A/N: Hello one and all! I'm baaaaack! And ready to annoy and conquer! Well, not really…Disclaimer will be read by…now this is random…SASUKE!
Dragon Man: Wait, didn't he go to Timbuktu to kill Itachi?
Me: Yes he did…but uh…he came back…because Itachi wasn't there…
Sasuke: You…Stole…My…SHURIKENS! (Sharingan eyes)
Me: Sasuke, calm down or else I'll send Neji-kun after you! Read this disclaimer and I might give you back your shurikens, alright?
Sasuke: (Grumbles) Fine… (Reads paper that is given to him by a nearby shinobi) Aki doesn't own Inuyasha or Naruto. She just writes crap for Inuyasha because she's just another one of those obsessive fangirls of the series. Also, any of the words Dragon Man just said in this author's note is not his, and Aki doesn't own him either. Dragon Man is therefore copyright to himself.
Me: See? That wasn't so hard! Now…reviews.
Dragon Man, believe or not, reading your updates helped A LOT! In fact, it made me get off my lazy ass and get my Naruto fic out of the planning stage and finally typed out. So Ch. 1 is ready. It won't go up for a while. I've been super busy…I've already got two fics in the works and sending a third would probably kill me…lol…anyway…lol…I'm getting a mental image of all the youkai clans being blown up, with all their guts in little bits flying everywhere…it's kinda funny…rofl! Now I'm getting something hilarious! I can seriously picture Inu and Sesshy shoving their swords up Harukichi's- Not in front of the innocent children! PLEASE think of the children- Um, anyway, and Mei kicking him right in the family jewels like you said. ROFL! So FUNNY! Yes, well he does deserve such torture…but in the next chapter he'll have karma bite him in the ass. So don't worry…Yes, I read that…that's awesome with Naruto and Kyuubi…you're so creative, Dragon Man! I adore you for that! Yeah…it took me a while to think of…but hey, I just read a few words of your fic and BOOM! There it is! The idea hits me again! (Has cute fluffy image of Mei being very motherly and playing with all the children…) Kawaii! (Fangirl squeal) Anyway…moving on, away from my craziness…But I LOVE your work! And I review! If no one reviews your chapters, I WILL! Just know that you have a loyal fan…me. Lol…I can totally imagine Gai and Lee…enjoy this chapter! Little snippets of fluff, and SESSHY DANCES! Muahahaha!
Angie, lol…you're so silly. It was entertaining to know…lol…you should practice doing stuff one-handed. You never know. Someday in the future, you could lose an arm, and you'll have to live like Sesshy. So keep practicing! (Grins)
Riku, this one is seventeen pages. It was originally over thirty. But I decided to be nice. And I did major editing, and cut lots of crap out, and split the chapter up. I hope you're still not suffering from that case of insanity…lol…well, I guess for a filler chapter I did alright…now Ch. 6 has been completed under little sleep, so if stuff doesn't make sense, then my brain obviously quit, and that's about when I was at 'ready to collapse on my keyboard' point, in which I sent myself to bed. I told him to behave! But he's not listening, I'm afraid… (Sighs) SIT! (Slam is heard in the background) There…he should leave you alone this chapter…lol…I'm sorry…but they've also been preventing me from sleeping also…but yes, that should suffice. They've been chaining me to my desk, making me write to get this next chapter up…so if anything, we'll suffer together!
Kitten (Sammi), why thank you! It must've been. Oh I know ghostchick! It definitely rings a bell. She's reviewed a couple times on the old fic. But my memory and brain cells are lacking, so I don't remember if she's reviewed this one…but anyway, if you hear from her, let her know I say hello. Hopefully you'll enjoy this chapter too. Anyway, I'm rambling…I'm keeping you from reading this long-awaited update, so I'll just shut my yap…
And now let's go!
Chapter Six: A Banquet, a Festival, and Many Lectures
"Nani! A banquet!" Everyone exclaimed.
"Hai…which means some of you need to be educated in proper behavior for such an event." Sesshoumaru replied. "Hana-chan, you will instruct the females…and unfortunately, this Sesshoumaru must deal with you, Inuyasha…"
"Keh!" The said hanyou scoffed.
"We have little time before the banquet. Begin with your instruction now."
Hana led Mei Lhi, Kagome, Sango, and Rin away, holding onto Tsukimaru and Tsurugi's hands as she walked on.
It would be a very long two days.
-
"Mei-chan, you are now officially forbidden to wear any form of hakama. Not even the kind from Kagome-chan's time. Sango-chan, Kagome-chan, this doesn't really apply too much to you, but until all these events are over, the two of you can't wear any hakama either. Sango-chan, since you're a taijiya, you have an exception. Rin-chan, you know this already, so this doesn't apply. Tsuki-chan and Tsurugi are far too young to understand or even properly dress themselves, so they needn't worry." Hana began. "Mei-chan, you're going to have to get used to the many-layered kimono. And you need to change anyway…your clothes are currently inappropriate for a Lady of the Western Lands."
Mei Lhi sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Hana-chan, you explained this to me a long, long, time ago…" She said.
"And it seems you've forgotten…now quickly, come with me, I'll assist you…we'll start simple with a five-layered one…it's winter now, so I need to get you adjusted to wearing at least five at once, but somewhat familiar with twelve."
The hanyou girl sighed once more and followed her friend off to a smaller side-room.
In a few minutes time, Mei's clothes from Kagome's time were packed away and the hanyou girl stood before all her friends wearing a very beautiful everyday kimono.
"What do you think?" Hana asked.
Rin, Kagome, and Sango applauded to show their approval.
"Good…now you get to wear that from now on…well, not exactly that, but you'll have different ones to wear…Kagome-chan, Sango-chan, your rules are simple. You just need to behave, speak when spoken to, you can of course converse at meals, but I don't recommend conversing with the other youkai…unless you know them. Now another thing is not to get in anyone's way, since you're Ningen and mostly everyone else is youkai, so there could be lots of conflict there. Rin-chan, your rules are slightly more complicated, but I'll have you be near me as much as possible. Enemy clans are probably going to be there and they'll most likely try to get to your father through you. Besides, other youkai women can be pretty rude to young youkai children like you. Mei-chan, I'm sorry to say this but the rules for you will be toughest of all. Not only are you the only daughter of Inutaisho, but you're the only chance that any youkai males have at taking the Western Lands. You're of marrying age now, and you're still untouched, which makes you very available and highly desired by many of the males. Sesshoumaru has had to send them off during the past few years that you've been gone. It won't be long before they get word you have returned. It was bad enough when they learned of your existence…" Hana explained.
-
"…Inuyasha, you are trying my patience!" Sesshoumaru said, sounding mildly annoyed.
"Keh, and you're a bastard, what else is new?" Inuyasha replied smugly.
Sesshoumaru smirked.
"…Just that the youkai males here wish to claim your sister as their mate by any means necessary just to gain control of Chichiue's lands."
"Nani!"
"Oh…this is the first you have heard of it? Well if you wish to learn any more, you will have to do as I say."
Inuyasha growled.
"Fine…" He ground out, still growling.
"Lesson one, no growling at your elders, or higher ups in youkai authority."
The hanyou stopped growling, giving his half-brother an evil stare.
"Good koinu…you should get a treat…" Sesshoumaru teased. "…Hmm…the youkai males have been inquiring about your sister since they first heard of her…I have been having to fight them off…which is why you were almost attacked at the gate…Now, lesson two…since you always seem to never stop eating, proper manners. You are not to use your hands or anything other than your utensils."
Ramen arrived for them to eat along with two pairs of chopsticks.
"Do not touch your food. Allow this Sesshoumaru the proper way to demonstrate how to act at meals."
Inuyasha's glare grew fiercer.
"Lesson three, no menacing or ill-intended looks or glares directed at elders, higher authority, or others you do not know…"
Inuyasha looked downward, sulking.
"…That includes sulking, by the way. Your emotions, if you show any, should be optimistic. Keep your expressions limited."
"So I have to act like an emotionless asshole like you?"
"Lesson four, no insulting or name calling of elders, members of higher authority, or colleagues. That can only be done when taunting an enemy…but only the truly foolish people do so…now allow me to continue my demonstration…"
Sesshoumaru took his chopsticks in a somewhat ceremonial way, giving a short bow before slowly eating, occasionally slapping Inuyasha across his knuckles with the chopsticks when the hanyou attempted to eat a noodle.
This was literally the start of a nightmare.
-
"Alright, we'll have to teach you to dance…Kyo, thank you so much for coming on short notice." Hana said.
The Ryuuyoukai boy grinned.
"It's…no big deal, really…" He said.
"Well, if you say so. Now, should we begin?" The miko-youkai inquired.
"How are we supposed to begin when we don't know what we're doing?" Inuyasha asked.
"That was oddly polite…" Mei Lhi commented dryly.
"Shut up!" Inuyasha snapped.
"…Dear Little Brother…what did I say…?" Sesshoumaru asked, his voice taking on an odd sort of almost happy tone.
Everyone in the room raised an eyebrow. Was it possible? Did Sesshoumaru actually manage to get a leash on Inuyasha? Was the angry, foul-mouthed, rude hanyou finally tamed?
Inuyasha gritted his teeth, mumbling an apology to his sister.
"…Good…you truly are not as hopeless as I had thought…" Sesshoumaru said with a smirk.
Hana cleared her throat.
"Anyway, you need to learn how to dance, since there's most likely going to be a sort of thing like that during the festival. So, let's get started…Inuyasha, take Kagome's hands, Miroku, take Sango's, and Kyo, take Mei Lhi's. Now, pay attention, Sesshoumaru and I will demonstrate, and Kyo, I know that you know all this, but please don't get too bored, alright?" Hana said.
Kyo nodded, smiling slightly.
'I don't believe this! Sesshoumaru's actually going to dance! I think I'll end up cracking a rib…' Mei Lhi thought.
Sesshoumaru and Hana joined hands; Rin smiled watching her parents with amusement. Hana did a small curtsy, Sesshoumaru giving a short bow.
A still silence settled into the room, the only sounds were everyone's steady breathing and moving fabric as it skimmed across the smooth and glossy floor.
The taiyoukai and miko-youkai danced to their own tune, and wove a story with their movements, until finally coming to a close. Then the two parted with an unforeseen grace, their captivated audience in complete awe.
"…well, anyway, to be honest, the dance has no real motions…it's based entirely on emotion…it should just come to you naturally…" Hana explained. "…Now you try…minna, just follow your heart and your instincts."
"You're joking, right, Hana-chan?" Mei Lhi asked.
"No, I'm not…and what did I say about random unnecessary questions?"
Mei Lhi sighed, shaking her head.
Kyo took the hanyou girl's hands, and led her to where Sesshoumaru and Hana had been dancing moments before. Both bowed, and began their dance.
Their eyes locked and remained that way, enjoying one another's presence so close by. The story they wove with their movements was bittersweet, but beautiful nonetheless. Hana applauded enthusiastically, very proud and impressed that the two had mastered the dance. Miroku, Sango, Inuyasha, and Kagome stepped forward next.
After a ceremonial bow, they began. The perverted monk's wandering hands innocently copped a feel on the young taijiya's backside, making her flinch.
"Miroku-sama…that's not very appropriate to do." Hana scolded. "Try and behave, please."
"Hai, Hana-sama…" Miroku replied with a sigh.
-
Inuyasha's senses felt somewhat dulled somehow. It had been a while since Kagome had been so close. Instinctively he drew her closer, his senses tingling, in a state of euphoria at the feeling of the miko girl in his arms, her scent washing over him in gentle waves, the warmth of her body against his, the gentle sway of her motions, the way her clothes hugged her feminine figure so perfectly.
The only thing the hanyou could sense was the presence of Kagome in his arms. Everything else was blocked out somehow. It was as if the entire universe existed of only the two of them…at least, that's what his instincts were telling him…but his conscious mind knew that there were other people in the room. But suddenly at that moment, he didn't care. He just wanted nothing more than to be with Kagome forever.
Instinct took over reason, and he lost the battle of his conscious mind to his lust.
"Kagome…" He growled in a husky voice.
The miko girl looked up at him questioningly.
"Hai, Inuyasha?" She replied softly.
The hanyou nuzzled his face into the girl's neck, sensing the warmth in her blood increase.
"…Inuyasha…?" Kagome asked, confused.
He nuzzled closer into her neck, pulling her even closer. His eyes were drawn the white flesh of her neck. Tilting his head, he nipped her lightly, licking Kagome's blood from his canines.
"…mine…" He murmured.
-
"…Oh…shit…" Mei Lhi said, her eyes widening.
"Mei Lhi!" Hana exclaimed angrily.
"What? We have to get him away from Kagome, and fast!"
"Nani? What are you talking about!"
"Hana-chan, please take note that you have youkai senses, so use them…"
The miko-youkai rolled her eyes at the hanyou girl, inhaling the air around them. Her eyes grew wide as the scents registered.
"Anata, I'm sure you've noticed by now…I apologize for my lack of attention…"
Sesshoumaru nodded and walked up to his half-brother and pulled him away from Kagome. Inuyasha growled, making a move to strike at the one behind him. The taiyoukai hit the hanyou over the head with a closed fist, knocking Inuyasha down.
"…Baka kusotare!" The taiyoukai muttered.
"Kagome-chan, subdue him! Hurry!" Mei Lhi and Hana exclaimed.
"Naze? What's wrong?"
"Just do it, Kagome!" Mei Lhi yelled.
Kagome sighed.
"Inuyasha, osuwari!"
"AGHHH!"
The hanyou landed face-first into the marble floor. Immediately, he was back to normal.
And after that little incident, everything went smoothly.
-
It was the day of the banquet. Hana, Tsurugi, Tsukimaru, Mei Lhi, and Rin sat on Aun's back; Kagome was on Inuyasha's back, Sango, Miroku, Shippou, and Minoru were on Kirara, while Sesshoumaru ran along the road below with his half-brother.
Hana was giving directions, and they pursued their course north. Many other youkai were in smelling range in the area, all of them headed for the banquet.
"Oi, Inu-kuro!" A familiar voice yelled.
Kouga was behind them…and he wasn't alone. Ayame along with a few wolf pups was accompanying him.
Inuyasha ignored him and sped up.
More youkai were occupying the skies and the road. Clans from everywhere were joining alongside them. Toriyoukai, Nekoyoukai, you name it; they were either in the air or on the road.
The mountains were drawing closer, the scent of Ryuuyoukai and the feeling of incredibly powerful youkis emanating from them.
"Oi, baka, I'm trying to talk to you here!" Kouga yelled irritably.
"Kouga, be nice! Especially in front of the children!" Ayame snapped.
Inuyasha snickered but promptly stopped when several of his companions shot him a look.
In a still silence, they journeyed on, finally stopping on a large, flat, gray stone platform that rested before a set of enormous doors with intricate detailing on them. Everyone dismounted and stood before the doors in awe.
"Who approaches?" A Ryuuyoukai guard asked.
"We have come for the banquet. We were invited by your Lord." Ayame replied.
The doors opened and all stepped inside, into a vast world unknown to them.
-
"You are all here and accounted for. It is a great honor that the Ryuuyoukai clan feels to see all of you here with us. Now, you have time to linger. Feel free to roam about our halls, but please try not to get lost. But just be sure to return in time for the grand feast we will be having in your honor. That is all." Harukichi announced to the youkai clans about an hour later.
The clans of youkai dispersed, each of them going off in their own directions.
Sesshoumaru, Hana, Rin, Tsukimaru, and Tsurugi had gone off somewhere, just as Sango, Miroku, Shippou, and Minoru had also disappeared as well. Kirara and Aun were resting from their journey, leaving Inuyasha, Kagome, and Mei Lhi alone.
Mei Lhi sighed, obviously from boredom.
'I wonder where Kyoshi-kun is…I haven't seen him since yesterday…and before that, even less…It's been so long it seems…since we were last together…I hope he's alright…He hasn't been around as much…since Harukichi went and stepped in…'
She sighed again, sinking into a nearby chair.
"Mei-chan, daijoubu?" Kagome asked.
"Hm? Oh…hai, I'm fine…" The hanyou girl replied passively. "Just really bored…that's all…"
Kagome laughed lightly and nodded understandingly.
"Sesshoumaru is coming back…"
"Oh? That's interesting…"
The taiyoukai approached, everyone else behind him.
"…Harukichi is planning something…" He said.
"I think we kind of figured out that one, already…Tell us something we don't know." Inuyasha replied.
Sesshoumaru shot his half-brother a warning stare before continuing.
"…At the evening meal tonight, every clan with every member in it will be announced. Harukichi is simply alerting all the young males that our dear sister has returned, is untouched, and certainly ready to be married off."
"That's just great…can't I just pretend I'm someone else?" Mei Lhi asked.
"Iya…your scent would be too noticeable…"
"Well…what're we going to do?"
"Mei Lhi…you must never be by yourself at any time. Always stay with company who can defend you."
"I can defend myself."
"…Hai, I know this…but you must act properly while we are here."
"Well, this just keeps getting better…I can't be alone, I can't defend myself, and I can't act unladylike…what else can I add to my list of can't do's?"
"…Many things, unfortunately…"
Mei Lhi sighed.
She rested her chin in her hand, staring at the marble floor, waiting for dusk.
-
"Who is it that we may make the acquaintances of this fine evening?" A Ryuuyoukai asked Sesshoumaru.
"…The Inu Clan…" The demon lord replied.
"Your names, titles, and father's name's, if you wish to say them, please…"
"…Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands, first son of Inutaisho."
"Hanajima, Lady of the Western Lands…"
"Rin, first daughter of Sesshoumaru-sama…"
"Tsukimaru, second daughter of Sesshoumaru-sama…"
"…Tsurugi…first son of Sesshoumaru-sama and heir to the Western Lands…"
"Inuyasha, second son of Inutaisho…"
"…Mei Lhi, first daughter of Inutaisho…"
The Ryuuyoukai nodded in understanding and soon the doors opened.
"Announcing the Inu clan! Lord Sesshoumaru, first born of Inutaisho. He is accompanied by his wife, Lady Hanajima and their three children, Rin, Tsukimaru, and the only heir, Tsurugi!" The Ryuuyoukai announced in a clear voice.
Sesshoumaru, Hana, and the three pups stepped through the doorway, all in the room sank to polite bows before rising once more as the newcomers took their seats.
"Lord Inuyasha, second born of Inutaisho. He is accompanied by the Lady miko Kagome."
Inuyasha and Kagome made their approach forward, receiving polite bows, at last taking their seats nearby Sesshoumaru and Hana.
"And finally, Lady Mei Lhi, third born of Inutaisho, the only daughter to the Western Lands."
Mei Lhi took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Many of the youkai males were stealing glances at her. She could feel several pairs of eyes watch her every movement. All of the younger males sank to low and respectful bows, while the elder youkai males remained in a polite bow. Mei Lhi took her seat next to Kagome, breathing a sigh of relief that the ordeal was over.
-
Everyone had been introduced and all sat at the enormous table in the dining hall. Small conversations were held during the meal, a very peaceful setting…until Harukichi ever so conveniently brought up the subject on many of the guests' minds.
"Sesshoumaru, if I am not mistaken, Mei Lhi is of marrying age now, is she not?" He asked loudly so all could hear.
All eyes and ears turned towards the taiyoukai, expectantly awaiting an answer.
Sesshoumaru glanced briefly at everyone's curious faces from the corner of his eyes before giving a slight nod.
"Have you chosen a suitable mate for her yet?"
"Iie…demo…I believe that she is the intended of another…am I not correct?" The taiyoukai replied with his signature smirk in place.
Harukichi's grin fluctuated before he forced a nasty sneer onto his face.
"Hmmm…yes, I have heard of this…but you needn't worry about that now…the problem has been addressed and the matter has now been put aside."
Kyo glared at Harukichi with a look of pure hatred before quickly regaining his composure and eating his food.
After that, dinner was long and almost unbearable. It couldn't have gotten any worse, could it?
-
Dinner had ended, and now everyone had dispersed to rooms to rest for the night, awaiting the morning of the following day when names would be drawn, deciding the location of where the festival would be held.
"Kuso…" Inuyasha growled angrily.
"Nani?" Kagome asked.
"Iie…nan demo nai…"
"Please, you can tell me…"
"Fine…I'm just…so fed up with all this shit."
"What do you mean?"
"All this shit about Imouto-san, about how everyone's trying to get Oyaji's lands, and then there's Kyo…and all this shit with the Ryuuyoukai…fuck! With all of this to worry about, I'll die before my fucking time! Sesshoumaru's gonna live longer than me at this rate!"
Inuyasha continued on with his tirade before he was abruptly cut short and caught off guard when he felt Kagome's mouth close over his.
The hanyou returned the kiss and cupped the back of the miko girl's head. All other thoughts in his mind were forgotten, for now Kagome overwhelmed them all.
"Kagome…" He whispered, breathing deeply, bathing himself in his beloved's scent.
They broke away, Kagome smiling at him.
"Feel better now?" She asked him innocently.
Inuyasha smirked. Kagome continued to smile.
"Come here…" He growled.
Kagome complied, her smile widening.
"Uh-oh…am I going to be punished?" She teased.
"Yeah…and you're going to suffer…" Inuyasha replied in a low voice.
The hanyou pulled Kagome into his arms and started tickling her.
Soon the miko girl was screaming with laughter, tears in her eyes from laughing so hard.
"I'll get you back for that one…" She said, once the tickle-fest had finally come to a close.
"Yeah, whatever…"
Kagome yawned.
"I'm so sleepy…good night, Inuyasha…"
"Good night…Kagome…"
The miko girl sighed softly, falling deeper into Inuyasha's embrace, sleep overcoming her.
The warmth of Kagome in the hanyou's arms, and the sound of her leveled breathing brought a sense of peace to Inuyasha. And he too, was able to sleep.
-
"Good morning one and all. I trust each of you have had a good night's rest?" Harukichi said at the table in the dining hall the following morning.
The youkai and the few Ningen in the room nodded.
"Now it is time to announce where the festival shall be held…a drawing was held earlier this morning, and we did indeed draw a name…"
Everyone looked towards Harukichi curiously.
"Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands was who was drawn…which therefore means, our festival will be held in the Western Lands. We leave as soon as possible. Sesshoumaru, you will lead us, as I'm sure many of those present here most likely do not know the way. Is this alright with you?"
Sesshoumaru glanced at Harukichi briefly, but averted his gaze to Hana for a few seconds, before turning away and staring at no one in particular, not saying anything.
"…I see no reason why this Sesshoumaru should be troubled by a festival…however, if this event is to take place, then the guests must obey my rules…" The taiyoukai said finally in a level voice.
"But of course Sesshoumaru! Even we, the Ryuu clan will gladly obey your laws…as it is, after all, your lands…is that not the youkai order? Any high clan in the territory of another high clan must obey the laws of the head of that domain. That is the rule, is it not?"
"…Hai…then this Sesshoumaru will not have any reason for the festival not to be held…"
"It is a good opportunity for you as well, Sesshoumaru. Perhaps you can find a nice young male that would make a suitable mate for the girl…?"
"…One has already been found…by the girl herself…"
"…Sesshoumaru, you know that no such union can take place…the girl cannot have the one she has picked…"
"This Sesshoumaru believes it is not my responsibility to find a decent male for the girl to marry. She truthfully is not of my concern. The choice of who the girl marries should be made by someone else…like her brother, for instance…"
"Are you not the girl's brother as well?"
"The girl is simply half-related to me…because her Chichiue's blood is the same as mine…however, the girl's Chichiue and Hahaue are the same as Inuyasha's…"
"Hmmm…sou ka…well, my apologies my dear guests…this is why times when a woman is to be married off it can be a difficult time…different clans have different viewpoints…Sesshoumaru, we shall discuss this some other time…but until then, let us enjoy this glorious meal!"
-
Mei Lhi had been silent during the entire meal, and even after that, when the animals were being brought from the stables and prepared for travel. Her silence lasted the entire journey from the North to the Western Lands, where she finally had to speak to greet guests and welcome them. Now she stood in the courtyard, still greeting them, her brother at her side, which she was very thankful for.
"Good day to you, my Lady…" A young Yamainu youkai male greeted, bowing, taking Mei Lhi's hand into both of his own.
"Good day you, young Lord…" She replied, innocently pulling her hand away.
Inuyasha glanced at her, she shook her head.
"Don't worry…Kagome brought the hand sanitizer…I'll be scrubbing my hands raw with it…" She said jokingly.
Inuyasha coughed to cover up the small sarcastic laugh that managed to escape, a smirk on his face.
"Don't scrub too hard. You don't want your hand to fall off. Because then all the males will be so sad that they won't be able to hold them both." He replied.
Mei Lhi laughed, but quickly stopped as another young youkai male approached.
"Your laughter is such a sweet melodious song to my ears…Good day, my Lady. How are you?" He asked.
"Anno…thank you? Good day, young Lord. I am doing well, thank you for your concern."
"Keh! Where'd you get that kind of answer from? One of Kagome's weird books?" Inuyasha asked in Inuyoukai.
"No, actually…I thought of what Hana would say…" Mei Lhi answered, also speaking Inuyoukai.
"It sounded more like the bullshit Sesshoumaru spouts…"
"Inuyasha…I am quite capable of understanding what you both are saying…" Sesshoumaru interrupted them.
"Sorry, Sesshoumaru-Onii-san!" Mei apologized.
"'Sesshoumaru-Onii-san'! Where the fuck did that come from!" Inuyasha inquired.
"Inuyasha! Your manners! Has everything I taught you two days ago already leaked out through your empty head? Mei Lhi-Imouto-san, I accept your apology."
"What the hell! Since when have you two suddenly started giving each other proper titles! Sesshoumaru, fuck off! I didn't forget shit! Nobody knows what the hell I'm saying except for you, Hana-babaa-"
"Hana-chan is not old!"
"Whatever…anyway, nobody knows what I'm saying except for you, Hana, Imouto-san, and your whelps. So I can talk the way I want and there's nothing you can do about it!"
"I can put your sister's room near the guest rooms that the youkai males will be occupying…"
"Forget I ever decided to be respectful towards you, Sesshoumaru!" Mei Lhi said angrily.
"Mei Lhi-Imouto-san, I'm simply trying to scare your idiot brother into behaving…"
"For once can Kagome-chan be the victim of your evil ways to get Nii-chan to listen to you instead of me?"
"Hai, I suppose…"
"Don't even THINK of touching Kagome. Leave her out of this! Leave Imouto-san out of this!"
"Then behave, and I will."
"Grrrrrr…"
"Don't snarl at me…you know better than that…"
"FINE! Just leave Kagome and Imouto-chan alone!"
"Good…now keep greeting the guests…"
Inuyasha turned away from his half-brother, and didn't say a word for a long time.
-
It was later that day; Mei Lhi was being tended by her handmaidens. The five of them were working quickly, helping their mistress into a brand new kimono. The kimono itself was quite extravagant. It was of course, traditional style, but with a bit of a Western touch to it. Mei had grown quite fond of it immediately.
The kimono was black, and consisted of a black yukata, with the elegantly embroidered kimono itself. The sleeves were long and very beautiful. The pattern was the same floral pattern as Sesshoumaru's, only instead of a red pattern, the pattern was a deep silvery-gray.
Tanrei and Hisui were tying the obi, which was made of red silk. Saiki came and helped the two handmaidens with the incredibly large obi, the three of them tying it into a large bow with a butterfly-like shape.
"Sesshoumaru-sama has requested that the youkai markings be present, and you personally, my Lady should look the absolute best you can." Momo said.
Kai had already fetched the calligraphy brush and held a small box with small corked bottles inside.
Saiki took the box and brush from Kai, uncorking two bottles.
"Grab that white sheet and cover Mei Lhi-sama so the paint won't get onto her new kimono." She said to Hisui.
Hisui did as instructed, deciding to make sure the sheet didn't slip. Saiki took the brush and placed it into one of the opened bottles.
Mei felt the brush place thin lines, one under each eye, and she felt the brush make an arced motion on her forehead.
"Saiki…why did do you place the crescent moon? I am not a higher youkai like Sesshoumaru-Onii-san." The hanyou girl said puzzled.
"Are you not betrothed to that Ryuuyoukai boy…Kyoshima-sama? It automatically raises you in the hierarchy…You are a Hime-sama in his clan, are you not?" Saiki replied.
Mei Lhi flushed a little at her handmaiden's response.
"Hai…I guess so…" She said finally.
Saiki finished a few moments later.
"Shall I get…?" Tanrei began.
Saiki nodded, and Tanrei rushed off, returning with a long white fur that looked exactly like Sesshoumaru's tail.
"It is Sesshoumaru-sama's own fur…it is his gift to you. We have been spending a long time weaving it all together. But now we have finally finished, and just in time for the festival. He says that now you have acquired something similar, anno…almost exactly like his anno…tail…you are to wear it with everything." Tanrei explained.
"Sesshoumaru-Onii-san did this?" Mei asked.
Tanrei, Saiki, Hisui, Momo, and Kai all nodded.
"It's very beautiful…I shall thank him for it tonight…he's very silly though…making it an order to make me wear it…I'd wear it no matter what! This is such a generous gift!" The hanyou girl concluded.
"There's something else…Kyoshima-sama sent something to you also…" Hisui said.
"Kyoshi-kun did? What did he send?" Mei asked curiously.
Hisui pulled out a pair of black slippers, with many colored beads, sewn into slipper to form a dragon on each slipper.
Mei's eyes lit up, and she smiled.
"I shall have to thank him too…they're so pretty…both of the gifts are…" She said.
Tanrei draped the fur over Mei's right shoulder, letting it hang down nicely on to floor so when she walked, it followed her like a train. The top had been lightly placed to encircle the back of her neck and rest softly on her left shoulder. Momo and Kai helped their lady put on the slippers, and afterward, they combed through Mei's silver hair one last time before she stepped out of her room and joined Kagome and Sango, who she would enter with.
"Mei-chan, you look so beautiful!" The taijiya and miko commented.
"Arigatou, I can easily say the same to the both of you. Inuyasha's going to be floored when he sees you Kagome-chan. And Miroku, well, we all know what he's going to do…" The hanyou girl said.
The three girls laughed and a door to their left slid open. Hana stepped out and joined the three of them.
"Konban wa…" She said. "Mei-chan, you look lovely…and I see you got your gifts…"
"Hai, Sesshoumaru-Onii-san is most kind." Mei Lhi replied.
"Ma…we're all here…Rin, Tsukimaru! We're going."
The two girls stepped out, looking just as beautiful as their mother.
"Hanajima-sama…Sesshoumaru-sama, Inuyasha-sama, and Miroku-sama are ready now. Tsurugi-sama and Shippou-sama are also ready." A servant informed them.
"Let's go…it would be ill to keep them waiting…"
The girls followed the servant down the hall, meeting up with the men.
Sesshoumaru politely greeted everyone, turning to his half-sister, a single name crossing his thoughts.
"…Izayoi…" He thought aloud, without realizing it.
"Sesshoumaru-Onii-san…what was that name you called me just now?" Mei Lhi asked.
The taiyoukai smirked.
"Inuyasha…look upon your sister. Does she look familiar to you?" He said.
The hanyou studied his sister, realizing what it was that Sesshoumaru saw.
"…You see it…?"
"Hai…"
"Her name was Izayoi…your mother…I still remember her face…it seems she lives on still…within Mei Lhi-Imouto-san…"
-
"The Lord of the Western Lands has arrived with the rest of the clan and with the representatives of the Ningen clan of this domain." A soldier announced.
The numerous youkai clans fell silent, their gaze fixated on the doorway where the soldier stood.
"Bow to the Lord and Lady of the Western Lands, Sesshoumaru-sama and Hanajima-sama!"
The taiyoukai and miko-youkai walked through the doorway.
"The Heiresses, Rin-sama and Tsukimaru-sama, and the Heir, Tsurugi-sama."
The three children followed behind their parents.
All five received a respectful bow.
"The second heir and second son of Inutaisho, Inuyasha-sama with young miko Kagome-sama and Kitsune child, Shippou-sama."
Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippou stepped through, received their bows, joining their five predecessors.
"The third born and first daughter of Inutaisho, Daughter and Lady of the Western Lands, Mei Lhi-sama."
Mei Lhi walked through the doorway, and a stunned silence settled throughout the room as she crossed the room.
All the young youkai males sunk to their knees in a mystified stupor, dropping to low and respectful bows.
Mei quickly crossed the room, standing near her brothers, keeping her gaze downward to hide the blush creeping into her cheeks.
Sango, Miroku, and Minoru had been introduced, and there was a long procession of youkai exiting the castle and moving out onto the courtyard.
The exterior landscaping was amazing. It was like a dream. The servants had done an excellent job. Silk-wrapped flowers, Sakura blossoms strung from all directions, it was just so beautiful and extravagant.
"Thank you so much for your kind hospitality, Sesshoumaru! Let the festival begin with the ceremonial first toast!" Harukichi said.
Servants came forward with sake, pouring for everyone present.
Everyone raised their sake cups, awaiting the toast.
"A long youthful life to us all and our next generations, and a safe, happy marriage for the Daughter of the West!" Harukichi announced, downing his sake.
The others followed suit, Mei Lhi pretending to drink to the Ryuuyoukai leader's toast.
This festival was going to be excruciatingly unbearable…
-
"Mei Lhi-Imouto-san…" Sesshoumaru called.
"Hai?" She asked.
"…Be on guard…the males will be trying to win you over…all of them will be fighting for your affections and your attention. It could get violent. Be careful."
"Hai…thank you for the warning…"
"Mei Lhi-sama…" A young youkai man said. "I am Yuji from the East, from the Toriyoukai clan. May I have the pleasure to dance with you?"
Mei Lhi looked to Sesshoumaru for instruction, who nodded.
"Hai, you may…" She answered.
Yuji took her hand and bowed, Mei bowing back.
The war for Mei Lhi had just begun.
-
Mei Lhi sat on a blanket in the snow of the courtyard, very tired after so much dancing. Her current count was nearing forty different people she had danced with. Her handmaidens were sitting with her, tending to their mistress's needs.
"Would you like some water, my Lady?" Hisui asked.
"Iie, I'm fine…" Mei replied.
"Alright then…"
"Will you be needing anything?" Tanrei asked.
"Iie…I'll be fine, thank you…"
-
"Oi…so what do you think…?" A young youkai male asked.
"Of what?" Another young youkai male replied.
"Of the girl…of Mei Lhi…"
"…she's nice…real nice…she's very beautiful…"
"Would you mate with her…?"
"Sure, why not? The Lands is just an added bonus…what about you? What do you think of her?"
"I agree with you, yeah, she's very beautiful, and she also seems like the type that doesn't like to be pushed around. I like that in my women. I'm getting the shivers just thinking about her…"
"So…how about you? Would you mate her?"
"Of course! Do you know how long my family has been trying to get these damn lands! I'm incredibly lucky to even be here! But anyway…now that I think about mating…wow…if she's as good in bed as she is pretty, I'll be happy for life!"
"She's always surrounded by people…it's either her brothers or those damned maids! How do you think we can get her alone?"
"We'll need lots of help…we should talk to our friends…here, in places and times like this, they're the only ones we can trust…"
The two walked away, Kyo looking up from his cup of tea. He had heard everything…and he didn't like a word of it.
The young Ryuuyoukai glanced at his beloved Mei Lhi from the corner of his eyes.
'I should warn her…'
He set down his tea, stealthily slipping away from Harukichi's watchful eye, approaching the hanyou girl he so dearly loved.
A/N: Sorry it took so freaking long to get this up. I've been super busy with finals exams and school crap…You all got super lucky. I had to do LOADS of editing cuts to this chapter. The original version was over thirty pages in Word. And I decided to be nice and only give you seventeen to read. The beginning of Ch. 7 is actually beginning with the last pieces of the original version of Ch. 6…I tried to cut out as much un-needed stuff as possible, but it's almost midnight as I type this, so if anything sounds weird, let me know, and I'll explain what my tired brain meant to say. Anyway, as always, review and let me know your thoughts. Oh, Dragon Man, I am going to do a Naruto fic. I have Ch. 1 finished. But I need the names of Neji's and Sasuke's jutsu and some of the Yondaime's jutsu too. Anyways…I'll be going now…to get some sleep. I got back from the movies about an hour ago…I saw "Boogeyman"…it was good…I'm such a wuss, and I screamed a whole mess of times…but so did the rest of the theatre…so I can't be that much of a sissy if everyone else was doing it…anyway, I'm rambling, I'll shut up and go away now… (Sweat drops)
