InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ There I Was ❯ Plotting ( Chapter 25 )

There I Was

Chapter Twenty-five: Plotting

{Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, no matter how much I wish to.}

Authors Note: Hi yalls. I'm sorry about the ending of the last chapter, it wasn't written very well. I'll work harder on this one. Review responses below. Ja.

Waterdragonmaster: The next kid will be coming soon.

Legnalos: You'll have to wait to find out or not. I don't want to ruin the end. Sorry.

-Flame

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I relaxed as my mate's scent filled my senses. I haven't relaxed like this in a while. I felt my hand run over her arm and a sigh of contentment pass through her sweet lips. I've missed her more than I thought I would have, though I won't admit it out loud. I believe she knows that though, not much gets passed her unless it's about her own health or body.

I shook my head and looked at her. She's gotten thinner again; as thin as when we first met. I'll have to work twice as hard now. No more skipping breakfast. She mumbled something and nuzzled into my chest a bit more. I don't think she realizes how much she's missed me either. She wasn't very clingy until now, maybe it's the fact that she's home as well, but I don't know. Kagome's always been a mystery to me.

I ran my hand over her arm again and felt her smile against my skin. Looking down I met her eyes and smiled myself. "You should still be asleep."

"Should, but aren't."

"Kagome…"

"Are we going to start arguing so early? Can't we at least wait until we're dressed first?" She yawned and got out of bed. "What are we doing today?" She looked over her shoulder as she stretched. I watched the scars on her back thinned out and darkened as she moved.

"I am going to teach Toshi a few things about youkai ethics." I replied and followed her into the room that held the hot spring. Kagome was already in the water and half way to the oils when I waded in myself.

"Inuyasha taught him that." I snorted and reached for some oils around her lithe form.

"Inuyasha doesn't know youkai, let alone youkai ethics." I felt a tap on my arm and looked at Kagome. I have to admit, I'm glad that when she hits me it doesn't hurt. She does it much too often.

"Inuyasha should get more credit than he does. If it weren't for him I would still be at Sango's." I snorted again and began rubbing oils on Kagome. She gasped and glared at me. She was never one to be bathed; she could do it herself. "Sessh…"

"I know...you can bathe yourself." I sighed and let her finish it herself. Any other female would die for me to bathe them, but Kagome? No, oh no.

"Thank you." She said as we finished bathing. We walked back into our bedroom and started dressing. Kagome put on the flowering plum kimono from when she first came here and I smiled. I liked that kimono on her; it makes her look delicate, like a sakura blossom. Once I finished dressing myself we headed down to the dining room. "Is Toshi going to be able to find his way to the dining room?" I looked at Kagome and nodded.

"A servant should bring him once he's ready." Kagome grabbed my hand and nodded. We entered the room and low and behold, Toshi was already sitting at the table waiting for us.

"You guys are slow." He said as I pushed Kagome's chair in.

"We're not slow." Kagome looked at the boy and I sat at the head of the table. The two of them argued about it until the breakfast trays came. Toshi started eating and I just watched Kagome. She didn't even pick up her hashi.

"Kagome…" I growled and she looked at me.

"Yes?"

"Eat." She sighed and looked at me.

"Must we start this again? I don't eat breakfast, it makes me sick."

"You've gotten almost as thin as when you first came here."

"That was because sometimes it was hard to make ends meet and I wanted to make sure Toshi had enough to eat. If that meant skipping a few meals, then so be it."

"You will eat breakfast, Kagome." She just looked at me. "I'm not going to fight you about this. You will eat breakfast or I will feed you myself."

"I won't eat, and you can't make me." I growled and stood from my seat. I could feel Toshi watching what was going on and kept my eyes on Kagome. She stood up a second after I did and was staring me down. "I'm going to go to the library and I'll see you at lunch." She turned and started walking away. I glared at her back and turned to Toshi.

"Are you done?" The boy nodded and stood up. "Come with me." I stormed off to my study with my son in toe. I sat down in my chair and Toshi sat across from me.

"What is it you wish of me, father?" I took a deep breath and tried to relax.

"I am going to teach you youkai ethics."

"Uncle Inuyasha taught me that already." I growled.

"Inuyasha doesn't know what he's talking about. I am going to teach you proper youkai ethics."

"Alright." He moved around in his chair until he got comfortable and smiled. "Teach away." I closed my eyes and my father's voice filled my head. I remember when he gave me this exact same speech long ago after my mother died.

"There are three levels of youkai in the world; Oni, Youni, and Youkai. The term youkai, used to describe all demon kind, was taken from the humans who only think of the strongest when they think of our race. Oni don't have much power on their own, but they're tricky. They will do what ever it takes to get their way. Youni are stronger and more honorable than Oni. They will do what it takes to get what they want as well, but they will stop at a certain point. Youkai are by far the strongest. They have a sense of honor and pride that can be confused with arrogance at times.

"Youkai have two different forms. They have a humanoid form that allow them to pass off as humans when need be, and their true form. You and I are in our humanoid forms at the moment. If one does not have a humanoid form and a true form, they are not youkai but Youni.

"Youni either have a humanoid form or a true form only. They have no way to change back and forth as Youkai do and that is what keeps them for becoming Youkai. Youni are usually Oni who have gained power and have been able to move up a level. If this is the case they can never become a full Youkai. Youkai are born, not created.

"Oni are usually in the form of shadows. They cause trouble and are greedy for power. Many of the youkai after the Shikon no Tama are Oni, maybe a few Youni. This is because Oni wish to become Youni more than anything. They crave power and will do anything to get it. That is why Oni can at times be the most dangerous of all youkai." I looked at my son who watched me with enthusiasm. He was absorbing the information I was telling in with zealousness.

I continued teaching him all my father had taught me. I have to admit; it wasn't as hard or tedious as it should have been. Inuyasha had educated him quite well. I'll have to say something to him next time I see him. Maybe I'll even thank him. It wasn't long before a servant entered announcing lunch was ready.

Toshi and I left the study and started walking to the dinning room. "I'm going to have to become the next Lord of the West, aren't I?"

"Only if something ever happens to me."

"What if I don't want to be the Lord of the West?" I smiled and remembered when I had asked my father the exact same question.

"Everyone has things in their life they don't want to do. Just because you don't want to do something doesn't mean you shouldn't do it well. Just do the best you can do and no one can say you didn't try." I repeated what my father had told me. Toshi looked at me and sighed.

"You mean there's no way out of it?"

"Do you think I would be here if there was?"

"You didn't want to be a Lord? But everyone says you're one of the best ones the West has ever had. Even Uncle Inuyasha says good things about your ruling."

"No, I didn't wish to be a Lord. I despised the job, I still do even." I leaned down and whispered in his ear. "To tell you the truth I wanted to be a rurouni." I stood back up and Toshi looked shocked.

"So…just because you're not doing what you wanna do doesn't mean you can't be good at it?" I nodded and he smiled at me. "Thanks dad. I think being the Western Lord won't be so bad." I smiled as we entered the dining room, it was a faint one, but it was there.

Kagome was already sitting in her seat and we sat around her. I will not allow the events of this morning effect this afternoon. Lunch was soon served and I was very pleased to see Kagome eating. I watched her as she eat everything on her tray with a smile. If she's going to eat everything on her plate at lunch I might as well tell the servants to make her portions larger to make up for breakfast.

I smirked at the idea as I raised the water glass to my lips. "After lunch, Toshi, we're going to the library." I lowered my glass and looked at my mate. Why is it that ever since we got back together we fight more than we ever did?

"I am not done teaching him what I need to teach him yet." Kagome looked at me and shook her head.

"I teach him the basics every weekday after lunch."

"We'll have a change in schedule then."

"No. You can teach him in the morning, and I'll teach him in the afternoon. "

"What does he do at night then?"

"He gets to relax." I just stared at her for a moment.

"Aren't you lenient?"

"This is the way it's been for sixteen years. Inuyasha would train him in the morning, then I fed him lunch and I taught him just the way I taught Rin. At night he got to play with Ryu, or relax. It's not changing. It's worked wonderfully. If you want a different schedule, then have another child." I looked at her for a moment and then smirked.

"Why not…" Kagome paled and I suppressed a laugh.

"I was being sarcastic!" I ignored her and turned to Toshi.

"What do you think, my boy? Wouldn't you like another sibling?" Toshi smiled and looked at Kagome.

"Oh I would just love to have a little brother or sister that I could teach all the things I learned at the village. Like jumping off cliffs into rivers." Kagome paled a bit more and shook her head.

"That's it. I'm going celibate." She stood and walked towards the door. "I'll wait for you in the library." With that she left and Toshi started laughing.

"I don't think I've ever seen mom get so pale."

"You should get going." He nodded and left to his afternoon lesions. I soon stood myself and walked out of the dining room and into my study. I sat at my desk and began looking over notices I had gotten over the time I was absent.

There was nothing really important. A letter from the other Lords every once in a while giving information on Naraku's whereabouts and what not. I was just skimming the letters and notices until one grabbed my attention. It was written in very fimiliar pirntcive and I felt my blood begin to boil just looking at it. Saiyako had the audacity the write to me, me. She's lucky she's not dead by now. I was curious though. Why would she write me? I looked down at the letter and began to read.

My Dearest Loved One,

I am saddened and disturbed to hear of the fate that has occurred to your mate. Kagome was a bright star to all of us. I can easily say she will live forever within our hearts. I only wish I could comfort you in these times. Should you decide you need me, just call my name into the wind and I shall come as fast as I can. May your wounds heal quickly.

With much love,

Saiyako*

I growled and tore the letter up. How dare she write to me in such a way. I closed my eyes and tried to control my anger. The fact that she had written to me did not anger me. The fact that she did what she did to Kagome and then wrote to me. It only makes me wish to hold her still beating heart in my hand and squeeze the life out of it. Slowly and painfully.

There was a sharp rap on the door and I looked up. "Enter." I growled and relaxed a bit as Kagome's scent filled my senses. She peered through the doorway and looked at me with concern in her eyes.

"Sessh, are you alright?" I just closed my eyes and sighed as I felt her move closer and stand next to me. "Sessh?"

"I'll be fine. I just got a letter that angered me is all."

"Angered? I'd say more like infuriated. I felt your youki all the way across the castle." I looked up at her and sighed again.

"It was a letter from Saiyako."

"Oh…" She turned her head away and I took her hand in mine. "Dinner's ready." She still wasn't looking at me.

"Kagome." She turned her head and I could see sadness in her eyes. She still blames all this on herself. I pulled her closer and kissed her. Telling her it's not her fault or that everything's going to be alright would just make her fell worse. Humans, they're so strange at times. She pulled back from the kiss and looked me in the eyes.

"Are you ready for dinner?" I nodded and took her arm in my own as I stood. Together we walked down the hall and entered the dining room to be presently surprised…or at least Kagome was surprised. There sitting at the table with Toshi was Kouji, Saiya, and Kouga. Kagome faltered in her step and stared at our guests. "K-Kouga! It's been so long!" She let go of my arm and ran up to Kouga, enveloping him in a tight hug. He hugged her in return and I glared at them.

"Oh come now, Maru. Don't be so possessive." I turned my glare to Kouji and he shook his head. Kagome walked over to him next and hugged his as well. My glare darkened and he laughed.

"It's good to see you again, Kouji."

"It's good to see you to Kagome." That hug didn't last as long as Kouga's did and I was thankful for that. Kagome looked at Saiya and nodded.

"Saiya." The lady sighed and smiled weakly at Kagome.

"Kagome. I'm hoping we can patch up our relationship."

"We'll see." Kagome walked over to stand behind Toshi and I followed her.

"By the way, who is this strapping young man, Maru?" I looked at Saiya and smirked.

"This would be Toshi. My son." All three of them stared at me and finally Kouga broke the silence as they all began to sit.

"No wonder you were a basket case."

"This Sesshoumaru was not a basket case." I growled and glared at him once again.

"Awe…you were a basket case without me? And I didn't get to see it?"

"You didn't miss anything." I looked at her.

"Fine, if you say so." I sighed. She had said it in her `I know you're in denial' tone. Tell me again why I mated this woman?

"I'm so relieved to see the rumors were incorrect." Kouji said as I pushed Kagome's seat in. "But I must ask why you were gone for so long."

"Yeah, you don't know how boring the gatherings have been without you." Kouga shook his head. "There was no one else who would cause havoc with me."

"We'll just cause more to make up for lost time."

"Oh Kami…" Saiya sighed. I have to admit, she's right. Every gathering Kagome and Kouga would get together and well, just as Kouga said, cause havoc. Kagome laughed and shook her head.

"Why was I gone? I was kidnapped." Those words seamed to echo off the walls. You could hear a pin drop in the silence that had fallen around us.

"Dear Kami…What are you going to do about this Maru?" Kouji asked as the servants placed dinner in front of us. "You're not going to let them get away with this are you?"

"Of course not!" I growled and took a bite of my meal.

"Do you know who did this?"

"Oh yes, I knew exactly who. That's why I summoned you here." I heard a pair of hashi hit a plate and I turned my head to look at Kagome.

"Sesshoumaru." She was mad; you can always tell when Kagome was mad when she uses my full name. "What are you plotting? Two months are not even close to being up." I smirked and dropped the bomb on her.

"You said I couldn't do anything for two months. You never said anything about anyone else."

"I knew there was some reason you were being so blasted calm about this. You had this planned from the beginning, didn't you?!"

"You should have been more specific."

"Don't split hairs, Sesshoumaru!"

"This Sesshoumaru does not `split hairs'."

"Well you could have fooled me. I'm not hungry any more." Kagome stood and I glared at her.

"You will sit and eat. You are not excused until I say you are." Kagome watched me for a second with the sourest look I've ever seen on her and then smiled.

"Alright. I'm sorry I fought with you." She sat back in her chair and took a few bites of her dinner.

"Well, I take it you wish for my help?"

"Yes, it would be greatly appreciated." Kagome lifted her glass and took a sip. As she was putting it down she covered her mouth with the other hand just in time to stifle a burp.

"Oh excuse me."

"You're excused." I said making Kagome smile and stand.

"Thank you, I'll be in the library." With that she walked out. Now who was splitting hairs? Kouga started laughing and I glared at him.

"I was waiting for that. You should have known Kagome wouldn't have backed down that easily." I sighed and rubbed my temples.

"Nonetheless, there is a reason I seek your help Kouji."

"Oh?"

"Saiyako was the kidnapper." His eyes widened.

"What?!"

"I will not repeat myself."

"What else did she do. I know she wouldn't have left it just at kidnapping."

"Torture."

"Of what nature?"

"Hot irons and whips." Kouji and Kouga winced and Saiya paled.

"Do not worry my friend, here's what we're going to do. We haven't scheduled a gathering place and time yet, so we can have it here. By now I'm sure Saiyako knows of Kagome's reappearance, so she'll come. I have no doubt on that." He looked over at Toshi and smiled. "Toshi, you'll put it all together. If you need any help I'm sure Rin will be more than willing to help. Maru, you keep Kagome from finding out what's going on. If she finds out about this…"

"She'll have our heads." Kouga finished.

"Right. We'll keep in contact and get this done soon." We all nodded and stood from the table.

"I'll have some rooms prepared for you for tonight."

"Thank you Maru. And I'm sorry for what my daughter's done."

"I know." I placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're helping so all is forgiven." Our group left the dining room and went in separate directions. I headed for the library. I opened the door and saw no one inside. Fear struck inside me as I walked in and looked around.

A gentle breeze blew through the room and I looked toward the balcony. Kagome was sitting on the railing watching the sun set and relief spread through every one of my nerves. I walked over and leaned against the railing next to her. We stayed like that for so long I nearly jumped when she finally spoke. "Why?"

"It's my duty as your mate to keep you safe. I refuse to wait to do something about this. I had made a promise to you though, and with good reason. I was close to running off to kill her when I saw what she had done. That's why when we returned I sent for Kouji to come. I knew he would help come up with something for this and keep his head."

"Do you already have something planed?"

"Yes."

"What?" I had to think of something. I couldn't very well tell her our plan. My job after all was to keep her from finding out.

"I don't know. He wouldn't tell me."

"I see." I looked over at her and sighed. She looked hurt. I leaned over and caressed her cheek with my thumb.

"Please don't be mad." I knew she wasn't mad, but she won't say what she's really feeling and why if I don't.

"I'm not mad. I'm just hurt."

"Why?"

"Because you went behind my back and did this. I feel like you don't trust me enough to say, `Yo, I'm brining Kouji down so we can think up a way to fix this.'" She looked me in the eyes and frowned. "Don't you understand?"

"I do. I should have mentioned this to you first." She nodded.

"Yes. You should have." I shook my head at her.

"Would it help if I said I was sorry?" She blinked at me and gasped.

"The Great Sesshoumaru? Apologizing? Be still my heart!" She smiled and laughed. "You're quite forgiven. You know I can't stay mad at you long, and you use that to your advantage."

"Yes I do." I smiled and picked her up.

"It's been a long day."

"No, just tiring."

"Okay, it's been a tiring day." I corrected and headed off to our room. "I think some sleep is in order." Kagome smirked as we entered our chambers and I laid her on the bed.

"Gee, I don't know. I'm still full of energy." I raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled. "Maybe there's something else you could think of?" I shook my head at her. How she could go from angry one second to lustful then next is far beyond me. Not that I'm complaining, but it's still interesting.

"Maybe I could think of something." I copied her smirk and blew the candle out as I crawled into bed and used all of that excess energy she was complaining about.