Here she was. Finally she had done it. Ayame used to be a mere princess of the Northern wolf tribe, now she is the ruler of all of the Northern lands. How had she done it? Quite simple really she worked herself to the bone.

After Naraku's death she realized that she was not strong enough. She couldn't even protect her tribe from one of his "creations" so she felt she needed to be stronger. How did she do that? She trained. She didn't just train, she trained vigorously. 23 hours out of the 24 that there were in the day she trained. After she felt like training was not enough she went and picked fights with the most merciless, blood thirsty, power hungry, dangerous youkai she could find. (She had many near death experiences).

After not being able to find Youkai that was a challenge in any way she began to get bored. Out of that boredom the idea came; she would take on the ruler of the Northern lands.

It was the thrill of a life time! It was a challenge getting past the hundred of guards that he had. They were brutal! Among some of the best fighters she had faced so far! She couldn't wait to get to the ruler! He was a rattle snake youkai and his family has been in charge of the Northern lands for well over 1000 years. They were terrible. They had never liked the Northern wolf tribe and tried to destroy them often. They ruled their lands through slavery and fear and they mistreated the Youkai that resided in the north, not to mention the humans! Once a year the ruler would order the capture of 1000 humans that resided in the village and he devoured them with joy. 'It is time all that changed', Ayame thought with a smile as he used one of her razor leaves to slice the arm off the last guard before she got to the ruler.

Ayame kicked the door down and walked in the room as if she had been invited. There she saw a man tonguing a woman down. She scoffed because this was the ruler of the Northern lands, Fuzen, but that was clearly not his mate of 300 years With a false smile Ayame said

"Fuzen -sama, I hate to interrupt your affairs but I have come to kill you and take over the Northern lands"

Fuzen looked at her and laughed maniacally with a sneer he said

"Woman, if you wait 10 minutes it will be your turn shortly"

Ignoring his rude comment before, Ayame said,

"Fuzen -sama I will wait until you are presentable, it would be an unfair advantage for me to attack you while you are in such a position"

Fuzen stood and slit the throat of the female youkai he had been kissing with his long nails.

"Woman you will pay for ruining my fun"

"I'll take those words as acceptance of my proposal" Ayame bowed slightly and attacked

She threw some of her razor leaves at the man to test him out. He dodged them easily and said

"Woman if that is all you possess then this shall be an easy slaughter"

Ayame cracked her knuckles with a smile and punched the ground and a tornado of leaves rose from the ground catching Fuzen off guard. He jumped off the ground just before they caused any real damage but she did leave a small scratch on his pale white cheek and that pissed him off to no end.

His weird black eyes changed to blood red and his dark green hair started to defy gravity and float in the air.

"You will pay for that wench" he said as he changed from a very handsome but eerily scary man, into a snake that was so huge it burst the whole room open.

Ayame's smile grew broader this was really going to be fun! The last time she battled a Youkai that could shape shift she had almost died. This means she had a challenge on her hands. Ayame loves challenges.

The demon spit green youkai at her she dodged it easily she glanced behind her to see the effect of the youkai. There was now a huge hole in the wall that was getting bigger as the seconds went on.

"Better not let you touch me" Ayame said humorously. She was having fun and that pissed Fuzenoff even more.

"You should stay calm Fuzen –sama, your anger will make it hard for you to concentrate on your opponent"

Fuzen sent the green youkai at her faster and with more force. Ayame dodged them all with back flips, front flips, cartwheels, and jumps all around the muddled room.

Ayame took the iris out of her hair and dug it into the snake's noisy rattle. The snake howled at the purification powers of the flower and tried to attack her again but found that his movements had been slowed.

Ayame, thinking that the demon would be stopped, ceased moving and stood near the demons rattle.

Fuzen was very powerful and he was able to break the paralyses rather quickly. Ayame, slightly off guard, was not expecting him to be able to move, so as a result, he moved and grabbed her in the classic snake grip, squeezing her tightly.

The snake's anger began to fade at the capture of the pest. He looked in her face and was pissed to see her struggling to smile. Angered, he began to tighten his grip on her and build up the youkai in his mouth so that when he attacked her with it there would not be any remnants of her body left.

Ayame struggled to move her legs.

"If I could just get my legs free" she thought with a struggle. After a great amount of work she finally got a leg free she lifted it above her head and brought it down on the snake's body so hard that it loosened the grip enough for her to escape. She used the snake's body as a base and jumped from it to the snake's face. Ayame kicked with great force and sent the snake flying across the room. The youkai that Fuzen had been building up started firing at random place in the air.

The snake soon gathered its balance and looked down at Ayame with so much hatred it made her shiver slightly. While it was staring at her and coming closer slowly, she used the time as an opportunity to attack the snake's eyes she sent two of her razor leaves to each of them. The snake made a noise so shrill she had to cover her sensitive ears. She looked at Fuzen and smiled knowing that he was now blind

"That's what happens when glaring goes wrong" she said with a laugh

"now listen because I know you can no longer see…" she said "you should know the name of your murderer, it is Ayame of the Northern wolf tribe, to say not to forget it would be stupid because you are about to die. I will happily take the northern lands and rule them justly"

In a last desperate effort the daiyoukai sent another wave of green youkai in the direction in which he heard the voice. Ayame dodged them effortlessly and said

"At least I can say this about you; you didn't go down without a fight"

Ayame stopped to listen for the snakes heart beat and unsheathed her sword and stabbed it where she heard the beat the strongest. The sword went in, but when she tried to pull it out the blade broke off into the snake's body.

"I need a new weapon" she said with a sigh and tossed the remaining piece of her sword, the grip, behind her.

She watched as the huge snake fell and squirmed until its movement stopped all together.

"For a daiyoukai he wasn't much of a challenge"

Ayame looked to the guard that was shaking by the broken down fusuma door,

"You'll be the witness and as a reward I'll allow you on my council"

The guard, to scared to speak, shook his head yes

"Good, now bring his mate to me immediately" she said as she sat on the throne that has no back because of the fight.

The man nodded and ran away.

A woman with green hair to her feet, all black eyes, pale skin and a swirl in the middle of her forehead walked into the room. Ayame could tell instantly that the woman was a rattle snake youkai. She also could tell the woman was royalty she carried herself as such. She was very beautiful.

Ayame smiled sweetly at the woman, the woman said

"You are the woman that killed my mate?"

"hai, but I am surprised that you are not in great pain…"

"That only works when there is an equal amount of love in the relationship. If he had loved me as I loved him then yes, I would be in excruciating pain, however because he did not love me, as you can clearly see, I am not suffering as much as I should be. I see you killed my best friend as well"

"Excuse me?"

The queen gestured toward the woman that Fuzen had killed

"Oh no! Fuzen-Sama killed her. When I walked in they were kissing and when I interrupted he killed her… Gomen nasai you've lost two loved ones in one day"

"They both deserve to rot in hell" the lady… past lady of the Northern lands stated spitefully.

"I see" Ayame said as a sweat drop formed on her forehead…

"Since you killed the fool that means you are the new ruler of the Northern lands. Congratulations"

"The reason I called you down here actually, was to maybe … form a friendship with you… I rule the Northern wolf tribe but that is nothing compared to all of the Northern lands, and since you've been at it for a while I was wondering if you would maybe be the second in command… until I find a suitable mate which could take many years"

"Why should I befriend the woman that killed my mate and is taking my spot?"

"I'm offering you the opportunity to live as you lived when your mate was alive, Fumiko-sama"

"Well then I refuse, I lived a terrible life, of unhappiness and grief when that foolish man was alive."

"Well how about a life that is many times better?"

"I will think it over, until I answer you, allow me to show you around the castle, it will be your future home after all, but once you see it, there is no doubt in my mind that you will want to make many changes"

"Thank you very much Fumiko-sama! Oh by the way my name is Ayame!"

"I know who you are, you do not hear of many women who go around and challenge the strongest youkai in the land. I knew it was a matter of time before you came for my mate"

"oh! I'm flattered"

"You are kind also. I think you are perfect for ruling the lands. Be warned, because you are female there will be many who wish to challenge you. Being the ruler has opened many opportunities, yes. However it has opened many obstacles as well. You will be challenged more than any of the rulers of major lands because you are female. The first thing that I suggest is that you get a group that you are comfortable with, people you trust, friends, and make them your council. Then form an army, a big army. You'll need it. Make alliances with the other three rulers of the lands"

"Who are they?"

"Itami ruler of the southern lands, Sou ruler of the eastern lands and Sesshomaru, ruler of the western lands"

"What fierce names"

"They are fierce beings; know that my mate, though strong, was the weakest of the four. You do not want them on your bad side, but worry not, from what the soldier told me you defeated him most easily, so maybe it would be in their best interests to keep you on their good side"

Fumiko said humorously. She had grown to like Ayame in the short time that they had known each other.

After the tour was over Ayame found that Fumiko was right. There would be some major changes to the palace. But that would be later. Right now she was going to scope out the servants and decide who would stay, and who would be removed, either willingly or by force.

That was a year ago when she became ruler of the Northern lands. It had been harder than she originally thought it would be. Many people doubted her ability and just like Fumiko, now her best friend and second in command, said she had many challenges. Everyday there would be some Youkai who doubted her ability as ruler and challenged her to a fight. Most of them were handled quite easily. The good thing about the daily battles was that it kept her on her toes and well trained. Now that the battles had worn down to about one fool a week Ayame actually had time to look over some scroll and learn the history of her lands and the history of the other lands as well.

Reading became a hobby for her. She loved being well informed so she had a library built immediately, purchased all the scrolls that she could find, and hired someone to roam the Northern lands and write their findings. That would have to do until her position was secure enough where she could patrol her lands herself.

She felt she was abandoning the Northern wolf tribe so she had another wing built to the palace and moved them there. Now her council consisted of the majority of the Northern wolf pack. There were some she did not trust so she did not offer them a spot on her council but she did offer them a room in her palace after all it was big enough to hold many.

Ayame was in her library (or study whichever you prefer) when she got a knock on the door.

"yes?"

"Ayame –sama, Fumiko –sama has returned, she wishes to speak to you"

"Send her in"

"Yes Ayame sama"

Fumiko walked in with her normal grace and smiled at Ayame.

"So how'd it go? Were there any problems with the lands? I know I hired someone to check but I had to send you Fumiko-sama I do not trust them much"

"No problem Ayame –sama I love to roam the lands"

"I wish I could go."

"With your free spirit it must be killing you to be locked up in the castle"

"It is the choice I made. I have to live with it"

"Wisely spoken"

"So, any problems?"

"Nothing big. There were a few groups of youkai attacking the human villages. But they were weak and the humans were able to fight them off okay"

"You also have a new clan building up, a monkey Youkai plan. They are thinking of starting a war with the Bat clan for territorial reasons"

"See that a servant goes and bring both leaders to each pack to me. Let us see if we can prevent this war between the two clans. I want to have the least amount of wars on the lands as possible."

"there is also a small army starting to form. It seems to be all of the Youkai that you defeated Ayame –sama. They wish to take your title away from you by starting a war"

" I see, see that the leader of this group comes to me as well"

" I told you, you should kill the fools that wish to challenge you! Your kindness leads them to believe you are weak"

"If this little shenanigan continues I will have to take your advice Fumiko-sama"

"is that all you need Ayame-sama?"

"hai, you can go. Thank you so much Fumiko –sama. On your way out can you tell the servant at the door to come in?"

"hai"

Fumiko turned to leave she needed a bath after her long journey. She relayed the message to the servant and went to her room with her private hot spring.

"Yes, Ayame-sama?"

"Send for the masseur. Tell him to come immediately"

"Yes, Ayame- sama"

"Thank you so much kyo- Chan"

"No problem Ayame-sama"

"hey Kyo- Chan?"

"yes Ayame-sama?"

"you look like you could use a massage too. Send for a masseur for yourself as well. Actually send for Fumiko-sama one as well, we'll make it a girl relaxation thing"

Three handsome shirtless men walked in and stood in line. Behind them walked in Kyoko (kyo-chan) and Fumiko.

They laid down on the pillows provided and waited for the men to do their job.

While Ayame was getting a massage one of her messengers ran into the room in haste.

"Ayame- sama! Ayame sama!"

"What is it Mimaru-san?"

Ayame said a little annoyed that she was disturbed from her massage. She looked down at the small orange man and smiled despite her true feelings he was so cute with his little green flower sticking out the middle of his head and large green eyes.

"Ayame-sama! The great daiyoukai Itami has requested that you attend a conference for the rulers of the lands at his palace in the southern lands in two weeks"

"I see. Send him a message letting him know that I plan to attend. Then see that all the scrolls with information on the rulers of each of the lands and their mates, along with all information on the southern lands are brought to my bedroom chambers. Also pack your things. I wish for you to attend this conference with me. Your mate can come along if she wants. Be quick with it Mimaru-san. It would be in your best interest to read up on the lords as well."

"Yes Ayame-sama!" Mimaru turned and ran away to get the things Ayame requested ready.

"Fumiko-sama I am aware that you just got back from a long journey. But how would you feel about attending this conference with me?"

"Since all of the rulers will be there with their mates and you don't have a mate then I guess I don't really have a choice"

"Thank you so much Fumiko-sama!"

"Ayame- sama?"

"hai!?"

"Remind me to find you a man"

Ayame laughed at her best friend. And said

"but if I find a man Fumiko-sama what will you do?"

"Sit around and enjoy the fruits of your labor"

"Hidoi"

"iie, fair"

"After my massage I promise I'll go and start preparing"

"Do not get lazy on me Ayame- sama"

"hai, hai"

Ayame said as she lazily rose from her massage and thanked the masseur

"You are not coming?"

"I am not the ruler of the Northern lands Ayame-sama. Therefore I have the right to finish my massage"

Kyoko tried to get up as well.

"No Kyoko you finish your massage"

Ayame turned and walked from the room on the way out she tossed back

"we will leave in a week. Be prepared by then!"

"hai, hai" Fumiko called back.

Author notes

Hey guys it's me back again with a new story. I hope your enjoying my newest creation. It's going to be Ayame centric as you can see. But don't worry it is romance so you will see Kouga… a lot! Just not in this chapter. This is going to be one of my longer stories I'm not sure how long at the moment but I'll keep you posted! Please Review! I need you to!!!!

Translations you might need to know:

Fusuma- the sliding Japanese doors that separates rooms from other rooms and hallways

Hai- yes, okay, or shows a person that you heard what they said, sometimes in response to a name.

Gomen nasai- sorry (polite)

Daiyoukai- great youkai

Hidoi- mean

Iie- no

Other helpful notes:

Itami means pain, Sou means suffer, Sesshomaru means perfect killer or destruction man (I like perfect killer better. Destruction man sounds like a bad name for a villain in a super man comic… ;) On the part where Ayame says "what fierce names" that's why she said it. Their names are pretty mean…

Fuzen (not that it matters anymore because he's dead) means evil

Ayame means iris

Kyoko, Fumiko, and Mimaru are just names that I made up or stole from somewhere else. I'm not sure if they mean anything I just knew "maru" was a popular ending to male names in Japan and "ko" was popular for females.

Sorry for the rambling please review!