Chapter 3: Plans
Ahh! The first morning of summer break couldn't get any better than this. Kagome looked at her alarm clock groggily. It was already noon. She was actually thankful of her clock, when it didn't wake her up that is. Lazily discarding the sheets Kagome sat up in her bed and stretched. She was in a very good mood this morning. And why shouldn't she be? In a couple of days she would be back at home. She couldn't wait to see her mom, grandpa and yes, even Sota. She cheerily got up brushed her hair and started to head downstairs for some brunch. She stopped a couple of steps down when she heard a couple of voices, three to be exact. One her uncles, one her aunts and, and the other sounded very familiar. She only had to sneak a quick glance before she knew exactly who it was. She tensed and bit her lower lip as fear and panic took over. She knew exactly why he was here…or so she thought.
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In the Living Room
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Sesshomaru looked at the couple across from him. He could sense that they were both nervous as to why he as here. But that nervousness never showed as they talked to him as if they were old friends. Sesshomaru was amused to say the least. He had to break the new to them in the only way he knew.
"I'm not here to discuss the engagement arrangements as you might of anticipated." He said straight forward. Both the people across from him let out a little sigh of relief. Before he could continue the women piped up.
"Then, may I ask, why you are here? Most days you are only here to discuss the engagement arrangements. I am curious as to what other reason you could be here." Kagome's aunt Penelope questioned. She was at first reluctant when Sesshomaru arrived.
She always hated talking about the engagement arrangements. Sure she agreed to them in the first place but now…now it was different. Kagome was like a daughter to her. Even though Kagome herself agreed to help her out she didn't want to let her go. Her sister-in-law was furious that Penelope even asked her daughter such a thing. She agreed none the less but was always pressuring Penelope to cancel the arrangements. She was snapped out of her thoughts when Sesshomaru stated to talk again.
"Have you've head about the incident at the mall the other day?" Sesshomaru asked knowing the answer.
"Of course we have." Kagome's uncle Gareth replied in a matter of factly answer. Though he didn't quit understand what happened he did deal with that lesser Kouga that was the problem, "We have also dealt with the lesser if that is what you are here to inquire about."
"Not exactly. I knew that you would deal with the lesser, as you know that I have dealt with mine. I'm actually curious as to what happened with the superior. It's not everyday that a superior shows compassion to a lesser, let alone one on the warring side." Sesshomaru said not betraying any emotion although he was genuinely curious.
"Ahh yes the superior. Their actions have not gone unnoticed. We are going to be stopping by their house in a couple of days to discuss the events of that day. Do you have anything that you would like to us to tell them Sesshomaru?" Penelope asked making extra certain that she didn't accidentally disclose the gender.
"If it isn't too much trouble, I would like to accompany you and see this superior for my self." Sesshomaru replied looking at the two to see in they would deny him of this. Although he could do nothing about it, it was always interesting, and humoring, in a way to see people squirm uncomfortably when trying to deny him. Only a couple of others have successfully denied him, his brother and Naraku, who was just down right unpleasant to be around.
Gareth quickly caught on, he didn't get home till late last night so he couldn't talk to his wife about the days events. But by the way Penelope was talking, Kagome must be the superior in question, or his wife didn't know. It was probably Kagome, seeing as how they try their hardest not to mix Kagome up in the feud. He looked to his wife and saw that she was at a loss for words. Which was rare because some days her tongue could surpass any sword in sharpness. He looked to Sesshomaru and saw that, 'Defy me and I make sure your life is a living hell' look.
"Unfortunately this is the only time that we get to see the superior. This superior is leaving for the summer in a couple of days. Since we are both very busy the only time that we have a chance to remotely speak is just before they have to leave. I would love to invite you but seeing as how you live across the city and have a schedule just as busy as ourselves, I would not deem it wide. This is why my wife suggested leaving a message so we can tell them on your behalf. Hope this does not upset you." Gareth said showing no emotion in his eyes just like his guest. 'Checkmate!' he thought to himself. Gareth is very good at mirroring other's behaviors. This is why he is leader of the west side. He makes everyone feel comfortable because he acts just like that person. Everyone, no matter whether they are demon, hanyou or human, loves to hear and look at themselves. Sesshomaru was no exception.
Sesshomaru knew when he was defeated. He was still curious as to whom or more what the superior was. He nodded in agreement. He stood up and that's when he noticed it. The smell of jasmine and vanilla entered his senses. Just like a cool breeze in summer, it offered a relaxing element to the uninformative and somewhat annoying conversation. Inhaling deeply one more time he made his reply.
"You are correct. I have a lot of pressing matters that need my attention for the next couple of days. I would like to see this superior for my self when they return. That is all. Now I must be on my way." He more or less ordered.
Penelope and Gareth knew it wasn't meant to be an order. They nodded and stood up to lead Sesshomaru to the door, which was conveniently located by the stairs where Kagome was eavesdropping. Making it look like she got up, Kagome made her way downstairs. The people at the doorway turned and looked at her.
"Oh sorry. I didn't know that we had company. Please forgive the manner that I am dressed in, I was not prepared for company." Kagome said looking at Sesshomaru.
"It's okay Kagome, hopefully we didn't wake you. Besides Sesshomaru was just about to on his way." Her aunt said and put an arm around her as if trying to protect her.
Kagome made her eyes go wider as if she understood who the guest was," The Sesshomaru? Now I am greatly saddened that I was not up to enjoy your company." She made a small bow. The way she spoke could of fooled anyone.
Sesshomaru was surprised to say the least, though he didn't show it over his emotionless mask. This girl knew how to awe-struck even the coldest of creatures. He was no different. 'So this is Kagome. No wonder Penelope is always trying to cancel the arrangements. She knows when and what to say, which is quite lacking in a few people I know. She looks almost exactly like her father, and probably has her mothers tongue though I do not want to test that theory.' He had to take a couple moments to gather himself before he stated to speak again.
"No need to fret. I just stopped by for an inquiry nothing more." Was all he could say with out ruining his reputation. It was weird how he felt that he had to apologize for making her worry about her appearance. Yes this girl was obviously something more.
"Kagome, why don't you go into the kitchen and think of something to have for lunch? We will be there in a couple of minutes." Gareth said trying to take the attention off of Kagome. She always had a knack for attracting unwanted attention and now was one of those times.
"Okay." Was all she said she turned to leave but her mannerism got the better of her. She turned around and made a slight bow. "Sorry again that I was in no appearance to accept your company. Hopefully next time I shall be bettered prepared." She bowed slightly again turned around and left for the kitchen.
Penelope and Gareth we silently praising their niece inside. No one before was able to say something to Sesshomaru with out getting a rude remark back at them for their incompetence. Before they could say their good-byes Sesshomaru leaned closer to say something just to them quietly, but not quietly enough because Kagome heard every word and almost fell over from the comment.
"I now see why you are reluctant to let your daughter go. I shall try and do everything I can to try and null this arrangement." He straightened up made a small nod with his head, "Next time we meet shall not be such a pleasant conversation." With that said he opened the door and left.
Penelope and Gareth looked at each other dumbfoundly when Sesshomaru closed the door. 'Daughter!' they both thought. Then they heard Kagome burst out in laughter. Apparently she had heard and thought her aunt and uncle's confusion was humorous. Well actually it was. Gareth then started laughing at his wife's gaping mouth, something she only did while shopping. Realizing how funny she must of looked she laughed as well.
'Yes this summer is going to be great, I can feel it now.' Kagome thought to herself before giving into another fit of laughter.
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On the Other Side of Town
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Things might have been going well on the West side of town but on the East side, well let's just say that a hurricane would be more welcoming than Inuyasha's temper. He greatly disliked dealing with people and what they thought were infringements on their lives. It was a viscous game of he said she said, complaining about how the West side looked at them in the wrong way or how they wished they West would keel over and die. That was the nicest of the arguments that were apparently important enough to bother him. He sighed and nodded to get the lesser to leave.
'Thank god there is only one more person for the rest of the morning. If I have to take any other complaints I will rip their bloody heads off.' He thought to himself and sighed once again. The door opened up and there stood a man with wavy black hair that went down his back. He took one step forward and Inuyasha shuddered slightly. His brother was right for once, this man is unpleasant to be around. Naraku's red-brownish eyes looked like they could burn through anything, which made Inuyasha shudder again.
"What person from the West side did you wrong and what do you want me to do about it?" Inuyasha asked wanting to get this done and over with as soon as possible. The answer that he received was not the one he was expecting.
"Now why would I want to harm any one from the side of my betrothed? I look at those people as if they were my own. I would never harm them in anyway Inuyasha." Naraku coolly said with a hint of malice in his voice (A/N: I finally looked up malice, ironic eh? He wouldn't hurt anyone from that side yet he has malice in his voice. ANA! I'm done you can continue to read if you want.).
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. Obviously there had to be some reason why he didn't harm the West side. From what he knew Naraku didn't do anything unless he had a purpose. "Then why are you here? I have stuff to do" Inuyasha hurried the conversation trying to get Naraku to leave. 'Man he really IS unbearable to be around. Feels like I'm stuck outside in wither with nothing on.'
Naraku could feel how uncomfortable Inuyasha was, though he didn't want to make enemies of him…yet. "Don't worry Inuyasha, I shall not take up anymore of your precious time. I'm merely here to inquire on how my engagement arrangements are progressing. The meetings are becoming less frequent and I am led to believe that there might be some deception going on. You and I both know that this marriage is crucial to the peace between the two sides. If it was suddenly cancelled I would be lead to believe that the West did not keep their promise and be forced into hostile actions."
Inuyasha raised his eyebrow at this statement. It was as if Naraku wanted the marriage to be called off. He didn't like it either way and was quite tired of dealing with his presence. "I don't know how they are progressing. As far as I know the arrangements are still on. If you want more information about this schedule an appointment with Sesshomaru. Hopefully that answes your question. Now good day Naraku." He said abruptly, giving a little nod indicating that the conversation was done he stood up and left the servants to lead Naraku away.
'Yes the plan is progressing well.' Naraku thought to himself as he showed himself the door. The servants just shuddered as they saw his infamous smirk. The bowed slightly as he passed. The wrath of Naraku was something that was not on their to do list. They quickly busied themselves by preparing for Inuyasha's departure in a couple of days. The hanyou's temper was something else that they did not want to cross, though after that incident at the mall he was acting nice for once. Not like they were complaining, they knew that his good mood was too good to last.
After the abrupt ending of the meeting with Naraku, Inuyasha stormed off to his room not wanting to be disturbed. It wasn't the fact that Naraku was betrothed to someone on the West side, but the fat that he acted like he was in charge and was making sure Inuyasha was following his orders. He opened up his balcony door and stepped outside. The sweet smell of salt air, though slightly tinged with the sent of gasoline, washed over the angered hanyou. Hanging over the railing with his crossed arms he took in the sites of the great Atlantic Ocean that sprawled across the bright blue horizon. Closer to the city were cargo ships being unloaded and loaded back up again, but further out a couple of Bluenoses were out leisurely sailing around. He sighed. If only there was time, Inuyasha would of taken out his sailboat and fallen asleep out in the middle of the ocean without a care in the world. Life was so much easier when he was a child. But he couldn't let his father and mother's hard work go down the drain.
Inuyasha was too enveloped in his own thoughts that he didn't hear, or feel his brother come in. "Don't you have some packing to do little brother?" Sesshomaru asked amused at seeing Inuyasha jump at least 5 feet in the air.
Inuyasha was not amused to being scared half to death by his brother who held no respect for privacy. Growling he replied, "You're that anxious to get rid of me Sesshomaru?"
"Actually yes. I might actually get some peace and quiet around here. Besides, with the way you are I'm half expecting you to be running around at the last minute searching for something." He replied coolly catching a pillow that was aimed at his head. Seeing as how Sesshomaru could not allow his brother to throw projectiles at him, he retaliated and threw the pillow at Inuyasha's head when he turned around to look at the harbor. This only escaladed into an all out pillow war, neither one wanting to admit defeat (A/N: Awww brotherly love.). They fight was momentarily haltered when the servants informed that dinner was ready. Each kept an eye on each other as they grabbed a pillow just in case and left for dinner. The fight carried on well into the night until they both fell asleep from having to keep their guard up.
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The Day of the Flight
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Kagome couldn't believe it! Today was the day! As much as she loved her aunty and uncle, she missed her family a great deal. The last couple of days have been uneventful, with the exception of seeing Sango off at the airport. At least she won't be friendless in Tokyo. This just made her more excited to leave. Her aunty and uncle, though they loved Kagome dearly, felt like tying down the exuberant teenager to keep her from bouncing off the walls. When they arrived at the airport Kagome gave her aunt and uncle a hug and kiss on the cheek goodbye and said that she would e-mail them once a week.
Though on the East side of town everything was not as organized. As Sesshomaru predicted, Inuyasha was running around at the last minute trying to find something that he forgot to put on the list. Though he did this on purpose, no one was none the wiser. It was like this year after year when Inuyasha would leave for Tokyo. He picked up a little box and opened up to make sure the contents were still inside. He breathed a sigh of relief and memories came flooding back…
Little Inuyasha came running to his mother in their Tokyo home with something behind his back. He told his mom to close her eyes. She smiled and did as her hyper little child told her to do. He quickly took the Lily from behind his back and held it up to her nose. She inhaled the sweet smell of the flower. She opened her eyes and sat down on her chair and took the flower from her son. She picked him up and plopped him on her lap. She tickled Inuyasha's nose with the flower and he sneezed when some pollen entered his sensitive nose. Smiling sweetly at her son she took a little black box on the table and handed it to Inuyasha. He happily accepted it and opened it with a confused look as to why he would receive a gift like this; usually it is supposed to be the other way around. She chuckled lightly at her son's confused look. She shifted him on her leg and told him something that he remembers everyday.
"Inuyasha remember love is a precious thing like this flower. With the right care it will grow beautifully. This is what your father gave me when we met. I'm giving it to you to give to your true love. Even though it is simple the meaning will go deeper than that to your love and you. As long as they wear this they will be protected from everything. You may not understand now but in time you will. Now young mister it's time for your nap"
Inuyasha groaned but was still perplexed by his mother's words.
It wasn't until a couple years ago the Inuyasha fully understood his mother's gift. By giving him the token she gave away her only means of protection to her son. She died because of this action. Although it pained him to remember this he took pride in the gift seeing as how it came from both his mother and father. Putting the box in his pocket he took out the door and to the airport.
Unbeknown to our two travelers, they were about to face the hardest test of their lives, falling in love…
A/N: Sorry it took so long! Hopefully no one kills me. Alright there is a lot to consider in this chapter. I don't put stuff in here for no reason. If anything is confusing just ask! I feel so reviewerless. I will tak my first and only reviewer though! Thank you so much. I'm not that much of a newbie...I can only write at night then I have to be up early for work, not a good combination. Hopefully you like the story so far because there is a lot more involved! Thanks for taking the time to read and sorry if the chapters are too long. Till next time..
Ana!