I See You [Sesshomaru]

Chapter 35

        Akiko took a deep breath and exhaled heavily trying to shake the lingering nerves. The pack and her stood on the boarder of the ground to the household, staring at the large structure before them. It wasn't necessarily tall like Sesshomarus's in some areas, but instead stretched wide over the vast space and only at one level. "You ready?" Aisu questioned.

        "I have to be," the young woman answered.

        "Out of all the lords and ladies you have to win over this one is definitely one of the easier ones to convince. He was a supporter of yours at the ball."

        "Looks can be deceiving." How very true, but Lord Kira was very adamant when wishing to meet Akiko face to face in a more private setting. Even Lady Hirata agreed she had met no one like the young woman before and was intrigued. Aisu didn't think the young woman had anything to worry about, but it wasn't wrong to be wary. Because meeting with the other clans would be much different than this interaction.

        Walking across the ground with her dress billowing around the ankles with every movement it almost appeared like Akiko was floating. She had completely transformed, armor in place, ice crawling over the skin and hair, ears slightly pointed, and headpiece in place. She looked regal as the guards at the gates allowed them to pass with ease. A servant was waiting to lead them towards the meeting room, walking along the wrap around wooden path before coming to the desired doors. "Enter," a voice called from inside after they knocked.

        They were dressed in the finest robes and kimonos, all decorated with vibrant colors to accent their nature and heritage as the Lord of the West clearly pointed out before they left. Tobi and Akiko had been making their way to the entrance of the castle to join the rest of the pack when Sesshomaru stepped into their path up ahead. "We need to speak," he stated. "Alone."

        The half-breed shot the lord a look before glancing to his master, who nodded. "I will see you soon," she reassured, and the wolf went on his way. "What is it you wish to discuss?"

        "The Tanukis Clan are mischievous," Sesshomaru warned. "They may wish to play word games with you to catch you off guard. You have to be one step ahead of them."

        "I noticed when we first met."

        "This is different." Of course it was. They were about to establish an alliance. This wasn't some jovial banter in an informal setting. This was business.

        "Are you worried?" The demon didn't answer the question and merely stared down at her. "If it means anything I'm a bit terrified. Not because they are demons, but they are of nobility. I'm sure I'll stick out like a sore thumb." The young woman continued down the hall.

        "Do not let them know you have regained your sight." The comment caused her to pause and slightly turn to look at the lord once more.

        "Why? Wouldn't that be a benefit?"

        "What if you loose it?" When they killed Naraku. That was a high probability. "If they still believe you cannot see they will not treat you differently. And if you loose your sight there will be no doubts that you're no longer capable of ruling."

        "And if they discovered I lied?"

        "We will deal with it when that happens." We? The world caused a small smile to come to Akiko's lips and Sesshomaru to grow silent. He hadn't meant to say that, it just came out. But to the young women it showed that he was acknowledging their own alliance and it was only growing stronger.

        "My lips are sealed."

        Which is why she had one hand resting against Tobi's neck at the given moment for 'guidance', focusing slightly off to the side so not to make eye contact. She had to play the part and convince them that the only thing that had changed since they last saw each other was her strength in power. But she could just see the lord and lady's features out of the corner of her eyes. Both had dark hair, Lord Kira's pulled back into a low ponytail, while Lady Hirata's was piled up on her head in an intricate fashion with a decorative comb and small headdress in place. And they had dark circles surrounding their eyes disappearing back into the headlines. Whether it was makeup or their own demonic markings that showed what kind of demon they were, Akiko didn't know and couldn't ask. But both were rather beautiful as Lord Kira grinned,