A/N: This is to all who reviewed and to TenshiBabe.

Chapter 8:

Naraku did a double take as the light cleared. The Western Palace was bigger than the one he had and was twice as beautiful. It was simple, yet elegant and there was a sense of serenity and tranquility.

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father lived here? I would never leave…

"Naraku," He heard his Alpha call, squeezing his hand. "You're zoning out on me!"

"Oh, Inuyasha, I'm sorry, did you say something?"

"Sheesh talk about serious cobwebs…." Inuyasha teased. "Come on, we should get going." They were about to walk until two Guardsmen, one older and one younger, stopped them from proceeding further.

"HALT!" The older one barked. "State your name and your business."

"I'm Inuyasha, younger son and Heir to the last Lord Inutaisho, younger brother to your former Lord, Sesshomaru."

"Former Lord?" The younger guard asked. "By who's hand?"

"By the last will and testament of the late Lord Inutaisho," Inuyasha stated evenly, handing over the scroll bearing his father's seal and last words to the older guard, who then took it and read it. Upon finishing, he handed it back and bowed.

"Forgive me my Lord." He said. "My name is Yusai. I am Captain of the Guard and Master of Arms. I served your grandfather, your father and your brother. I will be honored if I may continue to serve the Royal Family."

"A honor-bound demon is welcome in my service." Inuyasha said. He looked to the younger one. "What is your name?"

"Seikei my Lord," The younger guardsman said with a bow of his own. "I'm Master Archer and helping out with the guards when the others are on the field."

"An honor to meet you both," Inuyasha said. "This is my Beta, Naraku."

"Naraku sama," Both demons said with another bow. "Please, allow us to escort you inside. There are two demons who are expecting your arrivals." With that, the two demons turned tail and led the two into the palace. Both demons were amazed at the size of the courtyard and the gardens. There was even a koi pond! I remember this pond… Inuyasha thought. He saw the sakura trees and sighed at their fragrance. It was sweet and soothing to his senses, a calming balm to his nerves. As they walked on, they saw children, demon, hanyou and human, playing together. Both men shared a smile. Acceptance of one and all….They both thought. This is what we were looking for…

Naraku was shaken from his thoughts as a bright red ball gently nudged his leg. He knelt down and picked up the ball. Three children, one fox demon boy, one tiger hanyou girl and one human boy ran up to him.

"We're sorry, Yuki kicked it too hard." The fox kit said, causing the little tigress to stick out her tongue at him. The human boy laughed, causing his two friends to chase after him playfully. Naraku waited patiently, watching them play. He started when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Naraku, are you all right?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Inuyasha. I was just…"

"I don't fault you." Inuyasha said tenderly. "I was watching them myself."

"INUYASHA-SAMA!"

"Look Yuki!"

"Oh wow! It's him!" Naraku held the ball but stepped out of the way as his Alpha was tackled to the ground by three excited children. The four of them rolled around laughing.

"Looks like someone's famous," Naraku said with a chuckle. Inuyasha held the three children and smiled.

"Hey I didn't ask for it."

"Well my boy, it's about time you two showed up." Jukai said with a deep rumbling chuckle. "Masaki was ready to hit the food without you."

"Ji-san you know Inuyasha-sama?" The little tigress asked in awe. Jukai smiled and picked her up.

"I see you met my granddaughter." He said. Inuyasha picked himself up and dusted himself off. The two boys were bug-eyed.

"Oh, and these two rogues are Nihaku fox prankster extraordinaire and his best friend Hijao."

Inuyasha nodded to the boys and chuckled a bit. Nihaku reminded him of Shippo. Maybe I should've brought Shippo. That little runt would have a blast with this one. Hijao was a bit shy but Inuyasha noticed that he was dressed in red and white. A priest, here…? Naraku cleared his throat and handed the ball over to Nihaku, who thanked him with a sweet bright smile.

"Now, you children go play, I have to steal these two."

"Awww," The children pouted. "But,"

Naraku looked down at the children and smiled.

"Maybe we can play later?" He asked. The children's faces brightened up at the suggestion and scampered off, leaving the adults alone. Jukai, as well as the two guards continued their trip and stopped when they caught Masai with a rice ball in his mouth.

"AHHH!" The General said, knowing full well he was busted. "I got hungry."

"It's fine Masaki." Inuyasha chuckled. "We're here now."

"Any longer I would've died of hunger my Lord." Masaki said, mock-swooning. Naraku's mouth curled into a smile. The General had a knack for dramatics. The three men sat down and ate.

"We apologize for not accompanying you earlier." Jukai said as he thanked the servant for refilling his sake. "But we had a lot to plan."

"How did it fare with Sesshomaru?"

"He's not taking it well." Inuyasha said. "He called me a fool for sparing him. He said that I should have killed him."

"Lord Sesshomaru always thought himself inferior to others."

"He mentioned a Counsel. What did he mean by that?'

"What did he say about it?"

"That they would never accept us," Inuyasha said. Jukai and Masaki rolled their eyes.

"My Lord forgive me for speaking freely…"

"No, please do, I welcome it."

"Then, let me be the first to say, your brother is an idiot." Inuyasha choked on his sake caused by the laughter that bubbled up. Naraku handed him some water and waited for the explanation.

"Lord Inuyasha, as the Lord of the West, you are part of the Counsel."

"Just what is the Counsel?"

"The four Cardinal Lords," Jukai said. "There's the North, Lord Jihome he's a Ice Wolf demon, the East, Lord Kajiru, he's a black jaguar demon, yourself being the Lord of the West, and Lord Nemeji, he succeeded Lord Ryu, the dragon demon you slew."

"They're not related are they?"

"Yes, but he holds no malice toward you, to neither one of you." Jukai said. "He is Lord Ryu's son and Lord of the South."

"Even though we're hanyou…"

"My boy, the Lords I mentioned, they don't share your brother's prejudice. Not all demons share that mentality. Your father rectified that problem during his reign."

"Why? Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful he did but what lit the match under his ass?"

"His father, your grandfather, had the same mentality as your older brother. He and your lady grandmother didn't wish for their only son to 'taint' himself with those who were below him, hanyou or human. Your Lord Father lost many good friends due to his father's decree. His first love, in fact was a human but they were torn apart and your father was forcefully arranged to marry Lord Sesshomaru's mother, as alternative to human and hanyou genocides." Inuyasha thought on that and nodded. That made sense and it explained a lot.

"So what happens now?"

"Well, tomorrow you meet with the Counsel and meet the other Lords. There will be much to discuss and business to handle."

"Inuyasha," Naraku said as he looked at his Alpha. "What's wrong?"

"I can't put my finger on it, but something's up." Inuyasha said. "I have a bad feeling I made a bad choice pertaining to Sesshomaru."

"What makes you say that?"

"The way he went for the Jewel." Inuyasha said. "I can't shake off that he has a dark agenda."

"Do you think he would…just to, gain his demon form again?"

"I don't know. With Sesshomaru I am not sure. But I'm not letting my guard down…"

"Inuyasha, calm down…"

"How can you say that? My brother can go bonkers…."

"Inuyasha, don't you remember how I kept watch over you?"

"Yea you had Kanna…Where is she?"

"The little girl with the mirror….?" Jukai asked. "She's here, as well as a woman with a fan."

"Could you summon her?" Naraku asked. "Lord Inuyasha needs reassurance." With a nod, Jukai asked a servant, a cat demoness, to escort Kanna to their Lord. The cat demoness excused herself and in a flash, she returned with Kanna.

"Kanna," Naraku said. "Show Inuyasha his friends at Kaede's village," The little girl nodded and showed the image.

In Kanna's Mirror

Miroku, Sango, Shippo, Kiarra, and Kaede were all doing different things. Miroku and Sango were gathering food, Kiarra and Shippo were chasing each other, Kaede was holding a basket. Sesshomaru was gathering the herbs and spices that Kaede ordered him to get.

"Sesshomaru, what ails ye?" Kaede asked the older brother. She had to admit the older Inu was a diligent worker and took to his new station in stride (or so she thought). Yes, he blamed his brother for his now meager existence but he was alive.

"I am not used to this life old woman." He said as he pushed some of his hair back away from his face. His voice was a bit haughty but it wasn't as intimidating as it once was.

"Ye prefer death over life?"

"Over this life, yes," He said. "I serve no one."

"That's where ye wrong." Kaede said kindly. "Even the highest station serve some purpose."

"How so old woman,"

"A Lord serves his people, whether they are demon, human or hanyou. He doesn't turn a blind eye or a deaf ear. Ye have done both."

He was about to retort but her words sunk in, causing him to think about it. When his brother needed him, he did leave him. When his subjects came to see them, he quickly dismissed them. He sneered at the hanyous and humans. He didn't acknowledge their existence. Inuyasha on the other hand, once sought acceptance, but as he grew, he earned their respect, their fear and their love. His hardships made him strong. Inuyasha never abandoned anyone, never blocked out their cries and pleas for help…

Sesshomaru put his head down and said nothing further. Yes, what the old miko said was right but there was no way he was going to accept the fact of aging, having gray hair and dying. I will bide my time, He thought. Then the time is right, the Jewel will be mine. Those who stand in my way will die. Sesshomaru put his head down and continued his work, making sure his mask was back into place.

"Are you satisfied now?" Naraku asked his Alpha as the mirror, with the image of Sesshomaru working faded. Inuyasha purred as Naraku worked the kinks out of his shoulders and neck. He was satisfied and he was thankful to his Beta for the reassurance.

It was just what he needed.

"Yes, I'm satisfied. Thank you for that."

"You're welcome; it's the least I can do."

"I didn't see Kagome."

"She probably went back to her world." Naraku supplied. "You mentioned that she does that often."

"Yes that is true." Inuyasha said. "Maybe I'm too stressed."

"Your muscles scream that." Naraku said. "I'll make you some tea."

"You don't have to."

"True, but I want to." With that, the Chimera left, leaving Inuyasha to the other demons, who were looking at him smugly.

"You two look cozy," Masaki said. "You both forgot we were here too."

"Maybe we should plan the wedding for sooner…" Jukai said impishly. Inuyasha blushed and shook his head.

"No that's ok; we'll wed on the original time thanks." Everyone laughed and settled down, looking forward to meeting the Counsel and the future.

Let me know what you think.