InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ The Meeting ( Chapter 53 )

Chapter Fifty-Three:

The Meeting

It stood atop the hill, looking over at the small village. The things around it were unfamiliar. It knew not what everything was. Trees, grass, humans. It had only heard of these things, never had it seen them. They were amazing sights to it. It kneelled down and reached out, running its hand over the green grass.

"Grass…" it said in its distorted voice.

This was grass. It felt strange, this grass. It could not quite put its finger on the texture. It was like nothing it had ever felt before. It patted the grass again, laying its hand to feel something else. Its mind turned over as it tried to figure out what it was it was feeling.

It felt the grass again. Its golden brow furrowed in thought. It felt….

"C….Coo…Cold," it said, sounding the word out.

The grass was cold. Straightening he looked over at the male standing a few feet away from him.

"Grass….cold…" it said.

Ehvil looked over at the thing. Only a few days old, Vishious had ordered him to teach it things and feed it. The only words it had known was; 'we are hungry'. Ehvil had to give the thing credit; it was a fast learner, though it did not know how to combine the words into a proper sentence.

Ehvil sighed.

Even Kagome had been a better learner when she had been but a little girl than this thing was. His thoughts changed swiftly.

Kagome.

Learning she was pregnant had been a shocker to him. His little girl had grown up without him it seemed. Though she had been a woman grown long before he left, he still thought of her as his little girl. Now, his little girl was no longer a little girl, but a soon to be mother, or, if Vishious had his way, a grieving mother. He had no idea how he felt about Vishious' latest scheme to kill Kagome's unborn child.

He could not say he was for it, nor could he say he was against it. He was as confused as ever. Though he was confused, he knew one thing for certain. He loved Kagome as a daughter, and that would never change.

The being walked over to him, looking up at him with Tourcher's face. It was strange to be looking down into the face of Tourcher and yet, when you looked into its eyes, you just knew, that was not Tourcher. Tourcher was no where inside that body. What was inside that body was something unholy, some creature from the lowest pits of hell.

The being stared at him, its eyes unwavering, unnerving.

"We are hungry," it said.

Ehvil turned to look at the village. Vishious had said to allow the beast to eat everyone if it so wished.

"Come," he said starting towards the village.

When he heard no foot steps he turned around. The being stood there, watching him. Ehvil pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Come," he said point at the being, then at a spot before him.

"Coome," the being said mimicking his hand movements.

Ehvil sighed.

"You," he said pointing at it, "Come," he said pointing at a spot before him.

"Y…You…" it said pointing at its chest, "come," he said walking over to him, standing in the place he had pointed at.

Ehvil turned once more.

"Come," he said, satisfied when it followed him this time.

They entered the village and instantly eyes followed their progress. The villagers whispered among each other, women pulled their children closer to them. Usually, when Ehvil had entered a village with Tourcher, women blushed and tried to get his attention. There was none of that from the women of this village. The only looks the Tourcher impersonator was receiving was that of apprehension.

As the beast looked around at the people, many villagers stood frozen in fear. One male tripped over on his own feet, falling on his bottom. He stared up at the being, knowing that whatever that thing was, it was not a human, nor was it a youkai. The motion drew the attention of the thing. As the being stopped and pined him with its luminous blue eyes, he felt as though he was about to wet himself.

Ehvil stopped as the beast slinked over to the male, its walk still a bit awkward and stiff. Kneeling down, it observed the man, its face inches away from the terrified man on the floor.

Ehvil scrunched his nose in disgust as the smell of urine made its way to his nose as the villager wet himself in fright.

The beast continued to stare, its face moving closer and closer to the man on the ground. The man backed away as much as possible, stopping only when his back hit the wall of a hut behind him. A crowd of people began to gather, watching the spectacle with interest and dread.

Reaching out, the beast grabbed onto both sides of the male's head.

"We….are…..hungry…." it said.

Everyone took a step back as the air around the two became charged and choking. The wind picked up, swirling around the villagers. People began to scream as the ground began to shake. The beast's hands shined a blinding bright red. The man's mouth opened in a silent screen, his eyes widening.

The beast opened its mouth as well. As the light intensified, a white foggy, substance arouse from the village man's mouth, heading directly into the mouth of the beast.

The villagers stared in horror as the white substance was sucked from the villager. As if sucking the life from him, the villager's skin began to wrinkle and darken, his eyeballs liquefying. Many of the villagers began to run, trying to escape such a horrible fate.

Ehvil brought forth a large amount of energy; bring it up to his palms. As his palms glowed black, he slammed his palms down on the ground. The ground shook as a dark purple barrier formed around the village, sealing the villagers inside. That done, he turned back to the beast, still sucking the soul from the villager.

The villager's skin darkened even more, his eyes leaking from his sockets and dripping down his face. As the white, smoky substance ebbed, the beast dropped the corpse. The body fell off to the side, the villagers face twisted in a mask of pain filled horror.

"We are hungry," the beast said standing once more.

He turned to the group of villagers still standing nearby. A woman screamed, seemingly breaking the crowd from their horrified trance. The people scattered like roaches, running every which way. As the beast took off after the terrified villagers, Ehvil reached out and snagged one of the fleeing villagers by the hair. The male villager screeched, pulling at his hair, trying to get free of Ehvil's tight grip.

"Please let me go!" the man screamed in terror, "Please don't kill me!"

Grabbing one of the male's arms, Ehvil ripped it from the male's body, tossing the blood appendage a few yards away.

The man howled in agony. Ehvil let the man drop to the floor, his other hand coming up to cover his bleeding shoulders. Tears streaming down his cheeks, the man used his legs to scoot away from him, his eyes wide with fear.

"Please no…Please!" he shouted.

His face a mask of dark amusement, Ehvil approached the man, picking him up by the throat and holding him up. The man gasped for breath, his feet dangling above a growing pool of blood. Ehvil raised his other hand, claws at the ready.

"NO! NO! NO! NOOOOO!" he screamed.

Ehvil said nothing as he thrust his hand forward, his claws piercing through the man's chest and out through the other side. The man's body convulsed, blood dribbling down his lips. Ehvil tossed the man away, as he went in search of another victim.

Two hours later, not a soul was left alive.

Ehvil went in search of the beast. It stood over its last victim, standing as still as a mountain, staring down at the deceased female.

"Come," Ehvil said.

The beast looked up at Ehvil.

"You," it said pointing at itself, "Come," he said pointing to Ehvil as he walked towards him.

Ehvil said nothing as he turned and walked away, the creature trailing after him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

InuTaisho dressed in his best kimono and hakama. Looking himself over in the mirror, he decided red silk suited him well. Today was the day that the meeting would be take place, he had been dreading this day since Kiji approached them about the meeting. He had not spoke, nor attempted to approach Sesshomaru since he had been released from his prison.

Today, they would be forced to meet, face to face and not under the best of circumstances. InuTaisho sighed. He knew the law as well as anyone else.

He knew what the Elders would expect of him.

To take away the title of Territory Lord of the Western lands away from his son. Away from the son that hated him already. Surely the outcome of this meeting would do naught but drive a wedge deeper between father and son. A gap that InuTaisho was not sure he could ever close.

Figuring that he had stalled long enough, he left his room. Although, technically, this was not his room. This was a room, a bit smaller but similar to his old bedroom. The bedroom Sesshomaru and his mate now occupied.

There had been no way in hell he would demand they vacate his rooms.

Such a thing would have been cruel and malicious, not to mention awkward. Instead, he had taken another room on the opposite side of the castle near his brother's rooms.

He walked down the familiar halls, heading for the large meeting room. Inside, everyone waited. Before, the room had not seemed intimidating, but now, it looked like the gallows.

It was a large, high ceiling room with stone walls and gleaming hard wood floors. A round maple table took up most of the room. There were few windows, and the few windows that were in the room were closed when a private meeting took place, in turn, hundreds of candles were lit instead. The room looked dark and depressing to him.

At the table, sat the males invited to the meeting.

Toramaru sat in one chair, his face impassive and unreadable to those that did not know him. InuTaisho, however, was not one of those people. He could see right through that face. He was as worried as InuTaisho was. The two had spoken earlier that day, and Toramaru had told him that he could not see any way out of this situation.

The laws of the land could not be broken nor taken lightly, no matter whom you were, nor what the situation was. There was just no way out of this. InuTaisho refused to believe that.

There had to be a way.

Looking at the male next to him, InuTaisho narrowed his eyes.

Elder Torao looked back at him with a smug look in his eyes. He had always hated that youkai. He was no good, everyone knew that, yet he never dirtied his hands enough to be implicated when there was trouble. He knew that Torao was in some less than savory dealings, yet he had not been able to prove it.

He would try harder this time around.

Next to him sat Elder Kiji.

Kiji had been a long time friend of his for years. InuTaisho knew he was a fair youkai, however, he also knew that Kiji believed heavily in the law. He followed the law religiously and believed others were supposed to as well. To him, there were no exceptions, no special circumstances that could bend, alter, change or out right break the law. To him; the law was the law and as such it was to be respect and upheld by any and all, no matter their station, no one was above the law.

Next to him sat three males, each one representing a social group of the inhabitants in the western lands.

Hikiji, the representative from the upper class, such as vessels, Overseers, royal advisors, etc; sat next to Kiji. He wore a light blue kimono and hakama and white obi. His hair and facial hair was cut and styled to perfection, his face a mask of arrogance and contempt for the two males that sat next to him, his brown eyes looking around the room, sizing every individual up; comparing himself to ever person his eyes landed on.

He felt that only a few individuals were superior to him.

InuTaisho narrowed his eyes. He really hated individuals such as him.

They irritated him to no end.

The male sitting next to him was named Likoyouu, representing the middle class, such as soldiers, wealthy merchants, sub lords, etc. Likoyouu wore a simple green kimono and hakama, his hair kempt and neat. His dark eyes did not hold the same calculating look, nor did he have an air of arrogance about him. He seemed watchful, merely observing his surroundings and the people surrounding him.

Lastly, Tikaku, the representative of the lower class, sat next to Likoyouu. His clothing was made of cotton. No where near as expensive and fine as the other individuals, his clothing was well worn and faded, the dark brown material washed-out into a tanish color. His hair was pulled back into a pony tail, neat, but not as neat as the other male inhabitants. He seemed uncomfortable, out of place; his dark eyes shifting about nervously.

His son was no where to be found.

InuTaisho took a seat next to Toramaru.

"Welcome, Lord InuTaisho," Elder Kiji greeted.

Just as he was about to inquire as to where his son was, the door opened. All eyes turned to the new comer. Sesshomaru walked into the room, his face an emotionless mask as walked passed his father and uncle to take a seat at the far end of the table.

"Welcome, Lord Sesshomaru," Elder Kiji said.

Sesshomaru inclined his head to the bird.

"This meeting is now in session," Kiji began, "First, I would like to thank you all for coming. I am sure we are all happy and relieved to have Lord InuTaisho returned to us, however, there are….issues that must be addressed and a solution must be reached,"

Kiji turned to Hikiji.

"First, I would like to hear from each representative their thoughts and feelings on this subject and who they would prefer to see as Lord,"

Hikiji stood.

Though who they preferred as the Western Lord would not change the outcome, knowing the feelings of the people was extremely important. If there was unrest or resistance to the outcome, it would need to be put to rest quickly and firmly.

"Representative Hikiji is the representative of the upper class," Kiji explained, "Representative Hikiji, you have the floor,"

"Thank you Elder Kiji," he said bowing his head slightly, "I have spoken to the upper class of this issue and all are happy to see Lord InuTaisho alive and well. We understand that his return has the potential to change things drastically. We have discussed the pros and cons and have come to the conclusion that Lord InuTaisho would be the best choice."

Sesshomaru felt the anger course through his veins like hot molted lava. It burned and sizzled. He could hardly believe his ears. He had known there would possibly be those that would like to see his father as Lord of the Western lands, but he had not anticipated his reaction to hearing such blasphemy. He knew that this did not necessarily mean that they would have their way; however, it still angered him to no end.

He had been Lord of this land for almost a century. He had busted his ass to make it the most prosperous of all the territories, and this is how he was repaid.

Hikiji turned to Lord Sesshomaru who sat silently, his anger choking and suffocating.

"We mean no disrespect to you, my Lord," he said, "but we feel that Lord InuTaisho would be a more…..experienced Lord."

Sesshomaru said nothing, his amber eyes staring steadily at the man. Hikiji began to sweat, a chill crawling up his spine.

He swallowed.

"Th-That is all," he said taking a seat.

The room lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. InuTaisho looked over at his son. The emotion burning in those eyes said everything he needed to know. This could not get any worse. Looking at his brother next to him, he could tell he was thinking the same .

Elder Kiji cleared his throat.

"Thank you, representative Hikiji," he said, "We will now hear from the representative of the middle class Likoyouu,"

Likoyouu stood.

"Thank you, Lord Kiji," he began, "I have spoken to the middle class and we too are happy to have Lord InuTaisho back. The middle class, however have not come to an agreement as to who is the preferred Lord of the Western lands. The middle class has been divided. Half wish to see Lord InuTaisho as the Territory Lord once more, and the other half wishes to keep Lord Sesshomaru as the Territory Lord,"

His words did nothing to quell Sesshomaru's anger.

"The middle class is indecisive as of now," Likoyouu said as he took a seat.

Kiji nodded.

"Thank you, representative Likoyouu," he said, "Lastly, we will hear from the lower class. Representative Tikaku."

Tikaku stood, wringing his hands nervously. He hated attending meetings with middle class and above. Most of the upper and middle class folk looked down on him and the lower class, even though the lower class was the largest class. Larger than the middle and upper class combined. He inwardly sighed.

"The lower class 'as come ta a decision. We want ta see Lard InuTaisho as Lard, but there be a small group o' villagers ta want ta see Lard Sesshomaru as the Lard,"

"So the majority wish for Lord InuTaisho as the Lord," Elder Kiji asked.

Tikaku's brow furrowed, his cheeks coloring slightly.

"Majority, Elder Kiji?" he asked.

He wasn't used to such fancy words.

"Majority means most," Kiji explained kindly.

"Thank ye," Tikaku said, "Aye, the majority wishes to see Lard InuTaisho as the Western Lard,"

"Thank you, representative Tikaku,"

Tikaku bowed his head slightly and took a seat.

"Thank you, gentlemen, for sharing your knowledge of the feelings of the people. You have been extremely helpful," Kiji said.

He turned to Elder Torao. Elder Torao stood, scroll in hand.

"This is the law concerning the proper way a Territory Lord is chosen. I will read it aloud so that we can come to a legal solution:

"The title of Territory Lord is passed on if and only after a Territory Lord has died or incapacitated. The title of Territory Lord cannot be passed on if a Territory Lord still lives unless said Territory Lord is proven to be mentally or emotionally incompetent or if a situation arises where the title of Territory Lord should be withheld for the well being of the land and its people. This law is to be upheld, followed and respected. There are no exceptions and none are above this law."

As the words were spoken, the gears in InuTaisho's head began to turn.

"The law is clear," Torao said rolling the scroll closed, "Lord InuTaisho is to be reinstated as the Territory Lord immediately,"

"Do all agree?" Elder Kiji asked.

"Aye," said Hikiji.

"Aye," said Likoyouu.

"Aye," said Tikaku.

"Aye," said Elder Torao.

"Nay," said InuTaisho.

"Nay?" Elder Torao echoed, his eyes narrowing on InuTaisho, "The law clearly states-"

"I am familiar with the law, Elder Torao; however one of the circumstances that would prohibit me from becoming the Territory Lord clearly applies to this situation,"

"Come now, Lord InuTaisho, you are not emotionally or mentally incompetent-"

"Nay, I am not, however, Lord Sesshomaru's mate; Lady Kagome is the key to finding the Evil Six is she not?"

"Aye, she is,"

"If I take over the Western lands now, what is to stop her to refusing to aid us in our time of need? Anger over her mate being removed from his position would be more than enough of a reason to discontinue volunteering her help. There for the circumstance: 'if a situation arises where the title of Territory Lord should be withheld for the well being of the land and its people' clearly applies to this situation, and the title should be withheld as the law dictates."

"That is ludicrous!" Torao exclaimed, "She would do so if commanded to do so whether her mate is Lord or not!"

"And how are we to force her to? My son would surely kill any that attempts to do her harm, or any moves to black mail her. She cannot be forced,"

"Then we will find another way to defeat the Evil Six that does not include her help,"

"At what expense? The lives of our people? The battle with the Evil Six has been raging for centuries; the people can endure no longer. It must be stopped. Immediately. We have the means with which to do so, changing the Territory Lord would do not but take away our chance. "

"That is-"

"Completely correct," Elder Kiji said.

Torao turned on Elder Kiji.

"You cannot-"

"Elder Torao, he has a point. We do not know if Lady Kagome would withdraw from the battle with the Evil Six, and there is no possible way that Lord Sesshomaru would allow his mate to be forced to do something she does not want to do,"

Torao clenched his teeth. The room sat in a heavy silence.

"We will take this into consideration when deciding an appropriate solution. This meeting will be postponed until such a time as a legal solution has been created and agreed upon," Elder Toramaru said, trying his best not to smirk.

He had to admit, through the entire meeting, he had been more than a little worried about its outcome. If things went the way InuTaisho was trying to get them to go, things would go smoother between father and son. He himself was not sure who he wanted to see as the Lord of the Western lands. He loved his brother and he loved his nephew. He could not possibly choose one of them with out hurting the other. It was a mess, this whole situation.

To think that his brother's return had become a blessing and a curse. It was bittersweet. However, he and his brother had spent a lot of time together talking since his return and InuTaisho had expressed his desire to have a relationship with his son as well as his sons having a relationship with each other.

To InuTaisho, despite the mess his return had caused, he felt as though this was his second chance at having a real family. Toramaru felt the same way.

"This meeting will continue once a solution has been created," he said proudly, "You are all dismissed,"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagome winced as she strung the bow over the strings. Learning to play the erhu was easier said than done. She and Shusui had been practicing everyday for hours at a time and only a few times was she able to produce an adequate note.

She was starting to get frustrated. Kagome growled low in her throat, the sound vibrating deep from within her chest.

"Now, now, Kagome, the erhu is a very, very complex and complicated instrument to learn to play. It will not come to you in a matter of days,"

Kagome sighed.

"I know, but I can not help but want to play it as well as you do," Kagome looked up at the sunny sky dreamily, "Just think of the music I will be able to create!"

Shusui giggled.

Kagome was oblivious to Shusui's amusement at her expense, wonderful music flowing through her mind.

"Here you are my Lady," Kagura said coming up to the two women, "I have been looking for you everywhere,"

"Kagura!" Kagome said with a bright smile, "Come and sit with us,"

Kagura faked a smile and walked over and took a seat next to the two women as Kagome once more picked up her bow and tried to hold a note on the erhu. Kagura watched her, her thoughts far away. She smiled despite herself at the look of concentration on Kagome's face. Brown eyes sparkling, dark brow furrowed, she made such a funny face.

Could she really do this?

She wondered for the tenth time. Could she really betray the woman that had taken her in? The woman that treated her kindly, not as a servant, but as a friend; could she do this?

Vishious was not in her mind at the moment. He didn't usually hover in her mind around Kagome or Shusui as they would be able to detect his presence. So he was forced to leave her mind at those times. Which Kagura was grateful for because it gave her a chance to put things into perspective, and allowed her to weigh the pros and cons of her actions.

But it also made it hard for her to want to go through with her nefarious plan without threats from Vishious. She sighed inwardly. She looked down at her clenched hands. This whole situation was making her sick to her stomach. She hated this, hated Vishious, hated herself.

A hand reached out, covering her own. The hand was warm and gentle. Kagura felt her heat constrict as she looked up at Kagome's concerned eyes. Shusui looked at her, concern in her eyes as well. Kagura felt like a demon being splashed with Holy water. Their concern burned her to her soul.

"What is wrong, Kagura?" she asked.

"Nothing I….its just…." Kagura lapsed into an uncomfortable silence.

What could she say? I am sad because I have to hurt you? That would go over real well.

"It is okay, I understand," Kagome said, "You miss General Ensei,"

Kagome could not help the blush that crept up her cheeks. Well it was sort of true. She did miss the male.

"Do not worry, I will see if I can get him to come here for a few weeks," Kagome said.

"How are you going to do that?" Kagura asked in surprise.

"Well, we haven't really been able to have a celebrations or festivals lately. The May Day festival is coming up soon and the Western lands usually hosts the event and invites the other Territory Lords to attend as well as other such important individuals. I can invite General Ensei personally that way you two could spend some time together."

"May Day festival?"

Being only months old, Kagura had no idea of the different celebrations and customs of the world, however she was well aware that there was a holiday for every month, though not all were widely celebrated.

"The May Day festival is a celebration of renewal of life and rebirth. May is a beautiful time of the year. Flowers are blooming, winter is over, and the weather is in perfect balance before the summer. Summers are extremely hot, so the months before are the calm before the storm," Shusui said.

"The celebration lasts for two to three weeks and consists of feasts, dancing, tournaments and such things. A May-pole is brought in and set up in an open area," Kagome said.

"May-pole?"

"Yes, it is just a tree with its branch completely cut off and completely smoothed out so it is free of any bumps or stubble,"

"There are different interpretations of May Day. One is that the May-pole represented the world center, or alternately, the hub of the Wheel of heaven. In ancient times, the intricate dance of weaving cords around the pole was a magical attempt to direct Nature, which had become topsy-turvy over the course of time, back in order. Another is the May-pole is the phallus, the male principle of fertilization. Female principles are represented by baskets and wreaths used in the dances around the pole. There are many other interpretations and over time, the interpretations have become intertwined and entangled that the true meaning of May Day is no longer clear, however, it is considered bad luck not to celebrate May Day." Shusui said.

"It sounds wonderful," Kagura said.

"Oh it is!" Kagome said, "We always had magical May Day celebrations in the Northern lands,"

"The May Day celebrations in the Western lands are always extravagant. Ahhh, I remember the first time I got to plan the May Day festival. It was spectacular!” Shusui gushed.

"Will you be planning the May Day celebration again Shusui?" Kagome asked.

"Well, usually the Lady of the Castle plans the celebration. I was only able to plan it after Izaoi died,"

"How about all three of us plan it this year. I think it would be a wonderful team project for us all," Kagome said.

"I think that is wonderful idea!" Shusui said, plans already taking place in her mind.

Kagura was not so sure.

"But I have no idea how to plan a festival," Kagura said.

"Then we will teach you. I've planned a few festivals myself. It is not as hard as it seems, honestly," Kagome said, "So what do you say? Will you do it?"

Kagura sat silently, thinking it over. Why not? It would give her time to take her mind from her dark deed. A deed she had decided she would not commit until after the May Day celebration. She wanted to see Ensei again, and she wanted to see him without blood on her hands and guilt in her heart. Vishious said she was to carry out her orders, however, he did not say when. She would wait. There were things she wanted to do, thing she wanted to say to Ensei before she took that step.

"Alright, I will do it," she agreed.

Kagome smiled brightly before turning back to the bow in her hand.

"Alright!" she said holding up the bow, "Time to practice the erhu! I want to at least be able to play one song for the celebration,"

Shusui giggled.

"You're going to need a lot of practice," Shusui said.

Kagome pouted angrily.

"I'm not that bad!"

"Please! I thought my ears would turn inside out before Kagura rescued me,"

"Oh!" Kagome gasped in mock outrage, "Well I never!"

"And you probably never will," Shusui said as she laughed.

Kagura could not help but laugh as Kagome continued to pout. Looking over at the two women, she smiled, her heart swelling with a new emotion she was not sure she could define. Emotions were still so new and foreign to her, but whatever this emotion was, she liked it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagome giggled as Sesshomaru pressed his cold nose to her belly, low growls rumbling from his chest. Kagome lay naked on the bed, Sesshomaru lying atop her, nuzzling her belly. He had done this twice; saying he was bonding with the pups, letting them sense his presence, recognize his voice and scent. Kagome was still trying to get over the fact there was more than one pup inside of her belly. A discovery Sesshomaru had felt the need to share with her a half hour ago.

The only thing he knew however was that there was more than one pup inside, but with the tiny rapidly beating hearts it was hard to tell how many there were.

Kagome giggled again as Sesshomaru nuzzled her belly again.

The two had just gotten out of the bath and of course, Sesshomaru, being overly sweet and caring, had carried her from the water and laid her down on their bed. The multiple heart beats had gotten his attention and he stopped to investigate her belly.

He seemed pretty content to growl at her stomach, and she had let him. It seemed to help with his foul mood. Earlier, he had been in an extremely bad mood, almost the worst she had seen. He had not said anything, but she had felt it like a suffocating, stuffy room.

It had swamped her, overwhelmed her.

But after a soak, a bit of kissing and caressing, his mood seemed to lighten, and now, with his nose in her naval, he seemed back to normal; which was good because she was going to ask him about the meeting.

"How did the meeting go?" she asked softly.

"I wish not speak of it," Sesshomaru replied.

She sighed. She didn't think he would.

"All the same I would like to know," she said firmly.

Sesshomaru sighed, sitting up.

"Woman you try my patience," he remarked, eyes narrowed on her.

Kagome waited patiently, crossing her arms.

"The meeting has not yet concluded so a legal solution has not been reached," he said.

"Okay," Kagome said sitting up, "That should be good news,"

"It only postpones the inevitable," he said standing, walking naked over to the hearth to throw more fire one the roaring flames.

"You don't know that you're going to lose the Western lands," she said, "There is still a chance-"

"There is none, the law is the law, it cannot be changed nor altered and recognizes no circumstance, nor any special individual,"

Kagome sighed.

"Well they can't just take everything! There has to be a way,"

"Aye, there is a way," he said walking over to the bed, amber eyes glittering.

Kagome knew what he way he was speaking of, and to tell the truth, it stunned her.

"You would wish death upon your own father?" she asked.

"I have no father," he said emotionlessly.

"Yes you do Sesshomaru. Whether you like it or not, he is your father," she said testily, "You must to learn to forgive-"

"I must learn nothing, Kagome. Do not meddle in affairs that do not concern you," he said, "I no longer want or desire a relationship with that male He is my sire and nothing more. Leave it be."

Kagome sighed.

As if she could leave it be. She would leave it be for tonight seeing as he had not had a very good day today, but she would not give up. Not by a long shot, and after she mended relationship between father and son, she would try and mend the relationship or lack there of between the two brothers. But she could tell this would not be easy. Sesshomaru was tough nut to crack, but she had the rest of her extended life to try.

"Will you come and lay down with me, Sesshomaru?" she asked softly.

"Aye, woman," he said walking over to her and slipping into bed with her.

Kagome sighed as he wrapped his body around hers, his arms around her waist, his heat permeating through her down to the bone. She would try again tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. He knew that, she knew that. The question was who would have their way?

Kagome lay quietly a while as he caressed her arm, gently rubbing up and down her arm. Though he was often firm with her, it was times like this that he was so gentle with her.

The quiet times, when they were together and the outside world did not interfere.

What Kagome didn't know was that Sesshomaru enjoyed these times with her. He enjoyed having his arms around her, her soft body melting against his own. Though he did not outwardly say it or show it, he was excited about becoming a father. He had promised himself that he would be a better father to his children than his own father had been to him.

He vowed it.

Sesshomaru's gentle caressing lulling her to sleep. As he nuzzled his nose into her neck, Kagome drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know some of you guys are wondering why some of the people say “Lard” instead of “Lord”. Just want to clear things up. It's not a typo, it was written that way to show a distinct difference between those of the upper class and those of the lower class. It is just a distinction not a typo.

Laters

~Sessakag