Akiko stood straight while looking towards the door in the study. She could sense the approaching auras of the lord and ladies, hands clasped in front of her to try and hide any nerves she might feel. The day had come for them to meet. And though the young woman had met these demons other times before, this was different from the rest. This could decide the fate of Japan for all she knew waiting as members of the pack escorted these individuals towards the estate from the boarder for extra protection among the other guards in their company. No longer was the reincarnation wearing the maid outfit that had once helped her blend in, now dressed in her dark blue armor with light blue designs over a grey ankle length dress, the silver headdress, with her blade secured to a side. Then there was the matter of altering her features slightly at the seriousness of it all, skin pale, tips of the ears coming to a rounded point and frost collecting in the hairline and a few strands.

Tobi sat at her side silently at attention. He had refused to leave the estate, along with Aisu in order to be her constant protection in case something had happened, while the others had left. So far their spies had revealed nothing out of the ordinary, but none could be too careful.

Most of the documents that had once been scattered across the dog demon's desk were now safely tucked out of sight, save for a large map of the island for them to pour over when the others arrived. Meanwhile, the lord stood beside it to try and keep busy at the moment in the silence when his head rose. "Lord Kira has arrived," he announced.

"And the others are not far behind," Tobi noted.

Akiko nodded, reaching out to stroke the half-demon's head to try and calm herself further. Glancing away, Sesshomaru wished that the beta had seen to the arrival of the lord and ladies instead of being here with them. He wished to speak to Akiko in private before the others joined them, as well as calm any nerves she was feeling at this moment. But asking the half-breed to leave or offer any words of comfort would either be questioned or highly scrutinized. And now was not the time to suddenly reveal what was going on between the both of them. The lord had been thinking almost non-stop about what they had discussed only days ago in this very room, fighting with himself to not be hasty in a decision as another part of him wished to do just that. Instead, he saw to the preparations of their guests should they need a place to stay for the evening if the discussions lasted longer than anticipated, even had the kitchens prepare for anything they might need, and made sure to have every door, besides the main entrance, and window in the household sealed so nothing had the chance to break in, and for Akiko to move freely about the estate.

They had gone over things to discuss amongst their allies only the day before as the reincarnation repeated them in her head so nothing was forgotten. She just hoped that everything went according to plan and that the other households agreed with their proposition.

A knock had all of their attention on the door as Sesshomaru beckoned them to enter. A maid made herself known, introducing the Tanukis demon before taking her leave. The boisterous lord was quick to greet them, his upbeat attitude causing Akiko to smile and bow. He made small talk with the reincarnation, the dog demon not one to engage in that sort of mingling, yet listening carefully, as Lord Kira asked about her condition and how she had been faring since his last visit. It was nice to see how much the allied cared, but his comment about how his son was still an eligible demon of an esteemed household made Sesshomaru's hand twitch in annoyance. Akiko merely smirked with the shake of her head, commenting,

"You're a persistent one, Lord Kira, but you know my stance on the matter."

Instead of being insulted, he chuckled in reply, "Worth a try." Even Tobi found amusement in the offer, as there was a knock on the door again.

This time it was Lady Sanjou to enter with Miho being her escort, before the servant left them. Like Sesshomaru, she was quiet after greeting the others, but thankfully Lord Seiichi arrived only moments later, with Aisu, fully decorated in his military attire.

"Shall we begin?" the bird demon questioned.

All sat down at different points of the table to gather a better view of the map. It clearly mapped out their lands and their boarders, along with the last known movements of Naraku and his allies throughout the northern area and other various points where he had gained alliances. "My, my, Lord Sesshomaru, you have been busy," Lord Kira commented.

"Waiting for another attack was not an option," he merely answered. "The necessary measures had to be taken to ensure what we are up against."

"I quite agree. Lord Seiichi, your household was the most recent to come under attack by this half-demon and his rabble of demons, what do you have to report?"

"The horde has grown in strength and numbers," Lord Seiichi answered. "They swallow up everything in their path and have begun to poison the very land of the smaller households or human villages. The death toll has increased tenfold since the start of this. The evacuations were a good call, but of course there are those that are stubborn and refused to leave thinking they would be fine, or those that believed they could put up a fight against the approaching enemy. Unfortunately, there have never been any survivors among those parties."

"That was to be expected," Lady Sanjou stated. "Those that have escaped to the Southern lands have begun to declare their allegiance to my household or any of yours should they be called to the front lines. Even some brave humans and samurai that have no quarrel with demons have stepped forwards as well, but I wish to use them as a last resort. A life should not be so easily wasted on opponents that could destroy them with one blow." Akiko nodded in agreement. "How does your household stand now, Lord Seiichi?"

"We will always prevail, no matter the cost. But I fear that if this continues on any longer we could become overrun due to fatigue and injuries. Still, none of us refuse to leave the household, as we are a last line of defense. We will hold out till the end."

"Have you managed to convince the wild boars beyond your land to join us?" Akiko asked. Though the young woman had had less than favorable experiences with the rogue demons in the past she was willing to give them another chance if the lord gave his approval towards the decision. True, they had worked with Naraku previously to help his grand scheme, but the half demon had a habit of turning on his allies at times. Especially those that were expendable in the end. If he slipped up it gave them a chance to gain more numbers.

"We are a rather stubborn race and they are already in Naraku's clutches. We tried our best to convince them, but in the end it was in vain. And thinking on it even if they had been convinced I would not trust them. There's a reason why they left our compound so long ago. Before I even came into a ruling position. Their minds will not so easily be swayed back."

It was unfortunate to hear, but all understood the situation at hand.

"The bastard is a coward," Lord Kira commented. "He reaches out just enough to test us before pulling away again before we can make any headway. And even when it's believed that we have accomplished something how is it that we are the ones that seem to suffer the most loss?" At that Sesshomaru and Akiko stared a look. Now was the time to ask.

"We have a proposition," Sesshomaru spoke up. The comment gained all of their interest as the demons looked between the Lord of the West and the reincarnation. "You have spoke the truth, Lord Kira, about how Naraku's fights always seen to pan out. And I am sure I can speak for everyone else in attendance that during the times we think we have found a way to counter back he always seems to have an ace up his sleeve." It wasn't something he was proud to admit, but it was the truth. "Isn't it time that we were in that position?"

"What are you asking?" Lady Sanjou questioned.

"We bring the fight to Naraku."

The table was silent for a few beats and that made Akiko uneasy that they didn't share the same views when Lord Seiichi spoke up, "Well, I'm glad someone finally said it." Her head snapped in his direction in mild surprise. "I am in full agreement with you, Lord Sesshomaru. I am through hiding behind my walls and waiting for that horde to come to my doorstep. And my followers have expressed the same."

"There is a risk of walking towards his territory," the bird demon stated. "He could have traps everywhere and there are certain terrains there that we may not be used to."

"The land is barren since he has taken over," Akiko spoke up. "I have seen it for myself when he was dormant for a time. The only thing to worry about is if the weather acts up."

"I for one am done waiting out this war," Lord Kira stated. And he looked to Sesshomaru. "If your spies could gage their movements and warn us as to where they will be... then we may have a chance."

That was their thoughts exactly.

"And what would be our ace?" Lady Sanjou questioned. "We have the numbers, but I'm sure Naraku has already guessed that."

"Naraku still believes that the north has no heir," the dog demon spoke up. "Engaging us in battle with that thought he will not be expecting any involvement of those from the territory that have escaped to aid us. Or the pack for that matter. Akiko appearing on the front lines after we engage our households with the horde will throw him off. None will be expecting it."

Lord Kira smirked at that. "Imagine the look of surprise on that slippery snake's face upon seeing his assassination attempt failed," he stated. "That will be a sight worth seeing. Maybe we will be lucky and Naraku will dispose of that coward himself for our own benefit. Even though we'd all like to get our hands on him." All couldn't help but agree on that statement.

"What of the jewel in his possession?" Lady Sanjou questioned. "How close is it to being whole?"

And all attention turned to the young woman. "My sources believe that all of the shards have been found," Akiko said. "Past and present."

"Where are they?"

"In Naraku's possession and the rest being guarded by a priestess."

"Who has more?"

"Unfortunately at the moment, Naraku." The young woman knew that was not the answer they were hoping for, but she couldn't lie.

"And if it becomes whole?" Lord Kira asked.

"The jewel is a mystery. It's supposed to grant your greatest wish."

"Which means he could wish to control all of Japan."

"Or worse our existence off the map," Lord Seiichi added.

"But there could be a catch," the reincarnation interjected. "There always is usually in this case."

"Do we have a plan to reclaim it?" Lady Sanjou asked. "We can't just leave it to chance that there could be a consequence to making a wish."

"The priestess's allies are looking into a plan to take it back and in the meantime she is looking for a way to get rid of the jewel so it no longer falls into Naraku's possession again. Or anyone else for that matter."

"Good. The less urges evil has to take hold of our lands the better," Lady Sanjou said.

"When should be march on the scum?" Lord Kira asked.

Akiko looked to the bird demon, asking, "How long would it take for your forces to move north?"

She thought about this for a moment before answering, "I will begin to deploy troops between the estates in the coming days. Arriving at once and setting up camp would just be suspicious. I wouldn't want us to be out in the open for one of his attacks."

"I agree," Lord Seiichi said. "And where will you reside before the battle?"

"Lord Kira's manor is closer to the south, if he would have me as a guest–"

"My house would be delighted to host you," the Tanukis demon cut in.

"Well that's settled then. I will also be bringing with me mortals who are willing to fight alongside us. This could all be done by the end of the week."

"We will start preparing for your arrival immediately," Lord Kira confirmed.

The rest of the meeting they conversed over battle plans and mapped out where they would make a stand. Aisu and Sesshomaru's spies had told them where Naraku was last spotted and pointed out a stretch of land that would be open enough that it would difficult for any of Naraku's allies to hide a surprise attack of any sort without seeing it coming with warning.

At the conclusion of the meeting hours later it was nearly sunset. The lords and ladies were adamant on returning to their households instead of staying the night. I understanding, Akiko escorted Lady Sanjou and Lord Kira with Aisu and Tobi traveling behind them at a short distance to the front entrance.

"Lord Sesshomaru," the boar demon spoke up, when the lord went to follow. "A word, please." The lord hung behind as the rest continued on without knowing of their absence, Lord Kira more than eager to speak with Aisu about various things as the others quietly listened. "I have heard some rumors as of late that regards the matter of you refusing a proposal from the Cat Clan. Is that true?"

"My personal affairs are my own business," he stated in a cold manner. And now it was obvious he should have maybe further threatened the father and daughter from speaking of the matter upon leaving the estate.

His answer caused the lord to chuckle. "I figured as much. But I couldn't help but be curious. I do not blame you for turning down Ralin though. Characters the both of them, I personally wouldn't wish to have them among my clan."

"They have been thorns in my side for months before finally catching me when I was in the household. They were very rude letting themselves in."

"Let me guess, he was trying to convince you that you needed the numbers of his allies?" Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow at how the boar demon knew so much. "Lord Inaba likes to talk, and this isn't the first time he's managed to pull this on another household. Before Ralin set her sights on you many years ago she was after the heart of the heir to the Red Fox Clan. Obviously, they weren't interested in their proposal either." Lord Seiichi grinned before shaking his head. "The Cat Clan is a credible one, though they may be small compared to our own, but it takes a certain demon to handle them all at once. And marrying into that..." The demon whistled, "That is a life long commitment I do not think either of us could handle."

Sesshomaru could not agree more. "Is that all?"

"Yes, I thank you for your time. I will see you in a week then. For the good of all our lands... I hope we will see the end of all of this suffering."

"That bastard is as good as dead."

"Maybe, but he still has a part of the jewel."

"As Akiko has said, she has a source working on that."

"Down to the wire, it seems. But I have faith she will pull through for us. Akiko has never let us down before." No she hadn't, but the demon lord still had doubts when it came to his half-brother and any of his 'friends'... even if Kagome was the cousin of the reincarnation residing in his household. "Goodbye for now."

The boar demon saw himself out, leaving Sesshomaru to himself in thought.

"It was a pleasure seeing you again," Lady Sanjou said upon reaching the front of the household. "And under better circumstances in a sense."

"A pleasure seeing you as well," Akiko answered. "Please stay safe until then. Members of the pack have offered to escort all of you back to your estates if you would like."

"Appreciate the offer, but I believe I am fine," the female demon stated.

"Better to have the pack stay within the Western Lands," Lord Kira added. "It may be suspicious if they are in out the open with us."

"Hmm, good point," the reincarnation mused. "Well, be safe all the same." With a bow they left, Akiko hiding behind the door so not to be seen.

"You've done a very fine job of remaining out of sight," Lord Seiichi said. The young woman smiled as he walked into the foyer to join her. "I commend you for everything you've put up with. Including Ralin."

Akiko's brow cocked. "And how do you know of that?"

"Members in the Cat Clan talk... loudly."

They snickered at that. "Wasn't a part of the plan to know about why they came by the estate. But things happen."

"Well, it seems that he didn't come out of the meeting with a proposal. That is a relief."

"Not impressed by them either?"

"None of us are I believe... but we put up with them."

"Political reasons?"

"Of course." They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a few moments before he continued, "You have come a long way since our first meeting. I remember a mortal who came to Sesshomaru's gathering claiming to be the Queen of the North. And I will be honest saying nearly everyone in attendance did not believe this to be true or possible. Including myself."

"I do not blame you. I didn't believe in myself."

"Hmm, well for someone who is not from this era you have handled everything rather well. And I believe that in a few weeks time I could see you assuming your rightful place on the throne in the north."

She smirked. "One step at a time, Lord Seiichi."

And he smirked in return. "Cannot help but think ahead. Naraku will not remain in his control over the north. And that gives all of us hope."

"You are too much. And I think you over exaggerate."

"I do not." The lord bowed before standing tall and adding, "Though our next meeting will be gruesome and I will not see you before the final strike I wish you luck."

"And you as well... will Lady Eri be there?"

"Of course. All of the wives will be." And it caused her brow to rise in surprise. "What?"

"I always thought the women stayed home while the husbands were at war."

"Maybe for mortals, but demons fight along side each other if the time calls for it."

"I like the rules you demons follow."

"I thought you might. Maybe you've been around Lord Sesshomaru for too long."

Akiko laughed. "Maybe..."

Lord Seiichi left after that, his guards joining his side as the demon made his way across the grounds. The young woman wished to watch him leave, but it was too risky to be seen. Miho entered the foyer moments later to close the doors, looking to the young woman and asking, "Can I get you anything?"

"I'm a little hungry..."

"The cooks were almost done preparing dinner for you and Rin."