Chronicles of the West

Chapter Seventy One

Josin watched his lover in the courtyard. Having a body once more was exhilarating to be sure. Alastair's body was a fine shell to be used by the dark soul of the demon he'd summoned. Now the ridiculous mortal and his illusions of grandeur sat in the void. The void, that dark place.

He'd hated it there, had plotted for a very long time to get out. Souls mingled there, lost and lonely for eternity. The smart ones, well they found ways to get free, even if it was temporary. There was no limit to dull beings walking around in a daze in this realm. One just had to be patient and find a host.

Taking over a human body was not so difficult, they could be bent to one's will with promises of greatness, riches and ease. The hard part was banishing the human soul from the body. One had to know how to accomplish that in order to take the body for themselves.

His lover had been living in Alastair's body for a very long time and had finally created the perfect body for him to take over. Once that was done, Josin's power was nearly impossible to control. Alastair had become less pliable over the last few days.

He'd begun to understand that his creation would not be controlled. His human side feared and therefore fore erred. His demon half clamored for the body and in the end, the human was lost to the darkness…but then hadn't he been all along?

Josin's eyes followed his lover as he conducted his training. Such a fine body, one had to take care of it. Josin smiled as he envisioned the vengeance he would level at the inu household. He would wipe the earth of all traces of the powerful silver dogs.

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Toga followed the sweet down the long corridors. He'd returned from a most uneventful patrol, his body tired, his mind in turmoil. He would stand before the council tomorrow, and the truth would unfold. It was an embarrassment that he should be called to account for his actions.

If not the for the meddling of that damn wolf, Adus, it would have been left as a family matter. However, Adus had tweaked the ear of every demon within reach and with his wagging tongue maligned the house of the west.

Once the decision of the council was reached, that would be remedied. His father had been more than happy to slay the obnoxious pup. However, his wise mother decreed that such an action was unacceptable. Sesshoumaru would not stain his hands with this mess. Toga was the accused and Toga was the one who would strike the killing blow.

Of course his mother was correct. It was why she held the coveted seat as High Advisor of the West. If his father's word was law, his mother's was no less. Once business was dealt with, he would return to the north. He hated court and wished to avoid it at all cost.

The scent curled in his nostrils, causing them to flare slightly to take more in. The softness of it bringing his mind back from it's glum wanderings. Soft scent, water, horsehair, pigment. These led to only one conclusion. Aislin.

He turned the corner to peer into a large empty chamber, soft light filtered in around her, like a halo. Her small form straight as she considered her canvas. Tiny hand held a balanced brush as she applied another stroke.

Toga loved to watch her paint, the serenity her form exuded as she lost herself in that art. It soothed him. She did not turn, perhaps she was unaware of his presence. Angling his head he saw what she worked on so diligently and felt his stomach drop to his feet, his anger rise.

He had to leave before he thrashed the room and all inside, destroying the thing that had stirred his ire. There she was, a thoughtful almost soft look upon her face, her hands unerring as she painted the object of her thoughts. Without a model even! None other than that damn horse, Daisuke!

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Aislin could have sworn she heard a low growl behind her, but when she turned there was nothing and no one in sight. With a small shrug she went back to her painting. Daisuke had asked if she might consider painting his portrait, given that he'd volunteered himself for patrol duty, he was unable to stand for her. She'd spent enough time with him that she felt confident she could do it without him.

He'd agreed that if he didn't like, he would find an afternoon to pose for her. She was nearly finished now and quite pleased with the results. She supposed he would like it as well. With a smile, she dabbed a lighter shade across his hair to stand as highlights. Yes, it was a fine painting. Though not the one she wanted to be painting.

With a sigh, she studied the portrait. Finished. She set aside her paints and moved to wash her hands in the shallow basin of scented water. No matter how she looked at the painting, silver hair and golden eyes seemed to superimpose themselves over the handsome features of the horse. Toga.

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Toga stomped through the halls, his anger evident in his gaze. His expression passive, his eyes snapping like wildfire. Inuyasha watched him from the battlements as he moved with purpose towards the lists. What was that pup up to now?

Toga knew where to find Daisuke. He'd be training of course. He'd kill that damn horse and be done with it. He shoved the gate wide and glared the other demons from his path. They parted under the silent command, his youki sizzling around him.

Daisuke had just finished his morning routine and was stretching. He felt the dog's anger and looked up. He was no fool, he knew the dog desired Aislin. Like many others, he stood in line as a suitor to her. The horse would not lose to him.

"Get out here horse" the dog growled into the shadows of the training hall, "I wish to tear you apart in the sunlight". One of the nearby captains appeared at Toga's side. Tohma eyed his kinsman, "What the hell is the problem here?" he asked softly. He'd already sent Souta to fetch their general. Inuyasha would arrive soon.

"That damn horse has breathed his last" he muttered back to him. Tohma stepped in front of him, "Calm down. There is no need for that" he reasoned. Daisuke was putting his haori back on and entered the yard then. "It's fine" he said jovially, "Let him explain himself".

Tohma glared at the horse, wanting to diffuse this situation and quickly. Toga's eyes were pink and darkening. "That horse has been near my female" he growled. Tohma blinked and then the pieces fell into place. He hadn't been around that much, busy seeing to the business of the western army, but he knew that Toga's former ward had caused quite a stir. Even Souta had been affected by her sweet smile.

Daisuke lifted one brow, "YOUR female?" he asked in a mocking tone, "I have not kept company with your wolfess". Toga snarled at him, he moved forward but a cold, commanding voice cut through the tense silence. "That's enough!".

Inuyasha glowered at the two demons before him. "What the hell do you think you are doing?" he demanded, his arms folded over his chest, his eyes hard. He didn't need this headache right now. Daisuke straightened and bowed to the famed general of the west. "My lord".

Inuyasha let his eyes move to Toga, his nephew was furious. "Save it horse" he snapped. "Toga, mind telling my why you are interrupting my morning training sessions?". Toga seemed to shake off his anger, his eyes flashing a moment longer before fading to vibrant gold. Inuyasha looked at the gathered demons and snorted, "Back to work" he barked.

He turned, "Toga, come with me" he ordered. Toga didn't want to obey but to resist would mean a challenge to Inuyasha's authority. That was not something that would be taken lightly. With a final harsh growl of warning at the horse he turned to follow his uncle.

Daisuke went back to his training with a small smirk. That arrogant dog didn’t like the prospect of losing. Not that he blamed him, however the female in question would be his. She deserved far better than a lecherous dog.

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Inuyasha headed for the privacy of Sesshoumaru's study. He was not there presently and so Inuyasha made himself quite comfortable. "Wanna tell me what that was all about?" he asked. Toga refused to look at him. Inuyasha sighed, "I wouldn't recommend pissing me off this morning pup, I'm tired" he warned.

Toga glared at him, "The horse has been getting far too close to my female" he snapped. Inuyasha's claws toyed with the desktop. "He is a suitor, he is permitted time with her" he pointed out. Toga growled, "A mere formality".

Inuyasha leaned forward, "The choice will be hers Toga. Killing off her suitors is not a wise move". Toga snorted, "Ha. How many can there be?" he asked in an amused tone. Inuyasha smirked to himself as he leaned back in the tall backed seat. "Twenty seven" he replied.

Toga's calm façade slipped a moment before sliding back into place. Twenty seven? When the hell had that happened? And, more importantly… why wasn't he told? Inuyasha nodded, "By last night's count, she has had twenty seven offers. Of course not all are being considered. Sesshoumaru is very thorough in selecting suitable candidates for his wards".

Toga wanted the names, every last one of them. "Who?" he asked, his voice an angry breath. Inuyasha shrugged in a careless manner that riled him further. "Mostly nobles" he finally said, "Yes Toga, your peers". The younger inu growled low in his throat.

"I do know that she had favorites of those number" he added. Golden eyes gleamed dangerously. These were the ones he would begin with. He'd slaughter them all, damn it. Poke their eyes out at the very least for having the audacity to look upon what was his.

"Young Daisuke of course" Inuyasha continued, "He is a proper gentleman. Then there is the elk demon. Both titled, good standing in the court. In your father's eyes. No hint of scandal attached to them". The last said to irk him.

Toga growled. Inuyasha met his gaze, "And of course there is you. By far the most accomplished of her suitors" Inuyasha's voice was gruff, "You need to get your act together Toga. There are too many things that need your attention. This is serious, it's more than your pride on the line here… it's your life. Her life, our lives".

Toga sighed, he was right. Damn it, why did everyone have to be right lately? "I know that" he ground out, "But I can't just stand by and watch him paw at her". Inuyasha chuckled, "I don't imagine you could" he agreed, "But she isn't claimed and you have to abide by what your father wishes. And what the council decrees for you. What will you do if they demand you mate the demoness?". Toga's jaw ticked, "I'll deal with it" he bit out.

Inuyasha rose to his feet, "Try not to kill any of our allies in the meantime" he said as he left the study. He paused at the door, "And Toga… don't interrupt my training again". Then he was gone. His silver hair swaying as he moved.

His talk and both eased and troubled Toga. He'd brought up thing that Toga wanted to forget. The council, the choice, so many things. He pinched the bridge of his nose in an tired gesture. What was the matter with him?

That soft scent wrapped around him again and his head snapped up. Framed in the doorway stood the object of his thoughts and misunderstood affections. She blinked, seemingly surprised to see him. "Toga" she breathed.

He grunted, "Hello Aislin" he said flatly. She cocked her head at the tone. "Are you feeling alright?" she asked. He stood and crossed the room. "Have you finished your painting then?" he asked, his voice carried a thread of steel. Amethyst eyes went wide.

Ha! She knew she'd been caught. Now he would set her straight. "You were there?" she asked. He gave single hard nod. Golden eyes went wide as she acted. A slim arm reached out and slapped his hand sharply, "How dare you!" she groused.

He blinked. She had struck him? He growled, she growled right back. "Didn't like being caught painting your love?" he asked, his voice hard and carrying no small amount of bitterness. She gasped and damn if she didn't hit him again, "My love? Ha! How dare you come and watch me and not have the decency to speak to me?".

She was mad at him? For not speaking to her? "You were painting the horse" he told her. She threw her hands in the air, "Of course I was" she said, her voice rising, "He asked me to paint his portrait". Toga growled, advancing on her, "You had no model so you must think of him often".

She advanced on him, hands moving to her hips, "Because he has spent the last several days with me you pompous excuse of a lap dog!". Her eyes flashed, her scent spiked and Toga growled enjoying every second of it. "

"Bitch, know your place" he barked. They were nose to nose now. Eyes locked in a heated battle of wills. "I wish I damn well did" she snapped at him. Toga's arms closed around her as she clutched the front of his shirt.

Too long had it been since he could hold her, touch her, taste her. His head descended and he ravaged her mouth his own. His tongue pushing past her lips and teeth to re-conquer his territory. She moaned into his mouth and he swallowed the sound, growling in contentment when her arms twined around his neck and pulled him closer.

They broke apart panting for air, Aislin pressed tightly against him. "Your place" he muttered gruffly against her hair, "Is with me. You are mine and no damnable horse is going to change that". She felt her heart leap at his words, "And the council?" she asked.

He growled, kissing her again. "I'll handle it, you will have no mate but me".