Time for another update! Hehehe, we had a snow day today so now I have time to write stuff. That versus, you know, video games. Lol. A/N:
1) Disclaimer: Bah…you know what I'm going to say…
2) The tallies are in, and it looks like the lemon won! ^___^ Looks like that is what's going to be written for the next chapter. For now, though, there's this one that you can read and stuff. Fluffy chappy. Lol. Anyways, for the rest of Kaede's story, that'll come directly after, promise!
…Yep. That should be all for now. Enjoy!:
~~~***~~~
A knock came on our door. "My Highnesses, are you ready yet? We are expecting your appearance shortly."
Sesshoumaru and I looked at each other. He was actually dressed quite nicely, and looked more familiar with his robe that had the same white color that his normal clothes shared. I, on the other hand, was wearing a jade-green dress that neatly went down to my ankles. In the end, I decided to put my hair up in a ponytail, with a strand on both sides down. My jewelry of choice was a lovely silver necklace with a pretty blue gem in the middle. Sesshoumaru didn't say anything, but I saw his eyes widen a little regardless.
Sesshoumaru opened the door quietly and we walked outside. Various people were waiting for us in the hallway, two of them being Rin and Jaken. Rin was as adorable as ever, with a cute little red dress and a small fan in her hand. Even Sesshoumaru gave a half-smile at her. And Jaken, well…actually, nothing had changed with him, BUT! He did look pretty worn out from watching Rin so much in the day. We nodded to each other and started down the hallway.
"Mommy looks so pretty, doesn't she Daddy?" Rin asked happily. I turned a deep red. Sesshoumaru replied with an indifferent 'hmph' I stiffened slightly, but I supposed that was the kind of answer I should have expected from HIM.
We continued down the hallway. At the end we began to hear some noises, then silence. Apparently the announcement had been made of our coming arrival into the room where the party was.
"Lord Sesshoumaru and Lady Kagome enter!" A voice said from within. With a little hesitation, I stepped into the room. It was the throne room I had been in earlier, only this time it was full of decorations, food, and people. To my side, Sesshoumaru grumbled, and I knew he did not want to be here. He walked to his throne and sat down in annoyance with it all. I followed. Rin pranced after us and did a sort of twirl. Jaken hurried after her in a comical way.
It was then that I realized everyone was still in silence. Most were bowing, and some were kneeling. I stared at them. They didn't move. I glanced at Sesshoumaru and whispered to him, "Uh, should we be doing something…?"
Suddenly, Rin clapped her hands twice happily, and everyone moved again. "…Oh." I said. She giggled and ran off somewhere, with Jaken hopelessly following.
I looked around and shifted in my throne uncomfortably. People were chatting pleasantly and observing the decorations. Some were sipping wine. And just what was I supposed to do!? Sit on this throne all evening!? I propped my head up with my arm in annoyance. Being a Queen wasn't nearly as fun as one might think it to be, after all.
We sat there for an hour looking as important as possible. Occasionally a person or two would approach us and praise Sesshoumaru and I for 'being wonderful and understanding' leaders. I nodded politely and pretended to listen. "What kind of party IS this anyways!?" I asked aloud when they left.
Eventually we moved to the enormous dinner tables. They formed a sort of square perimeter with the royal family sitting in the middle. As luck would have it, to my right sat Miroku and Sango. I stared at them in surprise. "Sango! Miroku! I didn't know you guys would be here!"
Miroku nodded. "…But after all, I'm the head monk of this castle, so it shouldn't come as a huge surprise."
"Oh…" I understood now. "How is Kirara?"
Sango smiled happily. "She's doing very well, although…lately she's been restless. I think she senses something…some sort of event that hasn't happened yet, perhaps. I wonder what it could mean…"
I frowned. "Well, if that's the case then, I'll be on my guard."
Our conversation ended at that moment as the appetizers started to come out. Appetizers indeed! They were so huge they could've easily passed off as two whole meals. I ate carefully—was that caviar I saw in the corner!?
After everyone had quenched their hungry a little, a guard tapped me on the shoulder. "It's time, my Lady."
I swallowed my food quickly and looked at him in surprise. "Uh…what? Do I need to go somewhere or something…?"
He nodded. "Everyone is waiting for you to make your speech so they can eat the main course. Are you finished eating the appetizer, Lady Kagome?"
I choked a little. "S-Speech!? Er, I mean…um, I'll be ready as soon as I finish this…" The guard nodded and walked away. I sighed—it figured. But what would I say!? I swallowed nervously.
"Don't worry." Miroku whispered to me. "Just thank everyone for coming and how you're happy for such a nice party during these troubling times. I've heard these things before; it's not that hard really. You'll do fine."
I wasn't so reassured, though. I remembered all the times I had to get up in front of the whole class and give a presentation. My legs were like jelly and my mouth had become dry.
Sesshoumaru listened to all of this in silence, and finally said, "If it's too much trouble, then I will give the speech instead."
I stared at him. "What? Oh, um, you don't have to do that…" But already he was standing up. He whispered to the guard something (it must have been the change in plans), and then cleared his throat. I smiled softly, even though I wasn't sure if I wanted him to do this or not.
"Ladies and gentleman," he began, "Thank you all for coming. As you may have heard, I have just recently recovered from an injury that I received in battle. Despite this, I am happy to come here today." I rolled my eyes. "The purpose of this party is to enjoy ourselves. We all know about the recent attempt at the theft of our Shikon jewel half." Everyone glared at Jaken, who shrunk in his seat. "Nevertheless, let us be thankful nothing serious happened. We still have a prosperous kingdom and that, my friends, is reason enough to celebrate."
"I suppose some of you may be wondering where our future lies with the demon kingdom and Emperor Naraku. Rest assured, we are dealing with the problem day by day and hope to work something out peacefully with him. Our best interest will always be with the safety of our people. Do not be troubled about our future. And now…" He nodded to the waiters. "The main course for this evening shall be brought out. Eat now, and enjoy this night." He sat down, and mounds of food were brought out onto the table.
For a few moments, I was speechless. One thing was for sure—Sesshoumaru had definitely changed. "That was a wonderful speech, Sesshoumaru." I said to him after some seconds passed. "I loved it."
He shook his head. "I don't know how much of it was true. I probably fed them lies."
I shrugged and smiled even more. "I thought it sounded great."
He acknowledged my compliment with a nod. We continued to eat all the delicious foods before us (though I wasn't sure what all of it was). Thankfully Miroku explained what most of the items on the table were. I chatted happily with various people around us, and the hour peeled away.
~~~***~~~
Little by little couples started to walk over to the floor that had the soft music playing. We tried to put it off as long as possible, but when I finally saw Miroku and Sango leave us to go over there, I knew it was time. I stood up and whispered to Sesshoumaru, "C'mon, Sesshoumaru…everyone's expecting us to go." I saw his eyes move around as if to search for an escape route. Apparently there WAS none, because he stood up as well.
"I don't know how to dance." he said defiantly.
Yes, that would pose a problem, I thought. I myself had only been to school dances once or twice in my lifetime, and nobody really danced then. They just…stood on the dance floor and talked. I also recalled the only wedding reception I had been in. There wasn't much dancing as much as there was food-eating, however, I still had learned the basics of it. "…Just follow my lead, and do what the other couples do."
He glanced at them, and then remarked after a few moments, "They look utterly ridiculous."
I laughed. "Yeah, they kind of do, don't they…I suppose I can't blame you for thinking that." I turned to him. "Now, pay attention, Sesshoumaru. Put your arm around my waist like this." I grabbed his wrist and placed it on the specified area. "…And I'll put my hand on your shoulder, like this…" I nestled it between his shoulder and neck. He looked at me with suspicion. "…Then finally, we hold our other hands together." He hesitated for a moment, and then finally slid his hand under mine. "There, that's good." I said. "Now we just move around to a make a sort of square."
He scoffed. "Ridiculous." Nevertheless, he held my hand firmly and stepped forward a little. I chuckled slightly and slowly laid my head on his chest. Sesshoumaru looked down in surprise and gasped a little, but he relaxed after a few seconds, and I saw a warm smile come through his face, a rarity in of itself.
~~~***~~~
After about 15 minutes of this, I shifted uncomfortably in his arms. He looked down at me. "Is something wrong?"
"No, but I'm getting a little tired, I think…" I said into his chest.
"Should we stop now?"
I shook my head. "No, I'll be okay for a little while longer…" My hand crept from his shoulder to the back of his neck. I rubbed the area gently and brushed against some of his tiny hairs back there. "…You're tense." I whispered. Was Sesshoumaru tired as well? Or was there a different reason…?
He sighed, and from this I felt his chest rise and fall. "…Not anymore, Kagome." He whispered back. As if the movement was involuntary Sesshoumaru suddenly pulled me closer. I was a bit surprised at this but quickly learned to love the muscularity of his chest. I smiled.
~~~***~~~
Gradually the couples moved off the floor and went back to the table for the desserts our waiters had provided them with. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Sango and Miroku get up from the table, ready to leave. I lifted my head and looked at Sesshoumaru. He understood what I wanted, so he released his arms from me, and we parted.
Unfortunately, before I could catch them, many people ran into me to congratulate me on the wonderful party that was given. I sighed—there was just too many of them. I began to push my way through.
"Lady Kagome! Thank you so much for the terrific party! We really had a great time!" exclaimed one.
"The dinner was really delicious! I'm so full!" said the next.
"Please, won't you do this again? If I could only attend a party like this everyday…" remarked yet another.
I sighed. Would they EVER leave me alone!? Just when I thought it useless, Sesshoumaru stepped in from nowhere. "I'm glad you enjoy everything so much." He said to them. He looked at me and nodded off to the side. I blushed a little and thanked him with my eyes, then slipped away, leaving Sesshoumaru to deal with the bothersome guests.
"Something," I said to myself, "has changed about him. I'm not sure what happened, but hey, I can't complain, right?"
~~~***~~~
"Hey! Miroku, Sango! Wait up!"
I ran as fast as I could (believe me, it wasn't easy considering the outfit I was wearing and the fact that I was really, really tired). Their ears perked up and they turned around. I noticed they were holding hands, something I just wasn't used to.
"Ah, has Lady Kagome just arranged a conference meeting with us, Sango?" He whispered to her, chuckling.
I paused to catch my breath. "Hi guys." I said after a few moments. "I need to talk with you for a second, okay?"
They nodded. "Poor thing." Sango remarked. "Here, why don't we go sit on that bench over there…?" I smiled in appreciation and we sat down.
"Now then, what seems to be the trouble?" Miroku asked.
"Well…" I began. "I'm, er…going to need your help with something, Sango and Miroku. And Kirara's too, probably. To put it simply…I need to travel into the demon land as soon as possible."
They looked at me with surprise. "Why on earth…?"
"Listen, I'm going to need your help in battle. It's a dangerous place, after all. I must go there because…well, a demon named Inuyasha probably lives there, and well…he's my key home."
I don't understand." said Sango. "I remember that your home is in a different world, but what does that have to do with a demon named Inuyasha…?"
"Sesshoumaru and I were transported here because of two things: some of the Shikon jewel and Inuyasha's Wind Scar attack. When the Wind Scar fell upon us, the part of the Shikon jewel we had protected the two of us. It transported Sesshoumaru and I…or at least that's what Kaede explained to me."
"Oh!" Sango exclaimed. "So, that means you need to find Inuyasha to perform the same attack again with the Shikon jewel so you can be carried back home? Are these your thoughts?" I nodded, smiling.
Miroku looked to be deep in thought for a few moments, then remarked, "An interesting procedure. It won't be easy."
I nodded again. "I know, but we have to try…"
"Yes." He agreed. "But how do you know if you'll be transported back to your own world? What if you and Lord Sesshoumaru end up in an even worse place than this one?"
I shook my head. "I don't know why, but I have a feeling that's not going to happen. Somehow…I just know that if I get everything to be in the same situation as it was before we can go back."
Miroku pondered this some more. "Hmm, what do you think, Sango?"
She stretched her arms, cracking her knuckles. "…It's been kinda boring around here lately. I think I'm getting a little rusty with my battle skills, with nothing to practice on in this demon-free land, after all. This sounds like fun, Miroku."
"…Alright then, you've got a deal." He said to me.
Sango smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Kirara will like it."
"Okay, I suppose." I stood up. "I'll send you up here when the time comes, alright?" They nodded. "Good. See you two soon, hopefully." I waved a hand goodbye at them, and we parted for the night.
Review Responses:
Skitzoflame: Arigato! ^__^ Hope you like this one!
Peanut Gallery - Alaska's Own: Hahaha, okay, it's been noted.
bloodbunny: ^_______^ oooo, shiny things!!! *is hypnotized to write more* lol
tellu444: Yeah, I just luff fluffiness!
tellu444 (again): uummmm…O_o well we'll see…haha, nobody seems to care about Inuyasha, lol.
Soudesuka-Shurikens: Hahaha, yeah…well I don't think I could live very long without a TV =(
neolannia: Alrighty, will do!
Rabid-Inu-Girl: Yeah, I'd buy one! ;)
Vegetas4Life: Sorry hun, but it looks like Kaede's story will have to wait a lil' bit…lol, why do I have a feeling you don't mind waiting too much? =D
Youkai Yumi: lol, I was a little nervous about how everyone would like the different roles of each of the characters, but I guess it turned out fine.
Miko-Princess: Yes, everyone keeps saying how original this plot is…well what can I say, I try! *blush*
Red Hat: Heh heh, Sesshy is far from boring, my friend…;)
Shadow39: Okay okay!! O_O *runs away* heh
Satu-Chan: Eh, she'll run into Inuyasha, just give her some time…lol…she seems to be forgetting about him, ne? ^_^
Guardian Angel15: Ah, thanks! ^__^
mandyfanforevr: lol…do you even know what a lemon is!? *shakes fist at her* well you can't read it. You promised you wouldn't. So nyah. =D
Teru04: Okay, hope you enjoy the update!
fruity: Heh, well everyone's been waiting for it I guess *shrug*
ashley: Try not to think of it in those terms. They're not in any country right now, it's just a kingdom that's fighting with another.
ashley a: Okay, I'll make one then! Hehe…
*happy* Wooo, twenty reviews! Teh Vira is very happy indeed! Keep 'em coming for more happiness! ^__________^ Lol. Anyways, R&R please! Tell me what you think! Lemon chappy is next, then Kaede's story! ^___^ Arigato, ja ne!
