Author's Note: Well, I almost cried writing this. I'm going to be blunt. There's violence and sexual references in this. I wouldn't have put it in here had I not thought it would add to the plot. I think this explains why Sesshoumaru never had a love life. And, you all probably guessed this by now but there aren't anymore happy moments. The next and final chapter will be depressing as well. Thanks for all the reviews though. Bellflower and demonchild93, you two's reviews made me laugh out loud. I needed a good laugh.
Sesshoumaru was busying himself with putting on his newly made garments, looking over the silken purple material. He sighed to himself, cursing Adria for making his clothing such a girly color. Although, he could get away with it, the young youkai didn't like the violet outfit. But, this particular conflict was nothing compared to those to come later that night.
Walking out of his room, the youkai was combing his hair with his claws, trying not to lose his patience. He really didn't want to be here at this meeting tonight. And he didn't see why he was needed in the first place. His father could certainly take care of all the politics; Inutaishou didn't need Sesshoumaru to help in discussing the current events that were being addressed at the gathering of the Lords and Ladies. Frankly, Sesshoumaru just wanted to go to sleep and let his wounds heal over. His whole body was sore from the usual beatings he received from his father. Resisting a groan, Sesshoumaru ignored the pain that throbbed through his body and made his way to Inutaishou's side who, at the moment, had his arm wrapped around Izayoi. There was much disagreement on the demon warlord having a human for a bride and to prevent Izayoi from being attacked by unruly youkai, Inutaishou kept the human close to him at all times. Currently, Inutaishou and Sasame were talking about things that didn't interest Sesshoumaru. In fact, his father didn't even acknowledge his eldest son's presence as he spoke to Sasame. But Sesshoumaru had grown used to this. The only attention he ever was given was a thrashing. His amber eyes slowly looked over to Izayoi who was tickling InuYasha's stomach, making the infant giggle, his little inu ears perked up. This was the time that Inutaishou had noticed his son, and the warlord grabbed Sesshoumaru's chin with his free hand, making him look the other way. He'd become weary of letting Sesshoumaru get close to Izayoi and InuYasha, for fear of him striking out at the two. Inutaishou was fully aware that if he were to leave his wife and youngest son in the company of Sesshoumaru that his first son would kill the two on the spot. And by this time, Sesshoumaru was quite capable of slaughtering them.
"I'm watching you, boy," Inutaishou sneered through his teeth, removing his hand from Sesshoumaru's chin before returning to conversing with Sasame.
Not reacting in the slightest, Sesshoumaru merely nodded. Whatever sliver of a relationship that Inutaishou and Sesshoumaru had was reduced to nothingness. They barely addressed the other by his name; it was always "boy" or "milord." The damage had been done and there was no going back. Sasame watched this exchange with interest, though went on discussing further politics, and occasionally glancing at Izayoi. The Northern kitsune didn't really take a liking to humans, though he had to admit this one was particularly interesting to look at. Growing bored, Sesshoumaru kept himself from yawning, and felt his eyes finally glaze over. He was then awoken from his daydreaming when Sasame began taking to him.
"Sesshoumaru, I suppose you would like to meet my daughter, or rather, one of them. Inutaishou and I have come to the agreement that you two are to wed and will be living at my castle as she doesn't like being away from home all too much. In fact, this trip is killing her. Although, I think you'll find her to your liking. She's very soft spoken and polite," Sasame gave a wry smile as Sesshoumaru fidgeted slightly. For some strange reason, he had this feeling there was more to the story. "Lin, come here," he called out, looking for his daughter in the masses of people. Sesshoumaru shot a look at his father. For his response, Inutaishou let a smirk tug at his lips while his son growled softly. He didn't like this idea of being married off. The youkai figured it was a way for Inutaishou to get rid of his son. After all, once Sesshoumaru went with his "wife" to the Northern Lands, Inutaishou wouldn't have to worry about him.
"Yes, Daddy?" she piped, appearing from the crowd and by her father's side. As a Northern demoness, she was scantily clad but not as much as her father's concubines. Sasame wanted his daughters somewhat decent, but she still showed off a good deal of skin. Her tresses poured over her shoulders, the same color of her father's. Sesshoumaru felt his stomach drop seeing her as he looked up and down her voluptuous form. He couldn't pinpoint why, but the youkai was instantly attracted to her, being the teenage boy he was. Giving a soft chuckle, Inutaishou smelt a rise of hormones in the air and knew that his plot would work. He would be able to get rid of Sesshoumaru in no time.
"This is Sesshoumaru, son of Inutaishou, the Lord of the Western Lands. Remember me telling you about him?" Sasame said quietly, putting his arm around his daughter who gave a sickly sweet smile, one that resembled her father's greatly.
"Of course, Daddy! But you didn't tell me how utterly handsome he was!" Lin beamed, winking at Sesshoumaru. Overwhelmed by her beauty, Sesshoumaru felt he couldn't speak as his throat was dry and his palms were covered in a cold sweat.
"Sesshoumaru can show you around the castle," Inutaishou volunteered when he realized his son was at a loss for words. Pushing Sesshoumaru forward, the Western Lord gave a sly look at Sasame, who returned the look to show he understood. As soon as the two warlords offspring were married, the Northern and Western Lands could come to a treaty.
"How wonderfully kind of you, Snookums," she said in her singsong voice, snaking her arm around his. Lin had already begun to call him pet names and was nuzzling against him as Sesshoumaru some how found the strength to walk away. Sesshoumaru felt his stomach flip and he cursed himself silently for giving in to emotions. But as he led her to different parts of the castle, he found his infatuation growing for her. Meanwhile, Sasame went on talking to Inutaishou.
"Oh, and Inutaishou, while we're introducing people, I wanted you to meet my newest lover. I'm told you had some dealings with her a while back. Darling, could you come here?" The kitsune was still grinning, his fangs shining as his eyes twinkled with mischief. Caught off guard, Inutaishou felt his suspicions rise while his mind raced. His grip tightened on Izayoi who looked up at her lord in question.
"Sire?" she asked, her eyes following his gaze. And then, the human woman knew why Inutaishou was acting so odd. It was Achika. But this was not the same Achika. Nay, her eyes were empty, holding only sorrow. She was clothed in one of the risqué garments Sasame forced all his concubines to wear and her body was starved, for the Northern Lord refused to let his women gain weight. He abused them by forbidding them food, except for when he felt like feeding them, or rather, when he remembered to feed them. Izayoi felt her husband's frame shake in anger, and she almost cowered from his growing demonic aura.
"Ah, there you are, my sweet. Please, come here," Sasame beckoned, watching the demoness weave through all the people until she was by his side. "I think you remember, Achika, right?"
Inutaishou was struggling greatly with keeping his temper. His lips had parted in a snarl, his fangs revealing themselves. He wanted to rush to Achika and wrap his arms around her and cover her exposed body. He wanted to get down on his knees and beg her to come back. He wanted to hold her close and tell her he loved her. But he could not. Inutaishou was a warlord and so he had to act like one.
"Yes," Inutaishou resisted lashing out, "I seem to recall the name." Izayoi let out a small cry as she felt the warlord tighten his grip, unaware he was almost crushing her. Inuyasha was screaming in his mother's arms, for he too was being smashed. But Inutaishou seemed oblivious to this at the moment as his eyes were focused on his previous wife. Sasame was doing everything to instigate a conflict. He began stroking the woman's chest, pulling Achika close to him as he sniffed her hair.
"She loves me so much," Sasame continued, rubbing his hand about the demoness' back. The deplorable warlord was entertained as he watched Inutaishou grit his teeth. "Don't you, Achika?"
"Yes, milord," she replied, no emotion in her voice. Feeling his nails dig into his palm, blood trickling down his talons, Inutaishou glared.
"And you would do anything for me, right?"
"Yes, milord."
Achika's eyes looked up at Inutaishou, watching him for a moment, perhaps remembering the past as she gazed at him longingly. Catching this, Sasame smacked her across the face but Achika didn't wince.
"Now, now, I don't want you looking at other men. And now I'll have to punish you later tonight," Sasame clucked his tongue.
"Of course, milord."
Inutaishou felt a low growl rumbling in his throat. Seeing Achika like this, being used, made his temper fume. He didn't know why he hadn't sensed Achika's presence earlier. The warlord supposed it was due to so many people in his castle that it was impossible to notice one person in particular.
"Such a good person you are, Achika. And quite a good lay, I might add," Sasame said in his twisted tone, running his hands over her still. But Achika didn't blush at this. Nor did she try to escape from his wandering hands. Emotions had been drained out of her. For she was not alive or dead, simply existing.
"What...What have you done to her?" Inutaishou snarled as his eyes narrowed. For deep down, the inu taiyoukai cared for his first wife. He yearned for her to be back at his side.
"I'm surprised at you, Inutaishou. For I have done nothing to her. This is all your doing," Sasame pointed out, kissing the remorseful demoness. "I just found her like this and took her in. And it's a good thing that I did. There is a shortage of nice people in the world." Inutaishou was visibly shaking now, his wrathful hatred rising still. "And the good part of this arrangement is that once Sesshoumaru comes to live with my daughter, he can see his mother all he wants. Isn't that wonderful?"
Izayoi cried out once more.
"Please, milord, I cannot breathe," she pleaded, holding the wailing child.
"Now, you tend to your little human wench, Inutaishou. I'm going to go dance with my wife. You won't mind, will you?" Sasame chuckled, "No, of course not." The Northern Lord yanked Achika closer to him, then left the raging youkai. Inutaishou watched them intently and he didn't come back to his senses until they left his sight.
"I'm sorry, Izayoi. What were you saying?" he turned to her, letting his grip relax, much to the woman's relief.
"I'm fine. It's nothing, sire," she breathed out, trying to calm her son. "But are you well, milord? Wasn't that the woman you wedded before?"
"No, Izayoi. That was not the same woman I married."
Arya had watched this all from a corner of the castle, pretending to adjust her lavender clothing. She had become hurt and enraged when she saw this Lin person walk off with Sesshoumaru. And to see Achika so hollow, so empty? She felt her heart go out for Inutaishou. Even though the warlord had become so cruel and vile, she knew Inutaishou still felt something for Achika. Especially with the history the two lovers had had. Feeling tears well up in her eyes, the young demoness walked away to her own private chambers. She didn't think she could handle watching this anymore. There had been enough disheartening in her life as it was.
Lin was practically skipping ahead of Sesshoumaru, looking into each room with intrigue. He watched her with interest, following each movement. The two were avoiding the other youkai, enjoying being with the other.
"And what's this room, sugar pumpkin?" Lin said pleasantly, pointing to another door. Clearing his throat at the pet name, Sesshoumaru glimpsed over.
"That's my bedroom," he said, mesmerized by this kitsune. He'd never felt this way toward a person.
"Really? Can we go inside?" she smiled, her eyes full of innocence.
"Um, sure I guess." And that was where Sesshoumaru made his mistake. He should have sensed that Lin was plotting. But, the kitsune knew well that teenage boys were easily persuaded and often blinded by a cute girl. Opening the door, he let her in, his eyes drifting toward her.
"It's such a nice room." As the door closed, she looked around, peering into his closet as Sesshoumaru tried to make his room look somewhat tidy. He'd never really cared about the condition of his room. But now that there was a certain someone he wanted to impress, Sesshoumaru started giving it a little more thought. Making sure his hair was combed, he sat down on the bed, his intent gaze still frozen to her. Turning around, she looked over at Sesshoumaru, and then sat with him, bringing herself closer to the youkai. "And you're nice too." Feeling butterflies take flight in his stomach, he gulped, his Adam's apple prominent as he did so. Her hands went up to his chest, making Sesshoumaru's heartbeat increase as she tugged at his kimono collar, letting the fabric fall. Clearing his throat again, he raised a brow, ignoring the sweat coming dripping down his neck.
"May I ask what you are doing?"
"Well, we are supposedly getting married, are we not? I think you and I need to get to know each other better. After all, that would make sense, right?"
"I...I suppose so," his voice cracked, swallowing as she continued to tug at his clothing. He'd never done this sort of thing before. As she pulled off the top part of his kimono and rubbed her head against his chest, it became clear that she was trying to seduce him. Chills went down his body as his hand tentatively went to her back.
"You're so strong, Sesshoumaru," she complimented, letting her hands trace his muscles. "And all these scars, they make you look so handsome." Lin then let her sleeves fall, her shoulders bare now. "I guess you've never done it before?" she questioned, running a finger over his face.
"Done what?"
"Oh, my sweet Sesshoumaru, how naive you are. But that's what I like about you. All you know is swords and fighting. Let me introduce you to the finer things in life," she suggested, sitting on his stomach. As it became clear on what she intended, Sesshoumaru found himself protesting.
"Look, I don't think it's best we do this right now. Our wedding will probably be soon anyway and I'm sure we can wait until then," he reasoned. It wasn't so much he didn't like her but he kept thinking of how his father messed around with Izayoi and how much trouble it caused.
"You're so uptight. How is our relationship supposed to blossom if we can't be comfortable around one another? Besides, it's not like we'll get caught, everyone is in the ballroom or dining hall. Come on. Relax. It would mean a lot to me if you did," she smiled, and then suddenly kissed him deeply. Sesshoumaru, completely caught off guard, didn't return the kiss until a few moments passed. She did have a point. And by doing this, he was sure it would piss off his father, something he enjoyed doing.
"Fine then," he said between kissing. "I accept your 'invitation,'" he murmured, kissing her still.
Later on, the deed had been done and Sesshoumaru found himself putting on his clothing as he wiped his sweating forehead. He wasn't sure how much time had passed by but he knew that he was in a much better mood after their little "adventure."
"Want to go again?" Lin raised a seductive brow, still in bed. Sesshoumaru felt himself growl, shaking his head.
"No, I'll have to decline your offer this time. I've already sacrificed too much as it is. I refuse to become like your father or even my own father for that matter," he stated calmly, looking for his sash.
"I don't like you throwing insults at my father," she hissed suddenly, becoming defensive. Sesshoumaru didn't listen as he was tying the sash around his waist, the top of his kimono still down around him. "Did you hear me? Apologize. Now," she snapped at Sesshoumaru who only raised a brow.
"I think you need to learn to get used to not having your way all the time," he returned, combing his hair. Her brows furrowed as she yanked on her clothing then walked around the bed to stare at him.
"I'll get my way, one way or another," she challenged and then suddenly took his hand and raked his claws across her face and collarbone. "Now, who do you think they'll believe? The power hungry male or the weeping damsel in distress?" Confused, Sesshoumaru pulled away from her, arching a brow as she sprinted out the door.
"Oh, my little cupcake, we're leaving," Sasame called out, looking for his daughter as he did a headcount of all the women he brought with him. "Lin? Lin, come on girl, we're going—" The kitsune was then cut off as he heard his daughter's calls.
"Rape! Rape!" she screamed, running to her father. "Oh, Daddy! I'm so scared, please, Daddy, help me, save me from him!" Sasame looked at her frantically, eyes widening at her wounds.
"Lin, who did this to you?"
"Oh, Daddy, I was trying to be nice to Sesshoumaru and let him show me around the castle. He simply insisted that we look in his bedroom and me, being the nice person I am, followed his desires. Before I knew it, he attacked me and forced me in bed with him! Daddy, I'm so confused and so hurt!" she pretended to sob into his chest, while the kitsune felt his anger build. Sesshoumaru, at this point, had walked out of his room, trying to set things right.
"Now wait just a moment. I believe it was—"
"Seize him!" Sasame yelled to the only male servants he brought with him. "Get the boy who hurt my daughter!" As soon as these words were uttered, the two burly servants were at Sesshoumaru's side, roughly grabbing is arms and dragging him to their master. Twisting and fighting against them, Sesshoumaru realized that he had gotten himself into an awkward position. Here he was, hand coated in kitsune blood, sweat on his forehead, and missing his top, and now being accused of rape. The odds weren't in his favor. Sasame threw a punch to the youkai as soon as he was in reach, making Sesshoumaru look the other way.
"Do you know the punishment for a crime such as yours?" he snarled, grabbing Sesshoumaru's chin. Groaning, the youkai rolled his eyes as he felt blood trickle down his lip. "It's fifty lashes, boy. And usually we castrate the criminal too. Be glad you're of royal blood as we might spare you the latter." Sesshoumaru wasn't able to hold in his wince as he glared back.
"As if you're one to talk." This smart remark earned him a slap across the face. By this time, Inutaishou had come to see what was the cause of the noise, Izayoi and babe close to his side.
"What's the meaning of this Sasame? Why is my son being thrashed?" Inutaishou said coldly. Sure, he could flog his son around but when someone else started beating Sesshoumaru, the warlord became angered.
"You're son has just bedded my daughter against her will. And you being the father should know the punishment that comes with this crime."
Inutaishou paused, looking at his son, then to Lin.
"Yes, I'm fully aware of the punishment. But have you asked Sesshoumaru for yourself?" Surprised, Sesshoumaru found this strange, that his father was defending him.
"Well, no, but is the evidence not obvious?" Sasame too was caught off guard; bewildered that Inutaishou would question his word. Sighing, the Western lord shook his head.
"Sesshoumaru, did you or did you not sleep with this girl?"
"She's the one who—"
"Did you or did you not?" Sesshoumaru bit his lip, looking away while he answered.
"Yes, I did."
The whole crowd gasped at this. Whispering commenced and Inutaishou had to yell for them to quiet down.
"There now, you see?" Sasame scowled, as Inutaishou shook his head.
"Given the circumstances, I think this should be overlooked. Was it not you who suggested that the two were to wed?" Sasame frowned as the whispering of everyone began once more. "All right then, everyone, it's been wonderful seeing you all, but I think it's time everyone head home." Muttering of disappointment filled the room but the people began heading out the door until Sasame's voice rang out.
"Inutaishou! I want to see some revenge and if you will not take it out on your son, I'll kill Achika right now," the kitsune called out, grabbing the demoness, one of his short blades pressed tightly at her throat. Sesshoumaru looked over at this as well as Inutaishou.
"Mother?" He suddenly felt himself flush. He didn't know his own mother was here to hear the whole ordeal.
"I'm warning you, Inutaishou. I want to see some bloodshed, whether it be your son's or your former wife's," Sasame threatened, though Achika did not scream out as the blade went closer to her throat. The Western inu looked over to his son, watching Sesshoumaru's eyes fill with fear as he looked toward his mother. He was still being gripped by Sasame's manservants and could not get free to embrace the woman. Inutaishou saw his son's head look to him, his eyes pleading.
"Milord, I deserve the punishment. Let my blood be spilt rather than my mother's," Sesshoumaru said quietly, as Inutaishou sighed, rubbing his temples. Sasame sneered, letting the woman go as soon as Inutaishou had drawn out his whip. The crowd at this time had formed a circle around the demons but Achika was making her way into the crowd, hoping to disappear. She couldn't watch this.
Dragging Sesshoumaru harshly to the center of the cleared circle, the two servants held him in place as Inutaishou raised his hand and then was stopped midway by Sasame once more.
"Now wait, I think this should be a family event. Where are you going to Achika, my love? Don't you want to see Inutaishou beat the hell of your son? Don't you want to see what kind of monster he has become?" Sasame grabbed the woman's wrist, forcing her to stand in front of him. Inutaishou felt his eyes widen.
"This was not part of the agreement. I do not think she should watch if she does not want to," the warlord said quietly, not wanting to hurt Achika anymore.
"True, but Achika listens to me now, and I'm telling her to watch. Now begin or I'll kill her, Inutaishou." Swallowing, the mighty warlord looked to his son and made sure Izayoi was out of the way before he cracked the whip, opening Sesshoumaru's back. The boy did not cry out though, he just looked forward, clenching his teeth.
"One...two...three...four..." Sasame counted, watching the boy grit in pain, the kitsune reveling in the boy's suffering. Achika fidgeted, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Please, milord, don't make him do this," she whispered, barely audible. Sasame ignored her.
"Ten...eleven...twelve...thirteen..." Sesshoumaru finally cried out, unable to hold in his yells. Achika tried to break free but Sasame held her.
"I beg of you, Lord Sasame, don't do this," she pleaded, the tears trickling down her face. "I cannot see him hurt this way."
"Eighteen...nineteen...twenty...twenty-one..." Tears of his own were forming in Sesshoumaru's eyes as he involuntarily whimpered. He was trying not to show weakness but occasionally his body betrayed him and he let out a cry. Blood was gushing from his back, the skin ripped wide open.
"Twenty-seven...twenty-eight...twenty-nine...thirty..." At this point, Sesshoumaru let out a miserable, wailing shout, making chills cover his mother's body.
"Please! Stop! How can you do this? Give this mother and her son pity! I beseech you, Sasame, let him go!" Achika said through her tears, which came freely now. "I can't watch this! For the gods' sake, let Sesshoumaru be!" she shouted and this was the only noise besides the cracking of the whip.
"Forty." Sasame said quietly, and then called out once more. "Inutaishou, that'll be enough I think." Inutaishou retracted his whip, and then made his way into the crowd, taking Izayoi with him. He couldn't face Sesshoumaru or Achika any longer. Sasame grabbed Sesshoumaru's chin, looking him over. "Well, boy, I hope you've learned your lesson." Unable to say anything, Sesshoumaru looked to his mother who was bawling. Achika wanted to hold her son but Sasame kept her close to his side. "All right boys, let him go," the Northern kitsune ordered. The two servants threw Sesshoumaru to the ground, making the youkai land face first. Lin smirked as she walked away with her family. Clearly, the wedding was off.Knocked unconscious, Sesshoumaru couldn't hear his mother's pleas as Sasame threw the woman over his shoulder to keep her from escaping.
"Please! Let me hold him! Let me hold my son!" she screamed, her tears flowing from her eyes. "Let me hold my boy! He needs me! My son needs me!" she wailed, her crazed yelling echoing in the castle. "Surely, you cannot keep a mother from her son?"
Sasame growled, setting Achika down in front of him and at first it appeared as if he were going to let the woman see Sesshoumaru but he simply delivered a punch to her face, rendering her unconscious as well. This done, he threw the woman back over his shoulder and made his way out.
It was a sad day in the Western castle.