Part II
A Song of War
Chapter 24: First Skirmishes
Izayoi watched, uneasy as they drew closer to the huge palace, actually surprised to see that the main citadel hovered almost warningly over what looked like a small city. It was huge, and placed as it was atop the mountain there was only one way to reach it besides flight, and that was a wide switchback trail that led to the entrance to the valley, in which there was a huge gate with the city behind and then through the city to the huge and daunting gates in the hei. The citadel and its companion city took up the entire valley that it sat in and was surrounded on all sides by straight cliffs that led to the mountain's top, save for one side that was a drop of several thousand feet down. The entrance to the place was the only road in or out and was hemmed on one side by sheer cliffs, just like the rest of the city, and the other by a terrifying drop, as well, though that was walled on the city side to provide additional protection.
It was easy to see that such a place would be almost impossible to ever invade or destroy unless by air. It was a high, puissant city, with its higher reaches surrounded by the clouds that hid the top of the mountain from sight.
Unusually, for most hei walls were even, one side of this particular yamajiro, the side facing the sheer drop, had a much higher wall than the rest of the hei and it was made of a strange stone she couldn't quite place that glittered slightly in the sunlight. It looked as though the roof of the palace was made of the same glittering stone shaped into tiles.
"You said it's called Kangetsu? Winter moon?" At Touga's nod, she finished, "Why?"
"For two reasons. I'm sure you can easily see that it took many centuries for this place to be finished, ne? When it was finally ready for initial occupancy it was Mid-winter, and the moon that night was uncommonly large and bright. Also, that odd-colored retaining wall on the side with the drop, and the roof tiles? When the full moon shines next, I will take you for a short flight and show you the other reason for its name. The stone that was used glows in a most beautiful manner when hit by moonlight, and of course, is at its best when the moon is full and bright," he replied in answer to her question. "And especially the high, cold moonlight of winter."
"Oh," she breathed, her imagination supplying her with a glimpse of what it might look like, and she had to admit, she would love to see it. Still...
Touga had not missed the fear and uncertainty in his little wife's voice, and he tightened his grip on her as they came in to land. With his other hand, he motioned for Kenji to move closer, and said, "Fear not, my little love, for I will not allow you to be harmed, and you know this. And while there are some, like Sesshoumaru, who will be less than happy to meet you, there are others that will be merely curious, and at least a few that will even be welcoming. I know it is much to shoulder, but you will soon come to love it here, I promise." He glanced down to see who had gathered, and said, "But for now, stay close to me."
He could see Sesshoumaru standing before the few that had gathered on the steps, his eyes hard and cold, and Touga tensed, his own eyes narrowing and filling with warning as they clashed with his. He landed softly, letting his cloud dissipate and making sure that Izayoi had gained her balance fully before he let her go. Knowing that there was no way this was going to be overly pleasant, he immediately ordered everyone but Kenji and Sesshoumaru from the entrance and then softly asked his little wife to put up a sound proof barrier.
As soon as she did so Sesshoumaru stepped forward, silver hair swinging behind him as he approached his sire and the human female he had dared to wed and bring into their midst. As prejudiced as he was, even he could not deny her beauty, but that mattered little to him when the females of his race were all beautiful.
He came to a halt before his father and the female, surprised to find that the stench he had expected did not materialize. Instead, her scent was soft, singing of sakura and touched by several motes of things even his nose could not quite place. Still, she was human and therefore unworthy – beautiful and sweet-smelling or not.
"Father," he acknowledged coldly, refusing to look any further at the female standing at his side.
"Sesshoumaru," Touga returned. "As I'm sure you can gather, this is Izayoi, hime of Setsuna and now my wife. You will treat her respectfully," he said, his tone hard and full of warning.
The younger inu scoffed. "You may have seen fit to low-" he was cut off by his father's heavy youki pressing down on him as his eyes narrowed and faded into crimson.
"Silence!" he snarled, ready to rip out his own son's throat for one long, dangerous moment as Sesshoumaru's eyes went wide in surprise.
A gentle hand lit upon his arm and pulled his attention from his son, his youki softening in response to her. "It's okay, Touga," her sweet voice said calmly. "Let him speak his mind. His words may be spiteful, but they cannot hurt me and should mean little to either of us."
In the moment that she had seen the youkai Sesshoumaru she had been hit with more memories of her life as Kagome, and realized that she had known this deadly youkai. He had been an opponent of Inuyasha, though she couldn't quite remember why, as her memories of him were still foggy and unclear. But she could certainly remember that he had hated humans even in the distant future. It was a shock to her system to come into direct contact with someone she actually remembered from Kagome's life, and she had a hell of a time hiding her reaction, though she managed. He was much younger than she remembered him, but it did not change the fact that she did, indeed, know him as Kagome. She would have to tell Touga of this matter later – when they had a moment alone. But she hadn't allowed herself as Kagome to be intimidated by this youkai, and she wasn't going to now as Izayoi.
Touga sighed at his wife's words; casting a speaking glance of warning at his son, he released his youki's hold on the boy's throat and waited to see what the brat would say.
"Mind your own business and learn who you speak to, wench. I am above you and you will address me with respect, for I am not like my father and will not tolerate you thinking you are my equal," he hissed icily the moment he could, his eyes colder than any winter storm Izayoi had ever lived through, despite his somewhat raw throat from his father's momentary hold on it.
"Respect," she said musingly, looking him over thoughtfully, her memories of the future and what was happening now clashing fiercely within her. After a moment, she straightened and said, "Yamata kakiga yuenitatto karazu.*1 Just because you are my Lord's son does not mean you are worthy of true respect – or any respect, for that matter. For that, you must prove yourself, not rest on the laurels of whose son you are or what name you carry. When you have proved that you are worthy of it, then I will give you my respect – but not before. But just a tip – respect is something that needs to be reciprocal to be worth anything. If you cannot respect me, then I cannot truly respect you."
A mountain is not to be honoured just because it is high?*1 Touga wanted to laugh at what his little wife had just said to his overly proud son. He couldn't believe the nerve she'd shown, but she was right – Sesshoumaru had not earned her respect, and she wasn't one to blindly accept abuse and then bow to the one who had abused her.
He could see the fight in his son's eyes – he wanted to attack her, to kill her, and it was clear that he was having to exert more control over himself than he ever had before to keep his hands to himself. Almost certain that the boy wouldn't dare, still, he allowed his own youki to build up, letting Sesshoumaru know that if he tried, he wouldn't succeed, and would only end up in a world of hurt for his attempt.
"I will never respect a weak human!" he growled angrily, his eyes flashing red with temper.
Not expecting for Izayoi to respond with a show of force as that was not normally her personality, Touga swung his gaze towards her as her aura suddenly flared brightly, building into a blinding corona around her – one that did nothing to him but tingle in a most delicious way – but that he could see was definitely not having the same effect on his son from the way the boy's eyes widened once again and he winced.
As Sesshoumaru unwillingly flinched back from the massive purification power that had suddenly encased the female's form, Izayoi locked gazes with him and said coldly, "Weak is one thing that you will find I am not, son of the Taisho. If you think that I am then you will find out the hard way just how wrong you are. Do not challenge me." Her eyes flashed silver and then returned to their normal blue and she pulled her aura back in, the wind that had surrounded her as her power played around her settling down. She smiled sweetly at the now growling inuyoukai. "Now, if we are done wasting my Lord's time perhaps we may continue on and allow him to do what must be done? Or do you instead wish to waste more time with pointless and boring shows of power?"
"Drop your barrier, my love," Touga said, speaking right over his son and ignoring his growls. "You are right and there is much to be done." He glanced at Sesshoumaru. "Be quiet and follow. And if you feel the need to beat your chest and boast of your strength like a first century whelp trying to intimidate other children then do it later, on your own time. For now you will remain silent."
Thus chastised Sesshoumaru stiffened, a wave of anger sweeping over him at being spoken to in such a manner, and in front of a human, no less! But knowing that to speak now would only anger his sire more, he stayed silent, a deadly glare in his eyes for the woman whose fault he felt it was. He actually found himself hoping that the bitch would get herself killed in the coming war. Many beings would die in the coming weeks, so why not her, as well?
It would be a perfect solution to ridding their family of the human taint his sire had been determined to introduce to it, and he could only hope that things worked out so fortuitously for him. But if the wench thought that she could hide behind his father and thus bait him without consequence then she had best think again. If she spoke to him so disrespectfully even once more, he would attack her and then take the pain his father would undoubtedly heap on him with satisfaction for teaching the bitch her place, despite the price he would pay in harm to himself.
Izayoi could feel the hatred literally oozing from her husband's son, and wondered how such a wonderful male as Touga could have sired one like Sesshoumaru. Though his name should have given her warning, still, it spoke of his aristocratic heritage and his status as the perfect assassin, the perfect killer. It didn't speak of his attitude of hatred and contempt. And it was too bad he was that way, because he was almost as beautiful to look upon as his sire. She sighed inwardly and fell into step at her husband's shoulder as he sent Kenji off with her belongings with orders to join them in his study as soon as he was finished delivering her things to Touga's suite of rooms, ignoring the glare from Sesshoumaru when she didn't fall to walk behind him as he walked at his father's other shoulder. But that was one thing she refused to do – she was not going to subordinate herself to him; she would only submit to her husband's power, and no one elses.
Determined to ignore Sesshoumaru completely, she watched quietly as Touga led them through endless halls, through different wings and beautiful rooms and even up several floors. She couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of the place, and ruefully knew that she was going to need a guide to find her way around for probably a year or more. Good thing Kenji's with me. She couldn't help but be highly aware of the reactions of those they passed, and though she was used to being watched, as all royals were, it was still a little unnerving knowing that many of those watching would dislike her just because she was human.
But in this as in everything else her husband was aware of what she was feeling at the sideways looks and even outright glares she was receiving, and she felt him elevate his youki and wrap it around her, protecting her and warning all those that would think to threaten her that she was under his protection and that if they wanted to maintain their status among the living they would leave her alone.
Finally, after making their way through what seemed like it just had to be half the fortress they entered a room, one that looked much like her father's study in the Summer Palace except it was larger, and Touga moved around behind the heavy wood desk to take a seat on the thick cushion. He reached over to his side and looked through the pile of cushions settled there, then chose a nice, soft, fluffy one; setting it beside him, he smiled up at his little wife and motioned for her to take a seat.
"Come, my dear, sit near me while I take care of calling an assembly of the court so that I may introduce you," he flashed a smile at her and then called for his assistant with a flick of his wrist, who had been awaiting his Lord's arrival at his own small desk on the other end of the room, to attend him.
The male, silver haired and golden eyed just like Touga and Sesshoumaru approached his Lord, easily taking note of the heir's temper – and the human reason for it in the beautiful female sitting next to his Lord. But why would Touga-sama have a human female, a miko, from the look of her clothing, though they weren't the traditional colors and were also much richer looking, sitting so near him and be treating her so familiarly and... proprietorially?
He bowed to Touga, keeping his eyes respectfully lowered, and awaited his will.
"Shiisaa,* you will call an assembly of the court. But as well as the full court, the head of the servants will also attend," Touga ordered. "I have an announcement to make and I wish all the denizens of the palace and the city below to learn the news as soon as possible, so-" he reached for his ink and quill, and took up a new piece of parchment and began to write upon it, "-once I am done writing this, I wish you to make several copies and have them posted here and in the city below, as well." He wrote quickly but beautifully, and after several moments handed the announcement to his assistant after signing it with a crisp sigil.
Just then, a knock came at the door and Touga called for Kenji to enter. As soon as he did, he motioned him forward. "Kenji, you already know your duties as assistant and bodyguard to my Lady-" he ignored the gasp from his assistant, who had just read through the proclamation and realized who Izayoi was just as he said it aloud, "-and I trust that your sister is already in place and awaiting her new mistress?"
"Yes, my Lord," Kenji replied, "Nami is ready to attend Izayoi-sama and has chosen a personal maid for my Lady herself, one she knows and trusts and she has already briefed her on who her new mistress is to be. At this moment she is directing the servants to bring in several tansu for my Lady's belongings and will have her things unpacked and put away in short order. Should I send a servant to her and have her attend us now for this court appearance?"
Touga thought about it, then nodded. The more trustworthy people he could have in place around his wife, the better. "Yes, do that." He stopped and eyed his assistant, who was now busily copying his proclamation, and said, "Sesshoumaru, since Shiisaa is busy, you will call the assembly, and I want everyone in the audience hall in half a candlemark. You are not to say why the assembly is being called, but make sure the head of servants is there, as well, for I wish her to know of her new Lady immediately."
Sesshoumaru bowed icily without saying a word and with his face absolutely frozen, then turned on his heel and left the room, taking his heavy and angry youki with him - at which point Touga grimaced. "That boy is such a trial sometimes with his terrible attitude."
He turned to look at his wife as she spoke up. "If I may... where did he get such hatred of humans from? It was certainly not from you." She remembered wondering the same in her life as Kagome.
He sighed. "I'm not sure, to be honest. I've spent literally years trying to break him of this hatred but to no avail. I am sorry for the unpleasantness that he is subjecting you to, my love, especially as this is now also your home," he finished regretfully.
"Well, I won't lie, it is unpleasant, but I'll just have to deal with it," she smiled. "After all, no one is liked by everyone, and you certainly can't please everyone all of the time. I will simply focus on other things."
Touga returned her smile. "That's the spirit, Izayoi. And I have the feeling that if anyone can turn Sesshoumaru on his ear, it will be you. I must confess, I look forward to seeing you put the boy in his place some more, as you did earlier. I had to laugh when you said what you did to him – I doubt anyone has ever spoken so to him besides me in his entire life. But it will be good for him, for he must learn that he is not a god and not better than anyone else, either, despite his power."
Shiisaa listened carefully to the banter between his Lord and his Lady wife as he dutifully copied his Lord's words, surprised to see the easiness between them. It was apparent to him now that this was what his Lord had spent his summer doing – courting and then wedding a female. He looked over his Lord's words once more. Hime of Setsuna, eh? And apparently, a priestess – his eyes had widened considerably when he'd realized her claimed status; though he didn't feel much power from her he figured she was merely hiding it – but with the situation the way it was at the moment, with Ryukotsussei and the war that was coming he was pretty sure he knew why his Lord had chosen just such a female as his wife.
But unlike what he would have thought, that his Lord had sacrificed himself to ally with such a woman for his people and his land's sakes, it was clear from the expression on his Lord's face and the way his youki and her reiki were twining together that this union was no sacrifice for his Lord. He had to admit, the woman was quite comely and her scent oddly pleasing, and it seemed plain to him that the little hime had stolen his Lord's heart. Normally such a wedding would be cause to throw the entire citadel into an uproar and it never would have been allowed to stand without challenge. But his Lord was wily and knew that while there would still be those who would be angry and not like what he'd done in wedding a human, with the war to come and the fact that they now had a weapon that the dragons could not fight, it would mostly be tolerated and the fact that he held feelings for his little wife would just be shrugged off by many in the court as a lucky break for one who was willing to sacrifice himself for his people and wed himself to a human.
Still, there would be those, mostly females, that would be unbearably angry that a human female would sit at Touga-sama's side as Lady of the West, and would try various nefarious schemes to be rid of her. He could name a few females offhand that would be very angry, and thought that perhaps he should speak up with his concerns to his Lord, as was his duty.
As he finished off the last needed official copy, he stood and strode to his Lord's desk, then handed the copies over for inspection and the official sigil. While he waited, well aware of the new Lady's interested gaze, he said, "My Lord, if I may have a moment of your time?" and bowed as Touga looked up at him questioningly. "The thought came to me that perhaps it would be wise to put spies to watching Chiaki, Yukie, Rika, and Teruko. You know they will not take the news of your marriage well - neither will their fathers."
Touga cocked a brow, but then frowned as he thought about it. After a moment, he slowly said, "You are correct that this news will not please them. Set some of Myouga's kin on them, for slipping another female into their circle won't work. It will have to be the silent spies. Bring anything they find to me, immediately, night or day, it does not matter. It should not be necessary to say that my wife's safety is of the highest priority."
Both males turned to look at Izayoi as she laughed ruefully, shaking her head. "This reminds me of what happened at home," she said, still chuckling. "It seems that I will have to spend my days looking out for those who hate me for being human, and those who hate me for being not just human, but your wife, as well. Though I suppose I can understand; after all, you are all that is most beautiful, caring, loyal, and intelligent – who would not want you?"
At that, Touga's expression turned and he said dourly, "It is not me that they truly want, my dear, it is the position as Lady of the West."
She shook her head. "You underestimate your effect on us poor females, Touga. While I have no doubt you are correct and they would love to hold said title, I don't believe that's all they want. Not for a minute," she said wryly.
"Well, be that as it may, little wife, the position is already taken and I am quite happy that it is so. But enough banter-" he looked up, his expression tightening, "it is time to head to the audience hall so that we may be in place in good time." He stood and offered his hand to her, helping her to her feet, and then the group headed from the room, Shiisaa at the back carrying the now signed proclamations so that they could be distributed to the appropriate places as soon as the assembly was over.
He watched closely as Izayoi walked just behind her husband's left shoulder with Kenji taking up a position immediately behind her. It was clear from the kitsune's actions that he was being very careful with the hime's safety – and not just because Touga had assigned him as her bodyguard. It was obvious that he was fond of her, if that smile was anything to go by. She must be the person Kenji had been assigned to when he'd disappeared from the court here, which meant he'd been with the girl for several years, now. So... that meant that Touga had been grooming her for her place here for at least that long.
He has always played things deep, with one plan on top of another and another behind that, just in case. And that is why he has never been defeated, Shiisaa thought with satisfaction. Neither will he allow his lands to fall to that damn dragon. For that reason I will follow him into hell, and I wouldn't care if he chose to marry a thousand human women and brought them all here to live – though with the way he looked upon her, and she returned it, I doubt he will ever look towards another. He is a typical youkai in the matter of marriage, and I bet he will be more jealous of his wife than most youkai even are. I would pity anyone who dared to look upon her with desire – and even here in a place of youkai there are those who would.
His musings came to a halt when they arrived before the Lord's doors into the huge audience hall, only to find several people waiting for them. Nami was there, as well as Sesshoumaru and the Southern Heiress, Kajiko, who was looking curious to see this female that the Western Lord had married. Arata also stood to the side, knowing exactly what his friend and liege had been up to this summer and eager to see the coming backlash over it – as well as get a look at the female his Lord had chosen.
Kenji motioned for his sister to attend them, but instead of introducing her and Izayoi immediately, he simply murmured that he would take care of that after the assembly was over, and had Nami walk by his side so that Izayoi's back was protected. Nami nodded, though she cast a small smile at her new Lady as she took her position, one that put Izayoi in mind of the many such smiles she'd received from Kenji, and that put her at ease – here was one person that had no hatred for her, as all she sensed from the female was curiosity and a hopeful friendliness. She smiled brilliantly back, and Nami blinked several times before her own smile widened. Kenji couldn't help the inward grin at watching yet another person fall to Izayoi's beautiful, open smile. He was positive that his sister and Izayoi would soon become inseparable, and that meant that he would also get to spend a great deal of his time with his sister, a very welcome thing.
Arata also joined the procession, falling back to walk near Shiisaa, and wondered what the scrolls rolled in his hands were, though he could guess. Their Lord would wish to get the word out of his marriage quickly.
Touga strode into the audience hall commandingly, his aura radiating his full power and authority as a warning to any and all gathered that he was there as their Lord and he wouldn't tolerate anyone challenging that authority. Izayoi was rather taken aback; in all the time that he'd spent with her at her home he'd kept his aura mostly subdued, and she'd had no idea that he carried so much terrible power. It literally radiated out from him in waves, and the little she could see of the room, surrounded as she was by those so much taller than herself, showed the youkai gathered there all submitting to him, pulling in their own auras. Even Sesshoumaru did so, not daring to truly challenge his father when confronted by the shimmering truth of the immense power he wielded so effortlessly. As strong as she could feel that the son was, he was nowhere near the stature of his father – and he knew it.
He hates that fact, too, she thought, able to feel the anger within the younger male. She wondered why he was so angry, and wishing he could challenge his father, which anyone could read in him if they paid attention.
She set her thoughts aside as they reached the dais at the head of the room and everyone took their appointed places, Touga motioning for her to sit at his shoulder in the same position she had walked behind him, Sesshoumaru taking his place at his father's other side. Kenji and his sister, who she still did not have a name for, quickly settled behind her and the others settled behind them on the huge dais. She could feel all eyes turn to her as she moved to sit at her place near her Lord and her small form was brought to light, and the sudden keen edge of danger had her fighting to keep her reiki subdued, letting Touga's youki expand to protect her from any chance of attack.
At precisely one half candle-mark, Touga stood and flared his youki even higher, and Izayoi's mind almost numbed at the power he was displaying. Everyone in the audience hall, from those on the dais to those in the audience themselves bowed before the alpha, Izayoi following their lead, already knowing about this from her lessons with Kenji. When Touga stood to address the room and flared his aura in such a way he was demanding submission, and only one who was wishing to challenge him would refuse to submit. She didn't miss that Sesshoumaru paused a split second before doing the same... as though he wished to challenge his father, yet knew that he could not.
When Touga scaled back his aura of power just a little and finally began to speak, everyone sat back up to listen to what he had to say, the sense of breathless anticipation in the room so strong that even a person with no sensitivity could have felt it.
"I have called this assembly to notify the court and my council that I have taken a wife." Ignoring the deadly and shocked silence, Touga held out his hand to his side for Izayoi to take, and she accepted his hand, standing at his side with her spine straight and her chin up, not letting anyone see her nervousness in any manner, and had she but known it she was even hiding it from those who could usually scent such things. "This is Izayoi-hime of the house of Setsuna, my bride - and a priestess of great strength, as well." Shocked gasps and growls could be heard throughout the room, but Touga flared his aura again and silence fell once more. "Make no mistake – to attack her in any way is to buy your own death, for I will not wait to spill the blood of any who thinks to take away what is mine," he growled loudly, his eyes flashing redly for all to see.
"My Lord, I must protest!" came a loud shout, and a tall youkai stood, outrage literally spilling from him. "You would not only bring a weak ningen into our midst, but a priestess? And even worse, as your bride, expecting us all to bow to her as Lady of the West?! Have you lost your mind?!"
"I have not lost my mind, *Hisashi," Touga snarled, "but you are about to lose your head. Do you think to challenge me?"
"No, my Lord! But... but a human, and a priestess? Why?!" the male cried, obviously highly upset over this matter.
"There are several reasons for my choice, Hisashi, and most are between my wife and I. I have another reason, a less private reason, however, one that all of you will see soon enough. But I am Lord here, and I will not be questioned in my own realm. If any of you do not like what I have done, then go swear loyalty to the damn dragon and remove yourself from my lands or challenge me now and have done with it!" he shot back, his voice icy cold and deadly in the extreme. The shouts, hisses, snarls, growls, and anger apparent in the room instantly ceased, and a dangerous silence fell as the snick of Tessaiga being thumbed from its sheath echoed loudly around the cavernous room, Touga's youki rising to hitherto unseen heights. Once again everyone instantly submitted, including the now trembling Hisashi, and not one person said another word.
"Every last one of you had best remember my warning, because should any attempt to harm what is mine I will not stop until you are all no more than a smear on the landscape." Touga's expression tightened, and he laid a terrifying gaze on a female youkai that was near the front of the room, blatant anger in her eyes. "And should any female get the idea to harm my Lady thinking that they will then gain her title as Lady of the West, then be warned now – I will have no mercy on any scheming bitch. If you attempt anything, you will die," he finished, warning thick in his still cold but now dangerously soft voice. "And your death will be most... unpleasant."
Izayoi watched closely the female he was blatantly warning – the one who was holding his gaze with defiant, angry eyes. So... here is one that I will have to take great care to watch out for. Obviously, she had hoped to gain him for herself.
A vicious smile swept across the female's face. "Is this bride of yours unable to speak for herself, then?" she asked cattily. "All we have heard so far is you threatening death to any that thinks to try their hand against her. She is human. How long do you think she will last here in the courts if she cannot even speak for herself? Is she so afraid that her voice chokes in her throat to be faced with those so far above her?"
Izayoi put a hand atop Touga's as his claws began to glow green, her soft touch instantly calming the poison. She stared at the female coolly, her eyes opaque – and then she returned the dangerous smile with one of her own. "I fear many things, but you are not one of them," she said, her voice calm and clear, easily heard by everyone in the room, causing the female's eyes to narrow and her smile to fade. "And I do not see anyone here that is above me save my Lord Husband. Make no mistake – I will never submit to any but him."
She was very aware of the hiss that came from behind her, and knew without a doubt that it came from Sesshoumaru. She ignored it to continue holding the female's cold eyes. After several long seconds the female looked away, her spite flaring around her but unable to hold Izayoi's steady gaze any longer.
"Do any of you have anything further to say?" Touga snapped out, his eyes narrowed, but when he was met with silence he motioned for the head of the household servants to attend him, and when the female approached and bowed, he said, "You have heard my announcement this day. As of tomorrow you will begin to report to my Lady for two hours every day to acquaint her with the running of the palace. You will show her every respect, is that clear?" The female bowed again and stepped back to her place.
He looked out over the assembled courtiers and females slowly, taking the time to meet every set of eyes that dared to look directly at him with a challenging expression in his own that caused every pair that had dared to drop, and once he was satisfied he said, "The full council will meet after the midday meal. This assembly is dismissed."
As the noise level rose to the accompaniment of all those gathered leaving the room, Touga placed his hand over his wife's on his arm and smiled down at her; though it was still tight with tension she could see the proud light in his eyes, and blushed. "You have done me proud, Izayoi. I could not be any more pleased with how you handled Teruko* than if you had been born here and dealt with these importunate bitches all your life."
She looked back at him thoughtfully, then glanced to where the female had sat, before looking back at her husband. "Teruko, eh?" she hummed. "An ardent candidate for Lady of the West, it seems, and not liking the fact that the position is no longer open. Well, at least enemy number one has been identified for me."
Touga scowled. "As I said, importunate bitches." After a moment his expression lightened and he squeezed her hand before letting go and beckoning her to follow him. "Come, my dear – I will show you to our rooms so that you can become acquainted with them before the meal." He glanced over his shoulder, dismissing everyone else save Kenji and his sister, who still had yet to be formally introduced to her new mistress. Touga would allow Kenji to take care of that once in their quarters, but for now he walked out of the room with his wife in tow, her protectors behind her, fully aware of every eye that was plastered to them as they moved through the halls.
He could hear the talk spreading through the citadel like wildfire, almost sweeping them along in its wake as whispering followed them through the corridors and halls. He carefully examined the bond with his wife, and his pleasure in her, his pride, threatened to overflow his control as he took in her emotions. Yes, there was a little nervousness – but not much; instead there was much more curiosity, followed by some caution – and she kept her chin up, not allowing anyone to intimidate her, those who tried as they moved past getting their stares returned in full measure.
In that instant he knew once and for all that his belief in her had been well placed. She was more than able to withstand this place and deal with his court and people without breaking or faltering. He could feel his ever-present want for her flare up in needful agony, gripping him with vicious claws at the fierce pleasure he felt in his little female and her unbreakable spirit. She was ever so perfect a match for him...
He fought back the need with all of his control, as now was not really the time, but it was apparent that his desire had been scented by those in the halls they passed through, and more shockwaves followed in their wake as his people began to realize that this was not a cold political alliance... at all.
Their Lord fiercely wanted this little human female that followed so trustingly along behind him with no fear in her scent.
And it made them all wonder...
Did she have no fear because of his power...
Or her own?
Just how powerful was this tiny woman, clearly just over the cusp of adulthood and yet already so seemingly fearless?
For Kenji, following behind his charge, it was a clear vindication of his belief that she would be able to handle the challenge of being Lady here. His eyes also sparked with pride at her unbowed spine, despite the tension following them from all those they passed. And his sister was getting a very good feel for her new Lady, as well, as she walked behind the tiny woman that actually seemed so tall. For a single human surrounded by hundreds of youkai to show no fear whatsoever was unheard of. And especially a priestess? Even Midoriko, for all her power had been unable to be so calm when surrounded by so much youki.
Nami was impressed and she couldn't deny it. Now she understood what her brother had been doing for the last several years, and why his letters to her had been so glowing when speaking of this girl. He had been grooming her for just this position – which also told her what her Lord had been up to. She wasn't sure why yet, but she knew eventually she'd figure it out or just find out, so she could put aside that aspect of things and simply watch her new mistress.
Touga slowed, finally nearing his quarters which were several floors up from his study and the audience hall; he turned and smiled at his wife, motioning for her to step up and grasp his hand. "We have arrived, my love. These are our rooms," he came to a halt and gestured at the hand painted shoji before her with a proud smile.
Izayoi's eyebrow rose into her bangs as she took in the doors to the rooms she would now share with her husband. Unlike most shoji these were much larger, making for a bigger entrance, and they were... much sturdier. She looked up at him questioningly and his smile widened, knowing what she was wondering.
"They are reinforced magically." He tapped a clawed hand against the doors, and the paper of the door may as well have been heavy wood or metal for all the give it had to her surprised eyes. She nodded after a moment, though, understanding the need.
"I see," she said. Her eyes changed then, glowing, becoming almost eerily blended with Kagome in that moment, had Touga known it, as she said, "You've changed the structure of the paper into something much different... almost like making glass that is as hard as steel," the fading glow carrying her words to those before the doors.
He blinked and Kenji stiffened, hearing in her voice the difference – she was remembering things from the future she knew...
"Is that possible, in the world you came from?" Touga asked, seeing the same question on Kenji's face. At her questioning glance, he added, "Making glass as hard as steel?"
She tilted her head and thought about that. "Well... almost. You know of guns, as they already exist in this time. In that future time, they are much more powerful – some as large as a horse, and some as small as my hand. But they are deadly accurate, not like the clumsy weapons that exist now. And there is glass that can withstand a direct hit from the expended shot. It is called bullet-proof glass."
While Touga and Kenji looked fascinated, Nami looked stunned and confused, not sure what to make of what she was saying. Another... time? The future? What does my Lord mean, the world she came from? Is he saying that she is... from the... future?! she thought incredulously, suddenly feeling uneasy, as though her feet had been pulled from beneath her. Just who was the woman her Lord had chosen as his wife?
Kenji caught sight of his sister's face and shook his head sympathetically. It was a great deal to take in, after all – to meet face to face a woman who had been born in the future and brought back in time to this place. He could literally feel the confusion and uneasiness coming from her, as could Touga; casting a serious look in her direction, he slid the doors into the room open and motioned them all inside.
"Worry not, Nami – the questions I can see in your eyes will be answered momentarily. But first I would show my Lady our rooms."
Nami nodded slightly, breathing deeply and pushing aside her uneasiness. Despite her questions she sensed nothing but goodwill from the small woman in front of her, so she simply stepped into the doors behind her brother and the others and closed them after the group, Touga's barriers closing at the same time behind them.
Izayoi looked around the huge room that the doors opened into – a sitting room, several shelves with stands obviously meant for his swords lining the walls, along with a special stand for his very intimidating armor. There were scenes of the citadel during winter, and ones during the rather short spring and summer weather painted on the walls at varying intervals. At this height, the weather never really warmed up that much, the highs never reaching above what she would recognize as 18.3 degrees celsius* in Kagome's era. But what caught her immediate attention was a huge portrait, much larger than most Japanese paintings of this type tended to be... of her father, her brother... and even her mother. She gasped, tears instantly flooding her eyes as she ignored everything else to go to it.
Touga watched with a soft smile as she stared up at her family, glad that he'd thought of having Kenji do this piece for her. He was quite skilled, able to take and copy the painting of her mother, take Izayoi's small form from it and add her father and brother in behind, instead, that way making it look as though a single portrait of them had been done.
Tears gathering in her eyes, she stared up at it with a smile. Even though she'd seen her brother and father just that morning, still, seeing them there before her somehow eased her well-hidden discomfort, allowing her to relax just that much more. A sob burst from her, and she put a hand over her mouth, then looked over at her husband.
"Thank you, Touga," she managed to get out around her choked throat. "I was already missing them. But... how did you...?"
"Kenji," he said, and Izayoi switched her gaze to her also smiling friend with gratitude.
"You... it's beautiful, Kenji. Thank you so much!" she said, once more turning to look up at it.
Nami also looked it over, noting the beauty of the woman in it and that her new Lady looked greatly like her. She looked over and nudged her brother, and then tilted her head in Izayoi's direction.
He nodded, tugging on her elbow to guide her closer to their Lady. "My Lady," he said, his eyes understanding, "this is my sister, Nami. She is to be a Lady in waiting for you."
Izayoi took one last look at the portrait and then turned to look at the beautiful woman standing before her. Nami was taller than she by a good three inches, with almost mahogany colored hair, deep, forest green eyes, and pale, smooth skin. She inclined her head and smiled again. "Nami-san," she greeted. "I am most pleased to meet you."
Nami bowed and reciprocated the greeting, then stood. She gestured at the painting. "Your family?" she asked, looking the men in the picture closely. Both were quite handsome, though the older held a tired look deep in his eyes that her brother had captured quite clearly. The younger male, though... she was surprised. He was very handsome – and that was the first time she'd really thought something like that over a human male. It was clear that her Lady's entire family was blessed with good looks, but it had reached a new height in Izayoi. Nami considered her Lady for a moment, and could honestly say there was no one really any more beautiful than she even amongst the youkai. But her eyes... they were not normal for a human denizen of this land.
"It is clear that your whole family was blessed with comely looks, my Lady, but I can't help but wonder, well..." she gestured at the painting, "their eyes... are not like yours," she finally said, though it was actually a question, and Izayoi knew it.
Touga stepped in. "That is just a part of who she is – what marks her as different than any other human alive. Come, sit, we can talk this out now before it is time for the mid-day meal," he pointed to the cushions, and they all moved to sit down, Izayoi sinking down next to her husband with a small smile in his direction. He caught Nami's eye. "You wonder, do you not? About what you heard at the door?" he asked knowingly.
Nami inclined her head respectfully. "Hai, my Lord."
"I will let her tell you, then, for it is her story to tell," he responded, nodding down at his little wife's questioning look.
She nodded back, then drew a breath and let it out, an almost helpless little laugh breaking free from her. She sighed wryly. "It is such a task to always be telling this tale. I was... am... Kagome. Because of the Shikon no Tama I was taken from my home, seven hundred years in the future-" she paused at Nami's sharp gasp and widened eyes, "-and sent back five hundred years in time. You see... Kagome... I was born with the Shikon no Tama inside me, and it was ripped from my side and then shattered in a time that would be about two hundred years from now. That is an entire story in itself, but suffice it to say, that though I, with help, succeeded in making the jewel whole again, I failed to find the wish that the Kami wanted in order to destroy it. So... I was sent here to become Izayoi and given one last chance to find the right wish to destroy that evil bauble."
At mention of the Shikon no Tama, let alone the fact that she had been born with it inside her body, Nami had stiffened so much that Izayoi almost winced for her – that had to have hurt.
"The Shikon no Tama?" she asked carefully, as though unable to believe her ears. While she did not know of Touga's guardianship of the jewel, she wasn't entirely blind and had suspected that the reason that the dragons were looking in the West so hard, was for it – and that her Lord had perhaps hidden it.
Izayoi nodded. "Hai."
Nami stared at her for a moment, then turned to look at her Lord. "So... what does this mean?"
"It means that if she can figure out the correct wish to rid us of that evil thing we will no longer have to fear others, like that bastard Ryukotsussei, getting their hands on it and plunging the world into endless night," he replied shortly. "Long have I warded that deceptive jewel without hope of finding a way to destroy it. And then the Gods give the one I had chosen as my own the chance to do just that. I would no longer have to fear it being discovered in its hiding place..." he trailed off.
Glancing back at her Lady, she blinked, and then asked, "So what is your true name, then? Kagome, or Izayoi?"
At that, Izayoi sighed. "The name given me by my father is Izayoi. But inside... I am Kagome. Even before I remembered any of this, I always felt that Izayoi wasn't really my name – that Kagome was. I... thought the name pretty, but just not... me. But for respect and love of the man who raised me I have worn the name he chose. However, I actually prefer to be called Kagome, and indeed, it has been my nickname in this life since I was young, so please... when we are not in formal company, call me Kagome. I would feel easier."
Nami nodded thoughtfully at her, then glanced behind her to where her bow lay on a stand. "Maiden of the Bow... I have heard from my brother of your mastery of said weapon, so I would say it is appropriate... Kagome-sama."
Kagome beamed, a feeling of relief coming over her to be hearing her name said aloud again. Although she could honestly say that Izayoi had also become a more comfortable moniker for her to answer to, inside she would always see herself as Kagome.
"She is more than a master of the bow, Nami," Kenji said with a fond smile at his charge. "I doubt there has ever been her equal with it – not even amongst youkai."
Eyebrows shooting up, Nami glanced at her Lord, and Touga nodded. "Indeed. Not even I can shoot as well as she can." He paused, then looked sternly at Nami. "Needless to say, what you have heard here today about the jewel is not to be spoken of with anyone but those that are here right now, are we clear? Even Sesshoumaru does not know that I have it, and that it is what that dragon is after."
Now that surprised Nami, and it showed, but she bowed nonetheless at her Lord's command. "Your will, Touga-sama," she said automatically.
"You know... you should tell him of the jewel, Touga," Kagome spoke up, looking at her husband. "This isn't something you should hide from him."
Touga frowned at her, surprised. "I..." he hesitated, "it is too much a risk, my love. With Sesshoumaru's love of power he might try for it himself. I cannot risk this."
Kagome chuckled. "You shouldn't worry, Touga. I didn't have a chance to tell you this... but... in that time and place two hundred years from now, I also knew Sesshoumaru. He was an... opponent of Inuyasha, though I cannot remember why," she said, well aware of the shocked stares from all three people in the room with her. "I recognized him immediately, but though my memories are still unclear and foggy, one thing I do remember – he had no use for the Shikon no Tama nor any of its shards, completely disdaining it. He had no liking for gaining power in such a false manner, you see," she explained to a fascinated audience. "He felt that the only power that mattered was your own, and that if you had to depend on a weak thing such as the Tama then you were worthless, and he had no respect for any that tried so hard to get it. The jewel was never able to seduce him towards its power."
Touga just stared at his little wife. And the mystery only deepens. She knew my son in that future era? And he did not want the power of the jewel? "You are certain?"
She nodded. "Oh, yes. He was the only youkai I knew that did not want it. He completely ignored it. He hated Naraku, though, but I can't remember why right now."
If that were the case, then that changed things. He had always worried that with Sesshoumaru the way he was, only wishing power and looking with contempt upon anyone without it, the jewel would be able to seduce his mind and he had not wanted to take the risk.
"Perhaps I will tell him, then," he finally said. "But for now we should go, as it is time to eat." He glanced at Kenji and Nami as they all stood to their feet. "For now, both of you are to stay constantly in my Lady's presence. I have no doubt that despite my warnings there will be those that will attempt to harm her, and while she is perfectly capable of defending herself I do not want her to be caught alone, is that clear?"
Both nodded, and without further ado Touga led them all from the rooms.
Kagome glanced back over her shoulder at the portrait of her second family, the only family she had left, and then turned to follow her mate as the door slid closed, firmly donning the mindset of the princess of Setsuna and Lady of the West.
Father, Ichirou... give me strength!
~oOo~
The meal was finished in the same manner as most in her home had been – with much discussion and banter at the different tables, though even without superior hearing, Izayoi was able to tell that she was pretty much the topic of conversation all over the room. Still, this certainly wasn't the first time in her life that such was the case, and she was able to mostly ignore the talk.
What was harder to ignore was the hatred being directed at her from Sesshoumaru.
Even in the few memories she had of him from Kagome he had exuded that same prejudice towards humans – a disdain that she hadn't come across before from anyone else. But she ignored him, as well, concentrating on speaking to her husband, Nami, and Kenji, instead, when she even bothered. For the most part she was quiet and simply listened to what she could of the talk around her.
She did, however, catch sight of a malignant gaze pinned to her from a few tables away – Teruko, watching her with death shining in her obsidian eyes. She is most definitely a threat, she sighed to herself as she waited for everyone else to finish their meal. But I have the feeling she won't be direct – she'll try subterfuge. Poison, assassination, but not direct confrontation. Unless she loses her temper...
Pulled from her thoughts by the end of the meal and Touga standing to signal the council that it was time to meet, Izayoi waited to be dismissed to go off with Kenji and Nami but was surprised when her husband instead told her to follow him. She blinked but obeyed, looking at Kenji with a small shrug and a confused, questioning glance which he simply smiled at. Accepting that she would find out why her presence was seemingly required in Touga's council once she arrived there, she fell into step behind him, once again ignoring the icily glowering form of Sesshoumaru as he also fell into step with his sire, and continued to watch quietly as they made their way from the dining hall to the council chambers.
It wasn't too long a trip, and she was thankful for that – she would be getting plenty of exercise here in her new home just moving from one place to another, she thought with amused resignation as she looked around at the large, though not overly so, council room. Her father's council chambers were actually a little bit larger than these, she was surprised to find, but it didn't really matter – as everyone took their seats around the long, low table, it was easy to see that it was big enough. Touga apparently had fewer councilors than her father did.
Despite the odd, mostly unfriendly looks she was getting, Izayoi ignored them and simply waited for her husband to start the meeting, bowing her head in acceptance when he indicated that she should take the seat next to him – which obviously had been Sesshoumaru's, since he cast her a deadly, speaking glare which she again ignored, to his noticeable ire – and the interest of the others in the room.
Touga also ignored the byplay between his son and his wife, letting his own icy cold gaze – which Izayoi took note was much more alarming than his son's – wander over every person in the room, meeting each ones eyes with a dangerous expression.
"It has come to my attention that someone on this council has turned coat and is now a spy working for Ryukotsussei," he said bluntly, not paying the slightest attention to the gasps of shock and outrage. "Trust me on this matter – when I find who it is their death will come, though not on swift feet. They will rue the day they chose to cross me."
Over the noise that erupted from the throats in the room, one voice was heard clearly over them, as the same male that had spoken against her in the Assembly leaned forward and shouted, "And who told you this – the human wench? Who here would betray you? It is probably she, herself, that is a spy for that dragon! Everyone knows that humans cannot be trusted!"
A cowering silence fell as Touga snarled, his youki spiking dangerously, leaving a heavy, ominous feel in the room as his eyes bled crimson light and a breeze picked up. Blowing and tearing at everything around him save he and Izayoi it frightened most of those in the room save Izayoi herself, who was left untouched by the freshening winds of his anger.
"Izayoi has nothing to do with this, Hisashi, and if you speak negatively of my Lady once more I will throw you out of this council and the West!" he snarled into the thick silence. "She, her father, and her brother have more honor than the lot of you combined! Do you think I cannot scent the deceit rising from all of your skins? I am no fool for any of you. I have plenty of spies in this and other places, and it is they that have warned me of the traitor in our midst." He sat back and smiled, a slow, grim, deadly curling of his lips that more resembled a death sentence than a smile, and said, "I know much more than all of you think of what goes on here, and what you all are up to. And it is only a matter of time before I find who has betrayed me. A short time, for I already have suspicions of who the problem is."
Another babble of voices broke out, all vociferously defending themselves of the accusation, and Touga simply sat back and let them babble for several long moments, that same, grim smile on his face as he watched them all. Finally, when silence once more fell, he spoke again.
"Let's not mince words, here. The traitor turned because he wanted a chance at the Shikon no Tama-" he ignored the gasps from the males in the room at him so openly speaking of the jewel with Izayoi right there, and Sesshoumaru's sudden stillness to continue, "-but the truth is, this person is a fool. Not only would I never allow another to gain its spoiled power, but neither would Ryukotsussei – think you that you would be able to keep it from him once you'd turned on him to try to keep the prize for yourself?" he asked, speaking directly to who he suspected the problem was.
Another male spoke up as he stopped, an uneasy expression on his face. "My Lord... why would you speak of such with this woman in the room, here?"
Touga swept a slow gaze around the room, letting it land last on Sesshoumaru, who also looked like he wanted to know why a worthless human wench was even in the room with them, and then smiled predatorially, knowing that what he was about to say was going to blow the minds of the males - and looking forward to the explosion.
"Because my wife is the one chosen by the kami to destroy that wretched blight in our lives, Kenta. My Izayoi has been delivered to this place and time by the hands of the gods and she is the one who will finally rid us of that blasted jewel," he said, his satisfaction at this fact evident to all in the room.
Stunned silence was broken by Sesshoumaru's cold voice. "What foolishness is this, father? Destroy it? How can one worthless human bitch do such a thing?"
A low, warning growl filled the room, but before Touga could speak Izayoi did, shocking everyone. "It is your opinion that is worthless, Sesshoumaru. You know nothing of what you speak – you are merely finding excuses to insult me," she said coolly, knowing exactly what she was bringing on with her words and determined to get it out of the way. He'd been spoiling for a fight since she'd landed, and she was willing to give him one – right here in front of the council so that they would know what she truly was.
In that life as Kagome, when she'd faced Sesshoumaru she hadn't had any knowledge of how to use her reiki and so had been in great danger facing him down. But this time around that wasn't the case. She was pretty much a fully trained priestess, she knew her strength and how to use it – as Sesshoumaru, and all those in the room, were about to find out.
Touga had stopped growling in surprise at her words to his son, and swung his gaze around to stare at her completely unconcerned eyes even as his son's youki picked up.
"I do not care who you are, bitch, you will not speak so to me!" Sesshoumaru snarled, his eyes going red as his temper slipped his control. "Do not think that hiding behind my father will save you from my wrath!"
Youki rising in direct counterpoint to his son's, Touga was about to take ahold of Sesshoumaru when Izayoi once more stopped him, standing gracefully to her feet to stare in challenge at the younger inuyoukai.
"It is apparent to me that you will not cease and desist with your ridiculous posturing until you have faced me, Sesshoumaru, so then stand and do what you will. I have no need to hide behind anyone, and you would do well to remember that," she shot back immediately, her eyes closed doors and no expression on her face – even her scent was calm.
Standing slowly, Sesshoumaru's youki began to manifest, and it was obvious to all in the room that he was going to cut loose on this human woman with his deadly power. But everyone there also noted with fascinated and stunned stares that this tiny human female, standing no more than chin height to the heir, showed no fear of him or his power...
At all.
That fact angered Sesshoumaru even more.
The attack came swiftly, a youki attack of great power that moved towards the small, unarmed and seemingly unprotected form of the girl that was standing against him, and the waiting stillness in the room increased as it headed straight for her, all those there save Touga and the so far silent Kenji waiting breathlessly for it to strike at her delicate mortal flesh and send her to her death. Even Nami obviously expected the same, though when she glanced at her brother and Lord with surprise, her worry faded – they were both too self-satisfied at what was about to happen.
And then Sesshoumaru's youki surrounded Izayoi, and she disappeared from sight...
~oOo~
A/N: Cliffie! A three week hiatus, and then I greet you with a cliffie. (Dodges heavy objects being tossed her way) Sorry, guys, but this chapter was already longer than most others, and I had to stop somewhere. This was a natural place.
As you noticed in this chapter I swung between calling her Izayoi, and Kagome. Get used to it, because that will continue. From here on out, when they are in more informal surroundings, or even at war, she will be addressed as Kagome, and as Izayoi only when around her family, or in formal circumstances.
*Shiisaa-lion statues used as guardians against evil.
*Hisashi-it means long time director, ruler. He is the head of Touga's council... for now. That may change.
*Teruko-means Shining Child.
*18.3 degrees Celsius. For those here in the U.S, who use the Fahrenheit scale rather than Celsius as they do elsewhere, that equals 65 degrees. For anyone who has ever lived in the mountains, they will understand what I'm saying there – at that height it never gets all that warm, and spring and summer are very short seasons.
Another thing. I know that there are probably going to be those that complain that I'm making Izayoi/Kagome a little too big for her britches, facing Sesshoumaru in such a manner and even having her be so adult for being merely fifteen. What you have to understand is that while she might be technically fifteen, she's lived three lives now, two of which she actually remembers. As Kagome, towards the end of the manga, especially after Sesshoumaru defeated Magatsuhi, she had really come into her power. As I point out in my Sess/Kag fic Ever the Lotus, when Kagome shoots that last arrow at Naraku's decaying body, purifying it and the Shikon, as well as all the shouki around the entire region with ONE ARROW, she was not only defeating Naraku's power, but all the power that the jewel was able to bring to bear, as well. By HERSELF.
Now, she's Izayoi. She's been raised another fifteen years, as a princess, a part of a ruling family, with a formal manner and strength of will that she didn't necessarily have as Kagome – plus she's been trained as a priestess this time around. So... all that she learned as Kagome, and all that she's learned as Izayoi are coming together, making her an opponent that not even Sesshoumaru can defeat. Only Touga is stronger, and by extension, Ryukotsussei, though not by much; and as we will find she will be able to damage the dragon quite well. Sesshoumaru will learn to respect her. On top of that, the fifteen years she spent as Kagome, and then the fifteen she's so far spent as Izayoi have really given her the maturity level of a woman of thirty or even more, so she's a formidable presence, despite her small stature.
Another thing. It has become apparent to me that this next section of the story is going to be much more intricate and detailed as things begin to come together. Because of this, I may not be able to keep to the schedule of updating that I had started off with. Time will tell. But I felt that I needed to warn you all that things with updating may change, and I do apologize for that, but it can't be helped. The chapters are too intense to always be finished within a week, especially since I have other stories, and a Real Life that I – unfortunately – have to deal with.
Okay... now that's out of the way-I hope you all enjoyed this opening chapter of Part II, A Song of War, and will continue to enjoy the rest of this epic tale of love, adventure, and war set in the Muromachi period of Japan.
Amber
Edited 11/13/13