A/N: Hello, my superduperchocolatefudgetopped fucking awesome reviewers! ^^ I'm done with my exams HELL YEAH! On with the story! I'm just so hyper right now bwahahaha!
Chapter 7
A Bitterly familiar cold, harsh hand held the silver haired hanyou's neck. The half demon lay on his back on the bone chilling floor which sent shivers down his spine. Panic stricken golden eyes met malicious red ones. His body felt paralyzed. He couldn't move even a finger. The black haired villain, who was straddling the hanyou, gripped the cloth of the haori over Inuyasha's chest with his unoccupied hand and with a single swipe, he violently ripped it off. Along with the cloth, Naraku's claws raked the inu's chest, leaving four deep gashes over his torso. Inuyasha gave a sharp scream of agony as the pain shot like lightening in an instant throughout his entire system. The hanyou was bleeding within no time at all, the crimson liquid already running down his sides to pool on the floor.
"That's right, Inuyasha, scream more", Naraku's voice was coated with malevolence as he gave a chuckle upon seeing the hanyou cry out. Naraku didn't waste any more time in removing the inu's hakama and he was left naked and fully exposed to the vile demon.
Inuyasha tried to struggle, but his body felt like lead. It refused to move. What had the demon done to him? Fear infiltrated his mind and slowly his lungs started refusing to work. Breathing seemed to gradually become the most impossible task in the world.
Sesshomaru was almost at Inuyasha's door. What had happened for the hanyou to cry out like that at so late in the night? He hadn't sensed any foreign presence and all the servants had returned to their quarters. His muscles tensed as he calculated the possibilities of an actual intrusion in order to be prepared to attack if necessary. When he finally reached the door, he opened it swiftly and without his supernatural night vision, one would not have been able to see the shaking form of a black haired half demon now turned human. The taiyoukai was taken aback for a second and didn't take a step forward. Instead his surprised yellow eyes studied the being lying in the bed that was supposed to be occupied by Inuyasha. The scent was different but at the same time…similar. Then it struck his mind. He had heard that half demons had a period of weakness, when their body became human. So the moonless night was his half brother's day?
The demon lord approached the bed and looked down at the distressed face of his half brother. Despite becoming temporarily a human, there was little change in his features. His scent on the other hand was a bit softer in comparison to the strong, fiery scent his hanyou body had. Sesshomaru's curious golden orbs turned into concerned ones when he saw that Inuyasha's breathing was laboured, just like when he had a panic attack on his first day at the castle. What was going on? He thought only a touch precipitated an attack. Was he having a nightmare? The taiyoukai moved closer and sat beside the hanyou on his bed.
"Inuyasha", the demon lord's voice was calm yet stern as he tried to rouse his brother from his sleep.
Naraku bent his head down to the gashes across the inu's chest and licked the blood, his tongue dipping into the wound ruthlessly, eliciting a groan from the hanyou. He then fisted a handful of silver hair on the back of the inu's head, pulling it back to expose his pale throat and simultaneously kneed his thighs apart. Inuyasha's eyes widened and his heart pounded in his heaving chest that was constricting painfully.
"Get….away from….me", Inuyasha gasped between words to the demon who only sneered.
Sesshomaru frowned when the hanyou's breathing became harsher and he started to speak in his sleep. He wanted him to go away? He growled almost inaudibly as he tried to settle on whether he should go ahead and touch him in order to wake him up, but on the other hand it could worsen the situation. His demonic aura wouldn't be of much use now that Inuyasha was in his human form. But, he had to do something. What if he called for Ryomaru? No, rousing the servants and sending a messenger and waiting for the raven to wake up and to arrive…..it would take too long.
Naraku latched onto Inuyasha's neck with his fanged mouth, sucking and biting the column of flesh. With one hand he caught a hold of his length and started to pump his semi flaccid length until it stood erect. Inuyasha gasped at the feel of something hard against his inner thigh and he knew what was in store for him. Naraku lowered his face to the hanyou's and powerfully captured his mouth with his rough and demanding lips. Inuyasha whimpered upon contact and shut his eyes tightly, hoping it would be over soon. His lungs were burning at this point and his heart felt like it was going to rip out of his chest any time soon. Naraku drew back his face an inch, looking down at the gasping hanyou with a smirk before positioning himself between Inuyasha's legs and impaling him violently. Inuyasha screamed for the second time when he felt ripping pain radiate from his lower back. Naraku moaned at the tightness that engulfed his manhood. He pulled back up to the head of his cock before thrusting again without mercy. Inuyasha head whirled. He couldn't fucking breathe!
"N-Naraku!" he gasped desperately, his teeth clenching in agony as the demon increased his pace ruthlessly.
"Inuyasha!" Sesshomaru's voice became sharper as he saw the hanyou's condition worsen and his eyes narrowed when he heard his half brother cry out Naraku's name. He was having a nightmare about Naraku? Whatever it was that the hanyou was dreaming about, it didn't matter at this time. Something had to be done to stop the attack. He then suddenly remembered the leaves that Ryomaru gave him. He stood up and went hastily to the cupboard that had all the herbs and medicines that the raven put there for the half demon. He pushed aside some of the bottles until he found the one that he needed and he opened it. But wasn't it the juice that had to be given? The taiyoukai gritted his teeth. All these things the hanyou was making him do!
He pulled out a few leaves from the bottle and put them in his mouth and started to chew, nearly wincing at the horridly bitter taste. Once he felt that it was well masticated, he resumed his position on the bed beside the inu and placing one hand beneath his neck and the other around his waist. He raised his body up a bit so that the hanyou was in semi sitting postion before leaning in to cover the hanyou's lips with his own. He slowly transferred the juice so that the gasping hanyou wouldn't choke on it. His youki subconsciously surrounded his black haired half brother.
Just as Inuyasha felt like he was going to black out from the pain and lack of oxygen, he felt lips on his own once more and whimpered again. But this time something felt different. These lips weren't aggressive and harsh like Naraku's. They were gentle and soothing. He felt strong, yet comforting arms around him and a recognizable warmth, one that he wanted to…no…needed to hold on to no matter how distant it seemed. At least this time, he didn't want it to go. His body loosened up gradually and Naraku's touch began to fade away as if the demon was dematerializing to be replaced by the gentle aura.
Sesshomaru felt his brother relaxing considerably and his breathing became less laboured. But on the contrary, the taiyoukai's entire body was tense. He withdrew his mouth and lay his brother down, his own breathing faster than usual. The hanyou's lips were so…..soft. Sesshomaru was alarmed at his own thought and growled. He was going insane! The taiyoukai was about to get up in frustration when he felt a hand clutching the front of his kimono.
Inuyasha's heart started to race again when he felt the tender presence leaving him and could nearly feel Naraku on him again. No, he couldn't let it go this time. He reached out to whatever it was that was calming him and when something soft yet sturdy hit his hand, he didn't care what it was, he held on to it tightly, almost in a pleading way.
Sesshomaru froze and looked down once more at the hanyou. He was still asleep but once more appeared distressed. The situation didn't do any good on his rapidly beating heart. He had enough of this. The taiyoukai took his hand and put it over the one grasping his kimono and tried to pry it off.
Inuyasha's eyebrows furrowed in despair as he felt his hand being tugged away. "Please, don't leave me", the hanyou's voice shook. He wouldn't be able to take it again if Naraku returned. "Please."
The taiyoukai's hand stopped pulling at his brother's hand that was clinging to him in desperation when he heard the hanyou plead. His mind became a deranged mess, something that never happened to the mighty Sesshomaru. What the hell was he supposed to do? He gazed at Inuyasha's anguish laced features and he sighed. Certainly someone had cursed him.
Deeming that he had no other option, he lowered his body and lay down beside his brother on the bed with the hanyou's hand still clutching him. Inuyasha's hand relaxed its hold once Sesshomaru reduced the distance between them and his features straightened out slowly.
The hanyou calmed down when he noticed that his hand wasn't being torn away and a serene scent hit his nose. It was familiar, but he didn't rack his mind at the moment. The scent eased him and he accepted it gladly as he moved closer.
Sesshomaru went rigid when Inuyasha moved closer and closed the remaining minute distance, his head resting on the taiyoukai's shoulder. The demon lord could feel the hanyou's steady hot breath on his chest that was partly bared open. He shut his eyes, trying to calm his heart. This was going to be one of his longest nights yet. He tried focusing on something else besides a human turned beta that was lying beside him with his younger body pressed against his side. He draped an arm over his eyes and waited for what seemed like a century till he felt Inuyasha's breath become slower, indicating that he had drifted off to sleep once more. The hand on his kimono loosened and he got up without sound. It was almost morning and he heard birds chirping outside as they took off from their nest. Only a few rays of the morning sun found their way into the room both brothers were in. Sesshomaru's eyes were filled with interest when he saw the form before him beginning to transform. Black hair was dominated by silver once again and the human ears shifted towards the top of the inu's head, morphing into dog ears. Nails grew into sharp claws. As the transformation took place, Inuyasha stirred a bit. The changes appeared to be uncomfortable to the hanyou. Once he returned to his original form, the half demon lay calmly once more. Once the fascinating events had taken place, Sesshomaru turned and left swiftly, not wanting to be there any second longer.
"Inuyasha-san!"
The silver haired inu's ears twitched in annoyance at the high pitched voice and he groaned. His sleep was rudely disturbed. Wait….he was sleeping? Inuyasha's eyes shot open and he bolted up in his bed. He had actually slept quite soundly, but how? His mind was clouded, blocking all events of the previous night. He had most certainly dreamt about something. What was it? There was a lingering feeling of a gentle presence around him and it had him confused. It was the same feeling he had felt when he collapsed on his first day at the castle. Inuyasha's thoughts were interrupted when Rin threw open his door and raced towards him with an excited face. She jumped on his bed and took a hold of his arm.
"You have to get ready!" she said hurriedly.
"Huh? What for?" Inuyasha gave a curious look.
"I arranged a picnic. Yuzuki-sama and Ryomaru-sama are coming too", Rin said with a grin. "They are going to be here any minute now!"
"This early?" Inuyasha said as he looked outside, and realized it wasn't as early as he had thought. The sun was nearly high up in the clear blue sky. "Okay, okay, I'm coming", he said when Rin started to tug his arm again. She left once she assured herself that Inuyasha was up.
The hanyou groggily made his way to the bathing chambers after telling a maid to bring him a change of clothes which were a light yellow much to his relief. He was getting sick of wearing white everyday and his haori and hakama that the servants took to stitch wasn't returned yet. But when he questioned why there was a sudden change in the clothing the demoness answered that Rin had it prepared for him to wear to the picnic. Inuyasha smiled inwardly. The girl was sure excited about this. He returned to his room once he had bathed, drying his hair with a towel and frowned at his garments. The hakama was a bit long and kept getting in the way of his feet and the kimono seemed a bit bigger than usual and was donned in pale orange flowers. Oh well, it was for just this once anyway.
"Rin-sama awaits you in the front garden", a demoness spoke from the other side of Inuyasha's door after she knocked.
"I'll be there", he answered. Inuyasha adjusted his attire a bit so that it wasn't so awkward and exited the room and nearly bumped into Sesshomaru when he was about to walk out. The taiyoukai took a step back, not only to prevent the hanyou from bumping into him, but to increase the distance between them.
"Watch where you are going, hanyou", Sesshomaru said in a voice colder than usual.
"Feh, you're in my way, bastard", Inuyasha snarled and was about to stomp off when he tripped over his overly sized hakama and fell forward. Before the taiyoukai could stop him, Inuyasha collided with Sesshomaru's chest. The demon lord's eyes widened upon contact and he immediately pushed the hanyou away from him.
Inuyasha nearly stumbled backward this time when Sesshomaru roughly pushed him, but when he regained his balance he blinked in shock and surprise. Without another word, Sesshomaru left abruptly. Inuyasha was dumbstruck. Wasn't he afraid of contact? And yet, when his body hit Sesshomaru's a sense of comfort and security embraced him. Inuyasha shook his head. That was absurd. The taiyoukai had a light year of distance from words like comfort and security. Satisfied with that thought, he left for the garden.
Sesshomaru on the other hand was about to go to his study. Rin had invited him to a picnic of some sort, whatever that was. He declined as always. Why would someone want to have breakfast outside when all luxuries were available in the castle? He had just started to get his mind off of the wretched hanyou when he nearly bumped into him this morning. After all that the half demon put him through the night, he still had the nerve to show arrogance towards him. It seemed that he was oblivious to the previous night's events, much to his relief. He would rather die than have the hanyou recall that he had actually sympathized with him and lay down with him for almost the whole night. He was about to ignore the hanyou's haughty comments and leave when the imbecile tripped and fell on him. The contact sent shivers up his spine, a feeling he didn't relish and he immediately pushed him away. He was definitely never going to walk anywhere near him again. But he pondered on why the touch didn't make the hanyou collapse in panic. Perhaps he was slowly getting over his phobia at last.
"Hey there, Inuyasha", Yuzuki called out to the inu who was approaching them. A large blanket was laid out beneath an oak tree with a basket at the center that seemed a bit too big for plain breakfast. Rin was seated in the older crow demon's lap, who had his hand around her affectionately. Ryomaru was sitting across from them and beckoned him to sit beside him.
"Rin insisted that we wait till you got here", Ryomaru said once Inuyasha was seated.
"Sorry to keep you waiting", the hanyou replied with an apologetic smile.
Rin crawled out of Yuzuki's lap and opened the picnic basket, taking out its contents one by one, which consisted of meat that looked undercooked, a lidded pot that gave off an odd smell, and some other unrecognizable items. All three demons knew at once that they were made by the human girl and gave each other worried glances. Rin took the pot first and opened the lid to reveal some kind of soup she had brought Inuyasha previously and poured it into four bowls.
"Rin, why don't you let Yuzuki try it first?" Ryomaru gave a sly smirk towards his brother who gave him a shocked look. "He was really hungry on his way here."
"Okay", Rin smiled eagerly and held up the bowl to Yuzuki who tried his best to smile back. He took the broth like substance and held it to his lips. With a deep breath, he took a sip and for a moment he let the taste sink in. Surprise filled his crimson eyes. It was actually good! Inuyasha and Ryomaru looked on with interest.
"Where did you learn to make this, Rin? Is it your own recipe?" Yuzuki asked in amazement. "It tastes good."
"Yup", Rin said with a beam.
Curiosity sparked in the other two demon's faces upon Yuzuki's comment and they too took the bowls and took a cautious sip and were awed that it wasn't as bad as they had expected it to be. Time progressed with Rin chattering on, making the trio wonder if the girl's mouth never shut. Ryomaru decided to take Rin back into the castle when she started to sneeze, probably due to the cold weather. She had been spending most of her time outside anyways. Yuzuki and Inuyasha were left alone outside.
"I almost forgot to tell you", Yuzuki started. Inuyasha cocked his head, waiting for the demon to tell whatever he had forgotten to tell. "I'm celebrating my birthday in another three days. You have to come. I've already told Sesshomaru about it."
Inuyasha raised a brow. Who still celebrated their birthday at this age? "At your place?" he asked.
"Yeah", Yuzuki said with a smile. "It's been fifty years since I last celebrated my birthday. On the other hand, I want Sesshomaru to liven up a bit. He's been looking down a bit lately, whatever it is on his mind."
"It's a wonder you can even see emotions in that cold bastard", Inuyasha scoffed.
"You know, Inuyasha, he may appear like a brick wall on the outside but there's more to him than that", Yuzuki replied. When Inuyasha gave him a 'yeah right' look, the raven continued, "He wasn't like this when he was younger and still oblivious to the harsh world. He used to smile and express himself just like any other happy kid would. Hell, he would even prank me from time to time."
Inuyasha's interest was captured. The almighty, stoic and serene Sesshomaru playing pranks? "Really? But what happened to him?"
"Well, Inu no taisho was mated to Natsumi-sama for political purposes, to unite both of their empires and to produce a worthy heir", Yuzuki responded. "I guess there wasn't much love between them seeing that Inu no taisho went after a human princess, your mother, not too long after Sesshomaru was born. He had told Natsumi-sama that he wanted to break the mating bond between them. When they had parted, Natsumi-sama was heart broken. No one had ever seen her go into such depression before. She left Sesshomaru alone and left for her empire again. At such a young age, Sesshomaru was abandoned by both his parents and all the duties of his lands lay on his shoulders. He had to become the way he is now to survive."
Inuyasha's eyebrows furrowed in contemplation. In a way, his brother was no different from him in how he grew up. The only variation was that Inuyasha was shunned for being a hanyou. He started to understand the taiyoukai a bit now.
"He really is a nice guy", Yuzuki concluded with a thumbs up sign.
"Still hard to believe he used to play pranks though", Inuyasha said with a smirk and Yuzuki laughed.
"You have to promise to come to my little party", Yuzuki said. "It'll be a change from this gloomy old place."
"I guess so", Inuyasha remarked. Both of them turned their heads when they saw Ryomaru walking towards them.
"Rin looks like she caught a cold", the younger raven said as he drew near.
"There's no surprise in that", Inuyasha replied. "She's outside most of the time."
"Anyways, we'll get going then", Ryomaru said. "I have to get some things done and there's this decoration of the castle that needs to be done because this idiot brother of mine decides to suddenly throw a birthday party." Ryomaru gave his older brother a disapproving glare as he said so and Yuzuki only gave a shrug and a grin in return.
Inuyasha smiled. "Well, see ya then."
Both raven brothers gave a nod and took off with a burst of black feathers into the sky as wide dark coloured wings sprouted majestically from their backs. Inuyasha returned to the castle, wondering how he should spend the rest of his day now that Rin had a cold and was probably resting.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Inuyasha rolled over to his side on his bed. It was nearly noon and Rin hadn't come to visit him even once since this morning. In fact, he hadn't seen her after Ryomaru took her back to her room the previous day. What happened to that girl? The hanyou decided to check on her and got up.
"Hey, where is Rin?" Inuyasha asked a maid who was passing by.
"She's in her room, sire", she answered with a bow. "Rin-sama collapsed this morning due to high fever."
High fever? Inuyasha's eyes filled with worry. The cold must have really got to her. He walked with a brisk pace towards the human girl's room, which he was familiar with as the girl had taken him there more than once. Once he reached it, he was about to enter when he noticed that there was a certain taiyoukai's scent mingled with Rin's. He refrained from going inside and masked his presence as he peeked into the room from the slightly ajar door and was rather astonished at the rare sight before him.
The moment Sesshomaru had heard that Rin had collapsed the morning, he nearly raced to her quarters. A maid was at her side, wiping the girl's face with a wet cloth when he had entered. She bowed upon his appearance.
"Have you informed Ryomaru?" he asked.
"N-no, my lord", the demoness stuttered.
"Does that require an order as well?" Sesshomaru's voice was so sharp it could've sliced the maid in half.
"I'll send a message right away, my lord", the demoness said hastily in fear, her head still bowed down and she scuffled away.
Once the maid was gone, Sesshomaru neared his ward's bed. The girl was wrapped in blankets and was sweating, her face scrunched up as if she was in discomfort. The taiyoukai's features softened considerably and he sat down beside her, placing a hand on her forehead. He was appalled at how hot she felt. He brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. Rin stirred and opened her eyes a bit.
"Sesshomaru-sama?" she spoke, her voice weak. She tried to sit up but with a single hand on her shoulder, the taiyoukai gently held her back in place.
"Do not strain yourself", he said, his voice calm. He took the hand on Rin's shoulder and placed it on the side of her face and stroked her cheek tenderly with his thumb. The young girl's eyes clouded with affection for her lord and clasped his hand with both of her smaller ones. Rin slowly started to drift off into sleep as the taiyoukai's hand felt cool against her burning skin. Just then Sesshomaru sensed someone at the door, but disregarded it at the moment.
Inuyasha saw how carefully his brother handled the human, every gesture carrying a kindness that he never knew the callous taiyoukai was even capable of. "He really is a nice guy." Yuzuki's words rang in his head. Maybe it was true after all.
"Inuyasha, is Rin inside?" Ryomaru appeared before the hanyou looking worried.
"Uh, yes", the hanyou answered and without another word, the raven opened the door fully and entered. By that time, Sesshomaru had already gotten up from his position beside Rin.
"I'll tend to her", Ryomaru reassured the taiyoukai who gave a nod and turned to leave, not even sparing his half brother a glance who came in after the crow demon.
"Is she going to be alright?" Inuyasha enquired as he saw the demon check her temperature by placing a hand on her forehead.
"Yes. She'll be up in no time with my treatment", Ryomaru answered with a reassuring smile.
Inuyasha stayed till the black haired demon gave a few medicines to the girl after waking her up. Rin made little fuss over how bitter the concoction tasted, owing to the fact that Ryomaru was a rather good persuader. Sure enough, just as Ryomaru had said, Rin was up the next day. Though she still looked a bit weak, she appeared a whole lot better.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
The day of Yuzuki's party came quickly. Rin was pouting all day prior to the day of the celebration since Sesshomaru had forbidden her from coming.
"But, Sesshomaru-sama, I'm fine now", the brown eyed girl looked up at her lord with pleading eyes. She had regained her strength, but it was apparent the taiyoukai wasn't satisfied.
"Rin", Sesshomaru's voice was impatient, "do you intend to disobey me?"
"But…but", Rin was pouting once more, not knowing how to answer.
"Well, well, well, why is my little angel looking so disheartened?"
Rin's face brightened up upon the arrival of her second favourite demon lord next to Sesshomaru. "Yuzuki-sama!" she shouted happily and ran to him. The raven picked her up in his arms with a big smile. "Sesshomaru-sama says I can't come to your party." Rin's smile was replaced by a frown.
"Is that so?" Yuzuki said with an accusing voice and glanced at Sesshomaru, his red eyes questioning him. "Why is it that she can't come?"
"She will be a hindrance. It is infuriating enough that I am complied to attend to your little festivity", Sesshomaru answered indifferently.
Yuzuki smirked in comprehension. So he was still worried that Rin was not at the best of her health. He then returned his attention the girl in his arms. "How about this, Rin", he said, "you and I can have a special party later on."
"Just you and me?" Rin asked with her eyes wide in excitement.
"Yup", Yuzuki smiled at her and Rin giggled. The raven put her down and the human girl pranced away, totally enthusiastic about the thought of having a party with just Yuzuki. "Both of you are coming, right?" Yuzuki asked the silver haired taiyoukai referring to Inuyasha, once Rin was gone. "I've arranged a carriage to pick you two up tomorrow evening." Sesshomaru gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. He knew the raven would do that anyway. After all, he had been attending to his childhood friend's birthday parties ever since he could remember, though he had them less often these years. He didn't even know why he still attended them, but he guessed that old habits die hard.
XOXOXOOXOOOXOXOXOXOXOX
Inuyasha tried to get his clothes on right as the time to leave for Yuzuki's castle drew nearer. He wore a pure silver kimono lined with gold on the sleeves and on the border of the neck and over it he wore a gold robe that flowed down to stop just above his ankles. The robe was tied at the waist by a single knot. Silver flame shaped designs licked the robe from below all around and similar ones were on the sleeves that reached beyond his wrists. Inuyasha looked at himself in the mirror and the word ridiculous rang in his head. The maids had told him that these garments were made especially for occasions such as these. The hanyou scoffed. Wasn't this just a little party? He tucked in the beads of subjugation around his neck beneath the kimono.
"Inuyasha-san!" the hanyou had gotten quite used to the human girl bursting into his room unexpectedly. "You look great!"
"Do I?" Inuyasha questioned, unsure if the girl was speaking the truth. Rin nodded her head vigorously.
"Let me do your hair", she demanded. Inuyasha then realized that Rin had a small comb in her hand.
"Um, okay", Inuyasha said hesitantly. He never had anyone actually comb his hair before, apart from his mother when he was little. He sat down on his bed so that Rin could have better access to his silver mane and the girl got to work. She straightened out his ruffled, soft hair and brushed it neatly.
"Are you okay being alone, kid?" Inuyasha asked the girl who was busy with his hair. "I can stay behind if you want me to."
"Uh huh", Rin replied from behind him. "Yuzuki-sama said that he was going to have a special party with me later."
Rin stopped combing the hanyou's hair when a knock was heard on his door. "Inuyasha-sama, your carriage awaits", came the voice of a maid.
"I guess I have to get going then", Inuyasha said as he stood up. Rin followed him outside to the castle ground where a carriage, which was in the shape of a pair of large raven claws clasping each other, was parked. It was reined to a gigantic crow nearly ten times his height, its eyes the same crimson as Yuzuki's and Ryomaru's. It had a sleek black coat of feathers with a diamond shaped red patch on its breast. It was a magnificent creature. Rin's mouth opened in awe.
"Well then, we'll be back soon", Inuyasha said to the girl who was still staring in wonder at the creature.
"Bye!" she said, shifting her attention to the hanyou and waved her hand.
When Inuyasha neared the carriage, a tall demon clad in black from head to toe gave a bow and opened the door by raising one of the talons that seemed to make the wall of the carriage. Inuyasha stepped inside to see that his brother was already seated. His attire didn't seem much different, but he was clad in soft violet and white that clashed with his silver hair beautifully. His armour and mokomoko were on him as usual. Only his icy golden eyes seemed out of place. Even the markings on his face went well with his attire. He pried his eye away from the nearly breath taking sight in front of him. Once he too was settled in the seat opposite to Sesshomaru's, he felt the taiyoukai's piercing eyes land on him. Trying to ignore it, he took a look around at the interior. It felt as if he was really in the clutches of an enormous bird. The only source of light was from the small gaps between the claws through which nothing but the last rays of the sun entered. The seats were cushioned rather luxuriously. He guessed they were stuffed with the down feathers of birds.
Sesshomaru's eyes scanned the hanyou from head to toe. Silver and gold complimented Inuyasha's features and fair skin extraordinarily. The hanyou's hair wasn't a disoriented mess and his bangs fell softly onto his face. He took his eyes off of his half brother once he realized that he looked rather uncomfortable. The journey to the land of the sky seemed longer to the taiyoukai than usual. Both brothers maintained utter silence making the atmosphere as awkward as ever. Inuyasha fidgeted in his seat, his eyes darting around the carriage, trying to find something new about it. Sesshomaru sat with his arms folded across his chest and his back straight.
Inuyasha nearly fell forward when the carriage halted abruptly, landing on something. The hanyou was confused. He hadn't felt themselves descend. The door was opened by the dark demon, who bowed once more. Sesshomaru was the first to get off and Inuyasha followed suit. He was rather fascinated at the sight. They had landed in front of a splendid castle on what seemed like a platform built around it. They were hovering miles above the ground and the clouds were so close that Inuyasha could actually run his hand through one of them. The entire place was a lit with lanterns and candles. A few more carriages arrived after them and graceful looking demons got off. Large crows like the one pulling the carriage they had rode in were sculpted at every corner of the palace. They looked almost alive as their eyes made of ruby stones shimmered in the young moon's light. Guards surrounded the entire place, clad in feather donned armour. They all shared similar black hair, each in different styles.
"This way, sire", an old looking demon approached them. He too had black hair that was slick and combed back neatly. His features looked as if they were carved. His nose was long and curved exactly like a beak.
Sesshomaru followed the elder demon and Inuyasha walked behind him, a line of guards placed along their path to the entrance of the mystic place. Their guide opened the tall doors to reveal a lively lighting and the sound of Japanese instruments being played into a harmonious melody. The enormous hall was crowded with numerous demons and demonesses, all who were chattering away excitedly in groups. Everyone was dressed extravagantly and the entire room was bursting with an array of colors. Inuyasha's jaw nearly dropped. This was more than just a 'little party', it was more like a mini festival. Yuzuki sure had quite a lot of friends. As both inu youkai walked in, various scents hit the hanyou's nose and he felt his heart racing a bit. He wasn't too cosy in the presence of so many demons around him.
"Hey there! I've been waiting forever for you two", both brothers were greeted by a grinning Yuzuki who was dressed in a pure black robe that was set ablaze by a design of dark crimson feathers at the bottom and shoulders.
Inuyasha cleared his throat before saying sheepishly, "umm, happy birthday."
The raven gave him a wide smile, revealing his pearly white fangs. "Thanks!" he said and gave Sesshomaru a learn-from-him look. Of course the taiyoukai wasn't going to wish him. "Come on this way."
Yuzuki lead them to a table filled with various food items that looked exotic. "Help yourselves. I'll be right back." The raven left the two inus alone and went to receive some other demons that had appeared at the doorway. He sure seemed busy.
"Well-", Inuyasha was about to ask Sesshomaru if he was going to eat when he was interrupted.
"Oh my, Sesshomaru-sama", a long red haired demoness neared the taiyoukai. Her orange dress that reached the floor was way too revealing as it shaped out all her curves leaving nothing to imagination and it sparkled sickeningly. A red boa was draped over her arms from her back. "It's been so long since I've seen you." Her voice was high pitched and Inuyasha wrinkled his nose at her strong scent.
"I have heard you left your province in search of new territory, Tanuya", Sesshomaru replied.
"Why the politics now", she answered with a laugh. "Come, there are others that want to meet you."
Inuyasha watched with a scowl as Sesshomaru left him by himself without a word. It was just like the bastard to leave him in an unknown place like this. He turned and looked for a quiet corner he could creep off to, away from the suffocating crowd. He felt like he was pulled out of a dark hole when his eyes landed on a familiar face. He gave a sigh of relief.
"How come you are all alone here?" Ryomaru came up to the hanyou. His hair was let down from its usual pony tail letting a few bangs cover his face. He wore a pure black robe with only a sapphire amulet to compliment it. He looked astounding and Inuyasha caught himself staring at him for a bit before he shifted his eyes.
"It's not like I know anyone here", Inuyasha replied with a snort.
"Ah, Sesshomaru left you, didn't he?" Ryomaru said in realization. "Follow me."
Ryomaru took him a bit away from the chattering guests to a cushioned couch. "Wait here, I'll get some things done and be right back and give you company." Ryomaru left just like Yuzuki and Sesshomaru. Inuyasha sighed as he sat down. He should've stayed with Rin. He was unaware of a pair of vibrant blue eyes that were locked on his form not too far away. Inuyasha took a look around the hall. The bright interior was a contrast to the dark appearance the castle had on its outside. When Yuzuki said that it would be a change from the gloomy taiyoukai's place, he wasn't wrong. He spotted the musicians in a corner diagonal to his. They were barely visible behind the multitude of demons.
Inuyasha was nearly startled when the place beside his was suddenly occupied by a blue haired demon. The hanyou cast him a who-the-hell-are-you look. His light blue hair fell to his shoulders and the upper portion was held back by a loose band. His dark blue eyes twinkled as they met golden ones. Deep purple star shaped earrings hung from his slightly furry ears. His smiled to reveal the tips of his fangs.
"Who might this ravishing demon be I wonder?" he said. His voice was like silk against the hanyou's dog ears.
Inuyasha could feel his heart beating against his chest at how close the demon sat next to him. He tried to scan the area to see if he could find Ryomaru, Yuzuki or at least, no matter how much he hated him, Sesshomaru.
"I-I gotta go", Inuyasha cursed at himself for stuttering.
"Hold on", the demon grasped the hanyou's hand just as he was about to get up. Inuyasha froze and snatched his hand away immediately, his breath catching up in his throat. So he wasn't over his fear yet, though it wasn't nearly as bad as it was before. But he hadn't felt even this amount of fear when he collided with Sesshomaru. The blue haired youkai blinked in confusion when the hanyou roughly took his hand away with a bewildered look.
"Hey, I'm not going to eat you", he said with a smile. "I just thought you might like some company. On the other hand, I'm not at any loss either." He gestured toward a group of some irritating looking young demonesses he had obviously left to come to him. Inuyasha tried to relax himself and took a deep breath to calm his firing nerves. He meant no harm, right?
"So, you got a name or what?" he asked once he saw the he got the inu's attention.
"Inuyasha", he replied after he wet his lips that went dry from sudden anxiety.
"Oh, Sesshomaru's brother?" he said with curious eyes. "Then you are a hanyou?"
Inuyasha flinched upon hearing the word 'hanyou' and waited for the demon to stand up and go away in disgust, but on the contrary, the blue haired youkai remained seated.
"Must be hard to live with an ice cube like that", he said with a smirk, not mentioning further about his half demon blood. "I'm Kyo by the way."
Inuyasha smiled in amusement at how the demon quoted his brother as an 'ice cube'. He seemed alright after all, but he was still uneasy about him. Something didn't seem right about his laser like eyes.
"You know, you're quite the eye catcher", Kyo remarked upon the inu's looks who felt his face becoming hot.
"Umm…." He had no idea what to say to that.
Sesshomaru was practically bored with the conversation the group of demonesses around him started. They were trying to impress him in anyway they could, knowing that he was still without a mate. Of course every demon would try to flaunt themselves over the breathtakingly handsome and powerful inu lord. He had gotten used to it over the years. The taiyoukai looked over to the place he had left the hanyou and frowned when he didn't see him there. Surely he couldn't have took off somewhere on his own. His yellow eyes quickly scanned the area until he found two forms sitting in a couch that was comparatively secluded from the rest of the hall. His eyes narrowed when he saw Inuyasha sitting a little too close to some other demon he recognized vaguely as one of his past acquaintances, one he wasn't too fond of. He scrutinized the couple and raised a brow when Inuyasha actually smiled when the blue haired youkai said something. Seeing the two of them together like that, it annoyed him. A lot.
A/N: I swear to God my chapters are becoming so frickin long T.T I was sitting up till 3 am to type this shit up, so I was pretty much drunk with sleep mehhh. Review to keep me going! Especially my fav reviewers out there, you know who you are *wink wink* Black pearl-sama signing off….
