Tobi had been shifting Akiko's attention back to her training. And his sessions were harder than ever before. The beta made sure to make use of the limited space and pushed the reincarnation to her limits. So much so most evenings it left her completely exhausted lying on the cold ground to catch her breath before dragging herself to bed after washing away the sweat. Meanwhile, Aisu was immersing her more and more with meditation, something they had been doing when traveling about the mountains in search of the northern estate. It had been some time since practicing, but it was a nice way to relax before Tobi began his intense training. The former queen said this was necessary months ago, something Akiko didn't understand at first, but the stronger she became the more in touch with her demonic aura she became. And it was there a human such as herself had to worry about giving into its power so much so her powers could spiral out of control. In fact in nearly happened in the months before engaging with Sounga.

Sparing against the pack in the secluded mountains her features had altered in order to keep up. But when it was all over she couldn't revert back. Instead she found it difficult to control everything around her as the ground around her grew incredibly icy under her feet, wind picking up and kicking around the snow. The young woman could feel the control slipping, but unlike the time she had attempted to escape Sesshomaru's household and lost control upon accepting her gift this was almost painful. Her chest burned trying to rein it back in, falling to the snow on both knees and silently begging it to let up. The pack was growing increasingly alarmed and without any other option Tobi managed to get close enough to knock her unconscious. Since then Akiko was always aware of how much of her aura she allowed out at a time. They had not pushed her as hard since then, but with the war drawing closer the fear of losing control had to be put aside. Embracing the demonic aura was a must in order to stand against Naraku and his forces, but the young woman couldn't be careless. And the meditation would help her grow stronger mentally. Physical strength wasn't the only thing a warrior needed to be successful.

Sitting cross-legged on a cushion in the back part of the dungeon the dim lighting helped set the mood. Hands resting in her lap, eyes slipping closed it was easy to clear her mind and block out any nose that may come from the pack at the other end of the underground area. It didn't take long for the demonic aura in her to come to the surface in Akiko's relaxed state knowing her features were altering and the temperature around her was growing increasingly colder. And it was growing greedy wishing to be released further. Exhaling heavily Akiko could sense the fear in her rising. And the same old question, Would I lose control, crept into her mind. The human and demonic side of her always seemed to clash upon reaching this point and it wasn't harmonious in any sort of way. This is where the reincarnation would always hit a road block not knowing where to go from here breaking out of the meditation and seeing Tobi waiting patiently for her only a few feet away.

"Let's get started," he said.

The requests for a gathering were sent out days later. Three wolves were sent in different directions carrying a scroll to the households and now all they could do was wait. While Akiko's training was confined to the lower level of the household, Sesshomaru was venturing out to the forest surrounding the estate. Since his last encounter with the enemy on the field he had yet to wield a weapon or test his strength to see what could be lacking since his bed-ridden state. Not that it would hinder him most likely in any way, but one could not be too careful with what they would be up against. All of them would need to be at their strongest and the dog demon had to be sure he didn't make the same mistake again and leave himself exposed to another attack like that.

It wasn't long though until the wolves began to return with responses from the lords and ladies. Miho was ordered to collect Akiko from the cells where she was bathing after a long practice. The pack had already left the household to either hunt or patrol leaving the young woman to travel through the hallways on her own. Coming to the familiar door, she knocked as the demon's voice beckoned for her to enter the study. Sesshomaru was sitting at his desk, setting down one of the scrolls on the tabletop and watching her enter.

"They will be coming in a week's time," the demon lord stated. "All have agreed this is the ideal location for the planning." They still couldn't risk moving Akiko beyond the walls. Spies were beginning to relay that there was some activity brewing within Naraku's allies that made them anxious another attack would be heading their way soon. Now there was a worry that their allies would be attacked on their way to them, Aisu having already suggested that some members of the pack leave the Western Lands to then escort their visitors to the estate for extra security. There were still some details to work out, and of course Tobi wasn't a hundred percent in on the idea if that meant Akiko was left unguarded.

"That's good to hear. Has there been any other news from our spies about the demonic activity in the North?"

"No, it has been silent as of late regarding Naraku himself." She hummed in thought, glancing off to the side. "You will have to wear something else for the meeting." Looking back at the lord it caused her to cock a brow in question. "A maid outfit will not be suitable."

"Such a shame, I was starting to rather like wearing this. A lot less complicated to put on than armor."

Sesshomaru gave a short, yet amused sounding, humph, in return. It looked as though he was about to say something further when he paused. His eyes then narrowed towards the door with annoyance and distaste, confusing the young woman as to what brought on such a look from the demon lord when they were having such a pleasant conversation. But before Akiko could open her mouth Sesshomaru was suddenly in front of her wrapping his arm around her waist and dragging them to a far corner of the room. The momentum had the reincarnation turning till her back was pressed up against the wall of stacked scrolls. Where they had ended up was tucked away from the open room keeping them out of sight in the shadows, but based on the demon's reaction and expression he wasn't doing this to be spontaneous or act on an emotion he may feel internally. Something was happening and Sesshomaru was guarding her since there was no time to whisk her back to the dungeons. Whatever it was must've been blocking their path as Akiko began to detect a hint of demonic pressure approaching. But it wasn't Naraku. The lord appeared to be more annoyed than in a fighting mood.

"Do not move and hide your scent," he utterly lowly. Without any questions her temperature dropped under his grip, frost beginning to collect in the edge of the hairline as the ears became pointed at the tips. It wasn't a full transformation, only half that did the job it needed to without giving away any demonic aura she could exude.

Once pleased the lord swiftly left her alone, making his way back towards the desk and sat down. He tried to calm himself, watching the door carefully as he continued to sense the unwelcomed guests draw closer. A servant was at their heels trying to prevent them from going any further without success as the male voice continued to insist that the intrusion was no trouble at all. Finally, the door was thrown open without a knock, another thing that annoyed Sesshomaru that they didn't even have the decency to ask permission to see him. Cold as ever, he stared down the lord of the Cat Clan, who traveled with his daughter close by his side, with a grin on his face. Meanwhile, a sika deer demon servant knew that her words would continue to be ignored and immediately turned to the dog demon and bowed lowly,

"Please forgive me, my lord, they insisted–"

"Be on your way," he ordered. And without hesitation the servant left in a hurry.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Lord Inada greeted with a wide smile. "You are a very hard individual to have an audience with."

"The Western Lands have been in need of my full attention as of late."

"Yes, I am well aware that Naraku has been giving you trouble. Many of the households have been feeling the effect of his demonic aura. I myself have had to evacuate my lands due to the fact that the ground has become poisoned because of his horde."

"And you have come here to seek asylum? I must assure you that our resources are becoming stretched thin as well due to the smaller clans we have taken in and trying to support our forces to hold back the enemy."

"Not quite." Now Sesshomaru was becoming even more on guard about the situation. Even Akiko was growing nervous from her hiding place. "This was a matter I have been trying to bring to your attention for some time. Even before Naraku declared war on those that dared to fight against him."

"Enough. Say what it is or leave my household. I do not have time for guessing games."

"My clan have numbers that you could use, warriors to fight that could add to your cause. We can help each other." Sesshomaru was continuing to grow frustrated, something the cat demon finally caught on to and reached over to rest a hand on his daughter's back to bring her forward more. Ralin. It had been some time since seeing the demon and in all honesty his opinion had not changed in the slightest. If he remembered correctly, the demon lord had used Akiko to help escape her clutches during his ball. "Let us unite the clans with the marriage between my daughter and yourself."

The reincarnation nearly choked at the blunt statement from behind the bookcase before feeling a bit amused at the proposition. She too had not forgotten how desperate the female cat demon had been at the ball, and how Sesshomaru had done everything in his power to avoid her. Even if she couldn't see at the time.

"We are in the middle of a war, Lord Inaba. I do not have time to be worrying about trivial things such as this."

"That is where I believe you are wrong. Anything can happen in war, even to great demons. Our ancestors are no exception. We must ensure that our lines endure the hardships that are presented before us. You are a very powerful lord, and our clan have ties to the smaller households that you could need to win this."

It made complete sense. The young woman had read all about how alliances were made between households in Feudal Japan. Arranged marriages were what could win or lose wars and increase power throughout lands. It didn't matter if it was right or wrong. Love wasn't always involved. Unlike the present where people in her era had more of a choice in the matter, the rules here were completely different. Akiko should have seen this coming. The dog demon was eligible, handsome, and had power that many clans would crave to have.

"I will not marry Ralin," Sesshomaru spoke up. The shock and surprise on the cat demons' faces were something to behold, but the lord was firm with his decision. "I accept your offer to become allies if that is what you seek. Numbers are always welcomed against Naraku and should this all end we can help each other rebuild what was lost. But I will not gain your support for accepting her hand in marriage."

"Lord Sesshomaru," Ralin spoke up. "I ask that you reconsider this. We are both strong demons that stand a chance against Naraku." The dog demon had to force himself to not cock a brow at that declaration. A rather bold statement from someone who was nowhere close to the level of power he held. "If your refuse–"

"Are you questioning my decision?" His demonic aura was beginning to leak out in a sign of dominance. "You are in my household, be careful of how you speak." Ralin bit her tongue finding it now difficult to hold his intense gaze. "I cannot give you what you seek. And I stand by my decision to refuse the offer." That rather surprised Akiko. Turning down proposals in this era could spell the end of a clan during times of war, or bad things could come later on.

"I ask that you reconsider," Lord Inaba stated.

"And if I don't?" Would the cat demon threaten him? It would be almost amusing to see him try. "Even if Naraku didn't threaten all of our existence I still would refuse."

"And who else is there for you to choose as a potential suitor? The great households–!"

"That is my business to worry about the state of my clan. Not yours. Instead of worrying about marriage, you should put your efforts into protecting your people and how to prevent our annihilation at the hands of a half-demon." This was a losing battle. But Lord Inaba, like many demons, was stubborn. Especially when discovering that what was desired wasn't going to be given to him so easily.

"You are making a mistake."

"That is my burden to bear. The time will come when those that wish to live will have to face the coming threat. Word will be sent to the households that wish to join us. I trust you will do that right thing when the time comes and you will not be petty with the decision that was made here." The cat demons couldn't find the words to convince him further, the Lord of the West taking their silence that this conversation was finally over. "Leave the estate. And don't come back until summoned. If this topic is further brought to my attention, I will make certain you are barred from setting foot in my lands again. And I trust that will put a damper on your standings with the few smaller clans along the boarder."

Without another word they left the room and saw themselves out. Internally, the lord was stewing in irritation and anger that they would be so bold to try and demand a proposal from him. Try and threaten that without them he wouldn't stand a chance against Naraku. The demon would rather die than allow that half-demon to rule over him. "You can come out now," he called over.

Akiko walked to the edge of the bookcase and looked to the demon lord as their eyes met. The cold atmosphere around her began to disappear, features returning to normal as the frost receded from the skin. "Well, now we know why he was so adamant on trying to gain an audience with you in the past," she said, trying to lighten the mood.

"I have never once shown an interest in uniting the Dog and Cat Clans," he stated. "I do not understand where such a wild theory came to his mind."

"It's not an uncommon desire to have." That caused his brow to arch in mild confusion, wishing for her to explain further. "Have I ever told you that when I was living in the present, I was studying history?"

"No."

She nodded, knowing she was going to have to explain this to him in a manner that he would be able to understand. "I was in a... training program of sorts, to become a history teacher. While studying this era was my main focus, I also looked into eras from various countries as well. And time and time again in older parts of the world it became clear that arranged marriages were a natural occurrence for those with great birthrights. Men were taught how to rule and women saw that their duty was to marry and bear heirs to the kingdom. Love was very rarely involved. Countries arranged these unions to prevent war, gain land, unite strong households to take on a common enemy, even keep alliances in check. Lord Inaba very easily falls into those categories as an individual who wants one of many things. While he is looking after his clan, he is also looking out for his daughter when his time comes. Ralin is infatuated with you; I did not have to have my eyes working to realize this when first meeting at the ball. I'm sure this excited the lord knowing of her feelings towards you, being a very powerful lord yourself, this was perfect for him to act on. Of course Ralin would be more than willing to follow her father into meeting you to try and convince you that this was a good idea. Even when love is not involved, looks alone will cause any man or woman to say yes without hesitation. Who cares about a perfect union? So long as they put up a front in public and rule their lands in a dignified manner what could go wrong?"

"Do you know what Ralin looks like?" Sesshomaru questioned.

"Unfortunately, no. I have never seen her in person. Do you find her pretty?"

"No."

"Then that was also working against her. If a man isn't interested in a woman's beauty then she can convince a man to be interested in what her family has to offer. Which could be a better investment in the long run."

"You know a lot about this art of business conducted between households."

Akiko smirked at that. "I was a very good student in my era. Ralin and Lord Inaba's reason for coming doesn't surprise me, but how blunt they were was. Especially since they seemed to give you an ultimatum. If you didn't agree, you don't get their numbers."

"We have enough."

"But we could always use more. If his lands were already poisoned, he will understand in time that if he wishes to survive forget the agreements and the marriage proposals, we will all need to stand and fight in order to survive. But are you willing to chance him not being petty?"

"He could join Naraku's side," he concluded with the question. "Like Lord Orochi."

"Possible, but he is a snake that cannot be trusted. The Cat Clan would not survive under him. I would hope that Lord Inaba wouldn't be a fool to think otherwise."

"What is your opinion on this? Should I have said yes?"

"Feelings aside, it could have been for your benefit to know you had extra numbers. But in the long run it would not have worked for either of you. No matter how much Ralin would deny that."

"I have my own personal reasons for declining the offer."

"And what would...?" The words died in her throat catching on to the intense look directed towards her. And a part of the young woman didn't believe him for a second. "Me?" she questioned disbelievingly. The demon's head didn't nod, in fact the lord didn't really do anything except stare in an unwavering manner as a new thought came to her. "There's actually something... I wanted to talk to you about. You have never explained why you feel that way... towards me. I know that you're not one to express your emotions, but over these last few years I've gotten a sense as to who you are. A part of me still does not understand why you feel this way towards me, and I guess what just happened with Ralin is a good example." Sesshomaru wasn't exactly sure where she was going with this, but chose to keep his mouth shut and observed her in silence. "As any lord or lady in Japan there is a standard you have to keep. Have noble status, the ability to rule over a stretch of land successfully, marry well, bear an heir; none of it is easy."

He hummed lowly at that. "What is your belief on cats and dogs mingling?"