The Dragon and the Fox Part 2

Sayuri raises a brow toward him “if I recall I am your only niece uncle, unless there is another dead forgotten relative you’ve failed to mention.” She said simply but she would soon sigh faintly. “As for guards no that would be unnecessary, I will be there so little need is necessary tell them my ship will arrive in two days time. That should give magi time to prepare the necessary spells to open the seal we have over the shrine itself.....till then uncle” the connection would then cut off giving him no time to say much else. If she said what he thought his niece herself was coming to the royal palace.

Sekai shrugged looking over at Kurama “Now’s not the time for games Kurama-kun”he said sternly as Kurama glared then sighed once again “You all are fools, have your senses dulled that much. Asura may have inherited my tenacity and power, but she is not Jinzen’s heir. She’s not that cunning, her talents are sheer power and overwhelming force. To retrieve the Fox Top it’s going to take a kyuubi who has the the cunning of Jinzen. You’ll need my son. Ryoma is Jinzen’s vessel.”Kurama said before finally severing his link disappearing from above Asura’s head

“Send word to Captain Ryoma in the Northeastern Fort. Tell him he is needed back at the Imperial Palace at once. His orders are now to accompany this group and help retrieve the runes, effective immediately.”Wu told a servant nearby who nodded promptly running off just as Inu no Taisho was making his way back towards the others “I have great news, I just got done contacting my niece. Lady Sayuri is coming to the Imperial Palace to personally escort you all to the Isles. And it didn’t almost cost my soul as a bargaining chip this time. So this is a great honor indeed”he said happily as he blinked looking at the group “Did I miss something important?”he asked

“We discovered a clue in how to retrieve the runes a bit easier. Though I still worry for Yukine in that temple.” She said, “I know she is strong and I have faith in her....but on a personal level.....and also Inuyasha....as a Hanyou he doesn’t have complete control over the power that Tizen possesses. You have been his vessel before Lord Taishou and we have seen Inuyasha in that state where the powers is just too much... I worry for him as well....this will be a great test for him. For all of them.”

Asura would glance at Kurama's spirit as he brought up that she wasn't as cunning and that she was merely just sheer power and force. She bit the inside of her cheek doing her best to keep her anger in check, she was to be an empress one day to rule these lands she needed to be....well rounded as her mother would have stated. Yes she was more like Raizen than many would have liked but she could lead....couldn't she? She stayed silent looking at the others, till she would turn towards Taisho as he entered the room talking about his niece, she could almost sense the tension in his voice that she was coming and Asura simply nodded before turning "Suppose we should go get ready then....she'll probably be here within a day"

Asura didn't wait for the others to agree as she headed to her room to also inspect her armor, her mind going over what they were learning and the hard truth that Kurama dealt to her.

“It will be a test for them all, but it is one they cannot afford to fail”Taishou said shaking his head

When the dawn broke, the castle seemed to be alive and buzzing. News traveled fast, and with word of new guests and new adventures falling, there was a restless air over the castle grounds.

Akuma awoke early in the morning and had tried on his new armor. It was a deep crimson and gold, very reticent of the armor Rei Yuan used to wear in his youth. He turned looking over at the wall where his new obsidian halberd was currently resting. He was excited beyond belief to have a chance to be able to use it soon as he picked it up letting it rest over his shoulder as he made his way out of his room and towards the main entrace of the palace.

Yukine rolled over curling up into the sheets next to her as the sun sifted through the window illuminating the room “Mmmm not the sun, go away”she mumbled softly though her tail crept out of the sheets moving curiously as she laid there “Oh today’s the day isn’t it?”

An arm gently curled around her waist and pulled her inclose to a broad chest. “It would seem so.” Sabreal Said softly against the back of neck. “We should rise soon though. Before the others, or your sister, come looking for us.”

Miaka was up already and out on the grounds as Sol raised the Sun. “”My Lord....”
“Your worried about my plan.”
“Yes. I worry about a lot of things.” She said and stepped up beside him. “My sister and the group are going to Mizens temple. I know that you’ll remain here with us, but please watch over her. Watch over them.....”
“I will...But what about my plan worries you?”
“I’m worried that the one tampered time won’t be enough....I worry you will ask more of myself and Yukine that I won’t be able to give...I worry for what would happen if or when we are caught.”
“I wish I could calm your fears young one. I ask that you have faith and continue on as if nothing has changed. I promise this will work.” She sighed.
“I pray you are right.” She said and turned and left

“As do I...”

Asura would more or less roll out of bed with a faint groan as the light more or less blasted in, it was her mothers idea to put her and Akuma's room nearest the point the sun rose just to help them wake up. Across the room sat a rather elegant looking set of armor, she wasn't sure if her father was being 'cute' with trying to make his daughter look a bit more regal in it but she wondered if she would be caught dead in it, it wasn't the thick armor that one would see usually of metal and so on but it was mostly cloth. Similar to a monks garb as the best she could describe it, not sure if her father was making a 'point' that she needed to be more....tuned into the art style of refined fighting rather than the more beserker type that Raizen had taught her over the years. It was similar in color to her brothers, a rich gold with red undertones. Though her weapon that she had custome made from her own fangs she was excited for, a small smirk slid on her lips thinking about them.

She would slide the guantlets on, they looked more like simple gloves made of scales like a dragons, seemed Totosei had a sense of humor for that but she wasn't going to complain. She pulled her hair into a high pony tail much like Inu No taisho's finding that it was easier to keep her hair from her face, her tails she always kept twisted together to look like one long one again easier to fight with. After awhile she would set out heading to meet up with the others and await the one who was going to take them to the temple personally.

Sayuri stood on the ship looking at the castle that stood before her, a faint disgusted look in her eyes that she was going to be dealing with oni's and foxes. Stepping from the ship once it docked she didn't even wait for the servants to try and great her instead she would head towards the great hall knowing that is were they would be. As soon as she could get back to her home the better, but she would first see those who dared wish to enter chaos but as she walked she sensed a rather....dark presence and she turned standing not far int he shadows avoiding the light of Sol was Yami as she blinked. So the rumors were true that he had returned and she would speak "interesting to see you here of all places.....so close to those that betrayed you.....Milord Yami"

Yukine popped an eye open hearing her sister’s name as she sighed sitting up then “Yeah you’re right. I’d never hear the end of it if Miaka if she knew. I mean I am an adult, but she will always be my overprotective big sister.”she commented “You know one day you’ll have to ask her if it’s okay that we be together when all this is said and done. I’m sure she won’t mind, but she’s big on formalities.”she said giving him a peck as she slid out of his warm embrace to start getting dressed “Oh, I can hear sounds outside already, she must have arrived.”

Also watching the scene from around the corner of the castle was Sesshoumaru. The young Lord was always up before down, but found it curious that Miaka had gotten up before him today. While he was too far away to be within earshot even for his own elite hearing, by the look on Miaka’s face, he had an unsettled feeling in his stomach as his eyes saw Sayuri approach Yami from the shadows as he turned away to go fetch his own father and prepare for the day. He was going to have to ask his wife about her motives the next time he ran into her.

Yami, who had been watching Sol and Miaka talk with great curiousity, originally didnt turn as he was addressed “Yes, well even Lion must concern themselves with the opinion of sheep if the sheep have something the lion wants”he stated as he then turned realizing who was speaking to him “Ahhh Sayuri. My most devout servant after Kurama. I believe you being here is a bigger surprise than my own. I am everywhere and nowhere at the same time. You sit on your floating rock and protect my secrets....so why are you here exactly? Oh and with Magi.”he said seeing the blue man with black tattoos all over his face and body approaching from behind “The chaos you two give off has been a key factor in beginning to restore my power. But without the runes to my Kusanagi I’ll never get my revenge on that bastard Lucifer. I will reabsorb Hikari and become complete once more. And then I shall cast this world back into darkness and despair. Chaos will reign supreme once more...but all in due time. Come, let’s get some tea”he said with a smile

In the Grand Hall, the members of the search party and the castle were beginning to come together to meet their guests. Wu and Ayame sat with the other 4 Lords around them as Sabreal, Yukine, Inuyasha and the twins made their way down, dressed with their new armor and weapons for some. It wasn’t long before a black portal opened overhead and through it dropped a male kyuubi whose jet black tails were fanned out as Ryoma had returned to the castle as ordered “Captain Ryoma Kurama reporting as ordered”he said to Wu who nodded “Nice to see you again, I take it you got my letter than. As soon as Lady Sayuri arrives inside we shall debrief and send you all on your way.”

Miaka took her place with Sesshoumaru and Lord Sol entered a moment later and took a seat against the wall and away from the majority. He knew who was coming and he couldn’t say he was thrilled. Sayuri was an embodiment of the children created by Luna and Yami, something that made his blood boil and hate Yami all the more. Though it hurt him deeply, he couldn’t hate Luna for it. He eyed the goddess momentarily as she sat with the others but looked away before taking a swing from his flask.

Sayuri would smirk some, "Tea Lord Yami? but we have such an important meeting to attend to" she stated as she glanced at Magi, the two already rather happy to see their lord up and about and no longer sealed. She could sense the others gathering including the familer aura of her cousin and uncle, though as they stepped into the room she glanced around noticing the twins first seeing them in their new finnery and she then looked over to see Wu and Ayame but she didn't say much towards them, even if she was a 'guest' to their home.

Ayame watched everyone gather and would nod her head some before glancing over at Wu, "seems we are all here" she stated and would glance to the newest members of their army the two angels as Artemis took her seat with her father.

“Right”Wu said as he stood up to address the crowd as servants continued pouring drink and bringing food to the nobility around the room “Alright, now that everyone is here, except for Prince Yusuke who is commanding the battlefields, let us go over what is to happen. In the search for the runes that unlock Yami’s Kusanagi, the blade needed to split open the heavens, we have learned that the descendants of the 4 Great Beasts are needed to wield the object that has the rune. Prince Akuma has already received the rune off of the dragon’s relic. The cat’s relic is in a temple hidden within Lady Sayuri’s land. She has grasciously offered us escort and hopefully assistance if securing the rune for Lord Yami.”he said with a glance over to her before continuing “After which we will attempt to locate the dog’s relic in the sky with the help of Inuyasha and the fox’s relic in the darknesss with Ryoma...though I am still not quite too sure what that entails.”he told the group “As you can also see, the group of young ones has a couple of new allies, our fallen angels tied to Raizen’s kin now. And all of you have been properly armored and armed to deal with the rough outlands you will be crossing to face this next temple. Are there any questions or concerns about the following preceedings from the group?”he asked looking around the room

“After we bring the runes back and the heavens ripped open, what will be the next step in fighting the angels?” Sabreal Said from his seat next to Artemis.

Sayuri would lean back against her chair, her arms crossed she had no 'desire' to trully even help but in the aid to help Lord Yami is what she would do this for. All those she had a distaste for where in this room, fox's, oni's and dragons it wasn't an unknown thing that she disliked them. Though she kept her mouth shut for now, as soon as they found the rune the sooner they left her lands.

Artemis would glance to the side towards Raizen as she was 'mentioned' as his kin and she still was finding it strange that she had a 'father' of all people sitting next to her but looking to her Uncle at his question. However the next voice that pipped in was Ayame "That is still in the air, once the heavens are 'ripped' open Lord Yami will then take his fight to Lucifier, in that time we will need to plan the proper battle field for the two...one that will result in the least amount of damage to the land and to the people.....a fight between gods is rather apocalyptic even if one is a god and the other is claiming to be one"

“That is an excellent question, and something that I, along with Lady Ryoko and Lord Sekai have been working on. We have definitely taken into consideration that an all out war between gods would devastate our lands. And actually with the appearance of a Master Magician such as Magi appearing we may finally finish this spell. Once the 4 runes of Kusanagi activate and Lord Yami draws open a gateway into the Heavens, we wish to cast a spell into the disruption which would send them into a shadow realm outside of our own. Much like the pocket dimension Kurama and his kyuubi children use to teleport through space-time. That way, we can battle the angels in this realm with our physical bodies versus their physical bodies, and the Gods can settle their score in their own dimension once and for all.”Wu said to the group “At the moment that Lucifer and Yami are into their own dimension, Empress Ayame will finally drop her barrier and the final assault will commence against the Angels in our lands.”

“I’m impressed.”Yami said as he refilled his sake swirling it elegantly in his hand. Despite being pure evil, he was still pride, class and grace above all else. “You mortals have really grown up over these millennia. You all actually may be able to give me my long awaited crack at reabsorbing Hikari back into my being.”he said to them “But who is to say that your spell won’t “misfire” and seal me foever in that other realm hm? I’ve been betrayed by something I’ve created once before”he said with a side eye over to Luna and Sol “I don’t fancy going down that road once again.”

“And what’s to say you won’t take the Kusinagi and strike down those living in this plane you Evil son of bitch?” Sol snapped, forcing him to lock eyes with the sun god. “Can’t tell me that thought hasn’t cross d your mind....or any of your minds for that matter.” He said and waved an arm in gesturing to all around the table.

Sayuri glances towards Sol as he ranted and she could see the look on the others faces that they have thought of Yami betraying them again. She would then speak “we are in a war....’lord’ Sol” She said the lord part with a bit insentive that she thought nothing of him. Her eyes locking on his “If I had a choice yes I would kill those that wronged me and my family.” She could see her uncle about to speak and she held her hand up “but learning to trust your enemies is something one must do. Lord Yami is simply asking if he can trust you all when he’s putting his own trust into a group of children to find what is rather precious to him....Or are you saying you will be the first to turn your blade to his throat? All because for a moment....he had your loves heart?”

“Oh I wouldn’t put it past Sol to betray me. He is the embodiment of my wrath and fury after all.”Yami said as he cooly took a drink of his sake “But Sayuri has a point. I am relegated to relying on children to handle this problem I am having. It would be foolish of me to strike you down after restoring my Kusanagi, because then the Angels would attempt to cast me out as well. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as it were.”he said

“It isn’t as if the thought has not crossed all of our minds.”Wu said “However, we have no other way to ensure we have an opportunity to bring the war to the Angel’s homefront. There is only one way that we have devised that can do that, and it requires the aid of Lord Yami. We have been assured by Lady Luna, that she will attempt to keep the peace, in any way she can. So rest assured—“

“That everything will be just fine”Yami said looking over at Sol once again “Or do you have something else you are already plotting Sol my boy?”he asked with a mischevious glint in his red eyes

“Nothing at all, you slimy shit. I’ll leave the betrayals and scheming to you.” He said and took a swig of his flask again, casting a glance at Miaka who remains still, other then clasping her hands together in her lap. “As for the likes of you.” He said and turned to Sayuri, “I only allow your kind to exist is because of her. You I might make an expecting for if you keep testing me.”

“Artemis and I could be able to guide you through the heavens to find Lucifer. His chambers are heavily guarded. He also keeps his most powerful generals with him.” Sabreal said after a long silence had passed and eager to get them back in task.

Luna sat there with a heavy sigh listening to the two of them, she glanced between both men that she dearly cared for and even the children that surrounded them. She glanced to Sayuri and gave her a warm smile before glancing at Sol as she gave him a look that told him he should apologize or hold his temper. Ayame rubbed her forehead of course there was going to be some sort of argument between someone, though she wasn't about to let a battle break out even if the air called for it, however at Sabreal's question she turned her attention towards him. "Interesting, though I do not know if a fallen can even enter the heavens....it would be an interesting concept to see if possible though Artemis.....you are neither fallen nor mortal....you are in a sense half god if your mother is truly Ariel the Lioness"

Artemis looked at Ayame and nodded "I dont know if I am....as powerful as her or....my father but....I do know Lucifer's chambers rather well. Though I was despised by others he kept me close, I could almost give you a detailed map of the areas I remember going to"

"It wont be an issue to take the fallen angel with you. Once I open up the heavens, all the rules of reality as we know them will be changed" Yami said still side eyeing Sol after his outburst. "I will do nothing to ypu all, but should I be betrayed again, my vengence will be swift and merciless, you have my word"

"Well hopefully that settles it then. We will continue working on the spell to move Lord Yami away with Master Magician Magi, and you will work with Lady Sayuri in locating Mizen's temple and the runes for Kusanagi" Wu told the group "And hopefully tensions dont boil over"

“”About your mother Artemis. Though I know you must be worried for her, it would best for our mission and her safety, if we focus on gettin to Lucifer first.” Sabreal said. “Once we stop him, we will find her.”
“If this Ariel is powerful, wouldn’t it be best to free her?” Inuyasha asked and Sabreal shook his head. “Lucifer stripped her of her grace much like he did with Artemis and myself before he sent us here. He also keeps her weak and locked away....I fear her strength may have waned. But her heart is noble and her loyalty to Artemis and Raizen is strong, her hatred for Lucifer and the heaven hierarchy may be stronger then that, of that I have no doubt. But I feel it would be misplaced and possibly reckless to to bring her out before we complete the mission at hand.”

Ayame nodded her head as she listened to Sabreal's concern, "your uncle is right, like any mother I'm sure she worries for your safety and would not wish for you to risk your life or others in an attempt to save her till things....come to there end" she said simply and glanced towards her own children. "That extends to you two as well....to all of you do not pull anything that is reckless....work as a team and not on your own we don't need heroes" she said quickly even if all the adults in the room all deep inside where saying 'don't be like us to much'

Asura would roll her eyes some, though she could feel her mothers eyes lock on hers as she stiffened "fine....I'll just drag Akuma along...." "Asura..." Ayame said warninly and Asura looked away. "I aint saying i promise anything mother...cause you know 98% I'll forget the promise anyways."

"Well let's count that the 2% you have does shine through in the end" Wu said shaking his head "If there are no further points of discussion, a banquet has been thrown to host our honored guests whether they be in attendance or not remains to be soon but none the less in the dining hall everything has been set to our merriment tonight and in the morning the next phase of our planning begins."he said bowing to the group

They all stood and bowed to him in return. Miaka sighed as she stood with Sesshoumaru. “Soon this will all be over, I will be glad to see this all end. Maybe take advantage of the peace and travel the lands again.” She said and her father smiled a bit. “That’s sounds like a wonderful idea my dear. Maybe even take Sabreal around with you....I have a feeling he will be a new permanent figure once this war is over.” He said with a chuckle and nodded in the direction of the retreating Fallen angel and his youngest child

Saiyuri would smirk some as she heard about the party, "I suppose I could stay for a bit, we have nothing pressing to trully get back to and my copies are handling the exams for the students." she said simply as she looked over to the others watching Miaka and her cousin before standing up, she moved slowly over to them as she saw her uncle slightly step in the way. "Oh I plan on playing nice uncle.....I merely wish to say how nice it is to see my beloved cousin....and his....lovely wife.....you two should really try and visit more often my castle is always open to 'family'....I'd truly love to show you how far my academy has come leading scholars in magic....could even help with your little..memory issue though Aunt Izanami was warned not to play with things she didn't understand...."