InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ Astonishment and Rage ( Chapter 33 )

Astonishment and Rage

 

 

The following days were interesting indeed. After Miroku regained his strength, I approached him out in the gardens so I could tell him something he apparently already knew.

 

That my heart belongs to Ru.

 

He gave me a sad smile and said he figured as much and that while he wouldn't pretend to be unaffected by my decision he was truly happy for me. This brought a smile to my face and lifted a weight off my chest. I told him that I still wanted it to be just the two of us making the journey to Kaede's. He nodded and asked me about something I'd been avoiding for the past few days.

 

“Speaking of our journey, have you told Lord Sesshoumaru exactly why it is we're going?”

 

My shoulders slumped and I remained silent.

 

“Oh I see… you might want to get around to doing that sometime in the next few days my friend. Can I ask why you haven't yet?”

“Everything has just been so damn peaceful between us over the last few days I didn't want to bring up anything that could possibly change that.”

 

He gave me a stern look. “Ok, I know I'm being a coward and I'll fix it. Just give me some time.”

 

Another stern look.

 

“Fine, fine I'll go now!”

“That's the spirit, Yash!”

 

I huffed as turned to head toward the palace's main entrance. Since our thoughts are still intertwined to some degree I'm sure Miroku has a pretty good idea why I've been kinda avoiding Ru. Yeah, that whole bit about me wanting to keep the peace was not a total lie but it was far from the whole reason.

 

Truth is as soon as I set eyes on him or smell him close I want ravage him or let him ravage me, either one would be fine as far as I'm concerned. I don't know why it is that I feel this way but I do. Maybe I should ask Tibade or Myouga. Yeah, that's what I'll do. Since I know where Tibade is (damn flea's run off again) I'll go see him.

 

On my way to Tibade's chambers, I passed one of the many conference rooms and I saw Ru in there with a couple of the new guards Kouga had brought on. Just that simple fleeting glimpse of him was enough to set my loins on fire. Almost instantly my mind was filled with images of our nude bodies entwined in ways I didn't even know were possible. Doing things, I'd never even heard of none-the-less experienced. The images were so vivid I could barely focus on where I'm going.

 

Ru's clawed hand gliding up my bare thigh. My lips on those chiseled abs of his. His mouth trailing hot kisses down my arched back. My fingers wrapping around his hardened cock…

 

--un Inuyasha--

 

His tongue swirling around my aching nipples...

 

--Yash--

 

Me wrapping my legs around his waist as he…

 

-- INUYASHA!--

 

Miroku's mental cry cut through my mind loud enough to startle me and I ended up stumbling around in the hall like a moron.

 

--What!-- I responded irritably.

--For the love of Buddha, please calm yourself long enough for me to finish reading to the children!--

--What the hell are you going on about Houshi? I…--

 

Then it slowly dawned on me that if I was completely wrapped up in my little fantasy, I might have been inadvertently giving Miroku…

 

--…a play by play of what you were visualizing.-- he cut in.

 

My entire body heated up in embarrassment.

 

--I will say this for you Yash. You've got one hell of an imagination for a virgin.--

 

I so just wanted to crawl in a hole and die.

 

--No need to be ashamed. Sesshoumaru will be one happy man once you do finally get a hold of him.--

--I just don't understand why I all of a sudden have this urge to… to…--

--I get the idea; that play by play left me no doubts about what your urge is.--

 

I didn't have to see him to know he was smirking.

 

--And if I had been in the comfort of my own room, alone I would have never disturbed you. There are some things I have no desire to have to explain to children, remember Shippou's sense of smell is pretty good these days.--

 

At first, I was confused but after a moment, I realized exactly how I was making Miroku uncomfortable.

 

--I am so sorry Miroku. I didn't even think about you hearing me.--

--Usually I can't… at least not as clearly as I did this time. Boy you were really getting into it.--

--MIROKU!--

--No point in acting shy now and don't point fingers at me, I'm not the one that's being a little horn dog. No pun intended.--

 

I was just about to give the Monk an ear/mind full when, Find Mate. Touch. Take pleasure in, echoes through his mind. I sighed. I should have known this would start up again. My mind is just way too crowded these days.

 

When I finally reached the end of the southern corridor where Tibade's chambers are familiar laughter reaches my ears. When I reach his door, it opens and a giggling Sango emerges. I peer behind her and find an equally amused healer. Sango is so wrapped up in her amusement she didn't even notice me. I had to admit it felt good to see her like this happy and carefree. When she finally did notice me, my presence startled her.

 

“Oh, Inu-san, I didn't see you there.”

 

I just smiled in response.

 

“I was on my way to the kitchen to find a snack; care to join me?”

“I might in a few after I'm done talking to Tibade.”

 

With a big smile on her face-that got even broader once she glanced back to the healer-she bid us farewell and strolled off down the hall. Before she got ten paces away the healer stepped out of the doorway and asked, “We're still on for tea later right?”

 

“You bet.” She called back in response.

“I'll see you then Satomi.”

 

Without further ado, she waved and left. When Satomi passed the healer's lips my eyebrows met my hairline, but I didn't comment. Once Tibade and I were behind closed doors he asked, “What brings you here so early in the afternoon my young Lord?”

 

I knew the answer to that question but until he asked it I hadn't given any thought to how I was going to voice my concerns. I sucked at talking about crap like that.

 

“I…well you see…”

 

Tibade gave me a screwy look and began tapping his foot impatiently. “I can't aid you until I know what the problem is.”

 

“Yeah, I know but… it's just that I…” man this was hard to get out.

“Sometime today my Lord.”

“When I…I…”

 

Tibade let out an exasperated sigh and that was the last straw for me. Before I knew it (and before I could think better of it), I'd blurted out, “Every time I see Ru I want him to fuck me till I can't see straight!”

 

I watched as the healer's tanned skin flushed scarlet. He opened his mouth to respond only to snap it shut and take a seat behind his desk, all while avoiding my eyes.

 

“Hey, I was trying to word it better but you had to go and rush me.”

 

He glared at me but his amusement at the situation shone clearly in his eyes. He promptly cleared his throat and started explaining how this was a normal part of the whole coming of age thing and mating process. He said that two demons being in close proximity to each other strengthens the bond so it's completely normal for our sexual urges to be a bit more demanding than normal.

 

I personally felt the phrase “a bit” was a gross understatement for what I felt. It's gotten to the point where if I could just “do it” I'd be willing to do it on the table in the dining hall, during breakfast. I was more than a little tired of waiting and this overwhelming and all consuming desire was starting to rob me of my senses.

 

I then wanted to know how much longer we were going to have to wait so I asked. Tibade rubbed his chin thoughtfully at my question and said that he hasn't seen enough changes in me, physically, for me to be done with the whole coming of age thing. With that news, I felt my shoulders slump and my ears flattened against my hair.

 

“Fear not my young Lord, it should be all over with any day now; and if you want we can go out to the battle court and see if the kensei henkou is complete.”

 

I was all for that and was headed for the door when Tibade suggested that we bring Kouga out there with us. I nodded, not really caring one way or the other, and we both set out to find the wolf.

 

Once we found him and made our way outside Tibade began giving me various commands to see if I could do them. The first thing he wanted me to try was summoning one of those damn bubbles. That's when it occurred to me that I had yet to do that voluntarily. Up until now, they had just shown up accidentally. It didn't take long for me to make one and once I did Tibade asked me to try and control its movement.

 

That little task took a bit longer to master; but after playing around with it for a while, he asked me to drop it on one of the many barrels he had Kouga set up earlier. When I did, the blue flame surrounded it and soon the barrel was reduced to dust.

 

He then asked me to make another one, but for me to try to make it a lot less destructive than the previous one. The first couple of tries at this was met with interesting results; but after a while I figured out how to weaken them to the point they simply knocked the barrels away instead of consuming them. The next thing Tibade wanted to know was how fast I could move one around and after an hour or so, I had them moving fast enough to keep up with Kouga. After that he had me create more than one at a time then reabsorb them just to see if I could get rid of them without using them. While doing so, I couldn't help but think how useful this knowledge would have been days ago.

 

The staff was still fixing the damage one of these things caused in the eastern corridor.

 

Then last but not least he had me draw Tetsusaiga so I could try channeling this new energy through the sword. Once I did, the transformed blade took on an eerie blue glow and I found I could now use it in the same manner Ru used Tokijin.

 

All of this seemed to satisfy Tibade for the moment and he suggested I take a break and run the obstacle course with Kouga to see if my speed has increased due to my coming of age. I was surprised to note that it had and figured I'd taunt the wolf into a high-spirited game of cat-and-mouse.

 

Kouga was trying his best, but he couldn't get his claws on me. When he stopped on the other side of the arena to remove his armor, I took the opportunity to shed my Haori and undershirt. I would never voice it but staying ahead of the wolf had caused me to break a sweat.

 

“On your toes Dog-boy, you're going down this time!” he yelled.

“In your dreams Wolf!” I shouted back.

 

By this time, Ru and Sango were standing on one balcony watching us and Miroku was standing on a lower balcony, which was attached to the library, doing the same.

 

 

* * *

 

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

Oh, the Gods were indeed smiling on me that day.

 

I had ventured to the library to return the scroll I had read to the children when I heard activity going on outside in the battle court. When I stepped out onto the low-lying balcony I saw Kouga and Yash chasing each other around - shirtless.

 

From the things that flashed through my mind at the sight of all that bare, sweaty muscle zipping around below me I felt like the hentai Sango use to accuse me of being. I was very glad Yash was so occupied with the game he played with Kouga that he hadn't paid attention to what was on my mind. No sooner than the wish for Yash to be closer so I could get a better look crossed my mind did he leap backwards to avoid Kouga and land amongst the top branches of the tree right outside the balcony I was standing on.

 

I was indeed in the Gods favor.

 

He looked over at me, pointed down at the Wolf Prince, and said, “Guess who's not so swift anymore?”

“Come down here and say that to my face!” Kouga shouted up at him in response.

“Not likely Wolfy, come up here and get me slow poke!”

 

It took Kouga two leaps to reach Yash and as soon as he made a lunge for my silver-haired friend, Inuyasha bounded the length of the battle court and landed on a narrow ledge jutting out of the palace wall. When Kouga followed, he leapt right back, only this time he landed on the rail in front of me. It took all the willpower I had not to reach out and touch the perfection before me.

 

I could control my hands but the rest of my body was reacting in ways that made me thankful-once again-that they were too wrapped up in their game to pay me any mind.

 

Yash and Kouga were now leaping back and forth between my balcony and the tree taunting each other when Yash suddenly started. Immediately after that, an angry growl was heard.

 

Everything after that happened in a blur.

 

Before I could even register what was happening I was shoved backwards away from the balcony hard enough to end up flat on my back and when I looked up Kouga was standing between my prone form and a seething Sesshoumaru.

 

Both demons eyes had bled to red and they had claws ready and fangs their bared at each other like they were ready to fight to the death. Confused and scared out of my mind I remained motionless on the library floor.

 

* * *

 

(Sesshoumaru's POV)

 

The Demon Slayer and I were watching Inuyasha and the Ookami chase each other around the battle court when Inuyasha landed on the tree in front of the balcony the Monk was standing on. I was trying hard to ignore the way he was blatantly staring at Inuyasha without much success. After a little, more jumping around Kouga was in the tree and my Inuyasha was on the railing of the balcony the Monk was standing on. In an attempt to keep my cool I was about to excuse myself from the Slayers presence when the unmistakable scent of the Monks arousal hit my senses.

 

DO NOT ALLOW ANOTHER TO CLAIM.

 

After that declaration from my instincts I felt my body in motion and everything after ceased to make sense.

 

* * *

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

There I was having a grand ole time playing with Kouga and bouncing around from place to place when a powerful wave of rage washed over me. I looked over at Ru just as he launched himself in our direction (or to be more precise) in Miroku's direction.

 

Then surprisingly in a movement much faster than any, he had made while trying to catch me Kouga shoves Miroku out of harm's way and stands between Ru and the fallen Monk.

 

The two of them are snarling and growling at each other and when I get a good look at their faces I realize their eyes have gone red and their aura's are on such high alert and putting out such raw power my instincts are screaming at me not to move.

 

When I finally force my feet to move anyway I turn toward Miroku only to hear Tibade shout, “NO INUYASHA! Don't move!”

 

Confused and nervous I stand stock still but yell, “Well, get your `all knowing' ass up here and do something!”

 

I would be loathed to admit it to anyone but whatever has Ru and Kouga all riled up and putting off this weird energy has me all but scared shitless.

 

* * *

 

(Tibade's POV)

 

Everything was going along just fine with Happy Faces' training, and he and the Wolf Prince were playing around much like demons their age are apt to do. I was enjoying my role as spectator when an out of place scent wafted through the courtyard. A deeper sniff told me someone was aroused, another sniff told me that someone was the ningen Monk.

 

I looked up to see him all but drooling over Inuyasha. A moment later, a threatening growl is heard and I looked towards the source of the noise just as Pup launched himself at the Monk. Luckily-for Miroku-Kouga pushed him back and stepped in-between him and Pup. Even from my spot in the far corner of the battle court, I could feel the raw power pouring off them.

 

I tried to warn Pup about this a while ago. I knew his instincts would drive him mad until he put an actual claim on Inuyasha. I'm guessing that the Monk's arousal coupled with his proximity to Inuyasha came across as a threat to his tentative claim on little Happy Face; which made his instincts demand that he eliminate that possible threat.

 

When I snapped out of my musings, I saw Inuyasha make a move toward his fallen friend and I shouted, “NO INUYASHA! Don't move!” because I knew if Pup saw his “mate” go to another in the state, he's in right now the Monk was as good as dead.

 

I looked at Inuyasha and even though he was hiding it well I could tell he was scared. He shouted for me to get up there and do something and even my instincts were telling me not to go anywhere near two aggressive demons in the midst of protecting their mates- or in this case, would be mates.

 

Once I decided to make a move I glanced up at Satomi and she mouthed the words, “be careful” I nodded at her and proceeded with extreme caution.

 

Three bounds later, I'm in the tree outside the balcony they are all gathered on. The scene that greeted me was not pleasant at all. I could tell both Pup and Kouga were fighting their impending transformations and I am somewhat impressed they have held it off this long. I calmed my own aura down and slowly climbed over the balcony rail and motioned for my youngest lord to come over in my direction (which happens to be behind Pup, which is where he needs to be anyway). Inuyasha looked at me and I could see the hesitation in his movements; so I put on my best “trust me” look and waved him over again.

 

When he reached me, I softly instructed him on how to calm his “mate.” I told him he needed to touch him and remain in contact with him until he settled down. I go on to say that, he needed to send Miroku the same instructions in order to calm down Kouga, but not to do that until Sesshoumaru starts to come back to his senses.

 

I said that because if Kouga reigns in his aura first I was afraid Pup would rip him to shreds. I was actually surprised he hadn't done so already.

 

Inuyasha nodded then hesitantly made his way over to Pup and I could tell the moment he stepped into the core of Pup's aura because his entire body shuddered and the energy was actually violent enough to move his silver tresses around. He looked like he was standing in a storm; in a sense, I suppose he was…an emotional one. I silently observed him as he placed his hand on the small of Pup's back and then he glanced over at the terrified Monk that was still sprawled out-motionless-on the library floor.

 

I assumed he was using that mental connection he shares with the Monk to convey my instructions. This was soon confirmed when Miroku looked in my direction and nodded in the affirmative. I knew they both had questions about what was going on and what I told them to do (especially Miroku) but I was glad they had the presence of mind not to ask them at that moment.

 

Pup's aura was showing no real signs of dimming, so Inuyasha moved forward until his body was flush against Pup's back and wrapped his arms around his waist. I could see his lips moving and I had to assume he was saying things to try to calm Sesshoumaru, I was assuming because I couldn't hear anything over the roar of energy radiating from them.

 

I gathered that Inuyasha found the right words because Pup's aura weakened and I saw amber flicker back in through the red. I looked down at the Monk and his eyes were already focused on me and I could tell he was waiting for the okay. I nodded and he slowly put a hand on Kouga's calf.

 

Pup's return to normal was a bit slow going but once he did he swayed on his feet and for a moment I thought he might actually fall. The Ookami's aura settled rather quickly after that and when he came to his senses he fell to his knees panting. Once the Wolf caught his breath he looked up at the Youkai Lord and they stared at each other for a while, then-to everyone's amazement-Sesshoumaru breaks the silence with, “Your intervention is… appreciated,” he began before he glances down at the Monk-that still had yet to pick himself up off the floor-then back at Kouga and finishes with, “I apologize.”

 

“And I to you,” Kouga says as he got to his feet to stand on shaky legs, “I had no idea I would …get like that. I mean… nothings even…well…”

“I understand.” Sesshoumaru stated as he turned to Miroku and offered a strained apology to him as well. Like any sane person with an ounce of intelligence, the Houshi accepted it without question and began gathering himself up off the floor.

 

Pup walked up to Inuyasha and with a gentleness that completely contradicted his showing the last few minutes, he placed a finger under his chin, tilted his face upwards and kissed him lightly on the lips. “I need a little time, Koi.”

 

I could tell that was a question as much as it was a statement and when Inuyasha nodded, despite the obvious confusion he still had over the whole situation, Pup kissed his forehead and said, “Come find me later.” He then strolled out of the library as if nothing of any consequence had taken place.

 

Just like a true Lord should.

 

Kouga started to follow him but he's stopped by Miroku's hand on his arm. “Thank you Kouga. I'm not sure what possessed you to risk your neck like that for me but I'm glad you did.”

 

The sadness in Kouga's eyes and the strain in his voice was noted by all when he replied with, “Don't worry about it Monk; what are friends for.”

 

Miroku started to say more but he was cut off when Kouga excused himself and followed Pup out of the library. I had reservations about him leaving without explaining his motivations more clearly but I could also see he was exhausted and in no mood for such an emotional conversation. When he disappeared, both of the boys looked at me and I knew there was no way I was getting out of explaining that whole mess.

 

* * *

 

(Sesshoumaru's POV)

 

Once I exited the library and entered the hall, I let the magnitude of the situation wash over me. I was not usually one to be grateful of another's intervention in my affairs but this was a grand exception to my usual standpoint on such things.

 

I probably would have gravely injured the Monk-if I hadn't killed him outright-if not for the Ookami's involvement. Not only would that have been a grand injustice to the Monk, it would have severely strained if not severed my relationship with Inuyasha and robbed Kouga of his intended mate.

 

As Koi would have said…I fucked up.

 

I didn't get to think on the situation long before I sensed the wolf prince approaching. I slowed my pace to ensure that he caught up with me and when he did I could feel the misery radiating off of him in waves.

 

We walked in knowing silence for a while before I said, “You need to tell him.”

 

“I know but… considering how he obviously still feels for Inuyasha I don't feel like I have much of chance at the moment.”

“They have talked and he knows nothing will come of his feelings.”

“I know this Lord Sesshoumaru but that does not change how he feels.”

“It never hurts to let one know they have options, Ookami.”

 

He glared at me but considering the situation, I let the infraction go. “Think about it this way, a freshly killed rabbit on the table looks great until the deer is brought out.”

 

He stopped in mid-stride and regarded me with an odd look. His posture slumped and he whispered, “I don't think I could ever surpass Inuyasha in his eyes.”

“With that attitude I would suppose not.” I said as I continued on my way knowing the jibe would not sit well with him.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“It means that if you feel there is no hope, there will be none. You fail to realize you have something Inuyasha does not.”

“…and that would be?”

“Desire. You, desire him. Therefore, if I were you I would make that known, for hiding it in the shadows will not get you the end result you long for. Court him, woo him do whatever it is that you wolves do when trying to attract a mate. You could even ask the Slayer about some human customs when it comes to things of this nature.”

“I'm not so sure about all that.”

 

At that statement, I just stopped and looked at him. Surely, he had to be joking. He placed himself in harms way without a second thought but the idea of a little courtship made him falter. I was having a difficult time with the logic behind this.

 

Enough.

 

I had neither the patience nor the energy for that at the moment. I will make this as clear and concise as possible.

 

“You just stared death in face for him…surely a few heartfelt words and kind gestures would be easier to manage.”

 

The wolf looked dumbstruck as he stood motionless in the hall. After several minutes and no response, I moved on, leaving him to his thoughts.