Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.
A/N: At the request of a reviewer I've devised a few rudimentary family trees to help visualize the relationships between characters. It is found at the end of this chapter.
Chapter Forty Eight:
Eastern Palace…
The Fire Dragon entered his audience chamber to find his few loyalists mumbling excitedly. He stood on the dais and snarled at their behavior, "You seem besides yourselves…what brought this behavior among you."
One of the braver subordinates stepped forward, "My Lord…the news is most grand. Your lord father will be returning to us. The land will be restored to its former glory."
The Fire Dragon incinerated the subordinate where he stood, and turned to the others, "My father is dead. The half breed son of the Lord of the West slew him not long after he awoke." He narrowed his eyes at his subordinates, "Do you all have so little faith in me to restore what we lost? Do you doubt my ability to rule?"
Another subordinate stepped forward kicking aside the crispy remains of the previous speaker, "If what you say is true my lord…does it not mean war. The Lord of the West has dared to send his son to assassinate your own beloved father."
The Fire Dragon's eyes burned red as his body began the painful transformation to his true form, "MY BELOVED FATHER!" He snarled at the gathered beings, "My father was a monster of no compare…after what he did it was well within the Lord of the West's rights to slaughter us all. Instead he does not hold my father's crimes against us; any other daiyokai would have not been so understanding or forgiving." He snapped his head around so his massive red eyes stared directly at the speaker, "Do not forget I have ruled these lands for two hundred years while my dishonorable father was sealed to a canyon wall. Now get out before I burn you all to ash!"
The room was quickly cleared save for a few who were not former sycophants of Ryukotsusei. They did not fear their young lord nearly as much as the others, but were still wise enough to keep their distance, instead relying on his siblings and other relatives to calm the short tempered dragon.
The Lord of the East remained coiled on the dais as an elderly man entered the room. He noticed his grandson's temper and stood in the center of the room. In a moment the elder dragon transformed into his true form, that of an eight headed dragon. Orochi lowered one of his heads to be on level with the younger dragon, "Boy…you're rage is burning stronger than normal. What reason do you rage at these lesser beings?"
The Fire Dragon looked up at his grandfather. This multi headed dragon had guided him greatly even before his father was sealed, "Grandfather…these worms do not have faith in my ability. They were glad my father had returned."
Orochi turned one of his heads to the remaining group of advisors but kept the others turned to his grandson, "Calm yourself boy…they are merely frightened. For so long my son had ruled them with an iron fist. You are not like him, and so they are frightful your…umm…kinder nature…would weaken our lands."
The Fire Dragon uncoiled and narrowed his gaze at his grandfather, "Do you wish to reclaim your place now that he is no more?"
The Orochi shrunk as he reverted to his humanoid form, "I have no need for such things. I have no desire to stand in your place, nor would the heavens allow it. I strayed from the path…as did your father. Only you can redeem the dragons and regain our place as guardians of the land." Orochi waited for his grandson to return to his human form, "Besides, I am much too busy being a great-grandfather to bother with these petty politics."
The Fire Dragon snorted, "At least you've got your priorities straight."
Sesshomaru entered the plaza of the Western Palace behind his uncle. It was his first time home in many years, and he noticed how a portion of the plaza had been turned into a makeshift refugee camp, and many warrior yokai had started a camp in another portion. The central plaza still remained clear, except for drilling soldiers both yokai and exterminators.
Kohaku spoke up, "My peoples camp was here when I left, but none of this other stuff was here."
Rin looked amazed at all the people, "Is this where Lord Sesshomaru lives?"
Sesshomaru turned to the two humans, "Kohaku…you may still wish to join your fellow villagers, but you are still in my service."
Kohaku nodded, "Yes sir…I don't really have any reason to stay with the other exterminators anyways. My only surviving family is Sango and she's traveling with your brother."
Sesshomaru turned to Jaken, "Jaken…take Ah-Un to the stable and have rooms prepared for Kohaku and Rin. Take their things to those rooms."
Jaken bowed, "Of course master." Jaken led Ah-Un off.
Kurohime turned to Sesshomaru, "Is this place normally so busy?"
Sesshomaru frowned, "No…the plaza usually is quite peaceful, but with mounting tensions and the destruction of the exterminator's village calm of the Western Lands has been shattered."
A servant ran up to the group and bowed to Sesshomaru, "Welcome home Lord Sesshomaru…your father and mother are awaiting your arrival in the grand audience chamber."
Sesshomaru nodded then led his group behind the servant across plaza.
Sesshomaru stared at the Inu sized doors to the audience chamber as they slowly swung open. The chamber was unusually bright compared to when his father usually holds audience with his numerous vassals, retainers and other subordinates. Sesshomaru entered first quickly followed by Kurohime. Kohaku and Rin walked in behind the two yokai at a respectful distance.
Rin looked behind them as she heard the doors close with an unnaturally loud bang, and noticed no one was manning the doors. She leaned over to Kohaku and whispered to him, "Um…Kohaku…this place is strange."
Kohaku shrugged, "It's a very old castle Rin, and yokai have lived here for a long time." He turned as smiled at the little girl, "There's no reason to be scared. You got Lord Sesshomaru and me here with you."
Sesshomaru silently watched the two children from the corner of his eye, and allowed a faint grin to appear.
There walk ended all too quickly in Sesshomaru's opinion. Sitting on the raised dais was not only his father, but also his mother. They both sat in their true forms staring through him with their burning red eyes. He knew that he would insult his father's chamber by remaining in his human form so motioned for the others to step aside and transformed.
Rin of course gasped at the sight as it was the first time she saw her Lord Sesshomaru transform.
Inu no Taisho growled lightly, "I have heard many interesting stories of late my little Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru growled deeply at the 'little' comment.
Inu no Taisho ignored his son's vocalizing and continued, "It seems you've taken many actions on your own. You took on a human child as a ward…and you departed my territory unauthorized and returned with a marked mate from another tribe."
Sesshomaru grumbled, "I apologize for any trouble I may have caused you father."
Inu no Taisho narrowed his gaze; "You nearly killed your brother…again!" The much larger Inu stepped forward, "A month hadn't even passed after I ordered you to assist your brother in his quest, and you impale him on your claws." The Inu snarled, "What am I going to do with you?"
A sudden movement drew both Inuyokai's attentions downward as Rin ran up and spread her arms out like she was defending Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru looked frowned at the top of her head, "Rin?"
Inu no Taisho chuckled, "And what do we have here?"
Rin frowned at the bigger Inu, "Don't say bad things about Lord Sesshomaru!" She was yelling at the top of her lungs even though the yokai could hear her when she whispered from this distance, "Lord Sesshomaru is the strongest, bravest, and nicest person I know!"
Kohaku dashed forward and bowed to Inu no Taisho, "Umm…sorry my lords I…" He quickly took Rin's hand and pulled her away.
Rin started struggling, "Stop it Kohaku…Lord Sesshomaru needs us."
Kohaku swallowed, "Rin listen. That bigger one over there is Lord Sesshomaru's father. This is his castle, so we need to show proper respect to him since we're guests here."
The yokai watched the interaction of the two children with mild amusement for a moment then Inu no Taisho drew his son's attention back to him, "Well…that was interesting…now where was I?"
The Lady of the West stood up from her sitting position, "You were about to pass judgement."
The Lord of the West nodded, "Oh yes that's right." He narrowed his eyes back at his son, "After talking it over with your mother…we've decided grounding until further notice. You and your retinue will remain in the palace ground's is that understood."
Sesshomaru tilted his head in confusion, "That seems a light punishment father."
Inu no Taisho huffed, "Would you rather it be a flogging?"
Sesshomaru instinctively stepped back, "I see…This Sesshomaru accepts the grounding punishment most humbly."
The Lady of the West nodded, "Very well…now if you will excuse me there is another pup that needs to be properly disciplined."
The Lady of the West transformed into her human form and stepped down from the dais. As she passed Sesshomaru she crossed turned and walked over to Kurohime and the others. The three bowed as she stopped before them.
She looked over them then spoke to Kurohime, "So…you are the one my son has chosen?"
Kurohime bowed, "My Lady…"
The Lady held her hand up to forgo any pleasantries, "Do not bother trying to win me over. My son's choices are his own, and as such I have no control over them." She looked toward the two human children, "You do know enough to properly care for his wards."
Kurohime bowed her head, "Yes my lady. Though I was under the impression only Rin was a ward…is Kohaku not a retainer?"
The Lady smiled at the younger female's naivety, "Kohaku is both. He is a retainer in the fact he can mostly care for himself and prove some use to my son. He is a ward in the fact that he relies on my son for protection. Do not think thing are so cut and dry that we each have a single role to play."
Kurohime nodded, "I understand my lady, thank you for the knowledge."
The Lady went down the line to Kohaku, "Um…I did imagine you would be older…children being sent out to fight. What is this world coming to?" Kohaku didn't respond as the Lady moved on to Rin, "I do wonder…why he has taken you as a ward?"
Rin half hid behind Kohaku as the Lady's eyes scrutinized her. After a minute the Lady seemed to either lose interest or decided her other duties needed to be handled as she departed the chamber.
Sesshomaru and his father both returned to their human forms. Inu no Taisho growled, "So my son…who crafted that second sword?"
Sesshomaru looked down at the offending sword, "My Tokijin was crafted by a sword smith of little importance. Does it really matter?"
Inu no Taisho snarled, "Yes, it does. For what purpose have you crafted a second weapon…and do not even try to lie? Totosai has already informed me of our visit."
Sesshomaru unconsciously gripped the hilt, "I came upon the remains of the yokai that damaged the Tessaiga. I felt a blade made from that creature's fangs would make a sword that would rival the Tessaiga's power. When Totosai refused to craft the sword I went in search of another who would. Kaijinbo agreed under the stipulation that I convince you to pardon him."
Inu no Taisho snarled, "Like hell I would pardon that weakling."
Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow, "You'll have no reason to. Kaijinbo was processed by the sword and went on a rampage. Apparently the sword had an instinctual dislike for my brother. It was searching him when it came upon my camp. Kohaku fought it until I arrived and retrieved the sword and destroyed Kaijinbo's body. I have the strength to control the sword."
His father narrowed his eyes, "You wield a weapon that has a natural hatred for you brother. You already have a deep seeded dislike for your brother, that episode with the parasite is proof enough of that. Is this sword not just another parasite?"
Sesshomaru tightened his grip on the hilt, "I am the master of the sword it is not the master over me. I will not cause any more harm to my brother father…I believe I've caused enough as it is."
Inu no Taisho nodded, "You're dismissed…take your entourage with you. I've reassigned you to the suite of rooms in the northeast corner. That should provide ample space for your group."
Sesshomaru bowed then turned and exited. The others fell in step and they were joined by Jaken at the door. They made their way to the third floor and soon entered the assigned door. Rin ran in ahead and looked around the massive sitting room, "Lord Sesshomaru! This is almost as big as some of the clearing we've stayed in."
Sesshomaru nodded then opened as side door. The room inside was obviously set up for Rin, "Rin this is your room…please entertain yourself in here." Rin quickly accented and dashed into the room. Sesshomaru closed the door and turned to the others, "Kohaku, your room in obviously that one over there. Once we're done please find some more suitable cloths to were besides your exterminator's gear."
Kohaku bowed, "Of course my lord."
Jaken walked over to a small side door next to Kohaku's and found a small bare windowless room with a futon and a small table. It was obviously his so he placed the staff of two heads in a corner and returned to the sitting room.
Sesshomaru turned to the three of them, "As you are aware we will be remaining here for the foreseeable future. Find ways to make yourselves useful and stay out of underfoot." He turned to Kohaku, "Kohaku, you will be in charge of making sure Rin does not go somewhere she should not. Also, keep her away from some of the more belligerent members of my father's court."
Kohaku bowed, "As you wish."
Sesshomaru turned to Jaken, "Jaken…you will continue your usual duties while in the castle. Remember to avoid my relatives as they all still quite despise you."
Jaken bowed, "Of course master Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru finally turned to Kurohime, "From the faintness of her sent I believe my sister is away. No doubt visiting that blasted wolf that's been courting her. When she returns I suggest you try and make a good impression."
Kurohime bowed her head, "Of course my lord."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, "Also, do not attempt to read the hearts of my relatives…several of them will not be pleased with such intrusions." She accented with a tilt of her head. Sesshomaru then moved to the door, "That will be all a servant will announce dinner an hour before it is served. Kohaku, you and Rin will be dining with us, so ensure you're both dressed appropriately."
Kaede's Village…
Inuyasha and the others had returned to the village since Kagome needed to return to her time for a test. They had arrived early enough that they could relax before she had to go back to her own time. Kaede sat watching the group of young people from her doorway. Kirara slept on the old miko's lap while the kitsune kit dozed leaned against her side.
Sitting on the grass not far from the hut Sango was giving Kagome lessons on how to properly tend to her bow. Miroku sat pretending to meditate, when in reality he was watching the village girls walking by on their daily routines. Inuyasha sat in a nearby tree apparently resting.
Everything seemed quite calm. In fact to the old miko the calmness seemed out of place and that it couldn't last.
She was right.
Suddenly without warning Inuyasha fell from the tree as though it had been struck by lightning. He scurried over to Kagome and hid behind her, or at least tried. Kagome turned to the hanyo puzzled, "What's wrong Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha started looking at the sky around them, "She's here!"
Miroku frowned, "Who's here Inuyasha? I don't since any evil intent."
Inuyasha glared at the monk, "What do mean? She's here I tell you!" The hanyo ran toward the hut and disappeared inside by leaping over Kaede.
The old miko stood up and frowned, "What has spooked Inuyasha? I know of nothing that could cause such a reaction out of the boy, save Kagome using the beads."
Sango shook her head, "Well that rules out Sesshomaru. There's no way he'd be scared of him, plus whoever it is seems to be female considering what he said."
Kagome thought, "Maybe it's Airi…is sister was mad about him getting sealed, she also threatened him with bodily harm if he did anything reckless again."
Miroku smirked, "Umm…my dear Kagome. I think you're forgetting one major clue, if you put yourself into a dangerous situation, who would be person most angry with you."
Kagome thought for a moment then frowned, "But…Inuyasha's mom died a long time ago."
Sango looked at Kagome, "Um…Kagome, who thinks of themselves as his mother now?"
Kagome suddenly felt a yokai's aura, "It's her…she's coming here?"
Kaede felt the aura and turned to the hut, "Inuyasha! Get out here now, I do not wish my hut damaged by any attempts to drag you out."
Inuyasha growled from within the hut, "Just ignore that I'm here…tell her I'm out hunting or that I left the region."
The Lady smiled as she appeared in front of the door, "Inuyasha…be a good boy and come out here now."
Inuyasha winced as he stepped out of the hut.
The Lady continued to smile evilly as she turned to his friends, "I'm sure you all won't mind if I borrow him for a minute. It seems he's forgotten certain things and must be reminded."
Everyone stood shocked silent as the Lady used her yokai light transformation to spirit herself and Inuyasha away.
Miroku looked at the others fearfully, "Um…should we have tried to stop her?"
Sango shook her head, "I don't think we could have…you know what they say about a mother and her child."
Kagome shook her head, "We'll have to wait and see how he is when he gets back."
Shippo leapt on her shoulder, "How long will that be?"
Kagome shook her head, "I don't know Shippo."
An hour later Inuyasha returned glaring at his friends. He went to the hut and slumped against the wall. Shippo was the first to run up to him, "Inuyasha! Are you okay?"
Inuyasha growled and wacked the kit on the head, "Feh, of course I'm okay!"
Miroku sat a safe distance from the hanyo, "So what did your stepmother have to say?"
Inuyasha glared at the monk, "It's none of your business Miroku."
The group heard a chuckling sound from the room of the hut and looked up to see a Inuyokai wearing black stealth gear, "Inuyasha…my poor little nephew…you should have learned by now not to anger your stepmother."
Inuyasha grabbed a stone and hurled it at his uncle, "Scram! What are you doing here anyway?"
His uncle shrugged, "Passing through the area. Felt my darling sister-in-law's aura wondered what possible reason she'd have for being around these parts."
Inuyasha huffed and turned away from his uncle, "If you're just passing through why don't you just continue on your way and leave me alone."
His uncle jumped down from the roof, "Can't do that pup. I wouldn't feel right about just walking away while you're in such a state. Plus, I promised your stepmother I'd make sure you knew why you were punished."
Inuyasha glared at the older yokai, "Because I acted reckless and could have caused countless innocents to lose their lives…among other things."
The stealth master nodded then sat down, "Good enough for me…so when do you people eat around here?"
As Inuyasha and his uncle fought over the fact the Inuyokai was a moocher she said her goodbyes and made her way to the well. Jumping into the well, she was soon back to her own time.
End Chapter Forty Eight
A/N: Here are the family trees of sorts, some characters have yet to appear, and some might not appear as they're long since dead.
Western Inuyokai Tribe (Non blood relatives not included)
First Generation - White Haired Hell Inuyokai
Second Generation - Eldest Son, Hell Den Dwellers, Eyeless One
Third Generation – Eldest Son's successor, Eyeless One's offspring (Cannibals imprisoned in graveyard)
Fourth Generation – Ancient One (Son of Eldest Son's successor)
Fifth Generation – Inu no Taisho and his siblings
Sixth Generation – Sesshomaru, Moko, Inuyasha, Kenshirou, Airi (Also two deceased hanyo about 200 years older than Sesshomaru)
Dragon Tribe (Non blood relatives not included)
First Generation – Dragon of Heaven
Second Generation – Dragon of Earth
Third Generation – Dragon of Sky
Fourth Generation – Orochi
Fifth Generation – Ryukotsusei (also his deceased clutch mates)
Sixth Generation – Fire Dragon and Siblings
Seventh Generation – Fire Dragon offspring (As of yet unnamed)
