The town was in an uproar. Excitement filled the air as dozens of demons gathered in front of the castle gates.
Today was the day that the humans would finally pay for their mistake. The human's Queen was going to be arriving any minute and they didn't want to miss a moment. Loud yelling was heard coming from over the hills.
"We see them! She's arriving at the mountain pass!" yelled a nezumi demon, running into the mass of eagerly waiting demons.
Cheers and shouts spread like fire across the town.
--
"Tentei, the town is cheering. It seems the ningen Queen is here. Shall I have the guards bring her in to you, or the other Lords?" a short kuro kitsune asked from behind a closed door, daring not enter without permission.
"Let her people escort her to the other lords. We need not see her." came the smooth, unemotional voice from inside the room.
"Hai."
The demon stood, and walked to the door, grabbing his sword from the stand by the door as he prepared to meet with the other lords.
---
Guards poured out of the castle, making room for the rapidly arriving queen to pass without attack from the local demons.
Hissing and growling grew in volume as the ningen queen approached the gates, a small entourage of people with her.
An Inu demon guard stood at the front of the other guards, pausing the movement of the queen's group.
A human woman wrapped in armor lead the queen's group, stopping directly in front of the Inu demon.
"My name is Ryoma, I am the head General of the Western army. My lord has asked that before you enter our gates you must surrender any kind of weapons. If you do not comply then we will allow only the queen alone to enter, and the rest must leave." the Inu demon stated.
"You mean for us to enter defenseless into a demon's home? I am Megumi, commander of the Southern Queen's army, and I cannot allow any demon to harm my lady. No other here holds a weapon except I." the woman answered back.
"I will allow you a sword, nothing else. If you are seen drawing your weapon without causable reason, we will strike you down. Now, follow me, I will take you to my Lord." Ryoma said, turning and striding down towards the main gates.
"Megumi, please, do not worry for me. We must obey their rules. I am not here on a royal visit. I cannot demand anything. Please, from now on, stand down. I will not let my people suffer if I can help it." the Queen's soft voice reached Megumi's ears.
"Hai, my lady." she answered stiffly, once again taking the lead and leaving the queen behind in her kago.
The small group made their way into the castle. They felt uncomfortable. It was eerily silent and empty. Not one other demon in sight. The only sounds came from the groups feet. They walked deep into the castle, finally descending a short flight of stairs. It was darker, the only light coming from torches hung high on the walls. A beautiful pale white and gold door came into view as they reached the last of the stairs.
Ryoma knocked on the door, and they slowly drew open. The room inside not much lighter then the dark hall.
The group stepped inside, taking in the beautiful décor of the room. A set of 5 steps lead to a platform in which 4 grand chairs sat, all facing in the direction of the large zabuton that lay in the middle of the room. 12 guards stood on the opposite side of the chairs, watching everything silently.
The queen's Kago was lowered to the ground, but before she could get out, a door behind the large golden curtains behind the chairs opened.
Four demons entered the room, and all guards stood at attention. The lords took their seats silently, waiting for the queen.
The queen held her hand out, and Megumi grasped, it, helping her queen out of the Kago. The queen stood then, whispering a small thank you, turned to face the demon lords.
Bowing deeply, her quiet voice filled the room. "Akuma lords, I am Kagome, Lady of the Southern Lands. I am here in the place of my people. I will comply with your demands if I am able to."
***
Alrite, I know this chapter was short, but, if I get a few more reviews, I can promise a longer chapter. This chapter and the first chapter are more like introductions to the story. The next chapter will have more info on whats happening.
I used a little Japanese, so here are the translations;
Nezumi- Rat demon
Kuro Kitsune- Black Fox demon
Inu - Dog demon
Hai- yes
Tentei- Lord, King
Kago- carriage carried on the shoulders of humans, usually servents, transportation for people of importance or royalty
Zabuton- Japanese pillow, used to sit on in tatami rooms
Akuma- demon
Thanks for reading, please review.