Unexpected Circumstance

Title: Unexpected Circumstance

Author: Neptunesdemon

Archive: Fanfiction net; Mpreg mailing list

Category: Mpreg, romance, drama

Pairings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru

Rating: M. . .you know what that means. (wiggles eyebrows)

Spoilers: None

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

Author's Note: (gasps) What's this? An update? So soon? Yes. It is an update. I actually had the spark of inspiration and instead of writing my original work, I focused on this. I warn you, things get a bit smexy and steamy ahead. It was an answer to the few requests for another love/sex scene between our two mated brothers. I tried my best to also work in some plot, but it quickly goes from angst to love to angst again. Either way, I hope you enjoy it.

xoxoxoxox

'Not again.'

It was all the dog demon could think as his eyes opened onto a scene that chilled him down to his bones, down to his very core. His stomach lurched and his head swayed as nausea hit him hard. This couldn't be right.

He had come to in the center of what had to have been a massacre. He found himself in the grand ball room, decorated for what could have only been his own mating ceremony. The white sakura blossoms spread about the room, floating atop the large puddles of blood that were growing in size. The blood spilled out from the bodies that littered the floor. They were all servants and guests, which were his newest allies and friends.

He looked about in a daze, his hands clutching at the smooth silk of his formal robes, the ones his mother had picked out so meticulously. He looked down and found it the only immaculate thing, and he had to wonder why. Surely if his home had been attacked, he would have done something to stop it. He would have sustained some injury, or some stain from blood that wasn't his. He wouldn't have just stayed still.

Inuyasha.

He realized that he had yet to identify his lover or family within the sea of faces, had yet to notice that the glazed over eyes staring back at him did not match any that had grown far closer to him than he had allowed any other.

He spun to begin walking off and had to stumble back at the sight of Inuyasha's humans strung up from the high rafters, blood steadily dripping out of gaping wounds where their hearts used to be, bodies twisted and contorted as if they had been tortured and disfigured before given the merciful escape of death.

He took a step back again not believing what he saw. He had not known them personally, but he knew them well enough to know how his mate felt about them. The demon slayer was a good woman and the monk, lechery aside, was an outstanding man. Two ningen that, despite their hindrances, had shown the previous Daiyoukai that there was more to human kind than he originally thought.

He heard creaking coming from the open terrace doors, and he quickly used that as an excuse to leave, hurrying for the doors and out to the decorated gardens. He stopped with a quiet gasp, eyes wide to find the saru hung from a tree, neck obviously broken and face the sickening deep blue of suffocation. Below her, impaled by multiple arrows that held her upright against the tree, was his mother.

Fighting the urge to retch, he began to slowly back away, unable to believe what his eyes were seeing. He spun and rushed off, heading away from the bloodied ballroom and entered the castle a different way. There was no escape, however. Only blood and more blood, festering bodies and dead stares.

He was soon running, heart thundering and stomach churning heavily. He wasn't sure where he was running to or what he was running from, but he couldn't stop. The more he saw was the worst he felt and soon his cheeks were wet, a mixture of horrified and angered tears.

"Inuyasha."

He was bursting into the throne room, never slowing, the doors crashing off of the hinges as he entered. The room was dark but he could see there was someone sitting on the throne, and he felt relieved as he couldn't miss the glint of silver hair. His steps finally slowed as he moved closer, breath heavy from his run here.

"Inuya-"

His words were cut short as he nearly slipped, and he had to stop himself from falling, catching his balance at the last minute. It was like something had spilled on the floor.

As he looked down the room seemed to brighten and he let out a small sound of disgust as he found himself stepping in a stagnant puddle of blood. He looked up to his mate for an explanation, but lost his breath as he did.

He couldn't stop it. The broken and grievous howl left his throat echoed throughout the still palace. His knees buckled as his limbs went weak and his stomach suddenly felt hollow. As he collapsed, he let out another scream full of so much agony, that it would have sent a chill down the spine of whoever was there to hear it. As it was, he was alone and in front of him, his mate was dead.

Inuyasha was fatally wounded, the injury to his abdomen leaving him bleeding and disemboweled. He was tied to his throne with fine, web-like thread. His empty eyes were staring out at nothing and his silver hair framed his face, streaks of blood marring the strands.

Realizing that the blood he was now kneeling in was his lover's, Sesshomaru forced himself to stand, hands furiously trying to wipe himself clean. Amidst his panicking, he heard a shriek of excitement coming from behind the throne and he stopped. His eyes stared at the throne, where his lover sat still bleeding and he hesitated for a moment. It couldn't be.

The happy giggles of a baby flowed out from behind it again, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood straight on end, while goosebumps raised on his flesh.

"Kazue?"

He called out softly, answered by another peal of infantile laughter. He didn't move, not wanting to find it was only a trick and be met with the lifeless body of his first and only child.

He cringed then, hands grasping at his abdomen where his second had once been. He was distracted by the sight of Kazue crawling around the corner, and he stopped to watch as his son came to a halt in the middle of the blood puddle. He went to move forward and quickly snatch him up, but he found himself frozen still as the boy smiled up at him, face smeared with blood.

The pup let out another giggle before he was playing in the puddle. His feet kicked and hands splashed, a macabre sight to his birthing parent, who watched as his baby played as innocently as if he were bathing.

"Kazue."

The word was riddled with disbelief and regret, Sesshomaru moving away from his son who stopped and looked up at him. The full blooded youkai watched as the baby slowly stood, hands reaching out as it began to carefully step forward.

His first steps, they were his son's first steps and instead of being thrilled he was disturbed. He backed away, and Kazue stopped, laughter turning to tears. Sesshomaru only continued to back away, though he was stopped suddenly by the mass of tentacles that came out of the shadows, holding him in his place.

The chuckling that echoed throughout the room had him struggling to escape, but it was too late. Miasma hovered close to the floor and Naraku emerged, slinking out from behind the throne and walking closer to where their son stood crying. Picking the baby up, he cooed at the boy, before he was looking up to Sesshomaru.

"Is that any way to treat our pup, Sesshomaru?" The dark hanyou was asking. "Little Kazue just wants his mother's love. Look at what he's done for you."

"My son didn't do this." Came the whispered words.

"Our son is responsible for all of this." Naraku told him again.

"My son didn't do this." Sesshomaru repeated, the words a bit louder, and Naraku laughed.

"He takes after his father, you know." Naraku said, stroking over Kazue's hair, the pup now sucking on a bloodied fist. "He can manipulate quite well, and he as such a way with mind control. And, he's quite good at telekinesis. Which you nor I possess. It is a nice addition, however. How else could he have managed all this?"

"My son did not do this!" Came the bellowed words.

Naraku fell silent then, his eyes watching as Sesshomaru glared back at him, body trembling in rage, confined in the tightening mass of limbs.

"You're absolutely right." Naraku said, his eyes glaring back. "It's your fault, isn't it? This is all your doing. If you had only listened to all the warnings and your instincts, this could have all been avoided."

"No."

"Had you let Inuyasha take care of this from the beginning, he'd still be alive, not to mention your mother, his humans, the saru that you now think of as a grandmother."

"Be quiet!" He was demanding, trying to fight himself free.

The tentacles only tightened around his limbs, pulling until he was nearly arching back and he was lifted so that his feet weren't touching the floor. His head was maneuvered so that he could look down at his child and its sire, Kazue's eyes now matching the hanyou's in color and intent.

"Look at mommy, little one." Naraku said, his voice smooth and sickening to Sesshomaru's ears. "Shall we put him out of his misery? Show him what you're capable of."

Sesshomaru could barely struggle and he let out a sound of frustration, before he froze at the sound of a sword unsheathing. He looked to where Tetsusaiga had been laying at Inuyasha's feet, but was now hovering in the air as if it had a will of its own.

He looked to his first-born then, and he knew that it was indeed his son's doing. With Tetsusaiga drawn, it was pointed directly at him, aimed at his exposed midsection.

"Pity you chose to sully your body with that disgrace's unborn pup." He heard Naraku bitterly spit out. "I find no further use for you now, but at least I have my pup, who will do well for me until I take him into myself."

Sesshomaru felt his stomach lurch and he looked down, eyes widening to find it swollen in the last phases of pregnancy. He didn't understand. What was going on? He looked up at Kazue and his sire then, Naraku holding the child's arm and waving it for the baby, who was staring at its birthing parent with glassy eyes now.

"Say bye-bye to mommy." Naraku laughed and then the sword went flying towards the caught inukai.

Sesshomaru could only scream as the blade pierced his flesh, hearing a baby's shrieking cry before it all went dark.

xoxoxoxox

He woke screaming and thrashing, body wracked with tear-less sobs, before he suddenly stilled. A large body was pressing against his so comfortingly that he instantly quieted. He was shushed and pushed to lie back by a large muzzle, and he curled up into the soft, downy fur that he was surrounded by.

Was he still dreaming?

He glanced up with weary eyes at the large inukai that laid beside him, body curled about him in a protective manner. A large tongue gently licked his face and he sighed as he realized that he was safe.

He had been here before, so many times when he was younger and alone. His youki sniffed at him for a few moments, before nuzzling him again, drawing its humanoid half closer to the warmth its body was giving off. Sesshomaru merely sighed, closing his eyes to drift off to sleep.

He had nothing else to do, really. His nightmare, or whatever it was, had deeply disturbed him. He wasn't sure what else he could do. He wasn't awake, but this world was just as real as the one he was in when he was awake.

His youkai gave a deep sigh, before it was laying its large head down over its front legs, tail curling about it so that it covered Sesshomaru protectively.

Sleep now. No harm can come to you here.

He wanted to sleep. He really did. Sleep and never wake again. His mate, his child, his family, his unborn pup. They were all lost, or so it felt, and he had nothing else to keep going for. He would sleep and he would go on for the rest of his long years in an eternal slumber until his body faded away.

Sleep, I said! I did not say stop fighting! True inukai do not give in, you will sleep and wake to fight another day!

"No, there is nothing to fight for anymore." He softly objected, curling up into a near fetal-position, face buried into the large dog's side.

He felt a cold, wet nose push against him, and he looked up at the canine face with an annoyed glare.

I will show you what you must fight for.

The dog stood then, leaving Sesshomaru regretting that it did so. He was actually quite comfortable and warm. The large nose was pushing him again, urging him to stand as well. He stood then, not wanting to be bothered, but knowing the dog wouldn't stop until he did.

When he was finally up, the dog arched its neck and let out a long howl. The sound was nearly deafening, but it traveled for quite a distance. When the sound went quiet, Sesshomaru waited. In no longer than a few moments, it was answered and the inukai recognized it.

"Inuyasha?" He questioned aloud.

He looked to his youki, but it only began to walk off. He followed, knowing that it meant to lead him. The walk was not long and they walked in the ethereal, glowing valley where youki tend to dwell. He stopped at the sight of a larger dog demon in the distance, red eyes glowing and fixed on them.

Do not fear our mate.

"That is Inuyasha?"

It is the same as I. It is the true form of our mate, the form he will never know outside of this world. And he is calling to us. Let us go.

Sesshomaru obediently followed and soon enough they were closing in on the large inukai that looked down at Sesshomaru as he came to a stop before him.

His inner self moved forward and began to lick at the dog's face, the two soon laying together side by side, both dogs looking down at Sesshomaru.

"Where is Inuyasha?"

The larger of the two dogs looked up and out a little farther from where they stood, and Sesshomaru followed its gaze. In the oddly colored and glowing high-grass, he couldn't miss the unmistakable puppy-like ears that sat atop his brother's head.

Moving forward, he drew closer, surprised to hear his brother was humming. It was a low and sweet tune, barely any higher than a whisper and he had to wonder why he was humming it.

His steps faltered as he heard the fussing of a baby, and Inuyasha was laughing lightly.

"Don't like my singing, huh?" His mate was murmuring softly. "Well, my mom sang it better."

He cautiously moved forward, parting the long grass aside and staring down in disbelief as he came face to face with his brother. His mate was holding a child. The small thing was naked, but held close to his mate's chest and one fist was clutching onto a lock of Inuyasha's hair.

The shuffling grass pulled the hanyou to look up and he smiled at Sesshomaru, whose face was a stoic mask to hide his confusion.

"She's okay, Sessh. Look at her. She's beautiful."

Slowly, Sesshomaru came close enough so that he could kneel in front of his mate, his eyes looking over the naked child in disbelief. It was indeed a girl, silver strands of hair curled close to her scalp and at the top, ears reminiscent of Inuyasha's.

"Is this. . ." He couldn't finish. He dared not know disappointment.

"She's ours." Inuyasha said with a small laugh. "My youki confirmed it. She's alive, Sessh."

The pup started to fuss again, before it was crying and before he knew what he was doing, Sesshomaru was taking her from Inuyasha's arms and into his. She quieted instantly, small eyes opening to look up at him with infantile curiosity.

He could only give a short laugh, one hand reaching up shakily to caress the down-soft hair atop her head. She didn't disappear as he feared and he could only laugh again as one of her small fists reached up to grab at his fingers.

He felt Inuyasha move behind him, and he leaned into his mate's body, Inuyasha looking over his shoulder at their first child together. She was alright.

"But how?"

Mate needed our strength. I have gladly given it. The child is safe. Mate must join our auras until pup is strong enough to survive on its own.

The two mates looked up to their inner halves, who had now joined them, Sesshomaru's youki leaning in close to sniff at the baby in his arms. As he pulled away, the child made a gurgling sound before it began to glow. Sesshomaru panicked as the child began to fade, but Inuyasha calmed him down with reassuring murmurs. The light merely changed into a glowing ball, which lowered and disappeared into Sesshomaru's stomach, the inukai gasping at the feeling of life within him once again.

He felt Inuyasha's arms wrap around him from behind, his mate's hands stopping on his stomach and he let his hands rest on top of his. His child was okay. His body began to tremble, though he felt nothing but relief and joy. Leaning into his mate, he allowed his eyes to close, a small smile taking his lips.

Sleep now.

He could finally listen to what his youki was goading him to do, and he fell asleep in this world no longer afraid to wake in another.

xoxoxoxox

Golden eyes slowly opened, Sesshomaru awakened by the sound of a bird singing outside of the window in the gardens just beyond. He wasn't sure when they had made it back to their suite, but he was glad to be buried under the blankets of their bed. His eyes almost drifted close again, nearly lulled back to sleep by the inviting warmth that surrounded him. His body was pressed closely to his mate's, whose arms were wrapped about him protectively and comfortingly. His head was nestled underneath the hanyou's chin, and this close to his lover's chest, he could hear the strong heartbeat, the sound as lulling to him as the songbird's singing.

His mate took a deep sigh in his sleep, and Sesshomaru nearly smiled as he felt the well-muscled chest rise and fall with the motion. Inuyasha had some time during the night divested himself of his haori, not that Sesshomaru was complaining. He himself was clad only in his bathing yukata, which was more off of him than it was on.

His mate had actually gotten far stronger in the short span of time from when he had first announced his pregnancy to now. It was survival instinct on Inuyasha's part, especially now that he had a mate. Hanyou or not, he needed to protect what was his and his youki was doing its job well at steadily increasing Inuyasha's strength. His new status as Alpha was helping that along, too.

Sesshomaru stiffened momentarily at the faint fluttering coming from his abdominal area, and he shifted a bit to look down at his stomach. He almost smiled as the unmistakable pulse of an aura alerted him that his pup was safe and sound, his youki feeling happy and relieved within him as well.

He heard Inuyasha moan in his sleep, and he merely snuggled closer, not caring how he must have looked or how unlike himself he was being. For now, he would do as he pleased and would return to his act when it was time to face the world and the rest of the palace's occupants again.

His left arm snaked around his mate, his palm stealing a feel up the muscled back before his fingers were carefully playing with the soft strands of hair. He heard Inuyasha grunt a small sound and he only smiled as his mate tried his best to pull him even closer. He shifted his head so that he could nuzzle against Inuyasha's neck, before his mouth was kissing over the skin, followed by his teeth gently grazing over the surface.

He wasn't sure where the jump in his libido had come from, but the longer he laid pressed this close against his brother was the more aroused he was becoming. He chuckled as he felt Inuyasha's hips weakly thrust forward. Apparently, so was his mate, if the bulge in his hakama was anything to go by.

His mouth traced a line to Inuyasha's collarbone, biting and suckling along the way, every so often leaving behind small marks. He heard as well as felt Inuyasha take a deep sigh again, before Inuyasha's chest was vibrating with the sound of his voice.

"I'd say it was too early for this if I wasn't enjoying it." The hanyou mumbled out sleepily, free hand that wasn't trapped underneath Sesshomaru reaching down to grope at his older brother's ass.

Sesshomaru only chuckled, mouth still working until he was stopped, and hand tangling in his hair to guide his lips back up to his brother's. He eagerly accepted the kiss, his body beginning to slowly writhe against Inuyasha's as he moaned at the heat the kiss was making rise.

When they broke apart, they both stared at each other, gold watching gold for a long while, both unsure of who should break the silence first.

"Inuyasha."

"Sesshomaru."

It was said at the same time, and the two softly laughed, thankfully easing the tension. Inuyasha leaned forward first to nuzzle his mate in affection, before he was capturing the older youkai's lips in another kiss. He pulled away with a smile, his nose brushing against his brother's before his lips were gently pressing against the crescent moon on his forehead.

"A baby girl." He said with a small, happy laugh, before he was pulling back to look at Sesshomaru, who gave him a small smile. "We're having a baby girl."

Sesshomaru guided his hand to his stomach, where Inuyasha was shocked to feel he could sense the aura by the touch alone, his laugh of disbelief and amazement causing Sesshomaru to laugh as well.

"She would be lost if not for you." Sesshomaru said, his smile falling as his mood fell. "I should have told you sooner. I should not have hidden it from you."

"Hey, it's okay." Inuyasha shushed him, kissing over his face to comfort him and wrapping his arms about his mate again. "I've already forgiven you, and she's okay. You're both okay, and that's all I care about. Just no more hiding things like this away from from me, okay?"

Sesshomaru nodded in agreement, and allowed himself to be comforted with small kisses and caressing touches. Inside, his youki was nearly purring in content and he felt he could join it. Instead, he reached out to cup his brother's face with his free hand, before his mouth found his mate's again, kissing him heatedly and deeply.

Inuyasha didn't object and even allowed himself to be guided to lie on his back. Sesshomaru was kissing a path down his neck and over his chest, his mouth stopping at a nipple to tease it into hardness. Inuyasha hissed at the feeling, his hands curling through silver locks as Sesshomaru's mouth sucked at his nipple, tongue teasingly flicking over the bud in expertise.

He watched as Sesshomaru released it, before slowly straddling him so that he was resting a bit uncomfortably atop Inuyasha's hips. Uncomfortably, because by now Inuyasha was already hard and his mate's ass was right where he couldn't thrust against it. It would seem Sesshomaru knew what he was thinking, because his own hips moved so that his ass was grinding down onto his brother's groin.

Inuyasha's groaned at that, his hands rising to grasp at Sesshomaru's hips, but his brother merely grabbed his wrists and guided his arms back down to his sides.

His mouth opened to object, but the smoldering gaze that Sesshomaru directed at him had his voice catching in his throat. His mate was planning something, he knew that look by now, and he thought it best to let him get his way. Whatever it was, he was really going to like it, and he was sure that if he didn't keep his mouth shut he'd mess up the opportunity presented to him. So with an audible click, his mouth closed and he let his arms lie prostrate by his sides. Sesshomaru smirked in satisfaction before he was releasing him so that his hands could rest on either side of Inuyasha's head, leaning down so that he could kiss at his brother's lips.

Inuyasha could only moan and try his best not to reach for his brother, enjoying the slight shock of pain as Sesshomaru bit at his bottom lip. It was nice when Sesshomaru played rough, it mean that the usually stoic demon would be wild in bed. Though when it came to sex, he had yet to see Sesshomaru act any other way. Lucky for him, though. He rather preferred hot and heavy rutting to slow and sensual love making. Not that he didn't like the latter, just that the former had a way of making his blood rush in an addicting manner. Kind of like the heat of battle, but he was able to get his rocks off.

His thoughts were broken by the sudden sharp bite to his other nipple, and he lifted his head a bit find Sesshomaru glaring up at him, his teeth toying with the now hardened and sore bud.

"Sorry." Inuyasha apologized with a shrug. "I'll pay attention."

Sesshomaru sat up then, hair flicked over his shoulder with a graceful toss of his head before his hands were slowly pulling off the yukata that had been haphazardly falling of to begin with. Inuyasha groaned at the expanse of naked flesh that was revealed, his hands lifting with the instinct to grab and touch, but he fought them back down.

Sesshomaru only chuckled as he realized his brother's struggle, tossing the yukata to the floor and leaning forward again, hands tracing up his brother's arms and then down over his chest. Inuyasha tried his best to keep his breathing even , especially when Sesshomaru's mouth went back to work, licking and suckling its way over his chest and down to his stomach.

The older youkai's body sensually moving lower to accommodate his mouth's movement. He stopped as he reached the hem of Inuyasha's hakama, his hands caressing Inuyasha's side and his hips slowly thrusting against Inuyasha's legs trapped beneath his body. His eyes locked with Inuyasha's, gold speckled with flecks of red, as his tongue peeked out from between his lips. Slowly, teasingly, he dragged it over his brother's skin, tracing the hem of the pants from one end to the other.

Inuyasha was groaning and cursing softly under his breath, his brother's gaze and seductive aura sending more blood away from his head - which was now feeling quite light- to his engorged organ still trapped in his pants and pressed against Sesshomaru's slowly writhing body.

He stilled as Sesshomaru's hands moved to carefully wrapped his fingers around the hem of his hakama, lips following as his hands began to slowly pull them down. His right hip was exposed first, and Sesshomaru lowered his head to bite at the skin there. It was sharp enough to have Inuyasha tensing, but it didn't break the skin. Carefully, his tongue traced a trail to his left hip, which now exposed his mating mark.

"Fuck!" Inuyasha was spouting, hips thrusting up of its own accord as Sesshomaru suckled and nipped at his mating mark, his manhood throbbing with every jolt of pleasure it gave.

He forced himself to be still, fingers curling and uncurling in an attempt to stop himself from reaching up for his brother. Sesshomaru was too ingrained with his task to notice his struggle and Inuyasha watched as he continued to remove his only article of clothing. As his hakama slid lower, his hips rising to help make the task easier, he hissed as the cool air hit his manhood, now released from its confinement.

Inuyasha watched intently, breathing heavy, as Sesshomaru moved lower. His lover ignored his hardened member, however, and worked his tongue and lips down the length of his lover's thigh as it was revealed. He stopped only to fully remove the hakama, before he was working his way back up the right thigh. Inuyasha couldn't help himself, and he propped himself up on his elbows to give himself a better view. He let his mate have his way as his hands pushed at the inside of Inuyasha's thighs to prompt him to spread them. Getting what he wished, he settled himself between them, hands tracing up the inside of Inuyasha's thighs, before gliding past his aching dick to grab at his hips.

His mouth followed the path on his right thigh, but stopped at the juncture where his hip and leg met. With his eyes looking to Inuyasha's face again, he crossed to his other thigh, licking his way from juncture down his inner thigh and up again.

Inuyasha was panting by now, his eyes flashing back and forth from gold to red, and then back again. His heart was thundering as he watched his brother continue to tease and pleasure him, his swollen length twitching every now and then the closer Sesshomaru's mouth strayed to it.

"Damn it, Sessh." He panted out, hands now fisting the sheets in an attempt to keep them where they were. He knew Sesshomaru would have no qualms of stopping if he dared lift them to help guide his mouth where he wanted it to be. "I'm dying here."

Sesshomaru only smiled, before he was lifting himself a bit, tongue sensually licking at his lips in a way that sent a shiver down Inuyasha's spine. His right hand traced over his brother's left hip, purposely brushing the mating mark and drawing another swear from Inuyasha's lips.

"Patience, otouto." He murmured out, voice husky and smooth, Inuyasha groaning at the sound of it. "Unless, you do not think you can wait for me to finish playing, then I will-"

"Don't you dare stop!" Inuyasha growled out, eyes glaring.

Sesshomaru only chuckled again, Inuyasha tensing as his hands parted his legs a bit more, his brother's head lowering back towards his groin.

"Oh no, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru was murmuring, his breath hot against Inuyasha's manhood as he ghosted past it. "This time I intend to finish what I start."

Inuyasha could only let out a long groan, head thrown back as Sesshomaru's tongue traced over his sack. The last time- and not to mention the only time- Sesshomaru had attempted to pleasure him orally, he had only sucked his cock. His tongue worked steadily over his tightening balls, lathering them with saliva before he was sucking each one individually into his mouth. Inuyasha wasn't complaining, it felt too damn good to complain. He merely let himself groan and gasp at the feeling, ignoring the urge to throw his mate down and fuck him into oblivion. He let Sesshomaru have his way. With the older inu being demoted to a Beta male, there really were no instances where he'd get to be truly dominant over his mate. If this was a way of letting him have his moment, Inuyasha was more than glad to let him do as he pleased.

He was moaning out as one of Sesshomaru's hands took to cupping and fondling his sack, his head maneuvering to watch down as his mate worked. Sesshomaru seemed too lost in his task to even notice he was being watched. His hands and mouth were working the heavy set of balls, enjoying the weight as he fondled them while his tongue savored the taste of the skin and his nose breathed in the heavy male musk. Inuyasha was quite well equipped and he considered himself lucky that he had listened to his youki for once.

It had told him to seek out Inuyasha, and though he had been reluctant, he had done so. He had fought and had been in denial, but he had given in and now he had in his possession a mate that he was proud to call his. With one last long suckle to Inuyasha's sack, Sesshomaru let his hands move up to grab the base of the hanyou's penis.

"Shit, Sessh!" The hanyou gasped out, hips jumping at the hold. He couldn't help the loud groan as he watched a devilish tongue trace the length of his cock to the tip, Sesshomaru's smoldering eyes watching him the entire time. "You should see how look."

Sesshomaru merely raised a brow, pulling back to ask the single question of, "And how is it that I look, otouto?"

"Like I sex-addicted youkai who can't get enough."

"In other words you're saying I look like some common whore." The older of the two dead-panned, head rising to icily stare back at his younger brother.

"In a good way?" Inuyasha said, trying to salvage the moment. "What I really meant to say is that you look beautiful."

The elder youkai only snorted, his hand moving to stroke the cock in his grasp, Inuyasha appreciating it and showing it by moving his hips in time with Sesshomaru's strokes.

"No more talking. You'll ruin my mood." Sesshomaru ordered him, his head lowering again to lick away the drops of precum that he had pumped free of his brother's dick. Inuyasha moaned at that and Sesshomaru couldn't help but smile at his success. "That's the only sounds you're allowed to make from now on."

His now fully red eyes looked up at his mate and Inuyasha eagerly nodded his head, not wanting to screw up his chances of having the lips now laying kisses at the the flared head of his penis wrapped around it instead.

"Good."

It was all Sesshomaru said before he was slowly swallowing his brother's length as far as his throat would allow. Inuyasha let out a long groan as his cock disappeared within his brother's mouth, appreciating the feel of the hot, wet cavern.

He wanted to watch as his brother began to steadily suck him, his head moving up and down over his cock, but the urge to lie back and enjoy was too much. Besides, if he continued to watch that he'd cum faster than he wanted to. It was best he lay back and focus on keeping his cool as his brother worked his dick over. It was hard to, as Sesshomaru was good. Natural talent or not, his mouth was good at what it was doing. His hips began to lift again, wanting to get deeper but they were forced still by Sesshomaru's free hand pressing down on his right hand.

The full-blooded youkai's head bobbed over his lover's dick at a leisurely pace. His hand steadily stroked the base to help him pleasure his brother further. He was moaning himself, his senses on overload and his own member at full mast. He heard the sheets rip and he would have smiled if his mouth hadn't been preoccupied. Inuyasha was tearing at the sheets in his effort to follow orders. It gave the previous Daiyoukai an ego boost to know that he still had some power over his Alpha.

Inuyasha was a sweating, panting, swearing and moaning mess. It was torture not being able to thrust in the sweet mouth that was sucking his cock and he couldn't even set the pace by using his hands to guide Sesshomaru's head. Nonetheless, he was enjoying it, every

minute of it. Every time Sesshomaru swallowed him as far as he could, every drag back over the length of his cock, and every time that devilish tongue teased and prodded at his slit or lips suckled at the tip longer than they needed to. It was all good; too good. He was going to cum soon.

His memory of the last time this had happened flashed through his head and he nearly groaned in disappointment. He would hate if that happened again. His eyes opened as he propped himself up again, looking about the room until he found the bassinet he was searching for. It was empty, which meant that Kazue was still with Minako, which meant they had nothing to stop them.

He took to watching his brother stroke and suck his dick, his balls tightening with the tell-tale sign that he was about to blow. The visual of Sesshomaru's soft and somewhat swollen lips wrapped about his cock, eyes heavily lidded in a drowsy look of pure lust and a face that clearly showed he was enjoying his task was really helping that along.

"Ah, fuck Sessh." He said, breaking the rule that he could say nothing at all. "I can't hold back anymore."

Sesshomaru only moaned and sucked harder, head bobbing a bit more enthusiastically and Inuyasha felt his body tense. One more swallow down his brother's throat, and the pressure around his length was too much. His right hand was lifting, tangling in silver strands to keep his lover's head in place and his head was falling back as he came with a long and gruff moan, his hips thrusting into the mouth as Sesshomaru released him.

"Shit, shit, shit!" He was panting out, each word said with a thrust into the eagerly receiving mouth.

He groaned as he looked down to Sesshomaru, who was easily swallowing every drop that was released into his waiting mouth, his hand still milking the pumping organ until Inuyasha finally fell limply to the bed. Hair finally released, he slowly pulled back until Inuyasha's softening length popped free of his lips, tongue licking over them before slowly licking whatever traces of semen were still left behind.

Inuyasha could only heavily pant and let his head stop spinning from the intense orgasm, hands running through his brother's silken strands in a form of thanks, as he couldn't get his brain to work with words yet.

Sesshomaru easily sat up then, smiling down at his handy work of a well sated Inuyasha. It made him feel quite powerful to know the effect he could have on his mate. He was making his way to kiss his mate when the door to their bedroom was slid open and he glared at the intruder ready to pull of their head.

"Sesshomaru-sam-" The words turned into a squawk of shock and disbelief as a servant came to a halt.

"Get out!" Sesshomaru snapped, teeth flashing in a threatening manner, jealousy overcoming him that anyone would dare see his mate in all his naked glory.

The servant turned on his heels and ran out spouting a thousand apologies, Sesshomaru only growling until the door was closed again. He heard his mate laughing and he looked down at him with a glare.

"Does this Sesshomaru amuse you?" He asked testily, Inuyasha only propping himself up and cupping his mate's chin.

"No." He said before leaning up to kiss his mate, tongue sneaking in to taste the traces if himself in his mate's mouth. It had him groaning in pleasure, his member beginning to swell again at the recent memory of Sesshomaru's wanton abandon at pleasing him. "I was just thinking that we're lucky he burst in after I was finished. I would have died to have you stop like the last time you did this."

Sesshomaru only snorted with a roll of his eyes, before pushing his mate back and straddling him again. There mouths met in a passionate kiss, tongues dueling and teeth biting before Inuyasha pulled back with a large grin.

"Where'd the sudden horniness come from?" He questioned and Sesshomaru shrugged.

"Are you the only one allowed to crave sex, otouto?" He asked him. "I will gladly leave you be if you are not satisfied."

"No, no." Inuyasha objected, stopping his brother from climbing off. "I don't mind it. Damn, do I not mind it. I actually prefer it."

"Lecherous bastard." Sesshomaru huffed, and Inuyasha only chuckled, hands stroking over his brother's thighs.

"Well, what about you?" He was asking, bringing attention to Sesshomaru's untouched erection. "You want me to take care of that?"

"My intention was to give you pleasure. There is no need-"

His words turned into a short sound of shock as he was quickly flipped over, Inuyasha soon straddling him instead, nestled comfortably between his mate's legs. He merely glared up at his younger brother, who was grinning down at him like some idiot.

"Come on, Sessh. I know you want to."

The elder inukai snorted and Inuyasha rolled his eyes before he was lifting himself a bit.

"Hey, can I try something?" The hanyou asked, Sesshomaru merely raising a brow.

"What on earth could you want to try that you would seek my permission?" Sesshomaru questioned and Inuyasha shrugged, his face holding a meepish look.

"Well, it's not something that everyone's really into. I mean, I enjoy it myself but the last lover I had didn't really enjoy-"

"Enough!" Sesshomaru cut him off, his jealousy at the mention of Inuyasha's past lover rearing its head. "What is it?"

Inuyasha only nodded, before he was reaching up and grabbing one of the many pillows on the bed and propping it under his mate's backside. Sesshomaru could only watch in utter confusion, as he was pushed to lie back, Inuyasha smiling down at him reassuringly.

"Just relax, okay?" Was all he said before he was disappearing out of the youkai's line of sight.

Sesshomaru went to sit up but a stern hand on his chest stopped him. He merely lifted his head then, to try his best to see what exactly Inuyasha was up to. He gasped slightly as Inuyasha took hold of one of his legs under his knee, spreading it and pushing it back so that it was nearly pressed against his chest. He felt overly exposed and tried his best to fix that, but Inuyasha's other hand was doing the same to his other leg, effectively making sure he was unable to hide himself.

He propped himself up on his arms to look down at his mate, unsure if he wanted this to go any further. His words stopped short as Inuyasha looked up at him, eyes glowering red and tinged with eager lust.

"It's okay, Sessh." He soothingly said, thumbs stroking small circles on the flesh where he was holding him. "I'll stop if you really don't like it."

Sesshomaru could only nod at that, his body suddenly trembling in uncertainty and anticipation. He watched Inuyasha lower his head and at first he thought his mate to repeat his own actions, but he saw that wasn't the case as Inuyasha bypassed both his hardened member and swollen balls. He was gasping as he first felt it, body jumping at the wet feeling of something against his crevice and he wasn't sure if he had actually felt it. It happened again, in which he was gasping again, this swipe of a tongue passing over his opening and causing it to twitch.

"Inuyasha, wait." He was panting out, his hand reaching to push his brother's head away.

His arm was stopped and pushed away, Inuyasha lifting his head to look at his mate disapprovingly.

"I haven't even started yet." The hanyou said, returning his hand to holding his brother's legs spread open and pushed back to expose his hidden bud so it was easier to get to. "I'll stop but you have to let me start first."

"No wait!" He was objecting as Inuyasha's head lowered again, but he was only giving a keening noise as the tongue was tracing over his bud again, Sesshomaru's stomach tightening with each flick of his brother's tongue.

He wasn't sure what he wanted to have happen. He had never suspected that Inuyasha would attempt something such as this, and he sure as hell hadn't expected that he would actually enjoy it. Was he enjoying it? He wasn't sure. He was sure that it was wrong, he should stop his mate before he went too far.

The pressure of the the talented tongue pushing against his opening had his mouth falling open with a burst of a sound, clearly one of pleasure. That confirmed it; he was indeed enjoying it.

"Inuyasha." He was shakily breathing out, his body writhing as his brother continued to tease him.

His head was rolling back with a moan, his body greedily demanding more by trying to get closer as Inuyasha's tongue pushed in. He had never experienced something like this before, and had never suspected Inuyasha to enjoy performing such an act.

He had to lay back as his arms threatened to collapse on him, now his body trembling from the sheer pleasure. His body arched and writhed, his hand gripping at what they could as Inuyasha's tongue continued to lick and prod, thrusting in and out of his eager body. His cock twitched and pulsed, precum leaking free as he was pushed closer to his own orgasm.

Inuyasha must have sensed it himself, as his left hand released his leg and reached up stroke at his dick. Sesshomaru could only give what he could only described as a sob, hips thrusting into his working hand. His nerves were on overload and his heart was racing. In his mind his youki was thrashing itself from the pleasure, his heat rising until finally. . .

He was screaming as he came, body arching back deliciously as his body shuddered at the intense release. Inuyasha lifted his head to watch him, enjoying the blissful look of his lover's face as he came, ropes of cum leaking onto Sesshomaru's abdomen and onto his hand.

Inuyasha only smiled, his other hand reaching down to push in two fingers, replacing his tongue in the tight sheath of his brother's body. Sesshomaru was moaning again, thinking his body was done as he had cum, but Inuyasha hadn't stopped stroking him. And now buried in his body were his brother's fingers, carefully thrusting and pressing against his prostate, causing him to harden again.

"Too much." He was gasping out, swearing he would burst into flame from the heat that spread through him, the pleasure swarming through his head. "Please, Inuyasha."

"Please stop?" Inuyasha said, releasing his brother and pulling his fingers free.

Sesshomaru growled in objection, hands reaching for his mate and his legs wrapping about his brother's waist to stop his retreat.

"Stop teasing me, you vile ingrate!" He growled out, Inuyasha merely laughing. "I will not wait any longer for you to take this Sesshomaru!"

"No please?" Inuyasha teased further and he was nearly gulping at the growl Sesshomaru released.

"Now!" Came the threatening demand and he found it would be best to do as his mate wanted.

"Okay, okay." He said, leaning closer to kiss his mate hoping it would distract him from his anger. It worked, and Sesshomaru was soon a moaning and writhing mess again, legs spreading eagerly for his mate to take him. "But if you want it, you work for it."

Before he could try to figure out what the hanyou was talking about, Sesshomaru found himself in the original position of straddling his brother, who was lying beneath him with a cocky grin. His hips were lifted and he was arching back, moaning low and long as his body was pierced by his brother's cock.

"Fuck you feel good." Inuyasha was groaning out, hips thrusting up to bury himself fully.

As Sesshomaru stilled over his dick, his hand traced up his mate's thighs until he was gently gripping his hips, enjoying the blissful look on his brother's face.

"You really are beautiful, Sesshomaru." He murmured, the words coaxing his brother to look at him, breaths coming in pants.

He let his right hand trace over to Sesshomaru's stomach, satisfied to feel the life within still pulsing thanks to their conjoined auras feeding it energy. His youki was thrumming with content in the back of his mind and he was sure Sesshomaru's inner demon was doing the same.

"I still can't believe it." He said with a smile as he gently stroked the skin of Sesshomaru's stomach. "Sometimes I think it's not real."

"That I am your mate or that I am pregnant with your child?" Sesshomaru asked, Inuyasha only snorting softly.

"Both really." Inuyasha said, looking up at his brother's face. "Sometimes I'm afraid that I'll wake up and we'll be back to fighting again."

"Do not think of the past, my mate." Sesshomaru coaxed him, his hands resting over Inuyasha's atop his stomach. "Think only of now. I am your mate, we are to have a pup, and it is no dream."

"And you had better start moving before I change my mind and take the lead again." He warned with a laugh, and Sesshomaru couldn't help but smile himself.

Slowly, he lifted his hips before he was lowering himself down over his brother's length again with a silent gasp.

"Very well, otouto." Sesshomaru panted, hips slowly rising and falling again.

Letting Inuyasha's hand go, Sesshomaru let his palms press against the planes of Inuyasha's chest for support as he began to pick up speed. Inuyasha merely groaned and gasped as his cock slid in and out of his brother's sheath, enjoying the sight of watching the proud inukai ride his dick.

He'd keep quiet about that thought, because he knew his brother was cruel enough to stop and leave him hanging. Instead, he just took took holding his mate's hips again and enjoyed the ride.

Sesshomaru was moaning and gasping as he moved over his brother's length, enjoying the occasional touch to his prostate which was pushing him closer to his second orgasm. The last time he had been with his mate so intimately was when Inuyasha had ended up impregnating him, and his stupidity had him distancing himself from his mate since then. He should have known that it would come back to bite him in the ass, but he was far too arrogant to admit to it. He would not make that mistake again.

The two moved against each other in the wake of the rising sun, the only sound the creaking bed, gasps, groans, and moans. They continued to go on until Inuyasha found himself ready to spill his seed, and the hanyou stopped his mate, before he was lifting him up and off. Sesshomaru growled in objection at the empty feeling with his lover's member no longer buried within him, but Inuyasha shushed him with a kiss.

"I can't help it, I want it to last as much as it can." He said with a shrug. "That and I want to try a position."

Sesshomaru raised a brow before he was merely rolling his eyes.

"How terribly original." He said sarcastically as he climbed off of his lover.

Inuyasha could only roll his eyes himself at his brother's sarcasm, following him as Sesshomaru positioned himself on his hands and knees.

"What? I'm a dog demon, right? I can't help it."

"If that is your excuse, otouto." Sesshomaru simply said.

He was crying out in shock at the hard smack to his upturned ass, his eyes glared back over his shoulders at his mate who dared to smile back at him as if this were a joke.

"Be quiet, or I'll be forced to try bondage and gagging you."

"You wouldn't dare-"

His words melted into moan of pleasure as Inuyasha eased back inside of him, hard and swift without warning. Any further objection was turned to moans as Inuyasha began to thrust with fervor, Sesshomaru forced to stop himself from being pushed forward. His eyes were rolling closed as his back arched, his hips pushing back to meet his brother's powerful thrusts and his mind melting at the sensation of his prostate steadily pushed against. The steady, but gentle, push on his shoulder had him lowering until his cheek was pressed against the mattress and his ass was high in the air.

Inuyasha's hands were then pulling at his legs, spreading them wider before one was resting on his hip and another on his lower back. Sesshomaru was moaning louder as the thrusts sped up and became more powerful, Inuyasha's lust obviously ignited higher with the overly submissive position. Hell, he didn't care as long as it didn't stop. His hands were fisting the sheets tightly, claws tearing new holes in the fabric as he was steadily pounded into. His sounds grew louder and more frequent as he grew closer to his peak, knowing his mate was close once again, if the way he fucked his mate with wild abandon was anything to go by.

He was gasping as the position changed again, and he found his back pressed against Inuyasha's chest and his body straddling his mate's in an upright position. It didn't stop them from moving and he easily guided his mate's hand down to his length, wanting to cum so badly it hurt. Inuyasha obliged and began to steadily stroke him. As he thrust up into his mate's snug ass, Sesshomaru lowered himself over the hard length buried deep inside of him. The two continued to move with fervor, Sesshomaru moaning and Inuyasha swearing under his breath. They eagerly and willingly helped pushed each other closer to the edge. Inuyasha's hand sped up over Sesshomaru's length and it wasn't too long before he was arching his head back onto his lover's shoulder, a scream of completion echoing throughout the large room. Sesshomaru came harder than he could last remember, and his squeezing sheath milked Inuyasha to the same outcome.

With a cry of his own, Inuyasha was clamping down on his mate's hips, stilling the bouncing body as he thrust deep into him one last time, and his seed releasing in a strong burst into his mate's pulsing sheath.

"Fuck, you feel so good, Sessh!" He was growling out, his teeth finding his mark and biting down as if to mark him anew. Sesshomaru was tensing at that, his body releasing again at the overload of sensation that it had caused. His body spasmed with every drop of cum that was released from his member, throat releasing small whimpers he couldn't contain.

Finally everything fell to an abrupt stop and the two lovers collapsed to the bed, Inuyasha still buried deep within his mate's body and Sesshomaru's muscles jumping occasionally from the pleasure still coursing through his body. Inuyasha hugged him close, hissing a bit as he was still clenching about his length and figured it best to pull out before his mate's body could coax him back to hardness. He was too tired to try another bout again. It could wait until after he'd had a nice nap.

Sesshomaru was still moaning and whimpering from the experience, his body finally slowing and the afterglow finally settling in. He fell quiet soon enough, soon only panting with an occasional soft moan. Inuyasha pulled him closer, his lips kissing his exposed shoulder and neck, licking at the reopened but quickly healing mating mark.

"No." Sesshomaru objected softly, his body shuddering. "Too much. . . too soon."

"Sorry." Inuyasha apologized with a chuckle, content to just lay and wait for his mate to come around.

His arm wrapped about him from behind, his hand idly stroking over Sesshomaru's abdomen, while his nose nuzzled the silken locks of his brother's hair. With a final moan of contentment, Sesshomaru was finally relaxing, his body going limp in exhaustion.

"I take it that it was good." Inuyasha murmured softly in his brother's ear, before placing a kiss to the marked cheek.

"Mmm." The elder of the two was humming, eyes sliding closed. "Good. . . very good. Sleep."

Quite proud that he had rutted with his brother so well that words were a chore for the inukai to use, Inuyasha nuzzled his mate before settling in himself for a well deserved nap.

"You know, we're gonna have to get up and deal with reality soon." He reminded his mate who only groaned in objection.

"Not now. Later. Sleep."

He giggled again, before finally taking Sesshomaru's example and letting sleep pull at him.

"I can't believe how much I love you." He was mumbling as he began to fall asleep, not missing his brother's drowsy reply.

"And this Sesshomaru loves you, too."

xoxoxoxox

Reptilian eyes dragged open and looked about at their surroundings, noting the decor of a guest room she had not been placed in by the owner of the palace. A mouth opened to call out, but only a raw croak escaped, alerting whomever was there that she was awake.

"I see her Highness is awake again." Came the male voice and she turned to look at her caretaker, the youkai standing and reaching for the tea set at her bedside.

She tried to object as she was lifted and propped up, a cup brought closer to her lips. She turned her head to refuse it, weak arms lifting to push the hand giving it to her away.

She refused to take it, knowing it was drugged. Whatever it was, it had been given to her every time she had woken up, and it pulled her back into unconsciousness each time.

She was tired of it. She had to get to Inuyasha! She had to warn him! Had to warn everyone!

"Sakuya-hime, please!" The youkai fussed, trying to get her to drink the laced tea. "You must take it, you still need rest!"

She could only make a small sound of objection, as her throat felt too ragged and raw to do much more than that. Her strength seemed to be returning because her struggling was actually working.

"That's enough!" The hebi hissed out, dropping the act and pushing her back, wrenching her mouth open with one hand. The other poured the concoction into her open mouth and she struggled not to swallow, limbs flailing. Her hand knocked into a heavy figurine that served as decoration and she took it without hesitation. With a strong swing, she made contact and the hebi-youkai above her stiffened before collapsing on top of her.

Spitting the tea out, she coughed trying to bring back up what did manage to escape down her throat. With a grunt of effort, she was pushing the unconscious form off of her before she was looking to the door leading into the room. She could hear the low talking of the two guards set at her door, and she knew she had to be quiet.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and went to stand, but had to catch herself as she almost collapsed. That drug had made her far more weak than she had expected. Using the side table as support she forced herself to stand on trembling legs.

She looked to the open window, finding that it was only dawn and had to wonder how long she had been in here. She looked down at unfamiliar hands and lifted her head to look up at a nearby mirror. If she could she would have screamed, but all that happened was a silent gasp. Her face. . . wasn't her own. What had happened? She could barely remember.

Slowly, her mind pulled at thin threads of thought, remembering Inuyasha standing beside her and next to him she had been standing as well. But it hadn't been her, it couldn't have been her, because she was here. Her mind spun and she closed her eyes until the dizziness left, not bothering to figure things out quite at this moment.

She could only get to Inuyasha and the others before things went wrong, or in her case, before things continued to go wrong. Her jaw set in determination, Kagome began to head for the garden doors on shaky legs. Sakuya wouldn't win, she'd stop her before she could get too far.

xoxoxoxox

Kouga was rousing up the last of his pack, not wanting to wake them so early but finding it necessary to do so. They had to get moving. They weren't too far from the Western Palace, and with any luck they would get there before the new moon hit at nightfall.

The familiars of the pack were out scouting the surrounding area to make sure the way was clear and the few youkai that Inuyasha had sent off with him were still standing guard, waiting for his signal that it was time to move.

In the distance he heard a howl, and he looked up, ears carefully waiting to see if another would follow. One did and he was ordering the closest soldier to stand watch. With a nod to Inuyasha's men, he was off with the small group following behind him.

It didn't take him long to reach the wolf that had been calling him, and he came to a stop beside it, his hand petting its head on habit as he knelt beside it. It barked, tongue hanging out of its mouth as it panted, eyes looking in the direction it wanted the wolf leader to look.

Kouga followed its gaze and realized whatever it wanted him to see was far off in the distance, so far that he actually had to use his youkai ability to see it. What he saw caused him to swear under his breath, his mood dropping.

He knew an army when he saw one, and this was a pretty big one to boot. His eyes counted exactly how many and he swore again as he realized just how many were camped.

"Eight hundred." A soldier confirmed behind him and he stood with a sigh, arms crossing as he tried to think of what to do.

If he kept going on the path he was on to the palace, he'd come face to face with this army. That meant he'd have to take a safer route and try to reach the palace from another direction. It would probably take an extra day, however, and time was something he could not afford.

"The enemy will reach the palace long before we do." Another soldier pointed out, a frowning toad demon with hair that was beginning to turn gray.

Kouga assumed that he was the eldest out of the lot, as he was the only one turning gray, but he knew ookami youkai that were close to ancient and had yet to gain gray hairs.

The toad demon did bring up a worrying point. That army was miles ahead of them and knowing that they would be moving at a faster pace than his pack, they would long reach the Western Palace before they did and there went warning Inuyasha about anything.

He hated this, but he would have to send out a scouting party to assess the best options before making a move. That meant sitting and waiting, which meant letting more time pass before getting back to Inuyasha. Hell, before getting back to his mate and pups, who had been in the forefront of his mind since he had left them. He had left them in the thick of danger to help out an ally, without his protection and open to harm.

He had to keep convincing him, that despite their history -including the most recent sparring for a certain dog demon's affection- he and Inuyasha were comrades now, and that mean that the inu-hanyou would do his best to protect them in his absence.

Though the Daiyoukai had his own mate and pups, adopted but his none the less, to look after. Well, he could rest easy knowing that Inuyasha was not alone. Hakkaku was loyal and dependable, and Kagome and the other humans were there as well. All were quite capable of fighting, so at least he could let his mind be at ease. Ginta and the pups would be fine for the time being.

"I need at least five men to go and scout ahead." He said, blue eyes still staring out at the camped army, which was beginning to show signs of stirring. "I need a full count, an assessment of their troop make-up and the location of their general. I won't ask you to attack because that would be stupid, but if there are stragglers, you can take care of them. Report back to me in no more than an hour. I'll inform my pack of what needs to be done."

The toad nodded at the words, standing from his crouch, arms folded and eyes closed in contemplation. Webbed hands stroked at the beard on his chin for a moment before he was opening yellow eyes and looking to his companions.

"You three remaining kitsune and the fastest badger, you will follow my lead."

A single badger stepped forward, along with the last the fox-youkai remaining, all bowing their head to show they understood the order.

"Trust that we will return in time, Lord Kouga." The toad demon said with a bow of his head to the wolf leader. "Consider us dead and our mission failed if we lag in time."

Kouga nodded and then they were off, his familiar beside him whining as it watched the five youkai disappear. He pet its head to reassure it that things were alright for the moment, and then he turned back to the four soldiers left behind.

"The rest of you can rest up." He told them, turning to begin leading them back to where the pack was busy tending to breakfast. "I'll have some of my own guards keep an eye out. I need you guys ready to go if I need you."

They all made a uniform sound of understanding before dispersing in the direction of the fire pits set up to warm the night's previous meal. Kouga strode past happily talking adults and playing children, familiars nursing their young and the old meditating in the rising sun. He came to a stop outside of the perimeter of the pack's campground and allowed himself to change into his animal form.

It was easier for him to get his mind off of his troubles in this form, as his thinking went back to a more basic form of thinking. With the scent of a deer catching his nose, he trotted off in the direction it was coming from. Once he was done, he would head back and wait amongst his people for news he hoped wouldn't be dire.

xoxoxoxox

Miroku sighed as he made his way through the halls. He had just spent most of his breakfast trying to convince Sango that she wasn't to blame for her brother's free reign within the palace. He wasn't sure how many times he had to repeat it, but every time he did, he swore Sango was harder on herself.

They finally parted, with him insisting she check in on Kirara, who was doing far better than they thought. Sango had agreed and he decided to walk the halls to clear his mind.

His travels had sent him through the servant quarters, where he found that Sesshomaru had his servants well housed and attended to, much to his surprise. He did not think the inukai overtly cruel, just impassive. He would assume the youkai would give his servants what he deemed acceptable to their status. He had been wrong, as the servants had quarters that were better equipped than most inns he had been through.

Then again, these were the servants of the Sesshomaru, so it only made sense that their dwelling was so well kept. Any who were good enough to be at the service of Sesshomaru had to be worthy of good living. He chuckled aloud at his own thoughts and continued his aimless wandering. He eventually found himself in the part of the palace that housed the nursery and he could hear Minako scolding Shippo in the distance.

He let his feet take him there, opening the doors to the nursery to find Minako seated with Shippo in front of her, gnarled hands brushing at his thick locks.

"How many times must we go over that your hair is to be kept neat? You are to be a prince of the Western Lands, you know. You can not keep the appearance of a vagabond."

Shippo was only pouting, arms crossed stubbornly as he glared off at nothing in particular. He was alerted to Miroku's presence as the monk laughed at his childish front, Shippo glancing to the door.

"Miroku!" He greeted happily, though daring not to move lest he be clocked with the brush again. For an old lady, Minako hit pretty hard.

"Good morning, Shippo." Miroku said as he walked in, closing the door behind him. "And the same to you, Minako-san."

Minako nodded in greeting before returning to her task. Miroku was looking down at the babbling that came from his feet and he looked down to find Kazue crawling closer, speaking gibberish the entire time.

He smiled down at the baby, who sat himself down at his feet and laughed, before reaching up for Miroku to lift him. The monk hesitated, not exactly sure if he wanted to risk his life by picking up the child.

Kazue began to fuss and that drew the saru's attention, the midwife looking to Miroku with a disgruntled look.

"Miroku, do not let him fuss, it is far too early in the morning." Was all she said, before ignoring the monk further.

"I do fear the repercussions if I were to hold the prince's child in my unworthy ningen arms." He said with an air of sarcasm, Kazue now beginning to cry and pull at the ends of his robe.

"And imagine if he found you left his child to cry and fuss." Was all Minako said, finishing up Shippo's hair.

Touche.

With a sigh, Miroku was bending and picking the baby up, Kazue quieting as he was soon resting on the man's hip. The baby stared up at the monk with wide and curious eyes, Miroku unsure of what to do next. He hadn't truly been around children this young, so he was at a loss as to what to do.

Kazue was soon babbling again, pudgy hand reaching for Miroku's face and the monk laughed as the baby touched it. His hand reaching up to gently pull it away. It was his beaded hand, and the beads quickly got the boy's attention. Small fingers reached and tried to pull, but Miroku gently pulled his hand away, Kazue quickly objecting with a load scream of frustration.

"No, that's not to play with." Miroku gently scolded, heading off to a wooden toy box. He easily bent and grabbed the first thing he could, a rattler that was painted a light blue. Kazue accepted without objection, and was soon shaking it happily, giggling and shrieking in excitement.

"It would seem you have a knack for children, monk." Minako said, standing from her chair and walking closer. "The taijiya will be pleased to know you have the makings of a natural father."

Miroku could only splutter at her statement, Minako chuckling as she took Kazue from his arms. It was a wonder how the monkey-demon could figure so much out. He did have intentions of asking Sango to bear his children. . .again. Well, at least much more seriously than any of the thousands of times he had asked her before. He just wasn't so sure that the woman would agree to it.

He looked about the nursery, his face frowning as he realized that something was off. Or rather, someone was missing.

"Where's Rin?" He asked, Minako stiffening and Shippo looking up at the question.

The kit seemed to shrink away sadly and the saru tsked before placing Kazue down. The pup quickly made his way over to Shippo, stopping to shake the rattler for the fox and easily distracting the kit from his sad mood.

"It would seem that young Rin has gone missing." The midwife softly spoke, Miroku frowning before his eyes widened at what she said next. "It is feared that Naraku has taken her hostage."

"And what is Inuyasha doing?" Miroku asked quickly, trying to piece together what could be done. "Does Sesshomaru know? We must-"

"Hush, child!" Minako quickly said, turning to face him. "We are doing what we can, and Kaede-san is searching for her, but with no success. I fear the worst but dare not let the prince know. The two have far too much bad news for me to burden them with more."

Miroku stopped and frowned at her words, watching as Minako took to sitting again, brown eyes watching the children play.

"More bad news?"

"It is not my place to let you know, but the two have suffered a loss." Was all she told him.

He wasn't sure he understood, but he accepted that much. There was nothing worse he could think of knowing that poor Rin was in the clutches of such a despicable demon. He would think her to be the loss, as her chance of survival seemed grim, but Minako had spoke of a separate instance.

"Is this all we've to look forward to?" He asked suddenly, fingers toying with beads of his hand. "Ill news and war?"

"Death and despair." Minako added with a weary sigh.

"Buddah, help us all."

The sound of the nursery door opening had the two looking up and they found Hiromi gracefully walking inside, Shippo and Kazue brightening a bit at her appearance.

"God morning, grandma!" Shippo blurted out happily, and the female demon nearly stumbled at the words.

"Obasan!" The demon shrieked, before catching herself. "I told you, dear, you must call me obasan."

"But-"

"Uh, uh, uh!" She stopped him quickly with a wag of her finger, before he could remind her that she was old again. "Just don't."

She looked to find Kazue crawling excitedly towards her, and she smiled gently before bending to pick the pup up. She nuzzled the pup's cheek affectionately before catching herself and looking to the two others that were present.

"Ah, you are the hanyou's ningen friend, are you not?" She asked Miroku, who bowed to her in respect.

"Yes, I am. My name is Miroku, it's a pleasure to meet you, my lady"

"A human who is courteous. It is a new age indeed."

She turned to Minako, nodding to the elder youkai out of respect before looking to the room that held the single bed for the nursemaid.

"Is Sesshomaru not here?" She asked, noting his absence. "Breakfast is to be served soon and then we must speak of the impending battles that we can no longer ignore."

"I am sorry, Lady Hiromi." Minako began with a shrug of her shoulders. "But the prince and his mate have returned to their rooms and wish not to be disturbed."

The noble youkai only sorted with a roll of her eyes.

"Ah, to be newly mated again." She said with a sigh. "You would think they had not already succeeded in gaining a child."

"A child?" Miroku squeaked out, not believing his ears.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, that was supposed to be a secret, was it not?"

Minako sighed, ignoring Miroku's stupefied face and looking to Hiromi, who was distracted with cooing at her grandson.

"I am pained to announce that the child is no more."

That had Hiromi snapping to attention and looking to the saru with an angered glare.

"What did you say?" She slowly hissed out, her anger steadily rising.

"Sesshomaru is with child no longer." Minako clarified and Hiromi carefully rested Kazue down, before she turned to begin walking out.

"That stupid boy! To get rid of the pup because-"

"It was a miscarriage."

The words had her halting, and Hiromi turned back to Minako with wide eyes, forgetting to close the door again. Miscarriage?

"But how?"

"His body was too weak and though he had been able to become impregnated, it was too soon." Minako explained. "His body rejected the pup last night. He and Inuyasha have retreated to their rooms to mourn."

Miroku by now had moved to comfort a sniffling Shippo and Hiromi let her stoic mask fall into place, trying to keep her emotions in check. It was odd that she was suddenly so free with them and it was hard to remember her own mother's words and warnings.

"I see." She said after clearing her throat. "I shall leave them to morn for a few more hours, but it is imperative that we discuss our next move. I fear we are running out of time."

Minako nodded, before standing and offering to prepare tea for everyone. No one saw as the youngest occupant of the room crawled out into the hallway, too distracted by the news Minako had delivered and trying to push it aside with the prospect of tea.

Kazue went on unnoticed, his small body traveling down the hallway until he came to a stop. He sat up, looking up at the figure that was standing in front of him and beginning to cry as his eyes connected with feline-like eyes.

Kanaye was lifting the crying baby into his arms, chuckling darkly as he bounced the boy in his arms, trying to shush him. Kazue merely cried harder, being carried away down the hall and away from the people that he knew and was safe with.

"It's okay, young one." Kanaye cooed, succeeding in calming the boy until he was only fussing. "Daddy's here."

T.B.C.