A Kings Journey
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AN: Alrighty, this would be my…6th(?) try at a story…haha, I'm not even sure how many I've started. (Never finished. --) Lately I have found myself making Inuyasha renditions of Disney movies for some reason, first Mulan and Now The Lion King, XD yes that's right, this is a Lion King story! But with these things I usually try to make them my own, so you don't have to worry about it being too, and I stress the too, cliché'd.
Ch. 1: The Day of Anticipation
The day had finally arrived, the day that was so anticipated by common and noble folk alike. The day that had the entirety of the Kingdom of Dog in an uproar of excitement.
"What in the world is the Kingdom of Dog?" you are probably wondering, basically it is one of the four great kingdoms which make up the country of Shikon (or four souls. XD) Each respective kingdom is governed and protected by a royal family of demons, each chosen when the country was first created, as the strongest, and most worthy to be the rulers of their kingdoms.
To the North was the Kingdom of Dragon, ruled by the great Dragon Clan, known far and wide for being the greatest magic users the country had ever seen, not to mention being plain ol' powerful.
To the South, the Kingdom of Bird, ruled by a Family of Demon Hawks, the great hunters of the airways, and known for having the best eyesight by far out of all the demon rulers.
To the East, the Kingdom of Cat, governed by the demon Tigers. This kingdom is actually rather isolated from the others, not being too fond of them from the very start. They had it in their heads that they were better then the other Kingdoms, and should be the true rulers of the entire country.
They had a particular grudge against the Country of Dog, where on this day, a great celebration was to take place. This country was known for its loyal warriors, and amazing leadership of their demon Lord. It was common knowledge among the whole country that this Kingdom was also the most prosperous, and definitely most cheerful, and for good reason too. Their ruler was the kindest out of all of them, generous by nature, yet very protective and loyal. Some called him and his family the perfect Lords, and that wasn't too far from the truth.
But back to the previous train of story, the day everyone had been waiting for. After nine long months since the wonderful news had been announced, it had finally come. The Kings wife was expecting her son, the next chosen King, on this day.
But although this was the Queens first child, it was not the Kings, for he had been previously married, to another mighty Dog demon, a fierce warrior in battle, and the previous Queen of the Kingdom of Dog. She also, had bared the King a son, his first, whom he named Sesshoumaru. But it was only four years after his birth that she had been killed in a battle with the Kingdom of Cat, to the great sorrow of the King and his kingdom.
And now you must be wondering, why is this Sesshoumaru not the next chosen King? He was the first wasn't he? Indeed the young Sesshoumaru had been the first born, but he was not the one destined to be the King. For even when he was a youngster, he had the coldest air about him, and would rarely show any feelings at all. Some believed it was because he had a ferocious demon warrior for a mother, but none were certain. But all in all, the great Inutaisho found him not to be of Kingly material, (though he would be made commanding General of his armies once he was old enough.) and thus, searched for a new wife to bare him a son.
And he found that, and the greatest love of his life, in the young maiden, Izayoi. She was a human of humbler origins than his own, only being the daughter of one of the district lords in the kingdom. But from the moment he spoke to her, she had captivated him, she had evoked within him a feeling that none had ever before. Not even his late wife, although he had cared for her dearly, had been able to make him feel this way. Izayoi brought out the child in him, made him laugh, and warmed his heart to the point where it felt as though it were going to melt.
Indeed their love had been greatly admired, as well as disapproved. They had said that she was a human, and could not provide a strong enough heir, but the King had merely brushed them off, saying that the child would be more than strong enough.
And so the joyous day had finally come (as we have said many times by now) and the King and his right hand man could be found pacing in front of the door to the delivery chambers, the previous mentioned obviously the more distressed of the two.
"Inu, you are going to wear a groove into the floor with all that pacing." The Kings right hand man and best friend of many years said from his seat on a chair to the right of the door. He was the head of the kingdoms clan of holy men and women, and had known the King since he was a teenager himself. The King of course had still been many years older than him, (though didn't look it) but still found in the priest a trustworthy friend, the greatest he had ever come by.
He was a tall and handsome man, with a full head of raven black hair, pulled into a tight and neat ponytail that fell down his back to his waist with bangs that fell into deep ocean blue eye, making looking into them a fete that was dang near impossible not to do. A real catch for any woman, and the hilarious thing was that he knew it too. Although he had the outer image of a perfect gentleman, he was known for his wandering hands and roaming eyes, in short, he was a perverted scoundrel.
The King stopped pacing for a split second, only to send a glance in the direction of the man, before going back to his brisk pacing. "I told you not to call me that Nakao." He said, referring to the nickname by which the priest had called him. But the man simply chuckled and brushed it off, leaning back in his chair, and placing his arms behind his head in an attempt to get comfortable. "Well still, you shouldn't worry yourself so much; you'll be completely worn out before the banquet tomorrow night. And you know you will have to be on your toes for that, the three other Kings and their courts are attending after all."
Inutaisho stopped again, thought about what his best friend said, before silently, and grudgingly agreeing and taking a seat next to him. "I suppose you're right…but what if something happens?" and he was up on his feet again in a flash, much to the frustration of his dark haired friend. "What if she looses too much blood? You know I heard of that happening, what if it happens to her?"
The distressed Lord then suddenly stopped in front of the large cherry wood double doors, a determined look on his face. "That's it! I'm going in there!" He made a move to throw open the doors, but was stopped when Nakao threw himself in front of him and pushed him back, something nobody other than him or Izayoi could get away with doing. (Surprising strength for a human. XD)
"No Inu! You can't go in there! You know how you get when you see her in pain! You nearly threw a guard out of a window when she pricked her finger on one of the thorny rose bouquets in the halls!"
He put a fist on his hip and used his other hand to point an accusatory finger at the King. "Child birth is the greatest pain any woman could ever go through," at that point he quickly muttered something about how grateful he was that only women had to go through it. "Only heaven knows what you would do if you saw her in such a condition."
For a second the King had an enraged look on his face, how dare he accuse him, the KING, of not being able to control himself! But Nakao cut off any retort he was going to make, "And don't try to say otherwise! Or do I have to bring up a certain tea incident?"
Intaisho's previous look of immense anger quickly transformed into one of immense embarrassment, and he leapt forward and clamped a hand over the mans mouth. "I told you that was never to be brought up!" Nakao simply smiled under his hand in a way that said 'You know I know you better than you know yourself.'
The King sighed and let go of the priest, taking his previous seat with a grunt. "Fine you win." Nakao sat next to with the same stupid smile on his face.
"But you know I AM right, I was there when my son was born last year." He crossed his arms with a heavy sigh, "And I will tell you, there are no screams, whether on a battlefield, or in a torture chamber, that sound as horrific as the ones of a woman in labor."
Inutaisho mimicked his pose, "How is that boy anyway? Do you plan on putting him through training as well?" he asked Nakao, referring to the training of a priest, long and hard training. Nakao nodded his head, a bit more enthusiastically then Inutaisho had expected. "I sure do, I'm going to give them to Miroku myself."
Just then, a shrill cry broke the stillness of the halls, and the two noblemen looked up simultaneously at the large doors, where the cries were coming from. No sooner had Inutaisho stood up to charge in demanding what was wrong when the doors were thrown open by the head doctor. "Congratulations sire! You are now the father of a healthy baby prince!" he said with a rather large and proud grin, for having just delivered the next king of their land. The doctor swept to the side in a respectful bow, swinging his arms with a flourish to allow the King inside. Inutaisho didn't waste any time with hesitation, and nearly ran into the room, Nakao at his heals.
The baby was just being brought back in from being cleaned, and was now being deposited in the arms of Queen Izayoi, when Inutaisho and Nakao reached the large bed. Without second thought, the King swept back his large flowing cape of fur to kneel next to his love and newborn child, a remarkably soft and gentle look on his face.
Nakao gaped in silent awe, for even in as long as he knew the King; he hadn't seen him look so…kind. True, it was known the King Inutaisho was the most lenient and forgiving of all the rulers, but he was still a very strict and forceful one. But at this very moment, Nakao could swear that he was looking at a different demon.
"My love, how are you feeling?" was the first thing the King spoke, always making sure his wife was safe and unharmed before anything else.
The Queen smiled, extreme exhaustion showing on her lovely, though sweaty features. Her hair was a mess, and one could swear she had just come out of a boiler by how red her skin was, but the King thought to himself that she never looked more beautiful.
"I feel wonderful…this…" she looked down at her newborn son, who looked back at her with large, slightly cloudy eyes, eyes with the same golden hue as that of the King. "This is the most amazing feeling. I never thought there could be such a thing so wonderful." She was referring to the sensation one receives when holding their newborn child. A wonderful feeling one gets, when knowing that the baby you hold in your arms is something that you had made, along with your lifelong mate.
The king smiled and reached over to stroke the baby's head, with a gentleness that even he did not know he possessed. "Do you want to hold him?" Inutaisho was surprised by the sudden request, and looked at his wife wish shocked confusion. "Me?" he asked stupidly, which made Izayoi chuckle, albeit weakly.
"Of course you, I would ask Nakao if he would like to, but I think he would agree with me that you should get to first." She looked at the Kings right hand man at that, who smiled and nodded with agreement. "Of course, I would never dream of accepting something as honorable as that before the father were to get his chance." He laughed and slapped the king on the back, something else only he and his wife could do and not get thrown out a window for.
With an uncertain look on his face, Inutaisho nodded his head, and opened his arms to hold the child that his wife was presenting to him.
Nakao chuckled softly to himself, "I've never seen you look so scared your Highness." But the King paid no mind as he looked down at the face of his son, making note of the tuft of already thick white hair on his head, smiling with pride.
But then he caught sight of his large claws, which were right behind the baby's head, holding it up with no effort at all, and he started to think. He had never held a baby before, not even when Sesshoumaru had been born; his wife at the time would not let him. Being of Dog demon blood, her motherly instincts would kick in whenever someone got too close to her baby before he was old enough to walk.
And now, Inutaisho thought to himself, this was such an odd feeling, holding something so soft and fragile, something that's life could easily be taken with just a swipe of his large claws. For even though the child had demon blood flowing through him, no baby, demon or human, could survive a blow delivered by something as strong as he.
The King shuddered at the thought, and subconsciously held his son closer to him, feeling a surge of fatherly protectiveness suddenly rush through him. He would never let such a thing happen to a child of his, he would die himself before letting any harm come to one of his kin.
The soft gurgle of the baby brought the King back to reality, and he was met with the confused and worried faces of his best friend and wife. "Darling, are you alright?" Izayoi asked him, extending her hand, silently asking him to take it.
The King obliged, placing the baby down in her lap, so that they could look at him together. "I'm fine, just thinking. But that aside! What shall we name him?" he went back to softly stroking his sons head, earning giggles of delight from the tiny infant, who tried to catch the ever elusive fingers of his father. Inutaisho laughed softly, and let the baby take hold of his index finger, noting that it took almost both his sons tiny hands to wrap completely around it.
"He has a strong grip…" he said out loud without realizing it.
"Well he is your son after all." Nakao chided up from behind, "And he's the spitting image of you Inu! Though I'm doubtful if that is a good thing or not…" (I am aware that Sesshoumari resembles their father more than Inuyasha does, but for the sake of this story, lets just say Inuyasha resembles his father. ) The priest insulted playfully, earning himself an equally as playful whack in the gut by the Kings free hand, which hurt a lot more than a playful insult. Nakao made this known with a childlike whine. Soon, the two were in what looked like a fight that only occurred between siblings.
Izayoi chuckled softly at their antics, always finding it wonderfully entertaining when the two were together. They acted exactly as two brothers would, always insulting and playfully hurting each other, but still in the end, they were as loyal to each other as any blood relatives she knew. It was one of the most endearing relationships Izayoi had ever seen, even though it was only between two friends.
"Now now children, settle down." She scolded playfully, "We have more important matters at hand, like naming this child before he becomes forever known as the nameless prince." She finished with a chuckle. The two men obeyed, taking up their formers positions, Inutaisho kneeled next to the bed, and Nakao standing behind him.
"Why don't you name him Lucky?" Nakao spoke up, again playing around. The King was about to turn around and whop him upside the head, but the gentle squeeze of his wife's hand on his arms stopped him.
"Thank you for your input Nakao, but I don't think I would like to call my son Lucky." The Queen chuckled, "I would feel as if I were calling a pet dog every time!" that aroused a round of laughter from the two men, as they thought about the Queen of their Kingdom calling for her son, but getting a dog coming to her instead.
Izayoi thought about it for a while, before turning to her husband. "Why don't we call him Inuyasha?" Inutaisho looked at her with wide eyes for a moment, such a name was rather blunt and to the point. But after thinking on it, and looking at his son, who was now trying to rip the cloth that encircled him with great effort, he decided that no other name would be better suited for such a fiery spirit.
"That's a perfect name." he said, taking up his son and un-wrapping him, before holding him up in the air, in all his naked baby glory. "My son, Inuyasha, you are a Dog demon, and so you shall be named." His son looked at him in adorable confusion, tilting his head to the side in puppy fashion. Izayoi smiled fondly from the bed, before finally letting herself drift off into the world of slumber.
Nakao stepped up beside Inutaisho, and looked up at the baby boy in the air. "Hmm, for a baby, he has a rather large-" whatever he was about to say had been abruptly cut off by the Kings fist making contact with his head.
"YOW! What in the world was that for?" Nakao whined, rubbing his poor abused cranium.
"For being the worst priest I've ever met!" the King replied angrily, holding his son to his chest.
From outside the door, a pair of golden eyes peered into the room with mild interest, masterfully hidden by a mask of indifference. Inutaisho caught wind of the person, and started to turn in the direction of the door.
"Sesshoumaru, come meet your new little brother!" the King called before having even turned completely around. Said boy of only eleven years entered the room without hesitation, not having the gall to defy his almighty father. (How sweet, he's a daddy's boy! XD)
He arrived beside his father and Nakao, and peered at them with that same mask of indifference, making the priest shudder involuntarily. Even if he was only a child, Sesshoumaru could sure put a cold damper on any joyous occasion, but the King didn't seem to notice, probably already used to the boy's cold nature by now.
Inutaisho knelt down before his first born son and held Inuyasha just far out enough so he could see. The gazes of two princes met at that moment, though they couldn't have been any more different. One was warm and innocent, curious with everything around it. The other was cold and stony, showing no sign of affection for what it looked at.
Inuyasha laughed with innocent happiness, and extended his arms, wanting to be held by this newcomer. Sesshoumaru's face turned to one of mild shock, not expecting the baby to do that. Inutaisho and Nakao laughed heartily, "It seems your little brother has already taken a liking to you my boy!" the King said before unceremoniously plopping the baby in his older sons arms, which were a bit stiff, not expecting that either. Sesshoumaru looked down at the son of his father's wife, making a note of every detail.
"He smells funny…" he said softly, making the two men laugh again. Inutaisho spoke up at that, "Well he was just born; I suppose he would smell a bit odd at first." But Sesshoumaru shook his head, that wasn't what he had meant. "Not that, something deeper, his scent is weird." At that, Inutaisho and Nakao's faces turned a tad more serious, and the King placed one of his large hands on Sesshoumarus shoulder, making the boy look up at him.
"That is because your brother is different from you and I, and from your mother and Nakao here." He said with a nod back at the priest. "He's half human, and half demon, a mix that is rarely heard of today." Inutaisho explained to his son, but he found it rather hard, for he knew how half demons were treated, when they WERE born. "He's going to be treated differently than you Sesshoumaru, demons and humans alike will find him detestable, and they will hate him...even if he is a prince, and the next king of this land. Not all of them will, but still."
Sesshoumaru looked slightly confused. "Couldn't you just kill whoever hates him?" he asked in an innocent, yet not, way.
Inutaisho just sighed and shook his head. "No my son, I cannot do that, it would be wrong to do so. I cannot change the way people feel, nor can I do anything simply because they do not like my son. Unless they take action, all I can do is watch, and protect him…" he looked back up at Sesshoumaru, "But, Sesshoumaru, I will ask that you as well, will protect your younger brother. In time, he will be able to watch after himself, but for now," he took Inuyasha from Sesshoumarus arms, prying the baby's fingers from the older boy's hair. "I will need your help, for I won't always be there, nor will your mother." Sesshoumaru looked down at his feet, bare for the entire world to see.
Nakao then stepped forward. "Until he is old enough to learn to protect himself, you will have to do it for him. There are many out there who wish for your brother's demise, some who would go to any lengths to make it happen." Sesshoumaru looked up at the two men, his mask slipping away a little, to show a small speck of determination.
"What's his name?" he asked softly, coming closer to his father to look at his baby brother again. Inutaisho smiled softly again, wrapping his soft cloak around the baby, when he saw Inuyasha shiver slightly.
"His name is Inuyasha." Inutaisho answered with a smile.
Sesshoumaru looked up at his father, then back at Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha…"
AN: Wee! First chapter hot off the file! What do you think? Is it good? Good enough to continue? REVIEW AND TELL ME! I know Sesshoumaru is a bit out of character, what with not hating his little brother right off the bat, but in this story I don't intend for Sesshoumaru to hate him, at least not at first. At first he shall do as his father asked, and be a good older brother, and will even like Inuyasha after a while. Miroku, Kagome and Sango will be coming in later, after everyone does some growing up! Until next time, I bid thee a farewell! --Pulls black cape over face and jumps over side of banister--
FLOMP –A three foot high banister--