AUTHOR'S CORNER:
Well, here it is, the promised longer chapter! X3 Finally. I won't be cruel and leave all of you hanging, but after this chapter I will be submitting one more on tuesday and then I leave for a week because things have gotten complicated at work and a week really is needed to settle things. I just wanted to give you all fair warning, it will just be a short hiatus for a week and I PROMISE I will post a new chapter the following tuesday, so don't go anywhere!
Hope you all enjoy this one, I did alot of reworking and I'm still not sure I like it, so R&R and let me know. There were a few questions about what Sesshomaru said at the end of the last chapter and how people first of all didn't understand why he was mad and secondly didn't understand how he had 'lost.' Well, they're playing a game really in a way, she 'won' because she cornered him into acting how she'd wanted him to and getting her way. So he made it clear to her that he knew what she was doing and would retaliate. X3
Enjoy!
Chapter 29
Akiko helped the little miko onto a stool while a few servants fawned over their 'lady' before being shooed back off to work by a protective Akiko. Kagome was just getting into the final preparation lists when she felt a familiar aura materialize at her side. Slender fingers plucked the paper she was concentrating on out of her hands and was replaced by a scowling pale face.
"Fubuki, give that back, I need to finish all this before Matsu arrives," she complained, reaching for her parchment, but the elemental held it out of reach.
"You used that sealing spell I told you about," he said pointedly and Kagome sighed, her hands dropping into her lap and rolling her eyes at the annoying man.
"Yea so?" she said, trying to play it off as nothing when she saw icy fires ignite in his eyes and knew she was in trouble.
"I told you never to use that spell unless absolutely necessary! You knew how dangerous that was! But you did it anyway! Why? If you had been in any real danger you know I would have been there in less than a heartbeat, you baka girl!" he said sternly shaking a slender finger at her. Akiko watched the exchange with a worried look.
"Kagome-san, what does he mean? What's wrong with the spell you used?" her dark red eyes soaked in worry. The little miko opened her mouth to rebuff what the ice elemental had said, but he smoothly intercepted.
"It was a spell that is very complicated and requires a lot of power," he leveled a glare on the young girl, "and that's talking about a NORMAL demon! Not a TAIYOUKAI!" he snapped and Kagome shrugged helplessly when Akiko's eyes went wide. "There's so much that could have gone wrong! You don't throw around soul spells like that!" the neko demon's eyes bulged out of her head and Fubuki nodded. "Yes, our brainchild of a priestess used her OWN FREAKING SOUL to bind the taiyoukai of the north," Kagome looked away sheepishly and sweat dropped. Looking up at the reproachful pairs of eyes glaring down at her she laughed uncomfortably.
"Well…uh…heh…it was only for a minute or two…" her shoulders slumped in defeat at the looks on their faces. "Alright, alright, I shouldn't have used that particular spell, but I felt pretty desperate at the time. I mean, what was I supposed to do against a taiyoukai?" Fubuki rolled his eyes and Akiko made a wheezing sound. "Anyways, give me my list back so I can get some stuff done," Fubuki glared down at her expectantly and finally she caved. "Alright! I promise I won't use it again!" Fubuki nodded in satisfaction and handed her the list.
Grinning and winking at a blushing Akiko, they both heard the little miko grumbling about overprotective friends the neko went back to work and Fubuki switched to cat form to annoy them both by lying around lazily.
Finally all the work was finished and Matsu was due to arrive in any minute. Hurrying to the courtyard, Kagome shoved her weariness to the side and prepared herself to fill the role of the perfect hostess at her taiyoukai's side.
The little miko forced herself not to react to Sesshomaru's presence, nor her proximity to him, but despite her best efforts, her heart did a little flip flop in her chest when she saw him standing there in the golden sunshine, his silver hair highlighted in the brightest shimmering gold, his pale skin glowing slightly in the bright light only further accentuating the dark markings on his cheeks and forehead. His golden eyes matched the light perfectly and seemed to only become richer for it.
Suddenly she realized those eyes were resting on her, an amused twinkle buried deep under the mask of boredom, though somehow she was able to detect it there. Lifting her chin defiantly at him, she came forward and took her place by him, her heart nearly stopping in her chest as the twinkle became more pronounced, his face carefully shielded from everyone else with the curtain of his hair.
Now she was sure, he was letting more emotion show through simply to get a reaction out of her. The realization didn't stop the reaction however. She felt a strange tightening in her stomach and her heart was doing somersaults from her chest to her stomach and back, stirring up all the butterflies and making them agitated as well. The tiny miko glowered at him for a moment before she snapped her head forward and ignored him.
Yoko stood slightly behind them and couldn't help the grin that came to her face at the exchange, though she couldn't see Sesshomaru's face, she could see Kagome's clearly. They really were the cutest couple she decided. The small woman came only to his shoulder, leaving him more than a head taller than her, his long silver hair hung down his white silken clad back and her long bluish raven hair lay silkily over her cream and blue miko attire. They were in every way opposites and so totally perfect for one another. The irony was not lost on the demoness that Sesshomaru was a creature of whites while Kagome was a creature of darks and their swords had powers opposite those of their own personalities. Kagome possessed the sword of ice and cold and Sesshomaru possessed the sword of fire and heat. Yoko shook her head, so perfect in every way.
The creaking of the gates heralded the arrival of Matsu and his entourage. As the gates swung wide, a man of average height entered, his hair was shocks of fuzzy gold that stuck out at all different angles, though were particularly pointed on the sides of his head, giving him the appearance of having fuzzy cat ears, though he had the trademark demon pointed ears. His hair was speckled with white and black spots and his skin was a golden honey hue. Like Yoko, he had no marking on his forehead, because he had yet to accept rule of one of the four ruling lands, however he had cheetah spots over each eyebrow and had spots along his jaw.
"Sesshomaru-sama," sweeping into a low bow, his manners absolutely perfect, "it is an honor to be invited into your home and to be considered by the leading lords as ruler of the southern lands. Your decision will be a wise one and I have no doubts that it will be made with the best interest of the south. I simply pray that I am your decision, however I will respect whatever choice is come upon," he straightened and his eyes swept the group before him.
One by one the lords introduced themselves and their families to him and he bowed politely in acknowledgement of each one. Sesshomaru was last and when he introduced Kagome the young Matsu's eyes lingered on her for much longer than was necessary, slight confusion and a mix of other emotions shimmering just under the surface, Kagome would probably have missed them had she not become so adept at reading the ice prince himself.
Kagome, always the perfect hostess, stepped forward and brought servants in hand to take his belongings to his rooms and then suggested everyone adjourn inside for a light lunch since the ball was that evening and she was sure everyone would not want to eat very much.
Matsu gave a grateful grin and nodded. Everyone chatted amicably save Sesshomaru, who simply walked ahead of the group into the palace and led them to the dining hall where the servants were laying out a small repast of miso soup, some fresh fruits, rice and a few other small tidbits.
Kagome turned to ask Matsu a question when she found him staring sadly at something behind her. She didn't even have to turn to know what he was looking at, his eyes were locked momentarily on the one spot where Akiko always sat, his eyes briefly taking on a very emotional hue before it was gone and he turned his attention to the small miko, his emerald eyes alight with curiosity.
"Kagome-sama, news of your position here as traveled the length and breadth of the lands, however they failed to mention the beauty of the individual of which they spoke," Kagome flushed prettily and waved a hand dismissively.
"They would be telling tall tales if they did!" she chuckled back and his eyes went wide.
"Mou! That's not true!" Kagome dismissed it with a wave of her hand and he changed the subject. "Although I must say, I am curious to find out as to how exactly Sesshomaru managed to ensnare such a gem as yourself," he insisted, helping her to her seat before taking the one across and down from her slightly. Takehiko and Hoshiko's heads came up then as well.
"Yes, Kagome-sama, we never were told how Sesshomaru managed to find one such as yourself without killing you on the spot, how did you come into his good graces?" Takehiko asked, his eyes twinkling. Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru and he gave the slightest nods, though the look in his eye told her to omit certain details about her home.
"Well," she said setting down her chopsticks and glancing at the group, "if you don't mind a fairly long tale, I'll recount it to you all," she said and a number of heads bobbed fairly eagerly.
"Alright then, it all started when I was traveling and was kidnapped by a centipede demon…" she recounted her meeting with InuYasha, unsealing him from the tree, the shikon being inside her body and shortened tales of their adventures, the fight with Sesshomaru (omitting the part about his arm of course) in their father's grave, meeting with other friends and finally Naraku's death. She left out the part where Sesshomaru visited her saying that she had to return home and after a few years decided to travel again. A mishap with her miko powers sent her into the center of the battle where she met up with Sesshomaru again and viola, here she was.
A few looks rested on her confusedly and she at first mistook the reason for their confusion until Matsu spoke up.
"But Kagome-sama, I don't mean to sound as if I were doubting your story, but the time table doesn't make any sense…" Kagome panicked briefly and Yoko froze, though Sesshomaru looked bored. Hoshiko was the one to speak up, much to Kagome's shock.
"I believe it was said once that Midoriko had enough miko power to sustain her youthful appearance, her healing abilities making her aging null and void. Perhaps Sesshomaru's miko contains similar amounts of power?" she asked and it was not lost on the entire group the stress she had put on stating that she was Sesshomaru's miko. Takehiko nodded.
"Perhaps, my mate. It seems logical considering the displays of power we have all been privy too," a confused glance from Matsu and Takehiko laughed, "oh, you have missed much these past few days, young one! The miko has given us all quite a show!" Yoko nearly snorted on her food and Toshi hid his smile behind his hand while Sesshomaru stared at the area approximately around the corner of the ceiling with such perfectly affected boredom that Kagome was convinced he was actually sleeping with his eyes open. Hoshiko gave the little miko a sidelong glance.
"Well, she certainly has given us reason to keep on our toes!" she said, giving the girl a look that to Kagome's relief showed that she held no grudge against her for her actions toward her mate. Matsu's head turned confusedly between each speaker, obviously hoping someone would elaborate which only caused everyone save Sesshomaru at the table to burst out laughing.
"If you wanna know what happened then try hitting on her or killing her, then you'll get the reaction we all got to witness!" Takehiko's eyes sparkled with amusement as the western lord finally reacted to the conversation by giving the northern lord a glower which only made the lord laugh harder.
Sesshomaru heralded the end of their brief repast by standing and sweeping from the room to go and bury himself in his study. Soon enough everyone else followed his example, each of the noble families retiring to their own rooms to prepare for that night.
Kagome lay on her futon attempting to catch a quick nap while Akiko headed to the kitchens to make sure everything was all set and that things were moving smoothly and Fubuki lounged in his annoyingly kitty manner at the foot of the futon. The little miko eventually lifted her arm off her forehead and scowled at the ceiling. Akiko was only supposed to be gone a few minutes and it had been quite some time since she'd left.
Rising slowly, a frown on her face at the thought that something might have gone wrong in the kitchens, she motioned for Fubuki to follow her and left her room, padding quietly down the long halls toward the kitchen.
The sound of Matsu's voice raised in anger and frustration made her stop in her tracks and look at the screen she'd just passed. It was a small sitting room, though Kagome wasn't sure why he would be in there speaking with someone when he had the availability of his rooms…unless… Akiko's soft voice responded back, though the words were muffled and immediately Kagome's ire rose. How dare that impudent cat yell at her Akiko!
Moving to the door she made to open it but stopped at what she heard then.
"Akiko, listen to me! You're of a noble family! You're deserving of taking your place with us! It's beneath you to be a servant to another, and a ningen at that!" he growled out the last part and Kagome stiffened.
"You will not speak of her that way!" Akiko hissed back, "Kagome-sama has been nothing but generous and kind to me! I'm really more of a friend who helps out than an actual servant! She even insists that I call her by her given name!" Matsu's breath came out in a hiss.
"This is beside the point! Just because of that stupid situation with your mother and father's arranged betrothal for you doesn't mean that…" Akiko interrupted him.
"Yes, I had an arranged marriage, just like most people and just like most people I had an agreement to fulfill. It would be dishonorable of me to slap away what Sesshomaru-sama has graciously offered me and leave with you. Besides, I have friends here now! I don't want to leave!" she snapped back at him.
"That miko witch did something to your head! What the hell is wrong with you?" Kagome decided it was time to intervene. She slid the screen open then to the sight of Matsu gripping a very angry Akiko by the biceps with the appearance that he was about to try and shake some sense into his cousin.
Matsu's head snapped up when the door opened and now his expression was shifting between anger, indignation and a little bit of shame while Akiko's eyes went wide and a massive blush stained her cheeks.
"Ka-Kagome-sama!" suddenly there was a whirlwind of movement, a bluish silver streak darted across the room and Matsu suddenly found himself off balance, his hands disconnected from his cousin's shoulders and a very angry looking pale face right up in his own.
"You will refrain from touching Akiko-san in such a manner ever again, cousin or no," Kagome had never heard Fubuki use that tone of voice before and it sent shivers down her spine. The only thing she could think to compare it to was glacial ice, almost as convincing as Sesshomaru's own glacial tone.
Akiko found herself gently removed from her cousin's grasp, though how he managed to do it so fast she had no idea and her cheeks turned a shade redder when she realized he was standing a hair's breath in front of her, his left arm protectively wrapped behind him and around her waist, though not touching her, more like a guide to keep her in place while the other was kept free in case he needed to use it.
Kagome came forward then, a challenging look in her eyes as she approached the hopeful lord while he eyed her warily, still keeping the odd looking man in his peripheral vision.
"So, Matsu-sama, you believe that I hold Akiko here against her will? Or that she's being mistreated here?" Matsu lifted his chin as he stared down at the miko. "Fubuki," she said and he glanced at her briefly before obeying his mistress, shifting into massive cat form making Matsu start back. The huge white panther circled Akiko protectively before leveling Matsu with a smoldering icy glare and padding to his mistress's side.
"Akiko," the neko demon turned her glance to her lady, her maroon eyes full of question and apprehension, "you are free to do as you wish. As the head of Sesshomaru-sama's personal employ I give you back your freedom. You may go take your place with Matsu as a proper noble or you may remain. The choice is yours completely to make." Akiko's eyes went wide at the implication, though she didn't hesitate even a moment.
"Kagome-san… how could I possibly leave you when you've been more of a friend to me than any person in any noble court?" the neko shook her head as she stepped forward and took her lady's hands. "No, my place is here, helping you run a palace and keeping that troublemaker in line!" she said, eyeing Fubuki with an amused twinkle in her eyes. Fubuki winked at her before returning his cold glare to the lord now across the room.
"Well, now that we've got that settled, Matsu-sama, I'd like to address the rather off color comments that you made about my person before I entered…" Fubuki's eyes got as big as saucers and slowly he padded backward until he exited the room and hid behind the door, his large ice blue eyes peeking around the corner. Matsu regarded the cat with mixed feelings, wanting to laugh but also a bad feeling depositing in his stomach at the thought that he felt the need to remove himself from the room at the miko's mention of his comments. Suddenly he felt her aura flare and knew immediately the reason for his tactical retreat and all the comments at the table now made sense too.
"My name is Kagome, Ka-go-me, not miko, witch, wench, bitch, or anything like it. I will not be treated disrespectfully, especially since I've slaved all week to make this celebration tonight in your honor an occasion to remember," he slanted a sheepish look in her direction, but she continued. "I am getting rather tired of beating on demons in order to gain respect, so don't make me do the same to you because if need be, I will." Matsu's first reaction was to laugh outright, but the shimmering aura surrounding her told him it wouldn't be wise to do so. Perhaps there was some truth to her wild claims.
Bowing to her graciously, he decided to let her win this round for now, it wasn't worth it to banty back and forth anyway. Besides, he wasn't sure he didn't like the fiery little miko either. She was interesting if nothing else.
"Kagome-sama, you have my apologies and my promise on my honor that I will not lay a hand or raise my voice to Akiko again." Kagome nodded in satisfaction, taking note of the fact that he did not promise never to insult her ever again.
"Arigato, Matsu-sama. Now if you'll excuse us, we have things to see to for tonight. Please, enjoy your rest and we will see you in the evening," Kagome bowed and let herself out, followed closely by Akiko and then eventually by Fubuki who couldn't resist sending one more icy glare the young lord's way before following after his ladies.
Meanwhile, Sesshomaru sat in his study ignoring his growing stack of papers in favor of staring at the wall, a particular miko's face dancing before his unseeing golden eyes. He really was enjoying baiting her much more than he should, but he couldn't seem to help himself. The confused noble felt starved for that twinkle in her blue eyes that meant that a moment had happened for only the two of them and that she was awaiting a teasing remark or response in return, and of course he couldn't possibly disappoint. He wanted nothing more than to lean forward and bury his head in his hands with a frustrated sigh, but outwardly nothing changed at all, he continued to sit still as a statue and stare at the wall blankly.
What was this woman doing to him? He had actually flirted with her out in the open with the other two ruling nobles right around the corner, though at the time he couldn't have cared one bit. His mind had been completely consumed with the sight, smell and feeling of the woman pressed against the wall, her pulse beating so quickly against her throat begging him to lean down at nip at it with his fangs… STOP!
The taiyoukai stood up in frustration as he realized the futility of denying thoughts such as those, especially after having tasted the miko's skin for himself earlier that morning in the dojo. Moving to the window he stared out with unseeing eyes at the beautiful garden laid out below. There was no doubt in his mind that his beast had chosen the miko as its mate and it seemed there was nothing he could do about it. Not that he really wanted to. What surprised him the most was that though he was attracted to her physically as evidenced by his reaction to her physical presence, but he was also attracted to her intellectually as well. He had never found a female that could verbally spar with him and not leave him bored in the first five minutes. Even though sometimes she couldn't bring a good response to mind she still had that teasing challenge in those blue depths that told him she would never fully submit to him. Surprisingly, he found he liked that.
A frown found its way onto his face as he considered the situation. What happens in the future though? She is human. Eventually she will grow old and die while he lives on as beautiful as ever. Her hair will grey, her perfect skin will wrinkle and she'll wither away until nothing is left. A stab of immense pain shot through his abdomen at the thought. Could he handle that? The answer shocked him even as he realized it and accepted it. He wanted nothing more than to protect her and take care of her through the rest of her life, even though she would eventually lose her beauty and die. She would still be the same beautiful Kagome underneath and he was overwhelmed with the need to protect her as she aged.
But what about when she died? His head reeled. An eternity of loneliness after such a short time span with the one who fit him like a puzzle piece. His loneliness before was bearable because there was no one he was wishing to be with, this would be different. He had someone to miss now. Could he back out now? Could he push her away and prevent some of the later pain?
Even as he thought it he knew he couldn't. He would rather live a full though short life with her by his side and then suffer the pain of losing her than regret never having those moments to cherish whilst he lay alone for centuries after.
Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He had already accepted her fully as a mate and was now simply dealing through all his misgivings. How long had he thought this way? Suddenly the need to begin his life with her was overwhelming, she had such a short time with him and he didn't want to waste any of it.
He stopped himself before he even turned to the door. Not now though, not with everything so hectic and with so many prying eyes and ears. He could wait a day or two and he was sure she needed a little more encouragement to accept his advances. A small smile played across his features. Although, she seemed fairly accepting that morning as he remembered the feeling of her giving in to his demanding kisses and caresses. His beast growled happily, realizing it was finally about to get its way.
The miko his thoughts rested on was currently sitting in her room before a mirror with a pleading look on her young face as Akiko was going through the process of dressing her lady in the massively heavy and ornate robes required for the evening. The kimono was stunningly beautiful, the different layers were varying shades of forest green accented with gold embroidery forming trailing streams of leaves across the sleeves and skirts giving it the look of a sun kissed forest. The small woman was currently wearing only the first few layers and Akiko was trying to convince her to stand and let herself be folded into the last few layers and then the top layer.
Fubuki lay unhelpfully on the floor with his tummy up in the sun filtering through the window, his paws hanging in the air limply. The ball was due to begin in only an hour or two and Akiko was complaining that she still had to do Kagome's hair.
After much cajoling and threatening she managed to get the girl on her feet again and began again the complicated process of dressing the slight woman. Quite some time later the finally finished tying the obi in place and stepped back to admire the transformed miko. Now all that was left was the hair.
Almost a full hour and much whining later, Akiko finally stood Kagome in front of the mirror to admire her own reflection, smiling in triumph at the tiny gasp that escaped her friend. The kimono was of the finest silks and the greens accented her naturally slightly tanned skin and brought out the blue in her eyes and hair accents. The raven tresses were dressed up in formal traditional style, small beaded sticks and a small fan adorned her hair all in the same green colors of her kimono and accented in gold. Small sparkling green droplets hung from each ear and a beautiful gold necklace hung around her slender neck. A tiny bit of makeup had been applied to her eyelids and lashes to bring them out a little more and overall, she looked like a hime.
The little miko's pleased smile was all the thanks Akiko needed as she steered her lady toward the door. It was almost time for them to appear at the ball. A servant had knocked and informed them a few minutes ago that the first of the guests were arriving and were milling around the hall that had been prepared for the evening.
It had been decided earlier that Fubuki would be Kagome's escort while Akiko stayed back and directed the servants since Sesshomaru wouldn't be able to stay at the miko's side the entire night.
A bright smile lit up the young woman's face as Fubuki appeared by her side. He had forgone his usual high ponytail for the evening and left his waist length hair down so it would hang rakishly across his forehead and frame his face. His usual outfit was gone and he was wearing beautiful formal robes of shimmering blues and silvers, the sleeves and neck accentuated with silver embroidery and his usually bare feet now had formal sandals on them. His eyes twinkled at her mischievously as he escorted her from her room to where Sesshomaru was waiting to walk her into the ballroom. The appraising look Akiko threw Fubuki's way was not lost on her friend as the neko excused herself to head to the servant wing with the promise she would join her later that evening once things had settled.
Kagome had to force herself to keep breathing as they turned the corner and caught sight of the taiyoukai waiting for her patiently by the entrance to the room. Fubuki was grinning from ear to ear as the couple regarded one another, wholly pleased that just this once a glimmer of what the northern lord was thinking showed in his golden eyes.
Sesshomaru had foregone his usual white attire and was dressed in navy blue the same color as his crescent, his formal hakamas of the softest silk accented in lighter blues, black and silver with complicated embroidery on the shoulder, the sleeves and the hem of his pants with his family crest and soft clouds with the occasional depiction of himself in true form in shimmering silver. His thick, soft hair stood out and fairly glowed against the dark color of his outfit making him look (if it's possible) even more ethereal than normal.
For the first time in his life Sesshomaru thought he might die from lack of oxygen since he couldn't seem to make his lungs cooperate with his wishes. The vision in green before him made him wonder where all that extensive training he had in his head had run off to because he couldn't seem to recall even a single thing. She practically glowed, the green of her kimono making her look almost porcelain, her perfect skin almost clear of all makeup save for a tiny bit of color on her eyes which pleased him immensely. The woman was perfect, flawless, and he wanted her. The thought was rather liberating and caused him to finally figure out where his vocal chords were and remember how to move again.
His beast fairly yipped happily at the small gasp that escaped her when he moved suddenly and held his hand out to her. Her tiny fingers slid against his own palm as she let go of Fubuki and he pulled her gently to his side, taking her arm in his. Kagome looked forward and steeled herself for what was to come and he couldn't resist baiting her. He looked down at her haughtily before looking forward.
"Acceptable," he said coolly and Kagome's head spun to stare at him, her blue eyes going wide before narrowing in anger, the telltale flush spreading across her cheeks under her eyes.
"Like you can talk, you dumb youkai!" she huffed before facing forward indignantly. Suddenly she felt his breath on the juncture under her ear where her hairline met her neck and she shivered, her eyes fluttering closed involuntarily.
"Would you rather I tell you that you look good enough to eat then?" he whispered against her skin and the woman shivered again, but then Fubuki's voice cut through their small moment.
"I'm not listening, I don't see anything, la la la la la la!" he sang and covered his ears and turning around his back facing the couple now. Kagome resisted the urge to laugh and then sigh depressedly as his breath suddenly was gone from her neck leaving it feeling cold. Allowing themselves a moment to school their faces into indifference and Fubuki to stop being annoying they finally were ready and Sesshomaru slid the screen opened and led Kagome into the room.
The hall was massive, small traditional tables sat off to one side for eating should guests feel they wished to and most of the floor was bare for socializing and eventually dancing. The entire room was beautifully adorned in paper lanterns and decorations with no other lighting giving the room a soft golden glow. Sesshomaru and Kagome were announced and briefly introductions were begun.
Yoko and Takehiko and his family came to stand by the western lord and his miko in support as the lesser nobles were introduced. Fortunately, no comments were voiced, however the looks and expressions spoke louder than words that a lot of the nobles were not pleased that a ningen miko stood at the allegedly most powerful lord's side. Kagome took it all in stride, her chin held high and her expression carefully blank, though her eyes filled with the fire that made her who she was. Many of the noble youkai couldn't meet her eyes while others looked on curiously. Her response was not what they had expected and Sesshomaru couldn't help the swell of pride in his chest.
This was the part Sesshomaru hated the most and Kagome must have felt it because she squeezed his forearm briefly and invisibly in support before letting him go and let Fubuki step up and be her escort. He immediately and keenly felt the loss of her by his side, but did as duty required and moved among his guests to socialize, though it mostly consisted of his guests talking at him while he stared off in the distance boredly.
Kagome was greeted by a few of the female demonesses who had the courage to try and converse with her, the single ones trying to gauge her relationship with the taiyoukai and others simply sizing her up. She chatted amicably and smiled all the while knowing their intentions but determined to make it a pleasant evening anyway.
Hoshiko joined the small group of females with a cheerful smile and greatly helped put Kagome in a good light with the dubious women by recounting flattering stories concerning the miko who accepted the help from the northern lady with a thankful smile. Hoshiko was one of the most powerful women in all ancient Japan, along with Yoko, and as such she had great influence despite her unassuming nature.
A few odd glances were sent Fubuki's way when he refused to leave her side, though a huge disarming grin from him and a wink sent the demonesses looking away with a small blush much to Kagome's amusement.
Soon Yoko joined the group with a bottle of sake in one hand and a small drinking saucer in the other, though she ignored it most of the time and drank straight from the bottle. Quickly she began to elaborate on Hoshiko's stories and embellished them in ways that had their audience captivated. The fact that both ruling ladies approved of the human seemed to help somewhat, though Kagome still detected some unease and distrust amongst most of the youkai.
"….and then Kagome-sama blasted me across the courtyard with a mere swing from her sword…" just then Takehiko came wandering up and interrupted Yoko's slightly slurred narration.
"Ladies, the meal is served, if it pleases you it would delight us if you would join us," he said smoothly and Yoko gave him an annoyed look for interrupting her story. The birdlike demon winked at the oceanic lady and she giggled before taking another swig.
Once everyone was seated the servants brought out the fancy platters of food and light conversation buzzed around the table. Eventually one of the lesser noble's curiosity got the better of him and he turned to the priestess.
"Kagome-sama, there are wild rumors running all across the four lands as to how you came into the employ of the taiyoukai of the west. Perhaps you would like the opportunity to either confirm them or put them to rest?" Kagome set down her chopsticks, but instead of turning to the one who spoke, she turned to Sesshomaru at her right.
"My lord?" it was not lost on Sesshomaru that she said 'my lord' instead of 'milord' but he ignored it in favor of resting his bored icy golden eyes on the youth who spoke.
"Since the miko you have spoken to is a mere ningen and none of you will believe her then I will inform you myself of my actions," glances were exchanged all around the table and whispers began but were ceased when he spoke again. "The miko Kagome is personally responsible for the death of the evil hanyou Naraku," before whispers of doubt could begin he continued, "I was there when she delivered the killing blow. Though she looks too young according to the timetable, her powers are equivalent to those of Midoriko and she has been capable of maintaining youth through a means you will not question." It wasn't a lie technically, but he felt uneasy nevertheless, however he refused to let Kagome be put into a position where she might need to lie. "Because she was a longstanding ally of my half brother, InuYasha I decided an alliance would benefit us both."
Astonished looks flew across the table as realization of the position Sesshomaru had gained. He was reportedly the most deadly demon in the four lands and now a miko with powers equivalent to the most powerful miko in existence stood by his side in complete allegiance to him. The taiyoukai would be close to unstoppable.
Dinner was finished with soft conversations and a number of glances Kagome's way, but she ignored them completely in favor of conversing with Yoko, Fubuki and Takehiko since Sesshomaru seemed to have used up his reserve of conversation with his short speech and sat there staring at nothing.
Finally the uncomfortable dinner was over and guests rose to begin dancing. Soft music began playing and couples moved out onto the floor. Kagome was swept onto the floor by partner after partner. Takehiko insisted on the first dance, followed by Toshi and Matsu. A few other lesser young nobles gathered the nerve and asked her though were slightly unnerved that Fubuki was never far from his mistress's side and stared at them disconcertingly until they relinquished their hold on her at the end of a song. He ignored Kagome's glares and continued this behavior until he claimed her for a dance himself much to her relief.
To her disappointment, Sesshomaru seemed inclined to ignore her in favor of speaking to the ruling nobles and Matsu and it seemed that he wouldn't be asking her for a dance. Fine then! Stupid arrogant, uppity puppy! I didn't want to dance with him anyways, she huffed.
Sure you do, don't lie to yourself. Fubuki grinned at her and she glared at him.
I hate it when you do that.
Then don't let me read your thoughts. She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him. Just then Akiko popped her head into the ballroom to see how things were going and Kagome turned to Fubuki.
"Can we please step out into the gardens for a moment? I'm dying in this heavy kimono and I want to talk to Akiko," she pleaded and he relented. Motioning to Akiko, the three of them stepped out into the cool night air via one of the patio screens. The tiny miko sighed in relief as the cool air caressed what skin wasn't covered and she sat on a stone bench next to Akiko while Fubuki hovered behind them.
"How go things with the servants?" Kagome asked.
"They're fine, we had a hitch when dinner was served, but it wasn't anything we couldn't handle. One of the servants almost dropped a plate of food too, that was amusing but…" Kagome suddenly got a weird feeling on the skin of the back of her neck and shivered when it ran down her spine. Akiko noticed something cross her lady's face and stopped her oration.
"Kagome-san…?" the woman held up a hand. Fubuki suddenly tensed, apparently he'd felt something weird too.
"Fubuki, what is…?" Kagome began but suddenly she had her answer when Fubuki's hand shot out and caught the dart headed for her exposed neck. Instantly Fubuki and Akiko were on their feet in front of their mistress as shapes disconnected themselves from the shadows of the garden walls.
"Tsk tsk, Sesshomaru's defenses aren't very good are they?" a shadowy figure stepped forward and threw a guard at their feet, the whole front of his neck was gone, his eyes bulged weirdly and blue veins had begun to stick out around the wound signaling the use of poison. Kagome tried not to look at the guard she recognized as one of the wall guards and focused on the threat at hand.
At least ten more shadows disentangled themselves from the darkness by the wall making eleven of the shadowy figures.
"Who are you and why do you threaten Kagome-sama?" Fubuki questioned, his voice the same glacial ice he'd used before, but it was somehow now comforting to the young miko.
"Hou, if it isn't the elemental sword the ningen bitch carries around, let him off his leash for the night, little one?" he asked Kagome and she resisted the urge to gasp but Fubuki didn't appear surprised at all. Kagome called a warning moments before the shadows attacked, Fubuki and Akiko leapt forward and met them head on.
"Kagome-sama! Erect your barrier and don't move! Do not let it down or fight them, that's what they want!" a shimmering pink barrier flew up around the miko who squatted to a kneeling position to reduce the size of her barrier and help save energy.
"Fubuki, please let me help!" she called out but Fubuki was busy, his hands erupted in bright white light as he clashed head on with one of the shadows who had now stepped in the light and was revealed to be a snake youkai. The elemental punched him in the throat, the skin all around for a foot or so freezing solid. When the snake fell and connected to the ground the frozen part of his anatomy shattered scattering bluish flesh pieces everywhere.
With a roar Akiko suddenly shifted shape, her face elongating and her stripes extending until a tiger a little smaller than Fubuki's cat form stood in her place. Leaping forward she began clawing and ripping at anything that came close enough to her, determined to protect her lady.
The shadowy figure who had spoken came from the shadows then. He looked just like Ken'ichi, the former southern lord who Sesshomaru killed in the battle against the south with only a few differences. His bright red eyes clashed with Kagome's blue as he sneered at her revealing long poisonous fangs that protruded from his lips.
"Miko bitch, you're the one responsible for the downfall of my father," Kagome's head reeled, she hadn't known Ken'ichi had a son, "and on top of that you're seducing the lord of the west and turning him into a pathetic lapdog. You will be disposed of so that I may kill Sesshomaru without hindrances." Kagome's mind had frozen as she watched in slow motion as the young snake lunged toward her. Fubuki intercepted him having just dispatched the soldier he was fighting, the attacking noble having to shift direction to avoid those swinging, glowing hands.
Meanwhile Akiko had taken several hits, though none were terribly bad. Her teeth closed around the neck of the snake she was fighting as she felt something puncture her flank. Throwing her dead adversary to the side she turned in time to see one of the soldiers brutally rip his fangs from her flank, a sudden rush of dizziness overwhelming her as the poison spread through her blood stream. With an outraged roar, she leapt on the offending reptile and began to shred.
Fubuki and the evil noble battled off to one side and Kagome watched fearfully hoping against hope that Sesshomaru would notice her absence soon and come to her aid. More snakes had come from the shadows and were beginning to overpower her friends. The tiny miko had almost dropped her barrier at the sight of Akiko being bitten, but she understood Fubuki's demand. If she was killed then all of their fighting would have been in vain. Her sentiment to help her friends was strong though and she was shaking with the force of her will power to stay put. Without her sword or bow and arrows she was weaponless save a small dagger and her powers and though she was stronger she had yet to learn the ability to project her powers without a weapon, at least successfully.
Snarls and hisses filled the gardens as Akiko thrashed, reared, clawed and tore through the seemingly never ending waves of snake youkai. Rearing back in anger as another set of fangs sank into her shoulder she batted another two approaching, her claws tearing through one's chest and caught the other in her fangs completely crushing his head. The waves of dizziness were coming faster and her vision was beginning to swim but she continued to ignore it and tore the offending demon's head off with a swipe of a huge clawed paw.
Fubuki lunged and dodged with the former southern noble, neither able to score a hit or afraid to do so, Fubuki's hands spelled certain freezing for the snake and the reptile's sword proved a hassle for the unarmed elemental. His frustration was mounting as he was being forced backward in the direction of his mistress. The evil noble appeared to be taking his time, supremely confident in something, what though Fubuki wasn't sure of, but he was sure that he would never let the bastard near the woman who'd become a little sister to him.
Renewing his assault with a snarl he stopped the advance of the youkai opposite him, his hands flashing with the speed of his movement as he used a spell to make his hands hard as ice and blocked the thrusts and attacks of the youkai's blade. Movement out of the corner of his eye told him that a snake had made it past Akiko and he threw out one hand and made contact with its shoulder making him fall to the ground in pain before shattering. Catching the blade in his other still hardened hand, he pushed back the evil noble and attacked again, just missing freezing his leg by a breath.
Suddenly a cry from Akiko and Kagome caught his attention and he glanced over in time to see two snakes overwhelm the neko and slash at her brutally, the poison finally taking its toll. One last blow to her face opened up four slash marks and sent her somersaulting to the ground where she landed with a sickening thud and ceased to move.
"AKIKO!" Fubuki screamed and the evil noble smiled wickedly. The moment of diversion was all he needed. Pulling a wickedly gleaming red blade from a hidden sheath he suddenly swung powerfully at the elementals midsection. His senses and Kagome's scream told him too late what was happening.
The last thing Kagome saw was a shocked expression on his pale face before a brilliant flash of light erupted in the gardens blinding everyone before it disappeared. When the light faded Fubuki was gone, where he had been the silver of his blade was spiraling through the air to land near the miko, bouncing off the ground with a high pitched whine of finality. It was just the hilt and the forte, the blade was broken halfway down its length and the other half landed with a tink sound a short distance away, the point sticking into the ground.
"FUBUKI!"