Many Moons by Victoria

Intro

As the fog dissipated the scene of a great battle unfolded. Carnage lay everywhere, the once grassy plain was barren and stained crimson with the blood of mighty warriors. The screams of pain from the dying, the gasps of the wounded, the tears of the sky as it wept for such a loss of life. Both sides suffered greatly, that much was clear. In the center of it all stood a lone man, leaning heavily upon his sword, gasping for breath. His wounds were terrible, the worst a deep gash across his chest, right down to the bone. He was in so much pain, but he had to hold on until his message was passed on. He attempted to stay up right but his legs would not let him and he crashed to the ground in a heap of blood. His vision blurred, he prayed to the Kami's that someone would soon arrive.

As he neared his lats breath he heard footfalls coming towards him. It took every ounce of strength to look up. A soldier, and upon his chest was the emblem of his land. Good, he thought, the message would be bestowed upon him.

"Milord! Milord! Please hold on the healers are on their way, please do not leave us!" the soldier cried, the tears streaming down his face. He studied the boys face as his breath came out labored. He could be no older then sixteen. A shame, really, that an innocent should have to be subjected to war. Nevertheless, he had a message to relay.

"You will tell them that your lord has made a decree," he rasped, "the heir shall be my first daughter, and no one else. No son will sit upon the throne." As he said this, the blackness appeared and he could breath no last to go was his hearing and he could have sworn that he heard the wail of his beautiful little girl before he heard no more.

Ten Years Later....

The Lord of the Land of the Trees, or as everyone else referred to her as the Lord of Trees, rose from her bed at the crack of dawn. Her bed was actually a felled ancient Oak Tree that was hollowed in the middle. The scent of Everglades hung around the palace. The satin sheet pooling around her waist revealed her nude form as she blinked her hazel eyes. Looking around the sun shone down upon her raven head through the canopy of trees above. That was her favorite thing about the palace. It was built around the land, not over it. Very few places in her home had structures that were man-made. The bodies of the trees made up her walls, their arms her ceiling, the stones and earth her floor. She would have it no other way.

"Miyu," she called out quietly and seconds later the dark haired servant girl was there. She bowed before her and waited for instructions. "Yes, Milord?"she responded in a demure voice. "I wish to bathe." Immediately she rose and grabbed a yukata for her. She helped her out of bed and dressed her, and followed after her as the lord walked into the antechamber across from the chambers. Inside was a small pond that she used for her bath. The water was a dark crystal blue with lily pads in groups lazily floating across the water surface. Swans and their young dipped underneath eating their breakfest. Jasmine scented candles spread their enticing aroma's into the air. The sides of the pond were raised in order to give her some privacy though no one would dare walk in on her. There were stone steps that led to the bathing area and calmly she descended. Miyu took her robe off and she slid into the water, her eyes closing as the cool water encased her body. She began to wash the lord's hair with rosewood shampoo and began humming a melody that the lord found pleasing.

Today would be very stressful for her, though she would let no one know that it would be. She was meeting with the noblemen for the monthly discussions. There were rumors of a possible takeover of her lands and she was not did not know who or what the threat was and they needed to find out quickly. She sighed. She really did hate the responsibility of being a ruler. At only the age of sixteen she was responsible was the lives of millions of people. Sometimes she was scared that she would mess up and be accountable for the deaths of her people. Though she was known to be a strong and benevolent lord she sometimes doubted herself, though no one knew. She could not be seen as weak, not with so many odd against her.

Rising as Miyu finished, she then was dressed in the many layers of a black, silver, and red kimono, the colors of her lands. She sat in front container filled with water that hung on the trunk of a tree that was used as a mirror as Miyu did her hair. As she finished, she slipped on a pair of black slippers as she made her way down the halls and toward the conference room. The hall was a thicket of trees. Occationally you would see a small stream, a brook, and a cave or two. Her home was truly an architectural wonder.

The residents of the palace all stopped what they were doing to bow to her before hurrying off to their tasks. It was always hectic here, never was there a dull moment. Her mind was on the possible threat posed against her. Honshu had been at peace for ten years thanks to her father. The Black War had been fought for eleven years, and while it was a short time for a war, it was a death and destruction were in epic proportions. The land was charred black, the rivers ran red with blood of the fallen. It was the darkest time of our people, hence it was called the Black War. The population was reduced to a third, famine and sickness plagued the lands, tears were shed by the thousands. The once beautiful Land of the Trees was nothing more then an apocalypse. In the final battle though it brought victory the cost was her fathers life. On his deathbed he named six year old Kagome the ruler before he made his way to the afterlife leaving his family in a state of depression. She had a regent until she turned fourteen, the age she reached womanhood, and she had done her best to bring back the natural beauty of her home. She had once been a happy girl, a bright smile ever present on her face as she ran with the other noblemen's children around the forests. Now she was nothing more then a mute and when she spoke it was soft-spoken, almost demure in a way. She was cynical and sarcastic, often pessimistic in her views. You would mostly find her in the glades staring into space for hours at a time. She was the fragile angel of her people, adored by all. She often wondered why, she only did what she thought right.

Walking in she made her way down the steps that led to the table. The room was centered under a massive tree's other nobles quickly stopped their conversations and stood as she made her way to her seat. The head noble, Akira, stood next and bowed.

"Lord Higurashi, it is an honor to be in your presence." he said reverently. He was dressed in silver haori and hakama. His long hair was pulled into a top knot around his square face. His eyes were a dark green. He had a straight nose and thin lips. She respected him greatly, he had been her fathers advisor. She nodded to him and waited for him to continue. "As I stated to you earlier, our spies have been hearing rumors of a possible attempted takeover of our lands. We have gotten new information and the threat is from the mainland. We are unsure of if and when this event will be happening but we are working constantly to find out." he said as he sat down. I thought over what he told me and found it odd that they were coming for us.

"Why would they not attack the West?" I asked.

Lord Tadashi next stood up. He was the youngest lord in the group. He had shoulder length brown hair and his eyes were extremely slanted with full red lips. High cheekbones went down to a strong chin and broad shoulders. He was very muscular and was the envy of the court women. "The West is ruled by demons my lord. They do not wish to start a war with those inhuman." he stated. I nodded, that did make sense. "The mainland you say? Which people?" she said as she stared out in space.

"The Mongols milord."

The room seemed to tense with that statement. The Mongols were the same people who, the Land of the Trees had fought ten years ago. Though she didn't show it she felt fear. She did not think she or her people could deal with a war with them again. They were formidable opponents and they barely got victory, their saving grace her fathers excellent military tactic and the typhoon kamikaze.

"My Lord?" someone called. She composed herself. "Is there any truth to these rumors?" she asked loftily attempting to stay calm. She had to be strong for her people. "They have recently invaded southern China and Korea" Lord Tadashi said in a strained voice. "Their pattern seems to be moving towards the east." The tension increased tenfold. "They have made no move toward us so we will stay sill for the time being. The people are not to be made aware. Ready the army for possible attack." the lord said before she rose and walked out towards her room.

Weeks passed and morbid anticipation clouded the lands. It even extended to the people, though they had no knowledge of what was happening. The noblemen conjured more frequently and discussed what would happen in the event of war. They hoped that it could be avoided but they doubted that it could. Kagome dealt with the stress by walking along the forests. The earthy scent overloaded her senses and gave her a heady high to calm her. She breathed in a sigh of relief. The lord did not think she could handle going to war, especially against that caused her fathers death. This would be her first war as well. It would be time to prove her worth as a leader to her people and the thought of failing frightened her immensely.

She sat in her study looking down upon a map of the mainland when her general, Isamu, walked in. A grimace was upon his face and she instinctively knew what it was about. She studied him as he bowed low to her and rushed to sit down. His body tense, his fists clamped, his mouth in a thin line. The lord sat up from what she was doing and waited for him to speak. "Milord,"he started off with a sigh,"the Mongol ruler has sent a letter. He stated that he wishes for his fealty payments."

I sat back and stared into space thinking of how to respond to the demand. This was what we had been waiting was the time for the lord to shine. "Tell the Mongol ruler that I find him humorous." she said lightly as she focused in a particular tree branch. It had the most beautiful blossoms upon it. "You are certain my lord?" a note of uncertainty.

"I am."

He nodded and sighed as he stood and bowed. "Very well my lord" and he walked out, the door snapping shut with finality. An Kagome was left wondering if she made the right decision.

It had been announced to the people that war with the Mongols was on the horizon. Panic spread like wildfire across the lands. Many packed up and left the area, the memories of the last war still fresh in their mind. Those who could not leave bought weapons for some type of defense. Food already was rationed out. Soldiers were a popular sight in the cities and along the coast, their swords swinging in anticipation for the battle. The noblemen met daily now. General Isamu and the military strategist, Toshio were among them. Our spies reported that the Mongols were gearing up to deport here and they would take off any day now. The room was filled with arguing on how best to handle the shouting ranged from were to station the naval force to how much food should be rationed out to the soldiers. The lord did nothing but sit back and watch them and attempt to get rid of the horrid headache that they caused. She had long abandoned listening to them. They said nothing of value. If it were up to them they would be conquered in a matter of days. She spent the time forming her own strategies and thing over different scenarios to them. Every now and then she would turn and question Toshio and he would give his input before she would close off the rest of the world and continue plotting. It was an extremely stressful and frenzied atmosphere.

"Silence" she hissed into the crowd and instantly quiet blanketed the room. The lord sighed internally, her headache alleviating slightly without the excess noise. Opening her eyes she glared at them. "You have accomplished nothing except to give me a migraine. This council is adjourned until tomorrow." she stated softly. It looked as if they wished to contradict what she said but with one final glare they filed out with out a word. Sighing, Kagome laid her head on the table and closed her eyes. She mentally gave herself a break. She felt as though she was coming apart at the seams and the war hadn't even started yet.

"For the next few weeks her daily schedule remained the same. Bathes in the morning, council with the noblemen, walks to calm her nerves, and hours pouring over maps and books seeking knowledge of her opponents military skills. She finally cracked under the pressure and retreated to her rooms for solitude. She was currently laying on a chaise reading a book, and for once it was for pleasure. The lord was at peace and her frazzled mind regrouped itself. She would be able to go back to planning tomorrow. She was in the middle of her favorite part when urgent knocking was heard at her door. Sighing, she rose.

"Who calls for me?"

"Isamu my Lord!" he sounded desperate and that nixed any thought of turning him away.

"Enter."

He literally ran in and forgot to bow in his haste. "The spies have given new information. They have left already, they will be hear in a week and a half!" he said, a look of terror on his face. Though she didn't show it dread filled her. She looked up at her general. "You will compose yourself immediately. You will lead our soldiers to war and you act as a frightened wench. Do not make me regret appointing you to your station." she said sternly. He nodded. "Forgive me for my weakness." he said with a bow. He followed his leader to the study and they pulled out the map of Japan.

"Where is it predicted they will land?"

He pointed to a port city "Yokohama" This was in their advantage. They would have to sail up and be surrounded by land on three sides. She smiled internally, maybe it would be easier than she thought. "As well as Hamamatsu," that one would be difficult to deflect. She was sure that the council would be able to find a solution now that they knew what they were dealing with. Kagome sat down and closed her eyes as she thought of what she wanted to do.

"Suppose we build a wall from Iwaki to Tokashima-"

"Impossible." he interrupted quickly. She gave him a look. "Humor me. How long would that take versus the time the Mongols arrive?" He began doing the math in his head. "We'd be five day overdue." The lord nodded and rethought her plan. "Close the port and build a wall around the shoreline as well as Hamamatsu." have it done before they get here. Have the taxes lowered by 30%.That will be all." the lord said as she walked out.

She retreated to the forest contemplating all that she had done. She was there for a few hours when relaxation before she was met with the face of one of her nobles. Lord Kenta stood before her a glare present on his face. He was the oldest noble and most respected. He only annoyed Kagome with his ill temperament.

"What is the meaning of this?" he shouted, making her headache return.

"The meaning of what?" she said softly, not even bothering to look up as she knew it would enrage him further. He thought the lord to be disrespectful and arrogant and she did nothing to discourage it.

"The building of walls? Closing ports? Lowering taxes? We are at war! We should be gathering our troops for defense. Not wall building and pleasing the people. The soldiers walk about the barracks in a lax manner as though we don't face a threat. Have you lost your mind?" he nearly screamed. The lord sighed and looked upon the old man.

"How will the Mongols be arriving?" I asked him. He looked surprised by my question but answered anyway. "By ship." he replied. I nodded. "And what is the caliber of our naval forces?" His face started to form a grimace. "Average at best." he said. "the Mongol navy rivals the Europeans and you expect me to put an average navy against them?" I said loftily. "Yes, most of the fighting will occur on the water but we shall be doing the majority of the attacking from the ground. And sense our naval forces are so weak how will we protect the people in the villages next to the shore? With a wall of course. And as for lowering taxes, the ports will be closed. Do you expect merchants to come with us fighting a war? Of course not. So the price of food will go up. The people will already be in a financial strain what with war so I lower them so they can buy the food. I have reason for everything I do. Did you think I did this for fun? I am responsible for he welfare of my people and I will do everything to see them through this war relatively harm free." I finished my speech. I left him silent and told him to leave. As he walked away I called out to him.

"Oh and Lord Kenta?" he turned and looked at me. "You forget who your lord and master is. You do not question me, I question you. Refrain from having a lapse of memory or it shall cost you your life." I said as Kagome gave him a piercing glance. He looked frightened momentarily before composing himself. "Yes my lord"

Kagome was in her study drinking tea. They were in there second month of war and so far they had managed to have few losses. Most of the fighting happened on the shoreline and the water so it was as if no war was happening to the people. Yes, they could hear cannons and the clashing of swords as well as the distant call of the warriors but it was all blocked out by the barrier surrounding them. Life was relatively easy for the people of the trees and it was nothing like the last war. Their confidence in their leader had grown with the safety and prosperity they enjoyed. Those who doubted her now had unending loyalty to her and her decisions. Kagome was no longer afraid she would mess up and even grew arrogant that they would suppress the threat within a year.

One of the guards came in and bowed low to her. "Please excuse me my lord but we have a foreign ambassador who wishes to see you." This puzzled her. She had gotten no letter stating that this would be taking place. This annoyed her greatly. Didn't they know she was at war? She had no time for this, and whomever they were were extremely rude, they didn't even wait for her consent. Nevertheless she would receive them. It must be important if they sent an ambassador.

"Bring him in." she said softly. It was a minutes wait until he guest arrived. He was demon, though Kagome could not place what kind. He was very tall and slight. His hair was golden and shone in the sunshine. Lavender eyes were surrounded by thick eyelashes, he had a straight nose and full lips. Three lines adorned each cheek. He wore white robes and black boots. His lethal claws were still by his body.

I motioned for him to sit upon the cushion in front of my desk and he bowed his head slightly at me. Fixing him a cup of tea he smiled at me and held it gracefully. I observed him while enjoying my drink, waiting for him to speak. They sat their for at least ten minutes and still the demon said nothing. He was starting to annoy the lord when finally he spoke.

"Excuse me, but when shall I be meeting the lord?" he asked politely. I smirked into the cup. So that was why we had been playing the waiting game.I set my cup down and cocked my head to the side. "You are in the presense of the lord. You have been since you arrived." I said softly. A look of surprise crossed his features. "You?", he gasped. I nodded and his mouth hung agape. "But...but you are a lady." he said. Kagome closed her eyes. This was why she never liked receiving anyone. "I am not a lady. A lady does not rule. The thought is ridiculous. I am Lord Higurashi." I repeated for him. He still looked doubtful and I sighed in impatience. "Yes I am a woman. However I am known as Lord Higurashi, not lady. A lady can never sit upon the throne so I am not referred to as one. It is known that I am a woman but it is pretended that I am a man." I explained. He still looked miffed but it was ignored. "What is the reason for your visit?" I asked. He snapped out of his stupor and answered. "Yes, I am Lord Shuichi, I hail from the Western Lands. The lord has not heard from the eastern lands in a decade and wishes to know the reason and reestablish contact."

Kagome thought about what he said. The Eastern lands had been reclusive since she had taken the throne, however it was only for her safety. They wanted no one to know about her until she established her power. She would have to revive her alliances. Coming out of her musing she answered. "My father is dead so he could not be in contact with anyone I'm afraid." Again a look of shock marred his face. "But how? When?" the lord raised an eyebrow at this "Did your lord not know we were at war ten years ago?" The demon nodded. "Yes but it was never of our concern."

This angered her. "You are an supposed ally and yet you care not that we were at war?" she said, a frown forming on her face. If that was the case she did not think they need to continue their alliance. The demon must have realized how what he said sounded as he hastily corrected himself "We asked if the east needed help but they said they needed none."

"Well, my father died in the final battle. However we were victorious." the demon nodded. "Tell me, what is your age?"

"Sixteen."

"Sixteen?", he gasped, "You have ruled since you were six?" I frowned at him. I have ruled since I was fourteen. I had regents before. You think they would turn the responsibility of the lands to a toddler?" He nodded. "Yes, yes, that was stupid of me to say. What is the status of the Eastern Lands?"

"We are at war." I said simply and he almost spit out his tea. "What?" he said,"How? When? Where?"

"Along our coast. Did you not hear the screaming as you came upon the palace?"

"Yes, but I did not think it was war." he said, slightly put out. "Who is your enemy?"

"The Mongols.

"Again?"

"Yes, this will be our second month of fighting."

"Do you require assistance?" Kagome thought on this. Though she was confident that this war could be won, she could not help but remember the past. It would be nice to have demons helping her. She nodded. "That would be acceptable. I expect you will be staying with us for a few days?" he nodded.

"How many are in your entourage?"

"Ten."

"Very well. Miyu!" in came the servant girl and she bowed low. "Yes milord?"

"Have eleven guest chambers prepared."

"Right away." and she rushed out. Kagome turned to the ambassador. "I assume you wish for a tour of the palace as well as the lands?" she said with a eyebrow raised.

"Yes, if it is not much trouble.''

"Very well. Rise and let us began."

One Week Later...

"I can not believe they are at war Lord Yuu. The villages are prosperous and the people happy smiles upon their face as if no battles are taking place outside the wall." Kenta said in exasperation. He could still not get over his trip to the East. "And the palace, if you can even call it a palace, is magnificent. There are no ceilings, walls, or anything. All is just the trees. Bodies of water are everywhere. The peoples houses are in the hollows of massive ancient trees. It is truly a sight to behold."

The Lord of the West listed to his ambassador told his account. From what he heard he was impressed and he would even go so far as to say giddy. If what he said was true then the Inu no Taisho had much work to do.

"And you say they are ruled by a young girl?" he said excitedly. Kenta nodded. "Yes, and she does a wonderful job of it. Her people adore her. It is impressive that someone so young has such leadership skills." Yuu smiled, he was literally bouncing in his seat with uncontained joy.

"Milord?" Kenta asked cautiously, weary if the great dog demons display. He had never seen him act this way and he was a bit fearful.

"I most meet her immediately! I wish to be on my way by the end of the week! Don't you see Kenta? If she is all that you say she is then I would be a fool not to marry her to one of my sons or noblemen. She would be a great asset to me, don't you agree?"

Kenta nodded at his lords words. It would be good move on the west's part.

"I do agree. To whom would you pair her with?"

"I shall have to meet her first to know. I want the union to be a happy one. Tell no one until I come back."

"Yes Lord Yuu."

"The Inu no Taisho is here" said the guard. I nodded. "Very well, send him in." I said as I sipped my Jasmine tea. In came the most beautiful creature that Kagome had ever seen. He was tall with long silver hair that was brought into a high pony tail and golden eyes. A purple stripe rested on each cheek. He wore white harori and hakama that was covered in steel armor. Three swords rested in his obi. He looked to be in his late twenties but Kagome knew he was close to a millennium. She stood and bowed low to the ancient being and he did the same to her. She ushered for him to sit and went about fixing him a cup of tea.

"Lord Yuu, it is and honor to have you in my lands." she said softly as she handed him his tea. He smiled at her.

"It is an honor to be here Lord Higurashi. My ambassador said that you are at war?" he said before he sipped the lightly scented tea. Kagome nodded. "Yes, we are engaged with the Mongols currently." she said looking down.

"And how goes that battle?"

"We are evenly matched however, we thought we were evenly matched last time as well and we are still trying to heal ourselves."

The demon lord nodded and smiled gently. "We will assist you in anyway we can, do not worry. I will have four units dispatched to aid you and will send more as the need arises, have no fear."

"I am extremely grateful for you help. The Land of Trees are in your debt." she said in a demure voice.

"Come, let as move from the somber topic of war, Kenta tells me that you have a beautiful village."

"Yes, please, allow me to show you."

On his way to leave, the Inu no Taisho met with Lord Akira. They stood in the Entrance Hall, next to the waterfall. They were in deep conversation, though no one could hear their hushed voices.

"She is of age, in her prime. You know the life expectancy of Humans, so short and prone to disease. Their is no heir for her, she should be married and soon."

Lord Akira nodded solemnly. "You are right of course. I thought that it was too early to think on such things but you have helped me to see the error of my ways. The council will conveine and stat looking for suitors."

"I bid you well Lord Akira." Great Dog said as he accended into the sky a smile on his face as he completed his mission. The girl was truly extraordinary, and her beauty could be compared to the Kami's themselves. He knew exactly whom he wanted to pair her with. As he reached his castle he hastened to the dojo. There he found his two sons sparring with some of the soldiers. All that occupied the room bowed with his appearance but he paid them no heed.

"Sesshoumaru."