A/N: hello, this is my FIRST Inuyasha story. Please take note that I am American, so if I have a Japanese-related mistake, notify me pleas.
Warnings: pain, violence, language, drama.
Okay, I found a good image of Tamasine's "garb". There's a link in my profile and you need to go down to the part about hakama pants. Just... ignore the guy wearing them, imagine them drawn, and then have a demon wearing them.
Disclaimer: not mine
Fight for My Shadow
Chapter two: Worries From and Away From Home
The dawn found itself casting its light over troubled souls. Inuyasha was standing guard at the shrine, even though the Jewel was safe in Kagome's hands. Miroku spent the morning meditating, while Sango assisted Kagome in packing for the trek. Shippou darted around the village, waiting to leave, and he decided to run off towards the river.
As Shippou ran down the path, he stopped when he heard his name being called. Turning, he saw Miroku quickly nearing him.
"Shippou!" the monk called again, reaching the kitsune; "Where do you think you are going?"
"To the river to play, Miroku!" Shippou said defensively.
"Come back to the village, Shippou," Miroku said sternly; "I don't want you wandering off."
Grumbling, Shippou obeyed.
Sango kneeled before the grave she knew all too well, and gently rested her hand against the stone tablet that marked its place. A lone tear graced the corner of her eye, and she did not stop it from fall.
Her brother, Kohaku, had not survived Nuraku in the end. Unable to thrive without the aid of the Jewel Shard in his back, the young boy had slowly failed in living, breathing his last one cold winter night not so long ago. It had been a slow, drawn out ending, but Sango had made sure that Kohaku's final days were ones filled with joy, laughter, and love.
It did not stop her aching heart, though, for she was truly the last Slayer, and the last of her family. There would be no heir to the family name, no nieces or nephews she could call her own.
Sango sniffed and wiped her eyes, only to hear a soft exhale of breath, a sigh that was nearly, if not almost, inaudible. Sango turned around, and gasped. Tamasine was standing at the gate leading to the burial area, hand on a wooden post. He was dressed in a black and grey haori, similar to Inuyasha's but not of fire rat pelts. The hilt to his sword was clearly visible, the onyx in the staff visible. He was looking at Sango almost sympathetically, though his eyes were veiled by a straw field-hand's hat.
"What do you want?" Sango asked defensively, glaring at the demon.
"I..." Tamasine began; "Who was it that passed?" he asked instead, quietly.
"It's none of your concern," Sango said.
"You are about to help me on a dangerous task," Tamasine said, his tone almost demanding for her to listen; "And I would rather know why your head would be clouded in the midst of it all."
Sango was silent, "It was my brother," she said, looking back at the stone. She withheld tears again; "But what would a demon care," she muttered darkly.
Tamasine resisted walking over; "Just because my title is youkai does not necessarily mean that I am an evil adversary," he paused; "My mother was considered a helpful spirit, you know. And I take to her genes over my father's. You can trust me."
"It will be hard after everything," Sango said suddenly rising. She turned and pushed past Tamasine as she left, who let the brutality of her nature slide. He looked at the gravestone, sighed, and then followed her at a distance. But he soon decided otherwise, and in his speed was gone like an apparition.
Inuyasha caught Tamasine's scent just as the youkai was nearing the village, and Inuyasha's hand went to Tetsusaiga's hilt. But his nephew slowed his pace dramatically, eventually to a walk as he reached the village entrance. Inuyasha watched as Tamasine appeared at the shrine archway, looking around under the rim of the hat. Their eyes met, and Inuyasha glared. Tamasine remained indifferent, silently walking over to Inuyasha. The youkai's hand went to his sword as well, weary of battle.
"Ready?" Tamasine asked after politely inclining his head to show respect.
Inuyasha snorted and rolled his eyes, "Just waiting on the women," he muttered, his gaze drifting towards the huts and small house he shared with Kagome.
Tamasine nodded, and sighed; "I am nervous, uncle," he said quietly.
At this, Inuyasha looked at him; "Why would you be nervous?" he asked, eyeing the young youkai before him.
Tamasine averted his gaze; "It will be dangerous," he murmured; "And... with one woman carrying..."
"What?!" Inuyasha nearly shouted.
Tamasine flicked, as he was right next to the roaring hanyou. "You do not know?" he asked, more along the line of musing; "It must be too early for even you to tell..."
"Who's pregnant, Tamasine?" Inuyasha asked, taking the collar of Tamasine's clothing and lifting the youkai off his feet.
Tamasine appeared indifferent, the trait his father had passed to him. Calmly, he replied; "The slayer. I sensed it earlier..."
Inuyasha threw Tamasine down, though the youkai caught himself. Inuyasha rushed off, bounding up the steps and running to the neighboring house that Miroku and Sango occupied. Throwing the screen back, Inuyasha shouted.
"Miroku, Sango!"
Miroku appeared, Shippou on his shoulder; "What, Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha suddenly stopped, looking back at Tamasine. His nephew shrugged, averting his gaze and looking away. Inuyasha looked back at Sango, noticing how she held her hands together over her waist. So she knew already.
"Never mind," Inuyasha said; "Where's Kagome?"
"She still isn't back yet," Sango said.
"Well, wait, I'll go get her," Inuyasha said, and with that, he jumped into the nearest tree and was off.
Tamasine's eyes followed his uncle's movements, the pupils slitting as his demon senses took complete control. He watched as Inuyasha went through the forest, so fast that he was a blur. But Tamasine kept pace easily, and saw Inuyasha jump into and go through the bottom of an old well.
All this was to happen in another minute.
Miroku saw how Tamasine's eyes changed for a matter of seconds, and then the youkai was back to normal, supposedly. But his eyes had gone completely dark, a harsh metallic contrast to the reverent silvery glint they now held and had before. And the serious yet dazed expression on the demon's face... "What happened?" Miroku asked directly; "What did you see?"
Tamasine's left ear twitched at the harshness, and he looked at the monk; "My uncle went into a well," he replied slowly; "To get to the future, so my father told me."
Miroku and Sango gasped, as did Shippou. "Sesshomaru, he knew?" Miroku asked.
"Mother saw it," Tamasine said simply; "And, she is a very faithful mate. She thought that it might benefit my father, but he chose to do nothing."
"Then, how did you find out about it?" Sango asked.
Tamasine smiled; "I can hear almost anything," he said; "And, father has shared this information with me. And my brother..."
"You're what?" Miroku asked.
"Well, I am not 'twin' for a reason," Tamasine; "But, my brother was slain during the Great War. He is no threat... he never was..." he looked down.
"Sorry for your loss," Sango said almost immediately.
Tamasine looked at her and smiled; "It happened a long time ago," he said; "One must move on. Grief is but a heavy burden. He is in a better place, what more could I ask for him..."
Solemnly, Miroku and Sango nodded. Shippou nodded as well.
The group headed out finally, and covered a good ten miles by sunset. Tamasine was rarely seen during this time. He chose to run ahead, in a form none of them had yet to see.
Miroku thought about the youkai, how his mannerisms were so human and how he was such a mystery. Kagome had said he was not lying about his plea for help, and now the Jewel hung safely around her neck on a chain, but still, Miroku noticed how everyone seemed agitated.
That is why he decided that they should rest while they could. They were deep in the heart of a forest, settling by a stream that ran through it. They set camp along the grassy banks, and Kagome quickly procured a fire. Kagome brought out ramen, and was busy putting it over the fire, when they all felt a sudden gust of wind. Sango screamed in surprise as four large fish fell on the mat she had been laying out. The wind died, and by then, both Miroku and Inuyasha were on their feet, weapons ready and poised for attack.
Tamasine silently appeared, coming from behind a large tree with an innocent look on his youthful features; "Did they land on the mat?" he asked; "I was aiming for the mat, I didn't want them to—"
"Tamasine, it's alright!" Sango said; "They landed fine, see," she motioned to the fish; "Thank-you for catching them."
Tamasine smiled slightly, sitting down against a tree stump. Inuyasha grumbled as he sat, and Miroku laughed quietly as he caught bits and pieces. Tamasine wryly looked at Inuyasha, crossing his arms.
"What is ramen?" Tamasine asked Kagome, looking at her as she prepared the food.
"You've never—" Kagome began, but she stopped herself; "Well, of course you've never heard of it. It's basically..." and she went on to tell him.
The dinner was pleasant and calm, and soon, everyone was asleep. Inuyasha was awake, though, sitting by the fire with Tetsusaiga against his shoulder and his arms crossed. Tamasine was leaning against the tree stump still, head tilted back as his glowing grey eyes scanned the sky. Inuyasha watched his nephew, wondering why his eyes kept changing into slits, and then returning to human appearance.
"Tell me, Tamasine," Inuyasha suddenly said; "Who could ever love a demon as evil as my brother?"
Tamasine looked at Inuyasha, his glowing demonic eyes becoming human for what had to be the thousandth time; "Sesshomaru is not evil, Uncle," he replied; "Merely hardened. But, my mother saw the good in everyone, everything. She could see the purity in a soul, which is why she suggested that I come to your mate in case I needed help."
"Mate?" Inuyasha asked.
"You mean you have not taken Kagome as your own yet?" Tamasine asked, a surprised look on his face; "Well, it is none of my business. But yes, she is referred to as yours. You wonder why no man, nor demon, will take her from you? One, they all fear Tetsusaiga, and two, they fear your power."
"Please," Inuyasha snorted, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms; "All right, since you seem to know everything," he paused; "Why is the Shikon no Tama so important?"
"Well, it is not just the Jewel that I need," Tamasine said distantly, sighing and averting his gaze to the fire. The flames danced in the silver irises, like smoke over fire.
Inuyasha glared at him; "What do ya mean by that?" he snarled.
"The Jewel holds within it two souls—well, technically, if you round it off it's two, but really only one and perhaps a half," he mused, thinking aloud; "Sorry, I tend to get sidetracked. Anyway, the accounts of the Midoriko creating the Jewel are true; her soul still fights the demons within it. And another Miko, Kikyo, who, if I know right, was a keeper of the Shikon no Tama, until certain things happened.
"When she was killed, some say that a piece of her soul went into the jewel, as a final effort to purify it while she could. Now, with that in mind, conflict is now relevant within the jewel. Therefore, it would take an extremely powerful miko, with a purest of pure hearts, to purify it. That is where Kagome comes in;" Tamasine sighed at the lack of breath.
Inuyasha stared at Tamasine, wide-eyed. But soon, he glared; "So what, you plan on sacrificing Kagome for this?" he asked abrasively.
"What? No, she will not be harmed," Tamasine said; "but, without her nearby, the jewel might... become tainted once more. Plus, she is very powerful, if there was conflict, and you or I, or both of us, we harmed, she would be able to aid us."
"Okay, one more question," Inuyasha said, pausing; "Why do you act so... human? You're nothing like my brother..."
Tamasine averted his gaze at this, eyes on the fire, and silence reigned until he replied; "My father and I are not the same," he said, looking at Inuyasha; "I am my mother's offspring, he said once, while my twin, Ramorou, was the one to take to his blood. I have accepted that," he said; "But... my mother also had different views than my father. She believed humans were capable of strengths, while he of course considered them inferior. She taught me that emotions are what prompt thought and interaction; that I should not be indifferent and apathetic, more so respectful and pleasant, even if my intent may not be kind..."
"Your mother must be something, or crazy, because she's Sesshomaru's mate," Inuyasha commented.
Tamasine smiled half-heartedly and shook his head as he tilted it back; "My mother softened him," he said, eyes again fixated on the sky; "You hold disdain for your brother... he has never been how you speak of him... at least, not now," he looked at Inuyasha; "He often speaks of you highly."
"Should I be glad of that?" Inuyasha asked, one eyebrow raising skeptically.
"Yes," Tamasine said, laughing quietly; "Father is very powerful; the other demon lords respect him highly. Besides... mother is glad there are people like you around."
"What kind of demon is your mother, then?" Inuyasha asked, partly surprised he was gaining so much from his nephew.
"She is related to the spirits of the heavens, she herself is that, a spirit in flesh on the earth;" Tamasine mused quietly, eyes hazing over at the image of his beautiful, loving mother; "Humans call her youkai for her hair is like mine and her eyes are vibrant as rubies. Her skin is pale yet she has the warmth of a fire. She is ethereal; she has a soft glow like soft moonlight..." Tamasine paused; "Father said she came to him like a shooting star, falling into his arms and never leaving," he laughed quietly; "Quite loving, actually."
"So, Heaven and Hell met, eh?" Inuyasha asked quietly, sarcastically. But there was gentleness in the tone as he watched the fire.
"I suppose you could call it that," Tamasine said quietly, distantly as his hazy gaze never faltered from the fire; "Is there anything else you wish to know?"
Inuyasha was silent as he looked up at Tamasine, before finally shaking his head; "Nah, that's it for now," he replied.
"I have a question..."
Both the demon and hanyou's head snapped over to the sound of the voice, realizing that it was Kagome who had spoken. She was sitting up, still tucked in her sleeping bag, and with a sleeping Shippou cuddled up into her side. She was staring at Tamasine, and her eyes were so amassed with emotions that it took Tamasine to realize that she was worried and confused about him. He knew she'd been awake for some time, but her eyes... they caught him off guard.
"What question might that be?" the demon asked calmly and quietly none the less.
Kagome was silent, but she finally said; "What do you want to save by using the jewel? It's obvious you're not in to trick us for power."
"My reason will explain itself with time," Tamasine said rationally, looking distantly into the fire; "But, I will tell you that I plan to save a very dear friend of mine."
"Your mate?" Inuyasha quipped knowingly.
Tamasine shrugged, the action almost nothing in itself as he replied; "Not quite... not quite..."
Inuyasha knew that the interrogation was over then. He'd apparently gone too far at his last statement; Tamasine was obviously after a female demon but yet he was not about to let them know. That confused him, the secrecy, but Inuyasha didn't want to know once he thought about it. He'd had enough turmoil and pain in his life; he didn't want to worry anymore than he had to, especially not over someone he barely knew and still didn't trust.
"Go back to bed, Kagome," he said gently to her then, "We'll discuss this later."
Kagome was about to retort, but at the knowing in Inuyasha's golden eyes, she decided against it and nodded. She blew his a kiss goodnight, then laid back down in her sleeping bag, snuggling into it and wrapping her arms protectively around the still sleeping kitsune.
Tamasine watched this, inwardly sighing. Someday, he thought, I'll have that, the love so unconditional that it's painful. I'll be able to talk to my love through gazes...
Inuyasha shook his head at his nephew, and closed his eyes. He settled into a half-sleep, his senses on guard the entire night.
The dawn brought the sweet songs from birds as they flew over the group that traveled moderately down the path. Having packed and begun the trek earlier, they had distanced themselves from the village and were now heading for the valleys. Once again Tamasine had departed ahead of them, returning back every hour or so to make sure they were following him. Inuyasha knew of his was of travel, but he stayed behind, not wanting to stray too far from the group.
Kagome, Shippou and Sango were soon riding on Kirara's back, talking nonchalantly in an effort to ignore the tension. Miroku caught up with Inuyasha, matching paces with the hanyou. For a time, they walked in companionable silence, but Miroku could not for long.
"Inuyasha, what is Tamasine's past like?" the monk asked the hanyou; "His mother, who he speaks so highly of, who is she?"
Inuyasha sighed and rolled his eyes; "His past is like any other demon Lord's son," he replied; "Just he wasn't raised by Sesshomaru at all. It's like the guy hardly had an influence."
"That is obvious, now that you consider it," Miroku said thoughtfully; "So... it would be his mother then?"
Inuyasha nodded; "He says she's more a spirit than youkai, with relations to the very spirits of the heavens. Tamasine said she... tamed my brother, basically. He rambles a lot, he's a thinker," Inuyasha stated; "I can tell he analyzes everything he comes across, and this is no exception. He also said that his mother told him stories about us, about his grandfather..." he paused as he collected his thoughts; "Strange though, when Kagome asked why he wanted the Shikon no Tama so badly, all he would say was that a 'good friend' of his needed it because they were at risk of death. And when I just said 'you mean your mate', all he would say was not quite. And then, he was quiet, and I knew that the night was over and that it was best to sleep..." he sighed.
"Perhaps this 'friend' of his is one he wishes to be his mate," Miroku mused; "But is not one his father considers 'suitable' for him?"
"Maybe," Inuyasha said; "That, or Sesshomaru's rigged it to where he kills two birds with one stone..."
"Oh?" Miroku asked, and Inuyasha nodded.
"Yeah. One, Tamasine will probably show he's fit to rule, and he'll gain a mate. And two, the threat of demon's trying to take the Jewel will be gone. He helps everyone out just by working through his son."
"You've finally gotten a mind, Inuyasha, good for you!" Miroku dodged a swift blow from the hanyou, laughing good-naturedly. Inuyasha mock glared, smirking as well.
Sesshomaru gazed out of the window, sighing. He allowed his armor-less shoulders to drop slightly, for he was alone in his study. There was no need for armor, only his sword, and his Kimono was not so extravagant, though it was still expensive and amazing by any standard. Crossing his arms as he looked out over the vast Western Lands that were his territory, his kingdom, he wondered of his only remaining son. Tamasine had always been headstrong, much like him, but his reasoning always kept him on level ground. But his sudden upheaval and departure from the Castle worried the Inu-Youkai greatly, and this surprised Sesshomaru for he was not one to do so. But... if his mate grew worried, then he certainly would.
At this thought, Sesshomaru turned around, seeing his mate, Ninani, standing in the doorway and watching him with her glorious ruby eyes that shown with warm concern. Her pale skin seemed to glow, as it always did. Her long, smooth blackish-purple hair was up in a plait, though stray locks fell to frame her beautiful face. Her white kimono was decorated with black and dark blue wisps of color, swirling about her sandaled feet as she walked over to him slowly. Unlike most female mates in such a relationship, Ninani had a way with Sesshomaru that made him unable to fully have control over the situation. So he watched in silence as he fallen star came over to him.
"Sesshomaru," she said quietly; "What are you thinking about?"
Her voice was smooth like running water, sweet like birdsong. Sesshomaru's golden eyes softened at the pure sincerity, and he wrapped his arms around her. Her chin only came to the middle of his chest, and she tilted her head to the side to look up at him.
"Our son, my star," Sesshomaru said quietly, embracing her fully and sighing again as he rested his chin on her head.
"He will be fine, Sesshomaru," Ninani said quietly as she fisted his kimono in her delicate looking hands. But her voice betrayed her words.
Sesshomaru looked down at her; "Come, you are weary," he said, and he proceeded to lift her off her feet and hold her in his arms. It was at these times that he realized just how petite his mate was, and he thought her a porcelain blessing.
"I am capable of walking, my love!" Ninani said, smiling up at him as she pat his chest.
"And I am capable of carrying you," Sesshomaru retorted kindly, smirking at her as he proceeded to take her from the study.
They walked down the hall, passing servants and other workers at the castle. They were not bothered though; the servants knew of their lady's state around the time of year. She was lucky to be awake, and It was not uncommon for their Lord to carry her himself, as he did not trust any with his mate.
The Inu-Youkai carried his mate into their chambers, closing the door before walking over to the large bed. Sesshomaru placed Ninani on it, and she stood back up to remover her outer Kimono. He rose to help her, and then it was hung in the wardrobe. As Ninani settled under the blankets, Sesshomaru sat by her, watching her worriedly as he thought of her predicament...
"What have you seen, Ninani?" Sesshomaru asked quietly.
Ninani looked at him, before sighing and looking away; "The heavens only allow me so much, my love," she replied, barely a whisper. If it were not for his keen hearing, Sesshomaru would have missed it all together; "But... there are many trials that await our son and his companions."
"So he has found my half-brother?" Sesshomaru asked.
Ninani nodded, looking back up at him; "So he sent last night," she said, "While I was tending to Rin... he sent me images of the monk, your half-brother, the miko, and the slayer. He is with them, and they've agreed to help him."
"Do you think that this will solve the predicament?" Sesshomaru asked, taking her hand in his.
"I hope," Ninani whispered, then she sighed; "I'm tired, Sesshomaru..."
"Rest," Sesshomaru said gently, leaning forward to kiss her. He then rose, slowly taking his hand from hers, and left, carefully closing the door as he sensed her breathing slowing and evening out.
"Myota!" Sesshomaru called once he had left the Wing of the castle.
A panther demon came around the corner almost instantly, the female demon having heard her lord's call.
"Yes, my lord?" she asked, bowing.
Sesshomaru motioned for her to rise; "I want you to alert Kano the Water-youkai, and tell him to find Lord Tamasine. Then have Jaken meet me in my study. Understood?"
"Of course, my lord," Myota replied, bowing again before departing. Sesshomaru sighed then, and headed for the study once more to meet his retainer.
TBC
A/N: okay, chapter two. Thank you, Rhaevyn, for reviewing! The next few chapters are for you!!!!
Everyone else, review please please please!!!!