The clanging of swords echoed in large open-roofed dojo. Sunbeams reflected
off the various weapons arranged on racks around the room. Glints of light
flashed as the katanas wielded by unseen entities clashed together, only to
break apart moments later.
When the ringing finally stopped, two demons stood on opposite sides of the building, one breathing heavily from exertion. Sweat slipped down olive skin, dripping onto the dirt floor of the dojo. With a flick of a clawed hand, chin-length chestnut hair flew to one side of the demon's face, out of his stormy eyes. Dropping back into an offensive stance, he prepared himself for another round of attacks.
Meanwhile, across the room, his opponent seemed to be immaculate, everything in its place. Gossamer strands of silver hair fluttered across an alabaster face in the warm spring breeze, blending with the white of his clothing. Amber eyes frigidly regarded his opponent, catching every move. Seeing that his sparring partner had dropped down to attack again, he readied himself as well, preparing his sword to counter the blow.
A blur of black silk moved towards the white-clad figure. As the swords were about to meet, a small toad-like demon crashed through the entrance of the dojo, effectively stopping the fight.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, Lord Yoshiro, your presence is required." Bowing low to the floor, which wasn't very far for the diminutive demon, he hoped that he would not be punished for the intrusion.
Sesshoumaru lifted an eyebrow as he spoke to the cowering toad. "I believe that I told you that Yoshiro and I were not to be disturbed, Jaken. I do not appreciate my orders being dismissed so easily." The grey-eyed demon had quietly come up to the pair and now stood to the side of Sesshoumaru.
Deciding to take pity on the hapless Jaken, Yoshiro interrupted. "Sesshoumaru-san, perhaps it'd be wise to hear what Jaken was sent here for. We both know he wouldn't have disobeyed you unless it was necessary."
Cold eyes turned to him, then to Jaken. "Very well. I would advise you to speak Jaken, before I lose what little patience I have."
Sputtering, the toad finally delivered his message. "Your father wishes to see you, Lord Sesshoumaru. Yours as well, Lord Yoshiro. Lord Inu Taisho demanded that you be there immediately." Still on the floor, Jaken prayed that for once the messenger wouldn't be killed.
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed and swept past Jaken, followed by Yoshiro. The toad sighed with relief, seeing that all his limbs were still intact. Quickly, he scrambled up and followed the two lords.
With his frozen façade still in place, Sesshoumaru silently fumed. He knew the reason his father demanded his presence, as well as that of Yoshiro's. Inu Taisho had demanded that his son marry the daughter of a human warlord. An alliance, his father had said. Disgusted with the idea, he had outright refused, leaving the Western Lord in a rage. Yoshiro had been asked as well and he, too, had refused. No doubt Inu Taisho was calling them there for the purpose of changing their minds.
Walking down the great halls of the Western Palace, Sesshoumaru took no notice of the grandeur that surrounded him. The walls were emblazoned with silver and black pearls, glittering in the light. The ceilings were tall, the height adding to the aloofness of the atmosphere inside the castle; always distant, always wary. The small entourage came to a halt before the only door inlaid with gold. This was Inu Taisho's personal sitting room to which he had called both young demon lords.
As Jaken had done what he was asked by escorting the two to the Western Lord, he scurried off, not wanting to be there to witness whatever was about to happen, leaving Sesshoumaru and Yoshiro alone in front of the doors.
Out of deference to Inu Taisho, Sesshoumaru rapped sharply on the doors, even with the knowledge that his father knew they were there. After hearing the command to enter, Sesshoumaru pushed open the doors and walked in, followed by Yoshiro. Both took a seat on the tatami mats laid in front of Inu Taisho's low desk. While both young demons preferred the high furniture of the "Western people" with whom they had traded occasionally, Inu Taisho favoured that of the traditional paraphernalia.
Motioning for his son and Yoshiro to sit down, Inu Taisho began. "Sesshoumaru, Yoshiro, I believe you know why I have asked you here."
Yoshiro nodded and answered for both himself and Sesshoumaru. "My lord, both Lord Sesshoumaru and I understand what it is you're asking of us. However, our decision remains. We will not marry some thirteen-year-old human girl to cement an alliance with the pig of a warlord."
Slamming his hands on the table, Inu Taisho effectively silenced Yoshiro. "You will be silent, Yoshiro. I have made a promise to your father to take care of you. That would include dealing out the necessary punishment for insolence. Do not push me, Yoshiro, and do not shame your dead father." Taking a deep breath, Inu Taisho tried to calm himself, his tone becoming neutral once more. "The both of you are lords of this land. With that title comes responsibilities, one of which being that you will sacrifice your personal needs for this land."
"We have no objection to that, Lord Inu Taisho," Sesshoumaru finally speaking, calling his father by his title, in no uncertain terms stating his detachment from the lord. "It is your wish for us to marry a human that we object to. Enough shame has been brought to the family already and your subjects are restless. Wedding yet another human would cause a rebellion in the lands." Although his features were schooled and no emotion showed in his voice, his words were filled with contempt and had the desired effect on Inu Taisho.
Snarling, the Western Lord reared from his seat. "You dare accuse me, whelp? My mate is your mother and you will show her the respect that is required of a lady of her station."
Looking impassively at his father, Sesshoumaru replied, "My mother died. The human wench that you call your mate has no relation to me. I owe her nothing and I will give her the same amount of respect as I give all your concubines. None." Leaving his father seething and Yoshiro slightly stunned, Sesshoumaru rose from his seat on the mat. "If that is all, I will be leaving."
Yoshiro rose as well. Both turned to leave when the voice of Inu Taisho stopped them. "Sesshoumaru, I will overlook your transgressions today only because of the 'human wench'. My mate is pregnant with my child and you will not upset her in the coming months. Is that understood? Sesshoumaru? Yoshiro? Do I make myself clear?"
Sesshoumaru froze at the knowledge that his blood would be shared with that of a hanyou. Yoshiro answered in acceptance for the both of them and half dragged Sesshoumaru out of Inu Taisho's sanctum.
"What the hell were you thinking? Inu Taisho looked as if he was ready to rip you to shreds." Yoshiro shook his head at his friend's brashness.
Sesshoumaru, however, ignored the ranting, deep in thought. Musing half out loud, he mumbled, "Doesn't he understand the ramifications of what he's doing? A hanyou child will end his reign. No one objected when he took Mariko for a mate because it was assumed that she would die without bearing him any children."
"Yes, and, knowing from experience, I'm thinking that Inu Taisho's gonna have his hands full when the other lords hear."
Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru's only reply was, "A disgrace."
Yoshiro seemed to be lost in thought for a while, his eyes distant. Sesshoumaru saw this, but knowing where his thoughts were focused, did not push Yoshiro into speaking.
Seeing that they were headed back to the dojo, Yoshiro snapped out of his musings and skidded to a halt. "You want to spar again?" he asked incredulously. "Didn't destroying that hapless village yesterday help calm you down?"
"That was for another reason. The wench, Mariko, had no right to take the position of my mother and her mothers before her." Walking towards the dojo, a sadistic smirk curled upon his lips as he thought about the reluctantly following Yoshiro. Some days, being Sesshoumaru's companion really didn't pay.
"Kagome! Concentrate!" A patient Eriko was ordering the young priestess to follow through with a series of meditations. Forbearance, in this case, was truly a virtue as they had been doing the same exercises since the crack of dawn.
Grumbling about how difficult it is to concentrate with an empty stomach and too little sleep, Kagome tried once again to focus her energies. A lilac glow began to form around the young miko as she gathered her energies. She, herself, began to levitate from the floor of the forest in which she was training.
Eriko looked on as Kagome tried to master the techniques once again. Never had she had a student that had been able to progress so far in such a short amount of time. She had sensed great power lying dormant within Kagome but until now, had never realized the extent of it.
Looking up, Eriko saw that the sun was well in the sky. Calling out to Kagome, she said, "I think that you've had enough meditation for today. Let's take a rest and get some food. Then we'll return to work on your archery skills." With a wink, she added, "Or your lack thereof." Turning around, Eriko headed towards the village, followed closing by an exhausted Kagome.
"Hey, Eriko, why'd we start with meditation? I thought that we'd begin training me in archery first."
Shaking her head slightly at Kagome's naivety, the older priestess answered, "In order to do the physical, you must first be able to perform the spiritual. Without your mind and soul, your body would be nothing." Smiling a secretive, sad smile, Eriko whispered, "I had to learn that lesson without the guidance of a mentor. It is one of the hardest lessons to learn." As she said this, her eyes glazed over, as if she was deep in thought. Deciding that it was time for her to be quite, Kagome walked the rest of the way to the village in silence beside Eriko.
As they arrived, an excited Hikaru came towards them. "Kagome-san, Eriko- san, how are you?" After seeing their nodded greetings, he said, "I have wonderful news. My brother is coming to visit for a while. Since you are our miko, Eriko-san, I thought that it would be wise to tell you. Please watch out for him." Bowing, Hikaru said a goodbye and headed toward the direction of his house.
Raising her eyebrow in curiosity, Kagome turned to Eriko. "Why would Hikaru ask you to watch out for his brother, Eriko? It's not like you'll attack a stranger."
"Hikaru is quarter demon, Kagome. His mother was a hanyou. She first mated to a full demon chosen by her father and produced his brother. She then fell in love with a human. She had an affair with this man and soon produced another child from the union. By youkai law, she was sentenced to death after the birth of Hikaru. He was placed in my care and I raised him. His brother visits him every now and then. They're close, but for the sake of protocol, maintain some distance."
Slowly moving her head, Kagome digested the news. Sighing, she asked Eriko, "Why couldn't I sense Hikaru? I can usually feel it if there's a demon presence."
"I placed a spell on him," Eriko replied. "As you progress with your training, you will be able to see through the spells. Now come, your rumbling stomach is making enough noise to wake the whole village."
Blushing slightly, Kagome followed Eriko to her hut. The two chatted amicably as they ate breakfast, speaking of things that each had experienced. They had just put away the last of the dishes when there was a commotion outside. Running out of the hut, Kagome saw a figure descend for the skies. Her eyes widened at the sight as her breath left in an audible whoosh.
When the ringing finally stopped, two demons stood on opposite sides of the building, one breathing heavily from exertion. Sweat slipped down olive skin, dripping onto the dirt floor of the dojo. With a flick of a clawed hand, chin-length chestnut hair flew to one side of the demon's face, out of his stormy eyes. Dropping back into an offensive stance, he prepared himself for another round of attacks.
Meanwhile, across the room, his opponent seemed to be immaculate, everything in its place. Gossamer strands of silver hair fluttered across an alabaster face in the warm spring breeze, blending with the white of his clothing. Amber eyes frigidly regarded his opponent, catching every move. Seeing that his sparring partner had dropped down to attack again, he readied himself as well, preparing his sword to counter the blow.
A blur of black silk moved towards the white-clad figure. As the swords were about to meet, a small toad-like demon crashed through the entrance of the dojo, effectively stopping the fight.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, Lord Yoshiro, your presence is required." Bowing low to the floor, which wasn't very far for the diminutive demon, he hoped that he would not be punished for the intrusion.
Sesshoumaru lifted an eyebrow as he spoke to the cowering toad. "I believe that I told you that Yoshiro and I were not to be disturbed, Jaken. I do not appreciate my orders being dismissed so easily." The grey-eyed demon had quietly come up to the pair and now stood to the side of Sesshoumaru.
Deciding to take pity on the hapless Jaken, Yoshiro interrupted. "Sesshoumaru-san, perhaps it'd be wise to hear what Jaken was sent here for. We both know he wouldn't have disobeyed you unless it was necessary."
Cold eyes turned to him, then to Jaken. "Very well. I would advise you to speak Jaken, before I lose what little patience I have."
Sputtering, the toad finally delivered his message. "Your father wishes to see you, Lord Sesshoumaru. Yours as well, Lord Yoshiro. Lord Inu Taisho demanded that you be there immediately." Still on the floor, Jaken prayed that for once the messenger wouldn't be killed.
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed and swept past Jaken, followed by Yoshiro. The toad sighed with relief, seeing that all his limbs were still intact. Quickly, he scrambled up and followed the two lords.
With his frozen façade still in place, Sesshoumaru silently fumed. He knew the reason his father demanded his presence, as well as that of Yoshiro's. Inu Taisho had demanded that his son marry the daughter of a human warlord. An alliance, his father had said. Disgusted with the idea, he had outright refused, leaving the Western Lord in a rage. Yoshiro had been asked as well and he, too, had refused. No doubt Inu Taisho was calling them there for the purpose of changing their minds.
Walking down the great halls of the Western Palace, Sesshoumaru took no notice of the grandeur that surrounded him. The walls were emblazoned with silver and black pearls, glittering in the light. The ceilings were tall, the height adding to the aloofness of the atmosphere inside the castle; always distant, always wary. The small entourage came to a halt before the only door inlaid with gold. This was Inu Taisho's personal sitting room to which he had called both young demon lords.
As Jaken had done what he was asked by escorting the two to the Western Lord, he scurried off, not wanting to be there to witness whatever was about to happen, leaving Sesshoumaru and Yoshiro alone in front of the doors.
Out of deference to Inu Taisho, Sesshoumaru rapped sharply on the doors, even with the knowledge that his father knew they were there. After hearing the command to enter, Sesshoumaru pushed open the doors and walked in, followed by Yoshiro. Both took a seat on the tatami mats laid in front of Inu Taisho's low desk. While both young demons preferred the high furniture of the "Western people" with whom they had traded occasionally, Inu Taisho favoured that of the traditional paraphernalia.
Motioning for his son and Yoshiro to sit down, Inu Taisho began. "Sesshoumaru, Yoshiro, I believe you know why I have asked you here."
Yoshiro nodded and answered for both himself and Sesshoumaru. "My lord, both Lord Sesshoumaru and I understand what it is you're asking of us. However, our decision remains. We will not marry some thirteen-year-old human girl to cement an alliance with the pig of a warlord."
Slamming his hands on the table, Inu Taisho effectively silenced Yoshiro. "You will be silent, Yoshiro. I have made a promise to your father to take care of you. That would include dealing out the necessary punishment for insolence. Do not push me, Yoshiro, and do not shame your dead father." Taking a deep breath, Inu Taisho tried to calm himself, his tone becoming neutral once more. "The both of you are lords of this land. With that title comes responsibilities, one of which being that you will sacrifice your personal needs for this land."
"We have no objection to that, Lord Inu Taisho," Sesshoumaru finally speaking, calling his father by his title, in no uncertain terms stating his detachment from the lord. "It is your wish for us to marry a human that we object to. Enough shame has been brought to the family already and your subjects are restless. Wedding yet another human would cause a rebellion in the lands." Although his features were schooled and no emotion showed in his voice, his words were filled with contempt and had the desired effect on Inu Taisho.
Snarling, the Western Lord reared from his seat. "You dare accuse me, whelp? My mate is your mother and you will show her the respect that is required of a lady of her station."
Looking impassively at his father, Sesshoumaru replied, "My mother died. The human wench that you call your mate has no relation to me. I owe her nothing and I will give her the same amount of respect as I give all your concubines. None." Leaving his father seething and Yoshiro slightly stunned, Sesshoumaru rose from his seat on the mat. "If that is all, I will be leaving."
Yoshiro rose as well. Both turned to leave when the voice of Inu Taisho stopped them. "Sesshoumaru, I will overlook your transgressions today only because of the 'human wench'. My mate is pregnant with my child and you will not upset her in the coming months. Is that understood? Sesshoumaru? Yoshiro? Do I make myself clear?"
Sesshoumaru froze at the knowledge that his blood would be shared with that of a hanyou. Yoshiro answered in acceptance for the both of them and half dragged Sesshoumaru out of Inu Taisho's sanctum.
"What the hell were you thinking? Inu Taisho looked as if he was ready to rip you to shreds." Yoshiro shook his head at his friend's brashness.
Sesshoumaru, however, ignored the ranting, deep in thought. Musing half out loud, he mumbled, "Doesn't he understand the ramifications of what he's doing? A hanyou child will end his reign. No one objected when he took Mariko for a mate because it was assumed that she would die without bearing him any children."
"Yes, and, knowing from experience, I'm thinking that Inu Taisho's gonna have his hands full when the other lords hear."
Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru's only reply was, "A disgrace."
Yoshiro seemed to be lost in thought for a while, his eyes distant. Sesshoumaru saw this, but knowing where his thoughts were focused, did not push Yoshiro into speaking.
Seeing that they were headed back to the dojo, Yoshiro snapped out of his musings and skidded to a halt. "You want to spar again?" he asked incredulously. "Didn't destroying that hapless village yesterday help calm you down?"
"That was for another reason. The wench, Mariko, had no right to take the position of my mother and her mothers before her." Walking towards the dojo, a sadistic smirk curled upon his lips as he thought about the reluctantly following Yoshiro. Some days, being Sesshoumaru's companion really didn't pay.
"Kagome! Concentrate!" A patient Eriko was ordering the young priestess to follow through with a series of meditations. Forbearance, in this case, was truly a virtue as they had been doing the same exercises since the crack of dawn.
Grumbling about how difficult it is to concentrate with an empty stomach and too little sleep, Kagome tried once again to focus her energies. A lilac glow began to form around the young miko as she gathered her energies. She, herself, began to levitate from the floor of the forest in which she was training.
Eriko looked on as Kagome tried to master the techniques once again. Never had she had a student that had been able to progress so far in such a short amount of time. She had sensed great power lying dormant within Kagome but until now, had never realized the extent of it.
Looking up, Eriko saw that the sun was well in the sky. Calling out to Kagome, she said, "I think that you've had enough meditation for today. Let's take a rest and get some food. Then we'll return to work on your archery skills." With a wink, she added, "Or your lack thereof." Turning around, Eriko headed towards the village, followed closing by an exhausted Kagome.
"Hey, Eriko, why'd we start with meditation? I thought that we'd begin training me in archery first."
Shaking her head slightly at Kagome's naivety, the older priestess answered, "In order to do the physical, you must first be able to perform the spiritual. Without your mind and soul, your body would be nothing." Smiling a secretive, sad smile, Eriko whispered, "I had to learn that lesson without the guidance of a mentor. It is one of the hardest lessons to learn." As she said this, her eyes glazed over, as if she was deep in thought. Deciding that it was time for her to be quite, Kagome walked the rest of the way to the village in silence beside Eriko.
As they arrived, an excited Hikaru came towards them. "Kagome-san, Eriko- san, how are you?" After seeing their nodded greetings, he said, "I have wonderful news. My brother is coming to visit for a while. Since you are our miko, Eriko-san, I thought that it would be wise to tell you. Please watch out for him." Bowing, Hikaru said a goodbye and headed toward the direction of his house.
Raising her eyebrow in curiosity, Kagome turned to Eriko. "Why would Hikaru ask you to watch out for his brother, Eriko? It's not like you'll attack a stranger."
"Hikaru is quarter demon, Kagome. His mother was a hanyou. She first mated to a full demon chosen by her father and produced his brother. She then fell in love with a human. She had an affair with this man and soon produced another child from the union. By youkai law, she was sentenced to death after the birth of Hikaru. He was placed in my care and I raised him. His brother visits him every now and then. They're close, but for the sake of protocol, maintain some distance."
Slowly moving her head, Kagome digested the news. Sighing, she asked Eriko, "Why couldn't I sense Hikaru? I can usually feel it if there's a demon presence."
"I placed a spell on him," Eriko replied. "As you progress with your training, you will be able to see through the spells. Now come, your rumbling stomach is making enough noise to wake the whole village."
Blushing slightly, Kagome followed Eriko to her hut. The two chatted amicably as they ate breakfast, speaking of things that each had experienced. They had just put away the last of the dishes when there was a commotion outside. Running out of the hut, Kagome saw a figure descend for the skies. Her eyes widened at the sight as her breath left in an audible whoosh.