Strength

You guys are the best, thanks for the reviews. I am honoured to have some really interesting insights and suggestions.

Im glad most enjoyed the kids little interplay – and to those who think Yuusha is a spoilt brat – HE IS! Lol Inu spoils him tremendously – but he also has a big heart and loves his Papa to bits and has enough of Sesshy inside him to KNOWN he is better than everyone. He is not perfect – but I think he is damn cute – and he is a kid – so yes he can and will get away with a lot.

Random ideas : Though it may never actually come up in the story – just FYI the hawk Demon Sora is going to be recruited by Yuusha as one of his personal advisors/guards to the others. Sora is too honourable for his own good, he needs a focus and a mission in life. Betrayal will never even cross his mind – but he will not hold back his opinion if he thinks that anyone is acting dishonourably. Yuusha will appreciate that. Think 'Paladin' and you have a good handle on Sora's character. Yuusha wants his henchman to be as different from Sesshy's as possible – cause he wants to be different (Jaken vs. Hawk Paladin) Only Inuyasha will chuckle at the fact that wanting a henchman makes Yuusha more like Sesshy than anything else. **hehehe randomness from me again.

Okay on to the story proper

Read, review and enjoy!!

Chapter 32 : The things he never had... Warmth, Safety... Respect

Sweat dripped from his brow, as Inuyasha hunched over, pain radiating from the base of his spine, his chest and his forehead to the rest of his body. His claws dug into his own palms – just as they were about to break skin, a gentle but firm hand forced his fingers to uncurl, and moko moko filled Inuyasha's palms cushioning them against the sharp claws. His claws unconsciously dug viciously into Sesshoumaru's tail, but neither the DaiYoukai nor moko moko seemed to mind.

Inuyusha still uncomfortable with his brother witnessing him at his weakest, tried again to pull away, but Sesshoumaru firmly brought Inuyahsa close to him. The Hanyou kept squirming and writhing – until finally Sesshoumaru lifted him up and placed him snugly on his lap. This had been the position Sesshoumaru enjoyed the most while comforting his brother, and as per his nature Inuyahsa fought this position each morning. At least initially, before the pain took him, and he was no longer conscious of the position he was in..

Sesshoumaru's cock, immediately hardened in approval at the new position, his need for his beta mate blossoming once again. Regardless of the situation, sex seemed to have lodged itself firmly in the fore front of his mind. Sesshoumaru who had been so complete within himself for most of his life, found it now difficult to imagine life without the frustrating, pleasurable ache that shadowed him when he was not buried deep inside his mate. The sexual submission of his powerful beta mate, was a drug that Sesshoumaru was thoroughly addicted to. He could not, did not want- to ever go back to how empty and cold his life had been without the warmth of his delicious mate.

But when Inuyasha was like this, racked with pain, and there was nothing Sesshoumaru could do except hold his mate, in those long early hours of dawn Sesshoumaru learned the true meaning of helplessness. His mate, the one he needed to protect was in pain, and there was nothing he a DaiYouaki with all his great powers could do to reduce the pain. So Sesshoumaru held Inuyasha close, stoked him, comforted him, until the pain receded and he cursed all the gods and the cruelty of the uncaring fates for the pain his brother was forced to bear.

If he could have, Sesshoumaru would have traded places with Inuyasha in a second, but he knew that Inuyasha would never allow it. Sesshoumaru was the perfect killer –a warrior par excellence, but Inuyasha – Inuyasha was the perfect protector. A tight smile sneaked pass Sesshoumaru's defences and he hugged Inuyasha closer. For each layer of protection Sesshoumaru had put on Inuyasha in the recent days, the Hanyou had with shocking instinct, turned it around so that layer of protection also blanketed Sesshoumaru. It was equally amusing and touching for the DaiYoukai whom no one whom have dared to even suggest needed protection. It would have been insulting, if not for the fact Sesshoumaru was pretty sure that Inuyasha was protecting him instinctively rather than actively. Sesshoumaru was family, Inuyasha's pack, and regardless of status in the pack, Inuyahsa protected his pack – with all of his heart and strength.

Sesshoumaru found that trait in his brother in equal parts endearing and terrifying. Endearing as to be a 'true protector' was a trait Inuyasha had inherited directly from his father – and a trait that the Hanyou had cultivated in the past 8 years to the point of ridiculousness. Sesshoumaru protected as part of the duty of a DaiYoukai – but his instincts had always leaned more towards domination than protection. Hmn, perhaps that was why when Inuyusha had not come to his side during the war Sesshoumaru had felt so betrayed. Somehow instinctively he had known that if Inuyasha had been there they would have won the day without suffering the crushing loses that his side had taken.

But that was the past, Inuyasha would be at his side now. And Sesshoumaru was reluctant to remember his life without the fiery Hanyou.

The current state of Inuyash's protectiveness was terrifying because Sesshoumaru knew, that if it came down to it, Inuyasha without a second's hesitation would sacrifice himself before even allowing any of the pups to be harmed. Sesshoumaru stroked the satiny triangles possessively, burying his nose in the cotton soft hair he inhaled deeply, taking in the unique scent. Terrifying because Sesshoumaru was coming to realize that in exact opposition to Inuyasha's position, there was nothing he would NOT be willing to sacrifice to keep his mate safe. Inuyasha was his mate, his Beta, and even above the lives of pups, an alpha guarded his Beta Mate, that was what Sesshoumaru's instincts dictated and Inuyasha would have to come to realise that if he wanted his mate focused on saving the pups, than he – Inuyasha – would have to first be safe.

Sesshoumaru held Inuyasha snug, ignoring the claws that had jerked away from moko moko during a spasm, and were currently digging furrows of blood into his forearms. He kept his mate warm through the pain, and then when it finally subsided, gently helped the stressed half-demon clean up and look presentable.

Consciousness returned to Inuyasha as the pain receeded. Today as he had the last few days he found himself surfacing to consciousness once again in the DaiYoukai's lap. As soon as he caught his breathe he scrambled off, aching, tired and yet stupidly not tired enough to NOT be once again embarrassed by being placed on his brother's lap. Sesshoumaru never held him longer than was necessary, and that helped Inuyasha maintain his composure. They never mentioned the mornings at other times of the day – so Inuyasha never had a chance to tell his brother NOT to do that again.

Since his brother had found out about the morning spasms, life had gotten easier and all the more complicated at the same time. Sesshoumaru's warmth and support helped ease the Hanyou and gave a strange comfort, but it did not ease the pain in any way. Inuyasha was almost amazed at how much his pain affected Sesshoumaru, it filled him with a strange mix of emotions. He would never have believed Sesshoumaru was capable of such emotions – especially aimed at him. The hands that had once taken such joy in tearing Inuyasha apart, in cutting, crushing and destroying the Hanyou, were so gentle, warm and giving. The difference was so stark, that the touch of those hands such a contrast that the warmth seemed to seep past the barriers Inuyasha had put up without any effort what so ever.

Inuyasha shivered, and immediately moko moko and titanium strong arms wrapped around him, warming more than his damaged body. It was ... amazing.

To be saved Inuyasha would have to give birth in the best way possible,

At this time, in spite of the pain Inuyasha began to really feel that things could not be better. To be with Sesshoumaru like this, was.. was.. well the best. The pups were safe, and being trained well, the pups in his belly were safe, happy and being sustained by both fathers and Inuyahsa – Inuyasha – was supported, safe and when he was not wracked by pain, he was so damn warm and cared for - he never imagined it possible.

Sesshoumaru did big things – like adding guards to the castle, making sure each article of Inuyasha's clothes were made of protective cloths, having some protective magics added to shoulder guards and arm bands that Inuyahsa wore outside the private rooms. These things Inuyasha found more irritating than anything – it was the small things that were tearing down Inuyasha's defences. How Sesshoumaru would drop everything and appear – when he felt foreign presences (even safe ones) around his mate, how when he shivered he would immediately be wrapped in warmth, how by even a small mention from him that his favourite natural food from Kagome's time had been pickles, Sesshoumaru had quietly brought in a huge jarful from some corner of Japan for Inuyahsa to enjoy. The gardens were also slowly being transformed, Inuyasha noticed that the west side of the private garden was being allowed to grow more wild, just the way Inuyasha liked it. Bigger trees were being planted and that part of the garden began to shape into the wilderness that Inuyasha loved,

Sesshoumaru was spoiling Inuyasha and Inuyasha may have been angered by it – if Sesshoumaru had been treating him as weak or as a girl. But in spite of all the spoiling – Sesshoumaru also showed his respect for Inuyasha's strength and abilities. The DaiYoukai never interfered in Inuyasha's training with the pups, Inuyahsa's responsibilities in caring for the city state had increased not decreased after the people had discovered that he was the mate of Sesshoumaru and bearer of the pups. Now petitioners wanted to see him, and not just the people he delegated tasks to. As Sesshumaru's second; the Generals and Commanders came to him for advice on security matters, when the DaiYoukai was unavailable, this had been rather awkward and reluctant at first, as the Generals had no idea of Inuyasha's real powers. This had led to Inuyasha challenging all 3 Generals to battle at once, they had scoffed but were unable to turn the Hanyou down, not just because of his position but more because of the long string of insults that had accompanied the challenge.

Inuyasha had had the time of his life. Very rarely did he get a chance to stretch his abilities like that, and before his cheering pups and half the palace, he showed the Inu Generals why he had more than earned his title.

Half way through the battle, Sesshoumaru appeared at the battle grounds. He was the only one who knew that his mate was pregnant, and he was going to stop the battle, when he actually noticed his mate's face. Inuyasha's eyes sparkled, his skin had a healthy glow and the muscles rippled throughout his body. There was a cocky half smile on his face, as he fought some of the most dangerous Inu's in the land. Sesshoumaru found his feet stuck to the ground, as much as his head wanted to stop the battle, his instincts and heart said no, his mate was having fun- relaxing! He had to let his mate, do his thing. So Sesshoumaru watched silently grinding his teeth, but at the same time, feeling proud at how Inuyasha was clearly winning and not getting as hurt as he would have gotten in his younger days. Inuyasha had more control now (like duh!) and he also incorporated into his style more defensive fighting techniques where he avoided being hit all together. This style somehow made Seshoumaru relax a little more, and begin to glow with pride, his mate was magnificent.

Sesshoumaru hid a winch as the last few big moves that Inuyahsa did more to put on a show to the pups rather than needed moves to overcome the generals, pretty much destroyed a wall and most of the garden. The power of the blows deliberately missed the Generals and in simply passing them cut their skin numerous times, everyone stared at the crumbled reinforced wall, that had withstood all other kinds of training battles without a scratch in the past. The generals looked at each other and in unison, dropped to their knees, finally accepting Inuyasha as their leader. Inuyasha actually laughed in response and thanked them for the fun,

Sesshoumaru unmasked his presence and they all turned to see the DaiYoukai. The Generals paled, and planted their faces in the ground. Inuyasha gulped a little, and glared at Sesshoumaru daring him to say the wrong thing. Sesshoumaru glided up to his beta, reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder, "Well done!" That was all the DaiYoukai said before gliding off again, leaving Inuyasha to savour his victory.

Sesshoumaru's reaction put a seal to Inuyasha's win and everyone was ecstatic, Inuyahsa for some strange reason felt happy but a little bit disappointed at the same time. The tiny part of him that had been expecting more from his Mate had been disappointed, and for the life of him Inuyasha could not understand why he felt that way. His feeling cleared up, when at dinner, without informing his mate, Sesshoumaru summoned all the higher level staff from ministers, to generals, to castle help staff to the main dining area, interrupting the routine, Inuyasha was summoned as well.

Now, Sesshoumaru wrapped a possessive arm around his mate, and hauled him to his side. His announcement was short and sweet, "Let it be known that Lord Inuyahsa is honouring his mate, by bearing our second litter of pups. We have known this for a month now, and would like to honor our staff by sharing this information with you, on the understanding that the news is NOT to be made public as yet." Shocked silence filled the hall, and jaws dropped as the staff most o whom had witnessed the battle realised that not only had a Hanyou defeated their Generals, the Hanyou had been carrying – while doing it. The three generals however paled considerably as Sesshoumaru turned to them. "If I had any doubt of the outcome of today's match, this Seshoumaru would have stopped the fight, but the blood of my father runs thick in our prince and he did not need protection. Not than at least. This Sesshoumaru realises that his little brother can be annoying, irritating and down right bull headed at times.." [**"Hoi!.. akkk" Inuyasha bright red, tried to dig an elbow into Sesshoumaru's side, but forgetting the armour -got a bruised elbow instead.]

Sesshoumaru looked down and deliberately allowed his people to see his expression, his face softened, a smile crossed his lips, as he shook his head and wrapped moko moko around Inuyasha to stop him from hurting himself further. "His little brother can also be the most loving, cutest, bravest and most reliable warrior to have by your side. He will never give up or betray those he fights for. Therefore understandings my beta's character, I will allow that this morning's incident was necessary – therapeutic even. If however, there is a repeat of this, once my brother has defeated the one challenging him, they will find themselves tasting the business end of my whip – regardless of how badly they lost. Is that UNDERSTOOD!" The last words were said coldly, with all the frustration that Sesshoumaru experienced behind it and red eyes flashed at the observers, gaining immediate and utter compliance.

That strange feeling of disappointment suddenly disappeared, and Inuyasha realised that he suddenly felt that he was not alone anymore.

Remembering the incident Inuyasha pressed close to his Alpha, to be so cared for and so respected simultaneously, was not something Inuyasha was used to. He lifted his face and nuzzled into Sesshoumaru's neck, and deliberately licked his mark on the DaiYoukai. Feeling with secret satisfaction the shudders that ran through the powerful frame in response. To top all the complex emotions off, it had recently dawned on Inuyasha, that it took very little effort on his part, to bring Sesshoumaru's blood to boiling. A innocent touch, a look, or any kind of clothing reduction on Inuyasha's part seemed to be deemed an invitation, that Sesshoumaru could just not ignore.

Bringing his Alpha's blood to a boil just before their pups rushed in was fast becoming one of Inuyahsa's favourite activities.

No matter how good it felt the whole thing was complicated, because Inuyasha no longer knew what to do. For the first time in 8 years he had no plan of action, no way to help those around him find a better future. He was not certain that he would survive the birthing, but the slight hope that he may be saved started to form. With that hope arose some other complex emotions, fear and guilt attacked the Hanyou. Something in the damaged part of himself felt that perhaps he did not deserve the happiness that he was now feeling, and that if he allowed himself to relax and hope it would all be snatched away from him in the cruellest of ways possible.

These fears were never spoken, Inuyahsa was not one to whinge about important things, so he kept the fears hidden deep inside him, where they could fester and eat away at the hard earned peace the Hanyou enjoyed.

Somehow focusing on an outward threat was easier.

Black hair flowed down in a stream, the breeze danced around the silky tresses making them glitter in the moon light. Topping seven feet, the tall straight figure was picture of contrasts. His face was beautiful, but his eyes were empty – almost colourless and dull. The Crown he wore was made of ivory and obsidian, inlaid with blood red and sky blue jewels, the ornate crown covered the being's whole head and obscured any markings that may have been on his temples and forehead. The crown was a sharp contrast to the simple robes of white with black piping that clothed the tall and solid frame. A silky scarf that floated around the being the only obvious sign that he was much more than demon or human, it marked him as divine, but the aura of the being was flat, making it impossible to read his intentions.

The only words he spoke to anyone were "Where is the Hanyou who wields the Fang of destruction?" He paid no attention to offerings, cries for help, questions and even challenges given to him as he made his way forward. Goddess Sea being the last divine being he actually acknowledge, and made some gesture of greeting. Though he had strapped on his back a long and wicked looking Halbred, the being had yet to reach for it, so focused he was on finding the Hanyou that he just moved out of the way of those standing in his way, and when they persisted in bothering him, a sweep of his powerful hands had them slamming into mountains a mile away. Whether he saw the beings attacking him as beneath his notice or he felt no need to fight them was unknown, all that was clear was that he sought the Hanyou and nothing was going to stand in his way.

The being first seemed lost, making his way in a search pattern from the beach, radiating outwards.

Then suddenly the colourless eyes narrowed, he inhaled long and deep. Finally after weeks of endless fruitless searching, finally the being caught a trace of the energy signature that he had been seeking. There was no noticeable change of expression on the beings' face, but it focus now narrowed. He walked towards the source of the energy signature, and he did not even notice the humans, creatures and demons whom he literally walked over in his quest to his destination. Nothing and no one was allowed to stand in his way.

-tbc—

Ahh a lot going on in this chapter, and its long so I hope you are all satisfied. Reconciliation is a slow process but the two stubborn lunk heads are finally getting there. Well a bit more on the 'new' god but not much, review and tell me your impressions.

Oh p.s. Im on holiday visiting family – so its to relax and stuff. So please review.