Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.

Chapter Twenty One:

Evening meals had turned into somber affairs within the last fifty or so years. No one really knew why, but tonight was no different. Everyone was seated at their usual places, Inu no Taisho at the head of the table. To his right sat his first mate, Airi, and then his five sisters seated according to age. To his left sat Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Kenshirou, and then his four brothers also seated according to age. At the opposite end of the table a seat reserved for either a guest of honor or the yokai lord's father.

This was the family's private dining hall and was used for most family meals. Inu no Taisho grew tired of the silence and called down the table to his youngest sister, "Have you heard from your daughter?"

The youngest sister bowed her head toward her brother, "She sent word she and Kage will be returning in the morning, then later in the week they'll be moving into father's manor."

The Lady scoffed, "Why don't they just move back into the palace, they've been out wandering the land for three years now. Isn't it time for them to truly settle down?"

The smiling brother chuckled, "I believe that's why they're moving in with father…plus I'm sure little Moko doesn't want all her overprotective uncles and cousins looming about."

Sesshomaru growled quietly drawing his father's attention. Inu no Taisho sneered at his oldest son. He knew the boy was waiting for his punishment for his actions earlier in the day. Inu no Taisho returned his attention to his plate of food, and spoke disinterestedly, "Do you have something to add my Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru frowned, "Father you know all this already…I reported to you in a letter last week of my cousin's plans."

Inu no Taisho chuckled, "My Sesshomaru…you have much to learn. I was attempting to steer any conversation away from you, though now I guess we should bring your behavior this afternoon to light. I wonder if anyone doesn't know you threw your brother from a window."

Sesshomaru didn't have to look down the table to see the angry glares. He locked his gaze to his father, "I accept that my behavior was uncalled for…I'm willing to accept whatever punishment you deem fit."

Inu no Taisho waved his son's comment off, "I'm sure your uncle reminded you about how dangerous your actions were. I also doubt I have to tell you if there is a repeat incident…"

The yokai lord left the obvious threat hanging over the silence. Sesshomaru bowed his head and turned back to his plate.

Airi could easily see the tension between her eldest two brothers. She was about to speak, but the Lady placed a hand on her shoulder and when the hanyo turned to her stepmother the look she was given signaled her to allow the adults to handle this.

After the meal Airi followed her hanyo older brother out of the dining hall. He ignored her until they arrived at the courtyard, and then he rounded on her, "Why are you following me?"

Airi cringed slightly at her brother's behavior, "What's going on between you and Sesshomaru?"

Inuyasha growled, "Eh…it's none of your business."

Airi snarled, "Like hell it's not! You're my brother, and so is Sesshomaru."

Inuyasha turned away from her, "Sesshomaru despises me."

Airi frowned, "What?"

Inuyasha looked up at the night sky, "Our big brother hates me…I'd think it was because I'm a hanyo, but the fact he's treated you the same as Kenshirou kind of negates that."

Airi stepped toward her brother, "I'm sure he doesn't hate you…"

Inuyasha snorted, "I was around nine years before you came along. Trust me, he's only acted like he cared to appease father." Inuyasha started to walk toward the back wall. Airi followed him. They walked silently to a single marker hidden behind several small plants. Inuyasha frowned at the overgrowth, "Wasn't father here earlier?"

Airi nodded, "Yeah…but he never clears off the overgrowth. I think he believes it gives us some closeness to her by doing that job ourselves."

Inuyasha reached down and pulled away the vines and roots that had begun climbing over the marker. Inuyasha growled, "I can't stand it here…I feel like some pet on a short leash."

Airi frowned, "Inuyasha…you can't be serious. Father would be cross if you ran away again. You're just getting off grounding from the last time."

Inuyasha growled, "I don't care. I'll go further this time. I'll go far away where not even father could find me."

A new voice entered the conversation, "And how will you do that since I have your blood scent?"

Inuyasha and Airi both jumped as they turned to find their father standing behind them. The yokai lord smirked to himself pleased that he was still able to get the jump on his children.

Airi bowed respectfully to her father, knowing that their sire was probably listening to their entire conversation was never a comforting realization. Inuyasha on the other hand merely remained where he was and glared at his father.

Inu no Taisho expanded his aura to quell his son's own aura that had been rising since the evening meal. Inu no Taisho turned to his daughter, "Please go inside Airi, your stepmother did suggest you allow us to handle this matter."

Airi looked toward her brother then dashed back into the palace. Inuyasha watched her go then turned to his father, "What?"

Inu no Taisho stared at his son for several minutes then spoke; "I'm trying to figure out how you went from a respectful cheerful little pup to this confrontational slightly older pup."

Inuyasha growled, "I'm not confrontational…I'm just tired of being treated like a pup."

Inu no Taisho chuckled, "I didn't think you'd enter your rebellious phase for another fifty years, but I guess it's inevitable." The yokai lord placed his hand on his son's shoulder, "Inuyasha we treat you this way because the world outside this palace is harsh, and for you it's even harsher. Humans and many yokai would attack you just for the fact that you are a hanyo…many yokai would also attack you for the simple fact you're my son. We protect and care for you as we do for any member of this family"

Inuyasha frowned, "Then why does Moko wander on her own?"

Inu no Taisho shook his head, "She has never wandered on her own. When she was young she wandered with her mother, and now she wanders with Kage."

Inuyasha grumbled but remained quiet.

After several minutes of silence Inu no Taisho turned back to the palace, "Inuyasha, you are my son, and as such this place will always be your home."

Inuyasha watched his father walk back to the palace. It would be a simple matter for him to climb the wall and slip away into the night. Yet, his father's final remarks seemed to pull at his Inuyokai half. He stood and walked back into the palace, and made his way to his room.

It was the predawn hours of the next day when Sesshomaru exited his own room and went about his routine. Jaken who slept just outside his master's door jumped to his feet and straightened his robes. Sesshomaru turned to his left and walked to the T intersection at the end of the hall then took another left. The first door he came to was his mother's rooms, her guards stood at attention and bowed as the Inuyokai heir walked by.

Taking the next corner his soon came to his youngest brother's door. He slid the door opened and saw his brother sprawled across his bed. It was surprising to see how messy the room was as the servants had probably just cleaned it the day before. Closing the door Sesshomaru continued down the hall.

At the next door Sesshomaru snarled as he spotted a bundle of wild flowers had been placed outside the door. Airi's door opened and she smiled nervously at her brother as she snatched the flowers and then quickly slammed the door closed. Sesshomaru's face was twisted with disgust at the smell of a certain wolf heir that permeated the air.

Sesshomaru recovered quickly then carried on down the hall. Inuyasha's door was closed and no longer guarded. Sesshomaru slid the door open and immediately noticed the absence of the occupant. The yokai walked across the room to the open window. Stepping onto the windowsill he reached out to grasp the edge of the roof then flipped himself onto the roof.

Sesshomaru crouched next to his brother who was lying on the roof, "Why do you always come out here?"

Inuyasha snorted, "Why do you always look in on us every morning?"

Sesshomaru bowed his head, "Because one time this Sesshomaru wasn't attentive, and you nearly paid the price with your life."

Inuyasha growled as he sat up, "I'm no longer that little runt who couldn't fight."

Sesshomaru nodded, "But you are still this one's brother, and his responsibility."

Inuyasha narrowed his gaze at his brother, "Eh…you threw your responsibility out the window yesterday…literally."

Sesshomaru stood and moved to the edge of the roof, "This one is truly sorry for allowing his temper to override his senses." Sesshomaru looked back over his shoulder, "You should get yourself cleaned up…mother would be very disappointed if you're late for breakfast today."

Inuyasha glared as his brother disappeared over the edge. Inuyasha stood and looked up at the sky, "You'd think they'd stop making such a big deal about today after ninety eight years."

Inuyasha turned as he heard footsteps behind him; he spotted his father's second brother. The black clad Inuyokai nodded as he approached, "It's not every day a pup turns another year older."

Inuyasha snorted, "When do Inuyokai finally stop celebrating birthdays?"

The ninja brother chuckled, "When the pack forgets the exact day you're born." The black clad one placed his hand on the pups shoulder, "Unfortunately for you four each of you were born on very memorable days. Sesshomaru's coincides with the anniversary of your father claiming this place, Kenshirou was born during the same time as the festival down in the exterminators' village, and you and your sister…well you both had very memorable births."

Inuyasha slouched, "Eh…if you call nearly getting your parents killed as memorable."

The ninja brother crossed his arms, "Well, that comments going to get you a lecture from big brother, and possibly your stepmother as well."

"Eh…" Inuyasha jumped back into his room. He was not really a happy hanyo, seeing as he could never seem to get a few minutes alone to sort his thoughts. He'd always wondered if brooding was not permitted among Inuyokai, though he knew it was merely the pack mentality of his family. They could easily sense when a member was not well either physically or emotionally, and it was part of their Inu nature to help.

Inuyasha quickly changed into his fire rat and left his room. The palace had come alive and servants were moving quickly down the halls as guards and other retainers held conversations. As Inuyasha made his way down the stairs to the second floor he passed a group of wolves. One of the smaller wolves broke from the group and fell into step next to him, "So how does it feel to be free again?"

Inuyasha glared at Koga, "I don't know. How long did it take you to clean up that village?"

Koga laughed, "About a week…heard your brother wasn't too pleased when he heard."

Inuyasha nodded, "Yeah I still have the bruises." Inuyasha stopped suddenly and turned to his friend, "Oh yeah, where you up on the third floor this morning?"

Koga paused, "Umm…maybe."

Inuyasha growled dangerously, "You enter my sister's room and your dad will be looking for a new heir, got it wolf face."

Koga sneered, "Crystal clear mutt."

Inuyasha shook his head, "You'll be lucky to get away with a base threat from my brothers…father on the other hand…you'll be lucky to escape with your tail."

Koga swallowed, "Um…Inuyasha…your father was glaring at me when I passed him in the hall earlier…"

Inuyasha chuckled, "Let Airi handle father…she has the old man wrapped around her little finger."

Koga nodded, "She can be manipulative can't she."

Inuyasha snickered, "She's sure got you on a short leash."

Koga scoffed, "What? It is I who's courting her…it's not like she has many suitors."

Inuyasha looked up at the ceiling, "Five….no four now."

Koga frowned, "What happened to the fifth?"

Inuyasha sneered, "Jaken caught him attempting to sneak into Airi's room."

Koga growled, "Tribe?"

Inuyasha frowned, "Not actually sure…though I'm sure he landed somewhere near his home when father kicked him off the mountain."

Koga shook his head, "Well I'll just have to challenge the other three for the right to be her sole suitor."

Inuyasha sneered, "You do know my sister could kick your ass…and that's if she's not using her spear."

Koga chuckled, "Why do you think I like her? She's stronger than any other female in the western lands, well the strongest that's not promised to someone, or not several centuries older than myself."

Inuyasha snorted, "You're just a few years older than me don't you think you're young for the whole settling down with a mate thing?"

Koga shook his head, "We wolves are different than you Inu, we can't claim leadership without at least having a promised mate."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, "What's your pack going to say when they hear you're courting a half breed?"

Koga shrugged, "Since my best friend is one as well probably not much."

Inuyasha shook his head, "Speaking of friends, where is Ginta and Hakkaku, they're usually on your tail all the time."

Koga frowned, "Not really sure…pa said he sent them with some of the others to take over guard duty."

Inuyasha started walking again, "Guarding what?"

Koga shook his head, "Don't know…when I asked I was told it was none of my business, and your uncle didn't seem to be in the mood to answer questions."

Inuyasha stopped walking again, "Which uncle?"

Koga chuckled, "Scarface."

Inuyasha continued walking, "Yeah…he wasn't really in a good mood yesterday either."

Koga froze, "Um…Inuyasha…did you just feel an angry aura."

Inuyasha nodded, "Yeah but is my big brother ever not angry."

Koga shook his head, "I'll talk to you later…oh yeah, happy birthday."

Koga dashed down a branching hall as Inuyasha glared at him. Inuyasha continued down the hall and soon reached the dining hall. Inuyasha entered to find his three siblings sitting at the table, his step mother was standing behind his sister fixing the braid her silver white hair was kept in. His little sister resembled their mother save for her hair, and the tell tale canine ears, claws, and fangs.

Inuyasha walked to his seat and slumped into his seat. Sesshomaru merely looked at his brother from the corner of his eye, while Kenshirou turned to his brother, "Morning brother…"

Inuyasha just grunted at his younger brother who was almost a clone of their father, except his markings that were similar to their eldest brother's markings save for being more jagged, and the fact the young Inuyokai's mokomoko was also like's Sesshomaru's but hung over his left arm instead.

The Lady of the West smiled as she sat down, "We'll be eating alone this morning…your father needed to take care of some lesser yokai retainers."

Myoga hopped onto Inuyasha's shoulder, "Good morning my lord…"

Inuyasha slapped at the flea yokai then held the flattened flea out in front of him, "Why aren't you with father?"

Myoga popped back into his normal shape then bowed, "Your father wished me to inform you that he wishes to speak with you after the morning meal."

Inuyasha tossed the flea over his shoulder, "Eh…tell the old dog I'll be there when I have time."

The Lady smirked, "Myoga tell my lord his son will be there as soon as he's finished eating."

The breakfast was mostly quiet, save for the usual questions the Lady asked her children every morning to discover their daily plans. The Lady was an attentive mother to her four children, yes four. After the passing of Lady Izayoi she'd stepped in to the role of mother for the two motherless pups. It was a role she knew she eventually would have had to take anyways, but it was still several decades earlier than she'd originally thought she'd have to.

She currently was observing the child that needs her the most. She'd observed Inuyasha since he was born and knew the boy was an incredibly sensitive child, but he was horribly troubled. Most of the blame for his troubles could be linked to his abduction when he was eight. She narrowed her eyes as she turned her gaze onto the other cause, her own first born, Sesshomaru. She knew her own actions of the past did not help matters.

Noticing Inuyasha push his plate aside she stood, "Inuyasha…will you walk with me?"

Inuyasha frowned confused, "I thought I needed to go to father?"

The Lady smirked at him, "Were you truly going straight there?"

Inuyasha grumbled then followed the Lady from the room. As they walked Inuyasha slouched and muttered. The Lady continued to smirk as she corrected him, "Stand up straight Inuyasha. It's unsightly for a person of your stature to slouch so." Inuyasha straightened his posture, but before he could start grumbling she continued, "Also stop this muttering…don't forget most beings in this palace can hear you."

Inuyasha huffed, "Maybe I want them to hear me."

The Lady growled lightly, "Do not mouth off to me…I'm not your father. He may put up with that attitude of yours, but I won't."

Inuyasha snarled, "What do you care…it's not like you're my mother."

The Lady stopped and before he knew what happened she caught him by the throat and had him pinned to the wall, and then reprimanded him in a calm voice, "Did I not just tell you not to mouth off to me."

Inuyasha snarled as he grasped her wrist, "Too…tight…"

The Lady released her hold and Inuyasha dropped to his knees coughing. She turned and began walking, "Keep up." Inuyasha forced himself back to his feet and followed her. After several minutes of silence she spoke again, "Inuyasha, what has gotten into you. You're acting like an ungrateful whelp."

Inuyasha growled, "I'm tired of acting like some pet."

The Lady looked at him confused, "In what way does anyone treat you like a pet."

Inuyasha looked away, "I can't even leave the palace without permission…I also don't get any privacy, if I try to sort my thoughts someone is always there watching me."

The Lady smiled at him, "I'd think by now you'd understand that is how we are. Inuyasha it's not that you're a pet, we treat you like a pup."

Inuyasha fumed, "I'm not a pup…I'm nearly a hundred years old!"

Several guards standing nearby raised their eyebrows as they passed. The Lady glared at them and they remained silent. She spoke quietly to Inuyasha, "Inuyasha…how old do you think your brother is?"

Inuyasha thought for a minute, "Hundred and fifty, maybe two hundred…"

The Lady chuckled, "Sesshomaru is almost three hundred years old, and he is still only a pup." She stopped outside Inu no Taisho's grand audience chamber, "Inuyasha…we Inuyokai are immortal, it takes hundreds of years for our children to grow up. Your father was extremely young when he took command of our tribe, and was barely an adult himself when you were conceived."

Inuyasha frowned, "But I'm not an Inuyokai, I'm a hanyo…"

The Lady shook her head, "You are not the first Inuhanyo, and neither was Moko, or your uncle's deceased offspring. Long ago there was a Inuhanyo, he lived many centuries ago, and some say he's still alive today."

Inuyasha looked surprised, "Is still alive?"

Another voice spoke up, "You're telling the boy about my uncle?"

Inuyasha turned to see his father's giant brother. The giant Inuyokai approached and stood next to his nephew. Inuyasha looked confused, "Wouldn't he be father's uncle too?"

The giant shook his head, "I had a different mother than my other siblings. In fact very few of us share the same mother."

The Lady nodded, "That is how it is with most families of Inuyokai. They share a father, but have different mothers."

Inuyasha frowned, "So…this uncle…he's still alive?"

The giant nodded, "He lives on the mountain my mother lives on…she's the only one of my father's mates to ever pass the bracelet test. My uncle guards the estate big brother gave my mother after my imprisonment."

The doors to the audience chamber opened. The Lady smiled, "Inuyasha, you'd best not keep your father waiting."

Inuyasha nodded then entered the chamber. It was darker than most the rooms in the palace, and the aura that emitted from the throne would strike fear into anyone else, to Inuyasha it gave a more comforting feeling that promised safety. Inuasha walked up the center of the room and stopped at the base of the steps leading up to where a throne seat would be in a human palace. Instead there was a gigantic Inuyokai in his true form.

Inuyasha bowed his head since he had to show his father proper respect with the thirty or so retainers that sat on either side of the room. Inuyasha spoke in a submissive tone, "You summoned me father?"

The Inu looked down at his son with red eyes, "Inuyasha…I know you wish to wander the lands…I've made my decision."

Inuyasha remained silent as his father took his humanoid form.

The daiyokai stepped down next to his son, "I will allow you to go on your first wandering, but you must accept my conditions."

Inuyasha bowed his head, "Of course father."

Inu no Taisho let out a short growl and Inuyasha turned to see Koga stand and step forward.

Inuyasha frowned, "So I have to take Koga with me?"

Another voice laughed, "Like your father would trust you two to not destroy half the lands."

Inuyasha turned to see his scarred uncle step out of the shadowed corner of the room. Inu no Taisho spoke then, "You will accompany your uncle. You and Koga will listen to him and obey any command he gives as though they were given by me."

The two boys bowed. Inuyasha spoke to his father, "Thank you father."

Inu no Taisho grinned, "Don't give me any reason to regret this decision."

End Chapter Twenty One

A/N: Sorry for not posting last night, but I'd had small bout of insomnia the night before after my last posting. The result was that I crashed out before finishing this chapter. Well enjoy and review, it also about time I thank my top reviewers again Taraah36, icegirljenni, and Inumimi1. These three have reviewed just about every chapter, and their questions have propelled this story to being my longest, most reviewed, and having the most hits. So once again thanks for all the great reviews.