I've had horrible dealings with writers block, but that is no excuse. Will discuss at the end. Without further ado...
Disclaimer: Mine. Mine. Mine!
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Terekusai Mugon (Awkward Silence)
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Last Time: Kagome breathed in relief. She would be courted by Inuyasha, as the elder went with the eldest and the younger the youngest. Sneaking a glance to her sister, she noticed Kikyo was staring at the brothers a bit herself.
Kikyo found her voice soon enough. Raising herself from her bowed position, she stated in a clear voice. "I am Higurashi Kikyo, and this is my sister, Kagome." She looked at Inuyasha. "Kagome is the eldest, and I the youngest.
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Kagome didn't think she had ever been more shocked in her life. She stared at her sister's stoic expression. What in the world is she doing?!
Her face was quite a picture: eyes wide, mouth slightly agape, frozen in a bowed position. If her mind was working correctly, Kagome would have realized she looked very much like a bending cod fish (if a cod fish can bend). However, her current predicament prevented such imaginings. All Kagome knew was that her elder sister, who prided herself very much on that superior station, had just incorrectly informed the Queen and entire royal family that she was the lower sibling in the room, and what dumbfounded the young miko wasn't only the lie but the purpose behind it, a reason she could not possibly fathom.
"Is there something wrong, Kagome?" Kagome was shaken from her thoughts by Ouhi Izayoi's concerned voice. Everyone in the room, with the exception of the impostor, was looking curiously at the girl.
Kagome snapped her mouth shut and lowered her eyes briefly. Composing herself, she replied, "Of course not, Izayoi-sama. I was off in my own world for a moment, just...thinking."
A snort brought her eyes to the figure clad in red. He looked at her with contemptuous eyes, daring her to reply to his noise. She narrowed her eyes. I was wrong. What a rude little prince, she thought irritatingly.
"Inuyasha, I hope that cold you had isn't coming back. It would be so unfortunate for you to have to take the dreadful medicine again." Inutaisho glared at his son. Inuyasha simply looked away.
During this, Kagome snuck a look at her sister. Unreadable as always, Kikyo stood regally. What is up with you? Kagome thought. Kikyo glanced at her sister. This surprised Kagome. Never before had she made eye contact in such a way; Kikyo seemed to almost be pleading with her not to say anything until they had spoken.
Sighing, Kagome nodded slightly and returned her attention to the royals in front of her. Apparently the family "discussion" had just drawn to a close, and the Lords were once more smiling brightly at the two mikos before them.
"Well then, it seems as though Oujo Kagome will be courted by our Sesshoumaru, and Reifujin Kikyo by Inuyasha." Izayoi practically glowed with happiness.
The two named brothers stepped forward. Sesshoumaru bowed first to Kagome and she, forgetting that she was supposed to be the eldest, looked dumbly on for a few moments before quickly reciprocating the gesture. As she rose she saw the flicker of amusement in his eyes, though it quickly faded into indifference. Inuyasha brusquely bowed to Kikyo, and she slowly to him, eyes gazing.
The two pairs stared at each other. Silence hung as a smothering cloud above the four.
Inutaisho exchanged a glance with his wife, then said clearly, "You two must be tired form your long trip and wish to clean up a bit. We can discuss specifics of the unions later. Sango? Sango?" The said girl entered the room. "Please take Kagome and Kikyo to their respective rooms. I assume they are eager to get settled in. Ladies, dinner is at 7. Sango will come for you slightly before that."
Kagome, as normal, waited for her sister to answer, then quickly realized her mistake. "Thank you, your majesties. Kikyo and I look forward to seeing you at dinner."
With that, the adolescents bowed and the two girls turned to leave. It was just then that Kagome noticed Kouga and Naraku had not entered the throne room with them. I guess that's why I was the only gaping one...wait until they hear of this thought. Sango went through the doors, and the sisters followed (with Kagome hurrying to walk before Kikyo). I'll never get used to this, she decided.
As the doors closed, Izayoi turned to her family and said, "Well they seem to be lovely girls." Her husband nodded slightly, turning to look at his sons.
Sesshoumaru was smoothing his furs and Inuyasha was staring out a window, obviously sulking. Inutaisho sighed. Well, it could be worse. At least neither vocalized his protests in front of the princesses.
Aloud he said, "I expect you two to sit by your brides at dinner. Understand me?" He stared at his youngest, who rolled his eyes and said, "Yea, whatever. Can I go now?"
Sighing, Inutaisho nodded. Inuyasha left quickly through a door behind the thrones. Sesshoumaru asked to be excused as well, claiming he needed to finish his studies of some eastern lands the Taisho's were having trading issues with.
After each boy had left, Inutaisho turned to his Ouhi with worried eyes.
"They'll warm up to the girls, don't worry," she reassured. "They just need to get past the awkward stage of meeting their betrothed." After a pause, she continued with a sidelong glance to her husband. "I remember when I was introduced to Mekinzi, I was horrified." Izayoi smiled coyly, knowing full well Inutaisho never liked the man.
Snorting, much as someone else had recently done, the Lord replied, "Well, let's hope the young mikos are not behaved as that nincompoop was, or else I'll have to intervene and keep my boys from making the same mistake you-" he was cut off by Izayoi's gay laughter, which had been unsuccessfully withheld.
"Oh honey, you act as you did centuries ago. Your impulsiveness hasn't lessened since that time, you just learned how to hide it. Let your jealously be; I was merely teasing you."
Huffing slightly, Inutaisho left the room to "see how Kaede was coming with that little project" he had assigned her to earlier.
The kougou giggled slightly as he left. Inuyasha is just like him. Sesshoumaru is too, he just hides it better. She could not wait to talk to the two girls tonight, hoping they both were as warm as Kagome seemed to be.
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"Thank you, Miss Sango, for showing us to our rooms," Kagome said sincerely, but in a hurry. She wanted to talk to Kikyo-now.
Sango smiled and said, "Anytime, Okami. Your things have already been unpacked and put away. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for it." Turning her attention to Kikyo, she continued. "That goes the same for you, Lady Kikyo." She nodded curtly. Kagome rolled her eyes. Can't she be polite at least?
"Your personal Keigo are just down the hall, as your parents wanted to be sure of your well-being while you are here." She walked to the door, paused, and said, "And please, call me Sango."
"I will, and please call me Kagome." Sango smiled and closed the door behind hers. I like her, she thought, starting down the hall. She had to check on the new servant girl in the healer's room. "Lord only knows what she's done to Kaede's mixture..." she mumbled, quickening her pace. The girl was nice enough, but a horror with remedies. Sango decided to change the girl's post to something less dangerous before she poisoned the royal family...
When Kagome was certain Sango had walked away, she turned her attention to her sister.
"What are you doing?! Are you insane? Lying to the Shokou? Saying I'm the older sister? Getting us engaged to the wrong sons? How would this work? I have duties and titles different from yours and vice versa. We couldn't' possibly imitate the other. This will never work. You don't think that Mother and Father will find out?!" Kagome stared at her older sister, who was calmly brushing her hair at the vanity.
"You know you should not tell houkounin to call you by your given name. It's bad enough we allow Kouga to do it, but for some-"
"Stop! Just...why did you decide to pull this? I don't understand what you can gain from pretending to be me."
After a moment's pause, Kikyo answered. "Prince Inuyasha."
Kagome stared at her sister. "A man? You want to jeopardize the future of our family's treaty with the Taisho kingdom and our defenses because you find a man attractive?" Kami, now I'm beginning to sound like Kikyo. She shook that scary thought off quickly.
"He was meant for excellence. He needs a great woman by him," Kikyo stated nonchalantly, turning to her sister.
Kagome felt a headache coming on. "What do you mean? Excellence?"
"Trust me, Inuyasha will be very powerful some day, and he'll need a powerful miko for his wife." Kagome could tell her sister was not showing her entire hand, but pestering her about it now would do her no good. She decided to try a different approach.
"But he's not even the eldest. The other one...umm..." Kagome had already forgotten her-no, Kikyo's, fiancé's name.
"Sesshoumaru-sama," Kikyo stated in a bored tone. "Believe me, young one, Inuyasha-sama, will surpass his brother."
"That still doesn't explain why you decided to take my suitor for yourself." She was getting mad. How dare Kikyo steal what's hers because of-wait. Hers? Where had that come from? Probably from the fact that Kikyo always gets what Kikyo wants and... Kagome trailed off as she looked at the other girl.
She was grinning. It sent chills down Kagome's spine. The grin turned to a smirk, a condescending, haughty smirk. "Dear little sister, do you think you could be the wife of such a great man?"
Kagome suddenly felt very small and foolish. She looked at her feet. Abruptly there was a knock on the door. It startled Kagome, who looked at Kikyo.
"Enter," Kikyo called. Naraku and Kouga appeared.
"How was the meeting, Okami?" Naraku queried. "Do you find the Princes satisfactory?" Kouga looked at Kagome, who stared at Kikyo, wondering if she was going to explain.
Shaking her head slightly, Kikyo said, "Don't worry, sister. I'll take care of it." She walked to the door leading to their adjoining powder room. Pausing, the girl said, "Wear something nice tonight. Try and recall your breeding, mine as well. Remember: you're the elder Higurashi now. You must represent the family accordingly." And with that she walked through the door.
Kagome stared at the door for a few moments before making her way over to the bed. She collapsed on it, groaning.
Kouga and Naraku looked at each other before Naraku followed his mistress to her room. Kouga sat by Kagome on the bed. "What did she mean, 'you're the elder Higurashi now'?"
"It seems that Kikyo has decided to claim my position as the youngest daughter." Kouga stared at her, digesting the information he had received.
"What? Why would she do that?" he asked tentatively, not knowing how Kagome was reacting to he sister's actions.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? She said something about his 'excellence' and how a powerful miko was supposed to be with him." Kagome paused for a moment, then continued softer, "She lied to the Kisaki, just lied straight-faced to her." She turned over, away from her friend.
Kouga did the same, looking out the window. He observed the nearby mountains and lake; then his attention was drawn to the patrolling guards, noting there were not many of them. The Taisho's must not have much to fear with so little protection. Then again, there could be twenty five soldiers outside the walls and he just couldn't see them. Kouga dwelt on this for some time, wondering how safe his mistress was. He constantly worried for her safety. If anything happened to her... he shook those thoughts from his head.
Kouga turned to Kagome again. She had moved from her position on the bed sometime during his reminiscing. A pretty pale blue kimono lay on her bed and she was at the dresser, gathering her toiletries so she could clean up before dinner, he assumed.
Kagome looked at him, a sense of helplessness in her eyes.
He just stared back at her. "You could just explain to the Shokou the misunderstanding," he said in a low voice.
Kagome smiled cynically. "If I tell the royal family that Kikyo lied they will most certainly not agree to the treaty. I can't do that to our kingdom. We need this joining to fight off the Southern kingdoms."
Kouga couldn't argue with her. He wouldn't want to ally, much less marry in, with deceivers either.
Kagome gathered the clothes she had been messing with and made a move to the washroom door. "You know I enjoy your company, but I need to clean up a bit before dinner. Please excuse me. We'll talk tomorrow, I promise." She smiled slightly. Kouga nodded and silently exited the bedroom.
Kagome entered the large washing room and sat down on a chair, face in her hands. She could hear her sister speaking with Naraku in the other room but couldn't discern their words. Soon enough they quieted, and she heard some (he, she assumed) leave Kikyo's room.
The young girl stood up and filled the basin with water. Dipping the white material in it, she placed the cooling rag on her face. This procedure was repeated several times, water dripping off her face. Kagome looked at herself in the mirror above the basin. What have we gotten ourselves into?
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Kagome fidgeted with her dress, the silky material bunching through her fingers. Glancing around, she wished she hadn't decided against wearing her face paint. She hated that stuff, but Kikyo and the Queen donned it, so she thought she appeared plainer than normal next to the two beauties. Kikyo's dress was more formal and regal than that of Kagome's, as usual, with its soft pink color blending nicely with her complexion. Kagome sunk lower in her chair, feeling more depressed by the moment.
She and Kikyo had been at dinner for all of thirty minutes and the unease was only getting worse. From the moment they entered the room things went sour. Inuyasha was late by a quarter hour and his Father was not amused by this obvious display of rebellion. Sesshoumaru offered little conversation, keeping his answers to 'Yes' and 'No' as much as possible. Kikyo and Inuyasha were content with silence it seemed; neither had tried to speak to the other since they met. Kagome just nodded when addressed. Only the Lords spoke, and even they were quickly seeing it as a lost cause.
Izayoi looked to her husband for help. He just shrugged at her; there was nothing that he could see to do.
The Touji glowered at Inutaisho. Wimp, she thought. Not to be thwarted by silent teens, Izayoi asked, "Reifujin Kagome, please, tell me of your home. Is it as beautiful as I have heard it to be?"
Kagome looked up to the warm face. She had to speak now. "It is quite lovely, your Highness. We come from very attractive lands-nothing to be compared to yours, however."
The Queen chuckled. "I confess I've lived here so long I tend to forget what other terrains exist. Describe for me, if you would, the lands you speak of."
"Well...we don't have rolling hills or majestic mountains as you do here. Our kingdom contains plains more than anything. Hardly a change occurs in our borders. We have forests as well, which is why ours is mainly a lumbering realm."
"Trees huh? Well we have mines here; much more important than large twigs." Inuyasha shot at her.
Kagome was irritated once more. How dare he insult her kingdom, just because they didn't have the metal and gem mines the Taishos did.
"Well, our 'twigs' make sure your mines work by building the tracks and supports in them and help feed the fires cooking your food, not to mention keeping your royal highness warm," she retorted, inclining her head to the empty fireplace. It didn't matter that it was sweltering out now, the winter would come and where would his regal butt be without the wood to burn.
Blinking slightly, Inuyasha turned his attention to the food before him. Inutaisho suppressed a smile; he liked this girl. She could have tamed my youngest son for sure. I hope the younger Higurashi has Kagome's fire as well. Hoping to stop further arguments he looked at the other sister.
"Kikyo-hime, tell me, what are your interests? I hear your mother speak very highly of your archery skills."
"Yes, I am an expert archer," was the distant reply. "I also read a bit and experiment in mixing herbs."
"Oh really? We have a resident healer named Lady Kaede who is an expert in medicines. Perhaps you could speak to her to see what you can learn from her."
"Perhaps."
That conversation dead, Inutaisho looked back at his wife. He tried, she thought. I suppose now is as good a time as any to bring up the arrangements. Steeling herself for the protests sure to come, Izayoi said, "Inutaisho and I would like for you four to get to know each other quickly, so we have decided that Kagome and Sesshoumaru, as well as Kikyo and Inuyasha, will spend at least a few hours each day with their beau. We feel this is the best way for friendships to be established."
Two mouths dropped like rocks in a stream. Kagome was very surprised at this request-a request she could not deny, of course. Kikyo and Sesshoumaru appeared as impassive as ever. Inuyasha, however, was openly aggravated.
"Mother, do you really think this is necessary?" Sesshoumaru inquired softly, trying to keep his brother from vocalizing his opinions. He may not care for the girls, but he did not want his little brother to embarrass the family with another one of his tantrums.
"Yes I do. I know you two very well, and I refuse to allow you two to act as you wish," Izayoi answered sternly. Kagome had an inkling that meant the boys didn't like this arrangement anymore than her sister and she did.
BANG! All eyes turned to the source of the commotion, Inuyasha. His fist was embedded in the table next to his plate. He glowered at his parents before abruptly standing. With a small glance in Kikyo's direction, the Prince stormed from the room.
"Please excuse my son, Kikyo," Inutaisho said, "He has a bit of a temper on him."
"No apologies needed, sir," was the girl's reply. "I enjoy people with...temerity."
Temerity? Only Kikyo would use that word now, Kagome thought, already exasperated with the entire situation. First I'm forced by Mother to come and marry some Prince I know nothing of, then Kikyo decides she wants to be the younger sister because of my suitor who she just met, then the Princes' Mother forces us to spend time with her sons. Inuyasha seems rude and curt, Sesshoumaru cold and quiet. She sighed slightly. Oh, could things get any better?
"Right, Kagome-hime?" Kagome snapped her attention back to Ouja Inutaisho. She had obviously been asked a question, a question she hadn't heard. Cursing her inattention, Kagome said, "I'm sorry, your Highness, but I had become preoccupied by my own thoughts again. I apologize."
The king smiled at her. "That's quite okay, dear. You have a lot on your mind. I just asked if you agreed with the situation my wife proposed. We feel that soon the visits won't be mandatory but voluntary."
Not knowing what else to do, but once more wishing Kikyo was in her rightful place as eldest daughter so she would be asked the questions, she nodded. "I'm sure we'll get to know each other and become friends, sir."
"Please, drop the titles. Call me Inutaisho, and my wife Izayoi. We will be family so there's no reason for the formality."
She again nodded, looking at the man beside her. I might as well try to get to know him. "So, Sesshoumaru-sama, what do you do around here during the day?"
"Oversee our defenses and read," was the immediate bored reply.
She nodded. Gee, that's interesting, Kagome thought. He didn't want to get to know her either. This was going to be a rough trip. She almost wished to have Inuyasha, frustrating and bad-mannered as he was, to speak with. At least he has a personality, she reflected, poking at her peas.
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"Goodnight sister. Sleep well," Kikyo called softly.
"Goodnight," Kagome muttered, fastening the door leading to the hallway behind her. Shutting her eyes, Kagome leaned against the wall. She inhaled deeply, wishing that things were less complicated than Kikyo had made them. The girl unclosed her eyes, studying the room that would be hers for the next few months.
Dark mahogany was the ingredient for the furniture in the room. On her right a small table stood with a pretty golden vase on it, next to that a bookcase that stretched the remaining length of the wall. A variety of books occupied its shelves, ranging from 'A Guide to Fish' to 'Weaponry' to...'Ancient Remedies for Fungus Infections'? Kagome made a face and decided to move on with her inspection. On the right wall was her voluminous bed-bigger than she had at her home. The frame was ornate and elegant, with four posts rising on each end and brought together by draped green silk. Green was the color palate employed, the bedding being a rich forest shade as well with golden patterns highlighting the top spread. There was a small table at the extreme of the bed housing a lamp and a few knick knacks. The far wall contained a large dresser, designed in the same fashion as the rest of the furniture. A huge wardrobe rested in the corner and next to that an attractive vanity.
Four chairs were scattered about the room, one by the bookcase, another belonging to the vanity, and two arranged around a small coffee table in the center of the room. The floor was overlain with a large emerald oriental rug. Paintings and two tapestries hung elegantly on the walls, which were painted a deep jade. The dark powder room door finished up the room on Kagome's left, bringing her back to where she began, at the entrance. The room was very warm and inviting, but the worried girl missed the cozy atmosphere because of her ponderings.
Kagome walked to the wardrobe and stripped of her bulky silks. They were stunning garments, but burdensome nevertheless. Dressing in only her nightdress and robe, the young miko walked to the window. The night was pitch black, and she wished to see what was out there. Kagome knew there were hills, having seen them as they arrived, but knew nothing else of the lands.
I'll have to ask Naraku about this kingdom tomorrow; I wasn't listening earlier... she cringed slightly at this admittance. It wasn't that she meant to be rude, but the things her sister and her servant wished to speak of were so boring. Why read books for facts alone? Kagome preferred the dashing tales of heroes, battles, witches and wizards to mundane accounts of trade routes, geography, and warring tips. She knew the importance of history and information, but didn't limit herself to such things, as Kikyo did. Not one fantastic thought entered her sister's mind; Kagome presumed she lacked an imagination completely.
I would be thinking of completely irrelevant matters to the problem I'm in. A knock interrupted the princess' musings.
"Come in please," Kagome adjusted her robe and turned to face whoever was calling.
Sango stuck her head in the room. "I just came up to see how my Touji is. Do you need anything?"
Kagome smiled and shook her head slightly. "I'm fine, thank you Sango. And please, call me Kagome," she gently reminded. As an afterthought, she questioned, "How is my sister, Sango?"
"I do not know my-Kagome. I visited your room first."
"Why would you come to me first?" Kagome's eyebrow knitted together in confusion. She did not understand why the girl would check on her before Kikyo.
"I went to the senior Oujo first, as is custom," Sango looked at the girl with curiosity. Surely she knew of traditions and the privileges given to the eldest.
Of course! I'm going to have to be more careful. "Yes, yes. I just...thought you might have seen to Kikyo before. Thank you Sango."
The other girl nodded and then made movements to exit. Kagome panicked.
"Wait!" Sango stopped and peered at Kagome once more, questions in her eyes. Never before had she encountered such a Princess, and it amused her greatly.
"Yes?"
Kagome looked around for a minute, feeling foolish for the umpteenth time that day. Her eyes fell on the crumpled gown nearby.
"Could you please make sure this is cleaned? I wouldn't want it to be permanently wrinkled?" Now I sound like a vain snob.
"Of course." The servant stepped forward and retrieved the dress. She looked at her Lady, waiting to see if anymore strange bursts would come forth.
Kagome stared back, wildly trying to come up with another excuse for Sango to stay. She wanted to speak with someone, someone other than her sister or the men.
"Would you mind...staying and talking with me for awhile tonight? I would like to catch myself up on all the goings-on here." Kagome paused, then continued, "Plus, I want to be friends with you, if that's okay." She looked at the girl before her with wide eyes.
Sango was a bit shocked. It's not that Kagome bothered her, but most nobles wouldn't make such a request. The Taisho's were rare royals who befriended their help and never before had a foreigner treated her as Kagome was. She saw the scared, innocent look in the younger girl's eyes. Such a strange Princess indeed.
Smiling, Sango replied, "Of course, just allow me to go check on your younger sister and I will be back directly." Kagome beamed with happiness.
Sango left, but returned some minutes later, explaining that Kikyo had wanted tea. The dress had been sent down with another maid.
Sitting on the bed, Sango queried, "What is it you want to know?"
Kagome was stuck again. "I suppose just about the people here. Do you like the King and Queen? I'm not trying to get you in trouble, so please speak freely," she quickly added, hoping to not sound too nosy.
The other girl nodded vigorously. "My Shokou are great people. I am very lucky to work for them. They love their lands and their people as much as any rulers could."
This pleased Kagome immensely. At least my new family is as kind as was reported. "And their sons?"
Sango smiled. "Sesshoumaru-sama is great as well. Sesshoumaru is a bit aloof, but he means well. He's also a great warrior, brave, intelligent-"
"What of Prince Inuyasha?" Kagome didn't know why she was so interested in the irritating boy, but she was.
A strange expression on her face, Sango said, "Inuyasha-sama is arrogant, hot-tempered, and disrespectful." She smiled larger than before. "He's one of my best friends. You have to get to know him before he opens up, but he's a great guy." She started laughing. "I remember one time he and I stole Sesshoumaru's favorite furs and hid it in the oven..."
Kagome smiled. She was happy to have made a new friend, and to be getting the local gossip. Perhaps this won't be as bad as I originally thought, and she settled down for a long night of laughter and stories.
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Ch 2 If I'm using words incorrectly please tell me.
Keigo – bodyguard, escort
Okami - master, mistress
Reifujin/Touji - lady, mistress
Shokou – Lords
Kerai/houkounin-servant(s)
Kisaki/kougou-Queen
Ouja-King
Oujo-Princess
-hime-Princess
Yay! Kagome has a new friend. I would make this chapter longer, except that I wanted to make the next chapter just about the initial meetings between the two pairs.
I apologize for the lengthy delay in updating; as I said before, I had writer's block but that is no excuse. Smacks herself hard. "No more soft drinks for two weeks as punishment!"
I'll be updating more regularly now that summer is here. I do write the chapters rather quickly (having the outline before me), I just take a long time to edit them. I want them to be as great as possible-I hate small mistakes. Please please review!
Rebecca
Disclaimer: Mine. Mine. Mine!
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Terekusai Mugon (Awkward Silence)
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Last Time: Kagome breathed in relief. She would be courted by Inuyasha, as the elder went with the eldest and the younger the youngest. Sneaking a glance to her sister, she noticed Kikyo was staring at the brothers a bit herself.
Kikyo found her voice soon enough. Raising herself from her bowed position, she stated in a clear voice. "I am Higurashi Kikyo, and this is my sister, Kagome." She looked at Inuyasha. "Kagome is the eldest, and I the youngest.
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Kagome didn't think she had ever been more shocked in her life. She stared at her sister's stoic expression. What in the world is she doing?!
Her face was quite a picture: eyes wide, mouth slightly agape, frozen in a bowed position. If her mind was working correctly, Kagome would have realized she looked very much like a bending cod fish (if a cod fish can bend). However, her current predicament prevented such imaginings. All Kagome knew was that her elder sister, who prided herself very much on that superior station, had just incorrectly informed the Queen and entire royal family that she was the lower sibling in the room, and what dumbfounded the young miko wasn't only the lie but the purpose behind it, a reason she could not possibly fathom.
"Is there something wrong, Kagome?" Kagome was shaken from her thoughts by Ouhi Izayoi's concerned voice. Everyone in the room, with the exception of the impostor, was looking curiously at the girl.
Kagome snapped her mouth shut and lowered her eyes briefly. Composing herself, she replied, "Of course not, Izayoi-sama. I was off in my own world for a moment, just...thinking."
A snort brought her eyes to the figure clad in red. He looked at her with contemptuous eyes, daring her to reply to his noise. She narrowed her eyes. I was wrong. What a rude little prince, she thought irritatingly.
"Inuyasha, I hope that cold you had isn't coming back. It would be so unfortunate for you to have to take the dreadful medicine again." Inutaisho glared at his son. Inuyasha simply looked away.
During this, Kagome snuck a look at her sister. Unreadable as always, Kikyo stood regally. What is up with you? Kagome thought. Kikyo glanced at her sister. This surprised Kagome. Never before had she made eye contact in such a way; Kikyo seemed to almost be pleading with her not to say anything until they had spoken.
Sighing, Kagome nodded slightly and returned her attention to the royals in front of her. Apparently the family "discussion" had just drawn to a close, and the Lords were once more smiling brightly at the two mikos before them.
"Well then, it seems as though Oujo Kagome will be courted by our Sesshoumaru, and Reifujin Kikyo by Inuyasha." Izayoi practically glowed with happiness.
The two named brothers stepped forward. Sesshoumaru bowed first to Kagome and she, forgetting that she was supposed to be the eldest, looked dumbly on for a few moments before quickly reciprocating the gesture. As she rose she saw the flicker of amusement in his eyes, though it quickly faded into indifference. Inuyasha brusquely bowed to Kikyo, and she slowly to him, eyes gazing.
The two pairs stared at each other. Silence hung as a smothering cloud above the four.
Inutaisho exchanged a glance with his wife, then said clearly, "You two must be tired form your long trip and wish to clean up a bit. We can discuss specifics of the unions later. Sango? Sango?" The said girl entered the room. "Please take Kagome and Kikyo to their respective rooms. I assume they are eager to get settled in. Ladies, dinner is at 7. Sango will come for you slightly before that."
Kagome, as normal, waited for her sister to answer, then quickly realized her mistake. "Thank you, your majesties. Kikyo and I look forward to seeing you at dinner."
With that, the adolescents bowed and the two girls turned to leave. It was just then that Kagome noticed Kouga and Naraku had not entered the throne room with them. I guess that's why I was the only gaping one...wait until they hear of this thought. Sango went through the doors, and the sisters followed (with Kagome hurrying to walk before Kikyo). I'll never get used to this, she decided.
As the doors closed, Izayoi turned to her family and said, "Well they seem to be lovely girls." Her husband nodded slightly, turning to look at his sons.
Sesshoumaru was smoothing his furs and Inuyasha was staring out a window, obviously sulking. Inutaisho sighed. Well, it could be worse. At least neither vocalized his protests in front of the princesses.
Aloud he said, "I expect you two to sit by your brides at dinner. Understand me?" He stared at his youngest, who rolled his eyes and said, "Yea, whatever. Can I go now?"
Sighing, Inutaisho nodded. Inuyasha left quickly through a door behind the thrones. Sesshoumaru asked to be excused as well, claiming he needed to finish his studies of some eastern lands the Taisho's were having trading issues with.
After each boy had left, Inutaisho turned to his Ouhi with worried eyes.
"They'll warm up to the girls, don't worry," she reassured. "They just need to get past the awkward stage of meeting their betrothed." After a pause, she continued with a sidelong glance to her husband. "I remember when I was introduced to Mekinzi, I was horrified." Izayoi smiled coyly, knowing full well Inutaisho never liked the man.
Snorting, much as someone else had recently done, the Lord replied, "Well, let's hope the young mikos are not behaved as that nincompoop was, or else I'll have to intervene and keep my boys from making the same mistake you-" he was cut off by Izayoi's gay laughter, which had been unsuccessfully withheld.
"Oh honey, you act as you did centuries ago. Your impulsiveness hasn't lessened since that time, you just learned how to hide it. Let your jealously be; I was merely teasing you."
Huffing slightly, Inutaisho left the room to "see how Kaede was coming with that little project" he had assigned her to earlier.
The kougou giggled slightly as he left. Inuyasha is just like him. Sesshoumaru is too, he just hides it better. She could not wait to talk to the two girls tonight, hoping they both were as warm as Kagome seemed to be.
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"Thank you, Miss Sango, for showing us to our rooms," Kagome said sincerely, but in a hurry. She wanted to talk to Kikyo-now.
Sango smiled and said, "Anytime, Okami. Your things have already been unpacked and put away. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for it." Turning her attention to Kikyo, she continued. "That goes the same for you, Lady Kikyo." She nodded curtly. Kagome rolled her eyes. Can't she be polite at least?
"Your personal Keigo are just down the hall, as your parents wanted to be sure of your well-being while you are here." She walked to the door, paused, and said, "And please, call me Sango."
"I will, and please call me Kagome." Sango smiled and closed the door behind hers. I like her, she thought, starting down the hall. She had to check on the new servant girl in the healer's room. "Lord only knows what she's done to Kaede's mixture..." she mumbled, quickening her pace. The girl was nice enough, but a horror with remedies. Sango decided to change the girl's post to something less dangerous before she poisoned the royal family...
When Kagome was certain Sango had walked away, she turned her attention to her sister.
"What are you doing?! Are you insane? Lying to the Shokou? Saying I'm the older sister? Getting us engaged to the wrong sons? How would this work? I have duties and titles different from yours and vice versa. We couldn't' possibly imitate the other. This will never work. You don't think that Mother and Father will find out?!" Kagome stared at her older sister, who was calmly brushing her hair at the vanity.
"You know you should not tell houkounin to call you by your given name. It's bad enough we allow Kouga to do it, but for some-"
"Stop! Just...why did you decide to pull this? I don't understand what you can gain from pretending to be me."
After a moment's pause, Kikyo answered. "Prince Inuyasha."
Kagome stared at her sister. "A man? You want to jeopardize the future of our family's treaty with the Taisho kingdom and our defenses because you find a man attractive?" Kami, now I'm beginning to sound like Kikyo. She shook that scary thought off quickly.
"He was meant for excellence. He needs a great woman by him," Kikyo stated nonchalantly, turning to her sister.
Kagome felt a headache coming on. "What do you mean? Excellence?"
"Trust me, Inuyasha will be very powerful some day, and he'll need a powerful miko for his wife." Kagome could tell her sister was not showing her entire hand, but pestering her about it now would do her no good. She decided to try a different approach.
"But he's not even the eldest. The other one...umm..." Kagome had already forgotten her-no, Kikyo's, fiancé's name.
"Sesshoumaru-sama," Kikyo stated in a bored tone. "Believe me, young one, Inuyasha-sama, will surpass his brother."
"That still doesn't explain why you decided to take my suitor for yourself." She was getting mad. How dare Kikyo steal what's hers because of-wait. Hers? Where had that come from? Probably from the fact that Kikyo always gets what Kikyo wants and... Kagome trailed off as she looked at the other girl.
She was grinning. It sent chills down Kagome's spine. The grin turned to a smirk, a condescending, haughty smirk. "Dear little sister, do you think you could be the wife of such a great man?"
Kagome suddenly felt very small and foolish. She looked at her feet. Abruptly there was a knock on the door. It startled Kagome, who looked at Kikyo.
"Enter," Kikyo called. Naraku and Kouga appeared.
"How was the meeting, Okami?" Naraku queried. "Do you find the Princes satisfactory?" Kouga looked at Kagome, who stared at Kikyo, wondering if she was going to explain.
Shaking her head slightly, Kikyo said, "Don't worry, sister. I'll take care of it." She walked to the door leading to their adjoining powder room. Pausing, the girl said, "Wear something nice tonight. Try and recall your breeding, mine as well. Remember: you're the elder Higurashi now. You must represent the family accordingly." And with that she walked through the door.
Kagome stared at the door for a few moments before making her way over to the bed. She collapsed on it, groaning.
Kouga and Naraku looked at each other before Naraku followed his mistress to her room. Kouga sat by Kagome on the bed. "What did she mean, 'you're the elder Higurashi now'?"
"It seems that Kikyo has decided to claim my position as the youngest daughter." Kouga stared at her, digesting the information he had received.
"What? Why would she do that?" he asked tentatively, not knowing how Kagome was reacting to he sister's actions.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? She said something about his 'excellence' and how a powerful miko was supposed to be with him." Kagome paused for a moment, then continued softer, "She lied to the Kisaki, just lied straight-faced to her." She turned over, away from her friend.
Kouga did the same, looking out the window. He observed the nearby mountains and lake; then his attention was drawn to the patrolling guards, noting there were not many of them. The Taisho's must not have much to fear with so little protection. Then again, there could be twenty five soldiers outside the walls and he just couldn't see them. Kouga dwelt on this for some time, wondering how safe his mistress was. He constantly worried for her safety. If anything happened to her... he shook those thoughts from his head.
Kouga turned to Kagome again. She had moved from her position on the bed sometime during his reminiscing. A pretty pale blue kimono lay on her bed and she was at the dresser, gathering her toiletries so she could clean up before dinner, he assumed.
Kagome looked at him, a sense of helplessness in her eyes.
He just stared back at her. "You could just explain to the Shokou the misunderstanding," he said in a low voice.
Kagome smiled cynically. "If I tell the royal family that Kikyo lied they will most certainly not agree to the treaty. I can't do that to our kingdom. We need this joining to fight off the Southern kingdoms."
Kouga couldn't argue with her. He wouldn't want to ally, much less marry in, with deceivers either.
Kagome gathered the clothes she had been messing with and made a move to the washroom door. "You know I enjoy your company, but I need to clean up a bit before dinner. Please excuse me. We'll talk tomorrow, I promise." She smiled slightly. Kouga nodded and silently exited the bedroom.
Kagome entered the large washing room and sat down on a chair, face in her hands. She could hear her sister speaking with Naraku in the other room but couldn't discern their words. Soon enough they quieted, and she heard some (he, she assumed) leave Kikyo's room.
The young girl stood up and filled the basin with water. Dipping the white material in it, she placed the cooling rag on her face. This procedure was repeated several times, water dripping off her face. Kagome looked at herself in the mirror above the basin. What have we gotten ourselves into?
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Kagome fidgeted with her dress, the silky material bunching through her fingers. Glancing around, she wished she hadn't decided against wearing her face paint. She hated that stuff, but Kikyo and the Queen donned it, so she thought she appeared plainer than normal next to the two beauties. Kikyo's dress was more formal and regal than that of Kagome's, as usual, with its soft pink color blending nicely with her complexion. Kagome sunk lower in her chair, feeling more depressed by the moment.
She and Kikyo had been at dinner for all of thirty minutes and the unease was only getting worse. From the moment they entered the room things went sour. Inuyasha was late by a quarter hour and his Father was not amused by this obvious display of rebellion. Sesshoumaru offered little conversation, keeping his answers to 'Yes' and 'No' as much as possible. Kikyo and Inuyasha were content with silence it seemed; neither had tried to speak to the other since they met. Kagome just nodded when addressed. Only the Lords spoke, and even they were quickly seeing it as a lost cause.
Izayoi looked to her husband for help. He just shrugged at her; there was nothing that he could see to do.
The Touji glowered at Inutaisho. Wimp, she thought. Not to be thwarted by silent teens, Izayoi asked, "Reifujin Kagome, please, tell me of your home. Is it as beautiful as I have heard it to be?"
Kagome looked up to the warm face. She had to speak now. "It is quite lovely, your Highness. We come from very attractive lands-nothing to be compared to yours, however."
The Queen chuckled. "I confess I've lived here so long I tend to forget what other terrains exist. Describe for me, if you would, the lands you speak of."
"Well...we don't have rolling hills or majestic mountains as you do here. Our kingdom contains plains more than anything. Hardly a change occurs in our borders. We have forests as well, which is why ours is mainly a lumbering realm."
"Trees huh? Well we have mines here; much more important than large twigs." Inuyasha shot at her.
Kagome was irritated once more. How dare he insult her kingdom, just because they didn't have the metal and gem mines the Taishos did.
"Well, our 'twigs' make sure your mines work by building the tracks and supports in them and help feed the fires cooking your food, not to mention keeping your royal highness warm," she retorted, inclining her head to the empty fireplace. It didn't matter that it was sweltering out now, the winter would come and where would his regal butt be without the wood to burn.
Blinking slightly, Inuyasha turned his attention to the food before him. Inutaisho suppressed a smile; he liked this girl. She could have tamed my youngest son for sure. I hope the younger Higurashi has Kagome's fire as well. Hoping to stop further arguments he looked at the other sister.
"Kikyo-hime, tell me, what are your interests? I hear your mother speak very highly of your archery skills."
"Yes, I am an expert archer," was the distant reply. "I also read a bit and experiment in mixing herbs."
"Oh really? We have a resident healer named Lady Kaede who is an expert in medicines. Perhaps you could speak to her to see what you can learn from her."
"Perhaps."
That conversation dead, Inutaisho looked back at his wife. He tried, she thought. I suppose now is as good a time as any to bring up the arrangements. Steeling herself for the protests sure to come, Izayoi said, "Inutaisho and I would like for you four to get to know each other quickly, so we have decided that Kagome and Sesshoumaru, as well as Kikyo and Inuyasha, will spend at least a few hours each day with their beau. We feel this is the best way for friendships to be established."
Two mouths dropped like rocks in a stream. Kagome was very surprised at this request-a request she could not deny, of course. Kikyo and Sesshoumaru appeared as impassive as ever. Inuyasha, however, was openly aggravated.
"Mother, do you really think this is necessary?" Sesshoumaru inquired softly, trying to keep his brother from vocalizing his opinions. He may not care for the girls, but he did not want his little brother to embarrass the family with another one of his tantrums.
"Yes I do. I know you two very well, and I refuse to allow you two to act as you wish," Izayoi answered sternly. Kagome had an inkling that meant the boys didn't like this arrangement anymore than her sister and she did.
BANG! All eyes turned to the source of the commotion, Inuyasha. His fist was embedded in the table next to his plate. He glowered at his parents before abruptly standing. With a small glance in Kikyo's direction, the Prince stormed from the room.
"Please excuse my son, Kikyo," Inutaisho said, "He has a bit of a temper on him."
"No apologies needed, sir," was the girl's reply. "I enjoy people with...temerity."
Temerity? Only Kikyo would use that word now, Kagome thought, already exasperated with the entire situation. First I'm forced by Mother to come and marry some Prince I know nothing of, then Kikyo decides she wants to be the younger sister because of my suitor who she just met, then the Princes' Mother forces us to spend time with her sons. Inuyasha seems rude and curt, Sesshoumaru cold and quiet. She sighed slightly. Oh, could things get any better?
"Right, Kagome-hime?" Kagome snapped her attention back to Ouja Inutaisho. She had obviously been asked a question, a question she hadn't heard. Cursing her inattention, Kagome said, "I'm sorry, your Highness, but I had become preoccupied by my own thoughts again. I apologize."
The king smiled at her. "That's quite okay, dear. You have a lot on your mind. I just asked if you agreed with the situation my wife proposed. We feel that soon the visits won't be mandatory but voluntary."
Not knowing what else to do, but once more wishing Kikyo was in her rightful place as eldest daughter so she would be asked the questions, she nodded. "I'm sure we'll get to know each other and become friends, sir."
"Please, drop the titles. Call me Inutaisho, and my wife Izayoi. We will be family so there's no reason for the formality."
She again nodded, looking at the man beside her. I might as well try to get to know him. "So, Sesshoumaru-sama, what do you do around here during the day?"
"Oversee our defenses and read," was the immediate bored reply.
She nodded. Gee, that's interesting, Kagome thought. He didn't want to get to know her either. This was going to be a rough trip. She almost wished to have Inuyasha, frustrating and bad-mannered as he was, to speak with. At least he has a personality, she reflected, poking at her peas.
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"Goodnight sister. Sleep well," Kikyo called softly.
"Goodnight," Kagome muttered, fastening the door leading to the hallway behind her. Shutting her eyes, Kagome leaned against the wall. She inhaled deeply, wishing that things were less complicated than Kikyo had made them. The girl unclosed her eyes, studying the room that would be hers for the next few months.
Dark mahogany was the ingredient for the furniture in the room. On her right a small table stood with a pretty golden vase on it, next to that a bookcase that stretched the remaining length of the wall. A variety of books occupied its shelves, ranging from 'A Guide to Fish' to 'Weaponry' to...'Ancient Remedies for Fungus Infections'? Kagome made a face and decided to move on with her inspection. On the right wall was her voluminous bed-bigger than she had at her home. The frame was ornate and elegant, with four posts rising on each end and brought together by draped green silk. Green was the color palate employed, the bedding being a rich forest shade as well with golden patterns highlighting the top spread. There was a small table at the extreme of the bed housing a lamp and a few knick knacks. The far wall contained a large dresser, designed in the same fashion as the rest of the furniture. A huge wardrobe rested in the corner and next to that an attractive vanity.
Four chairs were scattered about the room, one by the bookcase, another belonging to the vanity, and two arranged around a small coffee table in the center of the room. The floor was overlain with a large emerald oriental rug. Paintings and two tapestries hung elegantly on the walls, which were painted a deep jade. The dark powder room door finished up the room on Kagome's left, bringing her back to where she began, at the entrance. The room was very warm and inviting, but the worried girl missed the cozy atmosphere because of her ponderings.
Kagome walked to the wardrobe and stripped of her bulky silks. They were stunning garments, but burdensome nevertheless. Dressing in only her nightdress and robe, the young miko walked to the window. The night was pitch black, and she wished to see what was out there. Kagome knew there were hills, having seen them as they arrived, but knew nothing else of the lands.
I'll have to ask Naraku about this kingdom tomorrow; I wasn't listening earlier... she cringed slightly at this admittance. It wasn't that she meant to be rude, but the things her sister and her servant wished to speak of were so boring. Why read books for facts alone? Kagome preferred the dashing tales of heroes, battles, witches and wizards to mundane accounts of trade routes, geography, and warring tips. She knew the importance of history and information, but didn't limit herself to such things, as Kikyo did. Not one fantastic thought entered her sister's mind; Kagome presumed she lacked an imagination completely.
I would be thinking of completely irrelevant matters to the problem I'm in. A knock interrupted the princess' musings.
"Come in please," Kagome adjusted her robe and turned to face whoever was calling.
Sango stuck her head in the room. "I just came up to see how my Touji is. Do you need anything?"
Kagome smiled and shook her head slightly. "I'm fine, thank you Sango. And please, call me Kagome," she gently reminded. As an afterthought, she questioned, "How is my sister, Sango?"
"I do not know my-Kagome. I visited your room first."
"Why would you come to me first?" Kagome's eyebrow knitted together in confusion. She did not understand why the girl would check on her before Kikyo.
"I went to the senior Oujo first, as is custom," Sango looked at the girl with curiosity. Surely she knew of traditions and the privileges given to the eldest.
Of course! I'm going to have to be more careful. "Yes, yes. I just...thought you might have seen to Kikyo before. Thank you Sango."
The other girl nodded and then made movements to exit. Kagome panicked.
"Wait!" Sango stopped and peered at Kagome once more, questions in her eyes. Never before had she encountered such a Princess, and it amused her greatly.
"Yes?"
Kagome looked around for a minute, feeling foolish for the umpteenth time that day. Her eyes fell on the crumpled gown nearby.
"Could you please make sure this is cleaned? I wouldn't want it to be permanently wrinkled?" Now I sound like a vain snob.
"Of course." The servant stepped forward and retrieved the dress. She looked at her Lady, waiting to see if anymore strange bursts would come forth.
Kagome stared back, wildly trying to come up with another excuse for Sango to stay. She wanted to speak with someone, someone other than her sister or the men.
"Would you mind...staying and talking with me for awhile tonight? I would like to catch myself up on all the goings-on here." Kagome paused, then continued, "Plus, I want to be friends with you, if that's okay." She looked at the girl before her with wide eyes.
Sango was a bit shocked. It's not that Kagome bothered her, but most nobles wouldn't make such a request. The Taisho's were rare royals who befriended their help and never before had a foreigner treated her as Kagome was. She saw the scared, innocent look in the younger girl's eyes. Such a strange Princess indeed.
Smiling, Sango replied, "Of course, just allow me to go check on your younger sister and I will be back directly." Kagome beamed with happiness.
Sango left, but returned some minutes later, explaining that Kikyo had wanted tea. The dress had been sent down with another maid.
Sitting on the bed, Sango queried, "What is it you want to know?"
Kagome was stuck again. "I suppose just about the people here. Do you like the King and Queen? I'm not trying to get you in trouble, so please speak freely," she quickly added, hoping to not sound too nosy.
The other girl nodded vigorously. "My Shokou are great people. I am very lucky to work for them. They love their lands and their people as much as any rulers could."
This pleased Kagome immensely. At least my new family is as kind as was reported. "And their sons?"
Sango smiled. "Sesshoumaru-sama is great as well. Sesshoumaru is a bit aloof, but he means well. He's also a great warrior, brave, intelligent-"
"What of Prince Inuyasha?" Kagome didn't know why she was so interested in the irritating boy, but she was.
A strange expression on her face, Sango said, "Inuyasha-sama is arrogant, hot-tempered, and disrespectful." She smiled larger than before. "He's one of my best friends. You have to get to know him before he opens up, but he's a great guy." She started laughing. "I remember one time he and I stole Sesshoumaru's favorite furs and hid it in the oven..."
Kagome smiled. She was happy to have made a new friend, and to be getting the local gossip. Perhaps this won't be as bad as I originally thought, and she settled down for a long night of laughter and stories.
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Ch 2 If I'm using words incorrectly please tell me.
Keigo – bodyguard, escort
Okami - master, mistress
Reifujin/Touji - lady, mistress
Shokou – Lords
Kerai/houkounin-servant(s)
Kisaki/kougou-Queen
Ouja-King
Oujo-Princess
-hime-Princess
Yay! Kagome has a new friend. I would make this chapter longer, except that I wanted to make the next chapter just about the initial meetings between the two pairs.
I apologize for the lengthy delay in updating; as I said before, I had writer's block but that is no excuse. Smacks herself hard. "No more soft drinks for two weeks as punishment!"
I'll be updating more regularly now that summer is here. I do write the chapters rather quickly (having the outline before me), I just take a long time to edit them. I want them to be as great as possible-I hate small mistakes. Please please review!
Rebecca