Chapter 2: The Decision
"Lady Kagome, do you understand the circumstances in which you have placed yourself?" a demon with black hair and brown eyes asked her.
"Hai ookami akuma. I am well aware that I am here in the place of the humans who have committed a taboo. I cannot risk the genocide of my people all for the sake of a rebellious group in my homelands." answered Kagome, head held high.
"I am Kouga, Lord of the Eastern Lands, you may call me so. Unfortunately, we were not expecting you to surrender so easily. We were also not expecting to see you, the ningen Queen, before us in the place of the humans at fault. You have surprised us girl." said Kouga, sitting forward in his chair.
"I did not think I had the time to find the ones responsible for the death. . ." Kagome was interrupted by a cold voice. "Murder."
Kagome bowed, and continued. "The murder of the royal family of the North. I was not aware that I had a rebel group so intent on hatred. I knew that they would not turn themselves in so readily, and the threats from the North were to heavy to ignore. So I am here to save my people."
"You pathetic ningen, why would you try to save the lives of those so weak? You and your kind are below us, and have even dared to kill us in previous wars. But, the offence of killing the royal family is a death sentence. Now, I am the only male of my family left, and I cannot ascend the thrown. How is my land to prosper? To live, if they have no ruler? A treaty has been made between us lords, but it cannot last long. Our people, they are enemies, as are we. You should die, as should your race." a demon sitting on the end declared, voice slightly raising with anger.
Kagome turned to him, and bowed again.
"I cannot let all my people suffer for the mistakes of a few. I will pay for them. I will work until I die if I must in order to save them. But, I cannot just give my life for nothing. I have not left any heir, I have no family. And I cannot guarantee that my death will stop you from killing my people in revenge. I am here to make a deal. I will do as you wish, and in exchange, I, Kagome, beg before you lords, and ask that you not kill my people." Kagome implored, kneeling before the lords in submission.
"I wish your death." stated the demon.
"I do not agree to that." said Kouga.
"It is not your family that has been killed, Kouga." the demon bit back.
"Which is why I can think clearly, and you cannot." answered Kouga.
"Enough. This matter is not up to just you Kouga. And, Haru, this is in fact a matter in which you cannot even participate in. You are not lord of the Northern lands. Your family's throne is to be given to your cousin, Lord Naraku. Your reign has finished." the smooth, unemotional baritone came from a demon sitting in the middle of the other lords.
"I will not give up. Even you, Lord Sesshomaru, cannot stop the claims that allow for me to extract revenge for the murder of my family." Haru said, standing.
"We forget nothing. Have you forgotten already. This ningen was not the one to kill them. We suggest you sit down Haru. You do not wish a fight with this one." Sesshomaru's voice did not change, nor did he move from his chair, but the tension in the room grew rapidly.
"My lords. I must intercede. I do not wish war between your countries. If allowed, I have a thought." Kagome spoke suddenly, bringing attention back to her.
"Speak." Sesshomaru commanded,
A slight frown graced her face at the order, but she answered. "I wish to go to the Northern Lands. And to pay for the loss, serve under Lord Haru. I will perform a proper burial ceremony for the dead. I am a priestess, and I can at least have the honor of sending Lord Haru's loved ones to the heavens. I can then return, and receive judgment from my lords."
"You wish to die?" a young looking demon lord spoke suddenly.
"I do not, my lord. I am a priestess. I value life. But I respect rules, and customs." Kagome answered.
"I am not a lord, I am Inuyasha, prince of the Western lands. I say your idea is stupid. If you were to be sent to the Northern lands, Haru would kill you the moment you arrive." said Inuyasha.
"I understand, Prince. But, then tell me, how should I repay for the crime my people have committed?" Kagome asked.
"Renounce your throne. Give your lands to us, and become our servant, our voice to the humans." said Inuyasha.
"She will not." Megumi stood.
"Sit. Now." Kagome said over her shoulder. "I will do it on one condition."
"What do you propose?" asked Inuyasha.
"My people must not suffer. They cannot be treated like vermin, or slaves. I will not allow it." Kagome's voice was defiant.
"Are we in favor?" Kouga asked.
"Yes." said Inuyasha.
"No." said Haru.
"Yes" said Kouga.
"So long as they obey. So long as they stay in their place, we can agree." said Sesshomaru.
"Then so be it. I will formally renounce my crown, in public, so long as you also announce your treaty with us." Kagome said.
"Be ready at Sundown. We will make the announcement then. Tell your lady warrior to go back to your people and announce to them of your secession of the thrown."
"Megumi, please, go back, and tell our people I am no longer their queen. And that they will be safe." said Kagome, turning to face her commander.
"My lady, please, don't do this."
"I must. Now go, perhaps one day we can see each other again." Kagome said, a small, sad smile on her face.
"Hai, my lady. We will." turning, Megumi and her guards walked out, leaving Kagome alone in the hall with the Demons.
"Rin will escort you to a chamber in which you will wait until sundown. You may not leave the room." Sesshomaru said, standing.
"Hai, my lord."
"Follow me, my Lady." a young female tori demon appeared beside Kagome, smiling.
Kagome followed the girl, silently praying that the events to come would turn out for the better.
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Hmm, this chapter was a little longer then usual.
Hopefully, I get good reviews for this chapter :)
-ookami- wolf demon
-tori- bird demon