AN: Okay, I know I promised AN's to be at the bottom, but I needed to say that from now on all words used that are not in English, other than people's/place's names, will be defined at the bottom(however insignificant some may be), listed in the order they appear in the chapter. Further AN's at bottom.

Chapter Two: Into the Youkai Capital; Inu Yasha of the Nokihs Kingdom

"Miroku-sama?"

"Ah! Your Highness! What brings a Queen such as yourself, to the cold shades of the trees so early in the morning? Not even the maids are up yet."

"What reason do you have for your own presence here?"

"Ah... I was... thinking about the festivities being held this coming Thursday. Only three more days of waiting to stroll through streets and---"

"You need not pretend, Lord Miroku. You were hoping to catch my son before he left the grounds, were you not?"

"Uh... I...I... didn't mean to say false things, Your Highness, just---"

"No need to explain. And stop bowing like that! You're going to have a terrible back ache soon. I wouldn't stop feeling guilty if you had to walk around like that for a whole week because your back stiffened during our wait for my son."

"Eheh, Your Highness is as kind-hearted as ever.. But please do sit down, there's much waiting to do and they didn't invent these benches just to gaze at the wonderful gardens."

"Thank you. ...

It's been a year, yet my son still has not healed from the wounds in his heart."

Miroku looked at his best friend's royal mother with understanding in his eyes. Her soft, violet eyes shimmered with tears she fought to hold back. He also noted that her cherry blossum-like lips were quivering, and he decided not to say anything. So the two sat there, taking comfort in each other quiet silence.

He, the royal priest and advisor Miroku Gongswen, was very close to the royal family even without his service to them. Prince Inu Yasha, true son of Queen Helian who sat next to him now, was more of a brother than a best friend, and Queen Helian and King Inuzhao were more parents than royal "clients" and "business partners."

"Inu...Yasha..." Queen Helian whispered.

Sure enough, heading there way was her one and only son, younger of the two princes of their beautiful and beloved Nikohs Kingdom. She stood from her place on the marble garden bench, her soft black hair flowing down her back, the pink and white silk kimono she wore murmuring as she moved. Miroku stood as well, the six rings of his priest staff jingling as he picked it up from where it leaned against a nearby tree.

The prince stopped, the wind running through his silver-like white hair, the slowly rising sun's first rays reflecting off his sorrowed, amber colored eyes. His furry, white dog ears twitched towards where his mother and best friend stood next to a huge, magnificent iron gate that led to the awakening streets of the youkai capital. He continued his walk then, red fire rat kimono making him stand out in the greens of the grass, shrubs and trees.

He walked, silently, past his mother and best friend, and they saw that yet again he had taken his prized sword, Testusaiga --- the Steel Cleaving Fang --- with him. When he was a step away from the open gates, he turned and looked at his weeping mother, who had long before lost control to the tears flowing freely down her flushed cheeks.

"Mu-ho, you should go inside before the winds make you catch cold. Miroku, I thought you had some senses in that hentai mind of yours, letting Mother stay out so early in the morning. Please escort her back inside." With that, the half-youkai prince left.

Queen Helian followed her troubled son with her eyes until he rounded a corner and disappeared. She felt Miroku's comforting hand on her shoulder, gently urging her to head back to the large estate. She had to smile a bit --- just a bit --- at the joke-that-was-not-a-joke her son made. Yes, it was true the royal priest and advisor was a hentai, but at least he knew not to try things with upset and worrying mothers...

Or was it just that this mother was royalty? She didn't know, and didn't have the heart to find out. All she could think of was that yet again it was a day to worry for her son and remain next to her husband, helping him in his issues at court.

"I'll go to the Autumn Flowers House later on today, see if I can lighten his mood a bit."

"Thank you. You always do that, no matter what things are at hand. I thank you very much for that, Miroku-sama." 'Course, you could also get a few girls as well, being the type of man you are... That thought made her tiny smile burst into a cheerful crescent shape.

"Hey...I'm not that bad, Your Highness."Miroku whined. The young Queen blinked.

"Excuse me?..."

"You just said that I could also get a few girls as well, being the type of man I am..." Her royal advisor looked hurt.

"Oh! My! Nonono! I didn't mean that! I mean, did I say that? Eheh..."

Miroku sighed, but he was too good-natured to be hurt by a statement that was...half true... And besides, if it could help lighten up her mood first thing in the morning, he'd let even the nastiest of nasty comments pass.

'She's so worried she's even talking her thoughts without knowing.' He thought.

'Inu Yasha... when are you going to get over Kikyou...' The monk shook his head in silent disapproval.'Even when you found out she was toying with your heart and planning to assassinate your whole royal family... Why can't you let her go?'

** ** **

'Ah! The bustling of an active city. Yep, this is demon territory, alright. Ever since I set foot in this kingdom, I had to start traveling at night so none of the youkai noticed that I didn't have a master, like all the other humans here.

I guess I could make the rest of the trip today, even if I risk getting caught...

I'm almost to the capital, where the King and Queen and their two sons live. But I need to think of somewhere to go undercover, pick up some clues on some evildoing people.'

Kagome passed an opening bar, the human slave looking extremely tired and skinny, hair looking as if it hadn't been combed in years. Some shouts came from within the bar, and the slave winced, preparing for another beating when he got inside.

Kagome frowned.

She quickened her steps, but not to a run, lest some youkai masters think she was a runaway slave or something --- she did look pretty suspicious in her heavy, black, hooded cloak. Thankfully, the cloak was so big that her possessions and prized weapons were safely hidden on her back.

'Not at a bar like that. They'd probably make me wear something too revealing and it also stinks in there! I'd have to bathe at least a dozen times a day to keep myself clean.'

As a fighter, she had learned that the healthiest thing to be, if not well rested and fed, was to be and remain clean. She remembered, triggered by her analyzing of a fitting place to stay, her own experience with being a dirty fighter...

======Flashback

Little Kagome was in the garden, splashing away at the puddles left from the three-day storm. She was happy to be out, to be dirty. Anything other than being cooped up for three days straight. Sure, she trained. It was mandatory for people like her to train everyday, no matter how good they were. But it just wasn't the same! It wasn't the same without the breeze, the skies --- whatever color they may be --- and the scenery! It didn't feel free and full of opportunities.

So here she was, getting all soaked and muddy under the afternoon sun, splashing about in her training clothes, squealing like a... well, like the content young girl she was.

"Kagome! Lee-ming wanted to practice with you. Hand to hand combat, she said. Her dad wasn't too impressed with whatever she demonstrated when he tested her, so she wanted to practice more and get some advice. She's in the courtyard. You'd better hurry. I told her you'd be right there."

"'Kay, Ma! I'm going straight there, since I don't need to bring anything."

"Oh! Kagome! No, at least change your clothes, first! You might swallow some dirt or get mud in your eyes ---" Too late, she was already gone, eagerly looking forward to her little "duel."

At the courtyard, Kagome found her friend sitting under a young willow tree, back to her. Deciding upon a surprise attack to warm up and greet Lee-ming, she crept forward slowly, then, in one swift motion, pounced on Lee-ming, who in turn shrieked in surprise and began thrashing about frantically.

Still not letting go, the two girls rolled over and over in the muddy ground, not exactly what 'engaged in hand-to-hand combat' meant, mind you. The one who asked for aid had, by now, realized her situation and began trying to pry herself free, while the one asked to help tightened her grip even more.

"If ya dun leggo and start helpin' with ma skills, I'm gunna hafta make ya!" Lee-ming cried.

"Neverrrgh! Not until ye yields!" Returned Kagome, using her pirate's voice.

Lee-ming got the hang of the idea, and replied in a pirate's voice as well: "Aargg! If zzzat be so, then I'll hafta torture ye ta make ye spit out the location of zzze gold, heh?"

"An'wa kinda torture d'you think will make me, Loorddy of all pirrrates, betray me precious ssstones?"

"This!" With that, Lee-ming began to furiously tickle Kagome at the waist, until Kagome finally said, between gasps for air, "I yield! I yield!"

"Do ya beg fer mercy? Hm?!"

"Yes...ackakaka...I beg for...ahahahahaha!"

"Eh? That ain't the 'mercy' that ya begg'in fer! Ye want more, eh? Begg'in fer 'ahaha' could only mean more!"

"Nonoooo! I didn't mean...ahahah...ahahah...."

And so it went on, the two girls rolling in the mud, until finally Kagome found an opening and sprang away from Lee-ming, gasping for breath.

"Alright, enough, we're so dirty now. Let's start your hand to hand combating practice." Said the aider.

The aided agreed, and together they took a fighting stance --- legs shoulder width apart and bent at the knees, hands held in front of their chests, in guarding pose, one in a fist, the other in a flat palm, their bodies turning slightly at an angle, facing diagonally away from the center of their "dueling grounds."

They started and fought, slowly at first, so that Kagome knew what level her friend had reached, and then drove her to higher levels, forcing Lee-ming to guard more and attack less, but also forcing Lee-ming to quicken her reflex skills --- what Lee-ming lacked the most.

They were almost ready for their break, when suddenly Kagome's muddy shoes slipped on the cement floor, twisting her ankle. Lee-ming, though her reflex skills had increased considerably through this hour and a half, was not quick enough to prevent the twisted ankle from crashing into her own ankle, and she fell upon Kagome, who was at the moment on the ground in pain.

Unfortunately, Lee-ming didn't have time to break her fall, and when she crashed on top of the ankle-twisted girl, her own mud covered feet and legs tangled into Kagome's dragging her fall down in an almost doubled speed, as her nose smashed into the stony ground of the courtyard.

As a result, the blood of Lee-ming's nose mixed with the mud and dirt on both girls' forms, seeping into their cuts and scrapes, blinding their vision, and making movements much harder --- slipping and squirming in the spreading sea of blood and grime.

It had taken two hours in total to get the girls cleaned of the mud and blood alone (during which the two youngsters howled and screamed with pain, nearly deafening their nurses), and another half to care for wounds. It served a valuable lesson, though.

They learned that staying clean would not only make you feel fresh and free, it would also prevent accidents such as these. ...

=======End Flashback

During the replay of her childhood incident, she passed an extremely expensive looking restaurant which she could tell would be closing up soon, due to the lack of customers because of the prices. It wasn't one of those elegant and therefore expensive restaurants, but one of the illogically reasoned 'we-charge-alot-so-we-earn-more' restaurants.

It would do no good to work in a place with few people to spread news that she desired, or at a place that would not make it through for another few weeks, a month at most.

An inn.

No good to get exhausted during the day working at such a place. Her treks were at night, and she would need to be very alert to deal justice to demons, so straining backs and tiring legs would definitely not score for a place to stay.

The sun would be up in a few minutes, and she would be in even more danger than she was in now. She passed a tall building that also took up the rest of the street. She noticed the red lanterns gracing the perimeters, as well as the sweet, intoxicating smell of various types of flowers. It wasn't until she reached the middle of the large building, though, that she confirmed her suspicions.

'Yep. Just like I thought. A brothel. No good. Might lose myself or get sold as a concubine or something...'

Shaking her head, she continued on her search. But, halfway down the second road, she stopped and turned back, looking at the tall main building where on its balcony the ladies would stand during the day, persuading men to stop by for a cup of tea. She didn't like the idea of staying at a brothel, but heck, it's the most informative place, not counting the King's courtyard, maybe. Besides, she always had an interest for singing and dancing...

Before she knew it, she had already stepped up to the broad, elegant wood and paper doorway. Through the finely painted paper windows, she could see the many tables scattered in the main dining area.

She gulped.

Did she really want to do this?

Hell no.

Did she really need to do this?

Hell no.

So why was she here, trying to force herself to knock on the doors?

How the hell was she supposed to know?

It just felt as if this was the place where she would meet someone, possible something even, that would be special, close... Like this was where her adventures would begin, or where she would find a new beginning...Technically speaking, it is the place her adventures, beginnings, and such would begin. That is, if she chose this place to be her hideout. And she would find someone or something special, close.

Scratch that. Make it people, and lechers that she would find that would be close, special.

'Yeah, 'cause they got some major problems keeping themselves away from these scantily dressed ladies and need to get their brains checked for being classified as normal, hanging out at a place like this 24-7, and---'

"Can I help you miss?"

"Oh! Uh... I'm...I mean, I'd like to... uh..."

"You'd like to join me and my ladies at our lovely Autumn Flowers House?"

"Uh..."

"It's alright to be shy, dear. You're not the only one who ended up at a place like this against their will, if that's the case. I understand perfectly. But I must warn you: you should be less shy if you're going to live under my roof, whichever job you take on. And --- Oh, my! My manners! How clumsy; come inside, the day is still starting, and soon my daily and new customers'll arrive and I won't get time to settle you in."

"Um... thank you, Mother."

"Ah! It's lovely to know that someone finally knows to call the Lady of the House 'Mother' without the Mother actually having to say so. I must say, you are the first, as amazing as it is."

Yes, she was definitely the Lady of the House. Her fine, ruby red dress and silky fabrics of her light, outer robe emphasized the jewels and fresh flowers tucked in her hair, and the pearls and jades, ambers and corals wrapping around her bare neck and wrists seemed to make her appear younger than her age of early forties.

Her chattering and positivity increased her evidence as the head of the brothel, for in order to attract and maintain customers, one had to socialize, and, in this special place, suck up. Majorly, too, and it all couldn't be done with the smiles and compliments that pour out of a mouth like hers, and she led Kagome into an inner bedroom on the main floor, not far from the door.

At the back of the bedroom was the bed, and at the front was a meter-wide table which seated four people. The front and back of the obvious lady's room was separated by a sparkling bead curtain, gracing the room with it's rainbow reflections. It did not seem to be a room to accompany night customers, so Kagome assumed it was the Mother's room. A tray with overturned cups and a steaming teapot lay in the center of the polished wooden table.

Here, after seating her new family member, the questions began to pour from her mouth as she poured tea for the seated girl of fifteen that had obviously traveled a ways to get here.

"I won't ask any personal questions...at least, not those of things like family, relations and such. Just ones about things I need to know to know you and help our customers know you. First off, what would you like to be called in this heaven for men?"

"Phoenix, please, Mother."

"Feng? A wonderful choice! What would you like to be? You have a very nice body and face. It would be a waste to be just a serving girl."

"I was thinking, just a dancer. I've had an interest in singing and dancing since I was young, and have learned a great number of traditional dancing and songs. I can also play all the main instruments. Seeing that the singer and dancer are combined at Houses such as these, it would fit my request, as I would not wish to offend my parents by... you know... with the men..."

"No problem! We were lacking a singer, anyhow. But you do know that singers also accompany the men at tables, when off the stage, right? I hope you're good at handling heavy trays?"

"I often helped my mother in the kitchen and with her chores about the house. The well is some hundred meters away, and I always fetch two pails of well water for her every morning."

"Very good! I trust your word, Feng-er. Any other skills? I've always wanted one who knew a bit of martial arts and could entertain the men a bit with it. You don't seem like it, but you never know."

"... No. Other than the fact that I have a sharp tongue and am not afraid to use it."

"Ohohoho! We've got an arguer here, hm? Good! Some of the Ladies aren't very good challenges for some of the knowledge filled Lords that frequent this place. That reminds me, do you read? Or write?"

"... No. But I certainly have many poems in this little fifteen year old brain of mine, and I think I could probably equal a scholar in knowledge, if the reading and writing were not included. My parents were quite literate, so I learned from them."

"I see. Though it is odd that if your parents know to read and write they didn't teach you. Anyhow, how is your drinking amount?"

"... I lived on a farm, even knowing the poems were useless on a farm. It was just my interest. My drinking amount is high, if I do say so myself. I used to challenge the village boys to contests and would either win or lose by two or three cups."

"I see. I will tell you know, Lady Phoenix, that you have my trust, full trust at that, right now. Though you are quick with your tongue, I want you to go slowly. I don't want you giving the customers the idea that you think you're on top of the world. When I place my trust in you, I hope that you will maintain it, and not lose it like some of the rather unpleasant experiences I've had with other girls.

If I find that you are not worthy to stay, you will be released. I'll see to your room and get one of the girls to tour you around, but by noon I'd like to see what you can do-come to here, my room, ready. I'll arrange new clothes and jewelry, don't worry. As for other rules... hm... call the Ladies 'elder sister,' the customers appropriately, especially the Lords that come often.

Remember to report to me or send a guard to me if anything goes wrong, whether it is a dropped plate or burnt hand. If it's a spill or something like that, tend to it yourself. Anything else I missed? Nope. Any questions?"

"Ummm... no... I'd like to get started as soon as possible, though..."

"Wonderful!" Walking to the bedroom door, she poked her head out and called for one of the Ladies.

"Chun-hua! Chun-hua! Come to Mother's room!" Turning back to Lady Phoenix, she said: "I must say, ever since she became the reddest of the Ladies, she's been slacking off quite a bit."

"Yes, Mother?" A sweet looking, navy blue haired girl in a transparent black outer robe and sky blue, body fitting dress walked in, her curly, shoulder length hair bouncing where a few strands were left out purposefully from the neat bun of the rest of her hair sat atop of her head. The bun was framed with carnations and baby's breath, as well as a few jewels and dangling bead stands here and there.

Around her bare neck a long pearl necklace was wrapped twice, the first loop right up to the skin, the second hanging down lower, resting above her chest, where in the center of the strand of white sat a delicately carved piece of jade, meant to attract attention to her very open top and turquoise eyes.

Her earrings were short, teardrop shaped pearls that hung directly from a golden stud, keeping all focus on the lovely willow-arch shaped brow, teasing eyes softly touched by a dark plum colored eyeshadow, straight nose, blushed cheeks and soft lavender colored lips. Though the lipstick seemed an odd coloring, it made her all the more beautiful.

"My dear, Spring Flower, show Lady Phoenix around a bit, then let her have Penny's old room. She'll be taking her old possessions, as well. Feng-er, this is Chun-hua. Chun-hua-jie to you, as I said before. She's the reddest right now, in the spotlight, I say! All the men crave for her presence to honor their tables and wine."

And that was exactly what Lady Chun-hua did. Kagome could easily tell that this lady, though popular and cherished by the men, did not like newcomers like herself at all. When they passed a significant area, her tour guide would give single worded descriptions of the area's use, who usually came, and what the place was called.

Kagome's room, she found, was next to the pond and small bamboo forest, in the "West Bamboo Forest Court," at ground level, and across from another tall, balconied building. The only difference was that this building's balconies faced the inside of the brothel, rather than the outside. All in all, Kagome's room was quite close to the main entryway and the main dining hall, as well as easy access to every other thing she would need.

She was left alone in her new room, and once she was sure no one passing would stop and disturb her (for at this time it was already about nine or so, and the place was already buzzing with life), she lifted a polished floorboard near her new bed and placed her weapons there, after which she carefully replaced the wooden rectangle back. Double checking to make sure everything around the board was fine and looked undisturbed, she set out to the bath house with some carefully chosen clothing and toiletries in a covered basket.

Of course, she understood that their were two types of bath houses in these walls --- one for the customers to be accompanied by the ladies they pay for, and the other for the people who lived here. Being new, she had to stop a few times to make sure she went the correct direction, for though her guide had pointed out the bath house, she never stopped to allow Kagome to memorize the exact location.

After her bath she combed her hair and dressed herself, happy that not all the clothes in her room were near transparent or cut low. She had chosen a silk, white dress that flared at the bottom a bit, creating wave like patterns from the soft material.

On top, she wore a thin outer robe that stopped at the knees. It had a light, soft pink color that faded to the same silky white of her dress from the end to the waist. It was worn like a vest, pulling the opening together to overlap in a slight "v" shape at the neck, returning to an opening at the middle from the waist, where a white sash emphasized the slim waist and pink of the top robe.

The sleeves were loosely made and the same gradient of pink to white occurred at the end of the sleeve to the middle of the forearm. The collar of the top was the same white as the rest of her outfit, but the gold embroidery of phoenixes and peony flowers made them different.

Kagome didn't like too much jewelry, as she always thought of jewelry, make up and such as fake masks, so she put the top half of her hair in a bun with a lightly jeweled golden comb, touched with a few peach blossoms. The lower half she wore down, flowing down to mid back. Two light strands were left in front on either side of her neck, though, and her dangling coral studded earrings were the only other pieces of jewelry she wore, the fine thread like gold allowing the small spherical coral pieces to swish happily to and fro.

She didn't where much make up --- just a light touch of lipstick to make her lips stand out a bit more, a dab of blush, and a barely sensible stroke of brick red eyeshadow. It was all barely noticeable, as she had chosen colors that were very natural, and only to help emphasize her already nicely colored facial features.

Back at her room, she chose a dark, red fan made from fluffy, large feathers --- it would help make dance moves more interesting. For the rest of the remaining hour or so, she cleaned the room, as it seemed that the former occupant had been gone for quite a while.

When noon came, she set out to the Mother's room. Once there, Mother complimented her natural beauty, and said that Kagome was to perform right away. She led her new "daughter" to the main dining area, where the stage was. Announcing the arrival of Lady Phoenix, she left Kagome to start her dance and singing.

Kagome chose to sing a happy native song, for the weather today matched the song perfectly. As she sang, her movements took on the roles of the water, the birds, the willow branches. Her fan dipped and flew, opened and closed, timed perfectly with the words. She remembered to keep a smile to her face, to please the customers and maintain the cheery mood of the lyrics.

** ** **

"My dear guests, today we have a newcomer! Her name is Lady Phoenix, and she's a dancer."

"My, Mother! And a beautiful one, at that! You always manage to get the best, eh? Wouldn't you say so too, bro?"

"Aye, I just hope she entertains well!"

"Not to worry, I guarantee you that she will keep you interested. If not, you get to stay the night with any one of the ladies who are available!"

"I'll take yer ward fer it, then! Let her song begin!"

"Feng-er, don't let the guests down! I'm off to see to the other guests."

'Another? I didn't think this place could fit so many brainless girls.

Whatever. None of my business anyway. This is just a place to forget about my worries... at least, until Miroku comes. ...

Speak of the devil! He comes again! Every single darn day!!!!'

"Good morrow, dear friend. How is the wine today?"

"Same as yesterday, Miroku. You should know."

"Still in a sour mood, eh, Inu Yasha?"

"Keh." The young prince replied. From below, the small band struck up, and a warm, sweet voice drifted up to where the two friends sat at the balcony that overlooked the main dining area. Miroku noticed that with each passing word, Inu Yasha's eyes held a disbelieving, hurt look.

Perhaps it was because this newcomer sounded like someone... but he couldn't put his finger on it. Inu Yasha, however, seemed frozen to the spot, hand holding the small wine cup halfway to his lips, eyes wide. Miroku was too concerned for his friend, and remained seated across from him, watching his every breath, not bothering to see what the singer looked like, as the song continued:

"... The trees, which hold their green delight, sway in the winds that blow not with might, but with a gentle touch alike a feather's kiss.

The sun shines bright, the crops bathing in its light. The children of the peaceful village splash within the river's gleaming waters, play within the old willow tree's arching branches. ..."

Unable to stand it any longer, Inu Yasha leaned over the railing, taking his first look at the newcomer by the name of Lady Phoenix. What he saw almost made him fall over.

"Kikyou?! '

GLOSSARY

* -sama=lord whoever
*Mu-ho=Mother-Queen, meaning that she is the Queen, and the speaking person's mother
*hentai=pervert
*youkai=*sigh* you should know, but anyhow, it's the equivalent to demon/monster/and such
*Feng=phoenix (in Mandarin), kagome's name at the brothel
* -er=suffix used to indicate closeness or fondness(but only an elder talking to a younger can use this, or a really close customer to a lady at the brothel. And I mean REALLY close. Of course, if one of the Ladies allows a customer to call her that, it is fine as well). Somewhat of a "dear."
*jie or jie-jie= elder sister (mandarin)
*Keh=feh, And such. I like 'keh' better though ^_^

AN: There you have it! Chapter two. I'm really sorry no action has come along yet, but it's coming!! Very soon! I know that I'm a very detailed person, so if, when you read, you feel that the descriptions should be cut shorter, tell me so! I wouldn't want you to loose interest on the whole story because of the way I write! And I DO NOT OWN I.Y. & CO.!!! Whatever gave you that silly idea, hm? So tell me what you think!