Chronicles of the West

Chapter Forty Eight

Another of Alastair's creations found them by midmorning the following day. Like the first it was solid only when and where it wished to be. Toga snarled in frustration. Hacking and working his way steadily inward, keeping one eye on the enemy and one on Ryu.

Silvana was swifter today and she leapt at it, curling backwards to avoid being caught. Kurama slashed out with his rose whip time and again, but the rends healed themselves. Ryu focused and felt his energy build in his arm, cracking his knuckles he set the poison into motion.

He recalled that it didn't seem to like his poison whip the last time they'd met. The trouble was landing a hit on something more substantial than air. He scowled, baring his fangs as a shadowy tentacle slapped the earth beside him.

Daishi darted past and Shippo was not far behind, fox fire shooting at the writhing appendages to hold them at bay. "It has a heart" Ryu barked to them. Kurama's ears swiveled at the sound, "Yeah. Good luck getting to it though".

A wave of youki rolled over them then and Toga's nose twitched in recognition. Ryu's ears swiveled. "Stand aside" came the cool command. A smooth, velvety baritone. Without question, the party leapt backwards as the tall, white clad youkai stepped into view.

Silvana's eyes widened. This could be none other than the lord of the west. The far famed Sesshoumaru. He stood still as a statue as the beast shifted and hissed, the swirling vapors of black flaring. "So you recognize me as a threat" he said softly. His expression calm, almost bored.

A tentacle shot at him, but the Taiyoukai didn't even bat an eyelash. In one smooth move he'd unsheathed Tokijin and aimed it at the center of the dark mass. "You bore me" he said coldly and the blade pulsed with wicked fire.

The dust and smoke cleared a moment later to reveal the deep scarring of the earth caused by Sesshoumaru's lethal blade. Not even a hair was out of place. The killing perfection turned to look at his son, "If you had listened to me and had a sword forged by Totosai, this would have been nothing more than a minor inconvenience to you" he said.

Toga grunted. "I wondered when you would arrive father". Sesshoumaru eyed his group, nodding his greeting to them. "Kurama" he said stiffly. The fox smirked, "Missed you too". His gaze swept over the human female that stood behind his heir. This would be the ward. The ward that smelled of his son.

He held his silence and let his gaze roam over the pale female that was looking at a cut on Ryu's arm. "You" he said and her eyes snapped up to his. Moving closer to her Sesshoumaru was most pleased when she didn't flinch.

"You are an elemental" he said softly. She glanced at her companions and nodded. "And this threat has come to find you". She blushed. Sesshoumaru grunted and stepped back from her, "Not just you I think". He turned his gaze to the sky to see Inuyasha circling, they'd managed to find the lost oni mounts. Inuyasha had recognized the seal of his son on their trappings.

"We will speak more of this in the west" he announced and Inuyasha brought the mounts into the clearing. Landing lightly. He looked at Shippo and the woman held against his side. "Daishi" he said with a smirk, "Well Shippo, it's about damn time. Come on. Your mother will want to know".

Sesshoumaru grunted once more and settled himself atop his mount, "Come" he commanded. The time for proper introductions could wait. He wanted to get them beyond the barrier of the west. He'd felt the power of that creature against Tokijin and while not a threat to him, it was strong enough to concern him. He'd be interrogating each of them about this. He caught Inuyasha's eyes and knew his brother had a few questions of his own.

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In the two days it took to reach the west, they were not attacked again. Sesshoumaru was not pleased by that. He was certain that the enemy tracked their progress and waited. Clearly not a simpleton this one. No, crafty and audacious. Like one other.

Ippiku perched on Toga's shoulder armor, and stared in awe at the two powerful inu's before him. He couldn't even find his voice, but he had remembered to bow to them in respect. The taller of the two eyed him coolly for only a moment, long enough to take in the polite gesture. This had to be Toga's father, the likeness was incredible.

Inuyasha's mind ran a similar course. Wasn't one Naraku enough to last a lifetime? He'd certainly thought so. The idea of a fight, a good fight thrilled his demon blood, but the threat to his family made his blood boil with rage. And this was definitely about family.

"Satoru is on his way" he told the others as they sat around the fire. Several pairs of eyes locked on him. Toga and Daishi's not among them. They'd felt him. Inuyasha's ears flickered and his golden eyes slid to the side. That human girl was watching him intently.

"What?" he asked her gruffly. He expected her to shrink from him but she didn't. Rather, she smiled at him and he found himself shaking his head and smiling back. "Where did you find her?" he asked Toga. Toga glanced down at his side where his ward was sitting.

"Innish" he said. Sesshoumaru groaned softly, "Wonderful. Your mother is going to have a lovely time". Silvana had been very quiet ever since they'd joined together. Ryu wondered if it was his father's words that kept her voice hidden away.

The Taiyoukai studied the elemental. His youki flaring softly to move against hers. Testing. She felt it of course and as was the nature of things, she lowered her barriers fractionally to demonstrate that she was no threat to him. Of course Sesshoumaru was more than aware of that fact.

Ryu's scent lingered on her, but it told him little. However, when her youki rolled in response to his, Sesshoumaru felt his son's power flare slightly, settling her own. That was most telling. He said nothing and let her be. She was half elemental and half kitsune. Highly intelligent and quite lovely. In his mind more than fitting for one of his own.

His gaze moved to the human. Aislin was an enigma to him. She was beautiful and her whole being manifested compassion. Rather like Kagome, he mused. His heir was very protective of her and Sesshoumaru watched them closely. It was clear that their travels had taken away the barriers of formality that his son was so strict in maintaining. What was it?

When Aislin finally fell asleep against Toga, he watched his son's golden eyes soften as he stared at her sleeping features. How his clawed hands were tender when he shifted her into a more comfortable position. His own eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his son was in love with his ward. This just would not do.

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They landed in the large courtyard and Ayeka stood at the edge of the stone path. Her eyes taking in her long absent children. She ran right passed Sesshoumaru and flung her arms around Toga and Ryu. Her sons rumbled soothingly to her and she kissed their cheeks, muttering all those words that mothers are wont to.

Sesshoumaru took it all quite patiently. Watching her happiness sparkle around her. He bit back his own soft smile. Finally, wishing to have a kiss or two for himself he chuffed softly. Green eyes moved to him and he caught the moisture there. She moved to his side and wrapped her arms around him, taking solace in his strength.

He rumbled to her, and she lifted her face to his. "Gods get a room" Inuyasha grumbled as Sesshoumaru captured his wife's lips in a sweet kiss. Sesshoumaru watched as Inuyasha nuzzled Kagome before patting her bottom. "Hypocrite" came the muttered response.

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Hours later, introductions complete and information shared, they sat down to eat. Kagome and Ayeka glad that the young one had returned. The meal was quiet and they were grateful for the peace of mind. They could sleep soundly tonight, knowing that Alastair was unable to reach them. Yet.

Kagome was thrilled that Shippo had wed, but was still hurt that she'd not been there. He assured her that it was fine and he intended to have proper festivities when the threat had passed. This seemed to appease her. She'd heard a great deal about Daishi over the years. Satoru's ward and companion.

Sesshoumaru had wished to speak with the males after the meal and Kagome and Ayeka understood that this meant they were to keep the women busy. Inuyasha found himself drawn to the little human girl. She reminded him of his wife. She was full of light and laughter and it seemed that even Sesshoumaru was not immune to her tender nature.

After the meal was cleared, Ayeka brought out her playing cards. "Come on ladies, lets play poker" she announced. Silvana and Aislin blinked. What was poker. Daishi however was looking quite pleased, "Satoru taught me" she told them.

While they played cards, chattering happily, and giving hints, the men withdrew. Sesshoumaru led them down the long corridor to his private study. Once they were settled he took up a large sheaf of parchments. "These are reports that have come in" he said without preamble, "Demons missing throughout Japan. Demons reappearing to attack villages. I believe that this is tied to the threat that has followed you here".

Toga sifted through the reports, "Some of these are dated far before we arrived" he pointed out. Sesshoumaru nodded, "This is true. The disappearances have been occurring for several months now. However shortly after receiving your letter, a strange power surged over the land".

Inuyasha Keh'd. "It's not good" he pointed out. "It doesn't feel, demonic exactly, but not really human either". Toga nodded, "That's because it isn't" he offered. His father was still looking out the window but the lightest movement of his ears indicated his full attention was on his heir.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean. It sure as hell ain't hanyou" Inuyasha responded. Ryu's ear flickered, "It is. Kind of" he insisted. Inuyasha stared at him, "You seem to know a lot about it". Ryu inclined his head, "We fought it. It is a human, or at least was".

The tale poured forth form those assembled. The journey for Aislin's sight, the mad human who fused himself to a demon and then tainted his own heart and soul. The need for the elemental powers and the battle that ensued.

"We were certain that he'd fallen" Shippo said, "But then Daishi and Satoru said he hadn't. That he was coming back. He is like Naraku". His words made the great Taiyoukai turn. "No, he isn't" he said quietly, "Narkau was the culmination of many demons bonding to a human soul. Even on his best days I don't think that Naraku's powers reached this level."

His words made them pause. Not this level. "This… thing" he began again, " Is something far more dangerous. He has the skill of his science and the powers of our kind. That is a dangerous combination. While I understand his desire to harness the power of an elemental, I believe that his goal has increased to include those of powerful demonic blood to suit his aims".

They listened as the cold, calculating mind of the master unfolded. "It is this Sesshoumaru's belief that this bloodline has come to his attention and he will no doubt wish to fight us. Our death is not what would serve him, but the raw materials we might provide".

"Satoru will be here shortly and the one who once stood as helpmate and companion to our foe" Kurama said then. Sesshoumaru eyed him sternly, "Helpmate?". Kurama nodded, "His heart is not tainted by the same sickness. If not for him, then Silvana would have fallen to Alastair".

Sesshoumaru looked out the window again. Alastair, the beast had a name. Time would reveal more to him and he was certain that in that information would lie to key to his destruction. As it was, Sesshoumaru could only assume that his entire bloodline against him would prevail.

He would dispatch messages in the morning to the slayer's village. He would also let his league of assassins know what he'd uncovered thus far. He decided that enough had been said on that subject for now. Turning back to them, he spoke again.

"There are a few issues that we must cover before I retire" he said. The others waited. He stared at Shippo, "As you have wed Daishi, she is now a member of this house and the youkai court will demand her introduction. I would advise that you prepare yourselves for that. And Shippo, remember that merely marking her, does not constitute keeping her. You will have to bed your wife".

The kitsune flushed at his words. Sesshoumaru was correct of course, but he wasn't certain Daishi would be all that receptive to the idea as yet. "That might present a problem" Inuyasha broke in. Sesshoumaru's gaze flickered in his direction.

"She is the one Satoru saved" he pointed out "and her experience with males has been very limited under his care". Toga grunted, "And the fact that Shippo all but forced this marriage doesn’t look promising". Inuyasha glared at his son, "What's that?".

Shippo flushed even more, "Her family gave her to a minor lord but she didn't want him" he admitted, "So….". Inuyasha folded his arms over his chest, "So what? You just marched right in and fixed it?". Shippo nodded, "Well yeah! She is mine. What would you have done differently?". Inuyasha seemed to consider it for a while, "I suppose nothing".

Ryu sighed, "But now Daishi has this idea that he did it out of some warped sense of nobility and that he doesn't care about her". Sesshoumaru almost smiled, almost. "Well do you?" Inuyasha demanded. Shippo met his father's eyes, "Of course I do. I'm not stupid".

The taller inu lifted his hands then, and they fell silent. "Then I suggest you woo your wife and make her see the truth of the matter. Your father is not the best of candidates to help you with that". Inuyasha snorted, "Yeah? Well my woman never ran away from me". This caused growls to erupt from Sesshoumaru and Kurama grinned.

Golden eyes locked with lighter ones, "Something funny fox?" he growled out. Kurama shook his head, "You people never change. Shippo just be honest with her and it wouldn't hurt to get the women to speak in your favor". Shippo nodded and rose, "Anything else?" he asked.

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "No. The rest I have to say to my two errant sons" he replied. Ryu's ears drooped fractionally, great, just great. Kurama rose and bowed to the two inu lords and left the study, not envying his young friends. That dog could talk your ear off when he was riled, or kill you. Kurama wasn't sure which was worse at this point.

Golden eyes moved from the door to Toga. "Your ward" Sesshoumaru said sternly. Toga blinked at him. "What have you done?". Toga disliked that tone, but knew better than to challenge it fully. "Nothing father. I am sure your nose tells you that much" he said calmly.

Sesshoumaru grunted, "Barely" he said coolly, "She is your ward, not your mistress". Toga sighed, "I am well aware of that fact father" he bit out. Sesshoumaru growled at him, "Have you no shame? She was blind! Dependent on you, and while you restored her sight to her you have grossly overstepped the bounds as her guardian".

Toga couldn't argue with that. "That is why I have brought her here. I wish to take on her care. For a time" he said quietly. Sesshoumaru fell silent, "For a time?". Toga nodded, "Until she takes a husband" Toga replied.

Sesshoumaru blinked, "Husband". Toga nodded again. Sesshoumaru eyed his son, "And yet she smells of you. Had your fun? Plan on giving her away?" he asked. Toga growled low in his throat, but Sesshoumaru was angry. "Watch yourself pup" he warned.

He moved to sit behind his desk, Inuyasha and Ryu silent in the dim light. "You wish her to marry" Sesshoumaru stated, "Yet she positively reeks of you Toga. What manner of match might she have now?". Toga met his gaze with a level look of his own, "Any one she wants. A scent can be washed away, it will fade. I haven't taken her".

Sesshoumaru leaned back in his chair, "You are your mother's son. Hard headed to the very end I see" he commented, though the words held only parental exasperation. "I will take her as my ward Toga" he agreed. His son looked slightly relieved but he held up one clawed finger, "You will have no access to her without your aunt or mother present and a male guard".

Toga blinked, "What the…". Sesshoumaru glared at him, "Silence. I am fixing what you have nearly broken". Toga grunted, "Aislin will be mine". Sesshoumaru snorted, "Ah, stacking the deck in your favor Toga?" he asked, "Binding her to you with touch?".

Toga met his gaze, "Am I not my father's son?". Sesshoumaru blinked. Well, he had done such things to Ayeka before they wed, but certainly not the extent of Toga. "If you want her, you may court her, like the others" he responded smoothly.

Ryu looked up at him then, "Others?" he asked. Toga growled. "Yes, others. If you wish her to have the choice then it is only fair to allow her to choose from a pond that holds more than one fish" Sesshoumaru replied, his tone light, almost conversational.

"I shall send messengers to our allies and invite them to make themselves known to her. I must say that Koga's son, Madu would make a good match". Inuyasha chuckled lightly and Toga growled, "Koga's whelp?" he asked incredulously. Sesshoumaru nodded, "And why not?". "Cause that means his dad will be hangin around" Inuyasha muttered under his breath. Sesshoumaru spared him a glance before turning back to his son. "Besides you have a visitor coming soon enough".

Toga blinked, "What? Who?" he asked. Sesshoumaru lifted a scroll from his desk, "A princess Elda" he read, before snapping the scroll closed and his eyes to his heir. Toga blinked. "You know her?" Inuyasha asked. Toga nodded, "I have had the pleasure of her company on a few occasions". Ryu groaned.

Sesshoumaru looked over at him, "What?" he demanded. Toga was looking a bit guilty and not at all comfortable. "Tell me you did not" Sesshoumaru muttered. Toga grunted, "Like you never bedded anyone before mother". Sesshoumaru tossed the scroll at him, "At least I was smart enough to avoid those seeking marriage" he pointed out.

Toga's eyes went slightly wide and he opened the scroll. Sesshoumaru nodded at the window, "Apparently her brother has learned of your…activities. He demands that this house provide a match suitable of his sister's status". Toga growled, "That no good son of…".

Inuyasha flinched, "That's rough" he commented. Sesshoumaru sat back once more, pinning Ryu with his eyes. "I would have thought that you would pick up the lecherous habits of that damn fox, but no… Toga got them". Ryu eyed his brother carefully, "Oh you have no idea father" he blurted out.

Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Ryu then, "and you" he snapped, "Pray tell why an elemental bears your scent". Ryu shrugged, "I haven't done anything to her" he said. Sesshoumaru stood and went to the window, "No?"

Ryu was insulted now, "No damn it" he growled. Sesshoumaru let his whip snap an inch away from his son's nose, "Watch your mouth". Ryu grunted. Sesshoumaru glared out into the night, "Wonderful. My sons leave Japan and forget their manners and their duties" he muttered.

"Ryu?" he pressed. The hanyou crossed his arms over his chest, looking very much like Inuyasha in that moment. "I've kissed her. That. Is. All" he said bluntly. Sesshoumaru gave a small 'hn'. He was silent for many minutes. "I take it that no one will send word demanding you marry her for the loss of her innocence?" he asked.

"Not me" Ryu muttered, catching himself before spilling everything. Sesshoumaru chose to ignore it. "Fine. What are your intentions?" he asked. Ryu flushed, damned nosy family members. "I have to find a way to seal her powers to her and then I intend to have her. All of her" he said hotly, glaring at his brother, "For a damn long time".

Inuyasha hadn't missed the exchange between them, Sesshoumaru was staring outwards again. The once hanyou held his silence. He could speak with them later, but there was something between them that bore watching.

Sesshoumaru cocked his head as he turned at his son's words. "You wish to mate an elemental kitsune" he said. Ryu nodded. Sesshoumaru seemed to consider this, "The court will talk" he said, "But they can be silenced". Ryu shook his head, "I don't want them silenced" he told his father, "I want their wagging tongues to wag for a very long time".

Sesshoumaru blinked at him, "How so?". Ryu leaned back, "I want to show that I want the female, not her powers. Once they can be sealed to her and only her, then I can take her. Not before". Sesshoumaru pondered his hanyou son. A son that he loved so very much, perhaps because he was the true fruition of the love he and Ayeka shared. However he had no favorites among his offspring. "We'll speak of it at length tomorrow. I am certain that my library has something to shed light on it".

Ryu nodded and rose, whatever else was to be said did not concern him and he wanted to rest. As he reached the door, his father's voice washed over him, "You sleep alone Ryu" he said calmly. Only the slightest flicker of that furred ear gave away his son's annoyance with the dictate.

Inuyasha decided he'd heard enough and followed the young hanyou into the hall. Sesshoumaru watched the door close before he turned to his eldest son. And smiled.

"She is quite lovely" he commented. Toga said nothing. "You have to do this carefully Toga. There can be no malicious rumors about her. The court would tear her apart with it". Toga lifted his head to stare at his father, "You do not disapprove of the match?" he asked.

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "Why should I? Am I not married to a human as well?" he asked. "The court is not so forgiving of Taiyoukai taking such a mate. Things have changed greatly since my day on that place. However, it is the human mate that is targeted. Human hearts are fragile Toga….all too easily broken and they can be forced out, if you allow that"

He looked at the painting of his wife that hung on the far wall, "Be sure that you love enough to protect until the very end" he said softly, turning back to his heir, "That is when it is most enjoyable. And Toga, learn from your uncle and myself, human women are not like demon women. You can not force their submission. That way lies folly".

He allowed his son to leave him then. So much to do. A fierce enemy to overthrow, and three females to present at court. He shivered just thinking about the latter. He almost preferred to resurrect Naraku than deal with the niceties of court life.

Ayeka hate those court occasions as much as he did and they attended precious few, although they were asked to every gathering. He sighed and turned his thoughts away from court. There were far less painful things to think about. Like rallying his army and hunting down the creature that had come.

Time was of the essence, he sensed the urgency in Alastair. What was he rushing toward?