The Sacred Trees

Thank you everyone for the reviews. Special thanks to Haltia and Megarakawaii who really helped me pick the names of the children.
Haltia : Thanks soo much, errr... Yuuki is kindda too Fubara. :) I'd prefer Kyo. Thanks again.
Katzeiason69 : Well I was kindda trying to not have to do so much work. ;)
kmoaton : Have I told you what a wonderful reviewer and person you are? Hugs!!!
Nikkie23534 :OMG 9 times. **Bows in absolute respect! I am humbled.
Leirative : Lol, **whistles innocently.. what will we do with the pics?
Yumi-na-chan : Zoran wins. :)
Bibi11 : What can I say, by giving Inu a safe place, Sesshy has kindda released the mischievous puppy we all see signs of in the Canon. And with his hormones going nuts there is no stopping him. Lol. Also you got it, Inu slightly misused his connection ability and requested his kids (remember they asked for permission to be born) to be full Youkai. The is fan fiction RL Genetics has no power... Sesshy's will, will not be defeated!!!!
Princess Sin : Puppy ears with Sesshy's litter. Sworry!!!
Waveshrike : Im all for keeping guys – guys! Its Mpreg not Fpreg after all. Hey and thanks I had no idea Youkai and Youki were two different things. Totally missed that. Other stuff :P, u wanna beta?
LadyKaa28 : I like your name suggestion too. Thanks
Jdbbrz : Thanks and totally agree on the pet peeve, lol.. kindda made fun of it a little. Hope I don't upset anyone. :)
Kinkou : I am keeping the name in mind. More puppy action upcoming.
Himura-devil, Divanora, Whiterose03, ThinkPink, midnightsweet, Midnight scream : Thank you all, and next chapter as requested.

READ REVIEW, ENJOY!!

Chapter 27 : Family

“They are so cute!” the pretty black Inu cooed as she looked at the 3 Shiro pups sleeping on each other on the bed.

“They are so lucky!” the youngest of the Inu females sighed wistfully as she gazed at the pups.
Inuyasha alone with Sesshoumaru's daughters and his children, looked up sharply. “Lucky? Keikohime what do you mean by that?”

The Brown Inu blushed painfully, her twin sister reached out and petted her. Then she shrugged and looked at Inuyasha “Come on, we all know they are lucky because their birth fathers actually loves them. Don't get us wrong Inuyasha-sama, we all know the Shogun cares for us in his own way. He has made sure we are safe and cared for, he even made sure we have loving step dads from the time we were born. But on the whole we're sure he has a vague notion he has daughters somewhere.”

Hakumeihime laughed without humor, “Yes, when we cornered him about “The Hand” I think he was so shocked, if not for his nose he would have had no idea whom were all were.”

Inuyasha face was so shocked, immediately Sesshoumaru's daughters felt bad.

Kinukohime the more outspoken of the twins immediately threw her self at Inuyasha who caught her in a gentle hug. “I'm sorry Inuyasha-sama, the Shogun has really changed since you got here. And we all love you for that. Its okay, really it is. The Shogun he had so much on his shoulders. So we do understand. He may not really know us, but he has made sure we are taken care of. We have our other dads, and it is enough.” The other sisters all nodded.

Inuyasha petted the female demoness and did not believe a word she said. Sesshoumaru was not the kind to let details slip by him, the daughters truly did not know their father. “So which among you has the closest relationship to Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha asked carefully.

“Hakumeihime of course, she is the oldest, and a Lieutenant to boot.” Nashikohime the second oldest daughter said gently. “I cannot remember even speaking 5 sentences to the Shogun, but Hakumeihime reports to him regularly.” again all the sisters nodded. “That is why Sachikohime joined the guard as well.” The third daughter blushed at that revelation.

There was a sound in the outside foyer, Lord Sesshoumaru was returning. Inuyasha made a decision he jumped up and pulled the partition to hide the sleeping area from the rest of the room. “Wait here and be quiet all of you, I think that you need to learn something about my jackass of a brother.” Inuyasha expanded his Youki to muffle their presence and scent in the room, just as the door opened and his mate swept in.

“How are the pups, mate?” Sesshoumaru asked as he swept his mate into his embrace for a long kiss.
“Good, all good.” Inuyasha said breathing hard. “Sesshoumaru your daughters visited today, and I think it would be good if they all joined the guard so that they can be here.” Inuyasha said quickly before his brother's hand did any more exploring.

“Hmn, Inuyasha as much as I appreciate the sentiment, joining the Guard is not something that is suitable for all my daughters. Hakumeihime is brilliant of course, but she is the only natural warrior among all of them.” Sesshoumaru said his voice had a smile in it.

“Oh, so what is natural for all of them?” Inuyasha asked seriously.

Sesshoumaru a little startled looked at his brother, and seeing a serious and curious face, decided to answer the question. “Well, working my way down, Hakumeihime like I said is brilliant, she has an excellent eye for detail and strategy. She has a mind for intelligence gathering, and can see patterns in reams of data that is hidden from most. I suspect that the final break through on our enemy will come from her. And from what I hear, she is also an excellent cook.” Sesshoumaru said his pride in his daughter clear in his voice. Inuyasha nodded encouragingly.

“Then there is Nashikohime, of all my daughter's she is most like your mother Inuyasha. She is beautiful, gentle, kind and strong. Her skills in investment and finance will soon outstrip theFelis. If she joins the guards, it will be chaos.” Sesshoumaru actually chuckled. “You want to know something? Though they hardly say 2 words to each other, Ayoga is heads over heals in love with her, and I suspect she is with him. I am just waiting for the wolf pup to gather enough courage and ask for permission to court her. They will make a fine couple and wonderful parents.” Behind the partition the black haired demoness blushed bright red as what she thought was her darkest fantasy was exposed so casually.

“My third daughter Tamareihime, was killed during the Chameleon attacks. She used to paint wild animals. I still have some of her painting if you would like to see them. She was so young, and so lovely.” Sesshoumaru said softly, sadness tinging his words. Inuyasha hugged him in comfort. Sesshoumaru took a deep breath and continued.

“Then there is Sachikohime, she is like you all energy and fire. Unfortunately her current focus is in the wrong place. She is in the guard, and while she is a skilled fighter her heart is not in it. She would be much happier behind a wrench then behind a weapon. Sachikohime is a natural engineer and mechanic.” Sesshoumaru sighed, his concern evident in his voice. “I will not interfere with her choices, but I have sent a few of the skilled mechanics to talk to her and teach her. She gets along well with them, loves spending free time with them, but at the end of the day for some reason she stays with the guard.”

“Yoshehime, is the most creative of all my daughters and also the most famous among humans and Youkai.” Sesshoumaru chuckled again and went to a paneled wall. He pushed aside a panel to show a large collection of books and magazines. 'Yoshehime is an authoress, and well published at that. She has written some amazing stories of Youkai history and some well... popular books.” Sesshoumaru winched a little as he pointed to a selection of supernatural romance books. Inuyasha looked in amazement at the small collection, each book looked read.

“Err... Sesshoumaru, did you actually read the romance ones?” Inuyasha asked tentatively.

“I have read everyone of her more serious books, but I have only thumbed through the romance ones. Trust me little brother, there are some things that no father needs to know, and there are some things even a Shogun cannot face.” Sesshoumaru said with a grin. “Female romance novels happens to be one of those things.” Sesshoumaru carefully closed the panel.

“Anyway finally comes the twins, Kinukohime and Keikohime. Kunikohie as the oldest is the more outspoken of the two, but she allows Keikohime to get away with a great deal. They have beautiful singing voices and are both apprentice healers in Kyoto. They have for some reason refused all the invitations sent by the healers to come and train in Tokyo. I suppose they are happier in their mother's state. It will take them a little longer if they are not studying under Lady Shiba and the best of our healers, but I do believe in time, the two of them will surpass all in terms of their healing ability.” Sesshoumaru said with a firm nod.

“Sesshoumaru, hmm.. seems like you have been keeping an eye on all your daughters, but you hardly speak to them.” Inuyasha said hoping to prompt further revelations.

“Inuyasha, my daughters were born during the Wars, security and safety was greatly lacking then. Their mothers were not strong enough to stand the strain of being my mate, we made the decision that was best for all. The best way to keep my daughters and their mothers' safe was to keep my distance from them, Tamareihime was killed just after her mother brought her to visit me. It was then decided that my daughters while they were young, would never be allowed to visit me, so they stayed far from the hot seat of power. Far from me, they were safe.” Sesshoumaru said softly, his face was emotionless, this was another hard decision he made and had shouldered as the Shogun. “But I have always made sure that they had everything they needed. I am just their biological father, their Shogun, thanks to their real parents, their stepfathers they are all beautiful, talented and wonderful women. These last weeks, I feel all of them around the palace. This is the first time all of them have been here together, and it is a good feeling, my brother.” Sesshoumaru nodded in contentment.

“That's good. Now its time to say hello to your children.” Inuyasha said as he pulled aside the partition and six pairs of tear filled eyes stared at their father, whom they would have bet until a few moments ago, did not even know their names.

“My jackass of a big brother, may come across as the coldest bastard this side of Mount Fuji, but my dear daughters he is not a Youkai to shirk his responsibilities or allow details of what is precious to him go unnoticed. He, for what he assumed was good reasons may never have allowed you to know him, but as you all heard, he has always taken time to learn about you and know you.” Inuyasha said gently.

Hakumeihime stood trembling and teary eyes, “Forgive us, my father, We.. I... did not understand you.”

Sesshoumaru reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, “There is nothing to forgive.”

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, flashed behind the Brown Inu and shoved gently. Sesshoumaru for the first time in a very, very long time, caught and held one of his daughters in a protective embrace. That broke the ice, slowly all Sesshoumaru's daughters went to him and were hugged and held gently. They all slowly realized that some of the decisions they made to be close or keep their distance from their imposing father would have to be reevaluated.

The pups woke from all the noise, immediately they began yipping for attention. Inuyasha went to them, cradling all three in his arms for feeding. He watched with a satisfied smile on his face, and his brother cradled and comforted their other children. Sesshoumaru was obviously (to Inuyasha only) uncomfortable, but the Shogun was really trying, and Inuyasha was prouder of his brother then he had ever been.

The not so small family stayed together way past dinner and bed time. It was in the wee hours of the morning when silence descended on the room. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha stood side by side looking at their over full bed. 6 female dog demons in various sides and corners and 3 male pups in the middle of the bed, all fast asleep and adoringly cute, had totally displaced the couple.

Inuyasha put his arms around Sesshoumaru and the taller Youkai leaned against his brother.

“Thank you, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru said softly.

“What for? You were the one doing all the right things in secret.” Inuyasha said equally softly.

“Yes, and I was buried in the secret, even when it got safer I could not bridge the gap between them and me. You are my bridge, my beloved, my love!” Sesshoumaru whispered, his voice tired.

“Keh, as if you are any different? You gave me my home, my love. Come it has been a long day.”

Inuyasha led his brother to a comfortable lounging chair. He sat and pulled Sesshoumaru on to his lap.
The Shogun found himself held like a child in Inuyasha's arms, his head pressed to his brother's shoulder. Just for a second, a part of him wanted to protest, then the warmth and comfort seeped in. The emotional upheaval catching up with him, with a tiny sound that mimicked one on his sons Sesshoumaru pressed close to his mate.

He did not have to be the Shogun here, he did not even have to be a Lord, he just had to be a Youkai who had come back from a long lonely journey and somehow found home. Sesshoumaru allowed him self to be comforted and coddled by his mate, and he too slept.

Inuyasha pressed his lips to the crescent moon on the flawless forehead, and with a satisfied smiled leaned back, to watch over sleeping his family.

**

Before they knew it, the naming day dawned bright. The pups who had spent the first week of their life almost exclusively feeding and sleeping, had grown trice their original size in a week and would now be much more robust in their human forms. Seeing their healthy growth it was speculated that he babes would be able to crawl as soon as they turned.

Seeing the dangers around, the ceremony was open only to the higher level Canines and the Daiyoukais (whose guards would patrol the perimeter, as they were not allowed attendance. Sesshoumaru had made it clear that any of the Council who did not feel safe on Canine soil without their bodyguards were free to not attend). Much to Sesshoumaru's irritation all the Council members showed up without hesitation. Weren't they supposed to be terrified of him?

Excitement was alive in the great hall. Cameras whirled as the event was being sent live to Youkai only channels in Japan. As befitting the birth of sons, most of the guests wore light blue and brown outfits of various shades. The obvious exception being Lady Shiba who dressed in bright pink in defiance of what she considered a sexist custom. It was all done in good fun, and joy filled the air.
The hall was lit with a million tiny crystals. Lights channeled through carefully secure ducts, were refracted off the array of crystals making the hall glow and shine with astounding brilliance. Plants and greenery lined the walls of the hall, softening the light and making the room feel alive. At center stage, forming a prefect arch, were the two Ancient Ones from the club, that in a way, were responsible for bringing Inuyasha together with the Canines. Musicians filled one end, with the twins singing sweet sings for the audience.

The music changed, the beat was of a brass matching band, and everyone stopped.

The doors opened.

A dozen Lieutenants, let by Ayoga and Kinta rushed out. They were in full battle regalia. In perfect formation, they swept the room. They seemed to dance to all corners, stop, sniff, stare and dance some more. It was perfectly choreographed and it was perfectly serious. The team could be mistaken for entertainers but in reality they were checking out the room ensuring its security, and making a display of strength for the audience. They took their designated positions all around the hall, each one on full alert.

The music changed this time it was more regal, stately and formal.

The DaiYoukais and Canadian Inus stood from their more relaxed and scattered positions, and moved regally to take their seats of honor around Center Stage. Once they were seated Shippo dressed a formal dark green suit with a blue undershirt, strode in, his arm bands and Scythe in place to show that while he was relaxed he was prepared to defend. Shippo took his place in front of one Ancient tree. Then Kouga stalked in, the wolf demon was all in brown, but thanks to the silver thread used on the outfit, the General seemed to glow with power. He wore his blades low on his hips, and his eyes continuously swept the room as he took his position.

Then the music became lulling, enticing and calling. It built the anticipation, and then flowed into a gentle stream of harmony. Sesshoumaru's 4 other daughters' dressed in silvery green stepped out, they danced their way gracefully to center stage dropping silky petals and and tiny flowers in their wake.

Then Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha both clad in pure white and sliver stepped out the doors. They were both pillars of ice, they glowed a silvery white from their shining hair to their long shimmering robes In their arms were the pure white puppies, swaddled in soft white blankets, bright eyes and muzzles poked out to see the audience and then hide again.

Behind them clad in blue with silver trimmings strode Yuushamaru, two Lieutenants and four Hanyou Sub-commanders that had been called in for the celebrations. Yuusha and the 2 Lieutenants hand-picked by Inuyasha were assigned to the safety of the pups, when their parents were busy. Though only Yuusha had permission to sleep in the pups room when their parents went to battle. They proud guardians took their place at the outer ring, sealing the great door behind them.

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were the only ones to pass through the arch. They came to s stop before a high silver table with raised edges for safety. Moko-moko san flared out and settled on the table. Then carefully the proud parents placed the puppies on the table, to be viewed by the world for the first time.
The oldest pup, sat straight and tall, he scanned the audience solemnly and seemed to nod politely at them. The audience were amazed at the regal pup, who then turned to Inuyasha and yipped with a large puppy smile on his face as if saying “I did good?”
The second pup, also looked around the room. He then seemed to look at the DaiYoukai seated in places of honor, and yawned widely at them. The pup then flopped down, only his parents noting that the pup's supposed easy sprawl put him between the audience and his siblings. The third pup didn't pay any attention to the audience at all, instead the pup ran to Inuyasha, then to Sesshoumaru and then went to jump on his siblings, before running back to his parents.

The audience oo'ed and ahhh'ed at the puppy antics. Then the music changed again and become almost magical. The Veena (Ancient Indian string instrument) and harp played a strange counterpoint to each other creating an exotic sound, and the audience hushed once more.

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha, their hand moving in time with the music positioned their pups on the table. Their Youki rose, and hands gently on the pups, called to the pups to meet the world. The pups stilled, their own little Youki rising to meet their parents, absorbing their parents Youki, the pups began to shimmer and shine as they elongated and changed into their permanent humanoid forms.
The three little boys, swaddled in slivery white blankets were revealed to the world.

Golden eyes and silver hair, they were pure Shiro Inu Youkai.

Inuyasha picked up his oldest son, the babe immediately cuddled against him. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha solemnly examined his markings. Much as Inuyasha did when he transformed, the little boy had one purple strip on each cheek, as well as stripes down his arms and thighs. On his forehead was a prefect full moon. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru both held the child face out to the audience, his marking clear for all to see. “This is our first born son, he is a prefect blend of both his parents. He is the perfect bright moon, Kagetsukimaru.” Sesshoumaru said solemnly. The crowd cheered and the babe decided he had enough, his cry rang out, pure and strong. Demanding attention, NOW! Inuyasha placed him on the table and put his hand on the babe's head. Immediately the child quietened and cooed at his father.

Sesshoumaru picked up the second child. This one had mauve markings running from just below his ear, straight down to his neck. Patterns ran round his wrists to his forearms. On his forehead was only a sliver of a moon. He like his older brother had Sesshoumaru's sharper eyes. They held up their son and Inuyasha said. “Unique in himself, a child of the hidden moon, we introduce our son, Mizukumori, the Beautiful Shadow Moon.” As the crowd cheered the babe looked around at the new sounds. Then deciding it had nothing to do with him tried to bend down to chew on Sesshoumaru's finger around his chest. Sesshoumaru chuckled and gently placed the babe down, unseen by the audience the Shogun, tickled his son's tummy. Causing the babe to blow bubbles in delight.

Inuyasha picked up the third babe. His markings were a mirror of Sesshoumaru's from the two mauve patterns on his cheeks to the crescent moon on his forehead. His eyes however were pure Inuyasha, big, large and blinking innocently at the world. The mated pair help up their youngest child. Sesshoumaru spoke, “As all our children, this child is perfect and unique, the best of both their parents, he is the Silver Crescent Moon, Gin'iroengetsu.” The babe blinked his huge eyes at the audience, and seeing Inuyasha's eyes in Sesshoumaru's markings, the cheers of the crowd was thunderous. The babe taken by surprise began to whimper in distress, and to everyone's delight, immediately his two older brothers became active. Pushing themselves to sitting positions, looking around and reaching for the littlest one.
Inuyasha brought the child to his chest and the babe immediately latch on to his hair and buried his head on his father's strong shoulder. Sesshoumaru patted his back and the little one calmed down.
Sesshoumaru picked up the other two, who settled quickly in their father's arms when they felt their youngest brother calm down.

Sesshoumaru turned to the audience and addressed them. “By virtue of birth, heart and by blood these are our children, Shiro Inu Youkai and thus heirs to the Ancient lands of the West. By the rights of naming they are named Kagetsukimaru, Mizukumori and Gin'iroengetsu. Know that while they are the undisputed heirs of the Shiro Inu, they are not our oldest children.”

In a total break from tradition, but in a planned ceremony by the Canine Alpha pair, Inuyasha continued. “While we have named out heirs, we now name out children. Not all by virtue of birth and blood, but all by the virtue of heart, from oldest to youngest we name our children to take their place beside us. My heart son, our oldest child, Kitsune General Shippo!”

Shippo blinked, his huge green eyes filling as he turned to his father bowed low and took his position just behind Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru smiled at him approvingly and then said “Our oldest daughter, The Princess of Twilight, Hakumeihime.” Unlike their son who stood at their shoulder Sesshoumaru gestured for his daughters to stand before him.

Inuyasha called “The Princess of the West, Nasikohime.”

One by one the two parents called their daughters to stand next to them. Disrupting the music as well as security measures. But no one really minded, this acknowledgement was long overdue. The 6 young women stood beautiful, strong and tall before their parents.

Once Inuyasha had called up his last daughter, Sesshoumaru looked around and said in a commanding tone. “Now by virtue of heart I call our final child to stand with us, as named by my mate, he who is a recognized hero, Yuushamaru, come stand with your family.”

Yuusha turned from his guard position at the main door, this he had in no way been expecting. His eyes were the only things visible on his face as he stared at the Shogun. He saw Kouga smile and nod at him, and the Ookami slowly walked forward. Tears had no place in the solemn ceremony, though Yuusha thought that his heart would squeeze out of his chest in happiness. He bowed low to Sesshoumaru and took his place opposite Shippo at Inuyasha's shoulder.

Cameras went off, and dozens of pictures were taken and the audience cheered. Then Sesshoumaru handed his sons to Inuyasha and addressed the audience. “Thus our family is complete. This Sesshoumaru and his mate, WILL live to see mates of our children added to our family, and their children and children's children join us. Each Youkai family deserves this assurance, to know their families will continue to grow, in strength, in love and in pride. This is the wish we have for our people, and until recently it was almost a lost hope.

The Canines, the Youkai of Japan have all walked a long road, with hope for the future but a distant cold light. Now things have changed. The enemy hidden among us has been uncovered, destroyed. We can return magic to this land, return children to our homes, return hope for the brightest future to our lives. There is more to do, the cause of all the conspiracy to uncover. We will hunt, we will uncover our ancient foe. We will fight, with blade, magic and fang we will show our strength. And we will WIN!
No other outcome will be accepted. We will Win!”

Sesshoumaru roared the last words, and the cheers that followed shook the foundations of the great hall.

---tbc--

*grin loooong Chappie.. I am not sure if I tried to do too much and please too many reviewers, by adding in stuff people asked for and things. Please do tell me what you think. REVIEW!!!!

By the way have an idea for a really really angsty story based on the way I did the Mpreg, what do you think should I write It?