Dog Days by Dani

1

Striding into the ornate room, the high ceilings and marble columns didn't grab his attention. The white floors were polished to a shine that reflected his image like a mirror. At the far end of the pristine throne room, on a dais, sat a gilded throne. Stopping in front of the steps, he watched as an immaculately dressed woman emerged from a pair of satin curtains and gracefully took a seat on the throne.

Staring at the young man, she raised a thin eyebrow, and said, “Sesshomaru.”

Gold met gold. Spine straight and face impassive, Sesshomaru replied, “Mother.”

Eyes narrowing, she raised her nose, and said, “You are such a disappointment, Sesshomaru. You are turning twenty-five tomorrow and still are not wed. Every princess I have brought for you, you have turned down. What is a mother to do? You are so ungrateful.”

Bored, gold eyes stared up at his mother. There was nothing to say. The princesses she had introduced to him were all weak fools. He would not wed a weak woman, no matter how much his mother insisted. He would be taking the throne soon anyway, so once his mother was no longer ruling, he would be able to take his time in finding an appropriate queen to stand by his side.

When her son didn't respond, Kimi motioned towards a servant. Moments later, a woman dressed in fine silks floated into the room. Keeping her eyes down, she bowed demurely to the queen and the prince.

“This is the Lady Aimee,” Kimi said. “Her father is lord over one of our northern provinces that is doing well exporting gold. She comes from a long line of prestigious lords and ladies and even has a bit of royal blood flowing through her veins. Needless to say, her family is in good standing-”

“No,” Sesshomaru said, interrupting his mother's speech. Her red lips pursed and her golden eyes narrowed in rage. How dare the whelp cut her off! Ignoring his mother's tantrum, Sesshomaru continued, “I will not marry her or anyone you pick. If I am to marry, it will be someone of my choosing.”

Frowning, Kimi raised her nose even higher. The ungrateful git. After all she had done for him, and this was how she was repaid. Watching her son leave without a word, the queen glared at his back.

 

~ ~ ~

 

Sitting in his room, Sesshomaru took his dinner alone that night. He had no desire to be near his mother or the woman she had brought into their home. Pushing his empty plates aside, he poured himself a drink. Taking a sip, he couldn't wait until his crowning ceremony. There were many things he wanted to do, but he had to wait until his mother was no longer in charge. Taking another sip of this drink, his stomach churned.

Loosening the collar of his shirt, he stood and walked towards the window. Taking another sip of his drink, his stomach instantly cramped and the blood pounded behind his eyes. Dropping the cup, the liquid spread over the tile floor. Grasping his stomach, the pain shot down his spine and into this limbs. Everything hurt. It felt like his body was being pulled apart from the inside.

Falling to his knees, his breath left him in strained pants. Gritting his teeth, his eyes clamped shut and he screamed in agony. He could feel his bones popping and his muscles tearing and stretching. His skin itched, and felt like it was on fire. Forcing his eyes open, they blurred and refocused several times. Blinking, he was having issues focusing on anything. It looked like fur was sprouting on his arms and hands, but that couldn't be.

Sniffing, something foul met his nose. His stomach churned all over again and he felt like he was about vomit. Wanting to escape the stench, his limbs wouldn't cooperate. Hearing a snide laugh, he glared at the door to his room, and saw his mother leaning casually against the frame. Forcing his body to turn, he wanted to wipe the smile from her face. Demanding that she leave, all that met his ears was a vicious growl. Not knowing what had made the noise, he gasped, but only heard a bark.

Looking about his room frantically, nothing was there, only him and his mother. Panicking, a strained whine escaped his throat. Pushing away from the door, his mother laughed more, completely amused by her son's distress. “My, my,” she chuckled. “I must say, Sesshomaru. This look definitely suits you.” Not sure what she was saying, he remained still, but alert. “You always were such a disobedient, mongrel son.” Smiling coyly, she added, “Now at least your attitude matches your appearance.”

Snapping at his mother, he no longer cared what he looked like or what she had done to him. He only wanted to kill the bitch, in any way possible. Waving to her guards, he was quickly apprehended and tethered by her men. Snapping and biting at any who came too close to him, he wasn't used to his new body and was not effective in defending himself. Cursing internally, he watched his mother warily as she casually strolled around his room.

“You were foolish to ignore my will,” she stated absently. “You had to know that I would never give up the throne or the power. If only you had done what I had said, then this wouldn't have had to happen.” Smirking at her son, she continued, “Now you will live and die as the pitiful cur that you are.”

Turning towards the door, she waved to her guards flippantly, and said, “Toss the mutt into the streets. He is of no more use to me.” Pausing, she glanced over her shoulder, and added, “If he tries to get back into the castle, kill him.”

Snarling and growling, Sesshomaru was dragged from his room. Watching the cur being pulled away, Kimi smirked, and said, “Try not to worry, my son. I shall take good care of the kingdom in your stead.”

 

INUYASHA © Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan • Yomiuri TV • Sunrise 2000
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