Chapter 49: Camper

"Row 1, Seat 5 and 6."

Sesshomaru nodded as he was escorted to his seat up front, pulling along a shocked Kagome and wonder-eyed Rin. The strange and precarious scents brushed his sensitive nose and a small filter was inserted to dilute the overwhelming scents in the room. His ears along with every other demon held tiny noise reduction air buds. A much-appreciated Samsung product from the demon community. Otherwise, he and his kin would be destroying the place by now looking for peace, quiet, and water to bathe those too indulgent in colognes and perfumes. His eyes darted to Kagome's tight hold onto his suit jacket wrapped bicep. Her freshly painted pink nails gripping the fabric tightly for security as she looked about at all the people, lights, décor, and excitement. His other arm was being used as a pedestal for a glamorously dressed Rin who held him tightly around his neck. Her frilly orange organza and tulle gown made her look like a cute little ornament while her hair curled around her small head.

His eyes flickered sideways at the feel of Kagome's chest brushing against his arm. A silent prayer left his lips and a curse soon afterwards. The emerald green jumpsuit suited her curvy figured and accented the natural warm glow of her skin. Her long hair was pulled into a high ponytail that swayed behind her with every step she took. Her other hand reached over to causally keep a grip on the back of Rin's shoulder blades as a constant reminder that she was always there. Her soft scent and alluring body almost caused them to be late getting ready that night for the finale of the seasonal events.

Restaurant week had come and gone. Soon followed by Paris Fashion Week. It had been a whirlwind of interviews, articles, demos, conversations, and brand growth for the both of them. New ideas were turned into viable solutions and made real. He and Kagome were now talking about possible joint ventures and that didn't just end at the food industry. He meant everything that he said, that he would make her his. And the time that followed, he worked on proving that to her and little Rin. His eyes glanced up at Rin watching her look around at all the people and leaning into his chest for comfort. One hand was wrapped around his neck and her other hand, played with the long strands of his silver hair pulled together at the nape of his neck.

Kagome turned her head to see people of all sizes dressed fashionably well and enjoying probably what would be the most important day of their lives. The lights were turned on and hot from above. The chatter all around her was distracting but could not be out done by the flashing cameras taking a picture of them it seemed everywhere they went. It was a fight to get into the venue from the car lot. Lights flashed the moment the car pulled up at the step and repeat space. People were yelling and talking all at the same time to different groups around them.

Immediately when they stepped out of their vehicle, paparazzi were on them along with the staff Shiori sent for them. Everything passed in a blur after that. She vaguely remembered Lady Kimi, Lord Touga, Lady Izayoi, and Inuyasha showing up and each standing at her side as pictures were taken and words of approvement were bestowed to the media around them. A few mics, recorders, and cameras were in her face but that was nothing when the lights started flashing and she could barely make out who was all there and why. Her eyes and ears took in all of the stares, judgement, whispers, and the like going on around her. She wondered for a minute if Kikyo was ok in all of this. In some ways, she finally understood just a small amount the fresh hell Kikyo had to go through in the public.

Sqauring her shoulders with more confidence, she pushed onward making sure Rin knew she had her back…literally. Her feet balanced her languid body in her custom designer gem encrusted heels curtesy of Lady Kimi, who made it her mission to dress Kagome and Rin to ensure that the family name need not be tarnished by "bad taste and outdated fashion". Kagome wished she showed up in her white chef uniform. She realized that it had become her sword and shield. Her armor against the outside world who could not judge her because they had no expertise in her area. But here she was….dressed to apparently please the fashion Gods and not destroy the namesake of the Tashio's.

Kagome looked down at Sesshomaru's hand that held hers tightly in his larger ones. She blushed hotly at the first attempt she had to get ready for this event. That's right. One out of two attempts. The first attempt almost had them both very late to possibly Shiori's most important event of her young designer career. Honestly if It wasn't such a big day for Shiori, they wouldn't have ever made it to the venue. Kagome rubbed at the light scarring on her neck where another close call had been given. Her body still hummed in appreciation of Sesshomaru's affection earlier that afternoon.

They made it to their seats and looked over to see a fashion forwardly dressed Lady Kimi, Izayoi, Touga, and Inuyasha seated together in the front by the stage. Lady Kimi eyed her appreciatively through designer shades as if ensuring her hard work made it through the first few hours of this event. Sesshomaru sat down next to his laxed brother and Kagome sat beside him. Happy smiles and knowing looks passed through all of them except for Inuyasha who smirked roguishly. His nose twitching and eyes slanted ready to say something smart. "Couldn't save it for afterwards could you." He commented with a petty look at Sesshomaru.

His older brother titled the side of his mouth, giving him an evil smirk saying nothing. Rin shifted to be seated in his lap securely. Inuyasha shook his head and leaned around him to look back at Kagome. "So, when is the mating ceremony?"

Kagome's face flamed at his remarks and she tried to look anywhere else but at Inuyasha. "Hey, Kags!" Said a strangely familiar masculine voice. Kagome turned her head to see a tall slight build of a young man smile down at her. The resemblance to her mother was uncanny in his shy features. "Souta!" Kagome gasped before standing up and rushing to throw her arms around the young man. A growl of protest went unnoticed as she hugged on the boy she hadn't seen in years tightly.

"Ahh Kags. You can let me go now! You're crushing me!" The boy responded with a light laugh as he hugged her back.

Izayoi clapped and leaned over to tell the family who the boy was having had learned about him many times from Kagome and Kikyo. Touga nodded his head and scanned the boy recognizing him from the semi-pro soccer league. He was a very promising prospect and seemed to share his sisters fighting spirit. Sesshomaru held Rin and looked at the two carefully. He knew this was a big moment for Kagome and hope they could make this greeting a progressively forward one for many more moments.

"Souta!" Kagome started crying which caused the boy to frantically try to get her to calm down. Rin started making grumpy noises at the distraught emotions of her mother figure. Sesshomaru tried to calm both Rin and Kagome through the rumble of his growl. "I know. I know. It's just a lot! And I missed you so much! Everyday Souta and I know I messed up but I swear I love you and you and Kikyo mean so much to me. And I want…"

"Calm down! Please don't cry." Souta soothed awkwardly as hugged his sister back. He was really tall and towered over the woman. But clearly he was out of his element on reassuring women especially the women in his family who were the strongest women he knew. And seeing Kagome cry was really frekaing him out. "Its ok! I promise."

"Would you stop it already you're scaring us!" Inuyasha butted in knowing this moment was big too. He offered his support to the boy as he started making fun of Kagome who was losing it. "You getting everybody wet."

"Shut up Inuyasha!" Kagome responded wiping her tears and trying to preserve her makeup dare Lady Kimi bans her to the shadow realm.

"Kagome! I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. We will talk later ok." Souta tried to soothe as he hugged his sister. She nodded her head into his chest and reached for his hand. She held his hand tightly so to make sure he wouldn't leave. Souta simply held hers back and both sat back down into their seats. She introduced him quickly to the family and smiled at his nervousness. He and Shippo was so much alike. Souta was readily accepted and reintroduced to Rin. Rin was a little shy at first until Souta offered her his teams soccer keychain from his pocket. Somehow the conversation turned into one of praise and excitement as Inuyasha and Touga questioned the boy about his soccer career plans.

Kagome turned her head to see the décor of the space. The high walls of the venue were bare and painted white. Giant canvases were covered in cloth held up by string along the walls. The ceiling had a series of electric panels clearly ready for a display. Clear rectangular cylinders were filled with pools of water. The elevated cat walk was shaped into a large white crescent moon. Photographers were situated at the peaks of the corners of the moon checking their cameras and mics. Some were already testing their cameras while others were snapping pictures of the guests that was settling in their seats. She caught a few snapping away at her and the family. A tired sigh released from her lips. "This is going to be a long night." She muttered as she looked around the room.

Some time had passed and the energy of the room shifted. People found their seats. Announcements were made. The room darkened in the large room lighting the stage up in a golden glow. Subconsciously, Kagome reached out for Sesshomaru's hands again for support. Her eyes were wide as she looked about the room to make sense of what was happening. Sesshomaru tightened his hold on Kagome's hand at his side. Kagome turned her head to see a pair of beautiful amber orbs glowing in the dark of the room. He lifted her hand to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles. Kagome's cheeks darkened a bit but she smiled brightly and nodded her head. Things were great. This would be the last event for a while. They just had to make it through.

The ceiling took on the nighttime skyline. Stars twinkled amongst the seemingly vast and never-ending surface of the ceiling. The crescent moon sat small yet mighty in the middle of the sky shining down on all of them. Water started to flow suddenly from the clear pools of water from their ceiling like invisible waterfalls. Kagome whipped her head around to see the water flow into empty spaces around the cat walk. It gave her the impression as if the room had been enchanted and they were privy to some mystical midnight garden left untouched by man.

Goosebumps creeped up Kagome's bare arms as she satin bewilderment looking at all the special effects. The water came heavier and rushed out of the pools. After a few tense moments, everything turned dark. The sounds of rushing water made it feel as if the audience was being dipped into the ocean. Then the music started. The sound of the handpan rang (New Moon. – Handpan music by Yuki Koshimoto.) through the room. The music picked up and the first model came out wearing a dark sleek silk black gown. Her face was painted with heavy black, blue, and silver shadows and contrasting pigments that made her look gorgeously dark and dangerous. The silk followed behind her like the water that fell from the ceiling.

As the model came closer to her marker, one of the fabrics dropped from the canvases revealing a contemporary painting in blues, blacks, and silvers with abstract bodies painted in it. It was painted on both sides wrapped in glass that hung from the ceiling along the wall behind the model. Gasps were held from the crowd and already applause had rang in the space as pictures were taken. As the model walked some of the panels above took on the reflection of the painting and the lighting in the water reflected it as well in its depth. The stage took on the color of the painting as well blending the bottom of the models dress into the platform. One could not tell where the painting began and the model's dress ended.

Another model walked out in a similar but slightly differently constructed gown. Its length flowing into the platform as she moved as well. (Space Drum REMIX. – Handpan music by Yuki Koshimoto.) Her dress too blended into the painting, the ceiling, and the platform. Her makeup was dark as well and eerily captivating. Kagome looked to the painting and its reflection around the room. She sees the bodies in the water and the pain in the art. Another painting revealed itself showcasing water elements and the concept of Kintsugi. Models had gold trimmings and techniques applied to their dresses which slowly began to take on a more traditional kimono style look. In this painting, the silhouette of two bodies one smaller and one bigger seemingly danced and held onto each other. Her eyes widened at the realization of what Kikyo was enacting.

Tears rimmed her eyes, catching the gaze of the Tashio's who looked at her worriedly. Her throat was constricted and tight as another painting was revealed that reflected sadness and loneliness. A woman sitting alone amongst the watery chaos as she tried to apply the gold band aid across her chest. Another model and her dress came out this time more traditional like that of a ceremonial kimono with modern features glided across the stage. Kagome gripped Sesshomaru's hand tightly and held her palm to her chest. It was beautiful. It was sad. It was devastating. It was honest. It was Kikyo.

More models came out walking elegantly following the crescent moon shape and posing at the tips. The music shifted as the paintings became more lively and victorious. Telling the story of loss and gain. The paintings watercolor took on figments of dogs, spiders, and celebration with the water playfully swirling around delighting in the display. The lighting gave the entire place an ethereal glow as if they were sitting in some floating palace in the middle of a garden that celebrated water. The sound of rain sticks struck and the water fell a bit heavier and the lights darkened into a dark ocean blue. It was beautifully eerie.

Shiori's collection mirrored that of Kikyo. One couldn't tell if the dresses inspired the art or if the art inspired the dresses. Model after model seemed to flow in on light silks and organza that mimicked the colors and textures of the moon and the ocean and the figures in her paintings. It was breathtakingly beautiful. People clapped, gasped, whispered, took pictures, and stood up a few times at different pieces. Kagome's heart was deeply touched. She wanted to buy every last one of the paintings and find her sister and hug her. The dresses became more modern. White and silver pantsuits came out that held very sleek designs and brilliant construction of fabric that made the models look powerful and elegant. Just like the dog demons.

As the music hit a crescendo, another model came out. Her face was hidden behind a porcelain unmarked mask. Her head was covered dramatically in a large white wataboshi that traditional Japanese bride's wear. The fabric had gold hand painted flowers and moons displayed on the surface that could only be seen when the light hit it. The model lowered the piece mysteriously and unwrapped herself to show off the beautiful ballgown that flowed onto the platform. The beautiful hand painted ballroom gown with a scene painted on it of dogs and beautifully traditionally layered kimono dressed women sitting amongst them on crème baroque fabric. Her white hair was done up on her head in frazzled traditional buns with eloquent combs hanging from her head. The gown was clearly hand painted and looked expensively exquisite as if made for a queen. Everyone stood including the Tashio's crew as the model made her way down the runway. She did a few dramatic turns to give a 360 view of the detail before stopping in front of the camera. The panels around her changed to reflect the gown and more details were available such as the depiction of birds flying freely around the dancing dogs and women. A kitsune sat in the corner laying relaxed underneath cherry trees. It was a beautiful work of art.

She walked around back to the stage. The music turned up a bit and soon all the models from start to finish walked out. The room erupted into standing ovations and applauses. Pictures snapped and the crowd began talking with orders already being written down for what pieces delighted special guests and celebrities. Finally, the girl wearing the ballgown came out holding hands with a stunningly dressed Kikyo wrapped in a blood red gown. Her thin shoulders were bare as the dress hugged her well. Both women walked joyously to the front as flowers and praises were rained upon them. Kikyo bent down to the small women and hugged her before pulling back. She slowly peeled the white porcelain mask off the models face revealing Shiori.

As if the excitement around wasn't defining before it was now. The lights came back on illuminating the room. Kagome's face let a few tears slide happily as she stood and clapped as if trying to be heard over the sound of the audience. Kikyo looked to Kagome and walked towards the edge of the stage. Kagome quickly walked to the edge and held her hands up to her sister. Both women held tears in their eyes as they simply held hands and made promises to talk later. Souta came up and Kikyo reached out to hold his hand as well creating a circle with their hands. Kagome told her sister how proud she was and how she loved her no matter what. Through teary eyes and a watery smile, Kikyo repeated the same to them both.

Soon the excitement died down as a microphone was passed to Shiori. She stood surrounded by gasping guests and her supportive family. Shiori clapped for the models and the guests before speaking. Kikyo returned to her side and helped move the dress as Shiori began to speak.

"First and foremost, thank you so much for being here and cheering me on through this new venture. This collection, Moonlight Reflection is so near and dear to both myself and Kikyo's hearts. This whole process has been beautiful and amazing!" She turned to Kikyo and bowed her head to her. "Thank You Kikyo Higurashi for empowering me and showing the way to my own success and defining that for myself. Thank you for this amazing artwork and collaborating. My creations would be nothing without you. And for being an amazing big sister in this whole creative process." Clapping and whistling from Inuyasha was heard that had Kikyo blushing madly while shaking her head at his antics with a joyous smile.

"Thank you to my family for always supporting me through everything. Thank you for giving me this chance to prove myself on my own! I love you guys so much!" She blew kisses and waved at them as the media snapped pictures of their proud expressions and responses. Shiori went through the rest until she said her final thank yous. "And I would like to thank…one of the most special loves in my life. The one who stayed with me at all hours of the night to make sure I ate and got much sleep. My amazing and awesome boyfriend. Shippo!"

"Boyfriend!" Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Touga said jointly with shocked expressions that immediately turned into blizzard glares. Their eyes scanned the rows and until the found him right down the way from their seats with a bashful look on his face and a fuzzy tail of anxiety.

His face was cherry red as he stood slowly and bowed to everyone before muttering something to the girl that had her looking happily dazed for a moment. Kagome watched the moment and stood up to give him applause. "Way to go Shippo!" she cheered causing him to look their way and duck his head. A light grumble from behind her caught her attention. Kagome turned to see the men staring the young tall kit down with Touga muttering something to Izayoi and Lady Kimi. Both women looking delighted but a little apprehensive for their daughter and the lucky young demon.

Shiori passed the mic to Kikyo who looked about ready to cry before she shook it off. She picked up the mic and spoke with a cool smooth tone. "This Moonlight Reflection Collection was inspired by my life and the ups and downs that had brought me to this space. It was emotionally hard to process but it was a labor of love, grief, acceptance, self-love, truth speaking, and finally healing. I hope everyone has found something in our art that touched them in some way. This has been truly a pleasure. Thank you to the Tashio family for supporting me through this and to my family for showing up always when it matters the most. Sending my love." She quickly passed the mic to Shiori having said all that she could muster without breaking down.

Shiori reached for her hand and held hers tightly. "You will be hearing from us soon. Thank you and goodnight!" With that, applause erupted and everyone on stage walked towards the back. Kagome wiped her face and laughed a bit before turning to the Tashio's. They all turned to each other to talk while Inuyasha excused himself and headed towards the little kitsune who looked like he was trying to find a quick exit. "Oi! Let me talk to ya little kit." He yelled out.

"Inuyasha, leave him alone!" Kagome yelled after him. Shaking her head, she turned quickly to look back at Sesshomaru when something caught her eyes. Goosebumps layered her arms and the room suddenly felt cold as she caught the glimpse of turquoise hair pulled into a high ponytail. People were moving around blocking the view across the way. Her throat got tight as she looked at the woman standing in the back looking displeased surrounded by people. A few youkai crowded her as she spoke and waived her hand nonchalantly. Kagome squinted through trying to get a better view but couldn't she looked vaguely like…the demoness that wanted to rip Rin from her arms and get her claws into Rin's inheritance.

"No" Kagome's heartbeat increased as she tried to focus to confirm if what she was seeing was real. It was hard to tell with people moving about. Suddenly, a group of people blocked her view. "Wh-" Kagome voiced as she subconsciously took steps forward.

"After this we are heading to the venue to have dinner and support Shiori and Kikyo. Souta you're riding with us ok. Pack stay together. Matter of fact, we should all ride together. What do you think Kagome? I know you might want to go see your sister." Izayoi stated with her authoritative voice.

"She can't be here. She wouldn't dare." Kagome muttered as she squinted through the crowd trying to look past the bodies of people now crowding the space.

"Kagome."

Her aura spiked and searched the room. An electricity element filled the air that had some guests looking at them now apprehensively. Kagome continued to look now growing frantic. 'She couldn't be here. She wouldn't dare. I need to tell Kikyo. I need to get to Kikyo now.'

"Kagome!"

Said woman whipped her head to the side to see everyone looking at her with concerned expressions. Their eyes turned to the direction she was gazing in trying to see whatever captured her attention. Kagome quickly looked back to see the empty seat where the woman once sat. The people she was talking to were still there whispering about.

"Kagome dear…you ok?" Izayoi asked looking in the direction that captured Kagome's attention intently. "You're frowning dear and you look like you had saw a ghost."

Sesshomaru and his father flexed their aura not sure what they were looking for but knew something had happened in the short span of a minute. Souta frowned and looked about as well unsure of what he was even looking for. Kagome's complexion had become lighter and her eyes looked frantic. Her heartbeat was loud over the echoes of voices rushing all around them. Security surrounded them and blocked the way from guests but Kagome suddenly felt like it wasn't enough.

Kagome searched the rows again with her eyes. "I thought I saw someone. But I'm sure I was wrong. It's impossible. She knows not to show her face here."

Lady Kimi scanned the seats along with the men. Kagome reached for Rin and held her in her arms protectively. Sesshomaru noticed the shift and the fierceness in her gaze. The uncertainty and slight fear overshadowing what was supposed to be a celebratory affair. Sesshomaru reached for Kagome's chin and forced her to look up. "Who did you see?" Sesshomaru asked seriously.

Kagome hugged Rin close to her chest protectively. She closed her eyes to calm her nerves and control her reiki. She took a deep breath and looked at all of them seriously. "Reina Yomi. Duchess Reina Yomi. I-I think I saw her here." Kagome pointed to the general area where she thought she saw the woman that looked like Reina.

"Impossible." Lady Kimi voiced. "She isn't welcomed and not on the guest list." Her eyes narrowing on the space ahead. She was already moving across with security at her side blocking the guests around her.

"Where?" Touga asked as his expression darkened along with his son's. The pack was now threatened and his whole demeanor shifted. The audacity as well for someone to intrude on his family's event definitely caused his fur to ripple. Sesshomaru stood with his future mate and Izayoi who rushed to stand protectively at Kagome's side. Souta loosened his tie as an angry look marked his face. His disdain for the woman that haunted his family showing. His aura took a blue hue and rose to the surface showing he had the same power capacity as his sisters.

They watched as Touga and Kimi searched the area with Kimi asking everyone about a woman with turquoise like hair. Suddenly Touga stiffened and turned to them. He pointed to his nose and nodded his head confirming Kagome's suspicion. A growl erupted from Sesshomaru's lips as he looked about the room with his astute gaze.

"No." Kagome whispered feeling fear creep up her spine knowing that Reina Yomi was here uninvited and possibly up to no good.