InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 17 ( Chapter 16 )

Dear readers,

 

As my first task since getting home half an hour ago, I sit down to write this to everyone:

 

It is with great pains that I write this notice. As most of you know, I was recently on a vacation trip. Like most people, I need some R & R once in a while.

 

This past Sunday, however, I decided to check the reviews on the different sites on which my story is posted. While most of the reviews were normal (and by this I mean, both good and bad reviews), many were just plain insulting.

 

I've REPEATEDLY stated that, as a writer and mature adult, I accept - and welcome - both kinds of reviews. Nevertheless, there are some reviewers out there who don't know the meaning of tact. I mean, if readers are going to tell me that my story “was not good” or “boring” OR even “lacking”, then I would at least appreciate that these people express it the way it should be and NOT in a childish way! Leaving me notes that say that I should “learn to write better”, “make SURE Kagome and Sesshoumaru are more like they should be or don't write at all”, “think before I write” or “next time write something that doesn't bore the hell out of them”, is not being tactful!

 

And let me just say that those were some of the mild ones!

 

What makes me angry is not WHAT was written, but WHO wrote them! Some of those “reviewers” who left those messages were 12-year-old kids that can't write if their life depended on it! Most of them have never even written anything themselves! Others ranted but only signed “anonymous”. What the hell is that?! If they are going to dish at me, then at least have the gall to sign your freaking name!

 

If someone leaves a bad review, I think I've let everyone know that this kind of criticism is not necessarily bad to me. One thing that I've learned as a writer, is that with the good comes the bad. And tasteful criticism helps in keeping you grounded.

 

But there is a fine line between these things.

 

Just like the fact that if someone doesn't like my story...then...STOP READING IT!!! Please be mature and don't leave complain after complain in each chapter! No one is forcing or putting a gun to anyone's head to read this story.

 

Any of my readers (and there are some) who know me personally, know that I am the most patient and accepting person in the world. That in no way means that I will let anyone disrespect myself and/or my work. Any writer, who has done me the honor of reading my story, knows that it takes SO MUCH work and dedication to put into words what you envision. That it's hard to portray to readers what you `see'. And, even harder to try and please everyone.

 

And, on that note... I want to express FOR THE LAST TIME... that this is an alternate universe. I've tried to go beyond the norm, beyond the usual and beyond the reality of the anime. The personalities of my characters are the way they are for A PARTICULAR REASON. Time and time again, I've stated that this first installment of my trilogy is PRE-ANIME!! So, for any who still tell me the same thing about Kagome and Sesshoumaru... this means that both characters ARE NOT and CANNOT be the same! With that in mind, it is only logical that they will, at some point in my ENTIRE trilogy, be their same old selves. So, please refrain from TELLING or ASKING WHY these characters are not themselves! I WON'T ANSWER ANYTHING IN RESPECT TO THIS ISSUE ANY LONGER!

 

However...

 

I am in no way an ingrate. I do appreciate - and thank - all those reviewers who suggest changes and correct me on a particular grammar error. I'm only human and do tend to make mistakes!

 

It makes me feel so good when I get reviews that say “how mad they are at a certain character” or “hope that a specific thing will happen or didn't happen”. It just shows how involved with your story readers can get. I love it when I read a message that tells me that despite certain deviations in characters, they will continue to read my story! Even that one or two reviews where a reader praises your effort but cannot find a liking to your fanfic!

 

Those are the reviews that build you up! That makes all those horrible ones seem like nothing!

 

Like a realist, I don't expect everyone to enjoy or like my story. I just expect some form of respect just like a try to give it back.

 

As for now, I'm still trying to get over my anger. Because, unfortunately, yes... I am way past angry right now! It's hard! At one point, I was willing to just completely forget about continuing my story and only letting a few selected reviewers receive the rest of my story. But then I came to my senses (about two seconds later) and realized that that was stupid and cowardly on my behalf. I'd like to think that I'm better than that.

 

For now, I can only hope for the best in the future.

 

And now that I've finally vented (which was overdue, really)...

 

Updates should return by this weekend. I'm still not sure. It depends, I guess, on how less angry I still am...

 

 

A very disappointed,

Fallenarchangel a.k.a WhiteLotus a.k.a 4TheLoveOfInu

 

 

She walks in beauty, like the night

of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes.

-Lord Byron, “She Walks in Beauty”

 

CHAPTER 17

 

“May I have your attention? Announcing the Inu no Taishou, Daiyoukai of the Western Lands and his guest Lady Kagome, Princess of Nippon.”

 

Everyone seized what they were doing and turned their gaze towards the two figures that had just appeared at the entrance of the huge garden and bowed reverently. Gasps, mainly from the female demons, were heard across the field when they realized the accompanying female was human.

 

Trying to break the silence, the Inu no Taishou addressed his guests. “It is an honor to welcome every single one of you into my home. We are here today to celebrate two joyous events. The first reason for celebration is the defeat of the Eastern enemy, Lord Otoya, by the hands of Lady Kagome.” He half-circled to the miko and continued, “It is because of her that we can stand here today victorious.”

 

Rotating to face his guests once more he spoke, “And the second reason, and for me, a more important motive for celebration, is the choosing of my son's mate. So, please, enjoy the evening and later my son will be making his announcement.”

 

Kagome almost fainted at those last words. Fortunately, the music began to play and the humming of the youkai told her that they did not notice the color leave her face.

 

Several demoness came to surround the Daiyoukai and the miko, wanting to know about her, being that she was human. She tried to answer their questions as politely and accurately as possible. Seeing how uncomfortable she felt, the Inu no Taishou excused himself taking her with him.

 

“You seem tense. Is everything alright?” Lana's voice came from behind her.

 

“Lana. This is Inu no Taishou-sama. Inu no Taishou-sama this is Lana.” She motioned for her handmaid. The inu-youkai let pass the retreating step in their almost-friendship.

 

Bowing to Lana, he spoke, “Hajimemashite (how do you do?). It is a pleasure to once again see you Lana-san. The years have been very kind to you.” To this Kagome, raised a brow and faced Lana.

 

“Fine, my lord. It has been years since our last encounter. Arigatou.” She responded with a smile. “Would it be too much of a burden to speak to you in private?”

 

“Certainly not. What about?”

 

“Your heir.”

 

The Inu no Taishou furrowed his brows, but accepted, leading Lana to a more secluded corner. Kagome was about to protest but a light tap on her shoulder stopped her. She twisted to her right, ready to purify whoever it was that had made contact, only to see a beautiful dark-haired wolf demoness smiling at her.

 

“Kon ba wa. Lady Kagome, may I have a word with you?”

 

Kagome frowned. Part of her wanted to join her, but she'd never been one for idle conversation. She didn't know how to make small conversation. Before she realized it, she answered, “Er, Hai.” The miko pointed to a secluded area in the gardens. Stealing a glance back, she sighed in disappointment. No Sesshoumaru. `WHOA! HAVE GOT TO STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM!' She berated herself.

 

Once in the security of the night, the wolf demoness stood in front of the famous miko. “I have heard great things from my father about you, Lady Kagome. That is why I wished to speak to you. I...,” fidgeting with her hair, “... I hoped you could offer some advice.”

 

Surprise was a not exactly the word Kagome could use to describe what she just thought she heard. Straightening herself, she looked into the female's eyes.

 

“I do not know why you would want my council, Lady...?”

 

“Oh, sumimasen, Lady Kagome! I am Lady Michiru, daughter to Lord Fatsu of the Southern Lands.” She moved and sat next to the miko. The miko cringed at the nearness.

 

“Is everything all right? It's as if my being close bothered you?” The she-wolf looked concerned at the miko.

 

Meeting the infamous miko was something Michiru had envisioned since her father returned form the war. She had been eternally grateful that she was perhaps the most important reason her father had come back alive. What was more was that, of all the stories circling in the youkai community, she had to admit that she held something akin to admiration for the young miko. Her work and dedication to her profession was her priority. Never, in her entire existence, had Michiru met someone as self-less and giving as Kagome. Nor did she for a moment blame her for what happened all those years on that village. Whatever had happened, she was sure that what Kagome had done was because she knew it was the right thing to do.

 

The mikoe stared at the demon princess next to her. She was very beautiful with her dark black hair that stopped at her chin, brilliant blue eyes and high cheeks that gave her a very noble appearance. Lady Michiru was wearing a midnight blue kimono that had white sakura at its bottom edge. She also noticed the wagging tail behind the wolf princess.

 

“Well?'' said Lady Michiru

 

Fumbling with her fan, which had been tucked inside her sleeve, Lady Kagome asked, “What is it that you wish my opinion on?”

 

“You see,” glancing sideways to the miko, “it has come to my attention that the Inu no Taishou's son, Lord Sesshoumaru, has....has... well...he's decided that I will make a perfect mate for him.” Kagome choked - on what, she did not know, but she choked nonetheless. `So this was Sesshoumaru's intended?'

 

“Continue.”

 

Lady Michiru cleared her throat. “If I may be frank, I am well aware that you are a miko and your opinion of others can only be judged by your ability to see an individual for what they truly are. I have known Lord Sesshoumaru since we were both pups. He is a much cherished friend. However, I do not wish to make my decision based on this. Friendship is very important in a mate, but... I guess what I am trying to say is that... I see him only as a friend.”

 

Despite herself, Kagome laughed. She didn't want to like anyone.

 

“I see. First of all, please refrain from calling me `Lady' Kagome and just call me Kagome. Can we agree on that?” She nodded, her sly grin telling her that Lady Michiru could not imagine calling her anything but that.

 

“Demo, I will only do so if you agree to just call me Michiru.” Kagome begrudgingly nodded.

 

“Am I to believe you wish me to keep an eye on the Daiyoukai's heir?” She involuntarily shuddered.

 

“Yes and no. I just want you to...talk to him. Perhaps you can be a better judge of what can await me if I were to become his mate. I am putting my decision on your hands.” She beamed at the miko.

 

Kagome smirked. Payback would be fun. “I will try my best to help you.”

 

“You are far too generous,” Michiru said.

 

“I believe that I am rarely accused of that Michiru-san.” Michiru laughed. Right out loud in the middle of the garden. And at that moment, Michiru knew she just had to say it.

 

“You,” she said, still sounding most heartily amused, “must meet Lord Sesshoumaru.” They walked back to the ongoing celebration, talking and laughing (at least, on Michiru's part) as if they'd known each other for years.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I knew the minute he walked in the garden.

 

I tried to tell myself it had nothing to do with a heightened awareness of the demon. He was excruciatingly handsome; that was a fact, not opinion. I couldn't imagine that every demoness didn't notice him immediately. Sesshoumaru was wearing a simple white under garment, black full length kimono, grey hakama pants and a black haori. It wasn't something very elegant, but I was more than positive he could probably wear a crane around his body and still manage to make it look regal.

 

He arrived late. Not very - the music couldn't have been more than a few notes into the piece. But late enough so that he tried to be quiet as he slipped into a crowd toward the front near his father and a female youkai. I remained motionless in my position at the back, fairly certain that he didn't see me as he settled in for the evening. He didn't look my way, and besides, several candles had been snuffed, leaving the field bathed in a dim, romantic glow. Surely the shadows obscured my face.

 

~~~~~~~~~

 

He turned toward the direction of the garden, moving silently until he reached the end of his path. He looked to the right, then to the left, and then he smelled...

 

Her? The mysterious miko? Wasn't the insane miko supposed to be the one in attendance?

 

Why, he wondered, was he surprised?

 

But it couldn't be. The scent belonged to the other miko! He racked his brain for an explanation. Then it all hit him: the way she talked, her aura, the scent, and the words she spoke to him. The mysterious miko was Kagome! Kagome was the mysterious miko! The fact that she had stated that he was on her lands only proved his point.

 

Kagome was dressed in a maroon kimono that had maple leave designs at the bottom, blending in charmingly with the golden obi tied around her petite waste. She was standing with Michiru beside a decorative wooden arc. For a young girl whose looks should be uninspiring, Minamoto Kagome was no less than a rare gem. The enticingly slender nose, the elegant cheekbones, and the delicate structure of her winsome face in its entirety were admirable enough to bestir the heart of many of his gender.

 

However it was her large, silkily lashed lavender eyes, slanting ever-so-slightly upward beneath gracefully sweeping brows, that revived dream images of past. Her hair was pulled up to the crown of her head in a perfect small bun tied with a golden ribbon that flowed down at her nape, leading his gaze to delectable areas a male might be tempted to stroke with his tongue. The long, ivory column of her throat, visible under the many layers, might well prove a delicate sweetmeat that his parted lips and nibbling teeth could leisurely savor. So, too, her dainty, unadorned ears. The tantalizing fragrance that had wafted from these areas as well as the smooth temple even now seemed to twine like silken vapors through his inner demon.

 

Unfortunately for him, her scent was not only been left on every male within her reach, but also the scents of these other males were rapidly being impregnated on her. He half groaned in frustration and half swallowed hard at the ludicrous thought of possessiveness that over took him.

 

What a muddle! He was supposed to be admiring the demoness standing beside her, for Kami's sake. Lady Michiru. The most beautiful youkai of the season. Lovely beyond compare. Sweet and generous and even-tempered. And instead he couldn't stop looking at Kagome. Kagome, who, much as she infuriated him, couldn't help but command his respect. How could he not admire one who clung so steadfastly to her convictions? And Sesshoumaru had to admit that the crux of her convictions - devotion to family - was the one principle he held above all else.

 

Lady Kagome had mastered the statuesque, blank expression. She was never in motion or smiling or frowning or pursing her lips like young mortal women were meant to. He'd fallen into the same trap as had the rest of the world - of thinking of her only in terms of a miko or a princess.

 

He frowned. `Never a woman'.

 

~~~~~~~~

 

A short distance away from them, Lady Hana, mother to Lady Michiru, stood listening to the musicians on the back balcony of the castle at the end of the garden, and only occasionally looked back at her daughter, who was now standing next to the prince.

 

Other youkai, there to enjoy the music, the fireworks and the gossip meandered along the green pastures. Further inside the gardens were arbors and faux grottos for more private activities. Candles provided illumination in the rest of the land and lovely mahogany-board bridges led over the small ponds in the garden.

 

“I'm really very upset with you,” Lady Michiru said in an annoyed tone, tapping Sesshoumaru on the shoulder with her clawed hands. “It was very rude of you to come this late. You are supposed to be greeting your guests, not waving them goodbye.”

 

“I know,” he began sincerely, “and I'm - “

 

She hit him again, a little harder. “It's too noisy here! I'm sure you're going to apologize charmingly, and I don't want to miss a word. Is there not somewhere quieter we could go?”

 

`Could this have been any easier?!' the young demon thought. Finally, a chance to get her alone and convince her to accept. “One of those picturesque little grottos, perhaps?” he offered.

 

Sesshoumaru wondered if it was possible the Lady Michiru was ignorant of the activities that sometimes took place in grottos like these. They were hardly suitable places for purely innocent rendezvous.

 

Yet they were private, and not very far away. He could convince her quickly and without interruption, and they could be back before their absence was noted. Since he was finding that he didn't particularly want to spend much time with the beautiful Michiru tonight, that suggestion had undeniable appeal. “Very well. To a grotto it will be.”

 

A little warning bell went off in her mind. There might be more to this than Sesshoumaru wanting to just apologize, or even share some clandestine kisses. Maybe he had other plans, ones with serious consequences. Maybe she should reconsider. She didn't get a chance. The moment the next firework exploded in a shower of golden sparks, Sesshoumaru grabbed her hand and headed toward the grottos.

 

They reached a grotto even more secluded than most by virtue of a huge sakura tree near the entrance, and Sesshoumaru pulled her into the cool, dark confines as if they were fleeing an invading army.

 

Lady Michiru shrugged off her qualms and told herself that they were result of too many lectures about the wages of sin in her childhood. Sesshoumaru sought nothing more than a titillating tale to tell over sake with other males.

 

He immediately assumed a melodramatically mournful expression. “I am very sorry that I arrived so tardy, Lady Michiru. I should have taken proper note to welcome all my guests - especially you. Can you forgive me?”

 

Michiru picked the edge of her sleeve and spoke without looking at him. “I was upset that you did not acknowledge the honor we have of being in the presence of a highly respectable and honored miko.”

 

Stifling a sigh and roll of her eyes, Michiru decided that if he wanted to know how she felt, she'd give it to him, and get this over with. Hopefully one empty kiss would suffice. She put her hands around his neck, tilted her head so that she was looking at him. “I hope you can understand my answer,” she whispered, leaning closer and smiling her most devastating smile. He licked his lips.

 

She had met some very experienced youkai who were experts at that sort of practiced gesture designed to draw a woman's attention to a physical feature. This time, however, her suspicions were the only thing aroused, despite their seclusion and Sesshoumaru's physical attributes.

 

`Gad, why am I not enjoying this!' thought the inu youkai. He was bored of this. The only times he hadn't been bored lately had been when he was reading - or when he had skirmished with Lady Kagome.

 

They remained close, their arms intertwined, gazing into each other's eyes, yet far from really seeing. There was an invisible wall keeping them at arms length, which, by the look of things, neither was trying to break anytime soon. Sesshoumaru couldn't get his mind off a particular stubborn ningen and Michiru...

 

Well, she was wishing a certain other inu youkai was the one holding her like this. Her daydream was stopped when Sesshoumaru, desperate to get things over with, closed the distance, bringing their lips together in the most superficial, empty and awkward kiss.

 

None would be willing to tell that to the other.

 

He broke the kiss and stepped back. “Am I forgiven?”

 

If he wanted to, he could probably seduce her right here and now. However, he wasn't the lascivious cad certain young ladies with bright violet eyes and studious miens thought him to be.

 

“Sesshoumaru, we shouldn't - “

 

A sudden rustle of leaves audible above the distant explosions of the fireworks made her fall silent. There was no breeze tonight. “What is it? Is somebody there?” Michiru demanded as he turned to look over his shoulder towards the wide entrance of the grotto.

 

Feet planted, arms akimbo, he slowly surveyed the area. He spotted the hem of a dark red kimono behind the curtain of the sakura leaves. He waited, tapping his toes and glaring at the bit of maroon, silently daring the female to come out and denounce him for trying to seduce the virtuous Michiru. Trying desperately to catch the scent of their spy, he failed miserably when he realized he or she had no scent.

 

The bit of maroon didn't move.

 

“Were we seen?” Michiru asked in panic behind him.

 

He faced her. “You had best go back to Lady Hana, just in case, and we must take special care not to be seen together again tonight.” Michiru agreed taking his hand and hurrying back the way they came.

 

Sesshoumaru wanted to get back to that sakura tree as quickly as he could to discover who had seen them kissing. He looked around for any female wearing dark red, and saw none.

 

Then he spotted her. Her back to him, her kimono lifted a bit to aid her speedy progress, cloak being hovered over her; she was hurrying away from the grotto toward the labyrinth. She must have waited until she was sure they were gone before leaving her hiding place.

 

His lips turned up in a smile. She wasn't going to get away from him that easily.

 

The female stopped at the entrance to the labyrinth, doubting a little, and turned right. What sort of woman ventured alone into that place at night? Trotting up to the entrance, Sesshoumaru avoided the startled looks and went inside. He paused and looked around, then spotted a flash of maroon hem disappearing around a corner.

 

His heartbeat quickened. This was like some of the nights at the Kuroi Hoshi, when he, Ujio and Juro had gone about their prankish business. Putting the literature sensei's clothes on the roof; stealing all the eggs and putting them in the old youkai's bed.

 

There! The dark red cloth disappeared around another corner. He broke into a run. She was fast, whoever she was, he'd give her that. He wouldn't wager a yen on any woman of his acquaintance being so fleet a foot. The labyrinth was deserted tonight - thank Kami. It made his job easier. Must be the fireworks. But where the devil had she gone?

 

His chest heaving, he skittered to a halt as he came to a fork. He had no idea which way to go. He held his breath a moment, listening to see if he could hear her. Nothing. Neither a sound nor scent of her. It was as if she'd completely disappeared. Looking around, he ran his hand through his silver mane. The woman had wisely chosen the best place in the garden to hide.

 

He considered a moment, then decided the best thing to do would be to forget the woman and go back the way he'd come - but before he could move, somebody came rushing round the corner behind him and ran smack into him. He reached out to steady his inadvertent assailant and realized it was a woman. A rather shapely woman. Wearing a red kimono. A very familiar dark red kimono.

 

“Now I've got you!” he cried triumphantly, his hands gripping her arms. The brim of her black hooded cloak tilted, revealing copper tresses, and the face of Lady Kagome.

 

As he bit back a curse and let go of her, she made a surprisingly graceful little curtsy and damn if she didn't look completely at ease and barely out of breath.