The journey to the North
(I do not own any rights or have affiliation to Inuyasha, or its characters, that belongs to the wonderful Rumiko Takahashi.)
"My Lord, why?" Ryusei asked breathlessly. She quickly scanned over her actions recently, but found no reason to evoke anger with anyone. "Have I done something that has displeased you?"
"No. The opposite. I need you and Hideo to move your studies up North. The Wolf youki are allies of the West, so you will not find immediate danger up there. Hideo," He said turning to the silent youki, "you have the capability to teach my ward everything she needs to know to defend herself, should the need arise?"
"Yes, my lord." He said quietly.
"Good. I've made the arrangements already for you to travel in the morning. Prepare what you both need tonight. Ryusei, come speak with me a moment in the gardens."
With that they rose, leaving Hideo to start packing what they needed in the guest house. Ryusei silently followed, with tears welling in her eyes as she studied the back of Toga as he led her to the expansive gardens within the castle. He motioned for her to have a seat on a stone bench, which still held the days heat from the sun. They were both silent while he sat next to her, she lifted her head to the stars and night sky, watching as they silently kept vigil upon the dark earth.
"Please, don't be upset." He spoke in a low tone. "If I knew another way to handle what is about to come to pass, I would have you take another path. But with what is about to be borne, I know no other way..."
As he stated this, she turned to him. He still was looking at the sky as he spoke.
"What is going to happen My Lord?"
"The treaty with the East is failing, the Dragon clans are moving near the borders of my lands. All diplomacy has fallen on deaf ears when it comes to Ryukotsusei. I fear the worst my child, I would not have you here when this gets to our door step."
"Please, let me fight with you. I know enough to help, and I can't imagine being stowed safely away while what I have known as my family fights here. How can you ask that of me?! You taught me everything, how to be proud, to stand up for what is right, and defeat what is wrong. You never back down and run, that is what you have taught me for years!" She knew she was fighting a losing battle, but she had to try...
He turned to face her then, the pride on his face making her want to cry even more.
"You know I can't do that. If you were captured, how far do you think I'd go for them to let you go? It would be a risk to me if you stayed...I consider you a part of my pack."
She felt elated that he said this, but felt abandoned with his plans, almost as if she wasn't good enough on her own. She understood the reason why, but she still felt like she was losing the only father figure she ever knew.
"I understand my Lord. I will do as you wish, of course. But my heart aches."
"I know my child, I feel the same way. When all is clear, I will send for you right away. Be good for Hideo, and mind his lessons. Dragon youki are known for their cunning and speed in battle. He will be invaluable to your progress."
After he was done speaking, he sat in silence for a moment looking at her, as if he was trying to make a decision in his mind. He finally reached over to her and hugged her, something he never had done in the past. It was her undoing. She cried on his shoulder for a few moments, then collected herself. She pulled away and mumbled, "Be careful my Lord" and walked back to the guest house for the night.
Unknown to her, those would be her last spoken words to the Inu no Taishou...