Sesshoumaru's Gift by KEdakumi

ONE

A/N: Okay, this started out as a little one-shot, then kinda grew from there. I don't own Inuyasha and I make no profit from this story. I'm just trying to build on that world a bit. I understand that children in Japan receive a gift from the Buddhist monk, Hotei-somo. I chose to work only with Santa as opposed to possibly insulting Hotei-somo by making him do something he wouldn't. Enjoy!

A pale figure in white blended seamlessly into a cold snowy background as a tall, proud being stepped from the forest line and into the clearing outside of the hut. A small face peered out of the door looking for something in the dark.

“Lord Sesshoumaru!” The girl exclaimed, not worrying at all about her bare feet as she ran as fast as she could to her lord. She stopped suddenly before him and bowed, anxious to show her lord that she was learning her manners.

“Rin.” It was only one word, but it held more meaning for the young girl then anything she knew. She stood tall and smiled up at him. Before she could say anything, the flap covering the door opened again and a young woman, wrapped in a fur came running out.

“Rin, you have nothing on your feet and no wrap.” the woman chided gently, “You are going to catch your death of cold.” She went to pick the girl up, but was surprised when the she was taken from her hands and lifted into the crook of a strong arm.

“Sesshoumaru,” Kagome smiled and bowed to the stotic demon lord. “Merry Christmas!” she beamed at him. The slightly confused look must have shown in his eyes as Rin giggled a bit.

“Yes, my lord, Mer-ry Chismasu.” she glanced at Kagome to confirm that she said it right. Kagome looked up at the girl with a smile and nodded.

The light and warmth from the hut spilled out into the cold darkness as Kagome moved the mat from the door and with a small bow, beckoned the tall figure in. “We have another guest.” she announced as she entered the crowded hut after him. Everyone stopped their conversation and Inuyasha stood with his trademark glare already in place.

“Oi, ya ba-”

“Inuyasha...” came a threatening tone from Kagome. He looked briefly at her, before looking back to his brother.

“Oi~” he glanced again at Kagome before continuing, “What are you doing here?” he asked with a growl.

Sesshoumaru ignored the question and instead placed Rin down, watching as she ran off to warm her feet next to the fire. The others around the room each gave a small bow then went back to their various conversations. It was then that the demon took closer notice of the unusual items decorating the hut. A row of evergreen branches lined the walls with small red silk bows every few feet. On the numerous candles were more small bows and standing in the corner was a small evergreen tree placed on a stool. The tree was decorated in little carved wood figures and various origami stars and berries that were strung together to surround it. Crowning the tree was a small wooden star delicately cut and made to fit neatly on the top-most point. Under the tree sat a small pile of items, some boxed and others wrapped in brown cloth and tied closed with colorful bits of string.

The hut was crowded with the beings that he allied himself with several years ago as well as their various offspring. Everyone was eating rice and roasted fish and drinking sake.

Sesshoumaru sat against the wall, near the door. His brother, having given up on trying to get his attention, sat back down to assist the elderly priestess with the fire.

Miroku walked over to the intimidating demon and bowed. “Me-rry Christmas, Lord Sesshoumaru,” The man said with a smile, the words still not flowing off his tongue as easily as they did the young priestess'. “Would you like some sake?” he made a slight gesture to the small bottle in his hand. Sesshoumaru gave a slight nod of his head. Miroku sat down next to him, placing the bottle and cups on the floor in front of him, he proceeded to pour some of the liquor in a small round cup and offered it to him with a small bow of his head. The man then proceeded to drink the bit of sake left in his own cup, neither one spoke, instead relaxing a bit in the warmth of the moment. The older children were gathered together on side of the hut nearest the tree. They continued to glance over and whisper among themselves. Sesshoumaru could hear them attempting to guess who's gift was who's and what they were... the little ones were very excited.

“Did Lady Kagome explain this tradition to you, my lord?” A golden glance said that he really didn't understand, though Miroku knew that the proud demon would never admit to not knowing something. So Miroku started to quietly tell Sesshoumaru the stories that Kagome had shared with the group. He told him of this Saint Nicholas who would give to the poor, particularly children. His name had become famous and known the world over. Apparently he is part of this celebration they were holding tonight and tomorrow. Miroku explained that even though the man had been dead for many, many years, they tell the children to be good because Santa Claus is watching. If they are good, they will be rewarded, but if not, then Santa would give them a rock. He told him that apparently the celebration traditions vary from place to place around the world, but the basic idea remains the same. “In Kagome's home village,” he continued, “the gifts are usually given only to the children, but Kagome wanted all of us to experience the joy of the holiday, so we're all getting a little gift.” He said she stated she loved this tradition. It was her hope that she could share it with her family here the same way she shared it with her family back home before the well had closed for good.

The adults sat about talking and smiling, eating and drinking. Kagome felt a pair of eyes on her as she moved about filling drink cups and heading off those that would snoop at the gifts, Inuyasha being the worst of those. She looked around a moment then brushed off the feeling opting instead to cuddle with Sango and Miroku's latest offspring, a beautiful little boy named Takashi.

After everyone finished their supper, Sango, Kagome and Rin cleared the dishes as Miroku made sure the men's cups were refilled with sake'. Kagome stood in front of everyone with a beautifully decorated cake in her hands. It took some practice, but she was finally able to bake a cake without the modern conveniences she was so used to. She had to for-go the icing, but was able to top it with a variety of sweet fruits. The children's (and men's) eyes went wide as she placed the cake in front of everyone and sliced each a small piece of cake. She was even able to entice Sesshoumaru into trying some of the sweet dessert. Jaken, who had been unusually quiet up to this point, began to extoll the wonders of such a treat. This had the adults agreeing, for once, with the small, green demon and the children giggled at him, as usual.

Twenty minutes later the children and Inuyasha were practically climbing over themselves to lean closer to the gifts. At some point, Shippo trapped Inuyasha to his spot on the floor using a special mixture he learned when attending the fox demon training school. After much giggling from the children, cussing from Inuyasha and a good 'sit' from Kagome, everyone was ready for the gifts to be handed out.

Kagome between the children and the gifts, picking one up, and asked them, “Now children, have you been good this year?” All said children smiled and nodded their heads eagerly. “Have you listened to your elders, done your work and been good to all those around you?” Again the children nodded. “Well let's see what Santa Claus has brought each of you.”

“Kagome? Can I take Ah-Un their gifts?” Rin asked.

Now there was a question that Kagome was glad she had anticipated. She handed a small bag of dried fruit to Rin. “There you are,” she smiled, “Just make sure to slid on your sandals and grab your wrap before going out.”

Sesshoumaru watched his young ward gather her warm outer kimono and run out the door. He could hear her soft footsteps running around to the back of the hut and Ah-Un's soft grunts. The demon was mildly pleased. It appeared that the priestess had taken everyone into account for this gift giving. He offhandedly wondered if he would be receiving a gift from this 'Santa Claus' as well, but promptly pushed the thought out of his mind. “What could this woman have, that he would possibly wish for?” He thought.

“Me Next! Me Next!” chanted Shippo as he bounced up and down in place.

“Now Shippo,” Kagome started, “We go from youngest to oldest.”

“But that means even Sango and Miroku will get to go before me.” the young fox demon whined.

Everyone laughed at that thought.

“I think Miroku and I will open our gifts with the other adults.” Sango stated.

“Now beloved, let's think this through,” Miroku took his wife's hand, “I'm just as excited as Shippo.” He smiled and winked at his wife. She patted his hand in a consoling manner.

“I believe you will just have to suffer a bit, dear husband.” looking at him with a smile as he feigned a pout. At that point Rin came back in with a sniff. Her little nose had turned pink showing how cold it was outside.

“Now that that is settled, here Kirara.” Kagome said as she rolled a furry ball toward the small cat demon. She promptly pounced on it, knocking it away and chasing after it around the hut. “It's filled with several dried herbs that cats like, so it should keep her busy for awhile.” Kagome told Sango.

By this time the children had started to scoot bit-by-bit closer to the tree, trying to get a closer look at the gifts.

“Ok, we are done.” Kagome stated to the children with a smile on her face and a knowing look in her eyes.

Sango and Miroku twin girls, Michiko and Emiko, paled slightly. Shippo and Rin began to fidget more, looking from Kagome to the twins and back. Finally one of them broke and the other three joined in...

“NOOOO!!” the three shouted. Inuyasha's ears tried to flatten to his head to avoid the sudden onslaught of noise. Sesshoumaru cocked his head slightly to the side doing a great job of not covering his own ears. The other adults just laughed and shook their heads.

“Now that ye have scared the young ones, why don't we continue. This old woman can't stay awake as late as she used to.” Keade poked at the fire again trying to stay warm.

“I will get another warm fur to bring to the old woman tomorrow.” Sesshoumaru thought to himself. “It would not be good if she were to become sick and not able to teach Rin further. He was brought from his thoughts by the young priestess' voice.

“Yes Ma'am.” Kagome said as she began to rummage again through the packages again pulling a small bamboo box out and handing it to Miroku. “Santa brought a little something for Takashi.” She smiled. The twins jumped up and stood on either side of their father, wanting to see what this mystical being would give a baby. Miroku took off the lid and lifted out a small silver rattle. A gentle tinkle sound had the twins smiling and reaching for their little brother's new toy. Miroku lifted his arm up above his head to keep it out of his daughters' grasp only to have a little red-toned blur rush by and snag it out of his hand.

“Shippo!” Kagome exclaimed. The young fox stopped next to Sango and gently shook the rattle above the baby in her arms. The giggling twin girls ran over to watch their little brother's reaction.

“It's beautiful.” said Sango as she took the toy from Shippo.

“Indeed,” agreed Miroku, “Thank you, Kagome.”

“Don't thank me,” Kagome shook her head, “Thank Santa.”

“Of course,” Her friends smiled.

“Ok, who's next?” she asked as she turned back to the children.

And so it went on with each individual receiving something from this mysterious Claus. The twins were each given a new spinning top to play with. They were so happy with their new toys they were twirling as much as their new tops. Rin received a small gold bracelet. She said she felt “like a princess” with it on. Shippo was given his very own ink set and a few pieces of scroll so he could continue with his drawings. He couldn't do much since Kagome couldn't get him crayons anymore. He immediately sat in the corner drawing pictures for everyone.

Eventually it was the adult's turn. Kagome made Inuyasha wait because he was the most impatient. She reminded him that Santa was still watching him, so he better be good. This had everyone, minus one demon lord, looking around like they expected to see someone pop out of the woodwork any moment. Moving on with a giggle, Kagome handed Jaken a small package with a “Merry Christmas”. In it was a fur cape with a hood that was just the kappa's size. He moved his tear-filled eyes from his gift to Kagome and without a word, gave a low bow. Kagome was shocked, expecting him to go off about not being so weak like humans thinking that he would need extra clothing. “Well,” she thought, “Wow, even the most annoying demons can change.”

“Human,” She heard Jaken grumbling, “Lord Sesshoumaru should have been first to receive his tribute. You should do so now.”

“Hm, or maybe not.” she thought with a look back at the packages. “Sesshoumaru will receive his gift in due time toad.” she replied. She heard Jaken about to say something else when a yelp from him and a thump told her that Sesshoumaru silenced him in his own way. She smiled and looked over at Sesshoumaru who looked as though he never moved a muscle. “Now Sesshoumaru, remember, Santa is watching you to.” This statement received a raised eyebrow and a look that clearly stated, “Why should this Sesshoumaru be concerned with who is watching?” Kagome had to laugh a bit and shake her head.

So the evening went on as Miroku received new ink and a stack of blank sutras. Sango was very happy with her new hair sticks. Keade was pleased with a new collection of dried roots and herbs. Now she would be well stocked throughout the remaining winter and not have to venture into the cold forest. Inuyasha's gift was probably the most comical. He opened his package up to find two bamboo short swords. Kagome explained that he would be able to practice a bit and teach Shippo or the village children a little swordsmanship. Inuyasha snorted saying he had a sword and didn't need to play with childrens' toys.

“These swords are reenforced with steel centers, making them a bit harder to brake. But you would still have to be careful and not focus on brute strength to win a match. Rather you would have to be cunning so you could win, not hurt your opponent and not break the gift that I know Santa worked very hard on obtaining.” She stated, looking him in the eyes. “But if it's not a challenge you are up for, I understand and I'm sure Santa will to. We'll just give them to a couple of the village children to play with.” She finished with a small sigh, looking away from him and toward Shippo, who was catching on quickly to her scheme.

“No problem Inuyasha,” Shippo started reaching for one of the swords. “Hey Kagome, can I have them?” He asked. “with a little practice, I'll be better then InuBaka in no time.” And with a thump and a giggle, he took a sword, hit said half-demon on the head and darted out the door.

“Come back here you runt!” Inuyasha growled, racing out after him. Everyone laughed.

“It appears he will be keeping his new swords.” Miroku stated with a grin.

“If he can get it back from Shippo.” Sango said with a smile.

Kagome then reached for a larger item next to the tree. It was not wrapped, but simply covered with a cloth. She walked over and placed it in front of the quiet demon lord. She bowed low to the ground and coming back up she smiled a bit and said, “Merry Christmas, Lord Sesshoumaru. I hope that Santa brought you something you wanted.” There were butterflies in Kagome's stomach and she wasn't sure why. She had spoken to Sesshoumaru plenty of times, though he rarely replied. Why would she feel nervousness now? Unsure, she decided to think on it later.

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. Did the priestess truly think to be able to find something he wanted? If he wanted it, he took it or it was given to him. It was simple and right now he could think of nothing he needed or wanted that she would be able to provide. Rin cam over in that moment and sat next to Sesshoumaru's gift.

“May I, my lord?” she asked, indicating to the cloth. Sesshoumaru gave a slight nod. Rin lifted the cloth and gasped. Underneath was a beautiful dark wooden box with a dog demon carved into the front and a crescent moon carved into the lid. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened fractionally and he leaned forward and opened the box only to have his hand shocked. He glanced at the priestess waiting for an explanation.

“That is what those that are not permitted to open this small chest will feel.” she started. “It has been warded so that it may only ever have one owner. Place a small drop of your blood into the moon and it will be bound to you and your descendants. Only those with your blood in their veins will be able to open it.” she finished, really hoping she hadn't pushed her luck by activating the wards before giving it to him, but she really wanted it be ready to use when he received it.

Sesshoumaru glanced from the small chest to Kagome and back. He knew she wouldn't create something that would be deceptive. She was too loyal to those she took as friends to hurt, or in his case, attempt to hurt them. Without another thought, he pushed a sharp claw into the pad of his thumb and allowed a single drop of blood to fall into the moon. A lick of his thumb stopped the blood and he watched as the moon began to glow. The glow then spread to the rest of the box then stopped as quickly as it started. He reached out again and opened the box, this time with no shock. The interior was lined with a sutra on each side, top and bottom. In the bottom of the box was a scroll. He went to reach for the scroll, but was stopped. Kagome held his hand and with a slight shake of her head and quick glance towards Rin, she said, “I believe that this scroll should be read later Sesshoumaru.” Handing the scroll to him. He raised his eyebrow in question but said nothing, instead tucking it into his obi. Now the others were over, ohhing and ahhing over the details carved into the box. Sesshoumaru decided he would look more closely at it and the scroll later after the group went to sleep.

Having decided that they would all stay in the hut to sleep for the night, Kagome and Sango straightened up everything as Miroku pulled out various futons and blankets while Rin added more wood to the fire in the center of the room. Suddenly a small hand gave a tug to Kagome's kimono. She looked down into Emiko's wide brown eyes. “What is it, dear?” She asked as she crouched to the little girl's level.

“What about you, Aunty Kagome? Where is your Mew-e Cr-issmas-u gift from Santa Caws?

Kagome couldn't help but smile at the little girl's attempt to say Merry Christmas and Santa Claus. She was just too cute. She pulled the girl into a hug and whispered, “Santa gave me a perfect gift when he gave me you and your sister.” This seemed to satisfy the girl as she placed a small kiss on her Aunty's cheek and ran off to tell her sister.

Sesshoumaru listened to the sounds both in and out of the hut. He wasn't asked to assist and didn't offer. He had just dispatched a group of boar demons that had teamed up with a large group of bandits. They seemed to think they could attack the village where his ward lived. They quickly learned that this village was under his protection. He had not been prepared for the two dark priests that accompanied the group. Their sutras were unusually strong, though not strong enough to do any permanent damage to him, they were still draining. That along with the fact he hadn't slept this week made him enjoy this warm hut and the peacefulness surrounding it. He heard the little girl ask Kagome about her gift and the priestess' reply. “So she did not receive a gift.” he thought. “I would have thought the half-breed would have done something for her.” Then he wondered why he cared and pushed it from his mind.

“I'm going to go get Inuyasha and Shippo. I'll be back.” Kagome said to Sango while she slid on her shoes and wrapped her deer fur cape over her shoulders and slid out the door. She took a deep breath and enjoyed the quiet snow covered landscape. The full moon sparkled off the newly fallen snow making it appear that diamonds had been scattered all around. She broke herself out of her quiet thoughts at the sound of the snow crunching behind her. “Sesshoumaru.” she nodded in greeting.

“Priestess.” he replied.

“Now Sesshoumaru, I thought we went over this.” she said with a smile on her face. “You know my name.”

He regarded her for a moment before looking off into the distance. “Hn.” She shook her head and gave a quiet little laugh. He started to walk around the side of the hut to check on AhUn. He wasn't going to admit that he wanted to walk with the small woman. No. He was just checking on his dragon at the same time she was going to walk out to get his half-brother. Simply a coincidence and nothing more.

She followed him quietly, admiring the icicles hanging from trees and rooftops.

She loved this time of year, and not just for Christmas. Everything was beautiful. The world was sleeping wrapped in a cold white blanket, waiting for the warmth of spring. “Can you hear Inuyasha?” she finally asked him as she watched him remove his dragon's muzzles. He looked at her like she insulted him. “Of course you can.” she rolled her eyes. “Would you point out their direction, so I can tell the 'children' it's time for bed?”

He found some humor in her labeling Inuyasha as a child. Indeed he was still a pup who had to be taken care of to some extent. He silently pointed in the direction of the bone-eaters well and watched as she thanked him and set out at a brisk pace in that direction.

As she approached the clearing near the God Tree, she could make out her friend's voices. She peered around the tree and watched them silently. Inuyasha was giving Shippo tips on how to hold his sword. She watched him move Shippo's fingers around so he had a better grip on the hilt. They both were so engrossed in the lesson that neither one heard her until she spoke up. “Having fun?” Both demons popped their heads up in surprise.

Shippo smiled and Inuyasha 'keh'd. “What do you want wench? Can't you see we're busy?” Inuyasha said, trying to sound gruff and failing.

“I wanted to let you know we are all staying in Keade's hut and everyone is getting ready to bed down.” She replied, pulling her cloak a bit tighter around her.

“OK.” Shippo said. “Can we practice more tomorrow Inuyasha?” the small fox looked up hopefully at his temporary teacher.

“Sure kid.” a slightly embarrassed Inuyasha replied. “Now get going.”

“'Kay!” and he took off like a shot back towards the village.

Kagome gave a little giggle as they watched the kit race off. “You made his Christmas, Inuyasha.”

She watched the embarrassed expression on his face as he tried to find something interesting in the forest.

“Keh.” he quietly said. With that he started his trek back towards the village only to stop when he realized he didn't hear Kagome's footsteps behind him. “Hey! Let's go. You'll get sick if you stay out here too long.”

“I'll be there in a moment.” Kagome looked around. “I just want to enjoy the night. It's beautiful.”

“Want me to stay?” He asked. She shook her no. “I don't see what the big deal is, but just don't take to long. I don't want to have to leave the warmth to come back out and track you down.” Kagome couldn't help but smile at the way her friend expressed his concern.

After he was out of sight, she slowly made her way to the well. She knew this Christmas would be the hardest. It was her first without her family. At the well, she brushed the snow off the edge and sat down. She looked down into the darkness and gave a sad smile. “Merry Christmas Momma.”

“I don't believe your mother is down there.” a voice came behind her. Kagome gave an 'EEP' and clutched her chest, staring wide eyed at the ever-too-quiet demon lord.

“Sesshoumaru.” she sighed, “You startled me.”

“Hn.” came his standard reply as he walked over to the well to stand next to her. “Tell me woman, why do you talk to this well? Didn't the magic leave it with the defeat of Naraku?”

Kagome looked back down into the wells depth. “Do you know what roll this well played in all of that?” she asked looking back up and catching his eye. His silence told her that he didn't. “This was the way back to my... village.”

With that, the demon raised an eyebrow and looked back down the well. He couldn't smell any falsehood in the statement. He knew it was significant to the final battle as the jewel apparently attempted to trap the young woman in it. It completely disappeared for three days, only to return when the cursed jewel was wished out of existence. “How?” he asked.

Kagome shrugged, “The jewel. Fates. The Gods. Take your pick.”

“And where is this village that one would have need of an old well to travel there?” he asked, looking closely at her.

She looked at him and worried her bottom lip, debating. After a few moments of contemplation, she came to a decision. “It's right here....About 500 years into the future.” Of any answer the demon thought she would say, that wasn't one of them. He looked at her, waiting for her to elaborate. “It's been awhile since I got to tell anyone this.” she said. She looked around the clearing. “I fell into this well, or rather was pulled into the well by Mistress Centipede when I was 15. It wasn't too long before we had our first meeting.” she continued with a smirk.

Sesshoumaru also looked about the clearing, wondering what would change in so many years. As if she read his mind, she said “None of this is here.” Motioning to the trees. “Really, the only things that remain the same around here is the well and god tree.” She then got a far off look in her eyes. “I grew up on this land with my mother, brother and grandfather... I miss them so much, particularly now.” She quickly wiped a stray tear away. “I'm sorry,” she stood. “I'm going back. Are you going to stay with us tonight?” He turned away from her, looking into the clear night sky. “Well, you are welcome to, if you want. By the way, before I forget, you may want to read that small scroll that was in your chest. I've been tutoring the children in their letters and words and they all wrote a letter to Santa. I thought Rin's was cute and thought you would like to read it. If you keep it in that box, it will not age with time. That is one of the charms I made sure to place on it. Good night.” And with that she walked back towards the village.

Sesshoumaru stood there thinking as he looked at the stars. He pulled the small scroll out of his obi and unrolled it. The bright moon cast a light glow on it allowing him to read the words written with an uncertain hand. His eyebrows disappeared under his hair as he read what his Rin wrote to this fictional human.

Dear Lord Santa Claus,

This is the first message that I ever wrote. Kagome told Shippo and my other friends all about you. She said that we could write a message to you so you would know what we wish for. My Lord Sesshoumaru gives me anything I need. He is very wise. I hope that he will let me travel with him again soon. I am afraid that he will be lonely. Lord Jaken is nice, but I think Lord Sesshoumaru gets mad at him sometimes when Lord Jaken talks too much. I wish Lord Sesshoumaru could find a wife and be like Uncle Miroku and Aunt Sango. They aren't lonely with each other and help each other. That is what I wish for Merry Christmas, a wife for my Lord to care for him. Please grant my wish Mr. Claus.

Thank You,

Rin

Sesshoumaru reread the scroll and let out a small sigh. He placed it back in his obi. There was no one he found worthy enough to mate. Rin would understand that someday and accept that not all of her wishes can be granted, especially by beings that are not real. He will talk with the priestess about further adding to the young girl's fantasies. She is here to learn and grow up, not participate in infant games. He also decided he would question the priestess further about her education and future happenings. She could have valuable information about these lands. He would be able to determine what steps to take with his lands based on what she knew. Being from the future may certainly explain her odd mannerisms and that indecent kimono she wore when they were searching for Naraku. He absently wondered if all woman were as powerful in times to come. He knew she had strong spiritual energy, but he also determined she had a strong and caring spirit as well. She would make a strong mate. Sesshoumaru blinked. He wondered where that thought came from. “She is human and could only bring weak half-breeds into this world.” He thought as he turned to walk back to the old priestess's hut.

Passing through the now silent village, a strange scent came to him. It was a smoke smell mixed with something else. Being ever vigilant, Sesshoumaru immediately expanded his senses. A quiet jingle of bells came to his ears as he noticed eight deer, strong bucks, standing two-by-two in front of the old woman's hut. The deer were harnessed to an open carriage of sorts, but it had no wheels. Instead the carriage sat on thin curved planks. His paced quickened and he frightened the animals causing them to take a few steps back, shaking the bells attached to the harness. Sesshoumaru noticed the strange smoke smell lay heavily in the carriage. He turned to the hut and stepped in, determined to destroy this threat to his young ward and allies. As he moved the flap in front of the door he noticed everyone was sleeping soundly. He could not smell any blood, but that could mean that magic was involved. A slight movement to his right had him instantly snapping his poison whip at the intruder. It missed.