Chapter 2: Oh, What Tangled Webs We Weave...
Morning came with bright sunlight and happily chirping birds, and Izayoi let herself be pulled up from the depths of sleep slowly. Mind curiously empty, she enjoyed the peace of the moment, eyes flicking around her room to take in the sight of the once-comforting area. She had been too weary last night to really take it in.
It looked as though her father had taken her letters to home, filled with her likes and dislikes, and put them to good use in refurbishing her room. It was beautiful. She smiled absently as she looked around, still feeling that mellow contentment that was being fed by her surroundings.
The paintings are so beautiful, she mused idly, her eyes taking in every detail. Delicate handpainted scenes of Mt. Fushi in all its springtime glory were scattered around the room, the softly glowing colors accented by the furnishings. Shades of green, velvety browns, and small touches of bright color in deep pinks and a bit of red rounded the area out.
After a little while, however, a thought came to her, and she frowned slightly – why had her father had her rooms redone if she were soon to be married off? It seemed such an... odd thing to do. Would he tell me if I asked him, though?
Her introspections were broken by the sharp rap at her door announcing Mei's presence, and bidding her to enter, she sat up and met the maidservant's gaze.
"It is time to rise, my lady. You father and brother are expecting you soon to break your fast with them."
Izayoi merely nodded, that peaceful feeling she'd woken with slowly fading as she took notice of the peculiar feeling of tension that seemed to permeate the palace. She frowned as she stood up obediently so she could be dressed, letting her aura spread out softly.
Why does it feel like this? I don't remember ever feeling the palace flooded with such tension before. But then again, I was so young when I left...
'Has something happened, Mei?" she asked after a few moments, trying not to fidget as she was wrapped in several layers of kimono, though not the more formal twelve, for which she was ultimately grateful.
"These are important days, my Lady. There is much turmoil in the ranks of the powerful, and a person with a clear head, steady hand, patience, and forward vision can rise through the ranks to positions of great respect and influence. Your father is such a one; he has already raised the position and respect of your house even from the days of his father. There are things... he is working on, that, while risky, if they pay off, may elevate your house even further," Mei replied slowly, in her own way trying to warn her little mistress.
"Risky?" Izayoi asked with a bit of trepidation. "What do you mean?"
"Are not all politics risky, my Lady?" she responded lightly. "I am just saying to be careful who you speak to and what you say."
Izayoi stiffened, and her voice carried a sharp note in it. "No, you were speaking of something specific, Mei. You opened your mouth, you cannot sit on the fence now. Answer me."
The maidservant, realizing that she'd angered her mistress, bowed, turning her face to the floor. "My Lady, as a servant that is exactly what I am expected to do. Sit on the fence. I am not supposed to have an opinion either way. But... if you want to know what I was speaking of, I will tell you," she continued reluctantly. "Your father has reached far in his bid, not so much for power, but for safety. He wishes to make his house as safe from attack as it can be by allying himself with the most powerful in the land. But... they are youkai, and too many will not like what he has done. If he can pull it off he may win his desires... but the way is dark and dangerous. That is all I am saying."
Pondering on Mei's words, Izayoi allowed her to continue readying her for the day. She sighed deeply as she took in what the woman had said and realized that she was right. Politics was a deadly game, but her father had gone one step beyond and things could go either way. Right now, as far as she was aware, her father's human allies were following his lead willingly, wanting to see where it would all go.
And that was fine... but if anything went wrong, she was aware that they would then back out of their alliances with her family like rats deserting a burning house, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Father... I hope you know what you are doing. I agree with you – there is no reason for youkai and human not to get along, but I wonder if you are not a visionary too far ahead of your time. There is still so much hatred and fear...
In her studies she had come across the legends of an island. Those tales had filled her mind and made her wish with all her heart that such a thing could be true and that the rest of the world could find their way to living the way the inhabitants of the island were.
It was called Horaijima, and it was an island where peace ruled between youkai and human – where youkai and human even married and lived in love together. There was no hatred and there was no fighting.
But reality was that places like Horaijima could only exist as enclaves – areas that were set aside and protected from everyone else, because the majority of people had too much hatred, mistrust, and fear of each other to live in peace. The people on the island had to use great magics to protect their home, rendering it into another world for fifty years at a time. The whole island only appeared in their world for one day out of those fifty years.
Even then, it had not been enough – the island had been besieged by youkai looking for power and the islanders' paradise had become a prison, instead. It made her heart bleed at the thought of the suffering of those who had only wanted peace.
She clasped her hands together for a moment in prayer... Kami, protect my family and my people, for the way ahead is dark and the path not easy to see. My father's heart is in the right place, but there is so much danger with the choices he has made. Please, please, watch over us all.
Mei tugged on her sleeves a little and Izayoi opened her eyes and glanced back at her, pulled back to the here and now. "You are ready, my Lady. Is there anything else you need from me at this time?" she asked, not really expecting a positive answer, and not getting one.
"No, Mei, that is all for now. I will go and join father and Ichirou for breakfast." Her brow furrowed for a moment thoughtfully. "Although... are we dining formally this morning, or not?"
"Breakfast this morning is informal, it will be only family. Dinner will be formal, though, and all members of the court will be there – including the Lord's youkai adviser and your own," Mei provided, and Izayoi smiled a little, glad that she would be seeing Kenji soon and meeting her father's adviser. Despite the dangers of what her father was doing, there was no denying that it was interesting days to be alive in with so much happening in the world.
After Emperor Go-Daigo had been rebuffed by Ashikaga Takauji, who had become Shogun in 1336, the supporters of the Emperor in both the Northern and Southern courts had continued to resist the Shogun, causing much upheaval. Still, the Shogun had the support of the Samurai, and because of that, the Emperor and his supporters weren't really getting anywhere. All the whole mess was causing was an incomplete authority – the Shogunate was constantly busy fighting to maintain its power base and the Emperor's people were attempting to regain theirs.
It left a vacuum of power, though, especially out in the countryside – and it was this that her father was attempting to maneuver around. That sort of atmosphere had many powerful families attempting to become more powerful – and that meant wars and destruction. By allying himself with as many powerful clans as possible he gained more backing for his clan, making it less likely they would be attacked.
But by going for an alliance with youkai?
Youkai paid little attention to the political maneuverings of their human counterparts, mostly sticking to their own courts and intrigues. But the current Western Lord, the Inu no Taisho, was a bit different. He felt that two races could not live in one land and both rule it separately, especially as humans were multiplying much faster than youkai were. So, he felt that political unity would be a good thing – it was time to begin allying with those of power and vision who could see the future that could be shared between the races.
He had found just such a person in the Lord of Setsuna. Izayoi was proud of her father, proud that he did not let fear of the unknown cause him to hate unjustly. That was why, though she feared the way ahead, she was willing to walk it behind her father, all the while praying for a favorable outcome for his endeavors.
As she entered the dining room she bowed respectfully to her father and brother and then moved to sit down, smiling happily in return of their welcoming smiles.
"And how did you sleep, my daughter? Did you enjoy your refurbished rooms?" her father asked, and Izayoi remembered her earlier thoughts on that matter.
"Well, yes, father, they are beautiful... but I must confess," she said with a faint questioning frown, "I'm a bit confused." She stopped for a moment, and her father nodded encouragingly at her as the servants placed the food on the table.
"It struck me as strange, why you would go to such lengths to redo my rooms when I am now of marriageable age. Are you not making arrangements for a suitable alliance?" she asked, brow furrowed.
She didn't miss the sharp looks exchanged by her father and brother, though they didn't realize she had noticed and her eyes narrowed at that, wondering what that exchange signified.
"There is no rush for you to leave home, my daughter. Are you tired of us already that you look to the day you leave us?" he asked lightly, picking at his rice.
Izayoi looked down at her own bowl, not wanting her father to see the expression in her eyes. There's something going on, here... and it has something to do with me and who I will be married off to.
"No, father, of course not. I was just surprised, was all. I mean, I am of age, and have known that I would be married off once I was to a husband you felt was suitable since I was a little child. You can't hold off on choosing a husband for me forever, that's all I meant."
Her brother spoke up, then. "Come, little one! Why the worry about marriage and the like? Don't you know that father needs you here for other things at this time? Not to mention-" here, Ichirou smiled, "-my bride has already been chosen, and will be arriving soon to learn her duties from you, my dear sister. You are too valuable to us all for us to just toss you to any old clan for an alliance, you know. For many reasons," he finished softly at the almost insulted look on her face at his words.
She nodded after a moment, letting that topic go, though it didn't leave her mind. I bet they already have a husband in mind... I wonder who, though. Oh, kami, please, do not let it be someone disagreeable...
"So, tell me about your bride, then, Ichirou. Who is she, what is she like, and when does she arrive?" she asked, well aware of the relief in the room that she had not questioned the previous topic any longer.
"She is from the Hojo clan, and her name is Airi. I have met with her a few times, in company, of course." He waved his chopsticks in the air as he spoke, and Izayoi smiled faintly. "She's rather quiet – not at all like you," he teased, "and very pretty – though she's not as beautiful as you. Of course, I haven't seen anyone that is, so that doesn't say much."
Izayoi blushed as her father and brother chortled. "Why so embarrassed, love?" her father teased. "It is but the truth. I have not seen one daughter of any family that compares to you."
Setting aside her rice, she glared reproachfully at her father and brother. "I hope you haven't said such things to the poor girl, Ichirou! How perfectly horrid a thing to hear from one's future husband!"
He looked affronted. "Of course not, baka! I am just pleased that the bride chosen for me wasn't unsightly, and she is far above that. She knows it, too, unfortunately. That was one thing I noted – she is a little bit vain of her looks. I think it will be a good thing for her to be tutored in her duties by you – it might bring her vanity down a notch. That can only be to the good."
Their father broke in at that point. "Everyone has faults. A little vanity on her part isn't that much to be worried over," he sighed. "It could, after all, be much worse."
"One thing I don't understand, father," Izayoi began slowly, uncertain what her question would bring. "The Hojo family has lost much face since losing the regency. Why would you choose to ally with them... now?"
With a startled blink, the patriarch of the clan of Setsuna looked at his daughter intently, a pleased light hidden in his eyes. She is sharp, he thought. Very few females would think to question such a thing.
After a moment he broke the silence that had fallen. "The Hojo family did lose some respect and position when that happened. But it has been years, now, and they have regained much of their former prominence. I believe that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, if their loss of the regency only set them back so far. That is why I have chosen to ally with them." He fell silent again for a moment, eyeing her, then said, "The head of the Hojo clan had inquired into gaining you as a bride, but I declined, saying that your husband had already been chosen. It was a good excuse," he chuckled. "He couldn't take offense to such a reason, whether it was true or not."
After that, an agreeable silence fell as breakfast was finished, and then their father rose and held his arm out for his daughter. She stood and accepted it, a questioning look on her face as her brother fell in beside them.
When her father didn't respond to her look, she went back to the previous topic. "So... when does Airi arrive?" she asked.
Ichirou spoke up. "In three days time. She will take instruction from you for one week, and then the marriage will take place."
"So soon?" she asked, a little astonished. Usually, marriages such as that, ones that united clans, were much more elaborate and longer in duration.
Again, she intercepted an odd look between her brother and father.
"There are... other considerations," her father finally said. "We are... expecting a visit very soon – a state visit. Our youkai ally, the Western Lord, Inu no Taisho, will be arriving for a rather... extended visit, soon – within the month. It was decided that it would be best to push your brother's nuptials ahead, rather than wait 'til this visit is over."
Eyes wide, Izayoi looked up at her father ingeniously. "Truly? The Inu no Taisho? Oh, what a perfect time to come home! I would be honored to meet one such as he," she said, a high blush taking her cheeks at the thought. "Kenji has spoken of him most often, but I never thought I would have the chance to meet such a high youkai."
So... she isn't frightened by the thought of meeting such a powerful being. That is all to the good, her father sighed inwardly, even as he smiled at her. "Well, you will have many chances to speak to him, my daughter. For now, however," he looked up as they entered the main audience hall, "it is time for court. Come and sit near me, my child. You must become familiar with protocol and some of the matters that come before me on a daily basis, as you will be most involved with such once Inu no Taisho arrives."
Settling a calm expression on her face she bowed her head to her father in obedience, taking a seat in seiza near him on thick, comfortable cushions and folding her hands in her lap properly. Ugh... this is going to be a looong morning, she sighed to herself. Seiza is so uncomfortable, and when you have to sit in it for so many hours! Hopefully, there will be enough of interest to keep my mind occupied.
It didn't escape her attention that such a thing – a female, being part of court dealings, was very, very odd. Most women were to be seen and not heard and had no part in governing anything – not even just as witnesses. The fact that she was not only being allowed in the court, but was expected to take part, was completely unheard of...
At least, in the courts of humans.
It was, perhaps, telling, that it was not a strange thing...
In youkai courts.
She watched silently but with interest as each petition or problem was brought before her father. As every person bowed before him, they were treated cordially and she was proud to see him treat everyone with honor. Not one person, no matter their position or importance, was overlooked or made to feel less than any other.
Most of the things brought before her father in informal court, she noticed, were things to do with the household or those within it. More important matters were saved for formal court.
The morning went by slowly, but interestingly enough, and she was well entertained – until late in the morning, when the Captain of the palace guard appeared through the shoji and strode proudly into the room, shoulders squared and head held high. He bowed when he reached her father, and she didn't fail to note the quick glance he sent her way – nor the frown that flashed across his face.
She shuddered inwardly as his eyes met hers for those few seconds, that feeling that someone was walking across her grave hitting her again. She may have been young and uncertain of all that passed between men and women, but she didn't miss the hot look in his eyes before he veiled them, and her fingers clenched tightly where she held them in her lap.
There was something very wrong with the man, and her instincts were practically screaming that he was a danger. She considered, briefly, as the young warrior spoke to her father, of telling him of her misgivings on the Captain, but then decided against it, at least for the time being. She had nothing concrete to go on, and her father wouldn't hold much stock in a feeling, even from one with her power.
Still, she decided that she would keep her eye on him, as much as she was able to, anyway. She had no idea why she felt so about the man, but she wasn't about to ignore her feelings.
She came back to the conversation between her father and Takemaru when she heard her name.
"-visits, I feel, for Izayoi-sama's sake, that we should up the guard around the palace complex, and assign more specifically to her. A bodyguard, if you will," he was saying, and Izayoi's eyes sharpened on him.
Why would I need more guards because we are expecting a state visit from the Inu no Taisho? What has that to do with me?
Her father looked grave. "Are you implying that she needs protection from our most honorable ally, the Western Lord? Why would you think such?"
"My lord, danger might not perhaps come from him, specifically, but those who are under him. The hime-sama is very beautiful – and powerful. They may feel threatened, or they may feel desire..." he trailed off, his meaning clear and not needing to be named.
It was then she decided to speak up, protocol or no. After all, in this subject, her powers, she was the final authority.
"I assure you, Captain, I am more than strong enough to defend myself against any youkai that would attempt to harm me – what you suggest is not really necessary. I do not believe that one of the caliber of the Western Lord would have such dishonorable beings within his ranks, however, for he is no fool to be taken in by fair words and lying eyes," she said coolly.
Her father turned thoughtful eyes on her, and she was not really surprised when he said, "I would see you demonstrate your proficiency and control of your reiki, my daughter, after the mid-day meal." He looked back at Takemaru, who was watching with opaque eyes, and dismissed him, saying, "I will take your suggestions into consideration, but Captain? You will show my honored ally every respect when he arrives – dislike youkai as you prefer, but keep it to yourself, are we clear?" he asked pointedly.
The man bowed, but Izayoi clearly felt the rage behind his respectful demeanor. He really hates youkai. I wonder why his hatred is so virulent?
She allowed her brother to assist her to her feet as her father dismissed court for the day, and they moved back to the dining hall for the mid-day meal. As soon as they had finished with that, he excused her to go to her rooms and change into miko clothing, as that would be more appropriate for the demonstration he wished for. Normal clothing would be impossible to work in, after all, and her father was smart enough to understand that.
Hurrying Mei through the change, she actually smiled once back into the hakama and chihaya she had worn for so long, feeling oddly relieved to be wearing them again.
"Oh, I do so wish I could just go back to wearing these clothes everyday. They are so much more comfortable than all that formal mess of layers, and not near as hot!" she sighed.
"Unfortunately, my Lady, your status does not allow for that. Though there may be times, like now, when you will be allowed to wear them, so count yourself lucky – most normal hime do not have such luck," Mei replied. After one last tuck, the maidservant stepped back and nodded. "There. You are ready now. Your father is awaiting you on the training grounds. I will escort you there."
She nodded, moving over to the chest she stored her bow and quiver in, and lifting them free, she smiled at Mei. "I'm ready."
The woman nodded, then turned and led the way from the room, sliding the door shut behind her mistress before once more taking the lead and guiding her charge through the palace towards the training grounds at the rear of the complex.
Izayoi squinted her eyes for a moment as they stepped out into the bright sunshine and looked around with interest. As a female and the protected hime of the clan, she'd never been out here where the soldiers of the army trained and she was certainly receiving enough strange looks now, she noticed with humor, a smile lighting her face as she caught sight of her Lord father and brother awaiting her.
Ichirou grinned when he saw her. "Look at my little miko-sama!" he teased. "Have you come to save us all from the big bad youkai ?" he asked playfully as he pointed at the targets that had been set up at differing distances.
Her father chuckled as she laughed. "Oh, most certainly, Ichirou! I will take care of the big, fierce oni for you, little brother," she mocked lightly. "Leave it all to me."
"Children, children," her father sighed, "playtime is over. Now it is time for a demonstration. I would see your skills in action, daughter."
The laughter disappeared from her face and instantly she was serious, her demeanor changing as she nodded and stepped forward to the line, setting her stance and nocking her bow with a professional smoothness that instantly impressed every male around. It was apparent that she was quite well able to handle the weapon in her hands before she even fired.
Drawing a bead on the first target, Izayoi held her position for one long moment, and then fired... and before the men could even take note of the first arrow to leave her bow hitting its target, she had already sighted and fired at three more targets.
Not one arrow landed anywhere but dead center – even on the target furthest from them, and her speed was most impressive. Silence reigned over the yards as everyone stared in awe at what she'd just done.
There was one last target to go, one set to a tree at the very edge of the grounds, and Izayoi targeted it smoothly. Drawing in a breath and then holding it, she poured her powers into the arrow this time, and then fired, and everyone in the entire area watched, fascinated, as the arrow, trailing pink fire like a comet, landed dead center in the target... just like the others.
There was silence for a heartbeat, and then the thing exploded – and when the dust cleared, there was no longer a target – or a tree, either. It was all just gone. She nodded with satisfaction, and turned to face her father.
"Very well done, daughter," her father finally said, turning to look at her. "You do me proud with your proficiency with the weapon. However, I would like to see you demonstrate your control of your reiki – I need to know just how good it is before our honorable guest arrives."
She regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, her bow held casually in one hand and quiver over her shoulder, and had no idea how much a powerful, competent miko she looked in that moment – none seeing her there for the first time would have ever thought her to be a sheltered hime of a powerful clan. She looked dangerous.
"If you would send for Kenji, father, I can show you what you need to see," she finally said, voice firm and confident.
He nodded, and shortly thereafter a runner was off to summon the youkai in question to the field.
"Tell me, Izayoi... how far along in your studies were you?" he asked after a few minutes of idle silence. "If you were to have remained there at the shrine to train as though you would be taking up the duties of a miko, how much more training would you have needed?"
Eyeing him with curiosity, Izayoi answered his query slowly. "I cannot say for certain, father, as that would have been up to Miko Kiyoko, but I believe... most of what learning was left would have been finishing my training in healing and herbal lore. Maybe a year more," she said finally, looking at him seriously. "Because of my rather... unique circumstances, I was trained differently than most would have been. The sensei began teaching me to control my reiki immediately, rather than building up to it as other miko-trainees are."
Her father frowned. "But are not most miko trained from early childhood? How could you have learned so quickly?"
Ichirou nodded, he'd wondered the same thing.
"Because of the reasons I was sent to her she was able to focus on only certain portions of the normal training, and it was very intense from the moment of my arrival at the shrine. The very first day she began teaching me to meditate, and once I grasped that, learning to keep control of my powers in pretty much any situation came easily," she replied.
Her father looked thoughtful, but nothing more was said as Kenji appeared in that moment and Izayoi smiled widely, quite happy to see him.
"Ah, Kenji-san," her father greeted, "thank you for responding so quickly." The youkai male smiled back at Izayoi and bowed correctly to her father, then waited for him to speak. "I have requested a demonstration of my daughter's control of her reiki, and she asked that you be summoned."
At that, Kenji turned to Izayoi with an impish grin and inclined his head. "My lady... you wish to go all out, then?" he asked, mischief clear in his voice.
She nodded, an answering smile lighting her eyes. "Oh, hai – what better way to show him that he need not fear my power doing any harm to those undeserving of such?"
"Very well, my lady, do your worst!" he said playfully, and Izayoi grinned, calling her power to hand easily. Stepping towards the grinning kitsune, she moved to touch him, even as her father and brother – and everyone else around them, incidentally, gasped – and touched him with her glowing pink hands, allowing her reiki to cover both of them from head to toe.
And Kenji just smiled, not showing any discomfort at all, leaving her father and everyone else awed and astounded. After a few moments she allowed her power to sink back into her skin and turned to her father. "I hope that relieves your mind. I can control it enough that it can either help, hinder, or even, as you just saw, do nothing to anyone of youkai blood," she said, rightly proud of her accomplishment.
Her father blinked, then blinked again, before regaining control of himself and asking, "Help? What do you mean?"
"Just that, father." She looked at Kenji, who was smiling cheerfully, pleased to help her demonstrate her power, enjoying the shock on everyone's faces way too much. "Would you cut yourself, Kenji? Just a scratch on your hand will do."
He nodded, and using the tip of one claw, pierced his hand deeply, then motioned the Lord and his heir closer. "Watch," he said, tilting his head towards Izayoi as she took his hand in her own and ran a glowing finger over the cut.
It sealed completely, and within a second there was no evidence that he'd ever been cut, save for a drop of crimson left behind on the tip of one claw.
The entire area was silent as everyone there took in what they'd just seen, her father and Ichirou not the least of them.
The silence was broken by Kenji's chuckle. "Amazing, is she not?"
After glancing at the kitsune, her father asked, "How is it that you are able to do such things, Izayoi? Never have I ever heard of a miko doing what you have. It is unheard of."
Izayoi sighed, then shrugged lightly. "We don't know for sure, father. But miko Kiyoko surmised that it has to do with the difference in my reiki compared to any other miko."
"Difference?" he asked, intrigued.
"Yes. Apparently, a miko's power is always blue or purple in color. But if you've noticed, mine isn't. It's pink – and that, according to my mentor, has never been seen before, at least, as far as she knew. She believes that my abilities are different due to my powers being different. We don't have any idea of why that is, though," she responded.
After a moment of considering her answer, he motioned for the soldiers to return to their training and then turned and began walking slowly back to the palace. As she stepped up to walk just behind him, with Kenji at her side as well as Ichirou, he spoke again.
"How did you discover your ability to heal youkai, my dear?"
Izayoi's mind flashed back to her second year at the shrine at that question, and a rather sad smile crossed her face. "About a year ago, I came across a small kitsune kit who'd lost his parents and was terribly injured. He was dying. I just couldn't let that happen, and without even thinking about it, I just... healed him."
He glanced at her over his shoulder. "Hm. And what happened to him?"
Kenji answered that query. "I took him in hand, my lord. He is now in service to my lord Inu no Taisho." He winked over at Izayoi and smiled at her. "He sends his greetings, as a matter of fact, Izayoi-sama," he said, pleased when she smiled again.
"He is doing well?
"Oh, yes, very well. Growing and happy, though he has shared his desire to see you again with all and sundry," the kitsune laughed. "It is very possible that Taisho-sama will bring him when he comes, just to get him to stop asking."
"He will be welcome if he comes," the Lord said. "You have given me much to think on, daughter. Go, take a rest, as this heat is most unpleasant, and I will see you again at dinner. Kenji, Ichirou, attend me."
Izayoi bowed to her father and watched as they moved away, heading for her father's private study. After a few moments, she turned and headed for her rooms, quite content to take the rest her father had ordered. It had already been a long day, and would be an even longer evening.
She did not notice the eyes of the Captain of the palace guard follow her as she left the training grounds...
Nor did anyone else.
~oOo~
How is it that her powers can actually heal the hell-born scum? It is not possible! Unless... no, she cannot be a dark miko. Her purity is almost visible. But then... can she truly be a miko, if her powers are not even the same as one?
Takemaru had damn near felt his hair stand on end as he'd watched from a little distance her demonstration. He'd at first been most impressed at her mastery of the bow – he'd never seen such a display of speed and accuracy before, and watching her powers completely destroy that tree had been almost thrilling.
But then... when that damned kitsune had appeared and he'd seen her power enfold the beast without harming him in the slightest, he'd wanted to kill something. It wasn't supposed to be that way. Her powers were supposed to be deadly to any and all youkai.
He'd felt betrayed as he'd watched her heal the bastard – how could one of his own kind reach out with anything but hatred to the beasts that walked among them copying their human forms? He knew full well how most youkai viewed humans, and he'd stated his own opinion of their beliefs quite openly before. How convenient to claim to despise humans, and then hide your own true form away while emulating the form of the very beings you claimed to so loathe.
They were hypocrites, nothing more than soulless beasts.
The hime-sama – she is being corrupted by her father's disgusting beliefs. I cannot understand one of power and influence such as he leading us all down a path of death and destruction. They are youkai, and not to be trusted!
Takemaru allowed his thoughts to flash back to his childhood – to events that no one knew of anymore except he, himself. Blood and death, howls on the wind, icy fingers of death reaching for him and all those around him. He'd met the devils in the night as a child, and he'd never forgotten the sheer savagery, the cruelty and horror that he'd witnessed.
He still dreamed of the events of that long ago night...
And the Lord of Setsuna would invite those very devils into his home.
He was a fool and would fall to those evil beasts, as would his entire clan.
Except Takemaru. He would not fall – and neither would the little hime, he would make sure of it. And when the inevitable finally happened and their house was destroyed by those same devils, he would become the new lord, take the little hime to wife, and rebuild the clan, making it stronger than ever before.
Good things came to those who waited, and he was a master at waiting.
Soon, Izayoi. Soon, your father's foolishness will lead the way for a new order in our clan – and you will stand by my side as my bride as I become the new Lord.
All that is required is patience.
Takemaru turned back to his men and ordered sparring to begin for the new recruits - and watched as those who would one day be his soldiers trained in the heat and dust.
~oOo~
Izayoi whimpered, tossing in her sleep as she lay upon her futon.
"Your wish was neither right, nor wrong, wench, and I may now curse you for defeating me. Listen then, to your fate. For as much as you suffered for Inuyasha's love of Kikyou, now, you will know what heartache really is. I send you further into the past, to meet one who would love you like no other, and that you would love in return far more than any love you could ever have imagined. But... you will be fated to lose it all after a very short time wrapped within each others arms unless you finally come to understand which is the correct path. You will have only one more chance to change the fate apportioned to you, miko."
She cried out in fear, those words hurting her more than anything she'd ever known, though she couldn't remember why. But that voice... it was so wicked, so full of hatred and malice. It frightened her, and she knew that she should know whose voice it was, though she couldn't remember it no matter how hard she tried.
Undone, she ran, trying to escape the whispers and cruel laughter down endless echoing halls and over barren downs, yet never able to get away. Once again, faces that she knew, yet didn't, mocked her, derided her, debased her.
"Failure! You failed, and this is the price. You will burn, your entire family will burn, and it will be your fault!"
"No!" she cried back in anguish. "I haven't done anything! Why are you taunting me?"
And then one final voice, powerful and echoing, underpinned by a brilliant pink jewel glowing in the darkness...
"Like grains of sand, the possible paths of time are once more endless and unknown, and your fate has been tossed into the cauldron of eternity. There is, however, only one path that will lead you out of the darkness... this is your final chance for redemption, Miko Kagome, as the Shikon no Tama told you."
With a gasp, Izayoi flung herself from her bed, tumbling to the floor tangled in her blankets as that name echoed inside her with an anguish she couldn't understand.
"Kagome," she breathed into her silent, dim room. "Who are you, and why do you haunt me?"
She pushed back the panic at the thought that came from somewhere within...
I am Kagome. Kagome is... me.
Maiden of the bow...
Her face dropped into her hands and she shuddered.
What did I fail at, that I am being given a final chance to correct that failure?
And why does that name... Shikon no Tama, fill me with such fear?
She stood up, pushing aside the blankets, and moved towards the small stand in one corner of the room that held nothing but a basin and an ewer of water. Pouring a little measure into the basin, she dipped her hands into the cool water and splashed it on her face, trying to wake herself up so she could actually think.
Shikon no Tama. That name... it means something. But what? And why do I know it, yet not? After a moment, she dried herself on a plush cloth and moved to slide open her door out into the gardens. Staring blankly out at the late afternoon sunshine, her mind took note of nothing her eyes were seeing, instead, brow furrowed, she thought of her nightmares.
Father has an extensive library. Perhaps I should look through it and see if I can find mention of any such thing. She sighed, then, a shiver running up her spine. Except that would take too long, and I have the feeling I need to know soon. Maybe... would Kenji have some knowledge of such a thing? It is a name of power, that much I know, and since youkai crave power, it is possible he would.
I will speak to him tonight. I don't know why, but I feel as if time is running out...
Other things from the dream slid through her mind, then. Names and faces, Inuyasha and Kikyou. She had no idea why, but just thinking those names hurt. And then all that about a wish. A wish? A wish that went wrong... and one last chance to fix things. But it all makes no sense! I am Izayoi – I was born and raised as the hime of the clan of Setsuna! I could not have been this Kagome...
Nor know all these people that I keep dreaming of.
Frustrated, she stared with confused, frightened eyes into the family gardens, wondering at what fate was thrusting upon her.
How will I traverse this divide? I cannot fail, the dreams tell me as much, or all that I know will cease to be.
What do I do?
That question stayed with her the entire afternoon, and still rang inside her mind even as Mei came and dressed her for dinner.
And still, no insight came to her.
She could only hope that Kenji could give her some knowledge of the Shikon no Tama, for she had no idea where else tostarteven looking for answers.
~oOo~
Seated on her father's right with her brother to his left, dinner was quite different than what she'd become used to at the shrine.
Kenji sat to her right, while her father's adviser, Hikaru, sat next to her brother and across from her. He was a most interesting person, and she quickly realized that Mei was correct – he was unused to ningen and uncertain in his manner because of it. But she also found that he wasn't hiding hatred – he just didn't know how to act within a ningen court setting as he'd had no experience of such.
It made her wonder why Kenji hadn't been given that position, instead, as he had experience with humans and functioned easily in a youkai or ningen setting.
Perhaps to gain the experience, she decided, that being the most obvious answer. She glanced at Kenji, who was answering some query or other of her father's, conversing easily and knowledgeably on diverse topics while Hikaru was formal and hesitant.
With a smile, she attempted to ease his manner. "Tell me, Hikaru-san, about the court of the Inu no Taisho. I am most curious about youkai politics."
Kenji smirked in her direction as he caught that question and flashed a startled Hikaru a mischievous look. "Oh, hai, Hikaru, do tell Izayoi-sama what she asks. If you have not noticed by now, she is treated here much as she would be in youkai court. Her father is more advanced than most ningen and sees his daughter as a valuable asset rather than a being that is good for only one thing."
The fire elemental glanced at the Lord, who nodded. "You may answer any query she has, Hikaru-san," he encouraged, and with that, a relieved expression crossed his face as he turned back to Izayoi.
"Forgive me, hime-sama, but I am not used to ningen courts and do not want to offend," he said, his voice rather deep, with a faint crackling sound to it.
She smiled wider. "None taken, Hikaru-san, I understand quite well that most ningen courts would be very different to my father's," she said easily.
He bowed his head slightly and returned her smile tentatively. "So... as to your question... politics in the courts of youkai are very different to ningen ones for the simple fact that as youkai, we carry so much personal power. It is a very dangerous thing to insult another youkai and we are all very careful to keep track of those around us – and just how powerful they really are. We learn at an early age to master the language and use it as a weapon. There is much maneuvering for power, and schemes and plots abound. Those who rise to the top are those who are best at intrigue, and the Inu no Taisho walks a fine line between all those who have power in his court, keeping them all fighting each other to gain favor with him – so that they are too busy with each other to turnagainsthim."
Izayoi shivered. "It sounds a very stressful life," she said after a moment. "Is there any relaxation for him at all?"
"Very little, my lady. It is simply the way of things. And that is just within his own court. That does not even speak to his dealings with other courts. One of his most dangerous... opponents, I suppose you could call him, is Lord Ryukotsussei of the dragon courts. He is very powerful, and there is much competition between the two."
"Hm. Does Touga-sama have a wife? I have not heard such, but I would think that with his position, having an heir would be necessary, ne?" she asked.
There was a momentary pause while a rather odd feeling settled over those at the head of the table, and Hikaru exchanged glances with the Lord of Setsuna, before saying slowly, "Touga-sama does not have a wife at this time, Izayoi-sama, though there are those that would love to see him choose a wife from amongst their clan."
And again, more hesitation. There's some deep game being played here...
"Ah," she said lightly after a moment, "well, I am sure he will choose an appropriate bride when he is ready – one of great power to augment his own. After all, is that not what it's all about in the youkai world? Truly, it isn't so different in the ningen world. Just different sources of power, really. For youkai it is more to add personal power, and for us ningen, it is for political power."
"There are also political considerations in our marriages, as well, my lady. But it is not always necessary to marry to conceive an heir. With youkai, ofttimes the bond is very deep and cannot be broken by anything less than death, so we are reluctant to tie ourselves down to one we have no care for," he said slowly, idly tapping his chopsticks against his bowl as he thought about his words. "Especially as our lives are so long."
Izayoi was distracted from the conversation for a moment by the feel of an aura absolutely coursing with hatred – hatred very directed to the youkai guests seated at the table with them, and surreptitiously looked towards the aura, not surprised to see Takemaru at the bottom of the long table.
His hatred is so virulent, she thought, and also fully noticed by Hikaru – and Kenji. Maybe we all three should speak to my father about this...
She met Hikaru's gaze. "You feel it, too, don't you?" she asked quietly, not at all put out at his surprised expression, or that he looked to Kenji for an explanation.
"She is miko, Hikaru – she can feel auras as well as any youkai, perhaps even better. Ningen hime or not, she is very powerful, make no mistake," Kenji said in answer to his questioning gaze. He then turned to bow to the lord, who was looking a bit confused at the turn the conversation had taken. With a rapid glance at Izayoi, who nodded slightly, he said, "Beg pardon, my lord – we speak of something that Hikaru, I, and my lady Izayoi can all sense. It would not be well to enlighten you here – after the meal in private would be best."
Her father's eyes flared with concern, but he nodded, motioning for everyone to continue their meal. "If you feel it is best to be private, then by all means, I will wait," he said, glancing at his daughter with an odd expression before continuing to eat.
I think a change of subject is in order, Izayoi thought, and set her chopsticks down atop her bowl, finished with her food.
"I've a question for you, Kenji-san," she said, waiting for him to nod his attention before continuing. "Do you know of something called the Shikon no Tama?"
She was startled when her adviser as well as Hikaru froze, turning to stare at her in shock.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked, a frown creasing her brow.
It took a few moments for Kenji to get himself under control, but when he did... "My lady, how did you hear of such a thing as the Shikon no Tama?"
So he does know of it... "Ever since arriving home I have had dreams," she said slowly, "of the Shikon no Tama and people I don't know, but should. And of a curse, and a wish. I wish to know of this artifact of power, because I am well aware that it is such a thing."
Kenji exchanged a troubled look with Hikaru, then cleared his throat and set his chopsticks down, suddenly no longer hungry. "My lady... that's a very... dangerous topic," he finally managed. "The Shikon no Tama is, indeed, an artifact of power. It is a small, pink jewel," he frowned, "rather like your miko power, come to think of it, formed from the soul of the warrior priestess Midoriko and the many youkai that she was battling."
Ichirou, who'd been quiet through most of dinner, broke in at that point. "Well, if Izayoi is dreaming of it, then it's important. When she dreams of things... they always are."
Hikaru turned to look at her. "What is it that happens in these dreams, my lady?" he asked, worry in his voice.
Her eyes bleak, she answered.
"Death. Fire, blood, and death. Unless I can figure out the right path, the right wish, according to my dreams."
Suddenly, no one at the head of the table was hungry any longer as they all stared at the little hime with the powers of a miko with trepidation.
How would the advent of the Shikon no Tama into the drama about to be played out in the house of Setsuna affect things?
Kenji decided this was something the Inu no Taisho needed to be appraised of.
Immediately.
~oOo~
After dinner was over, the Lord of the house led the small group towards his study, concerned with the things he'd learned over the course of the meal.
Now was not really a good time for random things to be cropping up – too much was riding on what was soon to happen.
As soon as they were all inside and the door shut, he motioned silently for Hikaru to place a barrier, and then looked to his daughter first. "Explain."
"It is Takemaru, father. He doesn't just dislike youkai, he has a virulent hatred of them. Since meeting him, I have had a very bad feeling about him – he's a danger to this house. You must pay very close attention to him," she said instantly.
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" he asked, frowning with deepening concern.
"Because I had nothing to go on save what I felt. But now, with Hikaru-san and Kenji-san also feeling the same from him, I feel more comfortable telling you of my misgivings."
He nodded, then looked to first Kenji, and then Hikaru. "And you both agree with her words?"
Hikaru answered. "Most definitely, my lord. He is a threat."
After a moment, he looked at Izayoi. "My dear, I believe it is time for you to be in bed. I will see you at breakfast tomorrow, daughter."
Knowing she was being dismissed because her father didn't want her to know what they were about to discuss, she shook her head and sighed, then acquiesced. "Goodnight then, Father, Ichirou, Hikaru-san, Kenji-san," she said, a polite bow towards her father accompanying her words. To the tune of returned murmured goodnights, she let herself out of her father's study and headed to her rooms, relieved that she would soon be out of her ridiculous layers.
Ichirou met his father's eyes as Izayoi slid the door shut. "What are you going to do, father?" he asked. "Dismiss Takemaru?"
The man was silent for a time, and then shook his head, a shrewd look in his eyes. "No," he sighed. "Keep your friends close – but your enemies closer. Do you remember Hayate?" he asked his son, and waited for him to nod. "I believe it is time to set him up in a new profession – I will assign him as Takemaru's assistant. With certain instructions..." he trailed off for a moment, obviously still thinking.
A throat cleared. "My lord Hiraku," Kenji said slowly, "what have you planned, if this one may ask?"
A rather sinister smile crossed the lord's face, and the two youkai males, who'd never seen such an expression from him were startled at how dangerous he suddenly looked. "Hayate is my most experienced spy – and my most loyal. If Takemaru tries anything, Hayate will find out and then we will know."
"Clever, father," Ichirou smirked. "Nothing remains hidden from Hayate for long, and if Takemaru indeed has any plans to wreak havoc on us in any way, he will uncover it."
Kenji nodded. "I will inform my lord Taisho of this development so that he is prepared when he arrives. It would not do for him to be caught off-guard."
Hiraku inclined his head. "Indeed. His arrival in two weeks is important to all our plans – any information that Hayate finds, if it in any way pertains to him or his visit, I will pass on so that you may inform him. I would not have my honorable ally kept in the dark. However, I do not believe there will be much to pass on to him before he arrives. Even Hayate will need time to ingratiate himself with Takemaru, and I do not believe the Captain will make any move so soon in whatever he is planning. He is too new here."
The two youkai exchanged glances, nodding agreeably. It was highly unlikely that whatever was brewing would come to a head so soon. Both bowed to the will of the Lord of Setsuna.
"Ichirou..." Hiraku trailed off for a moment, then said, "I would have you spend some time with the good Captain training, as well – I want you to see what he does and says, and report everything to me. Whatever he is planning, I want to know beforehand. If, indeed, he is planning anything," he said, a troubled expression crossing his face as something occurred to him. "It is possible, after all, that nothing is planned – he may be a danger in another way entirely." Passing a hand across his face, the tired lord waved his son and the two youkai away. "Go to whatever pleasures await you this night. We will speak more of this later. And on the morrow of the Shikon no Tama, as well."
The three bowed and left the room, each one wondering what this nights discoveries would lead to.
~oOo~
edited 8/11/2013 for grammar and spelling as well as better flow.
