M'kay, here we go with the next chapter. This one's fairly long, I'm sure most of you will appreciate that factor.
And to answer a few questions… you will all just have to wait and see what Sesshomaru has in store. Will he use and abuse the poor, heartbroken miko, or will the strengths of love break his impenetrable barrier? Only patience and time will reveal these answers to you, my pupils… I mean viewers.
Disclaimer: 'sigh'
Dinner Arrangements; Unexpected Guests
She had been surprised when he informed her of the dinner.
The conversation that had taken place had been an odd one at that. It started out with his commanding that she learned to hold her tongue in certain circumstances. It then escalated into an argument about sexism and feminine rights, to which Sesshomaru gave his rebuttal of the fact that they were in the Feudal Era, not the future. Still convinced that females should have been treated equally all throughout the ages, she continued with her little charade until, abruptly, the western Lord had interrupted her, telling her softly about the diner they were to host that night. Apparently they were to be having some guests over, and she was to look her best.
'My best, huh?' she mused while skimming through the array of kimonos that she had been presented with. "How am I supposed to choose? They all look so wonderful."
"Can Rin help?"
Smiling lopsidedly, Kagome teased, "I was wondering when you were planning on coming in."
Rin peered sheepishly from the doorway, a cute blush painting her cheeks. "Kagome-chan knew where Rin was?" she questioned.
Chuckling lightheartedly, Kagome faced the little girl dressed in pink. "I am a miko, Rin. I can sense your aura."
"Oh," she said, embarrassed at her lack of this knowledge.
Seeing the look that the youth was sporting, one of deep disappointment in her self, Kagome called Rin over from where she stood; a skittish shadow standing shyly under the massive doorframe. Admiring the adorable pink kimono she was wearing, the elder girl commented with extra enthusiasm in her voice, "My, oh, my, look at you. You're like a little princess."
Blush deepening into one of modesty rather than of embarrassment, Rin clasped her hands behind her back and looked to the floor, examining the smooth color of the rug while digging a small groove in the plush fabric with her toe. "You think so?"
"Absolutely!" Her sunny face spoke of her honesty. "A little princess in pink!"
Rin beamed at that. Pink always had been one of her favorite colors.
"If only I could find something that cute," Kagome muttered dramatically. "Oh, if only someone would help me through this predicament." Right on cue, Rin began jabbering about how she would love to help. Giggling girlishly, Kagome waved her over. "Well come on then, silly. We have only a short time before the banquet."
Unclasping the bottle that dangled from her neck, Kagome placed the trinket in one of the dresser drawers. Summoning her miko abilities, she erected a field of raw holy energy around it, ensuring its protection. Now, the Shikon-no-tama was secured safely in her room, hidden under a protective barrier.
Rummaging through the oodles of outfits that lined the closet, the two, after much deliberation, finally decided on one. The pristine, silver kimono draped over her body like a whisper of spider silk. The hem skimmed the floor, tail dragging slightly behind her. The sleeves pooled past her wrists, rimmed with sky blue cuffs. The same color lined the bottom as well as the collar, which dipped low, rather than being high. It wasn't enough to show cleavage, but enough to reveal a promising amount of smooth skin. The majestic blue obi was tipped with white, the large, decorative bow at the back tied expertly. Between the shoulder blades on the back, a large blue crescent moon stood out against the shimmering plain of silver. In the center, an azure silhouette was woven. The unmistakable outline of an inu youkai in truest form was threaded into the silk.
Her hair was done up in a French twist, the tips sticking out the side like an ebony fan; loose strands flattened out to resemble a peacock spreading its plume. A pair of sparkling silver chopsticks decorated the peculiar coif.
Her makeup was bold and eye catching. Her lips were painted in a thin sheen of clear gloss, her cheeks decorated with their own natural blush. Her eyes were painted in different shades of blue, the darkest of which started at her lid and worked its way up, fading lighter as it did. Where the pale cobalt blended with her skin, she placed a dapple of silvery glitter. Her lashes were decorated only at the tips, where she applied silver mascara. The outcome gave off a wintry appeal, like frost forming of the braches of naked trees in the early morning.
She was rather proud of it, actually. It had been done with the makeup she had brought from home. She hadn't been certain why she had brought it at first, but now she was glad. Modest as she was, she herself had to admit that she did look rather radiant that night.
"Kagome-chan looks like a snow queen!" Rin proclaimed loudly.
"Really?" Kagome asked curiously, "I was hoping it might take on that type of effect."
A curt, yet firm knock at the door alerted them to the presence of another. In a moment, Kagome realized that it was the Lord of the house himself, more than likely coming to scold her for taking so long. Without turning toward the door, she called out for him to enter.
Pushing the door open, he slipped in quietly, not surprised to find his ward occupying the room as well. She seemed to have taken a shining to Kagome, not that he could blame her. The woman did give off an unusual aura, one that radiated kind natured, gentleness. It was soothing.
He spotted her in the corner, near the armoire, adjusting her hair. From what he could see, her outfit was one of silver and blue, his clan's colors. She would look splendid on his arm, and match nicely with his own décor.
"Diner will be served soon, Lady Kagome, it is best we leave for the dining hall." His deep, imposing voice resounded easily through the room, demanding both attention and obedience. Yet, a soft tone was underlying the authority in his voice, making it more of a suggestion than a command.
Nodding vigorously, she affirmed his request and quickly wiped off a smudge of mascara on a small face cloth that sat atop the dresser. She was somewhat baffled that he hadn't chastised her on her tardiness, but once again reminded herself not to question her good fortune.
Twirling around with a small declaration of her readiness, she was frozen to the spot when she caught sight of her dashing escort. His own outfit was the exact opposite of hers, his hakamma and haori a deep shade of blue. The silver trim and nagajuban matched his hoary locks and the sash that secured his hakamma.
With no armor fastened to his person, she could clearly see the shape of him. Tall and lean and oh so imposing he stood before her, broad shoulders set and back straight as a bar. He looked marvelous.
She looked marvelous, absolutely scrumptious decorated in shades of blue and silver. Her midnight locks were pulled form her face, revealing the slender, womanly shape of it. The silk of her kimono clung to her form wonderfully, draped over her like a sheet of liquid, revealing every curve and feminine swell that she had to offer. Her pale, flawless skin and plump, shimmering lips had on little makeup. With her flowing locks pulled out of her face, all attention was drawn to her eyes, which were the attribute that made his heart skip a beat. Like a night sky fading into a canvas of milky stars, the intricately decorated designs that adorned her eyes stole his breathe away. She looked heavenly, like a winter angel. He could almost picture frost tipped wings sprouting from her smooth back.
Closing his mouth, he cleared his throat and approached her slowly.
"Don't you think Kagome-chan looks pretty, Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin inquired animatedly, tugging at his pant leg.
Meeting her slightly wary gaze, he spoke softly, "No… she is beautiful."
A light blush accented her cheeks as she continued to gaze up into the molten gold eyes of her Lord. Had he just called her beautiful?
"Rin helped pick out the kimono!"
Tearing his eyes away from the angel before him, Sesshomaru asked quietly, "Did you now?"
Kagome nodded a little, looking down at the jubilant girl. "Yes, Rin was a big help today. It's a good thing she came; otherwise I wouldn't have gotten my obi tied properly."
Placing a large, clawed hand on the little girl's head, he praised, "You please your Lord, Rin."
Squeaking in delight, the youth bounced around merrily and darted out the door, running smack into Jaken. "Come on, Jaken, we need to go to the dining hall. Kagome-chan and Sesshomaru-sama will follow!"
The little toad barely had time to protest before he was being dragged violently down the hall, screeching all the while.
Chuckling, Kagome declared, "I feel sorry for him sometimes."
"Kagome," Sesshomaru began, "I have something for you. I thought perhaps you might wear it tonight."
Mouth forming a small 'o', the miko weaved her fingers together and muttered, "You… uh, got me something? You didn't have to do that."
Dismissing the notion with a flick of his wrist, he intoned, "Nonsense. I wanted to." Reaching into one of the folds in his haori, he pulled out the delicate bundle he had been storing there.
Kagome gasped upon seeing the delicate silver chain, eyes widening when they came upon the dazzling crescent shaped sapphire that dangled from it. "Oh, Sesshomaru, it's lovely. I can't accept that."
"Why ever not? You have done your fair share of work while staying here. Think of it as my way of saying 'thank you'," he crooned.
Lifting a delicate black brow, she droned, "A simple 'thank you' would have sufficed. You didn't have to go spend money on me. I do what I do here because I want to. Trust me, Sesshomaru, if I didn't want to do something, I wouldn't do it, no matter how many times you ordered me to."
He grinned a little at that. "Is that so," he threatened playfully, "Are you saying that you would outright disobey an order?"
Crossing her arms confidently, Kagome nodded once and affirmed, "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."
Grin fading into a sly smirk, he leaned forward so that his lips could tickle her ear and whispered, "Perhaps we'll have to test that theory some day, and see how far you're willing to take it… or how long you will last before giving in to me."
A quiet gasp left her parted mouth. Was it just her, or did that last comment sound somewhat sexual? She shook her head. 'Naughty Kagome,' she chastised.
A cool sensation whizzed down her spine as something chilly brushed the back of her neck. Eyes darting upward, she found Sesshomaru to be only a hairs length away. A smooth slide of the necklace against her skin made her shift her gaze to the gem that now hung between her collarbones.
After gently clasping the chain together at the back of her neck, he paused, hand remaining at the back of her neck for a moment before sweeping forward, claws tickling her skin.
Shivering a little, Kagome found herself blushing yet again. Trying her hardest to tear her mind from the gutter, she smiled nervously and asked, "Who will be joining us tonight?"
Standing straight once more, Sesshomaru offered her his arms and answered, "The other three Lords are our guests. We all need to discuss settling this pointless dispute that is going on between the west and the south and concentrate on the growing threat that is Naraku. I will explain there that I need to accompany you on your quest to collect the shards. Should everything go as planned, we will be able to leave on the morrow."
Accepting his arm, Kagome nodded lightly and smiled. She was glad that she could get back to business tomorrow. It had been a pleasant stay at the castle, but the longer she shirked her duties, the more worried she became. Naraku had given her his word that he would not attempt to collect any more shards, but heck, she wasn't about to trust him.
"Shall we then?"
Inhaling smoothly, she nodded.
Giving a small nod of his own, he led her out the door and toward the dining hall. He still hadn't gotten over how absolutely gorgeous she looked. Never had any demoness caught his eye in such a way. Before he had thought to have bedded prettier females, but now, after seeing her as she was, he knew that she was by far a diamond in the rough.
Anxiousness taking over, Kagome grew rather shaky as she neared the hall, not sure she would be able to hold back any bold comments if the other Lords acted up or spoke rudely. She would try her best, though, to keep the peace if nothing else. The eastern Lord she had met, but the other two were still unfamiliar. And, considering the fact that the southern Lord was the one waging war on the western territory, she surmised that he would most likely be snappy.
"Do not trouble your self with worry," Sesshomaru's deep baritone purred into the shell of her ear.
Squeaking at how suddenly he had moved, Kagome jumped a little.
He patted the hand that was looped through the crook of his elbow lightly, whispering, "Relax."
Sucking in deep, even breathes, Kagome kept quiet as she entered the dining hall, her stomach doing an odd flip-flop as all eyes turned to her.
She recognized a few faces, such as that of Rin and Jaken's as well as Lord Takura. Eyes scanning the room, she paused when a familiar set of teal eyes came into range. In a flourish of wind their owner stood before her, her hands clasped within his clawed ones.
"Kagome, is it really you?"
Blinking rapidly, she stammered, "Kouga… wh-what are you doing here?"
Giving her a look that screamed, 'Are you serious?' the ookami answered, "I'm here for the meeting… what else?"
Baffled, the young miko turned to her Lord for answers.
Seeing the question in her eyes, he answered in even tones, "Kouga is the northern Lord… did you not know this?"
Dumbfounded, Kagome's eyes swiveled to the wolf prince and the back to Sesshomaru before she managed, "Well I knew you were the leader of a wolf pack… but the northern Lord? I had no clue."
Abruptly, she found herself crushed against the lean, tanned chest of the ookami youkai, face buried in the thick pelt he wore.
"Kagome… I thought that you had… I mean, I'd heard that you were…" Kouga choked out, worry etched across his face.
"I'm fine, Kouga, really. I know it's been a while but I've been… er… occupied these past few years," the tiny miko wheezed while still in his iron grip.
Hearing a deep, warning growl sound from the chest of the western Lord, Kouga quickly relinquished his hold, allowing the priestess to stand on her own two feet. Casting a curious glance at Sesshomaru, Kouga found fierce possessiveness shining at him through scorching amber orbs. Did the Ice Lord feel for Kagome?
Snarling, Kouga cracked his knuckles and hissed, "Stay away from Kagome, you hear? She's my woman!"
Sesshomaru's fiery gaze quickly turned to one of fury, golden depths darting to the miko at such a brazen proclamation. Was it true, was she claimed?
Sighing, Kagome massaged the bridge of her nose tenderly. "Kouga," she began, "we've been through this. I am not your woman. I know you think that it's destined to be or whatever, but I like you as a friend."
Stepping forward, Sesshomaru quickly added, "Indeed. Are you not also promised to the wolf princess, Ayame?"
Grumbling, Kouga was about to retaliate when the calm taiyoukai of the western Lands piped up smugly, "It would be quite the taint to your honor if you shirked your duty to uphold the betrothal."
Tearing angry eyes from the infuriatingly cocky silver haired inu, Kouga brought his sights back to Kagome, who he asked, "What happened, anyways? Where was dog shit through all of this?"
Face hardening, Kagome answered snappishly, "Inuyasha and I are no longer affiliated. End of discussion."
Eyes going wide at the sudden hostility in her voice, especially to one who she used to hold so dear, Kouga quickly changed the topic. "You look absolutely delightful, Kagome, good enough to eat."
Kagome giggled girlishly and swatted at his arm. "Alright, that's enough from you, mister."
"No, honestly, I don't think my eyes have ever beheld such a beauteous sight," he went on, capturing her hand to place a charming kiss on her knuckles. If Sesshomaru was going after Kagome, so be it, but he would see to it that the bastard had to work his ass off to earn a place beside her. She was too good to get hurt in one of his little games.
Clearing his throat, Sesshomaru stepped between the two and placed a hand at the small of Kagome's back, ushering her to her seat with a slight amount of force.
Shocked at the taiyoukai's pushiness, she soothed, "Calm down, Sesshomaru, Kouga and I are old friends."
"He called you his woman," the inu reminded her curtly.
"Well," Kagome stuttered, "though he might still have feelings for me, I don't think of him in any way other than the way a person would regard a close friend."
Satisfied, Sesshomaru helped to seat the little miko and took his place next to her, at the head of the table. Waiting for the remainder of his guests to take their places, Sesshomaru greeted, "Welcome. I am glad to see all of you could make it, there are important matters to discuss."
Yes, yes, let's get straight down to business… review, and the next chapter will be up tomorrow. Don't and I swear I'll make you wait a month. Do not temp Fate… or she'll lay the smack down on you!