InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Matchmaker ❯ On the Horizon ( Chapter 20 )

A/N: And here we go again. Hopefully I'll get all of your questions answered, Cindy.

 

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“It is almost time to leave.”

 

Kagome glanced up from playing with Katsuro. Her excitement over the news of her new lifespan had blocked out the thoughts of war for the past week. Now the dread crashed over her like a tidal wave, making her eyes go dark as she looked up to Sesshomaru. “Already?”

 

“Ryuutaisho is already on the move. His forces are moving towards my border even now. Word must have reached him of his son's death. I had hoped that the information would take longer, but it was sure to escape.” Sesshomaru watched as Katsuro rolled onto his stomach and lifted his head. Soon his son would be crawling and making his mother insane.

 

“Or he figured out where Akira went.”

 

“Possibly. Either way, we are out of time. I have already sent messengers to Merkamou and Hideaki to let them now that it is time to march. I have sent some forces to the border to make certain that Ryuutaisho does not break through.”

 

Sighing, Kagome watched Katsuro. She had never seen a war, much less fought in one. She had seen what a battlefield would look like after the battle, and she did not want to see that carnage in the making. But there was no choice. Her pups were in danger, and she would go to war for them, and her love. “I will go and see Sango today. I will also talk to Akira and see what she is going to do. Hideaki should have an escort on the way already for the pups. I don't want to leave them, but it is too dangerous for them to come with us.”

 

“We will leave as soon as the pups are away. I would not expect to wait more then two or three days. Isamu has actually proven to be useful in the preparations, now that he is suitably motivated.”

 

“Did the Captain really make him run laps in the gardens?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“I would have loved to have seen that. He has been much better behaved since he was put under your watch. Don't you think?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Come on, Katsuro. Your Daddy is working, and we are going to go visit Aunt Sango.” Kagome scooped up her babbling pup, blowing a raspberry on his cheek.

 

“Do not teach him to call me that.”

 

“Okay, Daddy.”

 

“Hn.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

`Well, she does make for peaceful company.' Rin sat in a tree and watched as Akira played her music. The dragon knelt behind the koto she had found, carefully plucking a beautiful melody. The defense manuscript Rin was supposed to be studying was lying in her lap as she enjoyed the music. The lady looked so very serene and perfect. Nothing was ever out of place, and she never missed a note. `I really wish I could hate her.'

 

A group of the palace ladies were out walking. Rin could see Sora in the group, blending in to the sea of silk and jewels. The inu-youkai looked at the ningen, then giggled and whispered to her friends. The group giggled together and disappeared back into the palace. Rin ran a hand over the rough material of her clothing and her unruly hair. `That is what Merkamou will have for a mate, and I will continue on as Sesshomaru's lost little ningen. I may try to dress as they do, but it is a costume and any can tell. Dressed like this I am a subject of jokes and mocking glances. I can not win.' A sigh blew out of Rin at her dark thoughts.

 

“Rin-san, is something troubling you? I can move if this bothers you.” Akira never stopped playing as she spoke.

 

“No, Akira-sama. I am enjoying your song very much. I did attempt to learn the koto once, but I did not have much success. It sounded rather like an injured animal.”

 

“It is a difficult skill, and one that is quite painful to the ears to learn. It must be a passion in order to endure the beginnings.” Akira concentrated through a difficult passage. “You have a passion of your own. You understand what I mean.”

 

“Hai.” A finger trailed over the hilt of a katana out of habit. “And it was a painful beginning.”

 

“One should pursue what they love, and not try to learn something that they do not even desire.”

 

“But what if there is no choice?”

 

“There is always a choice. I could have chosen to not learn this instrument, but I wished to. You have followed your passion, what troubles you about this?”

 

“I have my passion, but part of me wishes to be more like you. Being a fighter is exhausting and painful. I would like to have the time to make music, to read, to figure out how to make my hair stay where it belongs.” Rin giggled a bit as she tucked a wayward lock of hair back.

 

“And why do you say that I am not a fighter?”

 

“I apologize, Akira-sama. I have never seen you with a weapon, and I assumed that you did not fight.”

 

Akira glanced up, her eyes dark. “But I am armed.”

 

“Nani?”

 

“You have your weapons, and I have mine. My weapons include the koto, my fan, and my perfectly controlled hair.”

 

Rin shook her head. “You have lost me, my lady.”

 

“You fight with your katanas, daggers, and fists. I fight with my mind and manipulation. In my way, I am as deadly as you. And it is just as exhausting and painful. This is the most efficient way for me to accomplish what I need, so I do it. They see a lady, quietly playing music and looking beautiful. I flutter a fan and hide my face, leaving them with the impression of simple and shy. Then they talk. How do you think I was able to follow my mate's preparations? Because he did not hide them from his simple, foolish mate. And his advisors lusted after me, willing to tell me anything for some of my time.”

 

“I would have never known, Akira-sama.”

 

“You wear your weapons for all to see, but I keep mine hidden. They do not see me coming, while they will watch you.”

 

“Should I hide who I am?”

 

“Of course not.” Akira set her hands on her lap, staring at the ningen. “You should use all of your assets. You have weapons that you are not using. Males will melt for a female and give her more information and help then you will ever get at sword point. Be yourself, but do remember what else you have. A well placed smile can be as deadly as a well placed dagger, and harder to trace.”

 

The music restarted as Rin turned over what she had been told. “And how can I attract and manipulate a male if I am myself? I am different then what they are looking for.”

 

“Rin-san, when you are looking at a group, what catches your eye? Not the ones that are the same, but the one that is different. What must change is why you are different. Now you are obviously uncomfortable with your position. Males will notice what is different, and they will be fascinated with it if you are comfortable and happy that way.”

 

“Akira-sama, I do not suppose you would be willing to help me with this. I would have no idea where to begin. I will not put aside my katanas, but I think that you may have the answer to a problem that has been bothering me for some time.”

 

“Hai, Rin-san. I was not blessed with any daughters, and it would be a pleasant change to train a female. Most of my experience is wasted on a son.” Akira smiled to herself as she plucked her melody.

 

“Arigato, Akira-sama.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Are you sure about this, Sango-chan? Do you really want to go to war?”

 

“Of course. This is a wonderful training opportunity for Rin.”

 

“Sango-chan, you have fallen on your head far too many times.”

 

The exterminator gave her best friend a mock glare. Mirokou smiled at his wife's expression as he tackled his oldest son. “Kohaku, leave them alone to talk.”

 

“Is Mama leaving again?” Kohaku looked at Kagome with angry eyes. “Every time she visits Mama leaves again.”

 

“I'm sorry, Kohaku. I really don't want to take your Mama away.” Kagome looked like she might cry. Katsuro was burbling in her lap, and offered a pleasant distraction.

 

“Kohaku, we talked about this. I have to go. We live in the Western Lands, and we do not want to have the war spread over here. When this is over I will be able to stay home with you guys for a nice, long time. I need you to be brave and help your father take care of everything for me. You are the oldest, after all.” Sango smiled as her son puffed up with pride.

 

“Hai, Mama. Papa will need help with the twins. They are walking now, Aunt Kagome. Poor Papa can hardly keep them in the house now.” Kohaku looked over his shoulder to watch as his twin sisters toddled across the room, heading straight for the door. Mirokou swooped down to stop them.

 

“Kagome-sama, I would gladly offer my services. A war sounds almost peaceful since the girls started walking.” Mirokou deposited his protesting daughters on their mother.

 

“That's what you said when Souta started walking. Where is Souta, anyways?” Kagome looked around for Sango's younger son. She set Katsuro down on the ground, letting the twins stare at him. She could never tell which was which, but one of them was trying to pet his ears.

 

“Puppy.”

 

“Probably on the roof. I can not keep that kid off of the roof, or out of the trees.” Sango set her daughters on the floor and stuck her head out a window. “Souta, get down from there before you fall and break your neck! Do not make that face at me! I can to make it up there, young man. Kagome-chan, I will be right back. You have had it, Souta!”

 

“I am sorry to be taking her away again, Mirokou. I know she just got back.” Kagome smiled to her friend, now a father and in his thirties.

 

“I understand, Kagome-sama. It would not be my dear Sango if she was not running into battle. Just . . . bring her back to me.” Mirokou looked away, his eyes haunted for a moment.

 

“I will, Mirokou.”

 

There was a loud thump outside. Sango was standing with her son in her arms, and he did not look happy about it. “Get in that house and say hi to your Aunt Kagome!”

 

“Don't want to! Wanted to stay on the roof! I see Aunt Kagome all of the time!” Souta crossed her arms and glared at his mother with his father's violet eyes.

 

“Now.”

 

“Hai, Mama.” Souta meekly walked over to Kagome, recognizing his Mama's tone of voice. “Good afternoon, Aunt Kagome.”

 

“Good afternoon, Souta.” Kagome grinned and caught the boy in a head lock. “Say it! Say it!”

 

“Yield! I yield, Aunt Kagome!”

 

“No, say it!”

 

“I yield, Great Princess Kagome!”

 

“That's right. Next time just come in and say hi, don't make your mama come and get you.” Kagome plunked the youngster in her lap. “How a charmer like Mirokou spawned these trouble makers is beyond me. Maybe the curse of the hand really did end.”

 

“Not likely. I caught Kohaku watching some of the village women bathing just last week.” Sango glared at her eldest, who just smiled back.

 

“I was curious, Mama.”

 

“Ah, he will be my true heir.” Mirokou knew the smack was coming, and just smiled as the handprint was left on his cheek.

 

“Hentai.” Sango marched to the back of the house and grabbed her bag and boomerang. “Let's go, Kagome-chan, before I am a widow.”

 

The children scattered outside, running with Kirara in the grass. Kagome and Katsuro followed them out, glancing behind to see Mirokou locked with Sango in a passionate embrace. She flushed, seeing the almost desperate way Mirokou was clinging to her. `I will bring her back, Mirokou. I promise.'

 

Ah-Un was waiting for her, grazing on the grass. Kagome mounted as Kirara transformed to give Sango a ride. Waving to the family below them, Kagome hugged Katsuro close and followed Sango across the sky towards the palace and the final preparations for war.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Kagome-sama, the escort from the Northern Lands is approaching.”

 

The miko looked up from the message she had just received from none other then Ryuutaisho and scowled. “Fine. Let me know when they get here. And find Akira-sama for me.”

 

The servant scrambled out, leaving the fuming miko by herself. `Damn dragon. The nerve, addressing this to me and not Sesshomaru. Fine, then. I'll answer it myself.'

 

Akira cleared her throat, pausing in the door way. “Kagome-sama? Did you send for me?”

 

“Hai, Akira-sama. Come in. I have a message from your mate. It seems that you are my captive, and I murdered your son and emissary in cold blood. He is declaring war unless you are returned and Katsuro is released to him in place of his son.”

 

“Nani?” Akira took the note that Kagome held out to her. “Well, since you are preparing to march in a matter of days it is not terribly surprising.”

 

“Now the question is whether I want to be mature and responsible, or answer the letter.”

 

“How would it not be mature or responsible to answer the letter?”

 

“I'm going to give that dragon a piece of my mind. Want to help?”

 

The lady was staring at her, confused. “What would you like for me to do?”

 

“He he, this is going to be fun.” Kagome pulled a piece of paper and a brush to herself. “Dearest Ryuutaisho . . .”

 

“That does not sound threatening.” Akira watched over Kagome's shoulder as she wrote.

 

“Wait for it. I have received your note, and after through consideration, and am recommending that you go piss into the wind. It will do you as much good. Okay, Akira-sama, you were his mate for a couple of centuries, what would really steam him?”

 

“Umm. He is rather unattractive, for a taiyoukai. His eyes do not match very well.”

 

“It's a start. You stupid, cross eyed lizard. You have to know more then that.”

 

“Oh, this is embarrassing, but the concubines have said that he is not well endowed. I have not had an occasion for comparison, so I must take their word on it.”

 

Kagome started to giggle. “The mighty Ryuutaisho has an itty bitty teeny weenie?”

 

Blushing furiously, Akira looked at her hands. “It does seem that way.”

 

“Did he know how to use it, at least?”

 

“Kagome-sama! Absolutely scandalous! I had six sons, he evidently knew at least something about the process.”

 

“That doesn't mean he knew how to use it.”

 

“Kagome-sama, I do not think I understand where this is going, and I am almost frightened to know what you are about to tell me.”

 

“He doesn't! Holy Kami, he doesn't!” Kagome was leaning on her desk, wheezing with laughter. “I knew he was compensating for something.”

 

“This is a most inappropriate conversation.”

 

“Oh, probably. Just take my word on it, if you are this perplexed by the conversation, he was not doing it right. Hopefully your next mate will be able to show you what I mean.” Kagome was writing furiously now. “This should just make that dragon insane.”

 

“Kagome-sama! That language is most unseemly!”

 

“True, but it's accurate. Right?”

 

“Hai. It is.” Akira sat next to Kagome, shaking her head. “How did you end up as Lady of the West, my friend? You are such a different creature.”

 

“I have no idea. Just one day I woke up and this was my fairy tale, complete with knight in shining armor.”

 

“You can add that he can not write his own letters. His secretary must write them for him, for none can read his writing. It is not as scandalous as the rest, but it does aggravate him to no ends.”

 

“Now you are getting into it, Akira-sama. This is therapeutic for you. Get all of those nasty feelings off of your chest. What could happen? We are already at war.”

 

“True. He is afraid of small spaces. And he is a rather strong smelling creature. I will say it, he stinks. He does not bathe nearly often enough for my comfort, and he is down right lecherous. He was most indecent with the servants. He stank, and had roving hands, and he was an idiot! I manipulated him for decades without his ever being aware! Stupid, stinking, filthy beast that turned my sons against me and kept me trapped at a separate home so that he could lay with any that caught his eye! The bastard!”

 

“Yes, Akira-sama!” Kagome scribbled away.

 

“I hate that beast. All of my sons were warped to be whatever he wanted them to be, and I could not stop him. They barely recognize me now. He devastated the lands that were my dowry, and he squanders the treasury. It has been all I could do to keep the household from falling into ruin, but it was more then I should have needed to deal with! Here I was, trained to rule from hatching, and forced to clean up his messes. And the more I caught, the bigger the mess he would make! I could not take it anymore, and when I got your note I knew it was war. I ran, like a coward, because I could not stay while he destroyed our lands and our sons. I should rule the Eastern lands, not that slimy, no good, son of a bitch!”

 

“Wow! Feel better?”

 

“Hai, actually.” Akira took some deep breaths, her usual calm demeanor returning. “I hope that I was able to help with your reply.”

 

“Oh, yes. Ryuutaisho should be quite annoyed with my creation.” Kagome folded her note and sealed it. “I will send this out first thing tomorrow, before we march. It should get there ahead of us.”

 

“My lady?” The servant was back. “The escort is approaching the gates.”

 

“Fine, I'm coming. Akira-sama, would you care to join me?”

 

“As you wish, Kagome-sama.”

 

Akira followed Kagome out into the sun, feeling rather free after her outburst. The tiny miko was such a contrast to herself. Her hair was loose, blowing in the breeze as she practically skipped across the courtyard. The dragon had yet to see her in anything other then the haori and hakama that were practically a uniform for her. It would be interesting to see her dressed in a fine kimono, but it would not fit her. Somehow, Akira could not imagine this free spirit in the binding clothing that she wore. This odd miko was the closest thing Akira had ever had to a confidante, and she did not want Kagome to change in any way. For once, Akira had found a creature that she did not wish to manipulate and use.

 

The gates were swinging open, revealing a rather large armed group. Amongst them was a commanding female, dressed for battle. She had the same icy blue eyes as Hideaki and Isamu. Kagome's eyes fairly bugged out of her head. “My lady?”

 

“Kagome-sama, I assume. It is a pleasure to meet you in person. When I heard that your pups would be coming to stay with me I insisted that I escort them myself. I am Mayu. And I assume that this is Akira-sama. How unusual, to have all of the Ladies in one place. We should talk before I depart. Should we have tea, ladies?”

 

“Sure.” Kagome had the feeling that she was a leaf being tossed along on a breeze. She found herself following Mayu into the palace.

 

“I have not been here since Sesshomaru's father ruled. It has not changed much.” Mayu moved unerringly to Kagome's study, leaving Kagome confused and floundering. “Perhaps you will introduce your pups to me here, so they are more comfortable with me. I would not like for them to be any more distressed then necessary.”

 

Kagome and Akira glanced at each other behind Mayu's back. Kagome made a face, sticking out her tongue and making Akira bite her lip to avoid laughing. In her own study Kagome was able to recover her equilibrium and sat behind her desk. A servant brought in tea, serving the three ladies before bowing himself out.

 

“Hideaki tells me that you are going into battle, Kagome-sama. In my younger days I would have done the same, but now I find that I would rather stay home and let the males slaughter each other. Will you be joining them, Akira-sama, or would you prefer to join me at my home?”

 

“I will be accompanying Kagome-sama, Mayu-sama.” Akira sipped at her tea politely. `There is no way in hell I am going to this female's home. War is preferable.'

 

“As you please. If it were my mate causing this much trouble, I would do the same. He should find better things to do with his time. Honestly.” Mayu stopped her tirade when she heard footsteps stop at the door. Looking over her shoulder, she found a silver haired pup with fluffy ears. “Is this one of yours, Kagome-sama?”

 

“Hai. Mizuki, come in. This is Mayu-sama, the Lady of the North. You have met Akira-sama.” Kagome felt the familiar surge of pride as her daughter bowed elegantly before sitting at her mother's side.

 

“What a pretty little thing. And so like her father. Who would have though a hanyou could have such presence! She may be a wonderful influence on my youngest daughter. If Sesshomaru's heirs will be hanyous, my young might as well get used to it. It will take some time, though. Even I am having some trouble adjusting to the idea. I had always considered hanyous to be weak and a waste of space. Now I will be watching over two of them. It is amazing how times change.” Mayu looked Mizuki up and down. “This one will do much to change opinions, I believe. The resemblance is uncanny. If not for the ears she could be mistaken for her father as a pup. Have you ever considered trying to hide them, perhaps with her hair? The scent would still give her away, though.”

 

While she did not move, Mizuki's claws were slowly sinking into the palms of her own hands. Her eyes did not flicker, but she took in every word. `Hanyou. I am so sick of that word.'

 

“I am proud of my daughter as she is, Mayu-sama. I will send for Katsuro. He should be done with his nap now.” Kagome ran a hand through Mizuki's hair, sympathy making her heart ache. Within a few minutes she had her giggling son in her lap, watching all of the strangers in the study. “Mayu-sama, this is Katsuro.”

 

“Oh, it has been so long since I have had a young one to watch.” Mayu softened as she looked at the little face. “May I hold him, Kagome-sama?”

 

“Hai, just watch out. His teeth are coming in, and everything in reach goes into his mouth.”

 

Katsuro giggled for his new friend, trying to fit part of her armor into his mouth. Mayu melted. “Oh, he is so adorable. Kagome-sama, I will keep them both safe. I miss having little ones around.”

 

It was easier for Kagome to breathe now. Seeing this side of Mayu made it easier to entrust the leopard with her offspring. “Arigato, Mayu-sama. Would you like to see Isamu while you are here?”

 

“No, it is better that he not see me. He will just beg to come home. It is Hideaki's fault that he has been so much trouble. The fool just could not refuse his only son. Anything that boy wanted, Hideaki would give him. Yes, we waited a long time for him, but it is ridiculous! We should be departing soon, anyways. We can cover a lot of ground tonight.”

 

“So soon?” Kagome looked desperately at her pups.

 

“I know, Kagome-sama, but it needs to happen. They will be safe with me. It will not help to draw this out.” Mayu rose with Katsuro. “Call for your mate so he may see his litter off.”

 

`No need. He is already on his way. I must be more upset then I thought.' Kagome could feel Sesshomaru moving through the palace towards her, concerned. “He is on his way.”

 

Akira and Mayu both gave her odd looks, but Mizuki's eyes were on the door.

 

“Ladies, I will meet you in the courtyard.” Kagome shooed the ladies out so she could say good bye to Mizuki in private, and let Sesshomaru talk to his daughter.

 

After the ladies left, Mizuki slowly stood and pulled her claws from her own hands. She watched with a blank expression as blood trickled down her hands, making her mother gasp. A hand closed around her wrist, a hand with a stripe running across the wrist.

 

“Mizuki.” Sesshomaru already knew how Mizuki had hurt herself. “What did they say?”

 

“Hanyou.” She refused to look at her father, staring at the floor.

 

“You will prove them wrong.” Both hands were inspected, the bleeding already coming to a stop. “You are my daughter.”

 

“Hai, father.” Mizuki looked up, meeting his eyes. “I will remember.”

 

`How do they do that? No more then twenty words, and they just had a whole conversation.' Kagome shook her head. `I have a feeling that this will get worse as she gets older.'

 

Sesshomaru brushed a finger across Mizuki's cheek before turning to Kagome. “Are you ready?”

 

“Are you kidding? No way am I ever going to be ready for this.” Kagome used her own clothing to wipe the blood off of Mizuki's hands before grabbing her in a tight hug. “You will be perfect, I know. Watch out for your brother, and don't listen to any nasty things they say. Just be your usual, amazing self. It will be the best response.”

 

“Hai, Mama.” Mizuki buried her face in her mother's neck for a moment, then pulled away.

 

Sesshomaru walked Mizuki out, leaving Kagome to follow. The miko felt like her heart was being ripped in two. Katsuro was still with Mayu, but he was starting to look distressed. Mizuki was silent and poised, letting nothing escape.

 

“I will bring them to you after your victory, Kagome-sama.” Mayu smiled to the distressed mother. “It will be okay. The first separation is always the worst.”

 

“Mizuki-chan!” Rin came hurtling threw the courtyard, flinging herself at her younger sister.

 

“Rin-neechan!” Mizuki hugged her sister back. “I did not think I would get a chance to say good bye.”

 

“You will be home before you know it.” Rin brushed her own tears away. “Do not get into any trouble. What are the rules?”

 

Mizuki smiled. “No running, no yelling, no swearing, no hitting.”

 

“And?”

 

“No challenges.”

 

“Good girl. I will see you soon.” Rin ruffled her sister's hair before turning to Mayu and Katsuro.

 

“You must be Rin-san. I have heard much about you.” Mayu smiled as the stories about Rin and her son played in her mind.

 

“Hai, my lady.” The young woman tickled Katsuro. “Come home soon, little brother. I still need to teach you to hunt with me.” Bowing to the ladies, Rin took off before she could start crying in front of her siblings.

 

“We should go.” Mayu's guard was waiting by the gates. “Come, Mizuki-san. We will be to my home soon and you can meet my daughters.”

 

“Hai, Mayu-sama. I look forward to meeting your family and I thank you for your hospitality.” Mizuki followed Mayu away from her family.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes. “I think Mizuki will be fine in Hideaki's court.”

 

“Hai. She is my daughter.” Sesshomaru watched as his pups went through the gates, losing sight of them when the gates closed.

 

“It is so quiet now. Hideaki, Merkamou, and now the pups are gone. I don't like it.”

 

“Neither do I. I blame you.”

 

“Nani?”

 

“I used to enjoy peace and quiet. Now I find it unnerving. Explosions seem to be more common then silence since you arrived.”

 

“You were bored before you met me.” Kagome flounced back towards the palace. “Let's get this damn war won already. I miss my pups!”