Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 35
"Shakaku," Akisame said, "Do you know how I got stabbed in the chest?"
Shakaku shook her head, "No my Lady, but you must be a strong woman indeed to have survived such a wound."
"Strength had nothing to do with my survival, Shakaku. I was well on my way to making a journey with Karite. Makoto's dagger had struck deep and true. My poor Sesshomaru. I am his second mate, his first was murdered. His howl of pain and agony rang through this castle. He puts on such a good show of no emotions for most, but around us, he shows his heart. A ningen king had come demanding that Sesshomaru leave his lands. He accused Sesshomaru of killing his brother and father. The brother, Sesshomaru had killed for ordering the murder of his first mate. When Sesshomaru explained, he basically called my mate a liar. Well, as you noticed I have a temper. Sesshomaru can be many things, but a liar he is not. I confronted the man and was stabbed. Had it not been for the Tensaiga at my husband's side I would not be here." Akisame smiled at the memory of Sesshomaru's eyes when he realized the sword had healed her. "Sesshomaru and I have fought side by side. We have argued. Notice that none of my family will touch me when I am in a rage. But, through all the fights, all the pain I still see him as I saw him for the first time. Kneeling down to tend to my injured ankle and the overwhelming loss he had suffered."
"Miroku-sama," again the nervous feeling he had gotten the first time he had spoken with Miroku about his daughter, "I wanted to ask...I would like to take Haya as my mate, if I meet with your approval."
Miroku looked at the boy. He had been spared this conversation as Sango's parents had been killed by the time he had met her. The monk did know what he wanted for his Haya. "Haya is my precious daughter," he began "her happiness has always been and always will be important to me. Before I give you my answer I must know a few things. Will you always guard and protect her? Will you love her until Budda takes her from you? Will her happiness be more important to you than your own?"
Inu Yasha saw the serious side of his friend. In this instance, no matter Sango's or Haya's feelings, if the monk was not satisfied with Keishou's answers, Miroku would deny the boy.
Keishou looked Miroku in the eye. "I would give my own life to keep her safe and happy. I would go to the ends of the earth to fulfill any request she would make of me. She is my world, my heart and my soul."
Sesshomaru smiled at his son's answer, then looked to the monk, hoping it would satisfy him.
"My Lady, I did not know it at first but...I hope I can offer that to your son," Shakaku paused then continued, "The more I learn of you and your family, My Lady, the more I do not understand my father's animosity. You're
differences are you strength...the love you share...I hope I can be a part of it."
Sango reached out and took Shakaku's hand, smiling, "I hope so too."
Akisame nodded, "I too would enjoy calling you daughter. But one thing... no more of this My Lady stuff. You may call me Akisame, and once we have trapped my son, you may call me mother. Same for you Haya." She continued, "Even though your father is our enemy, I hold no anger towards him. Oh do not misunderstand, I will stand beside my mate as he extracts vengeance for Midori. I can only feel pity for a being who can not see that in accepting the strengths of all, you become stronger in yourself."
"Hai, My...Akisame," Shakaku corrected herself. "Now...will you tell me how I should go about "trapping" your son?"
Miroku studied Keishou carefully. Could he place his daughter in this man's hands? Yes, he could. "Then Keishou, you have my permission to take my daughter as your mate. I would ask, though not require that you allow her the ningen custom of a marriage as well."
Keishou's grin extended from ear to ear, "As I said Miroku-sama, she may have whatever she desires of me." Then he felt Sesshomaru's hand upon his shoulder and look at his father. Sesshomaru too had a smile dancing on his lips.
"Congratulations, my son."
Inu Yasha added his congratulations. He carefully watched his brother, wondering how the youkai would react if he found out about his and Rin's afternoon activities.
Rin spoke, "If his exhaustion is any indication... you have the first thing. His attention and concern."
Akisame nodded, "If the argument you two had is any indication he is more concerned for your safety than his health. Now Haya and Shakaku here is the secret to their father... if it will work for the sons I don't know. Sesshomaru for all his strength and determination is a puppy at heart. He likes to play, but doesn't want anyone to know it."
Rin moved to Sango's side as Akisame began instructing Haya and Shakaku. "Sango," she took a deep breath, "Do you think I should tell Sesshomaru-sama? About Inu Yasha I mean."
Sango considered carefully before she spoke. "Rin...I knew Sesshomaru long before he became the gentle soul he is now. You remember how he first was and you should also remember that he values your happiness above all else. He also loves his brother and wants for Inu Yasha's happiness as well. He might be angry about it at first but I think it will only be as a father wanting the best for his daughter."
"Besides" Akisame joined their conversation, "Midori's last request of him was to not be mad about it. It remains your decision as to when, but the sooner the better."
Shakaku sat quietly listening to the women speak. She loved the warm atmosphere in this castle. Then something occurred to her and she leapt up. "Oh Kami...I forgot about them!" She ran from the kitchen, leaving the others shocked.
Sesshomaru turned to the monk. "Well my friend, it looks as if we are now related in a manner of speaking."
"Well I think I can handle having you in the family." The monk teased, "At least I know my soon to be son-in-law comes from good stock."
"Forgot about who?" Akisame said to a now empty spot in the kitchen. "Well come on ladies." She followed the path of the young woman.
Sesshomaru had been about to reply but Shakaku came rushing into the courtyard. "Sesshomaru-sama!" she cried.
"Hai, Shakaku? What is wrong?" The young tora seemed agitated.
"Forgive me my Lord, I don't know how I forgot about them but a small group of my father's best soldiers are camped not far from here. They seem to be awaiting orders from my father."
Sesshomaru couldn't say he was displeased by this news, maybe he would be able to take out some of his anger on these soldiers. "Arigatou, I will take care of them."
Inu Yasha caught Rin's eye and indicated for her to follow. Slipping away he headed towards the garden, her following behind him after a moment. He waited for her under the willow tree. "Rin, we need to tell Sesshomaru."
Stepping closer to him she nodded, "Hai, Inu Yasha, the sooner the better. Had Akisame not sent me to the bath as soon as we returned..."
"Hai" He said wrapping his arms around her slim waist. "I don't want to know what would happen if he witnessed me doing this." He lowered his head, his lips moving slowly over hers, in a soft, tender kiss.
Rin moaned softly and wrapped her arms around his neck, molding her body to his.
Sesshomaru turned to Inu Yasha only to find he was no longer there.
Frowning, Sesshomaru lifted his nose to the wind, and found Inu Yasha's scent. To his surprise, Rin's was entwined with his. Without a word, he set off in that direction. As he came upon the scene, and he realized what he was seeing, his eyes widened in surprise then narrowed in anger. A low threatening growl began emitting from his throat.
Akisame watched as Sesshomaru scented the air, a quick look around her told her two were missing. As her mate started off, she caught Sango's eye. Quickly she followed after Sesshomaru.
Breaking the kiss, Inu Yasha looked to his growling brother. Placing Rin behind him he tried to explain, "Sesshomaru..."
Sango sighed. She hoped Akisame would make him remember his promise.
Sesshomaru glared daggers at his half brother. What the hell did he think he was doing? "This is what you were hiding from me?"
Keishou watched his father stalk away, saw the look pass between his mother and godmother. "Um...what's going on?"
Haya grabbed his arm, "I think I may know. Mother, should we go help?"
"Neither of us were trying to hide anything from you." Inu Yasha began, "We just started talking after Makoto's exile. It wasn't planned. Kami, Sesshomaru you know I'd never hurt her."
Sango debated, then finally answered, "Hai....let's go remind him of his promise."
Sesshomaru couldn't answer. He was too angry. There was a small part of his mind that told him he was being unreasonable but he pushed it aside. "No," he said finally.
"No.. I won't hurt her? or No you don't believe me?" Inu Yasha tried to keep his own temper under control.
"I will not allow it," Sesshomaru replied.
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