Disclaimer: I don't own the series, just this story, but not the characters…I think you know

Also, I'm going to go ahead and apologize for the total embarrassment of this chapter. It is in its raw form, completely un-beta'd. There are probably many spelling and grammatical errors that I want to apologize for ahead of time. Let me know if any thing doesn't 'flow' or is confusing. I'll be happy to answer your questions!

Thanks

To Conquer and Possess

Chapter Two

"Go to sleep!" Kagome groaned for the hundredth time that night. She had been tossing and turning ever since she had first lied down. "Ugh," she looked up at the ceiling, staring at it intently in the dark. All she could think about was how her betrothed was going to be. She had been envisioning him in so many ways: as the man of her dreams, and as her worst fear. At one point that night, while desperately trying to sleep, she couldn't help herself but to let her ever roaming thoughts wander to her future.

She imagined taking a long and very nerve-wracking drive to being faced with an enormous castle. Her backside uncomfortable from the constant bouncing of the carriage she was in. But her discomfort was forgotten from all the people awaiting her arrival, much to her dismay. There would a handsome man to open her carriage door, and to help her step down. He would be approachable, and a warm aura about him. He would look deeply in her eyes and smile, and she would be giddy and anxious for her wedding day.

Then, there was always the complete opposite right around the corners of her mind. She would pull up much in the same manner as her fantasy and there would be a man there. He would sneer at her, and refuse his manners to open her door, or help her step down, quite contrary to a gentleman. His face would adorn an evil grin that would unnerve her. This man who she would be fated to would be selfish, greedy, and absolutely loathsome.

But her father wouldn't give her away to someone like that, surely.

Kagome had no clue what to expect. It wouldn't be a bad idea to expect the worst either. Maybe, by some miracle, something would happen to change everything. She wouldn't have to marry, nothing would be threatening her kingdom, and things would be back to normal. But, that was an even farther reach from anything she could think of.

Tired of her insomnia, Kagome unfolded herself from her bed and put on her robe. She stepped out into her balcony to get a breath of fresh air. A sigh escaped her lips. She was against all of this, but her kingdom did need protection, and she wouldn't be selfish and trade their safety for her selfishness. No, her father was right. She had a responsibility as a Royal, and she would fulfill her duty, forced or not.

Small electric tingles danced in her nose as she felt her tears threaten to fall, but she refused to let them. She wanted, and needed to be strong through this.

'I'll just take a walk to the garden. Maybe that will relieve my mind.' She thought, quietly exiting her room

Once Kagome reached the garden, she took a seat beside the pond. She let her fingers skim the water, rippling the reflection of the moon.

She nearly jumped into the pond when she was startled by the sound of someone clearing their throat behind her, followed by a light chuckle.

She turned around ready to kill whoever had scared her half to death. She recognized the figure lightly fingering the cherry blossom.

"Father," she breathed, placing a hand over her rapidly beating heart.

"Kagome, what are you doing up so late. You should be resting for your journey tomorrow." Seta said, approaching his daughter. His voice held a light air of anxiety. The usually faint smudges under his eyes were dark and hollow, visible even in the night.

"I know, but I can't sleep. Why are you not sleeping, father?" she questioned in return.

"You don't think I can just send my daughter off to be married as if it were an everyday decision do you? I pray you don't think me that heartless." He laughed lightly, taking a seat beside her.

"No, father, I don't," she smiled. "Have you met him? Do you know what he is like?" she started.

He sighed. This had also been weighing heavily on his mind, but he did trust Inutaisho. "No, I haven't had the pleasure to meet my friend's son recently. The only time was when he was just a child, not yet old enough to walk. Inutaisho and I have always been good friends, Kagome—"

"Then why is he threatening to take our lands?" Kagome questioned now confused. She thought that was the reason why she was being sent off, to ensure the peace.

"He isn't going to take our lands. There is trouble in the North, and we are allying forces. If he needs my army or anything for that matter, he is welcomed. His kingdom is much stronger than ours." Seta explained.

"So I'm collateral to make sure you keep your word? What a great friend." Kagome snorted while mentally adding, 'Not to mention great father.'

Seta sighed for the hundredth time that night. "Not quite. You see, we can't let neighboring powers know we are friends. We need to gain some ground before that. So to other powers, yes, you are a type of collateral." Seta said not telling quite the whole truth.

"So why do I actually have to marry?" Her hope had begun to rise. Maybe she didn't have to marry after all.

"Ah, now that is a much ore complex matter, and one that I do not wish to get into. Now, go on and get some rest. You're going to have a long day tomorrow.

Anger coursed through her veins like fire. She didn't care if he wanted to talk about it now or not; this was her future she was going to have to face. A small crease formed above her brow as she started to argue, to get him to tell her she wasn't really going to have to go through with this whole thing; that is was only a charade to everyone else, but the words died on her lips from the stern look she was receiving. She had gotten that look before, after tearing out all the flowers in her mother's favorite garden.

She sighed and stood. She bade her father a curt good night and went back up to her room, the hope she had earlier leaving her in small wisps after every step she took. She had so many more questions, all which would remain unanswered. This sent off another wave of fury, making her forget the hope that had mounted up in her. Kagome knew better than to disrespect her father, but she wanted answers.

Once reaching her room, she stomped back into bed, tumultuously yanking the quilt up to her shoulders, still seething. She tossed and turned a while longer before sleep decided to claim her.

- - -

Inuyasha sat on the ledge of his window. Sleep had refused him this night. So many questions ran through his overworked mind. He needed to ask his father when this wench would be arriving. 'Why couldn't this be Sesshomaru's problem?' he thought. 'Why the hell does he think I need a mate? Besides, isn't that really my choice? What happened to willing suitors? Ah, damn it all!' Inuyasha shifted to rest his head against the wall, and closed his eyes.

'Isn't the Higurashi family the ones who protect the Shikon no Tama? Will she have it? She'll bring even more dim-witted demons here. Great, that's just great! I can already tell she's going to be more trouble than she's worth.' A sigh escaped his lips. 'I don't even know her name.'

He opened his window for some fresh air. The area looked inviting enough. 'I'll just go for a little run to get my mind off of things.' With that, he jumped out of the window, and aimlessly went for the woods. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, and he didn't even know it yet.

- - -

Inuyasha awoke to loud noises coming from down the hall. He could hear men and women bustling around, as if in a hurry of some sort.

He groaned and grumbled incoherently as he dressed. He stepped out of his room, and noticed much of the staff was hurriedly cleaning out a room that was not very far from his. He watched as men carried out various items, and maids went in the room to clean, and other maids dusted off the things that were being taken out.

He watched a while longer before he started to look for his father. He stopped a man going to fetch more items from the room.

"Where's my father?"

"In the library Master Inuyasha." Came the reply.

Inuyasha gave thanks as he headed in that direction.

He looked at the two large doors he was standing in front of. He had a feeling he was not going to leave this room very happy. He grabbed the handles and tugged the doors open. He spotted his father seated in his favorite chair, nonchalantly reading.

He didn't look up from his book as he greeted his son. "Good morning, son." Inutaisho already knew what to expect. He was going to try not to get upset this early in the morning, but the same wouldn't be for the man now standing before him.

"Morning. What's going on up there?" Inuyasha asked, jerking his thumb behind him for reference.

Inutaisho looked up at his son. "They're readying my soon-to-be daughter-in-law's room. Why do you ask?" The unusually innocent reply was the first red flag.

Inuyasha just stared. "Isn't this a little early to get started? They could at least take it slow. Your acting like this wench will be here any minute."

"Inuyasha, stop calling her 'wench.' She does have a name, and you would already have known it if you didn't storm out yesterday. Her name is Kagome. Learn it." Inutaisho sighed, exasperated.

Inuyasha groaned.

"Seta Higurashi is my long time friend. I will not have you disrespecting his daughter in my presence. Is that understood?" he waited until after Inuyasha nodded to go on. "And as for the room, it is being prepared for her arrival. She should be here fairly soon." He said with a half smile.

"What! How long is soon?" Inuyasha asked, eyeing his father with considerable annoyance.

"Like I mentioned before, if you had not stormed out yesterday, you would have known the details consisting of this arrangement. As far as you betrothed, she will arrive no later than nightfall." Inutaisho said matter-of-factly, going back to his reading.

Inuyasha stood there, not quite sure what to say. "What?" was all he could croak out.

Inutaisho glanced up. "What did you not understand?"

Inuyasha balled his fists. "Not understand! I'm being forced to marry! I'm sorry if this is just a little overwhelming!" Inuyasha roared with restrained rage.

Inutaisho sighed and rubbed his temples. "You were always a stubborn child…I for one, can't wait to meet you betrothed." He said with a hind of amusement.

Inuyasha started to make a retort, but decided against it, and turned to leave.

"Oh, Inuyasha?" his dad called out.

Inuyasha stopped and breathed out a heavy sigh before facing his father.

"Yes?" he said between clenched teeth.

"I expect you to treat our guest with honorable respect."

"Fine," came the curt response.

Inuyasha swung the doors open, on to be greeted b a smirking Sesshomaru.

"What the hell are you smirking about?" ground out Inuyasha, beyond annoyed.

Sesshomaru just gave Inuyasha a mocking glance before turning in the opposite direction.

Inuyasha growled at Sesshomaru's retreating form.

'Damn it,' he thought getting more and more frustrated. 'Honorable respect my ass.'

- - -

Kagome watched as her things were being placed on various carriages from the vicinity of her room. She sighed, lightly tracing her fingers over the frame of her window. 'I'm really leaving,' she solemnly thought. 'I probably won't be back, at least not for a while.

Kagome's mother had been worried about her daughter ever since the news had been relayed to her.

She quietly stood at Kagome's door watching her look out of the window. She took a few steps in and softly called her name.

Kagome didn't bother to turn to look at her mother. This would probably be the last time she could talk to her for a while. She wouldn't be able to tell her of her fears her dreams, or anything and see the look upon her face.

"Yes, mother?"

Yumi could hear the anxiety in Kagome's voice. She sighed, and sat adjacent from her.

"Kagome, dear, you don't know how much I don't wish to do this. I've heard only good things of Inutaisho Seiga." Yumi tried to comfort her daughter and quell her fears.

"Mom, I understand, and it's not Seiga-sama that worries me. It's his son. What if he doesn't take after his father? What if he's cruel, and cold hearted? I can't come home, I'm stuck there." She confided.

Yumi sat and listened to her daughter tell some of her fears about the upcoming events.

"What if I don't come to love him? What would it mean? I don't want to be in a meaningless marriage. I just…just don't know what to expect and I hate that." Kagome sighed and watched the on goings outside again.

Yumi didn't know what to say. These concerns her daughter had were perfectly normal, but how could you comfort someone if you worried about the same things? "Kagome, all I can tell you is to be strong. I cannot tell you that you will fall in love. Let fate take that path."

Kagome couldn't be reassured by her mother's words, but strangely, it did give her a little relief. She nodded while whispering a 'Thanks'.

"This also brings me to another point, Kagome; The Shikon no Tama. Your father has possession of it now. We need to set off at this time, so he may speak with you." Yumi said, rising. Kagome looked questioningly, but followed suite.

Seta had asked Kagome for the jewel two days ago, but wouldn't tell her why. She had wondered about it since she was its guardian now. All those years of training had better of been for something.

Kagome trailed behind her mother feeling overwhelmed. They were on their way to meet her father. Kagome solemnly knew she would be saying goodbye. But she had some questions for him to answer before he left.

After they had made their way down the corridor, they continued until they were met with the outside world. Kagome saw the last few things being loaded. She spotted Sango and Kirara; Sango talking with her brother, Kohaku. Sango noticed Kagome and smiled, then returned to her brother.

Kagome exchanged a smile of her own, but could see some sadness in Sango's eyes for having to leave her brother.

The princess was nearly knocked over as a little creature latched itself to the lower half of her body. She looked down to see her munchkin of a brother squeezing the life out of her legs. "Hey brat," she ruffled his hair.

"Kagome, when will you be back?" His innocent question made a well of emotions rise, and her throat constricted. She forced down the watery haze in her eyes and she too wondered the same thing. She bent down to embrace him. "I don't know, runt." She answered truthfully. Sota dropped his head and just hugged her. "Kagome, I… I'm going to miss you." Kagome again had to fight back her tears as they threatened to give away her composure.

"I'm going to miss you too." She kissed the top of his head and held him tighter.

Yumi and Seta watched their children say their goodbyes. This was hard for all of them.

Kagome rose, her brother still attached her side. She walked over to her awaiting parents.

"Kagome…" Seta began, but Kagome threw herself at him, her embrace catching him off guard. "Dad, I'm going to miss you and mom so much! I just needed to say that just in case I left mad, because I have a lot of questions that I want answers to." Kagome said while hugging her father.

Seta's eyes softened, waiting for his daughter's questions. "First, why am I leaving so early to go to the Great Eastern Lands? And, also, what is his name?"

"Because I don't want to just throw you in and you not have a chance to get to know your future husband. His name is Inuyasha Seiga." The first of the questions answered.

Kagome took that information in. It might be a good idea to at least know his name. Still, she couldn't quiet the part of her mind that wanted to fall to her knees and beg to stay, to cry and plead her way out of this situation; to tell her parents that she hated them for ruining her life. Of course, she wouldn't bring herself to do that. She didn't hate her parent's, but she was still hurt nonetheless. It was her people she had to think of. It was not technically unjust to do this sort of thing; it was very common throughout the land.

"When am I supposed to actually be married?" came the second question.

"Ah, after you arrive, you will have a fortnight before your wedding. That was what we originally decided. Though the date may change."

"A fortnight? Don't you think that's just a little early?" Kagome gasped, her shock buzzing in her mind. Two weeks was hardly enough time at all.

"Not at all. I believe you and Inuyasha well get along perfectly." Seta was not aware of how wrong he was.

Kagome took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "And what of the jewel? Do I remain the guardian?"

"Yes, you will remain the guardian until it is either destroyed, wished upon, or passed down. Your mother and I decided it would be much safer to take a shard from the Shikon no Tama and give it to Lord Inutaisho. If it was to be stolen, its true power could not be harnessed, and we'd still have a chance to get it back safely. I fully trust Inutaisho to keep it safe and Inuyasha can look after you." Seta informed Kagome, now handing back to mostly complete jewel.

"Like a child? Do you not trust in all the training you put me through? Was it all for nothing?" Her anger rose as she stared at her father.

"No Kagome, we just think that since you will be in a land generally consisting of demons, you will need extra protection. And who better than your future husband?" he finished with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Kagome rolled her eyes. This brought her to another, important question. She hoped her father's response would quell her nerves. "So, can you tell me about your future son-in-law? I don't know anything about him, and I don't know what to expect." She waited expectantly for his answer.

Seta thought a moment. "I guess I have left some minor details out…"

"Minor? No dad, just maybe letting me know what they guy I'm supposed to marry is like isn't very important at all!" She yelled. Her dad could be so unbelievable at times.

Seta gave her a crooked smile as he went on. "Well, like I have mentioned before, I haven't actually got to know him. I met him once when he was a child."

Kagome sighed. She knew that she had talked this over with him before, but he hadn't elaborated anything that might gave eased her nerves.

A servant ran up to the emperor and whispered something in his ear. A dismal look crossed his features. He nodded and waited until the servant left. His gaze fell on Kagome. Yumi was almost in tears, but she choked them back.

"Kagome…" Seta started. He watched her face fall. When her eyes met with his once again, they were full of unshed tears. "Kagome, it's time." He pulled her into a tight embrace. "Journey safely. I'm sending guards to accompany you to the Great Eastern Lands. I love you Kagome."

"I love you dad," she hugged her mom. They exchanged some words as well. "I love you mom." Kagome then turned to her little brother. "Hey brat. I love you. Come visit me once in a while, ok?" she hugged him as he nodded, tears streaming down his cheeks. She gave one last look at her family once she joined Sango at their carriage. Kohaku had come to stand beside Sota. They all waved goodbye to each other.

Kagome and Sango stepped inside their carriage as Seta was talking with the head guard. They were well equipped in case any demon tried to disturb them.

Sango rubbed Kirara, watching her brother and her home get farther and farther away. She let out a deep sigh. Kagome waved one last time before turning to face Sango. They exchanged halfhearted smiles, and didn't make an effort to break the silence.

After a while, and a very uncomfortable ride, the silence started wearing on Kagome's nerves.

"So, are you as nervous as I am?" Sango focused her gaze on Kagome, thinking over the question.

"Well, we are going to a new place. I don't know about you, but I don't now anything about it or the people who live there, so yeah, I am nervous. But then again, I'm not getting married." Sango smiled.

"Gee, thanks Sango. Next time I need some comfort, remind me to come to you." Kagome laughed dryly, her words dripping with sarcasm. They both laughed quietly. It had been quite a while since they left.

"How many do you think are out there?" Sango piped up, trying to keep a conversation going.

Kagome was confused until she followed her gaze outside to all of the guards. She hadn't really paid much attention to them until now. "Wow, I don't know. I'll say… about fifty or so." Sango nodded in agreement.

Minutes passed by. Kagome sighed. "You'd think they'd let us out to stretch a bit. It's probably more comfortable walking than riding in this thing." Kagome complained. She was getting anxious. Her stomach felt like it was a roller coaster, and that coaster just flipped off the track, rolled a few times, and went into a skid. She couldn't sit still or keep her thoughts straight.

Kirara's eyes popped open as her ears perked up. She made a throaty growl. Both girls look at the fire cat, and then at each other. This meant trouble was around. Kagome looked out of the small window on the side of the carriage for some sign. Kagome could feel darkness crawl over the flesh of her arms. "Something's coming, and it's big." She warned. The feel of evil was growing intensely by the second.

Sango yanked the door open. "Something's coming!" she felt around for her Hiraikotsu, but some of the servants had put it with her belongings. It was much too large to fit inside the carriage comfortably. But she did manage go grab her katana.

She looked to Kagome to see if she was armed. She wasn't. All she had was the jewel.

As if reading her mind, Kagome answered, "They packed it up." She scoffed, clearly aggravated. She knew she could use her Miko powers if it was a mere demon, but the feeling she got of the coming danger was not just a demon, not even just a handful.

The carriage had stopped moving, and the two women jumped out of their transportation, followed by Kirara. Her growling became fierce and she transformed.

About two hundred yards ahead, the sky was littered with demons. It was as if everyone's brat had caught in their throats. A guard glanced back at the precious cargo they were supposed to deliver.

The guard pretty much flew over to them. "Miss Kagome, Miss Sango, you need to take shelter behind the carriage! NOW!" he pushed them behind the only protection he could find at the moment. The guards seemed to come to their senses as they formed a semi-circle around the two women.

"Miss Kagome, Miss Sango, you need to go to the Great Eastern Lands now! We'll hold off this horde! Go!"

The demons were closing in. Their only chance to escape was now.

"But…" Kagome started, she didn't want to just leave the men.

"GO!" he yelled again. The guards readied their weapons. They were facing a great number; At least for demons for every man.

Sango yelled for Kirara. Kirara stood steady as Kagome and Sango jumped on. Kagome looked back at the loyal, brave guards. They all were risking their life just for her and Sango's safety.

Kirara was hurriedly speeding through the air. The guards were already out of sight.

"Don't look now, but we seem to have some company." Sango said, nodding in the direction of two medium sized demons.

Kagome readied herself. They could easily take these two demons out. Sango unsheathed her katana.

The weak demons came down for a strike. Sango slashed her sword in a downward arc, decapitating a flying serpent. A half bird, half lizard went for Kagome, who in turn raised her hand. A blue-ish light emitted and the demon disintegrated into nothing as if flew at her.

"Not bad," Kagome complimented her friend. "Not too bad yourself." Sango threw back.

Up ahead was Inutaisho's land. They weren't very far now.

A few minutes after they entered the Great Eastern Lands, the castle was in sight. Kirara increased her speed, if that was possible.

- - -

Inutaisho looked up from his paper work. Something didn't quite feel right. He looked out of his office window only to see a fire cat with two passengers. With his perceptive vision, he could see the emblem of Seta Higurashi's region. It felt too wrong to be excited of the princess's arrival. Inutaisho hurried to make his way to the front gate. He would have expected more guests than two people. Seta was no fool. He wouldn't send out is daughter unprotected.

On his way, his son, Sesshomaru, met him. He too had noticed the disturbance in the air. He wondered briefly where Inuyasha was and why he hadn't come. He was only slightly surprised to see his son waiting for him just at the entrance of the castle.

A frown had found its way on Inutaisho's features, as well as Inuyasha's. Inuyasha also had more than one reason to frown on his mind. Sesshomaru's emotionless stature was not unusual in any situation.

Lord Inutaisho stepped outside of the castle, his sons a little ways behind him. The fire cat was approaching at an enormous speed.

- - -

Kagome and Sango saw Lord Inutaisho emerge from the castle. Kagome barely noticed the other two men behind him. When Kirara came to a good enough stop to where she could safely jump off, she did just that.

Lord Inutaisho took a step forward to the frantic girl.

"Lord Inutaisho, the guards are fighting off a very large amount of demons! We came as fast as we could." Her panicked exclamation came out quickly.

"How many demons?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, two hundred I think."

Inutaisho thought. "This had to e a deliberate attack. You two go inside and alert the staff who you are. You'll be taken care of." He told the two women before him.

"Sir, take me back with you," Kagome tried. She wanted to help her people.

"No. It's too dangerous," his eyes softened. "And I also don't wish you to see how gruesome the sight may be."

Kagome didn't reply, she just searched his face.

Inutaisho turned from her and ordered his sons to accompany him as they sped off to where death most likely was waiting to be found.

Kagome watched them g for a moment longer. She was only stalling the inevitable. She didn't know what her life was going to be like from this point on. She remembered she felt something stir inside of her knowing one of those two me behind the king was her betrothed, but she didn't do mare than snatch a glance. The feeling was quickly squashed with the worry of the men who had protected her and her handmaiden with their lives.

Sango gave he a reassuring pat on the back before they turned to leave. Kagome's heartbeat quickened at finally taking in that this was really happening. She took a deep breath and started her way in the strange and unfamiliar place she was to call home.

There you go! Hope you like it!

So here's the deal, and I really hate to do this.

You review, and I'll update. If not, don't expect another chapter for a while.

So give me some constructive criticism, and let me know what you think of this chapter? Too long; too short?

All I have to do is get my next chapter typed up and proofread, and then we're good! At least that's what I hoping, if everything goes as planned.

So hopefully 'til next time.