Unexpected Circumstance

Title: Unexpected Circumstance

Author: Neptunesdemon

Archive: Fanfiction net; Mpreg mailing list

Category: Mpreg, romance, drama

Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: None

Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, incest, OC, mpreg, evilness

Author's Note: Insert usual excuse and sob-story. Here's chapter whatever this one is. The end is so close that I can taste it. It's bitter, and yet, sweet. Some spice will make it just right. O.o Yes, I am insane. Read on!

xoxoxoxox

Sesshomaru merely watched from his seat in a cushioned chair as his mother fussed over Shippo, who was doing his best to be as difficult as possible. He had already been dressed in one of Sesshomaru's childhood kimonos, the fabric falling a bit bigger on the smaller kitsune, and now Hiromi was trying her damnedest to get the boy's hair in a presentable state. Well, the servant was trying her best, Hiromi was merely snapping orders that the kit keep still and be a good little vagrant. The prince was sure that it wasn't working, as the more Hiromi bid him to keep still, was the more the kitsune wiggled.

Kazue gurgled, sitting in his lap and busy with gnawing on a bone from a snack that had been brought for him, and he looked down to his son with a gentle smile. His hand petted over the short black locks, already full and promising to be quite the mane when it started to grow out. He did have to give the vile hanyou some credit on that aspect, his hair was nice. Full and wavy, and not to mention healthy, even if the damned spider looked as sickly as they come.

He couldn't help passing his hand down his son's back to lift the cloth and peek at the birthmark on his back. It hurt him to know that he had it, knowing that there would always be something much more permanent in reminding him that this was Naraku's son. His finger gently traced at the mark, the thing more raised as if it were an old scar rather than a birthmark.

"Please, stop being difficult!" Hiromi was halfway shrieking, Shippo whining endlessly as the hand-maiden finally got the tie out of his hair to begin brushing it. "Be a good little boy, you vile little demon!"

Rolling his eyes, Sesshomaru stood and decided it was best to take over. He should have known his mother was no good at this. Hell, she had raised him and that was enough proof. Walking over he rested a hand on his mother's shoulder to grab her attention, holding Kazue out for her when she turned to look at him with a twitching eye. Suppressing a laugh, he traded off his son before looking to Shippo with well-known stoic look.

"You will behave and you will sit still."

He didn't need to say anything more, and Shippo had merely closed his mouth instead of trying to give any objections. With a whine and a pout, he crossed his arms and planted himself down in a huff, crocodile tears gathering in his eyes. The servant nodded in thanks before continuing her task, and Sesshomaru looked back to his mother who seemed satisfied with the turn of events.

"If you ask me, he needs more training." She commented, looking to her grandson and beginning to coo at him.

"He's not a pet, Hahaue." Sesshomaru reminded her, the older inukai merely rolling her eyes. "Shippo is my adopted son. I will treat him like a child."

"Hai, hai." Hiromi sighed out, before she was looking back to him with a smile. "And speaking of children, when do you plan on telling this new lord of ours the glorious news of-"

"Hahaue!" He was hissing out, effectively shutting her up.

He looked to the maiden, who was doing her best to pretend she didn't hear or hadn't been listening in, but he knew most of his servants were too nosy for their own good. He gave her a warning glare and the maiden meeped before focusing fully on her given duty of taming the kitsune's locks. Then he was looking back to his mother, whose full attention was on the baby in her arms.

"I was thinking that I would announce my reluctant approval of your mating tonight, and from there we'll set a date for the ceremony. I was thinking that we could stray from the traditional red-colored theme. Maybe green? No, it was never your color. Oh, how about blue?"

"Hahahue."

"Although it was more of your father's color. I suppose red is your best match." She ignored him, going on and on. "Then I'll just have to add gold. Oh, and orchids will have to do. Lotus blossoms are so last century. And don't let me forget that we absolutely must have-"

"Okasan!"

That grabbed her attention, as well as stopped her mid-sentence, and she turned to look back at her son with a near shocked expression. In all of her years, or at least the years she had been there for Sesshomaru, the last time that Sesshomaru had called her Okasan was when he was still a young pup. She had quickly schooled him on the proper way to address her with respect. It gave a her a mixture of feelings that she would have to decipher later, but for now, shock was the most prominent.

"We'll discuss this later." Sesshomaru insisted, motioning to Shippo, who was primped and ready. The young kit didn't look too happy, but dressed in Sesshomaru's hand me downs and his hair in a proper topknot, he did look like a young prince. "Shippo is finished and I believe we will be late if we continue to linger here."

"Yes, of course." Was all she said with a nod.

Sesshomaru dismissed the servant, who left with a bow and then he was moving closer to his mother to take Kazue from her. She let him, staring at her son the entire while. Sesshomaru either didn't seem to notice or ignored her, heading to Shippo and gently pushing the kit towards the door.

"Shall we, Hahaue?"

"No."

He turned to look at her, his brow raised in a silent question and Hiromi only shrugged while offering him a sheepish smile.

"I mean, you can call me Okasan." She told him, his face falling into a stoic mask to hide his confusion. "I mean, I would prefer it. It sounds. . .nice. I like it."

"Very well." Sesshomaru said with a nod, not really wanting to delve any deeper into why this had suddenly come about. "Shall we. . .Okasan?"

"Yes, we shall." She said with a nod, walking forward and holding Shippo's hand, ignoring the fox's pout.

Sesshomaru nodded, before taking the lead in directing them to the dining hall, unable to hold back the urge to smile. Who knew that it would take a couple of centuries before his mother would actually want to behave as such. Well, he wouldn't complain, even though it would take some getting use to, he'd be more than welcome to accept it.

Ten minutes later, he was contemplating if he had made the right choice in doing so.

Sesshomaru wanted very much to escape the consistent chattering that was steadily streaming from his mother's lips, but being the good noble that he was, he minded his manners and stayed. All he did was nod and every so often made a sound of agreement, contemplation, or confirmation that he had heard her. Had he known that his mother was so chatty when she grew comfortable enough, he would have made sure to stay on her bad side.

"And, darling, I think it time that you try new things. Have you never thought of traveling?" Hiromi took Sesshomaru's random sound as a signal to keep going. "I mean, I do live in a very large, nearly empty castle. It would do you and the children some good to visit. I am no stranger to hosting guests. Your mate, well, he'll be far too busy running the kingdom to bother with the likes of me. I suppose it's for the best."

It was a discreet way of saying that Inuyasha was unwelcome in her home. He didn't expect her to put up with him when she didn't have to. The Western Palace no longer held the freedoms for her that it once did. With Inuyasha in charge, she had to grit her teeth and grin, but on her own lands, she could do as she pleased.

Sesshomaru was busy contemplating bashing his head into a wall, when a door not too far up the hallway slid open. Hakkaku eagerly rushed out, leading the way for Ginta, who was dressed in what their clan passed for formal wear. There was still nearly the same amount of skin being shown, but the usual fur-pelt kilts were now longer and their armor was polished for the occasion. The Beta wolf smiled at Sesshomaru and nodded in greeting, taking the initiative and walking closer.

"Sesshomaru-ouji." Ginta greeted, arms full with one of his pups. The other was strapped to Hakkaku's back, the spike-haired wolf coming closer with a small bow. "I see you're heading for the dining hall yourself."

"Of course." Was all Sesshomaru offered.

Ginta accepted it and was then looking to Kazue, who had begun babbling and screeching playfully at the sight of new faces. The wolf cooed for a moment, before looking back to Sesshomaru, who was smiling down at his son with only his eyes.

"Your son is adorable. He'll be as strong as you, and of course as handsome."

Sesshomaru looked to the wolf with a raised brow, but resisted the urge to snort. Kazue as strong as him? If he did things right, his son would be stronger and then he would answer to no one. He looked to the young pup in Ginta's arms, and the proof of dark curls showing that it was truly Kouga's cub. Then he was glancing as best as he could at the baby strapped to Hakkaku's back. The ookami lord had done very well for himself.

"Your children are quite remarkable themselves. I believe they will grow to be strong, and with us now allies, their futures are sure to be lacking in danger."

"Allies!" Hiromi was yelping out, startling both adults and children. "To wolves! Are you mad!"

"Okasan!"

Hiromi huffed and rolled her eyes, but cleared her throat and hid most of her face behind a large sleeve. It had to be large to hide the distraught face that she held at the news she had just heard.

"Please, forgive her." Sesshomaru offered an apology to the silver and black-haired demon. "At her age, senility is beginning to set in."

Ginta barely held in a laugh, while Hiromi let out a horrified high-pitched sound, her eyes staring at her son in mock hurt and disbelief.

"Is this any way to treat your okasan?" She was questioning him, and Sesshomaru barely held himself from rolling his eyes.

"Shall we?" Was all he said to Ginta, who nodded his thanks.

The two started off, Hakkaku following after them and Hiromi reluctantly doing the same. Along the way they met up with the rest of Ginta's pack, and settled in to comfortable conversation. They were all unaware of the blank eyes that followed after them, tracking their every move.

Green eyes settled on the first-time "mother" and newest prince of the West, those same eyes then landing on the pup in his arms. Settling more comfortably in the shadows, Kanaye smiled when red and gold infantile eyes looked back to lock with his.

"Hello son." His voice was low, barely a whisper, but he knew the child could hear him. "You and mommy will be with daddy very soon."

His grin grew much more malicious when the baby began to fuss, and he watched the group of demons round a corner before he allowed himself to laugh out loud. When he had calmed, he carefully peeled away from the wall he had been leaning against so that he could silently track after them. Yes, he'd have them very soon indeed.

xoxoxoxox

No one had said anything yet at the appearance of the supposedly missing miko. She stood there patiently waiting, with an innocent smile on her face as they stared back at her in disbelief and confusion. Sango stood wide-eyed and mouth hanging open, as if she had wanted to say something but the words wouldn't form. Miroku held no expression, and the only clue that he was curious was how his eyes carefully went over the miko as if he were suspicious. Minako held her usual frown, but her hardened stare never wavered from the miko and Inuyasha held a scowl, discreetly testing the air for the miko's scent. It sure did smell like Kagome. How the hell could she be missing if she was standing right here?

"Where the hell have you been?" He started to question her, breaking the stupor that had fallen over everyone. "I was just told that you had gone missing? What happened?"

Kagome titled her head in confusion, looking back and forth between her companions, who were waiting for her response.

"Missing? Why would you think I was missing?" She asked and Miroku frowned a bit before he was shrugging.

"Well, it could be the fact that you weren't in the room when we went looking for you, nor could we find you when we searched around the palace." He told her, Kagome merely blinking.

"Kohaku's missing, too." Sango was finally able to find her voice. "We thought he was responsible and had done something to you."

"Kohaku's gone missing?" She questioned, frown taking her face. "What could have happened? You don't think it's Naraku, do you?"

"I don't think this is something to discuss here." Minako warned them, looking about the hall to the few servants that occupied it. "Too many willing ears and loose tongues lagging about. And besides, I'm hungry, let's head to the dining hall and get something to eat."

As she began to shuffle off, Inuyasha reached out to gently grab her by the elbow to stop her. She turned to look back at him, asking the question without words and a raise of her brows.

"Didn't you have something to tell me, baachan?" He asked her, and Minako grunted,

Right. She was about to tell him something before they were interrupted. Now was not the time though, it would have to wait.

"When we're alone, son." She said gently tapping his hand. "It'll have to wait."

"I suppose we can discuss the recent circumstances later on." Miroku said with a sigh, leaning warily on his staff. "Miss Sango, shall I escort you to the dining hall. It will be my pleasure to enter with a lovely lady on my arm."

Sango had rather get to things now, but she wasn't stupid and could sense the air of caution that had turned up with the appearance of Kagome. She could wait, though she had to wonder and worry what Kohaku was up to as they erred on the side of caution. Reluctantly, she took Miroku's offered arm and nodded to Inuyasha as they left following after Minako to head for the dining hall.

The two lagging behind looked to each other and Inuyasha tried his best to study Kagome more than he was already scrutinizing her. Something was odd, it was like Kagome wasn't acting like herself.

"Something wrong?" She asked him, another smile in place.

'What the hell is she so happy about?'

He didn't word his question, but he did lean forward and sniff her again, just to make sure. Nothing had changed, it was still the same smell. A mixture of clean clothes, Kagome's usual perfume and medicine; courtesy of her grandfather. He pulled back and looked her over again, Kagome giggled and pushed at his shoulder playfully as she shook her head.

"What's gotten into you?" She asked him, and Inuyasha only grunted, hand resting on the hilt of Tetsusaiga.

He was carrying it everywhere recently, even though he wasn't out in the wild like before. He didn't want to be caught unprepared, especially now with Naraku sneaking about his latest home.

"I could ask you the same thing." He told her, looking her over one last time. "So, where'd you go?"

Kagome shrugged, before she was turning to begin walking off, Inuyasha falling in stride beside her.

"Well, I couldn't stay cooped up in that room for too long, so I was merely out taking a walk. I didn't think I'd cause so much of a fuss."

"Is that so?"

"Uh huh." She said, moving closer to latch onto Inuyasha's arm.

That had the Daiyoukai stiffening and he stopped to turn and face her, pulling away with a sort of growl.

"What the hell Kagome!" He burst out, the miko confused and unsure of what had caused the outburst. "You're colder than usual!"

"What?" She was baffled, it was obvious.

Inuyasha reached out to take hold of her hand, his frown deepening as he touched her skin. Hell, he could remember Kagome feeling warmer than this. What was going on?

"You feel cold." He muttered, reaching out to feel her forehead next. "Are you sick?"

The human girl's shoulders sagged in relief as Inuyasha continued to fuss over her. For a moment she had thought that she had done something wrong.

"Well, I've been feeling a little under the weather." She told him, and Inuyasha looked her in the eye.

"Is it a side effect from the jewel shards you've been detecting?" His concern was earnest, and Kagome smiled appreciatively as well as reassuringly.

"I suppose, but I'll be fine. I think I just need some good food and company."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Lord Inuyasha!"

The call had them both turning to see a sentry for Princess Sakuya approaching them, the hebi-youkai bowing as he came to a stop before them.

"Her highness has requested that you please allow her to take her meal in her room." He began, Inuyasha growling and facing him head on.

"Like hell I will. She eats with us or she can start packing and to hell with her damned peace treaty." He warned, the sentry straightening and giving him a flustered look.

"My lord, I implore you. The princess is ill." He begged, trying his best to assuage the Daiyoukai in the princess' favor.

Inuyasha growled again, not wanting to believe it for one moment.

"Prove it."

xoxoxoxox

Ishimaru stared down at his father's prone body, dressed in a white funeral kimono, and he couldn't help the bitter taste in the back of his mouth. It had to be done. His father had lost sight of what was their clan's true objective. He had gotten too comfortable being ruled under Inu Law and had forgotten that the badger had been the dogs' master at one time. It was time to make things right and Mujina's hindering ways had to be brought to a stop. He would hold no remorse for what he had done. It was for the good of the clan's future. He would see to it that he was Daiyoukai soon enough.

Reaching out, he straightened the collar and obi, fighting the lump in his throat all the while, before he was pulling the sheet to cover his father's body from view again. They would put him in his casket soon, and take him back to the manor where the wake and funeral would commence all in one night. Tomorrow at dawn, he'd cremate the body and collect the bones afterward. When he'd gained the West back, his father's urn will sit beside the throne, so that his father's spirit could witness his achievement.

"You'll see, Otousan." Ishimaru was murmuring, his face hardened with determination. "The West will be ours again."

"Ishimaru-sama." A servant was calling and he turned to look at the young demon bowing in respect. "Dinner is approaching. Shall I inform them you won't be attending?"

"Very well. Send my father's body to my house and have them prepare the ceremonies to start once I've arrived."

"Hai, Ishimaru-sama."

The servant left and Ishimaru gave one last parting glance to what remained of his father. They would all see, he would return the West to the way it once was, the way it was supposed to be.

xoxoxoxox

Sesshomaru could only try his best not to run off screaming as his mother told the newly added members of their small group tales of his infancy. Not only was that not in his character, he was sure that it was rude to leave his guests behind with a mad woman he could barely tolerate himself. They had come across Ginta and his pack-mates as they headed for the dining hall and had decided to go together. The two newly made parents were going on with a polite conversation of parenting woes, when Hiromi had jumped in and began to give the intimate, and not to mention private, details of the few times she had actually spent with him as a pup.

"I'll have you know that Sesshomaru learned the hard way that his ochinchin was not a toy."

He nearly choked at what he had heard having finally decided to focus in on the conversation. How dare she? His ochinchin and whether he had played with it as a toddler was his business and no one else's. Clearing his throat, he gained his mother's attention, the woman having been laughing with the rest of the group at his dismay.

"Are you alright, dear?" Hiromi asked him. "Something in your throat?"

He had barely opened his mouth when Kazue had suddenly started whining, the infant wriggling as if he was uncomfortable, small hands scratching at his ears as if he was hearing something irritating. The hairs on the back of his neck began to rise the same moment Kazue started crying, and he looked about suspiciously for any sign of danger.

Ginta had stopped, now alert himself, his male pup cradled close to his chest and his dark eyes staring straight ahead as if expecting something. Hakkaku had long handed over the Beta wolf's daughter to an older ookami, and was now standing at the front of the group half crouched in a stance as if he was ready to fight.

The feeling got worse as the moment drew on, his stomach tightening and Kazue's crying continued despite his efforts to calm and quiet him. He felt Shippo take to hiding behind him, the small kitsune gripping the fabric of his hakama tightly, while peeking out from behind him.

The small group stood ready and waiting, all sets of eyes looking down the hallway as if expecting whatever danger lurked beyond it to jump out from the barest of shadows. The air grew tense the longer they stood waiting and Kazue's crying wasn't letting up. It made things worse when the two wolf pups started whining, having woken from their nap because of the shrieking wails. Ginta was soon easily cradling both pups in his arm, his pack having made a tight circle about him and Sesshomaru was trying his best to soothe Kazue, but never letting his eyes stray from in front of him.

It was at the last moment he felt a cold shiver crawl up his back and he spun to look behind him, almost too late. The first thing he noticed was cat-like green eyes, and he growled ready to jump back, but he wouldn't have to. A growl higher in pitch accompanied his and a dagger flashed in the lantern lights, warding off the hand that had been reaching for him. Hiromi stepped protectively in front of her fully grown pup, eyes flashing red and back again as she bared her fangs at the new comer.

The small band of canine youkai warily watched back at the hebi-youkai that stood behind them, turning to face him as he hissed in pain, bringing his bleeding hand to his lips. It would seem Hiromi hadn't missed as they thought, and the snake demon licked at his wound with a forked tongue, green eyes nearly glaring at the female inukai.

"Leave it to a despicable hebi to strike from behind!"

Hiromi growled out, chest heaving in pants to control her anger. "State your name before I slit your throat!"

"His name is Kanaye." Sesshomaru said for him, having gotten Kazue to settle to mere hiccups. "He is the princess' suitor and escort, a noble of the hebi court."

Hiromi looked him over with a scrutinizing gaze, before she was huffing haughtily and tucking her dagger away into its hiding place. She didn't move from her spot in front of her son, however. She didn't trust a snake as far as she could throw one, which was pretty damn far. Slight and slender her build may be, but she had more physical strength than most gave her credit for. Touga had often goaded her into wrestling and lost a match or two, even though he would boast that he let her win.

"I did not mean to alarm you." Kanaye began, bowing in respect to all royalty in his presence. "Or any of you for that matter. I had been making my way to the dining hall when I felt a disturbing presence. I came across you all in my search of it, I had only meant to offer my assistance."

"A snake offering his hand to help will as soon kill you with it!" Hiromi spat, her face snarling at the newcomer. Call it mother's instinct, she didn't like this youkai and knew he was hiding something. "We inukai are quite capable in protecting ourselves!"

Sesshomaru could only watch in silent shock as his mother became defensive, and toward him of all people. The son she had barely raised and had left behind so many centuries ago, and now she was being a mother he had wanted as a pup. A touch of bitter anger filled him at how she thought to play her part now, so late into his life, but it was quickly replaced by a feeling he couldn't describe. He would think it was happiness, but it was a feeling so much stronger, he couldn't find the words.

"Forgive me, my lady. I implore you to believe that my intentions are true." Kanaye gently pleaded, keeping his voice and body language neutral. "The princess and I are here on a pursuit of peace. To bring an end to tensions between the inu and hebi-youkai clan."

"Ha! A snake bearing an offering of peace?" She said, her voice holding disbelief. "I believe I will have to see it for myself in order to think it true."

"I can understand your hesitance to accept my offer, but I beg of you to put our past of violence and suspicion behind you. My intentions are not full of ill-content." Kanaye pushed relentlessly, both mother and son glaring back at him with scrutinizing gazes.

He looked to the wolf pack, the most recent Beta cradling his pups close to him and giving him a wary look as well. It was not unusual for other youkai to distrust the hebi-clan. It would take much more convincing and civility to get through to them.

"What would you have me do to prove myself to you?" He asked, looking back to Sesshomaru, making sure to not lock gazes with him.

"If you claim to not be a threat, then you will take your leave." Sesshomaru answered, looking away and beginning to walk off, Kazue finally going quiet as he did so. "Your entrance into my palace was enough generosity on my part. I have no need for your company and you will get no further hospitality from this Sesshomaru."

He nodded for Ginta to follow as he headed off, the ookami only nodding and following after him. His pack followed, all but Hakkaku who stayed behind with Lady Hiromi. She had yet to turn away from the snake noble, her eyes looking him over from head to toe and back again.

"My boy, what did you say your name was?" She asked him, her golden eyes locking with the feline green of the hebi-youkai.

"Kanaye, my lady."

She nodded, her hands gently folding in front of her as she slowly stepped forward.

"Well, Kanaye, I shall have you know one thing."

She reached out as she stopped in front of him, lifting his hand that she had wounded with the dagger and looked down at the scratch she had made.

"Many say a dog's bark is worse than its bite." She began, looking back up at the young male's face. He was handsome she would give him that, but a face that was too handsome she always took as a mask for ugliness within.

Kanaye could only give a short yelp as sharp nails embedded into the flesh of his hand, and the unmistakable burn of poison painfully traveled up his arm.

"Well, my bite is far worse, Kanaye-san." Hiromi warned, her eyes cold and her face threateningly stoic. "One wrong move and you will be sorry to have ever crossed me."

She let go of him as if she was disgusted to be touching him and gracefully spun to begin walking after her son, who was far ahead of her now.

"Please, enjoy your stay while you can." She called back, before she was looking to the ookami guard and waving him along.

Hakkaku took one last look at Kanaye, before he was escorting the Lady Hiromi back to the others.

The hebi they left behind watched them as they disappeared, allowing a sneer to take his face only when they were gone. How dare that aging bitch threaten him. He grit his teeth as the poison worked at eating away his hand, trying his best to ignore it.

He had been so close. Sesshomaru had been right there, and the child had been in reach. It would seem things would have to go according to plan. As it was, he could be patient. Besides, the longer he wait was the more satisfaction he'd receive when the prince was finally his.

"Kanaye-sama!"

He was distracted by the sentry that came running up to him and stopping in a kneeling bow. He merely sighed and bid him up again, the young youkai nodding his thanks.

"What is it?"

"The princess will be awaiting you in the dining hall." The sentry announced, and Kanaye nodded.

"Of course. Go on, then. I will meet her there."

With a nod and a bow, the sentry was off again and Kanaye was heading the opposite direction. With the halls empty, he found it safe enough to let his disguise fall and he slipped into a room that's lantern hadn't been lit for the evening yet.

As shadow in the far corner shifted, and Naraku smiled as Kohaku slinked out into the open, dead eyes gazing up at him.

"Go and take your position." He ordered him, stroking the top of the boy's head as if he was a pet. "Don't move a muscle until I give you my command."

With a slow bow, Kohaku was then off and Naraku took the time to relish in his impending success. With Ishimaru and the princess in line, as well as with Kohaku playing to his every word, there was no way that he would fail.

"The West is as good as mine." He spoke aloud, chuckling in the darkness before melting away in the shadows.

xoxoxoxox

Inuyasha didn't wait to be invited in, once he reached the princess' given quarters, he pushed his way past her guards and threw the doors open. He startled the hebi-youkai within but ignored them as well. Kagome was behind him the entire time, apologizing for his rudeness and trying to keep what little peace there was. The two reached the bedroom of the suite and Inuyasha slid the doors open against Kagome's plea to at least knock first.

They were greeted by the strong smell of medicine, a personal guard and the princess' personal healer. In the center of the bed laid the princess, covered in a mass of blankets and propped up by a mountain of pillows. The healer stood at his entrance, bowing slightly as the Daiyoukai came forward.

"My lord, Inuyasha." He greeted, his surprise and confusion present on his face and in his voice. "What as brought here at such a time?"

Inuyasha only snorted, moving closer to the bed and looking down at Sakuya. She seemed paler than usual, he'd give her that, and her scales were dull. As she rested, her breathing was slow but uneven, and a tentative sniff had Inuyasha wrinkling his nose. She was sick all right. And still, he had to get further proof.

"Can she talk?" He was asking no one in particular.

"I'm afraid, my lord, that she is far too weak at this moment to do much but rest." The healer told him with a shake of his head.

Inuyasha scoffed at that and was then reaching out to shake the princess awake.

"My lord." The healer panicked, but did not attempt to stop him.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome was objecting, reaching out to grab him.

She was shrugged off and the hanyou continued to shake her until reptilian eyes slowly opened. He stopped then, staring into the princess' sullen eyes for a long while, trying to note why it seemed so different then when he had first stared at her.

She seemed to recognize just who it was once her eyes focused and they widened just the slightest as he hovered over her. His ears twitched as she parted her lips to speak, but all that came out was a raspy burst of sound. The healer moved closer then, resting a hand on her shoulder and pleadingly looking up at the young Daiyoukai.

"My lord, please, you must let the princess Sakuya have this night for rest." He begged, shushing Sakuya as she was now groaning and weakly beginning to move. "Once she is well, your peace talks can begin again. All I ask is one night and I will have her well enough by tomorrow's sunset."

Inuyasha glared down at the princess, who seemed to be fighting off sleep, before he was giving his usual scoff.

"I'll come and get her myself." He told him, looking to the healer, who bowed his head in gratitude. "If she's still sick by then, I send her home, no questions asked."

The healer nodded in agreement, before he was turning back to the princess, who was still groaning as if she was trying to say something. Inuyasha watched her for a few moments more, before he was turning away and was ready to begin walking off.

On the bed the princess watched him turn to go, her fingers twitching as she fought to move them, her throat staining to call his name. He was going to get away from her, and she had to make sure that he stayed right where she wanted him.

"Inu. . .ya. . .sha."

It was a very low rasp, and her hand actually lifted and was reaching.

Inuyasha growled at the tug on his clothes, and he looked behind him to find the princess' fingers clutching the fabric of his hakama. It wasn't a strong grip, so he was freed when he turned back to face her, his eyes narrowed on her. She reached again, and this time he watched as her hand brushed his this time. The Daiyoukai frowned at that, taking a step back and putting himself closer to Kagome. The priestess looked at him in confusion, but said nothing to him.

Sakuya called him again, handing reaching out, but the healer grabbed her hand and placed it down on the bed. His other hand rested atop her forehead to take her temperature.

"It would seem she's running a fever." He informed the hanyou, who only snorted at the statement. "I would like very much to put her to bed."

Inuyasha nodded, his eyes never leaving the princess. He was soon distracted by Kagome wrapping both arms around one of his.

"Come on, Inuyasha." Kagome urged him, beginning to pull him away. "You got the proof you came for. Let's get back to the others."

With a grunt, Inuyasha finally turned away, taking the lead again as he left the room. They rushed past the guards and servants that had followed them in to stop them, not missing the disdainful and upset looks thrown their way. Once out in the hall, the doors closed behind them, Inuyasha turned to look back at the door, a frown marring his face.

"Something's up." He muttered out loud.

"What do you mean?" Kagome asked him, watching as he began walking away before following after him. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes." He answered, but was then thinking the answer over. "I don't know. . . maybe. All I know is that something is up. I can't tell if it's bad yet, I just know that it's not how it's supposed to be."

"Well, that isn't confusing at all." Came the sarcastic replay and Inuyasha scoffed.

"You're not the only one confused." He said, suddenly stopping to spin and face her. "Look, all I know is that I have to keep my guard up. I suggest you do the same. The palace is full of snakes, and I mean that both figuratively and literally. Come on, let's get to the dining hall."

Kagome could only follow as he turned to head off again, huffing a bit in exasperation as she did. She kept quiet as they approached the dining room, smiling at the servants that bowed as they passed by. At the main doors, she had to make sure not to collide into Inuyasha, as he had stopped suddenly. She was about to ask him what the problem was when someone was calling out the hanyou's name.

"Inuyasha."

The two turned to find Sesshomaru approaching them, Kazue in his arms and his mother and Ginta on either side of him. Behind them was Ginta's small pack of wolves and Shippo. Inuyasha stepped forward, eyes looking over the group before nodding to his mother in law. Hiromi only humphed but nodded in return, turning to look away from the hanyou. She would only tolerate him for the sake of her own pup, she didn't have to like it.

Inuyasha only snorted at her behavior before he was looking to Sesshomaru, whose impassive mask was set in place and body language told the Daiyoukai to keep his distance. The urge to move forward and greet his mate in a more intimate manner was thoroughly stifled and he moved his attention on to Ginta.

The wolf smiled back at him, his daughter in his arms with his son taken care of by Hakkaku right behind him. He stepped forward then, looking down at the sleeping baby girl and couldn't help the crooked grin to take his lips.

"Being Kouga's offspring I'd thought they'd be uglier." He said to Ginta, breaking the silence that had fallen over them.

Ginta tried his best to glare but knew Inuyasha was only teasing. He stepped aside so that Inuyasha could look at his son, knowing in some way it was Inuyasha's right to inspect any offspring that were not his own. Of course, with Inuyasha being a male that was not his mate, or part of his pack, Ginta was instinctively on alert.

"Cute little buggers." Inuyasha finally said, looking up to Ginta. "You must be proud."

And he truly was. Ginta couldn't have been happier with how things had turned out.

"One day you'll be blessed with your own." Ginta told him, and Inuyasha only snorted.

"Even I dread the day my kids come into the world." Inuyasha said, Ginta only giggling. "I think one of me is enough to handle."

"Come now, will we stand out in the hall all night, or will we finally go inside?" Hiromi decided to move things along, ordering the two sentries at the doors to open them.

With the door open, the group began to head into the dining hall, but Inuyasha rested a hand on his mate's arm to still him. When everyone had gone in, her gently guided the older demon to the side, so that no one would be able to eavesdrop.

"Any word on Rin, yet?" He quietly asked, reaching out to gently pet Kazue's soft, black locks.

Sesshomaru merely gave him the slightest shake of his head, and Inuyasha sighed.

"I have not heard from Kaori." He told him, watching Kazue grab for Inuyasha's hand. "She will continue her search."

"Yeah, well, I didn't get much from Ishimaru." Inuyasha told him, grinning as Kazue finally got his hand and was now happily chewing on one of his fingers. "He's going about this as if he has no idea how or why this happened. I don't trust him anymore than you do."

"Then I can safely assume that means not at all." Sesshomaru said, lifting his hand to pull Inuyasha's hand away from his son's mouth, the baby giving a high shriek of objection. "No, Kazue, you don't know where that's been, and knowing my mate, I dread knowing the answer."

"Ha, ha, ha. You're growing sense of humor is starting to grate at my nerves." Inuyasha said with a roll of his eyes. "You still on the whole don't touch me thing?"

The cold glare was enough of an answer and Inuyasha sighed, before he was turning to lead them back to the dining room.

"Okay, then. I can hold out just as long as you can." He huffed before walking on. "Now, let's go eat. I'm starving."

xoxoxoxox

Kaori stopped at the outer gates of the Western palace, her eyes looking into the surrounding dark forest. She couldn't mistake the distinct scent of wolves coming in from the South, and she figured since there was no attempt to hide it, that whomever was coming wanted her to know they were there. She had been searching the outer grounds of the palace for any signs of Rin, but with no luck so far, she figured it was alright to greet whomever was about to reveal themselves.

Her dagger pulled free of its hidden sheath, and she bounded off to meet the coming wolves head on. She was aware that Lord Kouga would be returning, but she was sure that more than just him would be returning. Her steps slowed as she recognized the scent of an accompanying bear, and knew that it had to be one of the elite soldiers sent off with Lord Kouga. The wolf was unknown, but it wasn't hard to guess that he was part of the Wolf Lord's pack. The only thing that stunned her was the accompanying scent of a human female and a faint odor of decay and evil.

The nursemaid came to a halt just along the border of the forest, her green eyes search the darkness for the first signs that they had reached her. She guessed that they had sensed her, because the wolf was howling out in a non-threatening manner. A few moments later, she nodded a greeting to the bear-youkai that appeared first, a tactic to ensure she did not attack their ally.

"You return without Lord Kouga." She observed out loud. "You must bring ill news."

The soldier only nodded, before he was stepping aside to let his traveling companion step forward. The older wolf nodded to her in respect, over his shoulder was slung a young woman, who was struggling and cursing as best as she could through a gag and rope.

"My lord has sent me ahead so that I may bring forth this woman to Lord Inuyasha." The wolf was announcing, lowering Kagura so that she was standing with his support and facing her to the kitsune. "Her importance is something best to describe in private."

"Very well." She said, looking Kagura over and not trusting her in the slightest. It was almost a relief to see her tied up, such was the dark aura exhuming from this creature. "I shall approach the lord after supper and announce your arrival."

"My good woman." The wolf said, a frown settling across his brow. "I am afraid that it can not wait. I beg that you inform Lord Inuyasha that it is an urgent matter."

Kaori looked him over and then she was studying the woman again. The bear was grabbing her attention with a low clearing of his throat, and she looked to him with a question she didn't have to ask aloud. He merely nodded once and she sighed before looking back to the wolf.

"Very well." She said, motioning the bear youkai closer. "You will take this woman to the Daiyoukai's private sitting room and watch over her there."

"I'm sorry, my lady, but I can only answer to Lord Inuyasha or his mate. That was my lord's orders."

"Well, ookami, if you wish to seek audience with the Daiyoukai or the prince then you will have to go through me."

"I-"

He was cut off by the bear youkai clearing his throat to gain his attention.

"Kaori-san is sort of the right hand to Prince Sesshomaru himself. She can be trusted."

Toshigawa looked back to the female fox, before he was sighing and then nodding his consent.

"I'm glad you agree." Kaori said, sheathing her dagger and then she was looking at the bear youkai. "I shall take Kouga's envoy to the lord and prince."

"I am Toshigawa, my lady." He offered, easily passing Kagura over to the Western soldier.

Kaori nodded and beckoned him closer with a quick motion of her hand.

"Lay your hand on my shoulder." She order him, which he did obediently.

The two were soon melting into the ground, Kaori looking to the youkai and sending him off with just a look. The youkai nodded and didn't wait for her to disappear completely before Kagura was lifted over his shoulder and toted off towards the palace.

xoxoxoxox

Dinner had been going along fairly well. Inuyasha was at the moment too busy tearing into the huge amounts of meat that had been laid before him to pay attention to much else. He did, however, keep an ear out for any snippets of interesting conversation. So far, there was nothing to blink at or suspicious enough to stop his eating.

Beside him, Sesshomaru was entertaining some minor lord or other, while his mother was busy chatting up Kuma. The old bear was carefully eating his food and slowly nodding at the appropriate times. Miroku and Sango were in a whispered conversation of their own, and Shippo was enduring being fed by a stern Minako, who was feeding Kazue as well.

At a table adjacent from their own sat Kanaye and whatever hebi-youkai that were high enough in caste to be seated with him. Across from that table sat a few members from Ishimaru's clan, a few sad faces among them but the rest steeled against the tragic loss of their clan leader.

Everything was going as smoothly as things could go with the amount of tension in the room, and Inuyasha was grateful for it. The last thing he needed was some idiot interrupting his dinner.

"Everyone! If you would all be silent for a moment, I have an announcement to make." Hiromi was saying as she stood from her place, Inuyasha pausing to pay attention to her. What on earth was she up to now?

The older inukai elegantly made her way to the center of the dining room, all eyes on her and a quiet hum of curious whispers spreading about. She waited until there was complete silence, save for Kazue's random babbling and sounds, before she was looking about the room to all the guests there. It was a collection of the main demons to occupy the Western lands, mostly nobility and high upper class, as well as the clan of the South vying for their hand in peace.

"Friends and allies." She said, her voice bland as she stared at the visiting hebi-youkai. "I can not lie when I say that I was truly appalled to know that my son, the former Daiyoukai, had found a mate. My rage and disappointment were pronounced, and would see to it that I would deny their mating and undue the wrong that had happened.

"However, I did take the chance to meet with this hanyou, this infamous Inuyasha, and to talk with him. Well, I am loathe to admit, that he has indeed mated my son and I refuse to accept him as any family of mine."

The room started buzzing with excited whispers and all eyes were on Inuyasha and his mate. The latter sat calmly, his face its usual mask, the former was glaring daggers at his mother-in-law's back, hand breaking thick bone in his tight grip. He was ready to stand and face the old bag, when a calm hand on his shoulder stopped him and he looked to his mate who didn't even try to turn and face him. The hold on his shoulder was a message enough. He would keep still, for now.

Hiromi turned to face him then, her face matching her son's but her eyes actually gleaming with mischief as she looked at the irate half-breed. That only pissed him off more, and he grit his teeth to know that she was actually enjoying insulting him in public.

"Yes, well, what I refuse has nothing to do with the truth." Hiromi told the crowd, though she didn't turn to face them again. "He was in his right mind when he and Inuyasha mated, and their bond is true. My son has chosen and he has given his right over to his true mate."

Inuyasha couldn't help but let his anger fade as Hiromi faced him fully, her face showing the slightest hint of emotion as she glanced at Sesshomaru beside him, before settling her eyes on him again.

"Inuyasha. You are the illegitimate son of my mate, Touga. You are the accursed and unwelcome halfling of man and demon, and you are the most irritating creature I had ever had the misfortune of meeting. And yet, it is with full conviction that I say your feelings are true for my Sesshomaru. As the Lady of the West, I hereby give my blessing, as well as my approval, for your mating ceremony to commence."

As the Lady led the room into a round of applause, Inuyasha couldn't help but feel floored. Never had he expected something like this. A woman who he barely knew and had thought to have complete and utter disrespect for him, had just in her own way accepted him. It was new to him and he wasn't sure how he should respond. He opted for stunned silence, looking about the room that seemed genuinely excited with the news. Yes, there were a few faces that looked as if they had just eaten something rancid, but it was easy to ignore reactions he was used to.

He nearly jumped as he felt his hand taken hold of, and he looked down below to find Sesshomaru's holding on to his. Though a small effort, the affection was welcoming and Inuyasha couldn't help the smile that spread over his lips. He was tempted to kiss his brother, but he figured it best not to test the already testy youkai. He settled for entwining their fingers and stroking the back of his mate's hand with his thumb.

The congratulatory slap to his back had him looking to find Miroku now next to him, and he smiled up at his friend, before refusing the sake he was offering. He wanted to avoid sake for a very long time. Sango and Kagome were smiling at him and so was Minako, and all the smiling was so damn infectious that his turned into a full out grin.

The discreet tug at his arm had him looking back to his mate, who bid him lean in closer with a nod of his head. As the room slowly quieted down, and with Hiromi ordering music be played and more sake be shared out, Sesshomaru pulled in close enough so that his whisper could be heard by only Inuyasha.

"Otouto." He began, Inuyasha able to sense his sudden hesitation. "There is something you must know."

Inuyasha looked at him and lost his smile, as the look in Sesshomaru's eyes meant that this was a serious matter.

"What is it?" He asked him, wondering what exactly it could be.

Sesshomaru's mouth opened just to close again as the doors to the dining room swung open unexpectedly and the prince looked to find none other than Kaori. She was leading a wolf demon and from they way they were striding into the room, their mission was urgent and would call for their full attention.

Inuyasha let his hand slip free of his brother's as he stood, his face returning to frowning as Kaori knelt to a formal bow, the wolf demon doing the same.

"Inuyasha-sama! I bring you Toshigawa-san of the Southern Wolf Clan. He has been sent to you as a messenger for Lord Kouga."

At the mention of Kouga, Inuyasha's ears perked up and he didn't miss Ginta's change in demeanor. The Beta was off at the guest table to the right, and though he had been calm and happy before, he was now exuding uncertain worry.

"And what message would this be?" Sesshomaru asked them, standing himself and looking down at his nursemaid.

Toshigawa and the fox lifted themselves together, the ookami stepping forward so that he could keep his voice low.

"It is a matter of much importance." Was all he said, before he looked about the large room. "I ask that you come with me and I will show you the reason for my haste."

"If we must be quick, then let us go." Sesshomaru said, before looking up to the rest of the room's occupants. "You all may stay and carry on. Your Daiyoukai and your prince shall retire for the evening. Hahaue, behave yourself."

Hiromi huffed, but took that as his way of saying she couldn't follow. She wasn't happy, but she was sure she'd find out what was going on all the same. Minako only waved him off when he looked her way, already knowing what he would have asked of her. With Shippo holding her cane, she slowly lifted herself from her seat before she was reaching down for Kazue, who easily held up his arms for her. With a parting nod, she was soon slowly shuffling off and out of the room towards the nursery.

With the children taken off and Hiromi further occupying the guests, Sesshomaru turned back to his most loyal servant and the new comer. Without another word they were gone, leaving the room as calmly but as quickly as possible. They were unaware of the eyes that watched them leave, hatred and contempt following after the hanyou as he disappeared into the hall.

Throwing back the rest of his sake, Kanaye sat back and watched as the rest of the room continued to eat and be merry. It brought a smile to his lips knowing that soon it would be screams instead of laughter, pleas instead of words of good cheer, and blood that flowed instead of wine.

His feline eyes connected with Kagome's and he laughed lowly to himself as a forked tongue slipped out from the girl's lips before she was turning her attention back to the taijiya. He was then looking to where Ishimaru should have been placed but found the spot empty. A quick search showed him that the badger was no where to be seen. With a quickly made reason, he was excusing himself and leaving the dining hall.

As he began his way to the stables, he stopped with a jerk at the unmistakable pull of recognition. In an instant his face was twisting with a scowl as he looked about the empty hallway.

Kagura.

Why on earth would she be here?

With a hissed curse, he contemplated that he go looking for her, but thought against it. If she was here that meant there had to be some reason that was urgent. He could not risk meeting her out in the open. He would head back to Ishimaru's manor and then await her there. She would know well enough how to find him. In the main palace there was nowhere to keep things secret.

With one last look about, he composed himself and kept on his previous trail. He was sure that Ishimaru had skipped dinner to tend to his father's remains, so he would meet him there and inform him that their plans were about to go underway.

xoxoxoxox

Kagura couldn't help but feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as the door to the room she had been placed in began to open. Her eyes watched carefully as first the wolf that had been charged with handling her and the fox woman entered. The bear youkai that was guarding her stood from where he was resting on a stool, before he was bowing at the two inukai that came walking in after the first two.

"Inuyasha-sama." Toshigawa began to tell him, the door now closed securely behind them. "This is-"

"Kagura!" The hanyou snarled, eyes flashing red and teeth bared. "What the fuck is she doing here!"

Kagura sneered herself, glaring up at the inu-hanyou and his new mate. Sesshomaru was a silent and intimidating force, the icy anger and hatred that he sent back at her with a face fit with a mask of calmness had her shivering. Perhaps she should have thought of something else other than letting herself become a prisoner.

"Kill her." Came the order, heavy with conviction and an iron will from the calmer of the two brothers.

"Prince Sesshomaru." Toshigawa called out, holding up his hands in a motion to stop any action. Both the bear youkai and Kaori had reached for their respective weapons; the soldier his sword and the kitsune her dagger. "Please, won't you wait? According to my lord Kouga, she may very well be of good use to you."

He couldn't stop himself from cowering back a bit as Inuyasha stepped forward, Tetsusaiga drawn and anger etched on his face, the emotion strong enough to push against his psyche.

"The only good this bitch is to us. . ." Inuyasha began, Tetsusaiga lifted as he stopped in front of a defiantly glaring Kagura. ". . . is dead."

T.B.C.