Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.
A/N: I'm a little bit late with this update but, honestly, the last couple of weeks haven't been the best. That said, I hope you like this chapter.
Chapter Fifty-Seven: Haruki
The following morning, the family of four plus Shippo decided to have a smaller private breakfast in their room. When everyone was stuffed, and just before Kagome headed towards the bathrooms with the pups, Inuyasha approached the main problem of the day. Sesshomaru had informed him he intended to meet with the probable new elder that very morning, and Inuyasha would meet them in the former's private office very soon.
"What do you want to tell us, koi?" Kagome inquired, curious about the reason Inuyasha wanted their children to be there as well. Usually, they prefer not to discuss certain matters with them if avoidable. Then, she remembered he had told her he wanted to discuss something about Muteki and raised a brow, her gaze dropping to peer at her son and then again at her mate.
"Well, yes…" he didn't know how to start. He didn't like the idea in the slightest, but at the same time, he recognized Sesshomaru's point. If only it didn't contemplate his son's presence… He could see that Kagome would be sceptical as well.
He was stalling, though, and Inuyasha knew it wasn't the best way to proceed when he had to tell his mate something. It often led Kagome to think the worst, and consequently, she stormed him with questions so that he would drop the bomb. Yet, most of the time, Inuyasha's reluctance to confess something was due to nonsense; afterwards, his mate would complain he had made her worry for nothing. This time, though... Inuyasha didn't think it was a small thing, so it was best not to get off on the wrong foot and give her the wrong impression. As soon as he saw Kagome's brow raise sceptically, he hastened to speak again. "It concerns Goro and the council. You know Sesshomaru, and I think it's high time we found a replacement."
"Mmm," was Kagome's encouragement for him to continue. Immediately after that, she glanced again towards their children, silently questioning his decision to keep them there as they spoke about an argument that wasn't meant for them.
Inuyasha trailed his fingers down Toga's silver hair, who was still snuggled in his lap, seeking comfort. Muteki was next to his mother, in front of him. He rarely sought their laps now, but Inuyasha found himself wishing to go back when the pup was younger and used to seek him as much as his little brother still did. Inuyasha was aware Muteki was still young, but sometimes he wanted to appear older than he was, and as a result, he also wanted to affirm his alleged independence. It was his tough, older brother act. Inuyasha already imagined what his response to Sesshomaru's request would be. The hardest part would be convincing Kagome when he wasn't sure either.
"Sesshomaru thinks that to choose the perfect candidate, one who holds no ill-will towards us and is not biased, we should use Muteki's help," he said without even taking a breath. He held Kagome's gaze as he saw an array of emotions passing through her eyes. At first bewilderment, then apprehension, fear and finally anger – which he imagined was aimed at Sesshomaru for daring to propose such a thing. But before she could even think to question the fucked-up idea, Muteki spoke up.
"Me?" he immediately asked, looking up at his father. "Should I do what I usually do when we are not sure of someone's loyalty?"
"No, Muteki," Kagome shot back. "You do not have to do anything like that. Your uncle is delusional if he thinks he can bring you to such a meeting. It would raise too many questions, and I don't want you to. Remember what we always say; your ability must be guarded, and no one should have only an inkling of what you're able to do." She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and drew him close to her; the boy weaselled out her grip immediately and moved his gaze from his father to his mother and vice versa. He had his arms crossed and a pout in place; like his younger brother, he knew how to do his father's imitation when he was in the mood for a temper tantrum. But because of the greater resemblance he bore to his mother, it was less perfect. However, the puppy eyes were still unfailing. "I want to help," he said with conviction, a scowl now replacing the pout. "Goro-sama is always nasty with us. I want to help to find a better person than him."
"This is not your place, Muteki," Kagome replied with his motherly tone. Immediately, she shot a glare at Inuyasha, who should have not even discussed the matter in the child's presence. He knew his son, so he knew Muteki would want to do his part even if those were adult problems. From the resigned sigh he exhaled, she knew he had done it on purpose; he wanted to see what Muteki's reaction would be or, better, confirm it. "What were you thinking?" she almost shouted, even if she hated to raise her voice when the children were with them if she could avoid it. "You know it's too risky and you don't seem happy at his request too. Why did you have to tell it in front of him?"
"Because I promised Sesshomaru that I would discuss the matter with both of you. Look, I know it's not the best request he has ever done, but we knew where he's coming from. No one would know better than Muteki if the person Katsuro is bringing is reliable or not. Rest assured that whoever he proposed won't be like Goro for sure. Katsuro had to choose among the Commanders, and he knows every one of them. Muteki just has to confirm his goodwill, and if he wants to come, I'll make sure that he doesn't draw attention. He knew how to behave, do you not, Muteki?" he asked, peering at his son.
The pup nodded eagerly. He had been taught from an early age to be careful whenever he looked at someone, to avoid looking a little too careful when he didn't need to. He had learned to behave like a child, even an immature one if necessary, as long as others didn't notice his far too serious gaze for a pup of his age. Precisely because he knew how complicated it could be if someone perceived something strange or wrong, he didn't use his skill often, nor had he had many opportunities. Mostly, he had used it in the village, where humans dismissed it as nothing because he was just a child anyway. But demons were more careful when it came to details and special powers. The child had always been told, as far as he could tell, that he had to be three times more careful when in the valley – and, in fact, only once had he had to look at someone since his parents have been coming to the West with regularity.
With the enthusiasm that often characterized the children, he wanted to seize the opportunity and be helpful in such an important matter. For that, he was aware that the importance also demanded more attention.
Kagome sighed and ran her hands through her hair, already resigned. Why couldn't things go smoothly for once, quieter or at least assure that her children were left aside? Was that too much to ask? Evidently, yes... because being the late Inu-no-Taisho's grandchildren presupposed always being the centre of attention in one way or the other. And instead of trying to shield them a little more, Sesshomaru seemed inclined to raise more questions.
Oh, she was going to have her talk with him too; he wasn't going to get away with it just because he was the Lord in this valley.
"And what the oh-so-great Lord thought would be the best way to introduce a pup to an adult meeting? Surely, they will question his presence there. Tell me at least he had a good idea," she pleaded, shifting her hands from her hair to Muteki's ponytail mimicking her mate's gesture with their second son.
"Sesshomaru thinks that we could easily dodge every question saying that Muteki missed me. You did miss me very much… didn't you, pup?" He smirked, and his eyes gleamed with mischief. "Our abrupt departure shocked the both of you, and you didn't want to leave me."
At first, Muteki looked at his father perplexed. Of course, he had missed him, but he knew he wasn't allowed during such meetings. Seeing the question in his son's eyes, Inuyasha repeated, "You missed me, didn't you?" He winked.
Finally understanding, the pup parted his lips, forming a little 'o', then eagerly nodded. If he had to act a little too much like Toga, he could do it. After all, it was true, he had missed his parents, and he wouldn't say no to his father's company. He just couldn't wait to be of help!
"I missed you too," Toga finally interrupted the family reunion. "I want to come too," he cried while hugging tighter his father.
Two pairs of blazing eyes turned to him immediately, making him shut his mouth without even a whine. He could recognize when it was a losing battle. He bowed his head dejected and nuzzled his father's neck.
Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged a meaningful glance; in each other's eyes, they read everything they did not want to say in words. Sometimes being parents was exhausting, but at least they had avoided the whining and shouting this time around. Hopefully, they would leave the valley soon, unscathed too.
An hour later, while the younger visited his aunt with his mother, Inuyasha headed to Sesshomaru's office with the oldest. He put his son on his shoulders and crossed the royal wing. Muteki was a little too big now to be in his arms, but he could still climb on his shoulders without too much trouble and without eliciting too many reactions, aside from the women who would coo at the sight and say that Inuyasha was an affectionate and tender father, making doe eyes at him – Inuyasha would scoff, and Kagome would glare at them.
They entered the room that way as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Inuyasha immediately greeted the demons already there; they were the last to arrive.
"Sesshomaru, Commanders," he inclined his head, offering them a smirking grin, trying not to let them see how nervous he actually was. Those first few moments would be crucial.
"Little brother," Sesshomaru said, ignoring Katsuro's raised brow and focusing more on the interested look Haruki was now exhibiting. "Muteki," he added with a faint smile for the pup. He acted as if his presence in this room was normal too. The First Commander, taking note of his aloofness, dismissed the matter, even if it was certainly unusual for Inuyasha to bring one of his children to a meeting.
Muteki was clinging to his father's neck as if he was afraid someone would divide them and looked at the three of them suspiciously, just like a child could do. When no one questioned his presence there, he relaxed. He then focused on Haruki, realizing he didn't know him; it must have been the person.
"Inuyasha-sama," both Katsuro and Haruki offered at the same time.
"I assume the little one is your oldest, Inuyasha-sama," Haruki continued. He offered the pup a toothy smile, trying to soothe him despite not knowing him personally. He unknowingly allowed Muteki to look at him in the eyes without drawing attention.
In the few seconds that the contact lasted, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru observed the Commander's reaction to the pup as well. The way certain demons acted toward children, and especially toward Inuyasha's children, was often key to a positive or negative first impression – although some pretended to be amicable toward them just to buy their parents' favour.
Haruki was well-built, as any other in the western army was required to be but wasn't the tallest of the demons; he didn't even surpass Inuyasha in height – and the half-demon was the shortest of the three dog demons currently in that room. His blond hair had lightened even more as the years went by; instead, the tails waving excitedly behind him retained a reddish hue that must have coloured his hair at a young age and it still stained his chubby cheeks right at eye level. Eyes that held amusement most of the time, just like at that moment, as he smiled at the quarter-demon. Inuyasha knew him, as he knew almost everyone in the army, but he never had contact for too long, nor could he claim to know him that well. They had even sparred once, and he admitted that the seven tails weren't just for show – he could really fool his opponent!
"Yes," Inuyasha's replied to Haruki's statement, "the youngest is currently with his mother, but Muteki wanted to spend some time with his old man. I hope it's not a problem for you. I assure you that he's the quieter of the two."
Haruki laughed wholeheartedly and winked at the pup. When Muteki returned his big smile and the little tension he was radiating eased, the brothers knew it was a done deal. If somehow, Muteki's study of the fox would have revealed something unpleasant, Inuyasha had instructed him to make up some plausible excuse. That way, they would have left the room and indicated silently to Sesshomaru that the fox wasn't trustworthy.
"Oh, I believe you, Inuyasha-sama. I saw both of them more than once, and I remember the ruckus the other one can cause. He is more energetic, isn't he?" Haruki offered and then addressed Muteki directly. "Do you want to see a trick, little one?"
Muteki nodded eagerly and asked his father to put him down, going as far as to leave his hand and move closer to the fox. "I already know a lot of kitsune tricks," he stated proudly. "I have a big brother who is a fox demon, and every time he comes back from his training, he shows us everything he has learnt." He spread his arms wide to show just how much he already knew of fox magic. "Besides, one of our guards is a fox too, and when we come here, Kichiro always offers to teach Shippo new tricks."
"Oh," Haruki assumed a stunned expression and let the child know that he had his full attention. "But then it will be really hard to amaze you," he said, "And here I was about to show you a simple trick. Looks like I'll just have to make a bigger effort then." Muteki nodded again and puffed his chest to let him know it would be difficult to surprise him since he was very cultured in fox magic already.
Inuyasha's eyes held so much affection and love while looking at his son but also pride at knowing that the Commander was willing to kneel and spend some time to make sure Muteki was at ease. Even Sesshomaru was touched by this display, even if he didn't show it. Aside from Hayato, no one of his age had ever been so informal with the pups or took the time to entertain them. Adults and elders tended to disregard them and focus mostly on their parents.
"So, Muteki, do you want to see how you're able to produce some foxfire?" Haruki asked him.
The child's eyes widened, and his lips formed an 'o' before he asked bewildered, "I can?"
"Of course you can," Haruki replied, nodding, "everyone can." He smirked.
"Won't the fire burn me? Shippo is always setting something on fire when he uses his foxfire in the house, and dad gets angry and thumps him on the head."
Haruki chuckled, and Inuyasha sweated. Did his son have to make a fox, hundreds of years older than him, believe he was mistreating another kit?
"Oh, I'm sure your father has his reasons. Maybe this brother of yours has still to learn a few important tricks about foxfire. But I assure you it won't burn you," Haruki said, still laughing and sending Inuyasha a few teasing glances.
Meanwhile, if Sesshomaru was bothered by the 'wasting of time', he didn't show it. Maybe for once, he had decided to let his nephew enjoy a Kitsune's speciality.
"Now, open your hands and turn your palms upwards," the elder instructed the pup. Muteki did so, but his excitement was evident thanks to his inability to stay put and the trembling of his hands. "Everyone who has a fox as a good friend, or in your case, as a big brother – you certainly are a lucky fellow, Muteki –, won't have problems creating a good foxfire. It's like you have been exposed a lot, or in your case all their lives, to fox magic," he started to say again. He spoke the way a warrior tells his battles or a mother tells a fairy tale to her children before going to sleep. The tone was just right, Inuyasha thought. After two sons who were still in the middle of their 'fairy tales and adventures' phase, even more so if the parents were the protagonists of those adventures, he knew it well. "Now, pay attention to your hands, please."
A small ball of blue light appeared between the fox's hands, but Muteki didn't notice it because he was too focused on his, where, a nanosecond later, the same ball appeared even bigger and brighter. It hovered above his hands, not really touching the pup's skin, but giving him that impression, the warmth the fire exuded helping too. He gasped, and his eyes gleamed with even more excitement and giddiness. "You did it!" he exclaimed.
"No, you did it," Haruki corrected. "I couldn't have without your help, Muteki."
The pup finally raised his eyes again towards the elder demon; his smiling happy face was everything Haruki could have asked for. He had always had a soft spot for kids, maybe because they could appreciate the simple beauty of an easy trick and were not afraid to show it. It was with them that he was best able to show the childlike self all foxes always had, even after centuries, even if, like him, they had seen war and death. The kids always managed to bring out the best in him, and Haruki was always happy to oblige them with a good trick; that's what he lived on anyway!
The pup turned to his father, who was grinning like a fool and showed him the foxfire still in place. "Look, dad! My foxfire is even better than Shippo's!"
"Of course it is, Muteki. You can goad as much as you want later," he winked, already imagining the face Shippo would make. "And maybe next time Haruki will meet him as well and teach him and your brother to make a foxfire as big as yours. What do you say, Commander?" Inuyasha also figured that after having teased Shippo a bit, he could make sure he met another fox demon who knew a lot more, and that Toga would be likely envious when his brother started to recount the events of this morning. Then, the kit would be the one to goad with his other fox friends the next time he went for an exam. Shippo enjoyed bragging about how many powerful Kitsune he met every time he went to the West or even because he was family to the current Lord of the West. Kagome liked to say that Inuyasha's cockiness had rubbed off on Shippo.
"It would be an honour, Inuyasha-sama," Haruki agreed with a small tilt of his head.
When Muteki, completely satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, was quietly reading in a corner of the office, and the adults took each a seat around Sesshomaru's desk, they got down to business.
"It seems to me that now is the perfect time to start discussing the reason why we have asked for your presence here, Commander," Sesshomaru started. The gravity of his tone should have suggested how much serious the topic was, but since it was the usual one Sesshomaru used with everyone aside from his family, the Kitsune didn't understand at first. When Sesshomaru was sure he had Haruki's complete attention, he went on. "The First Commander deemed you capable of accomplishing this task, and as I trust him, I trust his judgement as well."
While Katsuro appeared very flattered by the unexpected compliment and bowed to thank him, Inuyasha wanted to snort because no matter how much Sesshomaru might trust someone, deep down, he always remained suspicious, and it was evidenced by the fact that he had asked for his son's presence in order to fully accept Haruki as a candidate. "Before going into detail and explaining to you what this new task of yours consists of, I would like to point out something else. There is obviously no need for me to remind you that what we discuss in this session is extremely confidential and must not be mentioned to anyone until I, myself, have announced it publicly."
"Of course, Sesshomaru-sama," Haruki offered. As if the dog demon's usual cold and murderous glares weren't enough as a warning. As if the fox would ever betray their trust. However, Sesshomaru's natural suspicious nature was known, and Haruki didn't expect anything less.
Sesshomaru tilted his head and continued. "As a result of recent events, my brother and I have come to realize that some changes within this valley are sorely needed to ensure the well-being of all inhabitants and prevent further infiltration or discontent that could worsen the current climate." No one could deny how, despite more than a month having passed, discontent was still rampant, not to mention suspicions. Besides, most people weren't prone to spending time with anyone they didn't know perfectly. It didn't help that there was an elder in the council who fuelled this sentiment by insisting on the purity of the race or other nonsense.
"Some changes are more urgent than others, and this is the reason why you are here today. We need to replace a seat on the council and have chosen you as our designee. Obviously, Commander, you are familiar with the duties of such a position; it is certainly not a task to be taken lightly. So, please, tell us immediately if you do not feel up to it," Sesshomaru continued, looking at him through half-lidded eyes and making it clear he expected neither rejection nor an attitude unsuited to the position from him. After Goro's experience, they knew they had to replace him with someone who could occupy his seat with due seriousness, someone who really cared about the valley in which they lived. "Since the person you are going to replace had now proved to be incapable of carrying out his duties, it is essential you understand yours should you accept. You must comprehend that being in the council means putting the good of this valley before yourself, no matter what. We have chosen you because, as Commander, we are sure you will never lack certain values. I am confident you will not disappoint us."
In his short speech, Sesshomaru had been able to include an absurd amount of threats but, at the same time, also offer more compliments than he had ever given in his whole life. The very fact he had deemed him worthy of the position was saying something, after all, and Haruki had no intention of backing down just yet. He realized the importance of the task and the gravity of the situation.
It, however, did not erase the shock he felt the moment the dai-youkai revealed that he had to replace a current member of the council. For as long as Haruki could remember, it had never happened before that a new elder was chosen except after someone's death. He had to admit, though, that most of them dated back to the birth of the council itself; there had never been much need for replacements. What had happened to lead the two brothers to decide to remove one of the elders? For how long had they been thinking about it?
"I understand, Sesshomaru-sama. The elders certainly have to help you reign over this valley, and it's their duty to see that this discontent is not fuelled by falsehood or prejudices. If we want the mood of the inhabitants of these lands to return to how once it was, it is necessary to eliminate unnecessary contrasts and ensure a more peaceful atmosphere. The elders are the firsts that have to set a good example. I can fully understand why you may have sought a replacement if, as you say, the current member does not care about these needs," he offered.
"Hn," Sesshomaru nodded, peering at him carefully. "Will you be as dutiful as you have been in the army? Under no circumstances should you back down from a complicated situation just for your own well-being."
"Absolutely, Sesshomaru-sama!" the fox exclaimed, offering another bow. "If you deemed me up to the task then, I will be sure not to disappoint any of you. I will take great pride in this assignment; I will carry it out as long as I live in these lands. I will try to correct my predecessor's mistakes, and I will put as much effort into it as I have always put in the army." He had fought for centuries for this valley, under two different commanders and two different generals. He had seen the lands expand, friends die, and discontent run rampant for various reasons that were not always moral. If he had to join the council with those assumptions, knowing full well that the silver brothers demanded his lack of prejudice, he would fight for the valley with his words too.
"Very well," Inuyasha spoke up. "We don't mind at all your determination. I think we couldn't expect any less from a Commander of your calibre. Why don't we go into details now? I assume you already know everyone who currently holds a seat in the council, don't you?" Haruki nodded. "Unfortunately for us, there is one of them who cares more about himself and the purity of the race than these lands' well-being. I'm sure you already understood who through Sesshomaru's speech."
"It wasn't difficult to understand the main reason why you decided to remove this demon," Haruki agreed.
"Yeah, I personally think that as he got older – with all due respect – he let himself go a bit and took his position for granted. Like everything in this valley, a rank or position is not only earned but also maintained, so his mistake was trivial, wasn't it? It doesn't matter who you are, who your parents are, where you come from; it matters to us that you are strong and committed to these lands, as each of us every day. I won't even begin with speeches about the purity of the race because I believe my very being is explanatory enough. However, I will not tolerate that, in the time of need, an elder hides out of fear or cowardice and, then, also tries and commands aspects of my life. The elders, as such, have sworn to put the welfare of the valley before everyone else. Cowardice is not allowed, just as, you know, it is not allowed in the military. We are all demons here, and most of us know how to defend ourselves and attack an enemy, except for a few specific species. Thus, I expect different behaviour than the one I saw with the deserters in the human army."
"As you can see, Commander," Sesshomaru continued, "it won't be easy to remove this demon from the council either, but we have plenty of reasons to do so. We will do it very soon, once I have called a meeting."
"Is my presence required during the same meeting, or should I arrive when you have already exposed your reason?" Haruki inquired. He had no trouble imagining who was so biased he had to be removed. Knowing him very well, Haruki also knew he tended to shriek and cause a ruckus. It wouldn't be an easy task indeed.
"You will be introduced during the same meeting, but I would like to discuss the matter with the other elders beforehand. On the other hand, the fact that we deemed you adequate for the task doesn't mean you won't have to prove your adequacy to them. Usually, both the people and the regent choose a member of the council, but since the other members have already been approved by the court, they can approve your candidacy without the risk of running into too many problems. The very fact that they will favour you will make you suitable in the eyes of everyone else. That, of course, doesn't mean there won't be dissent; those are never lacking."
"No, I am not that naïve – even if some of my comrades may think that because of my usual free spirit – and I know that there will be some who won't like Goro's dismissal. Am I right in my assumptions?"
Inuyasha grinned, and a faint smile graced Sesshomaru's lips too. "Wasn't so difficult to understand, was it?" the half-demon chuckled. "Yeah, his manners are known to the whole valley, but those who think like him won't be pleased, not to speak of the ones who had always tried to use his favours to enter our graces," his grin got wider.
"You are not to make a word about our agreement until the day we will arrange a court meeting," Sesshomaru repeated then. "We will meet tomorrow morning; I will make sure to call a council assembly by then."
"I definitely can't wait," Inuyasha stated, wearing a cocky expression. "Think he will like it if it's a lowly half-breed who gives him the news?"
A/N:
Concerning Muteki calling Shippo his big brother, no Kagome and Inuyasha aren't Shippo's adoptive parents in this story, even if he is definitely part of their family. However, since Shippo has grown up with their kids and he is still a child himself technically, I thought it was easier for both Muteki and Toga to see him as a brotherly figure.
Updates will be slower in the following month so the next chapter will be up in two weeks. I hope to read from you in the comments. Until next time!