Chapters 5 & 6! ~ao3~
Thank you so much for being patient, but I’ve finally written out the next few chapters. I can’t wait for y’all to read it! Much love!
Chapter 5 The Masquerade Ball
Kagome smiled as she stared at herself in the hall mirror, the enormous frame hanging in the large entryway. Sango is a genius with her marvelous dresses! Twirling around a bit as the emerald skirt swished around her ankles, she giggled softly. She had managed to get her hair into soft waves down her back and the bruise across her face was completely faded. Setting her matching green mask down, she smoothed her skirt, her fingers softly skimming over the silk. She had wanted to look her absolute best when she met Inuaysha’s family. Inuyasha. I can’t believe this actually happening! Oh, I’m so excited! I wonder what the castle looks like and his family. I bet the food will be amazing too. It’ll be nice to eat, instead of cooking, then begging for scraps after. I wonder how I will know when to leave Naraku and be with Inuyasha…
Biting her bottom lip, she reminded herself to keep his plan a secret from Naraku and Kikyo, but she hadn’t seen or heard from him since he proposed. Could I be his wife, the future Queen? Shaking her head from her intrusive thoughts, she smiled and straightened her back, ready for a night of dancing, fun and to be swept off her feet. Hearing the soft footsteps behind her, she turned to see Kikyo, escorted by Naraku, gracefully coming down the stairs in a plum velvet dress, a black lace mask in her hand.
“Father,” Kikyo began to whine, her perfect red lips forming a pout, “a servant can’t have a prettier dress than me. Make her change.” Naraku sighed, letting go of her arm and gestured to Kagome to pour two glasses of wine. Kagome poured the sweet red wine into two crystal glasses, handing them to her uncle. As Naraku handed one to Kikyo, he took a step away from Kagome.
“Kikyo, enjoy some wine and soon you’ll be dancing away with the crown prince. You will be the prettiest woman there.”
“Yes Father, whoops!” Kikyo gasped, tilting the glass, so the liquid stained Kagome’s bodice. Standing there in shock, Kagome could only stare at Kikyo’s smirk. “It seems you’re unfit to go this evening. We wouldn’t want a servant girl in a dirty dress to show up, tarnishing the family name.”
Kagome could only continue to stand there, her mind going blank on what just happened.
“Come now, the carriage is here. Kagome, I cannot allow you to join us if you’re going to look like a drunk.” Naraku sneered, gesturing towards the large dark stain across her chest. She could feel her eyes beginning to fill with unshed tears as the two slipped out the front door. Her heart, now filled with anguish and anger, shattered in to a million tiny pieces and her legs began to feel like pudding. Gripping the small table for support, she faintly heard the carriage drive away and dashed out the front door to follow. She caught a glimpse of Kuro as he rounded the corner, leaving Kagome in darkness.
Realizing she was too late, she continued to run towards her’s mother’s meadow, the moonlight lighting the path before her. As she rushed past the flowers, she tripped over her long skirt and she braced her hands in front for her fall. Laying there, her mind caught up with her as her palms throbbed in pain, she tried to take deep breaths. Kikyo and Naraku would finish out their plan and she would never be able to see Inuyasha again. I can’t keep doing this. I keep trying to be kind and have courage, but it’s no use anymore. Mother, Father, I wish you were here with me. Bringing her legs up, she folded her arms around her knees, laying her head on her forearms and began to sob.
“My dear Sango, you look absolutely lovely tonight. Come, let me introduce you to my dearest friend.” Miroku, wearing a nicer version of his signature monk robes with a dark purple mask, held out his arm for Sango. His dark blue eyes glimmered with pride as he looked over at his escort. Sango, wearing a black formfitting dress with a matching solid mask, blushed at his words and he knew he would forever be head over heels for this woman.
“Hello, Miroku and thank you. Tell me, what is his name?” Sango asked softly, linking her arm in his as he began to guide them through the growing crowds. Sango glanced around her for Kagome or her family, not having seen any of them. Where is she? I hope Naraku didn’t get angry again.
“Are you looking for someone?” He whispered in her ear.
“My friend Kagome, she said she would be here.” She answered, still looking around the ballroom.
“You know Kagome Higurashi?” He asked, stopping them near the thrones. A skeptical look crossed her features and Sango realized she didn’t know who Miroku really was.
“Yes, she’s my closest friend. How do you know her? You never answered my question about your friend either.” She glared at him suspiciously. He guided her closer to the throne, the King and Queen sitting upon the highest chairs, with family figures around them. Feeling a little nervous, she squeezed Miroku’s arm gently. He squeezed back in reassurance and she straightened her back as she waited for him to introduce her, determined to get some answers from him one way or another. She was beginning to grow worried about her friend.
“Hello Miroku, who is this?” Queen Izayoi asked as Sango curtsied.
“Your Majesty, this is my beloved Sango.” He bowed formally, then nodded towards Prince Inuyasha. Sango watched as this prince, the one Kagome was getting close to, nodded back.
“Well dear, you look lovely. Tell me, who made your gown?” Izayoi brought her golden mask down, her bright eyes sparkling. Toga smiled softly, encouraging her to chat with his Queen.
“I made it.” Sango whispered, thinking she couldn’t blush any brighter, getting compliments from Her Royal Highness was a dream.
“I will certainly have to visit your shop, I’m sure we can come up with a new gown together for my grandchild, Princess Rin.” Sango nodded, smiling brightly. She couldn’t wait to tell Kagome all about this. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Miroku stepped towards the Prince.
“Prince Inuyasha, Sango here is close friends with Kagome Higurashi.” He smiled, gesturing between the two of them. Golden eyes whipped to hers and Sango knew why her friend had fallen head over heels for this man.
“You know Kagome Higurashi?” His gruff voice asked. Sango nodded and swallowed, wondering if everything was alright.
Kagome heard before she saw soft footsteps and looked up just as a fox demon with green eyes bounded over. Feeling a bit of familiarity, she smiled at him. He was small, almost childlike, with a giant bow, matching his eyes, tying up his amber hair. His fluffy tail quivered behind him and as Kagome stared into his eyes, she realized it was the fox from the other afternoon, when she was picking flowers.
“Hello! Are you alright?” It spoke, his childish voice soothing as he held up a small lantern light with blue fire. She brushed the remaining tears from her cheek and smiled broader for him, nodding slowly. “I’m Shippo. You’re Kagome right?”
“How do you know my name?” She whispered, mesmerized by the blue flame.
“You were the girl in the meadow the other day, so I told Granny Kaede all about you and she knew your name! Do you wanna meet her?!” He asked, skipping from one foot to another, growing excited.
She laughed softly and nodded once more. It can’t hurt, after I’ll head back home and try and write a letter to Inuyasha explain what happened. Gathering herself, she stood to her feet and Shippo beckoned her to follow. She glanced back to her in the direction of the brightly light castle, a bit of sadness rooted in her heart. Following the little fox tyke into the forest, opposite of Inuaysha and her future, she held her breath as a small cottage came into view.
“You’re gonna love her! Granny makes so many good sweets and she has this treasure chest full of toys for me to play with!” Shippo leaped farther away from her, towards the small wooden door. Sh edit her lip, feeling a little embarrassed to be intruding at this late hour. Some sweets would be nice…..
Naraku glanced around the room, straightening his black leather mask on his face. Dressed in a simple suit for the evening, he walked towards a long column and watched the scene unfold in front of him. Kikyo was laughing with two women, sipping on a glass of wine. Her job tonight was to woo the prince, make him fall for her. He glanced towards the throne, where the High Monk was introducing the local seamstress to the King and Queen. Prince Inuyasha stood to the side, looking around the ballroom. Who is he looking for?
In the far corner, opposite of the royal family, Naraku noticed Menomaru. His long red cape concealing the dagger with poison along its blade. All the moth demons and to do was take down the King, slicing his skin enough for the poison to flow through his veins.
Continuing to stand back and watch, he didn’t notice King Sesshomaru watching him.
Kikyo glided along the dance floor, her dress swirling around her as the tall man guided her to the music. She glanced around, doing her best to keep an eye on the prince. As the music ended, a small break before the next was to begin, she curtsied quickly to her dance partner, then dashed away. Wrinkling her nose, she took a breath of fresh air, free of the stranger’s after shave.
Deciding now was better than ever to begin her plan, she looked around once more to see if her cousin ever made. Smiling smugly when Kagome was no where to be seen, she began to walk over towards the throne. As the High Monk was ending his conversation with Prince Inuyasha. Taking her final step, both men glanced her way and she curtsied low, keeping her gaze to the floor.
“Your Royal Highness, I wish to introduce myself formally.” Kikyo softly spoke, keeping her voice even.
“Rise child.” A feminine voice called from her left. She rose, lifting her head and met the Queen’s gaze, with the King staring ahead. He looks annoyed. She smiled for the Queen, her lips forming a near perfect smile. “What is your name?”
“I am Lady Kikyo Higurashi. My father is Lord Naraku Higurashi of the Higurashi manor.” She curtsied low once more, keep her back straight. She smoothed her dress, looking at Prince Inuyasha.
“What can we do for you Lady Kikyo?” Inuyasha asked, mirroring his father’s face. She grit her teeth, forcing herself to smile wider.
“I was wondering if you had a dance partner this evening?” She licked her lips, keeping her hands clasped in front of her.
“At this time, I do not. If I wish to dance with you, I will search you out.” He commanded, turning to face the ballroom, dismissing her. She frowned as she retreated. This might be a problem….
Chapter 6 Kagome’s Godmother
The cottage smelt of warm biscuits, lavender and some type of herb. I wonder if this is what home would smell like. She felt the warmth from the fire, a small pot filled with some stew bubbling and the small kettle near by with what she assumed was the lavender tea. She smiled softly as Shippo settled himself near the fireplace, wrapping a small blanket around his shoulders. He turned to her and smiled, beckoning her to come closer, his eyes bright in the glow.
“Child, ye can come in, come, get settled.” A warm voice came from behind her and she whirled around, startled. Heart beating fast, she gasped as an old woman with gray hair down to her waist and one eye smiled at her. Why do I feel like I know this woman?
“Are you Granny Kaede?” She whispered, relaxing a bit.
“Aye child, and ye are Kagome Higurashi.” Kaede stepped closer, reaching for Kagome’s hand and squeezing it gently. Kagome smiled a bit, nodding. She felt calm, relaxed and at home with this woman. But why does she feel this way? How do I know her?
“I am. How do you know me?” She asked, looking into Kaede’s eye.
“Come child, have a seat and I will explain everything to ye. Shippo dear, make Kagome a cup of tea for her nerves.” Kaede gestured for her to sit in an large cushion seat, the wooden arm rests engraved with swirls and flowers. She ran her hand over the wood, noticing the pattern matches a lot of the patterns in her own home.
“Your mother and father gifted me that chair when I built my home.” Kaede smiled.
“You knew my parents?” She gasped in awe.
“Yes dear. Kagome, ye are my godchild and I am so sorry for not having come to you sooner. Ye uncle has kept me away.”
“Why would Naraku would keep you from me?” Kagome asked, fully aware of Naraku’s ways.
“I’m not sure child, but I have watched you grow. Every time you visit your mother’s meadow, I see how much you look like her. You have your mother’s eyes and your father’s kindness. You remind me so much of them.” Kagome didn’t know what she was feeling at this moment, but it seemed the feelings were just over flowing. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she covered her mouth, silencing her cries.
“I miss them so much, some days it’s so hard. I feel like I’ve given up after tonight.”
“Oh my poor child,” Kaede kneeled in front of her, patting her legs softly as Shippo slowly walked over with a cup of steaming tea. “Drink some of this, it will help. Your parents loved you very much and I fully believe they have never left your side. They are with you in here.” She patted kagome softly on her chest, signaling her heart.
“Why did they leave me? I’m so alone.” She whispered, tears continuing to fall on her lap.
“They never wanted to. I believe Naraku has something to do with their deaths, but cannot prove anything. I feel that is why he has kept me away all these years.”
“Please don’t leave me. Please, can I stay with you?” Kagome cried, her tears falling harder.
“Shhh, Kagome drink some tea. I won’t leave you again.” Kagome only nodded, sipping the hot liquid and doing her best to take deep breaths. After a few moments, she smiled and nodded once more, signaling she was okay. “Now, I see you have a pretty dress on. Were you headed for the ball this evening?”
Kagome proceeded to tell her what happened, how Kikyo spilt wine on her dress and that it was too late to go. She would never make it in time. She told her all about Inuyasha and how she was falling in love with the prince and that she had this awful feeling Naraku and Kikyo were going to hurt him. Kaede nodded along, while Shippo crawled into Kagome’s lap, listening along quietly.
“Well, I have something that might help and we can get to your prince, if you would like?” Kaede rose to her knees, holding out a hand for Kagome to take. She looked at her, confused and decided that she might as well try. Sliding her hand into Kaede’s, Shippo jumped to her shoulder and she followed her along. Heading into a small bedroom to the side, Kaede led her to a large chest against a wall, flowers and swirls engraved in the wood, just like the chair.
“Your parents gifted this as well, but its what’s inside that was your mother’s personally.” Kaede opened the chest, and Kagome peeked around to look, intrigued. She saw a deep dark shade of green, emerald in the light, with a glass masquerade mask sitting on top. Glancing at Kaede who nodded for her to continue, she reached forward, picking up the glass mask gently.
“It’s beautiful. Was it my mother’s?” She whispered. It was like a spell had washed over here when she entered the home and if she spoke any louder, she would come crashing back into reality.
“That was actually mine. I was fond of masquerade balls in my youth, but haven’t worn it in years it seems. It is befitting for tonight.”
“And the dress?”
“Now that child, was your mother’s. She wore it the day your father asked her father, for her hand in marriage. I do not know why she gifted it to me, but I think it was meant for you. Now, we must hurry up and get you to that castle. Shippo dear, can you get her to the castle quickly?”
“Yes Granny!” Shippo leapt from her shoulder and scurried out into the living area. She could him faintly shuffling around and turned back to Kaede.
“Thank you so much Kaede. I could never repay you for helping me.”
“Kagome, you are so much like your parents, but ye are your own person as well. Get changed and I will see you off. There some shoes underneath the dress, tucked in the bottom of chest.” Kagome nodded, holding the mask to her chest tightly, smiling. Kaede began to leave to give her some privacy, but Kagome wanted to ask one more thing.
“Kaede?” She asked when the older woman turned, giving her a gleaning eye, “Will I see you again after this night?”
“Of course my dear. After tonight, I’m not letting you out of my life again.” Kagome’s smiled widened and she reached for the dress, excitement back in her mind. Inuyasha, I’m coming.
Walking out of the small cottage, Shippo transformed into a giant pink floating ball, hovering nearby. She held the mask in her hands tightly, as she climbed on to best of her ability. Making sure her skirt wouldn’t fly up in the gentle wind, she waved goodbye to Kaede and Shippo flew off, towards the castle.
She kissed Shippo on the cheek, his cheeks warming up and he giggled. She snickered, poking him in the round belly and told him to be careful getting back home. He nodded and waved goodbye. Turning to face the large castle doors, she heard music, laughter, and voices coming from the open balconies. Taking a deep breath, she slid the glass mask over her face, brushing out her soft curls with her fingers. You can do this. You have every right to be here. Inuyasha wants you here. Taking a step forward, she reached the castle doors and gestured for the soldier to open them. He nodded, smiling for her and lead her inside.
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