Phew! Another chapter done!
Hope this answers some questions from chapter 7!
Just a reminder, I do not own Inuyasha or its Characters
Copyright belongs to Rumiko TakahashiOh, and a little R and R wouldn't hurt either ^_^
Chapter 9
She trudged behind him quietly, with her head bowed. She was still fuming about his cruel treatment over her and how he expects her to just waltz in a room full of high level demons and not make a fool of herself. Since that would of course make a fool out of Lord Sesshomaru. No one dared make him look bad.
She made a disapproving noise with her tongue and it earned her an annoyed glace from said lord. "Miko, do you understand yet why I had you dress in a fancy kimono, then made you spoil it?"
"No, still trying to figure that out," she sighed. "Along with other things," she added under her breath. He had heard her and stopped to face her. He studied her closely and she saw a look pass over his eyes that reminded her of…nostalgia? It quickly vanished and he returned to his stoic self.
"What did the kimono mean to you?" he asked.
"I'm not sure. It was pretty and I never had something that in a way represented who I truly was," she said sadly. She remembered the symbol on the back, the Miko Crest. It gave her something to make her stand out, be recognized for something.
"Why is that important to you?"
"I don't understand why you're asking these questions. Just get to your point," she said exasperated. He had flashes of himself saying those same words to his mother. How she had the patience, he would never know.
"It is important to you because you feel special. You feel that you can walk and everyone will see that symbol and think you're important. See your dress and say how high you must be in class," he told her more than asked.
"Sure, I guess. When you put it that way it kind of sounds stuck up, though."
"Because it is "stuck up". Your goals in life should not revolve around being recognized. You should not feel special because someone sees your face and acknowledges you for your achievements. It is what you have done to get that recognition," he said pausing for her reaction. She remained silent and continued looking at him steadily.
"You are a miko. You are my advisor. Whether you dress in rags or satin, you have a high status. But, you have barely earned them. You were born into you're miko magic, and you became my advisor through a trade off. If you want to feel true accomplishment, become the best miko. Work your way up from advisor to other possibilities within the palace. Do you understand yet? That kimono," he said pointing at her shredded gown, "represents your idea of accomplishment. You are not a miko until you have worked to have the title. Simply being born into something, does not make you honorable."
She finally understood him now. Realization hit her and her eyes widened. It is the same reason he would never let Inuyasha into the palace. It wasn't that Sesshomaru did not want his brother here, it was that he didn't deserve it. Inuyasha did nothing to work his way to proving his worth. Just like her. She didn't earn her title. She was just given it. She didn't earn the right to be his advisor, it just happened that way.
Nodding in understanding, she vowed to herself to prove to him that she was a worthy advisor. She was worthy of being a miko. And she would prove to be the best of both.
"Hn," was all he said as he turned and continued on. She saw him enter through a curtained doorway and paused before following. Even a human could sense the demon inside and it unnerved her slightly considering she was much weaker, and her clothing was not very presentable at the moment. Cursing Sesshomaru under her breath, she entered.
It was a lavish space, filled with white seating arrangements and red accented pillows and a fireplace against the back wall. What would be the left wall was actually just a very large window, reaching from ceiling to floor. A very long cushioned bench stretch the width of it and both sides were adorned with detailed armrests.
It was then she noticed the room's occupants. She first saw Sesshomaru and sent him a nasty look before someone to her right moved towards her.
"Oh my! I knew mikos are usually very beautiful creatures, but darling you are wondrous!" a male demon said as he extended his arms to her in emphasis. "You dog, you should have told me she was so pleasing to the eye. I would have dressed to impress!" he said to Sesshomaru laughing heartily.
His hair was strangely similar to Sesshomaru's, but cut much shorter. It barely caressed his shoulders as he stepped up to her. His eyes were a fantastic blue color and Kagome couldn't help but get lost in them. She swore no sky nor ocean was bluer. He bore the same crescent moon upon his forehead, but it was yellow instead of Sesshomaru's purple. His armor told her he was most likely a very high ranked general or chief of operations. His haori and hakama were black, accented with white and gold letters that spelled Moon Warrior on his left shoulder. He was incredibly handsome.
"How rude of me! I haven't introduced myself and here I am groveling at your beauty. I am Reizo Taisho," he said bowing low to her.
"I am Kagome Higurashi," she said in a small, unsure voice, returning the bow.
"A strong name for a strong lady. Very suitable. What is not suitable, is the manner of dress Sesshomaru has dawned on you," he said more directly to said demon with an arch of his eyebrow which Kagome found too similar to Sesshomaru's.
"Uncle, her dress is not why we are here," responded Sesshomaru. He leveled his look with the other demon and both shared an unspoken exchange.
"My dear, have a seat and I will order the maid to bring you something to change into," said Reizo.
"I am not staying in this?" she asked holding up her arms as she took her seat on one of the chairs beside the fire.
"Absolutely not! You may be human but you have yourself a high rank within the palace. Such a rank will not be tarnished with unfit attire. Are you still hurt from your, training?" he asked sending another look to Sesshomaru.
"No, no I suppose not. I am achy here and there." Sesshomaru pierced a hard look at her. "But nothing I cannot handle," she said hastily avoiding Sesshomaru's hard glare. She knew why he did what he did, but she could have been allowed to clean up before meeting this demon. Sesshomaru's apparent uncle, no less.
"I would have had her change before hand, Uncle, but we are short on valuable time. The court will chew her up and spit her to the other side of Japan. She must be taught very quickly and very sternly. Which is why I have asked you," he said steadily.
"Very well. I shall do my part, I suppose," he deduced. "Why don't you tell me a little about yourself so I may get a broader picture on what I have to work with."
After taking note of Sesshomaru's warning glance, she began, "Well, I am well taught in reading and writing Japanese as well as 2 other foreign languages. I am capable of solving difficult mathematical problems and handling accounting. I know quite a bit of…history," she said pausing to look at Sesshomaru. "And I brushed up on astronomy here and there."
Reizo was shocked to say the least. He could tell from her manner of speaking that she was educated, but he had no idea the extent of it. He could smell that she was hiding something from him, but decided it was not important. It was obvious Sesshomaru knew since he didn't mention it either. Regardless, her knowledge was vast. She was a gem. "My dear, you hold more than most of the demons within the court. Where on earth did you learn all of this?"
She thought for a moment before answering. "My mother was very strict with giving me a proper education so none would have an advantage over me. She taught me to be clever and quick and to be a proper lady, but I was taught by very appreciated instructors for everything else." Well, it was the truth. Just not all of it.
"Well, I assure you, you are the one with the advantages. Perhaps, you can show me the extent of what you know at some later time. There really isn't much for me to teach you. Simply only the purpose of the court and how we handle our business. When you should speak, when to keep silent. No other Lord has had a female advisor. Let alone a human. This will be interesting indeed," he finished laughing again.
They talked for a few hours, after Kagome had been given a robe to change into. Her head was beginning to hurt and she rubbed her temple to relieve some of the ache. Reizo's opinion of "not much" and "simple" was anything but. Every detail mattered. The way she walked, where she sat, how she ate, when to eat, when to pause and then continue eating. It wasn't bad enough that an advisor was restricted to begin with. But a female, too.
Kagome put her face into her hands and gave a frustrated sigh. "I would also suggest not doing that in front of them, either. You must show that you are strong and capable. Otherwise the will never accept you," Reizo said to her gently. He knew this was going to be difficult for her. But he was confident she'd be able to do it.
"Here, let us make it simple on me. What am I allowed to do. Should I stop breathing as well?" she said sarcastically. He laughed at her and sat beside her to pat her shoulder.
"You will do fine. Perhaps your beauty will distract them from anything else so you wont have to worry about appeasing them," he said with a wink. She truly wanted to ask him if he was related to any monks. A particular monk, actually.
"Sure, I suppose so," she half agreed.
"Good! Now, if I am not mistaken, our guests are arriving. Why don't you head over to your chamber and prepare yourself. The Lords will be the only ones attending while the Lady's mingle in the ballroom with other guests. We, along with some minor lords, are the only Inu youkai attending," he motioned to himself and Sesshomaru.
"You are acquainted with the Lord of the north, our wolf brethren Koga. The lord of the East is Lord Katashi, a tiger lord and very honorable. He will probably test your education to ensure you will understand the duties of an advisor, but I am not worried. You are far beyond the expectations. His mate is Lady Amaya, who is a water youkai. She is very lovely and fond of human relations with their lands. She can be as calm as a fisherman's sea, or as livid as a tsunami. She reminds me much of you, Kagome. I am sure you three will get along fine," he paused and glanced at Sesshomaru.
"What?" she asked noticing the worry in their eyes.
"Lord Orochi. He is a dragon youkai with a spiteful mate, Lady Ishi. Also dragon. They are spiteful youkai and want nothing to do with helping those within their lands if they are not youkai. They keep a strict opinion that humans are beneath them and should be exterminated. They haven't acted on that notion, though. There is a difference between thinking, and doing. They are also firm believers that females don't belong in court matters. I am not sure that they will not give you trouble."
"Oh, perfect. For a minute, I thought I was going to be home free of trouble," she said mockingly.
"Kagome, we are friends in this room and I do find your sarcasm quite enjoyable as I am sure the Lord and Lady of the east. But please, and I urge you, be very careful in front of Orochi. He will not hesitate in killing a human, female human, who he believes has dishonored him. Sesshomaru and I will do our best to protect you because you are under his care. But there is only so much we can do. I have faith you will overcome this. The key to beating Orochi is with your tongue. Out smart him without dishonoring him. His hands will be tied and if you could do that, the others will recognize your worth," he finished.
"I think I can handle it," she said nodded assuringly.
"Good," said Sesshomaru. "I will return you to your room so you may change." He rose, signaling them to get up and head out.
"Kagome, would you please wait outside for a moment, please. I need a word with Sesshomaru," Reizo said smiling. She nodded and excused herself politely and headed out. She waited outside the door and looked around mischievously. There was no door, so overhearing a conversation was very likely. It wasn't like it was on purpose, she told herself as she focused her ears to the people inside.
"Sesshomaru, you understand the gravity of the situation. I believe she is ready, but only time will tell. I do not appreciate you doing all of this so suddenly, but I understand you know what you are doing. We must keep close eyes and ears on Orochi and his mate. If there is one thing in this world I am more sure of than death, it is that they WILL be trouble. They will not let the urge to tear the miko down be unattained."
"They will. Or they will answer to me personally," he said with death written in that promise. Kagome was touched that he would protect her. "She is a valuable asset and I will not have that taken from me," he said leaving his uncle. He eyed her, knowing she had listened to everything and continued to her chamber.
Of course, I am just a benefit. He would never see me as a possible friend or even companion. You know what, enough of this. She sped up her pace and walked right passed up and jogged up the steps in the center room. He paused walking and watched her quickly maker her way to her chamber and she opened it and shut it roughly. He turned and continued the other way with a sour look on his face to prepare himself. She knew her position before even making the agreement. He did not want her so near to him but it was beneficial if she was.
He fought countless demons, strong and weak. He went to hell and back, literally. But he never, never, met someone who got under his skin like her. She pushed all his buttons and did so purposefully.
For this onna's sake, she had better control herself tonight. He smelled his guests approaching and decided he only had about half an hour to be fully ready. Turning to his wing of the palace, he left the miko to wallow in her own frustrations.
Kei, on the other hand, was no so lucky. "How dare he! You know, I can understand his quietness. I can understand his tightness. I can even understand his strict training. What I can't understand, is why he has to be so egotistical! I am no stranger to him. I am no threat. Why can't he show just a small amount of respect to me?" She damn well earned it. She was the only living creature that didn't melt when he smothered her in that horrible stuff when she removed Tessaiga. She looked after Rin when their paths crossed. She was nothing but sweet and what does she receive back? Nothing! Not even a compliment.
"Don't take it as arrogance, milady. Lord Sesshomaru is a very private person and does not wish to act out of that manner," Kei offered.
"There is private, then there is jerk," Kagome huffed. Kei didn't like it at all and took a defensive stance.
"Milady, no, he does not send greetings or kind words to most around the palace. No, he is not very sociable. But look at the palace! Who do you think provides this for many homeless youkai and humans? We serve him only because it is gratitude for providing shelter and the best protection in all of Japan. Many would trample themselves in order to have access within the palace walls. And even then, the entire western province is greatly guarded. We are looked after and we are eternally thankful. He could be a cruel lord, like Orochi! But no! Look at you, milady. He has allowed a 1) female 2) HUMAN female to be his advisor!. No he is not for great conversation. But he is a good master and an even better lord," she finished with a huff and a cross of her arms.
The entire time Kei spoke, Kagome shrunk further and further within herself. She never thought of him that way. Perhaps, she should give him more credit before. Sighing, Kagome fumbled with her hands. Kei sat beside her and shook her head. "Please don't tell him I was cross with you. He may be a good master, but he is definitely temperamental," Kei laughed heartily. Kagome joined her and soon she was lead to the bathhouse and then hurried onward to dress.
Kei ushered in 4 young maidens and soon they were all busy dressing Kagome. Sango had heard a commotion coming from Kagome's room and decided to see what it was. Seeing first Shippo's tail twitching excitedly, she looked up to see the maidens all huddled around her friend.
"Sango? Is that you? Come here and tell me what they have done to me. They refuse to let me see my reflection!" Kagome demanded at her. The maidens snickered and moved aside so Sango could see her. She gasped and nearly did a double take. Kagome's hair had been brushed out and picked up in a traditional Japanese up do and a tiny curl in the front was let down. A few were pulled in the back as well to create a softer look. Kei had adorned her hair with sakura blossoms on the right of the bun and one tucked behind her left ear. Her face was powdered and every facial hair removed and her eyebrows plucked perfectly. She had red rouge painted on her lips and a gentle black line accented her blue eyes.
Sango always thought Kagome was a pretty girl, but now she was just breathtaking. "Kagome, you look wonderful!" she half screamed as she came running into the room to inspect her closer. Kei had now long known of the two girls close friendship, and saved the final touch for Sango.
"Lady Sango, if you would?" she asked her holding out two silver hair sticks. At the top of the stick, a tiny miko crest dangled from a short chain, obviously designed for Kagome specifically.
Sango was near tears, as she sniffled taking them from Kei. It was a real honor put them in her friend's hair. Kagome was lead to a mirror, but her back was kept to it. Sango stepped behind her and tilted Kagome's head back. Placing them into her hair with ease, leaving them enough room to be seen by everyone, Sango moved to stand in front of her and smiled brightly. Kagome smiled back excitedly and turned to see herself. Gasping similarly to how Sango had done earlier, Kagome gently touched her cheek. She could barely even recognize herself.
"Lady Kagome," Kei said getting Kagome to turn to her. "You're gown for this evening," she said pulling a kimono from the closet.
"Oh my god!" Sango exclaimed.
"Mama! That's really pretty!" Shippo told her wagging his tail and bouncing up onto the bed to admire it closer.
Kagome stepped from the mirror and gently let her finger caress it. The kimono was twice as gorgeous as the one from earlier. This one was an ebony black color, with white lining on the cuffs with very wide sleeves. The obi was also white and made of fine silk. It was not tight around the ankles like the other; instead, it flowed out loosely and would most likely reach completely to the floor if she put it on. She noticed, as Kei sung it left to right for show, a single silver thread was added to the kimono and depicted crescent moons all over the gown. Unlike the other gown however, the symbol on the back was solely the miko crest and it was a bright blue color. In the center of the kimono, she saw her name embroided in a deep royal blue. She wondered if she would ever take it off once she put it on.
"Hurry, milady! Gawk all you want after the meeting! The guests have already arrived!" Kei said. Sango was hurriedly pushed out of the room along with Shippo and Kagome was ripped of her clothing. Pushing their ears to the door, they heard Kagome's exclamations, the maidens hurried footsteps and a few bickering between Kagome and Kei. Soon the door opened and Kagome was pushed out and sent on her way.
"I have never dressed that fast on my own. Let alone have others dress me. Sheesh," she said brushing herself off.
"Kagome! There you are! My you look ravishing," Reizo's voice thundered from her left. He came over to her and bowed to her and Sango smiling. They returned it and Reizo took Kagome's arm and lead her to the stairs.
"Good luck," Sango called as Shippo jumped into her arms.
"Thanks," Kagome said looking over her shoulder.
"There, there. Nothing to worry about," he said to her tapping her hand reassuringly. "This night will pass by so quickly, you will not notice it. Just remember what we discussed."
"Easier said than done," she murmured. When they reached the top of the steps her entire persona changed. She squared her shoulders and lifted her head high. She dawned a firm but approachable expression and allowed a smile to brighten her face.
"That's better. See? You're a natural," he said as he led her down the stairs. She, however, was feeling anything but natural. She was counting steps, counting breaths, and trying to squash all the butterflies swarming in her gut. She didn't want to make Sesshomaru look bad, and she definitely didn't want to have her throat handed to her on a silver platter by the southern lord.
Sesshomaru was standing by the main door as he greeted the final guest to arrive, a tiger youkai. He was a minor lord, judging by his clothing, and shot a strange look at Kagome. Here we go, she said silently to herself. He felt her presence before seeing her, and he turned to see her stepping down from the stairs. Reizo seemed amused and Kagome looked confident, at least she would to the others. He knew her tell tales, though. Her nose slightly flared with each breath and he could see her playing with her cuff with her free hand. Looking at her though, he knew he made a good selection on the kimono.
It hugged her curved body but was loose enough to not seem inappropriate. The colors contrasted nicely with each other and, even though he would not admit it, with himself. He changed to a bright white hakama and haori with a black and silver obi. His still wore his same armor and boots, swords tucked closely at his hip.
"Hn," was all he said as he took Kagome from Reizo. Keeping her to his left and a little behind him, he waited until Reizo introduced them to the full house.
"Miko," came Sesshomaru's silky voice.
"Hm?"
"I want you to push out all your miko energy. Make it be known how powerful you are. And do not let them smell your fear. It hinders your natural scent," he ordered.
She looked at him questioningly. "It was not a comment," he added. He wanted to rub off that blush from her cheeks. He didn't know why it made him feel strange. "Your natural scent is also laced with your power. I do not want them questioning my decision in making you advisor."
She nodded confidently and tucked her hands into the cuffs of her kimono. She saw Reizo enter the grand hall and tried to gulp down her anxiety.
You can do this Higurashi. You battled Naraku countless times, nearly died more than 10 times and already have a son. What's a room full of powerful demons to you? She asked herself trying to bite back her fear. Sesshomaru entered the hall and she saw Reizo extend his hand to her after calling her name.
Because you want to make Sesshomaru proud of you, said a voice in her head. She didn't know where it came from, but she beat it down quickly.
Here goes nothing, she breathed and walked into the room.