Alls Fair in Love and War

Chapter 8 Kazo

Oh Inari how these years have come and gone so quickly. I find it hard to believe right now that those are my four sons sparring in the gardens down below. Each of them held a magnificent beauty that was envied by the gods themselves. My appearance hasn't altered but my age has. I have nothing to fear for a while yet of course. My years were still prime and quite youthful along with my youki level. Still unmatched by many but how long that would last is what troubles me along with a few other issues conflicting in my heart.

I have fore shamed my sons and my longtime ally with my lies for many years now. My reasons are honorable but now as I think on them, they seem anything but that. Secrets were always something I preached to my sons about. Never lie, never cheat, never deny your loved ones, is what I would say time and time again. Sadly I am a hypocrite of my own words.

"Kazo you're awfully quiet this morning."

I kept my back toward my best friend. "You should be grateful Taisho. At least you won't have to listen to my nonsense as you say." I teased with a lighthearted tone.

"Ah such a clever tongue you have. Always saying the sharpest of words." InuTaisho came to stand next to me with his hands clamped behind his back.

I interpreted this stance for when he was deep in thought or simply enjoying life as it was.

"It seems so strange does it not?" He said moments later.

I knew what he was referring too. "Yes it does."

"One minute you're teaching them how to walk and chewing their food. You're running around the home trying to make sure they wear clothes and fussing for them to behave…"

"Taisho?"

"Yes?"

I gave him a look of mocked annoyance. "Minus the walking and chewing bit, we're still trying to keep clothing on them and fussing about their attitudes."

InuTaisho laughed. "Yes quite right."

We laughed a little more until it died down to a mild chuckle and then silence. Both our eyes were transfixed on the moving creatures down belong in his gardens. Such speed and grace they possessed for ones so young. Kurama and Sesshomaru were barely reaching their adult years while Inuyasha and Koga were still tagging in their teenage standard years.

"Have you received word as I have Kazo?"

I knew this conversation would surface soon. "Yes the nurse has told me of Koga's condition. I had hoped he wouldn't be one of those Omega's born with a trait but I was wrong."

Taisho sighed. "It's as I felt for Inuyasha. I was informed a few days ago that my son was a rare generation Beta capable of bearing pups. So Ryuukotsesui's words were true."

I chuckled softly. "Yes. The despicable beast is a crafty one." My hand was brought under my chin as I pondered this over. "What are we to do about the boys now?"

"We'll have to consider our options very carefully now or keep them to ourselves for a while longer. Their values have mounded to pecks of worth even higher than our own."

My face frowned. "They've always been more valuable than us Taisho. They are…our children after all."

"Our children? Hn, if only that were really true." He said bitterly.

That tone caught me off guard. I figured he was still upset about the issue we had all of those years ago.

"How go the preparations for Sesshomaru's match making?" I wanted so desperately to change the subject. This matter wasn't something I wanted to address with him.

I assume he caught on to what I was doing and went along with it. "They're going well. The matchmaker has chosen three worthy demons to be suited for him."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Two females and a male. One female is from the house of Shina, the other is from the Home of Mizoki, and the young male is from the Castle of Ravena."

I nodded. "Ah wise choices by the match maker. Very fine choices indeed. Proper breeding, well-kept manners, poise beyond -"

"You don't like them do you?"

"Not at all."

"Than what do you suggest?"

I pretended to think this over before finally giving my answer. "Let the boy chose his own mate." I mumbled picking invisible lent from my tunic.

InuTaisho shook his head. "Tried that already. The boy is far too picky. He simply refuses to pick a single suitor."

I smiled. That was god son for you. A true headache. He had to be the most stubborn child I'd never seen. No I stand corrected. He was one of the most stubborn people I'd ever seen. Kurama, Koga and Inuyasha were on the same level of thick headed as Sesshomaru.

"Although," Taisho began. "I have thought about continuing to let Sesshomaru have his way for a while but I have an ideal mate for him."

"And who would that be?"

The demon lord turned slightly to face me with a calculating smile I knew all too well. "Koga."

I blinked. "Koga?"

"Yes. The boy's wild personality would be a perfect match for Sesshomaru's calm demeanor. You should think about the same being for Kurama and Inuyasha."

Hn that wasn't a bad idea really. Actually it was a brilliant plan. "Marvelous idea my friend. This would assure our kingdoms are conjoined and we'll be able to keep them safe from those with wrong ideals for their well-beings. "

"Koga would make a fine mate for Sesshomaru and Inuyasha would be an excellent match for Kurama."

I turned to show my bright smile. "You should use that brain of yours more often Taisho." My tail slapped the side of his hip as was my normal tease. "It's very becoming of you."

A rare blush circled on the dog's cheeks as he cleared his throat. "Yes…well…I do what I can."

"Indeed."

We feel into an awkward silence, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Thoughts I knew he were thinking about and thoughts I didn't want to think over. My mind was clouded with thousands of issues I've been dealing with for the past fifty years since we last seen Ryuukotsesui. The damned fool has been in my mind ever sense then. He knew of my secrets but hasn't revealed them yet? What could he be planning? He's made it aware that he aims for Koga and Inuyasha as his mates, but what else? Could he also plan to expose me that same night?

"Kazo? Kazo?"

A large hand waved in my face before landing on my shoulder to give a small shake. I flinched unconscious shrugging the hand away. "Yes, I'm sorry what did you say?"

Taisho looked at me curiously. "Are you feeling alright Kazo? You've been jumpy as of late."

I cleared my throat putting on my best smile. "I'm fine you silly fool. I'm…just in deep thought is all." Deep thought would be an understatement of what was currently running through my mind now. "Actually, Taisho if you don't mind…I-I'll like to be left alone for now." My voice hitched as my emotions began to take hold of me.

Taisho hesitated when he asked, "Kazo, if there's something bothering me I wish you'd tell me. I only want to help you." He came to place his hand on the back of my neck giving it a massaged squeeze.

I allowed the touch this time, lending into the caress on my skin. Oh how I wished I could confess all of my sorrows and worries to him but he would never understand. All that I have done up until now is something I will regret for the rest of my life. "I'm fine Taisho –"

The sudden feel of his arms around my torso startled me into a light panic. "Taisho what are you doing?" I said breathlessly, feeling my entire body become flushed.

Taisho rubbed his nose into my hair inhaling my lavender scent. "Calm yourself. I'm only holding you the way I've done years ago. Remember?"

My tenseness smoothed down as I relaxed into his arms. "Yes…it was when I was a kit and you'd try to make me sleep or stop crying."

"Yes." Taisho chuckled laying his head on my shoulder. "You were such a spoiled brat back then."

The low warmth of a blush eased on my face. "I wasn't that bad." He protested nudging my head against his cheek.

His arms tightened. "Yes you were. You would always hate it when I left you or whenever I told you no about something."

"Because I always got what I wanted and you wanted to be the one to ruin my reign of terror on my parents."

"Only because you used those big blue eyes to get what you wanted…and what beautiful eyes you had…you still do."

My heart skipped a beat after his confession.

His hands spread over my sides coming to rest over my hips. "Taisho I—"

"Father?"

The deep raspy voice shattered our connection in a speedy departure. I straightened out my clothing, turning around to face my son. "Kurama w-what are you doing in here?"

Yoko looked between his father and godfather with a hint of a smile tilting his lips. "I wanted to inform you two that we were finished with our training but it seems you two were just beginning to…do your own training."

"Bite your tongue you wretch kit! Your god father and I were doing no such thing!" I said hotly.

"Yes Father." My son bowed apologetically, than turned to make his leave to the waiting three males down the way.

"Honestly, the arrogance." I snorted, rolling my eyes. But my embarrassment was about to get worst.

"Hey Kurama were they fucking or what?" Koga yelled from around the corner.

My mouth hit the floor.

"No little brother, they were only embracing." He answered.

The next voice was Inuyasha's. "You probably caught them in the middle of it."

"Or the beginnings?" Sesshomaru added on as they continued down the hallways.

Two fingers came to rest between my eyes as I squeezed the growing pressure from between them. "Oh Inari, why was I blessed with such ridiculous children?"

"Would it be so wrong?"

I turned around to see a frown on Taisho's face. "I'm sorry?"

Taisho stepped up closer to brush a finger on my cheek. "Would it be so wrong if we…" His golden eyes seemed to search in mines for something I couldn't recognize. He sighed dropping his hand. "Nevermind. We…we should get back to the boys."

I didn't stop him as he turned to leave following behind our sons. I knew what he was going to say and yes it would be wrong. So very wrong. My secrets would keep that from happening. My feelings... and his would suffer to no ends. "I'm sorry Taisho…." But I just couldn't do that him...I...cared for him to much to let him suffer for my mistakes.

---

The morning sun greeted me in one of my nearby valleys picking some of the well grown blossoms. This would be the only moments of peace I could gain from all my worries and shame I hold within my castle and from my family. Picking flowers has always relaxed me although many would see this as being an act only for females, I beg to differ. I enjoy growing from a natural talent instead of using my youki because it gives me a sense of right, from my fraud life I've been living. It shows my only truth.

I laid the small bouquet of blooms near my staking pile. I wiped the sweat from my brow taking a deep breath as I gazed out at the over flowing lands of rainbow I've grown over the years. The overwhelming scent of lavender, potpourri, vanilla, sweet lilies and many others ravaged inside my nose soothing my soul. I was at peace.

Until…

"Hm you still have a love for these simple things don't you Kazo." Said a baritone voice from behind.

I don't care to bless the bothersome visitor with a glance. "What do you want beast?"

Ryuukotsesui tsked his lips. "Kazo, Kazo, Kazo. Now is that anyway to greet an old friend?"

"You were never any friend mines!"

"Sure we were…actually I believe we were more than what many would call friends."

"Silence!" I roared, standing. "We were never, EVER anything!"

The older dragon bent down to pick up a flower twisting it between his claws. "Tell me, how are my potential mates coming along? Are they maturing well?"

"Their well-beings are none of your concern."

The small flower was flicked to the side. "It is when they belong to me Kazo. As I remember you owe me and I intend to get my pay from them."

I shook my head. "I never made any deal with you Dragon. You assumed on your own terms to make such a pact."

"No Kazo," Ryuukotsesui walked over to stand before me towering me by two inches, but I wouldn't back down. "That pact was made when I promised to keep your secret from your being showcased for the disgrace that it is."

The hissed truth of his words hit my heart hard as my ears unconsciously sagged to my skull.

The silent demon walked around and around my frame assessing me with his evil green eyes. I knew what he was doing. "Stop it." I growled.

"Hmm how can I, when you're wide open for the taking?"

My hands clamped at my sides, my claws digging into my palm.

Suddenly his arms snaked out to bring my body against his in a rough embrace.

"Unhand me you bastard!" I yelled struggling to get out of his disgusting arms.

One arm came to constrict my arms and the other's hand grasped my jaw. My body was lifted into midair easily as he carried me off toward a trickling pond. No. My eyes widened as we got closer and closer toward the deep water. "What are you doing?" I asked frantically twisting to get free.

He didn't answer. His grip became tighter to restrain my movements as he effortlessly dragged my body over toward the cool pond.

"Unhand me!" I screamed louder becoming terrified at the thought of being drowned. He was about to kill me. Oh Inari he was going to drown me.

Ryuukotsesui's stepped into the water pulling me with him from the front. We calmly continued walking in, ignoring my cries of protest, until we were both waist deep in the cold water. The hand around my jaw moved to start ripping away at my tunic. "No please! Please no!"

Still my pleads were unanswered. He chuckled quietly as he proceeded to tear my clothing until I was bare chest in the cold. My skin begged for warmth but I was denied. His hand returned to grab my jaw as he jerked it down to look into the water. "Look."

"No." I cried shaking my head.

"Look!" He commanded pushing my face closer to the water.

"No! Just let me go, damn you!"

"I said look!" He shoved me further down until I was but a breath's length from the cool liquid. My eyes fully focused down into the reflection of myself and… the rest of my body. "Do you think that you will be forgiven for the crime you committed years ago? Look at what you've become? Your tiresome secrets are the reason why I'm able to hold you as you are."

The subtle deflation of my chest is evident as he chuckled at my easy defeat. "You're pathetic letting this get to you." He shoved me to the side wadding to out of the water until he reached the shoreline.

When he turned around my eyes were concealed behind my long hair to cover my shame.

Ryuukotsesui sighed reaching into his black kimono for something hidden. A soft plush sheet was pulled from his chest. "You recognize this?"

My eyes lifted up to see what it was he was talking about. But oh Inari when I saw what was clamped in his claws I nearly died. "W-where did you get that?"

He grinned taking a huge whiff of the soft material. "Ah it smells divine."'

By now my heart was beating faster than my chest could manage as I watched him sniff at the tiny sheet in his hands. Collecting my wits, I cautiously walked out of the water until I was standing beside him keeping my eyes on the soft item.

The dragon lord smiled winding the blanket in the wind as he circled me. "I have another fifty years to go to stake my claim Kazo." He walked until he was standing before me but my eyes stayed on what was in his hands. But he spoke as if he knew I could hear him. "Upon my return I expect to see Inuyasha and Koga wrapped up and ready for the taking…" The blanket was shoved roughly into my chest as he walked past me.

I closed my eyes tightly as I picked up the sounds of him disappearing from my surroundings. I gazed down to see the tiny white sheet clasped in my hands. My fingers rubbed and smoothed over the fabric until I thought I'd rub a hole in it.

But when I lifted the small piece of coziness to my nose and inhaled, I nearly broke down. My heart was slowly cracking as the scent refreshed in my mind. It was still so clean and fresh. I fell to my knees, feeling as low as the dirt digging into my skin. I held the tiny blanket to my chest and cried. And cried…and cried… Oh Inari why…why…

TBC: Poor Kazo. His secrets are tearing him a part. Stay tuned for Inuyasha's POV ^_^