DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha. It belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. If you paid to look at this, something's wrong. ABORT!
Astonishing Demands
The trip to his mother's sky castle was swift and full of blissful silence as he glided among the clouds. The sun was just breaking over the horizon when the concealing mists hiding the castle parted to reveal the Lady of the West's Floating Palace. A near silent cry went out and the castle burst into frenzied activity as Sesshoumaru's presence was detected. When Sesshoumaru stepped down, every youkai within sight bowed low and whispered "Sesshoumaru-sama".
Sesshoumaru ignored the youkai and strode forward. A dark-haired male appeared by his side and bowed politely while keeping up with Sesshoumaru's swift walk. "Blessings Lord Sesshoumaru. The Lady requests your presence at breakfast."
"Hnn."
The youkai changed his course slightly through the castle and up toward an open balcony where the scent of prepared food wafted. His mother sat at the head of a table, her beaming grin one of complete enjoyment. "Sesshoumaru! How nice of you to visit!" she greeted gaily, as if she had not ordered her son's appearance.
"Mother, what is this about?"
The Lady of the West pouted and laid down her cup, her eyes glinting secretively. "Come now Sesshoumaru. It has been such a long time. Sit and have breakfast with your mother." Sesshoumaru sat obediently and the Lady made a play of looking around. "Oh! Where are the human children and little youkai who attended you before?"
"Only my presence was required."
A small smile curved the Lady's lips. "Really? Well after what had happen before I assumed you would have never allowed the little girl-child to leave your side." Are you strong enough to leave behind weaknesses? She silently challenged.
"She is being raised by a priestess in a human village." He answered, his eyes flashing at the insinuation. There was no need to tell her that he would occasionally take Rin on patrols when he visited. The Lady bowed, nothing more than the slightest tip of her head, to acknowledge his victory.
"That is a well-made choice then. Humans do fair better among their own kind."
"Hnn."
With a quick motion to one of her servants waiting behind the screen by the wall, the Lady had a tray placed in front of Sesshoumaru. "Now eat breakfast with me. It really has been far too long since you have had a proper meal and I would enjoy a little mother-son time."
Sesshoumaru would much rather learn what she had really called him for and be done with it, but his mother was infuriatingly fond of playing games before revealing what she wanted. He would have to play through her games to gain what he wanted and it was sure to take hours. Sighing, Sesshoumaru picked up a cup and waited for the start.
.:!:.