InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nothing of Importance ❯ Segment Nine ( Chapter 9 )

“Your father is dead?” Sesshomaru inquired, folding his arms.

 

“Hai,” the wolf nodded. “He is . . .”

 

“And how did he die?”

 

“Why are you asking me this?” the wolf scowled at him. “He's dead. That's all there is to it.”

 

“No, there isn't,” Sesshomaru shook his head. “There is more to it than what you realize. Now tell me. How did your father die?”

 

Blue eyes narrowed at him and, for a moment, neither of them spoke. The ningens fidgeted in the silence but Sesshomaru paid them no heed. Right now, they were simply there. Nothing more. Nothing less. What they didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

 

Then the wolf's expression softened, as if he suddenly understood something. He let out a quiet sigh.

 

“If I tell you, will you explain to me why it's so important for you to know?” he inquired.

 

“Perhaps,” Sesshomaru answered.

 

“Perhaps?” the wolf raised an eyebrow at him.

 

“If your answer is satisfactory, I may . . .”

 

“Just not in front of the humans?”

 

Sesshomaru nodded at that. He was certain the last thing his brother wanted from them was any more sympathy when it came to his past. Besides, it wasn't Sesshomaru's place to tell them. It was Inuyasha's, and he really wasn't about to infringe upon territory that could end up costing him another limb.

 

“I can understand that then . . . Very well. I killed him. In self-defense,” the wolf replied.

 

“In self-defense?”

 

“Hai. Self-defense. If I hadn't, he would have killed me, his own son, just for the sake of keeping his position as the Alpha of our tribe. He wasn't fit to lead anymore. He was allowing his own personal . . . needs to get in the way”

 

Something about the wolf's explanation seemed weak, flimsy even, to Sesshomaru. It sounded like it had been rehearsed, as if . . .

 

`As if that's what he's been trying to tell himself . . .'

 

“I see . . .”

 

Sesshomaru turned his gaze to the ningens. He found the answer to be somewhat satisfactory and a deal was a deal.

 

“There is a servant standing outside, ready to take you to some private chambers. I expect that you will be bathed and properly dressed for the evening meal. That will be all.”

 

“That's it?” the miko's eyes widened. “What about Inuyasha? When can we see him?”

 

“You can see him when he's feeling better and if he so chooses to see you. Right now, he is resting. You are not to disturb him. Do I make myself clear?”

 

“But . . .”

 

“It's all right, Kagome,” the wolf interjected. “Inuyasha's going to be safe here. Safer than what he could be anywhere else. Please go with the servant. There's something Sesshomaru and I need to . . . discuss.”

 

She hesitated once more then slowly nodded, seeing that the wolf had taken his side. The servant stepped inside then led the ningens, the kitsune, the fire-neko, and the other members of the wolf tribe out of the conference room.

 

When they were alone and the humans were out of range, the two males locked gazes. The wolf was the first one to speak.

 

“My father attacked Inuyasha . . . didn't he?”

 

“Hai,” Sesshomaru nodded. “I believe so.”

 

“That would explain why he acted the way he did that last time we crossed paths,” the wolf mused, rubbing his chin, “and why he's so sick . . . but why now? Why not after it had happened?”

 

“He locked the memories away . . . he didn't want to remember . . .”

 

“I can't say that I blame him,” came the sigh. “If I'd have known that . . .”

 

“You'd have been jealous over the attention your father gave him rather than giving it to you,” Sesshomaru replied knowingly. “Especially since he's a half-breed.”

 

The wolf paled at Sesshomaru's statement, and his eyes widened. However, before he could say anything more, a blood-curdling scream echoed throughout the castle . . .