Firangi: Chapter 2: Ixoq

Firangi

Chapter 2: Ixoq

The sky was darkening and the sun left nothing behind but trails of red and pink. A chilly breeze was running through and was bringing with it new foreign scents. Everyone in the tribe could tell strangers were heading their way and most of them remained on their guard. Yes, they were Inuyoukai just like them but they did not understand why they were coming.

Each clan usually kept to his own tribe.

The men remained outside while most wives went back inside their own den along with their children. The eldest woman of the clan guided all the unmarried women back to their family den. One woman however, was not following that pattern. Her long dark hair was wrapped into a ponytail on the side of her hair and her shiny brown eyes darted through the darkness.

A smirk was on her face while she grabbed the orchid drape and pushed them aside. Inside there was only her youngest sister, crouched down on the ground and running her fingers through her long dark locks. Blue threads were tangled in her hair and mixed with the strands, some of them decorated with bright yellow beads.

Her hair was the only element covering her chest and she had a leather skirt on with the same threads and beads dangling from it as the ones in her hair. Her eyes were a shiny blue color that resembled the one of the rivers and oceans. On each of her eyelids there were two bright silver stripes which attracted the attention to her eyes even more. Her ears were decorated with two pure white half moon earrings with the tip stained in blood.

Her left arm was covered in symbols and Gods representation from the middle of her upper arm to slightly past her elbow. The ink was dark against her tan skin and it gave her even more of an exotic look.

"Kagome, did you smell?" asked the female while walking in.

"Strangers," Kagome answered before resting both of her hands on her knees.

She was still a young female; the opportunity to explore and meet different species had not been offered to her yet. She could not hide the fact that she was interested, but her Father had sent her away. Curiosity was burning within her, and her older sister Rin's enthusiasm was not helping. Who were these Inuyoukai that came from afar?

"I saw them," Rin said as she took a seat beside her sister.

Her husband had been one of the men chosen to greet them which had allowed her to slip past and steal a glance before they came into their tribe's territories.

Kagome pressed her lips together while dying to ask many questions. Her Father found her rather wild and most of the time he kept her aside to make sure nothing happened to her. She had ventured more than once out in the forest on her own, which he did not appreciate. She was well aware of the danger but she also knew she could defend herself.

She was not a weakling like he believed her to be. Perhaps it was because she was the youngest one, but he had always put a dam on her freedom. There were many things she could not do and it had made her feel like a captive. She had learned to sneak around to escape into the world along with developing a strong opinion. There was so much to see and discover yet she felt locked inside.

"What did they look like?"

Rin shrugged. "Tall. Muscular.Moremuscular than anyone here." That along with their strong scent made them quite intimidating. "Oh and their hair! It'ssilver!"

Kagome arched an eyebrow. "Silver?"

"It is beautiful!"

Before more words could be exchanged they heard their father's voice echoing through. Their attention was immediately directed towards the outside and their eyes opened wide. Kagome took after Rin in her behavior, except Rin concealed it much better. Rin had always wished she had her sister's courage in going head first into adventures, but she did not.

It was a shame that their Father had dimmed Kagome's great inner light. Despite that, Rin knew all he had been trying to do was protect her from the harmful world. How many of their kind had they lost? How many had perished? All their Father had was daughters, no sons. He had to go to greater length to protect them if he wished to still obtain respect and power.

Rin ran her fingers through her sister's hair silently trying to comfort her. "Let me look."

If Kagome dared to look she would most likely reveal what she was doing. It was much safer if Rin did it. Slowly Rin moved forward on all four and glanced outside by pushing part of the drape out of the way. There by the fire were her father and the four strange men speaking. She could hear them speak, but she could not understand a word of it.

Impatient, Kagome sneak herself on top of her sister and rested her head on top of hers. "What are they talking about?" she inquired while wondering if her hearing was off or if they were mumbling too much for her to understand.

"They are speaking another language."

Kagome appeared to be a little taken back by the revelation. She was aware that not all spoke the same, but she thought the same species spoke one common language. Then again, how was she supposed to know anything when her Father shielded her from the world?

She moved her head forward a bit and tried to catch a glimpse of the foreigners. She immediately noticed the one she assumed was the Chief. He was rather imposing and his bright hair the first thing she noticed. His features were soft and though he did not look old you could tell he had many years behind him. Kagome gently tilted her head only to find herself looking at the male to his right.

He was buff, probably twice the size of the Leader. His chest was sturdy and muscles were bulging all over. Unlike the Chief, he was glancing harshly in the direction of her Father and his eyes were gleaming along with the fire. He seemedroughand wild. She did wish to experience the wildness, but a male like that… he almost reminded her of her Father; close minded.

"They look angry," Kagome said before she pulled away from her sister and sat back in the corner of the room.

"I know," Rin said as she sat up. "Whatever they are here for, it cannot be good. I mean, why would they come here? We have never seen them before!"

Kagome shook her head. "I do not know. I do not care."

Rin seemed rather puzzled by her answer. "You… do not care…?"

"I care about what is out there. I care about the other people we could meet. I care about what can be found past that forest including the light, the peacefulness and the nature surrounding us. I do not care aboutthem. They are angry and they bear bad news."

They remained on the floor in silence until they heard their Father's footstep as he rose to his feet. Rin instantly pressed her lips together; she was not supposed to be in this tent. Hopefully her Father would not be coming here. She dragged herself closer to Kagome, hoping to mix their scents. Rin felt relieved when the footsteps seemed to die down, but suddenly they began heading their way.

She knitted her eyebrows together before grabbing Kagome's hand. Her little sister was about to speak, but Rin did not give her a chance when she used Kagome's own claws to cut Kagome's feet. She winched slightly while blood spilled out of the wound. It was at that exact moment that the curtain was pulled before revealing Byakuya.

"I smelled blood," Rin quickly explained while getting up.

Their Father barely nodded at them before gesturing to his oldest daughter. "We need to speak."

Rin rose to her feet and Kagome copied her. However, before she could take a step forward her Father stopped her by raising his hand. "You will stay here," he ordered.

Kagome glued her lips together and nodded. Rin was always the one to discuss with their Father since she was the oldest one. Meanwhile, Kagome had to deal with the emotions bubbling inside her. She didn't want power: she simply wanted the chance to express herself. However, each time she tried to her Father saw it as disrespect. Apparently, power was the only way to have a voice.

She would be fine with him keeping her locked away from the outside, if only she had freedom within her own clan. But she did not.

On the other side of the drape,Rin was following her Father while he led her away from Kagome. It was not his youngest daughter's business to learn of the arrangement immediately. She would be informed when the time would be right. He felt that if she was alerted at this particular moment, then he would have to discipline her. It was one thing to correct her behavior within the pack and it was another thing to allow it to slip in front of strangers and her future mate.

"You will make your sister presentable."

Rin tilted her head forward gently. Presentable? "Are you referring to Kagome, Father?"

He nodded.

"Why?" She did not question his order, but she did wish to be informed of what was happening. Once her Father's soul would move on her husband Kouga would be in charge of the tribe. It was her duty to include herself and to have knowledge passed on to her.

"Your sister will leave tomorrow. She will wed Inutaisho's first born son."

Rin's eyes widened in horror. "Astranger, Father?"

"You will not judge my decision. There is war raging upon these lands. I am protecting our tribe. He is also stronger than any other male we have."

"War? Father! There is no war uponourlands. Only upontheirs!"

"And if we do not stop it now, we will be next!"

"But he is… Father, you know Kagome. He is not like her."

"Perhaps your sister could benefit from that."

Rage was spreading through Rin and even though she had been trying to make her Father see reason, she had always kept her tone respectful. Regrettably, at this time she had to cease talking or she might regret the way she would speak her mind. Kagome was a bitrougheraround the edges, but Rin loved her the way she was. If she was to be married to that kind of male…

It could not bring her happiness.

"Make sure she is ready when the sun rises. They are staying for the night. She will leave with them."

"Would you like me to tell her?"

"No. You will only speak of this with her after she meets them."

Rin felt her heart palpated but she bowed to her Father nonetheless. The laws had always been the laws. Her Father had picked her husband for her too and it was not only a satisfactory match but Kouga would be a great leader for their Tribe also. Maybe it was because they had lost their mother a year after Kagome came of age, but Rin felt extremely protective of her little sister.

Her heart was swollen with guilt and pain. She would never see her again after tonight.

She took a deep breath and pulled herself together before heading back towards the den. Inside she found Kagome near the door and she had obviously been spying on their conversation.

"What is it?"

"Nothing," Rin said while grabbing Kagome's hair and bringing it at the front to somewhat cover her chest. "Father wishes for all four of us to meet the other clan. You are required to be on your best behavior."

"I know."

It would be interesting to observe them from up close and frankly she was rather surprised that her Father would even request her presence there instead of simply the other three. For once she was included and though it was a bit suspicious, she would go along with it. She could not understand them which insinuated that it would be quite difficult for her to get upset.

Also, being the daughter of Chief, she had to represent her people in front of others without shame.

"I can act in public," Kagome added before grabbing her sister's wrists and pushing them aside.

Rin offered her a small smile before reaching for her sister's hand and intertwining their fingers together. She was mostly doing it for herself since she knew these would be her last moments with her sister. She did not let her expression betray her while she pulled Kagome with her outside. Almost everyone was around the fire just like it had been planned.

"Where are Kanna and Kikyo?" Kagome asked with her eyes darting around as she tried to spot them.

Oh. Rin had said all four of them would be there. She had truly expected all of them to be there but apparently their Father was going to use this moment to display Kagome and Kagome only. "Perhaps Father changed his mind."

At that moment, Kagome found herself filled with a strange feeling. Her Father was not ashamed of her, but he was not the kind to parade her around either. Usually that was mostly reserved for Rin and Kikyo. Still, she allowed her older sister to guide her until they were standing near their Father.

As soon as they arrived all eyes were on them and it was with a pleasing smile that Byakuya introduced them. "Rin. Oldest."

Once her father was done speaking, Rin bowed to the males.

"This is his oldest daughter, Rin," translated Inutaisho.

Byakuya signaled for Rin to back away slightly and it allowed the group to get a better view of Kagome. "Youngest. Kagome. Your son to be bride."

"Your bride, Kagome," Inutaisho said while eyeing Kagome.

Sesshomaru allowed himself to lay eyes upon her and observed her from top to bottom. Her ebony hair seemed shades darker than the others while her eyes were also much lighter than what he had seen so far. From what he was used to her features did make her a bit exotic. He could not help but notice that unlike the females in his tribe only her hair covered her chest.

The other part of her appearance that struck him was… her size. She was so small, both in weight and in height. Could she even bear pups with such a fragile figure? She did have hips, but not much fat surrounded her. The only detail that did not disappoint him was her age. Since she had not been married off yet he had expected her to be much older than she seemed to be.

Overall, he was rather discontent with her appearance.

Kagome could not help but feel awkward as she felt one of the males stare intensely at her. Why did he pay so much attention to her when he had barely glanced at her sister? When he finally pulled his glance away from her, she felt much more comfortable. There was a strange atmosphere and Kagome was determined to find out why.

Since Inutaisho had already introduced his sons earlier, Byakuya took it upon himself to present them to his daughters. "This is Sesshomaru, his oldest son."

Sesshomaru. Kagome had noticed him right away earlier, but not for a good reason. And even now she could barely look at him and preferred to focus her attention on her Father as she waited for him to resume talking.

Her strange behavior made Sesshomaru wonder. He did not even care about this, but he had observed her. What possible reason did she have to not be intrigued by this?

"This is his youngest son, Inuyasha and a member of their tribe, Hiten."

She did nothing more than politely nod, but Inuyasha glanced at Sesshomaru's future bride. He had always thought Kagura was a prize, the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Yet when he glanced at this woman, he couldn't help but find her appearance quite pleasing. Her frame was so much smaller than his… he could cover her whole body with his.

Yet, Sesshomaru would have her.

He was so… frigid. Would he know how to handle such a delicate flower?

"Father, does she not know?" Sesshomaru inquired once he was certain the Chief of the other tribe was done speaking.

Inutaisho frowned slightly. "Byakuya. Your daughter… does she know?"

Byakuya closed his eyes and barely shook his head. "Not yet."

"She doesn't," Inutaisho translated and confirmed his son's suspicions.

"Then what is the meaning of this? Why is her presence required for this discussion if nothing that is being said will be repeated to her?"

Inutaisho almost sighed at his son's temper. He did not know why Byakuya had kept the engagement a secret from his daughter, but it was his own choice. If they left with her at sunrise and she knew her fate, then he had no problem with it.

"My son. He wants your daughter… gone. He not comfortable if she does not know."

Byakuya found himself torn. If he told his daughter once they would be back at the den, perhaps she'd let her emotions rule her and her outburst would be worse. At the moment they were in front of people, which might force her to keep a polite fade.

"Very well." He turned to his eldest daughter before extending his arm and letting her know she could proceed with the announcement.

Rin found herself slightly taken by surprise, but she quickly recovered and nodded. She held on to Kagome's hand even tighter as se did not know how her youngest sister would react. Rin felt her brown orbs tear up when she moved herself to block the view of her sister from the strangers.

"Kagome, there is something that needs to be discussed."

At the tone her sister used, Kagome could only nod.

"Neko have been taking over the territories. We need to defend ourselves. Apart we are not strong enough, but together we could overpower them."

"We need to ally with them?"

"Yes," Rin said while squeezing down on Kagome's hands. "To do this, there needs to be a marriage between the two tribes. It has to involve both leaders' families."

Kagome held her breath; Rin did not need to say more for her to understand. After all, she was the only unwed daughter that remained. They wantedherto marry one ofthem.When she remembered the one that had glanced at her fortoolong and she felt her heart beat faster.

"Him?"

"Yes."

"No."

Kagome pulled her hands away from her sister's hold. "I will not. I will not marryhim."

Had they gotten a good look at him? He was the same as all those brutes; he reminded her so terribly of her father who kept her shielded from everything. She didn't want to be attached to someone like him for the rest of her life.

"No!" Her eyes filled with tears. "Rin, you know I cannot…"

At that moment, her Father hurried to stand up and marched towards her. "It is not your decision to make, Kagome. It has been decided that you would marry him."

"No," she said with defiance in her tone.

It was then that he raised his hand at her and slapped her across her left cheek hard. The sound echoed through the area and his action causing Kagome to nearly swing backward. A heat and pain spread from her cheek to the rest of her face while some tears escaped her. Her bottom lip began to quiver while she stared at her father completely breathless.

"You selfish child," he said prior to taking a step forward. "We could be destroyed. We could lose our people,yoursisters. Yet, you only think of yourself. These people are your tribe. They would sacrifice themselves foryou and you refuse to save them?"

He had not expected a smooth reaction from her, but he had not expected such disrespect. "This is a fortunate event for you. In any other circumstances, you would not be wed to a strong male. Not like this one. Will your turn your back on your tribe, your family? You will say no and kill us all?"

As the physical pain kept spreading through her body, Kagome felt guilt take hold of her heart. Perhaps her Father was not someone she always held in the highest regard, but she did value her people and her family. She dared to look at Rin, who was near tears. Was there truly no other way for them to defend themselves?

"These are our traditions. You do not have a choice. How dare you refuse them! It is because of them that we have what we have. You cannot choose to obey some and disregard the others."

She had her opinions, but she had never been against the traditions. However, this was… he was not even…they could not even talk.

"Will you kill your people Kagome?"

Even if she didn't wish to go, he would send her. However, if she went out of her own will it would make the whole situation much simpler. Especially for the other tribe. He could not give them a difficult bride, principally because she was supposed to marry the heir.

Kagome's heart was beating terribly fast and it nearly brought her pain. She could not doom her people. She could not go against her people, either. It tore her inside, but she slowly shook her head.

"I will not disobey."

Those words constricted her heart. She would have accepted anyone her Father would have chosen for her, but not him. Since she had first laid eyes on him, she had felt a chill. Also, how many times had she heard her sisters speak about the marvelousbondbetween two mates? How could she have that? She could not even discuss with him!

She would be nothing more than a decoration in an unknown place.

Rin felt like her youngest sister was about to break which led her to put her hands on her shoulders. "Father, I will bring her to the river. She will be ready for tomorrow."

Barely waiting for his Father to reply, Rin guided Kagome away from the group and towards the river. This would be her last moment with her sister; she would rather have it alone with her.

While both girls walked away, Byakuya bowed to his guests. "I apologize. Misunderstanding. It is fixed."

Inutaisho wasn't sure if what happened could be qualified as a misunderstanding, but he nodded nonetheless.

"Father, is this wise?"

The female clearly did not wish for this and he was afraid that carrying her back with them would be much more troublesome. Then again, so would marrying her.

Inutaisho had to agree with his son. He did not need for this to be complicated or for the girl who would be under his responsibility to run away. "Will she stay with us?"

Byakuya nodded. "It is solved. She will go. And obey."

Kagome was feisty, but she had a heart. The words he had spoken to her would remain with her. She would not dare betray her own people, especially not out of selfishness.

"Do you not agree with… this?"

Inutaisho raised his hands in peace. "We agree."

"Sesshomaru do you have any conditions?" inquired Inutaisho.

In all honesty, Sesshomaru was shocked. It was also strange that this question had not been asked before when the proposition had been offered. He could not see what conditions he could have. They would obtain the other tribe's help if he married the girl. What conditions was he supposed to wish for?

"A child. She has to be pregnant before the next summer. If she is unable to provide one, she will be returned to her tribe."

He never had any trouble having his first child and it should be no problem for his son as well. He did not wish for his heir to not have pups. This was a female from another tribe… he did not know her full worth and it seemed like the safest choice.

"Agreed," Sesshomaru said before turning his head to glance in direction of whereshehad disappeared.

Inutaisho nodded and refocused his attention on Byakuya. "Daughter to be with child by next summer. She will be returned here if not."

A child had to be conceived that quickly? Byakuya's expression changed slightly to one of frustration. It was a bit of a short amount of time. Plus, they were the one coming to him for help. Still, he could understand their worries. He was giving his youngest daughter to the oldest son. An heir had to be guaranteed.

Instead of speaking Byakuya gave his answer by nodding.

There was no backing away anymore

-F-

Blood stained the ground as pieces of meat were being chopped off. They were added in a basket, which was beside one filled with fruits. Since they would not be attending the wedding these were the gifts they were offering the Silver Inuyoukai tribe. It also came with furs, leathers and jewels. After all, Kagome was the daughter of the Chief.

The sun had barely risen, yet everything had been set in motion for the departure. Instead of spending the night in her own den, Rin had remained with her little sister the whole night through it all. Tears had been shed, feelings had been hurt and voices had been raised. Still, they had remained together for the small amount of time they had left.

The older sister wanted for nothing more than to have Kagome come back eventually, but it was not wise. If for whatever reason Kagome was returned to their tribe, it would put shame upon them and her. It was best for Rin to hope she would never see her sister again.

Rin pressed a kiss on top of Kagome's head and gently brushed her bangs aside with her fingers. She had hoped to be able to share with her all she needed to know, along with teaching her a few things, but there was no time for that. She would have to become a mate on her own while being unable to understand the spoken commands of her male.

"Do not be afraid," Rin said while hugging her sister closer. "And do not fear what is to come. It will happen of its own. Your body will know."

Kagome had no idea what to expect and frankly she didn't want to let the thought cross her mind. She would be withhimforever and she didn't wish for those kinds of thoughts to ruin her moment with her sister. Rin was the only way that stayed by her side since she had not seen her other two sisters. Then again, she was not close with them like she was with Rin.

Rin was barely older than Kagome was when Kagome had been born. She had been old enough to be a mother, but she had not been one yet at the time. Because of that, Rin had raised her both as if she were her mother once their own mother had passed away and a sister.

Kagome owed her everything. If she was to do this for one person only, she was doing it for her.

Her sister had a loving mate, three beautiful children and responsibilities, as she would be the next one to look after the tribe. She had to live, prosper and be happy.

"I will miss you," Rin said with a sad smile.

"There will be nobody to speak with there."

"But he will look after you."

Rin was conscious that he would not be loving; she could tell. She also knew however that he seemed attached to his pride and honor. It was not much, but it would be enough. He would not let anything happen to the woman he would lay a claim on. At least, she knew her sister's life would be safe.

"I do not want that."

"I know," Rin replied as she rubbed Kagome's arm trying to soothe her worries.

Suddenly, disturbing their moment was a shadow in front of the drape. They both held their breath as they waited for him to speak. "Kagome, your mate is leaving."

At his choice of word, Kagome shuddered. He was not her mate yet; she did not belong to anyone at the moment. Still, she hung on to Rin tightly while both of them rose to their feet. This was the moment for goodbye. They could not share this display of affection outside, and so it had to be done now. Kagome threw her arms around her sister almost afraid to let go.

"I will always be with you." Rin began tracingthe tattoos on Kagome's arm; she had made them. "No matter where you will be, I will be there."

Kagome nodded while barely holding back the tears that burned her eyes. She could not cry as she left her tribe since she had to go with honor and pride. The tribe was grateful; they had been told that, without this, the Neko would have destroyed them all. Kagome did not know to what extent this was true, but no chances could be taken. She had to leave and go into this new clan.

It took a few seconds but they parted ways and offered each other one last smile. Rin watched carefully as her sister exited the den. Once Kagome was outside, she allowed herself to plop down the ground and let out a deep sigh. Her heart was crushed by an intense pain that was unlike any she had ever known before. May the Gods watch over her.

Kagome's steps were slow while she followed behind her father whom guided her to her new people. Their last conversation had not been the most enjoyable, but this would be the last time she would see him. Though he was to blame for that. Once he came to a stop, she copied his actions. She waited for him to turn around and face her.

Byakuya pressed his hand against her cheek and looked softly into her eyes. "It will be difficult but you will be helping your people."

Kagome allowed her eyes to travel around as she observed her people. They were all gathered to say their farewells like it was custom. She hoped she was doing something for them. She did not really care that she was to be married but she did mind how far she would be and the new language. It would not be easy being torn away from everything she knew.

In spite of that, it was strange considering it was all she had wished for. She had wanted to be free from her cage and now she was. Now all she wanted was to return to its safety.

Her Father's hand lingered upon her face a bit longer before he retracted it. "May you travel safely," he addressed to Inutaisho.

"Thank you for the gifts." Since the gifts were for Sesshomaru and Kagome, Inuyasha and Hiten were the ones carrying them.

Meanwhile Kagome moved away from behind her Father and glanced at the line that formed in front of her. She was unsure of where her place stood as she was not familiar with their traveling ways. Her eyes move from the front of the line to the back, but she did not move.

"You will travel with me," Sesshomaru said with his cold eyes on her.

Unfortunately, she did not understand what he said.

When Sesshomaru noticed she did not move he exhaled, aggravated. This was already irritating him and he could only foresee his rage increasing in the future. He moved forward slightly, grabbed her wrist forcefully and pulled her harshly to his side. He earned nothing more than a gasp from her when she knitted her eyebrows together.

How did he not comprehend that she did not understand when he spoke?

Feeling her Father's eyes on her, she kept her lips tightly shut but her face was tinted with a red color of anger She moved behind Sesshomaru and took deep breaths as not only frustration was swirling inside of her, but also fear. If this was a foreshadowing of situations to come then she was doomed to less freedom than before.

Bows were exchanged between Inutaisho and Byakuya before they began heading outside of the tribe's territories. The steps were slow since this was more than them departing; it was Kagome's farewell.

She raised a hand to her chest and fisted it while she bit on her bottom lip. There was nothing she wished for more than to turn around and steal a glance of her sister. Unfortunately now that she had begun her journey away from her tribe, she was not allowed to turn her head back. She had been taught all the rules since she was a child and this was not one she would disobey.

If one was to turn around while leaving forever, it would turn every member of their tribe into stone. She would never be able to forgive herself. Instead, Kagome had to bear the pain of never seeing them again. Her body was trembling and she was twitching since she wished to contain her desire.

Sesshomaru could feel her breath on his back and hear her whimpers. He pondered; why must he be the one to have her inflicted upon himself? He could already tell he would not enjoy her company. He was unable to stop himself as he turned around and glared at her. He had expected her to be glancing at the ground with tears rolling down her cheeks but it was not the sight he found.

Instead she was glaring right back at him with teary eyes.

He was already aware of how displeased she was with the situation. At least that made the two of them. Perhaps she would understand that it was in her best interest to remain out of his way. Plus, it was not like they could speak to one and another. He would be able to keep his peace and quiet that way.

Kagome kept her glance on him for a few seconds, but when he did not turn again she tore her eyes away. She tilted her head to the side and almost turned it.

Goodbye Rin, Goodbye Father.

Their image, the memories of them would remain seared into her heart forever.

It would be all she would have to hold on once she would be alone.

Alone with him.

-F-