Author's Note: Dear goodness me. Is this an update? Yes, yes it is! Haha. Well, Naraku is way out of character. Yeah, I know, I'm a loserface for making him crazy. So what. I'm not sure if I want to continue this fic or not. I've got some ideas as I mentioned before for a new Inuyasha fic that I'd like to work on. Also, I've got some ideas for a Pirates of the Caribbean fic because I'm crazy about the Commodore. D I guess I have a thing for white/silver hair, right? Heh. Anywho, thanks for my loyal readers. This chapter was rushed so I apologize. Much love.
Naraku gave an impatient sigh, drumming his fingers on a desk. His skinny figure was draped over a throne of sorts with ragged material hung over it. Sipping some blood red wine, he let out another sigh as he set the glass down on a desk. He glanced at the human skull that resided atop the desk, picking it up and chuckling to himself.
"Skull," he said to it, "I am clever, aren't I? Cooking up this scheme, hm? I must say I hate, no loathe, that inu family with all my being. It started with InuYasha, I suppose. When I pinned him to that tree. Then, of course there was Sesshoumaru, who didn't do my bidding. And well, quite frankly, I just don't like them because of it. Therefore, it's only natural that I torture their entire family for my revenge, wouldn't you say?" Naraku stroked his chin with his free hand, studying the skull. "So, one day, I said to myself, 'All right, Naraku, enough of these games. You must come up with a wonderful new idea to torture the inu brothers.' Of course, this was no easy task, mind you. I had to think of something that would throw them off completely. Yet, despite the difficulty, I, Naraku did indeed come up with something. And that, my dead friend, was the resurrection of that old geezer, Inutaishou. Just as stupid and cocky as his sons. But I will say one thing, he's hundreds—no, thousands more times powerful than his two brat sons. Thus, it took a lot of power to bring back the dog demon. I did it though. Because I'm so wonderful." Naraku paused in his speech to add another chuckle. He rattled the skull in his hand so that the lower jaw shook. "Skull, you mock me, laugh at my idea? You ask me, 'What good will this do?' Oh, I'll tell you. I've got enough shards in that damn demon to control him into doing my bidding. Here's my plan: I let the little inus get nice and comfy and when everything is peaches and cream, I strike. Inutaishou will kill them all." Naraku smirked. "How wonderful!" The hanyou was almost tempted to kick his feet in morbid glee but he held in this childish act. Suddenly, the door to his chamber was opened, his wind demoness entering.
"Naraku-sama, I have the latest reports on Inutaishou-sama," Kagura said, bowing in front of him. Naraku twisted his lips in a boyish pout, eyes narrowing.
"How dare you!" he declared, pointing a gaunt finger at her, his pale face grimacing further.
"I'm sorry, milord, I just thought it would be best for me to enter and tell you the news as quickly as possible. I was so distracted I forgot to knock!" Kagura quickly apologized, her eyes widening a fraction.
"No, no, not that, you idiot! You interrupted my soliloquy!" Naraku snapped, throwing down the skull in his anger, which then shattered as it made contact with the floor.
"Your what, sir?" Kagura asked, confused. Her master was really going insane. She couldn't wait to be free of him.
"Never mind. Someone like you could never fathom the vast intellect of a genius like myself," Naraku said dramatically, waving a hand into the hair. Kagura scrunched up her face. He was getting rather arrogant as well. "So, go on, tell me what you think is so dreadfully important about Inutaishou. Is he separating the family? What about the wife? Does she hate him now?"
Kagura swallowed.
"Well, not exactly. Sesshoumaru isn't happy. But that's to be expected. As for, uh, Achika, I think her name was and Inutaishou, well—"
"Are they fighting? Bickering? Shredding each other to bits and pieces and causing absolute discord!" Naraku said, on the edge of his seat, pale hands clenched.
"No, milord, they're...well, you see, they seem to be getting along really well. A bit too well if you ask me." Naraku listened, wrinkling his nose.
"How so?" he said, blood-shot eyes studying his wind demoness.
"Uh...I guess you would label it as, um, 'cuddling', sir," Kagura said. "Because that's what some of the spies reported. I mean, some of the servants who listened in on some of their conversations and whatnot...well, that's what they seemed to get out of the information they collected." Kagura finished with an irritated sigh.
"I see. Why are they 'cuddling' like you say?" he asked, quite impatient.
"I don't know. Probably because they love each other," she offered, just as impatient. "Do I need to define 'love' for you, sir?" Naraku huffed at her remark, crossing his arms as he pulled his legs up into the chair.
"I never had anyone to cuddle with," he murmured under his breath. "Well, then, we'll have to put a stop to this. I did not resurrect the most powerful demon in Japan for him to spend quality time with his wife. See that this 'puppy love' is taken care of."
"You know, if you can control Inutaishou-sama, I don't see why you just make him start killing people now. It would solve so many problems, milord," Kagura said quietly. Naraku fumed.
"Idiot! That would be too easy! I'm the leader, here. I know what I'm doing!"
"Of course, please forgive me," Kagura said sardonically.
"Only this once," Naraku said. With this, he waved his hand again, only this time for her to leave. Kagura resisted the rolling of her eyes as she bowed and left, practically slamming the door closed. This sounded like jealousy to her. Naraku didn't like seeing other people happy, especially Inutaishou and his family. But she didn't care. As long as she got Sesshoumaru in the end, it didn't matter. She sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time today. Now she would have to coordinate the spies placed in the castle into setting traps to split up these two. Plus, there were those other spies she had to plot with. There's never a chance to relax, she thought.
XXX
"Which do you think looks prettier, the pale pink or the magenta kimono?" Achika asked, holding two garments in front of her husband as he gave her an impatient look.
"Aren't they both pink? I really don't see the difference or the importance of this, Achika," Inutaishou moaned, already dressed. "Just put one on and be done with it."
His wife scowled.
"This is very important! The pale one flatters my figure more but the magenta one brings out my eyes. What's more important to a male?" she asked, blinking.
"Achika, dear...how in the seven hells is magenta going to bring out your amber eyes?" he said, raising a brow.
"Would you just answer my question?" she snapped. Inutaishou shook his head.
"The pale pink one. It will look nice on you." Achika fumed.
"Oh, of course you pick the pale pink one, right! Because all you can think about is a woman's body, not her eyes! I see how it is! You big, fat pig!" she said, blowing up in rage right in front of him. Inutaishou blinked, very confused.
"No, I wasn't saying that. You just asked my opinion, that's all. If I knew you were going to lose it I wouldn't have said anything in the first place." The warlord shifted his weight as he rubbed the back of his head, muttering something about women. "And you shouldn't jump to conclusions. The magenta hurts my eyes. The pale pink is softer." Achika smiled at this, kissing his cheek.
"Is that all? You're so sweet," she said before changing into the pale pink kimono. All that conflict over one article of clothing? His face faltering, Inutaishou decided it was best not to ask. He'd lived with her long enough to know it was smart to just let things go when in concerned a matter of garments.
After breakfast (which Sesshoumaru had not bothered to attend) Inutaishou left to patrol his lands once more, marking trees and other objects with his blood to let others known it was he who ruled the Western Lands now.
Achika spent her time continuing to work on her gardens. She brought new life to the heavenly smelling gardenias and nourished her daisies with the best of care. The garden was filled with a myriad of many more exotic flowers, breeds only known to the most civilized of youkai. Humming softly, she scooped up some of the flowers in her arms and stood with the intent of decorating the castle with them. The demoness figured they would lighten up the dark mood that lingered around some of her guests. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw her husband returning now. Well, that was quick, Achika mused with a small shake of her head, perhaps he has come back for a short break?
Eager to meet him, the woman increased her pace and headed toward the castle gates, walking as fast as she dared in her long kimono. But, alas, in her short bliss, Achika tripped over her own kimono and felt the flowers leave her arms as she fell, only to be caught by comforting arms. Looking up into Inutaishou's eyes, Achika smiled.
"Taking a break, milord?" she asked as he set her down, the two kneeling as they picked up the flowers together.
"Yes, it would appear so. I've already remarked the northern part of the Lands. And you? Tending to those gardens of yours that you love so much?" Inutaishou said softly, letting a smile smirk slip. Achika curled her legs underneath her, nodding as he spoke. For once, the usually chattering demoness had little to say as she gathered up the fallen flowers. Inutaishou studied her silently, watching as her silver hair moved with a calm breeze and how her pink lips whispered something on occasion to the flowers she tended. Her alabaster skin was concealed from him, unless she adjusted herself so that a delicate wrist was exposed as she reached for a flower or perhaps she would pull back her hair for a second to reveal her slender neck, which he yearned to touch. There was a reserved, elegant beauty about the Western Lady that could still catch the eye of her husband. He found himself wanting to look at her longer and reach out to her, hold her against him.
Achika picked up the last flower when she felt his hand brush over hers. Blinking in surprise, the demoness returned her eyes to his, not exactly questioning his motives but almost encouraging him to continue with his affections.
Around this time, InuYasha was pacing around the castle, munching on an early afternoon snack. He happened to look out a window, where he made the discovery of seeing his father with Achika. The hanyou clenched a fist for a moment. True, his own mother was not among the living any longer, but InuYasha did not like Achika and he most certainly didn't like her near his father. Even at a distance, InuYasha could tell by the couple's closeness the feelings they were expressing for one another. The hanyou let out a scoff in disgust, when Sesshoumaru passed by the same window.
"Half-breed, quit gawking and go waste your pathetic life elsewhere," Sesshoumaru said sharply. InuYasha wanted to protest but his brother cracked his claws in warning. With a frustrated huff, the hanyou moved on to another part of the castle.
Meanwhile, Inutaishou wrapped his arm around his wife's waist and met her lips with a tender kiss. She returned the kiss for a second or two only to pull away and shake her head.
"Someone is bound to see us, milord," she quietly reminded, holding the flowers to her. Confused, Inutaishou scooted closer to her.
"So?" he asked, "how is that a problem?"
Sesshoumaru watched them now, his eyes lowering in annoyance. Yes, his mother was content, but he didn't like her father any more because of this. He stared with a bitter abhorrence toward the daimyo, swallowing a growl or two.
"It's not exactly. I would rather go somewhere in private, that's all," Achika stated, smiling at him. He smiled in return until he glanced up to see his eldest giving him a death glare from a castle window. "Inutaishou-sama?" Achika asked at this, now the confused one.
"It's nothing. Come, I can spare a little more time during my break," he said as he helped her to stand. They walked to the castle hand in hand, Achika keeping her free hand around her precious flowers. "And I'm sure we can find some things to do in that time frame," he grinned as he gave Achika a sly look, who coyly blushed in return but made no protest.
Sesshoumaru impatiently turned away from the window and raked his claws along a nearby table in his frustration. He didn't like how his father was somehow changing his mother. She had suddenly become quieter and submissive. Almost like how a "real wife" was supposed to act. And even though the young lord's mother drove him crazy, Sesshoumaru did not like the fact Inutaishou had that much of an effect on Achika. Sesshoumaru also hated how he was a full-grown daimyo himself, and Inutaishou refused to treat him like one. Sesshoumaru wanted Inutaishou gone; there was no doubt about it. Now the only problem was how Sesshoumaru would plan to go about getting rid of the daimyo.
XXX
Kagura glanced around at the few followers of Naraku she had been assigned to. They were an interesting bunch to say the least. Each one was remarkably intelligent and had his say-so in everything. But they were worthy followers and amazing spies, so Naraku put up with their arrogance in order to get what he wanted. Of course, Kagura had her own opinion on this group.
"All right, you all have been studying the inu family. Let's hear something about them. What can we use to completely tear this group apart?" Kagura began, looking around at the group.
A youkai with dark green hair that often stayed in front of his eyes sneered.
"I don't see why we just go out there and kill them. It'd be a hell of a lot easier than spying and planning out all this."
"Because it's what Naraku wants. If we don't comply to his wishes, we'll all be killed," Kagura replied, shaking her head, as she knew full well the consequences of disobeying her lord.
"Naraku has lost his mind. He spends all this energy bringing back Inutaishou only to have the family fight and kill him again. Besides, Sesshoumaru and his father already hate each other enough. Isn't that enough discord? And not to mention Naraku has been talking to himself quite a lot. This plan is certainly lacking," criticized a dark youkai who kept his head down.
A white haired demon scowled.
"I don't care about the sense in this plan. I just want to kill someone. As long as there is bloodshed, I'm content," he remarked as he inspected his talons.
"Well, regardless of all your opinions, we still need a plan. Naraku's waiting," Kagura remarked. "What about you, Hirata? Do you have any ideas?"
The elder snake taiyoukai grimaced.
"Why, yes, yes I do. And a very good one I might add. It's been a while since I paid a visit to my dear old 'friend' Inutaishou-sama."
"Why, it's a wonderful drawing, dear," I said, patting Sesshoumaru's head. He had just shown me his recent masterpiece of artwork. If one were to look at it, they would only see two stick figures, one slightly taller than the other, and both holding swords. But to Sesshoumaru, it was wonderful, as he had put his heart into it.
"I want to show Father," he said, waving the artwork around. He was only eight and had been training for a few months with his bamboo katana. Of course, I was unaware of the abuse at this time and Sesshoumaru was so eager to please his father still. I nibbled my lip.
"Although I know Inutaishou-sama would love to see it, he's rather busy with paperwork. I'm afraid he...got rid of another one of his secretaries and his work is piling up again. You know, the villages are requesting certain items and he has to keep our armies well fed and the lot. I'm sure you understand?" I asked and Sesshoumaru looked down, shuffling his feet.
"I...I guess so. It's just that I wanted him to see it really, really, really badly. It was for him, Mother," Sesshoumaru said, continuing to look down. "I just worked really, really, really hard and I really, really, really wanted him to see it even if he was really, really, really busy." I held in a sigh. His drawings may not have been amazingly artistic but he sure was quite the "artist" when it came to the art of persuasion.
"Well, perhaps he can spare you a moment or two. Come on, let's go and pay him a visit. Remember your manners though," I told him, taking his free hand as he gave me a large grin.
Once we reached Inutaishou's office door, I knocked lightly on it, even though it was slightly open. The only sounds were his scribbling across some scrolls and a few huffs in frustration.
"Not now, you two," he said almost immediately as we entered, Sesshoumaru full of hope that his father would pay him some attention. He was trying so desperately to make the lord happy.
"It will only take a minute, Inutaishou-sama. Sesshoumaru here just wanted to show you a drawing he made for you. He's been working on it all morning and is very proud of it. Surely you can spare your son a minute?" I said gently, putting my hand to Sesshoumaru's back and pushing him forward a bit.
"I'm extremely busy. And unless you want our kingdom to crumble, you'll abide to my wishes and leave. I don't have time for the pup's doodles," he said impatiently. I watched Sesshoumaru's shoulders slump down and his posture alter considerably. "Besides, shouldn't he be practicing the few sword moves I taught him two days ago? Why was he wasting his time this morning on a drawing?" he added as he scrunched up the scroll and began anew on another one, still not looking up at either of us.
"Please, Father," Sesshoumaru chanced, tugging the lord's sleeve. "Look, I drew you and me together. Won't you look at it for just—" Suddenly, Inutaishou lashed out and hit Sesshoumaru, shoving him back a ways.
"Sesshoumaru, I told you I don't have time. Now why have you not only disobeyed me by continuing to try and show me this paper but also not training at all!
You are to practice in one of the training rooms when I am not instructing. I thought I made myself clear but obviously not! What do I need to do so you can comprehend?" the lord snapped and I felt as if my heart had been stabbed as I watched Sesshoumaru pick himself up, his face crumbling in tears as he ran out the door. I took up the artwork that had been discarded, wanting to console my son but at the same time, angry with my husband. I felt it would be wrong for me to just let the lord get away with talking to our son so harshly.
"How could you do that to him?" I said, glaring at my husband. "You couldn't spare your son one minute of your time?" Inutaishou glowered back.
"I've got papers up to my eyes here, Achika. I can't take the time to look at his stick figure drawings."
"I can't believe you! He's trying so hard to please you! And all you do is openly ignore him!" I said, slamming the artwork on his desk, hoping he would realize how important the drawing was. But he didn't even glance at the artwork. Instead, he took the paper and crumbled it up at once, like he had done with some of his other business papers, and tossed it away.
"Well, if he wanted to please me, he'd get his butt in one of those training rooms and practice sword fighting," he said, turning back to his papers. Having enough of this, I left, off to look for Sesshoumaru. But after searching the castle high and low, I couldn't find him anywhere. All of his scents that still lingered around the castle were old ones. Worried, I went back to Inutaishou.
"Sesshoumaru isn't here."
Inutaishou grunted, still bent over his papers.
"Wonderful observation. I'm so glad my wife is just so talented in pointing out the obvious. What glee I harvest within me for being blessed with a woman like you," he said sardonically, writing out characters on the scrolls at a quicker pace now. I fisted a hand in frustration.
"I know he's not here, in your office. I mean, he isn't in the castle at all!" Inutaishou finally looked up at me, making eye contact.
"Are you sure?" he asked, concern slightly in his voice, but his anger overrode it.
"Yes, I've checked everywhere he could possibly be. Inutaishou-sama, please, do something! I'm worried," I said, lowering my voice now, letting him know I was serious.
Inutaishou stood, looking at me still, and noticing my breathing was staggered. He took my hand firmly and guided me downstairs, not saying a word, and I didn't try to argue with him as he walked. When we reached the main hall, he paused, sniffing for a moment or two. Then, he put his hands on my shoulders and sat me down.
"You are not to move from this chair until I tell you to otherwise. I don't want you hyperventilating on me. I think Sesshoumaru ran away. I'm going to find him and teach him a lesson if he isn't already dead," he said coldly. My eyes widened.
"Don't punish him! If he has run away, he'll be frightened and cold and hungry. Let me come with you! I'll help look—"
"No, you will stay here and follow my orders," he said firmly and turned away, pushing the heavy doors of the castle's exit, not bothering to take a weapon or armor.
For an hour or so, I simply sat there anxiously, afraid to move and afraid for Sesshoumaru. What if he was dead? What if some demon had taken him from me? Why didn't anyone accompany him when he left the castle? Perhaps they didn't see him? But how could he have gotten out of the castle doors without anyone noticing? Perhaps he knew of a way around our guards? Was that possible for a boy his age to sneak out from under the watch of well-trained guards? Why was this happening to me? Why did a mother like me deserve the torture of knowing her son was not safe?
I fidgeted, glancing around nervously. My chest ached as I felt my heartbeat increase with each passing minute. A servant tried to coax me into eating or drinking something, but I refused every time he offered me anything. I dismissed him after a while, his presence only irking me further.
It then began to rain. First, it was a light patter; tap tapping on the windowsills and the roof and then it began to pour as a dark wind picked up. It made the trees moan and I heard some of them scratch against the windows, as if their branches were claws, yearning to pierce flesh. I shuddered. I constantly kept thinking my baby was out there, lost and alone. How was Inutaishou to find Sesshoumaru's scent in the rain? I tried to hold back tears as I wrapped a blanket around me, not knowing what to do.
But finally, after what seemed an eternity to me, the castle doors were shoved open, and in came my husband and son, soaked to the bone from the heavy rain. Tears of relief leaked from my eyes as I went to them, realizing Sesshoumaru was crying relentlessly. Inutaishou was just as cold as ever, a callous look in his angered eyes as he pushed our weeping son into my arms. Sesshoumaru buried his head against me, his wet hair plastered to his forehead and his garments clinging to his tiny, shivering body. I felt my son's little claws sink into my kimono as he clung to me, not showing any sign of letting go soon. Wrapping my arms around him tightly, I looked back to my husband, searching for an explanation.
"I found him in the small forest north of here. He was trying to make it across a small river. If I found him any later, he ran the chance of drowning. But he won't be running away again. I've already punished him, and in addition his training will be doubled starting tomorrow. Also, he is not to be given any dinner tonight. I want him bathed and put to bed immediately, Achika," he said cruelly, glaring at Sesshoumaru. "You've certainly learned your lesson, haven't you, Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru refused to look up or answer; only burying his face against me more so. Inutaishou growled, placing his large hand on Sesshoumaru's small shoulder and clenched his hand a bit.
"Speak when you are spoken to, boy. I asked you a question!"
"Y-yes, Father," Sesshoumaru squeaked before I slapped Inutaishou's hand away from my son.
"I can't believe you, Inutaishou-sama! What gives you the nerve to punish him like this, when he is suffering from shock?" He glowered at me, raising the hand I hit, struggling not to strike me. Calming this urge, he lowered the hand, continuing to stare at me hatefully.
"I do what I feel is right, Achika. Do not go against my word. Sesshoumaru is my heir and will not run away from responsibility. I will not permit this behavior in my home and as long as I am alive, he will obey me. Now, do not anger me further, Achika! I do not wish to speak to you any longer," he snarled, turning from me and walking, his boot heels clicking coldly against the floor. Staring at his back in disbelief, I watched him walk away, wanting to yell something in return. But a loud sob from Sesshoumaru brought me back to what was most important. My son was in pain.
"Sesshoumaru... Don't cry, Sess-chan. Mommy is here for you," I said softly, kissing his cheek as he wept harder. "Come, dear, please don't cry so much. It's all right. You're safe now. I'm here to protect you." He sniffled at this, keeping his head against me. Realizing how cold he was, I figured it best for him to get a warm bath as quickly as possible. Plus, I didn't want Inutaishou angered anymore. Too many people suffered when he was enraged.
I walked in the opposite direction Inutaishou had left from, headed toward the baths. Sesshoumaru hadn't spoken and the only noises he made were the soft sounds of his breathing and the occasional hiccup. When I reached the bath door, I shifted him to one arm as I opened the door with my free hand, closing it gently behind me.
I set him down near the bath itself, still supporting him by holding him close to me as I knelt beside him.
"There now, can you stand on your own?" I asked, ruffling his hair a bit. He nodded along with a hiccup. "Are you all right? Do you want to talk about anything?" I said quietly, pushing hair out of his face. His face flushed in shame as he looked down at his feet. I shook my head. "That's all right, sweetie. Here, lets check and see if you are bruised any." I wanted to make sure that he hadn't been struck too hard. I gently untied his obi and then all of a sudden, he shoved me away, his flushed face crumpled up in frustration.
"I can take care of myself! I'm not a helpless pup, Mother," he reasoned, and I raised a brow. He gestured for me to turn around so he could undress in private. I held in an exasperated sigh. Sesshoumaru was past the "running around the house unclothed without a care in the world" stage but still needed help taking a bath. I did as he asked and then he cleared his throat to signal that he was ready. I turned to see a fluffy towel tied tightly around his waist, his arms crossed. "I need help cleaning my hair," he informed me, trying to sound important. Attempting not to laugh so he wouldn't feel bad, I hoisted him up under his arms and sat him in the bath.
"Yes, milord. Whatever you say," I teased, washing his hair. I took this time to check his back and rear end to make sure Inutaishou hadn't hurt him. At this, Sesshoumaru tensed.
"Mother! I'm eight! I'm not an infant! Stop!" he said, blushing again.
"I'm just making sure you weren't harmed or bruised. Inutaishou-sama sounded really angry and I wanted to make sure your punishment wasn't too severe. Excuse me for being a caring mother," I lightly scolded and he gave an impatient grunt. "There, your hair is washed. I'll let you dry off and get dressed by yourself because you're such a grown-up. I guess you don't need my help any longer then." I stood at this point and left to wait outside. A few minutes passed, and Sesshoumaru emerged from the bath, his hair still slightly wet and his kimono a mess. I remember giving him an "I-told-you-so-and-I'm-your-mother-so-I-know-what's-best" look when he came to me, clearly needing help.
"Tie this," he ordered, shoving me his obi. I raised a brow.
"Excuse me? Would a 'please' kill you?" I said.
"Please," Sesshoumaru said through gritted teeth.
"Better." As soon as he was all dried off and his kimono was fixed, I again picked him up and took him to his room. He quickly climbed into bed and his tiny stomach let out a hungry growl. "Let me go get you something to eat, Sesshoumaru."
"No! Father will be angry again! I'm fine."
"Sesshoumaru," I reasoned, "you need to eat something."
"But Father said—"
"Well, I'm your mother, and I say you need food." He recognized my tone and said nothing, knowing he couldn't argue with me. "Now, I'll be right back, okay?" I told him as I started to close the door behind me.
"Mother?" he said softly.
"Yes?" I asked, stopping at the door.
"I love you." I paused at this for a moment, smiling at him.
"I love you too, Sesshoumaru."
