Title: By the Light of Mars
Parings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru and Sango/Miroku
Chapter 11 of ?
Summary: After Naraku is killed Inuyasha's world is settling in to a normality He hadn't expected but when his brother appears bringing with him Rin and royal intrigues can Inuyasha prevail over the new obstacles in his life, including this strange affinity his brother seems to have for him?
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha franchise, anime, manga or characters. I play with them for fun not for profit.
The sound of ringing bells woke Inuyasha the next morning. What the Hell? Are we under attack? The hanyou wondered jumping from bed and hurriedly donning his fire rat clothing.
He jumped from the balcony of his room rushing across the gardens filled with curious courtiers. He bounded over the gate to the palace proper landing in the outer courtyard. Sesshomaru stood before him in royal regalia, he turned to stare at the hanyou Inuyasha caught the flash of surprise in his eyes before they were cold and hard.
"You wish to welcome our Aunt Intended?" Sesshomaru's voice was stoic as Inuyasha had ever heard it.
"Is that what the commotion is about?" He looked around at the nobles assembled. "Uh was I supposed to know about this?" He rubbed the back of his head in discomfort.
"Jakken was sent to inform you, he has obviously failed in this task." Sesshomaru bit out.
"Is this the Intended I have been called upon to attend?" A ringing voice broke the brothers conversation. "He looks to be a child Nephew." Inuyasha looked up, floating above them on a cloud of energy was a demoness, she looked remarkably similar to their father, with one marked difference she had jagged green stripes along her cheeks that matched the emerald of her eyes.
"I believe introductions are in order." The woman continued landing lightly before the brothers her layers of navy Kimono settling like pools of silk around her. "I am Lady Sanika of the Southern Lands Daughter of Lord Hikamaru Lord of the West, Sister of Inu Tashio Lord of the West and Aunt of Lord Sesshomaru current Ruler of the Western Lands. " She stood staring at the hanyou her eyes cold as ice boring in to his own expressive gaze.
"And you are the product of the largest mistake my beloved brother ever made. Tell me Nephew can it be true that you wish to bond with him?"
"I need not explain myself to you Aunt. You know his strength, He is born of your brother, my father. That is enough to make him worthy of such as I." His brothers words startled Inuyasha from his silence.
"Hey wait a second are you calling my birth a mistake? Cause that kinda pisses me off." He told her stepping forward.
"I call my brothers stupid desire to protect your mother a mistake, without his infatuation he would still live." She walked closer to Inuyasha making the hanyou take a step backward. "You so resemble him though don't you… I suppose I can understand this union Nephews, I shall help you if only for the memory of my beloved brother." The woman stepped forward reaching her hand out to grasp Inuyasha's shoulder. He tensed but one curt look from his brother kept him in place.
"Let me take a look at you Nephew." She sighed the sound barely audible even with his hanyou hearing. "You do not dress in such a way at all times do you?" She wondered aloud making Inuyasha growl in annoyance.
"Not lately Lady, I was just uninformed and thought the bells meant we were being attacked. You kinda showed up early don't you think?" He groused turning his head to glare at his brother.
"I supposed I must apologize for pulling you from your bed then Nephew." She inclined her head pulling his chin so he looked at her once more. "You do look like Tashio…" She stopped speaking suddenly and her face went grave. "What are these?" She hissed pulling the rosary around his neck fiercely.
Inuyasha stumbled knocking in to the demoness. "What the hell, they are beads of subjugation Lady let go!" He cried trying to free himself from her grasp.
"These must be removed Sesshomaru. He is already bound to another. While these beads remain this wedding cannot progress!" She announced pulling on the beads again.
"I would ask that you unhand my intended immediately Aunt. Do not test my patients" Sesshomaru's voice was steely.
The hands immediately left Inuyasha allowing the hanyou to stand straight.
"Intended retire to your rooms and dress for the day I shall acclimate our Aunt to the palace." Sesshomaru stepped between Inuyasha and the strange demoness easily blocking her slight frame from the hanyous sight.
"Feh whatever I'll see you at lunch." The hanyou leapt towards the palace proper landing lightly on the shingled roof and taking off for his chambers. Inuyasha growled low in his throat. That bastard treats me like some damn woman! Hus feet propelled him from the ground below his open window in to his bed chamber where He landed lightly on the fur covered floor.
Immediately He pulled off his kimono and tossed it across the room in a rage. What the hell does he think he's doing having that woman help me, she hates me! She made that much pretty obvious! He grabbed some clothing from his armoire and stalked to his bathing chamber.
Is this what I can look forward to? People disparaging me and my parents every time I meet them? I mean this kinda my home now and here she is telling me I am my fathers biggest mistake! And Sesshomaru, where does He get off acting like I can't defend myself? It's not like I haven't been doing it for my entire life! He sank in to the warm water grabbing his soap and rubbing it vigorously in his hair.
Tears came to the hanyous eyes and he dunked himself under the water allowing them to mix with the warm spring water.
Feh maybe He's right, look at me crying like a pup. This is ridiculous; I knew what this wedding was when I accepted. I need to calm the fuck down. This is political I know that, shit why is this bothering me so damn much? Inuyasha growled, pushing himself up to break the water. Drying Cloths were waiting as usual and the hanyou dried quickly hurriedly pulling on his clothing and calling the small servant, who he had found was named Lee, to tie his obi. he rushed back to his bed chamber where Akashi one of the only women in his household was waiting comb in hand to make sure he looked the part of Sesshomaru's intended.
Finally Inuyasha emerged from his chambers and made his way to lunch. Feh I look like a woman. he thought pulling on his soft locks, the kimono and hakama He wore were imperial red with golden embroidery and fit him perfectly. A pair of silk slippers encased his feet with the same dragon design as the rest of his clothing.
He noticed idly that the courtiers strolling through the gardens whispered about his new appearance behind their hands. Men and Women commented in his beauty now that He looked like a royal.
Sango and the children met him just as he stepped in to the main palace, Rin and Shippo wore the same imperial red as he did while Sango wore a light yellow kimono with red embroidery signifying her place in the imperial household.
"You guys have a fun morning?" The hanyou asked ruffling Shippo's hair.
"Oh yes my Lord! Lady Sango taught us to use katana this morning!" Rin exclaimed her face brightening.
"I taught you one stance My Lady, do not go challenging any one to a fight anytime soon." Sango remarked smiling at her enthusiastic charge.
"You allow the children to be looked after by human?"Sanika's voice rang from across the room where she and Sesshomaru stood waiting for the rest of the family.
"Since my daughter is also human I do not see the problem." Sesshomaru replied his eyes glinting in annoyance.
Rin looked offended but bowed to the older woman as they approached.
"It is good to meet you most Honorable Lady." Rin intoned her child like voice demure.
Inuyasha watched as his kit bowed as well greeting the demoness in the same manner.
Sango stood to the side head bowed silently staring at the floor.
Inuyasha glared at his brother glancing to his friend meaningfully.
"Please Lady Sango you are as much a part of this family as anyone, Aunt this is the Lady Sango a great warrior and friend of my Intended. She has taken up the role of the children's Governess." Sesshomaru placed a hand on Sango's shoulder leading her to stand next to Inuyasha.
The hanyou smiled at his brothers and glanced around looking for Miroku. "Where is the Hoshi?"
"I am here my friend, excuse my tardiness I was at the temple in prayer this morning." Miroku explained taking Sango's arm.
"Another human retainer my Nephew?"Sanika's voice was questioning.
"This is another of Inuyasha's companions, together they defeated the demon Naraku. They are a part of the royal household." Sesshomaru replied motioning to the sentries to open the doors to the royal party.
They sat at the royal table Their Imperial Aunt taking the seat directly to Sesshomaru's left. Rin glared at the demoness before taking her new seat to their Aunts left.
Inuyasha glanced at his brothers his face was stoic but his eyes burned with annoyance. "That is my daughters place Aunt. You may take the seat to the left of where she is currently sitting." Sesshomaru ground out staring at the demoness.
"Oh yes of course Nephew how silly of me to forget the human girl was your Heir." She replied stressing the word human. She stood allowing Rin to take her seat before kneeling once more.
The doors creaked open suddenly without Sesshomaru's allowance, Jakken slipped in closing the large door behind him. "My Lord Sesshomaru please forgive the interruption but the runner from the North has arrived and I thought you would want to see their answer as soon as possible." The kappa finished bowing low and touching his forehead to the stone floor.
"Of course Jakken come forward and kneel at my table while I look it over." He motioned reaching his hand out for the parchment.
Inuyasha raised his eyebrows watching at his brother opened the missive and looked it over. Inuyasha was surprised when his brothers handed the parchment over to him.
Sesshomaru Lord of the West
My son Prince Koga of the Northern territories will arrive with his sister The Hime Mikata two days Hence. I send my most sincere hope that this will be a most advantageous union for all involved.
Keietsu Lord of the North
Inuyasha looked up at his brother nervously. "Does this mean two days from when this was composed?" He asked curiously.
Sesshomaru looked to Jakken. "Does it Jakken?" He asked quietly.
"I believe so my Lord Sesshomaru, their caravan was spotted a day's ride from Here just this very afternoon." He explained bowing once more.
Inuyasha sighed, this was happening so quickly.
"We must arrange their apartments." Sesshomaru stated looking to Inuyasha.
"They can stay in my palace, I have the room and that way I can keep an eye on the brute." Inuyasha stated looking to his brother, Sesshomaru nodded and waved to Jakken.
"Do as he requests." Sesshomaru turned to look at Rin she was staring interested.
"My Lord who is it that will be staying with us?" she asked touching his arm.
"Rin, we have arranged your marriage to a prince of the North as you know. Your original suitor is… no longer available and thus the Prince Koga will be joining us as you betrothed in one days' time." Sesshomaru explained. Inuyasha looked to the small girl for any sort of reaction.
"I am glad to have this time to get to know my Intended my Lord." she bowed her head in deference.
Sesshomaru nodded and took his daughters small hand in his own, squeezed it and then clapped once to signal the court to enter.
After lunch Inuyasha joined Sesshomaru and Jakken in his own palace setting up rooms for the young nobles. "Will their highnesses be bringing their own household?" Inuyasha asked Jakken as they surveyed his own servants as they opened four suites of apartments. "And do you think we will need more apartments opened?"
"I believe they will bring their own household my Lord, we will open another hall of servants quarters for them as for more apartments, I have no Idea how many Ladies the Hime will bring although the Prince will arrive with at most two attendants as custom demands. Any of the Ladies attendants can be quartered together as there are three bed chambers per apartment." Jakken finished shuffling off to yell at one of the servants about the imperial red coverlet that was being placed on the guests bed. "Only their highnesses may have that color in their rooms!"
"This is really annoying, why do we care what color the linens are?" Inuyasha muttered looking to his brother.
"It is propriety Intended, red can only be worn by the members of imperial houses. We have no way to know if these attendants are of such a family." Sesshomaru explained pressing a hand in to Inuyasha's back, guiding him in the hallway where the walls and floors were getting a scrub down.
"Okay I guess I'll remember that. Can we speak in my sitting room? I would like to speak about our Aunt." He asked stiffly.
His brother nodded and together they made their way down the corridor that lead to Inuyasha's private apartments.
Inuyasha pushed the doors to his anti-chamber open, going to the right he opened the doors that lead the suite He was currently using and closed them tightly after his brother entered.
"I don't want her near the children." He told his brother harshly turning to stare at the older demon. Sesshomaru's eyes were understanding and he sat on the cushions near the large window.
"I agree brother, she does not like humans, our Ojiisan was… quite fond of human women. I am afraid they were not the best examples of humanity. And after father died… we all blamed Izayoi I am sad to say." His voice was soft and his eyes radiated his sadness. "I hope that she will come to see as I have the truly amazing capacity humans have for love." He finished smiling just slightly.
Inuyasha smiled in return, it's so easy for me to forget this Sesshomaru when we are in public. How can there be two so different sides to this man? He wondered coming to kneel across from his brother.
"I am concerned for Rin, she seemed subdued at lunch after you announced Koga's imminent arrival. Do you think this is a good idea? she is still so young." Inuyasha took his brother's hand tentatively.
"What is done is done Inuyasha, you know this. Rin will not be married until she feels she is ready and this Koga has proven himself worthy in my eyes. Do not worry she will be cared for." Sesshomaru sighed and squeezed Inuyasha's hand. The hanyou smiled sadly but agreed with a nod.
"I suppose that is all I can ask. I feel like it has been so long since I was last in my forest." He commented suddenly. "Once the wedding plans are set I believe I will take Rin, Shippo, Sango and Miroku to the village for a day trip. We all need to get away from the court for a while." Inuyasha paused watching Sesshomaru nod and turn to look longingly at the horizon.
"Won't you join us Intended?" He asked wondering why he wanted Sesshomaru to come so badly.
The older man whipped his head around looking at Inuyasha as though he were a foreign entity. "Do you wish me to?" He asked slowly as if trying to gauge Inuyasha's intent.
"Yes I do, I think a day in the country would do the entire household some good. Surely Jakken can watching things for a day." Inuyasha commented. "We can take two dragons for the humans and Shippo to ride on; they can travel nearly as quickly as you can and far faster than Kilala. We can be there and back in one day." Inuyasha finished smiling at his brothers stunned face.
"I believe that would be acceptable Intended. We shall take time four days from now if that suites. It will give us time to acclimate the Ookami to their new home and for the preparations for our marriage to be under way." Sesshomaru nodded smiling wider than Inuyasha thought was possible for the stoic Lord."
"Whoa I can't believe you can smile that much without your face cramping." Inuyasha teased watching his brothers smiled turn in to a scowl.
"If you find my smile unappealing I will endeavor to stop." His voice sounded hurt.
"I was joking Intended, you are quite appealing, especially when you smile." Inuyasha comforted his brother leaning forward to press his face against Sesshomaru's neck in a purely instinctual motion.
Inuyasha felt the body under his start to vibrate softly. He opened his eyes in surprise leaning back just enough to get a good look at his brother. "Are you purring?" He asked quietly his chest still pressed in to the older man's.
"I suppose. My mother's father was one fourth cat demon." Sesshomaru explained leaning in to sniff Inuyasha. "I suppose I have acquired one of his… skills."
Inuyasha let out a barking laugh and hugged his brother close to him. "I learn something new about you everyday brother." The hanyou exclaimed.
That night after dinner Inuyasha met with Sanika in a pavilion not far from his palace. It was one He remembered well from his childhood. His mother had taught him his letters there under the varnished ceiling.
The two inu had been speaking for more than an hour, never straying from the topic of the wedding.
"So it is settled, the Ladies Rin and Sango will attend you dressed in imperial red and gold. You shall wear a white wedding kimono embroidered with red and gold dragons and matching hakama. Your intended will wear a red wedding kimono with white and gold embroidered dragons and matching hakama. You will marry in this very pavilion while the court watches from the western exposure to indicate their alliance with you the new western Lord." Sanika read aloud looking at the note she had made.
"That sounds right, I'm not really picky about the flowers or anything like that, I would like to have a feast following." Inuyasha commented staring at the strange demoness. she had been nothing but polite since they had met there that evening and he wondered what had changed. "Thank you for your help." He said at length as she scribbled on her parchment.
"You are welcome Nephew, as I said your father would have wanted this. I met with Lady Rin this afternoon, she is… not as I imagined a human woman would be." she stated suddenly not taking her eyes from the parchment.
"She is lovely." Inuyasha commented watching his Aunts face carefully. "She reminds me of my mother." He watched as a spark of defiance came to the green eyes.
"I cannot say I can agree, I did not know your mother personally." She replied scribbling faster.
Inuyasha sighed and looked out at the stars. "Do you know that I decided Akiko's fate?" He asked finally not looking at the woman. "It was difficult to pass judgment on her, my mother always taught me that people can change. It is in our nature to change and thus you should never punish someone harshly." Inuyasha explained leaning back in to the cushions stacked behind him.
"You were fair… she deserved a much worse punishment for her crime. My father's second wife was never very good at minding tradition… or any law that she did not enjoy. I think father spoiled her too much because he felt guilty for the dalliances that went on behind her back. They made her very… upset with humans." Her voice was softer than Inuyasha had heard it, the tap of Her brush being placed in to its holder followed Her explanation. "I am sorry for how I have acted. I suppose losing my brother may have left me bitter as well." she said at length touching Inuyasha's shoulder.
He stiffened but turned to her. "Thank you for the apology, I… I do not know what to say." He finally decided to stay neutral.
"I understand, but truly you must understand… I loved my brother. If it had been our choice I would have married him… but father wanted to secure our alliance with the south and Akio was still too young to mate. So I was sent to the South and when Akio was of age she was married to Tashio. When he died protecting Izayoi I was so angry, I never stopped loving him but I suppose he found true love in your mother Inuyasha." she finished her words choked with emotion. "I'll go now… I hope in time you can come to forgive me Nephew." she whispered, he sat looking at the stars for several more minutes as her foot falls disappeared.
"Do you suppose she is sincere?" Sesshomaru's voice asked out of the darkness.
"Why am I not surprised you were spying on us?" Inuyasha retorted turning to face his brother. "I think she might be, I mean her explanation makes sense in a weird sibling love triangle way." He contemplated lying back on the cushions that surrounded him.
"Hmm." Sesshomaru replied sitting next to him.
The brothers sat that way for several hours as the wind danced about them and the stars shone brightly in the sky. Inuyasha closed his eyes laying his head in his brothers lap and smiling as the great Lord purred in contentment. The hanyou didn't remember falling asleep but the next thing he knew he was waking up to the morning sun safely tucked in to his bed.
He washed a dressed quickly wishing he could linger in bed and contemplate the meaning of the night before but knowing that Koga would be arriving soon.
Once he was dressed he let Akashi fix his hair she pulled it loosely in to a top knot allowing his ears to poke through the mass of hair, then she settled a small head dress at the base of the knot tying it all with a red ribbon that matched his kimono and hakama, they were embroidered with their house crest in gold thread. He also pulled on a formal haori that matched his kimono. He then met Rin at her rooms so he could escort her to the welcoming chamber. she too wore imperial red although her kimono was predominately white with red flowers embroidered in to the silk. The white, Sango had explained, spoke of her unmarried state. Sango too wore a white kimono embroidered with flowers although these were predominately yellow with only the very center showing the imperial red that marked her as part of the imperial household. Miroku and Shippo met them before they left Rin's room. Shippo in a completely red silk kimono and hakama set and Miroku dressed as always as a Hoshi.
The band group led by Inuyasha and Rin left the young girls private palace and strolled through the gardens at a suitably sedate pace for the royal heir. Rin's ornate headdress flashed in the morning sun casting a golden glow on those she passed. The entire court watched her progress from the palace that was her home in to the main palace where her father waited.
Inuyasha smiled at his brother as their eyes met across the vast receiving hall. Koga and his entourage had yet to appear and the royal household was alone in the great room. Sanika stood near Sesshomaru leaving room for both Inuyasha and Rin to stand next to the lord. A veil of white was placed over Rin's face by Sango as they came to a stop beside the demon Lord.
"Must I wear this?" Rin complained picking at the opaque fabric.
"It is traditional daughter; your intended must not see your face before the promise of marriage is signed by both parties. I am told that Lord Keietsu has signed it already and sent the copy with his eldest daughter to be presented to us. Once the document has been signed your marriage is assured and you may retract the veil." He explained, Inuyasha thought that by the sound of his voice this was not the first time the veil had come up.
Rin sighed and let the fabric fall. "As you wish father." she inclined her head before standing strait and looking towards the great doors. Outside the bells tolled announcing the arrival of the royal envoy.
Inuyasha took his brothers hand not knowing if the gesture would be accepted but wanting the comfort. Sesshomaru squeezed his hand and kept it fast in his grip making the hanyou smile.
The doors to the palace opened allowing the royals in to the hall. A woman lead the way her long brown hair piled on her head below a large headdress, the white kimono with red and blue embroidered birds screaming Her royal heritage.
Behind her came Koga wearing for the first time in Inuyasha's memory, a matching red kimono and hakama embroidered with the same blue as his sisters.
"My Lord Sesshomaru greetings from the North, we are over joyed to be here this day." The woman announced bowing slightly to the other noble. Sesshomaru in turn bowed at the waist before opening his arms.
"Welcome to my home Hime of the North we are glad to bring you and your kin in to our home." He stepped forward tugging Inuyasha as well.
"Welcome Prince Koga of the North." Inuyasha said after a look from his brother. "We are happy to welcome you in to our family. Come Rin and meet your intended." He motioned for his soon to be daughter to step forward but she stood stalk still three feet behind them.
"Is there something wrong daughter?" Sesshomaru asked looking concerned at her lack of response. Still the veiled form said nothing. Sesshomaru motioned to Sango; the woman rushed forward and turned Rin from the waiting group lifting her veil enough to allow the girl to whisper in her ear.
Sango's face went white; she turned and glared daggers at the waiting prince. "My Lord, Lady Rin must away immediately if you would please meet us in your chamber before any document is signed she would be much obliged." Sango spoke in a soft voice.
"Of course Governess please assure my daughters wellbeing." Sesshomaru allowed watching as the woman lead the young girl to the stairs.
"If you will forgive us the inconvenience the meeting between intendeds must wait until after the noon meal which will be taken privately. Jakken, Hoshi please see to their comfort." Sesshomaru nodded at the two. "I will see you both soon. Thank you for your patients." He finished bowing to the two nobles who bowed in turn.
Together Inuyasha and Sesshomaru walked from the room. Their slow pace speeding to a run once they were out of eye shot of the visitors.
Rin was weeping when Inuyasha entered the room followed by his brother. She was kneeling on the floor in Sesshomaru's sitting room being held by Sango. The slayer looked angrier than Inuyasha had seen her since the defeat of Naraku and she turned her irate gaze on the men as they entered.
"How could you? How could you? You never wondered why a pack of wolves would just attack a village and kill everyone?" She half screamed at them. "He was the leader of the wolf pack that killed Her Sesshomaru, how could you not know that?" Sango asked pulling Rin closer to her as though trying to hide her from the men.
"He did what?" Inuyasha asked feeling empty. "He… why would he?" His head felt light and he sat suddenly on the floor looking at the two huddled women. His gaze shifted to his brother the older man looked livid.
"You did not tell me that there was a demon among them." He said his voice filled with barley suppressed rage. "I will kill him." Sesshomaru announced turning to leave the room.
"You will do nothing of the sort!" Sango cried stopping the Lord dead. "Rin does not want war on her account.
Rin pulled away then wiping her eyes and looking at her father. "I wish to speak with him before anything is decided father, you told me he is young and I know demons do not think much of human life. If he can feel sorrow for what he did then I can forgive him. If that is not possible I will have to marry his elder brother and live in the north." she spoke softly but her steely gaze left no room for discussion.
"I wish for us to eat with the Prince, Hime and their household this afternoon, please male it so." Rin sniffed her eyes watering. "I will wear my veil if you father but I wish to show him my true self before we sign the contract. I wish for him to look upon the girl who's life He almost stole. I wish for him to know that humans feel the pain of death as sharply as demons." She finished looking at her hands.
"Of course daughter do as you will." Sesshomaru agreed turning to his door. "I will call Jakken to prepare them familial dining room and see to it that the visitors are brought there as you wish." He spoke softly before retiring from them room.
Inuyasha sat staring at Rin for a moment before them girl threw herself in to his arms and held on tightly. "You and father will protect me I know that, but how can I marry a man that almost cost me my life?" she whispered in to his ear. He pulled back so he could look in to her chocolate eyes.
"Rin I'm not sure how much you know about what had happened between Sesshomaru and I, but he has tried and almost succeeded in killing me more times than I like to think about. I know it's hard to trust someone after they have done such a terrible thing but people change. My mother told me that it is in our nature to change with our circumstances, I know Koga now and he doesn't kill humans for fun anymore. After the death of many of his people he is very aware of how destructive death is. You have every right to be angry. You have every right not to marry him. But I think you should let him try and show you he has changed because I think he has. The man I know is annoyingly cocky but I don't think he would allow anyone to kill a child for no reason." He finished pulling Rin close to him again. At least I didn't think he would. Inuyasha bit his lower lip and looked to Sango as she sat still hugging herself. she too looked bewildered by the information about the demon they had all considered a friend.
Rin had Her Ladies come and tend to her makeup, hair and kimono making sure she was presentable for lunch that afternoon. Inuyasha stayed with the two women making sure they had everything they needed as they readied for the confrontation. Sesshomaru didn't return until it was time for them to descend to lunch coming to escort Inuyasha to the hall.
The hanyou leaned close to his brother taking the larger hand in his own and whispering. "This is not your fault, and she doesn't want you to kill him so keep you temper in check."
The elder brother let a fleeting smiled pass over his lips before leading Inuyasha in to the empty dining room.
Moments later the visitors entered taking their seats quickly.
Sesshomaru stood glaring fire at Koga. "Forgive me Hime Mikata but there is a matter that has come to my attention." Rin coughed then getting her father's attention.
"Excuse me my Honorable Lord Father may I speak of this ill as it is upon my being?" she asked almost too quietly for Inuyasha to hear.
"Of course daughter." He allowed sitting, the entire congregation turned to Rin's veiled form. Slowly she lifted the opaque fabric from in front of her face and looked at Koga.
"What is this?" The Hime declared standing. "Is she some harlot that would show her face to her intended?"
Sesshomaru growled threateningly. "My daughter had good reason for this breach of etiquette, as you will learn Hime, please sit."
Rin was smiling at Koga as recognition filled his eyes. "You were one of the villagers…" He whispered touching his mouth in horror. "How… You were dead." He finished causing his sister to look at him strangely.
"You would know wouldn't you my Prince, you killed me." she answered the visiting party's unasked question making the other Hime look at her brother in revulsion.
"My father the great Lord Sesshomaru used his considerable powers to bring myself beck from the world of the dead. What I must know for this marriage to go any farther is whether you feel remorse for the people you allowed your wolves to kill."
The room was completely still, Inuyasha watched as Koga battled internally. The ookami looked deeply disturbed and his eyes flashed to his sister over and over again. Finally after what felt like ages to the waiting hanyou Koga spoke, tears in his eyes, with a voice filled with emotion.
"Of course I feel awful I was under the effects of the Shikon jewel it made me do terrible things… things that haunt me every day of my life. You have to know Hime, if I have been in my right mind as I am now I would have never allowed my people to do such a thing. He finished his voice fading as a sob escaped his lips.
Inuyasha looked between the two sure that Rin was going to deny the ookami. Her face was set cold as stone very reminiscent of her fathers favorite look. But then the ice seemed to melt and she stood pulling the veil back over her head and sat again.
"We may start fresh then my prince, as intendeds rather than enemies." she said quietly a smile evident in her voice.
Inuyasha stared at the veiled figure waiting patiently for her father to speak. As Sesshomaru began his speech and the entire room relaxed in to friendly conversation Inuyasha pondered Rin.
she reminds me so much of mother… It is uncanny. I wonder if she is her embodiment come to teach the world what my mother could not.
He let himself relax under the watchful eyes of his brother and the presence, imagined or not or his beloved mother.
End Chapter Eleven
A.N
Oh my god this chapter is like longer than anything I have ever written in one sitting. I know not everything I wanted to happen happened in this chapter but I fit most of it in. Miroku and Sango will be married before Inuyasha and Sesshomaru I promise. I hope you all liked the way I handled the Rin/Koga thing. I think it is a very Rin way to handle it.
Thank you to everyone who is reviewing I LOVE you guys! It's truly amazing how many fans this story has!
There was a little more romance between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru but truthfully so much happened in this chapter it was hard to find the time.
Gah thank you all for reading!
Feed the Author please (You always do :D)
Caressedbythorns
