Strength

Oops didnt realise yhe update here didnt happen, Everyone wanted Sesshoumaru to apologize before meeting all the kids... well.... read and see what happened.

Edited by Me!

Chapter 9 : Meet Your Other Father

Kishi stood with trembling lips, listening to Shiori scold him for trusting Ryuko-sensei too much. Since they had learned to transform a couple of months ago, he had decided Ryuko-sense was lonely, and one day plopped himself on her lap. He had felt her stiffen with shock, her face had been impassive but he felt her hand tremble as she stroked his hair. He had of course glanced at Papa to make sure it was alright, and though Papa had not said anything, Kishi had seen the small nod of approval and the gleam of pride in Papa's eyes. Shiori had not seen this, she had just scented the strong scent of the InuYoukai on Kishi and had begun scolding him. Kishi hated being scolded by anyone and never knew what to say to defend him self. So he stood utterly miserable, with tears gathering.

"Shiori why are you scolding my Otouto?" Yuusha and Me-chan coming into the room asked suddenly.

"Smell your brother. He has HER scent all over him! He is too trusting, it will get him into trouble! He has to learn to me more suspicious, or he will never recognize his enemies." Shiori explained.

"Shiori, you can scold my little brother when he breaks your things or does not do his work, BUT..." Yuusha lifted his brother's face so he could not hide behind his bangs of hair. "You will not scold Kishi for being Kishi. I am susps.. suss.. not trusting enough for all of us. And Papa or I or Me-chan will tell Kishi who his enemy is. Kishi, you don't worry about it 'kay." Kishi nodded so hard his hair bounced, the smile that spread across his face was huge.

"Thank you Yuu-nii." Kishi sang out, more then happy to let them do boring things like think about bad stuff for him. Then he stuck his tongue at Shiori and scampered off.

Shiori shook her head at the two, "You spoil him."

"Of course Shiori Nee-chan, he is the baby." Me-chan said with a shrug.

"It didn't look like he was the baby in battle practice yesterday." Shiori retorted.

"That is because Me-chan is the baby in battle, Kishi is stronger, faster and better then her in battle. Me-chan is too im.. imp... imp-lus-ives." Yuusha said matter-a-fact, wanting to use grown up words.

His sister went red, "Onnnniiii-Chan! How can you say that!" She wailed.

One brow rose regally, "What? Yuusha was just telling the truth!"

"You didn't have to SAY it!"

"Why ever not?"

"Because it is NOT nice! Its like you're teasing me!" Me-chan complained going redder.

"Oh! Really?" Yuusha prudently started walking off, just before he left the room he turned with a smug smile on his face, "Good that you noticed, would have been a waste if you didn't go all red like that."

"Haaaa! YOUUUUU!" The little girl blazed her usual shyness gone as she got mad, and ran after her evil big brother.

The festival was the next day, and Kishi absolutely could not sit still. He was wondering about the boundaries of the town trying to find something fun to do and keep out of everyone's way. Yuusha and Me-chan were still training with Ryuko. He bored with practicing the same old thing, he had acted up and been summarily sent out. Kishi was conflicted, he was all excited about the festival, but did not like how everyone was too busy preparing to play with him. After getting scolded by the WHOLE world (Hana, Ryuko-sensei and some random townsdemon who's display he had broken to be exact) the little Inu went to the edge of the town to pout and find SOMETHING to DO! His inquisitive eyes caught something sparkling in the Lake, and totally forgetting that he was banned from playing near the water, ran to the pier to investigate.

There was a large golden fishy in the water. Kishi felt for sure it wanted to play, so he reached down and tried to get it. Of course, the puppy overbalanced and though he tried to catch himself he began falling into the deep water at the end of the pier. He was going to call out to Papa, when he felt a hand grab the back of his collar and drag him back. He was unceremoniously plunked on dry land.

Putting on his most innocent face, the little Inu looked up, and his huge eyes got huger as he blinked. Standing before him was Yuusha... only it was not Yuusha... it was a big Yuusha, and Kishi felt his mouth open in shock. Making the pup look a lot younger then he was.

Sesshoumaru stood there and stared at the pup. That it was Inuyasha's was no doubt, the pup was a mirror of his younger brother. He took a deep breathe scenting the pup, and a mix of emotions relief, joy, regret, horror, and rage washed over him. How dare she, how dare his mother do this.. to his brother! That bitch!

A familiar aura was suddenly behind him and Sesshoumaru forgot everything else as relief flooded him. The old tree had been wrong, INUYASHA was ALIVE! And Sesshoumaru had found him, he had finally found him.

"MIZUKISHI if you were near the pier, I'm going to... Sesshoumaru!" Inuyasha stopped suddenly, whispering the last word, he had not expected the DaiYoukai to arrive a day early.

The brothers stared at each other, and Kishi recognizing a jump in his Papa's Youki immediately froze, as he had been trained to, and tried to make himself unobtrusive. Inuyasha tensed prepared for anything.

Sesshoumaru's silence and stillness was to be expected, but Inuyasha did not expect to see a strange look in the DaiYoukai's eyes, his brother scanned him from head to foot over and over. And Inuyasha had a sinking feeling that somehow Sesshoumaru could see though his clothes directly into the ugliness he hid inside. All the confidence that Inuyasha had so painstakingly developed in the last 7 years seemed to drain away under Sesshoumaru's stare, and the feelings of being a humiliation to the blood of InuTaisho, of being a pathetic Hanyou came flooding back. If not for Kishi sitting on the ground just beside the DaiYoukai, Inuyasha would have.. well even he was not sure what he would have done.

Then the moon turned blue.

Sesshoumaru bowed, not a regal nod of the head, but a low proper bow, that one would to do a superior or one that you needed to apologize to. Inuyasha glanced around, Gods above, Sesshoumaru was actually bowing to him. Feeling much like a deer caught in a hunter's light, Inuyasha blinked. "Inuyasha, my brother, this Sesshoumaru requires your forgiveness. Instead of praising your actions, instead of thanking you for saving my sanity, this Sesshoumaru in his shame and rage, lashed out at one who should have been praised. What you did elevated you in InuYoukai terms, your sacrifice made you more worthy of honor then any other Inu Youkai alive or dead. My actions were the dishonorable one, and for that this Sesshoumaru asks for your forgiveness." Sesshoumaru said bowing again.

"Umm.. ymmm..ahhh." Inuyasha went bright red, he wondered if he was dreaming. Absently he pinched himself – no definitely awake. He realized Sesshoumaru was standing there waiting for his response. Inuyasha searched his feelings, he did not know what he was feeling, but this was the children's other father... there was really only one reaction Inuyasha could give. "Thank you Sesshoumaru, that you apologize means a great deal." He replied simply.

Sesshoumaru glanced at Kishi and back at Inuyasha. "You are not mated, nor is her scent on you! What has she done? What games is she playing?" Sesshoumaru said, and Inuyasha and Kishi both blinked in identical confusion and stared at Sesshoumaru wondering what he was talking about.

Ryuko feeling bad for sending Kishi out, had come looking for her one Grandchild that was ridiculously affectionate. She never obviously showed it, of course (at least she thought she didn't) but she absolutely adored the little Youkai who dared make so easy with her person. Even her son had never totally ignored her aloof cool looks and hugged her into submission. She felt her son's aura, and conveniently floated into the conversation. "Ahh, Sesshoumaru have you no greeting for your mother!"

Sesshoumaru was immediately at his mother's side, giving in to his rage, he grabbed her arms. "You bitch, what have you done to my brother? Did you cure him, and then force your way on him as well? He is NOT yours! How dare you use him to get a pup! Sesshoumaru raged his eyes tinting red.

The two adults stared at the DaiYoukai not quite understanding what was going on. Knowing his Papa would not let the strange Not-Yuusha hurt Ryuko-Sensai, Kishi got bored and still in hiding mode, played with the rocks beside him.

"Umm Sesshoumaru, what the HELL are you ranting about?" Inuyasha asked not quite able to comprehend why Sesshoumaru was attacking his mother, instead of him, and how from apologizing, Sesshoumaru had gone to raving.

"You do not have to protect her, Inuyasha. I can smell you and her on the pup. That she would do this and NOT mate you is unacceptable. This Sesshoumaru will make things right." Sesshoumaru said sincerely, and felt rewarded when his little brother seemed to fold over and make choking sounds. Obviously Inuyasha was overcome with gratitude.

The self satisfied feeling of the DaiYoukai lasted for all of 2 seconds, before he realized that Inuyasha was choking all right... choking with laughter. The Hanyou threw his head back and howled. He was laughing so hard he had to sit down, and Kishi seeing his Papa's enjoyment, forgot about hiding, jumped on to his back and began laughing too.

Ryuko smiled evilly, "Ah what a terrible day it is for a mother, when she realizes that her only son is a damned IDIOT!" Sesshoumaru was distracted by the two laughing faces, did not see it coming, as Ryoku smacked him on the back of his head. "Breathe deeper your FOOL, and realize the extent of dishonorable actions." Sesshoumaru caught his mother's hand before she could smack his again, then the strength drained from him as two small figures, hearing their father's laughter came running up to join in the fun. Both went shock still when they caught sight of the DaiYoukai.

Yuusha's eyes narrowed, anger building in their golden depths. Never taking his gaze off the tall DaiYoukai he moved to stand beside his Papa. Sesshoumaru's eyes were drawn to the smallest pup, the tiny female Inu Youkai stared at him. Tears formed in her huge orbs. She suddenly bowed, "Thank you for helping us, why did you take so long to find us? I wanted to meet you... so much! B..b..but maybe you didn't want to meet me... I'm sorry!" The little girl burst into tears and ran to her papa, thorwing herself at his legs.

Confused, Inuyasha picked her up and cuddled her.

Both brothers now growling angrily at the DaiYoukai stood up to challenge him.

"Bad man makes Me-chan cry!" Kishi hissed, his claws growing longer. Inuyasha knowing the situation may get out of control, quickly placed the little girl in her younger brother's arms. She clung to him, and Kishi immediately forgot about everything else and focused on making Me-chan feel better.

"You! How dare you come here! GO AWAY! I will NOT let you hurt my Papa!" Yuusha growled coldly, as he stalked towards the unnaturally still DaiYoukai. Before Yuusha could take a third step, he found himself dangling in the air face to face with Papa, who had the little boy by the scruff of his neck.

"YuushaMaten, you dare imply your father is so weak he needs YOUR protection?" Inuyasha growled. Though he was proud of them, Inuyasha would not allow his pups to put themselves in harms way on his behalf. His over-protective oldest son, especially worried him. He needed to be firm with them.

Yuusha realizing that he had overstepped, dropped his head, and whined softly. The little Youkai could never stand disappointing his father, and now because of THAT Demon his Papa was angry with him. Still Yuusha could not apologize in front of that Demon, so he went limp in his Papa's hold and said nothing. Understanding his son, Inuyasha dropped the pup behind him, "Take your position!" Inuyasha snapped.

Immediately the oldest up straightened up, and stood between his siblings and the DaiYoukai, but remained behind his Papa. He had been so angry he forgot their golden rule, he was NEVER to get between his Papa and a potential threat, it was his job to guard his younger siblings. That he had been reprimanded and scolded, did not sit well with the proud little Inu Youkai, mainly because he knew he deserved it.

Staring at the four standing as one unit, the crushing feeling of abandonment squeezed at Sesshoumaru's heart. Finally Sesshoumaru understood what those terrible dreams and feelings were about, suddenly all the confusion of the last seven years made sense. He should have been with his family, they had needed him, and more then that he had desperately needed them. But they had needed him and he had not been there for them; a strange fear clasped at his heart, may hap they did not need him now.

"Inuyasha you have more to forgive me for then I ever imagined, I ask that I be allowed to stay, but if you wish me gone my brother, I will understand and I will leave. I can only hope that you allow this foolish Sesshoumaru to stay." Sesshoumaru whispered, he was throwing his pride away, it had no value to him, not at this moment. If the Hanyou wanted him to leave he would, he would try other means to contact them on more neutral grounds. He would never give up, but he would not force his presence on his brother in his own home. So if it was requested, he would leave, for now. He owed his brother that much.

Inuyasha watched his brother silent for a second, then seeing the sincerity sighed a little bitterly, "If I did not want you here Sesshoumaru, I would not have sent the invitations to attend the Fest tomorrow to the Western Palace, nor would I have allowed the rumor of Shiro Inu Youkai in this area to spread. I did not expect you to come a day early though." Inuyasha shrugged, so much for showing off his kids before introducing them.

He squared his shoulders. He turned, knelt down and spoke to his children "Pups, there is someone I would like you to meet. Remember I told you your other father was not aware of you? That because for some grown up reasons I could not tell him? Obviously he knows now! This is your other Father, Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands, he is a brave and powerful Youkai, and I believe he is very happy to meet you."

Me-chan unwrapped herself from around Kishi and wiping her teary face with tiny fists, went to her Papa. "Me-chan know Papa, Me-chan sorry, Me-chan called other father when Papa was really, really sick. Other father was far away, but other father helped. Then.. then he went away. Me-chan see other father at night, in sleep, Me-chan sorry Papa! Please no angry with Me-chan." Reverting to baby talk, the distressed little girl cried as she buried her self in her father's embrace.

Inuyasha turned to look at sharply at the DaiYoukai. Awareness in both their eyes, as they stared at each other. There was only once his children had been allowed to see him close to death; So Sesshoumaru was the one who had saved his life during his children's first transformation. Somehow that knowledge comforted Inuyasha. He was right, Sesshoumaru would care for his pups when he was gone. Inuyasha forced himself to smile.

"Sesshoumaru meet our Pups," Inuyasha forced himself to say in a neutral voice. The two boys took a step closer to their Papa. Kishi stared at Sesshoumaru uncertain about the strange Not-Yuusha. Me-chan peeked out once and hid herself again when she saw her other father nod his head gravely. Yuusha simply glared, HE did not need two fathers!

Ryuko had watched the whole scene from the sidelines, and felt a surge of pity for her son. The price he had paid for his pride was great. There seemed to be no winners in this sad situation, and she did not want the pups or the brave Hanyou to be traumatized further. She finally stepped forward, "Now that my blind son has dusted some of the cobwebs out of his brain, might I suggest that Inuyasha and the pups retire to the manor. Much needs to be said, but not at this time. Sesshoumaru it is best if you too, took some time to absorb what has occurred, and if it is alright with Inuyasha, you and those you travel with can visit the manor for dinner.

Inuyasha hesitated for a second and then nodded. Without waiting for Sesshuamaru's response he placed Kishi on his right shoulder, and cuddled Me-chan in his left arm. Yuusha held tight to his robe, but walked stately beside his father. Kishi's inquiring eyes and Me-chan's eyes full of longing looked back at Sesshoumaru as the four walked home.

Sesshoumaru stared silently after them. "Why did you not tell me, mother." He whispered when they were gone.

"Because it was not my place to do so, and further by what right did you deserve to know?" Ryuko demanded.

Sesshoumaru paused, he did not answer. His face was grave. Without another word he walked away from his mother, he had a great deal to consider.

-tbc-

Well... what do you think? Ryuko's scent was strongly on Kishi... that confused Sesshy. Hahahaha! Review, please?

Oh in case you are wondering Im not done with angst yet!