Monday, July 4, 2005

No Surrender: Tragic swordsman, Yuukanmaru
*episode 3*

Miroku walks along a path through a thick woods. All around him are the sounds of nature, but something is missing. Anywhere, in this age, where humans do not reside, there will be some demons. Their aura will form a background noise for those able to sense it. Even though they may be harmless, they are always there; somewhere. But in this place, another kind of aura has replaced the demonic. Ahead, he sees a small mesa, forming a cliff in the center of the forest. As he draws closer, the holy power increases. Truly, this must be Yume Uta; the sanctuary of the holy ones. Even the strongest demon would hesitate to venture here with malice in its heart. Miroku knows what he will find; a simple shack, a great waterfall feeding a sacred pool, maybe another who has come to seek guidance, maybe two. There is no shrine keeper, it is forbidden to stay here for more than one week, or to return once you have left. While here, a monk or priestess is expected to make any repairs to the shrine, to respect the privacy of the others who have journeyed here, and to feed themselves from the plentiful forest which surrounds them. He left Haji at the edge of the woods several hours ago. Really, non-clergy should not enter this place; although there are exceptions. It is said, that this place is under the protection of a gentle goddess who ministers to the souls of those who have given their lives to the service of the divine. It is also said that, at times, she walks among the pilgrims as a beautiful shrine maiden, carrying a heavy burden. For centuries the noble Todo lords, in whose domain the shrine is found, have sworn to die defending the sacred place; even though they themselves cannot go there. Miroku arrives at the shelter and finds it empty. He leaves his staff and his belongings and fallows the sound of running water. The woods open, revealing a great flume feeding a pond which is surprisingly peaceful. By the water’s edge, he sees a priestess; sitting on a rock, looking away from him. Surprised, but not displeased, he walks toward her. His footsteps are masked by the falling water, and both of their sprits are overpowered by the holy aura; so she does not notice him until he sits beside her. She is first uninterested, then she looks in shock. “You?!?” she says. “Yes me,” he says, “and you as well, so it would seem.” She looks away, “What do you want with me? Did he send you?” “No,” Miroku says, “I am here to pray for guidance, as I suppose you must be.” She tells him, “One is supposed to respect the privacy of the other pilgrims.” Miroku rises, he says, “If that is your wish; but first I wish to ask you a question. Would you bear my child…lady Kikyo?”
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Sunday, July 3, 2005

A band of soldiers ride along a road in the moonlight. Their leader turns to his lieutenant and says, “Well Tetsubou, if we keep this pace we shall reach the castle by day break.” Tetsubou says, “Indeed m’lord, and with most welcome news. Thanks to your gallantry, the bandits shall no longer prey upon the villages of lord Todo’s domain. Truly you m’lord, lord Yarimaru Todo, are lord Todo’s most trusted worthy warrior.” Yarimaru says, “Come now my friend, there is credit for all in our company…look there.” he points to a man standing in the roadway, blocking their path. “Ho! Greeting traveler, have you business in the domain of the Todo clan or are you on your way elsewhere?” The man wears no armor, but his two finely crafted swords declare him a samurai. He says, “My name is Yuukanmaru, and I have no quarrel with you. However…” he raises his hand to his sword hilt, “…by my masters orders I must kill you.” “You dare! Impudent fool…” Yarimaru cuts off his vassal’s outburst. He says, “You did not choose this battle, and we who live by the sword must also die thereby. I shall fight you; but first, I must know the name of he who has decreed my death.” Yuukanmaru says, “You do not understand. I am to kill, not only you, but your entire company. As for my master’s name, he is known as Naraku…”

No Surrender: Tragic swordsman, Yuukanmaru
*episode 1*

“Looks like a battle.” Inuyasha says. He is standing beside Kagome and Kagura on a deserted road strewn with dead humans. The wounds all seem to have been made by human weapons, just another pointless bloodbath in the warring states era. “Something’s not right.” Kagura says. Kagome says, “All of these soldiers have the same markings. Was this a civil war?” Inuyasha pauses in thought. “Now that you mention it,” he says, “They’re all facing the same way.” Answering Kagome’s questioning look, he says, “It’s as if this were one side and the other one just left. I never seen a battle between humans where only one side left bodies.” Turning to a noise, Kagura says, “We have a live one.” Kagome rushes to the man’s side. Inuyasha says, “You’re waste’en your time Kagome; that one’s too far gone.” The man’s armor is sliced open; his insides revealed. Kagome focuses on his face and extremities; stretching him out, trying to make him more comfortable. She reaches to her bag to get a water bottle, but the man grabs her hand. He says, “all this…one warrior…a demon…a human…samurai…Nar…ak…u…” His chest collapses a final time; he is dead. While his life failed to capture the half-demon’s attention, his dieing words have Inuyasha’s undivided attention. Kagome stands up, looking very sad. Kagura says, “If this was Naraku’s work; then that means that either he or one of his minions is near by. That makes it all the more important that we find the monk; and soon.” The others nod in agreement.
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No Surrender: Tragic swordsman, Yuukanmaru
*episode 2*

*flashback*
“He went where!?!” Kagome pulls her friend off of the old monk who is clearly hangover. She says, “Calm down Sango. Let Mushin speak.” Picking himself up off the floor, Mushin says, “Miroku has gone on a pilgrimage. In the middle of the night he summoned that raccoon-dog of his and left for the shrine of Yume Uta. Yume Uta is an ancient sanctuary of contemplation for monks and shrine maidens faced with difficult decisions.” Kagome asks, “Did he say why?” The monk says, “Presumably he had a decision to contemplate; also I think he was afraid of what this young lady was going to do to him when his injuries healed.” Mushin indicates Sango. The demon slayer asks, “Where is this shrine?!?” The monk says, “He made me promise not to tell you.” Kagome grabs her friend and holds her back saying, “Look Mushin, if you don’t tell us, then you’re going to have to worry about what Sango does to you.”
Several minutes later, the group is assembled. Kagome says to Sango, “Look, what ever happened between the two of you; it’s not safe for Miroku to be out there on his own, not with so Naraku active and his windtunnel not yet healed. We have to go after him. Now, only Kirara and Kagura have a chance of catching up to Haji. Kirara was just injured, so that means Kagura’s it. But she shouldn’t go alone.” Sango says, “I’ll go with her!” Kagome says, “Look Sango, someone has to stay with Kohaku and Kirara. Aside from that, Miroku still hasn’t recovered so I think you should put off seeing him yourself. Inuyasha and I will go. You stay here with the others, ok?” Shippo asks, “I’m coming too, right?” “No,” Kagome says, “I want you to stay here and help Sango watch over Kohaku and Kirara.” Shippo whines, “But Kagome…” Inuyasha says, “You been paying attention or not? I’m going along. You be happier stayin here.” The foxling looks up with hurt eyes. He turns around and says, “Idiot.” “Hey, what’s your problem!?!” Inuyasha shouts. Kagome says, “Inuyasha, drop it, now. Look Shippo, we’ll only be gone a day or two. Just help Sango and we’ll be back before you know it, ok?” Relutantly, he nods. After Kagome has packed her bag and given Sango what she’ll need; the three set out riding Kagura’s feather.
*end flashback*
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Saturday, July 2, 2005

Origin Of The Species: New blood
*episode 9*

As the two fly off, the others rush to Shippo’s side. The first there is Inuyasha, who draws his sword and stands protectively over the young demon. Seeing that they aren’t coming back, Inuyasha grabs Shippo and quickly checks the wound on his neck: seeing that it has already healed, he loosens his grip. Coming out of a daze, the foxling begins to howl and he scampers up Inuyasha’s arm to the shoulder. There, he grabs onto the half-demon and clings for dear life. Surprised, Inuyasha stands there unsure of how to react. Kagome arrives and runs a finger over Shippo’s neck to check the injury. Feeling her, the child grabs her hand and continues crying as he clutches the two. Inuyasha looks to Kagome for guidance, and after getting a look from her, resigns himself to staying there for a while. Meanwhile, Kohaku and Kagura go inside to check on Sango. Sitting down, the boy asks, “Sister, how is Kirara?” Still crying herself, Sango says, “She’s hurt…that beast! He tried to kill her.” Kagura says, “No, you’re wrong. Actually he tried not to.” Sango looks up. The demoness continues, “That boy was working for Naraku. He used the jewel shard to control the cat. Even so, Kyoubou didn’t kill her like he was told to. I could see it in his eyes; he was fighting against the boy’s control. But now that control is stronger. I’m sorry Sango; he took the shards you gave me. Now they’re freshly tainted with the blood of his betrayal of Shippo and they will make Kyoubou even more obedient to Tattoimaru; and Naraku.” Kohaku says, “Kagura,” he reaches to her wound, “are you alright?” Feeling her perfect skin and getting a nod from her, he quickly pulls his hand back. Kagome walks into the room, guiding Inuyasha by his arm. She moves him to an unoccupied wall and gently sits him down. Sitting down next to him, she gently begins to stroke Shippo’s back. When he has loosened his grip on Inuyasha, she pulls him lose and cradles him to her. Wanting very much to leave, Inuyasha turns to look at Kagome holding Shippo, like a babe at her breast, Inuyasha sits back and stays.
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Origin Of The Species: New blood
*episode 10*

Meanwhile, not too far away, another “family” comes together. Kyoubou lands at the lip of Naraku’s cave and Tattoimaru dismounts. Naraku comes out and says, “Welcome back, my son. Have you succeeded?” Bowing, the boy says, “My master, I have Giman’s shard; and the other with which it had once been joined. I used it to increase my control over this demon. I had hoped to offer you a gift, but he has been difficult to manage. The female of his species is only injured, not dead; therefore I cannot give you her heart. Allow me to keep these shards and I shall improve my control over him.” Naraku nods, “They have been purified. Whatever you have done has still not made them tainted enough to appeal to me. Keep them; you have earned them. As I said, you have succeeded where my incarnations failed. However,” he turns to a shadowy form inside the cave, “that does not mean you should lose hope. You shall begin your task now. But first, I command you to tell me what you are thinking right now.” The figure steps forward; he says, “I was just considering how much I despise you.” Naraku laughs and says, “Good! Now go forth and do not fail me.” The other bows to Naraku and says, “Yes,” loading the word with scorn, “m’lord.”
*The End*
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Friday, July 1, 2005

Origin Of The Species: New blood
*episode 7*

Kagome’s finished putting her remedies on Kyoubou and moves to repack her bag. Unfortunately, he seems to have gotten much worse over the last few minutes. He’s running a fever; and he’s a flame-cat. I walk over to him and try to get his attention. Suddenly, he looks up at me, clearly in pain. He says, “I told you to leave! Now I…” His eyes turn bight red and before I can react, he strikes at me. As his claws strike, I can hear my ribs cracking. Then I hear, “NO!!!” It’s Sango calling, but she’s not the only one. I’m going to pass out now, but I’m sure that I heard Kyoubou shout in the same voice as Sango horrified by my injury.
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Origin Of The Species: New blood
*episode 8*

Blood dripping from his claws, the flame-cat Kyoubou rips through the thin walls of the shrine. Close on his heals come Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo. When they reach the outside of the shrine, they see the demon standing near Tattoimaru. Shippo rushes to his new friend’s side and shouts, “Tattoimaru, get away from Kyoubou! He attacked Kirara; she’s hurt bad.” “Really,” the boy says, “then I’ll have to punish him.” In a single motion, Tattoimaru grabs Shippo and brings his blade to the foxling’s neck. He says, “I was quite clear when I told him to rip her heart from her chest!” Inuyasha reaches for the Tetsusaiga, but stops when the human tightens the knife against the young demon’s throat. Shippo asks, “Tattoimaru, what are you doing?” The boy says, “If you speak again, you’ll be joining your parents; or more accurately, you’ll be joining my parents. After all, I didn’t kill your parents, but I will not hesitate to kill you.” Kagome says, “You killed your parents?!?” “What of it?” he asks. “They had the jewel shard and I wanted it. So I took this knife and I butchered them in their bed.” Inuyasha asks, “Weren’t you going on about how great your old man was?” Tattoimaru says, “That man wasn’t my father; he wasn’t good enough. So I killed him and I found a better father.” “He found Naraku!” Kohaku says. He and Kagura are limping out of the shrine supporting each other. Kagura’s kimono has been cut above her breast. There is lots of blood, but the bleeding has stopped and her demonic healing powers will quickly mend the harm. Kohaku, on the other hand, shouldn’t be out of bed yet, but he knows he needs to be. Inuyasha says, “Heh, another one of Naraku’s children!” Tattoimaru gives a brief tug on his blade, drawing a sharp gasp and a small shrike from Shippo. “Don’t you ever confuse me with them!” he says. “Those soulless fools are not his children; especially not her! I am truly Naraku’s offspring.” “So,” Inuyasha says sarcastically, “the creep finally found himself a woman. So what about the other parents, who were they?” Kohaku calls out, “No Inuyasha, remember, Naraku was not born to a woman.” Kagome says, “No, he was created when Onigumo gave his body to the demons.” Tattoimaru says, “Exactly. Now Shippo I’ve decide that since we’re friends I’m going to let you be the first demon in my new body. When my heart is black enough, I’ll give myself to you and others and a new demon will be born. Think about it Shippo, you’ll have a father again.” Suddenly Kyoubou, who has been standing by neutral to the events around him, starts to growl. His eyes begin to flicker back and forth between orange and red. Tattoimaru says, “Stubborn creature. I used my parents’ jewel shard to gain control over him, but that clearly isn’t enough. Here,” he pulls out the two shards he stole from Kagura, “these should do it; but first…” With a quick flick of his wrist, he draws blood from Shippo’s throat. He plunges the shards into the wound, then reaches them over to the flame-cat’s wound. The shards in place, he says, “Shippo, remember what I told you; you will be a part of me.” That said, he tosses the foxling away from him and climbs onto the now docile cat’s back and the two depart into the night.
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Thursday, June 30, 2005

Origin Of The Species: New blood
*episode 5*

Kagome and I just got back. She stops to talk to Inuyasha who seems happy to see her, meaning he’s yelling at her. I go inside to talk to Kyoubou. We spoke earlier, he seemed nice, a little quite and he wouldn’t talk about how he was injured; but nice none the less. It’s been centuries since I last met a male of my species; we’re very rare. I tell him that Kagome has medicines that should help him. He seems distracted. Then he focuses and turns to me. He tells me that I should leave. He wants me to stay away; I ask if something’s going to happen. He winces, are his injuries still bothering him? He says he can’t tell me but I should get away. There is sadness in his eyes, but he won’t say anymore. I’m not going anywhere, but at least I can be on guard. After all, there are three extra people, Kyoubou, the boy, and the old monk, to protect if something does happen.
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Origin Of The Species: New blood
*episode 6*

Kagura has gone with Sango to see Kagome treating the flame-cat. Not wanting to leave Kohaku alone, Kagura tells the slayer that she’s going back. Kohaku is in a deep sleep but his wounds are healing well. When she enters the room, Kagura is surprised to find that Kohaku is not alone. The new human, Tattoimaru, is bending over him, whispering something in his ear; Kagura’s demon ears barely miss the words. The younger boy stands up and turns to her. “Miss Kagura,” he says, “I had hoped to talk to you.” She asks, “What were you saying to Kohaku?” Tattoimaru smiles, “Just some guy stuff. I’ve heard your story. You were created by a demon named Naraku, right? Then you sought your freedom, and got it.” The demoness nods. The boy walks to where he is standing right in front of her. He says, “So this Naraku made you. That would make him your father; maybe even your god.” She says, “You could say that, I wouldn’t. Naraku was neither like a father nor a god to me.” Giving a nod which says he heard, but is not necessarily agreeing with her; he asks, “What do you think is a fitting punishment for one who betrays her creator?” “Kagura lookout!!!” Kohaku shouts. Her eyes turn to the young slayer as she feels a slicing pain in her chest. As she falls, Tattoimaru grabs the leather bag he cut free.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Origin Of The Species: New blood
*episode 3*

After looking at Kyoubou’s wounds, Kagome decides to return home for medicines. As little as she knows about healing demons, she knows enough to be able to put together a list of some things she should have. Not to mention that she should restock anyway; after Kohaku’s injuries. Sango, Inuyasha, Shippo, Tattoimaru, and Mushin all come to see her off. The young human says, “Miss Kagome, will your medicines really help him?” Kagome nods, “You bet. Inuyasha, please don’t pick on Shippo; and Sango, thanks for lending me Kirara.” That said, she climbs onto Kirara’s back and the two soar off. Tattoimaru is in shock. He turns to his new friend, “She can fly?!?” Shippo says, “Who, Kirara? Of course. Can’t Kyoubou?” Sango says, “Shippo, he may be too badly injured to fly.” The foxling says, “Oh.” Sango goes inside to check on her brother and Inuyasha follows. “Just a minute Sango,” he says, “something I got’a ask you.” She turns to face him. He begins, clearly uncomfortable, “Look, you know Kagome pretty well. You see, I’ve been trying to figure out what she meant.” Sango says, “Go on.” He says, “Before she left, she asked me to talk to that kid.” “Tattoimaru?” she asks. Inuyasha says, “Ya, I been trying to figure out what she meant.” Sango says, “She probably just wanted you to be there for him the way you are for our brothers. She knows you’re good with kids, and he’s been through a lot.” The half-demon mutters something. Sango asks, “What did you says?” He looks away. Under her persistent gaze, he says, “Kagome’s got quite a litter going: Shippo, Sota, Kohaku, even you sometimes. Only problem is I ain’t the father.” She says, “You would know better than I.” Inuyasha hurries away turning bright red. Not having meant to upset him, so much, Sango continues towards Kohaku. When she gets to the room he is staying in, she stops in indecision. After a moments thought, she walks in. Kohaku is asleep and Kagura stands up to great Sango. Before the demoness can say anything, Sango pulls a small leather bag out of her clothes. She hands it to Kagura and says, “Here. I want you to hold onto this.” Taking the bag, Kagura asks, “What is it?” “It’s the pieces of Kohaku’s jewel shard.” the human says. “Kagome gave them to me, and I’ve given it some thought but, I want you to have them.” Kagura says, “Sango, I won’t use jewel shards to increase my powers, that always leads to bad things.” Sango says, “Good, I’m glad to hear that. But still, I want you to hold onto this. Miroku and I each have our own jewel shards and…look, think of it as a favor to me; ok?” Closing her hand around the bag, Kagura nods.
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