InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Journey Into the Past, Present, and Future. ❯ The Lord of the Western Lands ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two

For seven days, there had been no rain, only the warm blessing of the suns rays to grace the majesty of the Western Lands, giving birth to life and a new hope towards the future and the dawn of a new era. For centuries, this fertile land had been ruled by one powerful family who have served as appointed guardians generations upon generations. At the heart of this kingdom, there was an immense palace that laid close by the sea. And before it, right in front of the main gates of this palace, was a lake which waters rippled with the blowing of the wind and glittered with the casting of the sunlight. It was beautiful since it was nestled in between mountains.

Overlooking the lake, the Great InuTaisho stood looking into its profoundities hoping to find the solution to the many battles that have broken out, recently, in neighboring territories. This worried him greatly since. It had been worrying him for quite some time and, along with his other retainers, had been trying to work out a solution to bringing peace among the other tribes. Fortunately, the Lords of the North, South, and Eastern Lands were his allies. Only the tribes outside of his circle were the ones that worried him the most since opinions and way of thinking differ due to difference in youkai species. Lately, however, a huge tribe of oni had gathered in the northern part of his territory and have destroyed many human villages that lied there. According to his sources, many humans and weaker youkai lost their lives, either being mangled or eaten by these uncivil brutes.

He sighed.

The other cause for his worries was that his Now-wife was with child and very close to giving birth any moment. Lately, she had been very delicate in state and the physician recommended that she got as much rest as possible. But, when she was not resting, to make sure she was getting some exercise to prevent her from falling sick.

What added more to this particular worry was that he was expecting his son to arrive on this day. He had gotten word by way of carrier birds that his only son was making the trip all the way from his mother's house. However, not yet had he seen hide nor silver hair gracing his presence. Perhaps, the Taiyoukai thought to himself, perhaps, he was detained with some matter?

At any rate, he knew Sesshoumaru could take care of himself if he should run into some difficulty of any sort. Although, he had every right to worry. He did not know how many of the girls were coming. Silently, he hoped all of them would arrive to help him celebrate his happiness and his human wife. He remembered there being divided opinions the day he had brought Izayoi home. Of course, his girls were not here and neither was the boy but the servants did start to mutter among themselves but as soon as his bride started to win them over with her kind heart, the muttering stopped. Now, they could do nothing but praise her.

Someone entered. It was Jubei. Not only he recognized his scent but also his footfalls. They had a peculariarity about them. Jubei knelt behind the InuTaisho, who in turn waited for Jubei to speak without once turning to look at his most faithful retainer.

"My Lord," Jubei began, interrupting the Dog Lord's stream of thought."

"What is it, Jubei?," he acknowledged with reverence the respect paid to him.

"The Prince has just arrived, Sire," the dark-haired youkai informed.

"May wonders never cease, and to think I thought he had lost his way," he said, bearly audible.

"Sire?"

"Make certain my son is extended with the most proper courtesy," he ordered.

"Yes, Sire."

"Also, make certain his chamber is ready. I am most certain he would desire to rest after having made such a long trip."

"Yes, Sire." With that, Jubei, immediately, jumped to his feet and excused himself from his Lord and master.

The Lord of the Western Lands gave the scenery before him one final look before turning away from it and heading to his bedroom to see his Lady. In the room, where she rested snuggly under the covers, the nursemaids monitored her like clockwork, tending to her every need. It was comparatively quiet except for the chirping of the birds outside her window and the whispered chattering of the maids. That was when she heard him come in. She opened her soft brown eyes. She heard exchanges of words and rustle of fabric. She turned her head, slightly, to notice the women bow one by one and leave the room in that same fashion.

Standing before her in fine beige robes was her husband. He was so handsome as he admired her with his intense amber eyes. This brought a beautiful blush to her face. Izayoi held out her arms welcoming her Lord with a smile. He in turn, returned her smile with one of his own and took her hands. She gently pulled him towards her and he joyously accepted, joining her without protestation.

Izayoi's smile brightened even more when he planted a warm kiss on the bridge of her nose. She closed her eyes like a child, allowing him to kiss her again but on the forehead. She giggled and he smiled while his lips were still pressed against her skin.

"Good morning, Koibito," she said in her gentle voice. She detached her forehead from his lips to look straight into his eyes. He beamed, bringing a hand to touch her face. She did the same to his.

"How have you been fairing?," he asked her in his soothing voice, caressing her cheek lightly.

" Better," she replied.

"That is good," then he looked down on the roundness of her belly. There was so much love in this man's eyes that Izayoi could not help it by feeling teary-eyed from all this emotion. She was happy that he was happy.

He removed his hand from her face and placed it on the belly, rubbing it repetitively with his thumb. Without a word, Izayoi covered his hand with her own to give him assurance. "He is calm," she said.

"He?," he questioned.

"Yes. Tonight, I shall give you a son. I have prayed for it and I know Kami has listened."

"Izayoi, to me it does not matter whether your Kami blesses us with a son or a daughter. I will be grateful either way," he, then brought his wife closer to him in an embrace. She leaned against him, placing her head on his chest. His heart was beating. "Since the moment I was you, I knew we were destined to be together. Your kindness and your love showed me that there was more to life than just fighting wars. I could not stop thinking about you. I could not stop the beating of my raging heart when I saw you for the second time. I felt my heart even beat much faster when you spoke to me for the first time. I was happy…for the first time." He closed his eyes, setting his head upon hers. "You make me whole."

On those words, Izayoi felt the tears leaving her eyes. She had always been a woman too quick to cry. She did not mean to but her happiness over exceeded her strength to keep her tears at bay. He had been the first and only. "I still remember your proposal."

"I still remember the look on your father's face when you accepted."

She began to giggle, lightly, as she remembered her father practically dying of a heart attack. It was a false alarm, however. That had been the last time she had seen her father. Thinking about this made Izayoi sad. She had sent word to her family of her pregnancy. Her Lord had approved to inviting them to share in, at least, her joy. She had received no reply, which did not surprise her, knowing how proud they were.

"Koibito?," she uttered.

"Yes?"

"Is your son coming?," he detected concern as much as anticipation in her tone.

For a moment, it was silent. He already knew the answer to that. He was ashamed to acknowledge that for a moment he had forgotten of his offspring's arrival. There was no case in dawdling. He had to break the news to her.

"Sesshoumaru is already here," he purred, feeling his own delight within his heart.

Izayoi started with excitement, almost butting her head into her husband's chin. She looked up at him with surprise. She was speechless at first, as she stared into his eyes, then regained her ability to speak. "Have you spoken with him? Do you know how his trip went? Oh no, his room!"

"Shhhhhhh, do not worry, I had Jubei see to that," he broke out in laughter to see his wife's face scrambled with concern. "And concerning your other two questions, I have not spoken to him, yet, so I would not know how his trip went," he laughed more as he held her face.

"Forgive me, Koibito. It is just you have talked so much of your son you caused me to anticipate meeting him," she smiled, "I hope he likes me as much as I already like him, if he is anything like my Lord," Her eyes glittered with moisture.

Inu Taisho responded with a nervous smile. Izayoi hugged him happily taking in her roundness in the compass of his arms. "I am SO happy," she expressed near his ear. Inu Taisho's smile had just twisted at realizing, perhaps, he had (over colored the truth concerning his son) put too much color concerning his son.

"I am glad that you are," he spoke into her black hair. Worry colored his face. A lot of worry. He kissed the side of her head, near the ear. Then, placed his face in the crook of her neck, taking in her scent, which was sweet and smelled of flowers.

Young Sesshoumaru waited patiently for his father to surface and greet him on his arrival. He had been sitting in the throne room for awhile, admiring the beauty of the garden outside. It had been awhile since he had last seen Inu Taisho. He had been staying at his mother's house helping his sisters look after her. He was glad to be free of that house.

Jubei entered, carrying in two cups of tea upon a black, lacquered tray. The older male sat down on his knees, placing the tray between them. Sesshoumaru looked down at the tray, watching the heat swirl upwards into the air. The smell was refreshing and soothing to his nerves. Mint.

Jubei went for his mug, blowing into the brew to cool it down a little. Sesshoumaru watched. Jubei brought the ceramic mug to his lips, little by little, testing its heat. Then, finding it to be fine, he began drinking. Sesshoumaru just watched in silence, which really unnerved Jubei. He chose to ignore him as he took another sip before taking the drink away from his lips. Jubei stared at him, then stared at the other mug. As a reply, Sesshoumaru reached for it, feeling the warmth in his hand.

"You selfish bastard," Jubei, flatly, said to him.

Sesshoumaru softly blew into the medium brown liquid acting as if to deprive Jubei of the treasure in his hand. Not once had he took his eyes off the dark haired inu youkai while doing this, not once.

Jubei, taking the hint, resumed back to his own tea taking another sip at it. Then, heavily exhaling while feeling the freshness of the herb in his mouth. Sesshoumaru finally took the first sip, burning his lips. Jubei restrained himself from laughing as the young prince covered his mouth with his other hand. Jubei watched. There was amusement in his yellow colored eyes. The prince held his hand up to his lips for quite awhile.

Serves him right, Jubei thought as a roar of laughter began filling his head. However, in front of young Sesshoumaru, he seemed utterly unfazed. Jubei brought his mug again to his own lips, grinning as he swallowed what remained. Sesshoumaru licked his own lips to take away the burning sensation. When the throbbing had ceased, somewhat, he resumed to drinking but was careful to test the heat first. No, it was still too hot. He sighed and went back to blowing into it some more.

Jubei set his mug down. Feeling totally refreshed he resorted to bombarding Sesshoumaru with questions concerning his stay with the Queen. In that, a female servant had walked in. Jubei had seen her and motioned her to come closer. As she spoke to his ear, Sesshoumaru had dipped the tip of his index to test the water. The servant bowed to Jubei. He bobbed his head. She then bowed to Sesshoumaru. He was not paying attention. Annoyance plastered her face. But, it only took one stare from Jubei to let her know to treat the prince with great respect. She bowed apologetically before retreating to the kitchen.

Clearing his throat, Jubei asked, "How was your trip?"

"Like every other," was Sesshoumaru's reply, blowing more into his drink. Why was it so hot?, he thought.

"Like every other? Meaning?."

"Eventless," was his flat answer.

Jubei nodded, seeing that his Lord's son was still having trouble drinking his tea.

"I see, eventless. Opposed to eventful, interesting," he lied.

"Where is my father?," he finally looked at the other.

"Tending to business, as usual," he flatly replied.

Sesshoumaru nodded. Jubei knew this was getting nowhere if he did not start asking questions with more substance. "So, how are the himes?" So, much for substance, Jubei thought.

"With my mother."

"And how is your mother?"

"Alive."

Jubei blinked utterly stupefied by his remark. Apparently, the visit the Queen had been less than wonderful. It did not surprise him to learn the himes were not there since they did whatever their mother told them to do.

Sesshoumaru tested the tea again. Bringing the liquid to his lips he saw the temperature was finally right and began drinking, making his heart most content with the feat finally accomplished. Jubei observed quietly. He saw the prince wasted no time in bringing down the herbal mix. Next time, he thought, he should let the water boil even longer.

The servant reappeared. "Jubei-sama?," she called almost in a whisper. Jubei caught eye of her and bobbed his head in affirmation. With that, the girl signaled the other servants to come in, bringing in food. Sesshoumaru brought his mug to the tray before him as the servants set the meal.

"Your father told me to make you feel as comfortable as possible," the retainer informed.

As soon as the servants were done setting the food, they bowed at Jubei and showed special reverence towards Sesshoumaru, who bobbed his white head in approval to their services. One by one, they were dismissed. The servant girl was the very last one to leave when Sesshoumaru directed his attention to her.

"Wench."

"Y-y-yes, young Prince?," he noticed she was nervous.

"I praise your service," said he. Jubei was astonished to hear him say such a complement, especially, to the help.

The girl was relieved to hear him say that. "I, thank you, your highness."

"However, if I so much as see you show me disrespect, I will personally rip your eyes out from their sockets. Understood?," he threatened, keeping to his cardface.

The girl swallowed hard, "Yes, Sire. I understand," she replied, bowing her head to fight back tears.

"You are dismissed." The girl left, quickly, in tears.

Jubei stared at him in dismay. "I think you went too far."

"We do not pay you to think, much less, have an opinion, Jubei," he stared at him, coldly.

Jubei stared back, in challenge.

"I still think you went too far, with all due respect, my Prince."

Sesshoumaru huffed. Ignoring Jubei's words, he turned his attention, again, to the garden outside. Who did he think he was?, the youkai prince thought. If it were not for the fact that Jubei was a trusted member of the family and a distant cousin to his father, Sesshoumaru would have taken it upon himself to quiet the man for being outspoken as he was. At least, someone appreciated that quality.

Without seeing, he knew Jubei's eyes were upon his person. He could feel them seering like acid on his skin. The room smelled of Heaven, if there was one, with all the variation of food that greeted his sensitive nostrils. As expected, Jubei did not make a move to eat and, as expected, Sesshoumaru was deliberately going to make him wait to the point of annoyance. Who was the selfish bastard, now?, Sesshoumaru thought with glee in his heart.

From his vantage point, the garden was beautiful. He did not mean to make that servant cry but he had a reputation to maintain and he was not going to permit a simpleton make a mockery of his person. Ever since his father bonded with that human female, things have taken a turn for the worse. Even Jubei, had taken certain liberties of his station. In his head, the old man had gone crazy, however, as a show of respect, he opted to say nothing.

Today, for the first time, he was going to meet this human wench. He did not know what to expect save the worse. Only his mother had seen her, from a distance, but she had seen her, nonetheless.

Sesshoumaru sighed. This day had already gone long and was expected to extend further, he mused intensely. At least, he hoped, his father's new bride would provide him with some sort of entertainment seeing as humans are pathetically, foolish in nature.

Jubei glared, wondering what this one could be thinking. For Lady Izayoi's safety, he decided to keep a sharp eye on the Prince. He liked the woman too much to allow anything to happen to her. If push came to shove, he would gladly bare his fangs and claws at his Master's son if he so much as look at Her Highness the wrong way. Yes, he was ready for that. Being a seasoned veteran on the battlefield, he was not afraid of this brat.

"Reika!," she had been startled out of her reverie upon hearing Kaede's high pitched bellow. She realized her mind had wandered off somewhere. Before her eyes, InuYasha kept sleeping. She had remembered touching his skin and feeling it cold to the touch and there, she had drifted off for awhile. "Reika!," she heard the child again. This time, she turned around when the child called. Kaede waved from the carriage seat. Reika remained placid, responding with only a slight wave of her hand.