InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Confrontation II: Trials and Tribulations ❯ Hidden Intentions ( Chapter 14 )

A/N: As always all characters will be walking the fine line of OOCness. You have been warned!! I am so sorry for the long wait! Honestly, I've been trying to get this chapter up since last week, but I fell ill with the flu then I had to go out of town for a long weekend, and then when I got back I was involved in a car accident (damn those drunk drivers!). So I promised myself that I would do nothing else tonight until I posted this chapter!! Now for the good news!! You are reading chapter 14 of the 2nd place winner of the IYFANGUILD Best Canon Award for the 2006 4th Quarter!! Sure, sure, there were only three people in the running, but hey, I could've come in 3rd…lol. Honestly, if I had gotten 3rd, I would've been just as happy!! Anyway, thanks to everyone that voted. I truly appreciate your support!! That being said, I don't really like this chapter, but I had to write it because from here things are going to start getting a little twisted, dark and lemony!! Be blessed, my friends and don't drink and drive!!

 

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS: The Priestess Midoriko: by ArcaneWeapon

 

Everyone knows of how the Shikon no Tama was formed, but no one knows the story of the woman who created it. This is her story, the story that takes place centuries before Inuyasha was even born. This fic is different and give some true insight into the woman that started this whole love triangle, hunt down Naraku, put the jewel back together mess. I truly believe that this fic writer is really onto something of the fabulous nature with this one. If your tired of the same old stuff and you really want to read something outside of the box, check this fic out. You won't be disappointed!!

 

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3385485/1/

 

Disclaimer: I don't claim to own anyone with the exception of Joudama, Kanomaru, Teela, Reinto, Mana, Rinji and the infamous Susamajii.

 

Chapter 14:

 

Hidden Intentions

 

Kagome tried not to think about the happenings of the night before, but the more she tried to ignore it and pretend that everything was fine, the more his words plagued her heart…her mind...her very soul.

 

`Could I have misjudged him in such away? Was I being naïve in assuming that we wanted the same things?' she thought with a light sigh as she proceeded to stitch another of the stack of folded cloths that Rin had given her that morning.

 

All of the materials were the same in design. They were each light blue with dark silvery blue cranes sewn into the body. About 4 inches from the end there was a gold trim that bordered all four edges. The younger woman had told her that she just needed to stitch right below the gold trim so that the ends looked like ruffles.

 

Of course when Rin had first brought this little task to her, Kagome saw it as a welcomed break from the musings of her own desperate mind. She was quickly realizing, however, that even though she was concentrating on making small tight neat needle strokes, it didn't stop her mate's callous words from swimming through her conscious mind every now and then.

 

“Kagome, what's with you and children these days? You ain't pregnant and let's hope that you won't get pregnant anytime soon!”

 

His words caused her to shudder slightly. Why did what he had said, bother her so much? He hadn't said it any harsher than he would've said anything else.

 

She knew that tact had never been one of his strong suits, but still she loved and adored him anyway. So then why this time, did his tone…his lack of discretion…his boorish attitude in regards to their current subject upset her so?

 

The Miko felt her heart sink into her stomach. She knew why it hurt so much. Even though they had never discussed it… Even though she had never once uttered a word to him about wanting a house full of babies to take care of… Even though she had never told him that she couldn't wait to see him carrying their son or daughter upon his strong shoulders, these were the things that she wanted most.

 

Sure, she told Sango a few days ago that children weren't that much of a big deal to her and Inuyasha. But that was before she knew that for him, that was a real and very serious probability. She was fine with waiting until they were older, but the look in his eyes. The fear that stared back at her as she turned to stare up at him, told her everything that he couldn't, didn't it?

 

Her chest tightened uncomfortably. Sitting the finished product aside, she rested her face in the palms of her hands and sighed dejectedly, `Inuyasha, how could you not want children? How could you… How could you…' She couldn't finish that thought. What if she was wrong? What if she was just reading too much into this? What if…What if he was just joking like he said?

 

Her heart wanted to believe this more than anything else, but her mind, it wasn't quite so blind.

 

Her chest clenched of its own accord. She could feel the muscles constrict tightly around her rib cage. She felt her palms become sweaty, her head begin to spin in an almost dizzying fashion and she grimaced while clutching onto the arm of the chair she was sitting in.

 

Kagome tried to hold on! She tried to stave off the weight that was forcing her beneath that blanket of self-induced pity, but she couldn't. The harder she ignored it… The more she made excuses for him… The more she tried to pretend that she was just over reacting, the dizzier she became, the tighter the muscles in the chest twisted.

 

Doubling over, she clutched her stomach as her world spun uncontrollably, her only thought as tears began to pour from her eyes was, `Gods, Inuyasha, how could you? How could you deny me this?'

 

Lost in grief that she couldn't rightfully place, the sound of the door sliding slowly open fell on deaf ears.

 

Simonkal of Inuy

 

 

Reinto meandered through the halls of the mansion slowly, deliberately as if he was searching for something or someone.

 

After his first meeting with the White Lord, it had taken more than a few minutes for the gates to be opened and he and his companions welcomed in. He'd expected to see the green imp that Lord Susamajii stated traveled with the Western Lord. Instead when the gates swung open they were greeted by a burly bear youkai that stood at least 2 feet taller than he. He wore a halberd on one hip, a sword at the other and was draped in a yellow hakama and a brown and yellow Haori that fell to his ankles with a slit up the front and back and at both sides.

 

His intense black eyes scanned each of them very carefully before he politely requested that they each relinquish their weapons. Of course this was at the Lord's request; otherwise no one would be welcomed in.

 

Thinking back, Reinto couldn't stop the small growl that escaped him as he turned another dimly lit corner. He'd never been without his weapon and to have them now locked away, god knows where, really didn't sit right with him.

 

He couldn't help but to wonder if Susamajii had considered this when he was coming up with this `foolproof' plan of his.

 

Upon entering the home the Inu youkai immediately noticed the decorum was that of a man with a family, and a life totally separate from that of a heartless detached lord…youkai…bloodthirsty demon.

 

Each wall was decorated tastefully with pictures of long past ancestors or fearsome dragons and beautiful picturesque scenery. In the corners and along the walls between each window, stood finely carved medallion tables with either a large vase filled with fresh flowers or a well-sculptured figurine sitting in the center. The windows were huge, each one traveling from floor to ceiling and decorated very tastefully with heavy drapes that matched the many oversized pillows that made each room feel like a home in itself.

 

Reinto didn't know what he actually expected from this Lord, but he didn't expect this. He didn't expect for the reclusive Lord of the West to actually have a home instead of a cold dismal fortress.

 

Maybe… As crazy as he knew it probably sounded out loud… Perhaps he expected Sesshomaru's domicile to feel as bitter and as unwelcoming as the place he called home, but it didn't. He felt welcomed, as odd as it was to admit. Perhaps after Susamajii had completed his plan… Maybe, just maybe, he'd ask for this domain in payment for all his years of loyal servitude.

 

Reinto had yet to meet anyone with the exception of the rowdy hanyou and the white Lord, so he couldn't help but to wonder, `What did you do with your mate and son, Sesshomaru?'

 

He by no means wanted to harm either of them, at this point. He just found it bizarre that neither would have made themselves known by now, especially since the halls reeked of them and other humans.

 

Besides the bear demons and the imp, Reinto could also smell a fox kit. Other than that, he was sure that no other demons took up residency in this huge palace.

 

`Surely, this is some joke. Why would a Lord of Sesshomaru's caliber, have such a small staff at his beckon and call? If war broke out, how would he defend his land?' Stopping in front of a tapestry that held a picture of a formidable white dog demon, he thought, `What kind of fool are you, Sesshomaru?'

 

Turning away from the tapestry, he started back down the hall again, but stopped at a slightly opened door. Sliding it open a little more, he made no move to step into the room.

 

Glancing from right to left and back again, his eyes fell on that of a finely painted portrait of Sesshomaru. The Lord in question was in a seated position staring directly ahead of him. At the artist, Reinto assumed. His golden eyes seemed menacing, promising pain to all that dared defy him. Looking away from that frozen golden stare, the Inu youkai turned his attention to the woman that stood behind and to the right of the demon.

 

She wore a white and red kimono that complemented the one that Sesshomaru wore. Her hair was jet black and hung straight down to her waist. On her face there was a soft smile. Her eyes were radiant and her skin held a glow like nothing he'd seen before. `Surely this is the workings of the artist,' he thought as he continued the stare at the picture. Reinto's eye's scanned slightly lower and he noticed the enormous bulge of her belly. `His mate?'

 

Though he would never state this out loud to anyone, he had to admit that the mate of the Western Lord was one of the most attractive humans that he had yet to meet. Staring at her protruding belly for a moment longer, he tried to commit her form to memory. So that should the time ever present itself, he would know who she was.

 

Tearing his gaze away from the picture, he scanned the remainder of the room quickly and immediately realized that this was the realm of the hanyou that would be lord. The one whose name he still didn't yet know. Glancing to his left and right once more, he stared back into the room and smirked. Sliding the door back the way he found it, he then made his way further down the hall and around another corner.

 

The moment he stepped into the hallway, he could smell the stench of salt and tears. He scented the anxiety of an unknown female and it intrigued him. `Why is she crying?' he asked himself.

 

His steps quickened, then slowed as he neared the room in question. He could hear two voices, both female. The softer of the two seemed to be trying to sooth the crying one, and trying to get her to tell her what the problem was. He heard one woman, the one that was crying, sniffle and mumble the name, “Inuyasha”, then followed that up by something incoherent.

 

`Inuyasha? The hanyou? Why would this human be crying over him?' Sniffing lightly in an attempt to scent them both, he immediately noticed that the one that was crying reeked of the hanyou. `His mate? Why would she be crying?' He didn't really care, but having one more reason…any reason to kill the hanyou wouldn't hurt, now would it?

 

Stepping up so that he was standing right next to the door, Reinto peeped into the room. He could only see the back of the crying woman's head, but he could see the other woman clearly. She was human, but there was really nothing special about her that he could place right away, so he immediately thought that perhaps she was just hired help.

 

“Kagome, tell me what's wrong? Why are you in here crying your eyes out?”

 

Sniffling, the sniffling woman, by the name of Kagome, dried her eyes with the back of her hand and mumbled, “It's nothing, really.”

 

“If it was nothing, then I'm sure you wouldn't be in here alone, crying as if someone had died,” the other woman responded, brushing the other woman's bangs back away from her face. “You mumbled something about Inuyasha, what did he do this time? You just tell me and I'll bash his head in.”

 

Kagome laughed lightly and looked up. “It's nothing.” Breathing deeply she sighed and tried to relax a little more. “You know me, I can over exaggerate things, sometimes. Don't worry about it, Sango.”

 

Reinto could tell the woman called, Sango, was reluctant to believe her, but she agreed anyway and hugged her instead of digging any further. Stepping away from the door he turned and ventured back the way he had come. `So now I'm not only weaponless, I'm also reduced to spying on sniveling ninjen women,' he thought with a caustic snort. `Susamajii, this plan of yours…better work.'

 

Simonkal of Inuy

 

Sesshomaru stood gazing out the window of his meeting room, his fist clenched tightly within the large sleeves of his haori. He was fuming inside, but to look at him you would never know. How dare Jakken invite this fiend into his home, and place his mate and offspring in such danger? How dare he take such a liberty without first consulting him?

 

`I should have put that whiney imbecile out of his misery long ago,' he thought heatedly.

 

It seemed that after he mated with Rin, the imp continually went out of his way to cause trouble. First it was the things he said to Rin, when he thought no one was listening. Then it was the way he treated Kanomaru on occasion! All of that… It was forgivable, but this…this was inexcusable!

 

`You have had your final chance with me, Jakken!'

 

When he'd first entered the house after meeting with the young dog demon, Reinto, it had taken everything in him not to kill the imp where he stood. Instead he ordered him to prepare the rooms that would be required for Susamajii and his guests. He also told him that he was to tend to their every need without qualm or his wrath would be swift and brutal.

 

Sesshomaru then located Rinji and advised him that they would be having guests, and that he was to remain near the castle for the next few days, but out of sight. As the bear youkai turned to leave, he gave one final order. That Susamajii and his cohorts relinquish their weaponry before entering his grounds.

 

His reason for this was not because he feared Susamajii or anyone in his party for that matter. It was simply because he was too smart to underestimate the conniving youkai. If he were going to challenge him, he would have to do it properly. Not in the devious manner, in which he was accustomed. Sesshomaru remembered very clearly what befell Susamajii's father. He would not allow such a thing to happen to him, and definitely not at the Southern Lord's grimy hands.

 

`What a scoundrel; to kill your own father for what would've been yours anyway.'

 

After Rinji made his way out the door, Sesshomaru quickly located Rin and Kanomaru. He then sent them into the secret passage that led away from his home. It was a tunnel that his grandfather had commissioned to be installed when the four corners of Japan were constantly at war, centuries ago. It was there so that the women and children would have a chance to escape should the castle ever be attacked.

 

Up until now, he'd kept it a secret from his mate and heir, hoping that there would never come a time when he would need to use it. However, knowing the shrewd demon that Susamajii was, he reluctantly ordered them into to it. He told them that if they heard any signs of a battle they were to follow the trail to the beach then make their way towards Inuyasha's village

 

Thinking about it now, he knew that perhaps he should have alerted Inuyasha to what was going on and exactly who this youkai was. But that was the tiny insignificant brotherly part of him that he quickly quieted. `My responsibility is my family. My mate…my pup. All others must fend for themselves.'

 

Shaking his thoughts off, Sesshomaru turned his attention to his guest whom he was sure was waiting for some sort of recognition. That was something that he was not about to give.

 

“It's a pleasure to see you again, Lord Sesshomaru,” Susamajii stated finally, after he realized that the ill-mannered wretch of a Lord was not willing to address him first.

 

Glancing over his shoulder, but without turning his head, he replied coldly, “Save the pleasantries. State your business with me, Susamajii.”

 

“I don't remember you being quite this rude, Sesshomaru-sama,” Susamajii stated in a friendly tone while taking a careful step forward. He wanted to sink his claws into Sesshomaru's back for his slight. `How dare he state my name so casually! I am a Lord damn it, best he remember that!'

 

Sesshomaru finally turned to face him, his face stoic, unblinking. “You waste my time, Susamajii.”

 

The silver-eyed lord blinked but did not respond. Had this been any other youkai before him, he would have wiped the floor with him. Or rather he would have Reinto skin him slowly, while he watched eagerly. Inhaling, Susamajii, smiled lightly at the bored expression on his host's face. “In due time, my friend.”

 

Sesshomaru narrowed his golden eyes and questioned silently, `What are you up to?' Lowering himself into a sitting position, he motioned for Susamajii to sit as well. “My patience with you wanes.”

 

`Why you obnoxious arrogant degenerate!' the Lord of the South thought heatedly. Though his blood was boiling at this point and his claws wanted nothing more than to taste the blood of the youkai sitting before him, his demeanor was just as cool, calm, and collected as Sesshomaru's. “How's your human?” he inquired, his tone anything but sincere.

 

Sesshomaru decided rather quickly that, that was a question he wouldn't waste his time answering. Instead he tilted his head to the side slightly and stared the silver-eyed youkai directly in his eyes as if he was saying, `Cut the bullshit!'

 

Susamajii chuckled, “Your home reeks of her and your whelp, so I will assume that you've sent them away for my arrival.” This was stated more as a suggestion then a question. He continued in a serious almost sinister tone, “Tell me Lord Sesshomaru, why exactly would you insult me and my vassals by removing our weapons? Surely you know that if I wanted to cause harm to your household, I would need no weapons.”

 

That caught Sesshomaru's attention. “Am I supposed to take that as a threat, Susamajii?”

 

At first the silver-eyed demon didn't respond, he just sat there, his eyes locked on that of his host. Snorting conceitedly, he stated, “You should know me by now. I don't make threats. I make promises.” Allowing Sesshomaru a moment to swallow what he had just said, he finished, “And for you, at this time, I have none.”

 

Trying his best to ignore the nagging feeling that told him to cut this demon down where he sat, Sesshomaru asked calmly, “Why after all these years have you shown up unannounced?”

 

“It was your invitation that requested my attendance.”

 

“Why would you delude yourself to believe that this Sesshomaru would send one such as you, an invitation, to anything?”

 

Grinning, Susamajii added quickly, “Well someone in your home did.”

 

Shifting slightly so that his left elbow was resting on the table that separated them, Sesshomaru sat quietly his hand positioned under his chin as if he was seriously contemplating something. “These games that you play are beneath me, Susamajii. State your reason for darkening my doorstep or leave my home at once.”

 

One eyebrow raised higher than the other, the Southern Lord replied with a low chuckle, “So then you wouldn't believe me if I said, I only came to wish that whelp of yours a happy 5th?”

 

Sesshomaru leaned forward slightly, his face never changing, his muscles frozen in place. “As long as you are in my home, you will stay away from my pup. Is that understood?”

 

His voice dripping with unbridled sarcasm, Susamajii replied, “Come now Sesshomaru-sama, he's going to be the Lord of these lands one day. Surely you know I must meet with him. After all, should anything happen to you, the treaty will have to be resealed…in his blood, will it not?”

 

Sesshomaru's hand shifted from under his chin to his cheek. One clawed finger ran slowly around the lining of his lips as he stared at the devious demon before him, but not a word fell from the impassive demons lips. `Treacherous.'

 

Sighing lightly, Susamajii stood slowly to his feet and made his way over to one of the many shelves littered with neatly stacked parchments. He could feel Sesshomaru's eyes following his every move, but ignored it. It was time to put part 1 of his plan into action. “I have to admit, Sesshomaru-sama, when I first heard that you had taken a human mate, I wanted nothing more than to kill you.”

 

This didn't surprise the Inu Lord of the West in the least, so he made no move to speak or move from his current position.

 

Reaching up and pulling down one of the parchments, Susamajii continued, “For a time there, your life was forfeited. Did you know that?” Not waiting for a reply, he continued, “Youkai's from all corners of Japan and the continent came requesting you be removed.”

 

“Why do you waste your time with this drivel? Should anyone, including you, wish to challenge me, I am here.” Sesshomaru stated confidently while standing slowly to his feet as well.

 

Glancing at the Inu Lord in question, the Southern Lord turned his attention back to the parchment that he wasn't reading. “I'm telling you this, because it has everything to do with my reason for, as you said, `darkening your doorstep.” Not wanting to state the real reason why the planned coup didn't take place, he stated, “In the end, we decided that all of us at one time or another have had a craving for human swine. So we, as a people, forgave you.”

 

Sesshomaru would've frowned at this last statement had he been anyone else. `Forgave me? Why would they assume that I needed forgiveness for anything?' Stepping around the table so that his back was turned to the window, he waited for the supercilious demon to continue.

 

“Then you sired a half-breed.” Setting the scroll back where he had taken it from, Susamajii turned to look at Sesshomaru. “How far are you planning on taking this…this tryst? Do you really expect us to accept him, as an equal…as a Lord, Sesshomaru-sama? Surely you have had enough time to play.”

 

`And so it comes to the light,' Sesshomaru thought with a small snort and a smirk. This is what he'd been waiting for, for the past almost 5 years. Finally someone had the gall to step up to him. To say something about his choice of a mate and the heir he would leave in his place. “You tread on thin ice, Susamajii.”

 

The Southern Lord ignored the warning and continued, “I'm well aware that you have chained yourself to that…that human, and there really isn't anything I or anyone can do to change that. But you can and should change the heir to these lands, Lord Sesshomaru. Do not dishonor your ancestors and your remaining kin by turning this great and prosperous land over to a half-breed.”

 

Taking a step towards the demon, Sesshomaru clenched and released his fists within the sleeves of his haori. “What are you suggesting?” he inquired, a bored gaze upon his handsome face.

 

Susamajii smiled, feeling a false sense of security, “Sire a full blooded heir. That's all we ask and your title will remain intact.” Before the last words fell from the demons lips he found himself pressed firmly against the wall, a clawed hand wrapped snuggly around his neck.

 

“You dare come into my home and try to tell this Sesshomaru how he should live?” he hissed through clenched teeth. “There is nothing that I have that you or anyone else can take from me! My title is mine, to do with as I see fit, best you remember that,” he snapped coldly, while tightening his hold on the demons neck. Sesshomaru could feel his pulse quicken as he allowed a little of the poison that raced through his veins to seep into the air around Susamajii's head. “I have chosen my mate and my heir! I do not wish, nor need, the advice of one such as you!” Releasing the demon swiftly, he stepped away and watched as Susamajii slowly stood to his feet, his hand rubbing the base of his neck.

 

Susamajii bit out angrily, “You would risk war by laying your filthy hands on me!” Glaring at the Inu youkai, the pissed off Lord of the south quickly cooled his features. This is what he was hoping for…this was a part of the plan, right?

 

Sesshomaru snorted dryly and cracked his knuckles slowly, as if saying, `do your worst!'

 

Seeing this did nothing but anger Susamajii even more! He wanted to rip into…lash out at this incredible ass of a lord!Rolling his head around in a tight circle,he stated in a clipped tone, while trying to slowly regain control of his spiked aura, “I am not giving you advice! I'm simply trying to avoid the inevitable! What do you think will happen, when you try to pass on your legacy to that…that half-breed? Even if he lives to adulthood do you really think that will stop anyone from killing him? He will never have the respect of the people, because he is and will always be a half-breed!”

 

Sesshomaru grimaced inwardly. The words that fell from the demon's lips were nothing less than the truth. He would never openly admit that to anyone, but it was everything that he secretly feared all along. So to now have it laid out before him by this `imitation of a decent Lord' did absolutely nothing to lessen his mounting anxiety. “You have one more time to refer to my son as a half-breed, so choose it wisely.”

 

Susamajii stated angrily, “Have you heard nothing that I've said?”

 

“Quite the contrary, I believe I've heard a little too much, for one day.” Stepping towards the door, since the only thing he wanted was to distance himself from this vermin as fast as he could, Sesshomaru continued, “If there's nothing else.”

 

“Actually there is. I want you to understand that we are in no way challenging your relationship with that human. Quite honestly, you can waste your life as you see fit.” Trying to look as sincere as possible, Susamajii continued, “It is the half…the hanyou that the others will not accept.”

 

“You say `the others', as if you are not included in that group,” Sesshomaru spat coldly. He knew that this manipulative dog was the ringleader, if not the only one bold enough to demand such a thing from him. And to now watch him stand before him and audaciously act like he was nothing more than a messenger… When more than likely there were no others. These were all his wants, and the thing he could not accept…would not accept. “Leave my study, Susamajii! Make your stay in my home as short and uneventful as possible.”

 

Walking slowly around the Lord, a slight smirk on his face, since he was certain that he had gotten his point across, Susamajii stated, “Are you not interested in knowing who has accompanied myself and Reinto to your home?”

 

“Not in the least, Susamajii.” As he watched the older demon walk slowly over the threshold of the room, he continued, “You and your party will be served dinner in your rooms tonight.”

 

“Fine, however I will look forward to you and I rehashing this conversation at a later date, perhaps then you will have had sometime to think this through clearly.”

 

Sesshomaru grunted, but didn't respond.

 

Chuckling lightly, the Southern Lord stated with a glance over his shoulder, “I will be sure to let Teela know that she will have to wait until tomorrow to meet with you.”

 

Sesshomaru watched dispassionately as the gloating demon disappeared down the hall and around the corner. A weird feeling came over him as buried memories came flooding back. Memories from too many centuries ago, when he was much younger… When his father was still alive and not yet mated to Inuyasha's mother… Memories of being…living in the southern territory with his mother… Memories of a golden haired energetic, green-eyed spitfire, that tried to lay claim to him every chance she got.

 

`Teela,' he thought as he slowly closed the door to his study and tried to will away memories of an era long past and best left forgotten.

 

Until Next Time… (You .02 cents are greatly appreciated)