InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Plain Sight ❯ Aristocratic Arrivals ( Chapter 4 )

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

AN: Sorry about the late post, I'll try to update sooner but I can't promise anything.

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Plain Sight

Aristocratic Arrivals

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Majestic. That was really the only word Kagome's frazzled mind could come up with to describe the scene she and Sango were coming up on. After bringing all the ponies to a near by fishing village, they did something Kagome never would have expected. They started ushering the horses onto a rather large ship. Sango had told Kagome to coax them into a giant room on the ship's hold that had already been made to look like a makeshift stable. It was more than big enough for all the horses to fit in, but that didn't seem to comfort them when the floor was bobbing up and down erratically when they themselves were stationary.

And so, Kagome had spent the better part of an hour convincing them all that there was nothing to be afraid of. And then she had joined Sango on deck and watched as they slowly approached the island.

Remember that word before? Majestic? Yeah, here's where it comes in. She was currently watching a wide expanse of tan sandy beach that stretched out to either side until it was broken off on one side by a very busy port, and on the other side, rock out spurts that led to a steep cliff-face. The beach was bordered by a gathering of trees that collected together into a dense forest that seemed like a brick wall of brown and dark green. A beaten dirt path broke a small like into the blockade, winding its way around until it was no longer visible.

However, this is not what she found to be so awe-inspiring. It was what was beyond that. Looming high over the border of the trees was a great tower with red speck atop that seemed to be a flag of some sort. And this tower was attached to an even greater castle that Kagome could tell even from this distance, was more than twice the size of her own home.

She glanced at Sango, who's eyes were closed and a small smile adorned her face, as though she were daydreaming. When Sango finally felt the younger girl's gaze on her, her smile widened and she said in a way of explanation, "It's good to be home," before leaving to talk to the ship's captain. Somehow, Kagome didn't think that was the reason for the girl's previous euphoric state.

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After the two girls led the horses into the grazing meadows and Kagome had spent a good ten minutes gawking at the castle, Sango led her into the barracks and up to a plain wood door. Upon opening it, Kagome found that it was quite a decent size, with a door that apparently led to another room. It was also decently furnished with a bed, desk and chairs, several shelves filled with books and an oak finished chest.

Sango took a seat on the bed and gestured for Kagome to pull up a seat moments before Kagome pulled one of the chairs infront of the bed and sat down. "Kagome...."

'Oh crap,' she though, 'This isn't gonna be good. She's probably gonna say that a monkey would make a better assistant! And it probably would,'

"Your the best assistant I've ever had,"

"Huh?"

"I've never seen anyone handle horses the way you do. And not just horses! When we found that injured bird...I thought it was gonna peck your eyes out when you reached for it but you just cradled it in your arms and mended it's broken leg,"

"It was nothing...really." She wasn't trying to be humble, she just didn't want any unwanted questions brought up.

"Either way, I would like it very much if you'd stay in my payroll, Kagome,"

"Really?!"

"Why yes. But if you don't want that, you could work in the infirmary, or possibly in the temple with Houshi-sama,"

Seeing as Kagome didn't exactly know who 'houshi-sama' was, she raised an eyebrow at the older girl, though she effectively missed it as she pulled a leather pouch from one of her packs. "Here's your pay for the trip here," said Sango, "You can stay here until you decide what you would like to do and-,"

"I'll stay here,"

"What?"

"I said I'll stay here. I'd much rather work in the stables than anywhere else,"

"That's wonderful! I can show you down to the stables later and point out the other horses that I have responsibility over. You'll have a ghastly amount of free time with this job, it's almost sickening. Oh, I'll also have to introduce you to the other people that work in the stables. There's Yukio, he works with the quarter horses and trains them to pull the carts, carriages and such. Oh and then you'll have to meet Fusei and Atsuko, they take care of the soldiers horses. The royal family's personal horses have a person assigned to each. I'm in charge of the King's horse, Knightrider,"

"Wow, the king's horse?"

"Yeah, I've been living in this castle all my life, since before I was born. My mom was the queen's lady-in-waiting. When I grew up, I got a job here and since he's known me all my life, King Tai trusts me enough to take care of his horse. Well, he has more than one, but he says Knightrider is his favourite,"

"Wow,"

"It's beautiful. A black and grey stallion. I think he likes it cause the grey almost looks silver like his hair....anyway, you won't get any specific responsibility over any horse for quite awhile. Your job will be to help me care for the ones that are not being used really. There are quite a number of ones in the stables that are just spares for anyone to ride out with,"

"So...does that mean I could go for a ride on my free time?"

"Of course. Come on, I'll show you where the stables are," she said, motioning for the younger girl to drop her packs.

The two made their way out of the barracks, Sango leading as they trudged along. They were almost at the stable door when they heard a smooth, masculine voice call out, "You're back!"

They both turned to see the caller and Kagome was a bit surprised at the pair her eyes landed on. The first was a tall man with sharp, handsome features. His black hair was pulled back into a small ponytail at the nape, his choppy bangs half covering his vibrant violet eyes and he was dressed in purple monk's robes. The second was a short, scarred, almost gruesome looking, old woman. Her grey hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, she had a patch over one eye and she was dressed in the attire of a miko. A red hakama over a white kimono.

"Sango, it's been oh so long since I've last seen your beautiful face," said the holy man.

Despite the blush that had recently crept up onto her face, she regarded him with a dry, "It's been a few days, Houshi-sama,"

"A few days, too long, that I haven't been able to look into your lovely magenta eyes,"

"Right," she said as she turned to Kagome and fought the blush that threatened to take over her whole face, "Kagome-chan, this is Ho- Ebisawa Miroku. He's runs the castle temple."

Kagome took up a low bow and while she was still looking at the floor she said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ebisawa-sama,"

She felt her hands being taken and her body was suddenly jerked upright and staring into gorgeous violet eyes. "And what is your name, lovely maiden?"

"Kagome, ju-just Kagome" she said hesitantly.

"Well, Kagome-sama, a beautiful young woman who shows undaunting respect is quite a find. I hope I may be so bold as to ask you a question,"

Sango's eye twitched.

"Um...alright,"

"Will you bear my child?"

Sango rubbed her temple and was about to pull back for a square punch when she heard an alarmed shriek, followed by a thud and an 'oof!' She looked up to see Kagome standing beside her, trying to stop her eye from twitching and Miroku picking himself up off the floor rubing a bump that was beginning to form on his head. She looked at the girl, smiled with newfound respect and affection and said, "And Kagome, this is Kaede-sama,"

"I-it's nice to meet you Kaede-sama," said Kagome as she gave her another bow, though this was a bit fidgetier than the first,

"Kaede-baba runs the infirmary,"

"It's so refreshing to meet one so young but with so much power," Kaede said, a small smile on her face.

Kagome just looked confused, and perhaps a bit worried. "What do you mean?"

"Well your....wait, what position have you taken up here in the castle?"

"Kagome is going to be my new assistant," said Sango, apparently not noticing what Kaede had just said or Kagome's reaction.

"Ah...I see," said Kaede, giving the young girl a slight nod and taking a step back. Miroku watched the proceedings with a hawk's eye, briefly wondering what that had been about as he slipped quietly to stand beside Sango.

"Yes," continued Sango, "I met her on my trip to Unachi. She was looking for work and so I gave her some. I've never had an assistant as good as her. She's quite a natural with the-," she stopped abruptly when she felt a light squeeze on her back side. Kagome found her reaction incredibly thought provoking. Sango froze up, her muscles going tense as a renewed blush crept up her neck. That was the only warning before she bellowed, "HENTAI!!" spun around and punched Miroku across the face. Hard. His head snapped to the side and he stumbled back a few steps, but caught himself before fell.

He looked up at Sango, massaging his jaw and said, "Sango dear, whatever was that for?"

She fumed and stormed away, grabbing Kagome's arm as she went into the stables.

Miroku turned to Kaede and said, "Kaede-sama, I think Sango's punches are getting harder,"

"Well, she does have daily practice, doesn't she?" she mused as she turned in the opposite direction and waddled away.

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Kagome waved to Sango as she made her way to horse meadows, quickly clambering over the wood fence and joining a group of three grazing horses. She patted there heads then sat down on the grass near them to think. When one approached her, she would pat it's nuzzle to soothe it and then tell it to go away so she could think.

This wasn't her new home. It was simply a place for to stop, gather her bearings and figure out her next move. She couldn't stay here, in a land made of ningen and youkai villages and be happy, could she? She had hadn't been happy in a land full of human villages and from what her father's advisors had always told her, youkai were aggressive, violent and bloodthirsty. Of course, her mother had reminded her that she should never judge one by his or her appearance, but she had said to be wary of all youkai until she knew they were to be trusted.

Kagome snorted, 'Lord knows I haven't done THAT in the past. Just the other day I was taunting an inu-youkai, though Barnabus didn't seem all that bad. Gruff mean and hostile, but I don't think he would have hurt me. Then again, I never believe that....that *he* wouldn't hurt me.' She sighed, running a hand through her hair, 'Just goes to show how naive I really am.'

She wasn't sure how long she sat there thinking, but suddenly a loud ringing bell went off and her head shot up, much like a dear sensing danger. However, this dear was just curious. She stood up and looked toward where the sound was coming from and spotted the bell tower, where she could see the large bell swinging back and forth and a little figure jumping up and down.

"Noon bell,"

She turned toward the voice and saw a familiar young man sitting atop the wooden fence, a smug grin on his face.

"It's lunch hour," he said grinning. Obviously, he was getting ready to insult her. "You gonna come in or do you plan on grazing with the rest of the horses,"

She made her way over to him and said, "Barnabus! What are you doing here?"

"I think the more important question, little girl, is what the fuck are you doing here?"

"I asked you first,"

"I happen to live here, 'princess',"

"O~kay. Do you like work here or something?"

'She's that dense? How could she not know? Oh well, if she's stupid enough not to know, I won't be the one to tell her.' "I work here,"

"Oh, okay. Anyway, Sango--you know Sango--good, well Sango hired me as her assistant,"

He almost fell off the fence from that one. "What? Why?"

"You'll have to ask her. So, what where you saying about lunch?"

"They're serving it now, wench,"

"Great! I'm starved. You can show me where to go,"

"Like hell!"

"Please...."

"Fuck no! I'm not your fucking seeing eye dog, bitch,"

"Wow, your rude,"

"Yeah, but you already new that,"

"If you don't show me I'll tell every single person I've met so far that you wear make up,"

"WHAT?!"

"Yeah, eyeliner to bring out your eyes and a bit of lipstick,"

"You wouldn't,"

"You obviously don't know me at all because I SO would,"

"But it's not true!"

"So? What difference does that make? I know from past experience that villagers take up any and all rumours and run with them. ESPECIALLY ones about the royal family,"

"Fine bitch!" and with that, she leaped off the fence and trotted toward the castle, leaving her to either follow or get left behind.

Kagome opted for the former and quickly clambered back over the fence before she took off at a dead run after him. She took on a quick pace when she reached a few feet behind him and started making faces at his back. They entered the castle, making their way through the maze of corridors that Kagome doubted she would memorize anytime soon.

Soon they reached the mahogany double doors and Inuyasha threw them open, Kagome trailing in behind him. She started following him to a table filled with a group of soldiers who were aparrently on their break, he turned and glared down at her. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

"Me? I was just....."

"Just following me? I don't think so. I showed you where the hall was, now stop following me around like a little puppy,"

"That's funny coming from you," she muttered under her breath

"What did you just say, bitch?" his snapped, his eyes flaring

"Nothing...."

"That's what I thought. Now leave me alone. The last thing I need is some clingy peasant around me,"

"God, you don't have to be such a jerk about it," she said, looking him in the eye before she turned on her heel and walked away with her nose in the air.

"Keh," he said as he watched her head for the food line. Shaking his head, he continued towards the table and sat down between two demon soldiers that were telling a story as though they shared the same brain. 'Which is probably true,' Inuyasha thought as he surveyed both soldiers unusual haircuts. Only someone with half a brain would willingly do that to themselves....unless it was natural.

As he found their story about one of the generals to be quite boring, his gaze drifted toward Kagome again as he snatched an apple off on of their wooden trays. He spotted her as she took a seat beside Sango, a bright smile on her face as she greeted the other occupants of the table. One of whom, just happened to be that lecherous houshi that worked in the temple.

He notice Miroku lean toward Kagome and a hand disappear under the table. A second later a resounding slap rang across the hall, followed by hoots of laughter (and a low chuckle from Inuyasha) from surrounding tables as the monk rubbed the violent red hand print on his cheek. Inuyasha allowed a smirk to grace his features as he observed a light pink blush take over the girls features, most likely from the hoots and cheers going off around her. 'She looks cute when she does that....'

Deciding not to wonder where that thought had come from, he turned his attention to Sango, who's face had taken on an angry purple, as though she was having trouble breathing, and her eyes were firmly set on Miroku. Slowly her face took on a more natural light pink colour when Kagome started talking again and se looked at the younger girl.

Inuyasha turned to the group of people he had sat down with, taking another biteout of the fruit in his hand and pondered why he hadn't gone to sit with Sango and the others. Probably because he knew that annoying wench would sit their, since Sango was probably the only other person she knew. Like he wanted to be stuck with her company while he ate.

A scowl overtook the smirk as he thought of the lowly girl. Still, he couldn't help but wonder how his life might change, now that the young woman had entered into his life and, though he despised himself for it, he spent the rest of the day thinking about her.

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AN: Not that long....but I have work to do....don't expect another update for awhile since I'm still revamping the plot.