Author's Rambling: (gasp) Is this an update? Why, yes, I believe it is! I thought it would be best to get another chapter up before the third InuYasha movie, Swords of World Conquest, is released in English this September. Look for the crab in the beginning scene! XD All right, pardon the fluff in this story between Inu-Papa and Inu-Mama. But then again, I guess you have to have fluff in an Inutaishou story because he does have that cuddly fluffy...ack, bad pun. Thank you Rae-sama for being "beta-ing" my story. And for giving me ideas to embarrass Sess with! I forgot to thank you last time! I'm sorry!


Inutaishou had come to a stop at this, his hand still grasping his wife's wrist tightly. Her words echoed in his brain, twisting and turning as he mulled over the subject. Empty. Lonely. Love. Was this what he wanted? To be cruel, evil, vile, vulgar? A monster? To beat around his wife and son like they were his property? His possessions? Why did he treat Achika and Sesshoumaru like this? Yes, he was angry. But he was misplacing his anger on his loved ones. And his wife and son were suffering because of his problems. Where had this anger come from? True, he'd always had a terrible temper...but the violence, where did it stem from? Surely not from his childhood. He had a wonderful childhood. His father and mother cared for him. Inutaishou had everything he'd wanted in life. This was something he couldn't say for his own son though. He'd made Sesshoumaru miserable along with Achika. He'd yelled at Achika; slapped her; hurt her precious boy. She'd left him when he found Izayoi. And now she was telling him she yearned for his companionship? After everything that had happened? She needed him to fill that emptiness in her heart?

Achika needed Inutaishou. Despite how he made her angry and how he hurt Sesshoumaru, she strongly believed that some day he would change, that he would become a better person. And Inutaishou failed her. He died before he could change his ways. He died with her thinking that he hated her. But here she was, seeking his love.

Why does she forgive me time and time again? I am not worth it. I am a fickle warlord. She never knew when I was going to explode and go on a rampage. She never knew when I was going to give Sesshoumaru another beating. But she trusted me. She believed that I would get better. But I didn't. I only made things worse. And, by some twist in fate, I am given another chance to repent? Another chance to make things right with my wife? I love her dearly. And I know I have a hard time getting across my feelings. She is important to me. I will make it up to her.

And then Inutaishou let go of his firm grip and embraced Achika, holding her close to him.

"Give me a chance to explain my actions. Perhaps it will not correct conflicts, but at least you will understand the reasoning behind my thinking," Inutaishou whispered, kissing the woman. Caught by surprise, Achika returned this action before pulling away.

"Sweetie, we have guests, we must be proper hosts," she smiled, realizing that maybe her husband would be less violent, more understanding, more like the man she fell in love with. True, she found his change abrupt, but she did not question it. She feared if she questioned him, it might bring on another metamorphism, something she did not want. He would never be predictable, but Inutaishou was much more fun to be around when he wasn't on a rampage.

"But of course. InuYasha, you and your friends will be shown to your rooms and a warm bath. Also, it will be gender specific," he cocked his head to the monk who was already preparing himself for a skirt chasing game. "And then you will all join us for dinner." The lord turned to his second born, placing a hand on the hanyou's shoulder, "Son, we have much to talk about. But for now, relax. Enjoy being in your proper home." Miroku looked away from a maiden, blinking a few times as he jabbed Sesshoumaru in the side.

"Hey, Sesshoumaru. Does all of your family suffer from violent mood swings? Or is it just me who thinks your abusive father turning to loving husband is a bit absurd?" he asked. Sesshoumaru glared balefully at the monk, sneering. He didn't buy this feigned lovey-dovey crap from his father. There was a reason Inutaishou had been resurrected. A person didn't just spend time and energy bringing back one of the most powerful lords so the lord could have some quality time with his family and make amends. Just because his father was acting polite did not mean Sesshoumaru would.

"First, human, you are not to touch me. Had I both my arms, I would have choked you by now but considering Rin is occupying my free arm, you will live a bit more of your pitiful life. I am still your enemy, monk," he hissed, adjusting Rin in his arm. Noting this, Inutaishou's temper flared back to life.

"Sess—" Achika cut off her husband by clinging to his arm, shaking her head.

"Please, did you not say you were going to tell me why you acted like this? Milord, please do not ruin it by returning to your old ways," Inutaishou sighed at this, his anger dying down for the moment. But there was a spark of distaste lingering in the warlord's amber eyes. Inutaishou and Sesshoumaru's relationship had been destroyed long ago. It would not be mended in a matter of seconds, and it would be a wonder if it ever returned to what it should be.

"Yes, you are right. Come; let us retire to the living room. It has been long and long since I have been in my home." He then nodded to some maidens to take away the guests. The servants were all giddy that Inutaishou had returned. It put a new step in their stride and they rushed more so to serve him...probably because they feared losing their heads. InuYasha and his company were taken away to freshen up, though Sesshoumaru still remained, Rin kept close against him.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin is hungry. May she have a snack before dinner?" she inquired, tugging on the lord's collar. He looked at her for a moment, then up to his mother and father. This would be an excuse to get away from his family, so he complied.

"I'm sure I can find you something to eat," he said softly, not giving his father any respect as he strode by the lord without a word. Watching his son leave, Inutaishou turned back to his wife, the two taking off their armor. Once the armor had been taken away, the couple sat down, the warlord draping his arm around his bride. She looked to him, waiting patiently for his explanation. Inutaishou rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, trying to think of a way to word everything he wanted to say.

"Sesshoumaru's training was brutal for a number of reasons. I suppose what spawned it was when he was but a pup, and we were at one of the Meetings. Sasame called me into his office and told me that he would take over if there wasn't anyone to protect you or my lands when I was long gone. Of course, at that time, I wasn't as powerful and the bastard was a threat. I knew well that our son was going to require training. After all, I had training to become a warlord as well as my father, his father, and so on. It's only natural. But I didn't think his training would begin at such an early age. I thought this because it was a time of peace, that there wouldn't be any wars, or very little and that he could stay an innocent pup for a while. Yet, when someone I thought my ally came out and announced he would declare war, I knew that I had to do something. Then later on, when the Southern Lord died, I lost another ally. Plus, the Eastern Lord was after you so I knew he would be against me. This only increased the pressure to train Sesshoumaru even harder," he paused here, running his fingers through her hair as she looked away from him. "I think what really caused Sesshoumaru's training to be so tough though was that he was constantly challenging me as he grew older. I won't allow this. I am the Western Lord, and you know very well that I have an awful temper and won't put up with people going against my will. Therefore, the fit punishment was to beat his uppity attitude out of him. Unfortunately, he became bitterer because of this and yearned to challenge me. A lot of fathers and sons are like this, especially when the two are competing over a position of power. My thrashing him around most certainly damaged his pride as my heir and as a male in general. This made him angry with me, which in turn led to him coming at me with insults, and me responding with violence. You can call this wrong or abuse or whatever you wish. But had I a second chance, I would not change anything. If he had been polite, I might have eased up, but he is my son and he will not be silent when he feels something is not right." Achika didn't say anything. She understood Inutaishou's point, but it didn't stop her frustration. Sesshoumaru had to deal with both physical and mental scars for the rest of his life due to his merciless training. Seeing her sadness, the lord rubbed the back of her neck softly, trying to comfort her. "Now, if I did not love our son, I wouldn't have wasted my time training him. And if I did not love you and care about your feelings, I wouldn't have wasted my time explaining this to you. But know one last regrettable truth: because Sesshoumaru and I have exchanged such anger, I do not like him. And loving and liking someone are not the same. I will love him as my son, but I do not like him, just as he does not like me," he admitted. Achika bit her lip, finally staring at her husband.

"Are you sure of this? Maybe spending some time with him will heal this wound in you two's relationship? Couldn't you try?" she pleaded, hurt that her husband didn't like their son.

"Achika, Sesshoumaru and my relationship have been damaged for the good of our bloodline. He is strong enough now. He's learned to control his emotions, how to fight with skill, and how to act like a lord. He's violent, uncaring, and selfish. And this is what I wanted. Deep down, Sesshoumaru doesn't care about any person except himself. I know he loves you because you are his mother and you cared, raised, and loved him, something I did not. But he is older and does not need you to survive. I feel that he will show you respect when he is not in front of people he must be a threat to because he loves you. He shows me respect because of my position, not because I am his father. Although," he said softly, "this human girl that follows him. She might be the one he protects, the one he cares for. She might be able to melt his cold heart, in good time of course." Achika gave a weak smile at this, twisting some of the fabric on her kimono nervously.

"I see. But milord, what of Izayoi, the human woman you loved? Why did you seek her affections? Was I not a good wife?" she asked softly, her eyes expressing her hurt. "Am I not a good wife?" Inutaishou sighed, hugging her.

"Achika. It has nothing to do with that. I don't feel like explaining it right now. I fear I will hurt your feelings. Just know I love you both the same, even though she passed away long ago. You are two different people so I love you for different reasons. You can't change that. So please, don't worry yourself over it," he finished, kissing her cheek. "Now, I'm going to take a bath. I really didn't have much time to wash up in the afterlife." He gave her a pleasant grin before standing and taking his leave. Achika watched him leave, still concerned. But then a happy thought hit her. Her hubby was taking a bath! And gods knew it had been a while since he'd had one and since the two had any sort of "enjoyment."

Giving a girlish blush, the demoness stood as well. There was a grin on her face. Oh, she'd make him forget all about that Izayoi of his.

XXX

Inutaishou had entered the bath, a towel tied snuggly around his waist. He dunked his head under once, letting the water trickle down his chiseled chest. Untying the tie that kept up his hair, he let out a content sigh as he let himself relax. It was no surprise that the warlord was built well. After all, fighting demons day in and day out was quite a work out. But for now, he could just soak here, letting the hot water of the bath sooth out the kinks in his muscles. It had been so long since he had some time to himself and not have to worry over matters. Closing his eyes, he let out another sigh, the hot steam that came off the water lulling him to sleep. Peace and quiet. No disturbances. Such bliss.

"Inutaishou-sama, my love, I have come for you!" Achika squealed, practically slamming open the door to the bath. "Did you miss me for the few moments we were apart, my hubby?" she asked, running to him. The lord cocked open one eye to look at his wife. Her silver hair was tied up in a bun with a rather large pink bow, and the only thing that kept her modesty was a fluffy towel-- pink, of course. He couldn't help but let a smirk slip as he traced her with his eyes but then he shook this off. No, he was more responsible than that. He wasn't a boy anymore. Inutaishou could control his desires...well, for the most part.

"Achika, dear, there is a reason I went to a separate bath from everyone else. I wanted to get away from everyone."

"Oh, but surely you didn't want to get away from me!" she countered, entering the bath and hugging her husband around the neck. Inutaishou couldn't stop a small chuckle from escaping.

"Well, I suppose. But remember, we're the responsible adults and we must set examples for the others in the castle," he teased, snaking his arm around her waist.

"But the others aren't here, my sweet!" she insisted, nuzzling up against him. Achika cupped water in her hands and then let it run down Inutaishou's chest, enjoying the effect. Patting his stomach, she grinned, "I missed you so much! I've been lonely so don't send me away!" Inutaishou, now in a more playful mood due to his wife's flirtatious mannerisms, let out a teasing growl as he lightly pinned her to the bath wall, kissing her. Achika ran fingers through his hair, giggling like a schoolgirl between kisses with her husband. And before things were to progress into more interesting matters, Sesshoumaru entered. He'd just made sure Rin was safe and fed when he decided that it was time he would bathe. His parents looked up, Achika instantly blushing as Inutaishou pulled away. Now where had Sesshoumaru seen this before?

"Sesshoumaru, sweetie, we were just 'snuggling,'" Achika began before her son raised his hand.

"Mother, I am no idiot," Sesshoumaru sighed, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. His parents hadn't been together half an hour, and they were already going after one another. There were just certain things a person didn't want to see their parents doing. "There's a reason they put locks on doors," he said sarcastically before closing the door as he left.


Perhaps saké isn't the best way to ease a relationship. Even so, I feel that Inutaishou and I were good for one another. He helped me to be more playful, and I assisted in some of his maturity. I think that our contrasting personalities helped to balance one another and bring out better qualities. Thus, we were able to come to a halfway point between our differences and able to respect each other for that, or at least for a little while.

Inutaishou's mother and father passed away not long after the wedding. His father died of some illness, which wasn't the death a warlord would have liked. I knew that Inutaishou wanted his father to go down valiantly in battle, not suffering endlessly because there was no cure for his sickness. I remember this being strange, youkai, especially taiyoukai, rarely ever died of disease. Our bodies were usually immune to illness. But this mystery was never figured out and Inutaishou's mother died only a few months later, supposedly due to a broken heart. I didn't know Inutaishou's parents that well, but they appeared to really love each other, and I wished for a relationship like that with my husband. It did take a while, but as I said, we acknowledged one another's strong and weak points, thus meeting at a halfway point.

As for my parents, I continued to exchange letters with them, as my father was a general and close to the Western family. But after a while, I didn't get a response to my letters. A few weeks later a discovery was made that Father had died in a smaller battle. Yet, there was no report on Mother, and she was presumed dead. There was only emptiness without them. I don't think anyone can fully get over the death of someone they love.

I woke up one morning and realized a few things. One was that Inutaishou was already up and about his business. Another was a life-changing event. I sighed at this point, trying to desperately think of a way to break this news to him. After I was dressed, I decided that it would be best to tell him the news and get it over with. Once I had located his scent, I went to him. His back was turned to me as he was bent over, looking at some new reports from our armies. Draping my arms around his neck, I kissed his head.

"Morning, my sugarplum," I told him, kissing him again. He looked over his shoulder, smirking as he turned around and pulled me close to him.

"Good morning. I waited to have breakfast with you, love," he said softly as he played with my hair. "I have some wonderful news. Our armies have flourished and the Southern Lord just renewed his treaty with our lands." Inutaishou smiled. I was glad he was happy, but I always found it strange how anything with war energized him. Must have been a warlord thing that I'll never fully understand.

"And I have a bit of news for you, love," I said, kissing his cheek. I remember trying to go overboard with the affection, as to further ease Inutaishou.

"Do tell," he said, mildly interested as he tightened his embrace. I took a deep breath, hoping he wouldn't lose his cool entirely.

"I'm late," I whispered to him, playing with a few strands of hair that escaped his tie.

"For what, love? There aren't any Meetings for a while. What could you possibly be late for? I told you I was waiting for you to have breakfast, but that isn't a problem..." he murmured, more interested in holding me than what I had to say.

"No, dear, I'm late," I repeated, hoping he'd catch the drift.

"That's nice," he said softly, smelling my hair. He certainly took that well, I remember thinking. Of course, it took a minute for it to all sink in. "Wait...you mean your with child!" he said loudly out of disbelief, backing away from me. I think that was the most surprise I've ever seen on his face.

"Well, yes," I smiled.

"But how did this happen?" he said, still unable to take this all in. I merely raised a brow.

"Well, Inutaishou-sama, when a Mommy and Daddy love one another very much—"

"I know how, Achika, I'm saying how did this happen so early!" Inutaishou sat down, rubbing his forehead. "We're going to have to prepare for this. I don't know what a baby needs. It's going to be my heir, for the gods' sake! I only know armies and war, Father never taught me anything about taking care of a child." I went to him, rubbing his shoulders.

"Inutaishou-sama, don't you fret. We have around nine months to prepare. Don't stress about anything, all right?"

"No, now I have to stress about everything! You're going to be given only the best of care, and I have to make sure you're happy so that the child will be healthy not to mention I don't want you in any pain because you're hauling around a baby for nine months and you're going to want strange food combinations and—" I couldn't help but laugh.

"Inutaishou-sama, not that I don't want this attention, but I'll be all right. That's why I married you, correct? To give birth to your heir?"

"Yes, yes, but I didn't think that would be for a while. I just don't know if I'm ready to be a father yet," he confessed, looking up to me. I massaged his temples, clucking my tongue.

"Let's go eat some breakfast. If you keep this up, you're sure to faint."

"Warlords don't faint, Achika, we pass out. Fainting is womanly," he corrected, though he was still stressing. I'd never seen him like this before. Usually, he was very collected or yelling about something. But to see him worry...well, I had to admit it was cute. Not that I was going to tell him this. One lesson I've learned is that you don't call males cute, unless of course, they're infants and they don't comprehend.

"All right, all right, 'pass out.' But please, let's go get something to eat. I think I'm in the mood for raw fish and orange peels." His eyes widened at the food choice. "I'm just jesting, Inutaishou-sama. You know me, I won't touch any fish." I took his hand and helped him to stand up, though he still seemed nervous.

"I'll carry you," he told me, his jittery hands picking me up, "I don't want you to hurt yourself." I wish he had acted like this more often. I could have gotten used to being pampered.

I love Inutaishou, but he can be very strange. I never knew exactly what was

going on in that head of his. At one point he was kind and amusing and then he could suddenly be so violent. And yet, I still love him to this day.

When word spread that there was to be a child, the entire castle was in good spirits. I felt embarrassed from all the attention I received. I guess when you're carrying the future of the Western bloodline, people give you respect. Thus, when Sesshoumaru was born and brought back to the castle, everyone was taken with him. Many of the maids wanted to watch over him for me. They told me that someone of my status shouldn't have to bother with taking care of him and that surely there was a wet nurse who would feed him, change him, and basically mother him. I simply refused. I knew that many women of royal status would hand over the heir to a maiden to care for the child, but Sesshoumaru was my baby boy. I wasn't going to allow any other person be his mother.

The moment Inutaishou placed our son in my arms had to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Inutaishou and I got into several arguments throughout our marriage, but I always knew something good must have come from it because we created Sesshoumaru, my precious son. Sesshoumaru was such the cutest pup! With his curious amber eyes and his chubby hands and feet, he made me smile every time I looked at him.

He sometimes made Inutaishou nervous though. My poor husband had trouble with infants. I guess this was because he hadn't been exposed to them.

"Inutaishou-sama, that's not how you burp a baby. You'll hurt the child if you hit his back too hard," I lightly scolded him while showing him how to correctly burp his son. Sesshoumaru was crying and wailing in discomfort.

"Achika, how the hell am I supposed to then?" I saw that his patience waned, and the crying of his son was not helping matters.

"Look, use one hand to support him," I instructed, placing his hand under Sesshoumaru's diapered rear end, "And then use the other hand to lightly pat his back." Inutaishou proceeded, though growled as he did so. I knew he didn't like being told what to do. But I also knew he was trying to be a good husband and do this for me. Sesshoumaru let out a few baby sounds, spitting up some liquid on the rag that lay on his father's shoulder for just such occasion. I watched Inutaishou grimace at this, quickly setting our son in my arms and discarding the rag. He huffed, turning his head as he crossed his arms.

"I don't want to do that ever again. I've tried hard to be supportive of the pup and be there for you but enough is enough. My responsibility is to make him a lord, not burp him," Inutaishou said sternly. For a moment, I felt guilty. We were still young at the time, and Inutaishou still had a lot of that boyish restlessness in him, something he'd never lose. I knew he was dealing with trying to be a good father and still be an intimidating warlord. As I adjusted Sesshoumaru in my arms, I gave a small nod.

"You're right. I...I'm sorry. I should be more appreciative of you," I said softly, glancing at my baby who had calmed down. "I wanted to thank you for be so loyal to me. I know when lords take an official bride; they still keep their mistresses. But you've been very gracious to me, respected me, and most importantly, loved me." At this, he turned back to me, his eyes softening.

"I didn't originally want to marry you as you know. I still don't like being tied down. I like the power of being the Western Lord, but I don't like dealing with everything else that comes with the job. And frankly, I would have kept concubines if I hadn't seen what happened to Sasame's place. True, he's powerful, but he starts unnecessary wars over women that he has no feeling for. Also, I don't think I can handle many more children, which might occur if I chose to have several mistresses," he said this all quite calmly. "Not to mention, I've fallen in love with you. Ever since we've gotten closer, you've changed. You wear your hair down, you dress in beautiful kimonos, and you don't feed me insults...well, usually," he teased, kissing me on the cheek. I remember thinking how taken aback his words made me feel. Sure, Inutaishou wasn't perfect. I still caught him flirting with a maid or two and he was angered easily. And yes, we were a young couple so we couldn't fully understand what love meant. Yet, Inutaishou was openly willing to try and find love that it made me wonder if there was more to him. "The more I learn about you, the more beautiful you become." At this, I flushed and sat Sesshoumaru on my lap so I could hug my husband.

"Oh, hubby, you're so romantic!" I squeezed his neck, kissing all over his face. "You've never confessed so much to me! We're bonding, isn't that wonderful?" I saw him roll his eyes.

"Achika, you're pushing it," he warned, though he smiled.

"I'm sorry, I'll stop now." Sesshoumaru had commenced to more crying, as he wasn't being given enough attention. Inutaishou sighed, though said nothing, picking up our son again and stretching fully out on the couch. He then placed Sesshoumaru on his chest, patting the pup's back to calm him once more. I bit my lip to stop from obsessing over this as well. I guess what Inutaishou had said was true for both of us. The more we learned about the other, the more we appealed to one another.

After a few minutes, both Sesshoumaru and Inutaishou were dead asleep. I supposed helping tend to his son had tired out Inutaishou. Of course, Sesshoumaru fell asleep because it was his naptime, explaining some of his cranky behavior. I kissed them both on the head and pulled a blanket over them as I stood.

So, maybe we weren't the perfect family. But I loved both my boys and they loved me.