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Chap 22 - Together ?
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Disclaimer:
I do not own any of Inuyasha characters. I am making no money off this story.
This applies to all future chapters. Inuyasha characters & story © 2003
Rumiko Takahashi.
Summary:
After their meeting will the brothers finally be together and in peace?
thanks to
special thanks to
who helper her reviewing this chapter (A.W.) and all the Reviewers
to take so long to update.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Chap 22
– “Togetherstyle='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>?”
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>~*~ Flashback ~*~
Sesshoumaru
was tired and infuriated; he faced days of fruitless searching. To make matters
worse, the afternoon that he finally found an area with the strongest presence
of Inuyasha’s scent, a ningen dressed as a Shinto miko with a disturbing and
enthralling scent, mixed with herbs and other plants showed up unexpectedly.
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>‘What a ningen is doing in the forest at this
hour?
Sesshoumaru could sense that, along with other scents which were coming from
the ningen, such as incense and other female ningen scents.
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>‘I shall kill this ningen who dared to get in my
way.’
his first thought. ‘This ningen is
so scared to be face-to-face with a youkai that I would be wasting my time.
This ningen is probably lost.’ Sesshoumaru thought with disdain,
eyes and using his might sense, once again he
scrutinized the whole area to check deeply that disturbing scent.
For
an instant, he was not so worried about Inuyasha’s scent or location. For the
first time in months, his youki was still. Something very strange was happening
with him while he was there standing in the middle of that forest with that
ningen.
‘
about Inuyasha.’ Sesshoumaru wondered thought while he watched the ningen
run away from him.
Sesshoumaru’s
youki was telling, no, ordering him, to follow the ningen, to stay by his side,
however his youkai pride just wanted the
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>‘But what could this ningen
do to help me find my mate?’
almost going after the ningen and demanding some information when the scent of
Inuyasha hit his nostrils. Sesshoumaru then allowed the ningen to flee, and
returned to the track he was previously.
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>~*~End of Flashback ~*~
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>
“That
ningen was you…” Sesshoumaru said, holding Inuyasha tightly and letting his
little brother’s scent drive him flustered.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“Yes Sesshoumaru-sama, that was me,”
Inuyasha said in a whisper.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“Why did you run from me then?”
“Since
you did not recognize me, I got scared, I thought that you would kill me,
before I could explain anything,” Inuyasha said. “I was just a ningen, back
there” Inuyasha whispering, added, “Also… my appearance,” Inuyasha whispered
even lower (if that was possible) adding “and I--and I was afraid of what you
would do to me after I told you about our baby’s short life and death.”
“I am
really sorry otouto; I guess I have never seen you in your ningen
form. About your appearance and health, in a little while you will be better.
As soon as we get home, healers and proper nourishment will help you get back to
your old self. However… Inuyasha, what did you say about a baby?
Up
just watching the brothers’ interaction. They did not want Inuyasha to commit
the mistake of blaming himself for the death of a baby that did not exist or
that was not his in reality. Consequently,
the sisters decided to interfere in the brothers’ conversation.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“Inuyasha-chan, we must talk and now,” Kaede
said, grabbing Inuyasha by the sleeves.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“But Kaede-sama, I need to tell him, He must know-” Inuyasha
insisted.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>Kikyou was the next to talk. “You have nothing to tell him.”
“Inuyasha,
what is the meaning of this nonsense conversation?” Sesshoumaru asked, getting
impatient with the sisters and the way they dealt with Inuyasha.
“I am
sorry Sesshoumaru-sama, I will explain,” Inuyasha said, trying to calm down his
brother. “Kikyou-sama and Kaede-sama, please… try to understand me,” Inuyasha said,
begging with puppy eyes to the sisters to not interrupt
him.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“Sesshoumaru-sama, when I was kidnapped by the neko clan, I
was pregnant, and I went throughout it as Naraku’s hostage.”
font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Inuyasha was speaking very fast, he was barely breathing;
he wanted to tell Sesshoumaru everything, as briefly as possible. “After the
delivery I was allowed to be with the baby, Hakudoshi, but I could not nourish
the baby properly, since I had no milk and the baby died after some time…”
Inuyasha sobbing concluded.
Sesshoumaru
looked at Inuyasha in silence; his face as stoic as
ever. The hug that kept Inuyasha close to his chest had been loose;
little.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“Inuyasha, we have told you already, Naraku deceived you. You
were never pregnant,” Kikyou said.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“But Kikyou-sama…”
“Naraku
made use of magic tricks with you. He is a monster; he did that just to torture
you, to make you suffer and to amplify his pleasure.”
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>“But Hakudoshi--” Inuyasha was
once again on his knees, face disfigured with pain.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>Sesshoumaru was sensing all Inuyasha’s sorrow and that made
his powerful youki spread all over the small hut in waves.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>Kikyou, always
holding Inuyasha protectively from Sesshoumaru, stated, “We told Inuyasha that
the infant for sure was, or to say it better, is, one of Naraku’s detachments.”
“You
could not be pregnant, otouto,”
with Inuyasha’s mental health, “because this Sesshoumaru would know when that might
happen. Inu youkai always know when their mates get pregnant, since the conception’s
first moment. And I am sure that I did not feel anything other than the huge
feeling of emptiness in you, otouto.” Sesshoumaru
approached them and got on his knees. Kikyou held
Inuyasha tightly, but the glare she got from the Daiyoukai was enough to make
her let the hanyou go. At first, he just held Inuyasha, but soon they were
embracing each other. Sesshoumaru kissed Inuyasha on the face and then gently on
the mouth.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>When the kiss was broken, Inuyasha
breathless, begged Sesshoumaru to stop.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Why otouto?” Sesshoumaru asked
with a smirk.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Because…we are… in the shrine,
the shrine hut and the priestesses-- they are here by our side…”
“ … ”
“Sesshoumaru-sama, how could not Hakudoshi be my
baby?” Inuyasha tried to focus only on his deceased child, not on his brother’s
alluring scent.
“That is simple. Your body is not ready yet, and
neither was mine, before my 400 birthday,” Sesshoumaru said, caressing
Inuyasha’s hair. “This Sesshoumaru will make that Naraku suffer for everything
he did to you, otouto.” Sesshoumaru ended up sitting, placing Inuyasha on his
lap and Inuyasha’s head on his chest.
They stayed like that for quite some time.
Suddenly a roar was heard.
Sesshoumaru, Kikyo and Kaede, giggled together. The red-faced
stomach was putting out such a roar complaining the lack of food in a while,
was very embarrassed.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>They all stood up, getting on with
their chores to prepare the food and settle the small hut.
*
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>
After lunch, both sisters returned to their usual
tasks. They also wanted to keep the villagers far from the brothers.
Sesshoumaru asked Inuyasha to go out for a walk; he
wanted some privacy with his bother. When they were far from any hint of ningen
scent, Sesshoumaru finally spoke.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Inuyasha…” he started and then
paused, looking Inuyasha in the eyes, Sesshoumaru’s face as serene and serious
as ever.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama?”
“I must make you aware of some changes I have been
planning for us. From now on, you are forbidden to call
me using these honorific titles. I am Sesshoumaru, your brother, your mate,
your equal, so you can only address me as such. In addition to that, as soon as
we arrive back home, a complete mating ceremony is going to seal our
relationship,” Sesshoumaru said, returning to walk.
Inuyasha was puzzled. Sesshoumaru said all those
things as if he was saying their daily dojo activities. “Sesshoumaru-sama, will
the others accept me that eas-” Inuyasha started to
say, but the pain in his chest made him stop and grunt.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“What is the matter,
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Hmm... it--it is nothing
Sesshoumaru-sam… I mean, Sesshoumaru-niisan.”
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Do not lie to me,
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“I--I am afraid. What will they
say about it?” Inuyasha shuddered.
“Inuyasha, you are really changed,” Sesshoumaru said,
embracing Inuyasha. “When you were a little brat you would never care about it.
Why should you care now?”
“After all that happened to me, I have learned to
care, Sesshoumaru-niisan-- I have suffered a lot and,
I--I know that in the court, your court, many hate the simple fact that I am
still alive. Have you ever imagined how they felt when you got me back home and
later made me become your concubine, and--” Sesshoumaru made Inuyasha stop by
kissing him.
“I do not care,” Sesshoumaru said, as their lips drew
apart. “This Sesshoumaru only cares about you. I do love you Inuyasha and not
as a brother. Do you know what that means?” A grin could be
seen on Sesshoumaru’s face as he grabbed Inuyasha by the hand and aimed for the
nearest hot spring.
At the hot spring, Sesshoumaru undressed both of
them in seconds. During all of the process, he kissed and repeated how much he
had missed Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru also told the hanyou
that he would have rescued him earlier, if it were not for the heat season issue
that kept him locked up in his chambers. Inuyasha realized that Sesshoumaru in
a very peculiar way was trying to say that he was sorry.
They
tried to have sex, but Inuyasha was still feeling a lot of pain, mostly mental.
Sesshoumaru could sense that and decided they would not do any sex game now, or
before Inuyasha was cured, physically and if possible mentally.
Since
Inuyasha was deeply hurt in his inner being and Inuyasha’s youki
was weak, Sesshoumaru could feel how devastated Inuyasha was.
*
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha returned
to the miko-sisters’ hut when the sun was going down.
Sesshoumaru told them that they would
appropriate youkai treatment. He also needs to be accepted by my people as my
live-mate. I have to apologize for my
unreasonable previous actions upon you, and to thank you both for saving and
taking care of my mate,” The Daiyuokai said, bowing
slightly to the miko-sisters.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Inuyasha was amazed with
Sesshoumaru’s words and actions, but did not say a word.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Kikyo and Kaede were happy and
sad. They did not want the hanyou to leave, but they also wanted the best for
him.
“You may leave, but please wait until tomorrow; we
would like to prepare some things for Inuyasha. Could you please let your
departure be tomorrow Sesshoumaru-sama?”
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Yes, naturally.”
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Thank you very much, Sesshoumaru-
The miko-sisters were very worried about Inuyasha’s
health. “Are you really going to protect and be close Inuyasha as much as you
can?” Kikyo and Kaede asked
Sesshoumaru, when Inuyasha was already sleeping. “You must find, as soon as
possible, someone with youkai special powers, to reestablish Inuyasha’s life
power.” Kikyo and Kaede
added.
“Do not fear about that miko-san, I have already
known about that, I am going to do even the impossible to restore Inuyasha’s
health. And I am going to protect him with my life,” Sesshoumaru said, sitting
by Inuyasha’s side and caressing Inuyasha’s hair.
*
In the
next day, after lunchtime, both brothers left the shrine.
style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>To make the returning trip shorter Sesshoumaru decided to
use his energy form. In the middle of the way, they met Jaken, who joined the
brothers.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>*~* The Western lands *~*
When
they landed in the middle of the castle patio, they were
greeted by many different reactions.
The
first thing the three noticed was that all of the castle personnel
Sesshoumaru was the one who most noticed it. Hostility from many, confusion
from some, and Inuyasha’s fear. As a result, he kept the hanyou by his side in
a protective embrace.
All
the people at the castle were certain that Inuyasha was already dead, so to see
the hanyou was back and side-by-side with Sesshoumaru, a smiling and gentle
Sesshoumaru (at least with the hanyou), was something
that nobody was expecting.
Happy,
sad and furious faces could be seen all over the castle. Actually, many of the
lords were just there awaiting Sesshoumaru’s return to introduce him to new
possible mates.
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
what a contentment to have you back,” some greeted him.
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
the Western lands missed you the most,” some others said.
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
we all feared about your absence and now we all rejoice with your return,” and
other greetings and comments that Sesshoumaru simply ignored.
Sesshoumaru
was only interested in finding a healer for Inuyasha as soon as possible. That
was his only priority, so he aimed for his chambers.
That
was when an elder approached and told him that he and the Council would be
having a meeting as soon as possible, due to very important affairs of state.
“Very
important affairs of state you say?” Sesshoumaru repeated, keeping his stoic
mood. “This Sesshoumaru also has very important affairs to discuss with his
people and Council. So be it. A meeting with the Council
members, in two days. Now let me tend to my brother,” he said,
tightening his arms; he was still holding Inuyasha in a tight embrace as they walked
to his chambers.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Jaken follow us,” was his only command before
leaving the patio.
Jaken
followed the two brothers in silence. He had already known that Sesshoumaru
would demand a complete and very legitimate mating ceremony so that Inuyasha
would be Sesshoumaru’s royal-life-mate and that Inuyasha would
also be recognized as Sesshoumaru’s brother officially. Jaken was happy
because finally his master, after such a long time, would be able to settle his
kingdom with someone able to match him.
When
they reached Sesshoumaru’s chambers, Sesshoumaru requested, “Jaken, you must go
and bring me the best healers in the court. They must come immediately to look
after Inuyasha. I would go and bring them myself, but I cannot leave Inuyasha
alone. You should talk to them yourself, as this Sesshoumaru does not want any
healer indicated by anyone else in this castle. Am I clear?” Sesshoumaru said.
“Hai,
Sesshoumaru-sama, I will be right back,” Jaken said, leaving the room, happy
for the trust his lord was putting in his hands, so Jaken tried to accomplish
his task as fast and as well as he could.
Inuyasha,
who was silent until that moment, said to his brother that he did not need all
of that and that his body would soon be fine.
“I do
not think so, otouto, only now you have got rid of some of the awful bruises on
your body. How long had you been staying with the miko-sisters?” Sesshoumaru asked,
while he placed the hanyou on a chair and started to undress him.
It
was almost impossible for him to control himself and not impose his lust on the
fragile hanyou. As difficult as it was, he only allowed himself to touch the small
hanyou by doing simple things, as much as what he was doing at that moment, undress
Inuyasha, or as his youki and the miko-sisters
had told him to do, let the hanyou be
involved by his energy. He had done that during the return-trip, and he
was as much as he could, involve him into embraces, as the ones they had at the
patio when they came back. At least those sorts of things he would keep on
doing during Inuyasha’s complete recovery.
Sesshoumaru
would do anything to help Inuyasha’s recovery. He wanted Inuyasha to get better
as soon as possible, and then he would be able to hunt down and kill
could go ahead in peace with their lives.
Sesshoumaru
finished undressing Inuyasha as well as himself and went to his bathroom, so
both would get rid of the tiredness and the dust from the trip.
“Sesshoumaru-
very embarrassed Inuyasha said while a very pleased Sesshoumaru had him bride-style
in his arms.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Hai otouto, this Sesshoumaru doesn’t need to. He
WANTS to.”
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
you do not need to go through all this, I should have stayed with the miko-sisters,
I could--” By placing a finger on the hanyou’s lips,
Sesshoumaru did not allow Inuyasha to finish his sentence.
“Inuyasha,
I really needed to do that and so many other things to you and for you. I have
no idea how much I would miss you until you were gone.
say I will make up for all of your past or ours. However, I will prepare you a
very good future. Only you, your happiness and well-being matters to me.
your mate, for Chichi-ue’s sake,” Sesshoumaru said, and started soothingly to
scrub the hanyou’s back. There were still some bruises, awful
reminiscences of the time Inuyasha spent with Naraku.
be fine by now, I guess. It has been weeks already and he still has those
bruises all over his body. And his youki is so weak.’ Sesshoumaru thought
while bathing Inuyasha.
touch me. I know how disgusting I am,” a breathless Inuyasha pleaded after a
while.
“No,
you are not, otouto. You are just too weak to heal properly by yourself. Soon
you will be better, I promise you,” Sesshoumaru said and hugged Inuyasha, who
was crying in a mix of pain and confusion.
The
hanyou did want Sesshoumaru to touch
him and to be taken by the Daiyoukai, but at the same
time, Inuyasha was fearful of touching and being touched by Sesshoumaru and consequently
taint the Daiyoukai, after all the dreadful and filthy things Naraku had done
to him.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>They finished the bath without any further talk.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>They were already dressed when Jaken returned,
followed by a group of healers and some of the Council’s secretaries.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Sesshoumaru greeted the healers and questioned Jaken
about the others.
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
I am very sorry, but they need to talk with you,” Jaken informed him hurriedly,
and physically pleading for his life.
“That
is fine Jaken, guide the healers to the next room,
where you will find Inuyasha. You must do a very detailed exam on Inuyasha, then
later Inuyasha and I will give details of what happened with him. Also, tell
Inuyasha that soon I will be with you.”
“Hai
Sesshoumaru-sama” Jaken and the healers said together and they went to the next
room, from where, some seconds later, Inuyasha came out fearful.
“Please
Inuyasha, let them take care of you,” Sesshoumaru said to the frightened
hanyou. “I will be with you as soon as I finish this matter,” he state, showing
the unwanted guests. “I will be in my studio, now go and be a good patient.”
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Hai, Sesshoumaru-niisan.”
Sesshoumaru
then went through the Council’s secretaries, left his chambers and went to his
studio, without saying a word.
All
the Council’s secretaries quickly followed him. Sesshoumaru knew by their
scents and faces, that the news would not be pleasant, at least not to him,
Sesshoumaru or to the ones giving them to him. So he entered his studio, sat by
his studying table and waited until the last of them o be in front of him.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Now that you have got my attention, you must say
whatever the Council wants me to know.”
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
I Hikarumaru, the first secretary of the Western lands’ Council together with
the other secretaries, came to you to tell you that the elders’ Council has
selected for you some of the finest and prettiest royal members from all over
the Island to be your royal and life mate.”
“What?”
Sesshoumaru could not suppress his surprise. “I can not believe it.” He stood
up. “They can not go to any other kingdom and tell people what they want. I am
not going to send anybody to mend what they said. They alone are going to do
something to avoid useless visits from these nobles’ kids,” he said while he
walked around his table.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“That is not necessary, Sesshoumaru-
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Good. I just have time for Inuyasha, right now,” Sesshoumaru
interrupted the secretary.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“They are already here, Sesshoumaru-sama, the Council
wants a meeting to introduce you to them.”
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“WHAT?!” The entire castle could hear Sesshoumaru’s
question and also his angered growl.
Sesshoumaru
was furious; thousand of thoughts on how to kill all the elders were going
through his mind. After a discrete counting down and cracking his long and
clawed fingers, he turned to the scared secretaries and said, “Tell them that
tomorrow, before lunchtime I will meet them. Tell them that I am very
disappointed with them. Now leave,” Sesshoumaru said while walking around his
studio.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Good night, Sesshoumaru-sama.”
They bowed and left.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Good night.”
Sesshoumaru
left the studio some moments later and went back to his chambers, where he could
see the healers carrying out Inuyasha’s treatment.
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
we did not notice you were back,” one of the healers said while he took hold of
another jar with ointment. “This little
one here is really in bad shape. He went through a lot of pain. However, for such
a small and young hanyou, he is really brave and very strong.”
“We
all doubt that even a youkai would bear the suffering this little one has been
through,” another healer said calmly while scrubbing more ointment on
Inuyasha’s back.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Sesshoumaru appreciated listening that Inuyasha had
once again proved to be his father’s son.
“Healer-san
tell me, will my mate be as he used to be before all he faced?” Sesshoumaru
asked, showing for the first time to someone else how concerned he was.
“Probably
he will. But only if you, his mate, act as one. He
needs you, as much as you need him. Both youki are weak when apart, so you must
be together and finish all the rituals needed to a complete and life-term
commitment. I guess both bodies are asking to be in touch. In addition,
although the hanyou is too young, you two are ready to have your first infant.
This will help you with the bonds and also with the stone-headed elders.” All
the healers giggled together.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Inuyasha, even unconscious, shrugged in fear.
“We
could also sense that he needs time. The kind of torture he endured will make
any sexual approach difficult right now, so Sesshoumaru-sama
we suggest you just keep going on the tender and calm approach, and soon he
will be able to touch and be touched more intimately by you.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Very well. Is he really asleep?”
“Yes,
and you shall go and sleep together with him,” the closest healer said while
handing Sesshoumaru a very light garment similar to the one Inuyasha was
wearing.
Sesshoumaru
was studying his brother’s features. Inuyasha was sleeping in his bed, and the
hanyou would be naked except for the bandage-like-shirt he was wearing.
Basically, all of Inuyasha’s body could be seen. The scene hypnotized
bed and blurring his mind. Only Inuyasha was seen. Sesshoumaru could hear
voices telling him that he needed to be with the hanyou and manage for Inuyasha’s
life power and youki to be restored, together with his own youki that was
getting weaker by the lack of his mate’s presence, and also
to reinforce their bonds.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Jaken” Sesshoumaru called, using a lot of willpower
and breaking the trance for some moments.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Hai, Sesshoumaru-
“From
tomorrow on, Inuyasha’s belongings must be in here. We are also going to have
all meals in here. Only you and the healers are allowed to be in here and you
will be responsible for Inuyasha’s well-being and wishes while I am out.”
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama,”
Jaken said, leaving the chambers.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>“Healer-san, did you finish for today?” Sesshoumaru
asked.
“Hai,
Sesshoumaru-sama, we are done for today, we just need to wrap you with the same
ointment and bandages, so you can lay down by Inuyasha-sama’s side and rest.
Tomorrow morning we will be back to help both of you to bathe and continue the
treatment.”
Sesshoumaru
only nodded and without any hint of embarrassment stripped and went to his bed,
lying by Inuyasha’s sleeping form. The healers then
did as they had told and Sesshoumaru soon was all wrapped up
with the same ointment and bandages as Inuyasha. Soon the Daiyoukai
was sleeping, hugging his mate.
*
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>*~*The next morning*~*
At
first, morning was calm.
The
healers came and bathed them both; then the brothers were
wrapped up with a different kind of ointment and bandages, which allowed
them to dress in their clothes normally. After all those procedures, the
healers left and they could have breakfast.
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Jaken
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'> got into Sesshoumaru’s chambers, around
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>, telling his master that it was time for the
meeting with the Council.
“Inuyasha,
I will be back soon, please relax. Jaken will be here, if you need anything, do
not hesitate,” Sesshoumaru said, kissed Inuyasha’s forehead and left.
style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Inuyasha was puzzled with all the attention, but did
not dare to say a word.
The
healers returned as soon as Sesshoumaru left, with more potions, herbs and
roots, together with many bandages, scrolls and books. Jaken was also there with
some scrolls and books and he decided to settle himself on a small area by one
of the windows reading them.
Suddenly
Inuyasha got up, stood by Jaken’s side, and asked him, “Jaken-san let me go to
my room, please. We both know that you rather return to your real and important
duties than take care of me…”
Jaken
got angry. “You ungrateful hanyou. Sesshoumaru-sama is risking his respectable
position among all the leaders from other kingdoms, he is also doing quite many
things against his principles just to have you back home and to have your
health restored, and that is the way you back him up?”
“I am
sorry Jaken-san--” Inuyasha was visibly trembling; he was not expecting Jaken
to be the one to be saying those things to him.
“You
do not have to be sorry with me. You just have to make Sesshoumaru-sama happy,”
Jaken said, realizing how scared the hanyou was, so he tried to be a little
gentler to him and also avoid Sesshoumaru’s wraith.
“Now eat properly and let the healers do their job,” Jaken said, taking some
fruit from a tray one of the healers was holding.
Inuyasha thanked Jaken and the healers
and ate the fruit he was offered. However, in his heart he was worried about
what the Council and Sesshoumaru would be talking about, after all this meeting
would say what his future would be.
*
The meeting happened
at the Council’s inner room.
When Sesshoumaru got in there, all
the Council and some other people were awaiting him. Some of the people
“As you asked, here
I am. You shall state what you want from this Sesshoumaru.” Sesshoumaru said as
he took his place.
“Sesshoumaru-sama, you know your
position and that it has been more than centuries since your Mighty-father has passed
away. Apart from you, there is no heir--”
“You all have
forgotten to mention my brother,” Sesshoumaru remembered.
“Your half-brother is a hanyou,
his position in the Western lands, at the moment, due to the previous ceremony performed
by both, he is forbidden to be more than a concubine. In addiction, he has
failed to protect himself. He was kidnapped, and if it were not by your good
actions to rescue him, he would be still missing or even dead by now,” a Council
member started.
“For all these reasons, we from
the Council were searching for a possible future mate for you. Here they are,
you can meet and know each of them better
the Western lands the next heir. A strong and full royal youkai,”
another one continued.
“Furthermore, any of the chosen
one will let you and the Western lands with strong allies and powerful ties
with his or her land, as well as the ties with the other lands, will be
reestablished,” A third Council member concluded.
“I presume that you all thought
about these ties and mates, while I was out, and having in your minds that
Inuyasha was dead, but what are you going to do now that Inuyasha is alive and
back to the castle?” Sesshoumaru asked showing how angry he was getting.
“Sesshoumaru-sama, you must have a
suitable mate as soon as possible. Do you remember what happened in your last
heat season?”
Sesshoumaru did not answer he
stood up and turned his back; he would leave that room before he lost his mind.
“Sesshoumaru-sama
we did not finish-” someone started but was cut by
Sesshoumaru.
“But
I did,” Sesshoumaru said, opening the door. “A mating ceremony will occur soon,
but with none of the ones you chose,” were Sesshoumaru’s last words before the door
was slammed shut
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>.
*
When he entered
his chambers he was fuming. But
he hid his mood putting on his stoic faced to don’t let Inuyasha realize
anything. “Jaken, ask someone to bring us lunch,”
Sesshoumaru asked to his retainer, who came to welcome him.
‘I should have killed all the elders and the ones involved in such a
crazy plot.’ he thought while
he with long steps crossed the first room in his chambers, following Inuyasha’s
scent.
Inuyasha was on
some cushions while a healer wrapped new bandages over the hanyou’s body.
“How is the treatment going?”
Sesshoumaru asked while he positioned himself on a chair not far from his
brother and the healers.
“I am fine, Sesshoumaru-
embarrassment and confusion. “And… how was the meeting?”
“They want me to mate with some
youkai kid from the other kingdoms. The Council elders think I will accept
whatever they plot behind my back.”
“But, Sesshoumaru-niisan, you do
have to fully mate with someone--” Inuyasha was feeling a strange pain in his
heart and leaned down his head.
“I will mate, or should I say I am
already mated with a royal youkai, Inuyasha. You,” Sesshoumaru said, already by
Inuyasha’s side and raising Inuyasha’s chin. “You are my mate, I already have
told you that, remember?”
“Ha-hai, Sesshoumaru-niisan.”
mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>
“Good,” Sesshoumaru said, and then
asked the healers about the condition of Inuyasha’s health. They told
Sesshoumaru that Inuyasha would need time to recover and a lot of rest, as well
as special potions and healing rituals. They also added information that made
Sesshoumaru worried.
“Without those treatments and the regular
presence of his mate and his mate’s healing powerful youki – I mean, the mate
his youki and soul has chosen – this hanyou will die by the next new moon.”
“I
will do anything to have my mate in good health condition again. Tell what this
Sesshoumaru has to do and this Sesshoumaru will do it.”
**
************************
End
of chap 22. Together? –
************************
Glossary
*Hai
= yes, okay - in Japanese, "hai"
you".
for added respect. // -san can be replaced with -sama or -chan.
/// -ue: (humble, respectful, archaic)
(O)
with -sama or -chan.
*Chichi-ue = Father
respectful and archaic
(O)
(O)neesan: Older sister. The 'ee'
is pronounced as if saying the letter 'A'
(O)
Otouto: Younger brother [
-san can be added)
*Goshujin-sama = means master as well as husband
*Ningen
= human
*Daiyoukai
= great mythical creature/ great demon
*Youki
= demon spirit energy / demonic energy
(life energy) possessed by demons
*Hanyou
= half youkai , half human (“half breed”)
*
Tiger - Panther demon, or fire cat, youkai. Panther demon, or fire cat, tribe.
- I myself did not get the real thing until now. You can get a better idea
about that watching the episodes 75, 76, 77.