Killer Emotions: Here's the next chapter! Hope you guys will love it!
Disclaimer: Go away you bullies! You already know that she doesn't own Inuyasha, don't torture her anymore! sniff
Chapter 14: The First Test and I hate your absence
"Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it."
Kagome looks on her human-size mirror, as she observes herself. She's wearing a grey dress that suits well for her meeting this afternoon. The chemise is a very soft, white sateen with a beautiful sheen that's off her shoulders, bodice is made of silver/grey damask trimmed in faux pearls, and the skirt is the same silver/grey damask used in the bodice, along with a white, bridal weight satin front panel. For her feet she's wearing silver stilettos.
From the looks of it she is ready and well prepared for the first test. She let out a breath to control her anxiety.
She heard a knock on the door. She walks towards it and open the door which revealed the stern face of Sesshomaru. Kagome looks at his profile with a skeptical look and Sesshomaru seems to notice it.
"Is there something wrong?", he asked. Kagome was a bit hesitant to answer but she answered nonetheless.
"Aren't you going to change for this meeting?", she asked as she look on the clothes of his torso, balloon pants and his kimono. In short the clothes that he usually wears.
"There is no need, for this attire is fit for this meeting. But it seems that you have overdressed", said Sesshomaru. Kagome quirk a brow.
"You do not approve of this outfit?", she asked. Sesshomaru shook his head.
"It is what a noble lady in court would wear so I approve but I just think it's too much for just a mere test"
"For you it might be but I want to prove those leaders and other snobbish aristocrats that I am anything than less of a leader or queen", she stated with pride and she had a twinkle in her eyes that shows her true colors. Sesshomaru smirked.
"Well first rule to be a leader is not to be late", he said then he gave her his arm.
"Shall we go?"
Kagome hook her arm to his and faced him with a coy smile. Then they walked to the corridors then down on the staircase where in the conference room is where her first test will be held.
When they entered the room, Kagome noticed a scroll that is hanged up at the back of the room. She went near to it and read the words out loud:
Para ver un mundo en un grano de la arena Y el cielo en una infinidad del Asidero de la flor en la palma de la
mano Y la eternidad en una hora
"It's in Spanish"
Kagome turned her head to see it is the eldest adviser, Tache Hoshi. She turned around and gave a curtsy. He nodded to her.
"Do you know what it means?", he asked. She looked back at the scroll then translated the words out loud:
"To see a world in a grain of sand
And heaven in a wildflower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour"
"Impressive, you translated it perfectly. So you seem to know a few languages?"
Kagome nodded.
"My father taught me when I was 8 years old. He was very strict on my education", said Kagome.
Hoshi looks at the grandfather clock which tells that its 1:45 pm. He took a seat on one of the chairs and look at Kagome's confuse face.
"The others will be coming in a few minutes, in a mean while why don't the two of us talk", said the old man. Kagome's lips curved into a smile then she took a seat beside him.
"I think I have a feeling that you have been wanting to talk to me since you saw me in the kitchen", said Hoshi which made Kagome blush a bit out of embarrassment.
"Well…yes…I have. Are you…..Miroku's father?", she asked. The old man is taken aback by her question. He stayed silent for a few moments then he nodded. Her eyes widen.
"Why did you leave him behind?", she asked. Hoshi sighed and she could see the sorrow in his eyes. It seems that he never wanted it to happen.
"I was a very busy man when I was younger. I was a merchant and I did a lot of traveling back then but now that I'm old I regretted on what I had done. I had abandoned my only son for business."
"Why didn't you come back?"
"I was thinking that he hates me now and he doesn't want to see me again so I didn't take the chance on meeting him.", he said, sighing.
"May I ask, how do you know Miroku?", he asked. Kagome tapped on her chin, giving a moment to think.
"Well I met him through my best friend Sango when I was 15 yrs old. My grandfather was a very religious man and everyday he teaches me about these scriptures, philosophy, rites of passage and the ways of a priestess -"
That caught Hoshi's attention.
"Why would your grandfather teach you on becoming a priestess?", he asked curiously, cutting in her sentence. She shrugged.
"He said that becoming a priestess to the Kingdom gives more honor and integrity than being a queen, he is very old-fashioned", she said humorously. He nodded in understanding.
"Your father was Alexander Higurashi, correct?", Kagome nodded. She looked at him curiously, wondering what is he getting at.
"What about my father?"
"I've met him before", he said which surprised Kagome.
"Y-you have? How? When?", she asked extravagantly
"Kagome, I was the one who cured your father's cancer", he said. Her eyes widen.
Flashback
"Father! Father!", cried Kagome, at the age of 11, as she ran to her father who is lying limply on the bed. She squeezed his hand, fearing that if she let go that she might lose him forever.
"Don't cry Kagome, I'm going to be alright. Just wait outside and it will be over soon", her father said hoarsely as he wiped a tear from her eye.
"Please don't leave me….", she whispered, sobbing a bit. Her father slowly curved his lips into a smile as if he was trying to move at all, the pain was too much for him.
"Never Kagome, never", he said. She heard someone coming in, she turned around and saw a man with long black hair that's tied in a braid. He has a kit with him and he placed it on the desk. The man looked at Kagome with a puzzled look on his gray eyes. Kagome sniffed.
"You're going to save my daddy, right?", she asked. The man smiled. He patted her head.
"No need to worry little girl, your father is in good hands", she nodded then left the room not after taking one last look on her father.
A few hours later the man went out of the room , wiping sweat off his head. Once Kagome saw him, she abruptly stood up and walked to him.
"I-is my daddy alright?", she asked warily. He gave him a small smile. He nodded. Her eyes beamed with extreme happiness and relief.
"You can g-"
But he was cut off when Kagome gave him a hug. He was shock at first but then he hugged her tiny body back. He can feel her tears on his clothes.
"Thank you so much! Thank you….thank you….", she sobbed then she pulled away, wiping away her tears. She saw a handkerchief in front of her, she look up at the man who hands his handkerchief to her. She took it. He kneeled down in front of her.
"What's your name, child?"
"M-my name…I'm Kagome"
"Kagome, the bird in the cage", he said. Kagome looks at him with a puzzled look. He shook his head.
"You can go see your father, I'll go talk to your mother about this", he said then he stood up and started to walk away
"Wait!"
The man turned around with a puzzled look.
"Hmmm?"
"What's your name?", she asked. The man smiled.
"Just call me Hiroshi", he said
"Hiroshi-sama, thank you", she said then bowed. He nodded to her then she went inside the room.
End of Flashback
"But that man is Hiroshi-sama. How could you be him?", she asked warily
"Hiroshi is my real name but when I got older I changed into Tache so no one will recognize me. I just don't want to be remembered anymore of who I really was.", he said as he sighed. She feels sad for him.
"Enough about me, how are you now? Still angry that you're engaged with Inuyasha?", he joked. Kagome smirked.
"Sometimes, besides the fact that Inuyasha is a pain in the butt, I just never expected that I'll be engaged and get married. Who would have thought that my father planned this arranged marriage before I was even born", said Kagome. Hoshi chuckled.
"If you'll give this engagement a chance, you may reconsider", he said. Kagome just stayed silent.
"Unless….you're still thinking about-"
"No….not anymore….", she interrupted. Hoshi was to ask another question when Sesshomaru barged in.
"Excuse me Kagome and Sir Hoshi but I believe that our guests has arrived", said Sesshomaru and then several nobles and other aristocrats came inside. Everyone went to their respective seats. Then Izayoi came inside the conference room. She walked to the end of the table where Kagome is at her right side.
"Thank you for coming and I know you have expected this so let's not waste more time. The 1st test shall begin", she said then everyone sat down. Kagome looked around the table. All the advisers are here and most of the nobles are old and all men. And they all look strict and had the look like they have the intention to nerve-wreck her. She let out a breath.
Hope Jaken's lecture really paid off or else I'll cook his toad legs for tonight's appetizer!
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Inuyasha stayed in the gardens as he sits down on a fountain. Around his area, the red and white roses are blooming, small birds chirping and flapping their wings as they played on the water fountain, the scent of the atmosphere smells like autumn and the sky is covered with clouds. But Inuyasha didn't pay any mind on all of these in front of him for his mind is wandering to somewhere else, a place where he wants to be but he couldn't. He gripped on his black pants, seething.
"Oi!"
Inuyasha look at the corner of his eye only to see Kouga with two swords.
"Let's fight", said Kouga then he tossed the sword to Inuyasha which he caught with ease. Inuyasha stood up as he followed Kouga to the training grounds.
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"If ever your people has no desire to follow your government anymore and they think ill of you, what will you do?", asked the Duke of Aslan
"The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them.", Kagome answered. The others nodded while others just stared at her, wondering what she's thinking. Then Hoshi stood up.
"If you become queen of this kingdom and the people will know that you are not from here, they will think different of you for you do not belong here in Origin. What say you?", he asked.
"On the contrary, was I not born in this realm? Were my parents born in any foreign country? Is there any cause I should alienate myself from being careful over this country? Is not my kingdom here?"
Hoshi looked at her curiously. Kagome scanned at everyone in the room then let out a small sigh before answering.
"Your judgement I condemn not, neither do I mistake your reasons, but pray you to accept my thankfulness, excuse my doubtfulness, and take in good part my answer, answerless."
Then Izayoi stood up. Kagome turned to her with a bit of shock in her eyes.
"What about the children? Do you think that they will give strength and loyalty to this kingdom?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes, without a doubt"
"By means of education?", Izayoi asked. Kagome nodded.
"Yes it can be done through education as well but remember this, while we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about", she said. Izayoi's lips curved into a smile.
"Thank you", said Izayoi then she sat down. Hoshi smiled of approval.
"Sit down Lady Kagome and we will get down to economic matters", said the count strictly looking at her with spite. Kagome just ignored his way of looking at her and sat down. She felt something on her hand, she look down and saw Izayoi's hand on hers and squeezing it for comfort. She looks at Izayoi and gave her a grateful smile.
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"Hey Shippou"
Shippou turned to Rin with a questioning look.
"Yes Rin?"
"Do you think Kagome will be alright in the test?", she asked. Shippou shrugged.
"I hope so but I'm more worried on those two", he said, referring to Inuyasha and Kouga who are fighting against each other.
"It looks like that Inuyasha is really serious this time", said Shippou. Rin looks at them with worry in her eyes.
Inuyasha let out a cry of rage as he strike his sword down on Kouga but Kouga dodged the attack and ran around behind him, Kouga lunged his sword towards him but Inuyasha sensed him and leaped up then landed on Kouga's back, pummeling him down. He punched Kouga's face then strikes his sword towards Kouga's face luckily he dodged it, barely.
"I had a feeling that you hate me but not this much", Kouga said sarcastically as he ducked the swing of Inuyasha's sword.
"Shut up and fight!", Inuyasha yelled as he keeps on swinging his sword to hit him but Kouga blocks every attack.
"You knew why I wouldn't let you use your Tetsusaiga,right?"
Kouga launched an attack on him but Inuyasha dodged and kicked Kouga on the gut. Kouga stumbled on the floor, holding on his sides.
"Yeah, I figured much",said Inuyasha as he spins his sword around then threw it up on the air then swiftly land a punch on Kouga's face, he then fell on the ground and with a blink of an eye Inuyasha landed his sword besides Kouga's face, merely an inch away from him.
"Have you been training?", Kouga asked. Inuyasha fixed and dusted himself.
"Keh! I don't train, I'm a natural fighter you dolt", said Inuyasha venomously as he helped Kouga up. Rin and Shippou walked up to them.
"Are you alright Kouga-kun?", asked Rin. Kouga gave her a grin, showing that his fine.
"I'm alright, dog-breath here punches like a girl anyway", he teased. Inuyasha snorted. Rin giggled as Shippou rolled his eyes.
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Inuyasha, in his bathroom, washes his face as he refreshes himself from the spar he had with Kouga, which he won by the way. Once he's done he placed his hands at both sides of the sink looking at his reflection on the mirror. He could see the tired look in front of him. He scorned at his reflection.
"Look at you, you're nothing but a coward", he said with venom in his voice. He turned away from his reflection and walked outside his bathroom then sat down on the edge of his bed. He grabbed his Tetsusaiga unsheathing it from its scabbard. He looks at the blade, he saw his reflection from its sheen. In that reflection, he could see the intense look in his golden eyes. The eyes that reminds him of his father. Those eyes that he looked straight in the eye and promise that he will be a great King but most of all an honorable man. He has proven that to Izayoi Takana now Izayoi Taisho, Inuyasha's mother. Inuyasha wishes to do the same. But there's a part of him that wants to hold back, to avoid unnecessary problems, dilemmas and pain. He doesn't want to make a mistake, he hates regrets.
Yes, he has been thinking over and over about his feelings for Kagome. He has been confused every time he thinks about it. The first time they met he felt a spark between the two of them but when they found out that both of them are engaged, he was enraged and sadly for Kagome he took it out on her so that's why most of the time they would fight one another even in the most stupid things they could think of. But deep inside him he actually cares for her. He isn't sure why is that though, it's just in his head and heart. He could admit that he cares for Kagome but he isn't sure if there's something else besides that. He doesn't even know if Kagome even likes him, sometimes she's cold on him and sometimes she makes him feel warm.
And when they touched,god! He could feel himself on fire. She could ignite the fierce passion within him. Like the first time they kissed and the other time in the hallway when he pushed her on the wall.
Inuyasha felt his face burning at the thought. Sighing, he lies down on his bed,gazing at the ceiling.
"Woman, you better do your best in the test!", he growled
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After hours of discussion, interrogations and heated debates and arguments the meeting is finally over. Kagome shook their hands one by one as she said her gratitude to them. Then she left the conference room leaving them as they talked over about the event of today.
"So what do you think on Kagome's performance today?", Izayoi asked. Everyone looks at each other. Some with a satisfied look on their faces and some with contempt.
"Impressive for a young woman, won't you say so Kiara?", asked the Duke to Lord Kiara, who owns a big property in the Kingdom. Lord Kiara took a second to contemplate about it.
"She doesn't show any sign of fear but reverence and that's what I admire about her plus she's very knowledgeable about economical matters. She seems very industrious", said the Lord as he rubbed on his chin. Another man scoffed.
"Pardon for my rudeness but she's not the only one who's intelligent. There are a lot of princess with higher education than hers. She belongs to a Kingdom who hasn't really accomplish much or show any greatness to the world not even the reign of her father", he retorted
"Bite your tongue Lord Lance, I will not allow any prejudice in this honorable meeting or are you no man of honor at all I presume?", said Sesshomaru as he gave Lord Lance a cold look but the man just glared at the eldest son of the Kingdom.
"Even though you are the son of the great Daimyo, I do not fear you at all", said Lord Lance with a smug look on his face.
"Then maybe we should work on that", Sesshomaru growled lowly. Izayoi shook her head.
"Enough of that, we are here to talk about Kagome", said Hoshi. Sesshomaru calmed himself but that did not wane his disdain for the Lord Lance. Hoshi turned to Lord Lance.
"So you do not see anything admirable to the Princess, Lord Lance?", Hoshi asked.
"Apparently I do not", said Lord Lance. Hoshi looks at him with a quizzical look.
"So she hasn't done anything excellent on her performance today?"
"Barely even good", he spat. Hoshi quirk a brow as he stood up.
"Not even when she silenced you on your argument with her?", he implied which surprised the arrogant lord.
"The girl was just lucky", the lord hissed.
"No, she was too wise for you old man", the duke joked and everyone laughed. Sesshomaru smirked when he saw the look of embarrassment on the pitiful man.
"Moving on, who else here has any objections on Kagome's performance?", Izayoi asked. Everyone shook their heads. Izayoi is please to see the approve look on their faces except for a certain embarrassed lord. She smiled.
Congratulations Kagome, you passed the first test, Izayoi mentally said to herself with a proud smile.
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Kagome's P.O.V.
Numbers, hectares, lands, agrarian reforms, laws, more reforms, duties, principles, more numbers, ugh! God, I'm so glad that the conference is over! It's too stressful for a young girl like me! Wait, what am I saying? I did great today. I even shut up that spiteful mouth of that stupid Lord Lance, hah! That arrogant fool, bwahahaahaha!
I roll over on my bed as I covered myself with blankets and covered my face with my pillows. I gotta admit, those old men are tough, I'm surprise with their questions. Questions I never would have thought of. I'm glad I had that experience I will always keep it mind and one day when I'm queen I will rule with just, reverence, discipline and with my principles.
I turned my head to my left, facing the large window that leads to my balcony. I could see the sun setting very slowly. It's almost night and later on all of them will have dinner. I don't feel like eating. Hopefully they wouldn't mind me sleeping in for the night.
"If I get this shot, promise me that you would not skip every meal and that you would eat with the rest of us"
I chuckled, sorry Inuyasha but I have to pass on this one. I'll make it up to him next time. Then the image of Inuyasha popped in my head. I sighed. I certainly missed Inuyasha today. It really irritates me when I knew that Inuyasha is just here in the castle and I could see him anytime if it weren't for this dreadfully long conference. The guy could be a pain but he never fails to entertain me and put a smile on his face.
For some reason I had the urged to go to dinner. I shook my head. I need sleep and I could see him later or tomorrow anyway.And with that thought I slowly close my eyes as I fall into a deep sleep.
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Inuyasha's P.O.V.
As I walk along the corridors, my ears twitch at the direction of music. I followed the sound as it leads me to the ball room. I peek through the small opening of the door and I saw my mother playing the piano. I hummed with the melody as I walk towards my mother. She heard my footsteps and looks at me with a smile.
Then a thought came to my mind. If she's here then that means that the conference is over!
I fasten my pace then as if on cue she stopped playing when I reached her.
"Is the test over?", I asked bluntly. She giggled at my awkward face.
"Yes, it is over son", she said. My heart raced up in anticipation.
"So did she pass? What happened?", I asked anxiously.
"She has performed remarkably in the conference and almost everyone approved of her", she said. I look at her queerly.
"Who didn't like her?", I asked. I saw her sigh.
"Who else but Lord Lance", she said in an obvious tone. I should have known that proud man would hate her. And if I should guess correctly, it's not really about Kagome that he hates, it's just the fact it's not his daughter who I'm engaged with. I smirked.
"Well if it's only him then that's just great, right?", she nodded. My eyes widen at the realization.
"Then that means……"
"She passed", she finished and my heart leaped with bliss, felicity and happiness as my mind screamed with pride. I was unaware the look my mother is giving me until I took notice of her.
"What?", I asked. She shook her head and giggled.
"You should have seen the look on your face Inuyasha", she said as she laughed. I pouted.
"Thanks a lot mother", I said sarcastically.
"Anyway, where is she now?", I asked, eager to talk to her. I have to admit, several hours without her was hell. It irked me a lot that I didn't see her most of the time.
"I think she may be in her room right now-", I didn't hear the rest of what she's going say. I hurriedly left the room and went upstairs to her room. I paused when I reached her bedroom door. I leaned my head on the door. There's no sound of movement at all. Is she really here or could she be asleep? I didn't bother to knock the door as I slowly turned the knob and quietly opened the door and there I saw Kagome, sleeping peacefully on her bed. A part of me was sad cause I wouldn't be able to talk to her or see her beautiful brown eyes and her bright smile but also seeing her in a peaceful state makes my heart melt.
God I'm growing into a sap and its all because of this woman!
I chuckled at the amusing thought. I slowly walk to her bed and kneeled in front of her sleeping form Watching her breathing quietly as I brush away strands of hair from her face. I couldn't control my urges any longer so I kissed the bridge of her nose and I'm thankful that she didn't wake up.
"I'm so proud of you Kagome", I whispered then I quietly left the room. Leaving the princess with her dreams.
Little did I know that Kagome was awake the whole time. After I left the room, she grinned.
"I'm so lucky!", she exclaimed, plastering a big grin on her face.
"And I passed the test too! Hahahahahahaha!", Kagome laughed with joy then she covered herself with the blankets once again, trying to control herself from screaming from pure bliss.
Wahahahahaha! It's done! Hope you guys like this chapter. I certainly like how it ended,hehehe!
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