InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Love of her Master ❯ A Party & An Unwanted Guest ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: `Inuyasha' belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. While this plot and any additional characters belong to me, everything else is hers. I make no profit off this story, and am writing it only for my own enjoyment.

 

CHAPTER 6 - A PARTY AND AN UNWANTED GUEST

 

It was a beautiful night. The almost full moon shone overhead as the guests for Lady Izayoi's birthday party happily milled around the castle gardens, exchanging gossip. Kagome was in awe of it all as she stood by her master, acting the part of the devoted slave. She was wearing a new red and white kimono along with a deep red obi bearing her master's name. The obi had finally appeared during the week, it's creation having been requested almost as soon as she had arrived at the castle. Up until it's delivery four days ago, she had been wearing an obi borrowed from one of the other slaves which bore the family's crest, thus stating that she was a slave belonging to the Noble Family. The new obi was a visible symbol that she was Lord Inuyasha's personnel slave and no one else was to mess with her unless they wished to risk her master's wrath. If Kagome had any other master, the possessiveness and insinuations that came with such a symbol would have deeply upset and frightened her. However with master like Inuyasha who had always treated her well and who she knew had no intentions of abusing his power over her, she found herself rather happy at the idea of wearing his personnel crest. If nothing else, maybe it would help convince Koga and those like him to leave her alone. The wolf Youkai had propositioned her twice since the day that dressmaker had come over with those horrible kimonos, once before she had been given the obi and once after. The time before had been simply dreadful, Koga had once again been unwilling to back off and Kagome had been terrified almost to the point of tears. If Kaede hadn't happened to be walking past at that moment, she shuttered to think about what might have happened. The time afterwards however, things had gone very different. The encounter had started off basically the same, but once Koga had noticed the obi, he had become almost pouty and had backed off after Kagome had told him a few more times that she needed to go instead of trying to force the issue. Kagome was amazed that the wolf Youkai's attitude could be affected so much by a simple piece of material, but if it worked she wasn't going to complain.

 

With a small shake of her head, Kagome resolved to put Captain Koga out of her mind for now, and concentrate on enjoying herself for the night. Although officially she was here to serve her master, Inuyasha's easy going nature about things like that was making this a very pleasant night for Kagome too, almost as if she was a guest here and not a slave. At her master's insistence, she had been able to try many of the lovely foods and drinks that had been going around (although she had been staying clear of anything alcoholic, she still had chores to do tomorrow and didn't need a hangover while she was doing them) and had been enjoying listening in of Inuyasha's conversations with the other guests, sometimes adding a word or too herself when her master was talking to someone she knew and felt comfortable with. At this moment, her master was talking to Sango about various methods of Extermination for lower level Youkai. As the conversation was veering off into technical terms went right over Kagome's head, she took a moment to let her mind wander and looked around the garden again with interest. All around her she saw high-ranking humans and Youkai, all dressed up in the most wonderful finery she had ever seen. Well, except for that friend of Lady Izayoi, who Lord Inuyasha had told her had recommended that dressmaker. It appeared that the poor woman had been duped into buying one of her kimonos and was currently decked out in the most stomach churning purple, green and blue, ick! Kagome couldn't help but smile to herself when she saw Lady Izayoi not far from her foolish friend, looking magnificent in the kimono she had picked out. Inuyasha had given it too her in a private family celebration earlier that day, which he had returned from extremely happy because his mother had apparently liked his gift so much. Everywhere Kagome looked, people seemed to be having a good time, even the slaves. It was a good night and Kagome was so happy to be part of it.

 

“Oh, Inuyasha, Darling! There you are.” A voice suddenly called out, much louder than Kagome could think was appropriate for a civilised gathering like this, and a moment later a woman a couple of years older than her appeared at Inuyasha's side. The woman was clearly of some rank, if the gorgeous and expensive looking kimono she was wearing was and clue, and beautiful with pale skin and long, straight silky hair. She was looking at Inuyasha with a happy and slightly longing expression, but Kagome couldn't help but notice that it didn't seem to reach her eyes, which were a cold brown.

 

“What are you doing here?” Inuyasha demanded, obviously surprised to see this woman and not too happy about it either.

 

“I was invited, of course.” The woman said, as if it should have been obvious. “After all, my mother was your mother's best friend and I am your future mate after all…” Kagome started at the `future mate' comment, she hadn't heard anything about her master being betrothed but before anything else could be said Inuyasha spoke up, his voice truly angry now.

 

“You're not my future anything, Kikyo!” Inuyasha snapped. “And from what I understand, your invitation was revoked. After all, we wouldn't want you to be `tainted' by my family's `impure demon blood' now would we?”

 

At these words Kikyo adopted a look of sadness, although once again it didn't quite reach her eyes. “Inuyasha how could you believe those lies that people are saying about me? Don't you know I love you? How could you believe a bunch of hussies who are only looking to bed you to gain power, over me?”

 

“I heard you too Kikyo, along with at least a dozen of the other taijiya.” Sango broke in, sounding even angrier than Inuyasha. “I doubt you could fit us into that category, especially considering the fact that most of those you heard you were male. Really, if you're going to be spouting your grievances on the archery field, make sure you double check that only your own friends are around. And anyway, aren't you describing yourself?”

 

“Why you bitch!” Kikyo hissed, any attempts at appearing sad disappearing as she glared at Sango. “You hated me from the start, always trying to break us up. It doesn't surprise me that you would spread such stories. With me out of the way, did you take my place in his bed? That's what you wanted from the start isn't it?”

 

“Maybe you haven't heard, but I'm married you idiot.” Sango said scornfully. “Besides, not all women are whores like you. Inuyasha, Kagome, why don't the three of us get out of here, there seems to be a rather rancid smell in the air.”

 

“Good idea, come on Kagome.” Inuyasha said. Unfortunatly they didn't leave quickly enough and Kikyo's attention had now shifted to Kagome.

 

“What's this, you've picked up a slave since we broke up Inuyasha?” Kikyo asked in shock and slight scorn, taking Kagome's obi before shifting her attention to her face. “Hum, I see now, she looks like me. So this is how you're coping with my loss. But surely by now you've realised that no replacement can be as good as the real thing, aren't you ready to come back to me now, Inuyasha dear?”

 

“Kikyo, you know nothing.” Inuyasha said in disgust. “Not only that, but you couldn't pay me to take you back. I don't repeat my mistakes.” Without another word Inuyasha span on his heal and stormed out of there. Kagome was right behind him while Sango also followed after giving Kikyo one last glare.

 

***

 

Half an hour later saw Kagome standing with Miroku and Sango by one of the fountains that dotted the garden. Inuyasha had left to speak with his mother a little while ago after instructing her to stay with his friends. He had been in a bad mode since speaking with Kikyo, which had Kagome concerned as she sent convert glances over to where she could see her master talking with Lady Izayoi as she had been since he went to talk with her, a good twenty minutes ago.

 

“He always goes to Lady Izayoi when he's troubled, has ever since he was a pup.” Miroku said, when he noticed Kagome sending another glance Inuyasha's way. He had noticed from almost the start, but had stayed quite until now. “She's always been the best at making him feel better when he's been hurt emotionally, and I know Kikyo hurt him badly.”

 

“What happened?” Kagome asked before she could stop herself. She had been asking herself that same question for the last half hour. What did Kikyo mean when she claimed she and Inuyasha were betrothed? What did Kikyo do that made Inuyasha and Sango so furious with her? She didn't understand any of this, nor did she understand the feelings that it was causing in her. Why did the thought of Inuyasha and that Kikyo woman bother her so much, who her master choose to be or not to be with was his business and not her place to say anything. So why did the thought of the two of them together upset her so much?

 

Sango and Miroku exchanged a look, obviously debating what to say. Seeing this, Kagome started to panic, fearing that maybe she had pushed her limits too far, and this was something that should be left alone. She was just about to apologise for being too nosy when Sango shrugged and muttered, “she might as well know what the rest of the whole damn castle knows.” Miroku nodded and turned to look at Kagome.

 

“Kikyo's mother was one of Lady Izayoi's closest childhood friends. As they grew up they drifted apart slightly but still kept in touch. About two years ago, Kikyo arrived at the castle. Her mother had died, and she claimed she had nowhere else to go. Lady Izayoi and Lord Inutaisho, being the kind-hearted rulers that they were, took her in. She was already partially trained as a miko, so they arranged for her to get training at a nearby shrine. She and Inuyasha got to know each other, and seemed to really like each other. Inuyasha was smitten with her, and about six months ago asked her to become his mate. Kikyo accepted, and they were to be mated on the next full moon. But that was not meant to be. About a week later, Kikyo and another miko in training, Tsubaki, were practising their archery on the training field when Tsubaki asked Kikyo why she had agreed to mate with a Hanyou. Kikyo had replied, and I quote, that `as tainted and disgusting as he is, with his impure demon blood, he still had great power and wealth that would be hers if only she continue to stomach being around such an abomination'.”

 

“What she didn't realise was that a squadron of taijiya had arrived on the training field behind her to do our own training, me among them, and that we could hear every word she said.” Sango said, sounding angry. “Inuyasha has a lot of friends among the taijiya, so naturally we told him. Inuyasha was crushed that Kikyo had lead him on like that, and furious at both her and himself because he fell for it. Lord Inutaisho and Lady Izayoi were just furious. The mating was called off and Kikyo was told never to return to the palace. I can't believe she had the audacity to turn up tonight.”

 

Kagome was awash with emotions after hearing the story. She felt horrible for Inuysha for having to go through that. She was disgusted that Kikyo would lead Inuyasha on like that, all to gain the wealth and power his family had. And she was furious that that Kikyo would judge a person like that because of their heritage, especially a person as good and kind as Lord Inuyasha. And, strangely enough, she found herself relieved almost that there was in fact nothing between her master and Kikyo anymore, besides residual hurt and anger. She couldn't quite get her head around why she felt that way, but after a few minutes she simply dismissed it as not wanting a woman like Kikyo as her mistress.

 

For a few minutes after this, the three stood there in uncomfortable silence, unable to think of anything else to say. Finally, Sango broke in and started talking about something trivial, the others happily joining in to dispel the unpleasant feeling the last conversation had left them with. However, it wasn't long before Kagome's thoughts wandered back to Inuyasha and she started wondering when he would be back.

 

As it would turn out, not long, as Inuyasha rejoined the group only ten or so minutes later.

 

As Inuyasha joined in on Sango and Miroku's conversation, Kagome found herself studying Inuyasha closely. Maybe it was learning about Kikyo, but she was finding herself looking at her master in a new way. Although she had liked and respected him before now, until tonight he had never seemed more… well, she would say `human' but in his case that didn't fit. Until tonight he had never seemed so real. To hear that he could be hurt in such a way moved and upset Kagome greatly. These thoughts were all in the forefront of her mind as she watched her master laugh and joke with his friends, and were soon joined by other thoughts, thoughts that she knew she should not be having. But she couldn't help but notice just how hansom her master was; how striking his face was, how beautiful his hair and eyes were, how cute his ears were. It wasn't the first time she had noticed this of course, but she had always tried to push that thought to the back of her mind, something that she found herself unable to do right now. She knew she shouldn't be having these thoughts, he was her master and she was his slave. As nice and as generous a master as he was that barrier was still there and always would be. It was wrong for her to harbour such thoughts.

 

Kagome was thinking of all this, when Inuyasha looked her way, catching her starring. Kagome was instantly ashamed of herself, feeling as if he could see her thoughts, and frantically looked around for something to distract him. When she saw that the servers had brought out a new round of drinks, she had her inspiration.

 

“My lord, can I get you another drink?” She asked quickly.

 

Inuyasha looked a little startled, as if he had been deep in thought, but he answered quickly enough. “Oh, yeah sure, I guess I could use another.”

 

Kagome nodded, turning to look at Sango and Miroku before she left. “Can I get anything for either of you, as well?” She asked respectfully. Although she was officially only here to serve Inuyasha, she liked and respected his friends enough that she was happy to fetch them anything they wanted as well. Besides, she had the feeling that her master didn't mind, and in fact welcomed the fact that she was looking after his friends. When she received a smile and a negative from both the monk and taijiya, she turned to leave only to stop at the sound of her master's voice.

 

“Feel get yourself something too, Kagome.” Inuyasha called. Kagome smiled and bowed her head in his direction before continuing on her way. He was so good to her, and she was so lucky to have him as her master. All the more reason why she needed to stop thinking about him that way, and give him the respect and devotion he deserved.

 

Inuyasha watched Kagome leave, ignoring his friends for the moment while he was lost in his thoughts about the girl. Kikyo had said earlier that Kagome looked like her, and looking now he could see that she was right, at least to a certain extent. They had slightly similar features, and their body shapes were rather alike although Kikyo was several inches taller. Funny, he had never noticed any of that before, had never seen any similarities between Kagome and Kikyo. Probably because he'd never thought about it before now, and because he really didn't want to think about Kikyo at all. He had been spending the last five months trying to erase her from his mind. He knew she had never been who he thought she was, and that it for the best that he had realised that before they were mated. Still, that didn't make the pain go away completely. It was like a slap in the face when he'd seen her here earlier tonight, and he could only hope that his parents would come good on their promise to have her removed from the palace grounds.

 

Besides, Kagome didn't really look that much like Kikyo when you stopped to think about it. Her nose turned up more, her lips were fuller and her featured softer. She didn't have quite the inherit elegance that Kikyo did, but her face had a warmth to it that Kikyo couldn't even come close to matching. The most startling difference was their eyes. Although they were almost identical shades of brown, Kikyo's were always so hard and cold; even when he was courting her those eyes sometimes unnerved him slightly. Kagome's eyes on the other hand were soft and absolutely overflowing with her emotions. He had to say that Kagome's eyes were one of the things he liked most about her, he could almost get lost in them.

 

Abruptly, Inuyasha shook his head, trying to shake those thoughts free. What the hell was he doing?! He was starting to think about Kagome in ways he had promised he wouldn't, his thoughts starting to stray towards the things that people like Naraku would think about her. Part of him knew that he was over reacting, that all he was doing was appreciating the fact that she was pretty and that he had no intention of acting on those thoughts. Still, he couldn't help but feel guilty about even that.

 

He had promised himself when he brought Kagome that he would protect her, and he would. Even if he was protecting her from himself.