The Winds of Change
jodyle1
Chapter Two
Sesshomaru cast a studious glance at the aristocratic youkai seated around the beautiful, extravagant court room. It had been some time since he had seen the Lords of the lands, but his flawless memory could still recall each of their handsome, young faces as though months and years were naught but hours and days.
To the left of the three powerful youkai before him was Yoruma, Lord of the Northern Lands. Yoruma was a fearsome tiger youkai, very much like himself in stature and physique. He had similar markings, however Yoruma's stripes were midnight black, where Sesshomaru's were a soft plum colour, and the mark adorning his forehead was an intricate pattern, as opposed to a simple crescent moon. Yoruma had daunting, fiery, burnt orange eyes, which churned with might and unadulterated strength, and his glossy, supple hair fell to his knees in a billowing curtain of snow white elegance. Presently, he wore a pair of long, silken, ivory hakama and his chest was bared, revealing his muscular build and markings in a show of dominance. Yoruma was notorious for his competence and prowess during battle, and Sesshomaru regarded him as his closest ally of all three Lords.
Directly across from Sesshomaru was Gorai, a samurai youkai and Lord of the Eastern Lands. Gorai was undoubtedly the most regal and graceful of all four Lords. Sesshomaru grudgingly admit that Gorai was a master swordsman, perhaps his skills were slightly more refined than even Seshomaru's. Gorai has his head bowed, contemplating the outcome of their gathering, his raven black tresses falling forward to frame his pointed face. Gorai wore a simple white kimono with black lining; he was much thinner and less powerfully built than Sesshomaru and Yoruma, but his swordsmanship abilities and his strategic, calculating demeanor made him an equal, if not greater threat.
Finally, to the right of Gorai, was Syaoran, an intimidating shadow youkai who was currently the ruler of The Southern Lands. Syaoran was the eldest of the Lords, a few hundred years older than Sesshomaru. Syaoran was difficult to decipher; his emotions hidden behind a facade of expressionless, angelic beauty, his true intentions never completely unraveled. Little was known about his past, or of his full capabilities. It was understood that Syaoran was dangerous due to his shadow youkai nature, however he had never done anything to prove he was untrustworthy. As Sesshomaru studied Syaoran's face, he found that his features were slightly blurred and undefined around the edges, as if his being were undecided if it was solid flesh and blood, or a ghostly plume of pale smoke held together by the loose, jet black, floor length coat he wore. Syaoran sat deftly still, hardly seeming to breath.
Upon completing his assessment of the other Lords, Sesshomaru decided to speak, having grown tired of the growing hostility around him.
"Why has this Sesshomaru been called forth?" his steady voice ricocheted from the ornate, embellished ceiling high above.
"We have been watching you, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands, for quite some time, and we have come to a unanimous decision" responded Gorai, fixing his jade green stare on Sesshomaru.
"And what of the Court's decision?" Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at Gorai, who ignored his question.
"You are aware of the Spider Hanyou, are you not? I believe his name is 'Naraku'?" Sesshomaru nodded slowly. Gorai continued "He has caused substantial damage to many vulnerable ningen villages throughout your lands, absorbing scores of lesser youkai. We have been awaiting your response to his indecency and were utterly surprised when no such response transpired" drawled Gorai.
"Is it possible that you feign ignorance, in order to harbor this corrupted Hanyou while he gains power, so that you may, someday, overthrow our thrones and take our lands for yourself?" Snapped Syaoran, quickly revealing the reason behind Sesshomaru's summoning; they thought Naraku and he were allies.
"Are you accusing me of aiding Naraku?Is this what the court believes?" Sesshomaru spat.
"Not at all friend, we are simply looking for a plausible purpose behind your actions, or lack of" Yoruma explained.
"So you immediately concluded that I have not concerned myself with Naraku thus far so that I may gain from him? Using his tainted power to further my own wealth and authority? Did it not occur to the Council that this Sesshomaru has no wish to involve himself with the Hanyou by destorying him in battle?" Sesshomaru angrily hissed.
"Now why would the great Ice Prince have any qualms about defeating a filthy Hanyou?" Gorai questioned. "Unless said Ice Prince was...afraid?"
"You dare insult my honor?!" Sesshomaru seethed.
"Be calm, my friend, be calm." Yoruma's tranquil voice urged. "If these are not your true intentions, as I believe, than please help us in understanding why you have done nothing against this vile 'Naraku', and do not seek to eliminate him."
"This Sesshomaru has conducted vigorous research on the topic of Naraku, and have found that, should this Sesshomaru greet him in battle and destroy him, the many youkai spirits that inhibit his body would seek out another body to possess and make their own, namely the body of this Sesshomaru. In oder to defeat the Hanyou, this Sesshomaru must first discover a way to contain or break his spirit." Explained Sesshomaru.
"And have you found such a solution?" questioned Sayoran curiously.
"Hai, this Sesshomaru believes that he can use one of Naraku's reincarnations to ensnare the youkai spirits, clearing a path to Naraku's annihilation." The hostile air between the Lord's seemed to dissipate, now that Sesshomaru was no longer suspected of treachery. A moment of silence ensued before which seemed to wear into hours.
Yoruma was the first to speak. "Well, it seems that we have reached the wrong conclusion, and for that, Lord Sesshomaru, I humbly apologize and ask for your forgiveness." He bowed his head in penance.
"Yes, it seems that you have cleared your name, Lord Sesshomaru. However, you will now need to prove your words true to this Council. You, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands, must now destroy Naraku. If you have not complied to this, one full year from this date, then you shall be charged with high treason and attend trial." announced Gorai.
"A fair judgement." agreed Sesshomaru. With that, the council meeting ended, and, standing, Sesshomaru bowed respectfully to each of the Lords, before turning swiftly on his heel and gliding gracefully from the grand court room.