"Oh come on Ka Riu!" Keiko giggled at him as he ran around in a little ball of angry fire. As soon as he found out about the kiss (the next day, promptly after Ama teased Keiko) Ka Riu had been running around her place fuming. Literally. She knew he would let it go though. Eventually. "You're not my Dad Ka Riu. You're my friend, be happy for me."

Ka Riu stopped and turned to her and his look softened before he ran over and hoped onto her shoulder. "I know…" His deep voice was still so calming, it set her soul at peace. "But do not let him get in the way."

"Don't worry, I won't." She couldn't help but think about Katsuro and everyone back home. If things had gone differently, if Ka Riu and this quest hadn't happened, she would probably be with him now… The thought pained her. But she couldn't let him, or anyone, get in the way. Her opinions would determine the future and she could not let them cloud her judgement. "But just because I like him, it doesn't mean I will let him influence me."

Ka Riu just scoffed at her before jumping back down. "It is time to train."

Training was intense. Everyone worked harder, and they especially focused on battling with a partner. They had to learn to watch each other's backs. While they all were fighting for the same cause, it was apparent in the last battle that they were not watching out for each other. Everyone was lost in their own little worlds. That had to change, and fast. For the next week they trained harder than ever, building up their endurance, developing tactics, strengthening their resolve. She couldn't help but be proud. Even she was getting stronger. Able to move the wind now too. Ka Riu could even be almost out of eye sight and still they could borrow and lend power between them. Enhancing their own strength by working together. A prime example for her army. That still felt weird to think. HER army. Hinansho Army. More people flocked to join every day since they beat the human army. The only issue with that was these people were not coming because they believed in their cause, but because they believed they could be protected here.

This, this was a problem.

There had been a few fights, with most anger being taken out on the hybrids. She had to create a security force. They were gentle yet firm. Very, very, reluctantly she had to create a small prison. No one was sentenced to die. No harsh punishments taken. Just locked up for three nights with a hefty fine.

A VERY hefty fine. It seemed to deter most.

But still, there were issues arising. She was never too ignorant to imagine that there wouldn't be any issues putting so many together who had never had to live in the same place before. Cultures clashing. Besides the security force (which she had put Ama in control of), she also created a committee to foster acceptance between the species (which she put Haruto in charge of). She desperately hoped that these two committees would help the situation and hopefully, change the hearts of the new people arriving every day for safe shelter.

As if worrying about them wasn't enough, now she couldn't keep her mind off of Haruto. His kiss, the way it made her feel. The way her heart still fluttered when she thought about it or him. The tinge of guilt she felt when she thought of Katsuro.

Ama gives her knowing, teasing, looks every day.

But she hadn't had time to talk to Haruto since. Well, a private talk. They had only seen each other in mostly formal situations, or at training. But training was the only time she could get her mind completely off of everything. It was just her and Ka Riu and the troops they trained. It was just her staff swirling around her and her power growing stronger. She knew that her other concerns were more important than thinking about Haruto.

Like trying to find her Uncle.

That is what Ayumu had told her to do after the battle. She had been putting it off. The troops needed training. Committees had to be established. It was a lot of work. But she could feel something swelling in the air. A tension. More armies were coming. She could sense it. Stronger, armored, more prepared armies. What Hinansho lacks. They needed BETTER armor and BETTER weapons. Most who came had none or they were of very low quality. They were strong, but without these staple items there was no way they could defeat a well-prepared army without massive casualties. But people were scared of what Hinansho stood for. Peace, equality… These ideas astounded and terrified them. They saw it as a threat, the human and demon armies alike.

The only good thing about that was the Demon War seemed to dissipating. Their focus was turning. The bad thing, all that power, all that anger, all that fighting, was turning towards them.

And they were going to need support.

It was time to find Sesshomaru.

Authors Note:

Sorry for the short chapter everyone. I am beginning to work on a new story so look for that coming soon!

And please, REVIEW.

~ FeudalAi