Yoru was frozen for a moment in a state of shock. Even before she ended things between them, she was never so bold to push him around and kiss him. She was proactive and a bit aggressive. He liked it, though it confused him. When his hands moved to cup her face, he felt a tear slide over his thumb. Pulling back, he looked up and saw her quickly wipe her eyes, shifting from his arms and turning away.

He stood and stepped around her, cupping her arm in his hand for support whilst scanning her face.

"What's going on Sari? Talk to me," he begged, devastated by her tears once more.

"I've been terrible to you," she managed to say, emotions clogging her throat as she used her sleeves to cover her face again. "I keep hurting you, I've pushed you away. I'm so selfish-"

"Nonsense. You're not selfish." Yoru saw her eyes were wet but her gaze steady as she looked up at him while her face remained hidden.

"I am, because as much as I've tormented you and hurt you, I want you to want me still, to love me still, as much as I love you, Yoru," she saw his eyes sharpen, his heart beating hard as he processed her words. "I love you so much and I hope you haven't changed your mind-" Yoru cut her off as he tugged her body to his and locked their lips together.

He coaxed her mouth open, taking her tongue and showing her his passion. She whimpered and she clung to him, cupping his head and neck as he pressed their centers together.

Yoru towered over her and tilted her head back, getting a deeper angle so he could taste her thoroughly. When she pressed herself closer, moaning slightly, he felt his beast pulse and cursed internally.

They were both panting and flushed with pleasure as he pulled away, attempting self control.

"Did I-" Yoru shook his head before she could finish.

"I had to stop. I was going to go too far," Yoru said quietly, leaning in to kiss her gently once more, unable to resist.

"Oh," she blushed hard and pressed herself into his chest.

"I have not changed my mind, but something changed yours. What happened?"

"Papa said you proclaimed your love for me in front of everyone to get my attention. I don't remember much else other than pain, but your admission lead to another family talk," Sari said, looking up at him with a true smile, one she shared with so few people. He cherished it.

Yoru moved them back to the bench, pulling her into his lap to cuddle her to his shoulder. As she told him more about the conversation that had taken place, he listened silently while caressing her arms and face. His need to touch her was all consuming, so he sated himself with the softness of her skin.

"Yoru," she lifted herself from his chest to look him in the eyes, her face ridden with guilt. "He said if he'd known how strongly we felt about each other there never would have been a gala. I'm so sorr-" He silenced her with a kiss.

"No more apologies, my love. I owe you more than a few myself. I've not handled you and your feelings very well since arriving. I've pushed you and made selfish choices. I hope you can forgive me," he asked, looking into her eyes.

"Maybe we can just start back before your arrival and I jumbled things up?" he smiled.

"We jumbled things. But all that matters is we're together and there's no more gala to worry about." He saw her wince at his words.

"There's still a gala," she heard him growl and cupped his face in her hands. "Wait. Before you get mad, Papa said it was too late to cancel but it's still my choice who I want to mate. But it's a formality at this point because he knows I've already chosen my mate. That is, if he'll have me," her eyes locked on his, watching him grasp her right hand and turn to kiss her palm, then her wrist. Looking back up to her, he could see nothing but her love for him.

"You didn't pick Prince Toshi, right?" he said, seeing her struggle to stifle a smile.

"He did bring me a rose," she giggled as her words drew a snarl from the wolf. She threw her arms round his neck, hugging him tightly. "I've never wanted anyone but you, Yoru. You make me feel things I never knew I could truly, fully feel. Especially happy."

Yoru returned her embrace with equal fervor, burying his face into her neck and breathing in her intoxicating scent. In a sudden burst of energy, he stood, forcing Sari up with him. Before she could question him, Yoru lifted her into the air by her waist and spun her around and around. She saw the giant grin across his face as he stared up at her and she chuckled, gripping his shoulders tightly to hang on.

"Yoru, you're making me dizzy!" she felt him lessen his pace but continue to spin.

"That's how love is supposed to make you feel! A lot happy, a little bit dizzy-"

"And nauseous?" He laughed at her response, slowing to a stop before depositing her on the ground carefully. He kept his arms around her, making sure she was balanced.

"Sometimes, sure. But even if you get a little sick and a little dizzy, it's still a lot of fun and good things, and that makes it worth it in the end," he tilted her head up to see her eyes. "It makes you worth it."

"You're such a flirt," she blushed, hearing him chuckle as he leaned down to kiss her sweetly.

"Flirting sounds insincere. I mean everything I say. For example," he pressed their bodies closer, his arm moving around her waist as he kept his other hand under her chin to keep her gaze on him. "I look at your beautiful face and see the same thing I've seen since the first time I told you that I love you," she tilted her head a bit in a curious gaze.

"And what's that?"

"I see our future together in your eyes," she smiled again. "And our happiness together on your lips." She chuckled this time as she shook her head at him.

"You're teasing me."

"Maybe a little," he admitted, kissing her again. She sighed into his kiss, relaxing once more.

"Sorry to interrupt," Sari jumped at the sound of her brother's voice, feeling Yoru instantly rub her back to gently soothe her.

"What is it?" Yoru asked, frowning. He was feeling entirely too possessive of his mate-to-be to share her with her brother.

"I'm glad to see you've made up and everything is well, but it's time for Sari to get back inside and get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day. For all of us, truly."

"Alright, 'Nii-san," she said, pulling back. Yoru brooded and she smiled gently at him. "One more night, Yoru. Then I can tell the world how much I love you."

He grasped her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles as he stared into her eyes.

"One more night and I promise I'll be much louder about professing my love for you," he said, watching her stifle a chuckle. "Until tomorrow, my love."

"Goodnight, Yoru."

Sari felt him release his hand and stepped over to her brother, taking his arm in hers and resting her head on his shoulder as they walked back to the castle. Yoru stayed behind, watching the reflection of the moon and wishing the gala was over.

Sari and Yoru had no time to visit with each other before the gala. The three families ate their meals in their rooms as the preparations for the party became everyone's focus. Sari and Seiya were dragged around with her mother for the first half of the day. How their father managed to avoid her, they were unclear. Kagome managed her children and the staff gracefully but firmly until the afternoon came.

Seiya was dismissed to meet up with his father at he gate. It would be their duty to meet and greet the guests as they arrived, at least until the gala began. Sari and their mother went back to Kagome's suite to dress. Sari's kimono and accessories were already there along side her own, waiting with several of their maids to help transform them.

"Oh Princess," said one of her maids, an older woman and manager of her personal attendants. "You already look so beautiful."

"Thank you," Sari replied, smiling softly. "I'm sure when you all are done I'll look even better."

"Lady Kagome, you've raised such a wonderful girl," another maid said, applying some light make-up to her. The maid doing her hair nodded.

"You're too kind," Sari said, closing her eyes as the maids continued to fuss and prep them.

It took far too long for Sari's liking, but seeing her mother in her full glory, she couldn't help but feel just a bit more excited for the gala. Kagome was dressed in a medium pink kimono, adorned with white apricot blossom print. Her robes were layered with white and a darker pink, and her obi belt was purple that matched her husbands sash, tied with a matching yellow. Her makeup was simple, a little bit of red for her lips and cheeks with a hint of purple for her eyes. Lastly, her hair was brought up into a tight bun, decorated with plum blossom hair sticks. Sari thought she looked like a goddess.

"You're so beautiful, Mama," she said with wonder, looking her up and down.

"Sari, look over there," Kagome pointed gently at the floor length mirror beside them. She turned and caught her reflection, a gasp escaping her as she stepped closer.

Sari's kimono, made from the boysenberry colored cloth they had found in town, contrasted her pale hair and skin dramatically. Her hair was done up in multiple braids that looped around her head decoratively. The obi of her kimono was white, printed with light purple orchids. Her markings accented her face enough that she needed need much makeup. A deep purple lipstick finished her look, matching the purple plum blossom hair pin with tassels that complimented her braids.

"I think you're going to break quite a few hearts tonight," Kagome said, standing beside her and admiring them both inthe mirror. She leaned in close to Sari's ear before speaking again. "And Yoru is going to have a hard time letting you mingle." Color flooded Sari's cheeks and she whipped her fan out from her obi to cover her face.

"Mama!" she scolded, hearing her laugh and grab her arm.

"Come, let's go watch jaws drop at us pretty women!"

They made their way to the grand hall, finding Sesshoumaru and Seiya waiting for them. Seiya grinned widely at them, proud of his family's beauty and grace.

"You both look amazing!" he said.

"Indeed, you do," Sesshoumaru added, staring his wife down a moment before looking over his daughter. "You're quite a lovely site, Sari."

"Thank you, Papa," she said, smiling gently from his praise as Seiya moved to offer his arm.

"Are you ready?" he asked, seeing her take a breath and nod.

"Just a moment," Sesshoumaru spoke, seeing Jaken running up behind them with a bowl of something that looked like... paper cranes?

"I'm here, Milord!"

"Sari, Jaken is going to accompany you tonight with these cranes," Kagome said, her gaze cold upon him. She was still very angry with him. "If you find any men here to be interesting, pleasant, or otherwise favorable, pin them with a crane. At the end of the night, we'll have all selected people step forward for you to choose from."

"Are the theatrics necessary?" Seiya asked. "We all know there will only be one crane given out."

"I think I might have to give out a few, for appearance sake," Sari said, seeing the uncomfortable look on her mother's face.

"It would look better. But I don't want you to force yourself-"

"Mama, it's alright. I started all this by not coming forth and being honest about my feelings. Humoring a few people at a party is the least I can handle."

"No, Jaken started all of this by lying and manipulating you," Seiya said, glaring down at the imp, seeing him flinch and hide behind the bowl of cranes.

"Jaken," Sari said, seeing him flinch back, scared of her reaction.

"Y-Yes, Princess?" he was prepared to take whatever abuse she was about to give him, knowing he deserved it if only for upsetting his master.

"When this party is over, I'd like to speak with you. We have some things to settle. Until then, I appreciate your help with the gala."

"He doesn't deserve your kindness," Seiya said, following their parents as they stepping through the doors and into the party, Jaken waddling behind them.

Yoru and his family awaited the arrival of their hosts with the rest of the nobles that had been invited. His usual fur armor was replaced with black hakama, a white kimono, and a dark red haori, a strange and all too formal attire for his liking, but he would tolerate it for the sake of the party. He was silently grateful that his lands were not nearly as formal.

When they heard the announcement of the arrival of the Western family, Yoru looked over and decided that being formal wasn't so bad. His first glance at Sari, seeing her beauty shine through the vibrant colors she wore, made his heart thump hard in his chest.

"You have to admit, that is one very pretty family," Koga said, wrapping an arm around Ayame and hugging her to his side.

"Yes it is," she said, holding him back as they watched the procession.

"She is even more gorgeous than before. I didn't know it was possible!" Toshi's voice said, coming up behind Yoru as the family descended the stairs.

"Me either," he said quietly, unable to take his eyes off of her.

Sari caught his gaze for a moment before quickly looking back to her parents. The light blush on her face only made her more adorable to him. Her father greeted their guests and then her mother took over, explaining the concept of the cranes to everyone.

"There will be plenty of men here tonight trying to sway her affections," Toshi warned quietly as Kagome spoke, seeing the immediate irritation on the wolf's face. "She'll spend some time with you eventually, but until she does, you'll have to keep your temper in check."

"I don't need you to tell me that," Yoru said, looking over at him, seeing the smile that he wore like a mask. He hated it.

"Just a friendly reminder. I'm sure the competition in the room aren't all as gentlemanly as you and I. There's bound to be a few bumps in the road for her tonight, so be on your guard, but don't embarrass yourself, or worse, Princess Sari," Toshi said and walked away before he could respond.

"What was that about?" Ayame asked, stepping up to him and seeing the thoughtful look on her son's face.

"He just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to be a jerk tonight."

"Ah. Well, he's not wrong. Don't be a jerk," she said and smiled as he frowned at her. "It's going to be alright. Just enjoy yourself and mingle. It'll help keep you out of trouble."

The first hour of the gala was spent greeting a vast amount of nobles and their families, each one introducing their eligible bachelor. Sari was polite and dignified, the very picture of what Sesshoumaru and Kagome had expected her to be.

The selection of men available was vast and varied. Not that she would say it aloud, but Kagome had not been impressed with very many of them. She could tell that many were here out of obligation or hoping to improve their own status via their daughter. It made her glad, under the circumstances, that Sari had already made a wonderful choice of mate.

After a bit, Sari took off with her brother to wander the floor and mingle, in hopes of finding a few decent people to dance with to help make the night go quickly. They were greeted by several people but quickly dismissed, irritating Seiya endlessly.

"Just relax, 'Nii-san. There's always going to be people that talk about what we do. It's the nature of our status," Sari's voice was calm and her words were rational. He took a breath and released some of the excess tension.

"You're right, of course. It's still infinitely irritating."

Seiya heard a whisper nearby mentioning Naraku, feeling Sari's hand twitch on his arm, telling him that she heard it too.

"We knew people would be curious. Just think, if that's all they can think to whisper about, me and the death of Naraku, their lives must be terribley boring." Seiya coughed into his hand, barely covering a boastful laugh at his sister's words.

"Princess Sari," came a voice from beside her. She turned and saw a short, older man, with red marking around his eyes and a wide mouth. He reminded her of a toad though she could sense no demonic energy from him. He was human.

"Hello, Sir," she bowed, seeing him smile in an unsettling way as she did.

"Forgive my forwardness. I'm Lord Mukotsu. My six brothers asked me to pay our respects to you and your family for freeing the Northern lands from Naraku's tyranny."

"You're part of the former Band of Seven, the notorious brothers that divided the Northern lands to rule them before Naraku took over," Seiya spoke, seeing him flinch a bit.

"Yes. My brothers and I hope to come to an understanding with your family to help restore the Northern lands back to their former glory."

"Tonight is a night for Sari to chose a suitor. Any talk of the Northern lands and what will come of them should be discussed with our father and can wait until after the gala," Seiya watched the man nod, barely hiding a look of indignation, and turn his smile back to Sari.

"As you wish, Prince Seiya. Princess Sari, may I be so bold as to ask you to dance?"

"Of course, Lord Mukotsu," Sari accepted politely, hearing her brother's quiet growl of irritation.

Sari took Mukotsu's arm, as awkward as it was with their height difference, and let him lead her onto the floor where many had already begun to dance. Jaken followed of course, maintaining a comfortable distance but available should she call on him, as his Lord and Lady commanded.

Mukotsu held himself awkwardly close as he grabbed her hands and spun her around. She stayed calm through the discomfort, grateful when the music slowed to a much softer tune and he merely kept her close to sway. During their dancing she caught a whiff of something subtle and sweet, seeing a strange smirk come across Mukotsu's face.

"My dear, how are you feeling?" he asked, seeing her looking down at him. "I hope our dance has offered you a few moments of... pleasure." His aphrodisiac poison was nearly imperceptible, even to the strongest of noses. By the time she might have noticed it, she would be too heavily affected by it. It was such a brilliant plan, he thought as he chuckled to himself.

"It's been... interesting," she spoke softly, her face tilted in thought as she eyed him from above.

"Don't you wish to offer me a crane? Or better yet, we could go talk to your father now if you'd like to accelerate our union," he chuckled. This was just too easy.

"Hmm... Lavender, Land Caltrops, Sunflower, Ginseng root, Fenugreek, and... a bit of mint," she decided, the toad-looking man froze. "All ingredients used for a love potion."

"What?" he swallowed hard.

"Jaken, would you retrieve my brother?" Sari asked, seeing him scramble away to obey, shocked to hear her speak of a potion.

"Your brother? What's wrong, my dear?" Mukotsu could feel himself sweating.

"If you haven't noticed, I'm not susceptible to your aphrodisiac poison. I find it insulting that you tried to poison me in the first place. My brother will quietly escort you out," Sari said and turned away from him. He growled and pulled a capped vial from his shirt.

"I knew it. You think my face is ugly, too!" he cried, gaining attention from the people around them. "You ungrateful half-demon bitch!"

Sari sighed and turned back to him as he popped the cap off. She was sprayed by a cloud of poison as he laughed, the crowd moving away and covering their faces.

"If I can't have you, no one can!" he laughed maniacally as the fog of his poison dispersed. Sari stood unharmed as the smoke cleared.

"My father is a poison wielder, my mother is a priestess with great purification powers. I'm not sure why you thought that would be effective," Sari chastised.

Mukotsu fell back in shock, staring up at her and her father and brother as they stood behind her, glaring him down.

"I gave you the opportunity to leave quietly. Now you've made a scene. I apologize, guests, for the disturbance," Sari bowed to them as Seiya knocked out the poison-maker, letting the guards take him away. "Please, return to your festivities."

There were plenty of murmurs as she stepped away with her family, but the party resumed with full force in short order. Kagome checked on Sari, who assured her she was fine.

"His poison was ineffective, but he did manage to step on my toes," Sari said with a sigh, her mother chuckling.

"How can an assassin be such a terrible dancer? Aren't they supposed to be able to blend in with the crowd?" Seiya asked, hearing Sari's surprised giggle as she once more lifted her fan to hid her face.

"Alright, let's get back to the party," Kagome said, her children nodding.

"Princess, you identified the poison by it's smell?" Jaken asked her as she took her brother's arm once more. She looked at him and nodded. "That's most impressive!"

"It is," Seiya said, raising his brow at the imp as a contemplative expression covered his face.

"Princess Sari, are you unharmed?" Toshi asked, coming up to her, his family in tow.

"I'm fine, Prince Toshi," Sari said, her face softening as he smiled at her.

"We're relieved to hear it," Miroku said from behind his son, Sango on his arm.

"What kind of fool comes to a party and attacks the hosts with such a large crowd to witness it?" Sango asked, full of annoyance.

"The kind that knows that crowd has no interest in interfering with his plans," Sari said quietly. "There are plenty of people here who are only here to investigate rumors about how Naraku was defeated and what happened to me while I was there."

"If they ask you about it, be sure to direct them to your mother and I," Sesshoumaru stated, looking over at her.

"We have no problem telling them where they can place their unwanted opinions," Kagome said, Sari nodding in response. It concerned her a bit when her mother's aggressive side made it's appearance.

"Princess, if you're up for it, would you like to dance?" Toshi saw her nod.

"First, would you mind terribly if we wandered to the refreshments area? The poison gases didn't perform their intended effects but they did leave my throat a bit dry," Sari said, hearing his light chuckle as he held out his arm for her.

"Of course, my lady."

Yoru watched from afar as Toshi walked with Sari toward the drinks. He bided his time, thankful, at least, that Sari was in the company of a man he knew wasn't trying to take her away. It still made his teeth grind as he saw Toshi flirt and Sari reacting with smiles and quiet laughter.

Sari enjoyed Toshi's company for a while, drinking some iced green tea and then dancing out of the floor. He was a thousand times more graceful in his movements than her previous dance partner. She called Jaken forth, presenting Toshi with the first crane, pinning it to the shoulder of his haori before he bowed over her hand.

"You honor me," Toshi said, kissing the back of her wrist. "Thank you, Princess."

"Of course, Prince Toshi."

Toshi lead them into one more dance, catching sight of Yoru as they spun, seeing the tension in his features. His smile widened a bit and he leaned just a bit closer to whisper at her.

"Don't look now, but I think someone is a bit jealous of our dance," Toshi saw her face brighten a bit with a blush as she locked her gaze on his.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," she said, hearing him chuckle as the song ended.

Toshi brought her back to her family and dismissed himself with a bow and a polite sendoff. He'd had his fun. Now it was time to move on and let fate do it's job.

"He's quite a charmer," Kagome said quietly. "He makes you laugh and smile a lot. Could it be possible you have some feelings for Prince Toshi as well?" She studied Sari's face as she shook her head.

"He's a friend. I hope it's not rude to say so, but I don't believe he's interested in being serious with anyone right now. He's still..." she fumbled for the right words.

"Sowing his wild oats?" Seiya offered.

"I suppose," Sari said. "Toshi is a great man. He'll find the right woman when he's ready. But that's not now and it's not me."

"Hey Princess," Inuyasha spoke, coming up to her. "Nice party."

"Thank you, Uncle," Sari said, noting how Jaken stayed purposefully silent at the hanyou's approach. "Might I show you to the dessert table? There's a fine selection of pastries and delicacies made with recipes from all over. I'm sure it would be most pleasing to you." Inuyasha's face lit up at the thought of sweets.

"I can find it," he said and walked away with a casual wave.

"Buffoon," Sesshoumaru growled, letting himself be soothed by Kagome.

"Sesshou, my love, let's dance," Kagome asked, seeing his face soften as he stared down at his mate.

He offered his arm and saw her wave to their children before he swept her out onto the floor. Sari and Seiya watched with joy as Sesshoumaru swayed and spun and moved elegantly around the room with Kagome. The look on his face as she smiled up at him and laughed was of pure love for her.

"Princess Sari," her eyes lit up and she turned, seeing Yoru standing before her.

"Prince Yoru," Sari replied, looking him up and down now that he was standing before her. "You look stunning tonight."

"I doubt there's anyone in the room who could notice anyone but you this evening," Yoru countered, seeing her smile softly and blush.

"You're too kind."

"And too cheesy," Seiya added, Sari making a pointed effort to keep her face blank as Yoru looked at him dryly.

"Would you grace this poor, pitiful wolf with a dance?"

"There's nothing poor about you," she said, noting how he gave her a look of playful insult.

"You didn't deny the pitiful part," he said. She smiled.

"I know."

Yoru held out his hand to her, grinning as she accepted it and he lead them to the floor. He held her close and looked down into her eyes as their bodies moved rhythmically in sync. She felt relaxed in his arms, the tension of the night vanishing as he spun her to the beat of the music.

"You're going to make me dizzy again," she said, hearing him chuckle.

"Is that a bad thing?" he asked with a smirk. She giggled quietly in response, enjoying their dance.

"Look at that, Sesshou," Kagome said as the music slowed once more. She caught sight of Yoru and Sari on the dance floor as Sesshoumaru's movements decelerated in time with the music. "They look so happy together."

Sesshoumaru watched as the music ended and Sari bestowed a crane upon Yoru, taking her time to pin it securely to his haori. He bowed deeply to her and lead her away from the dance floor, back to Seiya. He appreciated how difficult it must be for him to walk away from the woman he loved for the sake of appearances. It showed his respect for Sari and the Taisho family.

"They are well suited for each other," Sesshoumaru spoke, seeing Kagome look up at him once more with a smile.

"They are indeed. Let's get a drink and join our children again," she said, seeing him nod.

The party went on for hours, which felt like years for Sari. She danced with a dozen nobles, not caring much for any of them. Some bragged about themselves, some were obviously only interested in her position. No one was worth her time, but she made the effort to extend a few more cranes to the least problematic of her dance partners.

"Princess," a voice came from beside her as her brother was once more touring her around the room. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hakudoshi, son of Lady Kagura."

"Hello, Hakudoshi. I hope you're enjoying your time here," Sari said, seeing him nod.

"Indeed I am. I know you've been quite busy on the dance floor, but would you indulge me?"

"With pleasure," Sari spoke, her brother oddly quiet as she was taken away to the floor.

"Tell me," he started, guiding her gracefully around in dance. "Your mother purified and defeated a great threat to the lands after he kidnapped you."

"Indeed," Sari said, not sure why he was bringing it up or where he was going with his words.

"What exactly did Naraku want with you? It seems strange to me that he might have any use for you, being a half demon and all."

"You're quite bold. I don't believe the intentions of a dead demon are relevant. Frankly it's not a subject I appreciate having to indulge in."

"It must be that delicate human nature I've heard about. Humans can be quite sensitive," his amused face showed just how much pleasure he was getting from attempting to antagonize her.

"They can be. I should know, my mother, Lady Kagome, is one," she reminded him.

"Yes, but she's a priestess. Is it truly defined as 'strength' when one is predisposed to have power that counters your very nature? It seems rather... cocky."

"If that is all you have to say, I'll be going back to my family," Sari spoke, pulling back from him mid-dance. She could tolerate his insults about her but never about her family.

"Aren't you forgetting my crane? I believe I made the obligated rounds to be considered. It would be a shame to pass up the opportunity for such a trophy," Hakudoshi spoke, seeing her smile lock in place.

"Jaken," Sari brought him forward, grabbing a crane and placing it on his haori. "Enjoy the party, Hakudoshi. Excuse me," she said and dashed off, Jaken scrambling behind her.

Hakudoshi moved back into the crowd and found his mother leaning against the wall, hiding behind her fan. She hated such affairs. It was a terrible obligation to be a Lady of her province in the East and have to put up a charade.

"Look, Mother. I told you I could get a crane," he said, removing it and crumbling it, throwing it aside to the floor.

"As if that's a hard accomplishment? She's throwing them out to any fool desperate enough to dance with her. Filthy hanyou," Kagura scoffed.

"And what if she did choose me? You could have a hanyou for a daughter," Hakudoshi chuckled as Kagura growled.

"Don't even joke about that. I would never allow it."

"Of course mother. I was only jesting. As though I would stoop so low," Hakudoshi watched Kagura bring the fan down to smile darkly at him.

"Good boy."

"Lord Sesshoumaru, Lady Kagome!" A fox demon with red hair, green eyes, a blue yukata, and three tails called out before the royal family as they gathered once more.

"Shippo!" Kagome grinned and grabbed the fox demon by the hands, greeting him warmly. "I'm so glad to see you!"

"Thank you for joining us," Sesshoumaru spoke, seeing him bow in respect.

"Thank you for inviting me. This party is quite grand," Shippo spoke and turned to Sari and Seiya. "Princess Sari, Prince Seiya, it's lovely to see you again."

"It's been a long time," Seiya said, shaking his hand companionably.

"I'm sorry, I don't remember you," Sari said, frowning in thought.

"That's understandable. My scouting duties keep me away from the castle most of the time. You might recognize my fox form?" In a puff of smoke, he transformed into a slender fox with three tails. When Kagome cleared her throat, he transformed back, bowing in apology.

"I do remember seeing you dashing too and from the castle a few times," Sari said.

"Shippo is often in meetings with Father and I when we discuss defensive strategy," Seiya spoke, seeing her nod.

"Princess, I hope your night goes swell and you find yourself a wonderful mate," he said with a smile.

"Thank you," she bowed.

"Sesshou," Kagome started as Shippo departed, looking for the refreshments. "I think it's time to end this." He nodded his agreement and motioned for the music to silence.

"Lords, Ladies, and your families. I thank you once more for joining my family on such an important night. It is time now for those who were graced with a crane token to step forth."

A/N: The Bachelor uses roses, Sari uses cranes. Works for me!