Prologue

Time: Feudal Japan

Location: The home of the Lord of the West

There was a castle.

An immense castle. Both impressive in height, width, and appearance. The outside walls shimmered dimly in the clouded moonlight; the rays bouncing off the dark marble to illuminate only enough ground that made the whole look eerie.

Surrounding the castle was a thrumming energy. It was great, powerful and intimidating. To anyone who was aware, it throbbed almost tangibly. It both welcomed and scared off any danger. Challenged and warned off any enemies. Saved or killed off any occupants. It was a masterful power.

Inside it was just the same. The halls and rooms were dark and silent, only lit by the few torches that sat aflame. Every inch of wall and floor was pristine, almost untouched in it's well kept manner. There was not a crack or flaw to be found, nor a vermin or bug to be terminated. They knew better.

Only on the highest floor, in a large organized room, was there any evidence of life. The room had more light, lit by the torches that aligned the very walls. Shelves upon shelves of scrolls were seen upon first sight. In the middle sat a dark grey stone desk, there, which sat the Lord of the West.

Long, shiny silver hair shone brightly in the torchlight, framing a sculpted face that held a calm, stoic expression. A blue, crescent moon in the middle of his forehead and two magenta stripes that adorned each cheek showed true to his demonic rank. Hard, amber eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the scroll before him.

There was also another demon that stood silent and loyal in the corner, his eyes respectfully downcast, as his Lord was present in the room. Dark hair covered his bright, yellow eyes. There was no sound that came from him except for the swing of his ever-swishing ebony tail.

"Kiyoshi."

At the sound of his name being called by a cool, even voice, the male looked up. His Lord still sat at his desk, eyes still studying the scroll with a now bored expression.

"Yes, my Lord?" Kiyoshi asked, staying where he was.

"Come." His Lord did not look up as he approached, nor did his expression or tone change as he tossed the scroll into a rather large pile that occupied the corner of the desk. "Burn these," he ordered.

"Of course, my Lord." Kiyoshi bowed, taking the pile and turning to leave at once. Arms full of scrolls, and with practiced ease, Kiyoshi's tail parted the rice curtain to step out into the cold, nearly empty hallway.

Waiting outside was a toad-like demon, with large eyes and sickly green skin. In his hands was the Staff of Two Heads, of which he fiddled with almost nervously. He was small in height, only reaching to Kiyoshi's thigh as the servant swept past him in a rush. When the toad saw the large amount of scrolls the servant held, the tension from his shoulders left at once.

"I knew there was not yet a female worthy of my Lord," he murmured smugly, crossing his short arms.

Back inside the room, the Lord of the West was now standing. Hearing the words of his retainer, yet not acknowledging it, he called quietly, "Enter Jakken."

The toad started for moment at hearing his name, then quickly dashed in to stand behind his Lord.

"Is there something you need from me, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

Sesshoumaru looked down at him with a cold, expressionless gaze.

"Prepare Ah-Un. We leave at daylight."

"To look over the lands, my Lord?" Jakken asked him hesitantly.

"Hn."

Jakken was bowing slightly, but stopped himself to ask, "Shall Rin be ready as well, my Lord?"

At the name of his ward, Sesshoumaru's eyes drifted to the window. "Hn," he answered. "Her as well."

"Of course, my Lord!" Bowing deeply, Jakken spun to leave the room.

With his retainer gone, the Lord of the West now stood alone in the brightly lit room.

Too bright.

With a small gust of his power, every torch flickered out, incasing him in darkness. He made his way back to the desk after improving his surroundings. He sat back more into the chair, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. Not sleeping.

But thinking.

A/N: I apologize if the writing is terrible. This was written a LONG time ago, for a friend of mine who absolutely LOVES Sesshy (: The only thing I changed was the time of when this took place, which is after The Final Act. :D