InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ Second Attempt: Successful? ( Chapter 67 )

Chapter Sixty-Seven:

Second Attempt: Successful?

 

"No more of this! This ends now! We will have one Lord, one figure of authority, and no more!" Elder Torao raged, fist slamming down on the oak table, "I was against this mockery of a solution from the very beginning! Now look what it has gotten us; the Western lands has been divided, a group of psychotic dragon demons are ravaging the country side and your nephew and brother are hell bent on killing each other!"

The meeting room was filled with tension, the situation of the Western lands weighing heavily on their minds. It was high noon and the meeting between the Elders had just begun. Hours before, a messenger had been sent to Lord Sesshomaru, informing him that his presence was mandatory only to have the messenger return with the young Lord's refusal.

It was that action that had set the old male over the edge this morning. He was in his element this afternoon, spewing insults and tossing about accusations like a madman.

Toramaru remained quiet under the verbal assault. He was in no mood to argue with the old fool.

Things were bad, that much was true, but yelling and pointing fingers was hardly a solution to their dilemma. But as much as he wished it were not so, Torao was right to some extent.

There needed to be only one Lord in the Western lands.

It was too damn difficult to have to play peacekeeper for his brother and nephew, as well as sort out the conflicting commands the two males issued to soldiers, messenger and villagers and the bad blood between father and son was causing more problems than anything else.

It was confusing when one wanted one thing and the other wanted something totally different.

"And where is your nephew?" Torao demanded, "Why has he not headed our summons?"

"His mate is recovering from a fall down the stairs, Torao," Toramaru said, eyes narrowed, "Where else would he be other than with her?"

"Bah! Nonsense," Torao commented, "she was not badly injured. There is no excuse for him to miss this meeting. He needs to explain his actions immediately. Attacking Lord InuTaisho as he did, he shows such disrespect for his title and it will not be tolerated a moment longer,"

"I do no think that Sesshomaru purposely showed any disrespect. If you have not noticed, these last few days have been out of the ordinary. I do not think that he was in the right frame of mind when the fight occurred. Obviously something was going on that caused more than a few people here to behave in way they would not normally-"

"What foolishness do you speak of?" Torao interrupted, "what could have possibly happened to make anyone do anything out of the normal?"

"You cannot pretend that strange things have not occurred in the last few days,"

"Oh something has occurred alright. That woman threw a tasteless, out of control festival that resulted in debauchery, brawls and inappropriate behavior; that is exactly what happened!"

"Lady Kagome did not-"

"It matters not! That boy does not show the proper respect and deference for the Elders and I'll take not one more second of it!" the elder proclaimed, "It was a mistake to put him in the position of Lord. Had it not been for Lord InuTaisho's disappearance and the Western land's desperate need for a leader he would not have been looked at for the position. Arrogant pup,"

"Elder Torao, you step out of line," Toramaru informed him quietly.

He could take some things, but Torao was going way too far. As much as the old demon complained about his nephew, everyone knew that Sesshomaru had stepped into the responsibilities his father had left behind in an admirable way. For Torao to sit there and complain about him as though he had no redeeming qualities was a grave injustice.

Sesshomaru had his flaws, just like everyone else, no one on this planet was perfect, Elder Torao included.

"I am well with in line! Naught I've said has been anything less than the unfiltered truth. You are biased, Toramaru. Even as your nephew breaks the rules and makes poor decisions you continue to make excuses for him,"

"I make no excuse, I ask only that you use your brain and look at things logically, but your addled, foolish old brain refuses to make the proper connections between reality and your unfounded, wild accusations!"

"You-"

"Elder Torao," Elder Kiji called out, stopping the argument before it progressed any further, "We are here to speak civilly not to antagonize each other. We are Elders; our wisdom has made us so. Exercise some self control,"

For a moment, Elder Torao stood with clenched teeth and fists, his glare blazing at the Elder Inuyoukai with murderous anger. Toramaru waited patiently, hoping the demon would make a foolish mistake and give him a reason to mop the floor with him. It had been a good long time since he had had a good fight and he was itching for the chance to sharpen his skills.

It was not to be so.

Elder Torao visibly calmed himself and settled back into his seat, face still burning red.

Kiji turned to Toramaru, his eyes kind yet resolute.

"While Torao may have gone about this in a less than tactful manner, he has very valid concerns. We cannot have two Lords anymore; it is not healthy for the Western lands. A decision needs to be made. Now,"

Toramaru sighed, feeling every bit the Elder he was.

"Even I know that, Kiji," he agreed, "I've known it for some time. We can no longer allow the Western lands to suffer for the bad blood between my nephew and brother,"

"Then you know what our decision is to be?"

Toramaru nodded solemnly.

"Aye, I know,"

God did he know. Even now, he could and did not even want to contemplate the consequences of their decision.

"Then as of this moment," Kiji announced, "Sesshomaru is no longer the Lord of the Western lands. All land, wealth, responsibilities and title will be passed back to his father immediately. This meeting is adjourned,"

Torao's vicious smile was the biggest irritant Toramaru had ever had to endure. If he had less self control, he would have beaten the arrogant bastard within an inch of his life long ago. But alas, he could not stoop to that level.

There was something else he could do, however. With a gleam in his eyes he remained seated as the two Elders began to rise.

"Just a moment, gentlemen," he said, "I've a few things to address while we are gathered,"

He waited for the males to retake their seats once more before he spoke.

"It has come to my attention that there have been some suspicious deaths regarding numerous females of various ages," Torao's expression instantly turned guarded as he spoke, "The deaths seem to range from women ages sixteen to forty,"

"What significance does that hold to you, Toramaru," Kiji questioned, "It is not uncommon for a woman between those age ranges to die,"

"Nay, it is not, but their deaths are not very common, nor explainable. The women die in much the same way Sesshomaru's mother Kaori met her end. Hallucinations, panic attacks, insomnia, bleeding of the lungs, intermittent fevers, and pain. These things occur over a period of weeks to a few years before the woman wastes away,"

"There is nothing unusual about that," Torao spat coolly, "There are numerous diseases that we have no cures for. For what reason did you feel the need to bring this up, Elder Toramaru?"

Toramaru had to hold back his smile at the sneered question. He was damn certain that Torao was not as calm as he was trying to appear. The male had something to do with the death of those females, he knew not how as of yet but he was not going to stop until he figured out how the male was connected to them.

"You are right, such things would not have meant much to me had there not been a few strange actions taken after the death of the women. It is the numerous investigations conducted by you, Elder Torao, that has caught my attention," Toramaru explained, "You seem to have taken an interest in the disease, ne?"

Being put on the spot, Torao cleared his throat, looking over at Kiji who stared at him with calm, curious eyes.

"That is true, I have been investigating the deaths," he admitted.

"I am curious as to not only why you would find the need to investigate such things, but also why you felt the need to hide this from not only Lord InuTaisho and Sesshomaru but from myself and Elder Kiji,"

Torao put new definition to the phrase, "if looks could kill,". Toramaru was certain the male had killed, torture and maimed him in a thousand ways with that brief silence after his question.

"I was not hiding anything," Torao snapped.

"Then what do you call it?"

"Discretion," Torao hissed between clenched teeth.

"Discretion?" Toramaru goaded, eyes twinkling, "For what reason, Elder?"

"There are females from my family that are afflicted in such a way, some of which have died in the similar manner of which you so speak. I seek answers and cures for their ailments," Torao explained, gaining back his confidence with each word, "What better way to find out how to help them than to investigate those that have died from the disease,"

Toramaru's brows drew down at that.

He was lying.

He had known Torao too long to believe such nonsense. Torao was a cold hearted bastard that believed a woman's place was on her back, mouth shut and legs open wide.

There was no way in hell he would champion any female relatives or otherwise to find a cure for their diseases. One dead woman was one less nag in the world in his book. He'd as soon bludgeon a woman to death before the thought of saving her life ever crossed his mind.

"I have broken no laws in launching a few private investigations into the deaths to aid my own relatives,"

"Nay, you have naught," Toramaru said dryly, "In fact I commend you on your compassionate actions,"

Sarcasm cloaked his words like honey. Torao was not perturbed by the tone of voice at all. In fact that smile, that smug, disgusting smile Toramaru so hated returned to his face.

"Why thank you, Elder Torao, I do so try to help others in need when I can,"

"I'm sure you do,"

Kiji stood, signaling that the meeting was long over.

"Thank you, Elder Torao, for clearing that up for us," Kiji said, "We can conclude this meeting if there is nothing more to be addressed,"

"There is nothing more I have to say," Torao said, turning to Toramaru with a smug look, "How about you, Elder Toramaru? Is there more you would like to add to this very...interesting meeting?"

Toramaru was silent for a moment, debating whether or not to pursue the subject once more. He had more than one question he could flay the asshole with. Questions he could not so carelessly skirt around and lie about, but Toramaru decided it would be best to keep his silence for now.

When he had more evidence, more solid proof that his "good intentions" were not so, he would broach the subject again.

It angered him to withdraw, however.

While he had to play by the rules and wait for the other Elder to screw up, innocent females around the country would meet their end in horrible, agonizing, senseless manners. It was sickening and frustrating in the extreme.

"Nay," Toramaru heard himself say, "I have nothing more to add,"

Torao stood, his smile growing wider as he bowed to the two males and made his way to the door. Toramaru could not stop himself from injecting one more well calculated jab at the snob.

"Oh, and Elder Torao," he called out, "if I have anymore questions or concerns, would you mind terribly if I brought them up again?"

Torao stopped at the door. He turned slowly, eyes gleaming with some unknown emotion.

"Nay, feel free to question me as you please, as I have said, I have nothing to hide,"

That said, the clearly irritated male turned and stomped out the door. As the room grew quiet, Toramaru stood as well. Kiji walked over to him, his gaze purely quizzical. He stopped before him, arms behind his back.

"I know not what is going on here, and I suspect you do or at least have some idea," Kiji said, "Please, do as you see fit, and when you can inform of new developments,"

Toramaru nodded.

"I will do what I can,"

With a bow, Kiji turned and swept out of the room. After the door closed, Toramaru sighed and pinched the skin between his eyes.

His damn head was throbbing.

He wanted nothing more than to go back to his room, shut the world out and nurse his headache with a bottle of Demon Blood.

But he couldn't.

He had to go deliver the news to his brother and nephew and pray to every God in existence that their reactions would not be as explosive as he thought they would be.

Figuring that dealing with InuTaisho would be the easiest, Toramaru went in search of his brother.

He found him in his bedroom sitting at the window seat, head resting against the window, his eyes closed. The room was dark, with light streaming only from the window where InuTaisho sat. His brother's skin was nearly unmarred, only light bruises gave testimony to the fight he had engaged in with his son.

Toramaru stopped at the door, leaning against the door frame, searching his mind for the best way to broach the subject he had come to discuss. After a few minutes, nothing came to mind.

Toramaru sighed in frustration.

"They've made a decision haven't they?"

Toramaru walked inside the bedroom and took a seat in a nearby chair.

"Aye,"

InuTaisho opened his eyes and looked over at his little brother. He looked a bit tired and worn, brows drawn down in some emotion he couldn't put a name to. He could tell he hated to be the bearer of bad news.

It made InuTaisho feel guilty. Toramaru was always trying to bring him and his son closer and when it didn't work out, he always felt as bad as InuTaisho himself did.

"Was it that bad?"

"I'm not sure as of yet," Toramaru admitted, "I am not sure how this will affect your relationship with your son. But after what happened, I am not sure how it can get any worse,"

"Aye,"

As much as InuTaisho hated to admit it, he also agreed that his relationship with his son had hit the very bottom. So low he could not see it getting any lower than it already was.

"What is their decision?"

"You've been reinstated as Western Lord. As of five minutes ago, Sesshomaru was stripped of his title, lands, wealth and station,"

InuTaisho closed his eyes once more. This is what he had wanted not two days earlier, and yet now that it had happened he felt sick to his stomach. It was not hard to see that in his absence his son had become quite competent and comfortable in the position of Western Lord, and now, to suddenly have all that ripped away and handed over to a male he loathed.

Good God how had things gotten so bad?

"Did Sesshomaru attend the meeting?"

"Nay, he has been barricaded in his bedroom with Lady Kagome since her fall and has not moved since,"

"She is alright?"

Toramaru nodded.

"From what Shusui has told me, she will be fine as long as she stays off of her feet,"

"That is good news at least,"

"Aye,"

Silence filled the room once more.

"Do you wish for me to tell him or will you?" Toramaru finally asked.

"Let me," InuTaisho said standing, "I am his father, and he deserves to hear it from me. Besides, there is much we need to discuss,"

Toramaru nodded and stood as well. Standing face to face, Toramaru searched his brother's face though he was not sure what he was looking for. In those amber eyes so much like his own, he found such sadness that it made his own heart ache.

Reaching out, InuTaisho placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"You need not worry so, my brother. You have worried about me and my sons for far too long. Let me worry now,"

"If that is your wish, so be it," Toramaru said with a smile, "I am here if you need me,"

InuTaisho returned the smile.

"Thank you,"

~~~~~~~~~~~

"So everyone is alright now?"

Sesshomaru turned from the window and looked over at his mate. She sat up in bed against a few fluffy pillows, dressed in a bright blue kimono and dark green obi. Her hair was brushed and braided, lying against her right shoulder. To put it simply, she looked beautiful. She had only left the bed a few times to take care of bathroom needs and dress, but otherwise she remained surprising resigned to her fate of bed rest until the end of her pregnancy.

The two had spent a pleasant morning in bed eating and talking about all that had occurred during the week. Only once had Sesshomaru had to leave her side and that was at her urging and even then he had only gone as far as the hallway stairs and back.

Apparently she was still worried that the inhabitants of the castle were still out of control.

He had been happy to inform her that after all that had happened; her guests had taken their leave as of yesterday night and early this morning.

The castle was empty.

"Yes, I am sure," he said responding to her earlier question.

"Okay,"

Sesshomaru turned back to the window, his mind on his fight with his father.

To be completely honest with himself, it...bothered him. Quite a bit actually. Nothing had every affected him that way before. Well, nothing but his mate but that was natural.

This was not.

He had actually fought to end his father's life, had been driven to mindless bloodlust so very easily and without a second thought to the consequences. He had never taken the time to sit down and go through the feelings he felt towards his sire.

It had been easier to nurse his anger towards his father and leave it at that.

But now, he had to completely reevaluate even his anger. Was it true anger or was it stronger? Was it that gut burning, overwhelming, blistering hatred he had felt as he drew his father's blood? Did he desire to see his father buried in the Western mausoleum? It was entirely possible. The actions of his father were still fresh in his mind even after all these years.

His mother's face, dull and listless, her cold body hours after her death, her casket sealed away in the family crypt, it was seared into his mind, overshadowing any good memories he had of him and his father figure.

Truth be told he didn't even know the male anymore, hadn't since the day his mother had died.

He didn't want to know the male that had played a part in giving him life.

But did that mean he wanted him dead?

That question continued to plague him.

"Sesshomaru,"

He turned at the sound of her voice, taking in her light blush and nervous fingers fiddling with her braid. She looked up at him through long dark lashes.

"What is it?" he questioned.

"You look as though you...had something on your mind and I was wondering if you...wanted to talk about it?"

Normally, Sesshomaru would have declined such an invitation from anyone else, maybe even Kagome, but as he looked at his mate, the fading bruises marring her cheek and forehead he found that he couldn't deny her this small insight into his mind.

Without a word, he moved towards the bed and took a seat at her hip.

Not having had a "talk" with anyone before, Sesshomaru sat quietly for a long moment, completely unsure how to begin. Even though, since her accident, the two had been able to communicate a little better, he was still more than a little bit uncomfortable in this situation.

Luckily, Kagome could sense the tension in him. Reaching out, she grasped his hand in hers, bringing his eyes to her own. The softness, the gentleness he found in those honey eyes made his heart pound and clench in the strangest ways. He had found that such a thing occurred around her more and more often, an effect he could not put a name to.

It had begun to happen even more so now than before.

"Is it about your fight with your father?"

"In a manner of speaking," he confirmed.

"Do you feel bad about that fight?"

Sesshomaru thought for a moment, searching for a definite answer to that question and came up lacking.

"I do not know," he admitted truthfully, "I know not what I feel. This past week has been strange. I have never before been in a position where I do not know and have complete control over my emotions before. I find that I do not care for it at all,"

"I can understand that, but you have to understand that no one can ever completely control their emotions," said softly, "Sometimes, against our will, they come out. Maybe that's what happened with your father. The emotions you've kept bottled up inside exploded and the result was the fight you had with your father,"

Sesshomaru was silent a moment, mulling over her words.

"It is plausible, yet I cannot say for certain if I have really harbored such deep hatred of my sire," he commented, "That night, I wished to end his life, to see his blood spill upon the earth until there was none left,"

His eyes drifted up to her own once more, looking to see if he had shocked her with his raw, unfiltered, vicious emotions.

His beautiful mate did not even bat an eye.

"Do you still feel that way now that you are not caught up in a tornado of rage?"

"Nay," Sesshomaru admitted, "I do not wish to kill him myself. But were he to die at my hand or another, I do not know that I would care either way,"

He could see she didn't really understand how a person could say such things about their own father, but she seemed to be trying to. Her thumb stroked softly over his captured hand, her eyes searching his own with that gentle look again.

"I see," she said after a while, "Was it really terrible?"

"Terrible?"

"The thing your father did to make you feel this way. You've never really spoken about what happened to bring about these hostile feelings you have towards him. I'm sure if you told me it would be easier to understand where this anger came from,"

He was a little surprised Toramaru had not already divulged that information to her.

His meddlesome uncle was forever trying to soften his mate towards him, would not giving her the whole story help his ambitions? Whatever his uncle's reason behind not telling her, he was thankful for them. He was damn sure if his uncle told her that he would paint his father as less than what he was; a cold bastard that had left him to mourn his mother alone while he had gone off to start his new life with his human whore.

"When I was young," he began, "no more than a pup, I discovered something about my parents that I had never even suspected. My mother and father were nothing more than good friends. Around me they pretended to be something more, pretended as though we were actually a family, and yet when I was tucked away in bed or locked away with my tutors, they both went their separate ways. Mother was infatuated with a male by the name of Yushun while father was living his life with his human mistress Izaoi,"

"That must have been surprising and hard to learn,"

His eyes traveled over her face. She was giving him that look again, her yes shimmering like dazzling gems shinning in the sunlight. How she made talking aloud about the things he had kept locked away for so long so damn easy to speak of he would never know.

"It was at the time," he said turning away to stare hard at the wall across from him, "I was disgusted with the arrangement, with the pretense they put up, the lie we had been living. But it was their arrangement,"

"So you accepted it?"

"To some extent, but after that, things were never the same. The pretense stopped and my parents practically went their separate ways now that I knew the truth. Father never said it but I knew he had moved out. I could not and would not change my anger towards their actions. Eventually, I turned to control as a safe haven. Control became every thing to me. I controlled my emotions, my studies, my training; everything in my entire life was under my control. For a while, that was fine. Then Mother contracted a strange illness. She began hallucinating and having nightmares. She would become feverish, and wouldn't eat. And when she did eat she couldn't keep anything down. I took care of her most of the time, myself and the servants,"

"Didn't your father help out?"

The hard gleam returned to eyes at the question.

"Father was gone most of the time, stopping to visit me occasionally when he remembered he had a son. He never really spoke to Mother. If she was about, he would say a brief hello but towards the end of her life, such things were scarce. Mother couldn't move anymore and was bound to her bedroom. He never once checked in on her or took care of her. That responsibility fell to me,"

Kagome's hand tightened on his, her fingers stroking his own.

"Mother finally died a few months after her illness began. I lay next to her body for hours before one of the servants found me. Father did not attend her funeral. Several months after her death passed before I saw him again, but by then, the hatred for him had already taken root inside of me. When I saw him stroll through the castle doors, that human woman on his arm, freshly mated while my mother lay buried in the ground..." his brows drew down, the only indication of what he felt right now, "It was then that I separated myself from him completely. To me, he was no longer my father but my sire nothing less and certainly nothing more,"

"I had no idea that such a thing had happened to you,"

His eyes moved over to her eyes, looking for that expression he was becoming fond of. It was there, easing the surprisingly painful emotions associated with speaking of his childhood.

"You could not have, it is not something I make a habit of explaining to anyone. The only people that know the story are those that were there to witness it,"

Kagome smiled at that.

"I feel special," she said, her cheeks heated, "because you trust me enough to tell me something like that,"

Seeing the blush and hearing the shy way she spoke tightened his stomach. Leaning closer to her, his lips hovered close to her own, his eyes locked on hers. This moment, it was something he had never experienced before. Maybe it was because of the fight he'd had with his father that had him acting strangely, feeling things he'd never felt before, but whatever it was, he wasn't sure that he disliked it.

"Trust is not something I give lightly," he murmured, "you are different...it is not hard to put trust in you woman,"

His lips were gentle on hers, coaxing her softly to respond to the light contact. She responded eagerly, her clawed fingers finding their way into the hair at his nape, stroking in time with her little hot tongue. Urging her to lay back on the bed, Sesshomaru devoured her mouth, his clawed hands gently caressing her arms and cheeks.

Of course he had no intention of making love to her so soon after her fall, but kissing her breathless damn sure held merit.

But it was quickly ended by an irritant in the form of a knock at the door.

His mate wouldn't allow him to ignore the sound, even though he tried his damnedest to do so. Instead she placed clawed fingers over his lips to halt his assault and looked expectantly at the door then back at him.

With an inaudible sigh and a growl of aggravation, Sesshomaru stood from the bed and walked over to the door, prepared to give whoever it was a harsh, verbal beating for daring to disturb him.

When the door opened, Sesshomaru felt a cold, calm come over him.

Looking into sorrowful amber eyes so much like his own, he stood taller, hands behind his back, completely composed.

"Sire," he said in greeting.

His father's eyes spoke volumes about the greeting. Sesshomaru ignored it. He could care less what the old demon was feeling. It had nothing to do with him and was none of his concern.

"I...stopped by to see for myself that your mate did not suffer any lasting injuries from her fall,"

Sesshomaru remained in the doorway, blocking his view of Kagome in bed. Kagome remained silent, knowing Sesshomaru probably wouldn't welcome any interference. And to tell the truth, she didn't know what kind of help she would be.

With Sesshomaru's story still so fresh in her mind she didn't know how she felt about InuTaisho.

The male had clearly made more than a few mistakes that had cost him dearly, yet did that absolve him of guilt? She wasn't sure so it was best not to get involved right now.

"She is well," he said coldly, "What more do you need,"

His father sighed, rubbing his forehead with a clawed hand.

"There is something we need to speak of," he said softly, "It is about the decision made by the Elders regarding the circumstances of the Western lands,"

"Then speak,"

"Not here in the hall. If we could find a more private place,"

Sesshomaru remained silent, clearly refusing to budge.

"I do not want to upset your mate with this news," he said in a low voice.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. For a moment, InuTaisho wasn't sure that his son would come with him. The thought was reinforced when Sesshomaru turned and shut the door in his face. InuTaisho stood there, not sure what to do. Leave or knock again?

He was tempted to leave. Though he knew that his offspring hated him with good reason, he was getting a bit tired of the blatant disrespect. Regardless of the foolish mistakes he had made decades ago, he was still his father and deserving of respect at the least. It was not as if he were demanding his son love him as he once did, but being courteous should not even be an issue between them. He and his mother had certainly taught him better than that.

InuTaisho stood his ground, listening for any indication that his son was coming back.

Low voices could be heard through the door a few moments before the sound of foot steps reached his ears.

The door opened once more and his son stepped into the hall, an expectant look on his face. InuTaisho led the way down the corridor, Sesshomaru at his heels. Sesshomaru stopped once as a soldier passed by and instructed him to report immediately to his bedchamber to guard and keep his mate company. With a bow, the soldier hurried to do his biding.

The two men walked into a private room downstairs. InuTaisho took a seat at the low table, gesturing for Sesshomaru to sit as well.

Ignoring the gesture, Sesshomaru walked over to one of the floor length window seats and took a seat.

Knowing there was no reason to beat around the bush with the other male, InuTaisho reluctantly got straight to the point.

"The Elders have decided that the stipulation of having Co Lords for the Western lands is more harmful than good for its inhabitants," he began, "It has been decided that I am to become the Lord of the Western lands once more, effective immediately,"

The silence was deafening.

InuTaisho glanced over at his son, taking in the faint red tent of his eyes, the stinging flare of his aura. His displeasure, while silent and subtle, was not overlooked by the older demon. His son was furious. A second later the crimson color of his eyes receded and he stood with controlled calm.

"Sesshomaru-"

"We are done here," Sesshomaru said shortly, as he walked towards the door.

InuTaisho stood, frustrated by the whole damn situation. He was tired of letting his son run over him, tired of letting him hold his grudge. They were family dammit, pack. Did that mean nothing to him? Was his hatred blinding him to what should be glaringly obvious?

"We are not done, pup," InuTaisho growled.

Sesshomaru stopped cold at the door, his eyes, hidden from his father, regaining their red tinge.

"I've had enough, Sesshomaru," he said heatedly, "Despite my flaws, despite the mistakes I've made I am still your father and deserving of respect. You will not continue to show me such disrespect. I know I failed you as a father, I wasn't there fore you when you needed me most and I am sorry. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry, my son. I've suffered for my foolish decisions ten times over, but dammit Sesshomaru, enough is enough!"

A pregnant silence filled the room. Sesshomaru didn't move an inch. InuTaisho sighed, his head beginning to throb.

"Sesshomaru I want us to talk things out. I want to heal our relationship. I want another chance to show you that I can be the father that you deserve,"

After a long pause, InuTaisho took a step towards him.

"Sesshomaru-"

"This Sesshomaru wants nothing from the likes of you. This Sesshomaru congratulates you on regaining your title, father," he sneered.

That said Sesshomaru was out the door before his father could utter another word. InuTaisho stood there for a moment, fist clenched as the sound of the door closing ringing in his ears. The anger, the frustration, it was almost too much for him to process.

Never had he been pushed this far, and to think it had been done by his own wayward pup.

Centuries ago, such a thing would never had occurred, but after all that had happened, he found it hard to fault his son for the way he felt, and at the same time, he was more than sick of it.

He wanted it to stop.

Now.

How he would go about stopping it, however, he had no clue.

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

Kagura walked through the kitchens, humming a cheerful tune.

After a dreamy, perfect afternoon with her mate, she was in a grand mood. All was right within the world. Well, at least in her world it was.

Thought that wasn't exactly true.

Vishious had contacted her again, demanding she make her move now. Too happy to make any sort of protest, even if she had been inclined to do so, she had responded joyfully and excused herself from the company of her mate to make her way into the castle.

Ensei had been disappointed to lose her company, but had reluctantly agreed when she had informed him that she was going to spend some time with her best friend, Kagome.

Kagura laughed to herself as she thought of the way she had pretended concern for the dark haired woman. Though there had not been any water on hand for her to fake a few more tears, she was really proud of herself for pulling off the act without them. Though it was getting a little tedious feigning concern for the little bitch.

Not to mention sickening.

As she sailed through the kitchen, she looked for a servant. She found one boiling water in a tea kettle, a tray and a cup on the counter next to her. Judging from the expensively designed tea ware she concluded it was most likely going up to Kagome.

`Perfect,'

"Oh, Shuri," she called, trying to sound nonchalant, "Are you making tea?"

The young serving woman turned and nodded.

"Yes, it's for Lady Kagome, you know how she so enjoys tea in the afternoon,"

Kagura nodded, a smile on her face.

"Did you wish to have tea? I can make some for you as well,"

"Well yes, I was in fact coming to grab a cup of tea, but if you're already making some, I wouldn't mind sharing a cup with Lady Kagome if you wouldn't mind bringing up another cup?"

Shuri shook her head.

"Not at all," she said smiling, "It will be up in just a moment,"

"Thank you,"

Her smile growing wider, Kagura turned and headed upstairs, her humming becoming more jovial. She found the Kagome's bedroom door guarded by a soldier, who, after questioning, allowed her entrance into the pregnant woman's bedchamber.

She sat propped up on furs and fluffy black pillows. She smiled when Kagura entered the room, her brown eyes glowing with friendly cheer.

Kagura pasted a smile on her own face.

"My Lady, I've come to keep you company and perhaps share a cup of tea with you," Kagura said.

"I would really appreciate it. I've only been in bed for a few hours but I'm already dying of boredom,"

"I can well imagine that you would be," she said, forcing a giggled, "How are you feeling?"

Kagome sighed, hands reaching down to stroke her distended stomach. Kagura clenched her teeth in jealous envy, eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

"I'm still scared even though its over," she admitted, "I came so close to losing my babies and it scares the hell out of me,"

Walking over to the woman, Kagura reluctantly placed a hand on her shoulder, gritting her teeth as she did so. It was hard to pretend to be sympathetic when she wanted nothing more than to shove the drug hidden in her inner kimono pocket down her throat.

But she managed it, even manage to make her eyes look truly encouraging.

"Everything will be okay. The pups are fine now, ne?"

Kagome nodded, smiling softly, her hand once again caressing her precious package.

"Yes, they are alright and as active and strong as ever. I'd expect nothing more from Sesshomaru's offspring," she said laughing softly.

"Aye," Kagura agreed.

"Do you mind helping me out of bed? The pups are leaning heavily on my bladder,"

Nodding, Kagura helped her out of bed. A knock at the door gained their attention.

"That must be the tea," Kagura said.

"Oh, would you get that, I can take it from here, I just need a little help gaining my feet,"

Kagura felt her heart pick up at the request. A slow smile graced her lips.

"Of course, Kagome,"

As Kagome disappeared into the bathroom, Kagura hurried over to the door and opened it. The soldier was holding the tray of hot water, a plate of pastries and two tea cups.

"A servant has brought tea up for you and Lady Kagome,"

Kagura nodded and took the tray.

"Thank you,"

The soldier bowed and turned his back as Kagura closed the door. Heart pounding in excited anticipation; she set the tray down on the table and pulled out a small pouch in the pocket of her kimono.

Before heading for the kitchens, Kagura had gone back to her room, ground that plant into a fine powder and placed it into a pouch, resolved to pour it down Kagome's throat today. She sighed. This was turning out to be a lot of work. She could think of a thousand other things she could be doing right now, all of them involving a certain, handsome wolf youkai.

She looked down at the pouch.

It didn't matter now. The sooner she finished this task, the sooner she could pursue the object of her ever growing desire.

Quickly, she began pouring the powder into one of the cups.

The sound of shuffling and soft footsteps made her jerk, spilling half of the powder onto the floor. Cursing under her breath, she brushed at the white substance with her feet, scattering it around on the floor in an attempt to hide the mess. She had only gotten half of the drug into the cup.

Pouring the tea as Kagome returned to the room, Kagura cursed herself silently as the young woman waddled to the bed.

Praying half would be enough, Kagura brought the tray over to the bed, placing it on a bedside table.

Handing the drugged cup of tea to Kagome, Kagura poured her own and sat back on the bed, watching the young woman as she sipped her own hot liquid.

"Mmm, that's good," Kagome sighed with a smile, "It's just what I needed,"

"Aye," Kagura agreed happily, "I do believe that it is,"

`Let us hope that it was enough,'

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

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Don't kill me >,< but I had to do this. You guys know how I am about intensity, suspense and all that good stuff. I do have some thought as to what I want to get out of taking this course of action so please bear with me. Goodness, I know I'm gonna get flamed for this -.- Please review everybody! Reviews are love!

Laters!

~Sessakag