InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ There and Back Again ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter 5

 

Sunlight filtered through the dense branches of the forest, splaying golden patches on the grass and moss covered ground below. A soft breeze carried the sweet scent of late spring flowers in the air and ruffled the leaves as they swayed this way and that, dancing to an unheard tune. It was silent, no outside noise disturbed the natural peace lingering in the atmosphere save for the melodious trill of birdsong now and then.

 

But the lack of suspicious sound didn't mean that the luscious woods were truly as empty as they seemed. A blurred figure could be seen for no more than a split second, darting from shadow to shadow, at times as if melting and becoming one with the darkness lurking beneath some of the oldest trees, where the sunlight couldn't pierce the thickly interwoven branches and leaves. The humanoid shape made no noise as it flickered almost faster than the human eye could see, completely at home in the forest environment.

 

Swiftly and efficiently, the shadow made its way through the quilt of deep green moss covering the uneven ground, weaving expertly between the protruding gnarled roots blocking its way here and there. Sometimes, the graceful figure would even take to the trees, climbing the thick trunks, and swinging and jumping from branch to branch with incredible ease. He seemed to be gliding through the ancient forest more than running through it. Whatever the destination, the dark blur seemed determined to get there and fast.

 

The trees soon started to thin out; the forest was coming to an end. The shadowy figure finally came to a stop in the dense branches of one of the last trees, a large, beautiful field in front of him. The ground looked as if it was covered with a thick, emerald green rug, the sunshine falling on the grass uninhibited giving it a light golden shimmer.

 

The mysterious form smiled softly, full pink lips quirking sensually. On the other side of the field a magnificent Japanese castle laid, the whole building glowing and its splendor speaking of the power and wealth of the family residing within its walls. But that wasn't what had the dark silhouette nestled among the tree's branches smiling so beatifically. A tall, slender figure was making its way through the field, heading towards the forest the shadow had been darting through just moments ago. The silvery-gold form stopped for a moment, as if sensing for something, before it resumed its trek, admittedly at a much faster pace.

 

Sesshoumaru reached the foliage signaling the beginning of the forest surrounding his family castle and made his way straight for a certain, particularly large tree. He peered into the dense leaves and, as he had expected, met a pair of dazzlingly bright green eyes eyeing him carefully. Placing his hand on the wrinkled bark of the old tree, the now sixteen-year-old inuyoukai called out with a voice lower and deeper than expected from such an ethereal figure, one on the verge of maturity.

 

“I thought I would find you here.” He began, his face relaxed, almost expressionless “Mother mentioned she had not seen you all day. You have missed another history lesson, to father's great displeasure.”

 

The silted, cat like pupils briefly flashed with mischief, before they disappeared completely. Sesshoumaru did not seem in the slightest bit perturbed, as he took a step back and waited patiently. There was a soft rustle of leaves before the owner of the unnaturally green orbs dropped gracefully on the ground in front of the Heir of the Western Lands with barely a sound. The dark form straightened out slightly and turned to regard his companion with a cocky smirk on those soft looking lips.

 

“Now, now, Maru darling.” Purred a voice that sounded like a thousand silver bells in the wind “If you missed me that much, you could have simply waited for our next sparring match, you know I would never miss those. And I believe our lord Shimoharu wouldn't have settled for simple displeasure. I bet my pointy ears he probably looked constipated.”

 

Unbidden, a tiny smirk found its way on the dog demon's stoic face. He couldn't help it; Kai had always had that effect on him. His kitsune was probably the only other person aside from his mother, who could crack the mask of the arrogant ice prince of the Western Lands he'd been forced to forge over time. It was certainly refreshing.

 

Seven years, seven long and wonderful years had passed since that fateful day when Miaka and her mate had offered the orphaned kage kitsune a home. And there had not been a single moment when either the Inutaishos or Kai himself had regretted accepting that offer. Both boys had changed in those years, for the better or the worse only time could tell.

 

Now at the age of thirteen and sixteen respectively, the two young demons were often times inseparable. The friendship they'd developed long ago had grown and evolved, the feelings behind it gradually changing into something deeper, stronger. Neither could exactly put a name to it yet, but it felt natural, right in some way. Miaka and Shimoharu would sometimes watch them with knowing smiles; both younger demons tried to ignore them.

 

Despite the close bond they shared though, one couldn't find two more different beings, youkai or human, both in looks and personalities. But it was fine, because their differences complimented each other, the strengths of one made up where the other lacked. Like yin and yang, like night and day, like the sun and the moon.

 

Sesshoumaru had grown taller, his height another trait he'd obviously inherited from his father. At his respectable six foot five inches, the inuyoukai already towered over his mother, though he still had an inch or two to catch up to Shimoharu. Like the taiyoukai, the young heir had grown his silver hair out to about the middle of his back, though he wore it loose, similar to his mother. He hadn't told anyone, but he'd done it partly because he knew of Kai's strange fixation with long hair. The pale, aristocratic face had lengthened, loosing a large portion of the baby fat, though it still held a trace of boyish charm. High cheekbones and finely arched eyebrows complimented by a pair of flashing liquid golden eyes all hinted at the gorgeous man that would one day take the title of Lord of the Western Lands.

 

A beautiful, pristine white juban was covered by a cream colored haori, light golden thread interwoven into the sleek silk, shimmering under the soft rays of the sun. A loose pair of hakama made of the same material flowed down long, strong legs. The outfit was completed by an exquisite, pure white obi tied in an elaborate knot. Beneath the elegant outfit though was the body of a warrior, the lean and athletic form of a person who was in no way unfamiliar with the glint of a well sharpened weapon. Broad shoulders and chest, all in all, Inutaisho Sesshoumaru was the perfect picture of the future leader and lord of his father's lands.

 

But whereas the young inuyoukai was seemingly all bright light and noble strength personified, the kitsune he'd befriended years ago was comparable only to entrancing shadow and mysterious darkness; the perfect representative of his clan.

 

The thirteen-year-old foxling was so very different from the slightly older youkai, it was amazing they were so close. Kai had always loved the woods surrounding the castle. Ever since that first time he'd been allowed outside his room seven years ago, he'd fallen in love with the beauty and solitude that filled the dark, lush heart of the dense woods. So whenever he found the opportunity, the kitsune would sneak off. Under the canopy of thick branches and leaves, Kai would run, climb and explore, untroubled and free. Be it spring or fall, summer or winter, the shadow fox loved his forest with its trees and moss, and grass, and animals.

 

Because of this, Kai's once alabaster white skin had darkened slightly, his sun kissed face and body gaining a healthy, even tan. That same face that was currently smirking cockily at Sesshoumaru, was beginning to show signs of a sight, that would have knees quaking in desire in just a few short years. Thin eyebrows were arched over a pair of slanted, cat like eyes burning with a mischievous green flame and surrounded by dark, thick lashes. The effect was a smoky, lazy expression that positively radiated wicked sin. The three black lines on either side of the tan face disappeared into raven colored tresses, silky and thick, now pulled back with a thin leather strip in a low ponytail that fell in a heavy cascade down to the small of the kitsune's back. Three silver tipped, equally dark tails swished lazily, sleek and elegant in contrast to the soft, fluffy single tail from seven years ago. Kai's tastes hadn't changed much; he still preferred his clothing in darker tones.

 

At the moment, he was dressed in a simple, but elegant dark green, almost black hakama and haori with the tip of a silvery white juban barely visible. The black obi was tied in a relatively simple knot, compared to Sesshoumaru's. The outfit was nothing special, though it looked positively stunning on the kage kitsune, accentuating his blazing, emerald eyes and pitch black hair. It was also perfect to blend in with in the depths of the dark forest.

 

The freedom he had once away from the Dursleys, had pushed his natural kitsune instincts to the forefront. As Miaka had predicted all those years ago, Kai had turned out a mischievous creature, though his cunning and stealth always kept him from getting caught in the act. He had trained alongside Sesshoumaru, but whereas the inuyoukai excelled in direct battle, open confrontations and brute strength, the shadow fox preferred the more subtle forms of warfare, such as strategy and a pair of sai or daggers.

 

He was quite secluded and liked his personal space though. He was very close with Miaka and Shimoharu, and he shared an especially strong bond with Sesshoumaru, but besides the three of them, he avoided all other company, youkai or human. He had his forest and three people (or demons, whatever) who cared for him because of him, and that was all he needed.

 

So it wasn't unusual for Sesshoumaru to come looking for him here, on the edge of the woods surrounding the castle. Everyone knew that was his favorite place on the grounds. And right now the stoic look the inu was directing his way clearly said he'd been looking for him for quite a while now.

 

“I am not amused.” The future Lord of the Western Lands deadpanned “I was under the impression that we were supposed to meet for a sparring session two hours ago.”

 

The kitsune shifted guiltily.

 

“Is it that late?” He exclaimed with mock astonishment in an obvious attempt at lightening the mood “Are you sure you've got the time right, Maru dear?”

 

“I am quite sure.” Sesshoumaru stated a bit exasperatedly and motioned with a pale, striped hand fro Kai to follow him as he headed back for the castle.

 

“Sorry, Maru.” Kai murmured, truly sounding apologetic “I just didn't feel how the time flew by, you know?”

 

“I know, Kai” Sesshoumaru spoke calmly “You often times tend to get lost in both that forest of yours and your thoughts.”

 

The kitsune didn't speak; instead he turned his gaze to the emerald strands of grass on the warm ground below him, his tails swishing gently behind him as he followed the silver inu through the field and to the magnificent castle in the distance. His previous amused mood was gone without a trace.

 

Sesshoumaru sighed softly, almost inaudibly. He knew just what his fox had been thinking while isolated in the woods he loved so much.

 

“You were contemplating the approaching threat again, were you not?” He persisted, knowing fully well he was right. He stopped in his stride and turned to his long-time companion, his golden eyes serious and determined “When you fully well know you should not concern yourself with the matter. This is a threat to the Western Lands and the Western Lands alone. Father and I are perfectly capable of handling things on our own.”

 

Kai suddenly snapped his head back up and glared fiercely at the inuyoukai, his unnaturally green eyes blazing. Sesshoumaru cringed inwardly as he realized he maybe shouldn't have used those exact words.

 

“Oh, it's a matter concerning the Western Lands alone, is it now, Sesshoumaru-sama?” He spat, his normally melodious voice bitter “And of course, I'm not part of the House of Inutaisho, I don't have people to worry over and protect, do I? Just who is it you think you are talking to?!”

 

Sesshoumaru had gone rigid at the -sama suffix. Kai never addressed him so formally, except when the shadow fox was particularly livid with him. And that had happened less times than the number of claws he had in his one hand. He didn't like it. Growling, the inuyoukai grabbed his kitsune roughly by the arms and effectively cut his rant short. Once sure he had the younger demon's attention, he locked his golden eyes with the inferno of green fires and spoke softly, quietly.

 

“Seize this nonsense at once. You know that is not what I meant to say. You are a member of the House of Inutaisho, have been and always will be. And I realize and understand your desire to protect those you love. But that does not make the possibility of war your concern. Father and I are the ones that must take care of things. He is the Lord, I am the Heir. It is our responsibility to make things better. It is our duty to our lands and people.”

 

Kai's face was completely blank, hiding any and all thoughts he may have had, but his eyes were still molten pools of emerald lava. Softening his expression slightly, very slightly, Sesshoumaru continued in a minutely softer tone of voice.

 

“I do not like seeing you like this, my kitsune. Your face must be carefree, not so burdened; your eyes alight with mischief, not dull with dread and worry. It hurts me, Kai. It hurts me that I cannot protect you. That I cannot protect the fire in your eyes.”

 

The fox turned his head back to Sesshoumaru, his pearly fangs biting on a full bottom lip. He knew he was hurting his Maru, he knew he shouldn't worry so much, but still…How could he help himself? He hated seeing the pain he himself had caused reflecting in those golden orbs he loved so much. He made a choked noise in the back of his throat and, without warning, flung his arms around his Maru's waist, pressing his face in the expensive silken haori.

 

Sesshoumaru stood frozen for a moment, before he awkwardly returned the embrace. Even after al this time, he still wasn't used to these open shows of affection. They stood there for a few moments, silent, unmoving. The only sound was the wind rustling their clothing as it tugged at the material playfully.

 

Sesshoumaru couldn't really blame his kitsune though. Not when he understood his fears and worries all too well. They had enjoyed many peaceful years, his father's reign over the Western Lands holding strong thanks to the unconditional loyalty and respect the people held for their lord. But recently, there had been talk of trouble on the horizon.

 

A relatively new clan of dragon demons had appeared, attacking villages and lone farms at the borders of Inutaisho Shimoharu's lands, slaughtering animal, youkai and man alike and showing no mercy. Total and complete annihilation seemed to be their goal, nothing but barren waist-land remaining after their wake. The leader, a dragon youkai by the name of Ryuukotsusei, was rumored to be powerful, alarmingly so, and cruel beyond reason. He seemed to target the Western Lands specifically, as the other territories had remained untouched so far. There had even been talk of war. The other three lords, although yet unchallenged, could see the future threat Ryuukotsusei and his clan presented and were ready to back Shimoharu up, should the need arise.

 

Being his father's son, Sesshoumaru was directly involved in this. As the Heir to the lands threatened, it was his duty to follow Shimoharu in war, now that he was in his teens. Miaka had cried herself to sleep many nights in the last few weeks, worry over her mate and son's safety not giving her a moment's rest.

 

And Kai had been forced to sit on the sidelines and watch, completely helpless. The kitsune felt torn, he desperately wanted to help, to do something for the people that had turned his life upside down and taught him the irreplaceable joy of having an actual family. Because he did think of them as just that, family. Miaka and Shimoharu had been the closest thing he had ever known to parental figures. And although what he felt for Sesshoumaru was in no way a brotherly love, it was love nonetheless. Perhaps a kind that was even more precious and strong than the former.

 

To know that the Inutaisho men were in danger and not be able to do anything about it left the kage kitsune feeling, to put it mildly, frustrated. Miaka's constant tears and the dark circles under her normally gentle golden eyes didn't help the matter at all. Still, he was helpless. He was considered a mere kit yet. Even though he was only about three years older than Sesshoumaru, he wasn't born a lord and therefore leader by default.

 

The latter wasn't a fool, he never had been one, and had easily noticed the kitsune's inner turmoil. The fox had disappeared into his forests more often than ever lately, trying and failing to bring some order to his tortured thoughts and find some semblance of peace in his pained heart. Sesshoumaru hated it all. He wanted his mischievous, carefree kitsune back. And he was willing to fight and kill for that to happen if he had to.

 

Another few precious moment of peace flew by, and Sesshoumaru reluctantly broke the comfortable silence.

 

“Come, we should return.” He spoke, pulling gently out of the warm embrace “Perhaps we could have the spar you missed now, before you run off into the wilderness once again.”

 

The last was said in a lighter voice, an attempt on the inuyoukai's part to lighten the somber mood. And it worked. Kai immediately forgot his earlier worries and grinned cockily, as he tugged on his silver-haired companion's wide sleeve eagerly.

 

“That's right! I never got to kick your royal posterior today, did I?” He chortled gleefully as he literally dragged his Maru over the field “Can't have that, now can we? The last thing you need now is to forget you're not all that great and blow up that silver head of yours even more!”

 

Sesshoumaru let the slight jab to his ego go, as he smiled and resisted the urge to laugh, simply too relieved to have the dark thoughts lifted off Kai's mind at least for the moment. Besides, he mused, as the still rambling kitsune continued with his tugging, the young fox was right.

 

Sesshoumaru was a very quick learner and an excellent warrior, even at his tender (for demons at least) age of sixteen. One of the few, who could match him in skill and spar with him on equal terms besides his father, was Kai. The kage kitsune's speed and agility more than made up for his strength and pace. Watching the two spar, Shimoharu had once said, was often times like watching and elaborate, but beautiful dance. They flowed together.

 

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