InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Imperfect Curse ❯ A Disturbance to the East ( Prologue )

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha!! Only the characters I invent

 

Welcome to my first fan fiction! Hope you like it, and please read and review! CHEERS

 

Glossary:

Okaasan - mother

Otousan - father

Inu-youkai - dog demon (such as Sesshomaru)

 

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Prologue - A Disturbance to the East

 

A set of half-lidded amber eyes gazed upward into the black vault of the sky. A storm was brewing, and the moon would only show its shining face every now and then, shedding its light between the thick clouds that scudded across the heavens. The smooth, childish face held a slightly annoyed expression. I wish the sky would clear.

 

A small sigh escaped a young Sesshomaru's lips as he continued to stare at the heavy canopy above. The wind had picked up, and a gust blew in his open window carrying the damp scent of rain and seawater. The candle shed a flickering pool of mellow light across the polished wood of the table's surface as its flame danced in the breeze, and it made a strange sputtering sound as it came close to going out. His gaze shifted over to the source of the sound, and his eyes reflected its gentle glow. Pointed ears pricked up as the young youkai heard the shoji door slide open.

 

“Do not let yourself be troubled, Sesshomaru,” a soft, serene voice said. “The stars will come out when the storm passes, and then you can gaze upon them once more.”

 

Sesshomaru turned his face to see his beloved mother standing in the doorway, her arms folded before her. She looked at him with affection in her golden orbs, and a small, charming smile graced her lips.

 

“I know, Okaasan,” he said, returning her smile. “But I like to see the stars. They bring me…happiness.”

 

His mother moved close and sat down beside him on his messy futon.

 

“Is that why you always move your futon so close to the window?”

 

The young demon nodded once, slowly. He returned his gaze to the wide, open window, taking a deep breath as another gust of wind entered the room.

 

“Why are they there?” Sesshomaru asked, his voice quiet. It was almost as if he was shy, thinking the question stupid or meaningless. His mother tilted her head and stared at him intently with her adoring eyes. After a moment, she gathered her son close in her arms and settled herself comfortably so that both of them could see out the window.

 

“That's a very good question, my little stargazer,” she whispered, and felt him relax. She grinned into his hair as she thought of her beautiful little boy. He was such a proud child, and more than anything he hated looking like a fool, mostly in front of his father. He was so much like his father…as she looked down at the treasure in her embrace she could see the man that he would become. Tall and handsome, intelligent and strong. He is such a quick learner, she thought. It's hard to believe that he's only fifteen years old. Someday he will make a fine taiyoukai.

 

“Those stars watch over you, Sesshomaru. They are the souls of your ancestors that guide you through life.”

 

“Truly?”

 

“Truly. They shine brightly at night because there is no sun to shine on your path to show you the way,” she explained.

 

“Then…” he paused for a moment, thinking over his words. “Why doesn't the sun shine all the time?”

 

“Because the Sun Goddess needs to rest at night. She uses so much energy during the day to bring light, warmth, and life to the land, you see. Even she needs to sleep.”

 

“The stars are there to let the sun sleep?”

 

His mother nodded. “And also to guide those that need guidance. They are the light of our ancestors. When a person dies, they rise to the heavens and lead their descendents from there. It is the Gods' way of showing their children their paths in life.”

 

“I understand.”

 

Of course you understand, my pup. You are no fool. You are an inu-youkai. She softly rubbed circles on his back, comforting him as the first flashes of lightning split the leaden mass of clouds.

 

“If ever you need guidance, pup, look to the stars. They will show you the way.”

 

Sesshomaru rested his head against his beloved mother's chest, relaxing as he heard the sound of her steady heartbeat.

 

“Where is Otousan?”

 

“He is securing the human villages for the night.”

 

There was a long pause as Sesshomaru thought to himself. He could feel his eyelids begin to close as tiredness sought to pull him under, and he was so comfortable, enjoying the feeling of his mother's fingers running through his hair. But he had another question.

 

“Why…does Otousan protect the humans so much?”

 

Somehow he regretted asking this question, for this caused his mother to stop stroking his head. After a moment she answered him.

 

“He sees them as valuable allies.”

 

“Do you think they are?”

 

“It does not matter what I think about them. It is not my place to judge the alliances your oto-san makes.”

 

There was a certain tone of finality in her voice, so Sesshomaru didn't press the subject any further. He simply snuggled closer to his mother and sighed with contentment as she resumed stroking his silken mane.

 

They sat together for some time, listening to the distant echoes of thunder rolling in the clouds. Every now and then a fork of lightning would strike somewhere in the mountains, and its light would illuminate the entire room, almost as if it were daytime. The wind moaned around the castle, rattling doors and windows. The sound of waves crashing onto the beach below could be heard easily.

 

Suddenly, it seemed as though someone had plugged his ears. The wind ceased, the waves were silent, and the thunder could not be heard. Everything was still, as if they were in the eye of the storm. He could only hear his mother's heartbeat, no longer steady and sure but fast and frantic. Her arms tightened about him and she picked him up, holding him tightly to her bosom. Her comforting scent was laced with fear. The young demon couldn't help but feel terror as well, unsure of what could make his mother feel this way.

 

“Okaasan…what--”

 

She silenced him by placing a single finger to his lips. He was pulled into a tighter embrace as a deafening roar shattered the stillness that covered the land. The ground shook with the force of it, rattling the whole mountain. Sharp cracks could be heard as some part of the castle, as if it were being crushed and destroyed. Sesshomaru was set down and his mother met him at eyelevel as she knelt on one knee before him.

 

“Sesshomaru, love, you must hide. You need to find somewhere safe to stay away from the monster, you hear me?” her words came out fast and angst-ridden and her face showed a fear that he had never seen before.

 

“M-monster? Okaasan, what is happening? I don't understand!”

 

“There is no time to explain, love! You must--”

 

Another ear-shattering roar shook the earth, and this time it was much closer. One of the beams that held the roof up rattled and cracked dangerously.

 

“Run to the kitchens, Sesshomaru! I want you to hide in one of the cellars, well away from the battle!”

 

His eyes were wide, filled with fright as he tried to make sense of the situation.

 

“B-battle? Okaasan--”

 

“Go Sesshomaru! Please!” Her eyes widened in horror as some of the roof caved in as another raucous bellow made the land quake again, almost knocking the young demon off his feet.

 

He hesitated, fear overwhelming him.

 

“GO!” she roared.

 

He turned and ran. He scarcely knew if he was headed in the right direction, all he knew was fear. A chill washed over him, his vision grew foggy, and his head spun. Tremors constantly shook the castle, and he found himself stumbling into walls and pillars, but he didn't feel the pain. Suddenly he found himself in the hallway that lead to the kitchens, and it was completely blocked with rubble from the caved-in ceiling. Panic seized him as the truth flooded his mind, and he swore he felt his heart stop. It was as though someone was clamping it down in a merciless vice grip! Okaasan…you're going to die…

 

As if on queue, he was knocked off his feet as a huge explosion sent a shockwave throughout the castle. He could feel the intense heat and the blast of demonic power tear at his body as he was thrown against the wall of debris that barred the corridor. Still, the young inu-youkai sprang back up with one thought in mind. He would not abandon his mother. He could not.

 

Again he found himself running, his feet barely touching the ground as he flew through the halls, following the deadly voice of combat and destruction. Nothing seemed to matter anymore…everything was a numbing gray haze, blurring outlines and making every room seem like every other. Nothing mattered except his mother.

 

He was at the front entrance, which he thought was almost intact. A strangled howl of pain rang out, and Sesshomaru ran out the front gates to find a true scene of annihilation. The grounds were in ruin. Whatever was standing was in the chokehold of a tremendous dragon, its miles of body surrounding the area. In its mighty claws it held a silver-white dog demon…

 

A devastated, anguish-filled cry was heard, and suddenly he realized that it had been ripped from his own throat. He watched in a frozen horror, holding his breath. His mind screamed bloody murder in his head.

 

NO!

 

The dog-demon was tossed across the courtyard like a rag-doll, and it yelped agonizingly as it collided with the stone wall that surrounded the castle grounds. It was badly wounded; deep ruby clashed with blazing silver… and yet it still stood up to face the unbeatable foe. With a baying howl, it launched itself at the dragon, claws extended and crimson eyes wide.

 

Everything seemed to slow down…

 

Lightning forks touched down all around the monster, setting the earth afire in a blaze of violet. The flames licked the air greedily, glowing with a sinister light that cast eerie shadows over the dragon's massive body. With a surge of power, the creature summoned a colossal amount of energy and launched a ball of demonic electricity at the oncoming inu-youkai. The attack consumed the dog, surrounding it completely with its immense size and destructive strength. It became too bright to see…

 

When the light faded slightly, another dog could be seen. One of a gigantic stature, even bigger than the first. It clamped its powerful jaws over the monster's throat, but was thrown off. The enormous dog snapped and clawed at the almighty foe, eventually leading it away from the castle grounds.

 

Otousan…Sesshomaru's eyes were wide as he watched his father lead the dragon farther and farther away, until they both disappeared behind the mountains. Explosions and roars echoed throughout the land, the unmistakable sound of battle.

 

The rain poured down on the lone child, chilling him further and soaking him to the bone. He managed to get his feet to move, slowly and tentatively, in the direction of where the smaller inu-youkai had fallen. Violet coloured fires hissed at him as he went, starting to be extinguished by the downfall of rain. The thick smoke cleared somewhat, and through the haze he saw what he feared above all other things.

 

His mother lay on her side, her back to him. Blood had pooled all around her, staining the ground a deep scarlet. Her son stumbled over to her, kneeling by her broken form. He put a hand on her shoulder and gently turned her onto her back, relieved to see her still breathing. Ragged tears ran the length of her body and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. She opened her eyes slowly, as if reluctant to face the realities of the night. Her golden eyes reflected the bright lightning, as well as a searing pain that Sesshomaru could almost feel, as if the hurt was contagious.

 

“Okaa…”

 

With all the effort she had left, Sesshomaru's mother turned her head to look at her cherished son, and brought her bloodied hand to his pale, maroon striped cheek.

 

“M-my little s-stargazer,” she whispered, her voice raw and weak. Her breathing was shaky and gasping. “Look…t-to…the s-stars…” A regret-filled tear sprang forth from her shining orb, and a grimace of pain showed on her beautiful face, contorting her features, until her face smoothed into the slackness of death and her hand fell from his face.

 

Sesshomaru's heart beat faster and faster until he thought it would explode from his chest. It was hard to breathe—like he had been kicked in the chest—and was trying to drag the air into his lungs. His head reeled, and suddenly he could hear frantic sobs and cries, pain-ridden and filled with agony…it was as if he had left his body and was watching this tortured child scream with sorrow and grief…the entire scene was spinning as it went out of focus, painted in shades of gray…

 

The taiyoukai woke, finding himself in a sitting position, tangled in the blankets of his futon. He felt cold but he was sweating, and his breathing was ragged and heavy. He shook his head and pushed his silver bangs out of his eyes. Some of the stray strands stuck to his clammy face, but he ignored them and just rubbed his temples as the last threads of the terrible dream-memory retreated into the shadows of his mind.

 

He swung his legs over to the edge of the futon, taking deep breaths to calm himself. The hardwood floor felt smooth and cool to the soles of his feet. He rested his elbows on his knees and let his spinning head find support in his hands. After a moment he rose and went to the sliding door that lead onto the terrace, and stepped out into the fresh crispness of the early spring night air.

 

The full moon had already slid behind the peaks of the distant mountains, and the horizon had begun to lighten as dawn approached. Sesshomaru took comfort in the velvet darkness of the star studded sky. Deeply he sighed, staring up at the heavens. He had always looked to the stars for answers…Okaasan…are you really up there?

 

He stood there for a long while, his arms folded and resting on the railing. Gradually the stars began to fade from the eastern sky, their light disappearing as the sun came closer to rising. He watched them extinguish, one by one. The wisps of cloud that hung low beyond the mountains were a rosy pink, lined with a warm gold. Sesshomaru stretched his tense limbs, yawning widely as his arms extended above his head. It wasn't as if anyone was here to witness this obvious show of exhaustion. I could have used a better sleep, he growled inwardly as he scratched his bare chest.

 

Suddenly he felt demon energy, and for a moment he felt a spike of fear as the thought of Ryukotsusei coming once again to attack the Western lands plagued his mind. No, he calmed himself angrily. Ryukotsusei is dead.

 

He turned his gaze to the east, seeing a strange sight indeed. Blinding green light shone from a valley far beyond the mountains that formed the border of his lands. The taiyoukai could feel the strange and different power, even from this distance. What is that?

 

After a moment the light faded, and a deep silence encompassed the land. Not a leaf stirred.

 

How strange, Sesshomaru thought. What sort of demon could exude such a power? And one that he did not possess knowledge of…such a thing was dangerous, so close to his lands.

 

He stepped back into his bed chamber, noticing that the odd silence seemed to amplify the soft rustlings of his loose hakama. He picked up a neatly folded yukata that had been carefully placed on the polished oak table by the large, round shoji window, and slipped it over his bare shoulders. Slowly, he slid his door open and entered the darkness of the corridor.

 

A few seconds of walking brought him outside Rin's door, and Sesshomaru stopped, his thoughts turning from the strange disturbance beyond his lands to his young ward. He stood by the door, ears tuned in to the sounds of her calm heartbeats and her even breathing. A red-lined eye peeked through the slightly ajar door, confirming her presence.

 

Her window faced the east, and he wondered if the bright demon light had bothered her. She snorted softly and rested one of her arms over her head. Evidently not.

 

He continued through the castle until he reached the entrance to the gardens. I will have to look into this disruption soon. His own lands were, of course, more important than any place beyond his borders and deserved to be attended to first.

 

There was a thick grove of trees in the corner by the far garden wall, and Sesshomaru walked along the path, over a bridge that spanned a small, rocky brook, to the grove's edge. He growled low in his throat, the tone and pitch changing every few seconds.

 

Ah-Un peered out of the stand of trees, and he shook his heads and stretched before plodding out to meet his master. He rumbled a greeting and accepted a few affectionate scratches, then set himself down on the grass. Sesshomaru joined him.

 

Ah-Un, what is this strange silence? Even you were awakened, and you are always sleeping in your spare time. You sleep through everything.

 

They sat silently together until the sky was a pale blue in the east. It was just a few minutes till the morning light touched the western lands. Both demons visibly tensed as another very familiar form of demonic energy was felt. Sesshomaru stood and rested his gaze on the brightening horizon from where the energy emitted. There was no mistaking it. His eyes darkened. The Wind Scar…

 

He would be departing sooner than he had planned.

 

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Ok, now I'm finally done! This turned out to be a bit longer than I expected, but oh well. PLEASE TAKE NOTE: this prologue occurs ONE MONTH before the next chapter.

 

I hope you enjoyed it, and please Read & Review! CHEERS