InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Another Opens... ❯ The Keep ( Chapter 5 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Namiyo11 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.27.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 189 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.27.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 189 | Status: Completed
Chapter 5- The Keep
Recap: Kagome died, and was saved by Tenseiga. But her union with Inuyasha-was for all intents and purposes ended. Inuyasha now knows of her actions in the winter, and isn’t sure how he feels. Kouga with an injured Ginta is on his way to the Keep, while Ayami plans and Inu gather. What happens now? Read on!
No, I don’t own Inuyasha and company! I do, however, own Kokuzoku, Onjou, Yotogi, and Atae...not to mention the Hamayami.
They arrived at the Keep, the next day as afternoon slid towards evening and the gates swung open. Guards snapped to attention as they passed them, Kagome and Inuyasha walking side by side behind Sesshomaru. She barely glanced at the hanyou as she took a deep breath, sorting scents. Home again. The place had hardly more damage than broken crockery, Inutaisho had built to last, with more than wood and stone.
Ah-uhn was led off with Rin scampering off to say goodbye to the beast. Sango and Miroku stuck near Inuyasha, unsure of their reception as several Inu were approaching, most of them with scrolls and papers. Sesshomaru growled softly. It was always so when he was gone for any length of time. Kagome smiled slightly and covered it with a hand.
“Jaken,” he said flatly, and the creature bustled into the group, deftly dealing with them. Inuyasha’s eyes widened slightly at the sight. Maybe the imp wasn’t entirely useless after all.
“My Lord, My Lady, ah-Lord Inuyasha and your vassals, it is good you have returned. Lords Yotogi and Kokuzoku, as well as other pack leaders are here demanding audience, my Lord Sesshomaru. Lady Atae is still in residence as well. Your orders, my Lord?” Onjou. He’d approached and bowed, twisting his neck slightly in submission. A discrete glance, that was...whoa. The legendary Tetsusaiga! It had to be. A bit disappointing really, it looked like a common blade, not even a well cared for one.
“Inform them I will hold audience shortly,” Lord Sesshomaru ordered, not slowing his stride as Onjou hurried to catch up when he was passed.
“Yes, my Lord. Er...” the Inu’s eyes went over who was where, and he hesitated.
“Sango and Miroku are guests, uh, Onjou, right? They’ll stay in the family quarters, I know it isn’t full of people. Thank you,” Kagome told him and the Inu smiled slightly.
“Yes, that is my name, my Lady. As you order,” he bowed and went to do their bidding as they walked across the courtyard. Onjou was privately astonished she remembered him.
“Darn. He’s going for it. Listen, when we get in there, look straight ahead, go to the right, follow my lead, and say nothing until he says to. I’ll be right with you,” Kagome told her new packsecond quietly, taking his hand a moment to comfort him. He griped it tightly before he released it as they walked. Inuyasha glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, noting she looked nervous as well. It perversely comforted him to see it. Kagome was just grateful they’d cleaned up before approaching the keep, because she knew her pack leader.
Trust Sesshomaru to lay down the law at once.
Inuyasha realized, as they briskly walked the elegantly decorated halls and wooden walkways of the complex, built in interconnecting sections in the classical style, that he was being stared at. Nothing threatening, just odd, strangely respectful stares as inu bowed as their Lord passed. But, it dawned on him, it wasn’t him they were looking at. They were all sneaking almost awed looks at-Tetsusaiga?? What the hell?
“Miroku, why the fuck are they all staring at my sword?” he hissed, and the monk shrugged. He had no idea. Myouga, hidden in his master’s hair, was looking around, lost in his own thoughts. He’d never thought to be here again.
“They all know of it, Inuyasha. Remember? It wasn’t always your sword,” Kagome answered softly, with gentle emphasis on the pronoun and he gulped, before he slowly nodded. Damn. It wasn’t respect for Tetsusaiga alone they were showing...but also for the old man. It was his Father’s fang, even if his own was now part of it.
Inuyasha grew nervous again as they went along a hall to a pair of double doors that slid open. The audience chamber. A low rumble of talk could be heard, that suddenly stopped inside. Sesshomaru swept to his place, while everyone there stared in silence. Watching, judging, wondering. Inu bowed, but Kagome kept her nose sharp, checking for problems. Miroku and Sango took places to one side, kneeling with the rest, looking concerned. They weren’t sure what was about to happen.
Then Sesshomaru knelt in the place of honor, Kagome and Inuyasha with him. His brother the hanyou hid his nerves as best as he could as he faced them. He was on his brother’s right, she on the left. The traditional seats of the packsecond and lead female. They presented an unusual sight, a full Inu flanked by a pair of dog-eared hanyou. Inuyasha kept his face still, he‘d faced too many opponents over the years not to know how.
The Lord gazed at the collected Inu, noting-yes, Yotogi was there, arm in a sling. News had come while he traveled of his pack’s arrival, as word had reached the keep of who he had been traveling with. Rumor should be running high, he knew that. Best to deal with it now.
“If anyone has business before Lord Sesshomaru, let them speak now,” Jaken managed, lifting the staff of two heads. The poor imp had run ahead to perform his duty to his Lord.
“My Lord, I ask-what manner of arrangement do we see here? Inuyasha was outcast by your own order, yet sits at your hand. We have heard rumors of force claim, of the identity of the mysterious raider of our properties and territories...I would know what is toward, that I and all might understand, if it pleases you,” Lord Kokuzoku spoke up first, a pack leader from near the border with the Panther youkai to the east, tone smooth and concerned.
“The rumors-are true. Lord Inuyasha lawfully offered a force claim for Lady Kagome,” Sesshomaru’s voice was silky as soft, discrete gasps were heard. Hearing rumor and guess from messengers returning was one thing, an official announcement quite another!
Certain Lords, mostly older ones who’d viewed Sesshomaru as a troublesome child and his packsister as a mere hanyou curiosity, hadn’t challenged Kagome. Instead, they allowed more hotheaded pack leaders and warriors to do so. They regretted that choice when they felt the tightening of the grip of their liege when he had real help in riding herd on them at last. After Sesshomaru had released his Father’s many allies from their oaths on his death, they’d enjoyed the relaxed eye on their doings that prideful error allowed. A freedom they enjoyed not least because Sesshomaru had been engaged with his troublesome brother and the hunt for Tetsusaiga. Having Inuyasha working with Sesshomaru was the last thing certain Lords wanted to see, and not because he was hanyou.
It was an unpleasant sensation that crawled up their spines-one of no longer having room to maneuver.
“Let it be known. Lord Inuyasha, my brother, second son of Lord Inutaisho, wielder of the Tetsusaiga, is now packsecond to me by right of combat, and Second Lord and heir of the Clan by lawful blood claim. The Lady Kagome, packsister and Daughter of the House, wielder of the Hamayami, stands as Lead Female, and mistress of this Keep. My brother’s words are to be heeded as my own, as my packsister’s were before him, if any challenge this...” his expression was impassive as he spoke, “let them speak now.”
Kokuzoku went still, as did everyone else in the room. It had been one thing to challenge Kagome-an unknown quantity...with a bow that had been unknown as well. But this. Tetsusaiga. The kaze no kizu. Bakuryuuha. Lord Inutaisho’s weapons of choice near the end of his long life. The mere hanyou who had withstood and maimed Lord Sesshomaru himself, who had slain Naraku, Ryuukossei, Hyouga...and killed uncounted other youkai. Inuyasha wasn’t aware of his own reputation in his Father’s Clan. If he had, he likely would’ve become hopelessly puffed up.
“Fine news, my Lord. It is not displeasing to see my Lord Inutaisho’s sons at last reconciled. I believe I speak for all here in that. Lord Inuyasha has long since proven his strength, no less than the noble and lovely Lady Kagome. If he defeated her, well. There is no one here who would deny his powers in any case. It is good to again have both the Swords of the Fang in their proper place, and their wielders as well,” Kokuzoku noted to nods as...chins lifted in token of submission. Yotogi eyed him, but agreed as well. A born troublemaker though, was Kokuzoku...there was a long pause.
“Very well,” Sesshomaru lifted his sole remaining hand. More than one nervously remembered who had taken the other...who was having a hard time keeping his jaw from dropping as the Pack leaders there acknowledged his position. “This Keep is declared a truce site for the next month. Until the emergency of the earthquake is settled, let no feuds be indulged on the Keep grounds or combat save lawful duels.” Lawful duels meant claims, insults, matters of honor. Clean, open, one on one combat only.
His eyes went to several pack leaders who would be doing their level best to kill each other by any means fair or foul if this order hadn’t been given. The guard had been forced to harsh measures to keep them separated while they’d awaited him. Modern Japan would call this the warring states era, and it was so no less for youkai. Interclan strife wasn’t unknown. To a small extent-he’d encouraged it, it kept them from toying with ambitions.
Kagome’s gift of a translated foreign book called ‘The Prince’...hadn’t had much to teach Sesshomaru. The writer, some human named Machiavelli, had a good grasp of how to rule youkai though. He’d enjoyed the book, even if he wasn’t familiar with this land of ‘Italy’ it spoke of and the modern characters it had been written in had been an interesting intellectual puzzle as well, somewhat different than current ones. Pleasing.
“I will hear from each of you in time. The audience is concluded,” he announced. He rose, and they offered respect as he gathered his pack and left, Sango and Miroku following. The doors slid shut, and Inu scattered. There were mutters, discussions...and plans began to be made. No one saw a small insect buzz away not long after, going outside, and out of the keep. Ayami would be most interested in what the Samiyusho had heard...
Inuyasha in the Clan! Shocking. Lady Atae frowned. Yotogi glanced at her, and she nodded. Far too many had been far too reasonable. They were both extremely loyal to their Clan Lord, if for different reasons. Yotogi and herself would keep their ears open. But for now, Sesshomaru had called Inuyasha Second Lord, yes...but not announced young Kagome was mated to his half-brother as she had expected. Normally, that would have been included in the announcement. Sesshomaru loved to keep his subordinates guessing...but Lady Atae would know why, and soon. She had a right to know.
***
Sesshomaru wished to rest before facing the pack leaders in meetings, see to matters of more importance then their importuning for this or that. Two days after the earthquake, that was all it would be, his servants here would have seen to any refugees who had come by now and long-standing plans were already set in train to deal with supplies and assistance as needed. The guards standing on watch opened a set of wooden gates carved with Inu, and Inuyasha knew where it had to be. The family quarters.
A low building formed a ‘U’ shape with apartments on the three sides facing them, walled in to close it off for privacy. Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru, who nodded to her as he swept up three low steps into a pair of guarded double doors directly across from the gates, and she calmly turned to her apartments to freshen up, smiling at Rin dashing into her own to be bathed and brushed and fed by the servants who saw to the child’s daily needs when they were home. Inuyasha turned automatically to follow the hanyou in, and she stopped him with a frown over her shoulder.
“No. I’m not your wife, remember?” Kagome told him tartly, pointing across the courtyard to one of the empty apartments kept ready there. “Over there, thanks. I’ll see you later, packsecond,” she informed him, before heading inside and closing the sliding door firmly as his brother had paused, watching. Inuyasha’s face worked, and he scowled, half-tempted to slice through the damned door and cursing the Tenseiga and it’s wielder under his breath. Justly or not, he suspected it was Sesshomaru‘s fault. All of it.
Jaken self-importantly led Sango and Miroku to a pair of doors on the left as his half-brother frowned thoughtfully.
“These will be your chambers, monk, tajiya.” Inuyasha heard Jaken say as he glared around.
“Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru beckoned, and the hanyou looked once more at the closed door before he followed slowly.
Sesshomaru’s private quarters, his scent was deeply impressed here. This was a writing room, he saw, scrolls in pigeonholes, and writing tools, low tables, surprisingly spare, with doors that led to elsewhere in his chambers. But-there were things that were jarringly out of place, out of time, actually.
He saw a neat stack of books, like Kagome’s old textbooks, ballpoint pens, the only other day planner in feudal Japan besides hers, and a modern full sized backgammon set sat on a small table. The things were gifts from her, no doubt. Kagome had sometimes given him little things when they’d been shard hunting, but there were many such gifts in here-and he fought down a surge of jealousy at the care she’d apparently lavished on his brother. She’d said she looked after him, and her scent lingered. His beloved had been in here with him often by the smell of it. Like when he’d seen them by the fire that night, he’d bet, playing games and being close. Damn him.
Inuyasha looked around curiously as the Inu led him through to a open porch overlooking the gardens that surrounded the quarters. Sesshomaru sat down, and glanced at his brother as he stiffly joined him on the sun warmed wood.
For a long time, the two simply sat.
This place, it was so different to the hanyou. The last castle he’d been in with relatives hadn’t been a happy place to grow up in. His Mother’s kin had despised him, blamed him for his birth and blood as though he had power over it. Here...this was the stronghold of his half-brother, of the other half of his heritage, and that still made him shiver. The gardens, a riot of color now, wafted their scents to him on the breeze, the youkai aura of the place, the rich scents of a bustling keep blending with the flowers and herbs, the sun setting, it felt so-terrifyingly right. Like he belonged. Like this could be a home to him...
“So. You did not claim her back again,” Sesshomaru noted at last. The packbond between them, he was his brother, Kagome his adopted packsister. Something had to be done. He did not have time for this, but would have to attend to it. A frown was his answer. Inuyasha didn’t want to discuss this. Not with Sesshomaru, that was for damned sure! Miroku was the only one he’d be even half willing to talk to at the moment, but he wasn’t being offered the choice.
“So?”
“Has she somehow displeased you? You seemed content with each other when we came to your territory,” Sesshomaru inquired. It was true, Kagome had been happy, he knew it. He had seemed so as well.
“You mean when you charged in like a crazy person? I-who the hell is she? What happened to her?” Inuyasha asked finally, as he realized, this was probably the only person who could tell him what had happened to his wench. What could have driven her to do such terrible things.
“You knew a mortal daughter of shrinekeepers, a mere untrained miko. Did you expect her to be as she was without change?”
“No, but...damn it,” Inuyasha said slowly. It was odd, this place was safe to him, his brother’s presence soothing. Like Sesshomaru in his own lost lair, he relaxed in spite of himself.
“If you are no longer to be mates, perhaps she would be better suited with another. She is no longer a maiden, but we are not as mortals, there is no reason she cannot find a suitable Lord,” Sesshomaru shrugged as he judged the reaction. Ahhh...so very easy to slip under his skin. His jealousy. Typical.
“What?! Who? Fuck that! Kagome’s mine, damn it!” Inuyasha exploded, slamming a fist into the wood.
“Then why is she unmarked still?” Sesshomaru asked coolly, leaning forward to study him.
“Because-because...uh-no.”
“It is my right to know.” Wincing, slowly...Inuyasha told him.
“Happy now?” he grumbled at the end.
“No.” At that, the hanyou scowled. Still a child. “You are newly made pack, you do not understand. This matter must be resolved. Even if you do not mate, you are bound together. Packbond is disturbed. I will not tolerate this.”
“Which is why you dragged me in here,” Inuyasha frowned.
“Indeed. Kagome. Do you know why I wished to kill her in Father‘s tomb?” Sesshomaru asked carefully after a moment. His arm had been lost for it, but he wondered if Inuyasha understood why he had been able to do so. That loss had angered him...but he had adapted. This would be interesting to test them both, a subject that was...difficult.
“What? Because she was a mortal who drew the Tetsusaiga, and to get to me. You knew damned well how I felt about her,” Inuyasha growled.
“Not quite. Because you drew strength from her, and she did so from you. Or do you believe that Kagome would have challenged me without you? I assure you, she would not. She was afraid of mere darkness as a child, after all. The tales of her grandfather gave her nightmares, as did the Shrine when they came to it after her Father died. That is of course, until she chose to discount them utterly. But then, she was a mere child when she came to dwell there,” Sesshomaru commented, casually stating things Inuyasha had never known about Kagome.
Kagome, scared of the dark? Of stupid stories? Never! She wasn’t scared of anything, that was her problem...or at least she hadn’t been when she was with him. He frowned though, his brother knew her well. Too well. He knew all about the Shrine, her time, all of it. Even her childhood.
“We speak often, surely she talked to you over the course of three years?” Sesshomaru asked of Inuyasha with arch amusement when he squirmed, the Lord could all but see the questions at the tip of his tongue, and the stubbornness that would keep him from asking.
“You...you love her too, don’t you?” Inuyasha demanded.
“She has value and is useful to me. We understand one another.”
“Feh. Value...can’t say anything straight out, can you? You came running as soon as the packbond set off because she had value and was useful. Such crap, Sesshomaru. Why didn‘t you claim her if you love her? I saw how you and she were, all cozy-” he glared as he accused him, until a very soft, warning growl made him stop.
Kagome was Sesshomaru’s kinswoman, he adored her-but did not want her. The Lord’s romantic problems, if Inuyasha had known of them, would have sent him into a spasm from laughing. The hanyou wasn’t the only one in the family who had hopelessly loved a female scandalously inappropriate for them. Not Rin, as the warped Monk had suggested...worse, in a way. Much worse.
Sesshomaru considered, and hit his brother across the back of the head.
“OW! What the fuck was that for? You-”
“You are a baka! A jealous, foolish one. What you do not know of matters between males and females could fill an epic. Do you lust for any female you are close to? Must the monk ward the tajiya from you?”
“Fine talk from an unmated Lordling. Don’t you dare hit me again!” the hanyou rubbed his head and made a face at him as he spoke.
“I prefer-sobame. Less troublesome then a mate. Do not act like a fool then.” Inuyasha blinked. Concubines? Damn. He had concubines? Probably the pick of the damned Clan.
“Sobame, huh? Kagome can’t like that. She hates that kind of thing.” Sesshomaru wanted to hit him again when his eyes softened as he said her name. Mad for her, unreasoningly so, yet-the fool did not claim her back again.
“I keep none now. Rin...it is unwise,” Sesshomaru answered with a slight frown.
“What is Rin to you, anyway? She always tags along.”
“Kagome did not tell you?” Surprise. He’d managed to surprise Sesshomaru. The Lord flipped his hair back absently. Kagome again proved her trustworthiness and loyalty to him, he reflected. “Rin is my-child. It is...not something that is known widely. Many think her a curiosity of mine, it is wisest to keep that so. I expect discretion in this,” he warned.
“You adopted a human girl? I thought...damn.” Inuyasha was startled.
“She is my responsibility. No more than that.”
“I bet. Why didn’t Kagome say anything to me?”
“I had asked for her silence, as she keeps such things for you, does she not? Or is the new moon not also of importance to you?” Parry, riposte.
“None of your business,” Inuyasha replied, hand resting on the sword of their Father. Inuyasha drew comfort from it, Sesshomaru realized, not just strength. Interesting. Kagome had much the same relationship with the Hamayami, she often touched it as if to reassure herself it was there.
“I will know for certain eventually, packsecond.”
“Whatever.”
“Co nsider her for a moment. Kagome does deserve more than a mate who fails to admire her achievements and value. You-probably deserve better then a useless mate. That is not what she is, however much you may wish it...little brother.”
“Damn it. Why is everyone on her side! She lied to me, to Sango, she didn’t tell me anything! I‘m sick of these stupid word games you taught her, damn it!”
“Hmp. Very well. You wish bluntness? You are a fool, little brother. Go to her, claim her if she wishes it,” Sesshomaru suddenly gripped his mark pendant a moment, and it flared. “Or let her go and find another. She is a mature female, and should be mated.”
“What did you just do?”
“Merely read it. Go now.” With that, Sesshomaru dismissed him. Inuyasha’s mouth worked. He got up, and stormed out.
Lord Sesshomaru smiled.
Author’s Notes- I still enjoy the interplay between the brothers. Their relationship really changes from here, and it was a treat to work out. That, and I had a lot of fun going into the Clan itself. Much of the work on the Inu Clan came from my diving into the idea that Sesshomaru really is a Lord. A Lord with a life, people to rule, and factions to dominate as opposed to just the mysterious brooding wanderer we see in the anime. Since their father was so famous, so important, and so powerful, it seemed to make sense to me to have his son’s rule be...less than easy. Living up to a legend isn’t ever fun or simple. I see a suggestion of releasing Daddy’s non Inu vassals in the fourth movie, and in hints in the anime. I explore it later on as well.
Kokuzoku has a special meaning, like every other name I’ve used for characters...but I’m not telling!! Not yet. In any case, thanks for reading!- Namiyo
Recap: Kagome died, and was saved by Tenseiga. But her union with Inuyasha-was for all intents and purposes ended. Inuyasha now knows of her actions in the winter, and isn’t sure how he feels. Kouga with an injured Ginta is on his way to the Keep, while Ayami plans and Inu gather. What happens now? Read on!
No, I don’t own Inuyasha and company! I do, however, own Kokuzoku, Onjou, Yotogi, and Atae...not to mention the Hamayami.
They arrived at the Keep, the next day as afternoon slid towards evening and the gates swung open. Guards snapped to attention as they passed them, Kagome and Inuyasha walking side by side behind Sesshomaru. She barely glanced at the hanyou as she took a deep breath, sorting scents. Home again. The place had hardly more damage than broken crockery, Inutaisho had built to last, with more than wood and stone.
Ah-uhn was led off with Rin scampering off to say goodbye to the beast. Sango and Miroku stuck near Inuyasha, unsure of their reception as several Inu were approaching, most of them with scrolls and papers. Sesshomaru growled softly. It was always so when he was gone for any length of time. Kagome smiled slightly and covered it with a hand.
“Jaken,” he said flatly, and the creature bustled into the group, deftly dealing with them. Inuyasha’s eyes widened slightly at the sight. Maybe the imp wasn’t entirely useless after all.
“My Lord, My Lady, ah-Lord Inuyasha and your vassals, it is good you have returned. Lords Yotogi and Kokuzoku, as well as other pack leaders are here demanding audience, my Lord Sesshomaru. Lady Atae is still in residence as well. Your orders, my Lord?” Onjou. He’d approached and bowed, twisting his neck slightly in submission. A discrete glance, that was...whoa. The legendary Tetsusaiga! It had to be. A bit disappointing really, it looked like a common blade, not even a well cared for one.
“Inform them I will hold audience shortly,” Lord Sesshomaru ordered, not slowing his stride as Onjou hurried to catch up when he was passed.
“Yes, my Lord. Er...” the Inu’s eyes went over who was where, and he hesitated.
“Sango and Miroku are guests, uh, Onjou, right? They’ll stay in the family quarters, I know it isn’t full of people. Thank you,” Kagome told him and the Inu smiled slightly.
“Yes, that is my name, my Lady. As you order,” he bowed and went to do their bidding as they walked across the courtyard. Onjou was privately astonished she remembered him.
“Darn. He’s going for it. Listen, when we get in there, look straight ahead, go to the right, follow my lead, and say nothing until he says to. I’ll be right with you,” Kagome told her new packsecond quietly, taking his hand a moment to comfort him. He griped it tightly before he released it as they walked. Inuyasha glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, noting she looked nervous as well. It perversely comforted him to see it. Kagome was just grateful they’d cleaned up before approaching the keep, because she knew her pack leader.
Trust Sesshomaru to lay down the law at once.
Inuyasha realized, as they briskly walked the elegantly decorated halls and wooden walkways of the complex, built in interconnecting sections in the classical style, that he was being stared at. Nothing threatening, just odd, strangely respectful stares as inu bowed as their Lord passed. But, it dawned on him, it wasn’t him they were looking at. They were all sneaking almost awed looks at-Tetsusaiga?? What the hell?
“Miroku, why the fuck are they all staring at my sword?” he hissed, and the monk shrugged. He had no idea. Myouga, hidden in his master’s hair, was looking around, lost in his own thoughts. He’d never thought to be here again.
“They all know of it, Inuyasha. Remember? It wasn’t always your sword,” Kagome answered softly, with gentle emphasis on the pronoun and he gulped, before he slowly nodded. Damn. It wasn’t respect for Tetsusaiga alone they were showing...but also for the old man. It was his Father’s fang, even if his own was now part of it.
Inuyasha grew nervous again as they went along a hall to a pair of double doors that slid open. The audience chamber. A low rumble of talk could be heard, that suddenly stopped inside. Sesshomaru swept to his place, while everyone there stared in silence. Watching, judging, wondering. Inu bowed, but Kagome kept her nose sharp, checking for problems. Miroku and Sango took places to one side, kneeling with the rest, looking concerned. They weren’t sure what was about to happen.
Then Sesshomaru knelt in the place of honor, Kagome and Inuyasha with him. His brother the hanyou hid his nerves as best as he could as he faced them. He was on his brother’s right, she on the left. The traditional seats of the packsecond and lead female. They presented an unusual sight, a full Inu flanked by a pair of dog-eared hanyou. Inuyasha kept his face still, he‘d faced too many opponents over the years not to know how.
The Lord gazed at the collected Inu, noting-yes, Yotogi was there, arm in a sling. News had come while he traveled of his pack’s arrival, as word had reached the keep of who he had been traveling with. Rumor should be running high, he knew that. Best to deal with it now.
“If anyone has business before Lord Sesshomaru, let them speak now,” Jaken managed, lifting the staff of two heads. The poor imp had run ahead to perform his duty to his Lord.
“My Lord, I ask-what manner of arrangement do we see here? Inuyasha was outcast by your own order, yet sits at your hand. We have heard rumors of force claim, of the identity of the mysterious raider of our properties and territories...I would know what is toward, that I and all might understand, if it pleases you,” Lord Kokuzoku spoke up first, a pack leader from near the border with the Panther youkai to the east, tone smooth and concerned.
“The rumors-are true. Lord Inuyasha lawfully offered a force claim for Lady Kagome,” Sesshomaru’s voice was silky as soft, discrete gasps were heard. Hearing rumor and guess from messengers returning was one thing, an official announcement quite another!
Certain Lords, mostly older ones who’d viewed Sesshomaru as a troublesome child and his packsister as a mere hanyou curiosity, hadn’t challenged Kagome. Instead, they allowed more hotheaded pack leaders and warriors to do so. They regretted that choice when they felt the tightening of the grip of their liege when he had real help in riding herd on them at last. After Sesshomaru had released his Father’s many allies from their oaths on his death, they’d enjoyed the relaxed eye on their doings that prideful error allowed. A freedom they enjoyed not least because Sesshomaru had been engaged with his troublesome brother and the hunt for Tetsusaiga. Having Inuyasha working with Sesshomaru was the last thing certain Lords wanted to see, and not because he was hanyou.
It was an unpleasant sensation that crawled up their spines-one of no longer having room to maneuver.
“Let it be known. Lord Inuyasha, my brother, second son of Lord Inutaisho, wielder of the Tetsusaiga, is now packsecond to me by right of combat, and Second Lord and heir of the Clan by lawful blood claim. The Lady Kagome, packsister and Daughter of the House, wielder of the Hamayami, stands as Lead Female, and mistress of this Keep. My brother’s words are to be heeded as my own, as my packsister’s were before him, if any challenge this...” his expression was impassive as he spoke, “let them speak now.”
Kokuzoku went still, as did everyone else in the room. It had been one thing to challenge Kagome-an unknown quantity...with a bow that had been unknown as well. But this. Tetsusaiga. The kaze no kizu. Bakuryuuha. Lord Inutaisho’s weapons of choice near the end of his long life. The mere hanyou who had withstood and maimed Lord Sesshomaru himself, who had slain Naraku, Ryuukossei, Hyouga...and killed uncounted other youkai. Inuyasha wasn’t aware of his own reputation in his Father’s Clan. If he had, he likely would’ve become hopelessly puffed up.
“Fine news, my Lord. It is not displeasing to see my Lord Inutaisho’s sons at last reconciled. I believe I speak for all here in that. Lord Inuyasha has long since proven his strength, no less than the noble and lovely Lady Kagome. If he defeated her, well. There is no one here who would deny his powers in any case. It is good to again have both the Swords of the Fang in their proper place, and their wielders as well,” Kokuzoku noted to nods as...chins lifted in token of submission. Yotogi eyed him, but agreed as well. A born troublemaker though, was Kokuzoku...there was a long pause.
“Very well,” Sesshomaru lifted his sole remaining hand. More than one nervously remembered who had taken the other...who was having a hard time keeping his jaw from dropping as the Pack leaders there acknowledged his position. “This Keep is declared a truce site for the next month. Until the emergency of the earthquake is settled, let no feuds be indulged on the Keep grounds or combat save lawful duels.” Lawful duels meant claims, insults, matters of honor. Clean, open, one on one combat only.
His eyes went to several pack leaders who would be doing their level best to kill each other by any means fair or foul if this order hadn’t been given. The guard had been forced to harsh measures to keep them separated while they’d awaited him. Modern Japan would call this the warring states era, and it was so no less for youkai. Interclan strife wasn’t unknown. To a small extent-he’d encouraged it, it kept them from toying with ambitions.
Kagome’s gift of a translated foreign book called ‘The Prince’...hadn’t had much to teach Sesshomaru. The writer, some human named Machiavelli, had a good grasp of how to rule youkai though. He’d enjoyed the book, even if he wasn’t familiar with this land of ‘Italy’ it spoke of and the modern characters it had been written in had been an interesting intellectual puzzle as well, somewhat different than current ones. Pleasing.
“I will hear from each of you in time. The audience is concluded,” he announced. He rose, and they offered respect as he gathered his pack and left, Sango and Miroku following. The doors slid shut, and Inu scattered. There were mutters, discussions...and plans began to be made. No one saw a small insect buzz away not long after, going outside, and out of the keep. Ayami would be most interested in what the Samiyusho had heard...
Inuyasha in the Clan! Shocking. Lady Atae frowned. Yotogi glanced at her, and she nodded. Far too many had been far too reasonable. They were both extremely loyal to their Clan Lord, if for different reasons. Yotogi and herself would keep their ears open. But for now, Sesshomaru had called Inuyasha Second Lord, yes...but not announced young Kagome was mated to his half-brother as she had expected. Normally, that would have been included in the announcement. Sesshomaru loved to keep his subordinates guessing...but Lady Atae would know why, and soon. She had a right to know.
***
Sesshomaru wished to rest before facing the pack leaders in meetings, see to matters of more importance then their importuning for this or that. Two days after the earthquake, that was all it would be, his servants here would have seen to any refugees who had come by now and long-standing plans were already set in train to deal with supplies and assistance as needed. The guards standing on watch opened a set of wooden gates carved with Inu, and Inuyasha knew where it had to be. The family quarters.
A low building formed a ‘U’ shape with apartments on the three sides facing them, walled in to close it off for privacy. Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru, who nodded to her as he swept up three low steps into a pair of guarded double doors directly across from the gates, and she calmly turned to her apartments to freshen up, smiling at Rin dashing into her own to be bathed and brushed and fed by the servants who saw to the child’s daily needs when they were home. Inuyasha turned automatically to follow the hanyou in, and she stopped him with a frown over her shoulder.
“No. I’m not your wife, remember?” Kagome told him tartly, pointing across the courtyard to one of the empty apartments kept ready there. “Over there, thanks. I’ll see you later, packsecond,” she informed him, before heading inside and closing the sliding door firmly as his brother had paused, watching. Inuyasha’s face worked, and he scowled, half-tempted to slice through the damned door and cursing the Tenseiga and it’s wielder under his breath. Justly or not, he suspected it was Sesshomaru‘s fault. All of it.
Jaken self-importantly led Sango and Miroku to a pair of doors on the left as his half-brother frowned thoughtfully.
“These will be your chambers, monk, tajiya.” Inuyasha heard Jaken say as he glared around.
“Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru beckoned, and the hanyou looked once more at the closed door before he followed slowly.
Sesshomaru’s private quarters, his scent was deeply impressed here. This was a writing room, he saw, scrolls in pigeonholes, and writing tools, low tables, surprisingly spare, with doors that led to elsewhere in his chambers. But-there were things that were jarringly out of place, out of time, actually.
He saw a neat stack of books, like Kagome’s old textbooks, ballpoint pens, the only other day planner in feudal Japan besides hers, and a modern full sized backgammon set sat on a small table. The things were gifts from her, no doubt. Kagome had sometimes given him little things when they’d been shard hunting, but there were many such gifts in here-and he fought down a surge of jealousy at the care she’d apparently lavished on his brother. She’d said she looked after him, and her scent lingered. His beloved had been in here with him often by the smell of it. Like when he’d seen them by the fire that night, he’d bet, playing games and being close. Damn him.
Inuyasha looked around curiously as the Inu led him through to a open porch overlooking the gardens that surrounded the quarters. Sesshomaru sat down, and glanced at his brother as he stiffly joined him on the sun warmed wood.
For a long time, the two simply sat.
This place, it was so different to the hanyou. The last castle he’d been in with relatives hadn’t been a happy place to grow up in. His Mother’s kin had despised him, blamed him for his birth and blood as though he had power over it. Here...this was the stronghold of his half-brother, of the other half of his heritage, and that still made him shiver. The gardens, a riot of color now, wafted their scents to him on the breeze, the youkai aura of the place, the rich scents of a bustling keep blending with the flowers and herbs, the sun setting, it felt so-terrifyingly right. Like he belonged. Like this could be a home to him...
“So. You did not claim her back again,” Sesshomaru noted at last. The packbond between them, he was his brother, Kagome his adopted packsister. Something had to be done. He did not have time for this, but would have to attend to it. A frown was his answer. Inuyasha didn’t want to discuss this. Not with Sesshomaru, that was for damned sure! Miroku was the only one he’d be even half willing to talk to at the moment, but he wasn’t being offered the choice.
“So?”
“Has she somehow displeased you? You seemed content with each other when we came to your territory,” Sesshomaru inquired. It was true, Kagome had been happy, he knew it. He had seemed so as well.
“You mean when you charged in like a crazy person? I-who the hell is she? What happened to her?” Inuyasha asked finally, as he realized, this was probably the only person who could tell him what had happened to his wench. What could have driven her to do such terrible things.
“You knew a mortal daughter of shrinekeepers, a mere untrained miko. Did you expect her to be as she was without change?”
“No, but...damn it,” Inuyasha said slowly. It was odd, this place was safe to him, his brother’s presence soothing. Like Sesshomaru in his own lost lair, he relaxed in spite of himself.
“If you are no longer to be mates, perhaps she would be better suited with another. She is no longer a maiden, but we are not as mortals, there is no reason she cannot find a suitable Lord,” Sesshomaru shrugged as he judged the reaction. Ahhh...so very easy to slip under his skin. His jealousy. Typical.
“What?! Who? Fuck that! Kagome’s mine, damn it!” Inuyasha exploded, slamming a fist into the wood.
“Then why is she unmarked still?” Sesshomaru asked coolly, leaning forward to study him.
“Because-because...uh-no.”
“It is my right to know.” Wincing, slowly...Inuyasha told him.
“Happy now?” he grumbled at the end.
“No.” At that, the hanyou scowled. Still a child. “You are newly made pack, you do not understand. This matter must be resolved. Even if you do not mate, you are bound together. Packbond is disturbed. I will not tolerate this.”
“Which is why you dragged me in here,” Inuyasha frowned.
“Indeed. Kagome. Do you know why I wished to kill her in Father‘s tomb?” Sesshomaru asked carefully after a moment. His arm had been lost for it, but he wondered if Inuyasha understood why he had been able to do so. That loss had angered him...but he had adapted. This would be interesting to test them both, a subject that was...difficult.
“What? Because she was a mortal who drew the Tetsusaiga, and to get to me. You knew damned well how I felt about her,” Inuyasha growled.
“Not quite. Because you drew strength from her, and she did so from you. Or do you believe that Kagome would have challenged me without you? I assure you, she would not. She was afraid of mere darkness as a child, after all. The tales of her grandfather gave her nightmares, as did the Shrine when they came to it after her Father died. That is of course, until she chose to discount them utterly. But then, she was a mere child when she came to dwell there,” Sesshomaru commented, casually stating things Inuyasha had never known about Kagome.
Kagome, scared of the dark? Of stupid stories? Never! She wasn’t scared of anything, that was her problem...or at least she hadn’t been when she was with him. He frowned though, his brother knew her well. Too well. He knew all about the Shrine, her time, all of it. Even her childhood.
“We speak often, surely she talked to you over the course of three years?” Sesshomaru asked of Inuyasha with arch amusement when he squirmed, the Lord could all but see the questions at the tip of his tongue, and the stubbornness that would keep him from asking.
“You...you love her too, don’t you?” Inuyasha demanded.
“She has value and is useful to me. We understand one another.”
“Feh. Value...can’t say anything straight out, can you? You came running as soon as the packbond set off because she had value and was useful. Such crap, Sesshomaru. Why didn‘t you claim her if you love her? I saw how you and she were, all cozy-” he glared as he accused him, until a very soft, warning growl made him stop.
Kagome was Sesshomaru’s kinswoman, he adored her-but did not want her. The Lord’s romantic problems, if Inuyasha had known of them, would have sent him into a spasm from laughing. The hanyou wasn’t the only one in the family who had hopelessly loved a female scandalously inappropriate for them. Not Rin, as the warped Monk had suggested...worse, in a way. Much worse.
Sesshomaru considered, and hit his brother across the back of the head.
“OW! What the fuck was that for? You-”
“You are a baka! A jealous, foolish one. What you do not know of matters between males and females could fill an epic. Do you lust for any female you are close to? Must the monk ward the tajiya from you?”
“Fine talk from an unmated Lordling. Don’t you dare hit me again!” the hanyou rubbed his head and made a face at him as he spoke.
“I prefer-sobame. Less troublesome then a mate. Do not act like a fool then.” Inuyasha blinked. Concubines? Damn. He had concubines? Probably the pick of the damned Clan.
“Sobame, huh? Kagome can’t like that. She hates that kind of thing.” Sesshomaru wanted to hit him again when his eyes softened as he said her name. Mad for her, unreasoningly so, yet-the fool did not claim her back again.
“I keep none now. Rin...it is unwise,” Sesshomaru answered with a slight frown.
“What is Rin to you, anyway? She always tags along.”
“Kagome did not tell you?” Surprise. He’d managed to surprise Sesshomaru. The Lord flipped his hair back absently. Kagome again proved her trustworthiness and loyalty to him, he reflected. “Rin is my-child. It is...not something that is known widely. Many think her a curiosity of mine, it is wisest to keep that so. I expect discretion in this,” he warned.
“You adopted a human girl? I thought...damn.” Inuyasha was startled.
“She is my responsibility. No more than that.”
“I bet. Why didn’t Kagome say anything to me?”
“I had asked for her silence, as she keeps such things for you, does she not? Or is the new moon not also of importance to you?” Parry, riposte.
“None of your business,” Inuyasha replied, hand resting on the sword of their Father. Inuyasha drew comfort from it, Sesshomaru realized, not just strength. Interesting. Kagome had much the same relationship with the Hamayami, she often touched it as if to reassure herself it was there.
“I will know for certain eventually, packsecond.”
“Whatever.”
“Co nsider her for a moment. Kagome does deserve more than a mate who fails to admire her achievements and value. You-probably deserve better then a useless mate. That is not what she is, however much you may wish it...little brother.”
“Damn it. Why is everyone on her side! She lied to me, to Sango, she didn’t tell me anything! I‘m sick of these stupid word games you taught her, damn it!”
“Hmp. Very well. You wish bluntness? You are a fool, little brother. Go to her, claim her if she wishes it,” Sesshomaru suddenly gripped his mark pendant a moment, and it flared. “Or let her go and find another. She is a mature female, and should be mated.”
“What did you just do?”
“Merely read it. Go now.” With that, Sesshomaru dismissed him. Inuyasha’s mouth worked. He got up, and stormed out.
Lord Sesshomaru smiled.
Author’s Notes- I still enjoy the interplay between the brothers. Their relationship really changes from here, and it was a treat to work out. That, and I had a lot of fun going into the Clan itself. Much of the work on the Inu Clan came from my diving into the idea that Sesshomaru really is a Lord. A Lord with a life, people to rule, and factions to dominate as opposed to just the mysterious brooding wanderer we see in the anime. Since their father was so famous, so important, and so powerful, it seemed to make sense to me to have his son’s rule be...less than easy. Living up to a legend isn’t ever fun or simple. I see a suggestion of releasing Daddy’s non Inu vassals in the fourth movie, and in hints in the anime. I explore it later on as well.
Kokuzoku has a special meaning, like every other name I’ve used for characters...but I’m not telling!! Not yet. In any case, thanks for reading!- Namiyo