A/N

Greetings fellow readers.

Helloooo.

Enjoy!

Please review!

~Smo

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I am only borrowing her characters for my own personal amusement. I do not claim any ownership to her characters or story.

Chapter 25

Isamu grasped the scroll in his hands. His eyes read over the parchment a few more times. There was no way this was right. He had his philosopher look over the math himself. If Kagome's maps were correct, they still had weeks to prepare.

He rushed through the halls. He smelled Kagome's wonderful scent in the garden. She was probably practicing with Izanami. He inhaled once more, trying to find Sesshoumaru. He was in the study.

The large double doors opened. The dog demon sat at his desk, a brush with a tray of ink beside his hand. He was looking over logs as well. "What is it?" He asked.

"I understand that we still have the dragons here," Isamu started, "but I sent spies in to their territory anyway, as well as our water based demon."

He knew it was not in his place to send out patrols, but he wanted to make sure there was no one cleaning up their messes there. "They sent me back this," Isamu muttered, handing the scroll over to the younger dog demon.

Sesshoumaru carefully unrolled it. Instantly, his golden eyes widened. "Get Kagome in here," he ordered, not looking up even as Isamu left. They had been spotted in the East. They were already spotted? It had only been a week, and the foreigners were back?

Kagome entered the room. Her forehead had a small film of sweat across it. "What is it?" She asked, coming around the desk to lean over his shoulder. He took a moment to breathe in her scent. Unfortunately, she was already reading the scroll.

"T-That's impossible," she got out, "if they tore their sail and repaired it here, they would still need to go back for reinforcements."

Sesshoumaru sighed, "Apparently, it is not as impossible as you thought."

Kagome looked over the scroll. The foreigners were in the South East. They had been spotted my Isamu's patrol team. One word stood out more than the others. Thousands. "Wait," Kagome muttered thinking aloud, "if they repaired the sail. They could have gone south along the border and to the East. Tatsuya may have been... Do you think he was with them?"

"The foreigners stole the Egg, did they not?" Sesshoumaru asked.

Kagome tapped her finger against the table. It did not make sense. They shouldn't have had reinforcements so quickly. She knew that the humans were already in there own war. The clans were still fighting their own battles, but to sneak around Japan's ocean? It was nonsense.

The Dragon Egg had been stolen to weaken the dragons as well. Why would Tatsuya work for them?

Kagome's eyes widened. The dragon lord was greedy. He had been involved in every one's history, in every battle. Toran had said so. Kagome needed to look at the scrolls Toran had.

"H-He allied with them," Kagome whispered in her own twisted surprise. "I bet you they promised him his own spot in the 'New World,'" she sneered. She saw the look of confusion on Sesshoumaru and Isamu's faces.

"Isamu, bring in Ryuichi," Kagome ordered. He looked to Sesshoumaru for the final order. The lord gave a quick nod.

"Explain this to me," Sesshoumaru muttered. He hated feeling confused. He was supposed to be the political genius, and here this slip of a woman was, unraveling his enemy's secrets.

"Listen, they started in the North. They annihilated that house, than they went to the East. The timing is perfect to when the Egg was abducted. If they stashed their reinforcements amongst the cities of the East, there would be no way of knowing they belonged to one major army!" Kagome exclaimed, "The future man had Ryuichi bring the Egg to Tatsuya, but when it was stolen, Ryuichi came here seeking help without Tatsuya's knowledge. Tatsuya used Ryuichi's father as leverage to take Hazuki back. That is the trade, the foreigners get the Egg and he gets a new spot in the final outcome, no matter what!"

It began to make sense to Sesshoumaru. The door opened, the navy eyes staring at him. "Lord Sesshoumaru," Ryuichi bowed. Kagome grinned at him, feeling like she had just saved his life. Ryuichi had just been a pawn, much like every one else in Tatsuya's large, greedy chess game.

"Ryuichi," Sesshoumaru returned, "listen to this woman's babbling."

Kagome blinked at Sesshoumaru. Had she really confused him? "Ryuichi, what did Tatsuya say about the Egg when you came to Japan?" She asked curiously.

"I must get it to him, and then to the priestess," Ryuichi returned. Kagome nodded to him.

"Do you think it is plausible that Tatsuya allied with the foreigners? He is already behind retreating and leaving both of your father's to die," Kagome muttered.

Both of their heads swiveled to stare at her. Kagome swallowed, "Sorry, that was stupid of me. I meant, while Ryukotsusei fought Taisho, Tatsuya retreated and sent the panthers in while he regrouped his army. However, fifty years passed, the jewel resurfaced and he could no longer make his move because Naraku was in play."

Ryuichi blinked, trying to keep up with her. "It is all well thought out, Kagome," he muttered, "but it stands to be proven. I know Tatsuya has been greedy but to hand the Egg over would be as if he handed them his life as well."

Kagome nodded, "I understand but it is the only explanation as to why the army is heading this way already. We need to get Tatsuya to talk and work on gathering a defense."

Sesshoumaru stared at the woman beside him. He felt prideful of her. His future mate, the Lady of the West, was beside him working out strategies for a war. He felt incredibly lucky just then, he had never had an interest in taking a mate. He had always been scared that his mate would take in her own lover, her own scandal.

Kagome wouldn't do it, and he sure as hell wouldn't do it to her. Kagome grinned at him, obviously catching his stare. "Sesshoumaru," she repeated what she just said, "we should prove the alliance with Toran is true. We need her tribe."

Sesshoumaru only nodded, his eyes looking to her fingers. They were pointed at two points in the map. Both of the points were in the South section of the map. The first point was between a mountain range, the last point was between a river. A valley that he could stake his defense at.

"You are extremely intelligent, Mi'Lady," Isamu got out, leaning over the desk in awe. Women were not supposed to have experience in this line of work. However, this small slip of a girl had found two points that would work as an outstanding battlefield.

Ryuichi cleared his throat, gaining the attention from the three of them. "Is there something I can do?" He asked. His eyes were directed at Kagome.

Kagome sighed. The dragon lord had been a pawn, but he had also gone with every evil plan. His trust was arguable. Sesshoumaru chuckled, "I may have a use for you. In the meantime, Isamu, send out messengers to all the clans in the West and get Toran in here."

Isamu nodded taking his leave. Kagome rose her eyebrow at Sesshoumaru, switching her weight from her left to her right foot. "Ryuichi, you are walking on egg shells," Sesshoumaru growled out, "but if you can fetch a signed scroll forcing Tatsuya down from his status. I will allow you to claim his House as your own. This will end our feud."

Ryuichi blinked and then a smile broke across his face. "I can get you that!" He exclaimed, holding on to the sliver of false hope. Sesshoumaru gestured him to leave the room.

The door clicked shut behind him. His eyes went to Kagome and he leaned back in his chair casually. Kagome let an amused smile spread across her lips. "You are a good leader," she muttered. Sesshoumaru actually grinned to her. She felt her heart constrict as such an expression.

"Your feet are hurting," he muttered. He had watched her shift weight back and forth from standing through the plotting process.

Kagome grinned but squealed when he pulled her down in to his lap. "Sesshoumaru, Toran is on her way, I bet," she said, beginning to push herself off. Her face was nothing short of strawberry red. The flush across her cheek making him chuckle.

"Kagome," he breathed out in her ear, "it is quite pleasant, to hear you talk about war."

Kagome blinked at his tone. There was a lust-filled rasp to it as it caressed down her neck. She flushed, "My war skills, appease you?" She asked forcing herself to take a breath to slow down her rapid heartbeat.

He was so warm, flush against her back. His arms holding her against him. His chin resting on her shoulder and his nose nestled in her tresses. "You appease me," he returned, nipping at her ear lobe. Kagome shivered.

Sesshoumaru inhaled and let out a lazy chuckle. It didn't help. The sound fried her nerves as it rolled over her. Her eyes fluttered close and she felt as if she was burning from the inside out.

"Toran is on her way," he suddenly said, his tone growing serious once more. Kagome went to stand back up, but his arm tightened around her. "I think you are just fine here," he returned with a smirk so wide it would put the devil to shame.

"I-It is not appropriate!" Kagome bellowed out. She ignored the laughter that came off of him as he released her. She stood up straightening the kimono Akemi had forced upon her person. The obi had gotten loose, but she couldn't fix that now.

The door opened. Toran peered inside, "Lord Sesshoumaru, I have sent for my tribe but I wish to know more about this enemy."

Sesshoumaru nodded in understanding. "The enemy uses jewelry with a common symbol on it, once you get that off of them they perish like humans are supposed to," he explained. He then held his finger to the map. "I am having four regiments head to these two points, please have your tribe meet us there," he added, "if you help with this, I will supply you with all the resources you need to rebuild the House of the North."

Toran let out a catty grin, putting a hand on her hip. "You think I would not help after saying I would honor our agreement," she teased, "my, my, Sesshoumaru. I am offended."

The dog only held his blank look. "I mean no offense, I understand we have all been played by Tatsuya," he explained, "I just wish for reassurance."

Toran nodded, her own eyes showing understanding. "I will take your offer than, if only to reassure you," she added, her frost colored eyes went to Kagome, "how are you faring, dear? I understand that the two week limit has been abolished because of the crime the dragons have committed."

Kagome's eyes widened at the knowledge. Her body froze. They were no longer expected to mate. Did Sesshoumaru know this? She thought. Her diamond eyes flew to his being. He was tense and it answered her question. He knew and hadn't told her.

Sesshoumaru had welcomed her in to his lap knowing that they were no longer expected to mate. He had still acted like he intended to. Somehow, that last comment made her feel content. "I am quite well Toran, I also would love to offer help when you rebuild the House of the North," Kagome let out, trying to stay political even though her stomach and heart were doing somersaults. Toran nodded making her departure. She shut the door behind her.

The awkward silence filled the room. Sesshoumaru somewhat embarrassed that Toran had ratted him out. Kagome feeling happy and yet unsure of what Sesshoumaru was feeling. She remembered his words in his quarters. Sesshoumaru had said there was no one like her, that she was the one he wanted. "D-Do you still want to mate me?" She asked quietly.

"Yes," his short answer was all she needed. She let out a breath of relief looking at him. His eyes were probing her for a reaction. He was unsure of her now. She did the only think she thought would satisfy him.

She giggled, her arms wrapping around his shoulders. Her lips covering his own. His eyes were wide, the golden orbs looking at her closed lids. Slowly, he closed his own eyes, focusing on how good it felt to have her against him.

He could feel her breasts pressed against his being. Her soft lips caressing his own. Usually it had been him that kissed her, but now she was the one initiating contact and that filled him with contentment. Her tongue slid against his lips and he chuckled against her.

His arms wrapped around her waist once more, pulling her on to his lap. One of his clawed hands dove into her hair, tangling his fingers within its strands. Her lips closed around his, and he felt her nip at it. He groaned at the sensation. "You are a demon in your own way," he teased. Her nose slid against his as she kissed his lips once more.

"Trust me," Kagome said with a smirk, "you are the most feral demon of all."

Sesshoumaru laughed against her, "I must give my orders to my army."

He enjoyed seeing the pout on her lips as she stood up. He found himself unable to stand with his member at attention. Kagome flushed, finally seeing it. "I-I will leave you to... deal," she got out, beginning to head for the door like a scared dog.

Sesshoumaru watched her run to the door. Only one thing was going through his head. Go away! He shouted to his member. Naked Jaken wearing Kagome's breast contraption. It did the trick. His member falling in defeat. "Kagome!" He called out before she could shut the door, "I understand you need to go, but what do we do with Shippo and Hazuki?" He asked quietly.

Kagome's mind drew a blank. She was going to have to leave Hazuki in order to fight with Sesshoumaru. Hazuki and her would be apart. Would that mean the dragons would be weakened?

"I will ask Izanami," Kagome forced out. The goddess, her mother, would know. She shut the door behind her, beginning to walk through the halls. Usually, the goddess was in the garden or in the back of the House enjoying the nature.

She spotted Akemi in the hall. "Have you seen Izanami?" She asked. The kitsune was startled by the name, but she did nod.

"Yes, she is in the garden with Shippo," Akemi answered, she had a basket of laundry. Kagome only gave a nod, beginning to walk towards the garden.

She had to go through two halls before she even reached the doorway to the garden. Izanami was laying on a patch of grass beneath a large blossom tree. "You have a question for me," she mumbled.

Kagome felt that the goddess was sulking about something. Her eyes were closed, her body limp and unmoving. "Yes," Kagome answered, groaning as she sat beside her. Her back leaned against the tree. "I-The foreigners have surfaced again, but you know that. I also need to go fight with them. What will happen if I leave Hazuki behind?" Kagome asked curiously.

Izanami did not open her eyes. She let out a heavy breath. "A baby is a baby. They only know two things: scared and happy. As an Egg, Hazuki was always scared because she was broken. That is the main reason why the dragons had weakened. As a baby, Hazuki knows happiness to. I think that as long as someone is happy, she will be fine and the curse will not go in to effect. Unfortunately, even I am not sure. The Egg was not supposed to hatch for some time."

Kagome raised an eyebrow, "Why did it hatch then?" She asked quietly.

"It is probably because you have a unique kind of power. You bring out the good in everyone, you trust everyone almost instantly. It was most likely your power and your true feelings that brought the hatchling out," Izanami explained.

Kagome sighed, leaning her head back to stare at the sky. The blue abyss above her was too friendly for a day such as this. The white clouds were thin and moving lazily across the sky. "What is wrong, Izanami?" She asked.

The goddess opened her eyes, closing them once more to fend off the light. "You are angry at me," she pouted. Kagome held back her laugh.

"I am not angry," Kagome returned, "it shocked me. You are my mother. I – I did not expect that."

"Still," Izanami whispered, looking at Kagome with her golden eyes, "I look at you and even I am shocked that you are my daughter. You are far too good natured for a wicked creature such as I."

Kagome giggled at that. She had heard the angry fits Izanami had thrown through out Japanese mythology. Izanagi however, was the more vengeful one. "I will stay back with the hatchling," Izanami mumbled, "maybe it will sense that we have the same power."

Kagome nodded and almost started when Izanami stood up almost instantly. "Have you been practicing?" Izanami asked, a smile on her face. Kagome had to blink, asking herself if she missed something. It was a total mood change.

"Yes, I can move that cement bench!" Kagome exclaimed. The sudden energy was contagious. Izanami clapped her hands together in victory. She then winked to Kagome.

"What about the other ability I taught you?" She asked quietly.

Kagome's mouth twitched. She closed her eyes and focused on the glowing energy. It encompassed her. It filled her on the inside and then covered her on the outside. She began to think of Suzaku.

Her hair began to lighten from black to orange. Her eyes changed to the pinwheel of fire. Her face contorted in to his and she stood up in his glory. "I am Suzaku, the cheating bastard who wishes to sabotage Sesshoumaru's courtship," she got out. However, her voice had not changed.

"You sound like Suzaku before he hit puberty," Izanami chuckled. Kagome dropped her facade once more. "No one knows you can do these powers, correct?" She asked quietly.

Kagome flushed but nodded. She felt bad for keeping it a secret but at the same time was almost excited. She kept thinking of Sesshoumaru's face when she displayed her powers.

She stood up, a grin on her face. "I have to find Akemi and tell her I will be leaving Hazuki to you and her," Kagome explained. Izanami waved after her.

"Good luck, daughter," she called out as Kagome stepped back in to the hall.

Sesshoumaru met her around the corner. "You were with Izanami?" He asked. Kagome nodded to him.

"Yes," she answered, "Izanami believes that as long as Akemi and her keep Hazuki happy, the curse will not go into affect."

They walked together towards Kagome's room. Sesshoumaru contemplating the battle and Kagome trying to think of how to handle Akemi. She walked through the open door, held by Sesshoumaru's hand.

Hazuki was playing with Shippo on the floor. He was playing with the few colored pencils Kagome had left. Kagome would have to figure out how to make those in order to keep Shippo happy. Hazuki was giggling, playing with Shippo's tail. Kagome watched with pride as she lifted herself on her own two feet, leaning forward to grasp the trunk.

Akemi made her way over to the baby, her arms next to her but not touching her. The servant was ready to catch the hatchling if she were to fall. "G-Good day, Lord Sesshoumaru and Lady Kagome," she got out, doing the bet bow she could with out taking her eyes away from the baby.

Hazuki got on all fours again and Akemi sighed with relief. She stood up and smiled towards them. "Akemi," Kagome let out, "you are aware that our enemies have shown themselves?" She asked.

Akemi gave a quick nod, "Yes, there are rumors all over the House right now. It is also rumored that you and Mi'Lord are no longer intended. I-Forgive me for speaking, but I hope the last one is false."

Kagome flushed, but it was Sesshoumaru who answered. "It is not true, I plan on taking Kagome as my mate," he said, his tone firm and leaving no room for argument. He walked in to the room, leaning over to examine Shippo's drawings.

Kagome wanted to laugh when Shippo grew nervous. Her attention went back to Akemi, "I will go with Sesshoumaru but I am leaving it up to you to keep her from crying. I need her to remain happy while I am gone."

The kitsune was extremely horrified. Her eyes were wide, "Kagome, I can't do that. I have never been in charge of a child!"

Kagome smiled at her. "Shippo will keep her calm, they have become good friends, please," she whispered, "just supervise the two of them. Izanami, my mother, said that she will aid you."

Akemi forced out a nod but Kagome could see the fear in the demon's eyes. Kagome patted her shoulder, "It will be fine, I will feel if something is wrong."

A loud yelp echoed in the room. It was identical to a puppy that had just been kicked. Kagome turned around and stared at the pain across Sesshoumaru's face. His eyes were tightly closed, his upper lip curled in a grimace.

Hazuki was on the floor, both of her hands holding up his tail. A large piece of said tail was in her mouth. Her jaw flexed and Sesshoumaru let out a whine. "Kagome! Get her off my tail!" He got out, his fists clenched in anger.

Kagome couldn't stop laughing as she crouched next to Hazuki, holding the baby. Her hands going to maneuver the tail out of the baby's mouth. She tightened her gums on it.

Sesshoumaru yelped once more. A flush of anger breaking across his face. "Hazuki, no!" He shouted. Kagome gasped at him.

"She is not a dog!" She shouted in Hazuki's defense.

"Of course she isn't," Sesshoumaru shouted, "if she was a dog, she would know not to bite my tail!"

Kagome's fingers tried to find the area where the tail entered the mouth. She poked at the baby's gum. "She is teething," Kagome explained to him.

"I would not care if she was choking, get her off my-" A yelp cut off his tirade as Hazuki began to chew on his tail. She had never seen a dog demon so frozen before.

Kagome did the only thing she knew to do. She pulled. A whine and a cry echoed through the room. Kagome wasn't sure which sound belonged to who. Sesshoumaru was staring wide eyed, in fear, at the baby. Hazuki was giggling and laughing, with white fur sticking to the sides of her mouth.

"S-So you can watch her, right, Akemi?" Kagome asked with a worried smile.