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Chapter 4: Honesty

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That Afternoon in Inutaishio's Office

Being a Captain in the Lord Inutaishio's guard known as the Imperial Elite was a big deal. Her new uniform was great but with a little alteration it would be perfect. The Elite were Inutaishio's personal SWAT team and were his most trusted allies. From what Dante told her, they were dispatched on various important missions and reported directly to the Lord. Lord Inutaishio and Lord Sesshoumaru would survey the land and protect the people but the Elite did everything behind the scenes. They were his eyes and ears and made sure he knew everything. Simone and Dante were now in the Lord's quarters waiting for Lord Inutaishio so that he could debrief them on their new duties and responsibilities.

She sat practically sat restless as she waited with Dante in Inutaishio's huge office. They were sitting in Western style chairs pulled in front of a wooden desk which shocked Simone at first. She was sure that in Japan everything was close to the floor. However, his office seemed to be designed from the Western European stand point. A big window leading to a veranda was behind the desk and overlooked the gardens and the courtyard. On the sides were shelves of books and scrolls seemingly unorganized but she knew better. On the wall was the Western symbol of the crescent moon and paintings of many Dog Demon Generals that came before Lord Inutaishio including himself. Lamps lit the room as the sun outside began to set slowly leaving the room in a red and orange glow. Soon the doors opened and the Great Lord came in and sat down in front of them. Simone looked at him and stood along with Dante giving him her undivided attention. Simply being in his presence had this effect of great power and wisdom that washed over him. He appeared in such a way that oozed regality and greatness while demanding respect at the same time. He had on his fighting kimono without the armor but he still looked ever so menacingly while standing in front of her. He nodded and gave them the signal to take their seats. He sat down as well and began to sign some papers. After a few moment of his quill scratching the surface he put it down and shifted the documents to the both to sign.

"I'm pleased to have you in my ranks. Your battles were significant and intriguing. You have properly earned the right to be among my personal guard known as the Imperial Elite." He said. His voice was deep and his speech was fluid. She knew he was not one to repeat himself.

"Thank you sir!" They both replied waiting for what else was to come.

"Now, here are what is required of you." He said as he gestured for them to look over the contract. They both picked up theirs and scanned it.

"What I just handed you is a contract for you to sign. Everyone within my home and army is documented and their duties stated clearly. What I handed you is a contract. Once you sign the parchment, you agree to be a part of my Elite. You are required to protect and enforce the laws of the Western Land among its entire people. My orders are of the most importance followed by your Commander Shugurai and Commander Lord Sesshoumaru my son. You also will do other duties that may be off the books. You agree to follow my orders and in return I give you a place to stay, food, payment, and time off to be with your families during certain intervals. If you don't think you can handle this, don't sign and leave now before any more of my time is wasted."

"Ouch." Simone whispered before a sharp look from Dante was given to her. She took the quill lying on the side and began to sign her name. She passed it to Dante who did the same. They both handed their papers to the General who put them to the side. "Now I wish to speak to you two. I want to get to know who I'm keeping in my company. After all you will be spending most of your time in my war room or in this office" He said as he sat straighter in his chair if possible. "Please be yourselves. It's not often that I have such youth in my presence."

Simone and Dante looked at each other before relaxing a little. Dante looked at Simone who smiled and nodded. Dante laughed before pointing to himself.

"You go first!" Simone said out loud followed by Dante's laugh. Dante looked back at Lord Inutaishio who was actually amused. He seemed way more laid back then how he came in.

"Ok well I'm Dante and this is Simone as you well know. We're both from the Western Dragon Village in the mountains near the Southern and Western border. We've been training since we were little to defend our lands and become fighters to protect our village. I'm a fire Dragon youkai and she's…she's weird." He said as he laughed and she hit him.

"I'm not weird!" She exclaimed as she looked back at the Lord who seemed to be scanning her. "I'm different. I'm from the same village." She responded.

Lord Inutaishio's eyebrows rose as he looked back at her. He sat back in his chair. "Explain. You are most peculiar. You carry no scent, no marks of dragon heritage, but yet you can do things that no human could possibly do short of becoming a monk or priestess. Not to mention your appearance is strikingly different and I have never seen anyone except from foreign lands with features that you possess."

Pausing she thought to herself of what she should say. She couldn't possibly tell him she's American from the future that was pulled to this era to do something that she wasn't even clear on. He continued on. "Your eyes are light brown and wide, your skin is tan like the people from the far east across the ocean, and even your Japanese has a small accent to it." He looked at her dead in the face with a smirk. "I hope you realize that deceiving me is very hard to do if impossible. I hope you had no ill intentions to do such."

Simone sat up with a startled look as her gaze flickered from Dante to Lord Inutaishio's. "No-no sir! I wouldn't dream of it." She looked away and out of habit licked her now chapped lips. "You are correct in all your assumptions. I was adopted by the dragon clan after I became lost ending up here. I don't recall exactly how I came to be in Japan but I'm here now trying to make the most of my new life." She spoke.

He scanned her and accepted her honest truth sensing no lie on her tongue. "Well explain to me this power you have."

"Well I can manipulate water, fire, earth, and wind. What you saw earlier was lightening a form of fire."

"Show me." He commanded with a smirk. What the pair didn't know was that they were being tested for loyalty and honesty the final test. He knew all this information already and just wanted the extra security of knowing he has their upmost devotion to serve him, his pack, and the Inu clan.

She looked at Dante and he put his hands together and created a fireball. She gripped her hand over it and took it from him and split it into two balls. Then she closed her hand around them both and put them out causing smoke to rise from her fist. "See. And because there is oxygen and dry air here, I can start it using friction." She snapped her fingers and fire ignited like a lighter on the tips of her fingers.

"Hmm so I assume you two have always fought with each other." He said more so then asked and watched her get rid of the fire.

"Yes sir" answered Dante looking straight at their Lord. "We've always been paired up. She's like my little sister." He said which made Simone feel proud.

"Interesting. I was told also that you both are educated in the academic arts." Inutashio stated. "I was shocked at first but of course Commander Shugurai is very well educated and I would expect nothing less from his pupils."

Simone did come to find that many citizens all over Japan weren't known to be educated unless they were of royalty or of a particular trade and even then they were taught to learn things pertaining to their craft or medicine. Especially it was highly unheard of for a woman to be educated in subjects like math and science. But she has seen women that that were educated in artistic and language arts studies.

"I see Commander Shugurai was accurate in his remarks that you are indeed the cream of the crop." He said as he leaned forward slightly very pleased with his new Elite members. They were not only great warriors but very entertaining. They interacted just like the young man had said…like siblings. Soon they lead the conversation and Inutaishio was highly entertained with their stories and remarks about general things. Shugurai was more like his best friend since childhood and like Shugurai, both Dante and Simone were starting to feel like his long lost nephew and niece. Soon time passed and it was time for him to unfortunately attend to other matters.

"As you gain my trust and earn your keep, you will be rewarded as such. But that will require time. I do not trust so quickly and I'm always watching." He said as he stood and shook their hands. "I look forward to working with you Captain Dante."

"We won't let you down sir!" Said Dante with pride as Simone watched his chest puff a little like a bird.

"I also look forward to working with you as well, Captain Simone." He said.

"Likewise sir!" She replied with a smile. With that said they exited the study together and went out into the hallway. The both bowed to their Lord and both parties separated into different directions.

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Simone and Dante walked through the hallways going back to the guards training building together. Simone listened to Dante's babble as he talked with pure excitement at his circumstances. Simone was so proud of Dante. Apparently this is what he always wanted, short from becoming a commander himself. She was happy to witness her clan mate's dreams come true. He deserved so much in her eyes. Hell, everyone who helped her get this far she felt deserved the world and then some. She wished she could feel the same excitement that Dante was feeling. Without realizing her steps slowed at the thought. She was happy right?

I mean granted she was thrown in the past of Japan experiencing memories that she never knew existed. After a year of hard work she managed to move up in Japanese society and become the first woman to join the official military let alone a Lordships guard. She did a lot for her circumstances and made do with what life had given to her. She was Christian and for the longest she always just reminded herself that God moved in mysterious ways. But, who knew he moved like this?

Dante slowed realizing after a while that she had zoned out. He stopped and she stopped without realizing it. He looked at her expression as she looked dazed with a concentration line going across her forehead. He knew that look. She always got it when she thought about her past. He was one of the very few that knew everything including her time jump. The information still at times blew his mind that the little onna was so vastly different. But that didn't stop him, his family, and clan members from accepting her as their own. She just needed to be reminded every now and then that right now, in this time period, she had family, a home, and or course him. Without thinking he reached out and pulled her close to him in a gentle hug.

Simone was caught off guard at the sudden proximity of being extremely close within Dante's arms. She sighed realizing he must have noticed her thoughts wander.

He held her and sensed that no one was coming or in hearing range. "I'm proud of you, you know. We all are. Even if you're not."

Her eyes widened at what he said. She hugged him back and put her nose in his chest. "Thank you. I am proud of myself. I'm just confused is all about where I stand now." She pulled away and looked up at him. "Despite my circumstances, I am happy to be here and love you guys."

Dante smirked and pinched her cheeks. "Good!" Simone immediately frowned at his move to pinch her. "For a minute I thought you were regretting coming."

Simone sighed as he tugged on her flesh a little revealing her gums and teeth. She quickly did the same and tugged his cheek pulling as well. "I'm fine. I am the great Simone. No regrets!" She stated as she tugged harder.

Laughing Dante released her cheeks followed by Simone'. They both laughed and rubbed their now sore cheeks. Simone looked around and noticed that they had come across a small clove of a garden. "Hey I'll meet back up with you in a little. I just want to walk around a little bit."

Dante tilted his head a little at her. His red short hair tilted like grass in the wind as he looked at her. His red eyes held her expression and realized she needed some time to process her new situation. He straightened himself and simply nodded. "Ok, I'll be just in the training room ok!"

Rolling her eyes she responded. "Ok big brother!"

Smirking he flicked her nose and walked away. Sighing she shook her head and walked off the trail into the garden. Roses of various colors were everywhere. Different designs graced the bushes as they stood manicured in precision. She walked along the path without realizing that she was now deep in the whimsical garden. She loved this place as it reminded her of an enchanted forest except with less trees. Her fingertips lightly brushed along the petals of a few colorful roses. Pink, red, yellow, and white painted roses mingled in a beautiful display everywhere. She loved the soft velvet feel of the scented flower petals on her skin. A sweetness hung in the air as it danced with the scents of pine and other natural fragrances designed by nature. The setting sun kissed the many colors with a gentle light as the place glowed with the different colors. She walked around a small pond with little koi fish swimming about without care playing under lily pads and chasing each other around their own little maze of rocks, water fountains, and seaweed. Night was coming shortly with the sounds of crickets starting their nightly orchestra with the frogs seemingly conducting with their own sound. Fire flies came out with the orange and pink glow of the sun and danced to the rhythm set by the sounds. It seemed like everything in the Lord's home was perfectly placed and everything knew its function. She wished she could have that in her life right now.

She came onto another path and realized unfortunately too late that she was not alone. Silver and white danced in her peripheral vision. The sun sparked on something it seemed as she turned her head to gaze at the figure a few feet away. All she saw for a split second was a pair of gleaming gold eyes staring back at her. Her first thought was Inutaishio but she could tell quickly from the serious expression on the face how very wrong she was. In his orbs of gold she could see that this demon was indeed someone different and a force to be reckoned with. But just as quickly as she made eye contact, he broke it and began walking forward and away from her. She blinked and looked back to see if he was around and she realized that he was indeed gone like he had vanished into thin air.

Sighing, she turned back onto her path and off another path that led to a small pagoda wrapped in vines and flowers. She reached it and climbed the small steps sitting on a small bench enclosed in the structure. She looked around and realized she had ventured further then she thought. She looked on the other side and saw a lake and the sun's setting reflection off its surface.

I'm into the West, what now? She thought.

"Care if I join you?" Said a strong voice. Jumping she looked up and noticed it was just Shugurai.

Smiling she shifted over to give him a seat. "I knew you would find this place but I dint think you would find it so soon." He said as he chuckled a little to himself.

Smiling a little and looking back at the water she responded, "I was thinking and I believe this place found me."

Shugurai sighed understanding her plight. His blue silky hair blew in the wind as he thought of her circumstances. Yes, she was very different however, he knew she had potential to be anything she wanted. He looked down at the little onna and could see the small sign of sadness sweeping across her face. "What ails you so, little sister?"

"I'm happy. So happy to have made it this far and I seem to be doing fine." She stated as she looked around for any eyes and scanned the area with her senses. "I'm just confused is all. I hope I'm doing right." She said as she looked back at him.

Sighing he nudged her with his nose like he would do any other woman in his clan. Reassuring her in his way. "Well I heard a great saying that hope, is the first step to any path being walked upon. I don't know what the future brings but I do know that you Simone' have never ceased to amaze me and so I believe that you will indeed find what you are searching for in due time." With that said he stood and offered her his hand. She took it and he led her back to the path leading into the palace. "I have a meeting to go to now." They stopped in the courtyard. He turned her body toward the pathway with smile and nudged her toward the barracks. "And you should find Dante and make sure the trouble maker stays out of trouble." Laughing she nodded and waved as she walked down the pathway happy that at least some paths were clearly created for her to easily follow. If only life could be this simple.

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