InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Kayaku ( Chapter 29 )

Kagome, flanked by Sesshoumaru and General Inutaisho, walked the long corridor that led to the stronghold's largest meeting hall, trying to contain her trepidation. She was honored by the confidence General Inutaisho placed in her, but, feeling like a small child between the two much taller Youkai, was convinced her contribution would be minimal and hated the idea of being a disappointment. They entered a huge room, several dozen Youkai seated at the enormous table therein. Bows and greetings exchanged, Sesshoumaru and Kagome sat between Lady Seiobo and Lady Inoue, waiting for General Inutaisho to begin.

 

“Good morning, all. A pity this assembly had to convene so early, given a choice, I'd still be in bed,” he said, ignoring Seiobo, who sniffed in disgust, devoid of sympathy for her mate's self-induced illness, “but we've much ground to cover today. I think it best if we begin with each intelligence officer detailing the information each House has gleaned, then we can compare and determine the totality of what we know. Lady Inoue, would you care to start?”

 

Lady Inoue stood with some difficulty, due to her advanced pregnancy, and bowed to the congregation. “Perhaps a brief history first. Nearly a year ago we began to focus on activities of the two Ningen generals, Akagawa and Kurono. They had been usual fixtures of the frontlines, drawn, not to the battle itself, but to the bloody aftermath, the pillage of weakened villages, the victimization of survivors. Their sudden curious absence late last winter raised our suspicions, so we monitored them specifically. A message intercepted early this summer told of this thing called kayaku, a weapon with enormous destructive potential.

 

“What we know of kayaku is that it was discovered accidentally over a year ago by an obscure alchemist. It was an incendiary device, some combination of brimstone and charcoal, that he thought promising enough to take to his feudal lord, General Akagawa. We will never be privilege to his identity or the original objective of his experimentation; his notes and materials were confiscated and he was thrown in prison, where we believe he has died. At first the exact nature of kayaku was unknown to us. We knew it was a combination of solid combustibles and that Akagawa recruited his own alchemists and resumed work in secret. Since summer we have learned they tried many different formulas, but seem to have come upon a breakthrough with the addition of saltpetre, which allowed the other ingredients to burn more rapidly, and also added stabilization. Akagawa recognized its value as a propellant and, after a few setbacks, too much smoke produced for example, has proceeded in that direction.”

 

She paused and looked grim. “Kayaku is not the weapon itself, but the fuel. The Ningen generals began to design objects that, when used with this black powder, can hurl a projectile across a great distance, causing immense damage to the target. They range in size from the large, expelling objects that are capable of destroying a small building or wrecking a defensive wall, to the small and handheld, which can be aimed at close range. If these were massed produced, each individual Ningen could kill any number of Youkai, without even dirtying his hands. As we all can imagine, if the War were begun anew, the fighting would be completely different than that with which we are familiar. The bad news is that the prototypes have been perfected. The good news, we have every reason to believe it is not near ready on a large scale. I think…I hope by the end of these meetings, we will know just how close they really are, and what can be done about it.”

 

All the Youkai knew most of this information already, however hearing it verbalized seemed to make it more real. The danger that was until that point theoretical now felt like a knife held to the collective throat. Kagome was somewhat shocked, wondering how Akagawa and Kurono had kept it a secret from the other generals and the Council. She had been in a position to hear things while at the Sisterhood, and it seemed that all the Families were very well informed of one another's business.

 

“Lady Inoue,” asked Lord Seiryu quietly, “is it true then, what the spies originally feared? That it would be like fighting an army comprised entirely of miko?”

 

Kagome squirmed in her seat as many eyes briefly turned toward her.

 

“Unfortunately, yes,” she answered. “While this weapon cannot purify, as miko are able, it can cause damage the likes of which we've not seen in ordinary Ningen.”

 

General Inutaisho continued, his voice grim, “And since we've only come across a lone miko or two defending a settlement or village, we've never had to face a great many of them. Think on it…the threat cannot be exaggerated. We, Taiyoukai have vastly greater combat abilities than Ningen, but as we know, our numbers are dwindling and we are not invulnerable. Lesser Youkai cannot defend against this. We could be facing the annihilation of our race. Gods know those two have enough hate in them to pursue it.”

 

“Perhaps,” Lady Inoue said, “Commander Sawaki would like to continue at this point. He, I believe, has been keeping track of the Akagawa and Kurono most closely.”

 

The intelligence master of the House of the South rose slowly. “Thank you, Lady Inoue. We all know the renegade generals left the Council shortly before the ratification of the peace treaty. They were also accompanied in their departure by a Lord Okashita. He has since paid huge bribes to the remaining Council members and has been welcomed back into their fold. Foolish, greedy Ningen. He is, of course, the generals' inside source of information, keeping them up on the status of the peace treaty, trade talks, and the like. We were hoping they would end up marginalized, but now, not only are they allowed to develop this weapon without having to maintain pretenses, they are fully aware of Ningen-Youkai cooperation and any areas that are vulnerable to exploitation. As desired by everyone as this peace is, centuries of belligerence cannot disappear because of one piece of paper.”

 

“Excuse me, Commander Sawaki,” interrupted Lady Inoue, “if I may add something.” He nodded courteously. “Lady Kagome has told me Akagawa and Kurono are regarding highly by some miko. It is an area of potential problem.”

 

Sawaki studied Kagome carefully. “That is interesting,” he stated coolly. “How strong is support for them at the Sisterhood? And now that the topic of miko has been broached, let me ask, what has become of that…fine Ningen institution? The laying down of arms, one could say, has made you and your sisters obsolete. Perhaps they are now looking for other causes. Were you particularly fond of the dear generals during your years there?”

 

Sesshoumaru growled low. “My mate will be addressed as Lady Kagome and without any such implications.”

 

Kagome laid her hand on Sesshoumaru's arm and stood, bowing politely but steeled with resolve. She had had enough of feeling intimidated, and reminded herself sternly that she was a fighter and would defend the Sisterhood with her dying breath. Looking Sawaki in the eye she began, “The purpose of miko, divinely sanctioned by the Earth himself, is the preservation of Ningen society. Even with War's End, the threat of Youkai against Ningen is still a reality. You, yourself said one piece of paper will not eliminate belligerence. Miko serve as protectors of individual villages and strongholds as well as functioning in a healing and spiritual capacity. We will never be obsolete,” she said forcefully. “The support Akagawa and Kurono had at the Sisterhood should not be ignored, but it was no means pervasive; miko are loyal to Lady Kaede. As to your last question, I think my presence here speaks for itself.”

 

She sat and looked down at her clenched hands, unaware of the approving glances from many Youkai, recognizing in her the fierce, proud miko they remembered from treaty negotiations. Lady Seiobo thrilled at seeing a Ryouyoukai upbraided, but sobered immediately when she noticed the lustful expression on Sesshoumaru's face. After his sanction of Kagome sparring, she would no longer put any behavior beyond him.

 

Lord Seiryu rose and intoned, “Lady Kagome, I assure you, no offense was intended. No one doubts your allegiance. In fact perhaps it would be advised that you correspond with your sister miko to gauge that loyalty you mentioned. If you think they would be honest with you.”

 

Kagome straightened. “I would happily communicate with those still residing at the Sisterhood, and yes, I still have close friends there, but,” she warned, “don't begin to think of me as an instrument of espionage.”

 

Lord Byakku, though amused by the proceedings, decided to diffuse the growing tension, reckoning alienation did none of them any good. “Lady Nekoko has compiled information on the generals' access to raw materials needed in the manufacture of the weapons and kayaku.”

 

“By all means, make your presentation, my Lady,” Lord Seiryu acceded.

 

Lady Nekoko smiled with warmth and curiosity at Kagome, having heard much of the miko from Gina the night before. “The House of the North has spies scattered everywhere, keeping an eye on acquisition of raw materials. We know that in order to make kayaku, they need large amounts of charcoal, brimstone, and, especially, saltpetre. Charcoal is produced readily anywhere near a source of wood, and we can assume it will not be difficult for them to obtain all they require. Brimstone mines are at various locations, and reports tell of operations increasing these past two months. Within the formulation, brimstone is the ingredient needed in the smallest quantity. We are unsure of the ratios, but we can reasonably ascertain the amount they are able to get is sufficient for their needs. Saltpetre on the other hand, the most important component in terms of both proper function and volume, is not plentiful anywhere but overseas.”

 

“If I may, Lady Nekoko,” said the intelligence officer of the House of the East, Lord Araki. After receiving a polite bow, he continued, “I think I should share with you the information from various merchants and harbor towns we have gained. Unusually large amounts of saltpetre have been coming in from the mainland, only to disappear the next day. We should continue as if it is a certainty that the generals are capable of making all the black powder they wish.”

 

The Youkai all shifted uncomfortably and looked at one another. This was news they were hoping was still months away. Akagawa and Kurono were making progress much more quickly than they had imagined possible.

 

“On the positive side,” Lady Nekoko resumed, “they don't have access to many of the raw materials needed for the weapon itself. We believe the first models were bamboo tubes, filled with this black powder and small metal objects. The explosion that resulted from lighting kayaku successfully launched the projectile, but also destroyed the bamboo and resulted in many injuries. It would be impractical to use in a military campaign, both in terms of transporting such a large amount of bamboo and loss of life. So they tried lining the bamboo with metal reinforcement, which ultimately proved successful. Fortunately Akagawa and Kurono do not, at this time, have influence with Lord Fukuguchi, on whose land nearly all the Ningen lead, tin, and iron mines are located, in addition to all the largest smithies.”

 

Lord Noboru sighed heavily. “So there is a cause for optimism in all this?” he asked.

 

The Torayoukai female smiled slyly. “I hate to…deflate you, Noboru. There is a gaping hole in our intelligence. We know they are able to procure the materials needed to manufacture kayaku and in all probability are indeed doing just that. As Lord Araki indicated, saltpetre is being imported and transported, but we don't know to where. We know brimstone is being extracted, but we don't know what happens to it once it leaves the mines. Akagawa and Kurono have a definite site of production, a base from which their operations are carried out. We have no idea where that place is located. Intercepted communications will only get us so far; we need direct knowledge from that site.”

 

The room was silent as the Youkai reflected on the difficulties in gaining any more crucial information without that locale.

 

“Are there any leads?” asked Lord Sato carefully.

 

The continued silence was answer enough. No one wanted to be the individual to give voice to their failure.

 

Then Kagome got to her feet slowly. “I may know that place,” she said simply, filling the void. She scanned the faces seated at the table and saw curiosity, anticipation, acceptance. “When my eldest surviving brother…died,” the word tasted sour in her mouth, “the male Higurashi line died with him. I, young and unmarried…,” she looked at Sesshoumaru for strength and, finding it, continued, “…unmarriageable, entered the Miko Sisterhood. I learned as I became older that our family lands were annexed illegally by my brother's commanding officer, General Kurono. They should have been held in trust for me and my sister. There were several issues up for vote at the Council at that time, and all the Heads of Household were scrambling to curry favor with each other in exchange for reassurance in voting a certain way. No one vocally opposed the usurpation.” She bit her lip hard, the pain of the past clearly in her mind. “Our lands are a footnote in history. My father was regarded as a martyr, but the wrongs done our family were swept under the rug of…War untidiness and Council politics.” The bitterness of history burned again, always following her, never far behind. “My family estate is situated on a large, isolated, heavily forested tract of land with a wide river running through it. A river that is fast, but navigable, and fed by the rivers that run all through Ningen territory. There is also an ancient smelting furnace. It had fallen into disuse, but should be still completely functional. If the place you have in mind is hidden, yet accessible, in control of the generals, but not on the maps as such, and able to process minerals and metals, I advise you turn your attention to Higurashi lands.”

 

“And you thought you wouldn't be able to assist us,” Lady Inoue kindly whispered in her ear once she retook her seat. Kagome gripped her hand gratefully.

 

“Yes,” purred Lady Nekoko, green eyes flashing, “Lady Kagome, you are proving most interesting. I'm imagining what other talents you possess.”

 

Kagome blushed at the intimate, suggestive tone in her voice, remembering tiger demons took many lovers.

 

General Inutaisho stood. “I suggest we end for the day. It is established the Ningen generals are moving forward rapidly, more than we cared to admit was probable. We need to put notions of our own superiority aside. We are underestimating our enemy and their abilities, I fear at our peril. Let us reconvene in two days, after we all have an opportunity to contact our spies in the field regarding the information Lady Kagome has provided.”

 

As they exited the hall, Sesshoumaru hung back to have a semi-private moment with his mate. He trailed an elegant claw down the side of her face, searching her eyes, and despite the dire news, he felt nearly content. “Well done.”

 

Kagome knew she had been useful and was happy, but his good opinion was only one she really sought. Underneath his stony coldness, passion simmered patiently, and she wished they were completely alone.

 

“I need to spend some time attending to the troops, and then I plan to speak with Lord Noboru about rules for this sparring match. I have a feeling all the Houses will want to participate. I would apologize for putting you in this position, but I know you're secretly overjoyed.” She tried, but couldn't quite keep the expression of ecstasy from her face. “Or not so secretly,” he said, frowning. “Meet me at the training grounds in three hours. I'll make sure we are left to ourselves.”

 

“Keeping me hidden?” she teased, “or did you have something else in mind entirely,” she added naughtily, running her hand down his muscled abdomen.

 

“Tactically,” he deadpanned, stopping the downward progression of her fingers, “it is unwise to reveal one's strengths to an enemy. I don't want them to know more than necessary about your abilities, though certainly our own troops have been questioned at length on your fighting style.”

 

He left her to join his father for inspections, but all he really wanted was to bend her over the huge table in the hall and sate their needs.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome and Kouga had just finished a long, fairly one-sided bout when Sesshoumaru entered the training arena. “You're late,” Kouga accused, annoyed, then sullenly added, “my Lord.” Sesshoumaru had asked to meet in order to consult with him on Kagome's strengths and weaknesses in hand-to-hand combat, and though he showed up on time, an hour ago, Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be seen. Kagome insisted on not `just waiting around, doing nothing' and proceeded to administer a sound beating. He hadn't been this sore since the last time he was forced to fight her.

 

“It couldn't be helped,” Sesshoumaru replied, raising an eyebrow at the insolence. “This sparring match is fast developing into a tournament. We got to work on the initial match-ups, and, of course, everything is complicated if the Byakku has a hand in it.” He saw Kagome, flushed, panting, and dripping with sweat. “How did she do?” he asked Kouga, who was in a similar state, though lacking Kagome's exhilarated expression.

 

“Let's just say, I've become personally acquainted with the floor.” He limped toward the double doors. “Test her yourself next time.”

 

Kagome punched her mate on the arm, lightly and playfully. “Ready? I'm good for another round.”

 

“No,” he said firmly, having been confronted with all the disrespect he could be expected to ignore. “Come up to our rooms. You have enough time to bathe before dinner.”

 

“Why not go to the baths?” she asked suspiciously.

 

“I just saw Gina and Nekoko go in there. I'll have Jaken bring some hot water up for you.”

 

“Awww, you want Gina to have some privacy. You're so sweet.”

 

His withering glare would have made anyone else cringe in fear. Kagome merely giggled and threw her arms around neck, kissing his saturnine face loudly. Her warm, moist, salty body pressed against him instantly transported him to the many times they were naked and sweaty between the sheets. She saw his eyes tinge red just before he threw her, shrieking happily, over his shoulder and carried her to their bed.

 

A/N Kayaku is the Japanese word for gunpowder.