The Meikai War

Inari walked down the hall of challenge, he was there waiting for the other gods to gathers so they could discuss their strategies for the up coming battle with the Meikai. Although, his propose for being there was belong him, after all without Suoh he couldn’t reach the battlegrounds to fight. Inari bowed his head he missed the little black ryu having not seen him since that day at Dragon Springs; it seemed so very long ago to him. He stopped as a pair of black clawed feet appeared in his vision. Inari gasped and slowly looked up the small black and white frame to look Suoh Ryu in the face.

"Suoh," smiled Inari grabbing the black ryu and kissing him deeply. Oh, how he’d missed him.



At another corner of the building that severed as the Hall of Challenge two important beings stood in silence together.

"Ryuujin, Golden Ryu," smiled Aphrodite. "You’re even more beautiful up close."

The Golden Ryu bowed politely to her and offered her his arm, she took it even though he was much taller then her. "Not nearly as beautiful as yourself, my lady," said the ryu.

The two walked over to a window that over looked a lush part of Dragon Springs. "Are you sure you want to do this?" asked Aphrodite.

"I could ask you the same," said the Golden Ryu.

Aphrodite smiled. "There are many among my kind that support our idea, privately of course. And what of your kind, Golden Ryu, what will they think?"

"If it goes the way we planned it, they will gladly follow it."

"You are quite certain of your kin," said Aphrodite.

"I am, long have we desired a binding pact with the Reikai, one that is much stronger then words."

"What if it does not work?" asked Aphrodite. "What if it doesn’t come out the way we think it will?"

"That is a very real possibility. If it does happen differently then that is fate’s plan."

"Maybe you trust fate too much Golden Ryu."

"No," smiled Ryuujin. "Fate will see us through the Meikai War, this I know, I can sense it. Whether through the methods we pick or the ones it picks can not be decided. It is after the war that I fear," he said softly

Aphrodite was silent a long time. "What of Suoh?" she asked. "It is highly unlikely he’ll survive. If he dies Inari will hate us, nothing is more powerful then the feelings they share. There’s no telling the out come."

Ryuujin bowed his head. "I know… I do not wish to see Suoh die, but he is prepared to and he told me he has no regrets for loving Inari. Perhaps this is the end of his dark path and the other visions will follow after he is gone," said the ryu more to himself then Aphrodite.

Aphrodite smiled almost sadly. "You think the Golden light may come after the darkness around Suoh has vanishes? Does he know what you have done?"

"He senses it, but he doesn’t know." Ryuujin closed his eyes. "Suoh’s fate is unclear to me, I can not see his end… Perhaps he’ll survive and live beyond me, perhaps that is why the fates will not show me his purpose, only that he is important."

"You will not die and leave your kin, Golden Ryu. You love them too much."

Ryuujin smiled sadly. "I am only mortal, Goddess of love, some day even I shall be no more. I place many of my hopes on this night so that I might one day die with a light heart."

The goddess of love was silent a long time once again just looking at Ryuujin with concerned eyes. "A sad day it will be indeed when the four worlds lose you, Golden Ryu. But enough talk of death, we are here to bring life."

Ryuujin nodded. "I have already made the proper steps, all that remains is your gentle touch my lady."

The Goddess nodded her golden head. "Then I shall not delay, good day, Golden Ryu," said Aphrodite moving gracefully away.

* * * * * * * * * * *
Inari leaned against the hall wall Suoh between him and it as he kissed the ryu. "I missed you," he said nuzzling the ryu’s face.

"Hn," said Suoh leaning into him. "I am sorry for leaving you alone for so long, but I feared for Rouin… I still fear from him. Part of him died with Chi that day… I still don’t know how to bring that part of him back," whispered the ryu more to himself then Inari.

Inari hugged Suoh tighter to him. What would he do if he lost Suoh as Rouin had his mate? Inari did not even want to think of such a thing.

They turned as they heard a soft voice clear its throat and saw Aphrodite smiling sweetly at them.

"Aph-" said Inari looking a bit embarrassed as he pulled back from Suoh.

"I was asked to bring you two," said Aphrodite.

"Oh, has the meeting started?" asked Inari wondering if they’d start without him.

"This way," said Aphrodite motioning with her hand. The two followed as she lead them down several halls, Inari frown. He knew the strategy room was in the opposite direction, where was Aphrodite taking them? The goddess of Love opened a tall door and motioned for them to follow her in. Inari looked around in confusion they were in Enma’s thrown room, the one he only used when he took on his smaller form. There was a golden thrown curved with delicate arches, rich red carpet, many scrolls and hangings lined the walls. The silver fox god turned to look at Aphrodite in confusion.

The goddess smiled. "This is the room I was asked to take you to, you two have a separate mission together. You should wait here." She walked over to Inari and touched his face Inari reached up to hold her hand.

"Are you sure, this seems very odd."

She nodded. "Stay here tonight, I will explain to you later," she promised pulling away from him and moving to stand in front of Suoh. "So this is the creature you love even over the Goddess of love?" said Aphrodite.

"I-" started Inari, but Aphrodite waved him off.

"Do not try to explain, I understand better then you can imagine, Inari. He is rather pretty," she said turning back to Suoh. She took hold of the ryu’s chin and kissed him softly on the cheek. "I hope with all my heart you two will be together till the end of all time."

Suoh blushed. "Thank you, my lady" he said softly.

Aphrodite smiled at the ryu then closed her eyes. "May the fates look on you with favor, little ryu," she said almost too low for him to hear before leaving the room; the two watched her go with confused eyes.

"I wonder just what or who we’re waiting for?" said Inari leaning against one of the walls, his eyes remained on Suoh as the ryu looked around the room at the different scrolls in interest. To Inari Suoh was the only thing of interest in this room, he couldn’t take his eyes off the ryu as he slowly walked around the room. It’d been so long since he’d last seen Suoh, he wanted to touch the ryu, kiss him, lay with him till the sun sank and rose again in the sky. He didn’t know why, but every move Suoh made was enchanting to him: the way he shifted from one foot to another, the graceful strides of his legs, slow twist of his hips as he turned to look at Inari with deep red eyes. Inari swore he’d ever seen anything he wanted more then Suoh right then right now. His blood ran through his veins like fire, making his body hot and desire blaze. He could smell the ryu’s personal scent, a musky scent of ash, fresh pine, age odd dust from a dragon’s den, the smell of wind after it rained, and other unique scents all mixed together in one that was distinctly Suoh’s and no one else’s. He took in the ryu’s attire, light thin robes of white, contrasting with his black scales accenting the white of his belly and thighs, cut short and open low in the front, showing the ryu’s slender yet muscular form. Over the white robe was the tight black ryu harness, holding them closed.

"Inari?" called Suoh looking at the unmasked lust and desire in the fox god’s silver gaze.

Suoh felt odd, he’d been feeling odd since the last time he’d been at Dragon Springs, yet now he felt even stranger. His belly tingled and burned and the ryu was surprised when he realized he was sweating?! Fire ryus don’t sweat! Suoh closed his eyes and sighed loudly trying to gasp hold of his powers to control his internal heat and return it to a more comfortable temperature. He gasps and slowly opened his eyes as he felt Inari’s arms wrap around him from behind, pressing up against the ryu’s back and breathing deeply in Suoh’s ear.

"Inari? What are you doing?" asked Suoh. "Someone might come in here."

"I don’t care…" panted the fox hugging Suoh to him tighter. "All I care about right now is you, is having you."

"Inari," breathed Suoh as the fox god began to kiss the side of his neck, hands wandering over the fabric of Suoh’s clothes. "Inari, no… Someone might catch us together," pleaded Suoh already becoming turned on from the feel of Inari’s hot breath on his ear and the fox’s hands running over him.

The fox growled and bit the ryu on the ear lightly, wrenching a shocked gasp from him. He lifted one hand from Suoh and gestured at the door, soon plants had grown from the floor and barricade the twin doors shut.

"When you want something… you’re unstoppable," groaned Suoh in is arms. The strange fire was burning him from the inside out, never had he felt so damn hot before in his entire life. He was going to die if he got any hotter. The ryu leaned back against Inari letting the fox support him. Suoh could felt the lust in Inari’s body, as the fox rotated his hips against him, one hand slide down to glide up the white of one inner thigh and under the white robes. Suoh jerked in Inari’s grip making a soft sound in his throat as the fox stroke him softly. Suoh licked his dry lips, suddenly having the strongest desire to give to the fox something he’d never given anyone the honor of seeing. Suoh panted lightly as Inari parted his legs with one of his own rubbing the ryu, making Suoh hotter.

The ryu whined at how hot he was. All he could think about was that silver fox, how hot he felt, and the intense need to be possessed and used. There was no fear for Inari any more, no longer was he afraid of the fox’s touch; he burned for it, to have him touch him everywhere. Those slender fingers inflamed his desires, burning him even more, yet soothing that strange fire at the same time.

"Suoh," breathed Inari. "I need you… please say you’ll be mine," said Inari rubbing himself against the ryu’s back. He needed it, needed it badly it’d been too long, far too long.

"Yes," hissed the ryu arching back into Inari. "Take me, just make this insane desire stop," gasped the ryu turning around to kiss Inari wildly. The fox responded just as wildly, their tongues sparing with each other, hands roaming, slipping into clothes to feel bare skin.

Suoh panted loudly, his own fire searing him. He pulled away from Inari, much to the fox’s protests at the lose of warmth. He undid the clasps of the harness and dropped it to the floor, the thin white robes slipped off easy with nothing to hold them on the slender ryu.

Inari’s eyes took in the slender body he knew so well, excited beyond remembrance by the sight of it. He reached out to catch the ryu, but Suoh slipped out of his reach. Inari gave him a puzzled, needy look.

Suoh looked down at his hands in a shy manner and glanced up at Inari before looking down again. The fox god gasped as the ryu’s form was bathed in light, when it was over he looked upon a very different being.

Inari walked closer to the creature with bowed head and let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding as his hands lifted to touch those black scales. "Suoh?" Indeed it was Suoh, but a different Suoh, his one had softly curved hips, shoulders not so broad, chest curved with small, although wonderfully shaped, breasts; Suoh had taken on a female shape.

The ryu lifted its head to look at him, seeming uncomfortable. "I can change back if you don’t like his form," she whispered softly.

Inari’s answer was to pull the ryu against him, feeling the new curves press up against his body. He wrapped one arm around the ryu’s slender waist and grabbed her chin with his other to lift it. Inari leaned down and tenderly kissed the ryu in a deep passionate kiss. "I want you in any shape or form," he breathed rubbing his cheek against Suoh’s. "You’re beautiful: male, female, dragon."

The ryu leaned into him, wrapping her arms around Inari’s neck, standing on tiptoes to kiss him on the mouth. Inari’s hands journey down the Suoh’s body, sliding down to grasp the ryu’s hips, holding them as he ground his own against them. Suoh whimpered against his mouth pulling on the armor and robes Inari wore. The fox broke the kiss only long enough to pull his top off and was back kissing his ryu again, tasting the fire of Suoh’s mouth. The ryu was hot to the touch, glossy with a layer of sweat coating her black scales; Inari had never felt such a seductive heat. He wanted to feel that heat all over his body wanted to be buried deep inside it.

The rest of Inari clothes were discarded to join Suoh’s. The silver fox pulled Suoh down to the floor and climbed on top of the slender ryu, hands holding Suoh’s shoulders as he kissed the ryu, never getting enough of the ryu’s taste. He didn’t know what it was but Suoh was very different, could it be the female body? There was a longing in the ryu’s eyes that hadn’t been there in a long time, not since the last time they’d willingly couple with each other. Only that look was far more intense as if the ryu physically needed the contact. Inari like it, he like that look in Suoh’s eyes that begged to be possessed and touched by him.

Inari slid down Suoh’s body running his tongue over the ryu’s hot skin till he came to one pale nipple. He reached up one hand to gently cup one of the ryu’s now fuller breasts as his mouth descended on the other. Suoh gasped and arched her back, Inari took the opportunity to slip his free hand under the ryu and rub the dip in her back above her tail. He was amazed at how sensitive the female form was on Suoh, the ryu didn’t even try to muffle her cries as he sucked and lightly bit down on the now hard nub, while his other hand stoked her other breast. Her skin was softer then Suoh’s, scales even smoother, a little smaller in size. The ryu mewed softly, almost a sob of pleasure, as Inari switched sides paying homage to her other breast with his hot mouth. He liked the way she reacted, the way she cried out invitingly, running her slender fingers through his long silver mane and over his soft furry ears. She played with the inner fur of one ear and leaned forward to lick it with her small pink tongue. "More," she whispered before biting it and chewing lightly with her pointy fangs.

Inari shivered violently, his other hand went under the ryu arching her back more as he moved his head lower, nipping at her abs and running his tongue wetly down her naval line. He listened to her deep pants, could feel the heat drifting off her from his closeness to her form. That heat was incredible; it made him feel hot in away that wasn’t physical. He wanted to take her right then and there, mount her and have his way, but he desired more then a release from the delicious torture, wanted to remain in the arms of pleasurable pain as long as possible, wanted Suoh to feel sensation like never before. And he would, he would fight that heat till it drove him mad with the need, till they both wanted it more then life itself. He felt he could die in her arms.

Huh, die; this was how he wanted to end his never-ending existence, in the sweet embrace of his fire serpent, in this forbidden body, with their forbidden love. He cared not for the opinions of his kind, Suoh make him complete this mortal was everything to him.

Inari dipped his tongue wetly in her belly button, and watched as she danced under him, tossing her head at the ticklish feel. He grasped her thighs and pulled them out wide, moving farther down her body, dragging his tongue in a wet trail down. He reached her more intimate parts and breathed in her scent. So very different from the male body, warmer, sweeter, yet still Suoh’s. He leaned his face against one white thigh and licked the soft flesh, wanting to feel those silky thighs around his middle. He licked the ryu’s inner thigh as he moved one hand down between Suoh’s legs to lightly touch her intimacy.

The ryu purred lifting her legs to spread them wider, allow more room.

Inari ran his hand down and gently rubbed her entrance, feeling the wetness already there created by his gentle fondling.

Suoh cried out and flapped her wings slightly, spreading them out on the floor as she felt intrusion into her personal being. Her first instinct was to close her legs and force the intrusion away, but that heat was strong and her desires even stronger.

Her tail caressed Inari’s knees running lazily along them as she felt Inari move inside her. The wetness increased and she began to moan sweetly, amazed by how much more sensitive the female shape made her. She quietly whispered Inari’s name in a worshipful pray to the silver fox. The ryu gave a mutt cry as his touch was replaced with something far more wet and explorative. Long hair brushed her stomach and thighs as she resumed petting Inari’s silky hair and ears, while the fox tasted her.

Inari savored her like fine wine. He could feel the ryu tremble with need as her legs pressed his sides, fingers tightening in his hair, breath more labored. He could no longer contain his need as he moved back up the ryu’s body and kissed her hungrily on the lips, passing her taste back to her as he brought himself forward to touch her entrance with his hard length. Her wings flexed as she leaned her head back, lips wet and shiny with the last kiss, eyes unfocused, and chest rising with deep pants. She reached up slender hands to cup his face and pull him down for another kiss as he pushed into her tightness, muffling her cry against his lips as he kissed her deeper, feeling himself sink into that heavenly heat.

"Suoh," groaned Inari breaking the kissed to look at the ryu’s face. The ryu smiled sweetly, mouthing his name. He ran his hands over the ryu’s legs and gripped her thighs as he drew back his hips and pushed in even deep. The ryu closed her eyes and groaned wrapping her legs and arms around his body and lifting her head to pant against his neck. Inari could feel the heat of her breath, her ki, her body. He biting his lip to muffle his own pants and groans beginning to move slowly over the ryu, listening for sounds of pleasure or pain from the creature under him.

Inari moved faster as the ryu only made sounds of pleasure, gasping and breathlessly asking for more. He gave it to her till their gentle and tender movements turned wild and lustful.

Suoh cried and tossed her head nails raking his back hard enough to draw blood. The pain only seemed to increase Inari’s pleasure as he bucked between Suoh’s legs, holding her tight against them.

"Suoh," gasped Inari rolling with the ryu along the floor till he pinned her back against the foot of Enma’s golden thrown, thrusting madly into her as she whispered his name like a chant. One of his hands held the back of her neck, the other gripped the fleshy part of her thigh below the butt, holding her legs open so he could continue to drive into her.

"Inari!" cried Suoh in pleasure hands moving down to squeeze the fox’s butt as his hips jerked against her. Their coupling was wild, full of desire, lust, need, and love; an intense mix of sensation for them both. Suoh could only groan as Inari picked her up, hands holding tight to her highs and sat on the golden chair, Suoh across his lap.

"My beautiful ryu," said Inari before lapping at the underside of one breast, hands on the ryu’s hips as he continued to thrust up into her.

The ryu shook her head, purring, growling, and making unidentifiable sounds of pleasure. Her hands went up to grip the back of the chair, sharp nails digging scratches in the soft gold metal.

"Oh my god!" roared Suoh tossing back her head, wings spreading to their full length, back arching as she felt something insider her explodes and sent every nerve in her body dancing.

Inari thrust up to the hilt, holding Suoh’s hips down tightly across his lap as he muffled his scream of pleasure by biting the ryu on the neck right at the pervious scar left from their last brutal unity.

Suoh slumped against him, completely drained, panting loudly in his ear. Inari held the ryu possessively feeling tired, but satisfied beyond remembrance. He grabbed hold of he ryu’s chin and lifted her face so he could kiss her on the mouth tenderly. "You called ‘my god,’" he said running his hands lightly over the ryu’s sweaty sides. "Who might that be, ryus follow no god?"

Suoh smiled and kissed him lightly on lips. "True I follow no god, but you are my god."

Inari laughed softly and leaned back in the chair, holding Suoh tight to his chest. "Are you okay?" He wondered briefly if the ryu had thought about that dark night at all during their coupling or if perhaps those memories had been replaced with one of this night.

Suoh sighed into his neck. "I am fine," she said curling up against his chest. "Tired, but I can’t remember ever feeling like his in my whole existence. Very tired," she said in a low sleepy tone.

Inari rested his chin on top of her head and held her close. "Then rest, little ryu. Sleep peacefully and worry not about tomorrow or the fight."

"Hmm," said the ryu nuzzling his neck. "I love you," said the ryu before closing her red eyes and drifting to sleep.

Inari held her tighter. Even now, when he knew he loved Suoh, he couldn’t say those words. He sighed into Suoh’s hair and closed in eyes. Some day I’ll tell you, Suoh, I promise.

* * * * * * * *

Inari opened his eyes and yawned widely. He was still tired, but damn did he feel good! He felt a buzzing against his chest and looked down with a soft smiled at the little black ryu curled up against him.

"Suoh," he called lightly shaking the ryu. "We have to get up. We didn’t go to the meeting, we need to know what they’re planning to do in the next fight."

The little ryu frowned against his chest and lifted a wing to drape in over her face. "Too tired," was the muffled reply.

"You can’t be that tired," said Inari getting up from the chair with ryu in arms. The ryu growled low in her throat and leaned against him as he set her down on her feet. She really did look tired, but Inari figured she’d wake up once her blood got pumping. He moved away from the half awake ryu and picked up their clothes tossing Suoh’s hers. "Come on, Suoh. We’re late as it is," said the silver fox. He hoped they hadn’t left yet to attack the Meikai, he needed to get the details on their plans from a fellow god. He tugged on his pants sitting down to strap the leg armor on. He glanced over at Suoh as the ryu fastened the clasps of her black harness securely around her slender body. The harness only showed off the ryu’s new build more, showing the curve of her hips and pushing up her more ample chest.

"Suoh shouldn’t you change back into your male body, they’ll get suspicious if they see you like that," said the fox gesturing at the thin robes that did a terrible job hiding Suoh’s now more curvy form. He could make out the ryu’s nipples so thin was the fabric that hugged her chest.

Suoh yawned and rubbed on eye. "Yah, I will," she mumbled closing her eyes to concentrate. After a long pause with nothing happening Suoh’s eyebrows forked down and she opened her eyes. "I can’t."

"What do you mean you can’t?" asked Inari from his place on the floor.

"I mean I can’t. I must be too tired or something, this is the first time I’ve used the female form. Maybe I have to wear it for awhile before changing back?" she muttered thoughtfully to herself as she looked down. "Does it show that much?"

"Yes," said Inari running eyes up her curvy legs to her perky breast. "Very much. Will it show in ryu form?"

"No, you can’t tell a ryu’s sex in their true form, because a ryu is truly neither male nor female." She yawned again. "I’ll just keep out of sight of the others till it’s time to change shapes again."

Inari frowned and tossed the ryu his top robe. "They’ll see, put that on. I’ll just wear my armor over, no one will notice."

"And you think they won’t notice me wearing your clothes? I’m sure all the ryu’s will smell you all over me."

"I don’t care what the ryus think they’re the excepting ones, I don’t want the gods to know we missed the meeting because we were having sex."

"Fine," said Suoh fixing the white top over her slender frame. It was rather large on the ryu, but hide the female shape well, although, it did make the ryu look younger and smaller.

"Let’s (yawn) go," said Suoh fanning her mouth.

"Are you going to be able to fight like that?" asked Inari finishing with the ties of his armor.

"Just because I have breasts now doesn’t mean I’m weaker," said Suoh.

"No! I mean you look kind of tired out," said Inari getting up and fastening his sword belt on.

"I’ll be fine once I wake up," said the ryu yawning again.

The two walked down the halls together, Inari sneaking glances at his tired partner. It was odd to see the ryu so worn, Suoh was usual very energetic. They entered the same large room that the ryus used to change forms to see most had already gathered to mount and prepare for combat. To Inari’s great surprise the Golden Ryu was there as well. He locked eyes with those twin golden orbs and was once again trapped by Ryuujin’s piercing gaze. The Golden Ryu broke eye contract to look at the yawning black ryu next to him a grin crossed his fair face as he gave Inari a look. The silver fox god glanced around hoping no one else was giving them any special attention; no one else seemed to be.

Suoh shook her head and walked over to a clear space where many of her kind had moved aside to allow her efficient room. The ryu simple dropped Inari’s top and stood in front of them in her curver form, causing many of them to give her shocked looks. Suoh simply stretched and was soon covered in the familiar glow that came with her larger transformation. Once the light faded the familiar large form of Suoh ryu stood before them, imposing and graceful, black as midnight, eyes reflecting the hottest fire. The black ryu opened its mouth and yawned widely showing many teeth.

Inari watched as Ryuujin frowned at the sight of Suoh, almost as if he’d expected something else to happen beside the ryu’s transformation. Inari didn’t like that look, special since it was directed at his Suoh. He turned and walked towards the black ryu who had settled down on her belly and still had that tired look on her face. "Suoh are you sure you’re all right."

"Fine, just tired," said the ryu leaning her head down to allow Inari to pet her snout. "No more wild sex before battles alright," whispered the ryu leaning into the Inari to press the side of her snout to the whole side of his body.

Inari laughed. "I feel great, can’t imagine why you’re so tired."

The ryu snorted sending Inari’s long hair flying back with the puff of hot air. "Let’s get ready to go, mount up," said the ryu unfolding a wing to allow Inari easy access to her back. Inari petted her narrow head a few more times then with a pat he left her front to climb up her wing and settle on her back, strapping himself tightly in.

Briefly the plans were gone over again and then the ryus took flight. They were after the last of Yakumo’s demon gods, Raiko, a powerful Jaganshi, supposedly the strongest of Yakumo’s three generals. They flew over several mountains in the Reikai and Inari’s worries over Suoh only increased as they went. The ryu seemed kind of sluggish and would often drop down in flight and have to climb back up. He started to think it had been a bad idea to go on his mission with Suoh obviously not in top condition.

There came a loud scream ahead and out of the clouds appeared a green ryu with a familiar rider on its back, Raiko. The green ryu slammed into the ryu and rider closest to it causing the two ryus to clash in mid air combat.

"Those bastard have already started collaring ryus!" shouted Aresism to his side. "Get ready to fight!"

"Ryus fighting against ryus?" said Inari to himself. He watched as several more ryus appeared out of the clouds and slammed into their ranks, soon it was all out chaos in the skies.

"Fall back! Regroup!" shouted Aresism among the chaos trying to get them into a battle formation of some kind or at least keep them from being separated and picked off one by one.

Inari turned his head hearing the death cry of one ryu as a Meikai controlled dragon snapped its neck, teeth digging deep into the flesh of its throat. Around him several more ryu’s gave screams of death and pain as they fought.

"Suoh!" shouted Inari as the black ryu held back from joining combat. "Come on Suoh, they need help!" shouted Inari.

"No," whispered the ryu. "This isn’t right, we shouldn’t be fighting like this, we shouldn’t be killing each other!" screamed the ryu and faltered a moment in the air as if in pain.

"Suoh!" shouted Inari as his stomach did a flip-flop. "Suoh what’s wrong?!"

Inari gasped as a red ryu appeared out of the clouds to their side and rammed into them, Suoh was knocked out of the sky, falling headfirst straight down. "Suoh!" shouted Inari holding on to the ryu’s black mane. "Wake up Suoh!"

There was a flash of gold, their descent stopped, as did the battle around them as an absolutely gigantic ryu of glittering gold appeared out of the clouds to snatch up the black ryu in its claws. Compared to the Gold dragon Suoh looked like a hatchling in his massive claws.

"It’s huge!" shouted Raiko from the perch of his green mount. "Retreat! We can’t take on the Dragon King! Retreat!" The Meikai demons and their mounts disappeared back into the clouds leaving the surviving Reikai ryus battered and torn.

"Ryuujin," said Inari looking at the golden creature. There was a flash of golden light and Inari gasped as the hold on him disappeared and he started to fall, the wind whipped past his face, tossing his long hair. He looked up and watched at the two large bodies decreased in size to reshape as a passed out small black female ryu cradled against the chest of a large golden ryu male that looked down at him with golden eyes.

"Aaahhhh! Uh-!" said Inari as he landed hard on the back of a red ryu. He opened his eyes to see a familiar figure’s back.

"Gotach," said Volcanus. "You didn’t think I’d let you fall did you?"

"Volcanus…" said Inari in shock then looked up at the Golden Ryu as he turned and disappeared back into the clouds.

"Suoh… Suoh!" shouted Inari.


* * * * * * * * *

Inari stood by himself at the hall of challenge he hadn’t seen Suoh in over half a year. He was worried beyond belief. None of the other ryus had seen him, not even Rouin. He was going to confront Ryuujin and demand he return Suoh to him. The black ryu won’t leave him without a word or explanation. His worst fear was that Suoh might be dead, it wasn’t out of the question since the ryu had been acting strange the last time he’d seen him.

He bowed his head, what could have happened?

To his side Aphrodite and Volcanus watched him with concerned eyes, unable to comfort him or speak words of hope, because they knew as much as he concerning Suoh safety. Aphrodite had a much better idea of what was going on, but she keep her mouth shut, not wanting to tell Inari just what had happened least she frighten him more. Although, the news was going to be a shock to his senses no matter what. She silently prayed for the outcome she and Ryuujin had predicted, but without the sacrifice of a magnificent creature and possible the heart of a fellow god. She noted Inari snapping his silver head over to the side and gaze at something with a mixed look of anger and hope on his face. She turned and smiled softly as the Golden ryu entered the room and nodded his golden head in her direction.

Inari’s eyes darted around looking for a familiar black form, but he found it not. He wanted to run over to the large golden beast and demand to know what he’d done to Suoh. He was going nuts wondering what had happened. He felt a slender hand touch his shoulder and looked back at Aphrodite as she smiled softly at him. "Remember Inari whatever happens from this point on it is important to both the ryus and gods. Choose wisely."

"Choose?" asked Inari. "Choose what?"

"Ryuujin," called Enma’s booming voice. "You have called us here for a reason, Golden Ryu. What is so important to you?"

"I have come here for a number of reasons Enma, one would be to discuss plans for the ryus and gods to work together and not against each other. The ryu clans will not survive a war being attacked by both the Reikai and Meikai."

To everyone surprise Enma smiled. "This is good news for us indeed Ryuujin. With you and the clans by our side, the Meikai will surely fall."

"That is our hopes, I wish for no more Ryus to wear collars on their necks. You will of course remove the ones around those already collared in exchange for our cooperation?"

There was a long pause from Enma as he thought about it. "We will have your complete cooperation? To the last ryu?" he asked.

"To the last, we will work with you," said Ryuujin.

"Then all collars created by the Reikai shall be destroyed after his day Golden Ryu." A low roar of delight left the ryus while the gods talked in mixed voices about what this deal would mean. They’d lose their personal mounts, but would gain a very powerful alliance with the ryus against the Meikai.

"I don’t want to lose my ryu," said one god near Inari. "He is a valuable servant to me."

"But we’ll all have the strongest mounts soon to fight the Meikai with, this is a good deal," replied another god.

"Maybe for you," said the displeased god.

One purple ryu ran across the floor and embrace a female purple ryu on the ryu’s side kissing her wildly in a much longed for reunion. The female muffled her cries of joy at the return of her mate into his shoulder length mane.

Inari watched it all with dead eyes. The deal won’t affect him the other gods would now have a similar partnership with the ryus as he’d had with Suoh. No, this relationship with Suoh was much deeper then theirs could ever be. "Suoh," whispered Inari. "Where are you my black ryu?" The silver fox raised his head, eyes widened as, as if by magic, in the passageway to the hall stood Suoh. He wanted to run over to the ryu and embrace Suoh as the pair of purple ryus had, but for some reason he couldn’t move. His eyes remained fixed on the black ryu as he took in the ryu’s appearance. Suoh was still wearing a female shape and openly showed it. She wore a white robe that hugged her feminine chest, the sleeves hung off her shoulders showing more softly rounded ones then Suoh’s male form, the robe had high slits up both sides of the short shirt. Around her slim waist was a red corset with black laces pushing out her chest and accenting her hips. Around her neck she wore many chains and gems as she had in her male form. She was beautiful as Inari remembered Suoh in all her forms. He looked down at something the ryu held wrapped in white cloth, wondering what it was. He didn’t even notice the dead silence that filled the room as Suoh stepped forward towards him.

Everyone followed the black ryu with their eyes there was something very radiant about her. She stopped in front of Inari and lay the bundle at his feet, to Inari’s shock it moved and whimpered at the lost of heat. Inari paled as he realized it was a baby; it was Suoh’s and…. He thought he’d do something very mortal and faint right on the spot only Enma’s booming voice kept him from doing so.

"What is the meaning of this Ryuujin!" he demanded in an angry voice.

"If he picks it up he accepts the child as his. If not it is Suoh’s alone," said Ryuujin calmly studying Inari.

"Inari don’t touch it," barked Enma. "That child is part ryu, not a god! If you except it as yours you claim it as a god!"

Inari’s looked on with shock he’d been put in a very difficult position. What if it was a god? What if it was a ryu? What if was both?! A ryu god, was that what Ryuujin had in mind?! And Aphrodited?! She must have been in on it to! There was such a heavy weight on his shoulders that he felt it hard to breathe.

‘Remember Inari whatever happens from this point on is important to both the ryus and gods. Choose wisely,’ whispered Aphrodite’s voice in his mind.

But what was the right choice?! Except and a new god would be born, one possibly stronger then any before, draining power from some of the oldest, wisest, strongest beasts that came from the four lands! It would be the beginning of a god that could one-day rival Enma. Not except and the child would be a bastard and Suoh… he glanced down at the ryu still kneeling. There was a sad look on the ryu’s lovely face and Inari felt terrible that he would even hesitate over such a thing. To not except was to deny Suoh, possible lose the ryu. Inari won’t have that, he’d just gotten Suoh back he won’t lose the ryu again. Inari lowered his eyes more to the white bundle that squirmed at his feet and knelt down beside it.

"Inari!" shouted Enma causing the silver fox god to jump. "You know not what you’re doing!"

"I do," said Inari moving his hands down to touch the bundle. "I’m doing the right thing," he said picking it up. He looked at Suoh to see a lovely smile on her pretty face and couldn’t help but grab the ryu and kiss her softly on the lips, dragging her up with him as he stood. He released Suoh and moved his free hand to unwrap the squirming bundle. He couldn’t help the shocked gasps that escaped his mouth; the white cloth felt forgotten to the floor.

A collective gasp ran around the room as the child came into few. A golden baby, as gold as the King Ryu himself, but with the shape of Inari, a youko. It was a golden fox god.

* * * * * * * * * *

Inari opened his golden eyes to look at the dark tunnel they’d settled down in to spend the night. Koenma’s tanteis and his blue haired ferry girl were all sleeping peacefully on the hard ground. He glanced over at the red head laid out next to the koorime boy. Was he dreaming of the past? Did he know now how the Meikai wars had ended, who Kaoru was, who he- the golden fox god- was? The product of the forbidden love between a black ryu and a silver fox god, the true Inari.

He frowned bitterly thinking of his father, but his golden face softened as he glanced at the koorime boy. Silently he rose and padded softly over to the soulless creature, kneeling down to brush some white and black bangs out of Hiei’s face. This creature was once Suoh, and now Suoh was back. He could hardly believe his good fortune, what he’d thought was lost forever was now within his reach again.

He lay down next to the little Jaganshi, wrapping an arm protectively around the small body, and breathed in deeply. If he closed his eyes he could very well imagine it was Suoh there with him. He buried his face against the koorime’s neck and stopped the sad sob that wanted to escape his lips. He hadn’t been able to cry then, he wouldn’t cry now, not now that he was getting another chance to change what had happened so very long ago.

"Oka-san."