It was fairly close to night when they touched the earth again. She could practically feel the cushioning grass beneath her feet when the cloud disappeared beneath them. He led her over to a rather picturesque looking waterfall. It was small, and the trickling sounds of water that fell from it to hit the small rocks below set a calming effect to all who entered the area. A stone bench was positioned off to the side of the of the little stream of water, practically glowing in the low-light atmosphere.
Her eyes took on a delighted glow as he led her to that small bench and gently ushered her to take a seat. It seemed very unrealistic - him being as kind as he was being. She never knew he could be as gentle as a feline, yet as fierce as a rabid dog. She knew there were different sides to everyone - she just never imagined she'd get to see another side to Sesshomaru of all beings. With a large, yet quiet gulp of air, she looked over at the demon lord to see him fiddling with his armor.
"Is there a problem, Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked, deciding to be a little more formal.
"For me, yes," he said, dropping his third person facade and looking directly at her. "I asked for your assistance specifically. I have mulled over these thoughts for quite some time, and my best option is you."
She decided to stay quiet and hear him out. Unfortunately, a rather nagging foreboding feeling began to sneak it's way into her senses, forcing her to swallow it down dryly. "A message arrived at my estate nearly a fortnight ago baring unsettling news," he paused and looked away from her, almost in a...bashful...manner? She felt so confused at this point. She was honestly curious as to where this conversation was going. "The eight kingdoms have conjured together and I have officially been vetoed.
"The eight kingdoms have decided, much to my misfortune, that I should mate one of the noble daughters of their kingdoms," he paused once again and made a rather uncharacteristic sigh. "Unless I take one of them to mate, I will be dethroned. Should I choose to mate someone else, I must have them stand at my side and show proper customs at the ball being thrown at the center of all kingdoms.
"I understand that should you accompany me, you will be forced to act as my intended, and while under no circumstances are you qualified-"
"What?" She suddenly interrupted, having been quiet the entire time. Sesshomaru went quiet for a second and allowed her to continue, "Let me get this straight - you want me to act as your - intended? Is that the word you used? - so that you can keep your throne and to get rid of any unwanted suitors? And what do you mean "not qualified"? I'm perfectly capable of handling a situation like that." She knew she was getting overworked for the misuse of his words, and she knew that it was how every demon saw a human, but she had to defend herself!
"Then you accept?" He asked.
"What? No, what part of that was acceptance?" She said, crossing her arms over her chest and staring him square in the eyes. "Look, Sesshomaru, it's none of my business to go meddling in these sorts of things. You have to face your fears-"
Sesshomaru growled, effectively cutting her off, "I do not fear those petty lords." He calmed himself for a moment before saying, "I only ask you because those so-called lords wish for an heir to the throne. Including the Northeastern Lord has been vetoed for the same reasons as I. However, he is completely willing to allow the others to rule over him like a heard of cows. I, however, am not meant to be ruled over.
"I chose you because of your human nature," he said, trying to make a point. Somehow, she could sort of see where this was leading, "Your human nature would cause an uproar through the lands and everyone would begin to dispute." He seemed to be watching her rather carefully, as if any wrong thing he would say might set her off again. She wasn't really sure what his line of thinking was anymore, but at least now she understood one thing:
Sesshomaru wasn't asking her to be his mate, he was asking her to act like one.
"You want to cause drama..." she commented quietly, knowing full well he could hear her. "I...think I understand. To put them in their place, you want to use me as an example."
"Correct," Sesshomaru replied. "Do you accept?"
"What's in it for me?" She asked, unfolding her arms and placing her hands on her hips.
Sesshomaru was quiet for a moment before he spoke, "Anything you desire," he replied.
Kagome knew exactly what she wanted. "I want your word that you will be nothing but kind to me during this event, and I also want your word that my friends and I will forever have access to your lands as well as your protection. The same goes for their descendants."
Sesshomaru seemed to think it over for a few seconds before he nodded his head in agreement, "Your terms are acceptable."
Kagome grinned and held her hand out, "You must shake my hand or our agreement is void." She said. Sesshomaru looked over at her, grasped her hand with his only one, and gave it a firm shake. She gave the most innocent smile she could muster. She knew that he had no idea what he was in for. "So, when do we get started and when is the ball?"
There were just some things that she really wished she didn't get herself into. This would be one of those things.
"No." He said this with such finality that there was hardly any room for talk.
"It's only for a month," she replied, "come on, Inuyasha, the shard hunting can be put on hold and Sesshomaru, I'm sure, would help me-"
"No," he said, swiveling on his heels and walking away from her, as if it were the end of the conversation.
"Why not?" She said, her hands on her hips as she stomped her foot in a very immature manner. To be honest, she was beginning to get fed up with the conversation. She wasn't even sure if she should have said anything. It wasn't like Inuyasha was her keeper or anything, she just figured it might do some good to give everybody a heads' up.
Inuyasha stopped in his tracks and turned to her with a scrutinizing stare, "What the hell do you mean "Why not?" Kagome, that guy is bad news. Have you forgotten how many times he has tried to kill me?"
"But he made a pact to never harm you or anyone else, plus, we have exclusive access to the west!" She crossed her arms over her chest, "It's not like he did anything! Every time you and him had a battle it was always because you provoked him! Not to mention, he has saved me once or twice before, too. I figured I at least owe him a favor or two. And if that doesn't convince you, than how about the little girl? He let's that sweet little one run around him all day - he can't be all that bad."
"Kagome, no," Inuyasha said, looking exasperated, "I don't trust him. He has done nothing but make my life a living hell from day one. What makes you think that he is going to abide by his so-called contract with you? You're a human, and last I remember, he doesn't exactly regard humans with the highest respect. That runt that follows him everywhere - the toad watches her, haven't you seen it? The toad watches her, orders her around or whatever, and Sesshomaru just let's her follow him and doesn't give a damn what she does! The kid never tried to hurt him and he doesn't see her as a threat, so that's the only reason he let's her follow him around!"
"Inuyasha, look," Kagome said, "I already struck a deal with the demon. If you don't like it, you have to talk to him yourself because he is coming this afternoon to pick me up and take me to his palace. If you want to visit, I'm pretty sure he would allow you to come see me. You know, to make sure I'm not dead. Also, it's not like it's going to be forever. Why don't you let me find out for myself and judge him on how he is first-hand. You never know, I might find something there that you hadn't as a kid.
"I'm not leaving you," she reassured as she placed a hand on his forearm, "it's only for a month. Sesshomaru only needs me for a ball that the lords are throwing together to make a statement. The ball is at the end of the month, but before then, he's got to teach me proper demon etiquette. If I don't meet up to their standards, that means I'm not exactly fit, but it will also show that humankind can be just as good as them. It's my chance to change the demons' take on humans." She sighed as rubbed his arm in comfort when she noticed his ears drop to his skull, "I promise it's not forever. Sesshomaru will honor his word because that's who he is - he's a lord and as such he has to honor his words."
"But how do you know it's not just some kind of hoax?" He asked, looking defeated, "How do you know it's not something to lure you in so that he can just torture you to get to me?"
"Because the look in his eyes and the sincerity in his voice told me he wouldn't do such a thing," Kagome said, "also...his aura kinda showed it. Besides, if anything happens, I'm sure that my knight in smoldering red armor would come to my rescue, right?"
"Damn straight," Inuyasha said with a nod of his head. "What about your kit?"
Kagome bit her lip, "I don't know," Kagome said with a bit of a frown, "I didn't think that far ahead."
Inuyasha frowned at this right before lifting his head and taking a sniff at the air. He growled disapprovingly and gave her a stern look, "Your dog is here."
"Oh my gosh, it's already time? I've got to go grab my bag!" Inuyasha swept her up bridal style and took off for the little hut Kaede had. When they stepped inside, they were surrounded by friends demanding to know why Kagome was leaving them and so on and so forth.
After calming everyone down, everyone decided to go ahead and walk Kagome to her escort. When all of them met where the fields met the forest, Kagome walked forward with a smile on her face. Sesshomaru nodded, but before he could offer her a hand, Inuyasha placed his hand on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. "The fox and I are coming with her," he stated, leaving no room for argument.
"Inuyasha-"
"Very well," Kagome snapped her mouth shut and got an upset look. Why didn't anyone seem to think that she couldn't handle herself? Quickly deciding to compose herself for now, she gave Sesshomaru an incredulous look. Did he just accept the terms as they were?
"Good," Inuyasha replied, grabbing Shippou from Sango's arms and placing him on his shoulder.
Sango and Miroku gave Kagome a smile and hug to see her off, "We'll take care of the demons in the area, travel around, and see if we can find any more jewel shards. You have fun at the ball, okay?" Sango said, grinning and gesturing in Sesshomaru's direction.
Kagome shook her head and walked forward to stand between the glaring brothers. She took a good look at each of them, pausing to stare at each one of them. Inuyasha looked back at her, as if trying to see if she would fly with Sesshomaru or ride with him to Sesshomaru's palace. He seemed in contradiction with himself but after another moment, Sesshomaru outstretched his hand and beat him to the punch. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru and smiled, briefly taking one last glance at Inuyasha, before accepting Sesshomaru's hand. She stepped upward onto his cloud that had magically formed beneath his feet and they rose into the sky, just high enough so the half demon could not hear their voices.
And Kagome couldn't help but to think...
"Things just got interesting."
Okay, I have to say, this was a VERY hard chapter to write for me, believe it or not. I worked on and off of it for DAYS, I swear, I couldn't decide how I wanted this chapter to go. Originally, I planned on Inuyasha staying back and Shippou leaving with her. Then I thought about leaving both Inuyasha AND Shippou at the village, but then I decided that it would be more interesting with both of them in the picture, along with Sesshomaru. I wonder where this is going to take us!
