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Chapter 5:

No Crowns

The next day surprised Ororo as she walked with her new companions to the large bustling village; seemingly ants in the eyes of the massive traditional Japanese Western castle behind it. Its large dark wooded pagoda and wooden walls with winding trees wrapped magically around the entire area. In the early morning sun, it looked magnificent from afar, she had to admit. However, the vanity in her scoffed at the remembrance of her own family's legacy that dominated the blue skies for miles around and only touched by the Gods, the sun, and the moon.

As she walked towards the capital from the little inn, Ororo and her newly attained friends passed by many farmlands and craftsmen of various trades running about preparing for the day. However, classism revealed itself even on the outskirts where they passed through. It was an odd sight to see some lands seemingly lush and lavish while others looked as if they suffered a far worse fate than their neighbors. The air was tense somewhat and the emotions in the air was heavy. People were running around with goods and items preparing for the day with jittery shoulders and tight lips. The sounds of brewing arguments and dangerous energy tainted the air with a toxicity she recognized before the call of battles and war.

Ryo turned to them quickly and motioned to his wife to take his infant from his arms so he could speak to someone up ahead. Hiromi's hands were full with one twin infant girl named Tomo. Seeing his predicament, Ororo reached over to his surprise and relief to take Tomo's sister. She cooed to the little girl known as Mimi who stared at her happily with bright lilac eyes. The girl mewed at her in content wanting to sniff her form in which Ororo obliged. Both women waited outside of what looked to be a small Daimyo in charge of real estate and rural affairs. Ororo blinked in the morning sun ignoring the stares and whispers around her. Her fingers tingled and her mind took in her new environment. The people around her were curious while others were afraid knocking her into the category of being a witch demoness of some kind.

She knew her looks were extremely rare even among demon standards with her snowy white luscious thick tresses, deep topaz-colored eyes, her tall curvy height and body stature, and the skin tone of the sweet cocoa bean imported to her country as a gift to her father from his good friends of the Inca civilization. Today she wanted to dress well since she wasn't sure if she would gain an audience with the Western Lord and so thought best to be prepared. She wore a long Egyptian cotton layered empress styled dress paired with her royal gold family crested neckpiece and many adorning gems on her fingers. Her eyes were lined with kohl and her lips touched lightly with the honeysuckle of a local blossom she picked. Her white hair was pulled tightly on the crown of her head in a giant bun wrapped in gold ribbon. Just to be safe, she attached her weapons to her legs underneath her dress. She had learned her lesson long ago about wearing almost shear material in Japan. It wasn't taken too well among the locals in that fishing village. She even took the time out to massage her skin with a nice scented balm that made her skin extra soft and shimmery.

Ororo knew she was different by all means and had lived with this since the first day of her birth. However, she did feel the slight uncomfortable stares among this homogenous society. And to add to it, here she was holding a Japanese baby in her arms tightly as if the child was her own. A soft laugh bubbled from the baby's lips as if aware of her thoughts causing a small smile to don her lips.

Ryo returned looking to a parchment paper he was given. "We must go to the Lord's court to seek temporary housing and employment. Our circumstances are a bit special sense our village sat on the borders between the West and South. Hopefully, the Western Lord and his advisers will be gracious and allow us to settle in temporarily. At least until I am able to build us a home on a patch of land." He had a bright smile upon his face and seemed to be a better man now than before he went in to speak to the small Daimyo. "However, the houses available are for statesmen and I've been told are very expensive. We could be denied but it's worth a try."

Ororo frowned at this. "This is absurd. As long as you have the money you should be able to live where you want. How much do you need?" She asked following the man that had begun walking through the streets towards the Western castle. "I may have the amount you need in my satchel." She offered reaching over her shoulder to loosen her bag from its position while not disturbing the baby.

Ryo stopped and bowed politely with decline. "Please no your majesty! You have been far too gracious already."

Ororo didn't care and simply handed him over his child. Quickly she pulled out another pouch and placed it in his hand. Hiromi looked in curiosity and helped him open it. Both looked around in anxiety before closing it quickly and moving her to the side.

"This is too much! We cannot accept this! Please…" Hiromi spoke wrapping the pouch and closed it. Ryo rubbed his tan face harshly in awe before pushing his dark hair back with the other.

"I insist!" Ororo spoke closing their empty free hands around it. "I have plenty more and you need it for your children's safety as well. Come now, let's find you a nice big lot and then go see this great 'Lord' of yours to purchase." She spoke remembering her current initiative.

The hot sun had climbed a bit higher, and more people filled the busy walkways and streets between the buildings and houses. Gone were the fields and small stalls of women and men selling goods. The walkways turned into heavily traveled roads with a lot of foot traffic. Commoners were replaced with those of higher status going about their day. Women dressed in lavish kimonos walked among the people although some chose to ride in extravagant rickshaws and carriages. Men carried goods hurriedly avoiding the paths of soldiers, daimyos, and shoguns that seemed to be in a rush towards the Western palace ahead of them. Children were everywhere, running to and from different buildings and activities. Ororo was in awe at the richness and vibrant lives of the people here. It was very diverse compared to that of the countryside. Demons, humans, and hanyous moved about yet Ororo could still feel the tense emotions of all groups mingling and interacting. Clearly, integration was a new concept to these people but they seemed to be adjusting.

More onlookers stared and pointed with fans hiding behind corners to talk openly about her looks and coinciding that with the influx of foreign demons coming into the community. Rather that was a good thing to these people, Ororo could not determine. The closer they walked, the more anxious she felt. More and more guards were seen going and coming from the bustling entrance to the western gates ahead. The houses became more and more ornate revealing status and importance to the local society. They climbed many stone steps upwards towards the palace and passed through many checkpoints to gain clearance onto the palace court's property for their hearing.

Woman's faces painted like ghosts passed her giggling about her appearance when she wanted to point out their great pale ones. She couldn't fathom walking around in so much paint and clothing underneath the desert sun. No oasis would save her from the death she would suffer due to heat exhaustion and to make matters worse, dying and having her ancestors see her in the afterlife looking like death itself. "Strange." She muttered but looked onward until finally they made it inside the gates of the castle.

The grounds were massive with people crawling all over the place. Plants and trees grew harmoniously decorating pathways and providing gentle shade for some that crossed nearby. The small group walked forward following the pathway closely as told by the guards. The threat of going off the path hung in the air. The sound of a squawking demon was heard catching Ororo's attention. A little toad like creature dressed in advisory robes was seen yelling after a petite little girl in orange from afar. Her laughter carried along with her free spirit. A demoness chased behind them urging them both to return to the main house. Ororo questioned the scene finding it odd to see such a pair but quickly dismissed it upon seeing the girl run up to a soldier who politely picked her up and took her back inside followed by the small, deranged demon waving his staff of two heads around.

Her skin buzzed from the excitement around her as people came in and went out of the large building in the early morning. The large main building was filling up with people. When they entered, they were offered seating in one of the many waiting rooms to the side facing the outer gates. Tatami mats filled with small waiting tables filled the room. The sound of decorative shoji doors was constantly being heard closing and opening. People were speaking rapidly of various subjects while others sat in silence clearly in worst wear than they were. Ryo handed Hiromi his other daughter as she became restless and wanted to wiggle. Luckily, Hiromi fed both girls before they left otherwise, they would have made this day extra trying than it already presented itself to be.

Ororo sat thinking about what she wanted to say and how to address the issue. Something of this nature she wanted done privately and not in the company of these hospitable people. Excusing herself, she quickly stood up catching curious glances before walking out quickly and making a separate appointment for herself. This took some time since the people wanted to know exactly what she wanted to discuss and so she simply told them half-truths of her lands in danger and in need of the Western land's foreign council. They gave her questioning glances and vocalized many of their thoughts, almost nonbelieving in her statements. Sighing to herself she touched the adviser handling her case on his arm catching his attention.

"You will let me speak in private of my issue to your Western Lord, yes? My problem is very important and needs to be addressed by your Lord." She stated patiently eyes going slightly white and smiling calmly. The atmosphere around them began to settle. Soothing calm vibes coursed through him relaxing the man and causing whatever harsh words to die on his tongue.

The old adviser looked at her with wide eyes before nodding and writing her information down. He finished writing and shook his head a bit as she let go of him. He looked to her and smiled gently revealing canine teeth and handing her a parcel of parchment with her information and another to be sent to the Lord. "I'm sorry for the delay." He apologized looking into her now big almond blue eyes.

Ororo smiled gently. "Thank you so much in kind for your help in the matter." With that she quickly walked away leaving the demon behind her stunned and confused. She walked quickly back into the waiting room and showed the small family the reason of her departure. Ororo thought of something and then whispered. "Please keep my language skills silent. I have learned people reveal more when they think you are ignorant."

Ryo and Hiromi nodded in understanding. They quickly went back to having a conversation and avoiding the stares of the people in the waiting room. They were mindful this time to talk in a way that made it seem Ororo couldn't understand the language. Which was somewhat true if they spoke too fast or used different words. Her reasoning made sense especially given her circumstances.

Not too soon, Ryo was summoned, and he politely bowed before ushering them all to follow him. They walked out of the room into the hall and came across two giant decorated doors with the crescent moon present and many designs of giant dogs carved in the dark wood and painted on portraits on the tall white walls. Various ornaments in precious stones, vases, statues, and other trinkets lined the entire halls and rooms displaying wealth and power of the lands. She looked down at the wooden floors mixing into a white stone that felt like marble; something rare in Japan and most likely imported. The closer they walked to their destination, the larger the rooms became and the more ornate they were. Soon they were ushered by soldiers into a massive room with two men seated on one side of the room furiously writing on papers before stuffing them in different stacks for processing by younger demons behind them. Two other gentlemen sat on the other side wearing the western crests and draped in royal robes of obvious high status.

But her eyes only saw one demon. The demon of interest was sitting stoic on his settee above them all. He spoke briefly before glancing up and taking the group in with his amber gaze. Ororo imagined he looked like a painting come to life. Pale skin shined underneath the light that shined through the large windows. His silk clothing was very refined underneath the hard metal armor he wore. Detailed patterns and red embroidery adorned the fine fabric along the hems at his wrists. Draped across his broad shoulders was his white tail showcasing his power. The aura in the room felt thick and clearly displayed whose property they stood on. The colors and shapes of his family's house adorned his chest on the front. The demon's long silver strands of hair draped down his back making him look ever so ornamental and ethereal. Golden ireses shimmered in the dancing light with a coldness that could freeze hell. Ororo flexed her fingers feeling the air about her. She noticed not all was not what they appeared. The male before her was anxious about something.

Knowing this made her tense. But she would wait. These people needed to be cared for first and foremost. The sound of the heavy doors closing was heard behind her catching her attention. She looked to her side noticing Ryo had stepped away. He and one of the crest adorned men that sat away from the Lord exchanged dialogue.

"-just temporarily. We are farmers by trade and I'm sure due to the recent drought you can use more hands." He stated trying to bargain for his family as best as he could. "Please your Lord saw what happened. Can we speak with him to hear our case?"

Ororo frowned at the pushback he was receiving. She could read the refusal on the advisers faces. 'Why did he have to speak with the adviser if the Lord was present watching them? He was aware of what happened. Surely, he isn't deaf. Why couldn't they have the house available? Pulling her shoulders back she spoke and stepped forward.'

"These people have the money to purchase one of the homes in the city. Can it be done?" She asked in the most broken Japanese she could muster while making perfect sense. Ororo handed the babe to Hiromi who shifted her other child in her arms quickly. Ororo had asked so bluntly causing the men to look up from their writing and stare at her for her boldness. The voices went silent in the large courtroom causing even Ryo to look back with frightened awe. Hiromi gasped tilting her head down in display for respect even though Ororo stood offering none to anyone; choosing to get to the bottom of the issue. She thought a simple yes or no would suffice instead of wasting time seeking help when none would be given here.

One of the advisors sputtered a bit before giving the woman a once over and sitting higher in his seat if possible. "Those houses are for nobility ranks. Not for those of the lower class." He stated firmly while shifting his gaze to his lord at the far back.

Ororo's lips tightened as she walked forward to stand next to Ryo. The class system was unfair here. If one had the means to move up, he should be able to do so without hindrance. She looked at the Lord of the West who eyed her tensely. Choosing to speak to him she aimed her words carefully.

"Lord Sesshomaru." She addressed, tasting his name on her tongue for the first time. She waited to make sure she had his full attention.

"You-" One of his advisers started to reprimand her but she just cut him off and kept talking.

She cut the adviser off and glared at him icily. "-These people have the money to purchase a home today in coin and work to pay the taxes off in this city comfortably. What they can also do is work on farms thus increasing the share of your crops which from my observation upon my travels this morning is lacking. This is a wonderful opportunity; do you deny this? Money for a vacant home and help with your crops." She asked boldly unfazed by the reactions and gasps in the room. She hoped they understood her more than anything. Her accent ran all through the words which she knew and cursed at her own natural accent butchering a few. The men stood up having been upset by her blatant disrespect. Ryo and Hiromi bowed in trepidation.

The adviser in front finally stood up along with a few guards. "Insolent we- "

"Silence." A cold baritone sound cut through the room.

Everyone stood quiet holding a breath watching the demon look her over. "Who are you?"

Lifting her chin higher she spoke. "I am of royal nobility seeking your counsel. But that is for another conversation. I cannot address my own needs because your advisers are refusing logic and holding up the line. I do not like when time is wasted as I'm sure you carry the same sentiments." She voiced looking pointedly at the two advisers sitting below his side glaring dangerously at her with fangs and claws showing. She thought carefully of her next words trying to push away her accent and focus on her message.

'So much for trying to hide my language capabilities.' She thought warily but pushed onwards.

"Now these people have everything to buy a home outright. Your daimyo explained that there are a few houses available with no occupants. They are just sitting there waiting for life. We have met previously and I'm sure you could tell that they were very profitable in their agricultural efforts before being ruthlessly attacked by their own shogun for being…" She hesitated to look back at the pair that now was bent over in full respectful bows while Hiromi somehow held both babies to her expertly. "Different." She finished before turning around looking straight at him in the eyes. He simply held her stare and neither confirmed nor dispelled her convictions.

"The facts are that this couple is profitable to you in more ways than one. But above all, they have the means to afford to live here. Will you allow them to have a house or not?" She once again asked brazenly neither flinching nor showing signs of anxiety. She saw it as being factual and efficient. Why dance around and mince words when much is to be done? Regardless the people needed to take care of their young and standing in this room dealing with people who couldn't see the big picture was wasting daylight.

Sesshomaru stood up flexing his aura a bit while writing something shortly on a piece of paper. Before handing it over to one of the scribes.

"Agreed." He simply stated before standing and exercising his youkai power against her skin.

Ororo visibly bristled, not use to the air feeling so volatile but she endured it, nonetheless. They stared intently at each other ignoring the many stares of those around them. Her hands hung loosely at her side refusing to give away her flooding anxiety. He could be the ruthless mongrel that she witnessed in her vision, or he could be a powerful emperor that she mistook as wayward. Either way, he was dangerous. The look he gave her was scathing as he too sensed a greater threat in the room.

"Leave us."

Everyone immediately left the room while the guards stayed to escort everyone out. Ororo turned slightly to look at Ryo and Hiromi watching them look at her with questions and concern in their eyes. She smiled gently before returning her gaze to the Daiyokai. The tall male with golden eyes stared back at her and flicked his clawed hand at his side warningly for everyone to hustle. Suddenly everyone in the room rushed away providing them privacy. Ororo smiled gently and nodded at Hiromi and Ryo. "Buy your home. I will be alright." She urged watching Ryo pull Hiromi along who refused to look away completely until the doors closed sealing them out. Turning back around, she looked back to the Western Lord noticing he didn't move. All was silent as the two opponents stood in the middle of the Lord's courtroom.

The woman's eyes flickered before she picked up a sandaled foot and walked towards the man. He took steps of his own from his high pedestal. He stood his ground with fingers spread ready to deal a deathly blow. Taking in her aura was intoxicating. She smelt of the wind and fresh spring rain. His skin prickled as she approached closer to him causing the tiny iridescent hairs on his flesh to stand on end.

Ororo stood strong like she was his equal. His own beast arose to the occasion spreading his hostile aura out for the woman to submit. The air was thick and heavy with electricity and a buzz. Neither one backed down. Misty blue sky met molten gold staring heatedly at each other. Somehow the distance shortened. The air crackled hotly between them.

They stood face to face almost with Ororo coming in just an inch short under him. She reached out with a finger steadily and before he realized it she touched his forehead. Everything around him spun and images whirled pass his mind's eye faster than he could measure. What he saw he could not fathom, nor did he believe such a thing could have happened after the death of the shikon jewel. Before darkness swallowed him completely, he watched as the world crumbled and yet the sea stood out swallowing him whole in their midst. He drowned without realizing he could swim.

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