Hello everyone. Want to start off with my sincerest apologies for the lateness of this update. I was on vacation with my Dad's side of the family, and so didn't get a chance to type anything! Besides that, a certain book came out on the 21st and I wasn't able to get it and start reading it till at seven last night. Luckily I finished it at four this morning. Anyway, I was very happy with the two reviews I received over the last chapter, but I hope that byakugan-master93 and Kaihaku No Iroke have caught up by now. The first to review was chica blanca so thank you very much and yes I know that it seems very drama like. Also a special thanks for my longest review ever from PassionIsLove. So was the whole Avia/Sesshomaru think a surprise or what? When I was first writing the story, the whole reason I decided on that was because it helps to make more sense out of the conflict between Healo and Sesshomaru. Some of you probably already thought that the reasons I had already told you for their arguments seemed insufficient to explain Sesshomaru's out of character behaviors. Switching gears again, does anyone have a suggestion about what I should put the prequel under? Should I just leave it as an all character/all character? As soon as I finish typing this chapter, I will write the first chapter for it which I will try to get up by tomorrow evening or Monday morning. Then I will wait a few days to make sure that everyone has gotten a chance to review. Not sure if I am going to call it The First Family Affair, I may decide to just mention that it is the prequel in the summary if I think of a better title. I'd ask you all about a title too, but since you only know pieces of what will happen that would be kind of difficult. Still, if you have a suggestion, feel free to let me know. Ok, last item on the list; want to thank all of my readers, and especially those brave reviewers, for their contributions to this story so far. Without all of you I never would have been able to press on; I rely a great deal on feedback to try to prune my writing. Wait…one more thing, hope no one is offended by the verse, but it fits well with the idea behind this chapter and the conflict itself. That all said, enjoy the chapter and…Review!
CHAPTER XXLIX
THE HEART'S TRUE NATURE
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked
who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9
Healo's POV
The Northern Lord was wearing a carefully neutral expression as he studied the dark horizon. Dawn was still at least an hour away and the effects of waking up and moving far too early were easily perceived in several of the others who stood nearby. It was not only Inuyasha who, despite his own exclamation of perfect health, was still struggling with the residual effects of recovering from major injuries. The monk and demon slayer also appeared to be a little weary, but this was nothing compared to the zombie-like expression on the miko's face as she numbly stared at the ground.
Healo smiled with amusement as he studied the young woman's eyes. Kagome seemed to realize that her friend was receiving secret pleasure from seeing the usually tireless miko in such a vulnerable shape. She rubbed her eyes fiercely and the demon lord could feel a small amount of annoyance along with a lot of embarrassment in her mind. He decided to show her mercy and so turned away to see how the others were faring. The Western Lord was about ten yards ahead speaking in a low tone to Magus; no doubt they were discussing some of the internal concerns of the Western Lands.
However, when the demon lord allowed his mind to move towards theirs he found that both of his brother's were blocking him out. Healo blinked his dark blue eyes at the discovery; it made sense for Sesshomaru to do so, but Magus as well? Perhaps they were discussing something more important than he had thought. Still, the Northern Lord realized that there was nothing he could do about it; at least not for the present. His little alliance had only recently come back from the brink of destruction, and demanding access into his brothers' minds wouldn't be the wisest diplomatic option.
Reluctantly, Healo turned instead to watch as the twenty elite guards, the same who had accompanied them to, as they marched with precision; creating a protective perimeter around the main group. The Northern Lord noted that they were all carefully scanning the area around them; as was expected of an elite group. Still, even they were not immune to curiosity and from time to time one of them would glance at the miko or one of her friends. Their interest was understandable; they only knew that they were escorting the group to discuss the possibility of a profitable alliance with the Imperial Regent. Soon they would realize that that was only the first destination…
Sesshomaru's POV
A cold fury leapt periodically from the usually icy gold eyes of the stoical demon lord. His voice as he spoke was as sharp as a two edged sword, and his stride was stiff and full of pride. How could Healo even consider pursuing the same chain of events that had led to so much death and destruction before? They could not afford to become divided again yet the Northern Lord arrogantly continued in following his misguided, foolish heart. Sesshomaru knew that his brother was a fool. How else could you explain Healo's refusal to admit his own weakness?
The demon lord cared too much about 'following his heart', but the Western Lord understood in a way no one else did. It was a fault that was more commonly found in humans, but was certainly not unheard of among demon society; in fact, Inutaisho himself obviously suffered from it. Both his brother and his father had tricked themselves into believing that everything their 'heart' told them was true. However, they failed to realize that sometimes people can convince themselves of something they know is not true until they honestly do believe it.
Once upon a time Healo had convinced himself that Lady Avia was destined to become his mate, and, lo and behold, fate had graciously intervened to fulfill his wish. Then the Northern Lord had desired nothing but peace and, at the Western Lands expense, his wish was miraculously granted. Then, yet again, fate intervened to make Healo the single most powerful ruler in the land. True, he lost Avia, but he gained to chance to finally, decisively claim his birthright, but then the Northern Lord messed it up. He allowed his 'heart' to prevent him from taking what belonged to him, and now, as a result, thousands were dead and thousands more would surely die because of his decision.
Sesshomaru glanced back at his disgustingly calm brother; how could he dare to even show himself after he had given up chance to bring lasting peace to the land? He should have pressed on; he should have destroyed Bianen, not weakened him. Still, even here there was proof of Healo's self delusion; the Northern Lord had told himself that he was sparing the Eastern Lord, but again Sesshomaru knew the truth. His blue eyed brother had spared Bianen to humiliate the Eastern Lord; he had allowed his grief over Avia's death to color his perceptions.
Even now the Western Lord knew that he could beat Healo at his own game; he could reveal his hand, allow his anger and emotion to erupt forth and show the Northern Lord for the fake he was. However, to do so would be to inherit the same weaknesses that had nearly destroyed his brother. No. Patience and a cool head would win the battle for him in a far more powerful way, and the irony would be far sweeter if he played along with his brother's game. Yes he would aid in finding the cursed sword and destroying Naraku. Yes he would be silent and allow the hanyou to walk freely, but in the end the rewards of their voyage would be his alone…
Magus's POV
The purple haired demon glanced nervously at his silently fuming younger half-brother. The Western Lord had been throwing dangerous glares at the Northern Lord for several minutes before he had finally spoken to Magus. Sesshomaru's eyes shot flames as he spoke in a venomously smooth voice ", Brother indeed! How can he dare to be near her when he is in my presence! Healo knows how painfully similar this is to the past. Even if it didn't bring up painful reminders of his past he should know better then to flit around with my intended."
Magus cleared his throat slightly before replying in a calm voice ", My lord I am sure that he means no harm. You know how he can be. He probably hasn't even considered how his actions might be interpreted." The Western Lord gave a cold laugh and said firmly ", Healo Tepes may have several powerful weaknesses, but he is no fool. He could not care less about you or I, and he certainly considers the fate of the Western Lands and its people as secondary to his own happiness. All of his concern is spent on the hanyou and his own ideals."
The demon blinked his amethyst eyes as he considered Sesshomaru's words, but he simply couldn't believe such things about his elder brother. His response was diplomatic ", I am sure that the Northern Lord has our interests, and that of the people, within their proper place." The Western Lord's eyes hardened as he said sharply ", My interests serve the interests of the people. If Healo were wise enough to pause and listen to me perhaps he would see that. The Western Lands need Kagome. Without an heir uncertainty and despair will continue to spread throughout the lands."
Magus considered his half-brother's point then said with hesitance ", I understand your reasoning, but surely you realize that Naraku and Bianen are the biggest obstacles to peace. Even after them, the necessity of a strong central government, in our case Healo, will be needed also. Shouldn't we concentrate our energy on fulfilling these goals first?" Sesshomaru did not speak for a moment then responded calmly ", That is what I intend to do. I will try to avoid confronting Healo until after everything else is set in motion, but know this; I will not allow him to get away with this."
Sesshomaru turned away; his tirade finally over. However, the uneasiness that Magus had felt from the beginning of the conversation had not abated, but increased ten-fold. For the most part, he had always been the most stable and solid of the brothers, and this was reflected in that, for the most part, Magus got along reasonably well with both of his brothers. However, the mature demon could see the possibility of soon being forced to choose a side in this battle of wills.
Magus sighed and stole furtive glances at the two brothers, and as he did so he realized just how unlikely it was that this storm would just blow over. Healo was standing too close to Kagome and his eyes were painfully neutral as he seemed to be slowly taking in everything that he saw. However, the Western Lord was barely hiding his obvious anger and disdain behind his icy demeanor. It wouldn't take any measurable amount of pressure to cause the whole situation to blow out of control. He only feared what the consequences of such a feud would be. Magus hoped that they would somehow be able to survive this crisis; no matter how unlikely that seemed…
Naraku's POV
What fools they all were. If only they truly understood what power could be achieved by allowing themselves to give in to their own desires? The maniacal hanyou had long before discovered the worth of this great truth: in the end all you have is yourself. However, this foolish band needed yet another lesson to show this to them. True, several of them were teetering on the edge, but Naraku felt that they still required his prodding to help them take the final steps.
He understood how dangerous the game he was playing was, but that only increased the possible rewards for victory. Healo had once been so close to realizing it, but then he had thrown it away. Still, Naraku was merciful; he would give the Northern Lord another chance to find true power. Despite all of his posturing, the demon lord would be unable to deny the allure of the power that only he could possess. Once he fell Naraku would be ready to use him to serve his own purpose…
Alright everyone so what do you thing? This was the first time I wrote from Naraku's POV and even though it was brief I think I did ok. Still, you all will be the final judges of that. So I went ahead and confirmed the past between Avia and Sesshomaru, and I also had Naraku mention that he had a use for the Northern Lord. Hope to update late Monday or early Tuesday as long as everything goes ok. By the way, if anyone would like to read a good Inutaisho/Izayoi fic try The First Legacy by Luna Silvereyes. I seriously want to hear all of your opinions about the title, the chapter, and anything else you would like to tell me. Hope to hear from all of you soon. REVIEW!!!