InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dubious Relations ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Dubious Relations

Chapter 4

Several Centuries in the Past…

The dog demoness looked ruffled, her white, cherry blossom, silk kimono looked as though it had been thrown on a few minutes before. With a quiet, almost feral growl, she dug through the many, many bottles and jars of herbs, her claws scratching faintly at the wooden shelves which held them.

She needed to find the herb; she needed to kill the pup. She couldn't allow it to survive! Not with whom its father wasn't!

In the faint light of the torch she's placed upon the shelving her usually magenta markings were shining bright red, the crescent moon on her forehead much brighter than it was supposed to be; they glowed with the potent feelings of anger and concern racing through her veins and causing her to frown.

She pulled out a clay jar, tore a hole in the material covering it and took a curious, hurried sniff. A moment later she'd thrust it back onto the shelf a growl ready to crawl up her slender throat. Where did the old woman keep it? Where was the Ginseng root?

“Is there someone in there, Lady Chiyo?”

The demoness froze, finding that her limbs were unable to move as the small voice found her ears and the little girl's questioned was answered. She couldn't come in, no-one could find her, not yet, she hadn't found it! Yet she couldn't move.

“It is alright Kaori, go back to bed. I will see who the intruder is.”

The younger girl's voice was a near whisper, frantic but breathy, “But what if they're strong? They could harm or perhaps kill you!”

Chiyo chuckled, her voice holding a cheerful tone despite the topic, “I have seen many springs, child, enough to die happy. You should not worry. Now run along, back to bed we have a busy day tomorrow.”

There was a small noise of agreement followed by the patter of tiny footsteps. The demoness' eyes roamed the shelf for the umpteenth time that night. Her golden eyes widened noticably when a voice pierced through the dusty air in the room.

“Lady Satori, you should be in bed; your mate must miss you.” The elderly demon said as she stepped into the small storage room, her bright green eyes tinted gold from the fire she held in her hand, “You should know better.”

Satori scowled, “I must be rid of the child.”

“This is your own mistake; the pup has no part of it.”

The demoness turned completely, so she was facing the elderly healer. With clawed hands she readjusted her kimono, pulling it further up her shoulders and over her chest, her milky skin shining a silvery gold. She sneered, “The pup is the mistake!”

Chiyo, with calm, almost pity-filled eyes shook her head, “You will not be able to harm the child. Even if its sire isn't Lord Touga, he is your mate and must know of your actions and agree to them before you are able to exterminate it.”

“I do not fear death, nor do I beckon it. You cannot stop me.” Satori shakily drew her hair from her eyes, "If I rid myself of the child, all will be forgiven. I will not die."

With a nod, Chiyo turned and began to walk slowly to the door, her body hunched over on itself, “You are right, my Lady, please forgive this elderly demon. I'm afraid my memory isn't as it was or should be. The Ginseng root can be found on the shelf above your head, to the right.”

Satori tipped her head back, seemingly regaining her composure with the healer's apology, so her nose was in the air as she stood, her eyes flickering between the wooden shelving and the neatly packed herbs and ointments and the elderly demon just about out the door. She picked up the clay jug and tore open its material covering, “Should you not mention this meeting to a single soul, you are forgiven.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Lord Sesshomaru, look! Look at all the pretty butterflies!” The little human girl called as she crouched next to a field of rainbow coloured flowers, seemingly each the resting place for a topaz butterfly.

Sesshomaru didn't respond, but turned his head, watching the small girl giggle and poke at a butterfly resting on the flower in front of her. She giggled as it fluttered up, into her face and caused her to topple backwards. With emotionless, golden eyes the demon Lord turned to face his loyal retainer, rather annoyed at the imps staring; he'd been doing so since they'd left home a day and a half ago.

Jaken jumped and began to stutter as pink eyelid was flashed in his direction, then golden eyes were set upon him, “I-I'm sorry m'Lord! I did not mean to stare!” He shielded his head with the staff of the two heads, still squawking, “B-But, as your most loyal servant, I think you should remain at the castle! You are carrying a pup after all, m'Lord!”

Sesshomaru regarded the toad demon with a level stare, one that made Jaken squawk again and wave his free hand about, “I-I mean - it would not be the best for his Lordship to endanger himself! Not that you are unable to defend yourself, m'Lord, but your mate would not appreciate risking you or the pup's life!”

Again, the demon Lord said nothing and turned back to the field Rin had been admiring. He supposed Jaken was right, and he may have heeded his retainer's words had he particularly cared about the pup or had a mate. Being out and about, fighting demons and tracking Naraku made it easier for the demon Lord to make his destroying the pup look like an accident. He had been hoping to run into something that would be able to pierce his armour without looking suspicious.

However, it seemed as though fate was not on his side. Sesshomaru hadn't wanted Rin to be present for this battle; she would worry and he did not wish to see her sad eyes or her tears; they stank of salt. And they hadn't come across any villages in need of `saving'. Sesshomaru was beginning to tire of humans; they were such pathetic creatures…

Rin's small voice piped, “Pup? Are we getting a puppy, Lord Sesshomaru?” The girl grinned broadly at the thought of a pet, “Can Rin name it?” She asked hopefully whilst pointing at herself.

Sesshomaru cast a carefully blank expression down at his charge, mindful to not insult the small girl, and opened his mouth to reply, only to be cut off by his now angered servant. Jaken squawked indignantly, “Of course not, stupid child! It would be disgraceful for someone as brilliant as Lord Sesshomaru to possess such a weak creature as a companion!”

“But you said Lord Sesshomaru was carrying a puppy.” The little girl said in wonder. She peered back up as Sesshomaru, her head tilting curiously, “Where are you carrying the puppy, my Lord? Can Rin see it?”

Once again Jaken replied immediately, “Must you ask foolish questions, human? Lord Sesshomaru is pregnant!” The toad demon said as he waved his hands and staff around.

Rin blinked innocently, her eyebrows furrowing as she thought, “Why do we call Lord Sesshomaru a boy, if he's a girl, Master Jaken?”

“Of course his Lordship is a man!”

“But how can my Lord be pregnant if he's a boy?”

Sesshomaru watched the exchange silently, his attention mostly cast upon the little girl riddling about his current state of health. Her lack of knowledge was to be expected; she was young and human. She didn't understand much of demon culture, let alone that some demon men could reproduce. Sesshomaru would worry as to the reason she did, if she had.

“Jaken, enough.” The toad demon immediately shut his mouth, as though he'd been hit and didn't want to be harmed again. Sesshomaru turned his golden gaze back to Rin. She was staring up at him with wide, curious eyes, “Do you remember when I explained how demons and humans differ greatly?” The girl nodded, “Some demon males are capable of going through heat, which in turn can allow them to carry children.”

Rin's already large eyes, widened further as her face shined with a huge smile, “So… Rin is going to be a big sister?” She asked.

Sesshomaru remained still and silent for a moment. His chest seemed to ache slightly, though he could not think of a reason for that to happen. He hadn't eaten anything and he couldn't remember being wounded at any stage during the past week. He ignored it and inclined his head, “Yes, Rin.”

“Wow! Really? Can it be a boy? Rin misses her old brother.” She seemed high on the news as she grinned like a little fool and giggled excitedly.

Sesshomaru watched with careful eyes as she ran around, chattering about all the fun things she could do with her new sibling. When her noise halted abruptly she was standing by his white clad legs once again.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, “What is wrong, Rin?”

“Lord Sesshomaru,” The human girl started, her right index finger fingering her now pouting lip, “What's heat?”

“Chiyo will explain it to you when you are older.”

Rin nodded, content with his answer.

Sesshomaru watched as she ran back to the flower-filled field and wondered if there'd been a time when he'd been so easily pleased. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been satisfied with something as simple as a few words.

He turned and began heading down the path, hearing the bell-like giggle of his charge and the parrot-like squawk of his retainer as they noticed his moving. Ah Un added a low growl to their racket.

Sesshomaru ignored them for the most part; he needed to find Inuyasha, just as he needed to keep his end of their agreement. His nose twitched as he took in a small breath. Inuyasha was west.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The surrounding forest was wasted; all the vegetation what was supposed to be green was a dead greyish-purple, whilst everything that was supposed to be brown was grey and lifeless. Each leaf was either crumbling on the ground or hanging from their original branch or twig just about ready to dive and join its siblings. The air felt like it could choke them and Inuyasha found that the soil beneath his bare feet felt hot. This had to be Naraku.

Inuyasha's ears perked, twitching ever so slightly as he listened for danger. He sniffed, finding that there was the faint scent of death and bugs lurking amongst the acidic smell that was from the area. His black brows furrowed, Naraku didn't smell like he'd been here all that long. His scent should have been stronger considering the villagers had claimed he'd been here for over a month.

They came to the edge of the forest and halt. Miroku was the first to comment on the cave in front of them, just across the clearing, “I can feel an evil entity inside, however I can't tell if it's Naraku.”

“Can you sense any jewel shards, Kagome?” Sango asked as she hopped off Kilala. The slayer stroked the fire-cat's fur in gratitude for the ride, her eyes on the reincarnated priestess.

Kagome hesitated, “I don't think so, I can't really tell.”

“What do you mean you `can't tell?' It's not like there's a barrier or anything.”

“I mean I don't know, Inuyasha!” Kagome glared momentarily before turning back to the cave. “That's not Naraku.”

Inuyasha's ears flicked, “And how do you know that?”

“It's just a feeling I have.”

“What are you, a witch?”

Kagome glared, “I told you, it's just a feeling I have. Stop picking on me, Inuyasha!”

Golden eyes widened with surprise as Inuyasha watched Kagome turn around as she begun to walk away. The half-breed had to take a moment to process Kagome's words, “Er. You don't want to check it out, just in case?” He asked, with his ears perked almost comically.

She paused mid-step and turned to face her friends again. She looked surprised or worried. Shippo spoke up this time from his place on Miroku's left shoulder, “Are you feeling alright Kagome?” He asked with a blink of his large pea green eyes.

“Yes, of course, why wouldn't I be?” The girl answered, smiling as she did. Her wrist flicked and her right hand rose to her chest, as though she was holding something. She seemingly noticed a moment later and instantly threw her hands to her sides again.

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, squinting suspiciously, “Are you sure? You're still acting weird.”

“I'm fine! Really!”

The half-breed nodded; this wasn't the time to interrogate Kagome, not when Naraku could be lurking in the cave ahead of them. With a twitch of his nose, Inuyasha stated, “I'm pretty sure I can smell him.”

Kagome's eyes became wide, “Who?” She asked.

“Naraku.”

“Perhaps it would be safer to ensure Naraku isn't inside that cave.” Miroku spoke up from beside Sango, his right hand (the one closest to Sango) holding his staff. “If it is not Naraku we may find a jewel shard. Kagome is most likely still suffering from the effects of Naraku's miasma, she probably can't feel the jewel shards as clearly as she would have, had she been completely healthy.”

The explanation seemed to appease everyone's doubts and they gathered their wits and courage, leaving the little safety the forest provided and stepped out into the large clearing. Inuyasha lead the group, with Kagome right behind him and Miroku bring up the rear. The light breeze was tainted by the vulgar acidic scent blew Inuyasha's hair from his face. That was strange… Naraku's scent seemed to have disappeared.

“Something smells of Naraku!” Shippo called from atop Miroku's shoulder, “It's faint, but I can smell him.” He said proudly, before he shivered, “Hey, er, if it is Naraku, wouldn't it be better for me to stay out here? I'm just a little kid after all.”

“Be brave Shippo, we may very well need your demonic powers.” Miroku said in a comforting voice. The fox demon let out a shaky whimper and nodded, and clung to Miroku's robes tighter.

Inuyasha snorted when he heard their exchange, his eyes closing briefly with amusement.

As they neared the cave, Inuyasha realised there was a soft growling coming from it, a noise that sounded like a dog's happy growl, when it was getting its tummy rubbed. Inuyasha stopped and gestured for the others to do so as well.

The demon looked like a much larger version of a caterpillar, with a pointed head and large lumps on either side of it. Inuyasha presumed they were its eyes. It was a greyish green colour from what the half-breed could tell in the little light within the cave. Its breathing was being released in a slow, calming rhythm.

“It's asleep.”

“That's strange,” Sango admonished, her right hand poised at the knot on her hirakotsu. She'd changed into her slayer uniform as soon as they'd sensed a demon, “It should have scented us by now.”

Inuyasha bent his knees and thrust his torso forward, readying his Tessaiga, “Who cares, let's just kill the thing and get going. The longer it's asleep the better.”

His sword clinked sharply as he began to draw it, just as it began to glow a silvery white and grew to an enormous size. He smirked, finally, something he could take his feeling out on and not feel guilty about. His eyes narrowed further and he sneered. The demon morphed into an image of his brother, laying back in his fur, his annoying smirk and belittling gaze focussed on him. Damn the bastard…

He swung the Tessaiga, “Windsc-”

“Do you have no honour, half-breed, to be able to attack a sleeping foe?” Inuyasha paused mid-strike, the Tessaiga landing heavily on the ground with barely a spark of power. He pivoted on his left foot and glared at the intruder. He cursed quietly when he realised it really was Sesshomaru.

The demon was standing as tall and as perfectly as ever, on the outskirts of the forest, where they'd been just moments before. His right and only arm lay slackly by his side, not one of his weapons drawn. His hair blew back like an impressive platinum white cape in the breeze that blew into his face.

Inuyasha heard Shippo wail about Sesshomaru's appearance, and growled as his friends stepped back. Kagome hadn't moved and seemed to be eyeing Sesshomaru with an uncharacteristically calculating stare.

Inuyasha's chest tightened when he noticed this, “What's that supposed to mean? It's not like it's completely innocent; if you haven't noticed this forest's dead.”

“It is an infant moth demon and it is the beginning of the harvesting season. It has been and will remain slumbering for some time. It did not dissimilate this forest.”

“A baby?” Miroku echoed.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, “I do not expect the likes of mortals to understand honour or demons. The cause for this forest's destruction is further north of this location, this demon has done nothing deserving of your group's hatred, little brother. You risk what little honour you have by attacking it.”

Inuyasha held Tessaiga out in front of him, ready to strike should Sesshomaru pull a fast one on him. The jackass had some nerve in breaking their deal then popping up and expecting him to follow his orders. The half-breed snarled, “Listen bastard, fuck off! We were doing just fine on our own.”

Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly, causing the wind to lift his bangs over his head, revealing the Prussian blue moon marking on his forehead clearly, Inuyasha found himself watching his brother's marking acutely, knocked out of his staring as Sesshomaru turned. He spoke in a level, mellow voice, “Your actions are none of this Sesshomaru's concern. I will not impede them.”

Inuyasha watched with furrowed brows and a frown as Sesshomaru leisurely sauntered away. It angered Inuyasha to have been lectured once again, in front of his friends. He was livid at his brother's arrogance. His golden eyes, now filled with frustration turned to the cave, to where the snoozing demon was still lying. It had started to snore, small, almost cute hiccups. The half-breed scowled darkly. How'd the hell did Sesshomaru know this demon hadn't done this? How the hell did the bastard know that it would remain asleep?

“Oi, Sango. What do you know about moth demons?”

The demon slayer looked surprised by Inuyasha's abrupt question, her eyes falling on his red clad form immediately, “Not much.” She admitted ruefully, “Moth demons themselves aren't very volatile, but I know near nothing of their young and their habits.”

“Do you know if they sleep for long periods of time and what happens after they wake?”

“No. The members of my village were never told of when an infant awoke,” She paused and fingered her chin curiously, “They were always exterminated before they were able to.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sesshomaru's eyes stared noncommittally towards the full moon, reflecting it as though they were made from glass. The air was cool, the breeze refreshing against his skin and markings; he'd been feeling hot. Along with the breeze, Sesshomaru found that the silence of the night was welcomed. The demon Lord's day had been filled with giggling, yabbering and groaning, and his brother's yells hadn't eased his head's aching, only made it worse. The quiet was almost heavenly to Sesshomaru's elegantly, pointed ears.

He heard the snapping and crumpling of already dead leaves. The half-breed was here, just as Sesshomaru had expected. Inuyasha was far too predictable some days. He raised his hand and rested it on his pelt, flattening it down so he could view his brother as he bounded through the deadened forest. Inuyasha had no idea of subtlety or stealth.

“Won't your friends worry about your whereabouts, little brother?” He asked monotonously, his eyes returning to staring at the blinking stars.

He heard Inuyasha snort, “Like you care. Where do you get off just appearing like that? It's been two weeks since our time in the cave; in my eyes you've already broken your end of the agreement, so what are you doing here?”

Sesshomaru's cold gaze slowly dropped so it was on Inuyasha's sneering face, “Not that it is any of your business, half-breed, but this Sesshomaru had other matters to attend to before I did you.”

“So you broke our deal in order to attend to these `matters'? What's wrong, that toad get lonely?”

Golden eyes flashed and narrowed as Sesshomaru turned from his place sitting on a rock, “Jaken is my servant, nothing more. You would do well to remember that.” Sesshomaru said, stressing his point with a crude crack of his knuckles.

“Whatever.” Sesshomaru watched as Inuyasha's own eyes narrowed. After a moment of silence the half-breed spoke again, “Oi, what's up with you?” The demon Lord raised a brow, expecting Inuyasha to elaborate, which the half breed did after he let out a quick growl, “You're glowing, why?”

Sesshomaru's blood froze, though his surprise didn't break through the uncaring mask he carried. He stood, ready to leave, “You're eyes are deceiving you.”

“Like hell they are! You're glowing a blue-white colour! Don't tell me you can't tell? What have you gone, blind?”

“I do not appreciate your appalling sense of humour, half-breed. Stop it, now.”

Inuyasha stood up straight with his left brow quirked, “You mean you're not joking, you really can't tell?” The half-breeds face was a billboard for his emotions and Sesshomaru could tell that he was sincerely confused.

Sesshomaru's blood began to pump rapidly through his veins. His gaze hardened and fell from his half-brother's face to the ground. He then gazed down at his clawed hand. He was glowing? Chiyo wasn't playing some sadistic prank on him as she had when he was younger? Why couldn't he see that - that he was mated?! There wasn't any mark!

The demon Lord's voice was a low, feral hiss when he looked up from the deadened earth beneath them, “Leave my sight immediately, half-breed. Leave before I choose to end your pathetic existence.”

When Inuyasha didn't move and instead attempted to question his orders, Sesshomaru lunged, his claws beared and aimed for Inuyasha's neck. The disgrace would die! He would not be allowed to get away with his claiming him!

“What the fuck-” Inuyasha swore as he threw himself to the left, only narrowly dodging Sesshomaru's now glowing green claws. Sesshomaru growled in response, his eyes red and blue, his fangs bared, “What's wrong with you?”

“You will die, tonight, half-breed! I will not allow this indiscretion to go unpunished!”

“What fucking indiscretion?”

Inuyasha reached for Tessaiga's hilt, drawing it rapidly as Sesshomaru lunged again. Sesshomaru managed to deflect the blade, his whip flowing from his hand gracefully and deadly. He flicked it again, aiming for the half-breed's face. Inuyasha lifted the Tessaiga to shield himself and cursed when he realised he'd lost sight of Sesshomaru. With awesome speed, the demon had managed to rush his brother from behind, causing Inuyasha to dodge clumsily, before Sesshomaru lunged again. He wouldn't miss this time, not with the half-breed still recovering!

His claws were close, so close, Sesshomaru could just about feel the heat radiating from Inuyasha's skin against them, before an avid burning caused him to snarl and draw his hand back, its green glow disappearing immediately. The skin leading up to his neck from his left shoulder was ablaze, it felt like he could combust at any moment. And Sesshomaru found that he was fading; Inuyasha was being replaced by a gold then white light. The half-breed was watching him with disbelief from behind it.

What was this? Inuyasha couldn't be causing it, it's power sourced seemed close, far too close.

Sesshomaru snarled and threw his head from side to side, seeking the half-breed as soon as the light had dissipated, his shoulder still aching, though less than it had. But the Inuyasha was gone; Sesshomaru didn't recognise the area as being near the one him and his companions had travelled through at all. He drew in several deep, ragged breathes, calming himself, finding himself incapable of thought. As he did he felt the last strands of pure energy leave the air and followed it to his Tensaiga.

Sesshomaru scowled. The sword really was useless. Didn't it understand his predicament? Didn't it understand that he was now mated to a disgrace, a half-breed who his father had died for?

The demon Lord's mind stopped working for a second. It churned slowly back into life. He was mated… The sentence didn't seem possible and it wouldn't flow through Sesshomaru's mind smoothly. It rocked and threw itself almost painfully into the inner walls of his skull. When had Inuyasha marked him? His hand felt around his neck again, checking and rechecking the expanse of pale flesh. Why couldn't he see or feel a mating mark?

Sesshomaru glanced about, seeking a landmark he knew. He found one immediately: his castle, standing proudly on his hill. He was on the opposite side to the gate. Sesshomaru reset his composure so that it was flawlessly indifferent and cold. He took a large, long stride. His healer had some questions to answer.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"He is vulnerable?" A small albino girl nodded mutely, causing Naraku to smirk smugly. "Then we must act. Kanna, be sure you watch our guest. Keep her entertained whilst I am away." The girl didn't move, she didn't do anything, not even watch as the half-demon in purple took off from his window large with a chilling chuckle.

She readjusted her mirror as she walked down to the lower levels of the castle, her eyes unseeing until she reached her destination. These rooms were made to be a makeshift cells with beds. She walked to the door of one of the rooms and peered through the gaps Naraku's vines allowed.

She spoke with an emotionless voice, "Two more guests will be arriving soon."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Woffy: I've had a touch of writer's block, everything past the second scene change wouldn't come out, so… Yeah, forgive me and my crappiness. This chapter is so choppy I'm about ready to rewrite it. Later though, I need critique or some type of comment to work off. They'll help me work out what I need to change and what I need to keep.

On another note, my updating might slow down from a chapter a week, to something longer than that. School starts again next week, so if you don't hear from me it's because of my assignments, exams or because my brain has exploded.

Thank you to my reviewers:

Strawberry_chaos: lol, I hadn't been planning a lemon (or any really) from the start. Sorry to disappoint, but (other than having sticky beaks for brothers) I really don't see much of a point for them. Not at this point anyway, but my plot's changing, so you never know! I make no promises though.

asialisek: Glad you're liking this fic! I'm an avid uke!Sesshomaru fan, and I understand what you're getting at completely. So, if I do head towards the path of bubbliness, please slap me and tell me to go back. It'll be appreciated. :)

To you both: Thanks for the kick-ass reviews! You're both awesome!

Erm… I know it can get annoying to say this every chapter, but review again? Please?