"Onamae wa Shoko, Bara Miko to mooshi masu."
"Onamae wa Yukuni, Zakoru Miko to mooshi masu."
"Onamae wa Fuyumi, Honsenga Miko desu."
"Namae o Miyako, Aoi Miko desu."
"Namae o Chiori, Ajisai Miko desu."
"Ritsuko, Yuri Miko moo desu."
"Keiji, Soubi Miko."
"Riyoko, Hasu no hana."
"Ranpo, Ume."
Kagome stood glued to her spot as each of the miko bowed to her and introduced themselves in turn. The conscious part of her noted with annoyance that informality was increasing with each presentation.
Sesshoumaru glanced at her, and seeing her perplexed look, leaned over. "Don't worry, Kagome, they're not nearly as beautiful as you are." He whispered into her ear.
"Shut up." Kagome turned to look at him with irritation, but his imprudent comment had enabled her to regain her wits. She spun around to look at the nine women standing around her in a half-ring and smiled elegantly, "Thank you, my flowers. That was most beneficial."
"Please do not thank us, my lady." The one Kagome thought was Miyako spoke up, "We live to serve the one miko and it is our duty to give ourselves to you."
Kagome didn't have a chance to reply before Sesshoumaru cut in, "That means, of course, if the Bōtan Miko goes to war, you will follow suit?"
"Of course." The women bowed low as Miyako. "Is that your wish, my lady – to go to war?"
"War?" Kagome could only cast Sesshoumaru an angry glance.
"Yes, it is her wish." Sesshoumaru smiled handsomely as he grabbed Kagome and swung into the back room with her. He pressed her back against a pillar, "Surely you will fight alongside your lord husband, Kagome?"
Kagome could hear the curious voices of the mikos outside. "What are you talking about? I don't want to drag these girls into some war that you're in!"
"They are mikos and very essential to my success in this warfare," Sesshoumaru released her and adjusted her robes for her, "So go tell them that you want them to fight." He kissed her forehead and pushed her out of the tiny tearoom.
Fury was the only thing Kagome could feel, yet she heard herself saying composedly, "My husband – the Lord Sesshoumaru is involved in a very important conflict and to ensure his victory, I ask of your assistance, my flowers."
She heard the mumbles of consent and cursed inwardly.
"Now I fully realize the benefits of having the Bōtan Miko on my side." Sesshoumaru propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at Kagome.
She turned away and closed her eyes.
"But my miko feels like she's been used and manipulated, doesn't she?" He remarked in amusement.
Kagome didn't stir.
"Oh, come now," He spun her around so that she faced him, "You can never stay silent with me – haven't you realized that?"
Kagome opened her eyes and said stonily, "I wonder what you're going to do with me once I've outlived my usefulness."
"Outlive your usefulness?" Sesshoumaru chuckled as he ran a hand through her long hair, "I don't think that's ever going to happen. You see, my dear lady, mikos tend to be ageless and Youkai tend to be timeless as well – which means, we will enjoy each other for years to come." He brushed against her nape lightly, "Aren't you ever so glad?"
Kagome just groaned.