Author's Note : Writer's block right at the beginning of a multi-chap fic is no good sign is it? Well here is the second chapter anyway, I've been trying to figure the plot out completely before continuing it, but this one was just lingering around in my folders for a while, so I just thought I'd post it anyway. Enjoy!
Chapter 1 : Shapeshifter
The day the elder passed away was one filled with great sorrow on the part of the whole clan. A leader of this caliber to fall was unexpected, not to mention causing great amount of thinking throughout the people. Most had their own theories, being experienced themselves, while the young ones were distraught. It was undoubtedly a day for grieving, as even the Monarch of Storms (*) had ordered the skies to cry over the loss of the Wise.
As most had theories and thoughts, the offspring of the elder knew very well what was the cause of his death. Only they chose not to raise their voices in the matter. The clan was not known for sharing theories or thoughts.
Gabriel, the elder son never was a patient one, unlike his counter part, the not-so-much younger Jolee. Gabriel was always impatient and headstrong, not fit to be a true leader - however, with the death of the Wise, it was his turn.
Traditions always came first to the clan. The first and foremost tradition declared that the leader must always be one from the true bloodline, an offspring to the great ancestors who wore the same name with as much pride as do all the others now. It was only natural that the elder son would be chosen as the leader.
However, all of the traditions could be opposed if the Council of the Shadows agreed on it. The Council was the law. What it decided was to be done, no matter the cost. And that is exactly why Gabriel was uncertain, deep down inside. Both the Council and himself knew that Jolee would be the better choice as of now. But that could not be allowed. He had waited far too much for this. He had worked all his life in order to get this sacred title. He would not let it happen.
His gaze traveled along the valley and over the vast forest next to the clan's spot. They had no territory - they had power. The power to make even the greatest bow to their will. And all knew that just too well. The Shihouin were revered as gods among the other clans, and all the clanless as well. But that wasn't enough. If he came to power, he decided he would make a name even greater for themselves. To rule the world with power is one thing, but to have the world is what he truly wished… to have what no one else ever had before.
But this plan was not in motion yet. After centuries, he still did not have the leadership he yearned so much. 'Soon… it will all be ours for the taking. Leave the weak behind. We shall build a dynasty of the likes that no one has ever seen. The pieces are finally falling into place.'
The mere thought forced a smile to his slightly wrinkled features. A steady breeze brushed his short hair back, his hands crossed in front of his chest with the pride of a true Shihouin.
"I don't think anyone else knows" said the all too known voice behind him. "At least… not yet."
Gabriel turned around, his long black robe dancing around him with grace. His cold yellow eyes looked deeply into his brother's brown orbs.
"I pray it stays that way" Gabriel nodded, turning back to the view he watched moments ago. In his eyes, it all looked different… but Jolee could never understand. That is exactly why he should be the first one to be sacrificed for the greater good.
"The Council is still pondering over all the possibilities" Jolee explained, planting a hand on his brother's shoulder. "It is only a matter of time now."
"You're right" his counter part smiled. 'It is only a matter of time now.'
The waterfall seemed to make the Yoruichi forget all her troubles, or at the very least soothe them. She came out to the spot where she would always learn with the Wise, despite the fact that her master was no longer living. She sat on a rock, staring blindly into the small lake, absorbing the nature around her. She always liked this place, it was peaceful. At least as peaceful as any spot can be during the great war between the Whites and the Dark Gods.
The great war began at the beginning of times, right when the Cycle first started. The Whites believed that all who are weak do not deserve to live. The Dark Gods were formerly the most noble heroes of the strongest clans, all giving up their lives and desires in order to defeat the Whites. While the Dark Gods were believed to be immortal, they seem to have perished two cycles ago, not showing any sign of themselves ever since. It was common belief between the Great Clans that they were already reached by the corruption of the Whites, now also sharing their belief.
After their mysterious disappearance, the Great Clans fought against the Whites instead. The last two cycles were ended by the old Wise and his sons. These two cycles were what was commonly known as the Wars of Redemption.
However, the Wars did nothing to scare the young girl. She still felt like she was in the most sacred sanctum in the world.
Clouds started to fill the sky, and raindrops filled the earth with sorrow. The lake's water was now all but calm.
"I know you're there" Yoruichi whispered into the cold air.
Jolee stepped behind the young girl and took hold of her shoulders.
"How did you know?" the middle-aged man smiled.
Yoruichi stood up and turned around. Her eyes gently analyzed the older one's. It was the darkest gray, as was the sky.
"As you came, the weather changed, as did the emotions of your heart" the girl explained, looking into Jolee's eyes softly.
"It was to be expected, sooner or later" the black man stepped away, moving slowly around the small lake with a wicked smile.
Yoruichi eyed Jolee suspiciously from her spot on a rock before returning her gaze to the small waterfall that poured into the river. The silence between the two was washed away by the sound of the rain.
"Aren't you supposed to be grieving with my father?" the girl wondered out loud.
"Aren't you?" Jolee grinned at her. "My father lived a good life. I am proud of him, and so is Gabriel. Of course, he did not die as the warrior he was, that's true… but his death was not in vain, of that I am certain."
"How can one not die in vain if one did not die as a warrior?" she asked.
"Let it be enough that I need not grieve him, for his spirit still lives on" Jolee smiled gently.
Silence filled the air once more. The older man kept walking around the lake, his eyes locked with the girl's. Thoughts raced in Yoruichi's mind.
"I have a wonder, Yoruichi" the man stopped in his tracks, his golden eyes still fixed upon the violet haired girl.
"I am listening" she nodded.
"It is soon your time to pass into adulthood" the middle-aged man cocked his head to the side, and resumed his track along the lake. "And this is why I came to you in the first place. What do you wish to do afterwards? You can leave the clan and travel around the world to gain knowledge, you will be allowed to pledge your loyalty into the service of those who you think deserve it."
Yoruichi's eyes went wide. She did not know that she would be allowed to do all those things. No one has ever told her she had her own choice.
"Did you say… I can choose what to do?" she repeated, her eyes still wide.
Of course" Jolee furrowed his brows. "No one can decide in your place. Also, note that you are to be the next leader after your father, should the Council choose him. You of all people should have a choice, no?"
Choices? Gabriel always told her that she would be a priestess for a cult far to the east. The Wise always taught her for her responsibilities as a leader, however. It was all very confusing… and very sudden.
She started smiling. This possibility caused Yoruichi's mind to race over all the things she always dreamed about. So many things, so little time… where to start? What to do? Of course, there is still some time until she will become an adult, but… what will she do?
Yoruichi's smile widened. She knew exactly where to start.
"I'm going to be a shapeshifter" she whispered, the smile never leaving her face.
Author's Note : I know it's short. Bomb me with advices if you feel like it - constructive criticism is more than welcome, as are all reviews! Thanks for reading.
(*) Monarchs are gods. Just thought I'd point that one out.