InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ Three Meddlesome Foxes ( Chapter 59 )

Chapter Fifty-Nine:

Three Meddlesome Foxes

Kagome sighed with relief as the Great Hall was finally cleared out of guest. Only a few servants and soldiers remained in the Hall, seeing to the tedious job of cleaning up the mess her guests had left behind and setting the furniture up right. It had taken them hours to get everyone arranged and the task had been damn irritating at times. Some of the upper class guest had complained that their rooms were too small, or the furniture in their room was not expensive enough to suit their tastes.

Kagome had had a grand time telling them that if their accommodations were not up to standard, that they could take up this offense with Lord Sesshomaru.

The snobby guests had paled and wisely told her that was not necessary and went to point out the many wonderful things about their rooms. Kagome had merely laughed once she left them. It seemed there were a few perks to being the mate of a powerful, fearsome male.

"Finally," Kagome said rubbing her belly, "It is done."

Shusui nodded as she ran her hands along the skirt of her kimono to smooth away any wrinkles.

"You did very well at managing the chaos, Kagome-sama," Shusui complemented with a smile, "You are very good at playing the gracious hostess, especially with your mate playing the ungracious host, hauled up in his study,"

The disapproving tone in Shusui's voice made Kagome giggle.

"It's alright, Shusui, honestly," Kagome said with a smile, but Shusui would not be swayed from her rant.

Hands on her hips she glared as though Sesshomaru stood before her.

"I tell you, that pup has never played his part as host. He is so much of an anti-social beast, I wonder how he can even string two sentences together without tripping over his words," she proclaimed, "Honestly, you would think with him becoming mated that he would give a care for social appearances. Good Lord, what must the guests be thinking of his behavior?"

Kagome shook her head. Sesshomaru didn't seem the type to care one way or the other, but she figured it would do no good to tell Shusui that.

Just then, the double doors of the Great Hall opened and a woman and male walked inside.

"More guests?" Shusui asked in a low tone, "I had thought we were finished,"

Kagome sighed, she had thought that all the guests had arrived, were accounted for and had been assigned their rooms as well.

A woman's work was never done, it seemed.

Straightening to her full height, Kagome greet the two late comers with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome to the Western lands," Kagome said as she walked towards the two.

The female was young and beautiful, from her features; she could tell that she was of feline descent, as was the male standing next to her. The woman however, looked extremely familiar to Kagome, as if she had seen the woman's face somewhere before, but she was very sure she had not.

"You must be Lady Kagome," the woman said with a bright smile and admiration flaring in her eyes.

"Yes, I am she," Kagome said.

"I knew it! Oh, how I've been dying to meet you, my Lady!" the woman suddenly exclaimed, reaching forward to claim Kagome's hands in her own, "Ever since I heard of the way you ruled the former Northern lands for so long without none being the wiser! You are truly an inspiration, my Lady,"

The male at the young woman's side shifted, a grimace on his ruggedly handsome face.

"Jolicia, that is not the proper way to greet Lady Kagome. You forget yourself," the male said in a booming deep voice.

The woman named Jolicia shot the male a cool, exasperated look, before sighing and dropping down into a curtsy.

"A thousand pardons, my Lady," the woman apologized, glaring at the male beside her from lowered lashes, "It is as my brother's advisor, Sinjaku says, in all the excitement of meeting you, I forgot myself for but a brief moment,"

Kagome giggled, she could tell by the woman's tone that she was nowhere near apologetic.

"There is no need for an apology, I take no offense," Kagome assured her with a smile, "You mentioned a brother, have I met him before?"

The woman straightened from her curtsy and nodded.

"He is Lord Yamiko of the Southern lands," Jolicia said with another glare, the glare no doubt for her brother had he been there, "He is my elder brother. He is twelve years my senior,"

No wonder she looked so darn familiar, she was the female version of her brother, they could have been twins. Their elegant features were the same, even the excited air that seemed to cloak Yamiko, his sister's air however, felt stronger than that of her brother's.

"I did not know he had a sister," Kagome said.

"Yes well, big brother seems to forget things," the woman said irritably and before Sinjaku could stop her, she was off on a rant, "…..important things…important things that I have to remember otherwise the entire Southern lands would be in complete and utter chaos while he shrinks from his duties and runs from brothel to tavern and back again while I-"

"Jolicia, you forget yourself once more," Sinjaku boomed out, a light flush breaking over his cheeks at the mention of the brothel in the presence of Ladies.

Kagome, who had already started laughing by the time Jolicia had complained about the Southern lands being in chaos because Yamiko could not remember important things, doubled over as laughter racked her body and the mention of the brothel brought her to tears of mirth.

"Honestly, Kagome-sama," Shusui chided, her own cheeks flushed with embarrassment, "you should not find amusement in such things,"

The advisor nodded at Shusui's words, his green eyes showing his displeasure.

Jolicia didn't look the least bit repentant; in fact she looked quite unconcerned with the big male's displeasure. Kagome assumed such things happened all the time between the two for the woman to be so flippant about what she had said.

"Well it is a pleasure to meet you both," Kagome said when she could breathe once more, "Please, allow me to show you to a room, or if you would prefer to roam the gardens until the banquet begins,"

Jolicia smiled.

"I would very much enjoy a stroll if you do not mind, my Lady. I have heard of your famous blue roses, I would very much like to see them,"

Kagome nodded with a returning smile.

"Shusui can show you both to my private gardens were I grow them, I'm afraid you will have to excuse me however, it seems my pups will not allow me to wait for the banquet to begin before I take sustenance," Kagome said rubbing her belly with an affectionate hand,"I will join you shortly however, I should not be too long,"

Jolicia nodded.

"Of course my Lady, I will await you,"

Kagome turned to Shusui who gave her an assessing look, as if making sure Kagome was only hungry and not ill in some way.

Seeing the look, Kagome smiled.

"I am fine, Shusui," she assured the older woman.

Shusui hesitated.

"If she is unwell, I will put her to bed at once," said a familiar voice.

Kagome instantly broke into a grin as Sango walked across the Hall towards her, an answering grin upon her lips.

"Sango! You came!" Kagome said as she rushed over to the older woman, arms open.

"Of course I did," Sango said as she went eagerly into her arms and hugged her, "I'll take good care of her," she said to Shusui.

Nodding once, Shusui swept out of the Great Hall, Lady Jolicia and Sinjaku following behind her.

"Where is Miroku?" Kagome asked pulling back.

"He is the study with your mate and father-in-law discussing the happenings back home,"

Kagome instantly turned serious. Kagome had received this weeks reports from the former Northern lands a few days ago and knew things were bad, but if Sango had more recent news, she would damn well want to hear it now instead of waiting for her weekly report to come in a week later.

"Happenings?" she asked, "What happenings?"

Sango inwardly cursed herself. She should not have mentioned it. With Kagome in her condition, it would not bee good to overly distress her. It was bad enough that Sesshomaru had them sending her weekly reports about her former lands.

Kagome didn't need the extra stress.

"Uh…well, things have been a bit hectic, but no more than usual," Sango said, skirting around how bad things were, "Hey, weren't you going to get something to eat? I could use some food as well, I'm starving,"

Kagome narrowed her eyes at the change of subject, saying nothing. Sango was an easy one to crack, had always been. Kagome had used this tactic with her, Miroku and even Rykotsu whenever they tried to keep something from her in the hopes of 'protecting' her. Kagome was not going for it. If she needed protecting, she would damn well do it herself.

She wasn't helpless.

Sango fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the other at the deafening silence. Kagome's glare was unnerving. She had forgotten how pushy Kagome could get, especially when it involved her people.

Sango sighed.

"There have been some new developments, some developments not mentioned in the weekly reports you've been receiving," Sango said.

Kagome's eyes narrowed even more, her arms crossing.

"Now Kagome, Miroku and I thought over it really hard before we decided to leave out information. There is nothing that can be done at the moment, and as much as I hate waiting, with no leads, no witnesses and no clues, waiting is all we can do at the moment. There was no use in upsetting you about a matter you could do nothing about but worry,"

"Sango," Kagome began impatiently.

"Alright, alright," she said with another sigh, "There have been some killings in the villages. Someone or something is wiping out the villagers. Whatever it is seems to bee sucking their very-"

"Souls from their bodies," Kagome interrupted, her eyes wide.

So her vision was beginning to come to pass. Gods she had hoped they had more time!

"You already knew?" Sango asked in confusion, positive she had left that information out in her last report.

"I had a vision a few days ago about it," Kagome said.

"Do you know who or what it is that's doing this?"

"Sort of. The beast that I saw had the face of one of the Evil Six, but it was not really one of the former members, I could tell. Whatever it was, it was using his face,"

"Have you told Lord Sesshomaru this?"

Kagome nodded.

"I'm pretty sure he and Sesshomaru are comparing notes as we speak,"

Sango nodded, "No doubt they are,"

Walking over to the distressed pregnant woman, Sango took her hand.

"But as I said before, there is naught we can do until we have a lead or something to go on," Sango said, "Now, let us get food and then follow that….er…enchanting young woman, Lady Jolicia out to the garden,"

Kagome giggled as Sango led her away.

Kagome spent most of the day with Lady Jolicia, Sango, Shusui and Sinjaku. They mostly spoke of light things, the weather, Kagome's up coming birth, the events to take place here during the festival.

A short time after, Sinjaku had asked Shusui if she would like to take a stroll with him. With a flush on her face as bright as the sun, Shusui had agreed and left with the handsome male. Kagome had smiled to herself, trying not to laugh at Shusui's flustered look.

Truth be told, Shusui had looked like a young school girl. Shusui was always so prim and proper, that Kagome felt it would do her some good to loosen up some.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagura smiled as she dressed in one of her more expensive kimonos. This one was a deep red, matching the color of her eyes as well as the near constant blush she wore since the beginning of the festival. There were black rose petals embroidered at the hem and sleeves, a black obi tied at her waist. She placed her feet into her matching red slippers and looked herself over in the full length mirror.

These past few days had been some the happiest she had ever experienced.

Ensei was the kindest, gentlest male she had ever come across. The two had been spending nearly every moment, of every day together, growing closer and closer and more and more in love.

Well she didn't actually know if Ensei loved her for he had never spoke the words to her, however, she knew that she felt those feeling for him, and that they grew ever stronger with each passing day. The love she felt for him was so strong now, it frightened her.

But tonight was not a night for fear. Tonight was a time of joy and fun and mischief. Tonight Lady Kagome had planned a masquerade ball!

Kagura was so excited!

She had never been to a ball before, let alone a masquerade ball. From what Kagome had explained, they were all to dress up nice and fancy and dance around in masks. Kagura thought it was a ridiculous, silly and exciting concept. She had been looking forward to it all week.

She wondered if Ensei would recognize her or if she would even recognize him. She didn't see how she wouldn't.

She would know him anywhere, no matter what hid his face.

Walking over to her small vanity, she picked up a brush and ran it through her dark hair once more before she was completely satisfied with her appearance. She left the room and headed to Kagome and Sesshomaru's sleeping quarters.

She met Shusui as she was walking down the hall. The older wore an extremely expensive, extremely colorful kimono of just about every color Kagura could think of.

Her hair was piled high atop her head, and a gold mask covered her face. Seeing Kagura, she removed the mask to smile at the younger female.

"You look beautiful, Kagura," the older woman complimented, and with a gleam in her eyes, she added, "And I see you have yet to rid yourself of that most becoming blush that General Ensei has put on your cheeks since his arrival,"

Kagura's blush deepened, but then she smiled, an identical gleaming coming to her own eyes.

"I could say the same for you, Shusui, can I not?"

An instant blush broke out on the older woman's cheeks.

"Nay you cannot," the woman denied.

"No? Shall I fetch Lady Jolicia's advisor and see if that lovely shade of red upon your cheeks can turn crimson?" Kagura said with a smile.

"Nay…" Shusui said averting her face, least the dratted woman see that her blush had already deepened at the mention of the advisor.

Kagura laughed so hard her sides ached while Shusui stood glaring daggers at the woman, her own lips twitching with mirth. She stubbornly refused to join in the laughter.

"Come," Shusui said when the laughter faded, "We must attend Lady Kagome,"

When they arrived at the double doors of the couple's sleeping quarters, Shusui knocked. They wait a brief moment before a teary eyed Kagome opened the door.

She was dressed in a light blue and silver kimono, a silver obi tied at her extended belly. Her hair was mostly pinned up, with a few long curls hanging free down her back and about her shoulders. A silver half mask was in her hand.

"My Lady, what troubles you so?" Shusui asked with concern.

More tears sprang into Kagome's eyes as the two women entered her room. Kagome wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her kimono. She sat Kagome down on the bed as the young woman began to tattle on her wayward mate.

"S-Sesshomaru fired a serving maid and two footmen t-this morning," Kagome said with a sob.

Brows drawing down in confusion, Kagura patted Kagome's hand.

"Why is that, my Lady?"

"Because they dared to pester this Sesshomaru's mate with ridiculous requests," a deep voice said from the other side of the room.

Both women looked up to see Sesshomaru standing in the door frame leading to the bathing facility. He was dressed in one of his best kimonos and hakama, this one matching the color of his mate's kimono, though his consisted of more hues of blues.

"What request did they make?" Shusui asked

"They demanded she tell them their future," Sesshomaru said, "They risked a public flogging for merely demanding anything of this Sesshomaru's mate, however, at the request of his mate, this Sesshomaru has been lenient and dismissed them from their stations,"

Shusui had to admit that Sesshomaru had not done anything wrong there. The servants should know better than to try and make demands of their Lady. It was simply not done, and Sesshomaru had in fact been lenient in merely dismissing the three, he could have had them flogged, then dismissed.

But with Kagome's hormones all over the place, Shusui was pretty sure that Kagome would not be too keen upon hearing that.

"And then he wouldn't l-let me tend to my guests," Kagome tattled with more tears.

"You were nearly falling over with fatigue and had not yet had lunch. This Sesshomaru warned you that you were to rest often, yet you have been running to and fro trying to accommodate our guests," Sesshomaru countered, not the least bit repentant.

Again, Shusui had to admit that again, Sesshomaru had not been in the wrong. Shusui would have done the same. Shusui understood that this festival was important to her, but that did not mean she could put her health at risk to please the guests.

Seeing that Shusui was not yet on her side, Kagome brought up Sesshomaru's biggest crime against her today.

"And now he won't wear his mask!"

"It is a ridiculous accessory that this Sesshomaru does not need," Sesshomaru scuffed.

Finally, a real complaint.

"Now, now Sesshomaru," Shusui began, "You know how important this event is to your mate, surely you would not shame her by not wearing your mask?"

Sesshomaru was not in the least bit moved. He said nothing, simply lifted a silver brow. Shusui stood, hands on her hips.

"Now see here, young man," she said wagging a finger at him, "your mate has gone to great pains to make this ball perfect and yet you would ruin it for her by being selfish….."

Kagura watched as Shusui continued to rant and rave at the silent male, amazed that the woman had the gall to speak to one such as Lord Sesshomaru in such a way. Though she had seen her do it more time than she could count, every time she did so it still amazed her.

Shusui's rant seemed to fuel Kagome's for the young woman dried her tears and also laid into the demon Lord with a few choice words of her own.

Kagura had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the scene. It was times like this that she enjoyed the most about the two women and even Lord Sesshomaru. Even though the demon Lord was outwardly one of the coldest, meanest male she had ever met besides her creator, she sensed that, when it came to Kagome or Shusui, there was softening inside of him.

She knew that despite his emotionless facade, he cared deeply for his mate and former nanny, though she was sure he'd burn in a lake of fire wearing a flammable kimono before he ever admitted to such a softness. But evidence of those soft feelings was all too easy to see.

Especially now, as he silently walked over to Kagome, pulled the silver half mask from her hand and put it on. The mask covered his eyes and nose, leaving the rest exposed, much to the delight of his mate who threw her arms around his neck and kissed him full on his exposed lips in gratitude. Kagura smiled at the show of affection.

She wondered if Ensei would welcome such a display from herself.

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The Great Hall was alive with music and warmth, laughter and good cheer. The guest had dressed to impress, with expensive and colorful kimonos and masks. The last few days had been filled with good tidings and fellowship among youkai, hanyous and humans alike. Even superficial things such as pedigree and social standing had been thrown from the window in favor of games, fun and food.

It was truly a sight to see.

From his place on the outskirts of the celebration, InuYasha glared from beneath his red mask at the masked woman across the room, surrounded by males vying for her attention. Said woman wore a green kimono with teal vines embroidered in twisting patterns, her long dark hair up in some complex female design, a teal mask covered her face, but InuYasha knew who it was.

Jolicia of the Southern lands.

That woman had plagued him none stop since her arrival. It seemed as though wherever he went, she was there, ready to lay hands on him, and not in a gentle way. It was always the same with her, she'd claim he was stalking her and lay into him with her fists and feet.

His left eye still throbbed from the blow she'd delivered just that afternoon when he'd happened upon her while she was out walking the gardens.

InuYasha turned away with a huff.

It wasn't like he was following her exactly and he sure as shit wasn't stalking her. She didn't own this castle or any stretch of land here and he could damn well go wherever he wanted without her approval, if she just happened to be there when he arrived then that was her own damn problem. She could leave if she didn't want him there because he sure as hell wasn't gonna leave.

The sound of feminine laughter caught his attention, and he turned back to where the woman stood by a dozen masked males.

InuYasha narrowed his eyes as she nodded at a tall male in a yellow mask and the gentleman led her out onto the wide space that had been cleared for a dance floor, and began to twirl her around to the beat of the music.

His gut clenched with some unknown emotion before he turned away from the woman once more, and went in search for something to calm his nerves.

He walked over to a table against a wall where goblets of Demon Blood sat. Picking up one, he took a big gulp, letting the liquid burn a hot trail down his throat down to his gut.

What in the hell was the matter with him?

He turned and glared at the dancing woman again.

She was what wrong with him. It was all her fault that he couldn't seem to make sense of or get a hold of his emotions.

Angrily, he took another gulp.

Crazy woman.

Crazy, insane woman.

Crazy, insane, beautiful woman.

He took another gulp of liquid. His fist tightened on the goblet as the male twirling her around said something against her ear and she laughed.

Downing the rest of the liquid, he set his empty goblet down hard on the table before picking up another full glass and heading for the double doors leading outside.

Unbeknownst to him, four pairs of eyes followed his departure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"He did not storm over there and grab her like I thought he would," said a woman as she and her two companions watched the half demon storm out.

"Nay, but Lady Jolicia watches as he departs," another woman said.

"Aye, she does," said yet another woman.

The three female fox youkai stood by the table of Demon Blood. The first young woman that had spoken was called Yuko. She was the daughter of a nobleman here at the festival. No more than nineteen winters old, she was the oldest of the group of women. She had short blue hair, and twinkling light blue eyes. Tonight she wore a dark pink kimono with simple white designs, a white mask covering her entire face.

The second woman that had spoken was also nineteen, but was about three months younger than Yuko. Her name was Yui. She had long, green hair and dark chocolate eyes. She was here with her mother and father. Her father was an Overseer in the Eastern lands. She wore a lighter shade of pink kimono with blue designs, a blue mask covering her face.

The third and final woman was named Yuki. She was eighteen years old with light green eyes and medium length pink hair. She was here with her father, another nobleman from the Eastern lands. She too wore pink, an almost white shade of pink with dark pink designs, a pink mask covering her face.

The three girls had been friends since before they could remember; even their parents were long time friends. All three were fox youkai and extremely well known for causing mischief and getting into trouble. Since arriving at the festival, the three women had instantly met up to discuss ways of shaking up this dull little party.

What this festival needed was romance, passion and mischief!

So far, the three women were watching a few couples quite closely.

The strained relationship between Lord InuYasha and Lady Jolicia for sure. Yui thought the two were cute and just needed a little…"push" to get things going, while Yuki thought the two were headed for disaster and was eager to watch that disaster unfold. The three had decided they would try and get an entertaining reaction from the two.

Then there was the sweet relationship between General Ensei and the servant Kagura. Yuko was very keen to see the romantic relationship bloom into fiery passion, but the bothersome woman Kagura seemed to be shy and reluctant to engage in an intimate relationship, much to Yuko's disappointment. Thus the group had decided they too needed a "push" in the right direction.

And last was the pushy Lady Shusui and the ogre Sinjaku. Yuki thought the two were cute, while Yuko thought they were two grouchy old people that need to be put away. The two were always so prim and proper, always correcting the younger people. Yui thought two could use a huge "push". They needed to loosen up.

"Oh wait, look, look, look!" Yui Suddenly whispered in excitement.

Both women turned to see what had gotten their friend so excited to see Lady Jolicia detangle herself from her dance partners and group of male followers. She offered the male's some excuse before walking out of the same doors Lord InuYasha himself had walked out.

"Come, come, we must follow and watch the firework," Yui said, as she walked across the Hall, shifting through the cluster of bodies, her two friends in tow.

The three followed the feline youkai out to Lady Kagome's private gardens, cloaking their scent and taking care to make their steps light, least they be heard. Finding a large enough bush to house them, the three women took refuge and tuned their ears to hear the conversation between the male and female a few feet away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With Sesshomaru's mask finally on and Kagome finally in control of her raging hormones, the group finally made their way down to the ball. The guests were dancing and laughing and overall having a great time.

Kagome was glad to see that her festivals seemed to be a success. So far there had not been incidents or problems between the guests and for that she was grateful. This was her first planned celebration as the new Lady of the Western lands, for however long that would last. She sighed as that thought instantly put a damper on her good mood.

Sesshomaru didn't want to talk about their uncertain status as the Lord and Lady of the Western lands and the courts had agreed to put off the decision until the Evil Six was taken care of.

But to Kagome, things didn't look good for them.

Since InuTaisho's return, Kagome had noticed that the people came to him for answers to their problems before they even thought to address Sesshomaru. Though some did still come to the demon Lord, most tended to lean towards Lord InuTaisho.

Kagome didn't hold against Lord InuTaisho or even the people of the Western lands, but she got the feeling that Sesshomaru was not of the same mind.

His glare that he usually leveled upon his father had grown even more deadly and cold.

Clearly, his animosity and resentment towards his father was growing rather than weakening, even though her mate would die before he admitted that. Kagome wasn't blind though. She could see for herself so his confession was not needed.

Kagome thought it was a shame that Sesshomaru could not forgive his father; Lord InuTaisho was not really a bad person. He seemed to be kind and considerate. He had just made a mistake, that was all. She was pretty sure that he had not done what he did in order to deliberately harm his son. He seemed like the type that would cut his own arm off before he hurt either one of his children.

Turning her attention back to the ball, Kagome paced on her most dazzling smile behind her blue mask and prepared to play the charming hostess. Within moments, she was able to convince Sesshomaru to take her for a turn on the dance floor.

As Sesshomaru led her off, General Ensei saw his chance and walked over to the two remaining females. Kagura had drawn his attention from across the room the moment she had descended the steps with the small party of four.

He could tell when she spotted him, for her neck turned red and he had no doubt that had she not worn a mask, her face would be equally as red. He enjoyed putting that blush on her beautiful face.

Taking her hand in his own, he bowed low over it.

"Might I trouble you for a dance or two fair maiden?" he asked, his brown eyes twinkling.

"Of course," Kagura said.

Shusui watched as the two headed for the dance floor, a smile on her face.

"With both Lady Kagome and Kagura already dancing it only seems fair that I should have the honor of dancing with you, Lady Shusui," said a booming voice from behind her.

Shusui turned, feeling a familiar blush steal up her neck and face. She cleared her throat.

"Why yes, that would only seem fair,"

As he took her into his strong arms, Shusui felt her head spin and her heart beat pick up. How long had it been since she had danced with a male?

How long had it been since she felt like a real woman?

The world seemed to float away, and all of a sudden it was only him and her dancing in that crowded Hall. As she looked up into his green eyes behind the mask, smoldering with desire, her stomach clenched.

It had been too long she finally decided.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you all enjoyed! I have absolutely no idea where the idea for Yuko, Yui, and Yuki came from, it just popped into my little head, but I'm thinking I can have some fun with those three. I have all sorts of ways they will manipulate the love birds in this story.

Laters

~Sessakag