Good evening everyone. This is going up later than I wanted, but work ran over tonight and there's not much I can do about that one. Thanks to those that reviewed on the last chapter. I'm glad many of you seemed to like the fight sequence. I never have much confidence writing them as I'm not much of a fighter myself :-)

Well . . . I can't believe we're to the final chapter. I hope you all like the way it ends and that you enjoy reading this last little bit. I'm not sure I have much else to say before hand, so without further ado . . .

Chapter 29 . . .

Energy whip lighting up the air, and with satisfaction near, Sesshomaru felt a clawed hand grip his leg before the air around him seemed to condense down upon itself, a nauseating tunnel of swirling color and mist pulling him in and through countless dimensions until he was finally released into near pitch black, only the dim light of a few surrounding candle flames illuminating the space. Even in the low light, the Prince of the West was able to witness the bat youkai's head fall to the floor, its body soon following after as his energy whip finally completed its mission. Inhaling deeply, Sesshomaru's lips pulled back in distaste. His hanyou's scent was nowhere to be found. Instead, the disgusting smell of spider filled his nose, the obnoxious odor of wolf tinting its edges.

"Oh my gods," Kouga moaned before retching, the contents of his stomach now adding to the overall stench of the room. "I never wanna fuckin' do that again."

Looking down, Sesshomaru's crimson eyes glowed in the near darkness as he stared at the wolf still gripping his ankle. Growling a low, "Kouga," Sesshomaru heard the chiming of Miroku's staff, drawing his attention up and to the seemingly innocuous monk.

Gaze fixed upon the now dead bat youkai known as Seneichi, Miroku rewrapped the holy beads around his cursed hand. "Well, at least now you all understand why I do not enjoy traveling in such a way." Shifting away from the now truly deceased youkai, Miroku looked from Sesshomaru to Kouga, his trademark grin nowhere to be found as he said, "Welcome to the Wen Kai Caves."

No more had those words passed his lips than all three youkai noticed movement, as if the very walls had come alive. Getting his feet below him, Kouga spun around, putting his back to Sesshomaru and Miroku, a low growl beginning to work up from the pit of his belly. "What the fuck is this place?" Eyes shifting, Kouga now realized that the pit he'd fallen into was covered in thick, sticky webs.

Positioning himself similarly, Miroku took a few steps back. "This, my friend, is Hakudoshi's nest. The sorcerer behind the attacks on not only Inuyasha, but also the entire Western Lands. He is the same spider youkai that schemed to get your clans' involved in a battle they could not possibly win."

Lips pulling back in a snarl, Kouga's demeanor instantly changed from defensive to offensive, his eyes glinting with malevolent fire. "Is that so."

"It is."

"Feh, then I guess there's just one thing to do."

Sighing dramatically, the rings on Miroku's staff chimed as he lowered the weapon. "As much as I detest such things, it would seem that in this case, I would have to agree with you."

Barely listening to the banter going on at his back, Sesshomaru felt divine pleasure course through his raging blood. Finally . . . finally he would be able to destroy that which threatened his mate and home. Hakudoshi would die today and nothing could have soothed his wounded pride more. Despite his near feral state, Sesshomaru recognized his allies, if only distantly. Voice barely distinguishable, the Prince of the West gave his one and only warning. "Hakudoshi is mine. I will kill you if you come between me and my prey."

Bending his head to the side, Kouga heard a satisfactory crack in his neck as his lips pulled back in a snarl. "'Kay, no Hakudoshi, but the rest of these bastards are fair game."

Feeling as if there was nothing more to say, Sesshomaru's own lips pulled back, his fangs glinting in the pale light while the scent of his toxic poison wafted into the room, promising pain. And in that moment, the Prince of the West did something he rarely got the opportunity to do – he released his youkai – all his youkai.

Crouching down, both Miroku and Kouga found it difficult to stand with the weight of Sesshomaru's power. All around them, the walls shook with the Prince of the West's unbridled fury. Sharp movement from a far corner in the room caught Kouga's attention. Head snapping in that direction, the wolf's eyes widened slightly as he saw a flurry of bent legs and glowing red eyes dart from the room they were currently standing within, the spider scurrying off down an unknown corridor.

Hissing, a low, "Hakudoshi," Sesshomaru darted after the fleeing youkai, taking his power with him and allowing Miroku and Kouga the ability to stand again. Unfortunately, that also mean the youkai currently surrounding them were able to do the same.

Back on his feet, Kouga began bouncing again. "So, I guess I don't gotta worry about gettin' sliced and diced goin' after Sesshomaru's prey. That means all these other fucker's are ours. You ready, monk?"

"There is no need to trouble yourself where I am concerned."

"Feh, who said I was troubled?"

Miroku smiled while reaching into his robes, pulling a set of leather gloves out to cover the skin of his hands before reaching deeper into the fabric and retrieving a handful of holy talisman. "I will endeavor to aim well and not purify you."

Kouga's laugh was more a cackle of glee, the scathing retort he'd formulated lost as the first spider youkai attacked.

::::::::::

Blinking once, Inuyasha sat there, desperately trying to absorb what he'd just seen. Sesshomaru had come. His mate had burst through the door just in time to pull that damn bat youkai off him. Sesshomaru had been firing up his energy whip, Inuyasha was sure of it. He'd not only felt it, but just begun seeing the hint of its form and then . . . and then he was gone. Sucking in a deep breath, the hanyou fought down the whine of confused pain running rampant through his soul. Worried beyond anything he'd felt when he'd been attacked, Inuyasha struggled to get his knees beneath him, pushing his body up and wobbling toward where he'd last seen his mate.

Watching Inuyasha struggle, Kitanya also stood before rushing to his side. "Inuyasha, you need to rest."

Amber eyes blown wide, Inuyasha's puppydog ears swiveled upon the top of his head while his nose desperately scented the air. Filtering through the myriad of smells, Inuyasha noted both Kouga and Miroku's scents and forced his mind to focus. Just before Sesshomaru had disappeared, he'd seen something . . . a bright light and what felt like a shift in the room's pressure.

Worried about Inuyasha's obviously agitated state, Kitanya pulled at the sleeve of his robe, only to have the hanyou rip his arm away. "Inuyasha, please, you need to – "

"What I need to do is find my damn mate!" Inuyasha screamed, his skin near ashen. "Where the fuck did he go? What did that damn bat do with him?"

Inu no Taisho entered the room in time to hear his nephew's frazzled voice. Forcing his own concerns for his son and heir's safety from his mind, the Lord of the West's voice was calm and soothing as he answered, "Inuyasha, with any luck, Sesshomaru is where he should be, doing what must be done."

Completely unsatisfied with that answer, Inuyasha's claws curled into tight fists. "What the fuck does that mean?"

Moving further into the room, Inu no Taisho took a brief moment to survey the damage done and to note that, although both Kitanya and Inuyasha looked worn and pale neither seemed further injured. Still, the bear submissive was right, the hanyou looked as if he was about ready to fall over and it was in everyone's best interest to get Inuyasha to at least sit. "What that means, Inuyasha, is that not all is as you fear. While it is true that things did not happen as smoothly as I would have liked, Sesshomaru's apparent disappearance was actually to plan."

Blinking once, Inuyasha swayed ever so slightly. "Plan? What kind of plan? Damn-it! Where did the asshole go?"

At his back, Inu no Taisho felt Masaru and Norim enter the room, both quickly cataloging the situation. Trying to remain calm, Inu no Taisho stepped closer still. "Inuyasha, I will explain everything, but Kitanya is correct when she says you need to rest – "

"Fuck you! I'm fine, now tell me where Sesshomaru is!" Panting, Inuyasha's vision was becoming hazy, little stars dancing around the edges of his sight. Heart thumping deep within his chest, the hanyou thought he was going to go crazy if someone didn't tell him where Sesshomaru was, if his mate was alive or . . . gods, he couldn't even complete that sentence. With panic beginning to set in, Inuyasha's breath became shorter and shorter, his vision even hazier until the room in general began spinning.

Easily seeing the signs, Inu no Taisho shot forward, catching Inuyasha as the hanyou's strength finally gave out. Wrapping his nephew within the comfort of his furs, the Lord of the West knew his son would be livid when he came back to find his mate covered in another dominant's scent, but for the time being, it was necessary.

Holding Inuyasha's body close, the Lord of the West ordered Norim over and soon the healer's hand was aglow with a warm blue light. With his examination complete, Norim's eyebrows furrowed as he sat back, the warmth of his own mate's arms encircling his waist. "Beyond some bruising and strained muscles, he is not injured, but I am afraid Inuyasha's youkai is near exhaustion once again."

Ears twitching, Inuyasha could barely open his eyes, a mere slant of amber showing through thick eyelashes. "Sessh . . . where . . . "

Pulling Inuyasha in closer, Inu no Taisho began gently rocking his body, the Lord of the West's voice little more than a soft lullaby. "The one attacking you was being controlled by sorcery. We are all assuming it was Hakudoshi's doing, but regardless, Miroku was able to use Seneichi's body and the connection it had with the one behind the sorcery to locate their point of destination. As a dimensional youkai, Miroku used his Wind Tunnel to transport both he and Sesshomaru, and most likely Lord Kouga as well, to this location. No doubt my son is currently killing those responsible as we speak."

Inuyasha wasn't exactly sure who this Seneichi youkai was that Inu no Taisho spoke of, but he figured it was the crazy bat that had attacked him. "He . . . he's c-comin' back?"

The Lord of the West's chest rumbled with something between a growl and a laugh. "Of course he's coming back. My son and heir does not fail and today will be no different, especially where your safety is concerned. Have faith in your mate for he shall always come back to you."

Eyes drifting, Inuyasha couldn't keep his lids open any longer and slipped away into blissful nothingness. Staring down at his nephew's all too pale face, the Lord of the West asked, "How long do we have?"

Head shaking, Norim wasn't sure. "I don't know, but the sooner Sesshomaru gets back, the better." Lips curving down into a deep frown, the healer hated the words he was about to speak, but found them necessary. "My Lord, if . . . if Prince Sesshomaru is delayed in his return, could you do the energy transfer?"

"I don't know and hope not to find out. It is possible, but it is also possible that the only reason it works is either because they are mated, or the pup recognizes its sire's youkai and accepts it as a safe source of food. There is a very real possibility that the pup will reject my energy or worse. For now, it shall be an option of last resort."

Head bowed, Norim nodded before lifting his head and letting his eyes scan the room before returning his attention to Kitanya. "Are the remaining rooms still intact?"

Slowly, the tremble wracking Kitanya's body began fading. "Aye, to my knowledge the bedroom and bath should be fine."

"Good." Standing, Norim briefly glanced at his mate before looking to Inu no Taisho. "It would be good to wash Seneichi's blood from the room, including that which has fallen on both Inuyasha and Kitanya. Since we have little knowledge as to when Prince Sesshomaru, Miroku and Lord Kouga might return, I would suggest using that time productively."

"Agreed." Swiveling his head, Inu no Taisho spoke to Kitanya. "I know you must be tired – "

"There is no need to ask further." Raising her body, Kitanya felt her heart ease at having a mission – being useful for something besides sitting and fretting. "Healer Norim and I can clean Inuyasha and get him to bed. After that, I'll clean myself and begin on the room." Swiveling to the side, Kitanya gave a low bow in Masaru's direction. "Forgive the impudence, but could I ask that you remove the broken and unsalvageable items from the room while I see to Inuyasha's needs."

"It is no impudence." Gaze drifting between the blade still tightly clutched within Kitanya's bloody fingers to the dismembered hand lying upon the floor, Masaru's eyebrows rose. Clawed finger pointing at the corpse-like hand, Masaru inclined his head. "Lady Kitanya, am I to assume that is your handiwork?"

Quickly glancing in the direction of Masaru's line of sight, Kitanya's face pulled tight in disgust. "It is. I only wish I had gotten the opportunity to take them both."

Barking out a quick shot of prideful laughter, Masaru's chest puffed out even more than usual. "I will have to praise Lady Sango's tutelage when next I see her."

"Oh," Kitanya blushed. "Well . . . I . . . "

Striding forward, Masaru slapped the small bear submissive on the back, almost tumbling Kitanya forward onto the floor. "Well done. If you ever tire of serving Inuyasha, seek me out as I've no doubt I can find a suitable place for you within my ranks."

"I . . . uh, thank you, but the only way I shall ever leave Inuyasha's side is through his order to do so or when death takes me."

With a nod, Masaru acknowledged the sentiment. "As it should be, still the offer stands."

Giving a bow, Kitanya said a brief, "Thank you," before turning to the Lord of the West. "If I might ask you to carry Inuyasha to the bath?"

Not bothering to answer, Inu no Taisho turned that direction, both Kitanya and Norim following as Masaru turned to begin doing what he could to return the room to rights.

::::::::::

Reaching up, Kouga wiped his brow, a trail of his own blood following in the wake of his hand. "Fuckin' hell, it was damn hard keepin' up with all those legs."

Gripping his left arm, Miroku's own gloved hand was tainted a shade of crimson. "Indeed, they do seem to have an advantage in the appendage category."

"Feh," Kouga grumbled, his leg lashing out and kicking a dismembered spider leg further from his body. "And that damn sticky-ass web shit. Damn these fucker's aren't just creepy but a pain in the ass." Raising his arms and looking down, Kouga growled. "Ayame's gonna be pissed. I can't even guess how long its gonna take to get all this cobweb shit outta my furs."

Looking down at his own robes, Miroku thought he had to agree. "Perhaps I shall simply burn these and procure new garments."

Kouga wished it would be that easy for him, but his furs were not something so easily discarded. Head turning down the hall Sesshomaru had run off to earlier, Kouga's eyes pulled down into tight slits. "It's been awhile since I've felt the bastard's youkai surge. You think he's finally finished?"

Scratching his chin, Miroku leaned his tired body against a rocky outcropping. He and Kouga had finished off their prey some time ago and since then, they'd occasionally felt pulses of Sesshomaru's enraged youkai, but it had been a larger space of time since they'd experienced the last one. "I believe it is likely that Prince Sesshomaru eliminated Hakudoshi some time ago and is currently ridding the caves of any other possible threat." Frowning, Miroku shook his head as he added, "Or, at least those he can find."

Flicking the blood from his claws, Kouga briefly turned to look at the contemplative face the monk was making before turning his attention back to his still bleeding forehead. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Miroku sighed. "The Wen Kai Caves have never been fully explored by outsiders, and that is for good reason. Far too many have lost their lives to this underground hell. From what I understand, the caves are little more than a puzzle of corridors and traps. If one doesn't loose themselves to the architecture, then one is sure to die by other, less pleasurable means." Lifting a sandaled foot, Miroku shook a rock from inside, his attention momentarily held by that small pebble. "It would be nigh to impossible to totally eradicate the creatures dwelling within these caves and even if it were, this area seems to attract those that wish to conceal themselves and as such would no doubt soon garner new residents."

Giving a huff, Kouga abruptly sat, his ass hitting the ground in a most unceremonious way. "So, what your sayin' is – "

"Basically Prince Sesshomaru is simply blowing off steam."

As if conjured from the air itself, Sesshomaru's ever graceful form strode into the room, his clawed toes expertly maneuvering between the bits of spider littering the ground. "This Sesshomaru was doing far more than that, monk."

Head sharply lifting, Miroku stayed perched upon his rock. Ignoring the jibe, the monk asked, "It is done then?"

"Naraku's prodigy, the sorcerer known as Hakudoshi, has been destroyed."

Pushing his body up and off the rocky ground, Kouga gave a grunt of satisfied pain. "Good to know." Disgusted eyes traveling the room, the wolf looked to Miroku and asked, "So, does that mean we can get the fuck outta this hole now?"

Finally pushing off the place he'd been sitting, Miroku gave a slow nod before looking to Sesshomaru. "Is there anything more you wish to do here?"

"No. I have done what was necessary." Eyes boring holes into the monk, Sesshomaru barely noted the carnage within the room they were now standing. Later, he would undoubtedly hear the wolf and monk regale tales of how many spider youkai they'd been confronted with and eliminated from the world of the living, along with the wounds they'd incurred in such dramatic battle. But at that moment, Sesshomaru could have cared less. All he wanted was to return to his mate and make certain Inuyasha was well.

Whispering a, "Praise Buddha," Miroku moved closer to his companions, his fingers already coming up to undo the holy beads keeping his mighty Wind Tunnel at bay.

"Oh, fuck no! You tellin' me that's how we're gettin' back?" Already Kouga was beginning to look a little green around his ears.

"Lord Kouga," Miroku's voice was calm and soothing, "were you paying no attention earlier when I informed you of the layout of the Wen Kai Caves? If you attempted to find an opening to the surface, most likely you would die long before you ever felt the sun upon your skin again."

"You mean you don't even know where we are in these damn things?"

Miroku only shook his head. "No. I simply followed the connection of sorcery between the master, Hakudoshi and his puppet, Seneichi. I no more know how deep we are within the earth than you. What I do know is how to travel the dimensions and return us to the palace. Whether or not you decide to travel those same dimensions with me or choose to take your chances on finding your own way out is your own decision."

"Damn," Kouga grumbled before reaching out and taking hold of the monk's shoulder. "Let's get this shit over with."

Walking to what was left of Seneichi's body, Sesshomaru wrapped his hand around Tessaiga's hilt, the sizzle of his flesh adding to the aroma filling the small space. With his mate's sword in one hand, Sesshomaru used the other to grip Miroku's other shoulder.

Feeling both hands upon him, Miroku took a deep breath and ordered once more, "Don't let go," before removing the final bead from his hand, the cloth slipping free and exposing the gift and curse of his youkai parentage.

::::::::::

"He's looking worse," Masaru muttered into Norim's ear.

"I know." And, he did. But what Norim also understood was that not only did the hanyou's physical appearance look worse, but also both Inuyasha and the pup's youkai were barely detectible. In essence, they were out of time. "My Lord – "

Sighing, Inu no Taisho sat heavily in a nearby chair. He'd been hoping Sesshomaru would be back by now, that he wouldn't have to make this choice. In theory, him doing the energy transfer might work, but sorcery was a tricky business and so was Inuyasha's pregnancy. The simple fact was that none of them knew what would happen if he offered up his own youkai energy. At best, it could work. At worst, the pup's youkai might reject him and to do so, it would most likely need to feed even heavier upon Inuyasha's power – a power that was almost non-existent at this point. Still, if they did nothing . . . standing, the Lord of the West began making his way toward the drawer where the energy transfer stone was kept.

Opening the drawer, Inu no Taisho reached for the innocuous looking cloth wrapped around shimmering amethyst. Pulling the stone from the cloth, all eyes within the room focused in on its gleaming hue. Closing his fingers, the Lord of the West tightened his grip upon the stone and turned toward the bed. Looking down at Inuyasha's ashen body and labored breathing, Inu no Taisho knew the inevitable had come. Time, as they say, was up.

Moving forward, Norim felt his Lord's hesitance and offered, "I believe it is the only option left, I – "

"No," Inu no Taisho shook his head. "Whatever may happen, the responsibility of it is mine and mine alone to bear. Should things go poorly, you will all leave this room and none of you will interfere when I am forced to deal with Sesshomaru."

Pulling in a hissing breath, Masaru took a step forward. "My Lord, you – "

"My son's fate is for me and me alone to decide. More than any within this room, Masaru, you should know what will happen to Sesshomaru should Inuyasha perish. For the safety of all, I will be forced to act." What Inu no Taisho didn't say was that he wasn't certain he was strong enough any more to actually do such a thing.

Opening his mouth, Masaru wanted to offer some words of comfort, but found them lacking and so instead, he simply bowed his head, his feet carrying him back from the scene about to unfold.

Sucking in a deep breath, Inu no Taisho's eyes briefly met the large, worried ones of Kitanya. Offering a small smile, the Lord of the West set the stone over Inuyasha's belly, his own large palm hovering just above as he began the process of collecting his own youkai energy and guiding it down to that singular hand. The stone was just beginning to glow with its unearthly light when another light flooded the adjacent room, Sesshomaru's youkai energy pulsing back within the Lands of the West.

Pulling his hand back, Inu no Taisho followed all other eyes in the room, all looking to the doorway as Sesshomaru walked through, his golden eyes quickly scanning the room before striding to the edge of the bed. Seeing his son's actions, the Lord of the West quickly backed up, giving Sesshomaru the room he needed. Without question or hesitation, Sesshomaru's hand went to the stone, his own youkai energy pooling within his palm and lighting the stone up as it did its job and began sucking the life from one youkai to feed another.

::::::::::

Lying within their bed, Sesshomaru held his mate within his arms, mokomoko surrounding Inuyasha's body as the hanyou peacefully slept. Clawed fingers raking through cottony-white strands of hair, the pads of Sesshomaru's fingers began making circular motions around a lax puppydog ear. Reclined against a myriad of pillows, the Prince of the West only vaguely lamented the fact that he hadn't had the opportunity to wash the stench of spider from his body. But when he'd walked through the doors to their room and seen his father standing over his failing mate, the Lord of the West's hand stretched over the stone his mother had given them . . . Sesshomaru had done what was necessary. Unfortunately, between the fight within the Wen Kai Caves and the exhorbanent amount of energy both his mate and growing pup needed had left Sesshomaru feeling unusually tired. Sesshomaru had often wondered what the limit of his youkai was and it seemed he was currently testing those boundaries.

And so, the Prince of the West laid, his head and back cradled within the warmth and comfort of he and Inuyasha's bed while his mate was safely tucked within his arms. Breathing in deeply, Sesshomaru pulled in Inuyasha's scent, the intoxicatingly sweet aroma overriding the noxious stench of death that still clung to his own body.

Leaning back, Sesshomaru tightened his hold just a little bit more, both he and his youkai needing as much reassurance as they could possibly get that their mate was well. In response, Inuyasha shifted, his furry ears twitching ever so slightly as the sleepy haze began lifting. Feeling the stirrings of wakefulness, Sesshomaru resumed the massaging action of his fingers along the base of one of his mate's ears.

With sleep fading, Inuyasha began making sense of the world around him, the scents assaulting his nose both soothing and alarming. The most powerful and prominent smell was that of Sesshomaru, but mixed within was the coppery hue of blood and spider. But surrounding it all was the damp, musty smell of earth and rock. With his nose a bastion of confusion, Inuyasha concentrated on his other senses: the feel of strong fingers gently kneading the base of an ear, the steady thud of a strong heart below his ear, and the wondrous feel of Sesshomaru's youkai surrounding and consuming his own body. Amber eyes flicking open, Inuyasha tilted his head, his orbs connecting with the brilliant gold of his mate.

Realizing he was indeed safe within Sesshomaru's arms and in their own room and bed, Inuyasha's lips curved up into a gentle smile as he whispered a quiet, "Hi."

Vaguely amused, Sesshomaru answered an equally quiet, "Hello."

Wiggling within Sesshomaru's embrace, Inuyasha scooted further up his mate's body, the action forcing more of the surrounding scents into his system and causing his nose to scrunch up in displeasure. "No offense, but you kinda stink."

Sesshomaru's normally blank mask slipped into one of distaste. "When I returned, I did not have time to remove Hakudoshi's stench from my body."

Quickly getting his hands under him, Inuyasha pushed his body further up, relieved when Sesshomaru loosened his hold enough for him to do so. Hearing Hakudoshi's name brought back the memories of what had just happened - both the attack and Sesshomaru's disappearance. Remembering how his mate had simply vanished before his eyes brought back the fear Inuyasha had felt earlier, along with the accompanying anger. "Where the fuck did you go? One minute you were there and the next . . . gods above, Sesshomaru, I thought that stupid bat youkai had done somethin' with ya."

Easily hearing the anxiety and pain in Inuyasha's voice, Sesshomaru overlooked the rage in his mate's voice to address Inuyasha's deeper concerns. "I regret that there was no time to explain. In truth, I was far too lost to my youkai to realize the opportunity that had presented itself. I am ashamed to admit that if it had not been for the monk and wolf's quick actions, I would have missed yet another opportunity to slay Hakudoshi."

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Inuyasha thought he remembered Kouga's scent right before Sesshomaru disappeared, but it was all a little foggy. "What do they have to do with anything?"

Sitting up completely, Sesshomaru somehow managed to get both he and Inuyasha off the bed. Despite his depleted reserves, the InuYoukai was more than capable of carrying his mate as he began making their way to the bath.

Thinking Sesshomaru was just trying to keep from explaining something else to him, Inuyasha began struggling, only to be hushed by mokomoko tightly wrapping around his body, Sesshomaru's commanding voice demanding that he be still. "I've no intention of keeping things from you, but as stated earlier, my body and fur are ripe with the scent of spider and it is most distasteful. I will explain what happened while we bathe."

Huffing, Inuyasha stopped his movements and settled. "Fine, but ya don't have to carry me. I can walk just fine on my own."

Bringing up a free hand, Sesshomaru gently pushed a section of Inuyasha's wayward hair from his hanyou's face. "You would deny this Sesshomaru the pleasure of carrying you?"

"W-what? Oh . . . well I – " blush coloring his face, Inuyasha's attention was suddenly caught by the blistered and burnt palm of Sesshomaru's hand. Quickly snatching the appendage, Inuyasha brought Sesshomaru's flesh closer so that he could inspect the wound. "How did this happen?"

Ignoring the burn, Sesshomaru allowed Inuyasha to continue holding onto his wrist. "It seems as if Tessaiga still will not tolerate any other hand but yours."

"Tessaiga," Inuyasha whispered. "But . . . "

"I will explain everything momentarily." Reaching the bathing room, Sesshomaru set Inuyasha on his feet and quickly began disrobing. "For now, nothing would please this Sesshomaru more than to remove this unpleasant scent."

Nodding, Inuyasha worried his bottom lip with a fang while easily sliding out of his own robe and following Sesshomaru into the warm waters. Having only just entered, the water was just far enough up to cover the soft furs of his groin when Inuyasha felt Sesshomaru's hand go around his ass, his mate's claws pressing in ever so slightly against the tender flesh as the Prince of the West buried his face against the swell of the hanyou's abdomen. Looking down, Inuyasha's large amber eyes blinked before resting the palm of his hand upon the crown of Sesshomaru's head, a barely audible, "Sesshomaru?" whispering from his lips.

Inhaling deeply, Sesshomaru felt the tension in his shoulders ease. "Do you know how close I came to losing you once more?"

"-Keh, you know I don't die that easily. Besides, I could say the same shit about you."

Finally easing away, Sesshomaru stared up at his mate; his golden eyes alight with emotion. "This Sesshomaru does not die easily either."

Inuyasha fought the smile threatening his lips before answering, "Well then, I guess it's a good thing we're both tough because I kinda doubt this'll be the last time we gotta survive some crazy jackass."

Pushing further into the deeper end of the bath, Sesshomaru pulled Inuyasha with him, submerging both their bodies. For years he had been criticized about not picking a mate, and still Sesshomaru had held out, confident that not just any youkai would do, not for him. And here, leaning against his side, was his reward for his patience – Inuyasha. Though he may hate and fight against it, Sesshomaru knew his hanyou was right. Hakudoshi was defeated, but others would come to take his place and they would be no less vicious in their attacks. The leaders of the four nations would always be targets, as would be their mates. Staring down at the seemingly innocuous InuHanyou by his side, few would ever imagine the well of strength Inuyasha contained and yet it was undoubtedly there.

With a sense of pride pulsing through his body, Sesshomaru began the task of bathing his body, more than pleased when he felt Inuyasha's hands glide along the planes of corded muscle lining his back as his mate aided him in removing the lingering remnants of the Wen Kai Caves from his skin. And it was there, sitting in that bath, that Sesshomaru began relating both the circumstances and outcome of what had occurred. Of course, Inuyasha had been furious on a number of occasions, but in the end, his hanyou had understood and it seemed the only real, lingering anger was in regards to the fact that he hadn't been able to participate in Hakudoshi's final moments.

Only when Inuyasha was certain he could no longer smell anything but the scent of his mate did he deem them ready to leave the bath. With little more than towels clinging to their bodies, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru returned to their room, neither surprised to learn that in their absence, Kitanya had changed the sheets and furs upon their bed, a light meal of both cooked and freshly killed rabbit sitting on a nearby plate along with two steaming chunks of fresh bread and a pot of tea.

Quickly tucking into the food, the two Inu's crawled back into bed, Inuyasha settling down across Sesshomaru's chest while mokomoko curved up and around him, easily cupping his ass and teasing his balls. Slightly flushed face pushed into Sesshomaru's chest, Inuyasha began feeling his length harden. "You know your fur's perverted, don't ya?"

Eyebrows arching, Sesshomaru looked as innocent as a powerful as fuck InuYoukai could. "This Sesshomaru has no idea of what you are speaking."

"-Keh, that so?" Yawning, Inuyasha was too sleepy to argue, or do much of anything else for that matter. Irritated that he'd spent the last gods only knew how long asleep and still couldn't manage much more than a half-hard erection, Inuyasha grumbled, "Sorry, but I think I'm still too damn tired."

Never once stopping the motion of his fur, Sesshomaru's hands began making soothing circles along Inuyasha's back. "That is more than understandable. Rest would do us both good. Both Masaru and Lady Sango are standing guard just outside our rooms so that we may regain our strength. It would be disrespectful of their time if we do not take advantage of the opportunity."

Already half asleep, Inuyasha's hushed voice whispered a quiet, "'Kay," while his hips made small movements, rubbing his waking cock against that of his mate, the motion and contact more soothing than sexual.

With Inuyasha's body intimately draped across his own, Sesshomaru felt peace dig its way into his soul. Never had he imagined his life could be this full and warm. His mate and pup were both safe and strong. As the dominant mate, he'd protected his submissive and Inuyasha was both physically and mentally well. Removing Hakudoshi from the world had not only led to the safety of his family, but the Western Lands as well. Today, Sesshomaru decided, had been a good day.

:::::::::

Several months later . . .

Back straight; none would have ever guessed that the Prince of the West had been sitting in the same position for well over seven hours. Face an apathetic mask, Sesshomaru listened to yet another of the West's inhabitants as they spoke of whatever issue they wished him to intervene with. At his side, Inuyasha was less immobile and shifted every now and then as his very pregnant mate tried to find a position that was more comfortable. In his effort to help, Sesshomaru twisted mokomoko until the edge of the fur was beneath Inuyasha's ass, lifting the hanyou from the floor and offering his mate a little more comfort. In reward, he heard the softest of sighs slip from his mate's lips as Inuyasha's claws began petting his fur.

In the back of his mind, Sesshomaru felt the slightest twinge of guilt pulse. This late in his pregnancy, Inuyasha would surely be more comfortable lying within their bed, but he'd long ago learned that his hanyou's presence was necessary. The needs of the Western Lands would not wait for his mate to give birth and Sesshomaru did not do well when he and Inuyasha were separated for long hours at a time. When his hanyou was present, Sesshomaru felt calm and made decisions with a clarity of mind he'd rarely experienced in the past. Although not all were pleased with his decisions, in the end, they proved to be in the best interest of all involved. Through Inuyasha's presence, Sesshomaru had gained a wisdom he'd never thought possible.

And it was largely due to Inuyasha that his duties had expanded even further. The formalization of the treaty between the West and the Northern and Mountain Wolf Tribes had allowed further trade into those once off limit areas. As a consequence, those living on the opposite side of wolf lands suddenly found the Western Lands open to them, providing new opportunities for those youkai and humans as well as the Western Lands themselves. Unfortunately for Sesshomaru, that also meant endless hours of compromise and negotiation not only with these new travelers, but the Wolf Tribes as well. It was an assignment that Inu no Taisho had very happily turned over to his son and nephew.

Keeping an ever-present ear on the conversation before him, Sesshomaru felt Inuyasha shift again and knew his mate's physical tolerance was quickly dissipating. Even now, his hanyou would hold his silence and continue in his own misery so that he would not interfere with Sesshomaru's task. As such, it was up to the Prince of the West to monitor Inuyasha's state of health and as tactfully as possible, remove his hanyou from situations that were taxing his already diminished body.

With practiced ease, Sesshomaru began steering the current conversation to a close. Giving the barest tilt of his head, the Prince of the West watched the youkai exit, leaving him alone with his mate.

Watching the back ends of yet another pair of youkai leave, Inuyasha shifted his weight and allowed some of the discomfort to show on his face. Settling in again, the hanyou was just about to ask if they were finally done when Jaken tottered in, the squeak in his voice even more grating to Inuyasha's frazzled nerves. "Prince Sesshomaru, the designated leader of – "

"Jaken."

Beak hitting the floor, Jaken bent low. "Yes my prince?"

"This Sesshomaru will see to no other requests today."

Head lifting, Jaken's bulbous eyes blinked, his beak-like mouth opening to protest but the words stuck in his throat when he looked up. The kappa had been expecting another of Sesshomaru's icy glares, but instead, his prince was staring down at the top of Inuyasha's head, an odd sort of concern coloring his gaze. Quickly realizing that he'd already been dismissed, Jaken stood, bowing low as he backed away. "I shall inform those waiting." And with nothing further, Jaken scurried from the room, determined to attend whatever needs the waiting youkai might demand.

Barely recognizing the fact that Jaken had left, Inuyasha gave a low groan. "So, are we really done for today?"

Standing, Sesshomaru used mokomoko to help lift his hanyou from the ground, his lips thinning into a line of concern when Inuyasha wobbled slightly. "Inuyasha, are you in need of another energy transfer?" The question was not without merit. As the months passed and their pup grew, the amount of youkai their seed required steadily increased. Currently, it was not unheard of for them to use the energy stone twice within a single rise of the sun and moon.

Head shaking, Inuyasha let a frown slip past his lips. "No . . . I don't think so. I mean, I'm tired, but it feels kinda different than normal." Slipping a hand around his body, Inuyasha absently rubbed his lower back. With his abdomen now heavy with their pup, the hanyou found the physical strain upon his body uncomfortable.

Blowing out a deep sigh, Inuyasha began shuffling forward. "I just think that maybe I need to get in a different position for awhile or somethin'."

"As you wish," Sesshomaru answered, mokomoko already taking up its normal residence across his mate's shoulders. "Would you like a bath drawn?"

"No," Inuyasha shook his head. "I think I just wanna lie down for awhile."

Inside, Sesshomaru felt anxiety take root. Normally it was akin to pulling teeth to get Inuyasha to admit that he needed rest. The fact that his hanyou was admitting to such a need so readily was more than a little troubling. Keeping his concerns to himself, Sesshomaru began guiding Inuyasha from the room, their pace slow and laborious, as his hanyou had long ago demanded that he not be carried through the halls of the Western Palace.

When they finally did reach their private quarters, Sesshomaru laid his mate within their bed, his alarm increasing when Inuyasha's eyelids shuddered closed within seconds of his head hitting the pillow. Unfortunately, Sesshomaru's unease only grew as the hours passed and Inuyasha's sleep was anything but restful. Although still asleep, his hanyou couldn't seem to get comfortable and soon there was a fine sheen of sweat dripping from Inuyasha's brow. Seeing his mate's glistening skin, Sesshomaru went to his desk and quickly scribbled a message for the Lord of the West:

Father, I believe it is near time. Please send word to Lady Shayou.

Sesshomaru

Handing the message to one of the guards outside their door, Sesshomaru ordered, "Instruct healer Norim that I require his services and then give this to Lord Inu no Taisho." Barely waiting for an acknowledging bow from the guard, Sesshomaru went back to his mate, a cool washcloth in his hand as he began removing the sweat from Inuyasha's skin. At the feel of the cloth, Inuyasha's eyes opened, a flash of pain racing across his eyes before the hanyou could shove the emotion down. "S-Sesshomaru?"

Perching his body along the side of the bed, Sesshomaru moved the already sweat soaked hair from Inuyasha's face. "I am here."

"I . . . " face scrunching, Inuyasha felt pain arc across his back and abdomen. "S-shit . . . I think . . . I think it might be time."

Inside, Sesshomaru felt fear pushing at the edges of his soul and steadfastly refused to succumb to the emotion. "I thought as much and have already sent for Norim. I have also informed my father and he will send word to Shayou."

Even through his pain, Inuyasha managed a chuckle. Over the past few months, he'd kept his word to the Lady of the West and written her several letters. He always allowed Sesshomaru to read them and in Inuyasha's mind, they were full of a hell of a lot of nothing. But it was this sort of thing, the seemingly mundane actions and interactions of her one and only son, that Lady Shayou desired. Although the letters he received in return were much more abbreviated and clipped, Inuyasha was beginning to like the Lady of the West in ways he imagined his mate never would. It was a rare occasion indeed when Sesshomaru referred to Shayou as, mother, and when he did use that term, it was normally meant in a much more derogatory way than when he referred to her as either, the Lady of the West, or Shayou.

Pushing up and turning, Inuyasha winced at the achy feeling his body seemed locked within. Now on his back and propped up a little, the hanyou rubbed a hand over his abdomen, completely and utterly at a loss as to how on earth it was time for his pup to enter the world. As confident as he'd been, Inuyasha had wondered on several occasions if this day would truly ever arrive and in some ways, the fact that it had seemed too surreal to comprehend.

Still staring at his abdomen, Inuyasha stated, "I can't believe it's time." Raising his head, the hanyou latched eyes with his mate. "It don't seem real."

Inching closer, Sesshomaru placed his own hand atop Inuyasha's. "Once more, you have done the seemingly impossible. None would have thought it possible for one as young as yourself to have been able to carry our pup to term."

But Inuyasha shook his head. "I woudn't of survived if it hadn't been for that energy transfer stone thing."

"Even so, had it not been for your determination to carry our offspring, the energy stone would have made little difference."

Inuyasha wasn't so sure and he was even less sure he deserved the kind of pride he could so readily see in Sesshomaru's eyes. Regardless, the next contraction hit and sent a wave of pain shuddering through his body. Eyes pinched, Inuyasha gritted his teeth and rode out the agony until the cramping subsided. Blowing out a breath, the hanyou was about to ask where Norim was when the healer walked through the door.

Quickly understanding what was occurring, Norim barely gave a nod in Sesshomaru's direction before heading to Inuyasha's side. Hand outstretched, the healer gathered his youkai energy, focusing it in on the patient's abdomen. With a satisfied look on his face, Norim pulled his hand back before addressing Inuyasha. "When did the contractions begin?"

Inuyasha thought on it and was ready to say, "Just a few minutes ago," when Sesshomaru answered, "I believe they started three hours ago."

Head turning, Inuyasha's eyes went wide. "What? But I just woke up and – "

"You were restless while attempting sleep. At first I assumed it to be simply due to the long day, but as time wore on, it was obvious there was more to your symptoms."

Muttering a quiet, "Oh," Inuyasha rubbed at his belly again.

Seemingly pleased with the news, Norim raised the bag he'd carried with him, placing it on the bed next to Inuyasha's legs. "Kitanya should be awakened for I will need her assistance."

Glancing at Inuyasha first, Sesshomaru strode from the room, quickly returning and resuming his place at his mate's side. Not long after, Kitanya came through the door that once led to Inuyasha's private rooms, the space now transformed into an awaiting nursery. Looking up, the hanyou managed a small smile in the bear submissive's direction. "Looks like somebody got tired of waitin' to come out and meet all you weirdo's."

Softly laughing, Kitanya bent over Inuyasha and placed a light kiss upon his brow. "Perhaps some of us are stranger than others, but regardless, your pup's life will be full of excitement."

"Ain't that the tr . . . fuck . . . " Inuyasha hissed, another pain shooting through his back and up his sides.

Motions now much hastier, Norim began pulling items from his bag, laying them out on a nearby table. "As we discussed earlier, giving Inuyasha anything for the pain could potentially damage the pup." Giving an apologetic glance at the hanyou, Norim continued, "Since Inuyasha is male, I'm afraid there is but one way for this pup to enter the world." With that final sentence, Norim picked up a long, slender blade, its delicate edge curved.

Eyeing the instrument, Inuyasha cursed again. "Never thought I'd just lay there and let somebody slice me open."

Fighting down his instincts, Sesshomaru agreed, or at least he agreed in the sense that he never would have thought he'd willingly stand by while another did such a thing to his mate. Growling low, the Prince of the West looked at the world through a crimson haze as he fought down his unwilling youkai.

"Sesshomaru." Head snapping to the side, Sesshomaru saw that his father had entered the room as well and vaguely wondered how he'd failed to notice his sire's arrival. Easily moving further into the room, Lord Inu no Taisho gave Inuyasha a careful smile before concentrating on his son, the Lord of the West's eyes narrowing as red began filtering into his own orbs. "Sesshomaru, this has all been discussed and agreed to. You know it is necessary to save both Inuyasha and your pup. One way or the other, Norim will be allowed to do this. The only question is if I must remove you from the room so that he may do what is necessary."

Growling low, Sesshomaru saw his father's words as a challenge, but it was the feel of Inuyasha's hand gripping his wrist, the sweet smell of his mate; that allowed him to restrain his angered youkai. Eyes closing, Sesshomaru forced his will upon his less tame side. Taking a deep and cleansing breath, the Prince of the West opened his golden eyes and stoically answered, "Such a thing will not be necessary. This Sesshomaru has sufficient control."

Coming up behind his son, Inu no Taisho's mood appeared instantly lightened as he bellowed a hearty, "Good to hear."

More at ease since the Lord of the West's arrival, Norim pulled out a thick length of leather, the look upon his face once more apologetic. "If it is any consequence, Inuyasha, I have also had to endure this once before."

Inuyasha dearly wanted to tell Norim that it didn't make a bit of difference, but then the hanyou remembered that the healer had only been able to bring one offspring to term, the other's passing long before they ever had a true chance in life and on the last occasion, almost taking Norim with them. Given that thought, Inuyasha focused not on the pain wracking his body, but concentrated on just what that pain meant. His pup, the new life he'd created with Sesshomaru, it was alive and ready to make its entry into the world. In that moment, the hanyou knew he would do anything to make sure his pup had the best start into that world.

Gritting his teeth as another contraction tore through his body, Inuyasha panted as the pain ebbed once more. "L-let's stop talkin' and get on with it."

"As you wish," Norim smiled before his lips thinned with concentration. With the thick, leather strap still in his hands, the healer ordered Inuyasha to open his mouth. "I'll need you to bite down on this so that you do not cause further damage to yourself."

Hand shaking only slightly, Inuyasha grabbed the chunk of leather and shoved it between his teeth before leaning back into the pillows gathered behind him.

With his patient in position, Norim began working Inuyasha's sleeping clothes up his body, exposing his tender abdomen. "Prince Sesshomaru, please have the energy transfer stone within easy reach. I believe that once the pup is removed, Inuyasha should have enough youkai to heal himself, but in case that is not correct, it is better to be prepared."

Quickly moving, Sesshomaru retrieved the stone, laying it upon a nearby table. "What else would you have me do?"

"You need only care for your mate, my prince. If I know you are taking care of Inuyasha, that will leave me free to work quickly to remove your waiting pup."

Instructions given and received, Sesshomaru perched his body upon the edge of the bed, completely turned away from what Norim was about to do, his golden eyes locked upon the intense amber orbs of his mate. Consciously easing his own features, the Prince of the West loosened his youkai, forcing his inner beast to emit nothing but soothing pulses of energy. The relaxation in Inuyasha's tense muscles was quickly his reward. Working his fingers into the hanyou's dampened hair, Sesshomaru's claws began gently massaging the base of Inuyasha's furry puppydog ears.

Enthralled by the rare show of tenderness from the icy Prince of the West, Kitanya stood, mouth slightly agape until she heard Norim speak her name. With her mouth snapping shut, the bear submissive turned big brown eyes at the healer, a choked, "Y-yes," somehow managing to escape her dry throat.

Another time, Norim would have found Kitanya's reaction humorous, but right now, he needed action and attention. "Make sure there are plenty of towels and warm water at the ready. When I begin the incision, I'll need you to pack the towels around Inuyasha's sides. When the pup is removed, I'll need to transfer it into your care until I'm certain Inuyasha is healing properly."

Nodding once, Kitanya grabbed a handful of towels; her attention now completely focused on what Norim was about to do. Pleased that all was at the ready, Norim gave a final look in Inu no Taisho's direction. Meeting the Lord of the West's eyes, Norim carefully watched as Inu no Taisho's gaze flicked in Sesshomaru's direction before coming back to meet Norim's intense stare, the barest of nods conveyed. It was all the reassurance the healer needed. The Lord of the West was here for one purpose and one purpose only – to make sure his son did not do anything foolish.

With everything in place, Norim reached for the blade he'd lifted earlier from his bag. Taking a deep and steading breath, the healer placed the edge on Inuyasha's bulging belly, a soft, "Here we go," echoing from his lips before crimson fluid began raining down on the surrounding towels.

:::::::::

Eyelids fluttering open, Inuyasha still felt exhaustion pulling him back toward sleep. But despite the lull of that sweet oblivion, the pull to remain awake was even more tempting. Warm and safe, Inuyasha was nestled on his back, Sesshomaru's body cradling his own while his mate's hands rubbed soothingly down his arms and sides. Tucked within his own arms, nestled deep within delicately furred blankets, laid their sleeping son.

Sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha openly ogled the beauty that was their pup. Voice soft, the hanyou's tone was near reverence. "He's full youkai? I . . . I thought . . . "

Careful not to shift even in the slightest, Sesshomaru moved his head so that his lips were beside a twitching puppydog ear. "Norim believes it has something to do with the energy transfers. It is unclear whether he is indeed full youkai or not, but whether he is or is not matters little to this Sesshomaru."

Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Inuyasha was grateful for Sesshomaru's words, even though, by now, they were more expected than not. However, having grown up as a hanyou, he was more than a little relieved that his own son looked to be pureblooded. Lifting up a tired hand, Inuyasha ran the back of a claw over the pointed tip of a perfectly shaped youkai ear. "His stripes are different colored than yours, but he has that crescent moon thing on his forehead."

"The red coloration is more in keeping with Tsuyoshi."

Sucking in a sharp breath, Inuyasha's body went momentarily still. "My father's stripes were similar?"

"Yes. Both Inu no Taisho and Tsuyoshi's stripes were jagged, but whereas my father's are colored blue, my uncle's were deep red. It seems as if our son's are similar shape to my own, but he obtained the color from you."

Inuyasha wasn't entirely sure what to say to that, but did find his chest had become warmer with the thought that his son had inherited something from him. "And his eyes?" Inuyasha had yet to see his pup awake.

"I am pleased to say that their color is more similar to yours." Allowing a brief, low chuckle to escape, Sesshomaru added, "The monk seems to be relieved that our pup's eyes favor yours. Miroku thanked that troublesome Buddha that our son might have actually been gifted with a less frigid soul than my own."

Smile curving his lips; Inuyasha felt his own bubble of laughter shake his belly, the resulting flash of pain instantly halting his mirth as his laughter ebbed into a low grunt of pain. "Shit, guess it's gonna take a little longer to heal."

Increasing his gentle rubbing, Sesshomaru brought mokomoko up, easing the tips of his fur along Inuyasha's cheek. "Norim was pleased with how quickly your body's youkai energy returned, but it was quickly used up in sealing the wound he created to remove our son. The healer believes you should be back to normal within two, maybe three, days."

Sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha regretted the movement but found he couldn't be too upset. "I guess that ain't too long."

"Even so, your body has been through a harsh ordeal. I expect you to rest and eat appropriately so that you might get back to your full strength as quickly as possible."

Inuyasha kind of wanted to argue, but given his current level of fatigue, he thought it might just be better to wait and see what the next few days brought before trying to push things. Grunting out a, "We'll see," Inuyasha's eyes widened as he watched his son yawn, tiny fangs already protruding from his gums. Seeing those sharp points, Inuyasha asked, "Do we know if he inherited your poison?"

"It is too early to be sure, but Shayou believes he might have. Do not ask me how the Lady of the West came to that decision for most of her thoughts are a mystery to this Sesshomaru."

Brows furrowed, Inuyasha was getting the impression that he'd been asleep far longer than he wished, otherwise, how in the hell hadn't he noticed all these youkai getting a peep at his son. "Your mother's already seen him? How long have I been out of it?"

"You have only been asleep for a little over seven hours and I imagine that amount is still too short of a time. As for the Lady of the West . . . she arrived shortly after our pup was born and it would have been pointless to keep her from seeing the newest heir of the Western Lands."

Moving his clawed finger up, Inuyasha let his fingers slip through the shock of silvery-white hair sitting atop his son's head, the texture much finer than his own. "Is she still here?"

Taking a moment, Sesshomaru allowed his senses to expand, easily noting the presence of the Lady of the West within the palace walls. "It appears so."

"Good. I wanna see her before she leaves."

For the life of him, Sesshomaru would never understand why his mate actually seemed to like his mother, but he was fairly certain that, with the exception of his father, Inuyasha was the only other living creature who could claim that emotion. Having nothing to add, Sesshomaru kept his silence on the matter.

Mind drifting, Inuyasha didn't seem to notice, or at least care about, Sesshomaru's silence. Thinking of Sesshomaru's mother made the hanyou think of his own, and further down that thought process, the woman who'd been like a second mother to him, Kaede. "I know you don't like the human village I lived in, but I want old lady Kaede to meet him."

Sesshomaru never once paused in his movements, having long ago anticipated this desire, the InuYoukai answered, "As we speak, the monk is riding Ah-Un, Lady Sango and Kirara at his side, to fetch your miko. Norim graciously appointed one of the healer's under his tutelage to stand in for the miko while she is gone from the village so that she might visit. I shall leave the task of informing the wolf to you."

Head twisting, Inuyasha's amber orbs were large and glistening with tears he'd never shed. "T-that's . . . thank you."

Leaning forward, Sesshomaru pressed his lips to the slightly chapped one's of his mate. "As always, it is both my duty and pleasure to see to your happiness and needs."

Looking back down at his son, Inuyasha thought there was absolutely no way in the world that he could be any happier than he was at that moment. "Oh . . . okay. I think we got me covered there, so how about you?"

Bending down, Sesshomaru nuzzled deep into Inuyasha's neck, licking the mating mark he'd made almost two years ago. Breathing deeply, the InuYoukai felt his mate's scent filter down into the very depths of his soul, the ease of both Inuyasha's scent of youkai soothing and strengthening his own. With Inuyasha as his mate, Sesshomaru felt all the little holes in his being instantly filled and knew that, without a doubt, he was the more fortunate one between them. With that in mind, Sesshomaru knew he would spend the rest of his long life doing whatever he could to repay Inuyasha for the peace and fullness he brought into the Prince of the West's life.

Lifting his head up ever so slightly, Sesshomaru's warm breath ghosted across the furs of a puppydog ear. "There are no words for how you make me feel, but when you are healed and well, I shall have no qualms in repetitively showing you just how happy you make me."

Thickly swallowing, Inuyasha scented the spike in lust coming from his mate, the hanyou's cheeks tinting an enticing shade of pink. Whispering a quiet, "Pervert," Inuyasha shifted deeper into Sesshomaru's embrace, the hanyou's eyelids drooping until he could no longer fight the pull of his own body's needs and allowed the peace of slumber to claim him once more.

And that would be the end. Just so you all know, I suspicion Sesshomaru really is a pervert deep down. You know, it's always the quiet ones . . . :-)

Thank you all for reading and sticking with this story. To all those that have reviewed, and to those of you that will be reviewing, from the bottom of my own perverted heart, I thank you. Your reviews make me laugh, smile, think, and well . . . they simply make my day most of the time. Although I love fan fiction and writing it, I don't know that there will be any more stories forthcoming. I don't really have anything in the pipe (so to speak) and I'm trying to write some original stuff. Since my writing time is limited, I don't get much done in any kind of timely manner. I doubt anything will come of the original stuff, but what the hell . . . we only live once and I've lived a fair portion of my life already. Time to get a move on. At the very least, writing supplements my therapy expenses (Ah . . . sadly, so true).

And so, I shall leave this chapter as I have all the others, by wishing you all the very best. I hope you are all as happy and well as you possibly can be.

Thank you all so very much,

lunamist