Saturday, September 17, 2005

The Jackson Cage: Tragic fate
*episode 3*

When Kagura, Kirara, and Kyoubou fly into sight of the castle, the damage is obvious. The castle walls have been torn down and the inner buildings show signs of recent fire. They come to rest in front of the lord’s dwelling where a number of servants and soldiers are sitting. The all look exhausted, many have burns. One side of the garden is covered in bodies, all of them neatly arranged and covered in shrouds. When Sango steps off of Kirara, one of the soldiers stands and shouts, “YOU! You dare to show your face here!?!” An old steward, stands and confronts the man, “Stop this at once! She is the lords chosen.” The soldier, says, “But because of her…” The older man puts his hand on the younger’s shoulder, “It is not her fault. The lord chose his own path; who are we to question it?” Her turns to them, “Lady Sango, forgive him.” Brushing the entire incident aside, Sango asks, “What happened here? Where is your lord?” At the second question, the old man seems older and sadder than he had been a moment before. He says, “Perhaps it is best to show what words cannot bare to tell.” He leads then inside and to a chamber which is still undamaged. Inside is a body, draped by a silk shroud. The old man carefully uncovers the face, and only the face, of the young lord. Before he can stop her, Sango pulls the shroud aside to see what the man was clearly trying to shield her from. The lord’s head was left without even a scratch; but no other part of his body is undamaged. His mutilated corpse stands as testament to the horrible, violent nature of his death. Sango looks to the old man for explanation; he tenderly sets the shroud back in place and leads them to another room.
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The Jackson Cage: Tragic fate
*episode 4*

“Not long after you left us, lady Sango,” the old man begins, “The lord became restless. He sought to find a way to win in you the affection already within his own heart. Eventually, he summoned his councilors and made know the reason for your refusal. He told us that you could not consider his offer while the demon that slaughtered your kin lived. The lord was under no illusion that the forces at his disposal could accomplish this; but he declared it his goal to find the demon for you. He hoped if he could come to you, and tell you where your enemy hid, he might win some favor in your eyes. He sent scouts out to search in the dark places where demons dwell. Also, he gathered rumors and accounts of the strongest of demons from across the land. Everywhere he could reach, he looked for knowledge of the one you had named as Naraku. There were many false leads, and bits of useless information; but he persevered. Yesterday, at sundown, a scout party of ours returned from searching. With them, was a strange young man who claimed he had knowledge of the demon; knowledge he would only make known to the lord. He lord greeted him and had food brought for him. The man insisted that before he tell what he knew, the lord must tell him why he sought the demon. The lord told him of you; and he smiled a wicked grin. Before the meal was set, the beast revealed itself. It was a demon, it attacked the lord, then set about killing at random. All this damage was done by that one alone. When he came for me, I expected nothing but my doom; but he chose to spare me that I might be his herald. He bade me tell you this exactly, his words were, The lord was looking for me; and I found him. With that, the thing left, setting the blaze which we took all night to end.”
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Friday, September 16, 2005

Please vote for me on LordSesshomaru's site...please ^_^
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The Jackson Cage: Tragic fate
*episode 2*

Inuyasha and Shippo have headed for the well; and Sango is going to change in Kaede’s village. Kohaku, who was already in his armor for riding Kyoubou, and Kagura have remained to hear Miroku’s explanation. Taking them at least out of olfactory range, he begins, “During the time when you were both under Naraku’s control, a lord named Kuranosuke sought out Sango. When she was still a young slayer, she and your father had slain a demon plaguing his father’s domain. He was smitten by the young girl; and years later, after succeeding his father, he sought her once again. He was again in need of her services; however, he also had a proposition to make to her.” After an annoyingly long pause, Miroku says, “He asked her to marry him.” Kohaku says, “A lord? My sister?” Kagura says, “She rejected him?” Miroku responds, “After I had dispatched the demon, who was in fact merely the shade of the one she slew before, she dodged the question, saying that she could not think of marriage while you remained in Naraku’s grasp and the demon still lived. Also, I like to think that I played some role in her decision. Anyway, Sango recognized that man as one of the lord’s guards. He seemed to be asking for our help for his master. So, we shall soon set out to his castle…however, he was delivered to us by Naraku’s insects. It seems unlikely that they agreed to carry him as an act of kindness.” Kagura says, “So, a trap.” Miroku says, “Most likely, if you do not wish to join us; no one will think less of you.” She turns to Kohaku, “You’re going?” He nods: she says, “Then I’ll come too. Besides, without me it would take you forever to get there.” “I’m glad to hear it.” Sango says. She is approaching them in full battle gear and overheard the end of their discussion. She continues, “Looks like we’re just waiting for…” Before she can finish, Inuyasha bursts out of his forest with Kagome and Shippo on his back. He lands, and Kagome says, “We’re all here; good, what are we waiting for?”
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Thursday, September 15, 2005

*Author’s note*
This chapter contains graphic content which might actually get it rated PG-13 here in the states. However, since there is no sexuality, it would not be rated R. My rant against the US rating system is over; enjoy.
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The Jackson Cage: Tragic fate
*episode 1*

The group has spent a while recovering in Kaede’s village. Kagome goes to school, Miroku moves from one village girl to the next, Inuyasha and Shippo fight, and Kagura rides the wind for hours, going nowhere or anywhere as she pleases; just like she always wanted. Sango and her brother spend most of their time together with Kirara and Kyoubou. Both of the cats are up and flying; and if the male seems to lack the zeal for life ever-present in the female’s eyes, maybe that’s just his nature. At first, Kyoubou is reluctant to be ridden; but Kohaku is patient and gradually gains enough of the flame-cat’s trust to mount him. Now, he will carry the boy without compliant; but he won’t accept anyone else. Today, the boys have been out racing with Kagura; who wins every time. They’ve returned and the group is gathered in the afternoon sun. Naraku hasn’t reared his ugly head; nor have any of his minions been seen. Inuyasha is itching for a fight when his ears pick up a sound, sweeter than any music. As he gets to his feet and puts his hand on the Tetsusaiga’s hilt, he calls, “I hear Naraku’s bugs; a lot of’um. I’m gonna go check it out.” Kagura says, “No need, look.” She points toward a distant black cloud, heading straight for them. Kagura’s eyes are almost as sensitive as Inuyasha nose, so it’s a moment before the others see it. Inuyasha remembers that Tattoimaru last left suspended in such a cloud; and he would welcome a chance to fight him, for no other reason than to break up the monotony. He is disappointed when the cloud lowers itself to a hill on the other side of the village, and disperses. Inuyasha is about to go after the nearest insecets, when Sango says, “Wait Inuyasha; I think they left something there.” Inuyasha turns to look and sees that she’s right. As they all head to the hill, Inuyasha’s nose gives him a pretty good idea what it is. When he gets close enough to see it, he calls, “Shippo, Sango, Kohaku, stop; go back!” The others stop and turn to him. He says, “You ain’t gonna want to see this.” He should have known that that would only evoke their curiosity. All of them keep going and he shrugs wondering why he even bothers. Lying on the hills is a man in armor…or at least part of him. His legs have been cut off, as well as one of his arms, some of his entrails have become extrails, and blood is pouring out of him. Shippo recoils in horror and Miroku seems somewhat upset. They all live in an era of constant warfare and war torn corpses are not new to any of them. But what makes this sight truly horrible is that this man is both alive and conscious. Kagura and the cats look on with demonic coolness which is mirrored by the emptiness in Kohaku’s expression. Sango, however, rushes to the man’s side. Inuyasha says, “Sango, ain’t nothin you can do. Be best to end his pain, quick.” Sango looks over her shoulder, “I recognize this man; he’s one of Kuranosuke’s guards.” The man is clearly aware, he thrashes and his eyes turn this way and that; but he seems to not see, or if he sees to not comprehend that which he sees. Sango reaches out to him and he grabs her arm with his remaining hand. He looks at her, finally seeing something he can distinguish. He says, “La…lady Sango…the lord…you must…he…hel…” The man collapses, dead or finally free from consciousness; either way he’ll be dead soon. Sango stands and turns to her friends. Miroku says, “We must go at once.” Inuyasha says, “Le’me see if I can get Kagome.” Sango asks, “It’s probably a trap; are you sure?” Both of them nod without hesitation. Kagura calls, “Excuse me; want to tell us what this is about?”
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Wednesday, September 14, 2005

I’m Goin Down: Respite
*Episode 7*

Several days have past and both flame cats have improved. Kyoubou still isn’t flying; but the group decides to move on. Kagome wants to go home and the others would rather rest in Kaede’s village; with one possible exception. Despite their agreement this was not the time to pursue their personal matters, Kiri and Sango have been spending a lot of time together. Knowing now that he has been holding back in their sparing matches, Sango fights with a new vigor; constantly surprising and surpassing herself. When the time comes to go, Kiri says, “Sango, I made a request of you when we last parted, I restate that request now. Please, in the fullness of time, return to me. Give me a chance to show you who I am and how I feel. Till then, be well yourself; and your company.” With that said, he gives a nonchalant wave of his hand and the mist parts from the tempel to the mountain trail; and the group departs.
*The End*
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Tuesday, September 13, 2005

I’m Goin Down: Respite
*Episode 6*

Kagura returns with the guys and darkness falls. Seeing that both cats are improving and confident that Kiri will keep them safe, Sango agrees to get some much needed sleep. Far into the night, Kyoubou rises to his feet. Moving so quietly that even Inuyasha doesn’t wake up; he walks out of the shrine. He still has a limp, but he doesn’t seem to care. He struggles on through the mist. He knows that he probably won’t escape the mist, but his only concern is to escape the healing power which he can feel flowing through him; he doesn’t want to heal. He wanders for he’s not sure how long before he stumbles and collapses. As he lies there, the mist parts and he sees a figure standing before him. The boy kneels and looks into the flame-cat’s eyes. For a long time, the two stare into each other’s eyes. Without words, they tell each other of the pain and anguish each of them has suffered. Finally, Kohaku scoops Kyoubou up and carries him back to the shrine. No one else even knew he was gone.
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Monday, September 12, 2005

I’m Goin Down: Respite
*Episode 5*

Kirara and Kyoubou have been carried to the shrine and placed housed as honored guests. They are resting on silk cushions; brought as offerings to the shrine. Kiri, having no need for such things, has never used them and they are good as new. Kiri assures them that the healing powers of his domain are already at work upon the pair and that there is no cause for concern. Kagura leaves to get the others and Kagome and Kohaku are tending the flame cats, outside the main chamber, the god and the elder demon slayer meet. Kiri says, “Sango, it is good to see you.” She replies, “Kiri I…” He raises a hand to her lips, “I asked you to return to me in the fullness of time…that time has not come. I will heal your friends and then you will go; and I shall await the next time I am to be blessed with the pleasure of your company.” In the midst of this speech, he had withdrawn his hand from her face. Now, she smiles and nods. She says, “I’m worried about the male. He was called Kyoubou by his last master; but that was the one who did this to him. I think…I think his wounds are more than of the flesh. I was hoping you could help him with those as well.” Kiri’s face saddens, “I wish I could magic those wounds away, but even a god can not rule such things. Take heart; he has what he needs to heal himself. All that remains is for him to fins the will.”
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Sunday, September 11, 2005

I’m Goin Down: Respite
*Episode 4*

About 4 hours after they left. Kagome and Kagura return. As they touch down, Sango calls, “Well that was fast; how did you get to the well so quickly?” Kagome says, “We didn’t…” Sango cuts her off, “What!?!” Kagome says, “Don’t worry, we have something better, I’ll tell you on the way!” At Kagome’s instruction, Sango and Kohaku gather up the two flame cats and board Kagura’s feather. As the speed back in the direction Kagome had come from, she tells her friend, “Instead of trying to go around the mountains, we decided to try crossing Kiri’s pass; it’s the quickest way back. When we got there he met us and I told him why we had to get through. He said to get Kirara and bring her to him and he’d be able to heal her; and Kyoubou as well.” “Good.” Sango says. Kagome continues, “Kagura told Inuyasha Miroku and Shippo what was going on and that she’d come back for them once we get there. Her feather can only carry so many people.” Sango nods as she shifts her body to shelter Kirara from the rush of wind. Likewise, Kyoubou is sitting on Kohaku’s lap; although the former seems indifferent to the latter, as he has to all of them. Most of the other assume that he is simply too hurt to react; but something in his deep blue eyes tells Kohaku otherwise. A little less than 2 hours latter, they arrive at the boarder of the mist; from here on Kagura can no longer carry them. As they land, a pocket of mist emerges and from its forefront steps the god. Addressing Kirara, he asks good-naturedly, “Well now old friend; what have you gotten yourself into this time?”
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