Chapter 10:
Two days had passed and that was when everything became chaotic. Sesshomaru had called his Lieutenants who brought about 13,000 full blood demons. The total together was 19,000 to the Igami's 20,000. Rin was shocked to say the least not by the sheer number but the differences between them all.
They all had different facial and body markings. Some had reddish skin with thick scales, some had multiple pairs of eyes with horns twists around the sides of their heads, some looked almost human if it wasn't for the vibrant eye colors and sharp rows of fangs.
The one group that caught Rin's eye naturally was the dog demon clan. They were all beautiful with long hair in a variety of colors, as well as striped cheek but none of them had Sesshomaru signature crescent moon marking.
Inuyasha had loudly brought about 4,000 rowdy half demons, all in armor and equipped with different weapons, some Rin had never seen before. The half demons kept to themselves mostly when they arrived and stared indifferently at the full demons. Some demons looked upon them with disgust while others paid them no attention.
Rin soldiers were already there upon arrival of the two new groups. Both half demon and full demon watched them openly with curiosity. To Rin's knowledge her group looked plainly human but had an air about them that was deadly.
The blue bloods (Inuyasha had coined the name) found them intriguing as well but none spoke to each other. In a way this curiosity helped ease the tension between the demon kind to which Rin was grateful. Rin's soldiers were taught not to speak unless spoken too, a trait that stuck with them even now.
Upon speaking to the 8 captains with Sesshomaru, it was decided that out of the 20 portals two blue bloods would remain watch over each. Mainly because they knew more of how the Igami fought and the specifics of this war had not been disclosed yet to anyone. At any point that a portal appeared, their captain would be notified immediately and Rin directly.
Inuyasha posed the idea that we speak to them individually but that was shot down. Demon, half demon, and blue blood were to work and fight together which is where the problem was rooted.
Begrudgingly the two brothers and Rin had to sit down and discuss how to combat this in private.
"The full demons want nothing to do with the half-demon and neither does my merry band of misfits, I say you let them fight it out. It's going to happen eventually. " Inuyasha stated.
Rin rubbed her head, "Yes but that's not a solution."
This conversation had been going for half an hour on repeat.
"Perhaps it is," said Sesshomaru.
Rin looked at him oddly, it was the first time he'd spoken since the meeting began.
Inuyasha mutters subtly, "I must be going insane if we agree on something."
Sesshomaru ignored him, "Not an outright fight. Your soldiers are the only ones who saw how the Igami fight, none of my demons know anything about them. Have two of them fight as a demonstration. After that, pair them off with each other to train in groups for the next few days."
"That could work, it would alleviate some of the tension between them all and teach them how to fight. Two on two and so on." agreed Rin.
"Okay what about the disadvantages? Some fight with chains while others can materialize behind them. I don't know every ability that 4000 half demons have and I'm not keen on sending them to train with someone who has an advantage." said Inuyasha warily.
"Yes, but my Captains know these things as do Lord Sesshomaru's Lieutenants, the same with your group leads. We start at the top, get the leaders together first and have them work together to pair off the groups." Rin added.
Inuyasha thought about this, "That works but they need to be supervised first."
"Obviously." Sesshomaru said dryly.
Inuyasha sighed, "For this to work Sesshomaru, lose the attitude with me. I doubt they'll want to work together if they see that we can't. I have no problem with Rin but you and I? We got problems."
Sesshomaru straightened his back, "Don't act incompetent and I won't correct you."
"Don't be an asshole and I won't pull my sword." Growled Inuyasha.
Rin threw her hands up in the air, "Done! Deal! Let's inform the leaders."
The first meeting between the Lieutenants, Generals, and the half demons couldn't have gone worse. Upon learning in detail what they were about to face they remained silent and once the last word was said the insults started flying. All weapons were to be kept outside the meeting area for this very reason with the exception of Lord Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Rin.
One demon stood and said, "I don't know what's worse. Working with half breeds or whatever those abominations are."
The half demons responded in kind, while Rin's Captains spit remarks in condescending tones at them both.
Rin dragged her hand down her face, Inuyasha laughed, and Sesshomaru remained silent watching it all fall apart. Once they got close to making blows, Sesshomaru stood and let loose bakusaiga. The explosive energy went straight down the middle separating the lot of them.
All eyes turned the dog demon, some in awe at his power and most with dread at his anger.
Sesshomaru's eyes turned red, every tooth becoming pointed, "Are you children?"
No one answered him, "Keep your hatred. I don't care but you will learn to work together because war is coming."
"With the utmost respect my Lord, we don't need a weak half breed fighting with us nor blue bloods." Said Lieutenant Juuki spitefully.
Sesshomaru took a step closer, "Weak you say? None of my lieutenants can best Inuyasha in a fight, while Rin can throw him through a wall without breaking a sweat. Even I had difficulty restraining her. Tell me Juuki, do you believe yourself to be so powerful? You'd face an enemy that you know nothing about and turn away help because of blood status? That isn't pride that is stupidity"
Rin and Inuyasha stood up and went to his left and right.
"We all are fighting for a home. Not everyone will make it out of this war unscathed. I spent years conquering one land after the next. The Igami never show weakness and are even harder to kill. These creatures are unlike anything you've come across."
Juuki turned his gaze to Rin, "Even so, we will win with or without help."
Rin's eyes turned black, and she shouted at him, "No one wins in war! If you think yourself so powerful then fight me, let see how you fare."
"Gladly, how about we do this publicly? So, there is no confusion on who won" he sneered.
Rin calmed down but her eyes remained pitch black as she smiled at him, "Done, let's make a deal. If I win you will bow to me publicly in front of your warriors. If you win, I will concede and do the same."
Juuki bared his fangs, "I look forward to watching you bow before me."
Rin only smiled coldly, "I bow to one Lord and that isn't you. "
"You all have thirty minutes to gather your soldiers around the clearing in the Darden Forest. Dismissed" ordered Sesshomaru.
The three remaining were Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, and herself.
Inuyasha stepped towards her, "Rin are you sure about this?"
"I don't make deals I can't win. I've seen him spar with the others, he is good, but I will beat him." She stated, eyes still blackened.
Inuyasha shook his head and turned to Sesshomaru.
"She can do as she wishes," he uttered calmly.
Inuyasha let out a huge breath, "Then kick his arrogant ass Rin."
"I won't beat him too badly, I'll let him get a few hits in to not cause more tension in the ranks."
"No." said Sesshomaru, "Be brutal but dont kill him."
Rin grinned madly at him, "Is that an order my Lord?"
Sesshomaru scoffed, "Yes Rin."
Rin turned on her heels and began walking in the direction of the clear, "Anything for you, my Lord!"
Inuyasha gagged in the background, "Gross."