Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 65

Keikan helped Shakaku to her feet. "Aishiteru." He said simply.

Shakaku smiled at him and lifted a hand to his cheek. "Aishiteru, Keikan."

Mika looked quite pleased with herself at his praise and Sesshomaru scratched behind her ear. "Will we stay in this hut? Or did you want me to build you one?"

"If, after a year we decide to make this permanent, then you can build us a hut." Akisame answered.

Everyone was gathered around the dinner table, chatting comfortable. Three days had passed since the confrontation with the miko Kikyou. Most of Keishou’s wounds were healed but for a few of the deeper lashes. He decided that now would be a good time to tell his family about his being the Weapon’s Master. Keishou waited for a lull in the conversation before clearing his throat. “I think it’s time I explained about being Weapon’s Master,” he said.

Immediately everyone quieted and all eyes turned to the quiet hanyou. He paused ordering his thoughts, then began. “The day you gave us our swords, Chichioya, I…I needed to think. I started walking and ended up at the Shrine you built. Tenmou came to me and told me that I was to be the Weapon’s Master. The one who gives the weapons to the Maidens. Then the night Midori died, the current Master called me. It was time for me to install my first Maiden. It was a Karite of another world. He explained that Karite has certain, limitations, she must be a child, must not be able to talk, and the Weapon’s Master must be her brother.” He stopped letting his words sink in.

Akisame listened, slowly what Keishou was telling her sank in. Suddenly the memory of the little girl so long ago flashed through her mind. Tears filling her eyes she looked to Sesshomaru.

He caught his mates look and knew she was thinking the same as he. He reached over and took her hand in his, squeezing it. Sesshomaru heard sniffling from Mika and took her hand with his other. His little Midori, a Celestial Maiden.

Keishou continued. "Tenmou also told me I would be handing Desu to my sister and niece. Could they be the ones you mention sometimes Hahaoya?"

Seeing that his mate could not answer, Sesshomaru nodded. "Hai...Leena was already Tenmou but she was from a time far ahead of where we are now. Taka was my pup's pup. I can certainly see her wanting to follow in Leena's footsteps." He stopped, wondering how the two were. If they were well now. If Leena had come to terms with the Sesshomaru of her world.

Akisame looked to her son, who would one day meet her friends. Finally she found her voice, "If they remember us, tell them that not a day goes by that I don't think of them. That I thank them for using their wish for our happiness. And tell them of your sisters, for they know your brother's destiny." She paused for a moment. "I only hope Leena was ... or rather will be able to make peace with her Sesshomaru."

Far to the north Reiketsu swore at the disembodied head. "That hanyou bastard thinks he can order me? I will teach him. He will regret his ordering of me." He smiled evilly at the head. "Perhaps I should send you back to them runner." Turning he called to one of his runners, "Take that...." he pointed to the head, "back to it's master in the west. With this message, I, Reiketsu, Taiyoukai of the Northern Lands take no orders from a hanyou."

Keishou nodded, storing the words for the time when he would need to repeat them. "I will tell them. I told Midori that we were all proud of her. You are not mad for me not telling you sooner are you Hahaoya?"

Akisame smiled at her pup. "No, Keishou. I'm sure you had reason to not tell. Just as Keikan kept his secret."

Keikan ducked his head at the joking scold. Then a thought crossed his mind, "Hahaoya, each of us have had a special ability or destiny. What do you think the future holds for Kaiya?"

Akisame frowned slightly and then answered, "Who knows what the future holds for her? Not I. But I know she is special just because she is. Shussan brought me four special souls, why would the fifth be different?" Catching Sesshomaru's eye she saw him nod slightly. "Keikan, your Chichioya and I have decided to stay in Edo for a year, with Mika and Kaiya. Live a simple life. I know what a hardship this places on you and Shakaku, so newly mated and asked to run the Western Lands. But..."

Keikan looked to Shakaku, nodding to indicate she should answer.

"We have discussed this many times, Aki--" Shakaku paused, thinking of something the Western Lady had said long ago, it seemed, "Mother," she corrected with a smile, "It is something we truly wish to do for you. We help each other, it is not so hard I think. And if there is anything we feel we can not handle, you are not so far away that we can not ask for help."

Akisame smiled, "We will always help. It is what parents do. Now," She looked hard at her sons and their mates and Rin and Inu Yasha, "When am I going to have grandchildren?"

Sango supressed a laugh at the looks on Keikan's and Keishou's faces, then caught her daughter's pleading look. "I'm in no rush...it will only make me feel older than I am," she said, trying to keep the mood light.

At Akisame's question, Rin ducked her head. Inu Yasha seeing this action took a cautious sniff. His eyes widened as he looked at his mate. "Rin?" He asked. Meeting his eyes she understood the question and nodded. Standing he pulled her to himself only to lift her easily in a spin.

Sesshomaru's eye's were drawn from his son to his brother and daughter. "Nani?" The twirling wafted Rin's scent to him and he understood. He chuckled softly. "It seems we don't have to wait long."

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