Title: By the Light of Mars
Parings: Inuyasha/Sesshomaru and Sango/Miroku
Chapter 12 of ?
Summary: After Naraku is killed Inuyasha's world is settling in to 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 next morning found Inuyasha accompanied by Sango outside Koga's chambers. Rin and Shippo were busy learning yokai law under the watchful gaze of Sesshomaru leaving Sango free to accompany Inuyasha to the young princes' apartments.
They walked in companionable science taking in the tranquility of the palace in the morning. Light streamed in through the large windows on the first floor and up though the gaps between hallways allowing the brightness of the morning to fill the halls. Tapestries hung on the walls depicting past Ladies of the West frolicking with their children in the surrounding gardens.
Inuyasha halted outside of the great doors that lead to Koga's apartments and knocked politely waiting only moments before a servant opened the door slightly. When the small man realized who was standing before him he bowed low and opened the door wide so as to welcome the Lord.
Another servant standing nearby jumped and ran to the next door opening it and announcing Inuyasha.
"My I present Lord Inuyasha Intended of the Great Lord Sesshomaru of the West and Son of the Great Inu Tashio departed Lord of these lands!" The man exclaimed prostrating himself on the floor as Inuyasha entered followed by Sango.
Koga was reclining with his attendants, the two wolves that constantly followed him, eating breakfast. The two lesser ookami jumped up bowing low to the ground and welcoming him with sweet words. Koga on the other hand stayed where he was glaring at the hanyou.
"Prince Koga I have come to guide you around your new home in welcome." Inuyasha spoke wishing the prince would stand. "My Lord Intended wishes you to become accustomed to this place so he does not have to save you from becoming lost." Inuyasha motioned for the man to stand. "Please rise as we have a full day, you must wake earlier than this if you wish to be an active part of our court." He waited watching as the ookami prince ignored him nibbling on the fruit placed before him.
The sentries that had accompanied the two to the princes' chambers gasped audibly.
"Yeah like I'm going to listen to you mutt, you may be dressed up pretty and playing house wife with the Western Lord but your still a half breed cur in my eyes." Koga spat glaring hatefully at the standing man.
"You will not speak to Lord Inuyasha in such a way unless you wish to lose your tongue!" One of the usually silent sentries barked coming to stand just behind the hanyou.
Koga scoffed finally standing and walking until he was face to face with Inuyasha. The hanyou stared confused, what the hell is wrong with Koga?
"I won't be told what to do by some hapless hanyou, it's bad enough that father made me come here in the first place!" He glared hostilely at the sentry that stepped forward to protect the hanyou. Inuyasha raised a hand signaling for the guard to stand back.
"I don't really care how upset you are with my place in this palace, truthfully you are only here because your brother died and we wanted to keep Rin in our kingdom. You will listen to what I say and do as my Intended wishes. You are to be our son in law and we expect you to act as such or you will be punished pup. In the past we have met as equals, here we are not equal you are engaged to my daughter and living in my lands. You are over a century young than I am and you will treat me with the respect owed." Inuyasha finished remember what Sesshomaru had told him to say in a situation such as this.
Koga looked dumbstruck his eyes wide staring at Inuyasha, the hanyou smiled motioning towards the door. "Come now prince Koga we must hurry lunch is only a few hours from now and we have much to see. Your retainers are of course welcome to accompany us. "Inuyasha turned as strode from the room Sango a step behind him. The walked three doors down to the Himes accommodations, he knocked and was asked to wait for the princess's party.
Sango was allowed within the room to inform the Himes Ladies of the plans for the day. Moments later Sango emerged just behind the ookami Hime but before her ladies. Inuyasha bowed slightly offering his arm to the royal woman.
She nodded and Inuyasha notice she was quite pretty when she allowed the stern expression to fall from her delicate features.
Her small hand grasped his arm as she fell in to step behind him. Koga started to run a head of the group but he was stopped suddenly by his sisters' hand grasping his tail.
Inuyasha snickered quietly as the wolf prince was jerked on to his back.
"You will mind etiquette brother or I shall write to father of your disobedience. Your place is behind his highness and myself as you well know. Escort the Lady Sango as she is in need of one." Her voice was cool and she smiled as she spoke but her eyes spoke of unspeakable pain were the ookami prince to disobey.
Inuyasha stared at her, impressed. She is obviously a Hime, maybe we should allow Rin to spend time with her while she is in residence.
Koga retreated and moments later Inuyasha could hear Sango's quiet agreement to his assorting her through the gardens.
The group set off once more the Hime speaking to him about the upcoming wedding and the state of Lady Rin's health.
"Will you be staying with us through the wedding of myself to Lord Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha asked as they rounded the corner that lead to the koi ponds.
"Oh yes I would be inclined to stay until my brother is safely married as my mother has requested of me. Although I will understand if you do not wish to keep me for such a time." She finished smiling at him.
"I am sure we could accommodate your mothers wishes but allow me to speak with my intended to make sure." Inuyasha told her smiling and leading the group towards the main palace.
"There are fifty separate smaller palaces inside the Walls of the palace of Kirei Teien. Most are inhabited by the court. The palace you reside in currently is mine you are on the east side of my palace while my rooms are on the west side. The main palace is where Lord Sesshomaru resides and where the court is held. There are three main dining rooms. Mostly we will eat in the great hall; the room we ate in yesterday was the familial dining room. That is only used for small gatherings when the court is not in session. The council also meets in the main palace. Behind the main palace are the barracks and training facilities. To the left of those is the library it is opened to all who wish to learn. You are all welcome to walk the gardens, use the raining facilities, read, paint, or explore the main palace. The other smaller palaces are off limits unless you are invited by their inhabitants. Other than that there are very few rules other than those of etiquette." He finished turning to look at Koga's glaring face.
"Try not to glare ookami prince my intended does not take threats on my person lightly real or… imagined." He finished turning back to Mikata who was giggling behind her sleeve.
"My brother is quite spirited hopefully your Alpha can set him straight. Father was always much too soft on him" She whispered to Inuyasha who smiled widely and let out a small bark of laughter.
"I am sure he can, come now lunch will be served soon." He led their group to the dining hall where Sesshomaru, Rin, Shippo, Miroku and Sanika were waiting for them.
He bowed to the Hime and took her to her seat before taking his place at his brothers side. The men and women parted at the door each sitting on their gender specific side of the table in order of descending rank. Koga looked uncomfortable as he sat between Miroku and Shippo. The small kit smiled at the wolf and looked to Inuyasha when his smiled was returned with a frown.
Inuyasha just shook his head but nodded to Sesshomaru. The older man nodded his acknowledgement but said nothing about the slight.
"Welcome friends and most esteemed guests we will begin the seating ceremony now so that lunch maybe served if no one has any familial business." He addressed the room although his eyes never strayed from his intended. Inuyasha nodded and stood.
"I wish to request your attention after the meal on a subject concerning our son to be." Inuyasha requested looking only at his brother.
"Of course Intended whatever you wish shall be done." Sesshomaru replied his world sending a very clear message to the wayward ookami.
Inuyasha sat then smiling at his intended and nodded that he was done. Sesshomaru clapped his hands once and the seating began.
After Lunch Inuyasha stayed seated, Sesshomaru invited his household, Hime Mikata and Prince Koga to do the same. Once the room was cleared and the last of the food cleared away the sentries closed the doors heavily and Sesshomaru stood.
"My Intended, you have requested this familial meeting to discuss the behavior of our Hime's fiancé Prince Koga. Would you please state your case?"
Inuyasha nodded and stood looking only at Sesshomaru. "I have found my Intended that the Prince is disturbed by my place in the hierarchy, as I am not yet your bonded I have come to bring this case before you. He has been hostile to myself, Lady Sango and the children this past morning. He is obviously unused to life at court I feel he needs a tutor and some sparring time with you my Intended. I also would like to suggest that he and the Lady Rin be allowed time together, chaperoned of course, to facilitate their bonding." Inuyasha finished feeling very accomplished for not cursing once during his rather long speech.
Koga snorted as Inuyasha finished his speech making the entire room turn their eyes to him. "I am not bowing to a hanyou cur." He scoffed; Inuyasha glanced to Rin as she made a distressed noise.
"You should watch your tongue pup, your own children will be hanyou, would you approve of such things being said about them?" Sesshomaru's voice was deadly quiet causing Inuyasha to flinch. Koga has no idea how much trouble he is in.
Koga's large blue eyes widened almost comically he glanced at Rin who looked as though she might kill him were he to answer incorrectly.
"I suppose I never thought of it that way…" Koga looked confused, his eyes not leaving Rin's disapproving face.
"It would do you well to remember that Inuyasha is your Lord now as you are part of our household. As such you are beholden to him only behind myself." The hanyou smiled as Sesshomaru grabbed his hand while he spoke.
"Koga's head lowered in reverence. "As you say Lord Sesshomaru." The ookami deferred not looking up.
"You will train with me in the mornings, every morning at a predetermined time without fail. Lord Ming Yi the children's tutor shall advise you in matters of state. You must try your best to show yourself united with this household, you are to marry our heir it is imperative that the court not think to undermine myself by controlling you Prince." Sesshomaru declared his eyes softening marginally.
"Father may I speak?" Rin asked her voice small but dignified. Inuyasha looked to the young woman and smiled at her encouragingly.
"Of course daughter." He replied sitting and allowing her to take the attention of the room.
Inuyasha watched Rin stand slowly, her formal kimono hindering her slightly. She looks like a wrathful angle. He thought laughing at Koga's very intimidated look.
"I wish to beseech you Intended to try to become accustom to life in our court. I know this rigidity must be new to you, who has always roamed the country at his leisure, but you now have a home and This Hime wishes for it to be a happy one." She finished using one of Sesshomaru's tricks to sound imposing. Inuyasha had to stifle a laugh as the ookami sighed. Did he expect her to lie down and take his attitude? If so he is in for one hell of a rude awakening. I wonder how Rin knows anything about Koga.. Maybe Miroku or Sango have been speaking with her. The hanyou smiled fondly watching as Koga apologized profusely to Rin. He seems taken with her, at least that's something… he glanced at his own intended then watching as the older demon allowed his eyes to show his pleasure. I wonder what our own marriage will be like. We haven't really been able to spend any sort of time together alone. He seems so untouchable like this, presiding over his court… Inuyasha's thoughts were cut short when Sesshomaru placed a hand on his arm.
"I have some time now if you would like to walk with me in the gardens." He whispered just audibly. Inuyasha blinked confused.
"Can you read minds?" He wondered aloud, watching as his brothers' mask almost slipped in confusion.
"No." he replied leaning forward. "Do you wish to walk?" He requested again making Inuyasha roll his eyes in exasperation.
"Yes Sesshomaru I wish to walk with you." He finally answered still keeping his voice low as the rest of the room whispered amongst themselves.
Sesshomaru stood again clapping his hands once to call attention. "This matter is resolved let it not be spoken of again. Prince Koga we will meet on the marrow in the sparring court yard at one hour past sunrise. I will see the rest of you at breakfast tomorrow morning; Dinner will be taken in the individual palaces this night."
Whispers broke out as the group stood and headed to the doors. "Why are we not eating together?" Inuyasha asked his brother allowing the larger man to help him stand.
"We shall be, you, myself, Rin, Shippo, Sango and Miroku but I wish to have some time away from the rigors of court. It seems we have spent nigh any time together since you entered this place." His brother explained making Inuyasha's heart beat faster. "Will you do me the honor of spending the afternoon in my company?" He finished offering Inuyasha his arm.
The hanyou smiled but refused the proffered arm. "I'm not a woman Intended I can walk by myself."
" Women are also able to walk by themselves Inuyasha, this is merely an excuse to touch you." The older demon responded offering his arm once more.
Inuyasha stared dumb struck at his brother's playful words. Well who the hell would have thought. "I suppose I can't complain then." Inuyasha finally replied taking the arm in his own and walking leisurely towards the gardens.
The afternoon was bright and warm that day, the first vestiges of summer peaking it's head out from slumber.
The hanyou watched his brothers face as they strolled through the gardens, various nobles whispered incensed that the royal pair were walking alone. Inuyasha sighed and pulled Sesshomaru towards the more private outer fields and vegetable gardens that surrounded the flower gardens. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow in his direction but Inuyasha just tugged until they were on the right path. I want to walk in the woods, then there won't be any prying eyes.
The continued through the vegetable gardens and out passed the fishing ponds before Sesshomaru stopped and looked at Inuyasha.
"Are we going somewhere particular brother?" He wondered pulling Inuyasha closer to him. The hanyou gulped and felt heat rise to his cheeks.
"I wanted to go for a walk in the forest... the palace is great and all but I've had way too much civility in the last few weeks." He explained hoping that his brother wouldn't insist they return to the palace proper.
"I see… I believe I too am in need of some relaxation away from the pressures of court." Sesshomaru told him smirking and allowing Inuyasha to lead them in to the forest.
The feel of the grass under his feet called to him and within moments the hanyou had stripped his sippers from his feet and thrown them to the ground. The earth beneath him was wet from previous nights storm, it sank beneath his feet and left indentions as we walked.
His brother stood just inside the tree line and Inuyasha had the distinct feeling that the older demon was watching him.
Gah I missed this, the wind caressed his face bringing the smell of wood to his nose. He breathed deeply relishing the heady aroma. This feels more like home. He sighed and jumped in to the nearest tree grumbling when his silken clothing caught on the branch. I wish I had changed before coming out here; I'm going to ruin this kimono. He sighed and pulled on the sleeve where the branch was caught.
Sesshomaru's voice broke the silence of Inuyasha's thoughts.
"Are we playing monkey now Intended?" His voice was softer than Inuyasha ever remembered it being, the tone made the hanyou glanced down. Sesshomaru was smiling, and not his usual smirk, it wasn't a slight tilting of his lips or a quick smile; he was full out glowing while he watched Inuyasha recline in the tree tops.
"You look so at home here." This time the demon Lord sounded awed his smiled never leaving his lips.
Inuyasha was shocked and for a moment he allowed that shock to keep him in place staring at the wonderfully strange site before him. That he found was the wrong move as the smile immediately fell from his brothers face, leaving the ever resent mask in its place.
"Excuse me Inuyasha I did not mean to offend you." He said curtly making the hanyou frown in confusion.
"You didn't Intended, I'm just really not used to you acting this way. I don't dislike it though… truthfully." His eyes wandered away from the perfect form beneath him, the green of the trees shone like emeralds in the spring sunshine and he fixed his eyes on a far off branch.
Why the hell does everything that comes out of my mouth lately have to be embarrassing as hell? He wondered pulling nervously at the licks of hair falling over his shoulders.
The branch dipped suddenly causing him to look up sharply ready for whatever creature had decided to share his resting spot. His breath caught in surprise when he was held tightly to a hard familiar chest.
"Uh are we okay then?" He asked trying to tilt his head to look in to his brothers eyes.
His lips met soft pliable skin, Oh my Kami, I am kissing him. Inuyasha's mind raced before completely shutting down as a warm, wet, soft tongue swiped his lips asking for entrance.
End Chapter Twelve
A/N Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha I am working on my evil laugh. So what do you guys think? Did I have Sesshomaru handle Koga well? I do have to admit that there is more to this plot than Inuyasha and Sesshomaru bonding, weird right? There will be an evil that want's to rip them apart, there are clues hidden!
I am thinking this is going to be more than one story as in there will be a sequel because omg this is getting really long really fast and if I keep updating like this we are going to have a rather large novel on our hands! :D
So next chapter will officially introduce our antagonist and we will have the wonderful trip to Inuyasha's forest! Oh and the dramatic ending to ^ that little scene!
Thanks for reading and remember to feed the author!
Caressedbythorns
