Chapter 35: Dangerous Minds

Kenichi headed for the dining hall eagerly, wanting to see his wife and watch her interact with the Lady Izayoi. He'd never seen her the way she was here – though there was always an edge of danger surrounding youkai and she was well aware that she could be attacked even here, it was clear she knew that she was relatively safe - much safer than she'd ever been in her father's house. She didn't have to fear a vicious father raping or beating her, or twisted siblings doing the same.

She was almost a different person here.

He was fascinated and pleased with the change. Mine was more forward now and not timid and trying to fade into the background. It was clear that her new Lady had given her encouragement and her spirit, which had been stifled, back. She had told him that she really liked Izayoi-sama, who was strong-willed and honorable and caring. Touga had chosen wisely, he thought, entering the dining room and taking his seat to wait for his lord and the rest to appear. He'd beaten his wife to the table, and he could hardly wait to question her – he'd felt the flaring of an immense spiritual power, as had every youkai here and in the city below. He wanted to know what had happened and just who it was that had died. He knew it wasn't Izayoi-sama, for if she had been harmed Touga would have destroyed the palace and half the city below it to kill those that had done so.

His eyes brightened as the Lady and her companions entered the room, finding their seats just as Touga-sama also entered. The room fell fairly quiet as Izayoi sat down, everyone watching and weighing her. It would go on for some time, but eventually the youkai here would accept her, her power forcing them to bow to her superior strength.

Mine grinned the irrepressible little grin that he'd seen much more of since being here in the West as she sat down next to her husband, her eyes sparkling with excitement, then winked and turned to watch Touga, him picking up his chopsticks and taking the first bite the signal for everyone else to begin eating. Once the meal was underway, conversations picked up around the room.

"So what have you done with your day so far, my love?" he asked, looking down with a proud smile at his glowing little wife.

"Listened to a lot of boring gossip about people I don't know yet, and watched my Lady kill some females that decided to try their hands against her. It was so exciting, Kenichi!" she breathed, eyes wide. "She killed the first female by stealing the energy of her attack and harnessing it and sending it back to her. And then her cronies attacked, too. Of her four attackers, she killed three, while her neko companion killed the other." She lowered her voice, smiling up at the head of the table where Touga's lady sat quietly, demurely eating her meal as if she hadn't spent the morning killing. "She is strong and will not be defeated."

It was clear to Kenichi that his wife had gained a new role-model in Touga's bride, and he couldn't say he minded. If Touga had wed her then she was worthy, as far as he was concerned.

He smiled at her, and then she purred for him before dropping her face with a blush. After she took a bite of her food, she regained her equilibrium. "So what have you spent the day doing, husband?"

Finishing his own bite, he swallowed and then waved his chopsticks around for a moment. "Oh, you know, same kind of thing I did back in your father's palace – I wandered around spying."

She giggled at his playful expression. "Find anything interesting?"

At that, a frown forked his brow and he said, "I think so, actually. I'm going to report to Touga-sama once the meal is finished." He said nothing else, and knowing the secretive nature of his job she said nothing further, understanding that to push for information could be dangerous.

Both fell silent after that, just enjoying the meal and listening to the talk around them. Mine herself couldn't help that her gaze was pinned to her new heroine – and the heroine's husband. Things had been such a whirl since she had arrived here that she really hadn't had the time to catch up with herself yet, and she couldn't help her fascination with the ruling couple of the Western Lands.

Touga himself was almost impossibly beautiful, so much so that he easily stood out even amongst other youkai, which were usually universally beautiful. If she hadn't already had a mate, she would have been quite smitten with the Western Daiyoukai herself.

But she knew herself very well; she was in no way the equal of his wife, and would never have made a suitable match for Touga. Izayoi, however, was.

Despite her humanity, Mine could say with absolute confidence that no one more suited to the inuyoukai could have existed. She was powerful, confident in her strength and had been – strangely enough, for a human – well-trained to rule at her husband's side. And her beauty was a match for her male's – Izayoi, with all her physical perfection could have been a youkai female of the highest and most pure blood.

It was obvious to her and everyone else in the room that was openly and surreptitiously watching them that the bond between them was an extraordinarily strong one; even when not speaking to each other and seemingly preoccupied with their own thoughts it was clear that both were highly aware of each other – the fire between them was compelling and fierce. Her eyes lowered demurely as she smiled just slightly – it was like her own bond with Kenichi, and she was terribly glad that such was true also for the little miko, because she deserved it.

Izayoi was aware of the steady regard from her newest friend and lady, the pretty green-haired Mine, and she wondered what she was thinking – she had studied her, and then Touga, and seemed to approve of them as a couple if the sweet smile in their direction was any indication.

I only hope that her new life here in the West is happy, for what little I've gathered of her life 'til this point was enough to make me cry. The stakes just keep going up, she sighed quietly, pushing her little bit of food around on the platter. For everyone here, Mine and Takako, for all these lands, Ryukotsussei must die. There is no other way.

Then another thought occurred to her and she frowned, falling deeper into her thoughts. The dragon sisters... There was no two ways about it – the two would have to be neutralized... But how?

"What causes such an expression, my love?" Touga asked softly, breaking into his wife's thoughts and leaving her shivering at his husky tone in a manner that was totally inappropriate to the moment, had he but known it of her reaction.

Fighting back the blush creeping up in her cheeks she drew in a calming breath and then smiled slightly at her husband.

"I was thinking on the subject of Ryukotsussei's new allies, the dragon sisters – and how to go about neutralizing them," she replied just as softly, her eyes flicking up to meet his golden ones, the expression in them deadly serious.

Touga sobered at that; he considered her thoughtfully as he chewed and swallowed, and then brushed his knuckles over her cheek with a soft, pensive expression. "The kami have blessed me above all others in you, Izayoi, and I will spend the rest of our lives thanking them for their gift." He sat back after a moment and inclined his head. "Tell me, then – what are your thoughts on them?"

Flushing becomingly at the loving look openly displayed in his eyes for all his people to see, she bowed her head obediently and began to speak. "You know that when we go into battle they will have to be my opponents, don't you?" she asked, her voice low but intense and gaining her the attention of most at the table – including a highly thoughtful and somewhat wary Sesshoumaru.

"I like not the idea of you taking them both on alone, Izayoi," Touga growled, his protective instincts causing his aura to flare, which caught the attention of the entire room.

"And I like not the idea of you taking on the Dragon alone, my Lord," she returned softly, her eyes not dropping from his. "But this is war and there is no choice. I have no doubts the females will see me as their target, without any interference from anyone else – after all, Ryukotsussei brought them into his plans to counter my presence." She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to recall every bit of information she could from the scrolls she'd read about the two and their ancestral line. "I am also positive that they do not know or even suspect that I know anything about them and their natures - especially that I might know what their weakness is... since it is the same thing that is their strength. This knowledge, especially since they are unaware of what I know, gives me an advantage over them and I intend to use it to its fullest extent. Do not fear for me, husband. These sisters will not escape me, nor will I fall to their schemes."

Before Touga could respond to that, a tiny, reprimanding mew could be heard, and Izayoi giggled just a little as she listened to her companion taking her husband to task. 'Have you forgotten, you foolish dog, that I will be with her? I will not let her be alone to face any opponent, no matter who it is. You should be spending more time worrying about your opponent, and less about ours,' she hissed pointedly.

Touga chuckled at her words. "You are right, Kirara," he allowed, "but it is the nature of the mated beast to fear anything that could cause them to lose their mate."

'Well, don't,' she snorted, one ear flattening to her head as she heard Izayoi's attempt to smother her amusement. 'It's not like I will even be the only one around my Kagome – Kenji-san will be there with us, as will Nami-san and Mine-san. Who will be standing at your side when you face that snake Ryukotsussei?'

That rather pointed observation stopped Kagome's amusement cold and she frowned, suddenly worried as she took in the reality of the coming war. Her entire body and soul went icy cold at the very idea of losing her husband, and she knew suddenly without a doubt that if he was killed she would stop at nothing to destroy Ryukotsussei before following her husband to the other world. She vowed silently to herself that no matter what it took, no matter what ploys her opponents tried, she would not be distracted and would stay as close as possible to her mate's battle so that she could assist him if needed.

She knew better than to say anything, however, because her husband was proud and would dislike the idea of having to have his wife's assistance in his battle. But this wasn't the time for such foolishness – for the good of all, pride had to be set aside. If it took both of them to kill the dragon, then so be it. After all, though he might marginally be stronger than one of them, he wasn't stronger than them both. And even if he was perfectly matched with Touga, anything could happen in a battle – he might get in a lucky blow that would end the fight in his favor. That absolutely could not be allowed.

The background noise almost disappeared as Sesshoumaru's voice was heard since he rarely spoke; it was clear that everyone in the room wanted to hear what he was about to say.

His voice was cold and monotone, almost empty, and Izayoi couldn't help the surge of pity she felt for him, though she didn't acknowledge it knowing he would not appreciate it.

"Having a mate is a weakness, having anything to protect is a weakness," he said, not looking at his sire as he did. "You will be so concerned for the human woman that it will leave your attention divided and you will be easily defeated."

The room was totally silent now; she had no problem feeling the animosity towards the heir those words caused. He was showing contempt for a very youkai preoccupation – a mate was a thing to be desired and treasured, not a subject to be ridiculed as a weakness.

"When is a female at her most dangerous, Sesshoumaru?" Izayoi spoke up after a moment.

His eyes met hers as he frowned. "What has that to do with anything?"

"If you will answer my question you will find out the answer to that all the swifter."

His frown deepened as he stared at her almost mistrustfully, but she could see him turning her question over in his mind trying to figure out what she was getting at. She waited patiently enough for him to answer. Finally, he said, "When a female has young she is a most dangerous opponent," curtly, still so obviously not catching on to what she was getting at.

"Very good," she said softly, her eyes darkening with intensity as she continued. "It is no different for a male. There is no force more dangerous than someone who is protecting something that they care for, for whatever reason." As Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed and his mouth thinned, she asked, "Tell me, Sesshoumaru. Do you feel any care at all for this magnificent place, the seat of power of the Western Lords and a most beautiful and shining city?"

Her question obviously irritated him, because his eyes began to show anger. "Do you question my loyalty to my father and the Lordship that I will one day inherit?"

"No, and you know I am not. But tell me; if this place were to be attacked, would you defend it?"

"Obviously, woman," he gritted, hackles rising.

"Then you have something to protect, Sesshoumaru, just as we all do. Does the fact that you desire to protect your inheritance make you weak?" She closed the trap softly around him, her words carrying power none there could deny.

They could all hear the murmuring that picked up around the room as Izayoi's words were weighed and found to contain merit; but Sesshoumaru was so taken aback at what she had just pointed out to him that he could do little more than stare at her, the conversations breaking out around the room not even registering in his mind.

Izayoi said nothing more, content to have made her point and given him something to think about. She could feel her husband's approval echoing along their bond and hoped that he would leave the subject alone, because if he tried to add to it or expound on her words, it would only drive the young male further away.

Before she could fall back into her own thoughts, finished as she was with her lunch, Sesshoumaru addressed her again. "You told that wench earlier that challenged you that weakness was not to be tolerated."

Izayoi sighed. "There are many forms of weakness, Sesshoumaru, just as there are many forms of power. That female's character was weak; she was untrustworthy and foolish and ill-suited to politics – those failings are dangerous in the political arena, as she found out today. There are just some beings that are simply not suited to this environment, and she was definitely one of them. And especially at such a time as this; we can ill afford to have such fools running the halls of the palace and making mistakes that could endanger us all in one way or another."

Sesshoumaru's eyes sparked; to his carefully watching father it was clear that his wife's words had made a distinct impression on his heir, and he couldn't hide the approval that he felt at her words - though it was a begrudging approval, since it was clear enough that slowly but surely the new Western Lady was impressing him and he was loathe to admit that he'd been so very wrong.

"Hn." This woman... she should have been born youkai. It is a mockery that the kami clothed her in human flesh, for I have never met a human that held any worth at all. And yet... Too much on his mind to even care about finishing his meal, Sesshoumaru stood from the table after acknowledging his father and swept from the room, needing to get outside away from the stifling air in the palace and calm his inner turmoil, and the only way to do that was to focus on his battle training. When engaged in such a pastime there was no room for anything else, and he desperately needed to have his equilibrium restored in such a way.

The heir's leavetaking was the signal for others to do the same, and the room emptied fairly quickly, most beings also in need of some stress relief as this day had been quite confusing already - and was only half over.

"Do you have any need of me, husband?" Izayoi asked, having set aside her chopsticks and plate, no longer hungry.

Touga looked at her thoughtfully, then shook his head. "I will, later, but not for a while yet. Why? Is there something you need to do?"

Glancing over at Kenji, she nodded. "I have need to take over one of the practice yards for a time – there is a particular skill that I have been working on, but my control of it is still shaky and it takes too much concentration to be completely usable yet. The only way to master it is to practice," she shrugged, "just as with anything else."

Regal brow rising as he looked interested, he stared at her for a moment and then looked to Kenji, who simply nodded towards his mistress indicating that she should be the one to explain further.

"Skill?" he prompted.

Izayoi, distracted for a moment by a stray thought blinked and then flushed a little. "Oh! I'm sorry, my Lord. I did not mean to leave you waiting." She opted to show him rather than tell him and, concentrating fiercely, she slowly formed a bow, though she didn't bother with an arrow. Once she had stabilized the energy, she looked up at her husband, who looked astonished.

"I did not know you had learned this, Izayoi," he said softly after a moment, the question as to why she hadn't mentioned it before more than evident in his voice.

"It is a recent development, one I had just begun to practice before leaving the shrine earlier this spring. And with everything that has occurred this summer, I had simply not thought about it." She let the bow dissolve as her reiki faded back into her skin.

He sighed, pride and worry rising up within him. "Point taken. I am just surprised; this is a skill very few ever learn, and to know that you can do it, even if it is still not an easy task is simply astonishing, since you have only spent three years training. I have begun to wonder just how much more there is to you, little wife – even Midoriko had not learned this skill, and yet... here you are, ten years younger than she was at her death and with almost sixteen years less training. Who taught you such a thing?"

"Miko Kiyoko told me of this ability that some few miko have had; though she herself did not, she was familiar enough with the concept and explained it to me. I began practicing on my own after that; such a skill would, after all, be highly desirable, even before I knew about the life awaiting me at your side. But I have only really been able to practice with it a few times, which is why I would like to step up training with it."

"Then by all means, my love, have Kenji escort you to a practice yard and clear it for you so that you may do what you need to do. If I have need of you, I will send a servant to you," her husband said, smiling at her with approval clear in his gaze.

Flushing slightly at the look in his eyes, Izayoi bowed her head respectfully to her husband and then glanced at her companions to make sure they were finished with their meals before standing and walking swiftly from the room, her mind already focused on her task to the exclusion of all else.

Touga watched his wife walk from the room with a look of concentration already on her face and shook his head, wondering just how many more surprises she was hiding within her small form. Will we ever know all that she is capable of?

He sighed again and then stood himself, setting the matter of his little wife aside as his mind once more returned to his own self-imposed duty for the day – ridding the palace of all those that were not trustworthy.

There were, after all, only a few more days before the other Lords would arrive and they prepared to march forth to war.

So little time, and far too much to accomplish.

His blood began to race at the thought... since, of course, youkai thrived on such challenges.

~oOo~

Striding confidently down the halls of his palace, Touga's head was full of plans and details, things that needed to be done and things that needed to be addressed. That was why it took him a moment to realize that Kenichi was trying to gain his attention after having materialized practically right next to him.

Blinking, Touga shook off his preoccupation and addressed his vassal. "Was there something, Kenichi, that you needed?"

"Aye, my Lord, however-" he looked pointedly around the halls and rooms they were passing that were filled with youkai with excellent hearing and all of them with desires to hear what was occupying the Western Lord's mind, "-it would best be imparted to you in the privacy of your study, Touga-sama. This is... dangerous knowledge for several here in the palace."

Touga's eyes narrowed, but he nodded, and they finished the trek to his study in silence that remained unbroken until the soundproof barrier went up around them and they were both seated.

With a curt nod, Touga indicated that Kenichi could speak.

Bowing his head respectfully, he did so.

"I have come across some rather disturbing rumors, my Lord," he started, "and while I have not gained too much information as of yet, I've gained enough to know that there is a plot afoot in the palace to destroy your wife. I'm not absolutely certain how this is to be done, yet," he said cautiously to Touga, whose eyes had just flared red, "but from the echoes I've heard, Teruko is going to play a part in the attack – though a silent one, so as to attempt to maintain her innocence."

"Who else is involved in this plot, Kenichi?" Touga gritted out, angry.

"I have no other names for you yet, my Lord, but as soon as I do, you will know immediately," he swore, clenching his fist in anger of his own at those who would dare to thwart their Lord's will in anything.

"Set aside everything else and concentrate on this plot. It need not be said that this is of the utmost importance to me," an irate Touga instructed; he inclined his head at Kenichi's wordless acceptance and excused him so that he could once again haunt the highways and byways of the palace in his search for information.

Touga sat back a little as one of his most loyal males dissipated as he dropped his barrier, and clenched his own fist in aggravation. We don't have time for this petty foolishness! His eyes narrowed dangerously. Teruko, you have signed your death warrant. You will not live to see battle if you have one finger in any plot to harm what is mine.

~oOo~

Tired, Izayoi settled on her cushion for the evening meal, ready for her dinner and then bed – though she had the sneaking suspicion that her bed would not be greeting her anytime soon by the look on her husband's face. She sighed inwardly.

"How did the training go, my dear?" asked a strangely jovial Touga as he prepared to take his first bite.

Looking sideways at him, Izayoi couldn't help the small smile that touched her lips at the interested look on his face. "As well as any training goes, I suppose. Although it is getting easier to use that skill every time I do it, it does tend to leave me tired and drained afterward."

Touga's expression sobered. "Do you think you will be able to use this ability in our coming confrontation with the North?" he returned, obviously already planning ahead – it was no wonder he was known as 'The General'.

Her shoulders lifted gracefully before falling. "In an emergency, yes. However, I am not strong enough with it yet to rely on it completely, so for now I will continue to use my actual weapons." Her expression darkened a little. "Besides... I do not know if I would even be comfortable leaving my bow behind, no matter how skilled I become."

Nodding, Touga once more concentrated on his meal. After a few minutes, however, he took note of the fact that his slender wife was not really eating hers, she was pushing it around her bowl, a weary expression in her eyes that he did not miss. "Come, little wife," he said gently, eyes understanding, "you must eat, no matter how tired you are. You will need your energy."

She almost wanted to cry, because she knew then that her earlier supposition was correct – he did indeed have something that he wanted her to do. If this keeps up, I'll end up making it easy for Ryukotsussei's tame dragonesses and fall asleep during the battle. After a moment, however, she chided herself. She knew that he wasn't doing this on purpose, but the leadup to battle was never conducive to gaining much in the way of rest. Closing her eyes for a moment, she concentrated her attention inward and allowed her own healing energy to seep slowly into her body, rejuvenating her enough so that she would be able to do whatever it was that her husband needed of her.

"What is it that you have need of me for?" she asked after opening her eyes again, perking up a little as her energy increased. She picked up her bowl of rice and began eating, her body needing the fuel even more now.

However, Touga's attention had been arrested at the changing energies of his wife, and he frowned. "What did you do that made your energy pick up?" he queried a little sharply, concerned.

Surprised, Izayoi blinked, then said blankly, "I fed myself some of my own healing energies so that I could do whatever needs done, that's all," she replied, her question obvious in her expression. Is something wrong?

"Hn. And what price do you pay for doing such a thing?" he inquired knowingly.

Expression clearing as she realized what he was getting at, she shook her head. "I will need to sleep a little more tonight to recoup my strength; though normally I don't need to, because I used so much energy fighting that female and her friends and then training afterward, I will need to this night."

At mention of her fight earlier, Touga's eyes brightened. "Ah, yes, your battle earlier. Who was it that challenged you?"

"I have no idea, Touga. She didn't exactly introduce herself first, you know," she said dryly, giving her mate an ironic look as the light dawned in his eyes.

Kenji cleared his throat and then spoke up at Touga's nod. "It was one of Lord Ayumu's daughters, my Lord. She and a few of her hangers-on decided to try their hands at attacking your Lady. Needless to say, Lord Ayumu is less one daughter this night," he finished with a satisfied expression on his face as he thought back on his charge's show of power earlier in the day.

'One less wastrel hanging around the palace,' Kirara purred approvingly from her spot next to Izayoi. 'Dogs always seem to draw the riff-raff,' she added, giving a sassy twitch of her tails in answer when Touga sent her an ironic look.

"Well I know your opinion of us 'dogs' as you say, Kirara – but here, I rule, and certainly not a snarky 'cat'," he returned with a haughty sniff that had Izayoi stifling a giggle.

Kirara sniffed just as haughtily. 'That is most obvious, dog – that is why things here in the West are run so haphazardly. If a cat ran things, common sense would not be a lost art,' she tossed right back, still purring away next to her companion and ignoring the dark looks of outrage from a certain Western Heir that was obviously not privy to the playful relationship his father and Kirara shared.

At that, Touga tossed back his head and laughed, and everyone in the room watched avidly the goings on at the head table. Still, as his laughter turned to chuckles, Izayoi once again broke in. "While all this one-upmanship is amusing, it still doesn't tell me what you have need of me for, my Lord Husband," she said with a slightly chiding expression on her face.

Touga's expression instantly became serious again as he turned to look at his wife. "You have shown a marked sensitivity to the auras of youkai – even the smallest of us, like Myouga," he began, and his wife nodded, curiosity shining in bright eyes. "I need you to make a sweep of the palace with me and ferret out all the 'small' spies here – as I've said, it's time to rid the palace of every spy that does not work for me and make this place a dead zone for everyone else. Do you think this is something you can do?"

Turning her head down to the table, Izayoi thought about what he'd asked of her. There was no doubt that she could, but... he was being a little short-sighted with his request – or at least, part of it. "I could," she said slowly, trying to think of how to say what she needed to without seeming to be over-stepping her bounds. "But... Touga, have you considered... if I take out only those spies who belong to other people, then everyone here in the palace will then know who your spies are – meaning that after this is all over, they will have to be replaced – all of them. I'm sure you can see why I say this," she finished respectfully.

At that, several people at the table looked thoughtful, not just Touga – and that included Sesshoumaru. He just could not believe the knowledge that this human woman seemed to have – despite her seemingly young age – and her undeniable human origins. Human women in this era just did not have the knowledge and training that she did. Nor the intelligence. And yet... perhaps the answer lies in the fact that she is truly a product of several eras and has learned the way of things through three lives now, if her story is to be believed. Although... father did say that her sire was very forward in his thinking, bringing his daughter up more in the manner that a youkai female would be raised rather than as other ningen raise their daughters.

Still, he could feel resentment towards her clouding his mind, though with every day spent in her presence it faded just a little more. As it stood, however, the thing he resented her most for was the fact that it took her interference, her words to make his father truly see him. His father should have been the one to understand, not some human female that had only just arrived in the citadel – whether she'd known him in another era or not. But that knowledge was skating along the edges of his mind and he wasn't really ready yet to face it and deal with it, because as hateful as he was to humans, in truth, he was fair-minded enough to admit that blaming her for his father's failure, resenting her, was not fair at all. And so he ignored his conscience and continued to lie to himself that it was her humanity that offended him – and not her understanding, when neither his father nor his mother truly understood his pain, his anger. Didn't understand him.

He was so conflicted by this bitterness towards his parents and the things his weapons master had taught him versus what his sire had taught him that he couldn't see his way clear of everything to the truth of the matter – any of them. Despite what Izayoi had said to him earlier in the day, and his knowledge deep down that she had been right – yet again – he gritted his teeth, he just didn't want to give up long-held beliefs – how could his weapons master be so wrong about so many things? No... he was not ready to accept her – no matter how many times she was right. He looked at her through his bangs, watching as she awaited his sire's next questions or comments quietly. That should be me by my sire's side, not a human female, he thought, that bitterness biting him again. Though, this time some of it was definitely directed at his father, rather than her.

Shaking his head inwardly, his icy expression not changing one bit except for the tightening of well-molded lips, Sesshoumaru finished his meal and once more stood after an incline of his head to his father before sweeping from the room, headed the one place he always ran to when he was confused – the training room. Obviously, his earlier bouts had not cleared his mind sufficiently, so he would spend more hours training in hopes that eventually, he would either figure it out or he would exhaust himself enough that it wouldn't matter, anyway.

Touga watched his son walk away, still so conflicted and angry and bitter, and sighed, before turning back to the topic at hand as his wife sent him a sympathetic look in saddened blue eyes. His own flashed as he sent gratitude to her through their bond, and then he set that matter aside and concentrated on what Izayoi had said to him about the spies still infesting the palace.

"So... what do you suggest, then, my love?" he asked, curious to see what she'd say.

Her eyes dropped again and she thought about his question. After a few moments, she said, "Perhaps it would be best to rid your palace of all the spies – including yours. If you treat them the same as all the others, then their cover won't be blown. You can get them the message as to what to expect and how they are to play along and then we can do this sweep through the palace that you wished me to do."

Though some of her words were a little strange, he understood the gist of what she was saying, and asked, "But then what do I do without my spies to tell me what is going on around the palace and in the city below?"

"It seems to me that your network is already in place. Think of it – though Kenji is technically my assistant, he is very good at ferreting out information, as is Nami, I'm sure. And there are others, that, while not technically spies, are loyal to you and bound to report anything suspicious to you. Surely, this is enough, especially as you've got everything pretty well locked down?"

Seeing that his group was finished with their meals, Touga stood and assisted his wife to her feet, then turned and led the way from the room, this time heading for his and Izayoi's quarters. It was understood by all that nothing more of the matter at hand was to be spoken of until he gave the word, and everyone was silent as they trooped through the halls.

Once they arrived in the royal chambers and Izayoi's barrier went up, however, Touga curtly motioned for everyone to take a seat. He did not miss his wife's wistful glance upwards to the portrait of her family, but set aside that matter as it was not something he could take care of at that point. The coming war was too important and he knew his wife understood that until this matter was settled, visiting her family was not something that would be happening.

His brow lowered in thought just then, and he gestured for Kenji to attend his wishes. "Call for a servant to send for Arata – although, if he is engaged in anything important, he is to simply send word and I will share my orders with him later." Kenji nodded and stood to obey, smiling at Izayoi as she opened the barrier for him to gain the attention of a passing servant.

After he returned and sat down he said, "You have given me much to think about, Izayoi, and I think that you are right. So... I will have Myouga stay out of the palace and send my other spies away – they can actually integrate themselves into the groups that have already been tossed from the palace and report back to me anything of note those groups plot. This might actually work better than my idea, in the long run," he said with a pleased smile at his blushing wife. Then he looked back at those in the room with them. "Well, my new spy network, do you have anything of import to report yet, or no?" he asked with a smirk.

He was not expecting a positive answer, and so was surprised when Kenji looked at his mistress and spoke. "Izayoi-sama, I feel that you should tell Touga-sama about the incident today in the women's courts – the male that left you with very uneasy feelings of personal danger," he added when she frowned, not sure which incident he was speaking of. Her brow cleared at his words, and she looked at her husband – who was looking back at her with a dangerous expression and crimson-laced golden eyes. "Well, wife? Is there something you should have told me of earlier?"

At that, Izayoi looked sheepish, Kirara adding her demands for her companion to tell her husband of her concerns. She sighed, then obliged. "Earlier today, before the females attacked me, I took note of a male lounging along the back, his manner as though he owned all he was surveying. It struck me wrong, and I watched him for some moments, my intuition telling me that there was something wrong with this male. So I asked Kenji-san if he knew him, but he couldn't see him to tell. Nami-san could, however, and she said that she did not know the male, but that he was a recent addition to the palace, one that had appeared just before you sealed it. The whole time we were talking, he stared at me – Touga," she said, her eyes uneasy again just with the memory, "he was challenging me. I don't know what he is here in the palace for, but it is nothing good."

Touga turned to Kenji, but before he could even say a word, Kenji spoke up. "Already being done, Touga-sama. I've put out feelers amongst those still here in the palace – someone has to know who he is. I like not what Izayoi-sama said about him – and my sister confirmed. He was challenging my Lady – though in what manner, I do not know. I will bring anything I find out directly to you, of course, my Lord."

Mind flashing back to his earlier meeting with Kenichi, he frowned darkly, wondering if that was the mystery player in Teruko's scheme – or if Teruko was merely playing along with this male. "Concentrate on Teruko," he said slowly, still frowning, his instincts telling him that the two were, indeed, linked. "I have had word that she is involved in a new plot to kill my wife – although, from what little I have found out so far, she doesn't seem to be the instigator – merely an accessory."

Kenji blinked, surprised at his master's ready knowledge of what was going on in the palace, even when it was in chaos and half the usual inhabitants were gone, tossed out on their proverbial butts. I shouldn't be, though, he acknowledged wryly. That is why he is ruler here, and we all serve him – in spite of Kirara's needling.

Nami took his orders with equanimity, aware that, as a female of high rank and a power in the female courts, it was her duty to keep track of bitches like Teruko – and it was one she took gladly – she did not like the female under discussion and never had. She'd been a greedy bitch practically from birth, and she was too lazy to involve herself in battle. Imagine such a thing! "As you wish, my Lord," she smirked, already looking forward to locking horns with the evil wench - metaphorically speaking, of course. She knew already that the Mother to the Heir had already called that kill, and she wasn't about to step on Satori's toes – that one was a dangerous and deadly opponent, and not one you wanted to end up on the wrong side of. She shivered.

Touga's attention had already moved on. "So, then, I suppose that you do not need to do anything more tonight, my dear – I will get word to my spies of what their new job description is, and then once they are all notified, I will have you do the sweep. We have little time, so be prepared to begin this duty tomorrow immediately after the mid-day meal – the other lords will be here within days, and I want no word of our plans to get anywhere outside my control."

Izayoi nodded, glad she didn't have to look forward to doing such a thing tonight – it would take much energy to walk the halls of the palace so that she could indicate where she was feeling the auras... Although, she frowned as something came to her, it would be much easier if... "Touga?"

"Yes, my love?" he asked, his brow climbing. He knew that look by now – she was about to come up with something interesting.

"Is there a complete and accurate map of the palace here somewhere?"

His own brows lowered as he thought about that. "It is possible. If there is, it would be under the palace in the archives. Why?"

"Because if I had an accurate map, I could do it all from your study or anywhere else, simply pointing out where the youki signatures were originating according to said map. It would take a great deal less time than traipsing all over the palace to point out what rooms or halls they were hiding in."

"Hnnn," he said, interested. Even he wasn't looking forward to running all over such a large area - it would be extremely wearying, even for a youkai, because the winding halls and wings of the palace literally covered many ri. And that wasn't even counting anything but the ground floor! "I will set Shiisaa to searching for such a thing tonight. He was my father's assistant as well, for a time, and so might know if such a thing exists. If it does and he can get his hands on it before lunch, I will let you know." He looked up after a moment and dismissed the group, nodding as Kenji, Nami, and Mine stood, bowed, and headed out the door as soon as the barrier was dropped. It was apparent to them all that Arata must have been involved in something that he could not get away from, so no mention of his lack of appearance was made.

"Do you have any other business tonight, Touga?" Izayoi asked as she stood gracefully to walk over to the fusuma that separated their sitting area from their bedchamber, sliding it open with a distracted smile on her face for him over her shoulder, she entered their room and began to disrobe, her maidservant having been sent into the room by Nami as she left to assist her. She barely took note of his answer in the negative, her mind on other things.

Touga watched his wife be stripped slowly by her maidservant, leaning back on the cushions in the sitting area with an appreciative eye as his wife's body was uncovered layer by layer. It was an erotic show, and before her maid could begin to dress her in her night attire, he stood and flicked his wrist in dismissal, ignoring the female completely as she bowed and left their quarters. His attention was firmly on his beautiful wife.

Once more looking at him over her naked shoulder, though this time with a sultry expression in eyes firmly locked on him, Izayoi smiled just slightly at the look on his face, which she had become well accustomed to seeing since her wedding night. "Was there something my Lord wished of me?" she asked softly, her eyes lowering in seeming coyness, though he knew she understood exactly what he wanted of her.

He growled erotically at her, his tone dropping into a lower register as he moved slowly closer to her, hunting her. Her smile deepened just a little and she moved away from him, enjoying the way that he watched her hips sway with a hungry, feral, almost desperate look.

All thoughts of spies and ruling and the war to come slipped from Touga's mind as he followed his wife's slender body towards their bed, and before long, sounds of passion were all that were to be heard from the royal bedchambers.

A certain being lingering in the dark shadows outside the couple's rooms took note of those sounds...

And hissed, before fading into those selfsame shadows and disappearing.

~oOo~

So the Dog got caught in his own trap and fell for the mortal woman he married to try to outmaneuver the Dragon, Hitoshirezu* thought to himself with amusement as he made his way through the palace halls with the easy manner of one who had every right to be where he was – even if he did not. She is a delectable little morsel, even I must admit that, but even so... to wed a human?

Looking as though he had nothing more on his mind than finding some 'recreation', he sauntered down a certain corridor – one that was little used and that even its master hadn't seen in many long years, he ignored the low, rather smoky lighting and continued out through an arched doorway onto an open, pillared walkway that led to a small garden – a small, rather out-of-the-way garden that most would definitely overlook.

He stopped just before the steps leading down into the grass and narrowed his eyes, searching the area thoroughly for the youki of the one that was supposed to be there – and any that were not supposed to be there, as well. He wasn't about to stick his neck out before he had to, no matter what he was being paid – or how much time he had to do the job.

When he could find nothing out of place, he stepped down wooden steps that creaked slightly, showing their age, and moved deeper into the garden heading for the exact center of the perfectly formed squared hedges. That was where his cohort was waiting to meet with him, and he hoped that she could deliver. He'd taken instant notice of the hateful spite in the female's eyes when looking upon the dog's bride, and had bet his last gold piece that she'd be able and willing to give him not only the information he needed, but the assistance he was going to require from her in this little scheme.

He didn't think he'd be disappointed.

Not flinching when a low level soundproof barrier went up, he made the last turn and caught sight of his co-conspirator waiting for him in the low light of the crescent moon and a billion brilliant stars. A smooth smile lit his handsome face and he came to a halt with a mocking half-bow.

"Ah, Teruko-sama, I see you were good to your word. I doubt many have even seen this part of the palace – it does give off such a good, lonely vibe, does it not?"

Dark eyes glittering with a bitter light, she ignored his words and got straight to the point. "In two days time after the morning meal the human bitch will once again hold court. It will be the last such before leaving for the North. Touga-sama will not be with her, so this will be your best chance. When she is finished with that, she is to go to the healer's floor to meet some kitsune brat she supposedly saved. I will be sure that the main path from the women's court to the healers is blocked off for 'repairs', forcing them to take an alternate path – one that is, like this area, little used. The rest will be up to you."

"Straight to the point, are we not?" he said softly, studying her. It hadn't been difficult to find out her reasons for agreeing to join his plot against Touga's wife – she had imperial ambitions, and a Touga that was wed to another didn't suit those plans at all. Because of this, she was easily manipulated. Though he would have to be careful – she was no fool, and well-versed in double-dealing and backstabbing. "Well, all to the better, then. This is what I would have you do. I will set up an ambush somewhere along the path the Western Lady is to walk, to take care of her 'attendants'. Once I have taken her to my chosen place, you will play lookout so that I am not interrupted too soon." When she began to shake her head in denial, his face lost its easy charm and became hard and dangerous. "This is not a request, bitch. You will do this – or I will let it be known in certain quarters after I've done the deed and am on my way out just who was helping me. You won't take two steps after the Dog finds out before you're dead, and we both know it."

Black eyes narrowing, Teruko glared haughtily at the male she'd taken up with. "Do not think to scare me with such threats, Hitoshirezu," she said acerbically, "for there have been such rumors about me wishing her dead since the moment she arrived here and I found out who she was. Or rather, what she was. Touga's bride," she snarled, poisonous hatred audible in her voice. "As if she has the right to prance amongst her betters and pretend that she is anything more than another insect to be squashed. And you, as well, had best remember not to cross me, for if you do, I would have no compunction delivering you right to said 'Dog'," she spat, "immediately."

Hitoshirezu's face once again gained its easy smile. "I'm glad we understand each other, then. Who says that there is no honor amongst thieves? Then again, we are not thieves, but still. Now that we've delivered our orders and warnings to each other, I think I will take myself off for a good smoke. Enjoy your evening, Teruko-sama," he said, voice still soft but with a definite note of acid in it. Without further ado, he turned on his heel and moved away, not even waiting for her to dissolve her barrier – he simply punched his way right through it, smirking at the gasp from behind him as the female's energy was dissipated so violently. I bet that stung, he chuckled, already pulling out his kiseru and preparing for his aforementioned smoke.

Oh well, he shrugged. I'll only have to put up with her haughty ass for another two days – and kami willing, I won't even have to deal with her but once more.

He chuckled again, louder this time.

Not that the kami would be willing to give me much of anything, really – well, except maybe Sosa, since he really is my patron god.

I just love a good bit of chaos.

A curl of smoke drifted into the night air and dissipated, unnoticed and unseen by any other but the female sharing the garden with him, along with a last sound of amusement from Hitoshirezu before darkness crowded in around Teruko's hatred filled eyes and she lost sight of him as he turned the corner of the hedge they'd been meeting behind.

Bastard... I'll make sure you get yours, too, Hitoshirezu. Just you wait and see.

~oOo~

*Hitoshirezu-hidden, secret, unseen, inward.

Edited 01/01/14