The Sacred Trees

Thank you everyone for being interested enough to vote. Almost unanimous vote for Puppies... so ok. Puppies it is. Yaoi of Kouga is way in the lead, but will not be confirmed until next chapter. So if you want it straight quickly pt in your votes.

Oh I need to say something.. a couple suggested I bring Kagome back for him... errr NO, he doesn't need another mate that will die on him. She's human so she would die of old age, or seriously more likely Kouga's kids would get together and find a creative way to get rid of her before their father made the worst blunder of his life and married an immature abuser. :) ahh there is a nice thought! Seriously if I was doing a straight fic, it would be Sango and Inuyahsa or with the half demon girls that Inuyasha has met, NOT with Kagome. Sorry to Kagome lovers – but I just don't like her, especially after the “close your eyes, here is a nice surprise” incident.

For Big bad country of origin, I think almost every continent has nominations.. will definitely be using one nominated by reviewers, but will have to go with the country which gives the most interesting story that I can come up with, instead of votes, cause seriously almost everyone is nominating a different country.

Sit back – read and enjoy.. this was FUN writing. So I hope you like it please review!

Chapter 21 : Shiro (White)

That night for the first time in his life, Inuyasha begged... over and over the Hanyou begged for his release, begged for his pleasure. Sesshoumaru had been merciless, the Shogun’s control had been absolute, he was the architect of the Hanyou’s surrender.

After the council, instead of returning to the castle, Sesshoumaru had taken Inuyasha to the woods. Deep and isolated, amidst the trees that Inuyasha loved, Sesshoumaru finally claimed total victory. He had slammed the slim body against a large tree, and proceeded to demolish any notion Inuyasha had he was in control of his own body. After those first two nights, the thick honey of lust and desire rose obediently to their master’s touch. Inuyasha was too innocent to physical pleasure to have any form of control, and Sesshoumaru delighted in the innocent responses of his beautiful mate. Inuyasha was too wild, too free, and only the solid stamping of his ownership of the Hanyou would suffice. He had no intention of leashing Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru did not dim the fire in the slightest, instead he gave the fire a home.

He created a safe haven for his wild one to rest in, he gave his Hanyou wings and helped him soar to the pinnacle of pleasure and sensation. He wrapped his own energy around the Hanyou, and everything else became meaningless in Inuyasha’s world. Though surrounded by trees he loves so much, all he could see, all he could smell, all he could feel, all he could comprehend was Sesshoumaru. Just the two of them, everything else lost its meaning. Like two great dragons dancing together, they entwined and merged. Their fires fed each other burning hotter and hotter, until it was impossible to differentiate the two. Two became one. Sesshoumaru was the dominant energy... for now.

It was afternoon the next day, when Sesshoumaru holding Inuyasha lightly landed on the balcony of his manor.

Immediately the Shogun was swamped. Aidon, the sub-generals and work fell on Sesshoumaru like a ton of bricks. Any other being may have been overwhelmed or knocked off his feet, Not Sesshoumaru. Smug from Inuyasha’s final surrender and capitulation, with arrogance and easy he quickly took command of the situation.

The next two hours Inuyasha watched Sesshoumaru be the Shogun. No detail escaped his eyes, nothing shook him. His people lapped up his every word, because every word was profound and to the point, he cut to the heart of matters and untangled seemingly impossibly complex situations effectively and efficiently. The Shogun while he didn’t show out ward affection or coddle his people, showed his caring in his knowledge of what occurred in his lands, in his handling of matters with cool mastery. Inuyasha was impressed.

He was proud of what his brother had accomplished, of the solid leader he had become. Inuyasha was candid in admitting he was lost in the level of complex issues his brother dealt with. In matters of finance he was knowledgeable, fair and a billionaire many times over. In matters of managing resources, he was frighteningly efficient, placing and directing resources that Inuyasha had never even heard about with a brilliance that his people thoroughly admired. And in matters of war the Shogun, was a fucking genius, Inuyasha was amazed at the complexity of his brothers preparation and planning. The complexity of security measures and safety features he had created and maintained for his people made Inuyasha’s head spin. Inuyasha was in the periphery and he felt like he had been hit by the earlier mentioned ton of bricks.

Sesshoumaru, the Shogun, his Aniki, his mate, at work here in his natural setting, was amazing. He had earned all the glory and respect, no not just respect – it was reverence- his people gave him. Sesshoumaru was brilliance personified, he was efficient, he was magnificent, he was arrogant, he was wonderful... Inuyasha could see his mate was perfect.. riiiiggghhhtt - perfectly.... irritating.

Inuyasha hid his growl. This smug arrogant brother, was too comfortable in his power, too accepting if all the adoration being showered on his so great shoulders. Sesshoumaru had built a bloody kingdom for himself and he presided over it as sole sovereign. Whether he deserved, had earned such adulation or not, was beside the point. This kind of adulation was just too fucking much. The Hanyou felt the beginning of a pout. He pulled himself up short and abruptly left the room.

He wondered around, his stomach taking him to the dining area. There was great activity here, as all were preparing for the meeting in a couple of hours. Grabbing a sandwich he walked around taking in trophies and furnishing around the manor. Inuyasha had never been one for material wealth, his fire-rat robe and Tessaiga were the only things that he would actively claim as his own. Symbols of his brother's wealth and achievements adorned the halls and corridors of the castle. Hell even Shippo and Kouga had some of their stuff on display. He could see their influence and artifacts in some corners of the mansion.

The Hanyou's shoulders slumped slightly, there was nothing of his here. He had not been a part of their lives for so long, he suddenly began to feel it. Feel like he was on the outside looking in. Was this really his home? IF it was why did he feel like an invader?

The force of the hit almost knocked him to the floor.

“Oh my God! Im sorry, I expected you to duck!” Shippo cried in shock, he had surprised attacked Inuyasha and had been surprised by the fact the attack had been successful.

“Keh, its ok Shippo, I wasn't paying attention.” Inuyasha said absently still looking rather despondently around the room. Shippo had been expecting a smack, was rather disappointed when none came, then he got worried.

“Papa, what's up? Did something bad happen with the Shogun?” Worry coated the Kitsune's voice.

“Hmm... he is is normal arrogant self.” Inuyasha said, then seeing Shippo continue to look worriedly at him, he gave in. “Nothings really wrong Shippo, its just that.. this place.. I feel like I'm an alien here. I'm usually kicked out of places like this.”

“Yeah we are.” Shippo said as he fell into step beside Inuyasha, the two walked around in companionable silence. “Hey I have an idea, why don't you put something of yours on display here as well, I know Sesshoumaru-sama would approve. OUCH! Why did you do that Papa?” Shippo whined holding his head that had been smacked by the Hanyou.

“Do you really think saying - Sesshoumaru-sama would approve..- is something I give a flying fuck about? Seesh what is WRONG with you people!!” Inuyasha grouched.

Shippo having gotten used to 500 years of Sesshoumaru's influence blinked uncomprehendingly. Genuinely unsure of what was wrong. Seeing the look Inuyasha sighed, then he tossed the red hair. “Put something of mine up huh? Good idea, can you get a display case ready in the main hall, I'll go and collect what I need to put up. Hey weren't you supposed to be working?”

“I was, unlike my lazy father, just got back. His mansion in Tokyo was pretty clean, it will take time to go though the computers. We have to go to the monkey's home base for real answers, and that is only happening after today's meeting. So I came back.” Shippo grinned.

“Ya, ya you can't lie worth a damn, you are keeping an eye one me, while the Shogun is busy right?”

Shippo went a little red. Inuyasha just grinned, “Tell someone else to get the display case ready, I have to go to the shrine to get the stuff to put in it. You come with me, so my other shadows will leave us alone.” Inuyasha said pointing accurately to all the locations of the hidden cameras and guards discreetly in position around the area.

Shippo laughed embarrassed, “You knew? The technology masking their presence is among the best.”

“Keh, now that I have 'felt' how your technology works, I just know when there are beings using that technology around me. Come on, we need to hurry.”

The two went off. Shouta and his mom, were glad Inuyasha was safe and they had a quick reunion, Shippo stayed talking to them while Inuyasha disappeared for about a half hour, when he returned he seemed a little worn but extremely happy. The items for display were carefully wrapped in thick cloth and a couple of bags of his stuff were carried out by Inuyasha. Shippo of course wanted to see, but got bonked again for his impatience.

“I'm a General you know! You really shouldn't do that!” Shippo grumbled

“If I didn't you'd miss it. Or has the mighty General forgotten how to duck?” Inuyasha asked with a grin.

Shippo went red again, ya he could duck the blows if he wanted, it really wasn't fair of his father to point it out though.

They got back with 15 minutes to spare, the others were already gathering. Kouga the sub-generals and Lieutenants were all back and preparing, Matianna, Lady Shiba, Lord Bunza, Dionne, the Dragon and Tigress Lords were all somewhere on the grounds. That was the main group involved in the meeting. Inuyahsa quickly went to get ready, deliberately avoiding his brother. He wore a white silk shirt, with red pants and an embroidered Bolero. At 6pm on the dot he was in the great hall, putting his own stamp on the mansion.

Sesshoumaru was extremely pleased. Everything was finally falling in place. The investigations were doing well, he could easily absorb the Late Lords holdings into his own. The monkey holding areas had begin to fill with little resistance, and they were slowly but surely making headway to untangle the monkey's communication and trade network. They would uncover the real head of the mess, Sesshoumaru's justice then would be swift and unmerciful. Yes everything was falling into place, after last night there was no way Inuyasha would be able to deny their mating, he had stamped his ownership clearly on the Hanyou. Inuyasha's sweet pleading, desperate gasps and oh so innocent surrender in his arms last night replayed in the Shogun's head. His grin was smug, and slightly evil. He was extremely pleased, it was good being the Shogun and the Daiyoukai, but being Inuyasha's Alpha, having his tempestuous brother surrendering to his dominance was so much better.

Sesshoumaru knew Inuyasha had gone to the hall before him. And even that was right, he was the Shogun, it was most proper for others to wait for him. Dressed in modern formal wear of white and gold, the Shogun radiating power stepped out of his room, fashionably 15 minutes late. The corridors were empty. The silence as he walked to the great stairs leading to the hall was resounding. If Sesshoumaru had been the kind to worry about other's actions, he may have been concerned that his people were avoiding him. But of course they weren't, it was an important meeting, and they must be busy.

Expecting all eyes to be on him, Sesshoumaru opened the door at the top of the stairs to the main hall and stepped out. He swept down the stairs, then he noticed no one was looking at him. The servants all seemed to be extremely busy, at the far corners of the hall, quite obviously trying to make themselves invisible. All the others from the DaiYoukai present to his Lieutenants were standing around something staring in stunned silence. Sesshoumaru caught a glimpse of red in the middle of the gawking group and figured his brother had done something outrageous again. Resigning himself to soothing over the situation and helping his brother out Sesshoumaru swept royally towards the group. They parted immediately, giving him way to his brother, without quite meeting his face.

Sesshoumaru wondered what the hell was going on, they was a palatable unease that he had never felt among his lieutenants before they seemed to be having trouble controlling their mixed emotions.

Inuyasha was standing before him arms akimbo with a wide smile on his face. “Hey Big Brother, Its okay for me to show off some of my stuff too right? You have all the neat paintings and trophies out, so I had to put some of my own up.”

And the Hanyou moved out of the way. Sesshoumaru, blinked and blinked again.

Now in a prominent position in his hall, in a beautiful display case, mounted much the same way one would mount a prize fish, was a hand. The claws and markings on the hand clearly pronounced its origin to the world.

A distinctly dark aura began to rise form the Shogun. Humans and Youkai prudently stepped back. The Hanyou did not know the meaning of prudence..

Claws on the hand regrown when he got his own fang, raked out to where the Hanyou was standing. Inuyasha dodged easily.

“What? This is displays of our greatest triumphs right? You have to admit Big Brother that, more then Naraku, that is my best trophy, ne?” Inuyasha's voice dripped false innocence. Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth and growled. Inuyasha jumped out of the way again, his laughter rang out, filled the hall. Dionne was the first of the others to laugh, and soon everyone was laughing.

Sesshoumaru, eyes narrowed collected himself and glared around the room. This time the glare worked. Slowly everyone except the Hanyou hand stopped laughing, Sesshoumaru glared at the Hanyou laughing so fearlessly at him. He tried to hold his anger, but failed utterly. Inuyasha's laughter was so precious to him, more so then his own anger. He sighed to himself, and wondered at how delusional he had been to imagine that Inuyasha had really 'surrendered' to him. He glared balefully at his brother's 'trophy'.

“Yes Inuyasha that is indeed your greatest trophy.” Sesshoumaru said though still gritted teeth, he walked up to the Hanyou and in a fast move, had him draped over his arm. “Just like you are my greatest trophy.” Sesshoumaru said, as he silenced his brother with a demanding kiss.

“Mutual trophies that.” Inuyasha said when Sesshoumaru released his lips, and he drew Sesshoumaru to him in another kiss, quite satisfied at how the day had gone. He winked to Dionne and Shippo both who had said his brother would kill him for this. Ah, life was good, when you are the real 'top' dog.

---*

It took a while but some semblance of order was returned to the night, and laughter was put aside as the war meetings went on. Kouga would be going to Lord Kira's main home and headquaters. The Tigress Lord, the Dragon Lord and Dionne, would lead the capture and incarceration of monkey Youkai in different directions from Tokyo. Lady Shiba and Matianna would be in charge of questioning, Bunza with Shippo would go to the Monkey research centers and factories. The cranes were unraveling the IT trail, Other Lords would deal with their own states and generally prepare for war. Sesshoumaru would coordinate all the efforts, and Inuyasha – Inuyasha would do what ever the hell he wanted and needed to do. The rest would stay out of his way while he did it, thank you very much. The Hanyou had made that explicit when Kouga had tried to give Inuyasha an important but safe role in the investigations. Ah well the wolf had at lest tried.

It was almost midnight by the time they were close to finishing preparations.

“So looks like we are closing in on our mysterious foreign menace.” Inuyasha said absently considering all the various plans. “Thats good, I want the fucker dead and buried before my pups 1st birthday.”

There was a stunned silence in the hall.

“Ummm.. Inuyasha what did you just say?” Lady Shiba asked in a strangled voice.

“That I want this matter finished as soon as possible.” Inuyasha said throwing her a 'what is wrong with you' look.

“Inuyasha!” Sesshoumaru's voice sounded more like Jaken's then his own. Inuyasha threw his brother the same look he had given Lady Shiba. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat with effort and tried again. “Inuyasha!” This voice was slightly better. “What did you say about pups?”

“Oh, that! We have polite pups, at least I think one of them will be. The soul of the oldest came to me after our mating night and asked me if it was alright for them to be born now or did they have to wait. I could see they really wanted to be born so I saw no reason they had to wait.” Inuyasha had a gentle smile as he patted low on his tummy.

The sound of crickets were the only sound heard in the hall.

“No reason to wait?!” Matianna was hyperventilating, Lady Shiba and the sub-generals rushed to help her.

“Inuyasha” Kouga said very carefully, eying his Shogun who's face had gone an odd color. “You got pregnant on your human night? So you fought the Lord while you were pregnant?”

“No.” premature sighs of relief in the room by some of the more foolish ones. “No I got pregnant on the first night I was with Sesshoumaru. Oh, the fight was nothing to worry about you have to literally cut me in half to get to the sac where my pups are growing. They are well protected, actually I think they enjoyed it.”

“Inuyasha!” Sesshoumaru managed again, “You HEALED the trees while you were pregnant.”

“Of course I did, like I said the pups are totally protected, even in the aftermath they were untouched by it. They are sleeping right now, funny I know what they are doing, but I can't tell how many of them are there or what are their genders. I think they are hiding that from me as a surprise, we are going to have mischievous children Sesshoumaru.” Inuyasha said in a pleasant and matter-a-fact voice.

Sesshoumaru made another Jaken-like sound, and Inuyasha looked worriedly at his big brother. “Are you alright? You sound a little sick, the meeting has been long maybe you should be resting?”

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened, he let out an explosive but strangled breathe. His power whirled around him, and in a instant he had picked up Inuyasha and was rushing to their quarters for a more private conversation.

The sound of crickets filled the hall once again.

“You know it really is lucky.” Shippo said to no one in particular, breaking the silence.

“Lucky, what's lucky?” Kouga asked looking to the two Shiro inus heading up the stairs.

“Its lucky, that Sesshoumaru-sama's hair is already white.” Shippo said.

Yes they all agreed that was damn lucky.

---lol.. tbc ----

Hope you enjoyed that. *whistles!!

So you think I need to be concerned about poison claws while I sleep. Muahahaha. Oh and this is my version of Mpreg, so its not gonna be the usualy stuff.

Anyway shout out if you had fun, please.