FBG: This is a good chapter, because I think we see something blossoming!
Kira: Yes the flowers I planted are growing...
Sess: She doesn't mean that baka!
Kira: Oh...I knew that!
FBG: Right...anyways, your punishment was settled...
Sess: I can't wait to see what it is...
FBG: You won't like it...and readers please read on.
Chapter 8: A 'Blossoming' Punishment
"Kira…hmmm," the voice mused, "So what you're telling me, is that Lord Sesshomaru has Yoshimitsu's daughter in his custody?"
"Yes," replied Kagura sharply, What's the point of this anyways? Okay I spied on that Half Demon's brother but what does this have to do with anything!
Naraku sat hidden in the dark, Kagura cold feel his demonic aura wrap itself around the room but she could neither see nor hear her master.
"Kagura," he said quietly, "I want you to travel south. Find me the a shape shifter called Jiro and bring him to me."
Kagura looked puzzle at his order, "Why, what do you have in mind Naraku?"
Naraku stood up and walked forward till he was face to face with her, "I have a solution, to deal with that pathetic Taiyoukai's interference."
"But, why does he concern you so much! What about the Jewel Shards! And Inuyasha!"
Naraku simply smiled, "They'll come in due time. I think it would be most wise if you do what I ask, rather then, standing here and questioning me some more."
Kagura stormed out of the room, anger bubbling, she was hoping for the day Naraku was defeated, "because till then, I will continue to be his slave!"
"GOMEN, ICHIGO-SAMA! GOMEN!" The pleading cries were echoing through the entire castle, servants stopped to listen every few moments, the argument was at the one hour mark and still it did not seem to be letting home.
"HOW COULD YOU! NOT ONE WORD, YOU JUST DISAPPEAR! ESPECIALLY AFTER THE DEATH OF YOUR FATHER, YOU NEGLECT INFORMING ME OF YOUR WHEREABOUTS! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!"
"I-uh, it was-"
"DON'T TRY TO WEASEL YOUR WAY OUT! KIRA HOSHIKO DAUGHTER OF LORD YOSHIMITSU! I AM ASHAMED, APPALLED, DISGUSTED! LOOK AT YOU, CAN YOU NOT REMEMBER ANYTHING I'VE TAUGHT YOU! DISGRACEFUL! WHAT DID YOU TAKE YOUR TIME WITH ME FOR, A HOLIDAY!"
"NO! I-it's just that-I…"
"ENOUGH WITH THE EXCUSES! KIRA, why WHY COULDN'T YOU BE MORE LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS! LOOK AT MAYUMI, AT HARU, AT NINA! THEY AT PERFECT! BUT YOU, YOU CAN'T EVEN SIT STRAIGHT!"
Outside the Lady Ichigo's quarters, stood a silent audience. Meiko, Seiichi, Ryoko, Rin, Jaken and a group of servants, were listening intently on the scene inside.
"Wow, she's getting it bad," whispered Ryoko, "I am so glad I am not a woman…"
Meiko hit him hard on the head, "Shut up! It wasn't Kira's fault you can't blame her but when you are a Lord's daughter, a lot is expected from you. Also the fact that she is the last living member of her family makes it worse."
Seiichi rubbed his chin skeptically, "I don't think it's that."
"THEN!" the others cried in unison, of course their cry couldn't be heard over the yells of the matchmaker.
"I think…stop that!" he looked sternly at Rin , who was playing with his hair but she stopped immediately at his tone, "I think that Lady Ichigo, she cares a lot about Kira. A mother like affection, so I think she's more or else angry at her, for well, never seeing her. It must've hurt her pretty bad, if she could hold all that in this long."
They all nodded in agreement, Jaken on the other hand tutted, "If only Lord Sesshomaru wasn't occupied entertaining Mistress Mayumi. If he could hear this now, he would not be pleased, not at all…"
He shut up, after receiving angry glares from three more powerful and much bigger youkai.
"NANI!" the scream made everyone press their ears against the door, "NANI! YOU CAN'T NOT THAT PLEASE! PLEASE! ONEGAI SHIMASU! ONEGAI SHIMASU!"
"NO! YOU SHOULD AT LEAST DO THIS, IF YOU WANT TO REDEEM YOURSELF YOU BETTER START ACTING PROPERLY! HIBIKI, CHIARA!"
"NO! PLEASE! NO! NOT THAT!"
They all heard the doors on the other side of the room slide open and close shut with a loud slam, silencing the pitiful wails from Kira.
"Where did they take her?" whispered a servant, she looked frightened.
"Where else?" said Meiko, "That door leads to the private hot springs, for the guest quarters."
"Hai," replied the servant, "but.."
"Why there?" was the question everyone wanted to answer, but before anyone could hypothesize, "LORD SESSHOMARU IS COMING! QUICK!"
Everyone scattered, running to find some sort of cover up before the Taiyoukai got suspicious.
He walked down the hall, in his silent cold demeanor beside him a pretty neko youkai followed, telling him a story about her childhood. She was so busy talking that she could hardly notice his baleful look of disinterest. His boredom.
"Yes, my father is VERY influential, so of course, in the end those PATHETIC ningen had no choice but to succumb to his whim…"
They had stopped in front of the guest quarter, Sesshomaru acknowledged the youkai and then turned, walking away, "I have some business to attend to, stay here and make yourself comfortable."
The youkai stood open mouthed, which did not compliment here one bit. She was pretty but no where near beautiful, she had a look of serious contempt about her, which squashed out any chance of beauty she had left. Mayumi glared at him and entered the guest quarters, slamming the door shut.
"How long has it been?"
"Nearly…two hours? I think…" said Seiichi, he and Ryoko sat alone in the large unused study, which lay opposite the guest quarters. Rin was curled up, fast asleep, Ryoko absentmindedly patted her head.
"You think Meiko managed to get inside, in time? To calm her down?" he asked looking worried, they both starred at the door.
"I'm sure she did," said Seiichi reassuringly, "besides, it's not like Meiko has a spiff with the matchmaker."
The door slide open and Meiko entered, she was wearing a light brown kimono with a purple sash. Her red hair was held in place with a jade comb, Ryoko looked downright surprised, "What did they do to you…"
"She called for a formal dinner," sighed Meiko, "You both better go change into something more appropriate, or she'll eat us all alive."
Ryoko and Seiichi stood up and quickly went to their own rooms to change, Meiko gently woke Rin up.
"Rin-chan, wake up," Meiko nudged the girl awake, "Come on, get washed up, we're having a formal dinner tonight." She took the girl to her own room and helped her get ready.
The dining hall was set with a large low table, with large windows facing the southern courtyard and gardens. In the distance the ominous presence of mountains shrouded by thick clouds, was a sight to inspire.
Sesshomaru himself, sat at the head of the table, looking calm as every although he held an aura of deep frustration.
Meiko entered with Rin, who was wearing a light pink kimono, many of the servants whispered about how adorable she looked. They both bowed to the Taiyoukai, who acknowledged them with a simple nod and sat themselves at the table. There were two chairs on his left side and one on his right, apparently set for three high guests.
"Three?" whispered Meiko quietly to herself, I'm sure there was only Lady Ichigo and Mayumi…then who is the third?
After a few minutes, Seiichi and Ryoko entered, along with Jaken and a few of the high ranked youkai who served under Lord Sesshomaru.
Finally the seating arrangements was sorted out, Meiko sat with Rin inbetween her and Seiichi while Ryoko sat on Meiko's other side. Jaken sat opposite them and then came the long line of others. The seat that should've held Kira was occupied by Seiichi.
"Where is Kira?" muttered Ryoko, he looked appraising in a dark blue hatori with silver embroidery.
"I don't know," replied Meiko looking worried, "I hope she shows up before the guests of honor arrive."
"Why is there three chairs?" asked Seiichi, he was wearing a simple black hatori which suited his lean frame and his long gold hair was tied into a long braid.
"Not sure," replied Meiko turning to Rin who was busy tugging at her kimono, "Rin, Kira is coming don't worry."
A servant entered the room and everything became silent, his bow was clumsy, whilst he looked extremely nervous addressing such a large audience.
"Er..uh…G-good evening, milord, ladies and gentlemen. May I-er-present to you, her-um-her great, I mean, the great Matchmaker Lady Ichigo!" he bowed and moved to the side, and the matchmaker entered pompously. She was a small youkai of some sort, her origins weren't well known. She wore a bright blue kimono, with a righteous amount of beads and jewelry. Many of those present were trying very hard to hold back their laughter because she really did look more like a overly decorated puff ball.
She bowed graciously to the Taiyoukai, "Milord Sesshomaru. It is once again an honour you have bestowed upon me, treating me to your hospitable home. I am truly greatful for this act. Of course I did not come here without reason! As you well know, Lord Sesshomaru has yet to take on a mate, a wife! A lady who will bring prosperity and love to his home. So I may now present to all of you, my two lovely ladies."
"Two?" yelped Seiichi, looking very, VERY scared. Meiko smiled, pressing in a giggle, everyone knew Seiichi was deathly afraid of a marriage proposal.
"First I will like to present, Mayumi Tadako daughter of the Eastern Lord Takami," at her introduction, Mayumi stepped into the dinning hall. She looked very beautiful, her long lilac colored hair was held in a tight bun expect for a few well place strands framing her face. She wore a cream yellow kimono with purple and lilac stars embroidered into it's fine silk. Many of the male demons were starring for far too long, Mayumi bowed at Sesshomaru and sat down on his left.
"Now, this is a surprise for all you I'm sure. I am deeply sorry for throwing this at you too milord but I felt the need, that a great lord like yourself might want more of a choice," she grinned evilly, "So may I present Kira Hoshiko daughter of the great deceased Northern Lord Yoshimitsu."
"NANI!" many cries erupted through out the hall, and even a few cups broke, but this was nothing compared to the awed gasp when Kira entered the room. She looked drop dead gorgeous, wearing a deep emerald green kimono, with silver and bronze embroidery. It was held in just the right was so it would accent her curvy well built body. Her hair was set loosely down her back, held in place with a jade comb in the shape of a lilly, with an emerald in it's centre. Everyone, especially those close to her looked like they had been slapped while Sesshomaru, he looked a little unsettled.
Kira bowed, and mechanically walked over to Sesshomaru's right and sat down, everyone still watching her.
"Well, I think that's about it," cried Lady Ichigo happily, "Don't let me keep you waiting!" At those words, everyone started to eat.
"Wow," sighed Seiichi, "Did you…did you SEE Kira! I mean wow. I almost wish I was marrying her."
"She's too old for you!" snapped Meiko but then she said more softly, "Yeah, she does look amazing, not really like her though…"
Ryoko shrugged, "That isn't the Kira I'm friends with. I prefer that one, although this one…I can get used to this…" His statement earned him an EXTREMELY hard slap for Meiko.
"I think Kira-chan looks beautiful," replied Rin, at this everyone else shut up, knowing that in this case, the child was right.
Kira sat quite unhappily up at the front, with no friends to talk too. Mayumi was amiably chatting with Lady Ichigo, although every so often she would glare angrily at Kira. Kira sighed as the memory of an earlier argument pressed in.
"I just, I can't believe milady is doing this to me! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BE HERE! Now I have to contend with you! I HAD HIM IN THE BAG!" yelled Mayumi.
Kira smirked, "Do you feel threatened by me Mayumi?"
"N-NO!" she yelled, looking flustered.
"Well, I'm sorry but this wasn't my idea," said Kira.
"You agreed to it, didn't you!" snapped Mayumi.
Kira sighed, "What choice did I have? This is my punishment."
"You could've RAN AWAY! Like you did before! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO STAY AND STEAL MY MAN!"
"Your man! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK HE'S YOUR MAN!" snapped Kira.
"Is someone jealous?" replied Mayumi smirking.
Kira seethed, "Jealous? Me, jealous? Look girl, you don't know what you're getting into marrying him!"
"Oh! And you do?" replied Mayumi.
"Yeah," said Kira.
"H-how?"
"Because I lived with him for almost…I think three months now," said Kira bluntly.
That argument started the angry glares she was now receiving. Sesshomaru sat silently, his eyes half closed.
"You know you could at least say something," she said quietly after a few minutes.
Sesshomaru simply looked at her through cold yellow eyes, after a moment he replied, very quietly, "I will say that you are looking very bijin."
"Hentai," Kira muttered, with a slight smile, of course neither she nor Sesshomaru had noticed that their exchange of words had been overheard, by the ears of a cunning mind.
FBG: I wonder who overheard...
Sess: I don't want to know...please stop the misery...
Kira: MISERY! You're lucky you ain't me!
Sess: (shrugs) True.
FBG: Hope you liked this one! Please send in your reviews!