a tightening in his throat Kazo turned his head away burying it in his pillow. Even if his son now knew he was an Omega he wasn't going to cry like one in front of him.

"Father? Are you…about to cry?"

"Of course not you fool!" Kazo snapped angrily. "Your father has no reason to-to cry."

Kurama smiled shaking his head. "You're such an old fox."

That stopped the tears instantly. "Bite your tongue boy. I'm far from being old. I'm still quite in my prime." He said snootily.

"Sure you are."

Kazo turned his head with a cocky smirk. "Care to try me?"

Kurama knew better than to challenge his much stronger parent and quickly declined. The two shared a quiet laugh together erasing all of the earlier tension in the atmosphere. It was nice being able to talk to his son and not have to hide his true form any longer. The way Kurama easily accepted it eased the blunt of the situation as well.

As fast as the tension dissipated it returned through Yoko's sigh. "Father since we're on the discussion of secrets, I'm afraid Sesshomaru and I have one of our own."

Kazo frowned. "Kurama whatever it is I'm sure it won't be as bad as what I've kept from you."

The son disagreed. "No, your actions were influenced through the acts of my grandfather. These were done on our own terms."

Suddenly feeling that this was going to be a long story Kazo settled back on his pillow. "I take it that whatever this secret is, you've done in best interests?"

"Yes." Kurama took a deep breathe. "Father I…I'm in love with Koga."

Kazo sat up. "You're-you're what?" He asked stunned. "Kurama…how…when…?" Suddenly the night from so long ago surfaced in his mind's eye, remembering when Yoko nearly raped Koga as a child. He closed his eyes trying to fight off the disappointment. "Kurama he's your brother. I don't know if—"

"Father let me finish before you pass judgment on the issue. Sesshomaru is love with Inuyasha as well. But we both are unable to allow the ones we chose to be with another so we sort out a way to create a solution."

Blue eyes widened. "Kurama please tell me you two did not…" He wasn't able to finish the unspeakable truth he saw shimmering in those golden eyes.

"Yes father. Sesshomaru and I have decided to become a Joint Clan with Inuyasha and Koga. I will be the head Alpha of my clan."

"Now I see." He recalled become Kurama passed out him mumbling he had to protect his clan. How could he have missed it? "What of Sesshomaru? Surely you do not expect your brother to submit to you?"

Kurama shook his head. "No Father he shall lead by my side. However given the age difference he has to be second in command. I'm sure you're aware of the customs involved in this process."

Yes he was well knowledge about the ritual. "How far into the progress have you gone?"

"Unfortunately it was brought to a halt when Ryuukotsesui found us in his kingdom—"

"What? What the devil were you doing in that dragon's lands?"

Now he was reluctant to answer but since the story had already begun there was no point in delaying it. "I can't really say I remember how Father but we somehow ended up there. When I finally came into my right of mind Inuyasha and Koga had already been claimed."

Kazo sighed nodding his understanding. Naturally when an Inu found the one they deemed worthy of being their mate they'd stop at nothing to claim them as their own. When Inuyasha and Koga went into heat it was pure instinct that caused his eldest son's to sort them out. Being that Yoko was part Inu that instinct was planted in his mentality as well. Just like Taisho did to him that night centuries ago. "So that would explain the sudden turn of events huh? Is that why Ryuukotsesui decided to go to war?"

"Yes. Sadly we hadn't realized that during our unconscious rut that his lands were damaged beyond repair until it was too late. We tried to escape before he found out but he cut us off before we could get away."

Kazo thin eyebrows rose in surprise. How odd. Ryuukotsesui had interfered in their escape? Than why hadn't he tried to kill them than? That was the perfect opportunity to kidnap Inuyasha and Koga. The boys were sure to have been weakened after rutting with both of their brothers. So why hadn't he done so? "Kurama tell me. Have the boys been marked?"

"No we hadn't the time to finish it."

Even more peculiar. What was that beast up too? What was the point of the invasion and the current kidnapping now? Not only that why hadn't he killed him? Ryuu could have easily ripped his throat out but he bit down on the fleshy part not hitting any vitals. And when he attacked Sesshomaru and Kurama they were wounded but not to the point of imparity. What on earth was that dragon playing at?

"Father?"

Kazo blinked. "Yes?"

"Well I hope you will consider that we all plan to be together once we're united. Upon Inuyasha and Koga's retrieval I plan to mark them as my own as well as Sesshomaru." He held up his hand before Kazo could protest. "No matter what you say on the issue father our minds have already been made up. "

Kazo studied the firm set of his son's jaw noting the subtle determination in his eyes. With a shake of his head, the Youko lord couldn't help the curl of his lips. "I know that I can't change your mind my son. But if this makes you happy than I'm happy."

"Thank you Father." Kurama stood up to hug his ailing parent lovingly. "I mean it. Thank you." He hugged him tighter. "For everything."

Kazo closed his eyes embracing his only son in his arms close. The boy's scent was the same as the day he was placed in his arms at birth. Only now the smell was of maturity and experience. Oh how he loved his young son so much. His only kit was his entire life…just like Koga…Sesshomaru…Inuyasha…and Taisho.

Neither heard the door creak open up to the dog lord peeking inside. When he saw his foxes in a cozy embrace he cleared his throat to alert his presence. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

The sound of his deep voice raked through both for different reasons. Kazo's being mild joy, while Kurama's was more along the lines of nervousness. This would be the first time he'd face InuTaisho as someone more than his Godfather.

Getting his breathing under control, Kurama sat up from his father and turned to face the tall demon he's inherited so much of himself from. "Hello God—umm." He didn't know how he should address him now that he knew this man was his actual father.

Taisho looked behind the worried kit to Kazo who only smiled at the strained interaction. He thought it was going along promisingly.

Seeing he wasn't going to get any insistence from his friend, Taisho sighed and regarded the young demon carefully. "Nothing changes Kurama. Although you are my son biologically, I will grant you in addressing me as you see fit. You may call me Godfather, father, or even old man if it makes you comfortable. Although I do hope that someday you will become accustomed to call me Father."

Kurama breathe his relief. "Thank you Godfather." He bowed appreciating the permission.

Suddenly another knock sounded on the door stirring everyone's attention from the tender moment to the fuming demon prince behind them. "If you're all finished with this nonsense we have two missing princes to consider." Sesshomaru's unfit body walked inside with a slight jerk in each step.

"Little brother you shouldn't be up and about when your injuries aren't healed."

Sesshomaru scoffed. "I'll do as I please." He commented taking a sit on the window sill.

"I won't repeat myself Sesshomaru." Kurama warned quietly.

"Until the bond is sealed Yoko I am not under obligation to follow your orders."

"Nonetheless I am your older brother—"

"Which we had no idea of until recently!"

"Boys, please. Calm yourselves." Taisho intercepted calmly. When the two continued to stare each other down Taisho help stressed. "What's the matter with you two? Up until now you've got along well. So what if you find out you're actually siblings. What difference is it from your platonic relationship?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes disdainfully at the fox demon standing across from him. "He signifies your unfaithfulness to my mother." He spat venomously.

Kazo had had enough of the boy's accusations and decided to speak up. "Sesshomaru enough of this nonsense! Taisho and I were in a relationship far before your mother came into the picture. If anyone was deceived it was I when I learned that I'd been coupled with an engaged prince! Taisho didn't know how to tell me that he was in an arranged marriage and didn't want to hurt me or your mother. That's why he kept it a secret between the three of us. When your mother passed I assisted in your upbringing as good as any parent should as well as your father. Kurama is not to blame for any of this. It was faith that he be born into this family as well as you. I could not dare to see my life without any of you in it." Kazo's sharp tone softened. "And I'm sure you can say the same."

At first the dog prince was stunned to have been told off by his god father. However the truth of his words was enough to bring shame into his mind at being so unforgiving and not seeing the situation for the blessing it really was. Kurama was his actual brother. The least he could do was be thrilled at such an aspect of having an elder brother who so happened to be his most trusted comrade. Feeling a bit foolish he turned his head out the window not wanting to see their faces.

Kurama snickered walking over to clap a hand on the now quiet demon's shoulder. "You do realize this means I shall have plenty of reason to play jokes on you now correct?"

"Do such a mockery on me Fox and I shall see to it I have an elder sister instead of a brother."

The room of demons, except Sesshomaru, all chuckled amongst themselves until it all died down to a dull silence.

Taisho was the first to break the pause with a statement. "We need to secure a plan of attack on invading the dragon's lair."

"Yes but how will we know where to find Inuyasha and Koga?" Kurama questioned.

"That won't be an issue. Kazo and I know his castle from top to bottom as I'm sure he knows ours. But as for where he'd keep them we have no idea."

Kazo thought of something. "We could use one of my vines to send messages inside to Koga. The plant will only react to a familiar aura like his and delivery it to him."

"But wouldn't it be seen by his guards?"

"No the vine will seem as a simply plant on the wall. Besides Youko demons, Koga is the only other demon who will be able to see through the illusion pollen it admits from the flowers. We'll have the vine search him out in the palace and he'll know what to do from there."

"Should we use forced entry once we find their location?" Taisho asked.

"No too risky. Ryuu's army is far larger than our own. He'd have us overwhelmed in minutes. Once Koga handles the rest we'll devise a plan to sneak inside of his fortress."

Sesshomaru interrupted the idea before it went any further. "Surely you do not expect me to snoop? This Sesshomaru is beneath the actions of a Youko thief."

Three sets of eyes rolled. "Now isn't the time for your stuck up pleasantries young one. We're thinking of your brother's and mates best interests."

Hearing Taisho call Koga and Inuyasha their future stations caused the guilty princes to stiffen.

Kazo on the other hand wasn't so forgiving. "You nosey old dog! You were eavesdropping on a private conversation between me and my son."

"Our son Kazo." Taisho corrected him. "I have every right to listen to my son's problems which I am disappointed to hear about. But I'll accept it for now. We'll discuss it deeper when all of this is over."

That was a momentary relief for both demons.

"Now what's when do we start the plan?"

Kazo chuckled reaching up in his silver mane for a small brown seed. "Sooner than you think." With that said he concentrated in his youki on the plant in his hand until it opened into a tiny leafy shoot. "Now, find my sons and don't leave their side until you receive word of their wellbeing." He coolly ordered the sprouted seed.

The small brown bud beamed a flicker spark that it understood the command before vanishing out the window.

Kurama walked over to the window beside Sesshomaru to watch the seed shot across lands in a dim silver line. The two stared quietly at the flying object until it disappeared from view. Deep down, they knew that Inuyasha and Koga were fine but for how long? That was the fear they couldn't bring themselves to admit out loud…

---

The bright morning sun greeted slumbering young princes in snuggled together in bed. Inuyasha stirred from the tingled sting on his eyelids and yawned finding himself secured warmly in his best friend's arms. Koga was still in a sated peace of sleep quietly snoring away. Obviously they didn't feel threatened if they were able to sleep soundly instead in an alerted state of mind. Inuyasha stayed in bed for while staring at his resting friend until curiosity lured him away from the cozy embrace.

He sat up searching around the brightly lit room taking in all that wasn't shown last night by the candle lights. The room was just as admirable in sunlight as it was in the pale moon's glow. Only difference was that the design seemed to awaken more with the warm shine.

Stretching his arms, the hanyou eased from under the blankets making sure to keep Koga tucked in. After another back cracking stretch he strolled over toward the windows and peeked through the dark colored curtains expecting to see a land of unkempt and dried cracked lands with no greenery or any form of happy life.

Imagine his surprise when he saw otherwise. Instead of deserts and unhealthy trees there were fields as far as the eye could see cultivated with miles of clean growing grass and waves of rainbow flowers? What in the seven hells? He thought perplexed. What was all this? The dragon was supposed to be evil. Not some peaceful loving ruler.

A small sound caught his attention down below. If Inuyasha was surprised by the rolling hills of loveliness he was about to be even more shocked. There sitting against a tall tree surrounded by small demon and human children were Ryuukotsesui smiling and talking with all of them. He patiently asked answered questions and was even holding two sleeping kids in his lap while another was on his shoulder.

Strange. Was this the same malicious creature he kidnapped them before? Now he wasn't so sure.

Suddenly a gentle knock on the door twitched his ear toward the source.

"Excuse me." Came the meek voice. "My lord wishes for you and your friend's presence at the morning meal."

Inuyasha frowned. "Tell him we'll see about it."

The person stayed behind the door. "Yes I'll inform him." The door closed.

The silent conversation stirred the only other member of the bedroom from his well-rested nap. Koga sat up rubbing his sleepy blue eyes feeling on the bed for the missing warmth. Not sensing his bed mate he nearly panicked until spotting the hanyou coming back to him. "Morning mutt." He grumbled sleepily.

"Yea morning and stuff." Inuyasha crawled over on the bed. "So you sleep well?"

Koga blinked thinking the question over. "Yea surprisingly I slept great. Just like I would at home."

"Exactly." Inuyasha sat cross legged in front of the wolf demon with his permanent scowl creased on his brow. "Don't you find it odd that we were able to sleep soundly without a care? If we'd felt unsafe we would've been restless. But we weren't. Hell I slept like a baby."

"Hmm you're right."

Inuyasha gave a frustrated growl. "Whatever the case we need to find out. I'm tired of being kept in the dark."

"The guy's up to something."

Now that wasn't something the half breed could agree on. Inside he was confused about how he felt for the dragon lord. Most of the time when they'd come into contact with each other he was downright evil. But seeing him outside with those kids… His smile seemed sincere… and almost kind. Was he really as bad as everyone made him out to be or was there something else going on?

Once again his thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Excuse me?"

"Now what?" He growled annoyed.

At first the concealed person didn't reply for a few moments. "I…I wanted to bring you some clothing to wear." The person said bashfully pushing the door open to reveal beautifully colored decorated kimonos in his arms. As the door opened wider Koga and Inuyasha watched the hooded robe covered human/demon place their clothes on the bed and bowed his departure heading to the entry.

"Hey thanks." Koga called out.

The being halted momentarily surprised at the kind thanks and nodded before leaving.

"Well at least we got something to wear now." Inuyasha picked up one of the kimonos he thought would fit him. His chosen set was a blood red haori top and jet black hakama bottoms. Slipping from the heap of clothing was a silver and gold obi to tie around the waist. "Not bad."

Koga held up the white haori and navy blue hakama with a black sash. "I gotta say at least the guy has taste." He commented putting on the offered gifts.

"Yea." Inuyasha finished up clothing himself first, tying the obi around his waist. He reached around for his hair to braid into a thick plait not feeling like having it hang down his back.

Koga untied his hair letting it flow down to the midsection of his back shaking out any dents from its bound position. He too completed clothing himself in no time putting on the silver sash on his waist. Now fully clothed he turned around to see Inuyasha having some trouble getting all of his hair into a thick braid. "Here let me help." He said chuckling at the frustration evident on the hanyou's face.

"Thanks." He grumbled handing his plush hair to the wolf. Besides the side locks framing his face, Koga pulled the rest of the hair back tugging it a bit with his claws to comb out any tangles. A couple of pulls here and there and he was finished with the thick tail and swung it around his shoulder.

Inuyasha pulled the braid around to inspect for himself and frowned. "Wow Koga you did this about as good a bitch."

"Shove it asshole." Koga threatened while combing his claws through his hair. "You learn a lot when your family just so happens to be the most vain creatures in the world."

"Yea that's true."

Now that they were prep and prim for the day, the two exited out of the room looking down the long stretched hall. "Uh you got any idea where the hell we're supposed to go?" Inuyasha whispered.

Koga whispered back. "No but we need to find out soon. I'm really hungry."

"Me too."

Quietly the two tipped toed out of the bed room deciding to walk in a straight line. When in doubt if they did get lost they could simply retrace their steps and go back to the room. Large wall windows with open draperies allowed the early warm rays to caress the dragon enriched woven carpets down the corridor. On the walls between each window were attractive paintings of past kings and queens who obliviously were Ryuukotsesui's ancestors. At the end was a very large painting of the current ruler sitting in a chair with his legs cross and a hint of mischief in his green eyes. This one seemed to have been done while he was younger.

"Sheesh this guy sure is full of himself." Koga gush taking note of the immense difference in size compared to the others.

"Yea." Inuyasha studied the photo carefully observing every little detail. To be honest the guy was very attractive when he was younger. Hell he still was. If it weren't for so many facts he didn't feel like thinking of he would've definitely went for him.

"Ah I see you've found my family tree."

The deep booming voice startled both males into a state of mild panic. They wiped around prepared to attack until seeing the dragon's smiling face.

"Dammit don't sneak up on us like that!" Koga fussed holding a hand to his chest.

Ryuu only laughed. "Well for your guards to be down only means you're more comfortable in my palace."

Yet another moment of embarrassment for the two.

"Well I apologize for startling you. I only came to retrieve you both when I forgot that you had no navigation of my home. I'll change that as soon as we have eaten." With his hands clamped behind his back Ryuu continued down the hallway heading for the end double doors. "Come along now before the food becomes cold."

They were hesitate at first but soon followed behind him into the mahogany doors into the massive sized dining room. There were no other people inside besides themselves to be seated at a long twenty seated table. Many assortments of food steamed and smoked from all over. The delicious aromas signaled to the stomachs that they hadn't eaten in two days.

Hearing the rumbles Ryuu took his eat at the head of the table and gestured to the two chairs beside him for Koga and Inuyasha to take. Not wanting to be rude, the seats were taken and they wanted until given permission to indulge themselves in the buffet.

Their reluctance was too precious. "Go on." He encouraged.

That started a rampaged of grabs from all over as the young canines picked boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, roasted goose, cooked pig slices, cattle slabs, marinated steak, milky grain, fresh baked pastries, various fruits and potatoes and water. With plates piled high the two were about to dig in until a thought struck them simultaneously.

Inuyasha was the first to voice it but Ryuu cut him off. "No it's not seasoned with human. I've lost the taste for them centuries ago."

Signing their relief they say their prayers and went on to eat their meals happily with worrying of developing unknown taste for mortals.

Ryuu took a sip of a glass of white wine.

"Is that all you're going to have?" Inuyasha mumbled mouthing another piece of his food.

"I don't require food as often as I'm sure either of you do."

"I can go about three days without eating." Koga admitted swallowing some water. "But I hate feeling empty. It's not exactly a great feeling."

"Such a bother is so troublesome for me."

Inuyasha finished off the meal on his plate reaching across for another sweet pastry. "Well I can go for about three too. But like he say it feels weird."

"I can understand that. It's how I was when I was younger."

Suddenly the canines felt a sense of déjà vu when a knock brushed on the door and it opened a bit. "My lord have you completed your meal?"

"Not yet." Ryuu answered kindly. "But wait a little longer. I shall summon you after I have spoken with our guests."

"Yes sir." The door closed back.

"Now where were we?" Ryuu smiled.

Inuyasha swallowed the last pieces of his sweet roll and pushed his plate away patting his protruding stomach. "Ahh I feel like a fat pig."

Koga burped excusing himself. "Yea me too." He pushed his plate away. "So when will we be able to go home?"

Ryuukotsesui was stunned by the wolf's blunt question. "You wish to return home?"

"Uh yea." Inuyasha said in a 'duh' tone. "You didn't expect us to want to stay here did you?"

"Well no. But…I thought maybe you could help me with something."

Now it was Koga's turn to be stunned. "Help you? How the hell can we help you?"

"Not me per say." Ryuu stood up from his chair walking over to look outside at the gardens down below. "You see someone close to me is in trouble and I need your assistance in helping him get well."

Inuyasha and Koga stood up walking over to stand on either side of the dragon.

"He's sick?" Asked the hanyou.

"Yes he is. Very much so." He answered gravely.

Koga rolled his eyes. "Wait don't tell me that was the reason you seriously brought us here. Come on be serious."

"But I am young wolf." Ryuu looked down at the shorter demon with saddened eyes. "I wish there was another way I could've obtained you both for this but the circumstances being what they were I had no choice but to take you by force."

Now they were confused. "Wait so you started all of this to help your friend? No offense man but you sound pretty stupid right now." Inuyasha blurted out rudely.

"Yes I admit my actions were pointless now that I think about them. But I've had no other choice but to act the way I did. My lies just continued to mount each passing year and every time he only gets worst."

"Hold on, hold on, hold on." Koga signed squeezing his eyes together. "Ok do you mind telling us the point of all of your dramatics?"

Ryuu pressed his claws on the transparent glass watching the small children playing. "At first you two were never my intended targets. I thought I could use Sesshomaru and Kurama for my purposes but when I say them at the festival long ago I found out that wasn't the case. I didn't someone pure. I needed the auras of those who would match his own. Imagine my luck when I stumbled upon you two the day of the fest of fools. I was ecstatic when I sense the exact replicate of your youki's to his. So in an attempt to gain you two for myself I offered up to take you both as my mates when you became older. So I used the fact of your abilities to have children to try luring you my way."

He chuckled bitterly. "Of course neither of your Fathers would agree to this and I could just take you than because you were far too young. But I swore that if I didn't have you that I would wreak havoc on their kingdoms until I did." Two green eyes looked between them. "When I got word of a rutting taking place in my lands two days ago I went to investigate and discovered you and your brothers had become a mated clan. At first I assumed that this would damage the purity of your auras but when I sensed you after my battle with Kazo I left in search of you again. Once again I was blocked from my purpose by your brothers and in order to get you from them I had no other choice but to wound them."

"But why didn't you kill them?" Came the first question since the explanation began from Inuyasha.

"I had no reason to do so young ones." Suddenly his green eyes became distant as if remembering something from one ago. "The same applies to Kazo. I admit at first I wanted to kill the bloody fox right then and there but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Too much was…still there."

Koga looked out the window at the giggling children. "So what exactly is wrong with your friend?"

"Long ago he was in an accident that left his aura levels in shock. No matter how hard I've tried to fix the erratic patterns of outbursts they would return to an even worst phase leaving him weakened each time. I've tried everything from magical incantations, youki rituals, and everything. It was only while he was a child that one of the medics informed me that he was in need of an aura transplant that only certain demons were born with. She told me I would be able to sense it but it would be hard to find."

"So what made you think to hunt for us?"

The dragon shrugged. "Consider it an educated guess and I'll leave it at that."

Inuyasha joined their eyes outside of the glass. "So what happens if he doesn't get the transfer?"

"He'll only have another 5 years at best to live. These erratic outbursts are driving him into a state of depression." The dark inky banes on his forehead lowered over his eyes. "There were times while he suffered in bed that I wished to cease all of his pain by ending his life. But at the end of each spasm he would look up at me and smile. That's when I know that I can't lose him to death…he's…all I have left."

"So why haven't you told our fathers about this? I'm sure they'd want to help if they knew—"

"Your fathers would do no such thing. They would sooner gnaw off their own arms than to assist me." He cut off smoothly. "Besides I'd rather they weren't involved in this."

"Oh." Inuyasha thought a moment before asking another pondered question. "So what happens if we help your friend? Will he live?"

"It's a strong possibility, yes. But still the healers only say this is in theory. The treatments would last only three hours and then we would have to wait and see how he handles it. Even though you and Koga are identical matches there's still a chance that his aura could reject them."

Koga shook his head. "Even if all you say is true why should we help you when all you've done is cause us pain and anguish?"

Ryuukotsesui turned his mellow expression back to the fuming demon. "If you two will decide to help me with my task than I won't hesitate to offer up my life to atone for my past crimes. But only if you promise to help me save him."

Feeling torn inside on making the right choice Inuyasha stayed quiet contemplating on what should be done. He could refuse and possibly cause the death of someone he didn't know or he could risk saving the loved one of his father's most hated enemy.

"So what will you two decide? I know it's a lot to ask of you but I'm in desperate need of your assistance. Will you help me save him or chose to stay stuck on my past crimes which I am offering to compensate with my life?"

The two prince canines shared a worried look before returning back to face the dragon. Koga sent a mental agreement with Inuyasha that he was game for it if he was.

At the hanyou's nod, Koga returned his attention back to the dragon lord. "Alright we'll help your friend but only if you promise us one thing."

"Name it."

Inuyasha frowned. He didn't know Koga had something in mind for the dragon lord to do.

Koga smiled evilly. "When we're sure that your friend is healed you will have to commence a Ritual Seppuku in front of the entire Youko and Inu kingdoms to prove that you will give your life up for those who lost theirs in the senseless invasion."

"Done." Ryuu answered without hesitation.

Inuyasha gasped. "Koga wait that's going a little far isn't it?"

"No Inuyasha. He's right." Assured the dragon lord. "I will gladly give up my life in exchange for him to survive. I will have no regrets of any kind if you guarantee his survival."

Satisfied with the answer Koga smirked pleased. "Ok good. Now where is your friend at anyway? I wanna meet the guy whose life we're going to be saving."

Breathing a sigh of relief Ryuu snapped his fingers and the double doors opened up. A tall figure cloaked in the dark hooded robe from before walked inside shyly. "Come now. Don't be shy." He beckoned sweetly.

The tall person carefully walked forward keeping his head down until he came to stand beside the tall dragon lord. Ryuu wrapped his arm around the person's waist drawing him by his side. "Inuyasha, Koga…" he pulled back the hood with a proud smile.

In a ridiculously moment of mocked surprise, Koga and Inuyasha's eyes nearly bugged out of their heads at the revealed exotic creature exposed behind the mask. Two perked red ears….pinkest gray smooth delicate skin…slender body tone….long flowing blood drenched hair…piercing emerald green eyes…a charming shy smile…He was breathtaking.

"I want you two to meet my son… Fiorello."

TBC: Lalalalala *swings around on merry go round singing happily* Cliffys make the world go round and round and round and round…. ^_^ Do you think Ryuu went through too much to help his son? Or was he justified in his actions?