Here you go. Now I'm a student and soon won't have a lot of free time. I'll try to update quickly. A large Thank You to all! Love your comments. =D

Chapter 6

Loving and 'Loving' Relatives

Kagome's new quarters were quite spacious. In general there weren't any fanciful decorations – everything was simple and of high quality. She laid on a futon, enjoying the feeling of its softness and freshness. Nevertheless, subdued roars in her stomach marred this deserved rest. The miko had already spent two hours in the apartments. Future Lord's attendants had wandered off and settled down somewhere, living Kagome relatively alone. A light breathing was heard from an adjoining room. It was Ayame, who fell asleep the moment her head touched a pillow.

The door creaked and an orange lightning rushed inside. A very lively Shippo bounced a few times, radiating pure mirth.

"Kagome! A servant was supposed to invite you, but I asked Sesshoumaru-sama to permit me to do this task myself. Come on! Get up! Come on! The dinner is ready." Noticing her thoughtful expression, he added. "Do not worry. Ayame-san won't starve – she will be eating with others."

Satisfied girl got up and followed the smiling kitsune. Shippo began telling about his forthcoming education: social and military etiquette, jiu-jitsu, Aikido, Sei-do, history, literature, administration, agriculture and different uncustomary (for Kagome) disciplines, like Busido. She stopped before a tokonoma; after admiring it for a few minutes, she left the niche behind. Shippo moved aside a rice-paper door.

Kagome saw sitting demons and, remembering her manners, bowed to a person, who was occupying the master's place - to her astonishment - it was Sesshoumaru. Surprisingly there was a spot for her near Sumire. 'I didn't know that I was allowed to be so close to the top…oh, well.'

Black lacquered tables were brought in with a lot of dishes. The food looked especially appetizing on dark utensils. Miraculously, hungry Kagome didn't start eating at once, but raised her head. Servants filled small flat bowls with fermenting rice wine- in other words -sake.

By the example of Sesshoumaru, the guests lifted their cups and exclaimed simultaneously: "Kampai!"

Sensing the warmed-up spirit's smell, Kagome unnoticeably poured the 'nasty' liquid under the table. Sumire turned to the host.

"If I am not mistaken, than it was made in Kitakata. The taste of the most pure springs is unforgettable."

"You are absolutely right." Sesshoumaru nodded to the Commander and then addressed everyone. "Even if this is a semi-official evening, we can not forget the formalities. I expect you to relax here, but to refrain from taking unnecessary liberties." He made it clear that the dinner can begin and engrossed in a tense talk with another silver-haired male.

Kagome observed the fare and decided to start with adzuki, which was prepared with pumpkin and kombu. Proceeding with marinated plums on rice, she strained her ears to hear some phrases. Sumire marked his friend's frequent glances and resolved to tell 'him' about the object of 'his' interest. At that time servants returned to take away the black tables and guests moved to a garden. Kagome decided to satisfy her curiosity.

"Are those two brothers or something?"

Commander leaned to the miko to explain, but one silver-haired man heard these words.

"We are HALF-brothers!" Indignant youkai turned to Kagome in order to express his opinion on tremendous differences between brothers and half-brothers, but stiffed with astonishment. She, in her turn, fixed her eyes on a puzzled expression, which covered demon's face.

Sumire glanced at them both, attempting to guess what was going in their minds. At that time, Sesshoumaru, who was nearby, smirked amused.

"It seems that not only I find something shady in your features. Even Inuyasha with his diminished hanyou perception looks like he's intrigued. Care to shed a light on your mystery?"

The miko started, understanding threatening atmosphere. 'They'll find out for sure. I do not have a scent already, and furthermore my delusive appearance does not protect me from penetrating gazes. That hanyou…wait a second, hanyou? Hybrids DO have some unusual qualities…'

"Perhaps my human mother's features lead you astray."

Three pair of eyes gave her a peering look, one of them wasn't convinced, but, luckily, Inuyasha saved the situation.

"That explains everything." Receiving uncomprehending glances, he continued. "You bear resemblance to a familiar miko."

"You are acquainted with Kikyo!?"

"That's right. I came here to ask my 'dear' brother to detach a small unit in order to liberate her and a few other nobles, who are held in a small fortress, not far off the Kobju palace." Inuyasha looked crossly at the indifferent Sesshoumaru. "But my 'kind-hearted' brother forces me to carry out this task alone."

A bored expression never left Sesshoumaru. "How will your sortie help us? Enemy won't be calm, until they hunt you down…In this case you may leave, but remember, that the other army is ready for the forthcoming battle- they'll be on the alert."

Inuyasha became even more pleased, when Kagome ran up to him. "She's my sister, so you can count on me."

Sumire's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You can not simply leave this place – you need permission." Noticing his friend's confusion, explained. "A permit or an authorization must be given by the demon, who is in charge at the time being. It means that our Lord is entitled to allow you…"

"I've never seen ANY Lord, never needed this permission, so why bother especially now…And you don't have to stare at me, it is disturbing."

The hanyou snorted, trying to cover his chuckle. Through he received a devastating glare from his 'sweet' half-brother. Sumire cleared his throat and carefully remarked.

"Perhaps it would be useful to know, that the ruling Taiyoukai of the West and the Military Leader is Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Yeah. Yoking aside, Inuyasha, let's prepare for your mission, we still have to gather a unit."

Grabbing the silver-haired hanyou, who was choking with laughter, Kagome waved her hand to the others and elbowed her way through scurrying demons.

Quiet as a nymph's shadow, Kagome retreated, always being ready to draw away any attention from Inuyasha with former prisoners. 'So far, so good. A guess, the rescue proved to be a success. I just hope no one will notice their movement.' Outflanking a sentry group, she noiselessly dispersed soporific powder. Guards sank to the ground and ceased to represent any danger. 'I'm done here. Only a few more minutes.'

A sudden snapping of twigs was heard. 'Well…I shouldn't have cherished any hopes.'

Kagome rushed out, causing disorder in opponents' ranks. Precise blows and punches helped her companions, but she noticed the amount of her enemies too late. She didn't want to lose, but who did anyway? She didn't feel like being killed, but who set appointments with the Death anyhow. Despairingly, Kagome untied the heavy antique sword handle and grasped it firmly. 'No one, not even a demon will beat me in a fair play. Maybe I should gain some time…nevertheless, I'll show them.' And so she did.

It was impossible for her perfectly trained opponents to foresee her actions. They attempted to figure out her style, her technique, but they forgot all about woman logic and its abruptness. The girl gave way to a furious despair, she was blinded with fury and with adrenalin, raging in her young veins - she was a terror to her enemies. The handle was blazing and sending corrosive and acid sparks everywhere. No one noticed…or so it seemed.

A pair of narrowed eyes became aware of the looming calamity. Their owner tossed aside midnight black wavy tresses and beckoned to a youkai. The other listened attentively, bowed and with a wicked grin on his face dissolved in the fighting mass.

It was funny, but Kagome didn't sense any weariness, she continued making her way towards Inuyasha. Then a silence drooped over the battlefield. In front of her there were a few figures.

'Hostages!' A torturing voice screamed in her mind.

A chest-voice ominously filled the space. "You should lower your hands. No use for bloodshed, if it can be avoided. Let us make an agreement."

Kagome watched with agitation as a dagger caressed her sister's throat.

"I'm glad I got your attention. How about I let these youkai…and a miko go? Only YOU will stay here. Not for revenge, just to become acquainted. Does it sound fair?"

Blue frenzied eyes tried unsuccessfully to find the owner of the voice. "If they are allowed to leave alive and in one piece…I'll stay here…" She sighed, abruptly feeling that a huge weight had fallen of her shoulders and an offensive needle had entered her heart. 'I know. It is not forbidden to dream about continual triumphs.'

Casting a last glance over her shoulder, Kagome looked at her enemies, who parted and went forward to meet her captor.

Demons didn't push her, they simply commented when it was necessary to turn. They stopped in front of a door and she was told to go inside. Naturally, she obeyed.

'A few more steps…come on. Kagome! Soon, old girl, you'll be able to rest…I wonder why they told we to go here alone? And just WHO had a ridiculous idea to build such a steep and endless staircase? Finally!' Panting, she raised her head and merely had time to notice a blurred figure. Then a wooden, perfectly polished floor met her.

Heavy eyelids didn't intend to become lighter and to show Kagome what was happening around her. 'Those inevitable consequences after constantly using phantom spells affect me too much.' Eyelashes trembled again, but stayed on their chosen spot. Obviously, her whole body came to an agreement not to move and to represent a tree log. Obviously…much to miko's discontent.

"Do not strain yourself. You can rest for as long as you like." Apparently, her ears didn't participate in the plot. "I wanted to tell you, that someone wishes to see you. He will have to wait for a couple of hours, won't he? I assume there will be a surprise for you, when you wake up…" And an enveloping haze settled once again in her head.

When Kagome actually managed to open her eyes, she understood only one thing- her brain ably imitated insipid kissel. At least it could do something perfectly…

"Oh, dear." A voice rang beside her. "I see you feel better."

'Not THIS voice! Anything, but THAT…'

"I am racked with remorse…Kagome, my little daughter, I never surmised you to get into such a mess. If only I knew, that your dislike towards the advisor of Island Provinces was that big. Do not worry. Everything is arranged. You do not have to marry him anymore."

'He sounds too satisfied and too happy for my sake. What happened? Did Haiji's or Hojo's family sent a caravan with gold, so that I didn't come near them? Yeah. Probably, something like that…'

"You have been redeemed. AND knowing your wish to connect your life with anyone, BUT the advisor of Island Provinces, I gave you officially in marriage to a worthy lord…I'm glad you quietly accept these news. But unfortunately I must leave. Please, deign to visit your relatives with the lord Onigumo from time to time. You will be a distinguished guest. Till the time we meet!"

Her father's steps died down in a distance. It was silent for a moment. Then a door was pushed aside and a man entered. His long black hair emphasized the paleness and beauty of his refined features. His richly embroidered fabulous kimono stressed his slender body. He smiled gently and soothingly at her.

"I'm called Onigumo. Please, don't be anxious. When you gather your strength, we will have a talk and will arrange everything."

In a tacit consent, Kagome threw a last glance at…her husband and submerged into the Kingdom of Sleep.

If you are ever in Japan and like sake- then go to Kitakana. It is considered, that the best sake is made there...or so I heard.

Anyway, if you need some explanations- let me know. Love ya!

Ja ne