InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Rights of Passage ❯ The Planning ( Chapter 2 )

 

 

 

The Planning

 

Gariyoku headed towards his chambers from the council room, entering the room he was greeted by his nephew, who waiting with anticipation. “Well, what is the verdict?” looking towards his uncle for good news.

 

Gariyoku placed his hands on Kiagamaru's shoulders. “Its done.” He said in a victorious tone. Walking over to the table to the far corner, he grabbed the bottle resting on the table and poured the contents out in a pair of golden cups. “It wasn't to hard at all, a little resistance from Hetaki, but other than that it was easy to convince those fools to vote the Koumajutsu San'akudou Shiren into effect.” Turning to his nephew, he gave him the cup. “A small toast is in order.”

 

“A small toast, we should be celebrating!” Kaigamaru grabbed the cup from his uncle's hand.

 

“Don't be presumptuous, we only gained a small victory here, the real celebration will begin once we eliminate Sesshoumaru and you become the Lord” Gariyoku said with caution. “Until then we have much to prepare for, now, did you get everything I asked?”

 

“Yes” Kaigamaru said pointing to a large table in the center of the room “All the scrolls that pertain to the Koumajutsu San'akudou, every candidate that has passed and fail, the conditions of the test, everything. It's all here.”

 

Walking to the table Kaigamaru glanced at the countless scrolls that adorned his desk. “My, my.. We have our work cut out for us. Well, grab a scroll and get to it.” He said sitting down grabbing the first scroll with in reach.

 

After many hours of reading, Kaigamaru looked up to see his uncle deep in concentration with a recent document. Grabbing another scroll Kiagamaru said “I feel sorry for the past candidates and I almost feel sorry for Sesshoumaru, these tests were truly designed to test their limits.” Unraveling the scroll he added. “I had no idea the Western Lands had so many ruler, impressive, since I've only thought there were a few generations.”

 

Looking up to his nephew, Gariyoku said. “The ones that are know have left their names behind are the one who passed the trials, barely I may add. However, look at the statistics, for every one demon who ever passed; there have been 10 or 15 who have failed. These tests are made to rule out the weak.” Going back to his scroll.

 

Kiagamaru looked sternly at his uncle and asked “Why were these test created to begin with?”

 

Putting his scroll down Gariyoku began “Well let's start from the beginning. How do you suppose that our clan became the governors of these lands?” He asked.

 

Kaigamaru gave his uncle a quirk look. “It was a war with dragon demon clan from what I have heard.”

 

“Yes. It was the same from clan which Ryuukotsusei came from” Gariyoku said as his nephew gave a look of surprise. “Several hundreds of thousands of years ago, before humans came to these islands; they were the rulers of the Western Lands.” Standing up he walked to the table at the end the elaborately decorated room to pour himself and his young nephew a cup of sake.

 

Kaigamaru looked at his uncle and said “You are telling me that the Ryuujin clan once ruled the Western Lands!” he couldn't believe it! “And where was our clan while these…… dragons were in control?” He asked in disgust as he received the cup from his uncle and began to drink the fine liquid, relishing its wonderful, but potent taste.

 

“Our clan, along with many other demon clans were slaves to the Ryuujin clan” Gariyoku stated matter factly. “Sadly we were once nothing but groveling cowards to the Ryuujin clan.” Taking delicate sips from his cup as continued. “To make this very long tale short; this went on for some time, we being held into servitude, until a young and ambitious Inu youkai by the name of Masurao, formed a rebellion in secret. Waiting for the right time, he and his small army secretly learned how to reach their potential. Eventually growing strong enough to start a revolution between the slaves and the Ryuujin youkai. Then end result was that our clan won and became the rulers of the Western Lands”

 

“So what does this have to do with the tests?” Kaigamaru asked

 

“Everything, as we all know Masurao, was the first Inu Taiyoukai. After the victory over the Ryuujin clan, he was elected and began to rule the Western Lands with a strong hand a kind heart, swearing that no creature, would ever be mistreated. Sadly that included all youkai especially lesser ones and eventually humans. He spent much time repairing the Western Lands, trying to make them prosper, however during his quest he was killed off by the Mountain Highland snake demons. Leaving his eldest son as heir to the throne and to pick up where is father left off. The burden was too much for him and he couldn't meet up to his fathers level of excellence that the council demanded from him, nor did he did not have the strength of heart continue his fathers legacy .Eventually ending his own life leaving his brother in charge, sadly he too couldn't handle the enormous stress that the title demanded. In trying to satisfy every scrutinizing eye, he eventually went mad and followed his brother's footsteps.”

 

“Is that what brought the trials?”

 

“No the real reason was the Tyrant of Blood, Lord Matzumoto, a truly insane lord, he was one insatiable and ruthless Inu youkai, quite mad he was. He was in love with only strength and power and searched for any means to gain more and more. He felt that no other race of demons had a right to breathe the same air as he did. He began killing off clans of youkai, wolf, bat, fox, it wouldn't matter. If you weren't an Inu, you'd be marked for death. However it didn't stop there, believing that he was a true pure blood and only the pureblooded strong had the right to live, began to murder the weak of our own clan. Fearing that his genocide would not stop, the council came up with a plan to rid them of the Tyrant of Blood. The council found a necromancer strong enough to make a potion that would work. Once the potion was made, the demon who was closest to the lord slipped the subduing potion in his drink. Once drained of his powers, the members of the council took him to a secret location. He was tossed into a cave with the very demons he mistreated and sealed in there for two maybe three days. When the members of the council returned they found the seal broken, the demons gone and Matzumoto, or what was left of him through out the cave.”

 

“So after Matzumoto, what happened?” Kiagamaru was very intrigued, he felt like a young pup being told a story before his bedtime, anxiously waiting for the next part. However, instead of being tucked in a bed he was pouring himself another cup of sake, enjoying the smooth clear liquid. `Sesshoumaru is definitely an arrogant asshole, but the man does have excellent taste in sake and wine.' He thought as he continued to wait “Well?” The suspense was killing him.

 

“Maztumoto's son was only a small pup when his father meet his untimely demised. However fearing that his heir would follow his fathers example or would be a great disappointment, like so many others, they decided to test him the in a similar way.” Finishing his cup he placed it on the table and began to conclude his story. “When the young came of age the council had his best friend spike his food with the same substance that was used on his father and like his father he was taken to a similar location with similar circumstances. However, unlike his father, the young lord was given a chance, and a reason. He was told that due to his family's history of unfit lords, he was being tested for his worth. If he was able to make it through the mountain and retrieve the seal of the Western Lands and make it back out in than three days or less, he would prove himself a worthy lord. He was given a bag with various supplies and weapons. Three days later, to everyone's surprise, he passed! On top of that, he killed all the demons that were there! He did with out his superior strength and with out his powers. Of course he was badly wounded when he came out. Since then….. Every lord has been tested! Many have failed, but those who survived became great rulers.”

 

“So because of one mad demon, the Koumajutsu San'akudou Shiren was created, interesting that such a thing will be used to kill off the current lord.”

 

“Indeed.” Gariyoku thought out loud “But lets not get to ahead of ourselves, we have a long road before us as well.”

 

Confused, Kiagamaru wondered what his shred uncle was talking about. “How so? We have the information to move forward.”

 

“Something like this is not put together so drastically quick. This takes a great deal of time! Just to have subduing potion made takes years and that's after we find a necromancer strong enough to make the substance.” Giving the young inuyoukai a very hard stare “There also making sure that we have to set up the right conditions, the right location and the right time and have the council approve of them.”

 

“How long then?” He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He thought that they were able to do this in weeks.

 

“At least 5 or 10 years.” He answered flatly know what is nephew was about say

 

Kiagamaru couldn't believe what the demon across from him said. “WHAT!!! You telling me that it will be years before we can even eliminate Sesshoumaru. You never told me this uncle, what happens if there are complications ?!” He asked with fury “What if during that time Sesshoumaru decides to be more active in his position and the council backs away from their decision” he added.

 

“Young pup; I swear you grow more impatient by the day.” Gariyoku spoke with calm authority. “You actually thought that this was going to be a simple task? Well think again!” He snapped. “This plan is not only ambitious, but dangerous and we must be careful as not to arouse any suspicion with in the council and especially to Sesshoumaru. Already there has been controversy by Hetaki and as you very well know he does not favor you very well and he is extremely loyal to Sesshoumaru.” Standing up he walked over to the shoji screen window.

 

“You said it was unanimous! You said they agreed!”

 

“They did! After some convincing.” Looking back towards his nephew “However; it does not give us permission to be haste or careless!” giving him a hard look. “What do you think will happen if Sesshoumaru finds out what we are doing?”

 

Staring at his uncles he knew the answer to that very well, the price for treason was very high and Sesshoumaru had no mercy for traitors. “I do.”

 

“Besides, even if we weren't planning to kill him, it would still take time make the preparations. Because of its rarity, the Subduing potion alone takes a great deal of time to make.” Explaining the circumstances to his nephew, he also added “also keep in mind that no one was anticipating that the Koumajutsu San'akudou Shiren would used ever again and everything must be done from scratch. Everything!”

 

“I see.” Kiagamaru said with disappointment. “As to what I said earlier. What if Sesshoumaru proves himself to the council during that time?”

 

“Leave that to me, I'll make sure that Sesshoumaru is seen as an unfit ruler and keep things unbalanced, which shouldn't be too hard.”

 

Raising his Eyebrow he stated “Oh??” he questioned “Really?”

 

“Do you honestly think that Sesshoumaru will change, that selfish bastard inherited his father's stubbornness. He doesn't bend or change for anything!”

 

“Are you sure? A lot can happen during that time!” Kiagamaru muttered “10 years..”

 

“Oh don't give me that. I told you already that I will make sure things go accordingly. Besides, you have waited and prepared for this moment for more than 60 years, what is another 5 or 10 years to us. Be patient and continue your training. I guarantee you will need it.” Gariyoku reassured his nephew. “I promise you the reward will be worth the time and patience. And before you know it, you will be the new lord.”

 

“Very well, I will do what you ask and not rush in to this.” Reluctantly seeing the older demons point of view. “What will you require from me in the mean time?”

 

“You will depart before sunrise and head over to southern swamps and find the necromancer known as Izakuya and give this to her.” Handing his nephew an old parchment “She will know what to do. Once you have completed your task meet me at the Chatue.”

 

Looking at the parchment carefully he noticed that was some sort old leather hide with some ancient scriptures written in blood, it was very old. “What is this foul thing?” Holding the parchment at arms length, it reeked like rotting corpse.

 

“Careful! That is the formula for the subjugation potion.” Scolding the young demon “It's very valuable, the only one of its kind.”

 

“hhhmmm?” Kaigamaru took the parchment and put it in his haori “Are you sure she will help us?”

 

“Yes.” Gariyoku answered “ Go and get some rest, we both have a long day ahead us.”

 

They both finished what was left of their Sake's and went their separate ways for the evening. Kaigamaru left his uncles quarters and went to ready himself for his journey tomorrow.

 

Gariyoku shut the door behind his nephew and decided to finish his research before turning in for the evening. Looking at the unraveled scrolls before him, there was one that stood out particularly. Grabbing it he read through the schematics knowing what this place was and his gave a malicious smirk “The fates are truly with us, this is perfect.” he thought as the scroll presented the perfect place to hold the trails. Grabbing the scroll he placed it a table by the door, he too would be leaving as well in the morning after his meeting.

 

With that he was off to bed thinking of happy dreams for his family's future.

 

 

~~~~~~~****~~~~~~~

 

 

Getting drunk was usually a difficult task for any demon to accomplish, it didn't matter how strong or weak one was. Yet he was successful in accomplishing the impossible and thus furthering his shame to new level. Waking up this morning, Yousha was astonished and ashamed that he drank most of his private stock of wine. Granted, demon wines and drinks were far more potent then the ones that any human could make, but it still took 6 bottles to get the job done.

 

Worse of all!!! He had the hangover to prove it. The task to get out of his futon this was difficult, especially when everything was spinning and when the accursed birds were singing their morning songs; as beautiful as they were, formed a giant echo of pain that bounced through out his head.

 

He felt that a cold bath was in order before anything else and made his way the bath chambers to wash away this accursed headache and if the very least, wash away the incredible guilt hanging over him.

 

Entering the splendid bath chambers that were reserved only for members of the council and special guest, he began to strip himself from his sleeping robes and slipped in to the frigid waters.

 

Settling in he allowed the icy water to ease the hangover away as tried to clear his troubled mind, but as with all troubled minds, it was never easy as he would have liked it to be.

 

Through out his bath, his mind wondered over the vote that was issued the night before. Gariyoku's accusations held much merit, there was no doubt in his mind. Sesshoumaru had become lax in his duties. Yet, he felt as if he betrayed his best friend's son in reapplying Koumajutsu San'akudou back into effect.

 

His mind drifted back to that dreadful day as they replayed that awful moment over and over again, the stench of blood and death imprinted in his brain.

 

Flashback

 

“My lord, please” Yousha stood in the barely lit room and pleaded to the young Taiyoukai sitting before him. “You mustn't blame…..blame yourself my lord” he begged. Inutaishio seemed to have been ignoring him and kept his back turned to him as he continue to stare at the figure that was covered before him. “She…. She is gone my lord….doing this….. This …. This won't bring her back……….” Forcing himself to keep his emotions steady and calm for the sake of the demon before him.

 

“Won't bring her back……..” Inutaishio said, barely above a whisper, it was obvious he was still in shock. “Gone………”

 

He was barely getting through him and knew that he had to take more careful steps to try to accomplish what he was sent to do. “My lord, your causing more harm, at the very least let me ta…….”

 

“Why???” came out the weak raspy voice of the powerful lord. “Why……… How could you allow this to go this……far?” Lowering his head further, Inutaishio struggled to hold his back tears and his rage that threatened to force their way out.

 

He had no answers, none! Yousha never imagined that it would have gone so far. He never imagined the true cost their actions would bring “The council never meant for her to………. It was meant for you and you alone… We never thought it would come…………” Looking down at the covered silhouette, “To this.” Taking another step forward he continued to plea “Inutaushio, please you must at least………”

 

 

He was snapped out of his memory by chamber maiden “Master Yousha, please forgive me! I didn't know. I should have had your bath properly prepared.” She bowed before in him respectfully “Please wait while I open the channels for the hot springs.”

 

He didn't even realize when she came in, was he that engrossed. “ It's alright, Suki, I am finished.” He assured her. “Have Gariyoku meet me in the grand all in one hour.” He ordered

 

Nodding her head she obediently went her way. Once she was out of sight he rose from the water and went back to his chambers.

 

After dressing and getting his bearings he made his way main council chambers slowly, where Gariyoku was waiting for him. Entering the room he noticed that the demon before him seemed less than himself. “ Your not one to be a late riser, rough night Yousha?”

 

Not in any mood to deal with Gariyoku, Yousha took a seat near him and poured himself a cup of tea. “What do have?” He curtly asked.

 

“And you woke on the wrong side of bed I see.” He added and pulled out the scrolls “Well, after extensive research I have found a good location where we can guarantee secrecy and security.” Unraveling the scroll he pointed at the desired spot. “These caves are a complicated series mazes and underground rivers, there is only one opening here at the base of mountain, so that we can maintain control of the trails at all times.”

 

Looking at the map he gave a harden look `I know this place!' “Gariyouku, this the same place where Inutaishio had his trails done!” `Anywhere but there!'

 

“Yes I am aware of that” looking in to Yousha's angry glare “I know what you are thinking, but I assure this the best place to hold the Koumajutsu San'akudou.”

 

“Pick another location.” Yousha sharply said

 

“What?”

 

“PICK another LOCATION!” He said again, even sharper. “This one is unacceptable and too Dangerous!” ` And just too painful.'

 

“With all do respects, there is one that is as adequate as this.” Gariyoku began to explain “There is no other location isolated enough from our enemies and more importantly the humans. As you know, the war amongst the humans are at full force and if we are discovered, can compromise all our efforts.” He said “Secondly this is the most recent site and will be easiest to rebuild everything within time.”

 

“It's still too dangerous” Yousha said hoping that it would be reason enough to choose another location.

 

Narrowing his eyes “With all do respect, these trails are not meant to easy and a great deal of danger is expected.” Gariyoku countered. “Besides, I know why you do not want it held here and now is not a time to allow your personal feeling to get in the way!”

 

Breaking the cup in his hand Yousha rose to his feet “Do not presume to know what I am thinking” he spat `he's right, maybe things might not go so horribly wrong this time…. But what if…' calming himself he answered Gariyoku “Can you guarantee that things won't repeat themselves. That things won't get out of control?”

 

“I will head over to Mount Ronkotue myself and scout the area my self to ensure its stability.” He told the demon before him.

 

“When do you leave?” Yousha asked

 

“Today.” Answered the kenivinig demon.

 

“Very well, let me know as soon as…….” He was interrupted by a knocking at the door, under normal circumstances he would not take interruptions lightly. Today however, he welcomed the intrusion “Enter.”

 

Suki entered quietly in the council room and handed Yousha a small scroll “Beg you pardon sir, message from Lord Sesshoumaru.” She bowed respectful.

 

Taking the scroll from her hands he read the content, then looked up at her. “Are you sure about this?”

 

“Aye sir, Master Jaken just arrived to oversee that the Lords Chambers are prepared.”

 

“You are dismissed, shut the door behind you.” Bowing to acknowledge his orders, she grabbed her robes and left the room. Once the door was shut and he was sure she was far enough from the room he turned to Gariyoku “ Lord Sesshoumaru is on his way here, it seems that the Demon that he has been pursuing has been defeated and kill.”

 

“Naraku?” Gariyoku said. He thought that it would have taken much longer than this to defeat the demon. “When does he arrive?”

 

“2 days from now, the imp that he calls a retainer has just arrived to make ready everything for him and a guest.” Yousha said “I suggest that you do what you have to do and be back as quickly as possible.”

 

“I will leave at once and be back by sundown tomorrow” Gariyoku promised as gathered the scrolls and he rose from his seat before heading for the doors. “ What will you be doing in the meantime?” He turned to face Yousha.

 

“Make sure that the imp does his job with out annoying the staff and to maintain secrecy. I do not have to remind you that we have to keep this secret with in the limits of the council. Do you have anyone searching for a necromancer?”

 

“Kiagamaru departed this morning to search for one that may be possible to create what we need.”

 

Even though he knew that Gariyoku nephew was not a member of the council, he was candidate to succeed his uncle when the time came, there still was doubt about using him though. “He knows what's at stake. Does he know what you told him very confidential and cannot be spoken out in the open, especially now that Jaken is around?” Everybody knew that Jaken was a direct pipeline to Sesshoumaru and he reports everything that he sees and hears.

 

“He knows what is on the line. He won't arise any suspicion. Now if you'll excuse me.” Turning he left the room. Walking down the halls he appeared calm, but inside he was fuming. `This complicates everything, I didn't think Sesshoumaru would return so soon. I may have to take this up further another step.' He thought as he made his way to his chambers to change into his field clothes.

 

In the council room Yousha stood lingering about what was to come. It was hard to perceive any outcome at this point and truthfully he didn't want to think about it now. Pushing all disturbing thoughts from his mind, he centered and composed himself and left the chambers to meet up with Jaken. Still there it was in the back of his head, that little disturbing voice deep in his mind refusing to remain quite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok There ya go folks the end of chapter 2. Sorry that it took so long.

Hope you all like, I've been suffering a major case of brain fartin writer's block. And had a tough time in getting this done.

 

To those who reviewed my story I would like to thank you all:

 

coolerkid892: Thanks for your advise on the reviews and thanks for you feedback, I plan to try to update more often. Thanks.

 

Lady Kagewaki: I love your Sesshoumaru and Kensington series, there great. Keep up the good work. Your stories really brighten my day. Your last chapter was really funny. That bit about Naraku, the Jewel Shard and the Lubricant!!! Classic. Also I will try to take your advice on proof reading. ( I know I'm bad………Really…. Really bad about it…..) I'll do my best though. And thanks for your support. Oh before I forget. Thanks for vouching for me… Thank you!!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

 

Heavenly life & hipkid727: I haven't forgotten about you…. Thanks for your feedback.

 

Now to start the next chapter. Stay Tuned>>>>>

 

 

Bye………………….