Chapter 24

The next morning the men were still asleep and the women were talking to the boys.

"I really hope your fathers wake in a good mood." Kagome said. "I suggest you two do everything in your power to make them happy. You can start by making them breakfast and taking them some tea."

The boys bowed to their mothers and went to do as instructed.

Inumouru brought his father some tea, while Katame changed his bandages.

Your cuts look better this morning, Sesshoumaru. How do you feel? He looked at his wife. "I'm fine woman. Stop fussing and leave me alone. I wish to talk with my son." She left him but wasn't very pleased about it.

Katame returned to the table and sat down. "I think that was a mistake. I should have tried to keep them apart longer. Sesshoumaru is healing very quickly. He sent me from the room. I hope he doesn't beat the boy."

"I had the same experience. He let me change his bandage then ordered me out just like that. So do you think the boys will be ok?"

"We'll find out sooner or later."

"Lady Katame...Lady Katame." A servant came running. "Lord Sesshoumaru is calling for you."

Katame looked at Kagome. "I hope I'll be ok. I was a bit bold with him last night." She got up and went to her husband.

Sesshoumaru was alone. "Come here woman. I have to discuss your behavior." His voice was stern. "What is this nonsense you and wretched woman, Kagome have told my son. Trying to soften me with food? You should know better than that." He pulled her down to him. "And just what other methods of control do you think you have over me?"

She was nervous. He obviously was in a foul temper. "I just.... well..."

"Well now woman, what do I do now. I have a son who won't obey me and now a wife who goes behind me."

"I was not going behind you, Sesshoumaru. I just wanted the boy to do things for you, so you would see that they were at least trying to be good. And maybe you wouldn't beat them."

"Beat him? For fighting so well. No woman I wouldn't beat him for that. But he has to learn to obey. He will work, but I am not completely unhappy with him." He smiled at her showing her his fangs.

"You on the other hand." He grabbed her tightly. "I have issue with you."

"Aieee." He had her down on her back.

"Don't ever threaten me." He smacked the top of her leg several times, hard then let her go.

Inuyasha, was also in a foul temper. The pain in his shoulder had made it impossible to sleep. Sugumi had brought him breakfast but he couldn't eat. Kagome tried to console him but he wasn't having any of it.

"Kagome just go away and leave me alone already."

"Isn't there something you can take for the pain." Kagome asked.

"I'm a demon or at least half demon all I need is rest. Now go away." Inuyasha growled in pain.

She left him and went to find Shippo. The little demon was young by demon standards but he could be a wealth of information.

"Shippo, there you are. I need to talk to you." Kagome came up to him in the garden.

"I wasn't doing anything." Shippo was always doing something and usually to someone.

"Hmmm... sure you weren't. Now listen this is important. I need to help Inuyasha. He is in pain and I want to know is there something you demons take to help with pain."

Little Shippo thought a moment. "I know of a special grass father used when he was hurt once. Do you want me to try and find some?"

"Oh Shippo that would be great. Thanks." She gave the little guy a hug. "Now you're curtain it is for pain? I don't want to give it to him and find out it makes him sick. He'll kill the both of us for that." She knew Inuyasha wouldn't kill them but he could be very hard on Shippo. Especially if he thought it was another one of his little fox tricks.

"Don't worry, it won't. I've used it too. I'll be back in a jiffy."

Chapter 24

Inumouru and Sugumi were putting themselves through the drills their fathers had taught them. They were getting very good at it. Their strength was increasing rapidly. Soon Sugumi would be ready for his sword.

Three days later and Inuyasha was back to his usual self. The herbs Shippo had brought had helped the injured lord. He was training with the boys.

Sesshoumaru on the other hand was withdrawn. Something was bothering the great lord. He was watching his wife. He had been watching her for sometime now and seemed to be struggling with a decision.

Katame came to him and knelt down beside her husband. "What troubling you my lord? Have I done something to offend?" Katame still worried from time to time that her husband might return to hurting her. She always tried to stay on his good side, such as it was. She looked up at him. He didn't answer he just pressed her head to his knee and stoked her long black hair.

The next morning she awoke alone. She usually was first one up and about. She rushed from her room ready to apologize for over sleeping. She got to the main room and found her sons up and dressed in new outfits. The boys looked very handsome. Inumouru's was deep blue with silver fur at the shoulders. Samotoyame was in light silver blue. He also had silver fur at his shoulders.

"Look at you two." She said. "You look so handsome in your new outfits. Where did they come from?"

"Father had them made for us. They are made of a special hair that gives protection like Uncle Inuyasha's clothing does. And the fur is from a silver wolf."

"Oh the poor wolf, he's going to be cold without his skin." She gave mock concern.

"Don't be silly mommy." Samoto said. "The wolf isn't still alive." Chiding his mother for her silliness.

Inumouru continued to speak. "We are going to visit grand father today."

Sesshoumaru came into the room in time to see his wife go pail.

"Your grandfather." She said in a low tone. "I see." She looked at her husband. Was he that it he was tired of having her and would take her back to his father to have the decree reversed? Was he going to kill her? She turned to run to her room.

Sesshoumaru caught her by the arm. "Where are you going? We are leaving now."

"Lord Sesshoumaru." She squeaked. "Please. I don't want to go back there. Please." She tried to pull away from him.

"Nonsense woman. Come." He could see her fear, but he had plans, and would not allow his skittish wife to interfere.

(Oooo... the suspense is killing me. Please review. More is coming. Promise. LadySesshoumaru41)