Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Where I Belong	By : Royal_Kitsune Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female Views: 3097 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or ideas from Inuyasha, manga nor anime. I also do not make a profit from this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 23
- 24
- 25
~Council Meeting: Day Three~
“I would feel a hell of a lot better if I could bring my blades.” Ryo grumbled as we descended the staircase and headed for the dining room. I was too tired to do anything but give a huff of agreement.
Despite my best efforts, sleep did not come last night. I don’t know why I even thought it would.
‘Your weapons are being held by Dagger.’ Sage commented.
“Good. Let’s just hope we don’t have to use them.” Ryo responded taking a seat.
“After this, I’m going to sleep for a year.” I mumbled trying to muster up the energy to eat the food placed before me.
“Where’s Lord Sesshomaru?” Ryo brought up.
“I don’t know. He was already gone this morning when I woke up. I assumed he came here.” I answered. “Are you still going to ask Katina tonight?”
“If everything goes right.” Ryo seemed to brighten considerably as he answered. His mood returned to tense as the rest of the council began to fill the room.
Unlike the previous two days, where everyone engaged in small talk, the table was dead silent. A lot of looks were cast towards us, specifically in the direction of the missing western lord. A few more looks flashed to the empty seat where Toro was also missing.
“You don’t think he would have tried to settle this with Toro outside of the meeting?” Ryo questioned silently.
‘Lord Sesshomaru may not like Toro, but he’s not going to risk the punishments that would come from doing such a thing.’ Sage said though even he sounded a bit unsure.
“That’s rational Sesshomaru. I’m talking about bonded male Sesshomaru.” Ryo responded.
“Don’t you think if those two have gone at it, we would have heard or sensed something?” I stated.
“Yea I guess.” Ryo huffed.
Breakfast continued as silently as it began the only vocalizations coming when someone asked for more food or wanted their food taken away. I took in the faces around the table towards the other council members trying to get a read on the mood. It was clear from the silence that everyone seemed a bit tense.
A few, or rather all, of the unmated females were sending very smug looks in my direction.
‘Not like I expected them to be on my side.’ I thought sourly.
“We shall begin.” Duma called, the shadowy figure seeming less threatening now that I knew the dragoness behind it. The staff cleared the table and the other council members looked towards the two empty seats.
“Two members are missing.” The southern lord brought up gruffly.
“They are here.” Duma stated just as the doors opened to reveal Toro followed by Sesshomaru. Both looked fine, no signs of a fight. “First to order shall be the voting of the hunting dispute between the hawk tribe of the north and the snake tribe of the east. My vote is in favor of the hawk tribe.”
The rest of the council gave their votes one by one moving around the table until it came back to Duma. The hawk tribe won the rights to the hunting grounds by three votes.
“Next is the vote on the border change between the boar tribe of the south and the lizard clan of the north. I cast my vote in favor of the boar tribe of the south.” Duma continued seeming almost hurried in the voting.
Again the council cast their votes moving around the table. The boar clan won by four votes.
‘We held up our end of the deal, now they better hold up theirs.’ I thought as I looked towards the hawk and boar leaders.
“Now on to the final vote of this council session, the dispute of war claims by Lord Toro of the east against the Ryu-Inu clan of the west.” Duma stated and everyone seemed to straighten as the issue was brought forth. “I shall withhold my vote until last.”
Inwardly I grimaced. I had hoped that if the others saw Duma vote in our favor, it could sway a few more who may have been still in the middle.
First to vote was hawk tribe.
“I, Highfeather, leader of the northern hawk tribe, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The leader spoke confidently.
Next up was the snake tribe. I could see the bitterness in the leader’s eyes from having lost the vote.
“I, Kolvi, leader of the eastern snake clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” The snake hissed his eyes staying narrowed.
The vote then went to the boar clan.
“I, Haggar, leader of the southern boar clan, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The boar snorted.
Following the boars, came the lizard clan’s vote.
“I, Deo, leader of the northern lizard clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” He stated in a hiss similar to the snake leader.
I inwardly grimaced as the vote reached the stretch of unmated female leaders. First of them was a lynx demoness.
“I, Lia, leader of the southern lynx clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” Her stare lingered on Sesshomaru with obvious longing before looking at me with unhidden smugness.
The next was a fox demoness.
“I, Yura, leader of the northern fox clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” Her gaze was the same, though at least she made a minimum effort to keep it hidden.
She was followed by a bear demoness, who was probably one of the largest creatures I’d ever seen.
“I, Kova, leader of the eastern bear tribe, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” She grumbled her voice also deeper than every other female in the room and some of the males.
She was quickly followed by a tiger demoness.
“I, Kira, leader of the southern tiger clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” She said so quickly the beginning of her sentence had overlapped the end of Kova’s sentence.
Next was a demoness that I couldn’t accurately describe, but smelled strongly of the sea.
“I, Arie, leader of the western sea clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” She said.
The next to vote was a harpy demoness.
“I, Skyhunter, leader of the southern sky clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” She said her voice as melodic as I expected a harpy’s to be.
The next was a rodent demoness of some sort.
“I, Silver, leader of the western weasel clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of east.” She said.
The last of the unmated females was a small rabbit demoness.
“I, Sia, leader of the eastern hare clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” Her voice was quiet but her eyes were sharp.
‘Thank goodness we’re out of that trap.’ I thought as there were no more unmated female council members left to vote. It still left us down ten to two.
The next vote came from another sea demon tribe.
“I, Zi, leader of the southern sea clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” He stated and I inwardly groaned. We were only falling further and further behind. I could feel Ryo and Sage sharing my frustration.
I chanced a glance over towards Toro and immediately wished I hadn’t. He was sitting as if he had already won the vote. Once he caught me looking his way he gave the most disgusting wink and smirk I’d ever seen.
Next up was a horse clan.
“I, Entei, leader of the western horse clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” He stated.
I relaxed slightly as Kouga was up next.
“I, Kouga, leader of the western wolf tribe, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” He announced.
Next up was the Ryu-Tori clan.
“I, Throe, leader of the Ryu-Tori clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” Even as he spoke I could hear the regret, cementing my thought that I could trust him.
“I, Sia, lady of the Ryu-Tori clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” Throe’s mate said softly.
“I, Tohr, general of the Ryu-Tori clan, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” The general said with hatred pouring from him in the direction of the eastern lord.
I could feel a real sense of panic beginning to rise as I went through the count. We were now down fifteen to three. With only thirty-three voting members, Toro only needed two more votes to win the majority.
The Ryu-Neko clan voted next.
“I, Noru, leader of the Ryu-Neko clan, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The feline leader said giving a nod in our direction. Ryo visibly relaxed leading me to believe Noru’s vote hadn’t been as secure as I had been told.
“I, Tyro, general of the Ryu-Neko clan, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The other feline said.
The Ryu-Okami clan cast their votes next.
“I, Kiba, leader of the Ryu-Okami clan, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The wolf leader said solemnly.
“I, Duro, general of the Ryu-Okami clan, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The general added. This was good we were gaining ground even though we were still down fifteen to seven.
The vote then came to our clan, and as leader I was not permitted to vote.
“I, Ryo, general of the Ryu-Inu clan, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” Ryo said giving me a small smile as he did.
‘I, Sage, advisor of the Ryu-Inu clan and western lady, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.’ He barked lightly.
Last up were the lords. First to go was the southern lord.
“I, Ryku, lord of the southern lands, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The panther demon said wryly as if he had been forced into the vote.
“I, Zira, lady of the southern lands, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The panther demoness said, sounding no better than her mate.
“I, Liro, general of the southern lands, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” A rather large panther demon said.
Next up was the east. Luckily Toro couldn’t vote either and I smirked as I saw his smugness fading. As much as I wanted to rub it in the bull’s face, we were still down fifteen to twelve.
“I, Tai, general of the eastern lands, cast my vote in favor of Lord Toro of the east.” The shadow fox stated.
Next came the north.
‘I, Di, lord of the northern lands, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The northern lord stated sounding as jolly as always.
“I, Lily, lady of the northern lands, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The northern lady said with an unreadable expression directed at me.
“I, Koru, general of the northern lands, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” The Ryu-Okami general said with a brief smile in our direction.
The final council member, besides Duma, came around.
“I, Sesshomaru, lord of the western lands, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan.” He said indifferently as always. I had to restrain myself from jumping for joy as his vote tied things up.
Even though no one had been speaking, except when the votes were being cast, the room seemed to have every ounce of sound sucked out of it. Everyone’s eyes fell onto the shadowed figure of Duma as it registered in that Duma’s vote would provide the tie-breaker.
Even though I had spoken with Duma the day before and knew her vote, I could still feel my skin prickle with unease.
I chanced a glance towards Toro, who looked ready to murder everyone who had voted against him.
“I, Duma, overseer of this council, cast my vote in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan. Thus the majority is in favor of the Ryu-Inu clan and they will remain free of eastern hold.” Duma’s voice drifted around the room echoing even louder in the silence.
At first no one moved and no one made a sound until loud cheering broke out from above and outside the door, the guardian’s having clearly heard everything. With that break in the silence the rest of the council began to converse among themselves. I couldn’t help the smug look that I cast out to all of the females that had voted against us.
Toro looked ready to attack, but at least he had enough sense not to do anything with so many witnesses.
“I hereby declare this council session over. We will resume in a decade’s time at the northern castle.” Duma said leaving with her guard and advisor.
The rest of the council quickly left, most in a hurry to return to their clans and tribes and to, no doubt, relay all that had happened. Again Toro was at the end of the group and stopped just before where I was still seated.
“This isn’t over. I will have you.” He snorted but was warded off by a feral and possessive snarl from Sesshomaru.
As Toro left the hall became flooded with guardians followed by Katina and Shippo.
“You did it.” Shippo commented.
“We did it.” I said allowing myself to feel at ease, something I hadn’t been able to do since the council meeting had started.
“Toro isn’t done yet.” Ryo said as he gave a hug to Katina.
“True, but that’s why we’re going north to train. When we finish our training, we’ll take this to him and settle it once and for all.” I said becoming direly serious as I thought about it before returning to relaxed.
~Toro~
“You said you would get me all of the votes I needed to win!” I snorted at the half-demon who was currently walking beside me on the way back east.
“I swayed those who you told me to sway.” He said in a voice that made me want to rip his head off. “This simply means that our plan of attack will have to change slightly. Our combined forces are more than enough to destroy the west. There are only a small number of the Ryu-Inu they won’t make a difference in this upcoming war, especially being as untrained as they are.”
“This is your last chance half-demon. Fail me again, and you will be killed.” I grunted and watched as the spider disappeared in a toxic cloud.
~Shippo~
‘Why are you telling me if this is supposed to be a secret?’ Swift was asking as he shifted uneasily.
I didn’t blame him. We were currently in the library with Kazuko, Ryo, Katina, and the advisor Izu. Izu had just told us of the plan to temporarily seal Lord Sesshomaru’s beast.
“You’re the fastest and best long distance runner. If something should happen while we’re gone, we would be depending on you to tell the guardians at the village and then come and tell us in the north.” Kazuko said.
‘This is a really big secret.’ Swift mumbled.
“And we trust that you’ll be able to handle it.’ Katina said petting the guardian.
‘Ok, I’ll keep the secret until you four get back.’ Swift said and excused himself from the library.
“So how’s this going to work?” Kazuko asked.
“It’s like the one that was used on the three of you.” Izu said motioning to Kazuko, Katina and Ryo. “Only it will require two steps. Your spells completely locked away everything demon about you. We’re going to lock away only Lord Sesshomaru’s beast. It’ll be done outside, because once we beginning the sealing, his beast will fight it and he will most likely transform.”
“Ok so what are the two steps and will you need us?” Ryo asked.
“Katina will assist but you can’t. If Lord Sesshomaru senses another male nearby, it will only make the spell that much harder to complete. Don’t worry about me. I’m too old to be of any competition and his beast will sense it.” Izu commented. “As for the spell, it will consist of a constraining part and a sealing part. We’ll have to constrain his inner demon before we’re able to seal it away.”
“When are we going to do this?” Kazuko asked sounding partially pained.
“The northern lord expects you tomorrow night correct?” Izu asked and then continued when everyone nodded. “Then we will do this tomorrow morning. Hopefully we can be done by evening.”
“What the hell is with everyone getting up so damn early?” I heard Kazuko mumble.
“Is there anything that is needed?” Katina asked.
“No I have gathered everything needed. Just be ready at dawn.” Izu said going to his cot and picking up a scroll to read.
“Let’s go see what the guardians are up to.” Ryo said leading the way out of the library.
“I’ll catch up with you later. I’m going to take a quick nap first.” Kazuko said as she headed for the stairs with a yawn.
~Kazuko~
‘I’m so tired.’ I thought as I made my way up to my mated room. Even Inuyasha had waited until the sun had completely risen before making us get up. Hopefully I could now go get a nap in. ‘Or not.’ I thought as I opened the door.
I was faced with an oh-so-very naked demon lord, whose eyes flashed the same dark red I had seen yesterday.
“Let me guess, I’m not dealing with Sesshomaru right now, am I?” I asked and answered with a smirk that revealed elongated fangs. ‘Damn it, I’m getting rest one way or another.’ I thought as I released my consciousness to my inner demon, which was all too happy to take over.
~Ryo~
‘Damn.’ Dagger mumbled as the conversation was interrupted by a roar that I had, unwillingly, become familiar with. Though, it had never reached his far before.
“So much for a nap.” Katina said with a giggle. “We all know what that means.”
“What?” Shippo asked with curiosity beaming in his eyes.
“You’ll find out when you’re older.” I answered shaking my head.
Masaru gave a small cough before continuing to talk. ‘As I was saying, General Kovu says that each of you is permitted to bring one guardian. This includes Shippo since he is as much a member of this pack as anyone else here. I want you to take Dagger, Hawk, Leaf and Swift.’
‘I can’t go.’ Swift said.
‘Why not?’ Masaru asked turning around to face the yellow furred guardian.
‘Lady Kazuko has given me a task. I will be staying at the western castle.’ Swift responded, his gaze never meeting Masaru’s.
‘What task is this?’ Masaru questioned. I imagine that if he had had eyebrows, they would be raised in question.
‘I can’t tell you. I’ve sworn secrecy.’ Swift said looking towards Katina, Shippo and I for some kind of help.
‘I’m guess you three know what this secret task is.’ Masaru asked and we nodded. ‘And you can’t tell me what it is either?’
“We would if we could. But this is a private matter concerning the royal family of the west.” I said with a shrug. “We can tell you once we return from the north.”
‘Very well, then Oak will go instead of Swift. Since none of you know where the Shadow Falls is, I’ll take you there tomorrow night.’ Masaru said still sounding upset at being left out of the secret. ‘The rest of us will remain here and work on the village.’
“We’ll try and keep in touch.” Katina said with a soft smile.
‘What about this Naraku? We’ve never heard of him.’ Dagger brought up. ‘If he’s working with Toro, we need to know what he’s capable of.’
“We don’t really know much about him. Kazuko would be able to fill in information when she’s not…um so busy.” I answered.
“I know all about Naraku. He’s an evil half-demon that used to be human.” Shippo spoke up. “The group I traveled with before, they are hunting him. I know a lot about him.”
‘Then tell us all you know kit.’ Masaru said.
Shippo seemed to brighten a bit as he began telling the stories of the spider half-demon. From the tales he told, it was clear that this Naraku could be an even bigger threat than Toro. The two of them together was going to make our goal several folds harder.
“I’ll bet Inuyasha and the rest of the group would be willing to help if they knew Naraku was behind this.” Shippo concluded.
‘Perhaps but those you speak of are mostly human.’ Masaru said and then shook his head when he got a questioning look from the rest of us. ‘I do not mean that they are weak because they are human. I mean that our attack is a decade’s time away, at the least. Humans age in a much faster and more severe way than we do. In a decade’s time, they would be too old for this kind of battle. The half-demon Inuyasha and the fire neko Kilala might be able to help, but the rest most likely won’t.’
“Oh.” Shippo commented quietly.
“Hey why don’t we go visit them?” I brought up. “We’ll be gone for a whole decade. We should go see them before we go.” Shippo nodded and his mood picked up slightly.
‘Take Shadow, Kara and Moon with you.’ Masaru called as we turned to leave the village.
“He’s like an over-bearing father.” Katina said and I nodded.
I couldn’t blame him though. We were all that was left of a clan he’d known for centuries. It was only natural that he would be a bit more intent on keeping us safe.
“Let’s go get Kazuko and head for the village. We can make it there, stay a while and make it back before midnight.” I said and sprinted back to the castle, with Shadow, Kara, Moon, Katina and Shippo in tow.
~Kazuko~
“I swear everyone besides me is against sleep.” I grumbled as I listened to Ryo talk about going to visit Inuyasha. Even with Ryo and Katina able to fly now, it would take almost three hours to reach the village at full speed and it was only two hours from dusk. ‘But I suppose we should tell them that Naraku is in the east. I’d never hear the end of it if Inuyasha found out I knew where Naraku was and didn’t tell him.’
“That’s why we’re leaving right now.” Ryo said with a grin.
“Do you think Lord Sesshomaru might like to come? It is his brother.” Katina questioned. Sesshomaru made what could be counted as a snort and walked off.
“Trust me there is nothing brotherly between the two of them.” I said and shook my head. “We’d just end up breaking up a fight if he came.”
“Then let’s go.” Ryo said as he transformed into his smaller form. I sighed and followed suite as did Katina.
‘Hop on Shippo.’ I said, since the kit couldn’t fly in his transformed form. Once the kit was settled in I gave a shake of my wings and took to the skies in the direction of Kaede’s village. I could hear five sets of wings behind me.
~Kagome~
“I’m just saying that I don’t see why you need to go back for those tests? You keep saying that you’re not doing well, so why go?” Inuyasha was complaining as usual after I told him that I was going home for a few days.
“I still have to try!” I shouted at him. He was about to grumbled something, I could see it in his eyes, but something grabbed his attention and he turned away from me.
“What is it Inuyasha?” Miroku asked from where he, Kilala and Sango had been watching.
“Those mutts are coming and it appears they have friends.” Inuyasha said. Even though he sounded sour I could see the smirk on his mouth.
As with all of Kazuko’s arrivals, we heard her before we could see her. A loud howl preceded the violet blur that crashed into Inuyasha.
“That will never get old.” Kazuko said as she shifted back to her more human form and got off of Inuyasha.
Five others landed behind her in a more graceful manner. I recognized two as Ryo and Katina but couldn’t place the other three, though they looked like Ryu-Inus. I gave a smile as I saw Shippo sitting on Kazuko’s shoulder. Though he still had the same body, something about him seemed older and more mature.
“It’s so good to see you three are ok.” I said going forward to offer Kazuko a hug.
“Same to you guys.” Kazuko said and must have noticed our looks to the three newcomers. She smiled and walked over to the three who hadn’t transformed. “These are some of the Ryu-Inu guardians, I’ll tell you the whole story later. He’s Shadow,” She said pointing to the most dangerous looking one that had black fur, black scales and red eyes. “She’s Kara.” She pointed to the one with brown fur, yellow scales and green eyes. “And she’s Moon.” She said pointing the last one who had silver fur, black scales and golden eyes.
“It is nice to meet all of you.” I said going over hesitantly.
“Don’t worry. They’re nice.” Kazuko said as I reached to pet the one she called Kara. The guardian watched me with eyes as intelligent as any I had seen, but showed no sign of hostility. I hesitated as the guardian gave a small growl. “She says you smell nice.”
“Thank you.” I replied with a smile. “So what brings you here?”
“We wanted to stop by and say hi. We’re going to be gone for a decade. We’re going to train in the north with the Ryu-Okami.” Kazuko said.
“A whole decade?” Sango gasped out. “I suppose for demons, that isn’t long.” She added quietly.
Looking at the demons standing across from us it finally dawned on me.
They were different.
Compared to them, we humans were only here for a brief second in time. As I saw Shippo standing with them, I also realized that he was the same. I had always thought that he would come back to us after he had learned more about being a demon. Yet I knew he had more years left as a “child” than I had in my entire lifespan.
“We also wanted you guys to know that we know where Naraku is.” Kazuko said as the silence stretched on.
Inuyasha, who had been silent, finally spoke up. “Where is that bastard?”
“He’s in the east plotting with the eastern lord on overthrowing the west.” Kazuko said sounding more concerned about it than I would have expected her to.
“I guess you mutts aren’t so useless after all.” Inuyasha grunted, earning himself seven sets of growls. I was shocked as Shippo had also given a convincing growl. “Hold on.” Inuyasha said as he stepped right up to Kazuko. “You reek of Sesshomaru.”
“You reek of you.” Kazuko retorted.
“What’s that on your neck?” Inuyasha said reaching for the collar of Kazuko’s kimono.
Before he could reach he was shoved aside by Shadow who gave a serious of deadly snarls towards Inuyasha.
“He’s right Inuyasha.” Shippo stated. “Sesshomaru may go easy on you normally, but if you mess with his mate he’ll kill you.”
“Mate?” I echoed in confusion.
“It’s like marriage, except that it’s life-long, or at least for canine demons it is.” Sango clarified.
“When were you going to tell us you mated Sesshomaru?!” I shouted rushing over to Kazuko but stopped short when I got a few growls.
“I was about to.” Kazuko answered rolling her eyes. “Somehow everyone else gets to break the news for me.” She added with a smile.
“So that makes you lady of the west.” Miroku stated and received a nod. “Congratulations.”
“So when are you going to start having kids?” I squealed. Kazuko went from normal to extremely pale to a bright blush in a matter of seconds as she shook her head.
“Whoa slow down. We have years before I even begin considering that.” She said with a slight choke to her voice.
“I bet they’ll be so cute.” I said.
“They will also be imaginary for the next few decades.” Kazuko said. She paused and turned back in the direction she had come from, as did Katina, Ryo, Shippo and the three guardians; even Inuyasha’s ears flicked in the same direction.
“What the hell is that?” Inuyasha snorted.
“That would be notice that should get home.” Kazuko said with a shrug. “It was nice seeing you guys. We’ll stop by when we get done with training.”
“Let’s run it. It’ll take an extra hour or so, but I think it’s good that Shippo gets the practice.” Ryo said.
‘Shippo?’ I thought and gasped as Kazuko, Ryo, Katina, and Shippo transformed. I wanted to ask how he was the same size as the rest of them, but I could tell they were anxious to get home.
The seven of them seem to discuss something before lifting their heads to give a howl that I assumed to be an answer to the one I hadn’t heard before. Even though his fox howl was slightly different than the others, Shippo’s voice still blended in with the others. As they stopped their howls and took off into the forest at a hard sprint, I knew that, no matter how much I wished otherwise, Shippo’s home was with the Ryu-Inus now. He had found where he belonged.
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Where I Belong