The Hound of the Noh

Assembly of Discernment

Note: This is where the story takes its own course. I will only loosely depend on the plot of Phantom of the Opera. I must change the story to incorporate the Inuyasha cast. Don't worry; it's still a Phantom of the Opera story (just twisted a bit).

"Talking"

Thinking

Flashback section ---

Scene change ---

A current of purification, that only the heavens could have summoned, blew away the deep-rooted sorrowful air and the stench of ashes. The sweet sent of cherry blossoms now reigned supreme throughout the Shiata Temple, vitalizing it

As if sharing the same vivid experience as Koga, Sango and Miroku's eyes widened as the scene before them took shape…the shape of the past.

The vile space of emptiness faded away as the temple's resurrection was becoming realized. The wind cleansed away the dead leaves and ageless dust, bringing out the world of long ago. The stage was once again filled with art, life, and hope. Stone seats in front were ready to serve the upcoming nobles as the curtains at the back hid away the performers. The connecting bridge way allowed for the servants to walk onto the glossy stage floor and polish it to perfection for dramatic dancing to come. A painted image of a pine tree could be seen on the back wall of the theatre while pebbles surrounded the ground around. Finally, the tree, the Sacred Tree stood in its place, over watching the stage and its people; its blossoms blessing the play to come.

This was it. The Shiata Temple.

---

Rapid footsteps echoed throughout the forest, which were followed a blur of blue. The man quickened his pace to an incredible speed while stealthfully manoeuvring around the numerous large trees and bulky plants.

I am late. Maybe I should not have stopped at that road along the way. An image of a young lady with a pretty face and large tear-shed blue eyes materialized in the man's mind. On the other hand, she really did need my comfort. He smiled to himself only to feel a sharp pain on his right check; a hand mark temporarily imprinted amongst his flawless features. Yet, I may have overstepped my boundaries a little. He thought without regret.

The smile remained plastered onto his face until he arrived at a small clearing in the middle of the woods wherein a gathering of five men and a woman stood adjacent to one another. The group stood a few feet away from the foot of a flight of steps that seemed to endlessly lead high into large mountains in the distance. The man slowed down to a walking speed and cleared his throat as he approached the assembly.

He joined the circle and bowed deeply in respect, none bowed back. His audience glared at him and remained utterly still.

"You are late, Monk." One said.

The blue monk did not rise from his bow as he spoke. "My apologizes. I was delayed due to some monkly duties of mine. I hope I have not kept you and the others waiting long, Lord Naraku."

"You had. But that is not of any more concern at this time. You are here and we may proceed. Remember this for the next meeting: Do not be late. I will not tolerate tardiness." Naraku's malicious scarlet eyes were amplified by his blue eye shadow as he glared at the human. He didn't even want to address the fact that 'monkly' was not a real word.

"Of course my Lord…and my Lady," Miroku lifted his face to see the female demonises looking at him from behind her fan. He gave her a wink and she responded by narrowing her eyes and growling in disgust.

Naraku internally laughed at the interaction between his spawn and the human. "I don't believe I have introduced you. This is my eldest spawn, Kagura, a wind sorceress. I have decide to have her accompany me today." He chuckled softly as he spoke his next few words, "Prince Koga, I believe you have already met her. Am I correct?"

A flash of uncontrollable rage flickered past the rich blue eyes of a young demon. He stood with his hand clutched at either side of him while his fur armour stood on its end, mimicking the wolf demon's vexation.

"Yah, I know the witch. I have been waiting for a chance to slash her pretty face off with my claws." Kagura laughed discreetly behind her fan; nevertheless, her amusement was exceedingly apparent in her eyes. Koga could not contain himself, "I will destroy you Kagura!" Koga threatened loudly as he took a fighting stance and readied his claws for an attack.

Koga's two companions, stood behind him, and were between themselves with fury at the spawn and worry for their leader's prideful temper. They wanted to see Kagura dead just as much their prince, but they knew that this was not the time, nor the place for a such a battle.

"Koga, maybe we sh-" He was cut off by his master's voice.

"Back off Ginta, the witch is mine!" Koga growled as he lunged at Kagura with his full speed.

The sorceress responded quickly with her demonic senses and sidestepped out of the way. "Bring it on little cub. I'll cut you to pieces" She lifted her hand into the air and with a flick of her writs she sent two swirls of wind at Koga's direction. "Dance of Blades!" She commanded.

Koga jumped into the air, barely missing the knife-like airstream attacks that continued pass him and towards a silent white haired man. The wolf prince landed a couple feet away from Kagura and looked back at the direction of the blades. The eldest white demon shot his left palm up forward while the rest of his body remained motionless as a stone statue. A bright-lighted whip appeared from his hand and swirled around the blades, stopping them, countering them, and extinguishing them.

"Enough." One howl and the world froze in time. No one dared to move. He lowered his hand and sternly looked at the lot. No sound was uttered until the brave young monk decided to clear his throat.

Miroku lifted one hand into a praying position, while the other griped his black and gold staff tightly. He spoke in a clam and clear manner, "Ahem. I believe Lord Sesshomaru is correct. This is senseless fighting, especially on grounds as holy as these. No more fighting, agreed?" The monk looked to dog demon for approval of his words and reassurance of his compliance.

Sesshomaru nodded so slightly that one needed to be solely focused on him to see the movement taken place. Luckily everyone was and followed his suit. All the other demons respected him for his power, his reputation, and the wisdom he had gained throughout the many years of his life; a number that exceeded any of theirs.

"Naraku, keep your witch away and I'll let her live for now." Koga demanded as he returned to his previous place in the group. Naraku did not reply. He let out a soft chuckle while Kagura returned to his side with a proud smirk on her face. Consequently, this action on the behalf of the spawn and her master only managed to irritate of the wolf further, his rage slowly returning.

Miroku sighed. I guess I should have expected as much. I better do something before things get out of hand again. "Lets continue on then shall we?"

"Yes," Sesshomaru replied sharply to the rhetorical question. "I do not wish to spend my time watching you three fight. If no business is to be accomplished then I see no point of me remaining here." A look of superiority graced his soft pale feature while his voice beamed with a deep tone that held much influence over the group.

"No my lord. You are needed here. All of you are." Miruoku gestured to the three leader demons. "Lord Sesshomoru, you rule the East cliffs and forests, inheriting them from your father. Lord Naraku you are presently in possession of the South lands, and Prince Koga, you hold the North Mountain region with your tribe. I represent the villagers and the human monarchs of the West. At this very point is where our boarders intertwine. We have all agreed to honour this sacred ground that belongs to neither demon nor human, only to holy priestess. Here is the location of the Shiata Temple and theatre; academy of high power priestess, home to spiritual musicians and legendary craftsmen." He paused for dramatic effect. "They are the protectors of our continent and have the responsibility of guarding and isolating overpowering creatures, items, and spells that would be formidable if ever used or were once a threat to our very survival. With their blessings, these weapons are kept safe from our lands and our own greedy hands." The monk purposely glanced at Naraku before continuing.

Koga listened with dulled ears and forced back a yawn. He was growing tired of this story. It was the same story he was forced to hear many times over by the elders as a young child. He had even argued against the elders about attending this meeting. The point of all this was lost to him. 'Why didn't they just raid the priestess temple and steal the precious items to raise their own power?' Was the question he had often asked out loud when he was younger.

---

"They're only human girls. What harm can they do?" Asked a teen Koga to a nervous circle of old wolf demons.

"Prince Koga, you must not even suggest nor think such thoughts. It is very dangerous. When you are stronger you shall lead the pack and you MUST obey traditional laws and show consideration for the priestesses." One of them replied.

"But we are stronger then any hu-"

The ranting of another elder cut off Koga. "Yet not all of them are humans, my prince. Remember your teachings. The Shiata temple also trains demons and half-demons as well."

Koga grimaced at the mention of the latter creature.

Half-demons in his mind only symbolized how weak some demons could be by mating with a lowly human. As a result of their imprudence, their offspring would be weak and would suffer ridicule and not be accepted in both worlds. They were neither demon nor human, defined as only an outcast or, in Koga's mind, a disgrace. Thus, most half-demon would keep their origins from their greater society and would live pretending that they were a pure breed from either type. However, all half-demons had attributes from each parents, such as personalities, sensations (smell or sight), magical abilities or appearances. Certain combinations of genes in the more unfortunate individuals caused them to be unable to hide their true roots.

To Koga, they were at a plane worse then human.

"Furthermore," Koga rolled his eyes at their persistence to lecture him at every opportunity. "These Priestesses capabilities are so grand that many do not consider them human. They surpass that of a mortal level and are found to be equal to a powerful demon, if not greater."

"A human can never be at strong as a wolf demon." The arrogant prince stated simply.

"No, My prince. Many may not be physically strong (though some are), but they compensate for it through their use of spiritual magic. Please do not misjudge them, you do wrong to yourself by underestimating their vast powers."

"Humans are still weak, half-demons are worse, and priestesses are no different then any of them! I will not bow before them!" The teen yelled senselessly in frustration. He would not admit defeat, but he did not win a victory in this battle. That he knew. He bowed sharply and turned at his heals, walking to the cave opening as he heard the eldest demon's voice demand attention.

"Koga." Koga silently growled as the old demon purposely dropped his title. He risked glancing over his shoulder to hear the geezer speak. The wolf demon was sitting in his human form, leaning against a large cumulous rock for support. His pure white hair caused him to stand out from the other elders' mix of brown and grey, while the echo of the cave walls greatly amplified his hushed voice. The combination produced an image of godly figure, one whose words held great importance.

"Do not let your pride cloud your judgement. Each demon, human, priestess and half-demon are unique with their own persona. Some may threaten you and others can aid you. You must understand your opponent and do not let arrogance replace perspicacity. If you do, then you will surely regret it soon after." After hearing the eldest demon's advise, Koga's tolerance for the lectures had all but vanished and thus, he hurriedly continued out of the cave.

The sun had fallen behind the West Mountains as the cliff's shadows darkened and the forest green plantation deepened its colour in the new moon's lack of light. Koga filled his lungs with a breath of crisp night air to calm himself from the confrontation previous. He leaped down from the edge of the mountain cave onto the forest floor and then took off into a full run into the depth of the woods with his thoughts running with him.

Humans are weak…Priestess are no different. Until I am proven otherwise I will not yield.

---

Koga could hear the Monk's historical tale more clearly as his flashback ended and his mind slowly returned to his time.

"Every 20 years our 4 provinces gather for a number of days to pay our respects to the priestesses. They, in turn, present us with 3 of their legendary Noh performances. These are even said, when played out properly in accord, to increase one's spiritual power just by watching the dances and hearing the songs. That is why they are only allowed to be viewed by the most prominent nobles."

Koga's eyes shot up from the ground; this part was something he was sure the elders had forgotten to mention. Maybe this won't be such a waste of time after all. He thought to himself.

Seeing that he attained all the demon's attention from his last comment, Miroku gestured towards the stairs. "Shall we now make our presence known to our humble priestess hosts?"

With the introductions and the history lesson completed, the small cowed commenced walking up the many steps. Miroku and Sesshomaru leading the way, Kagura and Naraku following, and Koga and his tribe members in the rear.

The Shiata Temple was waiting up ahead with closed doors; doors that hid the matter within; matter that would change each of their lives evermore.

I'd like to take a second to thank and respond to my reviewers:

wolves-song: Thanks for the support, and thanks for being my first reviewer! I love Koga too!

Viper: I'll try! And most likely. There wasn't one in the movies and such, but I'd like to…but it depends on what the story develops into.

QuickSilverWitch: I haven't decided yet. To be honest, the story writes itself. I just go with whatever makes sense, even I don't know the ending yet. I'm trying not to copy the movie word for word and still bring in the Inuyasha cast.

Sakurablossomskxk:Yay! Someone thinks it's beautiful. Bows thanks. To tell you the truth my favourite character is the phantom. I really wanted to put Koga as the phantom…but as you can see, the story MADE me put him as Vicont. I am an obedient servant to my story (aka: the story worked out better this way).

agreatPenName: Thanks you for the helpful review. I'm glad to know that people understand what I'm trying to say or to describe. I hope you like the rest!

Thanks you all! I really appreciate the reviews. Please tell me if my story is too slow paced, or if I describe things too much or don't describe enough. Gaps, uncertainties or mistakes…tell me so I can fix. I really want to make this an enjoyable story. I am working really hard on it.

Re-o-ko