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Into the calm and the quiet
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Inuyasha groaned as he pressed his forehead against the futon and wished for death. Why couldn't he just have been stabbed or something? A lifetime of having every type of injury imaginable inflicted on him had gotten him used to the sensation. Gave him the knowledge of exactly how long it would take to recover from each specific type of wound. Being ill though? It had been so long he'd forgotten the course and seeing as how it wasn't even illness but some type of poison, it was anyone's guess as to how long he'd be puking his guts out while his head was being slowly ripped in half.

"There was less that time," Kagome offered awkwardly, "So that's good, huh?"

Cracking open one amber eye, Inuyasha gave her a withering look before returning to his pity party. On top of the general feeling of shit, knowing Kagome was right there witnessing this uncontrollable bout of weakness was humiliating. Even with a stopped up nose, he could smell the saccharine stench of vomit that hung thick in the air. The general had left a few hours ago after opining that Kagome alone was sufficient to protect Inuyasha at the moment – despite her awkward attempts to explain that she'd never done something like what she'd done that night before – and further adding that he would bring the true Lady Hana to them when it was safe to do so. Which was going to be so much fun. Sure, it made sense that if Kagome could quite literally knock some sense into General Yasumori then she could most likely shock Hana back into her own body but Inuyasha was hesitant to let that transaction occur. It was equally likely that Kagome would be thrown out of this world without him and then he'd have to live on a hope and prayer that she'd get back to him. Which could take years or worse decades, even centuries, to do. No, Inuyasha was very much against the idea of Kagome trying to get back into her own body. He'd get used to her new appearance eventually. What mattered is that she stayed with him. It was essential to his sanity at the moment.

"So who do you think banished everyone here?" Kagome asked curiously as she continued rubbing soothing circles on his back, "Seems strange, doesn't it? That someone would do all of this for you."

She blanched and quickly amended, "Not that you aren't worth the effort but…but…"

Inuyasha laughed shakily as he reached over to pat her leg.

"I get what you mean. Don't worry," he hummed hoarsely before attempting to push himself into a sitting position, "I've been wondering the same thing. Doesn't make sense."

"It could've been Sesshomaru," Kagome replied thoughtfully as she tapped one finger against her lip, "He knew enough to copy your mother in the beginning to trick you. And he hunted you for that pearl in your eye."

"S'far as I know he cant't do all this and that was way late in the game," Inuyasha croaked as he managed to sit up and swayed slightly as his head sloshed, "There was no way he had that idea earlier."

"Totosai maybe?" Kagome offered, "Or Myoga. What are his powers anyway? Doesn't make sense for him to be so connected unless he does something useful."

"They both knew it was in my eye so maybe," Inuyasha sighed as he ran his hand over his face, "S'far as I know, they were the only people who knew that much."

"Jakken," Kagome offered bemusedly, "I bet it was Jakken."

Inuyasha snorted as he shook his head, "No. Besides, I'm not sure if this is even about me. Maybe these bastards just pissed someone off and me coming back just threw a wrench in the works. Maybe I'm just crazy and the real you is sealing me in a hut right now because I'm a danger to myself and others."

"Inuyasha, be serious. I'm trying to find some internal logic to all of this," Kagome chided and Inuyasha snickered.

"Why? There's not any external logic to it," he teased tiredly.

"I mean that's fair but you have to admit it seems pretty you-centric. It can't just be random," Kagome hummed as she reached up to cup his face and closing his eyes, Inuyasha happily leaned into her touch, "But I'm sure we'll get answers soon. Right now all you need to worry about is recovering, okay?"

"I don't want you touching that girl," Inuyasha chided as he cracked open one eye, "I mean it."

"Inuyasha I'm sure it'll be fine," Kagome soothed and Inuyasha gave her a patient look, "It will be. What's the worst that could…never mind. Forget I said that."

"Exactly," Inuyasha sighed as he closed his eyes once more and titled his head to press a kiss against her palm, "So long as its you in there, I don't care if you're like this forever. You know that, right?"

"What a glowing review," Kagome teased, "I'm not attracted to your body but you have a winning personality."

"That's not what I said," Inuyasha mumbled as a faint blush appeared on his cheeks.

"Its what you meant. I'm not offended. Makes sense," Kagome laughed softly as she pulled back her hand and began pushing him down against the futon, "You just need to rest, okay? I'm not going anywhere."

"You better not," Inuyasha sighed tiredly as he reached up to drag her down next to him, "I'll lose my god damn mind."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next morning arrived far too soon – forcing an exhausted Kagome and a still nauseous half-demon out of their bed and into the limelight. Early, early, early the servants began pouring in – some seeming surprised to see her there and some indifferent – to get their lord ready for the coming day which for some reason involved fancy clothing. Inuyasha looked miserable as the various beings flitted around preparing the various things – fresh water, lye, perfumes and very expensive looking kimono that were a ridiculous shade of purple. Those who cared about Kagome's presence began mumbling their apologies for not bringing suitable clothes for her and asking her what she would like. Those who were indifferent watched on with an expression that bordered on disgust. And then there was one woman who was merely watching with a suspicious expression – moving slowly and adjusting her head to clearly overhear any response Kagome was giving. One of the general's spies, Kagome imagined, or alternatively, a spy for the bad guys.

"My Lady, you are from Clan Uda, no?" one of the woman offered awkwardly as she glanced at Inuyasha, "Your party I believe is just outside the palace gates. Should I fetch your belongings to bring them here?"

"Can all of you please leave?" Inuyasha finally huffed as he waved his hand in clear dismissal, "We'll come out when we're good and ready."

Groaning, Inuyasha lolled his head towards the girl who offered to get the the belongings with an exasperated look.

"Except you. Go get Lady…Lady, um..." Inuyasha cringed suddenly as he cast a panicked glance at Kagome. Oh dear. He'd forgotten her body's name. Not a great way to start the day.

"Hana," Kagome offered as she patted him on the hand and Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

"I know your name," Inuyasha mumbled as a blush bloomed on his cheeks before shaking his head and turning his attention back to the servants, "What are you all waiting for? Go!"

As the servants scrambled, Kagome gave Inuyasha a curious glance as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Does this…is this every morning?" she asked cautiously and Inuyasha nodded weakly while Kagome tried to imagine Inuyasha readily accepting people waiting on him. Hundreds of memories of him snapping at her for trying to tend to his injuries came to mind. Memories of him barking orders and being overall extremely demanding making her pity the poor little servants. Except...except since she'd been here, Inuyasha had been more or less...regal almost. Very diplomatic. Who knew Inuyasha had it in him?

"There's usually not so many," he sighed, "I didn't recognize the scent of half of them."

"Probably spies," Kagome offered, "There was one girl who I swear was taking notes."

"She's one of ours," Inuyasha huffed as his skin seemed to turn a little green, "Smells of Yasumori. Scents fresh."

Kagome hummed before furrowing her brow when Inuyasha seemed to fade and fast. Eyes dropping, his lips parted as he let out a shuddering breath.

"You alright?" the miko whispered as she scooted closer and gently guided his head onto her shoulder – the sudden rush of heat radiating off of him was concerning. He'd been doing better just a few minutes ago. What…

Kagome began glancing around the room for a sign that something might have been left behind. A candle or satchel maybe. Something small that could've been left behind unproved in the chaos.

The miko rolled her eyes after they landed on the likely suspect.

Something like a small green vase holding 'perfume.' Pursing her lips, Kagome gently nudged the groggy Inuyasha upright before getting up and going over to the small open trinket. Given the quantity of liquid in it, she should have been able to smell it from such a close proximity but instead, nothing was coming through.

"Can you smell this?" Kagome asked as she pointed to the suspicious item and Inuyasha slowly shook his head as he continued to wilt in front of her, "Thought so. Bye bye tiny vase."

Picking it up, she opened the door and looked around for someone who seemed trustworthy. Unsurprisingly, the general was standing nearby. Lifting up the item, Yasumori took his cue and came closer.

"They just brought this in," Kagome whispered as she handed the thing over, "Made him start getting worse again."

The general sniffed slightly before frowning.

"Did they say what this was intended to be?"

"Not that I heard," Kagome sighed before glancing over her shoulder at the lightly panting half-demon who would probably very soon empty his stomach, "What's going on today anyway? Why so many?"

"The announcement was made late last night but I was told just this morning," the general sighed wearily, "I was on my way to inform you both but alas I was a moment too late. They're moving ahead with the selection despite Inuyasha's condition. The procession will begin later this evening but the offering of gifts will take place at noon."

"So what am I supposed to do?" Kagome asked in a concerned tone, "I'm part of the selection, right?"

"Seeing as how you two are a couple, it may be in your best interest to marry so the selection never takes place, no?" the general offered as a potential solution, "Or you can simply rejoin the Uda clan's procession and…"

"My vote…is for…marriage," Inuyasha rasped a little louder than necessary as he raised his hand, "Kagome s-stays."

"Inuyasha we can't just get married," the miko huffed as a blush adorned her cheeks, "I'm not even in my body. What if I get sent back and then you're married to the real Lady Hana?"

"Then I'll l-leave h-her and g-go find you," Inuyasha scoffed as he awkwardly began laying down, "S'not that h-hard."

"The council did ask what I was doing visiting the lord at such a late hour," Yasumori hummed thoughtfully, "I declined to answer. It would be quite an easy task to admit formally that I officiated the union."

"But…"

"Y-you're m-marrying me," Inuyasha laughed softly as he curled up on the futon, "A-nd there's nothin' you can…c-can do about it."

"This doesn't count," Kagome clipped back as she folded her arms across her chest, "We're only doing this to save you. Maybe they plan on killing you during the selection and that's why they're pushing..."

"Nah, it counts," Inuyasha slurred before groaning, "T-take that shit a-away already. You know its killing me."

"Drama queen."

"Ah, think y-you mean d-drama lord," Inuyasha teased weakly as he gestured for her to return to him, "C-come here w-wife."

Yasumori chuckled softly before looking down at the small vase filled with potion.

"This development is rather concerning," the general muttered to himself before Kagome scoffed derisively, "Oh, you think?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I beg your pardon, sir?" one of the elders breathed as his eyes widened in alarm, "But…but did not the lord has just meet her? And how did Inuyasha meet the candidate prior to the selection? Perhaps it a spell or..."

"I had unfounded concerns which made me bring her to him in advance and it is no spell. An instinctual bond has rendered the selection moot," the general lied smoothly – coming up with an explanation on the spot, "Inuyasha and Lady Hana are married. If need be, I can draft a declaration detailing the ceremony."

"Unfounded concerns?"

"Lady Hana questioned the delay which I found alarming," Yasumori admitted - a partial truth, "My overreaction to her innocent question caused me to bring her to Inuyasha for judgment."

"What question?" one of the elders asked curiously.

"She inquired about the phase of the moon," Yasumori explained before adding quickly, "A simple question born of her belief in believing the delay would place her arrival on a certain phase of the moon she believed to be omen of misfortune."

The elders began murmuring to each other before a portly man with a graying beard laughed.

"Drafting a declaration won't be necessary. We shall take your word on it," the obese elder hummed as he stroked his beard, "All in all this is excellent news. Inuyasha has chosen a wife and given the circumstances, it stands to reason that there will be no shortage of children. An instinctual bond may be a sign that this Lady Hana is fertile. Most excellent news indeed."

While several of the council murmured their agreement, Yasumori noticed that Elder Ieyasu looked like he was about to faint as he began scrambling through the various papers before him.

"I fear…" Ieyasu interjected, "I fear the other clans will be opposed to the idea. And what of the rituals? Do we send the other women back to their families and break tradition?"

"The preparations for their extended stay have already been made," the elder who opined the situation favorable laughed softly, "And if Inuyasha so chooses, since there clearly will be no concubines given the nature of his union, he can give the women permission to marry or leave if they so wish. The selection has taken place, more or less, insofar as a woman has been selected from the candidates. The other families will not be offended. Of that I am sure."

"You're joking, surely," Ieyasu argued, "To have the opportunity to marry the shogun stripped on a technicality?"

"An," the same elder began before furrowed his brow, "Instinctual bond is not a technicality and I presume such a thing is irreversible. Whether the other families accept the result or not is immaterial. If it assuages you're conscience we can return any gifts they offered as a token of good faith or..."

Ieyasu seemed even more panicked which seemed to disturb the other elders and amused the general who was barely containing his grin. All of his long held suspicions were being vindicated in front of god and everyone. Any accusations as to this man's character or involvement might even be considered now. The ever stoic Ieyasu was reacting in a rather demented manner over something that should please him. The only reason it was upsetting was that there was now a wrinkle in his attempted coup.

"Should we not question this…this Lady…"

"Hana," Yasumori supplied with a knowing smile, "And by all means, please do. She seems to be a kind, caring woman who is quite taken with Inuyasha. I assure you she can be trusted."

"All the candidates were screened in advance," one of the younger – though not by much – elders laughed in a confused tone, "Underwent extensive background investigations. Their lineage established. I fail to see a need to interrogate Lady Hana further."

"I would like to meet with her then," Ieyasu countered, "To assuage my concerns."

"Only if Inuyasha permits it," a different elder cut in as the others murmured their agreement, "She is the Lady of these lands and as such, Inuyasha has the final say in who meets with her and when."

Yasumori had to bite his lip to stop from grinning at the image of Kagome's face when she heard that line and Inuyasha's reaction to it. She was a spirited girl and Inuyasha…Inuyasha seemed to be on her leash rather the other way around. It was endearing in a way and disturbing in others. Inuyasha has a strangely oppressive brand of love to be sure.

"I'm sure he will allow it," Ieyasu opined confidently, "I am his most trusted advisor."

"I will bring your request to the attention of the Lord and Lady," Yasumori offered as he narrowed his eyes and bowed, "If that is all…"

"There...there is a concerning report that a young servant claims to be Lady Hana," Ieyasu suddenly offered – his voice triumphant as he remembered this tidbit of knowledge, "Perhaps the woman Inuyasha has married is an imposter."

Yasumori tensed as his plan to take the woman to Kagome right after this was suddenly made complicated.

"I met with the woman myself and she is clearly mad," the younger elder sighed heavily, "Your concern is unfounded."

"I will also address this with the Lord and Lady," Yasumori offered, "And will report back with an explanation – if one is needed."

"You're a good man, general," the bearded elder hummed before clapping his hands together, "This truly is most excellent news."

In hindsight, finding a way to merge Lady Hana and Lady Kagome prior to making this announcement would have been the logical thing to do but the timeframe and the possibility that an easy solution would not be found has caused him to rush. This was unfortunate. Lady Kagome's body would be subject to much scrutiny now unless...

"Perhaps I should bring the woman to them myself," Yasumori offered as steadily as he could, "Give the lord an opportunity to decide whether there is any merit to the claim."

"Fine idea. Kill any doubt dead in its tracks," the punch drunk elder exclaimed, "Regardless, the instinctual bond is in place. What matters is that an heir is produced. I don't care who she is if I'm being honest. A legitimate heir is a legitimate heir."

Bowing slightly, Yasumori quickly took his leave before Ieyasu could convince the rest of the council that taking the girl to Inuysha was unnecessary. If they did switch back, perhaps he could merely use the argument that it was a soul or...or something.

Mistakes were made today or rather one very unfortunate, impulsive mistake.