Chronicles of the West

Chapter Fifty One

Satoru arrived at the western palace the following afternoon. His speedy approach had the palace guard rushing to defend. He was much faster than they'd expected. Sesshoumaru barked down orders to stand down. His golden gaze moved to the sky, pinpointing the location of the sphere.

Inuyasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and left the lists. "Bout time" he muttered. He raced up the steps leading to the battlements. Sesshoumaru did not turn to face him as he spoke, "He's stronger". Inuyasha grunted, "Much".

The sphere hurled towards them at a reckless speed, before expanding and Satoru dropped the last few feet to the walkway with Victor. Landing in a graceful flutter of silk and hair. He let Victor get his legs, before stepping forward, "Father, Uncle" he said in greeting.

They both grunted in response. Sesshoumaru sniffed the air, "You've fought". Satoru nodded, "Imagine that". Inuyasha watched his son and his brother, similar personalities. Sesshoumaru's eyes fell to the other male. "This would be the helpmate of our enemy" he said.

Satoru shook his head, "No longer. This is Victor. He is the new professor of Alchemy at the academy". Sesshoumaru studied him, scent alone proclaimed him as so much more. Inuyasha met his son's eyes, "You get to tell your mother what you've been up to" was all he said, the turned back to Victor, "Well, we've been waiting to talk to you. I hope you're as smart as they say".


Victor looked between the three demons and nodded. He followed down the stone steps and into the den of the mighty inu. Now reunited with the others, he smiled, and told Ryu and Silvana that he needed to speak with them when time allowed.

He was still uncertain as to the demons' reaction to him. They were dogs too, so he didn't entertain the notion that they were unaware of his relations with Satoru. However, they seemed more concerned about current events and for good reason.

Satoru of course wished to see Daishi at once. "You knew she was here?" Inuyasha asked. Satoru smirked, "I have complete faith in my brother" he replied. Daishi was summoned and she was a blur of yellow silk and auburn hair as she streaked across the distance.

Satoru caught her easily and spun her. She laughed and cried and hugged him tightly. "I was worried for you" he told her. She let him set her down and then he wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry" she whispered. He smiled at her, "Don't be. I do expect that you will come home now?". She looked to Shippo who nodded, "Far be it for me to say she can't teach".

Satoru grunted when she caught him in a tight hug again. "Don't you ever do something so foolish again" he reprimanded her. Her green eyes lit with happiness to see him again. Shippo grunted, "She can only get married once, hello". Inuyasha chuckled at his children. Daishi nodded, "I missed you Satoru" she said brightly. He smiled, that soft smile that was only for her.

Victor caught her in a hug, "Was it terrible?" he asked her. She laughed, "Gods yes. He wet himself" she replied. Victor and Satoru turned to peer at Toga and Ryu who held up two fingers in answer. Satoru chuckled, "Well, doesn't that just scream male authority".

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Hours later, reunions complete, they settled down to the task at hand. Alastair. Victor provided a great deal of insight as to the man himself. Not to mention that he had been involved with the schematics of the plan from the start. His information was invaluable.

Not only was he a source of information to them, but he was a source of weaponry as well. Being an alchemist meant that he could exploit Alastair's weakness in skill. He alone knew where they might be found.

Sesshoumaru allowed him access to his personal library and sat pouring over documents that Victor seemed to feel of relevance. The human worked into the small hours of morning, penning his findings and calculations, adjusting and perfecting.

"Your bloodline is remarkable" he noted quietly, almost to himself. Sesshoumaru glanced up at him, "How so?". Victor blushed under his weighty gaze, "You are so diverse. Demonic blood, holy powers, poisons. Your line is nearly perfect" he blurted out.

Sesshoumaru's brow rose slightly. Nearly? Victor turned his journal around so that Sesshoumaru could see the page he was working on. "You see, Alastair had an idea of what the perfect being would be. The characteristics of a perfect being so to speak. Muscle density, intellect, power potential". The human was obviously well versed in these things.

Sesshoumaru listened to him speak. "So the intent was to create this perfect being?" he asked. Victor nodded, "Of course, however we lacked raw materials for such an endeavor. So we used the bits of lesser creatures, extracting those things we desired" he went on.

The western Taiyoukai's eyes narrowed. "Extracted raw materials" he said in a low voice, "You mean you captured and hacked away at living beings in your quest for perfection". Victor didn't miss the coldness in that tone. Satoru lifted his head from his own reading.

Victor met and held the golden gaze before him, "Yes, that's right" he said, his voice tinged with regret and shame. Sesshoumaru leaned back slightly, "Yet you seek to atone". Victor shook his head, "There is nothing that I can do to atone for such things, such crimes against nature. I can only try and prevent it from going farther and spilling forth into the world".

Satoru felt the flare in Sesshoumaru's youki even and settle. Rising gracefully, Sesshoumaru peered down at the clearly tired human. "You should rest" he said, " The west is safe enough for you. We will speak of it again at a later date". Victor nodded, having risen himself and bowed to the regal demon as he passed.

When he had gone, Victor turned worried eyes to Satoru. "What is it?" Satoru asked, his voice laced with quiet concern. Victor nodded toward the journal, "If ever perfect materials were at hand, it's now" he murmured. Satoru glanced at the pages, and then met Victor's eyes. "There is nothing to worry about" he assured him.

Victor nodded in agreement but in his heart he wasn't so certain. Alastair was clever and resourceful and he was sure that the other would try very hard. Raw materials… to build a god and then fuse it with himself. That was the likely course of action.

He knew little of Satoru's family, other than they were powerful and honorable. Elegant creatures that retained an inherent wildness. He could not bear to think of them subject to servitude under Alastair. He could not stomach the thought of such beautiful creatures being broken to his will. They would die before they gave in and he couldn't bear that thought either.

Flipping through his journal he studied his notes, a careful eye roving over each line. Each formula. He lifted his spectacles onto his head and pressed his eyes, as though it might relieve the ache that was forming there.

"Victor, you are not blamed" Satoru told him, "You must rest. Come now". Victor shut his book and sighed looking around at the mess he'd made of Sesshoumaru's library. "Leave it," Satoru commanded, "Nothing will be disturbed".

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Madu arrived at the palace the next morning, as the family gathered to eat. Sesshoumaru ordered an extra place be laid at his table. Madu greeted everyone and thanked his host. "Keh. Where's your old man?" Inuyasha asked him. Under the table Kagome kicked him in the shin.

"With mother in the east" Madu replied. Sesshoumaru eyed the young wolf, "Have you come to report odd creatures along the border?" he asked. Madu nodded, "I thought you might know something of them". Toga stared at the wolf, "Is that all?" he pressed. Madu glared at him, "No, I've also come to offer for Taisha".

Sesshoumaru sighed, "Again" he said, "I cannot and will not give my daughter to you Madu. That is Taisha's choice. I have explained that before". The young wolf nodded, "I understand that my lord" he said respectfully, "I am merely wish to express my intentions to your family".

Sesshoumaru nodded, and looked at Toga. "By the way Madu, I know that you have your heart set on Taisha, however I would like to present Toga's former ward, Aislin to you" he said smoothly. He could almost feel his son bristle.

Madu turned his eyes to the human woman and smiled, "It is a pleasure to meet you. I assume that you will be presented at court soon?". Aislin smiled shyly and nodded. Madu thought she was quite enchanting, "I am certain that you will find many suitors my lady" he told her, causing her to blush all the more.

The wolf was certainly a charmer, Aislin thought. He seemed most pleasant too. Turning his eyes back to Toga he spoke again, "I met a lady of your acquaintance in the forest". Toga's expression revealed nothing. "And who might that be?" he wondered aloud.

Madu blinked at him, "Your woman. The wolf that is to be your bride" he said. Many things happened at once then. Aislin lost her color and dropped her cup of tea, Kagome tried to help her clean herself up and Toga growled at the wolf.

Seeing the serenity of his house in jeopardy, Sesshoumaru did what he felt best. Slamming his fist on the table, he barked for silence. Kagome stopped patting at Aislin, and Toga fell silent. "Tell me" he commanded the wolf.

Madu spoke of the meeting and relayed his first impressions of the demoness. Sesshoumaru's eyes cut to his son, "This would be Elda no?". Toga glowered at the wolf as though this whole thing was his fault. "Yes". Madu nodded, "I am sure her defense will improve under your eye Toga, she is very beautiful. You must be most pleased" he said politely.

The scent of salt assailed the hall and Aislin bolted to her feet, "Excuse me my lord - I require something from my rooms" she blurted out and he nodded. She left the room on steady feet, head held high. Madu watched her go, looking slightly confused. "Way to go wolf" Inuyasha said. Kagome kicked him again.

Madu looked at Sesshoumaru, "Have I made a mistake?" he asked. Sesshoumaru shook his head, "Not you Madu" he replied. Toga was growling loudly now, Aislin's tears the source of his anger. "I am not marrying that female" he said stiffly. Madu chuckled, "Good luck dog, she seems set on it".

Sesshoumaru eyed his son coolly. "We'll speak later" he said. Turning to Madu, Inuyasha smiled, "Hey Madu. You want a wife right? Well she needs a mate" he pointed out. Madu looked down his nose at the demon lord, "I think not lord Inuyasha. I don't think she's my type". His gaze moved to Toga, "I didn't think she was yours either".

Sesshoumaru suspected his son wanted to flee after Aislin and banish her worries. Well, he wasn't going to let that happen. Gods only knew what measures Toga would use. He would explain things to her himself. After he spoke to Toga.

When had he, the greatest demon living, fallen so low as to become personal diplomats for his children and their errant affairs? Ayeka touched his knee beneath the table, "Maybe I should go see her" she whispered to him. He gave a single nod, watching Toga's muscles bunch. "Not you" he said firmly.

Toga felt lower than low. Damn that woman for meddling and damn the wolf for finding out. He could just imagine how upset Aislin was at this point and now even his father conspired against him. Just what the hell was the world coming to? It's not like Elda had been remotely pure when he'd taken her. What basis could she go by?

With any luck this brother of hers would show himself and then Toga could have a simple and direct talk with him. Demon to demon.

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Ayeka found Aislin in her rooms. She pushed the door wide and went in to her. The sight of the distraught girl made her ache. She knew all too well how it felt to be where she was. So in love with someone and not sure what good it would do for you.

"Aislin?" she called softly. The girl lifted her head from her folded arms and turned wet eyes to the lady of the west. "F..forgive me" she whispered. Ayeka waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Nothing to forgive Aislin, we all hurt and it's only natural to want to remove ourselves from the situation before we lose control" she said quietly.

"I do not believe Toga has any desire to wed this wolf demoness. If that were the case then why shouldn't he retain his guardianship of you? What difference would it make?" she pointed out. But Aislin was not familiar with the intricacies of court life and so she didn't understand. "Trust him to do what is best?".

Aislin nodded her head, trying to stop her tears. She had no doubts that Toga would do what he felt was best, but best for whom?