Disclaimer: don't own anything
Chapter 1 - When We Met
10 Years Later
"Hidenka, hold still. I have to finish getting you ready to meet a new friend." Kagome tried to remain as patient as she could, while her young daughter fidgeted in her seat.
"Mama, who is this new friend?"
"He's a prince from the Realm of the East. He and his father are coming here just to meet you."
"Really?"
"Yes. That's why we must look extra nice." Kagome finished brushing Hidenka's hair and took a look at her daughter. She was almost an exact replica of Inuyasha, except for the ears and the fact that she was a girl. "You are definitely your father's daughter."
Hidenka just shrugged off the comment and jumped down from the vanity seat. "Mama, when is the prince coming?"
"Prince Shippo will be here soon. He's the same age as you, and you both have the same birthday."
"Really! So that means he'll get presents today too? That's right, the party is for both of you. Now go downstairs, I think your father is waiting to give you your present." The young princess squealed as she took off towards the hallway. Kagome shook her head and began to straighten up her daughter's room. Glancing out the window she saw an approaching carriage bearing the crest of the East. 'Please let this be a blissful union' She silently prayed to herself as she headed to greet her guests.
Hidenka started jumping up and down when Inuyasha led a small pony in front of her and placed her on it's back.
"Happy Birthday Hidenka." She eagerly held the horn of the saddle as Inuyasha slowly led the pony down the road towards the approaching carriage. When the carriage reached them, the driver stopped the vehicle and hopped down to allow the passengers to exit. Lord Kitsune exited first followed by a nervous young fox, and a creepy looking advisor. Hidenka looked at the visitors and changed her mind. She didn't want to share her birthday after all. Inuyasha picked her up off of the pony and placed her down on the ground in front of Shippo.
"Say hello Hidenka." She mentally groaned and curtsied. "Hello Prince Shippo." Shippo just stared at her and stuck out his tongue. Hidenka stuck her tongue back out at him. Surprised by her reaction, Shippo fanned out his tail to make himself look bigger. "You're just a stupid girl with stupid white hair."
She had heard enough. Clenching her little fist, Hidenka swung and punched Shippo right in the nose. "And you have a stupid bloody nose." With that said she turned around and ran back towards the palace. Kagome noticed the blur of white hair run past her as she walked down the palace steps. She could see Inuyasha lead the pony back while talking to Lord Kitsune and his advisor. Shippo was on top of the pony looking like he was having the time of his life.
"What happened?" Kagome questioned as she saw the blood stain on Shippo's shirt.
"Well, Shippo called her stupid, so she punched him." Inuyasha said trying not to laugh. Kagome smiled to herself and turned towards Lord Kitsune.
"I apologize on behalf of my daughter, she inherited more of her father's spirit than mine."
"So I see." Lord Kitsune drawled. "Well, no matter. My advisor and I agree to the idea of a betrothal." Kagome finally managed to look at his advisor, to find him staring at her.
"Well…I'm glad you could overlook this incident. I'm sure the children will come to like each other as they get older." Lord Kitsune only nodded as his advisor began to speak.
"I am Naraku, advisor to the Realm of the East. On behalf of my lord I wish to thank you for your hospitality, and a hope for a future wedding and alliance of our two lands."
"Yes, that's fine." Inuyasha said. He defiantly did not like the way Naraku was staring at his wife. The sooner this odd bunch left, the better.
"Well Sango is pregnant again."
"Again Miroku? Jeez, you would think five would be enough." Inuyasha said. "I mean, Sesshomaru and I only have one kid each and we're happy."
"Ah yes, well, I'm afraid I enjoy the act of child making much too much."
"I definitely did not need to know that…" Sesshomaru mumbled to himself. He glanced around the room at the other lords, and wondered where the hell Lord Kitsune was. It was their annual council, and the newest lord was late again. "We might as well begin without him," he started. "I'm not sure how things are in your lands. But the people grow restless in mine. They keep mentioning a presence, a dark cloud that hovers over their spirits."
"Yes, I have felt something ominous as well over the years." Miroku added. "My people as well are becoming nervous. No one can name anything tangible, it is just a growing fear."
Inuyasha shrugged. "I think you guys are being paranoid. I haven't noticed anything."
"That may be so, but has Kagome mentioned anything?" Miroku questioned.
Inuyasha frowned as he thought about it. He did remember Kagome voicing a problem to him the other day, but he couldn't put his finger on what she said.
"No matter what you feel. The point is something is coming. Our era of peace is coming to a close and we must prepare for the future."
"Sesshomaru, how do we prepare for something we can't see?"
"Simple brother, you open your eyes."
"Huh?" Sesshomaru never got a chance to explain himself. As he began to speak again, his advisor Jaken ran into the room yelling.
"My lords, my lords. Please forgive my interruption!"
"This had been be good Jaken." Sesshomaru growled.
"My lords, a messenger has just arrived from the East. Lord Kitsune is dead!"
