Samurai Son by M. H. Bonham Page B

could do directly.   To bring the Takeshi samurai clan against Nanashi would start a war.”
    Kasumi bit her lip, unsure what to say.   Keiko had sent her here without many instructions.   “But if the demons are released, it will be far more terrible.”
    “True,” said Ikumi.   She frowned and Kasumi could see she was considering all her options.   “I will have to speak to Takeshi Isao daimyo, myself.   He does not know the intricacies of the Neko and the demon gate.”
    Kasumi nodded but some part of her was disappointed.   After seeing Ikumi dispel a demon, she expected more than just help from warriors.   “Takeshi-sama,” she said.   “I was under the impression that the Guardian Kanayo was asking for your talents, not just help from the samurai loyal to Takeshi.”
    “Ah,” Ikumi said and took another sip of tea.   “And the Guardian has disclosed these so-called talents to you?”
    Kasumi shook her head.   “Not exactly.   But I have seen some of your powers.   You caused that demon to flee.”
    Ikumi nodded.   “Yes, I did.   And it won’t come into this place while I am here.   But you should be wary, Kasumi, lest the demon overtake you and make you into a bakeneko .”
    “A bakeneko ?”   Kasumi shuddered.   She had heard of the fork-tailed Neko who were possessed by oni.   “But I am a demon fighter.”
    “Yes, you are, but you are young.   Demons are very dangerous, especially to the inexperienced.”
    “But I have seen Nanashi’s demon.   I turned away the demon on the ocean…”
    “Yes, but both times you were lucky; next time you may not be.   Nanashi’s demon was most likely so focused on Nanashi and controlled by Nanashi’s amulet that it couldn’t attack you.   The demon that pursued you over the sea was undoubtedly a creature of fire and wasn’t willing to face you over the ocean.   Just as a wind spirit is weak underground, so the creatures of fire are over large expanses of water.   You are lucky I sensed you and the demon before it caught you.”
    Kasumi frowned.   She had thought that both times it had been her prowess; now it seemed unlikely.   She had thought herself a great warrior, but she saw that maybe she was just a very lucky kitten.   Why did her mother even think that she could be capable of this mission?   Would she have allowed her to go if she had known there was a demon following her?
    Ikumi touched her arm gently and Kasumi looked up from her dark thoughts.   “I’m sorry Ikumi-sama.   I am not the great Neko warrior.”
    “Nonsense,” said Ikumi gently.   “You are indeed a warrior and have done a great deal.   But you are still young and inexperienced.   Your mother was wise to have you travel with someone else.   It is unlikely a demon will attack unless you are alone or it believes it has the upper hand.”
    “That’s why she sent me with Jiro,” Kasumi groaned.   “I thought it was just part of the disguise.”
    “It might have been that too,” Ikumi said.   “I don’t think she believed a demon would follow you, otherwise she would never have sent you.”   She paused.   “Stay here at our house, Kasumi-san, while you are on my island.   It’s the only way I can ensure your safety here.”
    Kasumi felt her throat tighten at the thought of the demon.   “But what happens after we leave here?”
    “You’ll need to return to Neko-shima,” Ikumi said.   “I don’t think anyone save a powerful kami would be able to keep you safe.”   She paused.   “Come tomorrow for tea.   Bring your half brother.   I’m certain you will want to be sure that your guise is complete.”
    With that, Kasumi bowed and left.   Her stomach knotted with fear over the oni as she left the daimyo’s home.

Chapter Twenty
     
    “Wake up, Akira-sama!”
    Akira groaned as he shifted on the futon in his room.   Miko pushed the shoji aside, and sunlight streamed into the room.
    “ Ack !   Miko!”   Akira gasped,