Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 7
Keikan looked to his father and bowed. Quickly moving to prepare for the ceremony. The servants awaited him in the bathing chamber. He had fought this but at the insistence of his mother he'd agreed to the traditional bathing. His mood was black as he was doused with herbs and creams. Keishou's mocking laughter didn't help. "Be glad you aren't the eldest."
Keishou attempted to contain his laughter. "I'm sorry brother but...you just look so funny." He moved off to finish dressing, still shaking with laughter.
Mika reached up to scratch her head and the nurse smacked her hand away. "But I don't like it up like that," she whined.
"You have to look your best," the old woman chastised.
The girl huffed and looked around for someone to save her but found no one but her sister. Everyone else was busy getting ready too. Finally she allowed the nurses to pull her hair up into a bun and dress her in a very uncomfortable but very beautiful kimono of dark purple silk.
Keikan silently fumed as the attendants continued their job of preparing the heir. Finally they dressed him in the traditional white, an ancient katana strapped to his waist. He waited as Keishou was handed the katana of the second son, the one their uncle's hand had never touched. Keishou looked good in the traditional red kimono. He would go first revealing his training and any youkai skills he possessed. The door opened and he followed Jaken into the courtyard.
The courtyard was bare of the evidence of daily activities. On the west wall sat his parents, Rin, Shippo, Mika and Midori sat behind them. To his father's right sat his Uncle. To his mother's left Sango. As he reached the center of the courtyard he watched his Uncle stand.
"Keikan, you stand before your Chichioya, your Hahayou, your Kyoufu, your Daibo and your siblings. After today you will be seen as an adult by youkai tradition. Are you prepared to take the step from child to adult?" Inu Yasha finished speaking the ancient opening.
"Hai, Kyoufu." Keikan's voice was strong and sure.
"Then show your family your strength." Inu Yasha sat back down glad his part was finished.
Keikan carefully removed the haori and handed it to Jaken. Bowing to the family he began the kata.
It was one of his own creation. Secretly he had practiced this for months combining the traditional Youkai Kata with his own unique leaps and attacks. Leaping up he began to spin, with his youki alone he created a whip that spun with him, a second whip joined the first, followed by a third, more whips joined until nine whips whirled with his every motion. As the spin stopped he pulled the whips into one, with the slightest flick of his wrist it hit the first target thrown into the air. Pulling back the whip he leapt. From his claws flew the Sankon Tetsusou destroying the next two targets. The kata complete he stopped and bowed again. Breathing deeply he waited for his father to speak the words that would indicate the acceptance of the family of his status as an adult and heir.
Sesshomaru stood, impressed by his pup's ability. In his most regal voice he responded. "You have proven your strength before your family. You have made the final step into adulthood and I name you as heir to my lands."
Keishou stepped forward as his brother stepped back. He knew he did not have the abilities of his brother but he hoped he had enough to make his family proud. Sango stood and spoke, "Keishou, you stand before your Chichioya, your Hahayou, your Kyoufu, your Daibo and your siblings. After today you will be seen as an adult by youkai tradition. Are you prepared to take the step from child to adult?"
"Hai, Daibo."
"Then show your family your strength."
Keishou removed his haori as Keikan had and began the youkai kata. His was the simple and straightforward movements of the original kata, only half way through he allowed the poison to fill his claws. The sickly green liquid oozed from his fingertips, encasing his hands in green mist. When he was finished, he too bowed to his family.
Akisame rose and spoke her voice full of pride and love. "You have proven your strength before your family. You have made the final step into adulthood and I recognize you as such." Turning to her mate, she smiled at him, unshed tears shimmered in her emerald eyes.
Midori slipped quietly from her seat, her kimono of gold and red slowing her movements slightly. She moved to the well and retrieved a bucket. Carefully she carried it to her brothers. Offering the first dipper to Keikan who took it with a nod and drank deep. She then moved to Keishou offering him the same.
At Midori's movement Akisame had watched the quietest of her children take water to her sons. "We must prepare for the formal announcement dinner in a few hours." She reminded all those who watched.
Sesshomaru felt that he would burst with pride as he watched the final parts of the ceremony. He nodded at his mate's words and ushered his family into the castle.
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