Author's Note: Okay, I know, Inu-Papa is evil. No, he shouldn't have slapped his wife. But, women's suffrage didn't exist in feudal Japan, so get over it. I'm not saying I agree with it, but I can't change the truth. In fact, Inutaishou should probably be even crueler and less romantic. I don't see a warlord being that loyal to his wife; men of great power have always had several bedmates. Stupid. I know. But such is life and power. Anyway, I tried to make this a little less depressing, but it didn't work out. Thanks goes out to Alora-sama for letting me put Arya in the story, Meeghan-chan for listening to my Inu-Papa obsessions ("Makes me squeal"...Yeah, you know what I'm talking about, Meeghan XD) and Rae-sama for all the roleplaying we've done. You don't know what a joy it is to have a roleplay waiting for me after the prison of school is complete. Forgive my rambling and enjoy the next chapter.
Inutaishou found himself staring at Achika who was draped upon his chest asleep. Her kimono sleeves drooped revealing her pale shoulders. Inwardly, he chuckled at the thought. Currently, the two actually hadn't argued nor had a confrontation in quite some time. The warlord had eased up on his training for Sesshoumaru and Achika had put trust into her husband. Slowly pulling away from the demoness, he placed her head on his pillow, careful not to disturb her. Grabbing his haori, he tugged it over his well-built frame, stifling a yawn. He always liked getting up early on mornings like this. Only a few people had risen; there wasn't any trouble with which to contend. Everything seemed perfectly all right, as if nothing could disrupt such a wonderful day. Combing his hair with his fingers, he made his way downstairs, weaving through the labyrinth of the castle as he made his way to his office. Sighing, his little moment of happiness was crushed, as he looked at the piles of papers leftover from the night before.
"Come to bed, Inutaishou-sama, I miss you when you stay up this late," Achika pleaded, her willowy form lingering in the doorway. "There's no one to keep me warm," She flirted, walking in as she rubbed his shoulders affectionately. Inutaishou grumbled, his pen scribbling characters on the paper, trying to complete orders for this food or send these weapons or loan this amount of money.
"Achika, how can you jest like that? I've got to make sure our armies are well supplied and that our household is running smoothly. The cooks have been complaining there isn't enough food to serve the servants let alone our family. Sasame is being an ass, telling me that I have to hold the next meeting of the Lords and Ladies and that he'll be bringing his daughters from hell to get Sesshoumaru's hand in marriage," Inutaishou sighed deeply once more, as Achika worked on rubbing his spine.
"Sesshoumaru's hand in marriage? He's only thirteen. I find it funny his older daughters would seek him so soon...but then again, he is your son, he has all your good looks," she teased, nuzzling his head. "Is it so much to ask Inutaishou-sama? Can't you have a romantic evening with your wife rather than your bloody papers?" She persisted as the Western Lord frowned.
"Look, it's not that I don't want to be with you, I just need to get these things done. You of all people should know, being the wife of the Western Lord, that there are many responsibilities that come with this position. It's a wonder I even find time to train Sesshoumaru. Are you listening, Achika?" He asked sharply, looking over to the woman who had moved back to the doorway.
"I see how it is, Inutaishou-sama. You've lost your touch. That's all right, I understand. You say you have to tend to these papers as your excuse, right? You don't want to be embarrassed that you aren't the romantic you used to be," She goaded, "Why, I bet Sasame is better than you," Achika added, making Inutaishou stand up.
"Now, wait a minute. Sasame couldn't match my masculinity even if he tried. Everyone knows the Lord of the West is supreme in every aspect," he taunted now, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Don't think I'll let you get away with a comment like that," Inutaishou approached her, acting as if he was going to attack her.
"Well then, can you catch me?" The demoness raised an eyebrow and without warning, dashed out the door. Inutaishou shook his head. Now, how was he supposed to resist a challenge like that?
Inutaishou chuckled reflecting the night before as he sat down at his desk, looking over the papers that had been left unattended. It had been...fun to say the least, and although he didn't regret last night, he was feeling the effects of saké that his wife had insisted on him drinking. This brought on another wave from last night.
"Chug it, Inutaishou, drink it down!" Achika cheered, reddened with her own alcohol intake. The two were sitting on their bed, not kissing or 'snuggling' like any normal couple would do. No, they were having a drinking contest. The demoness sat in no more than her slip, Inutaishou wearing only his hakama as he inspected the drink carefully.
"Achika, I don't think this is the best idea. I mean, this is some pretty strong stuff, and even you are starting to act like a crazy person," Inutaishou sighed, looking over the saké glass in his hand. "It's all fine if you get intoxicated, but you don't have papers to tend to tomorrow," he pointed out, shaking his head.
"Damn, Inutaishou, you're such a wimp. By some means you manage to slay hundreds of demons, and somehow you supervise a huge castle with its vast territory, yet you cannot handle a simple glass of alcohol. I bet Sasame could do it. I bet that lecher of a fox could handle it," She grinned, swigging down another glass. Inutaishou arched a perplexed brow.
"What is it with you and Sasame? You don't think that you're going to change my decision by taunting me with your stupid insults, do you? I'm the Lord of the Western Lands, I'm above such petty—" He never did get to finish as Achika forced the whole bottleful of alcohol down his throat.
"Well, I got you to give earlier...It shouldn't be any different now," She stated, pleased with herself as she swiped the bottle away from her husband. He glared at her, his eyes slitting menacingly. His demonic aura grew, the hatred exuding from his body as he clenched his fists.
"Achika! Stop being so frivolous! I'm sick of—" Once again, he was cut off, only not by Achika, rather it was a hiccup. Upon hearing the noise, the demoness squealed with delight, attacking him in a hug. She didn't think it was possible for a warlord to emit such a cute sound. Inutaishou hiccupped again, staring hopelessly down at her. Realizing it was useless to argue with her, Inutaishou laid down, pulling Achika upon his chest. With every hiccup he made, she burst into spurts of giggles. Sighing, he shook his head as the alcohol began to take effect, making him silly in his actions. Achika had won again.
Inutaishou was nursing his headache, recollecting the events of the night before. Achika took him for granted. Despite the fact that most men in his position had many mistresses, he had been loyal to one woman...if one overlooked the numerous relationships he had before he met Achika. She should really stop pestering him about Sasame. Damn, if he wanted, he could have all the concubines he desired. Angered now, by either his hangover or Achika's taunting, he began looking over the papers spread across his desk. He really needed to get another secretary, but he could keep one a meer two weeks. Inutaishou's temper flared at whatever secretary he had; always furious that they could never keep up with him. They usually left or he killed them on the spot. Lately, his vicious streak had been surfacing repeatedly, his anger throbbing. He needed to kill something and soon. Perhaps he could pull his armies together and thrash Sasame's lands? Then Achika would leave him alone about that damn ass. Shaking his head, he confirmed no. He had to be above that.
Inutaishou wasn't given time to linger in his thoughts for he was soon interrupted by a young guard who seemed nervous to be in the great taiyoukai's presence.
"M-m-milord?" He began nervously as Inutaishou turned around to see the soldier who had risen early.
"Yes, what do you want?" Inutaishou spat.
"We've received reports, milord. The Southern Lands have been ripped to shreds, not leaving many survivors," The guard began.
"WHAT?!" Inutaishou roared, disturbing anyone still asleep in the household. "Is Hayate alive, and what of his wife? Why didn't they send for help from our armies?" The warlord was furious. The Southern Lord and Lady were his friends; they had always been there to assist him when in need.
"No. He...he was killed along with his wife, milord. Their offspring were slaughtered too," He said solemnly. Temper boiling, Inutaishou punched his fist into the wall, leaving a hole.
"Damn!" He cursed, eyes filled with rage. Who? Who could have done this to his comrades, his friends? As if reading his mind, the guard worked up courage to speak.
"We don't know who is responsible. But, there is one survivor...Lord Hayate's daughter, Arya," The guard offered, withdrawn from his master's sudden outbreak. Inutaishou looked over at the man, his eyes widened.
"But you said...Never mind, where is the girl?" The warlord asked, while the guard trembled in fear.
"She just came in this morning, she doesn't look well. We left her on the couch in the living area..."
"Well get her some food, damn it! Her whole family has been murdered before her eyes, and you have done nothing to comfort her? Get Sesshoumaru and Achika down here as well," he snapped, before making his way to the living room. Wonderful. Someone had been attacking the South. It was only a matter of time before his lands were thrashed too. Walking with brisk strides, the warlord came upon the weeping girl. Head buried in her legs that were pulled close to her body, she shook from so many tears. Sighing, Inutaishou made his way to Arya, sitting beside her and offering a comforting arm on her shoulder.
"There now, dry your tears little one," he whispered to her, empathetic toward the child. He too had lost his parents at a young age. Arya continue to sob, tears rolling down her cheeks as they stained her kimono. By this time, Sesshoumaru and Achika had entered, having learned the news of the unfortunate Arya. Sesshoumaru had a puzzled look on his face. This was the same Arya he wrestled with when he was but a child? He stood in front of her, not knowing how to offer sympathy. He really didn't know what to do. How do you tell someone to feel better when her family has died before her very eyes?
"Oh, you poor dear," Achika sat opposite of her husband, holding the girl's hand. The demoness was sad as well, not only for the child, but for the Southern Lord and Lady. They both had been very good friends to Achika and Inutaishou.
"My parents are gone. My sisters...they are dead," Arya wept harder as Achika pulled the girl to her in a comforting embrace, as she had done with her own son. A passing cook brought a tray of food, giving it to Inutaishou as he requested, who in turn offered Arya the food. She barely touched it, still sobbing. "I just, I don't know where to go. I'm sorry I bothered you, but I knew you were friends of my parents and I—" Sesshoumaru watched Arya curiously, looking at her ragged clothing. She had come all the way from the Southern Lands by herself? It was a wonder she made it alive from the mass murder of some unknown villain, but to make it all the way to the West without being attacked? This was a task all in itself. The girl wept even more so as she continued between muffled sobs. "I don't have anything now. I don't know where I belong."
"You belong with us. You are welcome to stay in our castle, Arya-chan," Achika offered, holding the girl. Inutaishou blinked a few times. His wife could have consulted him before making such a rash decision. Yet, he knew Achika was right, they would watch her, for they would want Hayate and his wife to do the same for Sesshoumaru. Never one for tears, the Western Lord stood up, knowing his spouse would address the situation.
"Arya, you may stay here as long as you like. Your parents were dear friends of ours, and I wish them the best in the afterlife," He put flatly as Arya looked up at him, nodding her thanks. It was all she could do before bursting into tears again. "Sesshoumaru, meet me outside. We're starting your training early as usual," And with this said, the warlord made his way outside. Inutaishou was clearly stressed; here he had to deal with another child to tend to, some murderer in the South, Sasame's constant threats, the usual dealings with the household, finding someone to watch the unprotected Southern Lands, and Sesshoumaru's training on top of that. Just another day in the life for the Lord of the West.
Sesshoumaru paused, looking at Arya. He knew his father didn't like the idea of having a girl in the castle. And he knew Achika would eat this up for she always wanted a daughter. As for Sesshoumaru? He wasn't sure. He was finding it hard to take this all in. He'd never really been good with girls. And as a teenage boy, he didn't know how to take the emotions of a girl. Blinking, he tried to think of something comforting. What would make the girl stop sobbing?
"Stop your crying, it'll all be all right in the end," he said blankly, placing his hand on her shoulder. Arya looked up, his comment wasn't really comforting. But as she looked into his honey eyes, she thought she saw a flicker of warmth. She nodded, her tears starting to cease. There was something about Sesshoumaru. He just had this way of delivering words that one felt compelled to listen to him. This said, Sesshoumaru took a roll off a dish of another passing cook, then made his way out the exit.
Training sword tied by his obi, the young taiyoukai began walking out, seeing his father far out in a field before him. Sesshoumaru had hit a growth spurt in the past few years. His muscles had begun to fill out, his height shooting up, his voice wavering between that of a child's and that of a man's, and his face had started to gain coldness. He'd even grown a 'fluffy,' the fur pelt dangling from his shoulder. Although inside he was a swirl of emotions, he learned never to show any. This was the product of having the hell beaten out of him from his father. Even though Inutaishou had lightened up on his training for a while (to satisfy Achika temporarily) the Western Lord soon returned to his old ways. Sasame had made even more threats, pushing Inutaishou into further rage and anger. Sadly, the Western Lord took this misplaced anger out on his son. But Sesshoumaru didn't complain. He pretended to be fine in front of his mother, feigning his fabricated happiness. So, Achika bought this, putting her trust in her son and husband. She knew they would never betray her.
"All right, Sesshoumaru. Today we work on something different," Inutaishou let inky black poison boil up from his talons, the venom dripping down his claws and onto the ground. The dangerous liquid killed the grass underneath, leaving only death. Sesshoumaru was mildly intrigued. He'd seen his father's poison numerous times; this was nothing new to him. But when Inutaishou lashed out at his son's own hand, Sesshoumaru couldn't help but gasp as the warlord pressed hard at his palm.
"Milord?" Sesshoumaru winced, feeling his bones creak. After a moment, the boy saw green poison leaking from his own claws. Now, this was something new. As an inu demon hitting puberty, a lot more happened than his voice deepening. He began to inherit certain youkai qualities: poisonous claws, a whip of light, and even a full demonic form.
"I thought so. We're going to work on mastering this," His voice was ever cold and Sesshoumaru expected nothing different from Inutaishou. The boy was actually proud of himself. He didn't know that he had poison glands. Although, he did remember his claws throbbing a lot during the past few weeks, so perhaps this was the cause of it. Yet, he didn't have time to contemplate this any longer, for his father's hand snatched away from his son's, then went to Sesshoumaru's throat, pinning him to a tree. Struggling, the boy fought to get through, his legs kicking.
"Father, I can't breathe," The young youkai squirmed still, his eyes frantic. He still hadn't learned to keephis stoic mask, especially when he was in so much pain.
"I know that, Sesshoumaru. Now try to escape," Inutaishou kept his hold tight, while his son tried to break free.
"Please, Father," he pleaded, his hands grabbing at Inutaishou's wrist.
"Damn, Sesshoumaru, use your poison. Any idiot could figure that out," Sesshoumaru struggled, digging his claws into his father's wrist, trying to summon his poison. He was still unused to this. Finding the glands, he focused, pumping the venom into Inutaishou, who didn't even wince. Noticing that the warlord's grip wasn't relenting, Sesshoumaru gave it his all. But he was running out of air. His father wouldn't let him die right?
After what seemed like forever to Sesshoumaru, Inutaishou threw his son to the ground. The boy began to cough, his throat bruised. Inhaling, he tried to fill his lungs with precious oxygen, sputtering all the same.
"Pathetic. Come on boy, I've trained you better than that," Inutaishou snarled, giving a look of disgust as his son. "Now, draw out your whip," he commanded.
"What?"
"Your whip, imbecile. How thick is that skull of yours?"
"I...I don't know how..." This wasn't a good enough answer for Inutaishou, for he took it upon himself to draw out his own dark whip, which appeared from between his index and middle finger. Knouting Sesshoumaru's back several times, the boy cried out in pain, his back burning now from the strikes.
"Get up Sesshoumaru. And quit your whining, this pain is nothing compared to what I've been through," Retracting his whip, Inutaishou grabbed his son's arm roughly, yanking him upward so that he was standing on his own two feet. Sesshoumaru felt tears welting up in his eyes again but he wouldn't cry. He simply wouldn't!
"Yes, Father," he replied, lip trembling in pain and fear. Hands shaking, he tried to focus all energy on his fingers, hoping that he could draw out his whip. The day went on like this, Sesshoumaru being beaten because he couldn't call out his powers fast enough for his father, and Inutaishou bellowing insults and commands. Finally, Sesshoumaru heard his father declare that was enough for the day, relief washing over him. His back was bleeding freely, his haori ruined with slashes. Yet he didn't shed a tear. He had to remember, he never could forget...warlords don't cry.