Chapter 42

"And what do you think you're doing?" Shura narrowed her eyes coldly when Charisma of the Sky clan stepped prudishly in her path. The girl had both the manners and the mouth to match her juvenile body.

"What does it look like?" Shura snapped back at her crossly.

For a second the she-demon let her eyes trail past Charisma to the Arena she was guarding. The space had been tediously remolded by the diplomats. No longer just an open area, a shoulder high walking path had been excavated into stone foyer leaving a raised dueling circle that ended along the curve of Ryuuko's skeleton. The towering walls enclosing the ring had been reconstructed also and now sported box-like seating arrangements that would give spectators a great view of the battle. Those who weren't entitled to the better seats got their choice of perches carved from the surrounding mountainface. Finally, there were also four new entrances to the Arena— two on the east wall and two on the west—to allow crowd trafficking and improved access. It was an aesthetic improvement, Shura would admit, but symbolically it hit a few harsh notes. Either by intention or consequence the clan leaders had manipulated the tightly guarded symbol of Matyeo's childhood hardships into a cheap thrill for the spectators.

Forcing down her anger Shura looked back to Charisma. The girl was still blocking her path to the fighting ring, and once more she was staring as if Shura had suddenly grown a second head.

"Are you serious?" she gawked. Not even waiting for her answer the Sky dragon swiftly gestured past Shura to a third approaching combatant, Nightshade of the Shadow clan. "Is she serious?" Glancing over her shoulder Shura met Nightshade's unblinking stare. For a second time that evening the dragoness's cold, gray eyes seemed to look past her face and into her core.

"It would appear so." Nightshade relayed calmly and without much distress. Charisma however was anything but calm. Flailing her arms angrily she stomped past the two women and back into the palace. Unsure of what else to do Shura trailed along slowly behind her. Charisma didn't need to tantrum long before her actions were noticed.

"What's going on here?" It was Kayolin. The old dragon was the first of the clan leaders to finish the Arena preparations and now he would be the first to hear Charisma's complaint and Shura's request.

"Lord Kayolin," The she-dragon turned sharply to point an accruing claw at Shura. "This this…welp…actually thinks she can compete with us and it's pissing me off!" Kayolin looked first at the young Sky dragon, then his eyes trailed past her to settle calmly on Shura.

"Is this true?" he asked gently. Shura nodded slowly. There was no hesitation in her voice.

"Yes sir." Kayolin let out a long sigh and pulled at his beard.

"To be honest lady Shura I'm not sure how to answer. Normally duels of this kind involve only dragons…"

"I believe I have the solution." A wave of relief flowed over Shura when she heard her father's voice sound in the distance. Inuyasha had managed to find him, and once more, discuss the situation without instigating a brawl. Still, though his presence was a welcome comfort, his claim was hard for even her to swallow.

"Observe." Shura watched her father curiously as he flexed his fingers and got the poison flowing to his claws. Then, despite the urge not to, Shura remained stone still as he brought those same nails precariously close to her left eye. Wincing from the poison's essence Shura finally had to blink and pull away. The sight in that eye blurred and suddenly the she demon found herself straining to refocus it. Meanwhile, she heard both Kayolin and Charisma gasp with surprise. Though Shura couldn't have seen it between each blink her left iris flickered with magenta energy.

"Dragon's sight!" Kayolin exclaimed, almost speechless. "But how can that be? A dragon talent can't be passed to any other species…"

"Unless they were accepted under the rites of your kind," Sesshomaru put in. Reaching behind his head Sesshomaru gathered his hair in his fist. Then, turning around, he pulled the silky white strands over his shoulder exposing the back of his neck. Stretching from the base of his hairline to just above the shoulders were three interconnected symbols. At top was a dragon's eye. Below it, a frontal view silhouette of a dragon's head with a pointed snout and small head spikes. Finally, parallel to one another on either side of the dragon's head were two clawed dragon wings. The three symbols were well known in dragon culture and were commonly used in scriptures when referring to the "Mind," "Heart," and "Soul," respectfully. Sesshomaru went on.

"This bloodcrest was granted to me by the late King Drakeion of the Northern peeks. I'm sure you are familiar with what it means."

"Of dragon mind, body and spirit…" Kayolin uttered almost in awe. "It's a royal protection seal." Beside him, Charisma had gone white with anger.

"You mean to tell me the great King actually degreed you an honorary dragon!" Sesshomaru smirked at Charisma's rage.

"Not only me. Considering her acquirement of dragon's sight it would seem Shura has received that distinction as well." Kayolin scratched his head and studied both Sesshomaru and Shura with fascination.

"I was aware lord Drakeion had trained you, but I didn't think he had gone so far as to grant you our status as well," the dragon explained almost beside himself. "Well than, that does indeed change things doesn't it?" Charisma stepped in.

"Are you kidding me? They may be able to call themselves dragons because of a technicality but neither Lord Sesshomaru nor his daughter have any bloodties to our clans! It still goes against tradition!"

"Alright alright settle down," Kayolin tried to calm the fuming dragoness. "Looks like we'll need to vote." Turning, Kayolin gestured to a passing servant. "A matter has come up that I must discuss with my colleagues. If you could, please gather them for me. " The servant bowed dutifully and soon they had vanished from sight.

Within minutes the bewildered diplomats started to appear one by one. All of them were interested to hear the reasoning behind the Earth dragon's emergency meeting. Kayolin, however, kept his fangs clenched on the matter until the last remaining members trailed over. Then with his usual air of self-confidence he addressed the group as a whole.

"My friends it seems we have a situation, and seeing as how it will affect us all l feel it is only right that we all have a say in it." Shura held her breath as Kayolin swiftly briefed the group of her request and unorthodox yet legitimate credentials. "That said, for the sake of time and sanity," Kayolin pressed on before anyone could comment, "there is no need to turn this into another open debate. We'll reward the majority…and that will be the end of it."

Shura felt her chest tighten. A majority vote meant she would need to earn the approval from at least five of the eight clans. It was a total that seemed impossible. Biting her lip the she-demon forced down the urge to cry and focused instead on Kayolin as he paced methodically.

"Clan leaders what say you?" the Earth dragon at last directed the important question to his colleagues. The pause that followed seemed to go on forever. Then finally, a dragon's voice sounded. Reflexively Shura looked to the speaker and for a second time that night she met the face of the Wind dragon leader.

"I will vogue for her." Informed the dragon calmly. His vocals came with both a ruler's confidence and a father's understanding. Beside Cyclone, the handsome young Water clan ruler was also nodding in agreement.

"So will I." Torrent announced his support. At that point the Water dragon shot a keen glance in the direction of the Moon dragon twins. Because of the nature of their elements the two clans had always shared an exceptionally strong alliance. And this generation of dragons was no exception.

"Well if Lord Torrent thinks it's a good idea I see no harm in letting her try." Remarked the fair-haired elder twin, Lumos, with calm indifference. "Do you Brother?" To the left of Lumos, young Cosmos gave a shrug.

"No." replied the dark-haired younger. In response the Sun clan matriarch stepped forward. Her face was livid with rage.

"Unbelievable! Have you lost your minds?" Aurora sent an abrasive verbal jolt across the walls. "This girl is nothing but a mongrel thief trying to steal the throne!" A shallow cough sounded and next all eyes fell to Shale of the Shadow clan.

"Not to be rude, but I must concur with Lady Aurora. I'm afraid I can't agree to this."

"Me neither." Added Skybolt with an annoyed snort much to Charisma's satisfaction. Shura felt her insides start to sink. The votes were three and three. That left only two clans undecided, and for her to win she would need approval from both of them. Timidly Shura followed Kayolin's stare along the crowd of diplomats until it reached the far left.

"What about you Firestorm?" Kayolin directed the question to the crimson haired ruler. The fire dragon just raised his head and fixed Shura with a cold and menacing glare that made the she- demon clench her fangs. She already knew what his answer would be. She could see it flickering in his eyes right alongside the thrill of crushing her spirit. Firestorm opened his mouth to speak but before he could even utter a sound a familiar female's voice sounded boldly from behind him.

"Let her fight. I've got a score to settle with this one." It was Phoenix. Stepping confidently forward the female dragon had both the attitude and the look of a champion gladiator. The lavish frame she had once flaunted was now hidden under a sturdy, fire-colored chest plate and shoulder guards. Matching phoenix insignias decorated both the center of her chest and the red, satin, cape that flowed elegantly behind. Tied to her hip was the dragoness's weapon of choice— a huge and powerful looking mace the color of melted rock. The weapon swung heavily with her movements but Phoenix didn't seem to notice. Her focus was solely on her father whose face had scrunched up into a snarl.

Swiftly the fire ruler took a firm grip on his daughter's arm and pulled her aside.

"This is no time for personal vendettas." Firestorm hissed sternly in Phoenix's ear. But the dragoness just smirked at her parent's anger.

"Please, as if I could ever lose to her." When her father didn't budge Phoenix's features went suddenly cold. This time her hiss was barely above a whisper.

"This is our one chance to drive out those damn dogs without any consequence. Even you can't say no to that." Firestorm ground his fangs harshly and he tightened his grip on Phoenix making her flinch.

"You had better not disgrace me." His threat reached the Phoenix's ears as a dangerous growl and despite her unwavering expression a slight tremble ran through the she-dragon's body. Glancing back over to the crowd Firestorm snorted gruffly before turning up his nose.

"Do as you like hound. It really wont matter anyway."

"Um…alright then." Kayolin glanced uncertainly at the fire ruler before clearing his throat. "Anyway, as radical as this situation is, it seems noble Drakeion made a great effort to see it through. That's why I too will cast my vote in favor for Shura, which makes the final tally five against three. Congratulations Milady. You've just become a member of our royal court."

Shura dipped her head submissively. The gesture was mostly to show her respect but it also helped to conceal the welling tears in her eyes.

"Thank you! Thank you so much! You won't regret this!" She promised sincerely. A haughty laugh sounded from Phoenix making Shura look up with surprise. The she-dragon was eyeballing her and a nasty smirk was pulling at her lips.

"They might not…but you will." Came the fire lady's departing words as she started to walk confidently towards the arena. Charisma followed her shortly after but not before snubbing Shura with a spiteful flick of her forked tongue.

"We'll see," she whispered under her breath.

Meanwhile, concealed under a powerful cloaking spell not even the dragon sighted could detect the young blackwing, Kusoa, smiled with cruel satisfaction as she watched Shura's drama play out. With The Gathering of the Clans going on it had been easy for her to slip into the palace unnoticed. And now, thanks to Phoenix, her job there had just became even easier.

"What luck," the witch thought cunningly to herself. Sneaking silently away from the crowd of diplomats the witch started to slink towards the Arena. Once there she settled herself on top of one of the walls. From that perch and with her shield in place not even the keenest dragon would be able to spot her.

The witch's ears tingled and reflexively she reached out with her mind. The familiar and impatient voice of Queen Mura echoed through her head.

"Kusoa, have you infiltrated the North dragon's palace?"

"Yes my Queen." The young witch replied proudly.

"And the girl?"

"Still alive, but not for long. That firey lizard will slay her in the most painful way imaginable…. I'm going to see to it personally." Kusoa felt the queen witch's mind break off abruptly from hers, but not before a faint tremor of deceit left a sour taste in her mouth.

Was Mura plotting something she didn't know about? The thought flickered faintly across her mind but she quickly dismissed it. It wasn't her place to question.

"Matyeo!" The dragon stirred when he heard Sesshomaru's familiar commanding voice drift above him. "Matyeo! Wake up!" Not daring to open his eyes the dragon tried to drown out his Master's orders. But it was no use. "Matyeo!" The sharp command cracked through his ears like a bolt of lightening. "I know you can hear me." Wincing hard the dragon worked to open his golden eyes. Sure enough Sesshomaru was standing over him.

"Everything's prepared for the battles and you're presence is being requested." The dog lord informed. Matyeo draped an arm over his eyes to try and conceal the welling inner pain.

"And here I was hoping it was all just a bad dream." The dragon admitted with a heavy sigh.

"I'm afraid not." Sesshomaru replied. There was a calming edge to his voice, almost sympathetic, and it made the dragon recoil even harder. Rolling on his side Matyeo buried his face in the layers of lush, colorful, silk covering his bed.

"I'm not going. If the clans want a Queen that much tell them they can crown her themselves." To the dragon's surprise Sesshomaru applauded his charmingly defiant attitude with a small chuckle. Then, turning away, the dog lord surprised him again.

"Suit yourself. Though I strongly suggest you reconsider." Matyeo sat up and blinked his eyes. Something was amiss. He could tell from his Master's tone. Sesshomaru knew more then he was letting on.

"What do you mean?" Matyeo asked. The dog lord gestured to the window.

"See for yourself."

Scratching behind his head Matyeo stood and walked to the small, square opening that overlooked the rear entrance. Though the Arena looked much more distant from his tower bedroom Matyeo had no trouble seeing the clans' modifications to the scenery, and more importantly, the contestants they had picked for him.

"What the…." Matyeo's face drained of color when he saw the familiar head of silver hair among the candidates. "Master what is Shura doing out there?" Turning around Matyeo fixed Sesshomaru with a serious stare.

"I told you she would find a way through." The dog lord answered calmly. Stunned and confused Matyeo could only look back out the window and gape at the scene below. It didn't make sense. His friend may have come from one of the stubbornness families in existence but outmaneuvering dragon tradition… it was a venture not even he could work around… and he was King.

"But…it's impossible. I mean…she shouldn't be… how did?" The series of questions came out more as an incoherent slur of syllables. But Matyeo didn't even notice; his mind was racing so fast.

"You have your father to thank for that." Sesshomaru noted still calm as ever. Matyeo rested his face in his hand. His head was pounding.

"My father?"

"Yes. Drakeion went through a tedious effort to protect your future Matyeo, and now my daughter has chosen to do the same." Matyeo stood silent for several minutes not knowing how to respond. The thought of Shura risking so much, her very life, just for him, it made Matyeo sick inside. And yet, deep in his heart, he couldn't deny the faintest flicker of hope. It was the part of him that desperately wanted to trust the echoed will of his father and the courage of his best friend.

"Is that so." Matyeo's voice dropped to an uneasy whisper. "Well then I guess it's only right that I attend." Turning towards the window Matyeo unfurled his elegant wings. Then, leaning his body out of the small opening he caught one of the Northern currents. With a graceful sweep he was out of the tower and gliding slowly to the warm glow of outdoor torches and eager calls of his fellow dragons.

It didn't take him long to find to find his place among the special viewing areas the clans had designed. His was the largest space elaborately furnished with cushions and other comforts. A servant was also waiting, ready to tend to his every whim as he watched the combat. Sighing Matyeo landed on the edge of his balcony seat. It took every ounce of energy he had to force down the fear in his heart, as he turned round to face the soon-to-be battleground.

Moments later, a few platforms away on Matyeo's right Sesshomaru emerged and took his assigned seat beside Inuyasha and his friends. The group was still wary of him, as he was of them, and they distanced themselves accordingly. Still the dog brothers forced themselves to stay tolerant, for Shura's sake if nothing else.

None of them noticed the approaching dragon until a sweet, silvery voice broke through the tense silence.

"Good evening Lords and Ladies. Does anyone mind if I join you?" It was Zephyra, the elegant Wind dragon heiress. A graceful leap had landed her on the balcony edge without even a whisper. But she didn't dare move any closer, not without permission.

"No not at all!" This time it was Miroku who answered for the group, which of course earned him a smack over the head from Sango. Smiling, though a little more warily, Zaphyra next looked hopefully over at Sesshomaru. The dog lord returned her stare and after a small pause he shifted over allowing her room to sit comfortably beside him. Taking the cue the she-dragon stepped down from the edge and seated herself. Then she gazed at Sesshomaru fondly.

"Why thank you Sesshomaru. I see you're still a charming as ever." Glancing over at the she-dragon Sesshomaru gave a small smirk and shook his head slightly before turning his eyes back to the Arena. Presently, with the help of Kayolin and several armed guards, Shura and the other females were busy being prepared for the first of that evenings battles. Far from experts on the matter Kagome, Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango looked on with confusion as the four girls surrendered their personal weapons to the guards in exchange for a round arm-shield and a double-edged short sword. .

"What's going on?" Kagome finally inquired when she saw the exchange.

"It's all part of the custom," Zaphyra explained. "The rules for succession battles are very specific. There are three rounds. The first round is more of a skirmish. All four contestants are only permitted to use identical weapons and the goal is try to knock their opponents out of the Arena. In this case, since there are four contestants, the first two that are thrown and the last two standing will automatically be pitted against one another for the next battle. In the second round contestants are only allowed to use whatever weapons they have inherited or managed to acquire naturally. It's meant to test their ingenuity and confidence. The two victors of this second round will face each other for the third and final battle. You see?"

"Yeah I understand," Kagome replied. "And the winner of the last match…"

"Wins the right to King Matyeo's hand and the throne." Kagome shuddered lightly. Political marriages were one thing but competitive ones… that was a little more difficult to swallow. And that was especially true considering that poor Matyeo would be the one doing the marrying. Shifting a little in her seat Kagome tried to change the topic.

"So what are the rules for the final battle?" She asked a little naively. Zaphyra went quiet, a gesture that made Kagome and crew suddenly even more uncomfortable. "Oh I see."

"The battle to become the Queen of dragonkind isn't for the faint hearted," the she dragon reminded after a long pause. "The wining suitor not only earns rank for herself but also for her clan as well. And in these turbulent times… that in itself has become an honor worth dieing for."