Chapter 08: Dogs...
068 years in the past.
West lands of the demon realm.
It was a remarkably calm day, yet the clouds hanging in the sky seemed to issue subtle warnings of impending rain, even though it was clear that it would never actually rain. The dog demon wandered around the house, lost in thought. His father had wandered off again, leaving him with a sense of longing to train and hone his skills. But, oh well, he was accustomed to his father’s frequent disappearances. Ever since he was a young pup, he had been left in the care of his uncle while his father embarked on his own adventures, often leaving him feeling abandoned and alone.
With a soft sigh escaping his lips, he made his way into the expansive library. It was a curious thing to ponder why a dog demon lord would possess such a vast collection of books, but he didn’t mind at all. In fact, he found solace in reading. It was one of the few cherished memories he had of spending time with his mother, who had instilled in him a love for stories and knowledge.
As he scanned the room, his gaze fell upon two books that were opened and lying on a table. Intrigued, he walked over to investigate further. Leaning down, he examined the pages closely and blinked lightly in surprise when he saw the name “Elyasia” written on one of the pages. A flicker of curiosity ignited within him. “Is this where Father has wandered off to?” he wondered aloud, contemplating the possibility of following in his father’s footsteps and uncovering the mysteries that lay beyond the walls of their home
Southern lands
Princess Mira found herself muttering softly to herself as she strolled through the grand halls of the castle, her mind wandering as she took in the familiar sights. She made it a point to check on her loyal companions, wanting to ensure that each of them was engaged in their respective tasks. However, as she looked around, she realized that Mathias was nowhere to be found. A hint of concern crept into her thoughts, prompting her to seek out InuYasha, hoping he might have some insight into Mathias's whereabouts. Unfortunately, InuYasha shook his head, indicating that he, too, was unaware of the young lord's location.
With a sigh, Princess Mira decided to explore further and eventually found herself wandering into the castle's library. Although it wasn't as expansive as her sister's impressive collection, this two-story library held a treasure trove of knowledge, boasting over a thousand books that spanned centuries. Despite her best intentions, she had barely scratched the surface, having read less than half of the volumes that lined the shelves. As she scanned the room, her eyes finally landed on Mathias, who was deeply engrossed in a book.
He was a striking figure, with long, silvery-white hair that cascaded down his shoulders, as soft and lovely as it appeared. His deep golden eyes sparkled with a myriad of emotions, reflecting the depth of his character. While he bore a resemblance to his father, Lord Sesshomaru, Mathias possessed a unique charm that set him apart. Mira found herself particularly drawn to the black markings that adorned his skin, preferring them over her father's more traditional purple markings.
Quietly, she approached him, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and curiosity. As she neared, she playfully slid her hand over the page he was reading, which elicited a soft glare from him. However, there was a gentleness in his expression that made her smile.
“Princess, is something wrong?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Mira shook her head, her long hair swaying gently with the motion. “No, not at all. I just wanted to check on you, Mathias...”
In a surprising move, he leaned back in his chair and reached out, pulling her onto his lap. The sudden shift caught her off guard, and she gasped lightly, her cheeks flushing with surprise.
“Mathias?” she blinked up at him, her heart racing.
He smiled gently, wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace. “Is it wrong to hug you?” he asked, his tone playful yet sincere.
Mira couldn't help but giggle softly, her initial surprise melting away into comfort. “Nope… but your random hugs are really different,” she replied, a teasing lilt in her voice.
He blinked a few times, clearly puzzled. “Different from what?”
She shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips as she looked up at him. “Don't worry about it… So, what are you reading?” she inquired, genuinely curious about the book that had captured his attention.
Mathias leaned his head against her shoulder, a gesture that made her heart flutter. “It's the history of this realm...” he replied, his voice thoughtful.
“Are you really that interested in this realm?” she asked, intrigued by his choice of reading material.
He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “This realm is an odd place, yet so interesting. There’s so much to learn about its past, the events that shaped it, and the people who lived here. I find it fascinating,” he explained, his passion evident in his tone.
Mira felt a warmth spread through her as she listened to him speak. It was moments like these that made her appreciate their bond even more, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for the time they shared together in the quiet sanctuary of the library
West lands of the demon realm.
Inuyasha let out a soft sigh as he settled himself comfortably in the branches of a tall tree, the leaves rustling gently in the breeze around him. His mate had insisted that he check on his nephew, Mathias, but he couldn't help but wonder if it was truly necessary. After all, Mathias was no longer a child; he was all grown up and increasingly resembling his father, which sparked a curiosity in Inuyasha about the identity of Mathias's mother. However, he had never found the right moment to ask about it, and perhaps it was better that way.
“Nya, why can't I just relax for a day?” he muttered to the air, mostly to himself. He was well aware that his fox mate, Nya, would allow him to take a break, but only after he had fulfilled the obligation of checking on Mathias. It was a small price to pay for a moment of peace, but it still felt like a burden at times.
As he scanned the area around him, he suddenly heard a noise that caught his attention. Blinking in surprise, he looked down to see Mathias walking beneath him, seemingly wandering off somewhere with purpose. “Where are you going?” Inuyasha called out, his curiosity piqued.
Mathias paused in his tracks and looked up at his uncle, a hint of excitement in his eyes. “I'm going to check something out. Why do you ask?” he replied, his tone casual yet filled with youthful enthusiasm.
Inuyasha shot him a light glare, a playful frown crossing his face. “I was just wondering, you know? Geez,” he said, as he leaped down from the tree with a graceful agility that belied his half-demon heritage. “Plus, Nya sent me to check on you, so I guess I have to keep an eye on you.”
Mathias blinked at his uncle, a look of mild surprise crossing his features. “I'm sorry, Uncle Inuyasha. I just really want to check this place out...” he admitted, his voice trailing off as he glanced back in the direction he was headed.
Inuyasha studied him for a moment, a hint of concern creeping into his thoughts. “Do you think it has anything to do with your father disappearing?” he asked, his voice low and serious. The disappearance of his half-brother had been a mystery that weighed heavily on the family, and he couldn't help but wonder if Mathias was onto something.
Mathias nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. “Maybe, but it also seems interesting from the few books that Father has,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. With that, he turned and continued on his way, seemingly undeterred by the weight of his father's absence.
Inuyasha found himself pondering the situation as he followed Mathias at a leisurely pace. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt compelled to follow his nephew; it wasn't as if he was particularly interested in the whereabouts of his half-brother or the strange place that had captured Mathias's attention. Yet, there was something about the determination in Mathias's demeanor that intrigued him, and he felt a protective instinct kick in.
After walking for a while, they entered a dense forest, the trees towering above them like ancient sentinels. Mathias eventually came to a halt in front of an unusual tree that stood out from the rest. Inuyasha recognized it as the marker for a portal, a gateway to another realm. But why was this portal located in his brother's lands? The question lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken possibilities.
Mathias shook his head, momentarily lost in thought, before glancing back to see if his uncle had followed him. Inuyasha was there, watching him with a mix of curiosity and concern, but Mathias couldn't quite understand why his uncle was so invested in his exploration. Shaking off the feeling, he took a deep breath and stepped through the portal, ready to uncover whatever secrets lay beyond.
On the other side of the shimmering portal, Mathias stepped out cautiously, his senses heightened as he took in his surroundings. He found himself in a realm that was a stark contrast to the chaotic world he was accustomed to. Open fields stretched out before him, adorned with vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze, and the air was imbued with a sense of tranquility that he had rarely experienced. It was almost surreal, and for a moment, he stood still, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped him. Shaking off the feeling of unease, he began to wander, driven by a desire to find his father or anyone who might possess knowledge about this unfamiliar realm.
Meanwhile, Inuyasha stepped through the portal with a low growl escaping his lips. He had lost sight of his nephew, Mathias, and an unsettling feeling washed over him as he surveyed the serene landscape. It was too calm, too peaceful for his liking, and it set off alarm bells in his mind. Just as he turned to head back home, he was met with the disheartening realization that the portal had vanished, leaving him stranded in this tranquil yet disconcerting place. Another growl rumbled in his throat, a mix of frustration and concern for Mathias.
A short distance away, Heei was engaged in a rigorous training session with Sinta, who had transformed into his Youko form, showcasing his impressive agility and speed. The two were so engrossed in their sparring that they failed to notice the portal to the western lands of the demon realm had opened and closed behind them. However, the keen-eyed princess, Mira, did catch a glimpse of the portal, but her attention was too captivated by Sinta's graceful movements as he dodged Heei's blade, and she chose to ignore the anomaly.
As the training continued, Heei suddenly halted his attack, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. Sinta's ears perked up, indicating that they were not alone. The Youko swiftly made his way over to Mira, while Heei ventured off to investigate the source of the disturbance.
Inuyasha, having caught the scent of Heei, instinctively drew Tessaiga, his formidable sword, just as Heei emerged from the foliage. The two engaged in a fierce battle, their weapons clashing with a resounding echo that reverberated through the peaceful landscape. The sounds of their combat were jarring against the serene backdrop, and soon enough, Mira's patience wore thin. With a quiet yet commanding voice, she turned to Sinta, still in his Youko form, and requested that he intervene to stop the fighting.
Sinta complied with her wishes, using a seed from his hair to summon a series of vines that sprang to life. The vines grew long and strong, weaving their way around the two combatants, effectively pulling them apart and halting their skirmish.
Heei shot a glare at Sinta, clearly annoyed. “Hey, Fox, I was in the middle of a fight with the half-breed!” he exclaimed, frustration evident in his tone.
Sinta sighed lightly, his expression calm. “I understand that, but Mira doesn’t appreciate fighting, especially not in front of her,” he replied, his voice steady.
The fire demon sighed and muttered under his breath, while Inuyasha stood there, confusion etched on his face. He blinked, trying to comprehend the situation unfolding before him. It was then that he noticed Mathias watching from behind the princess, and his glare intensified.
Mira, sensing the tension, looked up at Mathias with curiosity. She hadn’t noticed him until that moment, and surprisingly, she felt no fear. With a gentle smile, she reached her hand up, prompting Mathias to look down at her. “Lord Sesshomaru, why are your pretty marks and crescent moon black?” she asked innocently.
Mathias shot her a glare, but it softened when he realized she didn’t recognize him. “Princess, I’m not Sesshomaru. He is my father. As for my marks and crescent moon… I do not know why they are black,” he explained, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty.
Mira blinked, her expression shifting to one of understanding as a smile crept onto her face. “So you’re Mathias? The ‘dark’ Sesshomaru, as I’ve heard?” she inquired, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
He thought for a moment before nodding, reaching out to take her hand gently, lowering it as he moved to stand beside her. “Yes…” he confirmed, feeling a sense of warmth in her presence.
She beamed at him, her curiosity piqued. “So why are you in Elyasia?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Mathias pondered for a moment, then knelt beside her, his expression serious. “I came for two reasons,” he replied, his voice low.
Her eyes widened with interest. “Two reasons?” she echoed, eager to hear more.
“Yes, one is to learn more about this peaceful place,” he explained, his gaze drifting momentarily.
“And two?” she pressed, her curiosity growing.
Before he could respond, Sinta returned, accompanied by his uncle and another demon still ensnared in the vines. Mathias closed his mouth, releasing Mira’s hand as he stood up, his attention shifting to the unfolding scene.
Mira pouted lightly, standing up as well. She looked up at Heei, her expression turning serious. “Heei-kun, you know Soren would send glares at you for all of the cuts on you and the puppy,” she remarked, concern lacing her words.
Inuyasha growled softly, irritation bubbling beneath the surface as Heei twitched at her comment. “You need another healer…” Heei muttered, his tone laced with annoyance.
Mira giggled lightly, her laughter a refreshing sound in the tense atmosphere. “I know, but still. Soren is the only healer we have, so don’t make him work too hard,” she said, her playful demeanor returning as Heei was dropped onto the grass, the vines releasing their hold.
Mathias glanced over at his uncle, a sigh escaping his lips. “You know, if you were nicer, they might put you down,” he suggested, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Inuyasha remained silent, merely growling in response, his frustration palpable.
Mira, noticing Inuyasha’s soft ears, turned to Sinta with a request. “Can you lower him down?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Once the vines lowered Inuyasha, she walked over and reached up, lightly touching his ears, which caused him to stop glaring momentarily.
Mathias approached Inuyasha, taking Tessaiga from his uncle’s grasp. Ignoring the pain that surged through him from the sword, he placed it blade down into the ground. “Tessaiga, I don’t even want you…” he muttered, his voice filled with disdain for the weapon.
Once Sinta sensed that Inuyasha had calmed down, he removed the vines and shifted back to his human form. “So, princess, what are we going to do with these two?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Mira thought for a moment, her expression brightening as an idea struck her. “Mathias, would you and the puppy like to be my knights?” she proposed, her eyes shining with excitement.
Mathias considered her offer, his brow furrowing in thought. “Would I be able to learn about this place?” he asked, glancing at Inuyasha, who was still in the process of removing her hands from his ears.
“I’m not a pup. My name is Inuyasha,” he interjected softly, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance.
Mira smiled at him warmly, her demeanor gentle. “I know. Lord Sesshomaru told me all about his half-brother. So when I saw your ears, I knew you had to be Inuyasha,” she explained, her gaze shifting back to Mathias. “And yes, I’m sure there are a lot of history books in my library, which is open for my knights and guests.”
Inuyasha muttered something under his breath, clearly unimpressed, while Mathias nodded in agreement. “Then I’ll be happy to be your knight. And so would my uncle,” he declared, a sense of determination in his voice.
“Yay!” Mira exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over as she giggled lightly, a sound that made Sinta and Heei sigh in unison, their expressions a mix of amusement and exasperation.
As the group settled into this new dynamic, Mathias felt a sense of belonging that he hadn’t anticipated. The peaceful realm of Elyasia was unlike anything he had ever known, and the prospect of learning about its history and culture filled him with a sense of purpose.
Southern lands
Mira had decided to leave Mathias to his reading, allowing herself a moment of solitude as she stepped outside into her not-so-hidden garden. The vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves filled her with a sense of peace, but a pang of longing struck her heart as she thought of Sinta. She knew that Kai, with his remarkable skills, would have her beloved fox fully healed and ready to return to her soon. As she gazed up into her favorite tree, a sense of nostalgia washed over her, and she blinked in surprise. “Inuyasha?” she called out, her voice a mix of curiosity and delight.
Inuyasha, perched high above, looked down at her with a playful glint in his eyes before leaping down gracefully to land beside her. “Yes?” he replied, his tone casual yet attentive.
Mira furrowed her brow, intrigued. “Why are you here? No, wait—how did you even find this garden?”
He paused for a moment, contemplating her question. “It smelt like you,” he finally said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “So I just followed the scent to this place. Is this a no-entering zone?”
She shook her head, letting out a soft sigh. “Not anymore… But it used to be my hidden garden. Oh well, I suppose it’s not so secret now.”
Inuyasha’s expression shifted as he thought for a moment, then a smirk spread across his face. Without warning, he scooped her up in his arms, causing her to blink in surprise. In a swift motion, he jumped up into the sprawling branches of the enormous Sakura tree, settling onto one of the benches with her comfortably in his lap.
Mira gasped lightly, her eyes wide as she took in the breathtaking view around her. “It’s so pretty up here,” she exclaimed, her heart swelling with joy.
Inuyasha chuckled softly. “I take it that no one has brought you up here before?”
She shook her head, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her cheeks. “Nope. I don’t really like heights, so Sinta and Heei never tried to take me up. But even with it being so high up, it’s absolutely beautiful.” She leaned back against his solid form, feeling a sense of safety and warmth envelop her.
He smirked lightly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “You are a lot like my mate,” he remarked, his voice thoughtful.
“How so?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“Scared of heights yet loves the views,” he replied, a fondness in his tone.
Mira giggled lightly, her heart fluttering at the thought. “Inu, one day, you have to tell me about her or let me meet her.”
“Maybe one day,” he said softly, pressing his chin against her shoulder and closing his eyes, savoring the moment. As they sat together in the tranquil beauty of the garden, a sense of peace enveloped them. Once the portal opened again, he planned on pulling his mate and son to Elyasia, hoping to share this serene place with them, where memories could be made and bonds could grow stronger.