Friday, November 11, 2005

Inugenesis
*episode 3*

Then it came to pass that her ladyship desired long trips into the countryside. Along with her attendants and a contingent of her father’s guards, Chuugimaru would always accompany her on these journeys. On one such venture, her ladyship’s party was assailed by a giant serpent demon. The soldiers fought boldly, but they were swept aside as the others fled. When the beast finished, it turned to pursue the party. When it was almost upon them, suddenly, the air was split by a blast of energy and a great shout, “Tetsusaiga!!!” As the startled humans turned to face the snake, they were shocked to see nothing but a smoldering crater where it had been a moment ago. Tracing his vision along the path of the blast, Chuugimaru came face to face with a sight he would grow to despise. Holding a giant sword shaped like a great fang, a strange man who looked most unhuman stood observing the party. He said, “This serpent was trespassing on my land, as are you. He had already been given a warning, now you have as well. Name yourself so that if you return, I may know the one I kill.” This speech had been addressed to Chuugimaru. He was dressed in fine clothing, and sat upon a nobleman’s steed. It was only natural that the demon would have assumed him to be the master of the group. He was properly surprised when the young lady he had assumed to be either wife or courtesan dismounted and walked toward him. She said, “I am the princess Izayoi, and I lead this group. I thank you for your aid, however unintentional it may have been, and assure you that we are only passing through this land.” At her ladyship’s forward action, Chuugimaru dismounted as well and came to stand behind her, not willing to obstruct her path, but wanting to be in a better defensive position. Clearly intrigued by this woman who did not fear him, even after his terrible display of might, the demon moved to meet her. From there, nature took its course, and, much to Chuugimaru’s dismay not to mention that of her family, Izayoi became the demon’s wife and bore his son. Her husband died protecting her, and Chuugimaru returned her ladyship to her father’s house. The next six years were trying ones for the faithful servant. His age was increasing and that which he held dear was withering before his eyes. Whether it was a punishment from the heavens for bringing forth an abomination, the strain of the birth itself, or simply the heart ache from the loss of her beloved, he would never know. But after her son’s birth, the princess was never well again and she grew worse with each passing year. Although he loved her ladyship and was the only one who did not let her son’s existence distance him from her, he could never extend this love to the boy. He saw in Inuyasha both his father who had deprived her ladyship of the life she deserved and the source of the illness which was slowly killing her. When even he could not deny that the end was near, lady Izayoi sent for Chuugimaru who came to her deathbed. She said, “Old friend, I am dying. I have but one last request of you. If you still feel any tenderness in your heart for this retched corpse you see before you, then please, watch over Inuyasha and make sure that he is safe. My father will soon drive my son from this place, I beg you, go with him. I am sorry that I must lay this burden at your feet my friend, but do you remember when I first spoke of loyalty?” With tears on his stone face, he said, “This one does indeed.” She said, “That time when I most need your loyalty is now. Please, swear it to me.” After taking a long breath, he said, “This one swears it.” The princess reached out her hand to take his. She said, “No old friend, do not swear it to her ladyship, swear it to me.” He paused for a moment, building his courage, then he said, “One…I swear it, Izayoi.” A look of contentment spread across her face. She said, “Thank you, old friend. Now please, send in Inuyasha. I want to say goodbye. And one more thing, I do not wish for him to view my remains.” Ever obedient, Chuugimaru rose to his feet, bowed, and left. She died within the hour.
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