Ch 48 A Surprising Invitation

Kaede soon became part of the household, she was good with the pups and also proved good for a natter with Kagura on occasion. The Wind Youkai found her form of dry wit refreshing over a civilised cup of tea in the afternoon, when Sesshoumaru was busy with Inuyasha and the pups with Rin were playing outside. One day Sango joined them for their tea and chat as did Rin, the pups kept Sango's children amused and vice versa while Miroku and Inuyasha sparred in the dojo against Sesshoumaru and Shingi. Apart from the visit to just see their friends, Miroku had been back to Kaede's old garden patch and brought her some plants; herbs and cuttings of her more rare things, to plant in her own garden.

She already had some bits and pieces from Jinengi, some of which were new to her herblore; but her own were even older, having been planted by her predecessors in the same place. Kaede loved the flowers and trees of the landscaped gardens, but she had often walked among the kitchen gardens wistfully; scenting the herbs as the warm sun brought their perfumes to the surface. Now she could smell them for herself when she was quietly thinking in her rooms; with the old familiar garden relaid in part, amid her new one. There was much to think about and she often chuckled to herself when she thought of what people would say; if they knew that she, a Miko was firmly ensconced in the heart of Youkai territory.

Rin became a consistent companion; when her studies were through for the day and everyone else was busy, she would come and keep Kaede company. She proved to be very interested in the medicinal side to the herbs and was willing to learn all that Kaede could teach her and then she would go and visit with Jinengi for a day at a time; to learn from him about the growing of plants of all sorts. She wanted to be useful, as well as the daughter of the Lord and she had a long time to live hopefully. The youkai within her that had been the gift of Midoriko, would allow her to grow to human maturity and stop ageing from there; in the same way that it did for normal youkai.

Kaede too got a great deal of pleasure in watching Inuyasha play with his niece and nephews; he was learning for the first time many of the games that children play, joining in and enjoying himself immensely. Sesshoumaru and others who'd known the pup from his own childhood, also found the sight gratifying; some things may have happened in reverse for Inuyasha, but they were glad he could experience them eventually. There were more swings and playground toys that had been made by the loving hanyou to cater for the growing family; the sandpit was also enlarged and sometimes the whole family would take a picnic and stay in their secluded glade all day. These were the happiest times for them all and Inuyasha felt especially blessed now.

Inuyasha was definitely maturing, but at a more normal rate; able to be both childish and adult, without the worry of fearsome reprisals beyond the norm of Sesshoumaru's discipline. Kaede and Rin couldn't help laughing at the hanyou's expense, although not within his earshot; when one day he and Yuki were caught in some serious misdemeaner that they had been warned about. When the inevitable happened and they were caught; Inuyasha was heard to complain loudly that he had received more swats than Yuki, when they'd been punished soundly in Sesshoumaru's study and it had all been his nephew's fault.

Sesshoumaru exited his study afterwards unable to hide his own grin; but knowing that Inuyasha probably spoke the truth when he claimed that Yuki had instigated their wrongdoing. He had never considered treating Inuyasha any differently to his own pups or indeed to how his father had treated him, the fact that they were uncle and nephew wasn't an issue; they had both been bad whelps. But that Inuyasha was complaining as if Yuki and he were the same age and Sesshoumaru had been unfair in treating him harder, although as the elder he should have known better; was very amusing to all who heard, as most of the Palace had by the evening.

When Inuyasha found out that everyone seemed to know what had happened later that day, he complained loudly again that there was no privacy in the Palace; to which Sesshoumaru merely commented that if he had kept his own mouth shut, nobody else would have known. But there was no repeat of his rebellion against Sesshoumaru's express wishes, he and his youkai had learned the hard way to toe the line where the Lord 's decrees were concerned. Yet Sesshoumaru trusted his brother completely now with his pups' safety, knowing that Inuyasha would give his own life before he allowed harm to come to them.

A few more years passed in much the same way; Inuyasha was starting to be a more reliable help to Sesshoumaru, showing good and wise intuition when dealing with diplomacy. This was surprising, considering Inuyasha's usual way of solving problems had tended to be at the end of his father's sword; yet the natural skills were there and Sesshoumaru had great hopes for him, plus it gave the youkai a nice feeling as they were working together.

Grandmother had been a regular if infrequent visitor; she was wise enough to know how not to interfere with the upbringing of the pups, but she did know lots of things that they could do when she left that would wind their parents up. The pups thought she was great and looked forward to her visits; to Sesshoumaru and Kagura she was a mixed blessing and to Inuyasha, although he liked her well enough, he still felt guilty near her and acted shy. In turn, Lady Mother wanted to know all about his education in the same way as she was interested in the other pups and treated him a bit like one of them as well; it was easy for her to look on him as Sesshoumaru's rather than his father's offspring.

The last time she came however she was closeted for a long while with Sesshoumaru privately and out of respect for her as her son, but also because he now knew how observant she was from a distance; he listened carefully to her words. Her pearls of wisdom though shocked him and although too wise to reject them without seeing for himself; Sesshoumaru deferred making a decision until the end of her visit, wanting to confer with Kagura.

Once Sesshoumaru and his mate had discussed his mother's proposal, Kagura thought it would be a good idea and at the evening meal he nodded to his mother; signalling that he approved of her suggestion. She just raised her eyebrows and smirked at her son, she would have asked her question in any case with or without his permission.

"Inuyasha? I would like you to come and stay with me for a while; since my period of seclusion is over now, I have found myself invited to various places and I have no escort. It would please me to have you as my squire for such events; it would also give me the time to come to know you better. Please think about it." she then looked down to peer at the boy from beneath her lashes; not missing the instinctive glances he gave to Sesshoumaru and the others, nor the feelings behind each one.

"I...I...I am honoured Lady Mother...how...how long will you want me to stay with you?"

"Oh there is not a specific time; probably a year, maybe a bit more." This time she observed all the glances return to Inuyasha, she had not mentioned any amount of time to Sesshoumaru and he had not thought to ask.

"That is a long time for Inuyasha to be away from his home, Mother."

"Nonsense, he will hardly be missed before he is back for a visit; you too could do with your afternoons freed up for your affairs of state for a while, couldn't you? Inuyasha won't begrudge you some time to catch up will he?" The slight hard edge was back in her manipulative voice and Sesshoumaru knew that Inuyasha would accept now, because he would not wish to be in the way. The Lord did not like being 'played' by anyone but the only one who could get away with it, had just done so again.

"Of course I accept Lady Mother...if Sesshoumaru doesn't need me." They could all hear the plea, but it was to no avail;

"I am sure that he will do well enough without you for a while, just as he managed before; whereas I am alone, with no one to protect me when I travel." She replied coyly, and Sesshoumaru couldn't help the snort of disbelief.

"Since when did you need protecting Mother, you are formidable."

"That may be, but it is far more pleasant to be looked after and accompanied by a handsome youth."

"I said it would be an honour Lady Mother. I will go with you." Inuyasha said firmly. 'But not very willingly' thought Sesshoumaru, as he looked at his now blushing brother; he would have to speak to him soon, as he knew that some of the comments would leave Inuyasha feeling insecure. Immediately after the evening meal he took Inuyasha to his rooms, then turning Inuyasha to face him and making sure he had eye contact so that there would be no misunderstandings; for once Sesshoumaru forestalled his brother by speaking first.

"You do not have to go if you do not wish, Inuyasha; Mother did not say how long she planned to keep you when she spoke to me."

"You agreed at first though; you want me to go?"

"Mother informed me there are things to your advantage if you stay with her. She does not lie and I want you to have all, to which you are entitled. Do not think I wish to get rid of you."

"It is true that I take up a lot of your time and am not enough of a help to be missed, if I am not here."

"It is time I gladly afford and that you should have had before and your worth is not measured in what you can give, Inuyasha; you are my pup, my brother and this is your home where you are wanted. Never think otherwise."

"But you think I should go, don't you and I've said I will. It's just that...Lady Mother..."

"I understand brother, she has that effect on me as well." That night Sesshoumaru made sure that Inuyasha went to sleep in physical contact with himself and Kagura to banish any silly thoughts that he might still be harbouring. He also kept a close eye on the pup as he prepared the things he was to take with him; noting the quiet demeanour as Inuyasha packed his kimono's and some of his treasures. There was not a lot really and it didn't take him long, it was only recently that he had been given anything as his possession and not many had great sentimental value that couldn't be left.

He was taking his box of family stones and a soft bag of silk, embroidered with moons and stars made for him by Rin; in which to put his childhood mementos. He had his soft red ball, a couple of his mother's hair ribbons and comb, a thimble that he had made her and some of his old copy books with his very first letters. These had since been added too; his first pen from Sesshoumaru with some paper and a small, but exquisite picture from Rin. She had proved a competent artist over the years and had copied one of the gallery pictures of his mother and father for him in miniature. Kagura had provided a frame for him to put it in and now it went into the bag to go with him.

Sesshoumaru also added some things; small items from each of the pups, Rin, Kagura and himself; heavy with their scents, for when Inuyasha got lonely. He didn't tell the pup that he had put them in, Inuyasha would find them for himself. Everything was packed onto Ah-Un ready for Inuyasha's journey, he had gone to say good-bye to the pups who were not fully aware of how long Uncle Yassa wouldn't be around. But Rin and Kagura were waiting with Sesshoumaru for the hanyou to appear; he was late and the Taiyoukai decided to go and fetch him.

Inuyasha had returned to his room to take a last look round and suddenly found he felt hollow inside; he had a huge lump in his throat and he couldn't face anyone until he got himself under control. It didn't matter how much he told himself that he believed Sesshoumaru, when his brother said that he was still wanted in the family; he couldn't help feeling he was being pushed away. Then berating himself for thinking negatively and turning into a right wimp, Inuyasha tried to swallow against the lump; but it wouldn't go away.

A pair of arms wrapped round him from behind and Sesshoumaru spoke very gently to him;

"If you are going to start to cry, I will not let you leave Inuyasha. If you want to stay, just tell me now pup." Inuyasha took a shuddering deep breath; but was unable to stop a couple of traiterous tears from falling onto Sesshoumaru's arms. But he did manage to control himself and he was grateful for his brother's words.

"I'm fine, Sessh, really; Lady Mother will be good to me and I shall do my best to please her."

"You may come home whenever you wish Inuyasha; I have told Mother I am only letting you go with her on that condition and I shall expect a letter monthly at least from you. I have made you a personal seal which will insure that any letter you send will be untampered with or I shall know. It has a charm on it to prevent it being copied. I am not afraid that Mother will interfere with your correspondence, but I do not always trust those in any employ. Should you have need, send Myouga or a letter and I will come for you."

"Thanks Sessh, for everything; lets go." Inuyasha gathered his inner strength and walked towards the courtyard, his head held high; but clutching his precious red cushion that he had snatched up to take as well. Outside Kagura gave him the tightest hug he had ever had and said a choked goodbye before running away in tears, surprising them all with the depth of her feeling; meantime Inuyasha's damp gold eyes locked with Rin's openly wet dark brown, then she too gave him a hug and a quick kiss on his cheek before following after Kagura. Neither wanted to see him actually leave.

"Remember the farewells of these two if you feel unloved Inuyasha and do not dishonour their grief at your departure, by doubting your place in our home."

"I won't Sessh." Inuyasha responded, humbled by the girls' reaction. Then he gazed at Sesshoumaru as the youkai transformed into the huge and elegant white dog who whuffed at him in Inu, telling him to get on. Inuyasha watched as Lady Mother transformed also and understood that Sesshoumaru was going with them to see they arrived safely. He jumped onto Sesshoumaru's back, just behind his head and they lifted into the air and Inuyasha was in a prime position to admire the grace of the Inuyoukai in their natural forms and he felt sad that his own youkai would never have been powerful enough for his sane transformation; let alone a true form.

He rested his head on Sesshoumaru's neck; keeping warm from the cold of the height that they were flying in, which was far higher than he could jump himself even from the tops of the trees. The huge dog was aware of the damp seeping into the fur of his neck but he kept his own counsel this time, he was not expecting the boy to be happy at the moment and he didn't need Sesshoumaru to make a fuss. Plus he was aware that Inuyasha's sorrow was a bit different this time and with the instinct of a parent, he knew the reason; Inuyasha felt inadequate.

Inuyasha fell asleep soon after, he was tired from a nervous exhaustion catching up with him from the past few days; but his breathing was relaxed and deep which was good, Sesshoumaru would not let him fall. Besides Inuyasha had fisted his hands and claws into the soft fur giving himself a good grip; the good instinct of a young inu when being carried, thought his brother fondly.

Inuyasha woke not long before they arrived at the Lady's Palace and Sesshoumaru was pleased with his brother's attitude as he smiled and looked cheerfully around his new temporary home. He was trying to look excited for Lady Mother who was not fooled in the slightest, but pretended she believed him; as she showed him to his suite of rooms. They were spacious and generous, the futon was luxurious and comfortable and so big that Sesshoumaru privately thought that Inuyasha would get lost in it. The Lady left them to say their goodbyes with an invite to Inuyasha to join her for a meal when his brother had gone. Sesshoumaru had already refused to dine as he needed to get back.

It did not take long for the pup to unpack and his brother helped him to arrange his things, neither said much to the other as they did this. Sesshoumaru noticed that Inuyasha had placed everything he'd brought with him in a small area near the futon as if he were making a sort of nest; but he made no comment on this, nor when the boy pulled the futon into the corner of the room. Then Sesshoumaru gave Inuyasha a present; he had not been able to save the fire rat when it had been soiled and it had never been replaced, Inuyasha had not expected it to be so and had taken it's destruction as part of his punishment.

Sesshoumaru had commissioned another to be made; identical in every way to the one his father had given the boy. It was a present and to make Inuyasha feel safer while he was away. Inuyasha was speechless and hugged his brother round the waist, which Sesshoumaru took to mean that the gift pleased him; he then gave over the scent marked items placing them on the futon, before bidding his little brother good-bye. Inuyasha couldn't bring himself to say something so final and just gave a watery smile instead; as Sesshoumaru kissed his forehead and petted his ears, after brushing the tears from his eyelashes which was as far as the pup would let them go.

Sesshoumaru's final view of Inuyasha, was of the pup clutching his cushion and just watching him leave; his eyes huge and golden and looking incredibly young and lost. He had to turn from the sight or he would have snatched the whelp back; no matter what his mother had said, and once again the youkai took to the sky and vanished from his brother's dimming sight.

TBC