Rin=19 yrs
Kagome=22yrs
Chapter 1: Call to Action
It had been two days since that dreadful conversation.
Kagome had accepted her fate, but I knew that deep down she was hoping by some miracle she wouldn't have to go through it. Kagome just recently got a hold of Inuyasha, since he was away on a business trip. When Kagome told him the news, I heard him yell through the phone 'I'm on my way!'
I felt so helpless; Kagome had always been there for her family and myself. She had sacrificed so much for her family and the only good thing that she had for herself was Inuyasha.
Thinking back to when we were growing up, I always wondered how my Aunt could afford all of our extra activities after school. Kagome had miko training, along with self defense and some art classes. I took a lot of botany workshops and even have my own garden at the shrine; flowers were my thing. I also had Kendo training and Dance class. Sota also joined me in taking Kendo and some Dance classes in the beginning when I needed a partner for ballroom lessons. Mostly he enjoyed sports. Every time we would ask my Aunt why she bothered in putting us in so many classes, she would just respond that it would make us better individuals for the future. Maybe she was preparing us for this day; to be people worthy of knowing and living with the Taisho family.
I don't know, but whatever her reasons, it was too late now to question them.
Bang... Bang...
"Coming!" I yelled as I walked to open the front door.
BANG... BANG... BANG... BANG... BANG...
"Hold On!" Geez there is a doorbell! I rushed the rest of the way and threw the open the door.
"Where is she?" Inuyasha practically yelled as he grabbed my shoulders. He looked scared, lost, but mostly it was desperation and frustration. I knew it took a lot of control to not shake me until I gave him the answer he wanted.
"She's in the kitchen" I replied. He nodded and rush out of the room. I waited a few minutes to let them have some privacy. Half an hour went by and I was growing too anxious. So I went to the kitchen to join them.
The moment I walked in I felt like an intruder. Kagome sat on Inuyasha's lap, her arms around his neck, and her head tucked under his chin. This is what made my cousin happy, HE was what made her soul happy. They were the perfect example of the love everyone always wanted to reach for. Unfortunately, there is also real life that gets in the way. Inuyasha looked up from murmuring something in Kagome's ears, his eyes were bloodshot.
"Was there anything you were able to do?" It came out as a whisper for some reason, but I knew he could hear me very clearly.
He shook his head slowly, "No, I tried... I even begged my father for some other option, but- but its a binding contract." He was getting angry, I could only imagine what he was going through.
"What's a binding contract?" Kagome whispered.
Inuyasha let out a frustrated sigh and continued. "A binding contract can only do two things: it either must be completed or one of the people that signed it must die for it to become void. So unless I try to kill my father, there is no out clause."
That's when it came to me! My Aunt never specifically said that it had to BE Kagome just that it had to be someone in our family. So technically I could step in instead!
"Inuyasha, have you looked at the contract?" I asked.
"Yes Rin! I practically have it memorized. Even the small print I..."
"So no where does it state that it has to be the first born, or specific person?" I cut him off and rushed getting my hopes up.
He looked at me with a confused stare, while Kagome slowly lifted her head to look at me. I hope she's to tired to realize what I'm thinking!
"No... I didn't see anything like that. Why?" He asked.
I smiled softly to myself, there might still be something I could do...
"No" I heard Kagome whisper. "NO!, I can't let you do that Rin!" She yelled but it came out hoarse and broken. Damn! I can't believe she saw what I was planning even when she was almost asleep!
I sighed, "Kagome, can't you see how this solves everything! If you just think about it you..."
"I couldn't live with myself knowing you were stuck in a forced relationship because of me! After everything you have been through to give up the rest of your happiness. Rin you deserve to be free of any more misery and just live!" She was crying again and Inuyasha had no idea what was going on.
"What are you guys talking about? One minute we're talking about the contract then..."
"She wants to TAKE MY PLACE! She wants to be the one fulfill the contract!"
Inuyasha was shocked, then he slowly looked at me with a little hope in his eyes. Please be on my side! "I- I think that it could work." He murmured
"No... NO! Why would you even think that! Rin please, understand that this is something I have to do, why would you even offer?" she sniffed.
"Kagome... what you have, what you've found with Inuyasha is something that you don't just throw away. Yes, I might hope to fall in love and marrying the person but after everything, I'm just thankful to wake up each day and see the sun! You ask me why I would even consider doing it? Kagome, I see you as my sister. I love you and this family for everything you guys have done. If the only way to solve this is for me to take your place... then so be it! I haven't encountered anything like what you and Inuyasha have together, so how bad could it be?"
Inyuasha closes the door to Kagomes bedroom after finally getting her to fall asleep, he was completely tired. Poor guy; one day you know exactly how you want your future to go, then life just twists it around.
"You know it's the only option." I tell him as I lead him to the front door.
"Yeah, I know… it's your choice Rin. I'm not going to stop you, because I know you'll just do it anyway. " He sighed.
I grab both of his shoulders and turn him around to face me. Inuyasha was tall; my head just reached his shoulders.
"Inuyasha look at me… I promise I will do anything and everything I can to make this right. Kagome is a sister to me, and it's time that someone does something for her after everything she's given to others. Honestly, I have always accepted that you can find happiness in any situation. Yes, I'll be married to Lord Sesshomaru, but I'll be well and it comes with a few perks." I tried to lighten the mood, but he still looks a little doubtful. "The one thing I do ask for is a little help, Inuyasha. If I can pull it off then Kagome won't have a choice in the matter because in the end all she wants is you!"
I just wait. Hoping he won't give up like Kagome has decided to. He suddenly grabs me and hugs me tightly. He is almost shaking, trying not to cry.
"Thank… Thank you Rin." He whispers as he pulls away. He sounded so relieved and it made me happy that I could do something for them.
"Inuyasha, do think you can get me in to see Lord Taisho, so I can propose my idea to him. I want to get this over with." I asked. The sooner I can make this happen, the faster everyone will stop being so depressed.
Inuyasha just became quiet as a few minutes pass. Then he starts to rub the back of his neck. Now I'm getting worried.
"Just tell me!" I almost yell. He was making me really anxious.
"..Well the thing is... My Father can't do anything about the contract. Since he already told Sesshomaru about the arrangement and finalized it with him, Sesshomaru is the one you are going have to convince. Even though he despises the arrangement, he has come to terms with it. You are going to have to speak to him." He said warily.
Damn it! I was fine with the idea of speaking to Lord Taisho. That one time I met him at the Christmas party he was really nice. Now I have to convince… HIM! My life sucks right now. From what Inuyasha has told us, Lord Sesshomaru does not sound like the kind of person who would want to spend his time around others, let alone a human nobody! Oh KAMI! It's okay, okay! I can do this because I'm doing it for Kagome!
"Oh! Is that it? I thought I was going to have to kidnap someone." I said smiling at him.
He looks so relieved, and a lot more relaxed now. "Well, before you can talk to him you will need to find him first. And one last thing... we only have about a month before this arrangement goes public!" He told me.
WHAT!...Ok I do it in month but what does he mean I have to find him?
"I'm sorry, but my Lord isn't in."
"Are you certain? You haven't even checked to make sure. Could you please..."
"I'm sorry, but my Lord is not avaliable! Now if you don't want security to escort you, I HIGHLY suggest that you leave human!"
I will not let her get to me! I will not let her! KAMI! I just want to slap that sickly smug smirk off her face. This was the second time I have come to ask to see Lord Sesshomaru. Last week I came in trying to see if I could at least get an appointment or something and called in but this... this... Bitch! Just blew me off! Inuyasha was able to get me into Taisho Enterprises, but warned me that Lord Sesshomaru tends to disappear a lot for business. Now I know what he is referring to. Generally it takes a lot to piss me off, I like to stay on the good side of things, but right now this wolf demoness is drying up all of my patience.
"Did you not hear me? Well I guess that just proves that not only are humans pathetic but also stupid!" She said smugly.
Ok, that was uncalled for and she just had to say it when there were others around! Some have even slowed down to hear our conversation.
"I'm so sorry to have wasted your time. You know us humans, but I have been wanting to ask you something... If I were to throw a stick, would you go and fetch it?" I ask with me sweetly fake smile.
She looks shocked that I would even talk back to her. That's right you hag!
"Huh... I guess I'll take that as a yes."
I say and turn to walk away, she seems to have recovered but I don't hear because as the door to the elevators are closing I realize that the people that were eavesdropping are now full out laughing. Don't they have more important things to do?
As I'm leaving the elevator, I start feeling dejected. I only have two more weeks left and I haven't made any contact with Lord Sesshomaru. I have totally insulted the person I need in order to see him, which leaves me with very little options. Top it all off I'm late at the dance academy where I'm a teacher assistant, Madam is not going to be happy.
After graduating high school, I decided to take a year off and just focus on my Dance and Kendo competitions. Well, that was only three months ago!
As I'm about to turn into the lobby, I rammed into a body! A really tall and firm body. My purse falls, and I'm about to follow it when two strong arms suddenly reach out to steady me.
"I'm so sorry, it's all my fault. I should have been paying more attention." I said as I straightened myself.
"No, don't worry yourself, but I must say that was quiet a show you did upstairs just now."
I look up startled, oh no he was one of the witnesses to that disastrous conversation with Lord Sesshomaru's assistant.
As I look at the man I almost ran over, I have to say he was handsome. Tall, maybe around six... two? Black hair pulled back in a short low ponytail. He had tan skin and his muscular body made him look good in a suit. The thing that really caught my attention were his eyes, they were emerald green. The black marking on his forehead and cheeks signified he was some kind of feline demon, but I was never that great at identifying markings in school when the subject arose. He was defiantly not from around here.
"Oh no, you saw that! I must apologize, I know it wasn't the best thing to do in that kind of situation but what's done is done. I'm just really embarrassed that you had to witness that."
"No, please don't apologize. I was pretty impressed to see a human have the courage to challenge the demoness."
Human, human, human is that all I am to these people. I have a name you know!
"And so do I, I'm Bastien Valverde and you are?"
Whoops did I just say that out loud?
I smile as he hands me my fallen purse. "I'm Rin Higurashi, thank you but I must be leaving now. I'm already running late. It was nice meeting you Mr. Valverde." I decided to take my Aunt's last name when they officially adopted me when I was eight.
"The pleasure was all mine, but I do hope we see each other again soon." He smiled but his eyes told a different story, like he knew it would happen. As I turned to leave out the lobby, I finally remember what his markings signify. He was a black jaguar demon but not only that the three black stars near his left eye signify that he is the head of his clan making him a lord.
Since I was late to the dance academy, Madame told me I had to help out with the other classes. Now it was 7:00 pm and I had just finished teaching eight year old students how to hold their frames when doing the waltz. That's one of the reasons my Aunt enrolled me in The Academy of Dance. For a certain fee you can take unlimited classes and since I ended up going there everyday I loved learning ballroom and classical ballet. When feeling adventurous I would take a completely different class. The biggest highlights were the costumes, I can never perform without a flower adorning my hair.
As I was getting ready to leave Madame walks into the room looking frustrated by what the person on the phone was telling her. "..Well I hope you get better, but it just means I will have to find a replacement for you. The only problem is that the Taisho event is in less than a week and I doubt someone has the time to fill in. I guess..I will just have to cancel... no, don't worry about it these things happen and we just have to deal with them... good bye dear, and get well soon."
That was probably Lucy, she is one of the few foreigners that go to the academy. She is a year younger than me and her parents moved to Japan from America about six years ago. She is currently in Spain for competitions. I was supposed to go since I decided to finish school a lot sooner but I was told to stay. Hearing the conversation, it sounded like Lucy had a serious injury. I hope she's okay.
..
….
…...Wait! Did she just say Taisho event! Oh Kami!
"Madam! Is everything alright?" I call out before she leaves the room.
"… No Rin, Lucy just called saying she twisted her ankle while rehearsing one of the landing jumps. The doctor said she injured two ligaments so no dancing until further notice. All the future engagements that she had coming up are to be postponed."
"Well, if its any help, I can offer to fill in for her at any events that she has coming up, Madame, and I'm already done with school so I have more time."
Please, please, please agree!
Madame stared at me and smiled, "Rin, that is perfect! There is one event that I can't afford to cancel. It's the Taisho event. Its going to be in five days, are you positive you can learn the routine in that amount of time?"
Yes, yes, yes! I'm not doomed anymore, there's still a chance! Oh thank Kami!
"Of course, you can count on me Madame! May I ask who my partner will be?"
"Takashi will be your partner, now I need to go inform him of the changes immediately!"
Great! I can't believe how my day went from bad to worse then suddenly it all fell into place perfectly. Now I just have to find a way to speak to Lord Sesshomaru that day. Inuyasha told me Lord Sesshomaru would be there, but since Inuyasha was going away during that time and couldn't take me. I completely forgot about the event. Now I had my chance.
5 Days Later
"Ok I can do this. Rin, you will do this."
I tell myself as I'm putting the finishing touches in my hair. My black hair is pulled back into intricate curls than fall on my left shoulder. A dark purple pansy flower lays pinned next to my left ear. I had light makeup on, mascara on my eyelashes to emphasize my doe brown eyes. I don't like using fake ones like many do. I had a dark shade of red on my lips to finish the look. The dress I wore was black but when the light hit it, it would glitter. It crossed at the back of my shoulders and left the rest backless. There was a slit that went up to my right thigh. It fit my slim form perfectly, this was one of my favorite dresses I had commissioned to make when I was still planning on going to Spain.
As I stared myself in the mirror, I still couldn't get myself under control. Just think of it as another performance, nothing to worry about! Right, I can't fool myself.
"Rin! Takashi just arrived, he's waiting for...Wow! Rin you look amazing and gorgeous! I wish I could go see you!" Kagome exclaimed as we walked into my room.
She has no idea what I plan to achieve tonight. If she did she would probably do anything to stop me from going.
"Thank you, you are really to nice Kagome! Well, I guess I shouldn't keep him waiting." I never thought of myself as glamorously beautiful, I mean I know I was cute. So I still blush wherever someone compliments about how I look.
As I walk into the living room, I see Takashi waiting for me. He is a dog demon but a very distant cousin to Inuyasha. He also has short silver hair that is perfectly styled. His markings on his cheeks and temples are also a dark red. I loved it when he wore a tux with lapels it just completed the picture.
"Wow, I guess little Rin has finally grown up." he smiles.
Takashi is the closest thing to a brother I will have that isn't related to me. When I first met him, we absolutely could not stand each other. When we realized we were placed as partners we finally came to a silent truce. Since then we have come a long way and became the best of friends. I know I can trust him with anything.
"Don't ruin the moment with anymore of your snide remarks...I missed you puppy." I say with a smile as I hug him.
He ignores the last comment as he returns by hug because I know it annoys him when I call him that.
"So are you ready to dance the night away?" He asks.
"You have no idea." I say because in reality, he really didn't know anything about tonight. Which reminded me that I need to tell him soon.
We walk into the ballroom, it was everything that wealthy business tycoons would do to impress their guests. Lavish silverware, crystal chandeliers, an orchestra, the stage was connected to the ground floor with a few stairs. Ready for when it came time for our performance. There were three other couples that would be joining us a group performance. It was too much to take in, everything look so fragile and delicate, I had to stop from touching it. Of course Takashi looked bored as if it wasn't anything special. I hadn't realized where he was leading me until we stopped in front of a couple and he bowed.
I looked and realized it was Lord Taisho and Lady Izayoi and quickly followed Takashi's lead.
As I was lifting my head to address them I felt a shiver go through my body as though someone was watching me intently.
"...This is Rin Higurashi my Lord, she is one of the senor dancers at the Academy."
Oh no! I missed the whole conversation, but that feeling wouldn't go away!
"..Higurashi... do not tell me you're the little girl I met at the Christmas party nine years ago?"
"If, by that, you mean the one that told you a list on why dogs are better than wolves, then yes... I am she." I say with a smile.
"My... you have grown into a beautiful and successful young woman, Rin. I glad to hear it." He said with a gentile smile.
"Thank you My Lord." I can feel myself blushing as I respond.
Lord Taisho is about to say something when he stops and looks over my head. He motions for someone to come over as I read the time and realize we only have ten minutes until we go backstage.
"...Its about time you showed up, I was beginning to think you would disappear again." I hear Lord Taisho say to the person he is addressing. I turn my head to see who it is and froze.
"Takashi, you remember Lord Sesshomaru. Rin, I would like to introduce you to my son Lord Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru, this is Rin Higurashi. She will be performing in this evenings performance."
If I thought Inuyasha was handsome, his half brother took it to a whole other meaning. His long silver hair fell straight to his lower back and he had bangs above his eyes. He was taller then Inuyasha about six...four or five? He was lean but the tux emphasized his muscles form from various battle trainings. His half moon on his forehead and dark red markings on his cheeks and above his eyes completed the look of perfection. Lord Sesshomaru held himself as someone with superiority and royalty would. There was nothing on his face that gave away what he was thinking. No emotion, a perfect statue.
I realized I was just staring at him, when I noticed he lifted his eyebrow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you My Lord." I say hurriedly as I bow.
"Hm."
Takashi grabs a hold of my hand and excuses us when we realize there only a minute left to get back stage.
As we are leaving I realize that the feeling is back. It disappeared when Lord Sesshomaru came and was introduced, but now its back with a vengeance. Meaning...
Can't think about that now. Need to focus because it's show time!
After the performance, the rest was pretty uneventful. I danced a few times with Takashi, until I noticed this girl kept looking at him and suggested he should dance with her.
I was currently near the bar getting more water. So far throughout the evening, I kept feeling eyes on me, but when I would search I wouldn't see anyone. There was only one time that my eye did meet Lord Sesshomaru's. He didn't look away, just stared intently at me until I lost my nerve and looked away.
I guess I wasn't going to be able to speak with him, there was always a group surrounding him. If not investors and businessmen, then various demoness's would gather and flaunt themselves trying to get his attention. They were all very beautiful but he would ignore all of their advances.
As I was about to move from the wall and go to my seat, I notice Lord Sesshomaru break away from the group of males and start to leave.
I should follow him...I need to speak with him and this is my only chance! Ok Rin! This is for you family, don't think...just do!
I see him leave through the front doors of the ballroom, and I hurry to follow.
Existing the ballroom, I barely see his figure turn and go through the glass doors that leads to a balcony down the hall. I move quickly to the doors, quietly I open them and walk outside on the balcony. As I look around I find no one, I probably went through the wrong door. Dejected, I turn to leave.
Before I knew what happened, I am pinned to the wall with a lean hand securely around my throat.
I look up and see Lord Sesshomaru, snarling menacingly at me. I'm too shocked to move.
He leans his face closely toward mine, all I hear is my heart beating rapidly... he says menacingly... "Why are you following me, human."
A|N: My beta RozTheGreat is the greatest! Thank you! Stay tuned for more. :)