AN: I totally thought I posted this on here. Now I'm checking AO3. This is a b-day present for an awesome person, kagometashiostory!
Chapter One
Kagome tossed and turned in her bed, a large four-poster complete with canopy and silk sheets. Easy to say, it wasn't the bed that kept her from sleeping.
Tomorrow she was expected to pick from her suitors and marry one of them. An impossible feat made worse by two things: she'd only met them all a week ago, and she hated all of them.
One week ago….
The brilliant sun shone gently on Kagome's face, warming her from yet another great night's sleep. In a very unladylike manner, she flung the covers off her legs and bounded from her room, barely grabbing a robe along the way. The dewy morning was just ending, a warm day promised already, and Kagome wanted to soak it all up.
Perhaps she would pick flowers for her mother, blackberries for her Grandfather, and find Buyo and Souta to play in the pond with when the day got too hot?
The day was full of possibilities, all of which burst into flames as soon as Kagome rounded the corner into the large family commons area. Her mother and Grandfather stood once she entered, something they never did and wore severe faces—something they also rarely did. This morning's pleasant beginning just came to an end.
"What's wrong?" She asked the two of them.
Mother looked to Grandfather, who remained stoic. It would be her mother's task to fill Kagome in. "Kagome… it's time you picked a mate."
"Huh?" Was all Kagome could get out.
Grandfather turned to face her with a withering stare. "It's high time you start taking responsibility for the Higurashi family!"
Kagome shook her head to free it of the goo covering her brain. "You want me to…mate? Like a demon?"
Her mother sighed and dropped to the couch, patting the cushion next to her for Kagome to join. Once seated, her mother took Kagome's hands in hers. "We need an alliance with a strong warrior family. Human or demon. As the oldest and strongest Miko family, our bloodline needs protecting just as much as our people do."
Her mother trailed off, and Kagome knew. "There was another attack last night?" They remained silent, "then we should attack back!"
Grandfather scoffed, "if we did, they would slaughter us. Our people are rich and fat, not warriors."
"Which works in our favor," her mother continued, trying to lighten the mood, "since it makes us valuable to those with strong armies and weak commerce."
Now Kagome got it; she was to be sold to the highest bidder for protection.
It was her duty, and although sudden, Kagome had been told this day might come soon. It didn't mean she had to like it, frowning back at her family as she stood. "When will my suitors arrive?"
"Any moment now, so get dressed," Grandfather growled.
Their continued frowns and dissatisfied air weren't necessary. Kagome knew neither of them wanted this for her. But their hands were tied; they couldn't allow their people to suffer just for her sake. The speed at which the men would arrive only served to show how dire things were.
Giving them a nod was all Kagome could manage, as she didn't trust her voice at the moment. Anything from her lips would crack in her throat and break the small dam she had on her tears. Years of preparing Kagome for this moment, and she still wasn't ready.
Crying wouldn't change anything and only make her face puff. Swallowing it all down, Kagome walked bristly back to her room to prepare.
oOo
Washed, polished, and dressed, Kagome soon sat in her home's sparkling banquet hall. It stood empty primarily, only Kagome and her family for the moment. It felt odd since the only times the room was used was for the whole town's benefit. The large and lavish room made Kagome uncomfortable when not used by all of the people who helped build it.
She took comfort in knowing she was doing something for them; marrying a demon would give them all peace of mind. It could save everyone, and Kagome waited for her new future husband to arrive while pushing images of faces from their town through her head. In the end, this was for them and nothing more.
Kagome didn't have to wait long after sitting for the suitors to arrive. They strolled in one at a time, their names and accolades announced for her family to consider. First was a tall and thin man with long wavy hair. He was attractive, but the smile he wore made it seem as though he knew that. Or knew some other secret, and Kagome had an immediate distrust of him.
"Onigumo of the Heathan clan. Although led by humans, they boast a navy that is incomparable to any other. He will be an excellent choice for those who come at you by sea. His family's army is nothing to sneer at either, his archers never miss, and his warlocks have been known to leave a land cursed forever in their wake…."
Kagome was getting nauseous, the whole affair feeling more like a shop selling a product. That, and Onigumo's offerings sounded more wicked than those that threatened. It should have brought Kagome peace, but instead, it had her uneasy. Onigumo's eyes landed on her as she squirmed and offered a smile that was warm but not enough to shake the chill that had covered her.
The next man walked in as Onigumo took a seat at the table to the right. With her family seated at the head of the room, she had a clear view of the men as they entered. This one was a little shorter than Onigumo but taller than Kagome. He wore a pleasant grin but had doubt in his eyes. She could see it from her seat, watching it as he got closer.
"Lord Koga of the Wolf clan. His army of wolf demons can sweep away any threat, leaving bones behind as a reminder to anyone else who dares."
Koga bowed his head in respect; his long brown locks swept over his shoulder from the movement. He had it pulled to the top of his head. It was a pretty shade of honey brown that matched the pet he wore around his neck. Onigumo came in fine silks while Koga was in leather. If Kagome were to pick based on clothing alone, Koga dressed more like a warrior than Onigumo. The latter dressed as a prince.
The next male sauntered in, winking at Kagome quickly before smirking at the men seated to the right. He wore purple and blue robes with his black hair slicked back. With an air of humor to him, Kagome fastened him a prankster instead of a demon clan's next in line.
"Lord Miroku of the wind clan. They never touch a soul, only sweep them away, never to be seen again. They control the skies with their gifts, and although they live a luxurious life similar to the Mikos, they seek an alliance and to offer help to our people."
If they don't need commerce, what do we have to offer? Kagome asked herself. Miroku made sure to shoot her another wink before joining the other two men. There was a beat of silence, and Kagome waited with her family. Souta tried to laugh, hoping to dispel the tension, but Grandpa smacked him into silence.
"Is this all that responded to our requests for alliance?" Mother asked, braving the silence.
The men to the right began to congratulate themselves, and Kagome didn't understand until Grandpa sighed heavily and slipped a little deeper into his seat. "I had hoped the dog clan would respond. They're powerful…and well known."
The men to her right were celebrating not having a dog in the line of suitors? Then the dog clan had to be very well known and feared!
Kagome supposed, someone like that wouldn't need or want someone like her. As it were, she didn't know how to feel about it. So she felt nothing, looking towards those who came and trying to imagine their personalities matching with hers.
When the doors to the hall banged open, "Sorry, I'm late."
A man stood, pushing the hefty doors apart on his own, and glaring all around as they were the ones late. The doors slammed together after he released them. They were decorative and took three men on each side to open. Once open, they weren't closed until the event was over. It was safe to say this man was powerful.
It was also safe to guess he came from the dog clan, given the dog ears he bore on top of his head.
The scribe announcing the guests fumbled and quickly got his scroll back open as the man approached. "Eh…uh…Lord Sesshomaru of the…"
"It's Inuyasha. My big brother Sess couldn't make it." Inuyasha spoke bruskly, searching around the room to see who was in it. Finally landing back on her Grandfather with a forced grin. "He sends his apologies."
"He sent you here just to tell us he won't attend?" Grandfather growled.
Inuyasha growled back, lowering his gaze to the floor. Kagome watched as he clenched his fists at his sides. "No. He sent me to apologize and take his place."
"Oh my!" Mother exclaimed. "Welcome then, Inuyasha! We are honored to have you…."
"Yeah yeah yeah," Inuyasha mumbled, cutting her mother off, "let's get this shit over with."
Kagome knew then and there who she wouldn't be picking. Inuyasha's eyes went to hers, and she allowed it for a few seconds, taking in the golden color. They were pleasant, beautiful even. And they appeared to dilate at the sight of her. But Kagome turned away briskly, refusing to show respect to the man that disrespected her mother.
Things were not off to a great start.
oOo
Kagome met 'privately' with each man. That is, her mother sat in the corner of the room while she asked questions. The sitting room was the one used by lords and ladies visiting. Now, it would be where Kagome met and discussed her future with those who wanted to be a part of it.
First was Onigumo. "What would you say is your greatest attribute?"
Onigumo pondered for a moment, then smiled softly at Kagome. "My heart. It is big and open, ready for love."
"For love?" Kagome spat, "Lord Onigumo, this isn't about love. It's about survival."
"Shouldn't it be about love? That's what you want, isn't it, Lady Kagome?"
It was, but that wasn't important. "I want my people to be safe." She whispered in response.
"And with me, they will be. Any of the men here today would protect you and your people Kagome. So have no fear and pick from the heart. Not the head."
Kagome had to agree. She was surprised; Onigumo gave a terrible first impression. For he was a sweet man, not a conceded one.
Onigumo's turn was over, and Miroku came in next. Kagome didn't get to ask anything before he reached over and grabbed her hands in his. "Lady Kagome, I must admit, I'm blown away by your beauty."
"Thank you…" she whimpered, trying to get free.
"I don't want to play games. So would you please bear my children?"
"Lord Miroku!" Her mother screeched from the corner.
Miroku released her, throwing the hands that held Kagome up in the air and off of her. "Forgive me; I only wanted to make my intentions clear."
"They were made clear when you accepted our invitation!" Kagome howled.
"Only that I was interested in an alliance, not that I wanted a marriage. And I do. With children. Lots of children."
Kagome quickly got to her feet and gestured for Miroku to do the same. "Thank you for your candor. It aids me greatly with my decision."
Without missing a beat, Miroku was traded for Koga. He sat slowly next to her with a calm look on his face—waiting. "Lord Koga…why are you here?"
She was calling him out, wanting to know just why the man seemed so sad to be here. He looked Kagome in the eyes, and she could see it still. But he quickly shook her off before she could see any more. "I'm here…to help. Your people need protection, and mine are starving. We need one another desperately." He stopped what he was saying and looked Kagome in the eyes again. "I need you, Kagome. Desperately."
There was something to be said about a man so willing to put his pride aside and admit his weaknesses. Kagome respected that. With Koga's kind face and honest desperation, Kagome felt drawn to him for sure.
Onigumo would love her, Miroku would bed her, and Koga would honor her. Two of those were going to make this a hard choice.
Lastly, Inuyasha entered. He sat roughly across from her on the couch parallel to hers. And she was thankful; if he dared to sit beside her, Kagome would scream.
"Let's get one thing straight; I don't want to be here," Inuyasha admitted.
It was far different than Koga's admission as it only infuriated Kagome. "Good. Because I don't want you here."
"Excuse me?" Mother was silent in the corner, agreeing with Kagome's choice. "I'm from the dog clan; your people begged us to come here and consider an alliance…."
"Well I have three other lovely candidates that will gladly take up the issue. If you are so hard up, then feel free to leave."
Inuyasha jumped to his feet and glared down at Kagome. "Keep it up, and I will. Those other assholes ain't got shit compared to the dog clan."
Kagome jumped to her feet after Inuyasha, glaring right back. "But they are far better men than you! They are real gentlemen. Where you act more like a mutt!"
She blinked, and Inuyasha was in her face. His eyes were no longer gold; they were red. "Oh, I see. So, which one of your new wannabees told ya?"
Kagome swallowed the small amount of fear she had and stood tall against the man. "What are you talking about? None of them had to tell me; I saw it for myself!"
"How?!" Inuyasha roared.
"When you disrespected my mother! I was right there! Or are you too caught up in your own struggles to notice who's in the room to offend!" Inuyasha backed up, looking Kagome over with lightened eyes. "I may be at the mercy of the demon clans, and I'll do whatever I must to protect my people, but I refuse to marry a man who has no respect for women!"
Slowly, a smile grew on Inuyasha's face, showing his fangs. "Then..you should probably kick Miroku out too."
Kagome snorted, unfortunately, caught off guard by the honesty that Inuyasha poured out in a joke. Although, Kagome was sure he was serious even with his smile. Taking a breath, she recovered while Inuyasha continued to smirk. "The point is…if you do not wish to be here, then freely take your leave."
He hesitated, then moved towards the door. "My brother insists, so I have to stay. We can…do our best to stay out of one another's way."
Inuyasha left, and Kagome released the breath she held. The one she'd kept in her lungs once Inuyasha gazed back at her with glowing golds that stole other thoughts away.
oOo
It had been a long day, and yet, sleep was far from Kagome. She had wanted to spend the day outside, but now it was night. The moon hung above, lighting the earth instead of the hot sun. It wasn't what she'd hoped for, but it was the best she could do. Her suitors were in the guest house. It connected to the main house but was still 'separate' from the family quarters. So Kagome made sure to walk a wide birth from them.
It wasn't as though she feared any of them. On the contrary, they all seemed upright and outstanding men. They may have their lackings, but none would hurt her. Not based on what she learned today, that is. Kagome did not want to come off as desperate to any of them and didn't want to be seen out at night.
So she stayed clear.
Her thoughts weren't so lucky, the men that were her future running through her mind on repeat. Inuyasha remained even after declaring his general disinterest. He said nothing at dinner, proving he was only here under his brother's orders. Sesshomaru was a strong and fearful man. His people fell in line without question. It was easy for Kagome to understand why Inuyasha did not rebel and leave. She struggled to imagine family treating one another so coldly; if Inuyasha didn't want to be here, then he should be allowed to leave.
That said, it wasn't as though she was allowed to leave, and the last place she wanted was to be among her suitors.
They were all lovely in their own way. Onigumo knew plenty of poetry, Miroku was humorous even if inappropriate, and Koga was sweet. They showed respect and kindness to her family and the staff. But if she was honest, none made her heart race.
It wasn't the point; love was a luxury at this point. Yet, Kagome still hoped for it. She tried to remain interested and conversational the entire evening but found it tiresome in the end. A true partner…she wouldn't struggle, she would desire to talk on end to them.
Kagome neared the end of her walk, coming to the large Koi pond at the edge of the family garden. She allowed herself a few moments, dipping her toes in the cool water and watching the moon ripple in the reflection. When she turned to head back, her breath caught in her throat.
Standing a short distance from her was a large, pure white dog.