Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its original characters
A/N: In this chapter, we learn more about the West's enemies.
For its title, I may or may not have taken inspiration from Green Day's Know your enemy that I was listening to while writing.
Chapter Twenty-One: Gotta Know The Enemy
Murmurs followed them on their way back to the royal wing. Apparently, just as Sesshomaru had predicted the night before, people had started to realize who they were. Rumours were spreading fast, and they were wondering why the Lord and his half-brother had suddenly been seen together. Didn't they hate each other? What did that mean for the West? Most of the words spoken were concerning Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. But there were also the ones speaking of the miko and her son. Not only had Sesshomaru allowed the hanyou to come to the West, but also his human mate and his equally mixed breed son.
Sesshomaru looked straight ahead of him, but at the same time, he focused on the voices and the words being spoken. Some he clearly recognized, and others left him perplexed. To his surprise, the majority of the feelings spreading were curiosity and uncertainty. People were worried not because he had let the hanyou come to West, but about the meaning of this sudden change. Few were interested in his brother family, and a part of them showed unmistakable disgust. The latter were the ones Sesshomaru was trying to focus on more, even if not one of them was a surprise for him. They all had spoken ill of his father after his death or came from these families who opposed him. He would have to give some names to Inuyasha by the end of the day. However, he did not believe they could represent a threat to them. They were not among the strongest warriors of the West; he had already told Inuyasha so.
When they reached their chambers, Sesshomaru gave them time to dine before calling them back to the office to discuss the matter and tomorrow celebration. They had just arrived when Muteki started wiggling in his mother's arms; apparently, he was tired of his uncle ignoring him. Sesshomaru raised his brow when Kagome made to pass him her son. "You told us we have to trust you to come to the West, didn't you? What better way to show you than entrust you with our son? Muteki held no fear of you, do not worry," she giggled.
Inuyasha scoffed when Sesshomaru took him hesitantly and raised him high, searching for something he only knew about. Muteki was unfazed; he just wanted to snuggle like he used to do when he was on the other side of the well. "He seems to already know me well," he finally stated.
"He is highly observant for a newborn baby. Kaede-obaa-chan thinks that this could be a good omen in regards to his powers. Only time can tell us," she offered; they certainly couldn't tell him Muteki had already spent lots of time with him in the future.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her and then let the topic fall. He adjusted the pup in his arms and then spoke, "Very well. The first matter at hand is tomorrow celebration. It will be held in the great hall, and I will try to introduce to you the more eminent figures of the court. However, it is obviously impossible to meet them all in only one sitting. That is the reason why you will have to remain here for some time," he held his hand up when Inuyasha made to interrupt him. "Some of them would want to meet you, as I've already told you yesterday. After the proper introductions, I will present you as my heir, Inuyasha. I expect some, hn, disturbances, but nothing we cannot deal with. Of course, your attire must change; you will have to be properly dressed. I already notified the seamstress days ago. Tomorrow Kichiro and Osamu will escort you there so you can try on the dresses. I took the liberty to commission other attires so that you do not have to dress the same every time you are staying here. All of them are, of course, made of demon silk, and even if they do not possess the quality of the fire rat's clothes, they surely are more convenient than the ones made of human silk." He eyed Kagome's clothes and added, "I could also ask the seamstress to procure you a set of miko robes made of demon silk if you wish it, Kagome. They will be more resistant than the ones you are wearing now and could offer you slightly more protection."
"It will be highly appreciated, Sesshomaru. Thank you," she told him. "However, I'd like to ask you how long we are required to stay at the palace. I should come back home in ten days because of some duties with my mother." She avoided speaking clearly for fear of prying ears.
"Hn," Sesshomaru acknowledged her implicit statement and thought about it. "I think that one week would be enough. Meet some people, show you are fit for life in the court. Inuyasha, it would be also useful for you to visit the training halls; someone could want to challenge you for a spar," he added with a glint in his amber eyes.
"Oh, I surely look forward to sparring with someone. It's been some time since the last tough demon showed up at the village. I'll have to warm up, after all." He smirked, "One question, though. Will I have to wear the same boots as yours tomorrow evening?"
Sesshomaru glared at him, then brought a hand to his temple, a clear sign the amount of time he was spending with Inuyasha was starting to exhaust him. "Inuyasha," he said sternly, "I will make this clear just one time. I let you go barefoot today, but this is not acceptable here. You will have to start wearing them every time you are in the West."
Inuyasha looked appalled, and Kagome tried to make him see reason, "Come on, koi, it is not bad. You already have to wear shoes when we go visiting my family. It won't be different."
"Yeah, first in your t-" Kagome nudged him to make him stop, "town and then here. Next thing you know is that I will have to wear them in our house too," he cried. Kagome looked contemplative for a moment, and he hastily added, "Hell no, I won't wear shoes at home too."
"Well, not shoes, maybe slippers could go," she shrugged.
"Can we move to the next topic?" Sesshomaru asked, slightly bothered. Muteki had fallen asleep quietly; it seemed he was used to their peaceful bickering. They nodded. "Very well. You surely have noticed people whispering on our way back to the chambers. It made me think that it could be the right time to speak about our opponents. They likely belong to the same group of families who opposed our father back then or the same who voiced their opinion about you and your mother very loudly. It won't be a problem to identify them. I already recognized some of the voices earlier."
"Have they ever tried a coup?" Kagome inquired.
Sesshomaru raised his brow; Inuyasha exclaimed, "A what?"
She huffed, then explained, "Have they ever tried to forcefully overthrow your father?"
"No, there has never been a coup. Father could be quite intimidating, and even the few opponents within the keep knew too well to try; his prowess was legendary after all. When father bonded with Izayoi, a lot of them complained, but no one tried anything." He thought about it and then added, "There may have been someone when it became known that she was pregnant. They had just started talking about removing the inconvenience when father dealt with them. He never gave them an opening. How foolish of them," he remarked. Thinking that anyone who had openly threatened his father's mate and unborn pup could really succeed in attacking them.
"And this changed since you took your father's place? What do they think about you?" she asked again.
Sesshomaru offered her a wicked smile. "Father may have been intimidating when he wanted, he was notoriously strong, but most of the time, he held a jovial facade. I, on the other hand, give away a completely different image. They know I am not to trifle with."
"I am sure of it," Inuyasha snorted.
"Could they start to think otherwise now that you obviously reconnected with your brother? I don't know. Maybe they could think you went soft," she tried. Sesshomaru gave her the hairy eyeball. "Ok, they do not."
"I am sure there will be people unwise enough to think they can try something with Inuyasha because is a half-demon. Even if the tales of your hunt had been spreading here too and they heard of your skills, they will likely think they are just rumours. For this reason, I think it could be good to spar with someone, start showing what you are capable of, remind them what Tessaiga can do and let them know it is now more powerful. Did you not promise Sayaka to show its technique in due time? In the training fields, you will be provided with the perfect occasion and location. They will think twice before going against both of us," Sesshomaru explained.
"Well then, I can't wait!" Inuyasha grinned. "Now, since you said you recognized some voices and the family are always the same, why don't you tell us some names?"
"It was the main point of this meeting, little brother. The first one you must be aware of is my mother's brother," he started.
"Your uncle?" Kagome asked aghast. He glared at her, apparently interrupting was a bad habit of both of them. "Sorry, sorry, go on," she waved off.
"As I was saying, my uncle had been one of my father's top opponents since my parents ended their mating by mutual agreement. You already know that theirs was a political match. However, you probably do not know the history behind it. Grandfather was about to relinquish his place as Inu-no-Taisho to father, yet, he was also waiting for him to take a mate. When it became clear that Father did not have already a particular interest in someone, Grandfather started looking for a suitable demoness. At the time, Mother had been living at court for a little while. Grandfather knew her family since they were living on the edge of the lands he protected; they were of noble origins. However, of the whole family, my mother and her older brother were the last members; this meant the latter was the new head of the family. Therefore, he negotiated in public and family matters. My uncle pressed for a union between the two of them when he learnt that Father was looking for a mate. He thought he could take advantage of his sister's position as the mate of the current ruler. Unfortunately for him, his sister has never been a weak spirit he could bend to his will, nor was my father naive," Sesshomaru told them.
"In a nutshell, they cut him out of their affairs, and he didn't get what he wanted," Inuyasha summed up.
"Hn," Sesshomaru nodded, "That was the first step. His position in court remained stable and, since his family had not been living at the palace for centuries, it was not the one he longed for. Sure, at first, they acknowledged him as Mother's older brother. But when it became clear that father did not hold him in high regard, the courtiers acted consequently. From what I know, it has always been like this during the centuries father reigned. Everyone trusted him, so they trusted his opinion; he never strayed and he accomplished a lot of things, widened the lands under his protection and killed a lot of feared demons."
"I see now," Kagome interjected. "A loved ruler, one who had always done everything by the book and brought a lot of improvements, suddenly mate a human, something that in demon society it had always been taught is a sin. It causes a big ruckus, and because of one mistake, most of them even forget what he had previously accomplished. Of course, they were disappointed," she concluded ironically. "Uh, how I hate this line of thought! It's not fair! They are just a bunch of prejudiced fools; if only could I fry their ass!" she shouted angrily.
Sesshomaru looked unfazed; he had already seen some of the miko's outbursts after all. But the commotion caused the pup in his arms to wake up and start crying. He suddenly didn't look so calm anymore. Inuyasha laughed merrily and came to his aid. "It seems the big strong dai-youkai can't deal with a crying pup, Muteki," he bounced him, "who would have thought that? Don't worry pup, mom is just a little upset." He then turned to said mother and told her, "Yeah, we know, 'Gome, it wasn't fair. But I think you have learned well enough life on this side is not like those strange fictions you used to read. Sesshomaru, you can go on; Kagome will try not to interrupt you again," he laughed.
"Yes, miko, you summed up quite nicely, but this is not the end of our story. My uncle became enraged, more so when he found out they didn't bond and when, later, they decided to separate. Even if my mother had learnt to love my father, he didn't return her feeling the way she would have liked. Eventually, the lack of understanding brought them to decide on the separation. My uncle didn't understand that, and I remember hearing them discuss a lot after that. Soon he came to hate his sister too. The last straw was, of course, Father's bonding with your mother, Inuyasha. He didn't bond with a powerful and beautiful demoness but with an insignificant human? He rejoiced when he died, and he had tried to gain my favour since then. However, I have always shown him indifference. Now that he knows I allowed you to take your place here, he will likely act foolishly," he concluded.
"Can I speak now?" Kagome asked. They both nodded. "So, basically, this uncle of yours hates all your family just because he didn't have his fill, and he is also one of those racist fools. Does he have any family other than your mother? I mean, did he mate, have sons etc.? Is he usually seen with a certain group of people? They would likely back him up if something was to happen. They could also conspire together if they know they are not strong enough," she pondered.
"He has no family, but yes, he has associates. I do not worry about them. They can try what they want; keep an eye open in their presence. One thing, Kagome, the same advice I gave Inuyasha yesterday: try to contain your, hn, peculiar way of speaking." he looked at her sternly.
She waved him off, "I tend to speak fast and use strange words when I get a little riled up," she explained, "There's no danger I'll speak like this in front of the court; don't worry, Sesshomaru."
"Be sure of that. Now, I will make sure you are introduced to him. His given name is Noboru."
"The bastard was one, the others you know for sure?" Inuyasha pried.
"The others are all part of the same family. They are not specifically my enemies, but they will be yours for sure. They are three brothers, all mated and with sons; dog demons, their father was our ally. He died when I was an adolescent, and for a while, I thought they could show the same undying devotion. However, it became clear that they prefer conniving schemes. They were tired of just serving the ruler; they wanted more. When father died, fealty was already a forgotten concept, and since then, they had spent all their energies on finding a way to get in my good graces. One of them has a daughter of age, and they have been trying to press for a union for some decades; Goro is also backing them up. I'm sure they already know, by now, your position in the West; they are probably very much irritated since you are stealing their rightful place. Obviously, Shou's daughter is the only fitting choice, and our children should be the rightful heirs. Their family's centuries-long loyalty should be rewarded by choosing one of their descendants as a mate. On the other side, you are just a bastard half-breed who could never protect the lands. The West would fall if something inferior like you should take the command. They have raised their sons and daughters filling their ears with those lies, and I am sure they have convinced themselves that this is the only truth. This also means that they believe their loyalty never wavered," Sesshomaru pointed out.
"They are basically playing the same game your uncle did with your grandfather. 'Make the ruler mate the sister or daughter, we will get a high-ranking position at court'. Maybe they also could because this time it's their daughter you're talking about. This Shou would have some leverage on you and your children should you mate her," Kagome continued nodding.
"As if that was even a possibility, Sesshomaru here has still an icicle up his ass. It will be still some time before he will take a mate," Inuyasha scoffed. At least, not until Rin grew up.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and glared at him with so much intensity that Inuyasha should have already been six feet underground. A few seconds later, he seemed to regain his composure and told Kagome, "Be glad your son is currently in your mate's arms."
"Come on, bickering is a natural part of being brothers, Sesshomaru," she winked, "but back at this family, could you tell me their current position? They are favoured by Goro-sama, so I presume they cannot be in the lower levels in the demon society."
"Their father was first in command in the army. None of his sons had proven himself strong enough to get the position so, even if they all are in the army, they are just common commanders. His grandsons are training to become one too, but they still lack the strength and speed their grandfather was famous for. I remember him very well, and I held him in high regard; he was formidable in battle and had worked hard for his title. It's a pity his sons lack his humility. The place they now occupy in society is still due to the late First Commander; he is also the reason Goro believe strongly in the union between the two family. He thinks that such strong blood could only strengthen our line," Sesshomaru explained.
"Did I hear right? Sesshomaru is judging someone for the lack of humility?" Inuyasha thought aghast.
"Interesting, I think it could be fun dealing with them. I mean, if you say they actually believe the things they have been claiming, they must be insane for some part," Kagome smiled and then clapped her hands. "I can't wait to meet them; they won't know what hit them."
"I always thought you were strange, even for a human," Sesshomaru remarked.
She actually stuck her tongue out at him and then said, "Let me guess, they also think that one of them should have had the First Commander's position by birthright."
"Hn. Unfortunately for them, that is a position you earn," he answered.
"They probably don't even know the meaning of that word. What about the actual First Commander? Who is he?" Inuyasha asked.
"Father chose him personally after Daisuke passed. Katsuro is a dog demon, too, according to others still quite young to be in that position. But he proved himself in several battles, never wavering or complaining. I even had the chance to spar with him when I was younger; he lasted more than everyone else could claim in his stead. He is among the ones who keep quiet around the time of our father's marriage. I cannot say which was his line of thought, but he mourned his loss a lot."
"So, you don't actually know if he's trustworthy?" Inuyasha asked again.
"He has always been trustworthy. However, I do not know what he will think of your raising as heir. I will make sure he is introduced to you tomorrow. We could use his loyalty," Sesshomaru remarked.
"I could also spar with him! If he is First Commander, it means he is strong, and no one will be able to tell I chose a weak opponent. I want to fight with one of the fuckers you were talking about earlier, too, though," he said while stroking his chin.
"You're talking like you already know the outcome of the spar, Inuyasha," Kagome told him while rolling her eyes.
"Oi! You should be the first one to support me. Besides, you've seen me in battle a million times. What chance could he have?" he asked cockily.
"I have, and that's just why I can say what exactly happens every time you go into battle without thinking, reckless and rash," she retorted.
"Indeed, little brother. Never underestimate your enemy," Sesshomaru remarked.
The next day, early in the morning, they all headed towards the valley outside the keep, where most of the people, who were not courtiers, high-ranked guards or commanders, lived. Kagome was excited to see the seamstress's work and try on clothes made of demon silk, which she never could observe close up.
"Are you excited, Muteki-kun?" she spoke up while bouncing her son. "You're gonna get lots of new clothes, and then you can show off to grandma." She tickled him, and he giggled merrily.
"Better not, I don't wanna listen to the old geezer squealing like a girl when he sees him. But then, he is gonna squeal anyway when we go to visit." Inuyasha rolled his eyes, and Kagome laughed.
"Osamu, Kichiro, will you two come to the introduction at court tonight?" Kagome asked.
"Yes, Kagome-sama, but as your personal guards," Osamu replied earnestly. "We are not even so high in demon's society, so it would have been unlikely to be introduced to you otherwise. Lots of people will participate this evening, but we heard that Sesshomaru-sama will only introduce the highest in rank." She nodded in response.
"And how do the ranks work here? Guards, commanders, courtiers etc.?" Inuyasha inquired.
"Guards, soldiers and commanders must all follow the same training at first. However, that changes once we decide if we want to join the army or the guard. Usually who join the latter is held a little lower than commanders but higher than simple soldiers. The highest rank among the guards is the Head Guard; he can decide the shifts, changes and who to place in charge as the personal guard of someone if requested. He is outranked by the First Commander and Sesshomaru-sama, of course. The First Commander is both in charge of guards and the army," Kichiro explained. "Within the keep, the family someone comes from or the amount of the lands he supervises plays a big role. However, if someone born of modest origin should decide he wants to be more, there is usually no hindrance as long as they play fair. Neither Toga-sama nor Sesshomaru-sama had ever appreciated disloyalty. Here you must work to earn your place and if you start as a guard or commander, it doesn't mean you can't become Lord. The ones who stand up are always rewarded."
"And what about people from noble families or inherit, so to say, a position, but do not show any ability or skill? Are they usually replaced?"
"Being born of a noble family is an advantage as much as being born of a humble family is a hindrance if someone does not show talent or dynamism. Once a position is earned, it is essential to show you're able to keep it. Otherwise, you're replaced. Courtiers and noblemen are usually entrusted with lands to supervise. The number of lands one have shows the trust the Inu-no-Taisho has in you; that's why this also plays a big role in deciding your rank. Families who have been living within the palace for centuries and centuries are highest in rank because, usually, they have been showing the general their loyalty and strength all along," Kichiro continued.
"So, in conclusion, nothing is set," Kagome remarked.
"Yes, Kagome-sama," Osamu nodded.
"Well, at least nothing is actually inherited," she pondered, "I like that the chance is given to everyone."
"It is how the late Toga-sama wanted. He started changing things as soon as he took over his father," the guard offered.
They stopped when they reached a modest little mansion slightly isolated. Kichiro reached the door and announced them. Then he made Kagome and Inuyasha sign to enter, and he followed them while Osamu stayed outside.
"Asagi-san. I brought you some honourable customers," he said to a tall slender woman who was currently working several threads of silk.
She raised her head and smiled at them, "Of course! This morning, I was warned by Master Jaken you were coming," she stood up and bowed to them. "Inuyasha-sama, Kagome-sama, it's a pleasure to meet you. Come, come, I'll show you what I created just for you. And what a cute little pup; I'm sure you will look good in your new clothes, just like your parents." She hastily led them to another room without even giving them the chance to speak and showed them a huge number of freshly made robes and kimonos.
Kagome couldn't believe her eyes, they seemed to be made for a princess of ancient times, and she felt just a little embarrassed at thought of wearing such important clothes. She was not used to such magnificence and certainly not to be dressed like a princess. But if she was to be the heir's mate, Sesshomaru would want her to behave like one, and apparently, to be dressed like one.
"Sesshomaru-sama also commissioned me a set of miko robes. It was surely a strange request, I admit, but now I understand. He didn't tell me his brother's mate was a miko, so I was curious about his request. Anyway, I can let have you them by tomorrow evening. I'll ask Master Jaken to come and retrieve them or I'll send my apprentice to the palace," Asagi spoke again.
She really needed to take a huge breath, Kagome thought, they had not even been there for five minutes, and she hadn't stopped talking yet. Inuyasha was looking at her agape, probably wondering how it could be.
"Thank you, Asagi-san. I'd appreciate it. Now I wish to enjoy the sights of these beautiful kimono," Kagome said, returning her gaze to the clothes spread out wide in front of her. "It's like they have been made precisely for a princess. I don't know if they will look good on me or I'll undermine your work."
Inuyasha's head snapped towards her, but before he even had the chance to utter a word Asagi spoke again, "No sense, Kagome-sama. You are really a princess, after all; you're Toga-sama's son's mate. As such, it's my duty to dress you up properly. I don't want you to speak like that again. You clearly are a beauty. What has this mate of yours been saying to you that you think you could undermine my work?" she waved her concern off, looking daggers at Inuyasha. "As If! You'll be doing me an honour by wearing my clothes."
Kagome was stunned at the off-handedly way Asagi spoke. She was clearly used to dealing with different kinds of customers and seemed to have no qualms about saying what was on her mind. She chuckled at the thought of a conversation between her and Sesshomaru. She was an elder woman with hair the colour of wheat spikes and eyes purple like the stripes that adorned her cheekbones. She also had a pair of antennae that she thought classified her as a moth demon.
"Well then? What are you waiting for? Try this first; it's the one you'll be wearing tonight. I'm sure you'll be stunning and that this mate of yours will have problems keeping his mouth close," Asagi said.
"Oi! She doesn't need some special clothes to look stunning to me," Inuyasha retorted. "Even if I prefer her with fewer clothes," he proclaimed, then realized he had voiced his thought and looked at her abashed, cheeks red and ears floppy. "Er... I mean," he scratched the back of his head and suddenly found the floor more interesting than ever.
"It's not the time, boy," Asagi chastised him. "You can make another cute little pup later. Now take this one and let your mate go change," she said while passing him Muteki, who protested violently at being handled that way.
By then, Kagome was utterly embarrassed and wanted to cover her face with her hands as Inuyasha glared at the seamstress, and Kichiro laughed his head off.
When she came out from behind the screens, she was wearing a long two-layer red kimono with a flower pattern and royal crests decorating the collar and the sleeves. Thinking about it, she realized she had seen them on every set of clothes Asagi had shown them. Sesshomaru had evidently thought about everything because he had avoided commissioning a junihitoe. That kimono was comfortable to wear and didn't obstacle her movements while maintaining elegance and beauty. With a traditional one, she probably wouldn't have been able to move.
"You're a sight, Kagome-sama. How could you even think of not being worthy of my dresses; I don't know," she remarked, then nudged Inuyasha in the ribs, who was gaping at her. "What did I tell you, boy? She really makes you want to make another baby behind that screen, doesn't she?" she laughed at their expressions and then came closer to her. "Ah, now I see why Sesshomaru didn't ask me a Junihitoe. You are not used to wearing these clothes, aren't you? Walk, walk, I'll fix your posture." She put a hand on Kagome's lower back to encourage her.
They went on like this for hours, father and son complaining both when they were looking and when they were trying on. That behaviour earned Inuyasha a quite well-packed wallop more than once. Evidently, Asagi didn't even have qualms about kicking royalty if said royalty kept complaining and wasting time like his six-month-old son.
When they finally left the shop, Inuyasha looked completely chastised, Kagome and Kichiro couldn't contain their laughter, and they were loaded with new clothes. The ones they couldn't bring with them would have been entrusted to Jaken, Asagi had assured. Inuyasha had wanted to leave everything for the imp, but a glare from the seamstress had immediately changed his mind.
"What did I miss?" Osamu asked them. He knew Asagi's fame, and he had been slightly disappointed for his position outside.
"You should have seen her," Kichiro laughed, "She packed one of her famous wallops to Inuyasha-sama!" he exclaimed, still amused and shocked.
By the time they reached the castle, it was already midday, and people around them were already informed that tonight Sesshomaru-sama would introduce his half-demon brother with his family at court. What they did not know was how things were exactly going to change. They had just passed through the gardens that led toward the eastern entrance when two dog demonesses tried to approach them. They held their head up high, and they were trying to keep a cool and sophisticated demeanour, even if with poor results. It was clear they were trying to show off and were hiding pretentious tones. Kagome would have thought them beautiful if not for their high and mighty behaviour.
When Osamu and Kichiro covered them from their prying eyes and tried to speak, the one with black luscious hair stopped him. "Come on then, guard, I am only here to introduce myself to the Lord and the Lady," she explained amiably. Just the tone hinted at what she really thought of them as Lord and Lady, let alone her behaviour.
"You will have your possibility this evening, my Lady. Sesshomaru-sama had made clear that no one is allowed to approach the Lord and the Lady before tonight's event," Osamu stated cooly.
"Come on now, don't be so stiff. I am sure Sesshomaru won't be displeased if he knows it's only me. After all, we are already well acquainted; it's only natural I get to know his brother before everyone else." She waved her fan and smiled sweetly, too sweetly. The demon next to her giggled and nodded sagely.
The whole situation reminded Kagome too much of high school. Demons were centuries old and still less mature than her little brother of ten.
"I'm sorry, Lady, but orders are orders, and my Lord and Lady are not currently available for this encounter," Osamu repeated.
"Oh, but really! You are only wasting my time. I told you that Sesshomaru won't have any problem, do you even know who are you speaking to? I could make you lose your position in this instant." Kagome rolled her eyes at that, Inuyasha growled. "Now leave; you've already angered me too much," the dog demoness said again. By then, Inuyasha was ready to kick her ass, even though she was technically a woman. Both the guards were preparing to remove them with the force if that meant to do their job.
"Lady," Kagome interjected, a hand on Inuyasha's sword arm to keep him from causing trouble, "I am afraid I did not catch your name. I'm so sure that it is proper to give one, and only then requesting an audience." She made sure to mark the word 'request' because this demoness had done nothing other than demanding and bitching. She then waved the matter away nonchalantly and continued, "But it does not matter anyway. As my guard was correctly saying, we are not available for introductions right now, and it would appear really ill-mannered to keep insisting. I am sure we will have all the time to converse amiably this evening." Kagome returned her the over-sweetly smile. "If you excuse us now, my son needs to rest, and I would like to return to my chambers," she concluded in a tone that suggested their exchange was concluded, and she wouldn't tolerate otherwise.
Inuyasha was now laughing under his sleeves because the demoness suddenly appeared so sour that one would have said she had swallowed more than one lemon. Kagome didn't even give her the possibility to reiterate that made sign to Osamu to lead the way to the chambers. When they finally weren't any more within earshot, he burst out laughing.
"Oh my God, did you see her face 'Gome? It was really a sight. I wish I could have immortalized it. Who the hell was that demoness?" Inuyasha asked the guards.
"She is Lady Keiko, daughter of Lord Shou. Her father and Goro-sama have been trying to press in a union between her and Sesshomaru-sama for some decades now. But he has not expressed himself about the matter yet," Kichiro offered.
Ah, so she was that demoness.
"That's why she said Sesshomaru and her were well acquainted," Inuyasha pondered, then snorted. "I'm afraid of what children could come out of such mating if they both are so pompous." He felt a shiver run down his spine at the mere thought.
"Inuyasha! You shouldn't talk about your brother that way," Kagome reprimanded him.
"What? As if Sesshomaru didn't know what I think about him." Inuyasha shrugged. Kichiro and Osamu laughed again; they really liked their job sometimes.
Upon entering the dining room within the royal wing, the group found it already occupied by Lady Kimi, Hayato and a young demoness, whose eyes were the same astounding purple as Hayato.
"Inuyasha, Kagome, welcome back. We were just waiting for you," Kimi welcomed them.
"I hope we didn't make you wait so long," Kagome replied, slightly tilting her head.
The dog demoness waved her concern off. "Foolishness, my dear. Come seat, I am sure you are exhausted after spending the whole morning following Asagi," she said.
After their previous encounter, Sesshomaru's mother had given up every false facade and inquisitive manners and had begun speaking with them in a very direct way. Nonetheless, Kagome had noticed there was a lot to learn about her, that most of her instinctive gestures hid a meaning behind and that she wasn't one to reveal herself easily. It would be fun getting to know her.
"She is sure very energetic," Kagome remarked. Everyone in the room nodded knowingly. Apparently, the seamstress was well known.
"Inuyasha, Kagome, allow me to introduce my granddaughter Asuka," Hayato interjected, indicating the woman next to him; she was a hawk youkai like her grandfather.
Kagome took her time to study her. She had reddish-brown hair, pale skin and a heart-shaped face. Her purple eyes were adorned by lilac curved stripes, and one could tell she was still young by some childlike traits that still lingered in her facial features and movements. Kagome pondered the same could have been said for her. Sure, sometimes she forgot how really young she still was because of everything that had happened to her. But beneath the surface, some infantile traits could still be noticed.
Asuka stood up and bowed lowly, "It's an honour, Inuyasha-sama, Kagome-sama. My grandfather speaks highly of both of you," she offered. She seemed to be the shy type too.
"Asuka-chan has been recently introduced at court, and I thought you could use a friend Kagome. Both Sesshomaru and Lady Kimi had given me their consent," Hayato continued. "Since you are probably still new to some of the ways we are used to here, I presumed a trustworthy companion could help you navigate the circles. She is highly prepared, and I can guarantee her loyalty." Since he was the head of his family and had practically raised every child and grandchild, he always made sure of their loyalty. None of them had ever borne ill-will towards the late or current Inu-no-Taisho. Everyone had always shown his loyalty, and Sesshomaru knew that too. Otherwise, he wouldn't have given his consent to Hayato's proposition so easily.
"This is an excellent idea, Hayato-sama. I am sure we will become fast friends," Kagome exclaimed, clapping her hands in a very childlike manner. She offered Asuka an encouraging smile; the girl's cheeks were tinted of red, she was probably embarrassed by all the attention. Kagome came closer and intertwined their arms, "You could also show me how to properly prepare myself for this evening's celebration. What do you think Asuka-chan? I am sure we will both have fun." If Sesshomaru had deemed her worthy of their trust, she didn't see why she couldn't enjoy the experience. She really could use a friend in the court, one closer to her age at that - or what could be considered her age in demon society.
"Of course, Kagome-sama," Asuka replied with another slight bow.
"Oh, none of these formalities when we are among friends, Asuka-chan. You can call come simply Kagome," she offered.
"See Asuka? I told you you had nothing to fear; the Lady is very affable," Hayato remarked, embarrassing her granddaughter a little more. He chuckled in response.
"Well done, now that this matter is settled too," Kimi started saying, "Chie, please, you can serve lunch."
A/N: In the next chapter we will finally have the introduction at court. About this chapter, I am sorry if I didn't use so many words to describe Kagome's kimono but I'm usually hopeless at certain descriptions, especially the ones regarding fancy dress. I also tried to illustrate how everything works within demon society, at least the surface. More about it will come in three or four chapters. I hope I made everything clear for now.
Name's meanings for some of the council elders that I didn't offer in the previous chapter:
Hayato = falcon person / Asuka (Hayato's granddaughter) = tomorrow's fragrance or flying bird
Minato = Harbour
Kosuke = prosperous herald (among the several meanings the combinations of kanjis can have)
Toru = pierce, penetrate
In the meantime let me know what you thought of this chapter, every constructive opinion is welcomed.