Secrets in the Shadows
Summary: All the Oni and Shadow khan were sealed in Tarakudo's mask. All except for a mysterious female shadow khan sealed at the intersection of the Human and Shadow realms. One archeological dig was all it took for all hell to break lose.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the OCs and whatever else I add.
A/N: Heavily inspired by "The Tenth Tribe" and "Queen of all Oni". I totally ripped off Inuyasha with the well thing but at least they function way differently. Sorry about that. Feel free to criticize and point out errors. Suggestions are appreciated too. I'm new at this.
Prologue
"Father, why!?" a young girl asked. Her voice was laced with disbelief. She was being betrayed by the only person she cared about. The one she served with blind loyalty and loved as though he were kin. The one she considered her father.
"The humans know nothing about you Kumori. It's better for it to stay that way. I am renouncing you. You are no longer my general nor child. Goodbye." said the red Oni with the tone of finality as he sealed the well closed.
"No! Please! What did I do wrong? Please forgive me if I have committed a mistake. I'll do better! I'll make you proud. Don't leave me alone! Master! Please! Don't leave! Father! Father!"
The red Oni remained cold and uncaring despite the child's relentless pleading and heartbreaking sobs. She never committed a mistake nor had she committed any offence. He merely wanted her out of the picture. She was his greatest shame and secret. Not even his generals knew of her. Only Ikazuki did.
Much of his conquest's successes were due of her efforts - hers and the Shadow khan's. She was his oldest and most loyal servant but she was not Oni. It was a stain on his record.
She used to be human like all the other Dark Ones. During her early years under him, she was touched by the shadows. She fell into the well by accident and found herself in the shadow realm with newfound powers.
It was then at that moment that everything began. The red Oni learned of the secrets of the Shadow realm. He gained control over the shadow khan. He became more powerful than ever. But, so did she.
She was a true Dark One. The last of them. They both wiped out the others. She did it under his orders. He did it to get rid of the competition. They were against him. They were fools. They were weak unlike his female general. They refused to kill or even use their power to rule over the humans.
As an Oni, he couldn't truly be one of them but he did learn of their secrets. He held their power.
The red Oni grew to fear the child's power. She was a true sentient Shadow khan. She understood the secrets far better than him. Her connection to the realm was much more powerful compared to his. He disliked being second. He wanted what she had. Perfect control over Shadow khan. Sole ownership of the power. Being at the top.
It was ironic how the very thing that gave her power was what her dear father used to keep her sealed away.
The well was powerful enough to keep her locked away for all eternity. It may weaken every few years when the blasted beasts come out of the shadow realm to play but she wouldn't be able to escape. Only he, or another sentient shadow khan, can remove the seal. No one can save her.
The island itself kept people away. It was deemed to be an island of Yokai. It kept the pesky humans away but the red Oni needed to make sure. The island was then fortified with large and deadly rocks creating numerous rapids and whirlpools. It was blanketed by harsh winds and unpredictable weather.
The island itself was calm, serene, and untouched by the extremities protecting it. No one will ever know that though. No one will ever set foot on that island. Not even magic can break forces of nature. At least, the red Oni hoped that. He wouldn't want to face Kumori's anger. Yes, she was like a daughter to him but she was too dangerous to keep around. He didn't want her getting any ideas.
His decision to be rid of his tenth and most efficient general proved fatal. He lost his means of preventing the humans from bringing about his downfall. Japanese chi magic had always been a threat. And thus, the reign of Tarakudo, Lord of all Oni, ended.
