Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Hunger Games

Siera: Okay, sorry for the wait everyone, but I was having trouble trying to finish this chapter. I promise things will get more entertaining with the next chapter. And for all those following Cirque De Youkai I promise to try to get another entertaining and fun chapter up as soon as I can.

Warnings: cursing

1/20/15 updated/ added more to chapter

Chapter 2 : Journey to the Imperial Empire

Kagome stood in a medium-size meeting room looking out the window that over-looked a lake just behind it. She turned her head a little watching the other occupant of the room out of the corner of her eye. Sesshoumaru stood with his back against the wall, arms crossed and eyes closed, the two of then had been asked to wait while their families were brought in. Ever since they had entered the room he was silent and said not a word to her. She sighed turning back to the window, she knew if Sesshoumaru's dislike toward humans from Inuyasha despite the little girl named Rin.

She just hoped it wouldn't influence their chances at surviving in the Youkai Games, thinking out it she turned back to face his direction, "Sesshoumaru-sama, I'm sorry that you have to paired with a human. I will do my best not to get your way."

Amber eyes opened staring into her, she felt as if they were burning a hole through. But before he responded, if he was going to respond his eyes moved to the door as it swing up. Two blurs entered the room, one landing on Kagome knocking her to the ground.

The other stopped just a few feet from her and she realized it was Inuyasha, which meant that...

"Okasan!" Shippou's voice cried as he clung to his adopted mother. Kagome's eyes widened as a tearful smile crossed her lips, "Shippou my kit!" She hugged him tightly as she sat up.

"That was a stupid move wench," Inuyasha growled though she picked up worry in his voice. "A Youkai stands a better chance of winning than a human, Shippou at least as illusions he can use."

"Illusions and tricks are not enough to win these games little brother, " came Sesshoumaru's cool voice. "The woman made the right decision in the protection of her kit."

Inuyahsa stared at his older brother dumbfounded that the all mighty prick had just shown approval of a human and praise too at that. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes again, "close your mouth Hanyou, you'll attract flies, you are Inu not a toad."

Inuyasha's mouth slammed shut as a scowl crossed his face, "why you damn -"

"SESSHOUMARU-SAMA!" Little Rin screamed, making both Hanyou and Youkai cringe, burst into the room latching onto Sesshoumaru's leg. Toga and Izyaio entered the room as well.

Sesshoumaru knelt down to Rin's level patting her head, "do not worry Rin, this Sesshoumaru will return. You will remain with Toga and Jaken."

Run sniffed nodding her head, "Rin will be a good girl, Rin will wait for Sesshoumaru-Sama."

Kagome watched Rin and Sesshoumaru with a soft smile, Shippou looked up at her, "Okasan...promise me you will return too."

Kagome turned her head to Shippou, "I promise I will return too Shippou." She lowered to her knees so she could set Shippou down, ruffling his hair, "you're the 'man' of the house now Shippou. Remember to take care of the garden and help momma with Shrine. And you know all the places I used to hunt, there's a small stream that not far into the woods behind the shrine. You can gather fish and wild herbs there, but don't go alone."

"Hn, I'll go with the little runt," Inuyasha supplied, "he'd probably let all the fish escape."

"You'd scare all the fish away Inuyahsa!" Shippou cried pointing a accusing finger at the Hanyou.

"Why you?!" Inuyasha bopped Shippou on the head causing a goose egg of a bump. Shippou's eyes traded up as he grabbed his head before jumping at Inuyasha and sinking his fangs into Inuyasha's arm.

"Argh! Let go you little heathen!" Inuyasha yelled trying to shake Shippou loose.

Toga shook his head at his younger sons antics as he turned to Kagome, "do not worry Kagome, my family and I will watch over yours. No harm or misfortunes will settle in them while we are guarding."

"Thank you Mr. Tashio," Kagome stood bowing slightly to the western lord. "And thank you for all the donations to the shrine."

Toga chuckled, "you're welcome dear though it seems my youngest son does indeed have a 'big' mouth."

Kagome laughed slightly at the comment, "perhaps sometimes." She smiled blinking when she felt someone watching her, turning her head she found Sesshoumaru watching her. Catching his glance she blushed a little and quickly looked away.

Toga watched the interaction between his elder son and the girl he had come to love like a daughter. At first he was worried at how this might turn out but observing them he found that he was almost glad that Sesshoumaru would be the one going Kagome.

Walking over to Sesshoumaru he clamped a hand on his shoulder, "you give them hell Sesshoumaru, and..." He glanced in Kagome's direction then back to his son as he spoke in a lower voice so only he could hear, "keep her safe."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed slightly eyeing his father, Toga had always been able to figure out things he didn't want him too. His eyes closer before opening them and cold amber orbs met warm worried gold amber eyes, "this Sesshoumaru gives his word."

Toga nodded his approval before both makes glanced to the door at the scent of another human. A young boy with ebony hair and brown eyes stood in the door hesitating, Toga smiles and looked towards Kagome. Izyaio beat him to it, "Kagome dear, you have another guest."

Kagome turned the to door and smiled sadly, "Souta."

Souta ran to his older sister hugging her, "Kagome-chan, mom sent me in her place. She's home taking care of Grandfather, he went into fits when he heard about what happen."

Kagome started to pale, Izyaio quickly interjected, "don't worry dear, I will check in with your grandfather and send Inuyasha to help out around the shrine."

"What?!" Inuyasha yelled from where he had finally freed his arm, he walked over as a spirited Shippou hopped onto Kagome's shoulder.

Izyaio's eyes narrowed, "young man you will show some manners! Your brother and Kagome are going to be fighting for their lives! You can certainly help out with a little house work!"

Inuyasha's ears flattened against his head as his head lowered in regret. Sesshoumaru mentally smirked at Inuyasha being reprimanded, there was nothing more scary then a mother's wrath. He found his eyes moving to Kagome and her kit, though she was human her maternal fire was stronger than even a youkai's. She would bear strong pups for whomever was lucky enough to mate with her. A growl escaped his lips at the thought of another male mating her, when he found seven sets of surprise looks aimed at him he quickly threw his mask back on.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" Inuyasha griped, the door to the room opened again as two Enforcers stepped in.

"Your times up, it's time for the Chosen to board their train to the Imperial Empire," the first Enforcer ground out.

"Everyone else out now!" The second Enforcer snapped causing growls to come from two Inus, a Hanyou and a Kitsune.

Both Enforcers hesitated then backed out of the room, though they acted calm their voice shook, "five minutes then you better be at the train."

The door closed swiftly as Kagome and Izyaio both laughed as smirks crossed both Toga and Inuyasha's lips. Shippou stuck his tongue out at the closed door making Kagome giggle harder. When the laughing and smirks stopped a hard silence fell over the room for a moment before it was broken by Souta.

"Sis, you're going to come back right?" Souta asked and at Kagome's nod he smiled. "Be careful sis and you give those Imperial Youkai hell, even if you have to reveal the family trait."

Kagome smiled and nodded again, "you bet Souta."

Izyaio knowing better then to try to hug Sesshounaru walked over to Kagome and hugged her tightly, "stay strong dear, I've always thought of you as a daughter and hoped one day you would be."

Kagome's face turned red as Inuyasha grumbled though his ears twitched "feh, mother your making her turn into a tomato."

Toga chuckled as he too hugged Kagome after Izyaio, "Izyaio's right and I'm sure you're in good hands." Toga added sending a glance at Sesshoumaru for a reaction but was only presented with the stiffening of Sesshoumaru's back and a glare that could freeze fire.

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at the confrontation having no clue as to what was going on, he walked over and picked Shippou off Kagome by the back of his collar and carried him out the door , "come on squirt, before those stupid Enforcers decide to storm the place."

Shippou squirmed trying to break free, "gah put me down Inu-Baka."

Suddenly a loud thud was heard outside the door, Kagome sighed when she heard the sound of Inuyasha cursing figuring Shippou had used one of his size changing statues on Inuyasha.

"Come along Rin dear," Izyaio called to Rin who nodded and turned following her, Souta also following.

Once they was out Toga pulled out something, it was a oriental hair comb shaped as a blue crescent moon with Sakura petal shaped weaving trailing down, "Kagome I want you to have this. It's the sign of the western lands and will show others that you have the protection of the western family. It may allow some safety at the Imperial Empire."

Kagome gasped when she saw it she was about to say she couldn't receive such a special gift but after hearing Toga's words she nodded and took the comb, "Thank you Lord Toga."

Lord Toga nodded then moved to the front of Sesshoumaru, he growled something in their ain't language, Sesshoumaru replying into two before Toga turned and exited the room. The two Enforcers re-entered the room indicating for them to follow as they were led to the train.

~*~*~*~*~ Later On The Train ~*~*~*~*~

Kagome stared out the window watching the scenery go by, the train had made it's way past the Western District's wall and had entered the outer portion if land surrounding the Imperial Empire. Buildings and ruined homes no longer filled the view instead acres of lush green grass and trees filled the view.

The sound of the train cart's door opening didn't pull her eyes from the view, not until a glass was held in front of her.

"That was a brave move back there," Kagome turned to the voice recognizing it as Bankotsu.

"Uhh...thanks I wasn't really thinking I just acted," Kagome took the glass as Bankotsu sat on a couch that was off to the side next to a table of food.

"That was your kit right, you've got stronger maternal instincts than any female Youkai I know," he said, he glanced to the door when Jakotsu entered followed by Sesshoumaru. "Good, everyone's here now. Let's eat and discuss what's going to happen before we reach the Imperial Empire's Main City."

Kagome sipped the drink finding it to be lemon ice water, She listened closely as Bankotsu continued, "once we reach the main city tomorrow morning you will be taken to the Chosen's Hall where you will be prepared for the party tomorrow night. You will be introduced to the Youkai Games officials, as well as the other Chosen. Do not trust them, there will be no alliances, there will

be no trust. Especially not with the two Chosen for the Imperial."

"There's something going on behind the scenes," Jakotsu added, "this is the first time in the history of the Youkai Games that the Imperial Empire has interfered. Don't expect them not to interfere further."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, "the fool of an Emperor has reduced himself to targeting children, makes him no better than a rat."

"Carrrrefulll... you don't want the officials to hear you insulting the emperor," Jakotsu sing-songed.

"Jak's is right, we don't want to give then any reason to target you," Bankotsu added, "no matter hrs other Chosen say or do, do not retaliate. We want the Imperial's Chosen to see the others as more of a threat until we are ready. There will be a two days after the party where you will show your strengths and try to impress them then."

"We already heard of your strengths out dear 'Ice Prince'," Jakotsu leaned in towards Sesshoumaru earning a shocking from the engery that started crackling around Sesshoumaru.

Jakotsu quickly moved back and sat beside Bankotsu, Bankotsu sighed, "easy there. We don't want to start any fighting here, we are all in this together."

Kagome paused before setting her glad down, "I'm a miko."

This caused Bankotsu and Jankotsu to turn and stare at her with their jaws hanging down. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, "she's skilled with a bow and arrow as well."

Bankotsu held a hand up, "wait, hold up, did you just say you were a miko? That's impossible they've been wiped out for centuries."

"My family owns a shrine that they have been taking care of since long before the Imperial Empire came into existence," Kagome replied, "I was the first centuries to be born with the spiritual signs of a miko. My placed seals and spells to hide my existence so that the Enforcers would not find out. Only the Taisho family knows the truth about me."

Bankotsu rubbed his chin, "well whatever you do don't reveal any signs, we will save it for the Youkai Games."

"Weeeell onto more good news," Jakotsu clapped his hands, "make sure you get plenty of beauty sleep cause once we arrive I will be beautifying you. Oh the ideas, just looking at you I know the perfect outfits. In fact…" Jakotsu hopped up out of his chair, "I'm going to go get started right now!" He was out of the Cart in seconds.

Bankotsu shook his head with a sigh, "don't worry about him, he tends to go overboard when it comes to the preparations."

"We can tell," Kagome smiled slightly, "you two were the Chosen for Youkai Games 5 and 6 years ago."

Bankotsu nodded, "yeah, I was chosen 5 years ago and Jak 6 years ago and as you probably already knew we are brothers. We will make sure you prepared for whatever possibilities may await you in the Games. "

Sesshoumaru stood exiting the room, "I am not worried, I can destroy whatever the foolish human throws at me."

"I don't doubt that," Bankotsu sighed yet again before leaning on his elbow, "jeez why'd we get stuck with the 'Ice Prince' there's no getting through that thick ego of his."

Kagome sat back in her chair staring at the ripples in her glass, Sesshoumaru appeared to be calm on the outside but she swore she could feel something different coming off his aura. And even if he was completely calm about this, inside she was nervous as hell. She just hoped that the preparations would be enough to prepare her for what was to come.

~*~*~*~ That Night ~*~*~*~

Kagome tossed and turned for then tenth time before sitting up with a sigh, slipping out of the bed she slid the bedroom cart's door open. Making her way to the observation cart at the very end.

Sesshoumaru has been sitting cross-legged on the floor with his eyes closed when he picked up the scent of Sakura blossoms and waterfalls before the door opened. Hearing a soft gasp he opened his eyes, turning his head towards the door.

"I'm sorry if I disturbed I can leave, " Kagome said quickly as she started to close the door again. "You have not disturbed this Sesshoumaru," he made a wave with his claw for her to enter.

Hesitating her hand rested against the door before she closed her eyes a moment stepping back into the room and sliding the the door shut. She quietly walked past him to sit down on a couch that sat against the back of the train car with windows overlooking the outside. It was nearly pitch black outside except for the small patches of light from poles that lined up along the tracks.

"You should be resting," Sesshoumaru stated as she tilted her head finding him watching her. His gold eyes bore into her as if they could see right into her soul. Kagome sighed and rubbed the side of her temple with her fingers, "I'm too anxious to sleep, I'm worried about my kit and my family."

Sesshoumaru watched her silently for some time before he spoke again, "The Tashio family will allow no harm to come to them as well."

Kagome smiled slightly realizing that Sesshoumaru was actually trying to reassure her and make her feel better. Perhaps Inuyasha was wrong about him, 'hmm Inuyasha,' she wondered how he was doing as well. He was probably being tortured by Shippou, sometimes she swear they both acted like brothers. The little brother always annoying the big brother while the big brother constantly picked on the little brother. She chuckled a little at the thought which cause Sesshoumaru to glance at her raising a cool and collected eyebrow.

She blushed nervously, "sorry I was just imagining Inuyasha and Shippou and how they act around each other."

Sesshoumaru bit back a growl at the mention of his half brother, 'of course she'd be thinking of that Hanyou', he cursed Inuyasha for being the center of the girls thoughts. 'Wait where did that come from' he wondered why he held so much dislike for it, it's not like he was courting her or that he had even thought of her like that before. He thought back to the words that his father had spoken to him, he was so preoccupied with his own thoughts he didn't hear or see that Kagome had move until he felt the breeze of something near him. His eyes flew open to find Kagome kneeling slightly in front of him looking worried.

"Are you alright Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kagome asked adding on the the title of respect to his name.

"This is Sesshoumaru is fine," he stood looking at her. "It is late, there is a long day ahead you need rest."

Kagome sighed standing as well, "I wish it was that simple."

Sesshoumaru stepped up to her and lifted a claw to behind her neck, pressing on a point on the back of her neck he watched as her eyes closed her body starting to slump. Taking her into his arms he lifted her as he held her to his chest, her steady breathing lightly reaching his ears as she slipped into sleep. He carried her out of the observation cart and to her bedroom cart.

Laying her down upon the sheets he tucked the top sheet and blanket tucking it in up to her chin, a claw lifting and moving her hair out of her face before pulling back as if burned. He let out a small growl at what he was doing before turning and diss spearing through the doorway retiring to his bedroom cart.

~*~*~*~ Next Chapter : Chapter 3 The Imperial Empire ~*~*~*~

Edit 1/20/15 Siera: I found the rest of chapter 2 and added it in. Originally lost it thanks to a computer crash. I'll try to have the next chapter up soon as well more for Cirque De Youkai