I am very aware that this chapter is about half the size as the last . . . but this is the best I can do right now since I suddenly got more work days when I thought I had them off.
Anyways hopefully you all enjoy this one and I will try to make the next one much longer!
Everlasting Love
Chapter Five
(December 31st 1552)
The soft rattle of the window shutters caused Miroku to glance up from his letter. Sighing softly the monk got up from his seat and secured the window better to keep the cold blizzard wind from entering. Nodding with satisfaction he returned to his spot and read the letter over again for the hundredth time. The letter had come two days ago from Inu-Yasha who was still in the western lands. Miroku had thought it was strange for Inu-Yasha to stay over a week at his brothers, but the letter explained all the questions he had been pondering over the past few days.
Miroku,
You know I'm not good at writing pleasant letters so I'm just going to get straight to the point as always. There's big trouble coming up and Sesshoumaru's theory of a war starting over this marriage alliance was true. In my opinion Bunrakuken is just crazy about wanting more land and power. In any case Kagome and the pups will be staying here in the western lands until this little war is resolved. I will be coming back to the village soon to collect some items in the house and to talk more about this with you.
Sesshoumaru has offered for you and your family to stay at the castle if you felt that you were in danger from all this.
That's all I wanted to say . . . oh . . . Kagome and the pups say hi too . . .
Inu-Yasha
It wasn't a very long letter, but it made Miroku laugh how the half demon couldn't write a nice friendly, yet inform letter.
"Miroku . . ."
The monk turned around to see Sango watching him, leaned against the door frame.
"Are you reading that letter again?"
Miroku sighed, "You should be sleeping Sango,"
"Oh please . . . I'm perfectly fine," said Sango, walking into the sitting room.
"So I was reading it again . . . I'm trying to see if this is as serious as I think it is,"
Sango took a seat beside her husband, "You think we should move into the castle then?"
Miroku rubbed the back of his head, "I don't know . . . but before I start thinking about that I'll talk to Inu-Yasha, see what his intake is on this,"
The exterminator nodded her head softly, "If we do though . . . you'll definitely have to talk with the headman, or he's going to think the wrong idea,"
Miroku chuckled softly, "True . . . hopefully he'll understand,"
"So when is Inu-Yasha coming?"
"Soon . . . at least that's what I'm hoping,"
888888888888888888888888
(Next morning)
Golden eyes scanned the scroll before him, making sure he understood every detail of it. A soft growl to his right caused him to look up and meet the gaze of his younger brother, who was looking rather annoyed.
"Well, does it say anything important or what?" growled Inu-Yasha.
"You have no patience do you?" sighed Sesshoumaru.
"We've been standing out here for hours and you are taking a fucking long time reading that letter!" yelled the half demon, motioning that they were still standing at the front gate.
The demon lord narrowed his eyes, "Of course I'm taking a long time to read it . . . we are in a war, you know,"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"It's written in a way that only I can read it, just in case it fell into enemy hands and contains important information,"
Inu-Yasha growled louder, "So hurry up and read the damn thing so I know what it says,"
Sesshomaru would have gladly thrown the letter aside and choked his brother to death at that moment, but controlled his anger as his eyes went back to the scroll. Since Sakurako had arrived three years ago and the possibility of war starting was most likely going to happen, he had someone spying on the lord from the southern land.
"Well?" snarled Inu-Yasha.
"It appears that Bunrakuken's army is much bigger than I thought . . ."
"How much bigger?"
"Big enough, brother . . . in any case though it seems we are going to have to go with your idea about finding some allies,"
"I told you we would . . . but that can't be all of what is written, that damn scroll could be as tall as you,"
"Unfortunately that's mostly all of it since the rest is what kind of weapons he possesses,"
"Anything major we should be worried about?"
"His weapons are weak; however the numbers of demons in his army are impressive,"
Inu-Yasha sighed, "This is boring; I'm heading back inside,"
"When are you going to return home and talk with the monk?" asked Sesshoumaru, walking after his brother.
"I want to go tomorrow since tonight is my human night,"
"I strongly suggest that he come to the castle to live . . . that is if you want him and his family to stay alive. Knowing Bunrakuken he will try to take out anyone who is dear to you and me,"
"And for you that is only Rin, correct?"
Sesshomaru did not reply as they walked back into the castle. The two brothers separated once they were in the castle with Sesshomaru heading towards the throne room while Inu-Yasha made his way upstairs where his mate and pups were. 'I wonder if I'll have to convince Miroku to come live here at the castle. He may not like the idea, but with the danger that could be coming he might not have a choice. Shippo will definitely be coming here once I return back to the village and get a few of our important belongings. I'm not so sure about Kohaku though . . . he probably won't leave his woman behind. I know Kaede will stay in the village . . . but she's getting so old that this might be her last winter . . .'
"Inu-Yasha?"
The half demon snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see Kagome standing at the end of the hall.
"So, what did that messenger bring you and Sesshomaru?" asked Kagome.
Inu-Yasha rubbed the back of his head, "Mostly all of it was a report from Sesshomaru's spy; apparently Bunrakuken's army is bigger than he expected, but their weapons are weaker,"
Kagome nodded softly, "I see . . ."
'She's really worried about Miroku and Sango' thought Inu-Yasha, wrapping his arms around his mate.
"You think Sango and Miroku are okay right now?" whispered Kagome.
Inu-Yasha nuzzled his cheek against hers, "I'm sure their fine Kagome . . . I'm leaving tomorrow to go check on them and Shippo too,"
"You'll try to bring them back here won't you? Where it's safe . . ."
"Shippo I'll have no trouble with and hopefully I can convince Miroku and Sango to come too,"
"I'll come with you then,"
"No Kagome,"
"But . . ."
Bringing a finger to her lips he softly silenced her words, "We've already discussed this. You need to stay here with the pups . . . and since the war has already kind of started I don't want to take the risk of you or the pups getting hurt. If I go by myself then I can get to the village much faster,"
Kagome sighed, but nodded her head in agreement, "Okay . . ."
Smiling with satisfaction Inu-Yasha held his mate tighter, "I promise I'll come back in one piece . . . and I'll bring Shippo and the others back to the castle,"
"I know you will . . ."
88888888888888888
Sango watched silently as she watched her children play in the snow, her hand lightly rubbing her abdomen as she was deep in thought. 'Inu-Yasha should be coming really soon . . . and it's possible that we will have to move into Sesshoumaru's castle for a while. I wouldn't mind so much . . . and I don't think Miroku would either . . . but Kohaku . . . I doubt that he would leave Sakura behind . . . even though they aren't married yet . . . he won't leave her here alone . . .'
"Well the headman said that its okay if we have to leave for a while," sighed Miroku, standing next to his wife.
The exterminator turned her eyes away from her children up to the monk, "He doesn't think were running away or anything?"
"No, although he does want to hear word from us regularly,"
Sango nodded softly, her eyes returning back to her children who were now playing with Kirara.
"Do you think Sesshoumaru has a big enough army?" asked Sango.
"Well since that demon betrayed him and he found lots of other traitors, I'm not sure if he does anymore,"
"This means he's going to have to find some allies then,"
"Did you have someone in mind?"
"I just remembered that . . . Kuranosuke said that if I ever needed anything . . . I should just ask,"
"You want to use his army against a demon one?"
"His army is enormous . . . and after all these years I can only imagine that it's gotten bigger,"
"True . . . but I doubt that Sesshomaru would even want to use humans in this battle. I recall Inu-Yasha saying that they would ask the Panther Demon tribe, and perhaps even Kouga would lend a hand,"
"Maybe . . . but he'll still need more help,"
"Well you can suggest it to Sesshomaru, but I doubt he'll go for it,"
"He'll also have you and me fighting,"
"What! Oh I don't think so, Sango . . . me maybe but definitely not you!"
"I can help . . . at least until I'm unable to with my pregnancy,"
"There is no way in hell that I'm letting you do that and for two good reasons. One, Inu-Yasha has already told me that you and Kagome will be staying out of this. Two in case something should happen to me, I need you to take care of the children,"
"Miroku . . ."
"Don't 'Miroku' me! If it comes down to it . . ."
"You'll what? I may be pregnant, but if need be I can still kick your ass,"
"Sango . . . please just stay out of this battle,"
"But you're most likely going to need mine and Kirara's help with this war,"
Miroku sighed, "So say we do both go into battle and don't come out alive, who's going to look after our children, huh? I know if you're not around Misa is definitely going to be married to the headman's son without you here to stop it?"
Sango glared at her husband, "Of course we'll make it out alive! We've fought Naraku and lots of other demons. We have made it out safely each and every time,"
"Please Sango . . . just promise me that you won't get involved in this . . . please . . ."
The exterminator wanted to argue and try to convince Miroku that they would need her . . . but the look in his eyes started to change her mind, "I . . . I guess that I can,"
Miroku smiled softly, and briefly wondered if Inu-Yasha had a lot of trouble convincing Kagome to stay out of the war too, "I'm sure Sesshoumaru has a lot of other allies that we don't even know about that will come help,"
Sango nodded softly and wrapped her arms around the monk, "Do you think Kohaku will stay here?"
Miroku frowned, "I don't know . . . but I'll ask him tonight okay?"
"I doubt he will . . . he won't leave Sakura behind,"
"I'm sure that once we leave, along with Shippo that Bunrakuken won't have any reason to attack this village,"
"How can you be sure that he won't?"
"We're Inu-Yasha's friends after all . . . once we leave why would he have any reason to destroy this place?"
Sango thought for a moment, "I guess your right,"
"In the mean time though, we should start packing our things and getting ready to leave. I have a feeling that Inu-Yasha could be arriving any day now,"
"He likes to do everything in a rush doesn't he?"
"Well he is a very impatient person after all,"
888888888888888888
January 2nd, 1553
Sesshoumaru watched silently with Jaken and Jarlarg at his side while his brother escorting the monk's family into the castle. The little fox was sitting on his brother's shoulder and Sesshoumaru noticed that Sango's brother was not with them.
"Shall I summon the general to supper tonight my lord?" asked Jarlarg.
"Yes . . . we will be having a very important meeting tonight . . . I want to know how many experienced soldiers I have and how many are still beginners,"
Jarlarg nodded, "As you wish my lord . . . also . . . will you be wanting the children to be present at this supper?"
Sesshomaru shook his head, "No . . . I would prefer if they were not,"
The old demon nodded once again, "Then Jaken and I will look after the little ones tonight,"
The demon lord said nothing as Jarlarg and Jaken left to do their errands as he continued to watch the activities outside. There were guards now placed at every entrance and exit to the castle, and no one was to leave or enter after dark. As his mind started to wander the demon lord did hear the soft foot steps that approached him, and almost jumped when two arms wrapped lightly around his waist.
"You're so tense, Sesshomaru . . . is everything alright?"
Turning around he came face to face with Rin, her golden eyes filled with concern for him. Sighing softly he brought his own arms up to wrap around her, placing a soft kiss to her forehead, "To be completely honest . . . I don't know Rin . . . I'll find out more tonight,"
"We'll have to find some allies won't we, to help us with this war?"
"Perhaps . . . it all depends how strong my army is right now . . ."
Rin nodded softly, her cheek resting lightly on Sesshomaru's strong chest, "Although . . . we do have Inu-Yasha's sword Tetsusaiga . . . it can kill a hundred demons with just one stroke . . . and not to mention we still have your sword Tokijin,"
"That is true . . . however with the size of Bunrakuken's army it may not be enough,"
"I have never heard the great and powerful Sesshomaru ever being doubtful," teased Rin, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.
Sesshomaru chuckled softly, placing another kiss to his mate's forehead, "We should get back inside; supper will be ready soon,"
Rin took a small step back to look up her mate and after a few seconds she stood up on her tip toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. Sesshoumaru's hands came up to rest on her shoulders as he returned the kiss, but more demanding than hers as his tongue swept into her mouth. A soft moan left Rin's throat as she responded back, her claws lightly digging into her mates back.
"Are you two going to stand there and kiss all night?"
Sesshomaru growled softly as he pulled his lips away from Rin's to see Inu-Yasha,
"Why is it that you always interrupt my private time little brother?"
Inu-Yasha shrugged his shoulders, "I don't do it all the time, but for right now . . . call it pay back for when you walked in on me and Kagome. Damn, I've never seen you blush that red before,"
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, "Is everyone ready then?"
"Yeah, we're all waiting at the table," said Inu-Yasha, heading back inside.
The demon lord nodded softly and followed after his brother until they reached their destination. The usual eating table had been extended so that everyone could sit comfortably around it. General Akikazu was sitting at the end of the table with Jaken on the left and Jarlarg on the right. On the rest of the left side was Kagome, Inu-Yasha and Shippo, while on the right was Sango, Miroku, a seat for Rin and his spot at the head of the table. The two demons took their seats and for a moment there was complete silence as Sesshomaru gathered his thoughts.
"Thank you all for being here this evening . . . we have quite a bit to talk about so let us begin. General Akikazu . . . how many soldiers do we have ready for battler?" asked Sesshomaru.
"I'm afraid at this point and time, we only have one thousand demons ready to fight . . . however there are still another five hundred at are in training," said the general.
"That's a fair number . . . but how many does Bunrakuken have?" asked Miroku.
"According to our spy, he has about six to seven thousand demons ready to battle for him," informed Jarlarg.
Silence once again filled the room.
"So it is obvious that we are out numbered by quite a bit," said Inu-Yasha.
"That may be true, however if we can find allies that are much stronger, then the number of soldiers won't really matter," said Sango.
"However, it does depend how strong Bunrakuken's soldiers are . . . do we know that?" asked Miroku again.
"Yes . . . they are on the same level as our top soldiers," said Jaken.
"And we only have one thousand of them right?" asked Kagome.
"Yes . . . but they are not on the same level as Sesshoumaru . . . he is beyond them all," said Jarlarg.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes, "So here is what we do know . . . Bunrakuken has six thousand soldiers that are on the same level as our one thousand . . . no doubt that his son, daughter, and he will fight as well. Now as for our side, there is myself, Rin, my brother, Akikazu, and the monk. I do not want the human women or the fox getting involved in the fighting,"
Sango and Kagome looked like they were about to protest to his statement, but were quickly calmed down by their husbands.
"So in short . . . which I hate to admit . . . we are going to need some help," sighed the demon lord, "Does anyone have any suggestions?"
"We could contact the north and east dog demon lords," said Jarlarg, "They do owe your father a small debt, but I'm not sure if they want to pay it back by fighting in a war . . . might sound a bit too extreme to them," said Jarlarg.
"That is one possibility . . . I know very well that Bunrakuken won't ask for help," said Sesshomaru, "However since I discovered that over half my army was on the side of my former general . . . and I have lost all of them . . . I have no choice but to search for allies at this time. Does anyone else have an idea?"
"I'm sure the panther demon tribe could help us. You saved their lives after all," said Inu-Yasha, "With them on our side it could really help,"
Sesshomaru nodded, "Yes . . . we will have to ask them . . ."
"I'm sure Kouga and his wolf demon tribe could help. Since his and Ayame's tribes have combined together, I'm sure they could help us beat the odds," suggested Kagome.
"But since Kouga doesn't have his jewel shards anymore, he's not as strong as he used to be though . . . that's one thing to consider," pointed out Miroku.
"True . . . but I will see how strong his tribe is before asking them for help," said Sesshoumaru.
"What about a human army? Prince Kuranosuke said that if I ever needed anything all I had to do was ask . . . and I know that he has close to over a thousand men that are very well trained," said Sango.
"A human army? Now why on earth would we need humans?" squeaked Jaken.
If there had been a light bulb floating above Sesshoumaru's head, it would have suddenly clicked on for the demon lord closed his eyes for a moment as a plan started to spin in his mind. 'A human army . . . Bunrakuken will definitely not expect me to use that . . . and the panther demons . . . there was that one that was able to use illusions and able to cover up smells with the scent of flowers . . . perhaps this plan may be a dirty way to win a fight . . . but . . .'
"Hey! Earth to Sesshoumaru!" called Inu-Yasha.
A soft nudge from Rin caused the demon lord to open his eyes, "I think I have just thought of something . . . a plan . . . one way that we can win this battle . . ."
"Are you going to tell us?" asked Inu-Yasha.
"Not yet . . . first we need to see if the panther demon tribe and all the other allies you suggested will help us. Now does anyone else have any suggestions?" asked Sesshomaru.
88888888888888888
Inu-Yasha and Kagome slowly made it back to their rooms for the night, which had become very late after talking with Sesshomaru and everyone else. Tomorrow while the children stayed at the castle and were taken care of by Jarlarg and Jaken they would all split up and find the allies that they had talked about. Rin and Kagome would be searching out Kouga and Ayame's tribe. Sesshoumaru and Miroku would be heading more deep into the west to find the Panther demons. Sango and Inu-Yasha would be heading more towards the east to find Kuranosuke and ask for his help. General Akikazu would be going alone to ask the north and east demon kingdoms for some assistance.
"Do you think the pups will be alright if we leave them alone? We could be gone for over a week," said Kagome.
"I'm sure they'll be fine, besides this is something that we have to do," sighed Inu-Yasha.
Kagome nodded softly, "Do you have any idea what Sesshomaru's plan may be?"
The half demon scratched his neck, "Well . . . I have kind of an idea . . . but I don't want to jump to conclusions just yet . . . but I think he has a big part for the panther demons and the human army in this little scheme of his,"
"How so?"
"Well . . . let's just call it a hunch right now okay? Besides if either of those sides doesn't agree to this, then he'll have to think of a new plan right?"
"I guess,"
"Besides . . . I don't want to talk about it right now . . . right now I want to spend time with you and the pups since we are going to be apart for a while,"
The same thought was going through Miroku's head as well as he and Sango made it back to their room.
"If there was one time I wish I had my wind tunnel . . . it would be now," sighed the monk.
Sango nudged him softly, "Oh don't say that! Besides if the enemy found out about your wind tunnel, they would most likely carry poison with them so you couldn't suck them up,"
Miroku nodded softly, "Hmm . . . point taken,"
"Besides, once Kagome and I manage to convince Sesshoumaru that we can fight . . ."
"You're still not going on about that are you? I thought you promised me you wouldn't?"
Sango shrugged, "If it means protecting my children then I will fight when it is necessary,"
Miroku sighed, knowing that arguing tonight would do nothing to solve the problem anyway.
On the other side of the castle Sesshomaru was pondering on whether his small plan to defeat Bunrakuken would work or not as he stared over his darken lands from his balcony.
No one would get that much sleep that night, as they wondered whether they stood a ghost of a chance in surviving this war . . .
TBC . . .