Declaimer: I own the story nothing more (hugs her story) I don't own any of the characters there own by someone else… Thanks for rubbing it in (walks away crying)
Note: 'thoughts'
"Mouths moving"
Flash backs or a dream
A Forgotten Proposal
By: CloudsLover
Chapter Ten
Under the Moonlight
"I don't think that's wise…" Shippo began but was interrupted by Kohaku voice
"What can go wrong?" Shippo's anger began to rise and could not believe his friends foolish statement
"What could go wrong… of all the dim witted things to say… everything can go wrong… for one she could be discovered" Shippo voice by this time echoed the room from his shouting Kohaku only shook his head and smiled
"Who else, other then you and me know what her true identity is?" Shippo wonder of his friends' sanity was truly normal and said raising his hands in the air in defeat
"Don't you find it strange to want to take a gypsy to a ball some what out of the ordinary" Shippo sat unable to passé the drawing room no longer.
"That's why, who would ever think to look at a gypsy to be of royal blood" Kohaku smile depend at the sight of his friends defeat
"Miroku is already suspicious… plus I truly feel your dear brother-in-law is in over his head" Kohaku's smile faded at his friends words, he to felt his brother-in-laws distance of the group and he was set to find out why that was.
Naraku had left the tavern without another word surely headed back to the Higurashi but something told him deep inside that he was to remain. The stranger that had conversed with Naraku had remained behind, Myoga hided deeper into the shadows not wanting to make his presents known.
"Bartender" the stranger called out "I shot of whiskey to the stranger in the shadows" Myoga paled feeling uneasy.
"Yes sir" the bartender called with a smile showing that he was familiar with the stranger.
"Join me" Myoga hesitated unsure of himself did as the stranger asked and was still contemplating if he was friend or foe.
"Sit old man, his friend" Myoga nodded to the bartender trusting the man.
"Strange to find you here Myoga and not with the Higurashi's" Myoga was about to answer when the stranger lowered his hood from his tunic "I hope that I wont have to arrest you for interfering in an on doing investigation?"
"Sir Kouga…" Myoga began but was interrupted
"No need for formalities my friend, once someone walks into this tavern titles are no longer important" Myoga couldn't have never in his life believe that a place like this existed, where men where equal. "How long have you been following Naraku?"
"Sense his departure from the Higurashi's…" Myoga stopped not wanting to sell out his young Lord.
"You're a good man… I'm guessing young Higurashi is trying to protect his sister" Kouga had heard news of the Higurashi's lately connected to his good friend Sesshomaru Taisho.
"What am I to tell my Lord?" Myoga finally had the nerve to ask he had no intention to have his young master involve himself in something he had no need to be informed about.
"There is nothing to informed" Kouga stood and tossed a gold coin toward the bartender and smiled "Be warned if your Lord is in any way involved with Naraku… there are dire consequences to be meet" with that said Kouga left the tavern.
As he entered the small crowed room he looked into the eyes of his new fellow companions and saw men that were down on their luck and some who had lost to their inner demons.
"Sit, son" Toutousai nodded towards the only seat now available, he sat and crossed is arms waiting for the presents of the so called leader.
"Hey mister, you new blood" Suikotsu heard from his left and looked towards a boy who looked a few years younger then he, and couldn't help but wonder what troubles the boy had to be involved with a group of bandits.
"I would say the same thing about you" The young boy smiled making him look younger as he did so.
"The names Bankotsu" Suikotsu felt something tug at his heart string something told him to keep the young boy close by at all means.
"Suikotsu" Toutousai tapped at his shoulder and whispered "Watch your on back let the youngster take care of himself" Suikotsu shook his head and sighed
"I would be dead if you hadn't watched mine… I mean do look out for him… his far to green to know what he's getting himself into" Suikotsu looked toward the young boy who looked like had insult a member of the gang.
"You have your hands full as it is" Toutousai tried to reason with him and he had a feeling that he shouldn't make things worst for himself but his mind was made up.
"Sit down" Suikotsu said pushing the young Bankotsu toward the chair he had been using.
"Of all the low…" Bankotsu started to say but was interrupted by Toutousai slapping him up side the head "wait a minute…" he started again
"Take a seat" Toutousai said nodding toward where he was sitting earlier
"I'm a grown…" Bankotsu tried to put in but was again pushed toward the seat now empty
"What's the problem?" Suikotsu asked the group of men, they smiled showing yellow rotten teeth's
"Your boy over yonder… insulted my person" the middle man said nodding towards Bankotsu who was about to jump out of his chair but was stopped by Suikotsu glare
"Is that's so… I find that hard to believe" Suikotsu looked the middle man up and down seeing how this man could walk the road and not be insulted.
"Mukotsu… I think his calling you a… liar" The big guy on the fat middle mans right said looking doubtful.
"I say… Ginkotsu… right…" The other big guy to the fat middle mans left said answering Ginkotsu slow minded question.
"And what do we do to people that call me names" the fat middle man called Mukotsu asked the two dim witted fools, they both looked thoughtful as if that question was a life line in itself "well" Mukotsu shouted
"Oh… we smash" Both men said at the same time hitting there fists on the wall behind them.
"If you only stayed out of it mister you would still be alive…" Mukotsu said smiling as if he had won, Both men reached for Suickots body which was easily dodged hitting each men behind there neck making them fall to the gowned as he turned and landed a punch on the fat mans face knocking him out cold.
"That's unreal" Bankotsu shouted running up to him with wonder in his eyes as if a god stood before him
"When did I tell you to get up off you seat" Suikotsu said pushing Bankotsu back towards the chair he had been setting moment before his out cry.
"Wait a bloody…" Bankotsu began but was hit up side the head and unable to finish his comment
"Look runt when your with me you'll do as I say" Suikotsu said taking his own seat, Toutousai could only watch in amusement the years he had not seen Suikotsu who was like a son to him had grown into a man.
"The name is Bankotsu" Bankotsu said crossing his arms like a small child not getting his way
"To me your runt until I see that you aren't one… so get use to it runt" Suikotsu nodded toward Toutousai
"Of all the dirty…" Again Toutousai slapped Bankotsu upside the head
"I could get use to this" Toutousai said smiling toward Suikotsu who was frowning
"I see these three are of no use" Hakudoushi said nodding toward the three passed out men "Get these good for nothing out of my sight"
"I hate that guy" Bankotsu said looking toward Hakudoushi
"I would that that information hidden" Suikotsu said feeling the same for some odd reason.
"Have you found her" the king to the east shouted at the man he hired walked into the thrown room
"No" the informant kneeled before his king "But I have heard of something that would please you even more" the king to the east laughed bitterly what was better then having his good for nothing daughter begging for mercy "It seems the kings' son…"
"Son…" the king to the east asked fascinated as he sat on his thrown
"It seems the kings son has gone missing" the informant watched as his majesty laughed at the news
"Hmm… no… something is connected and our new allay to the north knows of something he is not sharing… its your job to fine what that is and report back here" the informant bowed and left to do what he was told "My daughter and his son gone missing… very strange… very strange indeed"
"A ball at this time of year" Inu Taisho said looking at the invitation he was holding in his hand.
"Seem to me Lord Akitoki is hoping to rid of his three daughters" Sesshomaru said looking at the map before him ignoring his father's curiosity of the invitation
"Three daughters… poor man… glad I only have Rin to worry about" Inu Taisho said looking over his son's shoulder
"Perhaps the Dark Price is hiding in these hills close to the eastern boarders…" Sesshomaru began ignoring his fathers' statement
"And perhaps he is in the stables as we speak" Inu Taisho stated, Sesshomaru looked at his father and couldn't help but see a little of Inuyasha's lack of patients.
"If he is after the crown then he has knowledge of the lands" Sesshomaru said pointing at the map "Not in the stables or in a ballroom"
"Why not" Inu Taisho said holding up the invitation "Don't you find it odd that a ball is held close to winter… that every high ranking officer, Lord, Duke and Baron will be invited to this one ball"
"I don't see why a father wouldn't want to see their daughters well off" Sesshomaru looked doubtful not understanding why his father was making this ball such a big deal
Inu Taisho started at his son amazed "To my knowledge I know that you were not dropped on your head as a child or fallen off a tree… So what is clouding your judgment about this one ball?" Inu Taisho shouted at his son, Sesshomaru could only stare
"Father… it's just a ball, what would the Dark Price want with a ball?" Inu Taisho look close to slapping his oldest son
"A father would not in danger his daughters… Don't you see it's a trap" Inu Taisho shouted. Sesshomaru finally understood what his father was trying to say, a father would never in danger his daughter no matter how desperate he wanted to marry them off.
"Lord Akitoki is the Dark Price" Jaken shouted for the first time making himself known, making Sesshomaru and Inu Taisho laugh at his ridiculous out burst
"A man with three daughters does not have the time to be plotting for the kings crown he would be far to busy trying to find his daughters suitors" Sesshomaru said rolling up his maps.
"Best get ready, the Akitoki residence is a hard ride a head" Inu Taisho said handing over the invitation to his son "And may the angels smile a upon you my son"
"My dear husband I do not see a reason for your disapproval for us not to attend this ball" Miroku looked towards his lovely wife unable to mask his discomfort.
What was he to say that his life was in danger as well has her own and their unborn child "In your state of health…" Sango shot her husband a hateful stare
"I am pregnant not dying" Miroku smiled and kneeled before his wife
"My dear I only worry about your state of health" 'and my sanity' he wanted to add.
"I feel trapped in my own home I need a new surrounding and this ball is the perfect opportunity" that was what he was afraid of the most.
"I will think about it" Sango looked at her husband who had a far away look on his face, he was hiding something from her and without him knowing it, it had caused her pain knowing that her husband had not confide in her.
"There is nothing to think about… We are going and that is final" Sango did not dare to look at her husband for fear she would not hold her ground.
"Kouga…" Ginta called out "What of the prisoner" Kouga looked towards his fathers' ex-advisor and frowned "Should we report to your father the king"
"His no more my father then your mother" Kouga said bitterly and looked down at the man that had betrayed his kingdom "His a traitor and will be treated as such"
"Then sent him to your father" Ginta stated "It is by law that he…"
"I know the law" Kouga shouted towards his friend "And stop calling that man my father" Ginta looked confused as ever, he never understood the reason why prince Kouga had rejected the crown.
"You can not deny the blood that runs through your very vines" Kouga shook his head as if trying to discard those very words out of his head.
"How can I call that man my father when he is easily able to replace his only son?" Ginta stayed silence unable to answer that question or not having the ability to understand.
"The old man Myoga has left" Hakuku said as he walked towards them "What are our next orders" Kouga sighed and looked to the traitor before him and new what he was to do next
"Ginta and you will take the prisoner to the king for judgment as it is the law" Kouga walked over to his horse and mounted "I will seek out my friend Sesshomaru and see what he has learned"
"Yes Sir" both saluted as they watched there future prince ride away.
"Enter" Kagome called out wiping her tears away and stood to welcome in her friends both looking worried
"You retired early to your room it had us both worried" Kikyou said as she took a spot by her cousins feet Kagura doing the same.
"What is troubling you my friend" Kagura asked Kagome wiped the remainder of her tears away and sat on the floor with her two friends
"I didn't mean to worry you both…" Kagome laughed feeling foolish for crying
"Why the tears" Kikyou asked reaching for her cousins hand
"Oh I feel like a fool… I shouldn't be crying" Kagome stated looking into the fire both girls waited for her to continue "have you ever felt trapped… with no place to go… no where to hide" Kagura and Kikyou only stared for a moment and laughed
"Always" both said answering Kagome's question, Kagome looked at her friends and smiled
"I feel as if a secret is about to be told and change my entire life" Kagura just shook her head as Kikyou could only but stare at her cousin.
"As my father once said" Kagura stood and placed her hands on her hips "You most grab life by the horns"
"Horns… what a foul thing to say" Kikyou said making the other girls stare at her in disbelieve
"It's a matter of speech" Kagura said looking down at Kikyou "It means you most fight for what you want"
"What is it you both want" Kagome asked making both girls before her blush
"Suikotsu"
"Inuyasha"
Kagome shook her head in disbelieve and stood in annoyance "What if I don't want a husband" shocking both girls as she began to passé the room trying to work things out loud "What if…" she looked both of her friend with tears in her eyes "What if I don't know what I want" there she had said it, it was now out there her biggest fear was out there for the world to see
"I don't understand…" Kikyou said looking confused as she stared at her cousin "You speak as if this one question is your down fall" Kagome said nothing for she felt nothing, something deep inside her was falling apart and she had no idea how to put herself back together.
"Forget it… I don't know what I'm saying" Kagome said wiping away her tears of frustration
"Kagome is it that you don't know who you want…. that is giving you grief" Kagura said looking away from her friend and into the fire, she wasn't blind and she was sure that Kikyou had seen it too "Is it that you are fighting a battle your mind is losing to your heart" Kagome paled thinking of what was in her mind and who had sneaked into her heart.
"No… of course not" Kagome said and ignored both her friends knowing smile
"Or is it that your heart has already chosen and your mind does not expect it" Kikyou continued ignoring her cousins glare "I don't understand why you of all people would try to control this feeling… you who reads of love and romance… you who has made a point to stand out and do whatever she pleases"
"I get the point" Kagome said crossing her arms in annoyance
"No I don't' think you do" Kikyou said standing as she began to search for the book Kagome had hidden before they had walked in "You read of love and yet you do not believe in love" Kagome looked at the book she had been reading
"You act as if I'm a character in a story" Kagome shook her head in disbelieve "Well as if you haven't notice… this is real life not some type of fantasy"
"I'm sorry to interrupt… my dear sister grandfather wishes to speak with you" Everyone turned to look at Souta standing at the open doorway looking as if he was ready to run and said "I did knock"
"Grandfather"
To Be Continue!
A/N: Yes another chapter and sooner then I thought it would be updated, getting good! I'm half way to 100 reviews which is nice to see (hugs all the reviews she had gotten so far) and a few new people reading the story I see to, glad that you guys are liking it so far means a lot to me that you take the time to read my story (cheers) so please tell me what you think and like always much love guys! (bows) and yes this chapter has also been revised and edited, and yes I'm a shamed that I have found so many mistakes (cries in a corner)
P.S: I would like to give thanks to all those who reviewed this chapter. You guys kept me going! Thank you.