InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Divergence ❯ Chapter 10

Divergence

 

Canto X

 

“I am! Yet what I am none cares or knows

My friends forsake me like a memory lost,

I am the self consumer of my woes…”

 

-I Am, John Crare

 

The pale still form of Sesshoumaru looked over the grounds surrounding his keep. Pale moonlight bathed his gardens and made them glow. For a moment Sesshoumaru felt a brief burst of pride inside him. Only for a moment. A breeze suddenly kicked up blowing his long fringe out of his eyes. His face tightened fleetingly before he closed his eyes and leaned against the railing of the balcony off of his study. Hell. Hellfire. Damnation. Fuck. Halfheartedly his thumped his fist against the wooden railing, bowing his head. Everything was falling apart. For a little less than 200 years he'd ruled. When his father had been killed he'd gained control and had maintained it since then. The beginning had been difficult, but it had evened out. He'd had nothing to fear but a few small rebellions every couple decades. He enemies feared him. His people respected him. Other rulers envied him. But not now…

 

The threat of Naraku had waned until Sesshoumaru simply couldn't bother himself with the demon any longer. But not now…

 

Sesshoumaru took a deep breath and raised his head looking over his lands again. In a rare show of mortality his ran a clawed hand through his hair in frustration.

 

“You couldn't sleep either.”

 

The dai-youkai didn't outwardly show his surprise as he turned sharply to find Inuyasha behind him. The hanyou ignored the threatening stare that he was being given and stepped around Sesshoumaru so he could lean on the railing like Sesshoumaru had been seconds before. The hanyou had been here for less than a week. Two days after his initial arrival he had disappeared for two days before returning. It had been three days since then. Sesshoumaru pretended to be oblivious to Inuyasha taking over some of the smaller but still taxing responsibilities around the keep. In turn the half-breed had stayed away from him. The two brothers had only encountered each other at meals when they both bothered to show up at all. Sesshoumaru was in slight shock because he hadn't heard the half-breed sneak up behind him. He was sure that he was going to be harassed for it and prepared himself for a half-assed game of wits that would lead to some kind of violent reaction. Surprisingly it didn't come. The half-breed was silent, his eyes closed and his head tipped back into the wind. Sesshoumaru erased him from his thoughts completely then and allowed himself to brood some more. They stayed out there until the moon disappeared and the sun began to rise from behind the distant mountains. Then without saying anything Inuyasha left leaving Sesshoumaru to watch his retreating back.

 

 

 

Two days later they were forced to meet again, this time in the library. Sesshoumaru had finally taken a break and had been in there since early morning reading the journal of one of his ancestors. All the servants knew he was in there and knew better to bother him, so Sesshoumaru was surprised and annoyed when he heard the door open. He saw his brother walk in, glance at him sitting by the window before dismissing him and disappear into the bowels of the library. Sesshoumaru decided not to dwell on it and returned his book, ignoring the twisting feeling in his stomach.

 

 

 

The next day Kagura showed up and everyone in the castle heard of her displeasure at being left behind. Her voice could be heard for hours.

 

 

 

“So how have things been going?” Kagura asked hoarsely.

 

Inuyasha shot her an amused look and shrugged. He hadn't spoken to anyone except the odd servant or adviser for days. It felt odd having a conversation. Kagura seemed to pick up on this and silently sunk onto a cushion by the large fire place. Inuyasha sat down next to her and remained silent as she took the chambers given to him. They weren't extravagant, but were far nicer than any place he had ever lived in before.

 

“Inuyasha.”

 

The hanyou turned when Kagura called him and found himself subjected to a blunt questioning and slightly concerned look. He swallowed harshly and looked away. He heard Kagura sigh sadly next to him.

 

“Honestly, you two are perfect for each other. You're both so stupid!”

 

Inuyasha felt himself flush hotly and glared angrily at Kagura. “What the hell do you know? I do not want that stupid bastard!”

 

“You're only saying that because you think he won't have you,” Kagura said calmly.

 

Inuyasha ran a hand violently through his hair and smoothly got to his feet to begin pacing, his ears flicking back and forth in agitation. “I don't understand what is happening to me!” he snapped finally, not looking at Kagura. He stopped and stared at the floor for a moment before pacing again. “The soul wants Sesshoumaru. But I don't understand why! My youkai wants Sesshoumaru and it keeps telling me what a good mate he'd be, how'd he provide for me! Lately every decision I'd make I'd do it thinking about how it would bring me closer to him. But I can't. . . .He won't. . . .” He collapsed to his knees in front of Kagura and looked up at her through his bangs. “Everything's been. . . .” His voice trailed off and he looked away. “I'm so. . . .tired.”

 

Kagura reached forward and cupped Inuyasha's cheek. He looked up at her again. She smiled softly and tilted her head to the side. “For a long time I wanted to be close to Sesshoumaru. He's very presence does that to people, but Inuyasha. . . .” She paused and tilted his face up. “He's not meant to be with me.”

 

Inuyasha flushed again and averted his gaze to the side again. “I really shouldn't care. All he's done to me. . . .How he sees me.” The half-demon made a face and turned to look at Kagura again, chagrined. “I should be cutting him up into little pieces, not swooning over him.”

 

“When did you realize that you started to like him?” Kagura asked curiously, still cupping Inuyasha's face so he couldn't pull away from him.

 

Inuyasha's ears flicked again and he mumbled something incoherent as a blush once again spread across his cheeks.

 

“What was that?”

 

He cleared his throat and answered without looking at her. “After he escorted me to the fire-wielder and left. At first the soul just said it thought that Sesshoumaru was funny but then it started whispering about him all the time, which got my youkai all rallied up.”

 

Kagura hummed thoughtfully and at length released Inuyasha. He leaned back from her and settled on the floor in front the fire, blinking blearily. For a while the only sounds in the room was the rustling of the fire. He stared into it silently, curling in on himself as his thoughts whirled away without him. What could have been hours later, Kagura chuckled softly, causing Inuyasha to look up at her in question.

 

“I don't understand why but I want to help. I don't like seeing you this way.”

 

He looked away from her without saying anything and felt Kagura move closer to him. “I don't know how to make Sesshoumaru pull his head out of his ass long enough to see what you two could do together, the impact you two could make. But I'll help. You freed me from Naraku and I need somewhere to be.”

 

Inuyasha smirked up at her with hooded eyes. “Lovely.”

 

“Isn't it?”

 

The hanyou closed his eyes and sighed. He felt a hand at his elbow, forcing him to his feet and allowed himself to be led over to his raised futon. He was pushed roughly onto it and landed with a `oomph'. He blinked up at Kagura owlishly as she tugged off his shirt and pushed him further onto the bed.

 

“Go to sleep,” she commanded sharply, standing up and moving to the fireplace. With an almost careless wave of her hand she blew it out and moved purposely to the door. She turned and stared into his eyes which were reflecting the little bit of light that managed to get through the window. He blinked at her again before turning over and doing as told. Kagura stared at him for a few more silent moments before sliding the door shut softly and walking away.

 

 

 

Honestly with his brother tiptoeing around making a annoyance of himself Sesshoumaru thought that he would be used to people popping in on him when he wanted to be alone. Despite this the dai-youkai started minutely before groaning silently to himself when he heard and scented Kagura walking into his private chambers like she owned them. He didn't even bother to turn to look at her and continued to draft the letter he was working on. She stopped in front of him and bowed respectfully.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru,” she greeted.

 

He glanced up at her to show he acknowledged her presence.

 

“May I speak to you about a certain subject?” she asked carefully.

 

He gave a little nod.

 

“May I speak freely?”

 

Annoyed now, Sesshoumaru waved his free hand dismissively.

 

“Why is it you continue to look down on Inuyasha when all he wishes to do is help you and your lands?”

 

Sesshoumaru placed his brush down and looked up at Kagura, frowning. The wind witch crossed her arms, all pretense of respect gone.

 

“I retract that statement. No you may not speak freely.”

 

“I'm sorry but you no longer have a choice. I'm just curious.”

 

“That is none of your concern and it is not your place to ask that of me.”

 

“Well it is my concern. If Inuyasha doesn't get some rest soon he'll die and Naraku will be able to collect me again.”

 

“I can see how that would be a problem for you,” Sesshoumaru said blandly. “However, it is not my problem if the half-breed cannot care for himself.”

 

Kagura's face hardened and her brows drew inward. If she were not a guest in his home, Sesshoumaru had no doubt that her reaction would have been far more violent. But she just took a deep breath and released it, before tilting her head to the side. Her cinnamon colored eyes slowly took him in as if for the first time. Then she snorted as if displeased.

 

“His name is Inuyasha not half-breed. He is second in line for your position. Without effort he could destroy your lands and every living thing within them. He houses an elemental soul inside his body, which I understand is quite difficult. More than five months ago he was captured by Naraku and held up in a castle full of poisonous miasma. Sometimes he would have to wait days before even allowed a cup of water to drink. When he finally managed to get himself out of Naraku's grasp, note that he was severely injured, so injured in fact I'm sure that many first class demons wouldn't have been able to move, he awakened. Then the same day he regained consciousness he was forced, by you, to go off and find the fire-wielder. He was trained nonstop for five weeks, lord Sesshoumaru.” Kagura paused before continuing. “If you think Lord Sesshoumaru you will realize that Inuyasha has not stopped to rest for more than seven months. Even as a demon. . . .”

 

Sesshoumaru got her point and briefly felt a bit of worry for his half-breed half-brother. Briefly and only a bit.

 

“Tell him to sleep then.”

 

Kagura's eyes widened comically and her arms dropped to her side limply. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish's before she snapped it shut.

 

“Have you ever tried to tell Inuyasha to do anything? Have you? It's like trying to pull you teeth out with a wooden spoon. You just can't.”

 

Sesshoumaru was a little surprised at Kagura's outburst but only blinked at her once before seemingly dismissing her, looking back to his letter. “I will speak to him.”

 

That was all that Kagura had wanted so she nodded before walking out of Sesshoumaru's chambers, closing the door softly behind her.

 

 

 

And for the first time in a long time Sesshoumaru actually talked to Inuyasha. The two of them had once again run into each other in the library. Inuyasha had claimed the window seat and Sesshoumaru simply glanced at him as he walked by, not intending to say anything. But then he saw Inuyasha yawn and rub at his eyes tiredly. The dai-youkai paused on his way to his corner and Inuyasha looked up to lock gazes with him.

 

“I suggest you sleep more.”

 

Inuyasha deadpanned. “I suggest you and Kagura shove it up your asses.”

 

Sesshoumaru merely stared at him a moment more before continuing to his corner of the library.

 

 

 

Two days later word of a raid on a village came in and the messenger got confused. Usually he would take it straight to his Lord Sesshoumaru. But he had heard that Lord Inuyasha had gained control of the household. The servants were confused as well and to be safe informed both Lords of the messenger's arrival. At nearly the same time the brothers walked into the entrance hall from opposite directions but stilled at the sight of each other. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but because both of them were technically lord of the keep and neither was below the other some sort of hierarchy had to be shown. Both brothers took a step forward then stopped. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and Inuyasha heaved a silent sigh. From the landing above them Kagura watched with interest. A number of servants had stopped their duties as well, waiting to see what would happen. They both stepped forward again and had to stop. Both of them were beginning to look frustrated. Another silent moment passed before they both seemed to make up their minds. Sesshoumaru walked forward and Inuyasha fell in step behind him. They both stopped before the messenger who had watched their every move carefully. Inuyasha stood slightly behind and to the left of Sesshoumaru but did not avert his eyes or bow his head. As if nothing had happened Sesshoumaru commanded the messenger to give his missive. But the servants' thoughts were churning and the messenger would prove to be very loose tongued.

 

 

 

 

 

(AN): I know I normally don't do this but I'd like to thank those who reviewed. Really they're like sugar. . . .Energy. . . .you all understand. But really I'm surprised! I read over all your great reviews and not once has someone told me that I have horrible grammar! No offense to anyone and please, I hope this doesn't turn out to suck for me, but great goomagaloosha! How can you people not notice?! I really hope that it's not as bad for you to read as it is for me cause if it is I wouldn't know what was going on half the time! Okay. . . .I'm done. . . .But one more thing, do you want to responded to your reviews personally, some people get mad if authors don't and no one's said anything yet sooooo…..Okay now I'm really done.