Disclaimer: I would just like to say that I do not own ANY of the Inuyasha characters however any of those who are not in the anime are mine as well as the plot. It is mine!
Sword Dancer
The declaration of her heart was strong but it seemed that Love had other plans as it gently touched the hardened heart of a cold Lord, planting the first seed of curiosity.
Kegan watched quietly as the young girl in front of her practiced for the grand performance. She had returned to the caravan with a worried but relieved Magus.
Not long after she had been informed by King Duma himself that the Lord Naraku had requested their presence at his banquet in three days time on the border between the two lands.
He had also requested that a special dance be done in honor of the Western People and their own warriors. The King had asked that the Mage do something personally to show their allegiance. Of course she had had no choice but to agree. She was needed for morale as well as protection. The people trusted her and she would not let them down.
Her eyes refocused on the girl as she danced rhythmically to the sensual beat, moving her hips and body so connected, Kegan almost didn't know where one part began and the other ended.
Standing she moved between the tents like a ghost, watching as people laughed and enjoyed each other's company. Her heart seemed heavy as she thought of this and the jealousy began to creep in.
She remembered doing such things with her own family, being happy once. Yet now there was a hole that couldn't be filled. The pain was easy to hide but sometimes she knew it leaked out to where others couldn't very well see but feel it.
With a small smile she walked toward the back of the camp where she knew an empty hot-spring lay.
She let her senses flow through her as she pulled the trees around the spring to hide from prying eyes. Carefully she slipped from the long cloak, revealing a long red-velvet dress that sat daintily on her shoulders and went all the way down to the start of her fingers.
The bodice tied tightly around her and was lined in pretty, gold, vine-like threading that ended at a point at her waist then flowed outward, covering over black high heeled traveling boots.
Her long blonde hair was bulled back out of her face with two braids made of her bangs which were tied tightly behind her head but leaving the rest to fall behind and under the two.
She folded the cloak and slipped from the dress and underclothes, folding them as well before sliding into the scalding water.
It took her a moment to get used to it but the continuous flexing of her power made it tolerable as she used gently strokes to clear her long legs of prickles, making them smooth to the touch. From all her training she had been taught to keep herself immaculately clean and well cared for as well as being introduced to shaving her legs which never really took long since she used gently waves of fire to do that. The first couple of times she had burnt herself but once she got the hang of it she rarely had to do it considering the hair took at least two weeks before even showing a sign of stubble.
After unbraiding her hair she washed herself and her hair giving time to relax as the water soothed her muscles.
She had been there about an hour when she heard the quiet snap of a branch coming from somewhere close. Calmly she rose out of the water as if she hadn't heard and put her clothes back on quicker than normal but as ordinary as possible. When she was clothed she picked up her clock and pulled it over her, making sure to grab the dagger she always hid beneath it and kept it in place as she willed the trees back to their former positions.
This time she spun when she heard the noise, throwing the dagger with deadly precision that only if a person was trained would they be able to dodge. Luckily her assailant was as he plucked the weapon out of the air with an arrogant smirk as she huffed at him.
"I could have killed you Magus."She chided as he walked forward and handed it back.
"But you didn't. I know you, Kegan. Like the back of my hand." She laughed softly as he took her hand.
"I worry about you, Keeg. You just seem so…." She cut him off.
"I'm fine. Just busy thinking up plans, you know?" He gave her a half hearted smile.
"Yeah well…that doesn't stop me from worrying. I know you Kegan and I can tell when you're hurting or not and you are definitely upset." She stared at him, her hands resting on her hood just as she began to pull it up.
"It's not hard to figure out and besides it's my job."
Kegan shook her head with a sigh. Magus however was not going to give up. His free hand found hers and he drew careful circles along her palm.
"Kegan. Tell me what's wrong." He ordered gently making her stiffen then relax into him as he pulled her into a hug.
To most, it would seem as if they were mates but the two knew better. Their relationship was paltonic and nothing more. They were just very close friends, siblings even.
"I just…What if they don't believe us? What if this doesn't work?" She whispered as he rested his chin on her head.
"We can only hope Kegan. We can't see the future." She gave him a wry chuckle.
"It'd be pretty useful right about now though." He smirked as she pulled back and brought her hood back up. Magus smiled and took her side.
Even though she had admitted her worries about the plan he knew there was a hidden 'What if…' about a certain Prince. She deserved to be happy and he would not let anything spoil that.
As they walked back to camp they discussed the oncoming performance measures in detail, making sure that both knew where the other would be at any interval in time.
They had already revealed this scheme to Duma and the King was happy to help. So far, they anticipated decivence in the promise Naraku had given to the others and as such they had prepared a place for everyone to meet back incase they were split up.
The pair walked through the busy camp and into the Head Gypsy's tent and he looked up with a chesire grin.
"My dear friends. What a pleasant surprise." He sat back on one of the purple pillows strewn about the room and invited them to join.
Kegan nodded to him and took off her cloak making him stare for a moment then give pleasant smile.
"Forgive me, Lady Mage. I am still unused to seeing you, unmasked." She smiled and nodded.
"It's alright, Duma. However it is not a pleasure visit so to speak. This is business." He nodded and stood up with the agility of a cat and closed the open flaps of his large tent quickly as Kegan willed the candles to come to life.
As soon as Duma reseated himself he looked slightly grim.
"We have set up the safe house as you suggested but there were a few complications." Magus reclined with a raised eyebrow.
"Complications?" Duma nodded as he pulled a box around in front of him and began to take a few things out as he spoke.
"It seems we've been watched as of late by a few of the Dark one's men. They've come in and out of the camp the last few days which halted construction and with the celebration only a sunrise away…" He trailed off with a look toward Kegan who nodded in understanding.
"It will be taken care of. Now what are these?" She asked as he put one package in each of their laps.
"Your costumes." Kegan gave a smile and ignored Magus's dark look. He didn't like this idea at all but it would cause the least suspicion.
Kegan opened hers first and was surprised at the pieces. The top was made of a thin muslim material that was a shade of light green. On the bottom were golden sequins which caught the light when it was moved. The top was not much but a strap that went over her chest and around the back revealing her neck and shoulders as well as her toned stomach. It would fit tightly she knew leaving barely anything to the imagination.
The bodice was the same green material except it covered all of her legs but was contradicted by the long slashes that went from top to bottom in the middle of her legs. The front was a long thin strip of green that only covered from the 'v' in her pelvis to the ground. The back did much of the same but I covered her entire bottom thankfully and it seemed Duma had even had tan under garments installed so she wouldn't be inclined to a breeze when she moved.
The two sections were connected by the string of little gold coins that were sewn all the way around her waist and made tinkling noises when she moved. Included were a large amount of gold bangles meant for her wrists and one foot.
She looked up at him with a raised eyebrow but was distracted when she saw Magus's pale face as he held up a piece of his costume. She had to stifle a laugh as he looked at the cloth like it was the enemy.
She knew that Duma could never resist a joke and she rolled her eyes and snatched the piece away and threw it at the laughing King. This caused him to laugh even harder. Both waited until he calmed and had to wipe tears from his eyes.
"Truly I am sorry my friend but I couldn't resist. Rest assured, you will be wearing your own clothing." Magus's shoulders sagged visibly in relief as Duma drew one more thing from his robes.
"I thought perhaps this might help as well." He handed Kegan a delicate looking choker with a small, black leather chain. In the middle of it, lay a little silver crescent moon and an even smaller gold star; the signs of the East and West.
She took it and smiled softly as she hooked it around her neck.
"It's perfect." She agreed and stood, bowing.
"Thank you Duma." The King gave a contented smile.
"Anything to help. Now hurry along and get the safe house finished. There will be no time for it tomorrow." She smiled and pulled her hood up as Magus joined her, taking her costume and stowing it away.
When they had left the tent, Kegan lead the way back into the darkening forest. Magus was beside her as they became like shadows and traveled towards the destined safe house.
The moon was high in the sky when they arrived, which only made it harder to get the job done. Both materialized in the dark cave and Kegan gave a soft sigh of annoyance. Magus looked at her curiously.
Her green eyes met his as she lifted her arms and began to dig into the earth and push away the earth widening and deepening the cavern.
"I'm going to have to take another bath after this." She growled making him chuckle. She ignored him and focused, pushing the hard dirt out and away easily though it was slowly draining her.
They worked until the cave was large enough to house several hundred people and animals, and made with many halls and turns, then packed the roof, making sure it wouldn't cave in. Kegan made it to where ate the very back of the cave was a hidden exit in case someone attacked from the front they could escape unnoticed.
Magus smiled as she looked at him exhausted. Both were covered in dirt, needing long soaks. She shook her head making pieces of dirt fly everywhere. She huffed and took his offered hand as she let him lead back this time; too tired to do much else.
Just as they slipped back into camp the sun made its way over the horizon. Magus was now carrying Kegan in his arms, carefully concealed beneath the cloak as they headed back into their borrowed tent. He deposited her in her bed then dropped onto his, asleep before he hit his pillow.
Both would need all the rest they could get for tonight would be their greatest challenge yet.
Sesshomaru growled as he walked slightly ahead of the group. Each had been exchanged to a Western kimono which was the most formal. They had been allowed to keep their weapons on but they'd had to leave the other more dangerous aspects behind.
Upon that request Sesshomaru had sent Ah-Un back with the children and Jakken. Mizu had already left them along with the wolf to go and make sure the armies would be ready for any trick. When they left, Mizu had opted to take some of the horses back but left two on Jericho's request.
Each of them were dressed eloquently but ready for battle with hidden weapons. The men wore much the same but the women both were swathed in pink and purple kimonos and had fixed their hair with sharpened chop-sticks and combs, impressing even Sesshomaru.
The others that had been told to stay put were the four assassins including, Val, Lee, Ryo, and, Jericho. Of course the black inu had protested but had had no choice in the matter since his eldest brother agreed as well.
This left the regular inu-tachi, Sesshomaru, and Seiko, who were now standing inside the over crowded courtyard, filled with various lords and ladies who obviously were only here for the party.
Sesshomaru scoffed as one of the lower ladies batted her lashes at him. Not only was she human but she smelled of many. Beside him, Inuyasha kept a firm hold on Kagome and the monk did the same with the tajiya. It seemed Seiko and himself were the only two who were without female accompaniment because they were the victims of the most passes.
The crowd parted for them as Sesshomaru spotted their enemy waiting to receive them. Naraku bowed lowly.
"My lords and ladies. How pleasant to see you." He purred, his red gaze drifting over Kagome at which Inuyasha snarled angrily. The spider only smiled politely and motioned to the doors which swept open suddenly.
"It seems the party is about to start, ne?" Naraku quickly took the lead and led the group to the end table which stood slightly taller than the others, taking the head seat for himself. Sesshomaru nodded to Seiko as their group split. Sesshomaru took Naraku's right followed by the miko and his brother, as Seiko took the left only one chair away as Naraku's Lady joined them.
She was recognized immediately as Kagura but she held no ill aura toward them at this time so the group relaxed but only slightly as the rest of the occupants settled.
Just as the room quieted slightly a tall man in royal purple and bright pink clothes stood joyously in the center and bowed to them all.
"My Generous Lords and Ladies!! What an honor to have you all with us this night!!" He bellowed and swept out his lavishly decorated hand.
"I am Duma, King of the Gypsies. Tonight we have a special show for you, filled with excitement!!" He jumped and rolled toward the left and landed on the empty table making some of the ladies squeal. He turned and faced the others and hopped down like a cat and stalked to the other side of the room.
"And mystery." He whispered as with a puff of smoke a pair of dove flew from his hands. Again he turned and appeared atop Naraku's chair like he had been there the entire time.
His voice was low and seductive.
"And we must not forget the enchanting beauty, eh? So, Ladies and Demon's enjoy the night and perhaps a certain someone will catch your eye?" He clapped his hands then flipped from the chair and disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke.
Taking his place the people were amazed as dazzling women danced out holding trays and trays of food and wearing barely anything at all.
They moved around gracefully and served each person with seductive smiles and flimsy laughs. The patrons only had time to watch for a moment when the center was awash with activity as men in different colors did acrobatics and magic tricks with ease.
Just above in the balconies a dark figure stood watching a certain figure carefully as she spun around and flirted easily. Her long blond hair shined in the light as she moved like a nymph among the people, careful to keep her scent hidden as she did.
It seemed she was extremely popular among the Lords but she was careful to avoid the larger table at the end.
His blue eyes switched from her to said table and watched as the Western Lord stayed stiff in his seat when the spider demon spoke to him. The Eastern Lord was much the same and it seemed that the humans of the group were constantly alert, gauging reactions and the atmosphere.
His hand tightened on the sword at his waist. There could be no mistakes.
Duma appeared again as his Ladies danced away with the third course and began to bring out dessert.
"It seems my friends that I have forgotten to mention that we have an on-going bet. You see, two of our Ladies have been most coveted by many of you, therefore we would like to propose a wager. Whomever can capture these two ravishing Ladies hearts may take one request from them."
The men erupted in cheers as Duma motioned for the two contestants. One was clothed in green and the other in blue.
"My Ladies. It is your choice as to whom you choose." Both smiled daintily. Kegan raised her eyebrow at Duma and he winked and pulled away from them.
"Do be careful with their hearts, dears." The woman in blue giggled and grabbed Kegan's hand, pulling her close.
"You must choose carefully, for it is you they will want." Kegan pulled slightly back but the girl had moved away too quickly and was now dancing in front of a line of hooting men.
This action left Kegan standing in the middle of the floor. Realizing her vulnerability she swept away from it and gracefully moved along the rows of drooling men, swaying her hips seductively. Every time one got close enough she pulled away with a laugh and moved on unaware of two sets of contemplating eyes on her form.
As she made her way around the room Kegan occasionally looked up to catch the eye of her partner, taking comfort in his presence. Her feet tingled as she moved toward the table she had avoided all night. Now was where it got tricky. She had to keep her face away from them as well as hide her scent at the same time.
Sesshomaru's eyes stayed on the woman the entire time she circled the room. There was something oddly familiar about her but for some odd reason he couldn't place her scent and she never stayed still long enough to see her face. He could tell Inuyasha was having the same issue.
He couldn't place it but something was off. Beside him he could feel Naraku doing the same. His red eyes flashed in lust as they trailed up and down the toned form. Her blond hair cascaded down her back in ringlets and her tan skin glimmered in the glowing lights.
Kegan smiled flirtatiously as she stepped over and around obstacles keeping her distance from overzealous men.
In moments she stood with her back to the main guests dancing across the front and moving languidly.
She could smell the curiosity and want that was spread evenly among the lords and smirked. Little did they know.
Sesshomaru's eyes glittered as the enchanting woman drew closer. His attention was solely on her as she shimmied and shook just between Naraku and himself.
In one fluid movement she had flipped onto their table and was now avoiding obstacles by twisting and turning gracefully on the edges. Her trek took her to the end of the table where Miroku sat then back the other way to Inuyasha, each time she passed, Sesshomaru let his senses flow and attempt to capture her.
Kegan felt his aura shift every few minutes and knew what he was doing. As an Inu-Tai, Sesshomaru relied heavily on his senses and the fact that they were not getting anything on her bothered him. In this knowledge she smirked and moved slightly closer.
Her waist moved like water as she danced to the music forgetting herself as she spun and twisted like she was part of it. But sadly that was her downfall.
Just as she had relaxed, Kegan heard a shrill scream and lost her concentration which led to her balance failing.
She was suddenly falling through the air as her green eyes caught sight of one of the Gypsies fighting off a black and red clad soldier.
Her first thought was to help but her second was filled with honey gold.
Sesshomaru hadn't thought when he reacted as he watched her fall. He shot up and she fell easily into his outstretched arms, her own coming tightly around his neck.
He was lost for a second until green clashed with gold, her scent filled his nose as did recognition.
His beast rumbled with approval as she stared at him with surprise and slight amusement. She raised her eyebrow, running a hand through his loose hair which for some reason he had no objection too.
The room was suddenly still as she inclined her head in submission. Gold eyes smirked in triumph when he suddenly saw the pendant around her neck. She smirked and nodded discreetly then was suddenly loose from his hold and in the middle of the room wielding a wicked looking sword as Magus swung into join her.
The six stared at her as she bowed lowly and spun to deflect an attack. All were mesmerized as she moved like she and the sword were one. It was a deadly dance, yet incredibly beautiful.
In that moment the others finally took action. All except one. Inuyasha's gaze stayed on the mysterious woman as one word came to his mind. It escaped his lips quietly but he knew she heard it when she stiffened but continued to move.
The hanyou growled. He didn't like being in the dark and it seemed that his brother, who was moving closer and closer to the temptress, didn't either.
Kagome shot off her arrows in quick succession as the battle raged on. She was in the circle by herself and she would soon need help. Just as she thought it the dragon from the other day jumped in and took down five at a time.
He gave her a flashy smile.
"My Lady. If you would, come with me?" He knelt and without thinking Kagome hopped onto his back and was amazed when she found herself high in the air with a nice view of the battle below.
She noticed suddenly the steady decrease of Gypsy people. This concerned her, as the dragon took her toward the castle doors and flew threw, dodging an enraged Inuyasha who sprinted after them.
"Kagome!!" He hollered on their tail.
Sango grabbed Miroku and pulled him up onto the fire cat as they followed after their friends.
"Take the left, Monk." She ordered as she drew a hidden sword and began slicing and hacking at the coming demons while Miroku unleashed his Wind Tunnel.
Below them he saw the two Leaders fighting side by side when suddenly a large beam fell from the ceiling.
Sesshomaru dodged then looked up as smoke engulfed them. He snarled at the little imps setting fire to the building. His claws glowed green and they were gone in a matter of seconds then he turned his attention back on the green clad woman.
He was surprised to find she was no longer there; before he could investigate further Seiko intercepted him.
"Sesshomaru! Let's go!! We must retreat while we still can!" The white haired man nodded and cast a fleeting look around the demolishing room and catching no sight of Naraku or the girl, he followed his ally quickly on the fading scent of his brother.
Kegan sprinted across the dark ground toward the hide-out. She was needed there as Duma had told her they'd had a cave in.
Magus she knew would be leading the others there. As she ran she focused her energy on the cave in which she could sense from where she was. Ahead she could hear the people moving as well as see the bright torches.
This made her move faster as she knew she had no time. The sword in her hand vibrated power as she swiped it through the air, pushing power into the large cavern and solidifying the walls so there would be no more.
She nearly missed the familiar scents of her team but didn't stop to talk. She had to move quickly.
Jericho directed the people into the cavern beside Val who was hauling belongings and other valuables in. He cursed when he'd been told of the ambush. The damn idiot should have taken them with them!!
Somewhere inside he knew Ryo and Lee were organizing others as the dragon and the toad made torches and fires for the incoming people.
Suddenly his spine tingled as he felt a rush of power and he looked around for it and almost lost it if it were not for the people bowing in respect for a fast moving figure.
Just as she moved past him her scent hit his nose and nothing else mattered. His post was abandoned as he chased after her.
Magus panted as he exerted his speed. He was fast but not as fast as the inu's. They would be on him in seconds if he didn't hurry.
With one last burst of speed he careened into the cavern amongst the last dwindling people. He knew his pursuers would be the last as the front runners closed the large boulders over the entry way.
The little priestess slid from his back as he tried to catch his breath but he wasn't given the time. Suddenly he found himself in a death grip of one angry hanyou. His eyes were bleeding red and his snarls made the people back away in fear, giving a wide berth.
Magus clawed at his hand but it was no use as Inuyasha was far too strong.
"Kill…" the enraged hanyou hissed as his comrades joined him. Kagome was pleading beside him.
"Inuyasha!! Stop!! He was…" She was cut off suddenly as a figure shrouded in green appeared and ripped the blue dragon from Inuyasha's grip and sent the hanyou flying against one wall.
Kegan hissed as she pushed another load of dirt back, keeping it in place then moving another to open the next tunnel. At this rate she would never be able to…She turned suddenly when she felt a jolt of pain go through her but she wasn't hurt.
Her eyes widened as she realized what it was. She grabbed up her cloak and pulled it around her as she ran.
She had avoided Jericho easily last time but it wouldn't be so easy this time as he would be with the others.
From the where she stood she could see a red clad figure holding Magus high into the air. Said person was slowly losing consciousness as well as blood and she knew she had to act.
Without thinking she moved through the crowd and attacked. A snarl ripped through her throat as she wrenched Magus free then shoved Inuyasha so hard he hit the far wall with a thud and slid to the ground.
She ignored the quiet around her as she ran to Magus's side. Blood was pooling from his neck making the urgency much more important. Her hand shook slightly as she willed the blood to stop and the skin to heal. It took a moment but finally his blue eyes flew open as he stared at her in horror.
"Kegan…" He hissed and pushed her hands away as she tried not to faint; that kind of magic was not supposed to be used unless in dire situation. Her green eyes showed her happiness as she fell against him.
"Magus…" She whispered. His arms wrapped tightly around her as he looked up to face furious eyes.
"Dragon…" Sesshomaru rumbled angrily but a whimper from the woman interrupted him. Her energy sources had depleted so much that she was reduced to speaking in the inu tongue.
"Sesshomaru." She whimpered, her green eyes focusing on him tiredly. His eyes widened as she inclined her head in a bow.
"The Lady Mage…at your service."