Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction / Crossover Fan Fiction ❯ A Bat's Night Out ❯ Part II - Lord Kaito's village ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer- I don’t own anything never will peeps!

A/N: Quick note here, I never intended this to be more than a one shot but I decided to extend the story a little bit more. What can it hurt? There’s two more chapters before we come to the conclusion. By the way it’s not really a threesome for those hoping for it. I’m not big on the three-way connection if you get my drift. For now enjoy.

* Definitions to certain words.*
Youkai- demon.
neko - Cat demon.
oni -ogre, demon.
Tengu- mountain goblin.
Hanyou -half demon, half human.
miko -priestess.
kappa- watersprite, water demon.


Part II- Lord Kaito’s village



It’s been a month, it’s been a long month since Kagome last seen the mysterious stranger, Kuronue, around. Memories of that particular one night plagued her mind, scenes the youkai* touching her, caressing her, whispering to her dirty talk and his fogged violet eyes bore into hers’ seductively. Remembering the events of the special night --- the special night she found out what the difference is between a man and a woman. The memory heated her body’s sensitivity merely by reflecting.

Another one of those nights Kagome woke up with a start and thoroughly soaked, sweat drenching her flushed skin. Her bangs stuck slick against her damp forehead, the girl’s erratic breaths came out in puffs loud enough to be heard through the thick silent atmosphere. ‘Not again,’ Kagome groaned against her soaked palms, this has been the fourth night her vivid dreams invaded her mind.

Ever since she tasted the bat youkai inside her she couldn’t help the urge to have a man hovering over her fade. The dream and the guilt she harbored to have willingly allow herself be taken by a complete stranger. Not for herself of course, she enjoyed it despite the small protest her mind claimed, reprimanding her for losing her virginity to another instead of her true love. Then again it didn’t matter to her that much. She done worst in her lifetime in comparison, it’s not so odd for a girl her age to indulge in her desires. She just expected her first time to be with InuYasha instead.

To her expense the fact she had to look InuYasha straight in the face creep a nasty dose of guilt within her, all for the stupid primal reason she got mixed up in the first place.

Though the demon was handsome, she couldn’t deny the knowing statement.

Damn demons! Sighing deeply, she evaded the problem once more by repressing her needs and guilt in a single nip on the tongue. Kagome glanced around the room where she and the rest resided in currently. Sango slept next to her on a futon rolled out on the floor, the fire neko* demon, Kirara, slept curled up in its cute, cuddly kitty form. Shippo snoozed on Sango’s futon for once, his senses acknowledging Kagome needed her own space.

Kagome’s jaw dropped mortified once during a bath when the kit unveiled her ‘secret’ when he asked a simple question. He asked her why did she suddenly began smelling ‘funny.’ Shippo mentioned his parents occasionally smelled this way especially at night in their private time. Kagome couldn’t decide whether to sink in her embarrassment and nod or to contradict the kit in his presumption.

‘Just fabulous, demons have to know everything,’ she though bitterly. If Shippo sensed it what about InuYasha? The fact frightened her. Kagome kept herself a good distance from InuYasha time to time, especially bed time. He’ll act odd again like a while back when she leaked once during her cycle.

InuYasha figured it’s another one of her flaky girl antics. He didn’t prod further into the matter when he asked her what was wrong. She merely blushed then yelled at him and ‘sat’ him for a couple times. Stupid girl! For being concern he gets sat to the grime. Issues, she needs to work them out.

Kagome sighed, relieved nobody was awake. She sat up leaning against the wall of their room. Miroku heard rumors of the southern village terrorized by a giant youkai and each year the villagers were forced to sacrifice their eldest daughters to the demon. Their compensation for the villages safety if the youkai received the girls in return.

The youkai, Gekido, is said to have 300 young girls captive, gathering beautiful women to keep for a collection. There is no news or word of what the monster does to the girls. This year the youkai, Gekido, laid his eyes on the Lord’s daughter the Princess Karumera, Miroku being the lecherous womanizer having a weak spot for the beautiful Princess volunteered their services to protect the Princess.

The gang didn’t object to the job offering, they pitied the villagers and the poor young girls. They met the kind Lord, Kaito, a handsome middle aged man who begged for their services to exterminate the giant. He send countless armies of soldiers to rescue the girls but either none returned or the soldiers came back injured half to completely dead. Lord Kaito discussed the matter involving the demon with his vassals concluding they needed professional help to cease the existence of Gekido. Miroku heard the rumors of wanted assistance so here they are now.

The monk pulled strings and sweet talked the Lord to furnish them in two of the most refined rooms in the castle. Miroku and InuYasha occupied the other room while the girls and Shippo stayed in this room. Kagome wanted so desperately to take a bath the warmth engulfing her trembling form was unbearable, the thin fabric of the pajama top stuck to her sticky skin, her roughen nipples poking through the material. ‘What am I going to do? I can’t keep going on like this…what did Kuronue do to me?’ thinking in profound wonderment she still remembered the youkai’s name, Kuronue…Kuronue…Kuronue… was she in love with him?

‘No’ she shook her head, she acknowledged the fact she felt nothing but lust for the bat demon. He is a mere sexual infatuation nothing ran further deep. It ashamed her to admit it but she can’t hide what turned her on. No, above everything she cared for InuYasha she’s positive she loved the hanyou.*

--- Yet her mind left an open space as if reserving for something. She wondered if maybe there was someone else waiting for her out there? Was there somebody solely meant to love her for her not for her body or what she represents? She giggled at the foolish thought, it’s probably some hopeful illusion. No use filling herself with hoaxing dreams, no, she had to be realistic and open her eyes to the real world around her. She closed her eyes shut breathing out the heavy breath she had been holding in for the past few minutes, "Well …tomorrow’s another day."




+++++++++++++++++++




"So, you’re saying the Princess is sick?" Miroku said, repeating the Lord.

The Lord, Kaito, nodded. His daughter woke up ill in the morning retching from morning sickness, her pregnancy becoming evident. "She won’t be abiding by the plans as we strategize before. She is too ill to even lift an arm off the bed, I won’t badger my daughter and my heir’s well being." The Lord frowned worry lines appearing across his forehead, he worried over his daughter and unborn grandson’s life gravely, what were they going to do now?

Miroku sensed the Lord’s anguish, all their preparations have slipped down the drain. InuYasha twitched agitated, preferring to go back to his own attack-the-demon-head-on plan and be done with it. Wielding the tessaiga will make it a cinch, nothing can go wrong. "Let’s just attack the damn demon straight on. He won’t stand a chance against me" InuYasha suggested adorning a brimming cocky smirk confident in his own ability.

Miroku didn’t doubt InuYasha’s power in the least, he’s fully aware the hanyou demon can slay any demon with one swing of his sword, the problem doesn’t lye with him it’s the youkai. Gekido is said to only arrive when he catches sight of his prey. No prey, no demon.

"InuYasha it’s an easier quicker idea to go by, but, Gekido doesn’t appear if he doesn’t get a good look at the Princess." InuYasha sneered irked by the fix their in.

Sango who had remained quiet the whole time spoke up, an idea coming to mind "I know a way the Princess can appear." This grabbed everyone’s attention, everyone contributed to showing her questioning looks.

"How is my daughter suppose to show herself if she is bedridden?" said the Lord pressingly, arching a brow in question. If his daughter had to leave to face a demon in her condition the slayer had another thing coming to her.

Smiling, Sango’s eyes glinted indicatively as she motioned over next to Kagome sitting comfortably beside Kirara and Shippo, Sango placed a hand on Kagome’s shoulder. "Doesn’t the Princess look a great deal like our Kagome here? Why don’t we dress Kagome up and pass her by as the Princess?"

Kagome snapped her head up giving Sango an incredulous look questioning the girl’s sanity. "Huh?" The others stared at Kagome for a moment studying her features, clearly cross examining her for similarities. Kagome shifted in place uncomfortable under the heavy staring eyes. Stop looking at her already! She blushed annoyed, feeling her self-consciousness crawling in.

"Well? Doesn’t she resemble the princess a lot?" Sango insisted in positive spirits. True to her observation the Princess’ appearance is almost uncanny, yes, their were differences like the Princess’ jade green eyes and marginally lighter shade of hair, and the height difference; Kagome’s four inches shorter than the Princess but aside those pin points Kagome could easily pass by as the Princess herself.

InuYasha quirked a brow considering Sango’s speculation, tilting his head side to side broodingly, "Nah, not really. The Princess is way cuter than Kagome."

Kagome jerked her head up, balling her fists on her sides tightly indignant to InuYasha’s remark "SIT BOY! " His beads flaring InuYasha’s crashed face first on the hard wooden floor boards. Imprinting another of his impressions onto the ground. "That will teach you to be rude!" Kagome ‘hmphed’ angrily, swishing her hair behind her. Kagome crossed her arms over her chest sporting her hostility. The remark honestly punctured her feelings. Did InuYasha found her lacking? Was she ugly in his eyes? The comment really shot down her self-esteem. InuYasha had a knack for disturbing her.

Shippo bounced over the facedown InuYasha onto the Kagome’s shoulder, "Don’t listen to him, your prettier than all the girls, right Sango?" the protective kit comforted Kagome and sneered over InuYasha’s uncouth attitude.

Sango nodded agreeing to Shippo’s declaration. "You are very pretty Kagome, but you got more than looks, you have heart also” said Sango, placing her hand over her chest gesturing her meaning.

Miroku had strode over next to Kagome unnoticed, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Yes, Kagome dear, your beauty dazzles all around" his velvety tone warmed Kagome’s cheek. Why did he had to say that so close, so smoothly. His twitching free hand skid closer to Kagome’s unsuspecting rear end, Sango pinned him a dark ghastly glare daring the monk to grope Kagome. Sango defines the saying ‘speak of the devil’ Miroku alleged. He flashed his most charming smile acting innocent and retracted his hand not willing to suffer the wrath of the giant bone boomerang itching to smash against his skull.

Clearing his throat, reverting back to the topic, the kinky monk tapped his temple in thinking mode mentally playing out the plan. "Yes dear Sango, I believe you hatched a brilliant plan" he smiled genuinely.

Sango blushed mildly, muttering an "I know," turning her attention elsewhere disliking the intensive gaze the monk gave her. The affect awkwardly flustered her.

"My Lord, what do you say? It’s the best plan we’ve come across. The Princess won’t be in harms way and we’ll get rid of the demon."

The Lord liked this plan better, in the end the solution will be the same minus his daughter’s risk. Yes, he liked it way better. “Alright then, I’ll send some servants to dress Lady Kagome into royal garments.” The Lord called in some of his servants, the three maids towed the mumbling girl away. Giggling amongst themselves, the maids very excited to have the opportunity to play dress up giving a normal girl a makeover.


‘Why me?’ Kagome thought miserably having terrible doubts about this brilliant scheme.


++++++++++++++++++++++



Deep in the recesses of the mystic woods where no soul, no being, dared to trespass otherwise instant death is the penalty to pay. The plants, the vegetative greenery hid all it’s true purposes, innocent plants by first glance and everlasting beauty but when tempting fate by crossing the boarder they’ll either poison or swallow you whole.

The woods were tainted by something known as ‘kitsune touch,’ a technique fox demons use to claim a territory. These enchanting creatures control and manipulate plant life infusing their talents to their favor. Kitsunes are the masters of trickery capable in pulling a wooly over anyone’s eyes without a second thought.

Past these woods stood the secret base where the thieves; Youko Kurama and Kuronue resided in along with their notorious band of thieves.

Youko Kurama currently lounged in his private quarters, draped over on his velvet love seat completely bored as hell, nothing better to do than studying his well kempt claws. “This reeks” he sighed miserably, blowing his bangs away from his view.

It’s past a month since the night Kuronue returned back from his ‘special night.’ Simply to be heartless, Kuronue droned on and on about how delicious a lay the girl was, daring to list off her many talents. At first Kurama listened attentively to every word Kuronue babbled concerning the girl. After awhile he just wants to bash that pretty face of his in for being such a boastful bastard.

Kurama had to admit, this Kagome girl caught his interest. The manner Kuronue referred to her sounded intriguing and in a sense unique.

From then on Kurama gone on numerous searches lead on by the bat youkai’s descriptions and directions. Once he paid a visit to the girl’s last camping ground, no scent to go on, neither a single trace was left behind. This frustrated Kurama, he wanted to meet this ‘amazing’ girl badly. The woman wrapped his curiosity each night when he went to bed, he often dreamed about her imaging how she might appear like.

His imagination on overdrive, he pictured an odd scenario involving rutting in a temple, while the fellow monks swept the leaves outside unknowingly. The insane desire to have her to beneath him, have this tart pleasing him aggravated him. Altogether the wondering aspect he pictured the girl awaiting him fueled his determination to track her down and once he found her he’ll seduce the little cookie and find out what makes her dazzling.

Yes, that is his main goal to achieve in the upcoming future.

Excluding his fruitless searches, lately Kurama’s been ticked off by each little thing, each tinny disturbance blew his temper off the top. In any case it never took this long for him to find something. He had sources to aid him. For once they failed to help and supplied him a list of false reports. Kurama been reduced to asking the local commoners of the whereabouts of the certain miko.*

A couple of filthy humans directed him to a variety of villages the miko and the group she traveled with stopped by before. One human spoke marvels of the woman, “Aye, Lady Kagome is such a beauty. I’ll like to get to know her in ---

The irked kitsune cut him off grabbing him roughly by the collar. He restrained his short leashed temper not to throttle the poor bastard. Growling deep in his throat he threaten the man instant death if he continued his lewd reference of the girl. He didn’t like it one bit other men held lustrous interest in his personal interest. Only he can say or think perverse things about her not other men.

“Say it and die,” he said hard and very curt dropping the pitiful whimpering man in a nearby river. ‘He’ll live…if he knows how to swim that is.’ Youko Kurama’s regal form left uncaring, favoring the scales of the villager’s fate to drown. Lucky chance a waterfall drained down river. Serves the despicable human right.

“Mopping around still?”

Kurama grunted, pushing back his silver hair obscuring his face. Stupid hair. Kuronue brought him outside his musings “I’m not ‘mopping’ as you so casually put it.”

Kuronue had entered the room earlier expecting his sharp friend to take notice of his presence. To his surprise the pensive kitsune barely paid any heed, unaware he stood a good two feet. “Your very convincing at acting the depressed type.”

Kurama said nothing.

The thief’s distortion as of late worried Kuronue. His partner spent too much time cooped in the fantasy of coming face to face with Kagome. He day dreams of a girl he doesn’t even know!

“Tch! Are you offering to become a nuisance again? I wish you seize pestering me I actually want to remain close acquaintances.”

This confirmed his worries, the fox has it bad. He’s fallen for hard some myth, an illusion. Infatuated thoroughly with a fantasy. Not that there was anything wrong with the girl, she’d been satisfying the difference in Kuronue’s case he actually encountered the girl.

“Kurama forget about the girl. She’s in the past, the kappa* triplets are outside waiting, why not indulge in a nice ----

“Forget the girl!” the fox cut him off in a rude fashion. “Did you get a look at your face when you came back! No. No can do, I’m not going to quit. I will hunt down this woman, I refuse to quit” he set his mission down so that’s that.

Kuronue’s jaw slacken incredulously, he could hardly believe what his ears are telling him. Processing the fox’s words buzzed an alarmed cord. “Kurama, are you serious fox? You need to straighten out some of those deep seeded issues. You never even met the girl for goodness sake! She can be something you find disappointing,” said Kuronue tersely. He tried to convince him. He might be conducting an extreme mistake. Excluding the possible disillusionment Kurama might conceive the possibility of the aftermath is the problem. Kurama without a second thought will slaughter her on the spot.

He can’t allow Kurama to destroy her. Kuronue sympathized her existence. At least that’s the logic he recalls appropriate enough to use. Killing off talent is such a shame.

“Hush! You aren’t in any rights to complain because you already partook into the action,” Kurama’s bright eyes glanced sideways at him in unconcealed envy “you boast about it whenever the opportunity arises.”

Kuronue‘s cocky smile verified his statement. “Of course, it was that enticing my good friend,” the swaggering demon proudly held his chin up high in recognition. Male pride entirely evident the heartfelt bragging around didn’t help the problem, it only added gas to the fox’s fire.

“See! You continue exhibiting it!”

“And you don’t after your many conquests?” Kuronue counteracted.

“This topic isn’t about this Youko,” he pointed out darkly. Kurama pouted, fixing the stray silver strands blocking his face. “I want that. I want her, this Kagome” his visible golden eyes glinted in egotistical seriousness, he refused to give up his one track quest.

Kuronue observed him, Kurama kept his indiscreet poise visible. Everything in the kitsune’s profile suspended the theory Kuronue hoped the fox played at. Joking around is obviously not the issue. Youko Kurama was gravely serious.

“It never occurred to me what a bastard you are,” Kuronue’s smooth tone dipped near a shallow end of irritation. He turned away slanting a subtle ire heated glance, his vivid eyes expressing his current temper “You always want to snatch everything out of anyone’s hands whether its valuable or meager including those pertaining to close acquaintances. A true thief in every right.”

“That’s why I hold the title ‘king of thieves’ honorably.” The kitsune had nothing else to reply in the matter. Kuronue poked an uncomfortable hole.

“You are and I tip my hat off to you. I only beseech a minor request of an ally, an associate, and behalf of a friend to request nothing involving material possessions and sex interests will interfere with the trust we continue to carry on” said Kuronue in full neutrality. The proposition seemed dodgy and at the same instance business.

Compromising their tight bond promises interferences not necessary for the future. Kurama sighed, his eyes closing then reopening. He can never stay mad at Kuronue. “Such precautions Kuronue, such precautions…” he shook his head side to side, “those sealed affiliations aren’t vital…” flaccid, he strode towards Kuronue draping a hand on the opposite wall behind the cornered bat demon “ when it relates to you.” Kurama leaned in, tilting slightly his head to the side in order for exact contact.

Kuronue situated a finger on the kitsune’s approximating lips pushing them gently back. “You’re alluding the main objective.”

Kurama swatted the offending hand away he embarked the resisted initiative, swiping his lips alongside the structured jaw “You’re alluding the main objective merely by abstaining my advances” Kurama growled back in his ear.

“I want my answer, fox.”

Annoyed, Kurama glared against his jaw and slid his hand past the lining of Kuronue’s pants hands reaching for his crotch, “Nothing to it.”

Kuronue snatched his wrist tugging the infracting hand by the cuff away, “No answer, no touching” he forced out thwarting Kurama’s manipulations. “Besides, I agreed on a scheduled appointment with the kappa sisters, I don’t want to be late.”

Blatant ire breezing across Kurama’s face he made a scoff like sound, turning away resuming to his grace, he didn’t want his vexation to flourish beneath the glinting bat demon’s eyes. “Tightfisted cock tease” he mumbled livid.

“I would have invited you but something tells me to recoil the offer.”

“Do so.”

“Very well.” Kuronue made to the door pausing to pick up the burning topic punctuating his thoughts for another series, “I take it the discussion on leaving the miko alone is closed.”

“Oh very much.”

Kuronue sighed in defeat. There’s no switching the stubborn fox’s mind when he set it narrowly to something, damn hard head. “Suit yourself then, I just hope you know what your doing because I don’t.” Kuronue shrugged his shoulders, exhausted endeavoring to shift the kitsune’s prime goal, he remained on the same kick over an entire month already. Next time he’ll seal his trap shut.

Youko concerned him now to a high degree, the fox is head over heels for a person he never seen or met before! It’s plain ridiculous!

Perhaps one more stab at it will poke him out of his stooped revere? Why not. “I take it your up to attending the kappa sisters? There are still waiting outside.” Redirecting to the proposal again to a more productive event, he hoped it will not fly in vain.

“Inviting me now? And hear I thought the invitation was closed” Kurama toned in painfully obnoxious, his temper simpering.

“I changed my mind” Kuronue bluntly laid it out. “You could use it.”

Snorting, Kurama submerged to the comfort of his velvet loveseat again. He pinned Kuronue an upside down spent look, his head dangling off the seat’s edge. “No, not today dear friend, I’ll take a rein check on the wenches for another time.” Kurama rolled to the side facing the window screening his private gardens. Oddly he preferred to observe the vivid colors paint the setting sun than to indulge in an orgy feast. These water sprite wenches did little to ignite his drive. Perhaps another time…

The hesitant response didn’t topple Kuronue over like the first time, he suspiciously predicted his automated answer and left it at that without further arguments. Fine then, he’s sailing alone for the day.

“Fine by me, just fine. Later” Kuronue bade the sulking kitsune farewell, turning his heels to his quarters.

‘His penalty will be my denial to please him when he crawls into my bed whining tonight.’ That will be his sure fired punishment for declining his well enthusiastic invitation. ‘Oh well, more for me.’ He wandered in a calm fashion down the dark lidded corridors passing by the pond into his luxurious chambers. Inside he wasn’t a bit surprised to find the three demoness’ lounging allover his king-sized bed giggling amongst each other.

“Ladies” he inclined his head formally. He seated himself over the rim of the bed and was welcomed warmly.

“Greetings my Lord,” they crooned, snaking the arms around his frame with praise. One of the female youkai’s straddled him flashing him cleavage. The two others cling on either side of him peeling his elaborate attire.

“I taken Lord Kurama spurned us?” the demoness astride on his lap inquired. The triplet on the left leaned her mouth in taking his ear between her sharp teeth.

“It matters not, for now adhere to me.” Nobody submitted to quits, the demoness on the right branded his arm with lavishing licks, the youkai between him rid herself of the bright kimono, exposing herself to him in full detail.


++++++++++++++++++++


Youko Kurama, the greatest thief known throughout the human and demon world. Youko Kurama; the name which shuddered fear and panic in everyone’s hearts sat bored and in sunken misery for the first time in a while.

The first time he felt so distraught in boredom, devoid of all interest during his incarceration in a mission. He fell foolishly into a trap encaging him for a period of two prolonged months locked up in an uninhabited, dingy, abandon hell hole alone. The prison depriving him from all his wants, needs, and necessities.

As a living creature depending on fresh air, nature and mostly attention whether cardinal or affectionate it stabilized the energy he ran on. Isolated from all of it he felt so drained. The experience is maddening, he often pondered in relentless hope of an escape. A gateway to his freedom again. Shortly after the clawing remoteness Kuronue came to his rescue freeing the kitsune to the light of the day once more. Kuronue reached out to him like a loyal asset should do. Kurama was ever grateful for it. Where he fell no one aside Kuronue knew it would prove unwise to reveal that sort of information to the rest.

Now he sunk again once more and couldn’t escape this entrapment his indispensable fixation condemned himself to. Foolish and insane as it is to wallow in a depression founded by the unknown the Youko could not break it. He’s trapped and the desperation to find this human girl suffocated him. She is the solution to move on.

It matter not his efforts to abandon the ordeal his damning own nature intervened producing more insanity and desperation. The stupid “what if” factor popped in during his decisions fastening a tighter band on him.

He needed to sink his claws into this hidden treasure waiting for grabs. This girl, Kagome, won’t flee his grasp for too long. Youko Kurama slanted his gaze across the greenery reflecting in his vindictive eyes. Whoever her guardian is shall not obscure him from his prime goal, for now Kurama awaited the overbearing keeper to slip. Kuronue was farther than fortunate to evade the human’s keeper’s heavy hand.

‘The games are only beginning.’


+++++++++++++++++


The next day was hell for Kagome. An absolute stick in her butt.


“Lady Kagome please stand still, we need to modify the last adjustments to the gown” said a young maid sewing the slippery silk hem patiently. Kagome wasn’t sure who this girl was because her twin sister, the other young maid working on her hair, looked exactly alike. They switched places back and forth time to time and no matter the amount of effort Kagome put into memorizing the twins names she could never get it right. Which one was which?

“Minami stick in the needle right otherwise the gown will look uneven” a twin lectured her sister in the ways how to embroider properly.

Minami fixed a glare to her sister’s domineering. “I know already! Mina can you hand me the blue ribbon please --please Lady Kagome, stand still for a moment --- thank you Mina,” Minami requested for the fifth time Kagome to stand still. Kagome couldn’t prevent fidgeting and twitching reacting to the disturbing taps of hands and pricks the needle occasionally pinched her.

Kagome sighed miserably wondering for the hundredth time in the past hour why she volunteered to such an elaborate scheme.

‘Oh right, Sango volunteered me.’ For once she swore Sango grown oni* horns to cast her as such a puppet in this ridiculous role. ‘Well, so much for girl bonds’ she thought bitterly. Kagome hated the idea of being dressed up like a china doll, it felt uncomfortable and a bit shameful to be set up in. A disquieting image of her mother smothering her with cutesy commentaries flashing her camera in various angles, molding to her paparazzi-mode (Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka would do the same) and her younger brother, Souta, laughing his head off crossed her mind. How unnerving. The sole sanctity keeping her from cracking is the safeguard relief no one back home will look at her.

The dress wrappings grew layer after layer, attaching more details, sticking tops and plenty ribbons here and there. The mass weighing heavier from where she started at.

Kagome twitched. A itch on her back needing scratching.

If Karumera dealt with this incisive torture on a daily basis (standing around for a full hour to be dressed) she is a person deserving more respect. Kagome pitied her, sharing her pain and admiring her patience under this load of clothing. ‘I feel like a human luggage wearing all these garments. How am I suppose to go to the bathroom?’

After the prolonged suffering the bickering twins, Mina and Minami, added the finishing touches to her gown and Mina adding a purple pansy into her complex chopstick supported bun they finally, to the Kagome’s utmost relief, put an end to the tiring dressing session.

“Wow Lady Kagome, you look stunning! Absolutely an excellent substitute for Princess Karumera.” Minami awed in marvel at her and her twins’ work in transforming Kagome to royalty.

Mina and Minami giggled, clapping in agreement to their success pride glowing in their faces. They linked their hands together spinning round and round, chanting “We did it, we did it!” in an annoyingly catchy tune.

Deadpanned, Kagome observed blankly the twins spin in circles around her. What can she expect from two thirteen year olds? “Uh…girls…do you mind focusing what’s ahead for a minute?”

Ceasing their child’s play, Mina and Minami giggled and bowed low “Yes, pardon us my Lady Kagome --- I mean Princess Karumera.” Minami and Mina giggled some more at the exact correction. “Lady Kagome is very lovely, right Mina?”

“Mostly certainly” chirped Minami, pride glowing in her face.

Kagome blushed pink embarrassed by the girls’ appreciating praise. The attention made her self-conscious and her eyes darted elsewhere evading the twins’ exaggerated compliments. Dreading doubts relapsed. “How do you move in this thing …?” she suggested politely, drawing Mina and Minami to another topic.

Mina and Minami extending their slim arms to brace Kagome’s wobbling structure, pacing her first few awkward steps a bit at a time.

“Lady Kagome, would you like to visit the gardens? The flowers me and Minami harvested a season ago started budding beautifully” said Mina proudly, her cheeks flushing innocent smugness.

“That can wait till later, I’m sure Lady Kagome, you will find the common room to your liking instead,” smiling genuinely Minami attempt to steer Kagome towards the doorway, picking the option without consenting her sister nonetheless Kagome’s personal opinion.

Mina and Minami swapped glaring glances with one another arguing which direction to lead Kagome. Right or left? “No, this way! Lady Kagome would like to go see the gardens” Mina gritted out, tugging on Kagome’s sleeve on a single heave.

“No Mina! Lady Kagome would very much prefer to go to the common room down the hall” retorted her red faced sister, Minami roughly jerked back Kagome towards her side. Kagome nearly toppled over, she shot Minami a questioning look. Minami didn’t seem to register her because her single aim connected with her stark twin.

“Nah-uh Minami!” Kagome was yanked to the right.

“Is too Mina!” She hauled Kagome brashly to her end. Their grips tighten threateningly on each of Kagome’s arms and then the tug-of-war commenced.

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“IS NOT!”

“IS TOO!”

“IS NOT!”

“IS TOO!”

“KNOCK IT OFF!” Kagome raised her voice splitting the bickering twins apart. She had enough. Kagome wearing a very crossed scowl wrenched her bruised arms loose from their grasp. She never intended to yell at them though she had enough playing the rag doll fought between two kids.

“See what you did Minami” Mina drawled, her chin lifted high.

Minami’s lips quivered in suppressed anger, her small slender fingers twitched desiring the urge to pull on her sister’s perfectly shaped hair buns perched neatly on top of her head. Perhaps in the process she’ll be lucky enough to dismantle the ornamental jeweled hair sticks and flowers decorating her shiny black hair. She stepped on the desire. Resistance is crucial in order to appear dignified before Lady Kagome’s eyes. Above and beyond the savage feeling coursing her veins Minami did not fancy her twin to lash out in the equally violent manner and mangle her equivalently styled hair. “You started this you hideous tengu*!”

“Tengu!? Why I’ll show you ---”

“I said stop it girls! Break it up already!” Kagome stood between them to make sure none will advance on each other. The ire in their dark eyes verified Kagome’s suspicions. Why do kids need to bicker over such trivial things? She never smashed InuYasha’s face in. No pun intended there.

Mina and Minami did not speak to each other for the time being. They bid their apologies. A humble and ashamed air surrounding them behind the puppy-eyed looks guilt it’s way into Kagome’s subconscious. Was she and Souta like this?

Another servant entered the room she bowed in respect, Kagome, Mina and Minami dipped their heads in recognition and the servant woman dismissed the twins off. Mina and Minami bade Kagome a temporary farewell and they scurried off shoving each other through the doorway.

“Pardon them please, they are young hence their immaturity.”

“It’s alright,” Kagome waved off the unnecessary apology.

The servant woman instructed Kagome the proper regal manner how to walk gracefully in the frock of a kimono, guiding her through for a more convincing show. Kagome carefully took small paced steps, hesitating time to time afraid to tangle her feet and trip over bringing the center of laughter upon her …again. No way she’ll allow her clumsiness get in the path of her success. Miroku, InuYasha and Sango won’t let her to hear the end of it she can guarantee that.

Kagome mimicked the servant woman’s movements, straightening her back, aligning her shoulders, Kagome took a shot at ‘gliding’ like the fluid wind or so the servant woman recited. She came narrowly close to tripping turning on her heels.

“Lady Kagome, you mustn’t waddle like a duck nor look down, you must keep a poise regal stature proving to others of your elegance” said the servant woman, demonstrating the right way to bring herself about.

‘Easier said than done. How on earth did the Princess prance in this without tipping over? No wonder she’s so thin (even with her pregnancy) just getting to sit upright is one heck of a workout.’ “Okay I’ll try. I don’t want to fall” Kagome smiled radiating a fierce amount of optimism that truly misplaced her. Kagome really did not want to enlighten the commanding servant woman the truth of her thoughts.

Releasing a heavy long breath, she kept hoping her ditzy nature stayed at bay. She can’t afford to ruin this mainly the dress. To stand around for another set of hours will kill her.
After several failed attempts, slowly but gracious she glided across the room in practiced poise. The servant woman applauded Kagome for her success and encouraged her to continue on. “Yes, that’s the way, just like that” said the servant woman.

Kagome smiled satisfied she’s getting use to the dress and getting the hang of this royal march (after a consistent amount of tries its about time she learned!) For an instant Kagome did feel like a Princess, an old fantasy she dreamt of in her childhood now who would of thought she, Kagome Higurashi, would pose for a Princess in real life? Her situation almost related to the story ‘the Prince and the Pauper’ she playing the role of the Pauper and Karumera the Prince, except she’s the Princess in this twisted version.

A light tap of the door collected Kagome’s attention. She tensed believing InuYasha or Miroku might be at the other side of the door. She wasn’t ready yet! “Can I enter?” Sango’s soft voice spoke behind the door much to Kagome’s relief.

The stoic servant woman answered for Kagome and sliding a door open, Sango entered the room wearing for the first time since living with her father and Kohaku, a kimono. Witnessing Sango in a fashionable snappy, ruby short sleeved kimono stunned Kagome, though in a good way. Sango looked simply devilish in her attire, the silk accommodating her curves quite nicely and her dark hair pulled back in a high ponytail decorated with a small white carnation embedded in the ribbon added nicely as the finishing touch. A short-lived image her hands sliding up and down Sango’s shapely long legs came to life. The visual’s affect to disturb her wasn’t as irksome as before. There was nothing too wrong about Kagome’s admiration for Sango nowadays.

Sango took in Kagome’s profile, her eyes widening and her breath caught in her throat. Sango gasped processing the beautiful portrait Kagome made impersonating the Princess Karumera to the exact pose. “Goodness Kagome, your so, so….stunning. You look exactly like the Princess.”

“Really, I do?” Kagome seemed skeptical, the Princess was after all lovely in a elegant way. “Well, I sort of feel like one wearing this getup.”

“If you were born one you’d fit into the role fine.”

“Thanks a lot Sango. That’s kinda exaggerating it, I highly doubt I have what it takes to be royalty. I lack grace in moving around in this abomination” Kagome laughed good naturedly, poking fun at her one-sided misfortune admitting her flaws.

Sango smiled. “It isn’t any better for me. I’m also unsuited for the life of a Princess, I prefer the slayer uniform than this kimono.” She tugged at the fabric emphasizing her preference in clothing and style. A minor frown twisted her lips, feeling unfit for the refine garbs.

Piqued at the comment, Kagome lashed out unable to help herself. “Sango don’t say that! That’s not true at all! On the contrary it enhances your beauty more --- not that there’s something wrong with you--- its just you shouldn’t ---

“Thank you, Kagome. I appreciate the compliment but I much prefer sticking to the more comfortable attires.” She flashed a heart melting smile.

Kagome barely saw those attributes among Sango, it’s the first time in a while she seen her beam brightly. She flushed red recognizing her out of line conduct, and the way Sango smiled jabbed at her chest again only the feeling less intense.

Kagome fiddled with her fingers. “Yeah, me too. For Lord Kaito, the Princess and the rest of the village I’m willing to sacrifice my uniform for the moment. This Gekido needs to be put to a stop for everyone’s sake.”

“Right.” They exchanged determined glances leaving to meet the others, they refused to permit the foul crimes to continue on forward. They’ll bring the end to this Gekido once and for all in the name of all countless families he destroyed.


++++++++++++


Kuronue hummed a cheerful tune he heard a couple of villagers sing to occasionally. The damn song attached itself to his head and now couldn’t rid himself of it. Beyond petty things complete bliss was written allover his face, the kappa triplets sure were deliciously barbaric, the type of wild frantic chicks his masochistic nature sailed on. He rid himself of the bottle stress he carried over his shoulder a good month respects to his partner, Youko Kurama.

Kuronue in leisure ease, headed back to the kitsune’s room wanting to check on him. Youko Kurama’s far from the usual strange behavior nagged him. Kurama was his lover for a time and his best friend and it’s his obligation to give a damn about him. If he didn’t than who would?

“Lord Kuronue! Lord Kuronue!” a squeaky high pitched voice interrupted his musings. A young boy ran up to him and the young servant nimbly handed Kuronue a scroll, bowing respectfully before him. “Sir, this is a message from the one of the scouts, they personally wanted you to consider the assignment with Lord Kurama.”

Kuronue eyes lingered on the scroll, curious, he gradually unrolled the scroll. “That will be all” dismissing the lad no note of gratitude hinted, he curtly bade the young servant off. The youth bowed again departing to the servant quarters leaving the bat demon to cogitate the note. He silently read it to himself, then a sly smirk developed as he looked deeper into the note. ‘Ah, yes, this definitely sounds tempting to undergo.’ Kuronue snapped the scroll shut and rushed to the kitsune’s quarters to enlighten Youko Kurama into the news.