AN: So since chapter 38 ended up being 28 pages when I was finished, I spilt it in half, making TSAM 41 chapters instead of 40. While you guys wait for me to type up my last two chapters, don't forget to check out my wordpress and my tumblr for sneak peaks, progress, and lots of other good stuff! I've put up writing advice, personal life details, alternate scenes from TSAM and ideas that never got off the ground. Check it out!
Quick question to those kind enough to actually read these: I'm interested in starting/joining a fanfiction writing group. Does anyone already know of one in existence or want to give me a few pointers?
One more quick question: After TSAM is done I want to go through one more time and fix my errors and fill in the few plot holes I've discovered. Is there anyone out there who's super good at grammar and really wants to help fix my to/too's for me?
Inukag Fan: Awww, thank you for the two reviews! And thanks so much for reading :)
Autumnsky: Well, I love your review too ;)
Guest (4/15): Thank you! Glad you like it. As for Sango/Miroku...you'll see soon enough. Thanks for reviewing!
Lone Revenant: No, I never have.
Theycallmequeen: Oh, there will be a few more ;) Thanks so much for the review!
BOB: Nope, just slept together. As in actual sleep. Trust me, if they had had sex, I wouldn't have skipped it ;)
WhiteandBlack: You'll find out all after the next two chapters ;) Thanks so much for reviewing twice!
Guest (6/4): In case I haven't mentioned it before, cliffhangers are my favorite. :) Thanks for the review!
Bre: I've been working, I promise! Sorry for the lateness though :(
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I make no money off this story.
November 18: 6:40 AM
Kagura was totally not panicking.
She crossed her arms over her chest, still not panicking, stretching the muscle out as best she could while stuck in a restricting kimono. She'd been hanging out with demons for over 500 years, and they still baffled her. Formal dress made zero sense at a tribunal gathering. A full on hazmat suit was the only thing really appropriate, but try explaining that to old as dirt demons who still thought slinging an animal skin over their jiggly parts was classy. They didn't quite understand why she might want to save her nice clothes from getting splattered with blood.
While she still wasn't panicking, or taking another glance at the light quickly beginning to leak into the sky, she craned her arm back over her head, giving it a nice, long satisfying stretch. She needed to be relaxed and limber in case she needed to buy them time.
Not that they would need more time! They still had plenty of time to get here, four whole minutes. No need to panic.
So just to keep her mind off panicking, she wiggled her fingers, while swinging her arms around like a windmill. She did not want to attempt miming climbing along a wall without being good and ready. There was nothing more pathetic than a mime whose fake climb looked like a fake walk. It was probably as pathetic as a grown woman stretching out in the back of the tribunal room in case she had to buy time via a quick miming performance, completely focused on not panicking out of her mind, while actually, secretly panicking.
Even if Kagome, Inuyasha, Sango, and Sucky Mate only had two more minutes to get here. They would get here though. The alternative was unthinkable.
So really, no reason to panic.
She kept her earbuds firmly in her ears in spite of the curious looks she was getting from the other demons. She wanted to listen to the soothing sounds of fiddles and flutes and other Irish-y things, not vicious gossip about how they best wanted to see Inuyasha ripped apart. She was known for being eccentric, so they left her to her stretching, mentally coming up with a routine in her head. Fake climbing a wall should totally be followed by fake butterfly catching. Maybe it would put the tribunal in a softer frame of mind. And it would keep her from panicking as pink and yellow streaked across the dark sky, chasing away the night.
Sess was already in his place with the other tribunal members. She could feel his eyes on her from the high table, keeping her under close watch, letting her know he was there. As the first curve of the sun peeked up over the city horizon, light flittering through the window.
Damn it, she wanted an extra half hour for Team InuKagSan, a comforting hug from her hot mate, and actual mime makeup. But noooooo, the mime makeup and the geisha makeup were too similar, according to Oldest Stick In The Mud Ever. Her white foundation probably ended up in the same place as her white-out.
But clearly, Kagura didn't always get what she wanted.
Naraku's mark felt heavy and tight on the back of her neck, mocking her with the reminder.
She popped her earbuds out, the low murmur and chatter of the restless demons filling the room. Inuyasha was only barely late, and already they wanted his blood.
Well, she had warned Kagome what would happen if they were late. Time to improvise until they fucking dragged their slow asses here and cleared Inuyasha's stupid name before Kagura had the chance to panic-
A clawed hand wrapped around her waist, Sesshomaru forcing her to meet his eyes. "Remember. You have to be silent. Now come."
Without another warning, Kagura found herself up on the platform that held up the high table, the five tribunal members facing the door, their heavy backed chairs mostly blocking them from Kagura's view. Sesshomaru helped Kagura into her own comfortable chair that sat slightly angled behind his. She would be able to see what was happening, she was protected from the crowd and if Sesshomaru suddenly decided she was in danger, he could quickly yank her out.
He squeezed her hand once without a word, a sign that Kagura had interpreted over the years to mean 'yell-if-you-need-anything-or-if-you're-about-to-g et-kidnapped-or-have-a-sudden-urge-to-use-my-credi t-card-but-don't-say-anything-otherwise' before taking his own seat at the middle of the table. The shades were quickly drawn across the window, dimming the room. The demons gathered in their own stadium style seating across from each other, leaving a large square space of floor surrounded by lit lanterns in the center of it all. It was another thing she didn't understand, but whatever. Sometimes, demons even brought in popcorn or candy, as if this was some sort of sporting event and not the judgement of someone's life.
Sesshomaru had to know something. He wouldn't have dragged her up either without trying to buy his brother time if he didn't know something-
The giant double doors swung open, the murmur of the crowd dropping abruptly into silence.
The panic Kagura had been struggling with completely faded away, and she eagerly leaned forward, wishing she had brought her notebook for ideas about her movie script.
Because their entrance did not disappoint.
Luckily, no Sucky Mate, which made their appearance even better. Maybe he died with Kikyo. A girl could dream.
Inuyasha led the way for the remaining group, muscles bulging under his red plaid shirt and ragged jeans. Blood caked parts of his body, scratches and sweat highlighted the rest. His silver hair hung like a lion's mane behind him, his burning eyes adding a touch of wildness to his swagger. He looked like he had gone through hell and back and hadn't been very impressed.
Kirara stalked next to Sango, flames circling her paws and her fangs dipping over her mouth. Her mistress was a little more subdued, hiding hers carefully behind her lips. Her leather bodysuit was missing both sleeves, another hole ripped out over her heart. Hiraikotsu covered her back, her sword sheathed at her side, and her hands remaining in easy reach of both. Her face was ice cold and laser focused, unflinchingly set on the darkened tribunal. Letting them wonder who she was and why she looked so familiar.
But it was her chickadee that sent shivers down her spine and goosebumps spreading over her skin. Whatever she had gone through, her clothes had held up pretty well, her hair still up in a fierce ponytail, swinging behind her with every step. Naraku's dagger dangled from her side, but was not her most deadly weapon. Purple swirls of her power ran up her arms, rounding around her shoulders and collarbone, caressing her hip and brushing her stomach. A single band ran bright around her forehead, curving around her ear like a piece of jewelry. Her power covered her like vines, protecting and decorating her.
This was a worthy heir to Midoriko. And the others would soon agree, if the wide eyed stare they gave Kagome was anything to go by.
They were dirty. They were bloody. They were messy. They were totally badass.
Jaken suddenly scurried through the door, his human disguise stripped away to reveal greenish skin and a strange, slitted nose that looked more toad than humanoid. He cleared his throat. "Lord Inuyasha, Prince of the West, son of King Inu no Taisho," he announced, his voice easily carrying through the room. "You stand as accused before the tribunal. Are you prepared to do all that's necessary to defend your name?"
"I am." Inuyasha answered back, not bothering to look behind him.
"Standing with Lord Inuyasha as his supporter. Kagome Higurashi. Mate to Lord Inuyasha and descendant of Lady Midoriko. Miko to the Higurashi family."
To Kagome's credit she didn't look impressed, concerned or knowledgeable of the voices that raised in amazement. She stood next to Inuyasha, her power glowing a little brighter.
"Also standing with Lord Inuyasha as his second supporter. Sango, demonslayer and apprentice of Lady Midoriko," Jaken announced, the words more of a croak then a statement.
Sango didn't acknowledge the gasps or the confused looks. She didn't flash her teeth, or try to explain how she had come to be standing in the tribunal room, over 500 years since she had disappeared.
"Do you both agree to stand in defense of Lord Inuyasha?" Jaken asked.
"We do."
"Do all three of you consent to the decisions of the tribunal?" Jaken asked.
"We do." All three answered.
"Will you obey the judgement of the tribunal on pain of death?"
None of them looked impressed or worried. "We will."
"So be it." Jaken nodded as the giant doors swung shut. He lifted his staff and blasted fire along the seams, the iron melting together. "Until the tribunal is complete, the doors will remain sealed. You will not be allowed to leave until Lord Inuyasha has earned his innocence. May you receive the justice you deserve." Jaken stepped away from the door, bowing low.
Kagura settled back in her seat, making mental notes of the proceedings. Everything would go right now. Inuyasha's name would be cleared, Sango would figure out her deal, and Kagome would get to be awesome, and declare her and Inuyasha as the ultimate power couple second to Sesshomaru and Kagura. Nothing would go wrong to ruin this, or deny her a happy end to her future movie.
She was sure of it.
The only thing left to do, was to sit back and watch, not panic, nor feel even the slightest sense of unease.
Which is why it confused Kagura when she had the gut feeling that this wouldn't be as easy as it seemed.
Kagome was ready.
Ready for bed.
She felt jittery and on edge, hyper aware of her surroundings thanks to the gallon of coffee she chugged, layered on top of a bone deep weariness, mixed in with the relief of Souta locked away in a panic room, worry for a deadly silent Sango and a determination to see this through. While being the center of attention of so many people would have made her nervous any other time, she was too tired to care. A lot had happened in little less than 24 hours. She just wanted to crash, but they weren't done yet.
Hang in there. This shouldn't take long. Tribunals usually reach decisions very quickly. Inuyasha reassured her, hiding his own exhaustion under a blanket of aggression.
The sad part was that it was totally hot, and she didn't even care.
Inuyasha winced, catching the end of her thoughts. Well, there goes my manhood. His hand flexed like it wanted to grab hers, but he didn't dare while she was lit up with her power. Guess I've got something to prove later.
Kagome tried to relax, wanting to shove some of her worry aside. If Inuyasha could crack jokes while facing down the people who were about to decide his fate, maybe everything would be alright. Maybe Sesshomaru had overblown the danger of the tribunal if Inuyasha could face them with a laugh.
Or maybe her mate was an idiot.
Feh, you're definitely paying for that one later.
Kagome resisted the urge to shake her head, knowing even that small sign of trying to keep her focus would just make her look weak to the tribunal. Explain to me again what's going to happen. She wasn't in the mood for any surprises.
Despite his own exhaustion, Kagome didn't get the sense from Inuyasha he was annoyed at having to explain this for a third time. Once I get permission to speak, I'll explain myself while the tribunal remains in the dark surrounded by scent shields, so I don't edit my answers according to who's up there. They reveal themselves as they give their opinions. If they're not good opinions, you and Sango will have the chance to try to change their minds as my supporters. That may, or may not change my sentence. Inuyasha explained, not letting up his glare at the high table.
Kagome bit her lip before she could help it. And if the sentence isn't good?
Inuyasha let his eyes flicker to the back wall. A shadowy line of men waited behind the stands, leaning against the metal supports. Volunteers are on hand to...encourage my attempts to prove my innocence. Whatever that'll be.
Her stomach twisted, instantly afraid for him. I hate that I put you in danger like this. I wish I had really thought about what we were getting into.
Don't think like that. I want my name cleared, and this is the only way to do it since we can't deliver Kikyo or Midoriko up. He couldn't hold her hand, so he tightened his own into a fist, letting her feel the grip. This won't be the end, mate. I promise.
Her gaze clashed with his, her power glowing just a little bit brighter. I won't let them touch you. She felt fierce, wanting to bare her teeth at the dark while her swirls turned jagged and thorned.
Inuyasha was kind enough not to point out that she wouldn't have a choice. A small grin turned his lips up. Love you too, mate.
The strange looking demon waddled up to the front of the room, standing just before the tribunal table. "Lord Inuyasha has been accused of high treason, assault towards a priestess, and attempted robbery of Lord Sesshomaru's treasury. You now have your chance to explain yourself. After your statement, you may not speak again. Chose your words wisely."
Kagome had to make herself breathe as the green-ish demon sunk back into the shadows, leaving all attention focused on Inuyasha. They had practiced for this in between bouts of 'lessons'. She had forced Inuyasha to watch old reruns of Law and Order and Legally Blonde. Inuyasha could do this. She knew he could.
Kagome met Inuyasha's eyes, wishing she could reach out and touch him instead. I love you. Don't you dare die on me.
Feh, so little faith. You're not going to get rid of me that easily. Inuyasha promised, bringing his own gaze back to the darkened table.
"I'm innocent of all accusations." Inuyasha declared boldly, following the script Kagome had written for him. "My only intention the day I brought Kikyo down to the treasury was to find a ring for her. I did not-" Inuyasha paused, and Kagome felt his mind go blank.
I did not enter the treasury with thoughts of betraying my brother or my country, nor did I conspire with outside forces to harm the West. Kagome reminded him, trying to keep him on track.
"I did not enter the treasury with thou-oh, fuck it." He shook his head roughly, and gave up on the script. "I did not fucking turn traitor, ok?"
INUYASHA!
Sorry, Kag.
"I did not try to steal anything." He continued, staring up at the demon audience and forcing them to meet his gaze. "I did not harm Kikyo, and I did not betray Sesshomaru or any of you." He looked around the crowd, ignoring the hisses. "I loved Kikyo. I would have died protecting her. The only thing I am is an idiot. I trusted the wrong woman. If you want to kill me for that, we'll have to kill all the males in this room. Probably a female or two too."
Someone huffed in the audience, not sounding amused.
"I can't tell you why Kikyo had Lady Midoriko seal me away." Inuyasha covered up the lie with the flickering red of his eyes, anger deepening his voice. "I don't fucking know. One minute, I'm sorting through rings for the love of my life, and the next, I'm locked away. That's literally all I can tell you."
He stepped closer to the dark tribunal table, letting them see the tremble of his tense body, the determination that tightened his fists and let himself rage. "So I can't give you explanations. I can just promise you that there's fucking nothing in this world that would let me betray you, me, or mine. So make me guilty of stupidity. But don't kill me for turning traitor on you all."
The hisses of the crowd died away, the tribunal room filled with utter silence, broken by Inuyasha's harsh pants and the pounding in Kagome's chest. It wasn't the clear, logical script Kagome had written for him.
...but maybe it would work.
Someone scoffed from up above on the high table. "Well, I can definitely charge you with stupidity any day, mutt." A light flickered on from above, lighting Kouga up in its spotlight.
He leaned forward against the table, his fingers laced together. He wore armor made of worn leather and fur, his black hair tied up high on his head with a furred headband securing it. "You were also an idiot in love. I remember how committed you were to Kikyo. You begged me to go with you that day to help find a ring, but I blew you off. Maybe things would have ended differently if I had gone..." Kouga trailed off, before shaking his head to focus again. "You wouldn't have let anything hurt her, much less yourself. I say innocent. Besides, what can we do to him that's worse than anything his mate'll dish out for for talking about an ex girlfriend like that; amirite?"
Reluctant laughter rippled out, the males in the crowd nervously eyeing Kagome. None of them looked very envious of Inuyasha at the moment.
Only because they don't know how hot you are when you're mad, mate. And just for that, they can keep their eyes.
"The only thing Inuyasha is 'guilty' of is aiding and abetting Lord Sesshomaru in covering up his conspiracy!" The next light shone down on a large, sweating man with only a tiny tuft of hair on his shining scalp. He wore armor similar to Kouga's, but looked brand new. He didn't seem like much of a warrior.
But he did look like he had a great probing story.
Let's just say you guys have the same taste in foil hats.
He pounded his fist on the table, shaking the entire surface. "Inuyasha did try to steal the sacred jewel. He was trying to hide the fact that his brother never succeeded in killing Naraku, and they've spent 500 years trying to cover it up. Well, I've spent over 500 years working to expose them. Today is the day the truth comes out!" His eyes darted around the tribunal room, as if daring anyone to argue.
Someone let out a tired sigh. "...just answer guilty or innocent, Manten." The spotlight flicked on over a handsome man with violet eyes, a black braid draping over his shoulder, and red marks dotting his forehead. He leaned back in his chair, both arms casually draped behind his neck. He didn't seem too terribly concerned about the trial, the insane man standing next to him, or of much of anything.
"Guilty!" Manten rang out, a fierce, crazy light brightening his eyes. "Guilty of conspiracy, guilty of theft, guilty of making the entire race of demons into a pack of fools, guilty of-"
"Yeah, yeah, we get it." The braided man waved his hand, brushing off the rest of the tirade. "Look, I'm just here for him," He jerked his head over to Manten, looking put out that he hadn't gotten to finish the rest of his speech. "I need to make sure he doesn't give himself a heart attack while he rants, or pisses Lord Sesshomaru off enough that he talks himself into an early execution. So for now, I'm waiting to see if that sweet thing down there can convince me to care." He leered down at Kagome, his lips pursuing.
Inuyasha's eyes went fully red, his snarl sending chills down even Kagome's spine. "Watch yourself, Hiten."
Hiten's eyes narrowed. "You watch yourself. Maybe I'll send a death sentence your way so your little honey is available and looking for a shoulder to cry on."
Before Kagome was even aware of what she was doing, purple power balled up in her hand, her arm winding back.
The energy hit Hiten straight in the chest, blasting him out of his chair. He instantly sprung up, fangs out and the careless attitude gone. A bright red blister rose up on his chest, his armor dented and burned.
Kagome refused to tremble at how he seemed to swell, growling down at her. "Maybe you should worry more about keeping your shoulder."
Inuyasha's fierce pride hit her hard. Even if that move gets me killed, I'm so fucking glad you're my mate. But don't think I'm not taking my turn on him too.
The entire audience murmured nervously, Hiten brushing broken pieces of his armor off his chest. He picked his chair back up, seemingly put in his place. Hiten inclined his head slightly. "I apologize, Lady Miko."
Kagome nodded back, acknowledging him. At least it didn't seem like she had blasted him on his bad side.
He resettled himself, much more serious now. "I still wait for counsel from the two remaining tribunal members before forming my own opinion," he announced, looking at either side of him. Two of the spots remained dark, one in the center and a second off at the very end.
She knew Sess had to be at one of the spots. It was just a question on who was left and how much of a threat they were.
"I agree with Kouga that Lord Inuyasha should be charged. But only with stupidity, nothing more." The light in the center flickered on, revealing Sesshomaru in his traditional warlord glory. He sat straight up in his chair, mild curiosity displayed on his face. "Lady Kagura has been in need of a...personal assistant for some time. Perhaps Inuyasha can pay for his crime by serving her."
Inuyasha's eyes flickered back to their normal gold, but his face went pale. ….oh fuck. I think I would prefer the death sentence.
"That would be suitable for me as well," Kouga quickly agreed. "Time spent serving Lady Kagura seems a fitting punishment for being a moron. She'll have him straightened out in no time."
Maybe I can battle Kouga to death instead. The traitor deserves it, trying to sic Kagura on me. Inuyasha grumbled.
"That seems fair." Kagome didn't want to trust the hope welling up in her chest, that maybe, somehow, Inuyasha would escape this trial without injury.
Without injury?! What the hell can the tribunal do that's any worse then what Kagura will do? Inuyasha asked, outraged.
"It is not fair," Manten raged. "Lord Inuyasha and Lord Sesshomaru have made fools of us for over 500 years! Does he think we're so stupid that we'd consider that becoming Lady Kagura's "personal assistant" is any kind of a punishment?"
Sesshomaru didn't even blink. "Are you not aware of who your queen is, Manten?" He asked mildly.
Manten opened his mouth, looking surprised when nothing came out of it. He paused for a moment, before finally nodding. "Fine, maybe that sentence wouldn't be a slap on the wrist. But you won't be able to convince me that there isn't a conspiracy afoot here!"
"Clearly," Hiten grumbled.
"Perhaps I can help...illuminate Manten's concerns. I, too, have questions I need answered before I can deliver an opinion. I'm afraid I need a little more than just an impassioned promise from Lord Inuyasha."
"Finally, someone is making sense." Manten grumbled.
The light flickered on over the last tribunal member. Kagome let herself bite her lip to keep from gasping aloud, Inuyasha growling beside her.
This last demon wore a mask over his entire face. Purple marks slashed over white paint, focusing around bright red eyes that never blinked. He had a wild tangle of silver and white hair streaming behind him, a loose, violet robe completely hiding him from the neck down. The only bit of skin that showed was his pale hands, topped with dirty, yellowed claws.
The mask showed no indication of where his gaze landed, but she knew with bone deep certainty it was at her.
Inuyasha drew his lip back, baring his teeth at the new threat. He stepped closer to Kagome, shielding her with his body. That bastard might be a problem. He's been gunning for Sess's throne ever since Naraku killed our father.
Is he very smart? Hopefully not. She couldn't imagine many people who went against Sesshomaru lived afterwards.
The asshole's slick. He's never done anything directly that Sess could get him for. Inuyasha admitted.
"What further clarification do you need from Lord Inuyasha, Ryukotsusei?" Lord Sesshomaru asked, not bothering to look over at him.
Those yellow nails gently tapped, click-clacking across the table in a quiet rhythm. "Respectfully Lord Sesshomaru, I believe Lord Inuyasha is finished giving his testimony. These last few details will have to be explained by his supporters."
See? Anyone else would just do whatever Sess wanted, kow-towing till their knees bled on the way. Inuyasha grumbled, I hate that fucking asshole.
"Please ask, Ryukotsusei," Sango prodded gently, drawing attention to herself for the first time since her swearing in. "I would like to see this matter settled."
"As do we all, Lady Sango," Ryukotsusei agreed gravely. Kagome had to hold back a shiver at the eerie way his mouth didn't move when he was talking.
What's with the mask anyway? Was it just for the creep factor, or was there a reason he had to hide himself?
I don't know. And I've never wanted to know. Inuyasha admitted.
Kagome had to agree with him there.
Hiten raised a hand, "Speaking of which, how the hell are you still here?"
"I believe Inuyasha is on trial here, not I," Sango pointed out. "Ryukotsusei?"
Ryukotsusei nodded in acknowledgment. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Lady Sango and Ms. Higurashi. But is the tribunal to believe Lord Inuyasha's innocence solely because he 'promises' he never would have harmed Lady Kikyo or attempt to betray the West?" Ryukotsusei asked, seemingly careful not to sound mocking.
"Of course not." Sango was still respectful, even as she fidgeted. Kagome wanted to frown at her lack of focus, but kept silent, praying Sango knew what she was doing."I was in the treasury that day and I watched Lady Midoriko bind Inuyasha away. He was nowhere near Lady Kikyo, the magical artifact in question, or even in the same room. He was not allowed to defend himself, and Lady Midoriko went blindly on Lady Kikyo's word alone."
"But!" Manten pointed a big, meaty finger at them, pounding on the table again. "According to Lady Kikyo's testimony, Inuyasha was attempting to use her to steal the sacred jewel for him. So he didn't have to be anywhere near her. In fact, it would have looked bad if he hadn't been anywhere but looking for this 'ring'." Manten put in quotation marks, as if he didn't believe that's what Inuyasha had really been searching for. "So ah-hah!"
So pleased with himself, he didn't notice the attention he had suddenly gained. Kagome shivered, feeling sorry for the poor lunatic that had earned Sesshomaru's death glare.
"There is no sacred jewel." Ice dripped from every word, the room growing colder under his voice. "It would serve you well to remember that."
Hiten lightly smacked his brother's arm, looking reproachful.
"Ah yes. Then just what was nearly stolen, Lord Sesshomaru?" Ryukotsusei used the proper honorific, but didn't sound like he really meant it. His dirty claws tapped across the table, as if he was putting a tune to his words. "Let's be as clear as possible during these proceedings. Referring to this object as an 'it' is rather confusing."
The frost thawed off Sesshomaru's face, leaving him blank again. "Lady Midoriko reported that Inuyasha attempted to steal the Tenseiga."
Manten threw his hands up, as if that proved it. "See? Who cares about the Tenseiga? That piece of metal toothpick couldn't even hurt my kid sister, much less the entire demon race. If that were anywhere close to being right, Inuyasha would have gotten a slap on the wrist, not a 500 year imprisonment. This is all a giant conspiracy that's lasted over 500 years, and this ends now. Naraku is not dead!"
Kagome just barely kept her mouth from dropping open, shocked speechless at his boldness. And stupidity. Sesshomaru doesn't have laws in place to keep him from saying those sorts of things? She didn't think he was running a democracy. Full on dictatorship seemed more his style.
Yeah, but he can't act on them while in the tribunal. Manten must be really sure of himself to take such a big risk. It just sucks that he's got a point.
Kouga scowled over at Manten. "You shut the fuck up about Tenseiga. That sword has the power to bring people back to life. If that's not a worthy weapon, I don't know what is."
"I agree with Kouga. The Tenseiga is powerful and a force to be feared if in the wrong hands. ...when it works," Ryukotsusei added cooly.
Kagome's eyes went wide. He didn't.
That bastard fucking did. Inuyasha growled. This is why Sess runs things and not me. His head would have been at his feet before he finished his fucking sentence.
To Sesshomaru's credit, his blank face did not change and he did not attempt to remove Ryukotsusei's head from his body. "Do you have further information to share with the tribunal, Lady Sango?"
Sango stilled finally, giving Sesshomaru her full attention. "I agree with Lord Inuyasha and Kouga that Inuyasha was in love with Lady Kikyo. He also told me of his intention to be with her. As one of the most knowledgeable demonslayers in my time, I can tell you that Inuyasha has never shown signs of becoming a problem for the demons, or the humans. He doesn't want more power or influence, he's not overly violent for a demon, and he's never abused women. He is extremely arrogant, self centered, and hot tempered for a demon, but overall, he's incredibly lazy. He was never one to become involved in power struggles or politics. With Lord Sesshomaru as his King and guardian, he has little need for it. He would never care enough to seek these things," Sango explained, a little too honestly if the flush on Inuyasha's cheeks was anything to go by. "It seems very unlikely that he would steal anything with the intention of betraying anyone. If you had sent me or any of the other slayers out to exterminate Lord Inuyasha, I would demand actual proof of criminal activity. Everything I know of him says he's innocent of the crime the tribunal has accused him of."
Kouga nodded. "That sounds about right. Don't forget being a cocky little shit too, though."
Sesshomaru thought for a moment. "...you may add mediocre warrior to that list as well."
"Hey!" Inuyasha exclaimed, forgetting that he wasn't allowed to talk. He settled for rolling his eyes at his brother's pointed look.
"Well, that does sound like Lord Inuyasha." Hiten admitted. "And it does help to have the opinion of a talented demonslayer like yourself..."
Manten gaped at his brother. "Don't tell me you're buying any of this crap! They're lying right to our faces."
"Of course it's true!" Kagome finally burst out. "I'm Inuyasha's mate, I've been in his head, and I can swear to you on the lives of all my family, that he's completely innocent. I know you'll think I'm biased, but I would not be standing here, supporting him if I even thought he was capable of betrayal, theft or assault."
Hiten raised a brow at her, looking up and down. "You look pretty assaulted to me."
Kagome brushed his comment away, hoping she really didn't look too bad. "We ran into a few...difficulties along the way this morning. But none of these injuries were from Inuyasha. The majority of Inuyasha's wounds now are from defending me."
Inuyasha's chest puffed out, swelling with pride.
Hiten didn't look very impressed, "Naturally, a demon should do all in his power to protect his mate. But do any of you have any proof that Inuyasha is not a traitor?"
"Do you have any proof that he is?" Kagome shot back.
"And there lays the crux of the problem," Ryukotsusei steepled his fingers together, the claws clicking together again. "Despite all the promises you and your mate have made, Lady Sango's behavioral evaluation, and the...glowing recommendation from Lord Kouga, you have yet to offer solid proof that we should trust his version of these events over what Lady Midoriko and Lady Kikyo reported to us. That we are to place Lord Inuyasha's word above Lady Kikyo's and Lady Midoriko's."
"And nothing should go above Lady Midoriko's word," Manten agreed, pounding his fist on the table again.
"Lady Kikyo was a good and fair miko who saved many lives, human and miko. By Lord Sesshomaru's own judgement, he decided that Lady Midoriko would have full control of the treasury," Ryukotsusei continued, "Their word has been our proof, unless you have something else to offer."
It was right on the tip of Kagome's tongue to point out, oh yes did she have proof, she had just fought the one and visited the other. She had it direct from Midoriko that Inuyasha was no traitor, and Kikyo had fooled all of them.
But that would put Kagura in danger. Especially since it was even more clear now Sesshomaru had citizens who wouldn't mind challenging him, potentially using her in the process. And when Kagura was in danger, everyone was in danger.
So she swallowed her words down and tried something else. "And as Lady Midoriko's ancestor, I don't have a say? I'm the one who freed Inuyasha from his prison. It was my responsibility to determine when Inuyasha's sentence was up, and this has been long overdue. Inuyasha has done nothing wrong, and he deserves to have his name cleared."
"Are you suggesting you want us to pardon him?" Ryukotsusei was more than slightly mocking. "My dear, just because you share the same line as Lady Midoriko, doesn't mean you have any right to make those decisions."
"Besides, just because one human girl freed him from Midoriko's prison, doesn't mean the rest of demonkind should forgive him!" Manten raged, sweat shining on his wide head. "This entire family has lied to us and put us in danger. For centuries. It can't be resolved so easily."
The crowd around them mumbled slightly in agreement, still glaring at Inuyasha.
Ryukotsusei didn't say anything in reply, the satisfied smugness practically waffling off him. Kagome's skin crawled, still getting the eerie feeling he was looking at her.
"This seems like it's turned quite into a case of 'she said, he said'." Ryukotsusei mused. "I suppose there's really no way to prove Lord Inuyasha's guilt...or innocence."
Kagome's stomach churned as she took a deep breath to steady herself. Manten and Ryukotsusei were lost causes, they would vote against Inuyasha no matter what she said. Kouga and Sesshomaru were firmly TEAM INUYASHA. Which left one deciding vote, Hiten's face carefully schooled as he waited to see what Ryukotsusei would say.
"So it seems there is no proof you can offer us that Inuyasha is not a traitor. Lady Midoriko clearly gave her opinion on the whole matter when she locked Inuyasha away. Now it is our turn to try him," he added when Kagome opened her mouth, clearly intent on arguing her family connection point further. "There is no other way but for Inuyasha himself to prove his innocence." He paused for a moment, his nails tapping together again.
Kagome held her breath, waiting to see if Sesshomaru would break in. Surely as king he could do something?
"I await to hear if you've come up with a fate worse than serving Lady Kagura," Sesshomaru almost sounded bored, not impressed with Ryukotsusei's attempt before he could try.
"I believe I've come up with a fair judgement, Lord Sesshomaru," Ryukotsusei shot back mildly. "As this is a conflict between Lord Inuyasha and Midoriko and the West, it should be solved between the two of them. 500 years ago, I would have suggested a battle to the death between Lord Inuyasha and Midoriko, or her champion. However as she's no longer with us, an associate will have to take her place."
The entire room went silent, the quiet weighing down on Kagome until she was too tense to even feel her heart pound against her chest, her power running hot in her veins.
C'mon mate. Breathe for me. Whatever he first says, Kouga and Sess can argue it down to something...not as bad.
If Inuyasha could be calm, she could be calm too. Kagome breathed in, letting her power surround her in a comforting blanket.
Because it suddenly didn't matter what Ryukotsusei was about to suggest. Vows or no vows to the tribunal, Inuyasha wasn't going to face his punishment alone.
Ryukotsusei waited a moment, letting the tension in the room build until Kagome was ready to scream. "I propose that if Lord Inuyasha wants to prove his innocence, he will have to fight to the death the one who gave Lady Midoriko her authority in our land...Lord Sesshomaru."
He waited another moment for the gasps and cheers to die down, the room almost silent again. "And if that is unagreeable to Lord Sesshomaru, I am willing to allow Lady Midoriko's descendent to fight for the honor of her family...Ms. Kagome Higurashi."
At least the next chapter is done, right? ;)
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