Legend in the Making
Chapter 27:
Traitors and Allies
"This place has yet to be used and is already so musty. What a distasteful scent." Lomai commented, frown on his features.
Miroi barked out a laugh, "You always did prefer the open air. What's wrong, Lomai? Plants don't grow down here?"
Lomai frowned more but didn't comment, merely keeping pace as he descended the stairs. They moved toward the far end of the hall, lighting a torch before pulling up the new table and chairs and taking a seat. His gaze moved over the room discreetly, catching a second pair of golden eyes to his left and dark violet to his right. The distinct, aromatic scent of his truth plant was working wonders already, as Miroi gained a slightly glossy look to his gaze. Not enough for him to notice, but enough to know that the little flower sitting on the table was doing it's job properly.
"A gift of yours?" Miroi snorted, staring at the plant. "It figures they would place it somewhere that you consider distasteful."
"It does brighten up the place, don't you agree? The scent is far more pleasing than that of a typical dungeon. I commend the application of such beauty into such a dreadful place." He nodded, taking his seat as his grandson took a few silent steps closer to the table, back against the wall leisurely.
"Down to business then. What are your true thoughts on this new…'lord.'" Miroi sneered, glaring at the male across from him.
Lomai's gaze sharpened. "She, too, is distasteful. As our custom states, a male youkai should be in power of such a large piece of land. All of the prior lords had followed such custom. I understand not why these…children…would not."
"I agree!" The rat exclaimed, leaning forward, "Which is why I have made contact with two others who wish her gone."
"Oh? And who might those others be?" Lomai questioned, eyes narrowed cooly. "You know how I detest being left in the dark."
"Of course, Lomai. I haven't forgotten." Miroi grinned. "Enma is the originator of the plan. He approached me a while back and it's all going smoothly so far. The darkness is key to winning. They've already proved it in the test run."
"Enma? The Rekai ruler? Why does he wish to participate in such a task? From my understanding, he detests youkai." Lomai stated, "Are you certain he can be trusted?"
A maniacal grin crossed Miroi's features, "Not at all. But his associate…the deceased Magatsuhi, though, is the mastermind. He has made an agreement with Enma for the destruction of the youkai race in repayment for killing the Central Lord. Those who follow Magatsuhi and Enma's plan will be spared from such events, of course."
"Magatsuhi…"
"The spirit of the jewel." Kagome intoned, stepping into the dim lighting, her features a mask as she stared down Miroi. "Unfortunately, he never abides by his word."
"Kagome-sama, welcome. I do hope the atmosphere isn't too…drab for you." Lomai greeted casually.
"Not at all." She smiled pleasantly back, "Thank you, Lomai-sama."
"You two - you were working together?!"
Lomai gave the male a nonchalant look, left hand waving in the air. "Of course. You should have known from the beginning. I did offer her my seat once I pass."
"Be a dear. We have need of your intel." Kagome murmured, keeping the pleasant facade as vines began to wrap around Miroi, holding him still in his seat.
Youko and Kuronue stepped out of the shadows with an eager expression on their faces.
Kyomatsu paused in curiosity as screams echoed from the dungeon. Stepping down the stairs, he glanced at the occupants before walking back up steadily and placing a silencing spell on the entrance. 'No need to wake the guests…'
"Kyomatsu…what did you do?" Hina questioned more in curiosity than accusatory.
Kyomatsu placed his hand on her lower back, ushering her away with a, "Milord doesn't wish to be disturbed."
"...In the dungeon."
"In the dungeon."
"I see…Do you think we should continue the festivities in the main hall or move it to the courtyard? It's supposed to be another beautiful night…I can feel it."
"Perhaps both? If the guests are permitted into the gardens, they may relax more than being cooped up indoors."
"That's what I was thinking." Hina nodded. "I'll inform the staff to decorate the courtyard after Milord's spar tomorrow morning. Thank you, Kyomatsu."
"Happy to help, Hina."
Kagome sighed, exhausted as she washed her hands of the blood before moving to the hot spring. There were still a few hours left until dawn, so she anticipated a light nap before her match with Sesshoumaru. But that meant she had to bathe quickly. Not ideal, but better than getting no sleep. With that thought in mind, she quickly finished her bath, moved to the bed and in what felt like a blink, woke up to get ready for her battle with Sesshoumaru.
He was already sitting on the corridor stairs when she came out. Sitting beside him, she gazed at the training area quietly.
"I hear you had a lead on the shadow beings last night."
Glancing toward him briefly, she nodded. "We did. Sorry if it woke you."
"The screams of the rat were far more pleasurable than you realize." Sesshoumaru stated, a smooth smile coming onto his face. "It was music to this one's ears."
"In that case, I am happy to please." Kagome nodded. "Though, Kuronue-san had most of the pleasure in gathering the intel with Youko-san's assistance. My alliance is going well."
"A risky move."
"But a necessary one." She nodded. "Tea after our spar? You still like jasmine, correct?"
"Aa."
"Alright. Let's get to it." Pushing herself to a stand, Sesshoumaru took his place beside her as they walked into the ring.
"First blood wins."
"Got it." Taking a stance, Kyomatsu, who just arrived, took one look at the two and announced the start.
Acid started flying, causing Kagome to put up a barrier as Sesshoumaru took a mid-ranged approach. There was no doubt in her mind he'd win if she didn't keep her barrier in place. The others had shown a relatively simple path to her victory. One that caused a little extra work on both ends to win. Sesshoumaru was all about speed and efficiency. With that, he hadn't changed.
Thinking fast, she rushed to the side before appearing on his opposite side, pulling her barrier in and shooting a strand out like a whip - copying his attack at point blank range.
His eyes narrowed as he barely dodged, ducking and shooting forward as she leaned back to avoid the strike. Her feet followed her momentum as she sent a kick at his chest, only to meet air. Flipping and landing on her feet, she rushed to the other side of the ring, dodging strikes from his acid whip and calling forth an arrow of her own. They attacked, one after the other, missing completely or bouncing their opponents attack off of the other as they fought. Nearly an hour later, she knew she was running low on stamina.
A lack of sleep and hardly any food would do that to anyone - especially a human. With that thought in mind, she decided to take a chance. Concentrating fully on her target's aura, she took aim, albeit not as steady as she hoped. His eyes widened minutely, realizing what she was doing as she sent the arrow soaring at him, vanishing from his line of sight.
Narrowing his gaze as he realized his loss, he focused on her energy trail. However, there wasn't enough time to discern the location as the arrow reappeared directly in front of him, leaving him no time to properly dodge. The arrow sliced his cheek as it passed by him.
"Damn." Kagome panted, taking a deep breath before standing tall. "I'm starved, are you starved?"
Sesshoumaru scoffed, amused as she meandered her way to the hall, putting on her shoes.
"Are you coming? The tea's probably getting cold!"
Appearing beside her, he picked her up in one arm and shot toward their destination like a bullet. Setting her back on her feet, he watched in amusement as she tried to regain her bearings, practically falling over.
"Ok…that wasn't fair."
"Hn. You drew first blood. I merely showed my appreciation for battle." He stated. "This one will figure out how to properly dodge that move in time."
"No. That's why I rarely use it. Especially against you." Kagome shook her head, sitting down with a thunk on the ground and groaning. "Damn…missed the pillow. Geez, it feels like I just took a turn on a merry-go-round at mach 20…"
"Speak proper."
"Nevermind. I wonder if they'll bring in some treats. We didn't even get to eat breakfast!"
His brow arched. "Are you not ruler of this house? You may order what you wish."
She huffed. "Yes, but my staff has gotten good at reading my mind. I feel bad ordering them for trivial things."
Sure enough, Kembo entered the room with a large tray, setting it on the floor before emptying it onto the table. "I assumed you would both be hungry after your spar, Milord. Please, enjoy." With a bow, he left the room, their tea and food on the table and Kagome beaming at Sesshoumaru brightly.
"See? Mind readers."
His gaze narrowed at the door and she smirked as she recognized the tell tale sign of his sulk.
"I know, they're the best, aren't they? Enjoy!" Digging into her own food, she moaned in appreciation. "So good!"
Sesshomaru grew ridged before glaring at her and eating his own breakfast silently. This is not how he intended to spend his morning.
Youko and Kuronue were led silently to their destination by one of the staff members, entering the room and taking their seats as another entered with tea.
"Milord will be with you shortly." The male bowed before exiting the room quietly.
Honestly, this was impressive. Their human staff was just as silent as their youkai staff - unheard of in this day and age. It was both pleasing and unnerving. Much like the woman herself.
"We've already heard what she wants from us - loyalty…what else do you think she wants to discuss?" Kuronue questioned, idley spinning his pendant by the chain in a circle.
"I am unsure. But I have no doubt it has to do with what we learned last night." Youko commented, gazing down at his tea as he took a sniff.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting." Kagome said as she silently entered the room, surprising them with her sudden presence. "I'm…avoiding someone. Anyway, I'm sure you're curious as to the terms of this alliance."
"You wish for our loyalty. To what does that entail?" Youko questioned as she sat at the cushion in front of them.
"Yes. To be specific, I wish for you to be my spies." She stated, "You're thieves, you hear a lot of information prior to choosing your next theft. In the long term, that is my wish. No need to change what you are doing, just pass the information along to Ryu or Kora when they pass by every so often."
Youko's eyes narrowed, "And the short term?" There was no reason for her to mention long term if there was no short term request given.
Giggling momentarily, she nodded, "The short term would be to assist in the training of one of my lookouts. The Protectors, is the title they have been given."
"And this person needs training? Why would you choose them?" Kuronue questioned, gaze narrowing in confusion at the woman. "Why not hire someone who is already capable?"
She turned to him then, "You remember Shiori, correct?" He nodded, "She is not much older than Shiori. Her and her siblings travel frequently since they lost their home on Horai Island. They've been settling in a nearby village near you - the border to the Southern and Western lands. I've already spoken to her and she has agreed to the terms. However, I do not want to leave her helpless in her role."
"A hanyou." Youko stated, catching her attention.
"Yes."
"What makes you believe you can trust us?"
"It's simple, really. I have spies already in the area. Once they deem you trustworthy, they will leave." She intoned, amused, "You didn't really think I'd send you to teach a child after meeting only a couple times, did you?"
Both males smirked, "We were beginning to wonder." Kuronue responded. "I would be willing to step in."
"Aa. One child should not be much work."
"Oh no. There are six." Kagome stated evenly, watching the two go blank faced. "Only one of them will be taking over the main role, but the others will follow along in the training."
It was silent for a long moment as they took in the information before Youko closed his eyes, took a breath, and agreed. "Short term, we will complete their training. Who is to be the leader?"
"Asagi. She's the eldest girl. A water imp hanyou. She's quite protective of her siblings, but very self sacrificing as well. Please be kind to her." Kagome gave a short bow as she placed the scroll in front of them. Sitting up, she motioned to it, "This is for Asagi. I've taught her the basics of reading and writing, so she should be able to understand this."
"You really are unconventional." Kuronue commented, observing the woman as she gave a wider smile.
"I do try. The current normal is just too…uneventful. I prefer to mess with the status quo."
Kuronue snorted. "Yeah…I think we'll get along fine."
"I'm happy to hear it." Nodding toward them, she turned back to Youko. "As for your terms?"
"Inuyasha has agreed you will supply us with the necessary equipment and backing should we require it and you possess it."
"That is true. However, I will not short myself in the process of assisting." She nodded.
He gave a brief nod as well. "In the event that we are in need, we should be permitted into all of your citadels until the need is no more."
"That is fair." She agreed. "If you and yours cause mine issue or disobey my own laws of the location, action will be taken."
"Agreed."
"Feel free to leave some of your things at each location, should you need to change. A room will be made for you." Finishing, she stated, "Should you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Aa." The three stood, shook hands and walked out of the room to head to the rest of the festivities.
Kagome withheld a sigh as she moved to her seat at the table. Once everyone was seated, the meeting began. "As you well know, we are short a member of the council. We will not be looking for applications or movement until the situation is resolved." Looking each member of the council over.
"What situation?" Kairo questioned, face hard as he stared her down.
"Miroi-sama has made a terrible mistake resulting in treason." She stated calmly. "Last night, Lomai-sama and I confronted him about it and have learned some valuable information. With his passing, we have learned that Enma and Magatsuhi have made a pact. Magatsuhi wants me dead. In exchange for this, he will complete Enma's wish of eliminating the entire youkai race."
It was silent as the room took in this information.
After a moment, Kagome continued. "The attack of the shadow creatures was a test to verify their strength. While we have found a few weaknesses, shared on the first meeting, they are currently being enhanced. At this moment, we are spreading our intel wide to encompass as many villages as possible. I expect no less of the four lords." She stated, turning her gaze to the four. "Unfortunately, we have no idea where they originate. Any news on this will need to be relayed immediately. Until then, all we can do is grow our strength and prepare for war."
"And the rioting villagers leading their way here? What of them?" Daishi questioned.
"They are the result of Magatsuhi's rumors. Making good on his promise to Enma." Lomai chimed in.
Maki, with the position just under Lomai's, frowned. "What do we know of Magatsuhi?" The Mazaku questioned, eying the table. "Where did he originate?"
"From the Shikon no Tama." Sesshoumaru intoned, "Kagome-sama will have the most experience with him as former guardian of the jewel."
She nodded. "For one, he loves chaos and does not keep to his word. If he has started a riot, he will go no further than that until the riot has been settled before he plots another. Once his goal is accomplished, I have no doubt that he will go after Enma. Being that Naraku was the only one to make a wish on the jewel, Magatsuhi no doubt has absorbed his energy, if not Naraku himself."
"Then the jewel exists no more." Ro commented.
"Unfortunately, no." Satoshi stated, joining the conversation. "The jewel wishes for Kagome-sama to make a wish as well. However, in doing so, it is possible that she will be trapped by the jewel itself. Much like Naraku."
Daishi nodded, picking up from there, "Should that happen, Enma's wish may come to fruition."
"...So there is nothing we can do but wait."
"Essentially, yes." Kagome sighed, "Wait and continue to train, keeping a close eye on all parts of our lands. Our meetings should take place once a month - of that I am sticking to. It gives our spies enough time to return a message to us should anything change and allows us time to mull it over before engaging in another conversation."
Lomai intertwined his fingers in front of his mouth, placing his elbows on the table, "Unfortunately, this war has yet to begin."
To Be Continued…
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