Disclaimer: I do not Inuyasha, but the plot is all mine.
Acheron the Avernus
"What took you so long?" Flinty eyes glared at the two young women.
"My apologies Genko-sama," Kikyo began.
"Never mind," he said waving his hand.
He was solid man, leathery skin was roughened by seasons of sun light. Movement's careful, there was a trained fierceness caged by a seasoned frame. Iron stiff hair brushed across an unyielding brow, yet the steely eyes belied a tiredness that looked out of place on such a rigid face. Gingerly he sat down unto a course hewn wood chair as the rain drops beat the tent surface. One hand rubbing his forehead he began,
"I don't know how you come by classified news, but I'm sure this will come as no surprise to you Kikyo. We are going to war."
There was no doubt in Kagome's mind just 'who' they were to be at war with. For over a thousand years the humans and demons were able to survive because of the Great River Acheron separating them. However, all good things must come to and end and for the last
One hundred years the power of the Great Acheron River had begun to fade. Demons were loose once again. As wide as a sea, the river was also known as Lake Avernus. The swift waterway had tricky currents and storms could brew to a frenzy in a matter of minutes. Creatures neither human nor demon patrolled the dusky depths. This was the least to worry about however. The brave souls who attempted to breach the natural boundary were opposed by mystical forces and few survived the crossing. From the shoreline, approaching ships could be seen to waver and then completely disappear. The water surface exuded fumes so malignant and noxious that birds could not fly over it but fell down dead. The most rare sight, and perhaps the most frightening of Acheron's 'Furies' as they have come to be called, is the 'Shroud'. There are very few accounts of people sighting or witnessing the Shroud but even such little information has been able to strike terror into the hearts of mortals. Only one documented account has ever been made and it was over 500 years ago.
713 F.S. Here lies the account of the "Shroud"
It was a fear like the blackest nightmare. It had been an eerie day to start with, something on the wind made me on edge. I remember looking yon my shoulder, disquiet settled in the pit of my being. Near the shore line where the fish rest, my net I threw from the dinghy's deck, when it came. Creeping over the horizon, shadowy tendrils reached across the waters toward my boat. Wisps of black drew closer. An ominous cloud blanketed over the waves and the land was frozen by its power. It darkened the sun and lighted the moon. All the joy and cheer of the world was lost in shadows of that starless night. The darkness rose up in grotesque shapes. In a rush did I make for the near beach. In a fearsome gale was the boat dashed against the rocks as if the churning waters had become alive. Amongst the splintered remains and pressed against the rough rocks I faced the rising gale and the empty jet shroud and could not help but feel I had been released prematurely.
Yet Acheron has lost it fearsome potency. The power has ebbed with the tide and in the last 100 years more creatures have been able to traverse it.
"I know you have felt the weakening power Kagome. Kikyo tells me she can sense its fading. It is my understanding Kikyo from your accounts that Acheron's impenetrable power has all but faded. Without the river forcing us apart, demons and humans will no longer be separated. The fact that demon sightings have increased is proof enough of the river's loss. More and more of these demonic creatures have escaped the water's tenuous power and attacked our shore. The casualties of men rise with the numerous skirmishes. And now we've had our worst blow ever. The youkai have finally committed in a full out attack and involved civilians. Two nights ago, demons easily crossed the river undetected and slaughtered the entire Ishikawa village. The river is fully open, we are no longer safe."
"My god," hand covering her mouth in shock Kagome breathed out a quick gasp.
Continuing, the rough general spoke, "Eight hours afterwards my scouts returned with the news of the assault. The town was a bloodbath. Bodies everywhere, no prisoners from the looks of it. Not even the children were spared!" His fist smashed down unto the wooden table with a crack. "The life of innocents has been destroyed and for what? Somebody's whim?! The very streets ran red with blood. Houses burned to ashes, entire dreams snuffed out. Do you understand Kagome, the carnage these people faced alone afraid and without hope?"
"Why- why do you tell us these things Genko, I don't understand," said Kagome eyes filling with horror.
"Hush Kagome, it is not your place to question-" Kikyo started, before Genko cut her off.
"No, wait Kikyo. She needs to hear this, she needs to know. You two are the most powerful mikos the alliance has. Swords and arrows are no match for the demons alone. Spiritual power melts the flesh of youkai, your natural gift is the doom of demons. Nature has created mikos and demons to be natural enemies, purity will clean the defiled. To defeat our enemy, I will utilize any resource necessary. Though we have numbers, it will not be enough to ensure victory. Your power can aid us in conquering the most powerful demons in existence. There is no choice, fight or die, there is no other option. If the demons win, we have no future. To survive against such insurmountable odds, you need a reason to fight, a will to give you power. I am trying to fill you with the drive to conquer. The suffering of which we speak, the deaths of men women and children are horrible. Yet I say these things so you will understand why we ask you to fight. I want you to be aware of the suffering; it is only a shadow of what is to come."
Silent, Kagome's head hung low as she was filled with the general's words.
"You are forgiving by nature Kagome, I know this. Though you have suffered much, your heart still wishes to find peace. There is no salvation for these beasts you know that. Think of all that has happened, for god's sake, think of your own family! Did they suffer in vain?"
His words fell like stones in a pond, sinking to the bottom as a silence filled the small tent.
Withdrawn, Kagome trembled ever so softly as her eyes drew shut. Visions of a happy home and family played across her eyelids, until they were viciously cut down by the gruesome truth. Reminiscing, her mind was lost in the past. A door half off its hinges broken and cracked, windows shattered the edges tipped vermilion. She could see hair strewn across the steps in a wild array and a single arm draped outward hanging from the doorway. The rest of the body hidden behind the walls within, the arm's fingers were limp, coated in blood. 'Dead. Gone. Alone. Afraid. Hurt.'
Tears cascading slowly down her skin, in a silent cry. Kagome's dark lashes swept open, and her voice trilled out clear and broken, "You are right; these creatures kill without mercy. Unless they are destroyed, the world will be torn apart. Life is too precious," her voice dropped to a bare whisper, "and too many lives have been cut short."
What do you think? I worked verrrrrrrrrrrry hard on this chapter, so you must review please! If I don't get that many reviews, then I don't think I will continue this story. After all, I gotta give what the readers want! Thanks again for reading though,
missgoten