Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 8


Inside the castle Keikan wondered what was happening. He thought of the guest waiting in the dinning hall. What ever Makoto wanted would keep his parents from the hall for awhile. Rising he looked at his brother and sisters. "Chichioya and Hahaoya, are busy with the situation outside. This is our Coming of Age Keishou. We have both been recognized by our families, and there are guest waiting in the banquet hall. I suggest that we and our sisters begin the banquet. The rest will join us when they can."

"I agree brother," he said standing. He turned to Midori and flashed her a stunning smile, while bowing low. "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me beautiful lady?"

Midori bowed to Keishou, "I would be honored, kind sir."

Keikan bowed to Mika extending his hand. "Would you accompany me dear lady?"

Mika raised her head proudly and placed her hand in her brother's. "It would be my pleasure." Unable to keep up the feigned attitude she giggled then the four of them went to the banquet hall where the myriad of guests were awaiting the presence of the lord and his sons.

The hall was crowded with many guests. The other three lords of the cardinal points were in attendance as were many minor lords and ladies from the lands. Jaken announced them and they entered the hall. Since Keikan was the named heir Keishou walked several steps behind his brother and awaited his cue.

Keikan inclined his head a fraction, as the heir he was not required to bow before the lords any longer. "My lords and ladies, forgive our tardiness. My sire and his mate requested my brother and I greet you and begin the banquet. I thank you for attending our Coming of Age Banquet." With sure steps he made his way to the head table. Reaching it he knew he was to sit to his father's right; however his father was suppose to announce them. With a moments hesitation that only one who knew him well would recognized he sat in his father's seat instead. A gasp rose at the audacity of his actions. "Until he is able to join us My sire request I act as host."

Keishou escorted his sister to her seat than sat in his. The faint smile on his lips was not forced. He was amused by his twin's actions. 'You will make a fine lord brother.' He had to admit he was glad that it was Keikan and not he who was the heir. He felt slightly out of place in their family. Of his siblings he had shown no real special abilities of any sort. His sisters had the gift of foresight, Midori's more feelings than the clear pictures that Mika had. Keikan...well Keikan had proven to have several abilities he did know about and again Keishou wondered what else his twin was keeping from him. What he had said earlier applied, he didn't really have to know and he wouldn't press his twin for answers but he still felt the slight hurt at the necessity for secrets between them.

Mika fidgeted in her seat. The room was noisy and hot. Despite the fact that she was very hungry she didn't want to be here. She eyed the room nervously, her golden eyes searching for her parents and the rest of her family. For now she was sitting by herself on the right side of the table, Keikan having taken Chichioya's chair and she was feeling slightly lonely.

Keikan gave an almost imperceptible nod to Jaken, indicating that the banquet should begin. At that signal the doors to the kitchen opened and servants began bringing in tray after tray of the delicacies the cooks had labored hours on.

A whispered voice caught Keikan's ear. Twitching it in that direction he listened. "See what did I tell you dear, Sesshomaru has gone soft. Even his sire didn't allow his hanyou brat honor in youkai society, but Sesshomaru names one his heir."

Turning to face the Northern Lord and his Lady, Keikan raised an elegant brow in perfect imitation of his sire. "My Lord, did you wish to make a toast on this the day of my being formally named heir to the Western Lands?"

Keishou had also heard the whispered comment and watched with interest as all attention turned to the Northern Lord. The youkai however did not loose his composure as he stood. He raised his glass. "There are no words truly befitting this day. May the coming years prove your worth as adult and heir." Keishou smirked, knowing the hidden meaning behind the taiyoukai's words. As the tora sat, a motion caught his eye from the other end of the table. Mika was fidgeting in her seat. His sister never was comfortable in large crowds. The hanyou hoped his Chichioya would return soon so that the girl would not be by herself any longer. The doors to the dining hall were pushed wide and Sesshomaru glided into the room, followed by the others.

Sesshomaru was glad his sons had the presence of mind to start the banquet. He was slightly surprised but proud of his Keikan's ingenuity as he saw the boy seated in what was Sesshomaru's place at the table. "Forgive my lateness...there was a pressing matter that required my attention," he said as he approached the head table. When he stood beside his named heir, Sesshomaru nodded slightly to show his approval of his actions.

Standing Keikan moved to his spot at Sesshomaru's right. He was glad that his father wasn't angry about him taking his seat. That would have been embarrassing. He was trying to figure out a way to tell him of the Northern Taiyoukai's insults but was saved when Midori walked up to him.

"Chichioya? May Mika and I be excused."

Akisame watched her son, she knew he wanted to tell his father something. Brushing her hand against his she asked. 'Tell me, I will let him know.' Keikan smiled at his mother, bringing her hands to his lips he allowed her to see the recent memory. At her nod of understanding he released her hand and sat. Moving to her seat she lightly brushed Sesshomaru's leg with her own. It was enough the memory was transferred.

Sesshomaru nodded at his quietest daughter. He knew they didn't like these big banquets. "Yes Midori, you may be..." lowering his voice he whispered conspiratorially, "Just keep your sister out of trouble, all right?"

He watched them go, Mika seemed very glad to get away. Then came the slight touch on his leg, the transferred memory. He inclined his head toward Keikan, who nodded. Could this night get any worse? He wondered if any of the other Taiyoukai felt the same way. Dismissing the thought he decided to try and enjoy the rest of the evening. In a calm voice, betraying none of the malice he was developing for the northern lord he assured his heir. "Do not worry...the matter will be taken care of."

Mika heard the dismissal and after a quick peck on the cheek to her mother and father, followed her sister out of the dining hall. She gave her twin a big hug once they were out of sight in thanks for saving them both from the stuffy banquet.

Keikan smiled at his sire. A wicked thought crossing his mind. Unfortunately he had no way of sending the thought through his mother. Leaning close he spoke in undertones he knew even Keishou would only hear a soft purr. "Sir, I have two possible ways to handle his challenge. One disclose the prophecy concerning me or second, allow me to perform my kata for the lords instead of the traditional dancers."

Inu Yasha watched from his position at the right hand table. Something had happened while they had settled Rin in her room with Haya. Keikan was up to something. He frowned slightly wondering what the boy was plotting.

Sesshomaru was unable to keep the smile from his face. In equally soft tones he replied. "Let's give them a show, my son."

The Inu Taiyoukai rose, "My honored guests...I had originally planned to entertain you with dancers and music but my heir wishes to perform for you this evening. I am certain that you will enjoy his performance just as much."

There were a few muffled whispers in wonder as to what the performance would entail but no one seemed to out right object. Sesshomaru felt the eyes of the tora on him but ignored them. When all were finished with their plates the food was cleared. Sesshomaru inclined his head, indicating that Keikan was to begin.

Keishou leaned in towards his uncle, "What do you think he's up to?" he whispered, his ears were flicking back and forth belying his nervousness. The comments from the Northern lord had disturbed him more than he would like to admit.

Inu Yasha shrugged. The pup was up to something, but what? He wasn't going to show.... No he had all ready decided to keep that ability secret. He watched as Keikan stood and stripped to his hakama then move to the center of the performance area before the tables.

Keikan thought as he positioned himself it would be too dangerous to do Sankon Tetsusou he would need to replace that section. Remembering the sword at his side he thought of the change. Bowing he relaxed every muscle and began his kata. After the whip twirl, instead of combining them into a single whip he withdrew his youki and pulled the sword at his hip. Without thought he moved into a whirling sword kata, the blade danced in his hand, he switched it effortlessly from right to left. He knew that was impressive, even the ningen soldiers he had learned this kata from had been surprised at his ability to swap hands. As the second kata ended he stopped and bowed again to the tables. His breath harsh and ragged.

Silence thundered in the room for many moments. The only sounds Keishou could were his twin's ragged breaths and the heartbeats of all present. Finally someone started a slow clapping and the room was soon filled with the noise. The hanyou had kept his eyes on the Northern lord through the entire performance. He was quite pleased by the first shocked, then horrified look on the tora's face. Now however as he put his hands together slowly and grudgingly, there was no emotion evident on the taiyoukai's face. All attention turned to Sesshomaru as he stood once again and called an end to the banquet. Keishou quickly stood to accompany his father to the door, in order to bid the guests a good night.

Keikan's breath calmed. Stepping before the tora he let the Taiyoukai see the red in his eyes. He spoke softly so no one would hear "Never accuse the West of weakness again North. My sire might forgive but I am my mother's son. Ask Northern Mountains about her." Turning he walked away deliberately showing his back.

The Northern Lord sneered at the pups audacity. To threaten him, then show his back telling all who witnessed that he the Taiyoukai of the North, was no threat. He took a half step towards the boy when the soft growl reached his ears.

Inu Yasha knew now what had happened even without being told. At his warning growl the Taiyoukai stopped. "Think you need to leave. Now."

The Northern lord sniffed derisively at the hanyou before him then turned on his heel and swept out of the banquet hall.

Keishou smirked as the Taiyoukai left with only the barest of formal good-byes. After everyone was gone he let out a short laugh. "I think you taught him a lesson brother."

Keikan smiled at his twin, "Ahh but did he learn the lesson brother? That is the question."

At Sesshomaru's side, Akisame wondered how many times Keikan would face challenges to his right to be heir. She loved her husband and children, yet sometimes the doubts crept in. The promise of the Maiden seemed long ago. Yet twice tonight her family had faced prejudice, from youkai and ningen. Absently she played with her ring. She looked at it, after the boys were born, he had the hairs changed by a magician now the strands of his hair were pure silver, and hers were fiery copper.

Sesshomaru stepped behind his mate, wrapping his arms around her and bending his head so his chin rested on her shoulder. He knew the direction in which her thoughts were running. He was having the same ones. "We can't protect them forever, love," he whispered in her ear.

She nodded and turned in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her check against his chest. She stayed that way for a few moments, then lifted her lips to his. "Make me not think." She whispered.

"Gladly," Sesshomaru purred, pulling her closer.

Now that the guests were gone and the castle quiet, Keishou felt an urge to be alone. The events of the day had brought many things to think about. With a mumbled apology he left the castle and found his favorite tree again. He suddenly felt very alone, as he sat listening to the sounds of the night.

Haya had left Rin sleeping she wandered in to the courtyard in time to see Keishou leap into a tree. She loved him, earlier she and her mother had a long conversation about it. The ridicule she would face if he was interested, from ningen and youkai. But it didn't matter to her, she had witnessed the jeers Inu Yasha withstood. She still held a small scar above her right eye, where she had fought a boy for his remarks. Walking to the tree she didn't look up, only sat at the base silently offering her company.

Haya's scent drifted to him, then he heard her sit beneath his tree. Keishou almost told her to go away. Instead he dropped to the ground beside her. He sat there with her, gazing up at the stars, thinking over all that the day had revealed to him. He could help but think how nice it was to have her there with him.

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