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The Great Trial	By : WinterDovane Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male > InuYasha/Sessh?maru > InuYasha/Sessh?maru Views: 22203 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha and Co nor do I make any money from this fic.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
VI: It Happened on the Way

Watching the sun come up is always associated with the pain of the change and relief. Another night of survival. Another opportunity to appreciate his strength and enhanced senses. Yet, InuYasha can’t seem to find it in himself to be too terribly excited. After all, his human form had fully expected to die.

However, sitting his tainted, half-demon ass on Sesshomaru’s nice sheets just makes the whole situation a little more sweet—hopefully he’ll be able to annoy the shit out of the Lord of the West in others ways before the whole war gets started. Moreover, this new day brings about the new challenge, the new battle to be won. High and mighty big brother needs little brother’s power to fight—it’s so very fitting somehow; the arrogant bastard has to swallow his massive pride and ego to accept help from a fucking half-breed. And no, no no no, not just a fight, not just a battle (with him on one side and anywhere from one to hundreds on the other side), but a real war. He had to fight to protect a nation, the land of their father.   Sesshomaru apparently can’t pull it off on his own. Sweet. Fucking Sweet.

“InuYasha. It is time for the morning meal.”

Speak of the demon and he appears. The voice from the other side of the door has no inflection—it could be like the old days; the same tone of voice announcing “Die, pitiful stain that you are.”

Yet, hearing his name in that tone just appeals to the hanyou’s sense of vengeance. Sesshomaru is and would strain himself to be nice ( fricking cordial!) to keep the younger demon in service to the West.

The hanyou bares his fangs in an evil smile. Just wait asshole. Pay back is going to be a bitch.
~~

The informal dining room (the one not used when statesman, shoguns, and other diamyos come to visit) has a traditional table that seats forty on both sides with comfortable cushions at the front for the lord. Breakfast (when the absentee lord is present) consists of all the major advisors and other counselors to dine. The servants and staff have a room off of the kitchens for meals.

This morning, the heads of all the infantry, the main advisors and castle healer are all waiting in antisipation for the brothers by the time they make it down from the family wing. The youngest lord had never been seen by most of the castle occupants and his appearance last night has caused quite a stir. Only a few details about him has made it throught the gossip circles, primarily that he wears the crimson robe of the fire rat made by his sire. It seems the whole castle is holding it’s breath to catch a glimpse at the long-lost prince.

InuYasha, meanwhile, has not spoken to Sesshomaru, but the lord hasn’t really spoken to him either except to announce breakfast. Trying to keep his senses open for any impending attacks, the hanyou kept his other eye on the surrounding of the massive palace. Something about the place (the spirit, the aura, the atmosphere, whatever you’d call it), eases a large empty abyss deep inside him—one he hadn’t realized existed until the two came upon the main staircase and there, decorating the wall, was a portrait of his lord father...standing behind his mother, Lady Izayoi.

The hanyou paused noticeably, eye comically wide to find such a relic here in his bastard brother’s castle when all his mother’s things had long ago been burned by her own family. Sesshomaru pauses as well, giving his sibling time to fully look at their father’s face unimpeded for the first time in his life. The lord of the castle had known, had waited, for them to come upon the painting. He wanted InuYasha to see the two together displayed for all staff and visitors to see; he hoped the hanyou would realize the importance of the painting and its’ placement. Perhaps these underlying hints would make the hanyou more susceptible to the truth.

In silence, Sesshomaru waited for the hanyou to speak, to ask, to say something, anything before they moved on. However, his brother remained in pensive silence, hands hidden in his kimono sleeves, and ears perked up until they slid back in his hair. The younger demon turned abruptly to walk down the staircase, leaving Sesshomaru disappointed and oddly... disturbed. The lord almost calls out to his sibling, yet the time for more explanations will have to be much later.

Their entrance into the dining room, however, had expected results. Each person stood and bowed low to the princes of the West of they pass, showing respect to both Sesshomaru and InuYasha. Surprisingly enough, InuYasha did not flinch at the powerful mass of youkai but carried himself straight, tall, and proud as an example of their royal bloodline. He even gave a few regal nods to those that bowed the lowest. Just as Sesshomaru had once prepared himself for the mocking and contempt of his father’s advisors and other demons under the banner of the West, the lord is certain InuYasha’s ramrod stiff spine and swiveling ears are indications he is preparing for the same.

However, should one, just one, at the table utter an insult—he wants to crack his knuckles in anticipation of a bloody, satisfying kill. “For the days before this title bound me in decorum” the lord gives an inaudible sigh as he comes to the head of the table, glaring at the advisor to the right of his chair. The bowing demon immediately backs away. Sesshomaru glances at the hanyou and gestures to his new (unknown to InuYasha) place at the table beside the demon lord.

Before taking his seat, Sesshomaru faces his most trusted advisors and generals as the Lord of the West. Everything in his countenance and aura demands attention and submission. The gathering rise out of bowing to give him and the half-demon beside him full attention.

“As many of you know, this Sesshomaru’s great father, the Inu no Taisho, brought glory and honor to his bloodline. He fought, bled, conquered, negotiated, and finally made peace in this, what has become the Western Kingdom. In all that time, he was only able to see one son grow in his footsteps as an honorable ruler. Now, it is time his youngest pup also follow the path he walked. This Sesshomaru has not been able to fully welcome his younger brother into the great palace of his father, for the Elder Council had long ago ruled that the second son of Inu no Taisho must prove himself worthy of his bloodline through his own deeds, his own strength, and his own sword before allowed to claim his place in this great hall.”

The hanyou’s hands almost fall out of his sleeves while trying to absorb Sesshomaru’s long-winded speech. The bastard has more suprises in the last day than in the last hundred years, and the hanyou is understandably disturbed and skeptical. His eyes narrow and dart to the other nobles standing across the table; his ears twitch and slightly swivel. Of course, he’s heard (through whispered rumors and stories) of the demonic council: a group of ‘better-than-you,’ bad-ass, old-ass demons that keep their noses in the goings-on of the island. This is why the bastard came to get him? Some fucked-up sense of duty to these demon elders or some shit?

“That time has finally come.” The lord’s eyes fall on his brother, and with him, the demons size up the hanyou that has surpassed legend. Like his father before him, the hanyou has proved his honor. “Here, before you, stands InuYasha of the Shiro Inu Clan, Prince of the Western Lands, slayer of the demon Naraku, wielder of the Tetsuaiga, and blood of mine blood. Welcome him home.”

InuYasha barely manages to keep himself from flinching as thunderous applause follows Sesshomaru’s speech. With straight back and (he hopes) indifferent expression, he turns to the congregation and, remembering Mother’s lessons, gives a proper half-bow with hands at his sides—something he hasn’t done longer than he can remember. His eyes, however, do not leave the group standing before him. He makes a note of expressions that are less than friendly or those standing stiffly by their positions at the table. As he rises, he glances at Kenshin and the guy, Zin or something, from last night. Both are wearing pleased expressions and clapping heartily along with the rest.

Through the noise, the hanyou can see but not clearly hear everything that is being said as advisors lean into another in several places throughout the gathering. Not that it matters, really. This little welcome home bash is only for a few hours until he and Sesshomaru get moving to the site of the impending battle. The hanyou does not believe for a second that he will see this palace again; when his usefulness runs out, things will return to the way it once was, and the home of his father will once again be off-limits. Yet, InuYasha cannot help but be a little grateful he has at least seen the palace once in his lifetime. For him, that is enough to make this little side-trip worth the pain in the ass.

His ears visibly twitch and swivel, gathering sound other than the sharp crack of applause. Returned from exile...not as hideous as I expect...only a pup!...scent is atrocious....

Keh. Assholes.

The congregations sits as the lord does, and InuYasha manages a to keep one ear slightly cocked slightly even as he pulls a Sesshomaru-like face—maintaining an indifferent, neutral expression. Servants bring silver platters laden with demonic delicacies (at the lord’s request, a small celebration for his brother’s presence). The numerous raw meats, vegetables, fruits, noodles, fine rice, and delicious soups are laid out with mouth-watering aroma and expert presentation. A servant then waits beside each guest to get his order and fill the person’s plate accordingly. While not having partaken in this ritual of the elite since his mother’s family banished him, InuYasha knows what to do. The young raccoon demoness faces him patiently, eyes lowered.

“What would appease milord’s appetite this morn?”

The hanyou sets his elbow on the table and drops his face into one hand, sarcasm dripping from his tone, “any chance for ramen?”
~~
Council Chambers, Elder’s Island

The remaining ten gather, seating themselves at the traditional table. Their massive library, full of the knowledge from around the vast world, carries a myriad of scents that are both comforting and strengthening. For so long as the Elders have lived, other nations have thrived and fallen—many lost tomes reside in this great hall, and a majority of the Council members have spent what would amount to decades reading through the spans of papyrus, rice paper, thin shavings of bark, cloth tapestries (that carry the legends of long-forgotten lands and ancient dynasties), and more. Five out of the remaining eight have read each piece of history, absorbed each word of wisdom, and learned from the errors of forgotten rulers.

            Of the ten, one is a shiro inu demoness of noble blood, Arikura, who reins the Council in when events call for their personal intervention; the second, a white tiger demon, Byakko (who has been accepted by humans as “the God of the West”) remains the second in command and first warrior; third, an elder bird of prey, Tengu, sends summons when all the Council is needed and maintains communication; fourth, a wind demoness (also worshipped by humans as God), Fujin, wills the elements and is fierce in battle; fifth, an ancient cat demon that had long severed ties with his kind, Goryo, is wizened beyond many of the Council in ways of war—the scars littering his lithe form and the armor he is never seen without are testaments to the horrors he has seen; sixth, a fox demon that began the traditions of fox magic and trickery, Hakuzosu, is the planner of strategy; seventh, one of the first tree sprites grown into a powerful fairy, Kujimunaa, remains the Council’s spiritual advisor; ninth, the famed water dragon from human lore, Mizuchi, grows to the size of a mountain can kill two hundred enemies with one blow. The final member of the Elder Council is one that is unable to move, Bokenso from the great forest of Edo, is magically linked to the others through his system of roots.

The nine gathered, a hodgepodge of ancient power and blood, fill the room with pure youkai—even though each tempers his or her own flavor of energy.

Greeting and formalities concluded, the nine gather for the growing concerns in the Western Lands not far from their island.

“From what we know thus far,” Tengu begins, his blue and white shimmering feathers ruffle with breath, “the foreigners are amassing soldiers and weaponry at an alarming rate. We have counted numbers into the thousands, the number of ships approximately a hundred, and more weapons than we have seen before. We still do not know how many more will show by day they intend to attack.”

“The armies of the West have kept an eye on the situation and are planning a counter strike. Half of the army has already immobilized; the Western Castle will be defenseless if this plan continues,” Hakuzosu, the fox with silver eyes and streaks of onyx throughout his red and white coat, muses while baring his teeth in a semblance of a smile. “The plan is a good one... if the Monguls are in for an all out attack.”

“And what do you think they are really up to?” Byakko, golden eyes intent on the fox, asks while his huge paws lazily fiddle with the buckles on the leather straps across his chest.

The fox gives a wider grin, “why not take the Western headquarters while the army is busy? Then the battle is won.”

Fujin, ankle-length ebony hair constantly flowing in a breeze that seems to touch her alone, holds up a hand for attention, “the Monguls are a proud but barbaric people. They have long lost much of the power in the blood of their natives for magic; only a few elementals are born each generation. However, they have made up for it with unbending will and tactical maneuvers. We do not know of their plans, so it is best to be prepared for anything... that is if we are to interfere.” She casts a speculative glance at Arikura.

Likewise, the others turn their speculative gazes toward the unspoken (yet acknowledged) voice of the Council.

Her golden eyes remain empty of emotion, like an ice storm in the middle of the winter months, cold enough to make even the staunches warrior flinch. She stands slowly, gracefully, a pillar of alabaster in a pure white kimono with the lightest blue thread stitching—kanji boldly proclaiming her House and status, [1]shotainushi –pulled tight to her tiny frame. She is fair of face with the white hair of all pure shiro inus; indeed, a deceptive beauty hides a deadly huntress.

“The late Inu no Taisho once sent these invaders from the shores of Nippon,” her gentle, dulcet tone seems to amplify in the Council chamber, and she turns to the far southern wall (in which several shrines are set in small nooks) and bows her head silently to his memorial. “He did so without interference or aid from us or our soldiers.” Her hands fold together in proper etiquette, “Here, two hundred and fifty years later, they have returned due to our dealings in the region,” with this, her expression actually changes. The corners of her mouth turn up in a cruel semblance of a smile. “Now, our plans have come to fruition. If the youngest Prince of the Western Lands is indeed wanting in strength, power, and courage, then he will fall at the final battle and leave the elder to rule alone. If both Princes are a taint to their noble bloodlines and unfit to rule, we shall intervene to assure both will fall and a new line, an honorable ruler, shall take the Western throne.”

Goryo straightens from his haunched position over the table, making the sunlight gleam off his armor and twin blades strapped to his back. One milky white eye and clear brown eyes fixing on Arikura. The cat rumbles in dissatisfaction. “As has been proven on numerous occasions,” he begins (and immediately gains the attention of all, for he is not a demon of speech but one of action), “the sons of the Inu no Taisho have proven their worth—over and over. They did what we could not, destroy the Jewel of Four Souls. Neither used selfishness or vanity, neither used it for their own personal gain. The boy did not use it to become a full demon. The elder did not use it to bring back his late father.” The cat’s eyes narrow and sweep the congregation. “This farce has gone on long enough—it is a dishonorable act to discriminate against the sons of the West due to one’s own prejudices.” Arikura did not flinch at the subtle barb, but her eyes narrow on him (only the most trained eye would discern the minute tightening of her features).

Mizuchi holds up a hand to break the staring-down between the cat and dog. “Of course Arikura has a history with the Western Lands—which may color her perception. However, the situation remains crucial. Considering the West is the most powerful Kingdom in Nippon—made so by the Inu no Taisho and maintained by Lord Sesshomaru—nothing yet has happened to expand its borders. The only explanation is that the Great Trial of the youngest has turned the eldest. He is no longer the strong, untouchable young pup that stood here before us four hundred years ago. The embodiment of a ruler.” The dragon stands, tips of his claws still touching the table, “if he is weak and inept, it is our duty to take him out of power.”

“Is it now?” Tengu retorts. “I thought our duty is to those in Nippon—to maintain the balance of power. If the West overwhelms the other nations, then the balance is thrown.”

“Taking out the weakest ruler does maintain the balance,” Byakko replies, “and the West is the most turbulent as of late. It needs a ruler of worth.”

“So more bloodshed is to bring peace?” The soft voice breaks through the rough males, “have we not learned in all our years that, at times, the honorable ruler is the one that is just, that is strong of heart, and powerful in his compassion?” Kujimunaa’s gentle face almost shames Mizuchi.

“In times of peace, compassion for the weak is boon. But in times like these,” Arikura sighs gently at her fellow female, “we live in constant bloodshed and poverty. Hundreds of roving groups slaughter innocent humans and demons without pause; the number of samurai is higher than ever before. And more, the humans are gaining hold, and we, the demons, are slowly dying out. For the future of our kind and the future of this land, we must make endeavor to make the best choices for all. A ruler must be strong of heart and of sword, or the final result will be the end... of us all.”

Back with the Princes of the West...

Sesshomaru is uncertain if his younger brother could be anymore infuriating than he is being Right. Now.

Preparations to depart for the shores are complete. Leaving two hundred soldiers to guard the palace is the most he can spare, not to mention that each soldier is already on double-shifts and making more weapons to stock pile (especially arrows) to make up for the mass amount leaving with the foot soldiers. In a few days, the smiths of the castle would replenish swords, shields, and spears would be ready.

The only setback: a half-breed with puppy ears.

InuYasha had left breakfast with a small bow and literally vanished. First, while Sesshomaru had met with his advisors and had seen to preparations for departure, two servants from the kitchen ran frantically into his office and stated their food supplies had been raided. Rice bags vanished, cured meats gone, dried fruit missing. More than thirty baskets were simply gone into thin air. One of the servants was packing the second cart of food when he noticed the first was completely empty! No one demon could eat a whole cart of food, and no one from the kitchen, the scullery, or the barracks knew what happened. None of the guards in the inner courtyard had seen a thing! They would need at least another two hours to replace what was gone.

Less than an hour later: a smithy from the armory came to his office—hammer in one hand gripped so tightly, the lord thought the handle would splinter into pieces. Ginkoru, one of Sesshomaru’s favorite weapons smiths, is one of the few humans in his employ. Largely built (for a human), Gin is nearly as tall as the lord himself and twice as broad; he is a clean shaven human (due to working around large plumes of fire, or so the lord assumes) and always carries the scent of sweat, blood, and iron. However, his anger and irritation is the main scent emanating—the lord mentally groans.

“Milord!” Gin pauses, takes a deep breath, and bows low in respect before continuing on.

“Something troubles you,” Sesshomaru begins (while still reading the inventory list of supplies and soldiers) to let the human know his lord is ready to address Gin’s issues.

“Aye, sire. It seems mischief is afoot!” Gin sinks down to one knee, “I know this may sound like madness, milord, but hear me out.”

“What has occurred?”

“Gnomes, sire. Thieving little bastard gnomes!...Pardon me language, Sesshomaru-sama but they’re after me, I dare say.”

At this, Sesshomaru stills. Slowly, his head rises and turns to look at the smithy directly.

“It’s the only way to explain it all, sire!” Gin hurries along, “first, the newest swords I finished just vanished from my workshop! I went looking all over the place in case one of the men picked ‘em for the journey but, no sire, there they were sitting along side the sheep in the stables! So, I brought them back and the five spears Kenshin-san ordered were gone too. When next I looked, they were on the other side of my forge! I swear to the Gods I put them with the rest of the completed weaponry! Then, I just passed it all off and started building the fire for another sword, and somehow, the accelerant was knocked over into the vat—I nearly burned my eyebrows off!—and then,”

“It seems,” the lord smoothly interjects, “ there is indeed mischief afoot.” The lord stands, “it is not the work of mythical creatures, this Sesshomaru assures you Ginkoru, the guilty party will be dealt with.”

The smithy sighs (seemingly in relief), “thank-you milord!”

No sooner was the smith gone then two maids (twin raccoon sisters) were bowing low at his office door.

“Allow me to guess,” the lord starts.

“It isn’t our fault, sire!” The first one bewails without raising her head, “we are certain we cleaned your personal bedchamber as perfectly as always!”

Blink. Blink.

“What… has occurred?”

“The whole room is destroyed, milord,” the other sister whispers in fear.

Enough of this. “I am certain I know of the culprit. Return to your duties. Have my rooms cleaned again.”

The Lord of the Western Lands storms out of his office before more can come to his door.

Meanwhile, the younger of the two siblings is lounging on the highest balcony of the palace, munching on a pilfered apple. The days are as cold as the night, and the trees afford him little cover unless the branches are covered in snow, so his favorite perches are out. No shelter from the biting cold on the freezing rock. Luckily for him, returning to his half-hanyou form assures him the biting cold is not as detrimental as on humans; cold: hell, yes. Pneumonia, frost bite: nope. The fire rat robe is meant for protection from demonic attacks, swords, spears, thunder, fire, ki blasts, crazy humans with sticks, well, at the time “sits,” but not so much for cold weather. He had always depended on his half-demon blood to save him from human sicknesses. Today, however, he feels overly hot and tingly since changing back. The coldness actually feels pretty good.

Regardless, he’s out here to avoid the eventual shit storm brewing in the Western Palace. The hanyou is certain a line is already forming outside his brother’s office door from all the crap he’d already pulled this morning after the incredibly uncomfortable breakfast. The advisors and guests at the lord ’s table had posed too many uncomfortable question to him:

            “How good to see you, milord. Will you be staying here at the palace?”

            “Shall we be graced with your presence at the next meeting, sire? I am certain your opinion on the current trade routes would be much appreciated.”

            “I have heard of your adventures gracious prince. In your opinion, have the Western Lands been overseen properly?”

            “I am certain you know of the carnivorous demon attacks in the last three moons have been thwarted—was that your doing, InuYasha-sama?”

            “We are honored to welcome you back... Is Lord Sesshomaru giving you the position as his advisor of war? Or his magistrate? Second diamyo?”

            Was Sesshomaru—Lord Asswipe—any help whatsoever?

            Hell fucking no. The tight-lipped bastard just looked down his nose at the table full of advisors and then at InuYasha, expecting him to answer all these stupid questions. Like Sesshomaru actually wanted to know if a fucking hanyou thought of trading and shit.

            InuYasha, always one to think strategically on his feet, replied with, “Keh, nothing has been decided yet. For right now, we’re concerned about kicking the hell out of the invading army that are threatening our lands and our people. When that’s taken care of, we’ll worry about the rest.”

            For him, it was a masterpiece of bullshit. He even said it in the nicest way possible! If his arm could have reached that far, the hanyou would have given himself a hearty pat on the back. Even Sesshomaru seemed surprised he came up with that load of crap off the top of his head.

Since taking off from the advisors, his mischief had been somewhat innocent while waiting for his lordly brother’s preparations to be finished so they could get this show on the road. If he had any clue where they were headed, he would have already been on his way without having to follow his brother like a puppy. But, he had no clue where the battlefield is or is comfortable enough to ask someone where he should be heading. So, waiting it is. Of course the hanyou understood the necessary planning it takes to get a thousand men and supplies moved in a three-day trip to where the hell ever (just because he has always fought either alone or with a small, mobile group doesn’t mean the half-demon is stupid), he is still restless. Doing shit to make the whole ordeal more difficult for the asshole is just an added perk. Boredom and the hanyou had never mixed well.

Throwing his apple core over the edge of the balcony, the hanyou balances himself perfectly and stretches his lithe frame, hoping to alleviate the tingly feeling in his hands and arms. Numerous popping of his joints fades in the distance. Below him, hundreds are gathered in block ranks, carrying weaponry, bags, and bed mats. Numerous carts are hooked to demons baring more supplies (the ones he’d stolen and distributed to the castle children had apparently been replaced). Soon they would move out.

The hanyou hops down from his perch and makes his way back through his brother’s guest room and makes his way out of the lord’s chamber and down the family hallway. He keeps his expectations low, yet the servants scurrying past him still take ample time to bow low as he passes. He sneers to himself, not even acknowledging their respectful bows, wondering how long this false sentiment will last. Whatever Sesshomaru told his people (or whatever threats he might have made) could not change a lifetime to hate and bigotry. InuYasha would not put his belief into two days. Keep your mind on the bigger picture, hanyou, he thinks as he takes the stairs, win the war and leave this place behind.

Perspective gained, InuYasha pauses briefly at the painting of his mother and father. He means to move on after a glance, but the hanyou stops and even moves closer. His golden eyes inspect every detail from the hem of her ornate kimono to the tortoise shell hair piece. His eyes move back to hers, still and yet so real as only a skilled artist could portray. The lines in her face or the crinkles at the corners of her eyes, all characteristics he can remember, are not present in this picture, nor can the young hanyou tell if his mother is pregnant with him at the time the painting was done.

Here, her eyes are softer, her smile genuine, and her stance leaning toward the towering demon at her side. Her outer kimono is not the usual pink one he had become accustomed to; rather she wore an outer kimono of white silk with a Yuzen design similar to the red cherry blossom-like design on Sesshomaru’s kimono. This kimono, as beautiful in its simplicity as her other, more ornate one, is one the hanyou had never seen. The way she glows with happiness and serenity beside his father makes her son’s heart ache. This painting shows more than InuYasha can understand: had she been here long enough to be painted? How had she made it to Takemaru’s castle to give birth to him? Had his father abandoned her just to die and then felt guilty about it later? What happened...?

            Oddly enough, why is his father not wearing armor?

“You have been causing trouble for this Sesshomaru, little brother.”

So lost in his musings, InuYasha didn’t hear or scent his brother’s approach, what the hell is wrong with me today?I’ve already changed back—how did I not hear or scent that bastard? Never one to turn his back on an enemy, the hanyou turns to face the demon lord. As usual, the expression is coldly disdainful.

“Dunno what ye talkin’ about,” he lies without a flinch.

“This Sesshomaru is certain you don’t,” Sesshomaru replies.

“You got plenty of supplies anyhow,” the hanyou turns back to the painting.

Suprizingly, no rebukes are returned. “True,” the demon lord also observes the portrait, used to the pangs of guilt in his chest when he looks upon the happy faces of Lady Izayoi... Come Sesshomaru, feel your younger brother moving.

“I’m surprised you would let this stand here,” the younger says after a few moments of silent contemplation. “The two of them together, I mean.”

Sesshomaru turns to regard InuYasha, the anger behind those pranks forgotten. “The portrait remains as a tribute to your mother’s grace and sacrifice. She was much beloved here—by all in the castle.”

The scoff is not unexpected, “except for you, right?”

Something in the demon lord snaps at that comment. Before he considers his words, his oath, “...I adored your mother.”

Eyes widen as the hanyou slowly turns, “who the fuck are you trying to kid?” The slow simmer of his anger turns up a notch. The fucking nerve of this asshole!

“I do not lie...” he hesitates only a second, not even realizing he is not using the royal person, “your mother was more kind to me than my own. She would allow me to put my ear to her belly and listen to your heart beat in the womb.”

InuYasha is at a loss of this discovery; he sputters for only a moment before his tongue sharpens, “then why exile her after I was born? You hate humans so damn much, and me ‘cause I have part of her blood.”

“Has this lord ever said, specifically, that he hates you, little brother? Has it ever been uttered exactly that I hated her?”

Damn, that really makes the hanyou think hard. Their encounters had always been more oriented to InuYasha dying, being a taint, being a fucking half-breed, and having the sword. “Well, you know, saying “die” and shoving your hand through my gut is a hell of an indicator, bastard. Leaving her and me in the hands of cruel human relatives, letting me grow up in the wilds, saying I’m an abomination due to her blood in my veins... gee Sesshomaru why would I ever think you hated her?” The bitter ring does not faze Sesshomaru in the slightest.

“You were not there for the first meeting, how do you think you would know what happened?” The elder challenges.

Bitterness churns along side anger. InuYasha’s muscles tense and hands curl into fists as he snarls, “I didn’t have to fucking be there, Sesshomaru. Let’s see. Why didn’t I grow up in the Western lands? Why was she exiled to her death after our father died? You sure as hell didn’t raise a hand to help him save her from the burning castle, and you didn’t take her in after it was all said and done, did you? She had to go back to her bastard people and die! You had the power to keep her from dying, but you didn’t raise a fucking finger.”

“Have you ever considered I had no other option, little brother?” Sesshomaru moves, hands moving quickly to capture his brother’s shoulders and hold the younger demon still. His voice rises, “I am a powerful demon, InuYasha, but I am only a daimyo of the West. There are others I must answer to.”

This, the first admission, makes the level of anger lower an iota. Wait, what? What the fuck is he getting at? The younger’s eyebrows draw together, “what the fuck are you trying to say? Did someone make you abandon me? Make you hate me? Make you want the sword for your own? That’s not fucking likely, asshole. You get some sick pleasure out of making me bleed.”

The grip on his arms tightens enough to cause slight pain; the elder inu’s face changes, actually twists with some kind of... pain. This isn’t just regular ole’ Sesshomaru pissy-ness. No, there is hurt in his golden eyes. The hanyou’s pulse jumps.

“Has the damned flea told you nothing?!” The lord leans down to put the two eye-to-eye, “inus are family-oriented demons. I am naturally inclined to care about your health and well-being! We are siblings. What other reason could keep me from you, you, all that I have left in this world? Why would I want a relic of our father when you are my last living link to him?” Pain blossoms in his chest, decades of loneliness well up in the pit of his stomach. The knowledge that he would only be able to cause his younger brother pain when next they met made him ache. Stop. Stop it now. This is not your place. ‘Damn,’ the inu lord thinks to himself and releases his sibling before more comes tumbling out. Sesshomaru turns back to the painting—thinking he could just feign nothing has been said.

“Uh-hu,” the younger replies in an unsteady tone, trying for false bravado. “Like I’m suppose to believe you went so far, two hundred years too far, and someone just decided you don’t have to hate me anymore.” The younger brushes off his sleeves as if pretending the grip of his brother left some imaginary wrinkles while he tries instead to get a grip on himself. “You can only fake disgust for so long, brother.”

“Think what you will. This Sesshomaru is allowed to say no more.”

The hanyou’s eyes narrow, his mind churning at the possibilities. Allowed? Who could possibly have power over someone like Sesshomaru? “Keh, whatever. I’m sure you’d say just about anything to keep me at your side for this war.”

“That is not true,” the tone is softer again. “Soon, you will know the truth. We leave immediately for the southern shore.” Difficult as it is, the demon lord keeps his duty in mind as he turns away and starts down the stairs again, his feet like lead that take him away from unburdening his soul.

Yet, his ears pick up the sound of InuYasha moving behind him, following. A shift in his peripheral vision shows the flash of red at his right hand.

“I dunno how to take this touchy-feely crap, Sesshomaru,” the hanyou states while they descend, “but don’t think for a second that I’m letting my guard down. I said I’d help you, not that I’d let you fuck with me. Got it? You got something to fucking say, then out with it. No more cryptic shit.”

“This Sesshomaru expects nothing less than your usual paranoid self, little brother.” Not when I have been in your place before—doubting Father’s every move and motive. “For now, focus on the matter at hand. The war looms, and all will need to be on alert.”

“Good. Long as you know what I’m about. Let’s go kick some invader ass so things can go back to the way it was.”

At the bottom, Sesshomaru pauses abruptly and looks sharply at his sibling.

“What now?” The hanyou asks warily, also pausing in mid-step. His body tenses for a snap movement.

“...Is that what you really want, InuYasha? For this Sesshomaru to go back feuding with you, fighting you at every turn? Did we not work well together against the cursed sword and the hanyou Naraku?”

His ears perk. What the fuck is going on here...could there be a possibility...? “At least I know what to expect from the old you. This new Sesshomaru... I dunno what you’ll do next. Better the bastard I know than the bastard I don’t.” The younger replies honestly, better the demon I know to hate rather than get to like him and be let down, like what happened the first time I met him...

The demon lord regards him for long moments, some sort of assessment going on behind his golden eyes. Finally, the elder starts walking again. “That is fair,” is spoken over one shoulder.

~~~~~~~~~~
The caravan of Western soldiers follows at a slower pace than the Lord and his younger brother. It will take three full days of traveling at demonic speed for the army to reach its destination. In less than a day, Sesshomaru and InuYasha can be at the shoreline while traveling in Sesshomaru’s light form. Thus, in the courtyard of the palace, Sesshomaru is able to touch his brother for a second time without having to maim or defame the hanyou. He silently rejoices.

The battalion and supply carts leave through the main gates with several generals watching over the progress while the brothers watch them go: InuYasha with confusion and Sesshomaru with determination.

“Now, little brother, we go,” Sesshomaru, with no sign of his inner trepidation, reaches out a hand.

In turn, the latter eyes the offered hand with mistrust and confusion, “ain’t we following?”

“The mode we shall use to travel is ten times faster than by land or animal. You and this Sesshomaru have a stop to make before reaching the attack zone. There are others with their spies that have more information than the West has gathered at present.” The offered hand opens more fully, “travel with this Sesshomaru, InuYasha.”

At that, a request made softly, the hanyou hesitantly takes the hand that had (more than once) spilled his blood, battered his body, and betrayed his trust. Unexpectedly, the asshole’s hand is warm and soft, not like the hanyou’s own leathery skin.

He does not have much time to concentrate on it, however, when Sesshomaru’s youkai begins to wrap around him, softly vibrating against his skin—like hundreds of tiny bugs all over him. InuYasha’s own energy began rising in retaliation of the feel of his older brother’s power, not in a stand-off or offensive move... but in a way he cannot explain. The hanyou’s confusion triples when his brother’s arms move to wrap around him, their chests pressing together, and their bodies fitting into one another. The younger becomes pliant, molding perfectly against his brother’s armor, his head nestled under Sesshomaru’s chin.

“This might feel strange, but bare with this Sesshomaru,” the warm breath against his ear makes the younger suppress a shudder and hide his reddening cheeks. With this distraction, he does not notice the compaction of his physical form into a sphere of light. The two brothers, through demonic magic, condense to the cellular level; as they are pressed so close together in this singular form, InuYasha cannot tell where he leaves off and Sesshomaru begins. The only thing he can tell is when their combined form levitates off the ground and shoots through the sky.

*How in hell is this happening?* He is not speaking, his words would have been lost in how fast they are moving. More like his thoughts are hanging between them. He can still feel his body: heart beating, lungs filling, arms and legs tingling. His eyes can only pick out the scenery flying by in blurs of colors, surrounded by the glowing yellow of Sesshomaru’s intense youkai.

*Have you not noticed this Sesshomaru is able move quicker than the eye, little brother?*

*I always just thought you were super faster, faster than Naraku*

*It is not simply a matter of speed, but more of demonic magic and use of youkai. While fighting, this lord is able to disappear and reappear behind an enemy. One that could not scent this Sesshomaru the air until the reappearance—ready to attack from the side or behind. It is quite a handy ability, yet it takes an incredible amount of concentration.*

*Keh. Just use it on me, right? Figures. This is much faster than walking.*

*Indeed. It is, however, just as complex to keep the spell going over many miles. This Sesshomaru does not use it as a mode of transportation very often. I find two-headed dragons are the only way to fly.*

*...Holy shit. Did you just make a joke? A real joke?*

*That was this Sesshomaru’s attempt. Do not expect it to be a common occurrence.*

*Damn, if they’re all that bad, I hope not.*

*Quite cruel, InuYasha.*

*Just get us wherever the hell we’re going. Yer usin’ up too much brainpower on this ball ‘o light thing to make any good jokes.*

*Hn. I will have to endeavor to fulfill your comedic requirements.*

*Keh, how about you tell me why the fuck you’ve hated me all these years instead. That’ll fulfill my need to know why this sudden change of heart. Why treat me like shit when family means so much to inu demons? Don’t give me half-assed answers, either. Try giving the truth a shot.*

*The matter is more complicated than just a short time will allow, and thus whole story cannot be told at this time, as this Sesshomaru already stated. However, what you have gone through at this lord’s hands is not uncommon for royalty, InuYasha. Many siblings or families attempt to murder another for various reasons. Our father spent two hundred years trying to destroy this Sesshomaru before he would accept him as his son and heir to his legacy... For most of this life, peace was an unknown concept from childhood until much later—he hunted your elder brother with a vengeful need to destroy. He came close to killing this exiled inu more than once.* Even if he did not have eyes or a physical form, Sesshomaru feels the impression of eyes upon him.

*You will have difficulty accepting that your brother is something other than your own consistent devil, but the location is within sight and any further questions cannot be answered by this Sesshomaru. Perhaps you will find that the devil you do not know is one you may actually trust someday.*

Slowly, the tiny ball of light drifts to the ground, and two full beings stand at the base of the Elder’s sanctuary. The elder silent and unimpressed, the younger thrououghly confused at the complete lack of answers he was hoping to finally squeeze out of the tight-lipped lord. It seemed Sesshomaru political knack for answering nothing is an art the tell-it-like-it-is hanyou hates. With a huff, he glances to the huge spire with every intention of making it a quick look before wringing his brother’s neck. The glance, however, takes his breath.

Of all places he expected to finally see, this is not even close to his mental picture. Sesshomaru had said they were going to see someone with more information (more spies, InuYasha took it)—so, he expected some hidden cave in the side of a mountain, or a secluded little hut in the middle of the forest, perhaps some hamlet deep in the swamps, well—maybe an old hermit at the snow-covered top of the far mountains (something to alleviate the growing heat he is still experiencing would be nice). Hell, he was even prepared to go traipsing through craggy desert or a hidden underwater cave. Is that what he gets? Hell no. Not even close.

The immense ivory tower stands at an alarming height, pristine and graceful. The hanyou has never seen a structure as the one that rises out of the ocean before him. His mouth opens automatically, ears lay back, eyes widen as his gaze follows the length of the tower to ogle at its magnificence, unaware of how cute his amazed face is to his older brother.

The demon lord merely smirks at the puppish-look, drinking in the unfamiliar expression on InuYasha’s face. He can image how his younger sibling will react to learning new things everyday with the same expression of awe and wonderment. He can almost image how it would be to have his sibling stand with him at everyday meetings, at battles for the safety and security of their people, at dinner when the day has wound down and they can be somewhat at ease...

“Well, this is where we find our contacts, huh? Nice place, but how do we get up there?” The hanyou interrupts his thoughts, and Sesshomaru glances at the shorter. His eyes narrow on InuYasha’s face, red tinting his cheeks and forehead, a fine sheen of sweat on his upper lip. Their journey should not have made the young one so warm. Sesshomaru opens his mouth to comment on the hanyou’s appearance but watches the questioning look in his brother’s golden eyes morph into irritation. He does not want to annoy InuYasha before he is to meet the Council and decides discretion is the better part of valor.

“Only demons are able to reach the top, little brother. It is the final step in your great trial—the answers which you seek are here.” Sesshomaru replies enigmatically, “This older brother hopes you are prepared to meet the forefathers of demon kind.”

Without further ado, Sesshomaru quickly reaches out to wrap an arm around InuYasha and jumps into the air.

(Wouldn’t it be mean to stop here?)

Landing on the balcony, all of Sesshomaru’s old memories revive—driving a metaphysical fist into his abdomen. This, his own mind, is an enemy he cannot fight with claws or swords. He takes back his arm and looks down into his brother’s confused face.

“I have followed orders and left you in the darkness for long enough, little brother.” The words from his father’s mouth give a much-younger Sesshomaru pause. Standing here, on this balcony, after his father dumped him unceremoniously on the stone floor, Sesshomaru readies himself for another bloody brawl with his hateful sire...until those words: “I have left you in the darkness for far too long, my beautiful and powerful son,” gives him pause. No royal first person, no tense muscles ready to strike, no weapons at the ready...

“I have abandoned you, bloodied you, hated you to make you into this powerful warrior. Worthy in all respects.” Not trusting this newfound sentiment of love (expecting some surprise attack), Sesshomaru bared his teeth and claws at the Inu no Taisho, “spewing more lies, bastard?” “No, my son. Never again. I have abandoned you to the wilds, bloodied you, hated you—all to make you strong enough to stand at my side as an honorable ruler.”

InuYasha bares his teeth, ignoring the opulent double doors right in front of him or the breathtaking view from the top of the tower. “What the fuck is going on here? What’s with all this shit all of a sudden?” Panic starts to blossom in the hanyou’s chest and turns to instant adrenaline, making him hotter and prepared for attacks.
“Are you setting me the fuck up you son of a pox-ridden bitch?” Images of the un-Mother, of their past fights, of Sesshomaru’s lust for Tetsuaiga all float around the hanyou’s mind as he backs up a step with hand already on the hilt.

The demon lord holds up both hands in surrender. “No. The elders you are about to encounter are anxious to meet you due to the reputation and deeds you have achieved in your exile. They have the answers to your questions.” Sesshomaru steps aside, one arm gestures to the massive double doors. Seemingly planned, the doors open outward and beckon InuYasha inside. “You’re answers lie within, Sesshomaru. It is your choice on whether or not you wish to have them.” His father gestured to the double doors, and they swing open without even being touched. It was all too surreal for the battered and abused young inu. Yet, if his hated father finally wanted to rid the world of his first-born, the “abomination” to the name of the Shiro Inus’, then so be it! He would fight whomever, whatever lay beyond this door. Sesshomaru sniffed at his father as he started to pass, resisting the urge to spit at his father’s feet.

“If you enter now, all you have wondered will be explained. If you do not, your brother can never tell you the whole truth.” The elder simply states.

The hanyou’s hackles rise more as his mind works frantically to interpret the words,‘Can’ never, not will never. What the fuck am I getting myself into? What’s the trap? Who could be strong enough to hold power over the Lord of the West...? Not someone I’d stand a chance against. Not in a million suns...But I’ll never get this chance again. So what if someone of these fuckers want to kill me? That’s nothin’ new. ‘Sides, like to see ‘em try to take me out. Confidence renewed, the hanyou straightens.
“Don’t make me fucking regret this, Sesshomaru.” The hanyou speaks to himself, but the demon lord bows his head in recognition.

In his flaming fire rat robe, InuYasha gives Sesshomaru a wary glance and precedes the demon lord. However, his ears swivel as he keeps track of his brother’s movements at all times.

~~
Down a small hallway is one of the best rooms the hanyou has ever seen. It is a massive, curling library. Shelves line the wall that curves into a circle with windows high above allowing soft sunlight to make the room bright, cheery. At the apex of the circle, a dais erected with special tatami and a large, traditional table holds the so-called elders Sesshomaru brought him to meet. Or so the hanyou assumes. The power radiating from the four is enough to make any demon think twice.

Sesshomaru keeps himself from flinching at the scene before them: the same library stacked full of tomes, a gathering of lifetimes and knowledge. The young inu is in awe at so much and angry that he wouldn’t even be able to read a single line. Not that the four seated demons would allow him the attempt; he sneered as the stood, ready for anything...

InuYasha’s hands find the folds of his long sleeves while looking at the assembled demons and demonesses seated at the table. Two males and two females. All four stand as the doors behind the inu brothers swing closed. His hidden hands automatically lower an inth to be closer to his sword.

“Weapons will not be necessary at this meeting,” a golden voice lights the room. The white-haired female speaks with cold disdain, like he offended her or some shit. “There will be no violence here at the sanctuary of the Elder Council.”

The hanyou’s eyes narrow dangerously, a rolling growl purrs in his chest.

The same female reaches out a pale hand, “come forward InuYasha, son of the Inu no Taisho and great hero to the demonic world.” He can tell she is a shiro inu just by her hair and eye color in the human form, of course her towering height is another indicator; moreover, InuYasha notes, she is one of the royal line. Her graceful bearing and breeding is obvious in every move... the half moon on her forehead gives him a slight pause and eye dart to Sesshomaru. She is a woman accustomed to having power, at least by the punching feel of her youkai and the boundary she keeps on it.

The second female exudes a motherly air with a softer power signature. She is closer to the human species with delicate features, bright violet eyes, and slightly pointed ears that set her apart from mundane humanity. This woman reminds him of his own mother, her quite strength and soft expression makes him want to move closer to her just by unconscious association. Even her kimono and folded hands remind him of his mother’s stance. He refuses to be drawn in by her.

The two males are in animalistic forms. The first male is ancient; InuYasha can tell by more by the knowledge gleaming in his one seeing eye than the subtle rumble of power that marches over his skin like a constant drum beat. Also telling of his battles are the physical characteristics, the other eye is covered by a milky white film and the fur by his face, hands, and forearms are dented with scars. A demon would heal many of those wounds unless he had seen countless battles. Just as telling, the old cat wears armor that—unlike Sesshomaru’s—is dented and scarred as the wearer. This is the first cat demon inuYasha has ever seen that has grey streaks in his brown and golden coat; it is also the first cat demon that hasn’t wanted to maim him upon initial meeting.

The second male is a grinning fox, and his exuding aura makes for instant mistrust even though InuYasha’s hackles are already on the rise. The damn fox doesn’t look a day older than the hanyou himself—but has a power signature strong than Sesshomaru’s. His grin looks sadistic. Bile rises in InuYasha’s throat, his eyes dart to his icy cold older brother, and he subtly turns an inth so his back is not to his brother.

The woman’s hand is still out and she stands shock still, like she’s a cold statue of indifference. Not one to be cowardly, InuYasha lets his hands hang at his sides while his ears swivel and twitch for the sound of movement. Slowly, the hanyou strides toward the four with head held high, keeping to one side of her outstretched hand just in case.

Seeminly miffed at his defiance, the powerful female looks down her nose at him and lowers her hand while looking on with a screwd, calculating gaze. She’s sizing him up, and he recognizes it, looking back up at her on the raised platform. The other three move to stand at the edge when InuYasha refuses to look away first.

“Welcome to the sanctuary of the Demon Elders.” The motherly one greets him, abruptly severing the stare-down with her words and a dainty hand on the sleeve of the female inu. “I am Kujimunna, friend to your mother, the Lady Izayoi. This is Lady Arikura, the voice of our council and former mate to your father, the Inu no Taisho,” at this, InuYasha’s ears perk slightly. Ah, this is his bastard brother’s mother. How fucking wonderful. “This is Goryo, one of the greatest warriors in demon history,” the cat nods at the hanyou with a solemn expression. “And finally, this is Hakuzosu, one of our brilliant tricksters.”

Kujimunna steps down from the dais to face the younger inu; her expression is gentle, sorrowful once she sees far beyond the outer exterior and fearlessness to pain, loneliness, and hoplessness behind his golden eyes. In mere moments, she knows how close he has come to the abyss. They are almost too late to save the poor young one from his greatest enemy: himself.

“We have watched your progress and received reports from your trainer, Sesshomaru. It is good you have finally made it here,” Kujimunna smiles at him with that motherly air.

“Wait a second, trainer?” the hanyou looks back at the silent bastard in the corner of the room. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Sesshomaru?”

The demon lord stays silent and still, his eyes distant from the spectacle across the room.

“Answer me you son of a bitch! What the fuck is she talking about!” He takes one step toward Sesshomaru, having e-fucking-nough of this beat-around-the-bush bullshit. It’s time for some ass kicking.

A tiny, dainty hand on his sleeve, however, makes him pause. Kagome’s hand on my sleeve... but no, the elder lady caught his sleeve between two fingers. “I have made tea for your visit, and some of us have gathered so we may tell you of The Great Trial and answer what questions you may have regarding why you have been exiled from your homeland and your lord brother sent to train you.”

Great trial? What, being a hanyou? The inu’s eyes narrow suspiciously on his brother before returning to the powerful yet gentle demoness.

“Well, I appreciate the tea but no thanks. Until I’m sure this isn’t my asshole brother’s attempt at stealing my sword or my life, I think I’ll stand here.” He gives her a short nod, and tried to carefully pull his sleeve out of her grip by crossing his arms. “So? What the hell is this exile crap and who decided it? What did I do, as a fucking infant, to deserve exile other than be a half-breed?”

Arikura’s eyes narrow in some displeasure, and InuYasha is willing to bet talk of his mother grates on her nerves. But, the demoness glances at Sesshomaru, “if you will give us time with your brother, Lord Sesshomaru, we will send him back to you shortly.”

The demon lord gives a short bow, his eyes never leaving the gathering. “InuYasha, this Sesshomaru will be outside should you have need.”

The hanyou raises his lip in a snarl, “yeah, if I need someone to shove a hand through my gut, I’ll yell for ya’.”

The demon lord huffs , turns on his booted heel, and strides out of the meeting chambers.

[1] Japanese for Head of Household: http://japanesewordtranslation.com/h/head%20of%20household
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The Great Trial