Injustice
SPOV
His atrocious scent is still lingering. I grind my fangs as I recall the unnecessary greeting when he saw Rin. He's lucky I didn't chop off his arms. I ponder for a moment; what would Rin make of me severing his limbs? She does not know my monster, …my true nature. I have only displayed a calm demeanor around her, and she can barely handle that. 'This pursuit has proven to be nothing but irritation.' I sigh thinking about my prize. 'Is it worth it? This pursuit?'
A-un lands at the main gates. The entrance of the castle is littered with camera and media crews. They all start to set up under the direction of the house staff. I sigh at the spectacle leaning on A-un as I devise a plan. I transform into a ball of light and slip to the southside at the garden entrance. I glide through the warm breeze passing the busy attendants tending to the garden and assisting in setting up lights. I overhear several conversations as I pass the journalists and reporters amongst the staff.
"I can't believe we get to interview the next generation rulers! And we get the inside scoop! Exciting, I hope they spill all the details!" One exclaimed going over flash cards, conversing with her camera man.
"Princess Tsubaki is so lucky! Screw becoming Queen, she gets to be with the sexiest bachelor alive!" Another one tells my personal attendant. She politely smiles agreeing with the reporter. I supposed I should be flattered, yes? Not interested. Not interested in the least. I think about confronting my father; however, that would give life to an entirely different matter, a chaos of sorts. I do not have time to give him cause to cease, that would result in me not being able to receive Rin tonight. And I need to do everything in my power to keep my word to her.
I reached the side entrance relieved I went unnoticed. Before I enter through the keyhole, I am savagely knocked out of my form and hurled hard to the ground.
"Sesshomaru!"
'Damn.' I cough and dust myself off as I rise to my feet. 'Stupid mutt!' I didn't sense his presence I was too preoccupied with avoiding the commotion.
"The Tetsusaiga, it's gotten much stronger I see." I teleport to Inuyasha instantly and return a blow to his gut. He leans over on resting his hands on his knees, gasping for air. "Can't say the same for its weak wielder." He catches his breath and attempts to hit me with his sword again. I catch his action with my right hand.
"Stop."
"Grr! Sesshomaru! What's your problem! Are you not going to tell me what that was about this morning? Who were those girls? How come you never told me about that Kikyo double?!"
"Hush! Keep your voice down. I barely made it over here without causing a scene. Do you not have eyes Inuyasha?"
"I don't care about no paparazzi; I care about what your hiding!" He raises his hand claws out this time.
"Oh Masters, there you both are!" Jaken comes running down a rocky pathway towards us. "AH! You're both a mess! Quickly please retire to your quarters and take a bath. If your father see you like this, then he will surely have my…"
"JAKEN!"
"AH! Your Majesty!"
"My sons look as if they were in a brothel house brawl, why is that?"
"AHHH! Your Majesty, they were just uh, uh, training! Yes, they were training before they ready for this marvelous day." Jaken shakes terrified hiding behind my leg. I roll my eyes and see Izayoi next to father giggling.
"Training? Sesshomaru, you know the Duke is on his way, it isn't like you to not be punctual."
"Father." I bow. "I will be ready to greet him shortly." I bow again and turn to head to my room.
"Prince Sesshomaru." I stop. I am still. The air feels thick against my skin. I haven't heard that voice directed at me in a long while.
"May we speak for a moment?" I face her. Izayoi. Queen of Japan. My father's wife, mate, lover. The mutt's mother. The replacer.
"My Queen. Forgive me, I am not fit to be in your presence now. Perhaps we can speak after I am decent?"
"Nonsense." She giggles and reaches out for me to take her arm. "Come. We won't be long." She turns to kiss my father on the cheek.
"Shall we walk?" I motion for us to carry on the path that her and father came.
"We shall." She curtsies. "Darlings, we shall be back. Entertain Masa if he happens to be earlier than expected." She directs father and Inuyasha. We walk towards the back keeping a steady slow pace passing the different animals we have on the grounds.
"We're just getting in you know?"
"Mm." I nod.
"House Domshi had a gala last night for the twins. Your father and I were guest of honors, we acted as judges for the suitors there. We came looking for you, but I was told you had already left earlier."
She stops at the large pond at the end of the path filled with various koi fish. I say nothing and stare at the koi making their way to the other side of the water.
"Yes. I had an errand to run." I say simply.
She half smiles. "Your wife to be was not pleased I heard." I wince. "Mhm, I knew it."
"Pardon?"
"What's her name?"
"Tsubaki?"
"The Human, that you are smitten with." My eyes widen. Not sure what she is implying. Rather, how she has any information to be implying and has she shared her insights with father. "I knew it. My Son also has the same look you do. Disinterested in the present and set on something else entirely. A Human huh? May I?"
She raises her hand and gently places it on my cheek. I freeze up startled by her act; surprisingly her warm touch soothes me.
"Sesshomaru, you are so unaware of yourself." She says almost sounding sorrowful. "I will never be your mother, nor do I ever want to replace her. Your father he, he was set to marry a strong being, a demon like himself. And now in your case, the closest thing strongest is this family of sorcerers. But your heart is in the same distracted state as your father was when he met me. Smitten. Curious. Love is something demons don't come by often. But if you so happen to be one of the lucky ones who experience such bliss, you are wealthier than the Monarchy itself. It is an injustice if you decide to do nothing about it and blindly become enslaved to duty." She politely smiles and removes her hand. I do not know what to think.
"Your Highness, I regret to say I do not see the point. Respectively, even if I am indeed smitten with a human, or anyone else for that matter, my feelings cannot stand rather than duty." She looks down on her hands, fidgeting with her wedding ring. She smiles up at me almost with tearful eyes.
"I am sad to hear you say that Sesshomaru. Although, I am not surprised. Totosai brought up the fact that you are just like your father the other day. I told him, I beg to differ. You are wiser, and much more compassionate than you like to admit, much more than your father." She giggles. "I am a mother, I may not be yours, but it comes with extra senses. No, intuition, and mine is telling me that there is a fire burning inside you for someone else. And I know there is an order of things and I know that you will do what is right for the nation always, but Sesshomaru. It's an injustice."
I miscalculated. I was under the impression that today would be simple. Wake up. Make Rin mine. Hide from the world with her in my apartment. Instead, I get my human wrapped up with another person, nosey Inuyasha, nosey media, and now intrusive stepmother? What a curious case of events indeed. My thoughts are unorganized and all I want to do is to be in solitude to meditate. This is a great deal to take in all at once.
"Injustice or not, father would not even hear one word of this, you know best that he wouldn't entertain such a notion."
"Tell me you love Princess sorceress Tsubaki." She challenges half smiling. I hold my composure not revealing the pressing laughter that comes with that answer. Either way, what does love have to do with anything? Duty stands not feelings. I am not a human.
"Of course not, as you said, us demons are not beings who regularly experience love. None the less, I still have a role to play in an arrange set up such as this."
"Sesshomaru. Look over there."
She points behind us to the front of the castle. The sight looks as if the media multiplied in such a short time. I thought this was supposed to be an interview with one news outlet, but it would seem almost every station is here. My whole-body tenses up even more annoyed with this day. Izayoi places her hands on top of my tight balled fist. She relaxes my hand and smiles up at me again.
"The Domshi house twins are young. They don't understand what it means for them to be in a union, let alone why it was arranged in the first place. They will learn and when they realize what their position really means, I believe with definite certainty that they will stand for what they want." She laughs. "I told them all this last night and it went in one ear and …you know the rest. Their suitors were all hand selected for a purpose, to strengthen the House name."
She glances down at her watch and sighs. "Prince Sesshomaru, hear me. Your father is making a mistake. I know how much you do not want to be like him, but you're making a huge mistake too."
I am in disbelief with this conversation, with Izayoi for that matter. Why is she putting so much emphasis on this subject. What is for her to gain?
"If you continue, that will be your future." She gestures over to the multitude of people still setting up. "You and Princess sorceress doing press and running the county. Her always by your side. I see you Sesshomaru. I know you are not fond of her. Your never were, even in school." She grins. I hate reliving that chapter, Tsubaki was extremely obsessive. Everything The Queen has said up till now has been true, but what is the point of telling me all this? As intrusive as she has been I think to ask her directly. What's the harm we are already being this personal.
"Please forgive me, but I can't help but wonder why does this matter to you? You have pulled me aside to discuss the order of things? And for me to exercise my freedom against it? My deepest apologies for inquiring but I do not understand your passion."
"I have pulled you aside to do you a favor young Lord. We are wasting time resulting in delaying this pointless day. I should have said something the day your father read that paper. He rushed to a decision for you and Inuyasha without thinking about the consequences. He knows very well how you feel about Tsubaki, but his friendship with Masa won't allow him to take you into consideration. I didn't say anything Sesshomaru, but I thought you would." I cannot let her in on my plans to speak with father, I must stand my ground.
"I have only challenged father once; I know how it turns out. If he makes up his mind about something he will follow it though and nothing will change his view. Since that day when he told us about the gala, I have been compliant with all the requests that he has made. The Ito house is part of our future now so I will submit to whatever my father has planned."
Something within her shifts. Her aura is now tense, and she looks at me now with the most serious look I have ever seen her wear.
"You know what they will ask you? The media outlets over there. They are going to pry, they never had access to the grounds or ever did an interview in your home before. You're giving them access now so nothing is off limits. They will want details and deep stories that support your answers. Where did you both first meet? What are the most adorable things the other one does, how many children will you bring forth? And what will be their names? They will not leave until every rock is unturned and they have so many facts about you both that they even have a schedule of how you both spend your day, down to the very last minute. Can you tell them all that?"
I think to answer modified at what she is saying and start to understand she has a point. She continues as it was a rhetorical question.
"They will eat you alive and call you out on the, excuse my language, the B.S that you will fail to sell them. And at that moment, the one where you slip, because you will, that my dear Prince will destroy the Dynasty. They will run breaking news reports of the ruse you tried to pull over the nation's eyes. They will see what I see. Tsubaki is not yours." I take a glance over at the commotion picturing everything Izayoi had said. She is right, I finally admit it.
"What's it's going to be?" She checks her watch again then looks back at me.
"Can you give me time?" Is all I say.
"I thought you'd never ask." She relaxes and displays a big smile. "Yes, I can, but I cannot hold back your father for too long. You don't have to tell me about whoever it is, I know we do not have such a close relationship and that is mainly my fault. I allowed you so much space because I never wanted you to feel threatened or overwhelmed. But that's over, I cannot stand by and allow this to continue. Sesshomaru it's…"
"An Injustice?" I chuckle. "Yes, so you have said. And I agree." I finally admit out loud.
"I can push all the wedding events and meetings for a little while, but I don't know how long, I will have to check with you perhaps next week. I really don't know but I do promise to clear it for as long as I possibly can."
"My dear Queen." I kiss her hand. "That is all I can ask." She smiles and turns to walk back.
"Great, it is settled then. Come, we must be missed. Let us go back before your father become suspicious of our talk." She winks and we both walk back to the palace.
"My love!" Tsubaki runs up and ambushes me with a hug when I enter one of the living areas. She wraps her arms around my neck and whispers into my ear through clenched teeth. "Smile. There're watching." Reporters outside take pictures through the glass door of us standing there with her in my arms. Their bright consistent flashes make me uncomfortable to say the least. Izayoi's was right, this is something I would not be able to tolerate, not with Tsubaki at least. I think of Rin at this moment. How I would endure any press if it were with her. I chuckle to myself. 'What an Injustice indeed.'
Carefully I step back and hold Tsubaki at arm's length plastering on a fake smile. "Allow me to wash up, your father should be here shortly. Excuse me." I swallow my disgust and conduct a test. I wonder, how will they spin this photo? I place a small quick kiss on her forehead. She looks at me in shock as I leave to my wing.
I enter my steamed-up bathroom and start to shower reflecting on all that has happened this morning. The hot water massages the sore areas from when Inuyasha hurled me to the ground. Inuyasha. I had forgotten all about my naive brother. Yes, how should I deal with him? He is asking too many questions that he should not concern himself with. I will need to put him in his place. Shit! He knows their scents now, the sisters. He could find them if he wanted to. His curiosity for Rin's sister will cause him to seek her. I will need to have him focus on something else if that is possible. He's a dog with a bone now. I sigh thinking about all the problems that need to be resolved.
'What will Izayoi do?' I wonder what she can possibly do in this short notice that would not cause father to think anything is up. The only card I can play now is time. I must be patient and trust that she will deliver. I get out draping a towel around my waist because I sense my attendant approaching. Two seconds later, a knock is at my door.
"Enter." She walks in and jumps startled by my half naked presence I presume. She looks down at the ground, never making any eye contact.
"Forgive me my Lord! I didn't know you were not decent. Please Your Grace, forgive me." She curtsies still looking down.
"What is it that you need?"
"I-I've come to collect your interview garments. The Queen has said it's canceled. I need to retrieve your clothes to put it away for when it is rescheduled Your Grace."
"I see." That was fast. I'm curious to know how she was able to pull it off. "Has the media gone?"
"Y-yes My Lord, a few stations are still packing but they are all on their way out."
"Very well, do what you must." She approaches my bed and grabs all the articles of clothing laid out for me that I was supposed to wear. She bows in front of me never looking up and leaves.
Masa may still very well be on his way. I must look polished in front of him. Woe to the man who embarrasses father. The large walk in closet is full of options. I rise to the third level and select a business casual ensemble. I elect for a dark note; black slacks and button-down shirt with a charcoal blazer, finishing off with sliver cufflinks in the form of the family's crest and black loafers. As soon as I am done dressing a receive a call to my chamber's line.
"Yes?" I answer securing my cufflinks.
It's Kaede. "My Prince, your father has sent for you. He is waiting in the council room.
"Mm. I shall see him shortly then."
"My Prince." She hangs up.
What could father possibly want to speak with me about in the war room? Curious, I teleport outside the castle. There are no other personnel other than the staff doing their daily duties. I proceed walking the grounds to my meeting. The war room is outside the palace, behind it in the highest tower. I arrive at the tower and ascend to the last floor.
"Father." I bow. His back is to me. He holds his hands behind him staring out at the striking view from up here. He takes a long deep breath and finally turns to me and gives a slight grin.
"Prince Sesshomaru. Sit." He takes a seat at the head of the long meeting table.
When I was young, I would frequent this room. Father was constantly in battle on his rise to power, with that came many men who had status in here with him. I learned about battle, strategy, and influence, all in this chamber. Always at father's right at the head of the table, listening in on how to be a great leader. This room was built for the council members, the cabinet leaders and my father who sat at the head. Then there was always the opposing party, they sat at the head at the other side. I walk towards father to sit on his right, my place, the hand of the King.
"There." He smirks and points to the end opposite of him. I decided to entertain and sit opposing him.
"You look well Son. I take it your training hasn't suffered since the Princess has graced our halls with her presence." How has it been? You and the Princess, I have not had time to chat with you since the merge."
'I wake in a cold sweat at the break of dawn every morning trying to devise a plan to rid her.'
"Well." I offer no insight.
"Hm." He ponders rubbing his chin in thought. "I see." A maid walks into the room and fills a goblet that is set in front of me with wine. She walks over and fills his vessel as well. Father raises his glass and proceeds to make a toast. I follow the motion grabbing my goblet and raising it. A morning drink? I am not complaining, it is rather welcoming after the morning I had.
"A toast to next ruler of Japan. May you rule with a firm hand and your life be long." We drink and he continues after he chugs the rest of his. "I have called you to give you the keys to the country."
"Your Highness?"
"Izayoi and I must travel immediately." He taps on the table again for a refill. "The US Ambassador requested our attendance to assist with an urgent matter. I am not sure what would be so important, he was very short with me. I suppose I will find out once we arrive. Regardless of what it is, the biggest pain here is that we must leave via ship! Izayoi suggested that we put our ship to use since it hasn't seen much action in years. It was either that or she said we will rid it." He sighs whining about his woes.
"As you can image, this journey will be long, we will be gone for at least a month." He takes a long sip and sits up straight now wearing a serious business look.
"You are the son of the greatest demon, and you alone, first to be born, are in charge. You will run Japan in my place, during my absence. Think of it as…a trail run." He breaks and smirks waiting on my response.
'Fuck.' I don't have time for this, at least not now. I want to focus my entire being on pursuing Rin. The Queen has out done herself, threating father with the removal of his toy, brilliant. She has given me efficient time; however, it would seem to come at a cost. How can I find a way to remove such responsibility I do not wish to focus on anything else other than my prize.
"This is news. I am honored, father. I will accept any tasks you entrust me with, thank you for your consideration. I wonder though, would it be so wise to allow me full responsibility? The Princess is…let us say still getting acclimated to life here at the palace. I'm sure if she has not done so already will be devastated by this news."
"Quite, quite, you are right son, I don't believe the Duke will be thrilled much either, no one is more anxious than him. This will postpone all the events and activities for your union I'm aware, I am sorry for that son. When your allies call on you for help, you help. I must go. The Princess will be fine, I have instructed Kaede to take account to give her whatever it is she desires during our leave. Sessshomaru, I know you will have your hands full with the Princess and staying on top of your training and daily duties, so I have prepared a hand for you." He smirks and motions for someone to come in here at the door behind me.
"You remember Totosai's grandson Miroku?"
Miroku walks in and bows in front of me.
"It's wonderful to see you again Prince Sesshomaru, I have prayed for your good health while I was away." He stands back up and smiles.
"Thank you Miroku, that is overly kind." I say to be polite. What is he doing here? Miroku, I suppose is a part of the court, he lives at the palace during the summer and interns under Kaede learning healing and other holistic practices. He sometimes would train with Totosai and myself when he would have down time. I briefly remember spending the whole of last summer doing four am runs with him, we did not skip a day. We ran in silence for hours before the day started and not one word was uttered, just consistency, I rather enjoyed that.
"Miroku has been training under Kirinmaru for quite some time, he has been shadowing him for about two weeks already."
'Has he?' I have not noticed his presence in the castle this whole time. Come to think of it, I had not even noticed when he was standing in the doorway. Perhaps he is utilizing some sort of concealment spell. I would be quite interested in knowing.
"He's training to be hand of the King, your hand." He training to be my hand? "He will share the responsibility of taking care of the Kingdom while we are away. He will act as your advisor and will always put the people's needs before our own. Work together to keep everything in order and at peace as it has been so for eons."
'This is perfect' This will give me leverage to manage my time to do as I wish. He can handle Inuyasha and Tsubaki. Excellent.
"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve you Your Grace. I swear to you that my loyalty shall rely only to you and this great nation, please use me as you please to fulfill any wish, I will be here at your beck and call." He bows again.
"Ah, so it's settled boys, yes?" Father smiles delighted and with obvious relief on his face. He knows he is in good hands.
"Sire, the ship is almost ready to depart." Jaken comes wobbling in.
"Right, I must leave." He stands and walks over towards us. He smiles wide and smacks Miroku's back. "Keep an eye on my boys, and no wrestling with the staff." He winks, suggesting something else entirely. Miroku awkwardly laughs and swears to my father that he will keep his word and will exceed expectations. Father places his hand on my shoulder and smiles.
"I know you well. You will always succeed in all that you do. I know I put great burdens on you, and it sometimes seems to be a hinder, unfair, perhaps would be more accurate, but sometimes it is for your sake. Son, reflect on my words." He gives me one more pat and motions for us to follow him. "Come see us off."
They call for Inuyasha and we all stand on land at the port while father and the Queen embark on the ship.
"This is bullshit! They go on vacation, and we're stuck here with witches and monks!" Inuyasha pouts as father waves from above on the main deck.
"Not now Inuyasha, behave yourself."
"I'm right here Prince." Miroku says with narrow eyes and a sour face.
"Yeah, yeah always here, might as well move in full time." He leans over and whispers to me. "He's probably a spy, you know to keep tabs on us. The old man might have told him to snitch, he looks like the snitching type."
I chuckle.
"Again, still here My Prince." He waves back to father and the crew smiling not showing his irritation to them.
"Safe trip father." I say and with that the ship departs. Inuyasha whines the whole way back home. I ignored him and settled myself back in my room. I sit at my desk and take in all that has happened so far. The immensity of all the responsibilities that lie with me are pressing. Many things are on my plate, and I must get a handle on them before they handle me. A knock is at my door, and I answer a maid handing me a letter.
"Your Grace, the Queen has instructed me to hand this over to your personally." She curtsies and leaves. I read the contents: Prince Sesshomaru, I cannot go into details, and I do not have much time but please seize this opportunity while we are away. Use this time to your upmost advantage. Do not allow yourself to sub come to injustice. Until we return, take care of your brother and most importantly your heart. Destroy this letter.
She signs it and seals it with her personalized crest.
"So, what do you want to tackle first Sire?" Miroku walks down the hall towards me, instantly I engulf the letter with my poison flames. The green flashes light up the corridor and burns the parchment to ashes.
"We shall meet with the current hand and others of the court in half hour, I will see you all in the council room then." He nods and leaves.
I think to check on Rin, I miss her dearly. Possibly terribly. 'You will see her tonight.' I talk myself down.
"Right, to business then."
AN: HEY! WE'RE BACK! Okay I know it's been a loooong minute, okay I know way longer but here's your much anticipated continuation. I absolutely love and miss this story and know how it's going to go, and I finally have time to update weekly. Sorry for the wait but the new chapters will be posted on the weekends going forward. I should be posting every Saturday night, let's see how this goes. Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did and stay loving the story. Feedback is always welcomed and appreciated. Review, thanx! XO3