InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dubious Relations ❯ Chapter 10 ( Chapter 11 )

Dubious Relations

Chapter 10

The camp had been quiet for most of the morning, the air filled with the smell of instant ramen and a human girl's chattering. The Priestess seemed excessively happy, as though the fresh air - void of Naraku's putrid miasma - and the open area were causing her to smile as though her lips were being pulled up at the corners by small, invisible hands. Much like Rin did to her own lips when she made a `scary face'. Sesshomaru wondered how humans managed to exist; if such childish looks were seen as shriek inducing. However, Sesshomaru could admit that the cool morning air and the sounds of something other than the albino disgrace's footsteps soothed him. He had yet to continue his morning sickness' usual routine.

At that moment, the human girl wasn't present, having gone to search for a hot spring near by so she could wash herself and alert Sesshomaru so he could do the same. Sesshomaru had disregarded any thought that had formed within his white topped head to tell her of his hearing and far superior nose: there was no water source bar the cold stream they'd camped by for miles.

As Sesshomaru finished picking the last remnants of pink flesh from his breakfast's bones, he heard a quiet, angry mutter. Then he was being spoken to in a dejected tone, “We'll be heading off to find our friends. The Brat and your toad are with them.” Inuyasha pulled his arms closer to him, crossing them under and over each other tightly, “Kagome wants you to come with us. She's worried you might be captured by Naraku or that you'll starve yourself again.”

“I am unable to appreciate your offering like many humans would. Your worry is not needed, nor is it justified.” Sesshomaru tipped his head back proudly, “This Sesshomaru is able to care for himself.”

He found that Inuyasha's gaze immediately moved from the dying fire the Priestess had created that morning to his face immediately. Sesshomaru didn't flinch from the raging bonfire Inuyasha kept in them, nor the anger they displayed so openly. Inuyasha growled, “I'm sure. And it wasn't you who I was practically carrying for half of yesterday?” The half-breed muttered sarcastically, “You're not going to starve yourself again you fucking bastard!”

“I have told you. I do not eat human food.” Sesshomaru remarked with an air of annoyance; sometimes he wondered if Inuyasha's mother had caused his less than perfect hearing; their father's had been of the most perfect of warriors. The demon Lord combed his hair back from his face, briefly flashing pink streaked eyelids his younger brother's way, “Should Naraku had offered me meals fit for demons, I would not have hesitated to consume it. Despite this fact and your fears, Inuyasha, it is essential I hastily return home.”

Inuyasha opened his mouth to argue, and Sesshomaru found that his ears would not hear another of the half breed's words; he wasn't going to stand by and miss his fortnightly check up; Chiyo (as much as it annoyed the demon Lord to feel as though he was being treated like a misbehaving child) was already disappointed in him enough as it was. His clever plan to avoid his latest bout of his humiliating heat had blown up in his face. Horrendously.

“I promised to bring you back before the week was done!” Inuyasha yelled at him from where he sat against a tree. The tree he'd sought to keep watch from the night before. His knuckles were turning white because of his tight grip on his knees as he snarled, “I don't break my promises, jackass!”

Sesshomaru's reply was stated smoothly, without a moments hesitation, “As I do not, Inuyasha. I need not your protection.”

“Like hell! Naraku could be waiting to find you alone again! You were captured once, what in the pits of hell makes you think he's not capable of capturing you again?” Inuyasha paused for a mere moment, before his tone turned from that of a protective, angry father - Sesshomaru wondered briefly if his brick headed brother even realized the child contaminating his being was his as well - to that of an enraged brother that was dead set on causing his ears to bleed by using his volume alone, “And like hell you keep your fucking promises! You fucking ran away and didn't come back right after we were done!” Sesshomaru watched with little interest as Inuyasha's eyes flickered between him and the shrubbery the Priestess had gone through, in her search for a water source.

Sesshomaru sent a level stare down at Inuyasha, “I had more pressing matters; another promise I had to see through. I am afraid I was held up longer than I first expected. My healer had her heart set on keeping this Sesshomaru locked within the castle.”

Inuyasha snorted, and stood as straight as Sesshomaru had ever seen him sit, his arms stuffed inside his crimson haori's opposite sleeves, “Oh yeah? What other matters?”

The demon Lord's eyes were deceivingly uncaring, “I had promised my healer before I had departed that I would return before my heat. However,” Sesshomaru's eyes moved so they were on the remains of the hare he'd had for breakfast, “You distracted me.”

“What?!” Inuyasha yelled and was instantly on his feet, stomping furiously towards him, “You were the one that fucking proposed that we'd do what we did!” Inuyasha's eyes glared down at the demon Lord, threatening to scorch him.

Sesshomaru barely blinked, “You agreed.”

“So what? You were the one who suggested that I help you! I'm sure that straight after that you also promised to protect the rest of my pack!”

“You are going in circles, Inuyasha. I am not required to answer your questions. Should you have any problems with my actions, do not voice them. I do not care.”

It seemed, as their argument petered out into a most uncomfortable silence, that Inuyasha seemed to understand that Sesshomaru did not care. The demon Lord hoped he did; he was not going to put up with his brother's immature tantrums over a small deal he had been keeping, though not to the exact guidelines the half breed had set.

A loud greeting was called to them as they both took to staring at the scenery, “There doesn't seem to be any hot springs or anything near by. But I'm sure that if we'll stumble across one sometime.” The Priestess said with a smile to Sesshomaru. After a moment of silence she frowned and planted her slender hands on her hips, “You two weren't fighting again were you? Stress isn't good for the baby, you know!”

“Cease your prattle, Priestess,” Sesshomaru intoned as he resisted the urge to lift his hand to his temples and rub, rub, rub, he'd been on the receiving end of many headaches these past few weeks, and he did not doubt that they who caused them, “Inuyasha and I have been discussing our travel arrangements. It seems that I must leave you both; I am needed at home.”

The girl's reaction to his news was instantaneous, and far too loud, “You can't go wandering around by yourself!” She exclaimed, worry dotting her childish face, “You might get attacked and hurt! What will your mate say if the baby got hurt?”

Sesshomaru had a few sarcastic comments sealed snuggly behind his lips just waiting to race out. He made sure they remained shut as the Priestess continued to rant and rave about all the reasons he shouldn't go. Sesshomaru's hatred towards the child grew larger; he did not appreciate being treated as though he was the most helpless of babes, he was a proud, strong demon, the Lord of the Western Plains. As such he did not need sitters watching over his every step.

Suddenly, the girl clapped her hands together and smiled brightly, “I know! Myoga's still here, right Inuyasha?” Inuyasha was once again leaning lazily back against his tree, his ears standing at attention though nothing more about his posture indicated he was even awake.

One closed eye slid open, “Yeah. He is. So what?” Sesshomaru spied the flea demon poke his head out from Inuyasha's stained grey hair, his own expression curious.

“Well, why don't we send him with a message to Miroku and Sango, and just ask them to meet us at Sesshomaru's home? You said Jaken and Rin were with them, right? They should know where he lives.” As though seeking a sign of agreement, the girl quickly turned towards the sitting demon Lord.

With little hesitance, Sesshomaru inclined his head. It would be impossible for them to not know of the location of his castle; they lived there also, Ah Un having been raised there with him. The dragon would return after five days out of habit.

“See. We'll just let them know and we can accompany Sesshomaru on his way home. Is that alright Myoga?”

The girl's pleased smile as she continued to complete her plan with the flea was ignored by both demons, and Sesshomaru was sure that his brother's mutter of, “Fan-fucking-tastic.” was completely missed by the human girl. Sesshomaru found himself agreeing with his brother's sentiments silently.

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

“Are we nearly there, Kanna?” Kagura asked impatiently as she flicked her fan in front of her lips, “We have to be close.” She spoke out loud, though she aimed the comment at no one in particular. She didn't expect her younger, smaller and all around juxtaposing sister to answer, and she didn't.

Usually Kagura wouldn't have had a qualm about walking a few miles in the crisp, clean morning air; she did it everyday, as her only ritualistic habit. And it helped the boredom that usually fabricated inside her whilst she wasn't Sesshomaru stalking ebb away. However, there was something incredibly frustrating about walking through a cold, mist filled forest when the sun had barely risen, your feet were soaking and your clothes were slowly dampening completely too. Kagura was annoyed with Naraku's arrogant belief that she'd do whatever he wanted, when he wanted it done. She had been looking forward to finding Sesshomaru that morning. He'd regret the day he'd trapped her, he'd regret it terribly…

“Kanna,” She snapped, “Where are we?”

A small voice, like one that of the tiniest of mice, spoke up from in front of her, “We are in the funerary grounds of the Lords and Ladies of Japan: the Bochishi Valley.” Kagura came to a halt as her younger counterpart did, her mirror still held in her tiny, milk white hands. She opened her mouth to speak, but found Kanna talking again. She pressed her lips together immediately, “We have arrived.”

Magenta eyes lifted to the bare tree they'd stopped in front of, before they slid down its smooth looking, brown bark covered trunk to the stone at its roots. It was an odd tree, a Sakura one with no flowers or leaves. It seemed to throb with anger. The small boulder like stone at the bottom on it was the next thing she scrutinized. It wasn't very big for one of the ruling Ladies of Japan, Kagura realized instantly. It was tiny and plain when she compared it to the elaborate and building sized grave markers she'd examined on the way there with much awe. This one was puny, almost insignificant in the morning shadow that stretched from the Sakura tree.

“Is this the tree the old lady was speaking of, Kanna?” She asked with a frown, as she bowed respectfully at the grave's stone. Kanna didn't reply, as she kept her deadened eyed stare focused on the grave. Kagura then did the same, reading and rereading the name that was scrawled across the top in rushed writing.

This couldn't be Lady Satori's grave. The elderly demoness she'd talked to the day before, she'd given her the impression Sesshomaru's mother was the most beautiful and respected of the Ladies of Japan. How did someone who was so highly spoken of earn such a pathetic grave? It only served to confuse the wind weaver further when she realized her Lord's father was one of - if not the most - influential Lord to rule over the Western Plains. He would have hand enough funds to build something far grander than this pathetic grave marker was. It seemed of near the lowest quality.

Kagura was pulled from her thoughts as Kanna silently - forever noiselessly; it was no wonder why Naraku liked her, it was far easier to talk to someone about your supposedly brilliant plans when they wouldn't contradict your ideas or decisions - stepped lightly across the grave. The albino child pointed to place by the feet of the grave's stone.

“Insert the Shikon Jewel pieces here.” She said monotonously. Kagura nodded and set her facial expression into one of chaste determination. She stepped forward, her eyes on the prize, one of her elegant hands reaching inside her kimono in order to withdraw the four Shikon Jewel pieces she'd hidden there. She wanted to see who this Satori character was; she wanted to know what her Lord had received from his mother, and what she had done to receive such a disgraceful burial. It took her no longer than five minutes to have the jewel fragments in place and the moist ground in front of her shaking.

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

Sesshomaru frowned as the human girl once again - for the fourth time that hour - asked him about his health. He was sure she was doing it to annoy him, even though her worried expressions seemed completely sincere. He was grateful that his brother seemed content with glaring at the back of his head rather than speaking to him; hearing their feet grind against the earth was enough of a reminder that he was being treated like a fragile female.

“What do you need to do once you get home, Sesshomaru?” The Priestess questioned, “You're not going to cause yourself any unnecessary pressure are you? I've already told you want that could do to the baby.” She nodded and crossed her arms. “Hm? Well?” She pressed.

She was like Rin in many ways, Sesshomaru idly mused, just as she was nothing like his young charge. Rin would have realized after her first bout of questioning that he wanted peace, quiet and time to think over whatever he needed to think over. This girl however… Sesshomaru had come to realize that ignoring her wasn't going to cease her chatter.

Sesshomaru's golden gaze slid over to the village they were walking past, “The pup and I are due for a check up. Lady Chiyo, my healer, has told me it is essential that I keep them.”

“That's it?” Sesshomaru didn't slow his pace, keeping his long strides wide and his eyes set ahead of him. They were a mere hour away now, having - much to his own chagrin, he'd found once he'd done so - teleported himself within an couple of hours walking distance of his castle. Inuyasha continued to yell at his back, “We could have had Kaede do that!”

“I do not trust your human healers, Inuyasha.”

“Kaede's treated Inuyasha's wounds before,” Sesshomaru heard the human girl agree sweetly. She then whispered in a hiss threateningly, though Sesshomaru could tell it wasn't directed towards him, “She's a perfectly capable healer.” She continued as though she hadn't begun to mutter to his foolish, younger brother about his manners.

“He's pregnant! Leave him alone! That's your neice or nephew he's carrying!” Sesshomaru heard the girl say, “Okay? If he doesn't feel comfortable with a human healer, then let him be!”

“Fuck that!”

Sesshomaru blinked slowly. There was no reason to attempt to hide something when his brother was one of the people attempting to keep it hidden. Inuyasha knew nothing of tact, let alone the importance of keeping things that weren't meant for a person's ears from them. His brother wasn't taught that it was essential, especially because of who he was related to. Sesshomaru didn't want his foes knowing of his weaknesses; he'd managed to keep Rin from the council's raider for the past six months, he was sure there wasn't going to be any way to keep the pup from the council, but his rivals didn't need more information on him than they already possessed.

“Hey, bastard!” Sesshomaru didn't acknowledge having heard his younger brother, “I want you to be checked by Kaede! I don't give a shit if you don't trust her; I don't fucking trust your healer!”

It seemed Inuyasha had been angry with him since he'd woken up that morning, though Sesshomaru could not think of a single thing he could have done to the half breed to make him feel so. He had been asleep after all.

“Inuyasha!” Sesshomaru heard the Priestess scold him, “Didn't you hear me?”

“He's being a jackass again, Kagome! So what if he's pregnant? He's still healthy.”

“Inuyasha, sit!”

The echoing crash that rung in Sesshomaru's ears was most pleasing. Yet the cruel type of pleasure he received from hearing his brother being put in his place was lined with shame; what would their father think should he see Inuyasha being ordered around by a mere mortal girl? He'd most likely laugh, Sesshomaru realized. His father had had a very vocal, sadistic sense of humor.

He felt relief blossom in his kimono wrapped chest as his castle came into view upon its hill. He heard the couple's bickering cease as he heard the Priestess gasp with awe. He hadn't ever thought it was so amazing. Only the gardens had ever caught the demon Lord's molten eyes.

“You may leave.” Sesshomaru said curtly as he turned to look Inuyasha in the eye, “I am home, there is no reason for you to escort me any further.”

Inuyasha blinked foolishly before he seemed to snap himself out of his daze, “We're not going anywhere until I meet this healer of yours. For all I know you could be lying and planning to dump the Brat, toad and dragon on us.”

“Chiyo is far more skilled than your human healer, Inuyasha.” He clipped, “As for abandoning my companions; I would do no such thing. Rin is my charge, I am responsible for her safety until her destined death or until she chooses to leave my care. It would be dishonorable for me to do anything other than that. Jaken stays with me of his own free will. He has vowed to remain my servant until he feels he has repaid his debt to me, I see no reason to rid myself of his services. He possesses much knowledge despite his eccentric tendencies.”

Inuyasha frowned, his ears flicking with the annoyance that was illustrated on his face, “And the dragon?”

They both ignored the exasperated sigh that erupted from the human girl standing between them and her tired mutterings of the immaturities of their sibling rivalry. However, Sesshomaru knew that this went further than sibling rivalry. Inuyasha had done him wrong, he would not be forgiven easily, if at all.

“He was a gift given to me at birth. He will remain with me until his or my own death, as it is supposed to be.”

A strong gust of wind blew Sesshomaru's platinum white tresses back like an impressive silken cape. His face was in it's default expression: devoid of emotion. A few long moments stretched between them, as they stared each other down. Sesshomaru straightened the slightest bit more, as though his much taller being would make Inuyasha see the futility of his stubbornness. Their competition was interrupted rudely when the human girl tugged at Inuyasha's crimson haori and pointed excitedly up to the Western Castle.

“Look! You can see people moving up there!” She exclaimed, before she turned to Sesshomaru, “You're hou - er - castle, is very beautiful.”

Sesshomaru inclined his head in acknowledgement, sending Inuyasha one last glance before he turned back to his home and the village beneath it, “It is best we hurry. Lady Chiyo will not appreciate my being late.”

The Priestess immediately set herself to a faster pace, her eyes roving hungrily around her, drinking in the beauty of the surrounding forest and the demon soldiers and their families that lived in the village. Sesshomaru heard surprised whispers fly around as they entered and the inhabitants spotted the human girl and his half-breed half brother walking behind him. He would have Katsu give them all a stern talking to.

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

“'My healer's better than yours',” Inuyasha mimicked childishly, with a grouchy expression, before he finished in a muttered snarl, “Jackass.” He flicked his ears once, twice and again after that, as more and more stares bore into him. Surprisingly, Sesshomaru was leading them through a village packed full of demons. Unsurprisingly they were all whispering questions as to why he was present and if Kagome was their next meal. Inuyasha was feeling more irritable than usual, having not bonked Shippo over the head, or beaten some sense into the mangy wolf in weeks. And he was going to kick the next person's ass that mentioned his ears -

“Inuyasha, calm yourself. I do not wish for any of my soldiers to be wounded.” Sesshomaru spoke up, with a high and mighty tone. Inuyasha wondered idly if any of his soldiers thought he was as big a bastard as he thought Sesshomaru was, “I understand that it may be overly complex for your lesser mind; however it is essential that you exercise some self restraint.”

The half demon growled with annoyance, “Fuck off.” He ground out.

The walk to the monstrous doors - Inuyasha didn't understand the point of having doors so big, it wasn't like Sesshomaru couldn't protect himself, or at least, not when he wasn't pregnant with his half brother's child anyway - each side minded by guards in armor much like Sesshomaru's own, but far duller and worn. Did they actually do work? Inuyasha had only ever seen Sesshomaru running about after demons.

The guards called for the gates to be open with respectful bows and wide eyes looks towards him and Kagome. It was a noisy affair as the doors were pulled open, and they walked, at a far more laid back pace, towards the just as huge buildings they protected. Inuyasha couldn't help but stare; the bastard had grown up here? Inuyasha no longer wondered why Sesshomaru seemed so used to the finer things in life, even he was impressed by the castle's grand nature. He couldn't remember stepping inside one of such magnitude.

Abruptly, Inuyasha found himself clasping at his shin. He hadn't expected to be hit around the shins with a bamboo stick by an elderly, frowning demoness and had immediately taken to swearing at the petite demon, “So you are my Lord's youngest son?” She said slowly, her lilac eyes examining him.

Inuyasha swore again as he continued to rub his aching shin, “Yeah, so what?”

“Somehow, I had expected you to be taller.”

His cheeks reddened angrily, whilst Inuyasha's eyebrows pulled themselves together into the centre of his forehead, “I'll show you taller, you old hag!”

“And impolite too.” She noted offhandedly. Didn't she know a threat when she heard one? She was supposed to be fearful!

Inuyasha huffed and glared, cracking his clawed right hand as he brandished it in front of him, “Listen lady, you have three seconds to tell me who the fuck you are, before I turn you into mince meat.” Inuyasha growled, “I don't appreciate being hit around the shins and insulted when I haven't done anything stupid.”

From his left, Inuyasha heard Sesshomaru intone, “She is Lady Chiyo, my healer.”

Inuyasha was silently stunned for a moment, as he (as Chiyo had done before) examined her. She was far older than he had expected her to be. Somehow, he hadn't ever associated Sesshomaru with elderly people; they tended to give advice and Sesshomaru wouldn't have taken it, or their insane chatter in the first place. With an astounded expression, Inuyasha pointed and asked insolently, “This old bag's that healer you had us come here to meet?”

“I had you do nothing, Inuyasha. I had planned to come alone. It was you and the Priestess that chose to follow me.”

Inuyasha frowned, his mouth opening to retort when he, once again, found himself hopping around clasping at his aching shin. The old hag had an arm on her! “I will not hear any more of this. I have already explained to Sesshomaru what is needed for this pup to grow strong and your swearing like a disobedient pup is not one of them.”

Kagome sighed as well, “I told them both that too. But they just don't listen.”

The demoness nodded solemnly, “I see. And what is your purpose here Priestess?”

“Oh, I wanted to make sure Sesshomaru made it home safely. He kind of starved himself for a while. I didn't want him collapsing or anything.” Kagome stuttered from under the demoness' hard gaze. Inuyasha scowled, perhaps she was the person who taught Sesshomaru how to stare as though he wanted to burn a hole through a person's face.

“Why have you not left then?” The hag asked immediately, “My Lord is home safely now, you have no need to be here.”

Inuyasha snorted, “She'd get herself eaten the second she walked out those gates. She's not going anywhere unless I go with her.” With a look of pure stubborn determination, Inuyasha stared the old lady down.

It only took a moment of hard staring back for her to turn and walk leisurely - it was slightly disconcerting how alike her strides were when compared to Sesshomaru's - back to her Lord.

As though speaking to a child, the elderly demon spoke with great care towards Inuyasha's older brother, “You are aware that you have worried every being living inside this castle?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” There was a brief pause and Inuyasha's golden gaze found itself following the elderly demon's to the setting sun, “Then I will have someone show your guests to their rooms. You ought to go to bed; I will not have you falling asleep during the pup's check up.”

Surprisingly she turned to Inuyasha, “I thank you for watching over my Lord. I know he can be a handful. He's exactly like his mother was,” The comment caused a large smirk quirked Inuyasha's lips up; it wasn't often that he witnessed his brother being treated or spoken about as though her were a small child. He decided to ignore the questions that bubbled in his mind about Sesshomaru's mother, instead opting to focus on the elderly demoness' words, “Sleep well, I have questions for you both to answer in the morning.”

“You too.” Kagome answered with a wave and a smile as the elderly demoness ushered Sesshomaru away.

Inuyasha felt an amused snicker crawl up his throat, and found Kagome watching him curiously. He smirked and jerked a thumb in Sesshomaru's direction, “I could grow to like her.” He commented flippantly. Kagome smiled in return.

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

Woffy: Woot! No more assessment tasks due until next term (and I have a two week holiday after next week)! I passed all my last ones too, I think. -sweatdrop- I'm still waiting for my English results, I don't think I went too well on them, but I'm hoping I got a passing mark. And I know I said I'd update before Monday and well… A range of annoying things stopped me from finishing my editing when I wanted to.

Anyway, thank you to the lovely people who reviewed:

Polka dot: It gets tiresome, no? The boys need to learn how to put their pride/stubbornness aside and get along. They're worse than my brothers! And yes… Sesshomaru would make an effective night light. XD Thanks for reviewing.

Kamakura Yuri: Naraku's Naraku, what's he not got planned for Sesshomaru? Thank you for the lovely review! Hope you enjoyed this update.

Gen50: Thank you so much for your review, I hope to see another from you. (Just like you expect to find future updates from me, ne?) Er… That's all I got to say.

Asialisek: Thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying this as you are. I think the boys are far too complicated for a simple, one gets pregnant, they go through hard times, eventually get together because Inuyasha realizes Kagome's a nasty person storyline.

Er, just curious, but when measured against Sesshomaru, how tall is Inuyasha? I'm sure he reaches Sesshomaru's chin, but I'd like to make sure.

Now before you go, hit the review button? I'll be forever grateful. (And sorry for changing the chapter, uploaded the wrong review responses.)