Disclaimers!

To Jackiezedkiler: I know, right? Hats off to Taisho, he did well! Milk Bones as poker chips? You're honestly killing me here! I died when I saw that. And I know Toto is a bit rough but he's only doing thi because he sees something in Akemi.

To Youkai55: What, rude? What could you possibly mean by that? Toto was only looking out for Kemi... in a weird way. The dress will be better than ever, I can promise you that. You only like Kimi's dress because you like Elsa. Give it a rest!

Previously

After Izoyai left I realized just how much suffering I had to go through.

Though it wasn't broadcasted as something huge, I was nearly beaten to death by Totosai in training meant for yokai members of the royal family. He thought it was best that I endure it in order to realize who I really am. Inutaisho and Inuyasha thought differently. I'm only human, I can't take dislocated shoulders, bloody coughs, and no food like Sesshomaru could.

Little did they know, Totosai was right and that I wanted to continue his training. I definitely want to do it now that Kimi is still making contact with me though I have guards. It's like she's saying, no matter what, I can still get to you. Well, just like I had to figure who the hell I am, she's going to find out too. Only difference is… she won't be getting up off the ground like I will be.

You don't fuck with me.

The Hunted

Chapter Twenty-Five
Party Over Here

"Oh man..." I groaned out as I cracked my back. I rotated my shoulders as I walked down the halls surrounded by my usual guards. "Question fellas... does it get better? The training I mean."

"No, milady, it doesn't."

"That is unless you get better, then it becomes particularly easy. But once that happens, they change route so that you won't become comfortable with the methods."

"So..." I mumbled in question.

"It gets worse", all four said in unison.

"Thanks. That was very helpful and eased my stress by millions. You guys are fucking golden!"

They chuckled and I sighed with a role of my eyes. I trained all day and night with Totosai. It took a while to get him to train me the way he usually did. I had to reassure him that it was what I wanted. When that happened, he smiled and said I was making process... All before kicking me to the ground in my spine. It was amazing. By the way, that was sarcasm.

I wasn't getting up, begging for more, but I didn't beg for him to stop either. He said that alone meant I was growing.

"It's not the strength in beating me that I want from you, Akemi. It's the attitude in not giving up. The ability to take the pressure of it all and never back down from the fight." He looked down to me as I growled from the pain in my left thigh. "If you withstand that imagine what else you'll be able to endure as a queen."

And he was right. That is why I wanted to go through with his training. But now I'm starting to regret it. Though the medicine and the oil and herbs I get every night works, I still feel like an athlete after a hard practice. And now I have to go through a party and then the bridal shower.

My long blue dress swayed around my legs as I walked slowly and rubbed my neck. It was just a plain blue dress with a heart shaped neck line spaghetti straps. I wore silver gladiator sandals because I just couldn't do heels tonight. Not after that damn training. My makeup was a natural highlight of my face and my hair was in a bun.

"How will I survive the night", I murmured to myself.

I had the party and the bridal party. The first party was for me and Kagome to meet some officials of the yokai community. These yokai will be yokai from around the globe, not just within the country. So... it's a bit important. Eliza and Carla will also be attending seeing as the bridal shower is directly after and because they were in the hunted group of the year but the first party is mainly for Kagome and I to fellowship since we'll be important after this week.

With that being said, everyone has access to me. That means any male who'd like to speak to me can unless I don't feel comfortable or up for it. That also means... Kimi could can reach me. But the guards are ordered to keep the conversation to a minimum. Though I should be nervous about this... I'm not. There's no way she can make a scene with so many important people in one place. I may not know Kimi very well but I'm sure she wants to keep up a certain image.

"Milady, are you ready?"

"Do I have much of a choice?"

"No."

"Then yes, I am. Let's get through this shit!"

"This will be our future queen", one guard said.

"I know", another replied. "It'll will be an entertaining change."

"Don't mock me, you guys", I mumbled with a smirk. "I'm not wearing heels right now, so it'll be easier for me to kick you."

They all chuckled and we entered the room. Immediately I noticed attention come my way. I sighed and swallowed a bit and began to fiddle my thumbs together. Last time I was in a position like this... Sesshomaru was by my side helping me through it. Now, he's where ever.

I'm going to kill him for leaving me alone like this.

"My... aren't you a sight", said a relatively deep voice. I turned around and arched a brow as I looked the man up and down. "Is it possible for me to have a bit of your time or... will your party keep me from doing so?"

"It's okay", I said with a small smile. "He's good you guys. You can follow a bit behind if you'd like."

They all nodded and stepped back. I then turned my eyes from the guards back to the man before me. He was tall, structured and well dress. He provided a charming smile that caused me to work hard in not being smitten. I am an engaged woman after all...

To an asshole who is currently missing by choice!

He bowed before me causing me to jump a bit and come from my thoughts on Sesshomaru. "I've heard much about you, Lady Akemi. It's an honor to be in your presence. Though I must say... the reason why does wound me a bit."

"And how is that", I asked confused.

"Well the occasion is for your wedding. It's a shame I couldn't get to you first."

"Oh, that's cute", I said with a smirk. "Flirting with an engaged woman."

"You are right, pardon my disrespect." He then looked away and raised his brows. "Where is your fiancé again?"

Oh, so he's a smart ass? Touche... "I'm sorry, who are you again?"

"Jeffrey Bane, but you... can call me Jeff", he said before kissing my knuckles. I watched him as the name Jeff ran through my head. I couldn't help the snicker and strained laughter that emitted my throat. "What has you so amused?"

"My name is Jeff", I mumbled referring to a scene in a popular sequel, 22 Jump Street. He smiled at me, confusion in his eyes. "I'm sorry! Your name just reminded me of something from a film I enjoy."

"That's the first time I've ever experienced someone laughing at my name."

"You're kidding", I gasped out. "It was such a famous meme!"

"A meme... right of course", he said a bit shocked.

"Do I appear to be a bit immature to you?"

"Well my dear, many people do. Don't feel threatened by it."

"I am threatened by many things, but you are not one of them."

"Good", he said. "It'd break my heart if I did bring discomfort to you."

I looked over him once more and tilted my head. His hair was brown with some gray, but it didn't look like he was aging. He looked to be Sesshomaru's age. And he's eyes were a sterling silver color... The metallic color caught in the light in a way that was super intriguing. The man himself was intriguing in an odd way. And to add to my interests... he wore a diamond stud in his left ear. It gave him a bit of rebellious twinge.

"How fond are you to leather and motorcycles?"

"Can I ask why this of importance?"

"I'm going through thoughts in my head right now... It's to decipher what kind of person you are. Please... just amuse me here."

"I enjoy motorcycles and the occasional leather jacket, yes."

Shit... I love a man on a bike. Damn it, Sesshomaru, why aren't you here?

"Akemi, are you okay?"

I jumped and turned to see Inuyasha and Kagome. Immediately, a string of guilt tugged at my heart. I was oogling another man at a party dedicated to my upcoming marriage. I'm a horrible person.

"I-I'm fine... I was speaking with..."

"Jeffrey Bane", Inuyasha said holding out his hand. "It's been awhile. How have you been?"

"I've been good, Inuyasha. Thank you for asking." His eyes then flicked to Kagome and he smirked. "And who is this extravagant woman?"

Oh... so, you're just a flirt? You've got me making bad decisions and feeling guilt over some pretty fucking words? What the hell, Jeff!

"My mate", Inuyasha said, with snap to his voice and bite in his glare. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your hands to yourself."

"I only meant to shake her hand", Jeff said with a chuckle.

"Like how you shook Akemi's? Last I remembered, a hand shake does not involve kissing her knuckles."

"I'm a gentleman. It was the gentlemanly thing to do."

"Yeah, well take your gentlemanly bullshit elsewhere! Hitting on an engaged woman... are you looking for someone to rip your head off."

"Hm", Jeff hummed. He then looked to me and again I was taken by his silver eyes. Though they compared nothing to Sesshomaru's they were still very intriguing. "Perhaps we'll talk more later, yes milady?"

"Hell no."

"Inuyasha", Kagome said elbowing him gently. "I think Akemi can speak for herself."

He groaned out and looked to me with hard eyes. "You're right, Kagome. Akemi can speak for herself. Now tell him no, Akemi."

"Um... it was a pleasure meeting you, Jeff. Perhaps... another time, yes. And when that time comes, it'd be best that you involve less of your charm. My fiancé wouldn't take too kindly to you making any moves. Quite frankly... neither do I. It's a bit disrespectful, dude."

"I'll keep that in mind."

I smiled as he bowed before leaving. Turning to Inuyasha, I flinched at his glare.

"What the hell was that?"

"A conversation", I said with a shrug. "You know, it's the same thing as what we're having right now."

"Don't act like that Akemi", Kagome said shaking her head. "That man was clearly flirting with you and you were letting him."

"Letting him? If he wants to tell me I'm pretty who the hell am I to stop him?"

"Oh, I don't know", Inuyasha said with a snort. "Maybe just a woman who is about to marry my brother in a matter of days!"

"It wasn't even all that serious!"

"Akemi, you aren't even supposed to be around another man and you know that! Yet, here, you let him kiss your hand! He has his scent on you now!"

"It's what gentlemen do, Inuyasha! It happened before. I didn't think it was all that bad."

"It's bad, Akemi. It' s fucking bad!" Inuyasha groaned and rubbed his forehead as he began to walk away. "How the hell am I supposed to tell Sesshomaru this?"

"You know, if he were here none of this bullshit would be happening", I mumbled.

Inuyasha froze and slowly turned towards me. With his brow arched and his eyes stabbing through my chest with an awful glare, I grew worried that maybe what I said wasn't the right thing to say. Shocker.

"What did you just say?"

"W-well..." I rolled my eyes and released a breath before rubbing the back of my neck. "C'mon Inuyasha! How was I supposed to know? If it were any other way, what Jeff did would have been normal!"

"But it is not any other way! You are meant to belong to my brother! You are his mate. You're spoken for! And because he hasn't mated you yet but you are still claimed, being around other men is not okay! Being touched by other men is worse than not okay!"

"Then why in the hell are you fucking people putting me in this fucking predicament! If I'm not supposed to be around other men why are you making me attend a party full of men? If I'm not supposed to be near Kimi why the hell are you letting her roam around so freely? If I wasn't supposed to flaunt my body around Sesshomaru while on my period then why did Izoyai make me be the voice at the meeting with the mayor?"

"Akemi", Kagome said grabbing my hand. "Lower your voice before you catch attention."

"No! They want me to do all of this and act a certain way and do a certain thing yet they are placing me in situations where it's nearly impossible to do them! I'm supposed to fellowship with other world leaders – who are predominately male, by the way – but you don't want me to be near them. What kind of bullshit is that? And for what reason, so a can stay fresh for a man who left me high and dry by myself? If your brother and I are so fucking destined to be together then where the hell is he? Hm, Inuyasha? Where is he?"

"You don't understand, Akemi, he can't be here."

"Why? So, there's more to it? There's something everyone is keeping from me?"

"I can't tell you."

"Ever thought that you not telling me is maybe why I'm so ignorant and maybe the reason why I keep making so many god damn mistakes! Tell me!"

"I can't!"

"Then don't come running up to me saying what I should and should not do."

Inuyasha's lips pressed together and he released a growl as I stepped back and walked away. Immediately after I was surrounded by my guards again. I was not trying to get upset at this party. I wasn't trying to argue with the youngest prince in front of other officials! All I wanted to do was go through the night as smoothly as possible while making an at least decent first impression. But no, I had to screw up by talking to a guy and getting my knuckles kissed.

Oh no, how dare I? Off with my damn head! Honestly though, what did they expect to happen?

"You seem tensed and upset."

"Who the hell are you and why are you still trying to get me in trouble? You're yokai right?"

"Yes, wolf yokai."

"So, you knew it wasn't okay to kiss my hand because of the mating thing, yet you still did it?"

"Well I couldn't help myself."

"Save it Jefferey. What's your angle?"

"This is how our future queen speaks?"

I rolled my eyes as I was handed a glass of clear bubbly liquid. I looked down at it and sighed. "Do keep in mind, Mr. Bane, that I was not raised to be royalty. So, the way I talk is the way I talk. There's no changing that because I'm where I am because of it, flaws and all." I took a sip from the flask and raised a brow. Okay... it was pretty good. "Now that I answered your question, you can answer mine." My eyes went back up to his as he smirked at me. "What do you want?"

"You weren't chosen as the mate of the eldest prince based on your charm but by soul. So, I wouldn't say you've arrived in such great power from the way you speak."

"Well duh, I know that. That's not what I was saying. You should listen more, Jef-fah-fah. I am going to be a princess because Sesshomaru and I are to be mated, but I got what I wanted – you know the accords and all – because of how I chose the words that come from my mouth and the actions I play out."

"You seem rather full of yourself."

"If you're trying to call me arrogant, just know that I'm not. What appears to be confidence is actually sarcasm. It's 99.9 percent of my being. The remaining .1 percent is unknown." I shrugged and looked to the glass again before sipping it once more. "It could be more sarcasm. Nobody really knows. It hasn't been tested yet."

"You have me convinced", Jeff said with a chuckle as he tilted his head.

I looked him up and down before clearing my throat and finishing my drink. "As for the reason you are still here flirting with an engaged woman?"

"What makes you believe I have a purpose? Perhaps, I'm just getting acquainted with a new leader."

"By making moves you know you shouldn't be making?"

"Touche."

"Yeah, I bet. What is it, Jefferey Bane? You seem pretty smart yet you're making bad choices."

"Are you truly taken by Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Excuse me? I don't think that's any of your business?"

"My apologies. I believe you heard my words in a different manner. What I meant was are you truly in love with him? You say you're engage and you seem to play the part well yet... your behavior sets you apart."

"What are you saying?"

"I've heard much about you, my dear. The stories don't do you justice, you are much more pleasing in person."

"Thanks, I've noticed."

"Tales say that when you and Sesshomaru first encountered each other you didn't get along."

"We didn't. I didn't like the guy! He was an egotistical jerk who seemed to not care about others feelings or emotions at all."

"And also, your conversation with your soon to be in-law says that you still have some dislikes in your future husband."

"If you know that he's not here and why then you should understand why I'm currently not fond of him."

"And... you as well as I do know that yokai mating is very intimate and important yet you seemed to not have cared when I was flirting."

"Look... I like compliments and praise. If you want to spend your time telling me how remarkable I am, that's you! I won't disappoint! I wasn't flirting back, and besides, I told you before you left that some of what you were doing was not okay. Not to mention, I'm not keyed in on everything about mating. I thought you were just being a gentleman."

"That I was."

"So where are you coming from? What are you doing all of his for?"

"I want to see where your heart is at and set your mind amongst the right path. Do you love Sesshomaru?"

"Yes! I wouldn't go through all that I am going through and marry the guy if I wasn't in love with him!"

"Then why are you so furious with him at the moment?"

"Because he left me!"

"Permanently?"

"No..."

"Do you know why he left?"

"No, but that's another reason! Shouldn't he have told me?"

"Perhaps the matter was so urgent that he had not the time to explain."

"There are ways of communicating."

"What if he can't communicate? I don't think you are understanding. He left because his beast is unstable, Akemi. If he were to have stayed or communicated with you, it'd make it worse."

"What... how do you know these things?"

"I am a yokai and an official. The absence of the prince was explained. It needed to be. It is why there is no fuss or fret. We understand the grounds of his absence. I just don't believe you do."

"And you are trying to explain that to me? Why?"

"Because it's bothering you and if it continues you'll think irrationally. You'll cause destruction in many areas. Also... you and Sesshomaru seem to be a remarkable couple. It'd be such a shame for it to end due to the cause of ignorance on your part."

"So, you're helping me out because you want me to be careful and because you're a hopeless romantic."

"Precisely. You're going to rule this empire one day. If you aren't careful now then you'll assume that what you are doing is right and your unwise decisions will continue. You have a bright future ahead of you, Akemi. It'll be even brighter with Sesshomaru beside you and your head screwed on straight."

"Hm", I hummed. " I suppose you are right." I looked to him with a smile and giggled. "Thank you, Jeff."

"It was nothing."

"Now with all of that out of the way... I have a question for you."

"Please, be my guest."

"How does a man like you – with high ranks and all in the yokai community – be a man of piercings and leather?"

He chuckled out and rubbed his chin. His silver eyes then flashed to me as he smirked. "I may be one way in business but I'm definitely another when it comes to my personal affairs."

"Interesting", I said amused. "I feel like we are going to be great friends, Jeff. You seem to be the only person who has fun – like real fun away from... this – along with handling your duties correctly. That's what I want. I want to be a great princess and queen but I also want to continue to be me, you know?"

"I do. Though it may seem impossible, it is not. You just have to learn to make time for yourself. Yes, some things may be very important and need much attention but what can you do for those things when you aren't in your right mind? People love you because of who you are. If you lose that and change into something else, then you're lying to everyone including yourself. You will be seen as deceiving. And worst of all, you'd be truly lost."

"Nice", I mumbled out. "Yeah I don't want to be that."

"So, make time for yourself so that you can continue to do what you enjoy doing. Make time for you to be you." Jeff then tilted his head a bit with a smile. "Though some people may look down on this, it may be okay to sometimes mix business with pleasure."

"In what way do you mean?"

"I've heard you are a performer, yes?" I nodded as I shifted my weight. "Maybe one day you can call yourself performing for your people in order to raise for certain benefits. It's your pleasure and your business."

"Jeff, you're a smart -

"Milady, we must move you."

I turned to one of my guards with a frown and question on my face. Before I could open my mouth, I turned to see what they were eyeing. Lady Kimi.

"Great", I groaned. "Excuse me Jeff, I have to go. It was amazing talking to you."

"I can say the same."

I smiled and bid my goodbyes before leaving with the guards. Though Kimi wasn't exactly eye balling me and paying complete attention, I could tell she was coming my way. She was subtly walking over to me and conversing with those she'd pass by. It wasn't until we made eye contact that I really understood what she wanted to discuss.

She was not happy with me.

"It seems that Lady Kimi is a bit upset with you."

"Good", I sighed out. "That means she's got my message."

"Oh Akemi", Kimi sang out with a flutter of her hand. "I must speak with you, my dear."

"No", I said with a shake of my head as she walked within three feet. "There is nothing to talk about. I gave you my thoughts on your dress. Didn't you receive my message?"

"Oh, but I did. Such vulgar attitude and language, by the way."

"It gets worse, that I can promise."

"I bet it can, no need for promises. But, I only beg that you reconsider resting on my bad side."

"Bad side? By mentioning such a thing would mean that you have a good side. I don't think that's true, Ms. Gobodo. Fibbing is such vulgar behavior!"

"Akemi, you're making a big mistake", Kimi said with a frown and a shake of her head.

"No, Ms. Gobodo, the only mistake I have ever made was thinking that maybe – just maybe – there was still some light left in you to save. Evidently... I was wrong."

"Hm", she hummed as she turned away. A sadistic smile took over the frown and she nodded. "Is this your final answer?"

"Yes, mommy dearest", I said entirely full of sarcasm.

"You little -

Before she could say, let alone, do much else the guards drew closer. I also arched a brow and cracked my knuckles, stepping forward, but on pulled me further back. What can I say? I'm not afraid to knock her lights out, mother-in-law or not.

When she took notice to this and the guards she cleared her throat and smiled as she looked around.

"Just you know, Ms. Genesis, I know exactly how to get what I want. You might not be all too willing now but just you wait. I'll have you in the palm of my hands, begging."

"Another trial in hypnosis? Try it and I'll rip out your lungs."

"Right", she said. "Until next time, yes?"

"Hell the fuck no. Go find a pot to dump all your bullshit in."

She snorted with a roll of her eyes before she walked away. My nails dug deeply into my palms as my skin burned and I began to seethe. I am really beginning to hate that woman.

"Sesshomaru was right", I mumbled. "Nothing good comes from her."

"Akemi, are you okay?"

"I'm fine", I sighed out as Kagome ran up. Not far behind her was Eliza and Carla. "Hey, long time no see."

"Cut the shit, Akemi. Are you okay?"

"I said I was fine, didn't I?"

"Yeah you say one thing but your hands say another."

At that I looked down to my palms to see that I broke skin. "Shit, Carls... you're right."

"Let's go get you clean up before the bridal shower, yeah."

I smiled and nodded as Kagome grabbed my arm. We all hurried away with the guards close behind. I turned back to the party to see Kimi speaking with someone. She paid me one last glance before smiling and looking away. An odd feeling boiled in my stomach. Despite the fact that I'm due to marry in only a couple of days I feel like she won't end here so easily just because I have guards.

She's up to something.

The Hunted Q&A Continued

Kemi: Look... I know. I'm sorry. Hey, why did it take you fucking three weeks? I got busy and sidetracked. I'm sorry! Forgive me, will ya? At least I came back to post instead of abandoning my post all together, right? Anyway, I hope you guys liked the chap! Today I featured to Quiz winner. Jeff was our one and only Youkai55! I hope I did you justice, buddy! If not, torture me later. You always do. Anyways, for the announcements... I'm thinking of posting a Halloween One-Shot or so. Just a Halloween story in general. I'm not sure whether or not it's a one-shot or more, yet. Let me know how you feel about that! And my birthday is coming up! It's November 19 if you're wondering... I have a birthday special story. That will definitely be posted. I had it for a year. But that's next month. Let me know what you think about the Halloween one though.

Kag: As for the questions we'll start with Jackiezedkiler! She asks, "When will the other men accompanying Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha in the hunt be brought up? I am very interested with their sides of the story too!"

Rick: Great question, Jackie!

Axe: Calm down, Rick. Don't get too excited.

Kemi: Well that is a good question, Jackie. Um... I was actually thinking of doing another bonus chapter like I did for Akemi's back story. It'll feature the girls, Carla and Eliza and the guys Rick and Axel. I wasn't really sure on whether or not I wanted to do it for real or not but since you requested in, I'll get to work.

Kag: This is Youkai55, our special Jeff! "Sesshomaru, I know why you are staying away but don't you think it's time to rejoin with your mate?"

Kemi: I'll answer that since he is not here. No, apparently not since he is not here. Sesshomaru is currently away being a dick, right about now, so maybe you can try again later. Until then, I'll continue to rack up the messages.

Inu: You're being hard on him.

Kemi: You and your brother can suck a grand one!

Kag: "Taisho, is the way you handled Kemi the same way you plan on handling your grandkids? If yes, you are going to be an awesome grandfather." - Youkai55

Taisho: If fact, yes it will be the way I'll will handle my grandchildren. The only difference is I'll be less strict with them. It is the parents job to raise them to be responsible and structured. A grandparent is supposed to spoil the grandchildren and only step in when the parents aren't able or if they lack in certain areas.

Kemi: Awesome Sauce! Any more questions? Yay... nae? Great! Sorry if it seems like I'm rushing but I have food to eat and a bed to sleep in. I'm super tired because now I am working on Mondays. Before I had Mondays off but I decided to start adulting a little more. Not only did I work today but I also worked more hours than I usually do. Yay. Not really. So until next time my Cookie Jars! Love ya! Don't forget to review!