The traveling party from the Western kingdom of Nippon stood quietly, all senses alert, testing the air around them as the wind that blew from the center of the continent. Strange and tantalizing odors besieged them and they stood sorting out the important ones in a small copse of trees near the edge of the small sea that divided the lands.
The vegetation here was lush and wild, sighing in the steady breeze. They would be traveling North West first, before leveling out and moving due west to the home of the Lions. Sesshomaru got his bearings while watching his son from the corner of his eye. Haruko 's eyes were never still and his nose twitched from time to time, but he held his stoic poise with no trouble. Inuyasha on the other hand sneezed violently several times in succession before a disgusted look crossed his features.
"What the hell is that?" he exclaimed.
Sesshomaru tested the air again. 'Ah,' he thought, 'he must smell the bird youkai.' Aloud he said, "Birds brother, and their filthy nests."
Inuyasha wrinkled his nose in distaste and looked over at Kenta who was checking their supplies in a rather unconcerned manner. "How can you not be affected by it Kenta? Aren't ookami supposed to have stronger noses than Inu?"
The former Hanyou had covered his hand with the silk sleeve of his haori, and was using it as a crude mask to filter out the stench.
Kenta stood, shouldering the pack he carried he grinned at Inuyasha and held something out to him.
Peering at his hand the younger inu let out a muffled, "What is that?" behind his sleeve.
The ookami general pried open the small container and dabbed the ointment within on the tips of his fingers, shut the case and smeared the substance under his nostrils before taking a deep breath.
"A present from Tatsuki." He said.
The healer had become quite attentive over the last century or so and she went out of her way to give him helpful little things. Having been to the continent in her youth, she had known of the birds and their pervading stench and concocted this salve for him. He tossed the salve to Inuyasha who caught it and wasted no time mimicking his action, slathering a liberal amount under his nose.
"Easy pup!" exclaimed Kenta. "That's got to last the whole trip and who knows what the lions smell like."
"Keh." scoffed the former hayou. "Whatever, you should have asked for more then." He tossed the container back to the wolf, who secreted it away in the pack without reply.
Sesshomaru, having seen enough of his brother's antics simply began walking, knowing they would follow he lead through the trees as they became thicker and the undergrowth heavier. Haruko followed behind his father, taking in everything around him as they moved silently with soldiers' noise discipline through the trees. He was thrilled to be here, truth be told. He had never been permitted to travel as a child, so great was the threat to young heirs as the segoku jidai came to a close.
He knew his sister was not jealous. Her training with their Kami grandparents had involved a great deal of travel, both physical and spiritual. If anything, he thought she might pity his lack of experience and knowledge at times. She was so wise he was continually amazed and knew without a doubt she would be his most valued adviser.
After three days of travel through miles of forest, it began to grow sparser and opened abruptly into grassland. Sesshomaru had traveled far and wide during his life and was not awestruck as were his companions. The other three had never seen anything like this ocean of grass laid out before them, the wind picked up and rippled the heads of the waist high grasses setting the entire plain in motion.
Sesshomaru, in a rare moment of indulgence stood still for a few moments, savoring the sweet smell of summer grasses and allowing the others to get over their amazement.
He remembered fleetingly, his father had once brought him to a place much like this to hone his hunting skills. He could almost see the general standing in the grass, waiting for him to begin. The taiyoukai shook his head minutely and moved on. He could hear the rest of them follow within moments and they re-entered the treeline where they would be able to detect interlopers.
Haruko kept pace just behind his father. Though outwardly calm and silent, inside he was exuberant. His mind whirled and plunged with every new scent and sound. The experience of traveling to a completely foreign place was thrilling in a way nothing had been before, and he found himself intrigued by everything he encountered. It was exhilarating. Even as he soared inside, his feet remained firmly planted, a portion of his mind ever watchful and alert, scanning relentlessly to detect any possible threat. The newness of everything served to enhance this function of him ensuring he would not be caught by surprise.
Haruko sniffed gently at the air, there was another new scent on the breeze, faint and subtle. It hid beneath the layers of foul bird and sweet grass, almost completely melding with the crisp wind, yet there was the distinct tang of musk underneath that betrayed it's individuality. The inu prince spared a glance back at Kenta and his uncle, who were quietly bantering back and forth, looking to be on an afternoon stroll instead of a diplomatic mission. Swinging his head forward again, Haruko quickened his steps to catch his father.
"Father." he spoke quietly, knowing the taiyoukai would hear him.
Sesshomaru tilted his head ever so slightly to indicate he was listening.
"What is that smell to the west?" the younger inu watched his sire, ready to act upon any cue he gave.
Inuyasha and Kenta had ceased their conversation and were paying avid attention to the exchange between father and son.
"It seems to be our welcoming party." Sesshomaru replied not looking at his eldest. The Inu Lord was impressed Haruko had picked the Lion's scent from so many alien odors.
"What would you have us do, my Lord?" came Kenta's soft query from across the clearing.
Sesshomaru halted his steps and turned to face the advancing odor. "We wait for their arrival." was his even reply.
They all followed his example and turned to face the western edge of the bamboo clearing, exuding an outer image of calm and unconcerned interest.
Inuyasha could hear the approaching party now and cursed the salve under his nose which praises he had sung such a short time ago. He decided to forgo the salve for the rest of the trip, birds be damned. The lions were within earshot and he still couldn't smell them coming. This was not acceptable, and he chastised himself as he looked at his brother's immobile back clad in his ever present armor. Kenta glanced over at him and they shared a grim look, both realizing the error of the salve and the consequences that could have come from using it.
Sesshomau watched in icy silence as the foreign youkai emerged from the trees. He could tell by their uniforms they were connected with the Rui Shi and were most likely there to escort them, but it was always better the wait for them to speak or act.
The approaching party of Lions emerged into the clearing to find a surprisingly small party of youkai waiting for them. Slightly taken aback by this, they pushed it temporarily aside. They were there on the business of their lord Liu Bei, leader of the Rui Shi and would not be distracted from their mission. He surveyed the Gou youkai before them and determined Sesshomaru's status without difficulty. The youki he displayed was on par with that of his own master and the younger dark haired male by his side actually rivaled the level of power he sensed from the silver lord.
"Wangye Sesshomaru." said the soldier as he bowed low in the continental manner. "Please follow this humble servant to the palace of my Lord, The Auspicious Liu Bei." the lion straightened, waiting for a sign from the strange lord of the eastern islands. Inwardly apprehensive, his military bearing held firm and he betrayed nothing.
Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly and said nothing, simply waiting for this servant to lead the way to his home. He knew that in this land, the gulf between lord and servant was quite far and strictly adhered to. The lions moved from the clearing and the inu followed them in silence, each one keeping their own council and preparing for the meeting they were approaching swiftly.
Arriving at the palace of the Auspicious Lions was thankfully not made a spectacle, as Sesshomaru had feared. He was, as ever, an intensely private youkai and having his arrival announced to the populace as he came to ask for aid was not something he wold have accepted easily.
They were ushered into a large room not far inside the main building of the noble complex. The taiyoukai watched with pleasure as his son kept himself completely stoic and betrayed nothing of his inner workings. Even Inuyasha kept his Kami-be-damned mouth shut, an unexpected blessing to be certain.
There were small basins made of marble that lined one wall of this room. Cloths were draped over the sides, and the travel weary inu party took full advantage of this, cleaning the grime of the road from their faces. The wait was not long, and a small tiger youkai opened the door at the opposite end and motioned for them to follow. As they emerged from the portal, they were presented with the full Lion court, seated and waiting.
Haruko scanned the lords who sat upon the dais, taking in details of each youkai before moving on to the next. In the center, seated on an elevated cushion was the leader of the Lions, Liu Bei the great yellow lion. Around his neck, he wore the markers of his station, three golden coins. His hair drawn up in court fashion was a tawny gold color, his robes shimmered in the torchlight of the room, swathes of gold surrounded him. His proud eyes were a glowing white, captivating the observer.
Seated at his right, was the second of the three brothers. Two coins hung around his neck marking him as Guan Gong, second in command, honored strategist. His crimson hair was in a low queue, braided, the end coiled in his lap. His robes were white and billowing while his eyes were two deep black pools, the opposite of his brother.
Upon Liu Bei's left sat the third Lion brother, Zhang Fei, the fighting lion of Miao. As dark as his brothers were light, a solid, burly body, deep black eyes and ebony hair pulled into a braided queue and looped in the belt of his armor. The youngest and fiercest of the three brothers.
Haruko recalled the stories he had learned of this youkai's military exploits and combat achievements. Zhang Fei provided the force necessary to advance his brother's wisdom and strategies. He was the muscle behind the power of the Lion house and from his ease of posture, was very comfortable in his role.
Seated in a row along the right of the brothers were three more lion lords, and judging by their robes and coloring, Haruko recognized them as the generals each linked with an aspect of the myths perpetuated by Liu Bei as part of their control.
Zhao Yun sat in armor of jade, his gleaming white hair mirrored the style of the fighting lion, known as the Heroic lion. It was said the two of them were invincible when their backs touched on the battlefield. Beside him sat a lion in yellow monk's robes with prayer beads adorning his neck and wrist. Huang Zhong spearheaded the religious aspect of their rule. Unlike the typical ningen monks however, he had not shaved his head, allowing his bone white hair to fall over his shoulders like a river of snow. The third and final noble lion held an air of self containment and finality about him, he was completely pale. Alabaster skin, white hair and bleached robes marked him as Ma Chao, the funeral lion. He was the overseer of the death rites for all those who gave their lives in faithful service to the Auspicious Lions.
"Greetings."
Haruko's attention was yanked back to Liu Bei as he spoke. His voice was a gentle tenor, soft and yet immensely strong. The air seemed to shimmer slightly as he spoke. "I welcome the Gou of the eastern Islands to my home, was your journey well?"
Sesshomaru moved forward, effectively creating a diamond of bodies with himself at the forefront flanked by Inuyasha and Haruko and Kenta. He inclined his head just the right distance to acknowledge an equal and spoke.
"I thank you for your hospitality Liu Bei-san." his rich baritone flowed through the room, filling the dark corners and lofty ceiling.
Liu Bei locked eyes with Sesshomaru and returned his nod before looking over at Zhang Fei. Wordlessly, the black lion stood and stepped down from the dias.
"To meet as equals I invoke the right of Tiaozhan to ensure the worthiness of my lord's new allies." the general stood in front of Sesshomaru, somehow managing to appear respectful and challenging all at once. Haruko saw Inuyasha move slightly, as if in preparation to step forward only to be forestalled by his father's minute hand signal.
"The house of Inu accepts this challenge and provides as challenger Haruko, heir to all I possess."
The finality in his father's tone sent a short chill up Haruko's spine that he ruthlessly quashed, locking eyes with the black Lion general who would serve as his opponent. Haruko was dimly aware of the others fading away to sit along the walls to the left of Liu Bei. He focused every fiber of his being on Zhang Fei. The general's black eyes gave nothing away they circled one another in silence, creating a pregnant moment in which time seemed to lay down and remain still. Haruko felt his world shrink to encompass only himself, his opponent and the cavernous hall they occupied. He welcomed the battle focus that took hold of him and used it freely.
Without warning Zhang Fei drew his sword and was on Haruko, the young inu barely had time to draw his own blade and lock it with the older fighter. Slight surprise registered in the eyes of the lion as he saw the sword the Japanese youkai weilded. Haruko had brought his mother's blade, Arashi Megumi. She had entrusted it to him several decades ago, 'Until you are presented with your own' she had said.
Long before his mother had mated his father, she had obtained her blade on the continent while training with fighting monks. It was a jian not used in Nippon. Haruko had experienced no small measure of success connecting with the sentient sword and it cooperated with him gladly, singing each time it clashed with the lion's blade.
Zhang Fei whirled away to reposition himself and Haruko pressed the attack. Remembering the teachings of Kenta and his father, 'the best defense is a good offense', with a clang of blades Haruko was able to disarm the lion and send his sword clattering across the floor. The young Inu relaxed slightly thinking this bout to be like the other practices he had held, only to be immediately driven back by the claws of the mighty general.
It was only his graceful fluidity that saved him. He fell into the style his mother had taught the rangers upon her assumption of the position as Lady of the West. Zi Ran Men went hand in hand with her blade, both having been taught by the monks on the continent in her youth. Haruko did his mother proud in that moment, and Sesshomaru blinked, suddenly seeing the mental image of his mate over his son as Haruko seemed to suddenly become boneless and flow like water.
Sesshomaru was transported back to the moment he first saw Kagome fight with his rangers, her aura glowing around her, limbs and blades flowing like water as she felled Kenta and defended herself against Takeshi. It was the first time he saw her as appealing and interesting, and he remembered how very long it had been since something had interested him.
His son was doing well, aside from the moment of over confidence just after he disarmed the lion. Sesshomaru watched with a feeling of pride as his son held his own against the venerated and experienced general. He was struck again by this feeling, and found himself wondering if his own father had felt this way the first time he took Sesshomaru into battle with him against the cats.
Haruko ducked and rolled, slashed and parried the claws of Zhang Fei as the two tangled and parted in a dance of fighting ebb and flow. Zhang Fei for his part was surprised a the fighting ability of this pup. The lad couldn't be two centuries old yet, but was holding his own here. The lion decided to step it up, and press the attack. He caught the young inu's wrist with his claws, partially severing a tendon and causing him to drop the blade. Haruko hissed and compensated immediately, nimbly leaping out of the path of the follow up strike and returning with one of his own from his uninjured left claws, catching the lion across the cheek with four harsh cuts, showing lividly again his skin.
In the short pause between that attack and what came next, Haruko registered the tendon in his right hand knitting itself together with his youkai healing. He saw the dark expressions on the faces of his uncle and Kenta. They seemed worried, and he felt the pull of his blade, calling him from the other side of the arena.
Then Zhang Fei shifted.
He dropped to all fours and his bones cracked and grew exponentially, black fur covering his body as it changed with a roar and there stood a giant black lion, white-tipped tail lashing back and forth, his youki signature filling the room with it's fierceness.
Haruko didn't think, he simply responded in kind.
With a snarl he followed suit. Morphing into a giant sable Inu with a double tail, eyes glowing deep red, he snapped his great jaws dripping poison at the circling lion and lunged. The two titans locked and rolled together leaping and twisting. The lion found himself matched in speed, tenacity and youki. It was not a familiar feeling for him, and the first tickle of apprehension since the battle had begun wormed it's way down his spine.
Haruko, in his animal form, struggled to hold onto his conciousness as he felt the pull of his beast. He sensed the hesitation on the older lion and took it as a signal to press his attack. In a flurry of fur, teeth and claws Haurko pinned the lion to the floor, jaws at his throat, a deep rumbling growl emanating from him.
The lion reverted almost instantly to his humanoid form, he had lost and he knew it. Shame struck deep within his chest. the Inu whelp had beaten him fairly and decisively in front of his brother and the court.
Sesshomaru watched as his son morphed back into his human form. He was breathing hard, blood still evident on his right hand although the wound had closed. Haruko glanced over at his father briefly, his expression unreadable. Sesshomaru knew this battle, while not easy, had not been the true test of his son's worth, that was yet to come.
Haruko stood and faced the dais, silent and watchful. He locked eyes with Liu Bei for a short moment, eliciting soft gasps from the minor lions seated to the side, then he bowed the precise depth appropriate for a prince to a king before straightening and looking to his father.
Sesshomaru fought back a wry smirk. It had been a gamble to meet the eyes of the Liu Bei in such a manner, but it was one we would have wagered himself. It was quite disrespectful to show anything but deference to the ruling lord in his own court, but having just defeated the top lion general, one could afford some bravado.
"Liu Bei-san," said Sesshomaru, "it seems your general's challenge has been answered, are we to be accepted now?"
The golden Lion shifted slightly, "There is yet one thing to be done." he intoned. "Tiaozhan is a challenge to the death, he that loses must forfeit his life in payment to the victor." He turned his gleaming ivory eyes on Haruko and waited expectantly.
Without hesitation the young Inu replied. "Milord, I shall not do such a disservice to our new allies, as a token of good faith I return your general to you so he may grow to serve your noble house more gloriously than before." With a simple bow, Haruko moved to stand at his father's side.
Liu Bei shared a look with his brother Huang Zhong, and a moment of silence passed between them before the younger stood, pushing his crimson braid behind him.
"The words of the Inu heir are wise and generous. In such trying times, we must preserve the lives of youkai as we are able." He looked down at his brother who knelt upon the floor, amusement in his eyes as Liu Bei stood and made his way from the hall in silence. "You will be shown to the guest quarters for refreshment, dinner will be served in one hour."
In their private qurters, Inuyasha and Kenta finally found themselves able to express their happiness and pride to Haruko. The inu prince found himself suddenly beset by slaps on the back and his uncle's brash voice.
"That was great, kiddo!" he positively crowed. "Did you see his face?"
Kenta smiled and chimed in, albeit less boisterously than Inuyasha. "Aye Lad, you did well. Surprised him, along with all the other lions you did."
Haruko allowed himself a small secret smile, the corner of his mouth turning up ever so slightly.
"They did not expect you to win." His father's smooth baritone washed over him and he looked up to see his father looking at him directly. "That was supposed to be a show of strength for the lions as well as a show of mercy. He would have spared your life had you not won."
Haruko was at a loss for words, had his father chosen him at the last moment for the lions to win? Was his father's faith in his abilities so low? Haruko schooled his expression to that of stone and looked again at his father, waiting to hear the rest of what he would say.
Sesshomaru stared back at his son, watching as he reigned in his emotions. The taiyoukai wanted to smile and congratulate his son. Haruko had done exceedingly well, not only showing the strength and resolve of the Inu clan but showing wisdom and mercy without having been pre-warned about the situation. Even though he was still a boy by Inu standards, he had beaten the top general of the Auspicious Lions and impressed their strategist in one fell swoop. These were the actions of a ruler.
"Your decision of mercy was the right one, although you were forward with Liu Bei." Sesshomaru watched the effect of his praise and rebuke on Haruko and was pleased to note that had he not been looking for the reaction, he would have seen none at all. As it was, there was very little evident on his face. His son seemed prepared to speak but Sesshomaru held up on slim white hand.
"You did well my son, as expected."
Inuyasha observed the exchange between father and son in silence, noting the pleased flush that overtook his nephew at these words of praise from his usually reticent father. The former hanyou found himself struck by a pang of loss for the first time in many years. He had been denied this type of relationship with his own father, a fact that created a strong conviction in him to dote upon his own young once they arrived. Inuyasha was glad this trip would be a short one, he already longed for his mate more with each passing day. Then he gave himself a little mental shake, scoffing at himself for being such a girl.
Dinner with the lions was quite the contrast from their reception. A rather casual affair. Seating was mixed to promote conversation; which, while slow to start picked up steadily begun by the garrulous Kenta who Sesshomaru was certain would make himself at home in a nest of spider youkai given enough time to tell an amusing story. Once the food had been finished and the table cleared, talks began in earnest.
"What would you ask of me?" Liu Bei's voice was utterly without inflection as his face was blank.
Sesshomaru turned to face him with a demeanor that mirrored his own and replied. "True alliance."
A small frown. "What would you expect in forces and funds?" The lion was direct and without preamble. It showed a lack of subterfuge for which Sesshomaru was at once grateful for and wary of.
"Assistance should we find ourselves cut off and in need militarily." was the careful reply,
"I'm assuming that includes regular information from my network." the lion's rejoinder was dry and the taiyoukai paused to ensure his reply followed suit.
"Naturally, as you could also benefit from my own military and intelligence." His golden eyes held the shining ivory gaze of the lion General for a moment.
"No insult intended to your illustrious house wangye Sesshomaru, but our military and kingdom encompass a larger scope that that of your island holdings." It was Huang zhong who spoke this time, the strategist, his voice mild but direct.
Haruko listened silently. He knew what was being asked was not equal to what they could return and he waited, just as his father did to find out what the lions would ask for. That was in fact the true question to be answered in these negotiations, not whether the lions would lend their aid, but what their price for it would be.
Takeshi and Jaken had been in charge of his most recent etiquette lessons, and never far from the surface was the discussion regarding the most common form of alliance; arranged marriages. He and Maeko had been told from the time they were very young how important their choice of mate would be and the ideal traits to look for in them. It was commonplace in youkai society to mate for power and position, not love. This was something he knew his mother had a difficult time coming to terms with, even though her own mating had been for power and prophecy. His mother and his father had been lucky enough to share emotional love as well.
The sycophants at court, who made ever more creative attempts to gain his favor and attention sickened him somewhat. Haruko really woudn't mind if he was placed into an arranged mating. If it made his clan strong and protected his family, he thought he would be able to mate with no conflict. The young inu was fairly certain that negotiations with the lions would go down that road at least once even if that outcome was not reached.
"What would you have the White Inu offer as a balance?" Sesshomaru's query was without inflection still, though the taiyoukai knew for a fair certainty they would ask for a mating of heirs.
He willed himself not to look at his son. To do so would be to give away his thoughts and he was far too experienced for that.
There was silence from the lions for a moment that seemed to span a lifetime, then Liu Bei spoke. "We would see a true and binding alliance of our children." he said calmly. "What say you to this?"
Sesshomaru paused, he knew the lion meant Haruko and some yet unseen daughter of the lion clan but he would not fold to this immediately. Making the lions believe they were talking him into something he was already prepared to offer was key to coming out of this favorably.
Nodding his silver head minutely he said, "I have a daughter, an exceedingly talented soothsayer who would make a suitable match for any son you may have."
Cringing inwardly at the probable reaction of Kagome to the decision he was about to make, Sesshomaru ruthlessly pushed that aside, this was for the survival of their clan. He already knew that Liu Bei would settle for nothing less than Haruko joining with a daughter of the lions, but he waited to see how the negotiations would progress.
The white Lion shook his head. "My son and heir is already betrothed to the daughter of our dragon allies in the north." His gaze flicked briefly to Haruko. "My only daughter is not yet of mating age, but she would provide a suitable match." Sesshomaru turned his golden eyes to regard his son and found a steadiness in Haruko's gaze that spoke volumes. He would fulfill his duty as first born son and heir without hesitation.
The taiyoukau felt the sudden uncharacteristic urge to touch the boy's shoulder in a way his own father had never indulged in. The great dog general had never been forthcoming with any displays of affection after the age Sesshomaru's adult fangs had come in. He found himself wondering again what had gone on inside his father's head. It irritated him not knowing, each time he reacted to his own son - or didn't, he found another conclusion about his own father in question.
"Perhaps we should allow them some time together to judge their suitability while we discuss other matters." Sesshomaru looked back at Liu Bei and nodded once. The lion made a minute movement with his fingers and a servant materialized out of the woodwork to collect Haruko. Kenta stood without a word and followed the Inu lordling as a matter of course, Inuyasha remained with his brother to observe the proceedings and provide a distraction if needed. The former hanyou knew better than to think he was there to be a part of negotiation or to provide counsel. His brother was a master tactician and skilled negotiator, any input he provided would not be appreciated. Inuyasha contained a sigh with difficulty, this was his least favorite part of...well life. As much as he was grateful for his fairly recent life as a full youkai, he was bored stiff by the highbrow crap. But, he looked upon meetings like this as his payment for the comfort and prosperity he was given.
Haruko followed the silent servant with Kenta by his side. He had to admit that he was glad of the ookami's support; as solid as he was in his desire to fulfill his duty and protect their clan, he was feeling apprehension begin to take hold of his belly. The servant in front of him stopped and extended a hand toward the gardens.
"My lady awaits milord's attentions." The words were murmured so quietly even his sharp hearing almost missed them. He looked to Kenta, who shot him a wry grin and jerked his chin forward as if to say, 'There she sits lad, get on with it.'
Haruko swallowed nervously and stepped out into the sunlight of the courtyard. His eyes narrowed and he paused, momentarily dazzled by the intense light, his vision quickly adjusted and he focused his golden eyes upon the girl seated on a stone bench before him.
She sat with her back to him, face turned away, as he approached. Her already straight back seemed to stiffen almost imperceptibly as she stood and turned to face him, eyes demurely downcast, small hands folded before her. He watched her slender form bow respectfully to him, her pale tresses were a bone white, gathered at the crown of her head in several relaxed coils and accented with small crimson flowers. A portion of it was left loose to flow over her back and almost to the ground. She was dressed in robes of vermilion with golden trim, Haruko assumed the colors were significant but their specific meaning escaped him at the moment. She was rising from her bow and he waited in breathless anticipation to see her face.
"Welcome my Lord Haruko." she spoke, her voice soft and gentle. "I am Quiyue, daughter of the Auspicious Lion Liu Bei. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." There was a slight quaver in her voice, as though she were nervous, and that's when it hit him
'She's just as much a pawn as I am and I'm sure has no idea what to think of me.' The thought galvanized him into speech
"Thank you for your gracious welcome Quiyue, may I be so bold as to ask to see your face?"
His request was a bit forward and surprised her, she looked up immediately in shock and what he saw rendered him speechless. Her skin reminded him of porcelain, frail and fine, almond shaped eyes rimmed by thick dark lashes stood out in sharp contrast to her bleached skin and hair; she had inherited her father's eyes, shining and opalescent they held a thousand shades and colors.
He was dimly aware of her eyes widening slightly as she took in his own features. He couldn't quite tell, but she seemed pleased and he noted some of the tension draining out of her posture.
"Come, sit with me." he offered his hand and led her to the stone bench she had so recently vacated.
They sat and she held her silence, still seeming nervous.
"Your name is quite pretty, erm...what does it mean?"
A slight blush graced her cheeks. "Autumn moon." she replied, he smiled
"It suits you."
Her head ducked, whether in acknowledgment or embarrassment he did not know. "It seems as though we are to be betrothed and you will become my mate." he continued. "I would ask you to not be afraid of me, I tend to be blunt at times but I mean no disrespect." As he spoke her posture continued to relax and Haruko employed the disarming forwardness he'd often seen his mother use to great effect.
"You are very beautiful and look splendid here in your garden, but there will be times as my mate when you will have to hold your own ground as part of my strength. You will be tested by my Sister and she will expect you to hold your own, is this something you can do?" Now he was using his father's tactics, goading a reserved youkai into action or speech by implying insult. It seemed to be working.
Quiyue drew herself up, the color in her cheeks deepening. "I am the daughter of the Heavenly Lion and a youkai lady, I defend what is mine and hold my place as well as any inu lady."
Realizing the insult in her words, Quiyue clapped her hands over her rosebud mouth and gasped.
"I am sorry Wangye Haruko!" her lashes fluttered and she seemed more distressed by the second. "My words sometimes run away with me, please forgive my insult to your honored sister!"
Haruko smiled, there it was; the spark he'd been looking for revealed itself and he saw her flashing eyes at his challenge. He had expected nothing less, but all the timid small talk annoyed him. His hands stopped her near frantic bow before she could get halfway to her waist. When she found the courage to look at his face, she was amazed to see him smiling, exposing a single fang. It gave his already handsome appearance a roguish air.
"I will forgive you certainly but with one condition." he replied.
She blinked.
"Never be afraid to express your inner thoughts and desires to me. And you must never use honorifics while we are alone, I am Haruko and you are Quiyue. I think that will allow us both a fair start, don't you?"
Her smile was immediate and dazzling, lighting up her entire face.
"I am so relieved!" she exclaimed. "My sisters led me to believe I would forever be trapped in silent servitude to my promised mate."
Her willowy fingers slid over his own hands still on her shoulders sending an odd and unexpected tingle up his arms. Her ivory eyes met his own golden gaze and he could see within her, in that instant great possibility and potential, a thousand futures flashed through his mind at once. Haruko fought the urge to stagger as his psyche was rocked by this surge of premonition, it was nothing like his sister had described it, a silent movie playing for observation. This was so much more.
The sounds, smells, sights and emotions poured into him and just as quickly vaporized, leaving him drained and his knees shaking. Quiyue gasped his upper arms and leaned in to peer up at his face, concern evident on hers. She had seen something enter his eyes and a shadow cross his features, the color had drained from his fair skin and he suddenly trembled like a leaf before an oncoming storm.
"Haruko!" her voice was urgent but quiet. "What is happening?"
He shook and gasped, slowly control returned to him limbs and breathing, saw her lips form his name, heard her question and addressed it within the turmoil of his mind. He reviewed the deluge of images, picking out the occasional familiar scene. The courtyard of his father's manor, his mother's smiling face, his Ji-san, the heavenly general in meditation the nursery he had shared with his sister, his own face.
Wait.
He returned to that last image of his own face as a child, his face soft and round, still chubby with the fat of early childhood, golden eyes still held a wealth of expressions and thoughts. He had never truthfully seen himself this way and realized at that moment he was not only seeing future possibilities, he was receiving memories, and they were not his own.
"What is happening?" she asked again, jarring him from his introspection.
"My sister." he managed to blurt out. "Something is happening to my sister!"
*A/N* Ah yes the evil cliffie! A few definitions for this chapter
Rui Shi - auspicious Lions
Wangye - Chinese honorific used to address a lord (specifically a princely lord)
Gou - Dog
Tiaozhan - challenge
I know there are some of you out there who are quite confused. I'm sorry for this but let me explain a bit. I have used a combination of stories and myths from China to paint the Lions, I used a myth regarding the lions themselves as military allies of the dragon emperors and I also jacked the names of the Tiger generals who were all around badass em-effers to lend a unique depth to the figures of the Lion clan. This will certainly not be the only liberty I take with myth twisting, be advised...curves ahead!
As always great thanks to my lovely beta Creature of Shadow!
