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AN: I am glad that many people (through their reviews) are piecing together my story; in fact, I am quite pleased that three reviewers have made correct guesses. Thank you everyone who reviewed. Your comments and criticisms make me the writer I am.
This chapter is dedicated to the first four reviewers: JD-sama, Kudachi-san, Scene-sensei, and Miyako-sensei.
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Through the Looking Glass-
Chapter 4: Reflection I
Thunk. Thunk.
Bowing humbly with his helmet beating against the wooden floor, Lord Taka eagerly apologized, "I am so sorry, Yukina-sama, for earlier. The incident was entirely my fault. Please, forgive me."
"It is all right," Yukina smiled kindly, who was now dressed in layers of various kimonos. A sweat drop went down her face. "It can't have possibly been your fault, Taka-sama. You were not aware of what we were." She and the young human lord were presently alone in a spacious room, a room that had been now designated to Yukina for her use.
"But I--"
"You are not to blame, Taka-sama," the young lady assured warmly, bowing gratefully to the lord in return. "Besides, no harm was done to us. We were only startled by the demon barrier you had around your estate. I'm only sorry that Hiei-san burned away your spells and that you'll have to retrieve new ones."
"But your kimono was ruined," Taka sighed in regret and shame. His armor clanked with his slightest movement; even upon his return, the young man had not changed from his battle costume. Thus, his features were still masked by shadows. "I just hope you shall accept these garments with sincerest apologies, Yukina-sama."
Sitting comfortably on a down pillow, Yukina blushed while shifting somewhat uneasily in her new clothing, all gifts from Lord Taka. Upon their arrival to Lord Taka's estate, Hiei and Yukina (the only demons in a twenty-mile radius) had been attacked by the manor's protective barrier. The two siblings were not hurt; however, their horse threw them off, sullying and tearing their clothing. The young lord completely unaware two of his new guests were demons, hastily ushered Hiei and Yukina into the palace and had them treated. Within the human home, Yukina was treated like royalty.
"You have done more than enough for me, Taka-sama. In fact, you have done more than I deserve. I just wish I can repay you for all of this kindness."
"Your forgiveness is enough, Yukina-sama," Taka replied with gratitude. "Well, I shall take my leave now. Hiei-sama and Kazuma-sama should now be dressed and refreshed; they shall more likely join you shortly. I shall return later and see if you need anything else, Yukina-sama."
Blushing and bowing politely, Yukina murmured, "Thank you, Taka-sama."
Moments later, all four people collected together in Yukina's new room and discussed the business to be done and managed. Like Lord Taka had mentioned earlier, Hiei and Kazuma were given new clothing as well. Not far from his usual dress, Hiei presented black silk in ninja fashion; the fire demon fit his name well ("flying shadow"). Young Kuwabara was dressed similar to Taka and wore a lord's kimono and robes.
And after going so long without seeing their new employer's face, Taka's appearance was finally revealed. Correct to what the group had earlier perceived, Kinomoto Taka was a handsome, slightly tanned young man no older than twenty-five. With long sable hair tied neatly into a knot atop his head, Lord Taka gazed at his allies through stormy cerulean eyes and a gentle smile.
'I've seen his face before,' Yukina thought in surprise. 'But where?'
"So, exactly who are we fighting that you need our help?" Kazuma pondered as he settled with a seat between Hiei and Taka. Originally he had wanted to sit beside Yukina; however, Taka had taken his customary seat, and Hiei had beaten the human to the second place.
"My clan is presently at war against the Demon Army, an army rumored to be led by powerful and skilled hellish generals," the young lord informed gravely. "And now I am afraid those rumors are quite true. Many armies and clans have already fallen prey to this demonic army."
"And exactly why did you make enemies with such a powerful party?" Hiei questioned with a raised brow. "Not to be obvious, but you seem like a smart human who would know better."
"Hiei-san," Yukina semi-scolded, a little embarrassed by Hiei's comment. Surely the fire demon could show a little more courtesy to their host, especially with everything he had already done for them.
"We had no choice," Lord Taka sighed, leaning his cheek on his hand. He apparently took no offense from the black apparition. "My clan is sworn with duty and honor to aid the Hanagami Clan, which the Demon Army originally declared war against. But it would not have mattered either way. It is not only with duty I help the Hanagami but with love and sympathy as well."
"Love and sympathy?" Maybe it was an assumption, but Yukina sensed deeper emotions within Taka's words.
"The Demon Army desperately desires to assassinate the Hangami princess, and she is a very dear friend to me."
A confused expression crossed Kazuma's face, which did not surprise Hiei at all. But to clear his confusion, the carrot-top asked, "The princess? Why the princess? And what will happen if they succeed?"
"If legends and history are correct, terrible events shall occur if the Demon Army succeed in their quest," Lord Taka glowered darkly at the thought. "In fact, I believe the Demon Army does not wish to assassinate the Hanagami princess as Lord Hanagami fears but instead to kidnap her and use her instead."
Yukina did not know why, but the news disturbed her more deeply than expected. Perhaps it was because Taka's words reminded the ice maiden of her past experiences in evil hands. She shuddered in memory. "Use her? For what?"
When Taka turned to face Yukina, the young woman hid a small gasp at the intense remorse but strong resolve in those storming sapphire pools. The answer then was quite obvious, but the young master continued anyway, determined not to allow it. "To rule the world."
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