A masquerade, no partner, and only a week to find a dancing mate. Who, oh who shall I choose?

Sesshomaru rubbed his temples, another headache. Third one since he had woken up. He knew this was going to be a terrible day.

Example number one: Jaken lost sight of Rin.

Example number two: The scrolls (mail) were late.

Example number three: The god-dammed Lord of the South.

Now, Sesshomaru was not known for regretting something he did in the past. But not killing the wolf demon was something he wanted desperately to have done.

The old flea-bag had said that this Sesshomaru was old enough to have a mate, so he was performing a ball in the honor of his mating. If he did not find a mate in seven days, he would be disowned from his land, and his half brother would become Lord of the Western Lands!

Sesshomaru kept a cool face; not shifting a muscle as he internally ranted and raved and pretended to murder a chibi-looking wolf. Bashing the small-shaped head of the wolf with a large rock.

He sighed, after a few moments of reading all over again the wretched letter that carried his doom, he stood.

He made his way toward the patio, looking for a victim.

"Inu Yasha…" He called; his voice told his younger half-brother not to argue and to come at once.

"Hai?"

"Read." He commanded, handing over the object of his stress.

The more Inu Yasha read, the wider his eyes got. He looked at his brother, in search if this was a joke. All he got was a major wave of pure distress from his older sibling.

"The easiest thing to do is to kill the flea-bag." The younger of the two finally said.

"It is not his law, brother. It's the taiyoukai's law."

"We can do what father did…"

"Oh?"

"Yeah! Take a human companion, kill her, and take the throne for yourself, no strings attached!"

Sesshomaru sighed, "I must produce an heir with this 'human'."

Inu Yasha laughed, "Go ahead! The kill the kid and get yourself a proper mate. After all, once you produce on heir, you're forever out of reach for that law."

Sesshomaru looked interested, "How do you suppose we, as you say, bait… this human female?"

"Send a 'shout out'. Tell the human Lords. Let the rich people know their daughters are about to be in a hell of a relationship, bed, and money," the half-breed said logically, holding up his index finger.

When Inu Yasha mentioned bed, Sesshomaru flinched, but he accepted the idea, calling out orders to the servants. These human would never know what hit them.

'.'

It is bad luck to have twins that are of the same sex. Two females and two males are not supposed to be born at the same time. When twins are born, the female is usually born first, then the male.

But Kagome was not lucky enough. Kikyo had been born first, Kikyo had gotten the indoor training, and Kikyo was her parent's favorite.

Kagome was no push over when it came to being truly despised by your family. Even her cousins hated her! Only her little brother, whom she adored, seemed to love her.

You see, the males are always the ones to defend their older twin sister. And Kagome's fate had been chosen before she even came out of her mother's womb. She was to be a soldier, and that's that.

While Kikyo was taught how the table was arranged, to walk, talk, and act like a lady. Kagome was taught to ride, fence, kill, fight, clean, cook, and bow like a man. While Kikyo used a bow and arrows, like all proper ladies did. Kagome used all sorts of weapons, like a man.

Kagome had dark skin, while Kikyo had pale skin. Kagome was kind, while Kikyo was bratty. Kagome could disguise herself as a man, while Kikyo pretended to be normal.

Now, when I said that Kikyo was a brat, I meant it. When Kagome had something she didn't have, she'd whine and cry until Kagome was forced to give it to her. If Kagome had a class she enjoyed, Kikyo was given it, while Kagome was given a different class. If Kikyo wanted something, she would have it by just saying: 'Daddy, Kikyo feels like having this.' While Kagome was only given things if she got down on her knees and begged.

But there was one thing Kagome could do while Kikyo couldn't: Dance. Both girls, since they were females, where supposed to be taught to dance like a proper woman should. But Kikyo disliked the class, and told her father so. Had it not been for Kagome, the young teacher would have been hanged.

Kagome made sure never to speak of her enjoyment of dancing before her sister. Kikyo would get rather jealous and kick Kagome out of the class.

There were two more things that made you never forget how different the twins were. Kagome was loved and adored by all the servants, who would do anything for their boyish mistress. (Even though Kagome rarely asked for anything.) While Kikyo was loathed with perfect hatred by all the people who served under her. Kagome only had one slave, while Kikyo had numerous people under her rule.

Anyhow, I guess you must meet the rest of the family.

Kagome's father: Hiten. Now Hiten was a very soldier-like man. Demanding respect everywhere he went. His only flaw was his unkindness to his youngest daughter. Now, he was very angry, and quite detested the girl for not being born a boy. He treated her disgracefully, and would step out of his way to disrespect her and put her to shame.

Kagome's mother: Yuna. Yuna never did truly hate her young daughter, but was forced to by the law. She never showed much kindness to Kagome, but would do anything to help her young daughter from the shadows, though she couldn't eally help but dislike the girl a little for not being born a boy.

Kagome's younger brother: Sota. Sota loved his sister. He admired her for her strength, and for her beauty. True, Kikyo was a raving model. But Kagome never wore make-up or any of the sort, giving her a natural radiance. And while Kikyo would glare at him coldly, Kagome would smile warmly and whisper sweet words in his ear. And on his birthday, she always gave him what he had wished for all year: A loving, sisterly hug. Strange wish, but Sota got those on a rare occasion. And when he was in her arms, he felt safe, secure, and much loved. For such reasons, he simply adored his sister.

Kikyo… all I have to explain about her is that she is a nasty piece of work, and could have been described as the devil himself.

And finally, Kagome's grandmother: Kaede. Kaede, like Yuna, did not hate her youngest granddaughter. In fact, she adored the young woman deeply. But was only able to show it on a rare occasion. This, of course, did not come too often.

Now that you know who you will be dealing with, let's move on to the true story.

'.'

Kagome had been out all day, riding and helping out in the stables. That was until Sango, her only slave, came to fetch her.

"My Lady, your father wishes to speak to you." She said formally, and bowing deeply before her mistress.

Kagome smiled and put a small hand on Sango's shoulder. "Sango-chan, please do not address me so properly, it make me feel like I don't know you. Plus, 'my lady' makes me feel old."

Sango stood straight. "Of course, Kagome-chan. But I had to do something nice for you! You always do everything!" Sango said, returning a smile.

Kagome sighed, "Sango-chan, you know I do not like people doing things for me. Was I the heiress, I'd free you all."

Behind her the stable boy cheered: "Here, here!"

Sango glared icily at her younger brother, Kohaku. While Kagome smiled lightly at the young boy.

"Kohaku, be nice."

Kagome turned to face her friend once more, "Oh, Sango. You know you would say the same thing."

Sango blushed in embarrassment, and her brother stuck his tongue out at her.

Sango came from a rebellious village that had caused Kagome's father and his ancestors some problems. Finally taking the drastic choice, he told his soldiers to kill everyone. But one disobeyed, and took two survivors as slaves. Sango and her younger brother were the lucky 'servants-to-be'.

Sango hadn't been to keen on being someone's chamber maid. Her younger brother was excellent with horses, so he had been dumped in the stable. But when the siblings met Sango's mistress, their thought began to change.

Kagome and Sango had only been eleven years old, while Kohaku was the meek age of six.

When they met a pale Kikyo, they hated her. That was until they bumped into Kagome in the hall. They had thought she was Kikyo, but a person's thoughts on how the twins were alike were always short lived.

Flashback

Sango and Kohaku walked together, trying to find their Lady Kikyo's room was. On the way, they bumped into a tan Kagome.

Kagome had had a long day of bare-back riding, and was drenched in sweat. She was taking lazy steps toward the indoor spring, whistling mindlessly. Half way, she met the young siblings.

She smiled at them sleepily, raising one hand in greeting, shocking both demon-slayers.

"Hello, I've never seem you before. May I be honored with thou names?" She asked sweetly.

But before either could answer, Kikyo barged in.

"Kagome! Kami, I could smell you from half a mile away! Go shower, you smelly old-bag!"

Kagome rolled her eyes, but answered nicely none the less. "Hai, Kikyo-sama," she walked away, shrugging as she brushed past the, whistling some tune only she could hear.

A few days later, the siblings, once again, stumbled in to where Kagome was jumping hurtles bare-backed.

Both stood, motionless as they watched the younger twin ride like a very talented male. They gaped in awe, she was a warrior, and it was noticeable. The black-white mare beneath her was also a very reliable-looking war horse. Together, the pair looked ready to charge head-on into battle.

It wasn't much longer before Kagome took notice of them. She trotted to where they stood, stopping the magnificent mare just a few inches away.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of you both?"

Sango stammered, she was in the presence of a highly skilled soldier, and the realization made her stutter.

"I-I… Well- My br-brother and I…"

"Oh, darling… don't be so shy! I'm not as rough as I look! I'm just a simple girl! Now tell me, koibito, what are yours and your brother's names?"

This time, Sango managed to pull through. "Sango and Kohaku, my lady."

"Oh, come on, lass! I'm anything but a lady! Can you ride? Would you like to train with me? I am getting quite tired of the same old soldiers."

Sango and Kohaku nodded vigorously, quite honored to ride with one of the most talented of fighters in the whole castle.

End flashback.

Had they not met Kagome, both might have not enjoyed themselves since they came.

"Shit!"

Kagome looked peeved; such language was not to be displayed by a lady.

"You're late!"

Giving into the stress, she too cursed.

"Fuck."

'.'

Kagome bowed before her parents, "My Lord, Lady."

Hiten ordered her to stand, and Kagome obeyed without hesitation. She took note of an excited Kikyo and a tiered-looking messenger also standing in the room.

"Kagome, we have just received a letter. An invitation. The Lord of the Western Lands is hosting a contest. Whoever wins it shall become the Lady of the Western Lands. Kikyo-chan was nominated as a participant. You, Sango, and Kohaku shall accompany her to the contest. You, for protection. Sango, for service to Kikyo-chan. And Kohaku, for the horses care. Protect your sister, as it is your duty to do so. If anything bad happens to my daughter…" Her father said, but was interrupted by Yuna.

"My dear, Kagome is our daughter too." She said kindly, glancing none too discreetly at her armored daughter.

Hiten sighed, "Dress as a man, your name is Hatori. As always. Keep your hair in a pony-tail. Do not speak much. Wear a mask, and do not let anyone know you're a woman!" He instructed, throwing the mask she was supposed to wear her way. Kagome caught it single-handedly, eyeing the tampered fox mask with slight distaste. Hiten spoke shortly with his wife before addressing her again, "Make sure to guard you scent as well, Hatori."

Kagome nodded, and gazed at the messenger, then at her father. He caught her glace, and nodded.

Kagome bowed and walked up to the male messenger. "I will take you to the springs, sir. There you may bathe. I shall escort you to the dinner room at supper time. And will show you to your room. Then, tomorrow you may leave to deliver the message."

She spoke rapidly and fluently, taking the man by the arm, and leading him toward the spring.

"One more thing," her father called out. "You're leaving tomorrow, along with Miroku. Make sure to pack."

'.'

"Sheesh, Kagome-kun! Can you ever be so formal?!" Miroku said, hugging the young woman, and nuzzling her neck.

Kagome giggled and pushed Miroku away. "You silly baka! What do you think Sango would do to you if she saw you doing this to me?"

Miroku chuckled, "You won't tell her, will you?" He asked, attaching himself to the girl, and burying his face in her breasts. Taking a deep breath and smelling her sweet scent.

"Oh, for Kami's sake! Will you ever stop fooling around?" She asked, but she did not push him away from her this time. She was used to his unusual displays of brotherly affection.

"If you get in the spring with me, I might." He said, busying himself with rubbing his face against her chest.

Kagome's face went beet red, but still didn't push him away. "Alright, alright. You had your fun. I'll send Sango to wash you. But you have to get her into the water."

Miroku grinned, "I've done it once, and I can do it again!"

"Dragging her is forbidden."

"Drat."

"Seducing her isn't though."

"Huzzah!"

"You baka."

"As always."

"Let go before I make sure you never have any children."

Miroku slowly let go of her, but without missing a beat, and giving her a surprise kiss in the lips. Then running for his life as Kagome stood there, shocked.

"Bastard…" she mumbled, and began to search for her female friend.

'.'

"No."

"I know you want to…"

"I said, NO!"

"Aw, Sango-chan! You're mean."

"Shut it."

"But…"

"No."

"The water's warm."

"I don't care!"

"I've been faithful to you. Even though I passed the village to where that lady, who is crazy about me, lives."

"Why you little…"

"I didn't kiss her."

"Wha-?"

"Make love to her."

"A-!"

"Or nuzzle her breast!"

"Did you touch her ass?"

"Nope!"

Since he had said it so kindly and a soft smile on his face. She took his word as a true one.

"You owe me big time for this." Sango said, undressing and stepping into the hot water.

'.'

Kagome had told everyone, including Kikyo, what her new name was. Though Sango complained a bit at the sexism that had been deliberately displayed by Hiten, all of them knew that female soldiers were uncommon. And those that were women were disgraced and underestimated.

So Kagome was, for the duration of the trip, Hatori.

Her appearance had changed very much. Her usually loose hair was tied back into a high pony tail. She wore the men's armor, including chest plate and arm guards, and a black fox mask on her face. One red stripe adorned each cheek, and a red diamond-shaped mark was placed on her mask's forehead.

Half-way through the trek, they met someone who would escort them to the castle. Young Rin was quite bouncy that day, but kept her cool during the walk to the castle.

Koga was the welcoming committee. Unfortunately, Kagome had reacted badly to the blue tornado heading their way.

--

Kagome rode beside Kikyo, who was mounted on a royal white gelding. Both were behind Miroku and Rin, who walked side by side. Sango and Kohaku were doomed to stay behind on their own horses. A pinto (Sango's mare) and a sweet natured, friendly looking brown gelding (Kohaku's ride).

The instant Kagome saw the blue tornado, her sword was drawn, and she was in front of the ride.

Koga arrived, intending to look cool. But all he managed to do was trip while trying to dodge a fast moving, GIGANTIC sword swung his way.

"No! Hatori-san, he's with us!" Rin yelled, stopping Kagome in mid-strike.

"Luck is in your side, demon." Kagome said, thoroughly annoyed with the ookami.

"Hatori! Yield!" Kikyo yelled, pointing to the spot by her side. Silently ordering Hatori to her, actually using the most shameful retreat call that could be used on a servant. At the back of the ride, Sango silently fumed at Kikyo's insult towards Kagome.

Hatori glared heatedly at Koga once more before turning his mare around and trotting away. Even the black-white mare, Anko, seemed to be as agitated as her rider.

Koga stared at the retreating figure in wonder; he must be attentive and quite strong. A sword that size, to be thrown around so easily… it frightened him to no end. Even Sesshomaru would have a problem carrying a sword that big! It was even bigger that Bankotsu's Banryuu! And something about his scent… it wasn't so… so… so something. It had something missing. That was just it.

After the commotion, and a bit scolding from Kikyo, everyone was back on track. Heading for the western lands.

"May I ask for your name, ma'am?" Koga asked as they reached the gate.

"Why?" Kikyo retorted.

"So I can make sure you're on the list."

"Why I never-" Kikyo began, but was cut short.

"Miroku-san, why don't you show Koga the letter and My Lord's response."

Miroku nodded at Hatori's request, taking from his long sleeves the two scrolls.

Koga grinned; the warrior was also a genius. Where did Hiten get such amazing people? Not being rude to his Lady and delivering the message quite clearly.

"Thank you." Koga said, taking the scrolls and reading both. Yup, this was Sesshomaru's handwriting alright. His stench was also all over it. The second letter smelled sweeter, a scent of a natural spring. Probably how the young man, Miroku, smelled.

He nodded, and grinned once more. Turning around, and facing the gates.

"Open the gate, Hakkaku!"

"Of course!" Called back the male named Hakkaku.

The large gate opened, revealing an even larger castle.

"I will escort you to Sesshomaru-sama. He'll introduce you there."

'.'

Hatori looked around in pure fascination. They had left Kohaku behind to tend to the horses, Sango had not liked it, but she accepted none the less.

Upon entering the throne room, Hatori almost let out a feminine gasp. (Sango and Kikyo were free to gasp. Even Miroku took in a sharp breath of shock.) It was amazing!

The rooms was painted with scenes of the past, the roof of the gigantic room was decorated with the painting of the past lords in their true form. There were windows, adorned with blood red curtains. The carpet could also be associated with the crimson liquid. The throne was made of pure gold, while the cushion was a vibrant red. Upon the cushion sat Sesshomaru. While, beside him, stood Inu Yasha. Looking as much as a lord as he could.

They bowed, having all taken the precaution that Sesshomaru did not put down lightly the slightest show of disrespect. While Kikyo, Rin, and Sango curtsied, Hatori, Koga, and Miroku bowed. Though Hatori's bow was more of a 'you-are-my-superior-in-war' kind of bow, taking Sesshomaru by surprise.

Why did the human pest- err- Lord send a body guard, when they were utterly useless?

"Rise."

They obeyed, and stood once more in their original position.

"As you may see, I am Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands. This male here is my young, half-brother, Inu Yasha. The young lady you have met is Rin, my ward. Koga, who I am sure introduced himself, is the general of my army. May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?"

It was custom that the male heir was to answer, which Hatori did. He spoke softly and male-like.

"My lady, Higurashi Kikyo. Sango, Kikyo's humble chamber maid. Miroku, the messenger. And I, Hatori, the general of My Lord's armies."

"General, eh?" Inu Yasha asked, looking interested.

"Yes, sir." Kagome answered.

"How come you answered?" Inu Yasha asked, rather rudely.

"I am the second of twins, young master."

"You're Sango's twin brother?"

Sesshomaru knew Inu Yasha was playing with the soldier's patience. Most generals had it, except Koga, to train their imprudent soldiers. But instead of lashing out at Inu Yasha, like Sesshomaru had thought he would, Hatori answered patiently: "No, young master. I am Kikyo's twin."

Inu Yasha gaped in awe; he had passed his test on how generals could be. Koga was also looking at him with an amazed face. Even Sesshomaru gazed at him with new found respect.

"Never mind my half-brother, Hatori-san. He is most annoying." Sesshomaru said calmly.

"If you say so, My Lord." A perfect answer! Not neglecting Sesshomaru's thoughts, or insulting Inu Yasha. Hatori had gotten himself into a high ranking now.

"Anyhow, we must arrange your rooms. Sango shall sleep with the servants. Rin will show you to your room. Miroku, Kohaku, and Hatori-san will be with the army…"

"Forgive me for interrupting…" Hatori said, and then paused to see if he was allowed to go on. Sesshomaru nodded, "but I was ordered to stay by Kikyo-sama's side for the duration of the contest. May I stay close to her quarters? I do not wish to disobey My Lord." The truth was Hatori just didn't want to sleep in a room full of smelly males, but using his father's orders as an excuse wasn't against anything. Sango glared at him heatedly from behind, burning holes into his head. No fair he got a luxurious room while she got stuck down in servant's quarters. Hatori tried his best not to laugh or to piss his pants. Damn Sango was scary…

"I suppose that can be arranged. Rin, give them one of the rooms that are connected."

"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama."

"Moving on, Miroku and Kohaku will lay with the rest of the army and the male servants. While the lady and Hatori-san will be with the rest of the guests."

Koga and Rin nodded, then began to usher them out of the room.

"Hatori-san, please stay."

Hatori nodded, and trained his hidden eyes on the tall figure of the Western Lord.

"Hai?"

"Why did Hiten send you?"

"To protect one-sama from all harm."

"Oh?"

"I do not know entirely why otou-sama sent me, or any other reason he might have to have done so, but it is my duty to protect her from everything harmful. No general offence, but onee-sama has had nasty encounters with demons."

Before anyone left in the room (Inu Yasha, and Hatori) could blink, Sesshomaru was on him. But before he could even blink, much less say anything against it; Hatori had him on the ground, straddled, and with a rather heavy sword on his pale neck.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you, My Lord."

"Touché." Sesshomaru said, raising an inquisitive brow.

Inu Yasha stood, frozen. No one, no one had ever changed the tables on Sesshomaru so quickly. Not even Koga could. And this human male had managed to straddle him so easily… impossible!

"Who, if I may ask, has threatened your sister?"

Hatori scrunched his nose in disgust, "Naraku, the Lord of the Northern Lands," distaste was quite clear in his voice.

Sesshomaru could practically feel the hatred coming from her in waves.

"I take it you dislike him."

"That's the biggest understatement of the year," Sesshomaru could have sworn he heard a growl somewhere in there.

Hatori was starting to warm up to Sesshomaru, since they were currently exchanging some small talk.

Until Inu Yasha pointed out the obvious, "He's sitting on you, Sesshy-pup."

Kagome blushed lightly behind her mask, but got off coolly from Sesshomaru. Then he held out a small, feminine hand.

Sesshomaru noticed how small, and lady-like his hand was. And as his larger hand wrapped around his, he felt the soft texture of his skin. Out of pure curiosity, he looked his body over; checking him out the way enemies sized each other up.

He was a slim, and looked rather flexible. Not exactly short, but not tall either. A bit small for his age, though. Oddly enough, all male-ish featured were somehow hidden from view. The hips were covered by a sash, and the shoulders seemed to be larger than they looked, for some reason. That made no sense to Sesshomaru.

Although Hatori seemed to move and stand with dignity, something was amiss. Men tended to walk like dogs, strongly pronouncing their presence with big and loud steps, whilst he… walked differently. He couldn't place it, but it was driving him nuts.

Hatori walked out as a female servant came to take him to his room. He bowed to Sesshomaru, and nodded to Inu Yasha as he trotted silently out the door.

"This is getting rather interesting…"

Wow! Thirteen pages and counting! If you wish to ask, criticize or praise (PRAISE THE GROUND I WALK ON!) me, I'll accept it all in bliss.

Read and review!

Yeah, I revised this after a couple of requests from some of my reviewers. I hope this is enough, and I hope I got everything right this time around!

I hope some of you noticed this, but I only call Kagome 'Kagome' at certain periods of time. If you caught on, congrats! Can you find out why? And if you didn't catch on, I hope I didn't ruin the surprise!