Sly as a Fox

Responses for Reviewers::

Thank you so much for your reviews! I am glad that you guys were willing to wait for me. Updates are going to be quick, I promise! At least one chapter a week, hopefully more. According to the votes for the other love interest, Shippou's second in command is the most popular. ^^ This could be fun to write, especially since Takai is pretty much the exact opposite of Sess. xD I have to say that I do like this pairing as well, but we'll see where it goes. Thank you for reading along and I hope to read more reviews in the future!

Warnings for the Chapter::

Violence, language, Fluffy angst, Shippou's interesting creativity,Lime-ish-ness, more character death( I'm so evil T_T )

Commentary/Disclaimer::

Sesshoumaru: I thank every deity above known to man, beast, and demon, that this vile spawn of Hell does not own me or those creatures that inhabit my world.
Shippou:: Amen to that.
Rho:: Heeeeey!! I would take good care of you!
Sesshoumaru:: You are soiling my pelt with your disgusting hands...-cringe-
Rho:: But it's so soft!-huggles-
Shippou:: HEY! That's MINE!!! -cries-


If there were a single word in existence that could describe the current mood of the Lord of the West, that word would be: Un-amused. How one single day could be so infuriating he would never know. No one seemed to sense the impending danger either as he stalked through the open corridors of the Western palace. Not a single whisper of sound escaped his tall form, the long sleeves of his white and red haori barely brushing against the wooden floor that normally would creak and groan to sound a person's passing. This was not the case with the brooding lord who looked as though he were the ruler of hell itself. His golden eyes burned with a rage that was barely suppressed. Had he been a lesser being, perhaps he would have displayed his emotions to the world. However, he was in no way a lesser being and was instead, a man dictated by the expectations of his station. It was true that his father was a man run by his emotions. Sesshoumaru was not such a man. Instantly as he rounded a corner his preditorial gaze focused of a servant girl bent cleaning the floor. The only warning that she received was a dark snarl before she was roughly hoisted off of the ground by a clawed hand around her throat. A choked gasp escaped her constricting throat as she hung nearly three feet above the ground, her large brown eyes clouding with terror and tears. The sight that met her was the beautifully dangerous lord, his golden eyes flashing brilliant red as his lips curled back into a snarl. His silver hair hung neatly around his white clad figure and in the light from the lanterns that lined the halls he looked absolutely god-like. The trembling girl struggled to breathe, her tiny hands clutching at his.

"Onegai, Sesshoumaru-sama!" She squeaked out. His eyes widened in shock as the servant girl appeared to change in his hand, her short even hair growing long and unruly, a large toothy grin gracing her dirt smudged face as her large eyes looked at him lovingly. With a gasp he dropped the girl and she instantly ceased looking like that child that he had not seen in so long. The girl's throat was now red and tears rolled freely down her cheeks as she bowed deeply on the floor. Sesshoumaru raised a hand to his forehead, his brows creasing in confusion.

"Go to the infirmary and have them heal you." He stated coldly before stepping silently around the girl and vanishing down the hall. The servant watched him leave with a worried expression, biting her lower lip. Her lord was in such pain.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-::

Shippou surveyed the ranks that rode ahead of him, his emerald eyes lingering on one in particular. There were twenty of his personal guard with him, including his most trusted friend and warrior, Takai. Takai had been left in the south to watch over the lands and take care of thing in his Lord's absence. However, the strong willed kitsune had disobeyed the order and tagged along anyway. He had even had the nerve to chide Shippou for his lack of security and men, all while searching the younger male for weapons to be sure that he was properly prepared. The younger fox's face was still bright red from the other's attention. Shippou was sure that he was getting worked up over nothing, Takai was a man, after all. The large, calloused hands that ran tenderly over his abdomen, caressing his sensitive tail, and lingering longer then necessary at his hips to check the belt that held his daggers was all just a part of his imagination. Takai was just acting his part of the protective general and wanted to make sure that the kit would be safe. Although, Shippou felt himself flush even further at the thought of the soft mewl that had freed itself from his lips when the older male had brushed a claw against the base of his spine as Takai checked on the metal band that encircled the kit's tail. A shudder shook the red haired boy at the thought. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought that the warrior had done it on purpose. But, that was not a possibility. This was his teacher for crying out loud! Takai turned to meet the Lord's confused stare. For an instant, intense blue lit with something that the kit did not understand before it vanished and was replaced by the brotherly grin that usually lit the other's features. Shippou was puzzled.

Takai waved to him playfully before returning his attention to the front. His hair was short, falling in uneven layers about his sharp face and it was blacker then even Kagome's hair, tinted faintly with electric blue. Takai was a rare coloration as far as foxes went, his black fur making him sought after by nearly everyone. However, the man always politely declined their offers. Shippou had never really been sure why. His General was an enigma, to say the least. The man was pretty outspoken and friendly, however he never revealed anything about himself. It was strange how the guy managed it. They were moving along at a fast trot, the guards surrounding Shippou and his mount protectively. Despite him being young and inexperienced as a leader, they followed him faithfully, all willing to give their lives in order to keep him safe. Shippou was not sure how well he liked the idea of them sacrificing themselves for him. They had been riding nearly all night and the Western palace was very near. The lord wanted them to be well rested before they entered Sesshoumaru's lair.

"We should make camp for now." He stated calmly, despite his nervousness. Without a word the guardians sprung into action. Horses were dismounted, fires were started, and tents were erected in a matter of minutes. Shippou went about leading the horses to a small stream nearby, the kit giggling as they chased after him playfully. He had come to understand these horses pretty well and knew that they were just as protective of him as thier riders were. Shippou watched the beautiful beasts drink, seating himself atop a felled tree trunk. He sighed softly and drew his legs to his chest as his mind wandered back to the silver haired demon that he was about to meet again. The fox wondered if he had changed at all since they had last met. Suddenly, he felt the fine hair on the back of his neck rise and instantly he whirled, grabbing a metal fan from the obi of his hakama. He opened it quickly, batting aside a kunai as though it were an annoying insect. The action took only a few seconds altogether. The echo of metal ringing filled the lord's ears and he twitched slightly before leaping vertically as a streak of black shot toward him. He brought the fan down sharply and effectively halted a very large sword mid swing that most would not have even seen coming while pulling out a second metal fan with his free hand to block a similar attack from behind. Shippou snapped the fans shut around the blades, effectively halting his attackers so that he could see who they were. Two men, from what he could tell, fought against the vice grip of his fans. Both were clad entirely in black and from the way they moved and smelled, he could tell that they were some form of demon. However, he was uncertain as to what type they were. Angry red glared at him from behind white masks that had been painted with red here and there.

"Hmph. More weak ninja assassins, huh?" Shippou asked darkly, an almost mischievous grin curving his lips and with a poof of blue smoke, he was gone. The two men jumped back quickly and began scanning the area for the fox. The southern lord landed silently atop one of the demonic horses, the creature coming to alert and nickering softly.

"Shh...let's play a little game with these guys, ne?" The kit asked sadistically and he rose to his feet while the horse cantered proudly toward the two ninjas. "Oi! You guys sure that you are gunna be able to handle me? I mean, two against one isn't very fair!" Shippou knew all too well that there were most likely more of them nearby, but he wasn't worried. The more the merrier. The two black clad demons glared at the lord who had placed his fans away and was toying absently with a small blue flame. He made a sharp gesture with his fingers and the flame grew, encasing the twenty two horses and himself. When the flames cleared instead of standing atop a horse, the fox was sitting on the shoulders of an identical lord. He was sat gently on his feet by the copy and he turned his playful gaze back to the two men.

" I love games, don't you? See if you can find the real me!" The twenty three Shippous giggled before clouds of smoke encased each one and they vanished.

"Shit. Fucking fox-brat." One of the ninja cursed. He motioned a few times with his hands and eight others dropped from the trees. " Find him! Kill any of him that you see!" Without a word they split off into different directions, unbeknownst to the emerald eyes that watched in amusement. The kit sat neatly in a tall tree, the horses grazing contently around it's base. With a mischievous grin the fox continued to spin his illusion. He had sensed the assassins a good while ago but chose to forget them until a better moment. After all, he wanted to perfect his illusions. This one was very elaborate. It had begun the moment he had vanished the first time and he had been forced to hide himself until the other eight were drawn out into the open so that he could capture them as well. Now he was contently watching the poor souls run about in dizzying circles. Every once in a while one of them would "kill" one of his "copies" and call out in confirmation to the others. He wondered how long it would take them to realize the game. After nearly ten minutes of watching them play in his maze of illusion, the kit grew bored. He knew that they were getting worn out, especially since he kept making more copies of himself. With a smirk began weaving new patterns with his illusion. Oh this would be entertaining indeed. The ten ninja re grouped in the forest, panting heavily.

" I don't understand it! We just keep killing him and he just keeps coming back!" One gasped.

" He is a kitsune, they can manipulate the mind. Perhaps he has been creating more copies and has already fled." Another chimed in.

" No, I can still feel him nearby." A third countered. Just then a mighty snarl sounded all around them and they all turned to see a massive cream and orange colored fox demon, it's emerald eyes blazing wildly.

" Do not think me a coward! I will crush all of you and bathe in your blood!" The fox hissed angrily. The ninja tensed, ready to attack as the beast leapt at them. Shippou watched the ten of them in near hysteria as they swung repetitively at the illusion. Eventually, some of them began screaming in terror and in pain, writhing on the ground. Maybe he had played a bit too much? The fox dropped silently, landing amidst them and before any of them could react, the kit knocked most of them unconscious. The others were too lost in his illusion to notice him and continued to scream in fear.

"Having fun are we?" Came a deep voice from nearby and Shippou turned to give his second in command a toothy grin. Takai stood before a few of Shippou's guardians, arms folded over his chest.

"Yup! These guys are so fun to watch!" The lord giggled while kicking one that had moved. "D'you guys wanna get rid of these toys for me? I think that they are all broken."

"One moment..." Takai replied and with a dangerous look in his eyes, the tall man strode purposefully to one of the writhing ninja, lifting him into the air effortlessly. "

You will tell me who sent you this instant or I will cause you to go mad. I will kill everything that you hold dear and I will make you watch. Over and over again." The dark haired fox's face was harsh, the jagged scar that ran along the side of his jaw making him even more intimidating. Most kitsune were smaller and petite. Takai was not. He stood nearly six foot tall and was muscular, his shoulders broad. To say the least, he was a very frightening man when he wanted to be.
"N-north." Was the only word that escaped the man's mouth before he passed out from the strain on his mind. Shippou cast a troubled glance at Takai, who dropped the ninja.

"Kill them all." Takai stated emotionlessly, and the guardians set about it quickly and without hesitation. " My Lord, it would be best if you got some rest. We shall keep watch over you all night. I do not like that they have started sending whole teams after you. Who knows what they will send next." Shippou pouted cutely at the older kitsune.

" I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Takai-san! I don't need a babysitter!" He whined, earning a smile from the black kitsune. Takai strode over to the kit and lifted Shippou's chin slightly, his hypnotic blue eyes locking with green.

"Perhaps not, but we need you at your best tomorrow, Shippou-sama." The man all but purred, causing the kit to blush darkly and look away.

" H-hai. Goodnight then, everyone..." Shippou made a hasty retreat toward the camp, leaving behind a smirking Takai and a group of amused kitsune.

" I think that you are being a bit too forward for the poor little guy." One commented after a moment, earning a chuckle from Takai, who turned his eyes to look at the speaker.

"If I am not forward, he will never notice me and he will get forced into some arranged marriage or something. That would kill me I think..." The General replied smoothly before following after his Lord.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

It was around mid day when they arrived at the palace of the West and they were greeted with a ceremonial guard that escorted them through the city that surrounded the palace to the main gates. It was an impressive structure to say the least, with it's traditional Japanese design and high walls that encased the entire complex. The main house was located in the very center of the palace at the top of several stone steps. The main house alone was large enough to fit Kaede's village and then some. Shippou left his twenty guards and the horses within the main gates and only he and Takai strode up the many steps to the main house. He was impressed by how neat and orderly everything was. But, something felt wrong. Everything, even the guards and servants were so devoid of life. It was as though someone had stolen it away and all that remained was an empty shell. They were shown to the main audience chamber which was a large office like room that contained a large table with a detailed map of the land draw atop it. All along the walls were scrolls and paintings, several high backed chairs situated around the table. A servant girl entered a few moments later with tea for them. She placed a third cup at the head of the table for her Lord, filling it before exiting with a bow to them. Shippou rose from his seat to examine one of the scrolls that hand been tacked neatly to the wall, his green eyes taking in the fine writing. Instantly he recognized the familiar text and a faint smile curved his lips. It seemed that Kagome's words had even reached this place.

" I would prefer it is you would keep your servants under control and in their seats, Lord of the South." Came a rich baritone from the door, causing Shippou to flinch and jerk his head toward it. He was struck speechless as he stared at the man who looked to have been frozen in time. The silver haired demon looked identical to how he had looked on their last encounter and Shippou had a bit of a time reigning in his urge to scurry up onto Takai's shoulder for protection. Shippou's eyes narrowed slightly and he turned to face the other lord fully, his head held high.

" I apologize for the confusion, Lord Sesshoumaru, but you are mistaken. I am Shippou, Lord of the South. This man is Takai, my General and closest guard." The kit stated calmly, offended by the silver haired man's conclusion. He had worked hard for his title and he would be damned before he allowed this mutt to deny him of it. Sesshoumaru's cold gaze slid slowly to the younger of his two visitors, and a single brow arched gracefully as he studied the boy. He wasn't even entirely sure that the fox was indeed male until he caught wind of his scent. The lord of the West locked his intense glare with those large green eyes that watched him without fear. He also noted that the boy was bold enough to show his annoyance at the other's mistake. This kit looked familiar, but for the life of him, he could not place it. Rather then correct himself, the Inu Youkai strode across the room to his seat, feeling the angry pout of the younger lord without even looking at the boy.

"Ahem. If you will take a seat, we can get to the point of your visit and you can be on your way, Lord of the South. However, I would prefer it if your General waited outside. These are matters to be discussed with Lords, not soldiers." Sesshoumaru stated emotionlessly.

"But..." The red haired male began before he was cut off by Takai rising to his feet.

" As you wish, Lord Sesshoumaru. I shall be waiting just outside if you need me, Shippou-Sama..." The dark haired kitsune replied, bowing deeply to the younger male, his blue eyes locking purposefully with Sesshoumaru's as he turned to leave. It was a warning. Sesshoumaru did not make any move to acknowledge the warning either. Once the General left the room, Shippou sighed and took a seat across from the Lord, his hands folded neatly in his lap.

" It has been a long time since we have seen each other, hasn't it, Sesshoumaru?" He asked with a small smile. The silver haired lord stared silently at the kit as he attempted to place where he knew the boy from. And then it clicked.

"You are InuYasha's fox-child." Sesshoumaru stated and Shippou's smile grew radiant, pleased that the other had at least remembered him. "What is it that you want?"

Shippou pouted childishly, his brows furrowing at he glared at the western lord.

" Gee aren't you polite. Glad to see that you are still as big of a cold hearted asshole as you were back then." The fox replied and Sesshoumaru cocked a brow again. My wasn't this boy a brave one? "My father was once a close friend of yours, and they held one of the strongest treaties in the lands. I am here to renew that treaty with you in hopes that our lands will both benefit because of it." Sesshoumaru merely stared at the other, his golden gaze sweeping slowly along the feminine plans of Shippou's face. He never remembered the kit being quite so appealing. Sure he was always a frail and helpless looking little rat, but now it appeared that the boy had grown into quite the beauty. "And that would keep back the rivaling Nor- Are you even listening to me, Ice Prince?"

Sesshoumaru blinked once and without moving a muscle, he replied, "No."

"What!? What do you mean no!? Why the hell not!?" Shippou exclaimed, losing his diplomatic front fairly quickly as his eyes narrowed and he rose to his feet to lean over the table slightly.

"Because I have no intention of associating myself with such a weakling, now get out." The canine responded darkly. Shippou's eyes darkened a few hues and he bared his fangs at the other.

" I am NOT weak, you stupid mutt!" He hissed. Before he knew what was happening, the fox found himself pinned against the wall by his throat, the wind knocked from his lungs, and a heartless looking man glaring into his face. Sesshoumaru was so close that the fox could feel the warmth of his breath on his cheeks and he felt a faint blush creeping over him. Was this man always so god-damned beautiful?

"You have spent far too much time around my little brother, kit..." The silver haired god began in a voice that was a few octaves lower then usual. A soft grunt escaped his lips a moment later when he felt the sharp edge of a dagger pressing into his own neck.

"And you have grown slow in your old age, Fluffy." The fox retorted with a sadistic grin. " I am not weak."

"Then prove it." Sesshoumaru challenged, his face mere centimeters from Shippou's. "Meet me in the main courtyard in ten minutes. Be prepared for a test, kit. I will not ally myself with weakness." And with that, the Lord of the West was striding out the door, leaving behind a worked up Lord of the South in his wake. Shippou sheathed his dagger and slid to the floor, a shudder working through him. Why was his heart kicking into overdrive? And why had that man seemed so...so...attractive? The fox had never really shown any interest in anyone until recently and Sesshoumaru had stirred up a whole mess of confusing impulses. It wasn't until he found himself being shaken forcefully by Takai that he broke out of his stupor.

"My Lord, are you alright?" Takai asked worriedly. He helped the boy to his feet.

"Y-yeah. I am to be tested by him. Can you help me find the main courtyard?" Shippou said finally and the other nodded in confirmation. This was going to be more work then the fox had hoped.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-


Shippou had hoped that he wouldn't have to fight the older lord, mainly because he had witnessed the man's strength in battle as well as his poison. The fox sighed worriedly and readjusted his obi, making sure that his "toys" were all tucked away neatly before checking his twin daggers. He was not willing to take any chances in this fight. The fox knew that he needed to at least leave a mark on the cold hearted bastard if he were to score any points at all with him. The kitsune lord knew that his speed was one of his most reliable skills, however, he was not too sure if he could match up to the silver haired man. Absently, he toyed with the sleeve of his haori as he stood in the center of the large courtyard that had been cleared for the sparring match. It seemed as though everyone in the entire palace had managed to show up to watch. Shippou jumped slightly when he felt a hand on his shoulder, but relaxed when he recognized the familiar scent of Takai.

"Relax. You have nothing to worry about." The older fox stated calmly, a warm smile gracing his lips. Shippou gave him a dry look.

"Easy for you to say. You haven't ever seen this guy fight before, have you?" The red head replied.

"No I have not seen this Lord fight, but I have seen his father and brother both in battle. You are going to be fine." Takai chuckled. His jovial mood darkened however, when he spotted the silver haired lord striding towards them. " Don't disappoint me, My Lord." With that the dark haired man moved out of the way, leaving a nearly hyperventilating Shippou to face Sesshoumaru alone. The Inu youkai stopped a few feet away, golden eyes scrutinizing his opponent. He was unimpressed so far. The kit looked like the frightened child that he had always been and the older male's nose crinkled slightly at the scent of fear.

" Prepare yourself." Sesshoumaru stated and the fox tensed as expected. He would rid himself of this flea and take over the south as well. Without batting an eye he moved. To most, his body was but a dark blur, his slitted eyes zooming in on the boy's chest and he stretched out a poison laced hand to strike. However, his claws caught only air. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened a fraction of a millimeter. He hadn't seen the boy move. The Western lord whirled at the last moment to catch a silver blade with a single hand, eyes locking with emerald. So the boy had some speed. Interesting. Shippou's eyes widened slightly as he watched the corner of the dog's lips twitch. Did he just...smirk!? And then the southern lord felt the fine hair of his neck stand on end and he leapt back quickly, barely avoiding Sesshoumaru's second strike. The air hissed and snapped as the western lord's poison tainted the wind. The kit did not want to touch that. His eyes narrowed darkly as Sesshoumaru raised two fingers into the air before himself, a violent arch of energy snaking out to form a long whip. Shippou bit his lower lip nervously. He remembered this technique all too well. With a crack the silver haired demon struck, his first strike deflecting off of one of Shippou's daggers. Instantly after that first strike, the western lord struck from a different angle and the kit spun to avoid it only to be nicked slightly on the cheek. A soft gasp escaped his throat as a tiny rivulets of blood rolled down his fair skin.

Sesshoumaru was head hunting. How lovely. The fox hissed lowly and rushed the other, his twin blades crossed before himself. The dog struck lightning fast, forcing the kit to dodge and parry the whip that seemed to be an extension of the silver haired man. He tilted his head to the side quickly and the whip overshot him. On instinct, the kit brought his black dagger upward, but rather then cut through, the blade became entangled in the whip. Suddenly Sesshoumaru was before him, claws swinging toward his face. Shippou ducked quickly and using his flexibility, he flipped himself backward before reversing himself and bringing his sandal clad foot down toward the other's head. The silver haired man caught his foot, claws digging painfully into the boy's skin.

Once again, Shippou used his surprisingly bendable body to twist sharply and aim another kick toward the dog's midsection. Sesshoumaru let out a soft grunt and released the boy before the blow connected, moving backward quickly to avoid the assault. The fox let out a yelp of surprise and landed in a silent crouch, his tail flicking from side to side slowly. He was unable to prevent the toothy grin that curved his mouth. Perhaps he was somewhat of a match against the other lord.

A/N:: The actual fight takes place next chapter along with some...um...well...lemon scented goodness. Maybe...Review please!