Unexpected Circumstance

Title: Unexpected Circumstance

Author: C-Chan2 aka Neptunesdemon

Archive: Fanfiction net, Mpreg Archive

Category: Mpreg, romance, drama

Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru

Ratings: R

Spoilers: None

Warnings: OC, OOC, incest and non-con

Author's Note: A lot of drama in real life held this back, and I finally got to this, while getting an idea for another inu fic. Two actually, but this has to be done first and then I'll dapple into the new ideas. Read on!

xoxoxoxox

From the moment Jaken had given him the message, Inuyasha had only the course of mind to get to his mate. How the hell could he have not noticed that Naraku was so close to him, to his family!

He nearly stumbled at that recollection, but easily gained his footing and continued heading for the royal chambers.

His family. It was his . For years, he had gone on without one, after losing his mother. There was Sesshomaru, but before now, he was as much family to him as Naraku was his friend. But now with his brother accepting him as his mate, taking Rin as his daughter, and having Shippo adopted as his son, he had what he'd always yearned for. And he'd be damned if he'd let anyone take that away from him!

He long left the kappa behind, Jaken's short legs unable to keep up with him. He rounded the last corner that would lead to the wing of the castle that held the royal family, and was soon bursting in through the nursery door, his eyes scanning about for any sign of struggle or disarray.

"Sesshomaru!"

"Shh!"

The shush came from the corner of the room, where he turned to see Minako sitting in a rocking chair, a sleeping Shippo cradled in her lap. Inuyasha closed the door as softly as he could, before walking over to her and looking her and the fox kit over.

"He okay?" He was asking, his voice low though he wanted to shout out for his mate.

"Of course not." Minako answered with a snort. "How do you think you'd feel if you heard that your newly gained sister was taken, and had to watch your parent you'd seen as nothing but stability, crumble before your very eyes."

Inuyasha winced, almost not wanting to believe that Sesshomaru had broken down, but it was probably a very close equivalent where the full-blooded inu was concerned.

"How's he doing?" He asked, his hand resting on top of Shippo's head, to gently stroke the soft locks.

"Much better than before, I'll tell you that." Minako said after a weary sigh. "He's in the next room resting. I finally convinced him to do so after he had Jaken send word to you. Kazue's with him; won't let the boy out of his sight."

Inuyasha nodded, before he was leaning closer, unable to resist nuzzling the top of Shippo's head before he was leaving the two and heading for the small room that housed the bed meant for the nursemaid. He stopped just inside it, finding his mate in a light but restless sleep, and Kazue cradled close to his chest. The pup was sleeping, too, a small fist being suckled on and a warning sign that he'd want to be fed soon enough.

Just as expected, the boy began to fuss and whine, red-gold eyes blinking open. When he realized no milk was being produced from the fist he was suckling, he began to whine even more. Not wanting to wake Sesshomaru, Inuyasha decided on taking Kazue to Minako to be fed. He had only managed to secure his hands to lift the pup, when Sesshomaru was jerking awake red-eyed, growling and defensive.

"I wont let you take him!" He was growling, his claws making contact so that Inuyasha had to let Kazue go and jump back.

"Fuck!" He was swearing, feeling poison eat at his wounds, his head shaking as if it would free him of the pain. "Sesshomaru, it's me! Calm down! Shit, this burns!"

At Inuyasha's swearing and his heart-rate lowering as he came to his senses, Sesshomaru was able to gain his bearings. He had been pulled from his sleep by Kazue's fussing, and then with the feeling of the child being lifted away from him, he had panicked. He had reacted out of protective instinct, with his nerves on end and Naraku loose in his home, he couldn't help himself.

He realized though that he was unintentionally hurting people and he was quite ashamed to find he had lost his composure. As Inuyasha continued to swear and wipe at his face, which had a bleeding set of claw marks down its left side, he could do nothing but sit and watch in a daze.

"Minako!" He found himself calling out.

Amidst his pain, Inuyasha felt water being splashed onto his face, which stopped the burning somewhat. With his face no longer feeling as if it was on fire from the inside out, he looked up to in time to see Minako set a pitcher aside and then grab his face in her hands.

"I should have warned you he's on edge." Was all she said, looking over his wounds. Luckily enough, the poison didn't do damage that was irreversible. She was sure the Daiyoukai had his Inu heritage to thank for at least that much immunity.

"On edge!" Inuyasha burst out, pulling his face free from her hold. "He's fucking insane!"

"Inuyasha, please!" Minako shouted, shutting the hanyou up. "It was a mistake. And besides, it's only a scratch in your case. Anyone else and your face would have already melted through."

She was then turning to Sesshomaru, who was hugging a fussing Kazue to his chest, his son's head tuck underneath his chin. Amber eyes were looking at his mate, the saru not missing the swirling emotions roiling beneath the surface.

"I think, my lord, that you and your mate should take some time alone to talk things out." Minako said to Inuyasha, who studied his mate for a long moment before nodding in agreement. "The children can stay with me-"

"No!" Sesshomaru interrupted her, nuzzling against the top of his son's head. "No, I want them both with me."

All the old saru could do was give another sigh, before nodding in agreement to the prince's demand.

"My lord, if you'll accompany me to the next room." She told Inuyasha, who was still nursing his wounds.

The hanyou nodded, and with one last look to Sesshomaru, he followed the midwife out of the back room and back into the nursery. She led him to a day bed where Shippo had been placed and Inuyasha reached out for him. A gnarled hand on his forearm stopped him short, and he looked to Minako. The monkey demon had her customary frown on her face, but the troubled look in her eyes meant that it was more than her usual mood.

"This entire situation." She began, her voice low so that the inukai in the next room couldn't overhear. "It's taking its toll on him. He's nearly as bad as when Naraku had attacked him after he'd given birth. He needs to be assured that he's not alone in this and that you're by his side. Be his mate first, then his brother, and help him through it."

"I doubt he'll accept any help I have to offer." Inuyasha scoffed, the arm she wasn't touching lifting so that he could massage the back of his neck.

"Oh, he's too proud to ask for it, but he wants it." Minako said, a small smile breaking through. "He's fragile at the moment and a bit overwhelmed. Not to mention scared out of his wits and trying to hide it. He's cracking, but, don't call him on it. Just be his stability, and by the gods, keep him calm."

"I can't make promises, but I'll do my best." Inuyasha told her with a shrug. "He's not the only one with the world going to shit around them. Something is brewing, but I don't know what."

"Yes, well, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough." She said, giving him a supportive tap on his back. "Now, go on, take your mate and your young, and leave this old women be. I'll send for tea, and you be sure to make him drink it. And for the gods sake, make sure he gets more rest. He's in no condition to make himself sick."

Inuyasha frowned at that, but merely shrugged it off and took to picking up the slumbering kit. Shippo groaned a bit as he was shifted, but settled well enough in Inuyasha's arms, his own wrapping about his neck as his head rested on his shoulder. With the boy secure, Inuyasha headed back to the room, peeking in to find Sesshomaru feeding Kazue, gold eyes staring down at his son while his free hand slowly stoked over soft ebony locks.

He quietly walked in, his appearance making Sesshomaru look up, and he stopped in front of his mate to awkwardly lean forward and place a kiss to the crescent moon.

"Come on." He gently coaxed with his head nodding in the direction of the door. "Minako's ready to kick us out by force if we don't get out of here."

The older inukai only nodded, carefully detaching his son and fixing his clothes again, before he was standing. The pup was a bit fussy, having had his feeding interrupted, but settled with sucking on his fist again. With a nuzzle to the baby's cheek, Inuyasha was then leading the way, nodding his goodbye to the saru sitting in the rocking chair again.

The two made their way through the halls, heading the short distance to their rooms in silence, the only noise coming from a gurgling Kazue. Inuyasha didn't miss the tense, stiff set of his brother's shoulders, and he definitely couldn't miss the distinct scent of unease that was wafting off of him either. Amber eyes were looking about at every shadow, every corner and the hanyou was sure his ears were listening out for the slightest of sounds as well.

It was only when they had finally reached their destination, and the double shoji door was slid shut and latched, did Inuyasha see Sesshomaru somewhat relax. Heading to the bedroom, he carefully placed Shippo on the bed before tucking him in under the sheets. With one hand gently brushing over the boy's temple with the back of his knuckles, Inuyasha left the boy to sleep and returned to his mate. Usually Kazue would be placed in his bassinet, or left to play on the floor with his toys, but the prince had yet to let the boy leave his arms.

Inuyasha walked closer and reached for his nephew, but as he went to lift him into his arms, Sesshomaru tightened his hold.

"Let me hold him for a bit." Inuyasha coaxed him, only to have Sesshomaru pull back even more. "Come on, you know I won't hurt him."

"He's fine with me." Came the monotone voice, Sesshomaru turning away as Inuyasha reached for him again. "I don't mind holding him."

"I can hold him for a bit and you can relax." Inuyasha insisted, trying to reach for the pup again, but having Sesshomaru turn away from him. "Come on, Sesshomaru."

He tried again, and again, each time his older brother turning away. Finally fed up, when Sesshomaru turned away from him again, he grabbed his mate by the shoulder and forced him to face him

"I won't hurt him!" He shouted, startling the baby a bit and wincing as he began to cry. "I won't hurt him, I promise."

Slowly, he reached again and then gently he was taking the boy from Sesshomaru's arms. The full-blooded demon had a firm grasp on him, but reluctantly let him slip free. With the boy in his arms, Inuyasha took to softly shushing the crying baby, gently bouncing him as he headed for the bassinet.

Sesshomaru quickly followed, and before he could open his mouth to utter his objection, Inuyasha was turning to face him again.

"Sesshomaru." That had the youkai stopping in his tracks. "He's not going anywhere. I'm just putting him in his bassinet."

"This Sesshomaru will rather hold his son." Sesshomaru insisted, Inuyasha rolling his eyes.

"He'll be fine."

"Inuyasha-"

"He can't get him here!" Inuyasha snapped, his face beginning to scowl. It had Sesshomaru falling silent, with his jaw clenched shut and his eyes glaring back at his mate to hide the fact that he had been found out. "I promise you, while I'm here, Naraku won't have a chance."

Sesshomaru could say nothing in response to that, and instead kept silent, his eyes unable to look away from Inuyasha's gaze. The two stood there, studying the other and reading what could be seen in reflected amber orbs. Inuyasha was able to easily read the instability settling within his mate, and Sesshomaru was able to find the truth behind Inuyasha's promise and the anger at having already failed him.

With a quiet sigh, Sesshomaru relented and let his lover get his way. Inuyasha let out his own sigh, this one of relief, before he was heading the rest of the way to Kazue's bassinet. He laid the pup down and was sure to give him a toy to chew on and occupy his time, before he was looking back to his mate.

"So, let's talk."

"There's nothing to talk about." Was the first thing to shoot out of Sesshomaru's mouth and Inuyasha growled in frustration.

Now was not the time for his brother to act like his usual self. He needed to know what the hell was going on and how he'd be able to help him? If Sesshomaru didn't tell him what was wrong, then he'd have no idea what to do about it.

"So, Jaken tells me he's in the castle." Inuyasha began, whether or not his mate wanted him to or not. "And he's got Rin."

He watched Sesshomaru's jaw clench tight and his hands curl into fists at the mention of that.

"Anything else I should know?" Inuyasha pushed, wanting to get to the bottom of things.

"No, you have the basics." Sesshomaru finally answered. "I let her out of my sight, she was taken, and now she could be dead. Now, I never did finish feeding my son."

He took a few steps forward, heading for his gurgling and cooing son's bassinet, but Inuyasha intercepted him. He was stopped with gentle, but firm, hands holding him by his arms. He made sure to avoid looking at his mate, knowing that Inuyasha would be trying his best to read how he was really feeling, which the damn hanyou was getting better at with each passing day.

"Sessh." Damn, he hated that nickname. And only because it was actually starting to grow on him. "Sessh, look at me."

Which of course, the older youkai didn't do. He instead turned his head away, focusing instead on the open door leading out to the gardens. Inuyasha would have none of it, and leaning forward, he nuzzled his mate's exposed cheek in comfort.

"It's not your fault." He assured him, Sesshomaru tensing even more. "You didn't know this would happen and there was nothing you could do about it."

"That's exactly it, otouto!" Sesshomaru hissed. "When did I, the Sesshomaru, become so incompetent! I've shamed my name, my legend, my family heritage, everything that I am! All because I've allowed myself to be led by baser instinct and the ridiculous notion that I fulfill the urge to revive my race. Had I continued on the way I always have, none of this would have occurred."

"Yeah, and that means we wouldn't be mates, and Kazue wouldn't have been born." Inuyasha pointed out to him. "Is that what you would have wanted? No bouncing baby boy and us always at each other's throats?"

"A necessary sacrifice."

With a growl Inuyasha let his right hand grab his brother by the chin and turn his head so that he was facing him. Angry amber met strategically replaced cold, and all the hanyou could think to do was pull his brother in closer for a kiss. It was a simple kiss, it wasn't demanding nor riddled with lust. But it was affectionate and though it had Sesshomaru trying to pull away at first, he was soon leaning in, trying his best to get as close to his mate as possible.

Inuyasha pulled away to look over his brother with a solemn expression, before he was wrapping his arms around him since he had no other thought of what else he could do. If they couldn't talk it out, then physical comfort was the only thing he could follow up with.

"You're more trouble than you're worth you know." Inuyasha muttered, gaining himself a set of claws digging into his sides. "I'm kidding, of course, but you are a handful."

"That's not any less insulting." Came the drone voice, and Inuyasha could only chuckle.

"Probably not, but do you really expect more from me?"

The hanyou did have a point. There wasn't much to be expected when it came to proper affection where Inuyasha was concerned. That was something that needed to be worked on, and was steadily improving.

"Now, back to business." Inuyasha said, steering the conversation back to what he had wanted to discuss in the first place. "Naraku got in and I want to know how."

"Ishimaru."

"What?" Came the growled question, Inuyasha's face sneering at the mention of the badger's name.

"On my search for Rin, I came across a tea room that was destroyed. It had Rin's scent and no doubt Naraku's." Sesshomaru began explaining, pulling back so that he could look at his mate. "However, there was no denying that Ishimaru was there as well."

"I knew there was a reason I didn't like him." Inuyasha murmured, before he was revealing what he'd found out earlier today. "Mujina was found dead this morning."

That had Sesshomaru showing the smallest of frowns, the closest he'd ever get to showing shock at this point in time.

"Murdered?"

"Claw right through his chest. He was placed in his room to make it seem like he died in his sleep." Inuyasha gave the details, turning away to head for the closest chair and sitting in it. "They stopped the bleeding by stuffing some cloth in the wound. The only question is, what does that asshole have to gain by killing his father?"

"Everything." Sesshomaru provided. "He gains everything that was his father's, including his position as clan leader. It's one step closer to being able to try for Daiyoukai."

"Persistent little bastard, ain't he?" Inuyasha said with a snort. "I think its time he and I have a little talk."

"Inuyasha, no."

At his mate's words, Inuyasha looked to Sesshomaru, who was staring at him with a knowing look.

"What?" Was all he said, feigning innocence but knowing he was caught. "Oh, come on! I can kick his ass! I have all the proof I need that I'm in the right!"

"No, you have nothing. You need to play this politically and best him at his own game."

"And that means. . ."

"Use your thick and empty skull, and think this through." Came the insult, which Inuyasha only frowned at.

"Well, how about you think things through and I just see it gets done."

"Fine." Sesshomaru said with a roll of his eyes, heading to a small table with a calligraphy set. He scooped up parchment, a brush and ink before he was heading back to his mate. "Write a letter asking Ishimaru to meet with you, do not disclose his father's death until you see him. As far as you're concerned, Rin is safe within the castle and you say nothing about the tea room. We want to see how he reacts and what actions he take. You must keep calm and do not, under any circumstances, let him know that you know."

"So, you want me to play stupid?" Inuyasha asked him and Sesshomaru merely shrugged.

"A task you won't find too difficult, I presume."

"I'm getting a little tired of you insulting me." The hanyou warned, and Sesshomaru only gave a 'hn' before seating himself on the cushioned bench next to his lover.

"Here. You must write it, and make it seem urgent."

Inuyasha took the supplies, none too gently, and quickly scribbled down a message. Then he was placing it in an envelope and thrusting it back towards Sesshomaru, who only raised a brow at the hanyou's childishness.

He took it all the same and went to a wall that held the signature rope to beckon a servant. Then he was heading back to the table and went to work placing the royal seal to the letter. A few moments later, a servant appeared and Sesshomaru was sending him off with the message to Mujina's estate.

"What makes you think he's still around?" Inuyasha was asking him when they were alone again, and Sesshomaru turned to look back at him.

"He wouldn't risk running farther than his own lands." He revealed, returning to his mate's side. "That would cause suspicion and that is what he must avoid."

"Then what makes you think he'll show?" The question was changed but Sesshomaru only shrugged again.

"It is still the same risk."

The yawn that happened to escape from the prince had Inuyasha nearly toppling over. Sesshomaru was yawning? He'd never seen him do such. Hell, he had to be tired if he wasn't catching himself as usual.

"Okay, I think it's time for bed." The Daiyoukai suggested, earning himself another icy glare.

"Stop treating me as if I were a child, little brother." Sesshomaru warned him, but the hanyou only snorted and stood from his seat.

"Well, when you stop acting like one, then I'll be sure to do that. Now, come on, it's sleepy time."

However, his brother did not budge. He remained seated, glare focused on Inuyasha as the half-breed stood over him impatiently. The staring match went on for a minute or so before Inuyasha was groaning in annoyance.

"Well, I see you're not ready for bed." He said, before his frown was shifting into a mischievous smirk. "Though, I can help tire you out if you want."

"That will not be necessary." Came the quick reply, which had Inuyasha sulking.

He watched the older inu walk over to the bassinet, which now held a sleeping baby, and gently lift Kazue out of it.

"I believe some sleep will do me good."

"Of course, now you'll be tired." Inuyasha said, following after his mate who headed for the bedroom. "You're still torturing me?"

"Until you've learned your lesson, this Sesshomaru's body is off limits."

"Feh!" Came the well known scoff, but it was ignored as Sesshomaru settled the sleeping pup next to Shippo.

When he was sure that they were comfortable enough, only then did he think to climb in himself, still dressed in his bathing robe from earlier. He could care less, as he was sure things would be fine if he didn't follow his usual protocol for one day. As he settled himself under the blankets with one last look to the sleeping children, he rested his head down onto the pillows, and was surprised to find himself being pulled into sleep in an instant. He must have been much more tired than he'd let himself think he was.

"Hey."

Sesshomaru barely opened his eyes to look at his mate, who was now hovering over the side of the bed. Inuyasha slowly and carefully sat down, his amber eyes looking over his older brother in concern.

"You all right?" He asked him, one clawed hand reaching out to brush aside a few stray stands of hair.

Sesshomaru only scoffed, jerking his head away and turning so that he was on his back, his eyes looking up at the ceiling.

"I'm fine." He answered, his voice not revealing how he was really feeling. He felt as if he was about to break, and he was surprised that he was hiding it so well.

Inuyasha answered with a scoff of his own, before he was laying down beside his older brother on his side, head propped up by his hand.

"You know, you've been saying that a lot lately, but I couldn't help but notice that that's not the case."

He looked to his brother, but the older inu said nothing. Then his eyes merely looked up at the ceiling, noticing how he couldn't find one imperfection. He'd have to commend the servants that upkeep the palace. He was pulled from the recently done paint job by the fact that Inuyasha had taken hold of his chin and turned his head so that he was looking at him. He could understand his mate's concern, but the last thing he needed was for Inuyasha to shirk his political duties to stay and put up with his brooding.

"Maybe the council and Princess pain in the ass can wait." Inuyasha was mumbling, before the back of his knuckles were stroking over Sesshomaru's cheek. "You want me to stay here?"

This was exactly what he wanted to avoid, and besides, he was perfectly capable of managing on his own.

"I'm not a child, otouto." He said pushing the hanyou's hand away. "You need to go take care of your responsibilities."

"And you're one of them, ain't ya?" Inuyasha asked, which made Sesshomaru frown.

What did Inuyasha mean by that?

"And what makes you assume that this Sesshomaru is in need of your company?" The elder of the two asked suspiciously.

Inuyasha merely stared down at his brother for a while longer, before he was sighing and sitting up.

"I don't know." He shrugged, a hand rubbing his now tensing neck. "I guess it's just instinct. Something in my gut is telling me to stay close. I've gotten out of a lot of trouble listening to it when I was on my own."

"Ignore it and leave me alone." Sesshomaru suddenly snapped, irritated for no particular reason it would seem.

Inuyasha only sighed again, before he was leaning toward his mate and giving him a light kiss on his lips. Sesshomaru merely grunted, an odd thing for the noble to do, and it made Inuyasha smirk. He had went to pull away but suddenly had the urge to stay. His head then lowered to his mate's stomach, before he was nuzzling it in affection and not missing Sesshomaru actually jerking in shock. He looked up as his brother sat up and and he raised a brow at his older brother's odd behavior.

"Why would you do that?" Sesshomaru suddenly demanded, and Inuyasha only scoffed again before he shrugging.

"I don't know." Was all the hanyou said, jumping off of the bed and stretching out his limbs. "It was that gut feeling again. You still sensitive about your baby weight or something? I ain't calling you fat or nothing."

"Imbecile." Sesshomaru muttered, since he was in fact still sensitive about. He still wasn't as toned as he was before the baby, and he rather hoped he would have returned to that previous state. Now that dream was dashed, thanks to a pregnancy his youki didn't think was far too soon to subject his body to. "Shouldn't you be attending to your public?"

"Oh, because that doesn't show how bitter you are at not running the show anymore." Inuyasha muttered, only gaining himself a cold glare. "All right, I got it. You want to be left alone. I'll be back."

He made it to the bedroom door, before he was turning back to look at Sesshomaru, who was now curled about a pillow and actually looking adorable. Who knew that the Sesshomaru was capable of having such an adjective as adorable describe him. Inuyasha couldn't help the smirk that fit his lips, and would have teased his brother and mate if he wasn't sure that he'd get another beating to match the one he'd received earlier.

"Sesshomaru." He called, his brother lifting his head a bit to look at him, amber eyes locking on his own. "I'll find her, okay?"

"I trust that you will, otouto." Sesshomaru responded with a nod of his head. "I expect nothing less of you."

With a snort, Inuyasha was gone and Sesshomaru allowed himself to lay down fully, again. He couldn't help the heavy feeling in his stomach, but not sure if it was nausea or dread. A mixture of both, perhaps. He was worrying over Rin and hoping that his human ward would not be in Naraku's clutch for long.

If that damned spider so much as split one end of her hair, he would rue the day he dared to taint the soil of this very earth with the soles of his feet.

Rest. You must not over do it.

'I'm not that far along yet, I can manage!' Sesshomaru snapped at his youki. The damned thing was going about as if he was near full term. He could handle the first trimester quite well.

The rest will do you good. You have much to face ahead.

Yes, he'd nearly forgotten about that. This day couldn't possibly get any worse.

xoxoxoxox

As soon as Inuyasha stepped from his wing of the castle, he was stopped in his tracks by one of the guards he had sent off with Kouga.

"Inuyasha-sama!" Came the greeting, the female fox in front of him panting heavily and obviously exerted from her trip.

Inuyasha nodded, but realized the woman had her head bowed, so he cleared his throat to gain her attention. She was looking up then, her gray-green eyes sure to not look directly into his.

"I bring word from Lord Kouga." She announced.

"Oh, yeah? And that is?" The hanyou inquired, curious as to why Kouga had to send someone ahead of him.

"The Lord Kouga has sent me to warn you of trouble." The kitsune began, Inuyasha frowning at the mention of trouble. "He brings grave news that Naraku has breached the castle walls."

Inuyasha wasn't sure if he should, but he did feel relieved to hear that. At least it wasn't something new or worse than what he already knew.

"Yeah, so I've heard." Was all he said, the female frowning a bit at his words.

"You already knew?" She questioned, and Inuyasha scoffed as he nodded.

"He's taken Rin. Sesshomaru discovered he was here not too long ago, and who knows if he's been here for longer than that."

He looked to the fox demon, who seemed stunned at the news, before he was using his chin to point at her.

"You got anything else I should know?" He questioned her, grabbing her attention again.

"Oh, yes. Lord Kouga also requests that his mate be kept a close eye on until he gets back. He suspects it will be no longer than a day's travel to the Western Palace."

"Let's hope it's not too late by then." Inuyasha muttered, before he started to walk off.

"My lord?" The fox said inquisitively to the statement, but Inuyasha only waved it off.

"Look, you can choose to head back and help Kouga, or stick around and wait for things to kick off." He told her, the kitsune taking a small moment to think over her options.

"Lord Kouga has adequate defenses for the time being, I shall stay here."

"Good, then you do me a big favor and go stand guard over my mate." The Daiyoukai was ordering her, before he started to walk away again. But he soon stopped and turned back to the guard patiently waiting for him. " Uh. . . just. . . try not to make it seem like you're keeping guard. He's kind of moody at the moment."

"Of, course my lord. Prince Sesshomaru will only know of my presence when it is necessary."

Satisfied, Inuyasha nodded and then finally departed, leaving the female fox behind. When she was sure that the half-breed would not return to tell her something else, she headed off to the royal chambers.

xoxoxoxox

Naraku lounged languidly in a day-bed, fitted in his disguised form of Kanaye again, while his cat-like eyes watched Ishimaru pace back and forth. After having taken care of the meddling human child, Ishimaru had demanded that they leave the premises, as now there would be no doubt they would be found out. Naraku had only laughed to taunt him, and that had earned him a strike to his jaw, which made him laugh louder.

Ishimaru was so fun to tease and so easy to manipulate. He was so desperate for power that he'd go to any lengths or stoop lower than he thought himself able to. They were, at the moment, housed in Ishimaru's private venue, a mere mile away from the main palace. It was located on property bestowed to his clan, and it was obvious that the news of Mujina's passing had yet to be heard there. So, for the moment, they had time to spare and recollect themselves.

A whimper from the corner of the room had the badger spinning with a growl, and Naraku let his gaze travel to where Sesshomaru's ward was held captive. Her small hands and feet were bound by tentacles protruding out of a mass of matter on the wall, and tears were streaking down her now bruised and dirty face.

A small sob escaped her again, and soon enough Ishimaru was storming over to her, Rin trying her best to cower as much as her restraints would let her. She screamed in pain as the badger demon tangled his fingers in her hair and jerked her head back as he crouched in front of her.

"Not another peep from you, or I'll make it so you'll never be able to make another sound!" He threatened her, his free hand flexing his claws as a visual message of what he intended.

However, as much as Naraku knew it would happen, that just made the small child cry louder, her sobs turning into hiccups. She let out a pained yelp, as Ishimaru pulled at her hair hard enough to arch her neck back painfully, the badger demon giving his own yell of frustration.

"I said shut up!" The demon boomed, his free hand striking the girl's already battered face.

Rin gave out another scream, her tears only increasing and now trying her best to wiggle free of both her binds and his hold.

"Please stop hurting me!" She was begging, the words hard to push through her crying. "Please stop! I want my chichiue! I want my chichiue!"

The begging and constant calling out for the inu prince finally pushed Ishimaru's last nerve and he raised his hand to shut the girl up for good, but he was never able to go through with it. The grip that took his wrist had his red eyes looking back to glare at the fake snake demon, who couldn't help but look at the badger in disapproval.

"Ishimaru-kun, I believe you're taking things too far." Naraku's voice was even and calm, though his eyes showed his obvious annoyance and impatience. "She's no use to us dead. With her alive, we have leverage and a way to ensure that Sesshomaru is easily persuaded to give in without a fight."

The badger grit his teeth, jaw clenching tight as sharp claws dug into his wrist, blood dripping down his arm to spill on the floor.

"Control your temper, or I'll have need to remove you from my services."

That had the badger shooting up and finally letting go of Rin's hair. His now free hand quickly closed about Naraku's throat, the snake impostor only giving a strangled chuckle.

"Don't think that I am in servitude to you, hanyou!" Ishimaru growled out, his hand squeezing further.

Red met yellow as the two stared down the other, Ishimaru growling while Naraku did his best not to show he was having trouble breathing. He didn't worry, however, since soon it was Ishimaru

struggling for air as a tentacle reached from behind to wrap around his neck. The pressure that it placed against his airway brought him to his knees, gasping and sputtering, Naraku merely chuckling as he was turned free.

"I think you are, Ishimaru-kun." The hebi cooed, watching down in interest as Ishimaru tried his best to claw away at the limb slowly suffocating him. "You are on your knees before me, like any good servant should be."

He stepped forward to grab a fistful of the youkai's black locks, and forced deep red eyes, wide now as he fought to breathe, to look up at him.

"And that's right where I want you." He murmured softly, his free hand reaching out to stroke Ishimaru's cheek. "Make no mistake, Ishimaru-kun. You are mine! But, of course, if you think yourself too unworthy of this hanyou's grace. . ."

He let his words trail off, and stared blankly as Ishimaru choked out a pained sound as another tentacle wrapped about his middle and slowly began to burrow into his chest above his heart. Defiant eyes stared back up at the snake demon, even as he suffered. That changed however, as slowly the writhing mass pushed past his rib cage, the bones snapping and causing the badger demon to cry out as best as he could through a now mangled throat.

"No. . .wait!" He was gurgling, Naraku giving the faintest of smiles as he stilled his advance.

"Say it." He goaded, his voice low and sensuous. His tone seemed to smooth over Ishimaru, and had he not been in a position where his death was imminent, then he would have recoiled in disgust.

Still, he hesitated, if only for a quick moment. That moment was long enough for the tentacle in his chest to push deeper and Ishimaru gave a panic sound, before deciding to do as he was bid.

"Please, wait!" He begged, the limb stopping and Naraku waiting patiently. "I relent. . ."

"Say it!" Naraku demanded, his face finally showing more than a calm expression for the first time that day, as he frowned in frustration and early anger.

Ishimaru snarled for a moment, before he was spitting out, "I'm yours!"

Naraku couldn't help the shudder that ran through him, his eyes closing as he gasped in pure delight, finally letting the badger demon go. As he stood straight, he found himself chuckling darkly, ignoring the curses muttered under Ishimaru's breath as he was finally released by those disgusting appendages.

"Oh, how wonderful it felt to hear you say that, Ishimaru-kun." He said, looking down at the demon still on his knees and trying to soothe his now bruising neck with his hand. "I knew you would come to your senses."

He let his fingers gently grasp the man by his chin, lifting his head so that he was forced to look up at him once again.

"Now, how to reward my newest little pet?"

The urgent rapping that came from the door, had both looking to the main double doors that led into Ishimaru's personal chambers. Naraku let Ishimaru go, and the badger took the opportunity to stand. He then made his way over to the doorway, opening it only slightly so that whoever it was was unable to see inside.

It was only a servant, the young badger demon bowing in respect to the elder's son as he appeared in the doorway.

"Ishimaru-sama, a message from the Western palace." He announced, his eyes never once looking up at his master.

"And that message would be."

"You're being called to audience by Lord Inuyasha's request." The boy delivered, holding out the letter without ever lifting his head.

Ishimaru snatched it away from him and let his eyes lower to study it. Sure enough, there was the royal seal, and he quickly broke the dried wax to retrieve the message inside. There was nothing more but a single sheaf of paper that read, 'You. Me. In private. NOW!'

The letter was crumpled in between his hands as he clenched his jaw in anger. Damn, this meant that his father's body had been found, and Inuyasha was already suspect of him. Which he had every right to be.

"Thank you." He said to the servant, who bowed lower in respect. "You may go. Fetch me my horse and prepare it for the ride. I will depart as soon as I am able."

"Hai, Ishimaru-sama!" And then he was off, speeding down the hall. Ishimaru closed his door and was sure to lock it, before he was looking back to Naraku. He was now standing beside the human child, who seemed to have fainted, and stroking her hair as he patiently waited.

"Well?" Was all he offered in terms of trying to find out what had transpired.

"It would seem that his highness has learned of my father's death." Ishimaru relayed, Naraku only raising a single brow. "He requests my presence at the palace. You can stay here and keep an eye on the girl."

Naraku only nodded, his fingers still running through Rin's hair as he watched Ishimaru head over to a wardrobe and pull out formal attire, which he chose to dress in behind a screen. When he stepped out, he looked to Naraku, who had shifted closer without Ishimaru having heard him.

"Actually, I think I shall get in touch with my princess." Naraku told him, reaching out to straighten the silk obi around the badger's waist. "But, do be a good boy while out of my sight. Inuyasha is not to know who I really am. Understood?"

He pulled the obi tight enough to cause discomfort, Ishimaru groaning a bit as it jarred him and his slowly healing chest wound.

"You'll regret this."

"I'll enjoy it until then." Naraku laughed, his hand reaching up to pat the other demon on the cheek. "Off you go."

Then he was gone himself, disappearing in a cloud of miasma and leaving Ishimaru alone with an unconscious human girl. With one last sneer to the annoying little brat, Ishimaru turned to leave his room. He wasn't sure how he now found himself in this situation, but he would be sure to rectify it as soon as he could.

xoxoxoxox

Kagura groaned as she finally came to. The last she had remembered was yelling at the wolf prince, before an unbearable pain drew her into unconsciousness. The throbbing on her forehead was enough to let her know that she had been hit. That damned bastard! He had struck her and knocked her out. He'd get his when she had the chance.

She chanced looking up and realized that she had been placed in a canopied wagon, her arms bound behind her and her legs bound by the ankle. Even her fingers were wrapped in cloth and then bound again by the wrists. They were really taking no chances with her. Luckily enough, her mouth was free, but for the moment she had nothing to say.

The wagon jostled gently as it rocked back and forth, and she could hear beyond its squeaking wheels the murmuring voices of the Southern Wolf Clan's remaining people. She tried her best to look out and see if it was morning yet, but she doubted it was. Kouga would most likely have his people trek non-stop through the night. It was obvious to see that her words had raised his hackles. He was hurrying home to his mate and pups.

The poor fool. He had every right to worry. Though Kagura doubted they'd survive. If she knew Naraku, he was probably already making a move without the princess being any the wiser. She scoffed at the thought and then realized that she was actually quite parched. It would probably help if she could get a drink of water. She doubted that she be accommodated, however.

The pounding in her head grew worse as the wagon went over a nasty bump, and she figured why not? Hell, it was worth the try. At least if her head couldn't feel any better, than her throat should be soothed.

She trained her eyes to the loosely tied flaps at the back of the wagon, looking to see if any of Kouga's guards flanked the vessel. She could see a few wolves, but judging by the kimonos, they were female. Hell, she could always try to appeal to them. Women tended to take pity more than men.

"Excuse-." She tired to start out but was interrupted.

"Quiet in there!" A voice right next to her shouted through the canvas material of the canopy.

She looked beside it and could make out a dim shadow of a male demon, and she figured it was better than nothing.

"I'd like a drink of water." She put her demand forward. The laughs that came back to taunt her had her sneering, and she wished that she had her hands free so as to show them what happened to any and all who laughed at her.

"I demand a drink of water, right now!" She spouted, her throat and head screaming at her in objection of her tone.

She heard more laughter from outside, and could do nothing but growl in frustration. Well, as angry as she was getting, she supposed it could have been worse. And besides, she was a prisoner after all. She couldn't exactly expect fair treatment, now could she?

"Lord Kouga wanted us to knock her out again." A wolf piped up, this one sounding young. "Anyone care to do the honors?"

"I'll handle this." This demon however, she could note from the gruff tone of voice, had seen a couple centuries.

Her body tensed as he breached the opening at the back of the wagon, her eyes glaring a warning she knew she couldn't upkeep being tied up and all. She actually calmed some as it was the same wolf who had last been guarding her inside of the tent. He merely looked at her blankly before trudging closer, his hand reaching to his belt before pulling something free.

It took all her will to not flinch as he thrust his hand forward, and oddly enough, he held no weapon. No, instead it was a water skin, and she let her eyes look from it to him. What was he doing, trying to poison her?

"Look, I could easily leave you here to faint of dehydration, but that would hurt more than you'd like." He told her, impatience already heavy on his voice. "You were the one who so politely asked for it. I could have left you per my lord's orders, now open your mouth."

"I don't suppose you'll untie me?"

The stoic look that stared down at her was enough of an answer. With a glare set on her face, she reluctantly parted her lips, just enough so that the tip of the water skin could pass her lips. She drank as much as she was able to drink in a dignified manner, though she felt she could have drank a bit more.

When she was done, she pulled her head back and the mature wolf demon only snorted as water spilled from the unexpected movement. The water skin was closed off and secured to his waist again, before he was looking back to the sorceress.

"It'll wear off by time we've arrived." He said, Kagura frowning at the words.

What did he mean by that?

Suddenly, she felt her head swoon and her vision began to blur and slowly darken. That son of a bitch!

"You poisoned me!" She snapped, her words a bit slurred.

The wolf sighed and was fast to catch her as she began to topple over, not wanting her to hit her head. He gently laid her down, and reached a hand out to wipe away the water that had spilled past her lips and down her chin a few moments before.

"No, just a sleeping drug." He admitted, watching the woman's pupils expand from the effect of it on her body. "I couldn't risk a concussion, which was likely to happen if you were constantly hit on the head to put you out again. This way was the least barbaric."

"Damn. . .you. . . you. . ."

Whatever insult the witch was going to throw at him died as she finally succumbed to the drug's pull. The ookami sighed as he fixed her to be as comfortable as she could with bound arms and legs, before he was standing and looking down at her.

When her mouth wasn't open and her face wasn't fit in a scowl or sneer, she was actually quite a beautiful woman. A shame that she was perpetually evil inside to counter her outside looks.

"Oi, Toshigawa, her head must be pretty hard if you haven't knocked her out yet."

The ookami guard only sighed as other pack mates started laughing and he took that as his cue to leave. Besides, it wouldn't look too good if he lingered here longer than he needed to. Kagura would be out until they reached the inu palace.

He was exiting and jumping down from the wagon just as Kouga came striding up to it. His eyes momentarily locked with his alpha's, which he rectified by bowing his head in respect and keeping his eyes downward.

"Kouga-sama."

"She giving trouble?" Kouga asked, waving off the guards proper and respectful behavior.

"No, she merely asked for a drink." Toshigawa reported and he watched as the young lord gave him a knowing smirk.

"How long?"

"There's a small chance she wakes before we get there." He answered, and then Kouga was nodding.

"Good, you can continue keeping watch. I'm going to scout ahead to make sure the way is clear."

Before his guard could say anything in reply, Kouga was off, a whirlwind heading off into the distance.

"Hey, Toshigawa-sempai."

Said wolf-demon turned his head to where one of the younger, up and coming wolf guards stood staring up at him.

"I overhead that we're heading to inu country for war." He began, Toshigawa only sighing and turning to place a hand on the young one's shoulder. His hand gently began leading him so that they were both walking with the pack again.

"Whatever our Lord Kouga is leading us to, it is in our best interest." He told the younger ookami, who only put on a face that was a mixture of a pout and frown.

"How can we surely help to aid the West with so few youkai?"

That was a question that Toshigawa was asking himself and was unsure what the answer to it was. Though he had just reassured the young ookami that Kouga should not be doubted, he could only hope that he was right and the young lord knew what he was getting into.

xoxoxoxox

The guest quarters of the Western palace were unusually quiet. Not even the servants were stirring much, except the occasional maiden or errand boy. Naraku made his way through the halls, well aware of the tension and confusion buzzing about the rest of the palace. He had heard servants and other nobles whispering amongst themselves about the Daiyoukai having called forth Ishimaru and Mujina's sudden death. It was enough to make him hold a smile on his face as he made his way to Sakuya's assigned quarters.

He greeted the guards at her door, one a badger-youkai and the other hebikai, with a simple nod before he stood waiting for entrance. The snake demon was the one to slide the doors open for him, bowing as he walked past and then closing the doors behind him once he was inside.

Naraku looked about, noting that things were quiet here as well, and not to mention empty. The young princess was missing, and that in itself was something to make Naraku's mood go sour. She would have known to keep still. Unnecessary movement on her part would draw suspicion, and that was something they could not afford.

He walked forward to the bedroom, but found that empty as well, and then his only other option was the garden. He stormed over to that, pulling open the shoji screen, but finding nothing but a few of the princess' pet snakes roaming about the grassy area. A couple of them coiled and hissed at his presence, but he ignored them and slid the door closed again. Where the hell could she have taken off have to?

"Looking for me?"

He turned at her voice, finding her stepping into the room with the door sliding shut behind her and her face fitted with a look that clearly expressed how she felt at this moment. And, he could tell, she wasn't happy. In fact, she seemed quite livid, in a calm and repressed sort of way.

"Hime." He greeted her with a subtle nod of his head.

She didn't bother to greet him in return, or even acknowledge him for that matter. Instead, she turned and walked over to a wardrobe that housed her formal outer robes, beginning to divest herself of the heavy material.

Naraku moved to help her, slipping the robes off of her shoulders and carefully handling it so that it wouldn't wrinkle. As she left him to head for the vanity that had been set up for her, he carefully hung up the robe, before he was making his way over to her again.

She was busy removing her make up, the task almost as tedious as placing it on, and while she did this Naraku took to carefully removing the hair pins that held her hair in place. He wasn't stupid, she had figured out what had been going on, and she was obviously upset. He was treading on thin ice at the moment, knowing that the snake was coiling and preparing to strike.

"Kanaye." She wasn't so angry as to use his true name, but the tone in which she called for his attention was enough to make him wary. "Was it not you who thought it best not to strike until the time was right?"

"Yes, it was, hime." The answer was simple enough, something to not anger her further.

"Then why is it that a member of the royal council is dead?"

Ah, the word had reached even her it seemed.

"A necessary action that could not be avoided." He explained, running his fingers through her now loose hair.

"And the human ward having gone missing?" She snarled, reptilian eyes flickering with rage. "What of that!"

Naraku tensed at that. No one else in the castle knew that the girl was missing, at least, had that been the case, the gossip among the servants would have surely brought up that particular subject. It made sense once he looked up in the mirror at the fuming princess, and caught the snake coiled up behind him on a desk.

"I see, princess." He said leaning closer, his fingers still playing with her hair. "You've been spying on me. How very unlike you."

He jumped back in time to avoid a dangerously sharp hairpin causing him to lose his eye, again, and was smart enough not to get too close to the snake behind him. An ordinary snake it might seem, but the princess' familiar was youkai. A lesser version of the hebi clan, but its poison was potent enough to do damage to him even with the shards embedded within him.

"Foul little hanyou!" She spat, standing from her place at the vanity and spinning to face him, long hair fanning and then falling about her angered face. "You despicable cretin! You would not have thought to warn me of your plans!"

Naraku only smiled, his arms crossing over his chest as he watched the princess quite literally shake with rage. It would seem that Sakuya wasn't as stupid as he first thought her to be. He had been hoping to pin this all on her when the time was right, it would seem however, that he would have to try a different approach.

"I was merely attaining a pawn to use at our disposal." He told her, only half-truthfully. While he was gaining a pawn, it was for his own use and he had no intention of sharing with the demoness. "Someone close enough to the royal family that could help us breech their defenses."

"Ha! Save your slick talk for someone else, hanyou!" Sakuya snapped, her voice showing her disgust. "That pathetic, sniveling badger isn't worth the effort. What good is he, having made an enemy to this false Daiyoukai? You needed a replacement for after you had done away with me!"

True, but she didn't need to know that she was right.

"Of course not, princess." He tried to assure her. "This is, of course, your plan. I would never take your victory away from you. In fact, I plan to give you Inuyasha on a platter. No need to dirty you hands on such undeserving flesh."

"Is that so?" She asked as she walked forward, her body poised and ready to strike. "You would offer him to both Ishimaru and myself? You think me stupid."

As tempting as it was to answer with the truth, he humbly shook his head and then bravely helped her close the distance between them by walking forward. She struck as the opportunity presented itself, her body twisting and changing until she was in her hebi form, head flared and fangs dripping venom. She was faster in this form and Naraku couldn't escape it as she coiled around him, trapping him in a crushing grip.

She hissed as red eyes looked down at the man who would have betrayed her, and knew that she had the upper hand. She would rid herself of him before he destroyed everything she had meticulously planned. Naraku only had a moment to realize what she had in store for him, before she lunged forward, his top half disappearing inside of her massive jaw. His body was lifted then, before he was slowly swallowed whole. When every inch of him was gone and down her throat, Sakuya let out another hiss, this one in victory.

Usually, she would let herself digest before changing back into her humanoid form, but she was already running late for her bath and dinner was soon approaching. She had to heed the Daiyoukai's warning and show up, though with eating Naraku, she would have to explain Kanaye's absence.

Her form shifted and she headed back to her vanity to remove the rest of her makeup. She had to stop halfway, as her stomach roiled and heaved, shifting about as if it didn't agree with what she had just eaten. Which, in truth, it probably didn't, but this wasn't a normal upset stomach. As her stomach continue to shift and protest, she found herself bending over and her hands clutching her kimono right above her abdomen.

Pain followed, and she screamed as it ripped through her system, making her dizzy so that she fell to the floor on her knees. The pain intensified, until she was writhing and moaning pathetically on the floor, her hands trying to claw away at her stomach as if to help get rid of what was inside. In desperation, she tried forcing herself to bring it back up, but all that spilled past her lips was a black liquid that smelled foul. What was happening?

She knew the chuckle as soon as she heard it, and her widened eyes looked up and about the room in search of the man she thought she had ingested. He appeared in a mist of miasma, gliding in through the garden doors out of disguise.

"What ever is the matter, princess?" He laughed, sauntering over with a slick smile fitted to his lips. "Having a bit of indigestion?"

She was screaming again as it felt like she was being torn apart on the inside, and she tried to curl up in a ball as much as she could. How could she have been so stupid? Through her anger, she hadn't remembered that the coward would never come to her himself.

Naraku was soon crouching beside her, laughing all the while and reaching out to lift her head by her chin. By now the black fluid was steadily dripping out of her mouth, staining her chin and the floor as well.

"You see, I had suspected that you would attempt to get rid of me, so I was prepared." He explained, wiping away the fluid from her face with the sleeve of his kimono. "It's a new technique of mine, that I designed especially for you. At this moment, my black matter is slowly dissolving your insides. I could, of course, stop it but it would require your complete and absolute submission."

She attempted to hiss and spit at him to show him what she thought of his proposal, but the burn of pain had her groaning and throwing up more black fluid instead. This time, however, she could see the tint of blood mingled with it, and she panicked. He was killing her and he would continue to let her die if she did not give in to his commands.

"Last chance, princess." He warned her, standing and looking down at her in disinterest.

She couldn't die now, not before she got her revenge on that despicable inu. Inuyasha had killed her mate and family, she would have gladly carried children for Yoshimaru, a demon she had actually had feelings for. Now she had nothing, no promise of pure-blood royal offspring, and no strong mate to help her keep her new title as ruler. That detestable hanyou had taken so much away from her, and now another threatened to take her right to get revenge as well as her life.

No, she wouldn't allow it to end this way. She had to have the chance to kill Inuyasha, to watch his mate suffer and mourn in loss as she had, and have his kingdom crumble. Then, and only then, would she be satisfied. She'd relent for now, just to keep her life, but the moment she was able to do so, Naraku's head would be gained to decorate her treasure room.

"I relent, Naraku." She gurgled up past more rushing fluid. "You have my submission."

"Good."

With Naraku's spoken word, she had to let out a scream as something large seemed to claw its way up from her stomach. She was lucky being a snake demon gave her such a flexible jaw, as the mass that came pushing out of her throat had her opening it as wide as she was able. It finally fell to the floor with a sickening plop, Sakuya letting out a pained groan and trying her best to move away from the writhing thing.

She watched it in horrid fascination, before she was glaring up at Naraku, who was now hovering over her with a pleased smirk on his face. He held his hand out for her, and she wanted to swat it away or even bite it, but she couldn't. So, she reluctantly accepted the help and was soon swaying on her two feet, dizzy from the little happening she had just gone through. She was easily guided back to the vanity, where she was seated in the cushioned stool and Naraku took to handing her the necessary items to remove the rest of her make-up.

"Now, I've been thinking that we will have to strike soon." Naraku began, taking up the brush and beginning to run it through the princess' locks. "Tomorrow night is the new moon, and I think it will be the perfect time to begin our advance."

"What significance is it to start then rather than tonight?" Sakuya began, her face now relieved of the traditional make-up. She was actually quite the looker without it, obviously more of the natural-beauty type. "Prince Sesshomaru is weakened, Lord Inuyasha distracted and the Wolf Lord is gone, as well as the Daiyoukai's closest ally of his council. We could strike now-"

"And risk losing everything." Naraku cut her off. "You forget the miko, the taijiya, and monk. They are more of a threat than you think and should be taken into consideration. We strike there first, and no need to worry, I'm already taking care of that."

Sakuya said nothing further and watched as Naraku stopped brushing her hair and coaxed her to rise from her seat. He then began leading her to the private baths connected to her given room, the water steaming and ready for her. She looked to him with a glare and Naraku turned his back to her to give her some semblance of privacy.

The rustling of clothes and the gentle sloshing of water was signal enough that he could turn to face her again. When he did, he found her facing away from him, her hair falling over her back in a curtain of dark stands, the ends long enough to be submerged in the water.

"Word has been heard that you saved the taijiya from demon attack and through that she discovered her brother." Sakuya suddenly began, slowly bathing herself. "He is part of your ploy, is he not? That dreadful little puppet that you toy with?"

"You are quite observant princess." Naraku said with a chuckle. "But, yes, he is. And I suspect he'll be coming into play very soon."

xoxoxoxox

Sango sighed, rolling her shoulders as she took a break from polishing her repaired hiraikotsu. She had gone to spend time with Kagome earlier, but the girl hadn't been feeling too well so she left her alone after a few minutes. The monk had decided on another tour of the palace, after having finally woken from a drunken stupor and claiming to need to walk to clear his head. She had said nothing about the lump that adorned the top of his skull, assuming it was safer to not ask questions.

Kohaku was inside, keeping Kirara company and Sango couldn't help the feeling of happiness knowing that her brother was finally back with her. She had spent so long hoping to find him again and take him from Naraku's hold. Kagome had sensed the shard, but it seemed inactive, or so the miko had described it. Though she had rather have him without the jewel embedded in his body, she would be happy with what she could get.

She looked up at the sky, realizing it was turning into early evening by the position of the setting sun and figured it was time she head in. Dinner would be soon and she figured it would be best to freshen up a bit beforehand.

"Kohaku!" She called out, setting her weapon aside and standing from the bench. "It'll be time for dinner soon! How about you go have a bath and I'll pick out our dinner attire!"

She hadn't thought she needed to change, but it was requested that the guests of the royal family dress formally. Well, the best kimono's were provided, so it would be rude to not wear them.

She realized that Kohaku had yet to answer her, and she looked back to the doorway that led into the main sitting room of the quarters she and her friends shared.

"Did you hear me?" She called out, lifting her weapon and heading for the door. "Kohaku?"

She climbed up to the shoji and slid it open, only to stop just before stepping in. Kirara was laid out on the middle of the floor, the fire-cat unconscious but still breathing.

"Kirara!" Sango screamed rushing forward, looking about to see if she could find any signs of what had happened.

Everything seemed to be fine. Nothing was out of place and there was no lead she could find to point her in the right direction.

"Kohaku?" She was calling out, standing with her companion cradled in her arms and heading for her bedroom. "Kohaku!"

She opened the door and found it empty, her eyes still looking about for any signs of him. She didn't find anything, and no sign of where the boy could have disappeared to. As she stepped in, she gently rested the neko on the soft bed, petting her in comfort before looking about again. She froze as she looked to find the table that had recently held Kohaku's weapon was now bare, and her blood ran cold as she came to a realization.

"Kohaku. . ." Was all she was able to whisper, falling to her knees as her stomach suddenly dropped. ". . . no."

Before she could let herself be pulled into despair, Sango was on her feet and making sure Kirara was comfortable before rushing out of the room.

"Kagome." She was muttering, as she headed for the miko's room. "I have to let her know."

She ran to the door and slid it open, but found the miko's bed empty. What the hell was happening around here? Not hesitating, she was heading off, ready to search every corner of the castle for the future-born girl. She wouldn't let this become any worse than it already was. Besides, it was her fault that she had welcomed in trouble to begin with.

xoxoxoxox

Hiromi sat at her calligraphy station, calmly writing out a poem she had learned from her now deceased mate, her eyes not entirely focused on the page. She was too busy thinking about her son, newly mated and impregnated again. Though she felt a sense of remorse and utter despair, she couldn't deny that she was the slightest bit jealous. Oh, yes, and happy. Though the latter she would never admit aloud to herself.

Through the years, she had watched her son grow, contrary to popular belief. And though it would not be through her own eyes at time, she knew enough of her son to know that his childhood had not been an ideal one. The only happiness he shared were the few moments he was able to spend with his father. Touga was a generous and loving man, who adored his son as much as a father should, but he was Daiyoukai during a time of war and tension. Time with his son was always rare and fleeting.

So, with nothing but the cold halls and empty rooms to confide in, Sesshomaru had adapted the personality. He had become numb and uncaring, and it had hurt Hiromi to have him raised in such a way. However, as she had admitted, she was selfish and was also a bit scared to confront her only child. The few times that she had she had been as distant as she possibly could, hoping that she would not have a negative effect on her son. It hadn't worked, and Sesshomaru had become the well renowned ice prince of the West.

Now. . . now the ice was melting and it was good to see. This Inuyasha, this illegitimate hanyou of her past lover, he was changing her son for the best. Sesshomaru seemed happy. The happiest that she had ever seen him before, and she was quite glad. Her Sesshomaru was actually in love, a feat she hadn't believed when she first realized it, but she had watched him speaking to his unborn child. She hadn't left entirely and had easily sneaked back in to spy. The smile, a feature she would never have thought to see on her son's face, spoke volumes. The tender voice he used to speak and the gentle way he laid his hand on his stomach was all the proof she needed.

And as for Inuyasha. She would not lie, she did not think the boy worthy of her son, but it was he who had made it possible for her to see her child finally smile again. It was enough to convince her. Besides, she had always planned for her son's wedding, always having a knack for planning celebrations. Though, she would have to change a few things as her son was now the bride, of sorts.

The rap at the garden door had her looking up and she bid whoever it was entrance. One of her private guards walked in, offering her a bow before walking closer and kneeling in front of her.

"Lady Hiromi. We've received word from Okinawa."

"And?" She urged.

A small scroll was held out for her, and she accepted it with a raised brow. Her claw cut the red string holding it closed, and she unrolled it to let her eyes read the massage. Her face fell to an unreadable mask as she re-rolled it and stood from her seat.

"You're dismissed." She said, the guard bowing low before standing. "I'll call for you when I am to be escorted to the dining hall."

"Hai, Hiromi-sama."

Then the male demon was gone, off to hide in the shadows and guard her room out of sight. She turned back to her calligraphy set and began tidying up, before she was heading for the bell to call a servant. When a young maiden arrived, she ordered a bath fixed and kimonos made ready for her to wear. Then she was heading to the garden door to close it again, the guard having left it open. She stopped as she looked up at the darkening sky, her eyes focusing up at the heavens and wondering if the great Lord Touga were actually looking down on her.

Closing the door and latching it for good measure, she headed then to her dresser littered with her jewels, beginning to remove what she was wearing to prepare herself for her bath. Her eyes landed on the pendant Inuyasha had been engrossed with, and she stopped to pick it up in her hands, remembering the night Touga had presented it to her. She had only just told the demon that she was with child a week before, and Touga had appeared at her private castle without invitation to present it to her. She had wanted to refuse it at first, but upon Touga's insistence, she had accepted it.

"When the time is right, you'll pass it on." He had told her, the two sharing a quiet moment in her moonlit garden.

She hadn't understood then, but she was aware of it now. This pendant wasn't actually meant for her, and now was the right time to see to it that Touga got his wish. Placing the pendant in a silk-lined box, she left it behind for now to head for her bath.

'The time is now, my love.' She thought to herself as she headed to the bathing room. 'I've hidden most of my life, I think it time I take my place where I rightfully belong.'

T.B.C.