Chapter Text
Music, Merriment, and Matchmaking
Long ago, when youkai still roamed the land and could be seen by humans, an unseasonable cold gripped the land. Crops did not ripen, food became scarce, and many despaired.
The summer had been short and cool. It had hardly begun before it was over, the cold rains and winds of autumn taking its place. Then, far earlier than expected, the ice, sleet, and freezing temperatures descended upon the Western Keep.
Kagome, well wrapped in silk and fur, stood looking out into the gardens beyond the bed chamber’s window. The trees were stripped of leaves, the flowers nothing more than winterized beds or mournful bushes. Even the pond looked still, though not quite frozen.
The sound of the door sliding open interrupted her contemplation. She felt rather than saw Sesshoumaru’s presence behind her, his solid form warm against her back.
“Mate, it is cold. Come away from the window so you do not become chilled,” Sesshoumaru stated, the words not quite an order, but not really a request either. He continued, “I do not recall it turning so cold this early in the year. Or perhaps I have merely lost the timing cycle of the seasons.”
Kagome moved further into their room at Sesshoumaru’s behest, her brow furrowing as she considered Sesshoumaru’s comment. “No, I don’t think you’ve lost track.” She snorted a laugh at the idea. “Like you would ever lose track of anything.” Her face lost its humor and her eyes grew sad. “I believe we are entering a mini-ice age. That’s going to create a bunch of problems.”
Sesshoumaru repeated her words, “Mini ice age. I do not recognize this term. Explain.” Occasionally, Kagome would use words from her original time. Sometimes they were easy to comprehend. Other times they were completely without meaning, even with her explanation.
“Hmmm, yeah, ummm, okay.” ‘Okay’ was one of the words for which there was no clear definition, no matter how many times Kagome tried to explain it. “So, Sessh, you remember how the last couple years it was unseasonable warm and mild in the winter?” At Sesshoumaru’s confirming nod, she continued. “And you remember the big volcanic eruption we had earlier this year?”
“Yes. Konohanasakuya-hime [Mt. Fuji, goddess of volcanoes] was quite angered for a time. She has since settled to sleep once more,” he replied.
“Sure, okay. Well, Mt. Fuji wasn’t the only volcano to erupt. Several others, in other countries, also blew their tops at around the same time. This dumped a bunch of ash and other stuff into the air. All that stuff blocked the sunlight and caused a much cooler summer. It also means that winter will be longer and colder. For probably a couple of years. So, an Ice Age is a long period of cold, ice, and snow. Centuries of it. But a mini-ice age is a few years of it being colder than usual.” She paused and her voice trembled a bit. “Because there were years of warm and mild winters, the growing season was longer. More food means there was a population boom – errr, increase. But with the cold, there’s going to be shorter growing seasons and there’s going to be famine.”
Sesshoumaru considered her words. “This is knowledge you carry from the future?”
Kagome nodded. “I knew there were going to be years of bad harvests and famine. Not to mention disease. But I didn’t think I’d recognize them before they happened. It’s just hard, you know? That I know it’s coming, but there’s not much I can actually do about it. I can’t create more food in large amounts. And I have to be careful not to change the flow of history more than I’ve probably done already.”
“Mate, you cannot save them all. You have done much to help the youkai prepare for the human domination of the land. To allow us to coexist in the far future. You cannot fight the weather, nor the cycles of time.” He drew her close, turned her to face him. “You must not burden yourself with all of this. It will only cause you to suffer without means to stop it.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
“I know you’re right. I’ll try not to worry too much. But I would like to make sure our own stores are full. And to make sure that we aren’t wasting anything that can be eaten, okay?”
He looked into her hopeful blue eyes. He could refuse her nothing. She was his heart and had been since he fell in love and then mated her, several decades ago. “It shall be as you wish.” Shrewdly he looked down at her, his mouth curled in a smirk. “Perhaps I should distract you. Afterall, there is more than yourself you need to consider in your moods. We should do everything possible to keep your spirits calm and peaceful.”
He drew her even closer, his hands plucking at the folds of her kosode, careful not to get claws caught on the delicate silk. One hand reached to cup her head as he bent to kiss her lips. A little distraction for them both would be pleasant and keep them both warm.
Kagome allowed him to “distract” her, though her thoughts were hardly “calm” or “peaceful”. They were certainly warm, however.
In the Western Lands, the Lord and Lady of the West ruled benevolently over their domain. He was tall, with hair the color of moonlight. His prowess in battle was supreme, his judgements were fair. Though a great daiyoukai, he had mated (or perhaps married) a beautiful human with ebon tresses and a kind heart who was generous to all.
A couple of weeks later, the first flurries of snow began. Not the fluffy, magical flakes of an occasional delight. These were sullen slurries brought in by storms, leaving icy roads and frozen tree branches in their wake.
Once again, Kagome looked out a window. This time from her table in the room she referred to as their “office”. A room where they both worked on the business that pertained to the Western Lands. Sesshoumaru noticed Kagome seemed melancholy as her gaze looked out to the frozen landscape beyond. Maybe she needed more distraction. Something he was always happy to provide.
Before Sesshoumaru could move or say anything to turn thoughts into deeds, the door flew open. A stack of scrolls moving on a pair of green feet bumbled into the room. A shrill and strident voice came from behind the mobile scrolls.
“This is NOT a task for your faithful vassal, milord. This is the provenance of the Western Lady. My lady, I leave these to your capable skills.” With a squawk, the scrolls tripped and then landed in a pile on Kagome’s table, revealing an overwrought imp. Picking himself up from the floor, Jaken looked about the room. “I shall arrange for tea to be brought. It is far too chilly for you to be without a warming drink.” Without an explanation or waiting for comment, Jaken waddled from the room, sliding the door behind him.
Kagome glanced at Sesshoumaru. “Well, that was…unexpected. I didn’t think there was any task Jaken felt was *my* responsibility rather than his. With the possible exception of, well, ummm…,” her hands fluttered rather ineffectually towards her mid-section, “well you know.” Her face blushing pink. Even after years of being mated, Kagome still had some trouble voicing certain topics. Possibly because both he and his mother would tease her about it whenever possible.
“Indeed. Let us look at what was so important that only the Lady of the West would have the skills to settle.”
With a brief nod, Kagome plucked the first scroll from the pile spilling off her table. Scanning the document, her eyes widened. She then went back to the beginning, giving it her full attention.
“Umm, Sessh,” she began hesitantly, “this is a proposal of a marriage contract.”
Immediately, Sesshoumaru’s fangs emerged from his mouth, his eyes beginning to redden. “I have already made it clear innumerable times, the only mate I require is YOU. Which youkai has signed their death warrant for suggesting anything else.”
“Oh, calm down, big guy. It’s not for you. It’s a marriage contract, not a mating contract. Or not exactly. And before you ask, it’s not for me or Rin either. Let me look at the rest of these.” Kagome started skimming the rest of the scrolls. “Yup. These are *all* marriage proposals. This is so weird.”
His patience was being tested. Sesshoumaru spoke, carefully, keeping the growl out of his voice. “What do you mean by ‘weird’? Who are these for, mate, if not for us?”
“That’s the weird part. Jaken was right, this isn’t a task he’s suited for. They are addressed to me. These are all from humans. Mostly from nobles, but some from wealthy merchants or bureaucrats. They are all asking for my assistance in finding themselves or a member of their family a marriage match. They want to marry youkai and are requesting introductions or an omiai.” Kagome’s voice was puzzled, but also sounded on the brink of laughter.
One eyebrow raised, Sesshoumaru held out his hand. Kagome put a couple of the best worded scrolls in it and let him read for himself. “What does this phrase mean: ‘To assure future fortune, health, and longevity’? Or this one: ‘in the interest of longevity and perseverance’?”
Kagome thought for moment. “I’m not really sure. I thought those were just formal phrases for this time.” She took a second look at the other scrolls in the pile. “All of them have some sort of mention of future or longevity. Maybe it means something specific. It’s not like I’m all that acquainted with marriage contracts for this era. And things are handled very differently in my future. Maybe we could ask someone?”
Slowly, Sesshoumaru nodded. He pointed a claw at one of the scrolls. “This is from a merchant family we have dealt with many times. We can send Jaken to inquire as to the meaning of this deluge of marriage requests.”
“We certainly can NOT send Jaken to do anything of the sort,” Kagome retorted. “He’ll just insult them and they won’t answer with the honesty we need. That’s my friend Yumi’s family. I’ll go and talk to them. I’m sure I can get good answers. After all, these were all addressed to me specifically.”
“Very well. We shall go and see this merchant tomorrow, if the weather is not too uncomfortable for you. I will not allow you to become ill. You are far too precious to risk. I will inform Jaken of my decision.” For Sesshoumaru, that was almost an enthusiastic endorsement.
“Yay!! That sounds like fun. We’ve kind of been holed up in here for weeks. I’m looking forward to stretching my legs a bit.” Kagome said, excitedly. I’ll go make arrangements for supplies. You might want to let Rin and Shippou know where we’re going and why. Just so they’re prepared to cover for us while we’re gone.”
With that, Kagome scooted out the door, her steps and demeanor happier than they had been just awhile earlier. Not exactly the distraction Sesshoumaru had envisioned, but a distraction none the less.
Assisting them in their rule, a noble kitsune of many tails and gentle trickery with his bride, a human who loved flowers and had the gift of happy laughter. For to come to this place in their lives, they had persevered through much sorrow and sacrifice in order to save all the world. Their adventures had been many, the pain great, and the cost immense. After all of that, they tested their hearts and pledged one to the other, each the reward they sought to assuage the soul deep angst, to once more smile, and to bring light back to their world.
Because of their fairness and foresight in ruling, their courtesy, caring, and benevolence to all, the kami blessed both their unions with prosperity, longevity, and happiness.
The next day dawned cold, but clear. The two-headed dragon was saddled, bags strapped to his torso. Her bow and arrows were firmly attached, but within reach. Sesshoumaru placed Kagome on Ah-Un’s back, then tucked a layer of warm blankets around her. The dragon’s back was warm from their internal heat. In addition, Kagome had hot sweet potatoes in a pouch to keep her hands warm.
“I hope you put the large saddlebags on Ah-Un, Sessh. Since we’re going to a market town, I’ll probably want to do some shopping.”
Sesshoumaru’s eyebrow quirked upward, “Hnn…”
“Yes, yes,” she replied to the unvoiced admonition. “If I get too cold or tired or anything, I’ll tell you and we will go immediately home. I know the drill. Such a bossy boots.”
“Hnn.”
With that less than clear rejoinder, he summoned his flying cloud, Ah-Un falling into place as they all took off towards the market town where their merchant contact dwelled.
Soon enough they reached the bustling market. This village was well within the borders of Sesshoumaru’s Western holding. It was an unusual blend of youkai, humans, even a few hanyo. They landed in the yard of a fairly modest building. Signage indicated the merchant sold textiles and finished goods made from them. Before Kagome could slide from Ah-Un’s back, Sesshoumaru was lifting her gently from her nest of blankets.
“I could have done that myself you know,” Kagome groused, as she was placed on her feet. Sesshoumaru merely looked at her with cool amber eyes and held out his arm. With a small sigh, Kagome linked her own arm around his and let him guide her through the shop’s door and into the warm space beyond.
The shop was already bustling with morning shoppers looking at pouches, belts, fabric lengths, and finished garments. The human proprietors were busy showing the way a fabric gleamed in the light or the delicate embroidery on a decorated bag. Present in the shop was the husband, Reizou, his wife, Tsuru, and their eldest daughter, Yumi. As soon as the daiyoukai and his lady entered, Reizou excused himself from the customer he had been tending to bow and welcome the Western Lord and Lady into his store.
“My Lord, my Lady, welcome to our humble shop. How may we serve you today.” Reizou was polite without being obsequious.
Kagome answered with a soft smile, “Reizou-san, thank you. I’m mostly just browsing today. Though I’d like a word on a letter I recently received, if one of you has time to speak with me?”
“Of course, my Lady. Any of us would be happy to speak with you.”
“Perhaps Yumi would be available? Since this concerns her, she could answer my questions and show me any new wares you might have stocked since I was last here. And we could catch up with each other.” Kagome got along very well with the eldest daughter, Yumi. It was almost as if they were friends instantly upon meeting, so comfortable and familiar did Kagome find the merchant’s daughter. “Sesshoumaru, would that be okay with you?”
“Yes, mate, it is acceptable. This one shall peruse the offerings on display. If you become tired or….” He reached out to cup her cheek, gently, pleased with the gentle blush that immediately tinted her face.
“Yes, yes, we already covered that. I will tell you immediately.” Kagome refrained from a visible eyeroll with effort.
Yumi, having finished wrapping up a customer’s purchases, came to Kagome’s side, her happiness in seeing her liege lady and friend evident in her eyes and smile. “Come, my Lady. We can go to the back room, have tea and speak in privacy.” She led Kagome behind the draped curtains separating the store front from the living quarters.
“It’s so good to see you, my Lady. Am I understanding that Father wrote to you as he promised me? I hope that’s what this is about,” Yumi chattered excitedly, as she served tea in sturdy cups. She was an unusually tall young woman, who took charge of many aspects of her family’s business, as there were no sons in the family. She had an avid interest in the uses of teas and herbs.
“I thought we agreed you would call me Kagome? But, yes, that’s what I’m here to discuss. We got the letter, but there’s some…unusual wording that I wanted to clarify.”
Kagome and Yumi sipped their tea. “I am honored that you have read our letter. I will do all I can to answer any questions you may have.” Yumi’s expression became far more serious while she waited for Kagome to share her concerns.
Pulling the scroll from Yumi’s family out of a bag, Kagome began, “First, you need to know yours was not the only letter of its type I’ve received. But you are the only person in the batch that I know personally well enough to ask questions. All of these missives are omiai requests. Specifically, to introduce humans to youkai. And all of them had similar phrases to this one in yours. Words about longevity and the future. At first, I thought it was just some formal phrasing used in marriage contracts, but Sesshoumaru says not. What does your family mean with this phrase?”
“Ah, ah, ah, Kagome-sama, please forgive me,” Yumi bowed from her seated position. “We assumed you would understand, since you are the first recipient of this blessing. Watching you and our lord’s ward, Rin-sama, marry youkai and then live far longer than humans usually do, it is obvious that wedding a youkai prolongs life. Or such are the tales that are told in the market squares by storytellers. Our family merely hoped that by my wedding a youkai, I’d be able to continue to keep our business going into the future. A strong youkai husband would protect me and any children we have and perhaps my sisters as well. If we have overstepped, I beg your forgiveness. Though, as you have seen, we are not the only ones to make this decision. I cannot speak to others’ motives, but ours are not ones of greed or jealousy, I assure you.”
With every word Yumi spoke, Kagome became more and more distraught. They thought that her long life was only due to being wed to Sesshoumaru. And Rin’s due to her joining with Shippou. She could see where that misunderstanding could have come about, because as far as she knew both her and Rin’s long lives were unrelated to mating their respective partners. On the other hand, they didn’t actually have an explanation for it, so it might be a part of the puzzle. Clearly, she was going to have to do some research and figure out what combination of factors had occurred to cause this “blessing”. And they would need this information fast, because there were so many ways this could go very badly indeed.
“Yumi, please, it’s fine. No need to bow. You’ve given me valuable insight into what led to this sudden influx of marriage requests. So, thank you. Unfortunately, that’s not what led to my longer lifespan. Just marriage isn’t what caused it. Not even just mating with a youkai will produce what you’re asking. I’m going to have to consult with Sesshoumaru and others to figure out if what you’re asking is even possible for other humans.” Kagome realized that if humans thought marrying or mating a youkai would unlock longer lives that youkai would be in trouble. And so could their already chosen human mates.
“Putting all that aside for now, why don’t you show me what new stuff you’ve got in stock. I need to buy presents for Sessh and the others. I’m excited to see what you’ve got.” With that, Kagome steered the conversation away from marriage contracts and into the merchant’s livelihood.
A few hours, some intense shopping, a lunch, and a journey home later, Sesshoumaru once again gently assisted Kagome from Ah-Un’s back. By mutual agreement, they had decided to wait until they returned to the Western keep to discuss the information Kagome had received. Ensconced on cushions in the office, Kagome related what Yumi had told her. “I’m really concerned about this, Sessh. If humans think that by mating or marrying youkai, they gain immortality or longevity or better health or whatever, it’s only a short step to forced relationships or weird rivalries or a host of other bad ideas. We’re going to have to do something to change the stories being told. I’m afraid this stack of scrolls will only be the beginning. We’ve never really questioned why Rin and I are approaching what would be extreme old age for humans, but we really haven’t aged much beyond early adulthood.”
“I have never pretended to be an expert in human health or wellbeing, other than yours and Rin’s,” rumbled Sesshoumaru. “I do not know of many other youkai/human unions that have successfully lasted beyond brief couplings. As you know, most hanyo are not welcome by either of our people, which tends to discourage cross matings. And in the case where there have been love matches and matings, one or both of the couple often die by violence before any effect of longevity would be observed. It could be that you and Rin are unique, whether by association with the cursed Jewel or any of the other influences the two of you encountered over time. Or it could be that a true mating such as ours, formed by our hearts and souls recognizing each other would be enough to grant the extra time. I have not bothered to look into it.”
“Do you think, maybe, someone else might know? Maybe Myoga, or Bakuseno, or even, maybe, your mother? They are all older youkai, who have seen a lot. Maybe they know something. Regardless, we’re going to have to do something to stop people from seeing youkai as some sort of magic life span extension. Just mate, and “BAM!” instant forever,” Kagome spoke, worriedly.
“I shall send Jaken to query Mother and to summon Myoga here. I myself will speak with Bokuseno. You will remain here to receive Mother when she arrives. You must not worry yourself overly, my mate. All will be well.”
“Yeah, I’m sure we’ll come up with something. I may even have a couple of ideas on how to get humans to understand they can’t just marry a youkai on a whim. That it has to be very, very special. Like us.” Kagome grinned at him, wrinkling her nose, and then popped up on her knees to kiss him solidly on the lips. Sesshoumaru took the opportunity to clasp her to his chest and deepen the kiss, then move his mouth, tongue, and fangs over to the sensitive places on her neck.
Jaken chose that exact moment to slide open the chamber door. “You wished to see me, Sesshoumaru-sama? How may your loyal and humble vassal serve you, might one?
There were no convenient throwing pebbles nearby.
“Jaken,” Sesshoumaru said in a dark deadpan tone. “Inform my mother that I wish to consult with her and that her daughter-in-law misses her company.” Kagome giggled, then stuck her tongue out at him. He continued, “Further, find Myoga and tell that flea that I summon him to the Westen keep. Do not delay. You are dismissed.”
“Yyyess, milord, immediately,” stammered Jaken. He hastily backed out of the room, leaving behind a tray of tea and snacks.
“Hmmm, now where were we,” cooed Kagome as she snuggled close once again. “I need to get extra kisses to hold me while you are talking to Bakuseno.”
Through their wise stewardship, the West was spared the ravages of famine. Still, many in their lands worried. To turn their peoples’ minds away from darkness, the Western Lord and Lady declared they would host a grand entertainment, choosing by lot many from both the youkai and the humans and also from those who were a mix of both.
A few days later, Kagome, Sesshoumaru, his mother – InuKimi, Rin, Shippou, and Myoga gathered in a comfortable room in the Western keep. A fire warmed the room, while thick draperies on the walls and rugs on the floors kept drafts at bay. An assortment of drinks and snacks were at hand. Paper, brushes, and ink were on readily placed tables. Jaken had snuck into a corner, ready to step in should his lord need anything. Clearly, this was a council of war. Or at least a serious endeavor.
Kagome looked about the room. “Okay, now that we’re all together, let’s compare notes.” She gave a thorough summary of the situation and her concerns. “I understand that to someone from the outside, it’s odd that two of us in this household…”
“Pack,” corrected Sesshoumaru.
“Right.” She continued, “Uhh, two of us in this pack who are human have apparently extended lifespans. The only common denominator being that we are mated to youkai and we haven’t been killed yet. Which I guess is pretty unusual. But that can’t be the only criteria for longevity, can it?”
“Nonsense,” snorted Inukimi. “As if such a simple thing would allow any average human to live longer. This is as ridiculous as eating our organs to gain our strength. Although…,” she paused looking sharply at Rin, “there may be a slight amount of truth to the mating as a catalyst. It should be fascinating to observe.”
Rin hummed as she put her teacup down. “Lady Mother, you have said something of this sort before...” Rin did a passable imitation of Kimi’s voice, “‘If that was all it took to extend a human lifetime, they would be seeking us out for relationships, not trying to exterminate us.’ Well, it looks as though you were prophetic, because they ARE seeking youkai out for relationships. We need to solve this riddle before they resume extermination.
Sesshoumaru spoke next, “According to Bakuseno, there have been many cross matings in the past. There have also been a few stories of humans having extended lifetimes. Not all of those long lived were either wed or mated. Not all those mated had long lives. There were a few that were both.”
Myoga scratched his chin in thought, “As far as I’m aware, no one has made such a claim. Not even the Great Dog General” there was a sharp intact of breath around the room. He winced then continued, “I beg your pardon, for bringing up a painful subject, but it is relevant. Not even himself thought to seek such for his human princess.”
“You are pardoned, Myoga. This one no longer thinks much upon that stanza of life’s poem.” Kimi sipped her tea and carefully chose a sweet to sample. “We must simply continue to research and observe to see what other factors have led to this particular outcome.”
Shippou decided it was his turn to say something, “Yeah, well, that’s great. Except that there’s a bunch of humans who want long life, have decided that marrying a youkai is the way to get that, and aren’t going to just sit by and wait forever for us to figure it out. They aren’t going to be happy with us just saying ‘No, that’s not how it works.’ They’ll push for marriages or matings or whatever. They may decide that Sesshoumaru and I are the reason for our mates’ longer lifespan and try to replace them. And we know both humans and youkai are prone to violence to get what they want.” He reached out and took Rin’s hand in his as he scooted closer to her, hovering protectively.
Kagome could feel how tense the room was getting. She opened her mouth to try and say something calming, when an unexpected voice spoke first.
“You need to send out story tellers with your own version of this. Change the way the facts are interpreted. Make the key to be beautiful, magic, divine. That violence negates the effect. Then show yourselves to be actively encouraging the requested outcome. That will bring both humans and youkai together to try and create a wonder. It starts with the story. If you can control that, you can control the hearts and minds of those who believe it.”
“Jaken?” gasped Kagome, “you are absolutely right. There is a saying from my home ‘control the narrative’. So, we need to shape a story that still fits what people perceive, and give a reasonable explanation of how to achieve it while making it such a difficult thing to reach that even if most of the elements are in place, there will be something that can’t happen and it’s not our fault that it doesn’t. What do we have to work with?”
“Mating not marriage, so between a youkai and human”
“Or a youkai and hanyo, or a hanyo and human.”
“True love, of heart, mind, and spirit.”
“Besting a fearsome enemy in battle.”
“No, Sessh, we are trying to prevent bloodshed here, not encourage it.”
“Only a youkai or a hanyo can tell if it is a true mating of that sort. Their yoki can feel it.”
“Maybe a miko or a monk or someone with reiki can feel it as well. Let’s spread it around a bit.”
Kagome put her fingers to her temple and groaned. “No one is going to believe this nonsense. If any of this were true Kouga wouldn’t have bothered me for so long. And Inuyasha could have just told me and not kept me confused on his feelings.
Shippou, with a worried tone, patted her back, “To be fair, Yasha had a really hard time telling you and Kikyo apart back then. And Kouga is kind of an idiot. Well, they both are. However, no one really remembers that part of your story except those of us who were there. Also, not all youkai find a mating as close as Rin and I or you and Sesshoumaru. Whether with another youkai or with a human. It’s unusual. Which is kind of the point we’re trying to make.”
Kagome smiled at her all grown up kit. “When did you get so smart?”
“I was always this way. Just took awhile for you lot to notice,” he grinned.
“Yes, yes, children, all well and good. But we need something else to make this believable. Something next to impossible, but still allows a glimmer of hope. Something appropriate for a legend, so that it will last in the abysmal memories of the selfish and the short sighted.”
“Great sacrifice is in a lot of stories.”
“Defeating a great foe, preferable in battle, but other ways are acceptable.”
“Exposure to large amounts of magic energy.”
“The final element is a blessing from the kami, which none can control.”
The all turned and looked at the one who made this last statement.
“Master Jaken, how are you so familiar with these story elements?” queried Rin.
The imp looked embarrassed for just a moment, then puffed himself up. “It is part of the labors I do for milord. I listen to make sure none say anything that is untrue or that might insult his greatness and power. As I travel, I seek the market squares and inns to hear who is a teller of tales. If a storyteller errors in their recitation, I correct it swiftly, so that all may know the immense majesty of Lord Sesshoumaru. In doing so, I have absorbed knowledge of what makes others note and remember stories about his mighty feats.”
There was a moment of silence while they all pondered what Jaken had said. He often acted like a buffoon, but there was a brain underneath all that puffery.
Kagome broke through the silence. “Right, that settles it. Jaken, you’re in charge of making this…mess of points into a viable story and spreading it out to the story tellers in whatever fashion works. You’re the expert, so do what needs to be done.”
She looked around the room, “Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru and I will host a, well, not a ball, though that is a fairytale theme. More like a house party. We’ll invite some of the humans that have sent in requests. The ones I’m sure aren’t going try anything violent. I’ll invite as many youkai and hanyo as I can think of that might be looking for a mate and wouldn’t mind a human partner. Maybe in about 3 weeks? I think that’s enough time to get ready. Myoga, would you please deliver the invitations to the youkai and hanyo we invite? Perhaps you have suggestions on who to include as well? Rin, you and Shippou can help come up with activities to keep our guests entertained.” Rin clapped her hands. Shippou nodded, a little mischief in his expression. Kagome turned to InuKimi, “I hope you would be willing to advise me on what is appropriate for an event of this kind and what to say to youkai to entice them to come for it. All of the events we’ve hosted before have been far more ceremonial and political or just among friends. This is kind of a mix of both.” Kimi inclined her head in agreement, more than a little mischief gleaming in her eyes. “Great!! Let’s get started. We’ve got a lot to do and not much time to get it done.” Kagome’s beamed at the group, happiness replacing the worry that had been etched on her face and scent.
Once again, Sesshoumaru thought, not exactly the distraction he had envisioned, but a distraction none the less.
Serving them, to complete their every command quickly and well, were many servants and advisors. Thus was the grand entertainment planned and, Lo, the day of this arrived. Into the shiro came those whom fortune had favored with invitation. Some were great in the councils of rule, others humble in ways which status is counted. All had something to contribute and something to gain. For all were unmated (or perhaps unmarried) and sought a chance to find their heart’s other half. And perhaps, if fortune continued to shine, a kami blessed union such as their lieges shared.
Time passed swiftly. Almost before they knew it, the beginning day of the house party arrived. The weather favored them, cold but clear. That first day, all Sesshoumaru and Kagome needed to do was greet guests as they arrived, switching with Shippou and Rin as Kagome grew tired and Sesshoumaru insisted she should rest. Jaken had taken care of everything else, from room assignments to dietary needs. He handled the inevitable additions to the arrival parties, with some squawking, but still efficiently. There were guest arrivals late into the night, but eventually, all those who were invited were lodged in beautiful, cozy rooms, their every need seen to.
The second day was a bit awkward. The humans huddled together on one end of the large receiving room, the youkai and hanyo on the other. The fact that most of the youkai and hanyo knew each other, or at least had heard of each other, probably did not help encourage mingling. Kagome and Rin fluttered between the groups, trying to urge one or another in them to come be introduced.
“This isn’t going well,” Shippou whispered to Sesshoumaru. “Kagome and Rin are going to be so disappointed if this is a flop.” Shippou had an unfortunate habit of imitating Kagome’s vocabulary and speech patterns. He looked around the room. Present on the youkai side were several old friends, and a couple old enemies. Time and changing alliances had changed the relationship status of more than a few youkai. Shunran, a panther youkai, had once been the enemy of both Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. Now, they were nominally neutral with the panther tribe. But somehow, Kagome and Shunran had forged a friendship. Shiori, a bat hanyo was much the same. The rest of the present youkai and hanyo were male, so Shunran and Shiori had clumped together, making comments in low undertones.
Rin and Kagome’s old friend, Jinenji, was present. The gentle giant and herb farmer was still single. Even though he had a very good relationship with the village nearest his farm, he was lonely. Especially in the years since his mother had passed away. Both Rin and Kagome made an effort to see him several times a year, but due to his shyness he had difficulty making new friends.
Two members of the Northern Wolf tribe had traveled, bringing regards from Kouga. Kai and Shinta had grown up and were currently looking for possible mates. Kanta, Shippou’s otter demon friend from their old adventuring days, had also grown up. He was enjoying catching up with Shippou and Rin.
Finally, a moth demon named Motoshi had been included with an introduction from Myoga. Accompanying him was Hachi, the tanuki, who had pretty much invited himself to the festivities, though he claimed he had traveled with Motoshi as a guide and guardian.
On the human side, Yumi, the merchant’s daughter, with her mother, Tsuru, were the only ones that were known personally to the West. The others had been pulled from the various marriage proposal scrolls. As much as possible, Kagome had tried to bring a balanced group to the gathering, but even she had had to concede and just make a few guesses as to who might be a good candidate.
She carefully checked the slip of paper, her ‘cheat notes’, that described the human invitees. Maybe she’d get a clue from her notes on how to break the ice and get both groups to mingle.
Yumi, merchant family, eldest daughter
Emiko, pottery artisan, daughter of same
Tomio, middle son of soldier
Daiki, farming family, youngest son
Hari, 2nd daughter of apothecary
Sakura, lesser noble family, middle daughter of 3
Itsuko, poet, 6th daughter of paper maker
Nanae, 2nd daughter of bureaucrat
Ruri, youngest granddaughter of a daimyo
Aki, wealthy farming family, sister
Yuzuru, merchant family, 3rd son
Mieko, artisan family, youngest daughter
There wasn’t much useful written. Miserably, Kagome was just about to walk back to the other side of the room where all the youkai were gathered, when the sound of an argument came from beyond the doors. The guests, turned towards the disturbance, puzzled as to the meaning.
“Let me go, ya pricks!! Whatever she said was a lie!! What do ya mean I can’t go in? I’m always allowed to visit. Just go get Kagome, or even one of the runts and they’ll tell ya! Lemme go. I don’t want to hurt ya, but I will if you make me! ‘Gome is gonna be so pissed. Don’t let that dog fool ya. You are so dead you b….” Whatever the speaker was going to say was muffled.
“Uh oh!” said Shippou. “I thought he was staying with Kouga for the winter. This is not going to go well at all.”
The shoji doors glided open. Framed in the doorway was the elegant figure of InuKimi, her lavender robes flowed gracefully around her. Even the falling snow had not dared to stick to her garments. Behind her, in the snow were two guards hovering over a pair of red clad legs, sticking out of a snow pile.
“Mother,” Sesshoumaru deadpanned. “What did you do?”
Kimi, raised a hand before mouth and gave a polite, if sarcastic, laugh. “Nothing more than a small jest. Inuyasha should learn how to laugh at himself.” She turned back to the guards, “Ne, ne, let the pup go. Once he’s brushed the snow off, he may come in. No harm done, just a harmless prank.” She looked about the room, “Now what festivities did we interrupt?
“Welcome, Lady Mother,” Kagome bowed to her mother-in-law. “We were introducing everyone and helping them to mingle. Tonight, we will have a moon viewing and poetry writing, since the weather is so clear.”
“Ahhh, delightful.” Kimi eyes flashed with mischief, as she scanned the quiet and separated room. “This one can tell how lively the company is.”
Inuyasha had finished shaking the snow off and peered beyond the doorway. “You having a party? Without tellin’ me about it?”
“It’s not like that, Uncle Yasha,” said Rin. “This is a gathering for introductions.”
“So, introduce me, squirt!”
Shippou suddenly grinned and spoke, “Of course, Inuyasha, I’d be happy to introduce you.” A hand placed on the half-youkai’s arm led him over to where the humans were standing. “Ladies, gentleman, this is Lord Sesshoumaru’s brother….”
“Half-brother.” Voices came from three different areas of the room as Kimi, Sesshoumaru, and Inuyasha corrected Shippou simultaneously.
“Of course, Sesshoumaru’s half-brother, Inuyasha. You may have heard of him and his adventures. Part of the forest near Edo is named for him.” With admiral accuracy, Shippou named all of those in the human delegation. They responded with polite comments. Inuyasha shot a confused glance at the kitsune as several of the ladies looked at him speculatively.
“What kind of party did you say this was?” Inuyasha muttered to Shippou.
“One where you get introduced to everyone and there are activities to allow them to get to know you,” Shippou smirked.
“Why’d ya want to do that?” Inuyasha sounded even more puzzled.
“Oh, for many reasons, pup. I think you’ll do just fine for this gathering. I’m surprised we didn’t think to include you initially.” Kimi had clearly overheard everything. “Dear Daughter, rather than you trying to entertain us, perhaps we should entertain you.” She raised her voice just a bit. “I’m sure several of those here present must play some sort of musical instrument. This one plays the tsuchibue or xun.”
The response to Kimi’s question was immediate. Very quickly it was determined that several of the company did indeed play something. Some had brought their instruments with them. Others were able to borrow something to play once Kimi had sent Jaken to bring back instruments from where they were stored in the shiro storehouses. Soon musical strains were wafting throughout the reception chamber to a receptive audience of those who did not play.
In addition to Kimi’s tsuchibue, the ensemble combined the sounds of a couple different types of shamisen, a yamatogoto, ichigenkin, two different sized fue, a biwa, daiko – both high and low pitched, a Shakubyoshi, and a set of chappa. Even Inuyasha was convinced to attempt keeping time on Kokiriko, with Kimi’s urging comment, “Surely, pup, as a son of the Great General, you are capable of keeping cadence”.
Considering the last-minute attempt, the music was actually quite well done. Mistakes were greeted with laughter, light teasing, and another attempt. The barriers between youkai and human were breached in this pleasant activity. Names were exchanged so they could call out to each other. They tried out each other’s instruments with variable results. By the time they decided to stop, due to fatigue and giggles interrupting the music, the musicians had decided to play together every day of the gathering.
By that time, there was just enough time to return to chambers in order to change for dinner and the promised moon viewing with poetry writing.
The gathering lasted for many days. At first neither human nor youkai would speak to each other. However, after much effort by their hosts, the guests spoke and mingled like old friends reuniting. Each day they enjoyed feasting, merriment, and participated in varied entertainments. Much music and art were made by those so inclined.
“I’m an idiot,” Kagome announced to Sesshoumaru, as they walked to the dining room.
“You will not malign my mate with such word. You are NOT an idiot,” he returned as he stopped her to kiss her forehead, placing her hand on his arm, before resuming the steady pace.
Kagome smiled up at him. “Fine,” she countered, “then I have made an idiotic assumption. I’ve been treating this gathering like a formal omiai. I should have been treating it like a corporate retreat. That’s where I went wrong today. Tonight, I’m correcting that.”
Sesshoumaru raised one eyebrow. His low baritone had almost no inflection as he commented, “I do not understand what that means. I thought this was an omiai. Wasn’t that the purpose of the gathering, to see if any would find mates?”
“Well, yes,” she replied, “but with this many people, they need to mingle more, meet everyone in the room. Your mother has the right idea. I need to promote the activities. Then the guests can pursue their own objectives, as long as they don’t push on someone who isn’t interested. That’s when I’ll need to intervene. Otherwise, I just need to present opportunities, not specific matches. So that’s what I’m going to do. Like an activity director rather than a matchmaker.”
Sometimes Sesshoumaru could follow Kagome’s time twisted thought processes. This was not one of those times. However, as long as things moved smoothly and she was happy, he was content to support her strange ideas. At least she was pleasantly distracted from her worries. As far as he was concerned, that was the most important thing he could provide to this odd gathering.
At the end of a wonderful meal, which had the guests conversing almost as if they had known each other for years rather than a mere day, Kagome stood up. Jaken waddled up next to her, paper and brush at the ready.
“Tonight, dear guests, we are going to view the moon and all that is bathed in its light. Then those who wish to, may take the opportunity to compose poetry that it might inspire. But to make this a bit more interesting, there will also be a competition. We will judge the poetry based on a number of different of criteria and categories. I would like your input as to the categories to include. I have already decided on “Most beautiful”, “Best use of Imagery”, and “Most Humorous”. There will also be categories for individual poets and for ones composed by group effort. What others would you like to see?”
As suggestions began to be voiced, Sesshoumaru beckoned Rin to his side. “It seems we may need to provide prizes for this activity. Perhaps for some of the others as well, if I understand my mate. You are in charge of finding acceptable ones. If need be, send to the village merchants. Make the kit help you. It will keep you both out of mischief, perhaps.” Then he placed a hand on her head, as if she were still the little girl who had followed him. And she smiled at him just the same as she always had before nodding and moving away to find Shippou.
The moon viewing and subsequent poetry writing proved to be lively. Especially when three different human suitors – Tomio, Daiki, and Hari - wrote poems praising Inukimi’s beauty and compared it to the moonlight.
“This Sesshoumaru will put an end to this foolish behavior,” growled the dog-demon, watching his mother smile and preen behind a fan. “The poetry isn’t even that well written.”
“Oh, hush,” Kagome, shushed him. “Your mother is enjoying the attention. Let her have some fun. It’s fairly harmless. Hmmm, I hope they realize that Kimi isn’t one of the youkai looking for a mate.” She looked slyly up at her mate, “maybe she’s looking for a playtoy…” she watched his fangs descend, his eyes started to rim in red. “Oh, stop it. I’m just teasing. Your mother can certainly handle herself.”
At that point there was a loud ruckus from a distant part of the garden.
“Oy, stop followin’ me. Look, woman, I just don’t…hey, don’t touch my ears. I said leave ‘em alone. This is stupid. I’m otta here.” There was a swoosh, and then a figure in red on a branch as high up in a leafless tree as could support him. Inuyasha called down from his perch, “Kagome, I don’t know what kind of party ya think your having, but some of your guests are more handsy than Miroku before he married Sango.”
A blushing Mieko came out from behind the same tree, hurrying to giggle with some of the other girls. Including, Kagome noted, Shiori, who motioned at her own ears, before giggling even more.
Yumi, Kagome’s merchant friend, stepped forward. “Jinenji and I wrote a poem together.” She began to recite their poem about a garden frosted in moonlight, which effectively pulled the attention away from Inuyasha’s antics. When Yumi was done, and the guests were immersed in the next round of writing, Kagome whispered to her, “thank you.” Yumi nodded, pleased she had been able to help her friend.
The next day had been Rin’s to plan. She chose all outdoor activities for the day, with a tea blending and tasting competition for the late afternoon.
Specially marked pathways around the gardens had been frozen with water to make them slippery and allow sliding along quickly. Rin had tried to suggest making snow huts, but that rapidly devolved into blitzes of snow ball fights. The two wolf youkai, Shinta and Kai, along with Ruri and Hari, pelted Shunran and Motoshi, with their allies Tomio and Nanae, who happily returned fire.
At the tea competition, Jinenji and Yumi won by making an herbal blend that tasted far better than any of the other entries.
After dinner, there was more music.
The fourth day of the gathering it was snowing heavily. Too heavily for the human members of the group to stay outside for long. Instead, they played games of many sorts. After lunch, flat platters of snow were brought into a sheltered courtyard. They were then instructed to make shapes and holes in the snow, pour in selections of various juices. After dinner, the now frozen juice shapes were consumed as dessert.
The fifth and final day of the gathering, couples and teams turned frozen blocks of ice into ice sculptures, and placed them around the gardens as decoration. Jaken took charge of directing the placements, though one of the chaperones kept interrupting him and critiquing his choices. She kept following him until the dinner hour, when he sat behind Sesshoumaru, so she couldn’t see him. “I am NOT one of the mating candidates. My Lady Kagome, tell her to leave me alone. My Lord Sesshoumaru’s matters protect…I mean…prohibit me from forming such…attachments.”
Carefully holding in her laughter, Kagome solemnly promised to dissuade Jaken’s amorous admirer.
Kimi had also tired of her trio of would-be swain. She handled the situation far more diplomatically, by pointing them either at the other youkai or at each other. Either way, she took more amusement from the results than from their attentions.
Inuyasha kept climbing trees.
The highlight of the evening was a storyteller that Jaken had brought in to tell the composed story of how a youkai and human match MIGHT result in a “kami blessed union” and possibly grant the blessing of longevity. Or it might receive some other blessing.
As they headed to their bed chamber for the night, Kagome confessed to Sesshoumaru, “I’m not sure if this party did any good. No one seemed to pair up. I guess I’m not that good a matchmaker.”
“My little mate, the purpose of your entertainment was merely to give an opportunity for a mating match. This was just a small sample of what might be possible matches. More importantly, it served to showcase the story we wish to tell to encourage the humans to treat youkai well and discourage the situations you were worried about. It was an acceptable distraction. Though I am glad they all go home tomorrow. I am ready to have your attention to myself. And to have you rest more. You have worked far too hard on this project.”
“Hmmm,” yawned Kagome, “I suppose you’re right. Maybe we can do this again in a few years. With more time, I’m sure I could come up with a larger guest list. But I’ll be glad for the break. We’re going to be busy for a while after this.” She yawned again, and was asleep as soon as she laid her head down.
“Rest now, my love. You are expending extra energy growing our pup. You must take more care not to overdo it.” Sesshoumaru gently covered Kagome with the warm blankets, and watched her breathe in her sleep before he, too, settled down for the night.
At the end of the week of festivities, it was clear that at least one pair had the chance of the sought after mystical partnership. So pleased were the Lord and Lady of the West, that they declared they would hold more such gatherings in the future.
In the morning, the guests left, though differently then they had arrived. There was no trepidation. There were promises to stay in touch across the groups. The final folk to leave were Jinenji and Yumi.
“Kagome, thank you so much for including me in your party. I had a really good time. And Jinenji and I are, well, we’re looking into a business arrangement for some of his herbs. The blend we used for the tea competition went so well, we’re going to offer it in our store, along with maybe some others. We’ll have to consult and figure out what might do well,” said Yumi.
“Yes, Lady Kagome and Lord Sesshoumaru, thank you for introducing me to such a fine and knowledgeable woman. It will be good to have another way to sell my herbs,” nodded Jinenji, looking admiringly at Yumi.
With that, they departed.
“Huh, that’s interesting.”
“Hnn?”
“Maybe there will be a match that comes out of this experiment after all. We’ll have to watch those two. Maybe invite them both to bring tea samples or something.”
“Hnn.” That would also be a suitable distraction. Something Kagome would have to sit down to enjoy. Meanwhile, with the guests gone, perhaps he would be able to persuade her to enjoy a distraction with him.
“Oy, lady, just leave me alone!!” the shout was accompanied by the creaking of tree branches and showering snow as Inuyasha leaped into a tree.
“Don’t be ridiculous, pup. I just want to see how you look with your hair up. I’m curious. Besides, hiding in a tree is foolish. I am able to fly after all. And my true form is taller than that branch. Come down here, now, silly pup.”
“Yeah, make me, you crazy nag!!”
“Very well, if you insist…” this last faded into a growl, followed by crashing and yelping.
Unfortunately, thought Sesshoumaru, not all the guests had left.
“I think maybe we should go inside and have a snack. Suddenly I’m starving,” declared Kagome.
“As you wish, mate.”
And so it was, for years upon years. Not every attempt resulted in a blessed union. Still, enough of them were happily united that the tradition stayed. And who knows, perhaps they still do so now, in those faraway lands where youkai still live in peace with human kind. Perhaps, if you are very lucky, you might be invited to attend one. But that would be a tale for a different day.
Epilogue
Two little girls meet in elementary school.
“Hi, my name is Kagome.”
“Hello. My name is Ayumi. I like your name. Like the bird in the game. Or like the weaving pattern. That’s so cool.”
“I like your name, too.”
“Thank you. I’m named after my grandmother. She and my grandfather own an herbal shop. They have yummy tea there.”
“That’s also cool. Hey, want to be friends?”
“Yes!! Let’s be friends!”