CHAPTER TWO: PRINCELY ETIQUETTE
It was late afternoon when Kikyo awoke. She felt something soft against her face, but she was still too drowsy to open her eyes. Whatever it was, she couldn't resist the urge to wrap her arms around it and bury her face against it. As Kikyo fully regained consciousness, she detected a powerful demonic aura within the room. Immediately she sat up and opened her eyes, taking hold of her longbow. Placing an arrow in it, she aimed at the intruder. However, she didn't launch the arrow. A boy sat on a couch across the room watching her. He had long, silver hair and piercing, golden eyes. His skin was pale, and as he sat shirtless, Kikyo noticed his well-toned body. It seemed effortless, his figure; not too muscular, yet impressive and perfect like a sculpture. His ears were pointed as well. He clearly resembled the Inu no Taisho, so Kikyo was only left to determine which son this was. Kikyo was sure that the aura came from him, but he seemed only irked by her presence despite the great power emitting from him.
"Why are you watching me?" Kikyo demanded. The boy rolled his eyes.
"You are in my bed," he replied, clearly annoyed. He was hardly looking at her, more like looking through her. His glance then turned to a large window close to him absently as though anything would impress him more. Kikyo lowered her bow and looked about the room. The blankets that now covered her body were of thick and luxurious animal furs; Kikyo guessed bear, although there were distinct tiger stripes on one. The curtains draping the bright windows were of fine silk, and drawn aside, they allowed the clean panes to usher the afternoon glow into the room. The room itself was in fact large, with ornate tapestries, paintings, and other such decorations adorning them. Candles were placed on many of the solid surfaces, adding to the room's refinery as glowing speckles dazzled Kikyo's sleepy eyes. The floor was of marble, and above the bed hung an enormous, crystal chandelier. Kikyo noticed that the chandelier lacked electric lights, and instead was fashioned after older, French design, bearing simple, white candles as well. She then returned her eyes to the demon watching her. His mysterious existence added to the luxury of the room. A true, demon prince.
"This is your room?" Kikyo inquired softly, her voice giving way to her childish fascination.
"What other room would my bed be in?" the boy asked dryly. Kikyo glanced down and recognized a mokomoko-sama lying on the bed. She picked it up.
"This is yours too?" Kikyo asked. "Your father has one just like it." Kikyo started as the boy zoomed forward faster than she could blink. His speed was entirely unreal, entirely inhuman, simply demonic and stunning...literally. He was on his knees leaning over her, his eyes narrowed angrily. Kikyo hadn't quite fathomed such an ability.
"Why is it exactly that you are still here?" the boy demanded. Kikyo realized she had been rude. She immediately released the mokomoko-sama and slipped under the boy's arm to climb out of his bed. She adjusted the skirt of her uniform and found her shoes on the floor. The prince collapsed on his bed elegantly and scratched his temple.
"I apologize," Kikyo mumbled quickly. "Where should I go?"
"I have no idea why you are in Demons' Nook in the first place," the prince snarled. "You don't belong here. You're fortunate my temper is easy today."
"You're fortunate that I didn't kill you in the first place," Kikyo retorted.
"That arrow will not have any affect on me," the demon snorted, relaxing more. He appeared less and less interested in Kikyo the longer she stood before him. "I imagine my father was the one who brought you here. Go sleep in his bed."
"I was unconscious," Kikyo told him. "I didn't-" At that moment another silver-haired boy entered the room. He had a much softer face and two very distinct dog-ears on the top of his head. Unlike his shirtless brother, he was wearing dark blue skinny-jeans and a red T-shirt. Upon comparing the two, Kikyo noticed, for the first time, that the boy in bed was wearing hakamas. Samurai pants? That's a bit surprising. The new arrival froze in the doorway and seemed to be examining Kikyo. Kikyo's hand immediately went to her neck, and she gripped Shikon no Tama tightly.
"A half-demon?" she mused, staring at the boy as well. The half-demon's complexion was nothing like his father's or his brother's. The shirtless one was extremely pale, Inutaisho was extremely tan, and this boy was somewhere in between, though still rather fair. He had the same devilish claws as his family, as well as the same intriguing, radiant, golden eyes. Flecks of red speckled them just the same. He was certainly as beautiful.
"Why are you still here?" the shirtless one asked again. Turning to his brother, he added, "And I don't have to reiterate how irritated it makes me when you don't knock." Kikyo put her hands on her hips.
"I'm sorry that I have no place to go!" she snapped.
"A human this time, huh?" the half-demon mused aloud, ignoring his brother's stern warning. The shirtless one rolled his eyes and turned over in bed, turning his back to the door.
"I have no idea what you mean by 'this time'," he said. The half-demon smirked. However, as his gaze shifted back to Kikyo, his eyes widened.
"Shikon no Tama?" he breathed. The shirtless one's gaze also flicked up toward Kikyo, only sparing the least bit of interest.
"What of it?" Kikyo asked, clenching her bow.
"You must be her," the half-demon said. The shirtless demon's interest rose a pinch more.
"Kikyo, then?" he asked, his voice low. Kikyo turned to him.
"Yes," she replied calmly. She reached up for an arrow cautiously.
"If you have anyone to fear, it is that thing across the room," the full demon said, pointing. "I have no interest in that marble."
"What do you mean by 'thing'!" the half-demon demanded.
"It certainly isn't a marble," Kikyo retorted. "Whoever possesses it gains immense power and-"
"I should not think you were trying to convince me of its worth, priestess," the demon snarled. "For if you do convince me, I might kill you for it."
"My name is Kikyo," the young priestess asserted. "And there is no way you're taking this jewel from me." The half-demon began cracking his knuckles.
"Inuyasha, you have no use for that marble either," the full-demon discouraged, shocking Kikyo. "Inusan has you under his protection. Nobody will know the difference, half-demon or not."
"Inuyasha? That is a very fitting name," Kikyo mused aloud. "You're the younger of the two?"
"I am," Inuyasha replied.
"And the most disappointing," the full-demon added.
"Shut the hell up, Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha shouted.
"Sesshomaru? 'Sesshou' means....You're the oldest, then?" Kikyo asked. "The future Inu no Taisho."
"I am," Sesshomaru replied. Then I assume Inutaisho hasn't told him about me. Should I tell him? Kikyo thought about how disapproving this Sesshomaru was. To her it appeared she would only irk him further if she said anything. I'm sure Inutaisho will tell him everything in due time.
"Shouldn't you exchange names before you sleep together?" Inuyasha asked.
"What are you talking about?" Kikyo demanded.
"You seem to be in a shameful hurry," Inuyasha teased. "And your clothes are all rumpled. What's with the little skirt?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Kikyo said, finally regaining her confidence. "I've too much pride to shame myself with this demon." She recognized that her previous outbursts were entirely uncharacteristic of her. They also weren't very becoming. She had to assert her authority and begin to convince these two of her worth in the castle. She was to be Sesshomaru's wife; he had to take her seriously.
"Inuyasha, take this human out of here," Sesshomaru ordered. "Find someplace for her; she is irritating me." Kikyo contained her anger, seized up her quiver, and stormed out of the room. Inuyasha followed after her.
"You shouldn't take him so seriously," Inuyasha said. "Sesshomaru's arrogant, that's for sure, but he could have killed you for entering his room like that."
"Why did you automatically assume that-"
"To get a reaction out of you," Inuyasha interrupted. "Sesshomaru never has girls in there. And I certainly didn't think that a human would be his first choice."
"Oh, I see," Kikyo mumbled.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Kikyo wasn't interested in telling him the truth either.
"Your father won me in a bet," she replied calmly, omitting details of the future engagement.
"Then how did you end up in Sesshomaru's bed?" Inuyasha inquired. Kikyo rolled her eyes.
"I don't know," she admitted. "Your father gave me an elixir and I woke up in there."
"Oh, never heard that one before," Inuyasha mumbled, clearly not fascinated. "Well, let me find a girl to show you around. Inusan doesn't want company right now." Kikyo wasn't really surprised by this family's bluntness. It was exactly what she expected from a demon, especially one from such aristocracy.
Inuyasha found a young human girl named Rin and instructed her to show Kikyo around the castle. Rin was short with long, black hair and a bright face. Kikyo felt much more comfortable following Rin throughout the castle because she was an ignorant child, young and foolish. She posed no threat. Still, Kikyo absolutely did not lay down her guard. Her quiver was over her shoulder and her longbow clenched in her left fist.
Rin first took Kikyo down the many corridors in the castle and identified important rooms that Kikyo would be allowed to use. There was a grand library with a great many ancient scrolls and historical texts inside that Kikyo might find interesting. It had a very warm air, with a grand, five foot tall fireplace and pearl white plush carpeting. On the mantel was an impressive sword on display. It had many nicks in the steel, ancient scars from battle.
"What can you tell me about this?" Kikyo asked Rin, pointing to the sword. Rin smiled.
"It belongs to Lord Sesshomaru," she explained. "It was a gift from the Inu no Taisho. He's not particularly proud of it though because it doesn't cut." Kikyo frowned.
"But there are-"
"That's because Lord Sesshomaru tried hard to use it, to understand it," Rin continued. "But no one besides Lord Inutaisho knows its usage, and he insists Lord Sesshomaru must figure it out for himself. The sword is rumored to possess great spiritual powers." Kikyo did detect some strange presence from it, but she couldn't imagine a sword that didn't cut. It completely defeated the purpose of the weapon.
"So why does Sesshomaru leave it here?"
"He reasoned that if it couldn't cut he had no use for it," Rin said with a smile. "It appears he doesn't have the strength to discard a gift from his father. Lord Sesshomaru found it ideal to display it instead. The famous Tenseiga....One day he'll put it to great use." Tenseiga, Kikyo mused silently. A sword of heaven? What sorts of tricks can you do?
"But why here?"
"It's his library," Rin replied. "He's usually very forbidding in regards to it, but Lord Inutaisho has already informed me that you are free to take advantage of all of Lord Sesshomaru's resources." Kikyo frowned. Did Rin know they were to be married? And if so, why would Inutaisho tell her before his sons?
Next Rin took Kikyo to a spa and public bath, though the bath tended to be closed during the warmer months. There Inutaisho had staffed masseuses and aroma therapists, as well as sauna and bath attendants. This was much more of a social spot, Kikyo determined.
Every inch of the castle was immaculate, clean, sparkling, and fine. The floors were of black marble, the walls were painted white with vaulted ceilings. It was all considered a single story, ignoring one special set of chambers that occupied the entire second story. Rin then showed Kikyo a grand, spiraling, marble staircase that was locked with an iron gate.
"Those stairs lead to the Inu no Taisho's private chambers," she told Kikyo. "He accepts guests most times; you simply have to find someone with a key to let you in."
"Who has a key?" Kikyo asked, tracing a spiral in the iron gate with her index finger.
"Well, Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Inuyasha do," Rin began. "Also Lord Sesshomaru's servant, Lord Jaken, and myself." Kikyo nodded. Considering the size of the palace, imagining Inutaisho's chambers was entirely impossible. He had to have a great deal of space, perhaps a personal replica of the many wonderful public features the castle had to offer.
"I see," Kikyo mumbled, turning back to the girl. "What does this Lord Jaken look like?"
"He's an imp," Rin explained. "He's green, sort of like a toad. You'd recognize him once you saw him."
"Oh."
"This way," Rin instructed, starting down the hall once more. Kikyo followed after her.
Rin took Kikyo outside and into a gorgeous garden. It was massive, filled with healthy Japanese maples, Bonsai plants, palm trees, and other foreign lushes. It resembled a small jungle, quiet and shaded with many trees. As Kikyo followed Rin through, she completely lost her breath at the beauty of it all. The castle itself rested on a hilltop, and towards the back of the garden, many hours away, was a rushing waterfall. It loomed in the distance surrounded by a tranquil mist. Following the main stone pathway through the garden, Rin and Kikyo reached a small courtyard with a large koi pond in the center. In fact, it was so large that a small bridge had been built to cross over it, and on the other side the courtyard expanded, making room for four lovely, wooden benches. Palm trees provided shade over them.
"This is even more impressive than the castle," Kikyo breathed, running her hands over the bridge's wooden railings as they crossed.
"It's truly the pride of Demons' Nook," Rin agreed, leading Kikyo further. "You're going to love this." Kikyo brought her mind back to focus as she detected a presence following them. The aura was relatively weak; Kikyo determined it was either Inuyasha or the fabled imp Rin spoke of earlier. She was much more preoccupied with scenery.
Following an accompanying path to the right, Rin led Kikyo up to another area bordered by bamboo stalks. There was a wide opening serving as a gateway to a world of warm, tempting mist. Kikyo couldn't help but smile upon seeing the many hot springs that filled the expanse, all surrounded by steaming rocks. Sprinkled on the rocks were flower petals, and it seemed the heat extracted their fragrance and filled the air with it, adding to the warmth.
"It looks fantastic," Kikyo said, inhaling the warm air. "Is it restricted?" Rin shook her head.
"That's why there isn't a lock." A thought suddenly struck Kikyo.
"Is there access to the waterfall from here?" Rin nodded excitedly.
"Yes, and there are horses to get you there faster," she replied. "There's a pool there that's great for this time of year." Kikyo nodded, then spun around and drew an arrow from her quiver. Placing it in the bow, she drew back the string and waited patiently.
"Stop, Lady Kikyo," Rin pleaded. "It's only Lord Jaken." Kikyo frowned, glancing over at the small girl. She was pointing in the direction from which they had come, and standing on the stone pathway was a less than impressive, green imp in a brown kimono. He carried a peculiar staff with two heads on it; a male and female. He certainly wasn't anything appealing.
"You have no right to draw your arrow at me, human wench!" the imp shouted, panting.
"You're a rather hopeless spy," Kikyo mused. "What brings you here?" Jaken snorted at "hopeless" and crossed his arms over his chest.
"The Inu no Taisho has important news to discuss with everyone over dinner," he replied firmly. Kikyo returned her arrow to its quiver, and she and Rin followed the demon back towards the main estate.
On the way there, Kikyo noticed a strange hut off in the distance. It somewhat resembled a pagoda, thought it was much less official and had was only one story. Still, Kikyo was too anxious about Inutaisho's news to consider what sorts of ceremonies might take place there.
Upon reaching the castle once more, Kikyo was given a knee-length kimono to wear to dinner. The dress code wasn't formal, Rin had told her, but the Inutaisho had insisted that Kikyo not wear clothes officially associated with another establishment as though such a place were more important. Of course, he was referring to Kikyo's school uniform. Kikyo didn't understand this reasoning, but the kimono - a baby blue decorated with Japanese maple leaves - was far too gorgeous and required no protest. Once she finished dressing and touching up her hair a bit, Rin led Kikyo toward the dining hall where Inuyasha and Inutaisho were already seated. Kikyo bowed before the great dog demon and then took her seat.
"How are you enjoying the castle so far, Kikyo?" Inutaisho asked, his gaze focused someplace else.
"It's really beautiful," Kikyo commented pleasantly. "Especially the garden. The waterfall in the distance makes for a lovely accessory."
"I built the castle here for that specific reason," Inutaisho agreed, removing a small, gold object from his haori. He slid it along the table toward Kikyo, who accepted it with a puzzled face. "That is for you." Rin, who was kneeling beside Kikyo, removed an identical key from her kimono for Kikyo to compare, and Kikyo then understood. It was a key to the gate blocking off the Inu no Taisho's chambers. It made Kikyo somewhat uncomfortable, having a personal key to the demon lord's private chambers. Something about it felt inappropriate. Still, Kikyo slipped her key into her kimono as well.
"Ouch!" It was Inuyasha's voice. Kikyo looked up and across the table at the mischievous half demon. He was rubbing his face sourly.
"Do not stare, Inuyasha," Inutaisho scolded. "She is not for you."
"I wasn't looking at her," Inuyasha grumbled. Kikyo's hand reached for Shikon no Tama around her neck protectively.
"Pardon me, but who are we waiting for?" Kikyo asked Inutaisho.
"My eldest son, of course," Inutaisho replied. Nothing more was said for another twenty minutes. I can't believe he's this late. How rude! Kikyo thought. And his father tolerates this?
Sesshomaru appeared in the doorway silently with no excuse. He was no longer shirtless; he was now wearing a matching haori with his mokomoko-sama draped over his shoulder. He chose to sit beside his younger brother and immediately took up staring at Kikyo. Inutaisho said nothing about Sesshomaru's poor manners, nor did he insist that the prince not stare at the new arrival.
"I am under the impression that the three of you have already met," Inutaisho began.
"Why did you put this human girl in my bed?" Sesshomaru asked.
"To guarantee an introduction," Inutaisho replied. "And now that that is taken care of, I have important news." The food isn't even on the table... Kikyo mused, focusing entirely on the head of the table.
"Kikyo's staying with us now, right?" Inuyasha interrupted. "You won her in a bet."
"Yes, that did happen," Inutaisho replied, somewhat perturbed by the second interruption. "I would now like to address what will happen. Sesshomaru, you are to marry Kikyo." Kikyo was absolutely stunned. She had known about their engagement the entire day, but she hadn't expected the announcement to occur quite like that. Sesshomaru only glared at his father.
"I am not-"
"You are. It is not in question. It is the decision I have made, and Kikyo is already in favor of it."
"For reasons entirely unrelated to you or this castle," Kikyo added quickly. Sesshomaru's hostile glare turned toward her.
"What reasons might those be?" he inquired between clenched teeth.
"For one, your father...promised to ban my father from this place if I agreed to marry you," Kikyo admitted. "I'm doing this for my sister. I don't want my father to gamble her life away too."
"Are you not the perfect heroine?" Sesshomaru said dryly. "Inusan, don't you want to ask me what I think?"
"Tell me, then."
"I think this girl is incompetent," Sesshomaru replied. "I certainly do not care if she is the protector of Shikon no Tama. She is of no use to me. And let us not forget that her life will expire long before she has any influence over this place."
"That is why I supplied her an elixir of longevity," Inutaisho explained. "She has already taken it, and she now is destined to outlive even me."
"I can see Inusan's reasoning," Inuyasha muttered. Sesshomaru seized one of his brother's ears between his claws.
"Enlighten me."
"You have already declared every other demon woman in Demons' Nook unworthy," Inuyasha muttered, forcing his brother to release his ear. "Kikyo is (in limited respects) more powerful than they are. With Shikon no Tama she could be unrivaled....Amongst other things."
"What sorts of 'things'?" Kikyo demanded.
"He is a puppy after all," Sesshomaru grumbled, rolling his eyes. Kikyo frowned as Sesshomaru stood. "Watch him; he often marks desired territory." Kikyo stood up as well.
"Excuse me!" both she and Inuyasha snapped.
"I shall perform my own evaluation tomorrow," Sesshomaru said, ignoring the outrage plastered on Kikyo's face. "We shall see how you compare. Be careful, priestess; I will not hesitate to kill you." Sesshomaru excused himself from the room, his face as stoic and confident as ever. Kikyo turned back around to face Inutaisho, angered by Sesshomaru's attitude toward her.
"Inuyasha, stay put and eat for the girl's sake," Inutaisho instructed, leaving the table. Inuyasha sat back down.
"You may as well eat before the food gets cold," he grumbled, seizing his chopsticks. Kikyo looked down at the table and noticed that her plate was loaded with food.
"How did that get there?"
Rin took Kikyo to her temporary bedchambers. They were nowhere near as impressive as Sesshomaru's, but that didn't surprise her. It didn't bother her either. The bed had crisp, white sheets and a fur blanket on top. Besides the electric lighting in the ceiling, the room was bare. There was a large window with a window seat in it overlooking the garden, a feature that Kikyo certainly liked. However, she imagined that the room was so bland because Inutaisho would marry her to Sesshomaru as quickly as possible. In that case, this room would be obsolete as she would most likely share Sesshomaru's chambers.
"Will you be needing anything else, Lady Kikyo?" Rin asked. Kikyo shook her head, and Rin departed quickly. Kikyo surveyed the room some more before collapsing on the bed. Sighing heavily, she kicked off her shoes, removed her socks, shirt, and skirt, and climbed into bed. Before turning off the light, she removed the ribbon from her hair as well.
I suppose not all princes are charming, she thought, drifting off to sleep.
A/N: "Sesshou" means "regent" in Japanese. A regent is one who assumes responsibility in the king's absence (and can often be the heir to the throne). For those of you who didn't know this, Sesshomaru's name is very fitting not only for the purposes of this story but for the original story as well.
"Inusan" is really just my own version of "otousan" which means "father" in Japanese. You can think of it as "dog-father", I suppose. I wanted Inuyasha and Sesshomaru to have their own special title for their father, which would separate their relationship with him from others. Hence, Inusan.
Thanks again for reading. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!