EDIT: So this is strange but on my page it shows a normal chapter I re-posted everything again anyways though

A/N: So as it turned out I finally updated...Yay! -_- its really not much just something to move the story along but I am now trying to post more often. I won't give you exact dates but I can tell you have the next chapter in mind already. So again any reviews will be welcomed, critiques even more so. Which reminds me I thank Inumimi and Skilvh for being my first ever constructive critics, and everyone who reviews/ favorites/follows for putting up with me and my timings. Anyways this is still un-beta, heck I didnt even spent more than a few minutes rechecking it myself. But I am on the look out for a beta if anyone wants to offer or knows of sommebody send me a PM.

DISCLAIMER: the usual, I dont own anything but my originals.

WARNINGS: Just be aware that I did warn that this is AU and I am taking a lot of artistic liberties with the characters and the their settings.

It had been well past sunrise, when Inuyasha finally came to a large enough body of water in which he could bathe. It was a small, clear, little brook, usually only a foot or so deep in Summer and Fall. Luckily, because of the recent Spring showers, the bubbling brook was now at a height of three feet. Enough to reach Inuyasha just above his belt when he stood and make for a comfortable bathing spot. Which was just fine for Inuyasha, considering how the next body running of water wasn't for another three miles into the forest, a river named after some dragon or other that used to inhabit it some thousands of years ago. Not that it would have done him any good regardless because that river ran towards where he came and further into Sesshoumaru's territory which would've been counter productive when trying to wash away his scent if it ran right to the palace.

Thus, Inuyasha could not complain when he found the small little thing that ran north ,disappearing into the ground and possibly turning into an underground spring. Instead, he thanked Kami and all the minor gods that would listen, then quickly proceeded to shed his fire rat clothing, throwing it into the water to give a thorough wash before laying it out to dry on a nearby flat rock. Once, finished with that task he rummaged through Yashiro's pack and took out one of the floral smelling body soaps that were in there and quickly scrubbed himself making sure to be thorough, between toes, behind the ears, under his arms, and his scalp. All places where his scent would linger the greatest. He then quickly stepped out of the water and shook himself dry much like a dog he noted grimly as he rubbed the scent blocking oils on his body.

The oiliness was awkward at first, his body feeling uncomfortable and almost making him want to wash up again, but that too soon dried leaving him clean and scent free. Our young prince, quickly redressed he was just finished with tying the obi of his bright red outfit when he eyed the boots which he Takeshi mandated he wear despite Inuyasha's hatred of the things and in one quick and easy decision he dug a small hole in the ground and buried them. Drinking the herb flavored , youki suppressing, water from a small cup he carried was the last of his task before he continued on his way.

Taking to the trees and jumping from branch to branch Inuyasha made good length between himself and the castle. In fact, it wasn't until midday was well upon him that he noticed that no longer could the smell nor the auras of the other demon's of the castle hit his senses. It was mind-boggling that after almost 50 years of living with others and in the same place he was now alone and away from it all.

Yet he neither, regretted anything nor was he afraid. Anything to get away from Sesshoumaru. Looking up towards the afternoon sun he decided on eating some of the provisions he set aside for himself before continuing on his journey. He had a lot of ground to cross if he wanted to reach sea within the next two days. He was hoping to gain access to a boat there that could take him to one of those western countries that his geographic tutor liked to talk about, the one's that visit with the high lords and Emperors. Unfortunately the gods were against him and with the end of his meal punctuated by flashes of lightning and the sounds of booming thunder, our wayward prince was forced to look for shelter from a tropical storm...

Considering the Lords' disposition the night before, it's a wonder that many of the Palace's servants were not forewarned of their master's disagreeable attitude throughout the next day. Especially considering how every one of the Palace's inhabitants were well aware of the arrival of the very much rumored second son of Inutaisho.

None of the people of court nor the servants could boast of having any real proof of that son existed but all could swear on a rumor or two that may or may not have some credibility, because a friend of a friend or cousin of a cousin had once had some distant relation with a servant or court member close to the Palace during Lord Inutaisho's reign or something of that manner.

And gods did those rumors run. From, the second son actually being a daughter, to the denial of his existence, and the reason for his imprisonment. The most popular being that the young prince was a delicate young breeder, a pretty thing that would not be able to fare well in the harshness of the world that once was the Land of the West after Inutaisho's death, and thus the Lord Sesshoumaru hoped to preserve his young siblings innocence by keeping him away from his palace and the greedy eyes of nobles hoping to mate into the revered Inu family, favorites of the Sun Emperor Himself.

Regardless of which was true and which wasn't, what everyone could truly be sure of is that, on the day of the arrival of the young sibling, their High Lord and Master was in the most agitated of moods for it had not yet been long after dawn and already there were four servants in the infirmary all of them sporting a nasty case of poison, spreading through their bodies from distinct claw like gashes. Three were permanently out of commission, the Head Mistress in charge of the Palace's staff made a tiresome chore out of disposing of the bodies to teach her charges a lesson.

Not to mention, the Court Noble from the small Scorpion tribe of the Northeast was no longer sporting a left arm, courtesy of a well placed strike of a poison whip. He was now also in the infirmary crying like a babe while demon leeches sucked the poison and seared closed his wound. And finally, the Council appointed Advisers to the Great Lord of the West were now in need of four Youkai to fill their seats of thirteen.

The servant's could not even muster any romanticized notion about why their Lord was behaving as such but then again when did their Lord ever need a reason for his actions and much less a lover's tale. Unfortunately this sent everyone one on edge. Not even the animals were spared of the palpable tension in the air. The cats stayed to the lower rooms of the palace, while the dogs refused to even enter the building instead choosing to spend their day playing with the horses and dragons on the grounds. And so, many in the palace who were both smart enough and lucky enough, spent the day trying to get their duties done without stepping anywhere within the vicinity of their Lord's presence...

They are avoiding me. I didn't wonder about it nor did I blame them. My own advisers sitting around this Sesshoumaru, on large red laced cushions in my throne room, reeked of fear and weariness. Many of them had eyed the servants who passed quickly through the chambers with jealousy in their eyes, after all they did not have to be stuck sitting down near this Sesshoumaru whom was not in a merciful mood.

So far this Sesshoumaru no longer could count on one hand the number of fumbling idiots I've had to punish for insolence and the number was rapidly climbing. Yet my fingers still itch to do more damage. Nothing could sedate myself until that disgusting half-breed arrived and this Sesshoumaru could finally finish my father's will and put that all aside from myself. He is to be arriving in the early afternoon and time could not move fast enough.

Of course, none of that showed on my face, perfect as ever my expression schooled to one of scorned indifference. This Sesshoumaru listened to my Advisers read out a list of grievances and complaints from the nobles and country men of the lands I own.

"...and Noble Baltal of Kyoto Mountains has asked for help from the High Lord's army to grant relief of the bandits pillaging the homes of his people..."

An Adviser was saying as he took note of the message for later storing. It was a man looking to be around his forty's in human age , a badger youkai, with a happy disposition about him on most days, he had been in his post long before even this Lord's very sire Inutaisho was in power. Himura, is his name, and probably one of the few in my so-called Advisers that I trust. Looking around me, I almost snorted in disgust, the others of the Advisers were eying each other warily, and with good reason too. For I had, months ago, given the order to lend troops from the my personal army, in order to help Baltal with the bandit threats in his region. Yet most of my Advisers had balked at the idea of "wasting" the talents of the Elite East Fighters troop on a measly human noble, and so naturally they disregarded my order. Seems like this Sesshoumaru has some heads to knock askew and Youkai who need to be put in their place. I couldn't help but smirk and think, this will certainly help pass the time.

Turning to face the transgressors head on I let my youki slowly leak out of me, enough to let them have no doubts about how furious this Sesshoumaru truly is.

"Lord Baltal is asking for troops", I question lightly, then letting a coldness seep into my voice I continue, "and yet, did I not give the order to have my troops be sent to him?"

None of the Advisers answer, I didn't expect them to, although the twinkle in Himura's eyes surprise this Sesshoumaru a little. I continue by then turning to one of the most vocal in my group of little Advisers. A rat Youkai by the name of Taku.

"Tell this Sesshoumaru, holder of the 2th seat, Taku Haruka, did your High Lord not give the orders before mentioned?"

I watched as Taku defiantly raises his gaze to mine, he is too confident, and I can feel my inner Youkai growl in fury and the urge to exact my Alpha status over him rises.

"My High Lord did in fact give such an order, not too long ago, but your Advisers have decided that it is in the High Lord's best interest to ignore such a demand and keep the Elite East at home where they are need most."

His voice does not waver in his answer nor does his gaze ever leave this Sesshoumaru's, it only fuels my fire more.

Unfortunately, there is not much I can do about Taku, and he knows that all too well, that annoying rodent was placed there by the Sun Emperor Himself as part of the mandatory additions to the court of each of the Four High Lords and the Lesser Lords of each region. Yet, although I may not be able to punish him for his impudence, this Sesshoumaru will be able to cut down his followers by quite a bit and that will be a good enough win for now.

Impassively, I nod towards Taku, an indication that I have heard him and then I turn towards the others and watched them quietly for a moment many of the less seasoned seat holders fidget.

"So it was unanimous then? You all contrived to ignore this Sesshoumaru's direct order? Then I hope that you've kept in mine that its Noble Baltal's mine in Kyoto that provide us with the rock minerals you worthless lot like to surround yourselves with. And its his humans that work in the mines because Youkai such as yourselves are much too "refined" for such menial labor. And yet, it was not in this Sesshoumaru's Lands best interest to keep Noble Baltal's town safe from its attackers."

I again wait for a few moments none of them speak, all eyes facing forward, though none meet this Sesshoumaru's.

My patient was running thin.

This Sesshoumaru's youki swirled in suffocating tendrils around the room. I was ready to just kill them all and be done with it when a younger looking adviser looks to this Sesshoumaru our eyes meet but for only a second then he lowers his head in submission his long platinum blonde hair falling to the side to reveal his nape. He is newer than the others I do not know his name off the top of my head.

I implore him to speak by gesturing towards his seat, he did not rise his head from wear it faced the ground, but somehow he still saw my gesture and spoke.

"I , Kazuo Kitome, 5th seat holder implore my High Lord's grace and forgiveness, but I must contradict. Not all of us were in accordance, but it is against code to disregard majority vote."

Not once does he raise his head, he is showing true submission to his Lord, so not all of these fools are suicidal. And he is aware of the proper actions to appease an Alpha in power. I'm amused and can't help but see what else he is capable of.

"Is it so?," I seemingly ponder out loud though only my voice changes, my expression stays the same, " then will you be able to tell me the names of those transgressors."

Its not a question. I demand it of him, though not that I need his answer I already knew who to kill and who to keep.

"I believe my Highest that you already know and thus I believe it best to just leave off and appeal to you actions for the knowledge."

He is wise. Naming anyone would alienate him from the others but refusing to name them would like wise leave him in thin ice with this Sesshoumaru. So he words him self out of the equation. I must become more acquainted with the 5th seat. I muse as I stand from my throne.

"Very well then will the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th seats rise."

I smirked, so much for seasoned Youkai, they all trembled as they stood. With the first flick of the wrist I had my poison whip out. The green glow of its length, thrummed much like a human heart beat, in anticipation for the blood that it would soon bathe in.

The second flick of my wrist had two heads rolling on the floor the bodies of the 6th and 4th were upright for a few precious seconds before they seemed to finally catch up with their missing parts and too fell to the floor.

The 3rd and 8th were frozen, I'm not sure they were even breathing, unfortunately for them, they were Taku's biggest supporters they would not be given a swift death...they had to feel full punishment. I left them standing there and turned to the five remaining Advisers.

"The 1st, 2nd, 5th, 9th, and 12th seats, you may leave but keep in mind that this Sesshoumaru will have his orders followed," I let my gaze fall on each on them individually before resting them on the 5th seat, " I expect to see you in my study before noon."

Kazuo nodded, then filed out of the throne room speeding his steps to walk beside Himura, I noted that for later thoughts as I focused on the two left behind. This will be fun...

Kazuo couldn't help but sigh when he finally was able to closed the door to the throne room and breathe without the heaviness of the High Lord's youki around him. He raised his forehead from where it rested on the door when a familiar voice chuckled good humorously in his ear. Kazuo turn to give his beloved mentor a mock frown.

"And what exactly do you find so funny, Himura sensei?"

Himura grinned. "This was your first time feeling Sesshoumaru's youki?"

Kazuo winced as he leaned his back against the door, just remembering it made him tired, not to mention that he is still not a full grown Youkai and just a regular demon's youki had him feeling like crap.

"And to think," Himura said as he watched Kazuo relax, " he was not even using ten percent of it."

The blonde gaped at his mentor. Impossible! He thought as he tried to imagine how it would feel to have the High Lord's full youki on him, then decided he rather not know. Then for no reason he suddenly thought of the young sibling that was supposed to arrived today, he was not told much about it, considering that he was only a 5th seat, but Himura Sensei is 1st seat certainly he would know.

"Ah...Sensei about the sibling that's supposed to arrive, what do you know of them? I wasn't told much."

Himura grinned, he always looked younger when he did, " Inuyasha is his name. He's Sesshoumaru's half-brother, a breeder, and from I've been told by his caretaker a spirited young man."

Kazuo smiled himself then, " So the rumors are true the High Lord really did hide away the young

prince in order to preserve his virtue?...But then why is the High Lord so agitated?"

Himura frowned as contemplated how to go about explaining to the his student the real relationship between the brothers.

"You my dear student spent too much time with the gossips, Sesshoumaru never had any such notions about his brother. Especially considering that the young prince is a Hanyou," he paused for effect and watched as his student's eyes widen to saucers at the new information, for the High Lord of West's hatred of Hanyous was known everywhere and by everyone, " the brief details are the Lord Inutaisho's dieing wish were that his two sons mated and thus it must be honored. A few weeks back Sesshoumaru was informed that prince Inuyasha is nearing his first heat and in return Sesshoumaru sent back a letter claiming that if the young prince did not arrive by afternoon today Sesshoumaru will personally retrieve him."

Kazuo nodded understandably, " But that's good right? I mean if Lord Sesshoumaru didn't want Inuyasha he wouldn't go to him right?"

Himura sighed as he gently petted Kazuo's head, "If only it was so my little yellow bird."

They stood in comfortable silence as Kazuo regain his strength from being under the pressure of the High Lord's youki.

The 5th seat Adviser was just about to push himself off the door when suddenly bloodcurdling screams filled the air flowing through the throne room's walls...they were the sounds of Youkai who felt uninhibited agonizing pain, frightened out of his wits, clawed hands gripped Himura's tunic, knuckles going white while the Badger Youkai tried to give comfort to his student, his own feeling apathetic towards the noise after long ago becoming immune to such things.

As the screams continued seemingly never-ending, all too quickly, Kazuo became aware of something new about his Lord.

The High Lord of The West was not a force to ever be trifled with, underneath the cool façade, lay a blood thirsty beast.

And thinking again of the arriving hanyou prince he couldn't help but fear for him, his heart clenching with the realization that if his Lord was acting this way just because of the knowledge of the young prince's arrival, then with Inuyasha as a permanent resident all of hell will break loose and everything will be targeting the young Hanyou...