Chronicles of the West

Did everyone see the update for Tales from the House of the Moon by Resmiranda? Oh my… I cried….again J I highly recommend that if you haven't read it, you do… it's a wonderful read.


Chapter Seventy Two

The halls were silent, the court assembled outside of the war room. More than a few wished that they might be allowed within to watch the proceedings. The council was rarely called for matters such as these and never against a member of the house of the Taisho.

Sesshoumaru sat as overseer with Inuyasha as they were the most powerful in residence. The demons within that room were somber and stoic. They had a sacred duty to uphold youkai law. Sesshoumaru had not wanted matters to go this far. He'd see that wolf bleed for the very inconvenience he was now being put through.

Ayeka had hardly slept a wink throughout the night and he'd in turn gotten little rest. He'd finally used the comfort of his body to drive her to the brink of exhaustion. Not that he had minded in the least. He supposed that even now his wife was lost in dreams. Better that than this.

Toga stood to the right of the room. Silvana with him since her name had been mentioned in this mess as well. Of course Ryu was there, in the back of the room. Hidden from her sight. Sesshoumaru surely hoped that they would resolve their differences soon.

Adus and his sister remained on the left. A few somberly garbed maids stood with the female in question. She was pale and wan, and this was noted by all assembled. With a cold look across the chamber Sesshoumaru ordered them to begin. With any luck this debacle would end today.

Beside him, Inuyasha's foot tapped in impatience. One silver ear swiveled slowly atop his head catching the sounds beyond the door, what few there were. Kagome was out there, with Aislin. He'd wanted her by his side as usual, but such things were barred…even to him.

The council consisted of twelve demons. They sat shrouded in the austere gray silks of their station. All noble, all fine warriors, all with unquestionable honor. More than half served Sesshoumaru. A tall, stately elk demon rose to his feet. His reddish brown eyes sweeping over the room. Hatori.

"Councilmen" he intoned, "We are gathered today to hear the story of this sad affair. A female has been compromised and her brother stands accuser to the heir of the west and lord of the north, Toga. Our duty is to hear them out, in their entirety and glean the truth from the halves".

The others nodded and he turned to Adus. "You, Lord Adus from across the sea. You may speak your piece, I warn you. State only the facts this is not a forum to sling insults at one another". At the wolf's nod, the elk took his seat.

Adus bowed politely to the council and heads inclined in response. "My lords" he said smoothly, "I regret that this matter has come to you for resolution. It is my opinion that matters as these should remain within the bosom of the family and not impart the embarrassment to others that this has".

Several nods were seen across the chamber. Sesshoumaru held his tongue. This wolf was a clever bastard. He listened as Adus spoke of Toga's 'charges'. "My lords" he implored, "She is my only remaining sibling and I seek only to see to her future. She has erred, true in allowing this dog access to herself. She is young and impressionable as females often are. I cannot believe that she would merely hand away her innocence however".

The elk leaned forward then, his eyes pinning the wolf, "Do you wish to imply that Lord Toga did force your sister then?" he asked. Adus nodded at once, "I do". Murmurs broke out through the chamber. This changed a great many things. Hatori nodded, "Then let us continue".

Another demon spoke up then, this a burly ram demon. His bluish hair curling behind his back. "If I may lord Adus. If Toga is your sister's rapist.. Why then seek a marriage between them? Would that not cause more harm than good?". Sesshoumaru steepled his fingers before his face and hid his smirk. Akito, an old friend of his.

Adus blinked at the demon, "I thought it only right" he stammered, "She has been ruined, by his hands. He should shoulder the burden of her care". A logical argument. Akito grunted, "If it were my sister I don't believe I would seek such recourse" he stated. Another demon to the side broke in "If it were your sister, you'd give her to anyone just to be free of her". A rumbled of laughter echoed, even from Akito.

Adus sighed with some small relief. For over an hour he spoke eloquently of the anguish of his sister. The repercussions of Toga's actions against her. He made quite a moving speech. "Even here in your court, she is seen as little more than a common whore". The slight scent of deceit hovered around him, but not enough to take immediate action.

Behind him, nearly hidden from view, sat the trembling female. Her face covered by a thin veil. The scent of her tears washing through the room, the scent of her fear. They seemed to condemn Toga. Inuyasha had the best vantage point of any and something struck him as being out of place with her.

Toga was called next, he passed the wolf who gave him a small smirk. Toga growled at him, not bothering to hide his disgust at the lying male. What the hell had he and Elda schemed? Toga bowed to the council and they returned the gesture, several sets of eyes on him were disapproving, others disbelieving.

Hatori nodded to him, "Have your say Toga" he urged. The tall dog stood straight and proud among them. "Councilmen, I too regret that such a thing has come to your attention" he said clearly, "I regret that your time has been wasted". They appeared shocked by his words.

Hatori met his eyes, "This is a most serious allegation that is being level at you. Robbing a female of her innocence… and by force even". Toga grunted, "You all know me, you know the rules of my father's house" he said simply, "Do you honestly believe that my honor is so lacking that I would do such a thing? Or that my father's is lacking for not killing me for it?"

The others dared a glance at the stoic lord behind them. No, they knew better. Had his own son committed such a heinous act, even he would have found death at the end of poison claws or Tokijin. Akito leaned forward, "Then what is the truth of this Toga?" he asked. Toga folded his arms over his chest, "I did share her bed, many times as a matter of fact" he told them, "And she was willing each time, more than, I would say".

They blinked at him, "Do you admit your guilt in taking her innocence then?" Adus asked. Toga growled at him, "There was no innocence to take" he snapped, "But their world is not like ours. Such things can be overlooked. Virginity is highly desired but not required". The council exchanged glances. This was odd indeed. How were they to find the truth? A few voiced that question. Inuyasha stood and looked down at them. "Well, " he said, "Why don't you ask her?". His finger pointed at Elda and she gave a small gasp. Females were not generally asked to speak in Japan and never in her homeland, unless they ruled.

Sesshoumaru lowered his hands, "I think that is an excellent idea". Hatori nodded and gestured the maids to move away from her. "Come here child" he said in a kind voice, obviously the creature was terrified. Madu watched her move slowly across the room from where he stood near Ryu.

Her gait was stiff and he'd never known her wear a covering over her lovely face. "Something isn't right" he said in a low whisper and Ryu was inclined to agree. When at last she was settled, standing before them, she seemed much smaller than Toga knew her to be. His brow lifted and he caught the faint scent of blood.

Before he could speak he was ushered back and away from her. The council stared at her and she stared at the floor from behind the gauzy silk that obscured her features. Her heart raced within her chest and her breath was labored.

"There is no need to be fearful" Hatori soothed, "We merely wish to ask you a few questions and clear this matter up". She gave a small nod. He sat back. "You know Toga?" he asked. She nodded, "I do my lord" she whispered.

"Have you shared his bed?" a blunt question and she felt herself burn under their gaze. "I have" she replied. Her hands clenched before her. Hatori lifted a brow, "And did he at any time force you?" Elda sucked in a breath, her voice no more than a shiver of a whisper, "No". Adus growled slightly behind her and she flinched but did not recant.

Hatori traced his claws over the wood, "Are you opposed to having Toga as your mate?". She shook her head, tears welling up and painful pressure building in her throat. "A verbal answer if you please" Akito urged gently. "No, I am not".

They nodded. Akito asked the final question, "And did Toga rob you of your innocence?". She was silent for a long while, her form tense and the atmosphere became strained. Toga waited to see if she would lie. Madu slowly moved forward to stand by Toga. His aqua eyes remained on her.

Through the veils of silk and tears she saw him. A solid figure and she knew that what he'd said was correct. Her integrity was still salvageable. Shutting her eyes tightly, she gave her answer, her death warrant. "He did…. Not".

Toga blinked at her, and let his eyes slide to the wolf beside him. The female appeared to be looking at Madu. "I hadn't been innocent for a long time" she admitted in a harsh whisper. Adus leapt forward, "See how she looks to Toga, she is fearful. She fears his retribution so she lies to you" he spat out, "The fact remains that Toga has done this before as well. He stole the innocence of the elemental vixen that was promised to me". His finger was flung accusingly at Silvana.

The graceful female stepped forward, laying her hand lightly on Toga's arm. "You cannot steal what is freely given" she replied quietly. All eyes fixed on her. "I made the choice to seek out Toga's company to free myself from your clutches". Adus snarled at her.

Silvana merely lifted her chin, she was so upset that her hand shook lightly on Toga's arm, and he covered it with his own. "I refuse to apologize and I do not regret my decisions. I am ruler of my people and must do all that I believe is best for them. Even giving myself to Toga knowing that there was nothing more than a night between us.

Do not drag me into your tangled webs of deceit". Adus took a step towards her but Ryu moved to stand behind her, his arm moving around her waist, tugging her from Toga's grip. "Touch my mate and die" he whispered.

Sesshoumaru turned his gaze back to the wolf. "Silence!" he snarled, "I will not allow you to make a mockery of my council nor abuse females under the protection of this house. Hold your tongue". The council was hushed, and whispering. Madu moved forward again, his brow furrowed in some confusion. What was the matter with her?

Madu reached for the veil but Adus pulled her behind him. Inuyasha noted the action with calculating eyes. "Take off your veil please" he said softly, he kept the timbre of his voice low and soothing. The room fell silent. Sesshoumaru nodded, "Yes. Please remove the garment".

Her unease intensified and Adus demanded that she allowed to keep some semblance of dignity. Sesshoumaru turned cold eyes on the wolf, the pup was trying his patience. What was he hiding? "The veil" he commanded. Madu shouldered Adus aside. She yelped. It was too late. The scrap of cloth remained snagged on the wolf's claws. There was sudden silence in the chamber.

Aqua eyes flashed to the silk and then back to Elda's bent head. "What have you done?" he asked in a whisper, his gaze moving to Adus and hardening. "What the hell have you done?" he barked angrily.

Elda shuddered against her brother, wanting to be far from him. Everyone seemed shocked by what they saw. The left side of the female's face was marred by a large sickly greenish purple bruise. The center of said bruise carried the evidence of claws. The cuts barely sealed. They were fresh.

A low growl rumbled through the hall, making the hairs of the necks of those present stand straight up. Sesshoumaru stood and vaulted over the heads of his councilmen to land before the shaking woman. Golden eyes flashed dangerously, and his growls had yet to cease.

Elda stared at the floor, her face turned from the fearsome lord before her. She contemplated throwing herself at his feet and begging for his forgiveness. Surely he could protect her from Adus, but she didn't deserve that. She had shamed his house with malicious gossip and now, she could only wait.

From the corner of her eye she saw his hand move towards her and she flinched, somewhat surprised when gentle fingers turned her head. No sharp claws, no stunning slap. She slowly obeyed and when he nudged her chin higher, she finally looked up at him.

His face was impassive, unreadable, cold, expressionless. Sesshoumaru surveyed the wound on her face. His eyes touching every bit of visible flesh. "Where else?" he asked her quietly. His voice deadpan. She shivered and his fingers tightened slightly at her chin, preventing her escape.

"Where else are you marked so?" he asked again. She swallowed, how did he know? She'd carefully hidden the slashes and bruises. Adus stepped forward, "Who would do this to you?" he demanded to know. Inuyasha growled at him, coming to stand beside his tall brother.

"Hold your tongue or I shall remove it" Sesshoumaru bit out icily. His rage was palpable and those who knew him were the most silent. He'd not been so infuriated in a very long time. Adus paled but Sesshoumaru was not concerned, "Have this miserable excuse for a canine removed from my sight. I'll be dealing with him later".

Adus snarled at his sister, "In the end you'll come back to me and then I'll kill you for this betrayal. Why would you so such a thing?". She held Sesshoumaru's gaze, unable to look away. Her voice was soft when she answered, "Because integrity is important, don't you think?".

Madu clutched the veil in his palm, hearing her repeat the very words he'd told her. "No she won't go back to you" he snapped. Sesshoumaru's gaze slid to the wolf he'd seen grow into an adult. He was correct. She would not be returned to him. Adus was dragged away by the scruff of his neck a moment later. Inuyasha muttered something about him being a pain in the ass and Sesshoumaru was inclined to agree.

Hatori looked at Toga and bowed, "Forgive us Lord Toga" he said, "The accusations have been overturned". Toga nodded stiffly and turned from them, "Then I am going". He paused when he was level with Elda. He didn't look at her, but his voice was soft. "I am sorry I didn't come when you called. Had I imagined that you were suffering in this way I would have stopped it. Regardless of matters between us".

She nodded, "I know Toga. I am so very sorry". He nodded once more and walked on through the tall doors. No more needed to be said. He knew Aislin would want to hear the news. The perfect honor of the west was restored. The doors closed behind him and the council looked at Sesshoumaru.

He stepped away from the Elda. "Your actions were wrong" he told her and she dropped her gaze, wanting to be swallowed by the earth. Somehow the quiet words hurt the most. "You might have prevented this assembly if you'd spoken sooner". His voice was neither harsh nor hard, he merely stated fact. Fact that made her want to weep all the more. "However, you have proven today that you are above such petty lies and pretty plottings"

She glanced at him then, worry written on her lovely features. "We will have to deal with your brother, I tell you in all probability, he will be slain. He has slandered Toga and therefore Toga reserves the right to fight him to the death".

She shivered and his hand fell to her shoulder. Her body trembled beneath his touch. Swallowing she forced herself to speak. "And my fate my lord?". He studied her, "I will provide you safe passage to your own lands" he told her, "I suspect that I will not see you after that". She nodded. Her life was spared… for now.

He motioned the maids forward, "Take her to her chambers" he commanded, "None may enter save myself or General Inuyasha or our wives". They nodded. He did not miss the look between Elda and Madu. Hmm, interesting. No matter. He had more important things to attend at the moment.