InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Pride (In the Name of Love) ❯ Chapter 38

Pride (In the Name of Love) 38 / ??
Written by Jezz-Ra
Warnings - Not all warnings apply to all chapters. Yaoi, Het, Rape, Lemon, Violence, Language, Torture, Angst, Incest, Dark (at times). It's a massive story, folks, it's got a little bit of everything.
Disclaimer - I don't own Inuyasha, don't make money off it. Wish I did.

Sidestories can be found under my author profile at any of my archive sites.
Archived at - inu.adultfanfiction.net, fanfiction.net, and mediaminer.org ::: Anywhere else, ask!
Questions or Comments? - Email me at megami_no_remon@hotmail.com
Update List - If you wish for new chapters of this story to be e-mailed to you directly, please send me an email and I'll add you to my update list! Chapters will be mailed as soon as they're ready to go! If you are on my update list, I still appreciate reviews at any of the usual sites I post to!

// blah // indicates thoughts.

A/N - Over 100 reviews on AFF, over a hundred on FF.net... wow, I feel special. Didn't think my first ever IY fic would get much response. Up to 160 pages in size 10 font in my...er..well, MS Word clone. I'm too poor to buy the real thing. But Abiword does me just fine and opens my doc files, so I'm good with it.

Depending on whether or not I decide to start my web serial original story or not, the updates on this MIGHT get slowed down a little. We'll see. For now, all systems are go, normal daily updates.

I need to find a talented artist...get me a piccy of Sairex done up. ^^ And then maybe commission some for my original series, should it come to pass that I elect to post it thus instead of waiting to publish it in normal book form. Im still trying to convince myself my writing is good enough to make the effort. ^^ Anywho, enough about me. That's not why you're here!

On a side note...this chapter got a little out of hand but I had fun with it. I'm such a hentai. *sigh*
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"You are sure? The Inu no Taisho, alive and well? How can this be?""I am sure, Master. Apparently, the Deathraven performed some ritual and brought him back to life."

"Sairexannaras grows more dangerous with every day that passes, and there is not a damn thing any of us can do about it. Curse the wretched fiend!" the cloaked figure hissed. He reached into a pouch and pulled out a small object, tossing it to his minion. "Use this. We will not be able to hide all signs of our activity from the damn raven and we cannot take him down...but perhaps we can conceal our identity at the least. That should at least temporarily remove him from the picture."The minion looked at the small object in his hand and nodded, swallowing thickly.

"Remember...if you fail, I will not intervene to save you from him. Now get out of my sight, you wretch!"

The minion scurried off to obey his dark, angry lord.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

The tour of the palace grounds did take quite a while. Sesshoumaru got distracted and lost in pointing out various features and relaying the history of several areas - in fact, he almost seemed to be enjoying himself. Miroku gave Sairex a knowing smile - he could have given the raven a tour himself, of course, but he understood entirely what the crafty bird had done. Besides, it was nice, taking the leisurely stroll - and enlightening. Sesshoumaru was quite interesting to listen to, especially when he warmed to a topic.

The trio eventually was headed back across the main courtyard towards the opposite wing of the castle when a tiny flare of demonic energy halted them in their tracks. Sesshoumaru immediately drew Toukijin, Miroku clutched his staff and Sairex took a few steps back, flexing his talons warily.

The energy signal was still there, but very faint. Sesshoumaru scowled and sniffed the air, but he smelled nothing. A small glint in the grass caught his eye and he stepped forward, prodding it with the tip of his sword. "This is the source of the energy..." he stated.

The object in question looked to be a small glass-like orb, filled with some sort of purplish liquid. Dozens of long and slender silvery needles jutted out of its surface. Sesshoumaru examined it cautiously, picking it up and balancing it on the flat of his blade. He didn't want to risk touching the sharp little spines.

Miroku frowned. "It must just be residual energy from whatever demon possessed it last. Its obviously not alive and couldn't make it's own energy."

"But vhat is it?" Sairex asked with a frown. Sesshoumaru dropped it to the ground and blinked when the impact forced the needles into the orb and the thing rolled a few feet away across the flagstones of the courtyard. After another few moments passed and nothing happened, Sesshoumaru bent down and picked it up carefully. A small crack ran down one side.

"I think I broke it." Sesshoumaru shrugged. "It must belong to one of the palace staff."

Miroku hesitantly took the orb from the taiyoukai and turned it over. "Huh. Are we getting a little too paranoid that some little trinket is throwing us off this much?" The monk chuckled. "Yeah, you broke it. It's cracked."

Sairex plucked the thing up from Miroku and examined it himself. All three of them jumped back when the orb suddenly floated out of the raven's hand and hovered at roughly eye-level. "Hm. Perhaps it's not broken after all...but I ztill don't know vhat it is...and I'm not zure I like it."

As the raven took a step to the side, the orb drifted after him. Sairex blinked and then took a step back. Again, he was followed.

The trio glanced at one another, then back at the mysterious little globe. Sairex squinted and peered closer. He shrugged helplessly and was about to admit he had no idea what it was or what to do with it when the orb suddenly darted in close to him and exploded. Sairex screamed horribly as the needles - now filled with the strange purple substance, drove into his face, his throat...several piercing his eyes. He fell heavily to the ground, barely restraining from the overwhelming urge to claw at the injury desperately.

Miroku yelled in horror and dropped to his knees next to the raven, his expression frantic as he tried to figure out what he should do to help. Sesshoumaru had no such moment of hesitation - he immediately ran to locate the castle's healer.

"Sairex! Oh, dear god, just...just hang on, Sesshoumaru will get the healer...Oh god..."

The raven made a slight choking noise, his body convulsing. Several of the hollow needles were slowly oozing out the remainder of the strongly aromatic purple liquid. Miroku wanted to yank them out but didn't know if it would do more harm than good - especially when it came to the spines lodged in Sairex's eyes. He had never felt so useless in all his life, and was horribly grateful when Sesshoumaru arrived with the castle healer in tow.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Ah, Lady Rin, you have pleased this old youkai immensely..." Toga purred as he sat back in his chair, giving his spoon a last lick. He had never had such a delightful treat as this 'iced cream'...he would have to see about finding a way to get it in his own time, especially if both of his sons shared the same enjoyment of it as he did.

Rin beamed adoringly at him. As soon as she had put two and two together and realized that this was the man that her Sesshoumaru-sama had so respected and admired, she immediately did the same. He was a lot like Sesshoumaru, actually...although Rin had a small guilty thought that she considered Sesshoumaru to be prettier. Toga was assuredly much more open and outgoing than his son, however, and the two of them had a grand time as Rin introduced him to technology in much the same way she had Sesshoumaru.

Inuyasha and Kagome both watched in amusement. Toga was especially pleased with the concept of a hot shower and central air. "Inuyasha, my boy, you may have to rule the West in my place. I think I have lost my heart to this building and its marvels. I do not believe I can bear to be parted with it. Give your brother my best." Rin giggled and Inuyasha just smirked.

"Yeah, yeah...I can bring you back to visit if you want., but I think Kagome might, y'know, prefer to keep her house unmolested."

"You dare stand in the path of true love? How cruel...don't you want your father to be happy?" Toga pulled such a mournful face at Inuyasha that Rin grew somewhat worried and replied in earnest.

"Rin wants you to be happy!"

Toga blinked, and then burst out laughing. He guided Rin over to the couch and sat her down before kneeling before her. "I am, my dear child. Now, I need to speak with you, and it's very important. And you must hear me out, do not grow upset before I finish saying all I need to."Rin nodded rapidly, paying complete attention. "Yes, my Lord."

"I'm sure you know a bit, but I do not know how much you know. My Sesshoumaru was hurt very badly by a very cruel demon. Even though he was rescued, he is still hurting and afraid."

Rin's eyes widened in horror but she nodded, her voice quiet. "Rin understands..."

"Alright. Well, my Sesshoumaru cares very much about you. But he is afraid that he will hurt you. He is scared that because the demon did bad things to him, he is not worthy of you."

Rin felt tears pricking the corners of her hugely widened eyes but she bit them back. The concept of Sesshoumaru being afraid was almost more than she could bear - the thought of HIM being unworthy of HER was too ludicrous to think of.

"And because of that, my Sesshoumaru decided not to come back for you. He wished to leave you here so you could live a life among humans. He felt it would be better for you, no matter how much it hurt him to come to this decision. "

The girl struggled valiantly not to cry. To be abandoned by Sesshoumaru was the worst fate she could have ever imagined. Toga caught her chin gently in his fingers and lifted her teary gaze. "Listen to me, Rin. I am not telling you these things to hurt you, only so you will understand. I do not agree with my Sesshoumaru's decision. You are a young woman, and intelligent, and capable of deciding things for yourself. In fact, I think it would do my pup good to have you around. So I am removing the decision from him and giving it to you. Do you wish to live your life here or come back with me? If you do come back, my Sesshoumaru may be angry for a time...but not at you, even if it seems that way.""Rin would do anything to be by Sesshoumaru-sama...I do not want to live here or anywhere else with humans! If...if you do not take me back with you, Rin will have to try to find her own way there..."

Toga blinked and then smiled. Oh, his son would be SO angry with him...but he'd simply have to get over it. Father knows best, after all. A faint smirk at the thought twitched his lips. A wrathful Sesshoumaru would be a lively one. Perhaps he could use this to his advantage, get his son's mind further off of his depression...yes, sparring would be delightful. "Then we shall bring you with us when we return, and it shall be a pleasure to have you."

Rin smiled, then launched herself at Kagome, giving her a tight hug. "I'll miss you, but I have to go home. Sesshoumaru-sama needs me."Kagome smiled and returned her hug. "It's been great having you here, you can visit any time."

Toga moved to stand before Kagome, eyeing her for a long moment before bowing slightly. "I thank you. If my sons value you so highly, you are truly a woman worthy of respect."Kagome grinned and blushed. "Eh, well, I know Inuyasha is a good friend but Sesshoumaru and I haven't....er....always been on the best of terms."

Toga smiled a bit. "He entrusted you with the keeping of his ward. My elder son often speaks louder through action than word."

Kagome was taken aback, but she had to admit it was true. "Well...I'm not very good at reading Sesshoumaru, I guess..."Toga smirked. "He's stubborn. No idea where he gets it from." At this, the taiyoukai attempted to look innocent as he sauntered towards the door. Kagome and Rin both giggled. "We really should be going. The day grows late and I...do not wish to be away for longer than I must. There are things that need looking after."

Rin scurried off to go get her things. Inuyasha stared hard as she came back out of the room carrying several bags. "Kagome and I went shopping lots! There is a place called a...a..." She glanced at Kagome."Mall."

"A mall! They have lots of shops and sell all kinds of things, and Kagome bought me stuff because she said Sesshoumaru-sama gave her lots of money."

Toga arched an eyebrow but grinned, taking some of the bags from the struggling girl. "I am sure my Sesshoumaru will be happy to hear it. Come, let us go. And thank you, Kagome."

After saying his own goodbyes, the trio left to return to the castle of the West.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Upon their return, Toga left Rin with Inuyasha to find his son and break the news to him. He was surprised to find Sesshoumaru pacing the throne room in agitation. "What troubles you, my Sesshoumaru?"Sesshoumaru scowled. "We suffered an attack. The raven has been blinded and likely poisoned, although it is not something our healer has experience with."

Toga frowned. "That is terrible news...wh--"Sesshoumaru's agitated look turned into a frigid glare. "Why do you smell of my ward?"

Toga's response was cool and unaffected. "Because I went to meet her. She is waiting to see you."

"Why did you bring her here?!" Sesshoumaru demanded icily.

"Because you care for her and I feel her presence would do you some good. Besides...it was her decision to make, not yours. You can not throw her to the humans and expect her to just be happy and deal with it."

Sesshoumaru was seething. How dare ANYONE, even his father, contradict him in matters relating to his ward?! "You had no right...!" With a frustrated growl, Sesshoumaru extended his claws and lunged.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Do you really think Sesshoumaru-sama will be mad that I'm here?" Rin asked Inuyasha as he helped her carry her things to her room.

"Nah, I'm sure he's probably thanking the old man right now for saving him the trip."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Toga neatly dodged Sesshoumaru's dive, although he was a bit surprised by his pup's speed. // My, it HAS been a long time since last we dueled...and I'm out of practice. This could be a bit more interesting than I assumed... //

Toukijin came out a moment later as Sesshoumaru squared himself off, his stare frigid enough to drop the temperature in the room several degrees.

"If that is how you wish to play it, pup, by all means. I'll be happy to give you a lesson in remembering to respect the decisions of your elders."

"This Sesshoumaru can make his own decisions!"

"Well, I am your sire and I disagreed with you."

Sesshoumaru growled. The time for words was over. He launched himself forward, Toukijin whirling in a dizzying display of expert swordsmanship. The elder taiyoukai was impressed. Despite his obvious anger, Sesshoumaru was in complete control. However...Toga knew this particular sword routine. He had, of course, been the one to teach it to his pup all those years ago.

He met Sesshoumaru's assault with a vicious clang and launched almost immediately into a counterattack. Blade met blade in a machine-gun rattle of metal. Toga cursed inwardly - his responses were slower and he was weaker than he had originally assumed - and Sesshoumaru was far superior to their last duel. He found himself grinning with fierce pride.

For all his improvements since the last time they fought, however, Sesshoumaru only possessed a fraction of his father's experience. There were reasons besides pure strength and speed that the elder inu was so successful. With one deft flick of his wrist, he caught Toukijin with his own blade just right, tearing it from Sesshoumaru's hand and sending it to sail off into the corner of the room with a clatter.

Sesshoumaru growled and gave up none of his forward momentum. He was abruptly too close for a sword to be of any use, so Toga cast his own blade down and focused on hand-to-hand combat. Both took several minor hits and scratches, although Sesshoumaru was careful to hold his poison in check. He might be angry, but he didn't really want to hurt his father. He was just working out his frustrations...

Sesshoumaru bit back a sudden yelp as a fast strike from his father caught him across the cheek, leaving a narrow but heavily bleeding line. He stumbled back a step, panting hard as he reached up to hesitantly poke at the wound.

Toga frowned - he hadn't meant to cut the boy that deeply. "Are you alright?"Sesshoumaru growled and made another half-hearted swipe. Toga easily caught his wrists , pinning Sesshoumaru against him. He turned his gaze to the injury and without thinking, leaned forward to lick it gently. The younger taiyoukai sucked in a shuddering breath, suddenly going still.

Toga's eyelashes fluttered at the sweet taste of blood. He could almost feel the crimson threading into his eyes as his senses began to overload. His fierce pride for this beautiful creature, the heat of battle, the taste and smell of fresh blood, the lithe and perfect body against his...

Sesshoumaru let out a breathless gasp as his back hit the wall, but the gasp was rapidly swallowed as Toga's mouth crashed against his in a hungry, almost desperate kiss. Sesshoumaru's own senses had been roused by the battle and it took so very little to twist the reason his blood was boiling... He groaned softly as his fingers caught up in thick silvery hair, savagely returning the kiss as if it were simply an extension of their previous fight.

It was about this time Inuyasha and Rin opened the door, wanting to see if they were expected just yet. They both froze, their reactions almost identical. Eyes widened and jaws slowly dropped. Numbly Inuyasha extended a hand and put it over Rin's eyes, his gaze never leaving the shocking sight before him.