Chapter 15: Of Betrothals and Hatred
Up before the dawn, Sesshoumaru considered his father's orders to station different army units in different areas along with his orders to spread three units along the border. It was a good idea, but where to send the units was the question.
He would have to be very careful not to overplay his hand.
His brow furrowed with irritation as he considered once more that he still did not know what it was his father was hiding that Ryukotsussei wanted so badly. Did his sire truly not trust him? Did he honestly think that he, Sesshoumaru, would ever do anything to aid the enemy?
Closing his eyes as he felt the crimson begin to bleed into them, he choked his own anger and shoved it away into the darkness within his mind. It would not do any good to speculate – it was rare that the reasons his sire did anything were easily known. Still, the thought that his father might not trust him upset him in ways he wasn't even sure he understood.
Slipping into his clothing, he prepared for a good hard spar – on this day he needed the fast-paced activity to take his mind off all that spun through it with little form or sense. A good heavy spar would help him to settle his mind and control his thoughts once more.
The first person he saw as he stepped from his rooms was Kajiko. Of all his guards, she was the most correct, never giving him anything he could use to take her to task or fail her at. And even now, she tapped her heels and bowed at the correct angle to him as he eyed her critically.
"Kajiko. You will spar with me this morning."
She nodded. "Your will, Sesshoumaru-sama," she replied calmly, her expression not changing in the slightest. He observed her with a raised brow. She was one of the most controlled youkai he'd ever seen, and he wanted to see what it would take to make her lose that control.
He was almost looking forward to seeing how she fought, as well. He had never observed her during a spar, and he wanted to see just what she was capable of.
"Come." He spun on his heel and headed for the dojo, loose hakama swirling around his bare feet as he walked with perfect poise through endless seeming halls and past servants who bowed without once looking away from his chosen path or acknowledging anyone.
Kajiko followed behind him moving just as silently as he was, also taking no note of anyone they passed. She was well aware that almost all of Sesshoumaru's senses were turned on her - that he was curious about her. She wondered with a well-hidden smirk what he would think when he finally found out who she really was.
Knowing him, she thought wryly to herself, he would be angry that someone had put one over on him.
Still, for the time being she kept her amusement to herself and followed along behind him calmly, all while her body prepared itself for combat in a way only youkai could.
Battle, for human and youkai alike, called out to various things within a being. For humans, adrenaline began pumping, making the person hyped up and ready for the coming fight. One might start sweating, others might even go berserk. But for youkai, there was even more to it. In some, poison bearers like Sesshoumaru, the poison would begin to heat in the body, beginning to flow and pool in preparation. For all youkai, the body would begin to warm as it prepared to heal any injuries accumulated and stanch any blood flow that would normally be dangerous. Depending on the species of youkai, various physical weapons peculiar to that youkai species alone could begin to manifest. And that was not all by any means. Each species was different, and even between members of the same species there could be differences in weapons or power and ability.
In herself, she could feel the fire that was an intrinsic part of her being begin to flow through her veins. The bodies of firebird youkai were different than the bodies of any other kind of youkai, even fire elementals. The firebird carried a type of fire that no other youkai on earth had access to – one that was hotter and more powerful than even anything a dragon could claim. Even though she had no intentions of using that fire in this fight, still, her body prepared her own internal weapon for combat.
Sesshoumaru walked calmly ahead of her, hands in his sleeves as he moved. Just as her body was preparing for the coming spar, so too was his. He could feel his acid heating and moving through his system and his mind begin to lock down on anything that was not directly related to the fight.
He loved combat. For him, combat was a mirror reflection of his innermost being – the constant fight between his humanoid form and his youkai soul.
He only hoped he would not be disappointed.
Once they reached the dojo, Sesshoumaru gave the order for the room to clear and then gave her a moment to remove her boots.
"Swords, Sesshoumaru-sama?" she asked, hand hovering over her katana as she awaited his word.
He considered her for a moment, then tilted his head in acknowledgment. "Swords."
With that she removed her own armor, since he was without his, and within moments she moved to stand opposite him with a short bow.
For a breathless second they were still, and then both exploded into movement as katana met katana with a force that echoed throughout the huge dojo.
Sesshoumaru did not hold back, bringing his sword to bear with full force and was actually a bit surprised when she met his blow without flinching, crossing blades with him as the high, clear tones of metal scraping metal told anyone nearby that someone was engaging in combat.
Parry, block, parry, parry, block, riposte, disengage; they both fell back, first blows exchanged.
Sesshoumaru eyed the calm female before him, becoming more curious by the moment. She was not breathing heavily, not showing any nervousness, nothing. She was as much a puzzle as he strove to make himself to others, and it annoyed him. He wanted to shake that infernal calm.
Badly.
"Kajiko. Child of fire. And yet, you seem so cold. One wonders what it would take to upset that calm facade," he said as he darted towards her, an underhand blow sweeping up towards her chest – a blow that was notoriously difficult to block.
She didn't even try, simply flipping backwards, then bringing her sword up in a mirror of his own move as she regained her feet and came back upright that forced him to also leap back. He landed, his eyes immediately searching her out, only to find her already on the move.
Not waiting for him to attack, Kajiko decided to go on the offensive and before Sesshoumaru was even aware that she was moving she was streaking towards him, her sword held before her in a position that could either be aggressive or protective.
The inuyoukai decided to take her up on that offer, lashing out at her as she blasted past him, his arm tingling as his blow was met by her blade and she came out of her lunge, twisting over his head to land behind him, her foot sweeping out in an attempt to trip him.
Jumping over her foot, he leapt over her head and in a parody of the move he'd used to kill that dragon several weeks before, he really tried to impale her on his blade. But proving just how lithe and naturally athletic she was, she threw herself backwards at the waist as she brought her blade up to block his once again. But catching him by surprise, even as she was absorbing the blow she disengaged and slashed out at him again as she popped back up, catching his suikan on the tip of her blade and tearing it open.
He jumped away, his fingers flicking the now ruined garment away from his body, and glanced ironically at her as she landed on light feet across from him. "Is there a reason you are attempting to disrobe me?" he asked, an odd note in his voice that Kajiko quite easily caught.
The firebird cocked a brow at her opponent. "Did you wish me to? I thought that perhaps you would prefer me to ruin your clothes rather than mark your flesh. Was I wrong?"
Flicking a lock of hair over his shoulder, he ignored her facetious tone. "It would not matter if you were to land a blow. It is not as if it would kill me."
She shrugged in humorous agreement. "True."
All of a sudden, he burst into movement, going so fast he couldn't even be seen as anything more than a flash of light. Kajiko moved as well, but not quite fast enough as she heard the rip of her own kimono tearing and it slid over on her shoulder, leaving soft skin open to sight as she jumped into the air.
She hovered over the daiyoukai as he met her gaze and then jumped to meet her, once again engaging her sword in a series of blows, right in the air. Paying no attention to her damaged robe, she continued fighting with calm elan. The longer he stood against her, the more he became – unwillingly – impressed.
She had obviously been well-trained.
Neither noticed the growing crowd they were attracting, too focused on each other and their fight. But through it all Kajiko remained calm, despite all Sesshoumaru's attempts to knock her off-kilter. By the time they were finished, both were breathing a bit hard and half-dressed, their clothing hanging off them by shreds.
"Tell me, Kajiko... how long have you trained with a sword?" Sesshoumaru asked as he sheathed his own and straightened out what remained of his clothing.
She eyed him for a moment, then answered his question. "My father began my training when I was fifteen summers. That would be about two hundred years ago."
"Hn. What other weapons did he train you with?" he asked quizzically.
"I am proficient with a bow, but my favorite weapon besides my sword is a kusarigama.* For the most part, my father trained me with just about any weapon you can imagine. I had to at least be what he considered proficient with it before he would move on to something else," she responded.
Sesshoumaru nodded as he watched her finish gathering her belongings. "And I am sure you generally have weapons hidden in places one would not normally think to look, yes?" At her dangerously bland smile, he continued. "Meet me back at my rooms in twenty minutes, Kajiko. No later."
Eyeing him sideways as he left the room, she shook her head and finished gathering her possessions from where she'd placed them before the fight. She was just about to leave when she heard her name called and turned to face whoever it was.
Arata had long since risen from his bed and headed for the dojo for a light workout when Sesshoumaru had entered the room and ordered everyone clear. Having no interest in watching the heir-apparent in yet another spar, he was about to leave the room when he saw who his opponent was to be – and then he was pinned to the floor by his curiosity. He was very curious indeed about the beautiful firebird, and wanted to see her in action against Sesshoumaru, who had been trained by his sire from the time he'd been old enough to hold a sword. He'd been trained before that by his mother – with knives, any small weapon that could be hidden on one's person.
Now that he was older and a powerful warrior in his own right, he did not bother with small concealed weapons, but when he was young his mother had been insistent that he be able to defend himself – from the time he'd been weaned, he'd had some kind of weapon on his person at all times and been well-trained with it.
It was no wonder that he was a prodigy with weaponry of any kind, since he'd been exposed to them practically from birth. But most youkai weren't quite so zealous in training their young for battle, since most were not the heirs to Cardinal lands.
Kajiko, however, seemed to be just as talented with a sword as Sesshoumaru was as became clear very quickly into the fight, and Arata was completely impressed. He'd never seen anyone that could stand with Sesshoumaru as an equal with a weapon save his sire and perhaps Kenji – and now this cool, collected firebird had proven that she could.
It pricked his interest even further. There was just something about her...
So when the spar was over, he made contact with her before she could leave the room.
"Kajiko-san," he said, bowing lightly at her as she turned towards his voice. "I must say, I am most impressed at your skills. Never have I seen anyone save Touga-sama stand against Sesshoumaru-sama in battle. You are quite the puzzle indeed."
Tossing her armor casually over her shoulder for the walk back to her room, Kajiko smiled coolly at the handsome kitsune she'd met the other day at dinner. "I thank you for the compliment, Arata-san, but if you will excuse me, I only have a few minutes to redress and meet Sesshoumaru-sama and his other guards at his rooms. Good day," she said, then walked away, leaving a frustrated kitsune behind her.
She is so aloof... I am not used to having to actually try to charm a person, he sighed to himself as he left the dojo, almost pouting. What is it about her?
He narrowed his eyes as he thought about the female while heading back to his rooms to change for breakfast. There's just something about her, and I mean to find out what it is. My instincts have rarely been wrong when they whisper so loudly about a being...
I do not think they are now. Whatever her secret is, I will find it.
Little did he know that his Lord's son was thinking along the same lines. For Sesshoumaru, her skill with weapons and the fact that her training had begun so young was a tip-off – very few youkai began training at that age. It was possible, of course, that her sire had merely been of a very militant mindset, but he did not think that was it. Because on top of that was her cool and composed bearing, even under fire. That was something that was learned over years of being trained to function coolly in any kind of situation.
No... Kajiko, that child of fire, was no ordinary youkai. And he would find out just what she really was sooner or later.
One way or another.
The morning's activity, however, had done what he had wished it to do – it had calmed his mind and allowed a plan to form – it had given him ideas of just where he could send those army units to cause the most confusion to their enemy, and since that had been his goal for his morning spar he was pleased that it had worked – even if it had given him something else to think about.
That was no surprise, however – for here in the Western Citadel, life was anything but boring.
~oOo~
Dawn in Setsuna's Summer Palace found Touga awake and for once not sparring – instead, he was meditating. At dinner the night before he'd almost lost himself to his instincts and grabbed Izayoi before disappearing from the palace altogether.
She was entering her fertile time, and her scent was killing him.
He'd never been so aroused that he'd almost lost control of himself so fully – for a daiyoukai of his stature to lose himself to his bestial side and instincts was unacceptable. For the most part, a bitch's fertile time caused a certain mild discomfort in his mind – rather like an itch one couldn't quite reach. But that was all. How he was supposed to handle himself around the little hime with the scent that threatened to make him slip his human skin he wasn't certain. And today was the day their betrothal was to be officially announced.
That made it even worse.
From now until the day he wed her he would have to be at his strictest with himself, leashing himself to his humanoid form, because if he didn't he would take her and be damned the consequences. He could only hope that she didn't keep him waiting for very long, because he had no idea how long he would last in this situation, never having been faced with it before.
This would also be a very dangerous time, because he was absolutely certain that anyone who pushed him in any way would end up very dead if he wasn't very careful. He had no wish to go around killing Hiraku's people, his servants or soldiers or even courtiers, but it could so easily come to that.
He sighed, once more attempting to force his mind into silence as he tried to calm his screaming instincts and his emotional desires. The beast that was Touga in human skin growled heatedly and deliberately blanked his mind, allowing nothing in to disturb his inner silence. It was a difficult thing to do, shutting off all his senses so that nothing from the outside could reach him - and usually too dangerous, because that left you completely open to attack.
Here in the home of his ally and with a barrier of his own making up for protection while he shut down his outward senses, he was able to let himself go to do what he needed. It was the only way to escape her heady scent, to reestablish control over his need.
Immersing himself in silence he imagined floating down a river, the cool water caressing him and relaxing his physical tension. He could feel the rigidity of his body begin to relax as the scent of her dissipated and left him calm once again.
For a time he just floated there in his mind, feeling more relaxed than he had in years, and decided that once he returned to the citadel, he would have Izayoi help him with this practice. While it was too dangerous for him to do such in that den of iniquity he called home with just his own barrier in place, using the same principal that had created the barriers around Sou'unga, they could also create a place for them both to do this together, and often.
It would certainly be beneficial, because he could feel the calm all the way to his soul.
The problem was that as soon as he woke himself and dropped his barrier, her scent would knock him right back into a stressed out mess, to put it bluntly. There was only one other thing he could do, though he hated to have to – he would have to dampen his sense of smell until her fertile time was over. He only hoped it did not last too long. On a side note, however, her scent had told him one thing – she was perfectly healthy and would be able to give him many children, should he so choose to have her do so.
Finally, feeling as calm and rested as he'd felt in years, Touga allowed himself to re-surface, opening his eyes to the sight of the early morning dew lacing the garden with just as many beautiful flashing colors as any jewel ever had. He took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of the earth and growing things and life in all its complexity for a few minutes.
Finally, stretching, he eyed the sun and decided he'd best get back to his rooms so he could ready himself for the day. Immediately after breakfast formal court would be called, and he needed to be ready. With one last regretful inhale of the clean air of the garden, he scaled back his sense of smell to little better than a human's sense, and then dropped his barrier.
When he caught no scent of Izayoi's fertility, he sighed deeply, relieved. That made it much easier to maintain his control.
Heading back in to his room he very quickly washed and dressed himself, making sure that everything was perfect. From his haori's folds to his hakama's fit – even his boots were polished to a perfect shine, not a speck of dirt or dust anywhere. When the final tie in his obi was done, he looked nothing less than what he was – a Lord, one of power and wealth that commanded respect – and actually deserved it.
He was intimidating and that's what he wanted, because he knew that this morning's court was going to get very, very loud – and possibly threatening. He was under no illusion - Takemaru would not take this well and there was no telling what he would do. He wanted to be fully ready for anything, which was why Hiraku had told him the night before that he should probably wear at least one of his swords, because there was no guarantee that it would not be needed. Both he and Ichirou, as well as Kohaku, would also be wearing them.
The Setsuna Lord was fairly certain that he had enough control over his council and people that while there would be an uproar, no one would actually go against his wishes. But Takemaru... it was better to be safe than sorry.
They all knew that it was not unheard of for human Lords to sometimes give their daughters as concubines to various youkai, usually to keep the threat of attack from their lands and houses. But there had never been a case like this – where a hime was given as wife to a youkai ally. And while that would probably appease some of the council members, as at least she was to be a wife and not basically used as a whore, still, Takemaru wanted Izayoi for himself and he would be livid that his most hated enemy was being given that which he, himself, coveted.
There was also what could happen as word spread to other houses of what Setsuna had done. And those that had wished for the hime for themselves, and asked, would potentially be very angry to be turned down in favor of a youkai Lord. While those houses, most notably Hojo and Takeda, would be indeed very angry, they weren't foolish enough to think they could take on either Setsuna or the Western Lord in battle – but they might try a soft way of gaining their vengeance and perhaps a new chance at the hime by assassination. As long as there was no proof that they had a hand in it their honor would not be tarnished, and if Setsuna's Lord died perhaps his successor could be reasoned with.
Ready, and hearing movement through the halls as those honored enough to partake of meals in the presence of the ruling family began to seek their breakfast, Touga left his room and made his way to the dining hall, hoping that Izayoi was feeling better and had slept well. True to her thoughts, she had indeed slept through until dinner, and feeling too groggy to join her father and their guests for dinner, she had begged off for the evening. Directly after taking her meal in her rooms she had taken another draught and gone right back to sleep.
Surprisingly, she was already present when he arrived; taking his seat opposite her, he ran his eyes over her, pleased to see that she looked much better, rested and fully awake.
She would need to be on this day.
She met his gaze with a faint blush and a small smile, and he couldn't help but to return her smile. "You look much better today, Izayoi. You rested well, I presume? No dreams to plague you?"
"No. The draught always pushes the dreams away, though I know not why." She looked down, the smile widening just a little. "I do feel much better. It was nice not to dream."
"I am certain it was. Are you prepared for what will happen later?" he asked, his words deliberately vague.
Still not looking at him, her blush deepened and she sighed, then lifted her gaze back to his. "Yes, I am ready." Her expression intensified. "My word has already been given and I will not change it," she finished, knowing that he was still concerned that she would change her mind.
Something in his expression eased a little and he nodded, then changed the subject before they gave something away before it was time. "That last dream you had," he began, waiting for her to nod before he continued, "there was something that you did not say. What was it?" he asked, watching her intently.
Ignoring the questioning look in her brother's eyes as he and Airi entered the dining room and heard Touga's words, Izayoi shook her head. "It was nothing of import, truly, Touga. It was just something personal – personal to Kagome."
"And yet, it upset you," he countered, his gaze steady and determined. "That means it was important."
He's not going to let it go... kami... I really don't want to tell him, but he will only keep asking if I do not. I do not want to give him the wrong impression, though... Worried, she bit her lip and looked at him pleadingly. "Will you not take my word for it? It has no bearing on anything, really."
He shook his head, looking at her regretfully. "But you cannot be sure that it does not play some part, Izayoi, for you still do not remember much of that life."
"Very well," she said, clearly not happy about his determination, but knowing she could not keep it from him for long. Eventually he would get it out of her. She looked away from him, trying to hide the little bit of hurt that she felt over the memories, not wanting him to see it and get angry. "Kagome... she was in love with Inuyasha. But there was another... he could not see Kagome for who she was, because all he could see is who she had once been. He was in love with her previous incarnation, Kikyou."
Touga had not expected that; sitting back in consternation he eyed her small figure, and he had to force a jealous growl back into his throat. Taking a deep breath to control his anger at the thought of her feelings being taken by any other, he asked, "Does that mean that you, yourself, are pained at his loss?"
She flinched, then, at his question, for she could hear in his voice that what she had said upset him. But she met his gaze, anyway, knowing this had to be cleared up – she did not want her past to influence her present or future. What had happened in her life as Kagome was gone, never to be retrieved, and in the here and now she was Izayoi. It was enough. She couldn't keep a deep, bitter part of herself from the thought – at least he sees me for who I am now, and not who I used to be.
Letting sincerity color her voice and eyes, she shook her head. "No. While I still feel her pain, her sorrow, it is in the same way you might feel sorrow for a close friend who has suffered a loss in life or love. Those emotions do not affect my present or my future, and are nowhere near as strong as the emotions I feel as Izayoi are. Kagome... she is who I once was, but that life is gone and in this new reality will never come again. Kikyou, Kagome... they will only ever exist inside my memories, now, and so will their lives and loves. Even the fates will not remember them."
"Hn," he said after a moment of searching her gaze. It was he who looked away first, respect for her strength making him bow his head to her in front of every interested gaze in the room. "I do not envy you the twisted and confusing fate that you have. The kami have certainly given you one that most could never even handle a fraction of. But at the same time, my respect for you grows for those same reasons. You are strong. Stronger than anyone I have ever known."
A shy blush colored her pale cheeks a pretty shade of rose and she smiled at him, her eyes also dropping. "I thank you for your kind words, though I am sure there are many others that are far stronger than I."
"I doubt it," came her father's voice as he entered the room with his brother, the last two to enter. He motioned for the servants to begin serving as he arranged himself comfortably on his cushion. "As I have said before, you are deceptive, my little hime-" he grinned at her horrified look at being pinned with such a moniker, "-in that you look so fragile, like a beautiful sakura blossom. But you have steel at your core and will bend to a point, but never break."
Touga nodded, agreeing with her sire completely. "It is true. Have I not lived for centuries with youkai of all kind? I have seen some few humans that were honorable and strong in the extreme, your father being one of them, as well as your brother... but you have beaten them all out, for not one of all of them has had a fate as difficult as yours and borne it with a grace the gods themselves envy."
Izayoi's eyes widened. "Touga, you must not say such things!" she breathed, waving her hands at him in denial. "I would not tempt the wrath of the gods."
She couldn't believe it when he just laughed. "I hate to tell you this, my dear, but the kami are not as all powerful as they would have you believe. At least, not most of them. I, myself, have killed gods before. Many of the kami have less power than you."
Shuddering back from the immensity of power he spoke of so very casually, she waited for her father to begin eating and then picked up her chopsticks and dug in. She was very aware that she was more than likely going to need every bit of energy she had, and that meant eating even if she really didn't want to for all the emotions whirling around inside her and making her feel a little ill.
Most prominent at this point was guilt; when she'd said that her feelings for Inuyasha that were holdovers from her life as Kagome were the same as she might feel for a friend, she hadn't been entirely truthful. For while they weren't as strong as her feelings as Izayoi in the here and now they were still affecting her. But she hadn't wanted them to cloud her present, and she had heard the anger in Touga's voice when she'd spoken of Kagome's love of Inuyasha. (Though she was confused a bit about that love and what kind of love it had been, because her memory of Kagome's feelings was also uncertain of what those feelings truly were.) So she downplayed them a little, hoping that it would calm him, and it had worked. And while she did feel guilty for not being strictly honest, for shading the truth just a bit she knew that it was better that way, because she remembered what he'd said of youkai and their jealousy over their wives - or husbands, as the case may be.
It would not be good to start out making him jealous, and before they even got to the wedding! And she could also understand how she would feel were she in his shoes – she knew that she would feel terribly upset to find out that he had feelings for someone else - on the very day of their betrothal, no less...
On top of that was the ache of a heart that had been so thoroughly broken – and the newly-born fear that it would happen again. Where before she had been awoken to her feelings in that past life and the rejection of them by the one she'd loved, she'd had no fear of her heart being broken – it simply hadn't occurred to her. But now... now she knew what it was like – how it felt. And that knowledge brought with it fear – would it happen again? Would he at some point meet someone else and regret marrying her?
Still, she would honor her word. She'd agreed to accept his hand, the hand of the male her father had chosen for her, and she would not retract it. There would be no honor in such an action. And to deny him would also do nothing but cause her even more pain, and she knew it. No... it was too late for her to back out, for even without her honor, her heart was far too involved with the gorgeous male she was to be wedded to. In love? Perhaps not completely yet... but she was definitely well on her way in that direction, and more than halfway there.
It wouldn't take much longer to arrive at that destination, either, and she knew it. He would definitely have her in the palm of his hand by the end of the summer, and since that was when the marriage was to take place, she supposed that it was all working out perfectly.
Perhaps she would even wish to be wed sooner, for in her mind was his words about the dragon. She wanted as much time to learn what she could of this Ryukotsussei – because she was determined that she would not lose her soon-to-be husband to such an evil beast. She would protect him... no matter what would be required of her to fulfill that silent vow.
Feeling a bit better at her last thoughts, she finished her meal and settled her chopsticks neatly atop her bowl before shooting a quick glance at Touga, only to find him also finished with his meal and watching her. She smiled a bit shyly at him, berating herself inwardly for acting an awkward ninny. But she couldn't seem to help it; ever since he'd kissed her, touched her and held her the night before last, every time she thought of him or saw him she blushed.
It seems that no matter how foolish it truly is to blush so in his presence, I cannot convince my cheeks, for they inevitably redden anytime he looks upon me.
She sighed, shaking her head at herself as she forced her mind away from that night and the things he'd done to her... and the things she'd felt. It had been... nothing like she'd ever thought – when she'd even bothered to think on relations between men and women at all, which hadn't been often. Most of the time, it had been when the girls at the shrine had seen one handsome man or another and giggled while breathlessly talking about what they knew of what went on between males and females when they were alone. And even then, she'd never been the one to talk, only listen.
But even the things they'd spoken of hadn't prepared her for what Touga had done to her, how he had made her feel, and honestly, because she saw little point in lying to herself, she wanted to learn more – but only at his hands. When she tried to imagine herself kissing anyone else as Touga had kissed her, or letting another touch her as he had she felt nothing but nauseous.
Pulled from her blush-worthy thoughts by her father's signal that the meal was over, she started to slip out of her seat when he spoke again, startling her.
"I am calling a session of formal court this morning, for I have an announcement of great importance to make. We will convene in half a candlemark."
She blanched a little, knowing what was coming, and somehow she just knew there would be trouble. In fact, it appeared as though her father knew there would be trouble, too, for he did not normally come to break his fast armed. Peeking from between heavy lashes, she noted that Ichirou, her uncle, and Touga were also armed. Closing her eyes as the room emptied to loud and heavy speculating of what said announcement was, she brought herself under control and straightened her spine. She was a daughter of Setsuna and would not cower before anyone, no matter how nervous she was.
Touga had been watching her for some time, and he smiled inwardly as she squared her shoulders and took a deep inhale. She is so proud, this one... and yet she is not arrogant with it. Such a strange but beautiful flower... He stood and rounded the table, holding out a hand to help her up. He smiled as her eyes opened and traveled up his body to meet his gaze and pondered a time when her eyes would travel the same path – for very different reasons. Just like that his body heated, and he had to forcibly hold himself back from tasting her once again.
His smile widened as she tried to beat back her blush. "Would you like to take a walk in the gardens for a few minutes – to cool down and prepare yourself?" he asked, his smile faltering as he wished that she could be spared the uproar that was certain to envelope Setsuna's palace as soon as the announcement was made. He knew that there would be dangers, things that would happen that would mar their courtship, making a mess of what should be a happy memory for her. That made him angry, and he knew that he would probably respond very badly to anyone whose actions caused her to be upset.
He sighed as she took his hand, coming gracefully to her feet and following him quietly from the room. These next two months were going to greatly try his patience and control, and he just knew it. He only hoped he could get through this without actually killing anyone – it would not be well to do so in his ally's home.
Shaking off his unhappy thoughts, he looked at her and smiled again. "You will be fine, Izayoi. You have faced worse, after all, and not been broken. Not even just a little bit. I have no doubt that you will stand your ground in the face of any detractors and naysayers. I have faith in you, and all you must do is trust my judgment of you to find your faith in yourself once more."
His smile widened with delight as that startled a chuckle out of her. It was still a little weak, but it was there. "You think most highly of yourself, do you not, my Lord?"
"But of course, my dear! I cannot allow doubt in myself to make me falter, can I? Since so many lives are dependent on me for protection I must always go forward with strength. Doubt only weakens one, ne?" he asked, still smiling though she knew that he was really being serious.
She nodded up at him, a small smile on her lips but a solemn expression in her eyes – an expression of trust. She trusted him...
He bent to nuzzle her temple affectionately after a quick glance around affirming that they were alone for the moment. "You should never fear when I am with you, Izayoi, for I will never let you fall. From now until we are parted by death you need only lean on me, and I will protect you from any that would bring you harm. From the world, if need be."
She met his eyes, her smile fading as she took in the fierce promise in his and she nodded, knowing that he meant what he said and that she would always be protected. For the first time in her life she felt completely at ease in the presence of another, felt totally safe as she never had before for her era was dangerous even for one of her social standing, and one never knew who or what was lurking that would happily cause a person harm.
After a few moments of staring into each others eyes, he shook off the need to kiss her, and said, "I suppose we should make our way to the receiving room. It is almost time, and it would not do for the very reasons for the announcement to be late, now would it?" he smiled once more in a charming manner, trying to make her feel lighthearted and happy again.
It worked for the most part; she smiled back wryly and shook her head at him. "No... it would look very bad, would it not? Everyone would most likely think we were off doing things we were not supposed to." At his falsely shocked look, she giggled. "Oh, come now, Touga! I am not that innocent! I've heard more than enough while wandering in the garden since I've been home and wishing for my privacy to know that most of those here have been caught doing those same things at one time or another."
He paused in his step for a moment and looked down at her questioningly. "And just what have you seen, my lady?"
Blushing suddenly, she tapped his forearm in a teasing reprimand with her fan. "I would not compromise another person's privacy that way, Touga! When I stumble upon those who are doing things that are not for public consumption, I close my eyes and ears and leave the vicinity quickly. Truthfully, I have heard much but have seen nothing but a little kissing. And I am honestly glad for that – though it has made me wonder," she trailed off, her face taking on a look of question and confusion. He nudged her to get her to finish, and she said, "Well, I would wonder... from the things I would hear-" she blushed even deeper, "-it sounded like it felt... well, good... and yet, from what I have been told about relations between men and women it hurts and is unpleasant for the woman, a duty one must deal with to appease ones husband and for heirs, of course."
Touga couldn't help but laugh at that, though he stopped quickly at the reproachful look on her still reddened face. "Ah, forgive me, my hime, you simply took me by surprise." He lowered his voice as they were near the receiving room, and there were others in the hall with them that had no business hearing what he was about to say to her. "A woman's first time can be painful, for some it is merely uncomfortable – if the male knows what he is doing. But if there is any care for his wife, after that first joining it only brings great pleasure and no pain."
So red she was almost glowing, she kept her face turned to the floor so no one would notice her embarrassment. Touga chuckled again, his voice a little husky with desire this time as he whispered in her ear, "You should not fear, Izayoi – I promise that for you, whatever pain your first time brings I will bring you a thousand times more pleasure after that – every time we are with each other in that manner for the rest of our lives together. You, my precious hime, will only know pleasure from my touch once your maiden barrier is breached."
His words, spoken in that sinful voice, almost had her knees buckling though she didn't fully understand what he was speaking of, and it took every bit of her steel spine to straighten herself out and walk with dignity to sit at her accustomed place on the dais. Determinedly, she beat back the blush on her cheeks, but she couldn't help but remember the things he had done to her the other night. Innocent as it had truly been, when considered overall, still... her entire body felt tight and full, and she ached in places that had never ached before.
In some ways it was frightening, but in others... it was exciting. Because she would be ushered into womanhood by the most beautiful being in creation – who would also be her husband for as many years as they were given together... and who could ask for more?
Kill me now, he groaned inwardly as her delicious scent of arousal was already doing anyway, even with his sense of smell scaled back, and he suddenly decided it was a good thing that humans couldn't smell what he could – otherwise he'd be battling them all away from her right here in Hiraku's reception room. As it was, as Kenji entered the room and caught the scent, his eyes widening, he had to throttle the jealous, warning growl that wanted to rip from his throat, instead repeatedly reminding himself that Kenji would not attempt to take her from him – the same with Hikaru when he entered and swung his head to face Izayoi, surprise in his eyes. Neither was a rival, but his instincts had been tuned to a killing degree and he had to force his own change back as his mind began to revert to his less... calm, logical form in defense of the female that was his – or would be soon.
It was difficult. Underneath his calm, logical humanoid form he was truly a very dangerous, powerful animal, and one that saw all males as a threat to the female he would claim as his. It was in this one arena that his control of his humanoid form wavered as his instincts demanded he return to his true form and destroy anything that would threaten his slowly forming bond with the one he had chosen as his. For any male youkai it was the same – their females were their greatest weakness – although, conversely, they could also be their greatest strength. At any other time, he could think clearly and logically through just about anything, no matter what it was. This was different, however.
It was that ability to think in a clear and concise manner that allowed certain youkai to take a humanoid form. Those who could not control their bestial blood, their instincts, were stuck in their natural forms and were therefore lower youkai. And it was the ability to control even the most violent of their instincts, to control their forms no matter the provocation that made certain youkai daiyoukai, instead. Like him. It took a lot of power and control to be able to do that.
Power and control... those things made him who he was, but make no mistake, he truly was a dangerous beast in human skin, Takemaru was right about that. But he was a dangerous beast with a high degree of honor – and that was where Takemaru went off in the wrong direction. He also wasn't evil – he was simply powerful, and it was that power in the Captain's eyes that made him into the epitome of evil. Takemaru feared and hated him because he was stronger than he, himself was, and it was that attitude that would bring about his death one day.
It was too bad, because it would truly be a waste but Takemaru was simply too far gone in hate to ever be saved. He didn't want to be saved, and in the end, that said it all. It was his hate that would kill him.
Even now he could feel the waves of undisguised loathing that literally rolled off the man, and he knew that any real danger would come from that direction. He narrowed his eyes on the human male, watching as he stood stiffly, glaring back at him. But will he really risk everything to attack me now? In his rage, he might... and actually, that would truly be for the best. Then I could take care of the problem now and have done with it. But somehow, I do not think it will be that easy.
He sighed inwardly as he watched Hiraku climb the steps up to the dais and take his seat, Ichirou to his side as heir apparent and Kohaku behind him. Hiraku, feeling his gaze looked over and smiled grimly, touching lightly his sword hilt and nodding, tilting his head just slightly at Takemaru.
So... he feels it, too. He inclined his head a bit, also touching the hilt of Tessaiga. She will be safe, he mouthed, tilting his head towards Izayoi's quiet, proudly held form, and Hiraku smiled before turning to face the court. The room was packed; it seemed every person who had any right to be there at all was there and waiting to hear what was so important that a special session of court had been called to announce it.
Touga was amused to hear that most in the room believed that Izayoi's betrothal to Takeda was what was about to be announced; even though technically, if that had been the case Takeda would have still been here, sitting beside Izayoi for the announcement. But not a one had any idea – he heard not one whisper that it was actually he that was going to take their hime from them.
This will truly be a shock, then. He grinned inwardly for just a moment - if only the surprise would be just as great once he took her back to his own palace. Then again, it probably would be. Sesshoumaru would never breathe a word of this to anyone, and Kenji and Hikaru were here, of course, and so could not confide in anyone. And Arata would die before he'd whisper a word of what his friend was up to, so chances were good that he would be able to totally stun the youkai courts in his home just as well as this court was about to be.
He looked forward to that day more and more... and especially her meeting with his son and heir. It would probably shock Sesshoumaru speechless – he definitely would not know how to handle a spitfire like Izayoi. I hope her fire is enough to melt his ice... and somehow, I think she will, though it will take time, of course, since that boy's covered in more ice than Mt. Fushi's peak in deepest winter.
The murmuring in the room came to a halt as Hiraku held up a hand and called everyone to attention. Touga shook himself free from his thoughts and readied himself for the outcry to come. No one would be able to tell, but he had shifted himself just that slight bit closer to his bride-to-be. He would protect her, come what may, and if anyone thought to attack her to keep her from him they would die, no questions asked.
He had foreseen that such a thing, while not probable, could happen, and approached Hiraku about it. He had been honest; he told the Setsuna lord that if anyone attempted to harm Izayoi, that one would die immediately, their lifeblood flowing from them as his claws opened them to death's dark embrace. Hiraku's eyes had flashed, and he'd assured Touga that he had no problem with him killing anyone that threatened his daughter's life in any manner.
"I have called this special session of court to announce that I have approved a match for my daughter. The one I have chosen is the best possible choice to protect and care for my beloved hime, and it will also strengthen our alliance." Hiraku looked slowly over the room, taking note of Takemaru's silent snarl; he was furious that someone had been chosen for her – and it would only get worse once he found out who the lucky male actually was. Despite the chance of attack, Hiraku was going to fiercely enjoy this moment – he wanted Takemaru to know his place, and that it would never be at the side of his beautiful and powerful daughter. Too bad for you, Takemaru – you lifted your eyes higher than you had any right, for my daughter is above you in every way. You should have kept your gaze on your place.
He could feel the tension building as they all awaited his announcement of just who the chosen man was, especially as there was no other Lord on the dais with them. Most did truly think Takeda was the lucky man, though none could guess why he had left yesterday morning if he had indeed won Izayoi's fair hand.
So it was with great relish that Hiraku stood and beckoned for his daughter to join him – and then gasps and shouts were heard as Touga also stood and moved to stand next to Izayoi as her father put her hand in his. He turned to his horrified court and drew his sword, quickly silencing all of them except Takemaru, whose shouting was heard in the sudden silence like glass breaking upon a stone floor.
"Abomination! He would force the hime to marry an animal masking itself in human skin? This travesty is no better than throwing the hime to the castle mastiffs that guard the yards!" he yelled into the stunned silence.
A shocked blush swept across Izayoi's face, but that embarrassment did not stop her from stepping down from the dais and sweeping up to Takemaru with rage in her eyes. Stunned gasps were heard again as she slapped him so hard his head snapped backward under the blow, and she pinned him with furious eyes as he slowly looked back around at her, enraged shock in his own gaze. "You would dare lay a hand to one who is trying to defend you from a fate worse than death?!" Let alone daring to strike a male who is above you in every way? You need to be taught your place, as your father has not done so, woman. This is what comes of giving women their freedom in such a manner!
Touga and Hiraku both rushed down from the dais, Touga of course arriving first, bent on protecting the fragile seeming girl, but once again she proved that her seeming fragility was just that – seeming.
"And so speaks the voice of ignorance and stupidity," she spat, her voice bitingly mocking. "I can almost hear your thoughts, Captain... you wish to hit me for my so-called impertinence, do you not? And that is why you are nothing. I am not some piece of property for you to own and strike at will. Sadly, most human men think just so and that is why I am thrilled that father chose a youkai husband for me. A fate worse than death, you say? I say nay. A fate worse than death would be having to wed one such as you. Neither father nor Touga forced acceptance out of me; Touga asked and I accepted of my own free will. I will wed Touga, the Western Lord, and thank kami every day that such a wonderful destiny was handed to me," she hissed, her words direct and cold as hell frozen over could never be.
She could feel the rage and hatred in Takemaru and knew that from now on he would be an enemy, but she did not care and she would not back down. Holding his stare with her own for several long seconds, she only stepped back when her father ordered several soldiers that he had stationed just outside the room to come in and take custody of Takemaru.
Hiraku stood at his daughter's side with pride for her strength; when she finished speaking he had the soldiers come and bind the now former Captain of the palace guard. "Takemaru, your commission is stripped of you; you are to go to your now former quarters and gather your belongings. You are banished forever from Setsuna. You are to leave my lands; if you are ever caught inside my boundaries again your life is forfeit. Go."
Takemaru said nothing as he was forced away, only stared at Touga with hatred as he was escorted from the room. Touga, quite happy with the way things had turned out, though he knew that Takemaru would be more a danger now than ever before, flashed his fangs at the human male as he was led from the room, grinning in a triumphant manner he knew the other male would understand quite well.
Go ahead and hate me, plot to kill me and rage against the fates... but she is mine, and will ever be only mine.
Gods, he'd been so aroused when she had attacked that bastard so promptly! He'd been taken aback when she'd swept down from the dais only to confront the man. She had been both fierce and terrifying in her anger, and yet she had kept her head and spoken most eloquently, if angrily, to one who was so far beneath her. She was simply magnificent! More and more he could not wait to see her take his own courts by storm...
Touga was surprised, however, as Hiraku yet held his sword before him and swept his gaze over the entire, breathlessly silent room, a dangerous look in his eyes. "If there is anyone here that thinks to challenge this decision, do so now." If it were possible, the room fell even more silent, a fear of Hiraku clear in many gazes. It was an earned fear; Hiraku was a fair lord, but dangerous when crossed. That was something he, Touga, could respect, because it was exactly as he was.
After several long, deadly quiet moments he sheathed his sword, the motion easy and practiced and the sound sending shivers down many backs in the room. "Since that has been dealt with, are there any questions?" he asked as he led the way back up to the dais, watching with a smile as Izayoi's cushion was moved closer to Touga's as was appropriate now that they were officially betrothed. He didn't miss the slight blush as she noticed and knelt down at the inuyoukai's side, all without looking up at a proud, smiling Touga.
One of his older advisers nodded and shuffled forward. "My Lord, do you really think this is a wise idea?" he asked, his voice shaky and querulous. "Once it gets out what you have done, those that have asked for the hime's hand and been turned down will be greatly angered. There could be... consequences for this day's work."
Hiraku met the old man's gaze steadily. "There are always consequences, Toshiro. But I will not put my daughter's happiness at stake just to make things easier for myself. Still, if Hojo and Takeda think to dissolve our alliances for such a petty reason, then good riddance to them. It is no different than if she had been betrothed to the Date* Lord or any other and one of them had asked. Her hand had already long since been given, and it matters not who it was given to."
Another adviser, this one a monk, stepped forward, his eyes showing his consternation at this news. This was something that went against his religious beliefs... most especially because the young woman was a priestess. "My Lord... I thought you said the hime-sama had accepted youkai-sama?"
"I did, Yoshiro. Touga wrote to me three years ago, when Izayoi's reiki bloomed, asking for her hand. I agreed. But as Touga has repeatedly stated, he would not take an unwilling bride and he refused to finalize the agreement unless and until she agreed." He glanced at a once more blushing Izayoi's face. "He spoke his intent to her two days ago and she consented to the betrothal."
It was clear that the monk was really uncomfortable with this and not sure how to handle it. Being allies with the youkai was one thing... but having a priestess marry one was another. "My Lord... are you sure this is a wise path?" he murmured, glancing at the Western Lord, and then at the young woman sitting next to him. "No offense intended, of course, youkai-sama," he said, bowing lightly in his direction.
Knowing why the monk was so uncomfortable with this, Hiraku did not get angry, though he could feel his brother's temper igniting behind him. "Peace, Kohaku," he said quietly. In a louder tone, he said, "I am sure, Yoshiro. You know that she is destined for great things – and there is a reason that she is the only priestess with reiki that not only destroys youkai, but also heals them. The gods do not give power idly or without reason; if she were not going to have much close contact with youkai, she would not have been given the power to heal them."
Still concerned, but having no say in the matter, Yoshiro bowed to his lord and stepped back.
"Any others?" Hiraku asked, and with no one else choosing to say a word, he dismissed court with a relieved sigh that things had not been worse. After a moment of watching the members of the court leaving the room, the noise of all their chatter leaving with them, he turned to those on the dais and said, "Come. There is much to speak of now that this has been announced and become official."
Ichirou followed his father solemnly, as did Kohaku, but Touga held back a moment, his mind obviously caught on something and Izayoi watched him, a frown on her own face. When he turned back and motioned for her to follow as they hurried to catch up with her father and uncle, she wondered what the look she had startled upon his face was.
She just prayed it was nothing bad; she'd seen enough bad things lately to drown her. All she really wanted was a little peace for her betrothed to court her so she could get to know him... so she could grow more comfortable with him.
Every girl always remembered their courtship. It was usually the only time in her life that she had any attention paid to her in a positive manner. That was why she'd pushed her brother to court his own wife, though they were already wed – it would give Airi that same set of memories to look back happily on, and would also allow them to get to know each other in a more intimate manner.
She wanted to remember hers as a happy time, as well – when she grew to know and fall in love with the one that her father had chosen for her to spend her life with.
She could only hope that a benevolent kami heard her prayer...
… And granted it, too.
~oOo~
*Kusarigama-a small sickle or scythe on a chain with a balance weight on the end of the chain. It was not an easy weapon to master.
*Date Clan-The Date family was founded in the early Kamakura period (1185-1333) by Isa Tomomune who originally came from the Isa district of Hitachi Province (now Ibaraki Prefecture), and was a descendant of Fujiwara no Uona (721-783) in the sixteenth generation. The family took its name from the Date district (now Fukushima Prefecture) of Mutsu Province which had been awarded in 1189 to Isa Tomomune by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Kamakura shogun, for his assistance in the Genpei War and in Minamoto no Yoritomo's struggle for power with his brother, Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Edited 09/21/13
