InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Chou Shoki I: Learning from Yesterday ❯ Chapter 1 ( Prologue )

AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU READ THE STORY

 

 

There are a couple of things that I must make clear before readers begin this story. First of all, I want to let you know that “known” characters in this story are out-of-character and therefore can not be seen or treated the same as in the anime or manga. So, please keep an open mind for I have foreseen all the details about these characters to be that way for a reason.

 

Secondly, since this is the first part of a trilogy, I want to make it known that in writing this fanfic, I used a specific time and setting in Japanese history. Given the fact that my usage of time is important, I must also make it a point to state that my entire trilogy will be intertwined with the episodes in the anime. Therefore, this first installment will be pre-anime, if you will. Like I said, time IS important and as the story and the trilogy develop, then the reader will know why.

 

Thirdly, I mention that I use Japanese history in my story. There are some real places and episodes in the history of Japan that I molded to my story. So, if anyone reads anything that sounds familiar to a myth or story, then it might be. I might not always state this in the chapters, but if you want to know, then ask and I will be more than glad to answer.

 

Fourth, in the first two or three chapters, it may be a bit “mild”, but give it a chance, and, as the story unfolds, you will see that it is actually worth reading.

 

And lastly, I would like to thank my beta, Kiyota, from Kag/Sess. Your support has meant the world to me! I want to wish you a good read and hope to hear from all of you soon. Happy reading!!!!!!!

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Fallenarchangel

 

 

P.S.

I know that some people read on other sites, so I just want to let everyone know that if you visit or are a member of Fanfiction.net (under 4TheLoveOfInu), mediaminer.org (under WhiteLotus), and a-single-spark.com (under Fallenarchangel) then you might see this story posted also. Just make sure that the penname are those I mentioned above and if they're not please let me know. Thanks.

 

 

 

Yet there are things whose strong reality outshines our fairyland;

in shape and hues more beautiful than our fantastic skies.

-Lord Byron, Child Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto IV

 

 

CHAPTER 1

 

December 19, 2035 A.D. ~ 6:53AM ~ Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

 

The yellows and oranges in the early dawn came dancing into the Tsukimi Yagura (Moon Viewing Room) giving it a most warming and welcome look to any who entered. The breakfast plate had been removed for almost twenty minutes as I waited for my visitor. I took in a deep breath and inhaled the smell of the fresh morning. The soft notes of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata played in the background.

 

A slight creak of the wooden door announced the presence of one of the family's most trusted friend. Hmm...I must make remember to get that fixed.

 

“He's here. Shall I escort him to the library?”

 

I turned to her and smiled. “Iiee (no), that's fine. Bring him here and make sure I am not bothered, please.”

 

“Very well.”

 

“Have you seen my meito (mate)?”

 

“Hai (yes). He said he would be out with his brother and his meito, overseeing the latest project. He asked me to tell you that he shall give you the space to speak to your guest.”

 

“Shall I also deny your presence to the rest of the family?” She added.

 

“Do not worry about them. I spoke to them last night. They knew I was not to be disturbed.” She nodded and returned two minutes later.

 

She stepped aside and beckoned for the young man to enter, closing the door so just my visitor and I were left. Light footsteps entered the room and I motioned with my hand to a seat next to my own. The two seats were positioned facing towards the horizon. The young man who entered was in his mid twenties, dark hair, cerulean eyes (a trait passed down from his lineage, no doubt), tall and had a well built physique. He was wearing a dark blue Armani stripped dress shirt tucked inside Tomas Ave. stretch wool black dress pants with flared legs ― no doubt the influence of his girlfriend. A wave of long-forgotten nostalgia and a purple robe flashed within my heart's eye. He bowed and stood rigidly.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

He knew he shouldn't really be here. He promised his fiancée, Sayuri, that he'd wait at least until she'd “prepared the field”. But being the curious man he was, he just had to come. He had had his secretary call the Matsumoto Palace incessantly until the Lord and Lady almost filed a restraining order on him.

 

Thankfully the Lady had agreed to a meeting in exchange for his discretion. He had not slept for three days since then. He was just too excited and it had been hard as hell to keep it from his fiancée but he knew in the end it would be worth it and she would understand. That was five days ago. Now, as he stood outside the study of the Matsumoto Castle, better known to its inhabitants as the Crescent Moon, he couldn't help but feel small.

 

The walls of this great architecture had endured many wars and been witness to many joyous as well as tragic events in the lives of its inhabitants throughout the centuries. As he looked at the many tapestries and paintings adorning the wall, he knew he had made the right choice by coming here. He turned nervously when he heard the woman open the door and beckon him in.

 

This was it. Now or never. Everything he'd dreamed about when growing up and that he'd heard of from his grandfather. He straightened rigidly as he stepped through the door. He only heard the soft locking of the door behind him.

 

Now, since Ryouhei had met his fiancée three months ago at a small dig down in Cairo, he had not had eyes for any other woman. But in front of him, aside from Sayuri, stood the most beautiful female he had ever laid eyes on, Morikawa Tomiko, Lady of the Western Lands. Beautiful hip-length raven tresses with two silver chunks on either side of her hair cascading down her back, lavender eyes that captured any within their range, alabaster perfect skin, curvaceous, toned body of a goddess and the powerful aura that could only come with age. She was wearing a silver Chaiken casino fitted halter top with a deep v-neckline made of brocade that tied around the neck. Her black silk St. John chiffon-pleated pants had side-slits that were no doubt tailored specifically for her. He knew she was much older than him, but she could easily pass as someone of his age.

 

She could have stayed there across from him and manage to keep him still without having to say a word. Instead she chose to smile and the entire world stood still. He knew that smile too well. It was the last thing he saw at night and usually the first to see in the morning.

 

He bowed and followed her motioning hand to the seat next to hers.

 

“My lady.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“My lady. I am most honored that you agreed to spare some minutes of your precious - ” I interrupted with a wave of my hands.

 

“Blah, blah, blah. Please, Kuroki-san, if I'd wanted someone to grovel at my feet, I would have paid Dangerause there,” - pointing to the woman outside the door - “to do that.” I gave him a blank stare. He tensed even more.

 

“Oshiete (tell me), what is a renowned shigakka (historian) like yourself want with my family? Surely we are not as important as the media has made us out to be,” I winked at him.

 

He relaxed and sat down. “Sumimasen (pardon me), I am not accustomed to dealing with royalty. And I thank you for the compliment. Hai, I have had the fortune of having some of my scribbles turned into books. But then again, you already knew that.” He blushed, which I thought was really endearing.

 

“Oh, don't apologize. Just tell me why you are so adamant about the past.” I cocked my head and looked into his eyes, ignoring his comment.

 

He blinked several times and seemed to think on his words. “Actually, it's not so much about the past, as it is about your past. Demo (but), I wouldn't be completely honest if I did not wish to know about their past and their connection to yours... my family, I mean.”

 

I looked out the balcony before smiling at him. I stood up and he was about to do the same, but I held out my hand to pause him. “Why is it so important? It never has been an issue of interest before.”

 

He reached for a small cup of water and took a sip. Then he gave me a perfectly genuine smile. “Because no one in my family has ever before realized who you truly are...Kagome. Or is it Jelena (pronounced yell-ay-na)? Or perhaps, Katerina?”

 

I had to smile again. Yes, he was different from all the others. Not that the rest were not special, but this one... yes, perhaps the match would last.

 

“What makes you think any of those are my name or that I'm even royalty?” I was curious as to how much he thought he knew. Obviously, not much since he was here.

 

“You and I know that all are and that you do come from royal lineage. Onegai (please), all I desire is to know.” His voice no longer that of a historian, but of a simple man who yearned for truth.

 

I turned away from him once more to look out. How much had everything changed. I remembered a time when there was nothing but green landscapes for miles and miles. Trees covered the valleys; rivers ran across the land and animals roamed free. Not a single building was in sight and no car smoke polluted the sky. Had it really been so long ago?

 

“Lady Tomiko, daijoubou desu ka (are you alright)?” a slight worry carried in his words.

 

I sighed. “Hai. Sumimasen, I was reminiscing.”

 

“Tell me everything.”

 

I frowned at him. “If I were to tell you everything, what do you plan to do with the information?”

 

“Tell everyone the truth. I think it is time everyone knew the reason they are alive today.” He shifted in his seat. He continued, “You may choose not to believe what I am about to tell you, but I wish to be completely honest. Not even my fi―,” he bit his tongue and quickly corrected himself, “girlfriend knows about this, but,” he hesitated before continuing. “For the past two months, I have been having the same dream. In each one, I am visited by a man, whom sadly, I still don't know who he is. This man always gives me the same orders: Visit the Chosen and tell them that time is upon them.”

 

“This man told you to visit the Chosen. What does any of that have to do with me?”

 

“Is not your family's crest this one?” He unfolded an ancient scroll with a symbol I recognized. I nodded and he continued, “I wish to write a book about you.”

 

I regarded his words. There was no trace of lie in his scent and his words had a secret meaning which only my mate and I would ever understand. Sitting once more, I spoke, “I will tell you, but you must do something in return for me. Do we have a deal?”

 

“Anything,” he answered without a single doubt.

 

“Well, then, let's see. Where shall I begin?” I paused for dramatic effect and then I continued. “I suppose I can start at the beginning...” I brought my legs down from one side of the seat.

 

I inched the sofa closer to his and I straightened my back. “Now, what I am going to do is something that I have not done in years, so you are going to have to trust me. This form of magic is very powerful and whatever scene plays in front of your eyes... all the emotions... you will see and feel them as if you had been there. Take in mind that you will also see and feel things through all the parties' eyes and not just mine. Do you wish to continue?”

 

“Hai.” Pulling him down to the floor with me, we sat across each other with legs crossed. I put my hands on his temples and asked him to close his eyes. Summoning all my dormant ki (energy), I chanted the words that would take me back to where it all began...

 

To the year 1165.

 

~~~~~~~~

 

1165 A.D.

In the village of Nara, was born Taira Midoriko, of the Taira imperial line. Graced in both beauty and great power, Midoriko would grow to become a warrior princess that would, unbeknownst, begin a chain of events set forth by her death.

 

Being a princess was something that gave Midoriko not only power but respect. Nevertheless, she would be raised by her parents to earn both of these virtues. Her father would teach her bushido, kyudo and kendo, while her mother would help her harness her miko powers passed down by her mother's descendants. At the age of sixteen, she had not only accomplished to become the greatest and most feared warrior, but also the most powerful priestess. Villagers from all around the land of Nihon (Japan) would praise her for her great deeds and welcome her into their provinces. She was respected as a princess and as a priestess. She had everything a young woman could want. Above everything, and a well-kept secret, she had found love in the arms of a young general, Ryouga. Not just any general, but the general to the infamous Nishi no Daiyoukai (Great Demon of the West). Yet, they had not let something so wrong in the eyes of others, stop them.

 

1184 A.D.

A few months short of her nineteenth anniversary, while away fighting demons in a northeastern village, the imperial palace would be attacked by rebels from the Minamoto clan (long time rivals of the Taira family). The entire palace would be ransacked; everyone murdered and left to burn. The emperor and his wife would also be burned but tortured before they would turn to ashes. At her return, Midoriko came upon a beaten villager, who, before dying, told the princess everything. Crushed by the news of her parents brutal death and the burning of her entire furusato, she did the only thing she could - she fled to her uncle's home - where her uncle proceeded to change her family name to save them both. Upon their arrival on the furusato of Kamakura, her uncle showered her with the sympathy and care that both needed. Little did she know that she had walked into the wolf's lair and that her uncle had been part of the conspiracy that had killed her parents.

 

Thirteen months after her arrival she was informed of her betrothment to an unknown lord. Her uncle was greedy and saw the opportunity to unite two great lines and therefore had quickly accepted to marry her off. Finding out about her uncle's betrayal, she immediately formed a plan.

 

1185 A.D.

She agreed to marry the mysterious lord, but soon after their marriage, she financially ruined her uncle and threw him out. She could have killed him, but the pleasure of seeing him beg was even better. Life with her husband, Lord Seiwa, was miserable. Although he treated her well, she felt nothing for the man, because he stood for the two things that she had come to hate ― the Minamoto and marriage. It had been after the marriage ceremony that she discovered that he was the new chosen emperor. He was much older than her - fifteen years to be exact - and he constantly wanted to bed her. Her misery would somehow lessen with the arrival of their first child, Kyo. Kyo looked exactly like his father with his dark brown hair, same nose and tanned skin. The child possessed great power and this was evident from his birth. Midoriko loved her child and took him everywhere. Kyo became her reason for living, her light at the end of the tunnel. Her miko warrior days had been cut short due to her duties as empress and now as a mother. Still she continued aiding the villages by protecting them from the constant attacks of demons wishing to obtain her great powers. Powers that had been diminished now that she was no longer physically pure.

 

1187 A.D.

Another light would come into her life on April 5, when she gave birth to her second child, whom she would name Kagome. And THIS Kagome...

 

is me.....