Disclaimer: I would just like to say that I do not own ANY of the Inuyasha characters however any of those who are not in the anime are mine as well as the plot. It is mine!

Okay, closet, threats, murder, death. Yeah, so I lied. Sorry about that but I wanted this little sucker perfect. So here we go! Hope you enjoy!

Sword Dancer

Jericho snarled angrily at the face in the mirror Kanna held.

"You let them escape!" He raged as the Condor looked on indifferently.

"She was to be delivered here you damn pigeon!" The black inu hissed making Masaru's eyes narrow angrily.

"I told you! It was an ambush! They already think I'm responsible! That damn dog and his filthy brother are watching my every move as it is! There is nothing I can do! I've sent my people out looking but it's as if she disappeared from existence! Unless you can think of something I can do nothing, dog-boy. So why don't you try doing something yourself instead of getting pissed at me!"

The turn-coat prince snarled angrily and lifted So'unga, nearly forgetting he was looking at a mirror as red bled into his eyes. With a shake of his head he dropped the blade and glared at the mirror once more.

"I don't care how you have to do it but you will find her and you will bring her to me when you do. If you don't, So'unga is always thirsting for blood."

The condor shivered at the thought and nodded curtly.

"And what of the miko?" Jericho shrugged and turned away.

"I don't know what Naraku sees in the woman but I suppose she's needed. Bring her as soon as you can but my warning stands. The Mage will be claimed as soon as she within my reach. Don't fail us, Masaru. You know the consequence."

And the mirror went black.

Masaru huffed angrily and ran a hand through his hair with a smirk as he eyed the dark sky outside his rooms.

"But that's only if I don't claim her first."

Kegan stared at her friends from across the fire as they finished explaining their plans, those whom they'd reqruted sat watching her reactions.

"As much as I appreciate your help, guys, you do realize if the council finds out we will all be convicted of treason?"

Ryo shrugged and poked the embers thoughtfully.

"Yeah but we figured, this was pretty important and with the Dragon Clans' help we might be able to defeat Naraku in one big battle, y'know?"

The mage sat back slightly. She knew the troop's morale was running low as well as the amount of soldiers. The fighting was growing worse and worse every day, touching more cities and killing more people. With the help of Magus and Ryo's people the war would turn in their favor at least for a little while.

Sesshomaru and Seiko would need the help too. Humans helped but they were very easy to kill compared to demons.

Her green eyes set on her friends again. She knew it had been years since they'd set foot on their homeland and it might be taboo to do so but they wanted to try.

The other problem was that in dragon culture, women were seen and not heard. They were not ever allowed in council meetings and most certainly never in battle. What would they do when faced with Kegan?

Her attention was brought back to her two friends as Magus had taken a seat beside her and touched her hand.

"We know the risks but we have to try. You're the only one who's diplomatic enough to catch their attention. You can't go back to the Western Citadel anyway. Why not give it a shot?"

The young mage raised her eyebrow with a small smile. He already knew she would say yes. Rolling her eyes she stood and nodded.

"Alright. We go to Dragon Keep."

The men around her seemed to exhale with a sense of joy before she quirked her eyebrow.

"I do have a few questions though. One: I don't look like a representative and no offense but neither do any of you." Ryo nodded and brought out a burlap bag and held it up.

"You're best dress and a few pieces of jewelry. We even got your brushes and make-up. About two days ride, a day away from Dragon Keep is a large inn that will house us and we'll get ready there. The rest of us have purchased similar clothing to represent our protection of you, not the East or West."

Kegan smiled at their planning, though not enjoying the thought of playing dress up, but would go with it.

"Okay, then second question. What exactly do you expect me to ride in on? I can't just double with one of you. That would get us in trouble before we even started."

This time it was one of the other soldiers who stepped forward, holding the reins of a familiar palamino stallion that nickered happily at seeing her.

The Mage smirked and looked at the two dragons with a shake of her head.

"You think of everything, don't you? I should have known. Alright, when do we leave?"

Magus beamed and motioned her back toward the hut.

"Tomorrow morning. We've got a long day ahead and we can't stay in one place for too long."

Kegan nodded, turning to the troop with a smile.

"Good night gentlemen. In the morning we ride."

Sesshomaru huffed in annoyance. It wasn't enough that Kegan was gone, but the damn council was urging him to sign the deal on Aine. He'd had numerous servants tell him to refuse, quietly of course, but many none the less.

They were shipping out in two days just to get ahead on Naraku's army. Their own ranks had been forced to retreat and were in dire need of help. He'd already sent Seiko to Mizu's side and was further sending his brother and a large cast of demons following.

The miko would stay behind and ride to the edges with himself and Misoka. The huntress and her brother had flown east to recruit some of their brethren early this morning. The extra forces should be in place in three days time. Barely enough time to get information and launch a counter attack.

With Kegan gone, Sesshomaru had to spread out his leaders and that was a disaster in itself considering it would be the inu-tachi and himself to dispatch the hanyou and his spawn.

Suchi would be along to protect the miko but other than that everyone was spread amongst the ranks. Nearly impossible to pick them all out individually.

He moved one of the scrolls as Suchi walked in, flanked by his brother.

"We are ready to go whenever you are Sesshomaru." the tiger seated himself as Inuyasha looked over the maps.

"Are we taking the road past the Mountains or are we going over the plains?"

The Western Lord leaned down and trailed his finger along the two paths then looked at the Tiger.

"Can we afford to split the forces?" The tiger stood and came to their side.

"Maybe a few but if we separate it will be easier to be overtaken. Naraku won't hesitate to attack one or the other. Without an extra force on the side we might be asking for defeat."

Sesshomaru nodded then perused the maps a few minutes more.

"Have the scouts brought any news back about the Mage?"

The other two looked at him carefully as he sat down in his chair and waited. After a moment they did the same.

"We haven't found much but apparently one of the stable hands discovered a certain stallion was missing from his stall along with all his equipment."

Sesshomaru lifted his brow.

"Do you think she planned this?" Inuyasha barked out a laugh.

"Nah. Kegan would have wanted to stick around and fight it out but the kidnapping was too authentic. She fought too hard to be in on it. Knowing her she would have made it to where Masaru was not as close. Whoever did this had to know Kegan and her habits. And she's not exactly a predictable person."

Suchi agreed with a chuckle.

"He's right. She's known for her spontaneity. We don't have much to worry about. Kegan can take care of herself and she'll find her way back. This is too important for her not to. In the mean time we need to worry about keeping the council off hers and our backs."

The two Western brothers watched him as he stood and walked to the window to watch ominous storm clouds roll dark across the sky.

"Whatever we do we need to do it soon. Naraku's getting restless. Much more time and we will not be able to keep them from the palace gates."

Sesshomaru joined him. His golden eyes took in the outside of his home and all those he cared about flashed through his mind; Rin, Kegan, Kagome, Inuyasha, The monk, the Huntress, all his friends.

His hand clenched around his sword in rage. This would not touch them. They would not lose when they had already lost so much.

"Ready the troops. We march tomorrow at dawn."

Kegan reined Percius to the side as she heard the thunder rolling in.

The clouds were dark and foreboding, the thunder a raging voice in the howling wind. She knew they needed to move and quickly if they wanted to avoid getting caught in the storm.

Further- more the nature of it sang in her body like it did when she and the earth were one. The raging winds spoke to her of the battles below and the cries of the people and the earth as it was ravaged and burned with hatred.

Skin tingling she pressed her hand against the mountain side, taking solace in the strength it gave and the solidity of its structure.

"Please," She whispered to whatever was listening, her eyes turning upward toward the heavens.

"Protect them, give them hope."

Just as quickly she motioned her large group onward toward the coming villages, well aware they were very near the place they'd rescued the children from.

Magus had told her earlier in the day that when she'd been gone, each child had died within days or hours of each other and they were indeed under the protection of the Dragons. That alone made her blood boil. Had they become so fearful they neglected their people?

One thing was for sure; she would not leave without giving them a piece of her mind.

She was interrupted of her musings when Ryo put his hand on her shoulder.

"We're nearing the last village until the citadel. We'll stop here to change into our things."

Kegan nodded and dismounted, rifling through her bag for the dress and other necessities to head to the river.

It wouldn't do for her to be dressed so nicely and look like a dirty child.

Finding the mountain spring was easy and she quickly stripped and waded into the freezing water, well used to the temperature. Quickly she cleaned herself then got out, heating her skin to dry herself then slipping into the undergarments.

With all the grace of a lady she dressed swiftly, taking care to smooth out all the wrinkles and brush out her long hair.

The dress was a long riding dress but elegant none the less. The sleeves were made of green velvet and tightened around her arms until reaching her elbows where they flared out all the way down to her wrists. The bodice was made of same colored material and decorated with leaves of golden threads, winding around her shoulders and waist. The neckline was modest but not overly so, just ending a good inch above her breasts.

The skirt was long and trailed beautifully around her like silk but thicker to keep her warm.

Her feet were covered in sturdy riding shoes that gave the illusion of slippers of dark forest green. She wore no necklace, making her neck even more elegant but hooked golden leaf earrings on her ears then slipped on her family crest.

Carefully she braided two pieces of her hair on either side of her face then pulled them back to connect in the back then pulled the rest of it into one large braid which sat nicely over her shoulder. She then added a small gold circle atop her brow, looking down in the water she smiled and stood turning back toward camp after picking up her other clothes.

When she reached her allies they all seemed to stop and turn to look at her in silent awe. Magus was the first to drop into a low bow followed quickly by all the others.

"My Lady, we are at your service." Kegan smiled gently and moved back to Percius's side, pulling out a pair of leather riding gloves and her long green cloak.

She wanted to keep her identity a secret as long as possible.

Ryo moved to her side and lifted her up into the saddle as the others mounted their own steeds. Each wore black uniforms with green sashes and silver face masks, all of them having pulled their hair up into high ponytails. The suits were mirror images of the one she had packed away in her saddle bag.

She smiled and took out her sword, strapping it around her waist underneath her cloak.

"Alright boys. From here on out I'm nothing but 'Milady' or 'Lady Kegan' as much as I detest formality."

They laughed lightly then went into loose formation around her as they traveled up the main road toward the large city which sat just in front of the large alabaster palace.

Kegan pulled her hood far over her head like she had when she and Magus had just returned not wanting anyone to suspect who she was.

Beside her Magus and Ryo kept their hands on their swords and their eyes on the people.

Kegan could practically feel their nervousness. They had not been back since leaving for the Pass and had not been sent for by the King and therefore they were trespassing. By coming here they were surrendering their lives. It was her job to keep them from being slaughtered.

Behind her their troop of merry men was unusually quiet. They too could feel the tenseness of the two warriors and their attention was on keeping Kegan safe.

The people outside were all going about their daily routines as the entourage rode through the street. Time seemed to stop for them as the many people stopped, conversations, haggling, walking, playing, buying, to look at the newcomers.

The whispers began to spread and all too soon Kegan watched as a boy of about ten race from the crowd toward the Palace. When Magus saw this he lifted his hand and drew it into a fist, drawing the men closer around their Lady.

"Stay close. Once the royals hear of us, all hell will break loose." Kegan nodded imperceptibly then pull Percius to a halt as a large group of guards headed their way. Immediately Magus and Ryo took up defensive positions in front of her and face the guard.

"You will dismount your horses immediately and disarm. Under order of the Royal Court. Come now." One of the men practically growled.

But Magus didn't move, instead he pulled his horse to stand in front of Kegan.

"We are here for an audience with the King as representatives of the Western and Eastern Kingdoms. We want no trouble." Magus's voice was cool but calm as he addressed them but the head guard was not convinced.

He removed his helmet reveling long brown hair and startling green eyes.

"You have no right to ask that, Brother."

Kegan's eyebrows raised a fraction as she heard this but she didn't have enough time to react as the man launched himself at Magus and two others attacked Ryo.

Magus relaxed as he fell and landed then rolled out and away from Yukiko's sharp hooves. Ryo however managed to stay atop his horse and was busy trotting in circles while brandishing his blade.

Reaching out Kegan snagged a hold on Yukiko's reins, handing them off then turning to watch Magus and his second brother grapple.

"Traitor!" The brown headed one snarled but Magus stayed silent only flipping the other over and giving him a good punch. The guard growled and almost retaliated when suddenly he was assisted as Magus was converged in soldiers and restrained as Ryo now was.

"Take them back to the Palace, now!" The head guard, still nameless, ordered. He paid no attention to the figure in green and the others standing behind her.

Kegan huffed in annoyance and motioned her troop further down the road.

"Come on boys. Let's go rescue the idiots."

Continuing on their ride Kegan ignored the looks they were receiving until they trotted pleasantly through the gates. Strangely there were no guards in the courtyard.

Dismounting she handed Percius's reins to one of her men then motioned for two others to follow her.

"The rest of you stay here. I have no doubt this will only take a moment." They nodded as she turned and swept up the stairs the two others following quickly after her.

Inside the main throne room Ryo and Magus were shoved to their knees in front of a tall black haired man with almost charcoal colored eyes. He wore thick but shined armor and sat regally atop his throne, a beautiful woman at his side looking much the same except she had eyes as green as emeralds and wore a white and green kimono with a silver sash. Her long black hair was pulled back into a high pony-tail and she wore only a jade necklace around her delicate throat.

"It seems you still cannot follow orders. Did that camp teach you nothing?"

Magus rolled his blue eyes and looked up with a glare.

"We weren't breaking the law. We're here on a peace…"

"SILENCE!" The King rumbled and the green eyed guard hit both the men harshly making them wince.

"I did not warrant an answer from you. Have you no manners!"

The woman laid her hand gently on the King's arm and he looked at her, his expression softening. Turning back to the two he snarled.

"I am shamed boundlessly by your attitudes. Punishment is in order. Your brother wishes to kill you but I know my wife would have you live. Tell me, my Red Son what shall I have done?"

He waited for Ryo to speak when a commanding but feminine voice made them all look up from the doorway.

"I would most appreciate it if you would refrain from killing my captain and my lieutenant. It would be most troublesome to navigate without them."

The entire dragon court looked her way as she stood in the large doorway, her cloak still covering her form and her two soldiers standing like shadows behind her.

The old King sputtered indignantly and stood as she strode into the room with more confidence than anyone else ever had. People were afraid of the Dragon and no one ever challenged the king or his soldiers.

"Who do you think you are? Leave my Palace immediately!" The King snarled making Kegan smirk.

"I am my own and you surely would not wish me to travel back to the Western Palace and report your behavior to My Lord?"

The Dragon King was silenced as she came to stand before him, looking up beneath her hood.

"Ah, I see I have your attention good sir. Allow me to present myself. I am an ambassador of the Eastern and Western provinces."

By now she had everyone's attention.

"As you know we are at war. Our forces are drained and we need assistance. I've come to ask the Dragon's for their aid, to fight beside their allies."

Her voice was firm and strong making Magus and Ryo smile even though they had swords at their necks.

Their brother stepped in front of his father.

"You have no right to ask…" The woman behind the throne however cleared her throat.

"Perhaps…my dears, it would be better to speak of this elsewhere?" The King and his son looked at her then nodded.

"Very well. Take the…visitors to my wife's sitting room." He motioned to two guards who came forward immediately to pick up Magus and Ryo but Kegan was faster.

Drawing the blade beneath her cloak she pushed them backward as her shadows took her flanks.

"But first, release my soldiers."

Kegan sat Ryo and Magus down, checking their wounds with a smile of relief.

"You failed to mention you were both royalty. That might be important during a dinner conversation boys." They looked up cheekily as she wrapped Ryo's bloodied wrist.

"Yeah well, we aren't exactly royalty being third sons and all." Kegan shrugged then ruffled Magus's scruffy hair.

"Royalty is royalty. Now, I need all the information you can give me and quickly. If I'm right both your parents and that jerk of a brother is on their way." The two nodded and reclined as she took a seat in one of the large chairs, being careful not to get comfortable and sitting on the edge, her back straight and her legs crossed with her hands folded neatly in her lap.

She fidgeted slightly with her cloak, sure to keep it firmly wrapped around her and covering her until their hosts arrived

"Our father is very…stern. He wants respect and gets very annoyed when he doesn't get it. He likes to be complimented and he loves a good game of wits, so keep your head and don't lose your temper.

Our brother, Ryu II is a lot like father. But he's extremely proud and arrogant. Kinda like Jericho." Kegan shook her head with a sad smile.

"Captain of the guard, heir to the throne, master horseman, you name it he's done it. And he's very clever and suspicious. He doesn't like new things and he doesn't like…well…us."

Ryo motioned to himself and his twin in amusement. Magus nodded.

"He doesn't like that we were sent to the Pass to be trained and he's kind of jealous of us if you look really hard. And arrogant, did we mention arrogant?"

This time Kegan laughed but quieted quickly as Ryo continued.

"And our mother, Lady Sagi. She's not cruel and she doesn't appreciate ignorance. She's the one who keeps father on a leash and Ryu when she gets the chance. Really she's the reason the people have what little they do. Father and our brother believe in slavery and abuse. Let us warn you now, Father believes women are of a lower standing than men.

Often when we were allowed to see political proceedings, he openly ignored the women in the chambers, even if they were powerful and rightful leaders. He won't take kindly to anything you have to say and given the chance he will throw you out on your ass."

Kegan smirked and patted the lump her sword made beneath her cloak.

"He's going to have to force me. We're not leaving here without being heard, even if we have to stand out in the market place and proclaim it."

The twins nodded then stood hastily as the door to the chamber opened and Ryu I and II walked in with Lady Sagi right behind them.

Lord Ryu was seething.

"How dare you ignore my orders! I should have you both whipped within an inch of your lives!"

Behind him his eldest son sat with a smirk on his face. Ryo and Magus however paid him no mind, keeping their eyes on their father.

"You are bother traitors to your…"

"I do believe that's enough Lord Ryu." Kegan ordered having stood up and facing him head on. The Dragon King swung around to look at her with rage in his eyes.

"You will not order me around in MY home! You will be…"

Kegan turned and looked pointedly at Lady Sagi.

"Forgive me, Lady Sagi." She bowed lowly then stood up.

"I have forgotten to introduce myself." Dramatically Kegan pushed her hood from her face and watched in amusement as all three nearly passed out, seeing her face. She bet they hadn't expected that.

"I am Lady Kegan of the Western Lands, ambassador to Lord Sesshomaru and Lord Seiko." Lady Sagi nodded dumbly as Kegan turned to Lord Ryu and smirked with a lift of her eyebrow.

"Now, my Lord, please leave your sons to me. They were following my orders and mine alone."

King Ryu stared at her almost unable to speak when his son stepped forward.

"Why should we believe anything you say? What proof do you have, wench, that you are not a spy?"

Kegan's eyebrow lifted even higher.

"I am no spy. I'm not here to divulge secrets. I'm here to ask, to beg, for your help."

Ryu II stared at her then turned to his father.

"Surely you question this? She's a woman. What could she possibly know that…" But the King wasn't listening. The wheels of his mind were turning as he examined the beautiful female before him, from her elegant face to the crest she wore on her shoulder, to the way she stood.

She would be a great asset to his palace, perhaps as his son's first wife.

Kegan pointedly ignored his stare and was about to instruct her friends when the Lady Sagi spoke up in a soft delicate voice.

"Husband. Perhaps it would not hurt to…listen to the grievances?" King Ryu looked down at her carefully trying to interpret her meaning. After a moment he nodded.

"Very well wife. But you will be in charge of them. Come Ryu, we have business to attend."

Just as quickly as he'd come, they were both gone leaving the three westerners with the Lady of the house.

For a moment no one spoke until Lady Sagi seemed to visibly relax. She sunk into one of the large chair and looked at her two children with a sad remorse. The two boys waited as she outstretched her hands.

"My sons." She called and the spell seemed to break. Kegan watched as Ryo and Magus fell at the woman's feet and showered the small hands with kisses.

"Mother." They spoke in unison. The queen smiled and stroked their faces until finally looking up at Kegan with a motherly smile Kegan had not endured since the death of Lady Haruno.

Sitting back she motioned for them all to get comfortable then with a childlike glee bayed them speak.

"Now, you must tell me everything!"

With a sigh, Kegan sank into her bed. Her temples throbbed and her body ached with exertion and the fight to keep her emotions in check.

Here in this damned palace she was forced to be docile and so quiet! It was unnerving and apparently amusing to her two guardians. The only vice she had was her morning training with her guards, even that she had to be careful with. Ladies were strictly forbidden in the dojo, and the council, and the throne, and the study, the library.

What exactly were women allowed? She could count them on one hand; sewing, drawing, singing, serving, and sitting.

She growled and drug her claws through the bed clothes. The rip they made gave her a slight reprieve but not much. Looking up she heard a knock at her door and gave a somewhat ladylike answer.

"Yes?"

The door opened and three guards stepped through followed by the crown prince. He motioned to his aides and they stepped back out into the parlor.

Kegan raised her eyebrow as he stood in the middle of her chambers staring at her.

"Is there something you wanted Lord Ryu?" She asked sweetly. He huffed and crossed his arms.

"Will you not stand before your Lord, woman?" Kegan's eyes narrowed. She was so not in the mood for this.

"You are not my Lord. The man I serve is in the Western Lands. I owe you no honor. Now, do you have a reason for coming here at this hour or did you just wish to stand here and berate me."

He snarled and made to step forward but Kegan made no move. She knew with a flick of her hand she could easily disarm him.

"You will respect me, wench." The insult made her bristle.

"Respect is something earned and you have yet to achieve it. Now what exactly do you want?"

The dragon froze then began to pace the floor.

"My father has requested your presence, why I'm not sure but you will be summoned tomorrow morning after breakfast. You will be expected to act accordingly and do not speak unless spoken to. It is an honor to be called before the Emperor. You will respect him Lord or not am I understood?"

Kegan's eyebrow rose into her hair line but she didn't react much further. Once again she held a tight rein on her anger and dipped into a low curtsy.

Her voice was sickly sweet and dripping with sarcasm; anything to get him to leave.

"As you wish my Lord."

Satisfied with her response Ryu nodded and left her closing the door with a demanding click.

Kegan snarled and spun towards her window and to the balcony, ripping the dress she'd been gifted with to shreds and leaving her in only her slim underclothes but she didn't care at the moment.

Grabbing her sword she strapped it around her waist and slid down the wall beside her bedroom then hastily made her way to the barracks. Magus and Ryo would be in for a rude awakening.

Slipping in an open window Kegan strode down the corridor until she smelled the familiar scent of her boys. Throwing open the door they both looked up and their mouths dropped when they saw exactly what she was wearing.

"Ke….Kegan…What…" she growled and stepped inside, slamming the door behind her.

"We have been here for two months. TWO MONTHS! And now, now, your father decides I'm worthy enough to be summoned into his sacred chamber while Sesshomaru and everyone else are fighting a battle to keep him in power! All he can do is sit and order everyone around like the damn Emperor of China!"

Magus stood and grabbed her shoulders to settle her down. She growled and pulled away.

"I cannot just sit here while the enemy marches up to the gates! Is he just plain stupid? Once Naraku gets here he will kill all of them and replace him with a human who will be more than happy to put all of the people here under servitude!" Ryo nodded and reached out to grab her hand strangely this made her stop and sit down beside him and Magus followed.

"No matter what happens we will get back to our friends, even if we don't succeed here. We will not abandon our people."

The mage nodded and leaned her head heavily on Ryo's shoulder as Magus wrapped his arms tightly around her.

"I'm not staying much longer. We can no longer spare any time and I haven't any patience left for your pompous brother nor your father. The only person I can stand is your mother." Both laughed gently.

"That's common and perhaps with her support you can win father over." Kegan nodded looking towards the window.

"I hope you are right."