Just in case I want to let everyone know that I did post this chap previously, but then I took it down. That was because I had split this chapter into two separate ones but I just decided to re-post it as one whole chapter that way we can move along in the story line.
BTW this chapter is long as heck so have a bottle of water and some granola to snack on.
I know I needed it when I was writing it LOL
Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Wedding Blues
Rin sighed as she leaned against her elbows on the railing of the large window in her bedroom and stared out into the distance. It was early morning and the sun was still rising, just starting to peak over the golden sand mounds in the distance, casting multiple hues of orange, magenta, periwinkle, and deep blue as it stretched further into the sky. From where she stood she could see the surrounding dessert, and the nearest oasis looked like a dark speck. She loved this view, it was one of the reasons she begged her father to make this space her bedroom, instead of his private study.
He inhaled deeply, welcoming the lightweight warm air as it filled her lungs. The sun had barely been out a few moments and already it was getting warmer. She smiled faintly, enjoying this view, and thinking back on all of the other times she had enjoyed this view since she was a little girl. She would most likely never see this view again; she was going to a whole new world, in just a few hours.
Her mouth dried out as a lump seemed to swell inside her throat. Her hands began to sweat as uncomfortable rolling in her stomach made her grimace, not to mention the tightening in her chest hat seemed to cut her breathing down. These were all physical reactions she suffered from whenever she thought of leaving for the West. She tried not to think about it, but as the days grew closer, it became near impossible. And now today was the day.
There were soft thuds and shuffling noises coming from behind her as Kaede went through all of her trunks one last time, making sure everything Rin said she wanted packed was indeed packed. The Ambassador, Koga, had told her that anything she would ever need or desire would be provided to her so there was no real need to pack more than what was necessary. So Rin decided to only pack ten trunks instead of fifteen. She packed all of her favorite dresses and shoes, hair pins, jewels, books, scrolls, pillows, blankets, and a few other knickknacks around her room. All of those things probably weren't necessary but she wanted to feel as close to home as possible when she got there. So she did have Kaede pack all of her favorite pillows on her bed, take the curtain from the windows and even pack the rug that fashioned the floor. That way she could at least sit on it and close her eyes and pretend she was back home in her own room.
"Come child. It's time for ye to be dressed." The old woman was standing behind her with a coral dress hanging cross one arm.
Rin sighed and cast one more look out the window before walking over to the old woman. She shrugged out of the baggy night gown she wore and it fell to the floor and quickly stepped into the dress Kaede held open. She put her arms through the fitted sleeves the stopped in the middle of her upper arm; Kaede buttoned it in the back, positioning Rin to see herself in the mirror in front of her like so many times before. The dress was simple, no embroidery or fancy cuts in the fabric. It had a V shaped collar, fitted in her chest, and then flowed out from the bust to her feet. A set of fine sandals were in front of her. She slid her feet in once her dress was buttoned up.
"How should we do your hair today?" The old woman asked as she walked to one of the ten open trunks around the room.
Rin looked around. Everything looked barren. Only a few of her paintings were still hanging on the walls. Everything had pretty much been packed away. Rin looked at her reflection as the old woman came back with a brush and began going through her thick, messy, wavy tresses.
"This is the last time we'll ever do this," Rin whispered.
Kaede stopped and walked in front of Rin. With a soft and wrinkled hand she cupped the young princess's cheek. "Shh, now is not a time for that."
"Then when?" Rin demanded at tears she had not even known were present spilled from her eyes. "When will there be a time?"
Kaede gave her a calm and level stare. "I'll tell you when…" She dropped her hand and went back around to continue her brushing. "Now, how about I braid it up nice and pretty for you?"
Her nursemaids overall lack of empathy was frustrating her to know end. Literally swallowing a sob that was desperate to escape she replied, "Do what you want."
When her hair was braided and finished, servants came to carry her trunks to the ship. Rin sat at the small table that sat in front of the fireplace in her room. There was a plate of bread, grapes and cheese, and a cup of orange juice. She ate three grapes and finished her juice hallway. Her stomach could not take down anymore.
Kaede told her she would be back and left the room, leaving her to her solitude.
"Don't look so down." A sweet voice said in front of her.
Her head napped up and her eyes widened when she saw Midoriko sitting across from her. She sat up in her seat and looked around the room, not quite sure what else she was expecting to see.
"Can anyone else see you?"
"No. Just you. I came to wish you a safe journey." Rin offered no response, just a grimace. The goddess studied her for a moment. "I know you are unhappy, but everything will work itself out. I know it will."
Still Rin did not respond. She did however pop another grape into her mouth and chewed it slowly.
"There are some things that you must expect when you get there. Naturally, they will all assume that you are naïve and ignorant."
"You want me to prove them wrong." The princess stated as she took down another grape.
The goddess shook her head. "I want you to do whatever it takes to survive. Do not give them any reason to suspect you of being any type of threat."
Rin internalized this for a moment before she asked, "Am I a threat?" It was a serious question. Their first meeting was a confusing one. When she awoke in her bed later on that night she was told she had fainted at her birthday dinner. She thought it was just a dream. Then everywhere she turned she would see the goddess, smiling at her, watching her, making her aware of her presence.
Midoriko looked her in the eye very sternly. "You are my vassal. Through you my work shall be done."
"And what work is that?" Rin demanded. "If you want me to help you, you need to tell me what is going on."
Midoriko's eyes darkened with sadness. "I could tell you great deal more, but now is not the right time. I will tell you this, little one." The goddess leaned forward, as did Rin. "I am hoping, that I will be able to end it all before it gets started, but I fear the turn of events in which are about to unfold have been set by Lady Fortune…"
"What events?" The goddess did not respond. The built up frustration inside of Rin threatened to spill over. She licked her lips and bit the bottom on before continuing. "If you want me to do this for you you're going to have to tell me something, because keeping secrets won't get us anywhere."
Midoriko did not respond. With all patience lost Rin jumped to her feet knocking her cup over onto her plate, ignoring it she stomped over to stand in front of the cold hearth. "You want me to aid you in some divine task but you won't even tell me what it is? How am I supposed to fight against something if I don't know what it is? I know there's more than what you're telling me!"
Rin spun around and paused when she did not see the goddess sitting in the chair. She looked around her room. There was no trace of her anywhere. She brought her eyes back to where the goddess was sitting, there was nothing.
"Your highness."
Rin jumped as she spun on her heel as Kaede reentered her room. "Yes?"
"It's time to go."
Rin surveyed her room one last time. She walked over to her bed and touched the soft linens on it, grateful for the many nights it cradled her tender head. Without another second to waste she walked out of the room.
Once they exited her private wing of the castle, a procession of handmaids and servants followed them. Rin met with her brother in the front hall of the palace entrance. Takemaru was dressed casually in pants, boots, a short sleeved white shirt, and an open leather vest. At his hip was his sword and his long hair was in a braid down his back. Rin gave him a small smile. He gave her one in return.
"Where is father?" She asked.
"He's outside talking to the ambassador." He put a hand on her shoulder and stepped closer to her. "How do you feel?"
Yes, how did she feel? Not good, that was for certain, but she could not pinpoint one emotion. "I am… taking it all in."
Takemaru nodded. "Come, everyone is here and we have far to travel, I assume."
Rin nodded. She exited the palace doors, with Takemaru at her side, followed by Kaede, and his manservant. Out in the courtyard, where the king and Koga both waited with their parties. Two chariots were waiting for the royal family and their guest, as well as five carriages that would carry everyone else.
A small party was traveling to the Western Kingdom with Rin for her wedding. The King Ryukotsu, and Takemaru, naturally, and their servants and guards. Also Rin invited Kagome and her husband, Hojo. The girls Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka, and two of the King's advisors and one of Takemaru's friends, Miroku. Well compared to other trips they've taken it was a small party.
As Rin took her place in the chariot in the front with her father, followed by her brother and the ambassador in the second, her stomach lurched unpleasantly as she looked around. Everyone seemed so calm, almost happy.
"Open the gate!" Ryukotsu yelled.
Slowly the large stone gates were being pulled open and cheers could be heard. Fain t at first, but grew progressively louder once they were completely open. As the horses pulled the chariots forward, Rin fixed a happy smile to face the public. They always did this, gave a strong farewell and welcome back whenever the royal family left for any public event. Horns were playing and drums were being beat by musicians who walked along the procession down the street that was filled with the common folk waving and cheering gleefully. They lined the street, filled every window and balcony above, crying out good blessings and words of kindness.
"…we love you!"
"…congratulations!"
"… Hail the princess!"
Those were some of the things she heard. Things she had heard before but never had they meant so much to her. Here, people loved her, just for existing, and they did not even know her. They sent her warm blessings and good prayers, just for being their princess. And now she was to go somewhere where most likely everyone would hate her, even the one person meant to love her… her husband.
Her eyes burned as the familiar moisture filled her eyes. She lifted a hand and waved as she passed by. She heard someone call her name from above. She looked up and smiled as tears rolled down her cheeks. Flower petals of all colors and sizes rained down on her as those from threw them from their window and terraces. Some stuck to her tear stained face. Through her blurry eyes she saw a group of children smiling and laughing.
Oh how she wished to be a child again. Free to do as she wished, never forced to think of things such as marriage, titles and politics. One little girl blew her a kiss. She laughed through her sob and blew one back. She looked around and waved happily. Though its two miles to the city gates, the journey there seemed to only last a few seconds. Soon enough they reached the outskirts of the city walls. There they saw a sight that made Rin's jaw drop.
Rin was amazed to see the enormous ship waiting in the outside of the city gates. The sheer size alone was enough to leave one overwhelmed, but was even more amazing was this ship was on land, there was no ocean for miles, and somehow this ship was on land.
"How?" Rin asked as she was helped from the chariot by her father.
"This ship doesn't sail on water, it sails the skies." Koga answered with a smirk as he approached from behind.
Rin looked at him and frowned. "You mean… it flies? But… how?"
"Yokai magic. On this we'll reach the Western Kingdom in just five days. It's what carried me here. That's why I was able to get here so soon. And it will carry all of us there, and when the wedding is over it will carry all of your family and friends back."
Rin was amazed. She had never heard of a flying ship. Not even in her dreams. When she was escorted on board by Koga, followed by her father and brother, she was flabbergasted. From the outside it was a regular ship, huge, but regular, but inside it was exquisite. The floors were made of polished wood; fine paints colored and detailed the walls. Intricately shaped sconces lined the walls. Koga showed them where they would dine, a place to hold any meetings, and all of the other important parts to the ship. The halls were wide enough for Koga and Rin to walk down them side by side. With high ceilings. It had multiple floors, the top two were for Rin and her guests, the second for Koga and his men, the third for the ship's crew.
"Your highness, these will be your quarters during your stay."
Koga showed Rin to a white door at the end of the hall with a gold carved knocker. He opened the door and ushered her inside the room. It was smaller than her room in the castle. Sunlight lit the room from a large glass window that took the space of the opposite wall where thick red curtains were drawn back. A small desk and chair was before it. The left was a large plush bed, neatly made up with a red quilt and several pillows. There was an animal pelt on the floor in front of it. Beside it was a heater oven. Opposite of that were a small bookcase and a chair, as well as two of Rin's trunks stacked neatly by one another.
It was not much, but Rin loved it. She smiled her first smile all day as she turned to Koga. "This is amazing! All of this is amazing! The entire ship!"
Koga smirked and bowed. "Thank you your highness. It is mine. I designed it and helped build it myself." His tone was polite.
"Really, this is impressive. Do you have more?" Rin asked, curious.
"No. This is my only one. But I'm hoping to get the funding to make more just like this one."
"That would be amazing." She smiled at him and his smile broadened.
"I should show the remainder of our guests to their rooms. You should get settled in while I'm doing so. I horn will go off when we prepare to sail. You should come to the deck to see it. It's a sight you'll never forget."
Rin nodded definitely. Everyone left, including Kaede. Rin fell back on the bed and breathed deeply closing her eyes. At some point she must have dosed off because she was being shaken awake. She opened her eyes and saw Kagome smiling brightly. "Come on Rin! The ships about to sail!"
She allowed her older cousin to drag her from the bed up to flights of steps and opened the door leading to the already crowded deck. Kagome guided her to where Hojo stood with Takemaru and Miroku. Hojo was average height with light brown hair and hazel eyes. Though he was in his mid-thirties he looked younger. He was a captain in the royal army. Though he was a soldier he had a very gentle disposition. He gave both girls a kind smile and put an arm around Kagome's shoulders bringing her in for tender kiss on the cheek.
Miroku was taller than Hojo but an inch shorter than Takemaru. It was strange that the two were best friends, considering Takemaru was so serious and Miroku was so light hearted. He had black hair that he never seemed to maintain. His eyes were a dark violet and he had a lean muscular build. A young scholar in the making and a full time womanizer. He had made many rounds with several older widows and married women at court. The youngest he's ever taken an interest in was Yuka, but Takemaru quickly swooped in on her before that situation could grow into anything further.
They bell sounded again and suddenly a loud groaning noise could be heard. Rin realized it was coming from the ship. Before she could ask what it was she felt it lurch forward, making her fall into Takemaru who quickly grabbed her and stabilized her. The ship slid forward on the ground away from the city walls until finally it lifted off the ground. There was no sign that it had even left the earth until they were able to look down into the city.
"Oh my goodness! Look, brother, look!" Rin yelled as she squeezed Takemaru's arm. They soared, passing clouds, in the sky.
"This is amazing,' Kagome said.
Rin leaned over the edge and watched as the entire walled city that she called home turned into nothing more than a blemish on a vast expanse of dessert.
"Unbelievable isn't it," a whisper in her ear caused her to look behind her. There was nothing. When she looked forward she saw a phantom appearance of Midoriko floating in the clouds. Immediately her demeanor changed to trepidation. She was once again reminded of what trouble may be coming her way.
Rin was beyond nervous. Everything either made her want to cry or throw up. The dress she wore fit her way better than her mother's, in fact it was too snug. She could barely breathe, which did not help her nerves at all. The dress was white, not what she wanted, with long bell sleeves with no waist line whatsoever. She wished she could change but by the time they had presented it to her it was only a few minutes before the ceremony. This was turning out far worse than she could have ever imagined.
It amazed her that in all her time there she had not had the opportunity to meet her future husband, so here, right before she would walk down the aisle to the alter is when she would meet him for the first time, and become his wife. Her father stood at her side wearing a colorful tunic and red trouser combination with a purple hat with an orange feather. He looked absurd. Why would he want to wear that?
The long white double doors swung open and the room before her was dark with only two candles lit at the altar where a tall shadowed man stood with his back to her. Her new husband. She swallowed, but before she was ready her father was dragging her along the long red carpet leading to the altar. The walk seemed to end faster than she thought. In three steps she was there. She looked to her side at her father but he was gone. She looked around. All she saw was darkness.
"Finally," a low hissing voice said from behind her. Slowly Rin turned to face her husband who had spoken behind her. At first all she could make out were two beady red eyes. "My bride."
Rin opened her mouth to speak but could not find her voice. She looked down at her hands and was surprised to see a thick wet purple tentacle wrapped around her wrist. She looked up in shocked horror, only to see a menacing creature with a shadowed face, beady red eyes and a hundred purple slimy tentacles fly out, grabbing her, squeezing her, ripping her dress to shreds.
"No! Father! Brother! Somebody! Help!" She screamed, not able to move.
The demon pulled her closer to its blackened face.
"Time to kisss the bride!" it hissed.
"NO!"
Rin sat up in bed with her hand over her frantically beating heart. She was breathing in and out hard, gasping breaths. A light sheen of sweat coated her arms, leg, chest, back, and forehead. She quickly looked around in the surrounding darkness. Desperately aching to make sure her night mare had been just that she flipped the covers back and clumsily stumbled out of bed. She got to her feet, ran over to the large thick curtains and violently pulled one back. Silver moonlight poured into her spacious cabin, confirming her surrounding so that her mind may be calm. She was still on Ambassador Koga's ship, with her father, her brother, Kagome and Kaede. She turned and leaned against the window sill breathing deeply, doing her best to calm her nerves.
It was her third day on board the magnificent flying vessel. She liked it a lot. She wished she could live on the ship forever, not wanting to go to the West Kingdom, or back home for that matter.
She walked over to pour herself a glass of water from the container on the table beside her bed. She filled it half way and drank from the cup slowly. By the time she was done she had fully calmed down but was still a bit shaken. She set the glass down and went to the dressing screen where her light pink robe was. She slid the light weight fabric over her bare arms and tied it loosely around her. Then she slid her feet into some warm slippers. She opened her cabin door and as best she could navigate her way to the deck.
A combination of Midoriko and that dream she could not shake the sense of impending doom that kept hanging over her head. In need of some fresh air, away from her snoring maid in that tight cabin, she went to the deck. There were very few clouds in the sky, and this high up she could see the stars shining brightly next to the moon. The cool crisp air whipped past her and made her shiver in her thin night gown, but she was grateful for it. Taking a deep breath full of the clean light air, she exhaled deeply closing her eyes. She opened them and walked to the bow of the ship and looked into the indigo horizon, not daring to peep down below. A strong gust of wind blew. She closed her eyes again and inhaled deeply. She loved this moment. She did everything to remember this feeling, so she could always go back to it.
"Wonderful is it not?" A deep bass filled voice said from a not too far distance.
Rin's eyes popped open and she looked around, seeing nothing but darkness.
"Over here." A voice said from straight ahead.
She looked toward the figurehead and squinted. Sure enough there was a dark figure sitting on top of it. The only thing she could make out was two electric blue eyes. Then the shadowed figure rose and came toward her. It was in that moment Rin realized how alone she really was. She looked around, hoping that her brother would magically pop up with three of his guards.
"Are you all right?" The shadowed figure stepped onto the deck and into the moonlight. It was Koga, the ambassador. He smiled kindly at her. "I am sorry if I frightened you."
Rin let out a gentle breath of relief. "It is all right…"
Koga hopped down onto the deck and walked up to Rin. "Why are you out here by yourself? If I may ask." He stopped a foot in front of her.
"I couldn't sleep," Rin answered taking a cautionary step back.
When the wolf demon tilted his head to the side and smiled again at her. Rin took this time to take in how good he looked. Over six foot and thick with muscle; his sun kissed skin was complemented by his dark hair that he kept in a high ponytail on his head. Fangs peaked from under his lip. He was dressed very casually in black hakama pants and a white kimono that hung open in the front exposing his chiseled chest.
He was probably the finest man she had ever seen. Far better looking than any man back home. But you could feel the power of his demon aura. As a child she was told horror stories about demons, and how they eat children and rape virgins, and here she was, still a virgin and still barely a child. Somehow all of those things did not matter now. Koga seemed… kind. But this could all be a façade, a trick to get her to lower her guard. But really what could he do to her? She was on a ship with her family and their royal guards, on their way to deliver her to her new husband, their king. He could not hurt her. Not that he wanted to…
"I'm surprised you don't have six different people standing around you. Your father is protective." Koga said interrupting her thoughts.
"Huh? Oh. Yes. It's really my brother. Takemaru always makes sure I have at least six guards with me if I go anywhere. My father has more important things to worry about than me."
Koga nodded, then turned to gaze back out at the horizon and leaned his elbows on the wood railing. "I would be the same way if I had a sister like you." There was a short pause and Rin moved forward to stand next to him, a few inches away. She leaned against the railing as well. "Are you scared?" He suddenly asked.
"I try not to think about it," Rin answered honestly.
Koga chuckled. "And how has that been going?"
"Bad. When we took off I almost jumped off the ship, I didn't want to go so bad," she said it lightly laughing, but she was serious. And he knew it.
"It won't be that bad, it only seems that way because you're moving away from all your friends and family, but you'll make new friends there."
Rin looked at him with slightly hopeful eyes. "You think so?"
"Well, you already made one," he replied, gesturing to himself with his clawed thumb.
This made Rin smile at him. She turned back to the sky and asked, "What's it like? To live in the palace I mean. Can you tell me about them?"
"There's really not much to tell. There's the King, his real name is Toga, but he is only to be addressed as the Inu no Taisho or just Taisho, for that has been the title of King's since the Inu's began to rule."
"Inu's?" Rin interrupted.
"Dog demons," He clarified before going on. "Then there's his first wife, the queen, Inukimi. She's everything a queen should be: calm, patient, kind. But don't let that fool you. She's not to be trifled with, with one look she can have your head chopped off." Rin swallowed nervously at that. "After her is the king's second wife, the Lady Izayoi. She's human, like you. She's from the North. After being married for three years, the Inu no Taisho mated her. Though she has no real power in court, like the Queen, she is treated with the highest form of respect, and is liked by many. You will probably spend most of your time with her in the beginning. I think you'll like her a lot.
"Then there are the Princes. Prince Inuyasha is also someone you may enjoy being around. He is Taisho's hanyo son with the Lady Izayoi. He's easy to get along with for the most part. The Crown Prince Sesshomaru, your betrothed is… well… he's Sesshomaru."
Rin frowned. What did that mean? "Is he kind?"
Koga frowned deeply as if he were thinking of something very hard. "No." He answered flatly.
Rin blinked. Shocked to hear him say so. Even if it were the truth, he could have at least lied. That's what everyone else would have done.
"Is he really mean?"
With the same face Koga replied, "He's not really mean either. He just… He's very… Quiet."
"Quiet?" Rin looked at him confused.
"Stoic." Koga offered, hoping that helped.
"Stoic?" It did not.
Koga thought for a moment, thinking of a way to describe his childhood friend without making him sound like the scariest and purest evil to this innocent ningen girl who was being forced to marry him. "He thinks a lot. He never really shows how he feels. Honestly I don't think he does feel. But he's very powerful. One of the strongest yokai's I have ever met. I've seen him destroy countless opponents in the years past. He's feared by many yokai. I think the only ones who aren't completely intimidated by him are his parents and his wi—"
Koga cut off immediately. He almost slipped up. He cast a glance at Rin who was turned facing him with interest. He had to cover up quickly before she began to ask questions.
"Do you think he'll like me?"
He smiled both relieved that she did not catch on and because of the sweet and innocent question she asked. Would Sesshomaru like her? No. Most likely not. She was a human, his least favorite of all the creatures in this world, and she was Southern, his least favorite of all the countries in the known world. No, he would not like her, but Koga would not tell her that. She was too sweet.
"I think he will."
Rin smiled happily and turned to face back out.
"Rin," a stern voice called from behind.
It was Takemaru, dressed in trousers, an un-tucked shirt, and some boots. I literally looked like he threw on some clothes. His long hair was all over the place and he had love bites all along his collar, courtesy of Yuka no doubt.
"You should be in bed. You certainly should not be out here alone."
Rin turned to face her brother, biting her lip and fidgeting with her fingers. "Sorry. I couldn't sleep."
"I'll have Kaede make you some tea. Come." He extended an arm, beckoning her forward.
Rin gave Koga a kind look of both apology and farewell. The wolf yokai bowed at the waist to her as she walked away. When he sat up he watched as Takemaru gave him a sharp glare before turning to walk back underground with his sister. Koga merely chuckle, and then turned to continue watching the night sky.
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It was the second day of their air voyage, and all of the women on board were in Rin's room. Kagome, Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi sat at a small table with a plate of pastries and tea cups in front of them. Rin was behind a dressing screen fitting into the used to be her mother's that was gifted to her on her birthday by her father. It only took a moment before she stepped out, Kaede scrambled around to look at from the other girls' view. There was a collective gasp followed by everyone 'aaawww'-ing at her.
"Rin you look so pretty," Ayumi cooed.
"Look at yourself I the mirror." Kagome encouraged.
Rin gathered the skirt in her hands and walked over to the full length mirror and dropped the skirt. Rin was a lot shorter than her mother was, so two inches of the fabric dragged on the floor, and her bust was a lot smaller, making the jeweled cups hang awkwardly off of her. Her peach colored skin stood out oddly against the cold white color of the dress. She did not look bad, but she didn't look good either. She did not see what the others did. It was clear they were trying to be supportive of her, and that was nice, but it was not helping.
"I hate it," Rin said turning away from her reflection and crossing her arms.
"Hate it? Why?" Kagome asked.
"I just do. It doesn't look good on me. It's too big."
"It just needs to be taken in." Kaede stated, moving toward her.
"No, I need another dress! I am not wearing this." Rin said sternly, turning on all of them.
"There's no reason why you should not wear that dress, Rin. It looks fine," Eri said.
"Exactly! What bride should look 'fine' on their wedding day?" She pointed to Kagome. "Kagome looked gorgeous! Yuka has three different dresses, which are all over the top and fit for her. I want that!"
Yuka stood up and quietly said, "I'll be right back." She quickly left the room. Everyone watched her go before turning back to the pouting princess.
Kagome went on to argue with her younger cousin. "Rin that dress is beautiful."
"Yes, on my Mother, who it belongs to!"
"And you're father gave it to you. He wanted you to have something special."
"He gave me this dress so that he would not have to pay for another one!"
"No." Kagome said in a hard tone.
"Yes!"
Kagome stood up and walked around the table putting her hands on her hips. "Rin, we can make modifications, we can make it fit you," She offered impatiently.
"No! I don't want any modifications. I don't want to wear this dress!" Rin screamed.
"What's wrong?" Everyone turned as the familiar male entered the room. Takemaru entered the cabin after Yuka and followed by Miroku.
"What do you mean what's wrong?" Rin demanded turning on her brother. She felt as if some emotional dam broke inside of her, as all these emotions she had been fighting and holding back came rushing forward and out of her all at once. Her face turned red and her eyes stung right before they glazed over and tears poured out. "Look at me!" She screamed.
Miroku stepped all the way inside and shut the door for more privacy. Takemaru took a deep breath before calmly asking, "What don't you like about it?"
"Everything," Rin sobbed. "It's too big and it's the wrong color! I didn't even get to pick it myself. I'm being forced to wear it!"
"No…" Kagome began before she was silenced by a hand gesture from Takemaru.
Rin went on. "I'm being forced to wear this stupid dress, just like I was forced into this stupid marriage! I thought that since I am marrying someone who I do not even know, let alone want to marry, the least I would get to do was pick my own stupid wedding dress!"
Then she cried, crossing both arms over her face. It was quiet. No one spoke or moved. Finally Rin put her arms down and her tears slowed down. She looked at Takemaru who was calmly looking at her with a small sympathetic frown. Finally he spoke. "The dress is extremely oversized. Even if it was taken in it would look completely different, maybe even worse. Don't you agree, Miroku?"
The handsome youth came forward giving Rin an assessing gaze. "Hmm… Yes. Also the color does nothing for her, except make her look sick. She shouldn't wear that dress."
"Very well, when we reach our destination we will have your dress made then."
"The seamstresses in the West Kingdom won't understand how to do a Southern fashioned gown," Rin argued.
"Then I guess it will be up to us to make sure it gets done properly," Kagome countered.
Rin smiled and then wiped her face. "Thank you," she said sheepishly.
Everyone around her smiled. Takemaru only had a light smirk. "Kaede, would you be so kind as to take that dress off of my sister, have it boxed and brought to my room."
"Yes, yer highness. Come, child." Kaede escorted Rin back behind the dressing screen.
"If that is all, I will be leaving now." Takemaru said. Miroku left the room first. After giving Yuka a quick kiss on the cheek, Takemaru followed.
Three more days and they would be in the west Kingdom. Takemaru had been doing everything in his power to make sure Rin is properly familiarized with everything. He's even is going to stay a few extra days just to make sure she gets assimilated.
"Do you think I was wrong?" He asked.
"Hmm? No. The dress looked terrible." Miroku answered.
Takemaru rolled his eyes at his slow witted friend. "No, I mean, do you think I should not have sheltered her so much? I mean, she's so fragile. My father never tried to take care not really. I think he always resented her because of my mother's death but…"
Miroku patted him on the shoulder. "You are a great brother to Rin. More than a great brother, you are like a father to her. You've gone beyond what was necessary to protect her."
"Right, but maybe I should not have done that. When she gets there no one's going to watch out for her. No one's going to care."
"Find someone you can make care."
Takemaru scoffed. "I wish it were that easy.
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Sesshomaru stood on the edge of a cliff in his true form. He was several miles away from the palace. In just a few days his new wife would be here and he was not happy about it. The approaching day of his second wedding had set everyone on edge. Kagura was even more clingy than usual. A lot of it could be blamed on the pregnancy; whenever she was carrying Ai she was very emotional. That was another thing, Ai. His teenage daughter completely disapproved of his second marriage and made sure she reminded him each day. She he was not blatantly ignoring him, she was avoiding him. He did not want to marry the stupid ningen so how was he the bad guy?
On top of that the Inu no Taisho had been sending for him every day for the last month, giving him 'lessons' on how to 'treat' a human female. With only two days until the female arrives Sesshomaru needed to get some fresh air, away from everything. So last night instead of retiring to his chamber he left the castle grounds, only giving word to Jaken that he was leaving however not telling the imp where he was going. That was mostly because he did not know where he was going. Ultimately he ended up in the last place he ever thought he would be.
"What the hell are you doing here?" A gruff voice said from behind.
He smelled the hanyo approaching long before his ears picked up on the speedy footsteps he took get there. Sesshomaru turned around facing his half-brother. Inuyasha, never one for formalities, stood casually in front of his older more powerful brother. Barefoot in red hakama pants and matching haori over a white kimono. His ears atop his head twitched as he listened to the surrounding area. He was shadowed by the tall trees from the forest he just came from. Sesshomaru's large dog form cast a heavy shadow on the ground over Inuyasha, the early dawn light barely crept over the horizon. He looked menacing, but Inuyasha was not afraid. He did not need to be.
"I needed to get away from the palace for a while." Sesshomaru's voice boomed from his large form.
"Did you come alone?" Inuyasha moved forward to stand at the cliffs edge with his brother. As he did Sesshomaru shifted to his humanoid form, knowing that it made his younger brother more comfortable.
"Of course." Together they looked out at the grassy expansion below. "When were you going to return?" Sesshomaru asked.
Inuyasha shrugged. "I was going to come back for the wedding and the leave after a few days."
There was silence. This was how most of their conversations were. A few sentences here and there, followed by hours of silence. Others would find this annoying, or even unsettling, but not for them. Inuyasha sat with his legs over the ledge. Sesshomaru sat down beside him with his legs crossed elegantly. A cool breeze would blow sending their hair flying behind them as they calmly watched the sunrise. This was how they bonded. With so few things in common, whatever they could find they latched on to it. They both did share a love of nature and wanderlust.
Recently Sesshomaru had been tied down by his family and duties as the Crown prince. Luckily for Inuyasha, being unmated with no children and no real responsibilities, he spent all of his free time just wandering around, seeing new things and meeting people.
"Are you angry with father, for making you do this?" Inuyasha asked a while later.
"I have come to terms with it. It is everyone else that is upset." There was a short pause. "Ai will not talk to me. She believes that I have betrayed her mother."
"You explained that it was not your choice didn't you?"
"She does not care. She sees Kagura as the devoted wife, and I am the scoundrel husband who betrays her… I understand where her mind is though. I thought the same about our father when he took your mother as his bride."
"Then there's nothing to worry about. She'll forgive you just like you forgave Father… How long did it take you to forgive Father?"
"I never did," Sesshomaru answered truthfully.
Inuyasha looked at him with thoughtful eyes. As long as he had been living with his brother he was still a mystery to him. He figured after he married Kagura he would soften up, but he didn't. In fact he seems harsher in some other ways.
"How is everyone?" Inuyasha asked wanting to change the subject.
"Same. Mishu grew a tail." The sound of their youngest brother's name made Inuyasha's ears twitch. He missed the pup dearly.
"That's interesting."
"I thought the same."
There was another long pause. When the sun had fully risen Inuyasha leapt off the cliff into the field below. "Shall we run?"
Sesshomaru jumped down to meet him and together the two brothers took off. They would be running for ours, only stopping to take in a few sights. They enjoyed their runs together, and had not done so in a very long time. They would enjoy this run; take a few extended routes, so not to rush their arrival back at the palace.
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In the gardens, Queen Inukimi sat at a small square table drinking tea with the Lady Izayoi who was having a small afternoon meal. Servants were stationed behind them obediently waiting on orders from either woman. Once Izayoi was done with her small salad a servant took her plate away. She took a sip of her freshly poured tea and sighed contentedly as she looked out as the rainbow assortment of flowers.
"This summer will be lovely. I can tell by how the flowers bloomed over the spring."
Inukimi nodded. "I agree." There was a small break as she took another sip of her tea. She turned to Izayoi who was still gazing out at the garden. "So is my husband under the impression that because women are meant to carry offspring that he must constantly keep you pupped?"
Izayoi sat back and stroked her protruding belly. "I know. I told him this is the last one. I wish I could just have an entire litter, that way his need to procreate will be sated."
Inukimi giggled, "We'll see how long that will last."
Izayoi smiled. The women's peaceful afternoon was interrupted when a large masculine form towered before them shadowing the sunlight. "Where are your sons?" The Inu no Taisho demanded in a gruff voice. He was clearly irritated.
Both women looked up at him with vacant faces. Inukimi was first to respond, setting her tea glass down she narrowed her eyes at him. "Is that any way to speak to the Mothers of your children? You cannot at least offer us a good morning before you start making demands out of us?"
"I'm not in the mood, Inukimi," he growled.
"Neither am I," Inukimi countered, sitting back and eyeing him stubbornly.
Sensing the impending argument that was sure to come on Izayoi pulled her mate's attention away from his wife. "Is there something wrong?" She asked as sweetly as possible.
He turned his gaze to her and it softened a bit. He sighed. "Koga's ship approaches. He'll be here with the Southern Kingdom's King, Princess, and Crown Prince in just a few short hours. I figured Inuyasha would be back by now and he's not! Also, Sesshomaru decided to disappear, only telling that imp, Jaken he was leaving, but not where he was going and when he would return!"
"Sesshomaru is very responsible; he knows what is expected of him. He'll be here in time. He probably just went to get away from it all for a few days. That's all," Izayoi offered with a kind smile.
The Inu no Taisho took in her words graciously, but h was still upset. Inukimi spoke next. Her tone was gentle, but unlike Izayoi she spoke matter-of-factly in almost a bored tone. "Besides, Inuyasha always runs off for extended periods of time. Though he is a bit more… forgetful than Sesshomaru he is always where he needs to be. He'll return. In fact, Sesshomaru probably left to go looking for him. I'm sure he wants his brother present for his wedding day."
"If they do not return today…" he began.
Izayoi rose as she swiftly cut him off, "Then we will introduce them when he returns." She walked over to him and reached up on her tip toes and managed to kiss him on the chin after saying, "He'll be back today. I promise."
"Your Majesty," all three turned to the small flea demon that appeared on the Inu no Taisho's left shoulder, opposite of where Izayoi leaned on.
"Yes, Myoga?"
"His highness the Crown Prince, and the Prince Inuyasha have both just arrived at the palace together."
"Very well, have them meet me in the conference hall immediately." With that the little flea demon bounced off to carry out his orders. The Inu no Taisho looked back at Izayoi who was smiling proudly.
"I told you."
"Yu two finish your tea," he responded.
Inukimi stood. "I'm finished actually. I'm going to see my grandchildren. I'm sure Kagura is ready for a nap by now."
With that she excused herself and left the pavilion. Izayoi instead chose to go to her chambers to get ready for the arrival of the Southern royal family.
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"Come child, ye need to get dressed!" Kaede said with what little patience she had. All morning Rin had been stubborn, not eating, refusing to get out of bed and bathe. Luckily Rin was too much of gluten to not eat, and she was too much of a prissy princess to not bathe, but now the girl sat in a chair in her robe refusing to get dressed.
"I told you, I'm not wearing that," answered calmly.
"Yesterday when I picked it out you didn't have problem with it."
"That was then, this is now."
Kaede had never laid a hand on the girl her entire life taking care of her, but today she was asking for it. "Child, I do not have patience for this. Get dressed. We'll be landing soon."
"I'll get dressed but not in that."
"Fine!" The old woman set the dress down on a chair and walked towards the door. "I'll be back in an hour; I'll expect to find ye dressed and ready to go."
With that she left the room. After a few seconds Rin stood and went to pick up the dress Kaede picked out. It was very plain, a blush color with quarter length sleeves, a long torso with a cinched waist. The fabric was a bit heavier than most dresses made in the South. Kaede wanted her to look demure, which is why she picked that dress. But Southern women were not demure. They were pert and light hearted. And though she had to marry this demon male and live in this country with a restricting culture she would not lose herself in it. She would be a Southerner through and through.
Rin put the dress back and dug through her trunks looking for some of her favorite dresses that she wore. She came across one she had not ever worn. It was gifted to her by Yuka months ago. Yuka being one of the most daring when it came to fashion and had it specially made, but Rin never had the courage to wear it. Now was the perfect time. Now that she would be in a foreign land with foreign customs, now seemed like the time to embrace her culture even more, that way she'll never lose touch with it.
It was a lightweight sapphire blue fabric with gold spiral prints all over. It had no sleeves, just two gold painted metal clasps at the shoulders to hold it together. When she got it on it hung loose with a low dipping V, exposing the smooth flesh between her breasts. She picked out a thick belt with four black leather strips and a gold metal woven clasp in the front. Rin secured it at the waist. The thick belt went from under her breasts stopping just above her navel.
She studied herself in the mirror and was happy with what she saw. She then put on a pair of strappy black leather sandals. It was then when Kaede came back with a steaming cup of tea in her hand.
"That is what ye are going to wear?"
Rin twirled in front of the mirror loving how the light dress billowed around her. "Yuka got it for me and I never wore it. Do you like it?" She faced her old nursemaid.
Kaede's face was unreadable first. Then she smiled. It was a sad smile, but still a smile. "You look like a Southern Queen… like your mother."
Rin beamed. "Really?"
The old woman nodded. Just then there was a brief knock on the door before Takemaru entered. He was dressed regally, but not over the top, in black pants, black boots, and a cerulean vest with gold threaded flower embroidery on it.
"We're both wearing blue!" Rin chirped.
He stopped and took in the sight of her. "You look beautiful."
She smiled and nodded. "Thank you, and you look very handsome as well my brother."
Takemaru smirked before walking closer to her. "Kaede, would you give us a moment?"
"Of course, your highness." Picking up her tea cup she headed for the door. "I'll be right outside." When she left Takemaru looked at Rin. Immediately both of their pleasant moods dropped.
"We'll be there in just a few moments. How do you feel?"
Rin took a deep breath and thought about it. "I feel..." She had no answer. She could not really feel anything. She felt apprehensive. She wanted to run away and hide in a ditch forever. Then she looked at her brother. He would be king soon. This treaty would make his reign so much easier. Next she thought of her goddess and the first time she ever came to her asking for her help.
'This entire thing is way bigger than me,' she thought.
"I am ready to perform my duty to the best of my ability." Rin answered confidently.
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The sun hung in the center of the sky. Everyone was gathered in the piazza, ready to greet the Southern guests. The Inu no Taisho stood out front with Sesshomaru to his right. Behind them were Inuyasha and Mishu – who was Inuyasha's twin, just with a long white tail coming from his backside. Followed by Inukimi and Izayoi. Kagura stood directly behind Sesshomaru with Ai at her side. Though her face was calm, Sesshomaru could feel her inner turmoil through his mating mark.
"Let's try to make this quick. I do not want my wife out in this heat in her condition," Sesshomaru said in an indifferent tone.
"Likewise," Inu no Taisho said. "Our guests should be fast approaching."
As if on cue, in the distance they could see a small caravan approaching. There were five men on horseback, three in the front and two behind them. Then there was a small palanquin being carried by some of Koga's men, then two carriages after that. The second hand luggage strapped to the top.
They recognized one of the three men as Koga on the left. In the center there was an older man, obviously the King Ryukotsu, and his son Takemaru to the right.
When they were close enough to speak. All of the men dismounted, servants immediately came to take the horses. People stepped out of the second carriage, all young men who were the king's servants. They helped take down the luggage and were escorted into the palace using a separate entrance.
"Your majesty," Koga said kneeling before the Inu no Taisho, "It is good to see you again."
"Likewise Koga. Thank you for escorting our guests safely." The Inu no Taisho replied.
The wolf demon returned to his full height. "allow me to introduce his majesty, King Ryukotsu of the South Kingdom."
The Inu no Taisho looked past his servant to the older human male standing and inch in front of Koga. He extended and arm. "Your majesty, on behalf of the royal family and all of the West, welcome to our home."
"Thank you, Taisho. I am glad to finally meet you after all of these years. I'll introduce my party to you. First, my son, the Crown Prince Takemaru."
He extended his arm and Takemaru stepped forward and swiftly bowed at the waist. The King went on. "My General, Hojo, and my son's advisor Miroku." Both gentlemen in the back bowed respectively.
The Inu no Taisho. "It is nice to have you all here. These are my sons, the crown prince Sesshomaru, Prince Inuyasha, and Prince Mishu."
All three inuyokai princes bowed politely. Too low for any human ears to pick up on, Inuyasha whispered, "You think he'll be pissed to find out about Kagura?"
Sesshomaru did not answer. Their father went on, "Behind my sons are my wives, the Queen Inukimi, and the Lady Izayoi, who carries my youngest at the moment." Both ladies bowed.
"For his sake I hope not," Mishu muttered, taking a quick look at his stoic older brother.
"Then there is the Crown Princess, Kagura, and my granddaughter, Princess Ai."
Ryukotsu's face deepened into a frown. "Crown princess? You mean Prince Sesshomaru is already married?"
"Yes."
"Then how is he to marry my daughter?"
"Here in the West it is custom for men to have multiple wives."
Takemaru's face was unreadable, and when he spoke his voice was calm, almost disconnected. "So… she is to be your concubine?" He asked looking at Sesshomaru.
"She is to be whatever she wants to be to me."
The two stared each other down, not backing down. Inu no Taisho spoke up, doing his best to clear the tension. "Our contract says that your daughter would marry the Crown Prince. We never agreed she would become the crown princess. Here we must keep our bloodlines pure. We cannot allow a human to claim any rights to the throne, just as you would not want any yokai to have claims to your throne. The treaty is still in affect and both promises are being honored."
There was a long drawn out silence. The human king was not budging, nor was his son. They were angry. Ryukotsu wanted to leave in that moment. To hell with the treaty.
"I did not make this agreement so that my only daughter could be some demon's whore!" He yelled.
"Then why did you agree?" Sesshomaru asked calmly. "I would never take a human as a first wife, ever. You're lucky I even agreed to this ridiculous engagement anyway."
Ryukotsu was livid now. "Then why didn't you?!"
"I was doing a favor for my father."
Before he got anymore out of control, Takemaru put a hand on his father's shoulder. "Please give us a moment to talk it over."
The King and Prince fell back to discuss things with Miroku and Hojo. Even though they were whispering they could be heard clearly by the yokai ears around them.
"Your Majesty we need this alliance," Hojo urged.
"I will not let me daughter be treated like some second rate whore!"
"We do not know that she would be."
"The King seems like a fair man. He has a human as a second wife. She doesn't look unhappy either. The Princess may be treated well here," Miroku added.
The king was silent.
Irritated with how long this was taking Sesshomaru looked back at Kagura. She was calmly fanning herself. When they made eye contact she smiled and comically rolled her eyes, hoping to lighten his mood. Though his only response was to turn back around she knew it worked.
"How about we let Rin decide," Takemaru said. Without waiting for a response he turned to the carriage and knocked on the door.
The door slid open and first four young women stepped out, none of them were the princess. They could tell because they were all wearing similar dresses, just in different colors. Then an old woman stepped out, and finally a young girl who was shorter and thinner than the rest of them stepped out.
"Look at her dress!" Ai whispered to Kagura. "She's practically naked!"
With bare arms and back, and her breasts nearly toppling out, yes, she might as well be naked. Kagura looked around at all of the other males. Mishu and Inuyasha were practically gawking. The Inu no Taisho held himself together but even he had a curious look in his eye. Sesshomaru however was unreadable.
Takemaru went to the princess and whispered in her ear, no doubt explaining hat had happened. She looked to him like she was confused. He guided her forward until she stood directly in front of Sesshomaru. The top of her head barely came to his stomach. She looked up at the handsome demon and blushed deeply.
"My sister, Princess Rin of the South, this is Sesshomaru, crown prince of the West. Behind him are his wife and daughter."
Rin looked at the two beautiful women behind him. Then she turned to face her brother, and now father who walked up beside him. "So what's the problem?" She asked in a light voice.
Takemaru narrowed his gaze. "The decision is now yours. We can turn around and go home right now…"
The young girl closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "This is bigger than me," she said in an inaudible whisper. No one heard her except for the yokai present.
"What?" Takemaru asked.
She opened her eyes and shook her head. "Nothing… We need this alliance. Besides there was a signed contract. We're Southerner's we never go back on our word." She turned to face her would be new family. "I see no problem with it. The only problem I see is that the cown princess is heavy with child and she's being forced to stand out in the heat for a prolonged period of time. That's not very fair."
Kagura was stunned. Her eyebrows shot up and she grazed her belly with her hand. "She may not be that bad," Ai whispered.
"We'll see," she replied.
"I agree," the Inu no Taisho said. "If all is well, how about we take this indoors where it is cooler. I'll have the servants show you all to where you will be staying."
Sesshomaru studied the petite girl trying to see any ill will in her eyes. He saw none. Just innocence and curiosity. A cool breeze blew and carried her scent toward him. It was a mix of cherry blossoms and roses. She was not substantially beautiful. Actually she was quite plain. Her only alluring features were her big brown eyes, but those reminded him of a newborn pup. Furthermore she had no womanly curves. No hips, thighs, or breast. Even if he desired a second wife, what use would she be. She couldn't carry a human child with that body, let alone half inuyokai pups.
The entire time Rin stared back at him. He was fine. So fine. Way better thanthat tentacle thing she dreamed about. Takemaru says demons could be beautiful but he never said they could be so divine. Rin was sure she would not mind having this magnificent creature for a husband. NO being so beautiful could be bad. Koga was a prime example. Only this man, Sesshomaru, was not Koga. He was better.
Her heart beat faster and faster. She began to sweat and her face, neck and chest reddened. Luckily she could blame it on the heat. The Inu no Taisho invited everyone inside. Finally there eye contact was broken when Sesshomaru went to follow his father inside the palace.
"Good work." Rin looked to her side an saw Midoriko smiling at her. "You've already started down the path. It's a long road, but I will be with you."
A/N: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnd BREAK!
Whew! That took a long time to write but it is done. I had such a hard time writing this it was ridiculous!
Any who, you know what to do.
Thnx guys!