I See You [Sesshomaru]

Chapter 40

        The air in Lady Sanjou's estate was much different from when they had met at Sesshomaru's gathering. Granted, that was most likely in part due to the recent death of her mate. It was unknown to Akiko how he had met such an end, for the Hawk Clan was legendary for how long they remained in power in the south. Undefeated. But Akiko could see, from the corner of her eye how much his death affected her. Though the demon's expression was hard and gave away no emotion to how she was feeling, it was clear on the inside she was breaking. This would not be an easy negotiation, while also trying to hold up the guise that she was still blind. Anyone in mourning could be unpredictable, harsh, and easy to offend should something be accidentally said. Even the lady's attire was dark in color to show her mourning.

        Akiko bowed in greeting as Tobi and Aisu followed suit at either side. The pack remained outside on the grounds due to Lady Sanjou's request for a private meeting. "Welcome," the hawk demon greeted. "I trust your travels were uneventful."

        "Yes, they were," Akiko answered. "Thank you for meeting with me."

        The demon's fingers drummed against the chair she sat on, watching the young woman before her. The chair beside her was empty, it clear that it once belonged to the lord. Akiko was surprised it wasn't removed since his passing with the land now falling under her rule. "I do not have time for idle chatter. We are here for business, so I will get right to it. I have been watching your movements throughout the land for some time now. My hawks are everywhere with a watchful eye." That made Akiko a bit nervous and wary. She could know about the curse, but remained calm so not to give anything away. "You've become a target of Naraku."

        "He does not like the fact that I want to claim the north for myself," Akiko answered honestly.

        "He doesn't like anything he can't have," the lady spoke in an icy manner. "When you declared your place among us at the ball, I must admit I was intrigued. There has not been a mortal ruler in that land decades. They don't live as long as a demon, even if they have an aura that possesses demonic qualities. It merely prolongs their life just a little longer than average. And in the end the former mortal ruler was one and was defeated. Forced to roam the land forever by being turned into a demon." Lady Sanjou's attention was on Aisu, but the wolf didn't show that the words offended her in any way. "It's ironic. To become the very creature her guards were born as. And the one chosen as a successor is blind... and not even of this world. I have learned much about you, Akiko Tenshi, since the last time we met, and I began to have my doubts like so many others when they first met you. There is so much you have yet to learn and have even managed to get captured by Naraku a few times. You talked like a ruler, but did not possess the strength qualities as one when it comes to having to eventually defend your land."

        "Things were different then, when I did not know enough," Akiko said. "I will not deny that me being here I'm a bit out of place. I wasn't a born warrior or even in this time period, I'm learning as I go in order to survive because living between worlds... it will not work out in the end. I have chosen to remain here when the time comes, I am making the necessary preparations for that."

        "You also choose to travel into northern territory willingly, which is widely known to be under Naraku's control. I do not know whether to think of you as foolish or brave. Did you ever come across him?"

        "No, we did not. I went to the north to train and to search for the hidden domain."

        "That is a myth."

        "I don't think it is. The lords of the west and east had it sealed once claiming control of the territory and its location was wiped from the minds of its subjects and former rulers. I think it is still out there and intend to find it."