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Akako found that she no longer dreamed. She slept well enough. Her mind remained clear and she awoke refreshed, but oddly empty. After opening her eyes it always took her several seconds to remember where she was. And who she was sleeping with. Her father was on her left, facing the window. He was bathed in light from the morning sun but the brightness did not seem to disturb his slumber. Akako couldn't hear him breathing, but she noticed his chest moving up and down. On her right was Tomoe. She was on her back, with her hair splayed out around her head. Akako could watch her sleep all night and day. Of the three she seemed the most serene. Her countenance displayed that all was right and proper with the world. The woman was content. Brimming with joy and elation, Akako leaned in and kissed Tomoe just on the edge of her mouth. Instinctively, Tomoe licked the spot Akako had caressed. Then she smiled briefly, but did not rouse herself. Tomoe resumed her repose. And that emptiness Akako had felt initially was suddenly filled. All was right and proper with the world. She wanted to weep at such a feeling but like her dreams she no longer was able to shed the tears.
It was to be a busy day. Time was fleeting. The more the armies of Yasuhira and Noriyuki delayed the more time Inoguchi and the Shadow Lord had to ready their defences and perhaps form a stratagem to turn the tide against them. No one was taking the situation for granted. Even though the Shadow Lord was for all intents and purposes in his final days, he was still the Shadow Lord. His reputation was in the minds of all the men present. Though, the gods willing, not in their hearts. In that special organ the Shadow Lord could snatch a man's will to fight and make him turn and run at the first provocation. More than any man present, Yasuhira was well aware of that fact. But he was also aware that he was a Hikiji too. One of the great tenants of warfare was to avoid fighting desperate men. For they have nothing to lose. Like everything in life their strategy called for balance. And so Yasuhira brought his generals, advisors, kinsmen and soldiers, along with his allies into the great hall of the Hikiji castle to begin devising the plans for the final battle. Again and like with everything, the gods willing.
The war room was the most impressive in the entire structure. Portraits of Hikiji lords lined the walls. Scrolls of unimaginable value hung between them. Upon those were great words of wisdom and of inspiration. Even Noriyuki was impressed by his surroundings. He must remember to dedicate a room in his own castle in the same manner when he returns home. In the centre of the room the Hikiji and Geishu lords sat. Along the walls were the retainers, including Kenichi, Chizu and Usagi. The two Daimyo were last and entered through different doors. They sat across from one another. Noriyuki bowed to his host. Though protocol dictated that Yasuhira need only nod his response, he bowed as well. Devil take protocol. Noriyuki suppressed a smile. That was so like the man. Yasuhira took a breath.
"We come here to this day to formalise the alliance between the Hikiji and Geishu clans and there after begin preparations for the battles to come against our common enemy," He bowed, and Noriyuki responded, "Is it acceptable to you, my gracious lord, Noriyuki that I, Yasuhira be the supreme head of our combined forces for the duration of hostilities?"
