Title: Tides Against Time
Rating: M (Language, Violence, and Adult Content)
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the Little Mermaid. All rights should go to Inuyasha Inc. Disney and Hans Christian Anderson.
Music: The song I have selected for this chapter is: "Anastasia Una vez en dicembre Instrumental" and "Chopin – Tristesse (Sadness)." I love to listen to music on YouTube while I read to add to the atmosphere. You are welcome to listen along with my music selection if you want. It is not required. When you see these marks (***) that means to begin to play the selected song. When you see (xxx) this means to stop playing the music. It is important to pay attention to these marking as there is more than one song for this chapter. I do not have credit for these recordings or channels but I think it adds to the story.
Tides Against Time: Celebration Part I
Just before the sun set in the sky, Inuyasha and Kikyo slipped through the lagoon drain. Biting his newly gifted tongue, Inuyasha once again works through the pain as his body transforms. With the help of his beloved mate they make their way towards the bushes where he had hidden his pants, the spell book and his mother's hand mirror. As he was pulling on his pants, Inuyasha scouted the courtyard for praying eyes. Seeing that the coast was clear he then pulls Kikyo into his arms to say goodbye.
"Be careful going back to your Dad. I'll be back with your sister as soon as I'm finished. Then Chief Kaguya can begin her spell and we can be on our way." He said before kissing her lips.
"Dis good. Be carefuls Enu. Hasta luego." Kikyo said while hugging her mate goodbye.
She then watched him get out of the water and stagger his way towards the stairs. When he turned around to look at her one last time she waved a reluctant goodbye before disappearing in the murky water. Being no longer able to see her Inuyasha slowly made his way up the stairs on wobbly legs. Noticing candle light in Kagome's room he makes his way over to her room and knocks on patio doors.
"Prince Inuyasha! Happy birthday Sir and welcome back!" Sango said as she welcomed him inside. "Why are soaking wet? An..and without a shirt?! Shouldn't you be getting ready for the party? Here let me get you a towel!"
"Don't worry about it, I'm getting to it! Where is Kagome? I need to give her somethin." said Inuyasha as he accepted the towel and began drying off while hiding the gifts behind his back.
"She is just finishing her bath with Tsukiyomi. If you want I could give whatever it is to her so you can get ready?" suggested Sango.
"Nah, I'll just come back once I'm finished. Be back in a sec!" Inuyasha said as he quickly slipped out the door to get ready.
Inuyasha then entered into his room across the hall and laid Kagome's hairpin and blue and black sword on his bed. Stripping his wet pants from his body, he dumps the cold buckets of water that had been sitting in his bathing room the past couple of days over his head and rinsed all the salt and sand from his person. As he quickly dried himself off he then pulls his eveningwear out of the wardrobe and got dressed. Going over to his vanity he grabs his comb and runs it through his long silver hair. To his annoyance it took great effort to get out all the tangles and knots out. Once satisfied he grabbed a dark blue ribbon off of his desk and tied his hair low on his neck. Doing a quick overview to make sure he wasn't missing anything he picks up the gifts off of his bed and makes his way back over to Kagome's door. Turning the knob and noticing it was locked he quietly knocked for entrance.
"Who is it?" asked Sango on the other side of the door.
"It's me Inuyasha." He said
"What's the password?" asked Sango.
"Oh yeah… sorry I forgot." He said as he smacked his forehead before bending low and whispered "Curioso" into the keyhole.
Hearing the magic word, Sango unlocked the door and quickly ushered Inuyasha inside.
"ENUYASA!" Kagome shouted happily from her wheeled chair from across the room when she noticed who came inside.
"Hey Kags! Sorry I've been gone. Here these are for you." Inuyasha said as he bent down and gave her hug before handing her the gifts.
"Muchas gracias!" Kagome said with a bright smile on her face.
"No prob! Now care to explain to me why you are all dressed up? I though you wouldn't be up to attending my party?" asked Inuyasha curiously.
"Tsukiyomi delivered the dress an hour ago. It appears someone in the court found out about Kagome rescuing your Brother and Father 50 years ago. They wish to acknowledge her heroism tonight as well as celebrate our new alliance with the Water Kingdom. She's really excited about it but I'm afraid it will be too much for her." Sango said while taking the butterfly comb from Kagome's hand and began to weave it into her hair.
"Sounds sketchy to me. Will someone be attending the party with her? I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty busy tonight with it being my celebration and everything." Inuyasha said guiltily.
"Daija is getting ready as we speak. He wasn't too pleased about the arrangement either but Kagome insisted she go." Sango said while painting Kagome's face with makeup.
"Alright, well tell Daija to try and keep as close to me or Sesshomaru as possible while attending the party. Something about this doesn't feel right. Anyways, I better get going. Hasta luego Kags. I'll see you in a bit." Inuyasha said before kissing her forehead making her giggle lightly.
"Hasta luego Enuyasa." Kagome said as she watched him make his way towards the door.
"Let's finish getting you ready before Daija arrives. Are you warm enough? The dress is lovely on you and I'd hate to have to cover it with a blanket." Sango asked as she finished painting her lips. "There! All done, now let me get a good look at you. Wow! Even as sick as you are you look good!"
"Mm.. muchas gracias" Kagome said with a light blush. "N.. no, no problemz. Kagome no blanketz."
"Good. So what's the sword for?" Sango asked noticing it in her lap. "Want me to clean it up for you?"
"Si! Muchas gracias. Giftz Sessomaru." Kagome said as she passed her friend the sword.
"Really? Well I'm sure he'll love it. Let me just run this under some hot water and soap in the bathing room. I'm sure after I'm finished with it that it will be as good as new!" Sango teased with a determined glare.
As Sango cleaned the sword in the other room Kagome couldn't help but smile at her reflection in the mirror. Sure, she had shadows under her eyes and looked tired. Besides that the makeup Sango put on her face made her look almost like her healthy self again! Hearing a knock at the door Kagome rolled her chair over to the door to answer it.
"Whoz deir?" asked Kagome as she leaned towards the door for an answer.
"Curioso" someone whispered into the keyhole.
Hearing the correct response Kagome smiled and opened the door to reveal Daija ready to take her down to the party.
"Princess! You look absolutely lovely! Are you ready to go?" asked Daija as he stepped into the room before closing the door behind him. He was dressed in a suit fit for a royal advisor of the Water Kingdom and Kagame couldn't help but feel proud.
"Thank you Daija! You don't look too bad yourself! I'm just waiting on Sango to finish cleaning up my gift for Sessomaru and then we can be on our way." Kagome said happily.
"Gift? What gift?" asked Daija just before Sango walked out of the bathing room.
"Daija! I didn't hear you come in. You ready Kagome?" she asked as she handed Kagome the sword.
"Jah! Muchas gracias Sango!" Kagome answered as she tucked the sword into the side of her chair and hid the end under her dress.
"Of course Kagame!" Sango said. "Now, you two have fun! Don't push yourself too hard ok?"
"Okz. Hasta luege Sango!" Kagome said as Daija began pushing her chair out of the room.
"Where did you get the sword Princes? It looks very old." asked Daija as he pushed her down the hallway.
"Indeed it is Daija! It's the very sword I saw Sessomaru recieve as a gift from his father the night their ship went down. A couple of weeks ago Sota, Kikyo and I went and explored their ship and on our way back I found it stuck in between some rocks! Crazy right?! I've been planning on giving it to him but I wanted it to be special. I thought since tonight was my last night I'd give it to him as a parting gift." Kagome said.
"I'm sure Lord Sesshomaru will be very pleased. Do you want to take a stroll around the castle before we make our way into the party?" asked Daija.
"Oh could we? I've been wanting to explore but the only things I've seen so far of the castle were the hallways you took me down on our way to the city and the courtyard!" said Kagome excitedly.
"Of course Princess! Let's start in the gardens and work our way back to the party shall we?" said Daija with a soft smile on his face.
"Sounds good to me!" Kagome giggled.
(*** Anastasia Una vez en dicembre Instrumental ***)
They first went throughout the castle and exploring the large decorated rooms and parlors. Kagome loved all of the different types of furniture, tapestries and artwork scattered throughout Sessomaru and Enuyasa's home. Every once in a while they would pass by other demons walking about the halls. Some would give her and Daija menacing glares where as others just looked at her curiously. Going through a pair of large double doors Daija pushed her through the castle gardens. Kagome couldn't help but stare in awe at the beauty all around them. She was amazed at the variety of flowers and stone statues scattered about the gardens. The paths were lined with large stones and tiles. The trees, bushes and shrubs were trimmed and shaped to perfection. The smell of the flower's blossoms with the gentle sound of the running fountains brought a peace to her soul she hadn't felt in a while. Everything about the garden was breath taking and she could tell the castle gardeners took great pride in their work. As they made their way back to the castle through the walking paths, some of the castle workers were lighting the oil lamps lining the outdoor piazza. Their gentle glow and dancing sparkle only added to the magical atmosphere. Hearing music coming from inside Kagome asked Daija to make their way to the party. When the ballroom doors opened a wide smile lit her face as she stared at the beautiful grandeur before her.
Demons of all shapes, species, colors and sizes were dressed in gowns and suits befitting royalty. It was a rainbow of colorful silks, lace, chiffon, satin and taffeta. She watched as a large group waltzed about the dance floor. They moved perfectly to the music similar to a school of fish. As the music continued to play the dancers twirled in perfect synchronization, never missing a beat. She was spellbound. Their large ball gowns and tailored waistcoats swayed and bustled about them as they danced. The ladies were absolutely stunning with their perfectly placed hairstyles lined with ribbons, decorative pins, feathers and jewels. Their angelic painted faces only further accentuated their beauty. Many of the ladies had large sparkling jewels hanging from their ears and around their necks and wrists. They sparkled with every turn as they floated across the floor. The men were just as handsome in their tailored suits and dress coats. They either wore expensive wigs upon their heads or their hair curled and pulled back in low ponytails with expensive ribbons. Some had furs on their shoulders or had colorful sashes across their chests lined with metals, broaches and badges. At their waists were swords lined with jewels and gold. Despite their expressionless faces she couldn't take her eyes off of them as they continued to dance.
Feeling Daija moving her chair further into the room her smile only grew as she watched the orchestra play. Never had she seen instruments like these before. They were all different and she loved their blend of sound they made as they played together. She wasn't sure what the one demon was doing waving a stick in the air but she could only guess that he was helping the musicians stay together as they played. As they meandered about the room Daija picked up little treats for her to try from passing servers. The portion sizes were just perfect for her upset tummy. Reaching a tower stacked with glasses of Champaign Daija picked up a glass for each of them and then made their way to an unoccupied corner of the ballroom to sit back and watch. Grabbing a chair from an empty table Daija settled down next to Kagome. As they ate their snacks they continue to watch the party play out before them.
"Its something else isn't it?" asked Daija with a knowing smirk on his face.
"Oh Daija! It's wonderful! I've never seen such beauty and splendor in all my life!" Kagome said. "Thank you so much for accompanying me tonight. It's better than I could have dreamed it could be."
"No, thank you Princess! Your kindness and beauty outshines everyone and everything here. It has been an honor to serve you my Lady." Daija said while taking her hand and kissing it.
"Oh Daija… Stop it! You're going to make me cry!" Kagome said jokingly as she blinked back the tears that threatened to fall.
"I only speak the truth! How are you feeling?" Daija asked before taking a sip of his drink.
"I'm doing ok for right now. I want to stay as long as possible. Everything is so exciting and new! I'd hate to miss anything." Kagome said with a hopeful smile on her face.
"How about this. We'll stay for a few more songs and if we can catch Lord Sesshomaru and Prince Inuyasha we'll say hello to them and then make our way back to the room. We needn't push you too far. Is that alright Princess?" asked Daija.
"Yeah that sounds fine. I wonder where they are?" asked Kagome as she craned her neck trying to look over the crowds of people from her chair.
"They're probably up towards the front. It is Prince Inuyasha's birthday after all. He's probably trapped by nosey aristocrats and knowing Lord Sesshomaru he's probably not any better. We wouldn't stand a chance getting close to them with how many people are gathered around them." Daija said. "We'll just have to wait and see if an opportunity opens up."
"If I can't see them that's fine. I just want to atleast see what Sessomaru looks like all dressed up! Enuyasa looked so handsome in his uniform earlier when he came back to check on me. I'm sure Sessomaru looks just as…" Kagome said just as a flicker of silver caught her eye.
Turning her gaze in that direction her breath catches as she takes in her first glimpses of Sesshomaru. He was currently talking to a group of demons she didn't recognize and Inuyasha was standing proudly at his side. His hair was pull back away from his face revealing his royal markings upon his cheeks and forehead. It was just like he had done when he was a young boy. Only this time instead of a sweet round face it only accentuated his high cheekbones, chiseled chin and strong jawline. He was dressed in a dark blue dress coat decorated in gold and silver embellishments making his alabaster skin and silver hair sparkle in the candle light. He had a thick white pelt over one shoulder that reached nearly to his ankles. His vest was a rich golden color making his amber eyes shine like the sun. His blue coat sleeves reached all the way down to his wrists and flared out at the ends. They were delicately decorated with elegant lace. Along the trim of the coat were little crescent moons sewn in as embellishment signifying his family seal. Around his neck was a bustled white neck scarf thats ends were tucked into his golden vest, making it billow out at the top. Hanging down from his neck was a red lanyard with a silver crescent moon hanging on the end. He too had a sash going across his chest covered with fancy metals, broaches and badges. His pants were a sleek silver color that were tied off with expensive ribbons around his knees to keep his white stockings up. The silver pants and white stockings only further accentuated his long muscular legs and it made her swallow hard in appreciation. Upon his feet were matching blue dress shoes with golden broaches on the top. Upon his belt was his sword and she could tell that it had been cleaned and polished for the event by the way it sparked in the candlelight. He was absolutely stunning and her heart pounded in her chest at the sight of him. She had thought him handsome before, but now.. now he looked like a god walking amongst man. Her thoughts were interrupted when an unfamiliar voice spoke to her left. Snapping her attention in that direction she was surprised at what she saw.
"You must be the human wench everyone has been fussing about," said a small green toad demon.
"Retainer Jaken! Allow me to introduce to you Princess Kagome of Atlantica." Daija said as Kagome lowered her head politely at the introduction.
"Pleasure to meet you. I hear you rescued my Lord and previous Master 50 years ago!" said Jaken as he bowed back politely.
"Si, Kagome n Sessomaru good fins." Kagome giggled with a sweet smile on her face.
"So our Lord said at the meeting this afternoon. Now follow me! Councilmen Shako has arranged for a special recognition ceremony and is is rude to keep him waiting!" said Jaken as he motioned for them to follow him.
Daija pushed Kagome as best as he could after the little toad demon. After meandering around tables, chairs and groups of loitering demons they finally made their way over to a group of courtly officials gathered near the front of the ballroom. When the group saw Jaken escorting Kagome and Daija towards them one of the officials got the attention of the group and they make their way towards them.
"So you were able to attended after all! I'm so glad! Thank you so much for saving our Lord and previous Lord all those years ago. I'm councilmen Shako." Shako said as he took Kagome's hand and kissed it making her blush.
"Kagome is still learning Spanish so I will be your interpreter for the evening." Daija interjected.
"Ah, yes… not a problem! Myself and some other members of the court wanted to honor her act of heroism with a special dance and to recognize her as a woman of valor into our history books. We also wanted to commence a document signing to officially begin of our new alliance with the Water Kingdom." Shako said happily. "It is rare to have someone risk their life the way she did, let alone from a rival nation! By her age am I not correct that she would have been as young as our Lord at the time or pray even younger that he when this event would have occurred?"
"Si Kagome very smallz." She said while gesturing with her hand to emphasize her small size to about his waist.
"Incredible! Just let me gain the room's attention and I will make the first of tonight's announcements. It is such a pleasure to have met you Princess. I pray whatever curse has been placed upon you that it will be reversed as soon as possible." Shako said before bowing and making his way out to the center of the room.
"Are you sure about this Princess?" asked Daija anxiously.
"Nope! Not at all! I hate the attention but I figure it will make them happy. Plus I won't have to hide anymore." Kagome said as she shrugged her shoulders and laughed nervously. Shako then tapped a spoon on the side of a Champaign glass making the room grow still.
"Attention! Attention ladies and gentlemen! I would like to make the first of tonight's announcements and celebratory toast!" Shako shouted above the orchestra causing the dancers and gathered guests to stop what they were doing and look towards him. "Tonight we have a very special guest who is long over due for the honor and recognition they deserve. As many of you know, our previous Lord Inu no Tashio, and our current Lord were saved from drowning 50 years ago when their ship crashed upon the rocks down the coast from here. The being responsible for this act of heroism was none other than Princess Kagome of Atlantica!"
As he said this he turned to look at Kagome. When everyone saw her many of the assembled gasped and stared in shock at the sickly crippled girl resting in her wooden wheeled chair. Kagome shrunk in her chair at the stares growing more and more uncomfortable with each passing moment.
"Many of you are probably wondering how a human woman could have done such a heroic act let alone still be as young and beautiful as she is today! Well, she was not always human! Six days ago she unfortunately was placed under a curse that has turned her from a water creature into the woman you see before you. She is a dear friend to our Lord and Prince and was placed under their care during her transformation. Because of this exchange Spain has not only gained a new alliance with the Water Kingdom but has finally received our first Woman of Valor to be documented in our history!"
At that announcement the ballroom erupted in celebration at the good news. Humans and Demons from around the room smiled and cheered as they looked upon Kagome. Kagome just shyly smiled and waved with a bright blush across her paled cheeks. After allowing the room to settle back down Shako raised his hand back up into the air to silence the gathering crowd once more.
"Unfortunately I have been told that we have not been able to break the curse and it has been slowly killing Princess Kagome over the past 6 days." he said sorrowfully earning gasps and waves of heartbreak across the room. "I as well as many other members of the court would like to honor Princess Kagome with a dance. If you would like to join us in this, please make your way to the front so we can form a line for cut-ins. Being as it is Prince Inuyasha's birthday would you care to start off the dance Sir?"
"You bet I would!" Inuyasha said as he made his way through the crowd.
"Wonderful! Now as you gentlemen make your way to the front, the officials and I are going to present Kagome with her certificate of valor that will be documented in our historical library as well as our new alliance declaration." Shako said as he motioned for one of the other officials to pass him the documants. "Princess Kagome, on behalf of the city of Valencia and the Crown of Spain I present to you our certificate of Valor! This certificate indicates that you willingly risked your life for the Tashio family with no cause for recognition or any selfish gains. You humbly hid in the shadows for 50 years and it is time for us to return the favor!" Shako said as he placed the paper in Kagome's lap for her to sign.
Once it was signed Shako then placed another paper on her lap for her to sign and said, "This document is to recognize our new alliance of Spain and the Water Kingdom." He said. Once everything was signed he passed it over to Jaken and he lifted his glass it into the air and said, "Cheers to our first Woman of Valor and for a the new alliance!"
"CHEERS!" the room shouted in agreement. Then little clinks of glasses spread across the room as they finished their toast.
"Mistro, would you please?" Inuyasha said to the conductor as he made his way over to Kagome.
"Of course Sir!" the conductor said with a soft smile as he looked at Kagome before flipping through his music and knocking on his music stand to get his musicians in order.
Carefully pulling Kagome up from her chair he picks her up bridal style and makes his way to the center of the room.
"Hey Kags," Inuyasha said sweetly as he carried her.
"Hallo Enuyasa…" Kagome said with a soft smile in return.
(*** Chopin – Tristesse (Sadness) ***)
Inuyasha then carefully lowered her feet on top of his. Once he felt he had a good grip around her waist and held her unbroken hand in his other hand and looked towards the conductor to motion that they were ready. As the music began to play Inuyasha gently sway back and forth on the dance floor, careful not to let her slip. Over the past couple of weeks they had become extremely close and viewed each other as best friends, even siblings. Wanting to get closer to him she closed her eyes and rest her head on his chest making him tighten his grip around her waist and rest his chin on the top of her head. Careful not to make her loose her balance he began to pick up their feet and move about the dance floor. As they waltz about Inuyasha held her close, savoring in their last time together. After a few minuets went by Inuyasha felt a tap on his shoulder. Looking up he see's Miroku standing behind him. Reluctantly he passed Kagome over to him. Placing her feet on top of Miroku's he then leaned forward and kissed Kagome on her cheek. When he pulled back Kagome placed her hand on his cheek in thanks and smiled up at him sweetly. Stepping back Miroku then begins to dance with her. As they twirled around the dance floor Miroku whispered sweet words in her ear making her lightly laugh despite her growing tears.
Just like Inuyasha after a couple of minuets someone else cut-in to dance and took his place. Time and time again dozens of members of the court, the city officials and various allied guests showered Kagome in honor. With every dance Kagome grew more and more touched by the people of Spain. Tears ran down her cheeks as their honoring overwhelmed her. Growing tired she looked up just in time to see Daija come to dance with her. Accepting her kiss from Shako on her hand she slips into Daija's lanky arms and they began to dance around the floor. As she looked up into her guardian's face she saw that his eyes were rippling with unshed tears. She smiled up at him and thanked him for everything from the bottom of her heart. She spoke to him in their native tongue so it was just between them. As she shared, his tears began to fall down his cheeks. He rested his forehead against hers with his eyes closed tight. It broke him to pieces that his little Princess who he had watched grow up was leaving this world. Holding her tight they continued to dance around the floor until Daija felt someone else decide to cut-in.
When she looked up she prayed it would be her last. However, when she stared up into molten amber eyes the room around her vanished into thin air. Clenching her teeth to hold back the sob that was soon to come she reached for his open palm and fell into his awaiting arms. As soon as she felt Sesshomaru's strong hold wrap around her everything melted away. It was just the two of them. Nothing else mattered, she was where she had always wanted to be. She... was home. Wrapping her arms around his neck she buried her face into his neck, savoring in his embrace. She felt his large hand rest at her lower back and his other at the base of her neck entangling in her hair. She could feel his hot breath close to her neck as he breathed in her scent. She felt him tremble against her and knew he was struggling to keep himself together as much she was. He knew what tonight signified. He knew what this dance meant. Taking in a deep breath she pulls back slightly so she could look into his eyes. She wanted to see them... no needed to see them. When she did they bore into her heart and warmth spread through her. If was as if his soul was crying out for hers. She had never seen his eyes so full of emotion before. They rippled in honey, amber, gold, and orange. They were aflame and they took her breath away. Not taking her stare away from him she reached up and gently traced the markings along his cheek with the back of her hand. Her heart swooned when he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. When they looked back into hers she could see their softness and rugged emotion.
Feeling him slip his feet under hers she readies for their dance. Taking her hand from his face she places it in his and they begin their last dance. A dance of two star crossed lovers gripping what time they had left together with everything they had. A dance filled with endless emotions and reluctant goodbyes. A dance to be remembered for all time. As they danced and spun around the dance floor, he held her close to him with everything he had. No words were needed to be said as they shared their last dance together. Everyone knew she was dying but only a few knew that tomorrow would be her last. As they looked into each other's eyes their unspoken love for each other fanned its colored flag for all to see. Neither cared as they savored the moment. Growing tired Kagome relied on his strength and returned her head to rest at the junction of his neck. She felt his arms tighten around her as he laid his chin across her forehead. As the song began to slow down Sesshomaru placed his finger under her chin and lifted her head up so he could look in her blue eyes once more. She watched as he leaned forward and kissed her forehead goodbye. His firm warm lips soaked into her brokenness and fresh tears escaped from her fading blue eyes. Their hot sting rolled down her cheeks leaving tracks in their path. Hearing the music slow and feeling him gently sway his movement she clutched his coat. Never wanting to lose the feeling of him. He had become her lifeline in so many ways, but now... now he was her very oxygen she needed to breathe. The hand that had been resting under her chin slid across her lower jaw and tangled itself in her hair once more. Feeling him lightly pull she looked up into his molten eyes once more.
Their lips were so close she could feel his hot breath dusting across her cheeks. The tension she felt only made her wish to kiss them even stronger. How she longed to know of their touch, their warmth and passion. But as much as she wished too she could not do that to him in front of his guests. He deserved to be free. To never know of the feeling or be tied down to her. She was dying and she loved him too much to do that to him. So instead she graced him with one of her signature smiles and to her delight she received a small one in return. Hearing clapping and cheers she looks about the room and suddenly remembered where they were. Wiping the tears from her face she lightly laughed despite her grief and rests her head on his shoulder. No longer having the strength to keep up she felt Sessomaru lift her up and carry her over to her chair. Being held in his strong arm like that made her heart pound in her chest. Feeling him lower her into her chair she suddenly remembered her gift. Reaching down the side of her chair she pulled out his sword and held it out for him to take. She watched as his eyes grow wide in surprise. He looked at her gift in disbelieve and recognition before looking back at her. She saw the flood of emotion flash across his amber eyes before he hesitantly reached out and took the sword from her tiny grasp. He ran his hand along its sheath before he pulling out the blade. The rustic blade almost seemed to hum in his hands as it shined in the candlelight it made everyone standing by stare in awe at the beautifully crafted blade.
"My Lord what blade has she given you?" asked Takemaru from the crowd.
"She has returned to me what once belonged to my Father." Sesshomaru said as he returned it to its sheath. He then tied it at his waist next to his other sword.
"Can it be? The lost sword has finally been found?" asked Elder Saya in disbelief.
As Saya asked this Sesshomaru bent down on one knee and took hold of both of Kagome's hands in his and kissed them making everyone gasp at the sign of respect. He then stared up into her questioning blue eyes and said,
"It has. And once again…. all because of her."
(End of Chapter 33)
(How tenderly sweet! How special for the Kingdom to shower Kagome in honor with a dance. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know what you think. More to come!)