InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Feudal Fairy Tale ❯ Preparations ( Chapter 13 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Starlight Demon 22 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Comedy / Classic / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.06.2008 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 282 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Comedy / Classic / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.06.2008 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 282 | Status: Completed
A Feudal Fairy Tale
Starlight Demon 22
Warning: I do NOT own Inuyasha, the other characters, or the plot from the manga or anime. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and everyone involved with that whole thing. I only own my own character, Akemi, other than that no.
Chapter 13- Preparations
********************************************************** ******************************************************
Three days after the meeting with the doll they returned to the castle of the Western Lands. Akemi immediately was taken to be bathed and cleaned up with Kagome as were the two males. Once they were done she went into a mode that surprised them all as she pulled runners for several jobs. One was to go to the north to the wolf packs and see who was missing their princess and for allies against Naraku. Another was to go further was and then south a ways to a village containing some of the most powerful and talented taiji ya around for advisors on this type of hanyou. And the last was to go to a temple further south for assistance from a monk that Akemi had heard of quite a while ago and knew he’d be useful.
“Are you sure they’re even around? If Naraku is as intelligent as we suspect, he’d have already destroyed the monk and taiji ya.” Sesshomaru said after the last of the runners were out of sight. Akemi stood on the balcony watching the distance and sighed heavily with no response. He watched her stance, it was a proud one, her head held high and her long hair blowing in the wind. The kimono she wore also blew but gently, showing her form and hiding it as well. But her eyes, the most vibrant thing on her small body showed what she wouldn’t tell him and that was that she feared what was going to happen to them if he were right.
“If they are destroyed, we may be next,” Akemi said softly as she turned and faced him. She smiled weakly as she seemed to shrink back to her small stature. “But I also know that means we’re going down in one hell of a fight.” She walked passed him into the castle and sighed as she sat down in a chair, they were in the library, closest to the fire. She stared into it and thought about what she had done. She was bringing together, more than anything, a council for a war no one really knew how to fight. She wasn’t sure if they were still around, or if they’d know what to do, but she also knew she had to try it if for nothing than the safety of her kingdom and people. “They know their time limits, the time limits to give them, and what to do if they are dead or will not assist us. Patience is a virtue.”
“Unfortunately, we may not have the time,” Sesshomaru said as he returned to join her. Akemi sighed and shrugged as she continued to stare into the fire.
“And unfortunately, we have to use the time we have.” she said as she looked up at him sadly. “I think you should start training your army.” He nodded as she stood up and in front of him. “I think we shall call in your reinforcements as well.” Sesshomaru pulled her into a hug as he thought. Akemi cuddled into the hug and sniffled a little as she enjoyed his comfort.
The dog general ordered his lower generals to start the more intense training, he sent out warnings to villages in his kingdom of the threat of attack and that those who wished to could move to the castle, and he prepared for allies and enemies to come to his castle in full force. Inuyasha started to join the daily exercises of Sesshomaru as they trained with the army. Kagome and Akemi honed their spiritual powers, Akemi having purified herself first, and their accuracy with their bows. And the inner village of the castle was prepared incase more showed up for their protection. Kagome and Akemi also stocked up on herbs and such that would be needed as the farmers started to pull as many of their crops that were ready as they could, working well into the night not to miss a single one for fear of being trapped without supplies.
The runners were given a few days to arrive at their destinations. Word had already spread about the actions of the Western Lands and it’s lord, Sesshomaru’s, preparations. They were then given three days to warn and get word of what the groups would do. Akemi anticipated word to come first from either the wolves or taiji ya, as the monk was known to be questionable at his honor at best, though she had also heard he wanted a piece of the prize.
After the first day of sending the runners much had been planned and started. The feast that was to welcome the lords and their companions home was cut down in size primarily as a war preparation effort. Everything that could be conserved would be, that included food. The four of them went to bed wearily, mainly from the stress of it all, and early. Though they would have remained awake all night to prepare, there was only so much they could do without those needed.
Akemi sat on the bed in Sesshomaru’s chambers, the balcony open and she could hear the training of the guard in the dark. It seemed to eat at her as she listened to the men practice and watched as Sesshomaru slid into the bed next to her. She snuggled against him and relaxed as his arms slid around her waist. Though they weren’t mates, and it was inappropriate for them to sleep together as such, they didn’t care anymore. Inuyasha was known to be with Kagome as well. Before the candles were all extinguished they were all out for the night.
The next morning Sesshomaru met with his blacksmiths, ordering an abundance of arrows for his archers, Kagome, and Akemi as well as swords and such for the soldiers to have. Everyone was hence forth ordered to carry two swords, the extra for if the first breaks. They weren’t sure what they were going to get hit with, so they prepared for the worst. After their training they stopped for a short lunch only to be surprised by a runner’s early return. They allowed him to eat and rest before meeting them in the library with the response. He handed it to Akemi, and relaxed a little as he waited for his next orders.
“So, they were missing one,” Akemi said softly.
“Yes, milady, a Princess Ayame. She’s the heir to her grandfather’s wolf pack, apparently she was tricked into being led away.” the runner said softly. She nodded as she thought. “It was too late before they noticed her missing.”
“Why didn’t they use their damn noses?” Inuyasha snapped as he thought.
“Would you if you saw Sesshomaru walk up and ask me to follow him for a moment?” Akemi asked softly as she stared into space. Inuyasha just grumbled his response before looking away. “It is a mistake that is commonly made with this one. Did any reply to the request for allies?”
“Yes, all of them,” he said as he handed her several scrolls. “They are to send a small envoy within the coming days to discuss a course of action with you and Lord Sesshomaru.” She nodded as she read their responses.
“Thank you, you may go and rest. I’m sure you’re tired and much has changed since you left.” she said softly as he nodded and left them. “Hopefully we’ll get responses that quick.” Sesshomaru nodded in agreement as he waved a maid in.
“Get a few rooms prepared for envoys from the north. We’re uncertain how many will be in it, but be prepared for the wolf packs leaders.” he ordered her. She quickly left as his own “personal” assistant hobbled into the room.
“Milord,” he said bowing before shooting mere glances at the others in the room.
“We have guests coming,” Sesshomaru said as Jaken nodded. “Keep an eye on the preparations. Remember the conservations in place.” Jaken nodded again and hobbled back out of the room, whimpering about not being by his master’s side. Sesshomaru just ignored him as the others rolled their eyes.
“Milord, we have a group of humans outside the gates requesting an audience with you,” a maid said as she bowed and entered. Sesshomaru and the others stood and nodded.
“Show them into the throne room, we’ll be there shortly,” he said as he prepared to see probably the first of the humans from the villages to request protection from this threat.
They walked into the throne room and immediately Kagome ran to the people standing there. She hugged her mother and brother before bowing politely to her grandfather and Kaede. She turned as Sesshomaru and Akemi sat down and bowed. “Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Akemi, allow me to introduce my family; my mother, Li; my younger brother, Souta; and my grandfather, Jeung. This is Lady Kaede, miko of my village and my teacher.” They all bowed respectfully though it was obvious that her grandfather really didn’t want to do it. Sesshomaru and Akemi nodded their heads to them as Inuyasha walked out and immediately got bombarded by Li and Souta.
“We hear that ye are in need of allies,” Kaede said after everyone calmed down, “and we are willing to help where we can.”
“Thank you,” Akemi said with a sweet smile. “We can use all the help we can get.”
“I know of a miko that ye should contact, she’s finicky but she may very well be willing to help.” Kaede said as Akemi nodded and sent for a runner. Though Sesshomaru looked a little wary at the idea of more mikos in his castle, he knew she may be needed and consented to the idea.
“Jaken!” Sesshomaru snapped knowing the impish creature was close by. He stumbled and tripped out of his hiding spot and bowed worriedly to his lord.
“Yes, milord?” he asked nervously.
“Prepare chambers for this family,” he ordered. Jaken nodded and ran off as he turned to their guests. “Jaken and the maids will show you to your rooms.” They nodded as Kagome and Inuyasha walked off with them while being shown to their rooms. Akemi smiled as she looked at Sesshomaru. “This castle is quickly filling.”
“Isn’t that what your father always wanted, though? A big castle filled to the brim? Granted they aren’t pups, but it’ll work in a pinch.” Akemi said as he sighed and nodded. Akemi had brought up a subject that he had been seriously thinking over, something Inuyasha had worriedly asked him about as well. They wanted their females as their mates, but weren’t sure if they should do it now with this threat or to wait until afterwards. Afterwards of course meaning they were still alive to mate at all. Akemi watched as a flicker of worry crossed his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” she asked as she rested a hand on his arm. Sesshomaru looked at her and thought of what to tell her.
“Nothing, just thinking about nothing,” he said as she looked at him worriedly but nodded all the same.
“If you say so,” Akemi said uncertainly, but knowing it was probably best to drop the subject. “I wonder if this miko Kaede suggested will help.”
“I don’t know,” Sesshomaru said as he relaxed some, forcing the subject of mating out of his mind. It was getting harder to stop thinking about it as spring approached though, and then he’d be harder to stop in general.
The rest of the day pass uneventfully as another runner was sent for the miko suggested. Dinner came and dinner went and everyone retired to their rooms mainly to attempt to relax and rest for the next day. Souta had insisted he train with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru incase he needed to fight as well. Gramps was hiding out in his room no matter what for the most part, minus meals, because of his shock that he willingly came to this castle of a demon general. Li would spend the next day, and all the others until the big fight, with Kagome and Akemi and learning what they do normally within the castle, though they’ve only been there a bit longer than she. Kaede also worked with Kagome and Akemi in preparing for a big fight and spent her time recording what was happening and hoping the miko would come willingly.
Within two days the castle had been fortified by the youkai Sesshomaru commanded. The surrounding forests were mainly cleared of all lesser youkai, who had not been destroyed but moved to other areas temporarily, and set up with outposts for Sesshomaru’s guard to constantly check. No one wondered if this threat was being taken out of proportion, or f it even existed, as before Akemi no one had even heard of or worried about a hanyou named Naraku. Training had indeed picked up for the soldiers as they were trained in not only sword fighting but in archery; this was for two reasons; strength training and ability to fight their enemy from far away. Sesshomaru didn’t want any threats near the castle if he could help it, another way to protect those residing within it.
The blacksmiths had divided and started the making of multitudes of arrows, bows, swords, shields, and everything else they needed as in accordance with what Sesshomaru ordered. The leader, Totosai, finished his work on some special weapons that no one knew about and prepared for the day to give them to the two lords of the castle.
“The day has finally come,” he croaked as he worked to Myoga, “the two lords are working together!”
“Yes,” Myoga said sagely as he watched the sparks fly. “Now they must live through this threat and everything the late master wanted will be secure.” Totosai nodded as he worked, his three-eyed cow mooing restlessly at all the commotion surrounding them with Totosai’s sudden pickup of work. “Are the swords at least done?”
“Of course! Have been for years! But the late lord wanted nothing done with them until it was absolutely necessary. It’s necessary now and so, when I complete these for the ladies, the lords will get their inheritance from their father.” Totosai said knowledgably. Myoga nodded before hopping away to make sure preparations and such within the castle were coming together smoothly. Though Sesshomaru didn’t act like he knew it, Myoga was working valiantly behind the scenes to make sure everything else was running as smoothly as it ever was.
Starlight Demon 22
Warning: I do NOT own Inuyasha, the other characters, or the plot from the manga or anime. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and everyone involved with that whole thing. I only own my own character, Akemi, other than that no.
Chapter 13- Preparations
********************************************************** ******************************************************
Three days after the meeting with the doll they returned to the castle of the Western Lands. Akemi immediately was taken to be bathed and cleaned up with Kagome as were the two males. Once they were done she went into a mode that surprised them all as she pulled runners for several jobs. One was to go to the north to the wolf packs and see who was missing their princess and for allies against Naraku. Another was to go further was and then south a ways to a village containing some of the most powerful and talented taiji ya around for advisors on this type of hanyou. And the last was to go to a temple further south for assistance from a monk that Akemi had heard of quite a while ago and knew he’d be useful.
“Are you sure they’re even around? If Naraku is as intelligent as we suspect, he’d have already destroyed the monk and taiji ya.” Sesshomaru said after the last of the runners were out of sight. Akemi stood on the balcony watching the distance and sighed heavily with no response. He watched her stance, it was a proud one, her head held high and her long hair blowing in the wind. The kimono she wore also blew but gently, showing her form and hiding it as well. But her eyes, the most vibrant thing on her small body showed what she wouldn’t tell him and that was that she feared what was going to happen to them if he were right.
“If they are destroyed, we may be next,” Akemi said softly as she turned and faced him. She smiled weakly as she seemed to shrink back to her small stature. “But I also know that means we’re going down in one hell of a fight.” She walked passed him into the castle and sighed as she sat down in a chair, they were in the library, closest to the fire. She stared into it and thought about what she had done. She was bringing together, more than anything, a council for a war no one really knew how to fight. She wasn’t sure if they were still around, or if they’d know what to do, but she also knew she had to try it if for nothing than the safety of her kingdom and people. “They know their time limits, the time limits to give them, and what to do if they are dead or will not assist us. Patience is a virtue.”
“Unfortunately, we may not have the time,” Sesshomaru said as he returned to join her. Akemi sighed and shrugged as she continued to stare into the fire.
“And unfortunately, we have to use the time we have.” she said as she looked up at him sadly. “I think you should start training your army.” He nodded as she stood up and in front of him. “I think we shall call in your reinforcements as well.” Sesshomaru pulled her into a hug as he thought. Akemi cuddled into the hug and sniffled a little as she enjoyed his comfort.
The dog general ordered his lower generals to start the more intense training, he sent out warnings to villages in his kingdom of the threat of attack and that those who wished to could move to the castle, and he prepared for allies and enemies to come to his castle in full force. Inuyasha started to join the daily exercises of Sesshomaru as they trained with the army. Kagome and Akemi honed their spiritual powers, Akemi having purified herself first, and their accuracy with their bows. And the inner village of the castle was prepared incase more showed up for their protection. Kagome and Akemi also stocked up on herbs and such that would be needed as the farmers started to pull as many of their crops that were ready as they could, working well into the night not to miss a single one for fear of being trapped without supplies.
The runners were given a few days to arrive at their destinations. Word had already spread about the actions of the Western Lands and it’s lord, Sesshomaru’s, preparations. They were then given three days to warn and get word of what the groups would do. Akemi anticipated word to come first from either the wolves or taiji ya, as the monk was known to be questionable at his honor at best, though she had also heard he wanted a piece of the prize.
After the first day of sending the runners much had been planned and started. The feast that was to welcome the lords and their companions home was cut down in size primarily as a war preparation effort. Everything that could be conserved would be, that included food. The four of them went to bed wearily, mainly from the stress of it all, and early. Though they would have remained awake all night to prepare, there was only so much they could do without those needed.
Akemi sat on the bed in Sesshomaru’s chambers, the balcony open and she could hear the training of the guard in the dark. It seemed to eat at her as she listened to the men practice and watched as Sesshomaru slid into the bed next to her. She snuggled against him and relaxed as his arms slid around her waist. Though they weren’t mates, and it was inappropriate for them to sleep together as such, they didn’t care anymore. Inuyasha was known to be with Kagome as well. Before the candles were all extinguished they were all out for the night.
The next morning Sesshomaru met with his blacksmiths, ordering an abundance of arrows for his archers, Kagome, and Akemi as well as swords and such for the soldiers to have. Everyone was hence forth ordered to carry two swords, the extra for if the first breaks. They weren’t sure what they were going to get hit with, so they prepared for the worst. After their training they stopped for a short lunch only to be surprised by a runner’s early return. They allowed him to eat and rest before meeting them in the library with the response. He handed it to Akemi, and relaxed a little as he waited for his next orders.
“So, they were missing one,” Akemi said softly.
“Yes, milady, a Princess Ayame. She’s the heir to her grandfather’s wolf pack, apparently she was tricked into being led away.” the runner said softly. She nodded as she thought. “It was too late before they noticed her missing.”
“Why didn’t they use their damn noses?” Inuyasha snapped as he thought.
“Would you if you saw Sesshomaru walk up and ask me to follow him for a moment?” Akemi asked softly as she stared into space. Inuyasha just grumbled his response before looking away. “It is a mistake that is commonly made with this one. Did any reply to the request for allies?”
“Yes, all of them,” he said as he handed her several scrolls. “They are to send a small envoy within the coming days to discuss a course of action with you and Lord Sesshomaru.” She nodded as she read their responses.
“Thank you, you may go and rest. I’m sure you’re tired and much has changed since you left.” she said softly as he nodded and left them. “Hopefully we’ll get responses that quick.” Sesshomaru nodded in agreement as he waved a maid in.
“Get a few rooms prepared for envoys from the north. We’re uncertain how many will be in it, but be prepared for the wolf packs leaders.” he ordered her. She quickly left as his own “personal” assistant hobbled into the room.
“Milord,” he said bowing before shooting mere glances at the others in the room.
“We have guests coming,” Sesshomaru said as Jaken nodded. “Keep an eye on the preparations. Remember the conservations in place.” Jaken nodded again and hobbled back out of the room, whimpering about not being by his master’s side. Sesshomaru just ignored him as the others rolled their eyes.
“Milord, we have a group of humans outside the gates requesting an audience with you,” a maid said as she bowed and entered. Sesshomaru and the others stood and nodded.
“Show them into the throne room, we’ll be there shortly,” he said as he prepared to see probably the first of the humans from the villages to request protection from this threat.
They walked into the throne room and immediately Kagome ran to the people standing there. She hugged her mother and brother before bowing politely to her grandfather and Kaede. She turned as Sesshomaru and Akemi sat down and bowed. “Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Akemi, allow me to introduce my family; my mother, Li; my younger brother, Souta; and my grandfather, Jeung. This is Lady Kaede, miko of my village and my teacher.” They all bowed respectfully though it was obvious that her grandfather really didn’t want to do it. Sesshomaru and Akemi nodded their heads to them as Inuyasha walked out and immediately got bombarded by Li and Souta.
“We hear that ye are in need of allies,” Kaede said after everyone calmed down, “and we are willing to help where we can.”
“Thank you,” Akemi said with a sweet smile. “We can use all the help we can get.”
“I know of a miko that ye should contact, she’s finicky but she may very well be willing to help.” Kaede said as Akemi nodded and sent for a runner. Though Sesshomaru looked a little wary at the idea of more mikos in his castle, he knew she may be needed and consented to the idea.
“Jaken!” Sesshomaru snapped knowing the impish creature was close by. He stumbled and tripped out of his hiding spot and bowed worriedly to his lord.
“Yes, milord?” he asked nervously.
“Prepare chambers for this family,” he ordered. Jaken nodded and ran off as he turned to their guests. “Jaken and the maids will show you to your rooms.” They nodded as Kagome and Inuyasha walked off with them while being shown to their rooms. Akemi smiled as she looked at Sesshomaru. “This castle is quickly filling.”
“Isn’t that what your father always wanted, though? A big castle filled to the brim? Granted they aren’t pups, but it’ll work in a pinch.” Akemi said as he sighed and nodded. Akemi had brought up a subject that he had been seriously thinking over, something Inuyasha had worriedly asked him about as well. They wanted their females as their mates, but weren’t sure if they should do it now with this threat or to wait until afterwards. Afterwards of course meaning they were still alive to mate at all. Akemi watched as a flicker of worry crossed his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” she asked as she rested a hand on his arm. Sesshomaru looked at her and thought of what to tell her.
“Nothing, just thinking about nothing,” he said as she looked at him worriedly but nodded all the same.
“If you say so,” Akemi said uncertainly, but knowing it was probably best to drop the subject. “I wonder if this miko Kaede suggested will help.”
“I don’t know,” Sesshomaru said as he relaxed some, forcing the subject of mating out of his mind. It was getting harder to stop thinking about it as spring approached though, and then he’d be harder to stop in general.
The rest of the day pass uneventfully as another runner was sent for the miko suggested. Dinner came and dinner went and everyone retired to their rooms mainly to attempt to relax and rest for the next day. Souta had insisted he train with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru incase he needed to fight as well. Gramps was hiding out in his room no matter what for the most part, minus meals, because of his shock that he willingly came to this castle of a demon general. Li would spend the next day, and all the others until the big fight, with Kagome and Akemi and learning what they do normally within the castle, though they’ve only been there a bit longer than she. Kaede also worked with Kagome and Akemi in preparing for a big fight and spent her time recording what was happening and hoping the miko would come willingly.
Within two days the castle had been fortified by the youkai Sesshomaru commanded. The surrounding forests were mainly cleared of all lesser youkai, who had not been destroyed but moved to other areas temporarily, and set up with outposts for Sesshomaru’s guard to constantly check. No one wondered if this threat was being taken out of proportion, or f it even existed, as before Akemi no one had even heard of or worried about a hanyou named Naraku. Training had indeed picked up for the soldiers as they were trained in not only sword fighting but in archery; this was for two reasons; strength training and ability to fight their enemy from far away. Sesshomaru didn’t want any threats near the castle if he could help it, another way to protect those residing within it.
The blacksmiths had divided and started the making of multitudes of arrows, bows, swords, shields, and everything else they needed as in accordance with what Sesshomaru ordered. The leader, Totosai, finished his work on some special weapons that no one knew about and prepared for the day to give them to the two lords of the castle.
“The day has finally come,” he croaked as he worked to Myoga, “the two lords are working together!”
“Yes,” Myoga said sagely as he watched the sparks fly. “Now they must live through this threat and everything the late master wanted will be secure.” Totosai nodded as he worked, his three-eyed cow mooing restlessly at all the commotion surrounding them with Totosai’s sudden pickup of work. “Are the swords at least done?”
“Of course! Have been for years! But the late lord wanted nothing done with them until it was absolutely necessary. It’s necessary now and so, when I complete these for the ladies, the lords will get their inheritance from their father.” Totosai said knowledgably. Myoga nodded before hopping away to make sure preparations and such within the castle were coming together smoothly. Though Sesshomaru didn’t act like he knew it, Myoga was working valiantly behind the scenes to make sure everything else was running as smoothly as it ever was.