Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters
Chapter Seventy-Two: The end of a Nightmare
"I worry about the rumours," Sesshomaru admitted that afternoon, his gaze lost.
Behind him, apprehensive, Kagome watched him closely. Over the past few weeks — and against all reasonable odds — she had become somehow his confidante and both had been shocked at how easy it had been to enter into that kind of relationship.
Sesshomaru had never imagined that Kagome would be the first person he would turn to, but it had been so natural that he had not fought his instincts too much. Besides, he had told himself, logically it was the best choice: Kagome was human, so she knew certain feelings better than he did, and above all, she was also Rin's confidante. As such, she could observe their relationship from an outside perspective, knowing the inside angles as well.
On the other hand, as surprised as she had been by her brother-in-law's choice to confide in her, Kagome had not refused when he had asked her for help — even if not explicitly — and had seen it as a good omen. Inuyasha, predictably, had been sceptical and had been less than enthusiastic about it. Still, he hadn't objected because he knew he could not impose himself or, worse, order her to do otherwise. He had merely mumbled here and there and complained a little to his children — among whom, Toga shared his impressions — and listened to her, cautiously, whenever she told him something, always careful not to betray Sesshomaru's trust.
And on that afternoon, when the family had returned to the West again, Sesshomaru told Kagome what had happened while they were away and what worried him most.
Although everyone had respected his request for privacy, there was nothing he could do to eliminate murmurs altogether in a court such as his. Above all, as the day of the council meeting approached the rumours about what was to happen soon increased.
Once again, after all those years, that was still the main problem.
Although not everyone did so in bad faith, many wondered if Sesshomaru would soon take a concubine to give people what they asked for: a full-blooded heir. Some claimed that soon the dai-youkai would take one only to silence complaints since he had enough, others that, in reality, he had always wanted a full-fledged descendant and he would choose the candidate with the best pedigree. A few believed he would refuse only out of spite and not give in to some courtiers, even though he was not satisfied with his mate and wanted to repudiate her for her inability to give him a son, even if half-blood. Finally — those closest to reality — shook their heads at hearing those rumours and reminded everyone that Sesshomaru had never been interested in what was being said about him. He certainly would not take a concubine to shut people up — there were plenty of other, more congenial ways for him to do that.
And it was precisely these murmurs revolving around the same theme that worried Sesshomaru. Better still, he was worried about the one that could hear them and her reaction.
"Unfortunately, we knew they would reach her ears, like all the others the court has always uttered in the ten years Rin has lived here," Kagome pointed out.
His eyes grew fiery as he reduced them to two slits. Finally, he merely let out a small, displeased snort.
"You can't defend her from immorality, but you can help her see things more clearly," she reiterated. It was also the first advice she remembered ever giving him when he had only recently mated with Rin and what Sesshomaru needed more than ever to keep in mind. Worrying about something he couldn't change — because there was no way to truly silence everyone — was pointless.
And as long as Rin didn't go back to shutting herself in, Kagome was sure that everything would be fine. They both needed time and to heal slowly, but they would make it in the end — and that was all that mattered.
"I do, every day," he answered her. Having chosen her as a confidante had consequently erased any mistrust, although he was still certain that she and his brother had never told him everything they knew. However, now he no longer doubted their good faith; he knew that everything had been done with the welfare of the whole family in mind and that he could not really pretend every future information.
"And do you see them clearly?" Kagome questioned him, standing up and staring at him earnestly as if to tell him that if he lied, she would understand it without fail. "If you can't do that in the first place, you can never really open Rin's eyes."
Sesshomaru felt her penetrating gaze on his back and turned to meet it. She was shameless to ask him that kind of question, but she always had been and her union with Inuyasha had only accentuated that trait. "I have a better view of you humans, don't I?" he retorted with a smirk on his lips and in a way that once would not have been possible for him.
Kagome burst out laughing and then shook her head. "If you are so keen on irony, it means that all these anxieties have not affected your spirit. Although I must say, I still have to get used to hearing you make any kind of joke. Who would have thought? Wait till I tell Inuyasha."
She turned, her back to him, and walked towards the exit. She stopped in the doorway and without looking at him, she said in farewell, "You will make it, Sesshomaru; you both will make it. If you had still been that arrogant, self-centred demon I first met, I would not have had such hope, but you have changed — whether you like to hear it or not — and this very conversation is proof of that. But your strong character has not been affected. It may take time, but everything will work out." And with that, she slid the shoji doors behind her and left her brother-in-law alone, deep in thought.
The night before the meeting with the council, Kagome and her sons had returned to the village to attend to their duties while Inuyasha had remained by his brother's side to help him with his own.
Sesshomaru had just joined Rin in bed when for the first time, she broached the subject. In their bedroom, the word 'concubine' had never been uttered, and he had naively believed it was so because Rin never doubted him or thought there was such a possibility. However, the words she spoke to him that evening made him question all certainty.
"Maybe it would be the right move," she murmured as she snuggled against him.
"What would be the right move, Rin?" he asked back, not understanding, at first, what she was referring to nor imagining that she could ever talk to him about it as they lay cuddled in their futon. That room was like a sanctuary for them, and the very idea that such a topic could contaminate him tinted his golden eyes red.
"Take a concubine," she whispered as if afraid of the word. Sesshomaru drew in his breath, unable to hide his surprise, but he had no chance to say his own before Rin continued, "It is obvious you desire a child, and I cannot give you one; I am willing to-"
"What are you saying?" he burst out angrily, his whole body now tense and getting up to sit up sharply but still aware of her body next to him. "You want me to take a concubine?" He loaded the last word with so much venom that, hearing it, Rin shuddered.
"No! I did not say it is what I want, only that I think it is the wisest choice. You want a son; your court wants an heir, and I-"
"I don't care what our court wants! We are a couple and I certainly don't want you to think you have to share your bed with a demoness just to satisfy the absurd demands of people who have no right to interfere with our private lives. I don't want a child, Rin; I want a child with you!" he exclaimed, leaving no room for doubt. "I thought all this time it had been clear and, instead, now I find out that maybe you have been hiding these thoughts all along." He ran a hand through his hair — a nervous gesture he had only recently developed — and then took a big breath. "Do you have any idea how old I really am? I could have gone on like this for as many centuries, not giving a damn about their demands. Do you think it is the first time I hear such a thing? I have always ignored them. They started from the day my father died and my brother was born, and that was more than two hundred years ago. The only reason the matter has been brought up so many times is that I have taken a mate — one that the bigots living in these lands do not approve of."
Rin made to speak and interrupt him, but a look from him made her desist.
"They do not approve of you not only because you are a human but also because you are not one of their choices. Even if I had taken Asuka as a mate, it wouldn't have made that much difference. These old fools want someone through whom they can impose their will on me or, at least, have some semblance of power in their hands. Since I already have you, they thought it could be wise to insist on a concubine and the need for an heir with a frequency that had never been achieved before. Don't you see? They know what buttons to push, and I will not play their game, nor do I want to listen to you talk such nonsense! I already have one — one they can't chase away. And if we want to be precise, he has more rights than a child I could sire. If Inuyasha wanted, he could-"
"Don't you think maybe I'm tired of hearing what they say? Of the murmurs that follow me everywhere?" she interrupted him, now crying and raising her voice in a futile attempt to counter his.
Sesshomaru immediately cupped her face and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. He met her gaze and then said, "Listen well. You knew well what awaited you when you came to live here, and I know very well the strong Rin inside you. I do not delude myself into believing that all the pain that has befallen us could not have weakened us, but I do not want to think that you could accept such a thing or even throw me into the arms of another demoness. You barely managed to utter that word and you think you could survive such an eventuality?" He laughed without enthusiasm.
"Do you realise that? You would subject yourself to more anguish and suffering for whose sake? Certainly not mine. Do you understand? You must not feel insecure about what we have because of what they say. I have already told you and I will tell you again: we are a couple and, as such, we need to discuss these things together and not jump to wrong conclusions because of a lack of communication. I think recent events have proved that to us enough."
Rin merely nodded as she continued to sob and Sesshomaru held her close, reflecting on his own words. He knew that Kagome had repeated the concept to both him and Rin more than once, had made it clear to them that the worst thing they could do was make decisions on their own, take something for granted and disregard each other's feelings thinking, instead, that they were doing good. They had to rely on each other and realise that it was the only real thing they needed. Yet, at times, he admitted that it was not always so easy. Kagome had answered him that there was nothing wrong with that; it was important to admit it and repair what was possible to have a healthier relationship.
"I can't silence everyone — if I could, I would have already, believe me," he whispered in her ear as he hugged her. "But trust me, no one will interfere." Then he froze suddenly, unable to continue and tell her that the only child he would ever have would be theirs; even though Kagome was convinced that in the future it would happen, he didn't want Rin to have any more illusions. For the moment, they had to accept that there was a chance that something like that would never happen.
"What if... what if the council forces you?"
"They won't," he asserted confidently. "Already, when Goro was part of the council, he failed to succeed and the remaining members were averse to the idea. Now the chances are even less. Tomorrow's meeting was organised only to please those who complained, to make them believe that we would think about it. But, in reality, we all know what the verdict will be." And even as he said that Sesshomaru admitted to himself he had the slightest doubt about it; doubt represented by Kosuke. However, on his own, the latter could do little, and Sesshomaru did not need to mull over that possibility too much. When he appeared before the council the following day, it would be to reiterate the decision he had made years before.
"Are you sure?" asked Rin again as if to insist on the last thought that Sesshomaru had only formulated in his mind.
"More than ever." His voice rang out powerfully in the silence of the room as he let go of even the slightest fear and convinced them both that everything would go right.
With the confidence that the words they had exchanged last night had inspired in him, Sesshomaru walked seriously, composedly and confidently down the corridors leading to the council chamber with his brother.
Inuyasha had been strangely silent at breakfast, probably — and this Sesshomaru only understood later — due to some form of respect; the half-demon had sensed the elder's state of mind and had preferred not to infer. The two of them handled anxiety and anticipation differently and it was a miracle that the youngest had actually managed to keep it all inside. He must have made a huge effort and Sesshomaru hoped that this would not lead to him later bursting out in front of the elders.
Meanwhile, to thank him, he vowed to show his gratitude in the years to come — and there was plenty to show.
They entered the room and saw all seven members already present and quite serene, an image he had only recently become accustomed to since Goro had been replaced by Haruki, who had integrated smoothly into the group.
The usual pleasantries followed, but before long they got down to business.
"Since this meeting was mainly my idea, I think it's only fair that I start," Toru exclaimed from his seat. He had assumed an annoyed expression that immediately found an explanation in his following words. "I can't deny that having to organise it didn't upset me because that would be a lie: I'm very peeved."
Both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha arched an eyebrow in response.
"I thought we had settled this matter years ago, and instead, I find myself, once again, arguing and hearing complaints and rumours that I am not at all happy about. And you all already know how much patience I normally have with gossip."
"The same as I have, no doubt, Toru-sama," Sesshomaru offered.
The wolf demon raised a hand to interrupt him. "Let me finish my speech first, please. I have a few things to make clear." The dai-youkai nodded and motioned for him to continue. "It seems that ever since you appointed an official heir, there has been trouble after trouble that I didn't even dream of before. There is no need to think about it too much. After all, we know that this happened because not everyone was happy with your choice, whereas when the place was vacant, for many, there was still the possibility of occupying it as they preferred. You put a spoke in their wheels, and in a way, they want revenge. However, I did not consent for your brother to be heir — thus resolving an important issue — only to be swamped by these insulting problems. I don't care how, but things have to change. My job is to help these lands prosper, not worry about every new gossip. Do we understand each other?"
"Certainly, Toru-sama," Sesshomaru nodded again.
"I hope so, Sesshomaru, because after today I no longer wish to hear such talk." Then he turned to his comrades and said, "Do you object? Don't tell me it pleases you to return to this room each time to discuss such matters. We have the heir and he has done an excellent job since he was chosen; I do not understand what the problem is for that mass of imbeciles other than that they did not get what they wanted. They're grown people; it's time they learned to accept disappointment, however bitter it may be!"
It was obvious to all that Toru was truly annoyed by the whole thing, and if he was, just think how affected Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were. However, after the elder's last question, the two brothers turned sharply towards Kosuke, the only one from whom they expected any form of dissent. The action was replicated by the other council members, and before long, the old dog demon found himself the centre of attention.
"Ah, do you want me to start and play Goro as well, by any chance? I know very well what you are thinking and what you expect of me, but I am not here to create confusion."
Silence followed his statement.
"It's been ten years since Sesshomaru took a mate, and as Toru wanted to remind us just now, we've discussed it enough already. As much as I didn't always get along with him, I don't think I was ever the insensitive person you now want to paint me as. I won't lie and say that I wouldn't have liked the pure lineage of old Toga to continue, but we have found that times change — and so do people." He cast a meaningful glance at Sesshomaru. "It is pointless to fight a losing battle, and I have no intention of insisting at such a sensitive time. I will not press for a concubine because I know it would not be the wisest choice right now — not to mention that it would give certain people the opportunity to continue their demands. None of us is new to certain mechanisms."
"Are you telling us that you are fine with me continuing to be the heir for years to come?" intervened Inuyasha. "Because, at the moment, Sesshomaru and Rin have no intention of trying again to have a child."
Kosuke looked at him more seriously than ever. "As much as you are no match for your brother or father," — Inuyasha huffed — "I do not consider you incompetent, nor have I ever done so. You've done your job so far, and besides, one half-demon is as good as the next." He shrugged. "What mattered to me the other night was to know the truth, and that is why I questioned Sesshomaru immediately. Like you, I do not like gossip and I do not want my knowledge to be based on it. Now that everything has been cleared up, I have no desire to make trouble."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. It was obvious, however, that no matter how much Kosuke had learned his worth over the years, a modicum of prejudice against beings like him would never leave him. But he had gotten used to it, and the way things were going was enough for him.
"Does that mean you don't agree with imposing a concubine on Sesshomaru either?" Hayato asked to confirm what Kosuke had said earlier.
"No, I no longer believe that it would really bring any benefit right now. If one day Sesshomaru wants to decide to have a pureblood child, it will be his choice; one he already knows I would approve of with no problem."
"Excellent," Toru spoke again. "I see no reason, then, to continue this ridiculous meeting. I will myself communicate our decision to the court and make it clear, once again, that the heir is there and there is no need to seek another."
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru exhaled a sigh of relief as soon as those words left the wolf's mouth. It was done.
"We'll also have to emphasize the fact that no one is interested in resuming the topic in a few years and that we won't accept any more disturbances arising because of it," Haruki proposed. "On the other hand, if our task is really to ensure the quietness of the valley, it also means silencing people who only create them for their benefit. Physical attacks aren't our only enemy."
"But isn't that what has been done so far?" asked Ryota. "It seems to me that so far Sesshomaru has made it clear that such discussions were not welcome. That has not stopped those who still intervene on the subject at court meetings."
"I did, Ryota-sama, but we have found that every time something happens, the topic is exhumed. However, what was said today made me think that until now, I have always been the only one to express the concept. Perhaps if you also made it clear that you were no longer willing to discuss it — as Toru-sama expressed so well at the beginning of this meeting — many people would be discouraged from starting with the complaints again." Sesshomaru had a smug expression that he had not exhibited when he had entered the council chamber, and he appeared more confident than ever. It was obvious that, for him, that was more than an appropriate solution. If even the elders were to prove that they were no longer willing to take up that option, for those who still demanded it there would no longer be any options. After all, the important decisions were made by Sesshomaru and the council; by no one else. The only weapon they would have left would be gossip, which they had already found they could not eliminate. However, as long as it remained outside the evenings at court, he would be more than ok with it.
"Exactly, and since Kosuke just said he didn't want to insist, we reached unanimity. We will take care of everything, Sesshomaru," Hayato assured. "From now on, you can be sure that no one will be able to propose such an option again. You and Rin can sleep easy dreams and recover from your loss with due time."
Sesshomaru bowed to them all in gratitude. "I am glad; I thank you all for your understanding. I will continue to do my work with extreme dedication for centuries to come." No one missed the sincerity in his words, nor that the bow had lasted much longer than usual.
"And I will continue to fulfil my role, proving that it is not the percentage of demon blood that makes someone an excellent warrior," Inuyasha interjected, replicating his older brother's gesture.
They had entered the room with an uncertainty that was now completely gone. There had been no quarrels or arguments; they won't have to start again in a few years. Now, with this last threat removed, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru could really look to the future with more serenity and no longer fear for their family.
They had no illusions and knew it would not be a walk in the park, but after so many years of fighting the same people, it now hardly seemed true that they had achieved this important goal.
Many were on their side and those who did not accept their choices because of old prejudices would no longer have much room to fight them.
After all, the sun really did look brighter that day.
A/N: I couldn't publish this chapter last week although it was just waiting to be revised; blame the old boring real life. The chapter was short, but it served to resolve another issue and now I promise that you will not see any more council meetings — and indeed I have written many in 72 chapters!
I hope you enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the next one which will be a bit more eventful.