Chapter 35

With the invitations settled the gathered group of demons and humans quickly went their separate ways so they could further ready themselves for the evening. Matyeo directed Sesshomaru to a room, but the dog lord declined the offer of a palace guide or servant saying only that he "had long been capable of tending to himself."

Unable to argue, the dragon too departed for his quarters, a cozy camber at the peek of the main palace. Within the hour, thanks to the aid of a very hot bath and soothing anointments, Matyeo had managed to soak, scrub and oil away the long journeys wear from his scales. The dragon's human guise reflected the difference—his hair had a new healthy shine, and his skin was clear and flawless. By all rights he looked and felt years younger, which was ironic considering he still was quite young for his status.

Dipping into his finest attire Matyeo next adorned himself in deep forest–green silks with gold embroidery along the collar and sleeves. Then after a long hesitation, he retrieved his armor from a concealed cabinet hidden away from prying eyes in the far corner of his room. The piece was styled very much like the armor Sesshomaru wore, excluding the spiked shoulder guard. The main portion that covered Matyeo's chest, waste and thighs was made of shimmering slate-blue dragon hide, while the upper most portion—the area that was metal on Sesshomaru's armor—was instead crafted from a ribbed, navy colored dragon horn.

The armor was durable, yet not a burden to wear, and Matyeo filled into it nicely. But still, he didn't like seeing it; the dragon-scale piece bequeathed to him as was tradition—an article crafted from the hide of his own deceased father. Had it been his choice Matyeo would have kept the marmoreal item enshrined, safe and polished alongside his old man's other totems of respect. But dragon custom demanded otherwise. For the gathering of the clans, he was required to wear armor, if only as a symbol of dominance.

Matyeo let out a long sigh as he observed his ornamented reflection in a mirror. The evening hadn't even started yet, and already his golden eyes were beginning to droop with despair.

"Here now, don't look so glum lad, this is your night after all." An old, friendly voice sounded unexpectedly from behind making Matyeo turn. Standing in his chamber was a portly, human guised, dragon dressed in royal garments ranging in color from olive to brown. Moss green hair draped across his stout shoulders in waves, and an identical colored curly beard accented his round, friendly smiling face. Matyeo's features cheered at the sight.

"Kayolin!" he greeted warmly as he moved to embrace his closest dragon friend. "It's been so long!" The old dragon chuckled happily and returned the gesture as a father would to a son.

"Yes that it has." Keeping his hands on Matyeo's shoulders, Kayolin pushed him backwards and inspected him in a parently manner. "Well now, look at you. Grown into a fine, strong, man. I know your father would have been very proud."

Matyeo gave a little smile but had to concentrate hard to keep his voice from cracking.

"Thank you Kayolin, that means a lot." Sighing lightly Matyeo turned back towards the mirror. His eyes fell to the elegantly carved wood chest the object was sitting on, or rather to one drawer in particular. "I'll be finished here momentarily. In the meantime, could you please go and see that the other clan-heads have made it here safely?"

Kayolin dipped his head in respectful submission.

"Of course, my king. And when you are ready to be announced, I shall be glad to do that as well."

Matyeo nodded and Kayolin departed leaving him alone with his reflection once more. Slowly, Matyeo approached the drawer that had held his interest. With a gentle tug he pulled it completely open to expose its contents. A shimmering wreath made of leaf gold and phoenix feathers peeked out from within the darkened cubby and it glowed all the brighter as Matyeo lifted it into the open air. Drawing in a breath, Matyeo set the gold and red ornament atop his head and adjusted it until it settled comfortably into its usual place. Then after one final glance in the mirror the dragon exhaled his breath and forced his personal endeavors under the cover a courteous and professional smile.

A knock sounded at Shura's door making the she-demon glance up from her grooming with surprise. For a second, annoyance welled in her for being interrupted, but an instant later she dismissed the feeling. The lady mink servant was there to answer the door, leaving her free to continue the meticulous final touches to her hair and tail. With all the work she and her care-attendant had taken to clothe, primp and style her into a semblance of the Westland's royal heiress, Shura wasn't about to let loose strands ruin the look. For a brief instant Shura heard muffled voices near the doorway, then a second later her servant returned carrying the large hide-wrapped package Sesshomaru had brought.

"Milady, your father requested that I bring this to you," informed the mink politely. "He told me to tell you that 'you're training is complete' and that 'you've earned it'."

Shura blinked curiously and rose from her seat in front of a large mirror.

"Really… oh. Thank you." Unsure of what else to do Shura extended her arms and accepted the package. It was surprisingly light for its size and had no real discernable shape, even as Shura manipulated it in her palms. Taking a seat on the edge of her lush bed the she-demon set the object in her lap and worked to untie the leathery pelt. Finally she succeeded and the brown fabric fell open revealing a soft, white mass.

"What is it milady?" the mink questioned with obvious curiosity but Shura remained slow to respond. She knew what the token was—her sense of smell had revealed that almost instantly—but to have it come with such praise from her father… Tears welled in the corners of Shura's eyes but she kept them at bay. Gently, she lifted the white object and let it stream out in all its radiant beauty. Dipping her head Shura buried her face in the soft boa and inhaled the sweet familiar scent of her father's fur.

It took both Inuyasha and Miroku several minutes to recompose themselves when Kagome and Sango finally revealed their new looks for the evening, and rightfully so. Both girls were breathtaking. At the recommendation of her servant, Kagome sported a floral patterned kimono with layers of lavender and rose. Her dark hair was pulled into a bun with the exception of several long wisps that swayed lightly round her face. Sango meanwhile elected to wear an outfit of soft pastel blues. Her kimono had a navy embroidery pattern in the shape of circles, and her hair was woven into a loose, elegant braid. Although neither girl thought much of the change beyond the fact that it was a refreshing break in routine, seeing their male companions sudden ogling made both flush with happiness.

The two gentlemen had been less cooperative when it came time for picking outfits. After much persuasion though, their attendant had finally finagled Inuyasha into a navy blue outfit similar to the one he usually wore. The half demon also got tricked into wearing shoes, which was very interesting and frustrating at first, not only for him but also for everyone within immediate earshot. As for Miroku, he consented to a simple black attire for the sake of politeness but that was all. Dispute their stubbornness, however, both men still cleaned up nicely—so nicely in fact that even Kagome and Sango's young servants couldn't resist a glance.

Shippo rejoined the four of them moments later, alongside Kirara and Merka. Unlike the other men in the group the fox cub hadn't minded the pampering. He presently sported a dark olive green top and pants. Although Shippo had insisted on keeping his fur-vest to wear overtop the outfit the kit didn't protest having his hair trimmed or his paws groomed.

When all was said and organized the group of six was lead by Merka to the enormous entrance of the main hall in Matyeo's stronghold. It was in the large, decorated, room beyond that the other invitees were presently gathering to mingle until their king was presented and dinner announced. A burly pair of reptilian guards stood before the heavy wooden door guarding the entrance and they watched critically as Inuyasha and his friends approached.

"I'm sorry," one of the guards informed with a grunt. "You'll need to hand over your weapons. It's a gesture of respect to our king." Shrugging indifferently, Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Shippo all dutifully obeyed and gave over whatever pieces they had elected to bring for one reason or another. Inuyasha however was not so obliging in forking over his prized sword to a complete stranger.

"Forget it! No way am I giving up my Tetsusaiga!" he snapped venomously while placing a protective hand on his weapon. The guard shook his head lightly and seemed to laugh silently at Inuyasha's fiery protest.

"I assure you, they will all be kept safe in the armory for the duration of your visit, and you can retrieve them whenever you wish to leave the main-grounds…" the sentry went on, but to no avail.

"Look I already told you…NO!"

"Inuyasha, just do what he says," Kagome argued, her voice filled with exasperation and embarrassment.

"Yes please Inuyasha, we don't want to make a scene," Miroku added.

Fuming, the half demon turned with a huff and almost stormed away, but a silvery voice stopped him short.

"Uncle Inuyasha are you causing trouble already?"

The half demon glanced up towards the familiar vocals but had to take a step back in surprise when he saw his niece. Dressed in vibrant shades of indigo from head to ankle Shura seemed to exude the image of royalty as she approached with confident steps. Her silver hair was pulled into a long, streaming ponytail leaving only two long, graceful, tendrils to caress the base of her ears and striped cheeks. But what really gained everyone's surprise was the snow-white fur boa that hugged her shoulders. The piece was mounted high on the she-demon's body; the bulk nestled against the back of her neck. But Shura seemed a natural, for she carried it flawlessly about her.

Smiling at the silent praise of her new look, Shura stepped past Inuyasha and gained the attention of the guards. From her back she removed Duroza and it's case. Next she pulled the battered dragon-fang dagger, also with scabbard, from her belt. Finally she retrieved the fire-whip tucked temporarily in her left sleeve. Casually Shura then handed her assortment of weapons to the guard closest to her.

"Much obliged milady," the beast thanked with a dip of the head as he accepted the armload of treasures. Shura retuned his gesture with a nod and a smile. Then she turned a confident eye to her uncle. Inuyasha scowled at the cue, but finally caved. Grumbling, he thrust Tetsusaiga at the guard holding Shura's weapons.

"If anything happens to it…" the half demon warned through his teeth, but to his dismay the guard just dipped his head once more.

Satisfied with her uncle's choice, Shura looked past him and called over her shoulder.

"Rin! Hurry up now. Pappa and Jaken are already waiting for us inside."

A few seconds past before familiar scampering footsteps echoed across the palace floor. Moments later Rin eagerly trotted into view, though it took everyone except Shura a few moments to recognize her. The young girl was clothed in bright purple silks similar to Shura's and her hair was no longer wild and scattered. Instead it had been trimmed and smoothed so that it flowed gracefully to her shoulders. Her bangs had also been neatly parted revealing a blue crescent moon painted in the center of her forehead.

When the girl reached Shura she beamed up at the demoness and took hold of her sleeve. "Alright then, lets head inside shall we." Without waiting for an answer Shura turned towards the door and the second guard who was holding it open politely.

Leading the way Shura passed through the entrance with Inuyasha and his friends in toe. The half demon was still muttering under his breath at the loss of his sword but his anger was eventually lost in distraction. The room they had entered was full of distinguished looking dragons all sporting human guises. A majority of them were gathered in clusters chatting amongst themselves and extending greetings and other small talk in their native tongue. Those not involved in discussion seemed content to mill about, admire the décor, and eavesdrop on others conversations. Many sets of eyes flickered in the group's direction as they moved along making everyone feel a little self-conscience.

After several confusing minutes of weaving between the assortments of dragons Rin eventually spotted Sesshomaru standing comfortably within the chaos. In truth, he wasn't a very difficult target to find. Deep blackish-purple silks replaced his usual white and red ones making the fur trim he kept on his right shoulder stand out like nobody's business. There was also the fact that, unlike every other guest in that room, Sesshomaru still had both Tokijin and Tenseiga suspended securely at his side. When Inuyasha angrily demanded an explanation Shura's whispered response was brisk and calm.

"From what I understand, during this celebration no one of a lesser status is allowed to carry weapons or wear armor without Matyeo's permission. Matyeo still owes my father a debt, so for the time being Pappa outranks him. That's why he's exempt from the rule."

Unable to argue the point Inuyasha went back to grumbling. Shura meanwhile continued onward with Rin to her father's side. Of course, like any doting parent, Sesshomaru was noticeably pleased with Shura's appearance, especially the fur accent. He was also affectionately amused with Rin when she eagerly pointed out the crest she had insisted Merka paint on her forehead.

Despite her father's approving praises, however, Shura remained noticeably uneasy. The stray whispers from passing dragons that had trailed her and her company as they came in were still echoing all around them, and they only seemed to grow more numerous with each passing second.

"Oh look milady, isn't that Lord Sesshomaru over there?"

"Yes, I believe it is."

"And those must be his daughters." Stated a few, referring of course, to her and Rin. There were other things as well—glances, expression changes, even greetings—a great deal of them directed at her father for almost no reason. Unsure of how to respond, Shura turned a timid eye to her father. To her amazement, Sesshomaru didn't seem bothered by the attention. In fact, the dog lord was uncharacteristically calm, almost relaxed, to a degree not even Shura had seen. The others noticed the situation too, and muttered curiously under their breath.

"Your brother sure seems popular," Miroku pointed out the observation to Inuyasha quietly. The half demon nodded with a bit of disbelief and re-directed Miroku's comment to Shura.

"Yeah what's the deal with that." The she-demon shrugged discretely to the question and when her father wasn't looking mouthed "no idea," to the crew. Truth be told, she was as perplexed as they were by the situation. And things only got weirder.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" A tall, fare-skinned, dragoness with ice blue eyes and elegant garments that matched spoke out from among the passing crowds and seconds later stood before the dog monarch with a most welcoming smile. "I was happy to hear that you finally came."

Sesshomaru, meanwhile, inspected the dragon lady with an unwavering gaze, as if trying to recall her face from some deep chamber in his mind. Evidently, something must have clicked because after several seconds of indifferent study a spark of intrigue flickered across the dog lord's eyes and his mouth arched into the slightest of smirks.

"Zaphyra," Sesshomaru rumbled in a tone barely above a whisper. Obviously pleased, the she-dragon's smile widened.

"You remember! Zaphyra mused, pausing only long enough to tuck a flowing strand of her snow-white hair behind a pointed ear. "After so many years I just assumed you'd forgotten about me."

"Zaphyra, come along." Another voice rang out suddenly, this one male, and Zaphyra shifted her stare reflexively in its direction. The summoner was also tall, outreaching most of the guests by a foot or so. His frame was lean but supple and draped in royal-blue garments. At the moment his lean face was still and composed, but his gray eyes remained fixed on Sesshomaru.

"Oh…I must be off now, Father is calling." Zaphyra informed with a very subtle role of the eyes. "I hope you and your kin have an enjoyable evening." That said the she-dragon bowed respectfully and departed with feather light movements to rejoin her watchful parent.

As the pair moved away and were gradually swallowed back into the sea of guests many sets of curious eyes shifted to Sesshomaru. The dog lord, however, kept on his usual highly convincing mask of indifference, a fact that finally drove Shura's tolerance to its breaking point.

"Ok that does it!" the she demon exclaimed. "Pappa, what is going on here?"

But Sesshomaru, stubborn as always, wouldn't budge on the matter. He stayed collected and silent even when Kagome made the mistake of muttering

"It seemed pretty obvious to me."

"Yeah," followed Inuyasha unexpectedly, "we finally see where you inherited your taste for dragons."

Blushing wildly Shura nearly took a swing at Inuyasha's head.

"You jerk!" the demoness snapped, momentarily forgetting about Sesshomaru and his withholding of information. "I can't believe you just said…"

"Well its true!" objected Inuyasha stubbornly. Shura sneered at her uncle but stopped short of pummeling him senseless when she suddenly remembered that her father was not only present, but also was within perfect hearing range to her and Inuyasha's more then suggestive argument. Flushing even harder, Shura cast a timid eye over her shoulder. No surprise, Sesshomaru's eyebrows were raised with curiosity, but thankfully he didn't have time to press the matter further. A booming dragon voice suddenly sounded out drawing everyone's attention to a set of stairs at the opposing end of the room.

"Lords and Ladies if I may have your attention." The announcer was saying, "It is my deepest honor and privilege to present our reigning King." As if on cue the gathered dragons dipped their heads and in a unanimous chant replied.

"He who was chosen through fang and blood, the commander of elements both natural and beyond, as our rights decree."

The room then hushed and the dragons' stares shifted upward in near perfect synchronization to behold their ruler. Emerging from a rectangular gap in the ceiling and descending with slow, elegant steps Matyeo gradually appeared in all his ornamented splendor. His clear, bright eyes swept over the crowd of guests never blinking as he moved gracefully down the staircase. Meanwhile, near the base of the stairs, eight dragons, including the announcer shifted seamlessly from the crowds and knelt respectfully before him. The dragon king smiled politely and as he spoke he gestured to each of the royal clan-heads.

"Rulers of fire, water, sky, wind, sun, moon, shadow and earth, I welcome you, as always, with warmest regards on this day."

"My King," The eight dragons answered, dipping their heads once more. Matyeo acknowledged the gesture with a slight nod then beckoned for the group to stand.

"Raise my allies. There will be time for formalities later. For now, let us enjoy this time with our kin and comrades." Matyeo lifted his gaze and shifted his attention to the rest of his watching audience. "For it is they who should really be honored."

A light hum of approval circulated through the room at Matyeo's closing remark and shortly after the guests started to disperse and mingle once more.