Chapter Twenty Three – Setting the Stage
Disclaimer – All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the creator. The director/author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun.
Author Note – Thanks for the reviews! I love them all! I really hope that you all have enjoyed this story as well as Blood Moon. I've been thinking of a story but I would love for someone else to write this one for me. If you are interested, it will be a Inuyasha/DragonBallZ crossover but I haven't seen any other writer do this story in the 'M' rated section. If you wish to try, let me know. I even have a title for the story. HEHE but with the stories I'm writing on at the moment I don't have much time to start another. LOL Now if you want Message me or leave me a review. Now onwards...
Note:
Beast's thoughts
Personal Thoughts
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(Western Castle – Gardens – 4:00 AM)
Bella sat in the gardens with Emmett as they were watching the sun rise ever so slowly. She had come to realize that she didn't need as much sleep as her mate or the youkai that lived in the castle. She was mainly vampire and that caused her to stay awake even when others are sleeping. She prayed that her children would sleep yet she didn't know until her pup was born. Bella wanted more besides the one that was now growing in her womb.
"Are ya happy Bells?" Emmett asked as his arm was wrapped around Bella's shoulders.
Bella nodded with a bright smile on her face. "For the first time in a long time, Emmy." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "With Edward it seemed forced when I look back. With Inuyasha I don't have to hold back on who or what I am. He loves me for me and nothing changes that. You know how I feel about marriage. Inuyasha has mated me and that to me is better then any wedding I could attend."
Emmett nodded as he looked at the sky. "I know."
"How are you doing?" Bella asked as she raised her head and looked at her big brother. "I know Rosalie's betrayal must have been hard to hear."
"I ain't gonna lie, Bellsy." Emmett sighed as his head dropped. "Hearing that Rosalie was playing me was the worse feeling I have ever felt. Everything she said to me was nothing but a lie and now I worry if Suyri is telling me the truth or is she playing me like Rosie did. If she is Bells, I don't know what I'll do."
Bella could see that if her big teddy bear of a brother could cry he would. She whimpered as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding him as he nuzzled her hair. Emmett always knew that his lil' sister would always stand at his side no matter what but he couldn't help but worry about what was going to happen when Victoria showed her face again. Neither of them noticed that Lady Suyri and Inuyasha were standing behind them since both of the youkai's decided they wished to hear what their mate and soon to be mate would say. Inuyasha smiled as Lady Suyri cringed knowing that what she needed to tell him would be hard since she received a letter from her loyal maid, telling her that her mother and father were on their way yet she shouldn't tell Sesshoumaru because of her mother wanting to surprise the cold Inu lord.
"Lady Bella?" Lady Suyri called to them, letting them know they were standing there. "If you do not mind, I wish to speak with my soon to be mate privately." Her eyes were filling with tears because she was worried that when Emmett found out about Niro that he would leave her.
Bella spun around with a shocked look as Emmett looked rather ashamed. "What did I tell you about the Lady shit?"
"Bella." Suyri corrected since both Kagome and Bella told her they didn't want her to address them as such. She was their friend.
"That's better." Bella smirked as she stood and looked to Inuyasha. "I guess it will be ok. I need to feed anyway." She held out her hand to her mate as he was instantly by her side. "I'll see ya later Emmett."
Bella kissed her brother on the cheek, ignoring Suyri's low growl. then took off with Inuyasha right on her heels. Emmett stood there as he looked at Suyri. He was worried that she did have another mate yet he couldn't help the pain he felt when he saw her and knew they weren't yet connected. Suyri stepped closer as she saw the pained look in Emmett's eyes. Holding out her hand, she waited for Emmett to take it. As soon as Emmett took her hand, Suyri found herself in his arms with them wrapped around her in a crushing embrace.
"You should be in bed." Emmett whispered trying to break the silence. He was never good with the mushy stuff.
Suyri sighed as she relaxed in his arms. "I couldn't sleep." She whispered as she pulled back and looked into his eyes. "I need to speak with you, my Emmett."
Emmett froze as he realized just what she meant. "Ok."
"It's not bad but I don't know what you will do once you know." A tear ran down her cheek. Emmett wiped it away with his thumb. "My father did pick a suitable male for me yet I refused. Niro was angry all the time and has ran all my other mates to be away from me. I fear that he will do the same to you. My parent are on their way and they are Lady and Lord of the North."
Emmett's heart soared as he picked Suyri up and kissed her all over the face, causing Suyri to chuckle. "Is that all?" He finally set her back on the ground. "I knew that your father had chosen someone because Sesshoumaru told me. But your father also realized his mistake and announced you were able to chose who you wish."
"That is correct." Kito said as him and his mate exited the forest around the garden. "You will do to be the next Lord of the North." His eyes went to Suyri's. "You have chosen well."
Suyri pulled away from Emmett and rushed to her parents. "Momma, Daddy!" She was smiling but crying as she switched to her mother's arms. "Why are you here so early?"
"You knew we were coming?" Alda asked her kitten.
Suyri blushed as she pulled away nodding. "Star wrote and told me you would be showing." She felt her mother slump in her arms. "But I haven't said anything to Sesshoumaru."
"Good." Alda said as she hugged her daughter once more before she let her go and walked over to Emmett. "Welcome to the family." She hugged him, even though he was completely shocked.
Kito cleared his throat as he looked between his daughter and her mate to be. "Niro has also escaped the dungeon and I believe he will show up here."
"NO!" Suyri cried as she went to crumble to the ground.
Emmett was able to get to her before she fell. He wrapped his arms around her as he tried to hold onto his anger. He was worried since Jasper usually helped him contain the anger he had. Never before had he felt this anger but he would indeed tame it since his mate was in his arms. Breathing in Suyri's sweet scent caused Emmett to slowly calm himself as he noticed that her parents were looking at them with a shocked face.
"You are a Berserk." Kito whispered as his eyes landed on his daughter who had passed out from the trauma. "Just be gentle with her. She is worried since Niro has tried to hurt her many times before."
Emmett gritted his teeth together. "He will not lay a finger on her."
"We pray you are right." Alda said as she held onto her own mate. "Niro is nothing but evil. He will do anything to gain the love of Suyri and the crown she presence."
(Near The Western Castle – Around 7:00 AM)
Victoria hissed as she watched her target run around with her mate as if danger wasn't near. She could have pounced on either of them, tearing them apart. Yet she couldn't help but think that if she did that then all hell would break loose and she would indeed lose her life. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the duo run back to the Western castle as the bell rung announcing that the Lord and Lady were awake. Jumping down from her perch, Victoria hissed as she smelled the arousal of their game in the air.
"Disgusting." She spat as she turned and started to walk away when she felt someone watching her. "Come out and reveal yourself!" Victoria ordered as she turned to see that there was nothing but trees. "I know you are there."
"You are indeed strong." Came a male voice before a neko landed in a crouch before he straightened himself.
His hair was a golden color as his eyes were a dark green. His markings were of a light green as his skin was the color of deep brown. His clothes showed that he was from the North yet Victoria could also see the blackness around his heart that was darkening as the minutes ticked by.
"What can I do for you?" Victoria asked with a raised brow.
Niro chuckled as he nodded. "My name is Niro and I was to be the mate of Lady Suyri." His eyes suddenly took on a black look. "Her father arranged the marriage yet then decided against it when I tried to teach that bitch just who was her mate."
"I see." Victoria started to circle him as she thought for a moment. "And if I help you get into the dinner party that has been arranged?"
Niro smirked thinking he was getting the better end of the deal. "Then you can get close enough to the bitch that killed Naraku."
Victoria hissed as Niro was suddenly slammed against a tree causing it to creak in protest. "How do you know who my mate was?" She snarled baring her fangs to the one that reeked of danger. "Why do you know of my mate and of the one I want to take my revenge on?"
"Many people have heard of Naraku and his mate." Niro smirked as he pulled down his kimono and showed a spider mark on his shoulder blade. "A mark that we are in alliance with Naraku. Or was in alliance with Naraku."
Victoria dropped Niro as she scowled at him. "How do you purpose we get into the party?"
"With these." Niro pulled out twin necklaces. "They are of dark magic and will allow the wearers to change their appearance and scent." An evil grin spread across his face. "Are you in?"
Victoria smirked as she took one of the necklaces. "Yes." She whispered as she eyed the necklace. "I will finally get to kill that bitch Bella and then kill that bitch of a child. Kanna and Bella both will die at my hands."
"And Lady Suyri will be mine." Niro smirked as he put on the necklace following Victoria's lead.
(Western Castle – Dining Room – 7:00 AM)
"The Lord and Lady of the North." Jaken called as Kito and Alda walked into the Dining room with Emmett and Suyri following behind them. "With their daughter and her mate to be Emmett."
Kagome smiled as she noticed that the neko's of the North were rather nice looking and their aura was just as pure as Bella's. Even with the slight taint here and there yet that was to be expected. Even Kagome noticed a slight taint to her reitai but she knew that to be from becoming youkai. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at Suyri as she smirked and sat down next to Emmett. Emmett sat on the other side of Daichi since Rin was sitting next to him with Shippou on her other side. Ai and Hali were seated closer to Sesshoumaru in case they started to get rowdy. Kagome sat on Sesshoumaru's right while Bella sat next to her and Inuyasha sat next to his mate. Sango and Miroku were seated three chairs down allowing room for the kings of Volturi in case they wished to join. Kito and Alda took the two end seats since Alda would be seated next to Suyri and Kito would be seated at the end of the table. Once they were all seated Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes playfully at his guest.
"This Sesshoumaru did not know you would be coming." Sesshoumaru cut his eyes to his mate, who shrugged. "Why did you not send a messenger?"
"And ruin the surprise? Where's the fun in that?" Alda batted her eyes at him with a smirk, causing Kagome to growl. "Forgive me Lady Kagome." She knew instantly she heard the growl what it meant. "I had let it slip my mind that you and Sesshoumaru were newly mated."
Kagome blushed as she shook her head. She couldn't believe she had just done that. Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru and Sango all smirked at her while Bella was rather shocked. Shippou chuckled along with Daichi and the girls yet Kagome couldn't help but feel rather embarrassed. Sango slapped Miroku when he was about to say something because she saw the twinkle in his eye that was his tell that he was about to do something perverted. Suyri chuckled as Emmett looked rather amused at the whole thing.
"No please forgive me." Kagome said as she bowed her head to the lady and Lord of the North. "I use to be human yet the Shikon changed me to protect it better. I have yet to learn to control my beast and the actions it likes to take. I do believe I am getting better though, ne Sesshoumaru?" He nodded with a smirk.
So not true. Her beast sneered as she thought about killing the wolf. We worked together in that. Not just myself, so we can work together and I am being have!Kagome couldn't help the mental snort as she turned back to the topic of the room.
Alda chuckled waving her hand. "I still growl at the hand maidens that work for us when they come to close to Kito." She smirked with a glimmer of humor in her eyes. "Although, I cant see that Sesshoumaru will also have trouble keeping the males from you. You are positively radiant. What kind of Inu are you dear? I have never seen such characteristics. Your youki is also rather warm and comforting, like a mothers embrace. Most youki is cold and deadly feeling."
"She is a Pure Inu." Sesshoumaru answered for her, as he scented that Jane and Demetri were heading their way. "Please be ready, we are about to have guests." He could also scent that Marcus, Caius and Aro were also coming. It seemed that Alec and Felix were running the castle borders since the children were with the adults.
"You are truly blessed then." Alda said as a knock came to the door. "To be youkai and miko is rare. Usually they destroy each other." She smiled as she saw Jaken walk in with five guest she had not seen since arriving.
Kito knew instantly who and what they were. Hissing, he got in front of his mate as Aro smiled brightly as he walked over and sat down in the one of three empty chairs that were in the center of the table in between Inuyasha and Miroku. Aro sat beside Miroku as Marcus sat beside Inuyasha. Caius sat in the center since he did really care about being there. The only reason he remained is because he knew that it was needed to make sure that Chishio demon was under control since he usually dealt with those abominations. Yet a part of him was glad that he did not need to kill the human turned demon. She had done nothing wrong in his eyes. It was the vampires that brought her into this life that did not do their duty in protecting the young girl. Kito kept his eyes on the vampires as they sat down in between the monk and Sesshoumaru's beta since Inuyasha now carried the crescent moon yet it was on his shoulder not his forehead.
He would need to find out what just happened for the cold Inu lord to allow his hanyou brother to finally take his rightful place. Yet that could wait since the vampires entered and he had not known they were running about. Now he truly worried for his mate and daughter. Even though Emmett was vampire his eyes were an odd color, resulting in his diet of animals not humans. But those that had walked in were red eyed and Kito knew that meant they fed from humans. Something him nor Sesshoumaru agreed upon. Kito snapped his eyes to Sesshoumaru who sat there with a raised brow along with his mate and the others. They were not in any way defensive of the vampires yet he couldn't help but feel threatened. Kito turned his eyes back to the vampires as he sat down yet kept his eyes locked on their movements. Only a glass with what he could smell as human blood was sat in front of them. Their eyes darkened slightly as they raised the glass and drank part of the contents.
"Mate it is ok." Alda knew of the vampires that roamed the halls of the West for a short while. "They are here at request from Sesshoumaru." She knew she had fibbed but Sesshoumaru nodded anyway. "The young girl with the swirls on her skin is Bella, a Chishio demon, that our daughter wrote us about. They mean no threat. They are the ruling class just as we are."
"Father, I promise they have not harmed me nor any others." Suyri smiled hoping to relax him yet he couldn't help but worry for his child. "In fact they have protected us if anything else."
Aro cleared his throat. "If you do not mind, may I speak?" He looked to Kito then to Sesshoumaru, who nodded. "My brothers and I are only here to observe the Chishio demon," Inuyasha growled for him not using Bella's name. "Er...Bella since she was bitten by a vampire yet was stopped when the venom was taken out of her system. We have also helped in the take down of Naraku yet Victoria is still around."
"Niro has also gotten free." Kito whispered as his eyes looked to Sesshoumaru. "You know what he will be coming for."
Sesshoumaru growled causing his mate to jump slightly. "Yes, but we shall be ready."
"Demetri is a tracker," Aro said for those who did not know. "and he also had Victoria's scent and ability. He can track her yet for some reason it's muted at the moment." His eyes glazed over as he looked down at the table. "From what he said, she's getting closer to the castle but that is all he knows."
"She could be in the castle." Inuyasha snarled thinking about Victoria grabbing his mate before she was able to have the pups. "Demetri better work harder to find if that bitch is near or not. If Bella or Kagome is harmed I'm comin' after your ass." His eyes were locked on the vampire that stood right of the door.
Bella layed a hand on his arm. "They will do everything they can but I can also help." She looked at Sesshoumaru. "I can strengthen the barrier around the castle if you want. I need to feed right after though."
"You shall have it." Sesshoumaru nodded as he rose his youki in the room. Two guards quickly entered.
"Hai, my lord?" The bowed before Sesshoumaru and Kagome as they finally stood and looked to the Lord of the castle.
"I wish you to gather some animal blood for the Chishio demon. Fill a couple containers and follow my beta as he attends to his mate while she straightens the barrier around the castle." He ordered the two of them.
Both guards nod as they took off to the job they were assigned. Ai yawned causing Alec to suddenly appear. Sesshoumaru raised his brow at the vampire yet he kept his mouth shut. Kagome grinned as Alec took both Ai and Hali in his arms. Kagome nodded as Alec turned to her then hurried out of the room with Daichi, Shippou and Rin right behind them. Daichi had hauled Rin on his back as they took off. Rin was laughing at the antics causing the adults to do the same as they faded out of the distance. Marcus had been quiet yet he could see that it was clear that Alec had found his mate in Ai. He could only pray that things would get better. Now that Alec and Jane had mates things would get a lot easier.
"We also may have trouble making Alec to leave." Marcus spoke up causing everyone to stop speaking. "Jane have you noticed anything odd from your brother?" Jane was standing next to the door with Demetri.
"Yes, master." Jane nodded as she looked to Marcus. "He's happier." She grinned shyly.
Aro nodded as he stood and bowed to the Lords and Ladies. "If you do not mind, I wish to speak with Alec before we speak any more about this." He looked around. "Alec is in my care since he is under the age of 16. Alec is only the age of 15 when he was turned thus him and Jane are that age forever. They could never make it in the world since they are to far young looking. If our suspicions are correct then I believe we can come to an understanding."
"Hai." Sesshoumaru nodded along with Kagome. "This Sesshoumaru does not believe in keeping mates parted."
"Neither do I." Aro agreed at the same time as Kito.
Alda and Kagome chuckled as everyone calmed down then left to go about their business for the day. Kagome, Alda and Sango hurried out to the gardens knowing that Suyri would follow. Emmett and Suyri had headed to their room while Sesshoumaru and Kito headed to Sesshoumaru's study with Miroku following. They needed to disgust somethings before the party goes on in about a weeks time. The invitations have been sent which Sesshoumaru was glad that the North would receive theirs first. The males also needed to speak about security during the ceremony because Sesshoumaru would not be allowed to carry Tokijin since it was a destructive weapon and not left to him by his father. Once that was taken care of they could figure out the sleeping arrangements. Not to mention the threats of Niro and Victoria. Everyone couldn't help but worry that something bad was going to happen.
(Gardens – Western Castle – 8:45 AM)
As Kagome, Sango and Alda entered the gardens, Kagome hissed smelling an unknown neko scent. Alda was standing in front of Kagome as Sango stood with her back against Kagome's, her eyes sweeping the area.
"There!" Sango spotted a brush moving in the foliage. "I saw something."
Kagome frowned as she felt an aura yet it was almost pure in nature. She could also feel youki which meant it was a youkai but Kagome couldn't feel anything negative towards any of them. Placing a hand on Lady Alda's arm, Kagome walked closer to the place that Sango pointed out. Sango was about to move but Alda placed a hand on the slayers shoulder.
"You can come out." Kagome called to whoever was in the underbrush. "I wont hurt you. I'm Lady Kagome of the..."
Kagome didn't get the words out of her mouth before she suddenly had a small neko child holding onto her with tears in his eyes. She could see that he was scared but the scent on him told her another story all together. Kaede's scent was old yet she could still sense the old miko's scent on the boy.
"Kagome?" Sango whispered as she stared at her friend.
"Everything's alright I think." Kagome looked down at the boy in her arms. "Can you tell me why you are here? Why do you have Lady Kaede's scent on you?"
Miso whimpered as he pulled away and looked up at the Lady of the West. "I am miso and I was taken in after you left the last time." He shivered as he remembered Kisho's cry in pain. "Kisho was with me and is a little older. An unknown person was near the Bone Eater's well. Kisho and I went to tell Lady Kaede and she had us bring her to the clearing."
"What happened after that?" Sesshoumaru asked as the males arrived, sensing their mates unease.
"Lady Kaede went to speak with the person yet the flaming red haired woman wouldn't leave and attacked." Miso whimpered when the Inu started to growl. "Kisho stayed to help but I was able to come here. Kaede asked us to leave and get you but Kisho couldn't leave her."
Kito stepped towards the Lady of the West who held the young neko. "You did well." he held out his hand. "Would you care to join me for some food? I have a sudden appetite."
"You're always hungry." Alda snorted as she smiled brightly. "I will join you. I would like to know why two young nekos are on their own."
Miso looked to Kagome, who nodded, then took Kito's hand and allowed the strange neko youkai to lead him into the large castle. Kagome stayed by her mate as Kito, Alda and Miso headed into the castle. Sesshoumaru had an arm around Kagome's shoulders because he could sense her anger and fear. Emmett was also worried as he held Suyri. Bella was shaking as she had arrived with Inuyasha just as Miso said 'flaming red hair'. She knew who he meant. The children were attending lessons which kept them occupied. Alec and Jane were with them to keep a close eye on the children since the guest for the announcements would be arriving shortly. Kagome looked to Sesshoumaru with a worried expression.
"Sesshoumaru?" She whimpered thinking of Lady Kaede. "Bella and I need to go and see if Kaede is ok." Kagome hoped that Sesshoumaru would allow it.
Sesshoumaru sighed knowing his mate would go with or without his permission. "You may go only if Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku travel with you. Ah-Un will allow you to ride him on the way." His eyes bore into Kagome's. "This Sesshoumaru does not want you to risk the life of our pup anymore then Inuyasha would his."
Kagome smiled with teary eyes and nodded. She kissed his cheek as she hurried into the house to get the things she would need for the journey. Bella followed after her as Inuyasha, Emmett and Suyri stayed there with Sesshoumaru. Emmett pushed Suyri until she darted into the castle and followed the scents of Bella and Kagome. When she was gone, Emmett turned to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru with hard eyes.
"What are we going to do about this Niro that thinks my mate is his?" Emmett hissed knowing the two Inu's knew what he was talking about. "I'll be damned again if that fucker gets a hold of what's mine."
Sesshoumaru smirked causing Inuyasha to cringe. "We shall put in place things that will make sure that Suyri, Kagome and Bella are protected along with Sango and Miroku." His eyes went to Inuyasha. "Someone also needs to make sure that the children's wing is secured. Do you think Miroku would help in this matter?"
Inuyasha nodded. "If it's to keep the girls safe then he'll do anything."
None of them noticed, even with their super hearing, smell and sight, that two demons were watching and planning a plot of their own.
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Author Note – Here is the next chapter. What do you think will happen when Bella and Kagome take off? When they arrive in Edo? Things are going from bad to worse since for some odd reason none of the males could sense the two peeping toms that were spying on them. What is going to happen? Only the next chapter may tell, til then keep reading and reviewing...
~*Dragon*~