Unwilling
By ShadowYoukai87
Disclaimer: InuYasha and all its characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 10How dare they? How bloody dare they? Tell her all her life she was to mate the second son of InuTaisho and then have it changed to the first? She wouldn't allow it. She rushed into her room and walked straight to the window, watching as the majority of InuYasha's pack left the palace. She smiled. Oh, this was good, perfect even. If she couldn't have InuYasha, she'd get the man she loved. She hurried to her desk and wrote a quick letter explaining the circumstances before returning to the window and giving a low whistle, something not even a dog could hear. A rather large wasp appeared and she handed it the note.
"Bring this to your master," she commanded in a whisper. "My love must come before sunset. Hurry!"
The wasp flew off to the north, towards the barely noticed dark aura of a demon most foul. As the wasp went closer to the miasma, it flew faster, feeling its master's call for it. It knew it had not long before it's body would fail and this had to reach to the hands of his master, but its wings were failing, it would not make it. A woman with red eyes suddenly appeared in front of it, sitting peacefully on a pure white feather. The insect fell in front of her and she picked up the letter. She smiled.
"Don't worry, this will get to our master. Your purpose is fulfilled."
With one final flap of its wings, the wasp died.
Kagome cursed quietly under her breath as she brushed through her still damp hair. Trust InuYasha to make her late. He didn't understand that as a woman it took her more time to get ready than him, mostly because she actually cared how she looked. Okay, sure they were just going to witness Sesshoumaru and Keiko's ceremony, but she wanted to look like an official witness somewhat, at least with her hair up neatly. It would have to be a simple hairdo, she had none of the combs and the like another lady would have, but she'd make due. She suddenly felt something warm and wet press against her newly bared neck as she tied her hair back.
"Oh no," she grinned, pushing the mouth away gently. "You're the one that made us late, so you have to live with it InuYasha. How did you ever convince me we had so much more time than we did?"
"Easy," he replied, kissing her neck again, "I made you forget about everything but me."
She pushed him away again before turning to him, looking into his deep amber eyes half reprimanding, half lazy. "Oh, Inu, where do you get all this energy?"
He grinned and kissed her gently on the lips, tender and sweet. "I'm a half demon, where else would I get it?"
"True," she replied, kissing him again, deeper this time, his hands playing with her hair. She pulled back when her hair fell back over her shoulders. "InuYasha! That took me ten minutes to do up! Now I have to start all over again," she complained moving to pick up her brush before InuYasah's hand stopped her.
"No need. You look much more beautiful with your hair down."
She blushed at the comment, her anger forgotten. She was about to retort when the door opened and a servant told them it was time for the ceremony. She groaned unhappily, knowing that there was no more time to fix what InuYasha had ruined. They got up and followed the servant through the halls to a large garden full of flowers with a pond and a small bridge. Really rather lovely. Sesshomaru stood by Eien dressed in a formal Kimono nearly identical to the one he normally wore, his two swords still at his waist, much like InuYasha who still had his Tessaiga. There were only a few vassals around them, including Jaken. Rin, it appeared, had not been invited to the ceremony either.
Keiko entered the garden dressed in a rather simple formal kimono, considering this was her wedding, but she wasn't looking at her mate-to-be, or anyone in the garden for that matter. She was looking behind everyone, at something she noticed InuYasha watching too.
She turned, but didn't see anything. "InuYasha, what is it?"
"Can't you feel it Kagome?" he asked quietly, eyes never leaving the northern horizon. "Naraku's coming."
He had said it just loud enough so Sesshoumaru could hear and, he too, turned to the northern horizon, his hand grabbing Tokijin's hilt. Eien had heard too and merely blinked.
"Naraku? But why would he…" the man paused and turned to his daughter. "Keiko, did you tell him…?"
"Of course father. How could I not tell my love I was to be mated this very night?"
That drew everyone's looks, none able to believe Naraku, of all people, was Keiko's love. Kagome was nearly sick at the thought of it, knowing that because of her, they could all die. She could feel his aura now, there was no time for her to find a bow, let alone change into something appropriate to battle in. InuYasha's growl broke her out of her darkening thoughts.
"Kagome, get out of here. Don't let him catch you."
She turned to InuYasha in shock. "No, I'm not leaving you."
"Dammit wench, you're unarmed. You'll just be in the way. Go now, before it's too late."
There was something in his golden eyes that made her feel guilty for wanting to stay. She knew she couldn't do anything, but she didn't want to leave him. She wouldn't ask him to come with her, she knew he would never retreat from anyone, least of all Naraku.
"Fine," she replied, "but you be careful. I don't want to lose you."
Before he could reply, a cold cackle filled the garden, chilling her to her core. In unison, the mates turned to see Naraku standing just inside of the garden wall, Kagura and Kanna on either side of him. InuYasha, knowing there was no running now, stood defensively in front of his mate, Tessaiga drawn as Sesshoumaru drew Tokijin. The battle of a lifetime was about to begin.
Yes, I know, evil cliffy, but this is where it needs to end. Next chapter is going to be much longer. I bet not many of you like Keiko now and may be wondering why I tried to make you like her before, long answer short, I wanted everyone to feel a little betrayed. The first part of this chapter should have gone at the end of last, but I didn't feel like changing it. Too much hassle and I may have lost all of your wonderful reviews. Speaking of, I'd like to thank ever who has reviewed this fic so far. I appreciate it more than I can say. Oh, and one more thing before I leave you all, please read and review and tell me if you want Keiko to die. I haven't made up my mind about her yet, should she die by someone's hands, or should she fall for Sesshy? I really don't know, maybe both? Anyways, R&R!