A note from the author: I promise you, this will concern Inuyasha. But we have to set up the story, don't we? Chapter One won't be long behind this one, so never fear.

P.S. For dramatic effect, the prologue, which occurs in the past, is written in the present tense. The rest of the story, which takes place in the (relative) present, is written in the past tense. I like irony.

Thoughts

-Prologue-

Three warriors come into the clearing from the tree line. Their names are not important, because they are about to die.

In the middle of the field, about forty yards ahead of them, sits a great stone triangle. The whole of the platform is weathered and mottled by centuries of exposure to the elements. The whole of it, except for a triangular slab of jade set precisely in the center, which possesses the polish and sheen that the finest craftsman in the land would envy.

The warriors pause, twenty yards from the structure, which is now within their vision. They are weary from travel, and a flat, cleared area on which to take their meal is an inviting sight indeed. They move closer.

Ten yards out, one notices the flawless jade in the center. It is shining, but perhaps with just a bit more flash and beauty than the reflection of the dawning sun should cause. He beckons the others closer.

Five yards.

Three yards.

One.

They stand, surrounding the jade. At this very moment they each think precisely the same thought: This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Moving as one, they crouch, delicately placing a hand on its smooth surface as if trying to absorb the perfection.

            The perfection absorbs them.

            And 300 years pass…