Inuyasha finally reached Totosai's cave where he found him working on some type of weapon.
"Welcome my boy! What brings you here? Where are the others?" The old youkai looked up with a smile.
"It's just me. Is Myoga here?" Walking into the workshop nervously.
"Lord Inuyasha, this is a pleasant surprise!" The hopping flea called out landing on his shoulder.
Inuyasha wasn't sure how to begin "I read my father's last will. I don't know if I should believe it or not." Handing the scroll to Totosai.
Myoga jumped down and went over to read it with him.
Quietness filled the cave.
Both youkai looked at each other and then to him.
"If this is indeed your father's last words, it is all true. We had been his trusted advisers for many centuries and knew him well but this isn't his handwriting." Myoga spoke.
"Sesshomaru's mother said it's a copy and she has the original hidden because she thought I'd destroy it." Sitting across from them arms folded.
Both youkai laughed "that sounds like her already knowing your temper. I am guessing you have been to the palace." Totosai questioned.
The hanyou scoffed "I had no choice to go there. I left my pack there so I came here as I have to give a reply before we can leave that palace."
He explained what happened the last couple weeks with Sesshomaru's constant presence and the events that took place.
Both youkai were amused hearing of the Inu brothers and their recent interactions.
Totosai cleared his throat "what do you need to know Inuyasha?"
At the south end of the palace, there was a standalone dojo where the western troops trained daily. Sesshomaru took his 3 guests there to practice and offer training. He saw and battled side by side with them knowing the areas they each lacked. He saw it as an opportunity without his hot headed half-brother to piss off everyone and especially he could train the miko with the bow and arrow skills.
They were grateful for training to improve themselves. The day was spent with curious stares from the soldiers that became involved in helping after hearing who they were. Others just simply stayed away as they have a dislike for humans. Other servants just came by because of curiously watching their lord and his interactions with this unique human group.
The day passed with productive training, gaining new skills and techniques. Sango observed how Sesshomaru was quite patient with her clumsy friend. She did notice that Kagome's posture and aim was much better under his guidance.
Miroku noticds Sango watching with amusement at the demon lord and the miko. He was curious what got her attention so he inched over to her "what have you entertained?"
"I'm just noticing how Kagome has improved under Sesshomaru's guidance. He is quite patient with her unlike Inuyasha who would already be screaming at her." Looking over to her left "monk why are you so close to me and why is your hand on my knee?"
"I didn't want everyone to hear our conversation, my dear. Besides, I do like being very close to you. I must say you trained well toda with your shortblade." He inched closer to her ear whispering softly and feeling her body heat rising.
Sango blushed profusely, "ummm thanks. Your close combat defense has improved as well"
"There is something I noticed. Does the lord have an interest in Kagome? I noticed his change when we stayed with Rei and Anzu."
"I think everyone has noticed but our clueless Kagome." Sango giggled. "She has softened up the killing perfection. I'm sure even his lady mother has noticed."
"Wait a minute! Was it Sesshomaru that Kagome was describing at the spring?" Miroku suddenly puts the pieces together.
Sango slowly turned to Miroku with her mouth gaped open "you hentai! How long were you listening?"
"I'm not sure but Lord Sesshomaru was listening before me when I arrived." slowly pulling away realizing he opened up a big box of trouble. "Sango please calm down. I don't think it's a good idea to let the lord know you know about our eavesdropping!"
Calming down, Sango thought it over "your right. We don't want him getting mad at us. I will deal with you later, pervert!" Getting up and walking towards Kagome.
'If I'm a pervert doesn't that mean, Lord Sesshomaru is a pervert too?'
By evening, the little group was in the garden having dinner under the starry skies. Afterwards, Kagome and Sesshomaru sat in the open garden and pointed out stars, planets and constellations deep into their own conversation.
Lady mother, Rin, Sango and Miroku looked at them with great interest. They looked at the attraction and interaction between them as if they were in their own little world.
"My lady, I hope I am not rude but I am curious to know, if Lord Sesshomaru was to have a mate, can it be a human woman?" Miroku asked with great interest.
Lady mother gave a warm smile "she can be human, demon or hanyou as long as my son is happy and loved."
Sango and Miroku looked at each other with surprise.
"In my studies, I've learned high noble demons have to mate with equal or higher status, preferred of their own kind. Has that change." The slayer asked.
"Not quite. This one simply wants my son to be happy and loved for he has endured most of his life alone. When Rin came along, she opened up his heart as a daughter should. If my son wants a human as a mate, this one will not stand in his way. Besides, he is the most powerful demon lord in all lands."
Jaken came rushing in "Inuyasha has returned, my lady."
They all looked up to see him walk into the gardens as he looked at the closeness of Kagome and Sesshomaru sitting away from the others.
Kagome jumped to her feet and ran over to hug him "welcome back Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at his brother who followed behind her as he wrapped his arms to embrace her.
"Hey. What's wrong?" She pulled back to look at him.
"Umm I'm just tired." he murmured.
Sango, Miroku and Rin went over to greet him as well. His eyes never lost contact with his older half-brother. Both sets of golden eyes pierced each other.
"Pardon the reunion, Rin it is time for bed. Come along." She stood waiting for the girl to come to her side after saying good night to everyone.
Meanwhile, Sesshomaru bid good night to everyone as well saying he had some work to do in his study as he felt the change within his half-brother. He knew Inuyasha made his decision and needed to begin preparations.
"Inuyasha. Hey Inuyasha, why are you looking at your brother like that?" Miroku asked.
"Ahhh it's nothing. I did want to talk to you guys. A lot has happened and I want to let you know of my decision before I speak with Sesshomaru and his mother in the morning before we leave."
The trio looked at each other worried. They felt a change surrounding Inuyasha but were not able to pinpoint what it is.
Lady mother glanced into her hand mirror as she lit her pipe and took a deep breath of the intoxicating blend. She grinned from ear to ear as she looked at Inuyasha and felt his change.
'My dear husband it seems your son has matured with the revelations he confirmed for himself. Let us hear his decision in the morning. Things are about to get lively!'
