A/N

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Make sure you did not skip the Chapter 14 and 15! I am posting a ton of chapters tonight, so don't accidentally skip previous ones!

~Smo

Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any characters associated with InuYasha.

Chapter 16

She was so groggy. Kagome's eyes felt so very heavy, and yet, she still had another four hours before this event ended. Her joints were sore, and she wondered if all priestesses felt this way after using their powers all at once.

The dress she wore was as elegant as she forced herself to look. The crimson red silk hugged her body loosely, trailing behind her in a curved train. The strapless bodice was covered in a jewel-scattered layer of white lace. The stones caught the light in every direction, making her sparkle as if she were somehow a celestial being. Many heads turned in her presence, eying her as if she were a high-class demoness, but they turned away when they realized she was the priestess.

Her ebony hair was swept up in a loose bun. Tendrils seemed to escape and bounce in waves down her back and frame her face. Her sapphire eyes were outlined and enhanced by brown eyeliner put on by a professional artist Christopher had hired just for her. The lipstick she wore was peach colored and worked in contrast with her pale skin. When she had looked in the mirror, Kagome hadn't even recognized herself.

"You should be preparing for your speech," Christopher grumbled from behind her. Kagome started, her heart racing at the scare. The red wine in her glass tipped over the edge, sliding down the side and dripping onto her finger.

"You scared me!" she whispered harshly while turning to face him. He was wearing an amused smirk on his face. His hair was combed back, but the lengthy strands still curled at the bottom of his neck. His tuxedo was black with a red dress shirt beneath it. A white bow-tie wrapped around his neck. The size of the suit was perfect, showing his muscular arms and shoulders when he made smooth hand gestures. "I needed a drink," she finally replied, referring to the remark he had used to startle her.

"Come, I will walk you back to the stage." In a show of encouragement, Christopher offered his arm to her, which she happily took. "I still feel as if I should thank you for healing me last night. It was a childish battle."

Kagome laughed at the recent memory. Shaking her head, she smiled up at the daiyoukai, leaning her head against his shoulder and sighing. "No need to thank me, Chris. I am a natural hero." She snorted, feeling anything but heroic after the whole situation. She felt used, vulnerable, and weak. Kagome wanted nothing more than to hide out in her bed again and try to remind herself how much work using priestess energy was.

Chris's throaty chuckle helped ease her nerves. He seemed to carry a calming presence around him that affected her. She leaned her head against his shoulder to hide another yawn. "Have you talked to your puppy today?"

His question made her want to groan. Sesshoumaru was becoming much too tedious to deal with. She even contemplated moving again and changing her name. Maybe she could actually get away from him if she left the country. Her heart didn't seem too excited about the idea though, and she knew deep down she didn't want to leave him. The only thing she wanted was for him to step up and decide what he really wanted, not follow simple directions.

"No," Kagome answered easily. "I woke up about an hour ago, remember? It took a lot to heal you large demons. I still cannot believe you were all in a fight to begin with. All of you are centuries old and still start a skirmish over a girl that is available to none of you." She flushed the reminder of what had created the fight. "Why is that? Why did you fight over me?"

"Well, Daitaro and I fought to defend you. Speaking of which, I would like to warn you to stay away from Naraku," he added, as if he had forgotten about the latter. "Something is off about that overgrown spider."

"I try to stay away from him when I can," Kagome grumbled. "He is Kagura's father and Sesshoumaru's future father-in-law. I would rather not associate with the insect."

"Good girl," he laughed, patting her on the head gently as to not disturb a hair on her head. "I have a surprise for you."

Kagome started when she looked up at him. Surprises had never been her strong suit. "You didn't need to do that..." she trailed off, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. If the past five years had taught her anything, surprises tended to be bad the majority of the time.

"Dear kamis, you look as if you have seen a murder," Chris rasped, stopping to look down at her. Worry and apprehension soaked her eyes, making them a watery and shimmering blue. Her hands suddenly felt sweaty and cold. "What on Earth made you hate surprises?"

Kagome shuddered at his stunned question. Unfortunately, she couldn't control her eyes as they darted to stare at Sesshoumaru and Daitaro across the room. As if feeling her stare, Sesshoumaru's golden eyes connected with hers. The deep amber depths seeming to pull her in. Clearing her throat and breaking the stare, Kagome flushed and looked up at Christopher. "Sorry. Surprises scare me far more than excite me."

"I see," Christopher answered knowingly, continuing their trek towards the stage where the orchestra was playing off to the side. A lone microphone stand stood front and center, and Kagome felt the familiar nerves of public speaking. "Well, I believe this one will be more pleasant than the others."

"She sure as hell better be happy." The gruff voice made Kagome grin. She didn't wait for Christopher to keep up with her. With a delighted squeal, she ran for the side curtain. Throwing back the curtain, she stared at Koga, who looked far better in a lab coat than a tuxedo. She could handle him in a lab coat, but a tuxedo was far too devastating.

His dark hair was pulled into a loose bun with two chopsticks. The bowtie was a dark brown and slightly crooked. The white, pristine dress shirt was wrinkled but hardly noticeable under the jacket and blazers. Sunglasses sat on top of his head, keeping his hair back. "Christopher said you may need me," he said with that wolfish smirk she was so used to.

Kagome's grin was blinding to both Christopher and Koga. Her happiness was obvious in her aura, which was lighter and less tense. Koga released a grunt when she threw her arms around him, pressing her body against him. He cleared his throat awkwardly, patting her back and realizing it was exposed in the dress. "Damn, Kagome. You really know how to clean up."

She flushed and released a laugh. Her nerves had almost disappeared when the music died down. It was her cue to give her speech. Taking a deep breath, she cast a smile to Koga and Christopher. "I'll make it quick."

Christopher nodded to her with a grin. Her happiness was contagious. He watched her walk onto the stage as if she owned it. Her chin was up, her strides even and confident. The woman was meant to be in the spotlight, even if she didn't know it. The phone in his pocket began to vibrate, and he groaned at the interference. "I have to take this," he announced to Koga, gesturing towards the hallway that led to the bathroom.

Bringing the device to his ear, he barked out a rough greeting. His assistance cleared her throat on the other line. "Sir, I looked into the matter you mentioned this morning and I found a few … suspicious things. First, the demon you had me look into isn't only in shipping companies but also in a few political circles. I am sure you know this." She paused to take a breath. "However, his daughter is nowhere to be found. She exists only on paper but has hardly anything to do with society. It's like he made her specifically for mating, which is crazy."

"Crazy, but not unheard of," Christopher returned, dragging his attention away and peering around the corner. Kagome was still talking on stage.

"I understand that, sir," his secretary chirped curtly. "That's when I changed my search from Naraku to the Taishos. I know that was not what you told me to do, but I believe you will be more than happy with what I found. Last winter, Mr. Naraku purchased two other shipping companies that Mr. Daitaro frequently used. After Mr. Naraku purchased the companies, they were drastically changed to shipping companies used for military or government products, not for Daitaro's. Now, the sole shipper for Taisho products is his main company. Mr. Naraku basically took away all of his options. If he chooses to go to the government for shipping, Mr. Daitaro will have no way to do his less human products, which is his primary product."

Christopher blinked as he took the information in. It was true that the Taisho business specialized in demonic products such as concealments and treasures recovered from feudal era. However, even Christopher had ties to the government that would cover him should the need ever arise. After all, he was a European daiyoukai, and government was rather important. It almost made him laugh when he thought about Daitaro being too stubborn to fold into the power of a human organization.

"Naraku is using Kagura to mate with Sesshomaru, giving the company over to Naraku all together," Christopher mused. "That's why he's showing so much interest in Kagome's research," he added, eyes slightly widening with realization. If Kagome was actually able to make a way for hanyous to avoid transforming once a month or actually figuring out what caused it and how, Naraku would want his hands on it first. It would be the first discovery of its kind. He would be able to use Daitaro's company's reputation to buy it and his company to ship it.

"Sir?"

"You need a raise," he exclaimed before slamming the phone shut. Turning, he strode back out to the floor. Kagome's sapphire eyes caught his up on the stage. He nodded his head, hoping she would understand that he had all the answers. Now, he just had to figure out what he would do with them. He could easily use this as a way to manipulate Daitaro, but he hardly felt the need to do that. For centuries, he had stayed out of the dog's way.

"Thank you all," Kagome finished her speech, giving a low bow that caused a few tendrils of hair to come block her face and frame her pale complexion. He could sense a few males reacting to her with desire. A sudden, almost paternal feeling took over, and he felt the need to pummel each one.

Kagome left the stage just as the music began to play again. It sounded like a big band tune, and he watched other couples swing onto the dance floor. A moment later, Koga and Kagome emerged, arm in arm. He remembered listening to Koga the morning after him and Kagome had committed their little tryst. Koga knew what Sesshomaru was going through. Christopher hummed curiously. Was this woman so enchanting? A part of him already knew the answer.

Kagome's laugh brought him out of his thoughts. Her head was tipped back with her giggles as Koga twirled her beneath his arm and rocked her back and forth to the trumpets quick beat. Christopher allowed his own smile to appear on his lips.

"Hard to believe she is so dangerous," Daitaro grumbled from beside him. Instantly, his smile disappeared. After what he had just learned from his secretary, he didn't know whether he wanted to punch the dog or warn him.

"Only when she feels threatened," Christopher returned instantly. Kagome would never hurt something purposely unless she felt as if she were defending herself. Daitaro and Sesshomaru had backed her into a corner, and now she was trying to get out of it. "I believe she's not the only one in a corner."

The dog's eyes narrowed; Christopher saw the movement. "I see you've been digging around," Daitaro muttered under his breath, folding his arms across his chest. "Are you going to switch to Naraku's side?"

"Good heavens no," Christopher replied, shocked. Never would he side with that spider demon. "I am on her side, whatever side that may be. Even if she crosses into your kennel, I'll support her."

"Why?" Daitaro wondered.

"She is determined. All she want is everyone's happiness," Christopher answered. "However, that's what got her in her situation. She wanted your son's happiness, even if that meant sacrificing herself." When the words left him, he thought of his mate, who he had lost so long ago on the battlefield. His throat clenched, jaw tensed. "She reminds me of her."

They both went quiet. The death of Christopher's mate was what got them in this long fight. "I never knew her," Daitaro spoke softly, gently.

Christopher's eyes narrowed. Pushing off the wall, he clenched his fists. He was unable to look at Daitaro. "But you still killed her," he whispered. Daitaro opened his mouth but closed it. Christopher continued, "I understand you are in a tight position, and for that I feel somewhat bad for you. However, would you sacrifice your son's happiness to fix a mistake in business?"

"He knows his duty," Daitaro argued stiffly.

"It is no longer the feudal era. No one will care about his sacrifice. The only thing you will have accomplished is damning your son to a life without the one he loves," Christopher argued, looking up into the golden eyes that had haunted his nightmares. "You have never understood how that feels, Daitaro, but I have."

"You will start a war over a woman?" Daitaro asked. A grim twist of Christopher's lips made Daitaro frown. "Again?"

"I will start a war to help your son," Christopher growled with such finality in his tone that Daitaro could only stare, "though it is something his father should be doing." Turning, Christopher left Daitaro stewing and pushed through the crowd. Kagome and Koga were still dancing, and he lay a hand on Koga's shoulder to part them. "May I have this next one?" he asked.

Kagome nodded with a grin while Koga moved away. Her fragile hand was so small compared to his, and she gave a delicate laugh when he rolled her into his arm and allowed her to spin outwards.

The lovely smile she gave him almost made him falter. She was just like her. His late mate had fought so hard for him, wanting nothing more than her happiness. He had been blind to her determination, and it had cost her life. With Naraku plotting to overthrow Daitaro, Kagome would need to choose. She could no longer hope for both Sesshomaru and her career. If she wanted to free Sesshomaru from his father's clutches, they would need to change tactics and move quicker. However, if she wanted to continue up the ladder and find her own success, she would need to cut ties with him and not get dragged down with the rest of the Taisho's.

"I have looked into the matter, Kagome," he whispered into her ear. Not giving her time to open her mouth, he cleared his throat. "You need to make a decision. Will you fight for your independence, or will your fight for Sesshomaru? I am afraid you can no longer have both."