InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dubious Relations ❯ Chapter 13 ( Chapter 14 )

Dubious Relations

Chapter 13

The night was cool as the group sat by the fire Shippo had made with little effort. Inuyasha was proud to watch as the little fox demon fox fired his way through all the sticks he'd placed there, having lit one end of each of them. It looked as though Shippo had developed his own way to train himself, as he used different sized, type and shaped wood. And he was doing well, though he seemed to have trouble using only a tiny bit of fire. He'd nearly singed his fringe twice whilst lighting the twigs he'd collected.

The wind fanned Inuyasha's warm face and made his ears itch as he stared into the gold and scarlet flames and thought. Now that he was thinking straight, he realised that the scent that covered the village wasn't Sesshomaru's, or that it wasn't completely. Shippo had kindly awoken him to it, after they'd all finally gotten over their disbelief, when he said it smelt far more flowery, than Sesshomaru did, even with the pup. Inuyasha didn't want to admit it but it almost smelt as Sesshomaru had whilst he'd been near his heat. But that couldn't happen again, not so soon anyway. He was fucking pregnant! And that bothered Inuyasha immensely. Someone must have copied Sesshomaru's scent, but that would mean that someone had to have gotten close enough to grab sweat or plucked a hair or something without the demon Lord noticing.

Naraku immediately came to mind, as he fading into his mind with his annoying smirk. Damn him. He'd kept both Kagome and Sesshomaru around for a long while, and he'd made it so Kagura looked and smelled like Kagome. What was to stop him from doing the same with Sesshomaru? And these were his brother's lands too. Damn it all… What was Naraku - or whoever it was - trying to do? Start a rebellion!? Sesshomaru couldn't handle that!

Inuyasha perched himself on a branch, located twice Miroku's height off the ground, in the tree they had camped near. His friends cast him worried glances, though he ignored them for the most part, instead focussing his eyes and his attention to the flames below him. They hadn't talked to him much, and he didn't blame them. His mate was most likely in danger - though they didn't know that - and he was moody and sulky. He sighed and revelled in the silence that surrounded them.

Sesshomaru would be fine. Sesshomaru was fine. He was strong, stupid, stubborn and he had that maddening Kazuo to protect him. Inuyasha felt his skin prickle uncomfortably. He didn't trust the guy; there was something about him that just didn't sit right. He looked young too, how was he supposed to have a mate, kid and another on the way? Surely demons didn't marry as young as he'd seen mortals do; it always turned his stomach to know what fourteen year olds would have to do. The poor brats. They wanted to run around, put smelly flowers in their hair and gossip, not sit around and look after a kid all day.

Inuyasha scowled darkly. He'd kill that bastard if he fucking breathed in Sesshomaru's direction the wrong way. However, Inuyasha was somewhat comforted by the image of the old hag Chiyo that popped into his mind uninvited; she seemed smart, she wouldn't let anyone near his mate. She hadn't even seemed all that happy he'd been run out of the castle.

Inuyasha huffed. Damn it, he'd prefer to be where he could see Sesshomaru whilst he was like this. And he ached to feel the pup.

The half-demon's eyes focussed on Kagome as she yelled up to him in order to let him know their dinner was ready. He nodded solemnly and bounded from his perch, landing with a thud, though he didn't stumble or fall. Kagome watched him with worry filled, brown eyes that made Inuyasha's chest hurt. He hadn't received a look like that since he'd been fighting with his demon blood, when he'd been losing himself. He didn't want her to worry, especially when his behaviour was caused by his brother and his mate's state of health.

He'd need to tell her soon. Very soon. Tomorrow. He took the fish they'd snatched from the river a mile or so south and began to chew on it roughly. With an annoyed twitch of his ears Inuyasha realised Kagome hadn't stopped staring.

Damn it! He'd tell her after dinner. He'd much prefer her not talking to him and glaring to fucking receiving a continuous pity stare! With that in mind, Inuyasha gorged himself on his food, practically inhaling it as the others in his pack looked on with confusion.

Perhaps he ought to consult Miroku before he told Kagome first?

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

It was a lovely day, the sun was shining and the exasperating rain that made the sky too violent to fly in had finally left them all be. Now they were blessed with warm weather and a cool breeze and - Sesshomaru had always said he was a dreamer. But Kazuo didn't mind; he was especially happy that day; his mate hadn't felt the need to shriek at him (though the night before's activities had made sure she slept well passed the time he usually woke and left for his daily duties). Perhaps arriving at his Lord's chamber without a head ache had put him in such a good mood, especially this so early in the morning.

His boots tapped noisily on the wooden floor as though he'd had too much to drink and hadn't relised the floor was closer than he thought; he'd learnt long ago that Sesshomaru preferred knowing that people were approaching before they knocked; not doing so had at one stage left him buried in the opposite wall. And Kazuo didn't bother with attempting to silence the sharp clatter his sword made whenever it came into contact with his armour.

The creamy coloured shogi came into view and he knocked and entered without being called: the heavens knew Sesshomaru knew he visited every morning at this time, he wouldn't be punished. Reprimanded for Sesshomaru's image's sake, but not punished. Kazuo almost doubled over at the wretched smell of sweat and sickness that bombarded his nose when he'd slid the shogi leading to his Lord's chambers open with a seemingly loud shhh. There had been a rumour circulating around the castle that morning about Sesshomaru being ill, but he hadn't paid it any heed; the Lord often overworked himself, it wasn't odd to see him sleep in because of exhaustion. Sesshomaru, despite Kazuo's and Lord Inutaisho's efforts, thought it was best to do too many things independently.

He spotted a deep purple kimono wearing demon before he caught sight of Sesshomaru from within the neatly kept room. Kazuo quickly moved to kneel by the elderly demon's side, by his sire's head with a clatter, “Lady Chiyo, is everything, er, alright?” He asked solemnly.

Kazuo's deep blue eyes took in the sight of his Lord, usually so perfect and beautiful, now breathing heavily, sweating profusely and with his long, platinum strands in disarray. His elegant, dark eyebrows were drawn into the centre of his head, his mouth was set in the most unbecoming frown and most surprising of all, Sesshomaru's eyes were clamped shut as though someone was cutting out his insides whilst he was awake. It was quite nerve-wracking to see Sesshomaru like this, Kazuo admitted as he looked on, his worry clearly evident on his tanned face.

“Of course, everything isn't alright,” The demoness groused, “My Lord sent away his mate at a foolish time! And despite my warnings!” The demoness busied hers wrinkled hands with wringing out, soaking and placing several neatly folded towels over Sesshomaru's forehead, chest and wrists. It seemed it was the only thing stopping her from decking Sesshomaru, which had become a rare thing to see since his father's passing, “He is running a very high fever. I detected an abnormality in the pup during his last check up a few weeks back, but I did not see its progression doing this to him.”

“He'll be fine, won't he my Lady? Nami went through fevers when she was pregnant, too, but recovered completely.” Kazuo recalled his mate's condition, but despite all the tantrums, the sweat and the flush that had made him think her pretty in her weakened state, he couldn't ever remember her looking as though she were in constant pain throughout it. Perhaps it was because Sesshomaru was male?

Chiyo sighed, “Your mate's pregnancy was carried out under completely normal circumstances. I have my theories; however, there are a number of things that could be very wrong with Sesshomaru and the pup.” He swapped the cool towel clutched between her bony fingers with the one on Sesshomaru's bared chest. Kazuo noticed the frown cutting into her aged face dig deeper, “He is weak.”

Kazuo blanched, “Excuse me?”

“He is strong on his own, let me assure you, Kazuo. The pup is making him weaker. He also has not noticed - or has and has not done anything about it - that he has been wearing himself out from healing any internal injuries the pup has created since its creation.”

“Internal injuries?” Kazuo knew that wasn't supposed to happen! Even in the case of a male demon, no young should damage the Ninsoku's insides! “What can I do to help, my Lady?” He asked.

“Fetch Inuyasha,” She replied, bluntly and without looking up from her work, “Be sure to let his pack know of the circumstances.”

Kazuo blinked foolishly and despite his knowledge of how dangerous it was to ask the elderly woman anything that seemed of little importance, politely asked, “Er, correct me if I'm wrong, my Lady, but I was under the impression that Lord Inuyasha did not wish for them to know?”

Chiyo glared, her emerald eyes like daggers as her hands stilled. Kazuo immediately raised his hands up in front of him, a stupidly apologetic grin on his face, he knew Sesshomaru hated the expression, but it seemed to soften the elderly demon in front of him, “Inuyasha needs to concentrate on our Lord when you bring him back.” She nearly hissed, “He will not be capable of doing such if he is constantly worrying about Miss Kagome discovering his decision's fruits. If she knows of their mating, she will have time to think about it and Lord Inuyasha will be able to concentrate on aiding Sesshomaru's health as she does. You do not mind sharing your home with her, do you, Kazuo? From what I have heard she is knowledgeable about pregnancies and children. She may help your mate.”

Kazuo sent her a tender smile, despite the stern edge his eyes were now sporting, “I have no problems with that whatsoever, but, Lady Chiyo, er, Inuyasha's temper-”

“Is not unlike his father's, and you've seen how people have managed him. Drag him here if need be, leave his friends behind, but bring him here. I will not have our Lord die under my care.” Her aged voice carried the fire her emerald eyes held to all those unable to see them, and Kazuo nodded.

Kazuo swiftly rose to his feet and bowed, “Yes, m'Lady.”

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

The air felt like a hand smoothing down and toying with his hair as he flew, dived and swooped down low, over the heads of the trees. He'd sent scouts to meet him at various points whilst they collected information on the young Lord's whereabouts.

Kazuo spread his wings even wider and beat them down upon the air. He hadn't been able to get out for most of the week, because of the weather, but his bat-like wings worked as though he'd never stopped using them. He swooped, picked up speed and glided, his cobalt eyes scanning the forest beneath him.

Inuyasha would be miles away from the castle by now, Kazuo realised. However, flying had always been faster than walking; what Inuyasha covered in a week, Kazuo could do in a day or less. Again he dived, his keen eyes set on finding a crimson haori and matching hakama. Even if he spotted the tiny fox demon, Kazuo knew it was a good sign.

The demon really didn't know what to make of the young Lord. In more ways than one he reminded him of the late Lord Inutaisho before his death, much more than Sesshomaru did. HE'd met the Lord's mother once or twice before Sesshomaru's birth and he could confidently say that he reminded him or her more than his father.

But Inuyasha… The half-demon was definitely strong. Not as strong as Sesshomaru, of course, but definitely stronger than he should have been for a half-demon his age. Kazuo had heard a rumour about Sesshomaru training someone a century or two ago, a dog demon with white hair, but he hadn't thought much of it until now. Kazuo smiled despite himself; hoped his Lord didn't worry over being a father; he was more than adept at the job if him training Inuyasha despite not being obliged to was the case. And he'd proven on more than one occasion to be fine with kids. His daughter Etsu was rather fond of Sesshomaru, despite only having met him a handful of times. Alas, Sesshomaru was far too busy to visit his aid's family.

But Inuyasha was a mystery to him. The young Lord wasn't the most polite of people, nor was he all that much to look at, but he seemed loyal and he seemed to care a lot about those around him. From what Chiyo had told him, he would strive to be an excellent father if only to see his pup grow up. She seemed downcast when he'd inquired about the Lords and their feelings to one another; despite appearing in public (or, at least together outside of Sesshomaru's chambers) they hadn't stood next to each other or interacted at all. In fact, Kazuo realised, it was as though they were ignoring the other.

The demon tilted his right wing forward, and he turned right sharply. His scouts should be just below him, should the smell of hot springs be anything to go by. His mind returned to the subject and he frowned.

Had they not become mates of their own free will? Had one of the council elders forced Sesshomaru to mate and Inuyasha had been the lucky demon to have been chosen? They'd been known to do that before; Sesshomaru's own parents were betrothed in such a way, after Lord Inutaisho had spent more than three centuries inhabiting seemingly every female demoness in his lands' futons. Of course, Sesshomaru and he had joked about it before, but if that was the case, it was no wonder why Sesshomaru seemed as bitter towards the child as he did.

Kazuo frowned, Lord Inutaisho hadn't planned for this, had he? The man had been known for his possessive protectiveness over Sesshomaru, but surely he hadn't planned so far ahead as to have ordered his two sons to mate.

He landed with barely a sound and was greeted with a respectful bow from his men, both of whom were decked in sky blue haoris and hakamas, and were armed with a short sword. He nodded in return as they gave their reports.

Asking Sesshomaru wasn't out of the question, Kazuo knew that. However, with his Lord ill, he would prefer to not strain him by causing him to anger. Perhaps he ought to consult Inuyasha, whilst he carried him back? Kazuo nodded and gave orders as he mentally catalogued the information given to him.

He'd just have to wait and see. According to his men, Inuyasha was heading towards the northern borders; he'd be able to ask him soon.

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

Inuyasha fidgeted under the monk's gaze as Miroku stared and stared and stared some more, his dark blue eyes wide and his mouth falling open and closed like a fish gasping for air. The half demon had spent the last fifteen minutes stuttering out the situation, whilst the monk looked on with at first an understanding gaze, then a surprised one and now one of complete disbelief. It was as though he'd sprouted a second head!

They'd both wandered off, under the guise that they were going to bathe, however, Inuyasha had led Miroku to a bush crowded area of the forest and wisely sat him down. Idly, they'd both wondered if Sango would realise they'd headed in the opposite direction to the stream.

With a cough and a calming breath, Miroku spoke, “I-I apologise Inuyasha. I can understand why you would help your brother,” Inuyasha didn't like the almost envious tone leaking into the monk's voice as he continued, “Especially if he made such a promise to you for doing so.”

“Then why do you look like you've been placed in a room full of wolves?” Inuyasha bit out.

Miroku's face bore a stern expression as he shifted his staff and placed it beside him, “I'm sure by now that you have realised Kagome's feelings towards you and that you still carry feelings for her, despite being mated to Sesshomaru.” Inuyasha nodded, despite the how queasy his stomach felt for admitting so. He'd thought of it a lot already and despite Myoga's telling him that it would be more than acceptable for him to take on more than one mate, Inuyasha couldn't stand to take Kagome as one and to leave Sesshomaru outside for the weather and whatever else to chip at. Miroku continued, “Surely you understand you cannot have both of them?”

“I know that,” Inuyasha said, careful that he remained somewhat polite during this talk, “I've thought about it a lot. Even if I did take Kagome as my mate and let Sesshomaru do as he wanted, he couldn't mate again with someone he cared for. The kid would be cared for by me and Kagome, considering it has human blood in it and Sesshomaru wouldn't want anything to do with it anyway. He'd be left without an heir as well.”

Surprisingly Miroku nodded, “I'm impressed. I didn't think you'd have thought of all that yet.”

“I'm not stupid, you know.” Inuyasha growled with a glare.

“I know,” The monk replied simply, “However, I do not withdraw my statement.” He moved his right hand so that it was cupping his chin as he closed his eyes to think. Inuyasha watched curiously, his ears pricked. After a moment, Miroku slid his eyes open, “Are you certain there is no possible way for you to become unmated to Sesshomaru?”

Inuyasha shook his head, “Myoga said that once it's done, it's done. Sesshomaru's my mate until either one of us dies.”

Miroku hummed in thought, “Well, I can see why you are concerned, Inuyasha. I shall speak with Sango if that's alright with you; she possesses much more knowledge on demons and their lifestyles than what I do. I simply must kill them and rid villages of their entities, however, from what I have gathered, there have been cases where Sango's fellow villagers were required to act as body guards during meetings held between humans and demons in the past. She may know something I do not.”

Inuyasha frowned but nodded anyway, his grip on the Tetsusaiga's sheath strengthening, “Whatever. I just don't want to leave the bastard to rot, that's all. Just because he's an asshole, doesn't mean I have to be too.”

“Why, Inuyasha,” Miroku remarked with a smile and a mock surprised expression, “I do believe you're maturing!”

“Shut up.” He growled back, though he found that he wasn't as angry as he should have been. This entire thing was draining him; Inuyasha wanted this entire affair out of the way before his reputation was put in danger!

Miroku chuckled into his hand, and Inuyasha couldn't help a small smile either; perhaps this entire affair wasn't completely bad. Miroku's tone turned solemn again, “You must tell Kagome. It may not seem so, but women prefer it if men are honest with them. Once she calms down you can tell her the entire story, however, I suggest you try and convince her that the child is yours first.”

Inuyasha nodded as the monk rose to his knees then to his feet. Damn it all. Damn Sesshomaru and his fucking `do you care for your friends?' comment! It was because of that comment that all of this had fucking started in the first place! Amongst his aggravation and anger, Inuyasha was surprised to find his right shoulder clasped by the monk as he walked past. He looked up at him, his golden eyes wider than they should have been. Miroku smiled kindly, “Do not worry, Inuyasha. You might be surprised with how all this turns out. You aided Sesshomaru with the purest intentions in mind; you didn't realise this would come of it, and most likely, neither did he. Kagome will see that.”

Surprisingly, the realisation that this might have snuck up on Sesshomaru as well, made Inuyasha feel better than anything thought concerning Kagome and his news did. It made him feel less stupid to think that his older brother, Sesshomaru, could have forgotten or misjudged something so important. Inuyasha immediately assumed that he'd thought to kill off the kid. However, circumstances hadn't allowed him to, him being mated and all. Inuyasha huffed to himself as he rose to his feet; it served the selfish bastard right. The kid had been on the receiving end of his brother's wrath simply because it existed, it deserved some type of revenge; torturing Sesshomaru was amusing, in any case. Even if it caused Inuyasha's stomach to feel as though it'd been filled with clay.

The long walk back to their camp was made as though Inuyasha didn't possess a care in the world. He knew it was the procrastinator in him, making him stare at the scenery and examine the flowers (though he made sure not to make it all that obvious) but he knew he'd stumble back into camp sometime. Thus, he quickened his steps, stuffed his hands in his crimson haori's sleeves and stomped back into camp. His heart skipped a beat when he spotted a worried looking Sango with a laughing Kagome and Kazuo. The demon looked perplexed, as though he hadn't a clue why Kagome was laughing at him.

Inuyasha growled, “Hey! What the hell are you doin' here?” He asked as he took his place by Kagome's side with a scowl.

“Er, my Lord, there have been complications with your mate. You're needed at the castle immediately!” The demon worry seemed sincere enough, but Inuyasha didn't care about that.

His heart literally stopped in his chest and his blood froze. His eyes flew to Kagome's as she stared with brown eyes held just as wide as his own up at him. Her hand, the one she'd been using to cover her mouth as she giggled, flattened against her pink lips and Inuyasha could feel the oncoming sit as he stood there, staring. It almost made him want to beg.

“Inuyasha, what's Kazuo talking about?” Kagome's voice was threaded with worry, as her brow creased. It seemed as though she wouldn't believe it. Inuyasha was tempted to deny everything, “You - You're not really mated to Sesshomaru are you? H-He's your brother.”

Fuck. Inuyasha's brain stopped working, he didn't move other than to let his golden eyes fall to the ground and for his fringe to hide them away. What had he'd done to deserve this? Surely Buddha or whatever other deity there was wasn't punishing him for acting out, as Miroku said, his `pure intentions'. He had been planning to tell her! Why did the bastard's aid have to come and ruin all his plans!?

Kazuo spoke up, his voice strong, “I've told you, Miss Kagome, Lord Inuyasha and my Lord are mates. I know this has upset you, but he is needed at the castle immediately. Lord Sesshomaru is not well!” His worry was tangible and Inuyasha, despite all his efforts to remain worried about Kagome and the situation at hand, Inuyasha's instincts had him turn to Kazuo and look up at him with determination and worry and anger - though Inuyasha knew that the protectiveness he felt over the pup was the emotion that shone brightest in his golden gaze.

“What's wrong with him?” He asked sharply, as he shifted his left hand so it was holding the Testuseiga's hilt, “Is the pup alright?”

Kazuo mouth opened, but he was cut off, “W-What?” Kagome finally stuttered, in a whisper, “H-He wasn't j-joking?” Inuyasha didn't want her to cry, but his wants weren't answered as Kagome's eyes began to take on an innocent shine and moisture began to gather at the corners of her eyes.

“Ah, Kagome-“ Inuyasha started. Really, he hadn't even been given time to practice this speech yet! “I didn't know what I was doing!” He claimed suddenly, his mouth moving and his words spilling from his mouth without his permission, “The bastard said that he didn't want to go through his heat again and - I didn't know what I was doing! You see demon mating wasn't-”

But it didn't matter. It seemed that Kazuo had done his job for him and as the monk, Sango, Shippo, Kilala and that damned demon Kazuo looked on, their eyes filled with worry (or betrayal, in Sango's case), Inuyasha was planted face first in the ground. Hard, much harder than he ever had been.

Whilst his ears rung as though a symbol had been donged in each and his head ached and his heart throbbed unpleasantly, filling his being with guilt and anger, Inuyasha felt himself being shifted, despite the black creeping about his mind and the fuzziness accompanying it. He could have sworn he'd heard an apology as well. But it hadn't come from him.

Was Sesshomaru really sick? Was the pup alright? Inuyasha didn't get to dwell on his worries for long, as a comforting darkness left him unconscious.

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

Woffy: My Pop passed away on the 11th of this month. His funeral was on Thursday. I wasn't able to attend it though, I had no means to get to Taree and I rather hate them anyway. And graveyards, they scare the shit out of me. This chapter would have been up earlier had I not made a habit out of using it as a therapy of sorts. Do you know how many times I had Kagome die in some way? Once it was of a broken heart. I had Inuyasha and co. in mourning too. Sesshomaru's the most fun to write about though. He doesn't mourn like a normal person. The Bastard. (The reason why I'm telling you this; I get offended easily; If I happen to insult you, I really don't mean it!)

Anyway, reviews would be appreciated; thank you to the people who kindly reviewed the last chapter: Polka dot, Amanda Saitou, midnightwhispers and ladyjay62. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

My friend has convinced me to write a one-shot as an epilogue of sorts that'll be posted somewhere else once this story's done. Supposedly lemon works well as a thank you to the people that have bothered reviewing. -shrug-