Chapter 24

Mattaki

I laid on the bed beside my mate, my head resting on her swelling stomach. When Izayoi had been pregnant with InuYasha, I had been Lord of the West. My duties had kept me busy for quite some time, and with Izayoi living in a village, I had only been able to visit occasionally.

Satori was an entirely different story. She had lived in the palace with me and I could see her as much as I wanted. The only thing was, I hadn't wanted to see her. When she had been brought to me for mating, I did what had been required, mounting her and siring an heir. Nothing else.

Kagome was the first female I was actually able to enjoy this with. Watching her swell because of my seed only caused my love for her to grow. I was surprised to learn that there was still room in my heart, but I willingly, and happily, accepted it.

The day after I discovered her secret, we had begun journeying to the West. It had taken two weeks, compared to the usual two months. We had all decided that we needed to get there quicker so Sesshomaru and I had changed into our true forms and carried everyone.

As a bit of torture, I had made InuYasha ride on his brother's back which, of course, angered Sesshomaru. Needless to say, there were quite a few times that InuYasha 'somehow' ended up falling to the ground. It had been quite amusing, I have to admit.

Of course, when we had arrived, the first place I took Kagome was to Nora, who had been surprised to see me. After a warm greeting, and an explanation of my return, she had turned her attention to my mate. I had been shocked to learn that Kagome was almost three months along which meant she had conceived the very day I had been shot.

Another shock had been learning that Kagome would only be pregnant for six months. Izayoi had been pregnant for nine before InuYasha was born and that had been what I was expecting. Nora had quickly explained it was because Kagome was the Shikon Miko. She had power, unlike Izayoi, which meant our pup would be strong. We had no idea just how strong, but I believed it would be just as powerful as InuYasha, if not more.

Now, two weeks later, I was contently cuddling with my mate while she ran her fingers through my hair. It was late out and both of us were close to falling asleep, simply holding on to the last bit of fight we had.

Occasionally, a tiny chuckle from Kagome could be heard, and I couldn't help but smile every time. I knew exactly what she was laughing about, and I had to admit it was hilarious. The moment we had left Nora's healing ward, we had been met by a tiny kitsune.

Instantly, the little female kit had jumped into Kagome's arms, squealing about her return. It was obvious this kit was more of a teenager than anything, older than Shippo, but not by much. After a short introduction, I had learned that this kit was Emma.

It was at that time that Sesshomaru had walked around the corner, his eyes falling on the two of them. I could only smirk as his yellow orbs had filled with horror, and he had literally hissed at the giggling females. I had heard stories of what they had done to Sesshomaru, and it seemed he had yet to forget any of it.

They had kept him on edge for two weeks. I don't think I have ever seen my son so paranoid before in my entire life. He had constantly been looking over his shoulder, especially when the females were together.

InuYasha had used this to his advantage, making comments about what Kagome and Emma could possibly be up to, each one making Sesshomaru shiver. Finally, earlier this day, the dreaded prank had happened.

The entire group had been resting outside in the gardens, minus Sango and Miroku, who were currently traveling to us, and Sesshomaru and Rin, who had wanted to retire early, when a loud roar had echoed through the palace, sending servants, and even some guards, into hiding.

Instantly, Emma and Kagome had fallen over laughing, obviously knowing what had happened. It didn't take long before a feral Sesshomaru was in the garden, standing over the hysterical females. His entire body was dripping wet from the bath he had been taking, and the moment my eyes met his, I couldn't help but laugh.

His normally white hair had been dyed a bright blue, matching the hue of Kagome's eyes. InuYasha had lost it, literally crying as he rolled on the ground. Kanna had attempted to keep her laugh in, along with Hitomi and Souta, and Kai, of course, had to tease him by calling him a land mermaid. I didn't exactly understand the insult, but he had gotten a reaction out of my son.

In a matter of seconds, Sesshomaru had started taking his anger out on Kai and InuYasha. No matter what they did to him, Sesshomaru would never kill or hurt Kagome, and Emma was under her protection, so he had to make do with his brother and uncle.

Luckily, Kagome had a wash prepared that took out the dye, and a few hours later, a freshly-cleaned Sesshomaru had decided on a better payback than a harsh beating. I could only laugh as he had asked for Kagome and Emma's help to get back at his brother.

Kai had black hair that couldn't very well be dyed, but Sesshomaru vowed that he would have his revenge. Of course, Kagome jumped at the opportunity to prank someone else, and within a few minutes, another roar had been heard.

Sesshomaru had run back into the garden carrying my pupped mate. The moment he set her feet on the ground, InuYasha arrived with purple hair. It had been just as hilarious as Sesshomaru's blue. Of course, the brothers once again went after each other until I had to butt in.

The only problem with this prank was that Sesshomaru had taken it one step further. He had destroyed all of the cleanser Kagome had made to clean out the dye. After Kagome explained that it took two weeks to make, which was why they had waited so long to prank them in the first place, InuYasha had flipped, once again launching at his brother.

At that point, I had simply picked up my mate, bid the others goodnight, and taken her to our chambers, where we now lay. I could feel slight movement under my cheek, not a kick, but it was slowly getting there, and I knew it wouldn't be long before our pup would be kicking up a storm.

I was brought out of my thoughts when the entire palace trembled with an explosion. In an instant, I had my body over Kagome's, protecting her from whatever it was that just happened. It wasn't until I heard shouting and the trembling stopped that I realized what was going on.

"Of all the times!" I snarled, leaning my head on Kagome's shoulder, who was now wide awake.

"What's going on?" She asked, sitting up slightly.

"Satori." Was all I said, though it was enough.

"She would make an entrance like that, this late at night?" She asked, watching as I climbed out of bed and began getting dressed.

"She doesn't care what others are doing. She wanted everyone to know she was present and that is exactly what she did." I explained, tying my hakama in place, not even bothering with a haori. "You will stay here."

"Like hell I will. You either take me now, or I will go on my own." She retorted, making me groan. I knew she wasn't bluffing so, reluctantly, I grabbed her a yukata and helped her dress as well.

It didn't take long before we were in the throne room, watching as InuYasha and Satori fought it out. They weren't physically fighting, but they definitely weren't holding back their words, which wasn't surprising. One was brash while the other, cold. They would never get along.

"Hey, Bastard! Get your bitch of a mother out of here. Some of us were trying to sleep." InuYasha barked, looking at Sesshomaru as he and Rin entered. The rest of the group had already been present, silently watching in the background. In all honesty, Kai looked a little too excited for the showdown, and I was glad when Hitomi quickly scolded him.

"Mother, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Sesshomaru asked, his words polite but his tone not. He was currently in the same attire as I, and it was clear to see his mother had interrupted his intimate time with his mate, if Rin's scowl was any indication.

"I heard you mated the human child I saved." Satori stated coolly, her eyes roaming over Rin. "You have grown since I returned your soul with the Meidou Stone."

"Yes, that sometimes happens, Satori." Rin replied, not trying to hide her displeasure at the situation.

"Son, did you really expect me to bow to a human? She is filth. I may have saved her for you, but had I known that this was your intention, I would have let her rot." Satori said, looking back towards Sesshomaru who was bristling.

"Mother, I am your lord, just as she is your lady. You will show respect to those higher than you." Sesshomaru growled, attempting to keep his temper in check.

"For now." She answered with a wave of her hand before turning her attention to InuYasha. "Why is your hair purple? You look as if you wrestled with berries…and lost. Of course, that would not be surprising for a pathetic half-breed such as you."

What happened next shocked even me, so much so that I couldn't stop it. A tied bag flew through the air, connecting with the back of Satori's head before exploding in a cloud of green dust. We could all hear Satori screaming, but it wasn't until the dust cleared that we understood why.

Satori had been dyed green.

Not just her hair, but part of her face, and a good portion of her clothing as well. Kai and InuYasha busted out laughing and even Sesshomaru was smirking. I turned to Kagome, who was innocently folding her hands together while looking away, and I knew she had been the one to throw it.

"Who did this?!" Satori screeched, making my youngest son laugh even harder.

"I kinda think she looks like the toad. Maybe she and Jaken are related somehow." InuYasha belted, holding his stomach in laughter. Kagome couldn't hold in her laugh, just as I couldn't.

It was in that instant that Satori noticed me. Her eyes grew wide and all laughter died as her anger seemed to vanish. I knew what was coming next and braced myself for it. Satori may have known I was alive, but she definitely didn't know I was mated.

"Mattaki. I had heard a rumor that you had returned." She purred, walking towards me. I tensed immediately, knowing this was probably about to get out of hand.

"I would have rather those rumors stayed away from you." I mumbled, noticing the look of lust in her eye. Not to mention the smell of her arousal was so strong, it was causing InuYasha to gag while the rest of the demons scowled.

"Why would you ever say that? Now that your human wench is dead, we can go back to where we left off. Even now, I am wet and ready for you. You simply need to take me." Satori replied, causing my stomach to churn. Before I even had a chance to say anything, someone beat me to it.

"Listen here, Bitch. How desperate are you to throw yourself at him?" Kagome interrupted, making my ex-wife look at her. "Have you ever thought that maybe he is taken and doesn't want you? From what I heard, the moment Sesshomaru no longer needed you, you were sent away."

"Who are you, Whore?" Satori asked, making me growl. "How can you question my desire for my husband when it is apparent that you have thrown yourself at someone as well? I assume the demon that decided to grace you with their seed is a lowly thing and desperate enough to take you."

"Thank-you, Satori." I grumbled as InuYasha laughed again. Satori looked at me before her eyes widened in realization.

"Again, Mattaki? You took another human female? Did you not learn your lesson from the last one? Izayoi lead you to your death, and I am sure this one will do the same." She replied, her voice full of anger.

"I would never hurt him, nor am I anything like Izayoi!" Kagome snapped, taking a step forward. I grabbed her arm, stopping her from advancing on the female inu yokai. She could no longer use her reiki and couldn't defend herself.

"So be it. She is merely human and will die in a few years anyway. I am patient." Satori cooed, waving her hand in dismissal towards Kagome which just angered me.

"I have mated her. She will live just as long as I do, Satori." I snarled, watching as the she instantly froze before slowly turning to look at me.

I could see Sesshomaru, InuYasha, and Kai closing in on us, knowing that Satoru very well may attack in her anger. They all knew how long Satori had attempted to get me to mate her, and I had always refused. Now, not only does she have to bow to a human who has become the Lady of the West, but the one male she ever truly wanted has mated one as well.

"You mated this filth?" Satori asked calmly, even though her eyes spoke volumes.

"Yes, she is my mate and mother of my unborn pup. Accept it, Satori. You were never going to have me the way you wanted." I answered, holding my head up high.

"I will not allow this!" She yelled, her eyes bleeding red as she turned her attention to Kagome. "I challenge you for the right to mate Inu no Taisho!"

"You fool!" Sesshomaru snarled, keeping InuYasha from attacking his mother. Kagome went to take a step forward but I stopped her once again.

"It seems, in your rage, you have forgotten the rules of pack. Kagome is pupped and therefore cannot partake in a challenge. However, someone can step into her place. As her mate, it is my duty to protect her which means you did not challenge Kagome, you have challenged me." I stated, walking towards the now-frightened female as Rin quickly escorted Kagome towards her mother and brother.

"You will not fight me." Satori ordered, even though her voice quivered a bit.

"You issued the challenge, Satori. Prepare yourself or forfeit your life." I replied, cracking my knuckles as I slowly approached her.

Kagome

I tried to step in between the fight but InuYasha kept a tight grip on my arm. Kai and Sesshomaru were also standing around me, protecting the rest of the group. I really didn't want to watch this, but at the same time, I couldn't tear my eyes away.

I could now easily see why everyone hated Satori. She was cruel and obviously not very bright. If I wasn't pregnant, I very easily would have been able to purify her. When Satori finally stood up straight and prepared herself to fight, I noticed a green glow forming around her fingers.

Poison.

It was clear where Sesshomaru got his abilities from, and I was suddenly very worried for Mattaki. I didn't want him to get hurt, and I once again struggled to get out of InuYasha's grasp. Sesshomaru, seeing this, grabbed my other arm, making it impossible for me to leave.

"You can still back out, Mattaki." Satori said, taking a step back as the large male approached her.

For a female, Satori was tall, however, Mattaki was still much larger. Compared to me, he was gigantic. No matter what though, he will always be intimidating. I watched as he pooled his youki into his hand, a blue whip forming. It didn't take long before the battle started, his whip connecting with the unsuspecting female.

"You worry for Father because of Mother's poison." Sesshomaru started, whispering into my ear. "Mother does not have a whip like Father or myself meaning he can hit her from a distance whereas she must get close. Do not worry for him."

I could only nod as I looked to Satori. Already, blood was running from her arm and face, mixing with the green dye. I could feel Mom tensing with every hit as she watched with wide eyes. Kai also noticed this and went to stand by her side, giving her the comfort I wished my own mate could be giving me.

I briefly wondered if there was more going on between them, much like InuYasha and Kanna, but that thought was put aside as a shrill scream was torn from Satori. She fell to her knees and Mattaki wasted no time in wrapping his hand around her throat, pulling her from the ground.

None of us expected what happened next. Satori shoved her clawed hand deep into Mattaki's chest, the glow of her poison dripping into his wound. I couldn't stop the scream that tore from my throat at his surprised look as he glanced down at his wound.

In an instant, Satori was thrown against a wall, the impact knocking her unconscious immediately. Sesshomaru left my side, running to his father as his own hand began glowing green. I struggled against InuYasha's hold, yelling at him to release me.

He, of course, paid no attention to me, even as I hit his hand in an attempt to get free. I could only watch in horror as Sesshomaru shoved his own glowing hand into his father's wound. Mattaki hissed in pain, his eyes meeting mine as I frantically tried to get away from InuYasha.

"Calm yourself, Little One. I will live." Mattaki soothed as Sesshomaru pulled his hand from his chest, his fingers dripping blood and poison. "Thank-you, Son."

"Can I let her go now?" InuYasha asked, growling in annoyance. Mattaki nodded and I was instantly released.

"Sit, Boy!" I yelled, ignoring his cursing and giant thud as I ran to my mate. I instantly began looking at his wound as he laughed and placed his hands on my arms, forcing me back so he could look at me.

"Woman, I am fine. Sesshomaru neutralized his mother's poison. Now, I simply must heal from the wound. Nothing more." He laughed, making me scowl at him. I slapped his chest which rewarded me with a pained grunt.

"Don't do that to me again! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I scolded. Mattaki looked down at me for a moment before kissing my forehead.

"I seriously thought the wench was going into labor with the way she screamed." InuYasha scoffed, pulling himself from the floor.

"Do not joke about such a thing, Boy. It is not the time for that." Mattaki growled, placing a hand on my stomach.

"So, what are we going to do with her?" Mom asked, pointing to the unconscious female.

"Place her in the dungeon until she awakens. When she does, send her on her way. She is not allowed back on my lands until she can be peaceful." Sesshomaru stated loudly before two guards jumped into action, dragging Satori away.

"Can we go back to sleep now?" Souta asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Yes. Satori will not bother us again." Mattaki answered, wrapping an arm around my waist.

Without another word, everyone dispersed towards their own chambers. I kept looking over Mattaki's wound and was glad to see it was already healing. Later, I would scold him for what he did, but for now, I wished to clean him of his blood, relax in our bed, and sleep as if that bitch had never shown up.

-sSs-

Here you go, Chapter 24. I hope you all enjoyed it. I have a lot going on in my life right now so I may not be able to post as much as I was, but I will try my best to post as much as I can. I'm sorry if I upset any of you.

Shout outs:

MistyGilgien, xXallegedangelx, Motionless 17, lacuschan18, SessysGirl219, Raelin Thaon, Shadoebunny1527, plovell317, Aeris Aimara Ciren, YYonder, Appelqvist, tigeraangel, Akumagirl92, Lilone152, d1mplz3: Thank you all for following this story. I am glad that you like it.

MistyGilgien, Motionless 17, xXallegedangelXx, lacuschan18, Raelin Thaon, Shawdowbunny1527, plovell317, redbutterfly123, Aeris Aimara Ciren, d1mplz3: Thank you all for favoriting this story. I will do my best to keep it interesting for you.

MistyGilgien. I am glad you like my story an I will do my best with updating.

LazuriteSix: Most people were expecting a worse gift which was why I did it that way. Lol. And the way I was looking at it, Mattaki is just as strong as Sesshomaru and not much can truly hurt those two. So they wouldn't really be worried.

Plovell317: I actually really like InuYasha. I do have a story where he is the asshole, but it's the only one. In all of my others he is either dead or a close friend. I am glad that you like my lemons. I enjoy writing them and luckily all of my readers seem to like them as well.

Whovian212: There was somewhat Sesshomaru pranking. I hope you liked the way I did it lol.

RedDrake323: I wouldn't kill off Mattaki. He spent 200 years dead, I believe that's enough. I probably won't do a sequel to this story. It's more of a drama than some of my others, which is why I don't have too many fight scenes.

Jj(Guest): I hope this was good enough for you. There will be more of his mom in later chapters but this was their meeting.

DarkAngel8605: I believe the next chapter will deal with Hitomi and Souta a bit more. I'll decided than on if they will stay on the feudal era or not. I thank you for your compliments. I understand with the whole rereading thing. There are a few others stories who I have read multiple times, and I am glad that you feel I am worthy enough.

Jazzmon: I have been debating on Souta or Hitomi getting reiki, but I'm not sure. I do know that if one of them does, they will not be anywhere near as strong as Kagome is though.

Slvrphoenx: Yea, she shouldn't have kept it a secret though, but it added drama. Lol. There is actually a big surprise about Kikyou that will be revealed soon enough. Lol.

Decadenceofmysoul: Thank you for your review. I am glad you liked it.

I do not own InuYasha.