Disclaimers: The characters and universe were created by Rumiko Takahashi.
Important: Any similarities that can be found to any other fan fictions or works are COMPLETELY unintentional.
Due to the enormous amount of InuYasha related fan fiction, I must put this to make sure it's clear I have not intended any cross over to any other fan work.
I'm sorry for any similarities. Please enjoy my work as a separate piece of fandom literature. :D
Chapter Three: Silhouette
Takemaru and I sat together, exchanging more favourable conversation until dinner. I went through a couple pots of tea over the course of a few hours- which seemed to sooth my rising suspenseful nerves. Luckily, when we were called to dinner, I was calm enough that my fear didn't seem to show. I pushed myself up and followed one of the servants towards one of the largest sitting rooms in the house. The room was lined with small cushions, leaving plenty of space for the many guests to sit. The room, which was a rather large rectangle, was elaborately decorated with scrolls and other fine dressings. Along the two longest walls were three pillows, while one of the ends had four pillows for the hosts. I was gestured to take a seat down on one of the side walls, Takemaru was offered the seat at my side. I was surprised for a moment that Takemaru was allowed to join us (due to his lesser rank) but with the demon slayers entrance, it made sense. They were allowed, why would Takemaru not be? He was my guard, my confidant. He would be welcomed where I was welcomed… there was a small comfort in that at least.
My eyes moved over the demon slayers, who were dressed much like Takemaru. All were dressed in kimonos, however, flashes of a more durable fabric could be seen beneath. I knew Takemaru would not be fully without armour- he was too on edge otherwise. Perhaps these slayers were the same. There were three male slayers, two middle aged, and one young teenage man. I watched as their weapons were set down behind them on small racks, the enormity of the weapons themselves causing me to watch intently. I tensed slightly at the idea of them being armed, fearful of the probably reason why they felt the need to keep their weapons close. Takemaru's spear had been taken by one of the servants and placed just out of his reach with the demon slayer's weapons. The first of the middle age slayers held onto a rather large halberd initially. The other held a weapon I didn't recognize. It was a long chain in which two swords connected to the ends. In the middle of these two points, it connected to a handle. My eyes settled lastly on the youngest, who held a large boomerang, easily twice his physical size. He handed the boomerang to the servant, nearly knocking the poor man off his feet with its weight. He had to assist by putting it up on the rack with the others himself.
The demon slayers bowed respectfully to Takemaru and I and we returned it before our hosts entered. The four took their place at the front of the room. Ebisu and his wife sat on the two middle cushions while Takeo and Kenjiro sat on the ends. Takeo, who was now out of the red armour I had seen him return in, sat by their father, Kenjiro by their mother. The room bowed to them before the servants brought out the food. With a small word of thanks, the room seemed to settle into the comfortable setting and began casual conversation. "I hope your rooms are all to your liking," Ebisu began, glancing at me first before looking over at the other set of guests.
"The rooms are very comfortable my lord," the oldest of the demon slayers spoke.
I agreed, "it is like being at home my lord," I replied.
Ebisu smiled, his worn cheeks wrinkling slightly around his lips. As I glanced around the room, Ebisu took it upon himself to introduce the two parties across the way. "Oh! Forgive me."
He chuckled softly, "Lady Izayoi, please let me introduce you to some of the greatest demon slayers in Japan. May I introduce Kane, Toshiro, and Shako."
I followed down the line, bowing my head as he introduced them. "They are from the Taijiya Village in the east."
I nodded and smiled, "It's a great pleasure to meet you all-" I began, only to be cut off by a small chirp like noise.
A small look of confusion crossed my face, looking for the source of the noise. The sound crossed my ears again and I noticed a small flash of yellow beside Shako. My eyes settled on a small cat, demonic no doubt, with two small tails. The cat had yellow fur with hints of black crossing over the two small tails, ears and feet. When the cat meowed, the diamond upon its head seemed to grow bigger if only through the illusion of angle. It was- adorable. I glanced through the corner of my eye at Takemaru, who eyed the cat with suspicion. "This is our trusted companion Kirara, a demon who has been in our family for many generations. She aids in our work and is an indispensable companion," Shako smiled, running a hand down the kitten's head.
It didn't seem threatening but then again the only thought that continuously repeated in my mind was the demon's cute appearance. "Do you have a fascination with demons my lady?" I heard a stronger voice say, causing me to find the source. Takeo smirked, glancing at the cat himself, "Or is it merely due to the fact that it is a cat?"
I chuckled delicately, covering my lips with the tip of my kimono sleeve. "I have never seen such a creature so close. Curiosity is a cat like trait is it not?"
Takeo chuckled himself as Shako gave Kirara a piece of fish in a delicate dish. The conversation didn't remain on the demon long before Takemaru's protectiveness made an appearance. "So you are here to hunt a demon I take it?" he asked, taking a small sip of sake from his glass before him.
Kane nodded before he discreetly looked towards the master of the house. With a subtle nod of approval, Kane continued, "There is a demon lurking near the top of the mountain and it claims to have rule over these lands. We are here to provide assistance."
Straight, to the point, much to what I suspected was Ebisu's intention. I wouldn't let it slide away that easily, not when I would be sleeping in a room just down the hall. "If you don't mind me asking my lord, what type of demon is it?"
Ebisu sighed, pulling in a small shot of sake as he prepared the answer to the question. I could see the consideration cross his face. What was passing over that man's mind? A fear to alarm me, a fear to trust me, or simply a lack of knowledge of the demon itself? "The demon has lived here for many centuries, far beyond the rule of my family in these lands. The creature is a dog demon, one of great skill. For much of our existence in these parts, he has left us be. We - had not encountered him until a few months ago…" his voice wavered for a moment and my eyes softened. Had he lost someone at the hands of this demon?
"He attacked our home village… with a sword far beyond the demonic power we had ever seen before. The sword alone was able to create a twister, filled with winds which held the images of dragons and other beasts."
I blinked softly, thinking of the might of this demon. How could such a demon go unnoticed for so long? Would a demon with such physical might not create rumour or legend in its wake? "He destroyed several of the villages in the lower regions of my territory. This cannot continue. Even with my family and our loyal followers, I thought I would bring in the demon slayers, to assist."
I nodded slowly, "I am sorry my lord, for questioning. If it has brought up any ill thought please let it be gone," I mumbled.
Ebisu seemed to chuckle halfheartedly, "No my lady. I should have told you but do not fret. You are safe in my walls."
Conversation seemed to lighten around the room but that didn't seem to ease the tensions. I could see Takemaru, his blank expression as he ate. His fear and mind were reeling no doubt. The others attempted to lighten the mood. Shako had Kirara, who I learned later had many skills beyond her cute demeanour, do tricks and Kenjiro attempted to tell a few humorous stories. The dinner was delicious. I was able to use the food as a way to distract myself, to avoid thinking about the demon who bared such a powerful weapon of destruction. Near the end of the meal I noticed that some of the servants brought the weapons from the dining hall, moving them as discreetly as they could to avoid detracting from the dinner conversation. This seemed to cause a commotion never the less. "Your weapons shall be placed in the room adjacent to this. You will not be in need of them, I can assure you. We are secure in these walls. You have my word."
It didn't settle well with anyone, being disarmed. The demon slayers seemed to shuffle about, pushing themselves up before making their way back to their rooms. Takemaru did the same, getting up and departing without as much as a goodnight. My eyes moved to our host, bowing and thanking him for the meal. "We shall begin our business tomorrow my lady. I'm sure you're tired. "
I nodded and thanked him before I made my way back to my room. As I walked down one of the narrow hallways, I noticed Takemaru pause. He stood, watching as the arms room was shut. Anyone could see the concern in his eyes. His room was adjacent to mine and so we walked together the rest of the way. "Don't worry Takemaru," I gave him a small pat on the back reassuringly, "I'm sure they're right."
I don't know if I was trying to convince myself of that fact or him but he seemed to relax slightly under my touch. "Goodnight my lady," he replied, leaving me to my room.
I entered my dwelling, taking a short time to prepare myself for bed. Once I crawled beneath the bedding, I gently closed my eyes. The bed felt so comfortable, relaxing after those nights in the carriage. I fell into a soft lulled sleep only a short moment after my head hit the soft pillow. It seemed my tired nature diluted my fears and thoughts… I slept without a dream, even with his words hanging heavy in my mind. I was stirred only once through the early hours of the night by a single feeling, an annoying little bite which seemed to suckle at my nose. I institutionally raised my hand, squishing whatever was enjoying a bite of my flesh. My eyes fluttered open for only a moment, my eyes shifting and noticing a small flee hopping from my side. Who knew this place had flees…
I slept for hours after that… I wasn't sure for how long but I knew that I was enjoying it. It was so soothing, calming. For once I didn't think of demons or of my safety. I was surrounded by strong talented warriors- enough to protect me to be sure. Takemaru, the slayers, even our hosts were all valiant fighters. I used this knowledge to push away the demonic thoughts. I didn't feel in that short sleep that my lack of fighting skills was an issue - I felt as Takemaru hoped. Protected. Well- for those few hours at least. I woke up in a panic when a scream burst through the air. I sat there for a moment, my heart galloping in my chest, awaiting any other noise. There was silence for a few moments before I heard it again... "DEMONS!"
I pushed myself from my sheets, calling out Takemaru's name in a panic. The man pulled the door open, his eyes on me in alarm. Under his arm was a bundle which I assumed held his armour. "Come my lady, quickly."
I followed after him as he made his way to the armoury room. The slayers were already inside, grabbing a hold of their weapons. Much like Takemaru, they wore their simple kimonos in which they had slept in, hard looks of concern on their faces. My eyes met Shako as he pulled his boomerang onto his shoulder, Kirara on the other. The sound of destruction could be heard outside, screams and confusion. I remained close to Takemaru as he grabbed his spear and dawned some of his armour. I could hear screams coming from within the house now, causing me to tremble in hysteria. Had my blood turned to ice? Had the lords been slain? What happened to our safety he so eagerly promised us? What was out there? Takemaru put a hand on my back, pushing me towards the door. "Get outside, they're in the house," he instructed urgently, "If I can get you in the carriage, I can protect you more concisely from there."
Without hesitation I made my way outside with Takemaru and the slayers. The outer grounds of the castle was in a state of frenzy. Blood was spraying across the white walls and running across the grounds. Guards, who only a short time ago were at their posts or sleeping as I was, were now fighting off these demons. Some of the demons had hopped quickly over the wall to tackle the men, others busting through the gate. The guards were doing well holding off the creatures, spearing them with an agile hand. They were feline looking monsters, human in stance but cat in appearance. One of them hissed loudly when my eyes fell upon it. "Takemaru- what are these demons?" I asked, my voice wavering. "I don't know my lady. Stay close," he replied.
Takemaru stood in front of me, both of us staying behind the larger wall of guards. The carriage was overtaken by the felines, some of them using it as a vantage point. None of the demons fully got through the formation. A large hiss exited the house and I noticed many had stopped in their attack, meowing loudly towards the sound. They were at attention, waiting for something, someone. Several of our hosts were being guarded by their own handful of men near us in the court yard. I didn't notice until then however that Takeo and his father were not present in that defensive circle. The slayers stood with the guards who stood in formation. They looked back towards the house when the demon's stopped their attack… something was happening. My eyes followed theirs, noticing the remaining two hosts slipping into the court yard. They walked backwards, their weapons primed towards the doorway of the house. From the angle in which I stood I couldn't see the culprits initially… "We're not fools, we know you have it. Why not save us a bit of trouble and just tell it where it is?"
The voice was female, soft and delicate but still demanding. It was youthful and bold. It was only then that the four demons left the houses walls to be visible. They were walking in tandem with Takeo and his father, pushing them further out into the court yard. There were three women and one man, all appearing quite different from the others but each distinctly demon in their own right. The first was a woman who appeared older than the other girls. Her blue hair and pointed ears clearly unnatural to the eye. She wore a mauve kimono with a shoulder plate, a sword at her hip. She seemed to be their leader, her form a step ahead of the others, leading the group. The other two girls both had red hair and the similarly pointed ears. The one with longer hair was more elaborately dressed with a knee length kimono while the other wore a fur skirt and pale top. I noticed the short haired demon's tail as it wrapped around her legs. She seemed to the only one with such a feature… The last, the male, was large in stature and hardly fit into the house at his height. His large build and weight was offset by simple clothing, his only armour being a shoulder guard and headband. "I'm not going to ask again- where is the jewel?" the blue haired demon beckoned.
"You panther wench! I have nothing like what you speak of. You're presence here is unwelcomed! Leave this place or be slain by my men!" Ebisu barked, holding his sword firmly in his hands.
It was then I noticed that blood dripped from his form from a large set of claw marks which seemed to trail down his back. I watched the blood and I cringed, imagining the pain in which he felt. I thought of his words for a moment and a small recollection came to my mind. Panther… I knew very little of them, but my father had mentioned a tribe of panther demons. His knowledge had been of their attempts to claim the east… I never thought of them coming here. The male demon moved forward, causing Takeo to quicken his stance to hold his spear in his defence. The demon laughed loudly, his belly jostling with the effort. "You think such weak human weapons could defeat the great panther tribe!?" he jested loudly, "You mere humans couldn't even hold us from getting into your house! None of you could stand up to us."
"Perhaps they cannot… but I will not tolerate such negligence in my territory."
The voice was deep, confident and strong. I searched for the owner among the men but I felt Takemaru push me behind him, looking away from the crowds. I followed my friend's eyes. On the back wall, the moon behind him, was a tall man. Some of the felines who stood behind the guards hissed loudly, backing away to distance themselves from the figure. The demons who spoke looked up at the figure, one of them hissing loudly themselves. "Inu no Taisho!" the youngest of them yelled.
His silhouette in the moonlight made his features hard to distinguish from the distance I stood. I noticed several large pieces of armour over his shoulders, as well as what appeared to be a white cloak of fur which blew in the breeze which broke the silence. As I looked up at the silhouette, I thought of the fear I had had only a moment before for these panther demons. The slayers had been brought to defeat this man, this creature who seemed to be assisting in some way. I could see the fear in both our enemies and allies eyes. The triangle of this battle had only begun to escalate. I did not only fear of these panther demons- but I feared if I would survive the night… for this form could easily be the end to us all.
[a/n: Chapter 3! Finally he makes his appearance. w For those who noticed, Shako is Sango and Kohaku's grandfather. Please, review! I wanna hear what you think. Follow, favourite!]
