Legend in the Making
Chapter 26:
The Meeting
Miroku paused outside the guest's door, ever so slowly knocking. Just as slowly, the door opened to reveal Kuronue's narrowed violet gaze. "What do you need?"
"I came to apologize. I took your pendent to make sure you showed up here to meet Kagome-sama, instead of trusting that you would come on your own." Miroku began. "You were witness to the trouble we are up against...and you and Youko-san would be of enormous assistance to the Central Lands."
Kuronue opened the door wider and leaned against the door frame, silent.
Sighing, Miroku continued, "In order to understand why we follow Kagome-sama, we needed you to meet her. She has two persona now...but she is kind. And difficult to fully understand until you meet her. So while I apologize for my method of getting you here...I do appreciate you coming. Now, may we start over?"
Staying silent for a little while longer, Kuronue snorted "Fine. A do-over. Just know, I've never given anyone a second chance, not even Youko. But you did save my life."
Miroku smiled at the male, "I appreciate the second chance, my friend. Now, let's get breakfast. Heero is making some sort of egg dish that smells heavenly."
Kuronue grinned, stepping out, "You smell that from here?"
"You don't?" Miroku joked back.
"Arms up!" Kagome stated with a grin as she delivered a quick kick to Satoshi's core. Unfortunately for the lord, she faked the initial kick before delivering the roundhouse kick straight to his side. "Gotcha."
Satoshi grinned as he righted himself. "Clever, Kagome-sama. Your hits have gotten stronger."
"Thank you, Satoshi-sama. But I'm just getting started." Kagome grinned. The crowd was growing as the two sparred. Both going back and forth before Satoshi brought forth his youki. And that ended it.
The moment she spotted the red surrounding his form, her power shot forward, knocking him off his feet and holding him to the ground.
"Do you concede?" Kagome questioned from off to the side.
"I concede." Satoshi stated, being released moments later. He slowly stood, staring her down. "I suppose it's time for our meeting."
"And I suppose we can't postpone the meeting for later?" She sighed.
He chuckled and shook his head. "We all go through it, Milord. And now, we'll be meeting as frequently as you suggest."
"Wonderful." She murmured, sarcasm thick in her tone.
As the two headed off to their meeting, Hina stepped away from the group and headed toward the kitchens. "Heero, Kembo."
The two paused, glancing over at her. "Hina! How are you?" The ogre beamed, setting a giant bag of rice down in the corner as he walked over to her.
"What can we do for you, Hina-san?" Heero questioned, having one of the staff take over what he was doing as he walked up to her as well.
"Kagome-sama is headed into her first meeting with the four lords and advisors. Please prepare something for her rooms once the meeting is over. It is likely that she will not be happy."
They nodded, understanding flitting through their gazes. "An herbal tea." Heero said, turning to Kembo, who started murmuring about different desserts, walking away thoughtfully. "We'll have it ready!"
"Thank you." She nodded, then headed out.
Kagome sighed, listening to the same statement for the fifth time in one hour. "Really, Ro. We understand. However, the main concern is with these shadow creatures." She stated, "Sesshoumaru-sama had a minor altercation with a few on the way here. Daishi and Himoro have been getting strange happenings in their lands as well. This isn't something that is going to go away overnight, but it is something that we need to discuss."
"The information we have thus far includes the ability to cross through shadows, yet not into the light. Charms are effective, yet weapons only increase their numbers." Lomai intoned, looking over the group in front of them.
"Takei was able to dispel them within the shadows. However, there are far too many to destroy." Sesshoumaru stated, gaze never leaving Kagome's.
"They seem to be more interested in our swamplands, but have taken over a few villages on the boarder. The villages just seemed to...vanish."
The other advisors took the information in solemnly. It was obvious what they needed to focus on. Yet they still didn't have enough information on their opponent to completely disperse them. Nor did they know why they were attacking in the first place.
"We should keep our eyes and ears open for any more information." Lomai suggested.
Kagome nodded. "I agree. I believe a monthly meeting should take place on any updates regarding this matter, or any additional concerns with the lands."
The meeting continued on, reviewing additional information regarding land tax and the like before finally coming to a close...after dusk.
Kagome stretched as she rounded the corner to her room. Finally alone. Entering her room, she headed straight for her bed before pausing. With a sigh, she moved toward her closet, only to pause at the knock on her door. "Come in."
Entering, she found Heero and Kembo with two trays - one with Dango and a cup and the other with a tea set and extra leaves. Dropping her hands to her sides, she gave them a grateful look. "Hina-san stopped by and mentioned you may need a pick-me-up after your meeting." Kembo stated with a smile.
"So we decided on an herbal tea and dango." Heero continued, both setting their trays down at the nearby table.
"Thank you both. I really appreciate it."
"Of course, Milord. It can't be easy dealing with the advisors and the lords at the same time." Heero stated, forgetting himself for a moment, before he blushed in realization. "Forgive me. It was not my place."
"You have no idea." She sighed, picking up the cup of tea. "With the four lords being playful pains in the ass and the six advisors just being pains in the ass, my mental capacity for crap has deteriorated quickly."
This was a side they had never seen of her, and they weren't sure how to respond.
Pausing, she looked up at them. "Are you two busy?"
"Ano, no, Milord. We were just going to pass the time for a few hours."
"Would you like to visit with me? We could go to the kitchens, have tea, eat Dango, and chat?" She questioned, then paused, realizing what she had said. "To be clear, I'm not asking as Lord of the Central Lands. Just Kagome."
The two looked at each other briefly before turning back to her. "If you would like, we would be honored, Milord."
With a smile, she took her tea as the two picked up the trays once more and led the way to the kitchen. Setting the tray beside the rest of the dango they had made, they pulled out a couple more cups and let the tea steep.
"So, how was your day?"
"It was very well, milord." Heero said, only to freeze at the bland look she gave him.
"Kagome. Just call me Kagome right now." She gently reprimanded. "Now be honest. I need gossip to get my head away from that fiasco."
Heero blushed, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment, "Hai…Kagome-san."
She sighed, "Close enough, I guess. Now shoot."
"It was a mess." Kembo started, taking in her reaction and noting the intense interest she suddenly leveled him with. "The supplies came in late, so we were nearly late with the dinner. It was pure chaos."
"And the youngest advisor, Kairo had nothing but complaints early on in the day - all the way to the time of the meeting."
"I swear if Kairo doesn't shut the hell up I'll poison his - Milord!" Mitarai cut herself off, staring wide eyed at the woman at the table.
"Mitarai-san, we were just talking about Kairo. What's he done?" Kagome ushered, holding out a stick of dango to the other woman in offering.
Staring blankly at the chefs, then toward the lord of the house, she slowly accepted the dango before she took a breath and let loose. "He's 'requesting' I 'visit his room' and stay with his tea tonight." She growled, annoyed as she plopped down in the seat beside the Central Lord, then realized what she said and paused. "My apologies for my tone, Milord."
"Not at all. Perhaps we should send him an escort?" Kagome slowly grinned, a mischievous glaze in her eyes. "I wonder how he would enjoy Inuyasha's company…"
"Please tell me I did not just hear my name from your mouth." Inuyasha groaned from the doorway. "I have no interest in joining one of your schemes."
"Awww, but it'd be fun, Inuyasha! Mitarai-san was just telling me how Kairo was looking for some company with his tea." She pouted weakly.
He scowled. "So you've chosen me?"
"You are wonderful company. Especially when ramen is on the menu the next day." She bribed, a grin on her face.
"...Beef ramen?"
"Yup" She confirmed, popping the 'p'. "And extra helpings if you make him have as good of a time as he's implying."
A sadistic smile crossed his face as his eyes darkened menacingly. "What do I need."
"Just tea." Mitarai commented slowly, watching their interaction warily.
Kembo grabbed a cup and saucer, Heero grabbing a couple of things to sweeten the tea before Kagome put her own pot on the tray and Inuyasha picked it up.
"This'll be fun." He stated before heading out, his stride long and powerful as he disappeared around the corner.
"Damn…someone's gotta keep me in the loop on how that turns out." Kagome grinned, turning back to the group at the island.
"I will…if you tell me what ramen is." Kembo agreed, earning a curious look from the woman.
"Oh…oh! It's noodles in a vegetable broth with strips of cooked meat and an assortment of diced vegetables. Inuyasha prefers a more meaty flavor and the beef does really well with that." She said, pausing. "Actually…that sounds kind of good…want to try making it now?"
"Now?" Heero questioned. "It's time for bed, M-...Kagome-san."
"Aww, that's no fun Heero-san! Come on~!" Kagome pouted. "Please~?"
They hesitated before Mitarai suddenly burst into giggles, "Yeah, Heero-san. Please~?"
He sighed. "Kembo..?"
"...I'm not arguing with them." He shook his head.
With a sigh, Heero stood up and moved for the flour. Kembo went for the eggs and the ladies shared a grin before standing to help.
Meanwhile, Inuyasha walked up to the door of the panther's current room, plastering on a fake, sweet smile as he gently kicked the door.
"I was hoping you'd return quicker-who are you?" The panther's eyes narrowed on the male.
"Your host for the night. Milord mentioned you were looking for company and tea. Now open the door so I can come in."
He scowled, "I do not need either. Now leave."
Inuyasha kicked the door open, grin still in place and voice light and chipper. "I ain't goin' away that easy. You requested it and we're providing. Be respectful to those who get what you request or get the fuck out." Pushing his way into the room, Inuyasha moved to the low table and sat, glancing at the spot across from him. "Well? Are you stayin' or goin'?"
With an annoyed huff, the panther closed the door and sat across from the half demon, arms crossed in annoyance. "How long is this going to take?"
The look that crossed Inuyasha's face was indecipherable, but Kairo found he did not like it all the same. "Until you finish your tea. This could last all night."
When Hina walked into the kitchen, she had expected it to be empty. What she found instead would stick in her memory for years to come. Mitarai was drinking sake while watching the trio from a distance. Heero and Kembo looked like a combination of curious excitement and anxiety and Kagome-sama was covered from head to toe in flour, egg, and other ingredients with a practically maniacal grin as she rolled the dough. "What is going on here?"
All four sets of eyes turned to her in shocked - deer-in-headlights gazes spinning between the dough and Hina. "Nothing." Kagome said instantly before snapping her mouth shut and looking sheepish. "Just a little fun."
"You're a mess, milord. Why don't you leave the cooking to Heero and Kembo?" Hina questioned, exasperated.
Kagome pouted. "That's no fun. This is better."
"Milord," Hina stepped further into the room, "You have a big day tomorrow. Please, go wash up and go to bed."
Kagome was silent for a moment before staring up at Hina once more. "No. If you want me to leave faster…then lend a hand."
And that's how they ended up making a mess with a pot of ramen ready for Inuyasha when he entered the room around midnight. He took one look at the scene and busted out laughing before enjoying his promised ramen.
Ice leveled the field as Daishi flew across, aiming an ice dagger at Kagome's head. In return, Kagome ducked/slipped under the strike, gripping Daishi around the waist and blasting him into the side of the rink. Before a ten count could be made, Daishi was back in a blaze of ice shrapnel.
Kagome quickly erected a barrier around herself, squatting on the ice as she grumbled, rubbing her arms before flexing her barrier outward at youkai speeds, tossing Daishi well passed the wall of the training grounds and keeping her barrier in place over the rink. The count was made and the winner announced.
"Too. Freaking. Cold, man. Too cold!" Kagome huffed, "Ryu! Ryo! Melt this crap, please? Too cold!"
Daishi chuckled as he walked back once her barrier was dropped. "You have thin skin, Kagome-sama. Perhaps you should practice in colder climates."
"Shut up, Daishi-sama." She pouted, standing to her full height as Ryu and Ryo warmed the area, melting the ice slowly as to not harm the two lords within the ice rink. Once it was fully melted, Himoro stepped forward.
"We may battle next, Kagome-sama. I'd be happy to warm you up." The fox smiled pleasantly.
"Somehow, I think you just want to cook me." Kagome responded blandly, watching as Daishi laughed and walked away. "Alright. Let's do this. Thank you Ryu, Ryo." The two hiyoukai nodded before removing themselves from the battlefield.
"Terms?" Himoro questioned, stepping fully into the ring.
"One part of your body touching outside the ring." Kagome nodded, earning an agreeing nod from the other male.
Kyomatsu stepped up to the side of the ring, gazing both parties over as they relaxed, facing each other. "Begin!"
Instantly, the two disappeared in a flurry of purification and fire.
"Can anyone actually see them?" One of the women questioned, squinting at the ring intently. The uniform of the central guards depicting her station.
Himoro's guard, standing beside her, snorted. "No."
"That's…convenient." She responded sarcastically. "We really have a long ways to go."
"It's doubtful you'll ever catch up." He mentioned, gaze turning to her annoyed one. "That's fact. There's a reason they are Daiyoukai and we are not."
Still annoyed, she nodded, accepting it as fact. There was still so much to learn. Being a human and abiding by a mix of youkai and human customs was not as easy as it seemed. Snapping to attention at a collision outside of the ring, they found Himoro slowly coming to a stand. Turning back to Kagome-sama, she was balancing on the edge of the ring precariously before shoving herself forward, bruised and dirty, but fully in the ring.
"Kagome-sama is the winner!"
"Well played, Milord. Well played." Himoro chuckled, wincing as he glanced at his arm. Shoving the dislocated shoulder back in place, he pushed his youki into it before flexing.
"You as well, Himoro-sama. That was fun!" Kagome panted, limping momentarily before pushing her reiki into her leg in a focused attempt to heal. The two walked with purpose and grace toward each other, grasping each other's wrist in recognition before moving out of the ring and toward the main house.
"I believe the festivities begin tonight, after our secondary meeting?"
"Yes, they are. I suppose that means we should wash up quickly and head to the conference room, so we may go through the motions quickly." She nodded, leading the way.
"Aa. I will see you in a minute, Kagome-sama."
"See you then, Himoro-sama."
He left and Hina practically materialized in front of her. "Your bath has been drawn and a new wardrobe set out. Kenji has placed the recommended files in place in the conference room."
"Thank you, Hina. You're doing quite well in this position, don't you agree?" Kagome commented, a knowing look in her gaze.
Hina attempted to withhold a blush. "It appears so, Milord. I…apologize for doubting you."
"No need, but much appreciated, Hina-chan~"
Hina smiled and shook her head with fondness. "I do wonder, how did you know I would be good for this role?"
"You knew my position and still stood up to me when no one else would?" Kagome questioned, before giggling at Hina's blank expression. "Haha, I mean, that was part of the reason. Also, you're a very good healer, have the patience of a saint, are far more organized than I'll ever hope to be, including planning and developing events and areas, and have a wicked photographic memory. Among many other attributes, you fit the bill."
"And you learned that from the reports the generals gave you?"
"And your interview, plus my own observations." She nodded. "You're capable of running a fast paced household quickly and efficiently and adapted to change the fastest. Plus I've seen how easily you interact with everyone. People trust you. That's what we ultimately need. Trust and loyalty." Kagome nodded. "Eventually love, but we'll get there. After all, I would prefer we become one giant family versus coworkers, but that takes time. Lots of time and lots of energy. And I think we can get that done better as a team instead of me simply lording over everyone."
Looking thoughtful, Hina considered it, "This is…rather unconventional." She mentioned slowly, "But admirable, Milord. I will do my best to assist in this goal."
"Thank you Hina." Kagome smiled, stepping halfway into her personal hot spring. "Now, make sure Kembo and Heero don't try to kill the advisors. As much as I would like to do so myself, I prefer those two alive rather than dead."
"Hai. Right away, Milord." She bowed and took off at a fast, but smooth pace, almost appearing to float to her destination where Kembo was arguing with the second youngest raven youkai, Sai.
The meeting was coming to a close after three hours of roundabout discussion. She was still getting the hang of these, attempting to push toward a solid goal, but they were patient with her. Not so much with the council themselves, but with her at least. She was fine for now. It was a slow turn around before she decided to cut off Ro for the last time.
"That point has been made, Ro-sama. We can discuss more when we have more information." Turning to Sesshoumaru, she ignored the imp's annoyed scowl, "You and I have a spar scheduled for tomorrow. As you are my guest, I will let you choose the time, Sesshoumaru-sama."
He inclined his head and his gaze momentarily turned viscous. She knew she would regret this. "Dawn, Kagome-sama."
'Oh, I am so going to murder you, you damn-', Nodding, she smiled, "Dawn it is. I look forward to our match. With that being said, let us end this meeting and join the festivities."
There was a murmur before they stood, heading toward the door.
Changing out of the armor and into more relaxed, formal clothing, Kagome found she really enjoyed this design. The kimono was once again all black, but with two single blue flowers - one in the front at her mid back and the other at the bottom, from knee to stomach. The vines wrapped around in an intricate weave while little blue raindrops were scattered across the petals like diamonds. Her hair was tied low at her neck and she - thankfully - only wore a light blue kimono underneath with black boot like shoes finishing the look. Stepping into the hall, her presence was announced to the group of onlookers and she smiled at the crowd. 'Don't freak out. These are friends. You're fine.' "Welcome to the Central Lands. I hope you've had a pleasant stay so far. Please, take the time to mingle and enjoy your night as we will have two more like it. Heero has made today's hors d'oeurvres and I hear he has out done himself once again. Please, enjoy." Stepping further into the room, she accepted the sake presented to her gratefully.
"You have guests from other villages today." Lomai stated, sliding up to her left. "I do hope they won't be causing trouble."
"Should they, I will handle them as I have the first round." She responded in a friendly manner, stopping to survey the room. "The barrier should have prevented the majority of them from entering. The others, we will deal with as they come."
"Perhaps, may we all accommodate the intruders?"
Her gaze turned to him curiously, "You want to play a game, I assume?"
"A small one."
"So long as you don't kill them. Go wild." She nodded. "Just be sure to inform me prior to."
"That may be accomplished." Lomai nodded. "I would like to first target Miroi."
Turning more toward him, she gave him a small smile, "A game, yes. Please learn as much as you can about what he is planning, if you can."
"Of course, Milord. Though the rat has never trusted me. Perhaps a…different arrangement may be taken."
"Do you have proof, Lomai-sama?" Kagome arched a brow.
He passed a scroll to her, to which she opened and quickly caught the hair and blood with the note. "A copy was added to his room. This is the original."
Rolling it back up, she placed it securely in her kimono and nodded. "Perhaps you can convince him to join us for some…tea. In the basement. It's much too warm out tonight. The cooler air would do wonders on our complexion."
"As you wish, Milord." He gave his usual smile, a sinister look catching his eye for only a moment before he nodded and his entire countenance changed as Youko and Kuronue joined them.
"Are you two plotting against me?" Youko scoffed light heartedly, stepping up beside his great grandfather.
"Us? Of course not! We tolerate each other." Lomai scoffed with a smile, sending her a wink, much to her amusement.
"That's…slightly terrifying." Kuronue admitted.
Hesitating momentarily, Kagome gained a thoughtful look. "You were present at the beginning of the attack on my patrol unit, were you not, Kuronue-san?"
His curious yet wary violet eyes turned toward her, "I was."
"...How much do you want to get payback for the events?"
All three youkai gave her a surprised glance before Kuronue responded. "I did not appreciate being blown up…Getting my hand in the mix would please me."
A wicked grin was hidden behind her drink before she schooled her features. "Would you like to join us for some…tea with a traitor this evening?"
The surprise didn't die down, but it was well hidden as Kuronue bowed, "It would be an honor, Milord."
"If I may join as well?" Youko added in, gaining their attention, "I have some…tactics that would be useful."
"It would be an honor, Youko-san. Shall we consider this our contract as allies?" She questioned, "We may work out the beneficial details at a later date, if you would prefer."
Pausing only for a moment, Youko nodded. "I agree to your terms. Tomorrow afternoon, if you're available."
"I will make time for you, my friend." She nodded, her entire countenance easing. "For now, let's enjoy the festivities. I'm not joking when I say Heero's cooking is amazing. Kembo's is just as good, but he'll be the main Chef tomorrow."
Youko outright laughed at her sudden change in personality as she moved from talking business to discussing food. "We will try some. Thank you, Milord."
"Eh? Kagome is fine. For allies, at least. Just don't tell Ro-sama or he'll lose his mind." Blinking blankly, she glanced at the imp. "Actually, that might be entertaining."
"You are more kitsune than human, Kagome-sama." Himoro stated, sliding up to the group. "Perhaps this form is a ruse?"
"Oh no, I'm completely human. I've just lived with Kitsune too long. Not to mention I'm raising one. Speaking of, I should find him before he enlists the others in a massive prank. Excuse me." They bowed respectfully as she left them to locate Shippo.
"What are you planning, Lomai-sama?" Himoro questioned, eyes narrowed on the male.
He merely smiled nonchalantly in return. "Nothing you need concern yourself with, Himoro-sama. Excuse me, I believe I should speak with my old friend." With a nod of his head, Lomai glided over to Miroi, snagging a snack as it crossed his path. "These are quite delicious, wouldn't you agree, old friend?"
The perpetually angry rodent glared at him. "I would not know. I have not tried them."
"Do enjoy a few. Going on strike against the food provided is such a waste. Harming yourself more so than your host, I would say." He waved off, popping the rest of the food into his mouth. "What is it you think of our new lord?"
Miroi glared at him, glancing around the room. "Not here."
"Oh?" He questioned, "And where do you suggest. All the walls have ears here."
"The dungeons do not. They have yet to place anyone down there - not even the soldiers. I have a…proposal for you there."
"Oh? Now I am curious. Yet such a crude place to be. Are you certain there are no other more…sanitary places to discuss?" Lomai questioned, a mild hint of disgust gracing his features just before he took a sip of his sake.
"No." Miroi snapped, beady eyes gleaming. "There is perfect."
"As you wish, dear friend. I will be sure to bring my best behavior for this meeting."
"See to it you do." Miroi nodded before wandering off.
'So easy to manipulate…you always were gullible…old friend.' Lomai turned and continued his pleasantries, relishing in getting under the skin of so many individuals.
To Be Continued…
Good Lord I am so sorry! This has been one long wait - what with COVID, getting a new job, and my old computer calling it quits and then speed reading through my story once more. Hopefully this chapter is up to par with your expectations. I've completed a few chapters in advance as an apology and will be updating 1x/day for - at minimum - three days. Though if I get the 3 reviews in the same day, I'll update sooner. So, please review. I enjoy hearing your feedback!
Thanks again for your patience.
Full Moon Howl