InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Feud: A Marriage Made In Heaven ❯ And The Couples Are.... ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha...(sad, I know...)

A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed and put in a vote. I do appreciate all the help and suggestions. Now.... here's the chapter with the decision. I hope you like! Though I'm sure most of you have already figured it out, since I know you were counting too! ^_^

Book I: The Feud: A Marriage Made In Heaven.

Chapter2: And The Couples Are...

InuTaisho watched as his eldest son, Sesshoumaru, walked over to the window in his office and stare out at the scene in front of him. He sighed to himself and stared at his son's back. He'd been arguing with his son for twenty minutes now and was getting a migraine. He didn't argue with his son often, well at least not his oldest son, so the experience was proving to be a memorable one.

InuTaisho had known this moment would come, but he'd thought he was prepared for his son's temper and the unleashing of it, but... he was wrong. His son did not loose his temper easily so, he knew the subject was an important one to him, but he'd expected his son to get over it and accept. After all, there was nothing he could do about it. The Emperor had made the decree and they could not go against their ruler. Well, they could, but the problems it would cause, not to mention a war, was not something he relished the thought of.

His son was always in control and exuded a power that he'd never seen anyone have the stupidity-or courage- to stand up to. He'd witnessed grown men who had a stronger build and who you would think possessed more power then Sesshoumaru take caution when around him. He saw how people did whatever his son told them to without question. They knew his son was someone it would be unwise to disobey, let alone cross. Even Sesshoumaru`s friends', those who could call themselves that, considered him someone whom around they trod carefully.

The one man a wise man would not take his eyes from, especially if they found themselves an enemy of Sesshoumaru's.

InuTaisho knew his son would make a great Taiyoukai one day, he had no doubt about that. In turn, he knew his son would need the right woman beside him. She could not be weak. She had to be someone who could stand up to his son, without being disrespectful. It would not be easy for his son was not an easy man... never had been. There were many women to choose from in the country, but now it was taken from them... and given to their enemy... and his son was not happy. Not happy, at all. But, that wasn't the worst, no his son would be able to handle that, it was the fact that Sesshoumaru believed the Higurashis had something to do with his first wife's, Sesshoumaru's birth mother's, death.

Onigumo had his own thoughts on that subject though. He didn't believe the Higurashis had anything to do with his late wife's death, but he would keep that to himself for now. He would never have agreed to the marriages if he believed it. He'd have gone to war with the Emperor before that happened. He was surprised his son did not realize this himself. He figured it was just a matter of time. Onigumo needed proof first. He would get it too.

"Sesshoumaru..." he began and sighed. InuTaisho pinched the bridge between his nose to try and relieve some of the pain in his head.

"What?"

InuTaisho's head snapped up at the tone in his son's voice. He frowned.

"You will check that tone in your voice. I am still Taiyoukai here. I am not one of the many who cower before you. You are not stronger then me yet." InuTaisho narrowed his eyes as he stated the warning to his son's back. He would not be disrespected and definitely not by his own son.

Sesshoumaru sighed. His father was right he did not deserve to be disrespected. It was not his father's fault he had to wed himself to their enemy... it was the Emperor's and if he could think of a way to make the current ruler pay, he would. Sesshoumaru's shoulders lost some of their stiffness in acceptance of his father's steely delivered warning.

"What is it Father?" he asked again, this time with less ice in his tone.

InuTaisho nodded in approval before he spoke even though his son still had his back to him and could not see the nod.

"It is just a marriage. There is nothing that can be done about it. Perhaps it will work out," he did not have much hope in that and hoped it didn't show in his voice. He had already cloaked his emotions from his son.

"It is not just a marriage. I would not care, if that was the case. I do not want to marry a Higurashi."

InuTaisho heard his son's quiet reply and sighed for the upteenth time. He knew his son was right... it wasn't just a marriage. His son would not be so angry. He'd heard a lot about the Higurashi daughters they were said to be very beautiful a long with other things. Some of those things were a little difficult to believe, but he hoped that at least the part about their looks were true. He'd never seen the daughter's with his own eyes, but a few who worked for him had seen glimpses of the girls and had corroborated, sort of, what was said about their looks. He prayed that they were not human like some of the rumors said. They would not survive marriage to any of his sons that way. They'd need the powers they allegedly had if that was true.

Sesshoumaru starred unseeingly out the window. His mind was preoccupied with what the Emperor had decreed. He had some comfort in the fact that his marriage was to take place last, so it could be, at the most, three years before he had to marry the witch. He'd come here to see if there was anything his father could do... one last try. They were to leave soon to go meet the girls and sign the marriage certificates and all the papers dealing with the dowries soon.

His brothers weren't any happier about the decree. Inuyasha, his father's middle son, had been stomping and throwing tantrums since they found out. Mirouku, the youngest, had been very quiet. Sesshoumaru didn't think his youngest brother had uttered more than two words for the last three days. Which was odd, because he and Inuyasha were always arguing about something. Sesshoumaru knew his youngest brother didn't like the thought of marrying a Higurashi either. It surprised him a little, his brother loved all women, it was nice to see he actually had standards.

Sesshoumaru turned to his father and starred at him. Amber eyes met purple and locked. Neither gave an inch, for they both knew they were right.

"When do we leave for the Higurashi's?" he asked his father. He realized that he'd have to handle this problem on his own, he just didn't know how yet. He figured they might as well get current matters over.

"Thirty minutes. We're expected in an hour. Make sure your brothers are ready to leave on time."

Sesshoumaru arched a brow at that before he exited his father's office. He went and informed his brothers of his father's orders then went to the library to wait for his father to be ready.

InuTaisho watched his son's retreating back, hair swinging with his movements, in thought. He knew his son was considered to be a very beautiful man, some had even been stupid enough to question the boys gender, true they were usually intoxicated at the time, but stupid non the less. Said persons had never left from where they were with as many limbs as they had shown up with... nor did they ever get drunk again. His son was very sensitive about his looks. He had the uncommonly silver hair and amber eyes of his mother and a face that was so elegant and smooth it hailed a decidedly feminine appeal, but it also hailed a hardness and strength that could only be described as male. Inuyasha also had the same hair color and eyes as Sesshoumaru, but they didn't look at all alike. For instance, their ears were different. Sesshoumaru had the normal pointed ears that most youkai had when in humanoid form, while Inuyasha had ears that sat on top of his head much like those of a dog.

InuTaisho thought about his youngest son, Mirouku, who was the spinning image of him. Mirouku was the only one of his sons that had his hair and eyes. His son's hair was not as long as his own, but it fell to his shoulder blades. His son liked to wear his dark tresses pulled back into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck. His youngest boy was a notorious flirt, bordering on harassment, who was knocked in the head by a woman more times then he could count. His son took it all in stride, though he was a naturally happy person-except for lately-who most people usually enjoyed being around. All his sons were pretty close, though the younger two sometimes looked up to their older brother. Inuyasha liked to argue with his brothers, but it was just his way. It didn't mean anything. While Sesshoumaru always watched over his brothers, no matter how many times they got on his nerves. He would never turn his back on his family... it wasn't in him. That's why InuTaisho wanted the marriages to work.

InuTaisho knew the woman that would marry his oldest son would one day be Lady of the Western Lands. She needed to be a woman who could fulfill that duty. The Western Lands were one of the richest provinces in the country and one of the largest... next to the Southern Lands. Given that the girls were the daughters of the Taiyoukai of the South he had hope that they knew how to rule; were at least taught that, but he could not be certain. He didn't like doubt. He would soon find out for himself, he sighed and got to his feet with a grace that was born from years of living as he had been born into.

InuTaisho left his office to go see if his sons were ready... and nearly ran into his lovely wife. He put his hands out and caught her by the arms as he steadied her. Her sky blue colored hair fell just pass her shoulder blades down her back as part of it fell over her shoulder with the force of her being stopped so suddenly. She was wearing a long red gown that fell straight to her ankles. When the dress reached her knees it flared out a little before falling the rest of the way to her ankles. The dress sported a heart-shaped neckline with a small jacket to it.

"Sweetheart, where are you headed in such a rush?" he asked with a grin on his face.

"Looking for you," she replied and narrowed her eyes.

He arched an eyebrow at that, not even realizing just how much he looked like his son then.

"Hm. And what are you looking for me for?"

"Are you leaving to go to the Higurashi's now?"

"Yes."

InuTaisho watched her frown and knew she was revving up for a fight. He was not in the mood to argue with her. He already had a migraine. He decided to nip the argument in the bud before it happened.

"Ryumi, I have to do this. I know you do not approve, but there is nothing I can do about it now. We will just have to wait and see."

"Alright InuTaisho. I am trusting them with the most important people in my life. Let them know I am watching."

InuTaisho watched his wife's emerald eyes glow bright with anger and suppressed rage. He leaned forward and kissed his wife's forehead before taking his leave of her to find his sons so they could be on their way.

They might as well get the formalities over with.

~*At the Higurash Lands*~

Kagome sat down on a stone bench in the gardens. She was in a different garden from the night before. That one was hers and her sister's garden, this one was open to anyone who wished to enter. Kagome looked down at her lap as she contemplated the dress she had on. Her and her sisters were to meet the Masaharu son's today, or in other words their `intendeds', and their father had told them to wear something nice... and whenever her father said to "wear something nice" he meant something like the gown she was wearing. She hated wearing gowns like this. She knew there would be a formal ceremony to celebrate the coming unions, but she saw no reason to dress like this. Its not like she was going to be there. The ceremony would only consist of her father, Lord Masaharu and the magistrate. They would be signing papers and finalizing anything needing to be finalized. Then the grooms and brides would be brought in to meet their mates and sign the marriage agreements. So, what was the point in dressing like this, she wondered.

Kagome looked down at the red gown she had on in disgust. She knew her father was doing this because he was trying to impress the Masaharus and sighed at the thought. That was disgusting too. Her gown was long, falling straight to her ankles. It had a slit up the back to just above the back of her knees. The top came straight across and fit snug to her breast showing off just a hint of cleavage. The dress was made of silk and fit to her like a glove. It was a lovely dress, but she much rather be in a pair of jeans and shirt.

Kagome had run into her sisters earlier and saw that they were also dressed similar to her. Sango wore black and Kikyou was in a shiny brown dress. Her own dress was a deep red. They didn't look any happier about the dresses then she did. She wondered what her sisters were doing, but didn't feel like getting up to go look for them. Kagome closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Digging down within herself, she reached out with her powers and searched for their auras. She gave a slow smile when she found them. She found Kikyou in the library, first, then she found Sango who was in the kitchens with Kirara. Kagome made the mind link then, now that she knew where they were.

"Hey. What are you guys doing?"

"I was going to read a book to pass the time. Papa said our guests should be here in twenty minutes."

"Hmm," said the other two in unison.

"What about you Sango. What are you doing?"

"Kirara is still responding to my being a `tad' upset, and burnt mother's rosebush. You know the one in our garden that she planted herself? I saved it before it was lost, but Kirara did get half of it. I just cleaned her off and now she's eating... and I did it all without getting dirty!" answered the oldest girl.

Kagome giggle at the last part of her sister's answer. Kikyou smiled. They could both imagine the frown on their sister's face as Sango said that last part with sarcasm dripping from her voice. They knew that if anyone was to walk in on them and see them sitting there giggling and smiling to themselves they'd think the girls were crazy. It didn't stop the reactions though.

"Very good Sango. After all, you are first. Father will be so proud!" said Kagome with a smile in her joke in her voice.

"You have jokes now Kagome but wait `til you see who Papa has chosen for you. We'll see how many jokes you have then!"

"I thought you said you wasn't sure yet?"

"Shes not," said Kikyou. Her calm voice slipping in before the argument could start. "Father hasn't made a decision yet.I can still sense his indecision."

"Ha, ha, ha. She is right, he hasn't, but I hope it stays as I've seen it. That would be most interesting."

"What would? Who did you see me marrying Sango?"

"This time I'm not telling," Sango said putting her nose in the air as if her sister could see her. At least not yet."

"Wha-"

Kagome went still forgetting what she was about to say when she sensed an unfamiliar presence in their home. She could sense four of them. All male. They were very powerful, but not threatening. Kagome stopped breathing when she realized who they were.

"Kagome?" questioned Kikyou quietly. She couldn't sense her sister, because of the link.

"Kagome?" Sango called out. She hoped her sister was not very upset. She was only messing with her.

They waited a moment for a response.

"Kagome!!" they screamed at her in unison when they didn't get one from the younger girl.

Kagome jerked out of her thoughts with a start and gasped as she pressed a hand to her chest above her heart.. Though it was a mind link, their yells came through loud and clear.

"Will you two stop yelling!" Kagome yelled back at them. She gave them a frown even though they were nowhere near enough to see.

"Well, you should have answered us the first time we called," said Sango with a huff.

"What is it Kagome?" Kikyou heard the irritation in her voice and something else, like nerves, she couldn't identify.

After a moment of silence Kagome replied quietly.

"They're here."

All three girls went quiet. They knew this moment was coming, but it's a lot different when the moment finally arrives. They were curious about the guys; they couldn't deny that. They all felt a little weird about it. Even though they'd put on a brave face in front of their father and they were still mad, there was one feeling they hadn't admitted to anyone of feeling...not even each other. Fear. They were afraid of what was to come.

"Sango are you going to go greet them?" asked Kagome.

"I don't know. Are you? And what about you, Kikyou?" asked Sango.

"No. I'm not. I'm staying right here. Papa will let us know when he's ready for us."

For once Sango and Kagome were thankful for their sister's calm and quiet logic. They couldn't explain it, but Kikyou's lack of emotion had calmed their own nerves about the meeting.

"She's right. I'm not going out there either. I am not going to give them the impression I'm looking forward to this. Father will send for us, and that will be soon enough for me," agreed Sango. Part of her wanted to go take a peek though.

"Alright, then I'm also staying where I'm at." Kagome slipped her heeled sandals off her feet and stretched her legs out beside her along the cushions on the bench. She leaned her left elbow on the arm of the smooth stone and rest the side of her face in her upturned palm. She figured she might as well get comfortable, it would be at least another half an hour before the two Lords would be finished with all the legal stuff. "I guess I'll see you guys in half an hour."

"Yeah, okay."

"Yes."

Kagome listened to their replies and smiled before she cut the link.

Sango sat down on one of the chairs at the small table in the kitchen. Kikyou leaned her head back as she curled her feet up beneath her in the large armchair she occupied. They all settled back to wait for their futures to be decided by their father. A future that they had no say in.

~In Lord Higurashi's Office~

Onigumo starred at the four men now taking up the floor space in front of his desk. They were all dressed in beautiful three-piece suits. He studied each son separately. He knew who each one was so he had no problem in that area. This was the first time he had them so close that he could study them.

He looked to the youngest one first. The one his Sango would be marrying. He had a good build and height. Onigumo figured the boy stood the same height as his daughter. There was a soft spot in the younger son's eyes that he didn't see in the other two sons. He saw a gleam there too. He had a feeling this son had a sense of humor. Onigumo knew he'd made the right choice for Sango now. His daughter could use a little humor in her life. Then again, so could his middle daughter too. `Actually, that one could use more than just some humor. She need someone to make her let go,' he thought with an inward sigh.

Onigumo looked to the next Masaharu son. He knew this one was called Inuyasha. He could see the anger in the young youkai's eyes. He could see Inuyasha was fighting himself to keep still. `He wants more than anything to get his hands on me,' he thought to himself and tried not to laugh out loud. His wife made him promise not to cause any trouble and he would keep his word... or he knew there would be hell to pay and he'd be the one paying it. `This one is full of emotions. Maybe...'

Onigumo's thoughts trailed off as he looked to the oldest son and starred. He was just as beautiful as he'd been told. He wondered how the young man felt about that. Onigumo couldn't tell what the son named Sesshoumaru was thinking. His face was like a mask; it showed him nothing. `Except for his eyes.' Onigumo could see the strength, a lethal power, behind his gold hued eyes. `This one, is not a person many people have crossed and lived to talk about it. I have no doubt he will rule well when his time comes... but thee is too much ice in him for my Kikyou.'

Onigumo wasn't sure this one was the right choice for his Kagome either, but he figured she was the best one for him. He thought about the marriage they would have and figured in could only end in a drastic way. They would either end up madly in love and devoted to one another or... one would kill the other. He wondered how the young heir would fare against his youngest daughter. He could not see either of them settling for a `marriage in name only' or anything like that. It was the only way these marriages had a chance though. Onigumo sighed and sat down behind his desk. He'd made his decision and now it was time to make it known.

"Masaharu."

Lord InuTaisho arched a brow as he watched the other man take a seat. He'd watched Onigumo study his sons and was curious to find out what the other Taiyoukai thought. After all, this man was his greatest rival... and now the Emperor was set on making them family. He just didn't understand it.

"Higurashi"

Onigumo nodded for the other man to take a seat before he spoke.

"Shall we get this over with? None of us is happy about this, but since nothing can be done about it... we shall make the best of it."

Onigumo watched InuTaisho take a seat quietly before he focused on the three lined behind their father then addressed them.

"You three will have to wait outside as I'm sure you know. This is between your father and I," he watched two pairs of amber eyes and one purple pair flash in anger. He figured they didn't care for him giving them orders. He didn't care. This was his home.

Onigumo arched an eyebrow when none of them made the slightest move to leave the office.

"It alright. Go ahead. This won't take long," InuTaisho addressed his sons; never turning around. He kept his eyes on his enemy and smirked. `The bastard thinks he can order my sons!'

Onigumo watched the younger two look at their brother and him in turn give them a slight nod. They turned to leave the room with Sesshoumaru picking up the rear.

"Do not worry. Your Father will not be harmed." Onigumo couldn't help adding. He smiled when the oldest boy turned at the last moment to give him an assessing look. He grinned at the young man.

Sesshoumaru starred at the Taiyoukai behind the desk for a moment before arching an eyebrow at the Lord.

"Of course he won't be. I do not imagine you would be so stupid," he said in his quiet tones. There was a hardness in his voice that was unmistakable. He was letting the Taiyoukai know that if anything should happen he would kill him. He watched the grin fall from the Taiyoukai of the Southern Lands face before he left the room behind his brothers.

InuTaisho watched the small flash of fear in the other Lord's blood red eyes and couldn't help the sense of pride he felt towards his eldest son just then. He saw the feeling leave the Taiyoukai just as fast as it had come to be replaced by a thoughtful, contemplative look.

"Interesting..."

InuTaisho heard the murmured word and immediately wondered what the Lord found so `interesting'.

"What?" he asked with a curious tilt of his head.

"Your son."

"Ah," that one syllable held a wealth of meaning. He knew exactly what the Lord meant now. "Yes. Do you think one of your daughters can handle my son?"

Onigumo had to smile at that. He was just wondering that very thing, wasn't he? Except vice versa.

"I think so," he had to fight not to laugh. "I just wonder.... can he handle her, do you think?"

InuTaisho didn't see what was so funny and gave him an inquisitive look before answering. He thought the question was stupid though. He didn't think there was a woman alive his son couldn't handle, but he decided to keep that thought as just a thought.

"I wouldn't know. Your daughters are still a mystery for me."

Onigumo nodded at that.

"Hm, yes that's right. Well, you will meet them very soon. Then you will see what I know and you will understand my smile. You can give me your opinion then."

InuTaisho nodded to show he understood before dismissing the subject and moving on.

"So you have decided which one of your daughters is marrying which one of my sons?"

"Yes," he gave a half smile and continued, "Actually I've just made my final decision."

InuTaisho waited a moment to see if he would continue. When he didn't the Taiyoukai asked.

"And?"

"You wish to know? Now? What good would that do? You do not know my daughters to put a face to the names.

InuTaisho realized this was true, but he still wanted to know. When he stayed quiet waiting for a full minute the other Lord caught the hint. For a second, InuTaisho thought he was going to refuse, but then he saw him sigh and begin to talk.

"Very well. My Sango will be marrying your Mirouku, my Kikyou to Inuyasha and lastly my Kagome... to your Sesshoumaru."

~Back in the Castle Gardens~

He and his brothers had decided to look around while they waited and so they separated into different directions. Sesshoumaru walked through the open glass door that he saw led into a garden. He was just about to turn back around and go back out when he saw the figure draped in red lounging against a bench. He moved closer to her and looked her over from head to toe. He decided she had very nice curves to her body as he looked at her face. Her face was lovely with a nice shaped nose and full lips that begged to be kissed. Her eyelashes were long where they lay against her cheek. He had a sudden need to have her open her eyes. Sesshoumaru figured this was probably one of the `brides' from what she was wearing. He could sense she was not a sleep, though she had yet to notice he was there. Or so he thought.

Sesshoumaru was still starring at her face when he got his wish... she opened her eyes.

Kagome had sensed the unknown person the moment they came into the garden. She tried to wait the person out; she didn't feel like doing the pretty, but when she realized the person, who ever they were, weren't leaving she decided she might as well open her eyes and speak. So she did.

"Hel-," the word caught in her throat when she opened her eyes and she saw who was there.

Blue clashed with gold immediately. Kagome sucked in her breath and starred at the vision in front of her and mentally sighed. `Oh my God!' she thought, `Please, don't let him be stupid'

Sesshoumaru was glad she opened her eyes... they were beautiful. She was beautiful! Then she spoke and it took everything for him not to sigh in pure pleasure.

"Hello."

~At the same time, In the Library~

Inuyasha opened a pair of large oak doors and stomped in muttering to himself about stupid Emperors and the like before he realized it was the one place he never went voluntarily. He hated books! He looked to the left and amber eyes connected with cinnamon and locked. Inuyasha didn't know anyone was in the room. She was so quiet. He guessed she was one of the daughters. She was very pretty. He wondered which one of them, him or one of his brothers, would be marrying her.

Kikyou had watched the inu-youkai stalk into the room with anger. She could sense he was angry, hurt, and worried, but he used the hurt to hide the others. She tilted her head in thought as she studied him. She thought he was very handsome and well built too. Kikyou wondered if he was the one said to be too handsome. If he was, she thought they may have overstated the case a bit.

Kikyou leveled a calm look on him then spoke.

"Hello."

Inuyasha's eyes widened.

~Also, at the same time. Some hall in the Castle~

Sango emerged from the kitchen and was too deep in thought to worry about looking where she was going. She'd walked these halls enough to do it with her eyes closed. Not paying attention to where she was going, Sango walked straight into a solid wall and started to fall backwards. Sango shrieked and closed her eyes as she fell; waiting to meet the floor. It never came.

Mirouku was too busy observing his surroundings and missed seeing the woman who stepped out of the doorway a little ways in front of him and to the left. Next thing he knew her slight figure had collided with his heavier one. When he saw her going down he did the only thing he could think of at the time... he reached his arms around her waist to stop her descent.

For a moment they just stood there like that. As if they had been dancing and he'd dipped her backwards as a finale.

Since her eyes were still closed Mirouku took the opportunity to study her face without her notice. She had bangs that hung straight over her forehead to just above her eyebrows, her lashes were long and thick and he could tell her skin was alabaster smooth. He had no idea what color her eyes were for obvious reasons. Her nose was small and straight tapering down to her mouth. Mirouku focused on her mouth then. It was a little wide sporting a heavier bottom lip then her top one. Very inviting he decided with a grin. He wondered if he would be rewarded for his quick hands... and for the effort he was using to keep those same hands from roaming. He moved back up to her eyes and was just about to speak when they opened. `Liquid chocolate.' That thought had just run through his head when he heard her suck in her breath and her body tense in his arms.

Sango had held her breath when she waited to hit the ground and had to get herself back together to realize she wasn't falling anymore and resumed breathing. `Where the hell did that wall come from!?' She was still leaned backward in a position she couldn't possibly hold by herself she noticed when her mind registered the arms wrapped around her waist. `Strong arms at that,' she thought. `So, I ran into a person, not a wall that shouldn't have been there. Good to know.' She could feel the muscles against her back flex every now and then. Sango was waiting to be levered back to her feet, but when it never happened, she'd thought to open her eyes to thank the person for their assistance.

The words were stuck in her throat when she met a pair of familiar purple eyes... eyes that had so far only been in her visions. `This was no vision,' she thought and sucked in her breath audibly.

"You..."