Okay! Chapter 7 now HERE! :D Everybody Dance J
Keep in mind yasha had no idea what happened last night.
OKAY! I've decided. Yasha is around 17 or 18. But he's like…yugi moto small. Got it? Got it.
Thank you for all your kind words! I sent a few responses and personal thank you's, but I want to thank ALL of you for putting in your two cents.
Special thanks to people who review every chapter! I love you guys!
Inu no Taisho walked the hallway to his son's room. Slipping in, he was surprised by the thick scent of his son's blood that coated the air. And even more surprised that there was no acknowledgment to his entering.
"Sesshoumaru?" His voice broke the penetrating silence. Curious, he approached the bed with light footsteps. Sleeping. This deeply?
Eyebrowns raising, he observed the two demons in the bed in something akin to disbelief. As the lord to the West, this was unacceptable. For Sesshoumaru to have his guard so low, even after their fight, was inadmissible. What if an enemy were to chance upon him in this state? Although not likely, still possible, as Kagewaki's daring escapade the other night had proven. This weakness in any other situation would not be disregarded by other demons. By leaving himself in this state, his blood could have attracted lower demons and even other Daiyokai. x
However, as a father…things were different. He knew Sesshoumaru had been exhausted this week. No matter how well his cold son hid it, there were some things a parent could simply tell. He himself had been rather ruthless during their fight. Not that he would take any of his actions back. As both Lord and father, it had been a necessary lesson. He allowed himself the warm feeling that grew in his chest. Sesshoumaru had grown just as beautiful, cunning and fearless as his mother. He had grown an ego perhaps to rival hers, but none the less, his imperfections where heavily outweighed. Eyes sparkling at the thought of his mate the demon lord gave a low laugh. Indeed, the prince had inherited none of the brash and so called "weak" emotions that his father held and had instead taken only the deadly strength and blinding anger. Still, the hanyou tipped the balance, seeming to focus every single one of Sesshoumaru's fualts in the open. Sesshoumaru's imperfection's suddenly magnified, and he knew his son would have to deal with them quickly. Inu no Taisho stood, warring briefly between the two mindsets, before smiling.
Eyes softening, he chuckled slightly. Perhaps tonight, it would be acceptable. After all, he would allow nothing to harm his family while he was near. Inuyasha included. The broad chested male left the room, picturing his son's reaction in the morning when he noted how ruined his bed was, and by his own hand.
As Inuyasha swam slowly into consciousness, several things hit him at once. The biggest of those was the strong scent of blood, blood that didn't belong to him. Shooting up, he glanced wildly around the room. Room. He was in a room. Sesshoumaru's chambers, again. How did I get back here? He mentally tore through any memory he had of last night. Zero'ing in on the larger crumpled form of Sesshoumaru his eye's widenend in sudden fear. Inuyasha reached his hand out towards the prone form of the demon lord laying across from him. Sessh-Sesshoumaru-s-sama? Is he d-dead? The thought horrified the half demon. But it was still his blood, the demon lords blood, that had dried in pools around the man and invaded the hanyou's senses. Inuyasha could not find a single scratch on his own body. He stared wide eyed at the man laying partially on his side, long silver tresses draped across his shoulder and laying across the bed. His kimono was ripped in various spots where blood crusted along the fabric and his body, adding to his fears. Inuyasha remembered the man from last night, and he knew that Sesshoumaru had saved him. Making this all his fault. He felt sick, nauseous and dizzy at the sight.
"Sesshoumaru s-sama?" he asked, voice shaking, his hands landing on an exposed shoulder. He felt tears burn the back of his eyes and guilt tear at his insides. He shook the form lightly. Please. Please wake up. Please! A distressed whimper escaped the hanyou's mouth and he shook the demon harder. Sesshoumaru didn't respond and Inuyasha grew increasingly alarmed, his fingers, shaking with fear, gripped into the firm skin.
"Sesshoumaru sama?" he whispered again. Fat tears began to roll down his cheeks as he looked brokenly on the battered demon. Fear coursed through his body, tangling itself together with his guilt in his belly. My fault. This is all my fault. He's like this for a stupid hanyou like me!
Trying to calm himself, he took deep breaths and squeezed his eyes shut. He would have to check and see if he was really dead. Please…be ok Holding his breath, he leaned over and pressed a tiny ear to the young lord's chest, hands slipping down and placed on the tight planes of his abdomen. The broken and stained fabric was clutched in rough hands. Completely still for a few seconds, he exhaled loudly in relief to hear the strong heartbeat and feel the soft exhales under his fingertips. A smile broke out upon the slighter half demons face as he pulled away. Sesshoumaru is okay. Asleep, only asleep.
Still, the relief didn't last long as guilt washed once again over him. He was the reason Sesshoumaru was in this state. If he hadn't been kidnapped again Sesshoumaru would be okay. Ears flickering back he roughly wiped away the tears on his face, only succeeding in smudging the salty tracks across his face. Worrying his bottom lip between sharp fangs, he reached out again, shaking the lords shoulder in a final attempt to awaken him.
Golden eyes snapped open and in one fluid and unexpected movement, Inuyasha felt himself shoved roughly down. Gasping loudly, he lay pushed into the bed by the larger from, heart beating wildly in his chest. A hand wrapped tightly around his neck and the boy coughed as he struggled to breath. Inuyasha stared in fear at the sharp golden eyes that stared into his before recognition dawned in the older males eyes. Blinking several times and releasing him immediately, Sesshoumaru pulled away and sat up on the bed.
"S-sorry!" the hanyou said between coughs, his hand lightly rubbing his neck.
The demon lord glanced at him briefly before eyeing the bed and his clothing. He was disgusted that he had allowed himself to sleep the night through, and thus stained his room and bed with blood. Cursing himself inwardly he stood and prepared to leave before a timid question interrupted him.
"Sesshoumaru Sama? Are you, are you OK?" the younger male looked at him with big innocent eyes, but he couldn't see them.
"I know that-that its my fault you're like this. I'm sorry." the boys eyes watered again, and Sesshoumaru smelt the tears that were about to pour. "I'm sorry that you did that to yourself over-over me." he sniffled miserably.
"Do not concern yourself with this Sesshoumaru, half breed." he responded icily, not facing the boy. He refused to look at him. He was already mortified that the boy had seen him in such a state.
"But! But you're bleeding! And bruised…" the hanyou trailed off. Another miserable sniffle reached Sesshoumaru's sensitive ears.
Eye twitching, he let in and faced the concerned hanyou. He really looked rather adora-Pathetic. Staring up at him with his hopelessly wide and shining eyes, ears pressed into his thick silver hair, the picture of innocent worry tinted with a heavy guilt. Unsure of what he was even doing, his hand reached out and smoothed down the boys ears and head, pressing heavily yet comfortingly into the silky hair. Inuyasha leaned up, pressing his head the demon lords hand, soaking up the small affection with closed eyes. A puppy indeed.
"Do not worry. My wounds have long healed." except for the one given by so'unga… "It was not your fault, hanyou. My Father did this as training. You were simply used as bait." The lord said this as if it was nothing, but Inuyasha looked up at him perplexed. The jovial man he had met had beat his son so bad? If possible, the hanyou's eyes grew larger with disbelief and concern.
"Your f-father? He hurt you?" the confusion that swam in the eyes of the boy was amusing to the demon lord.
'He does not wantonly attack me, hanyou, my father does so with the hopes of preparing me for my future." Inuyasha nodded, not quite understanding, but accepting the fact that Sesshoumaru seemed okay with it. He noted that Sesshoumaru used the word hanyou in a much kinder manner than before. It sounded more like a nickname then a curse now.
"Come, hanyou. This mess" he said distastefully, "needs to be cleaned at once." Inuyasha nodded and smiled up at the demon lord endearingly.
Sesshoumaru pointedly ignored the look and continued down the hall to his large bathing chambers.
"Go find Ren. Occupy yourself." he said tiredly, "Please" he added.
"You see, what I am interested in is not the boy. Once I have what I want I don't need the piece of trash, Sesshoumaru can keep the filth. However, hidden in his body is something of great interest to me." Kagewaki was still reclining comfortably in the futon, with Kagura kneeling to one side. Today she hoped to finally receive the answers she wanted from the dark demon. It was daylight by now, but no sunlight reached the room. It was deep inside the castle, in the lower chambers no one would visit, and had not a single window. The faint musty smell of the room was only slightly covered by the soothing incense Kagura had been burning to soothe the Lords breathing and coughing fits.
"Inside him? What is it?" Kagura watched him carefully but tried her best to sound uninterested.
His eyes glittered wickedly, "A pearl. One that is only produced every few thousand of years. They are highly sought after as the cultivation of them is so long and so few of them have existed. The hanyou brat has one, imbued into his body, where I have been unable to withdraw it." The man looked murderous in this moment, the frustration and hatred he felt poured poisonously into the room around the wind demoness. Unconsciously, she shivered. He's dangerous. Inwardly, she cursed herself for allowing herself to become involved with him.
"What do you need it for?" She questioned.
"Nothing that would concern you." he answered harshly, glowering at the female.
She scoffed and her frown deepened on her face.
"Fine. What do you need me for?"
"Why my dear Princess. I have heard of you. Certainly, your beauty is well known though the rumors have not done you justice." he chuckled here, eyes closing in mirth and hand coming up to his mouth.
" But what I have heard also, is your prowess in both battle and medicine." he smiled at her sickly, "My body is not doing as well as it could. The first thing I wish for your aid in is simply limiting the effects of my illness, which you have done admirably. The second, is in retrieving the pearl."
Kagura looked at him shrewdly, attempting to understand the man in front of her. It was none of her business why he wanted the thing anyways, but to ask her to help him get it, he had better have some damn good leverage for this.
"What do I get out of this?" She asked.
He smirked again. "How cold of you, Princess. But still," he regarded her intensely, "how perfectly refreshing. At home every single person of my land snivels at my feet, begging to complete any whim of mine," though his tone was regretful, Kagura thought his eyes had a sort of condescending pleasure in them.
"For you to be so logical, I have been told your emotions are rather out of control," Here he stood, placing his hand endearingly upon the demoness' head, he caressed her silky feather soft hair and circled around her.
"Jealousy of your sister, Hatred for your family, Desire for the West. Ahh and what rage you hold for the control and obligations placed upon you." He spoke softly, breath tingling down her delicate pointed ears and exposed neck. She shuddered underneath him, unable to comprehend why she had yet to jerk away. His voice was almost like magic, swirling around dizzily in her head. She wished to refute them, but knew she could not.
"Your sister holds the spotlight, getting everything on a silver platter. She holds the title and even your mothers love, though you are the much more capable one. If you help me, I can free you from this." Kagewaki whispered seductively in her ear.
"I know how you can claim all you wish" a low chuckle. "Even the Prince to the West. Our Dear Sesshoumaru."
Kagura stared up, his name suddenly snapping her out of the stupor she had been in. Anger seeped into her body, jerky roughly away she jumped to her feet and faced him.
"That is impossible!" she cried out.
He chuckled, folding his arms across his small chest.
"He is coming to visit in a month is he not?" he pulled a small vial out of his plain grey colored kimono.
"What is that?" she demanded angrily as he waved it about in her face.
"If you put this into his drink, I promise the prince will have eyes only for you. All you need to do is put a tiny amount of yokai in it before you slip it in. The results will be quite enjoyable."
She eyed him warily.
"Prove it."
"Gladly. Take this and put it into the drink of any male in the castle." Closing in on her, he placed it into her tiny hands and closed her fist around it. His grip was strong, almost painfully so, and Kagura had the distinct feeling that if she did not agree by these bribes and promises, she would be forced to do so with much more sinister outcomes. Staring each other straight in the eyes, Kagura tasted fear, something she had not felt in many years. Pulling away, she quickly left the room, scared and flustered, she gripped the vial tightly in her hands as she fled to her chambers.
Sesshoumaru reclined fully in the warm waters. Eyes sliding shut, he arched and twisted, slowing stretching out the soreness of his muscles. The water lapped gently just above his belly and felt quite exquisite on his wounded body. Most everything had healed, even so'unga's wound was a faint pink line by now, but he could still feel the ache in his body from the harsh collisions and relentless attacks. He knew he was taking his time, but this had been a pleasure he had missed out on for far too long. Today only, he would indulge himself in a long, relaxing and stress free bath. Sighing contentedly he leaned his head back and allowed himself to doze lightly. The steamy air caused his hair to stick to him, but he didn't mind. It clung in long silver strands across his shoulders and down his chest, floating freely in the water. Flawless hands and long arms rested on the strong chest, hiding the perfect panes of muscle and flat stomach that were underneath. The only sound and movements was his own breathing and the water that surrounded him. He stayed like this for perhaps ten minutes before he heard yelling in the hallway. Although Muffled by the door and large almost cave like room, his superior hearing easily picked up the voices.
"Get back here you monster! Damn animal!" An angry voice yelled and he could hear them barreling through the hallways.
"You despicable mutt! How dare you sully our castle! " another strong male voice joined in. There was a crash, as if glass broke and the demon lord knew they had thrown something.
"Look what you have done! All you do is get in the way you wretch!" the enraged male yelled.
Suddenly the door jerked open and a ball of white and blue shot in. Unable to stop his mad dash, the ball fell right into the water with a large splash.
Thrashing about in the water, whom Sesshoumaru instantly recognized as Inuyasha spluttered and gasped for air.
The two perusing him came in soon after. Also dashing in they came throwing insults and one of them held a large pole. Still having not noticed their lords presence, the two men looked about ready to beat the boy as he was.
Standing fluidly, Sesshoumaru turned and with a low dangerous voice he addressed them.
"What. Are. You. Doing?" He hissed. The men immediately looked at the demon prince. Behind him, Sesshoumaru heard the small terrified gasps of the hanyou child and his fist's clenched.
Blanching before him, they immediately turned and fled the room slamming the paper door shut behind them. Frustrated, the demon prince snarled, releasing some of the pent up anger that had quickly developed.
Still immensely pissed off, what the demon lord really wanted to do was slice their insolent heads off, however, he pushed the anger away and turned to face the wet shivering mess that was Inuyasha.
He was sunk low into the water, his head just above the water that now could barley lap at the very tops of Sesshoumaru's thighs. His hands were pressed to his face and the harsh breaths that escaped the boy made the demon lords anger redouble its efforts to escape. His thick hair floated around the male in a sodden mess and the puppy ears that adorned his head stayed flat. Sesshoumaru could see the red of blood that stained one of the snowy appendages as well as the boys hands. Kneeling down, Sesshoumaru gently pulled the smaller clawed hands away from the boys face.
"Calm down."
Nodding and sniffling the boy tried his best to stifle his quick breathing and tiny sobs. The demon prince inspected the boy. It seemed the crash he heard had been glass breaking on him, and a some of it had torn a delicate ear. It sagged on his head, trickling blood, looking painful next to its quivering twin. Another tiny cut was above the boys eye brow, and several on his hands. It seemed the furred appendages attracted an inordinate amount of abuse from his servants.
"Did they throw something at you?" he questioned trying to keep eye contact with the boy.
"N-no! I hit- I hit- on way" he sobbed quietly.
"I'm s-sorry! Please d-don't-" Sesshoumaru cut the boy off by placing his thump across his lips.
"Shh." he tried to sound soothing, "I will not punish you. Do not worry, I will deal with them. You were not at fault"
Finally meeting his eyes the boy looked even more stricken than before.
"But it w-was!" He wailed, "I g-got in their w-way!" his hands immediately moved to cover his face again but Sesshoumaru stopped him.
"Do not touch your face. You may have glass still in some of the cuts." the hanyou nodded head bobbing several times rapidly . Sesshoumaru sighed.
"Hanyou, it was not your fault." Standing again, Sesshoumaru pulled lightly on the soaked clothing.
"Come, now that you are here, I will wash you." Almost as if he had only then processed his words, the daiyokai nearly choked. His body seemed to revolt at the idea, but now that he had said it, he could not go back on his words. Forcing himself again into movement he dragged the boy to the edge of the spring and turned to face him.
The hanyou calmed himself and then looked towards his protector. Sesshoumaru was…nude! Freaking out, Inuyasha looked wildly away from the demon lord. Hes, ah! He's! Guilt flushed him but the hanyou felt himself almost compelled to look at the perfect frame. As the lord sat, Inuyasha took in the perfect and slender chest and the radiant flawless skin that covered the toned body. He was intrigued slightly by the slender purple markings that adorned his body. Trailing his eyes shamlessly down his chest, he flushed as he reached the point where the water hit ivory skin and he dragged his eyes away.
When the demon lord finally looked upon the hanyou, Inuyasha was looking down, his face hidden by wet bangs. Sesshoumaru felt a creeping worry that the boy was still upset over the incident he pulled his face up to look at him. The dark blush the decorated the boy and the embarrassed look the hanyou gave him immediately amused the demon lord.
"Hanyou, is there something wrong?"
The boy shook his head ferociously and looked violently to the side.
"Really? Then will you tell my why you look like this? It displeases me. Does your wound hurt?" although fully aware of why the boy was uncomfortable, the demon lord did not acknowledge it, deciding that to toy with the boy would be much more fun.
"M-my ear" the boy mumbled.
Quickly inspecting the wounds on his hands and removing any glass from them, Sesshoumaru made a show of a more thorough inspection.
"I will have it looked at later, if needed. Is that the only thing bothering you?" he asked again, amusement growing. Sesshoumaru soaped the younger males hair, detangling it gently with slender fingers. He continued to wash the thick hair before rinsing it with the warm water. Everything was quiet for some minutes as this continued, Sesshoumaru only awaiting the hanyou to make a movement.
Then the tinier male sneaked a look at the demon lord, who only smirked in return.
"Y-your b-beautif-ful" the hanyou stuttered so badly, and said it so quietly that the demon lord could only barley make the words out. His smirk grew as the hanyou flushed again.
"Come again?" he said, his tone was teasing, but it was lost on the embarrassed youth.
The hanyou jerked up to look at the demon prince's face, eyes wide and fearful.
"N-nothing L-Lord."
"Hanyou, repeat yourself." his voice was stern, but his eyes still showed that he did not mean it.
"Your beautiful!" the hanyou blurted out. Eyes widening once again, his face tried to match the color a sakura petal. Instantly dropping, Inuyasha sunk under the water to escape. How entertaining. He is rather cute- when flustered a such.
Sesshoumaru waited, arms crossed across his chest haughtily, till the hanyou eventually rose miserably from the water.
Leaning in towards the hanyou so that their noses almost touched, he replied arrogantly, "This Sesshoumaru is well aware."
The hanyou sat fretting before the older male, a deep blush creeping across his face.
"However, how dare you shamelessly cast your eyes upon this Sesshoumaru." he whispered in the unharmed ear. Inuyasha froze, immediately able to sense the dangerous tone to the man's words. I'm going to die. He's going to kill me for saying such things. I'm a hanyou! I've disgusted him!
"For this unacceptable behavior, what shall I do to you?" Clawed hands had already begun to expertly remove the boys clothing. Inuyasha was consumed with fear and worry. Could he really? A tiny whimper escaped the boys mouth. The demon lord's breath ruffled the hair around his face slightly. As soon as the clothing slipped down his shoulders the hanyou slipped his eyes tightly shut. A single clawed hand caressed up his arm and a predatory voice assaulted his ear.
"Do you know how I am going to punish you?"
Inuyasha shook his head. "n-no" he squeaked.
Suddenly whirled around, the hanyou was tossed into the air and landed in the water with another huge splash. Completely bewildered, Inuyasha spluttered to the top breaking through the water where he peddled uneasily for some minutes. Sesshoumaru had tossed him practically to the other side of the room, where the pool went much, much deeper. He heard a small laugh and turned to look at the demon prince who stood already dressed in a silk white kimono. Inuyasha's eye browns knitted in confusion at how amused the prince looked at him.
Passing a hand up to his face, Sesshoumaru once again resisted the urge to laugh. Perhaps it was a sick joke, but none the less it had distracted the demon lord from his earlier bloodlust. He grabbed the wet bundle of the hanyou's clothing and spread it by the door, so it could be later picked up. He tried to forget the sight of unnaturally jutted collar bones and the feel of every rib against his fingers.
Inuyasha swam to the edge where the demon lord surprised him by extending an hand towards him. Lifting him easily out of the water, he wrapped a thick towel around the still soaked boy and led him out of the room.
Completely ignoring the bizzare moment that had just passed between them, the demon prince fell easily back into his usual stoic attitude.
"Tonight you will join me for dinner." I need to see how much you eat.. "I wish to asses how your classes have been going. After that, I will address the servants, and you will be there. Their behavior is not going to be tolerated any longer." Inuyasha felt much too confused by the drastic change In the man to worry about much else as he was led back to his chambers for clothes.
(Meanwhile in narnia land)
"You IDIOT!" Jaken screamed sightlessly at the flea demon he knew was somewhere around him.
"Be quiet!" the flea yelled back.
"I hate you! I hate you!" the green toad stomped his feet in the middle of their hiding bush. They had presently become the tasty target of a rather ornery boar demon. Or rather, Jaken, had become the target, because myouga, who had decided to flirt with his mate, was much to small.
"Shhh!" the flea hushed quietly. Sesshoumaru would splatter his guts if jaken was mauled by a boar and they couldn't get the information he wanted.
"Can't you tell him you're the Western Lords retainer? How could you do this to me!" he yelled until they heard the demon trampling nearby.
"Gotcha!" the boar yelled angrily as he charged the bush.
Screaming bloody murder, jaken took off running. Somehow, they would make it to the south. Somehow. He just knew it.
As always, hope you enjoy! Sorry it took so long! This one was much lighter than the other ones! Yaaay! :D Leave comments, ideas, preferances and questions in your reviews (if you so choose to do so)
Sessh is so mean, but he was just teasing. :c what a jeerk.
And uh oh what does kagawaki have in mind for Kagura and our dear duo?
Also who thinks Inuyasha needs to boss Sessh around? Seriously! Whats the point of having power over him if you don't use it? Oh boy. I smell inu-papa and great fun around the corner. PS if you think inu-papa is too much in this story tell me! I didn't think i would be using him as often as this...