Phallic pillars leading up to the Stone Tower stood impressively against the rebellions of the people. They stood within overwhelming groups, raising their fists to the large monument on the hill some ways away from them, while others were pushing through the large crowds to buy bread from the marketplace.
They cried out with bitter vengeance, their voices carried across the city to the ears of the Royal Guards standing patrol outside the Palace walls. Some were subdued for their violent behavior while others were too afraid to step too close without the fear of putting their family in danger. Though within a reasonable distance, they allowed their true feelings to be seen by his Majesty from the open window of the Palace.
The King looked upon them with his advisers beside him who had called to him during lunch about the spectacle. Of course it wasn't anything surprising; his people had rebelled since his enthronement, only this time he was very unimpressed by their show of hostility. A grand statue of the Fierce Moon God, crafted from the most superb and polished white rock only found deep in the depths of the Westward Bay, had been smashed horrifically within the center of the city; the head had fallen off, broken and cracked remnants of its exquisite beauty was shattered upon the cobblestone road.
How atrocious his citizens behaved!
Igos Du Ikana despised their childish antics, their never ending shouts that ceased to torment him. It was as if they knew he had cheated his way onto the throne so many years back; it was as if they saw him as the murderer who had stolen their precious king away from them. Had they known of his frequent wishes to the Fierce Demon God those years ago, he was sure they were knowledgeable enough to put the pieces together. After all, becoming a giant over night was absurdly only seen within fairytales, and yet it happened to him.
Through the many years he had ruled the Kingdom after murdering his brother with the help of the Fierce Moon God, Igos Du Ikana didn't know how to appease his people who despised him so. They knew he was unfit to rule them. His people did not agree with his laws, of those governing and revering the Four Giants. And yet there were a great many on his side who secretly opposed him as well, slandering his own name and pointing their judgmental fingers towards his Palace day in and day out.
It was Igos who pointed his finger to the Heavens.
They revered the Goddesses! How could it be possible three divine and spiritual beings within the skies had created the world in which he and thousands upon thousands dwelled? Women?
Impossible!
He didn't believe in such Divine Deities. Igos knew for certain there were Four Giants that protected the four corners of Nimtera (Termina), and he also was very VERY well aware of a War God whom he had frequently called upon before and after his reign upon Ikana.
Never before had Igos Du Ikana ever seen proof that the Goddesses existed; if they did, why did they not present themselves to the world? Why had the Goddesses never answered the calls of his people when they faced great catastrophe years before his birth?
Sternly looking to his advisers beside them, who were quietly overlooking the chaos within the city outside the walls, the King moved away from the window. "I tire of their hostility towards me," His voice reverberated off the stone walls.
His advisers merely frowned at this, their inner voices screaming loudly of terrible happenings to take place very soon; they knew there was nothing they could do to prevent it.
"Shall we send the Royal Guards to quiet the rebels?" One asked with shaking hands.
The King scoffed at the request. "I believe it's time they realize just who it is they are dealing with. Exact punishment upon whoever disrupts the peace of my Kingdom. If imprisoning them doesn't deteriorate their objections, then—"
The second adviser blanched at this. "Your Majesty you can't be serious!? You would shed the blood of your own people just to quiet the riot? Your Majesty I—"
Igos Du Ikana turned his glare upon the tiny man, his emerald eyes flashing with certain animosity. "Do you also side with them?"
The young man trembled at the sight and serious tone of the giant King standing before him. "I-I…no…your Majesty. I do humbly apologize. Forgive this lowly servant," He lowered himself into a small bow but it was ignored when the King sauntered past him and the others down the hall.
Continue to make a fool out of him? Never…This time, he would show them just how powerful his might was granted upon him by the gods.
OOO
Finally returning to the city after last night's unpleasant turn of events regarding the interrupted ritual to summon a terrifying demon in hopes of ridding the land of its current Tyrant, Emmett pulled the hood of his black cloak well over his burgundy head. So much had happened within such a short night and it had happened so suddenly that he was still somewhat hesitant to continue on despite so.
It happened first during the ritual last night when his group had succeeded in kidnapping the daughter of the ruler that governed the land. With her pure blood, they had attempted to summon the Fierce Moon God, but strange happenings regarding the mask and a wild demon had delayed the summoning. A great many of those within his hexing group had been slaughtered mercilessly. After which, the wild demon had chased him into the forest and though he had thought his life would soon end to its claws slashing into his flesh, the mask had surprisingly saved him.
Never in his life would he have thought the spirit of the demon, Majora, still remained alive, merely sealed inside the horned relic. Yet sealed as it was, Emmett had witnessed its hellish power. The demon trapped inside it had attempted to force the mask itself onto his face and, in the end; it had used him as a puppet to murder three hooded men.
And those three men turned out to be spies!
Stopping short of his walk through town, Emmett glanced down at the broken and cracked head of the Deity statue at his feet. The remains of its body were unceremoniously lying scattered in pieces upon the pavement in the square.
There was much the mask knew about those foreigners that called themselves the Garo whose base lied within a small village outside the canyons. Apparently the men the mask had slain earlier that day were spying upon his Kingdom, planning an attack for world conquest or so. Though he had not bothered to care, from the mask's persuasion however, Emmett realized he could use the bodies and conjure up a fake letter to return to the Garo.
With those returned, Emmett knew that without a doubt they would commence their plans to infiltrate the city and attack with greater haste. When that happened, Emmett knew for certain that the King would immediately dispatch all his soldiers to the battle front, thereby leaving his Palace vulnerable to his plans. It was simple. The King would drop his guard, the Royal Magic users would drop the barrier surrounding the Palace to join in the battle, and it would be the perfect moment to sneak inside to put an end to the King.
Just the thought of eradicating the current ruler brought a grin to the young man's face. Even if the idea caused his insides to twist out of nervousness, Emmett had to relieve the suffrage of his people.
In the distance, Emmett saw the Stone Tower, its immense height that appeared to reach high within the clouds over head. So it appeared the construction had finally reached its last completion, but it would be torn down later; he would see to it.
Thankfully and to his relief, the demonic voice of Majora had quieted for a time and it gave Emmett some time to deeply ponder on his next course of action. Now that he had returned home, all that was left to do was to await the impending attack.
It was only a matter of time.
For now, Emmett allowed himself to wander around the town. The increasing volume of the people bellowing in his ears was enough to cause his ears to bleed. He said nothing to silence them and continued his walk, all the while keeping his keen eyes well onto the Palace ahead that lied across the river.
From time to time, he skeptically turned around, somehow feeling as if someone were watching him. There was no one there, just the bustling townspeople pushing and shoving their way around the main square, along with the children who played along the streets, ignorant of the rebellious parents.
Yet as he continued on despite the suspicious feeling haunting him, even after he had sent the letter to the Garo, he felt as if eyes were watching him. And just as the nagging voice in his head told him to turn around, his path was suddenly intercepted by a very familiar face.
Armaros.
It was his rival who had joined the cult some time back along with him. Even though the two could never stand the other, they nonetheless put up with it. Why Armaros was standing in front of him now earned Emmett's curiosity.
"Emmett, do you realize what you've done?" The sorcerer questioned as he prepared a sudden battle stance. In truth, he'd been following Emmett since their encounter with the demon last night. When he had learned Emmett had stolen a cursed mask with a living demon trapped inside it, not to mention it had Emmett doing its evil bidding, it caused his blood to boil. "Do you realize just what kind of catastrophe you've laid upon this Kingdom?"
Emmett only feigned innocence. "Catastrophe? I don't know what you're talking about. How could you think something so foul of me, Armaros?" He asked with an arched brow, but he had a feeling his suspicions of his follower was the one standing before him. "Have you been stalking me since our broken ritual last night?"
"Indeed. And as of right now, you shall hand over that demon atrocity. This is not the way in which our elder wished for the King's demise!" He voiced in a harsh whisper so as not to alert the citizens of their bickering. He moved closer to Emmett, watching the younger sorcerer back away a step before standing a few feet apart where he could faintly hear his breathing. "To put our own people, nay, our own Kingdom in such jeopardy, why I would think that'd be the last thing on your mind!"
He scoffed at this. "I warn you, Armaros. Don't get in my way." Emmett didn't want a fight to escalate within the city. There were too man eyes and ears around, and the thought of losing his mask brought great protectiveness upon it.
OOO
It was after her studies that Princess Cathleen searched for her guests. She couldn't remember the last time she'd ever had a friend or someone outside the Palace to talk with, but she much enjoyed her conversations with the group, especially Kagome.
After a short walk, she came across a familiar face with long black hair and a very revealing outfit. It was priestess Kagome; it was a fitting title for someone who had saved her just last night from her kidnappers. While standing at the end of the hall, she observed the priestess and the youngest Composer Brother, Flat, animatedly conversing with each other, laughing at one another's joke or so; it brought a smile to Cathleen.
To her relief, Kagome did not seem very bored; rather it seemed she was enjoying her stay in the awfully large Palace. Cathleen wasted no time sauntering up to the two, her burgundy silk dress trailing behind her upon the stone flooring.
During so, Kagome and Flat had stopped short on their walk to admire a beautiful painting, but before Flat could explain the story behind it, he took notice of the Princess standing before them.
"Hello Priestess Kagome," The Princess voiced, almost startling Kagome for a moment while she was so immersed within the beautiful painting. "I apologize for the wait. Would you happen to know where your friends are?" She asked.
Kagome honestly hadn't a clue. "Last I saw of them, they were leaving their guest bedroom." The priestess was still upset about their previous discussion with Link and Inuyasha and how she had stormed off and into the gardens.
Well that did not do at all. The Palace was rather big and searching for two people would prove a little difficult. After a small moment of thoughtful pondering, Cathleen clapped her hands and smiled brightly. "Then I shall have Roshan search for them at once!"
Kagome blinked. "Is something wrong?"
She shook her head with a laugh. "Not at all. I simply wish to invite you all to have lunch with me. I'm sure after four hours you must be hungry."
When Kagome's stomach let out a rather loud grumble, she flushed under their amused stares. "I guess we better find them quickly," She laughed.
OOO
After so many minutes of locating her Royal Guard, Roshan, Inuyasha and Link were easily spotted down stairs talking amongst themselves. And after relaying the invite to lunch, they were brought to a large room with an inbuilt fire place which was already aflame. Dozens of beautifully intricate pillows were laid about the polished, white marble floor, where Kagome and Flat were already seated. Flat's brother had also been invited to have lunch with Cathleen; however he merely stood beside his Majesty, who sat within a large chair in the center of the room.
As Inuyasha and Link were led to their respective places beside Kagome and Flat on the cushions, Inuyasha couldn't help but notice the very familiar faces of the maids standing against the farthest walls of the room near the double doors.
Kagome motioned for Link to sit next to her with Inuyasha sitting to Link's right where he sat cross legged and with his arms in his sleeves.
Cathleen had placed herself onto one of the pillows beside Flat as the servants brought them their lunch. The food was placed upon a long polished table, and the aromas that drifted to their noses urged more rumbling stomachs. Cathleen was pleased they seemed to find the food appetizing, as it normally was, and she was even more pleased as they dug in, with Inuyasha helping himself to seconds.
The King on the other hand was served his own table where he observed the group upon the floor talking animatedly. Since he was rather a large individual and because his leg bothered him so much these days, he refrained from joining them on the pillows, but he joined in on their conversations, sometimes even asking about their latest adventures outside the Kingdom.
Sharp only sneered as his younger brother sat amongst the guests and her Royal Highness. What was he doing sitting on the floor? How filthy such an act was! Why his brother should right well be standing right next to him, prepared to compose a few melodies to his Majesty and the Princess.
It was during his many mouthfuls of deliciously rich food, that Inuyasha couldn't help but notice something glint from the corner of his vision. He turned his head curiously to stare at the fireplace where the fire burned brightly. Above it, hung upon the wall was a rather large blade that curved ever so slightly near its tip.
Inuyasha blinked a couple times. Oh he recognized that sword. From a short distance and using his human eyes to stare more closely at the blade, he saw faint writing engraved into the sword. If he didn't know any better, he'd say it was his.
Taking notice of Inuyasha's sudden quietness among them, Link turned his head to stare at the object that had captured his attention. 'That sword…Is it not the one the Great Fairy had bestowed upon him earlier in our travels?' Link wondered.
Pushing his plate aside, Inuyasha picked himself off the soft pillow before marching himself up the fire place to get a better look at the sword hanging on the wall.
What the hell?
Kagome looked over her shoulder curiously to stare at her friend. "Inuyasha? What are you doing?"
Inuyasha turned, his brown eyes to stare into that of the King's emerald gaze. "Where did you get this sword?" He asked with his hands fisted tightly. Why was it in the Palace to begin with?
Cathleen only blinked as she took another bite from her small loaf of bread. "Oh that sword belongs to father," She replied back, but it only urged more confusion, especially on Inuyasha's part.
The King found the young man's interest in his sword intriguing. "That sword was given to me by a demon some years back," He replied. "The sword is said to emit a powerful energy, of one that could destroy an entire city if granted the choice. I must admit though, I have yet to see the true power of this blade. Made from the strongest of iron, it can indeed cut through the hardest of stone, but that is all. None other besides myself have ever truly been capable of unleashing the true might of the blade," He replied with a shake of his head. "For some years it has remained as an heirloom of the Royal Family."
Inuyasha scrunched his nose at this. From what he could recall, the Great Fairy had somehow remained in possession of the sword, and he could only guess it was after the fall of the Royal Family. Yet it was strange it had left his grasp the moment he and his friends were thrown into the ancient past, but then again, he supposed it made sense.
Still, Inuyasha had witnessed the destructive power that was emitted from the blade back in the present time of Termina, and he wondered if its powers were only unlocked because he was a half demon. The King was obviously human, though one wouldn't assume after having seen his immense size.
It was weird. Because the Great Fairy had taken his Tessaiga away from him in exchange for the ancient blade, he'd been so used to having it around to seal away his demon form, but without it or any sword, he felt useless and weak.
He touched the pendant around his neck. Link had said that pendant was placed upon him because he had been without his sword and that his full demon form had sprung loose. With this pendant, given to him from a Ghost Hunter, his demon blood would remain asleep until they returned to the present time of Termina. It was then that Link said he would have the ancient blade returned to him, since he did have it before they were transported to the past. It made sense, he guessed…
After returning back to his seat on the floor, he felt the stare of the priestess from beside Link, but he ignored her and resumed feasting on the meal in front of him.
Because it was much too quiet within the room, besides the ever present voices of the guests, Sharp felt it was indeed time for some music. Stepping up to the guests with his head held high and his hands behind his back, he cleared his throat. When he gained their attention, he continued. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but as you know, you're our guests and it would not be right if we were not to play for you this afternoon. Flat, if you will?"
As if recalling something of importance, Flat turned to the King. "Oh then I believe I know just the perfect song to play!" He admitted, and at this, Sharp smiled with delight. "Your Majesty, won't you allow for Miss. Kagome to sing for us? I have heard her voice and her songs tell stories from her home land."
Inuyasha immediately choked on his food, beating his fist upon his chest in order to speak properly. "W-What? Who sing?" He coughed, his face turning red suddenly. After managing to swallow his food, he turned his eyes to Kagome who couldn't be more embarrassed. "Have you heard her sing?"
Kagome huffed at this. "I've gotten better since last time you saw me in the choir!"
He laughed. "I'll believe it when I see it!"
The Princess turned in her pillow and looked upon Kagome in awe. "This is true? Oh, but you must sing!"
Kagome was startled by this, even more so when Flat had brought it up. She saw the smile pass over Inuyasha's face and she knew for certain that he was laughing at the very idea. Well while he didn't think of her as a beautiful singer, Flat on the other hand did. But she was too embarrassed to sing in front of everyone else, especially Link.
They found this bit of news interesting and asked for Kagome to stand up and sing for them, but Kagome was hesitant. Unfortunately it seemed everyone was very keen on her singing, especially Link who had unfortunately remembered her telling him she had been in the choir.
Flat offered her a hand to stand up, and sweat dropping, she took it and timidly followed Flat to stand in between the King and the others feeling very small at that moment. He turned to the King. "Miss. Kagome was very kind to share a couple of her songs with me earlier today.
Kagome blushed at this. "Well…"
