InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ A Plan Takes Form ( Chapter 74 )

Chapter Seventy-Four:

A Plan Takes Form

Sesshomaru opened the door, cold droplets of rain pelting his skin. It was dark and windy, whipping the branches of trees into a frenzy. Shrewd amber eyes observed the moving shadows, searching for the origin of the knocking.

Empty.

There was no one and nothing that could have made the sound, and with rain soaking the surrounding area, his sensitive nose could detect no distinguishing scent, familiar or otherwise.

He stood there a moment longer, eyes narrowing.

Something didn't feel right.

In the months they'd lived here, mysterious happenings were not something they'd dealt with on a regular basis.

Silver brows lowered as he closed the door.

He didn't like it. Someone had been at the door. Who or what they could possibly want in the dead of the night in the middle of storm, he couldn't even begin to speculate. He turned back to the waiting occupants of the room.

Golden eyes clashed with brown.

What was out there? those orbs questioned.

“There was nothing,” he informed her, “most likely a wild animal or debris from the storm,”

A single black brow rose.

She didn't believe either explanation, he knew she wouldn't. His attempt at reassuring his mate was wasted. Mute she may be, she was nowhere near stupid or foolish. Her instincts were as sound as his own, had been long before they'd mated and he knew enough to realize she would not allow him to insult her significant intelligence.

He'd expect nothing less of his mate.

“There is naught that can be done now, the rain has washed away any scent,”

Shimmering honey eyes looked over his broad shoulder at the door a moment before she conceded.

Kagome set Rikimaru down on wobbly legs, then turned to start dinner.

Rikimaru watched his mother for a time before turning and toddling over to his toys in the den. Probably the only time besides when she went to the bathroom that Rikimaru didn't follow his mother.

He knew he was not allowed in the kitchen.

Sesshomaru took a seat on the couch, taking his blade out for sharpening. With his senses, he monitored the area as he ran his whetstone over his sword. The sound of stone against steel and his pups laughter touched his ears. Sounds that were usually soothing were overshadowed by suspicion.

He was on edge.

And so was his overprotective mate.

He could see her glance at the door as she moved about the kitchen, her aura worried and leery.

Irritation pooled in his gut.

He had promised his mate safety. Had given his word, that after his failure to protect their younglings, that she'd never have to know fear and anguish such as she'd felt before.

He was not foolish enough to believe that whatever had disturbed their night would not return.

Strong clawed hands gripped his sword as amber eyes narrowed.

But he'd be damned if it would destroy his family again. His determined eyes wandered over to his son.

He'd not lose another child.

As he'd told his mate the day they'd laid their pups to rest.

Never again.

“Fahlahh,” Rikimaru called, bringing Sesshomaru from his dark thoughts, “Faaahhllaaaah,”

Golden eyes softened.

Seeing he had his father's attention, Rikimaru bared his little fangs and rumble out a growl. Amusement coiled, and Sesshomaru watched as his son tried his hand at being fierce. Sesshomaru's lips curled, eyes alight as his pup repeated the action, taking a step towards him in mock threat.

Sesshomaru stood, turning to place his blade high on the rack and away from curious hands. He moved over to his son, scooping him up.

Thin arms encircled his neck, a soft growl rumbling from a tiny chest.

Sesshomaru's face turned savage, a mock growl erupting from his own chest. Rikimaru squealed in delight before scrunching his nose in attempt to mime his father's feral look and letting lose a rather convincing warning growl.

Sesshomaru's lips curled in satisfaction at the imitation.

He was getting better at that every day.

They'd have to work on it more thoroughly.

Both males turned at the sound of dishes clacking against the wooden table.

Dinner was served.

February

Sesshomaru sat atop their home, watching below as his mate and pup enjoyed the calm weather.

The sun was shinning, the snow had melted and there was a nice cool bite to the air.

Seated on a simple cushioned stool, Kagome played a soft melody on the erhu he'd traded for months ago. Smooth notes caressed his ears, and Rikimaru's new found chatter occasionally broke through the lull. His son's level of comprehension and understanding had increased quickly and dramatically.

The growth just as steady as his body.

His development, something that had been cause for concern, seemed to be back on it natural course.

He'd grown quite a bit, standing waist high to his mother

“Bird mama!” he exclaimed, excited all over again about the pretty winged creature.

Kagome smiled, nodding as she played. Her lips curled, and Sesshomaru watched intently, hoping against hope that she'd speak. There'd been several instances of her mouth moving, tongue lifting to vocalize her thoughts, leading him to believe that she would speak again soon.

Today however...

No such luck.

She clammed up, a familiar sad, heartbroken gleam brightening her brown eyes. A look that captured her young son's attention.

A worried smile graced his lips, and a little clawed hand cupped her cold check in comfort.

“Don't cry mama,” Rikimaru implored, “it's okay,”

The small gesture, brought a wobbly smile to her lips. She closed her eyes, leaning into that miniature hand a moment to compose herself. With dry eyes and a steady smile she looked back at the little boy, love and thanks shimmering in those honey depths.

Turning away from his little family, sharp eyes narrowed at the activity a short distance away.

Soldiers, youkai by the look of them, sifting the brush, searching for members of the rebel faction who's influence had spread throughout the region over the last several months. Their fat king was worried, cowarding back in his towering castle and sending his cronies out to do his dirty work.

Rounding up rebels or suspected rebels and putting them to death in a most horrific fashion.

News around town was that the king was running scared after a failed assassination carried out sometime during winter and had sent his lackeys out far and wide to capture the perpetrators involved.

While he made it a point to avoid politics and intrigue, the scum were beginning to encroach upon his territory, drawing nearer and nearer to his family. He was fairly certain the thumping at the door months ago had something to do with the heightened activity over the last five months.

No doubt one of the overzealous squadron of dimwits would come here to question them about the incident and any information they might be able to offer.

His claws twitched.

Going so long without a kill other than what was put on the dinner table had made him more than a little eager for the troops to wander closer, to give him even the slightest excuse to separate their heads from their shoulders.

Not that he needed an excuse mind you, but he'd rather not have his mate's silent glare on his neck for a week.

It was bad enough that she maintained silence, but damn could that woman hold an angry, uncomfortable muteness when cross. He would rather have a blistering argument, it lasted but a moment and was easier to bear than her silences of ire.

Gentle music drew his attention.

Sesshomaru turned back to his family.

Calculating brown eyes arrested his own before cutting in the direction he had been watching, then back to his own.

She felt it.

She knew as well as he.

Their paradise, their utopia away from the world may well be coming to an abrupt end.

Silver brows lowered, his golden eyes gleaming.

In those eyes conveyed reassurance, a renewal of the vow he'd made to her.

Never again.

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

“There are six more reports of women passing away in the manner that was described my Lord,” the soldier informed, “and their have been no sightings of Sesshomaru-sama or information on his whereabouts,”

InuTaisho scowled at the news.

He'd expected as much but he'd hoped otherwise. As the soldier bowed and excused himself, InuTaisho looked over at his brother.

“Elder Torao has been busy,” Toramaru commented.

InuTaisho grunted in agreement.

“He has to be stopped,”

“We still don't have proof,” InuTaisho reminded him.

Toramaru shrugged.

“At this point I'm ready to risk it. He's not going to give us anything to hang him with and the tail we put on him is coming up empty. We may have to force his hand,”

“Hmmm,” InuTaisho rumbled.

The beginnings of a headache were making their way up his temples. After the death of the Evil Six, he had settled in with the idea that things would be uneventful for at least several decades. Torao was determined that peace would continue to be an unattainable goal.

The wily tiger was suspected to be behind or at least involved in the demise of 187 women, and that was not counting the ones before they'd noticed the deadly trend.

“It bears some thought,” InuTaisho conceded,.

The two brother's fell silent. Toramaru waited, knowing what was coming.

“Sesshomaru will miss his brother's mating,”

“Aye,” Toramaru agreed, “It is a shame but there is nothing that can be done,”

InuTaisho sighed.

“I had still hoped that he'd have returned by now,”

“I cannot say I blame him, to lose his pups in such a manner, so soon,” Toramaru shook his head sadly, “I cannot say I would not have done something just as crazy,”

“He should have stayed here, we would have helped them through it, I would hav-”

The doors of the study bursting open interrupted the onslaught.

“I cannot work with that insufferable woman any longer!” Shusui exclaimed.

Both males cringed at the shrill voice.

Shusui was definitely healed and feeling better. Her wounds, the result of Kagura's shocking betrayal, had been horrific and terrible. Demon she may be, Shusui had never been in a fight in her life. The injuries had been hard on her, the violence traumatic.

Visits from Sinjaku had sped up the recovery.

Now, with InuYasha and Jolicia's mating on the horizon, Shusui had bounced back to her original prim and proper self, much to Jolicia's dismay.

Jolicia and Shusui had bumped heads throughout the entire mating celebration planning.

Every detail, big and small was an argument.

Jolicia desired the event to take place in the Southern lands, Shusui insisted on the Western castle and InuYasha....well he could care less.

InuTaisho promised his new soon to be daughter in-law a new piece of jewelry of her choosing if she'd but allow the Western lands to host the social event.

Shusui envisioned the room decorated in beautiful white roses, Jolicia saw it decorated in a kaleidoscope of wild flowers and InuYasha....well, what used did he have for flowers?

Toramaru had promised Shusui a new bottle of her favorite, really expensive perfume if she would just let the wild flowers grace the Great Hall.

Jolicia wanted a hundred roasted hogs for the ensuing feast while Shusui wanted a variety of food served over several courses and InuYasha......well he just wanted food.

InuTaisho suggested a combination of both, perhaps offering both options to their guests.

Shusui had planned smooth wedding music, Jolicia preferred more modern upbeat tunes and InuYasha....well he...doesn't dance.

Toramaru had merely shrugged, suggesting both women ask InuTaisho which was best as Toramaru didn't dance. InuTaisho, presented with two irate women, had informed them both that Sesshomaru was the only one that danced in their family. The females had then gone on a tirade about clumsy males and sports and war and anything else that had popped into their little heads.

In the end, the two females had reached their own compromise, leaving the befuddled demon lord's silver brow twitching in agitation.

With only a week left until the event, InuTaisho was concerned that it would be a disaster of epic proportions.

“Now, now,” InuTaisho soothed, “Wha-”

“She is the most insufferable, pigheaded, inflexible, unfeminine female I've ever meet in all my days!” Shusui declared, “I've had all I can take, I'll tell you! Good Lord in heaven what can young master InuYasha be thinking?! To mate that ungodly woman! You must speak with him at once! She'll make him miserable!”

“Now Shusui,” Toramaru began, “I'm sure it not as bad as-”

“It is worse! She has taken it upon her high and mighty self to unraveled this entire event and ensured that the whole of the Western lands will be the laughing stock of Japan!”

The two brothers sighed in unison and waited patiently as Shusui blasted them with every offensive, imagined or otherwise, slight she had endured at the hands of the young demoness. By the time Shusui ran out of steam, both males were slumping in exasperation at the rant that had turned into more of a browbeating of any and everyone that had unfortunately crossed her path that week.

“Are you even listening to me?” she raged at the silent duo.

“Of course we are dear,” Toramaru insisted, “but you have yet to tell us what Lady Jolicia has done that is so terrible,”

“She refuses to attend any of the rehearsals that are being held, stating that on the day she will “wing it” and see how things go!” Shusui burst.

InuTaisho tightened his lips, fighting back his amusement. Toramaru covered a chuckle with a well timed cough, least he stir the beast further.

“Wing it??” Shusui sputtered, “that clumsy oaf will make a fool of herself and us all!”

“I'm sure she knows what she's doing,” InuTaisho purposed, “It is her mating ceremony and I'm certain she wouldn't want to make a fool of herself,”

“You'd think so,” Shusui negated, “the silly female informed me that whether she made a fool of herself or not was completely irrelevant as she did not care one bit what the “haughty, pompous, self important, freeloading” guests thought of her. She is shameful! Worse than shameful! Foolish, pigheaded, overbearing, selfish-”

“What was that old hag???!” Jolicia demanded in the open doorway, hands on slim hips, yellow eyes snapping.

Fists clenched, Shusui turned on the woman with ferocity, her brown eyes shooting daggers.

“You heard me you spoiled brat!”

Both males sighed, as the two women engaged in a long, shouting battle that left them with throbbing headaches.

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

Sango hummed softly as she made her way down the hall, a basket of fresh baked goodies swing in the crook of her arm. Kirara mewled behind her, little black nose sniffing at the contents of the thatch carrying case.

Sango giggled at the sounds, glancing back at her companion with a grin.

“Don't worry Kirara, I made some for you too. As soon as we grab Miroku, we'll have nice lunch,”

Kirara purred eagerly, mouth salivating at the words.

Sango pulled the basket closer to her side as servants hurried along the hall next to her. It was really busy at the previously known Norther castle. With InuYasha and Jolicia's mating looming on the horizon, and the two planners at each others throat, it was crunch time for the servants.

Sango was half worried that the party would flop considering the trouble of planning.

Shusui and Jolicia were like oil and water, and Sinjaku had long ended his attempt at making peace between the two.

Jeez, but those two were as stubborn as a mule youkai with nothing but time on his hands.

Reaching her destination, Sango knocked.

She waited but a few moments before the door swung open and General Haku filled the frame. A smile lit his face as he took in the visitors. He gave a slight bow before stepping aside to allow the young woman entrance.

Haku had replaced Rykotsu here, and though he was not the formerly known Northern General, he had made himself a valued member in short time.

He was friendly, disciplined and a hard worker, his worth ethic increasing dramatically with the return of his hand, a process that had been long, tedious and painful at times.

“Here for Miroku a presume?” he questioned.

Sango nodded, smiling up at the male.

“Is he too busy?”

Haku shook his head as he led the way deeper into the room.

“It's been pretty light lately, most of the trouble has been fights over seats for InuYasha-sama's mating celebration,”

“Hmm, I can see why, neither one of them wanted anything as big as Sesshomaru and Kagome's party,”

At the mention of her sister, Sango felt a little of her mood deflate.

She missed her so much. It seemed like it had been forever since she had seen her, spoken with her, laughed and cried with her. She missed their time together, the connection and friendship they had shared.

It almost felt like she had died.

There'd been no contact, no news, not a glimmer of the three for nearly two years.

Sango caressed her own extended belly, her expression softening, love blooming in her bosom.

How could she blame her sister?

With motherhood looming for her, she could well understand the heartache and anguish Kagome was dealing with. She herself had not yet given birth to her own bundle of joy, but the thought of losing the amazing being growing in her womb nearly brought her to her knees.

The thought was beyond bearing, let alone having to go through it.

How Kagome had not shattered into a million pieces watching as her children were put away in a cold tomb, never to breathe again, was a testament to her strength.

It was hard for her to believe she would have fared any better.

“Sango, you're looking exceptionally lovely today,”

Bringing her from her morose thoughts, she smiled at her husband.

“Why thank you,” she grinned, “how are things? Haku says things are a bit slow,”

Miroku nodded, leaning back in his seat.

“Yeah, nothing as heavy as last year with the Evil Six. After, everything else kind of pales in comparison,”

Miroku sniffed appreciatively.

“Do I smell something delicious?” he questioned, eagerly leaning forward.

Sango brought the basket up.

“Want to join me and Kirara for lunch?” she invited.

“Of course,” he said standing.

Sango turned to Haku standing quietly behind them.

“Would you like to join us General?” she asked, already knowing he would decline.

“No thank you, Lady Sango,” the general said.

“One day we'll get you to come with us,”

Haku smiled, “I've no doubt you will my lady,”

Miroku stood and moved around the desk, his hand at her lower back guiding her from the room.

“See you in a bit,” Miroku called over his shoulder.

Haku watched as the couple disappeared from sight, their voices trailing off. Haku smiled.

The two were becoming great friends of his. He did not dismiss their invitation lightly. If he had not had his own interests he would have joined the two. Over the last several months Sango had become a fantastic cook, and the meals she occasionally made for him were scrumptious. The meals came a little less as her pregnancy progressed, but he had fond memories of delicious rice balls and amazing soups.

Nay, it wasn't the food or the company that brought on his decline.

It was her.

Kikyo.

General Haku made his way from the room and castle, headed in the direction of the forest.

She had been on his mind for a while. Under her tender ministration he had become taken with her beauty and gentleness. She concocted brews to help him with the pain of regenerating his hand and made salves that soothed his itchy new skin.

His infatuation seemed to go unnoticed, however.

Kikyo had many admirers, all whom she had turned down, coldly, though not unkindly. As kind as she was, she often seemed cold and distant, aloof from the world around her.

Perhaps that was what had attracted him.

He shrugged.

It's not as if it mattered. He had no expectation of being received with anything other than a gentle let down should he be foolish to reveal his tender feeling to the young woman.

As he watched her pick herbs from the overgrown vegetation, he smiled softly.

Nay, he would never be so foolish.

But a demon could dream.

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

Eyes narrowed, Shiro watched the trio at a distance. Curious green eyes wander over the silver haired male atop the roof of the medium sized hut. Even from his great distance, he could feel the male's impressive aura, sharp and on guard as it was each time he came to observe the small family.

His ears perked at the sound of shifting leaves, sharp emerald eyes glanced briefly to his left before returning.

Never could he be more careful.

The king's rabid hunting part was on his tail, and he couldn't afford to make any stupid mistakes.

They had let him slip away once, he was damn sure they wouldn't again.

He cursed their bad luck. They had been so close to eliminating that fat bastard over the winter. But for the king's unforeseen stomach ache, that gluttonous bastard would have met his end.

Shiro reached up and flicked back a small strain of bright blue hair from his eyes.

They needed this male.

That youkai was related to Lord InuTaisho, he was sure of it. That silver hair, amber eyes, magenta stripes and chocking aura. If he didn't know any better, he'd have said the male was the great dog demon's offspring.

It was possible.

He and his brother had been away for a long time, and it was rare if they ever received any news from home.

They themselves weren't prone to asking.

Leaving Japan had been a risk, spontaneous decision and none of them had looked back. With their sister employed in the Western castle and under the protection of the capable InuTaisho, they had not had anything to tie them down.

Last he heard, Lord InuTaisho had been on the verge of mating Kaori, a beautiful inu youkai female.

It was entirely possible the match had produced a child.

He returned his attention to the sentinel male watching over his family.

Definitely possible.

Rumor had it the young demon male declined to lend his considerable strength to the resistance, skirting around the struggle gripping the region in favor of living in seclusion with his mate and small pup. Convincing him to help would be neigh impossible.

And eluding his pursuers would make it even more challenging for them.

Already the enemy was drawing nearer to the sequestered home. No doubt they had trailed him here when he'd worked up the courage to knock on the back door several months ago during the night.

He'd caught sight of soldiers and had ducked out into the night, unwilling to expose his location.

They weren't giving him a choice now. They had run out of time and patience.

The needed this male's help or they'd die.

Jikininki dropped next to him, silent as death. His fierce purple eyes snapping to the silver figure in the distance.

“Do you think he will do it?” Jikininki questioned softly.

Shiro's lips tightened.

“Nay,” Shiro replied, his words just as soft, “Outside of his family's welfare he seems uninterested in much else. We may have to use them to secure his cooperation,”

Jikininki scrunched his nose in distaste. He had done some terrible and questionable things in the name of freedom, but this, this soured his stomach. The female, appeared mute and vulnerable, their young pup only just beginning to thrive, and the way the amber eyes male hovered over the two, he was sure the family had recently suffered a trauma that had drive them to seclusion.

At least that's the impression Shiro had been getting from his months of surveillance.

He was hesitant to cause the small trio more distress, not to mention his own screaming conscience screaming at him not to sully his hands more than they already were.

“He's not going to help out of the kindness of his heart,” Shiro informed his brother, seeing the sour look on his face.

The cool breeze ruffled Jikininki's short crimson hair.

“You can't know that, you were not able to make contact with him that night,” Jikininki countered.

Shiro snorted.

“We both know he would have turned me down. As tense as his aura was that night he'd have probably cleaved my pretty head from my shoulders for entering his domain, unannounced and uninvited,” Shiro's lips turned down, “I like it no better than you, but we're out of options and out of time. Hakudoshi's execution date is fast approaching and if we don't do something we're going to be burying out little brother. I for one am not ready to quit,”

“Neither am I,” Jikininki hissed, insulted at the implication that he was willing to let his brother perish, “I never said I wouldn't go through with it. I just don't like it. There's already so much blood on our hands as it is and I do not relish adding more if things go wrong,”

“You are saying nothing I have not already said to myself,” Shiro said, glaring at his older brother, “If the king were not a coward, I'd have killed him and brought our brother home by now myself,”

Jikininki's deep red brows lowered, eyes flickering.

“Alright, what do you purpose?”

Shiro turned back to the family.

“The child,” he began, “the female is especially attached to him, and he to her, the presumed father is weak in the face of his female and pup when there is possible danger. The woman, however, seems more clinging than normal. Endangering the child should provoke her to desperate means to ensure his safety and in turn force the male to the same extreme,”

“So you mean to hold the child as ransom for the male's cooperation which will be heightened by the female's distress?”

Shiro shook his head.

“Judging from his aura, he'd rend me in two if I even tried. I plan to use the child as leverage but not in that manner. It would be best for all if the male is helping out in gratitude not vengeance. It'll be a little less risky than outright kidnapping the youngling,”

Jikininki's mood soured as he listened to his brother complex plan.

It sounded more than risky, down right suicidal, but they'd known that when they formed the resistance.

“We'll all perish if we screw this up,” Jikininki informed his younger brother, “Not just us, but the whole of the opposition. This demon, he's...on whole other level from anything we've seen before,”

“True but if this works, there will be nothing to stop us from saving out brother and freeing ourselves and everyone else from tyranny,”

The brothers glanced at one another, silent confidence building.

“Let's do it,” Shiro said, melting into the treeline.

Jikininki waited a few precious moments, sighing as he turned away from his retreating brother.

He was worried.

For both his brothers.

So many things had gone wrong, the resistance was flagging under the weight of the kings might. There were precious few left willing and able to fight. His little brother had a blade at his neck and he may well lose one brother trying to save the other.

His fists clenched as he too melted into the foliage.

Careful.

They'd just have to be more careful.

What could go wrong?

Things couldn't get worse could they?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally another chapter, I hope you all enjoy it. So basically, I've been fighting some depression, anxiety and some other mental and physical illnesses. I'm trying to work on these issues, but it's really hard. Sorry I haven't paid much attention to my stories for the last few years, but I hope to wrap this up and get working on another project. Until next time.

Laters!

Sessakag~