Disclaimer: I don't own anything =)

If you haven't noticed by now I do tend to update a lot. Mainly for three reasons: 1. I love it when other people update like crazy, 2. I'm having a lot of fun writing this, 3. And being on summer vacation while your boyfriend is still in school gives you LOTS of free time

One more note, I don't know if anyone else has heard the song "Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional, but it's amazing, and lol, I'm such a dork for saying this, but it really reminds me of Inuyasha. Have fun with the next chapter!

Chapter 9 - Plans Beneath the Tree

"I see that you disobeyed me Inuyasha. Frankly it doesn't surprise me. I could tell when you brought her here there was something amiss." Kikyo glared down at Inuyasha as he stood there and just took everything she said with a smirk on his face. "Doesn't matter really though, by nightfall you won't remember her."

"Not likely, you don't forget your own mate."

Kikyo began to laugh at this statement. "How can you remember your mate if you become soulless?"

He stared at her with shock on his face. Become soulless? Wasn't he already?

"You fool. Why do you think that once you left your memories came back to you like they did Kagome. I never took your soul. I only stated as much so you wouldn't try to leave."

Inuyasha growled, "You bitch…"

"And to think you had no real reason to come back, that you could have been with her right now…happy. No matter, now that you know the truth I have no other option. I need you to get Kagome to come back. Onigumo!"

"Yes my lady?"

"Take Inuyasha to the tower, and this time perform the ritual for real. I'm ready for his soul now."

Kagome sat beneath the God tree telling her friends all that had happened. Well, maybe not in extreme detail, but close enough.

"How do you think we should go about this Kagome?" Sango questioned.

"To tell you the truth, I'm not quite sure."

"Might I offer a suggestion?"

The trio turned to look at the voice that had disturbed their conversation. Kagome hadn't seen Sesshomaru since they were children, but she recognized him right away.

"Launch an all out attack using the forces of the South and West. We could probably convince the East to join as well. Kouga has gone missing, and I wouldn't be surprised if we found him with Kikyo. As for the North, I doubt they would join an offensive against their crown princess."

"That may work," Kagome started, "it's only one palace, and her force wouldn't be able to stand alone against the three realms.

"It's settled. I'll notify my father and Lord Ookami at once."

The friends watched Sesshomaru leave as quickly as he had arrived.

"That was weird," Miroku muttered. "Then again, my cousin has never really wasted words on anyone."

"I guess I have to go to talk to my father."