InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Hopes ❯ Chapter 18

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Author's notes:Hello! Another chapter done and posted whew! Mind you there may be some “leaps” in the chapters to come. For example, this chapter though has two flashbacks deals with position of Inuyasha after a few months of his being mated to Kouga. Similarly the future chapter may contain some leaps as I am trying to make Inuyasha feel both physically and mentally strong and safe before he conceives after pup. Although I am still unsure as how to proceed further you may expect more of Granny Hotaru (who by the way is nothing like mosthad expected.) and some other good and evil OCs. With that said let me thanks the reviewers who were so kind enough to let me know their views regarding the chapter.

 

And last but definitely not the least my beta MOLLIE. Thanks for turning my crazy rant into words suitable for reading.

 

 

Chapter 18

 

Peals of laugher echoed through the ivory grounds stretched within the castle walls as young wolves and demon reaped the joys of winter by playing in the snow with their friends and siblings. Squealing, a few pups chose to smash each other with snowballs, while others enjoyed the quiet fun of giving shape to various sized snowmen or lay sprawled on the ground etching snow angels on the snow. Amber eyes silently followed the frolicking younglings as Inuyasha sat nearby a genuine smile on his round face musing over the events of the past months.

 

Days had passed since the stray and broken hanyou was taken into the wolf clan giving him a home, a caring family and a loving mate. In this short length of time, his life had been turned upside down; he had gone from a wandering warrior to a demon with lost hopes and no purpose to live for, to a respected member of the wolf clan, a temporary advisor in the outer council and a sword instructor to the young ones in the clan. He had been changed from the haughty, boisterous, foul-mouthed, over-confident wanderer to a more silent, but still royal member of a family. Never had he imagined such life and after having lost so much. Never had he hoped against hope that he would be granted such boons or would be able to collect himself enough to enjoy them. However, his mate and his family had made it possible and although it had definitely not been easy to accept so much and to learn to forgive, Inuyasha was slowly taking one step a time. True, he still suffered from occasional loss of confidence and gruesome nightmares, and the pain of loosing his child still lingered, but it had dulled somewhat and with Kouga and his family there for him to hold him, he was slowly coming out of his shell; he was recovering, albeit slowly.

 

Stretching out lazily on a cold stony ledge near the castle entrance, Inuyasha kept a stern watch on his pupils as they enjoyed their `tactfully' earned holiday while he let his mind wander to the day he had meet two of his new and quite eccentric family members, his father-in-law and a very interesting grandmother-in-law. “Crazy bunch of loonies” he muttered, but was still undoubtedly grateful of them. He could still feel how stressful the day had been with Kouga literally bristling as they strode through the castle corridors to meet lord Mashiro.

 

Flashback

 

“It'll be fine.” Kouga comforted, pulling Inuyasha close to him as they made their way to the audience room. Kaiya had been in their chamber not a moment ago with information of mother's detailed `meeting' with father and that they -or mostly Inuyasha- had nothing to worry about. Though Inuyasha was fairly relaxed at the news, Kouga seemed to become more and more agitated with each passing moment.

 

“Looks like you're to convince yourself more, Kouga” Inuyasha murmured softly as they stopped abruptly in front of the audience room and informed the occupants of their arrival. The bald servant who had gone in had returned, instantly ushering them into a lavishly decorated, enormous area where they were greeted by Kaiya, who, with a stiff dismissal to the strangely familiar servant, accompanied Inuyasha and Kouga inside.

 

The large chamber was elegantly decorated with intricately carved pillars and rich silk clothes. Huge tapestries adorned the walls of the chamber depicting the ancient heritage of the wolf tribe and their exploits. At the end of the chamber was a raised podium with two golden low-legged thrones in the centre, along with several large silken cushions placed meticulously around them, which Inuyasha assumed was the place where the council members were generally seated. As they walked through the surprisingly empty room, Inuyasha's eyes fell on the three members present on the podium. Occupying the throne was an elegantly-attired Keiko-sama and perhaps her mate, who (surprisingly) looked nothing like Inuyasha had expected. In fact, he was a slightly taken aback by the similarity between Kouga and lord of the wolves; the two seemed to be the splitting image of one another, except for subtle differences where Mashiro was a slightly taller and bulkier with pronounced streaks of silver stretching through his black curls. A known figure sat on the nearest pillow to the throne, his features resembling nothing of the carefree flirting wolf they had met the night before. Katashi was the general of the wolf army and looked very much like it. As they quietly approached the podium Inuyasha bowed in greeting, having learned the basic of throne room etiquette from Keiko herself that morning. Keiko smiled warmly at them while the Lord merely nodded slightly in reply before awarding his son a stern glare at his stiff greeting. Silence fell across the room as Kaiya returned to take her place beside her mate, leaving Kouga and Inuyasha kneeling in front of them on the floor. Minutes rolled by the silence of the room, causing Inuyasha to squirm restlessly under the Lord's speculative gaze, unconsciously fiddling with the long sleeves of his kimono. Beside him, Kouga was in a similar position; however Inuyasha hardly took notice of it as he promptly fought with the forgotten feelings of genuine irritation that rose inside him. Suddenly the figure in front of him moved and before he knew he was promptly picked up and captured in a warm embrace.

 

“Welcome, son of Inu-no-Taisho! A great warrior, and a worthy friend. Welcome to our clan and congratulations on bonding, we are most proud to have you within our clan. I have heard long of your brave adventures and have been most eager to meet you. I am glad that for once, my thick-headed mule-of-a-son has done something right…” Mashiro smiled warmly at a slightly shaky Inuyasha (who greatly perturbed by the sudden gesture of closeness, he was not used to, was trying desperately not to panic) before fixing Kouga with a cold glare. “Although at great cost. We greatly regret our son's mistreatment in the past and wish that we could provide you all the happiness that you have been robbed of until now. Bless you my child, you have brought us pride and joy and for that this family is eternally grateful!” Inuyasha smiled slightly, unsure of how to answer the Lord. However, Mashiro seemed quite content with Inuyasha as he bestowed on him another giant hug. Behind him, Keiko sighed in relief before smiling at Inuyasha as she stood to invite Inuyasha to one of the cushions.

 

“See? I told you there's nothing to worry about.” Kaiya whispered, smiling. “Father only reserves the worst for Kouga.” Inuyasha smiled slightly, looking up at father and son, who stood face to face with similar stony expressions. “Kouga…” Mashiro began. “I really do not know what to say to you. You have always been defiant and stubborn, yet I chose to ignore your misgivings…”

 

Inuyasha heard Keiko snort softly at that.

 

“…taking them as signs of youthful discretion. I had always tried to persuade myself that you will come to your proper senses eventually but you proved me wrong. Your foolish whim had cost us a lot.”

 

“But…”

 

“Do not interrupt me, insolent whelp.” Mashiro snapped, and Inuyasha was stunned as the words were accentuated by a tight rap upside Kouga's head. The younger wolf growled low in his throat at that, but remained silent. “I know, your mother had already informed me of your redeeming qualities. Yet the fact remains that you have your head up your ass.” more raps upon the brow followed the last statement, and Inuyasha was stunned at the sudden change of eloquence. But looking around, he presumed the others were well acquainted with the Lord's selection of words for his son, in fact Katashi seemed down right amused. “And as much as I would like to pull you head out of your furry backside and replace it with my foot, the presence of your mate here has compelled me to keep my composure.”

 

“Father…”

 

“Silence! Your anserine courage astounds me, baka. Do you dare speak over me!?”

 

Kouga `hmphed', crossing his hands over his chest. This meant…

 

“Fine then, since you're so reluctant to directed at your faults, we shall settle this at the combat arena tomorrow.” Everyone present besides Inuyasha groaned. “Don't think you would be spared because of the ceremony tonight. I expect you to be there by end of the council meeting, tomorrow morning.” Mashiro folded his arms over his chest and fixed his son with another of his hard gazes as if daring him to challenge his decision.

 

Kouga sighed. He had seen it coming. At least it will less humiliating and the council wouldn't be involved.

 

“Anata, surely…” Keiko began as she stood to stand beside her mate, followed closely by Kaiya.

 

“No, Keiko. The impudent runt needs to be disciplined. And only a pounding can show him his place.”

 

“But, my Lord…”

 

“Don't worry, my love. I know what I am doing, and believe me; this dolt needs it.”

 

Kouga growled but as usual was ignored.

 

“Umm… what are they talking about?” Inuyasha whispered, lost to conversation that had transpired between father and son.

 

“Kouga's gonna get his ass whipped tomorrow, that's what they're talking about.” Katashi grinned at Inuyasha's utter confusion. “Long tradition; you'll see, white puppy.”

 

“…Don't call me white puppy.”

 

“Oh, but it's a nice name. Suits you perfectly, my pretty brother-in-law.” Katashi countered with a soft nudge and a mock leer. This time, Inuyasha growled, stunning the others before his cheeks coloured.

 

 

End Flashback

 

Ah yes. Inuyasha had perfectly understood what it had meant the next day when Kouga had returned from the combat arena cursing and spluttering, having been thoroughly beaten, sporting bruises and wounds of varying degree. Inuyasha had managed to stay clear of his seething mate as he let Keiko fuss over a huffing Kouga, trying to make sense of the crazy family and all the epithets he had heard echoing through the castle wall as Mashiro and Kouga had fought.

 

“Bunch of bakas…” Inuyasha snorted quietly as he pulled the warm fur closer to his body sitting up on his hunches his mind drifting gain to his initiation ceremony. He had been acquitted with another loony member of the family, which had helped him understand the source of his mate and his father-in-law's eccentricity.

 

Flashback

 

Amber orbs gazed around lazily, his body warmed by the cups of warm sake presented to him, and all those who have gathered at the banquet hall to welcome him into their clan. Cheerful chatter and jovial laughter rang through the room softly decorated with myriads of coloured lanterns and silk of gold and silver. Inuyasha himself looked stunning, with the unconventional scarlet wedding kimono that had been made specifically to match his taste. The hanyou was surprised yet again -not to mention warmed at heart- that his family had cared for his comfort, thus ignored the slightly unnerving feelings that rose at wearing the feminine dress. His hair that had also been washed, tangles and knots brushed away and tied into a topknot glowed unnaturally giving him an angelic look. That, and the soft pink hue that coloured his cheek, had the clan floored by his beauty, as it made him utterly ethereal. Kouga himself looked great in his unusual haori and hakama but never paid attention to the looks he received as he hovered possessively around his beautiful mate.

 

It had only been seconds since Katashi had dragged the young wolf in a distant corner among their common friends while Inuyasha had politely declined, taking time to rest a bit after the initiation ceremony, which had taken greater part of the evening. He was still a bit hesitant about the crowd, not having met so many animals and demons (except during battle) but his family had been understanding and had allowed him occasional recess before he joined the formalities. Thus, he stood at a corner, smiling slightly to see his mate already making -or rather trying desperately to make- his way back towards him through the sea of celebrating clan members, while Keiko-sama and Mashiro entertained their own council members and friends. Soft music permeated through the room, its gentle notes calming the restlessness within him as he relaxed, sipping his sake. However it seemed his peace was short lived as he suddenly leapt, yelping before a possessive growl echoed through the room and at once he was pulled behind a growling Kouga, rubbing his sore hips where he had been pinched mercilessly.

 

The culprit, however, was quite oblivious to the growled warnings emanating form the angry wolf prince or the stunned silence followed by the usual sigh and the resumption of the chatty buzz as they circled around a frowning and shaky Inuyasha. “Ah, fresh meat, soft and succulent, good texture. Hmmm… unusual hair colour, haven't met too many with hues like that. Oooohhhh, lovely ears.” hands reached out to catch them but before the task could be accomplished, Inuyasha was pulled flush against Kouga's chest, strong arms holding him in a protective barrier.

 

“Back off grandma, he's mine!”

 

Musical strings of mirthful laughter filled the arena as Inuyasha peered out of his mate's arms to glance warily at the tall and lean female standing in front of them and then he stopped breathing. The woman, whom he had expected to be old and haggard, was nothing like that. In fact she hardly looked older than Kaiya herself. Auburn haired cascaded down her shoulder, falling gracefully across her lean and toned body that Inuyasha was sure a result of years spent in combat. Her face, an effect of delicate artistry that surpassed any female who stood in the arena, with high cheekbones and tanned complexion that only accentuated her look. Deep pools of silver held power but enough mischief to last a lifetime gazed curiously at him the naughty smile never leaving the thin lips.

 

“Oh shucks, the good ones are always taken.” she pouted and Inuyasha weakly struggled against his mate's hold as Keiko, who had managed to launch herself between her son and mother-in-law, snorted. “Mother! Behave yourself. This so unbecoming of you!”

 

“Ah, but my dear… you should always appreciate beauty. And this one here is such a looker.” Kouga growled yet again. “So my dear Kou-chan, where did you catch him? He smells absolutely divine and …oh… somewhat familiar. Like…”

 

“Yes mother. As you have guessed, he is Inu-no-Taisho's son. Mother, meet Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is Mashiro-sama's mother, Hotaru-sama.” Inuyasha, who had managed to free himself, bowed tentatively, still cautious of her capricious attitude.

 

“Keh! No need for formalities, dear.” She admonished her daughter-in-law. “Come here, pretty boy. Let's have a look at you.” with a squeak, Inuyasha was once again pulled away from his currently seething mate as the demoness held his round face in a firm yet gentle grip, studying the hanyou intently. While Katashi managed to successfully restrain a struggling Kouga, Inuyasha began his low pitched growling, the forgotten sense of harshness raring it ugly head. However he didn't have much to react before supple lips landed on his pulling him into an unexpected kiss.

 

“Mother!!”

 

“OBAAAAAASAMAAAAAA!!” Katashi lost to Kouga's anger as the wolf prince finally slipped out of his hold, rushing forward to launch a full blown attack on his mate's assaulter. Hotaru simply smiled, releasing a dazed Inuyasha as she easily manoeuvred his grandson, locking him in a uncomfortable-looking hold that rendered him helpless.

 

“Now, now, boy. No need to get so feisty. It's a traditional greeting of course. You know the old ways.”

 

“I don't care about your stupid ways, ya old hag.” Kouga grunted struggling uselessly. “You have no right to touch my mate.”

 

“Now Kouga, where are you manners? You know how I hate being called that.” A sharp twist of his arms and Hotaru smiled. “Yes, well. Inuyasha, my dear boy.” the poor hanyou took a step back. “Ah, fearful I see. Don't worry, I will not eat you.” she assured, but the smile said otherwise and Inuyasha tensed, ready to run out of the room at any moment. This was utter craziness, and his panic was growing.

 

“Mother, cease your action at once!” the commanding voice nearly made Inuyasha nearly jump out of his skin. He was about to flee, however Kouga was released at the precise moment and the hanyou once again found himself in familiar arms, melting against them bonelessly. Keiko looked thunderous. “Stop molesting the poor boy! He's had enough trouble. He doesn't need to deal with your antics.”

 

Hotaru had the decency to look affronted. “Oh dear, I apologize. I have felt the boy's nervousness and merely wished to liven thing up.”

 

“Do not jest mother. You were never so thoughtful.” Keiko huffed and Hotaru chuckled.

 

“Ah yes ain't I? But what is a poor lonely wolf to do?” she sighed in mock despair.

 

“Now, my queen… You always have your faithful servant.”

 

Hotaru smiled as Katashi stepped forward, holding up her hand to place a kiss on her palm.

 

“Hah, you are my only solace, Katashi. Such beauty and youthfulness. You give this old wolf's dying soul so much hope.”

 

“no, my lady. You're nothing but old. Your beauty is eternal, and you know I only speak the truth.”

 

Hotaru giggled. “Ah, my boy. You know me better than anyone else. Well then, my faithful attendants, I shall take leave of you. My heartiest congratulations, my dear grandson and Inuyasha, you're truly an enigma.” With that she let Katashi escort her to another part of the room knowingly ignoring her fuming daughter-in-law and her granddaughter as she dragged Kaiya's mate from one place to another.

 

“Mother, you have to do something about her!” Kaiya growled. “I hate Katashi flirting with her. She's our grandma, for god's sake!”

 

“My dear, you know as well as I that neither I nor your wimp of a father, who is currently hiding somewhere in this deliberately ignorant crowd, is capable of stopping her madness. She had always been like that and you know that whatever it is, she never means harm to you or any one of us. Just calm down dear, your mate will be back soon enough.” Keiko stated, and Kaiya `hmphed', glaring at the couple from a distance.

 

“But kissing my mate is not one of them!” Kouga protested haughtily, pulling a disoriented Inuyasha closer against him. “It is for this reason that I didn't want Inuyasha anywhere near her.”

 

“I understand and I shall have a talk with her. Now, Inuyasha… are you okay?” Keiko stared in gentle askance and concern.

 

Inuyasha simply nodded in affirmative to Keiko's concern, though in truth he wanted nothing more but to return to his chamber at that moment. Fortunately, Keiko sensed his unease and arranged for his and Kouga's departure.

 

“Don't worry, Inuyasha. She may seem a bit strange, but she meant no harm. Her teasing only means she likes you and considers you her family. She has nothing against you, however she always likes to bait Kouga and Kaiya, as her own son rarely gives her such opportunity.” Keiko informed.

 

“Yeah, I agree. Katashi just loves to flirt with her, and pulling my leg is one of his favourite pastimes.” Kaiya sighed then smiled.

 

“True, now both of you may retire. I am sure Inuyasha has had enough of this evening and you have your meeting with father tomorrow, Kouga. So I suggest you get some rest.”

 

End flashback

 

Inuyasha sighed. Ah yes, “the grandmother”. The royal loony was now his family. He shuddered at the thought. How someone can be so perverted at her age was beyond the hanyou's imagination. The demoness hadn't missed one chance of annoying Inuyasha since they had met, clinging to him like a bloody leech. “Ah, shucks…” he growled as he surveyed his surrounding carefully. Who would know where she might pop out of next?

 

He had heard that the demoness was an excellent warrior, and perhaps would have made a great ruler to their kingdom if not for her crazy ways. Keiko had informed him that Hotaru-sama was herself a mixed breed, a child born of the union of a powerful wolf demon and those that descended from the heaven during the beginning of their era. As a result, her life span and youth is far longer than any other on earth. However, this was more of a curse for her, for now that her mate had passed she was left all alone in this world. To a wolf, their mate is their life, and should anything happen to them, they often tended to isolate themselves from the rest of the family, the mourning slowly eating away at their heart until they follow their loved one in death. However, her mixed heritage has prevented such occurrence, and she fought the loneliness with her crazy and dangerously led lifestyle. According to Keiko, Hotaru had very few people she considered her family and teasing was just another way of showing her affection towards them. Keiko was sure that Hotaru-sama had probably seen something in Inuyasha for she never acted so intimately with anyone in first meeting.

 

“Affection, my foot.” grumbled Inuyasha before raising his voice to shout at a bunch of cubs who were fighting among themselves. The cubs immediately quieted and Inuyasha settled down with an irritated huff. This odd job was all Keiko and Kaiya's idea. In the beginning, Inuyasha was asked to attend the council meeting, for it was his right as Kouga's mate. But being the demon of action, he soon found himself getting bored of the long-drawn conversations and monotonous drawling of the elders (of which he rarely understood, anyways). Thus, he began his quest for finding an appropriate excuse every day to avoid the meetings. Kouga, being used to such a gathering, seemed not to understand what Inuyasha's problem was. But Keiko had caught on it instantly. A secret family meeting was called forth immediately without the inu's knowledge, and it was decided that Inuyasha would be given a job that kept him occupied. Problem arose quickly, as Inuyasha was only skilled in fighting. And though the hanyou's experience was precious, they were hardly ever at war. It was then Kaiya had suggested that Inuyasha could enlighten the cubs of their clan regarding the ways of a warrior, for no one was better equipped with proper survival instincts and skills as Inuyasha.

 

This was how the poor hanyou had landed a job with a bunch of stubborn, impertinent brats of the wolf clan who had little interest in learning and more in mischief. However, as days passed, Inuyasha seemed to take more interest in his job, and under the guidance of old Nori (the head instructor), he was now becoming a very capable and perhaps more likable instructor of the clan. True, he was more of a very focused and hard taskmaster, and his students found themselves with more bruises then they had ever encountered before, but it was for times like these that they loved their teacher. Inuyasha knew the value of fun that was needed sometimes along with tough training, and thus his students never grew tired of him. Sure, he still had to attend some of the dull meetings for the satisfaction of his family and his mate, but it was far more bearable now as he was only called when they were discussing battle strategies.

 

`I have a stability that I never had before.' Inuyasha mused silently. `I am more alive now. But then why do I still feel empty? It's having something missing… but what?'

 

The answer came to him instantly. He missed his friends; the antics of the lecherous monk, the sisterly love of the taijiya friend, Sango and childish banter of Shippo even old Kaede baba and… no. He clutched his chest, gritting his teeth, as the familiar pain rose in his heart at the memory of his once dear friend, the human girl from the future, the one he considered his friend and the one who so heartlessly controlled him. Silently, he looked up at the cloudy sky, pushing back the lump in his throat… his child. He missed his unborn child, the one that he had lost to the cruelty of an uncaring friend. No, Kagome was no friend of his. How can a friend be so oblivious to his pain? Sango wasn't… so then… why Kagome? Why…?

 

Shaking his head violently he slapped his cheeks with both hands. No, he was not going there. His current family had done enough for him and he had decided to live for them; to live for his mate. Never in his life had he thought that Kouga could be so caring and so loving. He was nothing, no one needed him, yet his family had loved him; given him a place in their heart; given his purpose and a sense of security. It was really ironic, for the one who had so carefully weaved the web of his destruction was now his only salvation. However the question always remained, was he truly worth it? Perhaps… yes.

 

`No, I am not going to ruin everything with my life anymore, I will not live in the shadows of my gruesome past. I am strong; I have overcome more hardships than this. I will not let some human control me anymore.'

 

Yet, he despaired; for his fingertips now trailed along the beads of subjugation, the one thing he would never be free off. The one that would always remind him of Kagome… the one for whom he felt nothing now, no love and no hatred, nothing…..

 

Ooo~~ooO**Ooo~~ooO

 

TBC….

 

Glossary

 

Anata: Here it means dear, darling (used by a woman for her husband and such.)

Obaasama: Respectful or formal way of calling ones grandma.

Baka: idiot.

 

I am also adding the names of all my OCs for your convenience.

 

Mashiro: means broad-minded; Kouga's father, lord of the north.

 

Keiko: means adored one; Kouga's mom and healer of the clan.

 

Kaiya: means forgiveness; Kouga's older sister and Katashi's mate.

 

Katashi: means firmness, General of the wolf clan, Kouga's childhood friend (although he is older than Kouga) and Kaiya's mate.

 

Akemi or Mi-chan: means beautiful and bright; Kouga's youngest sibling.

 

Kai: means ocean (there are other meanings also). Teijo's son and an assistant healer and probably mi-chan's future husband.

 

Teijo: righteous or well governed, Mashiro younger sibling and one evil old coot.

 

Hotaru: means firefly; Kouga's eccentric and leery granny.

 

Kohana: means little flower, Keiko younger sister and a healer.

 

Saburo: means third son; elder.

 

Takumi: means artisan; elder.

 

Nori: means rule/laws, Head instructor of the clan.