InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dragonlords: Return of Inuyasha Takasuio ❯ The Ceremony ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

* I do not own Inuyasha or 'The Last Dragonlord' & 'Dragon and Phoenix' by Joanne Bertin*

Story is based on Inuyasha's and Two of Bertin J.'s books. Some characters, story ideas and words will be mine but most of it will be from these two. Don't sue, I'm poor!! But the PLOT's MINE.

Chapter Two

~City of Thalnia~

The people of Thalnia sat quietly in their homes where it was safe and sound. Mothers were busy preparing dinner while fathers were enjoying the momentary time they had with their children. Laughter could be heard in every household as families took comfort in the warmth of their shelters, away from the rain and lightning that struck the night sky. No one in their right minds would dream of walking in this rain, especially with the kind of weather the Thalnians were having.

But a figure could be seen wandering through the streets of Thalnia with only a robe to cover his fragile and aging body, as he fought to remain dry despite the ongoing rain that refused to subside. He coughed and sighed, looking around for any form of shelter. He stopped at a Baker's steps to rest his aching body. If he could manage to walk for possibly another 15 minutes, the Scalet Inn should be in sight. But he was drained of energy and his body refused to obey.

"I am getting much too old..." he mumbled quietly to himself.

Suddenly, he noticed another figure dashing past him in a hurry and he smiled to himself. Seemed he was not the only man out in this infuriating storm. Before he could laugh at his own joke, the figure returned. Wrapped in a long, dark cloak and hood, the man stood just about the same height as he.

"Sir, are you all right? You shouldn't be outside in this weather." The figure asked as he leaned forward.

"Do not worry about this old man. I've been through far worse," He laughed and sat up. "But this aging body is just not keeping up with me, nowadays." He squinted up at the man for a better look, but the stranger's face was hidden beneath the shadows of the dark night.

"My home is not far from here. I insist you stay with me," the stranger offered. Before the old man could refuse, he added more sternly, "At least for the night."

The old man sighed with defeat as he accepted the offer and followed the stranger to his home. They entered a small clearing and turned right. There stood one of the finest homes he had seen in Thalnia. Its size could almost compare to that of the Erdon house. He nodded with approval and made his way inside.

"Mother, we have company." The stranger called out.

Now that they had escaped from the clattering sounds of the rain, the stranger's voice came out clear and crisp. The old man recognized that the voice was not of a man but that of a young woman. He observed the stranger as she pulled back her hood to reveal a young woman around the age of 20. She undid the ribbon that she used to hold up her hair and let her dark hair hang freely. She turned and smiled at him sweetly. The old man could only stare in shock.

"Welcome. My name is Kagome Higurashi. Please make yourself comfortable." she said as she took his robe that was completely drenched from the rain.

The old man quickly recovered from his shock. "Where are my manners? I am called Otter." He smiled at the girl. She reminded him so much of Maurynna. How is Linden and Rynna? Still driving one another crazy, he guessed.

*********

~City of Casna~

Shima knocked on the door that Linden and Maurynna shared. He thought he heard the couple call out, "Hold on, we're coming!" behind the door. He waited patiently as sounds of light footsteps could be heard with his keen hearing, something he learned to adjust to being a Dragonlord. After ten years, the way of the Dragonlord now seemed very natural to him. He loved everything about it. There were exceptions, however, as he remembered the high-pitched voices and screaming of hundreds of women earlier that morning. Now, he must attend that ceremony, in which there will be men and women to meet. He frowned, knowing what was in store for him.

The door opened and Linden stood with Maurynna by his side. The three made their way through the hall and down the stairs. Moments later, they stood outside the palace garden where the ceremony was being held. The sight was breathtaking. There was a large table containing famous dishes belonging to the five Kingdoms. Each plate was beautifully garnished to symbolize each kingdom's formality. The garden was surrounded with various flowers and even those that they had never seen. Lights were lit to guide the way, creating a charming sense of enlightenment. Even the fountain itself seemed to cleanse the clearing of ill-mattered thoughts, while soft melodies washed away everyone's stress. Such a ceremony was rightfully fitting for a King.

Linden wrapped his arm around Maurynna as he lead her towards Rann, leaving Shima to deal with the women that gathered around him. He stole a glance in Shima's direction and smirked when he caught the pleading look in the Dragonlord's eyes. Trying to sustain the laughter that threatened to break loose, Linden could only mutter a silent apology. Even Maurynna had trouble hiding the smile that was slowly forming.

Who needed enemies when you had Linden Rathan? Shima knew he couldn't escape his fate but he thought his friends would at least try to help him.

He caught the smell of a lilac perfume that interrupted his thoughts and he stared at the owner of that scent. The young lady was shorter than him, with wavy dark hair that hung above her shoulders. Her nose was too pointy and her lips was as dark as blood itself. Her eyes were as dull as the brown dirt that covered the grounds of Cassori. She was constantly pushing out other female companions and batting her long lashes at him. The others were just as bad. They had on too much white powder that was poorly done and they giggled at every opportunity. Some of them were even too frightened and they kept their distant while their mothers shoved them towards him.

They reminded him of what he encountered when he was still the spirit drummer to Shantse, shaman of the Tah'neshsieh. They were called Ketine au Setne, known as Satan's Child. The creatures would lure unexpected men with their radiant beauties to them, then later throw them in their ember cage. Whenever they were bored, they would take the captive men out and tortured them. Only then did they reveal their true form. They had a body of burnt flesh, claws as sharp and poisonous as a snake's bite and a face that was hideous beyond imagination. One look at them was more than enough torture.

"Ladies, as much as I'd dread to leave you, I must part a moment, for I have yet to congratulate King Rann and that is just rude of me. Now if you'll excuse me..." Shima broke out of one of the ladies' grip and left before they could give him an answer. Thank the gods that was over and done with.

Shima spotted Linden and Maurynna greeting Duke Beren and Duchess Alinya and made his way there, sending a message through mindspeech in advance. I have a bone to pick with you, Linden.

Upon hearing the message, Linden only smiled and greeted the approaching Dragonlord. "What took you so long?" His smile widened at the answer he already knew. "We thought you would not make it."

"You are one to speak." Shima glared at Linden. Linden, when this is over and done with...

I went through the same thing my friend. No need for verbal abuse now, Linden replied with laughter.

The Duke and Duchess could only look on in question as they observed the silent conversation between the two male Dragonlords. Maurynna tried to lighten the mood and asked for the whereabouts of the new appointed King.

"Your Grace, I believe he made mention of a young lady by the name Kella." the Duke replied.

Maurynna's eyes brightened. "You are not jesting, are you? Kella will be attending the ceremony as well, then what of Maylin?"

"The answer to that, dear Cousin, is behind you." a voice called out.

The three Dragonlords turned to the voice and saw no other than Maylin herself. Alongside her stood Maurynna's childhood friend, Raven. The sight of Maylin with Raven warmed Maurynna's heart. She still believed that Raven had never really loved her, at least not in that way, so she was incredibly pleased that her dear cousin had found true love and Raven had finally moved on.

The two female embraced. "It is good to see you again, Rynna."

"Same to you, Maylin." Maurynna said. They parted and she gave Raven a hug as well. "Raven, I'm glad you and Maylin have found comfort with one another."

"Well, it was time I moved on, as you have said." Raven smiled devilishly. "After all, Maylin has such a wonderful spirit. It is hard to ignore, even when I wanted to... Ouch!" He turned to the woman who punched him and grabbed her waist and pinned her against his body. He kissed her softly as a form of apology.

Maurynna could only watch in shock at such a display of affection from the two people she had grown up with. She felt the arms of her soultwin gracefully make its way around her waist and she shivered with pleasure.

"Raven, it is good to have your presence at this ceremony. How is that wretched uncle of yours?" Linden jested, as he pulled his soultwin to his chest.

"I do not know. The last I heard, he was on his way to Thalnia on account of some business he refused to tell me about." replied the truehuman.

"Let us find out shall we?" Linden placed two fingers to his temple to signify mindspeech. The others took notice and moved aside as to not disturb him. He concentrated on reaching his friend, the bard. There was quite some distance between them, which required a stronger burst of power. When he finally reached the mind of one he knew so well, he held the connection.

Otter, can you hear me?

Boyo-Linden is that you?

Who else could it be? What is this I hear about you being in Thalnia?

Are you stating I'm too old to travel now? Let an old man be, my friend. Soon I will leave this world.

Linden could only shake his head at the reply. Stop talking nonsense. Where are you currently at? You sound weak with exhaustion.

The answer lies in the crazy weather Thalnia has been having. I was out in that bloody storm until a kind hearted kin of Higurashi, the merchant that does business with the Erdon kins, took pity on this old man and gave me shelter. I believe Maurynna may have heard of them.

Linden nodded in understanding, forgetting once again that his friend could not see this gesture. He glanced at his soultwin. Maurynna was exchanging stories of her recent occurrences with Maylin, as Raven stood on the side laughing at Shima's attempt to free himself from the band of women that had mysteriously appeared once more.

Throughout the conversation Otter had yet to mention his reason for departure, which only deepened Linden's curiosity. A sudden gasp could be felt from Otter's side.

What is the matter....

Before Linden could finish, Otter interrupted him. I have to take my leave, something is the matter with Kagome...

The mindspeech ended. Linden sensed Otter's fearful mind before the connection broke. He prayed that Otter's friend Kagome is well. That must be the person that had helped him, he figured.

Maurynna did not like the look on her soultwin's face when he ended his mindspeech. "Is something the matter?...Otter, he isn't hurt is he?" she asked, as she made her way toward him.

Her soultwin took her into his arms and planted a kiss upon her lips before he replied. "Otter is well, a little weak from the rain but nothing more than that." He smiled before he continued. "He just had to tend to his friend. He didn't mention what the matter was about, but it shouldn't be something Otter couldn't handle."

Linden pulled his soultwin closer and led her to the dance floor. "May I have the pleasure of the first dance?" he whispered softly into her ear. When he sensed her body beginning to relax, he let go of her and offered his right hand.

Maurynna gladly accepted and they danced beneath the full moon, believing that nothing could ruin the moment.

Quit fooling around, you ass. Prince Rann is in need of you. A mysterious voice assaulted Linden's mind abruptly.

Linden froze and searched the crowd for the source of the mindspeech. It was not one that he recognized. Suddenly, as the palace door flew open with great force, his eyes settled on the frightened face of one he knew too well.

"Rynna, someone kidnapped Prince Rann!" The voice of Maurynna's truehuman cousin rang throughout the garden, causing everyone to stop and stare dumbfounded at the young girl, who looked to be around the age of 16. Kella raced towards the Dragonlord couple, ignoring the gasps coming from those around her.

As the attention of all lords and fellow merchants were on this young girl, a figure loomed from above, studying the crowd with profound fascination, as his golden eyes glowed amidst the night sky.

*********

~City of Thalnia~

Otter sighed as he gathered what remained of the once elegant vase. Who would have imagined a truehuman that possessed such power. It frightened and amazed him at the same time. Never before had he seen anything like it and one would figure that he was used to such things ever since he befriended Linden Rathan.

~Flashback~

Otter settled himself in the chair, sharing a quiet time with his new friend's family. They were having dinner when he felt a presence in his mind. He knew it could only be his friend Linden, so he excused himself and headed to his room where he was currently staying for the night. He was in the middle of mindspeaking with Linden and clarifying his most recent events, when screams could be heard throughout the house, along with the sounds of dishes being broken.

He raced into the kitchen and stood in shock. There, floating five feet in the air, was Lady Kagome. She held her hands to her head while beating at it frantically and demanded for something to stop. The house shook violently as objects flew around the woman in the air. Otter had to dodge a chair that was sent flying by the outraged power. The family could only look on with concern for the safety of the woman. Otter made his way over to the family, while trying to avoid getting bashed in the head with vases and cutlery. He held the young boy and his mother in an embrace to shield them from anything that might cause them harm.

Kagome's outburst of power died down after about five minutes. She felt the energy leaving her and she let herself fall out of consciousness, but not before she caught a glance of her frightened family.

~End Flashback~

Otter was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a short pain to his finger. He was in such a deep thought, he had accidentally cut himself while picking up the shattered vase.

"Oh dear. You're bleeding." The woman, who looked like an older version of Kagome, made her way to Otter and examined his injury.

"It is nothing to concern yourself over." he said with a polite smile, as he waved it off with his hand.

"Nonsense!" she exclaimed, as she instructed him to have a seat at a nearby chair.

They sat in silence, as she tended to his finger. A question lingered at the back of Otter's mind. He decided now would be the time to ask.

"What exactly happened back then? I have never heard or seen a truehuman possess powers of that sort, and certainly not that much," he asked bluntly.

The woman sighed. "My Kagome has always been different at birth and the power came with her. My mother believed it had something to do with Kagome's past life, but as for me, I do not know." She paused and looked at the bard, debating whether to tell him or not.

She finally made up her mind. "Kagome can read people's emotions and communicate with others of her own free will, through her mind." She paused once more, looking at Otter to see whether he was still following. His face was one of shock and disbelief. The woman continued. "A couple of months ago her power took a greater leap. She was able to move objects with her mind and just yesterday she has been having visions." She took a deep breath before she continued. "She was always able to control them and harness her powers, but the most recent abilities she received was too much for her little mind to control. Tonight's event, during dinner time, was a display of what could happen when it got out of control."

Otter was too stunned to speak. He tried to process everything the woman had told him. If what she said was true, it could only mean one thing. Kagome must learn to control her abilities or she would end up hurting herself and those around her.

*********

Author's Note:

Sorry for the late update and for those who were expecting 'Inuyasha Takasuio' to make his appearace in this chapter. I do apolozie! I really was expecting him to show up in this chapter but I just couldn't bring myself to continuing writing-writer's block!! For sure the next chapter he will appear in the story, and what an appearace, I must say!!!

Please bare with me, I'm still trying to introduce the story. There were lots to cover concerning the Dragonlords, considering all you readers know nothing of it. I have a strong feeling that the next chapter will take much longer due to my lack of enthusiasm to write. BUT I will continue, NO MATTER WHAT!!!!

I will inform you readers when I plan on updating. Till then, keep reading.