InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Spellbound Destiny ❯ Chapter 2: The Irresistible Tree ( Chapter 2 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Elviria 
Revised. Grammatical errors fixed and some sentences tweaked.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Hentai / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.18.2011 | Updated On: 12.08.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 7.9K | Visits: 585 | Status: Work In Progress
Revised. Grammatical errors fixed and some sentences tweaked.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Hentai / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.18.2011 | Updated On: 12.08.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 7.9K | Visits: 585 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own Inuyasha. Takahashi Rumiko is the only one who can claim the fame. ^_^
Author's Note: I am not fully knowledgeable on historical Japanese culture. I'm borrowing ideas from the Japanese culture to mix with my own for my made up world. And thank you for those who have reviewed so far and to those who have put this story on their favorites/alerts list. I will continue to update as soon as I believe a chapter is ready.
Deffinitions:
Seiza – is the formal way the Japanese sit. It is the kneeling like position most often depicted in anime when western chairs are not part of the household furniture. The other two sitting positions that are accepted are the cross legged position used by men and for women, having both legs held to one side of the body.
Zori, Geta and Tabi – In this chapter, I also bring up the Japanese traditional wooden shoes zori and geta and the socks worn with them called tabi. The zori are the wooden sandals that look the most like flip-flops while the geta are the straight wooden shoes that have two wooden platforms on the bottom to raise them up off the ground.
Spellbound Destiny
Chapter 2: The Irresistible Tree
The morning sun shone bright and clear. Not a cloud darkened the sky. Mitsuko led Kagome out of the market and towards a stable where their horses resided. The food had been bought and the supplies they needed rested in packs the two carried across their shoulders. It was about time that they headed off. Jii-chan and Souta had been told at breakfast the plan and could handle themselves for the week and few days they would be gone.
Mitsuko had planned well. With the aid of the horses, it would take them just over a day and a half at a leisurely pace to arrive at Inutaisho's palace. If they moved faster, they could make it by tonight and arrive early to get situated and explain their plight to their hosts. Mitsuko just hoped that they would be welcomed. The rumors were that Inutaisho was a very kind man, not at all like most powerful youkai. If that turned out to be untrue, she was placing her daughter in danger. Yet she couldn't risk not going either. Everything hinged on her daughter finding a husband there at Inutaisho's festival.
Taking the first horse, Mitsuko mounted up and watched her daughter do the same. It had been years since either of them had ridden. She hoped her daughter remembered her lessons from when she was little.
Kagome mounted her dark bay mare with ease. Even though it had been years since she had ridden her beloved white mare Taira, she still remembered the skills she had learned as a child. Being poor and trying to blend in with the general populace of Haedai made it hard to ride or explain how she came to learn the skill. Only nobles and merchant who were affluent enough knew how to ride with any skill. Some servants were taught the basics so they could be messengers but people on the cooking staff were in no position to know.
After taking up the reins, she followed her mother out of the village. They rode in silence at a fast pace, not frantic or hasty, but a nice canter. It allowed them to move quickly while at the same time not tiring the horses out. They stopped briefly for lunch, letting their horses rest at the side of a lake before continuing to Inutaisho's palace.
Orange, red and pink began to flood the sky when Mitsuko recognized the beginnings of the city. “We're almost there, Kagome. A few more minutes and we'll be within the city walls.”
Kagome looked up at the city that lay before her with mixed emotions. Within those walls, her new life would unfold. Her true identity would be revealed and she and her mother could be placing the innocent people who lived protected by those walls at great risk.
Mitsuko slowed her horse to a walk as they neared the gates. Kagome mirrored her actions. The guards posted on either side of the ten foot tall gates seemed only slightly curious about them. They didn't stop them from entering or even ask who they were. Thinking back to her many history lessons, Kagome recalled that the capital city of Haedai was Kisashi.
Quietly, they made their way to the palace. Kagome glanced at the people of the city. They seemed happy as they moved about, closing up shops, making their last purchases and getting ready for night to completely fall. It was strange though. Youkai and human alike walked the streets freely. Neither species seemed angered by the other. The Hojo family lived in a decent sized town called Linmere but only humans inhabited it. Youkai merchants stopped to trade from time to time but none lived in the town itself. Was this Inutaisho's influence? Kagome couldn't quite fully comprehend what that meant about the great youkai lord.
From what she remembered, Avaren housed both humans and youkai but the youkai kept to themselves. They were allowed to live within the kingdom as long as they did not harm humans and enforced their own laws themselves. Youkai did not tread into human matters and humans did not tread into youkai matters. Would her marriage change that? It would have to. Upon marrying a youkai, it would look bad to shun or disregard the youkai of her own kingdom while being okay with a youkai for a king.
Kagome looked up from her musings as the castle loomed closer. It seemed like any ordinary seat for a ruling family: large and sprawling in the middle of the capital city. From the outside, Kagome could see the central tower where most governmental meetings were held. But other than that, everything remained secreted behind the wall and main gates that encompassed the entire structure.
Mitsuko stopped at the gates and dismounted. She was nervous at their reception. They were not dressed as nobles and she had not been able to send word ahead of them to prepare Inutaisho and his wife, Lady Izayoi, for their arrival. Kagome followed her mother's lead. She stayed silent to allow her mother to talk to the guards for the both of them.
“I'm here for Inutaisho-sama's festival,” Mitsuko began. “I know we are early and we have not sent word ahead of our arrival, but I would like an audience with Inutaisho-sama before the festival begins.”
The guards looked at Mitsuko then exchanged glances. Guests for the festival were not expected until tomorrow. The guard to the right opened his side of the gate just enough to enter before closing it again. The guard to the left gave his standard response, “Wait here and we'll let Inutaisho-sama know.”
Kagome fidgeted, unexpectedly nervous at meeting her hosts tonight. She had thought they would be lead to their rooms for the night and would meet their hosts in the morning. Mitsuko had not told Kagome that they would ask for an audience before the festivities.
The guard came back with confused eyes. He left the gate open and motioned for the two ladies to follow him. “Inutaisho-sama will see you,” he said as he guided them trough the palace grounds.
Kagome couldn't look at the beautiful scenery before her. Too many butterflies danced in her stomach. She followed the guard quietly while Mitsuko walked regally--like the queen she was. Mitsuko had only met Inutaisho once, on her wedding day and only to say hello, but she hoped he still remembered her.
The guard stopped in front of two beautifully painted shoji doors. A giant white inu youkai stood guard in a field of blooming sakura trees while a beautiful human woman played with a child no more than five years of age. Kagome stared at the scene, entranced. The child wasn't human. He couldn't be. Two golden eyes stared at the woman with excitement and joy. Silver hair flowed in the breeze and two very adorable inu ears sat atop his head. Looking closely, Kagome noticed that the painter had captured a slight resemblance between the child and the woman. Calling upon her lessons again, Kagome recounted who the foreign royals were. She realized that the giant inu youkai was Inutaisho's true form, the woman with him was his wife, Lady Izayoi, and the child was their hanyou son. The eldest son from Inutaisho's first marriage, Sesshoumaru if she remembered correctly, was not depicted.
The guard pushed one of the doors aside, stepped out of their way and bid them to enter. Kagome followed behind her mother, taking in the details of the room and the people in it. The two occupants looked to be caught off guard about their visit. Inutaisho sat next to Lady Izayoi without his armor, his robes hastily put on and in slight disarray while his silver hair hung loose over his shoulders. Lady Izayoi wore a dressing gown over her yukata, her hair taken down from it's usual complicated styling. The room was bare except for the sitting mats placed for them, a tea set on one tray and a second tray with refreshments. The walls were decorated with similar scenes of the couple and the hanyou child with oil lamps placed every so often to light to room.
Mitsuko moved to the first mat, placed slightly in front of the second and to it's left. She bowed formally to her hosts before taking her seat in the proper seiza position. Kagome stopped in front of her mat and followed he mother's actions. They waited for their hosts to make the first move.
“Higurashi Mitsuko,” Inutaisho began. “The guard told me we had visitors but did not mention a name. I'm surprised to see you here.”
“Anata, they must be tired from their journey. They should have some tea and refreshments before we talk more,” Lady Izayoi interrupted. She gestured to the trays next to her.
“Yes, please. That would be very nice,” Mitsuko replied, polite and respectful of her hostess's thoughtfulness.
Lady Izayoi set to her task of making the tea. She poured four cups and distributed them to each person, starting first with Mitsuko, Kagome then her husband and herself. She then placed some food on two plates and gave one to each of her guests. Kagome nodded her thanks and kept a silent watch over the rest of the occupants in the room. She took dainty bites from the assorted sweet breads and small sips of tea while the adults talked.
“Now, what can we do for you Mitsuko-san?” Inutaisho continued with his questioning. He didn't want to assume anything and decided to let the former Queen explain first.
“For the last six years, my family and I have been in hiding in your kingdom. I know you have heard about the attack on our home.” Mitsuko paused to get Inutaisho's nod. “After some recent news from Avaren and my daughter's recent seventeenth birthday, I have decided to come out of hiding. The only thing I would like to ask of you is your permission to allow my daughter to meet the youkai lords that will be present at your festival. I have a plan to get Avaren out of Naraku's hands but it requires a strong youkai lord to become Kagome's husband.”
Inutaisho stared at the woman who stared back at him with steady eyes. He then looked to the young girl, Mitsuko's daughter. She was reserved, quiet and respectful. She allowed them to talk without interrupting. She made no fuss about her soon to be arranged marriage to an unknown youkai lord.
When she had entered, he had thought that Kikyou had come back from the dead. His youngest son, Inuyasha, had fallen in love with Kikyou fifty years ago. Kikyou was from the Higurashi family, the cousin of Kagome's grandfather. But Kagome's looks were more than just familial resemblance. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but it was an interesting twist of fate. He would allow them to stay for the festival, partly for their cause and partly to see just what fate had in store for this young woman.
“I welcome you to my home for the festival.” Inutaisho rang a bell that had been placed next to him and waited for a servant to come in.
“Yes, Inutaisho-sama?” a female servant asked upon entering the room.
“Please take our guests, Mitsuko-san and her daughter, to one of the prepared rooms for the festival.”
“Hai, Inutaisho-sama.” The servant turned and bowed respectfully to the guests. “This way please,” she said as she motioned to the open shoji door.
Mitsuko and Kagome stood, bowed respectfully to their hosts, and followed the servant down the winding hallways. She stopped a few minutes later in front of two shoji doors depicting a young woman in the middle of a river gazing out over a beautiful snow capped mountain at sunset. The servant opened the door and motioned for them to enter.
“Everything you need is inside. I will see to it that a servant brings you both a light dinner. Please make yourselves comfortable.” The servant bowed respectfully to them and turned to leave.
Kagome moved through the open doorway and took in their spacious room. Two futons lay in the middle of the room neatly folded while off to the right and left, clothing stands stood for them to hang their kimono. While they waited for their light dinner to arrive, Kagome and Mitsuko took out Kagome's seven new kimono and placed them on the racks.
Kagome admired them. They were all exquisitely beautiful. Three were formal kimono, worn for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the announcement of her engagement. The other four were semi-formal kimono to be worn during the rest of the week's activities. Each new kimono was unique. None shared the same pattern or background color.
The first, which she would wear during tomorrow's opening ceremonies, was done in the Higurashi house colors. It was a gorgeous green furisode kimono with gardenia and jasmine flowers patterning the bottom to the waist and up the sleeves with a few mini red rose buds scattered throughout. It stole Kagome's breathe away and made her miss her long lost home. Besides the sakura trees, their palace in Avaren had boasted the most beautiful and fragrant gardenias and jasmine. Unfortunately, after six years of neglect, they were more than likely dead by now.
Soon after they finished putting away the new kimono, their light dinner arrived. They ate in silence, each contemplating tomorrow's nerve racking opening ceremonies and all that would be in store for them. After finishing their meal and placing the empty dishes on the tray outside of their room, Kagome and Mitsuko fell asleep. They were exhausted from the day's events.
O o O o O o O o O
Izayoi stared out her room's open back door, watching the sunrise the following morning. The day looked promising. Only a few white puffy clouds marred the otherwise unblemished horizon as shades of orange and yellow painted the sky.
Since her meeting with the two Higurashi women last night, she couldn't help but think the answer to her and her husband's prays had come. Kagome held such a resemblance to Kikyou that maybe Kagome had inherited more than just looks from the deceased miko.
Izayoi was sad for her son and she felt pity and sorrow for Kikyou, but she didn't hate her. All she wanted was her son back, awake and enjoying life. Kagome might just be able to do that.
Narrowing her eyes at the sky, a plan began to form in her mind. Kagome seemed resigned to her mother's plans but it was clear that she disliked the idea. There was no joy or excitement on the girl's face or in her eyes that bespoke of someone who wished to marry, or felt happy about marrying.
Izayoi could use that to her advantage to maneuver Kagome into their private back garden where the Goshinboku resided, the tree where son was sealed. If Kagome was truly able to unseal Inuyasha, then she would be drawn to do so. All Izayoi had to do was wait for the right moment when Kagome seemed fed up with her mother's plans and talk to her. A seed must be planted, that Kagome could seek refuge in the back gardens. Izayoi would not blatantly tell her to head for the sacred tree but suggest that she could seek some peace and quite in the gardens.
She felt slightly guilty about deceiving the poor girl but a mother had to do what she must for her children. It was a fact Kagome's own mother shared with her and the reason Kagome was at Lady Izayoi's palace today.
With her mind set, Izayoi turned to dress. Most of the guests would be arriving around lunch time and on. She had to put the last finishing touches on the events to come before she was needed to greet them.
O o O o O o O o O
Kagome stared at herself in awe. The reflection in the mirror couldn't be her. The woman was stunning, beautiful and alluring.
Kagome had endured the long hours it took to style her hair into twin peaks atop her head held by combs and hairpins that matched the flowers of her kimono. Two separate strands from the back of her neck cascaded down and over her shoulders to rest in front of her. Her bangs had been brushed airily so that they seemed to flow with the breeze. Slight peeks of her forehead could be seen as she moved. Her face had been painted with slight rouge on her lips and cheeks. Kohl lined her eyes to give her an exotic look. Her naturally pale skin, an oddity for someone from Avaren, made her look ethereal. There was no need for her face, neck and hands to be painted in the traditional ivory paint of court women.
She couldn't believe the change that had been made to her appearance over the hours before the ceremony. Because her family had been in hiding, her mother and herself had cut their hair to the traditional length of the common people: just below the waist. With this styling, she looked the part of a true royal, the length of her hair hidden by the complex twists and turns and folds.
Along with the outer formal kimono, Kagome had endured the hard teachings from her mother on how to walk in proper court dress. She had to wear four under kimono layers, all simple solid colors that contrasted with her outer kimono, and wooden geta. The wooden geta were the hardest to walk in. At least she would only be required to wear them while outside the palace for the duration of the week.
By the time her mother had been finished giving her the instructions, servants had come to prepare her for the opening ceremonies. The guests had been arriving for the last few hours and they had been told that the opening ceremonies would start right before dinner.
Placing the mirror next to her folded futon, Kagome stood slowly. The combined weight of her kimono and hair accessories made her feel as if she would topple over if she tried to take even one step too quickly. The affect of her slower movements made her appear regal and refined and even graceful compared to her usual semi-clumsy self.
“Come, Kagome, we can't be late,” Mitsuko pestered her, already at the outer door leading to the outside hallways. Taking a shaky breathe, Kagome released it and her worries to float off into the cool breeze the night air stirred. She would try to have a good time tonight, try to be good and find someone worth talking to that could be her husband.
They moved down the hallways to the throne room at a steady even pace. Kagome could hear the boisterous sounds of talking, laughing and conversation. She wasn't sure how many people were suppose to attend and hadn't thought to ask. From the sounds, it was a good sized number, maybe a few hundred in total. She couldn't bring herself to guess at how many of those people were single men looking for marriage.
Kagome jolted abruptly as Mitsuko stopped in front of two shoji doors painted with scenes of a great white inu youkai battling various enemies. A servant bowed to them then slid one door open to allow them entrance. The two women slid out of their wooden geta and the servant placed them with the others along the wall.
The dazzling scene that met Kagome's eyes as she stepped through the open door blinded her for a moment and her breath caught. Every guest was arrayed like she was: bright bold colors, intricate hairstyles and jewelry flashed before the hundreds of candles that lit the room in a sparkling golden glow. Each garment worn by the various youkai and human nobles dictated their status, their family and their wealth. It was beautiful and silly at the same time, reminding Kagome of peacocks as each noble tried to outdo all the others in their display. She tried to stifle a giggle while her mother stepped into the room and she had to follow.
At first, no one took notice of them. They could gaze at their new society at their leisure. Then, when one woman had glanced away from her group to see who had entered and saw their house colors, news of their arrival spread like wildfire until all the guests stared at them and grew quiet.
Inutaisho stood next to his wife at the head of the room, in front of his throne. Clearing his throat, he gained the attention of his audience and began to speak. “I present to you, my honored guests, two very special friends of mine. This is Higurashi Mitsuko, former Queen of Avaren, and her daughter Higurashi Kagome. Please welcome them and honor them with your company.” With that, Inutaisho had stated clearly that he valued the Higurashi family and accepted them.
The crowd began to speak all at once, curious about what had happened to the former Queen and her family. Mitsuko kindly answered the questions as she heard them. She told most of the crowd that she would speak to each person individually as the night wore on.
With her mother busy, Kagome took the opportunity to study the men around her. Some of the human lords were old with graying hair and many wrinkles. There were a few nice looking sons around, two of which she wouldn't mind having for a husband if they proved to be kindhearted gentlemen.
Continuing her perusal of the room, she realized that she couldn't tell how old the youkai lords were. They aged differently than humans. Most youkai were able to live several hundred years without any outward change after they matured.
One particular youkai lord caught her attention as she finished scanning the room. He stared at her with such bright blue eyes and a smirk on his face, it unnerved her. Taking in his armor clad body decorated with wolf pelts and a wolf tail swishing behind him, she guessed he was a wolf youkai. She gulped slightly when he made to come toward her. His intent eyes held an emotion she couldn't quite place.
“So you're the legendary Hime of Avaren,” he said in way of a greeting.
“Legendary Hime?” Kagome asked dumbly, not sure what else to do.
“Naraku has been seeking information across the kingdoms about the Hime of Avaren, whom had escaped six years ago from the palace. He apparently wants you for some reason. I can only guess he knew you would grow up to be very beautiful.” The wolf youkai tried to give her a compliment but it fell short with his mention of Naraku. Kagome paled slightly, the memories of the attack flooded her mind. The wolf youkai continued. He didn't seem to notice her quiet demeanor or paler skin. “I'm Kouga, Prince of the Wolf Tribe.”
Kagome stared in astonishment when, after his announcement, Kouga picked up her hands and held them in his own. His touch was possessive, his stare slightly creepy. “You'll be my woman from now on. I wont let Naraku have you,” he declared with certainty.
Who does this guy think he is? Kagome shook her hands free and stared at him angrily. “It's nice to meet you but you can't just go around declaring women you've just met that they're yours.”
Unphased by her words, Kouga looked at her possessively. He picked up her hands into his hold again. “Don't worry, once we leave this festival, you'll come back home with me to become my wife.”
What is wrong with this guy? Kagome stared at Kouga, truly dumbfounded. He held her possessively, spoke possessively but she got the feeling that he was also somewhat kindhearted. His words didn't hold a malicious intent in them, just possessiveness.
Maybe she could give this guy a chance? She could steer the conversation to other topics and try to get him to loose his possessiveness over the course of the next week. Kagome untangled her hands form Kouga's and stood back a bit to take full stock of him. He looked strong with a lean muscular build. His legs were long and lithe, toned from intense running. He also called himself the Prince of the Wolf Tribe. Kouga fit her mother's profile perfectly in that way.
“How about we start again.” Kagome smiled up at Kouga and extended a hand for him to take. Kouga stared at it blankly. “I'm Kagome. It's nice to meet you,” she said while her hand fell back to her side. Apparently, wherever Kouga lived, they didn't have the polished manners she had been taught at the palace.
?You already know my name.” Kouga stared at Kagome for a few more seconds, not sure what to do. He opened his mouth, about to ask her to sit next to him for dinner when another male figure approached.
The newcomer was handsome, though in a more feminine way than Kouga. His long ebony hair was tied behind him in a braid while his apple red eyes shone with arrogance and superiority. A woman trailed after him hurriedly. She chased him as if her life depended on it. Kagome could only think that she was his mistress for the night. She was all but forgotten now.
“Well aren't you pretty. You skin is flawless. I could eat you up in a heart beat.” The newcomer gazed at Kagome with hungry eyes. A cold shiver ran up her spine. He meant he would actually eat her flesh.
?Lay off, Hiten. I saw her first,” Kouga growled at Hiten.
Hiten glanced lazily at Kouga. “She's too good for you. She at least has some breeding and nobility. You may be a Prince of the Wolves but I don't understand how anyone could stand your uncouth ways. You live like a heathen.”
Kouga growled menacingly. He extended a clawed hand in preparation for a fight. Before either youkai could move, more men came up to Kagome and surrounded her. The crowd pushed Hiten and Kouga back away from her. Kouga didn't like being separated from his woman. Hiten laughed and moved back to his mistress. He took the woman into his arms and kissed her cheek.
Kagome, surrounded by the men, turned in every direction to find a way out. The men, youkai and human alike, asked her questions and talked to her nonstop. It was overwhelming. Finally, a path opened before her and she took her chance to escape. She did not notice, however, the reason why the path had been formed. She walked right into a beautiful woman who stood in her way.
Lady Izayoi gazed at Kagome adoringly, resting her hand to steady the poor girl. It had been obvious to Izayoi that Kagome had no clue how to handle nobles. It was the perfect opportunity she had been looking for. “I know all this is new to you, Kagome,” Izayoi began kindly. “If you ever need a break from all these people, the back gardens are just beyond the far right wall. You can go there at any time to take in the night's fresh air and collect your thoughts.”
“Th-thank you,” Kagome stammered. She was horrified at herself for walking right into the Queen of Haedai. She hadn't thought beyond the need to get away from all the people. And with her head down to avoid the men, she hadn't seen Lady Izayoi in her way. She blushed from embarrassment and moved away.
Izayoi let Kagome go and smiled to herself. Kagome was awkward with the many nobles in the room but something radiated from the girl that had Lady Izayoi willing to come to her defense. She must keep her eye on the girl. Some instinct made Izayoi feel that changes were coming, due to this young girl, and she could not stand to let Kagome come to any harm.
That thought made her guilty about her own plans to lure Kagome to the back gardens. But unsealing her son Inuyasha would not harm Kagome. Izayoi looked speculatively at Kagome's retreating back. No, she would not be hard by Inuyasha. Her son could never hurt an innocent, even if his reputation and gruff exterior made many believe he was ruthless. Maybe Kagome could tame his wild ways? Izayoi shook her head at the thought ruefully. Next she would be thinking about Inuyasha marrying the girl and that was highly unlikely considering the emotional state Kikyou had left her son in.
Safely ensconced in an corner, away from her crowd of men, Kagome watched Lady Izayoi turn from where she stood to walk gracefully back to her husband. Inutaisho held up a hand for silence. “Now that everyone has gathered, it is time for the opening ceremonies.”
Inutaisho turned his head to a servant and nodded. The doors behind him opened to allow a monk dressed in black and purple robes to enter. A staff in one hand and prayer beads in the other, the monk walked to Inutaisho, bowed, then turned to the crowd of people. Eyes closed, he chanted solemnly a prayer of good fortune, guidance and peace. Bowing to the crowd and again to Inutaisho, the monk left the room quietly after his chant.
“Now is the time to renew old alliances and make new ones. Let us all call a truce, for this one week, and enjoy the festivities.” Inutaisho clapped his hands, calling for his servants to enter with the dinner feast. The guests backed away towards the walls as trays and mats were brought in then placed along the perimeter of the room.
Kagome felt her hand being seized and her body propelled forward once the servants left. She looked up at the back of Kouga's head, his pony tail swishing in time with his tail. Not knowing what to do, Kagome followed silently behind him. What harm could it do? And she certainly didn't want to sit next to Hiten. Kouga was the safest choice out of all the men here and her mother would not be happy if she turned down Kouga's offer in favor to sit with Mitsuko.
Once at their place, Kouga and Kagome sat next to each other, knees almost touching. More servants walked in, this time carrying trays laden with food. Kouga didn't allow her time to pick what she wanted. He instead chose her food for her, placing bowls and plates on her tray only after he inspected and cut the bigger portions into smaller bite sized pieces.
Once the food had been served to all the guests, the entertainment for the night entered the throne room. Kagome gazed at the performance appreciatively. The dancers moved with a skill and grace she had never seen before as they twirled and stepped in time with the music and waved fans and bells around. They passed a comment or two in whispered tones about the dancers every once in a while but otherwise stayed silent during the show.
Kagome looked at Kouga consideringly when the dancers paused in their performance. When he didn't talk, Kagome found his presence quite enjoyable. He seemed like a nice man once his possessiveness was under control. She might even be able to live with him as his wife. Her mother would be happy at her first true candidate for marriage.
As the dancers finished and gracefully took their finishing pose, the guests clapped quietly in respect. Inutaisho rose from his seat and thanked the dancers for the entertainment. He then clapped his hands twice in rapid succession, a sign for the servants to clear away the empty food trays. “Now, the rest of the evening is yours to mingle with each other. Take this time to get to know the unfamiliar faces and catch up on events with old friends.” Inutaisho turned to his wife and motioned her to follow him around the room to speak with each of his guests.
Kouga stood silently. He watched Kagome take her time standing. His ice blue eyes traveled over her lustfully. Her graceful movements made him want to grab her to him and move to the nearest bedroom. She was beautiful. Much prettier than most humans he had met. His woman would be the envy of all their tribe. He moved them away from the trays and was about to speak when several other men began to crowd them. He growled in frustration and let go of her hand so Kagome would not get hurt in the men's attempt to get closer to her.
Kagome felt flustered. She wasn't use to all the attention, especially not from men. She heard Kouga's growl and felt the withdrawal of his hand. She became nervous, unsure if Kouga was going to fight off the men or just leave her.
“Where have you and your family been for the last six years?” one man asked to the right of her.
Kagome glanced at him and smiled weakly. She decided against telling them she had been a servant in the Hojo estate. Nobles did not like hearing about servants or someone of noble birth having anything to do with servants. “We hid in a small village here in Haedai. My mother thought it best if we didn't tell anyone our true identity.”
“So why are you now here, letting us all know who you are and where you are?” another young man asked on her left. He gestured to the group around her to indicate who he was talking about.
“The situation in Avaren has become worse. We wished to help in some way and that can only be done if people know we are still alive and well, seeking aid from wherever we can.” Kagome dipped her head in embarrassment. “Legally, I can now take the throne and rule in my own right once Naraku is dealt with. My mother thought it best to wait until I came of age.” She thought it best to not mention her mother's marriage scheme. Mitsuko was already talking to these young men's families about Kagome's marriage eligibility. Let them hear about that from their mothers. It was too embarrassing to admit it here.
Kagome slowly found herself surrounded by most of the unmarried men as time passed. Kouga had disappeared from her sight without her knowledge, one moment there and the next, gone. She answered the barrage of questions from the men, mainly things about herself, as best as she could. Soon, however; it became stifling as she was pressed further into a corner they had some how maneuvered her into. She politely excused herself, intent on finding her mother and staying close to her.
But when she reached the middle of the room, Lady Izayoi's words came back to her. She paused mid step and looked out over the room, her gaze settling on the wall that connected to the back gardens. Kagome quickly looked around the room to make sure no one followed her. Thankfully, the group of men that had been dogging her every move had left to talk with other people and gave her no notice. She made her decision to go for it.
Kagome turned back around then changed course to make a beeline to the wall. She saw as she grew closer slight lines along the far right end. She squinted her eyes to get a better look at that portion of the wall. Still not seeing much, Kagome felt along the wall with her hands and found the outline of a hidden door.
She glanced back over her shoulder quickly to make sure no one noticed her then tried to open the door. It would not budge when she tried to push or pull on it. Maybe there was a secret mechanism that opened it? Thinking it through, she ran her hands along the wall around the door to see if there was a spot that could be moved. Finding it, she pushed it in and then up which triggered the door mechanism. Taking a last look over her shoulder, and still finding no one watching her, Kagome slipped through the door.
The cool breeze greeted her on the other side. The moon shone bright, allowing her to see without the aid of many torches. She took a deep breathe in through her nose, smelling the scent of flowers and blossoming trees on the air from the garden. It smelled earthy, fresh, like a night after rain. The stress of the day began to melt away and she relaxed into the surroundings.
Realizing she had forgotten to grab her geta on the way out, Kagome carefully removed her white tabi and placed them on the deck before she walked onto the lush green grass. She held the trailing ends of her kimono in one hand so they would not get dirty. With her eyes closed, Kagome let her feet sink into the cool comfort of the grass, allowing all her worries leave her body. For once in the last three days, she felt at peace.
Opening her eyes after a few minutes, Kagome looked around her. The plants were beautiful, breath taking really. Though winter was almost upon them, the plants in this garden seemed not to care as they blossomed late in the season. Every shade was represented: pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple; too many to count. It was an endless array of living art, each plant placed strategically to accentuate the flow of the garden. She saw a path begin to form from the flowers, leading to a specific spot she could not make out at first for trees had replaced simple flowering plants.
Kagome's heart skipped a beat and then pounded rapidly. She felt strange emotions swell inside her. Anticipation, longing and need. She felt herself being drawn to that spot as if she had been called by it. An unseen power surrounded her with each step she took until, finally, she could make out the form of a very large and ancient tree that glowed a pinkish hue.
She could not look away; the sight consumed her. She had to to follow the path, had to get closer to that tree. The strands of hair that had been left out of the complicated style began to lift off her body and twirl, moved by a power deep inside her. Kagome felt it build, resonate with her being, as she grew closer.
Finally, she stood in front of the great tree. She looked up only to stare at a figure pinned to the middle of the tree with an arrow. Tree limbs entwined the figure's lower half as if to both to protect him and hold him closer, nestling his body on a nook of sorts. Long silver hair blew around with the suddenly strong breeze, pulled free from underneath him. Two inu ears sat atop his head, still and yet relaxed. Kagome found herself letting go of her kimono ends and climbing atop the branches to reach the young man, not caring that her bare feet landed on stray twigs that dug into her tender skin. She could not help herself. Her hands moved of their own accord to rub the delicate ears. They were adorable.
With a blush, she let her hands fall to take in the young man's face. His features were serene. He appeared as if in a deep relaxing slumber. His eyebrows arched effortlessly over his closed eyes and were half hidden under overgrown bangs. Two long forelocks of silver hair flapped in the surging power that radiated from her, brushing up against her hand in a silky caress. Realization dawned in Kagome as she stared at him longer. It was Lady Izayoi's son, Inuyasha--the sealed hanyou!
A surge of power made her body tingle. A need she had never felt until this night grew even stronger. Kagome felt as if she had to touch the arrow. Her hand moved towards it unbidden. Her breath hitched when it came into view and glowed pink. Kagome pulled back from the tree quickly. The sharpness of her movements combined with the weight of her kimono made her loose her footing and fall to the ground.
She stared at her hand with wide chocolate eyes, unbelieving. A pulsing began in her body. It started at her heart and radiated outward. A pink glow flowed from her skin with each pulse. The need pressed down on her. Kagome looked up at the tree when a slight sound reached her ears. The young man pulsed in time with her. The sound was like a heart beat, beating in time with the pulsing inside her and growing louder with each minute that passed.
Dazed, Kagome stood up and walked back over to the tree. She lifted herself up on the branches around Inuyasha. The power grew even more. Her hand lifted once again to the arrow, glowing a steady pink. The heart beat pounded in her ears rhythmically. Then, as if a bubble burst, she felt a powerful surge in her body. It went from her very center out to her hand and into the arrow. The arrow glowed pink before disappearing.
Kagome felt whole, complete, like a piece of herself had been missing and was now back in place. She stared at her hand, still fisted like it held the arrow. She heard a growl and looked up into the most stunning golden eyes she had ever seen. Forgetting about the new feelings inside her, she stared at Inuyasha, lost in his expressive eyes. Only one thought crossed her mind: he was alive.
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Author's Note: I am not fully knowledgeable on historical Japanese culture. I'm borrowing ideas from the Japanese culture to mix with my own for my made up world. And thank you for those who have reviewed so far and to those who have put this story on their favorites/alerts list. I will continue to update as soon as I believe a chapter is ready.
Deffinitions:
Seiza – is the formal way the Japanese sit. It is the kneeling like position most often depicted in anime when western chairs are not part of the household furniture. The other two sitting positions that are accepted are the cross legged position used by men and for women, having both legs held to one side of the body.
Zori, Geta and Tabi – In this chapter, I also bring up the Japanese traditional wooden shoes zori and geta and the socks worn with them called tabi. The zori are the wooden sandals that look the most like flip-flops while the geta are the straight wooden shoes that have two wooden platforms on the bottom to raise them up off the ground.
Spellbound Destiny
Chapter 2: The Irresistible Tree
The morning sun shone bright and clear. Not a cloud darkened the sky. Mitsuko led Kagome out of the market and towards a stable where their horses resided. The food had been bought and the supplies they needed rested in packs the two carried across their shoulders. It was about time that they headed off. Jii-chan and Souta had been told at breakfast the plan and could handle themselves for the week and few days they would be gone.
Mitsuko had planned well. With the aid of the horses, it would take them just over a day and a half at a leisurely pace to arrive at Inutaisho's palace. If they moved faster, they could make it by tonight and arrive early to get situated and explain their plight to their hosts. Mitsuko just hoped that they would be welcomed. The rumors were that Inutaisho was a very kind man, not at all like most powerful youkai. If that turned out to be untrue, she was placing her daughter in danger. Yet she couldn't risk not going either. Everything hinged on her daughter finding a husband there at Inutaisho's festival.
Taking the first horse, Mitsuko mounted up and watched her daughter do the same. It had been years since either of them had ridden. She hoped her daughter remembered her lessons from when she was little.
Kagome mounted her dark bay mare with ease. Even though it had been years since she had ridden her beloved white mare Taira, she still remembered the skills she had learned as a child. Being poor and trying to blend in with the general populace of Haedai made it hard to ride or explain how she came to learn the skill. Only nobles and merchant who were affluent enough knew how to ride with any skill. Some servants were taught the basics so they could be messengers but people on the cooking staff were in no position to know.
After taking up the reins, she followed her mother out of the village. They rode in silence at a fast pace, not frantic or hasty, but a nice canter. It allowed them to move quickly while at the same time not tiring the horses out. They stopped briefly for lunch, letting their horses rest at the side of a lake before continuing to Inutaisho's palace.
Orange, red and pink began to flood the sky when Mitsuko recognized the beginnings of the city. “We're almost there, Kagome. A few more minutes and we'll be within the city walls.”
Kagome looked up at the city that lay before her with mixed emotions. Within those walls, her new life would unfold. Her true identity would be revealed and she and her mother could be placing the innocent people who lived protected by those walls at great risk.
Mitsuko slowed her horse to a walk as they neared the gates. Kagome mirrored her actions. The guards posted on either side of the ten foot tall gates seemed only slightly curious about them. They didn't stop them from entering or even ask who they were. Thinking back to her many history lessons, Kagome recalled that the capital city of Haedai was Kisashi.
Quietly, they made their way to the palace. Kagome glanced at the people of the city. They seemed happy as they moved about, closing up shops, making their last purchases and getting ready for night to completely fall. It was strange though. Youkai and human alike walked the streets freely. Neither species seemed angered by the other. The Hojo family lived in a decent sized town called Linmere but only humans inhabited it. Youkai merchants stopped to trade from time to time but none lived in the town itself. Was this Inutaisho's influence? Kagome couldn't quite fully comprehend what that meant about the great youkai lord.
From what she remembered, Avaren housed both humans and youkai but the youkai kept to themselves. They were allowed to live within the kingdom as long as they did not harm humans and enforced their own laws themselves. Youkai did not tread into human matters and humans did not tread into youkai matters. Would her marriage change that? It would have to. Upon marrying a youkai, it would look bad to shun or disregard the youkai of her own kingdom while being okay with a youkai for a king.
Kagome looked up from her musings as the castle loomed closer. It seemed like any ordinary seat for a ruling family: large and sprawling in the middle of the capital city. From the outside, Kagome could see the central tower where most governmental meetings were held. But other than that, everything remained secreted behind the wall and main gates that encompassed the entire structure.
Mitsuko stopped at the gates and dismounted. She was nervous at their reception. They were not dressed as nobles and she had not been able to send word ahead of them to prepare Inutaisho and his wife, Lady Izayoi, for their arrival. Kagome followed her mother's lead. She stayed silent to allow her mother to talk to the guards for the both of them.
“I'm here for Inutaisho-sama's festival,” Mitsuko began. “I know we are early and we have not sent word ahead of our arrival, but I would like an audience with Inutaisho-sama before the festival begins.”
The guards looked at Mitsuko then exchanged glances. Guests for the festival were not expected until tomorrow. The guard to the right opened his side of the gate just enough to enter before closing it again. The guard to the left gave his standard response, “Wait here and we'll let Inutaisho-sama know.”
Kagome fidgeted, unexpectedly nervous at meeting her hosts tonight. She had thought they would be lead to their rooms for the night and would meet their hosts in the morning. Mitsuko had not told Kagome that they would ask for an audience before the festivities.
The guard came back with confused eyes. He left the gate open and motioned for the two ladies to follow him. “Inutaisho-sama will see you,” he said as he guided them trough the palace grounds.
Kagome couldn't look at the beautiful scenery before her. Too many butterflies danced in her stomach. She followed the guard quietly while Mitsuko walked regally--like the queen she was. Mitsuko had only met Inutaisho once, on her wedding day and only to say hello, but she hoped he still remembered her.
The guard stopped in front of two beautifully painted shoji doors. A giant white inu youkai stood guard in a field of blooming sakura trees while a beautiful human woman played with a child no more than five years of age. Kagome stared at the scene, entranced. The child wasn't human. He couldn't be. Two golden eyes stared at the woman with excitement and joy. Silver hair flowed in the breeze and two very adorable inu ears sat atop his head. Looking closely, Kagome noticed that the painter had captured a slight resemblance between the child and the woman. Calling upon her lessons again, Kagome recounted who the foreign royals were. She realized that the giant inu youkai was Inutaisho's true form, the woman with him was his wife, Lady Izayoi, and the child was their hanyou son. The eldest son from Inutaisho's first marriage, Sesshoumaru if she remembered correctly, was not depicted.
The guard pushed one of the doors aside, stepped out of their way and bid them to enter. Kagome followed behind her mother, taking in the details of the room and the people in it. The two occupants looked to be caught off guard about their visit. Inutaisho sat next to Lady Izayoi without his armor, his robes hastily put on and in slight disarray while his silver hair hung loose over his shoulders. Lady Izayoi wore a dressing gown over her yukata, her hair taken down from it's usual complicated styling. The room was bare except for the sitting mats placed for them, a tea set on one tray and a second tray with refreshments. The walls were decorated with similar scenes of the couple and the hanyou child with oil lamps placed every so often to light to room.
Mitsuko moved to the first mat, placed slightly in front of the second and to it's left. She bowed formally to her hosts before taking her seat in the proper seiza position. Kagome stopped in front of her mat and followed he mother's actions. They waited for their hosts to make the first move.
“Higurashi Mitsuko,” Inutaisho began. “The guard told me we had visitors but did not mention a name. I'm surprised to see you here.”
“Anata, they must be tired from their journey. They should have some tea and refreshments before we talk more,” Lady Izayoi interrupted. She gestured to the trays next to her.
“Yes, please. That would be very nice,” Mitsuko replied, polite and respectful of her hostess's thoughtfulness.
Lady Izayoi set to her task of making the tea. She poured four cups and distributed them to each person, starting first with Mitsuko, Kagome then her husband and herself. She then placed some food on two plates and gave one to each of her guests. Kagome nodded her thanks and kept a silent watch over the rest of the occupants in the room. She took dainty bites from the assorted sweet breads and small sips of tea while the adults talked.
“Now, what can we do for you Mitsuko-san?” Inutaisho continued with his questioning. He didn't want to assume anything and decided to let the former Queen explain first.
“For the last six years, my family and I have been in hiding in your kingdom. I know you have heard about the attack on our home.” Mitsuko paused to get Inutaisho's nod. “After some recent news from Avaren and my daughter's recent seventeenth birthday, I have decided to come out of hiding. The only thing I would like to ask of you is your permission to allow my daughter to meet the youkai lords that will be present at your festival. I have a plan to get Avaren out of Naraku's hands but it requires a strong youkai lord to become Kagome's husband.”
Inutaisho stared at the woman who stared back at him with steady eyes. He then looked to the young girl, Mitsuko's daughter. She was reserved, quiet and respectful. She allowed them to talk without interrupting. She made no fuss about her soon to be arranged marriage to an unknown youkai lord.
When she had entered, he had thought that Kikyou had come back from the dead. His youngest son, Inuyasha, had fallen in love with Kikyou fifty years ago. Kikyou was from the Higurashi family, the cousin of Kagome's grandfather. But Kagome's looks were more than just familial resemblance. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but it was an interesting twist of fate. He would allow them to stay for the festival, partly for their cause and partly to see just what fate had in store for this young woman.
“I welcome you to my home for the festival.” Inutaisho rang a bell that had been placed next to him and waited for a servant to come in.
“Yes, Inutaisho-sama?” a female servant asked upon entering the room.
“Please take our guests, Mitsuko-san and her daughter, to one of the prepared rooms for the festival.”
“Hai, Inutaisho-sama.” The servant turned and bowed respectfully to the guests. “This way please,” she said as she motioned to the open shoji door.
Mitsuko and Kagome stood, bowed respectfully to their hosts, and followed the servant down the winding hallways. She stopped a few minutes later in front of two shoji doors depicting a young woman in the middle of a river gazing out over a beautiful snow capped mountain at sunset. The servant opened the door and motioned for them to enter.
“Everything you need is inside. I will see to it that a servant brings you both a light dinner. Please make yourselves comfortable.” The servant bowed respectfully to them and turned to leave.
Kagome moved through the open doorway and took in their spacious room. Two futons lay in the middle of the room neatly folded while off to the right and left, clothing stands stood for them to hang their kimono. While they waited for their light dinner to arrive, Kagome and Mitsuko took out Kagome's seven new kimono and placed them on the racks.
Kagome admired them. They were all exquisitely beautiful. Three were formal kimono, worn for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the announcement of her engagement. The other four were semi-formal kimono to be worn during the rest of the week's activities. Each new kimono was unique. None shared the same pattern or background color.
The first, which she would wear during tomorrow's opening ceremonies, was done in the Higurashi house colors. It was a gorgeous green furisode kimono with gardenia and jasmine flowers patterning the bottom to the waist and up the sleeves with a few mini red rose buds scattered throughout. It stole Kagome's breathe away and made her miss her long lost home. Besides the sakura trees, their palace in Avaren had boasted the most beautiful and fragrant gardenias and jasmine. Unfortunately, after six years of neglect, they were more than likely dead by now.
Soon after they finished putting away the new kimono, their light dinner arrived. They ate in silence, each contemplating tomorrow's nerve racking opening ceremonies and all that would be in store for them. After finishing their meal and placing the empty dishes on the tray outside of their room, Kagome and Mitsuko fell asleep. They were exhausted from the day's events.
O o O o O o O o O
Izayoi stared out her room's open back door, watching the sunrise the following morning. The day looked promising. Only a few white puffy clouds marred the otherwise unblemished horizon as shades of orange and yellow painted the sky.
Since her meeting with the two Higurashi women last night, she couldn't help but think the answer to her and her husband's prays had come. Kagome held such a resemblance to Kikyou that maybe Kagome had inherited more than just looks from the deceased miko.
Izayoi was sad for her son and she felt pity and sorrow for Kikyou, but she didn't hate her. All she wanted was her son back, awake and enjoying life. Kagome might just be able to do that.
Narrowing her eyes at the sky, a plan began to form in her mind. Kagome seemed resigned to her mother's plans but it was clear that she disliked the idea. There was no joy or excitement on the girl's face or in her eyes that bespoke of someone who wished to marry, or felt happy about marrying.
Izayoi could use that to her advantage to maneuver Kagome into their private back garden where the Goshinboku resided, the tree where son was sealed. If Kagome was truly able to unseal Inuyasha, then she would be drawn to do so. All Izayoi had to do was wait for the right moment when Kagome seemed fed up with her mother's plans and talk to her. A seed must be planted, that Kagome could seek refuge in the back gardens. Izayoi would not blatantly tell her to head for the sacred tree but suggest that she could seek some peace and quite in the gardens.
She felt slightly guilty about deceiving the poor girl but a mother had to do what she must for her children. It was a fact Kagome's own mother shared with her and the reason Kagome was at Lady Izayoi's palace today.
With her mind set, Izayoi turned to dress. Most of the guests would be arriving around lunch time and on. She had to put the last finishing touches on the events to come before she was needed to greet them.
O o O o O o O o O
Kagome stared at herself in awe. The reflection in the mirror couldn't be her. The woman was stunning, beautiful and alluring.
Kagome had endured the long hours it took to style her hair into twin peaks atop her head held by combs and hairpins that matched the flowers of her kimono. Two separate strands from the back of her neck cascaded down and over her shoulders to rest in front of her. Her bangs had been brushed airily so that they seemed to flow with the breeze. Slight peeks of her forehead could be seen as she moved. Her face had been painted with slight rouge on her lips and cheeks. Kohl lined her eyes to give her an exotic look. Her naturally pale skin, an oddity for someone from Avaren, made her look ethereal. There was no need for her face, neck and hands to be painted in the traditional ivory paint of court women.
She couldn't believe the change that had been made to her appearance over the hours before the ceremony. Because her family had been in hiding, her mother and herself had cut their hair to the traditional length of the common people: just below the waist. With this styling, she looked the part of a true royal, the length of her hair hidden by the complex twists and turns and folds.
Along with the outer formal kimono, Kagome had endured the hard teachings from her mother on how to walk in proper court dress. She had to wear four under kimono layers, all simple solid colors that contrasted with her outer kimono, and wooden geta. The wooden geta were the hardest to walk in. At least she would only be required to wear them while outside the palace for the duration of the week.
By the time her mother had been finished giving her the instructions, servants had come to prepare her for the opening ceremonies. The guests had been arriving for the last few hours and they had been told that the opening ceremonies would start right before dinner.
Placing the mirror next to her folded futon, Kagome stood slowly. The combined weight of her kimono and hair accessories made her feel as if she would topple over if she tried to take even one step too quickly. The affect of her slower movements made her appear regal and refined and even graceful compared to her usual semi-clumsy self.
“Come, Kagome, we can't be late,” Mitsuko pestered her, already at the outer door leading to the outside hallways. Taking a shaky breathe, Kagome released it and her worries to float off into the cool breeze the night air stirred. She would try to have a good time tonight, try to be good and find someone worth talking to that could be her husband.
They moved down the hallways to the throne room at a steady even pace. Kagome could hear the boisterous sounds of talking, laughing and conversation. She wasn't sure how many people were suppose to attend and hadn't thought to ask. From the sounds, it was a good sized number, maybe a few hundred in total. She couldn't bring herself to guess at how many of those people were single men looking for marriage.
Kagome jolted abruptly as Mitsuko stopped in front of two shoji doors painted with scenes of a great white inu youkai battling various enemies. A servant bowed to them then slid one door open to allow them entrance. The two women slid out of their wooden geta and the servant placed them with the others along the wall.
The dazzling scene that met Kagome's eyes as she stepped through the open door blinded her for a moment and her breath caught. Every guest was arrayed like she was: bright bold colors, intricate hairstyles and jewelry flashed before the hundreds of candles that lit the room in a sparkling golden glow. Each garment worn by the various youkai and human nobles dictated their status, their family and their wealth. It was beautiful and silly at the same time, reminding Kagome of peacocks as each noble tried to outdo all the others in their display. She tried to stifle a giggle while her mother stepped into the room and she had to follow.
At first, no one took notice of them. They could gaze at their new society at their leisure. Then, when one woman had glanced away from her group to see who had entered and saw their house colors, news of their arrival spread like wildfire until all the guests stared at them and grew quiet.
Inutaisho stood next to his wife at the head of the room, in front of his throne. Clearing his throat, he gained the attention of his audience and began to speak. “I present to you, my honored guests, two very special friends of mine. This is Higurashi Mitsuko, former Queen of Avaren, and her daughter Higurashi Kagome. Please welcome them and honor them with your company.” With that, Inutaisho had stated clearly that he valued the Higurashi family and accepted them.
The crowd began to speak all at once, curious about what had happened to the former Queen and her family. Mitsuko kindly answered the questions as she heard them. She told most of the crowd that she would speak to each person individually as the night wore on.
With her mother busy, Kagome took the opportunity to study the men around her. Some of the human lords were old with graying hair and many wrinkles. There were a few nice looking sons around, two of which she wouldn't mind having for a husband if they proved to be kindhearted gentlemen.
Continuing her perusal of the room, she realized that she couldn't tell how old the youkai lords were. They aged differently than humans. Most youkai were able to live several hundred years without any outward change after they matured.
One particular youkai lord caught her attention as she finished scanning the room. He stared at her with such bright blue eyes and a smirk on his face, it unnerved her. Taking in his armor clad body decorated with wolf pelts and a wolf tail swishing behind him, she guessed he was a wolf youkai. She gulped slightly when he made to come toward her. His intent eyes held an emotion she couldn't quite place.
“So you're the legendary Hime of Avaren,” he said in way of a greeting.
“Legendary Hime?” Kagome asked dumbly, not sure what else to do.
“Naraku has been seeking information across the kingdoms about the Hime of Avaren, whom had escaped six years ago from the palace. He apparently wants you for some reason. I can only guess he knew you would grow up to be very beautiful.” The wolf youkai tried to give her a compliment but it fell short with his mention of Naraku. Kagome paled slightly, the memories of the attack flooded her mind. The wolf youkai continued. He didn't seem to notice her quiet demeanor or paler skin. “I'm Kouga, Prince of the Wolf Tribe.”
Kagome stared in astonishment when, after his announcement, Kouga picked up her hands and held them in his own. His touch was possessive, his stare slightly creepy. “You'll be my woman from now on. I wont let Naraku have you,” he declared with certainty.
Who does this guy think he is? Kagome shook her hands free and stared at him angrily. “It's nice to meet you but you can't just go around declaring women you've just met that they're yours.”
Unphased by her words, Kouga looked at her possessively. He picked up her hands into his hold again. “Don't worry, once we leave this festival, you'll come back home with me to become my wife.”
What is wrong with this guy? Kagome stared at Kouga, truly dumbfounded. He held her possessively, spoke possessively but she got the feeling that he was also somewhat kindhearted. His words didn't hold a malicious intent in them, just possessiveness.
Maybe she could give this guy a chance? She could steer the conversation to other topics and try to get him to loose his possessiveness over the course of the next week. Kagome untangled her hands form Kouga's and stood back a bit to take full stock of him. He looked strong with a lean muscular build. His legs were long and lithe, toned from intense running. He also called himself the Prince of the Wolf Tribe. Kouga fit her mother's profile perfectly in that way.
“How about we start again.” Kagome smiled up at Kouga and extended a hand for him to take. Kouga stared at it blankly. “I'm Kagome. It's nice to meet you,” she said while her hand fell back to her side. Apparently, wherever Kouga lived, they didn't have the polished manners she had been taught at the palace.
?You already know my name.” Kouga stared at Kagome for a few more seconds, not sure what to do. He opened his mouth, about to ask her to sit next to him for dinner when another male figure approached.
The newcomer was handsome, though in a more feminine way than Kouga. His long ebony hair was tied behind him in a braid while his apple red eyes shone with arrogance and superiority. A woman trailed after him hurriedly. She chased him as if her life depended on it. Kagome could only think that she was his mistress for the night. She was all but forgotten now.
“Well aren't you pretty. You skin is flawless. I could eat you up in a heart beat.” The newcomer gazed at Kagome with hungry eyes. A cold shiver ran up her spine. He meant he would actually eat her flesh.
?Lay off, Hiten. I saw her first,” Kouga growled at Hiten.
Hiten glanced lazily at Kouga. “She's too good for you. She at least has some breeding and nobility. You may be a Prince of the Wolves but I don't understand how anyone could stand your uncouth ways. You live like a heathen.”
Kouga growled menacingly. He extended a clawed hand in preparation for a fight. Before either youkai could move, more men came up to Kagome and surrounded her. The crowd pushed Hiten and Kouga back away from her. Kouga didn't like being separated from his woman. Hiten laughed and moved back to his mistress. He took the woman into his arms and kissed her cheek.
Kagome, surrounded by the men, turned in every direction to find a way out. The men, youkai and human alike, asked her questions and talked to her nonstop. It was overwhelming. Finally, a path opened before her and she took her chance to escape. She did not notice, however, the reason why the path had been formed. She walked right into a beautiful woman who stood in her way.
Lady Izayoi gazed at Kagome adoringly, resting her hand to steady the poor girl. It had been obvious to Izayoi that Kagome had no clue how to handle nobles. It was the perfect opportunity she had been looking for. “I know all this is new to you, Kagome,” Izayoi began kindly. “If you ever need a break from all these people, the back gardens are just beyond the far right wall. You can go there at any time to take in the night's fresh air and collect your thoughts.”
“Th-thank you,” Kagome stammered. She was horrified at herself for walking right into the Queen of Haedai. She hadn't thought beyond the need to get away from all the people. And with her head down to avoid the men, she hadn't seen Lady Izayoi in her way. She blushed from embarrassment and moved away.
Izayoi let Kagome go and smiled to herself. Kagome was awkward with the many nobles in the room but something radiated from the girl that had Lady Izayoi willing to come to her defense. She must keep her eye on the girl. Some instinct made Izayoi feel that changes were coming, due to this young girl, and she could not stand to let Kagome come to any harm.
That thought made her guilty about her own plans to lure Kagome to the back gardens. But unsealing her son Inuyasha would not harm Kagome. Izayoi looked speculatively at Kagome's retreating back. No, she would not be hard by Inuyasha. Her son could never hurt an innocent, even if his reputation and gruff exterior made many believe he was ruthless. Maybe Kagome could tame his wild ways? Izayoi shook her head at the thought ruefully. Next she would be thinking about Inuyasha marrying the girl and that was highly unlikely considering the emotional state Kikyou had left her son in.
Safely ensconced in an corner, away from her crowd of men, Kagome watched Lady Izayoi turn from where she stood to walk gracefully back to her husband. Inutaisho held up a hand for silence. “Now that everyone has gathered, it is time for the opening ceremonies.”
Inutaisho turned his head to a servant and nodded. The doors behind him opened to allow a monk dressed in black and purple robes to enter. A staff in one hand and prayer beads in the other, the monk walked to Inutaisho, bowed, then turned to the crowd of people. Eyes closed, he chanted solemnly a prayer of good fortune, guidance and peace. Bowing to the crowd and again to Inutaisho, the monk left the room quietly after his chant.
“Now is the time to renew old alliances and make new ones. Let us all call a truce, for this one week, and enjoy the festivities.” Inutaisho clapped his hands, calling for his servants to enter with the dinner feast. The guests backed away towards the walls as trays and mats were brought in then placed along the perimeter of the room.
Kagome felt her hand being seized and her body propelled forward once the servants left. She looked up at the back of Kouga's head, his pony tail swishing in time with his tail. Not knowing what to do, Kagome followed silently behind him. What harm could it do? And she certainly didn't want to sit next to Hiten. Kouga was the safest choice out of all the men here and her mother would not be happy if she turned down Kouga's offer in favor to sit with Mitsuko.
Once at their place, Kouga and Kagome sat next to each other, knees almost touching. More servants walked in, this time carrying trays laden with food. Kouga didn't allow her time to pick what she wanted. He instead chose her food for her, placing bowls and plates on her tray only after he inspected and cut the bigger portions into smaller bite sized pieces.
Once the food had been served to all the guests, the entertainment for the night entered the throne room. Kagome gazed at the performance appreciatively. The dancers moved with a skill and grace she had never seen before as they twirled and stepped in time with the music and waved fans and bells around. They passed a comment or two in whispered tones about the dancers every once in a while but otherwise stayed silent during the show.
Kagome looked at Kouga consideringly when the dancers paused in their performance. When he didn't talk, Kagome found his presence quite enjoyable. He seemed like a nice man once his possessiveness was under control. She might even be able to live with him as his wife. Her mother would be happy at her first true candidate for marriage.
As the dancers finished and gracefully took their finishing pose, the guests clapped quietly in respect. Inutaisho rose from his seat and thanked the dancers for the entertainment. He then clapped his hands twice in rapid succession, a sign for the servants to clear away the empty food trays. “Now, the rest of the evening is yours to mingle with each other. Take this time to get to know the unfamiliar faces and catch up on events with old friends.” Inutaisho turned to his wife and motioned her to follow him around the room to speak with each of his guests.
Kouga stood silently. He watched Kagome take her time standing. His ice blue eyes traveled over her lustfully. Her graceful movements made him want to grab her to him and move to the nearest bedroom. She was beautiful. Much prettier than most humans he had met. His woman would be the envy of all their tribe. He moved them away from the trays and was about to speak when several other men began to crowd them. He growled in frustration and let go of her hand so Kagome would not get hurt in the men's attempt to get closer to her.
Kagome felt flustered. She wasn't use to all the attention, especially not from men. She heard Kouga's growl and felt the withdrawal of his hand. She became nervous, unsure if Kouga was going to fight off the men or just leave her.
“Where have you and your family been for the last six years?” one man asked to the right of her.
Kagome glanced at him and smiled weakly. She decided against telling them she had been a servant in the Hojo estate. Nobles did not like hearing about servants or someone of noble birth having anything to do with servants. “We hid in a small village here in Haedai. My mother thought it best if we didn't tell anyone our true identity.”
“So why are you now here, letting us all know who you are and where you are?” another young man asked on her left. He gestured to the group around her to indicate who he was talking about.
“The situation in Avaren has become worse. We wished to help in some way and that can only be done if people know we are still alive and well, seeking aid from wherever we can.” Kagome dipped her head in embarrassment. “Legally, I can now take the throne and rule in my own right once Naraku is dealt with. My mother thought it best to wait until I came of age.” She thought it best to not mention her mother's marriage scheme. Mitsuko was already talking to these young men's families about Kagome's marriage eligibility. Let them hear about that from their mothers. It was too embarrassing to admit it here.
Kagome slowly found herself surrounded by most of the unmarried men as time passed. Kouga had disappeared from her sight without her knowledge, one moment there and the next, gone. She answered the barrage of questions from the men, mainly things about herself, as best as she could. Soon, however; it became stifling as she was pressed further into a corner they had some how maneuvered her into. She politely excused herself, intent on finding her mother and staying close to her.
But when she reached the middle of the room, Lady Izayoi's words came back to her. She paused mid step and looked out over the room, her gaze settling on the wall that connected to the back gardens. Kagome quickly looked around the room to make sure no one followed her. Thankfully, the group of men that had been dogging her every move had left to talk with other people and gave her no notice. She made her decision to go for it.
Kagome turned back around then changed course to make a beeline to the wall. She saw as she grew closer slight lines along the far right end. She squinted her eyes to get a better look at that portion of the wall. Still not seeing much, Kagome felt along the wall with her hands and found the outline of a hidden door.
She glanced back over her shoulder quickly to make sure no one noticed her then tried to open the door. It would not budge when she tried to push or pull on it. Maybe there was a secret mechanism that opened it? Thinking it through, she ran her hands along the wall around the door to see if there was a spot that could be moved. Finding it, she pushed it in and then up which triggered the door mechanism. Taking a last look over her shoulder, and still finding no one watching her, Kagome slipped through the door.
The cool breeze greeted her on the other side. The moon shone bright, allowing her to see without the aid of many torches. She took a deep breathe in through her nose, smelling the scent of flowers and blossoming trees on the air from the garden. It smelled earthy, fresh, like a night after rain. The stress of the day began to melt away and she relaxed into the surroundings.
Realizing she had forgotten to grab her geta on the way out, Kagome carefully removed her white tabi and placed them on the deck before she walked onto the lush green grass. She held the trailing ends of her kimono in one hand so they would not get dirty. With her eyes closed, Kagome let her feet sink into the cool comfort of the grass, allowing all her worries leave her body. For once in the last three days, she felt at peace.
Opening her eyes after a few minutes, Kagome looked around her. The plants were beautiful, breath taking really. Though winter was almost upon them, the plants in this garden seemed not to care as they blossomed late in the season. Every shade was represented: pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple; too many to count. It was an endless array of living art, each plant placed strategically to accentuate the flow of the garden. She saw a path begin to form from the flowers, leading to a specific spot she could not make out at first for trees had replaced simple flowering plants.
Kagome's heart skipped a beat and then pounded rapidly. She felt strange emotions swell inside her. Anticipation, longing and need. She felt herself being drawn to that spot as if she had been called by it. An unseen power surrounded her with each step she took until, finally, she could make out the form of a very large and ancient tree that glowed a pinkish hue.
She could not look away; the sight consumed her. She had to to follow the path, had to get closer to that tree. The strands of hair that had been left out of the complicated style began to lift off her body and twirl, moved by a power deep inside her. Kagome felt it build, resonate with her being, as she grew closer.
Finally, she stood in front of the great tree. She looked up only to stare at a figure pinned to the middle of the tree with an arrow. Tree limbs entwined the figure's lower half as if to both to protect him and hold him closer, nestling his body on a nook of sorts. Long silver hair blew around with the suddenly strong breeze, pulled free from underneath him. Two inu ears sat atop his head, still and yet relaxed. Kagome found herself letting go of her kimono ends and climbing atop the branches to reach the young man, not caring that her bare feet landed on stray twigs that dug into her tender skin. She could not help herself. Her hands moved of their own accord to rub the delicate ears. They were adorable.
With a blush, she let her hands fall to take in the young man's face. His features were serene. He appeared as if in a deep relaxing slumber. His eyebrows arched effortlessly over his closed eyes and were half hidden under overgrown bangs. Two long forelocks of silver hair flapped in the surging power that radiated from her, brushing up against her hand in a silky caress. Realization dawned in Kagome as she stared at him longer. It was Lady Izayoi's son, Inuyasha--the sealed hanyou!
A surge of power made her body tingle. A need she had never felt until this night grew even stronger. Kagome felt as if she had to touch the arrow. Her hand moved towards it unbidden. Her breath hitched when it came into view and glowed pink. Kagome pulled back from the tree quickly. The sharpness of her movements combined with the weight of her kimono made her loose her footing and fall to the ground.
She stared at her hand with wide chocolate eyes, unbelieving. A pulsing began in her body. It started at her heart and radiated outward. A pink glow flowed from her skin with each pulse. The need pressed down on her. Kagome looked up at the tree when a slight sound reached her ears. The young man pulsed in time with her. The sound was like a heart beat, beating in time with the pulsing inside her and growing louder with each minute that passed.
Dazed, Kagome stood up and walked back over to the tree. She lifted herself up on the branches around Inuyasha. The power grew even more. Her hand lifted once again to the arrow, glowing a steady pink. The heart beat pounded in her ears rhythmically. Then, as if a bubble burst, she felt a powerful surge in her body. It went from her very center out to her hand and into the arrow. The arrow glowed pink before disappearing.
Kagome felt whole, complete, like a piece of herself had been missing and was now back in place. She stared at her hand, still fisted like it held the arrow. She heard a growl and looked up into the most stunning golden eyes she had ever seen. Forgetting about the new feelings inside her, she stared at Inuyasha, lost in his expressive eyes. Only one thought crossed her mind: he was alive.
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