By
Jeslyn Nighthawk
Disclaimer: No, I still don't own Sessh-chan and Takahashi-sama won't let me borrow him. Oh well.
A/N: Still no reviews. Guys, this could get ugly if I start being desperate again. So please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please review.
Chapter 3Lord Inutaisho did not even turn to acknowledge the man next to him on the balcony. The two had fought together so many times it simply felt right to have the man by his side.
"How did she do?"
"You've heard the rumors, surely?" Himura's voice was soft, befitting the stillness of the night.
"Hai. Still, I want your opinion. Rumors have a tendency to become exaggerated. I need the truth before I give her a command."
Himura considered carefully before answering. "She still has a lot to learn – at least as far as her skill as a warrior goes. As a leader I can find no fault in her. That duel with the young wolf was very carefully thought out. It proved both your strength and hers. Men will follow her now. I believe she can lead them. She will need guidance though."
"Guidance? Then she will have it. That is if you are willing to take the job?" Inutaisho glanced at his old friend, considering, "Her father will never recognize her as legitimate – that is why she strives so hard: for his approval. I cannot even be sure he remembers that he has a daughter…He has become a different man since he started the war with the South."
"War changes a man," Himura looked at his lord, "Striving for something that she will never have… that is enough to make anyone bitter. Bitter people do not make good leaders."
"She has begun to win a place in my people's hearts. When she has proven herself, I fully intend to adopt her myself. She has been like my own daughter in many ways…she deserves the legitimacy her father will not give her."
"Then I will take the post, my lord. Who else will be in her command?"
"She will build her own unit. I look forward to seeing what she will do with it."
"Is that all, my Lord?"
Inutaisho turned back to his perusal of the stars, "Yes. Thank you, Himura. Do you know – is Miyu back in the palace yet?"
Himura looked back over his shoulder as he left the balcony, "I believe she has gone to visit your son, my Lord." With that he left.
***
"Miyu
onee-chan!"
Miyu was nearly knocked over
as the small bundle of energy she affectionately called her cousin bowled into
her. "Sessh-chan, how have you been? Have you learned anything new?"
"Hai!" Sesshoumaru exclaimed, golden eyes alight with excitement. "I learned how to make my pony jump a fence. Now we can go riding with you and Ashi!"
"I'm glad. We'll go tomorrow, okay?" Miyu gray eyes shone as she looked down at her cousin.
"Hai!" With that Sesshoumaru ran off to rejoin his tutors.
"He always waits for you while you are away. You're the sister he always wanted." Lady Sakura looked over at her niece fondly.
"He's always had me. I've been here almost since he was born."
"And for that both Inutaisho and myself are eternally grateful. Will you be staying at the palace long, this time?"
"I do not know. I have not yet talked to uncle," Miyu looked over at the woman who had practically raised her, "If I am given a command, I imagine that I will be here for at least a couple of weeks to get acquainted and train. After that…I don't know."
"Well,
after everything I've heard, I would be surprised if you did not get the
command. You should go talk to Inutaisho and then go to bed. Sesshoumaru will
not let you get out of your promise to go riding and you know he will be ready
to go bright and early."
"Hai. Goodnight, Aunt."
"Good night Miyu."
TBC
A/N: Okay another short chapter – gomen. I think the next chapter will be longer and it will probably be either the last or the second to last chapter in the first part. This means that in one or two chapters I am going to have to introduce my male protagonist. And I still don't have a name!. HELP! PLEASE! Review and give me ideas. I need feedback! Thank you for reading.
Ja ne.