With the exception of the plot and the original characters that are depicted in the story, the author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended on the franchise of Inuyasha and Ouke no Monshou that rightfully belong to its owners Rumiko Takahashi and Chieko Hosokawa.
It took a little bit of time, but Cyrus559 and I were able to write another chapter for this series! We sincerely hope the readers will enjoy it as much as we had composing the next segment in Kagome's adventures :) So without any further ado, let the show begin!
The banquet arrived before Kagome could blink an eye, and it was then that she truly understood why the clergy allowed her to have the day off: servants were running left and right around the palace, scrambling to make sure everything was perfect for the evening. Fortunately it was not scheduled to begin until later in the afternoon, giving the new priestess more than enough time to practice a few dramatic effects for the story she had planned to share at the Pharaoh's request. But to be part of the entertainment troupe or feast next to the young king and his guests, she did not know.
Still, it wouldn't to dress up a little more given to the circumstances, would it? Especially since the hall would be flooded by people who regarded their status and wealth as highly as the gods they worshipped. Furthermore, they had to leave a good impression on their visitors. Kagome had already decided to wear linen and jewelry she received as a gift from Memphis but had not worn them yet.
When the sun began to lower itself over the horizon ever so slightly, the priestess quickly changed into the gown and clipped on her accessories. The garment was long, emphasizing the slopes of her modest frame. Inky, beaded tresses fell loose with an amulet shaped like a lion's head coiled around her neck. It was a gift from the war goddess herself, one that Sekhmet insisted that her oracle should wear even when she was confined inside the temple. To show just who Ankhesenamun represented, and supposedly to dispel any other gods from claiming the holy woman as their own priestess.
Upon slipping on her jeweled sandals, a knock came from the other side of her chambers. With a soft and curious voice Kagome granted the visitor permission to enter, revealing a shaved scholar dressed in humble robes. A young man who had recently been admitted into the clergy, if she recalled.
"I beg forgiveness for interrupting you Ankhesenamun, but a palace guard is ready to escort to His Royal Highness!" The time traveler smiled politely and thanked him for bringing the news, slipping out of her quarters to follow the flustered priest. Perhaps he is still shy around others? Yes, that could be it.
Several minutes later at the very bottom of the temple staircase, she was greeted by a glaring man dressed in ceremonial attire, loudly announcing what she already knew. Such an action made Kagome's left eye twitch in slight irritation but covered it with another smile, though it was little more forced.
"Ah, yes. Please lead the way, good sir."
The guard performed the role he had been given, guiding the priestess passed the monastery to the main gate of the palace through the great hypostyle hall with many towering columns till they arrived at the audience chamber where Memphis stood on his throne, preening in delight and ornaments fit for a god. Minue allowed the man to leave, nodding stiffly at Kagome. She gladly returned the favor.
The young ruler, oblivious to his general's sour behavior, greeted his new priestess with a beaming smile. "Ankhesenamun, it's a delight that you have finally crawled out of your temple and be amongst the royal court!" His obsidian eyes ran up and down, inspecting her chosen attire. "You look lovely in those clothes and jewelry. Why do you not dress in such a manner more often? It would please the gods and the people that you take pride in your heritage!"
Deciding to ignore his callous remark about being a recluse for the last few weeks and that she was most certainly not an Egyptian, Kagome carefully answered his question. He did not need to know she was purposely avoiding his attention by dressing plainly.
"Forgive me Your Majesty, but seeing as you have bestowing upon such a generous gift to someone like myself, I couldn't bear to see it damaged, so I opted to wear this evening." There. The standard answer every woman must have told their male counterparts since clothes were created thousands of years ago. Hopefully, it will suffice Memphis' inquisition. "If I may inquire Your Majesty, what are my duties for this evening? Amuse the guests with the entertainers you have hired from the capital?"
Memphis smiled slyly. "You will come sit and dine with us at the tables, of course! The others will come and go when we eat, though I believe a story being told during the final course of the banquet will be a sufficient way to end the evening! Have you decided on a tale for our guests, Ankhesenamun?"
"One which tells about a young woman who secretly takes her father's place in the army," the time traveler answered, coyly placing a finger to her lips and continued before Memphis could inquire any further, "That's all Your Majesty is allowed to know for now. You and the guests will know more during the banquet!"
Memphis' smirk fell a bit as he huffed childishly. "Very well. Follow me. There's still time before the feast begins. I'll show you where you will be sitting!" The raven-haired male stood up from his throne and gestured a ringed hand towards Ankhesenamun to follow him. She obeyed his command with General Minue right behind them, walking from the audience chamber to the banquet hall.
The table itself was empty, yet there were several dignitaries and nobles having a deep conversation. At least until a guard announced the arrival of their king. The richly-clad guests immediately stiffened and turned around to bow before the Pharaoh without making direct eye contact. Memphis raised a brow. "Rise."
His single command relieved the hall of its tension and allowed his fellow men to stand once more, though this time their exchanged words were muttered. Kagome recognized High Priest Gupta and Imhotep amongst them, and felt some relief knowing they would be here this evening.
"The Hittite ambassadors will be arriving shortly with their princess from the capital," Memphis' voice brought the time traveler out of her reverie. "And they have the audacity to assume that I will marry her when I haven't even met the woman! How arrogant can they be?!"
The timbre of his voice was a clear indication that the young man was less than pleased with the attempted marriage arrangement. If this rumor had reached Isis, goodness knows what that woman will do at the banquet or even the kingdom's guest of honor. Jealousy is a dangerous green-eyed monster and the high priestess seemed to be the absolute representative of it in more ways than one.
Kagome opened her mouth to speak when a royal messenger announced the arrival of the anticipated, highborn guests. Memphis hurried to his rightful place at the head of the table, where a small gold throne stood so as to show his elevated status within the court. Bluebell orbs saw Imhotep gesturing to her, allowing the time traveler to scurrying to the Prime Minister's side just when the Hittite ambassadors arrived. And for some reason, Isis had slipped by her brother's side without anyone else noticing except Kagome.
Everyone's undivided attention fell upon the honored foreigners as they were guided into the hall by an Egyptian slave. Each of the nine, male ambassadors brandished the royal crest of the Anatolia empire upon their robes. The tenth member stood in the middle of this entourage. A young woman dressed in finery with a wide-eyed, innocent face framed by a veil of luscious, silver blonde hair. The large group then bowed deep in front of Memphis who also had opened his eyes to lay upon this remarkable beauty. Then they were presented; diplomats from Anatolia, and the king's only daughter, Princess Mitamun.
She was beautiful, though Kagome is certain no one will dare mention in the presence of Isis.
Once introductions were exchanged in accordance to custom and etiquette, the high-born guests sat down. Then all of a sudden, the time traveler's attention was drawn to the hall's entrance again. A dozen servants who journeyed with the Anatolia princess were lined up near the wall, and one in particular made the foreigner narrow her gaze. His clothing copied the others and his general appearance was plain, so on the surface he did not seem threatening.
But Kagome's ability to sense the supernatural had begun to ring alarm bells in her mind. This...slave possessed the identical, intimidating vibe of otherworldly magic whenever Sekhmet was nearby. Better keep an eye on him, she thought, taking a small sip from her goblet, but that still doesn't answer why would a god partake in the festivities of humans.
The Prime Minister and the new priestess chatted amiably with each other as well as Gupta through a quarter of the evening till a finely dressed slave announced the arrival of female wrestlers from the capital, who had come to show their fierce countenance and combative skills. The aforementioned Egyptians were lovely to look at, their slim frames draped in linen and sun-kissed skin coated in oil so it would make it difficult for their opponent to grapple them. However, there was one who certainly did not belong with them. And the time traveler seemed to be the only person who noticed it.
The raven-haired woman could not help but feel a tiny bit of excitement. It wasn't often that she got to be a witness in an important political event within ancient Egypt's history, much less see a culture and people who had ceased to exist before the dawn of the modern era. At least until the servants began to pass around wine and the guests proceeded to become intoxicated including the Pharaoh. That was when this once-in-a-lifetime experience started to lose its luster, though thankfully Imhotep decided not to partake in so much alcohol as his fellow members of the royal court.
The Prime Minister and the new priestess chatted amiably with each other as well as Gupta through a quarter of the evening till a finely dressed slave announced the arrival of female wrestlers from the capital, who had come to show their fierce countenance and combative skills. The aforementioned Egyptians were lovely to look at, their slim frames draped in linen and sun-kissed skin coated in oil so it would make it difficult for their opponent to grapple them. Yet there was one who certainly did not belong with them. And the time traveler seemed to be the only person who noticed it.
"Sekhmet!" Kagome groaned silent while slapping a ringed hand against her ember-red face in disbelief and embarrassment. Why was she here, disguised as a human entertainer for a king she clearly despised?
Each of the women, including Sekhmet who is believed to be the tallest member, bowed to their esteemed patrons as their troupe leader introduced them. Two servants then quickly laid out a ruby-red carpet on the stone floor before the first match had been decided. With a loud cry, the barefooted and oiled warriors began to grapple each other. Including an excessive amount of wine consumed but everyone, including the Pharaoh himself, were enjoying this spectacle a little too much.
As each competitor slammed her opponent onto the carpet, the room exploded into applause and laughter. The cacophony of such jubilance grew louder when Memphis got the brilliant idea to serve the wrestlers wine so they wouldn't tire themselves out. As the victor continued to advance in the small tournament, she became even more intoxicated. No mortal could hope to outrank Sekhmet in terms of strength, and her priestess could only watch in horror as the disguised deity mercilessly slammed the final competitor against the floor. She also felt embarrassment and irritation; such feelings were shared with Imhotep and the Anatolian princess, who was trying to hide herself by Memphis' side.
"Wine for the woman who won!" Memphis slurred. Sekhmet just giggled and grabbed a pitcher from a petrified servant, chugging down the entire container without any regard to her surroundings. Once she finished, a toothy grin stretched crimson lips.
"Wine for the victor!" Sekhmet growled in delight. That was when Kagome began to pray in the back of her mind that the Egyptian deities had a higher alcohol tolerance than the ones back in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The other wrestlers, who had their fair share of wine, were also acting like fools. A guard tried to discreetly escort them out only to have his words being bluntly ignored. When he turned his attention to Sekhmet, however, he was lifted from the ground and flung across the room, colliding with the stiffened Hittite servants. Memphis seemed amused at witnessing such a feat, oblivious just how much strength was required to accomplish it.
"More wine!" He hiccuped, embarrassing the guests who were not completely drunk. Sekhmet giggled and raised the hand which still held the pitcher, looking across the room to make eye contact with the strange and silent man who made her priestess' skin crawl.
"By th' way, honored guest, you forgot somethin'," Sekhmet grinned. "Here, have a taste!" Before Kagome could stop her benefactor, the goddess threw the pitcher. It flew at an astonishing speed, splashing the leftover liquor onto his clothes.
The hall soon became deaf with applause, laughing, and hiccuping. But Kagome could see Sekhmet was satisfied with what she had done, and could not understand why. At least, until the man darted across the room to punch the warrior. Sekhmet was somehow able to dodge it in her inebriated state of mind. It seemed that he was struggling to keep his dignity under wraps, including his...powers.
After all, a normal human would not have blue streaks of lighting bouncing from their body, much less golden-colored orbs.
Sekhmet smirked naughtily at the trembling male. "What's up with you? Can't a simple man hold his liquor, the guts to fight a woman? Has your eyesight gotten worse since we last saw each other? Or maybe….maybe you're afraid of losing to someone who is superior to you in every way, isn't that right?!"
The drunk feline last few words caused whatever self-control this...godhad to snap and grab Sekhmet by the throat, throwing her stumbling body into the wall with a loud 'crack'. Once the dust clouds subsided, more blows and insults were exchanged.
This was nothow things were supposed to go. And Kagome had to put an end to this now. Inhaling a deep breath to steady her nerves, she stood up from the table and marched towards the fighters, ignoring Imhotep's cries to get away and the unwanted attention she was no doubt receiving from her….boldness.
Stealing a glance, Ankhesenamun saw Isis watching everything with a dignified serenity that would be expected of a king. Too bad her brother was exhibiting none of that right now.
The time traveler narrowly dodged a table that was thrown right over her head just when she addressed the fighting deities, in a loud, authoritative voice which immediately silenced the banquet hall. "Enough!"
Sekhmet and her opponent immediately came to halt, mere inches from punching each other in the ace. The goddess' eyes were bloodshot red, whereas the male's gaze glowed an electrical blue shade. Kagome huffed, crossing her arms as she stared them with a glare that resembled a miffed mother scolding their children.
"If you want to continue your fight, then take it elsewhere! This room isn't built for such a display and people could get hurt due to your recklessness! I do not know the history that has transpired between the two of you, but don't involve anyone else!" Kagome then turned to Memphis, who had been taken by surprise just as much as the rest of his honored guests, "The victor of the wrestling match has been crowned Your Majesty, and I strongly suggest that the banquet must continue with dessert, preferably with bones and furniture still intact. Do not fear, there is more entertainment to come before we fall asleep from the Pharaoh's wonderful wine and food."
Fortunately, the deities had enough sense in midst their bloodlust to put their conflict to the side upon realizing their disguises were sleeping,and retreated to their respective 'roles'. Sekhmet was escorted out alongside the other wrestlers, and her opponent was dismissed by the princess' council. At least not till they gave each other one final, nasty glare at each other.
Soon, Memphis spoke. "Ankhesenamun is right, let the party continue. However, my adorable priestess here," the raven-haired male said and gestured towards Kagome who froze in disbelief at his words, "My favorite story-teller, will tell us one of her fantastic tale while we finish eating." He said slowly and sat down on his golden throne again, draining another goblet of wine.
Although she appeared to have calmed down after screaming at the top of her lungs upon beginning the tale, her anger increased tenfold at the Pharaoh...no, this child's indirect insult. She may be part of his royal court as a priestess, but in no shape or form did she belong to him. Higurashi Kagome, time traveler, student, and warrior, belonged to herself, and that was final.
A banquet that introduces more characters onto the stage, followed by entertainment and a drunken brawl between deities who seem to hate each others' guts. It looks like things aren't going to get any easier for Kagome from here on out. Or...will they? Decisions, decisions :)
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