Killer Emotions: Huzzaahhh! Here we go again! Now this is my longest chapter ever! Hope you guys have the endurance on finishing reading this story! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: She doesn't own Inuyasha.

Chapter 19: The 2nd test: Endurance

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

………………

………

……

A man of his twenties look out at the horizon with his red eyes that holds longing on something dear that he put away deep within his heart for as long he can remember when. The time when he felt the genuine joy of being a man, of knowing what he is worth and to experience a slice of heaven that he thought is the best treasure than the gold he earned from different islands of the seven seas, of the deep blue ocean in front of him.

He brushed his short light-blue hair with his calloused hands, feeling the morning breeze rushing through his leaned body that's covered with a white button shirt, black pants that is tied on his waist and boots of a pirate. Though he is no pirate, he is a sailor,an explorere, a captain of his own ship, the Nortulus.

"Steady on the wheel Harris", his baritone was heard by his first mate, Harris.

"Aye Captain", the bigger man said as he steadied the wheel, leading the ship to where his captain used to be, where he told their native friends in their adventure that he left his most valuable treasure in the world.

"If I be so bold captain, why should you waste your time doing this just to see this woman who is already tied with a landlubber?", Harris questioned. The captain chuckled, finding his question amusing and yet all so true.

"I have a knack to repeat the past, savvy?", the captain replied, his exterior expression shows the cunning look that Harris has already grown accustomed to but he is unaware that deep within the surface, those eyes shows the longing, the guilt and fear that has been plaguing his mind since he left the woman that could have change his life but most of all hers……….

The trumpets blared as the crowd of the Inu Taisho Kingdom cheered as they stand by below the balcony where the royal family is, standing proud and tall as they looked over the people below with smiles and the sense of pride on them.

Izayoi Taisho, the queen of the kingdom walked forward on the balcony with her crimson floor-length dress, the long sleeves flaring on her arms moved slightly from the breeze along with her long, silky black hair that's tied in a braid. Her creamy face glowing with happiness as she looks at the cheerful faces of her people, the reason why she is proud being queen for this kingdom in the first place besides the fact that she wants to be with her husband. She raised a hand, signaling them to stay silent and listen to her speech.

"My people, let this be the day of days. For us to celebrate with our hearts screaming with felicity and prosper because once again we are celebrating this aspiring event!", she spoke and the crowds cheered for her, making her smile brighten even more.

"Without wasting anymore time, let us all celebrate the Adelaide's Light Vision Festival!"

And with that the people roared then Izayoi walked back facing her family. Inuyasha had an amusing smile on his face while Sesshomaru smirked. Kagome looked at the crowd with awe, it wasn't her first time to see a speech like that but every time she sees it she feels a sensation within her, a sense of pride like she is connected with the people even though she wasn't the one who gave the speech.

"Kagome, let's go", said Inuyasha, waking her up from her stupor. She nodded then went back inside with the others.

Today is the 2nd test to prove of her worth of being a queen. She feels anxious, tense yet she is very excited to get down to it. She feels confident that she won't fail, no matter how many times she will fall, she will not fail. She wouldn't let her weakness show, she wouldn't let anything or anyone distract her, no, she can't let that happen for her pride is at stake here and maybe her pride is the only thing she got left that belongs to her.

The archery tournament starts in the morning and she's already in her outfit for the upcoming event. Wearing a sleeveless hunter-green shirt that hugged her slender body, a black skirt with shorts under that covers her thighs and shin guards that went straight up to her knees where each boot has a dagger. Her raven hair tied up in a high pony tail, revealing her ivory face and amber-chocolate eyes that shows her determination to succeed. By the looks of it, Kagome Higurashi is well prepared.

They arrived in the arena where the tournament is held. Kagome saw other contestants preparing, others were stretching, drinking water so they won't dehydrate in the tournament and some were checking on their equipment which reminds her that she should do the same. She brought the bow that she usually used for training, she sat down on a bench then she checked the elastic of her bow.

"Kagome!"

She looked at the entrance of the arena and saw Kouga with Shippou coming in and she noticed that Kouga has brought a bow with him.

"Hey Kagome, are you excited for the archery tournament?", asked Shippou with a look of excitement in his cute eyes. Kagome smiled.

"Kinda, I'm a bit nervous as well", she gave a sheepish smile then she averted her attention back to the bow in Kouga's hand.

"Are you joining the tournament as well Kouga?", she asked. Kouga shook his head.

"I came here to give you this, it's customized and it's all yours", he said, grinning as he handed the bow to her. Kagome is shock for the surprise, she gently grasped it.

It is a red composite bow, it has a unique curve on the belly of the bow with a golden color. She looked on the form closely then her eyes widen on what she discovered. There is an engraving on the limbs of the bow, the language is in Spanish, it says:

Estos hombros llevarán la fuerza de este Reino

Estas manos lucharán para las personas

Usted es la mente los dirigirá

Y usted es corazón los protegerá hasta que el día que usted muera, eso es lo que una Reina verdadera es

Shippou didn't understand what the words meant so Kagome translated the words in English:

"These shoulders will carry the strength of this Kingdom, These hands will fight for the people, You're mind will lead them, And you're heart will protect them until the day you die, that is what a true Queen is"

Kouga grinned. "Guess whose idea is that?", he asked, referring about the bow. Kagome just stared at him with a question mark on her face, Kouga chuckled.

"Your fiance's", he answered, astonishing Kagome. She tightened her grip on the bow as she bit her lip. She never thought that Inuyasha would something so thoughtful like this. She had a warm smile on her face.

"Tell him 'Thank you'", she said. Kouga nodded.

"Good luck on the tournament, go kick their asses!", he exclaimed, boosting up her confidence then her smile brightened.

"Sure thing!", was her response then Kouga and Shippou left. Kagome let out a breath to calm her nerves then she begins warming up, she only has an hour before the tournament starts.

The setting is a wide open area where everyone from the village and the castle occupied the seats of the wooden stadium. Inuyasha waits anxiously in his seat, waiting for the event to start, beside him is Sesshomaru who is seated next to Izayoi and on the other side are Sango, Miroku and Rin.

Sesshomaru can sense Inuyasha's agitation. "I don't see why you should be the one who's nervous", he remarked, looking around the arena. Men setting up the targets, it seems that 10 men would do one round each.

"I'm not nervous", Inuyasha hissed but his hands says otherwise when he clenched them then Kouga and Shippou came back and took a seat. Inuyasha looked at the two with anticipation and Kouga sensed it.

"She said 'Thanks'", and Inuyasha just nodded. He is content with that, Kagome was unaware of this but the 3 days she was busy with Sesshomaru, he went to visit Totosai and asked a favor of making a unique composite bow for Kagome. He was happy with the outcome, especially when he saw the engraving that he asked for.

"You know when Kagome heard that it was your idea she had a big smile on her face", said Shippou. Inuyasha's face was suddenly as red as a tomato, the others saw him and they laughed at his expense.

"Keh!"

The horns blared as the announcer stood at the center of the arena.

"Here ye! Here ye! Ladies and gentlemen the Archery Tournament will now begin!"

The horns blared again as the crowd cheered, clapped, whistled and howled as the first 10 contestants settled to their posts. Hitting the target, some failed miserably and some almost hit the bulls-eye then the announcer called out the next batch.

"Sir William! Sir Leo! Sir Augustus! Sir Rex! Lady Agatha! Lady Maria! Sir Marcus! Lady Lindy! Sir Nagako and Lady Kagome!"

When Inuyasha and the others heard her name, they all sat on the edge of their seats as they take a closer look of Kagome who just came out with her hand ready on her bow and arrow.

"Contestants take your aim!"

All of them got their arrows on their bows as they take aim on the target that's 20 yards away.

"Get Ready, Set, Fire!"

Kagome let go and it hit straight on the bulls-eye, she let out a sigh of relief then went back inside. Yes!

"Wohooo! GO KAGOME! YOU CAN DO IT!", Shippou exclaimed.

WHAM!

"Waaaaaaaaaaa!", Shippou wailed as he held on the bump on his head that Kouga made.

"Shut up squirt! Kagome's done with her turn already", Kouga growled. Sesshomaru looked up at the advisors and he could see the satisfied look on their faces.

The tournament continues as Kagome hits the bulls-eye on 30 yards, 40,50,60,70,80,90 and finally 100 yards. Only 3 people are left in the tournament and that includes Kagome.

Inuyasha and the others are shock that Kagome has come along this far, they are so amazed at Kagome right now. Inuyasha briefly closed his eyes.

She can do this

"First to start will be Sir Augustus"

The man with a cocky grin moved forward, getting an arrow and settled it on his bow as he aimed for the target, unluckily for him his arrow hit below the bulls-eye. The man cursed as he left with disappointment.

"Next Sir William, step forward"

The blonde man with a serious look on his face, settled on his position as he took aim on the target and hits the bulls-eye perfectly. The crowed cheered and booed.

"Damn!", Inuyasha cursed, fearing the possibility.

"Finally, Lady Kagome, please step-forward"

Kagome let out a breath as she stepped forward. She got an arrow then placed it on her bow as she got ready, looking at her target. Her strategy was to take her time, take all the time she needs. She was very disappointed that Sir William hit the bulls-eye cause she realized that if she hits the bulls-eye as well the advisors wouldn't be very impressed about it so she had another idea, she has another target in her mind.

"Here goes nothing", she muttered then she let go of the arrow.

The crowd stood in anticipation and anxiety. Their eyes widen, she didn't actually hit the bulls-eye but she split the arrow in half with hers. The crowd roared, standing up from their seats as they all jumped cheering for Kagome.

Shippou and the others couldn't take it anymore, they left their seats and the only ones left are Sesshomaru, Izayoi and the advisors. Izayoi looked up to the advisors with an amusing look on her face, glistening with happiness.

"Well?"

"I think the crowd speaks for itself", Hoshi replied and the other advisors couldn't agree more, the performance that Kagome displayed was just excellent.

"Whew! Glad that's over", Kagome said to herself as she settled down on the bench, trying to catch her breath and controlling her excitement.

"I present you the winner of this year's Archery Tournament, Lady Kagome!"

"Huh?"

She went out of the tent again, seeing the crowd cheering then all of a sudden she was pulled towards the center of the stage where in front of her are Sesshomaru, Izayoi and the advisors. A lady placed a medal around her neck and gave her a crystal, shaped as a dove.

"Congratulations", said the lady then went to the side of the stage. Kagome blinked. She didn't know what to expect or what to do. Then out of instinct she raised her prize with a big smile on her face and if it's even more possible the crowd's cheer roared even louder than ever. She could see the smiles on the advisors' faces, also Izayoi and Sesshomaru clapping for her.

"KAGOME!"

Then all of sudden Kagome was tackled down from the stage by Shippou and Rin, she panicked because they are going to fall off from the stage but then someone caught her, she let out a sigh of relief. The person helped her up as Shippou and Rin released their grasp then Kagome turned around and her eyes widen with shock, it was Inuyasha who caught her.

"Congratulations Kagome!", Sango and Miroku exclaimed in unison.

"Thanks", she said tiredly then Kouga had an evil idea, he went to the center of the stage with his arms wide open as he made an announcement.

"I present to you the Future King and Queen of the Inu Taisho Kingdome: Prince Inuyasha and Princess Kagome!"

Inuyasha's and Kagome's eyes widen with utter shock then they let go of each other, their faces reddening from embarrassment but the crowd didn't notice for they are still cheering on, happy and proud for them both.

Inuyasha sensed Kagome's exhaustion, he placed an arm around her waist. She looked at him curiously with tired eyes.

"Come on, let's get you back inside the tent, I'll go get you water too", said Inuyasha as he helped Kagome walk with the others following behind.

"Did I do good?", she asked as she panted.

"Don't talk right now, you're dehydrated", Inuyasha instructed but he saw the earnest and curious look on her face. His lips curved into a small smile.

"You were excellent", he said, making Kagome smile then she lay her head on his chest as they went back inside the tent.

"I gave you the bow didn't I?"

Kagome scoffed at his cockiness.

Kagome has an hour and half of rest before the hand-to-hand competition is next so she sat down on the bench as she drinks her water. The next event is the Joust tournament, she could hear the crowds cheering from inside. Inuyasha and the others went back up to their seats, watching.

"Water for the lady?", asked an old man who is in charge of the caretaking here.

"Yes please", she replied then the old man left. Placing her hands together she gathered up her thoughts on what she'll do on her next event. The rule is just simple, to fight you use yourself but you can also bring supplementary weapons, she has kodachis with her so that's good, if she keeps on winning she will have to fight a different man in each round until she reaches the final round. She looks at the men who are joining the event.

There has to be like 50 of them joining,waaaaaaaaaa! I'm gonna be so hungry when this match is over…..sigh….

Then she saw a man entering the tent, the man is covered with a cloak and his head is wrapped with a black headdress that the only thing can be seen are his eyes but even that she couldn't see his eyes clearly because of the shadows the headdress covered them. She seems to be hypnotized for she couldn't stop staring at the man even when he walks to the opposite side of the tent, his boots giving a sonorous sound every time it hits the floor.

She shook her head, snapping out of her stupor. She shouldn't be distracted right now, she has more important things to do than to wonder about a mysterious man but at the back of her mind, it is nagging her to know who that man is. She is confuse on why.

"There you are, I don't think it takes you that long to go to the comfort room", said Izayoi as she looked at Hoshi, who is taking his seat.

"My apologies but the line was very long", he said. Izayoi looked at him skeptically but then she shrugged it off, no need to wonder about it. Hoshi let out a sigh of relief, he was glad that he wasn't found out.

Kagome drank her water while her other hand played with her dagger.

"Alright folks, you guys are up next.", said the herald then he went outside to the arena where he will announce the first combat, unfortunately she's the first one. She saw it in the list, she's competing with a man name William of Saxon.

Once they announced their names, the two went to the arena. Kagome saw her first opponent, a blonde, tall and well-build up man. The only weapon with him is a tonfa.

This could be interesting but I have to end it quickly, when the bell rings…it's over

The bell rang then with lightning speed, Kagome knocked out the guy who flew meters away from her because of the impact. The crowd stayed silent, some amazed and confused on what just happened.

The herald checked on the man then he stood up.

"Winner, Lady Kagome!"

The crowds cheered and clapped. Kagome had a small smile on her face then she went back inside the tent, waiting for her turn.

"Smart girl",said Kouga. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha couldn't agree more.

"Huh? I don't get it? What exactly happened back there?", asked Shippou.

"The element of surprise, she knew that she will be facing many opponents and that's why she doesn't want to waste much of her energy in every match", Sesshomaru explained.

"I wonder how she got that idea….", Inuyasha wondered but no one can give an answer to that. They continued watching the matches, people are being eliminated one by one.

Kagome panted as she drank her water. She didn't waste much of her energy but she's still tired and she has some minor scratches from the different matches she went through. Only 5 more matches left and this will be over. Her eyes widened on who she saw, that mysterious man is here. That means he is part of the competition as well. She is surprise that his clothes aren't even scathed from the matches his been through and he doesn't even look tired.

Kagome snapped out of it! You can wonder about that guy later, right now get your mind focus on the tournament!

She mentally scolded herself.

"Next will be Lady Kagome and Sir Lantis!"

Once she heard her name she stood up then went to the center of the arena. Her next opponent is an average-size man with red locks, she couldn't see any weapon with him.

"Good….", she said under her breath, getting ready on her stance as she prepares herself to give a quick blow on the man's gut.

RRRRRRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGG!

She charged at the man but he evaded her attack, she noticed that he was going to kick her so she leapt up to the air and sent down a kick on his face and the man fell on the ground.

Not enough

She landed on the grounded then took an on-guard stance, preparing for his attack.

I'll make him come to me

As she expected the man charged at her, she dodged his attacks then sweep off his right leg making him trip, she tried doing a foot lock but the man broke free then he punched Kagome on the face then she hits the wall. She groaned in agony.

What the hell? That punch was hard….it's like its metal

Her eyes widen with realization, she looked at his right hand and saw brass knuckles.

"Damn…", she hissed. She stood up then spit the blood out of her mouth. She looked up at the stadium and saw Inuyasha being held down by Kouga and Shippou. She could see his fangs gritting.

Seems Inuyasha is pissed off….I am as well….cheh! I'll get this thing over with already.

Taking out her kodachis from her back, her right foot stepping on the wall then she charged, doing a cyclone spin then an instant she scratched the man's legs and arms.

The man cried in anguish, without wasting anytime Kagome kicked the guy on the gut then elbow-strike him on his back then finally punched him hard on the face and he lied down on the ground, Kagome pointed her kodachis on his neck, looking at him square on the eye.

"You better stay down or else it's your neck", she threatened and the man quivered with fear, knowing that he couldn't do anything anymore. The herald counts up to 10 then raised Kagome's hand.

"Winner, Lady Kagome!"

"Did you see that! Did you just see what Kagome did! That was awesome!", Shippou exclaimed while Rin is awe-struck. Everyone is, she didn't expect that she was this good.

"Sango….Miroku….", Sesshomaru called out, the only one who is still sane around here.

"Hai?", they asked in unison.

"Who was Kagome's master?", he asked curiously, Inuyasha heard them and looked at them with apprehension.

"She doesn't really have a master, she was only taught the basic martial arts when she was younger and that's it", explained Sango.

"Then how come Kagome knows how to do a cyclone attack like that?", Sesshomaru inquired.

"We don't really know….", said Miroku then they let out a sigh when Sesshomaru didn't question any further.

It was HIM who taught her that 3 years ago…….., Sango mentally said to herself.

Kouga noticed the serious look on Inuyasha's face.

"Relax man, she won the match, didn't she? Stop worrying about her. She'll be fine", said Kouga, trying to comfort the worried fiancé. He sighed.

"Yeah…..", was all he could say. He was worried that Kagome will get seriously injured in this tournament, so far she only has some minor scratches on herself but what bothered him if she will have a match with the man covered in a black cloak. The guy easily beat his opponents without a scratch. Knowing Kagome being a stubborn girl who won't back down, he has an uneasy feeling that the guy might cause some serious damage on her if she persists.

What were the elders thinking? How could they put a woman into these tournaments? His mother didn't exactly have this kind of test. The tests today are more strict and difficult than before.

"There are only 5 men left in the tournament meaning one of them will not fight yet then there will be 3 people left, I wonder who's the one resting then", said Sango, everyone gave thought about it.

It just better not be that guy……, Inuyasha thought

Kagome couldn't help but feel lucky today because she's the one who is going to wait until there is only 1 left. So she has several minutes to recover herself before the final round starts. She grabbed an ointment and was about to squeezed the lubricant on her hand when someone grabbed the said object.

She looked up to see it was the mysterious man, she could feel her stomach churning all of a sudden.

"Let me help you with that", she could feel herself melting when she heard the baritone of his voice, unaware that the man got the ointment out of her grasp, he squeezed it on his hand then rubbed it gently on the sore part of her face where it got punched by that bloody brass knuckle. She could feel herself heating up, she hopes that he thinks that it was the heat from the matches and not from embarrassment.

Her eyes saw the deep red eyes of the mysterious man in front of her then snapped from her reverie when he stopped rubbing her face.

"T-thanks….", she stammered, she feels like an idiot for blushing and stuttering like a 12 year old.

"No problemo", he said as he placed the cover of the ointment back.

"Who are you?", she asked. There she said it, the question that has been nagging at the back of her mind ever since she saw him.

"Yo, funny man! You're next", said the herald. The man sighed then stood up.

"Guess it's my turn now, see ya", he said with a wink then left. Kagome can feel herself blushing when he winked at her. She couldn't understand why but she feels mesmerized just by looking at him. Her eyes snapped wide open.

INUYASHA!

"Damn….I'm really screwed right now…..", she groaned as she covered her face with her hands. She shouldn't be like this, she's engaged right now and she kinda likes Inuyasha anyway but is that enough?

She shook her head, she'll think about this later. Right now, she wants to win this tournament and get this over with so she could eat a big feast then sleep like a pig.

She smirked at the thought while she wrapped her hands with bandages, getting ready for the final fight.

Several minutes later………

"We have come to the final round, the two finalists are Lady Kagome and Sir Fujiwara!"

Kagome quirk a brow, Fujiwara? Is he serious, that man over there is a Fujiwara? This has got to be a mistake. She shook her head then walked towards the arena along with the man called 'Fujiwara'

RRRRIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNG!

The bell rang, Kagome was about to charge at him but then he suddenly raised his hand. What the heck is he doing? Her eyes widen. Masaka!

"I forfeit in the match", he said. The crowd gasped. Kagome couldn't believe it, why did he do that? Does he think that he is going to lose or is he mocking her? Kagome couldn't accept it to be this way.

"No! I want you to fight me! I will not accept this!", Kagome exclaimed. The man with those mesmerizing ruby orbs looked at her with a mocking face. So he is mocking her!

"You have no say on what will be my decision", he said in a strict manner, Kagome feels like she's shrinking but she fights back.

"But why? I don't understand at all!", Kagome froze when he took a step and another step until he is right in front of her face.

"Sorry m'lady that I have to disappoint you but I have other important things to attend to", he said huskily, Kagome can feel her legs weakening. She lets out a breath, trying to calm herself. She crossed her arms as she looked at him with a firm look.

"Ok fine but answer this. Are you really a Fujiwara?", Kagome asked. The man laughed out loud then focused his attention back to her. He leaned to her ear and whispered.

"Why? Is there another Fujiwara you know?"

Kagome clutched her chest, her heart and mind throbbing. She shook her head.

"Nevermind…..go and leave", she said. The man moved away from her then faced the herald.

"Have you come to a decision?", the herald asked.

"Yes, I forfeit in the match", he replied and the herald nodded.

"Very well, therefore because of forfeit, Lady Kagome wins the tournament!", he announced and the crowd roared with happiness. The man turned back to Kagome, she could see that the man is grinning because his cheeks moved up.

"I'll see you next time Lady Kagome and you can bet on it that there will be a next time", and with that the man walked away.

"It's finally over………", she said then she collapsed on the grass, releasing her weariness to the ground as she tries to regain her strength. She saw a shadow and she looked up to see her friends looking down at her with a questioning and worried look on their faces.

"Oi! What's that look for? You guys should be congratulating me!", she laughed and her friends let out a sigh of relief. So Kagome is back to normal after all.

"Anyone care to carry me back to the castle? I'm beat!", she said then her friends looked at Inuyasha. Inuyasha blinked then he lowly growled.

"Oh alright!", he yelled then he picked up Kagome, bridal style.

"Thanks", said Kagome then she rested herself in his arms until they arrived back to the castle.

Kagome's P.O.V.

Eating lunch with the nobles and other villagers was fun and exciting. Talking to different people, giving jokes, witty comebacks and laughing together. It wasn't dull, it gives merriment to everyone and I'm very happy that I get to be a part of it. Because of the tournaments this morning I really ate a lot, I was eating like a starved man who haven't eaten in days and my friends laughed at my silly antics but I didn't mind at all, I'm glad that I could make them smile even at my own expense.

Surprisingly, Inuyasha joined as well, he wasn't being a jerk or insulting anyone at all. Well there were times when he and Kouga would argue but that wasn't something to worry because they always do that to each other. For once, Inuyasha is a good companion to be with. I mean he wasn't always a pain in the ass, we shared good times together in the past but this is the first time I've seen him genuinely smile and his laughter are like church bells ringing in my heart.

After I ate my lunch, I went to my room to take a cold shower then changed into a mocha and brown gown. It is fitted through the top and waist, and then flares out to a full bottom. There is a brocade fabric inset along the front of the dress. There are lacings along the front of the dress. The sleeves are fitted to a little past the elbow, and then they have a flare cuff, which has been trimmed with brown wave trim.

I decided to let my hair down and I collapsed on my bed. Relaxing on the soft fabric as I closed my eyes then the door burst open and I saw Sango, Rin and Shippou running inside my room.

"What is it?", I asked tiredly.

"Let's go downstairs and dance! There are a lot of people dancing", exclaimed Rin and I smiled at her cuteness.

"Maybe later….I'm kinda tired right now…", I said as I rubbed my eyes. I could see the stern look on Sango's face. Uh oh….that means she wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Kagome Higurashi, you are going downstairs and you WILL dance with thousands of guys! Now get up this instant!", she ordered as she pulled me up, I wanted to fight back but I'm too tired because of the tournament.

Damnit!

They pushed me down the stairs until we reached the ballroom where there are a lot of people dancing, nobles, young children and people from the village. I smirked when I saw Izayoi and Hoshi dancing. Wish I could take a picture of that.

I could hear the percussions beating and the lute played in the background. People are hopping, clapping and turning around in circles with smiles on their faces.

"May I have this dance m'lady?", I turned around and see it was Kouga, lending me his hand. I took his hand as he led me to the dance floor. I curtsied and he bowed then we dance, following the beat of the music. I can feel my heart bursting with happiness. I laughed at my expense, that I'm actually dancing, it's been a very long time that I've done this, the last time was when I danced with….Inuyasha…….

"May I cut in?"

I turned around to see it was Sesshomaru, Kouga and Sesshomaru bowed to each other then Kouga left, leaving me dancing with Sesshomaru.

"You surprised everyone back there", he remarked. I laughed sheepishly.

"Hehehe….did I?", I asked timidly and Sesshomaru nodded. "You even surprised the advisors, we rarely see them in a state of shock. You must be really proud of yourself", I laughed nervously, its rare to hear a compliment from Sesshomaru

"Anyway…..you know what to do later right?", Sesshomaru asked. Understanding what he was saying, I nodded. Tonight will be the night that he willremember.

I grinned, speaking of the devil. Here he is, looking handsome on his red tunic tied with a black belt and black breeches with boots. He took my hand and we moved along the music. Sesshomaru smirked then left the dance floor.

"You're surprisingly suave today Inuyasha", I commented and he smirked at me. He twirled me around then pulled me against his body. I can feel the butterflies inside my stomach and my face heating up. I can see him smiling, is it because he saw me blushing? God I hope not.

"Aaawwww…..they look so sweet together", said Sango as she watched the dancing couple with zealous eyes. Miroku watched them from afar with a look of approval.

"I've got to admit they do look good together. At first I thought this engagement will be a disaster for Kagome, I'm even surprised how close they have gotten", said Miroku with a wondering look.

"Love can do that to you", Sango replied as she watches them with awe. Sango froze when she felt Miroku's hands on her shoulders, she quickly turned with a threatening look on her face.

"What are you doing?", she hissed. Miroku sweat-dropped.

"Relax, I wasn't going to do anything perverting to you", but Sango didn't buy it. Miroku sighed."Hey Sango, wanna dance?", she was taken aback by his question then she nodded.

"Sure", then Miroku led her to the dance floor and the two of them sway to the music.

"Inuyasha what are we doing here?", Kagome asked as the two of them are in the courtyard with the clear blue sky above them. Kagome pulled away a strand of hair from her face that was caused by the warm breeze. Kagome noticed that Inuyasha is fidgeting, She wonders why….

"Is there anything wrong?", She asked. She can feel herself mesmerized when she looked at his intense golden eyes. Why is he looking at her that way? He took a step towards her until they are just merely inches apart. She gulped, nervous of whatever he is trying to do. Mustering all the courage he has, he spoke.

"I have something for you"

Oh my god indeed! I wonder what Inuyasha is giving her but I think you guys know already or maybe you don't. And who is this man calling himself FUJIWARA?

What is Kagome's plan?

Wait for the next chapter to find out!