Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. The story and characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. All I own are the characters I created including, but not limited to, Asami.

Chapter 5 –

Hakuto raised an eyebrow and sneered at the filth that littered the stone throne room he stood in. Tattered, molding chairs lined the walls waiting for courtiers that would never sit in them. Long velvet drapes, shredded into strips, barely covered the large windows. Light filtered through the grimy glass, reflecting off the dust that sparkled in the air. The stone floors were cold and badly in need of scrubbing. The only other people in the room was a servant in clothing that could only be called rags and a moody young man with dark gray scales etched along his body. He sat up on the throne on the far side of the room holding a goblet of wine as he rolled his eyes up to the ceiling. The throne was made of bones – apparently inuyokai – and added to the overall dark and dankness of the room. Hakuto sighed in resignation.

"Ugh," Ryuji groaned in boredom flinging his goblet across the hall. The servant flinched and scurried to clean up the spilled wine quickly. Draping his legs over the side of the throne, Ryuji flung his flaming red hair back. "When will I get to fight that loathsome dog," he whined, "It is so boring just waiting here. Why don't we cross the border and go wreck some havoc on his lands some more?"

Hakuto ran his hand down his face before answering, "As I have told you before, we wish to draw him away from the Western Citadel. Your actions have done enough to bring him across the border without warranting a complete army and starting a full war. My source on the inside has assured me that he will be leaving within a week."

Ryuji glared at the elder Kodama, a pout forming on his lips, "But I want to fight him now. That filth deserves nothing but death. His hateful sire sealed my father and that dirty inu went and killed him."

"I do believe it was his half-brother, the hanyou, who managed to kill your father," Hakuto corrected calmly.

"Whatever," Ryuji snapped, "I don't believe for a second that a hanyou could come close to killing the great dragon." He sat up, eyes narrowing at something unseen, "No, it was that stinking inu lord and now he shall be destroyed."

"Yes, well," Hakuto sauntered over to a wall and dusted it off before leaning against it, "now all we have to do is wait."

"I suppose," Ryuji said as he sat back. A vile grin twisted the corners of his mouth and a laugh bubbled up and burst out, ringing through the empty halls.

Hakuto looked unimpressed, "What?" he deadpanned.

Ryuji continued to chuckle, "I had something delivered to his Shiro via our source within. It should be arriving today. A welcome present for his new little concubine."

Hakuto eyes darkened and in a flash he appeared before Ryuji, squeezing his throat in a vice-like grip. The young dragon's eyes widened in shock and fear. "That was NOT part of the plan you foolish child. If any harm comes to my Asami I will personally skewer your head with your own tail spike." He shoved the dragon forcibly back against the throne and walked out of the room in a swirl of rage. Ryuji was the perfect pawn to draw out and deal with Sesshomaru, but his juvenile antics proved to be tiring.

In the quiet of his own room, Hakuto pulled out a scrying mirror and summoned his source in the Citadel. She appeared almost instantly and bowed low. "Is everything ready on your end," he asked.

"All the preparations are in place and ready to begin execution as soon as my lord has left," she responded. "It shouldn't take long for her to flee the Shiro and come seeking you out."

"And what is this I hear of a gift from the dragon," he snarled, "You wouldn't dare defy me."

The woman smiled coyly, "No real harm will come to her, I'm sure."

"See that it doesn't," Hakuto glared through the mirror, "Remember that she is quintessential for our deal."

"Of course," the female simpered, "You get the girl, the arrogant young dragon gets his battle, and I get all the power." Her eyes glittered darkly. "Rest assured, oh dark one, that I am ready on my end. All you have to do is keep that dragon under control long enough for everything to play out."

Hakuto huffed, "Easier said than done." He waved a hand over the mirror and the image went dark. He tapped his fingers against his chin as he contemplated their next move. When a crash followed by a bellowing roar was heard down the hallway, he simply sighed in exasperation before walking off to see what had caused the outburst this time.

Reiko placed her hand mirror back into the vanity drawer and hurried out of her room to greet her usual guest.

Asami turned with a smile as Reiko entered, her raven dark hair piled high on her head with beaded combs decorating it. The strands of pearls flowed like waterfalls down to the side of her face. She wore a purple kimono with silver leaves embroidered along the sleeves and a black obi tied about her waist. Asami sighed internally. She feared she would never be quite as elegant as Reiko. Even in ordinary attire here at her home, Reiko exuded poise and a calm sharpness that commanded respect. Reiko had insisted on Asami joining her for tea every morning and they had become fast friends.

"How are the lessons going," Reiko asked. She flashed a bright smile at Asami as she took a seat on the cushion across from her. A servant skilled at being silent and unobserved appeared before them with a tray of tea then melted back into the shadows.

Asami rolled her eyes, "I don't know how I can face a pack of Oni and help defeat Naraku, but court life still seems to stump me."

Reiko's laugh filled the room like the sound of a tinkling bell, "I'm sure you'll do fine at the garden festivities tomorrow. After all you have both me and Saburo-san to assist you." Asami nodded as she brought the tea to her lips. Visiting Reiko was one of the few ventures Saburo allowed her to do alone. It probably had to do with Reiko's soul-bond being a top advisor and Captain of the Guard. The two sat in companionable silence for a moment before Reiko's features sobered. "All joking aside, you must be careful," she said, "Court life is just as much a battle as fighting. Before you came along, many of the ladies had their eye on being Sesshomaru's concubine." She smirked, "Mind you, he didn't give any even a second glance, but they likely feel strong animosity towards you for taking such a coveted role. There's no telling what lengths an angry female inu will go to get revenge."

"Are you my father's soul-bond," a young voice asked, interrupting their conversation. Asami looked over to find a boy of about 9 standing in the doorway. Despite being young, he held an air of maturity beyond his years. With such a serious expression and long white hair there was no denying he was Sesshomaru's son and heir, but the crystal blue eyes looked on with curiosity rather than coldness.

"I am," she responded with a slight bow.

Reiko gestured to the youth, inviting him closer. "This is my first son, Jun," she hugged him close despite his obvious reluctance.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Jun," Asami bowed again, "I am Asami."

Jun's eyes looked her over, noting her unique appearance. His brow knit together, "A tree spirit, huh? I have learned about them in my studies but I never thought I'd meet one until father told me about you."

Asami frowned and looked down at her tea, "I'm not sure how many of us are left."

Missing Asami's comment, Jun's expression changed from sullen to wonder in a split second. "Father also said you are an excellent fighter. Did you really fight beside him in his latest battle," he asked eagerly.

"I did, though I'm not sure I would call myself an excellent fighter," she shifted in her seat.

"You shall join me at once in my private training grounds," he commanded rather than asked, "We shall duel." His stoic face once again reflected his father's, but the excitement could not be contained behind his eyes.

"Oh, um," Asami looked from the young heir to Reiko, "I suppose, if her ladyship approves."

"Sesshomaru has talked often of your fighting abilities and powers," Reiko smiled, "It is rare for inu females to be warriors, so Jun is beyond intrigued."

The private training grounds was a small courtyard at the back of the corner compound. There were several swords and spears lined against the wall, a training dummy in the far corner, and a large shady tree under which Reiko chose to sit. The ground was hard and dusty after years of feet stamping and dashing in practice.

"My weapon of choice is a BO-staff," Asami said as she walked over to the wall of weapons and was pleased to find a suitable staff. She missed carrying her own everywhere, but such actions were frowned upon in court life – at least that's what Saburo-sensei kept telling her. Briefly she fingered the set of kunai strapped to her thigh. After Hakuto's attack, she promised herself to never be caught without some form of defense. The set of sharp blades rested flat against her leg, accessible through the thin slit in her kimono.

With a well practiced air, the youth drew his sword and took a fighting stance, "Father says you are able to call the very earth to fight for you."

"Hn," Asami nodded, "but I only do so when a life is on the line. To call the earth frivolously would be disrespectful." She turned and positioned her feet as she looked across at Jun, "but I don't need to call the earth to summon my power into my attacks."

He nodded, determination set across his face as he shifted his hands a bit. His blue eyes looked her over, calculating her possible speed and strength. With a hint of a smirk, she dashed forward and swung her staff around for a side strike. He brought his katana over to block more from muscle memory and practice than from reading her movements. She was fast and moved differently than any inu trainer had before. Jun shifted his stance and shot his blade forward in a fierce jab. Asami barely ducked to the side in time, the blade cutting across where her left cheek had just been. Taking the Bo staff in both hands she shoved his katana up, opening his guard long enough for her to sweep down for a strike.

"Aagh," Jun winced as he jumped back out of striking range. He could already feel his ribs bruising. He readied his blade and reassessed his target, realizing he had sorely underestimated her. The joy of battle glinted in his eyes as he charged forward. Steel and wood clashed and clanged back and forth as both opponents tried to find an opening in the others defenses. Jun's sword was blunted for training purposes, it was unable to actually cut much of anything, but the ferocity in his swings had Asami's hands stinging with each blow. They stood back, panting heavily, eying each other. A smile crossed the boys mouth, the glee of fighting a worthy opponent unable to be held back. Asami smiled in kind, until she spun her BO-staff behind her back, building up her power, and twirled it forward, sending a wave of spiraling energy at the youth. His eyes widened just before her power struck him. He was thrown back a few feet, landing solidly on his back.

When he opened his eyes, Asami stood above him with a wicked grin. "That was a fine match young prince," she said with a glint in her eyes, still swirling red and green with power. She reached a hand down to help him up.

Jun frowned slightly as he dusted off his hakama and picked up his sword. "The only other person who has dared to used their power against me is father," he brooded.

"You are an expert swordsmen young lord. Your skill nearly matches that of your father, but an opponent out in the real world will not hold back. One must be ready for any attack, any power that comes at you."

The boy furrowed his brows and stared down at the dirt for a moment before nodding, humbled. "You teach just like father teaches," he said.

Asami smiled as she placed a hand on his shoulder, "That is because it was your father who taught me."

Jun's face lit with pride. "Truly," he asked, admiration for his sire coating his tone. Asami nodded as she turned to put the BO-staff away. When she turned around, the young lord was bowed low before her. "Would you come and spar with me again," he asked, the earlier commanding tone completely gone.

"With pleasure my young lord," Asami answered warmly.

Asami walked back slowly toward the castle tower, falling in step beside Saburo, who had come to fetch her from Reiko's compound. The sun shined down warm upon her cheeks and for the first time as she looked up at the tower, she felt like she was home. As they began passing the large walled garden, a small knot began to form in her stomach. The garden festivities tomorrow were to celebrate the upcoming departure of the army; a send off. Only the captains, generals, and their ladies were invited along with the usual courtiers and advisors. Sesshomaru would be there too, but he had his own duties and responsibilities to see to. Saburo would once again be her main and constant companion. She didn't feel very confident and as the impending event loomed over her, she began to worry her bottom lip.

Saburo glanced down from the corner of his eye. She was wringing her hands and biting her lip, a sure sign she was fretting about tomorrow. He held back a snigger. She demanded such perfection from herself. It was just one of the endearing qualities he had learned about her over the short time they had been together. She was unique. Bold and feisty, but loyal and caring to any she let in her circle. Her interests went far beyond and deeper than most ladies of the court and her knowledge of the natural world rivaled his own. She had allowed him to see her natural form once, something he had never seen before, and his breath was taken away by her ageless beauty. He was certain that she would shine tomorrow and make Sesshomaru proud.

"You will be fine," he said softly.

"I can't mess this up sensei. It is my one opportunity to show Sesshomaru that I am worthy before he leaves." She clasped and unclasped her hands as they walked on, shuffling her feet in the dirt path.

Saburo stopped walking, taking her hands and turning her towards him. "My lady, you have nothing to prove to Sesshomaru-sama. He not only believes you to be worthy to be with him, he believes you to be his equal. Your beauty and grace far outshine those who would have attempted to catch his eye and tomorrow you will show them all just what you are made of."

Asami heaved a sigh and smiled brightly at him, "Thank you, Saburo-sensei." Her eyes twinkled in the afternoon sunshine.

A tightness clenched in Saburo's chest and he released her hands quickly with a nod. He wished to always be the reason she smiled so warmly. Such thoughts were unbecoming though and he would never betray his old friend. Clamping down on the warmth her eyes spread through him, he silently vowed to do everything in his power to ensure she was always happy.

They began to climb the many flights of stairs to reach the private floor at the top. Asami's thoughts drifted back to her match with Jun. It had been exhilarating to fight someone of his caliber and she looked forward to many more sparing matches in the future. At least she now had someone to practice with. Her excitement spilled over as she told Saburo all about her time with the young lord that morning.

"He is such a reflection of his father and already very powerful. I have no doubt he will grow to be an excellent leader one day," she concluded. "I only hope that it will not be required of him soon. He is still so young," she said, her mood darkening at the thought of Sesshomaru going off to fight without her.

"At this young age, he would not step up as the new lord if something should happen to Sesshomaru," Saburo informed her. "Power would initially pass to his mother, the Lady Reiko."

"Oh? I had no idea," said Asami.

"When he reaches maturity, he will be eligible to rule as Lord of the West. Any children you have with my lord will be second in line and should no heirs be alive, then power would once again pass to Lady Reiko," Saburo shifted into instructional mode and was about to drone on about inheritance rights when the maid, Niki, suddenly appeared before them.

"My lady," she bowed low, "A most elegant package has arrived for you!"

Saburo's brows furrowed, "From whom?"

"I do not know," Niki answered hesitantly, "It was waiting with a note in my lady's room when I arrived to prepare for her afternoon tea." She led them up the last of the steps and down the corridor, sliding open the bedroom door for everyone to see the box. "Isn't it exquisite?"

A large, square, wooden box sat upon the floor in the middle of the room. Delicate carvings of trees, fawns, and foxes were etched across the top of the box. The sides were decorated with a geometric pattern with burnt edges. The clasp on the lid was an ornate, golden phoenix. Asami reached down and undid the wax seal of the letter.

"For Asami," she read aloud, "To warmly welcome you to the Western Citadel. May this gift bring you long life and prosperity." She looked up at Saburo who reached for the letter. As he scanned it himself, she turned her attention back to the box. Tracing a finger along the carvings, she undid the clasp and lifted the lid.

"My lady wait - " Saburo cried out too late to stop her.

Niki let out a scream as two large, black pit vipers raised themselves to peer over the edge of the box. Saburo drew his sword and slowly approached the box. "Asami," he whispered, keeping his eyes peeled on the two poisonous snakes before them, "Back away slowly. I will take care of them."

Asami held her hand up to stop him. "Just a moment," she said calmly. Her voice changed to a creaking, whooshing sound, but it was unmistakably a gentle lullaby. Reaching her hand down into the box, both snakes wrapped and coiled themselves around her arm, settling there almost as if in sleep. "Whoever sent this has very little knowledge of kodama," her voice remained calm, but she turned fierce eyes onto the still vigilant Saburo. "The Kami have given me dominion over the land. There isn't a mortal creature on this earth that can harm me." Rage boiled within her blood as she thought back to Reiko's comments earlier that morning. Was this an attempt at revenge? Saburo lowered his sword, but his dark eyes intently watched the snakes curled around Asami. Niki, who had hidden behind Saburo's outstretched wings, let out another soft squeal of fear. "That being said," Asami continued, "This is still not a safe place for these two to remain." She stroked them tenderly, crooning to them softly.

Seeing that there was no immediate danger, Saburo returned his sword and settled his feathers. "Niki, it is best if you leave the room."

"Hai," she squeaked and fled.

Asami looked straight into Saburo's eyes. "This was a poor attempt on my life, not well thought out at all."

"Best to let it serve as a warning of what you really face when you go before the courtiers tomorrow," Saburo instructed, staying several feet back.

Asami nodded. "It is a battle field just as much as any other," she echoed Reiko's earlier words. Her attention turned back to the two snakes coiled around her arm, "This would be a better job for Sesshomaru since he is impervious to poison, but he is not here right now." She turned pleading eyes to Saburo, "Would you fly me to a distant wood where I can safely release these two?"

The fierce Tengu paled slightly and swallowed audibly. "Can we put them back in the box," he asked.

Asami shook her head, "They were terrified of the box and won't go back in." Her face sank apologetically as she saw his body tense. "I give you my word they will not harm you. They will remain quietly coiled around me."

Sighing, Saburo ran his hand down his face. "Very well," he said in resignation.

They stepped out onto the balcony. Asami was unsure of how Saburo would carry her. She had only flown with Sesshomaru before and he always enjoyed holding her close. When Saburo scooped her up, cradling her close to his chest, her cheeks burned red as she listened to the calm, steady beat of his heart. Flying with Sesshomaru was smooth, exhilarating, and warm as mokomoko wrapped around her. Flying with Saburo was erratic as he had to follow the doldrums and flap his wings. Further, she was freezing as the wind whipped around her bare skin. Still, she was grateful for his assistance.

Saburo frowned, deep in thought as they flew. Once again a threat had managed to get past protections in place. This time the threat had been ill conceived, luckily, but it was clear to him now that someone deep on the inside wished for Asami's death. He would have to consult with Sesshomaru later and wondered who could possibly be so foolish as to cross the Western Lord.