Of Claws and Fangs
Episode 60

Keishou tried to lie still as his mate and daibo treated his wounds. He sucked in a breath through clenched teeth as Haya put the healing herbs on one particularly nasty gash. "This is really gonna hurt tonight," he muttered.

Haya frowned, "Oh Keishou, tonight is your night. Yes these will hurt tonight."

Sango sat back, looking over their work. "Finished." Her godson started to try to get up but slumped back to the ground. She patted his head. "Just rest."

He folded his arms and rested his head on it, eyes sliding shut again. "They would have a miko," he murmured, as he started to fall asleep.

Sesshomaru ran his claws through his mate's hair as Kaiya nursed. He remembered the look she had given their firstborn when Shakaku was introducing herself to the pup. "Love...why did you give Keikan that look, earlier?"

"Because," Akisame explained, "It has been five months since Keikan won the right to make Shakaku his mate, but he hasn't. Is there some ritual or ceremony I'm not aware of... I know a lot of the rituals for you taking a mate we didn't actually do... and you never explained them either."

"Hai" he replied, a little sadly, "He must present her to the both of us. We must declare our acceptance of her."

"Oops" Akisame giggled, "Well this little one is full. I must admit one at a time is much nicer than twins. While I change her and put her down for a nap, why don't you go find the two young lovers. They have waited long enough."

Inu Yasha stopped before the hut he had been building. Rin had been as good as her word and never visited the small clearing. Removing the blindfold he whispered, "You can look now."

Rin blinked as her eyes refocused, the hut was small, not nearly as fancy as the one Makoto had shared with her. But it was beautiful in its simplicity. "It's beautiful, Inu Yasha." She turned and kissed him.

Raising his head from her lips he whispered, "I have Sesshomaru's permission and yours, Rin. I want to mark you now." His heart leapt with joy as she nodded and moved her hair off her shoulder bareing her neck to him. Gently he lowered his head licking the spot, at her shiver he growled softly to comfort her and bit. His mouth filled momentarily with the coppery tasting blood. Removing his fangs he lapped softly at the wounds until they closed. Lifting his head he smiled, "Do you wish to mark me as well?"

Rin shook her head, "Not with blood. But I do wish to mark you." Quickly she pulled hairs from his head and hers, braiding them into two strands. One she wrapped around his finger, the other around her own. "When our first pup is born, you can have a wizard change these as Sesshomaru had his and Akisame's done."

Sesshomaru nodded and rose. He saw his eldest and Shakaku outside the hut. "Keikan," he called softly. When the boy turned, the Taiyoukai beckoned him inside the hut.

Keikan grasped Shakaku's hand and slowly followed his father into the hut. As they entered the main room he saw his mother come from the bedroom.

Akisame smiled gently at the two before her, "Now I believe there just might be something you need to do. Isn't there Keikan?"

"Yes ma'am." Taking a deep breath Keikan spoke, "Chichioya, Hahaoya, this is Shakaku, by right of conquest she is mine. As your heir, you have the right to refuse this match. Shakaku is the daughter of the Northern Taiyoukai, Reiketsu."

Akisame smiled, "I have no objections to Shakaku." She looked to her mate.

Sesshomaru looked first at Keikan and then at Shakaku. He let his golden gaze slid back to Keikan. His heir was trying not to show it but Sesshomaru could tell the boy was anxious. Finally he spoke. "I have no objections to her either. She is yours Keikan...if she's not fed up with waiting so long."

Haya sat beside her mate as he slept. Changing the dressings as needed. As darkness fell she watched as his hair darkened and his claws retracted. Quietly she put the soup pot over the fire to warm, if he woke he would need to eat.

Inu Yasha looked down on his new mate, she slept peacefully a smile on her face. "You are my future Rin." He whispered brushing a lock of her chestnut brown hair from her face.

Akisame curled her body around Kaiya, her back to Sesshomaru. She sighed with contentment, as her eyes fluttered closed and sleep over took her.

They reached Edo, where they had captured the hanyou, as dawn broke. Surprisingly their miko knew the way and led them unerringly past an old well and into the village. The captain of the guard paused as they reached the village entrance. "We should wait, my lady. None will be up yet."

The miko turned deep brown eyes on him, "This village is home to many hanyou and youkai...they will be waking soon."

Sesshomaru felt the day break and stirred from his sleep. He sat up, quirking on elegant brow at the strange scents upon the wind. Rising he moved to the front of the hut, pushing aside the curtain. At the entrance to the village he saw a group of people, led by a miko, dressed in the traditional red and white. He looked at her through narrowed eyes, she was familiar. One of the humans noticed him and the whole group moved toward his hut. The one who had seen him spoke. "We are looking for the Weapon's Master."

Keishou awoke as his powers returned, causing his pain to fade slightly. His nostrils flared as a unwelcome scent drifted through the curtain. He whimpered, in pain and fear as he tried to move away from the door. "She's here."

Haya had never seen Keishou like this. Kissing him gently she stroked his hair. "Shhh. Stay here." Rising her eyes narrowed. Grabbing her chain scythe she stepped out into the morning seeing the group of people didn't concern her, only one a woman in red and white, her black hair pulled back. She moved to stand beside Sesshomaru, true the Taiyoukai wouldn't need her help, but Keishou was her mate.

Akisame bundled Kaiya up, then followed. Stepping out she recognized the miko instantly from other memories.

Inu Yasha walked towards the village, Rin's small hand in his. As they entered the village, he noticed the crowd before Sesshomaru. Brushing a soft kiss to Rin's forehead he moved to stand with his brother, Akisame and Haya. A familiar scent tickled his memory and he looked to the group.

""Kikyou?" Akisame and Inu Yasha whispered at the same moment.

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