"Dammit!" Roared Inuyasha as he slammed his fist into a nearby wall causing a large hole to appear.
"Calm down" Said Miroku as he exhaled deeply and instantly thought of a lie to tell the maids that would soon notice the rather large hole in the wall.
"I should've ended it right then and there!" Yelled Inuyasha as he paced his room.
"I think you handled yourself very well. You're proving to Kagome that you have matured and you are ready to take the next step with her. Part of that is avoiding unnecessary confrontations" Said Miroku wisely.
Inuyasha plopped on the bed and placed his hands over his face. "When he kissed her, it felt like a part of my soul was being ripped away"
Miroku placed a comforting hand on his friends shoulder. "Don't worry, we still have all of tomorrow"
Inuyasha nodded his head. "I don't want you to completely ignore Sango either while helping me out, you haven't seen her all day" Said Inuyasha as he looked out his balcony window and saw the numerous stars. "Have you informed her that the ceremony will take place soon? or are you intending on telling her tonight at dinner"
Miroku sighed heavily. "Not exactly, I haven't told her the exact date yet"
"Well, what are you waiting on?" Asked Inuyasha as he looked at his friend with curious eyes.
"I don't know" Said Miroku lowly as his hung his head low. "For years I have always wanted to rightfully receive my throne and at one point in time, I was obsessed with it. Now, I'm kind of scared"
"Scared of what?" Asked Inuyasha. "Hell, I'll never receive the throne, Sesshomaru is next in line and the bastards not dying anytime soon"
"I'm just afraid that I would live up to everyone's expectations and Sango…"
"What about Sango?"
"I just don't want to hurt her"
"Sango is tough, she's-"
"Sango is a woman, and like every woman Sango has a weakness. Her weakness is not physical however, her weakness is me"
"Everything will be fine Miroku" Said Inuyasha as he placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I forgot to tell you, It's going to happen soon"
"How soon?" Asked Miroku
"Like in two days, Im sorry, I know you wanted to stay longer-"
"It's okay Inuyasha" Said Miroku with sincere eyes.
"To be honest, I kind of forgot. I've been so focused on Kagome that I havent been paying attention to the days"
"We will leave tomorrow night, that way we can be safely at your kingdom before it begins" Said Miroku as he stared out the large window and saw the numerous stars.
"Please forgive me for my son's rudeness" Said Izayio as she walked alongside Rin.
"Oh, it's quite okay" Said Rin as she walked with a hint of confusion and sadness. "Is he okay? I haven't seen him since earlier today?"
"He is well" Said Izayio as they continued to walk down the long hallway. "My son just has a lot he needs to work on, he's shy and a bit of a loner at times"
"May I please ask you a question Lady Izayio?"
"Of course dear, what is it?"
"Why does Lord Sesshomaru hate humans so much?"
They stopped walking then and Izayio said nothing as she stared at the stunning young lady. "Why would you want the answer to that question?"
Rin smiled meekly. "Sesshomaru seems like he is always wearing an impenetrable armor around his heart, before I was even fully acquainted with him numerous people had told me to never even come to the kingdom because he did not like humans one bit, he merely tolerated us due to..."
"Due to?" Asked Izayio with curious eyes.
"Due to your presence Queen Izayio"
"Well, I guess that is true" Said Izayio somewhat lowly.
"I can tell Sesshomaru wants affection and love, he just has to open up and allow someone to enter his life" Said Rin as she exhaled deeply. "Sometimes, I wish that someone could be me"
"Your Majesty!" Called a guard. "The King requests you"
Izayio stared at Rin with pure amazement within her eyes and then quickly nodded her head to the guard. "We shall talk more later dear" said Izayio as she gave a quick yet loving kiss on Rin's forehead and quickly followed the guard.
Kagome and Sango walked down the long well lit hall towards their very elegant yet private dining hall only used for special visitors. "Is it me or was Hojo super rude earlier" Said Kagome as she slightly scrunched her face in displeasure. "I had never seen him act like that towards another man before"
"What do you think Kagome? Hojo isn't blind ya know, Hojo probably feels Inuyasha's presence as a threat" Said Sango with a smirk on her face. "You don't even know the real reason as to why they hate each other so much do you?"
"Nope, Hojo never even brings up Inuyasha during conversation"
"Well, it all started about five to six years ago-"
Flashback
we had to have been around fifteen years old and we were on our first mission. The mission was to survive three days in demon infested territory and make it to each of the check points within a certain time period. However, before getting to a check point you had to retrieve an opponents flag. There was ten of us that day, and all of us were ranked amongst the best in the country at that time.
I fought long and hard those three days and it was a challenge trying to find opponents since we were all dispersed within different locations throughout the territory. Even though I was the only girl in the competition they showed me no mercy, and it was even worse if you had a demon for an opponent.
Well, It was day three and I had got beaten badly. I knew i could not physically win the battle and I essentially gave up. So, I hide in a close distance to the last check point to see who would win and to my surprise Hojo came first!
Just as he was about to submit his flags Inuyasha came out of nowhere and dug his claws into him do deeply, that I gasped at the sight of the blood. Inuyasha took Hojo's flags and submitted them and won the competition just like that.
End of flashback
"So, Inuyasha won the competition and Hojo has hated him ever since?" Said Kagome lowly.
"Hojo thought it was a cowardly move to attack from behind and lost all respect for Inuyasha. I believe Inuyasha did nothing wrong, its a competition with no rules, the only thing you need to do is stay alive, get flags, and make it to the check point."
"It happened so long ago, why cant they just let it go?"
"Inuyasha didn't just win the competition, he was ranked the best in the country and he injured Hojo so badly that he could not compete in any type of competition let alone training for months, I bet he still has the scars on his back to this day" Said Sango sadly.
"I never knew" Said Kagome as she looked up to see they had arrived at their destination.
"Just don't ever bring it up, they get so touchy when anyone brings up the subject" Said Sango as they entered the dining room and took their seats. and continued to chatter.
"Izayio" Said Inu'Tashio in a relieved voice as he saw his beautiful mate enter his private study.
"Hello dear" Said as she placed a warm kiss on his lips. "I have something to tell you"
"I as well" Said Inu'Tashio "It pertains to our son's"
Izayio looked a bit shocked. "My news pertains to Sesshomaru, why don't you go first"
"Well, both of them now know who there destined mates are"
"Wait, both?" Said Izayio with shock written all over her face. "I believe I know who Sesshomaru's destined mate is, but what about Inuyasha?"
"Inuyasha's mate is Kagome Higurashi"
"That must be why he and Miroku left to her kingdom" Said Izayio then she instantly felt somewhat guilty. "I had informed Inuyasha of Kagome's engagement to Hojo, If I would have known-"
"Its okay dear, Inuyasha indeed made a mistake a month ago and he has to learn how to deal with his actions like a man"
Izayio said nothing in return but simply nodded her head about the matter. "Well, Rin basically confessed to me that she holds feelings for Sesshomaru merely moments ago" Said Izayio with excitement in her voice. "Sesshomaru seems so distant these days, I just want him to be truly happy"
"Rin is a fine young lady indeed, and Sesshomaru has had the call for Rin and he even confessed this to me, now its up to him to take the right steps"
"Sesshomaru is Sesshomaru" Said Izayio lowly. "I want him to finally accept that nothing is wrong with being happy with a human"
"The only person that can open Sesshomaru's eyes is Rin" Said Inu'Tashio wisely.
"We are going to talk about it tonight Miroku" Said Inuyasha as the two walked down the hall leading to the dining room. "You cant keep holding out on Sango, your going to marry her right?"
"Of course" Said Miroku without hesitation
"Then dont leave her in the dark" Said Inuyasha.
"I think you need to take your own advice" Said Miroku with a smirk
"True" Said Inuyasha with all honesty within his eyes. "I intend to tell her as soon as we get back" Said Inuyasha as a vivid image of Kikyo popped into his mind
The two men immediadelty spotted Kagome and Sango but simply walked slowly to take in their surroundings. This dining room was much more informal and the men felt a little more comfortable. They bowed politely to the young women and took their seats at the table.
"My Kagome, your home is quite beautiful" Said Miroku as he glanced at the rather large windows that showed an excellent view of the castle grounds.
"Thank you Miroku" Said Kagome in a chirpy tone as she felt somewhat nervous sitting in front of Inuyasha.
The servers quickly brought out their dinner which consisted of steamed rice with curry, salmon, and tuna that smelled exquisite. The four chatted away and everything appeared to be going well.
"So," Said Kagome as she took a sip wine and swallowed the rest of her salmon. "I hear someone is receiving a throne soon"
"Yes" Said Miroku somewhat nervously as he directed his attention to Sango. "In about two months the ceremony will take place. I would greatly appreciate it if you two would be in attendance"
"We'll be in the front row" Said Kagome in a sincere tone. "Are you excited?"
"Indeed, I'm also frightened too, plus..." Miroku stared into Sango eyes. "As soon as I receive the throne the best day of my life will happen"
"And what will happen?" Asked Sango as she felt her heart racing from his intense stare.
His dreamy blue eyes smiled playfully at her. "Its a surprise"
Izayio stared absentmindedly out of the large panel windows that lined her and Inu'Tashio's bedroom. It had been only a few hours since she had a conversation with her husband about her sons and her heart felt heavy with stress as she hoped and dreamed for the utmost best for them. The trees swayed violently and the rain pounded the heart violently as she allowed her thoughts to consume her.
I want both of my sons to be happy but, at what cost?
"Your majesty!" Called a guard as he entered her room without knocking. "Please forgive me for my intrusion but, there is a guest downstairs"
"A guest? at this time of night and during this storm? Who could it be?" Said Izayio as she followed the guard to the main lobby of the castle.
Within minutes Izayio and the guard made it to the lobby and Izayio nearly gasped at the surprise guest as she made her way down the great oak stairs. "Hello, I did not know that you would be coming at this time of night" Said Izayio in a suspicious tone. "Your travel must have been very hard due to the weather"
"Indeed" Said the guest as servants quickly grabbed her belongings and threw a large cozy blanket over her shoulders.
"And what might your purpose of coming at this time of night be?" Asked Izayio in a stern tone.
"I don't believe I need a reason to see my husband" Snapped Kikyo as her big brown eyes turned cold with anger and sorrow.
"Well, you actually picked the wrong time to come, Inuyasha is not here" Said Izayio as she rudely turned her back to Kikyo and proceeded to walk away. "You can stay as long as you please"
"Queen Izayio, I sense a large amount of discomfort from your presence, why is that?"
"Because, I see things that others cannot see about themselves, and I do not like what I see about you"
"So, how are you enjoying being engaged?" Asked Miroku as he took a rather large spoon of rice into his mouth.
Kagome instantly felt a little uneasy. "It's very nice, Hojo is a very kind, intelligent, swee-"
"Hammph" Coughed Inuyasha as he cleared his throat which got a small smile from Miroku in return. "Sorry, I have a small cold is all" Said Inuyasha as he took another sip of wine.
Cold my ass Thought Sango as she easily peeped out his intentions and slightly raised her eyebrow in return.
"And how are things with you and your fiancee Inuyasha?" Asked Kagome as her voice had small traces of hurt within it and everyone could tell. "Kikyo is a gorgeous young lady, she has exceptional class and a flawless reputation, I can see why you love her so dearly" Said Kagome as she could feel her heart begin to race with anxiety. "One could only look at a perfect relationship that you have and wish they could have it"
The room got dead silent as they took in Kagome's words and the air got very tense.
I'm in love with you Inuyasha but, I know that you love Kikyo, you said those words to me yourself yet, you act so different Thought Kagome as she looked up only to see vivid amber eyes peering through her soul.
"Do you love him?" Asked Inuyasha which got a gasp from Sango as her fish nearly came out her mouth.
The room got silent once more and the only thing that could be heard was the low flickering of the candles on the table.
Kagome stared into amber eyes as she searched her mind for a legitimate answer. Do I love him? No, is he the best man for me, yes. Inuyasha, what was your true intention of coming here? "Why would you like to know the answer to that Inuyasha?"
"I just need to know" Said Inuyasha almost instantly which made Kagome's eyes wide with shock.
"I...I... yes, I love him, I wouldn't be marrying him if I didnt"
Sango shot a quick glance at her friend. Is this what you really wanna do Kagome?
"Are you lying" Asked Inuyasha in a soft voice that sent shivers down her spine.
"Why are you so concerned?" Said Kagome as she felt her heart racing from his intense stare.
"I think everyone at this table knows why, including you"
Is he saying that... No, I cant do this, I cant let this happen again "Please excuse me" Said Kagome as she rushed from the table and nearly tripping over her kimono.
Inuyasha quickly rose from his seat. "Where are you going?"
Kagome said nothing as she continued to quickly leave the room.
"So, this is why you are here Inuyasha" Said Sango as she gazed into his amber orbs. "You came back for Kagome"
Inuyasha genuinely smiled at his friend. "Sango, I've made alot of mistakes in my life and I need to get the woman that I truly love before its too late, Kagome is who I want and need to be with"
"Then go get her" Said Sango as she gave him a warm hug.
Kagome ran frantically down the hall to put distance between herself and the half demon that still held her heart firmly. She stopped to catch her breath and stared absentmindedly out the large windows that lined the hall. What should I do? I want to be with him but.. A clear vision of Hojo popped into her mind and she instantly began to feel guilty. I cant do that to him, that was crush him. Hojo has been good to me, too good to me, I cant just
"Kagome?" Called a familiar voice and she turned to see the soft green eyes of her fiancee. "Are you okay? I've been looking for you" Said Hojo as he wrapped his arms around her and deeply embraced her.
"Yes, I'm fine" Said Kagome as she sunk into his chest and gently pulled away. "Sango and I are having dinner with our guests"
"Our guests" Said Hojo as he looked somewhat upset. "I thought they were Sango's guests"
"Hojo I don't see what the big deal is" Said Kagone lowly.
Hojo sighed deeply and kissed her on the forehead. "I just don't like him and you know it"
"But why-"
Hojo quickly cut her off. "But why cant you just stay away from him?"
Kagome said nothing as she stared into her fiancees eyes with much guilt.
"Kagome, I just love you so much, you know I'm not the jealous type but, when he comes around you I just-"
"You just what?"
The couple turned around to see Amber eyes peering at them through the dimness of the hallway. "You just cant get enough of me can you Hojo?" Said Inuyasha with a cocky smirk as he approached the couple.
Hojo immediately removed his hands from Kagome and glared daggers at Inuyasha. "What do you want?"
"I came to check on Kagome"
"She does not need you to check on her, and we were having a conversation so, if you would be so kind as to leave us be"
"I don't think that's up to you" Said Inuyasha as he directed his attention to Kagome. "If Kagome wants me to leave, she can tell me herself"
The two men then directed their attention to Kagome and a odd silence filled the hall. Did he really just do that? I cant hurt Hojo
"I will take her silence as she does not want me to leave" Said Inuyasha with a charming smirk on his face that angered Hojo beyond comparison causing him to quickly slam Inuyasha into the wall causing the very nice picture frames to shatter from the fall.
"Just what the fuck is your intentions with my wife?" Asked Hojo as he green eyes glowed with rage as he held Inuyasha on the wall. "You seem very fond of her, the last time I checked you were engaged also, let that be a reality check for you!"
"Stop it!" Cried Kagome as she tried to pry Hojo's hands off of Inuyasha's haori but, it came to no avail.
"What bothers you the most Hojo? Knowing that someone might have feelings for Kagome? or knowing that Kagome probably shares those same feelings as well?" Asked Inuyasha as his amber eyes turned cold and vicious. Within a instant he pulled Hojo's hands of him and delivered a hard right hand to his lower stomach which caused Hojo to quickly crouch over in undying pain.
"Let me tell you something Hojo, what you fear the most is about to come true, and there is nothing you can do to stop it" Said Inuyasha lowly as a loud growl escaped his chest
Ouuuwee, things are starting to get interesting! Why do Inuyasha and Miroku have to leave so soon? What surprise does Miroku have after he has received his throne? Why did Rin basically confess her feelings to Izayio about Sesshomaru? What does Hojo fear the most? And why the hell did Kikyo show up so unexpectedly? R&R to find out!
Comment your opinions!
1. Now that we know the main reason as to why and how Inuyasha's and Hojo's rivalry began, do you think Inuyasha was in the wrong for attacking Hojo the way he did in order to win the competition? Why or why not?