A/n: Sorry this took so long, finals and SAT's consumed my time. Please enjoy, and let me know what you thought. Thanks to Animegirl333 for being my patient beta!!
Disclaimer: No I don't own Inuyasha, but the sirens and storyline are a product of my imagination!
Revisions
I opened heavy eyelids with a yawn and a frown. Looking around blearily as I sat up my hand rubbed my forehead. What had happened? My eyelids fought my attempt at keeping them open as I registered just how tired my body felt. Regardless I stood up and staggered a few steps forward; another yawn assaulting me as I peered out the bedroom door.
Ah, I was still in Sayuri's home. I combed my fingers through my hair and greeted Sayuri with a nod and then Sesshomaru with an odd look and half smile. I was surprised he was still here.
"How long have I been asleep?" I stifled yet another yawn and attempted to make it look like I was merely relaxing against the wall as I suddenly lacked the energy to stand upright.
"Not long enough." Sayuri shook her head, "The sun hasn't even set yet."
"Good, Rin will be going to the inn at sundown, I need to be there." I nodded stretching and drawing on whatever internal energy I had stored before pushing off the wall and walking to take Sayuri's hands. "Thank you so much, but I must be off."
"You are always welcome." Sayuri nodded, and then pulled her hands back, "Take your demon with you, his aura is agitated and inescapable." She grumbled.
I laughed uncomfortably, knowing it would be pointless to argue with her, "We'll be out of your way immediately." She nodded and I looked at Sesshomaru and gave a slight tip of my head toward the door. He took the hint apparently because he strode to the door and walked out without pause.
I frowned slightly, what was the point of waiting till I woke only to leave me behind anyway? Rolling my eyes I said final goodbyes and wishes of wellness before walking to and out the door myself.
I jumped as I almost walked directly into Sesshomaru's back. He turned slightly to look down at me, "I thought you left."
"No." he replied. I sighed as I realized that once again there would be no elaborating. He walked beside me as I tiredly walked through the streets, seemingly undisturbed by my slow pace. The streets had already begun to empty so I was sure Rin had headed towards the inn.
Finally we made it to the edge of the building and I let out and audible sigh as we reached the door. I felt his gaze shift to me but I studiously ignored the confusing demon lord as we walked inside. Rin came running almost immediately, were it not for a sly steadying hand on my back she would have knocked my tired body full over.
Ignoring the hand that decided to remain, I smiled down at Rin, "Hey hon, did you have fun?" I asked receiving an enthusiastic nod. "Good, let's get some sleep; I have a big day tomorrow." I took her hand and led her up the stairs to the room reserved for me, effectively removing myself from the hand that threatened to send chills up my spine…possibly not the bad kind.
This time it was the morning sun peeking through the window that roused me from my slumber. Squinting my eyes I knew it was futile to try and fight it, my body was already awake. With a quiet moan I sat up and arched my back, stretching my arms above my head as I did so, effectively loosening my back and shoulders. Rolling my neck I stood up and silently turned to the corner to get my boots, almost jumping in surprise as I saw Sesshomaru seated beside the door, wide awake as usual.
I shook my head slightly as I continued to turn and sat to pull on my boots as I reached the corner. Did that demon ever sleep? I could go with out sleep for a while but weeks at a time…not so much. And, that armor was surely uncomfortable. I would look for any excuse to remove it but he kept it on, like he was constantly expecting attack…then again maybe he was.
Boots on and sword strapped to my back I left a note beside Rin, a few coins placed on top of it. I would be occupied for the morning and a good portion of the afternoon, she could go enjoy herself. I'd barely made it down the stairs when a creak behind me alerted me to someone following.
I looked over my shoulder to see Sesshomaru paused on the creaky step, glaring at the wood as if asking how it would dare betray his presence. His eyes flashed to mine in the next moment and narrowed at my raised eyebrow.
"Your insolence is not acceptable." He said.
I rolled my eyes and turned fully, my hands crossing over my chest, "I'm not being insolent; you were the one following me after all."
"You are briefing your generals, you are traveling under me, I will know of your plans." His commanding tone made my lip curl in anger.
With a few brief steps I met him at the foot of the stairs and glared up into his face that towered above me, "Look, I don't care what you think or how much power you think you have over me, but while we're in this city or amongst my people you will not undermine my authority. I am in charge here, I hold the power and you are a guest with my permission. I would not challenge your power but with my people behind me we can take that arm just as quickly as I gave it to you yesterday." I hissed. He showed no sign that he heard, cared or even understood my threat, instead staring down into my narrowed eyes with an indefinable expression.
I stood there glaring at him, determined to get him to agree somehow. Yet within moments I began to notice things beside my anger. I realized just how close I was standing to him, and with his head bent to look down, how close our faces were to touching. Then I inhaled and a scent that even my nose could smell this close hit my like a wall of ice. I clenched my jaw to keep my angry look anchored in place and spun on my heel, firmly marching away, aware that he was following me, yet not willing to get close to him again…lest I couldn't control myself next time.
I reached the pavilion just as Takumi did nodding my head to acknowledge his bow and ignoring the questioning look he shot Sesshomaru. We turned toward the city gates as the sun broke free from the horizon; Ayumu was not one to be late.
A smile pulled my lips up as just a few moments later the guards swung the gates open and Ayumu strode in with her head high, leading the rest of my generals into the first siren city ever created. All of them were garbed as if they had been drawn off duty, and rushed away. My grin grew as realized Ayumu had probably done just that. They reached the edge of the pavilion and simultaneously sank to one knee and bowed their heads. I felt Takumi step to flank my right shoulder, a step behind me.
"Welcome friends. Rise." I spoke warmly, the grin refusing to leave my lips. They stood, open curiosity lingering in their expression and I nodded, "Thank you for coming, I will explain the urgency, but perhaps we should do so in private chambers." I nodded to Takumi and he gestured for them to follow. I grasped each of their hands as they passed me and held onto Ayumu's as she followed last, falling into stride beside her, Sesshomaru following discreetly behind me.
"You've done well Ayumu." I whispered, squeezing her hand between both of mine. She smiled proudly for a brief moment before steadying her expression.
"Thank you milady." She nodded. I released her hands and let her join the others, falling back to Sesshomaru's side. It felt odd to have him following me…almost like a lovesick dog…
They were seated on cushions around a large oak table in the room adjoined with the pavilion when I entered. They looked up expectantly, but one by one whispering began as Sesshomaru was seemingly noticed for the first time.
"Calm yourselves, he is Lord Sesshomaru of the western lands," I turned to look at him as I spoke my next words, "He is an ally." The smallest of nods shocked but relieved me. I turned back to the table and strode to the head, seating my self and crossing my legs comfortably before I began.
I looked down the sides and measured each of their expressions. Takumi was to my right as always, Ayumu seated to his other side. On my left was Saruwatari, or Saru an air siren, and to her left Kinji, a fellow nature siren. Completely opposite me was Taiki, the only male water siren of the generals, to his right was his wife Emi, the fellow female plant siren, and to his left was Sachiyo, a water siren that was the eldest of the generals, older than even I.
I had chosen my generals carefully, each and everyone had their strengths and when pooled together we formed the strongest war council that had yet to guide land sirens. All of them were loyal, and all of them were respectful, yet they all knew when to input.
"Milady, please explain, we left our battalions with brief nondescript orders that won't sustain them for long." Sachiyo finally spoke up, pulling me from my reverie and I smiled, nodding slowly.
"I'm sorry, it was necessary." Clearing my throat I drew myself up and began to explain, "As you all are aware of I went recently to find my sister Rin. It was successful, she is in the city now, safe, and has been thanks to the protection of Lord Sesshomaru. However, it seems that though I intended for only my trusted ones to know word leaked among the people; and from the people to the water vermin that stalk the land." I paused, watching as they exchanged glances.
"Lady Nanami you can be assured that none of us-" Taiki began to speak but I held up a hand to silence him.
"I know, I would have known if it was one of you, however the details that I entrusted you with were not exposed, merely the basic outline of the plan." Sighs of relief and slight smiles of camaraderie were exchanged this time. "That is done and over with, and it is not what concerns me most. I am concerned that because I know that not a single enemy would be close enough to our camps or cities to merely overhear a discussion between soldiers, it implies that we have a traitor or perhaps traitors in our midst." I fell silent letting my words soak into the silence that accompanied them.
"This is why I propose a change in defensive tactics." I reached my point and as expected disagreements and mumbles commenced.
"Milady a complete reformation would take to long, we'd be here for days and then to actually carry out the plans?! It would delay our missions indefinitely!" Taiki spoke again.
"Perhaps if we merely interrogated for the traitor such drastic actions won't be needed." Saru spoke up, her suggestion earning fervent nods.
"No, that won't work." Emi's quiet but penetrating voice broke through. "How would we even know where to start? There are millions of them and eight of us. We don't even know where it started or what signs to look for, that would take just as long if not longer than restructuring our defenses."
"Well said Emi." I nodded, waiting for another protest.
When no other suggestions were made right away Takumi spoke, "I say we hear our Lady speak." He had already heard my basic ideas, being my second in command, and he had agreed fully.
"I agree, we've never encountered this before, lets here it Lady Nanami." Ayumu nodded once firmly.
After just another short moments pause I stood and pulled a map of the lands from the corner, unrolling the scroll on the middle of the table. Sesshomaru who had been standing behind me joined the bodies that leaned in to watch as I pointed.
"So far we have focused on securing our offensive maneuvers, and we've been successful, rarely are we not. But, if you look at our defense it is mostly whoever is available roaming to where they are needed. Though it has seemed to work before, the plan is unstable and easy to breach. The constant changing of position leaves holes and openings for people to slip through, or people to slip in unnoticed as is the current case." I pointed at the southern end of the map. "Here is where the heaviest flow of water vermin come onto land. Here is the second place." I pointed to the west. My finger then moved to the East and then lastly to the north. "Here is the third and the least is from the top. I propose that we divide the lands into sections, and each of you will be responsible for guarding and securing those sections."
I looked around, encouraged by the thoughtful looks. "With the abilities that sirens have and the knowledge we have of these lands, reinforcements could go in quickly and a system of guards could easily be assembled." Taking a breath I nodded to myself, "That would ensure that nobody would be caught unaware. Watchmen and guards would be familiar and in tune with the lands if they stay there, a huge advantage over any enemy.
If you aren't always on the move supplies would be easier to acquire and maintain, which leads directly to happier, stronger soldiers. And familiarity among people will grow; the same watchmen at each post so nobody unwelcome and new could merely slip in. We can govern the soldiers then."
"I see no fault with that plan…but what if an error does occur. I believe we are all comfortable with admitting that we are just as capable of mistake as anyone else. Who will ensure that the successful intruder does not get to this city?" Sachiyo shook her head, as if it was an unsolvable fault.
I looked down to my right, as was my habit when in thought, wondering how we would control a second set of defenses. There is not enough of us. Sesshomaru suddenly seated himself in the line of sight my thoughts preferred. I mentally thanked Takumi for not protesting, merely sliding slightly to allow him room; a fight was the last thing we needed.
"We would need more divisions, perhaps eight instead of four." Ayumu offered. New as she was it was admirable how surely she delivered her ideas.
Takumi shook his head, "That would work, and would be efficient, but we would need more of us."
"No, there are eight of us, that's enough." Kinji disagreed.
"A leader cannot be assigned to a particular sanction of land and be expected to stay." Sesshomaru's deep voice welcomed instantaneous silence as he spoke for the first time.
I recovered first, shocked as I was to hear him participate, "He's right, I can't be efficient in my position if I am restricted to the North for example, besides how would I communicate with each of you, one of us would be required to travel, leaving a section unguarded again.
"That leaves the problem of communication anyhow, if we have to leave to talk with you Lady Nanami." Saru ran her fingers through her black bangs.
"Assign two generals to each section." Sesshomaru spoke again.
"Which would work, but that leaves us with enough for four sections again. One left with only one person regardless." Taiki shook his head
"And that leaves the problem of a breach again." Sachiyo reminded the group and a sigh ran through the room.
"What about this," I stood and began to pace, talking as it came to me, "Since its obvious that I can't stay in one place, and since up to this point our roaming defense has been mostly successful, I suggest that I continue to be a roaming defense. That way I can keep on the move and cover the slip ups while I complete whatever task is required of me." I nodded as the plan fell into place in my inner eye.
"That still leaves the problem of one section left with one general. If we go with the original four section defense." Ayumu pointed out.
"What if Lady Nanami elected another? There are many that would love the opportunity." Kinji shrugged.
"Perhaps I could but not right now, and not even in a few days. You may not remember, but I chose all of you carefully, one by one, I can't merely choose from the strongest or the most skilled in battle…that's only part of it…" I sighed.
"Place the single general in the least trafficked area." Sesshomaru had shifted, he was watching me pace.
"Hmm…that could work…" I mumbled pointing at him excitedly as his words cleared the problem in my eyes, "Yes! Okay, the north has the least amount of surfacing out of all the regions…so if we put one of you there, then you would be able to hold it down and put plans in motion while I searched for the next general. Then the new defenses could be put into action without delay." I looked around eagerly, smiling triumphantly as they slowly began to nod and agree. "Then whomever is in the North would merely need to elect a trusted runner to communicate with me, until I find another suitable general to join them."
"Very well then, all that is left to discuss is who to place in each section." I sat back down, relief washing over me like the cool waves of the ocean. "Emi and Taiki, you will obviously be placed in a section together. As for the rest of you, that is for you to decide. Takumi since you are my second I need you to be available the most…so you shall be placed in the East with a partner capable of holding their own while you assist me when needed."
Takumi nodded, "I will work with whoever is placed with me."
I was about to suggest Kinji, a slight pushover at times, when I caught Takumi's quick sideways glance in Ayumu's direction. Ayumu kept her eyes to the front but I saw the lightest of flushes touch her cheeks, and I had to fight the smile that tempted my lips.
"Ayumu, you will work in the East with Takumi, you are the newest and he is the highest in rank aside from me, you will learn from him. And, when he has to leave, managing things on your own in a low trafficked area will teach you more than any words ever could." I nodded, even without my hidden agenda the reasoning was sound and I was confident the arrangement would work.
She smiled ever so slightly and bowed her head once, "Of course Milady; however I can help the most."
Takumi met my gaze for the briefest of moments before I looked at Kinji. "You and Saru shall be stationed together then. In the west, yes…yes and then Taiki and Emi will take the south. Sachiyo, I will trust you to handle the Northern section." I nodded to myself, I had no desire to explain why I had placed them there, but I was confident it would be the best. "Defenses and battlements will be left to you and your own council to decide, it will obviously vary from region to region and resource availability."
I looked up waiting for their consent and all at once they bowed their heads and murmured, "Of course Lady Nanami."
The next few hours were spent laboring over trade routes, prices, security, and the idea of taxes. Of course, just as before, the idea was shot down immediately, with abilities like ours we had no need to collect money to feed the people, the food could simply be grown at will.
Surprisingly Sesshomaru, though still unsmiling and stoic, offered yet more advice so trade caravans could pass through various Lords kingdoms.
Finally as the sun reached the highest point in the sky and had begun to make it's easy descent back down to the horizon the tired group of generals made their way slowly back onto the pavilion. With their duties done the generals dispersed amongst the bowing people, set to relax in the original siren city before tomorrow when they had to make way to their new posts.
Before Takumi could slip away I grabbed his sleeve gently to hold him back. "I want to talk to you."
"Milady." He bowed his head in respect.
"As my friend." I added.
"Nami then." He lifted his head with a slight smirk, but he looked wary.
I rolled my eyes, "Don't panic, I like the idea."
His shoulders visibly slumped, and a huge sigh whooshed from his chest. "Thank kami. I was worried that you would tell me I couldn't."
"How could I say that? Even if I disapproved, look at Emi and Taiki." I shook my head at him as I laughed.
"Yea but they were married before, I figured you wouldn't want any changes…" He shrugged sheepishly.
I squeezed his hand once, "I wouldn't dream of keeping people apart. Go on Kumi, go find her." A feature splitting grin lit his face and he kissed my cheek before darting off into the crowds after Ayumu. I shook my head good naturedly again, "I can't believe I didn't see that coming." I muttered, turning to see Sesshomaru standing uncomfortably close.
"He intends to court that woman." His question was more of a statement. I merely nodded and tipped my head towards the guest house.
"Let's get something to eat, and I want to change so I can get these clothes repaired…" I told him as he strode beside me. He made no notion of hearing or caring so I stopped talking and pretended the silence was an amiable one. I was growing tired of this, him constantly being at my side, if he wasn't so out of his element I knew he wouldn't acknowledge me in the least so the fact that I was only a last resort irked me to no end.
Once back we, or rather I ate then changed into a short kimono, a deep green with delicate white flowers embroidered up the left side. We headed back into the city and I was almost immediately tackled by Rin, telling me all about the day's activities with uncontrolled enthusiasm.
We walked back out to the center of the city were an impromptu festival had begun, honoring the generals and the rare occurrence of us all being together. I did my best to ignore my giant demon follower and mingled with the many people around us.
Around two hours after sunset, when torches had been lit throughout the streets and the three quarter moon lit the pavilion, Takumi made his way onto the platform, drawing everyone's attention. He looked nervous but determined and I instantly knew what he intended to do. I couldn't stop a smile as he cleared his throat and ran a hand quickly through his short black hair.
"People of Dokuji and visitors from around, I would request your attention and opinion for a short while." He started his voice only slightly shaky. He waited until murmurs of approval ran through the crowd before continuing. "I've been taken, quite deeply, with a woman. Infatuation has turned in to deep respect and admiration and I want to ask for her acceptance of my courtship. You all know her, General Ayumu, and with no family to her, I wish for you're permission before I ask her properly."
I scanned the crowd until I found Ayumu's stricken face, staring up at Takumi in amazement. Her cheeks had flushed a pretty red and her eyes seemed glued to the man on the platform. I giggled and shook my head. The proper way to start a courtship in siren tradition was a public declaration and a carefully chosen song, sung to the woman in front of either her family or friends. Ayumu's family had been killed, lost in a fight, and she had become a quiet but strong woman. No doubt such a broadcast in front of an entire city would seem too much and embarrassing, but trust Takumi to do it right.
"So I would ask you now, can I sing my feelings to her?" As expected gazes slid to me. The highest ranking people would act as a voice.
"I approve and delight in it. What of you village head?" I called out.
"I could not think of a better suited match." The village leader shouted back from across the pavilion. With that cheers arose in the crowd and Takumi smiled slightly, the anxiety remained however for he knew this was only the beginning. It was Ayumu's acceptance that mattered most.
With that he stepped forward towards Ayumu and held out a hand. She slowly took it and let herself be guided up onto the platform. She was studiously ignoring the stares as she chewed on her lip, watching Takumi anxiously. He took a deep breath and took her hands gently, shooting on tentative glance at the city people before singing.
In a lifetime
Made of
memories
I believe
In destiny
Every
moment returns again in time
When I've got the future on my
mind
Know that you'll be the only one
I smiled to myself; he'd chosen this song carefully. Ayumu had been an unfortunate person so far in her life; she'd lost her family, then her friends in a betrayal. Trusting was not something that came easily to her, especially with her emotions.
Meet
me halfway Meet me halfway
Across the sky
Out where the world belongs
to
only you and I
Across the sky
Make this
a new beginning of another life.
Takumi slowly
began to rise into the air, still gently holding her hands, waiting
for her to let herself be carried into the air. As a water siren, she
would have to trust him to hold her up. We
are stronger when we are given love
In
a lifetime
There is only love
Reaching for the lonely one
When we put emotions on the
line
Know that we are the timeless ones
He was reassuring her that because he loved her, his strength was unlimited. He would have no trouble supporting him and her in the sky for as long as they wished to remain there. I saw the glistening of a tear in the corner of Ayumu's eyes as she read the double meaning. His love would be strong enough to support her in everything and anything that came at them.
Meet
me halfway Meet me halfway Meet me halfway
Across the sky
Out where the world belongs
to
only you and I
Across the sky
Make this
a new beginning of another life.
Across the sky
Out where the
world belongs
to only you and I
His voice was farther away but we could hear him clearly. A new note of joy rang through his words as he realized she had trusted him.
Meet me
halfway
Across the sky
Make this a new beginning of another
life.
They slowly descended as the song ended, their feet touching lightly on the platform together. Takumi, though obviously against his desire, released her from his embrace. Ayumu looked down and then shyly took his hands with a light flush tingeing her cheeks. "Takumi, I would love nothing more than to meet you halfway." She spoke quietly but the grin that broke across Takumi's face was enough to tell those who had not heard what her answer had been.
Cheers and whistles broke the silence of the night and the revelries from before started up again with new enthusiasm. Takumi turned and flashed me a grin before hugged Ayumu and leading her down into the crowds, instantly bombarded with words of congratulations.
I lifted Rin up and turned to Sesshomaru, "I said we would only stay a few days, so I'd like to leave in the morning. That should no doubt suit you."
"Indeed." He agreed. I nodded and began walking towards the guest house, I wanted plenty of sleep before we set out again.
A/n: Sorry to leave out Sesshomaru's take on things but this chapter is so long already! I'll put his POV in the beginning of the next chapter I promise!! Please read and review, I love your comments!
