Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 17

Midori tilted her head back to meet his eyes. "I did. I could smell it. He also felt confused and scared. Mika couldn't tell."

Mika's jaw dropped, then snapped shut as she glared at her sister. Once she had found out later that Shiro had been Keikan she had not wanted to let anyone know that she had not known it was him at the time. A tiny growl rumbled in her chest. "Mika," Sesshomaru said softly, "That's enough." Immediately she quieted and moved to sit in a corner. Sesshomaru kissed Midori's forehead. "Well, you certainly have a better nose than you're old Chichioya."

Midori looked up at her Chichioya, "You're not old." Reaching up to whisper in his ear "Chichioya, don't be mad when Rin picks a new mate."

Midori frowned and whispered back, "Yes, you will."

Again Sesshomaru looked at his daughter in surprise. "I won't," he whispered back. He looked over at Rin, wondering who she would pick.

With an amused bark Keikan explained. "Well you know how, according to Jaken, none of us are as good as Chichioya. We're just weak little hanyous. Well he started that with Mika and Midori. So I peed on him."

Keishou practically shook with laughter. "Yes I'd say he definitely deserved it." He lifted his head in the air, sniffing. "Youkai, up ahead," he whispered, laughter gone.

Keikan landed softly and shook his shoulders. Keishou took the hint and leapt off. Changing back he whispered, "I know, they are closer today."

"Closer?" Keishou asked, "Do you know who they are?"

"No. Only that I first saw them the day after the banquet and their coming from the north. At first I didn't think much of it. Each day they get closer, so I'm getting less inclined to believe it is non-threatening.."

Keishou gave his brother a worried glance. "Do you think that baka tora is behind this?"

"I think so." Keikan answered. "I just wanted to see if you had the same feelings I did about it. Guess we need to tell Chichioya." He transformed back and waited for his brother to climb on.

"Why would I get mad?" Sesshomaru asked, then waved his hand, looking at the confused Rin. "Let's just see what comes ok?"

Midori looked up at him, "Ok. But it will make both of them happy again. Ok Chichioya?"

Akisame wondered what Midori and Sesshomaru were talking about. Midori was so serious, she resolved to ask him once they left.

Sesshomaru nodded. "All right Midori, I will try to remember," he saw the girl's look of disbelief, "I promise to try."

He climbed on his brother's back, worry clenching his stomach. Keishou had the feeling that things were about to get worse. Once they were out of hearing range of the group, Keishou spoke again. "He's going to start a war."

Keikan barked once, letting his brother know he agreed. Now that his brother agreed with his assessment he wanted to tell his father as soon as possible. Dropping his head he increased to his full speed.

Midori continued to look at him. Standing up she patted the top of his head. "Silly puppy."

Akisame blinked, that hadn't been her daughter's voice. She had heard that voice only twice in her life, once when she asked her wish of Midoriko and the last time when she had asked Sesshomaru his wish.

He remembered that voice, it was one he would never forget. Was it Midoriko who blessed her namesake with her gift? Shaking his head he stood, planting another kiss on his gentlest daughter's head. Then he went to stand before Mika, who still sat in the corner, pouting. "Enough of that Mika...everyone has their own gift," he said as he picked the girl up.

She looked at him a moment, then pressed her lips against his cheek, "I'm sorry Chichioya."

Happy now that all of his children were in better moods, he met Akisame's eyes, silently indicating a need to speak. Once outside, he offered his mate his arm. "They all surprise me more and more each day."

"Me too, husband, me too. What was so important Midori had to whisper it to you?" Akisame asked as they walked down the hall.

Rin slipped silently down the hall and out of the family wing. She started towards the library but changed her direction halfway and headed outside to the garden.

Midori looked at her twin once they were alone. "I'm sorry Mika. It will happen soon." She said and started crying. She hated knowing what would happen. But she knew that everything would turn out the way it needed to.

Landing in the clearing Keikan waited for Keishou to jump down. Transforming he bent over his hands to his knees, breathing hard. "Keishou," he panted "go tell Chichioya, I'll be along as soon as I catch my breath."

Mika put her arms around her twin, all anger gone. Midori was a constant presence in her mind, she didn't know what she would do once she was gone. Not knowing what to say, tears brimming in her own eyes she just held her sister.

"She told me not to be angry when Rin takes a new mate, that it will make them both happy," he shook his head. "I think she knows who it is and she said that I will be angry. I almost wish I would have--" Sesshomaru paused as Keishou came running up to them.

Keishou sped through the castle, following his Chichioya's scent trail. Finally he found him. "Chichioya... Keikan and I found something. Youkai coming from the north. Keikan says they've been coming closer everyday."

"My study," Sesshomaru replied, "We'll wait for your brother there."

Keikan arrived in his Chichioya's study, his breathing still a bit ragged from the exertion of the run.

Sesshomaru waited until Keikan could breath a little easier, gesturing for Jaken to bring the boy water. "What have you found out?"

Taking the water from Jaken, Keikan drank deep. Walking to the map of the Western Lands that hung on the wall he pointed to the location the youkai were. He pointed out where he had seen them each day. The meeting went long into the night before all their plans had been made. Wearily he made his way to his room, taking off only his haori , Keikan lay down, asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Midori hugged her twin, "It will be ok Mika. I'm just sorry Chichioya had a fang pulled for me. That I won't see Keikan find a mate." She pulled back to look at her twin. "Mika, it will be soon, very soon. You can't tell Hahaoya or Chichioya. Just make sure Chichioya keeps his promise about Rin and Uncle. And tell them afterwards that I loved them."

Mika nodded. "I will. Aishiteru sister."



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