InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fallen Rose Petals ❯ Crazy Northerners ( Chapter 3 )

 

A New King

 

Crazy Northerners

 

Chapter 3

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not, have not, and will not ever own Inuyasha.

 

 

 

"Ouch!"

 

"Sorry Miss, but this would go a lot quicker if you just stood still." Yuka, their oldest seamstress squatted by her side, working diligently on her dress with an odd sort of concentration Kagome would never understand, much less be able to accomplish, but which made her the best at what she did.

 

Kagome stared at her reflection in the mirror. A new dress had been made for the occasion, but, unfortunately, the dress had been a bit too large for her frame, and there were currently five or six women rushing around trying to get Kagome ready on time. She wished, just for once, she could dress herself.

 

"Turn a little to the right, please," Yuka said.

 

Kagome complied. She looked criticizingly at her dress. It was the most uncomfortable garment she'd ever possessed, but she couldn't help admit she looked good in it. The shimmering green fabric seemed to cause her skin to glow. The seamstress had done a wonderful job, apart from being slightly too large, and the dress showed off her newly developed curves in a perfect compromise of sexy and conservative. Kagome smiled and turned around to look at the crisscrossing patterns on the back of her dress.

 

"Miss!"

 

"Sorry," Kagome quipped, turning to face the mirror again.

 

The woman at her feet simply sighed and went back to hemming the bottom of her skirt.

 

"Oh Kagome, you look gorgeous!"

 

A smiling face appeared in the mirror beside her.

 

"Sango! Do you have it?"

 

Sango pulled out a long golden chain. On the end were three golden roses. The necklace had been a gift from her father. She rarely wore it, but she always kept it with her

 

"Oh, thank you! I was so worried I'd lost it!"

 

"I also brought this."

 

"A four leaf clover?"

 

"Well, actually its two clovers I tied together, but I figured it wouldn't do any harm." Sango tucked the clover into one of the many folds of her dress, then helped Kagome put on her necklace.

 

"Yeah, but will it do any good?"

 

Sango shrugged. "Who knows.”

 

"All done, Miss."

 

"Thank you."

 

Sango watched as Yuka picked up her supplies and left the room, the other women trailing behind her in silence. Beside her, Kagome fidgeted with her dress. "Are you nervous?"

 

"Only slightly."

 

"Kagome, you're shaking."

 

"Am not."

 

"Relax. It's going to be okay."

 

"How can you even say that? Why couldn't I be allowed to marry for love?"

 

"Maybe you will."

 

Kagome snorted.

 

"Very attractive."

 

"Good, maybe all the men will stay away then."

 

Sango shook her head, "How else do you expect to fall in love, if not by meeting the man first?"

 

A loud crash sounded from the doorway. The two girls turned their head towards the door where the Queen stood in a rather odd looking dress, trying in vain to pick up the broken pieces of a vase. "The price I pay for fashion."

 

"What on earth are you wearing, Mother?"

 

"It's all the latest fashion up North."

 

Kagome turned to whisper to Sango, "Those northerners are crazy."

 

"Sango, could you please excuse us."

 

"Yes, your highness."

 

Sango turned to look once more at the Queen's ridiculous outfit, bursting into laughter as she ran down the hall to find another pair of shoes for Kagome, those high heels couldn't be comfortable.

 

"Is it really that bad?"

 

"Well..."

"Never mind, I'll change later."

 

"Mom, about before—"

 

"It's fine, Kagome, you had every right to be angry with me. I understand."

 

"But I shouldn't have said what I did."

 

The Queen embraced her daughter as well as her dress would allow. She longed for the simpler days, when she was free to spend more time with her daughter. Now, she had so many things to do and take care of, she was lucky to find time to sleep. Normally, things wouldn't be so hectic, but the country had so many problems. There was a shortage in food, a possible serial killer on the loose, and a bad case of flu was spreading through the town, not to mention the people weren't safe and small battles continued to pop up around the borders, leaving many dead and all their valuables stolen. Being the only country where youkai and humans lived together peacefully was awfully hard on the rulers. She'd had her share of outbreaks in the last month, and her daughter had every right to her own.

 

"I'd be worried if you hadn't. I have some good news for you."

 

"I don't have to get married?"

 

The Queen's face fell. "Now, Kagome, you know—"

 

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, but I can still dream, can't I?"

 

The Queen looked sadly at her daughter, "Of course, sweetie." This was getting harder every day.

 

"Well, what's all this I hear about good news?"

 

"Speak properly. You must act your best tonight."

 

Kagome mentally reviewed her words, trying to figure out what she'd said wrong this time. Did she forget to say 'Mother'?

 

"Naraku has proposed marriage."

 

"I think you've already decided on the whole marriage thing, Mother?"

 

"No, no, you don't understand, Naraku wants to marry you, and don't say 'Mother' like that, it's improper."

 

Kagome simply stared at her mother. Had she really gone mad? She couldn't marry Naraku, he creeped her out. There was something a bit off about him. She couldn't stand to look him in the eyes, and couldn't help but shudder whenever he walked into a room. He was cold and heartless; she could never love him.

 

Though maybe her mother wasn't completely insane. Naraku had always been a loyal member of this country, as his father had been before him. He was a military genesis, and even better at politics. He was strong, and would always protect her. He wasn't too old, either -- only around ten years her senior. He was even good looking, if you could get passed that look in his eyes.

 

But Kagome couldn't get passed that look. There was something there, she just knew it, something he was hiding, and she really didn't want to find out.

 

So she fainted.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

The Queen fanned her daughter frantically. Around her stood a dozen servants plus varying others, all staring in shock, both at the sudden fall of the princess, and the reaction of the queen. After hearing a sudden cry from the Queen, all had rushed to her side, fearing the worst. Now, with their princess lying limply on the floor, they were at a loss of what to do. Outside the room, the guests were waiting not so patiently for the arrival of the girl they'd all traveled so far to see. What would happen if she never showed? Finally, the Queen spoke, "You, Yuka, go get some water!"

 

"Yes ma'am," the seamstress wandered off to find a glass, relieved for something to do.

 

"Here's a pillow m'lady," a young cook spoke up, handing the Queen a nearby cushion.

 

"Thank you."

 

A low groan came from Kagome's direction and all twenty heads turned to look at her. Kagome slowly sat up, blinking rapidly as her eyes grew used to her surroundings. "What happened?"

 

"You fainted, sweetie."

 

Something was wrong. Her mother never called her 'sweetie' when others were around. "Mother?"

 

"Shhh, lie back down and rest."

 

Part of her wanted to comply, too fake a serious illness and spend the next month locked away in her bedroom. But a greater part of her knew she needed to go face all the suitors who had come for her. "I'm fine, Mother."

 

"Are you sure?"

 

Kagome looked at her mother. She could see her concern in her eyes. Did she think it was her fault she'd fainted? Kagome was suddenly filled with an odd sense of dread. Was something going to happen to her mother? Would she die soon? Kagome shivered.

 

"Mo—"

 

"Kagome, I'm so glad you're okay."

 

Kagome looked up to find a familiar face peering down at her. His long black hair had been pulled together in the back, leaving more of his face visible. He wore black pants and a decorative deep blue jacket. So that's where the dread had come from.

 

"Hello Naraku."

 

"I was so worried when I heard." Kagome tried hard not to roll her eyes. Though she had no reason to think so, she could just tell he was disappointed to find her still alive. "I brought you some water."

 

"Thanks, but I'm okay." She wouldn't put it passed him to poison her.

 

Kagome stood and dusted off her dress. The cloth felt somewhat suffocating. She wondered if that had contributed to her sudden fall. Surely, marrying Naraku hadn't come as that much of a surprise to her. It'd been suggested before. Checking for her four-leaf clover, Kagome headed for the door. "Time to face the music," she muttered.

 

Her breath caught in her throat when she entered the main room, and for a moment she thought she would faint again. The room was packed full. There had to be at least five hundred people there. Of course, not all of them had come in hopes of marriage. Every prospective husband brought several of his own guests along with him, to enjoy the party, and for his own company. There were also many noble men and their families from Shikon.

 

Kagome walked slowly along the edges of the room, trying to see, but not be seen. She spotted a few husband worthy men, but none worthy of her love. They all held their noses too high in the air.

 

"Princess Kagome, I presume?"

 

Kagome turned to find a young, handsome man smiling at her. Kagome immediately noticed his eyes. They weren't normal eyes; he had to be a demon. His skin seemed far too tanned to be of noble birth, but he seemed to have one quality most the men in the room lacked - compassion. She could see he had a good heart just by looking at him.

 

"Yes, and you are?"

 

"King Kouga, of the wolf lands. Would you care to dance?"

 

Kagome smiled and nodded her head.

 

Taking her hand in his, Kouga lead Kagome to the dance floor, already moving along to the upbeat melody playing across the hall. Kouga had noticed her as soon as she entered the room. There was a sort of powerful aura surrounding her. The rumors had been at least half true - she was beautiful. Something told Kouga that there was more to her than met the eye, though.

 

When they arrived at their destination, a slow song began to fill the room. Kouga's grin widened, and he took Kagome's hand, pulling her close to him. As they swayed to the music, Kagome studied what she could see of his face. He was definitely attractive, could she one day grow to love this man?

 

As the song came to a close, Kouga pulled back to look Kagome in the eyes. Seeing his wide grin, Kagome couldn't help but grin back. "You've probably got a lot of other men to meet."

 

Kagome nodded her head. It wasn't something she was looking forward to, but if all the men could be this nice, she might actually enjoy herself.

 

"What do you say, we get together tomorrow night, take a nice walk or something, so we can really get to know each other."

 

Again Kagome nodded. His piercing blue eyes kept her from doing more.

 

With a slight bow, Kouga was off, and Kagome was left to face another prospective husband. One after another she danced the night away. After a few hours, Kagome was searching for an exit. Her feet were killing her. She had almost made it out of the room when she was stopped by the last person she wanted to see.

 

"Kagome, my dear, going somewhere?"

 

Kagome ground her teeth together. Naraku had no right to call her his "dear." She opened her mouth to tell him so. "I was just searching for something to drink," she said instead. It wouldn't do to upset him; she'd never get to leave then.

 

"Here," Naraku managed to pull a glass of water out of thin air, or so it seemed. "Now, I believe its mine turn to have a dance."

 

"No!" Naraku's eyes widened slightly. "I mean, I'm getting a bit tired..."

 

"It'll just be a few minutes." Naraku took her drinkless hand to lead her back towards the dance floor, while Kagome's insides tried desperately to rearrange themselves within her.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

In a far corner, dressed in his old royal robes, stood a rather pissed looking hanyou. Though he would do anything to regain the power he once possessed, he was in pure torture. Never in his life had he attended such a boring party. All the guests milled around him, stopping to chat awhile with an old acquaintance, or meeting with new people. In the middle of the room, was an almost empty dance floor, save for around seven couples, moving slowly to the music.

 

Inuyasha sighed. He was ready to give up. He'd been waiting for what seemed like hours, and had yet to see the princess. There had to be another way to accomplish his goal. Slowly, he made his way towards the flirting monk.

 

"It's a small, but beautiful island, (though not nearly as beautiful as you) off the east coast of Nuranga. I have a large palace, from where I rule with a kind heart, but it needs a woman's touch, you see."

 

Inuyasha swiftly bonked Miroku over the head.

 

"Ouch!"

 

"Making up stories again, Monk?"

 

Miroku sweat dropped.

 

The young woman he had previously been speaking with took his hesitation as a chance to add to his head injury, by slapping him hard across his cheek. "Jerk!"

 

Miroku watched her as she sauntered off with a certain longing. "Must you always ruin my chances?"

 

"It's for your own good."

 

Rubbing his newest injury, Miroku studied Inuyasha. Now would not be a good time to argue with the young prince. He looked on the edge of explosion. Had he already managed to ruin his chances with the princess? Miroku shook his head; he only left him alone for five minutes. Even the great Inuyasha couldn't have messed up in that short of time.

 

"We're leaving."

 

Miroku raised in eyebrows in question. Had he been correct in his first guess?

 

"Come on, it's been hours, I'm not waiting around for some empty-headed miko princess any longer."

 

"We've come a long way Inuyasha, we cannot give up now."

 

"Then you do it."

 

Again, Miroku's eyebrows raised. "Do what?"

 

"You talk to the princess. You're so good at pretending you're a prince, pretend your me."

 

"I cannot do that."

 

"And why the hell not?"

 

"Because, if she falls for me, then it will be me with the power."

 

"Hell, as long as you let me use your armies, I don't care who rules this stupid country."

 

"And how, may I ask, do I convince her I'm half dog demon?"

 

"Make something up."

 

Miroku shook his head. "This is your quest Inuyasha, you get the girl yourself."

 

Inuyasha grunted in reply. "Couldn't I just kill whoever becomes King?"

 

"You may gain the title of King that way, but you would never gain the support of the army, and that is what you have come for. Besides, you may not be able to get ride of him."

 

Taking the comment as a direct insult, Inuyasha glared at Miroku. "Are you calling me weak?" A low growl began in his throat. "I could take anyone of these wimps."

 

Fearing for his head, Miroku searched the room for a scapegoat. "Even him?"

 

Inuyasha followed Miroku's gaze to a tall demon in the center of the dance floor. He had long black hair, and a sleek blue coat that made him appear more powerful than he really was.

 

"I could beat his wimpy ass if I wanted to."

 

Miroku took in a deep breath then began lecturing Inuyasha on all the reasons why he must stick to their plan, but Inuyasha wasn't listening to him. He, instead, had trained his sight on the lovely young woman the aforementioned man was dancing with. As she turned in his direction, he caught a glimpse of her beautiful smile. He held his breath as her gaze floated over him, widening her grin, before focusing her attention back on her dance partner.

 

"...So you see, you must be the one to become King."

 

"Yeah, yeah. Can you at least find her for me?"

 

"As you wish, your majesty," Miroku bowed, rolling his eyes discreetly, then left the prince's side to search for the rumored beauty, grumbling under his breath, "lazy bastard."

 

Inuyasha looked back towards the dance floor as Miroku left to search for his future wife. The young woman didn't look too happy to be dancing with the man. Taking a few steps forward, Inuyasha concentrated on the couple who were now speaking to each other. He stretched his ears forward, but couldn't catch their conversation through all the background noise.

 

Unconsciously, he took a few more steps towards them. The girl pulled back, anger flaring in her eyes, and headed away, but the man grabbed her arm and held her back. A few more steps and Inuyasha could catch their low voices.

 

"Let me go, Naraku."

 

"But, darling, it hasn't even been a full song yet."

 

"I don't care, let me go!"

 

A growl began to rise in Inuyasha's throat. "Keep your filthy paws off her."

 

The couple turned their attention to the hanyou, ceasing the previous struggle.

 

The man's eyes narrowed, obviously trying to decide the consequences of fighting his interrupter in public. "Fine," the clipped voice of Naraku broke the silence that had begun between them. He turned quickly, mumbling something about childish behavior, and walked towards a woman in her mid thirties, dressed in an elegant red dress. Inuyasha took in her long wavy hair and piercing blue eyes, wondering if she was related to the confused girl that now stood before him.

 

"Thank you."

 

Inuyasha grunted in reply.

 

"Um..."

 

Turning his full attention towards the girl, Inuyasha finally noticed that her intense gaze was locked solely on him. He held his breath, as her sky blue eyes, much softer than the older woman's searched his own amber ones.

 

"Would you like to dance?" she asked, seeming a bit uncomfortable with her question.

 

"Actually," he began. "I'd like to get out of here."

 

A smile graced her lips. "Me too."

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

"You're kidding right?"

 

Inuyasha shook his head negatively, a small smile playing on his lips.

 

"You're telling me, that with all the rooms you must have, you prefer sleeping in a tree?"

 

The prince shrugged his shoulders, not willing to explain. The high branches of a sturdy tree gave him a sense of comfort and security he hadn't been able to fully replicate since the death of his mother. A night spent inside for him was a night spent without much sleep.

 

Kagome giggled, "You sure don't talk much."

 

"You sure talk a lot," he retorted.

 

"Hey, someone's got to keep this conversation going."

 

Inuyasha chuckled and leaned over the balcony to stare at the infinite gardens below. They seemed to stretch on forever, and for all Inuyasha knew at the moment; they did.

 

"They're beautiful, aren't they?" came a whisper from his side.

 

Despite the girl's early insult, Inuyasha merely nodded, earning him another wide grin. For a while, they just stood there, side-by-side, exchanging silence as the waxing moon rose to light their two figures. Then, just as suddenly had the moment taken them, it was stopped as Inuyasha felt two soft hands rub the bases of his ears.

 

"Oi, what do you think you're doing, bitch?"

 

He felt the girl stiffen behind him and wondered for a moment if she would cry at his apparent fowl language. "I told you," she said with anger instead. "My name's Kagome. Ka Go Me."

 

"Feh, I know."

 

"Then why don't you call me by it?"

 

"I'll call you by whatever name I feel like."

 

"Is that so?"

 

"Yeah, wench, you think differently?"

 

Kagome was now fuming before him. Her fists were clenched tightly at her side. Her jaw was firmly shut, and her eyes seemed to be piercing through his soul, trying to telepathically insult him. They were a far cry from the soft and gentle searching they'd done before.

 

"As a matter of fact," she growled out. "I do."

 

"Well, I don't care, bitch."

 

"You're so infuriating!"

 

"You're just easily infuriated."

 

Her eyes blazed and Inuyasha swore she grew two inches taller. "You! Are a rotten, good for nothing, chauvinistic pig! I ought to kick your arrogant little—"

 

"Miss Kagome?" asked a shaky voice from Inuyasha's right. He turned, taking his eyes from the fuming female, to see a slightly shaken young man, who stood with such uncertainty that Inuyasha had to wonder how long he'd been standing by the balcony doors, just watching them. "Your mother wishes to see you."

 

"I'll be right there, Shippou."

 

The young kitsune nodded and was off.

 

Inuyasha was surprised to realize that all his senses had been focused solely on Kagome. Had the boy posed a threat to him, he would have noticed his presence, but he usually noticed anyway. A low growl escaped him at the realization of his stupid mistake. The brat, whoever he was, looked just the kind to go running back to the girls mother, telling her in exaggerated terms how a big mean demon had threatened her little darling; the kid was obviously weak. The best thing he could do was apologize profusely, and hope to the gods that her family wasn't too powerful.

 

"Well, It was nice meeting you," Inuyasha grinned, bearing his best look of complete innocence and naivety. "Bitch."

 

"Rot in hell."

 

"Such fowl language, from such a young girl."

 

Kagome turned to reenter the forgotten party, turning only to flip him off before disappearing into the crowd.

 

"Inuyasha! There you are!" Miroku shouted from somewhere in the depths of the guests.

 

With a sudden sickening dread, Inuyasha was reminded of his reasons for this trip in the first place. The princess. He was supposed to be making the princess fall for him, not fighting with some other girl.

 

"Where in the name of Buddha have you been?" In front of him, Miroku stood with a confused look on his face. "Come on," Miroku urged while he grabbed the fabric of Inuyasha's sleeve to drag him inside. "The party's almost over and you haven't even meet the princess yet."

 

"I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to come tonight." On a small makeshift stage where the dance floor had once been, stood the lady he'd seen before; the one he'd assumed had been related to Kagome. Beside her, was the man from earlier, looking as fowl as ever. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. From this distance, the man looked rather familiar.

 

"That's the Queen," Miroku whispered from his side.

 

Inuyasha's eyebrows quirked up.

 

"As you know," The Queen continued. "My daughter, Kagome, will be married by the end of the month, and you are all invited."

 

Inuyasha stared into the crowd before him as Kagome took the stage. His vision swirled and his mouth hung open. Of course she'd told him her name, but he'd been too distracted by the simple movement of her lips as she spoke to him to really comprehend anything at the time.

 

Once again his big mouth had ruined his chances of succeeding. On stage, the princess still carried a hint of their argument in her cheeks, which were tinted red, both from her yelling, and his own insults.

 

His plan had suddenly become a lot more complicated.

 

 

 

 

***