Guardian Ang...err...Youkai?!
Co-written by Angel and Glitter Dust
Disclaimer: We do not own Inuyasha or the cast from both the manga and anime. We do own our own characters and as such you'll know them when you see them.
She was a normal girl with a normal life. Then the oddest "accidents" started to happen and she didn't seem so normal anymore. On top of that five mysterious men come into her life, demanding she choose one to marry, and claiming to be able to protect her. All she wanted was to be normal, how much more of this madness can she stand?
Chapter 21- Blood Stone Ball
Mrs. Higurashi was quite surprised at the length of elegance that the ladies of the lands took to get the palace ready for the ball. She looked at the various rooms that would be used in awe; she had never seen anything quite so beautiful. Plus, the gowns the seamstresses were making for them all made modern clothes pale in comparison. She loved Kagome's kimono for it all as she tried it on for the thousandth time to make sure there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. As a court of Inuyasha, they put a lot of his family's colors into it to mark her as his. As the Higurashi clan didn't really have colors, she allowed the girl to pick her own out to help add to the kimono.
"Mama," Kagome said as the two sat and relaxed with some tea one afternoon, "are you alright?"
"Yes, dear, why do you ask?" she asked her daughter surprised. Kagome smiled and shook her head as she sipped her tea.
"I just want to make sure, I know this is overwhelming," she said as her mother chuckled and nodded in agreement. "It was for me my first trip here. I can hardly imagine it's easy for you, especially since I keep learning new things that back home would have never been possible." Mrs. Higurashi nodded in agreement.
"That is true," she said before sipping her own tea. "But I also see a side of you that I haven't seen since you were a child." Kagome looked at her surprised as she smiled at her daughter. "You have grown into such a beautiful woman, Kagome. I'm so proud to see you have chosen a good man for your husband." Kagome smiled and blushed at her mother's praises. "Are you participating in this contest?"
"No, I told Inuyasha and Yuki yesterday after dinner," Kagome said as her mother nodded in agreement. Really she was sighing in relief, after the stories of the last contest, she'd hate for her daughter to participate. "But I'm still looking forward to see how everyone does. Yuki and Sango are claiming they'll win again."
"They are an odd set, but they are so vibrant," her mother said chuckling as Kagome smiled at her mother. "They blend in but still stand out here so much." Kagome giggled at the idea and nodded in agreement.
They headed out to the gardens to see Yuki and Sesshomaru training together. They watched as they moved, fluidly as if they knew what the other was thinking. Kagome smiled as Yuki dodged Sesshomaru's whip and he dodged her darts as if they could see them coming a mile off. She sighed as she thought about the fact that her hanyou court would be participating and he had been injured the last time. All of them had scars from the last contest and that was a hundred years ago.
"You need to arch your arm a little higher when throwing your darts," Sesshomaru said as they stopped and started to walk towards them. Yuki chuckled and nodded in agreement. "Or was that intentional?"
"I'm not about to hit you," she said as he sighed and shook his head. "So, yes it was. But that was a good workout; I know where I need to stress my training now." Sesshomaru nodded as he took her hand and they approached the two human women. "Enjoying the day?"
"Yes, very much so," Mrs. Higurashi said as she looked at them impressed. "That was like a dance that's been practiced so many times before."
"We've been fighting together for a long time," Sesshomaru said as Yuki smiled and nodded in agreement. "This will be the second contest together."
"We'll see who gets to the end though," she said with a giggle as Sesshomaru shook his head as Kagome laughed a little.
"Always putting up a challenge," Kagome said as Yuki chuckled and nodded. "It's right before lunch; did you want to hit the baths after lunch with Sango?"
"Yes, because we need to get ready and that will take some time," Yuki said in agreement as Sesshomaru looked prepared to protest. "Besides, that'll give the guys time to get ready as well."
"Because it takes us half an hour in the bathhouse and twenty minutes with the clothes," Sesshomaru said sourly at losing his mate for an entire afternoon. "Why does it take females so long?"
"It's a girl thing," Mrs. Higurashi said laughing a little. "I'll be with the ladies getting ready as well." Kagome smiled and nodded, she was happy to know that her mother and future mother-in-law were at least attempting to get along for her sake. Sesshomaru sighed and nodded in agreement as they all headed inside and started to make their way to the dining hall.
After lunch he reluctantly allowed Yuki to go, though Inuyasha and Kouga were no better about their women leaving them for the rest of the day. Sango laughed as Kouga tried puppy eyes on her and shook her head as she kissed him goodbye for a bit. Kagome hugged Inuyasha, who was now swearing he wasn't changing, before running off with the two women to prepare. Yuki sighed and shook her head as she relaxed in the tub of steaming water.
"This feels good," she purred as Sango and Kagome giggled at her. "If he weren't my mate, I'd have believed he was trying to kill me today."
"He's worried, they all are," Sango said as Yuki sighed and nodded. "Kouga kept saying how he was afraid I'd get hurt and be down for a long period of time."
"Then we'll see an out of control youkai," Yuki sighed as Sango snorted. "What?"
"And if you get hurt?" she countered as Yuki grunted and slid further into the water with a nod. "I think I've only ever seen Sesshomaru change into big dog form twice, in training. I'd hate to see him do it in fury and not recognize the rest of the playing field."
"Seiji will be in there with us," Yuki said softly as Sango sighed heavily and shook her head. "You may get to see that this time."
"He'll kill him," Sango said softly as Yuki nodded in agreement as Kagome looked at them confused.
"But he's your brother and an heir," Kagome said confused.
"Oh yeah, but so is Sesshomaru and Miroku and Shinta have yet to announce who will take the Southern Lands after Minami," Yuki said as Kagome sighed and nodded as she thought about it. It was surprising the lords would put their heirs in danger.
The three finished bathing and headed to Yuki's room, said female citing that Sesshomaru was preparing with his half-brother as the two were busy moping about their women being away from them for so long. Kagome chuckled at the idea while Sango sighed and shook her head. They walked in to see their gowns ready, the makeup set up, and hairbrushes everywhere. Right after they walked in, so did the maids and the preparations began.
Yuki chuckled as the guys approached them later on. Kagome blushed as Inuyasha kissed her hand and grinned at her. Sango and Yuki were swept off their feet has their mates kissed them happily. If nothing else, it could never be said they hated being with their mates.
"You look even more beautiful than you did last time, I didn't believe it possible," Kouga said as Sango smiled and blushed.
"I love you too, mate," Sango replied with a blush. Yuki giggled as Sesshomaru nuzzled her a bit as she held him close.
"No matter how you drive me crazy," she murmured in his hair, "you have a way of making me love you." Sesshomaru chuckled before kissing her.
"Definitely keep you on your toes," he muttered. She smiled and nodded as he nuzzled her a bit more. Kagome looked on curiously as he seemed to whisper something in her ear, making Kouga and Inuyasha shake their heads.
"Asshole," Inuyasha muttered as Kouga started to lead Sango to dinner. Kagome looked at him surprised as Sesshomaru led Yuki away.
"Where are they going?" Kagome asked as she was led away.
"You'll see, I'm sure," Inuyasha said as Kagome nodded and they walked.
Sesshomaru led Yuki to one of the gardens he knew she loved. There was a table set up for the two as Yuki looked at him surprised. He had her sit at the table and silently joined her as she looked at everything surprised.
"Mate…" she said softly as he just curiously watched her reactions. "What is all this?"
"I have upset and embarrassed you when I shouldn't have," he said softly as he held his hand across the table. She took it as she shook her head with a soft smile.
"Mate, I have forgiven…"
"Not without my apology," he said softly. She looked at him stunned as he shook his head. "I forget that my mate is not like other females, that she is independent and vibrant. I'm very boring when compared to you, I always worry you'll grow bored." Yuki shook her head as she looked at him surprised. He held his hand up as she opened her mouth to speak.
"Love is not a strong enough word for what I feel for you," he said as she got up and wrapped her arms around him. Their heads were next to each other as one of his hands moved and took her left hand. "Humans, they have such odd customs when it comes to their mates." She hummed as she kissed him on the cheek. He held up the ring box as she looked at it surprised. "Like this, a mere trinket represents everything one can feel for the other, never ending." He swiftly swung her around and had her sitting on his lap as he watched her facial expressions. He opened the box and looked at her. "It's not enough to mean every word I want to use to describe how I feel about my mate, but it's a start." Yuki nodded her head in shock as he slid the ring on her finger. "The day I make you my mate, fully, I wish to make you my wife and soulmate forever."
"Oh Sesshomaru," she said as she kissed him softly. He leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss. He chuckled as he wiped away a tear as it slid down her cheek. "You have one hell of a way of apologizing." She laughed as he chuckled amused.
"I know how to make my mate happiest," he mused as she chuckled and nodded in agreement. "But you should eat, I don't need you getting sick."
"I don't get sick, love," she said as he held some food up to her mouth. Yuki ate it and giggled. She followed in suit and fed him.
"Are Sesshomaru and Yuki not joining us for dinner?" Izayoi asked surprised. Inuyasha shook his head as his mother sighed and looked a little depressed.
"They should, in theory, join us for the ball," Kouga told her as she smiled and nodded. "I don't believe they will."
"Why not?" Naoko asked surprised.
"He was proposing to her tonight," Kouga said as Kagome and Sango looked at him stunned. The ladies all looked pleased as they nodded and resumed eating. Inuyasha just kept eating, not joining as Kagome and Sango started to chatter about how they thought it was done.
Everyone walked into the ball room to see Sesshomaru and Yuki standing together closely. Immediately all of the women walked up to congratulate them and see the ring.
"He just upped our game," Kouga grumbled at Inuyasha as Yuki told them all how he did it. Inuyasha sighed and nodded in agreement as the two joined the group.
"Also means they'll have the loudest wing of the castle for the next few nights," Inuyasha grumbled as Kouga sighed and shook his head. Yuki just grinned at them as Sesshomaru pointedly ignored them. As everyone calmed down the lords stood before them on a small stage. Yuki smiled as Sesshomaru wrapped his arm around her and rested his chin on her shoulder. A few chuckled because it looked hard for him.
"Every hundred years we gather for this exciting event," Kita said as the lords chuckled, "last year we were quite surprised by the kittens of the Eastern Kingdom, their lands haven't seen a victory in about ten games." Yuki and Sango smirked as Higashi shook his head. "We'll see if the ladies are up on their game this year."
"The prize is prestige, honor, and the most valuable of gems; the blood stone," Nishi said as Higashi revealed the stone. Everyone applauded as the lords prepared to announce their victors.
"I'm going to win it this year," Inuyasha said softly to Kagome. She looked up at him and smiled as she squeezed his hand. It was really exciting to see all of this happening.
"For the Northern Tribes," Kita said as everyone paid attention, "Kouga, heir to the tribes, as well as his mate, Sango, and Zenjiro will be competing." Yuki chuckled as Kouga smirked at his mate as the three walked up.
"Representing the Western Lands is Sesshomaru, heir to my clan; his mate, Yuki, and Inuyasha." Nishi said proudly. Yuki chuckled as Sesshomaru seemed to eye her warily as they walked up to the stage.
"Representing the Eastern Kingdom," Higashi said as he sighed, "my heir, Seiji, and his brothers Jiro, Rinji, and Shinta." May they keep the honor there." Yuki eyed her oldest brother as he crossed his arms and looked at her darkly.
"Representing the Southern Lands will be both of my sons; Miroku and Shinta," Minami said proudly as both boys stood beside him. Everyone applauded as Kagome and her mother smiled excitedly.
"This is a big thing, then?" Mrs. Higurashi asked Inuyasha as he joined them.
"Very," he answered as he took Kagome's hand, "the stone alone is worth quite a bit."
"So, what happens?" Mrs. Higurashi asked confused. "Are we able to watch it?"
"I'm not sure, last time I was in it," Inuyasha said as he thought about it. "Hey, Chiaki, are you guys watching us in the contest?"
"Oh yes," a female ookami said happily. "They use magic to show the various contestants in the sky, as well as a map showing who is where. We'll get to see the big things like the battles."
"Do people die in this?" Mrs. Higurashi asked surprised.
"Last time no, Yuki and Sango stopped a lot of deaths," Inuyasha said as they looked at him surprised. "They'd move in and stopped any of the competitors from dying. The traps were another question."
"Is that why they're so revered?" Kagome asked softly.
"Yeah, one of the reasons," Inuyasha answered. "They are the head generals of the Eastern army, well they were." The women looked at Yuki surprised as she spoke with several people, her mate next to her with his arm around her.
"Inuyasha, congratulations," an older youkai said as he came over and shook his hand. "Is this your lovely court?"
"Yes, this is Kagome and her mother," Inuyasha said as he looked at the women. "This is Sanji; he owns the mine we excavate the blood stones from. His clan has had it for the last seven tournaments." Sanji just laughed a bit.
"I'm surprised some of you are back after your performances last time," he said as Inuyasha shrugged. "Lady Yuki's brother, Seiji, was one of them and did terribly. Hopefully he's trained some. Lord Higashi was quite disappointed."
"Even with Yuki?" Kagome asked surprised.
"Oh no," Sanji said shaking his head. "Lady Yuki is his most valuable asset; I'm surprised he allowed her to mate at all."
"Like he had a choice," Inuyasha said shaking his head.
"He put a stop to it for the last hundred years, pup, he did," Sanji informed him before excusing himself as Inuyasha looked in Sesshomaru's direction surprised. He had never thought the fathers really interfered, but he was not surprised by how much Sesshomaru valued his mate.
"Inuyasha, what's wrong?" Kagome asked softly. He smiled and shook his head as he listened to the music a bit.
"Let's dance," he said taking her to the floor as her mother watched with a smile on her face.
"Yuki, my dearest, that stone glimmers beautifully around your neck," Sanji said as he approached her and Sesshomaru. She smiled and nodded her head in agreement. "I hope its sibling joins it as a ring, maybe."
"It will be something befitting my mate," Sesshomaru said softly, he had heard Sanji with Inuyasha and was not a fan.
"I hope for the same performance this year," Sanji said to them both.
"You know as well as we do, it's all on the traps our fathers set for us," Yuki said softly. Sanji chuckled and nodded as if he knew something she didn't, Yuki looked at him suspiciously. Sesshomaru kissed her on the head as he sighed and thought, he could tell something about the sniveling youkai irritated her.
"Leave him go," Sesshomaru said softly as he wandered off.
"Pompous little pig," she said darkly as her mate looked at her surprised. "He acts like everything that happened was intentional, he doesn't care that you almost died. He'd have celebrated if you did." Sesshomaru held her tightly as he kissed her. Several people around them chuckled and let them go.
"Feel better?" he asked her softly as she blushed a bit.
"Only you could find a way of keeping me from murdering someone," she sighed as he chuckled.
"Maybe it's time to retire," he suggested as she giggled, her blush growing brighter. She knew he wanted to spend the night together in solitude, but pomp and circumstance said otherwise.
"Just a bit longer, pup," Nishi said as he joined them. Sesshomaru sighed as Yuki leaned against him. "Yuki that is a beautiful ring."
"Thank you," she said happily, "he did an amazing job picking it out." Nishi chuckled and nodded as he looked at them. He didn't know what would have happened if Higashi refused Sesshomaru again. Maybe Yuki would have interfered.
"How much more do we have to endure?" Inuyasha sighed as Kagome smiled at Yuki excitedly.
"Go," Nishi grumbled. "Looks like Minami released his lot." The kids all nodded and headed out of the ball; Sesshomaru and Yuki to celebrate as Inuyasha and Kagome went to hide.
No! I did not forget about the trial, this decided to take presidence when the plot bunnies decided to move in... ~Angel