InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fate Entwined ❯ Part Of the Pack, Passage of the West ( Chapter 5 )

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

A/N: I apologize for such a long delay in between this chapter and the last. I thought after I got over my cold and my wrist started feeling better that I would have time to work on it, but things just kept getting in the way of my writing. Not only that, but since the new Pokemon games came out on the sixth, they have consumed the life(I'm such a geek). Anyways I hope the length of this chapter will make up for my absence, as it is almost a full six pages longer than my normal eight page length.

For those who have not read my last journal post on live journal here is the link again: http://konekotsukino.livejournal.com/

This chapter is dedicated to all those in Japan who have lost their homes, loved ones or both during the earthquake and following tsunami.

Word count: 8,568

Chapter 5: Part Of the Pack, Passage of the West

   The next few weeks passed in much the same order. She would awaken in the morning, eat and then bathe; meditate through the morning with Touga and then attend etiquette lessons with Megumi till the evening. She would normally grab a quick snack in between lessons as she didn’t have time for a full meal. In what little free time she had she would explore the grounds or spend time with Izayoi and Inuyasha. She saw little of Sesshomaru during these weeks, for which she was both happy and sad about. She tried not dwell on those thoughts though, for she wasn't ready to analyze them.

   It was on her second morning there that a seamstress came to her room and took her measurements. Nabi had provided her with another Kimono like the previous morning and once the seamstress was done she left to take her bath. Later in the evening the seamstress returned with three full length kimono's, under layers included. Kagome was made to stand on a box while the seamstress poked and prodded her with pins, making sure that every was the correct length. She had to fight to stay still while the seamstress made what corrections were needed. It took about an hour to finish pinning all three kimono's. As soon as the seamstress finished she was gone with the kimono's leaving Kagome to collapse in a boneless heap for a few minutes before she felt she was able to move normally again.

   The next morning found her waking to a full wardrobe of Kimono's of varying style and elegance. She had several new tabi socks, geta and a few new sleeping Kimono's as well. Her eyes were wide in shock. Nabi explained that once the seamstress had gotten the more precise measurements she was able to create the full wardrobe and finish it for this morning. The seamstress was an elderly half blind Kumo, with thick wiry brown hair. She had deep mahogany colored eyes which shown with an appraising light. Nabi helped her to pack away the kimono's in the chests in the back side of the room and then they were off once more to her lessons.

   On the first morning of her third week she arrived at the rock garden like usual and found Touga waiting for her as usual. They greeted each other and assumed the usual positions on the flat rocks. Kagome took a few deep breaths and centered herself, preparing to come face to face with her beast once more. Over the past few weeks Touga had explained to her that once there was a time when the beast did not have a separate conscious, but over time as they evolved many learned how to separate themselves from their more primal side. Though they couldn't part with it completely since that meant they would have denied a part of themselves and in doing so probably doomed themselves to insanity. Instead they kept it separate so as to always be aware of their more primal roots.

   Once more she was submersed in darkness, but only for a moment; it was quickly replaced by a scene of her own making. Lush green grass covered the ground and tree's dotted the landscape. A small lake was of to the left. Concentrating a little harder she focused on her Inner beast. They had been doing this for the past few weeks to get her acquainted with this new part of her. Soon a large Black Inu appeared. She was sure that the form it was taking was her true form were she to transform. Black fur covered sinewy muscles and red eyes fell upon her with a playful look. Long almost wolf like ears stood straight on top of its head. On its cheeks you could make out a bright green stripe. The Inu was currently about the size of Kirara when she took her larger form, though she had a feeling that this was just a size it chose here in their mind so as to get her used to it.

   She had found over her time of meditation that her inner beast didn't physically speak in the sense of a human tongue. Instead it communicated its emotions or what it wanted through its actions and a series of barks or other noises. Though because they were one and the same she could hear its voice in her head. She greeted her Inner beast, giggling slightly when it pounced her and greeted her in return. She also came to a swift realization that because they were the same person as a whole, everything her she knew or had experienced, so had her beast. Today they sat by the lake in the environment she had created in her mind. Her beast laying its head on her lap, let out a content growl as she scratched its ears.

   “Why do you not talk with mate?” it finally asked after a time. Kagome gave her beast a confused look.

   “Mate?” she asked in reply, “What do you mean?”

   “The silver haired one,” her beast replied, “Why do you not talk with him?”

   “Well I haven't spoken with Sesshomaru because it seems he is never around,” she replied, “and if you haven't noticed he isn't much of a conversationalist. On top of that what do you mean by mate? Sesshomaru is not our mate.”

   “I have decided he will be mate,” her beast replied in earnest, “In time you will see I am right.”

   Kagome sighed knowing better than to argue with her inner beast. She felt a tug then as a pulse of a familiar youki called to her.

   “Alpha is calling,” her beast said, “time for you to go.”

   Touga sent another light pulse of his youki into Kagome, trying to coax her from her meditation. He was soon rewarded when her eye's fluttered open. She looked slightly dazed for a moment before her gaze focused on him.

   “Glad to see you have returned to the land of the living,” Touga joked, “our time here is nearly up. There is something that I wished to inform you of before you left for your lessons with my first mate. A date has been decided for Sesshomaru's acceptance ceremony. On that date it will also be decided as to whether you will be a permanent member of this pack. The invitations will be sent out later this evening. The ceremony is to take place 3 weeks from now. Until then I will be suspending our lessons in favor of your hurried learning of court ettiquete. From tomorrow on, you shall be spending your whole day with Megumi learning Court etiquette.”

   Kagome's eyes widened as she took in what he said. She felt slightly dizzy as she realized all the things she would need to learn in the few weeks time they had. She almost wasn't sure she would remember it all. She realized after a moment that either way she was going to be learning a lot no matter if her lessons with Touga had been suspended or not. Shaking her head she focused her attention back on the inu before her.

   “I have arrived to escort you to your lessons with my lady,” said Nabi as she appeared from seemingly no where. Despite the amount of time she had been here she still had trouble remembering which hall led where. She was glad that Nabi was there to help her as she followed her back through the castle. Nabi herself, had even assured her that with time she would soon know the fortress by heart.

   Before she realized it, they had arrived at their destination and Nabi was bowing her farewell to her. Kagome waved as she said her goodbye, before turning to the door that led to Megumi's private meeting room. Knocking on the door she only had to wait a moment before she was bid to enter. She entered the room, closing the door behind her as she bowed and said her greetings to the female sitting before her. Megumi gave a small smile in return, motioning for her to sit before her. Kagome moved forward and sat on the cushion, being careful to remember her previous lessons as she kept her back straight and folded her hands demurely in her lap. She kept her head bowed slightly and her eyes lowered as she waited for approval from Megumi.

   “You have shown great improvement over these last few weeks,” Megumi stated, her soft lilting reaching Kagome's ears. “There is still much for you to learn and little time to learn it. Your lessons with me will increase from now until the gathering, as I'm sure you have already learned. Well then lets get to it. Show me that you remember what we learned so far.”

   Kagome did as she was told and stood. Over the next few minutes she performed several simple tasks, from walking, to bowing, to even sitting. All the while she kept her back straight, taking small steps and careful movements. Megumi eyed her with a critical look, searching for any flaws in her movements. She watched as all the while Kagome held her head high, the determination and thirst to prove herself clear to see in her eyes. Megumi applauded Kagome as she finished, motioning for her to sit again.

   “You have learned well Kagome-san,” she said in praise, “Remember to always hold your head high, unless you are showing deference to your betters or are submitting to your alpha. You show much grace in your movements, as if you were raised a noble all your life.”

   “Thank you Megumi-sama,” Kagome said in reply, a light blush staining he cheeks.

   “It is time we move on to the next lesson,” Megumi said as she stood and moved over to a table, “Today we will be going over proper dinner ettiquete, as well as the proper way to serve tea.”

    Megumi knelt at the table then motioning for Kagome to take the seat opposite her. Kagome stood and followed her example, kneeling on the cushion placed opposite from her. She once again folded her hands in her lap, her back was ramrod straight.

   “We will begin with serving the tea,” Megumi said motioning to the pot that was sitting on the table. “Traditionally any guests you are entertaining are served first, then your alpha or your mate, if they are the same, is served, and then whomever else in present. Once all present are served you then serve yourself. I would to observe how you pour tea, remember to keep in mind what I said.”

    Kagome nodded as she reached for the tea pot with her right hand. She pulled back the sleeve of her kimono, slightly so that it would not interfere with the pouring of the tea and then lifted the pot supporting it with her left hand. She then poured the tea into Megumi's cup. All the while Megumi watched her, taking note of how she held the pot and poured the tea. When the tea was poured, Kagome placed the pot down and lifted Megumi's cup, placing it closer to her before taking her own and placing it in front of herself. She then folded her hands in her lap and waited for the critique.

   “You did well, however you poured the tea too hastily,” Megumi began, “When you pour the tea you must take great care. Tilt the pot only enough for the tea to pour and keep it close to the cup.”

    With that said she lifted her cup to her lips and took a sip. Kagome taking that as a signal to drink her own, Lifted her cup to her lips and sipped her own tea. The sat there in quite for a few moments sipping their tea. When they finished Megumi had her refill the glasses, gently repositioning Kagome's hands and guiding her till everything was perfect. Once that had been perfected they moved on to how to behave when dinner was in progress. Megumi explained that most of it was the same politeness and behavior used in most other things in court, however there were other things to observe.

   “You can not partake of the meal until the alpha or ruling lord has taken the first bite. Once he has partaken of the food on his plate, then the rest of the gathering may do so. To do so before the alpha or ruling lord has, is considered extremely rude and a slight against him.”

   Kagome nodded her understanding as they practiced this, Megumi playing the part of the alpha or ruling lord. They went over the proper way to hold chopsticks and reviewed the proper terms of conversation. Finally Megumi declared them finished for the evening and allowed Kagome to leave for the evening meal. Nabi was already waiting at the door to escort her back to her room in the guest wing.

   Over the next two weeks Kagome continued to attend lessons with Megumi, constantly reviewing what has been learned, as well as learning the intrigues of the court as well as the current court politics. It would be important for her to be up to date on all of the latest political information as well as the latest gossip, lest she be thought a simpleton. She was educated on the names of minor lords and ladies as well as the names of the more important families and the lords of the regions. She was also given as crash course in the history of the west and the importance of many of the buildings on the grounds.

   She spent her free evenings wondering the palace grounds, familiarizing herself with every walkway, hall, and garden. When she wasn't wondering the grounds or in lessons she spent her time with Izayoi. She learned of her family and of her upbringing. She learned of her fathers anger when he found she was with child and that the child would be a hanyou. He had her sequestered away in one of their few private villa's with orders of secrecy to all of the soldiers and servants. She also learned of the order that had been given for the death of her unborn child at the moment of his birth and for her death if she did not cooperate. She comforted her and helped her in caring for Inuyasha on during those visits, knowing that she had been through so much, but she was following her own choices and that was what mattered.

    Inuyasha for his part was almost the perfect little angel. Since he was still to young to crawl, walk, or talk it would be a while before he became the little devil that was sure to bring terror to many a servant. He was already showing signs of being a trouble maker as he would often pull on Kagome's hair or try to gnaw on her fingers. When he did that though she would only tut at him and tap his nose in a playful manner.

   At the beginning of the third week the first of the many guests invited to the ceremony that was to take place, began to arrive. The first guest was a tall Ookami Youkai. He had broad shoulders, and long raven hair was pulled back into a high tail. He body was covered in course brown furs and armor. His striking blue eyes while stern in their own right held a great warmth as he greeted Touga and his mate. Kagome stayed off to the side hidden behind some tree's as she wasn't supposed to be seen yet. She kept her aura and scent carefully masked knowing that they had excellent sense of smell. At this great demons side was a young boy, looking to be around her younger brothers age. As she looked at him though her eyes widened as she finally came to recognize him. This young boy who had his short hair pulled back to mimic his father was none other than Kouga. Along with this Lord and his now identified son were about a dozen ookami all of a lower level youkai since they were not in humanoid form. Not to long after the Ookami arrived a few other demons had arrived all of lesser nobility.

    After a while Kagome got bored of watching the arriving nobles and decided to find something else to entertain herself with. She made her way to the dojo, wishing to avoid the guests who would surely be making themselves at home in the guest wings. The familiar sound of fighting reached her ears as she entered the area where the dojo was located. She walked along the path head directly for the dojo, watching a servant tend to the rock garden as she passed. Walking up the steps and onto the wooden walkway she made her way around the building and to one of the open doors.

   Peeking in she watched as in this room a bunch of young male youkai stood in rows going reviewing simple kata's. Some of them looked so awkward dressed in the plain gi and hakama meant for training. She realized that they must be in training to be part of the palace guard. Walking passed that door she made her way up to the next one peeking in to watch as a few guards went through some complicated sword movements. Turning her head to the left at the sound of someone being slammed into the ground she watched as a young male was being lifted up. She took note that they were in an outside practice ring of sorts.

    Walking passed the second door she made her way around the corner just in time to watch as one of the guards was flung into the wall. She froze and looked in the direction he was thrown from to see Sesshomaru surround by other young guards. She tried not to blush as she took notice of his lack of a top once more. She watched as in a few short fluid and graceful movements he had successfully incapacitated all of the guards. She could see now even at his young age he was already so skilled, and she knew in the future he would still hold that same skill and grace with which he moved.

   If she had been paying attention and not going off into her own thoughts she would have noticed when he turned to her. She would have also noticed when he narrowed his eyes and when he disappeared only to reappear in front of her. It by pure instinct that she dodged his claws, when he brought them down on her. She jumped backwards off of the walkway landing in a crouch. Her heart pounded as her wide eyes looked up at him. He disappeared again reappearing behind her. She jumped away just in time once again.

   “What are you doing?” she asked him with a note of incredulity to her voice. His answer was to attack her again. With each of his attacks she barely dodged them until she was backed up against another wall. This was a bad place to be, she knew but she also knew she couldn't dodge him forever. As he came in for another attack she raised her hands in front of her and called forth her Miko energy, creating a barrier just in time. The barrier however wasn't strong enough to hold up against his attack and shattered after his applied some of this own youki.

   Kagome panted, trying to catch her breath as she watched him warily. Sesshomaru straightened and lowered his hand. His features not once giving any insight on to what he was thinking. They stood there for a few moments in silence, seemingly unaware of their surroundings. Kagome's gaze darted around as her instincts began to rise again. She tried to tamp down the feeling of being trapped as she took note of those watching them.

   “It seems you are not completely incompetent,” Sesshomaru finally spoke as he turned around. Without a backwards glance he walked away leaving Kagome slightly confused and highly irritated.

   She bristled at his words as she straightened and without a glance at any of the others on the training ground she angrily made her way back to her room. The whole way there she through of every foul word Inuyasha had ever used and applied it to Sesshomaru. Slamming the door to her room shut she made her way over to the chest on the other side of the screens and retrieved her sleeping kimono and a robe to put over that. She then made hr way to the bathhouse where she promptly scrubbed herself clean and then soaked in the spring. The whole time she was still thinking on what Sesshomaru said.

   Finally she made it back to her room a her slightly damp tail slung over her shoulder and her damp hair left loose behind her. Dropping her dirty kimono to the floor she angrily made her way over to the table where her meal was already waiting. Dropping to the floor unceremoniously she let out a huff.

   “What is his problem!?” she finally shouted her fur standing on end once again. “Stupid ice lord with an icicle so far up his ass he has to make everyone else miserable.” She continued to grumble as she ate her food and then prepared for bed.

   She remained in her room the rest of the week, not even her curiosity to see some of the arriving lords and ladies could remove her from the room. She was still irritated with Sesshomaru and did not want a repeat of the dojo incident. Not only that but all of the powerful youki so close together were putting her on edge. If she did leave the room it was only to bathe or go to Izayoi's room. She was lucky that she did not have any lessons the rest of the week.

   About half way through the week Megumi came to her room with Nabi and the seamstress. They spent that day in a flurry of different silks and patterns. During this event of making her ceremony kimono, she was informed that the lords of the four lands had already convened decided that she would be made a pack member if only she were to pass their examination first. She was also informed that not only would Sesshomaru's ceremony take place on this day but Izayoi and Inuyasha would be officially recognized as members of the royal family. For Izayoi she would be recognized as the second mate of Touga and as such would be given duties befitting her station and title. Inuyasha would be recognized as Touga's second son and heir in the event that something happened to Sesshomaru. Kagome was happy when she heard of this, though she knew it would still be a hard road for them as many would not accept them because of what they were.

   The day came sooner than Kagome would have liked and soon she found herself being fussed over my several servants, including Nabi. They began early that morning, by dragging her to the bathhouse, not even giving her a chance to finish her food. They scrubbed her skin raw and  washed her tail and hair. Rubbing scented oils into her skin they then proceeded to clothe her in a robe and drag her back to her room where they then tugged and pulled her hair until it was pin straight. The pulled it back into an elaborate bun, leaving some hair down to frame her face. After that they piratically ripped the robe from her body as they forced her to stand still while they draped layer after layer of silk over. Only when the final knot was secured and the obi in place was Kagome allowed to relax somewhat.

   Nabi shooed the other servants out of the room as she then turned her attention to Kagome. Walking over she grabbed a familiar wooden case and from within she pulled out the pins clips and hair sticks. She expertly placed them into Kagome's hair before pulling out another smaller box to reveal face and lip paints. With a careful hand she painted Kagome's lips and added a light pink colored powder to her cheeks to bring out her blush. Declaring her ready she then left the room with only a few hours remaining before she would be presented to the lords.

    A full length mirror had been set up in the room for this occasion. She took this brief moment of freedom she had to take in her appearance. The kimono she wore was a beautiful white, but when she moved she could see thread of shimmering silver woven into it. A simple sakura pattern starting in a dark indigo on the shoulders, weaved its way down to the hem of the sleeve where it lightened to a light blue. This same pattern was on the bottom half of the kimono working in the opposite for the color. The Stating at her thighs in a light blue it darkened into the dark indigo at her feet. As she turned her back to examine the back she could just make out the indigo crescent surrounded by lighter blue clouds. Half of the design was hidden by her tail, which was wrapped over her shoulder once again. Around her waist a light pink obi with simple swirling patterns in purple printed on it. She looked like a noble of the court, she was shocked that she almost didn't recognize herself. Had she really changed that much?

   A knock on the door was heard before it opened to reveal Kota. He grinned at them and bowed. Kagome took this brief moment to take in the change in his usual armor. His long dark red hair was woven in a tight meticulous braid. Instead of the normal plainer looking black armor that he work he was now dressed in a bleached white bone armor that was polished to the point of looking as if it were a pearl. The insignia of the house of the moon was emblazoned in gold on his left breast plate and a few red tassels hung from where the main plate connected with the shoulder pieces. The shoulder pieces were strikingly similar to the shoulder piece of Sesshomaru's armor, though the spikes were somewhat smaller. An intricate silk indigo and silver sash was loosely tied around his waist. The kimono he was wearing under the armor was all black except for the left shoulder where a sakura pattern was embroidered. Sheathed at his side he wore his Katana.

   “Ladies,” he said as he rose from his bow, his orange eyes sparking with mischievousness. “I have been charged with being your escort and guard this evening.”

   “Kota!” Nabi yelled at him, “Show more respect in the presence of Kagome-sama.”

   “Whoa, whoa,” he said as he held up his hands placatingly, “Calm down Nabi, I meant no disrespect and you know it.”

   Nabi sighed.

   “Anyways I am here to escort you both to My lady's private meeting room from which we will depart for the ceremony when it is time.”

   “But Kagome-sama can not be seen yet,” Nabi protested.

   “Don't worry Nabi. All of the guests in this section of the palace and on the route we will take are already at the shrine,” he said in reassurance, “even if there was someone along the way, they will not see her.”

    With that said he produced a veil from seemingly no where. Nabi blinked in confusion while Kagome just continued to watch the siblings.

   “My lady thought that this might come in handy to keep Kagome-sama hidden from view,” he said holding the veil up, “This veil was designed to let the wearing see the outside but it is thick enough so that others can't see the wearers face.”

   Kota handed the veil to Nabi so that she could arrange it over Kagome. The veil was big enough to drape over her head effectively hiding her face from view and her hair for the most part. The veil ended a little below her shoulders. Nabi used a few hair pins to secure it in place so that it wouldn't fall off.

   “Don't worry I will make sure know one can get close enough to even peek at you,” he said with a playful note, “On a more serious note, any who wish harm on you will receive harsh punishment regardless of their station.”

   “Thank you for helping Nabi,” Kagome said, “and thank you Kota for being my protector.”

    Nabi replied with a cheerful your welcome while Kota blushed and replied with a more subdued tone. Kagome giggled at the way Kota was behaving; as if he were a boy who had never talked to a girl before. Coughing and composing himself Kota stood straight.

   “Well it is time ladies, we must not make Megumi-sama wait.”

   “Of course,” Kagome said as she stood, “lead the way oh great warrior.” there was a hint of a teasing tone in her voice when she said that.

    In a matter of minutes they were on their way down the covered walkway and through the halls of the palace. While most halls were empty there were a lost a few where servants were scrambling around in a hurry to get things in place for the ceremony and for the celebration that was to take place afterward. The closer they got to the private section of the palace the more nervous Kagome became. She clutched at the sleeves of her Kimono as they passed the gate into the royal families quarter of the palace. Soon they were standing before the door to Megumi's private meeting room as the door opened to reveal the lady herself. Nabi moved forward and removed the veil from Kagome's face so that Megumi could see her face.

   She looked the same as she always did. Her kimono was the same as always with the exception of the robe which she wore. It was similar to her usual one with the exception of the large white inu which seemed to wrap around it. She practically pulled Kagome into the room as she made her sit on a cushion. She then placed a Cup of tea in her hands forcing Kagome to let go of the sleeves of her kimono. Kota remained outside as Nabi entered and closed the door. Nabi remained herself also remained quietly by the door.

   “You must calm yourself pup,” said Megumi as she sat in front of Kagome, “Drink the tea it will help some with your nerves.” Kagome did as she was told, sipping the tea as she tried to calm herself and order her thoughts.

   “I can't help but be nervous,” she finally said, “I feel like I've been on edge for the past week. Now that I have to stand before all of the demons that I've felt here in the palace this past week I can't help but feel nervous and even more on edge.”

    Megumi nodded in understanding and graced her with a reassuring smile.

   “I understand how you feel, but you must remain calm, I know part of you must feel like you need to run while the other part must feel like you must protect yourself. When I was finally old enough to attend the court gathers and was finally presented to the court, I too was nervous. In-fact; I almost fried a poor young lord who had thought to try and court me that very day. Needless to say I scared off any potential suitors for a while.”

   Kagome seemed to finally ease up some as she listened to Megumi tell her tale of her presentation to the court. She hadn’t even realized how long they had been sitting there until Kota knocked on the door and then opened it.

   “My lady,” he said, “it is time. The Ceremony will be starting soon.”

   “Thank you Kota,” Megumi said as she stood. She looked to Kagome with a soft, reassuring smile, “Come now pup it will pass quicker than you realize.”

   Kagome stood, she could feel her joints locking up as her nervousness returned ten fold. Nabi came forward and replaced the veil over her face for the moment. Megumi placed her hand on her back and gently guided her from the room. Kota remained in the lead to guard them, while Nabi trailed behind them. The made their way out of the royal family quarter and back onto the walkway. Once they made it back to the main building they entered into the halls and made their way through the building. After a few turns they mad their way back out onto another walkway. Off to the left Kagome could see the dojo however they were not heading in that direction. Instead they continued moving straight down the walkway towards a grouping of large tree's in the not to far away.

   As the tree's towered over them Kagome slowly began to calm. The surrounding quiet of the small forest was doing wonders for her nerves. The calm did not last long; as they got closer to the shrine that was encased in the forest Kagome could feel the large conglomeration of youki ahead. Once more she was on alert as the nervousness from before pervaded her mind. Not only was she extremely nervous, but she was also on edge because of the large amount of youki. Her instincts were telling her to run while her rational thought was to confront the possible threat head on.

   “Do not be afraid pup,” Megumi said softly as she leaned close to her, “they will be much harsher if you are.”

    Kagome steeled herself then as they finally came to a stop before a set of doors. Sesshomaru was already standing in wait as well as Izayoi. Inuyasha was awake and on alert in her arms, his small nose twitching at all the scents and his ears flicked back and forth at every sound. Touga was no where to be found, however she could feel him, so she knew he was near. Nabi came forwards once more and removed the veil from Kagome completely. She briefly fussed over her hair before stepping back and folding the veil. With a nod from Megumi, she excused herself with a bow.

   “Sesshomaru,” Megumi said as she opened her arms to great her son. He merely nodded to her choosing to stay where he was. Megumi pouted at this and with a huff lowered her arms before turning her attention to Izayoi. “Izayoi-san, how are you and the pup fairing?”

   “We are doing as well as we can Megumi-sama,” Izayoi replied.

   “That is good,” said Megumi, “I apologize again for my behavior upon your arrival and that I have been unable to help you these passed few weeks.”

   “That is alright. I understand that you were busy. I hope that we will have more time to talk amongst other things once this ceremony is over.”

   “That is my hope as well.”

   “Kagome-san you look beautiful,” Izayoi said as she directed her attention to Kagome.

   “Thank you Izayoi-sama,” Kagome said as she tried to hide the small blush that was forming.

    Out of the corner of her eye she could have sworn she had seen Sesshomaru glance at her. A pulse of youki from within halted all conversation and put Kagome on edge once again.

   “It is time,” Megumi said as she walked forward and placed a hand on the door.

   Without further warning she slid the door open and proceeded forward into the large inner room. There came an announcement from somewhere within of the arrival of the lady of the west. Sesshomaru turned and entered next without even a second glance back at them. Once more Kagome heard the announcement of his arrival from someone within. Gulping she took a deep breath and centered herself. Letting the breath out she raised her head high and squared her shoulders. She moved forward taking her first graceful steps into the room.

   “Lady Higurashi, Kagome,” came the announcement at her entry, “The lord Inu no Taisho's savior and pack member candidate.”

   Kagome held her head high and looked forward, she walked in a straight line until she reached the middle of the platform area. She bowed to Touga, then Megumi and Sesshomaru. Lastly she turned and bowed to the crowed of gathered lords before turning and again and moving forward to her designated seat. She primly knelt on the cushion, smoothing out her kimono as she did. She remembered to keep her back straightened the whole time. Izayoi entered behind her and did the same as her before kneeling on the cushion that was just slightly behind her on her right.

   Touga, who had been standing a the back of the platform while they each entered moved forward once more. He let his youki pulse around the room effectively putting a stop to any erratic spikes on youki from the other inhabitants of the room.

   “I now as for the elder to come forth and preside over these sacred rights,” Touga's voice boomed through the room.

    In the front of the crowd slightly off to the side a wizened youkai stood. As he moved forward Kagome discreetly took in his appearance. He was hunched over a gnarled branch that served as his cane. His face was covered in wrinkles and he looked as though he had seen many more years than any of the other youkai present. His waist length snowy white hair was pulled back into an immaculate low tail at the nape of his neck. He was dressed in a simple and yet still regal looking kimono, the color of the sky. It even had clouds printed on the sleeves and along the bottom. The sash the tied around his waist was a deep black with silver inlaid along the edges. As he turned to bow to them Kagome could see his deep brown eyes twinkling in amusement. With all of the scents wafting around the room and all of the youki, she couldn't tell what type of youkai he was.

   A servant rushed forward and placed a cushion down in the middle of the platform for him to kneel on before placing another one next to it. With the servants help he knelt on the cushion facing them. Another servant rushed forward placing a bowel along with something wrapped in cloth to the right of him. Both servants bowed and then just as quickly as they appeared , they were gone.

   “We shall begin first with the pack bonding,” said the old youkai, his scratchy voice somehow spreading throughout the room. “Come forward and kneel before me pup.”

    He held out his hand motioning for Kagome to kneel on the cushion in front of him. Kagome stood and moved forward kneeling on the cushion before him. She looking in his eyes, blocking out everything else. She could see the kind smile shining in his eyes and just barely showing on his face.

   “Pup,” he began, “do you understand the honor and responsibly of the title that is being placed upon you by our lord?”

   “Yes,” was Kagome's soft but strong response.

   “In understanding, do you acknowledge and accept our lord's claim of pack daughter and sister?”

   “Yes.”

  ;  “My lady and young lord,” he said as he turned his attention to Megumi and Sesshomaru, “Do you acknowledge and accept the claim that our lord has placed upon this pup?”

   “I do,” came the reply from the two.

   “My Lord,” the wizened youkai said turning his attention to Touga, “do you acknowledge the claim of pack that you have placed upon this pup?”

   “I do,” was his reply.

   “Lords and lady's gathered here today,” he said addressing the crowd of gathered youkai, “Do you acknowledge and accept the claim that our lord has placed upon this pup? If there are any who have objections than now is the time to speak.”

   There was a low murmur from the crowd before all was silent once more. Kagome continued to keep her attention on the youkai before her. She knew what was going to come next from what Megumi had told her. Touga had left off the mention of needing to drink blood or any other intricacies of the ceremony when he told her of what would happen, for which she and Megumi were both annoyed at him for. Now, however, it no longer mattered as the wizened youkai reached for the package beside him. He unwrapped the cloth to reveal a long dagger. There were also a few herbs wrapped in a smaller cloth. He took those and tossed them into the bowl as a servant came forth and placed a third cushion on the floor. The youkai motioned for Touga to kneel on the third cushion before turning to Kagome.

   He reached out with his hand motioning for Kagome to place her hand in his. With his other hand he picked up the dagger. Kagome placed her hand in his with a slight bit of apprehension, though it was gone as soon as it had arrived. The youkai turned her hand so that it was palm up before taking the dagger and slicing it across her wrist. He held her wrist over the bowl, letting her blood drip into it. When he was satisfied he picked up the cloth and ripped it. Taking a piece of the cloth he wrapped it around her wrist to stem the blood flow. He then turned and did the same with Touga, letting the blood drip into the bowl and mix with her own. Once he was finished he placed the dagger back down and then lifted the bowl and swirled the blood around until he felt it was proper mixed.

   He then held out the bowl to Touga who took it and drank from it. When Touga was finished he passed the bowl to Kagome. Kagome raised the bowl to her lips letting the metallic taste of blood mixed with herbs enter her mouth. She quickly and carefully drank what was left in the bowl before handing it back to the old youkai.

   “Your joined blood, signifies the bond that you hold as pack daughter.” said the youkai, “Now my lord please reaffirm your claim on this pup to solidify that she is pack.”

   Touga nodded and turned to her. Taking the wrist which he had marked he once more traced over the crescent which was there applying more of his youki. The crescent mark darkened in color becoming a more vibrant indigo.

   “Arise now Kagome, pack member and daughter to the house of the moon.”

   Kagome stood then and turned to the crowd. She looked out at them her head still held high as she stared at them, daring them to refute the claim now that it was final.

   “Here stands Kagome daughter to the house of the moon,” said the youkai, “show her the respect due of her station.”

   All of the youkai gathered bowed to her than in a show of respect, some were more reluctant than others. Kagome nodded her head and turned to Touga and bowed again before returning to her previous seat. Another servant appeared once again to take away the bowl, dagger and cloth.

   “Now we shall begin with the acceptance of the lords second born and his second mate,” the youkai announced to the crowd, “please come forth Izayoi-sama.”

   Izayoi stood and moved forward to kneel on the cushion which only moments before Kagome had knelt on. She knelt and repositioned Inuyasha so that he was also in clear view of the youkai. Both Touga and the youkai nodded in approval.

   “With your permission” the youkai said as he held out his arms.

   Izayoi smiled and gently held out Inuyasha, allowing the youkai to take him into his arms. The youkai repositioned him until his was comfortable and then looked to Touga.

   “My lord, this pup is second born to you,” he said, “Do you acknowledge that he is yours and accept him as your own?”

   “Yes” said Touga.

   “Then make your bond with the pup,” he said as he held out Inuyasha to him.

    Over the course of their small journey and the last 3 weeks Touga had visited with Izayoi and Inuyasha regularly. He had said it was to familiarize him to his scent, until a bond of youki could be completed. He held Inuyasha carefully in his arms looking down at him with the love only a father could show. Inuyasha for his part had remain mostly calm throughout the proceedings, but now that he was in his sire's arms he giggled and held his arms up towards him letting loose a few small yips. Touga quieted him easily with a soothing growl meant to calm him before he let his youki envelope the small pup.

    After a few moments he let his youki recede however there was a small amount that now seemed to hover around Inuyasha. It had been explained to her that it would remain like this until he was old enough to protect himself. When Touga was done he handed Inuyasha back to the youkai. The youkai then turned to the crowed and held up Inuyasha just enough for everyone to see.

   “I present to you lords and ladies, Inuyasha, second born to our lord and heir to the west in the event of something happening to lord Sesshomaru and any of his future offspring.”

   The youkai lowered his arms then allowing Izayoi to take the pup back into her arms and calm him as he began to fidget and whimper slightly. Izayoi quickly and efficiently calmed him before looking to Touga in question. Touga nodded and looked to Kagome then motioning her to come forward.

   “Yes Touga-sama?” Kagome asked softly as she arrived at their side.

   “Please take hold Inuyasha for this portion of the ceremony.”

   “Of course,” she replied as she turned to Izayoi.

    She gave her an encouraging smile as she took Inuyasha from her arms and then moved back over to her cushion. Once she was situated she returned to attention to the proceedings just in time to see Touga looking out at the crowd with a look that said, I dare you to defy me. She realized she must have missed somethings being said. Lookng out at the crowd, no one moved or spoke.

   “If no one objects to this claim, then my lord please mark her.”

    Touga moved closer to Izayoi and gently took her in his arms. He moved her hair out of the way and bent her head over so that he had better access to her neck. In moments he had his fangs buried in the flesh of her neck, blood being drawn from her into him. As he drew some of her blood he, slit his tongue allowing his blood to mix with hers. He also pushed his youki into her body letting it wash over her and solidifying his bond with her. Pulling his fangs out he licked away the excess blood and closed the wounds before pulling away. He knew that shortly a mark would appear there showing her as his mate.

   Though she was weakened from the bonding, she was able to stand with his help. She turned to the crown and straightened her back; holding her head high she looked out at the gathered youkai and silently dared them to refute her place as his second mate.

   “I present Lady Izayoi, second mate to our lord and second lady of the house of the moon.”

   The gathered youkai bowed once more, though there were quite a few more that were reluctant to do so. Touga guided her back over to her cushion handing her off to the capable hand of his beloved first mate. Megumi helped to steady her, whispering that once the ceremony was over that she would help her to her new room. Kagome began to rock Inuyasha when he gave out a yawn showing that he was indeed getting exhausted. She knew that the ceremony was almost complete, and once it was done she resolved that she would personally take Inuyasha to the room he shared with Izayoi.

   Touga stood, helping the youkai to stand as well and handing him his cane. A few servants came out and gathered up the cushions. The wizened youkai motioned for Sesshomaru to step forward. Sesshomaru rose from his seat and moved forward until he was standing before the youkai and his sire.

   “Young lord, do you understand the responsibility that has been placed upon you by your sire?”

   “I do” came his monotonous reply.

   “Then do you accept the position as Lord of the West?”

   “I do.” The wizened youkai nodded and turned to the Touga.

   “My lord do you acknowledge that you have passed your claim tot he west on to your pup, and do you accept that he is now lord of the land?”

   “I do,” relied Touga. Turning to the crowd he then addressed all gathered.

   “Do you, Lords and lady's, accept the passage of this claim from sire to pup?  Do you also acknowledge and accept Sesshomaru as one of you, As lord of the west? If there are any who wish to refute this claim, please speak now.”

   There was a brief murmur among the crowd before all was quiet. Feeling that it needed to be voiced one of the lords stepped forward.

   “We do not reject his claim,” the lord spoke, “and we acknowledge and welcome Sesshomaru as lord of the lands o the west”

   “Very well,” said the youkai turning back to Sesshomaru, “I now pronounce you, Sesshomaru, Son of Touga the Inu No Taisho, Lord of the Western Lands.”

   As if by magic the Crescent on Sesshomaru's forehead darkened until it was the color that Kagome remembered. A wind seemed to blow through the room then as if to finalize the change.

   “Stand now and show respect for your new lord, Sesshomaru.”

   Everyone stood then and bowed deeply in reverence. Even Kagome, Megumi and Izayoi stood and bowed. Once everyone had straightened from their bow's the old youkai spoke one last time.

   “I declare these proceedings finished. Go now and rejoice for you new pack members and Lord.”

~To Be Continued

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