InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Treachery ( Chapter 38 )

The solitary Youkai fortress lay in ruins, so old and abandoned it could no longer be found on any but the dustiest of maps. It was situated in an isolated spot along an ancient trade route, and when the small group of heavily armed Ningen arrived, they knew there was no chance they would be discovered. It was an ideal location in which to hold the proposed conclave. The Youkai spy they had interrogated a few weeks earlier had proved most valuable, and now they were to finally meet this new ally, though despite the advantageous potential, they remained wary. Mistrust was not only ingrained, it was necessary.

 

General Kurono cracked his knuckles while he paced along a crumbling wall, hoping to work out some pent-up tension. Both he and General Akagawa were patient men, but he felt they had been waiting all night. He asked, not for the first time, “What do you think this Youkai lord will demand for his offer of assistance? His messages seemed to hint that he knew we have something powerful and secret, but if that's the truth, why would he want to cooperate with us?”

 

General Akagawa sighed. The other man's restlessness grated. They had worked closely together for years, united by an obscene fondness for the suffering of others, and he had never seen him so on edge. “We don't know the extent of his knowledge, though if he has any inkling at all, chances are the Taiyoukai have spies that have discovered our work on kayaku.”

 

“But then why haven't they shared this with the Council? It would be in their best interests.”

 

“Perhaps they know we have a collaborator on the Council. Perhaps their sources are better than we thought. Lord Okuri knew enough to send his spy into Higurashi lands to contact us,” Akagawa said wearily. He had grown tired of being asked questions he could not answer.

 

The sounds of feet approaching on the stone path interrupted them, and a small group entered the dimly lit yard through the main gate. Though the Ningen generals had killed or ordered the deaths of thousands of Youkai over the decades, they were still slightly intimidated by the appearance of their newfound accomplice. Lord Okuri was not as large as the two bristled, sharp-tusked boar Youkai that flanked him, but he was tall and imposing, and the cruel, calculating expression on his face only served to make him seem more dangerous.

 

They stared at each other, reflecting on the incongruity of sworn enemies giving aid. They may be forming a bargain based on mutual necessity and convenience, but they were not operating as friends on a mission of peace. Their purpose was havoc, and none were ignorant of the fact that each would stab the other in the back if he became redundant or a liability.

 

Lord Okuri's smooth voice cut the uneasy silence. “I am told you want the peace treaty broken.”

 

“Yes,” General Akagawa said. “Your spy indicated we may be able to help one another.” He took careful measure of the Taiyoukai. In the course of the War, he and Kurono mainly raided villages and attacked refugee camps. They had little contact with the demon lords. He greatly suspected that beneath the regal stoicism dwelt deadly rage. “What is it you wish from us?”

 

Okuri stared at the men. He hated humans as a rule and knew these two were plotting the annihilation of his race, but he also knew an opportunity when one was presented, leading him to arrange this meeting. “Your aid in the restoration of my birthright. The House of the West was meant to be mine, and I intend to see my grandson as its leader.” He paused a moment, tapping into the roots of long-nurtured hatred and a new excitement—this was the first real cause for optimism he'd had in decades. “I want my cousin, General Inutaisho, dead, but my hands must remain untainted.”

 

“And what makes you think we'd be able to achieve that?” Kurono scoffed. “We have no interest in Youkai succession. Why should we help?”

 

Okuri snarled. He could not abide insolence, least of all from these Ningen. “Why?” he asked as though he were talking to children. “Because I think that this one act will accomplish both our goals. You want the Four Houses to break the treaty and raise an army. You haven't told my spy the reason, but I'm guessing it has something to do with the little weapon you've been secretly making. Maybe you judge the situation, as it stands now, Youkai and Ningen fulfilling the terms of the treaty and cooperating, is not to your advantage as much as if things were to get out of control.”

 

Kurono and Akagawa gaped, but recovered quickly and glanced at each other. Lord Okuri obviously had his sources, and he was a shrewd, clever thinker.

 

The Taiyoukai laughed, a sound devoid of mirth. “Yes, I've heard. I've also heard your serendipitous discovery and development of…kayaku, is it not…have nearly come to fruition.”

 

“Alright,” Kurono said gruffly, rising to his full height. He refused to lose ground so quickly. “Tell us. How exactly will killing General Inutaisho help us in any way?” he challenged. “I'm certain the death of a leader of his stature would not be taken lightly, but I should think only pinning it on a high-level Ningen conspiracy would cause them to break the treaty over it. I think they'd simply seek justice for the murder.”

 

“Oh, I quite agree. Lord Sesshoumaru wouldn't rest until the assassin was executed, most preferably by his own hands, and so long as Lady Kagome is at his side, the treaty will hold.”

 

“Are we in accord, then? Our future hinges on the Ningen girl?” Kurono asked.

 

A satisfied smile crept across Okuri's face. Apparently these Generals were capable of analyzing the situation, even if they needed to be steered in the right direction. “You will kidnap Lady Kagome, killing my cousin Isamu in the process. I will arrange everything. I only ask that you leave Sesshoumaru unharmed and that you take the girl back into Ningen territory and kill her.”

 

Kurono grinned, appreciative of the complex wickedness of the plot. “You intend to frame her for the murder, don't you?”

 

“Of course. Sesshoumaru, the heir to the West, needs to take my daughter as a mate. He won't do that if Lady Kagome is alive, but I also need to poison his mind against her. And what would make him hate her more than if he believed she played him for a fool and killed his father? What would make him more likely to declare War? It is the ultimate violation of the peace treaty.”

 

“But what reason would she have for killing him?” Akagawa asked, pointing out a potential problem. “Obviously premeditation is important if you wish the treaty broken. It can't just be explained away as an accident.”

 

“The reason? To avenge her father. You may not know…the House of the West led the charge on Fukuoka Canyon.”

 

Kurono and Akagawa absorbed this information and filled in the empty holes of history. Revenge was pure, primal motivation. The plan may succeed.

 

Akagawa nodded thoughtfully. “This could end up badly if it doesn't work. How good is your intelligence?”

 

“Though the General has unquestioned loyalty from his army, I have a handful of servants in the manor still sympathetic to my position. And…a very useful informant, with whom I am in constant contact. He was trained in encryption and forgery when fostered with one of my erstwhile allies, but remains faithful to me and has recently found a way to Lady Kagome. He told me you have taken several rogue miko under your wing. Is that true?”

 

Akagawa thought of Leiko and her followers training alongside his men. They all were skilled fighters, but Leiko shared the same hatred and ambition that consumed him and Kurono. “It is.”

 

Okuri smiled again. The pieces were falling into place with almost no effort on his part. This time it was meant to be. This time he would get rid of his cousin. He would see Azami mated to the new leader of the West and take his destined place next to Seiobo. “They will be useful. Have them ready to move in two weeks.” The Longest Night, sacred to Youkai, was quickly approaching, and he knew of the perfect opportunity to strike. “I'll keep you abreast of information and give you detailed instructions as time progresses. If you can uphold your end of the bargain, in less than two months the Four Houses will declare the peace treaty broken and resume War. I trust that fits in with your schedule of weapons manufacture,” he said slyly. “Which brings me to my demand for orchestrating all of this.”

 

“I thought as much,” Kurono said ominously. “Is kidnapping and assassination not enough?”

 

“Let's not be overly antagonistic,” Akagawa warned, lightly placing a hand on Kurono's arm. He thought this plan sounded like their best chance in getting Youkai to violate the treaty, giving them a chance to take over the Council and use kayaku. “What is it you are proposing in exchange?”

 

Lord Okuri inclined his head to acknowledge Akagawa's reasonability. “I know you have a weapon that you intend to use against Youkai. Let me assure you, though you may seek to obliterate us, it isn't possible. You can never kill us all. My demand is this—you offer an opportunity for surrender, allowing all Youkai who accept it to live peacefully in the West. You will gain substantial territory, slake your bloodlust, and drive the survivors away. The border will be heavily patrolled, and our races need never come into contact again.”

 

“What makes you believe the other Taiyoukai would consent to such a thing,” Kurono asked, still doubtful.

 

“The Four Houses want peace. If your weapon is as effective as you believe, the damage will be considerable. The Taiyoukai that aren't killed will not balk at a chance to take their mates and children and lick their wounds in solitude.”

 

Kurono and Akagawa stared at each other in silent communication. “It seems we have a bargain.”

 

XXXXX

 

The Youkai watched as the Ningen Generals and their escort disappeared from sight.

 

“I thought you told Akeno Sato that you were going to have Lord Sesshoumaru killed with the General and he would take Lady Azami as a mate,” one of the boar Youkai grunted in observation.

 

“Ah yes, my dear boy, Akeno, will be most disappointed. I did tell him Sesshoumaru would be disposed of and he would be rewarded…but he'll get over it. I need Sesshoumaru; he is the most powerful Youkai in existence, and he must lead the Four Houses against this Ningen threat.”

 

“You don't plan on retreating into the West with the survivors?”

 

Idiot, Okuri thought. Boar Youkai are obviously as stupid as their reputation. “Accept defeat from Ningen? Of course not,” he spat. “I don't care how dangerous this weapon is, we will never bow to filth. And I truly doubt they have any intention of offering surrender at all. Besides… even if I wanted to have my cousin's heir killed as well, it would never happen. A handful of Ningen, even if they had miko in their numbers, would pose no threat to Sesshoumaru. To attempt his assassination is a fool's game. I'd much rather have him on my side, fighting against Ningen, as is our nature.”

 

They left to go back to Western lands, Okuri's mind occupied with plans of betrayal and deceit.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome finished her last letter, one answering an earlier missive from Taka, and set it in the tray to be taken to the aviary. For three weeks they had been communicating back and forth, effortlessly falling back into the friendship they had enjoyed at the Sisterhood. Kagome was well liked by nearly everyone during her time living there, but she and Taka were particularly close. That morning she had confided about her sadness concerning the differences in Youkai and Ningen life spans. She had resisted at first, hoping to just ignore the feelings of foreignness and transience with which she had been wrestling, but once she had begun to express herself, the words poured out onto the page like unshed tears, finally let free.

 

“Jaken,” she called out. The small Youkai instantly appeared, bowing respectfully to her, but with a frown on his face. “Yukika went to bring something to Lady Seiobo two hours ago. Have you seen her since then?”

 

Jaken straightened, still scowling. He would have been happy to never see the impudent female again. “She is probably trying to figure out which unmated male she hasn't followed around yet.” He found Kagome's affable behavior inappropriate because, though she was a Ningen, she, as the mate of his lord, outranked him. The new maid however was socially his equal, and the deference he, an older male, should be able to expect from her had yet to be shown.

 

Kagome sighed. She wished those two weren't quite so hostile, but she had noticed the tension seemed to dissipate as Yukika became acquainted with Youkai from the other parts of the manor and was absent more frequently. “If you see her, please tell her I've several letters ready to be taken to the aviary. I'm going to the arena to train. And Jaken,” she added with a wink, “thank you for your patience. Don't you at least think she's pretty?”

 

Jaken sputtered and hurried out, lest he retort. These females were making him miserable.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome walked to the arena quickly, barely stopping to greet the friendly faces she encountered on the way. It was a cold morning, her clothes weren't very warm, and she hoped to get there before Sesshoumaru's troops had finished training. After the catharsis of telling Taka of her melancholy and apprehension, she wanted nothing more than a vigorous hour of sparring to clear her mind. Unfortunately as she got close, she realized it was quiet inside. She entered and went to the center of the floor to stretch, disappointed but intent at making the most of the peace.

 

She held her poses longer that usual, breathing deeply and feeling centered and content. Once finished, she walked to the racks of wooden and blunted practice swords, but Sesshoumaru stepped out of the shadows into the late morning light before she could pick one out.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” she gasped. “You need to stop scaring—”

 

“Miko,” he interrupted, “I've been waiting, trying to convince myself this isn't a mistake. The less you speak, the better.”

 

“What?” she asked, completely confused.

 

He dropped a pile of thin rope at her feet. She picked it up. Two identical lengths. She looked at it like a precious gift and smiled, amazed. “Are you sure?”

 

“No. I'm anything but sure.” He held back an indulgent smile. “Hurry up. Before I come to my senses and change my mind.”

 

Kagome did not have to be told twice. She held the end of a rope against one palm and secured it by winding tightly around her hand. Then twining over knuckles, she continued wrapping until the rope covered halfway up her forearm, taking care to flex her fingers and wrist as she went so they wouldn't become constricted. Sesshoumaru looked on with an expression that skirted entertainment and respect, though Kagome's increasing giddy enthusiasm made him regret his reluctant acquiescence.

 

“Pity we don't have any wax and crushed glass nearby,” she said as she repeated with the other hand, trying to contain herself. She never thought he would agree to spar with her, and now that he was giving the opportunity to test herself against him, she could hardly believe it. “Where are you troops?”

 

Sesshoumaru scowled at her remark. “Pity? Pity I don't have a nice, subservient mate who knows her place. As for my troops, they are busy elsewhere. I do not want witnesses.”

 

Kagome couldn't resist. “Afraid of someone seeing me beat you?” she asked, then executed two back handsprings toward the center of the arena. Sesshoumaru was in front of her in an instant, startling her. The speed he was capable of still shocked her.

 

“Quite the opposite, actually.” His expression was serious, and he took one of her hands in his, her smooth skin a jarring contrast to the stiff, coarse rope. “Kagome, you know that the urge an Inuyoukai has to protect his mate is innate. While physical correction is allowed when necessary, it is only used sparingly. My fighting you is beyond anomalous.”

 

She wrapped her arms around him, now feeling guilt over asking him to do something so contrary to his instincts. “It's only light sparring. I promise I won't get carried away,” she whispered into his chest.

 

He pulled her closer. “You wouldn't rather just go back to our quarters?”

 

She giggled. “After.”

 

Sighing in resignation, he let her loose. “One rule. If I say stop, it is over. No protests.”

 

“Agreed.”

 

They stood apart and bowed to each other. Kagome set her stance, bent her knees lightly, and waited.

 

“Miko,” he chuckled, “I know you typically prefer to defend, but I refuse to attack you. You will have to come at me.”

 

This was not welcome news. She glared at him, irritated that he took such amusement from removing her usual advantage. “But that's my only chance.”

 

“Do you wish to stop before we begin?”

 

“No.”

 

Deciding that over-thinking strategy would accomplish nothing, she rushed at him with a quick high and mid-level kick combination, which he effortlessly avoided. Kagome knew that her hope lay in staying close enough to connect with a weak spot, so instead of falling back, she immediately followed with another kick. Sesshoumaru caught her by the foot and tossed her back. She flipped and landed as gracefully as she could, grateful that he didn't throw her across the arena. She grinned and sped toward him again, telling herself that she needed to keep attacking to gauge his reactions and discover a possible opening, aware that she needed to avoid falling into a predictable pattern. He was learning to anticipate her next move.

 

After several minutes of continuous attacks that left her breathing heavily, she was able to get close enough that he had to block her next blow instead of merely stepping aside or swerving to avoid it. It gave her a boost of confidence. The abrasive ropes that wound around her hands and arms meant nothing if she couldn't land a blow, and now she might be able to achieve it. She followed with a series knee and elbow strikes, all blocked, but she finally felt that he wasn't just toying with her anymore.

 

She continued to press and soon had him blocking her every strike and kick, both falling into the ancient rhythm of hand to hand combat. And now she understood what it was to spar with one of Sesshoumaru's caliber. His reflexes were quick, movements so fluid and balanced, his control of body and mind were masterful. Unfortunately for her, his discipline was also tightly controlled and she doubted he would make the mistake that would grant her an opening.

 

I don't give up, she reminded herself stubbornly, and tried a feint, hoping to throw him off. He didn't fall for it, but nodded approvingly. She faked again and this time managed a glancing blow to his sternum, but it had no effect. She wondered if he even felt it. Kagome knew she had no right to be frustrated; she had agreed to his terms. But fighting him was like fighting an extremely dodgy brick wall, and his refusal to counter-strike left her few options. She remembered her match with Kenta, how, because of the great difference in their heights, she wasn't able to target a weak spot effectively. Her opportunity had come when he had lifted her off the ground.

 

Kagome tried to keep the realization from reflecting in her face. She jumped back, keeping her head bowed. When she looked up again, she forced herself to stay focused on his legs and moved to attack low. He dropped slightly to defend, but instead of the expected kick, she sprang up and wrapped one arm around his neck. He immediately reacted and caught the striking arm, but not before her fist made contact with his chin, leaving an angry, red scrape.

 

They stopped, both equally surprised. Sesshoumaru held her, feeling her heart pound against his chest and seeing the shock in her wide blue eyes.

 

“I'm sorry,” Kagome blurted out, unsure of what it all meant. Her arm was still around his neck, their faces inches apart.

 

Sesshoumaru lightly touched his chin, feeling wetness. “Well done. I haven't been blooded in a long time.” She still looked confused and afraid. “Isn't this what you wanted?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “I don't know what I want.”

 

He brushed a damp hair from her forehead, thinking he'd never met anyone so complex—such a mix of independence and a hunger for acceptance, of confidence and hesitancy. “Damn females,” he said, trying to lighten her mood. “Never can stick with a decision.” He swatted her ass roughly. “I said you did well.”

 

She smiled. “You barely even tried. Do you want me to fix this cut?” Then she noticed that the torn flesh had already begun to mend. “You can heal yourself, can't you.”

 

He nodded, still holding her. “Next time I won't hold back.”

 

Her smile deepened. Next time. He didn't disapprove. He wasn't angry. “Promise?” she asked, her usual cheekiness returned full force.

 

As they walked out of the arena, Kagome said, “I really should go over to check on Lady Inoue. Gina and I have been taking turns, and I'm sure she was expecting me hours ago. Have you met little Benjiro yet?”

 

“No. These few days I've been back are too busy for visiting pups,” he said dryly.

 

Kagome elbowed him, teasing, as she unbound her hands. “Come with me. You should be more friendly, you know. Spend time with people other than your soldiers.”

 

Sesshoumaru stopped and looked down at her. He was not known for being outgoing. “The Youkai at the manor are perfectly comfortable with my mother serving the social role of the Inutaisho clan.”

 

Kagome would not take no for answer. She didn't want to leave his company, and she secretly wanted to see him hold an infant. Sesshoumaru caught his father's scent in the direction of the Inoue residence, and curiosity, and an apparent desire to capitulate to her whims, allowed him to be steered there.

 

They were admitted and shown into the Inoue formal meeting room. General Inutaisho, Commander Endo, Lord Sato, and Lady Inoue were all seated at a large table. They seemed slightly surprised but glad to see Sesshoumaru and Kagome. After bows and greetings were exchanged and the two new additions were seated, General Inutaisho said, “We were just discussing a letter I received an hour ago. It seems dear cousin Okuri wants to make nice and come to the manor to celebrate the Longest Night and the hunt afterward with us. He says he wants to renounce all claims on the title of leader of the West, swear fealty to me, and ask for my input about arranging a mate for Lady Azami.”

 

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes for a moment. “We cannot trust him, of course.”

 

“No,” the General answered, “but we have no choice. To reject his offer, especially right before an important holiday, would be an unconscionable violation of protocol. At least it will be easier to keep an eye on him if he's here. Seiobo is already having the guest quarters prepared and is questioning the servants who will attend him. I know he still has sympathizers at the manor, and they are not allowed to be anywhere near him. Needless to say, any lapse in security will be treated harshly.” He looked at his second-in-command and his son. “I realize that we have already increased drills and patrols. We need to ensure that discipline and morale stay high. They may be tested.”

 

“When will he arrive?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

“In a few days. Longest Night is in a week and a half. Hopefully it will be clear by then what he is up to.”

 

After they left, Masako Inoue said, “Lord Sesshoumaru, Lady Kagome, please, let us move to a more comfortable room. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

 

“I wanted to check to see how you are feeling, and Sesshoumaru wanted to see your new addition.”

 

Lady Inoue smiled. “I'm feeling very well. As terrible as Gina's strengthening tonic tastes, I must admit it seems to be helping. After only two weeks, I feel almost as good as new.” She looked at Sesshoumaru and inclined her head politely. “And I have your mate to thank, my Lord. I don't know if you had heard, Lady Kagome was present at a most difficult delivery. I credit both my own and my son's wellbeing to her timely assistance. In fact, Gina told me pups have suffered permanent shoulder damage and even died from that complication.”

 

Kagome blushed, uncomfortable with the praise. “I'm grateful I could help. How is Benjiro?” she asked, changing the subject.

 

“Precious. He is with his father. I'll bring him.”

 

As they entered a well-appointed sitting room, Kagome asked, “With whom do you think Azami will end up?”

 

Sesshoumaru knew that Kagome liked his cousin and was worried that she was stuck in the middle of her father's plotting. “I haven't a clue. Some younger son of a family of unquestioned loyalty. That is a question best directed at my mother if you want specifics.” He remembered that Lord Sato's son had once expressed interest in courting her and made a connection. “Kagome, I just realized…this morning I noticed your maid had Akeno Sato's scent on her. Do you know anything about that?”

 

“She mentioned that she saw him in passing and thought he was handsome,” Kagome said, recalling Yukika's swooning, “but she hasn't brought him up since.”

 

“It was a scent stronger than one would receive in passing. They've been spending time together.”

 

She saw that Sesshoumaru's expression had darkened. “But shouldn't we be happy? Doesn't it mean he'll leave Azami alone?”

 

“Akeno Sato outranks her and is highly ambitious. I'd like to believe he wouldn't merely use her, but I can guarantee he has no intention of lowering himself to take her as a mate.”

 

Kagome thought of her sweet, silly maid and frowned with concern. “I'm afraid she may be a bit naïve. I'll warn her.”

 

Lord Inoue, holding a large bundle, appeared and bowed respectfully. Lady Inoue followed behind and said, “He's sleeping now, but usually stays that way. Would you like to hold him, my Lord?”

 

Sesshoumaru glanced at Kagome, who was trying, not very successfully, to look nonchalant, and cautiously took the slumbering pup from his father's arms. He felt like he was being tested by her, but had no idea what she hoped to learn. He stroked the black fuzz atop the tiny head, marveling at the perfect features in miniature, thinking that someday it might be his own offspring he touched.

 

Kagome stood nearby, eyes teary. It was not him she wanted to test, but herself. And she learned that perhaps she was no longer quite so ambivalent about the idea of motherhood.