The Demon's Ball

A/N: Apologies for the long wait. KPO4 foolishly started reading another person's work and got caught up in it. Sorries. Long chapter starts now



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



Kagome woke with a start. Unnerved when she didn’t recognize her surroundings, she rose in a flustered jerk. It was still light out, probably around noon, she hadn’t slept for very long. She rubbed her eyes and remembered the demon she’d helped, the one with the crest of the Western lands hanging around his neck. She looked around for him and her eyes landed on the animal snoozing lightly behind her. The youkai was no longer the mammoth sized wonder as before. Kagome gazed at the dog who was now the size of a horse. She flinched when his leg twitched. He let out a growl, suddenly cracking open an eye.



Immediately he was alert, jumping up to face her. He was snarling loudly. He flashed his teeth, hair rising up from his collar. His eyes darted to the sides, not knowing what was happening.



Shinji’s mind was still in a haze. He remembered everything from last night but had yet to understand and process it. And now something else was assaulting his already over trafficked mind. Why was he so small? Why hadn’t he killed her? Had she stolen his powers? Was he now going to become this girl’s pet, destined to a life of servitude under a priestess?!? He growled now, thinking back to his initial pleasure at the thought of being with her.



Kagome kept her eyes trained on his, she lowered herself slowly to the ground. She kneeled and sent out a burst of calming energy into the earth.



Shinji recoiled when he recognized the scent of holy power but before he could jump away, it engulfed him. His muscles relaxed and his mind cleared of all thought. Why had he been so worried? He shook himself off and tested his powers, finding none of it missing. His aura was intact and his soul hadn’t been chained down with a slavery contract. He looked at his new form and decided to shift to his human one. Just as he was about to change, he felt an odd sensation. The energy he used for the transformation was unusually elastic and he pressed at it hesitantly. Suddenly, he changed, returning to his usual enormous size. He flexed his claws and found everything was still intact. He shifted again, liking his new flexibility. He was shocked to find that the transformation wasn’t in the least uncomfortable like it usually was. In fact, the change was accompanied by a pleasant feeling of tingling warmth. He silently decided to stay in his canine form, finding it very comfortable now. He blinked and turned towards his audience. He was barely the height of her waist as he trotted politely up to her.



Kagome eyed the dog worriedly. Though he had stopped snarling at her, she sensed him testing his powers suspiciously. She watched him scornfully, ‘This is the thanks I get for saving your ass? Making sure you were safe and staying with you while you slept?’ She glared at him as he turned to her and began to saunter over, ‘I hate dogs…’



As he came closer, Kagome abruptly stood and gathered her things. Without a word, she checked over her equipment and picked up her empty quiver. She cursed the demon once more for its lightness. Ignoring him, she walked past him toward the battle ground. She searched the grass and found eleven of her seventeen arrows intact. Pulling them out of the dirt by their bright yellow tail guides and dusting them off before returning them to her case. She pulled the sharpened steel heads from the six broken ones and pocketed them for later use.



Without bothering to look back, she set out in the direction of Totosai’s cave.



A few minutes of traveling passed by peacefully before she noticed the dog following her. She narrowed her eyes determinately before sprinting forward, darting between several trees in an attempt to lose him.



Shinji’s eyes widened thoughtfully as he paused in his pursuit. He lifted his head and delicately sniffed the air. Whoever this girl was, he had to stay by her. She was the only one to have ever survived the company of his rabid mind when he had transformed last night. She was his salvation. Someone who could make him control the nightmares that haunted him daily until now. Maybe she could control his bloodlust and rage. Maybe she could stop him from ever committing another act of mindless violence against his comrades again. This girl could save him. Perhaps he could even return to Umbra and live to serve under the call of his fellow demons once more.



He twitched when he caught the scent of the mark he’d placed on her the night before. But he panicked when he smelled the rushing tide of a long flowing river near her. The girl was smart, trying to lose him in the water. He was off like a shot in the wind.



Kagome dived straight into the water and relaxed into the pull of the current. She’d ride the rushing tides before returning to land. The water was revitalizing and she submerged herself into its pull. The river was fast and high due to the long rainy season but the land was old. There weren’t any jagged rocks or low hanging limbs that could potentially knock her unconscious. The only danger was of drowning and the chances of that happening was extremely low. Her love of bathing had secured her ability to swim.



She paddled along peacefully every now and then. Mostly keeping herself submerged in the water.



Eventually, she surfaced when the river entered an over-shadowed region. Shade meant there were trees hanging over the sides of the bank. She reached out and grabbed a low hanging bough. Her grip tightened when she was suddenly jerked to a stop. Silently, she hauled herself out of the water and swung herself onto the branch. She crouched down and hid herself between the leafy foliage offered by her refuge.



Kagome sighed and let her bow slide down from its place on her shoulder. She uncapped her quiver and checked her supplies. Everything was accounted for. Reassured, she settled down and hooked her weapon on a nearby limb. She tugged experimentally on the bow before hanging her quiver beside it. Its dark leather body was worn and scratched but the hard shelled cylinder was a reliable companion in such situations. If water had been allowed to permeate its casing, the arrows could warp and deform.



Carefully, she removed the sword from her belt. Luckily she’d had the insight to oil the blade so the water quickly beaded and slid off. She admired the glint of its shiny coat before she glanced around and looked for a place to set it. She grimaced regrettably when she couldn’t find an appropriate spot. There was only one choice left, she hissed before stabbing the blade into the thick bark of the tree. The wood was sturdy and strong so she didn’t need to pierce it deeply before it was held firmly in its place.



She patiently peeled off her shorts and wrung the water out. Her top was already drying so she didn’t bother with it. She gathered her hair and forced the water from it, plucking a wayward twig from in her strands. She pulled her shorts back on and shouldered her things. She was a little off-course; having miscalculated her exit from the river. She had traveled far more south than she had anticipated but she had made good time. In a flat sprint, she’d arrive just as the sun was about to set in the early evening.



Brushing herself off, she took off in an instant.



Shinji raised his head and scented the air. The girl had tactfully washed herself clean of the pungent mark he’d left on her when he licked her the night before, but he could still smell her natural scent. He let out a pleased groan as it faintly carried in the wind. He thought it was strange that she hadn’t bothered to move downwind; it meant the girl had to be heading directly toward a predetermined destination. She definitely wasn’t moving in a usual escape pattern of haphazard twists and turns. She was either lazy or in a hurry. Her movements were done with refinement; both thoughtful and efficient. Judging by her precise and confident stride, she was most likely on home turf.



The inuyoukai picked his way through the reeds. He’d been moving slowly so he wouldn’t miss the already rapidly disappearing trail. It was faint and subtle, having been blown away and carried with the river’s steady flow. But even though it was diluted, he recognized it. It was a soft, tempestuous scent. Like a blustery storm in a windswept winter landscape.

Shinji paused and lifted his nose to the wind. It would rain soon. He could smell it.

Letting out an irritated grunt, he darted forward. Rain was bad news. If it rained, then he really would lose her.



Kagome let out an exasperated sigh and slumped her shoulders. Gray clouds were hastily moving to cover the sky; bustling their way and cramming themselves into every available space. Looking into the distance, the gray giants began to blur into the horizon like a watercolor painting.



Rain.



She cursed. It was barely a hundred yards off.



Taking a quick assessment of her options, she found shelter underneath a tree with a thick canopy. She gathered the front of her sopping shirt and squeezed it.

‘I guess I’m staying here until the storm’s over…’ She looked around for dry fuel for a fire. She couldn’t risk hypothermia.



Shinji growled in frustration. He had been so close. The trail had led to a tree limb hanging over the river. The miko had obviously been there only a little while before. The inuyoukai delicately sniffed at the gouge left in the tree trunk by a sharp blade. The only real sign that she'd been there. Her scent ran short from there. It was pouring rain now and the girl hadn’t lingered very long. Even now, her presence was rapidly dissipating.



He shifted from his dog form. Looking down at himself; his human form was still covered with blood and grime from his earlier confrontations.



Shinji lowered himself into the river. The rain wasn’t falling quickly enough to wash him free from the scent. He reeked of bloodshed and it reminded him of the nightmarish battlegrounds in his past. Watching the dark rust colored stains disappear from his claws, Shinji narrowed his eyes. The deep red swirled away from him; fleetingly visible as it floated away from him before being swallowed up in the currents. He looked up at the gray rain falling all around him. The blood of his enemies slowly released its grip on him, trailing off of his face and hair.



The familiar emptiness had settled on him once more. A heavy burden and a guilty conscience surrounded his mind and he could only struggle rigidly under the weight before relenting to it. He sighed but he wasn’t surprised at his luck. He didn’t deserve the hope and potential peace that that girl offered to him.



Lamenting the loss, he looked around. It was no use standing in the rain and sulking. He was vaguely surprised that he recognized where he was. He took off; running fast and with certainty of the direction. An old friend stayed nearby and if Shinji asked, he was sure his friend would lend shelter for the night.



He jumped over some tall grass into an overgrown path, only used by deer and wild boar. It was a shortcut to his destination. It saved him an hour of travel, so it wouldn’t take long to arrive to where he was headed.



Kagome gently prodded the fire, she hadn’t been able to find any oak or olive wood nearby but she wasn't surprised. The only dry fuel available was from soft woods that burned quickly and made quite a bit of smoke. She knew that if she left the flame unattended, it would burn out.

She poked it again, causing sparks to rise out in response. Her shorts were drying nearby but her shirt and undergarments were already wearable. The rain wasn’t letting up and she knew she wouldn’t safely be able to trek out in the slick mud and rough terrain, especially in the darkness of the night.



Picking out some thick limbs for the fire, Kagome tossed them in before settling down for the night.

------



Using the last reserves of his energy, Shinji sprinted the last few miles to his goal. He arrived at the familiar cave that housed his ancient comrade.



Stepping into the damp shadows of the enclosing, there was a faint light at the very back of the space. He almost tripped over the ox that lied sleeping in the middle of the room. Suddenly the voice of his old friend broke the silence.



“What brings you here?” The voice echoed against the darkened walls, “Shinji?”



Hearing his name, the inuyoukai walked confidently into the firelight. The old hermit sat peacefully beside the fire. Shinji nodded his head in recognition.

“I seek shelter for the night.”



The weapon-smith glanced up at the dog before returning his gaze to the yellow-orange glow of his fire. He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“For such an old friend like you? Of course you can stay here. I’ll just credit it to your account.” The old man brought out a notebook and jotted something down. He absently waved for Shinji to have a seat, “Not too close, you smell like wet dog.”



Shinji coldly watched the man scribble in his book. Looking closer, the inuyoukai noticed that all the names inside were male.



Sighing, Shinji settled himself down against the wall. Sitting far enough from the hermit but close enough to feel the warmth from the blaze. He folded his arms and propped up a knee. He allowed his eyes to close. He was exhausted. Clearing his mind, he relaxed. His clothes were beginning to dry already. He had noticed that dark stains were still visible in the fabric; a reminder of the blood shed that happened earlier. He pinched the bridge of his nose. There would be nightmares tonight, he could feel it.

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



Kagome stretched. Having awoken on the hard ground, she was eager to get going. She let out an unbearably long yawn. She groaned and rubbed her neck. Her fire had gone out but she was dry and alive. She had considered placing a barrier around herself while she slept but it used up a lot of energy keeping it up all night so she decided against it.

Her stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten since early yesterday morning.



Her shorts were finally dry so she slid them back on. Luckily it hadn’t been cold last night or she would have froze without a fire.

Lifting herself up, she dusted off her equipment. She picked up her blade, twirling it deftly in her fingers before neatly sheathing it in her belt.



She looked to the placement of the sun on the horizon. She’d lost valuable time because of the storm. Theoretically, the best thing to do would be to wait until she got to Totosai’s before she ate. However, the hermit rarely stocked up on rations and her stomach violently protested the idea of forgoing breakfast.



She shrugged. She wasn’t the kind of person to ignore her instincts, she decided to hunt and take something down.

Ten minutes later she hefted a small boar over her shoulder. She hadn’t wasted time, gutting it neatly and leaving the site before the blood attracted carnivores to the area. Her prize was a considerably lighter load in her travels.



Skipping ahead, she readjusted her hold on her bow and happily marched forward. She’d arrive shortly to her destination.



“There you are,” she breathed out. Seeing the cave in the distance, she picked up her pace. She slowed down when she was at the entrance.

Smiling, she walked straight inside.



“Honey, I’m home,” She yelled out into the cavern, knowing the hermit was probably there. He didn’t get out much. She nimbly hopped over the water buffalo that was spread out in the middle of the way. She dropped her bow and arrows in a pile near the entrance and turned the corner. Seeing the tell-tale glow of a burning fire, she slung the boar off her shoulder and threw it into the room with a savage grin on her face.



She hummed happily, watching the carcass skid to a halt near the old man’s bed. However, she pouted when she discovered he hadn’t stirred from his sleep. The geezer was peacefully snoozing away; an undefined lump under a pile of old blankets. She wouldn’t have even known it was him if not for the gentle up and down motion of his breathing accompanied by the roaring snore that erupted from within.



Smirking, she slinked alongside him. She paused, stroking her chin thoughtfully, appraising the situation.



‘Meh,’ she shrugged and used both hands to cover the place she guessed his mouth and nose would be. The snores abruptly stopped; replaced with the sound of snorting gasps. The old man woke with a start and began thrashing out. Kagome released him and backed away.



“Wakey, wakey,” she picked up the boar, grinning foolishly she held it out, “I brought home some bakey.”

She laughed at Totosai’s ruffled appearance as he squinted at her with sleepy eyes.

“Ehh? Who’s that? Kagome?”



Her brow furrowed at the question and she frowned, “Of course! Who else could it be other than me? Or is there someone I should know about? Are you having an affair?!” She dropped the pig and clutched her chest. She gazed at him hurtfully and mock swooned.



Totosai blinked and scratched his chin, “I can’t remember…did I?.... Forgive me, you nubile young fillies are such treasures for these old eyes of mine.”

‘Old pervert,’ she laughed to herself.

“Anyway, I need a favor.” She kneeled in front of him, suddenly very serious, and lowered her head, “Weapon’s master Totosai, please, I need training.”



The old man rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “You know I would...but I have weapons to mend and swords to complete. I just don’t have the time.”

The girl sighed heavily, “I understand, then do you know of any--”

Suddenly a shiver ran down her back. She turned and found a pair of intense silver-gray eyes studying her. She recognized him immediately. Her eyes widened in calm surprise at the sight of the demon. Thinking it was in her imagination, she lifted her hand and pointed at him, turning to Totosai.



“Hey Totosai, what’s that?”

The old man followed the direction of her finger, “That, my dear, is an inuyoukai. Just ignore him, he’s harmless.”

Totosai gingerly lifted Kagome’s dead gift from the ground, dusting the boar off from its rough abuse. He paused mid-wipe when he realized something.



Kagome, who had incidentally witnessed the sight of the inuyoukai in all of his ferocious and menacing wrath, was about to question the dogs ‘harmless’ demeanor when Totosai interrupted.

“Actually Kagome, if you’re looking for training then you’re in luck. Shinji, here,” he waved towards the dog, “is a Grand Master. And unlike me, he has nothing worthwhile going on right now. AND, it just so happens, that he owes me a favor.”



Kagome watched as Totosai reached into his robes and took out a notebook, quickly flipping through it before he stopped. He read a few lines, following with his finger.

“Actually, it looks like he owes me 36 favors as of yesterday night.” The old man’s eyes gleamed mischievously as he met Shinji’s gaze, “All of which, I will cash in at this moment. Shinji, you will be training Kagome.”



Shinji could only watch as the hermit marked something down in his ledger and tucked it back in his robes. He couldn’t believe that the girl was even there. He had already come to terms with the thought that he’d never see her again.



Even though she had her doubts, Kagome couldn’t refuse training from a Grand Master. It was so rare an opportunity, to even glimpse someone of his stature was a precious event worth remembering. But for a human priestess to be trained by one…it was unheard of. She had to grab onto this chance while it was still on the table.

Turning, she kneeled in front of the inuyoukai and lowered her head.

“Sensei, I am in your care.”



Shinji studied her carefully before he nodded.



“…Yes…” he reached for her hand, “so it seems.”



==============================-----------------------------------



Shinji sighed heavily when he finished his speech.



“So Sesshoumaru, to answer your question: I am this size….because she wanted me to be. That is what it means to be tamed. In fact, that’s how our relationship has always been; ever since the day I met her. I’m afraid I have little self control in how I manage myself around her. All I want is to make her happy.” He paused thoughtfully. “That girl…is my savior. I owe my life to her.”



Sesshoumaru had his arms crossed, staring out into the courtyard, carefully avoiding his brother’s eyes. Disappointment, frustration, and emptiness weighed down on him. Shinji had been his master, his friend, his brother, and everything in between.

‘If I had been there, Shinji would have never ended up in that girl’s debt. I could have easily gotten him under control if his beast appeared.’ He growled at the thought of his older foster brother serving a human. He couldn't help but voice his opinion.



“Don’t exaggerate Shinji. You hardly owed her training, let alone your life.”



Shinji shook his head and sighed at the taiyoukai’s stubbornness. “I’m not exaggerating Sesshoumaru. The control I’ve gained over my youkai has given me the ability to suppress and contain my beast. I can sleep and I can fight without worrying because I know she will come to my side. Only she can calm my bloodlust. It is the same for Inuyasha.”



Sesshoumaru growled in low, feral tones.

“And what will you do now, Shinji? Do you plan to tote her along in your robes wherever you go? Don’t be a fool.”

Shinji sighed, shaking his head.

“You’re so stubborn Sesshoumaru. I don’t think you fully grasp the situation. Another master has appeared. Another emperor. The throne has been empty for centuries and our youkai have never been exposed to a human master so we have very little tolerance over her influence. And the purer your blood is, the more easily she will affect you. Before it’s too late and we can’t take it back, consider your options carefully. She doesn’t know yet. Only Shippo and I know of her power. Even our youngest brother doesn't know. Inuyasha is of mixed blood and has endured a long exposure to her even before she gained such power levels.” He turned to meet the eyes of each of the taiyoukai’s present.



“Sesshoumaru...Kayashima...Kouga...Kazuhiko..." he turned to look at each of them, "another betrayal must never happen again. If Kagome becomes the emperor—no, the empress; then it will be for life. The binding contract between the four lords will make her live for as long as one of the four of you remains. Yes, you will gain power, control, and command over your beast. But you will have to sacrifice some of your authority and influence to her. And eventually, you’ll have to learn how to trust her decisions. So before you decide to tell her, consider that it may be best for everyone to—pardon my expression—let sleeping dogs lie.”



The room fell into silence.



Suddenly, Kazuhiko pushed his chair back from the table; the sound of wood scraping against the stone floor raked against everyone’s frayed nerves.



“We cannot ignore the situation. We are in a precarious position. However, I think it’s best for everyone if we pursue this opportunity. If Lady Kagome has the ability to become the emperor, it could lead to a golden age of peace among both humans and demons.”



Kayashima slammed his hands on the table and stood, knocking his chair over in the process.

“Kazuhiko is right. We can’t just let her get away. We’ve got to do something.” The table shook as he slammed his fists into it again, “Someone bring her here and we’ll talk to her.”

Sesshoumaru snarled, “Typical hot-headed dragon, never considering the consequences of your actions. Tell me Kayashima, is your head sitting there only for decoration?”

Kayashima growled in low tones but Sesshoumaru pushed on.

“If this girl is really like the past master, we’ll be at her beck and call. We’ll be the play-things of a human priestess. We would be handing her the blade that ends us all. Why don’t we just save time and we can kill each other right here.” The acrid smell of burning hit their noses as Sesshoumaru’s poison began dripping from his claws. It sizzled as it met the smooth marble floor; eating away at the stone.



This time it was the wolf who spoke up.

“Kagome…she’d never try to overthrow us. She doesn’t take advantage of people like that. And like I said before, she probably won’t even agree to become the emperor. She takes a lot of pride in helping people in her travels.”



Kazuhiko nodded, “She’s an excellent choice. We are lucky it was her. As the empress, she’d have complete control over Umbra. She would be staying in this very palace. I’m sure Shinji could monitor her actions. He is her weapon’s master, after all.”



Sesshoumaru couldn’t believe what he was hearing. They were actually considering letting a miko have free reign in the youkai capital? He hissed at the idea.



“She will betray us…”



Kazuhiko looked directly into Sesshoumaru’s eyes when he spoke.

“Then perhaps, Lord Sesshoumaru, it is time we were betrayed. It will be payment for what happened in the past.”

Sesshoumaru was about to answer when he was interrupted. The door leading to the infirmary was slammed open. Naoki stood behind it. The boy was deathly calm as he walked in. Without a word, he walked past them and reached out his hand for the door that led to the ballroom.



Kayashima moved in the blink of an eye, grabbing onto the youth and yanking him back from the door.

“What are you doing?” He hissed as he shook the boy by his collar.



Naoki glared at the older dragon demon and struggled briefly.

Kayashima growled and shook him again.



Naoki snarled, “Let me go! Courting has already begun!”



Kayashima’s grip slackened in surprise. The courting…he’d forgotton all about that. Being a lord, he wasn’t allowed to participate in the event. It was only for lower nobles who were still unmated. He was jolted back to reality when his underling elbowed him in the ribs. The taiyoukai groaned and shook the boy again.

“Snap out of it! You know she came with Shinji, she is already taken for the evening. You aren’t allowed to court someone who already has a partner.”



The boy stilled in his efforts. Kayashima watched as the water dragon’s shoulders began to shake. The Eastern lord released his hold. He had a weakness for tears.

However, to his surprise, Naoki whipped out of his reached. The boy’s expression said nothing of sadness or anger. His shoulders were shaking from suppressing his laughter. He had been trying to contain his laughter but he couldn’t stop himself when he saw the surprise on Kayashima’s face. He erupted in a fit, chuckling deeply.

He sneered before pointing to Sesshoumaru, “That’s what I thought before HE asked them about their relationship. I heard a clear declaration from Shinji, ‘we came as friends’. That means that the girl may still be receptive to others. I heard it and so did everyone else in the room.”



Shinji cursed. He too, forgot about the courting. It was an event for the young and he was an old youkai.

Before anyone could react, Naoki had disappeared into the ballroom.



Shinji was the first to recover. Silently, he followed and vanished through the door.

Kayashima and Kouga were the next to jump up. They exited the room in a rush of panic.

Kazuhiko sighed and rose from his chair. He pushed it neatly back to the table and calmed followed after the group.



Sesshoumaru stayed where he was. He hadn’t forgotten about the courting. He was sure the girl could handle herself. The taiyoukai calmly rose and straightened his clothes. Suddenly, he heard a yell. It was Inuyasha’s voice.

Sesshoumaru huffed as he followed the noise out of the library and into the ballroom.

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



Kagome just wanted to leave Umbra and never look back. She trudged forward, it was strangely easy avoiding people on her return trip through the ballroom. There seemed to be a lot less people than before. She nodded respectfully toward another regal couple. It seemed that everyone she passed was from an older generation of nobility. Finally she was back to where she last was. She quirked a brow when she found her friends in a huddle. She approached them cautiously. Inuyasha glanced up and, spotting her, he grabbed her by the shoulders. The hanyou pulled her neatly into the group and huddled back down.

“Kagome, thank god you’re here,” Sango breathed in relief, “we thought you might’ve been taken.”

Kagome furrowed her brow in confusion. She rubbed her temples in an effort to understand what her friend was saying.

“Sango…what are you talking abou—“

Suddenly Kagome found herself being forcibly pulled from her friends. She watched her friends' figures quickly shrink in the distance, Inuyasha yelled something after her but his voice was lost in the sudden rush of movements around her. She twisted around and found herself in the grasp of three girls, all of whom were strangers.



“Come on, hurry up! It’s this way!” They giggled, pushing her forward.

Kagome was swept along with them. She noticed their decadent clothes: nobles. They didn’t seem to have ill intentions so she couldn’t attack them. Kagome struggled to catch her breath, hoping to reason with them.

“Uh…excuse me?” She groaned when they continued to pull her along. She raised her voice, trying to get their attention, “Please, I think you have the wrong person?”

One of the girls turned around in surprise. She looked to be around the same age as Kagome. The young demoness laughed and the others joined in. They finally stopped pulling her but they didn’t release her. They were pausing, mid-kidnap. The one to her left spoke first.

“What are you talking about? We’re going to be late!” She gasped, turning to the others with wide eyes, holding her hands to her mouth, “Oh, I know!” She turned back to Kagome, “This must be your first courting!” They all gasped and mimicked the other girl in a show of over-expressed realization. Kagome watched them, vaguely amused when they cooed and patted her shoulders reassuringly. They really did seem to mean well.



This time, the demoness to her right spoke first. She smiled genuinely, “I was nervous my first time too. Oh but don’t worry, you’re really pretty so I’m sure you’ll get picked really fast!”

They all nodded in agreement and gave the confused miko one last pat on the back.



Before Kagome could ask anything more, they were moving again.



‘Damn it, demons are fast.’ She struggled to catch a glimpse of her surroundings.



“We’re here!” One of them squealed in delight. Kagome squeezed her eyes shut, dizzy from the abrupt stop. They were saying something. They were excited about something. She couldn’t tell which one of them was talking anymore. They all looked the same in her swirling vision.

When her world finally stopped spinning, Kagome slowly opened her eyes. It was dark so she had to wait for her vision to adjust. However, when it did clear, she immediately wished it hadn’t.



Hundreds of demons surrounded her. Youkai who were at the pique of their physical condition. And every single one of them was a noble. This was the cream of the crop at the top of their game. Luckily, they were all too busy to notice her. Unluckily, that was because they were all feeling each other up. She couldn’t help but stare as couples grinded against one another. She couldn’t tell where one body ended and another began. It was a mass of sensual movement.



What she had assumed was a throbbing in her head was actually music. It was a deep, pulsating beat; a sinful and demonic sound. She couldn’t tell where it was coming from but it was like no other music she’d ever heard before. It was mesmerizing.

She blinked.

Suddenly, hands were all over her. Her kidnappers were frisking her in places she didn’t know she had. She felt them tugging at her clothes; tucking things in, loosening things up, and taking things off.

“Hey! Wait a min-! Ah!! No! Don’t touch that!”

Her protests fell on deaf ears and they continued their assault. Kagome gasped when she felt the crane pin being pulled from her hair. However it was promptly handed to her. She sighed in relief. However, relief was short-lived as two pairs of hands went into her hair and began ruffling it up.

Suddenly they released her. Kagome stumbled back, letting out a huff of indignation.



The demoness who had pulled out her hairpiece pouted.

“Don’t be cross. We only folded your hem inside your belt and took off a few excess pieces.” Kagome watched helplessly as they tossed a bundle of her things to one of the party servers, who then vanished.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get them back! And now you look absolutely gorgeous! Now get out there and have some fun.”

With a strong shove, they pushed her into the room.

“Don’t let them win too easily!” They winked and giggled at her.

Kagome was sucked into crowd with a vortex-like strength. She watched the other girls wave and she distantly heard their bids of good luck before the crowd pushed them apart.

She was swept away until she landed in what looked like a large clearing on the dance floor.



And then she was alone.



Looking very much like a deer in headlights, Kagome froze. Wide-eyed and vaguely terrified by the events that just took place.



‘Oh dear god, what just happened?’



Kagome forced herself to breath deeply, trying to calm herself.

She looked down and noticed the fragile instrument in her hand. She sighed in relief, at least she wasn’t unarmed.



‘Okay…Okay….Alright, now what just happened? I was with Inuyasha. Sango was there. She was asking me something. Then I was abducted…’

Kagome continued her silent narration of events, ticking them off on her fingers. Not knowing that she had an audience.



He was standing in the shadows, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. A handsome man with short, pale blond hair. He examined her carefully.



One of his friends approached him from the side, “Issei, what are you looking at?”

The blond had a smug expression as he pointed into the crowd, “The human is here.”



They followed his finger and saw her. A girl with long legs and a short dress. She looked disheveled and confused, as if she’d just woken up from a rough night in bed. Her long black hair was tousled back in a sexy mess.



Issei shifted on his feet when he felt his member react, “By the end of tonight, I’ll have my hands buried in her hair while she’s riding me, wrapped around my cock.” He closed his eyes when he imagined the scene. Her breathless cries, heated whispers against his ear, her tortured expression as he teased his hard length into her; oh yes, he’d make her beg before he gave her completion. And if she asked nicely, he might be convinced to just slam her into the wall and take her standing up. Or he could just sit back and watch her pleasure the both of them all night long. It was too bad that being tame wasn’t his style. He groaned as he imagined himself sheathing his length into her again and again. Hot, rough, and forceful. That’s how he liked his sex.



Issei’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard his friend scoff, “Are you kidding? She came with Shinji!” This time it was Issei’s turn to scoff but his friend was less impressed. “Shinji?? You know, as in THE Shinji. I’m sure you’ve heard of him. The Shinji who was adopted by Inutaisho? No? Well let me jog your memory. He’s the Shinji who’s won every Battle Royale he’s taken part in since he was in his teens, he’s the Shinji who led the Umbra Royal Forces, HE’S the Shinji who could tear you apart as easily as if he were ripping through a moth’s wing. THAT Shinji.”



However, Issei brushed off the warnings with a shrug of indifference.

He smirked, “She wouldn’t be here if she wasn’t looking for fun. Who knows? Maybe the old dog just didn’t have what it takes to satisfy her.”

With that said, he ignored all the other advice of his friends and advanced on his target. The miko was still standing in the same spot. He approached her from behind and paused to admire her backside. Her very expensive looking kimono was signifigantly shorter than before and her shoes and socks were now missing. She stood there, barefoot and helplessly disheveled.



Issei reached out for her waist, intent on ensnaring his prey. He was inches from seizing her and pulling her into his grasp when she was suddenly snatched away.



Kagome jumped as she was pulled into someone’s grasp. A hot mouth pressed against her head, whispering heatedly into her ear.



“Caaaught youuu…” It was a male voice, playful and humming.



She twisted around in his arms. Standing behind her was a happily grinning youth with familiar pale blond hair.



“Naoki,” she was relieved to see he had recovered and was happy to see him; despite his somewhat lack of formality. Something caught Kagome’s eye, she glanced over Naoki’s shoulder to meet the eyes of a man who bore a remarkable resemblance to the water dragon. The same ice blue eyes and pale gold hair, the man was just an older version of the boy. The only real difference now, was that the man looked fairly upset. Kagome watched as he stepped closer and tapped on the younger demon’s shoulder.



“Naoki.”



The boy turned his head, lazily raising a brow at who was standing behind him.



“Issei…What are you doing here?”



The elder of the two bristled in annoyance, “Shouldn’t I be asking you that? I thought you didn’t like the courting?”



Naoki glanced around as if he was suddenly aware of his surroundings, “Oh yes. Indeed, this isn’t to my tastes,” his eyes returned to the girl in his arms, “Luckily, I’ve found something to distract me.”



Issei glared at the heated look in the boy's eyes, “Mother won’t be pleased that her child prodigy has hastily chosen a mate for the courting already.”



Naoki shot him a hostile look, narrowing his eyes dangerously. However, his expression cooled in moments and he returned his attention to the miko.

“She’ll be fine with it once I tell her it’s the famous priestess she likes to gossip about with her friends. Besides, I’m not the son she’s always worried about. Have you mated yet, Issei?”



Kagome curiously watched the scene play out between the two. It sounded like they were brothers with unresolved issues. And she didn’t like the way the conversation was going. Who said she was going to mate a prepubescent teenager?

‘I better just stay out of this.’ She quietly resolved, looking around for an escape route.



As if reading her mind, the arms surrounding her tightened their grip. She turned back to see her young captor smiling slyly. He lowered head and nuzzled his face into her neck. She could feel his warm lips graze her throat. He took a deep breath there and exhaled. Kagome shivered, not knowing how to react.



Issei had tolerated enough. Seeing his little brother snuggle up to the girl was sickening. Naoki always got everything he wanted. The beloved, cherished, and gifted son of their parents. Even recognized by Kayashima as a talented youth, Naoki was given the Eastern River while Issei patrolled a city canal. Everything. Naoki always got everything.



‘I’ll be damned if he takes this too.’ Issei hissed at the thought. But he was fairly confident. He knew his younger brother didn’t have experience in the opposite sex. At least in that subject, Issei was the victor.



He reached out with all intentions of ripping them apart. He was moments away when he was thwarted again.



Kagome finally found herself swept up into a pair of very familiar arms. She sighed in relief.



“Sensei.”



Shinji nodded down at her and pressed her head into his shoulder before returning his gaze to the two youkai in front of him.

Issei took a step back, knowing full well of the vicious reputation that this dog demon held.

Naoki, however, took a step forward. Youth lent such foolish bravery to its holders.



“Release her, she doesn’t hold your courting mark Shinji. I know…” the dragon licked his lips hungrily, “I made sure to check her thoroughly.”



Issei watched, shocked by his brother’s actions. Was this the same nerdy little brother as before?



Kayashima and Kouga appeared behind them. The dragon taiyoukai immediately snapped Naoki up by the collar and gave him a good shake. Only earning a glare from the younger demon.



“Lord Kayashima, what a surprise," Naoki calmly remarked. "I thought taiyoukai’s weren’t allowed to interfere in matters of the courting. Isn’t that right?" The young demon asked innocently. "And we shouldn’t go against tradition,” Naoki scolded, smirking widely.

Kayashima narrowed his eyes at the rebellious youth. He felt Kouga’s hand on his shoulder.

“He’s right Kayashima. We aren’t allowed to get involved in their affairs.”



The dragon growled and snapped as he shook off Kouga’s hand, “I know that, Kouga. You don’t have to tell me that."



Shinji gazed at them steadily, emotionlessly. He opened his communication’s link.



*Kagome, you are in the courting room. It isn’t safe here, we must leave.*



*I understand.* She responded quickly, her head still buried in his chest.



He sighed. *I apologize for what I must do next…*



*I understand.* She answered. In all reality, she didn’t know what he was going to do. Maybe start busting some heads? She had no idea. However, she trusted him with her life.



Shinji nodded.



Suddenly, his mouth was on hers. Her breath was sucked out of her as he forced her mouth to open to his tongue. It was an intimate invasion that left her paralyzed in his arms.



He opened his eyes and glared at her coldly, deepening the kiss.



*Respond.* He commanded, shoving his tongue in further.



Kagome growled into his mouth and pushed herself aggressively into his chest. What kind of plan was this?!



*Make me.*



Shinji narrowed his eyes at her and fisted the hair at the base of her skull. He pressed his mouth into hers again, not allowing her to breath.



‘Bastard,’ she gasped when he yanked her head back and started sucking her neck. She watched him through hooded eyes as he dipped down to her collar bone.



Shinji snarled when he felt her hook her legs around his hips. She pressed her thighs tightly around him and grinded against him in challenge.



Kagome felt his arms move to support her. Her eyes widened when his hand moved into her skirt. She’d completely forgotten that those girls had altered it. His fingers roamed under her. He touched her experimentally, she gasped when his fingers grazed her. She scowled when he smirked up at her. He rotated his fingers and softly circled the region, earning a moan from her.



*Now, what were you just saying?* He grabbed the edge of her panties, threatening to move them out of the way. He smiled smugly when she glared at him.



However, his expression quickly changed when the girl moved a hand between them and grabbed his package. She stroked him firmly through the cloth, letting out an ominous laugh when he responded. She cocked a brow when a growl rumbled from his chest. But it wasn’t enough to make her stop her ministrations.

*Enough of this,* he pulled her head to one side and let out an aggressive snarl before sinking his teeth into her neck, briefly but none-too-gently.



Kagome hissed and stilled in his arms. He pulled back slowly so both of them could catch their breath. Suddenly, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise up. She shivered as a chill ran down her spine. There was something sinister in the air; a menacing presence.

She looked up curiously, just past Naoki and Kayashima’s shocked expressions, she saw him.

“Sesshoumaru.”



In moments, the taiyoukai was beside the couple. He knocked Shinji aside and grabbed her arm.



“A courting mark,” he hissed in realization. He didn’t know who he was angrier with: Shinji for doing it or the miko for allowing it. He tightened his grip on her arm and snapped angrily when she made a pained expression at his hold on her.



"You're coming with me," he yanked her through the crowd and they disappeared from sight.





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



Ah!! Thank you so much for rating and reviewing. See you next time,



-KPO4