InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ Ladylike ( Chapter 7 )

Dog Skin

Chapter Seven: Ladylike

 

Kagome stared at the leather gloves she'd been handed moments ago before being dismissed for lunch.

 

She now sat in the stable to eat, never having been welcomed by the other servants and no longer caring for the garden. Having already finished her food on her way over, she was using the time to rest, contemplating her gift. She was told they were work gloves, requested for her use by Inuyasha. She couldn't figure why until Kaede explained he wanted her to make his nightly ocha and miso from now on.

 

No one else wore work gloves, however, and Kagome was confused, to say the least, considering what had happened last night. She had believed the hanyou prince would never want to see her again, but here he had made arrangements so that she would be making his meals. This meant she was expected to bring it to him. She wasn't sure how she felt about that and hoped she could ask someone else to do it.

 

The only way she could think to explain the gloves was because of her dirty skin. He was not going to order her to clean herself off, but instead made arrangements that would see to her comfort. She smiled at this, wondering if it could be true. Was this his way of making up?

 

She glanced at her hands, which were covered in the black cream Sango had given her. After the bath in the hot springs, Sango had led her down to the castle and to her own chambers in an area Kagome had yet to visit. She had had to keep her head down the entire time, her hood pulled far over her face. She'd had no charcoal with her to cover up again and had no desire for a castle guard to get a look at her.

 

On entering, the room had reminded her of her own back home. She'd had to use all her will to keep from crying again. When the dam was broken, it was hard to build up the wall again.

 

Sango had dug through a chest and soon came back to her with a container in hand. She'd handed it to her with a smile, closing her stiff fingers over it.

 

“Use only a little at a time, it spreads easily and will cover you up well enough,” she'd said. “Remember to take it off before you go to bed. It washes easily.”

 

Kagome had smiled and nodded, allowing Sango to give her a large bowl to keep water in her room for washing purposes. Sango had led her back to her little cubby under the stairs, being sure that none of the patrolling guards got a good look at her. When they reached the little space, Sango had been appalled. Kagome had calmed her quickly though, not wanting any more special treatment than she'd seemingly gotten already. She said she didn't mind and that it was nice not having to share a space with other servants.

 

Her pleasant thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps from the other end of the stable. She looked up from where she sat, glancing curiously down the corridor. She was hoping it was Sango coming to visit her. She really liked the girl, she was kind and strong. Strong in a way Kagome could only wish to be one day.

 

“Inu-kegawa?”

 

It was not Sango. Kagome stiffened as the monk came to a stop in front of her. He held a staff in one hand, the rings jingling as he placed it purposefully before him, a serious expression fixed to his features. That expression sent shivers up her spine. It didn't belong on the lecher's face.

 

“What do you want?” she asked, eyes narrowing, hands clenching around the gloves.

 

***

 

Kagura bowed low, her forehead almost touching the floor before she straightened, her hands folded in her lap and eyes cast down. She sat only a little way behind Hiten, allowing him to do the talking for them. She glanced up to take in the appearance of the Tai-youkai, a demon she had heard much about, but never seen. He was the purest of demons remaining, the ends of his powers unexplored. He was undefeated, powerful and beautiful.

 

She was shocked to realise he was the source of the pull she had been feeling all these years. She was both intrigued and frightened by what it could mean.

 

It took her a moment to realise Hiten had begun speaking. “Naraku-sama wishes for us to express his gratitude for allowing the search of your lands. What he has lost is most dear to him, and he would do much to get it back. Unfortunately, he will be unable to arrive for a few more days. There are preparations to be made for the journey, and with such short notice it will take some time. In the meantime, he has sent Kagura and me in his stead. We will take turns searching the lands and sitting in on the discussions in his place, if that will be permissible.”

 

“Feh.” The sudden sound came from the dog-eared young man sitting to the left and slightly behind the demon lord. His arms were crossed, hands disappearing into his sleeves as he stared out the open shoji to the side of the dais with a glower.

 

Sesshoumaru ignored him. “I understand. One can not depart one's kingdom without proper escort, nor enter another's, without proper show of wealth and power. Please tell him this Sesshoumaru understands and will welcome him when he is able to make his appearance. In the meantime, a room will be set up for your use as you rotate your responsibilities.”

 

Both Hiten and Kagura bowed once more before standing and exiting the room, aware that they had been dismissed.

 

They followed the servant down the narrow hallway, neither speaking until the servant had left them in the room, ocha set out on a table by an open shoji looking into a garden. They knelt in silence for a time, neither in a rush to begin their duties. They were beyond Naraku's grasp at the moment, and both intended to make the most of it.

 

“It would perhaps be best for me to remain for the first few nights and sit in on the talks.” Hiten began. The narrowing of the wind witches eyes prompted him to continue. “I only suggest this because the other lords will be disgruntled enough that a minor lord is sitting in on their talks. To put a female in may be too much of an insult for them.”

 

Kagura sighed, sipping at her ocha before putting it back on the table. She had thought of this as well and could not find an argument to give him. Besides, if she was the one searching for the princess, then there was even less of a chance of finding her.

 

“Very well, it does make sense, but be sure to remember, we are to take turns in this. I will leave early tomorrow morning; I should be well rested by then.”

 

Hiten only nodded with a small smile on his lips. They continued to drink their ocha, awaiting the arrival of the other lords and the festivities to be held tonight.

 

***

 

“Why didn't you ask what they were looking for? It was the perfect opportunity!” Inuyasha said as he glowered at his brother, an elbow propped on the knee of a cocked leg in pure disregard for proper decorum.

 

Sesshoumaru glanced at his brother, disapproving of his manners, but long resigned to them.

 

“It is pointless to waste time on questions you are already aware you will not receive answers for. They are but servants to their lord; they will not say what he himself has not said.” He watched the hanyou's bent head and frowning features. It looked like he might actually be absorbing what was being said for once. “Besides, this Sesshoumaru does not care what his reasons are, so long as he makes it to the talks.”

 

Inuyasha shook his head, a smirk on his lips. “Keh, this from the one who's always told me to be aware of your peers' intentions if the upper hand is to be kept. You sure you're not making a mistake here?”

 

A ghost of a smile slid onto the still features, sending a shiver up Inuyasha's spine, his hair standing on end.

 

“This Sesshoumaru does not make mistakes. Be comforted in the knowledge I know all I need to when it comes to my peers, brother.”

 

***

 

Kagome sat huddled in her room, head resting on her knees as she stared at the empty bowl that had held her early dinner of rice and a small piece of fish. It was not the kind of dinner she was used to, but she had grown accustomed to the portions and simple taste over the past week.

 

She sighed and shifted her gaze to the crate that held her bag and worldly possessions. She was in a melancholy mood, finding that she missed more than just the food of her rank. The conversation with Sango last night and Miroku this afternoon had made her distinctly aware of that truth. She missed the people, talking with them or listening to them or just sitting in the garden in silence. She missed the events, feasts that would be held on sacred days, visitors coming with news. Mostly, she missed the freedom.

 

As a highborn she had not been aware of the extent of freedom she had enjoyed. To a certain extent she had begrudged the ever present bodyguards as she moved about the castle and the village outside. Now, having lived as the servants did, she was aware of just how much leeway she had enjoyed in the past. A servant constantly moved at the beck and call of their superiors, never able to follow through with their own wishes or plans for personal time. Even now she only given a short reprieve from work before she needed to return, and it had been only when Kaede could do without her. That had been long after her first hunger pains had hit.

 

Her thoughts strayed back to her lunch and the surprise visit from Miroku. The unnerving sight of him being serious had faded after he had apologised for his transaction on their first meeting. She'd warily accepted but had been startled to find that the monk wasn't as bad as she'd first believed.

 

He had been a perfect gentleman and had even shown interest in seeing how she was fairing in the castle. He had explained to her why he lived in the Shinto shrine, saying that there had not been a priest or priestess there for sometime, seeing as how the lord was a demon, after all. He had then told her to visit anytime. Here, all were welcome at the shrine whenever they pleased. Kagome had brightened considerably, warming to him even more as she thanked him profusely.

 

It was then that the jangling and clanging of equipment and the shouts of men from the courtyard had drawn them to the doorway. A large procession of lords had just arrived, sending the whole castle into an uproar.

 

As she'd watched, Kagome had been aware that she should go back to the kitchens and help prepare for tonight's feast. However, she'd chosen to ignore it for the moment, preferring to take in the noblemen and lords in their finery as they rode their well bred horses. She'd wondered if she knew any of them, checking for familiar faces. She'd found none, but then, her father hadn't held many, if any, meetings with lords of other lands. Even if he had, she would not have been invited to be introduced, except maybe to dance for them with the other maidens of the castle.

 

Though Naraku had not allowed her to learn to harness her powers, he had allowed her to learn the sacred dances, kagura, and present them to the court along with the other maidens of the castle. She had enjoyed those times, exhibiting her grace and talent, seeing the pride in her father's eyes as he showed her off to his councillors and samurai.

 

She hoped Miroku had not noticed her shiver at the memories that had become tainted from recent events. She'd noticed him giving her strange sideways glances from time to time, but could not place their meaning.

 

“There will be a great feast tonight, Inu-kegawa,” Miroku had said, his tone thoughtful as he watched the lords being led into the castle. “There'll be lots of work to do, but if you get a chance, you should peek in on the entertainment. You've probably never seen anything like it before, since you grew up in the forest. They are beautiful… and the dances aren't bad either.”

 

A brow had risen at this, but she'd let it slide. If Sango was in love with him, then he couldn't be that bad. Besides, he'd proven himself capable of behaving and participating in intelligent conversation. The suggestion he'd made had her quickly considering options. Though having heard the kitchen staff speaking of the feast on several occasions, she had never thought much of it. It was, after all, just another feast. Still, she welcomed time alone to think when Miroku excused himself at the sight of Sango directing the lords' samurai to the barracks. She herself had wandered off in the direction of the kitchens, though in no hurry to get back.

 

With a sigh, Kagome brought herself back to the present. She shifted to her knees, pulling out the bag to pry it open. Inside the kimonos sat, the one like the sun sitting on the top, shimmering faintly in the dull light made by her lamp.

 

She bit her lip as she pulled out the red obi she'd packed along with them. It reminded her of the colours Inuyasha chose to wear. The plain red silk that spoke of blood, sacrifice and passion had been a favourite of hers. She was tired of the firs, tired of the black skin. It was a risk, but one she felt she could take. None knew what she looked like, except Sango, and she would not be allowed to attend the feast. There was no reason to fear being caught.

 

Decision made, Kagome folded the obi and replaced it in the bag and the bag in the box. She still had work to do, but if Miroku was right, there would be a lull where she could escape to her room and change. Hopefully she'd be in time to slip into the dancers' ranks without being noticed.

 

***

 

Kagura stared at the green toad, Jaken, in consternation. She glanced back at Hiten, who she knew was deriving great amusement at her present situation. She was unsure how to respond. As a guest, she could not deny this request.

 

She turned back to the toad with a frown. “Is it absolutely necessary that I join in entertaining these lords? Do you not have enough young women to do the performance?”

 

“His greatness, Sesshoumaru-sama, requests that you participate,” said Jaken, his voice grating on her ears instantly. “One of your breeding must know the dances as well as any human. It would greatly please him to see a youkai female perform the kagura.”

 

Kagura restrained from rolling her eyes. “But I do not have the proper costume for such an activity.”

 

“There is nothing to worry about. This is not a religious celebration, and the maidens will be but dressed in their finery, not shrine costume,” the imp said in a flippant tone.

 

Kagura sighed, seeing that she had no excuse to get out of the request. “Very well. When will the dancing be held?”

 

Jaken bowed. “Once the food has been served, the entertainment is meant to begin. After you perform, you may join in the enjoyment of the meal prepared by our kitchen.”

 

Kagura nodded, waving her hand absently in dismissal. “Yes, yes, I will begin to prepare. I have my own fan, so no need to provide that for me. I need only the bell.”

 

The toad bowed again and removed himself, closing the shoji behind him.

 

A dark chuckle had Kagura looking over her shoulder once again at Hiten. He had a large grin on his face. She wanted to rip it off. Instead, she glared at him before turning away and pointedly ignoring him.

 

“It looks as though you have caught the Tai-youkai's eye, Kagura,” Hiten said in a murmur, clearly not taking the hint to hold his tongue. “Will you rebuke one of greater rank as you did me, or will your winds bend to his demands?”

 

Kagura bit her tongue, her eyes riveted to the fan she clutched in her fist. She was the wind; she did not bend to anyone's will when against her own. Once she was free of Naraku, she never would again. Still, would it be so bad to bend to one as powerful and alluring as the tai-youkai?

 

***

 

Finishing up with the last of her cleaning, Kagome removed her gloves and turned to where old Kaede was directing the placement of food to be brought to the great hall. She would not be needed again until the dishes were brought down for cleaning, and she'd figured Kaede would have no problem with her sneaking off for a little while. When she saw her opening, she moved in.

 

“Kaede-san?” her voice was as subservient and calm as she could manage. When the old woman turned to look at her expectantly, she continued. “I was wondering if I may take a break; perhaps sneak a peak at the kagura to be performed tonight. Miroku-sama told me that I should experience it. I promise not to let myself be seen by the lords. I know that could be dangerous.”

 

A kind smile lit Kaede's face, the first she had seen directed at her since her arrival. “Of course, Inu-kegawa,” she said, her voice kind and eyes sparkling in pleasure, “I wouldn't keep you from that experience. If you knew how to perform it yourself I would have seen to it that you were part of the entertainment for the lords. You move with a certain grace that would lend well to the display.”

 

Kagome smiled a little at this. “Unfortunately, my upbringing did not allow for that…”

 

Kaede nodded, her demeanour already distracted as she watched the servants get ready to bring the food to the hall. “Yes, yes, I know of your situation. Please, enjoy yourself, but be back in time to help with the cleaning. And remember, tonight is the first night you prepare the night snack for Inuyasha-sama.”

 

Kagome nodded, pushing down the apprehension rising at that last. She bowed shortly and then hurried away to her room.

 

She moved quickly, removing her fur mantle and taking the wet cloth to her skin. She eliminated all traces of the black cream from her skin with the aid of some polished metal she'd found in the stable, using it as a mirror. She then pulled on the sun kimono, wrapping the obi about her waist in constraining turns with practiced dexterity. She then moved to her hair, pulling it back and up in the simplest of the hair styles she knew. Lastly, she took out the intricately jewelled hair pin she had brought with her to use for bartering and fastened it into her hair as her only decoration.

 

With one last glance in the polished metal and a cursory glance over her hands, she prepared to go. Pulling back the drape covering her corner, she checked for anyone present or approaching before stepping out and hurrying up the stairs.

 

She found her way to the hall easily enough using the back corridors, managing to avoid the guards with her knowledge of their placement. It was strange walking around without cover; she felt a little like she was doing something wrong, as her stomach insisted on twisting into knots and adrenalin sped the flow of her blood.

 

The sounds of women talking and preparing for the dance drew Kagome to the room they waited in. She inched around the corner from the door where she planed to stay hidden till they began heading for the hall. She would jump on at the end of the line and stay in the back, where she hoped not to draw too much attention to herself. Hidden from view and them from hers, she kept her ears sharp, her heart hammering as she waited for her moment.

 

***

 

Inuyasha sat sullenly by his brother, wishing to be anywhere but in the great hall with all the noble blood. He hated it. Hated the hidden looks cast his way as demon lord and human lord alike spoke derisively of his presence. The dog ears twitching in agitation weren't there for nothing, and so he knew he was not being paranoid. He knew Sesshoumaru heard them as well, but they did not concern him, and as he'd told Inuyasha many times, they should not bother him either. The more others' words affected him, the more they would define him.

 

Shifting uncomfortably, he watched as the servants entered with trays, resting the food laden on them in front of the lords lining the walls to either side of the brothers. All were on the same level to show respect and equality of rank. Sesshoumaru sat at the head of course, for it was his home, while the stage for the kagura to be performed on was opposite him. Banners and flags had been set up on it as decoration, along with lanterns from the ceiling.

 

Inuyasha didn't much care for the rest of the seating arrangements. Miroku sat at the end of the line of lords, close to the stage. Inuyasha sighed, thinking that if he could at least sit with the monk, the night might not be so unbearable. Naraku's lackey, Hiten, sat to his right, while Kouga sat in the line across from him. They'd been given those positions simply because they had been among the first to arrive.

 

Inuyasha held back a smile as he remembered the wolf prince's condition this morning. He'd had far too much sake the night before and had been in bed till the arrival of the other lords brought a servant to his room. He had stumbled out soon after dressed in his finest armour with the help of said servant. When he'd eventually arrived to help Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru welcome the lords, he'd stood by Inuyasha with squinting eyes, grimacing as though the sun pained him more than he'd expected it to.

 

“Tell me I didn't do what I'm remembering I did to that girl last night, dog-breath...” he'd said, his voice dry, his tone hopeful.

 

Inuyasha had growled at the memory, cutting a sharp glance at the prince. “You better fucking stay away from her, asshole. I'll rip out your throat next time. I mean it.”

 

Kouga had grimaced, muttering `fuck' before falling silent for the rest of the greetings.

 

Once the trays had been emptied, the servants bowed and departed as silently as they had entered. A few moments later, music began playing, Inuyasha's ears twitching at it, drawing his attention even though he had no interest. He'd seen the dance preformed more times than he could count and knew this time would be no different or better than the last. The lords had politely turned their eyes toward the stage as well, ignoring their food for the moment, therefore giving Inuyasha no excuse but to keep his eyes in the same direction.

 

Naraku's demon bitch was the first to step onto the stage, followed by a procession of colourfully clothed maidens that wound from the front to the back. He smirked at the sight of her, deciding it wouldn't be so bad watching one of Naraku's pets potentially make a fool of herself. Unfortunately, as the dance began he quickly realised she was well named. Her movements remained smooth and graceful, making the maidens scattered about her look like clobbering fools. Disappointed, his attention wandered over the other females, recognising some from the town, but uninterested by all.

 

It was a flash of gold that caught his attention first. His eyes were momentarily dazzled by the cloth as a lantern light hit it during a turn, causing it to blaze to life, momentarily becoming a young sun.

 

He heard amazed murmurs and knew he was not the only one who had seen it. He strained his gaze, but it was instantly blocked by Naraku's lackey as she shifted in front of the girl and hid her features from the room. She signalled the girls on the stage to move closer, further blocking the identity of the sun.

 

Inuyasha glanced at Sesshoumaru, wondering if he had seen the apparition. There was the smallest of lifts to the corner of his mouth, indicating that he knew something. Otherwise, his eyes were riveted to the stage, seemingly enjoying the display.

 

Turning back, he saw that the women were entering into a series of turns and bows, their fans flicking out, opening, and then closing as their bells jingled along with the music. He squinted through the gaps, trying to find her again.

 

And then she was there, swaying delicately between the gaps, her hands moving the fan and bell in the same sequence as the others, only hers seemed to call down the mercy of the kami as her kimono blazed, surrounding her in fire, the red obi the heart of the sun. His breath caught as her eyes skimmed unseeingly across the room till they reached him and froze. A delicate flush spread over the apples of her pale cheeks, and his breath froze as he got a good look at her.

 

Kikyou?

 

A gust of wind swirled through the hall, causing flames to sputter and the banners to blow out across the stage, hiding the kagura dancers from sight momentarily. When things settled down, the dancers were still going, intent on their purpose and ignoring all distractions. Inuyasha searched in vain for the girl with Kikyou's face but could not see her anywhere. He remained vigilant through the rest of the dance, ignoring his food even as the other lords began eating. He waited until the last step was made and the last note played before resigning to defeat.

 

She had disappeared, but Inuyasha would be damned if he'd let her vanish for good. He would find her, and he would get the answers to the questions that now hounded his mind.

***

 

Kagome ran through the corridors, her kimono pulled up to allow easy, long strides. She was aware of the indecency of this action, but she found she didn't care. She didn't mind admitting she had been startled and frightened at being seen. She knew she wasn't imagining it because their eyes had locked, and she had seen the amazement in his molten gaze, the sudden interest that had sent a shiver of… something… up her spine. She'd caught the moment of confusion crossing his features just before Kagura blessedly hid her from view with a theatrical display.

 

She'd known the wind youkai had felt her presence and been just as surprised as Kagome at coming face to face with one another.

 

It wouldn't have happened if Kagura hadn't done one last check on the line of maidens to be sure all was as it should be. She hadn't known it was Kagura but overheard the girls in front of her whispering about the final check. Kagome had bit her lip and hunched her shoulders as the female made her way back along the line, willing herself to sink into the floor or become one with the wall she stood against.

 

Kagura had come to a jolting stop in front of her, the bored expression instantly replaced by surprise and alarm. A strangled sound had escaped her mouth, and for a moment she'd looked like she may start yelling. Kagome had stared at her guardian in equal amazement, the happiness she felt at seeing her encouraging her to take a step from the wall before she became aware of the wind witch's rage.

 

Kagome was about to ask what was wrong when she caught Kagura's eye flick toward the other girls. She glanced to the side and saw they were being put to an intense inspection. With a gulp she turned her gaze back to Kagura's, trying to ask her questions with her eyes.

 

Kagura sighed, bowing her head for a moment, fan tapping her forehead. When she raised it she had the bored expression on her face again.

 

“Be sure not to leave your position behind the girl in front of you. We do not want the effect ruined.” Her tone was clipped, her eyes flashing a warning before she turned and headed back up the line of girls to take her place at the front.

 

Kagome had been confused, wanting to ask what she meant, wishing she could ask what she was doing here. Was she free?

 

It hadn't taken her long to realise the answers once they were on stage, though. While the audience had poor to no view of her during the dance, she could see them just fine. It was the sight of Lord Hiten that made her realise why Kagura was being so careful, why she had been so displeased. While she had been absorbed by Inuyasha, she had been unable to miss the lord who sat beside him. It had been for the best that she left when she got the chance. Pin pricks of fear crawled across her skin. Had he seen her? It was bad enough that Inuyasha had seen her, though she strangely didn't mind that he had.

 

She slowed as she approached the stairs that led down into the kitchens. She did not need to be caught now of all time, not after having avoided detection this whole time. She started down the steps that led up over her room, slowly bending down to check through the banister. Seeing no one was there, she hurried down the rest of the steps and slipped into her room, pulling the drape tight.

 

In moments she was out of the kimono, folding it and replacing it into her bag. She pulled the fur on quickly, the chill of her room speeding her movements. Though stone was necessary for safely working in the kitchen, it was cold and uncomfortable at night.

 

She'd just finished spreading the cream over her skin when she heard her name being called from the kitchen. Heart pounding, she hurried to pull the curtain aside and get to work when she remembered her hair. With deft movements she pulled it down, plucking the hair pin out as her name was called again, the tone just a little impatient and a lot closer.

 

“I'm coming! I'm coming!” she yelled and pulled the hood up before pulling the curtain back to show she meant it.

 

The servant seemed satisfied and motioned sharply for her to follow. She did, but not before casting a glance back at her hidden bag, the feel of the hair pin in her hand reminding her she still needed to put it back. With a small sigh she slipped it into the front of her mantle, making a mental note to do it when she went to bed.

 

***

A/N: O-O Hi. Loved all your reviews people! Ate them up like candy and then I got hooked on a 39 chaptered fanfiction for a week… sorry about that. So here you go, the seventh chapter and I'm already working on eight. Read and Review! I like criticism as long as it's constructive!

A reviewer asked if I have written anything else. Yes, one other fanfiction. “Red Riding Haori.” You can find it if you just click on my name.

 

Big Note: I have not seen the kagura performed (though I would like to) and was not able to find a decent description anywhere online. I have however seen a drum dance and I do know the kagura is performed by both boys and girls. Boys perform with swords and girls with a folding fan and bell. It is long and mostly involves hand movements with some bodily movement. Traditional dancing in Japan isn't like how westerners dance. Dancing for the fun of it is not traditional and there are no clubs really around to encourage it except in the big BIG cities. Depressing when a girl just wants to dance.