Chapter 126

The chaos at the engagement feast




"Marry?!" Jaken squeaked, gawking at Sesshomaru. Mai opened her mouth agape, equally shocked. Sesshomaru and getting married?

The dog demoness send a fake smile at her son.

"If you wish our agreement to remain unchanged, Sesshomaru, oblige. A demon at your age should find himself a spouse and produce a heir, after all and I am eager to see my grandchildren in this century." She said, angering the male inu-youkai more. Sesshomaru was glaring at her murderously, but said nothing to protest. His mother didn't even flinch. "What will you do, Sesshomaru?"
The demon stayed silent for a while, taking part in a staring contest with his mother. Finally, he spoke.

"I have sworn on my father's grave." He said. "Therefore I will not take back my word."

The demoness's eyes brightened and she clapped her hands happily.

"Splendid!" she exclaimed. "You will meet your betrothed at the feast. Come with me. You can take your servants with you, if you wish."

She turned around, swishing with her furry uchike, and began walking away. Sesshomaru followed her instantly and the rest of the group rushed after the silver-haired demon. Mai and Jaken stayed a little behind, letting the children run first.

"I don't believe, that Sesshomaru-sama is getting married." Jaken whispered to Mai.

The girl stared at the silver-haired demon's back for a while. The news needed some time to soak in. It was simply too much happening with Rin dying and being unexpectedly saved. To hear, that due some promise made to his mother, Sesshomaru will be meeting his fiancée today and will marry…

Mai knew, that it was hopelessly stupid, but she felt uneasy and jealous. She touched her silver hairpin – it was a precious item, that reminded her, that the demon could be kind to her and would never leave her in trouble. Now, she felt somewhat guilty wearing it. Once he had a wife, it would be suspicious, if he was rescuing some human girl all the time. His wife surely wouldn't like it. He would have stay with his bride instead of running around, while dragging Mai and Rin with him. The girl didn't want Sesshomaru to marry and leave them – she wanted everything to stay the way it was before.

"Me neither." She whispered back to the imp. "What about the search for Naraku?"

"Don't worry. It is common, that women stay at home, while husbands are away on some missions."

The imp answered. "It's rare for women to travel along."

"Oh." Mai uttered. It was a little bit of a relief, that Sesshomaru's future bride probably wouldn't tag along and their journey would continue till Naraku is dead, but it would never be the same.

Mai sighed. She was quite confused about the reason, why she was that upset. According to Jaken, nothing would really change – they would still travel together and Sesshomaru would still be her boss, but there was something else… Mai's hand wandered to her neck, as the girl wondered, if the kiss marks disappeared already. Almost immediately she scolded herself for even having such thoughts. It was silly to think about how he kissed her that time – he didn't even know, what he was doing! It was totally wrong to get some strange ideas because of that incident. It was not like she was in love with him… She may liked him more, maybe a lot more… but…

"Mai!" Jaken's voice exclaimed and the punch with Nintoujou helped her get back to the reality. The girl didn't even realize, when they reached their destination. She heard her stomach rumbling – a sign, that the feast was needed, despite the little fact, that they would get to know Sesshomaru's brand new fiancée. She tried not to think of it. What right she had to stick her nose into her boss's private life anyway?

The group was standing in front of huge, decorative door, guarded by the youkai soldiers. Out of nowhere some servants appeared, also demons. One of them bowed curtly before Sesshomaru's mother.

"Sayuri-sama, everything is ready for your arrival." He said politely, apparently addressing the demoness by her name.

The female youkai nodded and the door was slid open. Mai stopped herself from gasping with all her willpower. That, what she saw, didn't match, what she expected. She thought, that they will participate in some sort of a family dinner, but behind the door was an enormous courtyard, serving as a dining hall.

The sakura trees were in full bloom, what was odd at this season of the year. Inside there were gathered about a hundred well-clad demons, almost everyone in their human-like forms. The servants were standing quietly in the background. The tables were set, but no one touched the food yet. At the sight of various dishes Mai's stomach rumbled even louder. She clutched it discreetly, praying for no one to pay any attention. At the sight of such luxuries, she was relieved, that she decided to wear her best kimono today – it paled in the comparison with other women's attires though. The girl grabbed Rin's hand, motioning the child to stick to her.

Sesshomaru and his mother began walking towards their places in the middle of the courtyard. Jaken trotted right next to his leg. Mai and the kids also rushed after their boss, but the servants blocked their way.

"You will be seated at the other table." The servant said, sending Mai and the kids a look full of disdain. The girl furrowed her brow, seeing, that they let Jaken through without making him any problems – so the issue was, that they were humans. She gritted her teeth.

"Move!" she hissed to the servant, shoving him aside. "We're with Sesshomaru."

Both inu-youkai turned around to see, what caused the commotion. Lady Sayuri arched her eyebrow and turned to her son.

"Did you not teach your humans their place, Sesshomaru?" she asked quietly. The dog demon furrowed his brows, obviously angered at the remark.

"Kohaku," he addressed the most reasonable human. "take the females to their seats."
With those words he turned around and followed his mother, not even bothering to look at Mai. The girl clenched her teeth, pissed how inferior she was treated again. The worst was, that Sesshomaru was totally okay with that.

"Follow me!" the demon servant nagged and Kohaku pulled Mai after himself.

The girl followed the boy, not stopping glaring daggers at Sesshomaru. The servant led them to the furthest table in the corner of the courtyard, where most of the youkai guests were not even able to take the shape close to human – Mai figured out, that they must be some lesser demons. She felt her blood boil at the thought, that they had the worst table. The servant pointed the three empty seats and left without delay. Mai and Kohaku sat on the sides, having Rin sit between them. On the girl's left side was sitting a furry youkai, resembling Chewbacca from Star Wars. She looked at the other guests, that were staring at their little group with disapproval.

"To think, that Sayuri-sama let the humans sit at the same table with us. What was she thinking!" one of the bird-like demons fussed. Her companion nodded eagerly.

"Scandalous!" he agreed. Mai sent the pair the murderous look.

"Peaches!" Rin, exclaimed pointing the fruit and gained Mai's attention, who saw, that the kid couldn't reach. She grabbed two fruit and placed on the child's table.

"Here you go " she said passing Rin the peaches. The child smiled gratefully and sank her teeth in the fruit. Mai felt hateful glances concentrate on her and the kid. She glared back at the demons, refusing to be intimidated by them. She was sure, that no harm would befall the humans, who are Sesshomaru's companions.

"What?" she snapped. The youkai kept sending her disdainful glances, but one of them answered her.

"You are not supposed to start eating before Sayuri-sama and Sesshomaru-sama." The Chewbacca-like demon hissed to her. Mai arched her eyebrow.

"I doubt, that Sesshomaru would want his ward to starve because of a protocol. Take it as an exception." She talked back. The youkai were startled by her attitude – they must have expected her to be terrified and obedient.

"A human has no right to speak in a such an impertinent way to a youkai." The bird demoness said, eying Mai hatefully. The girl returned the glare. No way, that she'd let them treat them so! She spend some time in the Asakura castle, so she knew how to show them, how princessing was done!

"A lesser demon like you has hardly any right to open its beak in the presence of a royal princess."

She said high-and-mighty. She smirked inwardly, seeing, that the demons at the table went red with anger – apparently calling them 'lesser demos' pulled a string. Surely they wanted to rip her in shreds, but the fear of Sesshomaru and his mother refrained them from doing so. Mai felt awfully good, having put them in place – it made her humor better.

"It is Sesshomaru-sama's bride!" the male bird-youkai hissed, pointing someone with his claw.

All the demons abruptly turned to see the mysterious woman. Mai didn't really want to know, who she was, but she felt curiosity too. She craned her neck and straightened her back to see something, because Sesshomaru's table was quite far from theirs. The girl could discern a woman's silhouette. She had beautiful, long hair and wore a colorful multi-layered attire, really impressive. When she turned around to smile at Sesshomaru, Mai saw her face.

"No…" she whispered, clenching her fists, till the knuckles turned white. "Not her."

The woman was the crane demoness Kasumi. Mai was sending poisonous glares at the perfect pair, as Kasumi sat down, nearly glowing at Sesshomaru's side.

"Mai, are you okay?" Rin asked, concerned. Mai averted her hateful gaze from the main table and smiled at the child faintly. She was about to say some makeshift lie, but Kohaku helped her out, distracting Rin.

"Rin, don't bother Mai-sama. Do you want me to peel an apple for you?" he asked. The little girl nodded happily.

Mai set her gaze on the table, putting her hands on her knees and clutching the fabric of her kimono.

Why of all women must it be that smug bitch Kasumi? She would rather have Sesshomaru marry Naraku than that despicable… youkai. The most infuriating was, how pretty they looked together – as though they were born for each other.

The girl sat still for a longer while, not bothering to look up. She heard the youkai feasting and chatting about Sesshomaru and his bride, Kohaku was entertaining Rin. Mai's stomach rumbled, reminding her, that she didn't eat anything since breakfast. She decided to quit mopping and enjoy the feast as well. She just had to distract herself somehow. She looked around, not being able to decide, which dish seemed to be the most delicious. Then, a servant laid a large plate with roasted meat right in front of Rin. Mai's eyes brightened – meat was the thing, she craved for. She cut the piece off, enthusiastically, and put on her plate.

"Rin, Kohaku, do you want some?" she asked the children.

Both of them nodded, also wanting to eat the hot roast. Mai cut off the pieces for the kids and turned her attention to her own plate. She reached to grab a bowl of rice and poured herself some water. Then, she gripped the chopsticks. The girl was about to put the piece of roast into her mouth, when Kohaku suddenly grabbed her wrist, reaching over Rin's head. Surprised, Mai looked at the boy, who had a determined expression on his face.

"Don't eat it, Mai-sama." He said quietly.

"Don't eat it." Kohaku repeated, holding Mai's wrist. When she nodded, he let go of her hand and the girl slowly put the piece of the roast back on her plate. Immediately she pushed away Rin's plate.

"Mai, I wanted to eat that!" the child protested. Mai sent her a scolding look.

"Don't argue, kid. You won't eat that. Period." She said to the pouting Rin and turned to Kohaku, who noticeably tensed. "Kohaku, what's wrong?"

The boy motioned her with a gesture to get closer. She leaned over Rin, so that Kohaku could whisper to her ear.

"This meat… it's a human's meat." He explained whispering. Mai pulled back, shocked, to look at the boy's face.

"Are you sure?" she asked nervously.

Kohaku nodded with a serious expression in his eyes. Mai set her gaze on the roast – at the first sight it didn't look out of ordinary, it could be easily mistaken with pig's meat, but when she looked closer she could make out a shape of a human torso. The girl covered her mouth with her sleeve, feeling a wave of nausea washing over her body. If Kohaku hadn't stopped her, she would have eaten a human meat. What a disgusting thought!

With a corner of her eye she saw Rin reaching for her plate. Mai slapped the kid's hand gently.

"Rin, I said not to eat that." Mai reminded the child.

The Chewbacca-like youkai laughed and the two bird demons, along with other guests at their table joined them. The bird demoness flashed a fake smile at Mai.

"Are you not eating the main course, princess?" she asked in a mocking tone. "This is the specialty of castle kitchen."

Mai glared at the demons angrily. She looked at Sesshomaru, who was sitting calmly between his mother and Kasumi, listening to the crane demoness, that was talking with a graceful smile. Mai furrowed her brows. The asshole left them sitting in some corner, while the demons were happily eating the people like her, Rin or Kohaku. How could he?! She stood up abruptly, grabbing Rin's hand.

"Mai, what…" Rin started, but Mai pulled her closer to herself and turned her attention to the demon-slayer.

"Kohaku, we're leaving." She said firmly and made her way towards the main table. The boy stood up and ran to catch up with her.

"But, Mai-sama, Sesshomaru-sama won't like it!" the boy berated her, but Mai didn't answer. She didn't care whether this demonic bastard would like it or not, but she will not stay any minute longer in the company of the man-eaters. She stalked to where Sesshomaru and the both demonesses sat – his mother and the beautiful fiancée. The youkai seated by the most prestigious table lifted their heads to look at the human girl, who came dragging the children behind. The two dog demons sent her identical cold disapproving glares. Mai locked Sesshomaru on.

"We're leaving." She stated shortly. "By the way, the main course was a killer. I hope, that you choke on it."

Mai turned on her heel, before Sesshomaru even got a chance to think of a reply and made her way towards the exit, dragging Rin behind her and leaving confused Kohaku behind. Rin looked back at the silver-haired demon, feeling torn between him and Mai. Seeing her hesitation, the older girl hurried her.

"Come on, Rin. Do you want to be eaten too?" she asked. The kid shook her head.

"Woman." Sesshomaru spoke, glaring at her. "Go back to your seat."

Mai glanced over her shoulder at him.

"I won't." she said. The demon narrowed his eyes at her.

"I warn you…" he began, but Mai interrupted him.

"Or what? I will serve as a main course?" she snapped at him. Seeing the inu-youkai furrowing his brows, she gave him a hint. "Ask your dear mother, what she gave us to eat."

Sesshomaru glared at Mai for some seconds, before turning to lady Sayuri. He lifted his eyebrow, sending her a questioning look. The demoness called one of the servants with a gesture.

"What is on the guest menu as a main course tonight?" she asked him. The servant bowed deeply, before answering.

"Human, my lady."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly and Mai lifted her chin higher, having proven her point.

"We'll wait in the stables with Ah-Un. Probably that's more suitable place for humans than here." She said and was back on her way to the exit, dragging Rin and Kohaku along. Sesshomaru frowned.

"Get back here." He growled. Mai didn't look back.

"Make me." She said in a mocking tone, not bothering to glance at him.

The demon abruptly stood up and went after Mai. The girl stopped, as Rin hung on her sleeve, dragging the older girl back to the dog demon with all might, the child could muster.

Kasumi gripped the sleeve of Sesshomaru's haori, trying to stop him.

"Sesshomaru, where are you going?" she asked him sharply. "Do not say, that you intend to follow that pathetic humans of yours!"

The dog demon pulled the fabric out of Kasumi's fingers and the demoness frowned.

"The place of a human is on your plate and not by your side!" the crane-youkai reprimanded Sesshomaru, standing up and coming after him.

The dog demon sent her an icy-cold look, but said nothing to defend his human companions. Mai let go of Rin's hand and stalked back to her boss, furious about his lack of reaction. How could he let anyone say a things like that around his little ward! Sesshomaru glanced at angered Mai and then at equally furious Kasumi, considering the options he had.

"This Sesshomaru does not have time for the foolishness of you females." He said, sending both the human girl and the crane demoness a scolding look. "I still have the business to take care of. Farewell, mother."

The last words were addressed to lady Sayuri, who until now sat still behind the table, observing the commotion with discontented face. Hearing, that her son wanted to leave, she stiffened and stood up, glaring at the younger inu-youkai.

"Do you intend to break your word, Sesshomaru?" she demanded. The demons gathered on the courtyard gasped.

"Hn." The dog demon refused to look his mother into the eye. "I merely postpone fulfilling of the promise."

Mai saw, that the faces of Kasumi and lady Sayuri were flushed from anger. The girl didn't really expect the whole situation to turn into such a show – the demon guests were observing the group by the main table with noticeable excitement, like some soccer fans or grannies watching their favorite soap opera. At first, she was focusing only at her own anger, but it was getting really interesting now. She hoped, that Sesshomaru would decide to leave right away.

Kasumi snapped, abandoning her façade of a demure lady. She clenched her fists, so that her claws punctured the flesh of her palms and the blood began dripping onto the floor. There was a flicker of red in her sapphire eyes, as she set her angry gaze on Sesshomaru.

"I will not let you elude me again, Sesshomaru!" she hissed through her clenched teeth. "You made me wait too long and put me through enough humiliation already. You have to marry me now and fulfill the promise."

The dog demon turned his back to her.

"You will not tell this Sesshomaru what to do. I do not wish you to be my spouse." He retorted.

"What?!" Kasumi shrieked "! I was promised to be a mother of your son! My child is to be the strongest demon alive!"

"I am not interested in your plans." Sesshomaru replied calmly. His attitude angered Kasumi even more. The demoness opened her mouth to begin another tirade, but lady Sayuri interrupted her, addressing Sesshomaru.

"Sesshomaru, do you really intend to leave immediately?" she asked, filling a cup with sake. The male inu-youkai looked at her.

"I do." He replied.

Mai smiled inwardly, suddenly feeling a lot better, especially seeing Kasumi boiling with anger and been rejected by Sesshomaru.

"I understand. It your decision." Lady Sayuri said, surprisingly easy complying with her son, given how strongly she insisted on the wedding. She raised the cup filled with sake and slowly made her way to the younger dog demon. She lifted the cup. "Sesshomaru, I offer you this sake as a sign, that we parted in peace."

Sesshomaru took the cup, that lady Sayuri gave him, and nodded. While he was lifting it to his lips, Mai noticed the dog demoness and Kasumi swiftly exchanging glances. Something was not right. The crane-youkai didn't look so angered anymore – she was back to being a perfect and graceful lady, the charming smile back on her lips. The human girl looked back at Sesshomaru's mother, who was also smiling kindly, what was strange considering, that her son just disobeyed her and humiliated in front of all the guests. The two demonesses looked like they were plotting something – the sudden change of their attitude hinted that.

The male inu-youkai emptied the cup with one gulp and handed the cup back to his mother. Lady

Sayuri smiled again and stepped back. Suddenly, she smirked maliciously.

"I did not want to do this to my own son, but you are too stubborn, Sesshomaru, and I really wish to see my grandchildren soon." She said. The dog demon furrowed his brows at her words. Lady Sayuri put the empty cup back on the table and decided to explain. "You've just drunk a potent potion, my son."

The male inu-youkai cast a sharp look at her.

"What potion?" he snapped angrily at his mother. There could be Kasumi's laughter heard. The crane-demoness modestly covered her mouth with the sleeve.

"Do you want to know?" she asked, teasingly. Sesshomaru didn't seem to be amused. Kasumi uncovered her mouth. "I will tell you then. After you drank it, you will be able to father a child only of the woman, who touches you right after the potion begins to circle in your bloodstream. Whether you want it or not, I will become a mother of your son."

"You…" Sesshomaru glared at the crane-youkai, furious, as his eyes turned scarlet and the demon markings on his cheeks jagged.

"Kasumi, it is the time!" lady Sayuri cried, giving Kasumi the signal to execute their plot till the end.

The crane demoness vanished, using her demonic speed, that almost matched Sesshomaru's.
Mai watched with wide-opened eyed, as the dog demon also vanished from the place, where he was standing, in attempt to flee the crane-youkai's grip. The both demons moved so fast, that the human girl's eyes were unable to follow them, seeing only blurred shapes.
Suddenly, the both demons stilled, Kasumi gripping Sesshomaru's wrist with a triumphant smile.