The Demon's Ball

Kagome walked through the entrance and swiftly grabbed onto Shinji’s arm.

‘Don’t fall, please don’t fall,’ she prayed to herself as she tightened her grip on the sturdy inuyoukai beside her.



Shinji sensed her struggle and was silently amused. Kagome was the type that had effortless grace in battle but couldn’t channel that poise in normal circumstances. He’d have to raise her guard a bit just to get her going. He quickly opened the link that he kept with her at all times.



*“Don’t drop your guard. You think you’re safe here? Do you even know the kind of things that happen at the Demon’s Ball? You don’t, do you? Otherwise I don’t think you would have come…”*



Kagome focused immediately at the mysterious and provoking words of her teacher. Was this all a trap? She swept the room for threats. There were many demons of varying degrees of power and size. However, her eyes were directly guided to a pair of amber colored orbs. Piercing burnished gold, royal and unyielding eyes. She recognized them instantly of those of the Western taiyoukai.

He wore his usual attire minus his armor. It was unusual, she noted, how much it contributed to his overall ferocious appearance. The fur pelt around his shoulder was still present. He was spotless and perfect as always. Her eyes quickly fell lower, coming to land on his sides. He didn’t have his swords. She examined his lower torso carefully to see if she could spot any jutting lines or edges that may possibly be a weapon hidden under his clothes. Though she inwardly doubted he was the type that would conceal a weapon; he was above all, the most dangerous threat there. Her eyes were drawn to something pressing against the fabric of the inuyoukai’s hakama. It didn’t seem to be a weapon but it was softly pushing itself against the cloth. Suddenly it seemed to twitch. And then she realized where she was looking. The Lord of the Western lands was pitching a tent. She wanted to stare at it, both out of curiosity and desire. She looked back to his face and found his eyes, watching her intently. She felt a shiver up her back as she met his gaze. She could feel his desire and it consumed her. It scared her, excited her, and left her slightly breathless.

When she couldn’t bear his gaze any longer, she finally turned away. She had a feeling he was still staring at her and it set her on edge.



Shinji tugged on their mind link to get her attention.



*”It looks like we’ve managed to catch the attention of everyone here,”* he hooked her arm and turned to face her, *“Try not to make too many enemies tonight. We’ll be seeing these demons at every event in Umbra from now on. And don’t stray too far from me, you have a penchant for getting in over your head.”*



Kagome stared back just as emotionlessly as her sensei, *“Don’t worry Shinji, all you have to do is stand there and look pretty,”* she tightened her hold on him, *”Leave everything to me. You’re arm candy tonight, sweet-cheeks.”* She winked mischievously at her partner.

She watched Shinji chuckle and couldn’t help but enjoy it. His laughter was deep and relaxing. It was infectious. Kagome smiled and joined in. Forgetting all about her questions: Exactly what had he meant by those words? What sort of things happened at the Demon’s Ball? And why should she be seeing these demons at every event in Umbra when she was only supposed to in the capital for the evening? Every question was dust in the wind when her instructor smiled down at her. The moments when he showed emotion were scarce and hard to come by so she always went out of her way to savor them.

She heard Shinji’s voice through their link.

*”Then I believe it’s time we get going.”*

And with that, they began their descent into the Demon’s Ball.

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Sango nervously sidled up closer to her companion for the evening before nudging Kagome with her elbow.



“Is it just me…or does Lord Sesshoumaru want to kill you?”



Kagome sighed. It was true. The dog had been eyeing her for the last hour; ever since she’d stepped foot on the courtroom floor. He hadn’t approached the group once and she didn’t have the nerve to face him after what she’d seen on the stairs.



‘What was he even thinking about?’ She panicked, thinking of that predatory gaze he had. ‘He was probably thinking about how he’s going to tear me limb from limb if I do anything to bring shame on the Western lands. The thought probably excites him.’

She felt shivers as she sensed his eyes piercing the back of her head and running down her spine.



‘Make it better. Make it better. He’s going to rip your face off. Make it better.’ She chanted desperately as she looked for something to mend the situation.

Shinji was busy talking to Ayame about exercises for battle preparation. Sango and Miroku were conversing between themselves about demon politics. While as usual, Kouga and Inuyasha were arguing about who was stronger. Shippo, on the other hand, was diligently introducing himself to Lord Kazuhiko of the Southern lands.

The bat taiyoukai had walked straight for Kagome at the beginning of the night and had boldly extended his hand just as soon as she’d gotten down the stairs. She had admired his tenacity. Kazuhiko was a demon who liked to smile charmingly while making cutting remarks to throw her off balance. He was industrious with his time, if not a little mysterious with his intentions. His mate was very much alike in her manner of speaking and tone. They reminded Kagome of the vampires in the old horror films she used to watch.

Other demons had approached, none worth mentioning but nonetheless she memorized their faces and dispositions. One lower noble, a bull, had charged at her and questioned none too discreetly whether she’d performed sexual favors for Shinji to get a place at his side.





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



“I can’t think of another reason that the Captain would lower himself to come with a human.” The steer had snorted in her face, she could feel the heat of his quickening breathes when he loomed closer, “Did you let him fuck you from behind like a dog? Did he pull your hair and call you his bitch?” His breathing got harder, “Tell me priestess, I bet you liked it when his huge dick slammed into your tight cunt. Yeaah, I bet you liked his huge cock filling you up.” The demon’s sweaty red face was next to hers as he whispered in her ear.

Kagome could have thrown up when the beefy man came closer. Her stomach churned as his sweaty face neared and her bile rose as she watched him lick his lips lustfully. Somehow, she managed to keep it down and play it cool.

“You’re very vivid, sir, what a great imagination you have. Tell me, do you imagine about Shinji’s love life that much? You must admire him a great deal…especially when he’s not looking.” She turned then and swiftly walked away. It was too soon in the night to spoil her weapon with blood. Besides, she had always heard that bulls never stopped charging after seeing the red of their own blood. And she certainly didn’t want to kill a noble because of a petty thing like that.

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



Looking back at it now, Kagome quietly laughed.

Shinji, finished with his discussion, approached her and drew her to his hip.

*”What are you laughing at?”*



Kagome related the event and laughed again when she saw his disapproving scowl.

*”Kagome, that was one of my generals,”* he sighed, *“I’d thank you not to plant homosexual thoughts in his head about me.”*

*”Come on Shinji, they were already there. I didn’t plant anything!”*

*”Maybe not but you’re certainly nurturing them.”*

Kagome widened her eyes innocently, *”Well what should I have said, ‘Yes, I love it when Shinji’s huge cock thrusts into me. I mean, sometimes it hurts but mostly...’”*

She smirked as she said the next line aloud, “mostly it just feels soooo good, sensei.”

Shinji glared at her as he emitted a low growl. Kagome giggled playfully and skipped away to talk to other guests. She spied a certain water dragon sulking in the corner of the room.





Naoki hadn’t wanted to come but he was forced to. He’d already made his introduction into demon society a few years ago. His family came from a long line of lower nobles who served the fire dragon clan which ruled the Eastern lands. Naoki served his lord, Kayashima, as would any children that Naoki chose to have.

As the young demon stewed about the fate of his future offspring, Kagome crept up behind him.



“Naoki,” she whispered harshly.



The poor boy sprang aside and grabbed his ear, still warm from the heat of her hushed voice. He looked at the girl who dared surprise him from behind and his eyes widened in disbelief. He recognized the alluring winter blossom scent that came from her but couldn’t believe his eyes. How did she find him? Why was she here? What is she? Who is this girl? A million questions appeared and disappeared in seconds, as new ones sprung forth in his mind.

Kagome took pity on the young demon and smiled at him.

“Did I startle you?” she smiled playfully, “Now you know how I felt.”



Naoki finally overcame his astonishment and bowed to the girl. He now remembered the rumors of a human female who planned on attending the event. She was a powerful priestess and a master of weapons, and if he guessed correctly, she was the girl standing directly infront of him. And he had courted death when he had assaulted her.



“My lady, I apologize for my advance upon your person. Please forgive me.” He bowed his head deeper.



Kagome frowned, she hadn’t meant to intimidate the boy. He was barely older than Shippo.



Naoki braced himself when he felt her hand descending on him. He clenched his jaw in preparation for her strike. But instead of the blow he expected, he felt her soft fingers on his cheek. He couldn’t help but lean into the touch out of relief. It was such a gentle and peaceful sensation which swept through him at that moment. He looked up and met her eyes.



“Naoki, you needn’t beg for something you already have.”



Kagome ruffled the boy’s hair, “Just save me a dance later, okay?” She smiled before leaving to find Shinji. Hopefully the old dog hadn’t held any grudges from her last remarks.

Naoki watched her leave. Her retreating back and softly curved figure teased his senses. He breathed in deeply, the smell made him mad with lust. He was in the peak of his manhood already and the scent of her made him crazy with want. The water youkai clenched his fists and turned away from the image of her swaying backside. He didn’t need to get in anymore trouble today.



Kagome spied Shinji’s jet black locks from behind. She recognized his lean form and tall frame. It was a secret, but she loved to look at people from behind, especially men. There was something about a man’s frame that she loved. Wide shoulders, a strong stance, long legs, she loved to watch them from behind. Shinji was talking to someone, she could tell by his posture that he was interested. He tended to lean his center of gravity to the left when he was occupied with something.



Kagome slipped up next to him with full intention of surprising the dog. Given her success with Naoki, she was feeling lucky. She slid her arm neatly into his from behind and slithered up next to him. That’s when she noticed her blunder, because she was the one who got a surprise.



Shinji could sense Kagome coming up playfully behind him. He thought briefly of warning her but remembered her comments from before.

‘She could learn a lesson in humility,’ he decided to keep quiet.



Kagome silently cursed her luck. Shinji had been talking to the Lord of the Western lands. It was Sesshoumaru.



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



She was stunned at the taiyoukai’s sudden appearance. She hadn’t prepared herself to see him yet. She hadn’t steeled herself against his iron hard gaze.



Shinji nudged her gently in the side, “Kagome, I believe you are familiar with Lord Sesshoumaru?”

She shook herself to attention, “Yes. Lord Sesshoumaru, how do you do?” She bowed her head. The scent of a deep masculine pine filled her senses. The smell of the Western lands followed it’s lord; deeper still, in the very marrow of his bones.



“Miko,” Sesshoumaru addressed her with a nod of his head before turning back to Shinji, “You haven’t answered the question.”

Shinji sighed softly at his former students persistence, “No Sesshoumaru, Kagome and I are not courting one another. We are attending this event as friends.”

Sesshoumaru inwardly relaxed but revealed nothing of his thoughts. He looked at the pair and nodded his head.



“I see.” He then turned back to Kagome and lowered his brow at her.

“Miko, you have caused an excessive amount of gossip to arise by attending with Shinji. Don’t forget your place; you are a human. Even more so, you are a priestess by profession and choice. You are to consult me in the future or I won’t allow you to carry the name of the Western lands any longer.”



Kagome wanted to roll her eyes at the inuyoukai’s behavior. It wasn’t as if she were that important to the Western lands anyway. What was the big deal?



Sesshoumaru critically raised his brow, “And when have you started socializing with teenagers from the Eastern lands?”



Kagome’s eyes widened, ‘Was he watching me? How does he know I was talking to Naoki?’

“I have no particular affiliation with the water dragon, my lord.” She clenched her teeth in aggravation. ‘Why does he care anyway? It’s not like it’s any of his business.’

She eyed the taiyoukai suspiciously. What was he thinking? She couldn’t get the image of his stiff member out of her mind. She tried to blow it off but it refused to disappear. And now, looking at him standing with such a superior air about him, she couldn’t help but let her mind wander.



Kagome had once ached for Sesshoumaru to love her. It had been after she had resolved her one sided love for Inuyasha. The group had been traveling with the Western Taiyoukai for some time as an effort to team up in order to defeat Naraku. She’d wanted him to notice her so badly but the inuyoukai only had eyes for his charge Rin and his half-brother. And just moments after Naraku was defeated, Lord Sesshoumaru had walked away. With both Rin and Jaken in tow, the inuyoukai hadn’t looked back. Not even once.

As she watched him from behind, his silver hair swaying as he walked, Kagome had made a resolution. She too, would leave and never look back. She’d never wish for anyone to notice her ever again. Waiting patiently, quietly, prettily, properly: none of it had worked. Well? So forget them.



She had watched as Rin turned back with a big smile and waved goodbye. Kagome waved back and smiled anew. She looked up into the sky and shaded her eyes when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. It felt good. She raised her arms and stretched. It was refreshing. She looked back to the little girl’s group and could still make out Sesshoumaru’s regal form against the landscape. His stunning posture, his striking features, his confident stride. The angles of his back and torso…that exquisite back-view. It made her want to chase after him and tackle him from behind. The warmth and feel of his shoulder blades while she recklessly kissed her way down his neck and spine.

She shook herself out of her daze and strengthened her new resolution. No longer would she watch people walk away from her like that. She would become the type of person who could walk away first.

‘Someday, it’ll be my back that people watch with respect and admiration. From now on, there’ll be no more waiting. If I want something, I’ll take it.’

And with that thought alone, she turned away from the sight of Sesshoumaru’s receding figure, and never turned back.





Seeing him now annoyed her for some reason. She didn’t want to remember the way she once was. He reminded her of all of her childish yearnings for him. She now knew she hadn’t loved him in the least. She realized she was just drawn to beautiful things and had only wanted to acquire him; much like a work of art or a piece of good jewelry. Looking at him now, she still felt the residual pull toward him. It was achingly present and it irritated her.



She bit her lip in frustration.



Sesshoumaru watched the girl fidget uncomfortably beside Shinji and satisfied himself with the fact that the couple wasn’t romantically involved. He inclined his head once more to the both of them before turning on his heel to leave.



Unbeknownst to Sesshoumaru, the taiyoukai had an audience. Kagome loved to look at people from behind but her favorite person to watch was above all: Sesshoumaru. This was a secret of course.

His receding figure was deeply engrained in her mind. That regal form; very naturally entering her line of sight. Even in a crowd like this. Shoulders squared. Walking slowly, but with big steps. Taller than those surrounding him. With hair, lighter than everyone else’s. That back view…

“Why can I always find it?”

The hushed words had escaped her before she could think.

Shinji glanced at her questioningly. Luckily, Kureno bustled back through the double doors and interrupted Shinji’s questioning.

The rooster youkai clapped his hands to draw everyone’s attention toward him, “At this time, the doors will be closed and no further admittance will be permitted.” The double doors swung shut at his words and the hall became silent as all attention turned to the old butler. “It is my great honor to greet and introduce those who will lead the next generation of demon society year after year. To our new guests, I implore you to take the words of your elders into consideration. I have worked under the employment of the finest lords and ladies to ever walk through the walls of our capital, Umbra. And I hope to see you all aim toward an even greater legacy of greatness. May you all be as blessed as I, to witness such times of peace and wealth rain down upon our lands.”



Everyone clapped as Kureno smiled down at them from his place at the top of the staircase. He smoothed his gray hair back and adjusted his cuffs.



“Now, if everyone is quite done introducing themselves and socializing, I would like to move to the main event,” the rooster gestured his hand to the back of the hall where two tall grey stone double doors slowly opened. Behind it was an enormous ballroom. It was entirely carved out of unpolished but spotless matted marble. Beautiful and important, it’s smooth ceilings reached high with the help of long and slender reinforcements. It’s construction was both delicate and impractical. Tall and graceful columns lined the walls, curved like the horns of a goat, or like a sea shell, they climbed up and formed fine vaulting. The effect produced a great, decorative series of compartments, the vaults passed each other into a pointed arch at the crossing of their arms. It was a design that led the eyes upward in awe of the strength and weight of its permanence but fanned open in a way that introduced a feeling of lightness into the structure. So beautiful and powerful that even demons who took in the sight daily were left winded by its splendor.

“Come now,” Kureno spread his arms and smiled at his guests, “I invite you all to move into the ballroom.” The rooster grinned darkly.

“ This devil’s dance begins…” he waved them forward, “Welcome…to the Demon’s Ball.”

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“The Demon’s Ball comes once a year

Where nothing is, as it appears

Where dreams come true,

And nightmares too

An invitation: me and you

Come on down to the Devil’s Dance,

It’s breathless, churning tide

It shakes you loose and stirs you up

And takes you for a ride

Gorgeous creatures line the halls

Pointed teeth and sharpened claws

Gathered now and standing tall

Splendid monsters one and all

Come on down to the Demon’s Ball

Where sin and pleasure merge,

Answer to temptations’ call

Every smothered urge

A place where sinful angels fall

And wicked spirits roam

Prideful beings would walk or crawl

To dance before the Throne

Sterling turns and graceful leaps

Mesmerizing pulse and beats

All these beauties and these beasts

Come to the Demon’s Ball”





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