Nagato Province (now named the Inu Province after Toga took the throne) in the Western Lands: 1497.
The sun rose above the mountains, displaying them like a painting behind miles of green lush lands. To the right of the shimmering greenery lies the ocean in the distance. The western seas were off that way, making the castle and the village surrounding it seem mesmerizing. The Warring States Era was not as peaceful as it was shown, but it was moments like these that could lead the person to believe otherwise.
The village within the wooden gates were bustling with people…well sort of. The western lands were ruled by one of the strongest yokai in the era. As a man with two sons of different bloods, he wanted this place to be a safe place where they and other yokai types could live in harmony without the stigma of being born with yokai blood. Not just that, but live under the ruling of someone of his stature, his lovely human wife, and the sacred talisman to protect its people.
Within the Inu Castle (Haigi Castle before Toga took the throne), the servants were treated as equals and lived happy lives there. They met the needs of the lord, his lady, and their children. They all lived happy lives there, happy with their protector and ruler.
The maids and servants stop bustling around the corridors, filled with different shades of whites, golds, and reds as they see their leader walk down the grand red velvet staircase to greet them. His long silver hair tied up into a long flowing ponytail, as he wears his castle robes proudly. The outfit consists of a long, flowing white robe as the base layer, with wide sleeves that extend to the wrists. The robe is adorned with a red trim along the edges of the sleeves and the front opening. Over the white robe, there is a red outer garment that drapes over the shoulders and extends down the front. This outer garment features gold embroidery at the bottom, while cinched at the waist with a wide red sash with gold detailing. The shoulders are covered with gold-embroidered shoulder pieces as well.
The servants bow, making sure their eyes are locked onto his.
"Good morning, my lord. Can we assist you with anything this morning?"
He looks at them, offering them a small smile and a wave of his hand. "You don't need to bow to me." The servants nod, standing up as requested by their ruler. "I must write a letter today to Musashi province. I have to inform their folk over there that me, my lady, and our youngest will be making a trip over there very soon. I have to meet with the prince today about this matter. I've already spoken to my oldest about his brother and my decision. However, I still must inform the young prince. If you could, have a pen and paper waiting in my office. Have it addressed to the rulers in the Musashi province before I get there. I will be sending it later after the discussion with the prince." Toga smiles at them, leaving to his throne room for the meeting with his son.
The lord takes a seat in his red and gold cushiony chair made of a velvety material. He sighs, looking around through some papers for a moment before hearing a knock on the door.
"You may enter." Toga says calmly, as he watches the door open easily. After a few short moments a tall man with long silver hair much like Toga's enters the room. His hair is also in an updo like his, the outfit he is displaying upon himself is a flowing white garment, much like a robe. It features a high collar with intricate gold embroidery and embellishments. The sleeves are long and wide, extending into a cape-like design that drapes elegantly to the floor. The front of the light and airy outfit is adorned with decorative chains and a belt that cinches at the waist. He looks up at Toga with dark golden eyes.
"Sesshomaru, what a surprise." Toga smiles a bit.
"Have you spoken to my brother about what you've spoken to me about him?" Sesshomaru walks over to his fathers desk, sitting down at the chair in front of it.
"I am today. He needs to become aware of him being the ruler of these lands, and what he needs to do to reach that." Toga looks at his eldest.
"Father, you know I could do it. I don't understand why you are relying on him, as you know I am the oldest-"
"Sesshomaru. If the terms of the agreement of this land would have been different, as the oldest, you would ascend the throne first. However, the talisman that protects this land can only be reacted if a demon is either married to a human, or has both human or demon blood. This is because these lands and this talisman were born to protect all races of demons, so it would make sense to give it to someone with different blood. Sesshomaru, you already are a great demon. You are coming to the point where I have nothing more to teach you. You are about to go off on your own and meet another great demon to share your life with…and create your own kingdom with. You will build it together from the ground up."
"However…?" Sesshomaru piques interest.
"Inuyasha is young…and he was like me at his age…rough, and not having a single care in the world. He still has lots to learn and we need to start quickly. I won't be around forever, you know, and as the youngest he will have to follow closely in his fathers footsteps. He has to mature soon enough…what I am doing, Sesshomaru, is making him learn the importance of this role. This step we are about to take is only the beginning. It will get harder from there."
Sesshomaru nods his head a bit. "I understand, but knowing him he's probably up in his room doing nothing but laying in bed having no interest at all. Should I go get him?"
"He won't listen to you. I'm sure the servants will wake him eventually, I just hope he matures quickly…and actually understands his role."
Sesshomaru looks at his father. "Inuyasha isn't the only thing I've come to speak with you about today, father. Apparently from what I've heard from people of this village, the next kingdom over-"
Toga leans forward, his tone changing to a bit of a worrisome one. "The Iwami Province?"
Sesshomaru nods. "Lately people have been seeing strange sightings of demons. Demons that are not like us, but full of pure intent. People in this province, not just from our village, are being attacked. This is becoming an uprising issue. There's also been sightings in the Nankaido Province and the Etchu Province, which means they are traveling as well. They must be trying to take over villages so they can have complete control so they can take us down. Father, as you know the lord in Yami Castle was-"
Toga shakes his head. "We will not name him. He will only bring misfortune. Sesshomaru, as the eldest, I hope you will continue to gather information for me. I fear if this issue gets worse, you and some warriors will have to go take care of some matters over there."
Sesshomaru looks at his father. "He tried to kill you for the family talisman…wouldn't he try to kill us?"
Toga looks around for some documents. "That was a long time ago, son. He was one of us, remember? Wanting to live in harmony around others? He was eventually plagued with thoughts about the use of it…and he did try to kill me for it. However, he is a lord now, even though he gained the title unfairly. He wouldn't kill one of us until he would get the talisman first. That is his goal. Thankfully, it's safe in our hands. There shouldn't be an issue, but just in case…we may need you to go undercover along with some of our warriors. Hide out in the outskirts, disguise yourselves, and gather information within the castle grounds and village. However, we will wait and begin the movement if things worsen."
"Should we write these plans to the villages who requested aid?" Sesshomaru notices the papers of the areas in his fathers hands.
"I believe we should if this plan goes into action. I will gladly request aid if the situation worsens. Consider it your first job at leading the people, even though this isn't exactly…ideal." Toga looks at his eldest.
Sesshomaru stands up from the velvety chair, looking down at his father. "I understand, I will reside in my room and try to come up with strategies…just in case we must leave for some time." He begins to walk to the door, sighing a bit, before making his way out of his room.
Toga sighs, writing some information on the castles who requested aid from their land. I'm just a few moments of writing some details, a soft knock is heard on the door.
"Enter."
The door opens softly as a woman walks in with her dark raven hair up in a delicate bun, flower accessories adorning it. Her brown eyes look gently at Toga as she wears a gorgeous robe where the outermost layer is a dark green robe with delicate white embroidery of floral and feathery motifs. Beneath it is a sheer, light beige layer with similar white embroidery. The innermost layer is a light pink dress with a floral pattern on the chest area, cinched with a red sash around the waist. The sleeves are wide and flowing, adding some elegance to the dress.
"Good morning, dearest." The beautiful lady interjects with a golden tray in her hand, a matching cup on top of it. "I brought you some tea."
Toga smiles at her as she brings him the tray with the little cup filled with some herbal tea. "Thank you, Izayoi." He carefully takes her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to the top.
She hums a bit, taking her hand away after a moment, sitting in front of him. "You look deep in thought…"
"Sesshomaru wanted to speak to me. Apparently… he is causing issues across the land." Toga shakes his hand, looking at the papers about each of the areas, his hands rubbing his temples.
"He's been quiet for many years…why all of a sudden…"
"I think he wanted to grow stronger as a "lord", get people on his side, and destroy the kingdoms around us, so we have no help. He's going to bring the provinces down one by one to get our talisman."
Izayoi looks at him. "He's pathetic…he's not even a lord. He killed the real lord…and brainwashed the people over there to his beliefs. It's just madness…"
Toga sighs. "Just when we need to start worrying about our son. Sesshomaru said he would handle the strategies on his own along with the men in battle. However, our son…"
"Is it really time, my love…? It's such a big step in our son's life…" Izayoi looks at her husband worriedly.
He smiles, looking at her. "Hey, he'll be with a wonderful woman…I know the girl's grandfather personally. He was always very good to me and my family, so I know he's raised his granddaughter very well."
She looks down at her husband. "I know you'd never pick someone our son wouldn't be happy with…I just hope that overtime they'll learn to love another…"
Toga looks at her with adoration. "Hey, I know that this is the first time we've had to deal with an arranged marriage…but it'll be okay. Our son just needs a little push. That's what I wanted to talk to him about today, but…"
"Oh, you know our son…he's stubborn and lax to his very soul. He reminds me of you a bit when we were young. You had no care in the world until I came along and you were like a different person." Izayoi kisses his cheek. "You were wonderful to me…and I'm sure this lady is wonderful as well. She'll treat our son well."
Toga smiles a bit, still concentrating on the papers, yet still listening to his wife.
"I know this is also hard for you right now, Toga…" She stands behind her husband, running her hands over his shoulders and down his body as she leans her head right where her hands began running. "I want to make sure you're okay…and I want to help you relax a bit…" She softly kisses his neck, in which he hums in return.
He puts his clawed hand on her cheek as he moves her beside him, kissing her chastely. "What do you have in mind, love?"
Izayoi lets out a soft noise as he moves his lips from her mouth, now kissing along her jawline and neck. "Umm…we could go to the bathing room together…relax.." He runs the same hand across her neck as she softly grips onto his shoulders. "Let me go get our son for you, I don't want to keep you waiting…"
Toga smiles against her neck, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Thank you, dearest. I'll meet you at the bathhouse this evening at dusk…I love you."
She smiles, exchanging I love you's in return, before walking outside of the throne room, making her way up the grand red velvety staircase to greet her son.
After a moment, Izayoi comes across a tall lavish door decorated in the Inu Castle's colors, covered in jewels. She knocks, hearing her son tell her to come in.
She walks in, smiling at her son softly. "I see you are already dressed? Your father and I thought you were still asleep."
His predominantly red robes consisted of intricate details and embellishments. The robe features long, flowing sleeves with gold trim and embroidery. The main body of the robe is adorned with a wide ornate belt that has floral patterns and a central circular ornament. There is a decorative panel hanging from the belt, which is also embroidered with gold thread and has a dark, velvety texture. The robe has a layered look, with an outer sheer red fabric. The left sleeve is adorned with white Inu characters embroidered in white.
"Is there something you need, Mother?" He stands.
"Inuyasha, your father wanted to see you about some matters." Izayoi looks at her son with a loving yet serious gaze.
"What's it got to do with me?" He huffs, putting his hair up in a thick bun, putting some gold hair accessories in it to hold it up.
"You're getting older, Inuyasha. You're now a fully grown hanyo, and son to a great demon. Your father wants to have a meeting with you about it, just so you are fully aware of your duties." Izayoi smiles, looking at him.
"When does he need to see me?"
"Preferably now."
"I'll walk down with you, I'm not sure what he needs to address, but if it's got something to do with me and my future…I guess I'll hear him out." He slips on the rest of his outfit, walking out with his mother, back down the grand staircase, slowly walking back with her into the throne room.
Toga looks up from writing on his desk, looking at his wife and son. "Inuyasha, you're here a bit earlier than I was expecting!"
Izayoi laughs a bit. "It's not like he's going to sleep the day away, Toga. He is ready to talk to you…" She smiles, making her way out of the room.
For a few moments, it's quiet. Inuyasha looks around the gaudy room. "You needed to speak with me?"
"Yes, please sit down." Toga grabs some papers from across the table. "As the future lord of this province, Inuyasha. Me and your mother have discussed some…matters we need you to begin being serious about."
Inuyasha looks at his father and the papers in his hands. "And those…?"
"They are of the most recent disturbances around the land in different provinces. The lord in the next province over has been dealing havoc across smaller provinces. Trying to take them out one by one. Your older brother is handling this business…but that doesn't totally exclude you out of it."
"If Sesshomaru is handling it, then it's his job to do so. Why am I being maneuvered into his work-"
"Your relation to this issue is not so much the battle, but something different." Toga looks at his son seriously. "Inuyasha, one day you will inherit the title of Lord. You will be responsible for everyone out there in this province when I am unable to, but not only that, but for the necklace as well."
"I know about that already, father. You and mother have told me countless times."
"Well then you do know that you will have to have a Lady by your side to inherit the throne as well."
"I just have no interest in looking right now, father. No one my type, and frankly I don't wanna mess with the whole thing right now." Inuyasha sighs, leaning back in the chair in front of the desk.
"I wouldn't be so sure that we will have plenty of time. With these strange occurrences, I can't promise I will be around forever. And if this gets worse, I'm not sure what could become of our province itself. Inuyasha, in the very near future…we need you to be ready and willing to take the throne in case something happens where I am unable to lead our people any longer. Because of this, me and your mother have been trying to figure out what we could do to help you…"
Inuyasha looks at his father, quizzically. What was he even saying? Taking the throne early just as an heir reached adulthood was almost unheard of. Normally the child takes it as the father has aged or perished.
"Your mother and I took it upon ourselves to find a lovely maiden for you to bond with-"
"Excuse me?" Inuyasha interrupts. "You're telling me you found me a bride without me even knowing her?"
Toga sighs. "We didn't want to. We wanted you to find someone of royalty stature to wed, and learn to love yourself…but you weren't showing interest and time is running out. We had no choice. We will be leaving in three days to meet this heiress . I know her grandfather very well, he helped me build this very province for different yokai races. His daughter in law is a wonderful Lady, and her daughter is a gorgeous young woman."
Inuyasha stands, looking at his father in disbelief. "I cannot accept this. How can I just accept a marriage I have no idea about! I don't know this woman, and frankly I don't care what you say, I don't know her. I refuse to be trapped in this unwanted marriage."
"Inuyasha. You cannot disobey the treaty. You need to be wed soon, as you are becoming a man…you need to take over the throne, and under these circumstances, you must be ready for anything. We leave in three days." Toga looks upon his son in desperation and a bit of guilt. He feels bad about the situation his son must go through, but they can't disobey the rules of this castle.
"Father this is insane-"
"Inuyasha, I will not tolerate backtalk. You will accept this fate. You need to grow up, and you have been unwilling. You had your chances, son. Now for our family's purpose, you must become a man and face your duties."
Inuyasha looks upon his father with distaste, as he angrily rises from his chair. "Fine, I will meet the woman." He walks out of the room, sighing to himself, as the young prince finally realizes his true destiny.
That his life will never be the same again.
