InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A New Twist ❯ Kidnapped! ( Chapter 26 )

Disclaimer: I do not own it. I've been trying to buy the rights, but they won't except slave labor.

 

Chapter 26

 

Ether sighed as Lily made a few adjustments to her elaborate kimono. “Do I really have to do this?” Ether asked to no one in particular. She strained her ears and barely heard the Lords arriving. With each second passing she was growing more and more nervous.

Lily smiled comfortingly and gave her friend a soft hug. “You'll be the most beautiful female there.”

Ether sighed exasperated. “I'm not worried about that, I'm more worried about falling over my own feet and embarrassing myself…and then dishonoring Sesshomaru.”

Lily's smile widened and she giggled softly. “I wouldn't worry too much Ether. Everything will go wonderfully.”

As much as Ether wanted to believe her friend, she just felt like something wrong was going to happen today. Maybe the anxiety was just the pregnancy.

“You look beautiful my lady,” Lily said as she stood back to observe her handiwork. Her design of the kimono hid the fact Ether was pregnant. “You will stun the visiting Lords and Ladies.”
Ether squirmed and straightened her kimono over and over. She strained her ears slightly and heard the distant chatter of the Lords and Ladies that had already arrived. They had been arriving all morning. “I guess I can't prolong this any more,” Ether said with trepidation. “I better go make an appearance.”

Lily smiled comfortingly and gave her friend a hug. “Stand tall and proud Ether, for you are the lady of the Western Lands, mated to the Lord Sesshomaru, and a dragon. This is all just traditional protocol,” Lily winked. “If anything, they should be trying to impress you.”
Ether felt as if some of the weight on her shoulders lifted with Lily's words. She was right. There wasn't anything any of those stuck up Lord's could do to ruin her mating with Sesshomaru. Ether smiled. Now that she was with pup their mating couldn't be broken short of one of them dying.

There was a soft knock on the door. “My lady, Lord Sesshomaru has asked you to come down to receive the guests,” one of the many serving girls stated from just outside the door.

Ether ran a hand over her slowly growing stomach. “Tell my Lord I will be right down,” She replied. Ether turned to Lily, her eyes betraying the fear she was trying to hide.

“You will do fine my friend. Remember, you will be the most radiant female there! The males will fall over their own feet to greet you,” Lilly giggled. Her giggle became infectious and Ether started giggling as well.

Ether took a deep breath and left her room, leaving Lily behind. She followed the hall, the voices of their guests becoming louder and louder. Her wings twitched in anticipation. What would the Lords think when they saw her? Was Lilly really right about them respecting her and trying to impress her?

It was the silence that swept through the entrance hall at her appearance that made her stop for a second and think about running back to her room. Then her eyes met her mates and she began descending the stairs.

 

Sesshomaru had been busy welcoming the Lords and Ladies one after the other. Each seemed either bored or vaguely interested in his choice to finally take a mate. Sesshomaru felt like rolling his eyes just as another lord and lady gave their congratulations.

There was one female though that he wanted to destroy. If it hadn't been for tradition's sake, he would have banned her from ever coming close to his castle. Lady Sakura seemed…strange today. She was subdued and she had an evil glint in her eyes. `If she tries anything, I'll have her head.' A small growl escaped his throat.

Just as another Lord, this one from the main land, came up to greet him, silence filled the hall.

Sesshomaru felt his mates aura at the top of the stairs and he grinned inwardly. He hadn't specified what his mate was, he was sure by the expressions surrounding him they had never thought his mate would be a dragon.

Ether looked radiant. Whether it was the pregnancy, or her pure beauty, there seemed to be a pure radiance around her. He saw as she hesitated at the top of the stairs, the demon Lords and Ladies unnerving her. He flared his youki slightly through their bond and her eyes met his. A spark traveled down his body and he had to force himself from grabbing his mate and taking her back to their rooms.

He watched as she gracefully descended the stairs, their eyes never parting. He heard whispers from several of the demons. Some appraising, others surprised, and some just gossiping. He ignored everything.

Ether seemed to float to his side, her expression respectful and her eyes demure. She looked to be the perfect mate for him, a Lord of high standing and power. The two looked at each other one last time before turning their attentions back to the demon guests.

 

Sakura raged inwardly. This was not the half dragon bitch she had seen two months ago. This was a full bloodied, pregnant dragon! She kept herself in check, but was snarling and raging inwardly. The only way she could have Sesshomaru as her mate now was to kill the bitch. She listened as Sesshomaru introduced the dragon bitch, Ether, as his mate. Proclaimed that they were expecting his first heirs, and that the feast would be served shortly.

She took count of the demon's reactions. Most males were surprised and envious of his mate. The few younger males she could see were openly staring at Sesshomaru's mate. The females were either disappointed Sesshomaru was taken or were judging his chosen mate quietly. The majority of the older Lords and Ladies seemed to approve of his choice.

`I will not allow this,' she thought as she followed the procession into the dining hall for the feast. `He must be mine!' she smiled as other spoke to her, passing along congratulations along with others. `This plan will work.'

 

Ether felt her nervousness fade slowly as the feast went on and on. Most of the females wanted to know who the designer of the fabulous kimono was, the males wanted to know what clan she was from. Sesshomaru was able to divert the majority of the uncomfortable questions away.

It was when a familiar scent tickled her nose that her spirits rose considerably. She felt Sesshomaru grab her hand to keep her from jumping up and running to her sister.

Jaken announced the arrival of Kagome and Inu-Yasha quickly, and ushered the two inside. It seemed Lilly had gotten hold of them before they had come to dinner, because both were dressed regally. Inu-Yasha with the crest of the Inu house and Kagome in a beautiful robe with the crest of her families shrine on it.

Many of the demons began whispering and glaring at the two, until Sesshomaru rose. Silence filled the large room as Sesshomaru made a much better introduction for the two.

“Inu-Yasha is my half brother, son of my father the late Inu Taisho. He has every right to be here as my only next of kin. Higurashi Kagome is Lady Ether's half sister and is most welcomed on this day to respect and honor the mating between Ether and myself,” He waved with one hand where Inu-Yasha and Kagome would sit.

Kagome sat gracefully, having learned her manners from her mother for years. Inu-Yasha sat down as well, but kept his arms crossed over his chest. He didn't say anything, but his ears were flat against his skull.

“Kagome, I've missed you!” Ether said softly, squeezing Kagome's hand gently with one of her own. The two looked nothing alike now that Ether had gotten past her coming of age.

Kagome smiled and looked at her sister more closely. The change made her look more different then she had first expected. The only thing that seemed to stay the same, was the facial structure. They had the same lips, same checks, and their hair parted the same way. Other then that they really didn't look like sisters anymore.

“I've missed you too Ether,” Kagome whispered just as softly.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, talk started back up slowly. Several jugs of sake were passed around the demons began to relax once more. Some of the females even made attempts at talking to Kagome. A couple even tried to flirt with Inu-Yasha only to be shot down by his gruff replies.

All heads turned to the large doors when they were slammed open. Kagome groaned as the last person she wanted to see walked through the door.

“What's this about you getting mated Sesshomaru?” A very drunk Kouga said as he sauntered into the dining hall. He had obviously been drinking for the happy occasion. Perhaps it was because he was so drunk, or that Kagome's scent was laced with Inu-Yasha's, but it took Kouga several minutes to realize Kagome was in fact there.

“Kagome! Now why would I find my woman here!” He plopped himself right down between Kagome and Ether, Ether sending him a half angry glare for being separated from her sister.

“Kouga, not here. I'm not your woman,” Kagome whispered, giving Sesshomaru a pleading glance.

“Prince Kouga, show some control. Miko Kagome his here to honor her sister.” Sesshomaru said, his face straight but his eyes betraying how furious he was.

“My woman has a sister?” Kouga said, his words slurring slightly. The other demons were trying to get back to their meals, having seen Kouga like this many times before.

“Yes, I do. Now Kouga please behave!” Kagome pleaded, she really didn't need Inu-Yasha starting a fight with Kouga here and now.

“Lets meet this sister of yours Kagome!”

Kagome sighed and Ether bit her lip. `This guy is really drunk,' Ether thought. `How does Kagome know someone like him?'

“Kouga, my sister is the one mated to Lord Sesshomaru,” Kagome felt like grinding her teeth, but restrained herself.

Kouga spun around and gave Ether a rather large pat on the back, causing Sesshomaru to growl low in his throat.

The growl seemed to knock some sense into Kouga and he silvered up a bit. “Sorry Lord Sesshomaru, just got a bit excited when I found out lord stick up his ass finally found a mate!” If it wasn't for the fact Kouga was a prince, as well as an important ally, Sesshomaru would have beheaded him instantly.

 

Needless to say dinner ran a little more smoothly when Kouga went unconscious from all the alcohol he had consumed. After the meal, everyone went to the main ballroom, which Ether had only been in once before during her previous explorations.

“Jaken, have Prince Kouga escorted to his guest room,” Sesshomaru said softly, wrinkling his nose at the site of the intoxicated and unconscious wolf. Jaken nodded and swiftly summoned several servants to help remove Kouga from sight.

Sesshomaru glanced to where his mate was. Now that Ether had her sister, she was calming down considerably.

“I must say Lord Sesshomaru, the circumstances around your new mate are most intriguing,” A male voice said from behind him. The bear lord of the east walked up to Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru nodded. Lord Kannin was an old family friend, having watched and counseled the Sesshomaru when he was younger. “That they are Lord Kannin. But I think you will find Ether makes a very suitable mate.” Sesshomaru's eyes dared Kannin to deny this fact.

“A dragon is very much a suitable mate. Hard to find, powerful, a mystery even to the demon community,” Lord Kannin paused. “I just find it interesting that her sister happens to be a miko human.”

If it had been anyone other then Kannin, Sesshomaru would have threatened to behead them.

“The miko is her half sister. A few days before mating season Ether came of age and her human blood was eradicated by her dragon blood.”

Kannin nodded. He knew the myths, legends, and stories behind dragons. He knew them very well being as old as he was.

“She is very beautiful,” Sesshomaru eyed Kannin. “And very respectful to others. She listens well and acknowledges those around her.” Sesshomaru stayed silent as the bear demon lord continued his analysis of Ether.

The two lord's watched the young dragoness as she was surrounded by other demoness', each one asking questions or just talking to her. Several of the male demons even came up to talk to her.

 

Ether smiled sweetly as each demoness came up to offer their congratulations and to ask questions. There were some she couldn't answer, one being where she was from. Kagome would interrupt then and would sometimes lead the conversation away from their home. The demons weren't taking well to Kagome, but out of respect for Sesshomaru and his new mate, they tolerated the miko. Inu-Yasha on the other hand found he had a better reception then Kagome did.

“There is dragon blood in my clan,” The demon lord from China said with pride. “That makes us practically cousins! If ever you need something Juushimai, know that the imperial demon clan of China will assist you,” With that the Chinese lord bowed and left to speak to others.

After awhile Ether just couldn't take it anymore. She was feeling way too crowded and needed some fresh air. “Kagome I need to go outside for a moment,” She whispered to her sister. Kagome nodded and made a diversion so Ether could make her way to the garden just outside of the ballroom.

Ether took a deep calming breath of fresh air and slowly walked into the garden. Already she was feeling more and more relaxed.

Little did Ether know, she had been followed.

“Beautiful night, wouldn't you think?” Lady Sakura said softly, making Ether jump slightly.

“Oh, yes it is!” Ether smiled and turned so she was facing the cat demoness.

“Tell me, between females, how did you snare Sesshomaru as your mate?” Sakura said bluntly. She wouldn't jump around her question. Silently, she slipped her hands behind her back and into her sleeve. She tapped the hive in her hand and a lone wasp flew into the darkness.

Ether, distracted by the question, did not see the wasp. “I…I don't know what you are talking about.” She looked at Sakura quizzically.

“Sesshomaru has refused to take a mate for years!” Sakura said sweetly, a little too sweetly. “I was just wondering how you seduced him is all. Everyone is wondering how you did it!” She giggled softly.

Ether flushed angrily. “I did not seduce him! I got to know him! He is one of the most wonderful demons I have ever met. If anything he seduced me!” It was the truth. Before she had met him, Ether hadn't even thought about mating or children. Now she had one and the other was on the way.

Sakura snarled suddenly. “That I find hard to believe. You tricked him! He was supposed to be my mate!” She moved to block the path back to the ballroom, which Ether had been inching towards.

Ether felt a chill go down her back suddenly and she took a step back. Something was horribly wrong! `Sesshomaru!' Her mind called out just as a sinister laughter sounded from behind her.

 

Sesshomaru felt a chill go down his body and he glanced around. So absorbed in his discussions with the other lords, he had lost site of his mate. He caught site of Kagome who was anxiously looking around. Inu-Yasha was also looking around with a disgusted and angry expression.

“What is going on?” Sesshomaru asked softly when he approached Kagome and Inu-Yasha.

“Ether went out to get some air and then…” Kagome started and then shivered. “I thought I sensed Naraku.”

Sesshomaru took a deep breath, following his mates scent. He snarled as another caught his attention. “Sakura,” He hissed as he ran for the garden, Kagome and Inu-Yasha close behind.

Just as they reached the door, a scream pierced the air, causing the visiting demons to pause.

Sesshomaru hurtled into the garden but stopped dead at the sight before him.

Ether was unconscious and in the arms of Naraku. Lady Sakura was standing a few feet away, a dagger in her hands.

“Kukuku, I see you have finally shown up.”

 

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Feh, I know it's been awhile but I've had very little inspiration to keep me going. I knew what I wanted to happen, but not how. Perhaps a few reviews would help inspire me to write more?

 

Juushimai - Female cousin