Author's Note: Well, I'm back. So sorry for the long wait but during my summer I just didn't have the desire to type any of my stories. There was no will to do it. But now that I'm back in school and have nothing to do most of the time, I will write some more. So... I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha...
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Chapter 2: The Plot & The Ball
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The sound echoed against the walls as the servants busied themselves with preparing for tonight's ball. Every room was bustling with servants trying their best to please the queen and king with the preparations and also get it done by this evening. Metal against metal could be heard as the walls echoed the sounds of the preparations all around the castle grounds. Even out in the village that the castle remained in, the villagers were busy with talk about tonight's event and how their village would be hosting a ball for many rich families in the country.
Inutaisho and Izayoi walked hand in hand as they made their way down the huge staircase, their eyes taking in all of the movement with satisfaction.
"Do you not think that you have been a bit too harsh with him, my love?" Izayoi asked, her eyes glancing at her mate with skepticism as she remembered how Inutaisho has been regarding Inuyasha's mating balls.
Inutaisho closed his eyes for a moment and revealed them to his mate, hard like steel. "No, I do not, Izayoi." The woman turned her eyes from him with a frown and gazed down at her feet as she took each step down with caution. "Inuyasha needs to learn that the world is not going to wait for him to grow up and mature," he said. "He needs to learn his place in this world and the duties that he was born with." Inutaisho left it at that when he didn't hear his mate's reply, and turned to gaze back down at the servants.
Since this was one of their main rooms, the size being so grand with the staircase, there were many servants in this particular room. Inutaisho and Izayoi met the bottom and began to walk towards the front door of their home. Every servant they passed bowed to them with welcome, and the king and queen greeted them with warm smiles and approvals. The double doors were already opened, leaving the light of the sun to gleam into the room with no hassle, lighting up the doings inside. The two guards who remained near the doorways bowed, the armor that they wore grinding, metal against metal, as the king and queen walked through the doors. Inutaisho smiled at his general as he and his mate walked towards the horse carriage waiting for them.
"General Miroku, it is good to see you are well this morning," Izayoi greeted with a smile.
The General nodded with a bow towards Her Majesty, lifting himself back up to his full height as he gazed at the king and queen with warmth. "Thank you, My Lady. It is good to see you both are well," Miroku said, his deep purple eyes dancing with warmth.
Inutaisho smiled with a nod, walking past his general as he went towards the open door of the carriage. He waited on the side and helped his mate into the carriage. Once Izayoi was in, Inutaisho followed her in and the two got comfortable in their seat, waiting for their departure.
The General nodded his head towards his second-in-command, and the two walked towards their respected horses at the front of the procession. The servants holding the two horses steadied them as the general and his second mounted. Once they were comfortable, they took the reins from the servants' hands and the two were excused. The General turned around to look at the carriage behind him and then the eight soldiers behind the carriage. Giving the nod, the General faced the main road out of the castle grounds and through the village. With a yank on the rein, the horse moved forward and the procession followed.
Inuyasha watched in the doorway as his father's procession went on their way, heading out of the village and into the Land of the South where they had business to attend to. Inuyasha's eyes softened as he watched his parents' carriage get smaller and smaller in the distance, his golden eyes yearning. 'Chichi-ue…' Inuyasha could still remember those days when he had been younger and his father had taken him on those processions. Those were the days he missed the most.
"My Lord." Inuyasha snapped out of his thoughts as he turned around to view the head of a bowed servant. "Your presence is wanted in the throne room. Your brother, Lord Sesshomaru, says that he will have a word with you." Inuyasha rolled his eyes and waved one hand in the air as he walked by the servant.
Inuyasha headed back into the castle and turned towards the next room. When he walked through the double doors, Inuyasha caught sight of his brother standing near the front of the throne room where their family would be seated.
"Sesshomaru… you called for me?" he asked, making his way down the long room towards his brother.
Sesshomaru turned around at the sound of his brother's voice booming off the walls and nodded his head, taking in the sight of his brother. Inuyasha wore one of his kimono outfits that were made out of the fire-rat fur from their father. The haori and hakama were both a blood red, Inuyasha's favorite color, and their father had made it so that it would grow to fit Inuyasha's figure as he ages. One thing about fire-rat fur is that it heals on its own, making the wearer not having to bother with trying to repair it.
"Inuyasha. Haha-ue wanted us to check all of the invitations that were sent out and to inform Jaken about the guest list." Inuyasha nodded his head, and looked to the opposite side of the room to see two servants waiting for their command.
"Retrieve all of the invitations my mother sent out," Inuyasha informed them. The two servants bowed and excused themselves as they went to retrieve the desired items. Inuyasha looked back towards his brother when they were gone and noticed that the Inu-Taiyoukai was gazing at him intently. Inuyasha glared at his brother and placed his hands on his hips, raising an eyebrow.
"You got something to say, Sesshomaru?" he asked, knowing that his brother wasn't one to talk much. But he knew that something was bothering Sesshomaru because he had questions in his eyes that Inuyasha knew he would have to answer.
Sesshomaru walked down the few steps that separated the floor area from their family's respected thrones, and headed down the red carpet towards his brother. "Haha-ue had gone to see you last night." Inuyasha's eyes widened in shock as he realized that he had been caught, but his brother showed no emotion as he kept walking closer. "Haha-ue had wanted to apologize to you last night, for what, this Sesshomaru has no reasonable explanation. However, Haha-ue had informed me that you were not present in your room." Sesshomaru's eyes hardened as he stared at his brother, demanding answers. "Haha-ue told me this morning, since she did not want to inform Chichi-ue about this. Haha-ue wants this Sesshomaru to find out where you had gone…" he said, finally getting right in Inuyasha's face as the two brothers stared at each other, none wanting to back down from the other.
Inuyasha gulped and looked away from his brother's stare, knowing that he was caught but not knowing what to do about it now. He couldn't tell Sesshomaru where he had gone, but then again, his brother wasn't one to screw with. Inuyasha smelt the tell-tale scent of his brother's anger and knew that he was buying himself a ticket for his brother's rage. Inuyasha sighed roughly and turned to look back up at his brother with anger. "What's it to you?"
Sesshomaru growled, baring his fangs at his brother. "Haha-ue was hurt yesterday when you two had finished your walk in the garden. This Sesshomaru is assuming that you had done something to hurt her, or she would have no reason to have been crying." Inuyasha's eyes were pained as he heard about his mother's tears, his body becoming submissive to his elder brother's. "Tell this Sesshomaru where you had been last night, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru relaxed his body a bit, knowing that he didn't have to push Inuyasha anymore. One thing was for certain about them that he did have in common with his own brother: they both loved their parents dearly, especially their mother. Izayoi was a lovely and gentle woman, one that, even though Sesshomaru wasn't borne from, he still would protect with his life and would never want to see her cry.
Inuyasha bit his bottom lip, his eyes to the ground as he tried to hide them from his brother. He knew he had to tell Sesshomaru. He might not want to, but Sesshomaru wasn't going to drop it, and Inuyasha knew that he won't be able to get two steps away from his brother without hearing a fit. So Inuyasha sighed and told Sesshomaru everything. He told Sesshomaru about the first time he went to the East and how he had met that miko there. Then he told Sesshomaru about last night as well and now he waited in front of his brother to hear Sesshomaru's reaction.
The room was silent for a bit as Sesshomaru took in all of what Inuyasha had said. His eyes remained impassive the whole time and his face showed no emotion as his brother told him about his foolish move as he had gone to the Land of the East, alone. He was fuming inside at his brother's stupidity, but knew better than to take his anger out on his brother because Inuyasha probably would do it again. Sesshomaru didn't miss the note of joy Inuyasha held when he spoke of meeting this miko or how he had ran towards the East. Sesshomaru tilted his head into the air, closing his eyes in pure frustration at his brother.
"This Sesshomaru does not understand his own brother," he said, more like to himself, but Inuyasha heard. The hanyou smirked and chuckled, crossing his arms across his chest as he turned his face to the side.
"It seems like we are even." The two brothers both remained in each other's silence for a bit longer, both not knowing what else to say about this act, and then were interrupted by the two servants who came in with stacks of papers in their hands.
Inuyasha turned when he noticed they were not alone anymore, and once his eyes landed on the stacks of papers, his ears drooped and his eyes widened in fear and exasperation. "Kami-sama! You've got to be kidding me!"
Sesshomaru turned to look at the servants with a nod and walked back towards their family's throne as the servants followed him. "Let us be done with this, Inuyasha."
"Eh…" Inuyasha said, turning around to look at the backs of the servants and his brother. Sesshomaru couldn't possibly believe that they would get this done today, did he? That was a lot of papers that the servants had. 'My mother sent out that many invitations?!' he thought with shock and annoyance. Inuyasha blinked back his shock and called out for his brother.
"Sesshomaru!" His brother stopped, waiting for Inuyasha to speak as the servants stopped as well, waiting for Sesshomaru to continue on ahead. Inuyasha breathed out with a huff and placed his hands on his hips. "Don't tell Haha-ue and Chichi-ue." He didn't need his father knowing about this rendezvous he had in the East because his father would give more of a fit than ever.
Sesshomaru turned his head around to regard his brother, seeing the look his brother gave him, and he nodded his head. Inuyasha smiled at his brother as Sesshomaru began towards the thrones again, making Inuyasha follow behind.
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The King sighed, his index and thumb trying to ease the growing headache he had since this morning. 'This isn't happening…' A piece of paper, not weighing much but felt like the whole world in the palm of his hand, remained in his fingers as he stared at the neatly written words he had examined over and over again. The inked words of black were clearly written with intent, and their intentions were driving him insane. 'What to do?' He had to think of something to do now. Eyes going to the piece of paper again, the King scanned through the letter for the hundredth time, disbelieving the neatly written words on the white cloth of paper. His head hurt again and his fingers were quick to try and assuage the coming headache he was sure to get from this unwanted surprise.
The King lifted his head and looked towards his right, over the piece of paper, to see his faithful consul. "Keitaro, what do you think of this?" he asked, his voice holding his weariness that he was feeling from this heavy load of paper in his fingers.
Consul Keitaro gazed down at the piece of paper in His King's hand and then towards the King's eyes, regarding the man steadily with truth in his words. "I believe, Your Majesty, that you should take this invitation into consideration. It could be for the better of the kingdom."
The King felt like blowing out his frustrated breath at the Consul's words. "Betterment you say? How so?" He needed the guidance of another mind since his was too tired and confused as to what to do.
Consul Keitaro noted the King's weariness as the King looked down the long hall of the throne room in front of him, empty and wide. He spoke as he looked up towards the paintings on the wall he faced to the side of the throne. "If you would consider Lord Inutaisho's invitation as luck, then we have all but need to engage ourselves in this game that he is throwing before us." Consul Keitaro gazed back down to see the King's eyes were on him, curious to his words and his advice. He smiled encouragingly at the King, already working it in his mind as to how this could play out in their favor. "If you would, Your Majesty, just listen to my words." When the King made no movement to stop him but instead took his fingers off his forehead and relaxed his arms on his throne, Consul Keitaro continued.
"Lord Inutaisho has made several attempts for his youngest son to find himself a mate, and they were all unsuccessful. However, after all of those four Balls, not one of them have we gotten an invitation from Lord Inutaisho. Yet, this one seems to cause him a little change in mind." Consul Keitaro stopped in his words, letting His Majesty think it through as he saw the puzzlement befall in the King's eyes. The Consul smiled wickedly. "I believe that he is desperate in these times to find his youngest son a mate. For whatever the reason, we cannot let this opportunity pass us by. We must seize this invitation with both hands."
"What are you proposing then, Consul?" the King asked, his black eyes waiting for an answer as he gazed up at the Consul with an open mind.
Consul Keitaro placed his hands behind his back and tipped his chin a little into the air, confident in his plan of action against the Land of the West. "We should send a woman of ours to the Ball this evening and hope that she will be chosen from Prince Inuyasha." The King's eyes widened a fraction but he remained silent, allowing the Consul to finish his proposal. He was interested in what the Consul had to say, as he started to think of this option he had. "A beautiful woman, at that. Let her flaunt herself to the young prince, be a desired woman." The Consul's eyes sparkled in mischief as he gazed down at the King, a smirk on his face. "And when she gets chosen from the prince, we will have an advantage in the Kingdom in the West."
The King averted his gaze down to the long room in front of him, holding nothing but emptiness so he could allow his thoughts into the empty space before him.
"We will have eyes and ears in that Kingdom, my Lord," the Consul urged, his voice anxious at the thought of one of their's in the Kingdom of the West, one of their enemies. "This mating would be the tie between our two kingdoms. Let her gain the trust of the King and Queen, let her be loved by the people and the royal family. And after the mating and marriage is formally done by the eyes of Kami-sama, let her give herself to the prince so that she may bear the prince's child." The Consul's eyes glittered as he looked ahead at the paintings on the wall, his eyes taking in nothing but his mind wandering with his thoughts. "Then, when the whole kingdom trusts and loves her, let her kill the young Prince Inuyasha. The King and Queen will not blame her of it, for they knew how much she loved the prince, and they will not discard of her so easily. Inu-youkai are very possessive and protective of their own, and the child that she will carry will ensure her stay at the palace." The Consul smirked mischievously. "It will be their demise."
The King was silent, his eyes taking in the far light spewing in from the tall windows at the end of the long hall in front of him. The lights shown through the window like doors from another world, allowing the sunlight to glare into the throne room. The King sighed and stood, making the Consul's eyes go straight to the King's figure as he stepped down the few steps onto the floor and made his way to the wall on his left side. He took his time walking closer to it, seeming so faraway, thankfully, so that his mind could think about the Consul's words. 'A spy?' They would have a spy in the West's palace, hidden beneath their noses. This spy of theirs would gain the trust of the royal family and in the end be their demise as well as the royal family. The West would crumble without the Great Inutaisho to keep things in order and if the royal bloodline would perish from their hands, then the Kingdom of the East would gain the lands. Because the child made from their woman and the Prince Inuyasha would be the only remaining bloodline of the Inutaisho family that would be handed the crown. The West would be in their hands. And the child would be the seal between the East and the West so that he could gain the lands as well, only gaining more power over Nihon. The King made it towards the wall and stopped a few feet before it, gazing up at the paintings that littered along the wall. He gazed intently at them, wondering if those paintings of the scenic lands could actually be this plot coming to life. The King sighed, placing his hands behind his back, one hand still holding the invitation.
"Who do you propose we send, then?" the King asked, wondering if they had such a woman to make the Prince Inuyasha fall head over heels for. This Mating Ball Lord Inutaisho was holding would be the biggest yet, since he intends it to be the last, and so there will be women from all over Nihon that will attend and beg for the prince's attention. With so many women in one palace, the King wondered if they had a woman that could catch the eyes of the prince with one glance.
The Consul smirked to himself and gazed across the room at the King's back, his smirk still visible on his face, one filled with cleverish intent. "Lady Kagome."
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Wiping the sweat off her brow, Kagome straightened her back out as she came to her full height. Her hands were covered in dirt as she looked down at the dirt stuck in her nails. 'Ugh… great…' Kagome frowned and dusted her hands on her hakamas, knowing that she would need to take a bath soon to get this dirt off her body.
"My Lady, we are finished planting the last of the flowers."
Kagome turned to smile at the young girl that remained with dirt smeared on her face after trying to rub the sweat off. "Thank you, Hinao, for helping me." The girl smiled and bowed. "You may leave now. I hope for you to take a bath in the river to refresh yourself." The girl nodded with a joyful smile, excited to clean the day's work off her body. She excused herself and went on her way as Kagome watched her walk off towards the village below.
Sighing to herself, Kagome looked down with much appreciation at the work they had accomplished. Yellow Jasmines lay at her feet, six flowers sprouting out of the ground in hopes of finding a new home here at the shrine. Kagome smiled tenderly at the flowers, remembering how she had come across them. Early this morning on her patrol, she had stopped by the very same area she had been in just last night with the hanyou Inuyasha. After much thought, she had considered taking the yellow Jasmines and planting them in the village where they could help out the villagers as much as they had helped her. Her body still hurt in places, but she felt much stronger than last night. All thanks to Inuyasha and his knowledge in medicinal arts. 'I will have to thank him again.' Now, the village had their own supply of yellow Jasmines should anyone need to mend broken bones.
Dusting off her hands against each other, Kagome placed her hands on her hips and turned around, gazing at the shrine grounds around her. She remained in the small garden that the shrine had. Built by her, Kagome had made this garden to contain herbal plants to aid her in curing the villagers of their injuries and sicknesses. Many medicinal herbs were in this garden, many of which she has used many times over. And she tended to this garden everyday, seeing that no weeds would overrun her precious herbs and no critters would taste the sweet affects the herbs would have on human bodies.
Movement at the entrance of the shrine caught Kagome's attention as her eyes set on the man running frantically towards her. Kagome wondered what news brought him her way as she met him halfway, noticing the apparel he wore. He was a messenger from the King, and she could only wonder what the King wanted with her now.
"My Lady," the messenger said, his head bowed in front of her as his back heaved trying to get air into his lungs.
"What news from the King?" she asked, already knowing why he was here.
The man straightened out and gazed at her with urgency. "Your presence is wanted. The King wishes you to meet with him in his chambers. Now."
Kagome's eyes widened as she looked down at herself, knowing that she couldn't go to the King looking like this. "But… I just finished tending my garden. Maybe send word to the King that I will be only a few minutes…"
"My Lady, the King insists it to be now. It is urgent and he wishes you to be in his chambers as soon as possible."
She could have huffed with frustration at the King's insistency on something that she had no idea of, but she couldn't go against his order. Kagome sighed, giving in, and just prayed that she wouldn't be seen by many as she went into the palace to meet the King.
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"Your Majesty… Lady Kagome has arrived," a servant called from the doorway of his chambers as the King looked up to the open doorway. He nodded his head and the servant moved aside to allow Kagome into the room. At once, a smile lit his face as he gazed at Kagome, standing out in her miko robe that was covered in dirt. A humorous chuckle escaped his lips as he stood from behind his desk and walked around to meet her.
"Kagome… it is good to see that you are well," the King said, standing in front of his desk with welcome and happiness in his eyes. The King bowed slightly, giving Kagome the respect that she deserved, even from one such as him, and she did the same, bowing at the waist a bit lower than he did. The King smiled at her formality, knowing that she always insisted that she would bow before him to show him the respect that he was born with. "Enough formalities. Let us sit together."
Kagome smiled with a nod and walked towards his outstretched hand as he led her to two chairs that were set up near the side wall. His study was a very huge room that held two bookcases against both walls and three glass windows painted with red and blue to allow color into the room. The sunlight poured red and blue onto the wooden floor beneath their feet as the two occupants looked at one another with smiles, comfortable in each other's presence after being together for many years. They had gone through so much together that they knew each other's weaknesses and strengths, knew how to comfort each other when they needed a shoulder to lean on, and knew their greatest desires and fears. These two were bonded through years of loyalty they owed each other, and it showed on their content faces.
"You have summoned me?" Kagome asked, her light brown irises glowing with wonder as she waited for her King to speak his request of her. Kagome would do anything that he would ask of her, not only out of duty to her King but also because she respected him on another level than just loyalty. There was something there between them, whether it be a bond between a father and daughter or not, but she knew that she would fight for this one man because she owed him so much more than she could give him after all of the sacrifices he has made for her.
The King smiled, his eyes softening as he watched the miko with deep respect and love. "Kagome, there is something that I would ask of you." Kagome waited expectantly, her lips pressed together as she was ready to agree to his wishes. The King smiled, knowing that Kagome would already comply with his wishes without him even asking. She had years of debt to him, so many things that he had done for her and so many sacrifices that he had made, that she felt obliged to obey his every wish. He knew.
"I have an invitation sent from the Royal Family of the West," he said slowly, leaning back into his chair as he watched Kagome's neutral expression. He placed his hands on the arms of the chairs and rubbed his palms against the smooth fabric of the chair. "The invitation is one of great importance. It seems like the King and Queen of the West are impatient with their hanyou son, Inuyasha."
Kagome tilted her head to the side at hearing the news, knowing full well of the spoken young hanyou but keeping her expressions under control as she couldn't have the King knowing that she had a secret encounter, two at that, with the young prince. "How so?"
The King blinked and gazed ahead at the wall across from them, at the few pictures hung spaced out from each other. "From what I have heard, the King and Queen had made four unsuccessful Mating Balls for the young prince, and not one did he find himself a mate. So this fifth Ball would be his last, as it seems like the King is desperate now more than ever for his young son to find a mate."
"But… does not Prince Sesshomaru already have a mate?" Kagome asked, leaning back into her chair as well to seem comfortable though this news strangely intrigued her. She was shocked at her mind's reaction now that she's interestingly digging for more information on Prince Inuyasha and his family.
The King turned towards her with a smile. "Yes, that is correct. However, Lord Inutaisho wishes for both his sons to have mates. It is just a precaution of sorts."
Kagome tilted her head to the side in confusion. The King saw it and explained to her. "Though Prince Sesshomaru will become Lord and rule the Western Lands, Lord Inutaisho wants to secure his lands in his family's hands. Just in case something happens to Prince Sesshomaru, Prince Inuyasha will be able to take the throne with a mate and family of his own to continue the bloodline." Kagome nodded her head in understanding, shocked at herself as she felt a bit of pity for the young hanyou. 'It must be terrible for him to live like that...' she thought, the image of the young hanyou coming to life from her mind's memory.
"It seems like this Ball is the young prince's last chance, and King Inutaisho will have no more of it," the King continued, snapping Kagome out of her thoughts as she regarded him with seriousness again, taking the issue at hand with deep thoughts. "And I have long discussed this invitation with my Consul."
Kagome waited as the King stood from his chair, placing his hands behind his back as he walked towards the center of the room slowly, deep in his thoughts. She remained quiet as she watched him, wondering what he thought about as her own thoughts wandered as well. The letter that had been sent to the King, she wondered what it read. Yet, the King seemed disturbed about it, though he tried not to show it to her. Once the King finished his small pacing in front of her, his eyes went towards hers and she saw his seriousness and hesitation. Kagome placed her hands on her lap with slowness, waiting for his voice to penetrate the silence between them.
"The invitation states that we may send one woman to the Ball tonight, and the Consul and I have longed talked about who would be sent to this Ball in the West." The King's eyes stayed on Kagome's in fear and in hope. She noticed it right away, sensing his fear before he could let himself feel it, and at once she was on her feet and walking towards him. The King placed up his hands and she stopped at once, her eyes wide with worry for him and wonder as to his strange behavior. But she waited, as was his will, and the King continued.
He didn't want to send her to the West. Kagome was the gem that he concealed from others. She was his life's worth and he would protect her to his last dying breath because she had more power than anyone could imagine. And she would do his wishes at will. Kagome was his power, she was his crown, and he had to protect her, make sure that he wouldn't lose her to anyone else who could use her against him for their own wishes of more power. However, what the Consul proposed sounded like a great plan that they would set into action, and Kagome would be their key into gaining the Land of the West as their own.
With great reluctance at having to let Kagome go into a demon's territory, he steeled his heart and took a deep breath, gazing into her light brown eyes. "I have chosen you to represent our kingdom at the Ball tonight."
Kagome's eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat as a hand flew to her chest, fluttering just above her heart. 'What?' she thought with shock, not sure that she heard him correctly, but she knew she did. The King was intending on sending her to the Land of the West. Her, a miko. Out of all the women in the kingdom, he was choosing her, the Shikon no Miko, to represent the kingdom and woo the prince into choosing her as his mate?
At once, rage hit her like she had never felt before. Anger boiled in her blood at the realization that her own King would send her far away from her beautiful, safe home and into the territory of one of the most powerful demons in Nihon. Though she wasn't afraid of the Great Inutaisho, she was definitely afraid of being in his domain, alone and unprotected. It would be a death wish for her to journey there without any protection.
The King noticed Kagome's reaction as he saw the anger hit her face and as he was about to explain, he heard the depth of her anger.
"You cannot possibly think that I would willingly go into demonic territory like a helpless hare!" Kagome screamed, her hands flying to her side as she balled her fists, her eyes darkening into creamy chocolate as rage took hold of her. The King stared in shock at Kagome screaming at him, her calm and serene exterior suddenly gone within a second. And then did he realize that Kagome could hide so much from him, hide even her own emotions, as it came flying at him with full force now. "How can you think about sending me to the Land of the West without any guards?"
The King sighed, running a hand through his short hair, and crossed his arms across his chest as he regarded Kagome with collectiveness. "You would be a great representation of our kingdom, and it would not be known that you are the Shikon no Miko. No one will have any knowledge of who we are sending, and the family of the West has not met you before," he pointed out.
Kagome felt her fury subsiding as she watched the King, so poised and collective, in his calm stance in front of her. At once the air around her began to diminish with her growing miko energy and her eyes returned to their calm state, her lips pressed together in pure frustration. The King's words hit her as the truth and she felt a bit ashamed that she hadn't remembered the fact that the Royal Family of the West didn't even know her. However, she wouldn't doubt that they would find out from others as there would be people from all over Nihon to attend the Ball. Kagome looked away, her whole body becoming submissive as she didn't know what to do now.
"Kagome…" the King started, bringing his hands out towards her as he covered the distance separating them and brought his hands on her shoulders. He rested them there and felt the steady rise and fall of her body as she tried to keep herself under control. In a sense, he felt terrible for even taking the Consul's suggestion of this, but then he knew that this would be for the better of his kingdom and his power. "The Royal Family of the West will not know who you are. This will come as a shock to them if they find out who you truly are."
"Not if," Kagome said, her voice stern as she gazed up at him with anger in her eyes. "When. They will find out that I am a miko. I can sense demons just as much as demons can sense mikos and monks. Our auras give away our nature."
The King sighed heavily and brought his hands back to his sides, knowing that people will find out who she was sooner or later. He turned around, placing his hands back behind his back and began towards the middle of his study. "I do not know how tonight is going to play out, but I do know that you will be a perfect representation for our kingdom."
"And what is it that you require of me to do?" Kagome asked, an eyebrow raised. She began to really think this through, now that her anger had blown off a bit. If the King really wanted to win over Prince Inuyasha, he could have found a much more beautiful woman in the kingdom to do this job. Of course they would have a woman with beautiful looks, a sweet personality, and a knowing way with men somewhere in this village. But her? She had no idea what to do when it came to pursuing men. Her duties as a miko overpowered those of her being a woman, not that she took notice of herself as a woman for the past years since she has become an adult. Truth be told, Kagome had felt like an adult ever since she had arrived at the kingdom and given the heavy responsibility of guarding the Shikon no Tama. So in part, her first priority was to her duties, not to herself.
The King took a deep breath and kept his back towards her as he stopped in the middle of the room, closer to his desk, keeping much distance between them so as not to receive more of Kagome's anger. He needed to make this as straight and as demanding as he would of her. Kagome would not disobey him on this, not this one. "You will go to the ball tonight and you will woo the young Prince Inuyasha. Make sure that he picks you, Kagome. I will have no less of you tonight. This is his last ball, so there is no other chance. And when he does choose you, you will marry him," he said, missing the shocked expression in the miko's eyes, "and our two kingdoms will be united under one." He would leave out the rest for later. As for now, he just wanted to make sure that Kagome caught Prince Inuyasha's attention first, and then he would explain to her the little details of this plan.
"Understood?"
Kagome had to blink several times to realize that she was shocked beyond words. 'M…married?' she thought to herself with disbelief. The King had never forced her to find a man, never wanting her to settle down with a family. It was against everything that a miko was. There were rules set in to place, rules that mikos and monks had to abide by as was their duty. And yet, here, the King was asking her to get married to someone, let alone a hanyou, and settle down with a family. Kagome blinked several times, feeling anger, confusion, and betrayal. Her own King was giving her away to a pack of dog demons. For what? For his own pleasures. Kagome glared at his back, but deep inside, she knew she could do nothing of it. She would abide by his rules and his words, and she would lay down her life for him if he asked of her. So this one small, little thing should be nothing.
"I hope you are correct about this," Kagome said, her eyes still glaring at his back, though he wouldn't turn around to see her expression. "Because if you are not…" she said, turning towards the door and excusing herself out of his presence. "Then you will lose everything."
That said, Kagome opened the door and made her way out, leaving behind a confused and distraught King, as he gazed out into the light of the day with conflicting thoughts as to his decisions.
-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-
The castle was bustling with activity as servants made sure that the final preparations were set in place and the food was ready to be served to their coming guests. Night was quickly falling as the sun began to make its descent towards the horizon. With night approaching in a couple of hours, the nerves began to settle in the pit of Inuyasha's stomach. Walking around in his room, he began to glare at the red carpet beneath his feet as the soft fabric tried to comfort him. Nothing helped.
"Dammit!" he cursed, running a hand through his hair, careful of his sensitive ears on top of his head that twitched with his agitation. Inuyasha's golden eyes went to his balcony and he walked towards them, hoping to find some relief. Walking into the sunlight, the warmth seemed to spill into his soul as it offered Inuyasha some relief from his problems. But the sunlight also brought on another set of problems. His eyes glanced towards the setting sun and glared at it, damning it to Hell as it continued its way down towards that place.
The sun was setting too fast for his comfort. He didn't want to face tonight, or anything along the lines of the night's arrival. Remembering back to an hour ago when he and his brother had finally finished the invitation's list, his eyes had scanned over every single name of every single female who would be attending his ball tonight. He could barely even pronounce some of their names, let alone remember all of those females who want to become his mate.
The thought of that word only frustrated Inuyasha even more. "This is ridiculous!" he said to himself, leaning his forearms on the stone railing, gazing out at his mother's garden and then the lands behind that. Everything seemed so peaceful out on the land, but here he was, stuck inside of this Godforsaken palace with so many troubles of his own. If he didn't find someone that he would connect with tonight, then he would be forced to find just any female to spend the rest of his life with.
A growl sounded from his throat as the thought of spending eternity with a female that he could care less about with just irritated him to no end. 'Damn him to Hell…' he thought, thinking about his father's words. A knock sounded on the door, jumping Inuyasha out of his thoughts as he glared into his room at the double doors.
"What!"
"Inuyasha…" Inuyasha's ears twitched towards the door at the sound of his mother's muffled voice and his anger deflated now that he realized he had yelled at her.
"Come in, Haha-ue," he said loud enough for her to hear. Inuyasha slowly made his way back into his desolate room as a door opened and his mother's brilliant smile lit up his mood. Her eyes seemed tentative as she knew that he was angry, but her smile washed away her hesitation, and his problems.
Izayoi closed the door silently behind her and walked towards her son as he made his way towards his chairs near the right side of his bed. The two plush chairs were laid near the floor-to-ceiling glass window that shone down on the small meeting place. A small table remained in between the two chairs for refreshments and what-not's. Izayoi sighed and placed her hands in front of her as she watched Inuyasha sit down in one chair, gesturing for her to be seated in the other. Smiling, Izayoi seated herself and watched her son warily, noting the way he was rigid in the comfortable chair and his eyes were in turmoil. However, she just waited.
After a few tense moments, Inuyasha's voice broke the silence between mother and son.
"I hate him."
Izayoi smiled sadly, understanding why he said that. "Inuyasha… do not condemn your father to your hatred because of his love and concern for your future."
With shock, Inuyasha whipped his eyes towards his mother, shocked that she said that in his father's defense. "How can you say that, Haha-ue? You know that what he has done was condemn me to Hell."
Izayoi frowned, losing her strength to hold onto a smile, and gazed away from Inuyasha's hurtful eyes. She knew she should have been on his side for this one, but there was no sense in fighting the inevitable. "Inuyasha… your father and I have been trying to get you to find a mate for years."
"And like Chichi-ue said, a mate isn't just someone you can pick and choose from a group of females. It takes years for a demon to find their mate. What makes him think I can just find her tonight?" Inuyasha's voice lost its anger and strength as he knew that he couldn't fight this one with his father. There was just no use in trying to stall this any longer. Inutaisho would get his wish tonight, whether or not he cared about his son's happiness. Inuyasha shook his head, wondering where the father he knew when he was a child was now. Everything changed so much since he was young that he knew nothing was ever going to be the same after tonight.
Hearing her son's broken confession, Izayoi felt her heart squeeze painfully in her chest. On instinct at her son's call for help, Izayoi got up and went to her son's side, dropping to her knees as she grabbed one of his hands and placed it on his knee. Her eyes willed him to look at her, and once she saw the sadness and defeat in Inuyasha's eyes she nearly gave in to her motherly instinct to call off this ball. But she couldn't go against her mate's decree.
"Inuyasha, my son. Do not falter on your love for us. For all time, your father and I will always love you. You know this, do you not?" she asked, needing to know that he did. When he nodded his head once, Izayoi smiled sadly, squeezing his hand with encouragement. "Do try to have fun tonight, sweetheart. And if all else fails, you know that you do have a woman who has been trying to catch your eye for some time," she said with a hint of a tease in her voice.
Inuyasha snickered and looked away from his mother's happy eyes at the thought of him already finding a woman. "Yeah, Haha-ue." But he didn't feel that excited about meeting her. Sure they did have some history together, like how their families tried to get them to like each other since they were young, but he just didn't feel that strong connection that he sees in his father and mother. The love that they share, the bond that they have was what he wanted to find in a female for his own. And what he and his childhood friend shared was nothing like his mother's and father's love for each other. "I guess you're right," he said, wanting to cheer up her worry for him. And it worked.
Izayoi smiled happily and placed a kiss on the back of his hand. "Have faith, sweetheart. You will find her tonight." That said, Izayoi got to her feet and dusted off the front and back of her kimono. With a final smile of encouragement for tonight, Izayoi made her way to the bedroom doors and excused herself out.
Inuyasha was left by himself to contemplate on what his mother said. Though he tried to see it as how she did, he just couldn't bring himself to smile. However he had to face the facts. The fact was that tonight he would be mated to someone and he would have to be happy about it. 'Great…' And as the thought of having someone by his side that he didn't have feelings for came to mind, an image popped into his head. There was only one person that he would choose at the end of tonight since he knew he wouldn't be finding his mate at the Ball tonight. 'Kikyo…'
-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-
Slowly, Kagome ran her hand on top of her miko robes laid flat on her bed. She tried to ease the creases from her robes but to no avail, as if it was in protest of being left behind. Kagome frowned, turning her back on the robes and looking down at herself to view the formal outfit she would be wearing tonight. The kimono that was made for her just this past birthday was now being put to good use.
Mrs. Higurashi smiled at her daughter, her eyes showing how proud she was of Kagome as she looked over her daughter's attire one last time to make sure that everything was on right. "I believe you will turn the eyes of every male and female tonight, demon or human," she teased, seeing the flush spread along her daughter's cheeks. Mrs. Higurashi held back her giggle as Kagome just shook her head, dismissing her mother's teasing words.
Looking down at herself, Kagome tried to get used to the feel of the smooth fabric of the lovely kimono she wore, but she still felt awkward in the attire. Wearing kimonos, especially one like this, was not her style. She hadn't worn a kimono in a long time, not since her father's cremation. She would only wear kimonos when she had to, when the event required her to, and that day was the last time she had worn something that reminded her of the life she could have had as a woman. But just as her father left, so did that woman she should have grown up to be, and she grew to be a powerful miko, never once straying from her duties.
"Haha?" a small voice sounded from the other side of the shoji.
Mrs. Higurashi smiled one last time at her daughter, encouraging Kagome to do the one thing that she knew her daughter didn't want to do, and then turned around to open the shoji. Her young son, Souta, was gazing up at her with a happy smile.
"Kenshin-san is here."
Mrs. Higurashi smiled lovingly down at Souta and placed a hand on his small shoulder. "Arigato, Souta." The young boy turned to gaze in at the corner of the room that was hidden with the shoji walls. His brown eyes fell on his sister and they glittered with a child's wonder.
"Onee-sama," Souta said, walking forward to stop in front of Kagome, taking in her attire. His eyes were shocked and thrilled, both mixing with his awe at seeing his sister's beauty but also his shock at seeing his sister in such an attire. Souta smiled and jumped up once, showing his excitement. "Onee-sama, you look beautiful."
Kagome smiled lovingly at her brother and placed a hand on his cheek briefly. "Arigato gozaimasu, otouto." Souta beamed up at her, glad to receive her acknowledgement, and then she extended her hand for him to grab, which he took with no hesitation. The brother and sister both followed their mother out of the house and into the daylight as they noticed Kenshin with two guards on their horses behind him.
Kagome smiled as her eyes met with Kenshin's and she made her way towards the scruffy, old man in a black haori and grey hakama. "Kenshin-san… it is good to see that you are well."
The man smiled, his dark eyes lighting up at the sight of his Priestess so finely dressed and beautiful. "Domo arigato, Priestess. Your horse has been prepared."
Kagome smiled with a nod towards him and then she released her brother's hand, walking towards the head of the mare. "Hey, Peppaa," she greeted with love in her voice. Her hands went to the mare's head as the female turned its head towards Kagome and sniffed at her with adoration and fondness. Kagome smiled lovingly. The light brown mare had been her favorite since she had been a small child. One day she had left her parent's side as they had been doing business in the village and had found Kenshin's arena filled of horses. Of course, as a child, she thought the huge, pretty horses were too cute to pass up. And so, her childish innocence led her into trouble as her frantic mother and protective father had found her surrounded by Kenshin's herd. However, as Kenshin had run out to save her, he came across a giggling Kagome as Peppaa had been sniffing playfully at her hair. Kenshin had been shocked that none of the mares or the stallion had acted in a defensive manner at the energetic little child. Instead, Peppaa had been sniffing and nibbling at Kagome's hair and the child had been giggling hysterically. From then on, Kagome had fallen in love with Peppaa and the two had been on many demon hunts and many fun getaways together.
Turning around at the sound of horse's footsteps, the three horses neighed as newcomers came towards them with new horses. Kagome turned and gazed with wonder and confusion as the King was in front of this small group of three guards, one on his own horse and two with their horses pulling a small carriage. Kagome frowned, seeing the smile on the King's face as he approached her family right outside of her front door.
Mrs. Higurashi, Souta and Kenshin bowed to the King as he stopped his horse right in front of them and looked down at them with expectancy, as if he relished in the fact that he had special rights bestowed upon him. However, Kagome didn't bow as she gripped Pepper's reins tighter, staying close to the mare's long neck.
"My Lord, what business do you have here?" Kagome asked, worrying about what this little carriage was for and the purpose of it brought to her. She didn't want to think of it, but she knew the King well.
The King switched his eyes to Kagome, his smile leaving as he looked at the sight of a beautiful Kagome with a horse's reins in hand. "I have brought you a carriage, Kagome. You will be escorted by these two guards," he gestured towards the guards behind him and then his eyes fell upon the two guards behind Kagome's horse. "Why have you come here?" he asked, his voice sounding with anger at their disobedience.
"I had asked for them to accompany me to the ball," Kagome said, quickly trying to save the two guards from their doom. The King brought his eyes towards her and his face was hard as stone, his anger showing now that he knew of her intentions. "I had wanted to ride to the West on horseback, My Lord, not in a carriage."
The King shook his head and turned the horse to the side, yanking on the reins, as he had to adjust his weight so that he could now look at Kagome next to him. "I will not have you ruin your beauty by riding on a horse. You are a woman of virtue, and I will not have you arrive at the ball riding a horse. Women do not ride horses."
Kagome glared at him and then avoided her eyes, sending her anger straight to the ground. 'More like you do not want me to shame you.' She knew that the King would want her to represent him as best as she could, not making him seem small or weak at all. But she had desperately wanted to ride to the West, taking in the scenes for herself and love the way her hair flew in the wind. She always rode her own horse, even when she accompanied the King on his processions she would ride behind him on horseback, never once needing to hide inside of a carriage. And yet now, here she was. Regretfully, Kagome turned to Peppaa and petted the mane's neck loving, regretfully saying goodbye. The mare seemed to pick up on Kagome's mood as she started to fret, moving with Kagome as she went towards the carriage. Kenshin had to grab the reins from Kagome and hold Peppaa back as Kagome walked towards the opened door and was lifted up the one stair into the wooden carriage. Seating herself on the cushions, Kagome turned to look at her mother and brother one last time, seeing their smiling faces as they were happy and proud as to what she was going to do. 'At least… I will do this for you.'
The King rode up to the two guards pulling the carriage and gave them an order to take Kagome to the entrance of the castle and then remain in the village until the ball was over. Once the guards agreed to his demand, the King said his farewells to Mrs. Higurashi and ordered the two other guards that Kagome was going to take to follow him back to the castle. At the same time, the door shut her out from the world and she was left with the dimmed light of the sun trying to shine through the white curtain that hung over the opened window of the door. Then, she felt the carriage tug hard once as the horses started a nice trot down the slopes of their kingdom and then over the bridge to follow the trail towards the West.
-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-
The castle entrance was bustling with guests arriving, women stepping out of their respected carriages, being helped by one of the castle's servants. Dressed for royalty, the women all wore their best kimonos for tonight's event. Some were already used to the royal treatment as they held their heads up high, bloated with their family-born power over many others.
Lights shone from within the entering doors of the castle. Torches were lit on the walls of the rooms, shinning its magnificent glow of orange and yellow up onto the roofs of the rooms. Guests dressed in elegant kimonos made their way through the long halls until they reached the bustling throne room that held all the guests for tonight's event. Long tables were set up towards the side, holding platters of food as snacks for tonight's ball. Voices were scattered among the growing crowd, heads bobbing along the floor like grass swaying along the land. People were chattering mindlessly about tonight's event and their special invitation that had brought them to this place.
Night was entering into its beginning stages as stars began to shine brightly in the sky, forgetting about the sun that had once lit the land with brilliant colors. More carriages began to pull up to the front steps of the castle, women being escorted out and up the stairs by one of the guards that remained on the steps dressed in their fashionable suit of armor, always ready to protect the royal family.
A seashell horn blared, and Jaken, the royal family's loyal servant, stood at the doorway connecting the throne room to the grand room. His small self remained stiff with the confidence of respect that his position demands. Though he was a small, green demon, he was a very loyal and caring friend to the Inutaisho family. Everyone in the room quieted as all eyes went to Jaken, waiting for his announcement.
The green demon looked among the tall crowd of females and nodded his approval, knowing that one of these would be the beautiful-would-be-mate to Prince Inuyasha.
"The royal family will make their appearance in the Grand Room."
Jaken turned on his heels and the loud thunder of footsteps could be heard following after him as the females followed the demon to the next room. The Grand Room was grand indeed and splendor since it was the biggest room in the whole castle. With the entrance to the castle behind them, everyone gazed towards the grand staircase, waiting for the royal family. The moonlight shone through the huge windows, lighting the staircase beneath it with a silver light. Pillars lined up on the sides of the room, supporting the balcony that stood above them on the second floor. Everyone fit in the Grand Room, all females waiting eagerly for the main male of the evening.
Jaken walked towards the left side of the staircase, his small footsteps unable to echo in the huge room, and made his place next to the railing on the last step. He turned to face the crowd, noticing all the excited and nervous faces as all eyes darted from him to the empty stairs behind him.
"Now, I would like to introduce the Royal Majesties, Lord Inutaisho and Lady Izayoi."
Applause sounded throughout the room, echoing into the others, as Inutaisho and Izayoi made their way down the left side of the stairwell. As they came to the middle, everyone could take in their appearance as the King and Queen descended hand in hand together. Inutaisho wore his uchikake, representing his family. The koromo of the kimono was golden in color and bearing the designs of three purple circular patterns, much like their formal robes, along the edges of the sleeves and the ankles. The hakama was made in the same golden silk with the circular patterns near the waist and ankles to match the kimono design. Since the uchikake is meant to be left open with no obi, his kosode could be seen under his hakama, bearing the same golden color. He wore zori sandals made of wood with fine, silk sling straps, however, no socks. He and his sons weren't too fond of socks as they were demons and were very fond of the Earth itself. His rich, silver hair was held up in a ponytail by a black cloth, exposing the one jagged, purple mark on both cheeks. Inutaisho held his head high, bearing the respect that he was borne with, and with tenderness, gazed down at his mate beside him, his golden eyes going soft with love.
Izayoi wore the same colors to match her mate but her uchikake was snugger and fit her figure more respectfully. And yet, her colors were the opposite of her mate's. The koromo's sleeves were short to match her respective status as a married woman and it was a deep shade of purple while the circular patterns at her ankles and hands were golden. Her kosode was the same shade of purple. Much the opposite of her mate, but still, everyone in Nihon knew of the Inutaisho family marks that were the circular patterns.
Feeling eyes on her, Izayoi looked up to see Inutaisho smiling at her, his beautiful golden eyes soft and tender. She smiled back at him, putting all the love she held for this one Inu-taiyoukai into her eyes. Inutaisho smiled, catching her love, and squeezed his hold on his mate's hand as he held their hands out in front of them until they got to the last step and he was able to bring Izayoi closer to his side where she belonged.
Jaken bowed his head as Inutaisho gazed down at him with a smile, showing his love and respect for this little, green demon. When the King and Queen left the foot of the stairwell, they went to the right side of the stairs, opposite of Jaken, and waited with eyes on the staircase for their sons to walk down.
"And now, I would like to introduce, their Royal Highnesses, Lord Sesshomaru with his mate, Lady Rin, and Lord Inuyasha."
The women on the floor awaited the arrival of the spoken prince with eager eyes set on the staircase that separated in both directions. Some were even looking above them to get a glimpse of the silver hair with hanyou Inu-ears on the balcony. And then movement caught their eye as the crowd recognized a figure moving down the right staircase but didn't miss the color of the male's kimono, which symbolized his full-demon blood.
Sesshomaru, draped in his uchikake, made his way slowly down the stairs. His pregnant mate, Rin, was at his right, hidden by his huge frame that towered over her, shielding her from the crowd's view. Sesshomaru wore his formal kimono, just like his father's. The golden silk was meant to accentuate the color of their eyes, which was their trademark, and the purple symbolized the marks that they bore on their cheeks which made them an Inu-taiyoukai. As the couple came to the middle of the stairwell, Rin made herself noticeable as she stood next to Sesshomaru with a regal smile on her beautiful face. Her uchikake was just like Izayoi's, symbolizing her status as an Inu-Taiyoukai's mate, but the bulge of the child that she carried was stark evidence of Sesshomaru's mark. Underneath her koromo that was left open, she had a white obi cloth tied around her abdomen, making its bright color noticeable against the dark purple kosode. Sesshomaru had her hand clasped in his own as they began to descend the stairs together.
At the top of the stairs, on the left stairwell, a silver head made its appearance over the railing and all eyes went to the top. Women bit their lip as Inuyasha's ears became noticeable and they all knew that it was him. Inuyasha walked down his side of the stairwell slowly, knowing what awaited him once he left these stairs, so he tried to take as much time as he could without testing his father's patience. He wore a different kind of uchikake since he was a half demon and not worthy of the same status of clothing that his brother and father wore. Inuyasha's formal kimono was golden silk, that of his family since he had the same eyes, but the circular patterns were white, symbolizing his human mother and the nonexistent demonic marks on his cheeks. Whatever the case, Inuyasha never did complain. He knew that he was different and didn't care what anyone thought about him anymore. The topic of his status among his full-blooded kin and sire has been in long discussions with other demon lords, so he has gotten used to the knowledge of others not liking the fact that he had even been born to a demonic family, let alone the Great Inutaisho.
Inuyasha came to the center of the stairwell and looked down to see that his brother and his brother's mate were already at their respected places as they took Jaken's place at the foot of the stairs, opposite of Inutaisho and Izayoi. Jaken now stood behind Rin, watching as Inuyasha gazed around the room at all the waiting females who had come to be his mate. Inuyasha noticed and recognized many of them who had been to his other balls before, continuously. So many that he noticed, so many that he hadn't found any interest in before, and so little to choose from. Inuyasha stiffed back the growl and the frown that was about to form on his face and steeled himself as he began to walk down the final stairs towards his waiting family, eager for him to choose a mate and to be happy. 'To think that they believe forcing me to find a mate will make me happy.' He was fed up with his family, but there was nothing he could do when his father decreed it.
With heavy steps, Inuyasha finally made it to the bottom of the stairs, looking out at the crowd and the hundreds of eyes that gazed at him. He froze. He knew that he was supposed to take the first step into the crowd, since this was his event, but he just couldn't muster the strength to lift any of his legs forward. Inuyasha's golden eyes gazed out at the pairs of eyes that surrounded him and tried to will himself to walk forward. His parents definitely were starting to wonder what was wrong with him and Sesshomaru, well Sesshomaru could care less if he did make a fool out of himself tonight.
With the hundreds of eyes staring at him, Inuyasha knew that this would be the last time he would truly be himself. After tonight, he would be stuck with a female that he could barely muster up an ounce of love for, and he would have pups to insure his family's name. 'All for my family…' he thought with disgust, though his face remained serene through this whole thinking of his future. If his father willed it, then so be it. But Inuyasha would miss his freedom and independence. Taking a deep breath, he pasted a smile on his handsome features as he took a step towards the crowd, knowing that there was no sense in prolonging the inevitable.
-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-
The castle seemed so grand from afar that when the carriage finally made its way through the busy city streets and stopped at the front door of the castle, Kagome knew that she had walked into a dream. She pulled apart the red drapes that covered her from sight and peeked out into the huge courtyard that they waited in. Green grass grew all around her and ended at the huge stone wall that prevented anyone from coming in, or going out. Kagome frowned and let the drapes slip through her fingers as she leaned back against the seat, staring at the ground of the carriage with wonder and confusion. What was she doing here? She had come to the Western Lands to present herself at Prince Inuyasha's Mating Ball as the representative of the Eastern Lands. Why was she here? She went against her own feelings and desires because the King had asked it of her, or demanded. Was this a foolish idea? Yes, in her opinion, but Kagome never really had a say over her life now, did she? Shaking her thoughts aside before she got angry at herself for feeling such loathing and despair, Kagome turned towards the door as footsteps came closer. One of the guards that had accompanied her opened the carriage door, letting the light of the castle spill into the carriage. Kagome watched the orange and yellow light of the flickering flames entertain the wood of the carriage for a while, organizing her thoughts and her feelings into this one moment. She would make her King proud, and her family. She would do this thing that he asked of her and then she would go home when it was all over tonight. 'Yes, just do this, Kagome, and you can go back to your true place with the Shikon no Tama.'
With a deep breath, Kagome smiled at the guard as he looked expectantly inside and reached for her hand. She extended it and grabbed on as she lifted herself from the seat and exited the carriage. Kagome gazed up at the grand size of the castle, thinking that it looked about the same as the East, but there was something different about it. Something more… demonic. 'Well, it is Inutaisho's castle.' She sighed, again. 'I cannot believe I am doing this.' Going into a demon's territory was first on her 'things-not-to-do' list that she knew as a priestess. But as a woman looking for love from a man, that wasn't a problem. However, this powerful demonic aura that seeped into every pore on her body made Kagome nervous and tense. Every guard in her body went up, protecting her from the demonic energy that threatens her, but she was in their domain. Kagome turned her face towards the man to thank him and he blushed, bowing towards her to offer her his respect, and then closed the carriage. The guard told her that they will be in the city to wait for her, and she nodded her understanding. Kagome turned her back on the carriage and gazed at the few steps that led to the huge opening into the castle where the flames of the torches glowed like the brilliant sun, as if it had risen in the castle. She gazed up at the stars for a second, clearing all thoughts and focusing on this one task. This would indeed prove a challenge since she has never been with a man, let alone comfortable with wooing a man.
"Sumimasen?" a voice said, making Kagome snap back to reality and gaze ahead at a demon guard who stood on the last step, gazing at her with wonder. Kagome pressed her lips together, clenching her hands at her sides as she gazed up at the opened door at the top of the stairs. Her heart was beating frantically, every sense in her body telling her to turn on her heels and run from this place, this powerful demonic energy that had her poised. But summoning the years of control and patience she learned, Kagome took a deep breath and pushed aside the nagging feeling of dread as she walked towards the stairs. The guard extended his hand, offering to help her up the stairs, which she tried to take without showing her discomfort in touching a demon.
The demon cast his blue eyes towards Kagome for a second and then looked ahead, walking with her up the stairs. Once they were at the top, Kagome thanked him and then walked in towards the castle. He took his place next to the doorway and gazed at the other soldier on the opposite side of the door. They both glanced at each other and he shrugged, confusion running through him at the strange feeling he had when he touched the woman.
The castle was grand, much grander than the East's, as Kagome walked through the doors. There were a few servants standing near the walls who offered her help, but she only thanked them and asked where everyone was. Though she could hear the many voices echoing off the walls, there was no telling where the source of the voices was coming from in these huge rooms. One servant offered to lead her to the throne room, which was obviously right next to this room, and so Kagome followed the female towards the next room. She gazed at the back of the female. 'I wonder if all the servants and guards are demons…' Well they had to be since this was a demon castle. Now that she was inside, every hair on the back of her neck stood up as the demonic aura wrapped itself around her with every step she took. It was suffocating, but she could control it, and she would. Kagome concentrated on thinning out the thick demonic aura around her as she continued her pace behind the servant.
The bodies of women dressed in lovely kimonos came into view as they made it to the doorway and Kagome was shocked as to the sight of so many women in one room. She gazed at all the lovely kimonos that the women wore, some human and some she could tell was demon, and wondered how well known they were. Kagome had to hide back her smirk of luck. 'What are the chances of him picking me out of all these beautiful women?' she thought to herself with amusement, wondering why the King had chosen her out of anyone else. There was no way that she could compare to any of these women. She didn't even know the first thing when it comes to being in a relationship with a man.
The servant extended one arm to the throne room, bowing as Kagome thanked her and walked into another huge room that was bustling with talk and movement. She pasted on a smile as eyes began to dance towards her, wondering who she was. Kagome could only nod and smile as women nodded back, still eyeing her like a hawk as she walked away, feeling eyes on her back. It was surreal to be in a room with so many women and no men, which was usually the case in most events held at any castle. Kagome nodded again as another group of women gazed at her with wonder and she continued on towards the table that remained on the opposite side of the room where some women were getting themselves some refreshments. There were two tables lined up next to each other, taking up most of the wall from the entryway to another room to the thrones that currently held the Royal Family.
Kagome carefully made her way through the crowd of women, trying not to look so flushed when most eyes were on her wherever she passed. She sighed in relief once she was at the table, but her eyes were wide at the amount of food that was available. 'No wonder there's two tables.' There were items of food on platters from fish, both cooked and uncooked, to rice and vegetables. The drinks remained in wooden bowls, some containing sake and others water or some mixed drink. Kagome gazed at the other table, seeing the other foods offered, and decided to remain at just this one so as not to cause too much attention to herself. She already knew that the other women were watching her suspiciously, wondering who she was and what family of line she descended from. And if they knew the truth, they would laugh in her face as to her being here.
Grabbing one of the ceramic cups nicely decorated with designs of water patterns, Kagome made herself a cup of honey tea as the aroma of the wonderful drink made her mouth water more than any of the other offered refreshments. Then, she looked around, noticing more eyes on her as they tried to hide the fact that they were staring at her, but to no avail. Some women had fans, which made it easier for them to hide their mouths but not their eyes. Kagome just frowned and shook her head, already wishing this night would just come to an end. But she still had to find Inuyasha and 'woo' him, or so her King says. 'Inuyasha…' The thought of the hanyou was unnerving because she wasn't excited about meeting him again, or at least not in this circumstance. She did, however secretly, want to meet him again. His eyes. His face. There was something that he was hiding, something that she could see within his eyes, within the way he acted around others, that she knew he was hiding something. And that's the only thing that intrigued her about the hanyou.
Kagome turned around, fed up with being the center of gossip, and walked towards the back of the room. Her footsteps were slow as she took a sip of her tea, letting the rich liquid slide down her throat, earning a small moan at the delicious taste of the tea. There was something about this honey tea that's different from the East's one. She couldn't put a finger on it, so Kagome just shrugged and continued towards the back where the huge window decorated with a golden dragon on a green landscape awaited. The music played by the musicians was soothing with the fues and the shamisens. The instruments were played in perfect harmony with each other as Kagome turned around to face the crowd, with her back towards the window, and gazed at all the women mingling with each other while she let the music soothe her.
The royal family sat in their respected seats at the front of the room where everyone could see because of the slight elevation. Kagome spotted two Inu-Taiyoukais from this distance but couldn't get a good look at their face. There were women by each of their sides and Kagome could sense that one was with child. She smiled silently and then gazed back at the women dancing and mingling in front of her. She was shocked to see how easy it was for these women to talk and laugh with each other, as if they had known each other for years. Their easy sense of casualness and communication made Kagome wonder what had happened to her to be so closed off and distant from others. It could have been because of her upbringing as a priestess and the fact that the priests and priestesses who trained her had secluded her from others. Whatever the reason, Kagome yearned to be like one of these women, easily chatting with other women and flirting over a man. Speaking of whom, the hanyou of the evening should be on the floor within the crowd, getting to know the women and entertaining each of them with a dance. Kagome sighed and brought the cup to her lips, her eyes gazing once again back up at the royal family. 'I'll just wait for him to offer me a dance.'
Out on the floor, Inuyasha twirled a woman around, earning a giggle from her, and then brought the woman back into his arms. He smiled, seeing the amusement in her eyes. The woman gasped, seeing him smile at her, and a blush formed on her cheeks as she avoided his eyes. Inuyasha smirked with satisfaction and then continued to dance with her as the song dragged on. Their feet were in harmony, one hand grasped in each other's while the other was on each other's body. Inuyasha looked over the woman's head and noticed all of the staring eyes gazing at them. He turned and was now facing his family as they, too, was looking at him and the woman. He inwardly sighed and pasted a smile for his mother, earning a huge smile of happiness from her. Inuyasha whirled them around as the last note of the song played and their footsteps finally came to a halt.
The woman tilted her head and regarded him with a smile, her eyes soft and wanting, as much of the other women's eyes were. "Domo arigato, my Lord."
Inuyasha smiled down at the woman and nodded his head, earning a bow from the woman as they let each other's hands fall back to their sides. "Arigato for accompany me in a dance."
The woman rose from her bow and held in her childish giggle as she smiled at him with appreciation and then turned around to head back into the crowd of women. Inuyasha remained in the small, open area separating the crowd from the throne. Here was where he would bring a woman to dance with and get to know better. He actually had to ask every single woman to dance with him, since each of them came here for him. Which is why he was so damn irritated at the moment, trying to hide it from everyone, especially his family.
Sensing movement behind him, Inuyasha turned around to see his brother coming towards him. He held in his growl, remembering that he was in front of others, and made his face as neutral as possible though he was irritated and angry within in.
"Inuyasha, you do not seem to be having fun," Sesshomaru said as he came to stand a bit behind his younger brother.
"Thanks for rubbing it in, Sesshomaru," Inuyasha said with a small growl only they, and their father, could hear. Sesshomaru's mouth twitched to form what appeared to be a quick smirk, too fast for the crowd to notice, gaining pleasure in tormenting his brother, but then his face still remained emotionless. "Is that all you came to tell me?"
"No. This Sesshomaru wonders when you will pick one of these women to be your mate."
Inuyasha closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, containing his anger and irritation. He could feel eyes on him, knowing that he would be the center of attention in this room filled with women all wanting to be with him, in every way possible. He couldn't lose it, not now. Opening his eyes, Inuyasha gazed over at the tables containing the food and drinks, needing one right now so he could escape his brother's idiocy. "Leave me alone." Leaving his brother's presence, Inuyasha walked towards the tables as casually as he could, though he felt like running away from the torment. Women all stopped their talk when he passed by and he acknowledged each of them, smiling at those he made eye contact with, those women nearly turning completely red at the attention he gave them. He still couldn't believe that they were so caught up in this reality of wanting to be with him so much.
Inuyasha reached the table and grabbed himself one of the cups, pouring himself a cup of sake. He took a sip out of the drink, noting the way it glided down the throat deliciously yet wouldn't affect him as fast as it affected humans. He had to have many cups of sake in order to get him a bit drunk. Inuyasha turned just as someone came up beside him, and the color of the kimono is what caught his eye.
The woman wore a faded-blue colored kimono, the furisode bearing purple and red flower designs around the lower part of the kimono and along the long sleeves that went to the knees. The obi at her waist was a faded-yellow with designs of blue fans. Inuyasha smiled welcomingly, knowing exactly who it was before she even came beside him by the scent of her. The scent of violets floated to him, reminding him of the sun's rays, and Inuyasha turned to see his childhood friend.
"Kikyo…" he greeted with a nod. Kikyo smiled lovingly at him, her black eyes warming as she gazed at him happily. He could smell her scent, reminding him of the days when they used to play together, and her scent was something that he wished for every day of his childhood. But there was something different between the two now. Something that had changed over the years, but still, he cared deeply for her just as much as he did back then.
"Inuyasha…" she said, bowing with her hands against her stomach, and then coming back to her full height as she smiled up at him. "You look… different."
Inuyasha chuckled and took a sip of his drink, turning around to gaze out at the crowd. "Really? Can you tell?"
Kikyo smirked and linked her hands together as she rested them in front of her. "Yes. I've known you since we were kids. Of course I would know your mood swings."
"Hey, I am not having a mood swing," Inuyasha said, seeing Kikyo's disbelief in her eyes. He brushed it off and turned to look back at the women, now seeing him with Kikyo and wondering why he was spending so much time with her and not dancing with the others. Truthfully, Inuyasha always sought Kikyo out during his balls or other events because he knew her more than he knew anyone else who wanted to be with him. He knew what she liked, her deepest fears and sorrows, he knew everything about her. He knew her just as much as she knew him, and that's why he retreated to her for everything. Like now. He didn't want to leave her side because here he was safe, he could be himself with Kikyo. And that's what he loved about her.
"Inuyasha… is everything okay?" Kikyo asked, tilting her head in wonder as she gazed up at him. He avoided her eyes, unable to look at her, and she knew that there was something wrong. But he was trying to hide it from her. Kikyo sighed and reached out, grabbing him by the arm and not caring what the other women had to say about it. Now, there would be gossip floating around the room. "Come with me. Let's talk."
Inuyasha let Kikyo drag him towards the back of the room, passing by many curious eyes as the two walked towards the back. He knew that his father would get angry because he was spending too much time with Kikyo, always too much time with her, but he didn't care at the moment. As they reached the back, the golden dragon above them made him smile.
Kikyo giggled as her eyes followed where he was looking. "You remember how we used to joke about this dragon coming back to life?" she asked, reminiscing on those old days.
Inuyasha nodded his head, holding his drink up against his chest, as he was brought back to his past. "I remember how we used to wait for the sun to set and then come here to play with the dragon. We used to think the dragon would look so powerful in its glow."
Kikyo sighed with a nod. "Yeah…" Then, a giggle escaped her lips as she remembered some other times they had. "I remember how you used to lie on the ground, in the shadow of the dragon's mouth, and pretend that you were getting eaten."
Inuyasha had to laugh along with Kikyo as she brought him back to a time when everything was safe and happy. All thanks to Kikyo. She reminded him of what fun was, of what being cared for and loved was like. He turned towards her and smiled, seeing her happiness in her eyes.
"So… are you going to tell me what's bothering you?" Kikyo asked, waiting expectantly as she knew that Inuyasha would take some time before he opened up to her.
Inuyasha sighed with a frown and gazed up, looking over Kikyo's head to avoid her meticulous gaze. And then, his lungs froze as he was about to tell her his problems. Inuyasha's eyes widened as he gazed ahead at a woman standing near the window at the other end, staring out at the crowd with a cup at her lips. He found every muscle in his body tense and frozen, watching as she lifted the cup to her lips and then brought it back down in front of her. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. All he knew was that the woman at the end of the window was the one that he had been dying to see ever since they had parted, and she was here. Here, at his ball. Questions flew into his mind, but he dismissed them, his eyes glued to her figure as he found himself taking a step towards her.
"Inuyasha?" Kikyo called, wondering what had gotten into him. He wasn't responding to her questions and when she called his name he still ignored her. She turned around to follow his gaze and noticed a young woman standing at the other end of the window. She narrowed her eyes and tried to see the face but the woman was too far away for her to notice the girl. 'She looks new…' she thought, not remembering anyone who looked like her. Kikyo huffed and was shocked when Inuyasha walked past her, obviously going towards the girl. Her mouth opened to call him, but she thought the best of it, not wanting to call attention to herself. So she fumed silently as she crossed her arms and watched with curiosity as Inuyasha made his way to the young woman.
Inuyasha couldn't believe his eyes, but she was here, she was real. The music in the background and the crowd next to him was proof that this was real. Though questions were still flying in his mind, he didn't care about anything right now except Kagome. 'Kagome…' Her name came into his mind like a blessing from reality. He felt oddly strange thinking about her, but it calmed his mind from the raging madness that was around him.
She must have noticed someone staring at her because Kagome turned and stared right at him, locking her beautiful, light brown eyes with his golden ones. He felt his chest burst the moment she looked at him. Something about Kagome just made him feel strong, made him feel like he could do anything, would do anything for her. Inuyasha smiled as a small smile formed on Kagome's face as he approached her, taking in her attire. Kagome wore a simple, yet elegant kimono. The furisode was a light pink with white, yellow and red chrysanthemums along the long sleeves and going from her left shoulder, twisting around her body, down to her right ankle. She looked beautiful in the kimono, her eyes light and holding the glow of the sun's rays within them. Her hair was let down behind her and she had two Sakura combs in her hair on both sides, holding up the hair that would fall into her face. The combs only allowed Kagome's face to shine with beauty now that he could see the smooth skin so clearly.
Kagome felt her heart skip a beat as Inuyasha approached her, his figure becoming larger by the second the closer he got to her. She didn't like the way she was acting towards him, the way her heart fluttered in her chest at the intensity of his eyes and the way she yearned for him. She wanted him to come to her, she wanted him to talk to her. 'I can't do this…' she thought, remembering the strict discipline she held. And as Inuyasha stopped right in front of her, she felt herself throwing all discipline out the window behind her as his aura touched hers and she was overwhelmed with such intensity to stay with him.
"Kagome…" Inuyasha breathed her name. Kagome found herself drawn to the way he said her name, as if it was sacred. She found herself smiling, trying to draw back sanity into her jumbled mind.
"Inuyasha," she greeted, bowing respectfully towards him because she knew that all eyes would be on them. She was too afraid to look to prove her point.
"You don't have to bow," Inuyasha said, wanting her to look at him.
Kagome regain her full height and raised an eyebrow at him with a smirk. "You deserve it, Prince Inuyasha."
Now, it was his turn to smirk at her teasing. "Yeah right. Then, why didn't you do it before?" he asked, wondering where all this formality was coming from.
"Well, because you were in my territory and you were a rude hanyou," she said matter-of-factly.
Inuyasha raised his eyebrow at her abrasiveness, but didn't mind at all. Not with Kagome. They had met under such circumstances and he didn't think that he could take it if she started treating him like royalty. He liked the way they talked together, as if they were both normal and with no strings attached.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, knowing that she must feel uncomfortable because he sensed it in her aura. She was uncomfortable and anxious, probably wanting to leave this party, just as much as he did. He had never seen her at any of his balls, let alone in the Western Lands at all. And from what he remembered her telling him the last time they met, she had never journeyed to the Western Lands.
Kagome frowned and turned from him, gazing out at the crowd, but once she saw the countless eyes that gazed at them, she turned her eyes back to him. She didn't want to gaze into his eyes, maybe because it was the fear of drowning in them. She had never seen such intense eyes, those that can dig into her soul and drag out the darkest desires from her. She felt so drawn to them that she wanted to run from them because she didn't trust herself with him, not at all. No one should have eyes such as his, as they were just now trying to figure her out.
She smiled and traded the cup into her left hand, leaning her elbow against her waist as she regarded him. "I was invited," she said matter-of-factly. Inuyasha seemed amused as he nodded his head in agreement.
"Yes, I see that. But as I recall, since my brother and I did the guest list, I did not see your name written on any invitation." Kagome shook her head with a small smile, not knowing whether or not he was going to be amused at her for wanting to come. "I remember that there was no name written on the invitation sent to the East."
"Yes. The King was actually shocked that he had gotten an invitation."
Inuyasha snickered and took a sip of his sake. "Yeah, well I was shocked to see that there was an invitation sent to the East." He thought about it for a minute as he drank the sake and then brought his hand down to his chest. "My mother must have sent the invitation."
Kagome tilted her head after thinking about his mother because she had never seen the woman before, but heard of her. A human female with the Great Inutaisho. "Your mother is human. She doesn't mind my King then?"
Inuyasha felt a deep growl within his chest that he had to suppress quickly. However, Kagome caught it and her eyebrow arched in curiosity, but he turned his head from her, not wanting her to see the anger in his eyes from the way she seemed so familiar with that half-wit human King. "Don't think so."
Kagome watched him with wonder at his attitude change but Inuyasha just avoided his eyes, so she decided to ignore it. He wouldn't tell her anyways. She sighed and gazed out at the crowd. "Do you realize that everyone is staring at us?" she asked, butterflies starting to grow in the pit of her stomach at having the attention on her.
Inuyasha turned to gaze out at the crowd and smirked, turning to see Kagome's flushed face. "Yes. And do you know why?"
Kagome shook her head as she gazed up at him innocently, trusting him to tell her the answer. Inuyasha nearly grabbed her, wanting to run his fingers down her face, her face that seemed too innocent for the woman that he knew was within. He smiled and turned to face the crowd as he extended his free hand towards her, palm faced up. "Because you, Kagome, is going to accompany me in a dance."
The frankness in his voice made a smile form on her face. Kagome arched her eyebrow and smiled. "Oh, am I?" she asked, seeing his intense gaze. She knew that she wouldn't be able to deny him this simple dance. The music was playing and she could already feel her body being drawn towards him, just for one simple dance. That was all.
Inuyasha nodded his head, so sure of himself, and waited for her to take his offered hand. After a few seconds, Kagome sighed wistfully and gave him her right hand. She was pulled towards the front of the room and as they passed by the many women watching them, she knew that this would be the talk of the night. Maybe a few days more. She, of all of them, had never attended any of Inuyasha's balls and yet she spent a few minutes alone with him and now he was asking her for a dance. But then again, Inuyasha had to do this with every women so he could choose one, so she didn't know why everyone was so eager to make talk about her with the Prince.
Kagome felt like a princess next to him, walking down the middle of the room with her hand in his as if he owned her. Once that thought came into her mind, Kagome swept it away just as quickly. She would not think about her duties right now. All that mattered was that she does her duty here and now, and it seemed like she was getting Inuyasha's attention more than anyone else here. She inwardly smiled, though she didn't know if it was because she was fulfilling her duty or because she secretly wanted him to pick her. Whatever the case, she needed to get through this one dance with him without making a fool out of herself, right in front of the royal family.
As Inuyasha brought Kagome to the dancing area, he gestured for one of the servants and he gave the male his and Kagome's drink. He smiled at her as he faced his whole attention on her, this beautiful woman in his arms. He brought her close to his body as a new tune floated into the room, making him having to change the rhythm of his feet and Kagome followed. He knew that everyone was staring at them, especially his family, but frankly he didn't care. Inuyasha cared not about what anyone else would think of him, or Kagome. Right now, she was his whole attention and he watched her intently as she followed his lead.
Kagome didn't know why but dancing with Inuyasha made her feel… beautiful. She had never felt like a woman before. She always saw herself as a priestess, someone dedicated to the jewel and nothing more. And yet, here, with Inuyasha, she felt like she was a woman. For once in her life, Kagome felt completely beautiful, and all because he had his eyes on her so intensely that it brought a blush to her cheeks. 'I'm blushing… I can't believe I'm blushing…' She just couldn't believe any of this. She had always thought to see Inuyasha again, yet she didn't know that her reaction to him would be like this. It was probably because no one here knew of who she was and why she would have her guard up if a demon did meet her. But Inuyasha wasn't just an ordinary demon. For some reason, Kagome felt like she knew him, and that she could trust him.
Inuyasha twirled Kagome out, watching the way her long, black hair flowed behind her and bounced against her back and shoulders. She smiled at him with excitement of the new twist, and then brought her back against him. She still had that blush on her cheeks, and he thought it was cute. 'She fits with it.' No matter how much Kagome had seemed to him back then, when they had first encountered and she was nothing more but a miko, right now, she was a woman. A beautiful woman, and her beauty wouldn't go unnoticed by everyone else in this room. He had a feeling that the women were jealous that he was spending time with Kagome and his family was wondering who Kagome really was. His father and mother don't know her, and they would have questions for him when this is over. He smiled, thinking about this all coming to an end soon.
The music glided on and the two continued their dance. Their eyes were locked on each other every moment, even when Kagome was flung out of his arms and she giggled at his gentlemanly acts towards her. When the music came to an end, Inuyasha slowed his pace but didn't let go of Kagome. He wanted her against him like this, she fit so well against him. Her scent was in his lungs and he burned to bring his nose to her neck and smell her rich scent of Jasmines. He wanted her, that was it. There was something about Kagome that he was attracted to, something about her beauty and her personality that called him to her. And he would choose her. Kagome was the only one in this whole room that he had a real connection like this with.
Inuyasha nodded his head, gazing into Kagome's eyes as if he had answered an unspoken question. She tilted her head to the side, her eyes showing her confusion, and then he let go of her, except for her right hand that was still in his. Inuyasha turned and faced his parents and brother, looking at his father with a smile that meant he was satisfied and happy.
"Chichi-ue… I have found the one I want to spend my life with," Inuyasha announced, his voice ringing clear into the room as the musicians began to stop playing. Inutaisho's eyes widened and his eyebrows rose as to Inuyasha's choice, but he smiled as he heard his son's excitement and happiness. He could tell that Inuyasha was true of his choice and yet he still wondered who this woman was. Izayoi squeezed his hand with excitement and happiness, watching the woman next to Inuyasha's side with complete approval, noting the beauty of the young woman.
Inuyasha turned towards Kagome with a smile, watching as she smiled back at his encouragement, and turned towards his parents. "Chichi-ue, Haha-ue, I choose Kagome."
The room went dead silent as they heard Inuyasha's choice, and reality began to sink in as the women realized that they hadn't been picked. Inutaisho smiled and nodded his approval, gazing intently at the woman next to Inuyasha's side. He beckoned Kagome forward and watched as Inuyasha turned to give her a few words, encouragement. This made Inutaisho scrunch his eyes in confusion at their casualness together, and he wondered why Inuyasha seemed so comfortable with a woman that he had just met tonight.
As Kagome walked up the stairs, she felt her nerves starting to tug on her. Every step she took closer to Inutaisho, she suddenly became nervous and unsure. She could feel Inutaisho's demonic aura getting stronger the closer she got to him, and she had to work to control his aura from getting the best of her. Her usual reaction to a demon's aura would be to purify it, and she definitely couldn't do that to Inutaisho. It took everything she had to make it towards him and smile at him, seeing the way power just clung to him like a second skin. Inutaisho was indeed a powerful demon, and he wore it well. She could see so much resemblance in Inuyasha and Inutaisho, it's just that she saw years in Inutaisho's eyes and face that separated son from father.
"Kagome, is it?" Inutaisho asked politely.
Kagome nodded her head, trying not to seem so nervous at the moment but she couldn't help it when his aura was so strong. "Yes, my Lord."
Inutaisho waved his free hand in the air. "Please, no formalities, Kagome. You will be part of the family soon since my son has chosen you to be his mate."
Kagome smiled with a nod, keeping her thoughts and emotions to herself for now. She didn't want to give anything away, and she had been around enough demons to know when she has crossed the line. It seemed that Inutaisho didn't catch onto anything and he just nodded with a smile. His eyes then reverted to the crowd in front of him and his voice sounded throughout the whole room with authority.
"My son, Inuyasha, has chosen Kagome as his mate. We are all truly happy for them," he said. Izayoi squeezed his hand and he turned to his mate with a smile, seeing the love and happiness in her eyes. Izayoi was happy that Inuyasha finally found someone for him, and it did seem like he was happy about it. Which made Inutaisho still wonder what was between the two. One minute Inuyasha was so adamant on being forced to choose a mate tonight, and now he is totally absorbed in this one woman, whom he had never met before. Inutaisho has never recalled a woman by the name of Kagome who had ever come to his balls, let alone in his home for any of the events. She could be someone new, since this was their last and desperate attempt to find Inuyasha a mate, so maybe that was why she was so unfamiliar to him. And yet, as Inutaisho watch Inuyasha make his way up to where Kagome stood waiting for him, he watched with wonder and speculation as his son grabbed onto Kagome's hand and the two smiled at each other.
Inutaisho turned to his eldest on his right side and saw that Sesshomaru was watching the two with curiosity as well. He knew that his son would ask Inuyasha questions, as it was Sesshomaru's way to question things that he didn't understand. But, Inutaisho would have to have a word with Sesshomaru first before he made a move.
Standing next to Inuyasha, Kagome felt safe in the eyes of the crowd of women that began to clap for them, not because they wanted to but because they had to. Inuyasha had finally found someone, and it wasn't any of them, and the women who desperately wanted to be chosen felt a tinge of jealousy and resentment towards Kagome, which she could feel on the wave of auras in the room. But she just shook it off and ignored it, knowing that there were more things ahead for her. Now, she had to go and inform her King that she had been chosen and she knew she would have to spend some time with her future husband. The thought of Inuyasha as such was such a shock that she felt anger and happiness, both at the same time. In a way, Kagome was angry that she had been forced into this, but she was doing this for her King. Yes, that was the only reason why, and she had fulfilled part of her duty, just for tonight. And yet, deep inside, something inside of her was saying that she was happy that he had chosen her all along.
Inuyasha smiled and turned around to his parents. "Is there a room available for Kagome?" he asked them.
Izayoi smiled happily and rose from her throne, nodding her head with happiness and excitement. "Oh yes. We have a room prepared for you, my dear."
Kagome felt her blood chill and her eyes widened with shock and fear. She tried to smile it off, but knew that her fear was still showing in her eyes, and she did her best to avoid Inuyasha's and Inutaisho's gaze. "Domo arigato, my Lady…"
Izayoi waved her hand as she came to stand in front of Kagome. "Please, Kagome. Just Izayoi."
Kagome smiled shakily and nodded. "Izayoi… however, is it truly necessary for me to remain here for tonight?"
Izayoi seemed shocked and smiled. "Oh my dear… now that you are to be wed to my son, you will have to remain here. We will send someone to give a letter to your servants who had brought you here and it will inform your family that you have been chosen. They will have the freedom to come and visit you whenever they please."
Kagome nearly sank to her knees at the realization of all of this happening so fast. She just couldn't see where things had gone so wrong. She wanted to go home. She couldn't stay another minute in this place with these demons. She had to keep her guard up for so long that she was getting exhausted and she just wanted to go back to a place where she could be herself and not have to lie about who she truly was. And yet, now, she was being told that she wouldn't be able to go home. Probably ever. Not now that she was going to be married to Inuyasha. 'Mama…' she thought, wishing that her mother could hear her frantic plea. Kagome gulped, gazing down at the ground as shock still consumed her. Izayoi smiled in reassurance, seeing Kagome so stricken up by this, and she felt Izayoi place a hand on her shoulder. Kagome couldn't smile up at her in thanks for her strength, she couldn't make someone else feel better when she was feeling so terrible.
"Where are you from, Kagome?" Izayoi asked, wondering why the woman seemed so sad knowing that she wouldn't be going back home tonight. She wondered where the woman was from.
Kagome was hesitant to answer, knowing that her home wasn't a much fond of place here in the West. She gazed into Izayoi's eyes, hiding her uncertainty, but reading the kindness in the queen's eyes. She took a deep breath and told her. "The East."
At once Inutaisho rose from his throne, suspicion and anger shone in his eyes. "The East?" he asked, his voice holding his anger as he walked towards the two women. Inuyasha noticed his father's mood and stayed close to Kagome and his mother in case his father would choose to do something. He knew that his father didn't like that side of Nihon at all, or at least, the person ruling the East.
Izayoi sighed heavily and turned around to stare at her mate with a hard glare. "Inutaisho, do not show your anger to her. I had sent an invitation to the East," she informed him, sending his angry, golden eyes towards her, "and it seems like the King had indeed taken up on our offer." Izayoi smiled, unafraid of her mate's anger, and tilted her head to the side as she turned back around to smile at Kagome with happiness. "And it turns out that they had a beauty hiding there."
Kagome could do nothing but blush and thank Izayoi as she was complimented, but kept her focus on Inutaisho. She could see that the Inu-Taiyoukai was fighting within himself now that he knew the East had a representative here and his own son had picked a woman from that area. It seems like the hostility between the two sides were stronger than she thought. After a few moments, Inutaisho backed down, not wanting to make a scene about it, and turned to his servants, beckoning them. He ordered them to send everyone home. Inuyasha's ball was over.
-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-
The night smelled sweet in the land of the West. The breeze was fresh and she drew it into her lungs like a drug, wanting it to make her forget all her worries and pain. This wasn't how she had planned it, not the way she thought it would have gone. Now, Kagome remained outside her room, out on the balcony, watching the many carriages that were leaving the city below. The moonlight shone on them as if taunting her of their departure, something that she was forbidden.
Kagome sighed, her frown still visible beneath the moonlight, and watched the carriages leave. 'Mama…' She wanted to go home. Home… a place safe and far from here where demons were around every corner. The whole palace was swarmed with demonic auras, all mingling together and driving her crazy. She had never been around so many demons for so long and it took everything in her to control her miko energy from purifying the evil that touched her. Which was taking its toll on her, and she was getting tired from wanting this all to end. Since she had never been around demons this much, it would take some time before she got used to trying to conceal her miko energy from the demons, and also from purifying them to death.
A knock sounded on her door and she turned around to gaze at the wooden door separating her from reality. She sighed and walked into her room, making it halfway to the door before she called out that the person could enter.
By the strong demonic aura, Kagome knew that it had to be one of the Inu-Taiyoukais. And she was right, as Sesshomaru walked into her room, his large presence filling up her empty room immediately. He generated power just like his father, but Inutaisho seemed a bit more relaxed and controlled with all the power that he contained. Sesshomaru seemed tense and needy, as if he was unsure of himself and his power. Whatever the case, Kagome couldn't help her initial reaction to him as she stopped in the middle of the room and didn't go any closer to him, controlling her aura as best she could.
Sesshomaru regarded Kagome with a cold stare, showing nothing more to her. She wondered if that's who Sesshomaru really was as he showed no emotion either, both confusing and irritating.
"What is your last name?"
The sound of Sesshomaru's voice held strict authority, much like his father's, as if he demanded the answer and knew he would get it. Kagome inwardly sighed. 'This whole family thinks they can just demand things from everyone.' She was beginning to see how much alike Inuyasha was to his brother and father and where he got it from. She noted, however, the slight curiosity that he held with her and wondered why he was so curious.
"Beg your pardon, my Lord, but I do not see why you have come into my room so late in the evening and demand to know my last name." She wasn't afraid of him, and definitely didn't care if he would get angry at her for not answering him. There was one thing that she wouldn't tolerate: someone controlling her. She was a free woman, a miko, and she had her own rules that she obeyed.
Sesshomaru showed no hint of anger or irritation at her lack of answer, but just continued to stare at Kagome. He still wore his uchikake, and the gold was light in the dark of her room. There were no candles lit, as Kagome didn't want to be reminded so much that she wasn't at home, and only the moonlight shone from behind her into the room. Though she knew Sesshomaru could see her perfectly well, she could see him, just not as perfect without any light.
"This Sesshomaru believes to know who you are, Kagome."
Kagome now felt her defenses rise as to his threat, and inwardly she began to battle for supremacy. On one hand, she wondered if he would attack her while on the other hand she wondered if he would tell his father. But then again, she wondered how in the world Sesshomaru, who she has never met before, would know of her. But Kagome was willing to play along, to get more answers out of him, though she could tell that he wasn't one to talk a lot.
"How is it that you think you know me?"
Sesshomaru held in his smirk at the woman's lack of courtesy to him by not referring to him as a prince. This intrigued him even more, and even more Sesshomaru was beginning to see that his suspicions about this woman were correct. He watched the way she and his brother had danced together, and the way they remained by each other's side as if they knew each other well enough to trust each other like that. And when his brother had been so against picking a woman tonight to be with forever, Inuyasha now seemed happy about being tied to a woman. There was indeed something wrong, and Sesshomaru was interested to know who this woman truly was. But as he watched her closely even more, the way she stood in front of his father, and saw her closely, he had a suspicion about the woman. And now she was proving it to be true and Sesshomaru only hoped that Inuyasha knew what the Hell he was doing.
"Let us say that this Sesshomaru has heard about you," he said, turning around towards the door but stopped in the doorway, his hand on the wooden door as he kept his back towards Kagome. "This Sesshomaru hopes Inuyasha knows what he is getting himself into." With that said, and without a goodbye, Sesshomaru walked out and closed the door after him.
Kagome released a sigh and closed her eyes, placing her fingers on her forehead with her arm supporting beneath her elbow. She just couldn't believe what happened just now. If her cover was blown, then their plan wouldn't work out in the end. She was sure that if Inutaisho found out who she was he would kick her out, or maybe just get rid of her to get to the Shikon no Tama. And without the jewel, Kagome knew that she would be a sitting duck here in the home of the Great Dog Demon. Turning around, Kagome walked back towards the balcony, desperation in her footsteps as she reached the cool air outside. She dropped her palms on the cold stone of the balcony railings and gazed down at the trees and a few houses that remained within them as her own sanity in this dark room. There would be no peaceful rest for her tonight. She had to find a way to hide her miko abilities and reactions while she remained here because if she didn't, she would be caught and the worst would come out of it. Kagome sighed and bent her head down, asking the Kamis what she had gotten herself into.
I hope you liked this one. I had fun writing it because I wanted the two to have a bit of confusion with their emotions towards each other. But now I can't wait to get to the good stuff. But like usual, when I update my other story, then I will update this one. But tell me what you thought.
-Kaleialohalani
