The Demon's Ball

--------------------------------

Sesshoumaru sighed as he rubbed the sides of his pounding head. It was finally the last day of negotiations before the Demon’s Ball. The inuyoukai had expected a relatively peaceful day since all the major dealings had been resolved. However, as evidence of his migraine, the day just wasn’t going his way.



Kayashima had come into the meeting room in a daze and ever since this morning, he was absolutely useless. The dragon had since spent several hours switching from gazing wistfully out the window to growling and purring to himself.



“Hey Kayashima!” Kouga’s voice rang out against the marble walls of the meeting room. The wolf crossed the table and laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “what’s wrong? I’ve never seen you like this before…”



Kazuhiko nodded in agreement, “You look as if you have somewhere you need to be. Don’t let us hold you back if you have more urgent matters that call for your attention back home.”



Sesshoumaru picked at his claws, “Yes, taiyoukai, leave if you cannot pull yourself together. You are wasting space as you are right now,” he took a long glance over the dragon’s form, “Yes, like a large rock…only not so quiet.”

Kayashima laughed, “My apologies gentlemen. Please forgive my unusual behavior. It’s just that I found something of interest on the Eastern lands today.”

Sesshoumaru’s ears instantly tuned into the conversation. He was always on the lookout for things that would benefit his lands.

Kouga laughed again, “Oh yeah? What’s her name?”

The dragon’s shoulders slumped, “I don’t know.”



‘Ah, I should have known it was something useless like that,’ the inuyoukai cursed to himself.

The taiyoukai of the West allowed his mind to drift to his more lordly duties. Tucking and filing away data that he’d need later. He reached into Kayashima’s profile information and was about to put “useless” down when he heard something that broke through his thoughts. Bringing him out of the deepest archives of his mind.



“It was really the strangest tool I’ve ever seen…”



“Oh? And what did this weapon look like?”



Kayashima pressed a finger to his head, trying to recall the appearance.



“She pulled it out of her hair so I know it was small, but a chain shot out of it, roughly the length of this room. And when she pulled it back, the body of it became the size of a standard battle staff, I’d guess. I couldn’t tell you any specific details about its appearance but there was a very specific power that emanated out of the weapon; it was very familiar…”

‘Intriguing. Requires investigation.’ Sesshoumaru made a note of the weapon and proceeded to upgrade his judgment to “semi-useless” on the dragon’s profile. Kouga’s voice could be heard on the fringes of his awareness.

“Yeah, don’t feel bad Kayashima! I wouldn’t be looking at the weapon either, especially if a girl was naked and twirling around in front of me.”

Sesshoumaru sighed.

‘Idiots.’

With that last thought, he plastered on his usual indifferent expression and allowed himself to drift off in a listless daze.



He was somewhat keen on seeing his brother’s group tomorrow. He could only imagine Inuyasha’s troubled expression at such a formal event. He was also moderately curious to see who would be acting as the fox demon’s sponsor. Would it be his half-brother or the human girl? It had been a long time since the taiyoukai had looked forward to a social event.

‘Perhaps I will honor that priestess with a dance and rile up some of the demons in the process.’ Sesshoumaru chuckled as he imagined Kouga’s reaction.

‘Yes, this should be very enjoyable,’ he smirked.

----------------------------



‘Okay, so far so good.’



Kagome’s group had arrived late due to Inuyasha’s refusal to wear shoes. However, he eventually gave in and they were now waiting to be introduced into the ballroom by the court caller. They’d gotten into the front gates easily enough and since not many people lingered in the entrance hall, they hadn’t gotten stared at for very long. It was almost their turn for introduction.

“They really go all out for this snob-fest, feh…”



Kagome glared at the hanyou and suppressed her desire to whack him upside the head.



‘Don’t ruin the ambience Kagome, we can punish him later,’ she chided herself.



The young miko was jerked from her thoughts when she found herself face to face with an elderly chap with a portly demeanor. He smiled confidently but with warmth. He was the kind of man who was impossible to hate; had a hen-like geniality around him.



“Name and title please.”



Suddenly Kagome panicked, she hadn’t prepared for this detail.

Luckily Inuyasha nudged her aside with a smile. He turned to address the man.

“I’ll be going first.”

-----------------------------------



Sesshoumaru looked around the room for the tenth time in the last minute. Everyone of importance was already there. He’d been forced to make polite responses to the many well-wishers and brown-nosers attending the event and he was getting tired of it—fast.



Rin had opted to stay back at the Western palace with Jaken and await his return. He had wanted to bring her to the ball to distract him from his boredom. But she’d stopped coming to social events ever since she’d come to a minor knighting ceremony and ended up asleep and snoring loudly at his feet. He found the entire occurrence to be rather amusing. However, when the girl awakened, she was so horrified for embarrassing him that she had refused to attend any other social gathering. And since he couldn’t leave her unattended, he’d left Jaken behind too.

The inuyoukai took a swig of the amber colored liquid in his glass. He was bored stiff.

‘When is that half-breed going to get here?’



As he lifted the glass to take another drink, he heard someone at the doors. The main entrance was at the top of a banister staircase which naturally drew people’s attention.

The conversation around him suddenly quieted until it was nothing more than soft murmuring. All eyes were drawn to the stairs as the double doors clicked open to reveal a figure. The court caller, an old bird youkai, specifically a chicken variety, marched in. Sesshoumaru braced himself, the old rooster could really crow sometimes.



“Announcing the arrival of Sir Inuyasha: the youngest son and sire of Lord Inutaisho, brother to Lord Sesshoumaru, and holder of his father’s greatest fang—Tetsaiga. Renowned for his leadership of the group which defeated Naraku.” The old demon stepped to the side and swiftly bowed toward the entrance, gesturing his hand majestically over the door.

“ Sir Inuyasha has arrived.”



Sesshoumaru could have scoffed at the hanyou’s antics. ‘That’s half brother,’ he took another drink from his glass, ‘and what’s with that greatest fang bit’. He smiled, though the half breed could be annoying and immature, it was just part of his charm.



Everyone turned to watch as Inuyasha walked swiftly through the doorway. Sesshoumaru was vaguely impressed with the half demon’s choice of clothing. Simple, forward, and classic; though he doubted the fool had picked it out himself.



The taiyoukai wasn’t surprised when his half brother didn’t make a move to descend the stairs. The hanyou would wait until he saw his entire team walk down safely before joining the other guests.



Inuyasha stood to the side and leaned on the banister to wait as the rooster demon nodded toward him and disappeared behind the doors again.



Meanwhile, Sango was trying to come up with a euphemism for “professional demon exterminator”. She doubted there would be a good response to any title she gave.



All too soon the old man returned for their introductions. He waited patiently and smiled at their nervousness.

“Shall I introduce you together then? Sometimes coming in while in groups can lesson one’s anxiety.”

Sango nodded frantically and grabbed Kagome’s hand.

The bird youkai frowned, “Well, aesthetically, I’d rather you be introduced with the one you match with.” He gestured toward Sango and Miroku, “And may I say you both look lovely this evening. You make a very refreshing couple among these stuffy demon nobles. Ah, you make me remember when I was young…”

Kagome stifled a laugh when her friend blushed. Sango was about to deny any connection with him when Miroku took her by the hand and tugged her forward.

“Let’s get going then,” the monk smiled and chuckled at the expression on her face.

Sango slowly came down from her surprise and allowed a slight pleased smile warm her face.

“Okay,” she whispered. The monk had a comforting presence despite his wandering hands. Staying with him was sometimes a test of nerves. Sango’s eye twitched when she felt a hand on her ass. She pinched his hand delicately and removed it from its place before flicking him hard on the forehead. She smiled triumphantly when he grabbed the spot with both hands. Though she’d usually slap him, she hadn’t wanted a bruised up date.

Miroku smiled as he rubbed his head, “There’s that Sango spirit. Have you loosened up?”

She rolled her eyes and waved him away before turning to the bird demon.



“I think we’re ready.”

-----------------------



The Western Taiyoukai was getting impatient. The court was unbearable. All normal conversation had ceased within the room as soon as the hanyou had appeared. The crowd restlessly shifted. Hushed whispers and many curious glances fell on the hanyou as they awaited the arrival of the rest of the half-breed’s group.

Without any warning the doors swung open again. The rooster came strolling out moments later and took a deep breath.

“Announcing the arrival of Sir Miroku, monk of the Seven Sun’s Western Temple. Accompanying him is Madam Sango, disciple of the Slayer’s village. Members of Sir Inuyasha’s party. Sir Miroku and Madam Sango have arrived.”

The smell of the two humans appeared before either could step through the entrance.



‘It’s strange,’ Sesshoumaru thought as he absently looked at the drink in his hand. The ice clinked against his glass. It melted quickly, its crystal body slowly shrank as the alcohol consumed it.



The hall had a myriad of demonic scents and auras but the sudden invasive quality of the humans rang against his senses. Since its construction, no human had ever come to the court alive and breathing. The countless scents of demons had gathered within these walls; making the smell of their human guests even more pronounced. The scent of their mortality was crisp and distinct.



Sesshoumaru didn’t bother looking up. The smell of old robes and yellowed texts was undoubtedly the holy man. Another scent followed, one of fresh grass and dandelions. However, that tangy trace of demon bone and spilled blood alerted him to her identity. That smell always stayed with those of the demon slayers tribe.

Miroku walked in first, stopping directly in the entrance as he extended his arm out to his side. A beautiful young lady with a similar outfit stepped in to fill the gap. They smiled to one another and nodded at Inuyasha before taking their first step down the long stairway leading to the court.



Meanwhile, the rooster had disappeared behind the double doors once more. It wasn’t long before they opened again. He stepped in with a flourish and bow.

“Announcing the arrival of young master Shippo: son of the Western fox tribe and inheritor of the title of their prince. Also a member of Sir Inuyasha’s party. Master Shippo has arrived.”

The young fox demon marched into the hall with authority and pride. His chest puffed out and his back straight. He walked straight to where Inuyasha was standing close by and whispered something to his friend. In response, the half dog demon laughed in surprise and patted the top of Shippo’s head.



“Let’s go first then,” Inuyasha laughed as he started down the stairs.

Shippo followed dutifully as he hastily began his descent.

Sesshoumaru listened as the nobles burst out in barely disguised curiosity. The miko hadn’t come. He was moderately disappointed that she wouldn’t be attending but the inuyoukai would manage. His half-brother, after all, would be sufficient entertainment.

Just as the taiyoukai was about to make his move, the doors swept open again. The court caller sauntered out with a happy smile and behind him followed the strangest combination of scents.



--------------



Kagome had been nervously awaiting her turn as she watched the monk and her friend walk out. She tightened her grip on Shippo’s hand and steadied her heart as she prepared for his introduction.



“Don’t be nervous. Walk out with your head held high and your chest out. You’re the closest thing I’ve ever had for a son… Shippo…” Unshed tears began to cloud her vision, “I’m so proud of you…”

The fox just smiled confidently as he gripped her hand harder.

“You shouldn’t worry so much Kagome. I’ll be fine. And no matter what anyone says, I’d never be ashamed for being raised by you guys. You’re my family and my pack, demon or not. And if they don’t accept that, then I don’t need my father’s land and titles anyway,” the boy puffed out his chest further, “I’ll just get my own.”

Kagome laughed as she wiped her eyes. He was so much like her half demon friend sometimes.



Suddenly a pair of arms encircled the girl from behind in a warm embrace. Tanned skin and toned muscles were wrapped lazily around her. The anonymous arms wore a familiar color of satin black with silver cuffs. She looked up at her captor with surprise.

“That also goes for me too. Though I may be slightly ashamed for you as my student, since you weren’t able to sense by approach just now,” Shinji’s coldly stated to the girl in his arms.



Shippo smiled at his sensei and was suddenly struck with a devious thought. Just then, the old bird youkai returned. Shippo quickly grabbed the man’s hand whispered his plan to the older demon. The caller clucked as he looked over the matching outfits of the pair who were still embracing, Kagome too shocked to move and Shinji too lazy to let go, and nodded in agreement with the young fox.



“Yes, aesthetically, they are a very pleasing couple to gaze upon. I’d take much pleasure in introducing such a lovely pair to the court. Not since the great Lord Inutaisho and his Lady have I seen such a great match.” The old youkai announced dreamily as he gazed at Kagome and Shinji’s jet black hair and matching attire. Both had the bearing of a high lord and his lady.



Kagome gaped at the old rooster and watched as his eyes glazed over with a dreamy expression.

“Are you cra- ” before she could finish her question, Shinji’s hand clamped over her mouth. She looked up and saw his usual placid expression. His eyes however, were glittering with mischief.

The black haired inuyoukai wrapped his arms around the miko and pressed her protesting mouth against his chest. Her muffled cries making the dog clutch harder. “We thank you for your compliment. We will try to meet up with your expectations.”



Kagome could only watch as Shippo left with the rooster to be introduced without her. She glared at the man still holding her tightly but she didn’t dare use her miko powers to repel him. That was all she needed. To raise the hackles of all the top ranking demons in the country who were gathered in the next room.



Shinji sighed at her glare and lightened his hold. He looked at his favorite student still in his hands. “Come now, Kagome. Do me the honor of accompanying this old dog. I don’t want everyone to think I’m the oldest demon there without a date.” It was true, though he looked the same age as any of the young lords, he was far older than any of them. And being a bachelor at his old age was not a desirable status. His terrible wanderlust had prevented him from ever settling down.

Kagome’s gaze softened as she looked at her swords master. His short black hair softly graced his eyes and she lifted her hand to brush them aside. He always knew just what to say when he wanted his way.



“Fine,” she pinched his nose, “but don’t think it’ll always go your way, old guy.”

She laughed when Shinji gazed down at her dispassionately while holding his nose. His snout was sensitive.

And this was how the old rooster found them. He smiled at their antics. He’d known Shinji since the boy was a pup but never had he seen that orphaned child so laid back.

“Are you two ready?” Asked the old servant as he continued to smile.

Shinji stopped rubbing his nose in favor of grasping the girl’s hand.

“Yes, Kureno-san. We are ready.”

-----------------------------------------



Sesshoumaru watched as the doors opened once more and glanced at Inuyasha. The hanyou was leaning against the wall to the side with his arms crossed. The monk and slayer had wandered over to their friends and were chatting with one another. Sesshoumaru watched as the hanyou whispered something to the younger fox demon beside him and laughed loudly before turning again to watch the entrance.



The taiyoukai took another swig from the glass in his hand when something assaulted his senses. The smell of his sensei rushed out to meet him as the inuyoukai turned his attention back to the doorway. Shinji had the smell of autumn; leaves, old leather, and rich earth. Fields of dried grass and soft hay filled his nostrils. The nostalgic scent of his former master left Sesshoumaru with the urge to spar.



Another scent followed soon after, one that strangely irritated the taiyoukai when it mixed with that of his old swordsmaster.

The smell of softly falling snow, a crisp morning chill, of endless forests of evergreen and pine covered in frost, and ceaseless miles of pristine white. It was the very smell of cleanliness; it was the smell of winter. So tangible that Sesshoumaru could swear he felt a dry chill in the air.



The smell affected all the youkai who had sensitive noses. It was riling them up. Making them want to run and relax at the same time. Winter was the time for many things to youkai; it was hibernation, it was migration, it was wandering, it was foraging, it was finding, it was both a beginning and an end. It was a cleansing.

It was many things, but most of all, it meant sex. With wild abandonment, letting your animal side take over to rut like beasts in seek of another’s body heat. Many humans misconstrued spring with mating season but they were mistaken. Mating season was during winter, it was all about seeking that momentary feeling of warmth. A satisfaction that ran so deep that it was indescribable. Spring was for the end result of new birth and family. Winter was all about mating. The smell was crisp and exhilarating: stimulating his base survival instincts, reckless and complicated all at once. It was thrilling and left even Sesshoumaru a bit overwhelmed as it compressed his lungs with a desire to run and stay.



The familiar smell of Shinji’s usual autumn made a strange mixture with the new scent of winter. Some demons were becoming giddy with the assault to their senses as they watched the entrance expectantly. Overall, it was a very impressive blend since both scents were ladled with a heavy undertone of power. Dangerous, foreboding, beautiful power. And that combination irked the western taiyoukai to no end.



He looked at Kayashima who was standing nearby. The dragon hadn’t noticed it but that was hardly surprising. Even if he was a taiyoukai, fire dragons didn’t have a very powerful sense of smell.

Sesshoumaru looked to the opposite side of the court where he knew the Southern Lord, Kazuhiko stood. The bat, like Sesshoumaru, had a keen sense of smell. The inuyoukai found the other lord quickly enough. The bat had a surprised expression on his face, as did his mate who was next to him. She chirped and squeaked to her mate in the language of their beasts. Sesshoumaru could hear the curiosity in her voice.

Finally, he turned to find the last lord among them. Kouga was now standing near Inuyasha with a smug grin plastered on his wolfish face. His escort, Ayame, spoke something to Inuyasha. The hanyou nodded and pointed to the top of the stairs.



Sesshoumaru strained himself to separate their voices from the rest of the noise around him. He managed to make out some of their conversation.

“Is that right? Well they do make a handsome couple,” Ayame laughed kindly.

Kouga smiled and clapped a hand on Shippo’s back in congratulations.

“It should be funny to see how everyone here takes it,” the wolf laughed, “Well I don’t know anything about what’s aesthetically pleasing but you’re looking really grown up, kiddo.”



Shippo smiled happily but stilled suddenly. He quickly turned to face the entrance.

“Here they come,” he hushed.



Sesshoumaru followed the group’s gaze to the top of the stairs where the bird youkai was waiting patiently for everyone’s attention. When it was quiet, the rooster began.



“Announcing the arrival of Sir Shinji: holder of the title of Grand Master of Weapons—a title attained only from the consent of all four ruling lords, champion of the Battle Royale for three centuries running, and commander of the Umbra royal force during the Great Battles.” The rooster glanced up to find that everyone had quieted out of respect for the famous dog demon, “And finally, the foster son of the one and only Inutaisho: Sir Shinji.” Kureno stepped out of the doorway and bowed as Shinji strolled in, looking as impervious and commanding as always. The black haired inuyoukai stopped in the doorway and extended his hand back toward the entrance, waiting expectantly.



Sesshoumaru was relieved to see that Shinji hadn’t changed at all. Still the same stoic demon as always. The taiyoukai’s thinking was cut off when Kureno’s introduction continued.



“Accompanying him is Lady Kagome” there was a ripple of unrest within the crowd, “priestess of the Western lands, holder of the title of weapon’s master—handed down to her from the legendary Totosai, and the owner of the one and only Shikon Jewel. Most known for delivering the killing blow to the demon Naraku.” Sesshoumaru could hear soft tsk come from the direction of his half brother.

However, Sesshoumaru’s attention was drawn back to the entrance when the miko appeared. She took her place beside Shinji, standing with both grace and nobility. The sparkling scent of winter was indeed coming from the girl. Her long black hair was swept up and away from her face to show her fair neck. Her eyes moved slowly over the length of the room, carefully memorizing every face and exit. Her long eyelashes neither fluttered nor blinked as she looked straight into Sesshoumaru’s eyes. Something stirred within him as the miko’s eyes connected with his. He could feel a snarl from his beast coming on: either from anger or arousal- he didn’t know. But before he could do anything, to his surprise, her eyes flickered away. They slowly wandered over his body. She started at his mouth but her eyes soon moved southward, landing on his hips and package. Her gaze lingered there. His lower body heated up, as if she were pressing herself against it. He inwardly groaned at the feeling.

In a matter of seconds it was gone. Their eyes met. Something brief and unreadable passed through the miko’s eyes before she broke their gaze.

Sesshoumaru knew he had received some sort of special attention but for what reason? He looked down at himself. He could still feel her gaze on his lower body. He growled to himself. Not knowing whether to feel flattered or outraged at her attention.

He settled on returning the favor by examining her carefully.

Her figure was clad in a kimono that matched her partner. When she moved, the bottom shimmered with the movement of pearls; it looked like water rippling at the surface. Her fluid ease of movement revealed her training. It was very much like his master’s—confident and without embellishment.

As much as he hated to admit it, the girl and Shinji looked very appropriate together. They suited one another perfectly and it irked him. The black haired inuyoukai was his mentor and had trained him for his lordship since he was a pup. Seeing him with the miko seemed right but that fact alone made it wrong: terribly, terribly wrong. It made him want to rip their matching clothes to shreds and banish them both from the Western lands for treason.



‘Why haven’t I been notified of this affair,’ the taiyoukai seethed. ‘They should have asked for my permission to come together in the first place.’

Well maybe Shinji wasn’t under his control as the ex-army commander of the capital but the miko was definitely within the power of the Western lands. She was his charge and he wouldn’t allow her to run off with his swordsmaster. He watched them hook arms and look at each other. Suddenly Sesshoumaru had the shock of his lifetime. Within a matter of moments, the court fell silent once more. Shinji, who had never once smiled at any of them or displayed any emotions other than occasional displeasure, was laughing. The quiet and deep rolling chuckle that emerged from Sesshoumaru’s respected older foster brother seemed so foreign. Shinji’s small smile spread further as the miko began to laugh too. Her laughter was filled with such unbridled delight that it seemed to lighten the mood of the entire court. The scene was warming and chatter once more filled the room. The nervous silence was broken.



“Announcing the arrival of Master Shinji and Lady Kagome,” the bird demon called out.

And with that, the pair began their descent into the hall. Gracefully and without rush, they made a beautiful scene.

Sesshoumaru clenched his hands. He’d have to take Shinji aside later for a serious talk. Something very suspicious was going on.



==================================================



The characters have begun to do their own thing. Feels like I'm being dragged along, is that normal? No, I don't think it is. Ah well, thank you all for reviewing and rating this story you beautiful radiant beings. Oh yes, regarding snowbird--thank you, yes, me too, ah you caught me, sorry the transition- I just wouldn't know where to begin. And Archfiend--oh, that's because Sesshoumaru allows him to keep the position due to how easily he is manipulated. I pity him. Poor thing.



Thank you for your reviews. Ah, this is the third update in a row. In a contest against me and you, you have rolled me around and turned me into a little play-corpse. Sorry, I will try to strengthen my resolve and make us wait for the next one.



KPO4