Author's Notes: I know there are a lot of you who read my story and
don't say anything (every author has the knowledge of how many people
are on their author alert watch list after all) so if any of you would
like to help me out, let me say that Elimination Nomination Season 4 is
finally starting. 16 stories are divided into pairs and among those
pairs, the two are against each other each week. Want to vote for me?
It's all up to your own choice, so I'm not forcing anyone to. I would
very much appreciate it however. Here's the link (close the
spaces...or go to my profile)
www. geocities. com/ bikifriend/ main. html
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
Behind the Masquerade
Behind Closed Minds
Kagome gazed at herself in the mirror, scrutinizing every part of her clad in the rich kimono. She couldn't deny that it was absolutely beautiful, but she wasn't so materialistic to actually obsess over it. It was sufficient enough for an engagement ball, and that was all. It just didn't seem interesting to go seduce men while in it as some women based their life upon.
She turned around, seeing that her bow was tied nicely around her waist. Sighing, she looked out the window, watching the waning moon disappear behind clouds. She hadn't attended a ball since the masquerade…where she had met the man that seemed to be completely like her. She pondered about him from time to time, although it wasn't anything important. She wondered just where he was now?
Looking away from the window, she glanced one last time at her image in the mirror, before smiling slightly. She would enjoy these last few hours of happiness, before she committed her crime. When it happens, it would just happen. For now, she was content on enjoying the ball.
Keeping the smile plastered on her face, she went over to her door and opened it. Stepping out into the corridor, she could feel the necklace with the key almost pulse around her neck, where she had hidden it. It seemed to like reminding her of what she had to perform, and forced her to slide a hand up to cover the area around her neck.
Turning her head to gaze at the room next to her, her smile wavered on her face. She knew he wasn't there, being one of the main people of the ball, but she couldn't help but feel suffocated staying in the room next to his.
Looking away, she walked down the corridor to the stairs. She wondered whether she would meet her parents at the ball tonight, but it had been told that they would appear later than usual. For some reason, she didn't want them to know. Was she trying to kid herself into believing that she could stay here forever…where her pain and joy existed?
After walking the dark corridors down to the ball room, she could see the light from candles flooding onto the ground floor of the castle as she took the last step down the stairs. She sighted people walking in and out of the gigantic room, smiling and laughing as music drifted out in sweet melodies.
She made sure the smile was still on her face, as she took slow, wary steps towards the ballroom. It felt like she was walking towards her doom---the place where everything came into light. But she didn't stop as she stepped through the high doors, suddenly conscious that there was no arm to lead her into the room. There was no one next to her.
Feeling detached from the worldly emotions around her as she watched couples waltz around, she swiftly made her way to a corner where it was shaded in darkness. She had to appear at the ball, or it would seem too suspicious, so all she had to do was wait for now. All the laughter she heard in the air seemed so sickly sweet at such a situation that even she had to cringe slightly at her own seclusion.
Seeing Sango whirl amongst the couples dancing, her cheeks red from embarrassment (and perhaps the hand inappropriately sliding down her back), Kagome couldn't help but allow her display smile to flicker over to the real kind. Her cousin deserved such happiness, and after everything was cleared, Miroku and Sango would marry…
Would she be there to attend the wedding? Probably not…
She looked away, but not before seeing someone approach her. Instantly wiping off any clues of insecurity, she smiled widely at the advancing figure. "Hello, my Lord," she greeted pleasantly, and curtsied, remembering her manners as King Komiya stopped in front of her.
He bowed back, but had a grim expression on his face. After that, he looked around, as if careful of spies that would listen into their conversation. Satisfied that everyone was too busy with their partner, he ushered the girl deeper into the corner until they were a good distance from other guests.
Kagome blinked, her eyes wide as she asked, "Is there something wrong?"
King Komiya frowned. "I have to ask you something."
"Yes, my Lord?"
"What were you doing in my wife and my room this evening?" he questioned in a low, but strict authoritarian voice. His eyes were slightly steely, as they penetrated hers, which were even wider now.
"What…?" Kagome managed to whisper out, trying to cover up the surprise which was probably evident in her eyes. She could feel her cheeks grow red however, and was cursing herself silently.
"Your scent was lingering in the room," King Komiya provided in a calm voice.
Kagome felt her heart stopped. Being around humans most of her life, she never knew that demons had acute senses to the extent that they could sniff out a person who had only been in the room for ten minutes or so. She bit her lower lips in an unnoticed manner. "This…afternoon…?" she asked slowly, trying to buy herself more time to think of a lie.
"Yes."
Kagome twisted her hands into the material behind her back, but instantly adopted a smile at the king when a lie came up in her head. "A passing maid had roses for the queen's bouquet, and since I had nothing better to do, I volunteered to put them in the room, but I got carried away and started playing with the flowers. I hope the Queen would forgive me." She gulped invisibly, hoping that the King would accept such a lie.
However, the King looked dubious.
"If you may forgive me, your highness, may I have your permission to speak?" a voice spoke out, and both Kagome and King Komiya turned around to see Kikyou.
King Komiya seemed slightly taken aback, having not really sensed his future daughter-in-law come up to their conversation, but brushed it off. "You have my permission."
"I saw the maid give my younger sister the flowers."
King Komiya looked away from Kikyou to look at Kagome, who was still simply pleasantly smiling at him with her hands behind her back. "Ahh…I'm sorry to have implied accusation then," he apologized, and Kagome started waving her hands, saying that it wasn't his fault. He gave her a nod, before saying, "Well, if you'll excuse me, ladies, I must be back off to the Queen."
Kagome continued smiling as she watched Inuyasha's father sweep away with a graceful twirl and make his way back to his wife. She had tried breathing in properly and calming her heart beat throughout the entire ordeal, and seemed to have only succeeded slightly. That was a real close call.
She turned around to look at her sister, who was already walking away too. She didn't feel like speaking to Kikyou, but couldn't help but ask, "Why?"
Kikyou turned her head around to gaze over her shoulders at Kagome, her eyes betraying none of her emotions. "Would it be dirty if I said I don't want to be the one to do it?"
Kagome twisted her fingers into fists at her side.
"One of us must, do we not?" Kikyou smirked slightly---an ambiguous slant of her lips as she turned around to look up at the ceiling far above. "I don't want to lose him…if it seems selfish, then selfish it'll be. They say there's karma in this world, but two people who committed the same crime receive different punishments. Is there really justice?"
"No," Kagome whispered, feeling that all too familiar clench around her heart.
" 'Love can conquer anything.' Ever heard of that, Kagome? Ever heard that it's the most powerful thing in the world? Bullshit. If love can be thwarted by fate, then fate is more powerful. If I'm destined to be with him, I shall be. If you are, you shall be. But for now, I don't want to do what you will. It's all a matter of what is more important." Kikyou chuckled slightly, before taking graceful steps away from Kagome, never once looking back at her sister who was staring at the ground.
Kagome took in a deep breath, as she closed her eyes and said to herself, "It's also a matter of what I'm more scared of…" Her lips twisted up in much the same manner Kikyou's had just did. "You were right, weren't you, Inuyasha? For once, you were right."
She looked up, unshed tears shining in her eyes as she lifted her head in a confident manner. "I'm sorry, but I can't turn back now. I'm too confused."
---
He stared at her, watching her every move. She looked so innocent, just walking around and doing absolutely nothing. But he knew, and he knew a lot. Perhaps she had another motive, but he knew she was going to hurt everyone. He just knew it.
So he had watched her, keeping careful cerulean eyes upon the woman who had saved him from death. He had to stop her because although young, he was mature in his mind. Did appearance matter as much as the inner spirit? No, and that proved that he understood.
He watched her slip out the door, carefully making sure no one's eyes were on her. But that silly Kagome, a human's eyes were never as sharp as a youkai. He tilted his head over to gaze at the culprit that had stolen her feelings---and was oblivious to it. Love really was blind, or at least had a black eye. The hanyou was dancing with his fiancée, although his eyes were glassy and did not disclose his inner turmoil. What he was watching unfold in these peoples' lives was an accident waiting to happen, and sadly, none of them could even sense it.
Slipping from his position in the dark corners of the room, he quickly shuffled his way across, weaving through peoples' legs undetected. Slithering out the door, he swiftly scampered after the girl who was disappearing around the corner. He didn't know where she was going, but seeing her culpable actions the past few days, he knew he had to stop her.
However, first, he would follow her until he figured out her intentions. Was she really going to steal the ball thing for his sake? Yes, he didn't want to die, but he didn't want her to do things she didn't want either. She was the closest thing he had to family.
After pursuing her noiselessly, he watched her slip into the library. Frowning slightly, he stood by the door and peeked into the room, while she slowly lit the lamps on the side of the wall. What would be interesting in the library?
He continued to observe her, seeing her look around, as if checking if anyone was listening. He retracted his head, so that she wouldn't see him. He didn't want her to stop until he learned of her motive, and so far, it was still vague.
After a minute, he vigilantly looked in again, seeing her climbing a ladder. While she was doing that, she was also fiddling with something around her neck. His eyes widened when he saw her take out a necklace with a key on it. He had seen that before; The Queen had worn it.
He watched as she put the key into a book. He had to slap a hand over his mouth to keep himself from squeaking out when he saw a whole bookcase move over, revealing a room behind it. He instantly felt the force of some incredible power wash over him, like ocean water rushing past him when he was in it, and he seemed stunned.
The girl descended the ladder, walking in front of the room. He opened the door more, to see what the purple light flooding out was. However, he couldn't see the object emitting such power, considering how Kagome was blocking his view, and in his curiosity to see it, he accidentally leaned forward too much.
Kagome turned around with wide eyes when she heard something roll in and make a thump in the room. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Shippo down on the ground, making small complaints about hurting his arm, and rubbing a red area of his appendage. "Shippo!?" she cried out in astonishment, her eyes bewildered.
However, the bafflement soon disappeared when she realized the little kid had probably seen just about everything. "You were spying on me?" she accused in a low voice.
Shippo's head shot up when he heard this, and he instantly began to flail his hands around in rejection. "No! I mean…kind of, but no! I was just…watching you."
"You were spying on me," Kagome repeated.
"Okay, maybe…" the kitsune mumbled.
"Why?"
Shippo looked around, his eyes darting around in an effort to find some kind of excuse. However, he was caught red-handed, and to lie his way out, especially in his horrified state, would only be disastrous. "I was worried. Don't do it, Kagome! Whatever that ugly man is telling you to do, don't do it…"
Kagome stared for a moment, before whispering in a small voice, "This doesn't only concern you anymore, Shippo. This problem…it concerns everyone I know and care about. To not do it would be securing death for everyone."
Shippo got up from the ground, taking small steps to the girl. "So you want to betray everyone because you don't want them to die…?" he guessed.
"Yes," Kagome answered firmly. "Don't stop me."
She turned around, resolute in her decision to get the Shikon no Tama. Taking steps towards the glowing ball, she reached her hand out to get the ball, but a voice called out from the door.
"Kagome…don't."
It was a female's voice, and knowing that there was another guest other than Shippo, Kagome turned around again to see who the intruder was. She held in a gasp when she saw that it was Rin, who was gazing at her with an almost indifferent expression on her face.
"I need to learn to be more sneaky…" Kagome said quietly, as she locked eye contact with the other girl. "People follow me too easily."
"I knew you were up to something. Your eyes relay too many of your emotions," Rin said in a cool, collected voice, walking towards Kagome. "Just one look, and I can guess what you want to do."
Kagome flinched. She didn't like it when people could guess her motives all too well, and it seemed everyone was doing that nowadays. "And you're going to stop me?"'
"No," Rin said, brushing a strand of hair easily from her face, to tuck it gently behind her ear. "I won't stop you. I heard enough. I just want to tell you something."
"What?"
"Do you believe that what you're doing is the right thing for everybody?"
Kagome clenched her teeth inside her mouth, feeling like someone was invading her personal space by interrogating her. "Yes, I do."
"And I won't ask who is making you do this, but do you believe that somebody who is so vile to not do his or her own deeds, would keep to the pact?"
Kagome couldn't seriously answer that question. "Is that a rhetorical question?" she tried to joke about, but the situation was much too serious for Rin to really find humor in it. Kagome sighed. "I don't know," she answered honestly.
Rin nodded. "Then do what you think is right."
Why does everyone ask me to choose the right path…? They're both wrong. Kagome closed her eyes and turned around, taking steps towards the Shikon no Tama again. Her footsteps felt loud against the ground, but she didn't stop, until she had her hand over the ball. There, her breath hitched.
She could feel both Rin and Shippo staring at the back of her head, waiting to see what she would do. She could feel the pressure, and knew that both of them wouldn't stop her in both the paths she could take, but oh how she wished there was an obvious third path, which would lead her away from all of this. Too many people were understanding---too many people were starting to know.
Her hands shook over the ball, as she stared down at the innocent jewel, sparkling prettily. It looked so entrancing, yet could this simple thing Naraku was after contain such magic to give him the ultimate power? Would he really keep to his promise if she gave him this power, and trust him not to kill everyone she cared about anyway?
"I can't…" she whispered in a strained voice, as she felt her hand grow lax to swing uselessly by her side. "There's too much pressure…on both sides."
Rin looked relieved for a moment, but she was still somber. "You know you can always ask me for help. I'll help you."
"…Thank you," Kagome whispered in an even lower voice. However, she knew no one could help her in this situation, but to further more controversy was unnecessary. She stared at the jewel, which was sparkling iridescently, before turning away so that no sudden urges could take a hold of her feelings.
"Kagome..." Shippo muttered, staring at the girl towering over him. She was so brave to stay strong under all these responsibilities.
She looked down at the kitsune when she heard him call her name, and managed a small smile. "Let's go," she stated simply, walking over to the button which closed the door, pressing it, and then stepping out right before it slammed shut.
Shippo's smile widened, and he jumped into the arms which welcomed him. Rin smiled as well, and walked over to the door, opening it and gesturing for Kagome to go out.
The other girl obliged, throwing one glance back at the bookcase before slipping out. She couldn't allow herself to make eye contact with Rin however, even as the three of them walked monotonously down the corridor and back to the ball. Kagome knew that these two couldn't understand everything going on, and not wanting them to be thrown into the complicated muddle, she had not wanted to steal the Shikon no Tama in front of them---especially not in front of Shippo.
After all, who could commit a crime in front of people who trusted them?
---
He saw her walk in through the doors, followed by Rin and Shippo. The young boy instantly jumped from her arms and weaved into the crowd, being only a youthful boy after all, and not treading too long in deep and dark waters.
The easiest way to understand everything happening around you was to simply observe the events, and that was what he had been doing. Per se, he would love to say that dancing with his love was an action that required all of his concentration, but that would be too cheesy. Eyes drift a lot, and considering these were his eyes, they certainly wandered from subject to subject constantly.
"Sango, can I talk to Kagome for a moment?"
The beautiful vixen stared up at him, her magenta eyes wide and innocently cute, before she nodded without questions. She loosened her arms around his neck, seemingly a bit reluctant, before stepping back and smiling gently at him. To him, she was the most gorgeous woman in this entire room.
"Okay," she said, before stepping away and disappearing into the crowd.
He was surprised---he had been expecting her to interrogate him about just exactly why he wanted to speak to Kagome (which he will admit, he had spent a good fifteen minutes trying to come up with a good lie), but if he had known it would have been this easy, he wouldn't have bothered.
Feeling slightly out of place amongst the twirling couples, he made his way over to Kagome, who was speaking quietly with Rin. It didn't look like simple female chitchat either, since no giggles or smiles were on each other's face. However, he had to tell her, and not even a serious female talk would stop him.
He interjected into their conversation. "Lady Rin, may I intervene and speak about something important with Lady Kagome?" he asked politely, making a small bow---he had his manners after all.
The girl seemed slightly taken aback by his forwardness, but she stiffly nodded her head. "I don't mind," she said, and said, 'Bye,' to Kagome, before walking away, throwing a few glances back at both Kagome and him.
After he was sure no one was listening, he pulled her to a secluded area of the ballroom, and dropped all fake grins. "Kagome, we need to talk."
She looked amazed, making a small comment about something concerning, "A lot of people seem to want to talk to me today," before shrugging.
"Go ahead, Miroku," she said.
Miroku slanted a look over at the hanyou, who was talking with his parents with Kikyou by his side. He felt Kagome's own gaze slip over to Inuyasha, and he grimaced inside. Love triangles were horrible things, and in this case, it was exceptionally nasty. "Don't lie about the fact that you like Inuyasha."
He watched Kagome's eyes widen suddenly, before they took on a defensive gleam. "Don't assume things!" she cried out, irritated.
"I don't need to assume when I know," he shot back sharply.
Kagome's eyes opened slightly, and she seemed to want to say something, before she merely frowned and commented, "You certainly seem humorless today."
"Oh, I see no humor in your condition, Lady Kagome."
"Indeed," she snipped.
"However, since I myself am taking this conversation seriously, I would respect it if you would too."
She stared at him for a moment, seeing that his hands were obediently by his side and his eyebrows were lowered in the exact solemn position that reflected his previous statement. The frown on her face slowly faded. "Okay…"
"After observing all these occurrences, you do know that all this will end up tragic if not one of you will change your course of action?"
"I don't see what could possibly end up tragic."
"You. Him. Lady Kikyou. Sango. Everyone."
Kagome looked away for a second, feeling like her cousin's fiancé was simply questioning too personally for someone she hardly knew well. "It is not up to you to decide what my decision or his decision will be. What happens will happen, whether it is good or bad."
Miroku stepped closer, stating, "This is unquestionably a part of my business if this concerns Sango's feelings in any way. You may think that what happens shall happen, but it is up to you who can actually determine the right course. You can not possibly rely on Inuyasha to choose the right thing."
"And why not?"
"He couldn't in the past, and I doubt he could in the present or the future."
Kagome's eyes locked with Miroku's. "Are you referring to Ikari?"
"I am. I suppose he told you?"
"He would have had to if I know."
"Excuse my stupidity." Miroku smirked for the first time in their conversation. "But do you want another repeat of what happened?"
"How he fell in love with her, but she was ultimately taken away from him?"
"Yes."
Kagome's glance fell on Inuyasha again, who looked tired and indifferent about the whole situation. By the ecstatic looks on Lady Komiya and King Komiya's face, they were discussing the plans for the actual wedding. Kagome felt her heart clench. "He will have Kikyou, what more would he ask for?"
"You."
"Not only are you humorless, but you're actually straightforward for once."
Miroku smiled slightly. "As I always say, when the situation calls for me to be serious, I am a somber man."
Kagome continued to look at Inuyasha, feeling herself sigh. "I don't think he wants someone who won't stay true after someone didn't stay true to him."
"Ikari was a complicated girl."
"She left him."
"I'm sure she had her reasons," Miroku said stubbornly.
"She still left him. One day, she just disappeared, and never came back. He still remembers her…he still won't forget, you know? He won't want another girl who will leave him," Kagome whispered, more to herself than to the man in front of her. However, she forgot that Miroku didn't know of her mission.
"What do you mean?"
Kagome bit her lip, telling herself not to look at Miroku. Rin had said her eyes betrayed too many of her emotions, and Kagome didn't need another person preaching about how they could help her. She had to do this alone. "I'll return to my kingdom after they're married…or I'll run away, one or the other," she said, although she dripped enough sarcasm in the second comment to show Miroku that she was joking. "He'll be happy with Kikyou. He'll forget about Ikari…he'll forget about me…" she trailed off, as she continued to stare entrancingly at the hanyou. "He'll move on…"
"Either you can read the future, or you're just making yourself believe bullshit," Miroku said, almost coldly as he narrowed his eyes at Kagome.
Kagome felt her own exasperation ignite again, and another frown graced her face. "You're set on annoying me until I admit that I'm lying to myself, aren't you?"
"Oh yes, of course."
"Well, I appreciate your honesty, but when I choose something, I stubbornly stick by that belief. This is for the best."
Kagome and Miroku stared at each other for a moment, intelligence against intelligence, as one tried to overwhelm the other. However, Miroku burst out laughing in the end, as he turned around and started walking away from the girl. "Yes, this is for the best…" he echoed, a dry smirk on his face. He turned around, throwing the dry smirk straight at Kagome, before waving his hands coolly and dismissively.
"For nobody," he finished serenely, leaving behind a tight-lipped Kagome.
A/N: Kagome shall crack one day. Lots of people are certainly picking up the strained tension between Inuyasha and Kagome, and they are indubitably addressing it directly. Now, I hope you can guess what happened slightly with Inuyasha and Ikari…if you don't, well, I guess I'll elaborate further on?
Vote for me, my readers! (Link is also in profile)
www. geocities. com/ bikifriend/ main. html
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Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
Behind the Masquerade
Behind Closed Minds
Kagome gazed at herself in the mirror, scrutinizing every part of her clad in the rich kimono. She couldn't deny that it was absolutely beautiful, but she wasn't so materialistic to actually obsess over it. It was sufficient enough for an engagement ball, and that was all. It just didn't seem interesting to go seduce men while in it as some women based their life upon.
She turned around, seeing that her bow was tied nicely around her waist. Sighing, she looked out the window, watching the waning moon disappear behind clouds. She hadn't attended a ball since the masquerade…where she had met the man that seemed to be completely like her. She pondered about him from time to time, although it wasn't anything important. She wondered just where he was now?
Looking away from the window, she glanced one last time at her image in the mirror, before smiling slightly. She would enjoy these last few hours of happiness, before she committed her crime. When it happens, it would just happen. For now, she was content on enjoying the ball.
Keeping the smile plastered on her face, she went over to her door and opened it. Stepping out into the corridor, she could feel the necklace with the key almost pulse around her neck, where she had hidden it. It seemed to like reminding her of what she had to perform, and forced her to slide a hand up to cover the area around her neck.
Turning her head to gaze at the room next to her, her smile wavered on her face. She knew he wasn't there, being one of the main people of the ball, but she couldn't help but feel suffocated staying in the room next to his.
Looking away, she walked down the corridor to the stairs. She wondered whether she would meet her parents at the ball tonight, but it had been told that they would appear later than usual. For some reason, she didn't want them to know. Was she trying to kid herself into believing that she could stay here forever…where her pain and joy existed?
After walking the dark corridors down to the ball room, she could see the light from candles flooding onto the ground floor of the castle as she took the last step down the stairs. She sighted people walking in and out of the gigantic room, smiling and laughing as music drifted out in sweet melodies.
She made sure the smile was still on her face, as she took slow, wary steps towards the ballroom. It felt like she was walking towards her doom---the place where everything came into light. But she didn't stop as she stepped through the high doors, suddenly conscious that there was no arm to lead her into the room. There was no one next to her.
Feeling detached from the worldly emotions around her as she watched couples waltz around, she swiftly made her way to a corner where it was shaded in darkness. She had to appear at the ball, or it would seem too suspicious, so all she had to do was wait for now. All the laughter she heard in the air seemed so sickly sweet at such a situation that even she had to cringe slightly at her own seclusion.
Seeing Sango whirl amongst the couples dancing, her cheeks red from embarrassment (and perhaps the hand inappropriately sliding down her back), Kagome couldn't help but allow her display smile to flicker over to the real kind. Her cousin deserved such happiness, and after everything was cleared, Miroku and Sango would marry…
Would she be there to attend the wedding? Probably not…
She looked away, but not before seeing someone approach her. Instantly wiping off any clues of insecurity, she smiled widely at the advancing figure. "Hello, my Lord," she greeted pleasantly, and curtsied, remembering her manners as King Komiya stopped in front of her.
He bowed back, but had a grim expression on his face. After that, he looked around, as if careful of spies that would listen into their conversation. Satisfied that everyone was too busy with their partner, he ushered the girl deeper into the corner until they were a good distance from other guests.
Kagome blinked, her eyes wide as she asked, "Is there something wrong?"
King Komiya frowned. "I have to ask you something."
"Yes, my Lord?"
"What were you doing in my wife and my room this evening?" he questioned in a low, but strict authoritarian voice. His eyes were slightly steely, as they penetrated hers, which were even wider now.
"What…?" Kagome managed to whisper out, trying to cover up the surprise which was probably evident in her eyes. She could feel her cheeks grow red however, and was cursing herself silently.
"Your scent was lingering in the room," King Komiya provided in a calm voice.
Kagome felt her heart stopped. Being around humans most of her life, she never knew that demons had acute senses to the extent that they could sniff out a person who had only been in the room for ten minutes or so. She bit her lower lips in an unnoticed manner. "This…afternoon…?" she asked slowly, trying to buy herself more time to think of a lie.
"Yes."
Kagome twisted her hands into the material behind her back, but instantly adopted a smile at the king when a lie came up in her head. "A passing maid had roses for the queen's bouquet, and since I had nothing better to do, I volunteered to put them in the room, but I got carried away and started playing with the flowers. I hope the Queen would forgive me." She gulped invisibly, hoping that the King would accept such a lie.
However, the King looked dubious.
"If you may forgive me, your highness, may I have your permission to speak?" a voice spoke out, and both Kagome and King Komiya turned around to see Kikyou.
King Komiya seemed slightly taken aback, having not really sensed his future daughter-in-law come up to their conversation, but brushed it off. "You have my permission."
"I saw the maid give my younger sister the flowers."
King Komiya looked away from Kikyou to look at Kagome, who was still simply pleasantly smiling at him with her hands behind her back. "Ahh…I'm sorry to have implied accusation then," he apologized, and Kagome started waving her hands, saying that it wasn't his fault. He gave her a nod, before saying, "Well, if you'll excuse me, ladies, I must be back off to the Queen."
Kagome continued smiling as she watched Inuyasha's father sweep away with a graceful twirl and make his way back to his wife. She had tried breathing in properly and calming her heart beat throughout the entire ordeal, and seemed to have only succeeded slightly. That was a real close call.
She turned around to look at her sister, who was already walking away too. She didn't feel like speaking to Kikyou, but couldn't help but ask, "Why?"
Kikyou turned her head around to gaze over her shoulders at Kagome, her eyes betraying none of her emotions. "Would it be dirty if I said I don't want to be the one to do it?"
Kagome twisted her fingers into fists at her side.
"One of us must, do we not?" Kikyou smirked slightly---an ambiguous slant of her lips as she turned around to look up at the ceiling far above. "I don't want to lose him…if it seems selfish, then selfish it'll be. They say there's karma in this world, but two people who committed the same crime receive different punishments. Is there really justice?"
"No," Kagome whispered, feeling that all too familiar clench around her heart.
" 'Love can conquer anything.' Ever heard of that, Kagome? Ever heard that it's the most powerful thing in the world? Bullshit. If love can be thwarted by fate, then fate is more powerful. If I'm destined to be with him, I shall be. If you are, you shall be. But for now, I don't want to do what you will. It's all a matter of what is more important." Kikyou chuckled slightly, before taking graceful steps away from Kagome, never once looking back at her sister who was staring at the ground.
Kagome took in a deep breath, as she closed her eyes and said to herself, "It's also a matter of what I'm more scared of…" Her lips twisted up in much the same manner Kikyou's had just did. "You were right, weren't you, Inuyasha? For once, you were right."
She looked up, unshed tears shining in her eyes as she lifted her head in a confident manner. "I'm sorry, but I can't turn back now. I'm too confused."
---
He stared at her, watching her every move. She looked so innocent, just walking around and doing absolutely nothing. But he knew, and he knew a lot. Perhaps she had another motive, but he knew she was going to hurt everyone. He just knew it.
So he had watched her, keeping careful cerulean eyes upon the woman who had saved him from death. He had to stop her because although young, he was mature in his mind. Did appearance matter as much as the inner spirit? No, and that proved that he understood.
He watched her slip out the door, carefully making sure no one's eyes were on her. But that silly Kagome, a human's eyes were never as sharp as a youkai. He tilted his head over to gaze at the culprit that had stolen her feelings---and was oblivious to it. Love really was blind, or at least had a black eye. The hanyou was dancing with his fiancée, although his eyes were glassy and did not disclose his inner turmoil. What he was watching unfold in these peoples' lives was an accident waiting to happen, and sadly, none of them could even sense it.
Slipping from his position in the dark corners of the room, he quickly shuffled his way across, weaving through peoples' legs undetected. Slithering out the door, he swiftly scampered after the girl who was disappearing around the corner. He didn't know where she was going, but seeing her culpable actions the past few days, he knew he had to stop her.
However, first, he would follow her until he figured out her intentions. Was she really going to steal the ball thing for his sake? Yes, he didn't want to die, but he didn't want her to do things she didn't want either. She was the closest thing he had to family.
After pursuing her noiselessly, he watched her slip into the library. Frowning slightly, he stood by the door and peeked into the room, while she slowly lit the lamps on the side of the wall. What would be interesting in the library?
He continued to observe her, seeing her look around, as if checking if anyone was listening. He retracted his head, so that she wouldn't see him. He didn't want her to stop until he learned of her motive, and so far, it was still vague.
After a minute, he vigilantly looked in again, seeing her climbing a ladder. While she was doing that, she was also fiddling with something around her neck. His eyes widened when he saw her take out a necklace with a key on it. He had seen that before; The Queen had worn it.
He watched as she put the key into a book. He had to slap a hand over his mouth to keep himself from squeaking out when he saw a whole bookcase move over, revealing a room behind it. He instantly felt the force of some incredible power wash over him, like ocean water rushing past him when he was in it, and he seemed stunned.
The girl descended the ladder, walking in front of the room. He opened the door more, to see what the purple light flooding out was. However, he couldn't see the object emitting such power, considering how Kagome was blocking his view, and in his curiosity to see it, he accidentally leaned forward too much.
Kagome turned around with wide eyes when she heard something roll in and make a thump in the room. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Shippo down on the ground, making small complaints about hurting his arm, and rubbing a red area of his appendage. "Shippo!?" she cried out in astonishment, her eyes bewildered.
However, the bafflement soon disappeared when she realized the little kid had probably seen just about everything. "You were spying on me?" she accused in a low voice.
Shippo's head shot up when he heard this, and he instantly began to flail his hands around in rejection. "No! I mean…kind of, but no! I was just…watching you."
"You were spying on me," Kagome repeated.
"Okay, maybe…" the kitsune mumbled.
"Why?"
Shippo looked around, his eyes darting around in an effort to find some kind of excuse. However, he was caught red-handed, and to lie his way out, especially in his horrified state, would only be disastrous. "I was worried. Don't do it, Kagome! Whatever that ugly man is telling you to do, don't do it…"
Kagome stared for a moment, before whispering in a small voice, "This doesn't only concern you anymore, Shippo. This problem…it concerns everyone I know and care about. To not do it would be securing death for everyone."
Shippo got up from the ground, taking small steps to the girl. "So you want to betray everyone because you don't want them to die…?" he guessed.
"Yes," Kagome answered firmly. "Don't stop me."
She turned around, resolute in her decision to get the Shikon no Tama. Taking steps towards the glowing ball, she reached her hand out to get the ball, but a voice called out from the door.
"Kagome…don't."
It was a female's voice, and knowing that there was another guest other than Shippo, Kagome turned around again to see who the intruder was. She held in a gasp when she saw that it was Rin, who was gazing at her with an almost indifferent expression on her face.
"I need to learn to be more sneaky…" Kagome said quietly, as she locked eye contact with the other girl. "People follow me too easily."
"I knew you were up to something. Your eyes relay too many of your emotions," Rin said in a cool, collected voice, walking towards Kagome. "Just one look, and I can guess what you want to do."
Kagome flinched. She didn't like it when people could guess her motives all too well, and it seemed everyone was doing that nowadays. "And you're going to stop me?"'
"No," Rin said, brushing a strand of hair easily from her face, to tuck it gently behind her ear. "I won't stop you. I heard enough. I just want to tell you something."
"What?"
"Do you believe that what you're doing is the right thing for everybody?"
Kagome clenched her teeth inside her mouth, feeling like someone was invading her personal space by interrogating her. "Yes, I do."
"And I won't ask who is making you do this, but do you believe that somebody who is so vile to not do his or her own deeds, would keep to the pact?"
Kagome couldn't seriously answer that question. "Is that a rhetorical question?" she tried to joke about, but the situation was much too serious for Rin to really find humor in it. Kagome sighed. "I don't know," she answered honestly.
Rin nodded. "Then do what you think is right."
Why does everyone ask me to choose the right path…? They're both wrong. Kagome closed her eyes and turned around, taking steps towards the Shikon no Tama again. Her footsteps felt loud against the ground, but she didn't stop, until she had her hand over the ball. There, her breath hitched.
She could feel both Rin and Shippo staring at the back of her head, waiting to see what she would do. She could feel the pressure, and knew that both of them wouldn't stop her in both the paths she could take, but oh how she wished there was an obvious third path, which would lead her away from all of this. Too many people were understanding---too many people were starting to know.
Her hands shook over the ball, as she stared down at the innocent jewel, sparkling prettily. It looked so entrancing, yet could this simple thing Naraku was after contain such magic to give him the ultimate power? Would he really keep to his promise if she gave him this power, and trust him not to kill everyone she cared about anyway?
"I can't…" she whispered in a strained voice, as she felt her hand grow lax to swing uselessly by her side. "There's too much pressure…on both sides."
Rin looked relieved for a moment, but she was still somber. "You know you can always ask me for help. I'll help you."
"…Thank you," Kagome whispered in an even lower voice. However, she knew no one could help her in this situation, but to further more controversy was unnecessary. She stared at the jewel, which was sparkling iridescently, before turning away so that no sudden urges could take a hold of her feelings.
"Kagome..." Shippo muttered, staring at the girl towering over him. She was so brave to stay strong under all these responsibilities.
She looked down at the kitsune when she heard him call her name, and managed a small smile. "Let's go," she stated simply, walking over to the button which closed the door, pressing it, and then stepping out right before it slammed shut.
Shippo's smile widened, and he jumped into the arms which welcomed him. Rin smiled as well, and walked over to the door, opening it and gesturing for Kagome to go out.
The other girl obliged, throwing one glance back at the bookcase before slipping out. She couldn't allow herself to make eye contact with Rin however, even as the three of them walked monotonously down the corridor and back to the ball. Kagome knew that these two couldn't understand everything going on, and not wanting them to be thrown into the complicated muddle, she had not wanted to steal the Shikon no Tama in front of them---especially not in front of Shippo.
After all, who could commit a crime in front of people who trusted them?
---
He saw her walk in through the doors, followed by Rin and Shippo. The young boy instantly jumped from her arms and weaved into the crowd, being only a youthful boy after all, and not treading too long in deep and dark waters.
The easiest way to understand everything happening around you was to simply observe the events, and that was what he had been doing. Per se, he would love to say that dancing with his love was an action that required all of his concentration, but that would be too cheesy. Eyes drift a lot, and considering these were his eyes, they certainly wandered from subject to subject constantly.
"Sango, can I talk to Kagome for a moment?"
The beautiful vixen stared up at him, her magenta eyes wide and innocently cute, before she nodded without questions. She loosened her arms around his neck, seemingly a bit reluctant, before stepping back and smiling gently at him. To him, she was the most gorgeous woman in this entire room.
"Okay," she said, before stepping away and disappearing into the crowd.
He was surprised---he had been expecting her to interrogate him about just exactly why he wanted to speak to Kagome (which he will admit, he had spent a good fifteen minutes trying to come up with a good lie), but if he had known it would have been this easy, he wouldn't have bothered.
Feeling slightly out of place amongst the twirling couples, he made his way over to Kagome, who was speaking quietly with Rin. It didn't look like simple female chitchat either, since no giggles or smiles were on each other's face. However, he had to tell her, and not even a serious female talk would stop him.
He interjected into their conversation. "Lady Rin, may I intervene and speak about something important with Lady Kagome?" he asked politely, making a small bow---he had his manners after all.
The girl seemed slightly taken aback by his forwardness, but she stiffly nodded her head. "I don't mind," she said, and said, 'Bye,' to Kagome, before walking away, throwing a few glances back at both Kagome and him.
After he was sure no one was listening, he pulled her to a secluded area of the ballroom, and dropped all fake grins. "Kagome, we need to talk."
She looked amazed, making a small comment about something concerning, "A lot of people seem to want to talk to me today," before shrugging.
"Go ahead, Miroku," she said.
Miroku slanted a look over at the hanyou, who was talking with his parents with Kikyou by his side. He felt Kagome's own gaze slip over to Inuyasha, and he grimaced inside. Love triangles were horrible things, and in this case, it was exceptionally nasty. "Don't lie about the fact that you like Inuyasha."
He watched Kagome's eyes widen suddenly, before they took on a defensive gleam. "Don't assume things!" she cried out, irritated.
"I don't need to assume when I know," he shot back sharply.
Kagome's eyes opened slightly, and she seemed to want to say something, before she merely frowned and commented, "You certainly seem humorless today."
"Oh, I see no humor in your condition, Lady Kagome."
"Indeed," she snipped.
"However, since I myself am taking this conversation seriously, I would respect it if you would too."
She stared at him for a moment, seeing that his hands were obediently by his side and his eyebrows were lowered in the exact solemn position that reflected his previous statement. The frown on her face slowly faded. "Okay…"
"After observing all these occurrences, you do know that all this will end up tragic if not one of you will change your course of action?"
"I don't see what could possibly end up tragic."
"You. Him. Lady Kikyou. Sango. Everyone."
Kagome looked away for a second, feeling like her cousin's fiancé was simply questioning too personally for someone she hardly knew well. "It is not up to you to decide what my decision or his decision will be. What happens will happen, whether it is good or bad."
Miroku stepped closer, stating, "This is unquestionably a part of my business if this concerns Sango's feelings in any way. You may think that what happens shall happen, but it is up to you who can actually determine the right course. You can not possibly rely on Inuyasha to choose the right thing."
"And why not?"
"He couldn't in the past, and I doubt he could in the present or the future."
Kagome's eyes locked with Miroku's. "Are you referring to Ikari?"
"I am. I suppose he told you?"
"He would have had to if I know."
"Excuse my stupidity." Miroku smirked for the first time in their conversation. "But do you want another repeat of what happened?"
"How he fell in love with her, but she was ultimately taken away from him?"
"Yes."
Kagome's glance fell on Inuyasha again, who looked tired and indifferent about the whole situation. By the ecstatic looks on Lady Komiya and King Komiya's face, they were discussing the plans for the actual wedding. Kagome felt her heart clench. "He will have Kikyou, what more would he ask for?"
"You."
"Not only are you humorless, but you're actually straightforward for once."
Miroku smiled slightly. "As I always say, when the situation calls for me to be serious, I am a somber man."
Kagome continued to look at Inuyasha, feeling herself sigh. "I don't think he wants someone who won't stay true after someone didn't stay true to him."
"Ikari was a complicated girl."
"She left him."
"I'm sure she had her reasons," Miroku said stubbornly.
"She still left him. One day, she just disappeared, and never came back. He still remembers her…he still won't forget, you know? He won't want another girl who will leave him," Kagome whispered, more to herself than to the man in front of her. However, she forgot that Miroku didn't know of her mission.
"What do you mean?"
Kagome bit her lip, telling herself not to look at Miroku. Rin had said her eyes betrayed too many of her emotions, and Kagome didn't need another person preaching about how they could help her. She had to do this alone. "I'll return to my kingdom after they're married…or I'll run away, one or the other," she said, although she dripped enough sarcasm in the second comment to show Miroku that she was joking. "He'll be happy with Kikyou. He'll forget about Ikari…he'll forget about me…" she trailed off, as she continued to stare entrancingly at the hanyou. "He'll move on…"
"Either you can read the future, or you're just making yourself believe bullshit," Miroku said, almost coldly as he narrowed his eyes at Kagome.
Kagome felt her own exasperation ignite again, and another frown graced her face. "You're set on annoying me until I admit that I'm lying to myself, aren't you?"
"Oh yes, of course."
"Well, I appreciate your honesty, but when I choose something, I stubbornly stick by that belief. This is for the best."
Kagome and Miroku stared at each other for a moment, intelligence against intelligence, as one tried to overwhelm the other. However, Miroku burst out laughing in the end, as he turned around and started walking away from the girl. "Yes, this is for the best…" he echoed, a dry smirk on his face. He turned around, throwing the dry smirk straight at Kagome, before waving his hands coolly and dismissively.
"For nobody," he finished serenely, leaving behind a tight-lipped Kagome.
A/N: Kagome shall crack one day. Lots of people are certainly picking up the strained tension between Inuyasha and Kagome, and they are indubitably addressing it directly. Now, I hope you can guess what happened slightly with Inuyasha and Ikari…if you don't, well, I guess I'll elaborate further on?
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