Chapter 6: Back In The Palace
Inuyasha growled as he sat alone in his room. Ever since he had returned early that morning he had yet to see his Mother and Father. Right when he pushed the Palace doors opened, it was silent. He didn't mind, but there would have at least been a greeting party. Five minutes after looking around in the empty halls and his Father's advisor popped out of no where, telling him that his Father was busy and that he should get some sleep before the sun rose. Muttering a few curses, the advisor Myoga the Flea, led him to his room and left without another word.
The human didn't go to sleep however, just as he usually does on the night of the new moon, feeling vulnerable and open to any attack that might come. As he had watched the sun kiss the horizon slowly and soon set upon his face through the window, Inuyasha felt the familiar feeling of returning to his hanyou form. Black hair changed to silver, and the ears to his side disappeared as velvety soft white dog ears appeared above his head. His violet eyes changed to golden-amber after a few blinks as fangs formed in his mouth. His senses heightened drastically as his hanyou strength returned to his muscles and limbs. It was good to be back.
And the hanyou had been stuck in his room ever since. It was a little after noon and Inuyasha sighed, and thought to go and explore.
'Well, I haven't been here for three years,' Inuyasha thought as he stood from his bed, 'I wonder what has changed around here.'
Inuyasha had left the Western Kingdom around three years ago to help his brother Sesshoumaru on the war. No matter how much the two half-siblings hated each other, they did share the same blood and their Father had kicked Inuyasha out of the Palace to make him go to Sesshoumaru's aid.
The two brothers won the battle after three long years and Sesshoumaru kicked him out of his Palace as well, telling him that their Father needed him back. Inuyasha snorted as he walked down the empty halls.
"So you expect me to just go back to the Western Region right after a war!" Inuyasha yelled as he looked down on his brother's sitting form.
Sesshoumaru rolled his amber eyes as he tented his fingers together, "Father is in need of your help there and I have no further use of you…I also suppose you would like to see your ill mother and the little whelp that hangs around you."
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, "Yeah, but we just got back from the war on the Eastern Region and you expect me to leave without even resting?"
Sesshoumaru gave a slight smirk, "Exactly…"
Inuyasha growled as he sat down on the opposite chair of his brother, "I'll leave later."
"You leave now Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru stated.
"Make me!" Inuyasha grunted.
Sesshoumaru stood, "Fine."
And his bastard brother had him thrown out of his Palace with only peasant clothes, a bag full of money, Tetsusaiga, and a horse. Inuyasha had definitely cussed his brother out in front of the gates, but wasn't heard, so with a scowl, he leapt onto the horse and galloped back to the Western Region.
"Damn that Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha muttered.
Inuyasha sighed in frustration as he passed through another empty hallway. He had to wonder, where the little orange-haired runt was, he usually would be bugging him, especially when he came back after small trips. But after three years of not seeing him, he wondered why he wasn't being pestered to the bone. Grunting, Inuyasha descended the steps and walked towards the kitchen.
His thoughts traveled back to the girl that he had seen that last night and couldn't stop wondering what she could be doing now. But then his anger returned as he remembered being robbed of some of his cash. The clever little wench!
Inuyasha entered the kitchens and was relieved to see at least a few of the cooks. They all bowed to him respectfully and asked if he needed anything. Inuyasha just shrugged his shoulders and asked for any kind of 'food'. The hanyou was given some cooked boar meat and he mumbled a 'thank you'.
As he walked through the halls, Inuyasha thought to visit his Mother in her chambers. As he reached the doors, Inuyasha found a youkai guard standing there. Inuyasha walked up to the door and was about to push it open, when the guard suddenly stopped him.
"Lady Izayoi is not feeling well at the moment."
Inuyasha growled, "I know that, that's why I'm going to see her."
"I'm sorry Lord Inuyasha," The guard said calmly, "But your Father Lord InuTaisho has ordered no one to enter her room at this time."
"I'm her son!" Inuyasha shouted, "I haven't seen her for three damn years! Let me in!"
"I'm sorry Lord Inuyasha, but you must speak to your Father on this matter. Until then I cannot let you pass."
Inuyasha raised his fist to punch the bothersome guard, but was stopped as he felt a tingle on his neck. Lowering his fist, he slapped the area of his neck and watched his Father's advisor float down into his palm.
"What do you want Myoga?" Inuyasha asked with irritation, ignoring the guard in front of him for a moment and walking away so the conversation wouldn't be heard.
"My Lord Inuyasha," The small flea bowed, "I have come to stop you in seeing your Mother. She is ill and needs her rest. I assure her you will see her soon, just give it some time."
Inuyasha growled lowly as he glared back at the guard next to his Mother's chamber door, "How soon will I see her?"
"Possibly by the end of the night," Myoga answered, "Depending on her condition. If she worsens, we may have to prolong your visit with her."
Inuyasha snarled, "And when will I see Dad?"
Myoga sighed, "Him I am not sure. He has been extremely busy concerning the war efforts and searches for the Sin Kingdom and 'Grand Uprising'."
"'Grand Uprising'?" Inuyasha asked, "Why is he looking for them? Aren't they against the Sin Kingdom too?"
"We have encountered a few of their people stealing from the villages and had attacked their first base three years ago, now they are deeper into the forests and away from our eyes, strange magic they use. So now your Father wants the leader's head."
"But isn't the 'Grand Uprising' a human camp. Dad would never attack them, and Ma would never allow it."
"I'm not entirely sure why Lord InuTaisho attacks them, and Lady Izayoi is too ill to know what is happening."
Inuyasha flinched at his words as they found themselves back at the Main Doors of the Palace.
"So why can't we just ally with this 'Grand Uprising' and fight against the Sin Kingdom?" Inuyasha asked.
"I had thought of that as well," Myoga said, "But your Father has been acting strangely and will not listen to a word anyone will say. That is why we had sent word to Lord Sesshoumaru to have you sent back here."
"And why do you need me here?" Inuyasha asked.
"Because the war with the Sin Kingdom is close and we will need your help. And who knows what the 'Grand Uprising' may be plotting as well against us," Myoga said sternly.
The Palace Doors suddenly opened and three soldiers entered, bowing before Inuyasha and the tiny flea in his hand.
"Lord Inuyasha," One of the guards recognized, "A lone monk has arrived in hopes to gain an employment. Shall we bring him in?"
Inuyasha looked at Myoga skeptically and the flea nodded his head. The hanyou turned back to the three guards.
"Send him in and make sure no weapons are with him."
The guards bowed.
"Yes sir, we shall take him to the Dining Area."
Inuyasha sighed as Myoga hopped onto his shoulder and the duo ventured off to the Dining Area to wait for the monk's arrival.
"We could use a Palace monk," Myoga muttered, "His spiritual abilities would prove useful."
Inuyasha grunted as he pushed the Dining Doors open and took a seat on the long table, Myoga jumping on to the table top to wait for the monk's arrival.
They didn't wait long as Inuyasha shifted his amber orbs to the large oak doors, a man entering through slowly as he walked towards him. He wore purple and black robes and his black hair was tied back. He looked like any typical monk, holding his golden staff within his right hand. However, Inuyasha grew suspicious as he looked at the cautious glare of the monk's violet eyes. But it instantly vanished and the cautiousness turned into a humble smile.
The monk stopped a few feet away from where Inuyasha sat and bowed down.
"My Lord," His composed voice spoke, "As you have already been told, I wish for an occupation in your castle."
Inuyasha frowned, "Why is it here that you have come for work?"
The monk smiled sincerely, "I have been traveling far and wide with little food and shelter. I had just recently come upon your Palace and hoped for a short while that I may stay and earn currency until I have enough to live on my own again."
The suspicion returned to Inuyasha, "What is your name?"
"I am Miroku Hoshi," The man replied with a bow.
"What do you know of the war?" Inuyasha asked.
The monk frowned and looked to Inuyasha's feet, "I know that my only family was killed because of the Sin Kingdom which makes me the poor traveling monk I am now. I would seek my revenge, but what would a man like me achieve against a Kingdom such as theirs."
Inuyasha frowned as Myoga quickly spoke from his quiet state, "Master Monk, do you by any chance know spiritual spells that can work on demons and humans?"
Miroku looked up, "Yes I do…whoever you are."
Inuyasha gave a slight smirk as he pointed for the monk the flea that had spoken.
"That's Myoga, annoying advisor to the King of the Western Lands."
The flea scowled as he crossed his arms.
"Oh…" Miroku said as he looked to the table top, "Yes Master Myoga, I know many charms and spells taught to me by my father and grandfather."
"Do you know any concealment spells, the King wishes to find a monk who knows of such magic."
"I do," Miroku said.
"Then you're hired," Myoga said quickly, "You shall be our Palace Monk."
Miroku bowed with a small smile, "Thank you Master Myoga, Lord Inuyasha."
The hanyou only rolled his eyes as Myoga called for a few of the guards.
"Please show Master Miroku into some living quarters," The fleas told a sentinel, "And make sure a warm meal is given to him. He has traveled a long way."
Inuyasha slumped a little.
'Man, the monk gets a better greeting than I do,' Inuyasha thought as he watched the sentinel and monk leave the room.
When the door was closed, Inuyasha turned to the small advisor.
"You sure we can trust him?"
"I did not sense any foreboding impression on him, but he shall be watched as he is to earn our trust," Myoga answered as he hopped back onto Inuyasha's shoulder.
Inuyasha only sighed as he stood up. It was a bit dull around the Palace, not that he could say Sesshoumaru's kingdom was any better, but it just seemed so quiet from when he had last been there. The inu-hanyou walked absent mindedly out of the Palace as he thought deeply on the past, on the times he had been there three years ago. The Palace was bustling with servants as people smiled like one big happy family…not that he cared as much. But whenever he wandered around or turned a corner, he would always hear his Father's booming laugh as he talked with soldiers, servants, Myoga, even his Mother. Even his Mother would walk around with a joyful grin as she helped with the chores or just took to sit in the garden to enjoy the peace and warmth of the sunlight. Even when she had first become ill four years ago, she always tried her best to walk around and assist in any way she could.
Inuyasha could even remember times when he and his Father would duel for training or just give each other humorous jokes. He liked it…though he would never admit it. The teenage boy even remembered sitting in the garden with his Mother just talking or going horseback riding as she told stories of life, when he was younger, when Sesshoumaru was younger, and when she and his Father had met and fell in love. Those times were good times and when he had left the Palace three years ago, he admitted only to himself on how much he missed it, even though he did get to pester Sesshoumaru.
And speaking of pestering, the little orange haired runt still had yet to greet him. When Inuyasha had left to help Sesshoumaru in the war, the fox kit wailed for him not to leave, as Inuyasha only rolled his eyes and told him not to worry. Inuyasha had found the small kit in the forest beside his parents' bodies. Taking pity on the child, the hanyou lord took him to the Palace, and much to his displeasure, his Mother took the initiative to adopt the whelp. His Father found some sort of comfort of having a small child around again and quickly accepted the boy as well. Sesshoumaru had even met him and Shippo had steered away from the youkai, but spoke when he needed to leaving Sesshoumaru to like him as well. But the brat had kept on bugging him and it soon became normal as Inuyasha slowly accepted him. He cared for the child greatly but never let it show or be heard in words.
But the kitsune had still not greeted him making Inuyasha thoroughly annoyed, he had expected for him to barrel into his chest when he had pushed open the gates that night, but he didn't, no one but the stinking flea greeted him. The brat didn't go to visit his room in the morning and he wasn't running around the halls making a ruckus. Had the place really changed?
It was true. Once bustling halls were now quiet and dull, no laughter was heard from servants, his Father, or his Mother. When in the Dining Room, he'd be greeted by a butler, but to no avail, it did not come. His Father was probably too busy in the Throne Room or his Study while his Mother lay ill in bed. The atmosphere made him irritated as he compared past with present.
Inuyasha winced as he was brought back to reality, and slapped his hand on his neck, the flea youkai floating down back on the man's palm.
"I'm not a blood bar Myoga," Inuyasha said annoyed and then looked up at his surroundings.
He now stood at the back of the Palace, where the Gardens lay full of many plants, some foreign and others native. Looking back farther, he found the Training Grounds where a few guards put the area to use. And farther than that was the Stables and Track, horses whinnying to be let out. Inuyasha wrinkled his nose at the smell. The whole back area of the Palace was surrounded by large walls, a gate near the stables for easy access in leaving. Beyond the walls was the forest that he had traveled through and had been attacked in the night before.
"Sorry Lord Inuyasha," Myoga muttered, "But when I tried getting your attention by voice you wouldn't answer."
Inuyasha looked down at the tiny advisor, "Where's Shippo?"
Myoga frowned as two of his arms tapped his chin, "I am not sure Lord Inuyasha. He may be in his room, playing with the children, or eating in the kitchens. He has not been making such a disturbance for a while."
Inuyasha frowned in confusion and concern. It wasn't like the brat to stop causing uproar. His Father always let it go saying the people needed some fun in the Palace which only encouraged the kit. His Mother only smiled and nodded with agreement as she cuddled the fur ball. Inuyasha sighed as he looked back at the flea.
"I must take my leave my lord," Myoga said as he walked to the edge of his shoulder, "I have many duties to attend to."
"What kind of duties?" Inuyasha asked, at least he should know what was going on in the Palace.
Myoga heaved a sigh, "Lord InuTaisho has asked me to hire an assassin to be rid of the 'Grand Uprising' leader. When the leader is gone, the entire group shall fall."
Inuyasha only shrugged as he walked towards the stables, "Whatever."
Giving off a tiny 'humph', Myoga jumped off the hanyou's shoulder and proceeded back towards the castle. Inuyasha only rolled his eyes as he continued walking towards the Stables, the smell of hay and horses getting stronger. The field where the riding took place was completely empty and Inuyasha frowned at the sight. Usually, a few peasants would be riding around, especially his Mother, but sickness kept her down and him feeling a bit homesick for regular atmosphere.
When Inuyasha had reached the Stables, the horses neighed in discomfort, probably from not being visited in so long. Neutral expression set on his façade, the hanyou walked to the last stall and found a white steed. The creature's black eyes came in contact with Inuyasha's amber ones and it gave a whinny of delight. This was the horse Inuyasha always rode when he went off to ride with his Mother. Smiling slightly, Inuyasha opened the gate and lead the mare out, saddling him up in record time, then mounting him to take him out to the Track.
Inuyasha wasn't much of a rider, he strongly preferred to walk but spending time with his Mother on horseback was worth it. The hanyou was rather close to his parents, despite the petty arguments they would share and the encouragement he was given to find a wife and bear them grandchildren. Smirking slightly at the memories, Inuyasha and the white horse circled the Track, reminiscing on past times.
Goodness! I know, I finally updated after a few weeks. I'm still a bit down with the little amount of reviews which is a bit discouraging, but I will try my very best to keep this story going. Besides, I have a little more than 80 chapters to go. It will be slow though, since school is getting harder with last quarter but I will do my best to update more often. The next chapter is called Stray Monk And Information as we learn about Miroku's thoughts of the 'mysterious aura'. So stay tuned! And thanks to everyone who is reading and/or reviewing!
Luv Yas!
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