AN: Well it's my first attempt at writing fanfiction in a long time. So I hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything Inuyasha or Inuyasha related.
The Answers to Salvation
Prologue: The Prophecy
Five very curious people occupied the King's private study. The five being the Head Priestess Kaede Rusuban, the Weapons Master Totousai Hinote, the King's counselor Myouga Kisei, the Queen Izayoi Roiyaru, and the King himself Inutaisho Roiyaru. The King had summoned everyone there to discuss "an important issue". The others were unaware that there was an issue, so they patiently watched the King from their various positions around the room, not knowing what to expect.
"Taisho, why have you called us here?" The aging Head Priestess asked, using the King's childhood nickname.
"The five girls found in the forest today worry me." Taisho answered; his voice deep and his expression contemplative.
"They are just young girls, no older than our own sons. How could they possibly worry you?" Izayoi's melodious voice questioned.
"There was a prophecy; you may not be familiar with it. But I believe finding those five girls in the forest today is just the beginning. I'm confident when I say these girls have something to do with that prophecy."
"Are you su-"
"Yes Myouga, it is what I truly believe. For all of you to better understand, here Izayoi," Taisho handed a single sheet of worn parchment to her." Would you please read the prophecy aloud?"
Izayoi gently took the parchment and began to read from it:
"Nine warriors will be our answers for salvation,
when dark times threaten our borders.
Four of the Westlands.
Five to be found in the deepest depths of the Queen's forest.
Eight shall be bonded beforehand,
in dreamland.
Steadfast and Stubborn.
Creates the willful strength.
Cunning and Pure.
Creates the balanced strength.
Wit and Fierce.
Creates the emotional strength.
Swift and Faithful.
Creates the companionable strength.
The odd one will determine our ultimate fate.
Only if she is saved from her own hate,
will she choose to save our home, the Westlands.
-Prophet Kanai Setski II"
When Izayoi finished she looked up to gauge the expressions of the room. Taisho and Kaede seemed to be deep in thought, while the others were harder to read.
Totousai was the first to sputter out his opinion, "That's preposterous; Kanai Setski the Second was no prophet. She was a joke that couldn't predict a storm even if gray clouds rumbled in the sky."
"Her mother was a very successful prophet." Myouga mused, not talking to anybody in particular.
"Her mother yes, but she herself was talent less in the art of prophecies, and what was that rubbish about: Eight shall be bonded beforehand, in dreamland. It's just foolish rhymes on parchment written by a foolish girl." Totousai huffed.
"Well I don't know if it matters, but this morning before breakfast Inuyasha told me he dreamed of an unfamiliar girl." Izayoi started, unsure if she should go on or not. Kaede gave her a brief nod of encouragement. "He said she was human looking and around his age with the hiragana tattooed on her left arm that said Ka-go-me." A sharp intake of breath was heard and everyone's eyes turned to Kaede.
"Kaede?" Taisho questioned.
"Lady Izayoi are you sure the hiragana said Ka-go-me?" Kaede asked fervently.
"Yes, I am certain."
"Inuyasha told you this, this morning right? Long before we found the girls this afternoon?"
"Yes."
"Taisho," Kaede turned to the King. "All of the girls we found in the forest have hiragana tattooed on their left arms, one has Ka-go-me on hers."
The significance of this dawned on everybody at once.
"Where are the girls?" Taisho asked.
"In the infirmary, your highness." Myouga answered.
"Izayoi, fetch Inuyasha and Sesshomaru," Taisho stood while still barking out orders. "Totousai please gather Miroku and Kouga."
In mere seconds the rooms' occupants dwindled down to three.
"Your highness, why Sesshomaru, Miroku and Kouga?" Myouga questioned.
"Along with Inuyasha, those three are the youngest direct descendants of the founders of this Kingdom. They are our strength and will one day be great leaders of this land. I would bet the whole treasury that those are the four warriors of the Westlands. We can sit back idly while an unknown enemy plots against us. This prophecy must be taken into our own hands."
"Taisho, what are we to do about the girls?" Kaede asked.
"I'm still thinking on that. But whatever my choice you're in charge of them from here on out."
"I understand."
AN: Sorry it's short, but it's just a prologue. Please give me some feedback. Good or bad is welcome.