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The Meikai War	By : saiyanb Category: Yuyu Hakusho > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 11639 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
The Meikai War

Chapter 15

Koenma was sitting at his desk reading some files when he heard the sound of screaming outside his office.

"What the-" said the godling jumping out of his chair and running out for a look. The place was in chaos, onis ran everywhere, screaming and yelling things to each other.

"What�s going on!" shouted Koenma, but everyone was too panicked to pay attention to him. He was knocked down by one oni and ended up rolling under a desk. "Baka!" shouted Koenma moving to crawl out from under the desk.

There was a window shattering scream and the roof of the building was ripped off, a massive black creature now filled the skies, every flap of its large wings made the wind in the room whip around, picking up onis and papers alike to fling them around.

"Suoh�" gasped Koenma looking up at the magnificent black ryu as it perched on the rim of the giant hole it�d made. On Suoh�s back sat a red haired youko and Korin, who had a look of pure glee on his face. Koenma paled considerable when he saw what the tiger demon held in his hand: Ghostslayer. The tiger demon leapt down and slashed at the closest oni, who fell back with a cry, a long slash marring its front. The slash mark healed and all the life drained out of the oni�s face. It turned and grabbed another oni that ran by and its fate was sealed.

Koenma couldn�t help the fine tremor that shook him, the Ghostslayer sword! He�d thought that Suoh was the only real threat, but apparently he�d been deadly wrong. With that sword Korin could soon turn every oni in the palace into a slave that would follow any orders he handed out blindly. Oh shit! What if Korin went to the ningenkai with that sword?! He�d soon have an army of humans turned youkai!

"Yusuke where are you when I need you?" whispered Koenma under his breath. He started crawling toward the exist when he felt something snag his foot and yank him out from the cover the desks provided. He looked back to see a familiar blue face drained of all emotion.

"George!" cried Koenma as the blue oni hoisted him up by his foot, like a prized fishing trophy. "George let go!" cried Koenma trashing around in the oni�s hold as George calmly walked over to Korin with him. The chibi godling gulped loudly as he was held before Korin who slowly pulled that ugly sword out of another oni who�s face drained of all emotion as George�s had.

"Well, well. If it isn�t the Prince of the Dead himself," said Korin giving him a mock bow. "I am honored."

"Korin, you�ll never get away with this!" shouted Koenma.

"Oh and just who is going to stop me? Hmm? Soon Koenma, no one will be able to, not even your father. I�m the new Lord of the Dead, brat. You�d better get use to the idea," he said taking hold of Koenma�s chin.

"You can�t! You�re going to throw the three worlds into choas!" shouted Koenma.

"Oh, you don�t have faith in my abilities to rule? It can�t be too hard if a little brat like you is doing it." He turned around and walked over to Suoh petting the dragon�s snout with a fond grin. "Suoh, change for me," he said.

The black bowed its head more and was covered in bright light as he shrank in size and took on more human feature, reshaping into a humanoid with large wings and a tail kneeling in front of the tiger demon. "Lord Korin," said the black not lifting its head.

"H-hiei?" said Koenma in shock as he looked at the ryu that resembled his short tantei in so many ways. The ryu lifted its head and looked at him with a blank expression.

"Suoh," said Korin gesturing for the ryu to climb to his feet. "Aren�t you happy, my black ryu?" he reached up and cupped the side of the Suoh�s face. "After all the Reikai is burning all around you, doesn�t it please you that this sinful land is at last receiving justice?"

"No," said the ryu still without emotion.

Korin frowned and tightened his hold on the ryu�s jaw. "Why? If anything I should think you�d hate the Reikai. Do you not wish to cover yourself in the blood of its people? How about this one?" he asked look at Koenma. "I�d gladly let you maim the son of the god that sealed you. Here," he said going over to George, taking Koenma by the back of his collar, and holding him in front of Suoh. "He�s yours to play with, do whatever you like."

Koenma couldn�t help the shiver of terror that shook him as Suoh looked at him with those blood red eyes. His breath froze in his throat as Suoh reached out a hand and fisted it in front of his shirt. He let out a frightened gasp as Korin let go and he just hung in the grip of the red-eyed dragon.

"Go ahead," said Korin moving to Suoh�s side. "I know you want to. You can�t hide your true nature, you�re a black ryu, a bringer of death," said Korin as if the idea turned him on. He moved over to run his hands over Suoh�s powerful arms. "No one hurts a black and gets away with it, isn�t that right, Suoh?"

"That is right," said Suoh turning to look at Korin. He leaned down and put Koenma on his feet before turning to face the tiger demon completely.

Korin growled deep in his throat at the black, then smiled. "You are indeed a magnificent creature Suoh. Mercy to those that showed you none?" he struck the ryu across the face, Suoh took it without a complaint turning his head back to look at Korin. "Did not the Reikai take away all that you hold dear? You clan, your sister, your� Son?" asked Korin leaning into the ryu. "You are the last of the blacks, perhaps the last of all the ancient dragons. Why don�t you hate them?"

"I do," said Suoh. "But I have no reason to take revenge on a little boy that didn�t even exist in my time. I have no reason to fight, no reason to live."

Korin turned around with a smile on his face giving Suoh his back. He held the Ghostslayer Sword out. "Suoh, take this and I will give you a reason."

The ryu gripped the sword and held it before him.

"Go through his place and put every creature that doesn�t follow my will under it with that sword, except your dear Reikai prince. I have a use for him at the moment."

"Yes," said Suoh turn to look at the few onis that still remained in the room having not yet felt the steel of Ghostslayer.

"Yusuke�" whispered Koenma as the black ryu tore into them.

"Come young godling," said Korin grabbing his arm. "You must show me where your father keeps his golden seal, the one he used to seal Suoh so long ago with. You do know where that is don�t you child?"

Koenma�s eyes grew wide as he looked at the tiger youkai. Korin smiled cruelly at the chibi god.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Papa?"

Inari turned and looked down at his son. "Yes, what is it Kogare?"

"When will mama ryu be back? She�s been gone so long."

Inari patted the golden head of his son. "Soon, she�ll be back very soon with a surprise."

"What kind of surprise?" asked Kogare.

"You�ll see," smiled Inari.

"Will I like this surprise?" asked Kogare in an excited voice.

"I think you will," said the silver fox god.

"Is she with Rouin oji-san?" asked Kogare following his father as Inari walked through his garden.

"No, she�s with Sunoo oba-san," said Inari touching the petals of one pure white bloom.

The golden godling sighed and reached out a hand to the same bush of flowers, the bush reached back to stroke his hand with soft petals and glossy leaves. "Papa?"

"Hmm?" said Inari smelling the bloom.

"When can I help you and mama ryu fight the Meikai?" he asked looking up at his silver father.

Inari smiled. "I�m hoping by the time you�re old enough, you won�t need to fight."

"But I want to," said Kogare.

"I�m not surprised, not with a black ryu�s blood in your veins. You�ll have to wait till you find a descent ryu mount and till you�re strong enough to hold your own against multiple enemies."

"But I am strong enough," said Kogare.

Inari smiled. "Well then all that remains is for you to find a mount. That might be a lot harder then you think, kitsune. Only go into combat besides those that hold your respect and trust."

"When did you and mama ryu start fighting the Meikai?" asked Kogare.

"Your mother was fight them long before I, she started with her clan when she came of age."

"Of age?" asked Kogare.

"Her powers matured enough for her to be truly lethal. About the same time we first meet at Dragon Springs, back when the ryus were hunted." Inari smiled fondly.

"Hunted? You hunted mama ryu?"

"I still hunt your mother every now and than," said Inari with a grin. "But not in the same way. Ryus weren�t always allies with the Reikai, far from it. We use to catch them and make them our servants, but than you were born that all changed."

"Servants" said Kogare wrinkling his little nose. "I think mama would beat you up if you tried to make her that."

Inari laughed. "Oh, she did, quite a lot."

Kogare sat down on the green grass. "Why did you hunt them? Why weren�t you allies like you are now?"

"Hmm," hummed Inari. "Perhaps because we didn�t think very highly of ryus, many of us still don�t. Allying with them or admitting we needed help wasn�t permitted by our pride."

"Why don�t they think very highly of Suoh mama and the clans? Mama ryu�s very strong and so is Rouin oji-san."

"Hai, Kogare, they are very strong indeed, some strong enough to rival us, but they�re mortal."

"Mortal?"

Inari got a sad look in his face. "Same day your mother will have to leave us, Kogare."

"But I don�t want Suoh mama to leave, can�t she stay here with us forever?"

Inari shook his head. "That is what it means to be mortal, Kogare: to be able to die. You and I are the ones that are different, time doesn�t touch us in the same why, we cannot not be," he turned around and sighed looking at the sky. "Some of us think that makes us better then ryus and other mortal creatures. I once thought that to, but� now I wonder is immortality isn�t really a curse."

"Are we cursed papa?" asked Kogare with a worried look.

Inari smiled down at the kit. "No Kogare, don�t mind me. I was just talking out loud� just� thinking."

"You think too much," said a smooth female voice from behind the two. Both turned around to see Suoh standing behind them, wings wrapped around her form in a loose hold.

"Mama ryu!" shouted Kogare jumping up and running over to embrace the ryu�s leg. "What did you bring me?" he asked, tail swinging in excitement.

Suoh blinked her red eye as the golden godling and smiled, a small whimper sounded from within the folds of her wings.

"What is it?" asked Kogare trying to peer under the wings to see what Suoh held.

"Suoh?" asked Inari turning to face his mate.

Suoh smiled at him and slowly dropped her wings to reveal a small black and white form cuddled against her chest. The little figure whimpered again as cool air touched its skin, snuggling closer to Suoh.

Inari seemed to hesitate for a second before moving over to his mate and taking a closer look, but the little creature was hiding its face against Suoh�s chest.

"He�s shy," said Suoh softly. "He doesn�t know your scent yet," she said nudging the curled up figure.

Inari breathed in sharply as a pair of large red eyes peeked at him, he moved closer still. Slowly he raised up a hand and moved it toward the baby�s spiky hair.

The hatchling gave a small squeak and tried to avoid the slowly descending hand, managing to flatten out fairly low, scrunching its little black and white face up tightly as Inari's hand softly touched the top of its head and lightly patted the fine black hair. Several more pats later and the ryu cub opened one eye to look at Inari in an unsure manner as the silver fox god smiled down at him and continued to pet his silky mane.

"Suoh, it looks just like you," said Inari smiling fondly at the hatchling that was slowly straightening up while leaning against Suoh�s front both eyes open now and looking at Inari in a curious manner.

Suoh only smiled and rubbed a cheek on top of the babe�s head.

"What- what- what- what- what!" shouted Kogare jumping up and down to try and see just what his two parents were so interested in. "What is it, mama ryu?!"

Suoh crouched down to Kogare�s height letting the golden kit see.

"What is it?" asked Kogare reaching out a finger to poke at the little ryu.

The black dragon cub�s eyes widened at the finger came closer and with a laugh it batted at the kit�s hand with its own two cubby ones.

Kogare quickly snatched his hand back and eyed the still giggling cub with an untrustworthy look in is eyes. "Mama ryu?" said Kogare look up into Suoh�s red eyes with confusion.

"Kogare, this is your little brother, Kaoru-chan," said Suoh as the hatchling leaned over to sniff the golden fox, big red eyes landing on the fox�s tail that for a brief moment fluffed out to twice its normal size.

"Little� brother?" said Kogare staring at the black ryu cub. Kogare�s facial features changed rapidly to show shock, curiosity, fear, confusion, and last a cute little frown. "Brother?" he said giving Suoh an odd look. "Where�d you find him?"

Suoh smiled. "I didn�t find him, I had him, Kogare. He�s my cub," said Suoh sitting down in front the golden fox with black ryu cub on lap. Koaru�s attention was still focused on the very expressive golden tail that kept moving behind Kogare.

Kogare�s face once again went through a whole range of different features. "But, I�m your cub," said Kogare moving forward to Suoh.

"Kit, Kogare," said Suoh. "And, I think you�re a big boy now."

The golden fox shook his head rapidly. "No I�m not," he said moving closer still to Suoh. "I�m not nearly at tall as you."

Suoh laughed and patted Kogare�s head. "I meant that I think mentally you�ve grown."

"But-" said Kogare grabbing hold of Suoh�s arm. The golden fox let out a very unroyal yelp and turned with a snarl to look at the giggling black cub yanking on his fluffy tail. With a growl Kogare grabbed his golden tail with both hands and tried to pull it out of the ryu cub�s grip. "Let go!" he said giving short little pulls.

The baby only laughed louder and held on tighter to the silky tail.

Kogare gave one really hard pull and went falling on his butt as it easily pulled the soft fur out of the hatchling�s grip.

Suoh had to cover her mouth with her hand to keep the small laugh and big smile from her older child. Kogare scrambled up and ran behind Inari�s leg, glaring at the little black ryu from behind it. "I don�t like it," said Kogare frowning darkly.

Suoh stood up with baby in arms. "You�ll get use to him, besides he likes you, he already knows you�re his big brother."

Kogare only frowned darker at the little ryu. With a huff he crossed his arms and looked away.

Suoh walked over to Inari and reached around the fox to pat the pouting golden fox on the head. The baby at once stopped its laughing and looked at Inari in a cautious manner.

"Strange," said Inari reaching up a hand to tickle the underside of Kaoru�s chin, the baby shied away. "He seems to love Kogare, but he seems scared of me."

Suoh bit her lip and bowed her head. "That�s because Kogare is a blood relation to him, Kaoru can sense this."

"I see," said Inari lifting his hand to tilt Suoh�s head back up. He wordlessly moved in and kissed the ryu deeply. He pulled back still cupping the side of Suoh�s face. "Than I�ll just have to spend some time around him till he becomes use to me."

Suoh smiled and leaned into Inari.

Below Kogare huffed and kicked at the ground the plants around him waved sensing his less then sunny mood. "It don�t like this," grumbled the kit.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Kogare watched as Suoh finished tying the red sash around her slender waist.

"Are you leaving again?" asked the golden kit leaning against the bed.

"Yes, I�m going to Dragon Springs to introduce Kaoru-chan, you know that Kogare," said Suoh.

The golden godling frowned and glanced over his shoulder at the black ryu cub that was curled up in a ball asleep on the bed.

"I want to go to," said Kogare.

Suoh smiled and went over to the bed, patting Kogare�s head as she leaned over and dragged the sleepy cub over to her. "I�d like that, but you know you�re not allowed to go to Dragon Springs with me," she said lifting Kaoru and patting his back as he snuggled against her chest.

"Why not? How come he gets to go and not me?" asked Kogare pointing at the sleepy cub.

"Kogare, you know he�s a ryu. The whole clan teaches cubs he�ll learn from them as well as me. As for you, you�ll learn from your papa."

"I don�t want to learn from papa any more, it�s boring, I want you to teach me," said Kogare grabbing one of Suoh�s legs.

"But I don�t know anything about being a god, Kogare, I�m a ryu," smiled Suoh gentle pulling him off her leg. "Your teachers will be here soon, Kogare, you�d better get ready."

The boy pouted and crossed his arms giving Suoh his back. "It�s not fair," he muttered.

"You�ll understand some day," said Suoh patting him again on the head and moving towards the balcony glass doors.

Kogare watched her jumping off the railing and into the air. He walked out and rested his chin on the rail. "It�s not fair," said the kit again. A little grin crossed Kogare�s face quickly he grew a vine down the window and climbed it to the ground. Once down he started running through the trees and brush. If Suoh won�t take him to Dragon Springs he�d go himself. Maybe he could find a ryu to be his mount there.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Suoh landed lightly at Dragon Springs, in her arms little Kaoru was looking around with wide curious eyes, sniffing the air and breathing in the unfamiliar scent of other ryus. Suoh smiled down at the hatchling and petted his spiky hair. "Today you see your really papa, Rouin otou-san," she told the baby and started walking through the spring grounds.

Rouin sat on a tall boulder just looking around as several other black ryus bask and sunned themselves around him.

"Rouin," called one black moving over to him. Rouin tilted his head down to look at the older black. "Why don�t you join us?" asked the ryu with a friendly smile. "You haven�t spoken to us in a long time."

Rouin managed a small smile for the black. "Maybe later," said Rouin looking up at the blue sky. "Right now I just want to think."

"Are you thinking of her again?" asked the black softly.

Rouin smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, I�m thinking of Chi, I always think of her when I�m here."

"But you don�t look so sad any more," said the black leaning against the boulder Rouin sat on and looking up at the tall black.

"No, I�m not so sad any more. When I think of Chi, I think of the happy times we had together. She won�t want me to be sad, besides I�ll see her again some day� I know I will."

"You really think so?" asked the black curiously.

Rouin closed his eyes, smiled, and nodded his head. His smile slipped from his face and an eyebrow raised up, he sniffed the air in a curious manner. "Do you smell that?"

"Smell?" said the other black breathing in deeply. "No, what do you smell?"

"Flowers and fresh cut grass," said Rouin opening his eyes and looking at a small black ryu in female form looking at him with a small smile on her face, her wings folded over her front.

"Suoh," greeted the black ryu Rouin had been speaking to. "We didn�t see you last time, where were you. You had us worried."

"Gomen, I was� busy," said Suoh letting her wings down.

The black gasped getting the attention of two other blacks not far away. On the boulder every muscle in Rouin�s body went taunt, he found it hard to breathe.

"What is it?" asked a new black that had been alerted by the gasp. Its purple eyes widened as it looked at the small hatchling in Suoh�s arms.

The rest of the black ryu clan moved closer to see what was going on and smiled in pleasant surprise as they spotted the newest of their clan.

Kaoru looked around shyly at all the curious faces. He looked up as a tall black ryu with soft brown eyes slid off a boulder and moved in front of him and Suoh. The ryu cub blinked big red eyes at the tall black who was looking down at him with so many emotions running over his face. He didn�t know why, but he liked that ryu at once, he smelt familiar, a comfortable scent much like his mama ryu�s only very different from Suoh�s. He didn�t protest as Suoh knelt down and put him on the ground in front of the tall black only looked up in wonder at him.

"Kaoru?" asked Rouin down at the black ryu cub.

The boy smiled brightly as he heard his name and ran over to wrap its little arms around Rouin�s leg smiling and laughing happily, little tail swinging as he hugged the tall black. Kaoru soon found himself picked up and buried in a warm embrace as Rouin held him possessively against his chest, resting his chin on the boy�s head. There was a slight hitch in the tall black�s breath that Kaoru could feel from his closeness to him. He moved back and looked at the black�s face watching at two trails made their way down. He cocked his head to the side in a curious manner then leaned forward to lick one of the ryu�s cheeks, tasting the salt of the others tears.

Rouin smiled brightly as he reached up a hand and messed up the little cub�s already wild hair. He stood up, Kaoru in arms.

"Minna," said Rouin. "This is my son, Kaoru Ryu," he said with much pride.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Kogare looked through the leaves and branches of the bush he was hiding in to see ryus of all colors lying around. He smiled breathing in the scent that he hadn�t smelt since he was very young, but could still remember: Dragon Springs. He had the strongest desire to strip down to his bare skin and sun himself with the rest of the ryus.

He grinned widely and sniffed the air looking for a scent he knew almost better then his own. Catching the familiar smell of pine and ash he moved silently through Dragon Springs unnoticed by the ryus.

It wasn�t long before he started seeing many black ryus, all coupled together. His furry ears perked up as he caught a familiar deep voice booming with laughter: Rouin! Where there was Rouin, Suoh would be close by. He moved closer till he spotted the tall black with his back to him, may other blacks were near him all smiling, a few mated pairs snuggled tightly together looking at him with admiring eyes. Kogare could see Suoh not far away, also smiling she looked very pleased about something.

Kogare watched as Rouin leaned back to lay on his back, holding a laughing black and white creature in his arms as he did so: Kaoru. Kogare frowned looking at the little black as he cuddled up to Rouin�s neck. Kogare had never seen the tall black look so happy. Rouin always seemed to have his empty gloomy look to him, what could have happened to change that?

"Here we were starting to worry about you two," said one black sitting to Suoh�s side.

"Yes," agreed another black. "I thought you two would never wise up and do your part. I�m sure Kaoru will be a beautiful and powerful black, one of our best, how can he be anything else with such fine breeding?"

"Oh yes," said that ryu�s partner. "After all Ryuujin himself first matched you two, he must have foreseen you�d have perfect offspring together."

From his hiding place Kogare breathed in sharply realization kicking in: Kaoru was his �half� brother; they had different fathers. He eyed Rouin all smiles as he stroked the ryu cub�s back, who yawned widely sleep creeping up fast. Kaoru seemed to be the center of everyone�s attention, everyone seemed so happy around him, why?! What was so special about him?!

With a small growl Kogare turned and left, moving silently away, tears starting to sting his eyes. He hated that little ryu everything had been perfect till he�d showed up.

Suoh snapped her head up and looking over at an area of brush and shrubs.

"What�s wrong Suoh?" asked one black.

"Nothing, I just thought I heard someone growling."

"I don�t hear anything," said the black looking in the direction Suoh was.

"Must have been your imagination," said another black leaning back. "So are you two mates now?" asked the black.

"Of course they�re mates," said the ryu sitting next to him.

"No," said Rouin with his eyes closed, smile still on his face. "Suoh�s not mine."

"But," said one black eyeing Kaoru, as the cub sighed into Rouin�s neck. "But you two have breed."

"I know," said Rouin. "Suoh belongs to Inari, and I to Chi, nothing has changed that."

The blacks exchanged confused looks. "Suoh is this true, are you still mated to Inari?" asked one.

"Hai," said Suoh putting her chin on her knees. "I love Inari, nothing has changed that. Rouin and I are fulfilling our duties to the clan and to ourselves, that is all."

The blacks once again exchanged looks. "You mean you�re just friends?

Rouin and Suoh nodded.

"I dare say, I�ve never meet any one as odd as you two," said one black.

Rouin smiled wider. "I�ll take that as a complement, after all, no one ever hears about the normal ones. You have to be a little odd to truly live."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Suoh landed lightly on the balcony rail and stepped into the room she shared with Inari. Inari greeted her with a smile and a kiss.

"How was it?" he asked.

"Wonderful," said Suoh. "The clan was very excepting of him," she said patting Kaoru�s spiky hair.

"And Rouin?" asked Inari.

"Very proud," said Suoh sitting down on the bed.

Inari sat down next to her and pulled her against his chest breathing in deeply her scent. "I think there�s something wrong with Kogare."

"Like what?" asked Suoh leaning back against him.

"I�m not sure, but he�s been acting strange lately. He seems, I don�t know, upset about something."

"Maybe I should go talk to him," said Suoh standing up. In her arms Kaoru yawned widely and rubbed at one eye with his cubby fist.

Inari smiled and opened his arm. "Maybe you should let me hold him, let it just be you and Kogare for awhile. I don�t think he likes sharing you with Kaoru."

Suoh smiled and handed him the ryu cub. "So much like you," she said in a teasing manner.

"Not so," said Inari leaning back and holding Kaoru at arm�s length above him. "I like sharing you with this cute little thing," he said lowering the giggling ryu cub to rub noses with it.

Suoh smiled and shook her head, leaving the room to head towards Kogare�s. She knocked softly on the door. "Kogare?" she asked pushing it open. She spotted the golden kit lying on his stomach on the bed. The ryu moved silently over and sat down next to him, reaching out a hand to stroke his long golden hair. "What�s wrong, Kogare-chan?" asked Suoh softly.

"Nothing," said Kogare turning his head to the side, not looking at Suoh.

"I think something is," said Suoh lying down next to him and hugging him from behind. "Don�t you want to tell me what?"

"No," said Kogare burying his face in his pillow.

Suoh lightly ran her fingers over the side of his face. "I�m always here for you if you want to talk."

A long pause filled the room. "Kaoru�s a ryu right?"

"Yes," said Suoh.

"And I�m a god, right?"

"Yes," said Suoh.

"Why am I a god while Kaoru�s a ryu?"

"That�s just the why it happened, Kogare," said Suoh.

"No! It�s because Kaoru�s father was a ryu and mine was a god!" said Kogare curling up tighter into a ball.

"Kagare?" said Suoh leaning more over the golden godling. "Do you hate me now?" she asked him softly.

Another long pause. "No, I don�t hate �you.�"

"Do you hate Rouin?"

"No," said Kogare.

"Then what�s wrong?" she asked.

"Why am I not a ryu?" asked Kogare his voice cracking slightly.

Suoh stroked the side of his face. "There�s nothing wrong with being a god, Kogare. It makes you very special to a lot of people," she said kissing his cheek.

Kogare looked blankly forward. Made him special, in what way? Everyone was so happy about Kaoru�s birth, but he�. He closed his eyes. He could remember, long ago, the stir he�d caused by just being. The memories were fuzzy, but still there. Although, everyone had been kind to him, he didn�t feel like he belonged, a demi god, a half ryu. He was proud of his dragon blood, but for some reason to the gods it was something that needed to be hidden. He wanted to explore that part of himself, see just what he was capable of, but no one would teach him. Why did he have to be a god? Why couldn�t he be a ryu and be so accepted? Why was Kaoru so lucky?

"I know you don�t understand now, Kogare," said Suoh. "But some day you will." Suoh moved to get up, but Kogare turned around and hugged her around the waist.

"Stay," he asked softly.

Suoh lay back down and wrapped her arms around him. "Hai, I�ll stay."

* * * * * * * * * * *

Sunoo lifted her head and looking in the direction a beautiful melody drifted from. Music more beautiful then she could ever remember hearing drew her, whispered for her to come see its source.

She was in a rich jungle of bamboo in the Ningenkai on a beautiful clear day. A gentle breeze blew over the land, songbirds sang together with the enchanting music, mixing sounds till it was hard to tell if the music was natural or of some other force. She closed her eyes, elfish ears twitching, as she followed those sweet notes till they were loud and crisp. She opened her blood red eyes and looking into a circular clearing seeing a lone human sitting on a fallen log. Around his feet sat animals of various species: rabbits, wolfs, monkeys, and ever a tiger lay by his side enjoying the beautiful music created by the human with his silver flute. He was tall with long orangish red hair down to his shoulder blades, brushed back and held in a loose ponytail; a few stray strains fell on his forehead waving slightly in the gentle breeze. His facial features where sharp and well defined his build muscular yet slim. He was dressed in loose white, blue, and black robes, in a kind of monk fashion. His wide brimmed reed hat lay by his feet along with a long staff with several golden rings on its tip. Around his neck he wore obsidian black beads polished so bright they shone almost white in the light.

Sunoo stood behind a tall ancient tree and looked at the human that played so skill fully. She�d not seen many humans, especially one that could play such sweet music, most generally ran when confronted with a dragon; it was the wise thing to do.

The human stopped playing suddenly and Sunoo ducked behind the tree leaning against its bark.

"It�s all right, you can come out," said the human reaching down to stroke the fur of the tiger as its long tail waved. "I won�t hurt you."

Sunoo peeked behind the tree at the human, who was smiling kindly at her as he stroked the tiger like a house cat reaching behind its ear and scratching it for the big cat.

"I�m sorry to disturb your playing, but your music was so beautiful I was compelled to see where it came from," said Sunoo shyly looking at him from behind the tree.

"I�m not surprised," said the human. "I�m a summoner, I was calling for a ryu. I did not think such a beautiful one would answer."

Sunoo blushed and leaned her cheek on the tree. "You want me to do something for you?" she asked.

"Yes," smiled the human. He gestured for her to stop hiding behind the tree. "Please, come sit with me."

Sunoo moved over to the human, for some reason being completely at ease with him, he seemed like a gentleman to her; a kind person, she liked his smile. Sunoo knelt down beside the large cat and reached up a hand to pet it. She blushed again at the look the human was giving her, so intent as if she were one of those enchanting nymph that so often seduced his kind.

"I�m sorry," said the human after he�d just stared at her for a few seconds. "I�m being rude. My name is Huma," said the human bowing at the waist to her. "Might I ask what your name is my lady?"

"Sunoo," she answered.

"Sunoo," he said the name smiling at her. "Very beautiful and appropriate for a white ryu."

"Can I be of service to you," asked Sunoo smiling back.

"Yes," said Huma reaching into the folds of his top robe to pull out a letter sealed with red wax. "Would you be so kind as to deliver his letter to your king? I would be most grateful."

Sunoo reached out for the letter, her hand brushing his as she did. She blushed once again pulling her hand back with the letter in it. "I will, but could you�" her words trailed off as she blushed brighter.

"Yes, what do you wish, my lady?" asked Huma.

"Would you� play for me once more?" she asked.

Huma smiled brightly at her and raised the flute to his lips. "It would be my pleasure," he said before bring his lips down to blow softly on the silver instrument.

Sunoo closed her eyes and began to softly singing along with the birds and purrs of the big cat as the sweet music once again filled the air.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Inari watched with a smile as Suoh went over techniques with Kaoru. It was quite cute and funny to watch really, almost like a pair of big black cats pouncing on invisible mice. To his eyes the two looked just too cute to be furious, the fact that Kaoru was laughing and smiling so much during the lesson wasn�t helping much. To his side Kogare sat silently watching with him, the young godling had sure grown. Kogare now looked around the age of a 14 year-old human. It seemed the golden god had given up on the cute look and was going for drop-dead gorgeous. He was tall and slender in a delicate way, yet still strongly built and no doubt powerful. His features were now much more narrow and handsome, golden hair going down to his butt in long silky strains. His training was going excellent, while still a troublemaker, he had refined his skills so well it was hard to catch him in the act.

Inari looked back at Suoh and Kaoru, who had also grown. The cub looked around six in human years, so cute it was almost impossible to not want to pick him up in a bear hug. Inari wondered if Suoh had been so as a cub.

Suoh had changed some too, he was once again back in his male body and the once shoulder blade length rattail at the base of his neck was now down to the ryu�s thighs.

He glanced back at his son and frowned slightly, Kogare had that dark look in his eyes again as he watched the two black ryus. Inari would sometimes catch him with a very unfriendly gleam in his eyes, often when he was looking at his little family. Inari suspected it had something to do with all the attention Suoh gave Kaoru. He sighed softly, maybe Suoh was right the golden fox was a lot like him, or like he once was.

There was a soft sound of impact as something large landed behind Inari.

"Hello, Rouin," said Kogare without even looking to see if he was correct.

Inari glanced over his shoulder to see the tall ryu standing in green and white robes.

"Hello Kogare, Inari," he said to the two.

"Papa ryu!" shouted Kaoru running with all speed to jump into the waiting arms of Rouin.

"Hey there little one," said Rouin standing back up with cub, one hand patting Kaoru�s spiky head.

Inari glanced at Kogare as the fox grunted under his breath and turned his head to the side, not looking at the warm scene.

"Rouin," said Suoh walking over to the group. "What are you doing here?"

Rouin turned his head to look at Suoh and the smile slipped from his face to be replaced with a serious look. "Suoh, we need to go. Ryuujin is calling a gathering." He looked down at the silver fox god. "I think your kind will be there as well."

"The gods?" said Inari in shock. "What kind of meeting is this?"

"One about the Meikai," said Rouin, briefly bloodlust flashed in his eyes. "I think the clans and the Reikai are going to be planning a large scale attack, everyone is going to his gathering. I�m here to fetch Suoh, by order of our clan elder."

"That serious?" asked Suoh.

Rouin nodded his head grimly.

"I�m coming with you then," said Inari getting up off the crisp green grass.

"I suspected as much from you," said Rouin with a little grin.

"But," said Suoh looking at the black cub in Rouin�s arms. "Who will look after Kaoru?"

There was a pause then Inari turned his head to look at his still silent son with his back to them. "Kogare."

"No," said the golden fox. He stood up and turned around to face them. "I want to come with you. I want to fight, I�m tired of just sitting around and waiting."

"You�re not ready," said Inari.

"Yes, I am!" shouted Kogare.

"No you�re not!" shouted back Inari. "You�re going to stay here and look after you little brother," said the silver fox.

Kogare cursed under his breath and turned around. "He�s not my brother," he whispered low under his breath, so low only Inari heard it.

"Kogare, you will stay here. You�re not ready to fight the Meikai, do you understand?!" said Inari voice hinting at anger.

"Yes," said Kogare in a not at all happy voice.

Rouin bent over and put Kaoru down on his feet.

"Do you have to go so soon?" asked Kaoru hugging his leg and looking up at him with big eyes.

"Yes," said Rouin with a reassuring smile. "But, I�ll be back later to see you. Be good for your older brother, do every thing he tells you to, okay?"

"Hai!" chirped the little ryu running over to his mother ryu to hug Suoh�s leg in the same fashion.

Suoh patted his head. "I�ll be back tonight with Inari and Rouin papa," he told the cub pulling back and moving towards the silver fox. With out a word he hopped up to perch with a clawed foot on either one of Inari�s shoulders.

"Kogare, you behave," Inari told the golden fox before patting one of Suoh�s clawed feet. The black ryu spread his wings, a few flaps was all it took to lift the fox off the ground. Rouin spread his large wings and was soon air-born with them as they flew away.

Once they were gone.

"Behave, huh!" said Kogare sticking his tongue out in the direction they�d gone. He sat down with a huff and looked darkly forward.

"Onii-san?" asked Kaoru moving to the fox�s side.

"What?" snapped Kogare.

"Want to play?" he asked with a smile.

"No," said Kogare.

"Please," said Kaoru.

"No," growled Kogare.

The little ryu�s ears drooped sadly as he sat down beside his older brother.

A few minutes passed with the two saying nothing before Inari glanced over at the little black ryu, a wicket idea hatching in his head. "Alright."

"Huh?" said Kaoru looking up at him.

"Let�s play."

"Really?" asked the ryu with a big smile.

"Yah, follow me," said the golden fox getting to his feet.

The little ryu jumped into the air, flapping its wings as it hovered next to Kogare�s shoulder. "Where are we going?" he asked in an excited voice.

"You�ll see," said Kogare and started walking away. Kaoru happily followed after.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Inari looked around at the large gathering of ryus and gods alike. They were at the hall of challenge once again, sad to say the ryus still stood on the ryu�s side and the god�s on theirs. They worked together, but still didn�t respect nor trust each other.

Inari reluctantly parted ways with Rouin and Suoh and moved to stand next to Aphrodite and Volcanus.

"Inari," greeted Volcanus. The silver fox nodded his head in greeting.

"Have you heard anything?" asked Inari.

Volcanus frowned grimly. "It�s gotten worst, the Meikai�s going to attack the Ningenkai soon, and not any little skirmish either."

"Are you sure?" asked Inari. The fire god nodded his head. "How do we know this?"

"Ryuujin got word from a human of their plans."

"A human?" said Inari lifting an eyebrow.

"That�s why were discussing this, we can�t be sure of the word of one human, although Ryuujin�s taking his word."

"Hmm," hummed Inari. Silent filled the room as Enma spoke.

"Ryuujin," called Enma. "Is it correct that you�re taking a human�s word that the Meikai is planning a full scale assault on the Ningenkai?"

"Yes," said the golden ryu.

"Can you trust his human?" asked Enma.

"He is a beast master, we magic beasts have good reason to trust his kind," said the golden ryu.

"You trust him, but how are we to know if his information is correct?"

"It is not surprising that the Meikai would eventually attack all out, recently many of my kind have fallen victim to them. They�ve collected quite a large force of ryus over the last couple thousand years."

Enma closed his eyes, brows forking down. "That is true, but we had suspected that the battle ground for such a fight would take place in the Reikai."

"The enemy favors ground less known to you," said Ryuujin. "If we do not stand up to them and met them in this battle the Ningenkai will be lost. If that happens you can be sure that the Reikai will soon follow as well as my kind in slavery or death."

There was a long pause again from Enma as he considered Ryuujin�s words.

"This human, how does he know the Meikai is about to attack?"

"He is a beast master, he gets his information from the animals in the Meikai as well as having seen them prepare with his own eyes."

Enma frowned and sighed. "We can not ignore this threat. We will take steps to prepare for this fight, but more information must be gathered."

"I shall send some of my kind to the Meikai then to gather information," said Ryuujin. "But, I want your word that you will do every thing in your power to prepare for this battle."

Enma nodded his head. "If it is true, this fight will be very costly and difficult. I must insist that all of your kind participate in the up coming battle, and that they will consent to follow Reikai orders."

There was a long pause from Ryuujin a small frown of worry creased his mouth.

"I understand your concerns Ryuujin, but if we are to stand up to the coming force you describe we will need the clans cooperation and strength."

"We will not follow you blindly, Lord of Death. I shall speak for the clans."

Enma frown and there was a moment of tension between the two figures.

"Very well," said Enma slowly. "You shall have your say. I will look into matter of fighting the Meikai in the Ningenkai, you and your kind should prepare as well."

"Yes, I wish to speak to the ningens, perhaps they know a way to give us an advantage when fighting them."

"I would not trust the word of humans so easily, King of the ryus. Humans are an unreadable lot; you can never be sure where their loyalty lies."

"Such is the same for all creatures, Enma," said Ryuujin in a very serious voice. "Mortal and immortal." Another long tense pause filled the air. Inari could feel the mistrust and unwillingness of the room. His words with Aphrodite returned. The Reikai need the ryus clans now, but also fear they will become a threat in the future. Things seemed so delicate, Inari lightly bit his lip in concern.

"We should meet again soon, Enma," said Ryuujin. "To discuss what we have learned."

"Agreed," said Enma. "We shall speak at the next full moon."

Ryuujin nodded his golden head and turned to leave. The meeting was officially over, ryus and gods moved to depart.

"This battle worries me greatly," said Volcanus to Inari�s side. "If we lose the Ningenkai, we lose the war."

Inari frown, which lightened somewhat as Suoh and Rouin moved to join them. Suoh had a very worried look on his face.

"What�s wrong?" asked Inari.

"It�s his sister," said Rouin.

"What about her? Is she alright?" asked Inari.

"For the time being, but she�s been chosen to scout out the Meikai," said Suoh softly.

Inari raised up a hand and gave Suoh�s shoulder a little squeeze, truly concerned with his mate. Sunoo would be entering and spying around in enemy territory, there would be no one there to help her if she got caught. "Why her? She�s not a fighter," said Inari.

"Sunoo�s a white ryu," said Rouin. "They are the best at this kind of thing, they�re the fastest, smartest, and the smallest of the ryus, plus they blend in better with the cloud cover. Many whites will be doing this task." Rouin lowered his head, "It�s very dangerous work."

Inari sighed sadly. "We�ll just have to wish her luck, there�s little more that we can do." He wrapped an arm around Suoh�s shoulders and pulled the black over to him. "Come on lets go home."

"Hai," said Suoh sounding distant and deep in thought.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Kaoru looked around in wonder at his surroundings. "We�re in the Ningenkai," said the little black.

"Hai," said Kogare looking over his shoulder at the ryu.

"I�ve never been in the Ningenkai without Suoh mama and Rouin papa," said Kaoru. "Is it safe?"

"Of course it�s safe," said Kogare waving a hand at the little ryu. "Humans are weaklings, they can�t touch us."

"Okay�" said Kaoru slowly. "Well than what are we going to play?" he asked with a chirp.

Kogare grinned. "Hide-N-Seek."

"Hide-N-Seek?" asked the black.

"Right," said Inari. "One person closes their eyes and counts and the other goes and hides?"

The little ryu nodded his head happily.

"Good, than-" said Kogare lifting a hand and covering his eyes. "One, two, three-"

Taking the hint the little black ryu took off running to look for a good hiding place. Once Kogare was sure he was long gone he lowered his hand and smiled.

"Well now, no more annoying little brother," he said dusting off his hands. "I better get back before mother ryu and Inari otou-san get back."

Without a second thought Kogare opened a portal back to the Reikai.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Suoh and Rouin landed lightly on the ground Suoh letting go of Inari�s shoulders and hopping lightly down; the small black still looked worried.

"Don�t worry Suoh," said Rouin patting his shoulder. "I�m sure Sunoo will be very careful, you know her, she�s not the risk taking type."

Suoh nodded his head, but didn�t look any less worried.

Inari sighed, that meeting had completely ruined his good morning. He�d feel much better once he got into bed with his Suoh. Hmm, maybe he could get Rouin to take Kaoru with him so he could have the night alone to try and brighten Suoh�s mood. A little grin graced his lips, I wonder if he�d consent to watching Kogare too? Speaking of which where were those two?

"Kaoru!" called Rouin looking around for the little black, but not finding him. "That�s strange, he usually comes running before I even land. Kaoru!" he called again.

They watched as a golden godling came running up to them.

"Kogare, where�s Kaoru?" asked Suoh looking around for the black cub.

"I�m not sure," said Kogare.

"Not, sure?!" said Rouin stepping forward with a shocked look on his face. "What do you mean not sure?!"

"Kogare?" said Suoh his worried look increased ten-fold.

Kogare looked at the fear etched on his face and felt a little stab of guilt hit him. "We were playing Hide-N-Seek and I don�t know where he is now," said the golden fox, which was very much true, he had no idea where the little ryu could be by now, it�d been hours since he left him in the Ningenkai. He watched as Suoh�s eyes widen and his breath became ragged.

"Kaoru. Kaoru!" shouted Suoh turn in a complete circle. "Come out, the games over. Kaoru!" he shouted panic was rising in his voice.

Kogare fidget in his place, suddenly thinking his little plan might not have been such a great one. Rouin was also starting to get a wild look in his eyes as he glanced around with Suoh.

"Shit!" shouted Rouin. "Come on let�s split up and look for him," said the black already running off to do so.

Suoh staggered back into Inari looking disoriented, Inari braced him from behind. "Don�t worry, Suoh. We�ll find him," said the silver fox. "Kogare!" he barked, making the golden fox jump. "You look to the south, Suoh and I will look west and east, got it?!"

"Yes," said the golden fox.

"Suoh," said Inari giving the black a good shake. "Now�s not the time."

Suoh blinked fearful eyes and look back at Inari. "Right," he said then took off to the east in a black blur.

"What are you waiting for," said Inari to Kogare turning to the west. "We�ve got to hurry up and find him before something happens to him."

Kogare watched his father run off and just stood in place for along time. "Oh� what have I done?" he asked the fastly growing dark sky. His eyebrows pulled down in a determined look as he opened a portal to the Ningenkai. He�d find the little pain and bring him back, if only to make that look go away on Suoh�s face. He jumped through the portal and ran through the Ningenkai forest he landed in.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Kaoru was starting to get scared, how long did it take for Kogare to find him? Maybe he�d run too far or found a too good of hiding place and his onii-san couldn�t find him. His little heart began to beat fast in his chest, the loneliness and fear starting to eat at him. He couldn�t take it, he didn�t want to play his game any more. He crawled out of the dead tree stump he�d been using for a hiding place and looked around.

"Onii-san?" he called in a small voice. It was starting to get dark and he couldn�t see too far, both from the rapidly decreasing light and his short height.

"Onii-san!" he called again much louder when his brother didn�t appear. A small whimper rose in his throat as he started walking through the brush realizing he didn�t know which way he�d last seen his big brother.

He walked for a long time, till the sun sank and it was completely black.

"Onii-san," he cried voice cracking as he leaned against a tree, going down to his knees and buried his head in his arms. It was cold, dark, and scary, he was terrified. Small sobs escaped his throat as tears started to sting his eyes.

His elfish ears twitched as he faintly heard voices in the distant.

"Onii-san?" he asked lifting his head and looking it the direction the sound was coming from. He brushed the back of his hand over his face, wiping away the tears and got up to moved towards the sounds.

"Onii-san?" he asked much louder as he peered around a tree trunk to see two unfamiliar beings sitting by a fire. He froze as the looked at him they didn�t look like ryus nor like Inari or Kogare. They didn�t have wings nor tails and their ears were short on the sides of their head. They smelt different too, Kaoru�s eyes widened as fear gripped him.

"Geez!" said one of the humans falling backwards. "A dragon!" he shouted

His partner turned and looked at the small figure behind the tree.

"A ryu cub? And a black no less," he said.

"Oh gods, where do you think its mother is?" asked the one that had fallen over. He glanced around as if he expected a giant black to jump out of the short brush around him.

"I don�t know, but it must not be nearby or we�d be dead by now," said the calmer of the two. He looked around then back at Kaoru who was slowly starting to back away from them. A grinned crossed his face. "Say, what do you think a little thing like that�s worth?" he asked.

"Eh?" said his partner stopping his worried scanning to look at his company then back at the frightened ryu cub as it bumped into a tree, too nervous to take its eyes off them. Slowly a matching grin appeared on his face. "Probably a lot, at least a bag of gold," he said with a greedy glow in his eyes.

"More than that if he find the right person," said the other man getting up. "I heard wizard types will pay a lot for dragon�s blood. Get a sack."

Kaoru�s eyes grew impossible wide as the human started towards him. "Onii-san!" he screamed turning and running through the plant life.

"Damn it!" shouted the man making a grab for him. "Come on hurry up and help me catch his little brat," he yelled back at the other man who picked up a large brown sack.

Kaoru couldn�t help the frightened pant that started in his throat as he ran. He glanced back at the two humans who were fastly catching up with him with their longer legs. He skidded to a halt as one managed to get in front of him and blocked his path. He grabbed at him, but Kaoru was able to move out of his reach, unfortunately in doing so he put himself right in front of the other man who plucked him off the ground by the back of his shirt.

"Onii-san!" screamed Kaoru little wings, arms, and legs kicking and failing as he tried to squirm out of the larger beings hold.

"Noisy little thing," said the one holding him off the ground as Kaoru cried out repeatedly for his brother as well as his mama and papa ryu. "Open that thing up," he ordered the other man who held the brown sack.

The man moved over and opened the sack wide to allow his partner to drop the trembling ryu cub in. Both men smiled in triumph as a pathetic whimper came from the bag.

"All right, we�re rich," said the one hold the sack.

"We split it 70/30," said the other.

"What no way, 50/50! Shouted the other holding the sack away from the man.

"60/40" said the other man.

"No 50/50," growled his partner.

Kogare bit his lip as he looked around he�d been looking for hours and still no sign of the little ryu anywhere. What if he was permanently lost?

No, thought Kogare shaking his head. He was going to find him he didn�t care how long it took he was going to. He kept moving till he came across a light foot impression of a tiny clawed creature. Yes, he was back on the trail. He followed the signs of the small ryu�s passing, Kaoru seemed to just be wondering lost, of course that was what the little ryu was: lost.

He stopped, frowning as he couldn�t quite find the next clue as to which why Kaoru had gone when a scream of �onii-san� filled the air. Kogare snapped his head up and ran in the direction he�d heard the panicked cry. He stopped dead as he watched two humans pluck the little ryu off the ground and dropping him a bag, then start arguing about what percent they were going to get when hey sold Kaoru.

Kogare didn�t know why but he was furious! Sell him?! Those bastards! They were going to pay for even thinking that! He silently moved in for the kill, easily masking his presents by commanding the plants around him to reach up and block their view of him. He grinned at how easily it was to get past their guards. The golden fox plucked a blade of wild grass and grew it into a short sword creeping up behind the two distracted humans.

"All right, 50/50," said one man with an angry growl.

"Deal. Come on, lets get back to the camp and pack our stuff so we can head toward the nearest town tomorrow and-" the man�s words where cut off, the wind blasted from his lungs, and the sack slipped from his hands to fell to the ground.

"What are you doing?! It�ll get away!" shouted the other human moving to grab the bag, but stopped as his partner fell dead to the ground a golden youko boy stood behind him with a bloody grass blade. The man�s mouth dropped in disbelief. "Why you little brat!" shouted the man taking a step toward the golden fox.

Suddenly the plants around him sprang to life and hoisted him off the ground. The man looked at the angry golden youko and paled.

"Um� take it easy kid. I was just kidding, here take the ryu cub, you can probably get a lot for him."

Kogare snarled loudly at the human. "I�ll teach you to lay your hands on my little brother, human scum," he said.

The human couldn�t even make a sound of protest as the greenery tightened on him, cutting off his air and crushing his body.

Kogare smiled at the gory site and glanced at the sack as a small whimpered left it. He glanced back at the bloody mess he�d made and decided it was best Kaoru didn�t see it. He picked up the sack and held it against his stomach as he walked away from the two�s remains. Once he was far enough way so that even the smell of blood was left behind he put down the bag and opened it to see a small black ryu curled up in a ball crying his eyes out.

"Kaoru," said Kogare nudging the black in the side. He watched the boy lifted one hand to look at him with watery eyes.

"Onii-san?"

"Yah, it�s me," said Kogare.

"Onii-san!" cried the ryu fling his arms around the golden fox and crying brokenly against him.

"Shhh, I got rid of those guys, they can�t hurt you any more," he said patting the ryu�s back. Kogare had never realized how weak and helpless Kaoru was he looked so scared crying against him like that. He frowned. "Kaoru stop crying, you�re a black ryu, act like one," he told the ryu.

The little ryu sniffed and looked at him. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"I mean you�re a black, if someone tries to hurt you, you hurt them first," said Kogare waving a finger at him.

"But I�m not strong like you," said Kaoru

Kogare was going to say something but paused. Strong, him? "I�m not that strong, Kaoru."

The little black shook his head. "Yes you are, you�re really, really strong. No one can defeat you, onii-san, expect maybe mama and papa ryu."

Kogare couldn�t help the small smile that crossed his face. Of course, Kaoru really didn�t have much of an understanding of strength outside of his clan, but that didn�t mean it wasn�t true. "Well, I did handle those humans fairly well."

Kaoru nodded his head. "Hai, Kogare onii-san is the best," said the ryu with a smile. "You can defeat any demon or human, any day."

The smile on Kogare�s face got bigger. "Yah, that�s right," said Kogare. His smile left his face for a moment. "I�m strong enough, but I still can�t fight the Meikai," he pouted.

"Eh? Why not Onii-san?" asked Kaoru.

"I still need a ryu mount," said the fox.

"Why?" asked Kaoru.

"To fly into battle, of course. I�ve got to make an impressive entrance, like Inari otou-san."

"I can fly," said Kaoru flapping his little wings.

Kogare laughed. "You�re a little small, Kogare. You can�t carry me," he said patting the ryu�s spiky hair.

"Yes, I can," said Kaoru. To prove his point the little ryu flew over to land with his clawed feet gripping Kogare�s shoulders.

"Woe!" said Kogare kicking his feet as he was lifted off the ground by the mini dragon. He blinked his eyes looking up at his little brother. Maybe Kaoru wasn�t so weak after all.

"See," laughed Kaoru. "It�s easy."

Kogare got a gleam in his eyes as a new plan hatched in his head. "Kaoru, would you like to play with me some more?"

The little ryu paled and shook his head.

"No not like today, I mean spend some time with me playing real games? War games?"

The ryu smiled bright. "Really?"

Kogare nodded his head.

"Kogare onii-san daisuki desu!" said the little ryu.

Kogare smiled up at the ryu. "Hai, Kaoru I like you to." The happy look left his face as he glanced up at the black night. "Oh no, Kaoru we�d better get home and fast!" he opened a portal and pointed ahead. "Forward my black ryu, fly!" he said with a grin feeling every part the powerful god going into battle.

Kaoru laughed at the silly game his brother was playing, doing as he said.

The two disappeared into the portal and back to the Reikai.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Suoh landed and looked at Inari and Rouin, who had worried looks on their face.

"Anything?" he asked with a desperate look in his eyes.

Inari looked down. "Nothing," he said softly.

Suoh�s eyes widened and he turned around to continue the search, but was stopped by Inari grabbing a hold of his wrist.

"Let go! He�s still out there some where, let go Inari!" he screamed.

"Suoh," said Inari pulling the struggling ryu back against him. "Kogare�s still out there, maybe he�s found him. Let�s wait for him to return, okay?"

The small black ryu make a whimper deep in his throat and leaned against Inari as if he wasn�t able to support himself any more.

They waited for the golden fox, Suoh getting more panicked by the minute and Rouin looking like he wanted to destroy something as he wore a trench in the ground with his pacing.

"He didn�t find him!" shouted Suoh. "He didn�t find him and now he�s lost as well!" said the small black once again moving to go look for his two offspring.

"Suoh!" shouted Inari catching his wrist as he jump, yanking the ryu out of the air and crushing him against him. "Wait, Suoh, please wait," said Inari softly against the ryu.

"No, no, no!" shouted Suoh. "I�ve waited long enough!"

Rouin was looking like he agreed with Suoh, body tense as if to bolt. Inari didn�t know if he�d be able to hold them both back, he didn�t even know if he should.

"Mama ryu!" shouted a familiar voice.

They all snapped their heads up to see a little black ryu flying with a much larger golden fox in his grip.

"Kaoru! Kogare!" shouted Suoh breaking Inari�s hold on him and jumping into the air to snatch both youths up into his arms, landing on the ground with them crushed against his chest.

"Mama ryu!" said Kaoru happily kissing the ryu, now sitting on Kogare�s head.

"You two had me so worried!" said Suoh mothering them. "Don�t ever do that again!"

Rouin went over and plucked the black ryu off Kogare�s head to hold him tightly. Looking him over for injuries.

"Kogare," said Inari moving over to the golden fox still being mothered by Suoh; Inari didn�t look pleased like the two blacks. "Kogare, how could you lose your little brother like that?" he demanded.

The golden fox was unable to answer, all his craftiness and intelligence blown to the four winds when confronted with his father�s wrath; what could he say he was guilty.

"Gomen," said a small shy voice from Rouin�s arms. Everyone turned to look at Kaoru. "It was my fault."

Kogare stared at the little ryu cub in disbelief.

"I went too deep into the forest and got lost, but onii-san saved me," he smiled.

"It was your fault?" said Inari in disbelief.

The little ryu cub�s ears drooped. "Gomen."

Inari frowned but relented. "Okay, but next time don�t go so far way, do you understand?" said Inari.

"Hai," said Kaoru hugging Rouin around the neck.

Inari couldn�t hold his frown it was impossible to be mad at something so cute. "Let�s just forget this happened, and call it a night."

Kogare let out the breath he hadn�t realized he�d been holding. Kaoru had saved his golden hid!

"Thanks you," whispered Suoh against him.

"Eh?"

"For finding him, Kogare," he smiled at him.

Now Kogare felt really bad. Not only had he caused such a mess, but he was being thanked when he desired to be yelled at. Guilt was such a terrible thing it made him wish for the yelling.

* * * * * * * * * * *

That night Kogare couldn�t sleep his mind in turmoil. He got up and walked to Kaoru�s room, opening the door and looking in to see Rouin had beat him there and was already sound asleep with Kaoru against his chest. He looked at the scene for a long time, then moved over to the bed and climbed on pressing up against the ryu cub�s free side. He was mildly surprised when Rouin lifted a wing and draped it over him offering more warmth. Was the tall ryu awake or not? He wonder looking at the black�s face that hadn�t changed at all with the move.

He sighed into Kaoru�s spiky hair and closed his eyes, liking the extra body heat and heavy scent of ryus. A smile touched his lips. He�d been upset for a long time, upset about his mother going to Rouin to have another kid when he still had him, but now� Now he kind of liked the addition of an uncle and brother. Yes, I liked his a lot he thought letting his mind drift off to sleep.

TBC
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The Meikai War