I See You [Sesshomaru]

Chapter 41

        Though talks with Lord Seiichi and Lady Eri had gone well in the last week since leaving the Hawk Clan, Akiko couldn't help the foreboding sense in the pit of her stomach. This was one visit the young woman wasn't rushing to leave. Their hospitality rivaled Lord Kira as the pack was welcomed around the Boar Clan's estate and she was given a luxurious guest room. She was even allowed to borrow kimonos, while her outfit was washed from days of traveling. Lord Seiichi was very clear that he wished to form an alliance straight away. Both sides began negotiations and four days later Akiko had a military force.

        The demon showed the young woman around his training quarters and soldiers. Many trained with various weapons, all which they chose at a young age to match their fighting styles. But they didn't only train in their human form as Akiko watched boars of all shapes and sizes go through training exercises. Many were nearly as big as her pack members when they were fully transformed. She was very impressed, as was Aisu and Tobi. "I'm told you were once a General," Lord Seiichi spoke directly at the half-demon.

        His head nodded, answering, "It seems like a lifetime ago."

        "I'm curious, to hear of your methods and fighting patterns. Before you depart we should speak, if that's all right with you," he then looked to Akiko.

        "Tobi is free to do as he pleases," was her answer. How could she refuse such an offer for her loyal friend. One could easily see the spark in his eye at the notion, even if he tried to hide it or deny it later on. It made Akiko smile that the lord didn't care he was not a full-fledged demon and was willing to work with him to better their chances in the future.

        They had numbers now to fight against Naraku's horde he always brought with him. And before the reincarnation could even ask Lord Seiichi was already proclaiming that when she sounded the call for aid against the darkness in the north he would be there. Scrolls were signed, bows of respect given, and after a week and a half of moving about the Boar Clan's territory they were leaving. "I hope to see you again soon," Lady Eri spoke with a small smile. She wasn't as cold and calculating as Lady Sanjou had been, but that didn't mean the young woman underestimated her in the slightest. The demon was very skilled when playing against her at the board game, Go. The first time, Akiko sheepishly stated that she had never played before. The demon nearly forgot for a moment that the future queen was blind. Akiko was just glad that she was still pulling off their little secret in their presence. Still, it warmed the young woman's heart when the next day the lady approached her once more asking for a game and revealing the fact that she had approached a craftsman to carve out indentations into the surface of the black and white circles so by touch Akiko could follow the game. The demon even took the time and taught her how to play. Aisu joined them a few times to watch, even faced off against Lady Eri. That was when Akiko could observe from the corner of her eyes how intelligent she was.

        "Do you converse with Lord Seiichi on battle tactics?" Akiko had eventually questioned.

        "Yes," Lady Eri answered. "We value each other's opinion. Balance each other out and think of all pros and cons given the situation. That is why the Boar Clan possesses one of the best military forces, why we have so many victories. It's in our nature to be stubborn, but we know how to lead. When to pursue something or retreat given the situation. A loss is not a weakness."

        "Did you always have these thoughts? When it came to fighting?"

        "No. We've had to learn from our mistakes as the years go on. Mature. Just because we're demons do not make us perfect. Or invincible."

        "I think you're the first demon I've ever come across that has ever said that aloud."

        "We're very proud creatures. You can't blame the others for being so proper and a bit full of themselves." Akiko laughed at that, Aisu even chuckling under her breath. The reaction made Lady Eri's lips turn up in a smirk. "You didn't hear it from me though. It may hurt my mate's pride to hear that," she then teased.