Southern Garden

"Since you missed half of the party, you must accompany us brother." And that's how Tōga was dragged by the collar by his brothers to the Western Garden. Near the garden was Tower of Grace, where most of Tōga's siblings spent their childhood. Many memories were made in this garden, when they were given a break during their lessons, Tōga would bring snacks to share with his younger brothers and they would eat and play here.

There was a saying, when a woman gives birth, she makes a journey to the underworld's gates, it depends on her strength and luck to make it back. Women in the harem who gives birth to a pup are granted a higher ranking and are given rewards for this very reason. But even being a royal consort, with numerous imperial physicians at their beck and call, can't prevent death from latching his claws onto them. Many women has fallen after or during giving birth, mostly human females. Human females are more prone to birth complications than youkai. Conceiving a normal inuyoukai's pup would be same as conceiving a human child, except, a human child is birthed after nine months, an inuyoukai develops much more faster. In just 6 months, the pup would be fully grown inside the womb. The rapid development and changes for a human body would be exhausting, but with proper care, she will pull through. It is a different story if a woman would be carrying the emperor's pup, his youki will be embedded into a human female's body and circulate, the immense power of the emperor will overwhelm the body. Another saying goes, when a woman gives birth to a royal heir, she journeys to the underworld's gates, knocks, takes three steps inside and greets death in the face, strength or fortune has no meaning there, it is all up to fate for you to make it back.

The unfortunate pups, with their mother taken, are raised in Tower of Grace, where they are cared for by nurses and nannies. High ranking consorts are entitled to adopt a pup of her own if she pleases, usually those who haven't bore yet. First, they're required to ask permission from the emperor and the empress dowager to bestow them an heir. With the many schemes inside the palace, it is not unusual for a consort to adopt a son. In hopes that in the future, he will be crowned as the new emperor, that is why the emperor and empress dowager screen the consorts willing to be a mother.

Tōga furrowed his brows in worry, at this moment, Inuyasha is all alone in Tower of Grace. Not one concubine tried to seek him for his youngest son. Everyone shunned him because he is a hanyou. It was a tragedy that his mother had gone, Tōga wanted to make up for the loss of Inuyasha's mother, he wanted to be there for Inuyasha, and reminded himself to have Inuyasha sleep with him tomorrow. Since he was a newborn pup, he sometimes had Inuyasha sleep in his hall, now Inuyasha was permanently relocated to Tower of Grace to start his schooling. He has been so busy he rarely tucks him to sleep nowadays.

Tōga, having his own mother, never had to be raised in Tower of Grace, not that it is a bad thing. He spent his childhood trained by his own father in martial arts and politics, and schooled in poetry and literature by his mother, while his half brothers without their mothers are tutored by ministers and soldiers. At a young age, Tōga was groomed to be the next ruler. No wonder his brothers were jealous and livid. When all he wanted was to sleep, share stories, spar, enjoy food, go on a journey, and laugh with them. But even when he tried, they were the one who turned their back on him. Only when he got older did he had the resolve to befriend his brothers that were close to his age. And in turn, his brothers relied in him. He can only wish the same to Sesshōmaru. He had seen Inuyasha try to cozy up to his older brother, but Sesshōmaru thwarted all Inuyasha's advances. The poor thing. There's nothing he can say that will make Sesshōmaru adjust, he is much like her mother. A woman of few words and a woman of little patience. The supreme ruler sighed smilingly as he looked at his younger brothers, laughing and refilling each others cups, yearning that he will witness this very scene with his own sons in the future.

My sons will know the importance of kinship in their own time.

Red paper lanterns swung gently with the soft cool breeze of the evening, the golden orange light inside flicking. What a peaceful night. Earlier, he saw the same lights illuminating inside Eiko's palace. Tōga sighed as he thought about Eiko again.

"That's the second time I heard you sigh tonight Tōga." Tōga faced his brother Tenji. Tenji was close to his age, so Tenji didn't use any honorific in calling him, he didn't mind, they were very close and trusted each other. Tenji looked much like their father, but with rougher features. He had strong narrow eyes, dark golden irises and a strong jaw. Like Tōga, he kept his silver hair in a ponytail, but kept it short. His body was slightly bigger than Tōga, but Tōga was taller. Tenji hadn't forgone his armor. He wore arm guards, boots, and a two katanas were resting on his side. It was disrespectful to wear armor and keep a sword in the presence of the Emperor, but Tenji was just being himself. With Tenji being stationed in the North-western boarder, you have to cut him some slack. The emperor studied his brother, hardened by the harsh climate in the North-western boarder. It was freezing there, and it snowed all year long. The massive stone wall fortress and invisible barrier embedded with his own youki could easily keep any enemies at bay. Tenji was the one who volunteered to be stationed there after he lost his mate.

Touma was the complete opposite of Tenji. He was very handsome with his almond-sharp eyes, many women are fond of him, as is him of them. He had relinquished his celebratory clothes and donned an inner clothing and pants with the sleeves and hem of the pants tied. His outer midnight blue kimono was loose. His thin clothing doesn't seem to mind him. Lean, handsome, and a smooth talker, he is an envoy in place of Tōga. He mainly stays in his manor in the capital. Touma was a wild one and never cared much for rules, but he ensures he doesn't cross the line and cause shame to the imperial family.

"He does that frequently nowadays." Touma replied, drinking his sake.

Tenji didn't remove his eyes on Tōga. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"I bet it's a female." Touma joked.

Tōga remained silent, but Touma didn't miss how Tōga's jaw stiffened.

"I can't believe it. It is a woman! Huh?" Tenji raised his eyebrow.

"Any problems in the harem?" Tenji asked

"Is there a time where there aren't any problems in the harem?" Touma rebutted.

"Is it..Izayoi? You miss her?"

"No. I miss her, but it's not her."

"Heh..our brother troubled by a woman, this doesn't happen often." Touma refilled Tōga's cup.

"And what about you? Just when do you plan on mating? You bring different women in your manor, is there not one that's suitable to become your mate?" Tōga turned the conversation to focus on Touma. He didn't want to tell them about Eiko yet.

"Having a mate is tiring and boring. Why settle with one when there's so many to taste." Touma smirked.

Tenji sighed and downed another cup. "Mating might be outdated now and is rarely done, but I can assure you it's the most beautiful thing that will happen to you. It is overwhelming, the surge of emotions and love. It can only happen once. And you'll be regretting why you haven't mated early, and reminisce how you could've spent all those years enjoying your time with your mate. If you know you've found the one, take the chance."

"Same goes to you Tōga." Tenji added.

"Ahhh hai hai." Tōga and Touma answered.

"Seriously, you two are the one who have the most women here, I can't believe you're having these problems." Tenji drinked again.

"I've had enough of this female talk. Less talk, more drinking!" Touma refilled their cups. The three brothers raised their cups.

"Cheers!"

The three's laughs resonated throughout the garden, content and happy with each other's company.

Eiko hugged her coat tighter onto her body as she ran, shielding the scroll with her painting inside. Fog of cold wind blowing consistently from her lips. In her pouch tied tightly to her obi was a particular omamori and a small red envelope.

Running she studied her surroundings. She had already made her way past the palaces and into clear ground south of the domain. Many trees had their leaves fallen out. She haven't been to this side of the domain before the winter season, but she can possibly imagine how beautiful it would be come spring. At this place there were many large and tall trees with high and long branches. When summer comes, she reminded herself to come out here often to enjoy the breeze.

As she ran further, there were red petals of the winter plums scattered onto the snow covered ground. She was getting close.

She had so much idle time that she wandered around the domain during the time she was faking being sick. Eiko wanted to know how far the Taisho Domain's ground extended. The inner walls were hard to locate on lower ground. The Taisho Territory was bigger than the capital itself, it was like a small nation, ruled by Tōga, and not just the Taisho Territory, but towns, villages, and cities, they all kneel to him.

Eiko looked ahead as a mass of red plum trees gave light, warmth and life to the barren and cold environment. She took a few small steps into the trees, and released a breath of relief as she spotted a tall shrine gate. Its paint had fainted long ago. But it gave a small air of prestige with the two komainu standing guard beside the tall gate. Patting the head of a komainu she proceeded. She had arrived to a small worn-down shrine, some of its woodwork splinting. She removed the hood of her cloak as she studied the small building. She loved the aesthetic and calming feel of it. It looked to be a few decades old, having a rustic air to it. It looked abandoned more than ever because of its roof heavily covered with snow. The shimenawa fastened onto the beams of the shrine had unraveled, with just a few light tugs it would surely fall, the suzu was rusted, and its rope was a color of ghastly gray with a few spatters of its original color of white and red, but she liked it somehow. Beneath the suzu was a saisen-bako.

Stepping inside the shrine, she removed the hood of her cloak and checked the scroll she was holding.

She fished 3 coins in her embroidered pouch and dropped them in the saisen-bako, rang the bell and clapped her hand two times, finally she closed her eyes and whispered a prayer.

"I pray for my family, friends and the Emperor to stay healthy and safe. I don't need a higher rank or favor, but only peace of mind."

As Eiko was about to open her eyes, she heard a soft scrunch behind her. Someone was walking to where she was. She pulled her cloak and dashed to a plum tree to hide. The scrunching of steps began louder and after a few moments, a big figure emerged, wearing a black fur hooded cloak. The man whipped his head to look around, searching for looking out for something. The man removed his hood and silver hair cascaded down.

Eiko gasped looking at the man she had been hiding from all this time. She quickly covered her mouth and willed herself not to breathe.

Tōga looked at the direction Eiko was hiding. He didn't miss the white color of Eiko's cloak against the striking red of the plums. He chuckled to himself at her attempt to hide and decided to not make it obvious that he had seen her. Her scent was all over the place as well.

"Hmmm, the plums are much more beautiful this year." Tōga began walking to Eiko's direction.

"And this one particular blossom is the most beautiful of them all." Tōga pushed the branches away to see Eiko's face. Eiko removed her hands from her mouth as she released a cold breath. Tōga offered a hand to Eiko, which Eiko hesitantly accepted and stood.

"I thought I was the only one who knew of this place." Tōga commented.

"I found it a few weeks ago. Why have you come here your majesty?" Tōga nodded at Eiko's answer.

"Me and my brothers had just finished drinking. I wanted to sober up. While I was walking, I caught wind of your scent and followed you here. I was quite surprised."

Eiko nodded. "Your Majesty, thank you for the plum blossoms, they are beautiful."

"Think nothing of it. It's just a mere branch. I will deliver my gift to you tomorrow."

Eiko stayed silent.

"Of course, Jashu will be the one coming to your palace."

"Every year, blossoms return anew, but virtue is gone.." Eiko started.

"with eyes as innocent as a fawn, one stayed as lovely as a plum, it caught the gods' attention, with its prepossessing hue" the emperor replied, finishing the small poem. Tōga faced Eiko, her eyes contained hurt and longing as it focused on his own. He reached out to cradle Eiko's face and brushed his thumb to her lips. She was cold and still has her make up on. Her lips were adorned with a rich red tint, her cheeks flushed.

"Is the plum our flower now?" Eiko asked smiling.

Tōga brought his other hand to cup her face.

"If that's what you want."

Eiko nodded and brought her hands to rest on Tōga's. The inu-daiyōkai leaned closer, Eiko closed her eyes, as she freed herself for this one night. Her knees threatened to buckle as she felt Tōga's hot lips on hers. Tōga didn't restrain himself as he kissed her harshly, releasing all of his longing in their kiss. Tōga wrapped his arms onto Eiko's waist, and pushed her against him. Eiko caressed Tōga's face as they delved further, opening her mouth, and letting Tōga's tongue graze with hers. She never felt this hot since winter started. Their deep kisses went slower and slower until they stopped, but Tōga caught her lips again in one last kiss, and gave her butterfly kisses from her cheek to her forehead, rewarding himself with Eiko's giggles.

"Your majesty, I want to apologize."

"For what?"

"I haven't been doing my duty, and I've been taking you for granted." Tōga held her hand.

"Shhh. Eiko, take all the time you need. Let's not rush things." Eiko nodded as Tōga leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek.

Emperor's Hall

Jashu woke with a fright when the imperial guards loudly stroke the stone ground with their lances, followed by the sound of armor dropping. The imp found the guards kneeling, welcoming Tōga back.

Jashu's back cracked as he stood straight, pondering about how to stop his bad habit of sleeping while standing.

The emperor had just returned and clearly haven't slept. Jashu didn't expect his majesty to return so soon. Normally when he is drinking with his brothers, it would continue on until early morning. Compared to when they were still young, their drinking would last 3 days until they're dragged by their mothers by the ear. As princes before, they had much more free time.

"Jashu, get me some ink and some scrolls, big ones." Tōga removed his cloak and dropped it on the hands of a waiting Jaken.

"Right away your majesty."

Jaken began grinding ink for Tōga as they waited for the older imp to fetch the scrolls.

"You should rest your majesty."

"I can't sleep."

"It's not good for your health to be exhausted."

"I'll rest once I finish this. Jaken, bring me water. I want it cold."

"Of course your majesty." Jaken had gone the same time Jashu came back with a bundle of large scrolls on a tray.

"Place them all on the table."

Jashu nodded as he placed the bundle on Tōga's left side. Jashu then walked to the emperor's right side and began finishing Jaken's chore of grinding the ink.

Tōga unscrolled a piece, put weights to pry open the scroll and fetched a brush and began writing characters on the upper part of the paper.

"Plum..Pa-vi-lion.." Jashu read.

"Eh?! Your Majesty, you can't be thinking of drafting a brand new building? You should rest, you have tons of reports to read tomorrow!"

Tōga sighed. "My mind won't put to rest until I finish this." Tōga's hands made short work of drawing lines on the four corners of the scroll. His hands then stopped as he contemplated for a while.

"Ah yes, I don't want anyone to know of this. And I mean it Jashu, not one." Tōga bore his eyes and looked straight at the little imp. His eyes were casted over by the shadows of his bangs, the color of his eyes morphing into dark gold with a glint. He had taken care and served the emperor since he was just a pup. Tōga was a kind and just ruler. He is much more merciful than the past emperors, and had the trust and love of millions. Any wrongdoing in his domain, he tries to overlook and deal with as mercifully as ever, but this time, Tōga wanted this to go according to his plans. No slip ups, no mistakes. The little imp just nodded, fully understanding the importance of keeping this in complete secrecy.

Tōga looked at him longer and then turned back to the scroll. Tōga then put down his brush on a ceramic brush rash, picked up a wooden ruler and pencil, and began scribbling. Without removing his eyes from the scroll he began talking.

"Our top priority in building this is confidentiality. Only you, me, jaken has knowledge of this yet. I will speak about this with my mother later."

"Yes, your majesty."

"And get me Totosai in the afternoon."

"Yes your majesty."

Jashu returned with a cup of ice cold water which Tōga downed in one gulp and began working. The emperor and the two imps remained silent throughout the whole ordeal except the scape of brush and pen against paper.