Betrothal of the Warrior Hime

Kagome took her leave of Sesshomaru, heading for her room, she stopped only long enough to grab a new outfit, and noticed that her sister was not where she should be, sensing no danger a foot, Kagome figured she ask her later. Heading to the hot springs she disrobed upon entering the room, a small servant woman taking her clothing and mokomokosama to be cleaned. “Mistress? I’m sorry I do not know your name, but I need my pelt before dawn, I know it is short timing but can it be done? if not I will take it as is.” Kagome said humbly, the servant nodding.



“It will be done, only the pelt then miss? You do not need the attire as well?” Kagome smiled cheerfully.



“No mistress, just the pelt, thank you.” she bowed her head respectfully. Finally soaking her nude form into the awaiting hot springs she submerged her body within the welcomed heat, washing away the scent of her kill and turning the waters a pale pink, which too made her smile. Reaching her arm out she grabbed a long wooden spoon, the spoon sat in a low rising bucket, that held salts of the earth, salts meant to cleanse the waters of blood. Pouring a ladle full into the pool the water returned to its murky clearness, with a sigh she grabbed some soaps and set to washing her blood clumped hair, patches of matted tresses seemed locked into a sweaty bloody thing that only made her angry. It seemed to take about twenty minutes to get her locks to return to their healthy glow, the waters again marred by the blood of her kill, again pulling the ladle of salts into the water it returned to its murky clear color.



Kikyo was missing when she got to her room, that concerned Kagome, taking a moment to practice some of her powers, she sighed heavily releasing any tension she had, focusing energies she quickly found Kikyo’s with Inuyasha’s, a growl came from her throat, only to have it stopped when she noticed the coming youkai of the Lord of the South, and of the East. They were strong, but she held no fear of their retribution, no in fact she felt excited like a child to show off what she’d done. Sighing again knowing she would have to leave this bath she noted that Sesshomaru’s aura seemed to be near that of his father’s, Taishou’s seemed annoyed, she would have to be good for a little while to make up for this. Finally huffing she pulled her tired body out of the pool, and got up to stand. “You know it’s been a long day.” she said to the female handing her a towel.



“Did you have fun though?” answer Miyako. Kagome had sensed her coming and smelt her sooner then later, she’d been standing there watching as she practiced her ability to find auras, youkai and spiritual powers. A grin plastered over Kagome’s face, as her eyes danced with delight.



“Indeed. It was a good hunt, one that will end shortly.”



“Hn?” her grandmother questioned as she re-suited for battle. “Just what are you up to?”



“Cleaning up a mess made a long time ago.” pulling on a chocolate brown kimono, and matching hakama’s, she then pulled her armor back on, just in time to have the young servant woman returned with her cleaned mokomokosama, which seemed delighted that it’d been returned to its master. Kagome cooed the pelt, rubbing it and scratching it as though it were a pup. Miyako had always been weary of showing Kagome how to open her demonic soul up, it gave life to the pelt, and made it an extension of her own life, a powerful asset, but a weakness as well. Settling the pelt in place Kagome walked from the bathhouse as refreshed as though she’d slept the whole night. She wanted nothing more then to end this foolishness, and rest for a bit, knowing it would not go so easy only made her want it more.



The halls of the palace were filling with the soft hum of servants, Taishou was up much earlier then he normally rose, along with the Lady and his heirs. The Second too was awake with his mate and heirs causing a stir among the weak. Entering the dinning room where most of the family, both her own and Sesshomaru’s, were already seated, silence graced the lot upon their entrance. Kagome smiled like a cat that had just caught a fat mouse, she was prideful, and couldn’t bare to be annoyed at this point, sitting her grandmother, and then herself she ate breakfast. Silence reigned as none seemed to want to voice what they all wanted to know.



They wouldn’t get the chance to ask, the knock at the door let in a servant, a male dwarfed toad like youkai with large yellow eyes, announced “The Lord of the East, Kogomaru, and the Lord of the South, Shipputaka have arrived and are awaiting you in the main hall Milord.” Taishou nodded and stood, followed by Shin, Sesshomaru, and Inuyasha. Mugen having still been left with the females, only wondered what was going on, only Sesshomaru, Kagome, and the Lord and Lady of the land knew what was truly happening. All four males passed through the large opening of the dinning hall, where the doors closed behind the second heir, only having been gone for a moment Inuyasha’s head popped back into the room.



“Kagome. Come.” he barked. Usually it would have been met with malice, but she let his indiscretion slide, he’d pay for that tone later. Unseating herself ever so lady like she pressed the chair back in, bowed to her audience, and walked away from the remaining group with poise, grace and not a sign or smell of fear. The dark Inu female entered the hall, and was led by the brat to his father’s office. It was an office often used for meetings, there in all their regal glory were both the Lords of the East, South as well as Taishou of the West, their sons, and her own father. Taishou’s were the two white inus, Kogomaru was the lord of the East and the father of a black haired ookami with eyes so like her own, and Shipputaka, had been a fiery red headed kitsune, father of the young teal eyes male who couldn’t be near old enough to witness such negotiations, he didn’t even look old enough to train. She bowed respectfully as the door was closed in behind her and a barrier placed to block those who might listen.



“So you are the one who sent such a late letter.” she nodded to the Wolf lord, but did not speak, keeping her eyes low to show her respect. “And why would you dare to think we should show our presence for the likes of you, a dark mark on inu kind?” her blood boiled as her rage flared her aura out threateningly. Still the ever cool and calm faced Kagome stood proud and glared at the wolf who’d spoken, piercing him with her icy glare, words were not necessary, he got the point and laughed boisterously. “You’ve got balls girl.” he exclaimed, which earned her girlish blush. His son had felt her power just as all the others had, he’d seen her hidden beauty and caught sight of her icy blue eyes, he desired her and after this, whatever they were here for was over, he thought, he’d make a claim for her, she was young and unmarked and would prove to be a powerful alpha, beautiful cub breeder, and excellent bed mate, Kouga grinned at the possibilities.



Looking to Taishou to answer, he nodded his head. “Lord Kogomaru, I do humbly apologize for the lateness in which you were called forth, the intention was only to uphold tradition and law. Had there been any other way I would have chosen to leave you to rest. “ She said soft spoken, sending both ookami into a small state of shock at her grace and sudden femininity. “My apologies to you as well Lord Shipputaka, the sudden call must have been cumbersome, and I regret having to place you all in such a position.” With that she bowed again and lowered her gaze to show her respect.



“Just what is going on young lady?” Asked Shipputaka. Again, Kagome looked to Taishou before answering, were he again gave his nod for her to answer. Looking to the young kitsume pup who had marvelous teal eyes and then back to his father the Lord, she gave a small smile, humble, yet just enough to soften her overall look and feel.



“As of last night I was still unproven worthy of mating.” she said with the slight blush returning to her cheeks, which Sesshomaru couldn’t help but wonder if she really was shy about the subject or if was all an act. “I left the Palace of the Moon on a mission last night and I--” She didn’t get a chance to finish her statement, knowing fully well that the racing heartbeat belonged to the old toad youkai, she grinned, for it was time. Delight for the oncoming battle flashing in her eyes, while Taishou held his hand for her to silence herself, dropping the barrier he said.



“Enter.” The small toad youkai came into the room, fear rolling off him in heavy waves. “What is it Jaken?” Taishou said in a rather bored voice.



“Milord, pardon this humble servants interruption, but Lord Ryuumaru is at the palace gates, and he is demanding your second’s youngest daughter’s attention, in a ‘Rights of mating fight‘.” Jaken trembled at the thought of his masters impending rage, but was surprised when the bellowing voice and thunderous rage came from Shinosamu.



“WHAT?!?”bellowed Shin’s monstrous voice directed at his youngest, while all other living bodies in the room seemed to jump back. Shins aura registered dangerously, as an over protective inu father was never one to be crossed. Advancing upon his daughter at an alarming speed, she stood her ground and looked directly into the eyes as he came to a stop and inch away from her face. “What have you done?” he barked, which caused her deadly smirk to grace her tanned kissed face. Her icy blue orbs danced with mirth as she fought the urge to laugh, she knew very well this was a serious matter but she really didn’t care, she wanted Ryuumaru’s blood, and she wanted it now, but it would have to wait until she could meet him in battle.



“As I was saying, I left the palace last night to prove myself. Which is why Lord Ryuumaru is here now, certain events that occurred last night require his attention. And because he is now the new Cardinal Lord of the North, and has a claim upon my person, we must fight the ‘dance of mating rights’ in front of the other Lords of the Land.” She smiled lightly to her father.



“So you’ve claimed the ‘rights of mating‘? Miyako put you up to this?” he seethed.



“No father, she educated me with my options, unlike you, who choose to lock me away.” Shin growl ripped from his throat, followed by Kagome’s which met his own with ferocity and girthy volume. Their aura’s flared and cracked wildly against each other, the Lords and sons of lords having backed away from the two.



“I hid you so you’d be safe!” he spat.



“No you hid me so I wouldn’t die like Souta!” she said narrowing her eyes upon him. “You couldn’t see I wanted, or what I could be, and now its almost to late for that.” she paused taking a deep breath, regaining control over her emotions and lowering her aura again, all others in the room having backed away from the bickering pair, had been a bit relieved to feel the strong deepening aura dissipate a bit. The smell of salty tears hit their noses, but the tears never fell from her eyes or his, instead she locked her jaw and took a deep breath, looking to the lords and then her father, “I’ll take my leave of you all, I have a battle to ready for as I’m sure the new lord will not wait patiently.” With that she turned and left the males.



Walking briskly down the hall in an almost un-lady like run, her onyx hair swaying in the wind behind her along with her pelt. She made her way to her room, where Tenmaru had been safely stored and sealed so its aura wouldn’t give away its position to her father. Next to the blade was the bag of heads, she giggled with delight that she would soon be showing such wonderful mating prizes off. Unsealing the blade and sliding it into her obi next to its sister, Tenmiki, Kagome left the room with the bag of heads in tow, only to bump into Miyako.



“You’ll be happy, I’ve got them both, and its time for the entertainment to begin. If you’d please inform my mother that I’ve chosen ‘Rights to mating‘, and any others in the family you think would like to attend. It’ll be starting shortly so please do hurry.” Miyako’s eyes danced with glee, as Kagome turned and walked to the front of the palace, and Miyako took off hurried to the dinning room where most of their party were.



Miyako had barely gotten her head in the dinning room to say, “Kagome’s fighting for Mating rights in the main courtyard.” When she was run down almost by both Sayuri and Kikyo, forgetting anything lady like in their haste. Mugen had been the one to stop and pull her up, both running after the pair, while Hatsumomo and Inuyasha followed behind all at a normal pace. In the main courtyard three throwns were placed equally apart from one another at the top of a short but long staircase. The highest of the thorwns would be Taishou’s, he was lord here and no one would sit above him. To his Left sat another thrown where Kogomaru would be placed, and to his right, Shipputaka would be sat. Standing behind Taishou was the towering figure of Sesshomaru, who’s eyes scanned for the lady Kagome. Below Shipputaka sat with crossed legs the heir to the southern lands, the young Shippo, and beyond the seat of Kogomaru, leaning against a railing lazily was Kouga.



Shin stood at a distance, but near the edge of the same railing Kouga leaned against, waiting, dreading what would become of his youngest. Their relationship had crumbled, despite knowing her strength, he’d locked her away, hoping he could protect her, she’d left and returned, and now faced possible death at the hands of a merciless dragon. Sayuri followed by Kikyo arrived shortly. “Where is she?” asked Kagome’s mother, “Where is my daughter? You can’t let her do this!”



“Father she can’t do this! She just can’t!!” whined Kikyo.



“Silence.” Shin bit out to both females. Sayuri crumbled under his tone, she knew that tone so well, he used it with their pups often, it meant there were no arguments, that nothing could change his mind. Kikyo too knew that tone, and her heart felt an ache like that of the one born when Kagome had fled. Kikyo held her mother for support, for she knew Shin would not, it would show weakness, and he could never be weak. Miyako and Mugen took places near the rail as well, keen to get a good view. Hatsumomo and Inuyasha made an appearance next, a small pillowed stool had been brought out for her by a servant, she would sit at the feet of her lord, watching the carnage even if she did not wish to see it, while Inuyasha stood tall next to his brother behind the Lord. Hatsumomo showed no sign and let none be smelt, but she feared for Kagome, her aura was awesome, but did she really have the skill to kill a lord, she prayed to the gods Kagome did.



Jaken cleared his throat, and announced to the guards to let the new brash young lord into the courtyard. The dark skinned dragon king followed behind heavily armed guard, surrounded on all sides by those who would kill him if he attempted to do harm to any but the claimed mate in battle. Coming to the to the center of the courtyard, Taishou spoke first. “Welcome new Lord of the Northern lands, I understand you have business with Lady Kagome?” he eyed him suspiciously.



“Yes Lord Taishou I do. She and I have much to deal with this early morning. May I ask where she might be?” The skies were bleak but bright, fire pits from the night before still had glowing red embers sitting in them, all were in attendance to this party, but the one who’d asked them all there. Ryuumaru growled audibly at being made to wait for her death, when Kagome’s sweet voice came from the hall behind the large group, she was humming to herself, some eerie lullaby type song. It was melodic, and yet unnervingly calm, shooting cold pulses up the spines of those who could hear her, while only Sesshomaru and Miyako found it amusing the rest were not at all happy.



Walking passed the group and crossing the lords, she pulled a large black bag behind her, just barely above the ground. Stepping down towards the courtyard Kagome stopped once she got to the bottom, stopping her eerie hum as well. Looking to Taishou again to speak, he granted her his nod, “I’m sure your all wondering just what is going on. While some of you know, the rest have been left in the dark, and for this I apologize, but I shall enlighten you as to the events that bring us here. Last night I hunted to prove my worth in mating. My prey? You might ask,” she said pulling the bag back and rolling the four heads of the former lord of the North, his mate, his brother, and his brothers mate upon the ground. “Were the clan of the dragon youkai of the northern lands, the ruling lord and family.” She said with a deadly smile, barely noting that Ryuumaru’s aura had just flared angrily.



“My reason? You might ask as well, was a claim placed upon me at the age of nine summers, though not valid, it was still a claim that tarnishes my honor and worthiness to be mated. As Lord Ryuumaru, is now a cardinal lord, due to the untimely death of his linage, a ‘mating rights’ fight must take place in front of the other ruling cardinal lords. Also having claimed the ‘rights of mating‘, he must fight me and has no way out of it, other then to kill himself or my own self. Indeed today shall be an interesting day.” she paused saying with a grin, ignoring the silent terror of her family. “My lord Taishou, Shipputaka, and Kogomaru? How do we dual? To the death or until submission, it is yours to chose.”



The three lords looked at each other, all knowing that he was the last, that with his death the northern reign of terror would be over, but would she win? Could she? Taishou had faith, if anyone could kill four dragons in a night, she could surely could take this last. Nodding in agreement it was Taishou who spoke. “To the death.” A sob from Sayuri was heard and ignore by the masses, Kagome’s eyes hardened, her heart to was cut off, no mercy, she thought, bloody, vengeful, gory death, is what she’d bring. Oddly she felt bad for the cleaning staff, this day would take a while to wash away. The guards surrounding the courtyard walls were added to by the guards that held rank around the dragon king, releasing him to his prey, all would be in for a grand fight today.