Inuyasha saunters into the office.
B-M: Hi Inuyasha
Inuyasha ignores her and starts walking away.
B-M: Hey, do you like the story so far?
Inuyasha: What story bitch? Nothing's happened!! It's boring!!!
B-M: (Looking shocked) What? Give me a break will you? I just started.
Inuyasha: I'll give you a break all right wench. I'll start with your neck!
B-M: (Glaring at Inu) You know Inuyasha, I wasn't going to use Osuwari in my story, but now that I think about it, I can actually imagine a situation where Kagome will have sit you at least twenty times.
Inuyasha looks worried.
B-M: Actually, maybe more.
Inuyasha: (reluctantly) you're story is ok
B-M: (now smiling) thanks Inuyasha, that's really sweet of you to say so. You know, I think you and I are going to be great friends.
Inuyasha: Grrrrr!!! (Scowling)
Chapter 2: Call Of The Guardians
'Voices whispering...a faint touch of cool hands on burning skin...more whispered voices...dark swirling hair, flying in the wind...again the whispered voices'
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Kikyou released a long sigh, through her tensely held lips. She looked about her at the mess of scrolls that lay in a jumbled heap on floor. She had been at this for hours and still nothing. Even with all the aid she was receiving, she had yet to find anything relating to the Shiiyon Scroll. 'What should I do now?' she wondered resignedly, picking up the scrolls to re-bundle them. She decided to scan them once more. If nothing could be found, her only course of action would be to travel to the border's edge in search of the old wise one. With that decision, she concentrated her large brown eyes once more on a scroll from the top of the pile.
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'Whispered voices, caressing softly...lights flash in a darkened place, illuminating figures on a battlefield...whispers calling, over and over...figures dancing gracefully in a deadly dance of war...whispers crying out his name'
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Captain Tiyaku sat straight atop his large steed, despite the bone-aching weariness that racked his body. He and a small squad of fifteen patrol officers had been riding solidly for close to two days; chasing a lead they acquired the previous morning. Chasing being the operative word, as they had literally raced like demons for the last thirty-eight hours following a scent. The scent belonged to a certain young thief, who had taken it upon himself to remove a very valuable artefact from a holy temple. That said artefact being one that was necessary to the cause of his Liege, Prince Sesshoumaru. Tiyaku groaned as he rounded the large steep rock, only to find another empty rolling plain of grasslands. They would have to ride harder. He knew they were gaining, but obviously not fast enough. He would bring the artefact back with him, and soon.
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'Softly, softly whispered voices brush along ears...the sounds and smells of battle all around...softly whispering a chanted rhyme...swords clashing, in a deadly duel...softly telling a tale of victory... arms holding, protecting...softly whispered promises'
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Himari and Inuyasha smiled at each other triumphantly. Finally, after two days and thirteen hours, of endless reading and reading, they had found something. Tiredly Himari rolled up the necessary scrolls then turned to thank the Bablion Khai. He turned his weary light grey eyes to look at the Inuyasha. The young prince had his head atop his folded arms, deep in sleep. Himari smiled as he stood and rubbed his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't blame the boy, as his head was also swimming. One could only take so much reading. With a sigh, he ordered one of the passing soldiers in the hall, to take Inuyasha to his room. With this accomplished, he sought his own chambers, knowing that their Liege had yet to awaken. He would ask Dehndir to inform him the moment he did.
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'"The time is upon us"...body against body, two moving as one through steps of ancient battle manoeuvres... "where we shall draw together"...body to body, dancing in unison through slice, lunge and strike in a deadly dance of death... "to become one, against all"...fingers stroking hair, faces moving closer and cheeks caressing, sighs of contentment... "Soon, I will come to you"'
Sesshoumaru jerked from his sleep, sitting up to allow his lungs the air they badly required. His body was covered in sweat, feeling hot and cold at the same time.
'What the hell was that?' He wondered as his eyes quickly scanned the room. There was naught to indicate anything untoward. It was peaceful enough, containing its usual aura and scent. 'It must have been a dream...but it felt so real.' He sat there briefly, wondering if he should rise and check on the progress of those he left to task. As he turned his head, he experienced a strange swimming sensation and came to the conclusion that he was in no state to attempt standing. Resignedly he lay back on the pillow, baffled by his fatigue. Surely he had slept considerably, if the dream was any indicator. It had seemed to last an eternity.
'The dream' his mind said, trying to recall all that had played upon it. He concentrated, pulling images from their deep recesses. He recalled the whispering voice that had chanted unceasingly. The memory evoked the same responses he experience during the dream, making his skin burn and his heart race. Pictures flashed through his mind of people he had never seen, all surrounding him in battle. They were similarly dressed, and he knew instinctively that they were allies. Then he recalled the whispered promises of allegiances and victory.
"What does all this mean?" he pondered. Were these strange people to be his allies in some battle to come?
Suddenly he remembered the next occurrence in the dream. Once again he felt the soft warm back of a woman pressing into front of his muscular frame. Their bodies had moved in perfect rhythm as they performed one battle technique after another. His hand seemed to cover hers, over the hilt of the sword they wielded, their arms moving as one, in sweeping slashes and swift clean slices. Following this came the gently caressing fingertips on his face, soon replaced by soft cheeks that rubbed against his own, while she whispered into his ear the promise of her imminent arrival. "Soon" she had breathed gently, over his sensitised skin. He remembered the strange emotions that had passed through every inch of his body during the encounter. There were still lingering traces, even now in his conscious mind. He found himself curious about the woman. Who was she? He wandered at her facial features, as he was never presented with more than her back, except...
His mind reeled in sudden memory, the image of her approaching lips flooding his senses with many unnameable emotions. They were so close, and then he felt them, warm and soft against his cool skin, sealing the promise she made. Soon she would come to him. He struggled with his mind, attempting to fight the wave of exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm him, but it was futile. Amid his waning thoughts, sleep claimed him.
The peaceful countryside was disturbed by the thundering beat of many hoofed beasts. The sixteen riders made a splendid sight in their contrasting colours of deep blue, silver blue and startling white. At the head Captain Tiyaku smiled, if somewhat tiredly, glad to finally glimpse the rolling hills that signified home. This was the fourth day since their departure from the palace. Unconsciously picking up the pace, he gave way to his impatient need for haste. Upon hearing a grunt, his gaze swept down to the bound form carelessly slung across the front of his saddle. He realised that his prisoner was in great discomfort, maybe even pain, but at that particular moment he cared not in the slightest. It was after all due to the troublesome brat that they were so greatly delayed. Ignoring the boy's grunts of pain he urged the group on to a swifter pace, anxious to deposit the artefact into the hands of the waiting Lord.
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At that precise moment, some distance away, Lady Kikyou headed in the opposite direction toward the borders of the Western Lands. Here she would find the wise old priestess Kaede, the longest living of all her people. She held wisdom so vast, that it would take a lifetime to acquire all her knowledge. Kikyou sent a prayer to the heavens that the old one would have some answers for her.
Evening approached by the time Kikyou reached the little hut, which was situated in a little clearing, at the centre of the forest. As soon as she stepped near the tiny dwelling, a voice called out to bade her entry. She opened the door and walked into the tiny hut, smiling at the old woman who sat by a small fire stirring a huge iron pot. Kaede turned to welcome Kikyou, who had approached and was hugging her warmly.
"You are just in time for dinner Kikyou. I am glad you finally made it here."
Kikyou looked at the old one in surprise. "You knew I was coming?"
"Of course, you seek news of the Mystic Scroll of Shiiyon, am I right?" she asked knowingly.
"Yes, that is correct" Kikyou replied, 'and I should know better than to be surprised' she thought to herself. "Can you help me Kaede?"
"I do possess a little something that might aid your cause. First though, we must eat, when we have finished I will share with you all that I know."
Kikyou sighed, swallowing her impatience. It was dark outside, which made it impossible to leave for the palace. She may as well eat and get some rest. Smiling at the old one, she sat in the seat indicated. 'Tonight I will rest and tomorrow I will leave early'.
Sesshoumaru sat in his office, reading a letter he had just received. He still felt shock from discovering that he had slept for the last four days. He vaguely remembered waking, but couldn't recall exactly how long ago that was. He was quite anxious to continue with his search into the elusive puzzle that was the Shiiyon scroll. Especially since Dehndir had handed him a piece of writing that General Himari and Inuyasha had found, explaining that it held reference to the troubles that presently plagued the lands. Unfortunately his mind was now occupied by a new problem. He pressed down the irritation that kept rising in chest and concentrated on the letter.
It was from Lord Dikanio, his loyal retainer who had charge of Kataan. Kaatan, a large city on the southeastern border of his lands, was considered one of his strongholds. Apparently they were once again under attack, this time quite heavily. Sesshoumaru sighed as he laid down the letter and mentally summoned General Himari. These attacks on his border properties started two years ago and had escalated with time. The entire span of the lands seemed to be in chaos. It was no longer safe to travel outside the Western Lands. There was certainty of attack if you were not within a large group. Suddenly, there came a knock upon his door.
"Enter General" Sesshoumaru waited until Himari stood before his desk, bowing.
"We have a problem. There has been another attack on Kataan. I need you to send a platoon to assist them as soon as possible. Dikanio does not recognise the uniforms of the attacking army, but he does not think he will be able to hold them off too long. Apparently they are two thousand strong."
"Very well sire, I will attend to it now." With a quick bow Himari made to leave the room. He stopped at the door, turning when Sesshoumaru spoke again.
"I think it might be wise General, if we send troops to all the cities on the eastern border."
"Very well Sire." With that, he left.
Sesshoumaru proceeded to write eight letters, one to Dikanio and one to each retainer in charge of the other seven cities along the border. He summoned Jakken, and was surprised at his prompt response. He often wondered if the irritating toad lurked constantly at his doorway. Sesshoumaru handed him the eight letters with a note of instruction for each of the captains in charge of the designated troops. As Jakken left, Sesshoumaru picked up the scroll that Dehndir had handed him earlier. 'Finally' he thought, as he unrolled the parchment. He placed weights on each corner and started reading.
At the dawn of time, one held dominion above all. They were known as the Shiiyonians, and were said to have come from another world, as they held power and beauty far beyond that of the creatures Earth. They were fair and just rulers, keeping peace amongst all. The time of their reign was happy and prosperous, with little sickness and death. They instructed the inhabitants of earth on their ways and taught them to live in harmony. Their duration upon the earth, they said, would one day come to an end and their mission was to see that all was well before they departed.
Another of their missions was to divide the lands into four equal realms and delegate a ruler for each. Thus was born the North, South, East, and West. To each was proclaimed a new king, whose sole purpose was to care for his people in the manner instructed upon him by the Shiiyonians. Once the delegated rulers were learned in their duties, the people of Shiiyon took their leave, finally returning to be with their own. Before leaving they gave a warning, a promise and a gift to those of the earth.
They told of a time to come, when great evil would make its way into the world. This evil would find one of immense power to do it's bidding, and would start taking action towards total domination. The creature would live for thousands of years, gaining knowledge, power and strength, awaiting the day that it's carefully laid plans would come to fruition. It would gather an army of great strength and strike at the leaders of the earth.
All hope though, was not lost. The Shiiyonians made an oath to those of the earth. When the time came, they would assist. One would be sent for their protection, one that would lead the Guardians, the sworn protectors of the earth.
The Shiiyonians gave to the people a chest, which contained some scrolls, a talisman, a ring, a crown and a crystal. They explained that the scrolls would bring knowledge to those who would need it when the time came. The new king would wear the crown and ring. The talisman would be used to call forth the Guardians of Shiiyon. The jewel housed all the powers of the chosen one, and would call to the leader when the time was right. They warned that the chest must remain hidden until the time came for its use. With the completion of this task, the Shiiyonians took their leave, bidding farewell to the Earthlings, until the day when one of their own would answer the its cry for help.
Sesshoumaru sat back in his chair, his mind sorting through the information he'd read. Well that certainly explained the chaos that had been running rife throughout the lands.
'So, this is going get to worse' he told himself, as he stood and headed towards the door. He needed food, as he hadn't eaten for almost five days. There was nothing more to be done until the others returned. Hopefully they had some piece to add to the puzzle.
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Captain Tiyaku strode briskly through the corridors toward the training rooms. He found Sesshoumaru adjusting his tunic neatly over his broad shoulders.
"Perfect timing Captain. Have you found anything?"
"Yes Sire, we arrived at a small village near the coast of Ravalla almost four days ago, to be informed that the artefact we sought had been stolen that very morning. We pursued the thief for three days before finally catching him."
"That must be quite some horse he has" remarked Sesshoumaru, with raised eyebrows.
"Yes it is an amazing horse that we have Sire"
Sesshoumaru chuckled wryly. "So I gather you have the artefact?"
"Yes Sire, that would be correct?"
"Good, let us see if it helps." He turned and headed towards the Shiiyon Temple. Captain Tiyaku handed him the talisman as they walked. Sesshoumaru studied the small statue. It was made entirely of gold, and stood about six inches in height, weighing heavily in his hand. He realised it was a woman, as he studied the distinctly marked features. She wore a close fitting tunic, with some kind of armouring that held a picture of a bird of fire, surrounded by several animals' heads. The figure stood on a star shaped base.
"What do you think it is for Sire?" asked Tiyaku. The statue fascinated him.
"According to the scroll Himari found, there is a talisman that calls forth the Guardians of Shiiyon. Hopefully this is the one."
"So it isn't a myth after all?" asked Tiyaku, mystified. He had heard many stories as he grew up about the Shiiyonian people and their once mighty rule upon the earth, but had always thought them fanciful tales. Who would have such power?
"It would appear so" Sesshoumaru replied. As they walked to the temple, he explained to Tiyaku the details of the scrolls he previously read. Upon reaching the temple, both paused in the centre of the room, unsure of how to proceed. Sesshoumaru decided to put the talisman on the table next to the scroll. As he neared it, the table's vibrations started to pick up. By the time the statue sat atop it, the pulsing could be felt throughout the room. The strange wind was once again swirling about. The crystals Kikyou had placed around the table were still there, as none had been able to lift them. They now started glowing, just as the candles lit up. Suddenly impelled, Sesshoumaru leaned forward and read the words from the scroll.
"Shorafn sonze tun corohabinz ter Shiiyon"
Suddenly the wind and vibrations picked up, until a sound came forth that was unbearable to the ears. Then the far wall of the temple began to shimmer, and right before their eyes it changed from a dull grey to black. It looked like a mural of the sky at night with brilliant gold stars and moons in many sizes, blazing gloriously upon it. Before Sesshoumaru or Tiyaku had time to process this, a strange black whirling mist appeared before the wall, and started growing until it became a large black portal. The two youkai looked at each other in amazement. What now?
Back At The Office
Well that wraps up another chapter.
I'd like to thank Pixy-Misa-Misao-Amano (I'd love to know what that stands for). Thank you so much for your review. I honestly did not expect to receive one the same day I posted the fic. It was really kool!! Well 'till next chapter.
Adieu
Babs