InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Consciousness ❯ Dinner ( Chapter 8 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Dinner, Quite The Affair


“Oh My!” Kagome gasped. She had turned around at the sound of the door. Another servant was leading Sango in. Sango was dressed in a beautiful kimono. While not as extravagant as Kagome’s it was simply beautiful, dark purple as the base color with gold embroidery on it. It had Sakura blossoms woven into the fabric, the obi was gold with the tools of demon slayers embroidered on it. It showed that whoever had made it, respected her position as Taijiya. Her hair was swept upward, a slightly less elaborate style than Kagome’s but just as beautiful.

Before they even had time to respond the door was opened again, a very clean Shippo and Kirara came in. Shippo was dressed in a miniature kimono similar to the one Kagome wore and the one that was laid out on the bed upstairs for Inuyasha. Shippo positively beamed at Kagome when he saw her.

“Mama, you look beautiful” He exclaimed running toward her and jumping up into her arms.

Rin followed into the room just at that moment “Lady Kagome! You look so pretty!”

As the group commented on each other’s appearance Kagura and Kanna entered the room. All in all the group of women made quite a startling sight. Various colors and styles of kimonos made the room erupt in vibrant colors, elaborate hairstyles, tightly tied kimonos all set against the stark contrast of dark woods and deep velvets that covered the walls and furniture.

That was when it happened. The girls were laughing and talking with each other. Sango and Kagome slightly uncomfortable with their elaborate clothing.

The door burst open, framed in the doorway was a very angry hanyou. Kagome could see his frame trembling with barely suppressed rage. As she looked at him, her heart jumped in her throat. He was beautiful.

The dark wood of the doorway framed him, he stood there in a shimmering red silk kimono. The pattern on it even more detailed and glorious than hers. A pair of fighting dog demon’s heads were on the front, one in black and one in silver, looking at their features it was apparent that it was a male and female pair fighting. Tails wrapped each direction, flowing around behind the back of the kimono only to have the tips appear above his feet. The eyes… The eyes said it all. Gold eyes with strands of red and blue were interlaced, a shock of black on one side of the silver one and a shock of silver on the black one. The obi was embroidered with the same moons that were on Kagome’s obi and there on either side one Shikon No Tama and one Tetsusaiga. His hair was flowing down around him, lifting gently with the angry aura that was mixing around him.

Inuyasha scanned the room of elaborate kimonos, just as he opened his mouth to bellow for Kagome, he stopped, standing there with his mouth wide open. He just stared.

She was a vision, standing there, in his colors, wearing his family crest, wearing his mark. Whether it was put there by him or Midoriko at that moment did not matter. He was speechless. It wouldn’t last long

Just as he started to recover, Sesshomaru appeared behind him.

Inuyasha whirled around. “WHAT THE HELL IS THE MEANING OF THIS!” he bellowed at his half brother.

“What would that be, Inuyasha” Sesshomaru asked coolly

“This!” he demanded, gesturing to his kimono and then to Kagome

“You are in my palace, you will dress accordingly” Sesshomaru swept in. His family crest borne on the back of his pristine white kimono. Trimmed in silver, there was barely a hint of color on his kimono. Elaborately adorned with fighting dog demons, it was evidence of his station as Tai Youkai.

Miroku slipped past and moved toward the girls, waiting for the rest of the show. He looked elegant in fresh purple monks robes, that shimmered as he moved, indicating that some form a metallic material was interlaced in the weaving.

Whispering low to Sango “Wanna bet how long before they draw swords?”

Sango reached over and thumped him on the head.

Inuyasha reached into the crowd of females and jerked Kagome roughly behind him. “I don’t follow court rules, nor do I play court games!” he snarled

“Again, half breed, you are in my home, you will act accordingly” he sneered.

Jaken came in, took one look at the situation and bowed low, he started babbling “Lord Sesshomaru, dinner is served” he stayed low to the floor as Sesshomaru swept past him, heading into the dining hall. Rin followed hot on his heals, followed quickly by Shippo and Kirara. Kagura and Kanna slipped past the seething hanyou to follow into the dining hall.

Kagome started to move around Inuyasha to follow and was stopped by a low growl “Stay put damn you!”

Kagome looked quickly up at him, his expression was unreadable.

“Get out!” he snarled at Miroku and Sango.

Sango stopped in front of Kagome and looked at her questioningly. Kagome just nodded her head. She had long ago stopped being afraid of Inuyasha when he was in a rage.

Sango and Miroku followed into the dining hall.

*****

The group of people moved into the dining hall and settled down in the chairs indicated by the staff of servants. Two conspicuously empty chair next to Sesshomaru.

As he was seated, the servants moved to seat the odd group of people. Expressions blank, they began filling wine glasses and preparing to serve soup. There were several other older demons seated at the table, further down. At a glance Sango suspected the most treasured courtiers. There were probably 20 or 25 people all together.

Sango and Miroku sighed. They suspected that maybe Sesshomaru had down this for effect to rile Inuyasha.

They wouldn’t be far off. While court dinners were common in his palace, Sesshomaru did not make a habit out of them. However, with his brother traveling in his lands and presence here in the palace. He would not allow shame to come to his house. It would only be fitting to have a court dinner and reception. His ears twitched as he heard his brother’s tones. He knew that Inuyasha would be enraged. Once again, his ability to discern what was going on within his youkai, was so far beyond his grasp.

Dinner was started, Sesshomaru made the necessary introductions to the courtiers, explained his brother’s absence as ‘needed a moment with his betrothed’. At this Sango snorted the soup she had been carefully sipping of the spoon and almost choked. Sesshomaru simply glared at her.

*****

“Just what the hell is going on Inuyasha?” Kagome asked turning on him and advancing slowly

“What do you mean?” he asked, stepping back. He was never comfortable when her voice dropped low like that, it usually boded trouble, for him.

“This whole thing, what has you so enraged?” she asked

“Court” was the curt response

“WELL, that explains a lot!”

“Do you know what that bastard is doing?” he snarled back

“Serving dinner?” she asked

“Don’t be stupid Kagome!”

“Oh, so now I am stupid!” her tones were escalating

“Damn it, I didn’t mean it like that!” his voice went up in tone as well

“I just meant, don’t you understand the whole of what we are dressed in?” the growl had returned

“What? The kimonos are beautiful!” she asked, confusion evident

“In a court setting, it shows that I am part of his family” he sneered

“So what? You are” she asked, still not understanding

“And what do you think yours mean?” he asked. By this point, he was to enraged to tread carefully

“Uh?” she looked confused again

“It is my crest, my colors that you are wearing, you are wearing the crest of the family of the Inu NoTashio! He snarled

“oh” Kagome felt tears welling up in her eyes “I didn’t realize that would bother you”

“Well it does!” he snarled. That’s when it hit him, he could smell her tears. He realized it, just a moment to late. ‘damn it! I am such a baka!’

“Kagome….” his voice dropped to a whine.

“No, I get the picture Inuyasha!” she said, her small frame shaking. She turned away from him, heading out of the room, he reached out to stop her “Don’t, don’t you dare Inuyasha!”

He dropped his hand “Kagome, please, can we talk about this later? I didn’t mean it like that!”

Her only answer was to head toward the dining room. A servant near the door, lead her toward the open chair, one down from Sesshomaru. Kagome blushed as she realized that this was the position for the sister in law of the Inu NoTashio. She also realized that with her current markings, people would mistake her for Inuyasha’s mate.

Inuyasha stormed in and sunk sullenly into the chair. He knew the court habits and proper etiquette, he also knew that the chair to the left of Sesshomaru was for the next inline. As long as he was alive, this chair would belong to him.

Sesshomaru cleared his throat and began the introductions of Inuyasha and Kagome to the assembled courtiers. Inuyasha was not amused by his brother’s evident ploy to cause trouble.

Dinner was a tense affair. Sesshomaru knew that it was only a matter of time before Inuyasha blew.

After dinner, they moved into the formal drawing room. Everyone from dinner moved in, joined by a few of the less important courtiers. Inuyasha started to growl softly.

A large dragon youkai was moving in on Kagome. With a hint of a malicious smile, he turned to Kagome and began to ask her about herself “So, you’re a miko?” he asked

“Yes, I am”

“The Shikon Miko, I hear?” his voice dropping lower

“That’s what they tell me” she was starting to get uncomfortable, she hated it when people cornered her about the jewel.

“What of it” Inuyasha snarled as he pulled Kagome behind his back

“Ah, Inuyasha-Sama. I was just enjoying the company of your lovely intended” the dragon addressed Inuyasha with a sneer.

“Karuma, it is simple, stay away from Kagome” he snarled

Sesshomaru headed toward the growling, he knew that Karuma was quite taken with the Shikon No Tama. He could smell trouble radiating off his brother.

“Inuyasha, we have things to address” Sesshomaru intercepted his brother

“Lady Kagome, excuse us please” Sesshomaru nodded at her as he lead Inuyasha from the room.

Kagome stood there shocked, she had never known Sesshomaru to be polite to a human. She suspected that it was due to the surrounding courtiers.

Sango came to the rescue of her friend and lead her to where she and Kagura was sitting and talking with a few of the female demons from court.

*****

“Inuyasha” Sesshomaru turned on him when they were in the study. He reached out and jerked his brother up by the throat, pulling him up close to him

“Are you a complete and utter fool?” he snarled

“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked as he pulled at the hand that was wrapped around his throat. He had no idea of what he had done to piss off Sesshomaru

“You, your complete lack of social skills and your complete inability to reconcile your youkai side” Sesshomaru was growling. His half brother was truly an idiot.

“That bastard was instigating it! He didn’t have any reason to approach Kagome!” he said, still trying desperately to dislodge himself from Sesshomaru’s grasp.

“Are you going to continue to let that Miko run around unmated?” he sneered

“That is none of your business!” he bellowed. At that Sesshomaru flung his brother to the floor and stalked away from him.

“Inuyasha, you try the best of saints. Why must you continually try me?” he asked

“Because you are a bastard”

“You are here to gather knowledge so that you may free your miko from obligations. Remember that”

“I know why I am here bastard!”

“Good, remember that. You are dismissed” Sesshomaru waved toward the door.

Inuyasha stalked toward the drawing room, flinging the doors open he walked to where Kagome was seated and grabbed her arm.

“Now Kagome” he snarled and pulled her up.

“Inuyasha” she started to protest, the protest died on her lips as she noted more red in his eyes than usual.

Sango stood up to intercept them. “Inuyasha, what is wrong?” she asked in a low tone.

He could feel his blood welling over. Instinct told him Sango wasn’t a threat, yet, he couldn’t seem to stop the response. He snarled at her “none of your concern bitch” he pulled roughly on Kagome, pulling her behind him.

Sesshomaru entered the drawing room, clearing his throat. “Goodnight” it was an apparent dismissal to the present courtiers. They departed rapidly. Full well recognizing the escalation of a dog demon and his mate. They knew enough and had been around long enough, that they recognized the response from one of the Inu clan and knew well enough that serious trouble was brewing.

“Inuyasha, please, what is going on” Kagome asked from behind him, she knew this mood well enough. He had been pushed too far. Unfortunately, Kagome was still very angry over the earlier comments and didn’t think to bite her tongue.

“I am so tired of this! All the snarling and snapping! What the hell is wrong with you!” she raised her voice.

His ears twitched as he whirled around. He could feel Sango and Miroku coming closer, he felt Sesshomaru moving in on him.

“You are tired of this? You? You have no right to question me bitch!” frustration was spilling over. Years of keeping things wrapped up inside, years of ridicule and ban from his brother, years of believing himself worthless.

His youkai was foaming at the mouth. It demanded from him. Demanded that he protect the chosen one, demanded that he keep the others from touching her. Demanded that she understand. Demanded that she submit to him. Demanded that she understand her place, by his side.

As Sesshomaru came closer, Inuyasha turned back toward him. Instinct to react overcame him. Kagome was behind him, the others not realizing how close he was, continued toward him. He began to snarl, barring his fangs. Sango and Miroku stopped. Sango took a hard look at him and realized that the red was becoming more prominent in his eyes. He sniffed toward Sango and dismissed her, she was not a threat. Her scent was on Kagome, Kagome’s scent was on her. Miroku though, male, threat, he showed his teeth to Miroku.

Sesshomaru shifted, Inuyasha turned his head toward his half brother. Baring his fangs at his brother, his youkai identified, threat, male threat.

“Inuyasha! Control yourself” Sesshomaru said coldly

It all happened in a flurry of movement. Sesshomaru reached for Inuyasha. Inuyasha’s response was immediate based on a perceived threat to Kagome.

As Sesshomaru reached forward, Inuyasha pulled his sword from the scabbard with one hand, the other hand reached behind him and jerked Kagome up against him. Sango started forward to aide Kagome, Shippo hollered and ran toward Kagome. Kagura and Kanna were between Inuyasha and the door, realizing just as he turned.

Kagura and Kanna dived in different directions to avoid the rabid hanyou. He was snarling, spit flying from his mouth, he swung his sword toward Sesshomaru, Sesshomaru blocked with Tokijin.

Tokijin howled when it contacted with Tetsusaiga. A bond had been formed during the battle with Naraku, between the swords. Dark winds started in the room, swirling and moving about the group. Wisps of black, dark blue and white swirling around the swords.

Kagome swallowed hard. She knew this was rapidly spiraling out of control. She knew that any control Inuyasha had was precarious at best.

Miroku snatched up the flurry of red that was headed toward Kagome, his movement, drawing the attention of Inuyasha. Inuyasha responded to the yelp that Shippo let out. Miroku realized his mistake a moment to late. Inuyasha had let Shippo to Kagome in the past, when they first woke up. Somewhere in his primal self, Shippo belonged to him as well.

Miroku dropped Shippo, just as the sword was heading toward him. Fortunately the sword still recognized humans and switched back to the dull blade it was, when not transformed. Contacting with Miroku’s arm, the blade cut, but not as it would have fully transformed.

Shippo leapt into Kagome’s arms. Burrowing deep in between Inuyasha and Kagome. Sango started yelling, “Back off, back off him!” her instincts to protect Inuyasha taking over. She had promised him, promised she would stay by his side. No matter her feelings for any of the others, Inuyasha was her brother, in blood. Probably more so than any of the others, next to Kagome. Inuyasha had offered himself up to her, heart and soul to help her overcome the death of her family. Through the bad, he was the one that understood. Protected Kohaku from the start, all the way to the end.

Kirara sensing the direction of Sango, transformed into her fire cat form and raced between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. She turned her head and growled at Sesshomaru, willingly risking her life at the direction of Sango to protect Inuyasha.

At the momentary break, Inuyasha roughly jerked Kagome up and headed out the door. He never broke stride as he headed for the front door, a servant scurried and whipped the door open to allow Inuyasha easy passage out.

He leapt high into the night air, catching crevices and crags in the palace walls, heading toward the roof. Kagome dared to peek up into Inuyasha’s eyes, they were still red, but, she knew he was still in some sense of control.

He stopped on the roof. He reached into Kagome’s kimono without hesitation, pulling a bundle of red fur out of her clothing. He pulled Shippo to him and sniffed him all over.

“Oi, Runt? You ok?” Shippo looked at him and sniffled.

“I’m ok Inuyasha, I’m sorry I jumped on Kagome” he started crying

“Don’t cry” he thumped him on the head “You belong to Kagome, you’re her runt”

“Thank you for taking care of mama” he yawned.

“You tired runt?”

“Yeah” He pulled Kagome tighter and sat down on the roof, settling Shippo in Kagome’s lap.

When Kagome tried to wiggle around to look at him, he snarled “Don’t you move bitch, we are not done yet” his voice dropped very low and gravely.

He sat there and watched as the stars appeared in the sky, waiting for Shippo’s breathing to even out. The night darkened and millions of stars appeared overhead. Sitting on the roof, he felt like he could reach out and touch them.

Kagome sat stiffly the entire time, waiting to see what had Inuyasha so riled up. He refused to let her turn around, she didn’t know if the golden hues were back in his eyes or not. All she knew was that he was holding her to tightly.

Just before Shippo slipped off to sleep, Kagome tried to move again. Inuyasha growled a warning, shifting her weight slightly she again tried to loosen his grip. Just when she thought she was clear, she felt a sharp pain in the right side of her neck.

‘he bit me!’ she though darkly ‘he bit me!’ as she gasped in pain

“I TOLD YOU TO STAY STILL” he snarled

He leaned back, pulling her closer, he closed his eyes, breathing deep, pulling in her scent. It was mixed with his and Shippo’s. His youkai was growling at him. Once again, that voice rose up demanding from him.

Shippo was sound asleep finally, exhaustion taking it’s toll. Kagome tightened her arms around her baby, snuggling him closer.

“You and me, we need to talk” Inuyasha growled.


Disclaimer:
I don’t own Inuyasha, it’s characters or it’s story line
I’ll tell you which ones I do own as we go.

Oh yeah, that would be Karuma - the nasty old dragon - you’ll see him again - he’s mine.Converting /tmp/php96nme1 to /dev/stdout