As Death Gives Life

Chapter 25 – A Battle of Honor

A loud crash preceded the destruction of the heavy door guarding the entrance to his palace home. Lord Fuskae stood abruptly, furious that someone dared invade his personal domain. “What is the meaning of this travesty?!” Much to his dismay, several guardsman clearly adorned with the crest of the Western and Northern lands stepped aside allowing him sight of whom was responsible. “Sesshomaru-sama?” Behind the great Western taiyoukai strode the Northern Lord. “Lord Buhito?”

Fuskae quickly glanced with a worried look to his family seated around the dining hall. His three young children were wide eyed and clearly afraid. His lovely and much adored mate, Kiyori, was shivering in her seat. He could smell her fear above all other scents in the now crowded room. “I demand to know what purpose is behind this invasion of my home!”

Sesshomaru stepped up to Fuskae with golden narrowed eyes. “It is by the High Lords of Japan that you are to be taken into custody, Fuskae, for the act of treason against the Hiyamo Treaty.”

Fuskae was shocked, and appalled, and just a little afraid. “This is a mistake! I have done no other than honor the Hiyamo Treaty since the day my father passed his lands down to me!”

Sesshomaru watched the southern lords’ reaction to his announcement. Fuskae appeared to be covering his dirty little secret well. It was impossible to tell if he was lying since his heart was already pounding at an alarming rate. Of course that was all due to their unannounced arrival in his home. No doubt the male feared for his life and that of his family.

Impatient to return to his home, Sesshomaru wasted no time in dallying among the halls of the South. “Guards. Take Lord Fuskae into custody.” Within seconds his loyal youkai had the Southern Lord bound by power-suppressing irons. Fuskae hardly struggled. The fox seemed to be in disbelief that this was happening at all.

“This is all done in jest? A simple jest by my fellow lords?” Fuskae half-heartedly laughed while nervously looking for signs of humor. He knew it was not. He knew that Lord Sesshomaru was never one to jest. The taiyoukai of the West found no humor in life at all. Never. He was just so hoping that someone would pat him on the back and laugh out at his expense. This was just not happening!

“Hn... This Sesshomaru does not... jest, fox. You have committed a grave crime against the treaty by sending a skilled assassin to take the life of Lord Buhito Teriyaki of the North. The treaty clearly states that any lord of power with disagreement to a neighboring lord, shall make formal notice of intentions to do battle in the presence of the remaining High Lords. Sending an assassin does not fall under the classification of a ‘formal notice’.”

The breath was stolen from his lungs. ‘An assassin?’ Confusion swept over him. He had sent no assassin. Why, the only assassin in his lands was...

Fuskae looked then, to his beloved Kiyori. Her emerald eyes caught his for a moment before she quickly looked away. He found guilt there. By the Gods. There was guilt in her eyes. His beautiful enchantress, the female that he had loved since he was a mere pup, the only woman that he had ever loved, was guilty of this horrible crime.

His heart felt as if it would burst from his chest. What was he to do? Should he point his captors to the truth his precious Kiyori would be slain. As it were, he still had a chance. If he were to defeat Buhito in battle, then he may still walk away from this. Kiyori, however would be offered no reprieve for her crime. The remaining High Lords would demand that he slay her himself for her acts against the treaty as well as her own mate. He could never bring harm to his Kiyori! Never!

Kiyori awaited her mates condemning statement. He knew. He saw it in her eyes, and he knew it was her that sent Tsuneharu. Her lover. Her dead lover. She turned hate filled eyes on the arrogant bastards that dared defile her home with their presence. She stood, ready to lash out and bring a swift end to her wretched existence. Nothing mattered anymore. Not since she had lost her Tsuneharu.

No sooner than she had risen did her mate’s firm command stop her confession.

“Be seated Kiyori! This matter is out of our hands. I will meet Lord Buhito in battle for my crimes against his house.” Fuskae left her no room for argument. He had made his decision. His life for hers. He had never been a strong mate. It was always a black spot on his heart. Kiyori never looked upon him with respect, only thinking of him as a weakling who gained his title only through birthright. Oh how he had longed for her to look upon him with reverence.

It was known to him that Kiyori had taken a lover to her bed many years ago. It had broken him when he discovered her elicit affair, but she had flown into such a rage when confronted that he had backed down, afraid that she would leave him forever. He could not bear to live without her. As time wore on, it became easier to accept her adulterous behavior with the hired assassin. He thought it a mere whim of hers, something fascinating to her, a temporary fancy to a dangerous man. He thought it would pass. It never did. And now, he found himself in a grave situation, all because he loved her more than his own life.

Kiyori was shocked that Fuskae said nothing. He would take the blame for her? How could this be? For the first time in decades she looked upon her mate with a shimmer of respect. He was protecting her from those that would have her life. Tears glistened in her eyes and she felt shame that her mate would do this thing for her. After the way she had treated him she did not deserve such.

She looked around the room. Her children were visibly shaken by this whole thing. Her youngest was crying and being held by her oldest brother. Her brave boys said nothing, but she could tell they feared for their beloved father. Lord Sesshomaru looked untouchable. Smug. The ice prince himself, standing in her home and ripping her life apart all because of that baka rooster and his filthy barnyard clan. Buhito deserved to die for his sins against their house. Allowing hordes of disgusting humans to take up residence at their borders, fouling the very air with their presence.

Of course Sesshomaru would side with the rooster, it was well known that the inutaiyoukai kept a human girl in his palace, as if she were his own daughter. How utterly vile. It was a disgrace to the youkai race! Kiyori caught the eye of her suddenly brave mate and bowed her head in acceptance of his decision. She would honor her husbands choice and remain silent.

When the invaders left her palace home, Kiyori crumpled to the hard floor and sobbed for the awful direction that the Fates had thrust her family. Anger stormed deep inside of her. Sesshomaru had slain her handsome dark assassin, and now had taken the father of her children right in front of their eyes.

With force she pushed her fears of the future aside and arose from the floor. She gathered her children to her. “Go and prepare your belongings my sons. Kina, will stay with her nurse, but we leave immediately for the Western palace. We must be there to support your father as he goes into battle!”

~~~***~~~

Sesshomaru sat in his study enjoying the piece and quiet after the long ride back from the South. Fuskae had come peacefully, which disturbed him a bit. It was rather odd that the fox did not protest no more than he did, almost as if he were accepting of his fate. No true lord would go down without a fight, but the fox had not even uttered a word once the charges had been announced. It didn’t really sit well with him for some reason.

A soft knock on his door announced the miko, and Sesshomaru called for her to enter. She stepped inside, and her mere presence seemed to light up the room. Her soft green kimono clung to her feminine form, and he could see that her stomach was developing a slight curve where she carried her unborn pup. Some deep instinct calling for him to caress the round swell of her belly brought up unbidden images of doing just that. He wondered at how smooth her skin would be beneath his large palm.

With a stern mental shake he evicted the fantasies of his mind and addressed the young woman. “Is there something you need, Kagome?”

Kagome shuffled nervously, under Sesshomaru’s steel gaze. She wondered what went on inside that calculating mind of his. Did he ever think about anything other than business and power? Since the time in the hot springs he had made no move toward her in any sexual way, leaving her confused. Had he been merely playing with her mind?

Shaking herself mentally Kagome focused on her reasons for coming to him. “Sesshomaru-sama, earlier today I was walking in the courtyard and spotted the guards leading a kitsune youkai into the dungeons. May I ask of his crime?”

Sesshomaru studied her for a moment. He had his reservations about answering her, but since the duel would be open to the public tomorrow she would no doubt find out soon enough. Still he hesitated. Something told him that she was about to stir up trouble. It was an unfortunate trait that the miko had engrained in her very soul. With a sigh, he answered her question. “The one you saw is Lord Fuskae of the South, he is responsible for the attack on Lord Buhito and his family.” He steeled himself for her reply.

“I kind of thought so. Well, um... you see, I know this is really none of my business, but...” Kagome watched as one elegant eyebrow arched at her comment. He really was exasperating. She decided to just spit it out. “It’s just that I did not detect anything in his aura that would imply that he was inherently evil. I just wondered if, perhaps, you had the wrong guy.”

Golden eyes narrowed to mere slits as they regarded her. “Are you saying that this Sesshomaru would make such an error?” His deep voice was soft and low, carrying a hint of underlying menace.

Kagome gulped. She knew this wasn’t going to be received well by Mr. Perfect. When will she learn to keep her big mouth shut? It was so aggravating, trying to always do the right thing. Her conscience was a real pain in the backside. “Um... no, Sesshomaru-sama, I didn’t mean to imply that you would make a mistake, but maybe there’s more to the story. I’m just saying that I didn’t detect anything to lead me to believe that he was an evil youkai.”

“Your concerns are dually noted, miko. However, the Southern Lord has admitted to his actions, and will face Lord Buhito in a battle at sunrise.” Sesshomaru replied curtly. “You are dismissed.”

Kagome bowed respectfully, grumbling beneath her breath the entire time about arrogant demon lords and their pride. She let herself out of the study and headed back to her rooms. It was late and she was very tired. It seemed like she was tired all the time lately. Lady Chika told her that it was normal at this time during her pregnancy to feel exhausted, and that she should listen to her body and get plenty of rest.

Upon entering her room she found Shippo and Rin sitting in her floor gossiping about the battle scheduled at first light. Kagome joined them for a moment, as she readied herself for bed.

Rin was abuzz with excitement. The poor girl was desperate for something to take her mind off of her boredom. “I heard that Lord Buhito is a formidable warrior in battle. They say that he will be battling another Lord.”

Kagome turned and said, “I just spoke with Sesshomaru, and he said that the opponent is Lord Fuskae of the South. He has admitted to sending the assassin to attack Lord Buhito and his family.”

Rin looked intrigued. “Oh. That’s strange.”

Kagome turned to her curiously. “Why do you say that Rin?”

Rin shrugged carelessly, “I met him once when I was younger. He seemed very nice to me.”

Shippo was excited over the upcoming battle. “I can’t wait! I’ve never seen a real duel to the death between youkai lords!”

Kagome chastised him, “Now Shippo, you should not find pleasure in the pain and suffering of others.”

Shippo looked away with a frown. “Sorry, Kagome.”

Kagome hugged him. “Oh it’s okay Shippo. Why don’t you and Rin run along and get ready for bed. We have a big day tomorrow starting bright and early.” She hugged Rin and closed the shoji door behind them. Within minutes she was settled into her futon and drifting off to sleep.

Just before the sun peeked through the darkness a call to wake was heard throughout the castle. A rooster’s challenge to rise and meet the sun shook the sleep from the resident’s eyes. The early morning hustle and bustle was emphasized by the excitement of the morning duel between the Nothern and Southern Lords. Kagome quickly dressed in a powder blue kimono trimmed in delicate white embroidery. She pinned most of her thick her hair up atop her head and left some loose tendrils to hang down her back and over her shoulders, before running down to join the others for a quick bite to eat.

When they arrived at the arena it was already packed. “We’ll never get a seat,” Kagome muttered as she looked around at the crowd.

Rin scoffed and grabbed Kagome’s arm and Shippo’s hand. “Don’t be silly, Kagome-chan. We don’t mingle with the crowd. We sit at the head with Sesshomaru-sama!” She pulled them toward a covered booth, where flags bearing the Western crest waved in the dawn at the end of the arena. They climbed a few steps onto a large platform. Sesshomaru was already seated, legs crossed, on a large gold trimmed cushion. His hands were tucked neatly inside of his large sleeves. He barely spared them a glance of his golden eyes when they arrived.

Lady Chika and her Chicks were seated on the right of Sesshomaru and Kagome recognized two of Sesshomaru’s generals seated behind him.

Jaken immediately scuttled up and began directing them to their seats. Kagome was a little surprised when she was seated next to Sesshomaru, but she dared not make a comment to such. She quickly padded over and took a seat. She sat as straight as she could with the body-hugging kimono limiting movement, and her increased girth sitting on her lap.

Once seated Kagome looked out over the arena with wide eyes. Excitement was thick in the air, and the multitude of strong flaring youkai auras was a little nauseating, but Kagome tried not to pay her unruly stomach any attention. She was dreading this duel, because she could not condone such violence personally. Her modern day opinion mattered little to these feudal era youkai out for blood. As much as she dreaded it, she also found that the surrounding excitement was quite contagious. This was a once in a lifetime experience for her. As a product of the distant future she would be the only one in the world to witness such a primitive custom. Her social studies teacher would give his right leg to see this.

She glanced over to Sesshomaru, who looked magnificently regal sitting there in the morning light. The soft colors sprinkled across the sky above cast soft traces over color over his shinning white mane of hair. His eyes, when he looked down at her, blazed proudly like the rising sun. Kagome smiled brightly and he only raised his signature brow in return. Kagome turned to the crowd when motion in the ring caught her eye.

A group of youkai dressed in the regal regalia of the Western Lands strode across the arena, making their way to stand in front of Lord Sesshomaru. Three of them carried strange ancient horns shining golden in the morning light. One stepped up holding a scroll, while the last youkai stood just behind the scholarly looking male. They all went to their knees and honored their lord, then stood. The scroll was opened and the booming voice of the male echoed loudly throughout the hushed arena.

“According to the Hiyamo Treaty formed by the High Demon Lords of Japan, the Lord Burito Teriyaki of the Northern Lands is within his rights by law to formally challenge Lord Fuskae Himagachi in a battle to the death for his crimes against his house. The challenge is made and approval is sought by the revered Prince of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshomaru.”

Sesshomaru waited until the echo of the youkai’s voice died down and gave a curt nod, “Proceed.” He heard the soft gasp from the mortal girl at his side. He knew that she was against this challenge, but it made no matter. The custom of duels to settle ones differences was as old as time. It was just another irregularity that the miko possessed. He wondered silently how she could have grown to adulthood in these harsh times and remained so pure of the violence that touched their lives daily.

She looked so lovely in that soft color that he could not keep himself from drinking in her beauty. Her skin seemed to glow in the pale morning light. Her dark raven hair glistened with deep blue highlights that matched her eye color in perfect harmony. He quickly looked away, for fear someone, especially Kagome, might see him staring at her like a dolt. It did nothing to cure the soft caress of her growing power gently fluttering over his skin. It was soothing, but spurned a deep-rooted excitement in his youkai blood.

Kagome glanced back to Sesshomaru as the last of the announcers left the arena. He looked as board as a doorstop, though his posture relayed complete attention. He looked lazily over the loud chanting crowd of bloodthirsty youkai, and Kagome could not help except to notice his ethereal masculine beauty. She had never really seen him this close up in the daylight hours. The magenta stripes on his cheeks actually had a shimmering sparkle when he moved his head. She caught herself as she was reaching up to trace the slender marks with her finger. ‘Stupid Kagome! Are you trying to get yourself killed?’ She couldn’t believe that she had almost done that, especially right out here in front of all these youkai! He would have lopped her hand right off. She just knew it.

Sesshomaru could feel her eyes on him, staring at him. What was she thinking in the strange female head of hers? He turned to her and their eyes locked for a brief moment. “You look lovely in blue.”

He could have ripped out his own traitorous tongue.

Kagome blushed furiously and looked away. She finally found her voice and said softly, “Arigato, Sesshomaru-sama.” He made an equally soft grunt, but turned back to the arena where the crowd was growing restless.

The strange noises and male shouts were building in a deafening crescendo, but then Kagome saw the gates open on either side of the arena and Lord Fuskae entered from the left accompanied by a servant carrying some of his armor. He had an impressive suit of armor and was carrying a sword and a large ax. His colors of browns and mustard yellows were donned and he wore a solemn look on his soft round face. He bowed to Sesshomaru, stood, and transformed to his hulking partial humanoid form. He stood on two legs that bulged with taught muscles, and his hands were tipped with long curved claws. His impressive white teeth flashed against his red fur as he slashed his head in a snarl, before slamming his helmet on.

The crowds boo’s and curses turned to cheers as Lord Buhito entered the arena from the right. He and his servant strode up to Sesshomaru’s booth and the rooster bowed respectfully, before winking at his wife. In seconds he transformed as a winding gust of wind swept about his form. Kagome watched in awe as the dust settled to reveal a huge proud rooster. His feathers gleamed brilliant colors. The long yellow toes of his feet were tipped in huge curved claws. His chest was puffed out and his huge razor sharp beak flashed as his neck feathers puffed up in aggression. The servant behind him quickly stepped up and began strapping on huge metal blades that attached over his spurs. The blades curved downward and looked very sharp.

With a single nod from Sesshomaru the battle began. Fuskae seemed to hold the upper hand from the beginning. His sword was gripped tightly in one hand while his ax was swinging hard in the other. Fuskae suffered two minor blows before he could get his bearings to leap away. The blood had a violent affect on the crowd and the cheers and growls rocked the western arena.

Kagome’s heart skipped a beat when she realized that Lord Buhito was injured. A quick glance to Lady Chika confirmed that the hen was beside herself with worry. The boys sat silently, straight as a board as if they were ready to leap to their father’s defense.

Lord Fuskae did not hold the leadership long as the rooster took over with a violence born from generations of fierce warriors. Two wind snapping flaps from his giant wings gave him the lift that would soon be the Southern Lords doom. Buhito rose just above his enemy and introduced him to his gaff blades. The huge curved knives drove through his armor at first contact. Another leap and Buhito finished the attack. With his metal gaffs buried in the gut of Fuskae, his deadly beak ripped through the soft flesh of the kitsune’s throat.

It was a blood bath, and Kagome had no time to know that the gore in front of her would send her stomach into a swift hard lurch. Her early morning breakfast spewed from her mouth in a projectile of vomit. There was no time to run away, or even to cry out before the bile splattered over her beautiful dress, Sesshomaru’s white silk hakama, as well as his black leather shoes.

She was mortified.

Kagome burst into a bevy of hard sobbing tears, and stood up.

Sesshomaru leapt to his feat, unbelieving of what just occurred to his person. He looked down in bewilderment at the purged stomach contents, which were slipping down his pant leg. The smell was enough to make him lose his own meal, and he glanced quickly to the crowd to see how many were witness to his humiliation. Thankfully, it appeared that most everyone had missed the incident, as they were focused on the death in the ring. He was about to turn violent on the insolent miko when she suddenly broke down in a retching storm of sobs.

At a loss as to what to do, he let his instincts take over and grabbed the small crying woman and pulled her protectively to his chest.

“Release her at once, dog.”

Both Kagome and Sesshomaru looked up in shock to find the dark InuGod Anubis standing just feet away.

Kagome couldn’t get a word out. So many things bombarded her mind at that moment that she actually became dizzy. Sesshomaru must have recognized the sudden sway for what it was because his grip tightened a bit around her waist, for which she was thankful. It was humiliating enough to puke all over herself and the pristine ice prince himself, but falling on her butt too would have been cause for suicide.

Sesshomaru growled deeply. A clear warning to back off. He clutched Kagome to his side as he stared at the male who dared issue an arrogant order to him, Taiyoukai of the West. His fangs burst through his gums and his claws lengthened. His voice held a rough bestial quality. “You dare order this Sesshomaru?”

Anubis was furious. He materialized in front of a bloodbath to find his chosen female in her delicate state standing with filth upon her person and in the arms of that untrustworthy taiyoukai. This was unacceptable. “You will release the mother of my pup, demon, or I will wipe you and everyone else here from the face of this Earth.”