Chapter 41

Shura found Matyeo just as he was starting back towards the main hall. His back was turned and he was walking slowly much more so then usual.

"Matyeo," Shura called trying to keep her voice steady. "I need to talk to you." The dragon lifted his head slightly. But he didn't turn. It was as if he were trying to block her out.

"Another time perhaps Shura, I'm busy at the moment." Matyeo finally answered dully. The disinterest in his voice was like a set of icy claws digging into Shura's heart. Growling, Shura stomped forward and shoved herself directly in the dragon's path.

"Busy making a mistake! Did the clans pressure you into this?" she demanded to know. Matyeo tilted his head towards her forcing their eyes to lock. Though his face didn't show it a surge of profound helplessness resonated from the dragon, indicating all to well what his so-called alliances had done.

"This is not your concern." Matyeo tried to push her away weakly, but Shura dug in her heels. Fiercely she grabbed the dragon's shoulders and dug in her claws as deep as they would go.

"They have no right! You're their King!" she howled. It was all she could do to keep from exploding with rage. Matyeo's choice may have been a savage blow to her trust, but deep down her ire was also aimed at the dragon diplomats she knew to be the real cause. She had seen their impact on Matyeo for years. The way they tortured her friend's emotions. They undermined and criticized and argued, slowly wearing down his confidence. And now they had finally broken him. As much as his decision hurt her Matyeo wouldn't fight the clans' wishes even if he wanted to. The strength for resistance had been crushed with his spirit.

Shura felt Matyeo shift in place and suddenly found herself pressed tightly against him. His embrace, familiar and strong held her tighter then he ever had.

"Shura…" Matyeo at last spoke. His voice was gentle, calm even, but there was no denying the great effort it took him to keep it that way. "This isn't about me…its about the future of dragonkind. We can't afford any more hostilities…It almost killed us once before. That's why I must do this."

Choking back a sob Shura buried her face in Matyeo's neck. His warm scent washed over her making her muffled cries come even harder.

"No…you can't…" She pleaded. It was the only thing she could think to do. Matyeo nuzzled into her hair. It was the last gesture of comfort he could offer, but it was genuine. In that instant Shura felt her friend's cries. They were silent, reaching her only as faint tremors through his muscle. But for Shura it was as though Matyeo were howling in her ear.

"I'm so sorry…" Matyeo whispered. The words barely reached Shura before the dragon's embrace eased and he briskly pulled away. Then without so much as a backward glance Matyeo brushed past her and continued walking. A lingering departure would just prolong the pain and that was something his fragile psyche couldn't bear.

Shura followed him with tear filled eyes. She wanted to chase him. To drag him down and dig in so fiercely with her claws he'd never escape. But deep inside she knew it was useless. No matter how hard she fought to get near him there would always be eight steely threads pulling Matyeo in the opposite direction.

Shura turned and bolted into a run. She had to get out of there. She needed to find somewhere safe and secluded, a place as far from the dragon diplomats as possible. It was the only way she would be able to let out her rage… without killing them all.

Sesshomaru listened patiently as Kayolin went over the consensus of the council and Matyeo's resulting choice of action. Almost immediately the dog lord's face hardened with disapproval but Kayolin either didn't notice or was making a point not to.

"I understand the boy would be upset," Kayolin went on, referring to Matyeo's sudden and rather adamant temper towards him, "but I've never seen him act that way before." Sadness hung in the old dragon's voice, but nonetheless Sesshomaru remained distant. Close ally or not, the Earth dragon had overstepped his bounds for sympathy.

"Is it really so surprising?" Sesshomaru answered the dragon's concern with purposeful indifference. "You and the other clan rulers are dictating the remainder of his future." Kayolin looked hurt.

"Now wait a second…Matyeo chose to…" the old dragon started to defend. But his reply was quickly cut off.

"He 'chose' to do exactly what you and the others wanted." Sesshomaru reminded rather bluntly. "It seems like a failsafe strategy, but believe me, there will be repercussions."

The dog lord closed his eyes and snorted lightly. He himself had learned that fact the hard way with his own child. Trying to teach Shura to stand on her own and fight without fear…it was that drive that landed her in a human village. Even when they reconnected two decades later it was only after Shura became willing to learn that he was finally able teach her those lessons. No, the clans' were going about things all wrong, and Sesshomaru had a hunch that Kayolin knew it.

Seeming to sense Sesshomaru's silent accusation Kayolin shifted uncomfortably and tried his best to put a positive spin on the topic.

"Well at the very least Matyeo will acquire a suitable mate. That should take a bit of the edge off." The old dragon observed with a suggestive wink and nudge. The gesture just made Sesshomaru's frown worsen. Even if Kayolin didn't know any better, the dog lord wouldn't even pretend to see benefit in a ruling that broke his daughter's heart. Cracking open an eye he fixed Kayolin with a glare that stopped him mid-chuckle.

"You assume to much," Sesshomaru retorted. His voice was angry, not to the point of being a threat, but it had just enough bite to catch Kayolin's interest.

"You know something…" When Sesshomaru didn't answer Kayolin tried to force the issue with a bit of parental-sounding authority. "Lad, what are you hiding?" No good. Sesshomaru stayed as tight-fanged as ever.

A cough sounded nearby making both demons raise their eyes. Matyeo was standing before them his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

"I need to speak with Master Sesshomaru," he announced. There was a sternness in his voice though it seemed to be directed more to Kayolin then the dog lord. "Alone." Matyeo made sure to annunciate the last word as he glared resentfully at the Earth dragon.

"Yes My King," the dragon obeyed and swiftly departed their company. He sounded hurt but didn't argue the matter. Only after Kayolin was safely out of hearing range did Matyeo address Sesshomaru.

"So I take it he told you?" the dragon's voice was tinged with annoyance but also was noticeably sad.

"Yes," the dog lord answered sternly. For a fleeting instant his eyes trailed past the dragon to scan the room for traces of his daughter. If she hadn't heard the news by now he wanted Matyeo to tell her. His action didn't go unnoticed. Almost immediately Matyeo's features grew timid and his eyes sunk to the floor. Right then Sesshomaru knew the guilty details. He could see it all in the boy's submissive posture. Shura had confronted him and things had not gone well. She stormed off, devastated. And he, though dreadfully fearful of her father's wrath, was in desperate need of guidance from the only unbiased ally he had left.

Sesshomaru continued to stare at Matyeo silently. He was upset, of course, as any parent would be. But as much as he felt for Shura, deep down he also knew that pinning the blame on Matyeo wouldn't lessen her pain any more then his.

"It wasn't your fault," Sesshomaru reassured the dragon after a long pause. "Both you and I know that."

"But what about…"

"Shura is a strong girl. She'll find a way through it."

Matyeo nodded feebly. He still had doubts and terrible regret. But, nevertheless, there were still other matters that concerned him.

"Master," Matyeo spoke again. His voice was small and filled with a deep-seeded fear that Sesshomaru recognized. "The clans want me to hold the combat trials in the Arena. I haven't been near it since…" Matyeo's words faded into an uncomfortable silence. But it didn't matter. Sesshomaru already knew the reason the battle location was upsetting him. The "Arena" Matyeo referred to was the same place the young dragon had seen his father murdered, then years later, dueled his uncle for succession…and revenge. Try as he might to seal it away, both physically and in his mind, it was a fighting ground filled with horrible memories. And now, thanks to the clans, it would soon be the source of another battle, and another trauma.

"I'll go with you." Sesshomaru agreed too Matyeo's silent plea for support. As much as it pained him, it was the only thing he could do for the boy now.

With the dragon clan representatives in toe and Sesshomaru at his side Matyeo slowly made his way to the back entrance. The so-called Arena they were going to was actually the remains of an open foyer. It was similar to the landing space near the front entrance, however it was smaller, bordering only the main palace. Also unlike the T-shaped entryway, this space had been completely shut off. Massive, un-scaleable walls branched from either side of the palace to create a perimeter that joined into the mountain face—the very cradle of rock that held the entire mansion. The only entrance to the Area was a pair of heavy iron doors inside the palace, and Matyeo had forbidden anyone, including himself, from ever opening them. But thanks to the clans' that was no longer an option.

Matyeo heartbeat started to quicken as they reached the heavy, rectangular doors. Already his instincts were telling him to run.

"Stay focused. Keep your eyes in front." It was Sesshomaru. The dog lord's voice was calm and authoritative. His confidence made the dragon ease slightly.

"Yes master." They were in front of the entrance now. Matyeo just needed to reach out and give the doors a push. Slowly the dragon extended his arms. His hands were shaking terribly but only Sesshomaru was close enough to see. Matyeo paused, then for a split instant tried to back away. No good. Sesshomaru had purposely stopped a step behind him in order to block his escape path.

"Take a deep breath," he instructed. Matyeo did as he was told. Drawing air into his chest Matyeo tried to keep it there in hope that the pressure would force out the fear in his heart. Cautiously he rested his palms on the doors' cool, metallic surface. Then, after exhaling his breath heavily he gave them the long awaited push of encouragement. The hinges creaked angrily as the doors slowly parted to reveal the secret landscape before them.

Appropriately named, the Area looked like the remains of an achiest battleground. Bones, scorched clean and bleached by the sun lay scattered across the ground. Rusted weapons and shields of every variety lay by their former masters and jutted from the ground. Two sets of huge claw marks were still etched in the crumbling stone foyer. But the most obvious insight into the battle that had taken place was a huge dragon skeleton!

The creature lay curled on its side in a semi-circular arch. From nose to tail the remains stretched more then the entire length of the back wall. The bones were completely intact save for the ribcage, which had a huge gap directly above where the heart had rested. The unsightly hole, however, was not the cause of the former dragon's death. Even from the entrance a massive double-edged sword the size of Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga could be seen imbedded in the creature's skull directly between the eyes.

Matyeo went pale. Immediately his eyes fixed on the dragon skeleton. Visions flashed before him. Instead of bones the young dragon saw the beast they had once belonged to. His Uncle Ryuuko, the sinister creature with ebony scales and cold, amber eyes. Matyeo saw them glaring at him the same way they had that night, the night his father… A wave of dizziness swept over Matyeo and for an instant he almost fainted. Thankfully, Sesshomaru steadied him before he could fall to far backwards.

"I told you to focus!" Sesshomaru scolded. Though his reprimand wasn't nearly as harsh as it could have been.

"I'm sorry…" Matyeo managed to babble. It was the only thing he could get out before another wave of nausea hit. This time Matyeo sank forward, catching himself on his knees. Obligated or not he had to leave, if only to recompose himself. Sesshomaru sensed this too and was quick to take charge. Matyeo wouldn't feel guilty, after all, if he was giving the order.

"Go and rest. I'll retrieve you when you're needed." The dog lord commanded. Matyeo just barley managed a nod. Then, briskly, he turned around and shoved his way past the clan leaders.

"Um…my King…where are you going?" Protested Kayolin as their King disappeared round a hallway. His comment was followed by another argument from Firestorm, however his was directed at Sesshomaru.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded.

"You should mind your own business hound!" added Skybolt. Other annoyed dragons nodded in agreement. After all, dining and socializing in their company was one thing, but deliberately interrupting royal affairs, that was another matter.

Turning, Sesshomaru fixed the clan leaders with a surprisingly icy stare. Suddenly, at that moment, his deep anger with the situation and their treatment of Matyeo became rapidly apparent.

"I gave him an order and as much as it displeases you Matyeo is still my subordinate." Sesshomaru informed frankly and with a sharp sting of disapproval. "But then why should I be surprised? Compliance to one's superiors is a concept you clan leaders never could tolerate now isn't it."

The remark sent a ripple of unease through the dog lord's allies and a surge of anger through the rest.

"Why you arrogant…" Firestorm growled, stepping forward. A sturdy hand on his shoulder stopped him mid step.

"Don't." it was Cyclone. Beside him both Torrent and Kayolin exchanged thoughtful glances. It was obvious they were beginning to feel guilty.

"It's about time," "Sesshomaru thought to himself.

Inuyasha and friends filed in shortly after the diplomats and they were noticeably surprised by the surroundings. Sango especially seemed to take particular interest in the fallen warriors and it was only after studying their armaments that the others realized why.

"Those look like slayer weapons…" the girl remarked with understandable concern. Anxious and curious Kagome searched the gathering crowd for a dragon who would give an explanation. The girl eventually found Kayolin. At present the Earth dragon, like all his fellow diplomats, was using his elemental talents to try and turn Matyeo's Arena into a proper fighting ring, He seemed deep in thought at first, but quickly shifted his attention once he realized the group of friends were anxious for answers.

"Many years back Matyeo's Uncle, Ryuuko, hired demon trappers to help him kill the lad and his father so that he could claim the throne," the old dragon explained grimly. Turning up his nose Kayolin sneered in the direction of the skeleton. "That horrid beast. He killed Drakeion and devoured his heart right before Matyeo's eyes."

A ripple of shock went through the four friends.

"That's horrible!" Kagome gasped. Kayolin nodded heavily.

"The boy just barely managed to escape with his life." Kayolin shifted his gaze to the four friends. His features had softened but there was still a slight uneasiness in his manner. Though he never said so, it was obvious from his posture that Matyeo hadn't been the only dragon to suffer from Ryuuko's unorthodox leap into power. Kayolin continued, his voice quiet. "It was a long time before Matyeo was finally ready to return and challenge his Uncle for the crown." He paused and gestured to the defeated dragon's skull with his eyes. "But when it did happen,

Ryuuko met a fitting end under the point of his brother's old sword."

Unsure of what to say Inuyasha and company all nodded in silent understanding.

"What about the demon trappers?" Sango couldn't help but inquire after another pause. Much as she despised what they had done Sango's inner slayer still wondered what fate had befallen the rogue exterminators.

"After he defeated his Uncle, Matyeo hunted down those that managed to escape, intent on killing them as well." Kayolin explained. The uneasiness in his expression had worsened almost to the point of hesitation. "But by the time he found them, it was to late. They had already been slain by another demon."

"Another demon?" Kagome's question came out more as a thought. "Why does that sound so familiar?" the inquiry had barely slipped out but almost immediately Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably.

"It was Shura." He reminded. An uncomfortable silence fell over the group when the Earth dragon nodded in confirmation.

"Yes. That's correct." The dragon lowered his eyes. "It was a very ugly day…for both of them," he finally relayed with a deep note of despair in his voice. "Many innocent lives were lost because of their fury." Inuyasha stepped forward.

"Maybe so. But you're forgetting one thing," the half demon defended boldly. "They found each other."

All three friends smiled warmly at Inuyasha's statement and remarkably, instead of blushing with embarrassment at his own sappiness, all Inuyasha could do was smile back. Shura was his niece, after all, and the only family he could honestly say he loved.

"Inuyasha. That's so sweet," Kagome remarked thoughtfully. But to everyone's surprise Kayolin didn't share the half-demon's sentiment…with very good reason.

"You haven't heard have you?"

"Damn them!" Inuyasha swore to himself as he charged through the palace. "Damn those selfish, snooty dragons! Damn that Matyeo for listening to them." He wanted to beat them all senseless. Even better, give them a taste of his wind scar for hurting Shura like they had. But as much as he wanted it, as much as those dragons disserved it, Tetsusaiga was still in the armory and he himself was outranked, outnumbered, and outmatched.

Rounding a corner Inuyasha sniffed at the air for Shura's scent. Even in Matyeo's huge palace hers wasn't hard to pinpoint. The she-demon's signature was heavy in the air, intensified by her heightened emotions. Inuyasha could practically taste her rage in the back of his throat. Within moments he reached the Mainground exit. Sprinting onto the foyer Inuyasha grimaced as the crisp, night air bit at his nose. Shura's scent was much fainter outside the palace, meaning she had probably gone down the mountain. The thought distressed Inuyasha. Between his niece, himself, and his brother Shura might have gotten the longest fuse, however, she still inherited the family temper at the end of it, and that could only mean trouble.

Coming to the edge of the polished, stone walkway Inuyasha peered over for a better view of the sprawling valley below. Darkness had fallen making the fire-lit homes of the small, human settlement stand out like a blanket of orange fireflies. Beyond the community and its tamed orchards the half demon could just barely make out the remainder of the wilderness. Even with the aid of starlight the mass of forest and gardens seemed little more then an ominous black shadow that melded into the horizon. Inuyasha squinted, discouraged. If Shura were out there finding her would be a challenge. But he was determined to try.

Starting agilely down the mountainside the half demon paused when something in the far distance caught his eye. Amidst the intimidating shroud that was the forest there was also a flicker of color. It was an unnatural iridescent light coming in sharp spikes from deep within the trees. Inuyasha recognized the pattern immediately, for it was a technique he himself had inherited along with his niece, an Iron rever strike. Picking up the pace Inuyasha barely even noticed the scenery shift around him as he continued to hone in on the attacks. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the forest finally parted into a moderately sized clearing. His feet were aching with fatigue. But it was a pain quickly forgotten.

Shura was there in the center. Strained and heaving with effort the she-demon had fallen to her hands and knees. Around her were the scattered remains of dozens of evergreens, all of them splintered to tiny pieces from her attacks. Shura was crying loudly, or at least she was trying to. The only noises that managed to escape between her gasps for breath sounded more like whimpers. But her tears were real. Even in the bad light the half demon could see the silvery drops falling from her face into the leaf litter. Pain welled in Inuyasha's chest.

"So, here you are." He spoke softly into the night air. Shura's ears fanned forward angrily at the sound and her canine hairs bristled.

"I don't want to talk…go away!" She yelled. Her fierce yellow eyes fixed on Inuyasha threateningly, but the half demon stood his ground.

"Don't you care what's going on?" he pressed. Shura wiped a sleeve across her eyes. But her fit only worsened.

"It's caring that got me into this mess! I'm such an idiot!" Shura sobbed. Inuyasha tried to stay composed as he came forward to her side, but the harder Shura cried the more awkward he started to feel.

"Oh come on… will you knock it off already…" the half demon coaxed apprehensively as he laid a hand on Shura's shoulder. "Sitting here crying isn't going to get you what you want." Shura shrugged off the gesture gruffly and stood up.

"Well neither is barging in and demanding the dragon's change their traditions!" she snapped over her shoulder at him. Inuyasha didn't flinch.

"Who said anything about changing them." The half demon responded a bit more firmly. He paused momentarily while Shura wiped her eyes again. Only after she turned to look him in the face did he continue talking. "The contest is a battle between suitors right? So play it by their rules." To his surprise Shura almost laughed at the suggestion.

"You make it sound so simple…" she chuffed. But before she could argue the point further the half demon reached out and took firm hold of her shoulders.

"That's because it is simple. You love Matyeo, go fight for him."

Inuyasha stared sternly into Shura's eyes. He could see the fear in them—the terror of knowing that a dragon battle could very well claim her life. But most of all he saw her fear for Matyeo losing himself and his future.

Shura returned Inuyasha's gaze. Even as he spoke the words, it seemed, the dread in her was being re-constructed into sparks of hope and determination. Inuyasha smiled at the sight and very shortly afterwards Shura was smiling too. Turning up his nose Inuyasha next let out a very typical huff.

"And if the dragon's don't like it, I've got your back." To that Shura smiled even wider, and though it took the duration of the walk back to Matyeo's palace, her stubbornness eventually returned as well. And she was none to subtle about it either.