Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 18

Sesshomaru glided through the hall on his way to the audience chamber for another harrowing day. As he passed his daughter's room, he caught the slight scent of tears. He paused and slid the door open slighly, Midori sat against the far wall, looking down at the dagger Totosai had made for her. "Midori?"

She looked up at him, giving him one of her brilliant smiles. "Chichioya, I was just thinking how nice your gift was."

He went to sit beside her, "As I told you, nothing is too much for my children."

Midori sheathed the dagger and climbed into his lap. She said nothing else and for some reason Sesshomaru said nothing either. They just sat that way, she leaning into his chest, him stroking her hair. Finally it was Jaken who interrupted the comfortable silence, saying the Lord's presence was required. "Hai, Jaken, in a moment," he looked down at his daughter, "Is everything all right Midori?"

"Hai, chichioya, hai. Aishiteru," she said, kissing his cheek.

"Aishiteru little one," he said, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

Keishou sought out Haya after the meeting was over. He had not spent any time with her yet today and wanted at least to wish her a good night. After listening in on the planning session he was glad it was his chichioya and brother who had made all the major decisions. He also had a little more sympathy for Keikan having to shoulder the responsibilty of heir to the Western Lands.

Keishou sat by his window, staring at the starfilled sky. He heard his door open and Midori's scent drifted into the room. He looked over at her. "Hai, Midori?"

"Will you tell me a story, niisan?" she asked quietly.

He smiled. "Of course little one," he replied holding out his arms to her.

The girl came to him and snuggled into his lap. Keishou thought a moment and then began weaving a tale of a lonely dragon and the hanyou that befriended it. When he was finished he looked down, expecting to see her sleeping but instead she met him with golden eyes that held no hint of sleepiness. "Please tell me another."

Keishou started to refuse, to tell her that she must get her rest but something in her eyes made him honor her request. After he had finished that tale she asked for yet another and he obliged her yet again. After the third, he asked, "Is something wrong Midori?"

"I will miss your stories, Keishou," she said sadly.

What made her think he was not going to be telling her stories anymore? She was not to old yet. Finally he realized what must be bothering her. 'She must be worried that I will forget about her now that I will soon have a mate of my own,' he thought, hugging her tightly. "I won't forget you nee-chan," he whispered into her hair.

Midori pulled away from him slightly, her golden eyes sparkling in the moonlight. Her smile seemed sad but he dismissed it, when she wrapped her slender arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. Then she stood and started to leave. "Goodnight, niisan."

"Good night Midori," he replied. After she was gone he was left wondering why that goodnight had sounded very much like a goodbye.

Midori opened the door to Keikan's room. He was sleeping. Quietly she walked over to his side and knelt beside him. Patting his cheek gently, she waited for him to wake. Finally his eyelids fluttered open.

"Hai, Midori? Is something wrong?"

"No Niisan. I just don't spend time with you, not like I do Keishou." She smiled sadly at him.

"He tells better stories." Keikan said sitting up. "But I tickle better." He began tickling her. Her giggles filled the room, finally he stopped. "Feeling better?"

"Keikan, be nice to the pretty lady. She's someone very special." Kissing his cheek she got up to leave, "Good night, Niisan"

"Good night." After the door closed behind her small form, Keikan puzzled at what Midori had told him. Shrugging his shoulders he lay back down. He'd ask her to explain in the morning.

Rin had wanted to speak with Inu Yasha again, but he was no where to be found. She was surprised to see Midori sitting on her futon when she opened the door to her room. "Why aren't you asleep yet?" She asked gently.

"Not tired." the girl answered quietly "Rin-oneesan? Do you remember anything about when the wolves attacked you?"

Rin was surprised at the forewardness of the girls question, but Keishou had once asked her something similar. "Yes Midori it hurt, and then the pain stopped. There was nothing and then Sesshomaru-sama was holding me and I was better." Sitting beside the girl she lightly stroked her hair. "Why do you ask?"

"Rin-chan, if you had to choose between helping a lot of people and staying wirh your family, which would you choose?" She met Rins puzzled look, her golden eyes filled with a wisdom beyond her years.

"I would prefer to stay here." Rin answered truthfully. "But if I was the only one who could help those people... I would do that. Why do you ask sweetie?"

"No reason." Midori smiled. "I just wondered. Rin-chan, always be happy like you were this afternoon. You are so pretty that way." Kissing the older girls cheek Midori bounced out of the room.

Sesshomaru paced his rooms, agitated. Why? Why would the Northern Lord risk an attack? For centuries peace had existed between the cardinal lords.

Akisame watched Sesshomaru pace. She knew what ever the boys had seen bothered him. She knew he would not answer any question she asked. Akisame could easily read the information, but after the vision of him kissing Akari in that prince's mind, she had not ventured further than the surface of another's thoughts. Quietly she called him to bed.

At his mate's behest Sesshomaru settled into bed. He had thought he wouldnt be able to sleep, the inu taiyoukai fell quickly asleep.

Midori awoke, she could feel the peaceful sleep of all in the castle. Quietly she pulled on her kimono and walked out of the room. Stopping at the door she looked at her twin, Midori knew she should have told Mika. Tonight was the night. This afternoon's time with Chichioya and Hahaoya would be the last the four of them would spend together. Carefully she slid the door closed. She tiptoed down the hall, stopping once again at her parents door. They would be sad, but there was no way to stop destiny. She looked up at the silver haired woman beside her and took the Maiden's hand. Together they walked out of the castle. In the courtyard they waited. The maiden kneeling beside her smiling sadly. She watched the figure leap the wall and head towards her. She didn't flinch as the tora's claws swiped her throat. Only the softest whimper escaped her lips. Suddenly she was no longer in pain and in the Maiden's arms. "Is it time to go Karite?" she asked. The Maiden nodded and walked out the gate, before they disappeared Midori sent a last thought to everyone. "I love you all."

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