Chapter 3: When First We Practice to Deceive
Touga, Inu no Taisho and Lord of the Western Lands of Japan, felt the youki of his most trusted ambassador to the court of his human ally, the Lord of Setsuna, approaching, and instantly, his eyes narrowed.
Kenji... he would not have come this distance if there weren't a matter of great importance to be discussed.
Immediately, he motioned for silence in the audience room and without explanation to any within dismissed everyone with little patience. As his youki flared, the room cleared, no one daring to stay and challenge one who was unarguably alpha.
Within minutes of the rabble's withdrawal, Kenji entered and Touga immediately threw up a barrier around the room. He eyed his vassal's serious expression. "Speak."
"Yes, my lord," Kenji said, bowing deeply. He straightened, then said, "There are two matters that need to be brought to your attention. First, the hime, Izayoi-sama. She is more than we knew – and her fate is cloudy. She spoke to this one this evening at dinner... asking of the Shikon no Tama."
Touga's eyes widened slightly as he took that in. The Shikon no Tama? That troublesome thing? What is her connection to it?
"Continue," he said curtly.
"She has had dreams of the jewel since returning home from her training, she said. Dreams of fire and death. She mentioned a curse and a wish. It was easy to tell her dreams troubled her greatly, and according to her brother, her dreams should be taken as good as a bond – what she dreams, comes to pass. I am concerned with this, I will not deny it – the timing is too strange, and what with Ryukotsussei..." he trailed off.
Eyes narrowing in thought, Touga considered the information, then nodded at Kenji. "Continue – you said there were two things."
"The second also involves the hime-sama in a sense. There is a new Captain of the Palace Guard, and she took note of his virulent hatred of youkai. Hikaru and I also felt it. But she also warned of danger from him. She did not say it, but I believe she fears him... or what he may do."
Silence fell as Touga considered what he had been told, and Kenji waited patiently, knowing his lord's moods well. After a time, the Inu no Taisho spoke.
"You did well to come to me with these concerns. Return to Setsuna and keep your eye on Izayoi. Encourage her confidence. It need not be said that she is to be protected at all costs," he said, a warning note in his voice that the kitsune easily picked up on. Kenji bowed, then turned and left, his mind turning over everything he knew of Takemaru of Setsuna... and that wasn't much. It was time to dig into the man's past.
Touga stood after Kenji left and made his way to his private wing of the palace, taking no note of the females or courtiers vying for his attention. He had much more important matters to consider.
The Shikon no Tama. Damn that jewel, he thought, irritation washing through him. I have never been able to fathom what Midoriko was thinking when she created that blasted thing. She would have been better off leaving those foul youkai alone and letting others join her in killing them. No... instead she has burdened the world with something that far too many youkai crave. Her mistake has already cost much – and most likely will cost more before it is destroyed.
That didn't tell him anything of Izayoi's connection to the jewel. Although... it occurred to him suddenly that Midoriko's power had manifested in a pink color... as did Izayoi's. Which was something that no other miko, before or since, had done. All others bore purple or blue reiki. And with that realization came the knowledge that Izayoi was much more than she appeared to be.
But what? She cannot be Midoriko's reincarnation, because the jewel is Midoriko's soul. But there is something there, apparently... some connection.
He reached the doors into his personal quarters and slid them open, perfectly well able to see though the room was dark. Entering, he slid the door shut behind himself then stood there for a few minutes, mind still lost in ruminations of the complications to what had once seemed so simple.
Of course, what he was planning might just become easier in some ways with this new information. After all, the more powerful Izayoi was, the better chance she would have in the youkai courts, since youkai only respected those with power.
According to Kenji, Izayoi was most likely the most powerful miko since Midoriko herself – and there wasn't one youkai alive in the courts today who'd dared try anything with her. They'd known better. That was why they had set a large amount of lower-youkai onto her – they were cowards.
But the Shikon no Tama... its involvement worried him immensely. Is it still being held in safety in Midoriko's cave? Or has it been taken? No... if it had been freed from the barrier around the cave, I, and every other youkai around, would have felt it.
Though... there was that odd pulse the other evening. I would have sworn it came from the Tama... but then it faded almost immediately and there's been nothing since.
Perhaps I should take a quick trip to the cave, just to make certain it is still there and intact within the barrier. It would not do to let someone such as Ryukotsussei get ahold of it...
He sighed, then moved further into his rooms, allowing his youki to light the candles settled around the room. He was just about to slip out of his clothes when he felt a swell of youki at his door, and sighed, rather annoyed.
"Come, Sesshoumaru. You may enter." What is he in need of at this time of the evening?
The door slid open to reveal his heir, looking as stoic and cold as ever. He stepped into the room and closed the door, allowing the barriers around the room to close behind him. After a moment of staring at his father, he said, "Kenji was here."
Touga shrugged, turning away to continue readying himself for sleep. "For a few minutes. Is there a problem with that?"
Sesshoumaru didn't bat an eye at his father's tone. "You still intend to go through with this plan of yours, then? Is there nothing I can say that will change your mind?"
An irate snarl tore through the room, and Touga cast reddened eyes in his son's direction as he rounded on him. "Do not question me again on this topic! It is not your concern what I choose to do with my life! What hardship does this plan put upon you, Sesshoumaru? You are the heir to my lands. That is not threatened by what I am about to do. So what is your problem?"
"You would disgrace our house with this. She is a ningen, beneath us in every way, hime or not. How long do you think she will last in our courts? Weakness. That is all she can bring to us!" his son retorted, his stoic visage fading as his anger grew.
And Touga calmed, laughing. "That is right... you do not know. I have kept it secret. She is far more than just a ningen hime, Sesshoumaru. She is miko. Miko of the caliber of Midoriko," he said, amusement leeching into his voice at his son's sudden uncertainty. "Yes... even you, my son, would not be proof against her power if you chose to confront her – not that I would allow such," he finished, a warning note taking over the amusement. "Mind you do not say anything to anyone of any of this."
"Why are you really doing this, father?" Sesshoumaru asked after a moment of silence, his eyes narrowed. "There is more here than meets the eye."
With a nod, Touga finished readying himself for bed. "There is. You know what is going on with that damn dragon. I strengthen our hand with this plan. He will have nothing to counter us with once I am done. And it will get his horrid daughter off my case, as well. As if I would lower myself to wed and bed one who reeks of so many males she could be one herself," he snorted in disgust, his eyes flashing red again at the thought. "I will never ally with those deceitful dragons. I am well aware of his plans to overthrow the West to his own rule through his daughter. I move to counter him, and what I choose to do is not for you to question, Sesshoumaru. You are my heir, but I am Lord. Remember that."
"For now. But tell me – what, exactly, are you going to leave me with once you have passed, and I am forced to step forward and take over? What will be left for me to be heir to?" With that, he turned and left, and Touga stared after him for a long moment.
With a sigh, he said aloud, "Hopefully, more than what there is now, my son. At the very least, you will be Lord of all that your forefathers once held. Despite that damn dragon."
He allowed his youki to douse the candlelight.
Yes... I will hold your inheritance, my lands, Sesshoumaru, no matter what Ryukotsussei tries.
The West will always rise above.
~oOo~
Awake before dawn the next morning, Touga dressed quickly, girding himself as though for battle in heavy armor. He had no idea what he would run into at Midoriko's cave, and wanted to be prepared. Going over to his weapons stand, he picked up Tessaiga, running his hand over the newly forged sword.
I will take you with me, Tessaiga, and you, Tenseiga, he decided. He pushed Tessaiga through his obi, and Tenseiga as well, then drew Sou'unga and slid him into his over-the-shoulder sheath, leaving the sword pressed against his back. The sword was too big to be carried at his side as most were.
The blade growled at him, rage evident in its vocalization, and Touga pressed his youki into it, demanding its submission. While powerful, the sword was nowhere near strong enough to control him, and after a few moments, it sullenly settled down, quieting and falling back into its normal doze.
Both Tenseiga and Tessaiga pulsed in disfavor of the other sword, and Touga tapped both with his palm to calm them. They did not like the sword that had been created to dominate and destroy humanity, when they themselves had been created to protect and restore it.
When he had taken the first steps in his plan with his ally, the Lord of Setsuna, he had gone to Totosai and ordered him to begin work on two swords – the Fang of Heaven, and the Fang of Earth. Created from his fangs, the two swords had similar purposes – protection of ningens. One that could be used to defend life, and one that could be used to restore life.
He had been well pleased when Totosai had called for him a mere week ago to give him his swords. They were everything he'd requested – and then some.
With one last glance around the darkened room, he stepped to the outside doors that led into the gardens and let himself out. Spreading his senses out, he was pleased to find that most of the citadel was still sleeping, and then, forming his light around himself, he flashed away into the still-dark sky, heading north.
He was unaware of the regard of one who was a danger to everything he was fighting for as he disappeared into the distance...
Flaming red eyes flared as she watched him fade away.
~oOo~
He landed before the taijiya village just as the sun crested the horizon, and waited patiently enough before its gates. They were well aware he was there, and the headman would be out soon enough to inquire into his purposes there.
Sure enough, within five minutes, the gates opened, and a middle-aged male appeared, accompanied by a younger male. Touga waited politely for the two to reach speaking distance.
Both taijiya bowed as they approached. "Touga-sama. To what do we owe this visit?" the older male asked.
Eyeing the two shrewdly, he relaxed slightly. Neither male showed any upset, which they would if anything had happened to Midoriko's cave. After a few seconds, he responded.
"There are portents. The jewel has been woken. I have come to make sure all is still well with the cave," he said, being deliberately vague.
The two, eyes rounding, shocked, nodded. "You felt it, too, then, Touga-sama?" the younger asked, by name Masaru. "The pulse from it, some few nights ago?"
He nodded curtly. "Aye. Fortunately, it was fast, and then faded away. Most probably do not realize what it was, if they even noticed it. Still, I wish to check things with my own eyes," he responded.
The two taijiya nodded, and Touga strode past the fortified walls of the village, headed to the cliff walls behind it. His destination lay there, protected behind the home of the youkai taijiya clan.
He could feel the barrier, still intact, as he approached, and something within relaxed. Whoever the Tama had been calling out to, and he was beginning to suspect that Izayoi had been that someone, nothing else had changed that he could tell as he probed the barrier before him. It was still strong, and the Tama did not react to his presence, indicating that it had returned to its slumber.
No... he thought, with a frown, it is not asleep any longer – only dozing. It has awakened. It seems your destiny is greater than I had guessed, Izayoi. But what exactly is your connection to this thing?
So many questions and not enough answers.
He turned to the two who had accompanied him. "The Tama is no longer asleep. It has woken and is only dozing now. You must be vigilant – it could begin to attempt to entice those who seek easy paths to power. I will send a trusted companion of mine, a neko mononoke by the name of Kirara, to you. You will treat her well, and if anything happens, you are to send her to warn me immediately. Anything that happens, are we clear? We cannot afford for it to fall into the hands of any who would use its power."
The headman, who'd been silent for the most part, nodded. "We understand, Touga-sama. We, also, know of the ambitions of the dragon Lord who seeks conquest and power. She will be sent to you immediately should anything occur."
Touga nodded curtly; taking one last glance around, he said his goodbyes to the two and, forming his light orb once more, headed towards his borders, intent on patrolling along them. He had a very uneasy feeling...
He could smell the stink of dragon almost as soon as he neared the border with the northern lands.
A growl slipped from his throat as he realized that their stench didn't stop at the border – some of those treacherous beasts had continued on into his lands. A vicious smirk lit his face... now that they had breached his territory he could slaughter them and their Lord couldn't say a thing. In fact, he would make out as though they were renegades, at least in public, so that he, as Lord, wasn't brought down with them.
Swiftly following the cold, reptilian scent of what appeared to be a small party of four, he chose to bring out Tessaiga – it was time to blood it in battle. The dragons were a threat to all those living in his lands, ningen and youkai alike, and he would defend his lands, and those on them, to the death.
Dropping out of his light orb right in the midst of the group, he slashed out immediately at the one that appeared to be the leader, taking him deep in the gut and carving a fatal wound into his flesh within milliseconds, then turned to catch the claws of his next opponent on the blade. Before the dragon could compensate, he kicked out, knocking the hissing beast back.
Another one came from behind, and he leaped out of the way, landing several yards away; spinning to face two of the remaining lizards, he called on the power held within the blade, and swinging it in a great arc, cried, "Kaze no Kizu!" He was pleased beyond measure as the two completely disintegrated, to the shock of the only one left.
Instantly, the remaining coward tried to flee, but he chased him down and sliced him damn near in two, and just that quickly, the little battle was over. Swinging Tessaiga several times, he cleaned the blood from its blade with nothing more than air, then sheathed it. He stared at the body for a moment and then grinned, a most vicious grin, before heaving the carcass over his shoulder and forming his cloud under his feet, headed for the border.
He arrived within minutes, and dropping his burden, drew Tenseiga for the first time. He nodded in approval as it pulsed, then pulsed again, a cyan blue light coalescing in the air around it. He was somewhat surprised to see the imps of the underworld suddenly visible in its light, but he didn't hesitate in slashing through them with the Fang of Heaven.
As the sword swiped through them, they disintegrated, and the body of the dragon that had moments before been lifeless healed before his eyes and began to draw breath once more.
It only took a few seconds for his eyes to open, and when he did, he panicked, seeing his enemy standing above him with a sword. Hadn't the Western Lord already killed him?
"I thought I was already dead," he croaked, throat severely dry, for some reason, and eyes haunted.
"You were," Touga answered. "This sword, forged from my fang, has power over death. I brought you back." He narrowed his eyes on the stunned dragon. "You will take a message to your master – do not invade my lands again, or it will precipitate actions he will not like," he said coldly, ice in his voice and eyes.
He stared at the male for several seconds, imparting a silent warning, then formed his orb once more and flashed towards home, many thoughts running through his mind.
His hatred of Ryukotsussei was first and foremost, however.
Damn that wretch and his infernal scheming! Perhaps it would just be easier to meet the bastard in battle and finish this once and for all!
He wouldn't do that, though, much as it might appeal to him – Sesshoumaru was not ready to lead the lands yet, and he had no desire to leave the West in turmoil if the battle went ill for him.
No... I will just have to beat that cold, hell-born dragon at his own games.
~oOo~
Takako watched as Touga, the Western Lord, disappeared into the distance, her red eyes flashing for a moment with a wicked light.
He goes somewhere to defend something, as heavily armed and armored as he was. And he heads north... Father.
Clutching her yukata closer around herself, she stepped out of her room and onto the cool wooden floor of the walkway, then stepped carefully down the steps into the garden. For several moments she considered attempting to follow the powerful male, but then decided against it; she wouldn't get very far, not knowing his destination for certain. It would be wasted effort, and she hated wasting her energy on anything that wouldn't pay off for her – or her father.
One wonders if the puppy knows anything useful of what his father's plans are – since the big dog himself is so close-mouthed. It is apparent that he plays a deep game, and none of these useless courtiers I have been forced to keep company with can give me anything useful.
For all her stay here in an attempt to coax the powerful inu to her side, she had been unable to manage it – he had not once given in to any of her very blatant attempts at seduction – and that angered and frustrated her greatly. She was beautiful, and she knew it. But he didn't appear to think so...
Long hair of silver, much like Touga's own, ruby red eyes, beautiful, even features and a shapely body kept her quite happily in bed partners, and she'd never had any problems seducing anyone... except the Western Lord - and his son.
Oh, yes, she'd tried her charms on the young Sesshoumaru, as well – after all, young or not, he was sexually mature and a very handsome male. But he was cold - he had merely stared at her with disdain, and then turned on his heel and walked away, not even deigning to speak to her.
She could not wait for the day her father destroyed the Western House – she hated the dogs with everything within her. But she was a dutiful daughter, and she was here to carry out her father's will, no matter what it took.
But even father has not been able to get him to agree to take me as his wife. I begin to wonder if the mutt prefers males – hell, he didn't even wed the mother of his heir, and he dismissed all his concubines months ago.
However...
Lately, rumors abound, and whispers of negotiations with some ningen Lord spread widely. But no matter who I speak to, or where I listen, I can find no information that would help our plans at all. It seems for all the talk, none know anything useful.
She had decided in the beginning that the best one to seduce would be Kenji, as he was the Lord's most trusted adviser – but for some reason, he was hardly ever around anymore, and whispers said he had been posted to another court by Touga-sama himself. As had Hikaru. That left her with little access to the Lord's innermost circle, giving her almost nothing to work with.
Growing more frustrated by the minute as her thoughts ran in circles, Takako turned blind eyes from the garden and headed back to her room to prepare for another day of trying to find out anything useful – or seducing the Lord of the place into her bed.
While she dressed she managed to calm herself – after all, it would not be fitting for a daughter of Ryukotsussei to give anything away to the enemy...
When she finally left her rooms for the day, no one would ever guess there was anything on the woman's mind save her own amusements.
But she was a dragon – and that should have given the clue to everyone in the palace.
Dragons were not to be trusted...
… Ever.
~oOo~
Staring out the window of his private study later that morning, Touga shifted his shoulders to release some tension and considered the female languishing in the gardens beneath his window.
Takako. That wench. I know why she is here and what she attempts. Now, I simply need a way to counter her. She is extremely promiscuous... a very evil smirk crossed his face as a certain idea came to him, and without another thought, he turned to summon a servant.
When one appeared, bowing lowly before him, he spoke. "Send someone to summon Arata," he ordered shortly, and the servant disappeared to carry out his orders immediately.
Arata was perhaps his best asset when it came to spying that called for seduction as part and parcel of the scheme. He was simply unstoppable. Another kitsune, he was a very beautiful male that no woman could seem to resist. Indeed, many males could not resist Arata, and the kitsune used every asset he had when it was needed for his Lord.
He would be most amenable to using seduction to get what his Lord desired from Takako, and since the woman had never seen Arata, she wouldn't know the first thing about him. Most did not know that he was actually bound to the Western Lord's service, merely thinking him a childhood friend of his.
And that suited him well...
One hand idly raised to stroke his pelt as he considered the implications of the Shikon no Tama awakening at this time – and calling out for Izayoi. He needed to find out what the connection between the two was, quickly – before Ryukotsussei found out what was about to happen. And he would, obviously, if not beforehand, then once the deal was done, of course, all would know.
That was when the danger would be greatest.
There would be many who would be enraged at what he was about to do, and he would have to be very careful that all did not fall into ruin. It was a very dangerous course that he had chosen, but if he could bring it off... the rewards would be immense.
I suppose it is a good thing that the little hime is as amenable as she is – at least, according to Kenji. His mind flashed back to that particular meeting between he and his adviser, after he'd first been sent to the shrine to familiarize himself with the girl and begin her training. He had been most surprised to hear Kenji say that were she not bound for something greater he'd have wanted her for himself, as Kenji was notoriously hard to please.
An avid artist, the kitsune had done a likeness of the hime in color and sent it to him, and he had been well pleased – the girl was indeed a beauty. But according to Kenji, she was also beautiful inside, where it counted.
Spirited, intelligent, caring, but fiery when angered, beautiful of face and form, she was perfect for the role she was about to play – and Touga counted himself lucky that he wouldn't be stuck with someone he would be unable to stand.
No... being tied for life to a female that was less than pleasing in form and personality would indeed be a steep price, though I would have paid it to gain the power she carries against Ryukotsussei. For the fact of the matter is, with her power, the dragon will be forced to back off. She gives the West the edge we need against the North. She is something they cannot counter.
It was a good alliance all around, as far as he was concerned. He gained a most powerful, beautiful wife, and Setsuna gained a powerful ally, one who would be bound to aid him if he were ever attacked.
He sat down at his desk again, and, reaching into a secret area of it, he uttered a small charm, then pulled the drawer open that appeared once the spell was spoken. Pulling out a stack of parchment, he began to read through them as soon as he closed the drawer, which once more disappeared.
"The hime is a most pleasing young woman, eager to learn and highly intelligent. She is quick and curious, having a desire for knowledge of all sorts. She is very comely – there are few, even amongst the youkai courts, that are more beautiful, yet she is not vain in the least. When asked to list her best points, her looks are never mentioned, and she is always genuinely surprised when someone compliments her face or form, blushing and becoming uncomfortable."
Touga smiled grimly to himself at that... She certainly is unlike most youkai bitches, then, as they all seem to be unaccountably vain. He continued to read.
"She carries a great deal of power, though, as I have spoken to the miko here, it is a strange power, very unlike most miko. For instance... she can flare her power over a youkai and it does nothing to harm them at all – it simply feels warm. We also recently found that she is able to heal youkai, and that is unheard of. She has a gentle heart... she came across an orphaned and badly wounded kitsune kit, and healed him instantly and with no hesitation. As I said, a gentle heart. It did not matter that the child was youkai, she simply saw him as a child in need."
That was something that made her unique – even over Midoriko. While she had been aware that some youkai were not evil, she would never have been able to bring herself to treat a youkai as no more or less than any other being as Izayoi apparently was. She would take the youkai courts by storm...
He flipped through a few of the letters until he came to the one he wanted, and pulled it out of the stack, setting the rest back down.
"I have found out several things about the hime's past which I think you will find interesting, my Lord. When she was a very young child she disappeared from the palace compound for several hours – none could find her. When she was finally found, she was just outside the gates, unconscious, clutching a very powerful bow. It was larger than she was, apparently, and was infused with reiki. Her father, not believing that females should bear weapons tried to part the bow from the girl, but when she woke, she quickly became hysterical until the bow was returned to her. He finally allowed her to keep it in her room, and she has kept it close always since that day."
That was a very strange thing... where had she gone, and what had happened to her in the several hours she had been missing? Nothing was said of any injuries, so there had been none... but how could a small child, a protected and pampered hime no less, escape outside of the palace compound, especially when the whole palace was surrounded by a huge retaining wall?
"Nothing strange happened after that for some time, and most of it was forgotten, until she began showing a marked interest in archery. By the time she was ten, she could fire the bow she had with remarkable accuracy and with almost no training or practice whatsoever. And then, in her eleventh year, her reiki suddenly manifested. Perhaps the strangest part of that was the change in her eye color. Everyone who has known the hime since birth swears that she had light brown eyes until that day. But from the instant, apparently, that her powers rose up her eyes changed to the brilliant blue they are now. No one can account for such a thing... but I have seen a portrait, done of the hime and her mother when she was no more than four, and indeed, she was portrayed with brown eyes in it."
Touga set the letter down and closed his eyes, meditating on what was said in it. It seemed the little hime was, indeed, much more than she seemed.
But her disappearance as a child... that concerns me. Nothing was noted about her being any different when she was found, save for her having and being so drawn to that bow... but could it be that this young woman isn't really Izayoi? Is she, perhaps, a changeling?
No... according to Kenji, in one of his earlier letters, I remember, he says she looks a great deal like her mother, who was also a beauty. A changeling usually looks nothing like those they are given to.
And yet...
It seemed to him that something was very different about Izayoi, compared to her family. From what he'd been able to find out, no one in their family had ever shown any type of spiritual powers whatsoever, going back generations. That made it very odd – though not completely unheard of – that she herself had them. And even stranger – that she was so powerful.
The soul is the source of her reiki... so what is so different about her soul?
It was frustrating in the extreme to have so many unanswered questions, and he was finding himself curious about another facet of this whole situation...
Just what, exactly, was she seeing in these dreams of hers?
If, as her brother claimed, her dreams were to be believed, then the way before them was much more fraught with danger than even he had suspected.
As if there were not already enough things that could go wrong with this...
He opened his eyes, frowning as a pulse ran through him... his instincts warning him that there was, indeed, great danger ahead.
But where does the most danger lie? In Ryukotsussei...
Or Izayoi?
~oOo~
Mei rapped on her mistress' doorframe, then stepped inside when bid to ready her Lady for the day ahead.
"Good morning, my lady," she said, cheerfully enough. "You have a busy day today, and then tomorrow, as well, to prepare for the arrival of your brother's bride."
Patting her hand over a wide yawn, Izayoi nodded. "Oh, hai, I know. And that in between more lessons from Kenji-san, ne?"
Mei nodded. "Aa. As a matter of fact, you are to spend the afternoon with him. Breakfast first, of course, then morning court again with your father. After lunch, you will join Kenji-san for study."
Izayoi sighed, then stretched and stood up, moving to gather her things. "But first... a bath!"
With a shake of her head, Mei chuckled. "It is not natural to love water so much, my lady! People will think you a water elemental or something, I swear."
"Oh, who cares what others think," she said as she stepped out her door and headed for the bathing room. "I enjoy being clean, and as to that, there is nothing like a hot soak when the muscles are sore. And even better," she enthused, "when it is hot, to cool down in cold water!"
Mei slid the door to the women's bathing rooms open, and tutted at her mistress. "Well, then, hurry along, Izayoi-sama, or there won't be time for you to bathe before breakfast. At this rate, I will have to wake you two hours before the meal so you have time to be ready!"
Izayoi laughed at her maidservant and entered the room, dropping her yukata and immediately going for the hot water in the huge tub. With a happy sigh, she dipped a finger into the water and then climbed in, finding it the perfect temperature. After a moment, she laid against the side and smiled as she closed her eyes to just soak for a few minutes.
Oh, I wish I could just stay in here all day, she thought to herself. Just soak away all the stress and worry. Especially with all my dreams lately... and Takemaru. That man...
She frowned and shook her head slightly. He is dangerous, I know it. But I don't know why. It is more than just his hatred of youkai...
Though that is dangerous enough. Bad timing, for him to come here at this particular time. He mustn't be allowed to cause any problems with father's plans. Whatever they are...
Her thoughts were interrupted by Mei as she moved to hand her the soap. "Come my lady, 'tis time to wash. If you wish a longer bath next time, we really will have to wake you earlier."
The young woman nodded as she sat up and began to bathe herself, her mind flitting here, there, and everywhere, picking at all that she had learned since leaving the shrine and wondering just what her father was really planning. Because it was obvious that whatever was going on with the Western Lord and her father was more than just simple alliance talks. They were already allies... what more was needed?
With so many questions on her mind, Izayoi phased out most of the rest of the morning rituals, not coming back to reality until breakfast was mostly over.
It was her father that called her out on it.
"Tell me, Izayoi, what troubles you?" he asked, waiting patiently for her to answer.
She didn't even notice until her brother reached over and nudged her and her father repeated his question.
What should I say? He will not answer me, I know this, if I ask him the questions that are on my mind. Perhaps...
"My dreams trouble me, father, especially the parts about the Shikon no Tama," she said finally, not really lying, as that was also a major part of her worry.
He eyed her for a moment as he finished swallowing. "Yes... I must admit, it is troublesome, what Kenji said last night on the subject. He did not seem to be best pleased to hear that name from your lips," he mused. "I intend to speak to him this evening on the matter."
Ichirou frowned at his father, then glanced uneasily at his sister. She looked so hopelessly young right then, her shoulders burdened by such matters. But she was an adult, and one of power that no one in their clan could lay claim to. It was certain that such power would come with great responsibilities – the kami did not give power such as that away to just anyone. There was always a purpose.
"Father, if you do discuss this subject with anyone, I believe that Izayoi should be there, or at least, be told. She is the one the kami are warning... there's a reason for that, and we should respect it," he said, his eyes lingering on his sister with worry warring with pride in them.
Hiraku turned a considering glance on his son, holding his gaze, then looked back at his daughter. She was so young... but certainly, she was of age and highly intelligent. It was also becoming obvious that the kami had great things in mind for his brilliant little daughter, and he found that his son's words were correct.
"Agreed," he said after a few minutes of silence. "I would not naysay the kami. It is apparent that something is coming that you, my daughter, must deal with. Perhaps, in this instance, you should speak to Kenji, and then relay his words to me, instead. This does seem to be something in your purview and not my own."
Izayoi bowed her head to her father in gratitude and respect. "Hai, father. Thank you for your consideration in this matter." She glanced at her brother and smiled at him. "And thank you, Ichirou, for thinking of me." She settled her chopsticks atop her empty bowl, and sat back to await her sire and brother, her mind once more going to thinking over her dreams, and the feelings she was getting from them.
She sighed inwardly. And all of this on top of Ichirou's bride's arrival the day after tomorrow... and then, the Western Lord! So much happening all at once. How will I ever weave my way through this tangled mess? If I step wrong once, it could mean the end of everything...
Once again pulled from her uneasy thoughts by her father's voice, she stood to follow him from the room, once again heading for informal court and another morning of listening to endless petitioners. Her father only held formal court once a seven-day, and she was glad of that... she had too much on her mind at this time to give it the full attention necessary.
Ichirou tapped her on the arm. "Lost once again in dire thoughts, little sister?" he asked quietly. "Father was speaking to you again," he chuckled.
Blushing, she gave her father her attention. "I'm sorry, father. I simply keep trying to decipher my dreams so that I may know what is happening."
"It is alright, my little flower. I am proud that you take your duty to your family and the kami so seriously. I was simply speaking of the start of your fifteenth year on the morrow. It is sometimes so hard to believe that your mother gave birth to you so long ago. The years... they have flown," he said with a rather wistful sigh as he took in the somewhat sad smile she sent him at mention of her mother.
"Hai," she said. "I know. And you, Ichirou! Soon to see your seventeenth year!" She sent him a sly look, obviously trying to lighten the mood. "I often wondered, when watching the results of yet another one of your endless escapades, if you would live to reach such an old age," she teased.
The men chuckled, and that's how they walked into the audience chamber, smiles in place of the sadness of moments before, thanks to Izayoi. The smiles lingered as they all took their places and court began. Once again, she simply sat and watched, taking in the things that were brought before her father and the input that Ichirou also added to the proceedings.
Her father had already told her that at the next session, she would be asked for her input. He wanted her to have a good grounding in what governing was all about – especially as, once she was introduced to the youkai courts as the wife of the Western Lord, she would be expected to be very involved in the day to day governing of the West.
Not that she knew this yet, of course...
Still, it would be good experience, and he wanted to see just how she would use the obviously bright mind she had in solving some of the dilemmas that came before him on a daily basis.
Izayoi was most pleased when morning court came to an end and lunch came around. Not that she was particularly hungry, but she was looking forward to her afternoon with Kenji – it would give her the chance to grill him on the Shikon no Tama and what its history was. She needed to find the link between it and herself...
… and soon.
~oOo~
Kenji had woken that morning and the very first thing on his mind was Takemaru. It was time to dig into the good Captain's past.
With that in mind, he hurried through his morning ablutions and then sought out one of the soldiers he'd befriended since his arrival. They normally sparred together a little, so his attention would not seem strange.
"Oi, Gorou!" he yelled cheerfully as he arrived in the army training yards. Fortunately for him, the army trained away from the palace guard, and Gorou was not under Takemaru's command in any way. However, the palace guard and the army soldiers had a great deal of competition and disdain for each other, and always seemed to know a great deal about the other – which was why he was pretty certain he could find out at least something about Takemaru from his friend.
"Oi, Kenji!" Gorou shouted back. "Come to fight a real warrior again, eh?"
Kenji flicked him a rude gesture to the tune of snickers and laughs from the other soldiers around them, and drew his sword. "Well, I would... if you could find me one amongst all you pathetic, lowly pitchfork wielders!"
More jeers and laughter, course insults and loud curses filled the air as Gorou sauntered out to meet him and the other soldiers also chose partners and began their own spars. Kenji grinned even as he slashed his sword through the air with a wicked sound.
"Really, I just decided to come out here and get a decent spar. I was watching the palace guard yesterday after Izayoi-sama demonstrated her abilities for her father, and I couldn't see much that I thought worthy of my skills. That new Captain... Takemaru, I believe?" he asked innocently, waiting for the other man's nod and snort of disdain before continuing. "He has his work cut out for him, that's for sure. Of course, that's if he's any good, either."
"Oh, he has a reputation," Gorou laughed good-naturedly as they crossed swords, "but the man isn't right in the head, if ya ask me," he continued. "I heard that he refuses to sleep without his sword to hand and that he carries hidden weapons on his person at all times. And that he has refused all consort with females since arriving here, and yet, he's not married, either."
Swipe, parry, riposte, and then, "Perhaps he bends the other way. It's not unheard of."
"Naw. From what I heard, it's not that he doesn't like women, it's just that he doesn't trust anyone. I know someone who knew the guy a few years ago, and apparently, he has lots of nightmares or something and wakes up screaming at times. That's why he doesn't allow anyone near him in his sleep, and if he laid a woman, she might fall asleep with him and then she'd know about him screaming like a bitch," Gorou shot back as they went through another flurry of blows. "It's worth your life to mention that to him, though,"
"Nightmares? Of what? What would make a hardened warrior, for he is that, no matter what the rest of the palace guard is or isn't, scream in the night like that?" he asked, even as he leaped away from a thrust.
Eyeing each other carefully, the two stopped for a moment, Gorou swiping a sleeve over his sweaty forehead. "Well... I heard tell a couple of different stories, but the one I believe is about a youkai attack. Especially as the Captain hates youkai with a passion, as I'm sure you've noticed, since you seem to notice everything," he finished wryly, before engaging him again.
A youkai attack? That would explain it... hmm. I need to find out more.
"That's funny, coming from you," Kenji laughed as he dodged another blow. "Seeing as how the man hasn't even been here a month, and already you boys know more about him than Hiraku-sama probably does."
Dropping to avoid a thrust, Gorou grinned. "Hey... what can I say? Not like there's much else to talk about around here," he snorted. "But really, we don't know that much about the guy. His past seems kinda odd if ya ask me. It's too... secretive, I s'pose. I mean, what's he got to hide? Makes me wonder," he grunted, "if he's really a member of the house of Setsuna like he claims to be."
Kenji blinked at that, not having even considered that before. And what if he isn't? I must ask Hiraku-sama about Takemaru's provenance as soon as possible. "What would give you that idea?" he asked, frowning, ducking a kick.
"The way I heard tell, the Captain gets mighty uneasy when people start askin' 'bout his family, know what I mean? From the way I heard it, the last man to question him about his parents got skewered. Like I said... makes me wonder what he's got to hide." Gorou tumbled onto his back as Kenji caught him on his side and knocked his feet out from under him, giving in with a laugh. "Alright, already, you win – this time."
Kenji laughed as well, holding out a hand to help his friend up as some of the nearby soldiers jeered lightly at the downed soldier. "You mean I win, every time. Maybe you should spar with the palace guard – they might be more your speed!" he teased.
An offended expression crossed Gorou's face. "Hell no! Then I'd have to answer to that crazy man," he grumbled. "I'm perfectly fine right where I am, thank you very much."
Bowing, Kenji grinned. "I thank you for the spar, and I'll come attack you again in a day or so – I'll be kind and give you a chance to prepare for your next beating."
Gorou just waved him away with a disgusted look on his face that everyone could tell was fake. That was why Kenji liked him – he was always cheerful and got along with just about everybody. It was telling, to him, that Takemaru wasn't liked by the man... he was, so far, the only one that Gorou openly did not care for.
And for the man who likes everybody, that really does say a lot. I wonder how the palace guards feel about Takemaru?
Perhaps I should look into that at some point.
He headed back inside the palace to clean up for his tutoring session with Izayoi, everything he'd learned that day being neatly filed away in his mind.
~oOo~
Green eyes sparking with mischief, Kenji bowed lightly to Izayoi, who smiled back and waved his bow away. "I hate it when you do that, Kenji-san, you know that," she chided, and the kitsune chuckled as he seated himself across from her.
"But you should get used to the formality, my lady," he parried. "After all, you are no longer at the shrine living as 'Kagome'. You are Izayoi-sama, hime of the clan of Setsuna. It is expected."
A light pout settled on her lips for a moment, and then she burst out laughing at his expression, waving his surprise away. "No, no, it's okay, Kenji-san, I am just teasing you. At any rate," she said, sobering suddenly, "there is much to speak of, ne?"
He studied her for a moment, and then nodded. "Oh, aye, I believe so, my hime. The Shikon no Tama being the foremost thing on your mind, I am certain."
The young woman sighed, a troubled expression in her eyes as she looked at him. "Aa. That accursed item, for so it is, lies heavily in my thoughts. It is dangerous..." she trailed off.
"Hai... it is. Most dangerous." He looked away, considering things for a few minutes, than asked, "What have you seen in your dreams, my lady? You were rather vague last night."
"Deliberately." She leveled him with a serious look. "What I have seen so far is not for everyone to hear." He nodded agreeably, and she continued. "Truly, at this point, there is not much. I see faces, people that I feel I should know but cannot remember. And a voice, one that makes me shiver with cold fear... it tells me that the wish was not the correct one," she frowned as she called to mind the words, "and that it is cursing me, sending me back to someone who will love me, but then be taken from me." She shook her head, a frustrated light in her eyes.
Kenji frowned. "Is there anything else?"
"Oh, hai. It says that I only have one last chance to figure out the right wish... and then there is another voice that comes, and reiterates and expands on the first voice. And always I see a pink jewel, shimmering with light yet filled with hatred as that voice speaks." She quoted its words verbatim to him, and Kenji's frown deepened.
"Like grains of sand, the possible paths of time are once more endless and unknown, and your fate has been tossed into the cauldron of eternity. There is, however, only one path that will lead you out of the darkness... this is your final chance for redemption, Miko Kagome, as the Shikon no Tama told you."
Troubled, he met her eyes. "Miko Kagome..." he said, then his voice trailed off for a moment. "Maiden of the bow."
"Somehow, the 'Kagome' the voice is speaking to is me. I am this Kagome," she said, confusion clear in her voice. "But I don't know how I'm her. Perhaps in a past life?"
There was silence for a few moments, and then Kenji said, "That does not feel right... after all, did you not say that one of the voices tells you it is 'sending you back'?"
"But... surely you aren't saying that it is the future I must look to?" she asked, shocked eyes wide as she stared at him.
"I do not know," he said, uncertainty clear in his expression. "But it is a possibility. And with the Shikon no Tama, it is definitely possible. It seems to me that these dreams are telling you that there is a right wish to be made on the jewel and that you must find it. But it is the 'failures' that it speaks of that concern me. And that it is a 'final chance for redemption'. Those words worry me greatly, I must confess."
She nodded, her eyes dropping away to look down at her hands. "Me, also. And the timing couldn't be worse," she sighed, "what with everything that is happening right now."
Little does she know, he drawled inwardly. "Tell me," he said aloud, "does your concern about Takemaru have anything to do with the jewel?"
Izayoi blinked, a little startled, but then her brow furrowed as she thought about it. After a few moments of thought, she shook her head. "No. It is a different feeling that I get from him." She closed her eyes, then opened them again. "When I see him, I see my death," she whispered, "and fire. The destruction of the palace, and of my family."
Expression grave, Kenji watched the little hime's face and considered her words. So... she was speaking of him when she spoke of fire and death and not necessarily the jewel.
"But," here she frowned deeply, "there is a link between the jewel and Takemaru... it is almost as though what I see from Takemaru is what will happen should I fail to make the right choices... and the right wish," she sighed again, frustrated. "But I don't understand... what does a wish have to do with the jewel?"
Kenji stood and moved to open the shoji that opened onto the formal gardens, letting in a sweet, cooling breeze as he thought about what to say. Finally gathering his thoughts he returned to sit near her again. "The Shikon no Tama was created when Midoriko forced her soul from her body to capture the souls of the youkai she was fighting. It carries great power and can grant the one who holds it whatever they wish. But," he cautioned, holding up a hand as Izayoi moved to speak, "there is just as much bad as good inside the jewel, and no one has ever figured out what the correct wish to destroy it would be. And if the wrong party were to get its hands on the jewel, they could conceivably wish for anything at all... which could be very bad."
At his words, she heard a name, and a flash of a face... one of great evil that left her shivering in its wake. Naraku...
"My lady? Izayoi-sama?" She blinked, focusing once more on Kenji as he waved a hand before her face. Blushing, she smiled a little. "I'm sorry, Kenji-san. It's just... when you said that about someone wrong getting their hands on it... a face and a name came to me, like a memory. Naraku."
After a moment, Kenji shook his head. "I've not heard the name before, though it in itself is enough to cause concern, ne? Hell. But if it is indeed the future you are seeing, then it is possible this being does not yet exist."
Izayoi nodded, her hands knotting together in her lap as her worries overwhelmed her. "I... I'm frightened," she admitted quietly. "I don't know what I'm doing, really. And there's so much riding on me if these dreams are true. I don't dare fail. But how do I negotiate my way through dangers that I cannot see and do not know?" she asked, in that moment looking like a small child rather than a young adult, and Kenji couldn't help but feel for her.
Adult she may be, but she is still so young and with no experience of life. And so much is about to be asked of her. I only hope she can weather the storms...
"You will do what you must, my lady, and I have faith that you will find the way. Perhaps, as your dreams reveal more to you, the path needed will be illuminated."
"I only pray you are right, Kenji-san. At any rate, perhaps we should move on to other topics for now, unless there is anything else you can think of about the jewel which might be helpful to know?" she asked.
He shook his head, then frowned as something came to him. "The other night – there was a pulse of power from the gardens, and then an answering one from far away," he said, as Izayoi nodded. "That pulse... it came from the Shikon no Tama. What happened that it did that?"
"That was the first night I was home and the first time I'd had the nightmares," she answered. "I woke and stepped into the gardens to think and found a moon bridge. It wasn't there when I left," she sighed, "when I saw it, I couldn't help but see the symbolism in it, and decided to cross it. When I reached the middle and then took one step over it, well... my reiki reacted to something, I don't know what, and flared around me. And then... that pulse that came from far away to the north. After that, the bridge flared blue – as though something was wrapping around me to protect me. The strange thing was... I'm sure that blue pulse was youki – but it didn't feel familiar."
So Touga-sama's youki reacted to protect her. But I cannot tell her that...
"Ah... I see. Well, it seems that the Shikon no Tama and you do share a fate. You must be very careful, Izayoi-sama – there are others who search for the jewel, and would not hesitate to destroy you and everything you hold dear to get to it," he warned, though remaining vague. "I'm sure I need not tell you to keep all that you have been told today to yourself, though your father should also be told."
Nodding agreeably, she straightened her shoulders a bit, and prepared for a long afternoon of learning more of youkai court protocols.
You don't need to worry about that at all, Kenji – I don't want to talk about any of this to anyone, not really even father. But I know that I must...
Much as I might wish to forget all of it, I don't think the kami will allow it.
I only pray that I can find the correct path, and keep everyone safe, as well.
~oOo~
Edited 8/11/13 for grammar and spelling mistakes. Minor changes to wording in the chapter, but nothing intrusive to the plot.