Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 69

Keishou made his way to the Shrine and knelt before it. "Amatsuotome...Shussan...I need to speak with you."

"You summoned me, Weapon's Master?"

Keishou looked up at the Maiden. “My mate…she cannot have pups. I have told her that it does not matter to me but…the fact hurts her. Is there nothing that can be done?”

Shussan frowned, "Iie, Weapon's Master. There is nothing I can do. I understand her pain, for I too was barren as a ningen. If it was in my power to change her condition I would." Placing a delicate hand on the Weapon's Master's shoulder she continued, "If it is a babe she wishes, you could take a concubine for that purpose only. Or, you can seek a child who is an orphan."

Keishou's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I would not take a concubine even if I was the heir. I just can't seem to make her understand that it does not matter to me."

Squeezing his shoulder Shussan drew his attention to her. "Do not be overly interested in another's child. Do not make comments about the beauty of a woman carrying a baby. Do not imply that her only worth as a woman is her ability to have children. All these things others will do. She will not loose her fears quickly."

Shakaku hummed happily as she chopped vegetable. She could hear the cook fussing at her but ignored him. She had found she liked working in the kitchen and despite the youkai's protest would not leave.

Keikan walked into the kitchen. Seeing Shakaku happily cutting vegetables he sighed. "There you are. Come on Yamakaji and his fushizen (unnatural) son are about to arrive."

Shakaku looked up, putting down the knife. She heard the cook mutter something and giggled. "all right, I think I am annoying the cook anyway."

"Hai," Keishou replied, "Arigatou Shussan."

Leading his mate out of the kitchen, Keikan whispered, "Just ask her if you can help, or to teach you how to fix my favorite meal."

She giggled again. "And just what is your favorite meal my dear mate?"

"Hmmm... My favorite meal? I don't have one. I do however have a favorite desert."

She looked at him, eyes twinkling merrily, "And just what would that be?"

Leaning towards her until his lips were inches from hers. "Chocolate." he whispered pulling away and walking through the entrance to await the newest arrivals.

Shakaku narrowed her eyes at his retreating back, making a slightly irritated noise. She speed up, quickly reaching his side. The tora reached up and flicked one fuzzy silver-white ear. "I'll get you for that Keikan," she whispered, then turned to face the Southern Lord and heir. "Welcome Yamakji-sama, Okubiri. It is good to see the both of you again."

Resisting the urge to rub the offended ear, Keikan chuckled. "Hai, Welcome Yamakaji-sama and Okubiri." He nodded to his one time rival. "Oh and Shakaku, my mate... I do hope you will."

Yamakaji saw the teasing light enter the Western heirs eyes as he spoke to his mate. "I hope the Western home is happier than it was at our departure five months ago."

Keikan narrowed his eyes momentarily then smiled, "Ahh yes, the unfortunate incident with Nanshakogai. Things are settled."

She merely smiled, devilishly at her mate before returning her attention to their guests. "Hai my Lord. If you'll come this way...dinner will be served shortly."

Moving to pass her he whispered, "Just ask Uncle if he has any of that chocolate syrup." Raising his voice for the others. "Okubiri, I was surprised at your skill in fighting. Perhaps we can arrange a sparring match."

Okubiri was surprised that the young inu hanyou would offer such a match. "I would enjoy that." He almost smirked.

"But, Okubiri, it will only be a sparring match. Any non-combative strikes will result in that appendage being broken in several places." Keikan said, walking further into the castle.

'Chocolate syrup?' she thought, 'I wonder what that is.' She shrugged resolving to find out. After Keikan's statement she looked at the southern neko. "And after that you would have to deal with me, Okubiri," she hissed.

Making his way to what was now his office, Keikan opened the door and saw the newest scroll that had appeared on his desk. Opening it he read the message quickly. As he finished the last words the ink vanished.

After settling the Yamakaji and Okubiri in their rooms, Shakaku joined Keikan in his office. She looked at the blank scroll in his hands. "What is that for?"

Mika wandered through the halls looking for something to do. She was tired of her toys and was again feeling the loss of her twin. She turned a corner and nearly collided with the Lord of the East. "Oh! Excuse me Inari-sama!"

Inari smiled down at her. "It is all right Mika...I should watch where I am going." Reaching behind her ear he produced a thornless rose for her, delighting in the giggle his gift produced.

"This?" He questioned holding up the now blank scroll. "Oh I was just thinking of writing a particularly lovely Tora female a note." His voice light and teasing, yet in the depths of his thoughts he pondered the notes message. What was Reiketsu up to by summoning all those females to his castle?

"Oh," she said, putting her hands on her hips, tail lashing lightly, "Well then...I'll just leave you to your note writing then...maybe I'll go ask your Uncle for that chocolate syrup." She turned to leave, looking at him over her shoulder, "And you had better be referring to me," she added in a slightly more dangerous tone.

Mika reached for the rose, her fingers brushing the kitsune's as she did so. Images flooded her mind. She shook her head, trying to sort them out, a blush rising to her cheeks when she had. "Mika? Is something wrong?"

"Um...iie, Inari-sama...I--I have to go get ready for the banquet."

Keikan chuckled and called after her, "What other Baka Tora female do I know?" Putting down the enchanted scroll, he picked up a blank scroll and his brush.

Shakaku traversed the halls rather quickly in search of Inu Yasha. She wanted to ask him about this chocolate syrup before she forgot and the banquet would be shortly underway. The tora moved first to the rooms he used when in the castle and knocked lightly on the door.

Inu Yasha growled softly at the light knock. "Stay there." He said to his mate. Rising he wrapped a yukata around himself. Opening the door ready to kick a small toad youkai, he wasn't expecting to see Shakaku standing there. "Did you need something?"

Blushing at his state of dress and realizing that she had interrupted him, Shakaku quickly apologized. "Forgive me...I...Keikan wanted me to see if you had any chocolate syrup."

Inu Yasha raised an eyebrow. "Chocolate syrup?" Shaking his head he continued, "You need to check with the houshi. He took every bottle. Was there anything else?"

"Iie, Inu Yasha. I'm sorry again," she turned and left quickly. Finding the houshi was much easier to find. "Good evening houshi-sama...I have a request of you." Next Episode
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