InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten ❯ Matchmaker, Matchmaker... ( Chapter 28 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Sesshomaru, Inuyasha or anyone else from the hit anime/manga series. Rumiko Takahashi does. I do own all OC's and plot in this story.

 

Why must I make threats just to get one review around here?! Honestly people!

Thank you, Saiba Wolf, for taking me seriously, here is your reward. This chapter was already written I was just withholding it pending results, but don't think you can slack off again. And as for the rest of you… Put your hands on the keyboard and type me some comments!

 

Chapter 23: Matchmaker, matchmaker…

 

159 years before the search for the jewel shards.

 

My daughter is quite the busybody. To overcome her own grief she decided she needed to match me up with someone. Dragons are very determined and I can't argue that I'm not happy with results.

-Sesshomaru

 

Naomi twitched, her patience failing. Her fifth candidate continued to chatter on why she would make Sesshomaru a wonderful wife or more accurately, why it would be a wonderful thing if she became Sesshomaru's wife.

 

“…I would finally get the respect I deserve. People think I'm useless and that all I care about is my image. I think I've done well considering the circumstances. I mean with all this dreadful fighting and running through the bush like a bunch of humans it really does a number on a girl. Just look at my nails! It's not easy keeping such perfect points. If I were Lord Sesshomaru wife I wouldn't have people nagging me to do these silly things like collect wood or wash clothes that would ruin all my hard work. I would be too busy tending to Lord Sesshomaru's wants…” Her babbling continued.

 

Naomi coughed and with a flick of her fingers, subtly marked the woman off the list of potentials. The woman was still chattering when the dragoness interrupted, “Excuse me, I've heard your opinion and will take it into consideration but to be fair I need to speak with all the women before making up my mind.” The woman huffed, believing she was the obvious choice, and stalked from the hidden alcove.

 

Naomi sighed. She wasn't sure what her father would do if he found out about her activities, but she was certain he wouldn't be happy with her. To forestall any trouble, she had asked for discretion by all involved. The only good thing about Noriko's insurrection was that there was no political advantage to be gained through marriage now. She could pick whoever was best for Sesshomaru the man rather than Sesshomaru the leader. However, after suffering through only five interviews with potential brides she wanted to quit.

 

The first four had been complete suck ups, bobbing their heads and agreeing with whatever she said. They had even agreed they would cut off their own hands if it pleased Sesshomaru. Naomi had dismissed them almost as soon as they said yes. They had obviously been sent by eager parents desiring close ties to their lord.

 

“Next,” she called in a world weary voice.

 

“And what exactly are you up to?” asked her father as he leaned into the alcove. Gold eyes bored into hers and his claws clacked on the stone wall. Naomi's heart flew into her throat. She was caught red handed and she wasn't prepared to deny it.

 

“Ano… Th-that is… You see…” Naomi stuttered and she wracked her brain for a believable excuse. The young women outside appeared as if they were ready to bolt. Shit!

 

“L-l-lord Sesshomaru! Ho-how dare you barge in here like this,” stammered one of the young women. Naomi peered around her father as he turned to regard the speaker. The woman, a girl really, had honey gold hair and hazelnut gold eyes. A pair of dark blue stripes, shaped like an arrow, graced her forehead and she wore a green kimono with cherry blossom patterns all over it. She went two shades whiter when Sesshomaru focused his attention on her and threatened to crush the fan she was holding from the intensity of her grip.

 

She managed to continue and even waved her fan at him. “You-you should be ashamed of yourself, L-l-lord Sesshomaru. This is woman's business. A man has no right to be here and asking such questions.”

 

Sesshomaru regarded her then flicked his gaze across the assembly. “Woman's business, huh?” The women all nodded vigorously false smiles plastered to their faces.

 

Naomi, finding her voice in the girl's inspiration, jumped up and said, “Yes, Father! So shoo. You almost made me say something inappropriate. Out! Out! Out!” She placed her hands on his back and pushed until he was out of the cave they were hiding in. Sesshomaru looked back and seemed surprised as well as put out. As he turned away, though, she thought she caught the faintest flicker of a smile tugging at the corners of lips. Naomi shook her head, certain she was imagining things.

 

****

 

Later that night, Naomi looked over the list of names and sighed. It hadn't been long to start with but now… She sighed again. Either the women wanted something for themselves or their families wanted something. None of them were what she hoped for. None of them would do her father any good. Sighing a third time, she tossed the parchment into the fire.

 

The girl in the green kimono had not been a potential bride. “Himawari? Of course she's not a bride to be. She isn't even of age or of a status worthy of Lord Sesshomaru's attention. That girl is here to tend to me, nothing more,” said Kou Temari with a dismissive wave. That woman had been one of those self-centered types and Naomi hadn't dared say more. She didn't want to give Himawari trouble.

 

Not of age or status, huh? Naomi put her chin on her fist and thought, She will grow older so she will be of age someday and status… This isn't a political marriage so what does status have to do with it? I need to ask someone else about her.

 

****

 

“Himawari?” repeated a female Inuyokai with turquoise hair.

 

“Yes, do you know who she is?” asked Naomi.

 

“Yes, I do. Poor thing,” said the woman with a sad shake of her head. “Her mother was the daughter of General Taiyoukousen but no one knows who the father is. Apparently her mother was a real rebel. She refused to behave no matter how much her father scolded her. She disappeared for a time. After several decades she returned but as a completely different person. All the fight had gone out of her. I don't know what happened to her but she never rebelled again. However, after she returned it became apparent to her family that she was with child. General Taiyoukousen tried to cover it up but these things get around, you know. Anyway, he found a young man he could trust and married him to her so things would be proper when the child was born. Things would have been fine except Himawari lost her entire family that day Noriko attacked. The girl was given over to her stepfather's family but they knew the truth. That's why she is treated as a servant by them. It doesn't matter to them that she's General Taiyoukousen's granddaughter at all. And he was the first one to be killed because he stood by Lord Sesshomaru.”

 

Naomi grimaced. She would have to tread more cautiously than before. The Kou family would not welcome the news of their unwanted ward being chosen over their legitimate child. That woman talked down to me the entire time, probably because of my illegitimate birth. The Kou family is very traditional. My presence is only tolerated because of the power I wield as an individual. The only reason why they remained with Father is because they never accepted Noriko as a family head, she thought.

 

“Thank you very much,” she said and bowed to the woman. She then turned away and muttered, “Lord Kou won't accept Himawari over his daughter Temari. Perhaps if I approached the Kou elders they'd be more receptive.”

 

****

 

Naomi was grateful their current camp was near an abandoned temple. The reason why it wasn't part of the camp was because it was obvious. The temple had been abandoned relatively recent and so the forest hadn't reclaimed it yet. It was still visible from a distance. One night of use shouldn't cause any problems. After all, humans used these places for shelter as well from time to time.

 

She had approached several of her friends and explained her problem. They eagerly agreed to help her clean out the old temple for the very important meeting. The dragoness had yet to request the Kou elders for an audience, but she thought they might be more inclined to favor her with their presence if she had a place already arranged for their comfort during the meeting.

 

Naomi was also grateful to whatever force was occupying Noriko. The longer the traitor kept quiet the better her chances would be with the negotiations. There was nothing worse for marriage proposal than an interrupted meeting.

 

It had taken the group two full days to finish preparing the temple. Once the dust settled, Naomi prepared her letter of request. Simple, direct and flavored with all the correct words to make it as formal and polite as possible. There was no way the Kou family would allow her to speak with the elders without their permission and she didn't want to have to explain her reason for wishing to to the family head. She didn't want anyone but the elders, the only ones who could overrule the family head, to know she was considering Himawari to be her father's bride.

 

Her friends proofread the letter, and pointed out where she had erred and how to correct it. Naomi had asked them to be as strict and as merciless as possible. She needed the letter to be perfect to appease the Kou elders' sensibility. There was no such thing as too formal when it came to the Kou and especially their elders.

 

Once the letter was finished, she gave it the friend who held significant status to deliver it. The others then readied the temple for the meeting and rehearsed what everyone was to do. Nothing must go wrong. Homeless and hunted fugitives they may be but they needed to make everything they had glimmer to the best it could. Kimonos were washed and food prepped. Naomi had to believe they would accept. If they accepted they would arrive at sunset. For the dragoness, sunset never seemed so far away.

 

As the last rays of daylight faded from the sky, Naomi stood at the temple entrance and wondered if they had refused. Then she saw the one she had sent with the letter return with three others following. She breathed a sigh of relief then composed herself. She would have to watch every word she said and every gesture she made from this point on. One unconscious act could spell disaster.

 

She bowed when the Kou elders reached the bottom of the stairs. “This one is most honored the elders of Kou accepted this one's humble request,” she said. The lead elder nodded but none of them said anything. Naomi straightened and turned toward the door. “Please step this way, honorable elders of Kou. This one has prepared a room with food and tea to enjoy.” Two other friends, who were sitting on either side of the door, pulled them open. The one leading the elders stepped aside to allow them passed.

 

The elders climbed the short staircase then entered the main room. The two by the door closed it behind then settled themselves. They were expected to keep anyone else away. In the main room the elders settled themselves on the raised dais where three sitting pillows had been set out. Naomi took her position across from them.

 

After everyone was seated, four young girls entered with trays carrying tea cups full of hot tea as well as plates with fish, boar meat and forest vegetable. The cups and plates had been made only two days ago. They weren't exquisite works of art but at least they weren't the everyday dinnerware everyone had been using. The food was the best they could find and cook. The girls set the trays before the elders first then Naomi. The four then bowed to the elders and walked out. Naomi held her breath as the elders tasted the food and sipped the tea.

 

“You have gone to a lot of trouble to please us, Dragoness,” said the elder woman sitting in the middle. “We know for a fact that you do not always speak so humbly nor are you an artist of the brush. To even arrange for others to assist you in this, clearing out this temple, creating these dishes and preparing the meal we are now enjoying. We imagine if things had not gotten so critical you would have had an even better display for us. Let us not waste further time, Dragoness, tell us what you desire.”

 

Naomi bowed then, choosing her words with care for permission to speak plainly had not been given, she said, “Honorable elder has surmised correctly. This one does desire something. Though, this one asked for discretion from the young ladies this one does not doubt the honorable elders are aware of what this one has been doing.”

 

“Indeed,” said the lady elder, “you are seeking a wife for your father. We applaud your forethought. We have been aware of your past efforts as well. Lord Sesshomaru is not an easy man to match. It is a great pity this could not have been done sooner. If only the late Inu no Taisho had been more firm with him.”

 

“With great respect, honorable elder, the late Inu no Taisho was not a man to handle such domestic affairs. This one believes this is why the matter was never settled then. This one feels it is a great pity that Lady Ginhana passed on. Lady Ginhana would have handled these affairs more appropriately. This one struggles to fill her shoes where this one can.”

 

“Humphf! You have a point. The late Inu no Taisho was always a man of military not politics. However, you are speaking to us because you have made a decision about this.”

 

Naomi bowed again and said, “Though, this one knows not how this news will be taken. This one felt it necessary to approach the honorable elders about this because of certain things which this one heard.”

 

“We are not discussing Temari, then,” stated the lady elder.

 

Naomi nodded and said, “This one was most impressed by the Kou family's ward Himawari, though, this one did not speak with her directly.”

 

“Himawari? How did she impress you?”

 

“This one never told Lord Sesshomaru that this one was seeking a wife for him. This one did not wish for Lord Sesshomaru to know. The day this one was speaking with the young ladies, Lord Sesshomaru unexpectedly arrived. This one is a terrible liar. If this one does not prepare a lie in advance this one cannot lie convincingly. This one was lost as to what to say to Lord Sesshomaru. This one does not fear Lord Sesshomaru because this one understands Lord Sesshomaru. However, the young ladies do not understand Lord Sesshomaru and thus are frightened. Himawari showed great courage and quick thinking. This one was able to take her brilliant thought and encourage Lord Sesshomaru to leave. Himawari was clearly afraid of Lord Sesshomaru but it did not stop Himawari from acting. That is what this one is impressed with.”

 

“You were impressed she was not afraid to lie to Lord Sesshomaru? We would be appalled.”

 

“But at the time the truth was a bad thing. Besides, Himawari said it was woman's business. That wasn't really a lie.”

 

“Fine then, but what kind of woman were you looking for. We would understand why Temari failed and Himawari succeeded.”

 

“This one desired a woman with a gentle strength. One who supports Lord Sesshomaru, reprimands Lord Sesshomaru but does not dominate Lord Sesshomaru. Lady Temari sought the position out of a desire for the power and prestige of the title. So this one decided Lady Temari would not be good for Lord Sesshomaru.”

 

“Why do you seek such a woman?”

 

“Lord Sesshomaru is fully aware of his youthful folly and deeply regrets his many poor decisions. Thus Lord Sesshomaru is uncertain if he is truly capable of being our leader though there isn't a choice now. That is why this one believes that a strong supportive woman will help Lord Sesshomaru stand tall again and make the right decisions.”

 

“Temari, indeed, is not that type of woman,” said the lord elder to the right, speaking for the first time. “She is more obsessed with her status and her appearance than anything else. She has been nothing but a burden since the Inuyokai no Shiro was destroyed. Himawari has been forced to do Temari's share as well as her own.”

 

“You think Himawari is that type of woman?” asked the lady elder.

 

“This one will not lie. Himawari was the only one to show any promise at all,” replied Naomi with a bow.

 

“Himawari is but a child still,” said the lord elder to the left in a slow, gravelly voice. “Would you have Lord Sesshomaru marry a baby?”

 

“This one never intended to present Lord Sesshomaru with his bride immediately. This one understands Lord Sesshomaru is shy when it comes to these relationships. This one wanted to introduce whoever was chosen slowly. To have that woman appear around him until Lord Sesshomaru accepted her. Being so young might give Himawari a better chance. Himawari will be able to grow accustomed to Lord Sesshomaru's cold manners and thus see through them. By the time Himawari comes of age, Lord Sesshomaru may choose to have Himawari be his bride on his own. This one desires that result above all. Lord Sesshomaru does not do well when forced to do things against his will.”

 

The three elders gazed at Naomi, their expressions thoughtful. She took it as a good sign. They looked at each other and nodded then the lady elder spoke, “We believe this is acceptable. However, we wish to take Lady Himawari under our direct care. We believe she must be raised appropriately. Do not fret! We will do nothing to crush her spirit. As you have just heard Temari is a disappointment to us. Lady Himawari's gentle strength and courage will be preserved. We just don't feel she should be raised by the Lightwing wild child, though, you have demonstrated today that you can behave appropriately when the situation calls for it.”

 

Naomi bowed again and said, “This one understands and has no argument. This one is most honored and most relieved to hear the honorable elders' agreement to this arrangement. This one is most happy to hear of the honorable elders' desire to teach Lady Himawari themselves. This one does not believe Lord Sesshomaru could handle two Naomis.”

 

The lady elder smiled at Naomi's last comment and the lord elders chuckled. “We have an agreement. Lady Himawari is now betrothed to Lord Sesshomaru. Though, I know you desire to have Lord Sesshomaru come to terms with this himself, I believe it would be best to inform him of this so he does not get any ideas like before.”

 

“This one will do as the honorable elder requests but this one believes Lord Sesshomaru will never make that mistake again.” This time the lady elder did chuckle.

 

****

 

Naomi approached her father the next morning wondering how she was going to phrase her news. Sesshomaru was staring out at the ocean watching the sun rise. He did this every morning though she had yet to fathom why.

 

“Yes, Naomi,” said her father without turning toward her.

 

Naomi sighed then said, “Father, there is something I need to tell you.”

 

“So who have you decided upon?” he asked unexpectedly. She stared not sure of what to say or if he really was referring to that. He turned a little ways and said, “Woman's business, huh?”

 

Naomi blushed and said, “I'm sorry but I think you've been alone for far too long.”

 

“Why does everyone think my problems can only be solved through marriage?” asked Sesshomaru his tone becoming harsh. His gold eyes glittered like fire light on the snow.

 

“My apologies, Father,” said Naomi but her tone was the exact opposite of her words. This was why she hadn't wanted him to know in the first place. He had always been touchy on the subject ever since his relationship with Kaiyoshinju had gone bad. “However, I think this is someone even Lady Ginhana would have approved of.”

 

Sesshomaru blinked and the fires cooled. “Who is it?”

 

“You remember that girl who came up with `woman's business'?” she asked.

 

“She is just a child,” said Sesshomaru, turning to regard her fully.

 

“Exactly! I'm going to be introducing her to you soon. Don't worry, though, you're not getting married right away,” said Naomi. The change in his youki told her she should have continued to watch what she said.

 

“You were coming here to tell me I'm betrothed,” stated Sesshomaru, his eyes taking on hints of scarlet. When she had told the elders he didn't like being forced to do things she had meant it with all her heart. Pity the elders didn't care.

 

Naomi crossed her arms and refused to be intimidated. “Well, the Kou elders have already given their blessing and I will not discuss with you all the bowing and scraping I had to do to get that,” she declared then stalked off but not before she felt her father hostilities vaporize into astonishment. Well, she thought with satisfaction, I'd be disappointed if he weren't impressed. It is not every day that one gets the blessings of any elders especially the elders of Kou.

 

****

 

The head of the family of Kou stared at the three elders. They had just finished telling him of the marriage agreement. Lord Kou was both stunned and annoyed. “So that was what last night was about,” he said. “What I don't understand is why you conceded to the dragon bastard's demands.”

 

“We did not concede to her demands, we accepted her request,” said the lady elder gazing at her great grandson with great severity. “We do not see a problem with it. Himawari will come under our direct tutelage from this day forward. If you really are disappointed that Temari was not chosen then perhaps you should have done a better job in raising her. Temari's behavior is deplorable. I, personally, can see why she was denied.”

 

Two women then entered the meadow where the four were standing. “You requested my presence, Lord Kou?” asked Himawari bowing.

 

“Father, why are you asking for Himawari?” asked Temari pulling ahead of the golden girl. “What has the little trollop down now?” Himawari stiffened but said nothing.

 

“I believe this proves my point,” said the lady elder. Temari eyed the elder with disdain.

 

Lord Kou grimaced. “I requested Himawari, Temari, not you. Why are you here as well?” he asked.

 

“Himawari is my servant, that is why I am here,” said Temari running her hand through her pale blonde hair as if the answer were obvious.

 

“Himawari may have been responsible for your care but she is ultimately, like all servants of Kou, your father's. You were not summoned therefore you should not be here,” said the lord elder on the right. Temari glared at him.

 

“I will do as I please and a trio of wrinkled old demons are not going to tell me what I can or can't do. Dig a hole and bury yourselves already,” said the young woman with toss of her head.

 

“Himawari is no longer your servant. She is to be given to us in order to begin her nobility training,” said the lord elder on the left ignoring her comment. They would not be led into a competition of insults by a foolish child.

 

Himawari gasped as did Temari then the older of the two said, “Why ever are you going to do that? She is a bastard whose family was destroyed. Why are you raising her to be a noble?”

 

“Because she has been betrothed to Lord Sesshomaru. The ceremony will be held upon the first new moon of the year she comes of age. In the mean time, we must prepare her for her new role,” said the lady elder. Himawari covered her gaping mouth with her hands, her eyes so wide it appeared they would fall from her face.

 

Temari's face was hideous shade of red. Her violet eyes flashed like lightning. “Why the harlot's brat? Why wasn't it me? The bitch dragon favored her because they're both bastards, is that it? And you allow this? I, who is of your blood, am denied the right of being the Lady of the West?”

 

“SILENCE!” shouted the lady elder. “How dare you show us this disrespect! You have just demonstrated to all the reason why you were not chosen. You resemble Noriko far too much. You would bring misery to our people and Lord Sesshomaru if you were made his wife.”

 

The two lord elders gestured for Himawari to step away from her former mistress. Terrified, Himawari complied. She had suffered terrible abuse at the hands of Temari for years. She did not wish to remain in her presence a moment longer. Temari had thrown such a fit before and the consequences for Himawari had been dire. Still, as she walked toward the elders, she felt Temari's hate-filled gaze on her back the whole time. This was far from over.

 

_________________________________________________________________ _____________

 

I just opened up a Deviantart account and posted some pictures featuring people and scenes from this story. I'm not the best artist but at least it's something.

Link: http://black-wren.deviantart.com/

 

Chapter 24: Tetsusaiga

 

In trying to find a method to tame his power, Inuyasha comes across his father's tomb. Within he discovers the Tetsusaiga but when Kuromakaze shows up will the fabled demon sword be able to take him down? Or will Inuyasha be forced to say farewell to another friend?

 

Also learn the true motivation for the creation of Tetsusaiga as well as how Izayoi met the Inu no Taisho. Next chapter!