InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Want To Be Your Slave ❯ Like Father, Like Son ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

A/N: I'd like to clear up a question that many of you asked me: No, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru are NOT related in this fic. As I mentioned in the first chapter, if Inuyasha really was Sesshoumaru's half-brother by his father's human lover, Sesshoumaru would find it very hard to be sympathetic or kind to Inuyasha and then the story would be very angsty. This story is meant to be kinda cute and fluffy ^.^ But there will be shota.

Anyway, on to the chappie!

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Chapter 3 - Like Father, Like Son

"My Lord, this is the hanyou -Inuyasha."

Lord Inu no Taisho gazed impassively at the tiny hanyou staring at his toes.

Inuyasha could not lift his eyes for the life of him. The huge, richly decorated court room was quite intimidating and Lord Inu no Taisho was every bit as impressive as his reputation suggested. Tall and regal, he dominated the throne room with his presence. All the courtiers and nobles seemed quite in awe of him. Inuyasha was not sure how he was expected to behave since he had never met such a powerful person. He was very glad that his legs were healed because otherwise, he would have surely collapsed from the nerves alone.

It had taken Inuyasha one full week to heal completely since his wanderings through the castle had aggravated his wounds. Inuyasha had assured Miroku after the first three days that he was perfectly fine now, just a little tired but Miroku had stubbornly refused to let him go stating that Sesshoumaru would have his hide if Inuyasha was in the least bit injured.

Inuyasha had also found out that the room that he had been staying in was not, in fact, a nobleman's room but a kind of hospital ward and that it was, apparently, nothing that special. Privately, Inuyasha did not believe it.

As soon as Miroku had informed Sesshoumaru that Inuyasha was now completely healed, Sesshoumaru had ordered him to be escorted to court. Lord Inu no Taisho had, of course been immediately informed when Sesshoumaru had brought the hanyou to the castle but upon being advised that he was injured, Inu no Taisho had consented to postpone his presentation in court till he was healed. He had also learned of Sesshoumaru's apparent fascination with the little creature and was determined to punish his spoilt heir by refusing to allow him the pet.

As he stared thoughtfully at the slave, Inu no Taisho was waiting for Sesshoumaru's request or demand to have the hanyou for himself. Sesshoumaru, however, seemed quite disinterested and did not say anything. Finally, Inu no Taisho announced his decision.

"The hanyou will assist the palace servants. Raia!"

Raia, the head of the servants, came forward and bowed low.

"Show him his quarters in the servants' ward and inform him regarding his duties."

Inuyasha felt a pang of despair that he couldn't entirely explain. He was very relieved to not be kicked out but he was disappointed when Sesshoumaru said nothing against the decision. Inuyasha had know Sesshoumaru only for a few days- they had barely even spoken but whether it was the fact that Sesshoumaru had rescued him, or his personal power and natural authority but Inuyasha felt something for him that he didn't entirely understand. There was gratitude and respect, of course but there was also something more.

Of course, he knew it was presumptuous of him to even imagine that a great Lord such as Sesshoumaru would want to be anywhere near a dirty half-breed such as himself, but after Sesshoumaru had claimed him as his pet, he had allowed himself to hope. As a pet, a slave or any other way the Lord deigned to have him near, Inuyasha would have been eternally grateful. But he supposed that Miroku-sama was right and that even Lord Sesshoumaru could not go against the will of his Lord father. His ears drooped. Maybe he had even forgotten all about him and had found another, more worthwhile pet to entertain himself with.

He risked a glance upwards at the seemingly unconcerned Lord Sesshoumaru. It was difficult to gauge from his impassive expression what exactly he was thinking but he did not seem too be at all keen on making any sort of claim on the hanyou. Inuyasha's eyes, which had gained a little life since the week in the castle, slowly dulled back to their opaque state. Of course Sesshoumaru-sama would want nothing to do with the likes of him. He probably had a whole harem of slaves at his disposal - full demons far superior to a half-breed - and would definitely not risk his father's displeasure over the likes of him. He felt tears prick at his eyes but he ignored them. It served him right, really, for letting his imagination run away with him. Shouldn't he know better by now?

Raia gestured for him to follow and after a deep bow to the Lord of the West, Inuyasha followed.

Inu no Taisho watched them exit the room and glanced at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru was not even looking at the departing hanyou. Inu no Taisho frowned. Had he been misinformed? If so, the informer was in quite a bit of trouble. But he had to make sure.

"Sesshoumaru, do you have anything to say in the matter?"

Sesshoumaru inclined his head slightly. "No, my Lord. It will be as you command."

A light murmur went through the court at this. Word had passed rapidly that Lord Sesshoumaru had brought home a hanyou slave. Sesshoumaru was well known for his possessiveness. He did not share. Ever. Anyone who had had any dealing with him ever since he was a child had learnt this the hard way. Rumor had it that the Lord wanted the hanyou as a personal slave and being the Lord's only child Sesshoumaru was slightly (read completely) spoiled. He always got what he wanted but Inu no Taisho had been quite furious at his son for disobeying his orders and picking a fight with his allies. Granted, they had been out of line as well, but everyone felt that this did not give Sesshoumaru to disobey the Lord's commands. Inu no Taisho was a great leader because he was ruthless and implacable. His authority must not be undermined in the eyes of his vassals and underlings.

In his natural authority and dangerous aura, Sesshoumaru was quite similar to Inu no Taisho and almost everyone felt that he would, someday, make a great leader. But while Inu no Taisho was calm and patient, except with enemies and those that justly aroused his anger, Sesshoumaru was a dangerous force - volatile and unpredictable. Anyone who had anything to do with him knew that despite his father's strict upbringing and enforcement of discipline, the young heir, due to his own strong alpha nature, was someone who could not be entirely controlled even by the likes of Inu no Taisho. Most looked at this in disapproval and grudging admiration. Sesshoumaru's many enemies looked on smugly as Sesshoumaru, for once, gracefully gave in to the Lord of the West.

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After court was over, Inu no Taisho stood staring moodily out of the window.

Sesshoumaru hadn't argued or said anything. He had been respectful and polite and perfectly well-behaved. And that could only mean one thing.

He was up to something.

Anyone else would have assumed that Sesshoumaru had acted maturely and reasonably but Inu no Taisho knew his son better. Sesshoumaru's mother would love humans the day Sesshoumaru gave up without a fight.

And he hadn't been disappointed. Sesshoumaru had requested audience with him in private. Inu no Taisho was still angry at him, but given that he had behaved well in court at least, he at least decided to hear what his son had to say.

"Chichiue."

Inu no Taisho turned and looked at him questioningly. "You wished to speak with me?"

"Yes," Sesshoumaru answered. "It's about the hanyou…"

Inu no Taisho smirked. Well! That was more like it.

"What about him?"

Sesshoumaru glared. "I want him."

Inu no Taisho raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And you expect me to just forget about your punishment, do you?"

Sesshoumaru kept his face blank. "What punishment?"

Inu no Taisho gave him a look. "Don't play dumb, Sesshoumaru. You know very well what. This is your punishment. The hanyou will remain a palace slave."

He looked thoughtful.

"In fact, you know what? He is, henceforth, forbidden from even being in your presence and you are to in no way have any contact with him."

Seeing the look on Sesshoumaru's face, Inu no Taisho enjoyed his rare victory over his son.

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Inuyasha was led to a far side of the castle. The servants' quarters were far better than Inuyasha had expected. They were clean and well aired. The other servants, however, were far from nice. As soon as he stepped in, he was greeted by whispers and murmurs…

"There's the hanyou stray-"

"What was Lord Sesshoumaru thinking…"

"Now we have to put up with the little shit-"

"Probably won't be any use at all-"

Inuyasha's ears drooped and he tried to ignore the cruel words. He had endured much worse, really. But coupled with his recent hurt regarding Sesshoumaru, it stung none the less. Inuyasha hoped they would be less cruel than the slavers.

Raia seemed to be kind, though a little strict. She led Inuyasha to a room and opened the door.

"This will be your room. You are to sleep here when you are done with your duties."

Inuyasha stared in wonder. He had never had his own room before. The room was cozy and simple. There was a comfortable looking bed in the corner, a small dresser and a table and chair. By the bed was a window. The only problem, thought Inuyasha was that there were no bright colors. All his life, Inuyasha had lived outdoors and as such, was not used to dull, drab surroundings. Granted, this room was much more comfortable than any he had had previously but he wished for color. Inuyasha's favorite color was red.

This is already more than I could have expected, he berated himself. There was no point in pining for more.

Raia led him back to the kitchens.

"After the Lords and Ladies have their meal, we eat our food. Meals will be eaten at regular times so don't be late or you'll go to bed hungry."

Inuyasha nodded his head vigorously. This he understood.

"I will explain your duties to you tonight and you start work tomorrow."

Inuyasha bowed.

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Sesshoumaru made his way to a particular lake - the lair of a female dragon. He needed to call in a favor.

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Inu no Taisho, Lord of the Western Lands, was shaken out of his pleasant stupor by shrieks from a near hysterical female. Who dared disturb his rest?

He opened annoyed golden eyes and stared at the source of annoyance.

"What is going on here?"

A guard came running in panting as if he'd run a mile.

"Forgive me, my Lord…she's just…"

The female paid no attention to him. When Inu no Taisho looked at her properly, he noticed that her face was streaked with tears and her dress was dirty with mud and blood. She seemed to be in considerable distress.

"Forgive me for intruding, my Lord but the village has been attacked!"

Inu no Taisho's brows drew down in a thunderous scowl and he adjusted tessaiga and sounga at his waist.

"What? Who dares attack my land?"

Her lower lip trembled. "A-a dragon, my Lord! From the lake."

Inu no Taisho froze. "What? Dragon? That dragon was slain! I sent Sesshoumaru himself to do the job and of course, he succeeded! He presented its head to me!"

The dark blue dragon in question had been a magnificent one and according to witnesses, Sesshoumaru had slain it as easily as one would slice a piece of fruit. (For evidence, see Inuyasha episode 34 ~_^)

The woman did not seem to be consoled.

"I don't care! Everyone from the village is in danger, my Lord! You have to do something!"

Inu no Taisho growled. He summoned an officer. Dragons were notoriously difficult to slay and it was a well kept secret that the Lord of the Western Lands was not too fond of (slightly afraid of) dragons. The only one who seemed to be a natural at it was-

"Where's Sesshoumaru?"

The man bowed. "He left the castle a while ago, my Lord."

Inu no Taisho sighed in annoyance. He would have to take care of this himself.

"Very well. We will head to the village."

The woman bowed gratefully.

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Inu no Taisho arrived at the scene. The huts had been destroyed and people were running helter-skelter.

He proceeded alone towards the dragon's lair, deep into the dark, foreboding forest. This was a task for him alone- he had an example to set to anyone who challenged the authority of the Lord of the land in such a way. Also, it would take a small army of men to slay a dragon this powerful.

There, near the lake, was the same brilliant blue dragon. Seeing the Lord, it raised its head proudly and roared. Inu no Taisho felt a small sliver of apprehension. He really hated dragons. How unfortunate that this happened at a time when Sesshoumaru-

…He froze, the wheels in his head turning…

-when Sesshoumaru just happened to be away from the castle.

Inu no Taisho gritted his teeth.

"Sesshoumaru! Come here right now!"

Sesshoumaru stepped from behind the dragon casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Yes, father?"

Inu no Taisho glared. "What do you think you're doing? Why is this dragon still alive? I thought I ordered you to slay him!"

Sesshoumaru smiled. "He is slain, father. This one is a she."

Inu no Taisho looked incredulously at the giant dragon. "She? You mean…there were a male and a female dragon in the lake?"

Sesshoumaru nodded. "And dragon babies."

Inu no Taisho's eyes widened. "Dragon babies?"

Sesshoumaru said nothing. Inu no Taisho clenched his fists.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Sesshoumaru cocked his head. "Why should I? You would have had them killed..."

Inu no Taisho sighed in exasperation. It was just his luck that his one son and heir had to have a strange attachment to dragons. Ever since he was a child, Sesshoumaru had never had any particular friends - followers and worshippers, yes but no friends. He had never seemed to think anyone worthy of being anything more than entertainment. But he had always had the slightly frightening ability of making friends with all forms of dragons. Even the most skilled warriors had trouble slaying a dragon - even the common one-headed dragon. Sesshoumaru had chosen a two-headed dragon as his ride.

Inu no Taisho sighed.

"If you don't do it, you knowI will have to slay it - her."

Sesshoumaru shrugged. "You won't have to if I order her to retreat. She has never given this village any trouble all this time, after all."

Inu no Taisho blinked. Well, that was certainly true. Why had this dragon remained quiet all this time and then suddenly turned violent today? Then it hit him and he felt entirely stupid.

"What did you do?"

Sesshoumaru smirked. When her mate had turned violent and begun attacking innocent people, Sesshoumaru had obviously been the one delegated the task of slaying the beast. When he had realized there were not one but two grown dragons in the lake, the female had begged him to spare her babies' life in exchange for her own. Sesshoumaru had spared them both in exchange for her word that no harm would befall the village. She had sworn eternal loyalty to him. He had called in the debt today.

Sesshoumaru placed a hand gently on her neck. "I want Inuyasha."

Inu no Taisho saw red. "You-! If you think you'll get away with this-"

He drew tessaiga.

Sesshoumaru seemed unconcerned. "You can kill her but she has a lot of babies. They will grow into many strong dragons someday…terrorizing your land…"

Inu no Taisho scowled. "I'll kill them right now!"

Sesshoumaru smirked. "If you canfind them…"

Inu no Taisho's grip on tessaiga tightened. Sesshoumaru stroked her neck lazily and she let out a contented purring sound. Inu no Taisho stared wide-eyed at the amount of control Sesshoumaru seemed to have over the beast. The dragon was no danger to anyone…unless Sesshoumaru ordered her to be…

And even as he was furious with his son, Inu no Taisho felt distinctly proud. Sesshoumaru would be far stronger than him someday. The female dragon was not a violent one and pride and ego aside, it wasn't in his nature to kill any creature for the hell of it. Inu no Taisho would never have been a great ruler if he was ruled by his pride.

He lowered tessaiga.

"Have any of the villagers been harmed?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head.

Inu no Taisho sighed. "All this for the hanyou?"

Sesshoumaru's face was impassive. "He does not deserve to see any more suffering in his life."

Inu no Taisho looked deep into his son's eyes and for the first time, found a touch of compassion there.

Well, it seemed the little hanyou had accomplished in a few days what he, Inu no Taisho, had been trying to do for years.

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Inuyasha bowed his head as much as he could, the tears gathering in his eyes threatening to spill over. He hasn't done anything this time, he really hadn't!

"Well looks like the little shit's gonna cry!"

The speaker was a young man, maybe 18 or 19 years old, around Sesshoumaru's age. But while Sesshoumaru, due to his intensive training as the Western Lord, had an air of maturity and dignity about him, these young punks were rambunctious and rough.

The entry of a hanyou child into the household was not a quiet affair. While the disapproval and scorn of the other, older servants was more veiled and the insults verbal, the youngsters had taken it upon themselves to see exactly what he was all about. So, late that evening, they had cornered the slave in a deserted back garden.

Inuyasha had tried to ignore them and remain neutral to their insults. It was not in his nature to fight - years of life as a slave coupled with his naturally soft nature had made him naturally submissive.

So when the young men had made him do some rather demeaning and humiliating chores, he had done them without a fight. This was his new life, after all, and if he antagonized them, he would have to suffer beatings and humiliation for the rest of his stay here. He knew no one would help him if he complained - he was an outsider while the young men were one of their own. Inuyasha felt the tears slide down his cheeks and smiled dejectedly. He was always the outsider and he always would be, for the rest of his life…

One of the punks, Taori, grabbed the front of his haori and lifted him off the ground. Inuyasha kept his neck limp- a sign of submission. Furious that he did not manage to get a rise out of the victim, Taori snarled and threw him violently onto the floor.

"Haven't got a tongue in you, have you kid?"

Inuyasha winced. "I-I'm sorry…please…"

Taori's comrades laughed. One of the others, Sanjo leaned in close and grinned. "You're sorry? You should be!" he sneered. "A half-breed tainting our castle with your disgusting presence."

Inuyasha shrunk in on himself. Is this how it was everywhere? He had escaped from the slavers for this? What was the difference then? He knew it was his fault that he was in everyone's way, a burden on everyone but he was alive, despite what he sometimes wished, so wouldn't they just let him make it up to them? He hadn't refused them anything, he would obey them…what more could he do?

Another of the group, Yuta cracked his knuckles thoughtfully. "How about I break every bone in his body?"

Inuyasha flinched and turned away, trying to make himself as small as possible.

Yuta advanced-

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A/N: =^.^= CLIFFY!

Reviews appreciated!