A.N. So if you hadn't read TMD or UBW which I have already posted my little excuse, I wrote that I hurt my wrist in a awkward fall. But now it's all better—well it's black and blue but it doesn't hinder me from typing.

Disclaimer: I disclaim any ownership in relation to Inuyasha.

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Captivated Amber

(Tsuki)

Chapter Seven

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(Tsuki)

"This is ridiculous! When have you ever heard of royalty cooking for themselves? Never, that's when. This guy should follow, 'Royalty Conduct 101!'" Sango had been quietly venting to Mirouku while Kagome spoke with Rin, who was constantly switching between speaking in the third person and acting with a cute guise of formability.

Kagome suddenly laughed, "Rin-chan, there's no need for formalities if it's bothering you that much. I don't mind at all."

"I know! If the damn ruler doesn't follow rules, then why should the people who follow the guy do so?" Mirouku whispered back in vehement agreement and lower lip jutted out in a pout.

Rin cocked her head to the side and said with blatant uncertainty, "But Jaken-sama told R—me—that I should follow my lessons." She gave a small sigh in thought of her caretaker.

Kagome smiled and winked, "I won't tell." Her voice came out in a soft sing song and Rin let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you!"

"I wonder how we could get out of dinner." Sango mused to the raven haired man next to her.

Kagome smiled, "Your welcome. But I have a question. Mind if I ask it?" It was a personal question and she did not really what to seem too intrusive.

Mirouku pointed towards his head and the strips of clothes tight around his forehead and under his bangs. He smirked, "If all else fails, I could feign a headache."

"Rin doesn't mind."

Sango laughed and smiled slyly. "And of course as your companions Kagome and I would be obligated to go tend for you."

Kagome carefully chose her words, "How long have you been here?"

Mirouku wagged his brows seductively, "Hn, sounds like a plan... Tending and nurturing. A full body massage maybe. And that it would be from two very appealing women, would be an added bonus."

Kagome almost expected her to physically count on her fingers, but instead, Rin perkily remarked, "All my life."

Sango leaned her arm on his shoulder and said menacingly into his ear, "Another comment like that and I'll make a request that Lord Sesshoumaru-sama gives you all the tending you'll need." Her eyes glinted with a tad of malice, "I'd like to see you grope him."

Kagome raised her brows in shock, "You were born here?"

Mirouku's face took on a look of disgust, "I'd probably cut my hand off faster than he could."

Sango laughed.

There was a certain hesitance from Rin, but in the end she nodded eagerly, before skipping ahead of the group to go and open the dining room's door, "We're here!"

Rin held the door open as they trailed inside, before going in herself.

A booming voice greeted them with a smile and a hearty, "Welcome."

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(Tsuki)

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Rin bobbed over to InuTaisho and hugged him, "Hello Jii-chan!" She grinned; "Rin has not seen you since breakfast…" she scrunched up her nose like the amount of time that had past were along the lines of centuries than hours.

InuTaisho chuckled and patted her head, "Yes, yes. Sorry about that, Rin-chan."

The three guests were quite close to standing there gaping at the exchange. This was more than a surprise.

InuTaisho turned to them and smiled, "Ah. I see you three have not tried leaving yet. That's good. Now please take a seat."

The room that they were in housed a large table that expanded from a few feet in from one wall to the same distance from the other. The table was set for more than ten people, the seats placed a steady two feet from each other on the sides of the table, with InuTaisho at the head of it.

The ceramic dishes and dyed wooden chopsticks set down were gorgeous to say the least. On every single on, in a hauntingly deep blue tinted glaze, there had been the same hand designed image. It was of a regal demon dog, partially set on a full moon, with mane flowing majestically.

Kanji covered some of the surfaces on thin blue bands painted around the ceramic. Moreover, it was not hard to see that the theme of the dining room was blue.

They had noticed color schemes were recognizably planted around the house. Their room was no different with its reds, gold, and browns, like this room had a central theme around blues, whites, and sparks of gray.

Even the chairs shared in the fun. As Kagome and Sango seated themselves next to each other with some joking assistance from Mirouku, they noticed the wooden chairs had been affected with dye so that they were a pristine white.

Mirouku decided to seat himself across from the girls and rounded the table. It was about several feet wide. He did a quick look over of the room and tried to map its position in the household.

He had easily created a mental map of all the areas he knew, but they had not even been within even a third of the grounds there. He had a lot of blank areas that needed to be filled in, before they could make any moves.

InuTaisho watched him with an indiscreet smile, before turning to the girls, "How was your day? We have quite a bit of time to chat before the others come." He placed up a hand and whispered conspiringly, "They're always late."

Rin laughed a bit and the girls could not help but smile.

They were having a difficult time marking down who they could comfortable say that they disliked and who they could say that they liked.

Mirouku sat down then and InuTaisho turned to him, "Join the conversation. Do tell how the first day was."

The three only had a few words for how their day was.

Sango had leaned back and snorted with little care for her display of femininity and said, "Worst damn day of my life."

Mirouku scoffed, "No comment…"

Kagome frowned, "Horrible…"

InuTaisho stroked his chin, "I see…" He folded his hands, "But you should get used to it. It only goes downhill from here. This is only the beginning."

Mirouku propped his head in his hands and smiled evenly, "We adapt very well, I can assure you."

InuTaisho let out a booming chuckle, "Good answer." He paused and sniffed the air lightly, "Ah, here, come some latecomers."

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(Tsuki)

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In Sesshoumaru's room, there lodged a huge deliberation. A debate that would determine something of a grant scale.

'Should I keep the armor or not?'

Sesshoumaru looked at the sharpened bone protrusions and have to take into consideration, that Rin had very human habits.

With a small flicker that indicated a roll of his eyes, he disregarded the armor, feeling somewhat unprotected.

"Sessssshhhhouuumarruuu!"

Said person could have cringed.

Was that thing still in his room?

Inuyasha paced a short ways behind his brother, as he vented, "I don't see why dad invited those three to eat. It'll be like the Nirobishu war all over again. I'll be scarred for life!"

Sesshoumaru tied his purple spotted yellow obi around his waist and adjusted his haori. He frowned as he felt a bit of tightness around his chest.

Apparently, he would need a new fitting done soon. He could have almost sighed. 'How annoying.'

But that was not the only annoying thing in that room.

His amber eyes turned towards his brother as his simplistic red cherry blossom printed haori went forgotten. "Cease your complaining."

Inuyasha pouted, "I wasn't complaining, I was making an educated statement."

Sesshoumaru scowled, "Then your 'education' as you refer to it as, may just need some help."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, "I don't know why you insist on being so socially constipated around me. I know deep inside you want to laugh with me and be all buddy-buddy goo-goo. And it's okay! You don't have to hide it anymore."

"If you're done, we have a dinner to attend to."

The voice sounded from outside the chambers and Inuyasha growled in frustration. He grumbled as he exited the room, "Damn constipated bastard."

He easily caught up to his brother, who though walked with longer strides, was not about to degrade himself by running through the palace to escape his younger brother.

Inuyasha, however, had no qualms with sprinting. "So what'd ya make for tonight? Rin's been bragging all day that you cooked."

Sesshoumaru smirked a bit, "It would not kill you to wait a few minutes to know."

Inuyasha gave him puppy dog eyes, "Oh come on bro, tell me…"

Sesshoumaru stopped walking and suddenly snarled at him, "Do not even think for a moment that you are able to call yourself my brother. I think nothing of you, hanyou."

Inuyasha's face fell a bit and the two triangular ears atop his head flattened to his skull.

Sesshoumaru resumed his trek to the dining room and Inuyasha merely stared at his retreating back.

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(Tsuki)

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Kagome and Sango chatted in low tones occasionally, when they were not glaring daggers at the man who was blatantly flirting with Rin.

Mirouku was not even trying to act mindful of the fact that InuTaisho sat a mere few feet away at the head of the table. Rin had left one seat open then sat down, and so Kagome had done the same so she could sit across from the friendly girl. Mirouku was across from Sango.

"So Rin, what kinds of things do you like to do? I'm very interested in knowing." He smiled boyishly.

Sango wrung a napkin her hands, "I could ring his perverted little neck!"

Kagome nodded furiously, "That guy should be arrested…Or at least castrated…"

Rin gushed ecstatically, "Rin is a breeder."

Mirouku's head snapped to the side and Kagome and Sango both turned towards the girl. Sango's napkin fell to her lap. InuTaisho who started to laugh, explained slightly amused, "Rin works with plants. She's quite the botanist."

Sango nudged Kagome, "You two would get along well with that. Kagome's good with plants."

Kagome waved off the small compliment with a blush. She was knowledgeable in the subject matter, but her know-how actually scared her. It came with such ease that one would think that she was an expert. "Not really, Sango-chan. but Rin you should be sure to show me your work."

Rin smiled brightly.

Mirouku seemed a little put out. He had been so very hopeful when she had said those words…but never did he think it had anything to do with plants.

'She should have chosen her words carefully.'

Kagome saw Kikyou come into the room. She bowed and excused herself for being late. "I was helping some of the archers." She was wearing a pretty purple and white yukata that complimented her form gorgeously.

InuTaisho nodded his head and she sat next to Shippou who was vibrantly teasing a toad like demon. Kikyou gave him a soft pat on his head before completely seating herself.

The table was almost completely filled up with people, all who seemed to create a rainbow. The demons present were extremely fanciful in appears, like Shippou with his bright emerald eyes and flaming hair. Then there was the general-the three knew he was a general because of the decorated uniform he wore- whose hair was an electric dirty blonde color with deep apple red tips. His eyes were a speckled hazel.

It was such a sight to see and the three newcomers were amazed.

However amazement turned into a sudden trepidation as Sesshoumaru walked into the room, shortly joined by Inuyasha.

Inuyasha frowned a bit, seemingly in a bad mood. He walked towards the side Kagome and Sango were seated at and took the empty seat next to Kagome.

She smiled in greeting at him. Both girls were more than relieved.

Sesshoumaru nodded in general at the table and took his seat next to Rin.

Kagome shuddered a bit. With his arrival, the swell of different auras became more than noticeable.

It did not really hurt, not like the other night, but it felt uncomfortable. It was like someone had pointed out that there was a giant panther in the room.

InuTaisho smiled at everyone present, "And now, since everyone is here, let us commence with our meal."

He snapped his fingers and instantly a dozen apron wearing youkai sporting large circular metal trays entered the room.

The scent of whatever had been prepared wafted slowly onto the diners.

And it smelled delicious.

InuTaisho smiled at Sesshoumaru and said in a nostalgic tone at a level only Sesshoumaru would hear, "I'm surprised you still remember this. If I recall, it was your mother's favorite. Chicken katsu strips." He smiled in reminiscence. One of the servants wearing the identical aprons placed down a plate before InuTaisho.

Each plate was covered in the chicken katsu over strips of vegetables and next to a small saucer of katsu sauce.

Sesshoumaru stayed silent and Kagome snuck a glance at him. She averted her gaze however, in favor of looking at Sango.

The other girl had jumped a bit when a plate was placed before her.

The servers moved quickly, yet so very quietly.

She gave a soft 'thank you'.

Kagome subtly checked over Sango's plate. It was something she had never seen before. It smelled pleasant, though. That she could admit. And it looked wonderful too.

But looks could always be deceiving, she would have glanced up and glared at Sesshoumaru had a plate not been put in front of her. "Thanks," she hurriedly replied before they flitted away.

The red eyed girl with the seemingly glowing orange hair smiled, before heading back through the door the kitchen.

The bustling slowed down as the last plate was placed down in front of the toad youkai and a second set of servants brought in bowls of soups and rice while the first set wove around to bring in drinks.

The three noted that there was an erratic order to everything. It was actually pretty shocking to be on the observing side of the event.

At a glance it looked so unorganized, but when everything was broken down, you could see that it was almost comparable to a dance…

Everyone's movements complimented each other and no one bumped into anyone or knocked anything down.

Inuyasha suddenly looked at Kagome, "You'll catch flies if you keep your mouth open like that." Kagome snapped her mouth shut, "Sorry… I was just a little shocked." She scrunched up her noise and muttered, "We haven't really been in a formal dinner set up like this. Or a formal dinner, period."

Inuyasha smirked, "I'm envious then."

InuTaisho cleared his throat then and tapped a glass chalice as the lasts of the servants gracefully made their exits. "Today is, as most of you know, this is the seventy fifth anniversary of my first wife's death. In result, I requested of my eldest son, to prepare a meal this time, in remembrance. So I believe a moment of silence is in order."

Mirouku lowered his head respectfully and Sango and Kagome followed suit. The table was completely silent for a moment before InuTaisho cheerfully announced, "Now please, enjoy."

Rin cheerfully bantered and complimented Sesshoumaru and Mirouku and Sango held a small conversation from across the table. Their conversation was somewhat more difficult since the left side of the table had quite the distance from the right. InuTaisho contently sat watching the various groups as he slowly ate his rice.

Mirouku looked at his plate, then glanced up at Sango. She mimicked his actions. Each held a secret challenge in their eyes as they willed each other to try out the food first.

Kagome noted happily that while she had no idea what it was there was no sign of 'mashed potatoes' anywhere. With a happy smile, Kagome took her utensils from her napkin and with a curious air, she manipulated the wooden chop sticks took up a piece of the breaded meat that was on her plate. She dipped it in the small cup of a dark liquid on the side of the plate and popped it into her mouth.

Mirouku and Sango suddenly turned their heads in unison with wide eyes as they remembered that Kagome was not in on their various ploys. And Kagome very well did not know that they were making attempts not to eat.

They gave her a horrified look as they saw her chewing.

However, she gave a look of pleased surprise and gave them both the thumbs up sign.

Both gingerly began on their own meals, completely unaware of the source of humor they were being for InuTaisho.

The food was surprisingly good, even though it was completely unfamiliar to them….and it had been made by Sesshoumaru.

Inuyasha sipped his soup, his ears twitching ever so often with every click of ceramic, or bout of conversation.

The two white triangles swiveled toward hers obligingly. Kagome turned to him, "So what do you specialize in?"

Kagome sipped down the contents of her cup as she waited for him to answer.

Inuyasha smirked showcasing his glinting fangs, "Feh, I shape sorry punks like you into finely toned war machines bent on massacring women and children and causing devastation to opposing villages."

Kagome's face paled a bit, and InuTaisho sternly reached over to hit his son, "No teasing our guests."

Inuyasha rubbed his head and gave his father a look.

Kagome gave a mocking 'hmph.' "Serves you right, you twisted …meanie." Inuyasha scoffed at her as she merely upturned her nose.

She turned to Sango and joined the conversation she was holding with Mirouku. Apparently they had been debating whether or not, last year's Kagewaki attempt had been their best or not.

The Kagewaki attempt was their biggest completed heist according to both girls since he was one of the richest men in that district.

Mirouku, however, had deemed that the lord of the house let them rob him, only because he had been infatuated with Sango and did not want to see her in jail.

Kagome listened intently as both argued back and forth, added a few opinions of her own.

And then the conversation went down hill for the three once the General Kagome had noticed at the start of dinner joined into the conversation.

"So then the rumors are true. You three are indeed the Faceless Nagaremono." He smirked, "I've heard so much about that incident with Kagewaki. I was his grandfather's head guard decades ago."

Kagome and Sango flushed almost guiltily, "Well about that," Kagome began, "We…didn't know?"

There were promptly several snorts of laughter around the table. Inuyasha muttered under his breath about her intelligence and Kagome promptly kicked him.

The general let out a chuckle, "No insult taken. It was not during my time there." There was something in his eyes that said that things would have gone differently had he been in charge then.

For the first time that night Sesshoumaru spoke, "Nagaremono…meet General Hiyo. He will be supervising your trip into town tomorrow."

Sango cocked her head to the side, "Why do we need to go to town?"

General Hiyo took a sip of the tea in his cup, "For supplies."

Then that rose the question, "Why would we need supplies?" Mirouku felt that something extremely vital had been left out.

Sesshoumaru looked each directly in their eyes an almost cool glint to his eyes, "Oh? Did I forget to tell you? You start your first mission the day after tomorrow."

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(Tsuki)

Yep yep. Another chappie done.

Sesshoumaru's testing everyone's nerve. I think he might just need a nap. He must just be cranky.