InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ What's an Inu to do? ( Chapter 20 )

Chapter 20

 

What's an Inu to do?

 

 

When I entered Sango's room via the balcony I was hoping she would forgive my intrusion, when I approached her sleeping form I saw she was not alone. Both Rin and Shippou were asleep at the foot of her bed. I gently touched her shoulder to try to wake her without waking the kids.

 

“Unnumhn …” she yawned as she woke and focused her eyes on me, “Inu-san, what is wrong?” she asked as her eyes quickly became aware and her brows furrowed. I suppose my expression was more panicked than I thought it was.

 

“I'm sorry to disturb your sleep Sango but I really need to talk to you … in private.”

“Sure Inu-san I will …”

“Hey,” Shippou yawned “what are you doing here Inuyasha? Why are you waking Sango? Why do you look so worried?” The kit went on and on with seemingly endless questions until Rin woke as well and joined in on the questioning.

“Look you two, I really need to talk to Sango-chan and we will be leaving for a little while, but I need the two of you to be responsible and pass on a message for me. Okay?”

 

At this Shippou's chest puffed out and Rin's eyes brightened.

 

“When Ru comes looking for me, tell him I will be back tomorrow and I'll need some space after I return. If he will give me that, he can do whatever he wants to me, without any dispute whatsoever. Can you two do that?”

 

“Yes Lord Inuyasha.” said Rin with a nod.

“But why?” What happened? Are you two fighting again?”

 

That bout of questioning earned him an elbow to the ribs from Rin.

 

“If he wanted us to know he would have said, you big silly!”

 

Instantly I understood how and why Ru kept this little girl around, she's a lot wiser than she appears.

 

“Thanks Rin.”

 

During my conversation with the kids Sango had slipped out of bed and behind the dressing screen. When she emerged she was wearing one of her new slayer suits.

 

“I am ready when you are Inu-san.”

 

I simply nod at her, turn and kneel so she can get on my back. I remind the kids of my message, tell them to get some sleep and in a blink we were gone.

 

I ran at top speed until we were across the lake and standing at the gate, when it opened I got right back up to speed with no intention of stopping anytime soon. When I finally did stop I had been running at full speed for little over half an hour and I knew Sango was waiting patiently for me to explain myself.

 

Sometimes I have to just stop and thank Kami for friends like her. When I did stop, instead of needling me with questions, she sat about making a fire and was poking around at the flames waiting patiently still. I tried to speak but nothing that made any sense came to mind to break the ice. So I decided to just skip the intro and head for the kill.

 

“I don't know how you'll feel about this Sango but please, what ever it is, be honest with me. Okay?”

“As I am always, Inu-san.”

“I kissed him.”

“Nani!?” she said as her head whipped around in surprise causing her unbound hair to whirl around her.

“I kissed him.”

“I heard you Inu-san, I thought some kind of change was going on between you and Lord Sesshomaru, but this was not what I was expecting, at least not so quickly.”

“Whaddaya mean not so quickly? And how did you know I was talking about Ru?”

 

She let out a long low sigh and began to poke at the fire with her katana; this woman never goes anywhere unarmed.

 

“Over the past couple of months I have noticed a shift in the dynamics of the relationship between you two, a few others have noted it as well.”

“Well nice of you to clue me in on it.”

“How could I know you were so unaware of what you, yourself were doing?”

“I know I know keep talking.” I muttered as I folded my arms in my haori and took a seat beside her on the forest floor.

“I think you have finally met another demon your Kokoro (A/N - sprit/soul) considers at least its equal.”

“Equal hell, if anything he is superior, not that I'd ever say that to his face, his heads big enough already.”

“That is way I said at least.” She replied with a smile.

“So, oh knowledgeable one, of all things having to do with demons, now what happens? And how do I keep him from severing my head when I return?”

 

She gave me a look that was a mixture of bewilderment and amusement.

 

“Don't give me that look Sango, you know as well as I do that you don't just touch the Lord of the Western Lands without either permission or dire consequences. Since I didn't have permission I'm sure there will be consequences, and on top of that I didn't just touch him I had to go three levels up and make it all kinds of personal.”

 

“Shouldn't the fact that you are still alive to tell the tale count for something? I think you're worrying over nothing.”

“Oh so now my life is nothing!?”

“Quit being so damn dramatic Inuyasha, and tell me what's really bugging you.”

“I just told you…”

 

She cut me off by furrowing her brow at me. I just lowered my eyes and stared into the firelight. As always she knew something more was behind my ranting and raving. I could feel her level glare on me as I continued to study the dancing flames, trying to find a voice for the thoughts in my head. No such luck.

 

“Can I ask you a question Inu-san?”

 

I paused for a while before I nodded yes; I know how Sango's questions can be.

 

“Why was it that you did not take Kikyou or Kagome as a mate?”

 

See what I mean those questions of hers are like bombs.

 

“I don't know I really never thought about it in those terms. Why?”

“Because it was common knowledge among my people that most canine demons will not even consider mating until they are approached by or come into contact with another they consider at least their equal. We were also warned to always look for the signs of mated youkai when going into battle and to avoid it at all costs if possible.”

 

“Why is that?” I ask completely and purposefully ignoring her first statement.

“Because to attack one is to attack the other and with the way power flows in-between mated demons it can cost you your life to threaten a pair.”

 

I continue staring at the flicker of the fire light and we sit there in silence for a while before I speak.

 

“Kikyou, Kagome, what about them? Are you saying I never truly loved either one?” I mutter barely above a whisper.

“No, no not at all Inu-san, but I feel that was the ningen part of you reaching out for companionship, but Hanyou or no, your nature is still far more demon than human and that will ultimately dictate what you do as far as claiming a mate goes and…”

“Whoa whoa whoa, back the hell up there for just a damn minute are you telling me I'm trying to mate with Ru!” I screamed.

“Uh, I thought I made that clear when I said…”

“NO you didn't make that clear, not - at - all!”

“I'm sorry Inu-san I …”

“How the hell do I stop it?”

“I don't know, I take it you are not pleased with this.”

“What the hell is there to be pleased about!!?”

“Well look at it this way, Lord Sesshomaru is in the same spot as you are.”

“How you figure?” I asked gruffly as I balled my fists up in my sleeves and glared at the slayer.

“Well let's start at this end. How old is your brother?”

“Over 400 years old, and while we're at it that's another thing he IS my brother.”

“That's a human taboo, Inu-san far as I am aware of youkai do not concern themselves with such things.”

 

At that both my eyebrows meet my hairline.

 

“So you have a 400 year old, damn good looking demon, if I might add, he's powerful, he's royalty for crying out loud and it never struck you as odd that he, in all this time, has never had a mate. Your father had at least two we know of.”

 

“Hell I thought he was just above it like he is everything else. Never really gave it much thought.”

“Well now it looks as if you might have to Inu-san.”

 

(Sango's POV)

 

Poor Inuyasha, he was the perfect picture of a tortured soul right now. His ears were drooping and he was staring into the firelight with glazed amber eyes. I tried not to stare but no sooner than I would look away, something would compel my eyes to fall upon him again. I don't know how long we sat like this when he suddenly spoke.

 

“Why am I such a fuck up Sango-chan? I couldn't just leave well enough alone. Why did I have to go and complicate things? Now because of my own stupidity I might lose the only blood kin I have left. And for what? Why?”

 

When he looked at me I saw something in his eyes that, in all these years I have never seen. Fear. He pulled his knees up to his chest and lowered his face to rest upon them. I did not have to see his face to know he was crying. I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and we remained like that until he fell asleep. I took it upon myself to stand watch. He has done it for all of us so many times I am more than happy to return the favor.

 

While I was sitting watch, I let my mind drift back to what had happened earlier this day.

 

(Flashback)

 

Well that was quite an unusual moment between the two Lords, I thought as I continued on down the hall after making a rather bold remark to Lord Sesshomaru. (A/N: This takes place after the lingering look in chapter 19) I know for certain now that something is changing between the two of them, but the question remains what and why? I bet Myouga will know. I'll send Kilala for him but until then I will have to do some digging on my own, and I guess the best place to start would be the library and records hall.

 

When I pushed open the great doors I immediately heard some high pitched mumbling and the frantic rustle of pages. After rounding quite a few corners I came across Jaken, whom was sitting amongst an enormous pile of various books, scrolls and papers. I just stood there staring at him trying not to laugh, as most of the books where larger than he was.

 

“What is it you want slayer? Can you not see I'm busy?” he snapped.

“Awful brave talk from such a small demon.” I said with an evil smirk on my face as I fingered the katana on my waist.

 

He sweat dropped at this.

 

“How might I assist you young taijiya?”

“That's much better. I am looking for any information on youkai behavior as well as what things would cause two youkais' energy to mingle.”

“So you have noticed it as well?”

“Hai.”

 

At that he motioned for me to have a seat. For several hours we poured over what seemed to be endless documents, journals and notes. And no matter how far away from it we started everything eventually lead to one thing, mating. I pulled out one rather interesting looking document and handed to Jaken to translate. I watched as his large yellow eyes scanned the parchment and he seemed to be shocked at what it revealed.

 

“Well out with it already Jaken, the suspense is killing me.”

“Well it says here that a youkais spirit will only do this mingle as you call it, if the youkai involved view each other as possible mates.”

“But I do not believe they are even aware of this.”

“If you pick up that book off to your left and read the page that's open you will find that demons run on instincts more than anything else and I believe it is instinct that is driving this, not conscious thought.”

“If that is true then what do we do?”

“We do nothing, for it is not our concern it is between the two Lords.”

 

We sat there for a little while longer sifting through more paper and such, before a question came to my mind.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru doesn't really treat you all that well for the most part Jaken. Why is it that you insist on following him anyway?”

“Foolish woman can you not see that I'm an imp? I follow the most powerful and feared demon in Japan, do you know of a better way for someone of my stature to stay alive?”

“No. Good point, I suppose I never looked at it that way.”

“Humph.” The toad mumbled as he continued to pour over the things on the table.

“Well thank you for the information Jaken, I'll leave you to your studies.”

 

(End Flashback)

 

Yes this was going to be an interesting point in time for everyone. At that thought, I could not help but think of Miroku; however this went it was not going to be easy on him - no way no how. I told that foolish Houshi to let his feelings be known, now that this is happening I feel it will become a greater burden on his shoulders and mind.

 

Sighing I shook my head and looked over at the sleeping form beside me and wondered why life always had to throw obstacles at him just when things were calm for him for once. Then I thought maybe this is not the end of all things, he fears it to be, it indeed might be just what the doctor ordered. But getting Inu-san to see this might take a bit of doing, perhaps I am worried over nothing. If Lord Sesshomaru holds true to form he will not let his younger brother run away and hide from this. His patience is fleeting to say the least and I don't suspect Inu-san to be immune from it, at least not yet.

 

(Sesshomaru's POV from the point in time of Inuyasha's sudden departure)

 

Well that was surprising to say the least.

 

And here stands, the great Demon Lord of the West, in complete and utter shock.

 

I have questions to ask that tempestuous younger sibling of mine. And what does he do? He disappears into the night like a common thief. I will give him until tomorrow to show himself then after that he will answer my questions whether he likes it or not. I whirl around and march back into my chambers but no matter how hard I tried to be angry at him for his actions, I can't seem to rid myself of the smile on my face. Is this what the taijiya was hinting at earlier? I thought it was her idea of some ningen joke I didn't find amusing, apparently not.

 

I was completely lost in my own thoughts when I suddenly felt a slight pull on the edge of my mind; I ignored it only to have it pull again. Irritated, I follow my instincts which led me out to the balcony just in time to see my wayward brother dash across the lake with the slayer on his back. I had to use all the will power at my disposal to keep my self from leaping after him.

 

His journey better be a short lived one; I would hate to have to level mountains to drag him back.

 

 

 

(Morning Sango's POV)

 

“Rise and shine Inu-san, I know you are awake over there.”

“Yeah, so what of it?”

“It is quickly approaching noon and I fear if we do not return soon someone will come looking for us.”

“Keh.”

“Come on I don't think this will be as bad as you fear it will be.”

“Well I'm in no hurry to find out.”

 

I stood there eyeing him until he got up and made his way to the stream and back. As soon as he returned he crouched down so I could get on his back. When I did we took off at a tempo much slower than the one we were going at last night. He was moving so fast then it was hard for me to breathe.

 

I could only imagine what was going through his head right now. I know he's scared as well as confused but I have a feeling it will all work out for the best. And I am praying to Kami I am right.

 

(Back at the palace Sesshomaru's POV)

 

I am a bit peeved to find my brother still missing at the morning meal; I think all present were a bit shocked at the absence of him and the slayer.

 

“Does anyone have any idea where lady Sango and Inuyasha are?” asked the monk.

“Oh, we do!” shouted Shippou as him and Rin exchanged excited looks, no doubt from knowing something the rest of us are in the dark about.

“Lord Inuyasha said for us to tell Sesshomaru-sama that he will be back today, and when he returns he will need some space.” Rin said proudly for remembering the message.

“And that if you give him that Lord Sesshomaru you can do whatever you want to him without any dispute from him whatsoever.” finished Shippou.

 

Everything at the table went dead silent and all eyes fell upon me. I don't know what angered me more: the fact that after kissing me he just disappeared or him assuming I would harm him for it.

 

“Might I be so bold as to ask what the problem is Lord Sesshomaru?” inquired the monk.

“No,” I said as I stood and moved from the table, “you may not.”

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

That was not comforting in the least, Sesshomaru looked rather upset. I have no idea what Inuyasha has done now but I'm asking Buddha for it to not cost him his head.

 

“What do you suppose happened between the two of them.” Asked Kouga

“I have no idea, but I know two people who might. Rin, Shippou how did the two of you come to have this message you just delivered?”

“Well, I don't know if we should tell you Miroku, we were sworn to secrecy so it's gonna cost you.” said Shippou as he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes.

“We were not!!” shouted Rin “Can't you see Miroku and Kouga are worried? Quit being mean.”

“As soon as you quit being a party pooper.”

“I am not!!”

“Are too!!”

 

A low growl coming from Kouga's end of the table was all it took to quiet the kids and we soon got the tale of how Inuyasha came into Sango's room in the middle of the night looking rather shook up from what these two could remember and whisked her away needing to talk. But about what, was what Kouga and I were left to ponder.

 

“Maybe it has something to do with how weird their Kokoro's are acting lately.”

“Even though I am sure I cannot sense it as well as you do my ookami friend I have noticed a blending or clashing of sorts when they are together. Maybe they are having some weird vie for dominance that was being waged on another level that is now just manifesting it's self before us all.”

“Who the hell knows monk, all I care about is the two of them not starting that stupid feud they had going all over again.”

“Very true, you do have a point. Anything would be better than that.”

 

As Kouga and I took our daily walk around the palace grounds; we were walking for well over an hour and happened to round the front of the palace just in time to see Sango strolling in our direction. Kouga and I wasted no time getting to the demon slayer and asking her questions. She stood there shaking her head and holding her silent ground.

 

“What was discussed between Inu-san and I will stay between Inu-san and I.”

“Well can you at least tell us if he is in danger of losing his head or not?!” shouted Kouga in frustration.

“I believe his life and safety are in no danger whatsoever.”

“Well where is he?” I asked.

“He wanted some space so knowing him he's hiding out some where. Enough of this guys, I'm starving. Did anyone happen to save me any breakfast?”

“I think if you asked the cooks they should be able to round something up no problem.” Kouga said with a flip of his wrist.

 

I know he was still annoyed to no end but I had to respect Sango for keeping their conversation private. That's what friends do. I just hope her assumption about his safety was correct.

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

The day has trudged on and the sun has just about set. I couldn't help but think of how crummy the timing was for all this. Tonight was the new moon. I have been holed up in my chambers all day and to my surprise, as well as relief, no one has bothered me. I know Ru knows I'm in here. Now I'm just wondering how long he will let me stay. Something is urging me to go outside and the harder I try to ignore it, the more it insists. So to appease the feeling I step out onto the balcony.

 

I was just staring out into twilight when I was suddenly hit by a wave of energy, youkai energy, Ru's energy. Solemnly I look to my left and I see he is now standing on his balcony as well with his gaze fixed upon me. Not wanting to face him on this night I lower my head and turn to re-enter my chambers.

“Do not turn as if to ignore me Inuyasha.” He said it so low, with the slow fade of my demonic powers because of this wretched night I could barely hear him, and even though I do hear him I keep walking.

 

 

(Sesshomaru's POV)

 

So you insist on ignoring me little brother. Well I will have no more of that on this day.

Before he could get three steps inside his chambers, I had reached out with my energy whips and ensnared him around the waist. As I pulled him toward me he fought and struggled, all in vain mind you, but he did it anyway. When I finally got him over the edge of his balcony he latched on with both hands, and began to shout.

 

“Ru let go of me!”

“I will do no such thing.”

“I promise if you let go of me I'll come to you peacefully first thing in the morning.”

“I gave you your space all day, you will answer my questions and you will answer them now.”

“Not tonight Ru, please just let me go!”

 

My brother pleading, now this is a rare occurrence indeed, I am beginning to wonder why he doesn't do something more on the defense other than shouting. No matter how he wants to do this I will get my way.

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck, way does he have to talk now, tonight? This is a helluva mess I've gotten myself into and as far as I can see there is no way out. I glance out at the now dark sky and I can see no more than the courtyard before me, my hearing has dulled along with everything else. He is pulling on me and even though I am clinging on to this rail for all I'm worth. I know my strength will soon fade and then I'm done for.

 

Why does he have to be such a heartless bastard and do this tonight? I know I'm the one that stared this but he could kill or whatever he's gonna do while I'm myself and not this damn weakling I become once a month. I scream at him one more time to let me go before all the youkai strength fades from my body and before either one of us can react, I come flying at him at an insane speed. He steps to the side to avoid my hurtling body and I end up crashing into the draperies, taking them down with me as I roll across the floor. Damn that landing hurt which is all the reason more for me to hate this blasted transformation.

 

Before I can even unwrap myself from this tangled mess I've made I feel a clawed hand seize my wrist in a grip of steel, if it were any tighter and I think it would crack. As it is it just hurts like hell.

 

“You think you could relax that grip a little Ru?”

“I will when I am sure you have no plans of disappearing into the night again.”

“Well it's not like I'm in any shape to be making escape plans right now!” I said as I flung the last of the draperies off my head with my free arm.

“You … you're human.”

“Well duh it's the new moon Ru. So you mind letting go of my wrist before you turn the bone to powder?”

 

Surprisingly he dropped my wrist and stepped back without another word. Despite this show of concern for my well being I'm still pissed. I know I have no right to be, but I am. I cross my arms defiantly across my chest and turn my head away from him.

 

“You have some explaining to do Inuyasha.”

“Well I don't feel like talking.”

“I don't recall giving you an option.”

“Well I'm taking one anyway!” I shout.

“I have no patience left for you to try Inuyasha, so I suggest you explain the meaning behind your actions last night.”

“Well if you don't get what that means then I don't know if words will help you!”

 

A rather angry growl escaped his throat, and instead of being scared like anyone with half a brain would have been in my situation, I remained defiant. I whirled around, walked up to him and started poking my finger in his chest telling him to stop growling at me. Then suddenly his eyes soften and he grabs my arm and slides the sleeve up.

 

(Sesshomaru's POV)

 

I was very close to losing my temper with him, especially when he started barking orders and dodging my questions all while insulting my intelligence. I growl at him only to have him walk up to me and start jabbing me in the chest with his finger like I was some commoner he was dealing with. I was just about to make sure he regretted that action when I caught sight of some sort of marking on his wrist. I know for a fact he does not have the stripes I do, then before that line of thought could go any further, it dawned on me. That's where I grabbed him earlier.

 

For some unknown reason the fact that I now realized I grabbed him hard enough to bruise causes me … concern. I grab his arm and slid his sleeve up to inspect the damage and what I see causes a mild ache in my chest. There was a perfect imprint of my hand in bright red and even darker some places. Inwardly I curse myself for forgetting about this being his powerless night. Then without thinking I pull his wrist up to my face and lick the bruise from top to bottom. And I was about to do it again when my senses finally decided to come back to me and I froze.

 

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

I thought for sure he was going to rip my fingers off for poking him in the chest, when he surprised me and pushed up my sleeve instead. I watch in shocked fascination as he gently inspects the hand shaped bruise around my wrist. He looks almost troubled by what he sees. All this is surprising enough on it's own without what he does next. Without warning he brings my wrist up to his face and slowly licks the bruise. And it looked like he was going to do it again when he suddenly stops dead in his tracks.

 

I could do nothing but stare at him and on some level a part of me was laughing it's ass off at the turn of events. When his eyes finally moved to mine I just smiled at him and said, “Looks like I'm not the only one with questions to answer and shit to explain.”