Disclaimer; I do not own Inuyasha, nor the story of Esther.
Summary; There once was a peasant named Inuyasha, who was pulled into the competition for a new King unwillingly. As the competition continues, something happens that neither Inuyasha nor Her Majesty, Kagome expected. How will the two fair, as the rush and search for a new king becomes the only life they know?
The Story of a Peasant
Chapter Sixteen;
"Is everyone decent?" I could hear Sango yell through the wooden doorway into our dorms. With a cry of 'too bad', Sango waltzed in as many of the guys tried to hurriedly throw on the ball clothing.
As Sango started talking I noticed Miroku struggling with his ties. Rolling my eyes, I slapped his hands away.
"You're pathetic." I commented as I situated the ties myself, not being able to tolerate watching something be done so wrong, and on top of that slowly. Miroku ran a hand through his hair shrugging.
"Not all of us can help that we didn't grow up as the Western Lord's son."
"Lucky you." I stated before stepping back and admiring my handiwork. Passing it as acceptable, I turned back to where Sango was prattling on about this that or another.
"...so while in the briefing session, just remember, it doesn't decide your fate. The council will be monitoring every man at the party, and keeping an eye out for any mistake you could possibly make."
"Briefing session?" I whispered to Miroku next to me. He nodded and crossed his arms, wrinkling up what I had worked hard to fixate. "Right before we get to enter the ballroom, we'll each be pulled aside like we were the first time we were brought here. They'll.... review our progress, for lack of a better description. Keep us on our toes before being presented to the rest of the ball."
"Comforting." I answered dryly.
Miroku didn't reply, and instead turned his attention back to Sango who was giving her sentiments of good luck to the group before gesturing for us to follow her. We fell behind her in silence, a strange mixture of excitement and nerves tangible in the air. All the men were quiet, not ready to compromise any positions they might have held, till we were led into the same room we had been in for our first interview.
I took my usual place beside Miroku, kicked my feet up, and let my head fall to the wall behind me with a 'thump'.
"That looks like the posture of one stressed out hanyou." Miroku said nonchalantly beside me, picking up a piece of fruit from a bowl in front of us, twirling it in his hands.
"It's been a long day." I commented, "or rather long week." I reiterated.
"Care to share?" Miroku asked, placing the fruit back in the bowl.
"It's just been... hectic." I said. Which was true, this week had been one of the most rushed and tedious weeks of my life between fittings, Nida's bi-polar attitude, and... other things.
"Hectic can be a very broad term." Miroku commented.
"I'm getting annoyed with being monitored all the time." This was also true. Ever since the skirmish with Kouga, it felt like I hadn't had any real privacy. Obviously news had reached some higher up who now found it important to make sure my temper was kept in control.
Miroku nodded, seemingly understanding. "Anything else?" He asked.
I peered at him out the side of my eye. "You seem to be looking for a particular answer."
Miroku shrugged. "Perhaps your nervous about tonight's ball?"
"Feh. I could care less about this dumb party. It's just a bunch of stiffs who all come to watch us try to dance and show off everything we're supposed to have learned in the past few months."
Miroku leaned back in his seat against the wall, placing his hands around his knees. "Well, that's true. But it's good to make a fair impression for everyone there. I mean, this is a competition for a title and the kingdom itself...and Kagome technically."
I felt my fingers clench into my palms.
"Ah. So there's the stress maker." Miroku said, humored.
"I don't like her."
Miroku made a contemplating face. "Well, she's beautiful no doubt."
"There's more to a woman than looks, Miroku." I replied back sourly.
At that time my name was called to enter the briefing session.
"Sure there is." Miroku replied heartily and patted me on the shoulder as I stood up. I padded through the hallway, the doorways shutting behind me, and a new set opening in front of me to the main sanction we had been in months before. With a bought of uneasiness that I wasn't accustomed to, I walked into the room.
Obviously it was fixed to make a person feel more intimidated. Tables and desks surrounded one half of the room in a semicircle in which the council all sat, all facing a single plush chair on a platform. No artificial light pervaded the room, only what was cast through the windows behind the council members, giving the room an eerie atmosphere. All this went unnoticed to me as I was suddenly hit with a surprisingly familiar scent.
"Sesshomaru?" I questioned, eying him speculatively. He simply stared down at me from his lofty seat behind a high desk, looking every bit the Western Lord. We stood in silence till my attention was caught by someone clearing out their throat.
"Inuyasha," I turned my head, feeling suddenly exposed, towards the center man, an elderly man who seemed oddly familiar. "Please, sit." He said, and gestured towards the chair.
I mechanically wheeled myself to sit, rigid as a board.
"Now, let's get down to business." The old man stated stiffly. He eyed me, then looked down at the papers in front of him. "Firstly we'll go over basic questions in which you should be able to relate the answer back to us. All questions will pertain to your studies here."
And off he went. I was quizzed over history, military advancements and tactics, general customs and manners of the high-and-mighty, and also over other cultures. The answers poured from my mouth, my thoughts not on the questions asked of me, but of the thoughts that had been continuously floating through my head.
'Why is Sesshomaru here? I can't imagine some petty kingdom's ball really being all too important to 'em.' I swiveled my ears to better catch the next question thrown at me. Something about trade routes with the Southern Border. 'Maybe it's this competition is all. Since he had to come when King Hojo died, he might have to be here when they choose the next person. But are they deciding tonight? I would've thought we'd had better notice.' I pursed my lips, feigning contemplation, while debating in my head.
'What if they did make a decision tonight? I wonder who would win?' I glanced at the rest of the characters in the room. All of them either watched me scrupulously or were writing vehemently onto papers in front of them. My head lowered.
'I wonder if I'd get to see Kagome again before I left.' Whoa, where did that thought come from? I shook my head slightly. Miroku was definitely getting to me.
Of course, if I wasn't too busy lying to myself, I knew that deep down I had affection for the woman. It was more than her general kindness, she showed that to everyone. But the fact that is was so generously given to the very species that had killed her original husband? I had to admire her. Her laughter was contagious as well, but not obnoxious. Never obnoxious. And her hair...
"Inuyasha?"
I jerked straight, bringing my eyes to the ringmaster of the council, shakily replying 'yes?'
He gave me an odd look, then went back to his papers in front of him.
"We are now finished with the simple questioning. I must say I'm impressed by all that you've learned and retained. The best yet." The old man crossed his hands in front of him, on top of the desk. "But now is where we get personal."
I gulped. Personal didn't sound so great at the moment.
"You've been in a scuffle recently, so I've heard?"
I felt my fingers knot together in front of me.
"Yes, sir." I replied.
"Care to explain why?"
I sighed and raised my eyes. Slowly, I tried to arrange my thoughts in a way that would make sense to a royal council.
"Humans and Demons alike have treated me much the same my entire life." I paused, again not sure how to continue. "I've always been a misfit of sorts, I guess. Being only half human and half demon. Many don't know how to deal with me and just ignore me. But there are few who like to try and put me down for what I am."
I brought my face back up, my voice a bit stronger. "I got in a fight with Kouga because he believed me incapable of the tasks set before me. He taunted me with what he knew would bug me most. And I'm ashamed to say that my temper wasn't strong enough and I snapped." I felt my hand fist up. I didn't know what else to say.
Somewhere above me, someone 'hmm'd.
The elder master seemed to contemplate my answer, jotting down a word or two every now and then before proceeding on with no comment.
"Why do you think you should be king?" He rattled off.
I felt the air leave my system. How did I answer something like that, when I didn't think I deserved it?
I could feel my brow furrowing, and my lips immediately pursing.
"I..." I started lamely. Words just wouldn't come easily today would they? "I'm different. More different than anything every before. I represent change. And hope for both humans and demons alike. Isn't that what this town is supposed to represent after all? Shelter and harmony for both species?"
The man nodded, seeming to appreciate the answer. He stroked one tendril of his hair, and then continued.
"What makes you think your worthy of Her Majesty, Kagome?" He said, his voice as more serious than I could imagine being possible.
If I'd thought the former question was terrible, than this was just down right cruel.
'How could they ask something like this?! Loony old man!' I thought, cursing him with every beat of my heart. Why was it accelerating like that? This shouldn't be happening. What was that? Oh yeah, the man was waiting for an answer.
"I don't think I am." I said honestly.
Silence met my answer.
"You...don't think your worthy?" He asked, surprised. "Pray tell, what reasoning do you have for that?"
I shrugged.
"I-I just don't." I could feel the stutter in my voice.
It was quiet for a minute, before laughter suddenly boomed from the old man before me. The sound was almost too loud to be coming from him, and my ears flinched away from the noise. Confusion must have wrought my face, as his laughter grew once his eyes were upon me again. Standing, he gestured for me to come over.
Obeying, I was surprised when he clapped me on my shoulder in good nature.
"You, my good boy, are the first to walk through those doors and say that you weren't worthy of my granddaughter. And I must say, I agree with ya! Not that yer a bad kid at that- I just don't think any o'ye lads are good enough for my granddaughter." He chortled again, pretending to wipe at his eye.
'Grandfather? That explains the familiarities.' I thought.
"Um,... thanks?" I said, not sure what to say. My head swam from trying to keep up with Kagome's grandfather's antics.
He just laughed again, and patted my back once before saying 'shoo' and gesturing to the door. Passing a glance to Sesshomaru, who's face was solid as stone, I existed through the next door not knowing what to think.
"Nervous?" Miroku whispered, shifting on his feet next to me as Sango lined us up in front of the entrance doors.
I shrugged. "Not really. Just ready to get tonight over with."
"Don't be too quick to enjoy yourself." Miroku murmured back, receiving a glare from Sango as she tried to quiet us down. Miroku cheekily waved and smiled, 'causing her to roll her eyes and walk back towards the front of the line.
Before I knew it, the doors were open and we were herded in to the ballroom, a booming voice announcing our presence to the nobles and other officials of the lands. Candles glowed in sconces all around the circular room, and the people, all dressed in their clothing of varying colors, clapped politely for us before turning back towards other tasks. My nose wrinkled at the unwelcome feeling of too many scents in one room.
Sango turned back around towards us, nodded once, and then allowed us to disperse.
"Forget not why you are here." She called quiet enough to not alert the crowd's attention before flouncing off.
I stood still alongside Miroku, scanning the crowd before us. A flash of silver hair caught my attention and I made a mental note to steer clear of Sesshomaru.
"Inuyasha!" A voice, youthful and feminine, reached my ears. Straining, I noticed a small girl's hand waving me over. After a passing noble got out of the way, I noticed Rin. I waved back, feeling a small tension release at having something to do rather than just stand there. Gesturing to Miroku, I led the way over.
"Inuyasha." She stated and did a small curtsy.
I bowed back, then gestured to Miroku. "Rin, this is Miroku."
"I'm ever so pleased to meet such a young beauty." He grinned, and took her hand in his, bowing deeply at the waist. Rin flushed and gave a small giggle before retracting her hand from Miroku's. A gagging sound made its way to my mind.
"And I to you." She replied, before turning back to me. "A good turn out you would think?" She looked around the room, looking excited to be around all the people.
"I suppose." I answered. "I thought there were supposed to be more... commoners though." In fact, I was sure that's what there was supposed to be.
"Oh! But there is!" Rin waved us to follow her, and led us to a entrance leading outside to a large gazebo like landing with double staircases leading into a giant courtyard. In all my days practicing in the ballroom, I had never noticed the view.
"Breathtaking." Miroku said. I peered down from where we stood and saw that the lights were also strewn all over outside, flowers blooming everywhere, and many, many people flitting about conversing amongst their own.
"It really is." Rin said, laying her arms across the hand railings of the gazebo and stretching onto her tiptoes to see across the expanse.
"Rin." A deep voice called out. Rin jumped, and whirled around, and elatedly ran forward.
"My lord!" She chirped, having spun to his side, smiling up at him. "I was just showing Inuyasha and his friend the outside."
"I see." Sesshomaru stated, his stoic expression trained on me.
"Lord Sesshomaru." He stated calmly, before looking over at me. I just nodded once, saying nothing.
"Well, I am off. " Miroku said, feeling the tension. His words barely registered.
"Sesshomaru, may I leave as well? I want to see if Shippou is here." She tugged at his sleeve. I couldn't fathom the relationship she shared with my half-brother.
"Go." He said calmly, not turning his face from mine.
Rin ran off, but turned again and called my name.
"Shall I tell Shippou you said hey, Inuyasha?"
I forced my face from Sesshomaru's to turn myself towards Rin. Giving a small smile, I nodded.
She waved once, then dashed down the stairs.
I turned back to see Sesshomaru was watching where Rin had just dashed off, his eyes trained on her as she made it onto the grounds.
"You know, I really don't understand you."
The icey demon turned his expression back towards me. A smirk seemed to be playing at his lips.
"Good."
I just rolled my eyes.
"Well, not that your not a fulfilling and completely interactive conversation, but there are things I am to be doing." I said as a way of dismissal.
"Inuyasha." He stated before I even made a step away.
I turned and raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Sesshomaru was turned away, peering over the courtyard, seemingly keeping an eye on Rin from above.
"Keep Tetsusaiga near. I sense evil auras in this place."
I peered down at the sword strapped to my side.
"This sword wouldn't even hold up in a fight. It's rusted straight through!" I claimed, throwing him a disbelieving look.
"Have you not yet unlocked the powers within it?" Sesshomaru asked, his eyes turning into slits as he turned his head towards me by a fraction. I shook my head.
He very nearly rolled his eyes, but turned his head back.
"Keep it near." He repeated.
I just shook my head out, and turned leaving him behind. With his words bouncing off in my head, I found myself walking lighter, and concentrating less on what people were saying, and paying more attention to what these petty humans would never notice.
'He's right. Something's not right.' And evil aura, just a flicker in the crowd, was the only hint of what I could sense. Someone was trying to hide themself. 'And doing a damn good job at it to.' I thought to myself. I peered around me and noticed Kagome off to one side giggling with Sango about this, that, or another. Remembering what I was supposed to actually be doing, I took a breath and walked up around the room, keeping towards the outer circular edge, as I made my way towards the two.
"Pardon me ladies." I stated, bowing as the two turned towards me.
"Inuyasha." Sango said with a smile. I noticed in passing that this was the first time I had ever seen her in clothing rather than training gi's, though my attention wasn't held long by her as Kagome curtsied and grinned at me.
"Forgive my interruption, but I was wondering if you'd be prevailed upon to dance with me, m'lady?" I said, holding my hand out with a slight bow.
"Finally someone mans up and asks you." I heard Sango say, smirking. Kagome shot her a look, but turned back and placed her hand in mine.
"Of course, Inuyasha." She looked up at me, and smiled warmly and I felt my breath hitch in my throat.
I led her out into the center of the rotunda like ballroom before gently twisting her around into our dancing positions. I placed one hand on her waist, and held her other one up, took a breath, and started to mold into the crowd of waltzers around.
I could feel eyes on us, and I felt myself grow a little uncomfortable with the pressure, till Kagome's hand squeezed mine subtly.
"Don't worry about them." She spoke quietly. "You're doing just fine."
"Thanks." I said, shaking out some of my nerves as we twisted about. "Is it too late for me to say your looking quite... beautiful tonight?" I said, the words somewhat tumbling out of my mouth. Not that she wasn't looking beautiful. The elegant jade gown seemed very suiting on her petite pale frame, with her raven hair tumbling in waves over her shoulders. Flattery just wasn't something I was used to dishing out.
Kagome didn't seem to mind my nerves, and smiled, ducking her head. Her hair just barely brushed my nose and I was hit with her scent head on.
"You think so?" She asked timidly. I squeezed her hand back. "Of course." I replied.
My hand instinctively pushed her out, allowing her to spin and then I pulled her back in, settling my hand back on her waist.
"So," She said brightly as we continued to dance, "I met your brother earlier."
I groaned in response. "Lovely for conversation, isn't he?"
Kagome laughed, letting her head drop back to do so. "Has he always been that way?" She asked when her laughs subsided.
I tried to go back in my memories and think of a time when Sesshomaru had acted any different.
"As far as I can think of." I smiled down at her. "Surely you can understand not wanting to be related to that."
She gave a small giggle in response. "He can't be the worst one of the bunch."
"I beg to disagree."
"His ward seems to think highly of him." She commented.
I paused, not realizing Kagome had even known of Rin.
"True. A relationship I can't fathom in the least."
"You're terrible." Kagome said sarcastically, laughing again.
She smiled, and looked up at me, straight in the eyes, and I felt my breath falter again. Was that my heart that was beating so loud in my ears?
Her smiled widened, and then she took a step back, and it was then I realized we were at the end of our dance. I stepped back and bowed low to her once more.
"Thank you for the dance, Inuyasha." She murmured softly, squeezing my hand once more, before letting go. I didn't have words to say, so I just smiled and allowed her to walk off. I stepped out of the way of the dancers and headed back into the crowd, spanning it for Miroku. When I couldn't fine him, I leaned against a wall and watched the people milling about.
"Man, your in deep." I turned my head, not surprised to see Nida standing there, the usual smirk taking over her face.
"I don't know what your talking about." I said, crossing my arms.
"Like hell." She replied, leaning against the wall next to me. "You like her."
"Thank you Nida for your opinion. Don't you have some work to be doing?" I grumbled at her.
"Taking a break. Got a pregnant woman, can't be too strained now can she?" She rubbed her hand over her stomach. While she was still tiny, a definite bump was beginning to form, and I felt myself soften a little bit.
"I guess not." I muttered. I pushed off the wall and turned towards her. "C'mon, I want you to meet someone if they're here."
Leading her out of the ballroom, we walked into the festival like atmosphere of the courtyard. I peered over the heads of the people, trying to find a familiar face.
"Ah." I said, spotting Rin off in the distance.
"Rin! Shippou!" I called out when we were close enough.
The two young children turned around, and Shippou immediately ran over, and jumped up into my arms.
"You found us!" He crowed happily. "I was hoping we'd get to see you today!" I wrenched him off my head, holding him in my arm, and scratching his head roughly.
"Shippou, this is Nida. Nida, Shippou."
"Charmed." She replied, smiling at the small kit. He crawled out of my arms and into hers, elicting a very high 'aw, how cute!' from Nida. I just rolled my eyes, immune to the act.
Kaeded hobbled up to me, hardly noticable. She looked me up and down before giving a sort've smile.
"Your looking more and more like your father, Inuyasha."
"Feh." I said.
She just shrugged. "Take it how you please, but it's true. Your starting to look like the royalty you are."
"Where did Miroku disappear to?" I grumbled to myself. It was late and I was way to tired from the days events to stand around another moment longer. Having formally dismissed everyone earlier, I couldn't understand why it was so hard to find one lone monk.
I sniffed once, and turned in the direction his scent was leading to me, muddled as it was. I began to walk into the entrance of the ballroom again, when someone caught my wrist and pulled my to the side behind one of the columns.
"Mmf?" I tried to say when Kagome's hand covered my mouth. She placed a finer over her lips before pointing towards the center of the room. I peered around the column and my jaw dropped. There in the center Miroku and Sango danced, with only the musicians in the room (or so they thought), closer than I would have imagined. They seemed to be whispering, almost intimately.
Remembering my company, I looked over to Kagome to gauge her reaction. She was smiling, looking flushed from the evenings activities, pure happiness lighting up her face as she watched her friends.
I kept what words I had to myself and simply turned back around and leaned against the column, not wanting to intrude on Miroku's private matters. Kagome seemed to have similar feelings, and turned around as well.
"Funny how things have a way of working out." She whispered very softly.
I nodded.
"Funny indeed."
She peered up at me and smiled, then bit her lip.
"Inuyasha?"
"Yeah?"
"Wanna dance?" She asked, holding her hand out.
"Again? I mean, here-now?" Kagome peeked around the column again, and smiled at the couple in front of us before taking my hand and leading me out towards them.
Miroku and Sango jumped at our intrusion, obviously startled. But Kagome simply turned towards me, placed us in a dancing position, and flowed into the music, taking me with her. After a minute, Miroku and Sango went back to dancing themselves.
Miroku and I laid in silence in our dorm area for nearly a half hour before he finally broke the silence.
"I don't know how to make things work out with Sango." He voiced quietly. I turned my head, and looked over at him, knowing he couldn't see me in the dark with his human vision.
"Kagome seems to think it'll find a way." I said softly.
Miroku seemed to ponder that a moment, before nodding.
"Thank you, Inuyasha."
I yawned and rolled back over in my bed, nearly drifting off to sleep, when I noticed something off. That same flicker of evil, the taste of an aura shifting and flexing coming to my senses.
A/N;; My little reward for being so patient with me and my retarded updates. An extra long chapter filled with a little bit of fluffiness.
R&R, please. It's very encouraging.