Rain on a Wedding Day

It seemed there would be rain that night. InuYasha's ears flicked as he could hear the sky rumbling from outside the window he leaned against. The hanyou was still in Naraku's castle, but was subjected to remaining in a hallway far away from the throne room where the reception was taking place. Sesshoumaru had made it clear he wasn't allowed anywhere near Kagome and after he made Kagome's wedding ceremony more awkward than it needed to be he doubted she'd ever want him to be around her again.

"Isn't rain on a wedding day bad luck?" InuYasha grimaced looking out the window with dulled eyes, "is this all my fault? If I'd just kept my mouth shut and used this mission as an excuse to be with Kikyo maybe he would have forgotten about Kagome. I could have lied and said she was an illegitimate child or something. I could have done something, but no I messed up like I always do. The second he brings her home he's going to hurt her."

Sesshoumaru in Havensbrooke was just Sesshoumaru at his best so he could get what he wanted, but couldn't Naraku have at least seen past it? Didn't he know what Sesshoumaru really was? InuYasha felt like he was going insane and had been pushed to the edge when Kagome seemingly appeared willing to marry him at the ceremony. He knew it wasn't her choice and there wasn't much she could do, but he hated the situation being so hopeless.

"The blame only lies with me," InuYasha said in defeat cradling the Tetsusagia in his arms, "Sesshoumaru said he got the idea from me after all. It'll end the same way won't it? Kagome will die just like-

InuYasha clutched the sword in anger wishing he had the strength to break it. The sword was suppose to better him, but now he was feeling as helpless as ever.

"I need you Tetsusagia so I don't make the same mistake again," InuYasha shook his head, "that's the reason father gave you to me and why Sesshoumaru allows it but you're not making me stronger. Just weaker. Maybe I'm just going about this the wrong way. I don't need you all the time do I?"

InuYasha should've been upset that Kagome stole his sword without little effort, but maybe it was a sign. A sign that the sword could be both his salvation and his major flaw. As it was now the Tetsusagia was holding him back and if he figured out the right time to wield it he'd have better control over his demon half.

"Is that really the right decision?" InuYasha asked calming down, "or is this just what my head is telling me? Kikyo you were right when you said there was something rotten inside me, something that can never be healed, but I just can't take it anymore. I'm too weak."

In anger InuYasha chucked his prized sword right out the window keeping track of where it had fallen so he could reclaim it later. It was right behind the bushes so hopefully no human would stumble upon it, but that was just a risk he'd have to take.

"I have to talk to Kagome," InuYasha growled standing up not evening knowing what he was planning on accomplishing, "I can't just leave things like this. I have to do something."

Kagome wouldn't be in the throne room, however, if that was going to be where InuYasha was going to look first. No she was far away back down in the depths of that basement where she was tortured as a child for hopefully the very last time to say goodbye to Goshinki. She had a huge platter filled with meats sitting on the floor next to her that she carefully slid through a small square hole on the bottom of the steel door.

"You're scared," Goshinki growled from behind the door reading her mind.

"Yeah," Kagome murmured thinking about the result of the cake incident, "I wasn't thinking. That's my problem isn't it? I never think. Ugh I just had to do something to show him I wasn't giving up, but throwing cake in the face of a Daiyoukai? My husband? I wouldn't blame him for being harsh on me after embarrassing him like that, but I'm more terrified of his lack of response. He didn't say anything to me. Didn't even look at me after that. I messed up again. Like I always do."

She knew her worries didn't measure up to what Goshinki felt due to his mistreatment, but she couldn't help relying on him for soul searching every time the two of them were alone together. She was looking for the answer on why she was the way she was, but she was beginning to fear she'd never find it.

"All creatures have their vices Kagome," Goshinki told her from behind the door, "some take to the bottle and some gamble. You lust after that freedom you feel you're being denied so badly you take advantage of any shred you get and revel in it. That was the mistake you made. You thought you were invincible and couldn't control yourself."

"I thought stealing was my vice but I guess I'm more of a mess than I thought," Kagome shook her head, "I'm just as arrogant as Hakudoshi and father aren't I?"

"No. They hurt others for selfish reasons. Your move might have been immature, but you needed the dog to know he can't possess you fully. The sooner he learns that the better it will be for the two of you. Father didn't break you and neither will he."

Kagome had never found the courage to truly stand up to her father before Sesshoumaru came into her life, and honestly that came from mostly arrogance. Naraku couldn't hurt her anymore now that she belonged to another man. Would she have been able to confront him without her husband at her side? Probably not.

"I'm still too weak," Kagome thought to herself, "can I actually do it? Leave this place behind?"

"You can and you will," the oni growled, "you've had your fun and games now it is time to grow up Kagome. You need to leave this place and never return. I have not been close enough to read Naraku's mind to know if he truly wants you to assassinate Sesshoumaru, but it'd be best for you to get away while you can before he can change his mind and do something we'll all regret. Especially if Sesshoumaru is successful in extracting the magic from your blood Naraku will try to get you back. Promise me you'll never return Kagome."

"I won't," Kagome agreed standing up, "I just hope Sesshoumaru won't give up on me because of what I did. It was just stupid cake after all. He was the one that made it a bigger deal than it needed to be, but before I go-

"No," Goshinki snarled, "I knew your intentions long before I saw that scroll on my platter. You wish for me to free myself from this prison so you can look upon your older brother before I finally confront father? That is what you wish for Kagome? It will not be so."

"So hard to have a natural conversation with someone that can read your mind," Kagome sighed, "why not? Don't you want to be free Goshinki?"

"Yes but I am no fool. Naraku will kill me the moment he sees me in fear and you'll pay for the consequences. I will not make my stand until I know you are safe Kagome."

"You always have to listen to me prattle on about my problems Goshinki. You've done enough, so don't sit here like a caged up monster for me."

"The mind you believe to be ill and messed up is so amusing to me Kagome. I know all your desires and your want to be loved and cared for, but when someone does show their care you try to repel it in fear. You'll never be like our father or any of these other creatures that manipulate and torment others to fulfill their desires."

"Maybe I haven't got the stomach for it," she shook her head standing up, "as long as you got the scroll the decision is yours Goshinki. I should be worried, but with your clever and powerful mind I bet you'll know exactly when and how to act. I wish you well brother."

"As do I my dear sister," Goshinki gave his farewell from behind the door, "and you are right. If you truly wish to play the game Kagome you'll need to learn that you can't always act in the moment. Sometimes you have to bide your time."

Sesshoumaru was definitely biding his time. He stood in the corner of the throne room with pure contempt in his eyes for all who looked in his direction. If Kagome was anyone else she'd be dead right now for such a stupid act. He'd long since cleaned that lemon cake from his face, but the damage was already done. He knew why people continued to glance his way. They were waiting for him to explode in anger, for him to prove he really was the monster they all thought he was.

Well they would be disappointed because Sesshoumaru had no plans of retaliation for the time being. No, instead he decided to store the memory of her going from wearing a devious smile on her face to knowing she'd made a huge mistake in the back of his mind. Kagome was already going to receive a creative punishment for publicly claiming she baked a cake against his wishes and now he had a lot more fodder to work with. He wasn't forgiving her or letting it go, just continuing to think on how to turn embarrassment into his pleasure.

"Human brides and grooms smash cake in each other's faces all the time I've heard," came Kagura's voice from behind her, "you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You shouldn't even been be surprised. The girl is just a child after all."

"Not for long," Sesshoumaru said coldly remembering he had business with Kagura, "and I don't care what the humans do. It was demeaning for the two of us all together, however what's done is done."

Sesshoumaru was making it seem like he was the forgiving type even though it was quite the opposite. He never envisioned a scenario where he and Kagura would be enemies on the battlefield so he felt no need to protect his image of a merciless warrior in front of her. Besides Kagome was being punished in a subtle way for her insolence already. He didn't care where she was or what she was doing as long as she wasn't alone with Naraku. He wouldn't gift her with his touch or even look at her when she returned to leave her in anticipation for their later activity. They would share a bed that night and the girl would be left not knowing exactly what Sesshoumaru she'd be getting.

He could smell Kagome's scent as she was returning to the throne room, but Sesshoumaru had no intention of greeting her or paying her any mind at all.

"I know I said I could do it," Kagura frowned shaking her head, "but I don't think I can. Not with my father being more delusional and domineering than usual. He'll see this all as some sort of slight against him."

Kagome had walked right into the middle of the conversation, but the two demons paid her no mind at all.

"Is that so?" Sesshoumaru rose an eyebrow, "perhaps I was overstepping my bounds when I expected to have this arrangement with you Kagura but I'm disappointed nonetheless. She's just a mere child. Will she be living on the streets then?"

At first Kagome thought Sesshoumaru was discussing her since he always referred to her as a child, but then came the comment about someone living on the streets.

"Why can't you take her Sesshoumaru?" Kagura asked, "just take the child with you."

"That is not possible."

"Why isn't it? You expected me to care for the child despite her being your responsibility."

There was a child that Kagura was expected to take care of despite it being Sesshoumaru's responsibility? Kagome's imagination quickly went wild as she'd been wondering about the nature of Sesshoumaru and Kagura's relationship. Had those two been together in the past? Was Kagura hiding things from their father that she didn't want exposed?

"Does Kagome know about Rin?" Kagura wasn't aware that Sesshoumaru was purposely ignoring his bride.

"No," he said as though she wasn't right next to him, "it is none of her concern or business nor is it any of mine no longer if you cannot care for the child."

"Rin?" Kagome recalled the flower girl with the baby's breath flowers that she wanted to protect before Sesshoumaru took matters into his own hands, "the flower girl? Is she alright?"

Kagura shook her head, "The girl was in bad shape when Sesshoumaru brought her to me. It looked like she was attacked by another human. She hasn't spoken a single word-

"She was like that before I brought her to you," Sesshoumaru turned his back on both the women, "it doesn't matter anymore. We've done all we can."

Kagome was confused. When she expressed concern for the girl Sesshoumaru made it seem like he was showing kindness upon her and the girl's family just to lessen the burden, but now it was seeming he'd done something to interfere further. She needed to know what was going on, but Sesshoumaru wasn't providing any answers.

"Sesshoumaru?"

Contempt and envy. Why was that all Kikyo could feel? The only feelings that made her feel alive? It should have been no mystery why she felt that way every time she was forced to look upon Kagome's face during her comings and goings into the throne room. Her god was merciful, but at the same time full of tests. Kagome had been brought back to life and given the gift of a full true life where Kikyo wasn't give the same upon revival. No it was quite the opposite. She'd lost everything including her own heart.

"It's fine," Kikyo tried to tell herself, "it's just a test. When I get my true life back I will smile knowing that I've earned it. Kagome on the other hand doesn't seem to value what she has right in front of her. She will die and I will live, and that will be her final lesson."

Kikyo tried to keep her thoughts off of Kagome and her kingly husband for the night. Naraku's love for her indeed seemed to have his limits as he had nothing but cruel words for her the last few nights.

"I should have stopped this when I had the chance," Naraku murmured while drinking a cup of wine, "look at how she stares at that dog fully invested. You better pray to your god that she comes to her senses and kills that mutt Kikyo. I'm not going to gamble my future on your stupid blood magic. Once he puts pups in her it will all be over. I wouldn't wait two years and nor would he."

Kikyo didn't see what difference it made what Sesshoumaru did to Kagome. As long as they figured out how the secret to extracting her magic that was all that mattered. Why did Naraku have to further complicate things with his little assassination plot?

Before Kikyo could send a remark Naraku's way an unwanted visitor walked into the throne room.

"Oh goody," Naraku rolled his eyes, "it's your lap dog Kikyo. Seems all the women in this family has one now except for Kanna and Kagura."

Sesshoumaru knew he couldn't keep his little secret about Rin from Kagome forever, but he had planned to keep on ignoring her for the time being until his brother decided to just waltz right into the throne room. The very first thing Sesshoumaru noted about InuYasha was he didn't have the Tetsusagia, and that immediately had the daiyoukai on guard standing in front of Kagome.

"You have no business here," Sesshoumaru growled at his half-brother, "that was made clear to you InuYasha."

"I'm not going anywhere Sesshoumaru," InuYasha released his own growls crossing his arms, "not until I talk to her. I need to apologize."

InuYasha definitely needed to apologize to Kagome for a number of things, but that wasn't really why he'd come there. He didn't know why he came there only that he had to be near her. Something telling him he couldn't leave the girl's side.

"You will say nothing," Sesshoumaru wouldn't even let him catch a glimpse of Kagome, "retrieve your sword and book your own passage back to Winter Spiral InuYasha. Orders will be awaiting you there."

The way Sesshoumaru was standing might've appeared to the others in the room as him protecting Kagome, but that wasn't how InuYasha perceived it. No. Sesshoumaru was standing there with his Mokomoko growing in size to make himself seem more intimidating. He was demonstrating that he was the alpha of their pack and InuYasha would have no other choice than to obey. Him not even being able to look at Kagome and make sure she was okay was being done to further send the message.

InuYasha was done taking orders, however. Sesshoumaru was no alpha of his any longer.

"You think you're so big and mighty don't you?" InuYasha instead of growling began to chuckle.

Kagome thought InuYasha was simply here to make a fool of himself and had probably come back from a tavern where he had one too many to drink, but when she heard that chuckle she was on alert. There was something alien about it. InuYasha didn't sound like himself, but because she was behind Sesshoumaru she didn't watch as his eyes began to flicker from gold to red.

"King Sesshoumaru or Lord Sesshoumaru it doesn't matter to me anymore," InuYasha's voice sounded deeper than Kagome had ever heard it, "seems titles not mattering is the only thing we'll ever agree on."

"What is it you are saying brother?" Sesshoumaru nonchalantly displayed his claws in a threatening manner, "do you deny my rule over our father's lands?"

"I do, and it'd be nice to challenge you for them without words like treason and kin traitor being thrown around. Just you versus me. I look forward to it, but our home is not what I want right now. You know what I want."

"I thought you had that mutt on a leash," Naraku scolded Kikyo as he stood up from his table.

Kikyo had pure disgust on her face. What was InuYasha thinking coming around Kagome without his Tetsusagia? This wasn't a safe situation for anybody involved.

"I will handle it," Kikyo told her husband preparing to rush towards the hanyou.

"No," Naraku said coldly grasping his Queen's wrist, "and have my wife publically go to her lover's side? You're done making a fool of me Kikyo. Guards!"

All Sesshoumaru heard from Naraku's murmuring was that he was calling for his guards. The daiyoukai shook his head as he stepped closer to InuYasha.

"I will handle my brother," Sesshoumaru declared with his claws out ready to fight, "this is my family's business."

Kagome didn't not understand at all what was happening or why the two brothers felt the need to fight at her wedding reception. It couldn't have been over her. If InuYasha had any feelings for her at all he never would have betrayed her and wouldn't have followed it up by turning to Kikyo's bed. All she knew was she wanted it to end.

"Stop it now!" Kagome yelled at the two of them before stepping back and gasping.

InuYasha didn't look like himself. She could barely recognize the demon in front of her. He had eyes of pure crimson and purple streaks across his face. He seemed a lot bigger than usual in as the outline of his bulging muscles could been seen under his clothing. The only thing that proved he was InuYasha was the color of his robes and ears on top of his head.

She was already taken aback by his appearance, but the smile he gave her shook her to her core.

"Ah Kagome?" he smirked crossing his arms, "you look so beautiful in that dress. It's a shame you're wearing it for the wrong person. You'd look so much better next to me, or better yet under me. Marriage doesn't mean a damn thing to youkai. I already told you that. You can still leave with me and be free of all of them."

"InuYasha?" Kagome didn't even know how to respond to those crude remarks.

"That is not InuYasha," Sesshoumaru clarified for her keeping his eyes on his opponent, "his demonic heart has taken control of him. This creature is no more than an intruding youkai."

InuYasha shook his head, "My brother is so ignorant. He claims to hate humans and hanyou alike, but when I come to him as my true self he still denies me and my claim. All of this over a stupid sword. The truth is Sesshoumaru you just hate everyone because you're so in love with yourself believing your the god of this universe. I can't wait to prove you wrong."

Sesshoumaru's demeanor remained unchanged, but something was off about this whole situation. It shouldn't have been out of the ordinary for InuYasha to rely more on his mouth in battle than his claws, but never had he seen InuYasha's youkai form act like this. When InuYasha became more demonic he was always more like a mindless beast not anywhere as talkative as this being was.

"Feh everyone is so tense," InuYasha shrugged, "it's not like I'm going to be shredding all of you into ribbons. No we're all civilized here aren't we? So civilized we kick the groom's only sibling out into the cold without even offering him a plate of supper."

Sesshoumaru's eyes were trained on his brother as the red eyed dog creature went over to the banquet table. He pulled a leg off of a roasted chicken and ate it in front of them obviously trying to be intimidating.

"I guess I can't blame Kagome since she's under your thumb," InuYasha smirked rudely chomping at his meal, "but Kikyo what a disgrace of a host you are. Leaving your beloved out there to starve. Lucky for you I'm moving on to something younger, something better, something a bit more alive."

Naraku's smugness seemed to return to him as he sat back down at his table putting the whole situation into Sesshoumaru's hands. He didn't want Kikyo's whole past revealed, but he enjoyed watching her squirm in fear and anguish at InuYasha's words.

"Finally some true entertainment," Naraku remarked crossing his arms, "and I didn't even have to provide it. Will Sesshoumaru destroy his younger brother? Their father is dead and in the ground so I'll suffer no consequences."

"You want my wife?" Sesshoumaru decided to clarify narrowing his gaze.

"Are you deaf stupid?" InuYasha snarled back, "of course. Seeing you dead would be a nice added bonus, but one thing at a time dear brother. All I want at the moment is that sweet tantalizing blood of hers that sings to me. If you have to settle for a bloodhound Kagome you might as well choose me. You almost chose me once after all. I was a coward then but I'll make up for it now. Come to me Kagome. I'll take good care of you."

Kagome was still safe behind Sesshoumaru, but she took a couple paces back terrified of what she was seeing. Sesshoumaru was right. Whoever this creature was it was not InuYasha. The InuYasha she knew always changed the subject or picked on her anytime the subject of possibly being together was brought up, but this man was straight up wanting to claim her. It was quite demeaning. Kagome had accepted the reason Sesshoumaru wanted her, but that still came with a promise of a future. However, this youkai InuYasha made it clear he was only after one thing.

"Take care of her like you did the other one?" Sesshoumaru didn't call Kikyo out by name for InuYasha would know who he was talking about.

InuYasha shrugged, "Mistakes happen. Whatever she's alive ain't she thanks to that god of hers. No damage done. I've learned my lesson and won't drain the well. Don't worry your pretty head off Kagome I'm not going to make you choose. I'm here to be civil remember? I'm challenging my brother to a duel. It won't even be a duel to the death. He loses you become mine, and if by some misfortunate accident he does manage to die I get his castle and lands and you can still be a Queen. So you should really root for me to do well."

"I'd never root for you," Kagome commented keeping her eyes to the floor, "I'm not anybody's blood well."

"InuYasha," Sesshoumaru never lost eye contact, "go retrieve your sword and be gone. This is your last chance if you want to live."

"That silly sword father gave me to lock away my true potential… my true self? Wielding fangs is your thing not mine. I don't want that damn sword you can have it, if you survive that is. So what will it be Sesshoumaru? Do you want to be civilized with me and settle this like men or do I have to get her the hard way?"

Duels had rules and regulations, and there was no guarantee any of them would follow the guidelines. If the two of them had to raise their claws at one another someone would die. Sesshoumaru had no qualms about killing InuYasha. It was only his promises to his dying father that kept that pup alive, but there was something dishonorable about accepting the challenge. His younger brother wasn't the one making it but instead the built up demonic energy within his heart. He'd be murdering InuYasha and Sesshoumaru still considering himself the hanyou's alpha couldn't bring himself to take it that far unless he thought Kagome was truly in danger.

"His demonic energy is stronger than it's ever been," Sesshoumaru calculated feeling InuYasha flare up his power, "but it still doesn't even compare to my own. Father wouldn't forgive me for such a slaughter. I won't do it."

"I cannot accept a duel when my brother's soul is under duress," Sesshoumaru announced, "all I can do is protect my wife from you. Come near her and you'll be stricken down InuYasha. You know you can't win."

InuYasha had a low growl. That was exactly why he wanted a civilized duel. If they were forced to use swords and shields without any demonic power and played by the rules InuYasha would have a chance with his current strength, but if he just tried to take Kagome now he wouldn't stand a chance. Oh well. At least he made his intentions clear.

"I guess the hard way then," InuYasha turned his back on them looking towards a the largest pane of stained glass, "but at least I put the offer out to that pretty little bride of yours. Kagome if you can manage to run away I'll find you. If not then I guess I'm preparing for a nice little hunt. Name of the game is claim Kagome for myself before you ruin her too much and I can't wait to play."

Before anyone could react to his statement the demonic InuYasha had taken it upon himself to destroy the centuries old stained glass before leaping out of the castle going on his way with a chicken leg still in his hand not caring to go and find his sword. Instead he decided to test out his speed going off on his own to hatch a plan to get the woman and the western lands for himself, but most importantly that blood.

Everyone was left in a silent shock before Naraku once again arose from the table, "That glass is coming out of your so called wedding budget Kagome. Shouldn't you be honored? You not only have the affection of one dog but now two are fighting over you. Seems like it's time to draw all of this to a close."

Kagome was not honored. She was horrified. She couldn't really forgive InuYasha for trying to ruin her wedding ceremony, but she still pitied him. That man wasn't him. That was some kind of other dark creature possessing the body of her former friend. Was all this happening because of the so called magic in her blood? Was it all her fault?

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru's back was still to her as he began to lower his guard, "do not listen to that creature. No other man will ever lay their hands on you. If he had a chance at claiming you he wouldn't have fled. No other demon's strength compares to that of your husband."

"I- he- I don't know," Kagome didn't know what to say as she was left in shock.

"I'll find the Tetsusagia in the morning," Sesshoumaru finally turned towards her his eyes still cold as they always were, "that creature's candace was something different but this situation is nothing new. This isn't the first time my brother has cast aside his sword believing he could control that part of him when he clearly can't. You'll never have to see him again. Now then…"

Sesshoumaru's voice was calm, but his blood was boiling. Another demon publicly claiming to want what was his was not acceptable. It wasn't Kagome's fault as she'd made it clear she had no interest in InuYasha, but unfortunately she'd have to pay the consequences. Her husband's inner beast was stirring wanting to cover that girl in his scent so no other youkai would dare try to make such claims ever again.

"Let us retire for the night Kagome," he told his new bride finally locking eyes with her as he cupped her cheek with his claws.

Kagome didn't know what she was more terrified of. InuYasha turning into one of the monsters she feared or having to share a bed with a possibly angry Sesshoumaru.

(End Chapter)

AN: I know another strange chapter. InuYasha will be the primary villain of this fic though because I've been wanting to for a long time have his demonic form have a personality and be kind of twisted and I figured this story where not everything is super serious all the time would be a perfect place to try it out. As for the great baked good incident some loved that Kagome stood up for herself some found it juvenile and believe she's mistreating Sesshoumaru. Both are in the wrong. Kagome for once again being super carefree and acting like she's above her status and can do whatever she wants all for the sake of rebellion while Sesshoumaru is the one that continued to make it a bigger deal than it was and sealed his own fate with insulting her at the end when she'd already accepted that she'd be punished. It's still early in this relationship.