Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 42
Shakaku jumped up, unable to contain herself, "No! I won't!" She looked to Sesshomaru and Akisame, pleading with her eyes. She couldn't go back with him.
Keishou looked at Haya when he heard her snort. He had thought it was because of North's words but he saw that she was instead staring at South's heir. He looked over in time to see the exchange between the neko and his brother and shuddered.
The situation was turning from bad to worse. Shakaku's reaction was not helping their case either. He looked at Shakaku apologetically, then looked to South. "What is your verdict Lord?"
Yamakaji sighed, "I must agree with Inari-sama. The child must be returned to her father." Looking at the young girl standing beside West and his mate he smiled, "Come child, you do not know what you are saying. Your father only wants the best for you. Okuribi go and escort Shakaku back to her father." Okuribi smiled and rose to do his father's bidding.
"Wait." Keikan didn't want Okuribi anywhere near Shakaku. Standing he took Shakaku's hand, "There is no way to avoid this. I will find you again, just don't mate with that neko." He whispered to her. Leading her to the Northern Taiyoukai, he stopped before the man. "As I am the one your tracker caught the scent of, I return your daughter to you." He said formally, "I would ask for your permission to court her."
Reiketsu almost answered with a negative, but that would give the girl another reason to defy him. Better to continue with his plan. "I will consider your request." He said.
Keikan bowed and walked back to his family.
Sesshomaru nearly applauded his son's handling of the situation. "If we have no other business, I invite you all to stay as it is late." He stood.
Shakaku stood beside her father, hands clenched at her sides, fighting the tears. She glared at her father.
Inari stood as well. "I will accept your offer. I also wish to speak with you in private Sesshomaru-sama,"
Reiketsu reached down and took one of Shakaku's hands, acting as the concerned father. "As will I and my daughter. It is to late to be traveling, we will leave at first light. Come my dear." Leading Shakaku out of the room he watched as the young heir followed.
"Yes, Okubiri and I will also enjoy your hospitality." Yamakaji said.
Turning a corner Reiketsu released Shakaku's hand. "You have done well Shakaku. What were you able to learn of West and his sons."
Keikan's world collapsed at those words. She had made a fool of him. Biting back the anger and hurt, he marched around the corner. In perfect imitation of his father's ice of the past he nodded to both and continued out of the castle.
"What?" She noticed Keikan over her father's shoulder. 'Oh no.' Ice lanced through her heart. "You bastard," she hissed, then she did something she had never done, even as a small child. She raised her hand and smacked Reikestu. "How dare you!"
Sesshomaru nodded. "Jaken show the Lords to their rooms. Inari-sama, you and I will speak momentarily."
Reiketsu's hand flew, connecting with Shakaku's cheek with a loud smack. "I dare anything. You dare run to my enemy. Luckily you are too stupid to send notices of your actions to the other lords. Now your young hanyou thinks I sent you. Try and regain his trust my dear."
Shippo moved to the kitsune Taiyoukai as Sesshomaru helped Akisame to her feet. "My lord may I speak with you?"
Pain exploded in the side of her face. Her father's words were true. Keikan would never want her now but she had to try. She turned to run after Keikan.
Inari looked at the young kitsune. "Certainly little one...privately?"
Shippo shook his head, "No need my lord. I only wanted to tell you that Shakaku did come here of her own will. She wasn't even going to come in until Inu Yasha invited her." Unsure if the lord would believe him he added, "I swear on the grave of Kagome guardian of the Shikon No Tama."
Reiketsu grabbed the girls arm stopping her escape. "Oh no, my dear daughter you will not leave my side. I'll not have you chasing after some hanyou like a common whore."
As soon as they had cleared the hallway of the audience chamber Akisame leaned heavily against Sesshomaru. "Sesshomaru... could you carry me the rest of the way?"
Keikan made his way through the garden. When he finally stopped he looked at his surroundings. The lake where only a few hours ago he had shared sweet dumplings with Shakaku. "Baka!" he berated himself.
Inari put his hand on the young kitsune's shoulder. "I believe you, young one. I did not want to return her to her father but," he shook his head sadly, "there was naught I could do."
Shakaku struggled for a moment, then stopped, shoulders sagging in defeat. She lowered her head, "Yes father," she whispered, as silent tears coursed down her cheeks.
Sesshomaru swept his mate off her feet. "You're getting heavy," he teased.
Mika slipped out into the garden and found her niisan by the small lake. He wasn't very happy. "Niisan?"
Shippo nodded, "I know. Just wanted you to know that we didn't do what North accused us of. Come on I'll show you to your room."
Akisame stuck her tongue out at him. "Not yet... give me a few more months." she teased back, then becoming serious. "North is up to something. He should have refused outright Keikan's request. He's going to cause problems. There is no way to help her is there?"
Keikan sat on the ground motioning for Mika to join him. "What is it Mika?"
Okubiri watched as the woman who had glared at him left leaving the second born alone. After the two kitsune's left he approached the young lord. "I'm afraid we haven't been introduced properly. I am Okubiri, the heir to the Southern Lands." He bowed slightly.
Sesshomaru shook his head, "Not that I know of...not without making it seem as though we are at fault," he sat her down on the futon, and lay his head on her chest. "Their course is not going to run smooth."
Keishou looked at Okubiri, cautiously. "I am Keishou, just plain Keishou," he said, bowing back, cursing his luck to be left alone, "Would you like me to show you to your rooms?"
Mika joined him. "Nothing...you're sad, aren't you niisan," she reached out and patted his knee, "Don't worry, you can go rescue her again when they go home."
"That would be wonderful." Okubiri said moving to Keishou's side. "However there is nothing plain about you. Keishou."
Akisame stroked her mate's silver hair, leaning down to kiss the back of his head. "No, but think of the obstacles we overcame my love, Naraku, time, even different worlds. They must only overcome her father and his treachery. I think they will be just fine, given a chance."
"No, Mika. I don't think I can rescue her." His head dropped allowing the curtain of silver hair hide the tears that rolled down his cheeks. 'I don't think she wants me too.' he added silently.
Keishou gulped, as he led the way. "Um...arigato.." 'I think.' "Well, here it is," he said, opening the door, wanting to be rid of the Southern heir as soon as possible.
He sighed. "Hai...I must meet with Inari. I have a feeling he knows that Reiketsu is up to something." With a final kiss he left the room.
Mika stared at the star filled sky. She brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. "But I like her niisan, could you try?"
Keikan didn't look up, "I know Mika, but sometimes things do not turn out the way we hope."
Mika turned to look at her brother, her lip trembling slightly. "Are you sure niisan?"
Shakaku sat in the room her father had left her in, curled in a corner. What was she going to do now? Keikan probably hated her, he wouldn't come to her. He would probably revoke his desire to court her. She would have to marry that baka of a neko and they would both be miserable. She rested her forehead on her knees and cried herself to sleep.
Keikan couldn't deal with Mika's questions right now. "Go talk to her. Let her tell you. We were wrong about her Mika. Tell Chichioya I'll return after they leave." Rising he made his way to the wall and leapt. Reaching the clearing quickly he transformed into his canine form and let his instincts guide him. Sitting on his haunches he howled at the full moon. A howl full of the pain he felt.
The huge white dog that was once known as Keikan stood, shaking it's massive shoulders. Leaping towards the castle, driven by some instinct it didn't understand it followed a scent. Leaping a wall he landed in a courtyard. Lowering his head he sniffed until he found the one he searched for.
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