InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Negotiations ( Chapter 16 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A/N: I hate it when my muse is moody. Well, doesn't matter. We were able to come to an understanding, finally, and make some progress again. Only one chapter today, but the other one is just about done, so it should be up tomorrow. Yeah! Thanks for sticking it out. I'm so used to my old schedule, I feel like such a slacker! Must be the hot weather cooking my brain.

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The dull roar coming from the great room was enough to make even Kagome flinch. “I'm having second thoughts.”

“Much too late for that, miko.” Standing next to her by the closed door, Sesshomaru could feel anxiety rolling off of his mate. He set a hand on her arm, letting her borrow some of his icy deamenor.

“Arigato, jo-chan. I think I'm ready now.”

Bracing himself against the racket, Sesshomaru slid the door open.

“Take that back!”

“It is none of your concern, kitsune.”

“I'm a Southern Lord, and I'm not going to sit here and listen to this!”

Shippou was nose to nose with Isamu, snarling. Merkamou was looking very annoyed with the whole thing, but was not pulling Shippou off.

“Papa, make him stop!” Yuriko waded in, pushing Shippou behind her. “Seiji-san, do something about your father.”

“I am not involved.” Seiji was leaning against a wall on the opposite side of the room from Mizuki. “It is mother's position to control father.”

“Isamu.”

Akira's voice was quiet and controlled, barely noticeable in the din, but Isamu broke away and returned to her side without another word.

Katsuro leaned over to his sister. “Hey Ki-chan, think you'll be able to train Seiji that well?”

There was a loud thud as the heir to the West ate floor.

“Okay, can everyone sit down?” Unlike Akira, Kagome's voice got no reaction whatsoever. All of the attendees had broken into groups around the four lords and only seemed interested in fighting. Even Cho had moved to stand with her parents instead of Mizuki and Katsuro.

“Please? So we can get started?” Kagome looked around helplessly. “Sesshomaru.”

“Hai.”

Tokijin flashed into existence, catching everyone's attention. “Silence.”

All four groups sat down and shut up.

“Great, thanks. You all know why I asked you to come here.”

“We are supposed to be discussing the future.” Mayu was already looking bored.

“Hai. Specifically, the way things are changing with the ningens.”

“Other then the fact that they breed like vermin, what else has changed?” Ignoring some of the dark looks, Isamu glared at Kagome.

“The weapons are becoming much too effective for my tastes.” Merkamou rubbed at his temples. “I have lost an entire unit to them.”

“As have I.” Keeping her gaze on the far wall, Mizuki tried to avoid looking shamed. “I do not take losing a unit of the Lady's guard lightly.”

“Perhaps you need more than a powerful father to call yourself a Commander.”

Several glares were directed at Hideaki's advisor.

“Be silent.” Katsuro's hand had dropped to his hilt.

“If she is losing to ningens, then she has no business commanding youkai.” The advisor was blind to the growing threat around him.

“Now you are insulting Merkamou-sama as well.” Akane's comment made Shippou and Yuriko bristle at the advisor.

“We have had our own problems with the ningens and they have become something more than an annoyance to be ignored.” Akira cast her eyes to the advisor. “Will you insult me now?”

Seeing the protective males on either side of the dragon, the advisor shook his head.

“Well, what do you suggest, Kagome? Wipe them all out now?” Koga gave her a big grin. When Sesshomaru growled the smile slipped a bit. “I mean Kagome-sama.”

Kagome blanched. “No, we aren't going to wipe them all out. Even if I wanted to, which I don't, that would be impossible. There are less and less youkai while there's more and more ningens. It takes a hundred years or more for a taiyoukai to starting having children, while ningens can do it at fourteen or so. They are going to beat us by pure numbers and weapons.”

“So you have already given up.” Hideaki crossed his arms. “You want us to bow down to these ningens.”

“No. I want everyone to disappear.”

There was no sound as all eyes stared at the lone ningen in the room.

“Nani?” Merkamou tipped his head to the side, very much like his hawk form.

Calm confidence came from a subtle brush by Sesshomaru, holding Kagome's nervousness at bay. “Disappear. Let the ningens forget that the youkai ever existed. One or two generations and you will be nothing more then bed time stories told to children.”

“And how would we do this?”

`At least Akira's keeping an open mind, because I think Isamu and Seiji want to walk out right now.' “You hide. Don't let the ningens see you, especially doing anything special. It's easier then you would think, once everyone thinks that you're just legends. I could cover up Katsuro's ears and throw him in with ningens and they would never guess. As long as he's behaving himself, that is.”

Katsuro mumbled under his breath. “I always behave myself.”

“I think I'd rather take over.” Koga was still smiling. “I wouldn't eat them, since that would upset Kagome-sama, but it would be so much more fun then hiding.”

Kagome couldn't help but smile back. “Don't help, Koga-kun. Oh, uh, Koga-san.”

“Mama?” Katsuro's eyes were the size of plates.

Ignoring her mate's growls, the miko waved her son off. “Later, later. Like I said, you can't get them all, and the weapons are going to keep getting better. They won't think of you as an enemy in just fifty years or so.”

“No.” Seiji stood up. “I will not pretend to be a ningen just to avoid a fight. If they want to try killing me, then they can try.”

“I agree with Seiji-sama. They cannot defeat us!” Hideaki's advisor also went to his feet. “This is what comes from mating ningens!”

“Don't talk about my mother like that!” Katsuro jumped up, hand already on his hilt.

“Shetai, enough.” Mizuki stood and set a hand on her brother's arm.

“Yes, obey your sister. You can be as trained as Isamu-sama and Sesshomaru-sama.”

Isamu jumped to his feet, his hand on his own hilt. “Shut up.”

There was a low growl from the Lord of the West, and Kagome hastily slapped her hand on his arm to keep him from slaughtering the masses. “Katsuro, Mizuki, enough.”

Her son took his hand off of his weapon.

“We should excuse the ningen from the room. She is too biased.” Akira's advisor turned cold eyes on Kagome. “No offense intended, my lady.”

“No.” Merkamou stared at the subordinate until he looked away. “The Lady of the West stays.”

“We already know about your bias towards the ningens, Merkamou-sama.”

“I can't work like this.” Kagome joined the rest in jumping to her feet. “Hideaki, Akira, Merkamou, and Sesshomaru stay. Everyone else, out! Now!”

There was a deafening roar of protest, making the miko clamp her hands over her ears. “Out!”

Tokijin slammed through the middle of the table.

The group froze for an instant before making their way out.

After the last of the excused attendees left, Kagome stuck her head out the door. “I will burn the ears off of anyone that tries to eavesdrop!”

Slamming the door shut, Kagome returned to her spot. “Much better.”

“Kagome-sama, you must admit that this is an incredible request with no real foundation.” Akira moved down the table to sit near Kagome.

Hideaki also moved down next to Merkamou. “I must agree, Kagome-sama. How could we ask everyone to go into hiding for no reason?”

Kagome looked to Sesshomaru, holding a silent conversation. He gave a slight nod.

“This doesn't leave the room. Understand?” Kagome glanced around. “You have to swear.”

“And any that tries to take or harm my mate will wish I killed them.” Sesshomaru's cold stare made everyone lean slightly away.

“My loyalty to Kagome-sama has never been in question. I swear.” Merkamou looked to Akira.

“I trust Kagome-sama. I swear.”

“And I have no reason to betray the family that has come to my aid. I also swear.” Hideaki suddenly smiled. “I can see why you excused the rest. I can actually hear you now.”

“You guys insisted. I was only looking for you four.” Smiling herself, Kagome settled in. “This is a long, crazy story, but its all true. Just be patient and let me get to the end. Then I can answer all of your questions.”

“I do love a good story.” Merkamou set his chin in his hand. “Please go on, Kagome-sama.”

----

“This is your fault!”

“You sound like you're thirty.” Katusuro glared at Hideaki's advisor. “Everyone was yelling, so everyone got thrown out. You were yelling, too.”

“She had no business throwing me out. I'm the Lord of the East!” Isamu glared as his mother snorted at him.

“Then try acting like it, cub, and maybe Kagome-sama will let you stay with the others next time.” Mayu set off towards her rooms, snagging Akane for company as she went. “I for one am relieved and will enjoy my freedom.”

“My own mother.”

“She has a point.” Mizuki trailed her claws over Shou's sleeping form. “You were yelling more then any other.”

“Bitch.”

Isamu's swing was aimed for Mizuki's temple, but his fist was caught in a tight grip. The now awake dragon hissed at him as the sapphire eyes bored into his.

“Most dishonorable to strike without warning or true provocation.” Releasing the fist, Mizuki turned away.

Eyes flashing, Isamu moved to attack again. When he landed on his back he was shocked to find his own son over top of him, growling.

Mizuki was frozen, watching as father and son had a silent battle of wills. When Isamu quit struggling his son let him up. Glancing from Seiji to Mizuki and back again, he walked away.

“This is fun.” Katsuro could not take the angry group of lords and advisors any more. “Enough is enough. Scatter. Go on, go find something to do.”

When the group just stared at him, Katsuro let his gaze cool to one his sister could be proud of. “I meant now.”

Breaking into small huddles, the dismissed group drifted away, leaving the youngest attendees together. Mizuki and Seiji were still watching each other, unmoving.

“Hey, Ki-chan, want to go hunting? It's only fair, since so many of us showed up. We should help the villagers out.”

Breaking free with a shake of her head, Mizuki looked to her brother. “An excellent suggestion, shetai.”

“Then we're coming, too.” Shippou tugged Yuriko along with him. I haven't been this mad in ages!”

“What was that, anyways?” Katsuro moved next to his sister as she convinced Shou that he needed some exercise.

“He insulted Merkamou-sama.” Shippou was yanked back by Yuriko while she whistled for Ah-Un. “I may spend a lot of time in the West, but he's still my Lord, not Sesshomaru.”

“Hey, Cho-san, want to come with us?”

Cho blinked at her companions. “Hunting. You wish for me to go hunting with you.”

“We can stay here with the arguing old folks or we can go catch some dinner. Look at it this way, you could pick what we have for the entrée tonight.”

Between Katsuro's puppy eyes and Mizuki's silent request, Cho could not refuse. “I will ride on Shou, no more.”

“Perfect!” Katsuro swung up behind his sister, offering a hand to the leopard. There was a faint blush as she took his hand and swung up behind him.

“Shetai.” Mizuki looked back at Katsuro, disapproving.

“It is fine, Mizuki.” Cho set one hand at Katsuro's waist for balance.

If looks could kill, Katsuro would have been mortally wounded by the kitsune's gaze.

`Oh, fabulous. Sooner or later I have to tell him she kissed me. That's going to be fun.' Katsuro spotted Seiji heading away from them. “Seiji-san! You said you enjoy hunting!”

The dragon turned and looked back at them.

“Shetai!” Mizuki hissed at her brother.

“I just know you want to go kill things right now.”

“Hai.” Seiji changed course to join them.

Mizuki was not at all amused by the last addition. `I must remember to make shetai pay for this later.'

The hunting party took to the air, leaving the village far behind.

----

“So it runs through metal strings, and it makes things move or glow. If you touch it you get a shock, like the merlin's katanas. Are you positive that they do not have spell casters locked away somewhere to produce this power?”

“Merkamou, move past the electricity thing already!” Kagome banged on the table. “I'm not giving anything else away!”

“It is very easily explained if you have the right spells and enough casters.” Gazing up at the ceiling, Merkamou's mind ran through scenarios.

“I give up. Akira-sama, what are you thinking?”

“Mostly that it is a good thing I have known you for two hundred years, or I would completely disregard this as insanity. Or a ploy to move the youkai out of the way for the ningens.” Akira sighed and slumped down, losing her usually perfect presentation and dropping her chin into her hand. “Ah, Kagome, what can we do with this information? We cannot tell them that you have seen the future, and they will not blindly obey such an order.”

“I do not think I will be able to convince very many to go into hiding without a real reason.” Hideaki was also leaning on the table, the ice blue eyes staring into the distance as he ran through strategies.

“I know, I know.” Kagome set her forehead on her arms, flat on the table. Muffled by the wood, her voice held quite a bit of frustration. “I had to tell you guys, so that you can be safe if nothing else. I can't risk all of you being killed! No matter what, the Western court is going to go underground.”

“Have you considered the possibility of changing the future?” Akira straightened as the thought occurred to her. “It has not happened yet, so why not change it?”

“I had this conversation with myself, and got a headache from it.” Grimacing, Kagome lifted her head. “Maybe the future isn't written yet. Or maybe this is exactly what happened, and it's all pointless and we are all going to be destroyed anyways. Or you'll change the future and I'll go insane. Or disappear. Or maybe we won't even remember that I was from the future. It's just a big guessing game.”

Hideaki actually rolled his eyes. “I do not play guessing games. We know that the ningens are becoming quite numerous and that they are developing effective weapons. These are facts and they cannot be changed. Kagome-sama's future may or may not be ours, but I would guess that it is the end result from what we know. We must decide what to do with the threat she has warned us about.”

“Sesshomaru-sama, what do you think of all this?” Merkamou pulled the silent taiyoukai back into the conversation.

“I do not wish to hide, but I will not place pride ahead of the safety of my pack.” Sesshomaru and Kagome shared a glance. “We will disappear until the ningens have forgotten us.”

“I agree. The Southern court is also going to become much more difficult to find.”

“They will call you cowards for hiding from ningens. Your positions will be at risk.” There was genuine concern in Hideaki's eyes as he looked to his two peers.

“I have learned that no matter what you decide, someone will think you are a fool. Just because I will be difficult for ningens to find does not mean that the youkai will be free of my influence.” Heaving a sigh, Merkamou gave a self deprecating smile. “I may be a fool, but I am still the most powerful fool in the South.”

Kagome broke down laughing. “All hail the great Fool of the South.”

“We have been saying that for centuries, Kagome-sama.” Akira smirked at Merkamou's expression.

Merkamou huffed. “I get enough of this from my daughter! I do not need the same treatment from my fellow Lords and Ladies.”

“Well, Akira-sama? What will you do?” The miko could see the reluctance in Akira's eyes.

“I do not know, Kagome-sama. To retreat without even attempting to fight . . . “ Gazing at her friend, Akira shrugged. “It is a difficult request.”

“I agree with Akira-sama. The threat is real, and I thank Kagome-sama for her warning. However, I do not know if disappearing is the only answer. I cannot believe that the future is written in stone.” Hideaki gave Kagome an exasperated look. “And I cannot consult with anyone on this matter, since I am sworn to secrecy.”

“It was necessary.” There was no threat in Sesshomaru's voice, just a quiet statement of fact.

“Hai, and I understand that. But if I cannot convince Mayu then the whole project is doomed before it starts.”

“I have full faith in your abilities. Just tell her that I came into some information, and I swore you to secrecy. She'll be annoyed, but she'll probably accept it.” Pinching the bridge of her nose, Kagome glanced around the room. “I think we need to get out of this room anyways. Go, think. Talk to whoever, just don't let them know about me. We'll finish this up tomorrow.”

----

“Do you see that?”

Mizuki turned her head, looking for whatever had caught Katsuro's attention. Off in the distance was a puff of dust. “What is it, shetai?”

“I'm not sure, but it's big. Cho-san, can you see anything?”

The leopard squinted into the distance. “I cannot tell. Yuriko-san may be able to see it, though.”

Anxiety settled in Katsuro's gut. “Good point. Hey Shou, we need to get Yuriko. And I think we should hurry.”

“What are you thinking, shetai?” Mizuki grabbed onto a hunk of the dragon's mane as he spun and shot across the sky.

“What if that is not one big thing, but lots and lots of little things?”

“An army.”

“Hai.”

“It cannot be. I have scouts looking for any threats in the area. I would have been told before they got this close. And how could they have found us so quickly? The Ladies told no one where they were going.”

Hanging onto his sister for dear life, Katsuro kept his focus despite Cho pressing against his back as they raced towards Yuriko. “I'll worry about how later. Right now I want to know if I'm seeing things, or if there is an army marching around in the area. Awfully big coincidence.”

Shou roared as Ah-Un came into sight, calling the other dragon in.

“We can't hunt like this!” Shippou started yelling as soon as they came within earshot. “Anything in the area's hiding now because of that roar!”

“Shut it, Shippou. Yuriko, do you see anything in the distance?” Katsuro ignored the faces Shippou was making at him.

“Up, Ah-Un.” Yuriko sent the dragon into a steep climb as she looked to the horizon, making Shippou squeak and grab onto her. They stopped and hovered before diving back down. “An army, and it looks like ningens.”

“A ningen army? I did not know that there was a ningen war going on nearby.” Cho glanced to the horizon again.

“I don't like this, Ki-chan. It's too much of a coincidence.” The anxiety that had settled in Katusuro's gut was now spreading. “We should go back and tell father.”

Mizuki stared at the cloud on the horizon. `It is most likely nothing, but shetai is quite anxious about this. He has excellent instincts on these matters. It is better to be prepared.' “Shou, we must return.”

“What about Seiji-san?” Yuriko glanced around. “He should know that we are returning early.”

Desperately wishing she could just ditch the dragon, Mizuki hesitated. After he had attacked his own father to protect her, the least she could do was tell him that they were returning early. “Yes, he should be told.”

“I can tell him.”

The eager smile that Yuriko was wearing did nothing for Mizuki's mood. “Shou is faster. Return to the village, Yuriko. I will retrieve the dragon and meet you there.”

“As you wish, Auntie. Personally, I would not let a specimen like that out of my sights, but it must not matter to you since he is not your intended.” Ignoring Shippou's hissed comments, Yuriko spun Ah-Un around and took off.

“Your niece does know how to find a chink in a suit of armor.” Cho was shaking her head. “I believe Seiji-san was to the south of us.”

“She found nothing. Shou, we must find Seiji.” Leaning into the wind, Mizuki tried to ignore the comments coming from behind her. `Damn dragon, and now I must find him before I can return to my duties.'

Shou put all of his incredible speed into the hunt, feeling the anxiety rolling off his riders. Within seconds he had caught scent of his prey and was streaking towards it. The dragon was not in the sky anymore, but instead had moved to the ground and his usual form to find prey in amongst the trees.

As Shou dropped Mizuki used a move borrowed from Yuriko. She landed in a crouch on the forest floor, he ears and eyes already searching for the dragon.

“I will not make much progress like this.”

`Of course. Right behind me.' Standing up smoothly, Mizuki turned to face Seiji. “We are returning to the village. We have spotted a ningen army in the area.”

“And this concerns us?” Seiji moved from his hiding place to stand just in front of Mizuki.

Refusing to take a step back, Mizuki kept her gaze steady. “It is too much of a coincidence to ignore. You can choose to stay here if you prefer, but we are returning.”

“Your concern for me is touching.” Seeing the flash of heat in the eyes in front of him, Seiji had to fight not to smile.

“I am letting you know our plans. I must return now.”

“And I shall join you.” Seiji took another step closer, bringing him to within a hand's span of touching her. “I would hate for the ningens to get you.”

Mizuki's hand clenched into a fist, images of smashing the arrogant nose into a pile of mush flashing through her mind.

“Ki-chan, quit flirting so we can go already!”

`Must remember, kill shetai.' Mizuki spun away from the dragon as Shou dropped to the ground. Ignoring her brother's looks she jumped on and grabbed onto the mane. There was another incredible burst of speed, and Shou was on his way to the village at a blinding pace.

Seiji smirked at the rapidly disappearing dragon. `I really should return to the village to see what all of the excitement is about. No matter what else they may say about her, she has never been called an alarmist.' Transforming, Seiji chased after the blur that was Shou and his passengers.

----

“Father, we have a problem.”

Sesshomaru and the rest of the group looked up when Katsuro and Cho bolted into the room. They had just finished talking to Kagome and had been leaving when the door had suddenly slammed open.

“What is it, Katsuro?” Kagome moved over to peer at her son.

“There's a ningen army in the area, and we don't know anything about a ningen war around her. It's too much of a coincidence.”

Merkamou narrowed his eyes. “And where are they?”

“About a day's march away.” Katsuro looked to his father. “Ki-chan is talking to Nami-san right now to see what she knows.”

Sesshomaru gave a sharp nod, walking briskly from the room and tracking down his daughter.

“How many?” Hideaki looked curious, nothing more.

“It was big, in the thousands.” Katsuro glanced to Cho, who shrugged. “Yuriko could see them, but all we saw was the cloud of dust.”

Kagome felt a surge of annoyance. “I think your father just found Mizuki. I'm going to go find them and figure out what they're doing.”

“I am coming with you, Kagome.” Merkamou fell into step with his friend as they hurried from the room.

“And where were you when you saw this army?” Hideaki stared at Katsuro, moving in closer.

Not sure why Cho had suddenly stiffened, Katsuro rattled on. “We were out past the village. It's hard to tell the distance with Shou, but I'm sure Ki-chan would know. We didn't want to hunt very close to the village.”

“So you and my daughter were out hunting.”

Realization dawned on Katsuro. `Oh, crap, this is Cho's father!' “Along with Ki-chan, Yuriko, Shippou, and Seiji. My lord.”

With a final stare, Hideaki left the room.

Katsuro practically melted. “I thought he was going to tear my head off for a second there!”

“Not likely.” Akira gave a small smile as she walked past them. “He would not risk such a match for his youngest.”

Jaw hanging down, Katsuro watched the dragon walk out of the room. “Since when have I been that obvious?”

Cho just shrugged. “I am simply glad that he did not pull your head from your shoulders. And now what shall we do, Katsuro-kun?”

`I like it when she calls me that.' Ignoring the faint blush he just knew was showing, Katsuro shrugged back. “I should catch up with father and see what is going on.”

“Then I will return to my mother and tell her about our discovery. She will be most interested.”

Brushing his lips across Cho's cheek, Katsuro gave her a quick smile before bolting down the hall after his insane family.

Her hand pressed against her cheek, Cho stared after him for a long moment before turning to find her mother.

----

“No, there is no conflict in the area.” Nami nodded to one of her scouts, who bowed himself out. “I had heard a report that there was an army in the area, but we thought they were heading north. They are too close for it to make any sense.”

Mizuki turned to the two Captains she had brought. “Lock down the village. Bring all of the villagers and supplies inside, and bring all of the guard in to watch the walls. Everyone is a threat now, ningen or youkai. No one comes inside. Understood?”

“Hai, Commander.” The Captains hustled out.

“You think they are coming here.” Nami looked over to the white haired hanyou. `She looks younger then me, but I know she has been alive for hundreds of years.'

“Hai. The question is why.”

“We will not worry about that now.” Sesshomaru looked to his daughter. “How far?”

“A day, maybe more.”

“No time for reinforcements.”

“Hai.”

“Hn.” Seeing his son come hurrying into the room, Sesshomaru nodded to his daughter and walked out. “Katsuro.”

“Hai, father.” Changing directions, he ran back out of the room.

“What's the plan, Mizuki-chan?” Kagome paced restlessly. “I don't know how they caught up with us so quickly, or why a huge group of ningens are coming here anyways. Are they from the south? Did they follow you, Merkamou?”

“I do not think so.” Merkamou tapped his claws against a table. “I have been keeping a close eye on the ningens in my lands, and I have not seen anything to indicate an army of that size. A smaller force was spotted, but nothing of this size.”

“As shetai said, I will worry about the how later. Now I will deal with what is coming. We have twenty youkai and hanyou here, along with the guard. It will be close.”

“There are also the exterminators.” Nami looked over to Mizuki. “We can cause significant damage.”

“I will not ask you to fight. Your village is already at risk because of us, I will not ask you to risk your lives as well.”

“We will protect our village. Kagome-chan and Yuriko-chan are already under this village's protection, and we would hate to see anything happen to Merkamou-sama. We will fight.”

Bowing slightly, Mizuki felt genuine relief. “Arigato, Nami-san.”

“So, we have 20 fighters from the meeting, the guard of about fifty, and about one hundred from the exterminators. The ningens have a couple thousand. I think this could be more then close, Mizuki-chan.” Kagome rubbed at her temples. “Do we need to consider retreating?”

“I will not abandon the village to this army. They may very well burn it to the ground when they discover we are not here. Retreat is not an option. I must go and see to the defenses.” Mizuki bowed herself out.

----

“And what are our orders, my lord?”

“You have two objectives, and I do not care how they are carried out. Kill Akira, and capture the miko alive. Any other destruction you can cause will be rewarded.”

“Hai, my lord.”

----