Of Claws and Fangs
Episode 54

Keikan moved easily through the almost completed garden. It had been a five months since Nanshokagai had appeared wreaking her havoc. "Chichioya? Shakaku and I are going to Edo to visit Hahaoya, won't you come with us?" While his Hahaoya had ordered him as well as all his siblings including Haya and Shakaku not to in any way force or coerce the youkai before him to come to her. Keikan began to understand where his stubbornness came from. For she would not budge on the fact he must come to her. However, nothing forbade him from asking. 'Say yes this time Chichioya. Go to your mate, end this now.'

Sesshomaru looked up from the tiny herb plants he was planting with care. He was not dressed in his usual finery but in just a simple brown servant hakama. The chill in the air did not bother him as he worked barechested in the garden. His hair, once shimmering silver white, now dull was pulled back in a leather thong. Part of him wanted to run to Edo and apologize while showering kisses over his mate's face. "Iie, Keikan," he replied, returning to his planting, "If she wanted to forgive me, she would have returned."

Keikan wanted to yell at his sire, tell him all the things his Hahaoya had forbidden him to say. "Won't you at least come half-way with us?" He tried hoping that this would be one of the times Hahaoya came halfway with Keishou or Inu Yasha. "Rin usually comes with Uncle to meet us there." The family had split Rin and Keishou taking care of Akisame; while he and Mika tried to cajole Sesshomaru into going to Edo.

Haya watched as her mother and Akisame worked in the small herb garden. It saddened her to see the shell of a woman Akisame had become. Her eyes once full of laughter were now filled with sadness. Everyone had tried to convince her to go back to the castle and speak with Sesshomaru. She had refused, always saying the same thing, "If he loves me, he will come for me."

Keishou walked up behind Haya, putting his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her head. "How long do you think this will last?"

Haya leaned back into her mate's embrace. "They are both to proud to give on this issue. She will not go to him and he will not come to her. Nanshokagai planted her seeds of despair well. I worry that neither will give before the pup is born."

Keishou nodded, "It worries me that the witch left so easily. She hasn't been after you has she?" he asked, suddenly remembering Suki's warning.

"Iie, Keishou. Though I do wonder what her last attack on Akisame was. Something happened that night but she will not discuss it. Mother and I have tried to get her to join a girl talk session, but she won't. I almost wish she had gone with Rin and Inu Yasha to meet Keikan and Shakaku. I feel for your brother, he can not claim his mate without a ceremony before both Sesshomaru and Akisame. I fear they will wait a long time."

Rin walked beside Inu Yasha headed towards the mid point. Looking up at him, "Inu Yasha, should I tell Sesshomaru-sama what she wants. Regardless that she has forbidden it, I will do it if it brings a smile back their faces."

"Not yet Rin." He counciled. "If when the time for the pup to be born comes and they have not reconciled. I will tell him. I will deal with her anger. As large as she is getting, I suspect we won't have to wait much longer for this pup to make it's appearance. I promise the moment she begins her labor, I will go and bring him to Edo. Even if I have to knock him out and drag him."

Sesshomaru stood, wiping the dirt from his hands. "Hai, Keikan, I will. Give me a moment and I will be ready." He went into the castle, the hallways dark at first from being out in the sun so long. These were quiet halls now. Little laughter bounced off the walls these days. As he went into his rooms, Sesshomaru looked around, her absence made him feel like he was once again without one arm. Opening the wardrobe his eyes fell upon the kimono Leena and Taka had bought Akisame, so long ago. He fingered the material, bringing the sleeve to his nose. Only a small lingering scent of her remained. 'I miss you.'

Finished with the gardening Akisame stood and looked to the young couple holding each other tenderly. A sad smile played about her lips for a moment. Placing her hand on the fullness of her abdomen, the sign of the life growing within her, 'Why haven't you come?' She asked facing west. 'Maybe it was Nanshokagai who caused us to part, but it is not her that keeps us apart. Come for me. Show me my dream was naught but a nightmare brought by that spirit." Turning she made her way to what had become her hut. Mika, Keikan and Shakaku would arrive by evening she needed to have some type of meal ready.

Shakaku met Keikan as he returned to the castle. "Any luck this time?" she asked hopefully.

Keikan smiled, "Hai, he's coming to the halfway point. I only hope this is one of the trips she comes with them."

Sesshomaru exited the castle, meeting Keikan and Shakaku. "I am ready."

Keikan nodded and lifted Mika to his shoulders. "Well we've got a lot of ground to cover. I'm glad your coming at least to the halfway point with us Chichioya." Taking Shakaku's hand he started through the gate. The silence of the trip was at odds with the usual joking and teasing of journeys to Edo. As they arrived at the midway point clearing Keikan's eyes searched the clearing, she hadn't come this time. Deciding to risk his Hahaoya's anger he greeted Inu Yasha with a question. "Is Hahaoya still having the nightmares, Uncle?"

Inu Yasha narrowed his eyes slightly at Keikan. "Not that I'm aware of. Though she doesn't sleep well, and most nights cries herself to sleep. But as to what the nightmare was, she still won't say Keikan." He quickly motioned for his nephew to drop the subject. "Are you coming to Edo, brother?" He asked.

Sesshomaru listened to his son and brother's conversation. She was having nightmares? Crying herself to sleep? He must have cut her deeply. "Iie, brother. I am certain I will only cause her more pain." Before they could press the issue further, he turned and sped back towards his castle.

Mika stamped her foot angrily. "Why is he being such a baka!"

Shakaku smiled sadly, squeezing Keikan's hand a bit. "Because his own pain is blinding him to what he must do."

Keikan watched as his father quickly left. "No, Shakaku that isn't all of it. For as long as I can remember Hahaoya has always gone to him after an argument. He is waiting for her to return, just as she is waiting for him to come to her." Looking to his Uncle, "I had hoped she would have come with you this time."

"It is becoming hard for her to travel Keikan." Inu Yasha said sadly, "Come on, we have a long way to travel."

Next Episode
Home