Falling Away Chapter 16

[lynx212]

Title: Falling Away
Chapter 16: Odd days are ahead for sure
Genres: Angst/Romance
Rating: PG13 / Teen
Pairing: Inu/Sess
Warnings: Some language
Length: 965 words

Chapter 16

 

I stood there just kind of looking around and trying to take in everything that was happening, Kouga looked just as stunned as I did. I was making small talk with the wolf when my brother’s smug expression caught my attention.

 

“And just what is it that you find so amusing?”

“You, Inuyasha, but that is something we will discuss once all of you pack is taken care of.”

“Uh you really don’t have to go through all this trouble Lord Sesshomaru.”

“I am aware of this Prince Kouga, but you are our young Lord’s pack and I shall see you are treated as such.”

 

I watch as Kouga bows to my brother and he bows in return, yep things just keep getting stranger and stranger. I was about to return to my conversation with the wolf when a large bat Youkai approached, bowing to my brother then to me and Kouga as well.
“Your chambers are ready Prince Kouga, if you will follow me,” he informed, turning to leave.

 
“That seems like my cue Inuyasha; I guess I’ll catch up to you later.” I nodded and turned my attention back to Sesshomaru.

 

“I would be lying if I pretended that all of this has not taken me by surprise, Niisan.”

“Oh and how is that, Otouto?”

“Well, I just figured your dislike of ningen would make Miroku and Sango less than welcome here, and well Kouga kind of has his own clan and is not really a permanent part of our group.”

“The state of Kouga’s pack is one of the many things I wish to discuss with you. Come; walk with me I need to show you to your chambers anyway.

 

We had turned down quite a few halls before my brother began to speak.

 

“You know as well as I, that the number of wolves left of his pack, thanks to Naraku, hardly constitute a clan.”

“It makes him no less loyal to them, Niisan.”

“This I understand, so I was going to propose a treaty, between the Western and the Wolves Territory, it would give us excellent border-guards and give them the protection they need to retain their hold on the land they occupy.”

 

At this I hesitated in my stride and had to shake me head quite a few times before anything made sense. If I was to understand this, my brother was consulting me before he made some decision; this is indeed a strange day.

 

“I gather from your hesitation that you do not agree.”

“No it’s just…”

“Yes, Inuyasha?”

“I…I don’t get why you’re asking me all this, you are Lord of the Western Lands…”

“Yes, and now so are you, and speaking of such we will have to get you robed in a manner that makes this known. Miyaka should be waiting in your wing of the palace, the Eastern wing, just outside your chambers to do just that.”

“Who?”

“She is a tailor of the utmost caliber and has already made something quite suitable for you to wear for tonight’s feast, but I asked her to hold off making much else until she had a chance to actually fit you.”

 

I had no choice but to come to an all out stop with this bit of information, I have no idea if he has any clue how overwhelming this all is from my perspective. I can’t recall how long it’s been since I’ve owned more than a handful clothing, most of that handful I’m wearing now. Now I am to be fitted for an entire wardrobe, like that’s the most normal thing for me to be doing.

 

“Where is the closest bath house in this maze?”

“No need to hunt for one Inuyasha, one of the four rooms that comprise your chambers has your own private bath.”

“Well, would you tell this Miyaka to come back when I’ve had time to clean up a little bit?”

“No, you will tell her.”

“She has no reason to listen to me, Niisan.”

“She does if she values her livelihood as well as her life.”

“Oh I see, so everyone within these walls is as afraid of you as those outside?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes, but most of the servants here served under fathers rule and remain here of their own volition.”

“But …”

“I know what you’re getting at Inuyasha, over time they will learn to respect you, some already do, tales of your exploits have reached these grounds on several occasions, but as for now for those still in doubt the fact that their lives hang in the balance should suffice.”

 

I couldn’t help but laugh at the cocky grin on my brother’s face; he is so stoic most of the time that when an expression does come across his features, he seems like another person.

 

When we reached the eastern wing there was a demoness standing there eagerly awaiting our arrival, she bowed to both of us and I told her of my plans to clean up before she began, she didn’t seem to have a problem with it and continued speaking to my brother about this thing and that concerning tonight’s feast.

 

Listening to their conversation made butterflies attack the pits of my stomach. It brought to light just how many demons of different ranks and privileges were going to be there and I immediately knew I wanted no part of this - but at the same time I knew I couldn’t get out of it either. It was all for me and my companions and I knew I had to be there, Sesshomaru would have it no other way. At that thought I felt my ears droop and my heartbeat quicken. Tonight was indeed going to be a long night.