InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ All Hail Lord Inuyasha!! ( Chapter 17 )

All Hail Lord Inuyasha!!

 

 

Chapter 17

 

When Sesshomaru dismissed himself from his conversation with Miyaka he motioned for me to follow him through two rather large wooden doors that had brass hinges and handles. He swung the doors open and the sight that greeted me took my breath away.

 

What appeared to be velvet and satin draperies hung from the windows. An assortment of tables, cabinets and chests dotted the room, and various glass and pewter trinkets were lying about as well. I noticed that the northern most wall of the room had a large wooden desk that held 2 lanterns, a roll of parchment, paper, ink and a quill.

 

Sesshomaru didn't rush my tour of what is now my own private area within the palace walls. He didn't move to enter the next room until I stopped my obvious gawking of things. The next room was obviously the bedroom, because there was no way any sighted person could have missed the overly large, round bed with satin sheets that matched the draperies and such in the previous room. Royal blue, black and silver seemed to be the colors of choice and I had to admit it looked good - damned good.

 

The last two rooms we stepped into was the dressing room and private bath/hot spring, and from the looks of it someone went out of their way to make it look realistic yet worthy of royalty all the same. Instead of rocks or wood lining it is completely done in smooth rounded marble. It was wonderful but I was confused as to how all of this was possible, so I asked.

 

“Ru how does all this work? Where is the water coming from and …”

“What did you just say?”

“I was asking you how all of this is possible and where…”

“No, how did you just refer to me?”

“Huh!?”

“When you addressed me you said Ru.”

 

He looked at me with an arched eyebrow and a slight smirk, but said no more about it - and for that I was grateful.

 

As we continued the tour, I was half listening and falling in and out the daze of my own thoughts. It has been a century or more since that nickname has left my lips. What brought it out now beats the shit out of me. I know he noticed the shift in my behavior, but thankfully he made no mention of it.

 

“I would like to get your opinion on the attire I had made for you to wear this evening, I would also like for you to try it on after you get refreshed and settled, so if any alterations need to be made Miyaka can make them before the Feast.”

 

I was about to say something about this Feast, that I'm dreading, when he opened the wardrobe and my eyes fell upon what was almost a red and black silk replica of my Fire Rats robe. There were a few differences between the two but it was those few things that really made all the difference in the world. The one in the wardrobe had the family seal stitched on the left breast of the haori and some other symbols I didn't recognize on the right. The pant leg wrappings and shoes were like those of a warrior or ninja and there were also what appeared to be shin guards like the ones on Sango's slayer suit. A few other ornaments with unknown uses were there as well, but I figured through trial and error I could get them properly placed.

 

“Well Inuyasha, what do you think?”

“It's … I … uhm….”

“Breathe Inuyasha.”

“Its fine Sesshomaru, it's more than fine it's great.”

“Splendid, I will now leave you to prepare yourself for tonight's festivities. Just remember all of this is in your honor. There will be a short speech, once that is over you will hear the gong sound and that is your cue to make your entrance down the main stairs leading to the dining hall.”

“Is all this necessary?”

“Do not presume to test my patience by being difficult Inuyasha.”

“Niisan, I don't know any of these royal snots and they don't know me, so why all the show?”

“Most of these royal snots, as you so adequately, if not eloquently, put it; do know at least of you. You have saved many lives on your journey to gather the shards of the Shikon no Tama. You rid the surrounding territories and lands of many troublesome demons, sorcerers and witches. You and your companions have unknowingly kept rulers human and demon alike from having to send warriors or soldiers to take care of some rather unpleasant business. And let's not forget your destruction of Menomaru - that alone was enough to grab the attention of most of Japan.”

“So I guess this means there's no chance of me getting out of this.”

“None at all.”

 

And that was all he said before he turned and soundlessly left my chambers.

 

 

Despite my best efforts to relax in the bath, my mind drifted and I found myself wondering about Kagome and all of the things that had happened over the past several days. And no matter how hard I tried to push them out, her words echoed in my ears. “I thought he would wish to human so he could be with me. How could he be happy being what he is?” “I want answers and I want them NOW!” “SIT” “Baka Hanyou.” “You were asking for that one Inuyasha.” I think the worst thing was when she refused to remove this damned necklace. I would have never thought things would have come to this between us. As I sat in the spring all these things kept running through my mind like a never ending play - frustrated I climbed out of the water, dried myself and headed for the wardrobe.

 

As soon as I got away from the water my senses picked up what were undoubtedly the scents and sounds of the many people Ru had invited to this Feast. I caught my own slip of thought and snorted. Helluva time for my brain to start falling apart, hopefully it won't fall into as many pieces as my heart has.

 

Ignoring the all too familiar sting that came to my eyes; I took out the clothing I had looked at earlier and pulled it on; to my surprise it fit perfectly. I walked over to the mirror to take a good look at myself when I realized how unruly my hair was in its partially wet state. I fumbled around the room until I found a hair brush and started the dreaded task of brushing my hair.

 

I had no more decided that I had had enough grooming to last me a life time, when I picked up a familiar scent coming my way, so when I heard I rap on the door I cheerfully called out for Sango to enter. When she walked into the sitting room I could hear her sharp intake of air which let me know she was as shocked by the surroundings as I was earlier.

 

“I guess being a Demon Lord has its perks?”

“Don't it though.” I replied as I turned to face her and found myself gasping as she had earlier. A child like giggle escaped her lips as she twirled around. The outfit she had on greatly resembled her slayer suit minus the elbow and knee guards. On each arm there was a light pink banner of sheer material that was connected to the collar, then at the elbow and again at the wrist. Around her waist, like a slightly gathered knee length skirt, was the same material, only it left one leg completely exposed.

 

“Well don't we look pretty.”

“Why thank you my Lord.” she said as she gave an exaggerated bow in my direction.

“Ha Ha Not you too, if you keep that up you'll sound like Myouga.”

 

I had a question about a few of the other trinkets that were in the wardrobe with this outfit, and I figured women had a knack for knowing this sort of thing so I might as well ask. I walked over to the wardrobe picked up the items and presented them to Sango.

 

“You have any idea what these are for and where they go?”

“I think so, come here.”

 

I stood there as she tied the black leather patches around my shins and placed the round black clip over the knot that held my haori; that just left her with a dark metal, cylindrical piece in hand. She looked puzzled only for a moment more before she motioned me to sit down. Reluctantly I did as she asked and as soon as she picked up the brush I had used earlier and began brushing some of my hair up.

 

“What are you doing to me back there?”

“Just trust me.”

“I have always learned to be leery of that statement.”

“Hogwash, just sit tight it will all be over in a few painless seconds. Ta-Da now go see for yourself you look great!”

 

Slowly I walked over to the mirror and I almost didn't recognize the person staring back at me, she had taken a small amount of hair from either side of my head and pulled it back into a high ponytail and secured it with that metal piece. It was amazing how that one little change and some new clothes can totally transform a person's appearance. Now all I need to do is get Ru's … damn…Sesshomaru's trademark death glare down pat and work on swearing less and I will pass for a Lord - no problem.

 

“Well from the grin I take it you like what you see.”

“Thanks Sango.”

“What are friends for?”

”Well I know a certain friend of ours that won't be able to keep his hands to himself once he set's eyes on you.”

 

When I said that, the strangest thing happened, instead of the blush I expected to see creep across her cheeks, for a moment her expression was a sad and thoughtful one. I was about to ask what was wrong when she noticed me staring and quickly brightened up. Before I could ask her what that was all about she said she needed to be in the dining hall soon so she would be present for the speech and my forthcoming introduction. She said it all so quickly and turned to leave so fast my head was spinning.

 

***************************************************************** *******

 

I paced the upper hallway by the main staircase like a caged cat. I listened as my brother boasted and babbled on about this and that concerning me and my friends, as well as his introduction of them all. I think this was the most I had ever heard Sesshomaru say at one time. I heard cheers and, surprisingly, other praises coming from some of the demon royalty he had invited. I thought maybe this won't be so bad after all; no one seems to be asking for my head on a stick or my hide on a platter. I might just live through this.

 

As impatient as I felt waiting on my cue, when that gong sounded I started to wish that I had some of that time back. I took a deep breath, forced down my nerves, patted Tetsusaiga, and started my long descent down the stairs. I hadn't gotten down many steps when I heard my brother bellow “BEHOLD the Western Lands youngest Lord, my brother. Inuyasha!”

 

When I got in sight of the dining hall I saw just how many Youkai were actually there; it had to be close to a hundred. Everyone was standing around various tables; I noticed my friends and a dozen other Youkai were standing around the largest table with Sesshomaru at one end and I assumed the empty seat at the other end was for me. I looked at Sesshomaru and I could see he was obviously pleased with the way I looked, Sango was smiling with a mewling Kilala on her shoulder, Kouga nodded with a smirk and for some reason Miroku looked pale and ashen to the point I thought he was going to faint. As I walked up to the table everyone bowed in respect to me as I passed, all except for this one bear Youkai that was standing at our table. I thought nothing of it until I saw niisan glaring at him. When I got to what was to be my seat Sesshomaru raised his glass to propose a toast.

 

“To my brother Inuyasha.”

 

That was followed by several here here's and other agreements to his toast, all except for that one Youkai. I could tell by the increase in the pull of his aura Sesshomaru was none to pleased by this.

 

“Baron Mitsuru is there a reason why you do not lift your glass to your new Lord?”

“Yes, yes there is.”

 

Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow at him.

 

“I, in no way intend to waste honor on one of your fathers greatest mistakes.”

 

That aura was flaring dangerously now, and I think everyone in the room felt it.

 

“I will not sully myself by bowing to him.”

 

Yep that all too familiar red mist began to swill around him.

 

“And I sure as hell am not drinking to some bastard half-breed!”

 

Faster than most could see Ru went after him; poison claws aimed straight for his throat. If I had acted a second later the high and mighty Mitsuru would have been dead.

 

I locked eyes with my brother's furious ones and said, “No niisan, this is my battle.”

 

Not one to be partial to someone else saving a kill, slowly he backed off. “Very well Inuyasha.”

 

“Is that a challenge half-breed?” snorted Mitsuru still obviously shaken by his near death experience with my brother.

 

“Just because you are still breathing Mitsuru does not mean I have to leave you in that state, as long as I am your Lord you will refrain from speaking such atrocities.”

 

“If the Hanyou,” he sneered “has to hide behind you why do I need to bow to two Lords?”

 

“Who said I was hiding?” When the bear youkai turned around I wasn't standing three inches from him, even though I stood a good foot and a half shorter than him, I was in no way frightened.

 

“You'd best go stand behind your big brother whelp before I make a cheap throw rug out of your hide.”

 

“I say we move this little debate somewhere with a bit more space.” stated Sesshomaru `and a little less fine China and rare portraits' he mused to himself `I have seen my brother fight many battles and none of them came without destruction to the surroundings'. “May I have everyone's attention please? Due to the fact that Baron Mitsuru has accepted Inuyasha `s challenge, I bid all of you to join us out at the arena.”

 

 

(Sango's POV)

 

Everyone that attended was standing around the outer rim of the arena floor prepared to watch as the two demons faced off. Just when things were about to get going Baron raised his hand and looked in the direction of Lord Sesshomaru. When the stoic Lord turned his attention to the bear youkai he began to speak.

 

“I request that this fight be carried out with both of us unarmed.”

“And why is that?” the stoic Lord questioned.

“To prove that this so called new Lord of ours is nothing without your father fang!”

Wide arrays of gasps were heard as the attending Lords and Ladies could not believe the Baron was still speaking about Inuyasha in such a way. I couldn't believe it myself, it was as if the near death experience he had just moments minutes ago was already forgotten. Sesshomaru looked at Inuyasha and he nodded in agreement. The Baron untied his sword from his waist and tossed the sheathed blade toward the edge of the arena and moved to stand on the far west side, a good 50 yards away from Inuyasha, in front of a tree. He bowed to Sesshomaru and took on a fighting stance. When Inuyasha did the same he spoke again.

 

“Remove your weapon!”

“You don't have to worry about me drawing my sword; my two hands will be more than enough to take you down.”

“You think me some sort of fool whelp?”

“I call'em like I see'em.”

 

At that the entire arena was alive with the sounds a barely contained laughter. The two of them went on for a few more moments before Sesshomaru spoke up.

 

“I would be wise of you to have no objection of him having that sword on his hip.”

“Am I to just rely on his word that he will not use the blade in battle?”

“It would be wise of you.” Sesshomaru repeated.

“Well I for one…”

 

His words were cut short by the Tetsusaiga whizzing through the air, a mere inch from the Barons face, and imbedding itself in the tree behind him. At that everyone turned and focused their attention on Inuyasha.

 

“Looks like he just wants to learn everything today the hard way.” he said as he shook his head and looked at the Baron. “Come on Mitsuru my swords gone, you got your wish, so quit lollygagging over there with your mouth hanging open and get over here and show me your bite's as good as your bark.”

 

With that the now furious looking Bear Youkai charged at Inuyasha, claws out and teeth bared. There were quite a few blows thrown at Inuyasha before one connected and if I were not mistaken Inuyasha had purposely let the Baron hit him. This thought was apparently reflected in my eyes for when turned to Sesshomaru he simply said. “I told that pompous fool to let the sword be, if Inuyasha allows him to connect a few more blows and he will be at the mercy of a blood thirsty demon that's just itching to come out and play.”

 

They danced around a few more times before Mitsuru caught Inuyasha charging at him and hit him hard enough in the midsection to send him skidding across the arena floor raising a cloud of dust. Mitsuru then erupted in a fit of laugher that swiftly died on his lips when the dust settled. The Baron found himself face to face with a red eyed and purple striped Youkai Lord. Immediately the crowd was buzzing about the obvious change in Inuyasha's appearance, smell and the amount of power radiating off of the transformed demon.

 

I looked over at Kouga and Miroku only to see that they wore matching expressions of surprise mixed with concern.

 

“I hope that stupid bear baron hasn't gone and signed a death warrant for half the people in here.” sighed Kouga.

“I am afraid of that as well, he is downright unstoppable when he transforms.” Miroku chimed.

 

We all sat there in silence as we watched the Baron, now on the defensive, desperately try to evade Inuyasha's blows; it was an effort he put forth in vain. I was soon snapped out of my daze when I heard Inuyasha fire a smart remark out at the obviously regretful Mitsuru. That is when I realized how focused and coherent Inuyasha seemed to be. This was so unlike how things usually went when he transformed I risked asking his eerily placid brother a question.

“Excuse me Lord Sesshomaru.”

“Yes.” he replied without ever taking his eyes off the battle that raged before us.

“Is it just me or is Inuyasha a lot more in control of himself than he usually is?”

“Indeed it appears that way.”

“It is almost as if…”

 

My thoughts were interrupted when a pain filled scream erupted from throat of Baron Mitsuru. I looked up just in time to see Inuyasha pull his claws out of the Barons shoulder. He staggered back shouting curses, suddenly in a move my mortal eyes missed, things ended with the Baron in the clutches of a pissed off Inu demon.

 

“You ready to bow to your new Lord now?” Inuyasha hissed in a voice that only sounded remotely like his own.

“I will never grovel at your feet, I will never bow to you!” screamed the thoroughly beaten Mitsuru.

Inuyasha glared at him for a moment before that all too familiar defiant smirk crossed his face and he said, “We'll see about that.”

 

Then, with more force than any one person should possess and in one great swing he hurled the Baron skyward and followed him with an impressive leap that ended with him above the flailing Mitsuru only for him to drive his heels into the Barons chest; aiding the bear demons descent with enough force to cause a good sized crater in the arena floor when they landed. Everyone rushed to the rim of the crater to see what was left of the two fighters. What I saw surprised me none.

 

There Inuyasha stood on the torso of the massive bear demon, one foot planted in his sternum and the other painfully grinding into the shoulder wound he had inflicted on the Baron earlier. He looked up and saw all of us staring at them and said, “Now if you will be a good teddybear and tell all of my nice guests how much you love and adore your new Lord, I won't be forced to reach in and pull out all your stuffing.” He flexed his claws, which were still dripping with the Barons blood, for emphasis - as if that were needed.

 

A low “All hail our newest Lord Inuyasha.” barely wafted out of the pit.

“Aw come on Mitsuru, I know you can do better than that, I could barely hear you and I'm standing right on top of you. Come on,” he said as he began to really dig his heel into the Barons shoulder wound, “do it again this time with some feeling.”

 

“ALL HAIL OUR YOUNGEST LORD INUYASHA!” the pained demon roared at the top of his lungs.

“Much better.” with that said he took a sudden leap out of the pit only to find himself under the close scrutiny of the crowd. He simply made a gesture for section of the crowd to part and when they did he lifted an out stretched hand and I received my second big surprise of the day as I watched Tetsusaiga come to his outstretched hand. And in less time than it took me to blink he was back to normal.

 

“What's everybody waiting on? I'm starving!”

 

Then with no more ado than that he turned and headed back into the palace.