Miroku and This Sesshomaru Chapter One
Title : Miroku and This Sesshomaru: Chapter One
Author : tasukigirl78
Fandom : Inuyasha
Pairing : Sesshomaru/Miroku
Published On fanfiction.net on 12-30-05
Rating : M, slash
Summary : Beauty and Beast Inuyasha style.
Warnings : Sesshomaru is very OOC.
Once upon a time, in the far away kingdom of Japan there live a merchant named Myoga, who has been lucky in all of dealings that he was extremely rich. As he had, however three children, he found that his money was not too much to let them all have everything they wanted.
One day a most unexpected disaster happened to them. Their house caught fire and as rapidly burnt to the ground, with all of their belongings but this was only the beginning of their problems. Myoga, who had until this moment had thrived in all ways, suddenly lost every ship he had upon the sea, either by pirates, shipwreck, or fire. Then he heard that his employees Jakotsu, Bankotsu, and Bankotsu, had stolen all of his business from his; and at last from great wealth he feel into poverty.
All the little man had left was a cottage in a uninhabited place that was a least a hundred miles from where he had lived, and he was forced to leave town with his three children Kagome, Sango, and Miroku, who were all unhappy at the idea of leading such a different live. Indeed his children at first hoped that their friends Hojo, Kaede, and Shippo would insist on their staying at their houses no they no longer had one. But they soon found that they were left alone and that their former friends had attributed their misfortunes on their own wastefulness. Since they had refused them, there was nothing left for Myoga, Sango, Kagome, and Miroku but to go to the cottage which stood in the midst of a dark forest.
Since they were too poor to have any servants, the family had to work hard. There were peasants now, dressed in rags and living in the simplest ways, they wished for the comfort and enjoyment of their former live; only Miroku tried to be brave and cheerful. He had been as sad as anyone about the misfortune that overtook his family, but he soon recovered his cheerfulness. He set to work making the best of things for his sisters and their father. Because Miroku was not as unhappy as Kagome and Sango, they declared that the life of a pauper was all he was fit for.
After two years, they were beginning to get used to their new life when something happened to disturb their peacefulness. Their father, Myoga, received news that one of his ships, which he had believe to be lost, had come safely into port with his cargo. His children at once thought that their poverty was at an end want to go to town; but their father, who more careful begged them to wait a little. Even though it was harvest time he was determined to go to town first so that he could make inquiries about his cargo. Only Miroku had any doubt that they would be as rich as they once were before. So they all asked their father for stuff that it would take a fortune to buy; only Miroku didn’t ask for anything from his father.
Myoga noticing his son’s silence, asked “What should I bring you back Miroku?”
“Father I only want for you to come back home safely,” he answered.
This only pissed his sisters of, who though he was blaming them for having asked for such expensive things. Myoga, however was pleased, but as he though he should bring something back for his beloved son, he told him to chose something.
“Okay, Dad,” he said with a smile “Since you insist upon it, please bring me back some Jasmine. I haven’t seen any since we came here and I love them so much.”
So Myoga set out on his journey. So Myoga set out on his journey. Reaching town as quickly as possible, he found that his former employees Mukotsu and Renkotsu believing him dead, had divided between them the goods which the ship had brought back to the village. After six months of trouble and expense he found himself as poor as when he started. He was only able to recover just enough money to pay for the cost of his journey. To make matters worse, he had to leave town in a terrible snow storm, so by the time her was near his house, Myoga was worn out with cold and fatigue. Though he knew it would take some horse to get through the forest, he was eager to get home. But the night overtook him, and the deep snow and bitter frost made it impossible for his horse to carry him any further. Not a house was to be see, the only shelter he could get was the hollow trunk of a great tree. It was there he Myoga crouched all night. In spite of being tired the howling of the wolves kept him wake. As the sun began to set the old man saw that the falling snow had covered up every, and he did not know which way to turn.
Finally he made out some sort of track, and though at the beginning it was so rough and slippery that he fell down more than once, it became easier, and let into a avenue of trees with ended in a splendid castle. It seemed to Myoga very strange that no snow had fallen in the avenue, which was entirely composed of bushes and trees covered with flowers and fruit. When he reached the first court of the palace he saw before him a flight of stairs and proceeded to go up them. He passes through several furnished rooms. The warmth of the air refreshed him, and he felt very hungry; but there seemed to nobody in the huge castle that he could asked to give him something to eat. Deep silence was everywhere, and at last, tired of traveling through the empty rooms, Myoga stopped in a room smaller that the rest, where a fire was burning and a couch was drawn up closely to it. Thinking that this was prepared for someone who was expect, he sat down to wait but he soon fell asleep.
His hunger awoke him after several hours but he was still alone. Suddenly he notice a table, upon which was a good dinner, had been drawn up close to him, and, since he hadn’t eaten anything in awhile, he wasted no time in beginning his meal, hoping that he might have an opportunity of thanking his host.
But no one appeared, and even after another long sleep, from which he woke up completely refreshed, there was still no sign of anybody, though a fresh meal of cakes and fruits were prepared upon the little table at his elbow. Being timid, the silence began to terrify Myoga, and he was once more resolved to search all the rooms; bit was of no use. Not even a servant was to be seen; there were no signs of life in the castle and he began to wonder what he should do. To amuse himself by pretending that all the treasures he saw was his own, he considered how he was going to divide them among his children. Then he went down into the garden, and though it was winter everywhere else, here the sun shone, the birds sang, the flowers bloomed, and the air was soft and sweet. Myoga, in heaven with all that he saw and heard, said to himself:
“All this must be for me. I will go this minute and bring my children to share in all theses delights.”
In spite of being cold and weary when he had reached the palace, he had taken his horse to the stable and fed it. Now he though he would saddle it for his journey home, and he turned down the path which led to the stables. This path had some Jasmine bushes on each side of it, and Myoga thought he had never seen or smelt such an exquisite flower before. They reminded him of his promise to Miroku, and he stopped and gather a couple to take to him when he was startled by a strange noise behind him. Turing around, he saw a big white fluffy dog demon. It was a very frightful Beast, which seemed to be very angry and said in a terrible voice.
“Who told you that you may steal flowers from this Sesshomaru? Was it not enough that I allowed you pathetic human to be in my castle was kind to you? This is the way you show your gratitude, by stealing what belongs to me! Your insolence will not go unpunished human.“ Myoga, terrified of the Beast’s words, dropped the flowers, and, throwing himself on his knees, cried: “Please my Lord, I am very grateful to you for your kindness, which was so splendid that I could not image that you would be offended by my taking such a little thing as some Jasmine.” But Sesshomaru’s anger was not lessened by his speech.
“You are ready with excuses and flattery,” he cried; “but that will not save you from the death you deserve human.”
“Oh no!” though Myoga, “if Miroku could only know what danger his flower have brought me into!”
And in despair he began to tell Sesshomaru all of his misfortunes, and the reason of his journey, not forgetting to mention Miroku’s request.
“A Lord’s ransom would hardly have gotten all of that my other children have asked for.” he said: “but I thought that I might at least take Miroku his Jasmine. I beg you to forgive my lord, for you see I meant no harm.”
Sesshomaru considered this for a moment, and then said, on a less furious voice “I will forgive you on one condition -- that us, that you will give my one of your children.”
“No!” Myoga cried, “if I were cruel enough to spare my own life at the expense of one of my children’s, what excuse could I think of to bring them here?”
“No excuse would be necessary.” answered Sesshomaru.
“If they come at all they must come willingly. On no other condition will I have them. See if any one of them is courageous enough, and loves you enough to come here and save your life. You seem to be a honest human, so I will trust you to go back home. I will give you two months to see if any of your children will come back with you and stay here, to let you go free. If none of them are willing, you must come alone, after telling them good-bye forever, for then you will belong to me. And do not think that you can hide from me, for if you don’t keep your word I will come and fetch you! Added Sesshomaru coldly.
Myoga accepted this proposal, though his didn’t really think any of his children would be persuaded to come. He promised to return at the time appointed, and then, anxious to escape from Sesshomaru’s presence, he asked permission to set off at once. But the demon lord answered that he could not go until the next day.
The old man, more dead than alive, went back to his room, where supper was already served on the little table which was drawn up before a blazing fire. But he was too terrified to eat, and only tasted as few of the dishes in front of him. As he could not escape his visit, the only thing that remained was to seem as little afraid as possible; so when Sesshomaru appeared and asked if he had eaten well, Myoga answered humbly that he had, thanks to the lord kindness. Then the Lord of the West warned the old man to remember their agreement, and to prepare his children exactly for what they were to expect.
“Don’t get up tomorrow,” he added, “until you see the sun and a bell ring. Then you will find your breakfast waiting for you here, and the horse you’re to ride will be ready in the courtyard. He will also bring you back again when you with one of your child in two months. Take the Jasmine to your son Miroku, and remember your promise! Goodbye.”
Myoga was only too glad when the great demon dog went away, and though he could sleep for sadness, he laid down until the sun rose. Then, after a hasty breakfast, he went to gather Miroku’s flowers and mounted his horse, which carried him off so swiftly that in an instant he had lost sight of the great castle. He was still wrapped up in his gloomy thoughts when the horse stopped before the door of the cottage.
Hi children, who has been very uneasy at his long absence, rushed to meet him. Eager to know what happened on his journey. Seeing him mounted upon a splendid horse and wrapped in rich looking garments, they supposed his journey was a favorable one. He hid the truth from them at first, only saying sadly to Miroku as he gave him his flowers:
“Here is what you asked me to bring you but you know little of what it has cost me.”
This excited their curiosity so greatly that presently he told them about his adventures from beginning to end and once they learn what happened they were all very unhappy. His daughters Kagome and Sango cried loudly over their lost and they declare that their father should not return to the castle and began making plans to kill Sesshomaru if he come fetch their father. But Myoga reminded them that he has promised to go back. Then Kagome and Sango became very angry with Miroku, and said it was all his fault, and that if he had asked for something normal this whole mess wouldn’t have happened.
Miroku, much in distressed, said to his sisters:
“I have indeed, caused this misfortune on you, but I did it innocently. Who would have guessed that too ask for some Jasmine would cause so mush misery? But since I cause this problem, I should suffer for it. I will go back with you father so that you may keep your promise.”
At first Myoga would not hear of this arrangement. He declared that nothing should make him let him go; but Miroku stood firm. As the time for him to leave drew near he divided all his little possessions between his sisters, and said good-bye to everything he loved. When the fatal day arrive he encourage and cheered his father as they mounted together the horse that would bring them back to the castle. The horse seem to fly rather than gallop, but it moved so smoothly that Miroku was not frightened; indeed, he would have enjoyed the journey if he had not been fear about what might happen to him.
Myoga still tried to persuade her to go back, but in vain. While they were talking night fell, and then, to their great surprise, wonderful colored lights began to shine in all directions, and splendid fireworks blazed out before them; all the forest was light up by them, even felt strangely warm, though it had was bitterly cold before. This phenomenon lasted only until the avenue of trees and flowers, where there were statues holding flaming torches. When they got near the palace they saw that it was light up from the roof to the ground, and music sounded softly from the courtyard. “the demon lord must be very hungry,” said Miroku, trying to laugh, “if he makes all this rejoicing over the arrival of his prey.
But, in spite of his anxiety, Miroku couldn’t help but admire all the wonderful things he saw.
The horse they were riding stopped at the foot of the flight of steps leading to the terrace, and when they had dismounted his father led him to the little room he had been in before. There they found a splendid fire burning, and the table daintily spread with a delicious supper.
Myoga knew that the supper was meant for them, and Miroku, who was less frightened now that he had passed through so many rooms and seen nothing of Sesshomaru, was quite willing to begin, for the long ride had made him very hungry. But they had hardly finished their meal when the noise of the Sesshomaru’s paws was heard approaching, and Miroku clung to his father in terror, which became all the greater when he saw the big white dog. But when Sesshomaru really appeared, though he trembled at the sight of him, Miroku made a great effort to hide his terror, and saluted him respectfully,
This pleased the demon lord. After looking at the young man he said, in a tone might have stuck terror into the boldest of hearts, though he didn’t seem to be angry:
“Good evening, old man. Good evening, Miroku.”
Myoga was too terrified to reply, but the young man reply sweetly: “Good evening Sesshomaru.”
“Have you come willingly Miroku?” The Lord of the West asked. “Will you be content to stay here when your father goes away?”
Miroku answered bravely that he was prepared to stay at the castle in his father’s place.
“I am please with you,” said Sesshomaru. “As you have come here of your own accord, you may stay. As for you, old man,” he added, turning to Myoga, “at sunrise tomorrow you will leave. When the bell rings get up quickly and eat your breakfast, and you will find the same horse waiting to take you home; but remember you must never come back here again.”
Then turning to Miroku, Sesshomaru said:
"Take your father into the next room, and help him to choose everything you thing your sisters would like to have. You will find two trucks there; fill them up with as much stuff as you can. It is only fair that you send them something very precious as a remembrance of yourself."
Then the demon lord went away after saying, “Good bye Miroku; Good bye old man”;
And though Miroku was beginning to think with great distress of his father’s departure, he was afraid to obey Sesshomaru’s orders; and they went into the next room, which had shelves and cupboards all around it. They were surprised at the riches it contained. There were splendid dresses for a queen that Sango and Kagome would just love to wear. When Miroku opened the cupboards he was dazzled by all the gorgeous jewels that lay in heaps upon every shelf. After choosing the jewels and dresses he knew his sisters would like in a pile, he opened the last chest in the room, which was full of gold.
“I think dad,” he said, “that, as the gold will be more useful to you, we better take out the other things, and fill the trunks with it.” So they did this; but the more they put in the trunks the more room there seemed to be inside, and at last they would back the dresses and jewel for Kagome and Sango they had taken out. Miroku even added more jewels as he would carry at once; and then the trunks were still not to full, but they were so heavy that an a giant animal could not have carried them.
“Sesshomaru was mocking us,” cried Myoga; “he must have pretended to give us all of these things, known that I could not carry them away.”
“Lets wait and see,” answered the young man. “I don’t believe that the demon lord meant to deceive us. All we can do it close the trunks and leave them ready to be take with you.”
So they did this and returned to the little room where once again they found their breakfast ready. Myoga ate with a good appetite, as Miroku’s generosity made him believe that he might perhaps venture to his son again. But unfortunately the young man felt sure that his father was leaving him forever, so he was very sad when the bell began to ring sharply for the time warning them that it was time for them to part.
They went down to the courtyard, were two horses were waiting for them, one was loaded with two trunks and the other one for Myoga to ride. There was stamping the ground with the hoofs in their impatience to start their journey so the old man was forced to bid Miroku a hasty farewell. As soon as he mounted the hose, he went off at such a pace that the young man lost sight of his father in an instant.
Then Miroku began to cry, and wondered sadly back to his own room. But he soon found that he was very sleepy, and had nothing better to do than to lye down and fall asleep. As he slept, he dreamed that he was walking by a pond bordered with trees, and mourning his fate. When a handsome young lord with long silver hair, magenta stripes on each cheek, and blue half moon on his forehead came to him and said, “Miroku you are not so unfortunate as you thin. Here you will be rewarded for all you have suffered elsewhere. Your every wish shall be granted. Only try to find me out, no matter how I may disguised myself, as I love you so much, and in making me happy you will find your own happiness. Be a true hearted as you are handsome, and we shall have nothing left to wish for.”
“What can I do my lord to make you happy?” asked Miroku.
“Only be grateful,” he answered, “and do not trust too much to your eyes. And above all Miroku do not desert me until you save me from my misery.”
After this Miroku thought he found himself in a room with a beautiful lady named Kikyo, who said to him:
“Miroku, try not to regret what you have left behind, for a destined to a better fate. Only do not let yourself be deceive by appearance young man.”
The young man found his dreams to be so interesting that he was in no hurry to wake up, but the clock roused him by calling his name twelve time, and then he got up and found on a chair everything he could possibly want, and when he was done dressing in a fine silk purple kimono, Miroku found dinner was waiting for him in the room next to his. But diner does not take very long when you are all by yourself, and very soon he sat down cozily in the corner of a sofa, and began to think about the charming Lord he had seen in his dream.
“He said I would make him happy,” Then it seems, that Sesshomaru keeps him a prisoner in this castle as well. How can I set him free? I wonder why they both told me not to trust appearances? I don’t understand it. But, after all, it was only a dream, so why should I trouble myself about it? I had better go and fine something to do to amuse myself.” Miroku thought to himself.
So he got up and began to explore some of the many rooms of the palace.
The first one he entered was lined with mirrors, and Miroku saw himself reflected on every side, and through he had never seen such a awesome room. Then a bracelet which was hanging from a chandelier caught his eye, and on taking it down he was surprised to find that it held a portrait of his unknown Lord, just as he has seem him in his dream. With great delight he slipped the bracelet on his wrist and went into the gallery of paintings, where he found a portrait of the same handsome Lord, as large as life, and so well painted that as he studied it the Lord seemed to smile kindly at him. Braking himself away from the portrait at last, Miroku passed through into a room which contained every musical instrument under the sun, there he amused himself for a long time in trying some of them, and singing until he was tired.
The next room was a library, and Miroku saw everything he had ever wanted to read, as well as everything he has read, and it seem to the young man that a whole lifetime would not be enough to even read the names of the books, since there were so many. By the time he looked through all the room it was growing dark, and wax candles in diamond and emerald candlestick began to light themselves in every room.
When he went back to his room, Miroku found dinner served just at the time he preferred to have it, but the young man did not see anyone or hear a sound, and, though his father Myoga has warned him that he would be alone, Miroku began to find all rather full.
That was until she heard Sesshomaru coming and he wondered in fear if this meant that he was to going to eat with him now.
However, he did not seem at all as ferocious as before, and only said stoically:
“Good evening Miroku.” The young man answered his question cheerfully and managed to conceal his fear. Then the demon asked him how he had been amusing himself and he told him about all the rooms he had visited.
Then Sesshomaru asked if Miroku thought he could be happy living in his palace and the young man answered that everything as beautiful that he would be very hard to please if he could not be happy. After talking for two hours Miroku began to think that Sesshomaru was not nearly so terrible as he first though. Then the demon got up to leave him, and said in a kind voice:
“Do you love me Miroku. Would you become my marry me and become my mate?”
“Oh! What should I say?” asked Miroku, for he was afraid to make Sesshomaru angry by refusing his proposal.
“Say yes or no without fear Miroku,” he replied softly.
“I can’t Sesshomaru I hardly know you.” said Miroku hastily.
“Since you will not become my husband, I shall bid you good night.” He said.
Miroku answered, “good night, Sesshomaru,” very glad to find that his refusal had not provoked the demon. After he was gone he went to bed and feel asleep. Again he dream of his unknown Lord. He though he came and said to him:
“Miroku, why are so unkind to me? I am fated to be unhappy without you by my side.”
Then his dreams change, but the charming Lord was still in them all; and when morning came Miroku first thought was to look at the portrait, and see if it was really like him, and Miroku found that it certainly was.
That morning Miroku decided to amuse himself in the garden, for the sun shone, and all the fountains were on; but he was astonished to find that every place was familiar to him. After wondering the garden, he came to a brook where the myrtle trees were growing. It was the same place where he had first met the Lord in his dreams, and that made him think more than ever that the Lord was being kept prisoner by Sesshomaru.. When Miroku was walked back to the place and went to his room. There he began to eat supper, after which the demon lord paid him his usual visit, and asked Miroku the same questions as before, and then with a gruff “goodnight” Sesshomaru took his departure, and Miroku went to bed to dream of his mysterious Lord. The days passed swiftly in different amusements, and after a while Miroku found out another strange things in the castle, which often pleased him when he was tired of being left alone.
There was one room which Miroku had not noticed particularly; it was empty, except that under each of the windows stood a very comfortable chair; and the first time he had looked out of the window it seemed to him that a black curtain prevented her from seeing anything outside. But the second time Miroku went into the room, happening to be tired, he sat down in one of the chairs, when instantly the curtain was rolled aside, and most amusing play was acted out before him; there were dances, and colored lights, and music, and pretty dresses, and it was all so wonderful that it made the young man very happy. After that she tried the other seven windows in turn, and there was some new and surprising entertainment to be seen from each of them, so that Miroku never could feel lonely any more. Every evening after supper Sesshomaru came to see him, and always before saying before saying goodnight asked him in a cold voice:
“Miroku, will you marry me?”
And it seemed Miroku, now understood the great Lord of the West better, that when he said “No, Sesshomaru,” he went away quite sad. But his happy dreams of the handsome young Lord soon made him forget Sesshomaru, and the only thing that at all disturbed him was to be told constantly told to distrust appearances, to let his heart guide him, and not his eyes, and many other weird things that he couldn’t understand.
So everything went on for a long time, until at last, happy as he was, Miroku began to long for the sight of his father and his sisters; and one night, seeing him look very sad, Sesshomaru asked him what was the matter. Miroku had quit being afraid of him, now knew that he was really gentle in spite of his ferocious looks and his dreadful voice. So he answered that he wanted to see his home once more. Upon hearing this Sesshomaru seemed distress, and cried miserably.
“Miroku, do you have the heart to desert this unhappy Sesshomaru like this” What more do you want to make you happy? Is it because you hate me that you want to escape?”
Author : tasukigirl78
Fandom : Inuyasha
Pairing : Sesshomaru/Miroku
Published On fanfiction.net on 12-30-05
Rating : M, slash
Summary : Beauty and Beast Inuyasha style.
Warnings : Sesshomaru is very OOC.
Once upon a time, in the far away kingdom of Japan there live a merchant named Myoga, who has been lucky in all of dealings that he was extremely rich. As he had, however three children, he found that his money was not too much to let them all have everything they wanted.
One day a most unexpected disaster happened to them. Their house caught fire and as rapidly burnt to the ground, with all of their belongings but this was only the beginning of their problems. Myoga, who had until this moment had thrived in all ways, suddenly lost every ship he had upon the sea, either by pirates, shipwreck, or fire. Then he heard that his employees Jakotsu, Bankotsu, and Bankotsu, had stolen all of his business from his; and at last from great wealth he feel into poverty.
All the little man had left was a cottage in a uninhabited place that was a least a hundred miles from where he had lived, and he was forced to leave town with his three children Kagome, Sango, and Miroku, who were all unhappy at the idea of leading such a different live. Indeed his children at first hoped that their friends Hojo, Kaede, and Shippo would insist on their staying at their houses no they no longer had one. But they soon found that they were left alone and that their former friends had attributed their misfortunes on their own wastefulness. Since they had refused them, there was nothing left for Myoga, Sango, Kagome, and Miroku but to go to the cottage which stood in the midst of a dark forest.
Since they were too poor to have any servants, the family had to work hard. There were peasants now, dressed in rags and living in the simplest ways, they wished for the comfort and enjoyment of their former live; only Miroku tried to be brave and cheerful. He had been as sad as anyone about the misfortune that overtook his family, but he soon recovered his cheerfulness. He set to work making the best of things for his sisters and their father. Because Miroku was not as unhappy as Kagome and Sango, they declared that the life of a pauper was all he was fit for.
After two years, they were beginning to get used to their new life when something happened to disturb their peacefulness. Their father, Myoga, received news that one of his ships, which he had believe to be lost, had come safely into port with his cargo. His children at once thought that their poverty was at an end want to go to town; but their father, who more careful begged them to wait a little. Even though it was harvest time he was determined to go to town first so that he could make inquiries about his cargo. Only Miroku had any doubt that they would be as rich as they once were before. So they all asked their father for stuff that it would take a fortune to buy; only Miroku didn’t ask for anything from his father.
Myoga noticing his son’s silence, asked “What should I bring you back Miroku?”
“Father I only want for you to come back home safely,” he answered.
This only pissed his sisters of, who though he was blaming them for having asked for such expensive things. Myoga, however was pleased, but as he though he should bring something back for his beloved son, he told him to chose something.
“Okay, Dad,” he said with a smile “Since you insist upon it, please bring me back some Jasmine. I haven’t seen any since we came here and I love them so much.”
So Myoga set out on his journey. So Myoga set out on his journey. Reaching town as quickly as possible, he found that his former employees Mukotsu and Renkotsu believing him dead, had divided between them the goods which the ship had brought back to the village. After six months of trouble and expense he found himself as poor as when he started. He was only able to recover just enough money to pay for the cost of his journey. To make matters worse, he had to leave town in a terrible snow storm, so by the time her was near his house, Myoga was worn out with cold and fatigue. Though he knew it would take some horse to get through the forest, he was eager to get home. But the night overtook him, and the deep snow and bitter frost made it impossible for his horse to carry him any further. Not a house was to be see, the only shelter he could get was the hollow trunk of a great tree. It was there he Myoga crouched all night. In spite of being tired the howling of the wolves kept him wake. As the sun began to set the old man saw that the falling snow had covered up every, and he did not know which way to turn.
Finally he made out some sort of track, and though at the beginning it was so rough and slippery that he fell down more than once, it became easier, and let into a avenue of trees with ended in a splendid castle. It seemed to Myoga very strange that no snow had fallen in the avenue, which was entirely composed of bushes and trees covered with flowers and fruit. When he reached the first court of the palace he saw before him a flight of stairs and proceeded to go up them. He passes through several furnished rooms. The warmth of the air refreshed him, and he felt very hungry; but there seemed to nobody in the huge castle that he could asked to give him something to eat. Deep silence was everywhere, and at last, tired of traveling through the empty rooms, Myoga stopped in a room smaller that the rest, where a fire was burning and a couch was drawn up closely to it. Thinking that this was prepared for someone who was expect, he sat down to wait but he soon fell asleep.
His hunger awoke him after several hours but he was still alone. Suddenly he notice a table, upon which was a good dinner, had been drawn up close to him, and, since he hadn’t eaten anything in awhile, he wasted no time in beginning his meal, hoping that he might have an opportunity of thanking his host.
But no one appeared, and even after another long sleep, from which he woke up completely refreshed, there was still no sign of anybody, though a fresh meal of cakes and fruits were prepared upon the little table at his elbow. Being timid, the silence began to terrify Myoga, and he was once more resolved to search all the rooms; bit was of no use. Not even a servant was to be seen; there were no signs of life in the castle and he began to wonder what he should do. To amuse himself by pretending that all the treasures he saw was his own, he considered how he was going to divide them among his children. Then he went down into the garden, and though it was winter everywhere else, here the sun shone, the birds sang, the flowers bloomed, and the air was soft and sweet. Myoga, in heaven with all that he saw and heard, said to himself:
“All this must be for me. I will go this minute and bring my children to share in all theses delights.”
In spite of being cold and weary when he had reached the palace, he had taken his horse to the stable and fed it. Now he though he would saddle it for his journey home, and he turned down the path which led to the stables. This path had some Jasmine bushes on each side of it, and Myoga thought he had never seen or smelt such an exquisite flower before. They reminded him of his promise to Miroku, and he stopped and gather a couple to take to him when he was startled by a strange noise behind him. Turing around, he saw a big white fluffy dog demon. It was a very frightful Beast, which seemed to be very angry and said in a terrible voice.
“Who told you that you may steal flowers from this Sesshomaru? Was it not enough that I allowed you pathetic human to be in my castle was kind to you? This is the way you show your gratitude, by stealing what belongs to me! Your insolence will not go unpunished human.“ Myoga, terrified of the Beast’s words, dropped the flowers, and, throwing himself on his knees, cried: “Please my Lord, I am very grateful to you for your kindness, which was so splendid that I could not image that you would be offended by my taking such a little thing as some Jasmine.” But Sesshomaru’s anger was not lessened by his speech.
“You are ready with excuses and flattery,” he cried; “but that will not save you from the death you deserve human.”
“Oh no!” though Myoga, “if Miroku could only know what danger his flower have brought me into!”
And in despair he began to tell Sesshomaru all of his misfortunes, and the reason of his journey, not forgetting to mention Miroku’s request.
“A Lord’s ransom would hardly have gotten all of that my other children have asked for.” he said: “but I thought that I might at least take Miroku his Jasmine. I beg you to forgive my lord, for you see I meant no harm.”
Sesshomaru considered this for a moment, and then said, on a less furious voice “I will forgive you on one condition -- that us, that you will give my one of your children.”
“No!” Myoga cried, “if I were cruel enough to spare my own life at the expense of one of my children’s, what excuse could I think of to bring them here?”
“No excuse would be necessary.” answered Sesshomaru.
“If they come at all they must come willingly. On no other condition will I have them. See if any one of them is courageous enough, and loves you enough to come here and save your life. You seem to be a honest human, so I will trust you to go back home. I will give you two months to see if any of your children will come back with you and stay here, to let you go free. If none of them are willing, you must come alone, after telling them good-bye forever, for then you will belong to me. And do not think that you can hide from me, for if you don’t keep your word I will come and fetch you! Added Sesshomaru coldly.
Myoga accepted this proposal, though his didn’t really think any of his children would be persuaded to come. He promised to return at the time appointed, and then, anxious to escape from Sesshomaru’s presence, he asked permission to set off at once. But the demon lord answered that he could not go until the next day.
The old man, more dead than alive, went back to his room, where supper was already served on the little table which was drawn up before a blazing fire. But he was too terrified to eat, and only tasted as few of the dishes in front of him. As he could not escape his visit, the only thing that remained was to seem as little afraid as possible; so when Sesshomaru appeared and asked if he had eaten well, Myoga answered humbly that he had, thanks to the lord kindness. Then the Lord of the West warned the old man to remember their agreement, and to prepare his children exactly for what they were to expect.
“Don’t get up tomorrow,” he added, “until you see the sun and a bell ring. Then you will find your breakfast waiting for you here, and the horse you’re to ride will be ready in the courtyard. He will also bring you back again when you with one of your child in two months. Take the Jasmine to your son Miroku, and remember your promise! Goodbye.”
Myoga was only too glad when the great demon dog went away, and though he could sleep for sadness, he laid down until the sun rose. Then, after a hasty breakfast, he went to gather Miroku’s flowers and mounted his horse, which carried him off so swiftly that in an instant he had lost sight of the great castle. He was still wrapped up in his gloomy thoughts when the horse stopped before the door of the cottage.
Hi children, who has been very uneasy at his long absence, rushed to meet him. Eager to know what happened on his journey. Seeing him mounted upon a splendid horse and wrapped in rich looking garments, they supposed his journey was a favorable one. He hid the truth from them at first, only saying sadly to Miroku as he gave him his flowers:
“Here is what you asked me to bring you but you know little of what it has cost me.”
This excited their curiosity so greatly that presently he told them about his adventures from beginning to end and once they learn what happened they were all very unhappy. His daughters Kagome and Sango cried loudly over their lost and they declare that their father should not return to the castle and began making plans to kill Sesshomaru if he come fetch their father. But Myoga reminded them that he has promised to go back. Then Kagome and Sango became very angry with Miroku, and said it was all his fault, and that if he had asked for something normal this whole mess wouldn’t have happened.
Miroku, much in distressed, said to his sisters:
“I have indeed, caused this misfortune on you, but I did it innocently. Who would have guessed that too ask for some Jasmine would cause so mush misery? But since I cause this problem, I should suffer for it. I will go back with you father so that you may keep your promise.”
At first Myoga would not hear of this arrangement. He declared that nothing should make him let him go; but Miroku stood firm. As the time for him to leave drew near he divided all his little possessions between his sisters, and said good-bye to everything he loved. When the fatal day arrive he encourage and cheered his father as they mounted together the horse that would bring them back to the castle. The horse seem to fly rather than gallop, but it moved so smoothly that Miroku was not frightened; indeed, he would have enjoyed the journey if he had not been fear about what might happen to him.
Myoga still tried to persuade her to go back, but in vain. While they were talking night fell, and then, to their great surprise, wonderful colored lights began to shine in all directions, and splendid fireworks blazed out before them; all the forest was light up by them, even felt strangely warm, though it had was bitterly cold before. This phenomenon lasted only until the avenue of trees and flowers, where there were statues holding flaming torches. When they got near the palace they saw that it was light up from the roof to the ground, and music sounded softly from the courtyard. “the demon lord must be very hungry,” said Miroku, trying to laugh, “if he makes all this rejoicing over the arrival of his prey.
But, in spite of his anxiety, Miroku couldn’t help but admire all the wonderful things he saw.
The horse they were riding stopped at the foot of the flight of steps leading to the terrace, and when they had dismounted his father led him to the little room he had been in before. There they found a splendid fire burning, and the table daintily spread with a delicious supper.
Myoga knew that the supper was meant for them, and Miroku, who was less frightened now that he had passed through so many rooms and seen nothing of Sesshomaru, was quite willing to begin, for the long ride had made him very hungry. But they had hardly finished their meal when the noise of the Sesshomaru’s paws was heard approaching, and Miroku clung to his father in terror, which became all the greater when he saw the big white dog. But when Sesshomaru really appeared, though he trembled at the sight of him, Miroku made a great effort to hide his terror, and saluted him respectfully,
This pleased the demon lord. After looking at the young man he said, in a tone might have stuck terror into the boldest of hearts, though he didn’t seem to be angry:
“Good evening, old man. Good evening, Miroku.”
Myoga was too terrified to reply, but the young man reply sweetly: “Good evening Sesshomaru.”
“Have you come willingly Miroku?” The Lord of the West asked. “Will you be content to stay here when your father goes away?”
Miroku answered bravely that he was prepared to stay at the castle in his father’s place.
“I am please with you,” said Sesshomaru. “As you have come here of your own accord, you may stay. As for you, old man,” he added, turning to Myoga, “at sunrise tomorrow you will leave. When the bell rings get up quickly and eat your breakfast, and you will find the same horse waiting to take you home; but remember you must never come back here again.”
Then turning to Miroku, Sesshomaru said:
"Take your father into the next room, and help him to choose everything you thing your sisters would like to have. You will find two trucks there; fill them up with as much stuff as you can. It is only fair that you send them something very precious as a remembrance of yourself."
Then the demon lord went away after saying, “Good bye Miroku; Good bye old man”;
And though Miroku was beginning to think with great distress of his father’s departure, he was afraid to obey Sesshomaru’s orders; and they went into the next room, which had shelves and cupboards all around it. They were surprised at the riches it contained. There were splendid dresses for a queen that Sango and Kagome would just love to wear. When Miroku opened the cupboards he was dazzled by all the gorgeous jewels that lay in heaps upon every shelf. After choosing the jewels and dresses he knew his sisters would like in a pile, he opened the last chest in the room, which was full of gold.
“I think dad,” he said, “that, as the gold will be more useful to you, we better take out the other things, and fill the trunks with it.” So they did this; but the more they put in the trunks the more room there seemed to be inside, and at last they would back the dresses and jewel for Kagome and Sango they had taken out. Miroku even added more jewels as he would carry at once; and then the trunks were still not to full, but they were so heavy that an a giant animal could not have carried them.
“Sesshomaru was mocking us,” cried Myoga; “he must have pretended to give us all of these things, known that I could not carry them away.”
“Lets wait and see,” answered the young man. “I don’t believe that the demon lord meant to deceive us. All we can do it close the trunks and leave them ready to be take with you.”
So they did this and returned to the little room where once again they found their breakfast ready. Myoga ate with a good appetite, as Miroku’s generosity made him believe that he might perhaps venture to his son again. But unfortunately the young man felt sure that his father was leaving him forever, so he was very sad when the bell began to ring sharply for the time warning them that it was time for them to part.
They went down to the courtyard, were two horses were waiting for them, one was loaded with two trunks and the other one for Myoga to ride. There was stamping the ground with the hoofs in their impatience to start their journey so the old man was forced to bid Miroku a hasty farewell. As soon as he mounted the hose, he went off at such a pace that the young man lost sight of his father in an instant.
Then Miroku began to cry, and wondered sadly back to his own room. But he soon found that he was very sleepy, and had nothing better to do than to lye down and fall asleep. As he slept, he dreamed that he was walking by a pond bordered with trees, and mourning his fate. When a handsome young lord with long silver hair, magenta stripes on each cheek, and blue half moon on his forehead came to him and said, “Miroku you are not so unfortunate as you thin. Here you will be rewarded for all you have suffered elsewhere. Your every wish shall be granted. Only try to find me out, no matter how I may disguised myself, as I love you so much, and in making me happy you will find your own happiness. Be a true hearted as you are handsome, and we shall have nothing left to wish for.”
“What can I do my lord to make you happy?” asked Miroku.
“Only be grateful,” he answered, “and do not trust too much to your eyes. And above all Miroku do not desert me until you save me from my misery.”
After this Miroku thought he found himself in a room with a beautiful lady named Kikyo, who said to him:
“Miroku, try not to regret what you have left behind, for a destined to a better fate. Only do not let yourself be deceive by appearance young man.”
The young man found his dreams to be so interesting that he was in no hurry to wake up, but the clock roused him by calling his name twelve time, and then he got up and found on a chair everything he could possibly want, and when he was done dressing in a fine silk purple kimono, Miroku found dinner was waiting for him in the room next to his. But diner does not take very long when you are all by yourself, and very soon he sat down cozily in the corner of a sofa, and began to think about the charming Lord he had seen in his dream.
“He said I would make him happy,” Then it seems, that Sesshomaru keeps him a prisoner in this castle as well. How can I set him free? I wonder why they both told me not to trust appearances? I don’t understand it. But, after all, it was only a dream, so why should I trouble myself about it? I had better go and fine something to do to amuse myself.” Miroku thought to himself.
So he got up and began to explore some of the many rooms of the palace.
The first one he entered was lined with mirrors, and Miroku saw himself reflected on every side, and through he had never seen such a awesome room. Then a bracelet which was hanging from a chandelier caught his eye, and on taking it down he was surprised to find that it held a portrait of his unknown Lord, just as he has seem him in his dream. With great delight he slipped the bracelet on his wrist and went into the gallery of paintings, where he found a portrait of the same handsome Lord, as large as life, and so well painted that as he studied it the Lord seemed to smile kindly at him. Braking himself away from the portrait at last, Miroku passed through into a room which contained every musical instrument under the sun, there he amused himself for a long time in trying some of them, and singing until he was tired.
The next room was a library, and Miroku saw everything he had ever wanted to read, as well as everything he has read, and it seem to the young man that a whole lifetime would not be enough to even read the names of the books, since there were so many. By the time he looked through all the room it was growing dark, and wax candles in diamond and emerald candlestick began to light themselves in every room.
When he went back to his room, Miroku found dinner served just at the time he preferred to have it, but the young man did not see anyone or hear a sound, and, though his father Myoga has warned him that he would be alone, Miroku began to find all rather full.
That was until she heard Sesshomaru coming and he wondered in fear if this meant that he was to going to eat with him now.
However, he did not seem at all as ferocious as before, and only said stoically:
“Good evening Miroku.” The young man answered his question cheerfully and managed to conceal his fear. Then the demon asked him how he had been amusing himself and he told him about all the rooms he had visited.
Then Sesshomaru asked if Miroku thought he could be happy living in his palace and the young man answered that everything as beautiful that he would be very hard to please if he could not be happy. After talking for two hours Miroku began to think that Sesshomaru was not nearly so terrible as he first though. Then the demon got up to leave him, and said in a kind voice:
“Do you love me Miroku. Would you become my marry me and become my mate?”
“Oh! What should I say?” asked Miroku, for he was afraid to make Sesshomaru angry by refusing his proposal.
“Say yes or no without fear Miroku,” he replied softly.
“I can’t Sesshomaru I hardly know you.” said Miroku hastily.
“Since you will not become my husband, I shall bid you good night.” He said.
Miroku answered, “good night, Sesshomaru,” very glad to find that his refusal had not provoked the demon. After he was gone he went to bed and feel asleep. Again he dream of his unknown Lord. He though he came and said to him:
“Miroku, why are so unkind to me? I am fated to be unhappy without you by my side.”
Then his dreams change, but the charming Lord was still in them all; and when morning came Miroku first thought was to look at the portrait, and see if it was really like him, and Miroku found that it certainly was.
That morning Miroku decided to amuse himself in the garden, for the sun shone, and all the fountains were on; but he was astonished to find that every place was familiar to him. After wondering the garden, he came to a brook where the myrtle trees were growing. It was the same place where he had first met the Lord in his dreams, and that made him think more than ever that the Lord was being kept prisoner by Sesshomaru.. When Miroku was walked back to the place and went to his room. There he began to eat supper, after which the demon lord paid him his usual visit, and asked Miroku the same questions as before, and then with a gruff “goodnight” Sesshomaru took his departure, and Miroku went to bed to dream of his mysterious Lord. The days passed swiftly in different amusements, and after a while Miroku found out another strange things in the castle, which often pleased him when he was tired of being left alone.
There was one room which Miroku had not noticed particularly; it was empty, except that under each of the windows stood a very comfortable chair; and the first time he had looked out of the window it seemed to him that a black curtain prevented her from seeing anything outside. But the second time Miroku went into the room, happening to be tired, he sat down in one of the chairs, when instantly the curtain was rolled aside, and most amusing play was acted out before him; there were dances, and colored lights, and music, and pretty dresses, and it was all so wonderful that it made the young man very happy. After that she tried the other seven windows in turn, and there was some new and surprising entertainment to be seen from each of them, so that Miroku never could feel lonely any more. Every evening after supper Sesshomaru came to see him, and always before saying before saying goodnight asked him in a cold voice:
“Miroku, will you marry me?”
And it seemed Miroku, now understood the great Lord of the West better, that when he said “No, Sesshomaru,” he went away quite sad. But his happy dreams of the handsome young Lord soon made him forget Sesshomaru, and the only thing that at all disturbed him was to be told constantly told to distrust appearances, to let his heart guide him, and not his eyes, and many other weird things that he couldn’t understand.
So everything went on for a long time, until at last, happy as he was, Miroku began to long for the sight of his father and his sisters; and one night, seeing him look very sad, Sesshomaru asked him what was the matter. Miroku had quit being afraid of him, now knew that he was really gentle in spite of his ferocious looks and his dreadful voice. So he answered that he wanted to see his home once more. Upon hearing this Sesshomaru seemed distress, and cried miserably.
“Miroku, do you have the heart to desert this unhappy Sesshomaru like this” What more do you want to make you happy? Is it because you hate me that you want to escape?”