Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 63

The villagers gathered before Keishou. He felt very self conscious, having all these people staring at him. Again he was glad that he was not the named heir. The captain of the guard, bowed low, the others following suit. “Please forgive us Weapon’s Master.”

Keishou nodded slowly. It was not these people’s fault that they had been tricked by both Nanshokagai and Kikyou. “Go back to your homes. Next time you suspect someone of a crime, listen to him before you pass judgment.”

With more bows the villagers left, leaving behind offerings of fruit, vegetables, and wines. Sango moved to Shakaku’s side, took the baby and handed it to Mika. The taijiya then took the tora’s elbow in a firm grasp. “What?”

“I need to look at that lash. It had miko power behind it.”

“I’m fine, truly,” Shakaku protested as Sango dragged her into the hut.

“Haya…take your mate back to bed.”

Haya nodded and walked to Keishou. "Come on, you need more rest. And when you feel better... you can explain this Weapon's Master thing to me." She started towards the hut but was stopped by an old man standing in their path. "Forgive me old sir, but I wish to take my mate to our hut to rest."

"Hai." The old man said gruffly, "Boy, when you heal up we have much training to do. Time is of the essence now, and I need you trained. By the way, the Karite you installed says to be more careful." Turning he ambled away but not before looking Haya up and down. "Good choice boy. Nice looking, strong, and feisty. I like her."

A baby's cry interrupted the peaceful scene. Akisame looked at her two daughters and smiled at Mika. "Would you like to help me bathe and change Kaiya, Mika?"

"Hai, Hahaoya, I would like that very much," Mika said, following her mother into the hut.

Keishou chuckled. "Hai sensei," he whispered to the old man's back. He would have to remember to ask the old Weapon's Master if he could visit Mirdori. His chuckle deepened at the look on his mate's face. "Don't worry, I will explain everything."

Haya nodded, "Hai you better. But, in the presence of your parents. I think your Chichigo, may be interested as well."

From Sango's hut they heard a hiss. "I told you I'm fine!" Shakaku's voice floated out the door followed by Sango's. "Keikan! Get in here and hold your mate down or I swear I'll whack her with Hirakotsu!"

Keikan chuckled and dashed into the hut. Shakaku stood her tail thrashing back and forth glaring at Sango. Sango was moving towards the giant boomerang her eyes never leaving the angry tora. "Shakaku, let her look at your back. It will only take a minute, or is there something you don't wish anyone to see?" He had said it jokingly, but the memory of her bruised face leapt before him and his face darkened as he stepped towards her. If Reiketsu had placed one scar on her, nothing would save the Taiyoukai from his wrath.

She sighed. There was no help for it. She knew Keikan would see the scar eventually. Shakaku turned, letting her top fall so they could see the five parallel scars traveling a ragged diagonal path from her shoulder. The whip lash was small, cutting in the opposite direction.

Keikan tensed at the sight of the scars on Shakaku's back. With iron will alone he held back the growl that threatened, as gently as he could manage he asked, "How did you get those?"

She looked over her shoulder at him, as Sango took the opportunity to step forward and examine the whip lash from Kikyou. "It was several years ago. I was arguing with him and I tried to walk away."

"By him, you mean your father?" Keikan's face had become the icy mask so commonly associated with his father.

Sango finished her quick tending of the wound and slipped out of the hut. Shakaku replaced her kimono and walked over to Keikan. She hesitated. She cared little for her father. She didn't care if Keikan ripped him into tiny pieces but she did care for Keikan. She didn't want to see what would happen if his anger got the better of him and he went charging into the Northern Lands. Finally she nodded. "Hai."

The taijiya sprinted to Kaede's old hut. She had seen the look on Keikan's face. She knew her godson would want to seek revenge on Reiketsu. Akisame, Sesshomaru and Mika were inside with Kaiya. "You might want to come out here," she said.

Akisame looked at Sango and nodded. Placing Kaiya on the futon, "Mika, would you keep an eye on Kaiya for us?" At the girls nod she rose and walked outside. "What's wrong?"

Keikan's eyes flashed red, "I will kill him for this." He said softly. "Do not worry. I will not run foolishly to my death, your father is nothing if not conniving. But I promise that he will pay for each scratch and scar he has placed on you."

"Shakaku wouldn't let me see the wound she got from Kikyou," Sango explained. "She didn't want me to see the scars her father gave her."

Sesshomaru sped up a little knowing now why the taijiya called for them. Keikan would be angry.

Shakaku stepped closer, resting her forehead against Keikan's chest. "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't." Keikan promised, leading her out of the hut. He saw how everyone watched him. He knew they expected him to rush off in a fit of rage. Less than a year ago he would have. The last eight months had changed him, he wasn't the rash boy he had been. Five months running the Western Lands had forced him to think his actions through. Had it not been for Jaken's council a few times at the beginning he would have made terrible errors that would have cost them for years. Who knew the toad was so useful, but he did seem to have a way of finding information. "I have no intention of running off to the Northern Lands like a foolish pup." He said to no one in particular. "But Reiketsu will pay." With a motion to three of the runners who followed him now. "Take a message to the other three cardinal lords. Should North come near the Western Heir and his mate again, his life is forfeit. Keikan, Western Heir, acting Western Lord. Go." The three runners took off in three different directions.

Sesshomaru folded his arms and looked at his son. His pup had certainly grown a great deal in the months that he had been lost in his own misery. He was extremely proud of what Keikan had become. He nodded his approval. "I feel the need to hunt...anyone care to join me?"

Akisame looked at Keikan, for the first time she saw the maturity he had gained over the last few months. He would make a fine ruler for the Western Lands. "Good luck on the hunt." she said lifting up on her toes to kiss his cheek. The beginnings of an idea flitting through her mind.

"Hai Chichioya. A hunt would be nice." Keikan agreed. Giving Shakaku a kiss on the cheek, he whispered, "You need never fear such from me."

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