Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 15

Keishou yelped in surprise, falling on his backside. Before him stood a woman with hair and eyes of pure silver, the same woman who had appeared beside his mother three days ago. "I...I just came here to think," he stammered. Why had this being appeared before him? Had he called her in some way?

Tenmou smiled at the pup. Catching his thoughts she delved a bit further. "Ahh... I understand. You saw my sister Karite. She is the Maiden of collecting souls at death. I'm Tenmou. Desu, my sword, seemed to think someone here needed me." Sitting down she felt his aura and smiled. "Seems Suki has visited you recently as well. So what were you thinking about?"

"My brother," he blurted before he could stop himself. Keishou wasn't sure why but it seemed like he could tell this being anything, "He...I mean, we used to share everything and now he has to keep secrets from me and it feels like he's meant for something so important and I'm just left behind."

"Your feelings are correct. Keikan does have a special destiny. However so do you Keishou."

Sesshomaru lowered his head in sadness. "Can you think of anything we can do for her?" he asked as they headed back into the castle.

Akisame frowned. "No, only time can cure her heart."

"I do? But...I...there is nothing special about me," he replied sullenly. The only thing he could beat Keikan is was speed. His twin excelled in everything else.

Tenmou smiled at the boys reaction. "I need to explain a few things first. Keikan's destiny ties directly to your sire. Each of his firstborns have had unique destinies. Keikan's soul is from the world your parents met in. Yours from this one. Each soul is equally strong, each has its own unique destiny. I know your mother raised you on the legend of Amatsuotome. You are aware there are four. Each of us has touched your life. Shussan placed your soul in your mother's womb, Suki brought you love, Karite allowed you to see her and I stand here instructing you. What is more interesting is Desu's silence. I have only seen the sword this way once before. When held by the Weapons Master of the Maidens. He who holds them while awaiting a new maiden. Can you guess what that means?"

Keishou stared at the Maiden wide-eyed. "Me? But how?"

"I don't know how. I just know you will be. The Weapons Master is not just for this world but for all worlds. In one world, your half sister will become Tenmou and in another... I guess she would be your neice. You will hand the Desu of that world to each of them." She felt a summons. "I have to go. Someone is requesting my precense. Oh, you can't tell anyone yet. The current Weapons Master will be visiting you sometime soon. He will appear here." She disappeared as she stood.

He was disappointed that Tenmou had left, he wanted to ask her about the other worlds, though maybe that would be a question for his chichioya. For a few moments he sat there, pondering what the Maiden had told him. Finally he rose, feeling lighter, the animosity that had been developing toward his twin lessened and he knew in time it would be gone. With a small smile on his face, Keishou returned to the castle, now he too had a secret.

Haya had waited patiently for Keishou to return. This sword was important it was the key to her future. Finally her natural impatience won. She left the garden to find him. He wasn't in his tree. He wasn't in any of the places he normally went to be alone. Ending her search before the fountain in the courtyard, she looked to the figure of a miko holding a stone in the air.

Keishou found Haya by the fountain and crept up behind her. Slipping his arms around her waist, he kissed her neck.

Haya leaned into him. She could tell his mood was better. "Hi. Feel better?"

He pulled her closer, breathing in her scent, nodding against her neck. "Hai, I just needed to think. I'm sorry for leaving you alone so long."

Her hand slipped to his hip fingering the hilt of the sword at his side. "Your ward?"

"Hai," he said again, pulling away from her and drawing the sword. The blade gleamed in the afternoon sunshine. "Totosai is truly a master smith," he said, for the first time testing the weight of the sword in his hand. The katana was perfectly balanced, the hilt seemed molded to his hand. Sheathing the sword again, Keishou held out his hand. "Walk with me?"

This time Haya gave the answer her heart wanted to. "To the ends of the earth."

As they walked, Keishou suddenly realized something. "Haya....I have my ward now, so Uncle isn't around...." he let his sentence trail off.

"I was wondering when you would figure that out." She said snuggling closer to him.

Keishou smiled, revealing in the feel of her body close to his. Despite the awful events of the last few days it seemed the future was to be bright indeed. He would have to speak with his brother though, but, he thought looking at Haya, that could wait.

Inu Yasha was perched in a tree, from there he had a clear view of the fountain. Kagome. He was still surprised his brother had honored her so with the statue. He knew she would be born in a few centuries, but even that was no comfort. He knew his time with her was over. The wind brought him the scent of salt and a powerful miko. "Rin." he whispered. Leaping down he tracked the scent till he found the girl... young woman he corrected himself. "Rin?"

Rin looked up at him and smiled through her tears. He would understand. "How do you deal with the pain?"

"The pain, of knowing that you will never see them again?" She nodded. He sat on the bench beside her. "You just get use to having a part of your heart missing." He placed an arm around her shoulder. "Cry. It helps. But, if you ever tell anyone I said that..."

"You'll deny it." She finished wrapping her own arms around his waist her head resting on his strong shoulder she finally desolved into the sobs she had held back.



Next Episode
Home