Disclaimers: I own Nothing

Authors Beginning Note: well, nothing really interesting to say or note.

Chapter 8

Celebration

The stars shone brightly, but not as brightly as the exploding balls of fire that were the crude beginnings of fireworks back in the time. People were rejoicing. Crowds were dancing, women singing, children playing, men laughing heartily. Their Empress had come back to them in the form of a splendid lady.

Kagome sat on the grand white horse, dressed up perfectly, forcefully smiling.

I'm a lie…I'm not the Empress…but I can't tell them that…what if…its better this way…look at them…but what about my mom…grandpa…Souta…Sango…No…I have to go home…I can't do this!…I can't be what they want me to be…no matter what…and then there's Naraku…

Kagome's heart was torn and could do naught to sway it as she was lead by the dark man who had brought this upon them on a black stallion, and Kagura who guarded her closely while playing the part of one of the personal Ladies in Waiting.

Flowers scented the air as petals fell from roof tops. Kagome's horse stopped abruptly as a little girl fell in front of it. She sat up eyes wide. Kagome slipped from her saddle and the crowd was silent. Naraku looked back with intrigue.

"Are you okay?" Kagome searched the girl for scratches and found only a bruise. The little girl nodded and smiled. Kagome helped her to her feet, only for the mother to sweep her in her arms crying.

"Thank you Empress." She said with gratitude. The noises of the crowd was overpowering at this kind and humbling display. Kagura forced Kagome back onto her horse in a manner that would not look conspicuous to the crowd.

"Don't try a stunt like that again." She whispered. Kagome snorted and their procession continued. They would reach the palace before nightfall.

Dusk overwhelmed them by the water and they soon found themselves back at the cozy hut.

"I dare say that Naraku will attempt a place at the throne yet once again through meens of Kagome." Keiko, now revealed as truly being Keade said by the fire.

"Who's Kagome?" Hotaru asked innocently, pouring the second round of tea.

"A snot-nosed brat who has a habit of getting in trouble." The new voice startled them and Hotaru accidentally dropped the teapot-breaking it. She looked sadly at its remains.

"Inuyasha, Miroku. My it has been a while."

"Feh."

"Lovely to see you too, though sadly under such circumstances." Keade nodded in acknowledgment.

"Where are you guys going?" Sango quickly stood up as they began to leave.

"To stop Naraku. He has the Shikon Jewel and Lady Kagome. With both, it will only be a matter of time before he places her on the throne, kills Emperor Hojo, and marries Kagome himself." Miroku stated simply. He leaned on his staff lightly and Sango couldn't help but stare at his troubled face. He looked at her briefly, flashing a smile and making her blush.

"But he still wouldn't be able to rule. Kagome would be Empress, she would have all of the power!" Hotaru spoke up. She was afraid of what they were talking about, but had a logical if not naively innocent mind.

"Not if he kills her too." Inuyasha said darkly. The room was silent.

"Then I'm going too." Sango stated.

"Feh. This is no job for a weak human like you." Sango's temper rose.

"And what will you do during the day when all you're good for is playing tea party in a doll house!"

"What's that!"

"Please! Everyone calm down." Keade commanded. The group was again silent. She let out a deep sigh, after a moments worth of deep thinking.

"It seems to me, the best course to be taken, would be to have all three of you go on ahead and stop Naraku. Hotaru and I will follow, and she will take Kagome's place once the threat of Naraku is vanquished."

"WHAT!" Everyone yelled in startlement. Most loudly Hotaru.

"But I can't do that! That would make me Empress and I don't know the first thing…" Keade held up her hand.

"Hotaru, I will explain later, but for now, these three must leave. Time is the key, and something we have prescious little of. Here." She quickly threw together a few loaves of bread, packets of herbs, and other vittles.

"For your trip, now go swiftly. If I can, I will have Kirara meet up with you. And Sango...oh there's not enough time! Make sure to tell Inuyasha and Miroku about what I've told you, if they don't alreayd know."

"Okay, but...what's a Kirara?" Sango asked shouldering her Hiraikotsu and stuffing her bag with the new provisions.

"Go!" They were pushed out of the hut violently.