Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.
A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you had some great holiday days and, if you haven't celebrated Christmas yet or do not celebrate it at all, I hope you had great days anyway. I published this chapter as early as I could; consider it a late Christmas gift.
Chapter Fifty-Nine: Downfall
Upon hearing those words, Goro's face became worthy of a portrait. For the first time since the bone-eater well had stopped working, Inuyasha wished he had a camera so he could capture the moment. He felt his stomach tighten as he held back his laughter and mentally counted the seconds ticking by, aware that the cat wouldn't stay still for long.
In the meantime, the elders seemed to have recovered more quickly, and the first to speak was Kosuke. "Last day? What kind of story is this? And where is Goro supposed to go?"
"Oh, well... you know, he's spent so much time serving these lands that, surely, he feels the need for a nice... vacation now. That's what humans call the period during which a person decides to catch up with family members and be at peace on his own accounts."
"A vacation?" Goro shrieked, having found his voice again sooner than Inuyasha had hoped. "I'm not going anywhere at all! Don't make me laugh, hanyou! The day you never see me again will be the same day we manage to kick you out of these lands for good." His face was a mask of rage and horror, and his body trembled in spasms. He almost stood up and began slamming his hands down on the desk in front of him; Inuyasha was convinced that it wouldn't long before it would come to that, though — he hoped.
"Nu-huh, that's no way to behave, Goro... have you forgotten who I am?"
Sesshomaru glared at Inuyasha and then resumed speaking for him. "My brother meant that, as the rightful son of my father, he can never be kicked out of these lands. Are you aware of some law that has not yet reached me, Goro, by any chance?"
The cat shifted his fiery gaze from the younger to the older of the two. "Do you think this is a game, Sesshomaru? I want the reason for these antics explained to me; I demand it!"
"Of course, Goro-sama." In seven years, it was the first time Inuyasha used the honorific in addressing the elder cat, and none of those present missed the derisive tone with which he uttered it. "If it has not been clear to you thus far, from this day forward, you are dismissed from your seat. Mine was merely a courtesy. Perhaps, you have a few words to say to us before you take your final leave... you know, like a farewell speech."
Annoyed by the half-demon's theatrics, while all the other elders seemed like they wanted to enjoy the show without intervening, Kosuke interjected again. "Sesshomaru, since your brother won't give us the reasons, would you be so kind?" He didn't seem at all that pleased either, despite never having had a good relationship with Goro.
"Quite simply, Goro's latest attitudes have led to this joint decision. He is no longer suitable for the role of the elder; his bigoted opinions do not bring some benefit. Most importantly, it has been a while since his speeches only trigger unnecessary resistance and discussion. I think it is appropriate for his seat to be given to someone more suitable."
"And since when is the place of an elder given up, Sesshomaru?" the person directly concerned shouted louder than before. "I've been doing this job since before you were born, so I don't expect you to understand, but you won't easily get rid of me just because our opinions clash."
Inuyasha huffed audibly. "Clash, my ass. Your seat is being taken away from you because you sit with your ass propped up in that chair out of pure self-interest and you don't give a shit of what happens to people out there who expect you to act like a wise demon!"
"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru hissed in warning, giving him another murderous look; that fool could have at least avoided such words. When he turned back to Goro, the mask of indifference was back in place. Inside he was also quite angry with the elder, but his expression only denoted boredom and annoyance. Someone would have simply said that he couldn't wait to solve the problem and move on to the next one. "The issue here is not the conflicting opinions, as Inuyasha simply pointed out — though, I would have used more appropriate language —, but rather the fact that you failed to carry out your duties more than once in recent weeks, if not months and years. Unfortunately for you, it is no longer possible to turn a blind eye. I find myself compelled to ask you, as your sovereign, to leave without much issue."
"What if I don't want to?" Goro challenged him, still on the warpath. "It has never been heard of an elder being dismissed; you cannot do that!"
"The moment the prerequisites are lacking and you fail to fulfil your duties, I believe it is my right to do so, Goro," Sesshomaru repeated unperturbed, ignoring the first part of his sentence. "The fact you're the first is just bad luck."
"More than bad luck, I'd say he had it coming," Inuyasha snickered. "Then again, you were warned, Goro, weren't you? Certain behaviours weren't okay, but no... you weren't exactly happy, were you?" He shook his head and rolled his eyes as if he was simply dealing with a child who hadn't learned his lesson well and was being scolded. "Too bad, it'll be for next time, don't worry... ah, no, wait a minute!"
"Inuyasha, that's enough!" Sesshomaru growled, now annoyed by his brother's antics. "This is not a game. Goro, you'll have a chance to reflect on your mistakes, but I'd like the atmosphere in this room to remain serious since, the moment you leave, we will discuss another pressing issue."
"I'm not leaving; you're dreaming!" the cat demon burst out.
"Shall I ask the First Commander to escort you to the dungeon, Goro-sama? I thought I had made myself clear: you have violated your rights and, above all, you have hidden like a coward in the hour of greatest need. I warned you at the time that we would discuss your position shortly. Not content, you continued to ignore my advice and take advantage of your position. The time has come for you to step aside." He turned to the other elders with the air of someone who truly had enough. "If the rest of you have something to say, please say it now. Otherwise, I will proceed to call Katsuro to help Goro leave the room."
The horror was now all too evident in the cat's heated eyes.
They couldn't be serious. They couldn't make him leave the council! He leapt to his feet, and the rage that oozed from his every pore almost made them fear he was going to transform in the middle of the council chamber. Thankfully, at last, he seemed to regain just enough control to avoid it. When he spoke, his voice was strained and his speech inconsistent. All they could glean was the incessant repetition of the same sentence: "you can't do that."
"Goro-sama," Sesshomaru began again, "you do not wish to wreak havoc in such an unglamorous manner? Many demons living in these lands still hold you in high esteem; imagine the rumours if anyone saw the guards forcibly escort you out of this room." As he kept his gaze fixed on the trembling figure of the cat, he made an almost imperceptible sign with his arm towards Katsuro, who was slowly approaching.
However, there was no need for the First Commander's help, as the dai-youkai's words had the desired effect on the old demon. The idea of somehow becoming the laughing stock of the court, after having lived for so many centuries in those lands, seemed to arouse Goro from his daze. Although he had always been a hothead and a man who had no qualms about creating disorder or showing off, he had never been humiliated like that. He knew Sesshomaru was not talking in circles, and in hindsight, he could see clearly what a mistake it had been to ignore his earlier warnings. Given the events, it could be said the current Inu-no-Taisho had also been far too magnanimous towards him. Goro could have easily avoided these results if he had been more circumspect... if certain feelings had not ruled him to the point where he had lost all perception.
Even now, he could foresee what would happen in a few minutes — maybe seconds — if he ignored those coldly spoken words again. And at stake would no longer be just his expulsion from the council but his entire life in what had always been his home. He would no longer be able to look the other demons of the court in the face; he would no longer be able to show his face around because, at that point, the only thing left would be humiliation — a humiliation that would stain his entire family and the generations after his own.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha saw all of that pass through his yellow eyes now reduced to two slits, and twin grins appeared on their lips as they realized that the worst was over; Goro had surrendered.
After all, he still has some intelligence left, Inuyasha thought. He realizes that if he continued with this charade, he would have only lost.
His older brother must have felt the same way. In fact, shortly thereafter, in a smug tone of voice, he resumed, "I see we've finally understood each other, Goro. I'm glad." He didn't add anything else, but the cat demon also understood the unspoken. Then again, he knew Sesshomaru and his ways well. He still cursed himself for the thoughtless way he had ignored all the easily recognizable signals the dog demon had sent him. "Of course, as much as your position at court will suffer, your family remains one of the oldest of those inhabiting these lands. As such, you will always be appointed a certain amount of prestige as long as you continue-"
"Wait a minute!"
Sesshomaru turned his head, a murderous look on his face, ready to incinerate the one who interrupted him; Inuyasha clearly saw greenish smoke rising from his long claws. But the dai-youkai went no further; he would never dare to attack Kosuke, but it was clear what he thought of his interruption. The temperature in the room was irreparably affected. "Kosuke," he hissed through gritted teeth, forgetting the honorific.
The older dog demon ignored him. "Are you serious? Do you want to remove Goro from the council?" In response, Sesshomaru simply arched an eyebrow to say that he was always serious. Kosuke then turned to the rest of the elders, who had not dared to open their mouths yet. "And you're all keeping quiet? Do I need to point out that it concerns you as well?" He let his disapproval-laden gaze slide over each of them, but in return, he received only a few neutral looks and a bored one from Hayato.
It was Toru, face dead-serious, who spoke after a few moments. "I don't understand what you want us to say, Kosuke. Honestly, it was to be expected that it would come to this, given the unbecoming manner in which Goro has been acting lately. We've always put up with him being quite short-tempered, just as we turn a blind eye to Inuyasha's sometimes more scurrilous language. But this time, it's a case of him going a little over the edge."
"And what about the eventual replacement? Would you be willing to work with someone whose methods you don't know as long as you got rid of Goro?" Despite being the first to dislike the cat demon, Kosuke was well aware that after Goro left, he would be the only one to fight Sesshomaru in the matter of the heir.
"I'm sure that's the second issue on the agenda, Kosuke," Minato replied immediately. "We will study Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's proposals together, but I believe there is nothing more to add as far as Goro's situation is concerned. His place is no longer with us." The tone had a certain finality to it.
"Well?" Sesshomaru began again; he was now seriously fed up. "I don't have all day to waste, and I would like to move on to the matter of the replacement." He then turned to Katsuro. "First Commander, you may go and take the former elder with you; we have nothing more to say to each other. Be sure to inform our guest to join us in about fifteen minutes, not before."
"As you wish, Sesshomaru-sama." He made a slight bow addressed to all present and escorted the cat demon out of the room without any more resistance from the latter.
After that, silence reigned over those present for a few minutes before Toru cleared his throat and resumed his speech. "I'm sure the removal of Goro was a quicker affair than you anticipated, Sesshomaru. Perhaps, it would be wise to take advantage of the time gained before your guest joins us. I assume he is the one you would like to occupy the now empty seat."
Sesshomaru nodded. "Exactly, Toru-sama. I would never have removed Goro without already having a replacement in mind ready to take on his new duties as an elder of the council."
"You speak as if he were already an elder. Don't you think this is a decision for us as well? He will never sit among us without first obtaining our approval," Kosuke immediately retorted with a sharper note than usual. It was evident that the way Sesshomaru had dismissed him just moments before had not gone over well with him.
"Oh, I know, Kosuke-sama. However, I am very confident. I am sure you will welcome him among yourselves without too much trouble. He has been living in these lands with his family since the time of my grandfather, as have many of you, so he is someone you know without a shadow of a doubt. Moreover, after what happened with Goro, I thought it would be appropriate to choose someone who would never be guilty of cowardice and always fight in case of need. Thus, the choice fell on an army commander, who, despite his age, has yet to retire. He has proven time and again that he has solid values."
"A commander?" Sayaka repeated. "You will agree with me this is a rather unusual choice."
"Certainly. However, I felt it was a necessary change. Having been part of the military for so long, he is someone who would never abandon his comrades or those in need. I can't deny that Goro's behaviour during the last attack on this valley shook me up a bit," the dog demon resumed. His brother huffed — as if Sesshomaru could be shaken by something like that —, but he ignored it. "For that reason, and as I explained before, I am confident in my choice."
"There are a few age-appropriate commanders who have not retired yet. Could we have a name, Sesshomaru?" Hayato urged; he already had someone in mind.
Inuyasha read in the hawk's eyes an almost imperceptible spark that revealed his suspicions. Thus, he answered before his older brother could even do so. "Commander Haruki. Kitsune. Does that ring a bell?" He couldn't contain yet another grin.
Hayato burst into a thunderous laugh. "A kitsune? Sesshomaru, you were the one who suggested a fox as a council member?" He was laughing so hard that his eyes almost teared up. "I never thought I would see this day. Inuyasha, was it you who suggested it first?"
The half-demon raised his hands with amusement. "Oh, no. I assure you it was all my dear big brother's idea," he replied, putting an arm around Sesshomaru's shoulder, who immediately shrugged it off after giving him a dirty look.
"Ah, what do I care who proposed it! I absolutely approve!"
At that point, Kosuke looked like he was about to emit smoke out of his ears. "You approve? You don't even give us time to discuss, Hayato?"
The hawk demon waded him off and continued with his usual carefree attitude. "What's there to discuss? I know Haruki well. As Sesshomaru says, Haruki has firm values and would never ignore his obligations. Besides, he's not always dead serious like you; a kitsune on the council would definitely lighten the mood." It was clear from the big smile on his lips that the idea of having an old fox in their midst pleased him greatly. Neither Sesshomaru nor Inuyasha had ever had any doubts. But then again, the former had been counting on it and knew that whatever headaches those two together would give him in the future was a price he would gladly pay to get rid of Goro.
"Do I need to remind you that the atmosphere in this room should always remain as serious as the topics being discussed in it?"
"Uuuh, do you see how you do it, Kosuke?" the hawk rolled his eyes. "I meant just that. Between issues, there is a need for laughter. The addition of a fox will come in handy."
"Putting aside Hayato's conception of useful," chimed in Toru, who was another of the dead-serious demon the hawk demon had referred to moments before. "I believe Haruki is well known to everyone in this room. Is there anything you would like to say before he enters? The fifteen minutes allotted are about to expire."
"I have nothing to hide," Kosuke replied. "What I have to say I can say in front of him as well."
Toru turned briefly to his other companions, but since no one signalled that they wanted to speak, he turned back to Sesshomaru, who, in turn, gestured to Inuyasha. The half-demon snorted but then went to call the fox who was waiting outside.
When Haruki entered, he did so with a quiet smile on his lips and an air that exuded serenity. If somehow the idea of being questioned bothered him, he didn't let it show. He probably wasn't the least bit perturbed, though, because he was in the presence of people who were mostly his own age. Moreover, he knew that the bulk of the work had already been done when Sesshomaru had chosen him as Goro's successor. Nevertheless, he gave them a low bow as soon as he entered and behaved in the best possible way, so much Hayato scolded him for being too serious.
However, the exchange of jokes between the two lasted only a few seconds because the stern expression on Sesshomaru and the other elders was enough to make them shut up. At least, Haruki thought as he peered at the half-demon beside him, someone besides Hayato who wasn't so solemn was still there.
"Commander," Toru began, "Sesshomaru has given us the reasons why his choice fell on you, and everyone in this room knows you. For my part, I can tell you that I trust your actions, and I trust that you will not disappoint us should your presence on this council be confirmed. I just want to ask you if you already know well your duties and that those we defend always come first. Nor should you take advantage of certain privileges that would be conferred upon you, such as a position of certain prominence for you and your entire family in this court."
"Ah, Toru-sama, Sesshomaru-sama asked me a similar question when he proposed me to be Goro's successor. Thus, I can already answer you with certainty. I am very aware of my duties, especially of the need to defend the valley at every opportunity. Furthermore, there are only a few things that scare me, and among these, there is not some rebellious family that wants to impose on others or similar. I also have a lot of patience, when it's needed; I have an idea that, with two brothers like these, it's going to take a lot. Am I right?"
Sesshomaru ignored him, while Inuyasha answered with an indignant Oi. Almost everyone chuckled except Toru, who was as serious as Sesshomaru and Kosuke, whose face was now tattooed with a grimace.
"That's enough for me. Besides, we'll soon have the chance to see how he behaves and what kind of spirit he's in considering the busy period of the moment," Ryota began. "I trust Sesshomaru's judgment, my packmate's, and most importantly, I know Haruki well enough to say he's not a slacker. Besides, I think Goro has shown enough how even us elders can lose our jobs if we don't work hard."
"Like everyone in this valley, after all," Hayato agreed. "Silly of Goro to think he would be spared. If there's one thing the family of these two," he pointed to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, "never tolerated it was slackers. I have already given my consent."
Kosuke, who had already figured out there wasn't much to be done and that Haruki would be accepted anyway, interjected again. "What about the court? Don't they have a right to speak in this case?" Not that the fox bothered him; he actually had nothing against him joining the council. His problem was the realization that he didn't have as much support anymore as far as the issue of full-fledged heirs was concerned.
"We've already discussed that as well," Sesshomaru replied. "Or rather, my brother and I have already arrived at a possible solution. All it will take is your consent. Most of you were elected with the approval of the court and the populace, which means that they have also given you permission to make decisions for them. Not to mention that people are still divided on what concerns the attacks; asking them to decide for us would only spark unnecessary bickering and unanimity would never be achieved."
"This is quite predictable. Mostly, it's not the first time a council member has been chosen and approved by only us and the Inu-no-Taisho," Sayaka recalled. "When shortly before Inuyasha was born Minato joined us, it was Toga-sama's choice. We simply approved, just as would happen now."
"That's true." Ryota nodded. "It was the first time an original member of the council died, and no one had anything to retort when she was presented to the court."
"You definitely don't expect everything to go smoothly this time, do you?" Kosuke admonished him. "Goro continues to have a large chunk of approval because of his seniority, and not everyone will be happy with this development. In fact, I dare say it was a very risky move."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Honestly, I'm amazed that he even lasted this long. I can't remember a time when Goro has been useful in solving problems since I've lived in these lands. If anything, he created them."
"Your case is special, Inuyasha."
"Yes, of course. Nevertheless, even from your behaviour towards him, I could deduce that his mannerisms were not due solely to my presence. The problems with him have always been there and ours was just a fairly obvious and calculated move. To go on like that would only have increased problems."
Once again, the hidden meaning behind those words was also clear. Goro, in addition to wreaking havoc, would have been a pretty difficult person to deal with given the entry of Sesshomaru's human companion. What they couldn't know was that Inuyasha was well aware of the problems that would arise soon. Thus, they couldn't allow such a hostile demon to have decision-making power. Not when his goal wasn't the prosperity of the valley but personal gain linked to too old conceptions. At stake was the happiness of more than one person, not to mention the future of the western lands.
"Moreover, you'll agree with me that it has been centuries since the old man created this empire, and one must always adapt to the times, no?" He grinned seeing the shocked faces of some of them at hearing Grandfather referred to by such a disreputable appellation. "Aside from a few flaws here and there, you're all fine. Goro, on the other hand, refuses to change certain attitudes. The world out there, though, doesn't care about the ones that remain still in time."
"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru began. "Don't you feel like you are getting a little too familiar? I wish you would avoid addressing the elders like that."
Hayato burst out laughing. "Come on, now, no harm done. We know Inuyasha well by now. Do you see why I say a member like Haruki would make the atmosphere less heavy?" He winked at Inuyasha as he continued talking to the older brother.
Sesshomaru had to make a great effort not to sigh. "If anything, I am concerned with what you would be capable of doing together, Hayato-sama. However, since this discussion is still open, I would like to continue. And anyway, because Inuyasha is no longer new to certain dynamics, he should have learned how to behave by now."
The half-demon shrugged in response. "As long as I behave in front of the court, it's all good, right?" He smiled slyly.
Kosuke cleared his throat to bring everyone back to order. "So approved Haruki — apparently you're all in agreement —, how do you plan to proceed with his presentation at court and anyone who protests? I'm not so naive as to believe there won't be discontent as a result of the announcement, precisely because, as we've already mentioned, tempers are still short, and people are divided despite the valley seemingly returning to normal."
"Of course, there will be unrest, but it's better to resolve things now than in a few years. If Goro had stayed among us, greater problems would have arisen in the future, so this remains the wisest decision anyway. I will talk to him personally by the end of this day. I think it makes sense to say he left the council of his own free will because he believed he had already done enough in the past centuries. He would look better in front of the court, instead of saying he was dismissed." Sesshomaru was sure that, at that point, Goro would accept anything as long as he was assured his public image would not suffer too much.
"Indeed. That way we would nip a lot of problems in the bud," Minato interjected. "Some people might still complain about the sudden change, but if we say it was Goro's own choice, it would be useless complaints. It's a very smart choice."
They continued for a while longer to discuss the possible scenarios and problems that might arise when Haruki was presented. Considering that the main topics of the meeting had already been discussed, the tone of the conversation became less solemn and calmer. Both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were pleased with the way everything had gone and when they finally returned to their mates, their auras emanated a calm and serene attitude in stark contrast to that of the morning.
A few days later, another event was held at court, to the amazement of all, and the two brothers made sure to keep an eye on anything that might go wrong.
First of all, Sesshomaru personally talked to Goro and, although the cat was not at all happy to see him again and kept a more grumpy and biting attitude than usual, he accepted the version proposed by the dog demon. In fact, as had been previously mentioned, his public image might suffer even more if everyone learned that he had literally been kicked out of the council. That way, he could continue to hold his head high, although the idea didn't sit well with him at all. He hadn't accepted his downfall, nor would he ever, but for now, it was best to keep quiet a bit. What worried Sesshomaru the most was the reaction of the old First Commander's family.
Goro's family and Daisuke's family had always maintained good relations, but it wasn't until Shou had become the head of the family that the ties had been somewhat strengthened. This was because they both had the same goals, and Goro had never had a problem pushing for an eventual mating between Sesshomaru and Keiko. However, now that the cat demon was out of the picture and officially retired of his own volition, the dai-youkai anticipated even worse wrath from the Commander. Not that he was scared of it, mind you; he was rather annoyed at the mess and future commotion.
Later, when a date was chosen for Haruki's introduction to the court as a new council member, it was also ensured Rin was ready to face the court in her current state. Her health had recovered considerably, but her mood still had its ups and downs. Everyone realized that being back in front of so many people judging her could have no positive effect on a woman who had been through a bit of an ordeal. However, when the girl assured them more than once that she feared absolutely nothing, the event was confirmed for two days later.
Sesshomaru was proud of the strength of mind she was showing, and this behaviour of hers only confirmed how much she had grown and changed. Day after day, although the difficulties seemed to increase rather than decrease, Rin was adapting to her life as the Lady of the West and as Sesshomaru's mate. The realization increased the depth of the feeling the dai-youkai had for the human girl, and never since their bond had been formed did he doubt her choice. Rin was his soulmate in every way.
Their life as a couple had faced nothing but adversity since it began, had not gone as smoothly as Sesshomaru, incredibly naïve for his part, had imagined. Yet, he was always convinced the most prosperous and serene period of his life had begun, nothing to do with the solitary existence he had led since he was a young boy, still a bit immature. More than once, he wondered what his father — or his old self — would have thought of his change of heart.
He looked forward to the future and to what awaited him with Rin at his side.
The big night went more quietly than both of the brothers would have thought possible, and as Minato had pointed out, the complaints of those who didn't accept that Goro was no longer part of the council of elders proved to be an end in themselves. If the cat no longer felt like helping his ruler lead the prosperity of the lands, no one could force him. His place would naturally be taken by whoever was more suitable.
Haruki was a fairly well-known figure and was welcomed by the majority of the court, especially those who still looked at new things with a sceptical eye. The Kitsune was not unknown, if anything the opposite, and in this way, he appeased a great number of minds.
Inuyasha, for his part, seemed to enjoy himself very much. His golden eyes stayed on Shou's family almost the entire time so that he could see all the emotions that were running through their faces. Some days he thought that people like those three Commanders existed only to ensure his delight.
Keiko seemed to be the most dejected of all; apparently, being raised all her life with the knowledge that her place would be next to Sesshomaru had really damaged her. Some illusions didn't disappear overnight. Still, Inuyasha wondered if she was finally going to put her mind at rest or if she would get back on track in a while. He wasn't naive enough to believe her family had stopped causing them problems.
For the moment, however, he could be satisfied with the results, especially considering that only ten days earlier they had descended into sudden chaos.
On the eve of the fifteenth day since they had hurriedly arrived in the West, Inuyasha declared it was time to leave the palace. They had done all they could to help Rin; Kagome had made sure that Sesshomaru could support his mate and, most importantly, that he was no longer thinking of calling some other healer in her place.
Kagome seemed a little reluctant to leave her friend, but when her mate insisted, stating that staying a little longer would undermine their sanity, she didn't argue. It was true that those two weeks had been hard on everyone, and they now needed time for themselves.
It was decided they would not return immediately to the village but would take two days off. Shippo had rolled his eyes, aware that he would be the nanny for most of the time, but he adjusted without too many problems because he was too happy to leave an environment that had become too oppressive.
Finally, when after a few smiles and a lot of reassurance from Rin towards Kagome, the family left those lands, they did so with more mental fatigue than ever, but with less heavy hearts.
For the moment, the promise they had made to Sesshomaru and Rin of the future had been kept; they had done what they could. That, though, was only the beginning. Looking at Kagome's tired face, Inuyasha wondered what kind of mission they had embarked on.
His mate rightly worried about how much future events would affect and change Rin, yet, he couldn't help but worry about Kagome, too. How much would she suffer? How much would the knowledge of the future burden her?
He looked over his shoulder one last time as they reached the border. Gazing at the huge expanse that had been his father's domain, he vowed to safeguard his family's happiness in any way he could.
He had made a promise he intended to keep to his older brother before the well closed forever, but before that, he had sworn to Kagome that she would always be safe and happy with him. In every sense. And Kagome always came first.
A/N: I hope the chapter was not boring because a great chunk of it consisted of Goro's bitching. Although, this wasn't the last time we'll see him. Finally, I really liked writing the last part, with Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's reflections about their mates and lives. I hope you enjoyed it as well.
I wish you a happy new year, but most of all to spend it in serenity and safety. Until next time!