Riku entered his hut to make sure that Iku was ready to leave finding her nervous and agitated.
"Mate?" She looked up at him as she tied off a pack she was bringing before resuming her task.
"I am not looking forward to returning to the east." She said.
"It is different there now. There is nothing to fear." Riku assured.
"That place is haunted by memories, it was never my home. It was a prison." Iku replied. "The only reason why I am going is because I will not allow Izumi to be there without me."
"Understandable." Watching as Iku stood he took the bundle from her as she picked up Mizuchi.
"From what Izumi has said I am fearful of what happened once again right under our noses." She said.
"Same." Riku agreed. Leading her out they were met by Sana whom was none the wiser to the real reason for their journey east.
Rounding the front Emi assisted Mitsuo with harnessing and tying packages to An and Un.
Nen, Jin, Emi, and Mitsuo would stay behind while the rest of the compound left. Rin had the twins strapped to her while Izumi had Kozumi and Hotaru. Sana would carry Hisashi with Jiro assisting her to keep him placated.
Iku and Riku preferred to travel in their natural forms carrying Mizuchi with them. After bidding goodbyes Sesshomaru picked up Rin while Izumi, Kohaku and Jaken rode on An and Un.
Sana climbed on Jiros back as he would travel alongside Riku and Iku. With how fast they all were it wouldn't take long to arrive.
Sesshomaru had been to the eastern house in the past and remembered the way well enough but flew behind the dragons as Jaken had been more recently with them.
The way there Izumi worried over what she would find upon their arrival. She fiddled with the garden key running her fingers over it to comfort herself to no avail.
As they arrived the dragons touched down coming to a running stop with the others close behind. Riku transformed going to the front of the group approaching the guards.
"The Lady Izumi and Lord Kohaku have arrived. Inform Captain Tadao that the lady requests him immediately." He announced. Being led in Kohaku jumped down assisting Izumi as Sesshomaru placed Rin down.
"My lady." Tadao greeted. "My lord, we were not expecting you."
"We need to speak." Izumi said with no question.
"Of course Lady Izumi." Tadao bowed to her. "Lead the way." Walking into her house she was greeted by many, ladies came to attend to them as well as take the children.
"You will be under Lady Sanas instruction, is that clear?" Izumi ordered to understandings from the others. "Jiro, guard the females and the pups."
"Yes Lady Izumi." He nodded. Rin walked beside Izumi with Iku behind them. Sesshomaru and Kohaku behind her with Riku and Tadao bringing up the back.
Going into Akios former conference room Izu paused momentarily before entering. Walking to where she normally would sit Tadao stopped her.
"My lady your place is at the front." He reminded her motioning to her fathers spot.
"Right." Sitting in the high back chair she motioned for everyone else to do so as well.
"If I may, it is good to see all of you again." Tadao said. "Certainly a relief that you have returned Lady Izumi."
"This may not be a cordial visit." Izumi began. "I need to see Lady Chiase."
"Lady Chiase is no longer living in this household." Tadao replied. "From what I have heard she settled in the hills south of here."
"When did she leave?" Izumi questioned.
"Shortly before Akios execution my lady. Lady Chiase had intentions to accompany us when we went to Lord Sesshomarus compound in the west however Akio wouldn't allow it." Tadao explained. "She left shortly after our return."
"For what reason?" Rin asked curiously.
"She did not say." He answered. "What concerns you of Chiase, if I may ask."
"I received possibly a…vision from my mother concerning Chiase." Izumi hesitated uncertain how he would take the claim.
"I see. Kiyoshi may know something, he was one of the last here to see her." Tadao offered.
"Inform him that I need to have an audience with him tonight." Izumi said rising as the others followed her lead.
"Very good my lady." He said as Izumi exited the room with Rin and Iku close behind her. Tadao turned to Riku whom looked somewhat concerned. "What exactly is going on here?"
"Hopefully…nothing. If it turns out to be something you and I may need to swear an oath of secrecy." Riku said with a grave tone.
"Not the first my friend." Tadao gave a nod. "My lords if you would follow me I can show you to more suitable quarters."
"Thank you Captain." Kohaku said gratefully as Sesshomaru nodded slightly.
Izumi made her way straight to the locked garden doors. Taking the key off from around her neck she felt as if she were doing something wrong and would be caught.
Her hand began to shake as she fumbled with the lock. Rin placed her own hand over her friends helping her to turn the key, hard to do for how long it had remained shut.
Pushing open the doors led them outside to a large open garden. Izumi was overwhelmed to see the area overgrown but still thriving. Walking down the graveled path she examined the flowers and the bushes.
Coming to the large tree in the center she looked up to see the cherry blossoms hanging from it. Placing her hand to the trunk she swallowed hard.
"I'm here mother. Everything will be alright now. I came home."