A/N: Hey, these chapters are coming out slow I know. A month is a long time, since it is the summer. I'm trying to get these out faster. I'm going to say two chapters a month and that's very optimistic.... OH! And please drop me a line, especially if there are errors!
Misunderstandings
In the Western Library
Two lone figures stand, whose shadows fight for dominance among the many shelves, in the center of the room opposite the entrance. Two heavy oaken doors opened outward to present the enterer with dark hard wood floors. Then in certain places this floor was covered by a light tan, almost cream colored, tatamimats. These mats are laid out below several low tables that were no more than a foot off the ground. Near some of the recently used tables there are a few pale blue cushions that were carelessly left out and forgotten.
The library consisted of two levels. There are four staircases leading up to the next space of shelves, one in each corner. The library is filled top to bottom with books with one adjoining room set aside for scrolls and other single pieces of parchment.
Upon climbing the ladder, there is a five foot walkway that circles the circumference of the room. This is held up by wooden supports that are separated about twenty or so feet from each other and are used only where necessary. So in total, there are eight pillars in the room and each are decorated with carvings. These carvings cut into the wood to form a spiral starting at the top and circling down.
The drop from one floor to the other is about eighteen feet, not a large drop for a demon, but for humans it is quite a sturdy leap. Lining the plunge is a small railing no more than two feet in height. It was more of a precaution than a safety measure.
The library is dusted and cleaned twice a day. These shifts are early in the morning, right as soon as the servants take to their duties. Then this ritual occurs once again around late evening around seven or so. Since youkai have very sensitive sensory organs and preceptors this aids in keeping the dust, etc. from invading or overloading those senses.
As soon as one enters this room you are met with two large windows that are facing in front of you on the opposite wall. Separating the two is a very large mural, painted directly onto the wall. The artist's idea or model for inspiration is unknown. The woman was in debt to the taiyoukai with the fact that she owed a great deal of money.
Having a secret talent with the arts she presented the idea to Lord Inutaisho of a mural or painting of his choice in a place of his choice. This was in exchange for being debt free. Otherwise, the woman would have to spend several centuries in servitude to the demon to work it off. The lord of the west was known for his fascination for art and accepted the compromise. He chose the library between the two windows because the white space was always empty. But as the subject he left it up to the creative mind of the artist. For that is how true art is made, with a creative mind and an open canvas free for exploration.
The woman's name has long been forgotten except for the initials 'K.S.' and this is only because they are splotched at the bottom right hand corner of the piece. The mural was almost abstract in its true nature. Or at least it was to anyone who didn't know the actual intention of the rendition.
In the center of the painting is depicted a woman with blazing red hair that seems to shoot embers and crackle with heat. The long tendrils curled and flared outwards behind her cascading towards her knees. The tresses are pulled around her body accentuating her curves and highlighting her skin making it seem glowing with contained energy. The girl had long bangs that framed her face, pushed forward from some unknown force or wind.
Her eyes are closed and her face is angled towards the heavens. Her body is thin and lanky with the back arched ever so slightly forward. This gesture increased the vantage for observing the darkening, almost stormy firmament. One of the female's arms, her left is folded against her side, clutching the fabric near the vicinity that her heart would lay. The other is extended outwards and slightly backward with her hand turned even more in the rear direction she was facing. Her slender fingers were splayed out in a varied position.
Long legs are shown because the loosened kimono is spread at the front and swirling around her as well. This wasn't in an indecent way, but more to an exotic and caused a desiring effect. But also gave an unnatural and god-like appeal. One leg was lifted and pressed beneath her as if she were kneeling. The knee was pointed upwards and the cloth of the alabaster silk kimono fell back passed mid thigh.
The other, her right leg, was like her arm and once again extended slightly backwards. This action made the heavenly woman hold the illusion that she was flying. There was a silver aura surrounding the female whipping around her and lifting her up into the air. The silver and white twirled and swirled around the girl and contrasted to the dark, almost foreboding background.
Inutaisho had been so intrigued by the masterpiece that he searched out the artist. But the woman had disappeared without a trace. Some servants in the castle believe she was a kami descended from heaven posing as a mortal to send a message. But others formed a more possible conclusion and that she was simply dispatched of. Death was a more 'down to earth' conclusion to the mystery.
But no one knows who the female is. She looks familiar to Inutaisho's first wife and only wife at the time, Saiyaka. Except there were peculiar markings covering her entire frame. There was a bulge in her kimono at the collar showing a bold, white line that lay beneath her collar bone. Where it started and ended was unknown since it was hidden beneath fabric. There were also lines that lead down the outside of her thigh and ceased at knee.
Then yet another circular pattern of the back of her wrists partly hidden by the lengthened sleeves. And lastly on her face the misty white lines began at her temple diagonally falling to the corner of her eye and then curving along outwardly to rest at the line of her jaw. Then after this small break, the same line proceeds down from an inch below her jaw line, steadily inwards over her pulse following the esophagus to rest on the edges of the half moon shape her collar bone creates at its center.
A man, with navy blue eyes so deep any woman would shudder between her shoulder blades and knees, studies this portrayal with a critical eye and a beautiful, masterful taste in art. Although these same tempting irises strayed more towards the smoothly muscular thighs then the captivating scenery of the winds, everyone within the castles thick stone walls was accustomed to these actions.
Only one thing could keep the man's tendency to straying hands under lock and key, that source currently living in a mountain keep for the winter's breath-taking environment. In this case however, another caused this hentai's head to swivel from its satisfying ascent from hips to bust.
Miroku was yanked from his ponderings by the approach of an aura so strong it was intoxicating. The advisor was surprised to feel familiarity with this very soul and shivered as it entered the very room he was so pleasantly standing in. The library's heavy, thick doors were pushed open, but the manner was with so much force that the doors hit the walls and rebounded back into their bolts effectively slamming shut.
There in front of him stood the revered Prince Sesshoumaru, the only demon, or of any species, that could challenge his lord and master Inutaisho with strength and endurance. The very one whose sword technique and style could not truly be determined for every time he attacked it was different. And the other fact is that most don't live long enough to see the deadly nature behind the blade.
The so called monk stared up at the demon in front of him and stared for once into those golden orbs with fear twisting his features. Miroku could see two things. In Sesshoumaru, he felt a beast that was breaking loose of its bindings of poise and control. The reins holding the bloodlust were snapping at their roots and the true demon inside was growling to be free.
Sesshoumaru's eyes held a fire destined to join the sun instead of the usual ice that could freeze the artic temperatures of Mount Fuji. The wise advisor felt his knees weakened and could feel his heart pounding the blood through his entire body. The second thing that Miroku could feel was in himself.
A rush of water washed around and lifted his body. The rough waves rushing towards him, but in the midst of it all was the tidal wave. The largest of them all buying its time to build its complete potential before crushing its victim. The solo human rose in the swells, the strong smell of salt over riding all of his senses.
In the spraying foam of the humongous natural wonder his could fantasize an animal with an open mouth roaring to the heavens. Long hair splayed around in the growing size of the water. Piercing jet black eyes stared him down before narrowing in anger as another scream was strummed by its vocal cords.
And just as the tide was about to rise and engulf him, the waves receded and the clouds turned a calming grey. A voice gripped his mind and ordered his mind to respond and act normally. Miroku didn't know what the words were as they meant nothing to his terror-clouded psyche.
A pallid face beaten with sweat rose to meet the fierce, yet powerfully controlled features of the demon prince. A gulp resounded in the room as Miroku composed himself, his chest still heaving from the onslaught of raw youki. With a deep breath the monk stood and straightened out his robes.
Miroku was completely over run with the strength of the youkai's aura and that was before he even attacked. The advisor could only pray that he would never face the prince on opposite sides. He was a force to be reckoned with, a true successor of the Great Western Lord Inutaisho.
There was a squeak from above that alerted Miroku to the whereabouts of his current companion.
"Shippo, come down."
Miroku's authoritative voice bit through the tense air of the room like a scream in a hushed crowd. The kit hopped down from the rectangular banner he was clinging to. This banner, like several others hung around the library, hung from the ceiling alone the highest trim of the room. The colors were of the family crest, red, white, and silver. Every other banner held the crest where the ones that lay in between held designs of different variety in these three colors in silk thread.
The young boy stood slightly behind the advisor's leg, clearly not used to this treatment either. Their prince always had a strong hold on his instincts and emotions. These outbursts were more common among his father and seemed to be passed on to Inuyasha.
Miroku adjusted his aura to attempt to make the kit relax, which it did. The youkai pup easily picked up on the serene wavelengths of his friendly aura and using them for comfort and strength. Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru seated himself at one of the many tables of the finest pale oak wood.
This wood was from the ancient forest of Besa (bay-sa). The name was given by an anonymous person and was in an ancient tongue long forgotten through the passage of time. Very few knew what the name meant, but the descendants of the western empire knew by reading scrolls passed down over the centuries. The name meant black because in this wood no light penetrated the thick brush and only the tallest trees could reach the sunlight.
This forest is considered the oldest in existence because no one in this age could remember a time it not being there just before the great volcano. That place is so thick, heavy with unnatural energy, most pure. Spirits flock to the powerful pure energy, as well as deadly, ancient demons to the darker depths of the spiritual power.
Of course these demons were never seen and said to only be rumors or tales, but at night the spirits would leave the forest and dance among the fresh air of the surrounding meadows. No one would enter it. There was a legend that elves thrived there among the spirits.
Legend has it that the forest's pure energy protected the neighboring lands as well as its own greenery from the vicious volcano's eruption in the centuries previous because the sizzling lava never reached passed the forest's boundaries. But the dark energies always present along with the light, all the animals and inhabitants didn't survive. At that time, the forest was lively with lower class demons and several human clans.
The demons sought shelter and peace. The humans used the lumber for profit, but always replanted all that they took. As well as making sacrifices to appease the forest spirits as thanks for allowing them their great success. The lumber was pure white to the darkest black depending on which part of the forest it was taken from.
If towards the volcano's edge, the wood was burnt black or a smoldering grey. In certain trees a swirling red or brown tints contaminated the wood creating a beautiful, natural pattern from the lava's path. But in the very center of the woodland, no light could reach the smaller trees. So there was less pigment in their branches and trunks birthing a white wood. These trees were smaller and much harder to find since most were destroyed by the lava because they were weaker than the surrounding taller trees.
They were the most valuable and soon all was gone. But they couldn't be recreated because it was natural selection that these trees die of their short height. The only reason they survived was by adapting to grow vines that hooked the taller trees to them. The vines entered the bark of the neighbors and stole food and water.
Their cousins, the ones of middle height were a pale, fine grain wood that looked metallic under light. It was almost silver. And as the silver ice prince seated himself behind the table upon the raised dais, the sunlight sparkled among his tresses and was complemented by the shimmering table. The light reflected against the shine of the wood creating a mirror like image on the surface where Sesshoumaru's stern face could be seen. Control once more reining his features, but strain was still among his tense, set jaw.
The effect his aura had on the advisor was unsettling for Sesshoumaru. Even though he was human, he was fairly strong and could hold his own in battle. But he was weakened just by the purity of his youki. Sesshoumaru rarely released his iron grip on his beast for it was a voracious killer and couldn't be set loose.
The human must have been shocked, but secretly Sesshoumaru was proud he had such an effect because not even his father in his truest form could unseat the monk. It was unsettling only because when he was standing there he could feel the monk's aura draining. As if he was struggling just to keep himself alive, like Sesshoumaru's aura was stealing Miroku's.
--It seems I have several things to research, this new observation as well as the fact that the miko's blood had no scent. Yes, I mustn't forget that for that is one of the reasons she was brought here in the beginning. Perhaps I should seek council with my father.--
Sesshoumaru directed his attention, for once, towards the other occupants in the room.
"You are for a reason of some considerable importance to disturb my morning session?"
The deepness of Sesshoumaru's voice never wavered and his youki seemed to have settled back into submission. And Miroku steeled his expression back to the seriousness of his visit. The monk approached the table where his prince had seated himself.
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as a white, unsealed letter was pulled from the safety and concealment of the monk's violet robes. The advisor placed the letter upon the crafted table and bowed as he returned to his previous standing place in the library. The youkai prince lightly lifted the letter from the sturdy tabletop. With his superior senses, he could smell his father on the letter's seal therefore deducing he was the one to open it. Relaxing slightly, the demon prince removed the contents from the envelope. The paper had several creases causing Sesshoumaru's brow to knit in realization. The writings of the letter could not be pleasant if his father, in his haste, did not refold the parchment properly. A sense of foreboding filled the youkai.
The parchment had obviously traveled a long way judging by the crumpled edges that were torn in some places marginally. The color was also more of a tawny than the original cream. The youkai straightened from his lazy posture before reading the characters written before him. The hand writing was curving slightly to the left, signifying a right handed composer. Also the elegant strokes were smaller and remarkably neat showing that the writer was educated as a noble or higher in status.
The monk watched the demon prince closely. His head titled to the side with curiosity. This male was certainly intelligent if not fascinating. The demon hadn't even opened the letter sent to the taiyoukai and already he seemed to know the contents. His back was now straight in an impeccably perfect posture and his brow was creased the slightest indentation.
First the demon had observed the seal, then the paper itself as if it held some secret only he with his meticulous observations could notice and draw them in for contemplation. Miroku shook his head to clear these thoughts as the youkai had finally dropped the slightly yellowed and worn paper onto the tabletop in front of him. The edges of the still unfolded paper scraped and scratched as it slid upon the smooth wood, but didn't leave any markings.
Sesshoumaru had a much different reaction from his father, the lord taiyoukai. Truly it was humorous to think they were of the same blood. Miroku never had the honor of meeting the first lady of the western lands, but from what he heard of her, Sesshoumaru acquired much of his characteristics from her, such as his current patience and quiet nature that he was exhibiting right now.
On the other, completely different, hand his father had stood up so quickly from his large chair that it fell over with a heavy thud. His normally handsome face was twisted with anger, his cheeks changing to a most unbecoming shade of red. Scaring his servant, or rather mail boy, to death who turned tail and scampered out of the room trying to avoid the rampaging path of the enraged youkai.
It was then that Miroku found his door slammed open and the aftermath of the shudder the room produced knocked the book from his loose hands. There stood the still red faced taiyoukai with his human lady clinging to his right arm rubbing it in a comforting manner. This act seemed to work for he breathed a sigh and it was as if as his rage was wisped away to the surrounding atmosphere. While hastily refolding what Miroku assumed was some sort of letter, he ordered the monk to leave immediately and return with his personal messenger to deliver the letter to his eldest son. The very predicament he found himself in now.
Miroku could see the obvious differences of the two inuyoukai, but the incident previous proved that the son had the same potential of the father, if not more. The lord taiyoukai was forward and straight to the point as was his son, but where Inutaisho was more impulsive Sesshoumaru sat back and observed. The young inu preferred, or as it seemed, to watch his enemies squirm a little before attacking them when they're paranoid and shaking with fear.
Inutaisho much liked things out in the open and simple. He wanted a good fight, but one that he knew he could win. Inutaisho was at times predictable where his eldest son, and heir, was complicated and whose thoughts could never be read. Both were dangerous, but in very different ways. Working together they were a destructive force.
--It seems only natural that Sesshoumaru would succeed his father o- --
"You are dismissed."
Startled from his thoughts realizing that he'd been unfocused for a few minutes, the monk had to hold in the reaction to reply 'what.' If he had the youkai in front of him wouldn't have been pleased. But the words finally sunk in and Miroku resisted the urge to turn tail and follow the not so well hidden command. But lifting his hand, he protruded a second letter. Sesshoumaru was obviously displeased with this, by the narrowing of his eyes.
"I was told by your father to give you this after you had finished reading the first letter, my prince."
This letter was deposited on the table and with the leaving thought that, "Should you require returning correspondence to the great taiyoukai, the messenger will remain until the dusk of this night," then the advisor bowed and left the room.
Sesshoumaru dully noted that the kitsune, once situated on the now crumpled banner he noted, had followed after a polite, but rather hasty bow as well, leaving him alone to his thoughts.
--My father returns in a day's time. There is much left to do.--
With Kagome and Rin
Kagome turned towards the table and noticing the food was now chilled, took to sipping her tea. The essence wafted up and flared gently in Kagome's nostrils. The scent was a light mint, but had a spicy zing to it. The miko wet her lips with her dexterous tongue before tasting the slightly arousing aroma. Cerulean eyes lit up in pleasure at the savory simplicity of the tea.
Kagome's knowledgeable mind in tea flavors along with her miko training, teaching her about all sorts herbs, helped her to discover the ingredients as she sampled the sweet watery caress in her mouth once again. Lips smacked together softly, tongue rolling the liquid across the slightly rough texture before swallowing once more.
--Hmm...--
Mint was a definite; its soothing menthol taste flooded the senses and filled the aroma with a secret blaze of strength renewal. There was a mellow complement to the sometimes overpowering minty aspirations. This was some sort of berry that softened its stronger companion in the brew. Kagome tested her senses further before mentally assenting to the conclusion that it was indeed raspberry. But also there was a soft spice that sharpened its savor shockingly out of the blue as the tea was engulfed and sent down the throat.
Except throughout her experiences and teachings this taste or herb never crossed her path, meaning that it was born on the demon realm and therefore altogether new to her. It sent a shiver throughout Kagome's senses. Her ability of taste and sense of it was always strong, especially for that of a human. Food cooked to the perfection was sensual and exhilarating to the female. Her miko training allowed all the variety of tastes to gain names and naming them in her head as she ate improved the taste as well.
Kagome then gathered her thoughts and focused her attention on the little girl at her side. Rin was absently poking the cold food with her chopsticks obviously deciding if she should eat it or not. She was hungry, but the food was never as good cold. Her mood was spoiled due to somewhat ruined meal and the unusual silence of her second idol.
Kagome's hand crossed Rin's vision as she pulled the plate closer to hers. Hoping to lighten the mood and of course spoil the child she was unconsciously becoming quite attached to, Kagome was willing to waste a little portion of her energy. Hovering her slender fingers above the porcelain laden with food, her finger tips falling slightly as a reddish tint flowed from the pores of the skin and was swallowed by the sustenance below. The pads of her fingers glowed like a poker stuck in the licking flames of a fire.
After a few seconds the miko slid Rin's plate back over with a warning that the porcelain would be hot. The unnatural energy Kagome used in a somewhat wasteful act treated the plate as if it were a living thing. Delving deep with the fibers of the coated glass and warming from within. It was an easy maneuver that heated the entire palate. But of course was unnecessary, but Kagome didn't want to call the servants back to re-heat it and give them more work. Especially since it was partly her fault they hadn't eaten right away, stalling from answering Rin's simple question.
Rin clapped her hands at the trick in joy of seeing a new aspect and having a new reason to adore her idol. Then picking up the dropped chopsticks, the pair ate in a companionable silence only daunted by the slowly evaporating pressure that simple question created.
Delving into the prepared meal after a minimally long absence of cheer, Rin forgot the question she had asked and chose instead to munch on the vegetables and small cakes in front of her. The ornate dish was beginning to peak through the arranged morsels that remained. Kagome absently noted the engravings of fish swimming through an ocean of white with only others of varying species accompanying them on the sea of porcelain.
With Sesshoumaru
Sesshoumaru had long since left the library, returning to his study. Here, the demon walked a worn path in the stone as he acted upon a rare urge to pacing. His back was tense and his shoulders propped into a stiff, but still perfected posture that was drilled into him since childhood, but truly only surfaced in uncomfortable or formal situations.
The reason the youkai was moving in such distracted, but swift motions was because of what his father had discovered from his spies that the taiyoukai had sent into the south. Both Kieina and Suna returned intact and safe. Kieina returned to her duties serving Kagome and also Rin, but Suna had been shipped off to the northern lands as an emissary for a treaty.
Yes, he knew why Kagome's blood held no distinctive scent, nothing to distinguish her weakness. Sesshoumaru had doubted their existence, but until now he had no proof to even deem it more than a legend. He still didn't, but he would watch the miko, strange that she was one, with ever-vigilant eyes. But for now, Sesshoumaru had to prepare for his father's formal arrival as well as his juvenile brother's.
--I understand the disgrace's desperation for wanting to retrieve the vixen. The question was how did Naraku acquire her and also convince her to stay when she had the potential to overcome him? What was his hold on her?--
Sesshoumaru pondered these and other such questions without receiving any viable answers in his intelligent mind. He didn't know enough about the myths of these creatures. Therefore, he concluded to study the similarities and differences of the woman-child to the written knowledge in the scrolls. These scrolls were very ancient and conveniently located on his bookshelf among his collection of scrolls containing such topics.
Sesshoumaru had five hours to utilize and he would find the answers he desired even if he must confront his still prevalent enigma face to face.
In the Garden
Kagome was currently walking along an aged bridge, one of many, that crossed over the expanse of a large koi pond on the edge of one of the main gardens. Rin and she had been content to stay within the compounds of the smaller garden, the one she had first laid eyes on. Except that servants kept traipsing back and forth through it to reach the kitchens and servants' quarters. The rush to finish the preparations for the lord taiyoukai's arrival was fresh in the air and feverish in the hearts of those who were working.
Kagome, naturally, wished to help, but her only and always response to this was that guests weren't to assist the hired help or that her only occupation and duty was the well-being and care for the young ward, Rin. This left her with frustration and slightly in the way in the spacious, but diminutive garden, that the pair left holding hands to a secluded part of the royal gardens.
Rin had placed herself upon the creaky wooden planks of the walk way. She neatly tucked her light blue yukata, that stopped at mid-shin, up over her thighs part way so that it wouldn't wrinkle or get wet as she splashed her now bare feet merrily in the water below. This bridge was much closer to the water's surface than the newer more elaborate passages across the water.
The railings were slightly warped and the edges cracked giving one who wasn't careful a nasty splinter if leaned upon. The floor boards, as said previous, were creaky and also in spots mutilated by birds that pecked their beaks into the surface looking for pieces to create nests with.
Kagome rested her head on her folded arms before sitting herself in a similar position next to her charge. The miko felt slightly fatigued at the moment and slipped her head between the wide columns lining the bridge that rested between the floorboards and railing.
"Rin-chan..."
Kagome started, but never finished because the child perked up so quickly at the familiar and intimate name that she had become so used to.
"Yes, Ka-san?"
Kagome flinched in the slightest way. Rin, Kienia, Koharu, and other servants who met her before Inutaisho's order, knew her true name instead of the alias, Raiven, that she was given. Of course she informed Rin of her own volition because truthfully she couldn't lie to the one she was becoming, no was attached to.
Also it gave the girl a special secret that very few others knew of and the bright smile, giddy face afterwards was worth the divulged information. Besides whom would Rin have access to tell it to? Especially after her idol said not to, it was possible, but highly unlikely. It gave Kagome confidence that she required to bring up the harshest failure of her long, dwindling lifetime.
"Would you like to hear another secret?"
The girl said no response, but nodded her head vigorously. Afterwards she placed her pointer finger against her small mouth signifying that she wouldn't tell. Kagome had said this was their symbol to keep quiet and Kagome returned it with an uneasy smile.
"In the near future, I may have to leave for awhile..."
Once again she was interrupted, but this time by a horrified gasp. Turning her face to the girl's, Kagome was perturbed to find the beginnings of tears. The miko was determined and continued on, but in a gentler tone.
"I don't know for how long... but I promise to return to see you."
After this, the miko picked up the young girl without the normal hassle as the child chose to curl up in her lap and wrap her short arms as best she could around Kagome's neck. The elder woman hugged the girl fiercely before going on with her words and her promise.
"You remind me of someone I cared for very much."
Kagome turned Rin's face, which had buried itself into her shoulder, to hers.
"I have to go; I have to put this person and my past to rest...before I can be content."
"Rin understands."
Kagome was surprised by the girl's voice cutting hers. There was a hard look, or as hard as the small jubilant thing could muster, in her eyes.
"Rin will wait for Ka-chan to fulfill her promise. Rin will never forget."
Blah Blah
Ok, so the actual point of the plot is arising. Soon, and finally, you'll begin to understand the summary. Sorry it took so long...like 10 stupid chapters to get here...but still it will be worth it! Review with errors or improvements please! And just for the record I did finish two chapters in one month, but because my internet is nuts...it wouldn't let me on! grr
Thought of the day- Are the ramen noodles pronounced 'rah-men' or 'ray-men'?
I've heard it both ways. As a kid, it was the second pronunciation, but as I grew older I learned of the former. Anyone know? Personally, I use 'rah-men' only because I think it sounds better. Not a very good reason, but oh well.