Miyu
By
Jeslyn Nighthawk
A/N: GOMEN NASAI! *Hits head repeatedly on wall, until stopped by worried beta-reader, who is mumbling something about needing my brain cells* I meant to update, I really did. But then my computer died with more than half this chapter stuck on it. Hey, I got a new one. *Grins silly grin* Anyway, this is the last chapter of part one and I still have no name for my male protagonist. Help me out guys, I'm desperate. Anyway sorry for the wait and here is chapter 5.
Review Responses:
Naito Yasha: Thanks and I hope you still like it after all this wait.
Rainmaker: I'm flattered, and thanks. Sorry it took so long.
Disclaimer: Hmm… maybe if I kidnap him? Somehow I don't think Sess-chan will take to that idea. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Part 1: Chapter 5
Miyu walked down the corridor to her uncle's study, anxiety written in every line of her body. She had done well; she knew that, but had it been enough to earn her a command?
Reaching her uncle's study, she paused before knocking to gather her resolve. Upon her uncle's reply she entered the small, but sumptuous, room, the only sign of her nervousness now her trembling hands, which she hid by clasping them together in her lap as she sat.
Lord Inutaisho smiled at her from where he stood at his window, looking down into the gardens. "Himura said that you did well, that he had not seen a good way out of that situation. It was a good plan," Miyu sensed a "but" in that phrase. She waited for him to continue. "I would prefer that you not take such public risks with your life. I am well aware of your ability to take care of yourself, and of the risks you take in your other assignments from me. It would not do, however, for the court to believe that I would risk one of my own blood lightly."
"There was no risk, my lord. I would not shame this house with my loss, and I was confident in my own abilities. More importantly, my actions served to prove my strength to both the men under my command and the wolf tribe that would have to submit to yours. It was, sir, a perfect solution." Her words were said with a humble tone, but she met his gaze firmly, confident in the truth of her statements.
"Good, I wanted to be sure of your reasons. If you wanted only personal glory, which given your personality I found unlikely, you would not be fit for command. I see, however, that you are as ready for this as you ever will be. Tell me- if you were to be able to build your own unit, what would you do with it?"
Miyu thought for several long moments before giving her reply, "Specialists. Spies, scouts, assassins, messengers. A small unit meant to make precision cuts where the size of a normal unit would be useless. We would have to be a mounted unit, able to move from place to place quickly and efficiently. We would be a scalpel in the collection of swords and daggers that is your army."
"Do you know who would be suited for this type of unit?" He, of course knew her answer before she made it.
"I have a few ideas from my time in your other units. I could have a list for you in the morning." She was grinning broadly now. She had her command.
"Then let's meet again after lunch, shall we? I will have Himura join us- he will be your second, and advisor. He spoke highly of you."
Unable to contain herself any longer, Miyu jumped up and hugged her uncle, "Arigatou!" and hastily bowed before running back down the halls to her room.
***
The next afternoon, Miyu met with her uncle and Himura to discuss the recruits for her unit. By the time they were done Miyu had a nearly finalized list of more than fifty names. They consisted mostly of those less than upstanding members of Inutaisho's army, many of them little better than thieves. All had pasts of insubordination, and were likely to be kicked out of their current units. They also had a code of honor that Miyu believed she could work with. She would have to walk a fine line in finding men that would be suited and not balk at the less than traditional uses this unit would be called upon for, and those who lacked any honor at all and were nothing more than common thieves or murderers.
Before they
parted to get ready for dinner at court that night, where Miyu's new status
would be announced, Inutaisho looked at his niece and asked, "Is there anyone
else you would like to add to this list before the orders are drafted?"
Miyu thought for a moment
worrying her lower lip. "Yes, Takeda, of the wolf clan. I expect that he will
accept the post."
"I will have the message sent."
That night it was announced that Lord Inutaisho's niece would be given command of a small unit of men. The celebrants were skeptical, there was no doubt that Miyu would have to prove her abilities to those at court.
***
Two weeks later, Miyu walked up to the training fields, Himura to her right just behind her, to face her ragtag troupes for the first time. They did not notice her; most, she noticed, were still suffering from the effects of the sake they had been given to celebrate their good luck. Only one approached her as she reached the field. It was young Takeda.
"You accept the post?" Miyu asked him when he rose from his deep bow. He nodded and she motioned for him to take up his position on her left, opposite Himura. She then addressed the men groaning around the camp, "I hope you enjoyed the celebration, boys, 'cause it's the last one you will have for a long while!" The men looked up at her, finally giving their attention-some asked who she thought she was to be talking to them like that. "I am Miyu- your commander. These are my officers, Captains Himura and Takeda. Any who do not wish to be under my command are free to leave now." Eight left. "The rest of you lot- Training starts now. In the next three weeks, I will determine who stays, and who leaves. Now get up and get moving!" She turned to her captains, a feral grin on her lips, "Let the culling begin."
***
A/N: Still need a name. I have a few ideas, but none that really work. So, leave a few suggestions in your reviews (Hint, hint). Thank you for reading.
Ja ne.
Jeslyn