InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Of Gods and Monsters ❯ Chapter 2: Ryujin ( Chapter 2 )
Disclaimer: in prologue.
A/N: Thanks to Merith for the beta
Part 2: Ryujin
In the early pre-dawn darkness, Sesshoumaru left the comfort of his den and flew swiftly to the western coastline. The ocean spread out like obsidian before him, the waves strangely flat. The stench of some of the smaller seaside villages tugged unpleasantly at him, but as he moved further away from the mainland, the odor of dead fish faded. Before long he found himself above an area of water that was almost deathly still. He looked down, waiting patiently.
After nearly an hour, several small, sleek heads broke the surface of the water. Three sea turtles swam swiftly past him and Sesshoumaru reached down quickly, grabbing the largest of the turtles by the edge of its shell nearest the neck and lifting him out of the water. The others swam off quickly, armed with their own errands to run and messages to deliver.
The animal's mouth moved quickly and soundlessly for a moment. "Lord Sesshoumaru! What brings you... here?"
"I have come to request an audience with your lord, Ryujin-sama."
The turtle made an incredulous sound in the back of its throat. "You cannot simply show up and request an audience with his lordship. You're nothing but a youkai-"
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. When he spoke, however, his words were slow and measured, his tone calm. "I have come to request an audience with Ryujin-sama. I will speak with him. He was a great ally of my father's and I sincerely doubt that your master has forgotten his alliances, though it appears that you have." He dropped the sea-faring creature back in the water.
"Y-yes, of course Lord Sesshoumaru. I shall n-notify his lordship of your presence. Sh-shall I announce you in the hall?" the turtle stammered, eyes widening in fear.
"I wish to speak with his lordship on the surface."
The small animal made a slight sputtering sound.
"I do not intend to waste any time in the castle." Ryujin's castle, though a fine and lavish place, was nowhere for land youkai to visit. One single day in the castle was equal to years on the surface, how many years exactly, no one was sure. Sesshoumaru had never been to the undersea castle, but his father had told him of it when he had been much younger. With that information had come the warning to never enter it.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama. As you wish." The sea turtle descended in a flurry of bubbles and Sesshoumaru continued hovering over the water's surface, waiting.
It was nearly two hours later - though Sesshoumaru knew that on the other side of the water's surface, only moments had passed - when the water began to ripple and dance. Bubbles formed frothy clouds and soon the waves grew in size until they were nearly twice the height of Sesshoumaru himself.
Slowly, a great head emerged from the frothing water followed by a long neck and sleek body. The dragon's green and red scales shimmered vibrantly in the sunlight and Sesshoumaru had to resist the urge to shield his eyes from the glare. He bowed deeply, deferring to the massive water god. "My lord, I thank you for granting my wish to see you on such short notice."
"Lord Sesshoumaru, please allow me to offer my condolences on the death of your father. He was a great warrior."
"Thank you, Ryujin-sama." He did not comment that the Great Lord's death had not been recent. "I know he thought highly of you." Theirs had been a brief but meaningful alliance. Ryujin had respected Inutaisho and had not wanted the Western Lands to fall into the hands of the serpent, Yofune-Nushi.
"As I did of him. But please, tell me of your reason for this visit." The dragon's voice was loud but low, and sent ripples throughout the ocean, which would eventually evolve into waves - the angrier the god became, the louder his voice would grow, causing huge tsunamis in the process.
"Lord Ryujin, I wish to know more about another water god by the name of Poseidon."
The great dragon blinked its black orb-like eyes. "Poseidon?"
Sesshoumaru nodded.
"He is the ruler of the sea in a land west of here called Greece. What business have you with him?"
"My business is less with him and more with his daughter, Teles."
The god made a rumble of understanding. "She has been exiled here by Poseidon's sister, Hera. My permission was necessary before allowing a goddess into my realm."
"Exiled?"
"Yes. Hera had suspected her husband Zeus of engaging in infidelities with the goddess and had banished her here."
"If she's been banished, why does she retain her powers?"
"Her father would not allow his sister to render Teles a mere mortal. Hera might be Queen of the Gods, but her brother Poseidon is still incredibly powerful. Teles is allowed to reside here on the condition that she never returns to Olympus."
Sesshoumaru nodded slowly. "I see. What manner of goddess is she?"
"Water," Ryujin replied. "She presided over a group of monsters known as Sirens - hideous beasts with female faces and feathered bodies. They are said to have the power of song, rendering helpless any man or beast who hears the melody. I have heard stories of mariners abandoning their boats to swim toward these women, their bodies usually dashed on the rocks below. I have heard," the dragon added, almost conspiratorially, "that these beasts devour their prey as well."
The irony of a great and powerful dragon with the ability to rend any human or youkai into shreds with its claws and teeth calling something else a "hideous beast" was not lost on Sesshoumaru. The appointment effectively over, the youkai bowed deeply once again. "A great many thanks, Lord Ryujin. You have been most helpful."