Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.

Authors Notes: Hi everyone! This is a short chapter and not a lot of excitement, I'm afraid. This is sort of a bridge to future chapters, it's more information than anything else. Please read, enjoy and drop a review.

Volume II

Baka ga ate riko ga hikitatsu

(Due to the presence of fools, the wise stand out)

Chapter 17: Hidden Agenda

Hoisting herself over the well, Kagome knew she could not do this much longer. In another month, her condition would make this trip difficult.

She was only doing this now because she wanted to check on Miroku. He was quite dismal the last time she saw him. He put up a good front, but the miko knew better.

He had informed them of a mission he was undertaking. Kagome, remembering her history regarding the Gekokujo and the Ikko-ikki rebellion, was concerned for their friend. These were dangerous times for the feudal era.

Kagome had sent her husband to talk Miroku out of it, but he had yet to return. As she turned her bike in the direction of Kaede's village, she thought it was a good thing Inuyasha was on vacation right now from his job in her era. She had to wait for a day off to follow behind her husband. Riding to the village, Kagome thought about the changes over the years.

Grandpa Higarashi had passed on, Souta was now in high school and her mother volunteered at a local flower shop and was one of their top arrangers. She and Inuyasha had married after she finished school and everyone lived at the little house adjacent to the shrine.

After Naraku's defeat and the disappearance of the Shikon no Tama, there was a change in the structure of the 'Bone Eater's Well'. She and Inuyasha were still allowed to pass through, but a few things had changed.

Inuyasha was in human form on her side of the well, but remained a hanyou on this side. She had to admit it made things easier from her perspective. She did not have to worry about his 'dog ears' constantly on display or having to hide them.

While still in school, Kagome was surprised to come home one evening to find Inuyasha had procured a job at one of the local construction sites. A high-rise was being built and laborers were needed. Thanks to grandpa's ingenuity, Inuyasha was hired without too many questions asked.

Inuyasha was in his element and he felt useful. He was still stronger than the average human in this form and after a year, he was promoted to supervisor. The hanyou enjoyed his work, with the exception of the boots they wore for safety. He enjoyed the height of the buildings, the physical labor and the potty mouths of his co-workers. Yes… Inuyasha had found his place in her world.

Kagome was a research assistant for an archeology institute. It was an appropriate career choice for someone who had actually lived a part of history. She had long hours and traveled quite a bit, but that would all change with the arrival of their child.

Inuyasha was the typical proud father to be. He was overly protective and treated her like fragile glass. However, Kagome basked in her husband's attentions and had to learn to tolerate his coddling. They were so happy; she could not wait to tell Kaede.

Kagome's expression became fierce as she pedaled faster. They had agreed that she would be the one to tell Kaede of her pregnancy. If Inuyasha had blabbed it to the older miko, she would 'sit' him until his butt was sore. She would have to do that here, however, the subjugation beads no longer worked in her time.

At had been a week since the incident with the children. Their punishment at an end, Sango decided to allow them some time with their friends after buying them a treat. The twins and their mother stood in front of the vendors, looking over the sweets.

"Haha-ue," Suiren addressed her mother, "may I have the Ame? Shun'ei would like the Mochi," the little girl spoke for her brother as she pointed to each item.

Looking over at her son, Sango saw he was immersed in an emaki scroll. She knew it would be near impossible to pull him from his reading, therefore, she allowed her daughter to choose for him.

"Well, well…" a voice had all three turning to the source. "I see they finally let you two back in society again."

There was only one person, besides Rie and Akio that Sango would let get away with that.

"Mayura-san…" the young mother said with a warm smile. "It's good to see you."

The woman stood proud with one hand on her hip in a provocative pose. She was tall with dark brown eyes and a slender, yet buxom figure. Her jet-black hair was piled high atop her head in an intricate style. She wore a beautifully designed kimono in a rich crimson color with a black obi at her waist.

Mayura was an Asobimi, a high rank courtesan from a nearby brothel. If not for her acerbic wit and crude manners, one would think her a proper lady. "It's good to see you too, Angel," she smiled at Sango before looking down at the children. "I heard you two were in trouble again. What did you do this time?"

Suiren launched into the tale with descriptive enthusiasm. She began with the search for the illustrious MoMo, to breaking the cage, the hunter's chase and Shun'ei's heroic rescue.

"It was fun, Mayura-san, except when Oba-sama caught us and the punishment!" Suiren ended excitedly, but sobered at her mother's stern look.

The courtesan burst out laughing. "It sounds like it, Suire-chan. Personally, I think you made a good decision or else MoMo would be someone's dinner right now. And you…" Mayura's gaze slid to the male twin, "… what a brave little man you are, Shun'ei-kun; coming to your sister's aid that way."

The boy was mesmerized; he could only stare at her hand as it reached out to tousle his hair. The scroll he was reading earlier lay at his side, forgotten.

"Don't encourage them, Mayura-san," Sango's voice was firm, but held a hint of laughter. "It only makes my and Rie's job harder."

"All right, Angel," she said. Snapping her fingers, Mayura released Shun'ei from his trance-like state and Sango shooed him to follow his sister. Once the children were out of hearing range, Mayura continued. "Speaking of Rie-sama; how is the old hag?"

Sango smothered a smile. Rie and Mayura had a vociferous dislike for each other. They could spend no more than a few minutes together before hurling insults.

"Rie is fine," Sango could not help chuckling. "Akio is getting married soon."

"Ooh… and who is the lucky girl?" the older woman practically purred.

"Nari."

"What?" Mayura screeched. "That little country mouse; Angel, tell me you're joking!"

Sango nodded to confirm and Mayura sighed softly. "All the good ones get taken; don't they?" There was a wistful note in her voice.

Laying her hand on the courtesan's arm, Sango's eyes were full of understanding. She knew quite a bit about Mayura's past. The woman before her had been forced into this life at a young age. At the age of thirteen, she was taken from her family as payment for her drunkard fathers' gambling debts.

The brothel manager cared less about the girl's virtue or inexperience; he put her to work immediately. No one came to the aid of the frightened young girl and for months, she suffered the atrocities in silence. Finally, one night she was able to escape and ran the distance to her home. Once there, the young girl found it abandoned, her family gone.

Neighbors, who were once friends, turned away from her in disgust. Mayura had no choice but to return to her fate.

The courtesan's flashy dress and provocative display were her defense against the village women who shunned her. Her cutting remarks and sharp tongue masked the hurt she felt at each dismissive encounter. Even now, as they stood talking, Sango noticed the women whispering and shaking their heads.

"Nari is good for Akio, Mayura-san," Sango returned to the topic. "She is reliable and stable; a perfect match for his impetuous ways." The courtesan did not respond and Sango changed the subject.

"Why don't you come by tomorrow and have tea with me and the children?"

Mayura flashed a genuine smile this time, not the practiced ones used for her clients. Her pretense dropped as she turned fond eyes on the young mother. Although she would like nothing better than to spend time in their loving household, she had to decline.

"Thank you, Sango-chan," she said sadly. "I can't. Tonight is one of our busiest nights," she gave a sassy wink as she turned away; her facade back in place. "I have a Captain coming to dinner; gotta go!"

She waved and the smile left her face as she turned from her friend's forlorn expression. A short conversation on the street was the most she could hope to have. Sango's reputation could easily be damaged by her presence, not to mention the children. She could not allow that to happen to the young woman that had saved her life two years ago. Sango – the woman she called, Angel.

The meeting was not going well. The courtyard was filled with villagers and the local landholders. The daimyo's sat on the engawa away from the crowd. Individuals were given the opportunity to speak and voice their opinions. The monks stood adjacent to the crowd as angry voices confirmed failure.

Miroku felt himself siding with the villagers. It was not that the nobleman's plans for unification were not legitimate; it was their highhandedness in confronting the villagers. It was expected that the lower class could be easily swayed by grand words and professed honor. The monk was supposed to maintain an unbiased opinion, but under these circumstances, it was difficult.

"The villagers seem unwilling to compromise, Miroku-sama," the young monk, Tsuneo, said.

"That could be said of the daimyo's as well, Tsuneo-san," the older monk responded. "If this is going to be a pattern with these meeting, nothing will be resolved."

What do you mean, sir?"

"Well…" Miroku appeared to give it some thought, "if the villagers are expected to buckle under the daimyo's request, there is no need for us to be here. The nobles would simply take over their lands and be done with it."

"That would not be acceptable, Miroku-sama!"

"That's right, Tsuneo-san," the older man continued. "However, I'm beginning to believe these talks are a pretense of honorable coercion."

Tsuneo's eyes widened at this, "Do you really think so, Miroku-sama?"

The older monk chuckled at the young man assigned to him. Living at the temple most of his life, the young monk had no experience in deception.

"You just said it yourself, Tsuneo-san," Miroku smirked good-humouredly. "The villagers are unwilling to compromise… why did you not say 'the daimyo's are unwilling to compromise'?"

"Aahh…" the young man looked pensive. As his senior's words sank in, his eyes grew even wider in his boyish face.

"Don't think on it too much," Miroku said conspiratorially and gave Tsuneo's shaven head a pat. "I'm not trying to stimulate any growth up there," he said with a smile and then sobered as he turned back to the proceedings.

Miroku could see the villagers had become aggressive, they felt their words were being dismissed and not taken into consideration. The guards had discreetly gathered arms and were placed on alert. The monk knew the event was about to take a turn for the worst. Heading towards the stairs, he stepped up and jangled his shakujou to get attention.

"Everyone… listen, please," Miroku shouted to the crowd, "it has been a long day and most of you came straight here from your work in the fields. For that, I personally thank you. However, it seems we have been unable to reach an agreement at this time, but I assure you we plan to keep trying."

"Return to your homes and your families now, my friends. We will renegotiate and set these talks for another day. We will notify everyone once this is done and the location of the next meeting."

"When?" a shout came from the crowd.

"Soon," Miroku said with diplomacy. "I assure you, we are as anxious as you to have this settled. Now… please, everyone, return to your families and thank you again for coming." The monk ended and then bowed to the crowd.

The villagers turned to each other and conversed in low tones. Finally, an old man spoke, "Do you give us your word, Houshi-dono?"

"Hai," Miroku said sincerely. "I give you my word that in ten days, whatever the outcome, you will here from me."

The crowd turned to each other and nodded in agreement. They all turned and took one last look at the monk, probably measuring him up. Miroku must have passed inspection; the villagers bowed to him and began exiting the courtyard.

Miroku sighed heavily; he was grateful there were no resistance from the villagers and no aggression on the part of the troops. Before the next meeting, there would have to be some major changes.

"You have a way with words, Houshi-dono," one of the local daimyo's spoke from his seat on the engawa. "Yours could be the voice of influence during these talks. We are honored to have you acting on our behalf."

"Thank you, er…" Miroku paused over the daimyo's name.

"Hajime Asano," the man finished; the two men bowed to each other.

"Trust me, Hajime Asano-sama, I am not here to influence anyone," Miroku stated. "My participation is simply to insure the terms are agreeable to both parties and the transition is both efficient and expedient."

"It sounds as if you do not agree with our efforts to refurbish this country, what we are attempting to do will bring us out of the dark ages," Hajime continued. "Surely, you cannot object to progress."

"Of course not," Miroku said with a slight smile and then his expression became serious. "What I object to, however, are your methods. I noticed not once during the meeting was any documentation made regarding the villagers request. Rest assured; I was not the only one aware. These people may be less fortunate, but they are not stupid."

"We wanted them to know it would be a honora…" Hajime began, before Miroku interrupted.

"Pardon, Hajime Asano-sama, but that word has been used quite loosely here," the monk stated. "You will not shame the villagers into an agreement; their honor is in providing for their families, just as yours is in protecting your lands. They would be more receptive if you showed an interest in their welfare."

Hajime was enraged at the monk's boldness, although he managed to maintain a cordial pretense. How dare he speak with such authority in their presence? This one would need to be watched; Hajime would see to it personally.

"I see," was the daimyo's response to Miroku's assertion. "We shall better prepare for the next meeting."

"Sincerity needs no preparation," the monk said. "You allowed the villagers a voice, the least you can do is listen to it." Turning to the young monk at his side, Miroku spoke, "Come, Tsuneo-san… let's return you to your brother's."

The two monks left the courtyard unaware of the hostile stares at their back. From their location in a tree outside of the buildings, Inuyasha and Kirara, however, were very aware. The hanyou had risen from his lounged position as Miroku began to speak; he could tell his friend was not happy with the results of the turnout. Even worse, surmised Inuyasha, it seemed Miroku had made a few enemies.

"We leave at sunrise tomorrow, Sango-chan."

The demon slayer's head jerked back as though she had been slapped.

"No, Akio," she protested. "I've been home only a few days. I've hardly spent any time with the children," she persisted. "Someone else can do it!"

"There 'is' no one else, Sango," Akio whined. "You know that passage like the back of your hand. We'll save two days travel time if you lead us."

"I don't care; I'm not going!"

"Please, Sango-chan?"

"I… said… no!"

Rie chuckeld as she watched her grandson argue with Sango. Nari stood at the opposite end of the teahouse holding a serving tray in front, like a shield for protection. It was a good thing the children were out playing with their friends.

Sango and Akio sat at the front and Rie was behind the serving counter. The customers had all turned in the direction of the raised voices. Although Rie thought Sango and Akio's bickering amusing, they were drawing attention to themselves.

None of the villagers knew Sango dressed in men's clothes and acted as the shinobi scout called Koji. Nor did the ashigaru troops she worked with, know her to be a woman. They expected the quiet, masked Koji to be secretive and aloof. No one questioned him/her, as long as his/her duties were performed. That was why Rie decided to put an end to Sango and Akio's public discussion.

"Children, please!" she scolded. "Akio… just tell Sango the reason you're trying to hurry back."

The young man ducked his head as the demon slayer turned a glare his way. Akio blushed so hard, the tips of his ears turned red. "Uh… well, you see…"

"The truth, Akio," Rie snapped.

Pouting like a small boy, he shifted in his seat and blocked Sango's view of Nari standing across the room. He lowered his head, leaned forward and whispered, "In a few days, more troops will arrive. They are escorting the high officials and monks hosting the Gekokujo talks. It's possible…," he continued in hushed tone, "… the meeting may be held here..."

"Get to the point; would ya'?" his grandmother interrupted.

Akio shot her a 'will you be patient' look and turned to Sango again with pleading eyes. "With the procession arriving, this place will be crowded. Nari may need help with the new customers."

"New customers, my eye," Rie cackled. "You think someone's gonna snatch your fiancé while you're gone."

Sango turned incredulous eyes on Akio, as his grandmothers' laughing intensified. "That's not true; is it? Surely you trust Nari?" she questioned.

"I trust Nari," Akio looked pitiful. He turned to Sango again and his eyes beseeched her. Looking into his eyes, Sango was reminded of eyes from long ago, Kohaku…

"All right," she sighed. "I'll do it."

Akio jumped from his seat and kissed her firmly on the cheek. "Thanks Sango-chan, I owe you."

"Oh… you'll pay," she said, pushing him away, "believe it."

With a wave to Nari, Akio left whistling an up-tempo tune.

Sango turned back to Rie, who finally had herself under control, and asked. "When did he become so insecure?"

"Love does strange things to people, dear."

"I wouldn't know," the young mother was unaware she had spoken aloud.

Sango's thoughts wandered, as she slouched forward against the counter. Had she ever been in love? Had she loved her children's father, had he loved her? Was theirs an arranged marriage, was that why she could not remember him or their life together? She could not even remember his name.

So deep in thought, Sango was unmindful of Rie's sympathetic gaze. The old woman had seen this look many times over the years, that blank empty stare as her friend tried to recall the past. Rie also knew what followed if the young mother was allowed to dwell too long.

Excruciating headaches occurred, the type that brought Sango to her knees in its intensity. She has suffered these maladies quite frequently before the children were born. With the birth of the twins, the episodes lessened. On the rare occasions when they flared up, they were mild and Sango could tolerate them.

Not wanting to stimulate memories at this time, Rie redirected the conversation. "I hear you ran into Mayura today," she began. "How is the overdressed peacock? Still struttin' and preenin', I"ll bet!"

"She sends you her best too, Oba," Sango said. With a sigh, she stood up. "Well… I'm off to find Suiren and Shun'ei. They will be disappointed to find I am leaving again."

"No more disappointed than I," Rie mumbled under her breath.

To be continued…

Authors Notes: Next chapter: Miroku meets his children. Stay tuned.

Ikko-ikki – uprising of peasants & monks of the Buddhist sect against samurai rule

mochi – sticky rice cakes

ame – toffee candy

emaki - scroll with illustrations