Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 11

Keikan motioned to one of the generals and whispered instructions to him. He didn't question how he had changed in so few hours. Gone was the rebellious young man he had been. In less than twenty four hours he had taken command of two volatile situations, and he hoped handled them in a way that would make her father proud.

Inu Yasha let out the breath he was holding. Realizing that he now had a sever problem on his hand he looked at Keishou. "Keishou, take a moment and think what is the last thing you remember clearly? I'll explain everything to you later." He looked to his brother. "Sesshomaru, we have a problem, and I think you know what it is. How long did Totosai say it was going to take for that sword? I will keep Keishou with me until then. But I will not be apart from Tetsusaiga. This is his first time, I have undergone it too many times. Another and I may not return to myself, even with Tetsusaiga."

Keishou handed the Tetsusaiga back to his uncle. The last thing he remembered was Makoto's dagger piercing his mother's flesh. He gave his father and uncle another quizzical look as their conversation continued.

Sessshomaru looked at his confused son. Why did it seem that the world had been completely turned on its head since yesterday? "Three days...one for each weapon," He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, "Thank you brother." He turned to see a retinue of his guards escorting the human king from the audience chamber. "Keikan?"

Inu Yasha nodded and motioned Keishou to follow him. He hoped the boy took the news well and had a bit more sense than he had at his age.

Keikan had seen the Tetsusaiga in his twin's hands and knew what it meant. He would suffer like his Uncle. Silently he asked the heavens why he was spared, even as he thanked them. Walking up to his father he met his eye, "Sir?"

Keishou followed his Uncle, still wondering what was going on. He had not missed the concerned looks in everyone's eyes as they looked at him. "Uncle...please tell me what is going on?"

Keeping a loose hold on his mate's hand, still afraid that something or someone might try to take her away again, he questioned his heir. "Where is Makoto and why is the fool leaving?"

"Makoto, should be in the dungeon. At least that is where I told Keishou to take him. As for the fool. I told him that as the rulers of the Western Lands, we appreciated him bringing to our attention the attacks of lesser demons. That we would send a troop of our best guards to deal with the threat and escort him back to his home. That I believed his fiefdom was near the village of Edo. And that we would try to forget that he brought the man who attempted to murder the Western Lady." He looked at his father. "I also told Jaken to find Uncle and have him check on Keishou, though by the look of the scene I walked out to he didn't."

Akisame smiled at her son. She wondered briefly where the rebellious youth had gone, but admitted to herself she admired the man he had become. She gave her mate's hand a squeeze to reassure him and herself. That had been too close. She could still hear his howl of sorrow and pain. Her temper had caused her problems on many occasions, this time it had almost cost her life and that of her mate. Silently she vowed to control it better, not rely as much on his speed and strength to protect her from her own foolishness.

Inu Yasha ignored the boys question until he found a quiet room far from the activities of the castle. Motioning the boy in and to sit, as he moved to take a seat. "Keishou, you and I are going to be together constantly for the next few days. At least until Totosai returns with your sword. Your demon blood took control. For you and I that is dangerous. Our demon blood will eat away at our soul until we are nothing but mindless killing animals. The Tetsusaiga prevents me from transforming, and also returned you to yourself." Inu Yasha told Keishou everything. He told him of the times he had transformed ending with the slaughter he had wrought on the bandits. "I still smell their blood on my claws, even after all these years. So until your own guardian sword arrives, you and I will be together constantly."

Keishou listened to his Uncle's words, when Inu Yasha had finished the boy wanted nothing more than to go to his tree and think. In fact he stood up and began to go there, then remembered that his Uncle had said they should stay together and sat back down. If he transformed, he could kill everyone. He felt like something cold was gripping his heart. He could even hurt Haya? Looking at Inu Yasha, emerald eyes glistening he asked, "Why does this have to happen?"

Inu Yasha watched the boy think through what he had said. "I wish I knew. The only explanation I have is Father's blood is too powerful for a hanyou. Your father and I both hoped this would never touch any of his children. But it seems that is not to be. I know you are worried about Haya. Hell, I was terrified of hurting Kagome. But she needs to know, and you still need to speak with her about earlier. Go ahead and talk with her, I'll be near. You won't transform unless there is a threat to your life or someone you love."

He was much more relieved by what Inu Yasha had just said. At least there wasn't a danger of him transforming at any time. "You're right...thank you Uncle," he stood, "Can we go see her now?"

Sesshomaru looked at his son, pride sneaking into the fresh fear and pain in his heart. "You did well Keikan," then wanting to put everything back to normal as quickly as possible he brought up the subject of lunch.

Keikan bowed to his father. "Thank you sir." He thought for a moment and then spoke again. "Don't you think you and mother should go tell Rin what happened? It would be better coming from the two of you than anyone else."

"Yes, we will go see her now." He left the audience chamber with his mate and went to Rin's room knocking softly before entering. When Sesshomaru opened the door Mika streaked across the room, wrapping her arms around Akisame's waist, sobbing. "Rin...there is something we must tell you."

"No Keishou, we can not go see her now." He watched the boy's mouth drop open. "You may however go see her. I will be in the garden. Plenty of places I can remain close without embarrassing the girl." Rising he exited the room and headed towards the garden. "Hurry up you old man." he whispered.

Akisame wrapped her arms around Mika and Midori, who had run up and was holding her as well. "Shh my little loves. I'm well."

Rin had felt the danger and heard the howl. She worried what it might mean, but had to know. "Yes Sesshomaru-sama?"

Sesshomaru seated himself beside his daughter, wondering how to begin. "Makoto returned. He..." The Taiyoukai paused and took a breath as his voice caught in his throat. "He attempted to kill Akisame."

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