"My lord! You have finally done it!" Jaken squawked as he struggled to keep up with Lord Sesshomaru. "After all this time, finally Naraku is no more and Rin has settled in a human village. It is just you and me again, my lord! How exciting! You can now assume your role as the Lord of the West!"
"I know, Jaken. That is precisely why we are heading to Mount Nishi," the young lord responded in his even, indifferent tone. He was inwardly saddened by the mention of young Rin's name, as he did miss her dearly, but he knew he had made the right decision by leaving her with humans. "That is where my father's castle lies dormant, awaiting the arrival of its new lord," he explained to Jaken, forcibly redirecting his thoughts to the task at hand.
"Your father's castle!" Jaken echoed. "Oh, how exciting! It really is happening!" He waddled a little faster in excitement, coming up alongside his master and tugging Ah-Un along behind him. "Soon we will be living in a palace! No more long journeys for these tired feet- oh! Not that I mind, me lord! I would follow you anywhere! I'm just excited for this new era. And to think, soon you must find a mate and produce an heir-"
"You're getting ahead of yourself, Jaken," Sesshomaru intervened. This was not an idea that excited him, but he did know his role as the only living purebloodof his bloodline. "I will eventually, given I find a female worthy and powerful enough to carry my lineage—but I have plenty of time. For now I must establish my reign in these lands."
"But you already have a well-established presence and power, my lord," Jaken piped up.
"It has been a long time since my father ruled and was in power. This region has gone without a lord for some time and is much in need of some order. Once we find the castle, we will turn back around and evaluate the region."
"Yes, my lord," Jaken answered, his heart a little crestfallen from the idea of having to turn right back around.
They did not speak for the rest of the journey. When they arrived at the base of the mountain, it was dark. Sesshomaru allowed Jaken to rest for the night, but they were on their way again at the first morning light. Jaken was panting, leaning more of his weight on the two-headed staff as they continued up the mountain, until they came upon the palace. Jaken slowed and straightened up a bit, his mouth open in awe.
The palace was gargantuan. It was built to flatter the mountain it encompassed, consisting of many levels that spread out and upward. The main gate lay before them, covered in a tangle of thick roots. The front wall was hard to see through the thicket, and in the middle the roots came together in a cohesive twist just where the doors parted.
"It's overgrown. There really hasn't been anyone here in a long time," Jaken commented. He looked to his lord, who had also stopped, now glaring at the castle. "Do you intend to cut through the overgrowth with Bakusaiga?"
"No," answered Sesshomaru as the wind started to pick up. "These roots have been here since the day my father died. They are meant to keep all but the intended out. They cannot be cut through, but must be torn off by their master's fangs." At that, Lord Sesshomaru began to transform. His eyes turned a deep red and his face began to elongate as he grew. Soon a huge dog demon stood far above Jaken, who was now in awe of his master yet again, instead of the castle.
Sesshomaru leapt forth, scaling the distance up the mountain in one swift motion. He took the twisted roots between his teeth and jerked his head to the side, tearing them off. As he pulled the roots off, the rest of the overgrowth broke and fell with it. As the roots crumbled around him, Sesshomaru shrunk to again assume his human form. Once his transformation was complete, and the last bits of root had fallen, the doors to the palace opened. Sesshomaru stepped forth to enter his castle.
Jaken had watched all this, clasping the reins of Ah-Un. He was nearly brought to tears at the sight which he perceived to be most beautiful, as was any demonstration of his lord's power. But when he saw Sesshomaru step forward, he jumped and squealed, "Wait for me, my lord!" as he scrambled up the side of the cliff.
The prince, of course, did not wait for his vassal, but moved at a casual speed which allowed Jaken to catch up. Once in the center of the courtyard, Sesshomaru stopped. Jaken sank to the ground beside him, fighting for his breath after his altercation with the side of the mountain. Jaken soon began to look around, utterly curious as to what new great thing his master had brought him to. As the prince had told him, the castle had lain dormant. The insides were grey and bare, but as the two stood in the center of the courtyard, the palace began to thrive.
Dead, dark trees and bushes suddenly came to life, filled with lush greens and cherry blossoms. The ground between fashioned rocks turned into flower beds, all the flowers in bloom and in every contrasting color. A pure stream drizzled down the mountain, winding its way through the courtyard and under an arched bridge. It took but a moment for the insects and other life to be called to the new paradise.
Sesshomaru watched the garden out of the corner of his eye, and as soon as it had established itself, he turned his eyes ahead and began to walk toward the main entrance. Jaken was still mesmerized by the sudden garden. "Me lord, did your presence bring all this?" He received no answer and turned toward his master. "Me lord? Me lord!" he screeched when he saw Sesshomaru was again leaving him behind. He jumped to his feet and waddled after his lord, leaving Ah-Uh to enjoy the new garden.
The young dog demon walked through his mansion, finding staircases and winding his way to the top. He paused when he reached the highest platform, his hair and fur brushed aside by the soaring wind as he looked out over his land.
"Lord Sesshomaru, you can see your whole kingdom from here!" Jaken exclaimed excitedly.
"Yes, that's the point, Jaken," Sesshomaru responded.
"Of course. My apologies, sire," Jaken mumbled, bowing his head.
"We shall explore the region close by today, then return here for the night. Tomorrow we will set out to head for that valley over there. It will be your job to staff the castle."
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru. I will find only the most suited demons for the task," Jaken answered, honored as he bowed his head yet again.
Sesshomaru turned and began to descend the stairs. "Come, Jaken, we have things to do."
As usual, my first chapter is just initial and rather simple. Still, if you enjoyed it and want to read a little more, let me know.
