Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 6


The morning sun broke bathed the Western Taiyoukai's castle. Inu Yasha awoke and reached for Tetsusaiga. Keikan awoke and carried his still sleeping sister back to her room. The two met in the courtyard. A nod at each other and they leapt into the forest. When ever they were together the mornings would start the same. A run through whatever forest was near.

Akisame's eyes fluttered open. Her mate's comforting warmth at her back. His arm holding her close to him. She thought back over her life of the last eighteen almost nineteen years since she had become his mate. She remembered so clearly the first time she'd seen him. "One day." She whispered a promise to herself. The same one as every morning.

Sesshomaru opened his eyes as his mate stirred. He had not slept much that night. This was going to be a great day for all of them. His ears twitched at her whispered word. He propped himself up on his elbow, his long silver hair falling in a cascade over his shoulder and onto hers. "One day, what my love?"

"One day, when the children are grown, I would like to walk in this world, our first adventure. But this time, just the two of us."

Sesshomaru considered this a moment, then bent his head to kiss Akisame's nose. "If that is what you wish to do then that is what we will do. Now come love, we have much to do today."

Keishou awoke soon after his brother had left the room. He rose and went outside, to sit in his favorite tree, the same as every morning. He watched the clouds as they moved slowly across the sky. He sat and thought about everything and nothing.

He watched the sky change from orange-red to brilliant blue. The wind blew gently bringing with it a welcome scent. He leapt from his branch over the wall and soon saw his Daibo, her mate and her children. The taijiya smiled when she saw him, standing in the path ahead. "Keishou...you're up early."

He went to her and gave her a hug. "Nervous I suppose but come, everyone will be happy to see you."

Keishou escorted his human family back to the castle to prepare for the days events.

Keikan and Inu Yasha had stopped at a cliff top to catch their breaths before returning to the castle. "I told him."

Inu Yasha nodded, "So, how did he take the news?"

"He was shocked. He let me decide if I would tell anyone or not. I'm not going to. I decided it would be better not to let my enemies know." Keikan didn't turn to his Uncle as he continued, "He's not going to announce an intended for me. I'm relieved."

"You made a wise choice, never let an enemy know all your strengths. Well it's good to hear that he's not as stuck on tradition as he use to be. I'm also glad you'll get to choose your mate." Taking a good look at his nephew, Inu Yasha smiled. "Never thought I'd see the day my niisan would proclaim a hanyou his successor. Don't ever forget this one fact, the woman who would have been your Aunt taught it to me. A Hanyou has the best traits of Youkai and Ningen. Now let's head back you've got a big day ahead of you."

Sesshomaru walked into the courtyard in time to see a cloud of dust rise along with the sound of lowing cattle. When the dust cleared he saw Totosai sitting atop his three eyed bull. "What do you want Sesshomaru?" the old man croaked.

"Come inside Totosai, my mate, brother and I have something to discuss with you."

The old swordmaker followed the Taiyoukai into the castle and sat to await Inu Yasha's return.

Inu Yasha and Keikan arrived back at the castle, sliding to a stop in the courtyard. Midori ran to her Uncle her arms outstretched. Inu Yasha lifted the girl easily into the air spinning her around. Other than Keikan this child was dearest to his heart. She would look at him with her golden eyes, full of such wisdom and strength.

Jaken appeared at the door and spoke, "Master Keikan, and Master Inu Yasha, my lord request your presence in his study."

"I think I know what this is about." Inu Yasha said placing Midori on the ground. "Come on Keikan, we have been summoned."

As they walked into the study Keikan saw the old sword maker. "Sir."

When Inu Yasha and Keikan had arrived, Sesshomaru motioned for them to be seated. He looked at both of them in turn. "Each of you have expressed your concerns about Keishou, Mika, and Midori. I admit that I had not thought of it but it is an issue we must address. I have summoned Totosai, as he was the one to forge Tetsusaiga. Inu Yasha, please explain to Totosai, why he has been summoned."

Out in the courtyard Mika discovered Totosai's bull and was approaching it curiously. She stepped up to the animal and reached out to touch its nose. The bull looked at her with gentle eyes. Keishou too had noticed the strange animal and was also coming to investigate, Sango with him. "Keishou....can I keep him?" Mika asked looking up at her brother.

"Well...I don't know Mika...where did he come from?"

Sango spoke up. "You can not keep him Mika...he belongs to someone else."

"Who?" Keishou gave his Daibo a curious look.

"Totosai, the swordmaker."

Haya stepped forward. At sixteen she was beginning to loose the gangliness of youth and blossom into the beauty that she would become. "Totosai, the one who forged the Tetsusaiga and the Tensaiga. Ohiyo gozaimasu Keishou-san."

Inside the study Inu Yasha began "Old man, today Keishou will become an adult. None of us are too worried about Keikan loosing control... He has proven able to control his demon blood." He saw his brother's barely perceptible nod. "There are also Mika and Midori to worry about. None of us want any of them to become the monster I do when separated from Tetsusaiga. Since you forged the sword, is there anything you can forge for them?"

Totosai rubbed his chin. "Yes, swords for you sons...daggers for your daughters, now," the sword smith jumped up and tottered over to Sesshomaru and began poking at his mouth. "Now open up,"

Keishou smiled at the girl, unable to keep from noticing how much she had grown. "Why would he be here?"

Sango had an idea of why the demon sword master was summoned but she would not say it to her god son. "I'm sure it's your father's secret. Now we all must go get ready for the ceremony."

With that the taijiya shooed all of the children back inside the castle.

Moments later Totosai exited the castle and was soon gone on his bull. Sesshomaru watched him go, rubbing his cheek. He looked at his brother. "You could have told me that it was going to hurt."

Inu Yasha laughed. "How do you think he repaired Tetsusaiga after Goshinki broke it? 'Inu Yasha open your mouth please.' But damn, upper and lower on both sides. Ouch."

Sesshomaru sighed. If all it took were some of his fangs to protect his pups, then he would gladly give all of them up. "Well then, let's go finish preparations."

"Lucky they grow back in a half a day. Otherwise I think your mate would have killed Totosai. Damn but she has a temper."

Behind the two brothers Keikan contained his own laughter. It had taken every ounce of strength he and Inu Yasha had to keep the small woman off the sword master after the first fang was pulled. Even now he could hear her muttering angrily about it.

Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow. "That is new to you brother?" He turned to his eldest son and shot him a look. "I think it is time for you to get ready, Keikan and you," he reached for his mate, kissing her temple, "Can stop being angry."

Akisame snorted. "I'll be angry if I damn well feel like it. Hurting my mate. If he'd done that to me you'd have..." her voice faded off as she moved away from him and into the castle to change.

Sesshomaru chuckled and followed her. It was almost time for the beginning of the ceremony.

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