New Day

Step by step, crunching sounds of leaves were heard beneath his feet. In mid-Autumn, the infamous demon Naraku traversed alone. With a much less greedy and cruel spirit, he simply enjoyed nights like this. However, he didn't plan to live his life aimlessly. In the distance, a large castle would soon reveal itself through the forest trees. "Hmm.. such a large empire. I wonder as to who their lord is.." He thought to himself.

Moments later he would be greeted by two stern and callous guards. "Halt! Who are you and to where are you from?!" Naraku's piercing red eyes only glared at the two analyzing their disposition. Knowing well that he might have problems everywhere due to his reputation, Naraku remained cynical.

"I'm.. a traveler.. on a pilgrimage if you will. I'm looking for work in between my travels to feed myself. Would there be any opportunity in this castle"? He asked while releasing the tension of his fist. Clearly, the demon was not used to compromise but his past behavior would be there as a reminder. "That depends on the type of work.. and why are you creeping around the forest at a time like this?!" One guard said venomously before being interrupted.

"Relax.. let him in.. even if he is a problem we can see who'll stop him first. Think of it as a competition between us." The calmer guard smirked.

"You have my thanks," Naraku said before entering the large palace. In the tranquility of the night, the people who lived there had all been asleep except for the main cabin. Surrounding this area were four highly skilled samurai that'd remain on duty until early morning. They were signaled to let the newcomer within the vicinity. Although the samurai followed orders, they gave the impression to kill without remorse. Making his way into the luxurious cabin, a stern yet well-respected lord sat in the center of the place. Surrounded by two women and a few small cats he directly greeted the red-eyed demon.

"State your name, stranger. We do not adhere to senseless violence." His tone had quite the directness yet respect that had earned him his position. Naraku replied in a calm and analytical fashion. "My name's Naraku, I am a traveler.. looking for work. I'm amidst my pilgrimage and I'm looking to feed myself. I am skilled in battle so I can assist in war/conflict or simply hunt."

Akosei(The lord) thought for a moment before replying. "Very well.. meet with Obi in the morning, outside of my domain for further details of what we'll require of you. There is an inn just left of here. "Thank you.." Naraku said before leaving out and finding himself within the inn.

The next morning Naraku woke to the sounds of a few chirping birds. The noon sunlight beamed over his face to jump-start his day. "There you are.." said a voice outside the inn's window. "Follow me " one samurai said as he led the demon towards the edges of the palace. "Alright everyone, there is a large cave just east of here. Our special sect has brought us information about the sightings of the very demons that's been attacking.

Most likely their hive is there. Kill, destroy, and eliminate any threatening beast. Return with any valuable salvage as well!"

The legion of men quickly dashed off in the eastern direction. A few among them were communicating strategies while others were more silent. Naraku swiftly moved alongside the samurai through the forest. "I hear your name's Naraku. I'm Obi.. you'd do well to give your best. First impressions are everything." "Spare me the unnecessary lectures. I'm here to serve my purpose, that is all." The intense speaking demon replied. Now outside of the lord's influence, he could allow his words to be free. Although without malice, his unmovable nature was still present. Again Naraku was unfamiliar with working in subservient positions and a keen eye could notice.

Suddenly a few men were attacked by what seemed to be an invisible demon. Slashing through a few had left arms on the ground. Blood splatting onto the trees, Naraku quickly took notice. "Men on your guard! Gain some distance!" Obi commanded as he drew his blade. A dark red swirl of energy surrounded his Katana as he waited for any movement. But before he could react, Naraku sent part of his body underground and gripped the beast. Removing its cloak after being captured, Obi would send a large wave of heat from his sword destroying the demon.

Obi's sword had mysterious powers that only Lord Akosei knew of. No one had ever questioned whether Obi was human nor demon. His expertise in battle and trustworthy nature is what earned him to lead the lower tier. "Looks like this is the cave the demon emerged from. We should scan the area and find what is useful." Obi suggested while checking on the others. Naraku made his way directly into the cave with no fear. To his notice was a mysterious shard that resembled the Shikon no Tama. However, this one was different. Its glow was that of a bright orange color.

Haunting memories abruptly shot into Naraku's mind. The moment he slew Kikyo and set her against her former lover raced through his thoughts. Kneeling to one knee while holding his face, he could only be reminded of his sinful ways. A stomach-turning and nauseous feeling knotted his stomach before he'd fall to his hands. It was apparent that the pain he's inflicted on so many people had given him PTSD. After a moment of heavy breathing, he'd reclaim his calm before snatching the jewel. Leaving the cave, the legion of men stood ready for Obi's command. "You find.." Naraku interrupted by showing him the jewel. "I found this, perhaps it's valuable but I should warn you about jewels".

The dark-haired demon handed over the mysterious, almost identical jewel before following along with the other men. Everyone but a few arrived back safely. Akosei greeted everyone in the middle of the palace before letting them go for the day. "Naraku.. let me have a word with you, yes? Recently a powerful and very devoted priestess made her way through our village. Apparently, she was the original protector of the Shikon no Tama. Perhaps we can hear her opinion on the matter. Please lay your head for the night and gather with her, Obi, and myself once we locate her."

Naraku immediately cringed at the thought of seeing her. Saying that there was bad blood between the two would be an understatement. This had to be divine timing, something Naraku knew nothing of. But any suspicious behavior would surely have the palace frown upon him. So without many options, the aloof demon agreed. "Very well, I'll accept my reward gratefully and head in for the night." As he made his way towards the inn a cool Autumn breeze inspired once romantic feelings for Kikyo. Small memories of infatuation haunted his thoughts just as much as the tragedy. What would tomorrow bring?