As the Eastern and Northern Lords and their mates with their hosts were conducting business before the start of the ball, the Southern Lord and his father suddenly appeared in front of the southern gates of the estate.
"Father, shouldn't we go through the western entrance as instructed?"
"No. We need to locate your mother, first."
"Father, all due respect. Wouldn't this cause suspicion among the guards? I mean, wouldn't be easier to go where we were told in the first place?"
"Akuokaesu*, listen to me. I located your mother around the southern-western area of the estate."
"Yes, but..."
"Alright, how about a comprimise? You go to the instructed entrance and I will locate your mother."
Akuokaesu thought about it, but he had a better idea.
"How about is, father? You'll wait until I, myself, located mother's whereabouts. After I located her, I'll tell you, telepathically. Besides, if you do come along, who wouldn't say that Sesshomaru won't recognized your scent. I imagine it's still the same even after returning from the Underworld as per your instruction before your pathetic demise."
"Watch your tongue, whelp! I am your father," snarled Naraku.
With a bored face expression, Akuokaesu said, "Yes, indeed, you are my father, but like I said before I was the one who brought you from hell with Tetsusaiga and I won't hesitate to drag your sorry ass back there. After all, I would had thought that I would want to witness your foes bowing down to me and begging for mercy before killing them and all who they love and care for."
Naraka narrowed his eyes at his son. "You mean to tell me that you would had brought me back from the Underworld even if I didn't instructed you to do so."
"Yes, father, that's what I am saying."
"Fine. I, Naraku, will do you what you say."
"Now, better shakeshift yourself so that no one could recognize you. Also you will be called..."
"Akunokeshin*."
"Very well. Now let's go. We don't want our host keep waiting for us, now can't we?"
"Perhaps not." They both laughted darkly.
They appeared at the Western gates, where an inuyoukai guard yelled, "Who goes there? State your business!"
"I am the Southern Lord, Akuokaesu with my Lord Father, Akunokeshin. We are here for tonight's ball."
The gate guardian starred at them for a moment and then said, "Very well. Open the gates! One of the guards will escort you to the palace."
As the gate opened, the gate guardian flared his aura to Jaken, who was already there when the guard escorted them to the entrance of the palace.
The guard said as he bowed, "Master Jaken, this is the Southern Lord, Akuokaesu, and his Lord Father, Akunokeshin."
"Milords, will you please follow me?"
The duo followed Jaken to the study, where Sesshomaru, Kagome, and the other Lords and Ladies. Jaken knocked. They overheard some laughter from inside the study and then a 'Come in'. Jaken and the duo enter into the said study.
"Milords and Miladies, forgive me for disturbing you, but the Southern Lord and his Lord Father has finally arrived."
Sesshomaru stood up and helped Kagome up from her cushion, while the others were starring at the newcomer.
Sesshomaru said with an indifferent tone of voice, "You are late. We'd already discuss many things about our lands."
"Forgive us, for being so late. I am new to this sort of thing. I just became lord for not very long ago. So, if you will, be patient with me and forgive our late arrival, Lord Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru starred down into his soul as if he was searching for something.
Silence.
Then Kagome broke in silence when cleared her throat.
Sesshomaru said, "Very well. I don't appreciate late arrivals especially when business needs to be conducted. Just don't let it happen again whenever I am hosting the Annual Ball."
Kagome said, "Please come and have a seat with us while we brief you on our business to you after of course you tell us about what's been happening in the Southern Lands."
Sesshomaru and Kagome sat down their previous spots as the duo took the available cushions.
Sesshomaru said, "Before you begin, introductions are needed. As you know I am Sesshomaru and this is my mate, Kagome. My Lady Mother, Inukimi."
While Sesshomaru called Kagome and his mother's names, both of them inclined their heads. Sesshomaru continued on introducing the duo to the Northern and Eastern Lords and Ladies. They, too, inclined their heads as their names were called.
Afterwards...
"I am called, Akuokaesu and this is my Lord Father, Akunokeshin. It's a pleasure to finally meet you all. Now, because I am the new LOrd of the South. I hadn't have an opportunity to review my subjects reports on things. Unfortunately, I had to get raid of the remaining rebels, which is one of the reasons why we were late. I am afraid that's all I could say what was happening around my lands."
While Akuokaesu gave his small speech, Kagome was getting a very bad vibe from them. It was odd because something about the duo look and sound oddly familiar to her. She just couldn't pin-point when or where she may had encounter them before. She shrugged inwardly.
Sesshomaru and the rest of the Cardinal Lords gave the duo a brief summary about the news and such about their own lands.
Then, Jaken came in to announce that it was time to go to the ball.
INUYASHA (c) RUMIKO TAKAHASHI
FANFICTION & OCs (c) LADYTARI