Chapter 21 Gods Storm
The rain clouds had be building for days before releasing the rain itself. Forced to remain inside or under the cover of the covered walkways, the daily grind of business went on as usual. Now nearly four and a half months pregnant, Amaya and Kagome have done their best to remain as active as possible without having their mates constantly hounding them to rest. Takehiko knew his had her own business to tend to, but even then Amaya could push herself. The Reign Ceremony should be taking place withing the next few days, and the preperations have begun even before Kichiro had arrived with a number of his court.
Even for all of the excitement of having Amaya be named and accepted as a ruling taiyoukai, there was an uneasy calm over the Castle, and everyone could feel it; though Miroku, Sango, and Kagome felt it on a lesser scale than the youkai. But with the mating Kagome had gone through, she felt it a little more than she may have if she was just a mere miko, and Miroku being a monk felt the aura.
Spring was in full bloom when the preperations for the ceremony was finally complete. The vassals were busy trying to get the main courtyard ready before the actual ceremony later that day the morning of. Gina was helping Amaya get into the kimono that was specially made for this occasion. Amaya sighed, not liking being made up for things like this. The hope was that this was not needed for the actual Mating Ceremony if that was decided upon. Once fully dressed, Amaya was left in her room as Gina left. Pacing, Amaya wondered what exactly was suppose to happen. Kenkon was taken from her room during her sleep and Amaya had no idea where it was.
Finally after what seemed like hours, which was really a few minutes, Togaou came to retrieve his adoptive daughter. Togaou must have sensed Amaya's nervousness and gave her a smile as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they walked along the walkway. That seemed to have calmed her enough to return the smile. Together, they made their way to the main courtyard where the three ruling taiyoukai were waiting and those in attendance were seated in a manner that like a wedding. That thought instantly came to mind when Amaya saw the scene before her in the courtyard.
It seemed like the whole of the Castle was in attendance. Nearly all of Amaya's vassals, the parties of Norboru, Kichiro, and those that could for Togaou's party were accounted for. Even Sesshomaru, who had put on the farce of apathy, was there with his brother, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, and Miroku. Seeing them, Amaya felt confident and closed the small two step gap between her and Togaou as they made their way to where Kichiro was standing at the functioning koi pond.
When Amaya and Togaou reached Kichiro, he turned to one of his vassals who was holding a closed sword case. Kichiro unlocked and opened the case which contained Amaya's Kenkon. He then stepped aside and Togaou took the spot. Gently taking Kenkon from the case, Togaou turned to face Amaya, presenting her the sheathed sword in open hands. Unsheathing it, Amaya looked it over and noticed some kanji on the blade near the hilt.
Watashi no tame sono buke konjou (I belong to the warrior spirit).
"It has fallen unto you, Amaya, to rule the Eastern Lands with the same heart and wisdom of your ancestors," Kichiro said, breaking the silence. "May their spirits guide you in all that you do."
Even before Amaya could sheath the newly reclaimed Kenkon, the bright spring blue sky darken with clouds so dark it made it appear to be a moonless night. Worried, everyone began looking around, waiting for something to happen. Neither of the three humans, thought it was some what difficult classing Kagome, knew what was going on. Lighting-less thunder clapped, startling the large group of youkai. Still in her formal kimono, Amaya was not about to let it go to waste by transforming. She has yet to make her vow of leadership, and something was brewing in her lands. A look to those she knew told Amaya that they would be there along side her.
"This is no mere weather storm," Norboru said, sincere worry in his voice. "It must be the work of the Gods."
"If it's the work of the Gods, then none of us are safe," Kichiro said.
As the mysterious storm continued to make its way closer to the Castle, Amaya's memories from nearly six centuries ago came flooding back. She grabbed the first hand that was closest to her, which happened to be Togaou's; perhaps the one sign that she was scared and did not know what to do. The vassals from all the lands began to panic and run about. Seeing this, something clicked in Amaya for her to take charge. She broke from Togaou and went to stand on a bench where all could see her.
"Now's not the time to panic," she called out over the noise. "Whatever it is, we need to stand up to it."
"How? That's the Gods' work," one vassal called out. "We cannot contend with the Gods. It is them that gave us life, and it's them that will take it."
"This is pointless. Come on, Amaya," Inuyasha said before she could counter. "These guys won't help us."
Amaya stepped down from the bench and followed her friends from the main courtyard. She reached the entrance and turned.
"If any of you feel like you can truly defy the work of the Gods, then take your final stand defending your homes," she said.
With that she turned and left the courtyard with a walk that spoke defiance to the "work of the Gods". If this is that same force that not only destroyed the whole of the Ryuu lands but attacked Togaou's castle last winter, then Amaya was not about to sit still and accept her death so readily. Norboru angrily looked to Togaou/
"You're the one that got her into that state," he said, storming over to the Inu taiyoukai.
"Mind your tongue, Norboru. For it will be your downfall," Togaou warned.
0o
Amaya changed into her usual outfit and joined the others while placing Kenkon on her waist. She was not going stand around waiting for this God Storm to destroy her work. Leaving the Castle, the group stood and waited for the clouds to grow closer. This was no ordinary storm, nor was it the work of the Gods.
"What is that," Shippo asked.
"Probably just some strange weather phenomena that was confused for the Gods' work," Miroku said.
"It must be pretty strange for one of Amaya's vassals to make that connection," the kitsune said.
The others stood there, watching the storm grow closer, each in their own thoughts. It was the four taiyoukai and Inuyasha who were actually studying the storm. Amaya was the first to break from the group, placing her left hand on Kenkon's hilt. When that happened, the clouds broke apart and allowed a ray of sun to shine through. That ray was seen falling upon Amaya, as if the Gods themselves were accepting and blessing the young new ruler.
"Would you look at that," Miroku said, amazed. "The Gods actually created the storm to bring us out just to show their acceptance of Amaya."
"What does that mean," Shippo asked.
"It means that Amaya's been accepted by those who created us," Sango said.
"That's a load of shit," Inuyasha said, crossing his arms.
"Then you explain it, Inuyasha."
"It's just a break in the clouds and the sun just so happened to shinning on Amaya."
The break closed, yet the clouds began breaking apart as Amaya returned to the group. Those minutes in the sun were more than what appeared it to be. The voice of Kiyoshi had spoken to her, telling her that her ancestors would be watching over her and her kin for generations.
"What was going on," Kagome asked upon seeing Amaya's smiling face.
"A message from my father, that's all."
A quick eye glance over to Inuyasha and the two made another connection. Neither knew their fathers, though Amaya knew hers a little long than Inuyasha knew his. The friends returned to the main courtyard to the shock and surprise of those gathered. It was then that Amaya was accepted by Norboru and Kichiro as the ruling taiyoukai of the Eastern Lands.