Of Another by Syrinx

Closing the Book

I don't own any characters involved in Rumiko Takahashi's creation: Inuyasha. For further disclaimers, refer to the informational page of this story.

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They have always existed; there are several accounts of their presence in the earliest youkai records. But none knew who or what or where they were. About a thousand years ago, little was known of the strangers who would visit our markets occasionally. Only men came. They would come with no more than three but no less than two, walk through the marketplace, stopping occasionally to inspect the various goods, then continue on.

They never bought anything. Never spoke, even amongst themselves.

But this wasn't the most curious thing about the strangers. Not at all. No, the strangers were humanoid in appearance, like the youkai in this place, but they were not youkai. They looked human, but they weren't. Their skin shined like sunlight on snow when the light hit it directly, and they moved differently than humans. They walked just as humans walked, just as youkai walked: right leg then left, but the movement was so graceful, so fluid, that it seemed they floated.

And this was the men. Male youkai were graceful, as were the females, but these strangers appeared as if walking took no effort, like the very earth carried them. It was the most delicate thing youkai had seen.

Though the foreign men were rare vistors among the markets, youkai males did not like the attention the females paid to the strangers when they entered the town. Often youkai would approach the strangers and insult them, trying to start a fight. An observer would simply watch as the youkai seemed to loose interest, turn and leave. The foreign men would continue their explorations of the market as if nothing had happened. Still not a word would they utter.

Many were curious about the strangers. Using the superior senses all youkai are blessed with, they would follow them to attempt to find their origin. Youkai would follow them until the stones of the Far Mountain where the strangers would vanish. Upon closer inspection, no trace of their presence was found after the stones.

Youkai who followed the strangers had too much pride to admit the loss of their target, so they simply said the strangers lived in caves at the Far Mountain. This delighted the arrogant youkai nation. Rumors started. The strangers were called cavemen because of the stones they supposedly lived within. They did not bath, or if they did, it was in the river. Youkai said they didn't speak because they couldn't, and they didn't understand language. Stories were created that the cavemen spoke in grunts and had no sophistication.

No one seemed to remember what fine clothes the strangers wore or the immaculate posture with which they held themselves or the way their exposed skin would catch the light like a prism. But since they came only once every five years, it was easy to forget.

For more centuries than can be counted this was how it happened. The answers were provided by rumors and vicious stories about the weak strangers. That is until my father came of age.

My father was strong in his youth, many expected great things from him. He would be a strong and fine ruler for the youkai nation and bring prosperity. That was what they said of him. He was well respected, but with such things spoken to him constantly, he was arrogant. More so than his people, and that was an achievement.

But one day, he went hunting in the mountains. He wished to make a cloak for himself of the finest furs, so he searched the range of mountains from base to peak searching for the purest white creatures with the softest fur. As he neared the Far Mountain, the tallest of the range and the farthest from his home village, a great racket distracted him.

My father feared nothing in his arrogance, so he blindly ran towards the noise to find its origin. When he found it, he was at the very base of the mountain. An ogre was the cause of the noise. This surprised him because they were simply legends to him, something sworn to be true but unseen for centuries.

And it was huge.

The ogre seemed to absorb the very mountain he stood on, but was small enough to notice the young youkai at his feet. A great tree was uprooted and swung at him by the legendary monster. My father gathered his courage and leapt away from the trunk. Before the ogre could readjust the tree in his grip, the youkai slashed at him with sharp claws.

Not a single drop of blood fell from the giant.

My father tried again and again to slay the ogre, but his skin was too thick to penetrate. Only my father's speed kept the giant from killing him immediately, but apparently ogres are smarter than legends say because after the ninth or tenth swing of the tree, my father was struck by a rock thrown at him while he concentrated on the trunk. The ogre had picked up a rock the size of his head and flung it at him, catching him unawares. As my father lay slumped against another tree, the breath knocked from him, the rock lying beside him, the ogre approached baring rotted, yellow teeth in a gruesome smile.

Surely this was to be my father's death, but then the strangest thing happened. Blood started pouring down the ogre's body. It screamed in pain and fled, knocking aside trees and tripping over boulders in his haste to escape.

My father breathed a sigh of relief and began searching for an answer to what had happened. Behind him stood one of the mysterious strangers. The man had a tall stature with short black hair and brilliant green eyes. He was regally dressed, and he made no move towards the injured youkai youth. But he spoke.

"Are you hurt?" His voice rang across the trees, announcing his presence.

The youth jumped. He did not expect to speak with a caveman, nor did he expect to be saved by one.

The man seemed concerned for his health and took a small step forward. "Can you speak?" He spoke slowly to the stunned youkai.

After a deep breath, my father nodded. "I am unhurt."

The man nodded in return. "Good. Do you need escort back to your home?"

My father was angered at first that a race he had once considered weak and inferior was offering protection to him, he who would one day rule the youkai. Anger flashed in his eyes before he could stop it.

The man stepped back. "I have no quarrel with you." He spoke softly.

The youth dropped his head to hide his eyes as he thought. This was the first time that any of his kind had communicated with the cavemen, even the ancient writings documented their silence. And this man had saved his life, of that there was no doubt. My father felt shame for the first time in his short life.

Raising his eyes to meet the stranger, he replied. "Forgive me. This is not a situation I have ever found myself in."

The man smiled, and warmth spread through the youkai's chest like flowers blooming on a summer's day.

"No forgiveness is needed between us. Do you need assistance in healing or reaching your home?" He asked again.

My father ignored the question for he did not want the conversation to end. "I owe you my life, stranger. May I ask the name of the one I owe a life debt?" He bowed his head in respect.

The man's brow furrowed. "You owe me nothing, young one."

My father's shoulders slumped at his words; the life debt was a solemn vow among the youkai, and for one to refuse acceptance of that debt was cause of great shame. "Then my life means nothing."

The stranger was taken aback and quickly spoke. "I have offended you. Forgive me; I know not your culture. What is this life debt you wish me to hold over you?"

Confusion spread across my father's face as he looked back up at the man. "You do not wish for me to dedicate my life to protecting yours?"

Mirth spread across the man's face, and he knelt on the ground several meters from my father. His fine clothes becoming soiled by the damp earth. "I have many to fill that role; I have no need for more."

Confusion once again ruled the youth's face, then he quickly looked around trying to sense other strangers lurking about the trees.

The man laughed this time. "I wished for solitude today. I grow bored with my rule." He spoke with joy dripping in his tones.

My father spoke again to the man. "Rule? You are a king?"

The man tilted his head to the side. "Our terms are different, but the concept is the same. Yes."

The youkai was shocked. His life had been saved by the king of the cavemen. Why would a king risk his life for an unknown youkai? It was true many expected my father to become the next king, but presently he was little more than a noble. "What would you have of me if not my life?"

It was the stranger's turn to seem shocked. "You owe me nothing, young one."

"To you perhaps, but honor will never be mine if I do not hold true to my debts." He spoke truly for this was the way of the youkai.

"You wish me to assign you a task?" He questioned the youth. To which my father answered with a simple nod. The man gazed at him for a moment, judged his determination, his intent. "I told you I grow bored conversing with my people. They do not challenge the mind as they used to, either they are growing dull or I grow sharper. Would you be opposed to entertaining me?" He spoke with a smile.

My father's eyes grew suspicious. "I do not know what you want as entertainment, but I am sworn to follow your wishes as a part of my life debt."

The man's face softened. "Simply conversation, young one. I know nothing of your people; you nothing of mine. Perhaps you do not wish to learn anything of me, but I am curious of your culture. Is this acceptable?"

My father crawled to his knees and bowed his head to the man kneeling before him. "If it is your wish, it is acceptable. May I ask your name?"

The man rose to his feet. "Fortius. And what is your name, young one?"

"Touga."

And thus the story of blossoming relationships between the youkai race and the cavemen began. Solemn vows were taken on both sides to reveal nothing about the other to their people. Fortius was very stern on the fact that youkai should not know much of his people. His reasoning was his people's desire for peace, and the youkai's love of war.

Touga enjoyed the fact that he would be learning things none other of his kind had ever known, and for this reasoning he was more than happy to keep their deal quiet.

For the first year of the relationship, my father maintained the strict formality of youkai nobles in the role of a life debt. But as time grew between them, my father gained more aspects of the man he entertained.

The arrogance of his youth was destroyed by the calm, humble demeanor of Fortius. And he learned much about the mysterious cavemen. Touga continued to call them such at Fortius' request. When the reasoning behind the name was explained, the king laughed so hard, and was so tickled that he asked for the youth to continue calling his people cavemen.

When Touga questioned after his laughter, Fortius explained the mystery of their origin. The young youkai was so excited for he now knew the answer to one of the biggest questions his people pondered. It seemed the cavemen were an ancient race that watched as youkai became civilized. They lived through the mountain in a great city, but it was not accessible by any way but a gateway at the base of the Far Mountain. The gateway was protected by magic and none but those who knew how could pass through, and that was a closely guarded secret.

As to the history of the cavemen race, even Fortius was not completely sure of their origins. He knew that his people were once a part of a great race of warriors. They were a bloodthirsty lot who would sail around the earth looking for new peoples to conquer and kill. They received no greater joy than through combat. Then one day a group four couples left their people. They grew tired of the constant bloodshed, the massacres, and they left.

They searched the world for a place that could keep them safe from their own people and from those who wished to wage war. The eight settled in the mountain range where they now live, and through the centuries a great nation had been built on the peace those eight had sought.

Touga was fascinated at their history, but he was somewhat disappointed that Fortius, whom he had grown to respect a great deal, was a lover of peace, for that was a sign of immense weakness to youkai. Those who did not fight were not strong enough to wield their weapon.

When Fortius heard my father's opinion, for that was the way things were between them, Touga would explain his culture to his friend at his request, the king corrected him. The cavemen were far from weak. They kept their culture close to their hearts, they still practiced the ancient choreographies of war, still sought to better themselves through combat daily; however, the belief of the cavemen was to first seek peace. There was no reason to seek the sword, and the punishments for resulting to such were great.

Touga did not truly believe that people skilled in the art of battle would resort to peace first, did not believe that Fortius was truly as strong as it sounded. So they sparred.

My father was defeated within three attacks, and Fortius was unarmed, had not even drawn a weapon. This angered the youkai, but the king simply told him his anger was misplaced. When participating in such an ancient task as battle, anger was not an option, only reverence that you can connect with your ancestors through the dance of combat.

And it was a dance. The king's movements were so fluid and graceful, that it seemed as if it was not a battle at all. That is until Touga found himself with his own sword pointing at his throat.

So Fortius offered to teach him some of their arts. Fortius had been told of Touga's likelihood of being the next ruler. Through his knowledge of their race, he knew that their kings did not live into old age. Their rulership was not inherited but won, and Fortius did not wish for the youth to be killed when he could help him.

The culture of the cavemen was closely guarded by Fortius, he had much pride in their rituals and legends. Many times he would answer Touga's questions with "for the answer to that, you must first understand my people, to understand my people I would need to betray them by revealing ancient secrets to you. I will not betray my people in such a way." And the subject would change.

There was no anger in Fortius. Never had my father seen him grow frustrated or irritated. Touga regarded the man he learned from as a great sage, and took everything Fortius said as truth. But Fortius always encouraged him to make his own decisions and form his own opinions, forcing my father to grow into intellectual maturity.

Through Fortius' training and guidance, my father became king of the youkai race. He was a benevolent ruler, and few challenged him. He was incredibly strong, so many did not dare, but he was also very fair and very protective of his people, so many did not wish another to be their king. He took a mate who was beautiful and kind, and life was good for my father. Though he had less time to spend with Fortius, the two still continued to meet once or twice a week.

Then one day, while my father waited in the woods to greet Fortius, he heard the noise of someone sobbing. He had learned caution through his friend, but when Touga had quietly breached the trees, he saw something he had never thought possible.

His sage, his teacher sat hunched over on a broken tree weeping into his hands.

As my father approached, Fortius made no move to quiet his motions; his vulnerability was showcased to any who passed by. It was in this moment that Touga realized how much Fortius had grown to trust him. It broke his heart to see his friend this way.

"Fortius, my friend, my master, what ails you?" He spoke quietly as if afraid to break the man further.

He lifted his head, his green eyes, now grey with his sorrow. "My daughter has chosen to fade." He whispered.

My father was confused, he knew nothing of 'fading.' "I am sorry, Fortius, but I don't understand."

His voice was hoarse, but he coughed a few times and struggled to regain his countenance. "My people do not die, Touga. As a youkai, you can live for centuries if not killed, but my people are truly immortal. Only strong magic can end our time without consent, but we can chose to die. We call it fading. My daughter...I could not convince her to live, and she faded while I held her body...then there was nothing left. She was gone."

Touga was shocked. He did not even know Fortius had a family, though he assumed a king would need an heir. "Why?" Was the only thing he could think of to say in his shock.

"Her love was too strong, and he loved another. She could see herself with no other, and lost the will to live." His usually strong voice cracked as more tears ran down his face. "She was my only child. Her mother is devastated; I think she, too, will soon fade."

"Anything I have at my disposal is free to you and your lady if you need it." Touga said without hesitation, and he meant his words. Fortius had given my father so much simply by his presence and knowledge.

Fortius shook his head. "I fear the only thing which will hold her to this world is another child to rear. The thought is a double edged sword."

Touga stood silent for a moment. "Why is trying for another child so dangerous, my friend?" He asked carefully.

Fortius quieted and looked at Touga. "A century has passed since you found a lady to sit by your throne. Have you any children, King Touga?" His voice was soft.

My father straightened. When Fortius addressed him with formality, there was usually a grave lesson to be learned. "No." His voice was firm.

The man smiled sadly. "That is the problem with such a long life span, so few children." He shook his head in dismay. At Touga's confusion, he continued. "Have you ever noticed that the insects, who have such a short life, lay thousands of eggs? Or that the many animals in the forest, who have a life span of but ten or twenty years, have five to ten young at each birth? But we who live for centuries are very near sterile?" He took a deep breath. "It is the way of things, balance must be maintained. We who live for centuries only have one or two children throughout our lives. It can take many decades to create another life within my wife, and with each failed attempt she would grow more and more desperate, more and more desolate. No, my friend, to risk it would only make her fade faster."

Touga understood now. "So the pain of loss will cause the pleasure to sour." He tried to comfort his friend, but this was an unexplored subject.

A great sigh left his sage. "My people will become discouraged with the news. Who will rule after I am gone? Discontent threatens; and my inability to contain my sorrow does not help morale. I feel lost for the first time in my long life." He sounded so hopeless.

My father knelt before his sage, and placed his hand upon the man's knee in comfort. "You are not lost, you have just lost your direction. Joy must be found elsewhere. I know little of your people's habits. What gives you and your lady great happiness, if not children? And do not give up hope on children. My people have many herbs to encourage fertility. I would be more than happy to provide them for you."

Fortius looked down at Touga. "My people have fertility rituals we perform once every two years, but we have had only one child born in the last five centuries." The sheer hopelessness in his eyes tore at Touga.

My father dropped his eyes to the ground. "I do not know what to do, my friend, but my kingdom is at your disposal if my people can help in any way."

Touga watched as a thought took hold of his friend; hope spread through his eyes, but then despair once again.

"You have thought of something. Speak your mind; we might the find path together." The youkai lord spoke quickly.

"It is too much to ask of your people and mine, my friend." Fortius shook his head.

"My people follow my command. I ask so they respect me more, but they will bend to my will if I so chose. Speak." My father stood and looked down upon his master.

"The whole kingdom is present for fertility rituals because it is written the more who observe, the more power will be present, the more power the more successful the ritual will be. But fertility rites are sacred to my people, to suggest inviting the youkai to watch would be cause an uproar among my advisors and lords. No one knows of my association with you, they will think I am mad to approach a hostile community to watch a sacred ritual. But there may be hope in the fear among my people. You see, many fear that we are dying out. The five centuries of no births, save one, has supported that thought. It may be possible to use concern for the fertility of my people to convince my staff to try the idea. Together with my friendship of the youkai king, I may be able to inspire agreement. Would your people be willing to bear witness to the rite?" Serious thought had been put into Fortius's plan in the seconds he had thought of the idea.

Touga was always amazed at how thoroughly his mind worked. "Anything, my friend. I would be willing to do anything to bring this to fruition. Plus, I am curious to meet this lady of yours. This is the first I have ever heard mention of her. She must be wonderful indeed to deal with you so often." My father teased him to bring him back to his mirthful self.

Fortius smiled, but it was pained. "She is that. If this doesn't work, if she fades...I don't know what I'll do." His eyes were haunted, momentarily, but then he gathered himself. "Yes, you meeting her would probably be a very good idea. She could vouch for our close relations in the meeting with my counsel. I would have to prepare her first. Youkai are rumored among my people to be war-loving and power hungry. She is a very delicate woman."

Touga nodded. "That we are, but I fear for any of my people who attempt to attack your people. Once you get done with them, I will have my time with them, and they will wish for death long before it is given." Touga smiled.

The sage shook his head. "We are peaceful people, Touga. We will defend ourselves, but only under dire circumstances."

"Then I will inspire the fear they should have. Would you wish me to bring my mate as well?" He changed the subject, knowing Fortius did not enjoy speaking of violence.

Fortius thought for a moment. "If you wish to bring her, do so. They will have to meet eventually. Can you meet me here tomorrow at high noon?" His usual demeanor had returned, and for that my father was grateful.

"It will be done." Touga bowed and turned to leave, but he was stopped by Fortius' voice.

"For future knowledge, we do not use the term 'king' among my people. I am the regis, and my wife is the regina of our people, but the terms are equivalent. And my lady might take offense to your title of 'cavemen.' We call ourselves Viripaces." Both bid the other a good evening and left for their home.

Touga smiled on the way back to his kingdom. He and Fortius had known each other for two centuries, and he had just been told the title of kingship and what the mysterious people of the mountain called themselves. Shaking his head, he realized how closely guarded some of their secrets were, while others were freely spoken. It was a strange thing to the lord, but he valued his friendship, so he accepted things as they were.

The next day, my mother met the regis and regina of the cavemen. Though both ladies were nervous at first, the men simply walked among the forest and talked as was their habit. By the end of the day, the women seemed more at ease, though they still spoke little.

My father spoke to me of the first meeting between the ruling ladies of their races. The one thing he kept repeating was the beauty of the regina. He never spoke to mother about it, or she might have become jealous or insecure in his love. But he spoke to me of it.

The regina, whose name was Aestas, had ebony hair that shined like copper when struck by sunlight. While Touga had become accustomed to the light shimmering off of Fortius' hands and face, Aestas wore a dress that exposed her shoulders and arms. Her skin shone like gold dust was scattered across it at her birth, and her eyes shone brilliant green like her husband's, but her eyes were doe-like, drawing one in to the point of drowning. And she moved like the wind carried her, flowing and fluid, like her feet never touched the ground.

My mother was one of the most beautiful of the youkai people. Her hair was a soft blue with brilliant lavender eyes that stood out against the petite features of her face. Her gentle appearance was a stark contrast to my father's blanched white hair and gold eyes. They were a very handsome couple, and my father's love for my mother was great. But he had never seen such beauty as the Fortius' lady love.

At the end of the day, when youkai and cavemen were about to leave, my mother surprised everyone standing around. She extended her hand to Aestas, careful of her dainty claws. The regina was hesitant, but took the offered hand. And my mother spoke. "I know that there are extreme differences between our people. But I am confident that we can overcome those differences with proper guidance." She paused and looked at Touga, smiling. "I am truly sorry for your loss." My mother felt Aestas flinch under her hand. "But if my people can help in any way, we will." He face became determined and firm. "If it is allowed by your peers, I will give my oath that I will do everything possible to make it go smoothly."

With tears filling her eyes, Aestas spoke with a timid voice. "I appreciate your gesture. Thank you."

Fortius enveloped his lady in his arms, his eyes sending a grave message to Touga, then rested his head on her hair. "I will do everything, my love, to convince the counsel to allow this. One of the reasons for you to meet King Touga was to give you reason to vouch for our relations. The nobles will be more open to the idea if they know he is my friend, and willing to help us. Will you do this, Aestas?"

She nodded in his arms. "I have little strength left, but this gives me great hope."

Touga flinched at her statement, and he understood the look his friend had sent him. It was true; the regina was so close to letting go of her life. He prayed to the gods above him that the counsel would listen to their king and allow this.

Soon, preparations were being made to create an area large enough for the symposium to be held in a month. It could not be held within the Fortius' city for his people were adamant about not exposing their world so harshly. Touga and his lady were only too happy to find another location in between the two cities.

Many youkai knew of the great coliseum he was having constructed, but the reason was a closely guarded secret. Only king and queen knew, and they had vowed secrecy. The queen forced the promise on her king despite his subjects' avid curiosity; she feared the beliefs youkai held about cavemen would be detrimental. If their people knew it was a meeting between youkai and cavemen, they might stir trouble amongst themselves, planning fights or refusing to attend any meeting.

So they held their silence until the day before the ritual was planned. The area had been constructed for a week prior, and the rulers of both races couldn't be happier with the product. It consisted of a pit lined with smooth rock steps downward to the open area of the stage. Rock benches had been constructed for the audience, and the open area in the middle was about two hundred meters across. It was a vast area that could contain the whole of both peoples, but no statues or carvings had been made into the stone. Both youkai and caveman had different deities they worshiped, but this was to be a neutral place, free of everything but fellowship.

The whole of the structure was open to the sky above, as requested by Fortius, and was constructed so that, even though the arena was a pit, the sun still shone down into it, illuminating the stage area.

Fortius had told Touga that the ritual was to be held at sundown of the appointed day. They divided the stadium into halves, the youkai would sit on one side, and viripaces on the other. The setting sun would divide the people. They arranged the times of arrival for both races, and bid each other farewell until the ritual in two days.

An announcement had been made to the youkai telling them of their king's wish for an audience, and the day of the ritual, at high noon, his people gathered below the balcony of his palace to hear his words. His queen stood beside him regally dressed, head held high, showing her support of his decision.

A hush fell over his people as they waited for his words. Touga gathered his breath and began. "My people, I know you are all aware of the structure I have had commissioned in the forest. That structure was created for a meeting tonight. Every youkai who has come of age will attend. The youkai youth will remain in town. As for everyone else, there is no choice in the matter. If you retain the strength to walk you will be there or face me in open challenge." He paused to let his words sink in and to prepare himself for the next bit of information.

His people were murmuring amongst themselves, trying to figure out what was of such importance to their lord. Touga raised his hand for silence, and it was granted. He continued.

"Throughout the course of my life, I have become friends with a man who is king of another race. We talk of the stresses of governing and the joys of life. He has taught me much, and I have taught him as well. He is a man I respect and trust. He is my true friend, and a king can say that of few. This night, we bring our two kingdoms together for a ritual that is sacred among his kind." The murmuring started again, so Touga paused to regain their attention. "This ceremony is an ancient ritual that is a coveted secret among his kind. The fact that his people have invited us to attend is a huge honor and a symbol of great respect. For this reason, we will show them the same respect. We will enter the arena together, and it will be completely silent. I want to hear nothing but the sound of your breathing, the sounds of heartbeats. Anything else will be met with severe punishments dealt by me, personally."

The people shifted as he spoke to them, and some protested, but Touga spoke over them. "The trust and respect they are showing us is great. For us to talk during their ritual would be dishonorable and rude. It would mean we are the lesser people. I count youkai as lesser than none. If anyone does anything to disprove that statement, you will experience severe pain. Now, you are probably wondering who we will be witnessing tonight." He paused and smiled mischievously. "They call themselves the viripaces, but we know them as cavemen."

Cries echoed through his people. No youkai wished to share a space with so many who hadn't bathed in days. Their senses were to sensitive for such a shock, and what ritual would be worth suffering through such disgust. Touga merely stood there smiling and shaking his head at his people.

He finally laughed at their outraged faces, which spurred curiosity within them, and they quieted to listen to their king. "You all are so mistaken it is funny. The viripaces are an ancient race that were a civilized people when youkai still carried the hunched appearance of our animal counterparts. If you do not believe me, consult the ancient writings. You greatly wrong them with your rumors. I assure you, your noses will be spared such harshness as you predict." He paused and the mirth melted away from his face, leaving him with a fierce and determined look. His people collectively gasped.

Touga was a benevolent king. He was calm and joyful, but when his anger was incurred, anyone it touched would be scorched with his fire. The ferocity of his eyes warned his people how easily his anger would come if they did not follow his strictest orders this night.

"The king of the viripaces, Fortius, is a great friend of mine. To insult his people is to insult me. If any of you embarrass our race this night, I will make you beg for death long before I give it. You have my most solemn vow on that." He paused again, choreographing his speech to perfection. "We gather in the town square in five hours. Do not be late."

My father was a master at manipulating the moods of his people. He had learned much about reading people through his conversations with Fortius about his rivals for power amongst the youkai. But Touga was still anxious about the ritual. When his people, led by my mother and him arrived at the stone conference, everyone was seated quietly. He grew more confident as the youkai kept their silence.

No special throne or seating was carved for either king; the only privilege he took was sitting on the first row for the show. He noticed none sat in any particular order of nobility or power; some were curious and sat near the arena. Others sat in the back impatient for their departure, but all were unquestionably silent.

When he had been seated for about five minutes, he began to detect rustling sounds of people approaching through the forest. Movement behind him signaled his people knew as well. Touga stood and cast his eyes over his shifting race; they immediately stilled when he reminded them of his presence. He then turned towards the direction from which the viripaces would approach, golden eyes anxious, seeking his friend.

When he first caught sight of Fortius and Aestas leading their people through the dimly lit forest, he and his lady appeared to be wearing white. Their followers displayed garments of brilliant colors, soft blues and bright yellows patterned among them. But the main colors to be seen were green and red.

Fortius and Aestas reached the steps to the stage area, and the sunlight struck their fitted, ankle-length robes. The sight was magnificient, metallic gold and silver threads had been delicately weaved through the robes which flared dazzling orange in the dusk flavored sunlight. Light sparkled along the bare skin of the regis and regina's faces and along the exposed arms of the ladies and men behind them.

Touga realized in that moment that almost every caveman's skin was individually unique, shimmering in various colors when struck by light, but white as a newborn's pale skin when beheld straight on with no play of light. It was as if they wore the most expensive gems crushed and sprinkled along their flesh.

He heard his people gasp behind him, and he was held in awe that the king of these magnificent people had befriended him for so long. The youkai race was magnificent in their own respects. Their physical abilities and strength, their enhanced senses were incredible, but one becomes accustomed to such things when daily exposed to them.

The viripaces did not slow their pace when entering the structure. If they noticed the awe of the youkai, they did not acknowledge it. They simply descended the stairs towards the stage in silence. Some veered from the steps and took their seats along the stone benches on their descent. Eventually all were seated except for Fortius, Aestas, and about eleven others, male and female. All the men were dressed in either green or red, long flowing pants flared around their legs covering their feet, and a tight vest covered their chests while leaving their arms bare to shimmer in the fading light. The women, save one, wore green or red dresses that touched their ankles but left their feet bare. Flowing skirts of thin material swished about them as they moved gracefully across the floor. The tops of their dresses were so tight it seemed it would rip, but the thin cloth just seemed to fade into the long hair of the females. Where youkai hair colors extend to every shade under the sun, the hair of the women of the cavemen had very human-like hair colors. Blond wavy locks, brunette curls, straight black tresses and other variations seemed somewhat dull next to the radiance of the exposed flesh of face, neck, and arms.

Touga breathed a sigh of relief, if their hair had been as light-receptive as their skin, it would have been an overload of his sensitive eyes.

The men and women separated to either side of the arena, except for one woman dressed in yellow who stood in the very center.

On one side, the women had arranged themselves artfully, leaning against one another, curling around each other to the point of hiding. But Aestas was obvious in her white robe, lying across them all. The result was the appearance that the regina lay asleep in a green meadow surrounded by red flowers.

The men, on the other hand, simply stood surrounding their king, hiding him from sight.

The silence which had been deafening up to this point was shattered by the sweetest voice he had ever heard. The woman in yellow stood completely still singing a beautiful and haunting melody that echoed off the stones. The wind played in her sandy hair and her garb making it seem like she danced. Until she began to dance herself, then it was achingly apparent that the wind's play was a paltry thing compared to her grace. Her arms flowed with her hips as she twirled.

She danced around the men, causing them to sway to her rhythm and expose Fortius to the audience.

My father, at this point was secretly worried. Youkai males are extremely masculine and dance is a thing made for the women of their species. He hoped that none would comment. But as he cast his glance backwards, it seemed his people were enthralled at the new sights and information being fed to them.

When he turned back, he saw the men running after the yellow woman towards the women across the stage, leaving Fortius looking bewildered trying to watch their movements from a distance.

The men reached the group of women, as the one in yellow ran shrank back into the audience; her song never stopped but continued to haunt along the wind. The men ran their hands over the women, causing them to shift as flowers tossed by the wind, jostling Aestas who stirred from sleep. She stood and stretched her body out in a dance of long lines and refined movements. The other men and women paired up according to their colors and twirled in couples around her, then in a swirl of fabric, they faded into the audience behind them, leaving only king and queen.

Fortius walked towards Aestas, slowly moving as if in a trance. Aestas looked at the ground and shrank from him, but he quickly caught her arm before she could exit the area and pulled her back towards him, her robe flaring as she was twirled back into his chest.

He ran his hands through her hair as she gazed up at him hesitantly then rested his hand against her cheek. Reaching down he took her hand in his and began leading her in a dance around the floor. He handled her gently at first, as if she was too precious to touch for fear of breaking her, and she was timid at first. Soon it escalated to leaps and lifts, that made it look as if the world would not exist to them if the other wasn't there. Love shone in their eyes as they danced.

Many youkai jumped as they heard the soft, haunting song of the yellow woman shift to a chorus of chanting, deep and sultry voices from the viripaces. Turning back to the main couple, they watched, fascinated as the king's hand ran down her neck and across her shoulder, traveling under her robe and pushing it from her shoulder. Aestas' face became drawn in ecstasy as she let her head fall backwards. The robe fell from her body and revealed a sleeveless, white dress that clung tight about her torso but flared around her hips and stopped at about mid-thigh. She delicately stepped out from the piled robe and traveled around her Regis, her hands hooking his robe as she circled him, pulling the material from him to pool on the ground. He stood, bare-chested but wearing the same style pants as the men from earlier only white. His head fell back as her hands traveled his now exposed flesh. He grabbed her hands and twirled her away from him to begin their dance again.

But this time the sweetness of a courting couple was gone. The dance changed as he would pull her harshly into his body, or hook her leg to his hip as he leaned into her. Sexual tension dripped from them as Fortius dominated the dance, to the youkai it looked as though he would break her delicate bones with his strength, but her face echoed nothing but pleasure from his force.

As the tension built, Aestas' skin began to glow. The sun had set by this time, and though the youkai had no problems seeing clearly, Touga had wondered if the others could see their leaders' dance. Now he didn't have to wonder. The glow from her skin intensified as he let his hands wander down her stomach and hips. A soft moan was heard by all, and his skin began to echo her glow.

Things became very heated between them as the urgency of their movements grew. He would lift her leg and rest it upon his shoulder as he danced, the toes of her other leg barely skimming over the ground as he kissed the skin of her calves. His hands would run down and across her body as sex dripped from their very actions.

Touga could feel his blood tighten in his veins. He could smell his arousal as well as his lady's and the arousal of many youkai surrounding him. This ritual was like letting everyone see the king and queen in many intimate positions, the only thing preventing their actual joining was the clothing that stayed on the entirety of the dance. It was obvious that everyone in the stands was as excited as those dancing in the arena, but all were caught under the hypnotic spell of their movements, none willing to move.

My father could feel the power building around the couple, and he saw some of the viripaces begin to glow as well.

As he looked back to the couple in white, he saw Fortius lift Aestas from the ground as if she weighed nothing, his face rubbing against her breasts, stomach, and pelvis as he lifted her straight up. She cried out at his motions and her back arched, her hair falling towards the ground, as her hands streamed through his. She lifted her torso back up as he began to let her down, dragging her body across his.

She hooked both legs around his waist as the power built so heavy it seemed it would burst and decimate everything. But before it did, the men and women in red and green returned, pulling the two apart. Fortius reaching for Aestas as she called to him.

Touga was upset that the joining had been stopped for he had been as enthralled with their story as were apparently all of the youkai, for he heard some growl at the separation. But before anything could be done, all the viripaces that were in the stands stood and left quickly but gracefully.

The green and red men each grabbed the hands of one of the women and exited the stage as well. Fortius and Aestas stood there alone and smiled at each other before Aestas flung herself into her man's arms, laughing. They began to walk away but stopped and turned.

My father had stood by this point anxious to speak with his friend.

Fortius walked back to my father, carrying his love in his arms and spoke. "With so much power raised, success has been assured. Thank you, my friend." He shifted Aestas against him, holding her with one arm as if she weighed nothing, and extended his hand towards Touga. Aestas shifted her attention to her love's ear and neck, kissing his skin.

When their hands met, my father felt the power from earlier but tenfold rush into him. Fortius spoke before he could question. "Share the power with your people, and you will have many new additions to your race as well." A look of pure masculine pride filled his face.

My mother had moved up to wrap her hands around my father's body, but my father was trying to figure out Forius' words. "How?"

Fortius smiled mischievously at Touga. "Work to bring your queen's release at the same time as yours. The power built by such a union will spill over into your people. We will speak more later. I have held off the power for you and your kind for the time being, but it will return once you reach your village." He paused and smiled, but then his body jerked at his queen's ministrations. "If you value modesty, return to your homes quickly, I am unsure of my control this night. Until next we meet, my friend." And he turned to leave.

The youkai were intently watching the interaction between the two kings. Touga spoke to him again. "When do we meet, again Fortius?"

He turned back from his ascent on the stairs; a thoughtful look crossed his features. "The traditional time for us is three days, but I have seen your youkai strength. It is only logical your endurance is more than ours as well. Maybe we should allot a week for you." He nodded at his decision. "A week's time at our usual meeting place. Hurry to your homes or the power will catch you in the forest and you will have no privacy. But I must go. I must tend to my lady; I have made her wait too long already." He said as he gazed down into her lust-filled eyes. And he left as quickly as his people earlier.

The youkai cleared out of the meeting place. There was still tension ringing off everyone, but it was no longer overwhelming as it had been. Touga was beginning to wonder what Fortius was speaking of. But as soon as he and my mother reached their chambers he realized the truth of Fortius' words for the overwhelming lust that had driven the power earlier crashed into him again, and my mother and father fell into a frenzy of passion.

It was on that night that I was conceived, along with many other youkai children. Though my father was the most peaceful king the youkai had ever had, he named me after his grandfather, Sesshoumaru, the killing perfection. According to my father's stories, he named me such out of respect for tradition and because he felt I would be more powerful than any of his ancestors; so the name fit should I choose that path

I have heard my father's stories countless times. I have seen the look of awe on his face as he described Fortius and his people, have tried to imagine a people so beautiful that tears were dragged from some of the most powerful youkai. But I cannot, for I have never seen the people that haunt my father's precious memories.

After the week of passion had passed, the two kings met again. They discussed several things. The main thing discussed was their people's reactions to the meeting. The viripaces were ecstatic about the life that quickened within their women, but they also feared the amount of power that was raised. They feared they might become addicted to such power and become the race that their ancestors had ceded from centuries upon centuries ago. My father also was weary of his people, for they had not stopped interrogating him about the cavemen. What they were, where they were from, why they had never reached out to the youkai, why they were so opposed to bloodshed when they were strong enough to protect themselves and gain more power?

It was obvious to both leaders that it was best to part, and not to meet again for many years. Fortius gave my father an item that would allow him to summon him if Touga was ever in need of anything. It would resound through the magical barrier and alert the regis.

But my father has never told me what it was for fear I would use it, for he knows I am curious about the viripaces. How could I not be? I was raised on stories about them.

My father has not seen Regis Fortius for about a century. Upon the birth of his daughter, he brought her into the youkai village to show my father. Fortius told Touga that without him and his people, she would never have been born, and he asked my father to name her in honor of that fact.

Looking around the village, he saw several of the youkai children playing a game that was popular among them. The youkai children had grown old enough to walk and play by this time, for the carriage of youkai is short, and they are helpless infants for a very short period of time. The viripaces carry their children for about twice that length of time.

My father named the beautiful baby Kagome, the name of the game the children were playing. It has been such a long time since he had seen her that he can't remember anything about her but her eyes, amazing blue eyes that any man could drown in easily.

I ask my father about those strange and beautiful people, but he tells me little anymore. He says that one day they will come again, and I will have my chance to be mesmerized by their graceful beauty.

But I've made a decision. I've been too curious about these people for too long. Its time I shut the book on the fairy tales of my youth. The times are too uncertain to do otherwise. There is unrest among the youkai stirred by my peers who plot for power.

My father has decided he is tired of his rule, and he intends to relinquish his throne to the winner of a tournament scheduled a month from now. This has never happened before. Most youkai kings hold onto their power for as long as they can, and when they become weak, another challenges him, kills him, and takes his throne. But my father is different from all those other kings. He simply wants to live his life with his family and continue on. He doesn't mind guiding and governing his people, but it causes stresses that wear on him. He longs for the serenity of life, not power.

But there are other reasons.

I can see it in his eyes; every time he looks at my mother when in court, father flinches. He wonders what will happen to mother when someone stronger than he challenges him for the throne. He fears she will be unprovided for, uncared for, and unloved.

Plus, I am the strongest youkai. Unless, in the spars and games of preadolescence, another has faked his own weakness, or another adult has grown stronger than father in his old age, I am the strongest youkai. Father has trained me since I was able to stand. He taught me the fighting ways of youkai, and showed me the skills taught to him by Fortius. Together we came up with our own style of combat, merging both forms. My father can no longer beat me.

But in order to rule, I would have to challenge and kill him; that is the tradition of the youkai king. I am not ready for that, and it would kill mother.

I think that is the main reason for the tournament, sparing mother from watching to two men she loves fighting to the death. Because of this, father denies tradition and decides to step down and bequeath his throne to the winner of a complex tournament.

Father is truly weak when it comes to his love for mother. It is unnatural for a youkai, but he is happy the way he is and is unwilling to change that, not when both he and my mother are happy.

In all probability, I will rule my people in a few weeks. I can no longer hold to the fairy tales of my youth. So here they lie, and here they will stay, within this journal to be set on my shelf and overlooked until the paper rots away.

So ends this story.

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This will be slow going because of the length I set in this chapter. Tell me if you think this fic is worth the effort.