You guys are just lovely!

Sorry for the short chapter; next one will be much longer!

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How Bad Could it Be?

The way downstairs seemed to pass like a blur; thousands of steps passed in a blink. There was only one thing on her mind, only one name that stuck out like a sore thumb. It stabbed into her head, constantly repeating, much to her chagrin… And she hadn't even met him yet.

"Over here," the women gestured to a smiling man. He was dressed up very nicely, probably in some of the finest colors and designs she had ever seen, but she could hardly pay attention. "He will teach you how to dance properly." She was pushed forward to the smiling man.

"After words you will be taken to learn how to handle yourself in front of nobility." The three woman gave her nods before making their leave.

"Kagome, right?" The man asked in a voice surprisingly kind.

"Yes, and you are?" She shook her head, trying to get out of her funk. No matter how scared she was, she would have to do this either way. Therefore she had to suck it up and move on. Besides… there was someone else who needed to know what was going on. Sango...

"I am Miroku," he took a bow, "It is nice to finally, properly, meet you."

"Thank you," she smiled, noting immediately that he was obviously a very smooth talker. "You too."

He held out his hand and after a moment, preparing herself for what was about to happen, Kagome took it.

Miroku pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist and leading her around the room. To be honest, Kagome hadn't paid much attention to the styles of dancing in this period of time, but it wasn't as hard as she had suspected. Although, this wasn't entirely the proper ancient Japan, so the dancing could be miles different than what it was back home.

Kagome paused in her dancing, the word whispering through her mind. Home… What was her family doing? Had they noticed her disappearance? What of her mother; had she found love in that new man? And her brother had only been months away from high school last she checked; how was he feeling? She sighed, all those little things she had never found all that important, even annoying, weighed more on her mind than anything.

"Kagome?" She stopped, looking up, realizing they had come to a complete halt.

"Sorry," she mumbled, "My head is in the clouds."

He smiled, "Well I don't see how you could be that tall," he glanced up at the ceiling, "But please come back down so I can help you be as graceful as I'm sure you are."

It seemed as though flattery and jokes were his strong point, it was obvious and yet Kagome found it oddly striking. "Of course, my apologies."

His kind smile widened to a happier one as he once again took the lead, twisting her around the room. With his help, and the calmness of the room, Kagome was able to make it through the lesson without any casualties.

Hopefully the ball itself went the same way…

. . . . . .

"Curtsy." With a groan, Kagome lowered herself into the millionth curtsy she'd been ordered to do. Tsuyu had looked so sweet and innocent the other night at dinner, but now she realized that the girl with the bright blue collar was actually the devil in disguise.

"Your form is horrid, how do you even walk with those legs?" Tsuyu bumped into Kagome, easily pushing her to the ground.

Ok, maybe she wasn't the devil, but she was hard enough on Kagome that she may as well have been.

"Your stance, even when curtsying, should be rock solid." Tsuyu lowered herself into another curtsy for demonstration. "Try to knock me over."

Kagome had gotten up and given a half hearted shove, knowing there would be no change from the last few times she'd done this.

"You see?" Tsuyu straightened, "Now try again."

It went on like that for an eternity – and when they switched to eating, she thought it be better, but it was a thousand times worse.

"I can not keep all of these rules together." Kagome tried hard not to rub her head for fear of smearing the make up. "It's just too much to learn." They had been at it for yet another hour; chopsticks, which she used often, were the easiest. But a lady had to hold them a certain way, she could only eat certain 'lady like' things, she could only eat so much, only after both her lord and Naraku had begun to eat and given her permission could she start. Generally she would be the one refreshing their drinks and meals, but tonight she was more of a guest than a slave and would therefore be sitting for the most of the time. That she couldn't complain about, but the million other rules still got to her. There were ways she had to talk, if at all, things she had to say, things she couldn't say, people she couldn't look at, those she had to ignore or make a point to recognize.

Tsuyu gave her own sigh, and even that looked so poise Kagome had the sudden intense urge to trip her. "Very well," she leaned on the makeshift dinner table, "Just do what you can definitely remember, as for the rest…" she thought it over, "Either look to me, or better yet Lord Sesshoumaru, or remain silent. Understand?"

Kagome nodded, "I suppose that's the best I can do." There was a ringing, then. A loud, shrill sounded that rang throughout the castle, bouncing off the walls and instantly giving her a headache.

It was over as quick as it came and she began to wonder if it was some sort of obnoxious doorbell.

"Come, it is time." Tsuyu grabbed her hand and led her through the halls at a light run. She was able to keep up easily, but she still felt tired by the time they arrived at the front doors.

Standing there, tall and looking as regal as ever, was Sesshoumaru. She'd be a flat out liar if she didn't admit he looked absolutely dashing.

His hair was more shiny than she had ever seen, with glowing yellow eyes that turned to take in her own outfit. His clothes, usually simple and made for fighting, were decorated with ornate, gold designs on a deep purple background. Small streaks of read shot through the purple, bringing his personal marks out, making them look more obvious. Her eyes were drawn to them, which made her wonder if there was a reason. She found herself curious about them, were they important? A symbol of sorts?

He nodded at her, slowly, as if saying he approved of her look. "Is she ready, then?" He looked at Tsuyu.

"As ready as she can be in the time we were given," she kept her head lowered and her voice calm. Kagome understood the underlying warning; she would need to be watched carefully for when she inevitably slipped up. "I have informed her to look to either you or me if she is in need of help."

Kagome gave a small shrug, a little embarrassed that she was the obvious stand out here. "I do have one request-" at his glare, she noted that these last few minutes were the last time she would be allowed to speak out of turn. "Lord Sesshoumaru." She added, so he would be happier and hopefully allow her to finish.

He glanced at the door, judging the time, before turning back. "Very well, you can say one more thing, and then you are to be everything you need to be." Sesshoumaru's eyes bore into her, a silent warning.

Kagome nodded at his words, then spoke up, wanting to hurry before they ran out of time. "I want something." She began with, "I will be as perfect as I can tonight. I will be," she swallowed, "Your pet. I will be quiet and obedient and do everything I am told, if…" she fought the urge to fidget, "If you promise to, after this is done, answer me one question truthfully. As well as do me one favor, of which I do not yet know."

Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment, "In exchange for doing something that would more than likely save your life, you wish me to answer a question I do not know, and perform a favor I haven't a clue about?"

Kagome nodded, "Yes." She straightened her already straight dress, "Partly because I don't really know what they are yet, myself."

The ringing sounded again, making her wince and Sesshoumaru glare harder. "Very well," he growled. "It is a deal."

"One you won't break this time?" Kagome frowned at him.

His eyes flashed red, "You have my word. Be the pet deserving of my attention, and you will get what you want."

Kagome had no time to respond; the servants pulled the handles on the gargantuan doors, pulling them in, opening them to the guests outside. Along with the rest of the girls, Kagome took a deep breath and lowered herself into a curtsy she hoped was correct.

Hopefully no one would try to knock her over…

She forced her eyes to stay on the floor. She could do this, it was far too important to worry about her personal problems. This was for the others; she had to do this right so she could get a question answered and a favor preformed. How hard could it be?