Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 14

Miroku hid his smile well, Sango had told him of the mornings misunderstanding. He was glad to know it had been cleared up. He would also be proud to call the young hanyou son, but first he had to be the father. He had carefully kept his expression neutral, seeming to ponder the boys question. He knew the only answer his wife and daughter would allow. "I see. This is an interesting development." He watched the boy, as all young men his nervousness grew while Miroku held his tongue. Finally he broke the silence. "You have my permission to COURT my daughter. However, until you have a ward of your own, I require that Inu Yasha be near."

"Hai, Miroku-sama. I would not put Haya in danger," he said, seriously, though his heart was leaping in his chest with excitement. Finally he could contain himself no longer and rushed over and gave Miroku a hug. "Arigatou," he said as he bounded back to Haya.

Miroku chuckled at the boys antics. 'Ahh to be young and in love again.' he thought. Then with a smile from his youth he went to find his wife. He wasn't that old after all.

Finally gaining control over emotions, Rin returned to the castle. Stopping at the center of the family wing she called, "Sesshomaru-sama?"

Sesshomaru's ears twitched, hearing Rin's call. He sat up, kissing his mate one final time for the moment. "Rin," he said in explanation as he moved from the room. The inu found her, the scent of her tears thick around her. "Yes Rin?"

She met his golden eyes steadily, "I've decided. I can not order his death. I've told him my decision. He will be released and taken to the nearest port, from there he will sail on the first available ship never to return. As for me, my husband died the moment he plunged the dagger into Akisame's chest."

"It will be as you wish daughter," he said gently, "I will make the necessary preparations." The decision made, he put his arm around her shoulders and escorted her back to her room.

Three weeks later....

Sesshomaru looked over the reports from the guard that had escorted the king back to his lands. The reports of youkai attacks did not seem to fit the profile of those normally done by minor youkai. He started to hand over the report to Keikan, when Jaken came tottering into the room as fast as his stubby legs could carry him.

"Mi Lord! Mi Lord!" he cried.

"What is it Jaken?"

"Totosai has returned," the toad replied with all of his usual bowing and formality.

The Taiyoukai rose and made his way swiftly to the courtyard where Totosai sat atop his three-eyed bull. Mika had noticed the bull's return and was once again avoiding her tutors in order to pet the animal's nose. The sword maker looked tired as he greeted Sesshomaru. "I've got your weapons, Sesshomaru."

"Arigatou Totosai, we are very grateful that you worked so swiftly," he reached for the items Totosai held, then hesitated remembering what had happened the one time he had tried to touch Tetsusaiga.

Totosai laughed, seeing the inu's hesitation. "Call your family Lord Sesshomaru. I will give them their swords."

He nodded. "Keikan...find Keishou. Mika, go retrieve your sister," Sesshomaru turned to Jaken, "Jaken, bring Akisame here as well."

Keikan turned and ran to the small stream in the garden. He knew that was Keishou's favorite spot other than the tree in the courtyard. Before turning the corner that would expose the stream he coughed loudly.

Keishou growled softly at the interruption but released his mate to be as his brother rounded the corner. "What is it?"

Keikan came around the corner and carefully kept his eyes on his brother. "Father wants us. Totosai's here with swords. You wouldn't happen to know where Uncle is would you?" He gently reminded his brother.

Slight anger rose in him at his brother's question. Did Keikan think he was stupid? He knew the danger his demon blood posed. Inu Yasha was never far from Keishou. His emerald eyes flashed momentarily with the emotion but soon disappeared. "Uncle," Keishou called softly, knowing the hanyou would hear, "You heard my brother. Totosai is here." With a last gentle touch to Haya's cheek, he pushed past Keikan, making his way to the main courtyard.

Keikan realized he made an error as Keishou brushed passed him angrily. Turning he rushed to catch up with him. "Keishou, sorry, I didn't mean that the way it sounded. You know how Hahaoya and Chichioya get so caught up in each other they forget anyone else is there. Just didn't want Haya to be embarrassed."

Akisame nodded as Jaken brought her the message. It had been a day since the guard had escorted Makoto to the port. Rin was still refusing to eat. If her maid was to be believed the girl had not slept either. Something would have to be done soon. She walked to the courtyard, seeing the old sword maker her anger flared again at his causing her mate pain. She closed her eyes and brought her temper under control.

Sesshomaru felt Akisame's flare of anger. He forced down the chuckle that rose, remembering the day Totosai took his fangs for the wards. The image of his petite mate being held down by his son and brother never failed to bring a smile to his face. Mika had returned with Midori and both pups were looking at him curiously. "We must wait for your brothers, little ones, then you will be given something special."

Midori looked at the old man sitting on the bull. He made her Hahaoya angry somehow. Walking up to the bull, she met his eye. "Why do you make Hahaoya angry?"

Totosai looked down at the child, chuckling. "You're Hahaoya didn't take kindly to the fact that I needed some of your Chichioya's fangs to make your present," he told the girl.

"Forget it," Keishou grumbled, as they reached the rest. He stepped up beside his Chichioya and waited.

Sesshomaru looked around his gathered family. His gaze paused on Keishou, the boy was agitated about something. Making a mental note to speak to him later, Sesshomaru began to speak. "I have asked Totosai to make you each a weapon. A weapon made from my fang, as my father did for myself and Inu Yasha," he turned to the weapon smith, "Totosai...please give my children their gifts."

Totosai called each of Sesshomaru's children to him. Starting with the youngest and meekest, Midori. He handed her a slender dagger, that could be easily hidden. Mika received a slightly larger dagger, which reflected her more bold nature. Keishou was given a katana, similar in appearance to Sesshomaru's Tensaiga. Keikan's blade was the largest, more resembling the look of Tokijin. After the blades had been given, Totosai took his leave.

As soon as the sword was placed in his hands, Keishou felt warmth flowing from the blade to his body. He attached the sword to his belt and once Totosai was gone turned to his father, bowing. "Arigatou, Chichioya."

Keikan looked at his sword it was beautiful. Then a fear went through him, would it block his demon blood? Would he still be able to transform? He had to find out, "Hai, Arigatou Chichioya." He turned and walked away heading out of the castle.

Midori looked at the slim blade. She felt it's warmth and comfort. It reminded her of Chichioya's hugs. She walked over and hugged her Chichioya. Her soft voice barely a whisper "Arigatou Chichioya. Gomen for having to have your fang pulled for me."

Sesshomaru smiled, returning Midori's hug. "Anything to keep all of you safe, little one."

Mika clutched her present in her hand. She could feel something wrapping around her, a protective force. Truly the girl already preferred bow to blade but she was grateful for the gift and she too hugged her Chichioya and kissed his cheek. "Now...off to your studies," he said gently.

Keishou turned to walk away and heard his father's voice calling him back. "Is something wrong Keishou?"

The hanyou shook his head. "No Chichioya. I'm fine." He left before any more questions could be asked.

Outside the castle, Keikan made it to his favorite clearing. Placing the sword at his hip, he shut his eyes and tried to transform. It came the heightened hearing, the better sense of smell. Opening his eyes he looked down to see his paws. A triumphant bark escaped him. Deciding to enjoy the morning he leapt to check the borders.

Akisame walked up behind her mate and ran her hands along his back. "I wonder what is bothering him." she muttered.

"I wish I knew," he turned to her, "How is Rin?"

"Still mourning her mate." Akisame told him sadly. "I wish there could have been another way. How she chose to walk away... I couldn't have."

Keishou leapt the wall. He wanted to be alone but if he went to any of his favorite places, someone would most certainly find him. He walked through the cool forest, his booted feet making not a sound as he enjoyed the scents and sounds of the wild. He walked until he came to a small shrine. He had asked Sango about it once and she said it was a double shrine to the Celestial Maiden and Midoriko, that his father had built shortly after he and Keikan were born. Keishou knelt before the modest altar, not knowing exactly why he had come here so he just closed his eyes, freeing his mind of the thoughts that were plaguing him.

"Can I help you?" Tenmou stood looking at the hanyou in her temple. She knew it wasn't really hers but it was. Desu for once sat quiet in its sheath. It only did that around ones it guarded or that guarded it.

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