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Prologue: Shape-Stealer
Jaken, the little toad-like servant of Sesshoumaru, a great youkai lord, stumbled in the darkness, long since separated from his master. He sighed vexedly, feeling for a wall or something that might help to guide him in this labrynthine cavern. Somehow he had to find his way back to his lord, before Lord Sesshoumaru decided to leave him behind. He was surely going to be berated for this. His lord did not appreciate incompetent servants in the least.
Jaken felt something smooth and cold and hard, like metal. He felt along this strange item until he found that it was set into the stone walls with a ring set into it, like a door. Perhaps even a door to the outside, or to somewhere with more light than this place. The strange youkai servant hastily scrambled to tug it open.
The door resisted, years of rust and lack of use had set it in place as firmly as if nailed there. Frustrated, Jaken braced both feet against the wall and heaved. The hinges groaned and some dust motes broke free, but the door remained unmoved. Panting, Jaken dropped to the floor, his two- headed staff in one hand.
"Ah, stupid door," he muttered. "Probably nothing useful behind it anyway." He pushed himself to his feet and turned to try and find another way out.
Behind him, the old, rusted metal door made a harsh grating sound, then slowly swung open. Jaken swung around, staff held at the ready. Orange- yellow torchlight flared out at him, forcing the toad-like youkai to squint against its sudden brightness. He hesitantly stepped across the threshold.
Within was a smooth, polished floor of fine white, blue-veined marble and expertly crafted stone walls carved with ancient geometrical signs and words in a forgotten language. Torches blazed in brass sconces set into the walls to illuminate a pedestal on the far end of the room atop a small dais. A red, velvet cushion sat atop the pedestal. All of this was as untouched by time as if it was made yesterday.
But, by the door, that could not be.
What a strange visitor, come to see me after so many years. echoed a foreign voice inside of Jaken's mind. He looked around, startled.
"Wh-who's there? Show yourself!" Jaken called.
Calm yourself, strange one. I mean you no harm. A form appeared upon the pedestal, slowly revealing itself like a ghost. It was five feet to the shoulders, and feline in general shape. However, it was like no cat or youkai Jaken had ever seen. It had gleaming white fur and silver-colored eyes. Massive black horns sprouted from the crown of its head and swept back along its sides to its hindquarters, easily six feet long. A slight mane grew on its chest and shoulders, silvery-white, flowing gently on a non-existent wind. Its tail was long and whip-like, with the under part armored in reptilian scales. Armor scales flowed down its forelegs and thighs.
"Who and what are you?" Jaken demanded. He began to edge for the door. It slammed shut behind him with a loud crash, causing the torchlight to flicker and make the shadows dance. The creature had no shadow.
You cannot leave just yet, friend. We have much to discuss.
"I have nothing to discuss with you!" With that, Jaken brought forth his Staff of Two Heads and turned the old man head on the creature. The mouth opened and flames shot forth, enveloping the creature, dais, pedestal and all. Jaken smirked to himself.
I do not appreciate such acts, friend. The voice sounded miffed, now. Jaken let the flames die and stared in astonishment. The pedestal was gone, having crumbled to dust with one touch of the flame. And yet, the white creature hovered above the floor, tail slowly lashing, silver eyes narrowed.
A third eye opened, slitted vertically on the forehead of the creature, and it glowed with an eerie purple light that held the youkai servant in thrall. With a cry, the creature launched itself at Jaken.
Prologue: Shape-Stealer
Jaken, the little toad-like servant of Sesshoumaru, a great youkai lord, stumbled in the darkness, long since separated from his master. He sighed vexedly, feeling for a wall or something that might help to guide him in this labrynthine cavern. Somehow he had to find his way back to his lord, before Lord Sesshoumaru decided to leave him behind. He was surely going to be berated for this. His lord did not appreciate incompetent servants in the least.
Jaken felt something smooth and cold and hard, like metal. He felt along this strange item until he found that it was set into the stone walls with a ring set into it, like a door. Perhaps even a door to the outside, or to somewhere with more light than this place. The strange youkai servant hastily scrambled to tug it open.
The door resisted, years of rust and lack of use had set it in place as firmly as if nailed there. Frustrated, Jaken braced both feet against the wall and heaved. The hinges groaned and some dust motes broke free, but the door remained unmoved. Panting, Jaken dropped to the floor, his two- headed staff in one hand.
"Ah, stupid door," he muttered. "Probably nothing useful behind it anyway." He pushed himself to his feet and turned to try and find another way out.
Behind him, the old, rusted metal door made a harsh grating sound, then slowly swung open. Jaken swung around, staff held at the ready. Orange- yellow torchlight flared out at him, forcing the toad-like youkai to squint against its sudden brightness. He hesitantly stepped across the threshold.
Within was a smooth, polished floor of fine white, blue-veined marble and expertly crafted stone walls carved with ancient geometrical signs and words in a forgotten language. Torches blazed in brass sconces set into the walls to illuminate a pedestal on the far end of the room atop a small dais. A red, velvet cushion sat atop the pedestal. All of this was as untouched by time as if it was made yesterday.
But, by the door, that could not be.
What a strange visitor, come to see me after so many years. echoed a foreign voice inside of Jaken's mind. He looked around, startled.
"Wh-who's there? Show yourself!" Jaken called.
Calm yourself, strange one. I mean you no harm. A form appeared upon the pedestal, slowly revealing itself like a ghost. It was five feet to the shoulders, and feline in general shape. However, it was like no cat or youkai Jaken had ever seen. It had gleaming white fur and silver-colored eyes. Massive black horns sprouted from the crown of its head and swept back along its sides to its hindquarters, easily six feet long. A slight mane grew on its chest and shoulders, silvery-white, flowing gently on a non-existent wind. Its tail was long and whip-like, with the under part armored in reptilian scales. Armor scales flowed down its forelegs and thighs.
"Who and what are you?" Jaken demanded. He began to edge for the door. It slammed shut behind him with a loud crash, causing the torchlight to flicker and make the shadows dance. The creature had no shadow.
You cannot leave just yet, friend. We have much to discuss.
"I have nothing to discuss with you!" With that, Jaken brought forth his Staff of Two Heads and turned the old man head on the creature. The mouth opened and flames shot forth, enveloping the creature, dais, pedestal and all. Jaken smirked to himself.
I do not appreciate such acts, friend. The voice sounded miffed, now. Jaken let the flames die and stared in astonishment. The pedestal was gone, having crumbled to dust with one touch of the flame. And yet, the white creature hovered above the floor, tail slowly lashing, silver eyes narrowed.
A third eye opened, slitted vertically on the forehead of the creature, and it glowed with an eerie purple light that held the youkai servant in thrall. With a cry, the creature launched itself at Jaken.