The Dragon and the Fox Part 2

The Dragon and the Fox Part 2

Summary

On the large island just off from the traditional mainland, four proud youkai Clan stood, their territory divided. In the South were the pragmatic and astute felines of Clan Sekai and the House of the Golden Sun. Under the guidance of Lord Sekai and his High Priest, a Kirin named Shihe, the Cat youkai devoted themselves to the study of magic and the arcane arts and were notorious for devastating battlefields with powerful spells and waves of magic erupting from their bodies. To the East was the territory of the battle hungry warmonger Raizen Toshin and Clan Toshin and the House of Hell’s Children. Raizen was a power-hungry Devil whose power had never been defeated on the battlefield. In the most recent power struggle known as Raizen’s Uprising it took all three of the other Clans in order to keep the Toshin from expanding their domain. A result of the war, and a testament to Raizen’s enormous power is the canyon known as Hell’s Pit that split a portion of land bordering the North and the East as he crossed paths with Kurama and Fengyi. The various oni and youkai all gave strong loyalty to Raizen since he is the renowned King of Hell. Their way was that of savage warfare and overwhelming strength, which was in direct opposition to their Western counterparts. The Western lands were under the command of the Dog General Inu No Taishou and the House of the Crescent Moon. The dogs of the west practiced elegance and technique behind the strength of their blades. Inu no Taishou took pride in the beauty of war, where Raizen took pride in it’s brutality. These three lands have long standing Clans and bloodlines run deep to the throne. However to the North things were not quite as stable. A cousin to Raizen and his hellspawn the Northern reign was in the hands of Mistress Fengyi and the House of the Dark Star. Mistress Fengyi was a Blood youkai commonly referred to as “Vampire” and their supernatural energy were channeled through their fists, as Fengyi’s martial arts were unprecedented and unrivaled throughout any of the lands. Fengyi’s power also had another unique quality to it. Instead of only using youki, the energy demon channeled for their special abilities, her martial arts, and her bloodsucking abilities channeled another life source found in both humans and youkai. Chi. As such her energy pools of both youki and chi were a dangerous combination to behold. Another leaf was turning over in the north as Mistress Fengyi married the Black Kyuubi, the King of Thieves Kurama the 9 tails. Kurama’s kyuubi was an ancient magic gained from living nine lives over and now had an official territory to govern over which did not settle easily with the other Lords. Time had passed and the Lords eventually sired children to rule after them. Lord Sekai had a daughter, Lord Raizen a son, Lord Inu no Taishou two boys from his separate wives and Lord Kurama and Lady Fengyi had a girl and then an unexpected little boy. All seemed settled as a tense peace shrouded the land, however whenever supernatural phenomena or unexplainable mysteries or disappearances occurred Kurama was often the recipient of the sharp accusations of the other lords, which he oft responded to with indifference, which didn’t help his case in the slightest.

Another voice of discontent across the lands was that of the humans. Human villages were few and far between across the territories with the strongest settlements up in the Northern Mountains. It was there that a special individual, orphaned by the Raizen Uprising, was raised and taught the ways of the Steel Dragons. This young man whose name was Rei Yuan would be granted the dragon’s immortality from age and disease and would be known as the Heart of the Dragon and change the course of history in the lands forever. Rei Yuan had a heart of gold and with his demonic level abilities from his blessings from the dragons came to unite the humans under the Yuan Banner and the House of the Steel Dragons, with a foothold in the north still thumb of Kurama. It would take a chance encounter between Kurama’s runaway daughter Princess Ryoko and Rei Yuan for the two to fall in love, and for all of Kurama’s dark misdealing to come to the light before a council of the 4 Lords. Kurama was convicted guilty even by his own wife and was sentence to exile on the mainland. Instead of accepting his punishment however, Kurama defied the Lords and seized absolute control of the Northern Lands and unleashed the might of all nine of his tails against the other lands in a conflict that would be known as Kurama’s crusade. Kurama wished to remove the corruption of the longstand bloodlines and allow those like him, from poorer upbringings to have a chance at nobility. In the end, after a long and bloody war, Rei Yuan managed to inflict serious injury onto Kurama forcing him into hiding and claiming the Northern Lands and marrying Ryoko uniting humans and youkai and bringing 100 years of peace across the lands.

Rei Yuan had accomplished what no other person in history had. In his reign, he established a new united Imperial Force known as the Order of the Steel Monks to keep peace between the lands and was named Dragon Emperor. In his place in the North, in respect to the House of the Dark Star, Fengyi returned to her position as Lady and the lands were prosperous. The century following Dark Lord Kurama’s campaign was known as the Golden Age and it was when life flourished and peace and harmony were on the lips of everyone. But the joy faded as fast as it had came as Kurama returned more powerful than ever and directly challenged Rei Yuan himself. In a battle that nearly destroyed the entire Imperial City, Rei Yuan was forced to sacrifice himself in order seal both his power and Kurama’s inside his legendary blade of light Masamune and gave Fengyi it’s dark counterpart the demon blade Muramasa in order to preserve the seal on the blade. Ryoko and her late husband’s childhood friend Steel Monk Grandmaster Sheng Orochi were then left with the task of not only rebuilding an Empire, but also raising the new Emperor; the baby Rei Yuan left his legacy to Uryu Yuan.

Uryu Yuan grew to be a very powerful young man. Having his demonic mother’s lineage, his kyuubi magic mixed with powerful blood magic and a supernatural gift for martial arts and chi usage already left him a force to be reckoned with but his father’s draconic blood was heredity and with it Uryu gained the dragon’s blood and blessings. Uryu would be known as the Claws of the Dragon, but that power came with a steep price. Uryu would become possessed with the dark ancient energy that filled him when he channeled his inner youkai, to the point where he would go on a rampage attacking both friend and foe. His mother, being very skilled with barrier and seals, sealed the power of the kyuubi deep within her son until the power was absolutely necessary to be wielded. Uryu was a soft and kind Emperor who listened to anyone’s problems no matter how small and saw it fit to help them with a smile on his face. One such problem was the death of Raizen’s youngest daughter Asuramaru, a dedicated practitioner of the Way of the Steel Fist, the martial arts taught and used by the Monks and the raising of her orphaned son under the tutelage of Emperor Uryu himself, as a sign of respect to the Toshin Clan. A few years later, Uryu married Tsubaki Orochi, the powerful priestess daughter of Grandmaster Orochi and the two soon gave birth to a daughter. Princess Ayame was a child born from the earth, the offspring of holy power and human blood crossed with different strains of demon gave Ayame a power that had never been heard before. Her birth was celebrated high and low across the land though the Cat Lord Sekai received a troubling prophecy through his arcane vision, which he shared in private with the Dragon Emperor. Sekai confided that the Dark Kyuubi Kurama will return and usher in a new dark age and that only Ayame possess the power to truly pierce through the darkness and erase Kurama from the world for good. Uryu took his trusted advisors words into mind and made preparations and on the day of his daughter’s 3rd birthday the world turned black.

It was midday and the sun was high in the sky before suddenly the clouds darkened and the air seemed to grow thick with a smog and miasma over the grounds of the Imperial Palace as monks suddenly rushed to the monastery as the large, solid wooden doors behind the monastery closing off the stairs that lead up to the Palace gates as a dark presence could be sensed approaching rapidly with a malicious intent. The Imperial Palace was sealed off as the monks rushed forward down below to meet the threat of Kurama head on. While the monks held him off Uryu, prepared for this moment readied his protégé Wudong-Chi Toshin, commonly referred to as Wu for the new journey he would embark upon. “It’s up to you Wu” Uryu said as he knelt down beside the young boy who had Ayame on his back and a staff in his hand “Wu, you are hereby appointed Grandmaster status in the Order of the Steel Monks. Never forget your dedication and your studies. Keep Ayame safe, and always give her good advice… and always remind her that her parents loved her.” He said giving the boy a strong hug and a soft smile “You two carry the light and hope for this nation, you must survive.” Uryu said as he led Wu to a secret passage beneath the floor “This passage will take you out of the castle and into the forest. From there continue northeast until you come to an old castle. My mother and grandmother live there, they will protect you until the time is right. Now go, the monks won’t be able to stop him from reaching the palace for much longer, I’ll do what I can here.” The Emperor said as the then closed the passage behind Wu and sealed it with his magic just as doors splintered and were blasted asunder as Kurama battled against Grandmaster Orochi, High Priestess Tsubaki and the Dragon Emperor but in the end it was Kurama who came out the victor and thus a blight spread across the land like a plague and Kurama’s dark influence reached far across the island.

Kurama’s dark influence however could not penetrate his daughter’s barrier and it was there in secret did Grandmaster Wudong-Chi and Empress Ayame grow, and train, and study, and survive into their adulthood as the years passed and the time grew closer for Ayame to face her destiny and slay Kurama however the Empress knew she had a bigger mission in reuniting the lands after such struggle and strife. Ayame visited each of the three other Clans and after facing many trials and promises she had united the land under her family’s Dragon banner once more. Soon the Great War erupted where Ayame lead united Imperial Forces against Kurama and his army of ghouls, the undead and the reanimated. After many drawn out conflicts and sieges Ayame and her army finally pushed their way into the Northern territory and in the chaos of the final battle Wu was struck permanently blind and wounded which gave Ayame the power she needed to finally vanquish Kurama and restore peace across the lands…

But all was not quite settled, for up in the heavens the Archangels of God’s Council were in meeting. The angels were aware of the threat that Kurama possessed should his dark magic continue to remain unchecked through more millennia, however Angels were not to directly interfere with mankind. However this circumstance called for divine intervention and so they had shared their light with Ayame in hopes she would remove Kurama. What the Angels did not anticipate was Ayame to fully master her humanity, her dark kyuubi and her inner light and now feared Ayame as Mankind’s Champion. She had united both human and demon once more, and her power was unmatched by any being mortal or not. In order to act pre-emptively the Angels reclaimed their dominion of the sky and grounded all of Ayame’s dragons, stealing them of their flight, which angered their mother, the Empress. The angels attempted to get Ayame to abdicate her position as Empress which caused an uproar among the people, in which they forsake the gods and pledged allegiance to their Champion, much like the Angels feared and they declared war. The angels opened their skirmish with a relentless assault that took the Imperials by surprised and forced Ayame and Wu to dedicate most of their energy to erecting a barrier to keep back the enemy’s Divine army. Phoenix Empress Ayame had spread news all over about the situation the lands faced and called for any able-bodied person to join the Imperial forces in stopping an enemy that could obliterate any existence that life existed.

With the fall of Kurama peace has once again returned to the lands, prosperity to all races has risen among all villages and cities and families can once again live without fear of a great evil over coming their homes. Such can be the same for the peoples champion and Empress of the Imperial Empire...Phoenix Empress Ayame Yuan along with her Husband Grand-master Sage Wudong-Chi have been blessed with two healthy twin children named in honor of their great great grandfather Raizen. Princess Asuramaru (name sake after her grandmother) and Prince Akuma, these two royal children will be the future for the Imperial Empire and its growing conquest to keep the lands safe and secure for all. Under the guiding hand of their parents, distant relatives and lords and ladies of other lands they will be trained in all matters from hand to hand combat to the fine arts of political courts.

None are prouder than the Empress and Grand-master to have been blessed with two children after so much strife and suffering, that they spend many of their days beside them both teaching them in their own skills from mastering their youkai to the mastering of their chi. For it is their generation that now will be the key when the Divine Armies....attack and disrupt the peace that so many have sacrificed to bring upon the land.

The sun hung in their sky as clouds floated peacefully a sight that had once been graced by dragons that now sit grounded by the gods, one figure could be seen walking out into the large fields around the Imperial Palace moving up towards a large silver scaled beast whos wings have yet to forget the joys of the wind against them. "Sho...your being silly gain" the young female's voice stated as she looked up at the large might dragon that had been her mother's first hatchling. The silver headed dragon turned his yellow eyes upon 'but I still enjoy it' came his reply with a deep rumble.

"I know, but mother has told you its pointless till the dealings with the gods is dealt with" the female said her silver hair blowing behind her braided back to reveal pointed ears though three bushy fox tails flicked behind her. This was Princess Asuramaru or Asura as she prefered to be called, in human terms she was 17 years old but from an early age she had gone through training against not only her parents...but her great great grandfather Raizen in hand to hand...she was almost as warmongering as he was which made the old devil rather proud. She soon would move up beside Sho as she gently placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling the wind blowing by as he spread his wings to feel it beneath the membranes.

"How is Yuna doing? I heard you two have three eggs" She said happily though it was dark times for dragons being grounded and unable to enjoy the flight some made do within the safety of the valleys around the Imperial Palace and back at the monastery where they could live in comfort and safety till their flight was restored. 'Yuna does well...its her turn to keep watch on them while I stand guard outside' he said proudly, for not far was a cave where the black scaled female Yuna...the second of her mother's dragons laid curled around the eggs. "Well thats good...just remember to not cause to much trouble I think we are having a party or something tonight"

Sho just snorted, "yes we will bring you some sweets" she whispered as the silver dragon soon was nuzzling her happily, "lazy dragon..." she chuckled shaking her head, till she turned to head back towards the palace, to anyone who didn't know her she would look almost like a commoner wearing simple cloths a pair of hiori pants and a sleeveless top with a long sash tied at the middle. Her bare feet stepping over rocks and dirt without much pain, having spent many years toughening her body to withstand such, though it drove her parents nuts that she would wear such clothing even to parties or formal meetings with the other lords.

"Wonder what my annoying brother is up to....probably following mother around like a duckling again..." she said almost with a roll of her eyes, at the thought. Her brother was such a mamma's boy even as children he'd always go running to her while Asura only would challenge her father attempting to steal his blindfold she still had yet to grab the thing from him which angered her to no end. A soft growl left her lips as she soon stepped onto a pathway heading back into the Palace through the front entrance the guards paying her no mind as they let her pass knowing who she was...hell the whole empire knew who she was...but the sight of so many guards posted everywhere was not unnatural to her anymore....with the Divine Army just outside their borders waiting to attack.

At the gates to the Imperial Palace, a cariage bearing the crest of the Clan of the Golden Sun, stopped and let out a large demon male who's broad figure spoke loudly his his title and authority. "Come Miaka. It is high time for you to begin making political relations of your own. Someday you will take my place as Lady of the manor."
"I know Father. But that still won't be for a long time to come I hope." She said with a smile as she stepped out with her fathers help. Her black hair fell passed her shoulders and swayed along her silken robes in warm bright colors.

"My Lady....your gift for their Majesty's." A servant said and held out a small box to Miaka while her father let one of the palace servants know to announce their arrival and followed the servant inside to wait.

"I-I am not following Mother!"came a soft voice off to the side and behind Asura as the young prince was slowly making his way down the hall crossing paths with his annoying, hot headed sister. Everything that his 2-minute older sister was, he was not. Where she was loud, he was soft-spoken, where she was social and brash, he was reserved and collected. Where his sister was an outstanding physical fighter, his mastery of the energies within his body were just as strong as her fists. And where his sister was an idiot, because she rather dedicate herself to fighting than studying, he had the mind to run an empire, while his sister wielded authority. "She's busy getting everything together for the night with Father. Some of the other nobles have already started to show up, and I was sent to find you and give you a message from Father 'Asura, you stink, take a bath and put on a kimono, an ACTUAL kimono love daddy'" Akuma read off as he handed his sister the scroll from their father shaking his head "He said he could smell you while you were outside, and he's on the opposite side of the castle"he commented with a smirk as his tails beat nonchalantly behind him "I honestly don't understand how you are going to run an Empire when you aren't even in command of your own personal hygiene"he said and vanished as his sister swung at him reappearing behind one of the guards "No need to get violent you baka"





As the Cats reached the castle they were quickly escorted inside and brought to the waiting area where refreshments were being served while the other nations were still in transit to the palace. However it seems that the cats weren't the first Clan to arrive as inside the waiting area were a few bodies already the Dog General Inu no Taishou sat around a table with his family, his two wives Izanami and Izayoi and his two boys, Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha sat around the table enjoying sake and tea as Taishou was the first to notice the newcomers and smiled rising up "Lord Sekai, Princess Miaka"he said inclining his head as Prince Sesshoumaru stood as well though didn't say anything

"Lord Taisho. Greetings to you and your fine Family." Lord Sekai said and bowed his head in return. "My lords. Glad to see you are both doing well." Miaka said and bowed in greeting to their Western neighbors and allies.
"I trust your journey was not arduous?" She asked to be polite as her eye met the younger lord and heir to the Wentern lands."

Asura woukd glare at her brother as she stood there "I do not stink!! I just happen to not bath four times a day like some" she stated at her brother growling as she swung at him, trying to get at him as he hid behind the guards. "Your a pathertic runt you know that!!! Fight me like a real man or don't bare your fangs!!" She snapped but stormed off the guards a bit tensed feeling the girls crazy aura that she had yet to master pulse out. Though she would do as her father commanded as the servants where already waiting one holding a kimono in her arms, "milady the baths are waiting" "ya ya...lets get this done" she growled out.

The meeting lords would all stand talking and waiting till one of the doors opened as Empress Ayame stepped in a faint smile on her lips, "hello milords and ladies....I do hope you all traveled safely and without stress..." Though the tone in her voice seemed off she sounded tired and looked a bit worn having to constantly keep the divine armies at bay and rarely allowed proper rest.

Akuma let out a sigh of relief watching his sister move away with the servants as he straightened out his robes, though he and his sister had never technically beaten each other in their numerous duels and challenges, Asura was quick to taunt and challenge her rival but today he wouldn't give into her incessant teasing. Today was an important day, because his mother had called an council to discuss the issues at hand and they were supposed to be on their best behavior or face the wrath of their father, who had become their primary source of discipline when their mother was too tired from barrier repair to deal with their "nonsense" as their father so delicately put it. "Right...to the council room then"he said wanting to be settled early before the procession began

"We are doing quite well Empress, you however seem worse for wear. Have you been resting well? I have told you numerous times that my mages and witches are readily at your disposal to help with barrier enforcement as is my own personal ability"Sekai said a frown etched into his features "I am glad you have finally called us into session again."

"Yes, we have had much to discuss since the barrier was erected and the war was stalemated" Taishou said "However, like always, our devils are late to the party. Why is it we can arrive in a timely manner but these oni have such a struggle to do as such. Leave it to Raizen to stall us all yet again." he commented with a sigh as Sesshoumaru shook his head "You purposely decided to make us come here early for this reason." he said rolling his eyes at his father's antics "Lord Raizen is entitled to arrive on his own time, as is Lady Fengyi, they are actual members of the Imperial Family."

"But then as members of the Imperial Family, wouldn't they see to it aide was given promptly?" Miaka spoke up before turning to the Empress and her husband. "Forgive my speaking out of turn Empress, this is my first visit to Palace and The council and have yet to learn how procedures are done." She said and bowed low to the Royal couple. "As such, I thought it fitting to present to you a gift, a symbol of our Clans unyielding loyalty and friendship to the Imperial household." She said and knelt before them and laid before them a ceramic pot filled with soil.

"Her gift is dirt?" Inuyasha asked with a scoff and he was silenced by his mother stern gaze.

Miaka reached into her kimono and pulled out a small wrapped parcel and vial of water which she laid out beside the pot neatly. She gently dug into the soil before opening the parcel and pulled out a seed that she then placed a cover in the soil. She opened the vile and waved her hand and the water moved of its own accord to circle the rim of the pot before falling into the soil, like rain into the earth. She placed the used items back into her kimono before holding both hands over the pot and ever so softly she muttered an incantation, almost missed by the incredible hearing of those around her, a small tree began to grow and bloom before her.
"A sapling from my Mothers Garden. May it grow tall and strong as Your empire." She said and bowed agian to them before stepping back beside her father.

"Impressive and rather lovely display." Izaiyoi said and inuyasha shrugged, "it's only a tree."

Ayame would look over towards Seikai as she would speak, "I appreciate the offer Milord Sekai and I am very well aware of the aid you and the others can grant me....however it is not just the continuance of barrier maintenance that drains me as much...than my own children" she said with a small chuckle as she shook her head, "however I am hoping once Lord Raizen shows up at least one child will be sated....that is after Wu gets her to her studies." Ayame would then turn her attention to Taishou "Thus is why I have called you all...old and new" she gave a faint warm smile towards Miaka and then to Inuyasha the two younger demons within the room.

Though her attention turned fully to Miaka as she walked over to her, she watched with curiosity and would then clap her hands in delight "My my Lord Sekai you have quiet the talented daughter thank you young one...it is truly a gracious gift" she stated as she knelt down to gently pick it up as she ran her fingers against the branches, "a truly precious gift"

Izami would sit there in her seat watching an almost annoyed look on her face, as she let her clawed fingers drum on the table, "for once the mutt and I can some what agree..." she muttered beneath her breath knowing only the those closer could hear. "When are the others arriving? I do wish to have this meeting on its way now that the...pleasantries are done."

There was a loud clap of thunder outside suddenly as the castle walls rattled slightly as Inu no Taishou sighed "Can he not arrive by carriage like the rest of the civilized people?"he said as the Palace doors then flew open as Yusuke walked inside his arms crossed muttering a string of curse words about his father as Raizen soon pounded in after him "Who the hells been talkin about me huh? I've been sneezing my ass off for the last hour. I'm here, now where are my grandbabies?" Raizen shouted to the group as he marched up to Taishouo as the two glared at each other before they were interrupted by a slight wind as a strong energy was suddenly felt behind them

Wu had suddenly appearaed was standing in the passageway to the council room and his presence was felt by all. Though he had been blinded by Kurama, his ascension to Sagehood allowed him to see the natural energies around him and see without sight. His bushy hair inherited from his grandfather was currently let down in a purple mane around him "You can see them once we are in the council room. They will be awaiting us once Lady Fengyi arrives"

Though there was a tentative peace with Raizen, there was also tensions. Other could feel the electric energy between the two lords. "Now now Darling." Izaiyoi said and stood from her seat my, choosing to ignore the latest jab from her fellow Wife at her sons expense since his behavior earned the jab. She walked to her husbands side and gently placed her hand on his arm. "Let's us not forget where we are and why we are here." She said, but the sternness in her words as well as her eyes were aimed at the Oni. "Come, lets us sit and continue with the reason we were summoned here."

"Well spoken Lady." Miaka said as her father escorted her over to their own place next to the Dog clan and across from Raizen and his son.

Ayame would rub her forehead slightly as she heard the loud clasp of lightning and she would shake her head, "just what I needed..." she muttered though she would welcome the breeze brought by her husband as she would glance over to him "Perfect timing as usual my dear" she said before looking to Raizen and Taishou a small smile on her lips on how well the human Izayoi "Well spoken milady" she said simply.

Asura took her time in the baths as the servants helped scrub her hair, before the doors opened as Lady Fengyi stepped in a fangy grin on her lips "I had a feeling you where shoved in here" Asura glanced over to see the Northern Lady Vampire herself who moved towards them, "I take it your father put you in here?" "Yes even though he knows I'll be training with Grandfather Raizen and You later" "well then...I have the perfect kimono for you" she winked as she would hold up a new outfit, a kimono that was sleeveless a deep purple color with touches of pink and gold. A black obi belt to hold it in place while the skirt stopped just after the knees. "this should do you better than any kimono...plus its proper and still allows for movement" she winked. "Oh its perfect!" Asura said excited as she stood up finally scrubbed clean and smelling 'pleasant'.


It wasn't long after that did Ayame sense at least one child nearby along with another presence, "Lets head to the Council room...I believe the missing three are there now" she stated speaking of her two children and the Lady Fengyi. Ayame would push herself up as she took a moment to steady herself, as she rubbed her eyes then shook her head as she stepped forward to head towards the council chamber. A large set of doors carved with representation of each lord and lady along with their clan rest, would be pulled open to enter a chamber of a room. The table set forth was round a chair for each ruling head and the heir a few other chairs where set behind as Ayame smiled seeing her son standing as noble as ever. "Akuma...your here early as always...." she said as she moved to her son and gently placed her hands on his shoulders and then kissed his forehead

"I know how important today is so I came here early to wait for everyone" Akuma said smiling at his mother "Oh Grandpa is here already too"he said as he watched the others filtering into the room. "I figured he'd be a lot later this time."he said with a smile

Raizen bounded into the room and grinned looking at the twins "Just wait until after this is all over. I have to make sure you've been properly trained since I've been gone"

Sekai took his seat at the table and proudly patted his daughter on this shoulder "Welcome to your first council meeting. We have a series of meetings to discuss everything from politics to war to religion between youkai."

"We have a very rare opportunity because currently sitting we have two mammals and two oni so we are in balance on the issues that divide youkai even. Also sitting in is the newly appointed Grandmaster Orochi, the former High Priestess Tsubaki brother's for the human representation since Wudong is now a Sage."Inu no Taishou continued after Sekai as everyone was seated

"We are missing Princess Ryoko and Prince Ryoma and all of us will be in attendance and our meeting can start"Wu said as he took his place next to Ayame though was still standing "It is nice to finally see a full chamber"

"I'm honored to be here amoungst those who have brought our clans and land to peace and prosperity. I only hope to do my part and what I can to keep it so." She said and smiled softly at her father and Taisho.

"Can we hurry this up? I hate all this dumb meeting stuff....lets just go out there and kick some divine ass." inuyasha huffed and his mother jabbed his side hard with her elbow. "Inuyasha, behave. This is the Imperial a council and you will be respectful of the Empress, her family and home aswell as your father and what he, your brother and your clan represent here!" She snapped

"My children tend to take their time you know how they are probably fighting the whole time" Fengyi stated with a small chuckle as she sat there, glancing over to Raizen as he was already standing over his grandchildren, the urge to test their skills evident. "Raizen you old fool sit down, or I am sure you'll be forbidden to train them again"

Asura would cross her arms some as she rolled her eyes, "would be better than sitting in a boring counsel meeting" she stated only to wince some feeling her brother jab her side, "hey! that hurt" she growled out at her brother. "Enough you two" Ayame said sternly as she sighed, "let us begin this meeting...While I have my attention on this matter and not the divine army"

"Very well. I suppose we will begin and Ryoko and Ryoma will join us when they are available. We--"Wu started before pausing as a black rift suddenly appeared above them and the dark prince Ryoma and his elder sister Ryoko fell from his portal and into their seats "There, made it"Ryoma said as he sat back kicking his feet up "Continue monk"

Wu rolled his eyes "We are here to begin our meeting of the four houses. Golden Sun, Crescent Moon, Dark Star and Hell's Children have all united under the Imperial Dragon house once more. Welcome Lords, Ladies and their families."he said as servants suddenly filled the room bringing a large assortments of teas, sakes, and food for them to enjoy during their meeting "Would anyone wish to begin the first order of business? Or shall I simply follow the agenda of issues?"he asked as he looked over the group

"However you wish to proceed Sage master." Izaiyoi said and bowed her head to him as Tea was placed before her. Inuyasha huffed and leaned back in his seat, but said nothing to not encourage his mother anger. He looked to his brother who was on his other side. "Why do we have to be here?" He asked softly for only him to hear. But sesshoumaru said nothing. Inuyasha looked curiously at his older brother and followed his gaze to the Cat demon who sipped her tea gingerly.
He turned back to his brother and nudged him. "Cat got your tongue?"

Asura watched with a slight annoyance in her voice as she could see her brother was at attention leaning on every word as she would roll her eyes, "you should have brought quill and a scroll to take notes....could be a quiz later" she stated shaking her head, leave it to her brother to enjoy this crap.

Ayame would keep her eyes closed as she just listened, though a faint smirk fell to her lips when she heard Ryoma and Ryoko appear the two foxes her grandmother and great uncle where of the most interesting sort, though she would soon look over to Wu as she picked up some tea prepared specially to help keep her energy levels up. "Just read off your list...." she said simply.

Izami would let her eyes fall to her own son, seeing the mutt of her husbands second wife speaking to him though she let her yellow eyes trail to the feline a dog and a cat how abused of an idea that her proud dog demon son that was a dai-youkai would ever stoop to such levels...then again his father stooped to loving a worthless human but she held her tongue on that...it was like beating a dead horse at this point.

Sesshoumaru looked over at his younger brother letting out a sigh. He had ignored him once but he knew the hanyou wouldn't be silenced until his curiousity was satisfied. He also had been caught by his brother eyeing Princess Miaka so he decided to indulge him to get him off his case "We are here Inuyasha, because we are nobles, amd we are warriors, and while things are peaceful inside the barrier we are in fact at war"He said softly to his younger brother "So make sure you are paying full attention, Inuyasha"

Asuma glared over at his sister sensing her negative thoughts only the way a twin could. But that was fine, one day he'd show her. She may be a minute older, but they were twins and as such had am equal shot to the throne whenever the time came. However he actually had the brain for it. So he let his sister play in her idle fantasies as he listened to their father address the group

"As you wish Empress"Wu said pulling out a scroll as he heard Ryoma mumble "why does he bother writing the scrolls..he cant read them..." the fox said as Wu cleared his throat "The first order on the list is actually of great importance. It is time for our first rotation of generals. So far I have taken up the role of Commander-General, but with my efforts needed here at the palace it is time for the first shift in who will be in charge of our untied forces for the next few years until the next rotation"

"How will this be decided?" Miaka asked turning to face the front. "Is it by a vote or warriors skills?"

"Typically it could be both, but at times like this the empress has a right to choose one herself and amoung this council there are many fine choices." izaiyoi said, trying to be helpful in her own way. She was only human and no warrior, but she was intelligent and new the ways of so many demons through her husband and her other wife. Even with Izamis hatred toward her she had still managed to learn somethings from her. She couldn't bring it upon herself to begrudge the other woman, for if Her husband cared for the other woman in anyway, she would respect him by keeping her thoughts to herself on the matter.

Ayame would look towards Wu she had a feeling he was giving up that role because of her and how her strength was starting to fade though she did her best to hide it even from him...not much escaped the man though but she would look at the others. "It would be down t really....who at this pressing hour will be of the most successful as the next Commander-General....each lord and lady has the talents and skills...but this role is no easy thing" she said simply. "It will pull you from your lands, those you care about...every decision will have a negative and positive light...specially with the Divine Army just outside the barrier"

Asura tilted her head now as she sat up, this was a bit interesting to watch as her mother decide who among those at the table would be worthy to take up the mantel that her father had held for so long. The decision making, for the candidate at this trying hour was one that Asura knew she needed to learn. To gauge ones opponent almost, it would probably also be among the rare few times Akuma would see his sister actually attentative.

Fengyi would then speak up, "how do you plan to go about this choice Empress? as we all know each one is qualified to take up this position after all it was the majority who agreed upon it...save my son" she said with a chuckle Ryoma just didn't want to do anything extra than he had to. "If we go in order on how I united the lands....Lord Raizen would be the first....his knowledge and brunt force of war would be a key part to the start of keeping this empire from falling...however Lord Taishou is of equality in knowing battle and his lands have been at turmoil before and he handled it with skill...as you pointed out Lady Fengyi everyone is qualified....but it matters on who now is needed most"

"Well let me go ahead and remove my name from the options" Sekai said putting his hand up "My role is more of a supportive role when it comes to our forces"he said and smiled at the insane look he got from his daughter "I removed my name from the list my dear, not yours, I believe you are more than capable of leading these youkai and oni just like the rest of us my dearest"

"While I do acknowledge Raizen's strength and tenacity in battle..." Taishou began "That is not what we need right now, lest we wish to further infuriate the heavens. The last thing we need is Raizen barking out orders to scalp angels and rip their wings off. Unless we want the full might of Heaven's armies knocking on our doors. I think I should lead the army. I have two sons and twi wives to carry on my line should I fall. Raizen only has Yusuke, the boy is entitled to have his father for as long as possible."

Raizen let out a small growl but for once couldn't fully rebuttal Taishou "It's not fair to bring up heirs and lineage. That should not be the mark of a man in war. Tradition has no place on the battlefield, only destruction."

"Leave it to the two polar opposites to volunteer for this role" Wu said with a soft sigh watching the men glare daggers at one another

"But father I know nothing of leading armies. True I have followed you into many glorious battles, I could not lead an army alone."

"Too scared or too weak?" Inuyasha taunted and received a glare from Miaka. Inuyasha taunted for the fun of it, not to be cruel. He was truly a sweet young man when he chose to be but amoungst other demons....well it was best left at that. "I could lead them as well as any lord here."

"Yes, lead them to ther deaths to help stoke your own pride and ego." Miaka said and garnered her own snarl form the Hanyou, "what did you say Cat?"

"You heard me well enough. Your are too young, too arrogant to be entrusted with the responsibility of leadership and the lives of many fine Demons and Oni. You would only get them, and yourself, killed with your brashness and eargnerness to empress others with your fantasized greatness and and false superiority." She said and her eyes locked on the anger building face of the youngest Taisho, who looked about ready to lung across the table at her

Ayame would sit there as she couldn't help but start chuckling a bit after all it was rather energizing to see the vigor of those before her, she was probably the youngest among the lords herself and seeing how these two acted made her think of her own children. "With what I see I almost think it be interesting to see how the younger generation would fair" she said as she could see many of the lords turn their heads. "I am rather interested to hear their opinion, including my own two" She would then look to her children, "Akuma, Asura please come here and join....Akuma I figured you'd be writing notes and have done some homework on each lord...please tell me your thoughts"

"Wait why his thoughts?!" Asura stated quickly and in anger as her mother just eyed her, making her growl but crossed her arms in defeat for now, though Fengyi chuckled as she leaned over to Raizen "I think you made her ot much like yourself Raizen..." she teased the devil.

"If you mean a great warrior then you're damn right I did"Raizen said proudly "She reminds me so much of my daughter,so much power and attitude in a small package"

"Enough you all of you"Sesshoumaru said sharply to the two of them "Your impetuous attitudes are not needed in a discussion of such serious topics"he stated calmly as he turned to the prince to listen

Akuma nodded his head "I have been putting some thought into this since you brought it up to me...when it comes to someone leading the forces whether it be the young Lords or the old, I believe Lord Sesshoumaru's power and leadership would be the most effective. His bakusaiga stops the enemy regenerative abilities and spreads poison, giving us an edge in battle." Akuma deduced earning an approving nod from his father "Good job son that was very strong logic"