InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ By the Light of Mars ❯ Chapter Eight ( Chapter 8 )

Title: By the Light of Mars

Parings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru and Sango/Miroku

Chapter 8 of ?

Summary: After Naraku is killed Inuyasha's world is settling in to a normality he hadn't expected but when his brother appears bringing with him Rin and royal intrigues can Inuyasha prevail over the new obstacles in his life, including this strange affinity his brother seems to have for him?

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha franchise, anime, manga or characters. I play with them for fun not for profit.

Sesshomaru stood still in the middle of the gardens, staring at the strange redness that seemed to be everywhere. Was I wearing imperial red this night? He wondered touching the strangely heavy fabric of his kimono. No this was… blue? Yes I remember I thought it would look nice with Rin's sakura blossom embroidered Kimono. Rin… where is she; I can't remember… dancing yes she must be dancing with her Governess. Inuyasha's friend… The world came in to sharp focus suddenly as he thought his brother's name. Where is Inuyasha? He stared realizing now that he was drenched with blood. Who… who's is this? Inuyasha? No, no we aren't fighting now. A chilling scream made him swing around to face his ward. She was cradling a body. Inuyasha? Sesshomaru took a step forward lifting his hand as if to reach out and touch his brother.

“Lord Inuyasha! Lord Inuyasha! Please wake up! Someone help him he's hurt!” Rin screamed to the mass of nobles. No one moved as far as Sesshomaru could tell.

Obaasan. The through suddenly remembering the scene he had walked in on. Where is she, why does her body not little the grounds? He wondered searching for any sign of the elder inu.

“Where is she?” HE asked finally speaking to the assembled mass.

“We have taken the Lady Akiko to the healer.” A noble man, his cousin, told him stepping forward.

“And why would you presume to help that turncoat.” He whispered.

“My lord she is your Obaasan, she is the mother of this dynasty.” A disembodied voice cried in protest.

“She is a traitor; she has this night attacked my chosen mate and consort! Why does my brother not have a healer tending him?” He snapped kneeling in the bloody mud that was the garden floor beneath his wounded brother.

“You cannot be serious My Lord this half breed is unfit to live.” A foolish noble spat. The crowd surrounding him parted not wanting to be in their lords way when his ire was raised.

Sesshomaru stared at the scowling man for a moment wondering how such an idiot could have been allowed in to his presence. Then with a movement fast than the eye could follow he used his whip to take the man's head from his shoulders.

“Bring me the healer. Let the traitor die for all This Sesshomaru cares.” He bit out quietly watching as his bidding was done.

Beside him Rin and the demon slayer were prostrate across Inuyasha as if to protect him from further attacks. Both women wept openly. Sesshomaru noticed Rin was missing several layers of her Kimono and wanted to scold her before he realized they were tied in tunicates around his brothers arms keeping the poison from moving as quickly as it should have.

The monk knelt at the feet of his fallen comrade hands pressed together prayer beads twined through his fingers. His lips moved in silent fast paced prayer.

He is much loved. He thought brushing hair out of his brothers closed eyes. They rolled behind their lids. At least he still lives, we are fortunate. Sesshomaru's focus narrowed until all he could see was Inuyasha. He is so pale, his fingers ran gently across the gashes marring his flesh that lay beneath the strips of Kimono. He has lost so much blood… brother; we have so much to speak about still. So many years yet so I can right the wrongs I have afflicted upon your person. Do not leave This Sesshomaru before I can truly know you. His eyes filled, for the first time since his mother's death, with tears of sorrow. They did not fall, he could not let them fall in front of so many, yet they were there reminding him of his weakness. Why do I care so much of you die? I did not cry even for Father and yet tears well at the mere thought of losing you. His demon growled at his thought pushing at its cage in discontented frustration. I had planned for this to be a marriage of convenience, cold it be that my demon wants you as its mate? The shaken Lord grimaced as his hand reached the folds of the bloody kimono once more.

Suddenly his hand was pulled away by delicate fingers and he was looking in to the eyes of his daughter.

“The healer is here my Lord, please let him help Lord Inuyasha.” She whispered pulling Sesshomaru to his feet.

His body followed her as she lead him through the group of gawking nobles, her feminine voice calling out commands like she had been born for this. She was calm now, her stride was sure and her hand did not shake in his own.

Sesshomaru felt a flash of pride; she had truly become his child. She would survive in this world of demons, no it was more than that, she would thrive. He wondered at her for a moment longer before a group of healers and their assistants rushed past them attending the body of his brother. They were rushing towards his own rooms and he looked to his daughter in confusion.

“I sent them to your rooms Father.” She whispered using the endearment she only dared speak in private. A tug at his hand made him aware that he had stopped walking. “Come now we need to join them, I am sure Lord Inuyasha will want to see you when he wakes.” She pulled him forward carefully leading him up the great stair case and through the labyrinth of winding corridors that lead to his chambers.

The doors were flung open when they arrived, by and anxious looking Slayer. Her Kimono was covered in blood, staining the once pastel pink to a ruby red. Tear tracks marred her powdered cheeks making her look like one of the painting from his father's books on the afterlife, on hell.

His room was humid, the windows had not been opened and the shared body heat along with the stench of blood made it almost unbearable to be within its confines.

“Open the windows.” He commanded his daughter in a low hoarse voice that he did not recognize as his own. She hurried to heed him, he small feet leaving tracks of blood across his wood floors as she pulled each window open in turn.

He sat in a arm chair near to the door watching the mass of men and women moving about his brother in a frenzy. Small hands once again took his own in a firm grip as Rin returned to him. His daughter looked faint as she kneeled beside him laying her head on his hand in comfort.

“Father,” She whispered again her voice soft and soothing. “What shall I do about The Lady Akiko?” Her eyes held fear of his answer and their sweet depth pulled him back from the brink of a break down.

“Have Jakken take her to the dungeons Daughter.” He told her trying out the new term. “We will deal with her once Lord Inuyasha has healed.” He finished squeezing her small hand in his slightly before allowing her the freedom to carry out his request.

The world seemed to move faster than it rationally could for the Lord. I wish I knew he would live, that is all I need. He thought breaking the great silence of his mind.

“Will he live?” His voice rang out loud and clear in the quiet room. An elderly raccoon demon stepped away from the mass of whispering healers and came to bow before him.

“My Lord, your brother sustained grave injuries. They would have killed a lesser demon, but yes he will live, although it will take many weeks before he is truly recovered.” The man's quiet baritone voice washed over Sesshomaru's senses. He will be okay, thank Kami. He thought solemnly waving the healer from him. “The house of Tashio thanks you healer.” Sesshomaru stood then and walked to his brother's side. The mass parted for him pulling back and allowing him as much privacy as they could.

His brother looked so small in his large bed swathed in furs and European coverlets. His color seemed to be coming back and his sleep was restful. Rin's hand laid lightly against his shoulder a moment later, behind her stood the Slayer and Monk, the small kit in his arms. “My Lord.” Her voice was soft as always. “May we sit with Lord Inuyasha as well?” She asked waiting with baited breath for his answer.

He stared at this small wisp of a girl whom had been so strong in his time of need and did something he never thought he would. He opened his arm is welcome. “Come here Daughter.” He whispered pulling her to him in the first hug they had ever shared.

Her human heart beat wildly as he held her and sobs broke her stoic facade. “I was so scared Father.” She whispered clutching at his kimono in despair.

“As was I.” He admitted to only her. She pulled him closer and buried her head in to his shoulder. Over her head he could see the Monk, Slayer and Kit still hovering waiting for some signal they could approach their friend.

He motioned with his head and his daughters Governess ran to the other side of the bed taking Inuyasha's limp hand in her own and sobbing quietly.

Inuyasha had survived, and he had found himself closer to his daughter in the process. I would thank that bitch if I wasn't going to kill her. Sesshomaru contemplated as he pulled Rin closer to him.

P.O.V. Change

The muddled haze of dreams that Inuyasha had been lost in for what seemed like years slowly released his conscious, allowing the hanyou to drift towards the waking world. His extremities felt heavy as though weights anchored him to the soft surface his body rested upon. Where the hell am I? He wondered feeling the warmth of sunlight on his face.

Am I outside? No…no why would there be a mattress outside. He tried opening his eyes but found his lids heavy and unyielding. How did I get here? He fought through the haze of uncertainty, he couldn't remember where he had been when he fell asleep. Was I hurt?

The creak of a door followed by women's voices broke through his panic. Sango's voice was immediately distinguishable to the Hanyou.

“When do the healers think he will wake up My Lady?” Sango sounded close, Inuyasha tried to twitch a finger, nothing happened. The bed dipped by his feet and the other woman spoke.

“Anytime now Lady Sango, Healer Sakio is sure he will wake soon.” It was Rin Inuyasha realized wishing he could tell them he was already awake.

“I must admit I am mostly worried about Lord Sesshomaru, Inuyasha has the healers to look after him. But Sesshomaru is so worried and he won't talk about it.” Sango sighed taking his hand in her own.

“My Father will talk when he is ready, I don't think he knows how to react to Lord Inuyasha's illness. Were they already bonded he could be here by Inuyasha's side but as it is the nobles are already whispering about revolt. After what happened to Lady Akiko… they are scared.” Rin's voice was smaller than he ever remembered hearing it.

“She did almost kill Inuyasha, what did they expect?” Sango sounded flippant and unmoved by the nobles fear.

“They expected that her life would be worth more in my Father's eyes than Lord Inuyasha's.” Rin responded softly. “They think half breeds are worth less than purebreds… Sango does that mean they think my life is completely worthless?” She finished almost sobbing the last word.

Sango stood and Inuyasha heard her feet patter around the bed. The other side of the bed dipped deeply.

“They have no idea about who is worth what. You are worth more to Sesshomaru than anything, you must know that. He would slaughter anyone who thinks ill of you My Lady.” Sango whispered, they were rocking then, the movement lulling Inuyasha back in to his muddled dreams.

The next time Inuyasha woke it was dim in the room, he could hear music although it was faint. It must be dinner. He thought finally opening his eyes and looking around the deserted room. He didn't recognize it, the large room was filled with western furniture including an expansive armoire in the corner, carved with intricate scenes of the country side. The bed he was resting on was raised off of the floor by legs it seemed. Sesshomaru is really odd. He thought pulling himself to the edge of the bed to peer at the strange feet attached to the legs.

He sat feeling much better than the last time he had woken although his skin felt as though it was covered with grime. He sniffed himself delicately, pulling away as is body odor hit is nose. I really need a bath. He thought pushing himself to his feet and scenting the air searching for the nearest hot spring.

He followed the scent of clean water to a door at the side of the room. Opening it he followed a corridor much like the one in his own rooms that lead to a private bathing chamber. I must have been in Sesshomaru's rooms then. He realized looking around the deserted bathing chamber before lowering himself in to the warm water. No one should be coming to check on me for a while, it smelled like the food was still being served. He contemplated allowing his protesting muscles to relax in the soothing bath.

Twenty minutes later he was back in the room he had come to think of as Sesshomaru's feeling much more like himself after a good scrubbing. He walked to the bed still wearing his soiled Nagajuban. I wonder where I can find some clean clothes. He pondered this as he ran his hand across the bed he had been sleeping in earlier.

The door behind him creaked open suddenly making him jump and turn to see who it was. Sesshomaru stood before him staring in sock at the clean, damp, and most importantly awake hanyou.

“You have bathed…” His brother commented as though dazed.

“Uh yeah I kinda smelled. How long was I out?” He asked running his fingers over the silk Nagajuban he wore.

“Three days.” Sesshomaru replied stepping farther in to the room and closing the door solidly behind him.

“Oh… so what happened to me? The last thing I remember we were talking on the dais, then I was here.” He explained sitting on the bed behind him.

“You were attacked by the traitor Akiko.” Sesshomaru growled as he spoke the name of his attacker.

“Uh… should I know who that is?” He asked curious as to whom would want to harm him.

“She is our Obaasan.” He explained grimacing.

Inuyasha shrugged in indifference. “Oh yeah I remember her.” He sighed wondering how long he would be allowed to stay after this stunt.

“Why are you not more distressed over her behavior?” Sesshomaru asked looking at Inuyasha strangely.

“Eh it's not like this is the first time one of my family members has tried to kill me. By the way was poison involved, these scars look like the ones from when you pushed your hand through my abdomen.” He commented poking at the cloth covered scarring.

“Yes she injected more poison than I have ever seen on Inu use in one attack.” Sesshomaru sounded stiff.

“Makes sense I was out for way longer than last time.” He glanced at his brothers uncomfortable stance. “Look I'm not mad okay, I wasn't mad at you and I sure as shit ain't mad at that old biddy. People hate me until they get to know me, it's kinda the story of my life.” Inuyasha explained leaning back and letting his body rest. God I'm too tired for all this emotional shit. He thought stretching and yawning widely.

“Look this is your room right?” He asked aware that he was taking up his brothers bed. “So if you could help me I'll head back to my rooms and rest until I'm better and then I'll leave.” He explained thinking he had upset his brother by being attacked on his property. “That way there won't be any more fighting because of me.” He sat up and smiled widely at his brothers still form. “Thanks for the offer or whatever but I think I am causing you way too much trouble to be worth keeping around.”

Sesshomaru stared at him with cold blank eyes for a moment making Inuyasha shift uncomfortably. “I mean if you just want me to leave now I could do that too.” He mumbled feeling stupid at assuming Sesshomaru wanted him to stay a moment longer than necessary. He closed his eyes in distress wishing he had enough time to explain everything to his friends.

Suddenly the hanyou felt himself embraced by a warm strong body, is brothers face was smothered in his hair, Inuyasha felt him take in a deep breath of the hanyous scent.

“I do not wish for you to leave now or ever.” Sesshomaru whispered exhaling.

End Chapter Eight!

So there you go longest chapter so far and Inuyasha woke up so yay!

Next chapter will focus on Sesshomaru from the P.O.V. change in the middle of this chapter. So that should be exciting! I hope you all don't hate me too much but I wanted to get something out as this chapter took so long!

You are all my most wonderful muses and I love your reviews! I will be responding to them in the next few days. Sorry for the delay I have been pretty sick with food poisoning! Bleh.

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