Legacy of Loss

Note to Reviewers:
I love you guys *giant hug* I also humbly beg your forgiveness for not updating in so long. I will finish my stories. It just takes me some time. I also didn’t really edit this chapter…I wanted to get it out for you. So please ignore the typos.

Warning: Lots of information and a tender Kagome moment.

Hmmm, I just noticed I made a rather bad typo last posting, I referred to Inuyasha as a half-bread…no wonder he’s so deliciously crusty and fresh ;o)

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Legacy of Loss
Chapter 5
Fluffy vs. The Loyal Followers


The group stood clustered at the edge of a steep cliff that hovered over the shoreline. The crisp salty air charging over the waves to catch in their hair and clothing. The army of foam surging against the jagged rocks below to be swept away beneath the waves only to emerge above the crest and try their white assault once more. Wearing the stone away over centuries of time with each determined charge.

Behind the group the old trees and young grasses swayed in the salty mist, slightly shrunk due to the mineral and wind. The tree littered cliff formed a wall in a half egg-shaped bay. At the edge of the half curve it fell away into high jagged rocks that formed a tooth like enclosure far out into the water protecting the bay from any storm surge. The worst of the high waves would break at the vertical rock fangs rising on the opposite side of the open bay. The jagged rocks that protected the large bay also made it a suicide attempt for and boats to try to navigate the strong currents around the hazardous stone and the deep waters hiding some just below the surface. As a result the place was void of human activity. It was as dangerous as it was breathtaking. Much like its Lord.

The members of the odd group took in the lovely scenery, the sight and smell of it as they gazed around in anxious confusion out at the ocean and below at the cliff. Other than the scenery and a well beaten patch of dirt they were on, there was nothing here. Except the hum of the breeze and the groan of the ocean.

“Where is it?” Inuyasha demanded.

“I thought you said this was the way to the palace Jaken. It’s just ocean and rock here. Did you make a wrong turn?” Kagome asked.

“Were you lying to us?” Shippo voiced the question that lingered on all their minds.

“I swear if you brought me here and all that crap about a palace was fake, I’ll…” Inuyasha left the threat hanging as he flexed his claws adamantly. He would not have his emotions jerked around like that.

“Wait,” Miroku interjected. The monk’s gem-like eyes were slightly narrowed as he peered into the ocean horizon. “I sense a great presence…many things…but so muted as to be easily overlooked. I believe there is a barrier here. What do you smell, Inuyasha?”

“A barrier over the ocean?” Sango wondered with her head tilted to the side.

Shippo picked up a stone and tossed it over the cliff. It landed with a soft splash in the waves below.

Inuyasha dropped to his hands and crouched legs sniffing about the ground intently. His nose wriggling as his wide eyes grew contemplative. “I smell a lot of different demons, some humans and other stuff too. This smells like a roadway. An’ it was used recently.” He gestured along the beaten down area of dirt up to a point on the edge of the rock where it was cut off by the plunge to the water. “But they all stop right here…like they jumped off the cliff or something,” he added with a furrowed brow.

Kagome scowled, “I don’t sense or see anything out of the ordin- oh! Wait! There!” She pointed excitedly to a spot on the water far from shore. “There’s like three shadows on the water, do you think the palace is there and has a barrier?”

“If any of you had been listening to me you would not be wasting time by asking repetitive questions I already answered!” Jaken grumbled turning his face up and away from them.

“Keh. I tuned you out days ago.”

“Same here, I’m afraid.”

“Yup.”

“Me too.”

“He sure does talk a lot for something so small.”

“Mew.”

Jaken sputtered and launched into a triad of complaints, insults and woes to his being. So, it was Rin’s quietly bright voice which drew their attention. “Master Jaken said that the three islands are covered by a barrier, and that they can only be seen at sunset. At that time the bridge will be accessible from here.”

“What sense does that make? Only being able to come and go at one time of day?” Inuyasha mumbled.

“Any one living here can leave at any time; guests can only enter at sundown. The guardians will allow the regular dwellers, and you the new Lord, entry at any time once they recognize you. So long as you know where to walk.” Jaken corrected. “Sundown will be at any moment. Now move aside so that I can get you past the guards.” His little legs strode proudly forward, staff held high, head aloft, to stand at attention facing the ocean by the end of the smell trail. While he did the rest of the odd group took up positions behind the green youkai with various degrees of expectation.

As the sun crawled to the Western horizon the sky exploded into a palette of warm hues. Pinks and reds mingled with purple over and through the wavering reflection of the deep blackened waters. The rocks glittered with the warm hues caught in their moist surfaces like the twinkling of great gems. The trees and grasses danced in the fading light, enjoying a last boisterous and festive good-bye to the activity of the day to settle into the secret mystery of the night’s desires.

They watched as the area of the bay before them seemed to shimmer and shift like a shard of glass moving through water. A soft, light noise which reminded Inuyasha of the tinkling of crystal beads tickled his furry ears as it carried over the water.

Eyes went wide as they observed. They had come through Naraku’s barriers before to see his castle. But it was nothing like this. They watched in awe as a massive pillared bridge waved into solid existence stretching out from Jaken’s feet and into the bay. Its three great spans connected to three islands that were staggered in the water. The bridge was wide enough for five bear youkai to walk side by side and yet have plenty of room. Its wooden frame and pillars were a bright red with sparsely placed gold and silver Inu running engraved along the rails, beams and poised in small statues on the pagoda roof tops. The Pagodas were toped by ornate coverings of a silver-blue corrugated metal. On the top of the triangular roofs silver and gold crescent moons kept watch. It was built in a series of enormous connected drum bridges. Where one ended and merged into another atop a massive stone pile which disappeared into the water, stood a pagoda. There were about seven arches between each island.

The fist span lead to an island slightly to the left of where the group stood on shore. It was lush and green with fields and trees leading to a sloped sandy beach. The bridge stopped at a gatehouse here before turning sharply to the right. From there it lead to the second island which was to the right of where the group stood on shore. It was out in the bay farther than the first, and not nearly as large. It too was lush and green, but it was surrounded by a great white, blue and red wall. Behind which a wealthy and neat town could be discerned by the pointed roofs that peeked over the wall, and the activity of demons. Once again the bridge joined this island by a gatehouse before zigging to the left and leading out further to the bay and away from shore.

It was the third island at which the youkai, humans and hanyou stared at in wonder. It lay directly before their sightline haloed by the setting sun over the ocean which stretched beyond the rocky teeth until it hit the mainland.

The third island was composed mostly of rock which jutted upwards to form a peek high above the shore which they now stood. The rock was a near black colour with hints of blue, red, gold and silver-grey in the veins of stone. But the breathtaking wonder was the palace that it supported. The building was composed of many smaller ones all hugging the rock and delving within it. The buildings were connected by a latticework of ornate bridges and plateaus of gardens. Waterfalls fell in a dreamlike mist from some of the layers to land in ornate pods and feed the amazing vegetation. Great trees wound their branches and roots into the stone and terraces. Banners and painted screens mostly in blues and reds brought a splash of colour to the white walls and silver-blue roofs of the structure. With the many gardens and waterworks entwined into the buildings themselves and the way it all hung on the rock made the place look as though it had been grown, not built. Everything was so clean and open and natural. It was massive. It was amazing.

“Wow, this puts Himeji to shame!” Kagome exclaimed in admiration, “It’s so beautiful!”

“It is, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Sango voiced her awe.

“Indeed, the wealth of the palace must be unrivalled.” Miroku added.

“I wonder how many rooms it has. Are their secret passages too? How does no one get lost? There are so many buildings! It’s so tall, I‘ll be afraid of falling off the ones at the top.” Shippo’s eyes were bright with breathless excitement.

“Keh. Leave it to Sesshoumaru to build something so massive, white and useless,” Inuyasha griped. Internally he was in utter wonderment of the place. It was truly amazing. He also felt so insignificant against the size and grandeur of it. Like he was looking up at his brother in his dog form again. Even the bridge reeked of powerful opulence. So much like its master it was all mysterious beauty and power.

He studied the two great statues at the start of the bridge before them. They were made of gold and were ridiculously large. One was a male on the right and the other on the left was a female dog-lion thing, both were holding an orb under their paws to the outside facing the rails of the bridge. Inuyasha only came up to their chests as he studied them. They were kinda funny lookin’ really.

He stood on his tip-toes to peer up at one’s face and it blinked at him. Naturally he shouted and leaped back flailing. “Gah! What the fuck!?”

Sango had her Hiraikotsu into tossing position so quickly it would have made the smirk flee screaming from Naraku’s face or given Kouga whiplash. Miroku had stepped in front of Rin and Shippo while Kirara morphed into her larger fire-cat form and stood growling at the statues beside Kagome.

“Amateurs,” Jaken dismissed. “Great guardians of Houkou Tsuki Uta, I bring most terrible and miserable news! Our most noble Daiyoukai Lord Sesshoumaru has fallen. I bring the new Lord of the Western Lands, his half-brother, Inuyasha and his companions to claim his inheritance. If it is true, let us pass.”

Both statues were staring at the group now with slightly turned heads and impassive sculpted features. It was kinda creepy. “Master Jaken, what do you mean by ‘if it is true?’?” Sango demanded suspiciously.

“The Guardians can detect lies. They will not permit us entry if we demand it on false grounds, if they don’t like the reasoning, or if we intend to destroy the castle.” Jaken said patiently.

“And if they don’t let us pass?” Sango asked shifting her weight slightly.

“Then you’d best prepare to run quickly. They shoot miasmic balls of elemental powers.”

“Oh.” Sango exchanged a worried glance with Miroku.

“You may pass.” A disembodied voice grated from one the statues on the right.

The one to the left lowered her metallic head and closed her sightless eyes in mourning, “We grieve Sesshoumaru.”

“We all do,” Kagome agreed sympathetically. One of the statues eyed her in a gesture that could only be called suspicious despite the lack of expression. The miko blushed shamefully. “Ok, so we weren’t close or anything, but that doesn’t mean I wanted to see the guy dead.”

The statue grunted and looked away from the human girl as though she disgusted it. Kagome stuttered and glared at it in response. “Kagome, c’mon, stop yer jabbering.” Inuyasha called out as he walked past her. The others were already on the bridge moving cautiously forward in appreciation of the craftsmanship, except for Jaken who strutted self-importantly in the lead.

Kagome marched past the statues after the group. She was amazed by the whole atmosphere and the sheer scale of the palace ahead. It was a small paradise nestled in this protective bay. The whole perfect scene looked like it should be in a fairytale book. Then again, her life could be a fairytale these days.

Inuyasha hung behind Jaken with Kagome’s bike on his shoulder while his swivelling ears, wiggling nose and curious eyes took in the surroundings. He was anxious but determined. Miroku was in the back, lustily eyeing the precious metals and jewels that decorated the bridge and taking a mental inventory of their worth. His spiritual powers were humming with the amount of demon activity they were approaching. He needed to become accustomed to it and sift through it to find anything malicious. Sango was in her slayer’s outfit still holding her weapons. Though she was serenely admiring the beauty of the bridge and the bay, she was highly alert for any danger from the waves or the air as they crossed the exposed bridge. Kirara walked beside her in the larger fire cat form looking relaxed. Shippo and Rin bounced along side Ah Un, talking excitedly and laughing with childish exhilaration.

Abruptly Rin stopped, “My Little Lord?”

“For the last time, don’t call me that kid. What is it?” he snapped as he turned to see what she wanted.

Rin hopped over to Inuyasha while she unwrapped the fluff from her diminutive figure. She halted at his feet and held it up to him with a sweet, gap-toothed smile. “Rin thinks you should wear the Mokomoko. It means a lot to you and it will make you look lordlier, like your father and Lord Sesshoumaru. Shippo agrees.”

“Yeah, you do need a little flair, it’ll help,” was Shippo’s input.

“Keh. The last time you thought someone needed more flair, Miroku ended up in a -”

“Let us not dwell on that particular memory!” The monk hastily cut in.

“- yellow and fuchsia kimono,” Inuyasha finished.

Sango blinked incredulously as Kagome hid a laugh behind her hand. She remembered that day. “When was this?” the slayer queried.

Miroku was doing his best look of innocence, “Before you joined us, my dear Sango, it is not worth discussing.”

“Then why do I have the feeling I won’t like the reasons behind it?” She stated darkly, her eyes narrowing and that tell-tale ‘I’m about to smack you silly’ twitch reached her eye.

“I have no idea why you would feel that!”

“Because he was doing it to sneak into a woman’s bath hou- mmph!” Shippo was silenced by Miroku’s quick hand over his mouth. This rewarded him with a green-eyed fox glare.

“Children. Such active imaginations! Back to the point at hand, I think the children have made a sound choice. Is it not good of Lady Rin to offer you the chance to borrow her gift, Inuyasha?” Miroku’s calm, reasonable voice suggested.

Honestly, how could someone be so sensitively considerate and greedily perverted in the same breath? Inuyasha could never figure that one out. Miroku was a very layered and contradictory person.

What Inuyasha did know though, was that he wanted the fluff. Here, right in front of him, was the mini-Kagome offering it up. Part of him hesitated though. It was the kid’s after all and Sesshoumaru wouldn’t want him to have it. But, damnit, it was comforting.

Add it to the sword from dad and the fire-rat and lip colour from mom that he gave to Kikyo as his most treasured possessions. Someday, the beads around his neck would be all he had to comfort him with memories of Kagome. “Are ya sure kid? It’s yours after all, the asshole wanted you to have it.”

“Rin thinks that the Little Lord needs it more and that Lord Sesshoumaru would agree with that. Besides, Lord Sesshoumaru will be back soon and Rin won’t be able to keep it when he is.”

Inuyasha reached out, his hand hovered over the twitching fluff. “Well, when ya won’t it back, just let me know, ‘k?” Someday the kid would. He wasn’t fooling himself. She would eventually get it through her skull that the bastard wasn’t coming back. That he had gone and abandoned them all, the selfish prick. Then she would want it back to take care of and hold as he did. Until then, it was Inuyasha’s. He intended to hoard it. It was the least he deserved after all.

“Ok,” she beamed.

Inuyasha eagerly snatched it up and was struck by an odd smell. It smelled…like shitty overly sweet perfume? The same crap Kagome had used on her hair. Normally she was more sensitive to his nose, and used plain smelling stuff, but it was all she had at home this time to bring with her. She refused to not use her damn shampoo. It wasn‘t her worst smell, there was one deodorant thing that make him nearly vomit the once. She got rid of that quick. “Why the hell does this smell like some rotten ovulating human-eating plant shit?!” He growled out to his friends, clutching the fur close to his chest and smelling it again.

Thankfully it still had Sesshoumaru’s dominant, subtly haunting scent ingrained in it or he would have lost it. Why couldn’t they understand? It was the smell of his brother…

“Inuyasha! That’s nasty!” Kagome growled.

Sango cleared her throat. “Inuyasha, I washed it with Kagome’s shampoo. I wanted to get all of the dirt and grime it had accumulated off. As well as the…smell.” She wrinkled her fair nose. “I thought Sesshoumaru’s scent would still be there enough for you to smell under the soap, he did wear it so long after all. I’m sorry for having to cut out some of the fur, but the burns and matting were beyond what I could recover. If it is a living thing as it seems to be…perhaps it will regrow?”

The hanyou just sighed in annoyance as he inspected his fluffy comfort. Yeah…it did smell better than it had, though gross. He could still smell Sesshoumaru in it. Gently he ran his long, clawed fingers over the end. He could see where patches were missing, but it wasn’t that noticeable, it did look better. Still. Did she have to use the shampoo? Grumbling he tried to make it go around his shoulder like Sesshoumaru had worn it. Seriously, why couldn’t they just leave it alone? Well, now they would. Because it was his damnit and he wasn’t letting it go. He scowled at the fluff finding it was too damn long for it to sit right and not drag after him on the ground and trip him up. How had his brother done this and not drown in fur or fallen on his face? It was massive.

After some shifting and shuffling with the assistance of his friends and the Mokomoko itself, the thing was on his body. It wrapped over his right shoulder to loop around his waist a couple times before trailing down the backs of his legs to the ground like a giant, over-sized tail. It was warm, soft and reeking of Strawberry Sesshoumaru. He gave it an affectionate pat after being assured by Rin and Kagome of how manly and appropriate it looked on him. Keh. Like he gave a damn about his appearance. He was just happy to have his fluff. Hoisting Kagome’s bike over his left shoulder and ensuring the fluff was safe from harm, they continued their march to the palace.

The group made the journey over the bridges past the first island full of forest and field, obviously this was a place to pasture animals and keep game. They curiously traveled by the second island that was home to the village, peering past the gate as they followed the bridge away. The demons there looked back with various degrees of disdain and interest. Most seemed to be what Jaken would refer to as higher demons, those able to take a human-like form. Guards stood at both the platforms leading onto the islands. Watching but not really seeming to care. Or perhaps they just didn’t think the humans were threatening, or maybe knew Jaken. Whatever.

At last they stood at the final platform leading into the palace gatehouse. The gates themselves were of a gold and silver metal woven together over two massive red wooden doors. It looked simple enough and disturbingly delicate. The doors were open, so it was hard to tell what it was, but there was a crest that decorated the center edge of each door, so that it would be a whole form when they were closed. Beyond the ornate pillared pagoda, three staircases spiralled to the next level of building. One stairway went to the left, one to the right, and one straight up a level which lead into an open windowed area overlooking the gateway. Apparently it was some sort of greeting room for the Lord to meet his guests. Looking up at the vast intertwining trees, flowered vines and stairs twining up the nearly sheer rock was breathtaking. It was compounded by the nearly set sun’s last cast of vivid colours over the white walls. The various scents of flowers, demons, and life filtered in colours just as vibrant through Inuyasha’s nose. Each unique scent was amplified by the ocean’s wind and nearly caused his wriggling nose to go into overdrive.

Standing on each side of the gatehouse, two outside and four inside, three at each opened door were guards. They too were ornate Inuyasha thought. Their armour was all shiny and intricate but he was pretty sure they were useless. Just staring straight ahead for show.

That didn’t seem like Sesshoumaru at all. Hell, he didn’t need guards. Must be whoever runs this place’s idea. Jaken had said Sesshoumaru was never here.

“So…um…what do we do now?” Kagome voiced the question on their thoughts.

Jaken seemed to regain his sense of decorum, “We go inside and call a meeting of all present and introduce Inuyasha as the new Lord of course.”

“Great.” Inuyasha grumbled with an irritated ear twitch.

“So who’s in charge of the palace Jaken? And the village? How did it work if Sesshoumaru was never here?” Kagome asked as she smiled brightly at the guard of demons scrutinizing them blandly from the entrance.

“Everyone was probably too scared of it not working to let anything go wrong. Sesshoumaru would’ve killed them,” Shippo stated.

“Hmph. I’ll have you know, Lord Sesshoumaru received constant updates on the doings of the youkai in his territory and beyond. He had an extensive network to keep him informed. Master Shinobo runs the palace and its workings as well as keeping Lord Sesshoumaru informed of all manner of things so that if he wishes he could make decisions miles away. As he did. The village just grew up around the palace, it has a headman, and Fujuyo is his name.” Jaken rambled as he made his way toward the guards. “Stand aside.”

A sword point which hovered near the Kappa’s face stopped his progress. “Halt. You are not authorized to pass into the home grounds of Houkou Tsuki Uta.” The bull youkai challenged gruffly. His fellows assembled in a line between the open doors to block their way, weapons drawn. Their polished armour gleaming sinisterly in the sun’s dying light. There was a decorative insignia engraved on the chest plate of their armour. It was realized to be the same that adorned the palace gate. A red inuyoukai with its head back, baying as it lay encompassed by the circle of a blue waning moon.

Must be the family emblem or sumthin’ Inuyasha thought. He’d have to quiz Jaken about it later. Right now his group was tensed and prepared to fight. He flexed his fingers and extended his claws with a loud crack. Well, if they wanted to fight, he could handle that. He’d been wanting to hurt someone for what had been done to Sesshoumaru for a while…though, these pathetic guards were hardly worth it. “Keh.”

Jaken turned a deeper shade of green and his beak flapped a moment in soundless indignation. “No- Not authorized?! Do you know who I am?!” He shrieked. His features couldn’t express his outrage any more if he had tried.

“I don’t care who you are. You don’t have permission to pass these gates.” The bull stated flatly, his brown eyes holding an unrelenting conviction to his orders. Loyal, but dumb.

“I am Master Jaken! Retainer and travel companion of the Lord you once vowed to serve! I demand you step aside so that we may conduct our business within at once. You have no authority to question me or deny me entrance to my beloved Lord’s residence! See this?” Jaken demanded shoving his staff almost up the bull’s nose. “This is the Staff of Two heads and proves my identity as the late Lord Sesshoumaru’s most trusted servant! I demand you step aside and apologize to your new Lord Inuyasha, Half-brother of Lord Sesshoumaru and second son of the Inu no Tashio, and to myself for your foolishness!” Jaken’s chest was puffed out in self-importance as he shrieked with passion at the guards. Coming from anyone else the whole thing would have been most impressive. You had to admire the Kappa’s conviction. Screaming at someone who was like a massive brick wall to his snot of a self. Shit, the guard probably had boogers that could win against the kappa in a fair fight Inuyasha thought bitterly.

Another guard, a crab demon by the looks of it, seemed startled. “New Lord? A hanyou, pretending to be a Daiyoukai? I think that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all damn day.”

“Pfft. Lord Inuyasha isn’t a Daiyoukai, please. But, he is here to claim his title and territory, as is his right. Whether he can keep it or not - oomph.” Jaken’s head sprouted a few goose-eggs due to Inuyasha’s fist in his skull before he continued. At least it distracted the hanyou from ripping off one of the crab’s bulky claw arms and beating him over the head with it. “Would you stop that?! Now. Our most perfect Lord Sesshoumaru has fallen in battle and the victor did not lay claim to the title, so Lord Inuyasha has stepped up to claim his birthright. My poor, beloved, Lord Sesshoumaru…you must turn in your grave!” Jaken’s brave front crumbled into grieving sobs.

The group sighed.

“He was doing so well…” Shippo muttered.

“He is very emotional to make up for what Sesshoumaru and I lack. You get used to it.” Rin chirped back.

There was a brief exchange of glanced amid the six guards before the bull youkai addressed the odd group once more. “We were made aware of Lord Sesshoumaru’s passing and told to stop anyone from entering until further notice. No one told us th-”

“What?” Inuyasha blinked.

“How is that possible?” Sango interjected with suspicion. “We came directly from the scene of his death, and told no one. How could you know unless…?” she trailed off with unspoken insinuation.

Kagome gasped, whispering “You can’t be serious?” While Miroku tightened his grip on his staff with narrowed eyes.

Inuyasha had to agree. They and the one who killed Sesshoumaru were the only ones who knew, right? That meant the bitch that took away his only family must be inside…no fucking wall was going to protect her. He’d take down the whole palace and every shitty demon in it if he had to.

“Master Shinobo knew when it happened and gave us the orders, But -”

“How the hell did he know?!” Inuyasha demanded grabbing the bull, which was larger than the hanyou and a wall of muscle, by the front of his armour and shaking him about.

Jaken slapped himself in the forehead. “Of course! Why did I not expect that? Lord Inuyasha, put down the bovine, Master Shinobo will most certainly be expecting us then.”

If Miroku hadn’t smoothly stepped in front of Inuyasha at that moment, the only thing left of the Kappa would be hunks of quivering green flesh strewn across the bridge judging by the look of rage and hurt in the hanyou’s eyes. His patience had dried up. “Master Jaken, would you kindly explain how it is Master Shinobo would be aware of Lord Sesshoumaru’s demise?” He had to spread out his staff and arm and step about a bit to keep Inuyasha behind him. The guards were all looking on curiously. The bull was rubbing his armoured chest a bit where the plate had been grabbed by the cranky hanyou.

“Was he behind it?” Shippo asked with his eyes wide.

“No, of course not you silly kitsune. Master Shinobo was most loyal to Lord Sesshoumaru or he would not have the position he does. He is a great monkey youkai. He is weak in body but it is his mind that holds power. The reason he is so efficient with his job, and knows so much about the staff, and can communicate with Lord Sesshoumaru over a great distance, is because he has telepathic abilities. It is rumoured that he even has premonitions and other mind powers - hardly founded in my experience but I do know he can sneak into thoughts. I had momentarily forgotten…how since they were in contact…He would have been aware of when my great, irreplaceable Lord left us when he wouldn’t be able to reach him any longer…” Jaken looked slightly embarrassed.

The group seemed to relax. Slightly.

“Great, so we’re walkin’ into a nest of spoiled youkai and the one in charge can read minds? You coulda thought of informin’ me sooner…” Inuyasha growled behind Miroku’s shoulder.

Kagome looked thoughtful. “You know, that does explain a lot of things.”

“Huh?” Inuyasha looked at her, his ears perked inquisitively.

“Well, I always wondered how he knew to be in certain places all the time, and seemed to know what was going on. It had to be more than his sense of smell and quick mind. I don’t care how smart or good a person’s senses are, there were times it was just too much of a coincidence, you know? Plus, sometimes when you look at him, during a quiet moment, didn’t you ever get the feeling he was paying attention to someone else and not just deep in thought? It makes sense if he was talking to Master Shinobo. And if Jaken is right, he must have spies all over the Western lands reporting to him through the monkey.” Kagome explained with bright eyes. “Sesshoumaru, despite his great independence, did strike me as the kind of guy who liked to be informed. ”

“I woulda smelled if there were spies, an’ he had that distant look all the time Kagome. Besides, I doubt Sesshoumaru would wait for someone to contact him if he wanted information, or let ‘em into his head. Keh.” Inuyasha slid his hands into his large sleeves as he considered this. It did kinda make sense. The bastard always did seem to know exactly when to show up.

“Not all demons can be sensed, Inuyasha. I would be very interested to speak to this Master Shinobo once we have gained entry to learn more of this…network you speak of.” Miroku mused.

“Lord Sesshoumaru had his own mental abilities, hanyou. He could shield his thoughts and even -” Jaken began.

“Yeah, like remember when he tossed the skulls at us before going into his dog form in your father? And I’m not talking about the normal look he wore, the angry or I’m not interested or I’m curious look, I mean that one you only saw when he wasn’t engaged with you…he’d look away and his eyes would get kinda…far.” Kagome explained.

“Pfft. Yeah…mental abilities of being a selfish, arrogant, prick with issues. Now he has super brain powers too? Please. And why were you paying so much attention to the bastard’s looks?” Inuyasha accused the girl. He actually did know what she was talking about…it only happened a few times that he wasn’t honed on ignoring Inuyasha or giving him the death glare. And he was usually silent for a bit too. Well, more silent than his regular silence. That glazed expression. Not like he was thinking inward, more that he so far away as not to be aware. Though he always was aware of course, asshole. He only ever did that object thing once. Inuyasha had thought it was because they were in the underworld and all. Not a thing he could do in the real world or some shit. It had taken him by surprise at the time and he‘d never done it since. It had hurt his head smashing those skulls. Exactly why was Kagome looking at his bastard so much anyway?

“Well…” Kagome blushed sweetly. She could be cute when she was nice or flustered. “Lord Sesshoumaru was hard not to watch. He had a presence and he was…well...so pretty.” She mumbled.

“How dare you unworthy human think of my beloved Lord as pretty?!” Jaken spat in pained insult as Kagome‘s knees.

“Fuck. You’re both nuts. Who the hell else would think that prick was ‘pretty?’” Inuyasha snorted defensively. A tiny part of him argued that his brother hadn’t been pretty, he’d been an unreachable, so cold it smouldered, beauty. Only because he’d gotten that from their dad as well and left Inuyasha with all the freak genes.

He blinked. No one else had made a comment. A quick glance around gave him a start. Kagome was blushing and looking at her hands. “Sorry…but he was.”

The kappa looked annoyed. “He was divine beauty! Far too superior for your filthy lusts, human!”

“Lord Sesshoumaru was very pretty.” Rin chirped.

“Really scary, but yeah, pretty.” Shippo shrugged.

Sango was blushing as well, “He was…a very attractive, honourable Daiyoukai.”

Inuyasha grunted. “Keh. Girls and kids and perverted toads. Crazy huh Miroku.” Silence. Inuyasha turned his ears back to the monk. “Miroku?”

The monk looked particularly sheepish. “Well, Inuyasha, there is no denying your brother was strangely handsome for a male. The first time I laid eyes upon him I had thought him to be a woman, a most appealing and attractive one at that.”

“What!?” Inuyasha barked balling his fists up. How could they all think his brother was pretty? Why the fuck was he so angry about it? Yeah…he did look like a girl…kinda…from a distance but not really. What was wrong with them all? Maybe he was just pissed because Sesshoumaru was attractive and he wasn’t. Yeah…another reason to hate the bastard. Not that it mattered now. As said bastard wasn’t pretty anymore. And that hurt. The Mokomoko shifted in annoyance.

He calmed down and turned back to the guards they’d been ignoring. “What? I guess you all thought he was the fucking god of good-looks too?” he snarled. Most of the guards shrugged. Turned out only the crab had ever actually seen Lord Sesshoumaru from a distance. To the others Kirara could be him for all they really knew. Figures. “Whatever. Get out of my way so I can enter my new home and do whatever Lordy shit that needs to be done.” His new home. Keh. It wasn’t his home. It didn’t even feel like Sesshoumaru’s home to him. It was more of a shrine to his power made by demons that only had an ideal of what he was like. From the outside it looked like something he’d like, but up close…it didn’t feel like him at all. Inuyasha doubted his brother would have been comfortable here. Probably why he never came and left this Shinobo guy in charge. Smart. He’d like to do the same. If there was a palace left once he announced his rise to Lord.

The bull looked kinda frustrated, “No, you don’t have -”

Oh for fuck’s sake. Did he really have to beat them up to get in? “I’m the fucking Lord here now, and it’s MY fucking shitty island and you hafta do what I say. And I say let us the fuck past or I’ll slice you from in hole to out hole, understand?” He growled viciously extending his claws. The first would be that hanyou-hating crab demon. Yeah, he knew they didn’t have to do what he said ‘cause they hadn’t sworn themselves to him or whatever. But tough. This was his turf now.

Jaken sighed miserably, “Didn’t listen to a thing.”

“That’s just it. When Lord Sesshoumaru passed, Lord Okunegai arrived from one of the northern territories to watch his domain until a new Lord could be found.” The bull finally got out.

Sango’s eyes widened. “Lord Okunegai? I’ve heard of him Inuyasha. He is a very powerful daiyoukai. It is said he once destroyed an entire nest of scorpion demons in one strike. And he carries no sword.”

Jaken was choking on his tongue. “Watch? You mean steal that traitor! Lord Sesshoumaru considered him an honourable youkai. He shows his true cowardly colours now. Hmph.”

Inuyasha fumed. There it was, already some asshole was trying to take something he’d vowed to keep. He was not going to let it happen, and not just because of his weird dog-territorial urges either. But because he wanted to make his brother proud and he wanted to prove to Sesshoumaru that he could do this for him…even if he was dead. “Hold on. He can’t take the title of territory unless he killed Sesshoumaru or was related to ‘im. Now I know dad wasn’t dumb enough to give me any other asshole brothers. I also know that I don’t have any nephews or they’d be in my face. Hell, I’d be amazed if my brother thawed enough to be able to make a spawn. So, I know he ain’t a close relative. That means the only way he could claim is if he had something to do with Sesshoumaru’s death. An’ I swear if he had anything to do with that I’ll kill him twice with fucking glee. Once for hurting my bastard and once for taking the title that’s mine. I ain’t afraid of ‘im, the transsexual dumpling fucker. Tetsusaiga can handle him.”

“It would appear that you are as eloquent and cultured as you are reputed to be, young Lord Inuyasha.” A dark, quiet voice stated with a touch of amusement. It was a whispery voice, not low and smug like Narkau or velvety smooth like Sesshoumaru’s. The group swivelled to find a tall, broad shouldered man standing at their back. He wasn’t as tall as the dead inu had been, and his features were rather plain.

“How the hell did you do that?” Inuyasha demanded as he bound over his companions to land facing the daiyoukai, claws extended and one hand on the hilt of his father’s fang.

“Teleportation, a tool only worthy of use by a true daiyoukai. No matter, I am surprised to see you here, Lord Inuyasha, it was assumed you would reject and ignore your claim to your family’s title.” He spoke his face giving nothing away as he studied the smaller hanyou.

“Keh. Shows what you know. I’m here to make sure no greedy scavengers take what my brother earned, an’ I’ll take out any fucker who says otherwise or tries to steal it. Why are you here and tryin’ to take control of what ain’t yours an’ how did you just happen to be here?” Inuyasha growled from his defensive, but proud stance. His warm golden eyes were hard as they swept over his enemy, assessing. The demon was in human form. Nothing special about him really. His face could be on any human peasant they crossed in the country. Not handsome or ugly. A wide jaw, high brow, hawk-like nose and thin lips with intelligent clear brown eyes. No markings or demonic colours of warning. His height was tall but not impressive, his build strong but not bulky or svelte. He did have thick, long black hair that fell to his waist. It was pulled back into a single tail with some decorative gold clip-shit. He wore simple clothes, brown and black with a little bit of golden yellow. Really, he could be any human with a good living except for the pointed demon ears. Inuyasha was on high alert though. Despite his muted appearance the youkai would be powerful, and most likely cunning to be a daiyoukai. It wouldn’t do to underestimate the cowardly thief.

“You are indeed a feisty pup,” Lord Okunegai chuckled. “Be assured I am not here to ‘steal’ your title. Nor was I responsible for your brother’s untimely death. I respected Lord Sesshoumaru’s strength and honour. I would not see him shamed, betrayed, or defeated in anything short of open, fair combat. You would think very little of your brother if you believed he would not have a plan to maintain order in his lands in case of his unforeseen death until it was either claimed by his victor or divided amid lesser Lords. It was purely chance I happened to be close to Houkou Tsuki Uta when Master Shinobo contacted me, so I was swift to arrive and initiate your brother’s final orders. At least until his assailant claimed the title. Since his exterminator has remained unaccounted for, I was remaining until you rejected the title. Then, I would dissolve the house, since it has no purpose. After that, the other Daiyoukai and I would battle for the loyalties of the lesser territories and split Lord Sesshoumaru’s massive territory between those of us who wished and earned it, as is the way.”

“Well, I ain’t rejecting the title an’ I’m keeping the territory just like it is. If you want to change that, I’ll be happy ta fight ya.” Inuyasha’s features were hard and determined.

“I see. A most unexpected surprise to his arrangements.” Lord Okunegai’s dark eyes were contemplative as he touched his chin with a soft hum. His gaze lingered on the wild hanyou before him and took in the sight of the Mokomoko wrapped around him curiously. “You are entitled to your claim, Lord Inuyasha. I confess an interest in seeing how you fair, for I do not believe you capable of maintaining the position for long. I do not think it beneficial for the youkai in your territory to have you oversee it. You will be challenged at every chance and they will not submit to your dominance. An uncouth hanyou will not be welcomed as master. It will be said you are the cowardly thief. Plus, it is very unusual for a Lord to be a Lord of a territory, especially one of such mass and strength as Lord Sesshoumaru’s, and not be a Daiyoukai in strength. You do not require such a large land to roam, nor can you sustain it. In the interest of the benefit of the territories below your claimed, I will challenge your claim.” His voice was placid and even. As Inuyasha began to drawn Tetsusaiga with grim determination, Lord Okunegai raised his hand. “Not at this moment, impatient hanyou. In a month’s time I will return and defeat you properly for claim of the Lands.”

“Keh. Why? You afraid to lose to me now? Do ya need time to buff yerself up? Why bother, you’ll just lose to me later anyway.” Inuyasha leered at the demon.

Lord Okunegai just chuckled. “You amuse me, pup. I will find it regretful to kill you. I am giving you a month to learn what it is like to keep this heavy title of Lord. I also wish to give you the chance to survive and maintain your family honour - as unlikely as I think you will. If by some miracle you do manage to remain as Lord, and wish to keep your claim, I will find it honourable to engage you in combat. Until I come to take your life and your brother’s won title, best of luck, youngling.” Lord Okunegai nodded once to the guards at the gate and began to radiate light.

“I don’t need your luck. I’ll be right here in a month to kick yer arrogant ass! Heh.” Inuyasha slipped his blade back fully into the sheath as the daiyoukai morphed into a ball of light and sped away. The demon’s amused chuckle that sounded like it might come from a yak lingered in the wind after he had gone.

Sango eased her shoulder muscles. “You know, Inuyasha, I think you handled that rather well.” She said with a note of surprise.

“Indeed. You didn’t rush into combat and kept your insults to a minimum. Nicely done,” Miroku praised as he gave his friend’s red-clad shoulder a pat of encouragement.

“Heh, you sound surprised. Now, outta my way you ornamental door stops. I’m going to see Master Shinobo and find out what’s going on.” He cracked his knuckles, his ears perked forward as he stalked toward the door once more. “I’ve got a demoness to rend limb from limb and swords to burry and a manipulative hanyou to wipe from existence. I don’t have time to be fucking around out here for permission to enter my own piece of shit palace!” He roared aggressively.

The guards exchanged looks again. One rolled his eyes. “Great, an overemotional hanyou. Yeah, the Western lands won’t last a week.” He muttered.

The bull stepped aside, “Since Lord Okunegai confirmed your claim and identity, enter as you will My Lord.”

“I’ll show you overemotional you-”

“Come on Inuyasha, let’s just go inside, find Master Shinobo and get this over with, ok?” Kagome said softly as she lightly tugged at her friend’s arm as he growled at the guards. She was tired out and they hadn’t even gotten anywhere yet.

“Yeah, fighting with the help should be a waste of your time now,” Shippo announced as he lifted his nose and marched past the guards.

“Shippo, you should never be discourteous like that. They are just doing their job.” Sango abolished the kit, following him in with Kirara, Ah, Un and Rin.

Jaken scurried past to take his position at their lead. “Now, follow me, I know these buildings. It can be very confusing. We will call a meeting at once in the main hall.”

Miroku and Kagome successfully dragged Inuyasha growling away from the guards inside the grounds. The last warm hues of sun had been swallowed by the ocean by now and the beauty of the organic layered palace with its many gardens was alight with floating demon lights. They lined the walkways with a soft, ethereal glow. While overhead a sliver of the moon hung low in the sky. Inuyasha frowned as he caught sight of it in a reflective silver banister. The new moon was almost on him, he’d been so distracted he’d lost count. Shit. Why did that time of the month always come at the worst times?

The group walked up the steps into the main entrance to be met with the sight of an ancient demon. Steel-blue coloured robes hung from his wiry frame. He was greyed, frail and shaggy his body bent nearly double with arthritis. He was only slightly taller than Rin because of it. Grisly hair surrounded his round face in a mane of sorts. His face was so wrinkled that any expression was lost in the folds of skin. Definitely a very, very old monkey demon. What startled Inuyasha was as they approached the hovering lights revealed that beneath the jutting brow two milky white eyes stared blindly at them. Blind yeah. But he had a weird feeling like something had just caressed his brain, a tingling sensation that ghosted through. Like the bugger had just flipped through every secret in his mind and analysed his heart. A quick glance at his friends’ disconcerted faces made him know he wasn’t the only one. Shit. He did have mental powers.

“Welcome to Houkou Tsuki Uta, Lord Inuyasha. I am master Shinobo. Though it is late, I have taken the liberty of issuing a summons to all the staff, the headman of the village and youkai of import on hand. I assumed you would wish to announce the change in power at once.” The living relic rasped. Though the voice was thin and frail it did not quiver, it still held respectability and strength.

Inuyasha shuffled his feet slightly as he felt like all his fears and desires were being opened, inspected and analysed. He hated it. No one should be able to pry him open like that it just wasn’t right. Instinctively he touched the bit of Mokomoko at his hip beside Tetsusaiga. For some reason it made him feel better, calmer and braver. “Er…thanks. Could you stop poking around in my head?”

Did the monkey smile? Really, ya couldn’t tell. “Of course,” that weird feeling left his head. “If you have any questions, you have but to ask. Know that my loyalty to your family runs deep, and that I am pleased by what I see in you. I will remain and maintain my position if you wish it of me.”

“It would be wise to accept.” Jaken urged.

“Yeah, you can stay. I don’t trust ya though. An’ I don’t need yer opinion toad.” Inuyasha growled at the imp.

“Understandable. If you would follow, My Lord, I will lead you to the audience chamber,” the heap of wrinkles bowed slightly then seemed to drift away through another door without moving its feet. Creepy.

The group followed uncertainly. They moved quietly amid the soft floating lights. Kirara caught one in her paw and tried to chew on it until Sango abolished her and the nekomata released it. They walked along a neatly cobbled path with decorative patterns past a fine stable of sorts. There were a lot of confusing branches and overlaying of the terraces and paths. They wound over an arch and over more stairs to come up to a passage that was covered. Softly scented flowers wound sleeping around the pillars that faced out to the sea. Eventually they game to a massive set of doors with the same insignia that decorated the front gates.

Inuyasha was suddenly painfully nervous. His palms were sweating and his ears twitched with his heartbeat. A heart that was way too fast and loud for his liking. What the hell was he supposed to say to these youkai? Creatures that hated him on principle alone. Would any of them even pretend to listen to him? Did he even deserve to have them listen to his half human blood for that matter? He knew nothing of taking care of a territory, did he even need to know? He knew these demons were here by choice, well, the choice of hiding behind Sesshoumaru’s power. They could leave and take their loyalties elsewhere any time they wanted to. Hell, they could even challenge him now if they wanted. They were probably too scared to challenge Sesshoumaru in case he froze their ass to the ground with his glare, but nothing stopped them from challenging a hanyou they hated for the goods. What was he getting himself into? He had no idea. But he’d started it and he never backed down from what he started. Ever.

He had been relieved to learn that his bastard didn’t approve of slaves. So, there were none here. Which was good, Inuyasha had no desire to deal with anything like that.

“Inuyasha?” Kagome’s soft features drew his attention as she regarded him worriedly. “Try to speak civilly to these people, ok? They don’t know you like we do. They don’t know that ‘fuck you’ can also mean ‘I care‘, and that ‘your breath smells like you ate a pickled cunt, you twisted diuretic rat’s ass’ means ‘I’m worried about your health‘, ok?” His words sounded so wrong coming from her.

“Yes, speak clearly and assertive, Inuyasha. Don’t growl and spit as it garbles your words. Remember, this is your home now. You are Lord of the western lands and should not be questioned. If there is any trouble in them understanding this, we will have your back my friend.” Miroku encouraged.

“Inuyasha, hold your head up high. Don’t be nervous and fidget. This is your birthright to claim and you have the strength to do it no matter what some fools believes. Be direct and calm. We are all very proud of you and I’m certain Lord Sesshoumaru would take notice.” Sango assured gently.

“Mew.” Kirara said supportively rubbing her massive head against his shoulder.

“Try not to embarrass yourself,” Jaken muttered.

“Try not to get us killed by a mob of angry demons either.” Shippo added from his perch on Kagome’s shoulder.

“Everything will be ok, Inuyasha, you can do this!” Kagome said with bright resolve.

“If you don’t know what to say, just think of what Lord Sesshoumaru would say,” Rin input helpfully. “That always helps Rin when she’s scared.”

That was a problem. Inuyasha was nothing like his brother nor did he want to pretend to be. He wouldn’t lie to himself like that or damage the memory of the asshole he held. This was Inuyasha’s problem and he would handle it his own way and hope he could make his brother proud along the way. He loved his friends for sticking with him now and offering their advice. This was completely not their responsibility, but they wanted to be with him anyway. Shit, they really were the best thing other than his mom and Kikyo that he had ever had. “Would you all shut the fuck up? I’m confused enough, I don’t need your help!” which translated as a loving thank you.

The monkey didn’t even acknowledge their voices as he came to a stop by the door. A young rodent type demon scurried from between the doors and over to Master Shinobo. “Everything is ready Master, should I give the signal?”

“Yes, perfect.” Master Shinobo acknowledged as the rat disappeared back around the door. Inuyasha was overwhelmed instantly by the sheer number of scents that hit his nose from that room at once. So many youkai. His ears flattened to his skull in concern and his fingers wound into the Mokomoko. They would try to tear him apart and he would have to kill them. What was he going to say? Why was he here? The fluff made its rumbly vibration and Inuyasha’s heart slowed down a notch.

“Lord Inuyasha,” the raspy monkey addressed. “You should enter and walk down the center aisle to sit on the red pillows arranged at the dais after I call. Your companions should walk behind you, master Jaken, the kit and the nekomata before your humans. They all most kneel in front of the dais where you sit and face the audience. They may only kneel once you have seated yourself and must not stand on the platform with you, understood? Are you ready My Lord?”

“Yeah, understood, and no I’m not ready but I’m out of choices aren’t I?” He snapped in agitation.

“There is always a choice,” Master Shinobo said cryptically before disappearing through the door.

Things were happening so fast now…sure there was a choice he thought as he lowered his head and furrowed his brow. He could make his brother proud or abandon Sesshoumaru’s life work and prove to himself just how worthless he was. There really was no choice for Inuyasha. He would take the responsibility and bullshit if it meant keeping something of his brother alive. If he lost it, he’d at least go down with it. Yeah, even though Sesshoumaru was dead, he’d fight to protect what was important to the ass. The kid, the old man’s legacy, and the title. And he’d get the swords back too.

His ear twitched as he raised his head. He had heard Shinobo’s voice announcing him a moment ago and now he distinctively felt a voice in his head telling him to enter. This monkey was tricky. Taking a deep voice he glanced at the nervous and supportive features of his friends. Next he rolled his shoulders, he thought he felt the Mokomoko give him a light squeeze as he flung open the doors with a loud boom and strutted right in like he owned the place. Which he did. The fur fluttered gently behind him as his sleeves billowed with his purposeful and graceful steps. His head was held high as he took in the mammoth size of the room. There were only windows at the front, the majority of the thing was inside the rock of the island and those lights were hovering everywhere. It had decorative mouldings and colourful tiles but the number of demons, a handful of humans and he swore one or two hanyou packed in the room just made him want to bolt. Way too much attention on his person.

“There’s so many…” Kagome whispered.

“Just imagine the wealth required to feed them all? Truly a remarkable demonstration of cooperation , opulence and ordered respect in demon society.” Miroku mused.

“I’ve never seen so many demons that weren’t trying to kill us in one place.” Shippo commented.

Inuyasha’s entire focus was on not throwing out a windscar and running as far and fast from this place as he could. He felt like telling the kit it was early, they hadn’t decided to kill them yet. This was hopeless. Somehow he managed to get his ass on the dais and face the judgemental hoard. How he managed to do this without losing his composure he didn’t know. Exactly why was he putting himself through his shit again? To be insulted and belittled and beaten? Yeah…for the asshole who did it mostly to him. How fucked up. Ah well, he never claimed to be sane. Maybe Sesshoumaru had hit him in the head one too many times. Figures the bastard would be at fault for his stupidity.

His friends settled down in front of where he perched on the red pillows. They were all fingering their weapons nervously. Even Jaken was clutching his staff in a death grip of toady terror.

The hanyou’s billowing fire-rat robes merged into the equal bright red of the pillows. This left the audience with the strange vision of seeing a disembodied head of striking white hair, ears, strained face and Mokomoko. It was unnerving. He stared mutely out at the sea of critical faces, perked his ears forward and swallowed hard. A million and twelve thoughts charged to his throat but not one of these was remotely helpful nor allowed to pass from his lips. The faces were easy to read. There was hate and loathing on most. Curiosity on a few. There was disgust clearly displayed in that smirk there. That was amusement in that snort in the back. He knew the look of hunger burning in the gaze to his left. All these youkai waiting with expectation in the expanding silence that swallowed Inuyasha’s bravado like the glacial sea.

“Uh…” He cleared his throat and straightened his back. His first act as Lord of the west was to freeze up like a sissy? Sesshoumaru would be in hell laughing his ass off. Fuck that.

“Some fucktard killed my big brother. Because of that I’m now Lord of the Western lands. I ain’t gonna let anyone screw up what my bastard of a brother worked for. I’m gonna work my ass off an’ make sure all he got does well. So, if you have a problem with me being here, I suggest ya leave now or take it up with my Tetsusaiga. Understand? Good. Now who’s stayin’?”

Miroku cringed inwardly. The speech could have been smoother…

Kagome rolled her eyes. He could have said it better, why did he never thin before he blurted things out? She knew very well he had a brain, but he never used the thing. Ah well, she’d lecture him later. Right now the demons needed to see them respecting him and not correcting him. She understood that and held her tongue.

Jaken, Rin and Shippo’s gazes were fixed on the audience.

Sango was silent and alert with her weapon only a flex of a muscle away from defending her friends. She made no aggressive or defensive gestures though. She knew well the wrong move at this point would be devastating.

There was a profound silence in the room. A moment where any noise was crushed by its void. But just as it had come it evaporated in a crack of thundering noise. Questions were shouted, accusations and calls of anger hurled. There were even tears and gasps of shock stabbing the emotion of the room. Inuyasha kept to his seated position and forced his ears still. There was so much noise he wanted to cringe and protect the sensitive flaps against his skull but he couldn’t. It was too much, he just wanted to get out of there. There were too many of them, looking at him, shouting at him. It was like he was a pup again being chased by the villagers from his home after his mother’s death. He felt small and helpless and horribly overwhelmed by the angry hateful looks and words he had endured over his life - but never so many at once. He slumped into himself slightly and clutched Tetsusaiga with one hand. As he did so he felt the end of the fluff lightly brush against his hand and the Mokomoko gave a little shake. It was a ghost of a soft caress against his flesh. A moment later and the scent of Strawberry Sesshoumaru filled his nose. He closed his eyes and inhaled, feeling his nerves calm due to the dominant scent, his resolve hardened as he opened his eyes. Glaring fiercely at those gathered. He was not going to run from a few wussy youkai. He had his friends, his incomparable Tetsusaiga and his strength. He wasn’t a kid anymore, he could kick all their asses and keep kicking. He would not back down from his responsibility. His brother would respect him from whatever hell he roamed now.

“Shut up!” He bellowed to the room. His harsh command shaking the plaster and shifting the screens. The noise dribbled to a silence as faces regarded him expectantly.

“You all heard what I said. I ain’t gonna -” he caught Kagome’s eye and frowned. He knew that look, it said ‘talk nicer and think about it, you dolt.’ Yeah, yeah. He took a calming breath and slowed down. “I am not going to roll over and let someone take what’s mine. I will fight and work to keep what my brother and you have made strong. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure my family’s territory is kept safe and whole and that it thrives and prospers under my watch. I will destroy any challengers. So, I’d appreciate it if you stayed with me and gave me your loyalty. I WILL earn it.” He was trying to speak slowly, clearly and picking out his words in a much smoother voice than was his guttural norm. This sucked. “If not, leave now and save us both the effort of having me remove you.” He gazed out challenging the mass gathered before him. He felt like he was getting a fucking headache. His friends all shot him covert looks of shock and pride. The Mokomoko had gone strangely still.

“Geeze, I had to look back and make sure that was Inuyasha talking,” Shippo whispered.

“Shh Shippo, not now.” Kagome whispered in warning.

“Sorry, Kagome.” He whispered back.

At first no one moved. The tension and uncertainty in the room was emitted in wavering lines almost visible to the human eye. The monk and miko could actually see the colours of the emotion while the slayer could feel it tighten against her skin. Inuyasha could taste the metallic acid of it on his tongue as he waited. He hated waiting. It was such a waste of time.

Abruptly a youkai stood. “Pfft. Like I’m going to give my loyalties to a disgraceful thieving hanyou! I came to serve the noble Lord Sesshoumaru, not bend to the whims of a half-breed.” He spat in disdain as he turned and marched toward the door. As he left others began to rise and follow. A few at first and then many.

“It would be suicide to follow a hanyou! The mistake of Inu no Tashio that he left for his elder to clean up! He probably murdered Lord Sesshoumaru in his sleep!”

“He isn’t trustworthy, he isn’t even worthy enough to breathe the air I do.”

“His friends are human, how pathetic.”

Inuyasha felt a strike to his heart with each word. But none were new to him and he shrugged it off as best he could. Good riddance to these fucks. He could see his friends itching to retaliate for him. Kagome was poised for an all out Kagome-bitch session. They all glanced at the monkey standing off to the side and frowned before settling back down. Good. The meddling monkey was useful. He must’ve explained how having ‘em attack would be dishonourable or some shit.

“The only thing hanyous are good for is dinner. One could never lead me.”

“He’ll never defend this territory. I’m staying until Lord Okunegai takes it back.” Other similar comments followed until the hall had lost about three quarters of its occupants. Two demons lunged forward and tried to attack Inuyasha on the dais but before they made it Sango’s Hiraikotsu cut them down with no effort.

“I’m not leaving. I’m sticking around to see you fail. It’ll be entertaining. My Lord Daichi was too cautious to challenge Lord Sesshoumaru, but he’ll take care of you.” A haughty tiger demon claimed.

“Keh. Tell your Lord to come, I’ll be happy to serve you his cooked ass on a plate after I kill ‘im.” Inuyasha growled.

The tiger demon only laughed. “I think I’ll be dining on your tender bits instead mutt!” His green eyes went wide for a moment before he looked down. Genuinely baffled to see Inuyasha’s clawed hand through his throat. He keeled over in death as Inuyasha sat back on the dais and wiped his hand on a pillow. He felt slightly better having killed something.

“This does make things easier. My Lady Akane has been gaining influence in this territory and has been planning a move against Lord Sesshoumaru for years. She will be the new ruler of the Western lands!” A bear demon exclaimed.

“Then she shoulda acted when he was alive and gotten somewhere.” Inuyasha snipped.

Laughter came from somewhere else in the hall. “Lady Akane couldn’t plan a meal let alone a takeover. My headman Kentamaru has been massing an army and forcing alliances with some small southern territories. He will take this land.” A demon that looked like a deformed radish with legs boasted.

“Well, we can start a fucking line then. I’ll defeat them all if they wanna toss their lives away.” Inuyasha growled . It seemed about an eighth of those remaining were just staying here until their own Lord could take over. They’d been sent to influence the palace the fuckers. How had Sesshoumaru put up with that shit? “You know, you should all just bugger off if you’re waiting for your Lord and Lady to come. ‘Cause if yours doesn’t win the new one’ll just kill you anyway.” That sent a few more running for the door.

Only a very few seemed to be happy to see him there. Someone had commented that at least Inuyasha had a heart. Bastards, only Inuyasha could say shit like that about his brother.

A youkai approached them before bowing slightly and kneeling before Inuyasha. Master Shinobo’s voice whispered in his ear, even though the monkey was on the other side of the room. “Headman Fujuyo of our village.”

“Lord Inuyasha,” the headman, who was a reptile of some kind, greeted.

“Yeah, Headman Fujuyo?” Inuyasha responded warily.

“I was young when your Sire died, but I served him loyally. I will extend to you the same expectations I extended to your brother before you. I will not abandon you, nor will I sever my alliance at once. I will give you a chance to earn my acquiescence to your dominance before I make any hasty decisions. I will judge you as you behave and not as how you have behaved up to this point or any biased decisions on your blood. For now, until you either prove yourself to me or fail, I will continue as I am.” He gestured behind him. “Many others who remain here are of the same thought. We will give you a chance and when you have proven yourself we will follow. The fact Master Shinobo seems ready to serve you also speaks well of you.” Behind him many of the demons made sounds and motions of agreement. He noticed the couple hanyou he’d seen and the humans were still around. So was the Bull guard at the gate. Crabby was no where to be seen though. No loss.

“Thanks, for listening and not just walking away because I’m me.” Inuyasha said softly with a bit of relief. Not many remained…but it was better than none.

“You are most welcome, my Lord.” The headman smiled fangily as he rose and withdrew.

Inuyasha’s eyes fell on a small group that had said nothing and remained seated off to the side. There were a few attractive demons, a couple humans and even a hanyou there. Mostly women but a few guys. Their clothes were fine quality and they wore make-up and jewellery like they were high class or something. But none looked like they could fight and they hadn’t insulted him. So they couldn’t be noble blood. Inuyasha reached over and poked Jaken in the back of the head, “Hey, toad, who are they?”

Jaken sputtered. “They’re the well, they don’t have an official title, but essentially they’re the concubines and catamites Lord-” cough. “-Inuyasha. They served my incomparable Lord Sesshoumaru, his guests and the castle dwellers. They often dance, act and have excellent voices…among other more direct services.”

Miroku’s head swivelled in the direction of the indicated group, his eyes alight and a joyous grin plastered on his face. Professionals, perhaps he could enlist their aid to explain the dynamics of intercourse to Inuyasha as he had begun previously. His friend seriously required some knowledge in the field after all. But it would be careless of him not to ensue these lovely ladies were kind and ready for such a task first. Sango’s eyes had narrowed and were boring into the monk’s skull like a drill through plaster. Inuyasha’s eyes went wide and the expression on his youthful features was one of utter shock. “Sesshoumaru had fucking pleasure servants?!” he exclaimed with a squeak in his voice. Inuyasha was utterly floored by this fact. Why would the breathing icicle need a concubine? He couldn’t possibly have needs like that. That would mean that Sesshoumaru actually had urges and feelings. He would never relinquish his cold control to have sex, would he? He only lost control when he was pissed at Inuyasha after all. There was no way Sesshoumaru would expose himself and allow his guard to drop enough to have sex. No way he could express passion in sex and let them close enough to touch him, when he wouldn’t even smile at his brother. No one touched Sesshoumaru unless they were on the receiving end of his fist. Even then it was rare, he usually used his sword or whip. Maybe Rin had hugged his knee or something. But it was not possible for him to have sex. No way. The thought of Sesshoumaru having sex, sharing an intimate moment, touching someone in a way that brought pleasure and not pain…it caused a sharp ache to throb in Inuyasha’s chest. The thought actually hurt. And he had no idea why it should.

“That is generally the purpose of a concubine or catamite, Lord Inuyasha.” Master Shinobo commented from next to Kagome. Crap, the monkey could sneak up on you.

“Well, why are they still sitting there? Don’t they want to go too? Figured they’d run outta here now there’s a weak hanyou in charge and they don’t have to serve anyone anymore.” He grumbled, wondering if any of them had actually touched his brother. Nah.

“Where would they go, My Lord? They are treated with respect and care here. They dwell in safety and have all their needs met, food and clothing at their wish. They have even been given education to expand their minds. Their services, both sexual and entertainment are highly sought after and admired. They are not pressured to perform their services and can decline any offer. Lord Sesshoumaru had it that any whom abused one, or tried to force them would be punished severely for such a lack of honour. They would not receive such kindness in many other places. To leave here may result in slavery for them because of what they are. I believe they would rather take their chances with you as their new Lord, than the certain abuse they would receive if they left.” The monkey rasped quietly.

“Oh…” Inuyasha responded with a frown. Why were these whores treated better than he had been? Was it because they’d fucked Sesshoumaru? Hell, Inuyasha would’ve gladly boinked the daiyoukai if it meant he would get some attention and - His cheeks went pink and his eyes went wide. Why did he just think that shit?! He’d never do that! His fucking asshole of a brother! Yeah, Sesshoumaru was good-lookin‘, and Inuyasha wished he could have a kind word, or a gentle touch, to see that frozen look in his eyes turn to heat and passion during the act, to see him lose control in pleasure - What the hell!? What was he thinking? Why was he thinking this? Gah. Shut up brain. Obviously he was way over stressed and tired. Must be it.

The monkey was smirking. He just knew it.

“Well, I guess they can stay then. I ain’t gonna toss them out to be killed. But, they might have to do other jobs around the place since we’re short handed now. Besides, they won’t be needed for sex anymore. Everyone can do their wives, or husbands or hold it, or whatever.” Inuyasha huffed.

Several of the pleasure servants who had been listening looked up at him with surprise.

“What?” He snapped at them.

“Nothing, my Lord Inuyasha. It’s just unexpected,” a petite wolf demon with long, soft dove-grey hair answered. Her head was bowed to him from where she sat.

“Whadda ya mean, unexpected?”

“Well, your brother was exceptionally…virile.” She said quietly. “We assumed you would continue to require our services.”

Inuyasha’s face went white, then turned quickly red. “…you had…sex with him…?” His ears flattened.

“Yes, My Lord.”

Inuyasha turned his head away and glared at another wall. He hated her. She was smug, and pretty, and annoying fuck. “I guess he was all soft with you or sumthin’?” it came out as a guttural snarl. Kami he hated her. “Well, I’m not my brother, you’ll have to do some real work if yer gonna stay here.”

“Of course, my Lord. Though, forgive me for saying, Lord Sesshoumaru was never soft.” There were several snickers and a few giggles around them. She shot a few of the amused individuals a glare from her smoky grey eyes. “He was always professional. He was brisk and fierce. He never coddled, or spoke to us while we serviced him, nor looked upon our faces. Nor did he ever disrespect or use force which would harm us. When I would be summoned to his chamber, I never refused for it was a privilege, I would go and satisfy him to the best of my ability. Unfortunately, as I have said he was very virile and not easily sated. It would often take three or four of us full-blooded youkai on a rotation to see him satisfied enough. When he was finished he would dismiss us. There was no conversation and none remained in his chambers once he is needs were met.” She bowed her head again. “Though I knew him little, I will miss your brother. I will be happy to serve you as you deem fit for me, Lord Inuyasha.” Murmurs of agreement came from those around her.

“He wouldn’t look at you?” Inuyasha asked quizzically. His chest still hurt.

“No. He did not. We were there to relieve him of a frustration that battle could not. He took but he never gave. As was his nature. Nor did we expect anything other than that.” She replied.

“I see…” He hated her slightly less now. So Sesshoumaru could have fucked a tree and given the same amount of care to it. Still, she had been able to touch his brother. Something he was never allowed to do. His fingers squeezed the Mokomoko once more with a strange ache still throbbing in his heart. Bastard. It wasn’t fair. And why the hell was he upset he couldn’t touch Sesshoumaru? Maybe he wanted to punch him in the face one last glorious time and rekill the fucktard for all the pain he was putting him through. Yup. That made sense. “So are we done here or what?” he flicked an ear in annoyance.

“As you wish my Lord,” Master Shinobo bowed respectively and dismissed the remaining audience. It was then Inuyasha realized he’d just discussed his brother’s sex life in front of a whole crapload of people. Ah well, he shrugged it off. They were demons, they didn’t care. Right? He could tell by Miroku’s expression the monk was still recovering from the news of Sesshoumaru’s stamina. Biggest lecher ever had to be his friend. Why?

For that matter, why were there humans in here too? Just a few, he could understand the couple that where whores…youkai looking for kicks and all that. But in the audience too? Didn’t Sesshoumaru hate humans except for Rin? He’d have to ask about that. And why was there a male hanyou whore? He guessed it could be to please certain perversions or something. But still. If that hanyou had touched his brother he’d fucking flip. Wait, never mind that was stupid. The wolf said the full-blooded youkai had sex with Sesshoumaru. Besides that, the hanyou was a guy.

“If my Lord wishes, I could arrange for a tour of your home tonight.” The monkey again.

Inuyasha flicked his ears tiredly. He felt suddenly just drained dry. His nerves were shot and he was exhausted in every way. “In the morning. Right now we need a place to sleep.”

“A chamber in the royal buildings has been prepared for you. One will be made for each of your companions if you wish.” The monkey paused. “To my knowledge the hanyou catamite never met Lord Sesshoumaru. As for the humans present, not all youkai hate them. Some are friends, some have uses to us. ”

Inuyasha felt slightly better knowing the hanyou hadn’t met Sesshoumaru. Then again the brat would be dead if he had most likely. “Uses? Never mind, I dun wanna know right now. We’ll all be staying in one room, and not one made up. I don’t trust any of ya, so we’ll just pick one. And stay outta my head.”

“As you wish.” The monkey was smiling again under those wrinkles, he could feel it.

“Damn right I wish. Let’s go.” Inuyasha bounced to his feet and his companions gathered around him. He frowned and glanced over at a small, plump hare youkai with spectacles who was staring at them. “What do you want?” Inuyasha barked.

The little man jumped nervously. “I am the chief healer in Houkou Tsuki Uta. My name is Healer Ryouta, and I was very curious about your Mokomoko my young Lord. It seems very out of place on you. Did it come recently and you haven’t grown into it yet? I did not think you as a hanyou would have that ability.” His timid, comforting voice questioned.

Inuyasha placed a hand possessively on the fur and flashed his teeth. There was no damn way he was giving it up. “Keh. It was Sesshoumaru’s, he gave it to the kid as he died to keep and she gave it to me. It damn well belongs to me now and it’s perfectly fine in the place it is.”

The healer’s eyes went wide. “That is most morbid, to have that, and rare that it could be severed from his presence. But, I suppose he was dying, so to him it was just another dying limb at that point. It can’t live without the demonic energy. Sad really. In time it will -”

Inuyasha had been listening. The healer seemed to know about the fluff, and he did want to know more. It was some kind of limb? It had been attached to Sesshoumaru some how? It lived off him like a parasite? Weird. Now it must be sucking to him. Next best thing to pure Daiyoukai. Huh. The Mokomoko shifted slightly against him and the healer’s eyes rivalled Jaken’s for size.

“What ails you, Healer Ryouta?” Miroku asked.

“That-that-it moved! That’s impossible!” The healer spluttered.

“Huh? It’s always moved. Damn thing has a mind of its own. It punches too.” Inuyasha’s faith in the healer had dissipated. Here he’d thought the guy might know something useful and he didn’t even know the Mokomoko moved. Keh.

“No, the Mokomoko, it was -is a-”

A loud crash from the back of the room drowned out the healer. Inuyasha turned away and saw that three demons were engaged in a fight, one had punched through a pillar and thus the noise. “Hey! Cut that out!” He roared as he leapt over to where the scuffle was taking place. Most of the room was empty at this point, only a few stragglers left. “I forbid ya to wreck the place!”

A large burly canine took a swipe at a tall lean equine youkai. The horse punched back and sent the brown dog-man into a wall. “You take that back you mangy cur!” The narrow faced horse-man shrieked. Both completely ignoring the smaller hanyou.

“Not until you apologize to me first!” The dog barked back.

“Boys, please, stop!” The third demon pleaded with the two. She was quite small of build. Perhaps just a bit shorter than Kagome. Her golden-brown face was speckled with crescent-like black markings over the cheeks and the center of the forehead. Her movements were lithe and swift as she darted around and in between the much larger males. A single pale brown braid that was streaked with grey hung down her back and swayed with her movements as he round, nearly black-brown eyes glittered with nerves.

A chicken youkai for certain.

“I said knock it off you maggot munchers!!!” Inuyasha bellowed directly beside the two. Tetsusaiga’s impressive length was unsheathed and transformed. Humming with hunger for blood between them.

All three youkai stepped away nervously.

“Er, sorry.”

“Very sorry, My Lord.”

“Thank goodness. I’m so relieved you intervened. These two fight constantly, but they really are good boys. So, please don’t punish them too severely, Lord Inuyasha” The woman vowed as she bowed to him.

“I ain’t gonna punish you right now. You can fight all ya want. But if you do it again in my palace I certainly will give you a punishment. Now bugger off.” Inuyasha slid the massive fang back into its sheath which was a third the blade’s size. The two male demons stared in awe.

“Yes My Lord” they said in unison and actually left. No hassle. Just gone. Nice.

Inuyasha turned around to find Miroku smiling charmingly at the demoness. He was holding both of her small hands in his and gazing down into her dark eyes with affection. “Excuse me Miss. But, would you do me the honour of bearing my children?” Sango was twitching behind him.

Honestly, it was amazing he’d contained himself this long surrounded by so many females.

The small demoness blinked at him in surprise. Then she stepped back, he hands slipping out of his warm ones. She smiled then decked him in the balls with her fist. All the males present cringed in sympathy as the monk doubled over with a tiny, sad, pained sound. “Unhand me you creepy little human!”

Kagome laughed and Sango wasn’t sure if she should laugh as well or help Miroku. He was such a dishonest lecher and he deserved that. Yet, at the same time he was kind, brave, intelligent, compassionate, understanding and gentle. At times she wished they could be closer…but he was so vile! How could she trust him with her fragile heart when his manhood pointed him at anything with breasts? She just couldn’t. He would break her.

“My deepest apologies, My Lady.” Miroku chirped.

“I’ll strike you harder if you come near me again, creep.” She threatened.

Inuyasha opted to save his friend. “Miroku here’s the world’s biggest lecher. You’ll get used to it. I ain’t gonna stop you from slapping him around a bit ‘cause he deserves it, he might like it though. And I won’t let you hurt him too much, the creep’s my friend.”

She stepped back and did another full bow to Inuyasha. “Since he is a friend of My Lord’s, I will refrain from damaging him…permanently.” She shot the monk a nasty look.

“Thanks…er…what’s you’re name and what do you do here?” Inuyasha asked tiredly. His ears were drooping.

“My name in Junaki, and I have been your brother’s chamber maid since he was a pup. I respected and cherished your brother, Lord Inuyasha. If there is anything I can do to assist you, you have but to ask my young Lord.” Her voice was sincere and her dark eyes were sorrowful as she regarded Inuyasha, her brow furrowing slightly as she took in the Mokomoko. “You both hold your head the same. With such pride and assertiveness.”

Inuyasha’s ears trembled slightly at that comment. He was like his brother…“Thank you.” He whispered with soft sincerity before putting his gruff-self back on. “We need all the help we can get. Exactly what is a chamber maid around here anyway?”

“Junaki was deeply trusted by our illustrious Lord Sesshoumaru! She had access to some of his most private and secret moments!” Jaken announced from Inuyasha’s knee.

The hanyou promptly stepped on and flattened the toad. It was becoming a reflex really. “I wasn’t askin’ you.”

“He’s more cranky then normal when he’s tired,” Kagome yawned from behind him.

“Keh.”

Junaki smiled gently. “As was your half- brother as a pup.” Her dark eyes glittered with memory. “To answer your question, Lord Inuyasha, I tended to Lord Sesshoumaru’s private rooms. I oversaw the upkeep of his bathing chambers, the cleaning of his rooms, the washing of his linens and clothing, as well as the maintenance of his wardrobe, armour, blade and other possessions. I ensure everything in his rooms is as he desires and requires it to be. That everything is prepared and stocked to his liking. The only thing I do not do is the preservation of his sealed documents in his study which Master Shinobo attends to most diligently. Because I was so close to her person and came in contact with all his personal needs, I was held in a position of rare regard. It was an honour to be trusted by him so.”

“I thought Jaken did all that crap?” Inuyasha asked in confusion.

“Master Jaken performs many duties. The foremost is to retain information and see that all his Master’s needs are carried out. Which while away, as Lord Sesshoumaru refused any to accompany him save the kappa and child, would be some of my duties. Though, Master Jaken sometimes forgets when it is my job, and not his own.” She shot the toad a glare. “Nor was his help always appreciated.”

“Hmm, I could see how that might occur,” Miroku deadpanned.

Inuyasha could understand why Jaken had said Sesshoumaru had trusted Junaki. If he had let her touch his stuff, he had to have. Being the paranoid, cautious, vain, territorial freak that he was his brother would never let someone he didn’t trust in the room he slept in. They could set traps in the sheets or poison the soap or sumthin. He’d know Junkai since he was a pup she said. They must have been close. Maybe…maybe she could tell him about his brother.

“My Lord,” Junaki said with a bit of caution in her tone. She pursed her lips together as her dark eyes flitted briefly over his friends.

“Yeah?” Inuyasha responded. He had a feeling of what was to come. So much for learning about Sesshoumaru.

“Do you always travel with…” She frowned. “Humans?”

He was too tired for this. “Yeah, I do. And I don’t plan on going anywhere without ‘em either. Part of me is human, and I’m comfortable with that. Do you have a problem with what I am and who I like?” He demanded.

“There’s nothing wrong with him being a hanyou!” Kagome growled over his shoulder. “Inuyasha is amazing because he’s Inuyasha, not because he’s something or isn’t something.”

Yeah. That made no sense. Obviously she was tired too he thought, but her heart was in the right place, had to love her.

Junaki held up her small golden-brown hands in supplication. “I confess, I am no friend to humans. My kind prefers grain to flesh so I have no desire to eat or destroy them as some youkai do. As a demon I have been beaten and prosecuted by the race of man so you can understand I have no love for them. Yet, I do not loathe them either.”

“I knew your father, Inuyasha. He was a great, passionate creature. I bore no spite or distaste over the fact he bedded your mother. I still respected him. Though I personally would never wish to be with a human, I can understand how some demons might be driven by lust or by love to be with one. I bare a hanyou no ill-will or any grudge. But many do think of hanyous as distasteful. I choose to speak bluntly to you in a way I would not dare to speak to a daiyoukai because you need assistance, young one. I would like to see this territory kept in your family. Flaunting your human companions around in a youkai settlement as a new Lord is - well dare I say it, foolish.” She then pointed to the beads around his neck.

“Perhaps not as suicidal as that. A Lord should not be controlled by anyone save by himself. The shock of seeing you may have made your subjugation beads unnoticed tonight. But in the morning they will be seen. You will be laughed at. Who can respect an Alpha Lord of a large demon territory who is under the control of a weak human child? Any credibility you wish to obtain will be gone. It is easy to see the Priestess is the one who controls the beads, so I suggest you have her remove them before they cost you her life. Someone will use her power against you. It is inevitable. One can not have such an obvious weakness as a Lord.” Master Shinobo hummed in agreement from somewhere nearby. Junaki turned away to join him in quiet conversation.

The group shifted and exchanged glances. What the poultry youkai had said was true. Miroku and Sango stepped away from their friends for this was something between Inuyasha and Kagome. It was not their place to make comments or suggestions. Shippo and Rin were mostly asleep on Ah and Un while Kirara watched over them. Jaken had crawled out from under the hanyou’s bare foot to glare at Junaki. She noticeably ignored the toad.

The pair stood facing one another awkwardly. Kagome bit her lip before gazing intently into Inuyasha’s unguarded, attractive golden eyes. They really were unusual and lovely. The iris edges were so dark to be nearly black with flecking as they blended into a vibrant sunny yellow to plunge into the fathomless black of his pupils. She nodded slightly, her head titled up to meet his gaze due to his greater height. “She does make sense. But these beads brought us together Inuyasha. They’ve even saved you on more than one occasion.” She murmured softly.

She didn’t really want to remove them. Yes, she knew they were close and she could trust him. The beads did help at times and they kept him from doing anything stupid. Though, truthfully, the main reason she didn’t want to remove them was that it connected them. While he wore the beads he was always connected to her in a way she couldn’t explain. They were joined as more than just companions, something deeper. Perhaps it had to do with her spiritual powers but who really knew? She sighed. She didn’t want him to get hurt. He was a hanyou and healed well, and never complained that the sits hurt so she presumed they were just like a slap. Smarting but harmless. And sometimes he really did deserve a slap. She never would seriously hurt him and if having the beads on meant he would be in trouble here…well…she would remove them. As much as she didn’t want to, she would. She didn’t have to like it though and she only would if he really, really wanted them off in a serious way, not just tossing one of his fits.

Both knew that the beads were a part of them, something that connected them and formed a bond in their relationship. Ridiculous as it might seem, removing them felt like they were coming apart.

“Yeah, I know they have.” His voice was low and gentle. “They’ve also brought me humiliation and pain on more than one occasion.” He grumbled as he averted his eyes from Kagome’s warm sincere ones. The beads had stopped him from killing her the first time they met after he had asserted she was not Kikyo and had the jewel. He’d still felt the fresh stab of betrayal by the one he believed he loved and well, he wasn’t feeling that great. He wouldn’t have killed Kagome. Just smacked her around a bit…he hoped. The damn beads were the beginning of their friendship and quest. Without ‘em he might never have gotten to know her, or Miroku, or Sango, or Shippo or any of the folks he’d met. He might have done something really stupid actually and used the jewel to be full demon and kill everyone. Who knew?

They had been made by Kikyo but never used on him by her - a thing he still felt warm about. She had the choice but chose to trust him. Damn Keade for keeping ‘em and handin’ ‘em to Kagome.

It was also true the beads had saved him a few times because of their connection to Kagome’s powers. She’d been able to stop him from doing dumbshit with them and from getting his ass blasted. It stopped him from killing Rin and being skewered by Sesshoumaru that once. Ass. Gutting his possessed brother to protect his defenceless pet human? Granted, Inuyasha woulda healed and Rin would not…but still. Being slammed face first into the ground by your neck hurt fuck. Knocked the wind right outta ya.

“Inuyasha? Do you really want me to take them off?” Kagome asked softly, taking one of his larger hands in her own soft ones and studying his uncertain, handsome features. She realized that he might posture himself into saying yes out of habit even if he really didn’t want them off. So she gave him a chance to keep the beads on without losing face. “Can we trust you not to hurt yourself without them on?” She chided. If he wanted to keep them on he could explode and receive a sit. If he wanted them off he would most likely answer plainly. She waited. Wondering why she felt as though she was going to lose if he took them off.

Inuyasha reached up his free hand and gingerly ran his clawed fingers over the beads in question. He looked down at his chest and his eyes were concealed by the fringe of his wild hair as he mulled over his choice.

The beads tied him to Kagome and to Kikyo. They held some of both the mikos he adored.

They also offered him an excuse. He could act out and he knew that Kagome would stop him before he did or said anything he couldn’t fix. The times he did step over the bounds she would slam him down and that would be it. To remove the beads would mean he had no safety line on his actions. Yeah, he’d lived without them and Tetsusaiga for a century and a half, but he didn’t have people he cared about and needed to protect then. Removing the beads meant he would be completely responsible for his actions. He could no longer be a wild creature fighting for survival or a subjugated brute guarding his pack. He would be a Hanyou Lord. There would be no one able to stop him. No one to save him from making a horrid mistake. He would have to grow up.

Removing the beads in favour of being a Lord of demons would also sever a deeper connection he held with the miko. He didn’t know why really. He just knew that by doing this, he was choosing a path that separated from Kagome’s. Why did he feel like that? They would still be friends, no piece of shit ugly jewellery would change that.

Than again, maybe that was the thing. They were friends. Not lovers as he had once thought they could be. He really did love her…and he loved Kikyo…but…he wasn’t in love with either of them. He would still die to protect both, but…yeah. Kikyo and he couldn’t trust in the past like they should’ve, and now there was only pain between them. Kagome was amazing, beautiful, smart, kind and all that shit. Yet she was a kid a times and she wouldn’t live as long as him. She would leave him too and he wouldn’t be able to keep her around as a Youkai Lord. It wouldn’t be fair. Then there was that other choice he had made.

Now he understood.

The choice of running around the wilds with a young woman and taking responsibility in keeping his brother’s legacy safe wasn’t much of a choice. He longed to make Sesshoumaru proud far more than he wanted to spend his life with Kagome. Crappy. He would still protect Kagome and the others, how could he not? But he would be alone it seemed. A hanyou just didn’t seem to be made to keep those they loved. Fucking fate.

“Kagome…” His gaze lifted to meet her tender brown one with deep affection. “Take ‘em off wench.”

“Inuyasha…” Kagome felt an important part of her heart had just been unbound. Inuyasha was taking responsibility for himself. She got that. She smiled lovingly, her eyes moist with emotion as she too realized that Inuyasha and she would not be together as well. No Kikyo, no Kagome. It turned out he chose his brother’s dream. Who woulda thought? She reached up and placed her hands on the beads over his chest. “Just remember, if you get out of control, these are going right back on jerk.” She pulled them up, over and away from his head, untangling his hair from the strands as she held them.

“Keh. Like I’d let ya.” He huffed, the Mokomoko was brushing against the back of his neck. He swatted it away in annoyance. That tickled. “What are ya gonna do with ‘em?”

“I’m not sure…” She frowned at the dull beads in her hands.

Sango watched the exchange between the two from the corner of her eye quietly. They were both maturing in their actions. To see this moment in time. When Kagome removed the beads and both she and Inuyasha were content and it was done in a civil manner…it brought warmth to her heart. Inuyasha would suffer no more sits and Kagome was responsible for it. She glanced at Miroku’s fair face to see if she could catch a glimpse of what his thoughts were. She scowled. He was leering at the poultry demoness. She twitched.

Inuyasha looked over to the monk and slayer before exchanging a thoughtful glance with Kagome. The hanyou’s eyes sparkled and the human had a devious smirk.

Miroku had been touched and saddened by the exchange between his two friends. He had seen the thoughts, conclusions and quiet sorrow sift over their faces. He had believed the hanyou and the Priestess would settle down some day together just as he longed to do. Mind you, life would not be settle between Inuyasha and Kagome at any time, but were far too vocal and spirited…perhaps too alike in some ways. It would seem his presumption would not come to be anyway. Inuyasha had chosen his duty to his family above his love for Kagome. A development that was both unexpected and displayed how much the young dog-eared hooligan had matured. Whether this was an obtainable choice or not only time would show them. Time the monk did not have. The wind tunnel continued to eat at his hand and his thoughts as though it possessed a clock which counted to its final release. He was becoming further aware of how time was not his. He needed to produce an heir so that if he failed to destroy Naraku in time, his son would avenge their family.

His eyes roved back to Junaki and he smiled invitingly. She was older, yes, but she was still lovely to behold and strong. If given some time he was certain she would see his charm. He never was one to back down from such a challenge. He also considered that a hanyou child might have a better chance at defeating Naraku.

Abruptly he blinked and looked down in mingled horror and shock. A light weight had just been tied around his middle.

“Miroku.” Sango growled with narrowed eyes. Beautiful eyes he might add.

“Now my dear Sango, just one moment. I hardly believe this to be a rational - “

“Behave!” Sango spat.

The monk was slammed butt-first onto the ornate tiles below him. The subjugation beads Sango had tied around his waist glowed in eerie mirth.

“You know, it is kindda funny to see.” Inuyasha smirked smugly as he stepped over the monk.

“And deserved.” Kagome added. She moved around the monk and walked a distance away so he would not try to look up her skirt.

“Dearest Sango…why?” Miroku whispered as he staggered to his feet and rubbed his ass.

“Why? Why?!” Sango roared as fury broiled in her eyes and caused her features to flush red. “If you have to ask why I hardly believe you deserve an answer!” She swivelled and stomped after Kagome and Inuyasha, her hair swishing violently back and forth.

Kirara, who had changed back to her smaller form, looked up at the monk. “Merew?”

“Kirara, at least I have one true friend.”

The neko blinked, sat down, rolled as one paw elegantly extended upward and licked her bottom. She then ran after her slayer with her two tails held high. Jaken with the dragon already at the door mumbling.

Miroku hung his head low and sighed.

“I would say that serves you right for how you treat that poor woman. I suggest you follow before someone mistakes you as an evening meal.” Junaki scolded as she passed by him. Several other youkai who had remained in the great chamber followed all gossiping about the events of the night.

Miroku gathered his sore pride and followed after his so called friends. That had been most painful development. He would need to find a way to get out of these beads.

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AN: yeah, I suck at names so I either yoinked them out of a name book or smushed together some words to make them. So, I apologize if I’ve called a character something strange in another language. That was not my intent.