Sesshomaru and the... CH 28

Sesshomaru and the Forgiving Soul

Chapter 28: The Ball

Kagome walked down the halls until she was standing in front of the big double doors. She was joined shortly by her friends. Inuyasha showed up first and he looked magnificent in his kimono. The under layer was a spitting image of Sesshomaru's normal clothes. Over that he wore a navy blue layer that was open to show off the pants and shirt.

“You look amazing Kagome.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Kagome blushed a little.

“Thank you. You don't look half bad yourself Inuyasha.” Sango, Miroku and Shippo all appeared together. Miroku was wearing his usual priest robes. Shippo looked great in his outfit. The seamstress embroidered maple leaves into them. The green and browns suited him very nicely. Sango was exceptional in her kimono. The pinks and blacks fit her perfectly. She seemed a bit uncomfortable but was smiling with everyone else. Just as Kagome was going to ask how they liked their clothes Rin came running down the hall and threw herself at Kagome's legs.

“Rin. What's wrong?” Rin looked up at her and Kagome became concerned. Her face was one of pure terror. Kagome picked her up and hugged her as best as she could.

“Rin is afraid of all the demons inside. Rin doesn't want to go!” Kagome gently brushed her hair out of the way and smiled.

“I'm scared too.” Rin looked confused and shook her head.

“Mommy's not scared. Mommy's never scared.” Kagome chuckled and Inuyasha started to laugh out loud.

“I'm scared of a lot of things. I'm scared of all the demons inside this room. I'm scared of letting your father down and not going through with it. I'm scared to even walk through that door, but you know what?” Rin shook her head. “I'm going to do it anyway. Even though I'm scared I know that Sesshomaru is waiting for me just like he's waiting for you. He'll be really upset if we don't meet him.” Rin wiped her face and nodded her head.

“If daddy's in there then I guess I have to go too.” Kagome kissed her on the forehead and set her down. Kagome looked around and saw that the other lords had gathered as well. Kagome focused on her friends and smiled.

“Okay, I think it's getting ready to start. You all look wonderful. I'll see you inside.” Kagome stepped to the side so as not to be seen but any of the guests inside. The lords stood close to the door and it swung open and Sesshomaru's voice boomed out for all to hear.

“May I present Lord Van of the Northern Lands, Lord Koga of the Eastern Lands, and Lord Jino of the Southern lands.” The three lords walked into the hall together. After a moment Sesshomaru's voice rang out again.

“May I present the heir to the Western Kingdoms should I not bear any children, Prince Inuyasha.” The crowd burst into murmurs as Inuyasha stepped into the hall.

“My daughter Lady Rin.” Rin looked at Kagome and smiled before walking into the room.

“The monk Miroku, The demon slayer Sango, and the kitsune Shippo.” They walked into the room and out of sight. Kagome took a deep breath and stood tall and proud.

“The Priestess Lady Kagome.” Kagome walked through the door and paused for a moment as she saw Sesshomaru. His eyes were filled with pride. Kagome smiled and continued to walk down the path. Demons on both sides of her began to whisper. She reached the bottom of the steps and stopped as Sesshomaru told her to.

“I have requested to mate with Lady Kagome and she has excepted. Here, tonight, I shall mark her as my intended.” Kagome put one foot on the first step and threw up her aura. Jino stood in front of her claws extended. Kagome growled.

“Lord Jino. What is the meaning of this?” Kagome's voice was deep and angry. Lord Jino laughed.

“Did you honestly think that I would let you mate Sesshomaru? You are nothing but a mere human. You can not fight properly let alone defend yourself. Sesshomaru has fallen quite far but I will not allow even him to dull what it means to be a Lord.” Kagome narrowed her eyes.

“Say that again. I dare you.” Lord Jino raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Sesshomaru is not fit to be called a Lord.” Kagome's eyes began to glow blue and her aura surged around her.

“The heir to the Southern Lands needs to step up. I'm going to kill Jino.” Kagome's voice rang out true to the court and guests. As soon as the words left her mouth she was on top of him. Kagome's hands burnt through his chest. Jino dropped to the floor eyes wide with terror. Kagome gestured to some near by servants and they carried him from the hall. Kagome walked the rest of the way up the stairs until she was one level below Sesshomaru. His eyes were filled with love, happiness, and pride. Kagome turned to the crowd and waited.

“Since Jino is no more. Lord Jiro, please step forward and take your place as the Lord of the South.” Sesshomaru's voice was full of humor as he called for the Lord. Jiro stepped from the crowd and made his way up the steps to take his place. “Here and now I claim Kagome as mine for all time.” Kagome bent her head to the right and felt Sesshomaru sink his teeth into her neck. She felt a searing pain and was lightheaded for a moment and then it was over. Sesshomaru licked the wound until it healed and stood again. Blazing on the left side of her neck was a bright blue crescent moon. Kagome stepped once to the left and up and then back twice, placing herself on the same level as Sesshomaru but slightly behind. Sesshomaru waved his hand.

“Let the music begin.” Music began to drift through the room and people began to mingle. Kagome summoned a maid. The girl bowed deeply.

“Please have someone scrub Jino's room. And move Lord Jiro's belongings into the room.” The maid ran off and Kagome focused on Sesshomaru. He was talking to the other lords so she waited. Protocol dictated that she was not to go anywhere without her lord.

“Kagome.” She brought her head up and stepped closer to Sesshomaru.

“Yes, my lord?” Sesshomaru placed his hand on the small of her back and pulled her to his side.

“This is Lord Jiro. The new lord of the South, nephew of Jino.” Kagome bowed politely.

“So this little thing took out my uncle? I must say that I'm impressed. And you have your Mark, an unusual sight today. Priestesses don't concentrate as much anymore on their studies and training. It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Kagome.” Kagome smiled sweetly at the new lord.

“The pleasure is mine Lord Jiro.” Sesshomaru tightened his arm around her and pulled her away from the lords. He led her down the steps to Inuyasha and dropped his arm. Kagome stepped back a little.

“Be prepared for anything Inuyasha.” He nodded and crossed his arms. Sesshomaru nodded and moved into the crowd. Kagome followed closely but always behind as the court expected. Sesshomaru stopped often to speak with minor lords. She stood back and waited. No conversation was directed at her so she remained silent. Halfway through the crowd she felt the first stirrings of unease. Kagome quickly looked around for any sign of danger and found none.

(Maru, something is getting ready to happen. We should get back to Inuyasha and the others.)

(We will proceed back to the stairs in a moment.) Kagome bowed her head and sighed. Sesshomaru moved from one lord to another, slowly making his way back to the front. When Kagome caught sight of Inuyasha she looked again for any signs of danger. Then she saw him. A leopard demon  was approaching Inuyasha with a knife in his hand. Kagome fought for a moment with herself about breaking protocol and moving to warn him when Miroku stepped up to him and led him further from the demon.

Kagome sighed in relief and turned her attention once again back to Sesshomaru. They slowly made their way back to the front were they stood at the bottom of the stairs. There they stood with Sesshomaru in the middle, Kagome and Rin to his left and Inuyasha to his right. Miroku and Sango stood close by in case of trouble. They stood and observed the ball for fifteen minutes before anything happened. Kagome felt the warning system go off as tingles spread up her spine. Kagome glanced to Miroku to see if he felt it to. Miroku nodded and leaned over to Sango. Kagome started to scan the room for the intended killer. Kagome felt the tingles again and frowned.

(Sesshomaru. There is a killer here. There could be more than one.) Kagome felt a warmth settle on her and smiled.

(I will protect you.) Kagome continued to scan the crowd as they danced and mingled. At once she felt Midoriko in her mind and her aura flashed to encompass their entire group. The killer was met with the full strength of her shield. Rin screamed and turned into Kagome. He was a Hawk demon. A minor lord of the Southern Lands. He stood as tall as Sesshomaru with midnight black hair and bright swirling red eyes. The dagger he held was upraised, it's point angling downward. He stood in front of Inuyasha.

“The filthy half-breed does not deserve to be the heir!” The demon growled at them. Inuyasha cracked his knuckles ready to fight the stupid demon. Sesshomaru stepped through the barrier and grabbed the demon by the throat. The Hawk swung his dagger downward at him. Inuyasha jumped forward and caught his hand before he could make contact with Sesshomaru's body. Sesshomaru turned toward the crowd of demons before him.

“This demon is guilty of assaulting the Prince of my Lands. His punishment is death. Anyone else who attacks the Prince will also be killed.” Sesshomaru used his poison claws to decapitate the hawk before releasing his body to fall haphazardly to the floor. “Is there anyone else who would like to join him?” The crowd remained silent. Sesshomaru stepped back to Kagome and the music began again. Servants ran forward to clear away the body.

Sesshomaru wrapped an arm around Kagome and pulled her and Rin closer to his side. He spoke softly so that she was the only one who could hear.

“Take Rin to her room. Post guards at her door and the windows.” Rin turned to Sesshomaru and shook her head.

“It's okay Daddy. Rin was just scared by the demon. It happened so fast. Rin will be okay.” Sesshomaru looked down at her and smiled. His eyes shown with pride as he lay his hand on her head briefly. Sesshomaru schooled his features and nodded before facing the crowd again. Nothing else happened during the ball. The death of Lord Jino and the hawk seemed to make everyone realize that this was one family you don't mess with. The group stayed until midnight when the ball ended and the minor lords sent home for the night. Kagome and Sesshomaru were the last to leave the hall. They walked quietly through the halls until they got to Kagome's door. Sesshomaru pulled Kagome to his chest and captured her lips in a searing kiss. Kagome melted into him as he devoured her, tasting every dip in her mouth. Her hands inched up his chest until they were clinging to his shoulders. Sesshomaru tightened his hold on her, drawing her even closer to his clothed chest. Kagome surrendered her weight to him as she went boneless in his arms. Sesshomaru released her lips and stared hungrily into her eyes.

“Stay with me tonight.” That one phrase offered her so much that she took pause. She searched his eyes and her own heart. Then she smiled. Her hands framed his face and pulled him down for a brief kiss. Sesshomaru growled into it and deepened it. Kagome pulled back and kissed the end of his nose. His brow went up at the sweet and unexpected gesture.

“Okay, I'll stay with you.”