VII — Ultimatum

"What did you say to mom?" Inuyasha asked when he reached his father in his private office. "She's been sending me sweet and even overenthusiastic looks ever since you left us alone yesterday. Not to mention that she kidnapped her at the first opportunity, and at this rate, she'll spend more time with my fiancée than I will!" He crossed his arms and rolled his eyes as he took his seat in front of the desk, replicating an attitude of his childish self and making Toga smile at the memories he stirred up.

He laughed. "You're not jealous of your mother, are you?"

"Keh. Of course not!" he immediately replied, looking away and blushing, making it clear that he was, indeed.

"Come on, Inuyasha," Toga continued, unable to stop chuckling. "After all, your mother has always wanted a daughter; let her learn about the only one she will ever have." By this time, the half-demon had turned red to the tips of his ears and seemed about to emit smoke out of them.

"W-what?" he sputtered. "D-daughter?"

"Well, you said it yourself, didn't you? Is she your fiancée?" He smiled devilishly.

"Just because the old man gave me her hand and, I mean... she and I, u-us. Oh, you get it!" he huffed, looking away again.

Toga started laughing even louder. "No, I don't understand." Inuyasha scowled at him. "Son, you never learn, but why are you so embarrassed? You asked for her hand yourself, she's your soulmate, and soon, you will join your bodies and form your own family. That's how-"

"Dad! Please, don't give me that speech again!"

"You're not ashamed, are you, Inuyasha? You're all grown up now. That's how it is. By the way, your mother wanted to know when to start planning the ceremony; she said she was going to ask Kagome if she wanted a human one as well as a demon one and-"

"WHAT?" Inuyasha leapt to his feet, this time actually emitting smoke out of his ears. "What do you mean she was going to ask Kagome? What's wrong with her? It's still too soon; we haven't talked about that at all! Damn, I knew her being too pushy would cause trouble sooner or later. I have to stop her before it's too late."

Toga stopped him with a hand on his shoulder and forced him to sit back down before he could run away. "Calm down, son. Of course, since you've met Kagome your blood goes even more to your head – and that's saying a lot! Explain to me, what do you mean by it's too soon and we haven't talked about that? We gave you space for a reason; I thought I had been clear. It does you no good to put it off any longer."

"I didn't mean we didn't talk about it. We made it clear that we know who we are to each other," Inuyasha huffed, annoyed and still panicking about what his mother might have said.

"And why is it too soon then?"

"What do you mean why? We met two days ago and not on the best of terms. Kagome is still upset; we don't know anything about each other. What do you expect?" he ranted.

Toga put his hands in front of him. "Okay, okay, I understand, you are not as temerarious as your mother and I were." They had married and joined after only a week, and in more than two centuries, they had never regretted it. After all, everything had been clear to them from the start. Of course, he also understood that their situation was slightly different from that of his son and Kagome.

"Temerarious," Inuyasha repeated under his breath. "Is that why Mom thinks she can ask her certain things? This morning I overheard her talking to the maids about commissioning a whole wardrobe and trousseau; now I understand, damn it! I must stop her," he exclaimed, trying to get up and run away; Toga stopped him again.

"Easy, easy," he reiterated. "She's not going to talk before she's asked you; your mother is not intrusive to this extent. You can rest assured. Now, tell me more about what you said to each other yesterday."

"For now." The hanyou rolled his eyes, then he coughed and began scratching the back of his head nervously. His father arched an eyebrow in response. "It went well, all things considered."

"All things considered what?" He looked as if he had to force the answers out of his mouth.

"Well, everything." Inuyasha shrugged.

"Inuyasha." Toga looked at him sternly.

"All right, all right. I meant it when I said that we clarified that neither of us should doubt the other by rushing to conclusions. And since we don't know each other well yet, we will take the time to do it. Nothing rushed considering where we start from," he admitted, without meeting his father's gaze.

"So, you didn't tell her how you feel in the end?" he urged him again, appearing disappointed.

"Oi! You said I had to clear up the soulmate thing, not that I had to confess who knows what. It's barely been two days," he reminded him. "Besides, I don't know what you're referring to," he added, blushing, pretending that his feelings weren't developing so fast and that he had never confessed anything to his father.

"I know, son, but being honest never hurts – even with yourself." He gave him a piercing look, which Inuyasha ignored smoothly.

"Yes, if you're a half-demon and don't want to be rejected," he contradicted him. "Plus, she's already told me she's confused – and, yes, I know that's normal – so why should I put pressure on her if the only thing I don't want is forcing her hand? We came to a good agreement, after all. Despite the fears and anxieties I have, I think it's a good start." After all, Kagome wasn't the only one who was a little confused and panicked about the whole situation and everything they had to get used to in such a short time.

"Hmm," pondered Toga, pacing back and forth across the room. "Well, I must admit it's a big step for you, especially considering what you told me yesterday and how you feel. Does that mean she has accepted your courtship? Yes, yes, it might be great for you. You're not like your mother and me; you can't expect it to be the same for everyone, after all."

"Does that mean Mom won't ask embarrassing questions that could ruin any progress I make?"

Toga laughed again. "Don't worry; I'll tell her about it later. Oh, by the way, she's not too happy that you didn't reveal who Kagome was right away, but she's willing to forgive you and wants you to talk about it as soon as things calm down."

Inuyasha swallowed, knowing full well what that meant, then he moved on to more pressing matters. "About one last thing: I would like to leave already to return to the village."

"Do you think it wise to take Kagome with you? You might be seen or who knows what," the demon pondered.

"I know, I'm not keen on it either, but I've found that the girl can be more stubborn than I am," he huffed. "I couldn't change her mind!"

His father laughed even louder – that fact was certainly amusing him. "Oh, I see; she's just perfect for you! Finally, someone who will stand up to you."

"Oi, I'm serious here!"

"Sure, sure." He cleared his throat and resumed, "Then I guess it's safer to leave late and travel at night like you did the other day. Keep all your senses alert and don't behave rashly. The stakes are very high."

"I know, Dad," hissed Inuyasha, already worried and anxious. "That village left me with a strange feeling; I couldn't wait to be far from it."

"Well, that's what happens when it's inhabited by people who are anything but pure. Humans sometimes do not react well to certain events and cannot handle their emotions well; it creates quite a stir," he commented wisely. "However, you are right: if these were your impressions, you must be quick. Travel light and reiterate that they don't have to worry about taking much with them; objects they really care about are fine but leave everything else to me. It is the least for your future mate's family."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes one last time before leaving the room; his father was acting as if he and Kagome were already a couple, about to do who knows what. He didn't dare to think about it. He loved his parents, a lot, but he was discovering even more how capable they were of embarrassing him. Had he not been agitated and worried about something else, he would certainly have spent a few more words to let them know exactly what he thought of that attitude. He sighed and then looked around for Kagome, no doubt with her mother, who was working hard to distract her and make her feel a little better; Inuyasha was grateful for that, at least.

As soon as he saw her, he stopped for a second longer to look at her and a smile immediately stretched across his lips, erasing the frown he had been wearing up until that moment. It was true that his life was now mostly composed of unknowns, one of which was represented by Kagome herself, but at the end of the day, he wasn't so sorry about that.

Toga summoned his eldest son shortly after the younger one had left, well aware that the conversation would be much more complicated than the previous one. It was hard to remember the days when his relationship with Sesshomaru had been simple and natural; he recalled when he was a determined and full-of-ideas child, he had never let himself be discouraged and had always had so much faith in his abilities – even too much. What he missed most was the way he looked at him, proud and full of admiration, wanting to follow in his footsteps. It was just a pity that that emotion had disappeared at the same time that his path had separated from that of his mother, Kimi, and joined, sometime later, that of a human.

Kimi was not a bad person, but often too indifferent to what happened around her and, above all, to feelings. This made it impossible for her to externalize what she really felt – not that she tried or cared to do so – and was the main reason why Toga had decided to part ways with her. Theirs had only been a political alliance and neither of them felt anything more than mutual respect; in the long run, it had begun to weigh on them. Sesshomaru had not been so agreeable and although his mother behaved the same way with him, he had not accepted their separation willingly. He had repeatedly tried to make it clear to his father that he did not need feelings to be with Kimi and that the relationship they had was perfect as it was.

Unfortunately for Toga, Sesshomaru had inherited not only his demon marks from her but also that indifferent disposition and contempt for everything that was different from them and, above all, weak. Even if he had stayed with him after Kimi had gone away, Toga had struggled to show his view of the world and, as the seasons passed, the distance between them had only increased. Sesshomaru didn't like the way he led his people or how he stubbornly insisted to have peaceful relations with inferior humans who, at best, could earn the role of slave. In short, what had always been indifference in Kimi had turned into pure hatred in him, which reached its peak when Toga found his soulmate: Izayoi.

More than two centuries had passed since those days and the Inu-no-Taisho found it more and more difficult to come to terms with his no-longer-young son's outbursts that only proved him immature. He wouldn't throw in the towel, but he couldn't help admitting that the situation hurt him and despite everything that was said about him, Sesshomaru had become his very weak point. He was still his son, on a par with Inuyasha, and he wanted the best for him – like any other parent – but what he was about to do might send him the wrong message.

However, he had no other choice: he had tried them all, and nothing had really helped. That was the only path to take and if it didn't work, he would be facing a dead end. He hoped could shake Sesshomaru and the foundations of his being to bring him to an inner reflection that would perhaps make him realize that the values he had chosen and followed so far were not as right as he believed.

When Sesshomaru arrived, he did so carrying with him all the fury he was still harbouring from the events of the day before. He had waited for his father's summons, knowing that he couldn't leave if he didn't because he knew when Toga was being serious. In fact, even though he now rarely paid him respect, he knew when it was best for him not to disobey.

That was one of them.

Anger had been his companion for years now, and he carefully hid it behind his cold, composed mask that recalled his mother's indifference. However, the only one from whom he had never been able to hide it was his father: Toga knew very well what his son's soul concealed and this annoyed Sesshomaru even more. Despite all his efforts, he couldn't get over it and he always returned to him, aware that separating from his father for good would bring no good. After all, to a small extent, he still remained that little boy that admired the General and sought his approval. And perhaps, he didn't want to get rid of this small part that he so strongly hid. Yet, coming to terms with the demon Toga had become over the centuries and the blood ties that connected him to an inferior being like his half-brother was still difficult, if not impossible. Perhaps, somewhere within, Sesshomaru still believed he was not enough for a mother who left him and a father formed a second family, but he would never recognize a similar thought let alone admit it – not even to himself.

Therefore, when he reached Toga shortly after Inuyasha's exit, he made no effort to hide his anger and immediately let his father know what was in store for him. "What is it? Were you in such a hurry to talk to me that you entertained the half-breed first?" he taunted him.

"We both know that's not the case," Toga replied placidly, arranging some papers in front of him and putting off for a few seconds the moment when he would meet the gaze so similar and, at the same time, different from his own.

"I really know nothing when it comes to you, father," he commented again in the same tone.

"Of course."

"You may be wasting your time with those people, but I have better things to do than sit here in silence. You called me here for a reason, what is it?" he demanded when he saw that Toga showed no sign of wanting to say more.

"And what it's so important that you can't appreciate your old man's company for a few minutes? Kill some other random human?" He finally raised his face to look at him.

Sesshomaru hissed. "That's a better pastime than yours."

"Pastime, huh? Well, let's talk about that, about how you prefer to spend your time and what you would do in my position." He intertwined his fingers under his chin and stared at him straight in the eyes.

"Is this another of your useless lectures? You can save your breath; you know it's of no use," Sesshomaru said, waving his wrist gracefully.

"Oh, no, far from it. Take what I'm about to tell you as a warning and pay close attention to my words – more than usual – because you'll never know when they might come in handy. Perhaps even sooner than you think," Toga replied without being deterred by his son's attitude.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and tried to understand what else he had come up with to try to get closer to him. His insistence on wanting a relationship made him appear even weaker in her eyes: he did not want something based on ephemeral human feelings; he wanted a figure that could help him become a true warrior, overcome his own limitations and not be afraid to get his hands dirty.

"Sesshomaru, you are my heir, and as such, when I decide to retire, you will occupy my place and become the next Inu-no-Taisho. It is a position of great prominence, is it not?"

"Hn," was the only reply he received.

"You know what they say about me and how much people, beyond these lands, fear and respect me. These two sentiments are not easy to achieve; to do so you must prove yourself capable of leading, compromise where necessary and avoid conflict whenever possible – not seek it." He cast him a meaningful glance. "I have been covering this role for centuries and have fought to maintain it since long before you came into the world, improving and adapting to the changing society. Being Inu-no-Taisho means above all this."

"You are a warrior, the strongest, and you should act like one, not waste energy on such talk," Sesshomaru interrupted him.

Toga laughed, not at all amused. "And how do you plan to protect your lands if you don't think being an orator is necessary? Words are more important than your claws, Sesshomaru; in fact, yours have proved lethal on more than one occasion."

His son sneered. "Did anyone take offence yesterday, father?"

"Oh, no, I do not speak of yesterday. I wanted to clarify what your duties will be one day... if you wish."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "If I wish?" he repeated.

"Remember what I said at the beginning: keep in mind these words I am about to tell you. A General's first task is to bargain, to be understanding and, above all, to work for cohabitation to avoid bloodshed."

In response, Sesshomaru burst out laughing as he never had. "Is this the warning you wanted to give me? Are you still afraid to get your hands dirty? We are demons; bloodshed should excite us."

Toga smiled. "On the contrary. Take it as a reminder. Do you want a war?"

"An easy conflict to rid us of people unworthy of these lands," he replied indifferently.

At that point, Toga finally got angry, no longer willing to maintain control. "Well, thank you for clarifying that once again," he growled. "Then listen well. Learn to acquire the traits I've spoken of so far, show me that in addition to your claws, you also have a brain capable of understanding what it really means to take on certain responsibilities instead of wandering around killing and looking for new sources of power, and the title will be yours one day. But if you fail, it will continue to elude you forever."

Sesshomaru clenched his fists and jaw, growling in turn. "If I want to, uh? It seems I don't have that much of a choice."

"You're wrong, son. I remain always willing to abdicate in your favour, but I cannot leave the people I have led for centuries in the hands of a person who would start war at the first opportunity. By if you wish I meant just that: it is all in your hands, but you must prove yourself worthy."

Sesshomaru sprang to his feet and brought his face closer to his by leaning over the desk that divided them. "And who would you put in my place? The half-breed?" he mocked him. "We'll see what happens to him; the demons of this valley wouldn't think twice about killing him, and I'll stand by contentedly."

Toga did not allow himself to be provoked, even though the words hurt him. "I never implied anything of the sort – do you feel inferior towards your brother? Are you afraid he might take your place? Is that why you have been hindering him since he was born? I didn't show preference between the two, but still, you keep eluding me."

Sesshomaru glared daggers at him. "Inferior to him?" He grimaced as if the words left a foul taste in his mouth. "A weak being like him? You really want to make me laugh today."

"You're the one who brought him up, Sesshomaru. Remember that I still have a long life ahead of me, and unless someone betrays and kills me, I will not need a replacement. I have summoned you only to remind you that it may be even more centuries than you think before you are General if you do not wish to learn certain lessons."

Silence engulfed them for a moment only to be shattered by the sound of blood dripping drop by drop onto the floor. Sesshomaru's claws had penetrated deep into his palms, wounding him again and again without giving his body time to heal itself. Father and son began a battle of glances that seemed to last forever, but finally, with one last snarl and a look full of hatred, Sesshomaru left the office and behind him a deeply disappointed father.

Toga slumped in his chair and covered his face with his hands. Had he made the right choice, or had he doomed their relationship forever? It had been tremendously difficult to say those words, but in his heart, he hoped they would have the desired effect.

Only time would tell.

Inuyasha and Kagome left as the sun was about to set. After a thousand recommendations from his parents and others to Kagome, they crossed the walls and set off along the same road they had travelled just two days before. When Inuyasha crouched down, his back to her, she didn't complain and climbed onto his shoulder without any trouble, keeping her grip firmly around his neck and still hiding her face to shield herself from the wind. There hadn't been much change since they had made that promise, but they were both trying to avoid any unnecessary bickering. That trip was already going to be a test for them.

The first couple of hours passed quietly and with few words; Inuyasha went faster than before and soon they were only a short distance from the border. At that point, Kagome tried to ask him to put her down.

"That's not a good idea," he whispered back. "And before you can say anything, I know you can defend yourself, but if you stay on my shoulders, at the slightest hint of danger I can carry us easily away from prying eyes. If I do as you ask, it will be more complicated."

"And how will you protect us if your hands are busy?" she retorted.

"Who said you can't?" he asked in reply, throwing her a look and winking, earning a few extra points. Kagome had brought with her the faithful bow and with those last words, Inuyasha was telling her that he trusted her to save both of them if needed; he wasn't assuming she was a frail woman in need of rescue. And it just proved the big difference between him and the men she had grown up with.

Although she was studying to become the next head priestess, some had never hesitated to place themselves above her merely because of their apparently superior sex; others were not afraid to belittle the ones who protected them and thought their main task was always to be wives and mothers. It didn't occur to her until she began living in another reality, but for humans, that was a common mentality – the only one to boot. Despite her powers, she still was a woman and as such, she was inferior to the man. Yet, she remembered how her father used to be with her mother or Hojo's kindness, even though he still treated her as if she was too delicate – and it actually was the reason for his death.

Observing the interactions between Inu-no-Taisho and Princess Izayoi, it hadn't taken her long to realise that although he was much stronger than her, he didn't make a boast of it and treated his mate as his equal. It gave her hope that Inuyasha had been brought up to behave in the same way and that relationships were different in demon society.

"Besides, worst case scenario, I only need one hand, don't worry. Trust me, it best to stay like this." Then he froze and signalled her to be quiet as he cautiously crossed the border following the same, more uninhabited path to her family's hut.

The journey seemed to take forever though it was in fact very short and, all the while, Inuyasha felt his heart in his throat and a bad feeling deepening with every step forward. They had just reached a bend when his ears began to twitch frantically and he froze again, suddenly. Kagome was surprised and made to open her mouth, but Inuyasha anticipated her by lifting a finger to stop her.

He could hear people shouting and fighting, even though they should have been asleep; he didn't want to risk being discovered, even if they were still very far. He checked the perimeter and only once he was sure no one was near, did he start walking again and reached his target.

He could clearly understand what was being said and picture the situation, but the empty hut and the mess visible from outside were even more telling. Those they had come to retrieve were no longer there and if the old smells did not lie, they were also a good few hours late.

"They're not here," he murmured only for her ears, instinctively tightening his hold on her thighs. This last action proved to be a good choice because, time to realize what her companion had said, and Kagome began to fight his grip.

She opened her mouth ready to scream then changed her mind and whispered. "What? Where were they supposed to go? You promised them we'd come back; they knew!"

"Shhh," he said in reply. "Don't freak out. From what I understand a procession showed up here this afternoon with the headman and one of the priestesses ordering them to leave. It seems someone convinced them that your misfortune has passed to them and consequently to the whole community. That slimy old man they wanted to marry you off to has disappeared and they think it's a bad omen – that a whole cloud of misfortune now hangs over them all. Keh; what nonsense!"

"Tsubaki," she hissed, starting to fidget again. "That woman has been trying to get in my way since I was a child, and she was the source of the rumours about me – even before Hojo was killed. I'm sure she has something to do with it even now! She always had an aura about her that didn't convince me, but now. Hey, leave me, leave me I said," she complained, starting to raise her voice.

Inuyasha had taken her in his arms as he spoke, sensing her growing upset and wanting to avoid detection. When she raised her voice, he immediately covered her mouth. "Are you crazy? Do you want to get us caught? What do you think will happen if they find both of us here? I will be forced to defend us, and in that case, death and war would ensue – and we don't want that at all," he hissed. "If I remove my hand, will you promise to remain calm?" Kagome first cast him a glare and then nodded; Inuyasha released her from the embrace a second later and placed her on the ground.

"Don't be too gentle," she scolded him.

"You'd rather we were found out?" he reiterated, arching an eyebrow.

"Pff. But what about my family, what happened to them?"

"They left this den of harpies, but their tracks should still be fresh for my nose, and I think I can spot the route they took. If you stop being stupid, we can go right now."

"But... Tsubaki..." she tried to say.

"Who would that be? The black priestess?"

"What?" Kagome's eyes widened.

"Didn't you just say she had a certain aura about her?"

"Well, yes, but a black priestess?"

"I could tell right away that something was wrong with her, unlike the other one... Kyoko, Keiko, that one!"

"Kikyo," Kagome supplied.

"Yes, Kikyo is alright, apart from the ideas common to most about my race. Some might say you're the weird one since you don't think I'm an unclean being and blah blah blah." He waved his hand for emphasis and then saw Kagome looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "You know what I mean; it's not like I'm complaining. I'm fine with you just the way you are, even if you're weird."

"Hey!"

"Are we going now, or are you still waiting to be surprised by one of those freaks or that Tsubasa?"

"Tsubaki!"

"Yeah, that, it's the same. This is not the time for talk or revenge, we need to find your family as soon as possible. It's pitch dark now and if they haven't found accommodation – which I doubt – they are certainly not safe. At night, these forests are swarming with demons, and I don't think they can defend themselves." He crouched in front of her again and waited for her to climb on his shoulders. When after seconds she did not, he turned back to her. "Oi, you're not going to have any new probl-" he stopped, seeing that she had blanched and stood still and immediately realised his mistake. As always, he had talked too much and frightened her – which she didn't need because she was already worried herself.

"Oh God, what if someone killed them? My brother is so small and grandpa doesn't have enough powers and..."

"Hey, hey, calm down. Shouldn't you be the one who can handle a situation like this better between the two of us? I'm the hothead here and yet, I've had to call you more than once. Get a move on and we'll soon find them." He tapped his nose with a clawed finger and smiled at her, sincere. "Trust me."

Kagome nodded, swallowing back a sob. Finally, she climbed onto his back and after a moment they set off on the trail of her family.

Although we saw Toga act differently with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, it's safe to say he loves both of them. But since his sons aren't the same, we can't expect him to act the same with them. In particular, what do you think about the discussion between Toga and Sesshomaru? Do you think he has shown some preference towards Inuyasha so far, despite what he said? Or do you think he did the right thing?
The little introspective part about Sesshomaru should help you understand what our prince thinks.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I thank you again for reading and leaving all of your love behind ❤.

Until next time!