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It's My Party and I'll Execute if I Want To
Naraku, lord of the south, was a sight to behold. His face, while delicate and holding the possibility of kindness, was overshadowed by the clear look in his dark eyes. This was an evil person, to the core; not even the word was enough to describe the vile thoughts he entertained on a day-to-day basis. Even his hair was as unruly as his heart; silky and smooth, yet somehow messy and unkempt. Where Sesshoumaru looked regal and important, Naraku looked loud and dangerous.
He had become the lord of his lands after a long, difficult fight, and had come to realize in his early years that having people fear him was far easier to achieve than any other way to gain their allegiances. Therefore, Naraku gladly strove to be the best at being bad.
A number of days ago, the lord of the south had been informed that his ally in the west had finally returned after a long while of absence. He was curious about the reasoning, but not enough to go searching, and instead told his informer to simply keep an eye out, as per his usual job. The ball that he held every year for his day of birth would be coming shortly, he could interrogate Sesshoumaru about it all then. He had begun to wonder if the little lord would miss his special day, and was almost disappointed when he had returned just in time.
Until, of course, he heard of the woman who held Sesshoumaru's attentions.
The human was new, and that did not sit well with Naraku at all. She had never been heard of, leading to the only conclusion, that Sesshoumaru had brought her back with him from wherever he had gone. But where was that? Naraku had spies all over the planet, if there was a human anywhere, he would have found her first.
Around the same time, the wolves had become unruly. While Sesshoumaru was gone, Naraku was left to deal with the rebellion of the insufferable mutts as they messed up anything and everything they could get their disgusting hands on. It was horribly out of the ordinary for them to act in such a way – but when he finally discovered the reason, everything clicked into place.
Naraku needed to meet this woman, and to get every fact straight, before he could make his move. Therefore, he decided to let the little dog know he wanted to have his celebration at the other's home. It would be short enough time to throw him off, and he knew first hand Sesshoumaru would never deny his wants.
His grin, bearing the thin fangs, widened as his carriage opened.
Wrapped feet touched the ground silently, copying his surroundings. No one moved, no one even breathed. He scoffed; if they had been humans he would be deafened by the sound of their beating hearts. In fact… Naraku's ear twitched, he could hear those heartbeats only a few feet away.
He always enjoyed Sesshoumaru's castle. The grand doors, the vast lands, white brick so clean it was a marvel to look at. Of course, his own castle, made of obsidian and spider webs, was far more ostentatious. There were even gardens, here. How quaint.
"Come." He stated simply, walking towards the doors, which were already opening. The three others that traveled with him climbed off the back of the carriage, moving after him efficiently.
He watched Sesshoumaru finish his turn to look at the doors, as well as the number of humans fall into their bows and curtsies. The lord did not bow, of course. That was Naraku's job. And he did so with grace, and hidden venom.
"My lord," he said, with barely contained sarcasm. "What a lovely entrance you have prepared for me."
"I suppose, in the time we had to prepare for your arrival, preparations went considerably well." Sesshoumaru replied dryly.
Naraku looked at the many servants in front of him, giving no expression at the obvious boasting. He only had one human in his possession, and it was a boy at that. But Sesshoumaru had women and men; and together they made up the entire population. That blasted request, said basically as a law, allowing him and him alone to have humans had been an insult. Whether or not Sesshoumaru intended it that way was unclear, but Naraku did not care. He was kind enough to 'give' his female over, but little did he know what that girl carried with her.
"They look adequate," he mused, scanning the girls up and down, knowing the men would be looked over by his own company. His dark eyes settled on the girl to Sesshoumaru's right. She was chastely dressed, compared to the others, and her form was off to the trained eye. But to his surprise, she was quiet and hadn't yet looked up; generally the new girls couldn't hold their curiosity for long, perhaps her will was a bit stronger.
"I take it this is your new pet?" He took in her pale skin, the dark hair, and the slight tremble in her tiring legs.
"Yes," Sesshoumaru replied simply.
"So I should not expect much," the phrase was a test, and he was glad he gave it. The girl winced, ever so slightly; her tiny fists clenched and he was sure if she could she would have struck him. Oh yes, she was definitely new, and on top of that a fighter. No wonder Sesshoumaru liked her. And on that note…
Naraku couldn't help but notice the very soft movement of the dog demon stiffening, as if his words had been offensive. Interesting…
"Depending," Sesshoumaru responded quietly.
"On?" He asked, still watching her legs quiver.
The dog shrugged graciously, making Naraku inwardly snarl. The damn youkai could vomit and he would look like a king, and Naraku hated him for that. "Where she is, what she is doing, who she is around."
"Untrained, then." He grinned, unable to reign in his excitement; he always loved it when they fought back.
"She was, yes. But she is far better, now that she has had time to settle in." Sesshoumaru said, carefully.
Naraku waited a few moments longer, still enjoying the shake her pale legs gave, before taking a step forward. "Rise, pet. Let me get a proper look at you."
Kagome straightened her back, truly unable to stop the relief from flooding her face. Practicing it was hard enough, holding it for that long was torture. Hell, if Sesshoumaru wanted her to obey, he should just make her do that.
Her eyes wandered up, taking in Naraku's features, and stiffened at the sight. She kept her eyes blank, and her lips pursed.
Her face was strikingly familiar, and Naraku spared a glance in Kikyo's direction. But he turned back to take in the rest of her. How her hair framed the delicate, soft face, and yet made her look ready to take on anything. The slope of her neck, leading to the hidden line of her breasts, taunted him, daring him to lean in and take a bite. It was small, thin enough that he was sure he could wrap his fingers around it. Her body itself was plump in all the right places; her breasts larger than the others, and even her hips. Naraku thought he loved the slim, sleek look, but he discovered the curves worked wonders in his imagination.
Noting the hungry gaze, Sesshoumaru lifted his hand and gestured at the women behind Naraku. "Kagura and Kanna, it is a pleasure to see you again."
Kagura, the taller, more angry-looking one, fanned herself as she inspected the men to her left. She barely glanced at the lord, "And you as well, my lord." She sounded tired, bored even.
"Yes, it is lovely to be in your presence once more." Where Kagura was brash and rude, Kanna was quiet and withdrawn. She reminded Sesshoumaru of Tsuyu, and yet there was something dangerous about her that had always unnerved him. Not that he would admit it.
"If you are ready, I can have Tsuyu and Kikyo take you to your rooms." Sesshoumaru offered.
The two girls raised their heads, but kept their eyes on the floor.
"Actually, I think I would like this little one to take me, Sesshoumaru." Naraku said, not taking her eyes off of her.
"It is lord," Sesshoumaru said, the first hint of a growl seeping through his lips. "And no, she cannot. She barely knows the layout of the castle, let alone where your room is or any information about it."
Naraku tsked, "Very well, lord Sesshoumaru." He turned to Kikyo and with that movement she stepped forward and turned towards the stairs.
"This way, milord." She kept her eyes on the floor as she began to walk, knowing he would be able to follow even if he didn't come right away. Long ago, Sesshoumaru had specifically instructed the girls to refer to Naraku, and only Naraku, as 'milord', in an effort to partly offend him as well as make themselves seem less intelligent and therefore less of a threat. Sesshoumaru knew physically they were far from threatening, but if they were thought as unintelligible then generally that created a looser tongue.
Naraku waved his hand behind him, "Oh and Kohaku can stay with the servants." He gave an innocent smile, "I'm sure someone will be able to show him around." As he walked after Kikyo, he paused behind Sango. For a moment he just stood there, looking down at her curtsied form, before running a strong finger from her lower back up to her neck. "She probably isn't up to such a task." The message was clear, Sango was not allowed near her brother.
With that, Naraku made his way up the stairs, with Kagura and Kanna followed after only moments later behind Tsuyu.
. . . . . .
Kagome visibly shivered the moment she could no longer hear Naraku's footsteps. When she first arrived, it was Sesshoumaru and his cruelness that greeted her. But the way he acted, the words he said, made her want to punch him in his arrogant face.
All she could do was scream in her mind, Don't look don't look don't look.
The moment she was told to rise, she practically leapt into place. It was so hard to stare at his chest, with his face just out of her peripheral vision. She lasted so long… but the curiosity was too much, she had to lift her eyes.
They met his and instantly she felt the urge to run. There was something in there, something inhuman- or, she supposed, in-demon? She barely heard any words that came out of his mouth. The moment he was gone, the relief made her nearly sigh aloud.
Thinking about it now, Kagome shook her head softly, frowning at her inner words. In-demon?
"Don't make that mistake, again." Sesshoumaru's voice drew her eyes to him, he was glaring after Naraku.
"What did I do?" She asked incredulously; she thought she performed perfectly!
"You looked him in the eye," he snapped. "Had he not been in such a favorable mood you would have to be dragged from the room."
Kagome frowned, "I forgot…"
"You cannot forget," Sesshoumaru's eyes were red again. "Naraku is not forgiving. Especially those who peak his interest."
He turned to the group, "Tarōmaru, Suekichi, bring Kohaku to your room where he will remain for the duration of his stay." He nodded to the others, "And the rest of you, you should know what you're supposed to do."
Sesshoumaru looked straight at Kagome, "You, stick with the girls. Maybe they can knock some sense into you."
Kagome had at first wanted to snap at him for treating her like an idiot, but she stopped herself. She was an idiot… She had felt the very energy of the room take a downward shift when he entered the castle. In his presence she had wanted to run, to crumble and beg him not to hurt her. What the hell was wrong with her? Where was her strength?
Straightening her back, she gave a nod to Sesshoumaru, "I won't mess up again." She promised, before turning and joining the other girls. Not only did she have to be careful for her health, but she needed to keep up her end of the bargain if Sesshoumaru was going to hold up his.
"Your curtsy was the best you've done," Sango muttered halfheartedly to her as they made their way to the ballroom.
"Thank you," Kagome said, having to make a conscious effort not to bite her lip or wring her hands. There was a reason she rarely wore make up, and she didn't know if squeezing her own hands would ruin whatever those ladies put on her. "Are you ok?" She finally asked, keeping her voice low and careful.
Sango was silent as they walked, her posture proper, with her head low as if still in front of the lords. When they got to the doors, the last ones there, she looked up at Kagome and gave a smile, her eyes watering. "Not even a little bit."
Kagome stared after Sango as she walked into the massive room, keeping her head high, and couldn't help but admire the strength she saw. She had to help her… she had to get Kohaku out of that creature's clutches.
"I'm sorry!"
Kagome turned just in time to jump out of the way of a flying bit of glass. It looked like a glass, but when it landed, shattering and spilling what looked like wine, everywhere, she realized it was a pitcher. To her right, on his knees after bumping into someone and falling, was the boy she had seen the other night, his eyes wide in shock. She started to move to him, to ask if he was alright, but was beaten by a demon she had never met.
The humanoid …thing, a lizard tail jutting out of his lower back, picked the boy who's name Kagome couldn't remember for the life of her, by his collar and spoke in low, aggressive tones. She couldn't hear, but by the look on his face she could tell it was nothing close to what the normal punishment for spilling could possibly be. The boy nodded his head vigorously before being dropped back down, only barely keeping his balance. The second he hit, he ran for the kitchen, no doubt to get towels and a broom.
Kagome made her way after him, she wasn't doing anything after all, she may as well help him clean up. But as she reached the doors her wrist was taken gently by Tsuyu, who had returned to continue her lessons.
"Come, you must be ready when the guest of honor returns."
. . . . . .
Naraku tried to enjoy himself with the woman that dog had sent him upstairs with, but it was near impossible. So passive, broken… it was infuriating. He demanded nothing but perfection from those who served him, but never actually expected it – which was half the fun. But this damned human was perfect. The moment he realized it, he had sent her away. "I can find my way to the ballroom," he told her, "Leave me now while you still have all your limbs."
Kikyo didn't need to hear more, she gave him a low curtsy and got the hell out of there. She passed Tsuyu and the two girls Naraku always came with, and gave her a quick look to make sure she was alright. Naraku was horrendous, but he was relatively predictable, which was why she was sent with him. But the girls, or more specifically Kagura, could never be guessed at.
Tsuyu returned a very curt nod, signaling she was fine, and Kikyo continued without any further thought.
Downstairs, the servants were putting the finishing touches on the ballroom. It was grand and wondrous, but still not quite perfect.
She made her way immediately to Kohaku, who was standing near the wall, looking like a guard; stoic and ever watching.
"Would you like to stand there, or help out?" Kikyo asked him, a small smile on her lips to show she was partly joking.
Kohaku looked around, "I… I wasn't sure if I would be in the way or not."
The very first time Kikyo had seen Kohaku, she thought he was like her, or rather the character she played. He looked shattered, beaten down to the point that he was terrified of even the wind. But when she caught him cutting a tiny hole in Naraku's evening attire and letting in a small rodent that had absolutely destroyed the incredibly expensive material… she realized he was someone much more like the real her. Especially given that he was smart enough to use a rodent commonly found in the south, making it look like there was no foul play but a simple infestation.
That had been years ago, during her very first visit to Naraku's home, and she had worried, what with all the time that had gone by, that the spark would be gone… but looking into his eyes now, she knew it was still there. Diminished a little, but not completely. It gave her mixed emotions; happy because she never wanted his spirit broken, but sad because that meant there was still something there for Naraku to eventually find and break.
"We'll find a use for you," she smiled a little wider and held out a hand for him to take. Kikyo would make sure that, for at least the duration of his stay, he would have a break.
Across the ballroom, Sango smiled at the sight, immensely grateful for Kikyo. She would have to thank her somehow.
. . . . . .
The night began when Naraku walked into the room. He took in the sight: the walls adorned with his favorite colors, setting the darker mood perfectly. The dance floor, shiny and ready to be used for probably the fifth time in its entire life. Even the ceiling was decorated, with moving lights that created scenes on the walls and floor. The servants stood, perfect curtsies and bows, along said walls, ready to serve. And at the end of the room, the long table set up for yours truly himself. His spot was obvious; a large purple and black chair, decorated with silver shapes. Next to it, only slightly larger, was Sesshoumaru's chair – in the middle, of course. He did nothing to hide his disgust as he walked towards the table.
Upon arriving at the table, a woman whose name he didn't care about, ran forward and pulled out his chair. He paused, hmphing when he realized he would be the one to sit first; to tell everyone the party could begin.
Silently pleased, he stepped towards the chair, taking a moment to enjoy all the attention, before sitting down slowly.
The tension in the room seemed to dissipate, if only slightly, and suddenly everyone in it said happily; "Happy birthday, lord Naraku!"
Naraku fought the urge to roll his eyes, then thought better of it and went ahead and did it anyway.
Sesshoumaru moved up next to him, sitting down as well. "I hope the décor is acceptable," he said, gesturing behind him.
"Close," Naraku said, "But I am missing something." He watched as Kagome, who Sesshoumaru had been gesturing to, move up to sit next to the dog. "I need a better view on my right."
Sesshoumeru bristled, but to the room it seemed as if he had only hesitated. "Of course, it is your party after all." He nodded to Kagome, who curtsied and skipped over quickly to Naraku.
A chair was pulled up for her, and she sat, albeit unwillingly. And, wanting to show that she was putting her all into this, she purposefully turned slightly in her chair so she was leaning closer to the man of honor.
"Much better," Naraku mused.
"Wine?" Sesshoumaru asked, already raising his hand for the drink. At the other's nod, Kikyo came forward and filled their glasses. "And I'm sure you're hungry after such a long trip."
"Yes," Naraku nodded, "I can't wait to see what you've whipped up to try and please me." He wasn't angry, just teasing, enjoying the fact that this was all his and it made Sesshoumaru uncomfortable. Why, he didn't know, but he would find out.
Turning away, his back to the inuyoukai, Naraku put his attention on the human girl. "What am I to call you, again?" He asked.
Kagome raised her eyes, but this time was careful to keep them closer to his neck, trying to pretend it was super fascinating to avoid looking up. "Whatever you deem worthy, milord."
Naraku barked a laugh, "You're a quick learner, it seems."
"Milord?" She asked, unsure what he meant.
"When I arrived you looked like you wanted to snap my neck," at her widening eyes he couldn't help but laugh, "But now I am to give you any name I wish?"
"I-It is your day, milord. I can be whomever you please." Did that sound right? Kagome clenched her hands within the long sleeves, hoping to Kami she didn't sound stupid.
Suddenly hands were on her jaw, yanking her forward and forcing her to look up. In her shock she accidentally met the monster's eyes, but immediately moved them to his hair. "Do you mean to tell me you are only being compliant because it is my birthday?"
Kagome blinked, trying to think of how to respond. No! That wasn't what she meant, dammit! Why was this so hard? "N-No, milord. My apologies, I only meant… I didn't want to offend…" Fuck! Two years of speech class and it couldn't help her talk to an evil demon lord - what on earth was school good for?
"Look at me," he ordered. Not really wanting to, Kagome lowered her eyes to his. "You aren't whatever I wish because it is the damned day of my birth," he snapped, "You are whatever I wish because I am lord Naraku. And if you are anything but what I want, you are nothing."
Kagome swallowed, "Y-Yes milord."
There was a moment of silence, before he finally let her go with a jerk.
"Your food will get cold," Sesshoumaru spoke up with an almost bored tone. At first Kagome was furious that he had done nothing to help her, but when Naraku turned, his attention gone from her, she realized Sesshoumaru was giving her a chance to collect herself.
"What is it?" Naraku frowned at the platter.
"It is only the appetizer," Sesshoumaru explained, assuming he meant the portions. "The main course will arrive when you wish."
Things were turning around, Kagome noticed, as they began to eat. There was music, and dancing for entertainment.
It was when that young boy made his second mistake of the evening that things took a turn for the worse.
"More wine for the lord," Sesshoumaru had called out the moment the glass had gotten half empty.
"No more of this light shit," Naraku said, his mood lighter with every glass. "Bring me something darker." He downed the rest of his current drink, and set it down with a sharp clack.
Kikyo turned and nodded at Tarōmaru. They had put him on wine pouring to cover for Kohaku, figuring Naraku would not notice, or at the very least not care. The boy ran forward, going for the lord.
Kagome had glanced back, only out of habit when she heard the footsteps coming near, and so she saw the entire thing. The demon, the awful one with the lizard tail, had been close enough, just passing through, that he was able to bring his tail around and in front of the boys foot. No one else had seen, that much was obvious, and it wasn't like anyone would care… not when the boy was launched forward with his own momentum.
The deep red wine sailed out of the pitcher and, in almost slow motion, splashed to the ground.
And on Naraku.
The entire room fell silent; the dancers halted their moving, the other guest stopped their eating, even the music stopped playing.
There was a moment of complete stillness – and then Tarōmaru ran.
The fact that no one would dare even attempt to escape from both Naraku and Sesshoumaru was the only reason he was able to get out of the room. He was gone faster than Kagome was able to register, and she only hoped he could get away.
"Allow me, my lord." The lizard demon was already running after him, turning the corner as Naraku stood from his chair. An overwhelming waterfall of anger poured off of him as he was bombarded with servants trying to wipe off the mess.
"Get off me!" He screamed, smacking them aside.
Moments later the demon returned, yanking behind him the boy. "I found him, my lord!" He called, dragging him to the middle of the dance floor and tossing him forward. The boy rolled before slamming into the steps that led up to the guest of honor's table. With a groan, he slowly got up, looking at the table in front of him.
Suekichi? Kagome was surprised she remembered the boy, but… he was not the one from earlier.
"My lord," Kikyo started, "He is not-"
"Silence!" Naraku shouted, forcing her to pulled back and bow her head. He whipped around, leaping over the table in one fluid movement that landed him directly in front of the boy.
"You've made a grave mistake, boy." His voice was a growl, a beastly one that made Kagome want to turn and run. How Suekichi was standing there, not even shivering in terror, she didn't know.
Suekichi glanced backwards, looking at the lizard demon who was smirking with an evil gleam in his eye. It was then Kagome realized there was a something between the two, something that had gone back for a long time. They obviously hated each other, and now… the demon was able to finally win the battle.
But even still, while Suekichi was the same age as the other boy, he didn't look all that much like him. Surely Naraku would realize they weren't the same boy.
"You will pay for ruining my clothes, and my evening." Naraku raised a hand, and Kagome stood up so sharply her chair fell backwards with a crash.
Before she could get anything out, Sesshoumaru's own chair crashed as well, as if covering up her own sound, and he was suddenly standing next to the other lord. "Naraku, you disgrace my hospitality."
"You will allow this to stand?" Naraku whirled, his eyes filled with fury.
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, "What are your wishes?"
"Death." Naraku snapped without hesitation.
The inyoukai looked at the boy, "Do you admit fault to ruining lord Naraku's clothes?"
Suekichi clenched his teeth, the thoughts running through his mind. Kagome wanted to scream at him, to tell him to deny the accusation. It wasn't him! It was the other boy-
It smacked her in the face, then. So obvious she nearly sobbed. The only two boys in the entire castle, in the world even with only Kohaku as an exception. They were friends, practically brothers most likely. Suekichi couldn't admit that he was not the one who had done it, how could he sell out his friend? Especially if the punishment was death?
Kagome hugged herself, overwhelmed with the realization.
"I admit it." He said finally, breaking the silence.
"Then, given that it is the lord's birthday, I will grant his wish. Your punishment is death." Sesshoumaru looked at Naraku, "But as I am the master of this castle and these lands, it will be by my hand."
Naraku studied him for a moment, but decided to step back, not without a snarl of annoyance of course.
Without so much as a warning, Sesshoumaru raised his hand, and even from the distance Kagome was at, she could see the green glow of his nails.
"Poison whip."
The words reverberated around the room, and then there was a flash of green. In a large arc was a line of bright green, the very sight making everyone in the room want to look away for fear of death. It spun around once, as if to show off, before making a full turn and slamming hard into the boy.
"NO!" Kagome screamed as the whip connected, sending the little one flying across the room and through the doors.
Then silence, yet again, greeted them, while they all stared in shock at the scene.
Naraku broke it with a hmph, "At least you made it interesting." He grumbled.
"Please, lord Naraku, if you wish to freshen up, we can clean up this mess and get back to the party." Sesshoumaru offered, looking more bored than ever.
"Make sure none of your other humans are that foolish." Naraku ordered before turning on his heels and heading out the doors.