Chapter 33
Mura watched with eager eyes as her apprentice finished tracing the outline of the incantation ring with the earthy-black mixture of mortal blood, crushed bones, and freshly tilled soil. The spell was elaborate, as was the design, but she had trained Kusoa well. The girl was meticulous in her efforts and it reflected vividly in her work. The circle and all its intricate details were flawless despite its impressive size—encompassing Mura's entire chamber floor.
"The summoning ring is finished my queen," Kusoa at last announced after gracefully landing beyond the perimeter. She was careful in her movements, opting not to make unnecessary motions even in submission for fear of disturbing the spell.
"Excellent," Mura praised as she eyed the finished design. "You've done fine work." The witch queen's lips parted into a cruel smile as she took hold of her staff. The magenta orb-shaped power source hummed with energy and the three sacred jewels held within quickly amplified its radiant light.
"Trappers slain of demon's ire!" Mura called loudly as the emblem on her floor blazed with purple energy "I release you from the netherworld. Come forth now and exact your revenge!"
As the witch queen's words echoed across the chamber walls, strange growing mounds started to form along the incantation ring's surface. There were only a few at first, about five total emerging from the very center. But soon the mounds started to appear everywhere, and they continued to expand.
Near the spell perimeter Kusoa watched boggle-eyed as the mounds closest to her reached about the height of a man. Then to her even greater amazement the piles of soil, bone and blood started to manipulate into mortal figures!
Their bodies were not complete, naturally. Without the proper burial remains for each they could only appear as generic skeletons. But Mura was a cunning demon. What the undead so often lacked was not an issue in this case. Her spell insured these warriors had their individual spirits completely intact and permanently bonded to their new, immortal, bodies, allowing them to remain on earth without the need to harvest others' souls.
By the time the spell was completed no less then three hundred revived demon trappers stood at rigid attention, their skulls all tilted upward in the direction of their summoner.
"I have brought you back for one purpose," the witch queen announced to her new audience. "To gain the vengeance that you desire against the demons that destroyed you. In this form you will feel no pain. Destruction will not hinder you, and you will have all the strength and weapons you crave. However, although your minds and memories are whole, it was my craft that summoned you here. Fail to do as I command, question me in any way, and I'll cast you back to the pits of hell where you belong. Do you understand?"
"We understand my queen," the skeleton army informed almost in unison.
"Good," Mura concluded before setting her eyes once more to her apprentice. "Kusoa, as a reward for your work I am placing you in command. Once you've fitted these warriors with garments and weapons I want you to take them to the north dragon's palace. When you arrive remain at a safe distance until I command otherwise."
The witchling's eyes lit up with pride but she managed to conceal it well enough with a humble looking bow.
"I will go at once my queen," she responded. Then she turned to her assigned subordinates. "Queen Mura has spoken. You are to follow my orders from this moment on is that clear?"
"Yes milady," the group responded obediently. Kusoa smirked with satisfaction before turning toward the exit.
"Good. Now come!" That said the witchling departed and was soon out of earshot. Obediently, the group of living skeletons started to file out the doorway. As Mura watched them leave she was careful to single out five specific souls—the very first ones that emerged at her beckoning, whose lust for vengeance was by far the strongest.
"Not you," the witch queen instructed before the chosen few left "you remain here for a moment." The five warriors did not object and after the remaining group exited Mura gleamed at them with a sly and sinister expression. "For you I have a special assignment."
The sky was just beginning to lighten with the coming dawn when Sesshomaru nudged Ah-Un alongside the dragon-cross carrying his daughter. The demoness was still a bit glossy eyed, having dozed in and out of sleep for most of the night hours they have been airborne, but she responded to his presence nonetheless.
"I have one final task I must complete," the dog lord informed calmly. "I'll rejoin you at Matyeo's palace within a few hours." Shura nodded and unsuccessfully tried to fight off a yawn.
"Ok," she mumbled wearily. The flap of wings sounded and shortly afterward Matyeo was gliding at Shura's other side.
"What's this I hear? You're not leaving already… are you master?" The dragon's question was posed more as a sarcastic joke but neither Sesshomaru nor Jaken seemed overly amused.
"Now see here!" barked Jaken sternly "You had better be on your best behavior while lord Sesshomaru is gone!" But that was all the further he got.
"You can be sure of that Jaken," Sesshomaru interrupted "because you're going on ahead with Shura." The she-demon's jaw slackened a little as her father proceeded to pluck the imp from Ah-Un's back by and toss him casually in her direction.
"What! Why?" Shura started to complain but she was cut off when a squirming Jaken fell heavily into her arms. Her father didn't even offer an answer. With a gesture to Ah-Un he had already drifted backwards, effectively out of verbal protesting range. "Oh that's just not fair!" Shura grumbled angrily to no one in particular. Jaken meanwhile, after much muttering and fidgeting, eventually got himself settled comfortably between Ukuri's shoulder blades.
"Fine then," the little imp proclaimed "I shall not disappoint milord!" With that he abruptly turned his attention to the dragon hovering beside them. "Off with you now! Shoo!" Jaken ordered. The little demon swung his staff and narrowly missed clobbering Matyeo in the head.
The dragon frowned in annoyance but quickly dipped out of eyesight before re-assuming his place at the head of the convoy. The land all around them was gradually becoming more visible. Thick, rocky crags loomed menacingly on either side, shielding the distant, ground below. The scenery was quite menacing in the dark, but now in the pale oncoming morning, it seemed more mysterious, eerie and yet pure at the same time. Thick clouds of mist accented the atmosphere, and despite the toll on visibility, the cloudy vapor gave the land an unexplainable beauty.
"My palace is just up ahead," Matyeo informed after a while, even though it was distinctly difficult for those listening to tell which way "ahead" was. The mist had consumed virtually everything but the dragon's voice.
Following in the direction of the Matyeo's fading vocals, the three flying demons and their passengers continued through the murky, gray air. Then suddenly, without warning the mist cleared and a bright orange ray of light bathed across the sky making everyone squint in surprise.
Beyond then, nestled within the mountainous land was a deep, lush ravine. Dozens of houses dotted the lower portions of the basin, as did fine gardens, orchards and even a small stream—the divergence of its much larger cousin that ran a different course through the same valley. But by far the greatest attraction was the structure at the far end of the ravine. Dug into the distant mountain faces that bordered the gorge, Matyeo's palace loomed over the patchwork community, like a parent tirelessly watching its young. The design of the palace was strikingly different then the norm of the era. Built of carefully cut stone, the estate seemed more reminiscent of the medieval palaces of Irish lure, and it looked almost as old.
"Oh Matyeo!" Shura heard herself exclaim at the sight, "It's beautiful!" The dragon had perched on a nearby outcropping and was happily overlooking the view as he basked in the sun. But he must have heard Shura's comment clearly, for he turned and grinned in her direction.
"My ancestors got the design a few centuries ago from some visiting dragons that lived across the ocean," Matyeo commented before shifting his focus to the assortment of white and brown dots that was his human colony "but as you can see things have definitely expanded since then." Smiling, the dragon left his perch and gestured for everyone to follow.
"Come, I'll show you around."
Obediently the three demon mounts flew along at Matyeo's heels as he swooped down past the last few shallow rocky peeks and into the depths of the basin. After several moments of gliding past both preserved woodland and some more exotic looking gardens filled with strange, colorful plants, the distinctly tamer land and orchards utilized by the villagers came into view. Soon after they passed over the array of quaint little houses and other buildings that made up the human colony. Happy calls of "Welcome back milord!" sounded from the residents below as they worked and peeked curiously out of their doors, and Matyeo waved politely to each smiling face that greeted him.
The setting was almost too nostalgic for Shura, and it was only once they reached the parallel border of the village that she realized why.
"It looks just like my old home," the she demon noted quietly with both a smile and a tear. The dragon smiled warmly and peered over his shoulder. Though not as obvious, the inner pain of the realization lingered in his eyes as well.
"I'm glad you think so." The dragon paused and his expression grew unusually soft. "All things considered…I'm thankful we arrived today…"
Shura offered a small smile and nodded in agreement before Matyeo refocused his attention to the task at hand—reaching his palace and guiding the mounts to an appropriate landing area.
Shura meanwhile continued to follow the dragon with her eyes. Though to her the conversation between them had sounded casual enough, she quickly discovered the error of her presumption. A blunt and rather baffled "What was that all about? What's so special about today?" sounded from Inuyasha who was not far to her right, and out of reflex Shura blushed lightly. From Kagome or Sango, she could have expected such an inquiry, but from her not so intuitive uncle… Shura fidgeted slightly and found herself fumbling for words.
"It's um…." The she demoness's voice lowered to an uncertain whisper "It's …a bit complicated," she finally answered.
Such a statement was true enough. Ten years ago on this day both she and Matyeo experienced several life-altering milestones. Back then, some dark, frightening shadows that still lurked in both their hearts had chosen to rear their ugly heads, and for her, the result was a region-wide rampage of vengeance against any mortal bearing the trade of a demon trapper.
But amidst the haunting echos was also a flicker of fortune. For it was also on this day ten years ago that she and Matyeo first crossed paths. Although in the grand scheme of things their meeting wasn't particularly friendly at first, time and compassion had proven to be the victor over restless, youthful, demon vengeances. The resulting bond of friendship was proof enough of that.
In the end, although both she and the dragon still had their own personal grievances, it was a burden they no longer had to endure alone. And so, the day was both a blessing and a curse, unable to be truly celebrated but too important to regret.
Shura let out a heavy sigh. "Maybe I'll explain it to you guys later…but for now lets just say it's important to me for various personal reasons." The she demon concluded quietly before nudging Ukuri forward to avoid any further questions.
By this point they had reached the castle maingrounds. A large, open foyer tucked securely within the outer perimeter made the ideal landing space, and one by one the three mounts followed Matyeo's lead as he descended. Their riders meanwhile looked on with growing curiosity. On the grounds below dozens of servants were busy rushing about, as they would in any large, formal palace. But what grabbed everyone's attention was not the fact of their presence, but rather that most of the servants were not the lesser demons one would expect for a notable dragon. Instead, the swiftly moving figures were little more then ordinary humans.
One of the mortals in particular caught Kagome's eye—a youthful looking woman with black hair and brown eyes waiting patiently as they landed.
"Hey Inuyasha?" the girl questioned her company as she slowly fit the face with the person's identity, "Isn't that Shiori's mother?" Reflexively Inuyasha followed Kagome's stare, and shortly thereafter so did Miroku, Sango and Shippo.
"Yeah, I think so," replied Inuyasha after he recalled the woman's scent. "But I wonder why she's up here with the servants. Wouldn't it make more sense for her to be in the colony?" Inuyasha's question didn't remain unanswered for long. As Matyeo landed Shiori's mother bowed submissively.
"Welcome home Lord Matyeo," she greeted while the dragon steadied himself and retracted his wings. "I see we have company today. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Good morning Syana," Matyeo returned politely before gesturing to the black dragon who was still airborn. "If you could please tend to Ebony it would be most appreciated."
Without another word the woman nodded and immediately hurried to where Matyeo's prized mount was landing. Ukuri and Kirara had reached the ground first and both demons were quick to transform to their smaller sizes after their riders dismounted. Ebony touched down last, and as he dipped to allow his passengers off Syana took hold of his reins.
"Welcome," the woman began, only to realize seconds later the familiar faces she was greeting. "Wait…I know you… You're the half demon who helped Shiori and I a while back…" Kagome, as always offered a pleasant, "Yeah it's good to see you again." But Inuyasha didn't seem nearly so happy to see the young mother. In fact, he had turned downright grumpy.
"I can't believe that guy!" he huffed aloud, all the while gesturing in Matyeo's direction with his glaring eyes. "Making humans work as servants in his palace." To the half demon's surprise his irate grumble met with immediate protest from Syana.
"No! It's not like that at all!" she insisted with a seriousness that even made Inuyasha pause. "I volunteered to work in the palace…just like everyone else here!" The woman glanced momentarily over her shoulder in the dragon's direction and once she was sure he wasn't listing she continued, "It's the least I can offer, after Lord Matyeo took us in. He's been so kind, especially to Shiori. She practically sees him as a father."
Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest, but before he could offer a reply, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. Matyeo, Shura, Ukuri and Kirara must have heard it too for their ears were all perked curiously. Then a tiny voice sounded from the left.
"But Miss Zala… shouldn't you be resting?" a young girl was questioning. Moments later the curious child trotted into view, a woman draped in robes close beside her. The little girl, a silver-haired half demon with pink eyes, was gazing curiously up at her company as she moved, but her interest shifted once she realized the pair of them were no longer alone.
"Oh Lord Matyeo! You're back!" the child exclaimed happily when she caught sight of the dragon.
"Shiori what are you doing up?" Syana tried to scold, but her daughter wasn't paying attention. With eager little strides Shiori ran to Matyeo's side and clung tightly to one of his sleeves. The dragon meanwhile smiled down at the girl and patted her head.
"Hey there Shiori," he crooned before glancing up at the woman who was still approaching. At present Zala was moving with careful strides and her arms were curled tightly around a small, cooing bundle.
"You know you shouldn't be out here in this chill," the dragon informed with a quiet yet stern tone to emphasize his concern. The woman's tired face stretched into a warm almost euphoric smile that could only come with parenthood.
"I know," she replied softly. "But I wanted you to meet him."
All eyes followed Matyeo as he walked to the new mother's side. Then with utmost tenderness he accepted the bundled infant Zala placed in his arms. The baby's scent was warm and sweet, and it revealed his cross-blooded lineage almost immediately. A raccoon mix, the child already had the makings of an adept forest dweller. Soft, gray, black-tipped ears peeked out from his head of matching hair, and a long, ringed tail added to the boy's demonic features. Smiling, Matyeo stroked the infant's cheek with the back of his hand. The baby in return let out a squeak and reached up with eager little black paws to take hold of the dragon's pinky.
"What is his name?" Matyeo asked softly. Beside him, Zala gave a contented smile.
"Zoir," she replied. The dragon continued to watch as the baby tugged lightly on his finger. Then the child yawned, exposing briefly his developing set of milk teeth before snuggling deeper into the blankets and drifting to sleep.
"Hello Zoir," Matyeo cooed aloud. Raising his hand out of the sleeping tots paws Matyeo stroked the infant's head of soft hair, being careful not to harm his still delicate ears. Then after offering one final smile, the dragon returned the sleeping infant to his mother's arms. "Now please go back inside Zala, before you catch your death out here," Matyeo once again instructed the young woman.
This time Zala didn't protest. Turning slowly on her heels she nodded and started back in the direction of her quarters. As the others looked on Matyeo was quick to direct his attention to the second visitor.
"Shiori, you too. Back to bed," he ordered gently. Still at his side Shiori glanced up at him with her soft, pink eyes.
"Oh, yes milord," she replied in a cute little tone before dutifully obeying.
Syana just shook her head and laughed lightly as her child ran to catch up with Zala.
"You see what I mean," she concluded with a smile. Inuyasha let out a small snort and his observing friends just smiled back and nodded. Sliding from the black dragon's shoulders, Inuyasha took hold of Kagome's hand in a gentlemanly gesture so that she too might descend with ease. Then, once the pair of them and Shippo were safe on the ground Syana assumed their former place on the beast's shoulders and gave a gentle whip of the rains. Ebony obeyed immediately, fanning his massive wings before pushing off of the polished, sand colored stones. Moments later the dragon mount was airborne and gliding casually in the direction his new rider instructed—to the lofts dug out of the mountains that rested near the palace. Soon the beast dipped out of sight completely, his massive black frame concealed by the varied array of stone towers and walls that occluded everyone's view.
"Now then," Matyeo's voice sounded catching everyone's attention once more. The dragon lord was gesturing to his right, his attention fixed on a medium sized, tower that looked like it could be a sustainable stone mansion. The building was nestled comfortably at the far end of the large, T-shaped foyer they were presently standing in the center of. "Let us go inside, so that you may refresh yourselves."
Still fatigued and unkempt from her latest toils, Shura readily followed Matyeo's lead with Ukuri choosing to rest across her shoulders. Kagome and Sango followed close behind, themselves also eager for a hot bath and a soft place to rest. Shippo and Kirara opted to follow Ukuri's example and perched themselves on Kagome and Sango respectfully. And lastly came Miroku, Inuyasha and Jaken all trailing behind. The three of them were more intrigued with the elaborate surroundings rather then the promise of comforts.
The building they were heading towards was only one of many smaller constructions buried at different points in the surrounding mountains, but it and its twin— and identical structure at the opposing end of the foyer—were two of the largest. In fact, these two structures were dwarfed by only one other, the centerpiece of the palace constructed on the final portion of the T-shaped foyer. That tower was truly impressive, and more then likely the dragon king's main homestead. Behind this structure, residing between it and the mountain backdrop was a final expansion of space, however its contents appeared to be off limits, for they were tucked out of view by some added stone barriers.
"Pretty nice place you've got here Matyeo," Inuyasha commented aloud after he finished sweeping the terrene with his eyes, "It's no wonder you have so many humans around. The palace would probably never stay organized otherwise." Though the comment was not really meant as an insult, coming from Inuyasha it was difficult to tell.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome scolded through her teeth, but the half demon didn't catch on. Matyeo did however, and just smiled warmly in return.
"It's true I share my home with anyone who needs it, but let me assure it is only for as long as they desire. The many you see here chose to stay because they have nothing to return to beyond these mountains." The dragon's expression softened slightly as he reached the building's entrance; a set of large, heavy, arch shaped wooden doors. "I guess you can say I have a bit of a soft-spot for orphans."