Inurella

Chapter 16: Beauties and the Beasts

***At the ball, before Inuyasha leaves for Kagome***

The King and Queen looked all around the room and beamed with pride as the ball was a complete success. The music, lights, decorations were just how the Queen had envisioned. The King on the other hand, had suggested taping streamers to the walls and ceilings for decorations.

The Queen had stopped asking for his advice after that.

"Didn't I tell you it would be beautiful?" The Queen said as she turned to her husband who was standing behind her, stuffing his face with finger foods.

The King turned to the Queen with a mouth full of food and nodded enthusiastically and gave her a thumbs up.

Queen Izayoi shunned him away with her hands and turned her attention to a coffee stain on her expensive lace tablecloth. She threw her hands up in the air and huffed with annoyance. She licked her thumb and scrubbed the cloth to no avail. She frowned to herself and sighed.

She then turned to see Inu-no-taisho place a plate of cookies over the stain and smiled at her with love in his eyes. Queen Izayoi blushed. He could still make her knees quiver and heart melt. Even with a glance or smile. "Oh darling, you know just what to do, to lift my spirits." The Queen said happily.

The King smiled at his wife. "Well you deserve all the happiness in the world, my love. Have I told you how enchanting you look tonight?" He replied as he reached out towards the Queen and led her to the ballroom dance floor. The Queen giggled. "You haven't stop telling me all night" she said lifting her gaze to meet her husband's eyes.

They danced like two teenagers, laughing and blushing to their hearts content. The guests at the ball, all watched in silence as the King and Queen held each other close. Everyone was in awe at how in love they were.

Meanwhile, Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku made their appearance shortly after the King and Queen's first dance. They made their way down the crowd of people, while the guests moved out of the way, bowing and curtseying.

The King and Queen ended their second dance and made their way over to the refreshment table. There they met Naraku and his daughter Kikyo.

Kikyo was wearing the dress Kagome and Kagura made, it was made of silk and it was the color of dark red. It had diamond embroidery that made a beautiful pattern up the bodice. The skirt was large and full and came down to the floor at the peak of her feet.

Queen Izayoi turned to Kikyo "My, what a lovely dress!" she said as she took a sip of Champaign.

Kikyo smiled and curtseyed "Thank you your highness, I made it myself."

The King turned to the Queen. "Handy and beautiful" he said nudging Izayoi he took a sip of his red wine.

Naraku jumped in. "This is my daughter Kikyo. Let me tell you! She is very handy around the house!" Naraku nodded and excitedly, pushing Kikyo towards the King and Queen with excitement. "She is always cooking and cleaning! She'd make a lovely housewife for your son." Both Kikyo and Naraku beamed at the King and Queen.

Naraku continued happily. "Hell, I'd marry her myself if I wasn't related to her!" Naraku said laughing hysterically, and then realized what he had just said.

The King and Queen's mouth flew open in complete disgust and shock. The King choked on his wine, while the Queen dropped her glass and fell back towards her husband in shock. The King took hold of his wife. "Pardon me sir, but that is no way to speak about your own daughter! Now if you'll excuse us, I must get my wife some fresh air." The King said angrily as he walked off with his Queen.

Kikyo turned to her father and started smacking him with her purse. "You bastard!"

SMACK

"I hate you!"

SMACK

"How could you do this to me?"

SMACK.

Naraku tried to shield the incoming blows of her purse. "I'm sorry, I got nervous!" he said rubbing the bruises that were now all over his body.

Kikyo continued. "Great, now the King and Queen hate me! We'll have to think of another way to get the princes attention" Kikyo said thinking out loud.

Naraku nodded with determination. "By God, if you're not out of the house by the end of this week I'll kill you myself." He said rubbing his arm.

Kikyo spun her head towards her father. "What was that?" she asked suspiciously.

Naraku shook his head. "Oh nothing sunshine, just agreeing with you dear"

Kikyo grabbed her father's arm and dragged him into the back room. "Come on, we need to figure out a new a plan."

They disappeared behind a curtain and continued to concoct their scheming plan.

The King and Queen came back in to the ball room feeling much more refreshed. They made sure to stay clear of the father and daughter they just encountered.

The Queen then bumped into a young girl with a big beautiful smile and the Queen just had to introduce her to their son. The girl protested claiming she was here with another man. The Queen paid no mind to that, she just kept nudging into the direction of Inuyasha and the gang.

The Queen kept insisting and continued. "You must meet him. I am sure he would find you irresistible" the queen nodded persistently.

The girl couldn't refuse the Queen, so she went along with it.

"Darling?" Inuyasha's mother called out to him. His back was turned and was standing in front of the dessert table. "Just like his father" she grumbled inwardly.

Inuyasha turned around with chocolate chip cookies stuffed in his mouth. "What?" Inuyasha mumbled.

The Queen threw her arms up in the air. "Just like your father!" she exclaimed loudly.

Inuyasha smiled revealing his chocolate stained teeth.

Just behind Inuyasha was the King with the same chocolatey smile.

"Hi honey! These brownies are delicious!" The King replied muffled while stuffing another one in his mouth.

Inuyasha agreed as they both continued hoard various desserts into their mouths.

The Queen groaned under her breath. "No more sweets for you two!" she insisted.

Inuyasha gulped down the rest of the food and wiped his face on his sleeve.

The girl giggled at Inuyasha and the King.

The Queen snapped out of it and remembered the young lady. "I had planned on introducing you to this lovely woman, but I can see you're more interested in the chocolate chip cookies." She said loudly.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. He knelt down to the girl and bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you, um…what was your name?"

"Rin" a deep voice emerged from behind.

Everyone jumped at the voice.

Rin immediately turned around, knowing who that voice belonged to. She ran to Sesshoumaru, grabbed his arm and looked up at him. "I'm sorry M'Lord, I couldn't stay in one place, and I got lost." She explained to him with sad puppy eyes.

Rin went on. "And then I bumped into the queen." Rin motioned towards the Queen then back to Sesshoumaru. Rin quickly continued before he interrupted her. "She had wanted me to meet Inuyasha. I couldn't very well refuse the Queen!" Rin looked up at him and batted her eyes.

Sesshoumaru groaned under his breath and looked down at Rin who was looking up at him with beautiful brown eyes and that big dazzling smile.

Sesshoumaru took a deep breath. "Rin, I told you to stay where I left you."

Rin's eye twitched and pointed her hand at Sesshoumaru's face. "You left me in the broom closet!" Rin protested.

Sesshoumaru scratched the back of his neck. "We are at the ball, as you wished!. How dare you complain!" he retorted awkwardly.

Rin's jaw flew open. "I wanted to spend my time with you! I wanted to dance, laugh and have fun. Not hide from your family in a closet full of dust." Rin replied angrily.

The Queen's jaw flew open in surprise. "There's dust in the broom closet?" she thought out loud.

Sesshoumaru stiffened at the sudden and unexpected outburst from Rin.

Everyone stopped doing what they were doing. Their mouth's gaped open from shock. Plates, glasses and utensils clattered and then stopped.

The King almost fell over. He placed a hand on the table to hold himself. "Son…you didn't tell us you had a "lady-friend". He said carefully with a raised eyebrow.

Sesshoumaru placed a fingers to the bridge of his nose.

Rin saw Sesshoumaru's frustration, and even though she was mad at him, she stepped forward and tried to explain. "Long story short, we… met a long time ago, and I kind of… 'Forced' him, to take me to the ball" she explained nervously.

The Queen stepped forward with a hand to her heart. "Y…You…'made' him?" Izayoi asked unbelieving.

She continued. "The last time I asked Sesshoumaru to do something, he… he blew up the castle. We no longer live in the west, but when we did, he made holes and chasms so large and devastating, that people now call it the "Grand Canyon". The Queen exclaimed.

The King jumped in. "And that was when he was 7 years old. Since then, we never ask him to do anything." The King added nervously shaking his head slowly reminiscing.

Rin turned to Sesshoumaru. "You blew up your own house?" she said as she playfully slapped him on the arm and giggled.

Everyone took a step back in alarm and held their breath.

The King threw himself in front of Izayoi in panic.

Miroku held his arm in front of Sango trying to protect her from whatever may befall them.

Inuyasha held his hands in front of his himself protecting from whatever projectiles that came his way.

Rin nervously laughed at everyone around her. Not sure why they were reacting that way. Her Lord would never...Would he? She looked up at Sesshoumaru who was rolling his eyes.

Miroku spoke up. "D...did…she, just 'slap' Lord Sesshoumaru?" he asked out of the corner of his mouth, still holding up his arm to protect Sango.

All Sango could do was gulp and nod her head in awe.

Everyone finally relaxed, as Sesshoumaru made no move to blow anything up. They all drew a sigh of relief and eased back into their previous relaxed positions.

"Rin" Sesshoumaru said suddenly amongst the silence.

Everyone jumped again and threw themselves back into defensive mode. Trying to shield themselves from Lord Sesshoumaru's wrath.

Rin turned to look at Sesshoumaru questioningly. "Yes, My Lord?"

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat and sighed. "Let us go to the ballroom… and dance." He said reluctantly.

Rin blinked and smiled at her Lord. She knew he sometimes had a soft spot.

Sesshoumaru let Rin take a hold of his arm and they both turned to leave for the dance floor.

Inuyasha was confused about his older brother's behavior, he wanted to see how far he could push him.

Inuyasha, suddenly reached out a hand to grab Sesshoumaru's shoulder.

He turned around to meet Inuyasha's eyes and glared at his little brother questioningly.

Inuyasha held his breath and released. "I thought you weren't bringing a date?" Inuyasha asked sarcastically.

Everyone held their breath and held it.

Miroku whispered to Sango out of the corner of his mouth. "My arm is getting tired." He said as he still held up his arm to protect her.

Sango rolled her eyes "Put it down, he's not going to do anything!" she said as she pushed Miroku's arm down, but still held his hand, in her hands…just in case.

Sesshoumaru smiled gently and looked around the room. "And where is your date, little brother?" Sesshoumaru said wryly and flipped his long hair behind him as he led Rin to the dance floor.

Inuyasha stiffened and growled under his breath.

They watched dumfounded as Lord Sesshoumaru he walked away with the beautiful young woman by his side.

"What had gotten into Sesshoumaru?" They all thought to themselves.

Everyone took a breather and relaxed once again. They all went about their business as usual and continued to talk, dance, eat and drink. Miroku had been so stressed that he continued to drink, long into the night. Much to Sango's annoyance.

The Queen determined to introduce more females to Inuyasha, she had kept hounding him with one girl after the next. Inuyasha was polite and greeted them warmly, but he knew no one would be able to replace the woman he was waiting for.

With every girl his mother introduced him to, the more disheartened he became. None of these girls were for him and none of them where the girl from the market. "Where was she?" he kept thinking over and over becoming more and more agitated, with every girl that eagerly awaited him.

Eventually Inuyasha had enough and broke free from his mother's view and dashed towards the back of the room where it lead to the outside balcony. Ah the night air felt good! He decided to wait it out till he thought it was safe to go back in. The wind blew through his long silver white hair. He sighed to himself looking up at the stars. "Where are you?" he thought out loud staring into the night sky.

Sesshoumaru and Rin arrived at the dancing floor. Everyone had cleared away for them and surrounded them in an open circle.

Sesshoumaru didn't pay any attention to the countless glancing eyes that were laid on them. He simply kept his eyes on Rin as he leant down to wrap his arm around her waist and placed his hand into hers. He looked down at her and began leading her into the dance. The music played while the two stared awkwardly into each other's eyes.

Rin's heart was beating in her ears. She gulped and continued to look into his eyes while taking in every touch and movement that he made. Her heart was about to burst. She wanted him to know how she felt but was so afraid. She leaned in closer to him and laid her head on his chest. She then wrapped her arms around his waist and held him close.

Sesshoumaru tensed as she wrapped her arms around him. He hesitated before he relaxed and then, he too, wrapped his arms around her petite frame. He lowered his head and placed his chin on the top of her head. They continued to move slowly back and forth as the music played.

Sesshoumaru felt an overwhelming, sense of affection for this woman in his arms. He had never felt this before. Why did she smell so good? He hated the smell of all humans, but she had been different, always different. He couldn't figure out why, he never could. It was almost too much to bare. He absolutely and completely adored her. But what would an intelligent beautiful woman like Rin, want with a terrifying demon who despised humans. She had always been the exception. There had been something different about her, he had always been drawn to. Ever since that night.

He had heard her cries from afar, knowing she was human. He couldn't for the life of him turn away from a crying child, whether it was human or not. He wasn't a monster. Besides, his father would kill him, if he found out he had left a crying child to die, in the midst of a blizzard.

Sesshoumaru had found her huddled in a potato sack crying in the fetal position. He had admired her will to survive. Most humans would've succumbed to the freezing cold hours ago. He had thought she was at least worth saving. He would take her with him, nurse her back to health and send her on her way.

However it didn't turn out like that.

The little Rin was so enamored and thankful to her savior, she never left his side. He had learned she was an orphan, but still, tried to send her away. The little girl, just smiled and ran back to him with open arms. Sesshoumaru couldn't find it in himself to force her to leave. So he had told her that she could come and go as she pleased.

As she grew a little older, Sesshoumaru took an interest in her education. If she was to live in his house, she would have to be properly educated. So Rin's early days were consumed with schooling and private tutors.

He had saw Rin regularly, but never enough to get attached to the young girl. He had cared for her well-being, but that was all. That itself was far more than he ever gave any human being.

However, every time Sesshoumaru came to her, he had secretly enjoyed seeing the little girl's eyes light up as he entered the room. Rin was always ecstatic to see him and that somehow made him feel good. He had never experienced this feeling of…joy? Happiness? To have someone so innocent… so 'human' look up to him.

Over the years, Sesshoumaru had left her gifts and words of encouragement. He was strict with her, but always had her best interest at heart. Sesshoumaru had never stayed around her too long. He had always kept her at arm's length, and to her very own portion of his lair. Rin had her own kitchen, bathroom, and plenty of bedrooms and study halls. She had not wanted for anything. He had attendants and servants to satisfy her ever need. Sesshoumaru had lived alone, with the exception of Jaken. Everyone else lived off the premises and only had cooks and servants come by to take care of Rin.

As she grew even older in to her teens. Sesshoumaru occasionally let Rin join him in his study. They would talk of various things, of history and science. He enjoyed this time with her. Rin would sit quietly, listening to him talk for hours. She took in everything he had said, and was genuinely interested in all things her Lord could teach her. Rin was exceptionally interested in the tales of Priestesses and Healers. She loved the happy endings where they were cured by medicine and by the people who came together and cured various ailments and diseases. This fascinated her the most.

Eventually, she grew restless and wanted to leave the lair. She wanted more of a life for herself and decided to study healing. Sesshoumaru reluctantly agreed, as he knew she wouldn't have any life stuck in his lair forever.

Rin left for school two years at a time for eight long years, and every time she came back she, became older and more and more beautiful.

This had been her last two years and was now back for good. Sesshoumaru smiled at the thought of her staying with him forever. However, he couldn't help think that she would eventually become tired and restless, as she once did. She wouldn't just continue to live there for no good reason, would she?

The music had stopped a few moments ago, but they still held onto each other.

Finally Rin peaked her head up from his chest and looked around. "Oh, I didn't realize the music had stopped" she said blushing looking around the room.

People were still standing around them. Whispering to each other, wondering who this young woman was. Many women glared on, in jealousy clenching their fists.

Sesshoumaru felt their icy stares that were directed at Rin. This angered him and reluctantly let go of Rin. He slid his hands down her arms and into her hands. "Let us go to the refreshment table and get some drinks, I know I could use one." He said softly in her ear.

Rin nodded and followed him.

Meanwhile… in Kagura's point of view.

Kagura had been enamoured with the entire surroundings of the castle. She slowly made her way into the main hall where the ball was being held. She held her breath as she entered the giant double doors. There were countless people dancing, talking and socializing. Kagura didn't know where to go first. She had to make sure she didn't run into her father or Kikyo. She decided to stay away from the exotic food table where the bananas were being supplied.

Kagura found herself staying close to the walls, she felt like she didn't quite belong there. She was there alone, and that made her feel small and insignificant. Kagura couldn't think that way though, she had to keep her head held high and stay positive. She at least wanted to have a look at the prince.

The thought of the prince made her think of Kagome, and how she was at home right now, alone. Kagome, was the one who was truly alone. At least Kagura was at the ball…even if she was unhappy and lonely, she had to have a good time for Kagome and tell her all about it.

Kagura made up her mind. She was going to ask someone to dance! Kagura's eyes skimmed over the people. Couples, all coupled. "Damn!" she thought. Everyone seems to have someone. She felt a lump in her throat. "Not that I care, I am happy just as I am, I don't need a" THUMP

Kagura immediately ran into something hard and solid. The force from the encounter knocked her off her feet. She looked up to see a man in a suede brown suite holding a half empty glass of wine which was now streaming down his pants.

Kagura's eyed widened. "Oh my goodness! I am so sorry Sir! Let me get something to clean that off with!" She said as she was about to stand up.

The man squished up his face in disgust he pushed her back down with his hand "You wretched woman! You have ruined my suite! I'll show you what men do to clumsy women" he spit with anger.

The man raised his hand to slap her, when an arm reached out of thin air and stopped the man's hand from colliding with Kagura's cheek.

A man with dark hair in a ponytail and a black and silver tuxedo had caught the man's arm. "Pardon me Sir, but that is no way, to treat a lady. I think you should move along now before I make you wet the rest of your pants." The man in black warned shaking his head.

The man in brown slapped his hand away "Kouga" he said seething with venom.

Kouga removed his hand from the man's arm. "That would be me. Now run along before I change my mind" Kouga said as he snarled rolling up his sleeve.

The man in brown huffed and waddled his way to the restroom with red wine dripping down his pant leg. Ladies watched him hobble along and giggled much to the man's annoyance.

Kouga turned to the woman on the floor. "Are you alright Miss?" he said as he gently held out a hand to her.

Kagura blinked rapidly. "Y…yes"

Was all that she could muster at the moment, then shook her head and continued.

"Th… thank you… for stopping that man." She said as she reached out to him and pulled herself up.

Kouga shook his head. "He is not what I would consider a man." He said looking back over his shoulder to the rest room.

He then turned back to Kagura and smiled. "No need to thank me. I couldn't let a woman as beautiful as you, get in harm's way" He replied still holding her hand in his.

Kagura blushed and wiped a hair from her eyes. Their hands parted and Kagura held a hand to her cheeks. They were flushed and warm to the touch.

Kouga leaned in closer to Kagura. "Are you sure you're alright? You look a little pale." He said as he put a hand to her head.

Kagura's eyes widened from the touch of his hand.

Kouga scratched his chin in thought. "Hmm you do seem a bit warm. Let us get some fresh air. I will meet you out on the balcony. I'll bring you some water." He smiled as he motioned for the balcony that was close to the back of the room.

Not many people were using it as it was further away from the rest.

All Kagura could do was nod.

Kagura walked down the hall past the tables and people. She couldn't help think about this man she had just met. He was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. Long, dark brown hair, light blue eyes, strong, confidant and what a gentleman! She thought as her face grew red again. She giggled as she thought of what Kagome might say. She knew Kagome would be rooting for her. Kagura decided she would enjoy the rest of the night without reservations. She came closer to the balcony doors and took a deep breath and went through.

***There she meets Inuyasha…***

A/N: Thank you for reading! Sorry for the long awaited update…for those of you, who noticed, lol.

I totally wasn't expecting to pair Kagura with Kouga…I was initially going to pair Sesshoumaru with Kagura, but I have a huge soft spot for Sesshy/Rin as you can see, lol. Sooo I had to have Kagura end up with someone! Kouga seemed like the logical choice. Also bringing in Kouga will make Inuyasha a tad bit annoyed, muuuahaha. It will make for some good comedy I hope!

Of course I would love to hear your comments and reviews! Don't be shy, I am super sweet!

Thanks everyone!