Mikomi’s ears flattened to her head when her friend touched them. Though it may be an affectionate gesture, she couldn’t help it. Her ears didn’t like to be touched often. They stayed that way for the moment until Kasumi’s last statement caught her attention; her ears perked up high. “Have your head…for what?” she questioned.
Tory watched as the lord interacted with his mistress, he became slightly confused. But he made sure to look away when Akira had called Yasu by a nickname, or so he guessed. He’s really gone soft on her, he thought with a faint chuckle. After being pat on the shoulder, the heir to the south stood. “Sleep well, my friend..” he responded. His yellow pair studied the room once more before settling upon Yasu once more. “You don’t need to show me, I’m sure it’s the same room as always, right?” Tory always felt a bit small when left alone with Yasu. She was such a powerful demoness, he felt slightly challenged. But he knew his place, and he was sure to remain respectful of the vexen.
—
Shishana’s own ears flattened when being called cute, she released a sigh. She was a demon after all, one of the strongest along side Sesshomaru and Kasumi in the western lands. She wasn’t suppose to be cute. After hearing Kasumi’s final words, her ears perked up in interest. “Then say you never saw us..” she suggested, she really wanted to do this to help Mikomi.
Yasu laughed, a sound of wind chimes. “Oh, you needn’t be so humble Tory-sama.” the demoness smiled as she placed a hand on his sleeve. “It will be less for Akira-sama’s honour if I were not to demonstrate proper etiquette to our finest guest.” She gave him a small wink, and led the way out of the room. “This way, Tory-sama.” The beautiful youkai chimed, her slender figure just within reach.
~~
Kasumi was silent for a moment until she smirked arrogantly at Mikomi. “For helping you kick through with this.” She looked to her two friends, and her expression turned more grave. “Are the two of you sure about what you are doing?” She questioned, her voice powerful at this crucial moment, just like that of Sesshoumaru.
The young demon’s eyes remained on Yasu’s figure as they walked, though tore them away when passing by others. He cleared his throat, placing his hands into his sleeves as he followed the demoness. “I appreciate your hospitality, Miss. Yasu..” he said in a soft tone. A small smile curved his lips as he spoke, his eyes looking in her direction. Being in the presence of a female, made his wanting of a mate even more, though now didn’t wasn’t the time to think that. He shook his head, looking down as he continued walking.
—
Shishana watched Kasumi, interest hidden within her golden orbs. “Kasumi-chan..” she spoke softly, taking a step forward. “We need all the information we can get. I’d hate to say this, but we aren’t exactly defending ourselves like we should.” The tigeress looked to the side as she continued. “Our doing this will benefeit us in the long run.”
Yasu giggled lightly, an enchanting sound. “There is no need to be so formal with me, Tory-sama.” she reminded him. “Akira-sama has great praise for you. I am sure that you will be a great lord of your land in the future. Perhaps even more influential than my anata.” She slid open the paper door to a specially decorated room, more elegant than some of the other guest rooms. “Tea will be arriving in a few moments.” —
Kasumi nodded. “I understand Shishana-chan. We have had diplomatic dealings with the Eastern Lands until they decided to invade.” She lowered her voice, and continued. “It is not so much Lord Akira who is the most ambitious of the times. If you must look for weaknesses, target his mistress, Yasu, the snow leopard demoness. She is a vexen from hell, but the most beautiful demoness since the dawn of history, with the ability to make men melt to butter with just one glance.”
‘Anata?..’ he pondered in his mind with a raised brow. He chuckled faintly as he shook his head and entered the room. “Influential eh? Heh, that much I doubt.” Tory looked about the room, seeing his things had arrived shortly after he had when in his meeting with Akira. The demon lord released a sigh, looking to the vexen silently when she mentioned tea coming. “Ah, no need for tea. I’ll just bathe and turn in for the night.”
—
The tigeress watched her friend silently, listening to his words. She lowered her ears when hearing about Yasu, she had heard stories about that woman. A faint sigh came from her when she thought of another person whom was sure to be in the east. “Tory is probably there as well..” she said with a slight growl. As far as enemies went, Tory was her worst one. The two never got along when in the meetings of the lands. Shishana looked to Mikomi, wondering if she still wanted to go through with this.
Mikomi’s tail twitched irritably at the sound of Akira’s name. She looked between her two friends and said, “I’m in if you’re in.” She then thought about Tory. Such a fool, she mused. He was never the nicest, and he and Shishana never got along, but Mikomi never thought that he’d actually take Akira’s side.
Yasu tilted her head, but nodded. “If that is what you wish, Tory-sama.” she replied with a smile. “Good night then. Please enjoy your stay here, and rest well. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask.” The demoness produced a small bow.
—
Kasumi chuckled. “Then it’s settled.” she said. “But don’t leave right away. Wait until night falls, and I’ll come along with your provisions for the time. You can’t go out there with nothing. It will be quite a journey to the East. So stay out of trouble.” her golden orbs shone as she spoke these words. “I’ll negotiate with Onii-sama and Karumaru-sama after you’ve left.”
Giving a nod to her, Tory turned to his things. He was sure to be well rested for tomorrow. He couldn’t explain it, but he was sure something big was to happen. The east had advance much on the west, and they have yet to respond. So it was best to be prepared for anything that may come. Part of him questioned if he had joined the right side, but those thoughts soon disappeared. Of course he had, Akira was his close friend after all. Nothing would make him change his mind.
—
Giving a nod to Mikomi, Shishana had agreed. There wasn’t much time until nightfall, and the tigeress had some things she needed to prepare. If she were to cause a distraction, she’d need her trusty sword. It wasn’t essential to access her powers, but it would certainly help her in the long run. “I’ll meet you all here later..” she said in a hushed voice before bowing and dismissing herself. She then turned and left to go to her chambers.
Mikomi nodded back at Shishana before she turned toward Kasumi. “I must gather things of my own,” she told her. She bowed before she also excused herself. Mikomi needed to visit the sorcerer she met for the magic he offered. He was probably going to charge her a ridiculous price because she was royalty, but that wasn’t important. What was important was knowing Lord Akira’s plans so that the West would be ready for anything.
Yasu looked around the room for one last time before exiting. Her slender fingers paused at the door frame, and then she slid it closed behind her courteously. In the pitch-black darkness illuminated by a few sweet-scented candles, her sapphire eyes lit with the most bright of reds. The demoness slowly made her way back to the master chambers that she shared with Lord Akira, and smiled as the form of her sleeping mate came into view. He was such a handsome kitsune. She traced his cheek with light fingertips, settling in on the futon beside the taiyoukai. For now they would rest, and tomorrow they will conquer the West and all its glory. The stoic and proud Sesshoumaru would bow at their feet. Yasu would be sure to keep Kasumi, the Western Heir’s twin sister, as her personal servant. —
Kasumi nodded, and chose to time her exit at this moment as well. She wandered to the kitchen, where the cooks were busy at work. Taking the warm tea from a maidservant’s outstretched hands, Kasumi carried it back to the study. She slid the door soundlessly shut behind her, and set the tray on the delicately carved wooden desk. Sesshoumaru was shelving a scroll not too far away. She bit her lip, drawing blood. Would she be able to keep their endeavor a secret from her powerful older brother, and Lord Karumaru?
Tory looked over his shoulder, watching the vexen leave in the silence of the room. He narrowed his eyes slightly before he sighed and looked away. The time for rest was now, and it was crutial to be well rested. Being fatigued or distracted could be fatal out on the battlefield. The young demon released one more sigh before taking a quick bath, heading to bed right afterwords. Tomorrow would be good, victory was a sure win. Tory would be positive about all this.
—
After navigating the halls carefully, Shishana was able to avoid any unwanted attention. Generals and other staff of the palace were sure to stop her to ask questions about what moves should be made against the east. The tigeress released a faint sigh before she grabbed her pack to bring along some supplies for her and Mikomi’s journey.
