Chapter Thirty-Three

Thankfully, Kagome seemed to remember her old practices from years ago so she did not make much of a fool of herself. It felt almost right, actually, something that made Kagome smile just a little wider.

Sango, having still not moved, looked out into the crowd and saw Sesshomaru with Kagome. Forgetting her current predicament, she smiled at the happy couple. Kagome looked truly happy and even Sesshomaru seemed to be in a brighter mood. It was obvious that Sesshomaru had done all of this for Kagome, since he had gotten crankier when Sango had lied and told him that all the servants had to work, no excuses. But now, seeing as Kagome had in fact gone to the ball, he did not look like he thought all of this was a mistake.

But underneath all the happy air, something vile moved. It slipped amongst the crowd, not once catching anyone's eyes. The guests still laughed in their alcohol induced happy feeling and did not once see it slither through the mass. It finally made its stop by a tall pillar, half hidden behind it. Its bright red eyes glinted evilly, intent on watching the people enjoy themselves.

The song ended and the dancers gave an appreciative clap. Kagome, now a little dizzy and extremely giddy, excused herself to go see Sango. Sesshomaru kissed her hand and Kagome felt heat rise up in her face. She still really could not believe all of this had happened. It was just like all those happy tales her father had read her. The mistreated, beautiful girl was rescued and fell in love with the charming prince. Sesshomaru was not a prince, but to Kagome, there was no one better.

Sango had a small smile on her face when Kagome approached her. "You dance well," Sango complimented.

"I used to practice," Kagome explained, feeling simply bubbly. Sango noticed her overjoyed expression and felt extremely happy for her. Now only if Sango could finally get her relationship on track.

"The night is still young. Why do you not go and dance more?" Sango persuaded, wanting Kagome to really enjoy herself tonight.

Kagome shook her head. "I am resting. Besides, it would not be fair if I kept Sesshomaru all to myself."

Sango chuckled. "Kagome, I do not think he would mind at all." Kagome blushed, looking away. When she did, she noticed a particularly nice looking man gazing in their direction. With a smile, she realized what his eyes were on.

"Sango," Kagome started quietly, "you should go dance." Kagome made a motion towards the man and Sango looked over. Her eyes widened and she quickly looked back to Kagome.

"I could not!" Sango insisted, but Kagome refused to bend. If Sango could convince her to dress up and go to a ball, Sango could dance with one man.

"I am not asking you, I am telling you," Kagome pointed out, nudging Sango. Sango looked up to see the man approaching her and she looked back at Kagome.

"But Miro-" Sango began, but Kagome cut her off. "He is otherwise preoccupied." Sango's gaze locked on Miroku and the brunette and her temper flared.

The man walked up to Sango and asked, "May I have this dance?"

Sango looked at him and smiled, curtseying. "Of course," she replied, letting him take her hand and lead her out onto the floor. Kagome smiled smugly at her work. Without a doubt, that would get Miroku's attention.

From behind the pillar, it walked steadily towards the entrance of the room, taking a stand in front of the double doors. An aged woman glanced at him briefly before looking away, not interested in him at all. He smirked to himself, readjusting his suit. He was unhappy that he had not been invited, but decided he would not punish the Lord too much. No, he came for much different reasons. It seemed that something of his had gotten free and it was time he came and brought it back home.

Kagome walked over to a table, taking a roll and chewing it slowly. She tried to look over the people to spot Sesshomaru, but failed miserably. He may be tall, but she was short. Sesshomaru was in fact just out of her view, standing with a crowd on the same side of the room as her, next to Inuyasha. Inuyasha and Kikyo had taken a short break, and Kikyo had gone to see her parents who had attended the event. Inuyasha did not like Kikyo's parents very much, seeing as they did not approve of him.

Miroku stood on the other side of the room, watching Sango laugh as she danced with the unnamed man. He was mad, yes, seeing as she had come here with him, but it was his fault and he knew it. He had let his old habits get to him and he had left Sango for some pretty girl that did not even matter. Sighing, Miroku turned away and walked off.

From behind the stage, the windows rattled before being thrown open, wind howling through the room. The candles were blown out and several people shrieked, before realizing they were being ridiculous; it was only wind after all. From above, the chandelier gave a shudder and the people looked up. A loud crunch was heard as the glass dome broke and the chandelier came crashing down. The dancer scattered, dodging as glass and the chandelier came raining down.

With the loudest crash ever heard, the chandelier hit the floor, shattering. Sango blinked from where she was, sprawled out on the floor, breathing heavily. No one was injured, but everyone was shook up nicely.

Kikyo rushed forward, pulling Sango to her feet. Miroku rushed to the front of the crowd, sighing in relief when he was Sango across the room standing unharmed. Sango pulled herself out of Kikyo's arms and looked up at the break in the glass dome. Sango gasped, seeing a black figure dart across the top, disappearing. "It was intentional," Sango announced out loud, everyone looking up where Sango looked.

"Ah, how intuitive of you," a voice full of mirth announced, chuckling darkly. A tall, muscular man with dark hair stepped forward, dressed in a dark suit without a sword attached to his hip. His hair rippled down his back and several people stepped back, feeling the evil roll off of him in practically tangible waves. He raised his head, allowing his red eyes to glint under the dim light.

A shriek came up from the crowd and a thump was heard, someone having fainted. Sesshomaru rushed forward to the front of the crowd, snarling, "Naraku."

A/N: The moment many of you have been waiting for! The man of the hour, Naraku, has finally made his grand appearance! I bet you can tell some crazy things are about to go down, huh? :) Guess you'll just have to wait until next week to see all the trouble Naraku is going to cause!

Ainhoa11: Oh Lord, Carrie? Now, wouldn't that have been a chapter? :)

Katscratchstudios: Hm, something bad? Kinda like what I just did in this chapter? And plan on doing again later? :)

Sasusakui: Sadly? What? Oh my god, that made me laugh. Sadly? Do you want everyone to die? Though a giant spider would have been a nice touch…